Over the Mountain Journal April 21, 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 21, 2011

Open Mike

Thompson Talks About Upcoming Tournament, Golf and His Colorful Dad Mike Thompson is eager to welcome the Champions Tour to Shoal Creek Country Club when the Regions Tradition takes place May 3-8. He and his father, the late Hall Thompson, played the first round of golf on the course in 1976, a year before the club opened. See Life, page 14.

Three renovated and redesigned houses will be featured on the Holly Oak Garden Club 2011 Historic Hollywood Tour of Homes on May 1. See About Town, page 4.

The Rotaract Club of Birmingham hosted its annual Masquerade Ball March 19 at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. The event drew more than 500 young professionals from the Birmingham area. See Social, page 16.

This year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse has really hit a hole in one; besides a house with beautiful rooms full of ideas to take home, the property includes a three-hole golf course. Our ShowHouse special section starts on page 26.

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CONTENTS/OPINION

MURPHY’S LAW

Thanks for the Memories

Mike Thompson is a well-known businessman and golf enthusiast. But for the Over the Mountain Journal staff, he has a unique claim to fame: Mike’s photo and a story about him appeared on the cover of our newspaper’s very first issue in 1990. In that article, Mike talked about the upcoming PGA championship at Shoal Creek Country Club, built by Mike’s father Hall Thompson. With the club set to host the Regions Tradition next month, we thought it was time for another visit with the personable president of Thompson Tractor. Mike kindly shared lots of stories about his dad, who passed away last fall. We learned about Hall Thompson’s penchant for offering helpful hints to fellow golfers, and the fact that negative publicity surrounding the 1990 PGA tournament was just a blip in a lifetime of happiness, pride in Shoal Creek and the pleasure he found on the golf course. Mike is equally engaging and just as passionate about golf. Catch up with him through our story, which begins – as it did 21 years ago – on the front page.

In our next issue, get great gift ideas for mom in our Mother’s Day Gift Guide, and step outside of this year’s ShowHouse and check the many unique outdoor spaces.

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

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WEDDINGS HOME SCHOOL SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

24 26 38 44

April 21, 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 Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Editorial Intern: Martha Blanton Vol. 20, No. 8

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.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Royal Pains

’m not going to the what do you get for people who already have royal wedding. I’m their own polo stables? I thought about selecting a kind of busy right piece from their china pattern but decided I really now, you know, things to couldn’t get away with sending the future King of do, people to see. More England a gravy boat. importantly, of course, I Not that I know what their pattern is anyway. wasn’t invited. Not to the Prince William and Kate are not registered any300-person dinner recepwhere. I checked all the usual places – Macy’s, tion, not to the 600-guest Bloomingdale’s, Bed Bath and Beyond. Nothing. lunch, not even to the cerI guess I could just pick out something tasteful, emony itself, which will a nice crystal vase or something, but I don’t know reportedly welcome 1,900. what their tastes are. Danish modern? French proSusan Murphy I’m not upset, really. I vincial? Probably not French provincial, too many barely know the couple, historically hard feelings and all, but you see what I and when I say barely, I mean we’ve never met. I mean. Which brings me down to a gift card if I had was hoping to be one of the random lucky recipiany idea where they shopped. Do they even have ents of the 100 invitations Home Depot in London? distributed to the general Not that I know what their pattern I don’t know. Everything public “Willie Wonka style,” seems so impersonal. This is anyway. Prince William and is a momentous occasion, but that didn’t happen either. Not to complain, but I didn’t wedding of the decade, Kate are not registered anywhere. the even get a chocolate bar, unless you count the union which would have been nice I checked all the usual places of those two “Twilight” in consolation. and, believe me, – Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bed characters I’m still keeping my I don’t. fingers crossed that writing Bath and Beyond. Nothing. If I had more time I for the Over the Mountain would have knitted an Journal will garner me press afghan for the royal newcredentials, because you know I would do a banglyweds. It might have come in handy in whatever up job covering the occasion, relating back all the drafty castle they eventually call home. When pertinent details in respectfully hushed tones: “The Harold’s cousin got married, I decoupaged the wedbride’s gown was a breathtaking combination of ding invitation on a beveled plaque, but since I taffeta and lace and some kind of shiny bead-like didn’t receive an invitation, I can’t do that either. things.” Oh well. I guess I’ll have to settle for just sendThe more I think of it, though, it may be just as ing the couple my good wishes. There wasn’t a well that I’ll be left watching highlights of the event special royal wedding section at the Hallmark store, on the nightly news. I’m ashamed to admit it, but so I’ll have to fashion my own. “Good luck, Prince I have no idea what I would have gotten the happy William and Kate. I wish you many happy years couple for a wedding gift. I did some preliminary together.” A few crayon flourishes, a sticker or two. gift-hunting just in case the Lord Chamberlain had At least they’ll know I was thinking about them. a few negative RSVPs (“Wish we could be there, It will have to do. I’ll make it up to them, but that’s our week at the timeshare”) and my name though. When their little princes and princesses came up, and let me just say it was a challenge. start arriving, I’ll know just what to send: Sandra I usually have no problem in the shopping Boynton’s “Belly Button Book.” Every kid loves department. I do retail with the best of them. But that. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Are you planning to watch the Royal wedding?

“As someone who watched Princess Diana and Grace Kelly’s weddings, I won’t miss it! I am walking on air! I am very excited to see what she will wear since they both wore such exquisite gowns.” Gary Walls Homewood

“I am excited to see the hot Prince William all dressed up. Also, I cannot wait to see her hair do.” Callie Kestner Mountain Brook

“I love all weddings so I am definitely tuning in to this one. I can’t wait to see what celebrities are there, and I am excited to see the dress of course.” Joy Robbins Homewood

“I might be just as excited, if not more, as Kate about the big day! I have a countdown on my phone” Alison Goodwyn Mountain Brook

CONTENTS/OPINION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 3

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English-Style Update

Logans Update Hollywood Home to Reflect Charming Past

hree renovated and redesigned houses will be featured on the Holly Oak Garden Club 2011 Historic Hollywood Tour of Homes May 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. On this year’s tour are the Bishop home at 304 English Circle, the Logan home at 307 English Circle and the Hain home at 208 Poinciana Drive. The tour also will include one designer home. The Taylor home at 102 Hollywood Blvd. will be transformed by local designers and furniture stores into a show home. The Hollywood Land Company was incorporated in 1924 for $109,800. Its first and only mayor was Clarence Lloyd. In 1929, the town merged with Homewood and remains part of the city today.

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

hen Dan and Kristi Logan decided to sell their Hollywood home in May 2010, they were hoping they could find another in the neighborhood with the same historic charm as well as the amenities needed for the family of five. After several months of renovations, the couple and their three sons are now settling down in their English Circle home right in the heart of Homewood’s historic Hollywood neighborhood. The Logans purchased their home in Aug. 2010, and renovations to the 1925 house will be complete just in time for the house to be one of four open for the 2011 Historic Hollywood Tour of Homes set for May 1. Like all the homes in English Circle, the Logan home was designed in an Old English style with a brick exterior and ironframed window panes. While the house’s exterior style had been preserved for the most part, the inside was a different story. “It looked like it was stuck in the ’50s,” Kristi said. Renovations started before the family moved in. They stripped the floors and covered them in

Hollywood Tour to Feature Four Homes

Above: The Logan living room has modern mixed with old English to give the old home an updated look. Top, right: The kitchen sink faucets were made in France and work well with the deep, one-bowl sink designed by Gary Sasnett. Middle, right: Sasnett also designed the bar, which is made of pecky cypress with a copper countertop. Bottom, right: Appliances are all stainless steel, and a custom-made hood painted the same Mannequin Cream as the walls gives Kristi the minimalist feel she desired for the kitchen. Journal photos by Laura McAlister a dark stain. They also painted all the dark-colored walls in Benjamin Moore’s Mannequin Cream and removed the heavy draperies to reveal the windows. That was just the beginning of

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the home’s transformation, though. “We didn’t add any square footage,” said Dan. “But we did a lot of updating.” Most of the modernizing took place in two of the rooms on the

main floor – the living room and the kitchen. The Logans both wanted the kitchen to be heart of the home, but when it came to the look, the two had differing views.

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ABOUT THE HOMES ☞ The Taylor home was one of the first built in the Hollywood neighborhood. It was used to promote the new development designed by architect George P. Turner in 1925. The Taylors purchased the home in 1999. When they remodeled they wanted to keep the original charm and character of the house. ☞ The Logan house, known as the Akers-Payne home, was built in 1925 and designed by the same architect who created the cul-desac of homes that are all replicas of homes in historic England. In August 2010, the Logans began a remodel of the home, which is now complete. ☞ The Hain home was built around 1929 and was purchased by the Hains in 2008. This home is a gardener’s delight with an abundance of herbs, bulbs and perennials. ☞ The Bishop house, known as the Binzel house, was built in 1925 and purchased by the Bishops in 2010. They undertook a major remodeling adding a second story to the home.

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Tickets for the tour are available at Hunter’s Cleaners, Harmony Landing, Urban Cookhouse and Sweet Peas Garden Shop. They are $15 in advance and $17 at any featured homes on the day of the tour. Proceeds benefit Holly Oak Garden Club projects and Shades Cahaba Elementary School. For more information, visit www.historichollywoodtour.com or HistoricHollywoodHomeTour 2011.blogspot.com, or contact Stephanie Kennedy at 943-1953 or srfkennedy@gmail.com. ❖

Kristi Logan wanted a clean, white kitchen in her new home. She chose Benjamin Moore’s Mannequin Cream for the walls and paired white cabinets with pecky cypress custommade cabinets to complete the look.

that were made in France. Like the cabinets, the polished nickel faucets look like something that could have been found in an old English home. But after that, the kitchen takes a more modern feel. The appliances are top of the line with a glass Sub-Zero fridge and stainless steel Wolf range. The hood was custom made, and it’s the same color as the rest of the house, Mannequin Cream. The kitchen opens to the living room, where again, Dan and Kristi

“I wanted that all white, kind of clean minimalist look, and he wanted the antique looking wood work,” Kristi said. Thanks to the help of cabinetmaker Gary Sasnett and designer Shea Byars, they both got what they wanted and more. The kitchen is a mix of pecky cypress cabinetry and sleek, white cabinets with marble countertops. Kristi wasn’t wild about the idea of mixing the two styles but said the older-looking cabinets fit well with her minimalist style as well as the personality of the home. The pecky cypress pieces in the kitchen weren’t a part of their original design, but Dan fell in love with them. Plus, he got a deal he couldn’t refuse. “There was a showroom in Homewood with just really highend beautiful stuff that was about to close. It was Gary Sasnett’s,” Dan said. “I had been looking at a bar there. We decided to get it, and he said, ‘Why not the rest?’ “ The bar now sits at the end

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in the room is the artwork over the fireplace. It’s a painting of an English soldier. He calls it his “instant ancestor.” At first glance, it looks like a portrait of George Washington, but it’s actually Sir Richard Tyrrell, which has no significance to the Logans other than they liked it. “We found it at an antique store in Homewood,” Kristi said. “Dan just liked it. He always wanted an old English house. This kind of goes with the British styling.”

of the kitchen that serves more as a den or family room for the Logans. The worn-looking cypress piece has a copper countertop; the drawers have built-in compartments for bottles. There are cabinets on both sides, one for the wine cooler and the other for the icemaker. When they first purchased the bar, they thought the opening in the shelving would be perfect spot for a TV. Instead, it now frames one of the windows. Gary urged the couple to purchase two more pieces – actually, three pieces. Neither could refuse. “We combined these two armoires for our pantry, which has been great,” Kristi said. “It’s an old home so there’s not much storage, but these are huge. Also, because of the windows we didn’t want to have upper cabinets, so we really needed the space.” The final piece from Gary was the sink set in the same pecky cypress cabinetry. It’s a large single bowl with two faucets

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gave the room a lighter, more open feel. They sandblasted the old stone fireplace, bringing it back to its original look, and removed the heavy draperies from the windows. When it came to the decor, they wanted to pay homage to the old English design of the house while also mixing in a few modern pieces. A custom made zebra-stripe ottoman serves as a coffee table between two light gray love seats. One of Dan’s favorite items

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Lenten Labor of Love BY LAURA MCALISTER

OTM Churches Pitch in to Build Habitat Homes

ministries at IPC. “Lent is a season when you take on JOURNAL EDITOR some form of service or spiritual discipline, too. or many Christians, “It’s an act of gratitude Lent is the season toward God for all His to give something goodness towards us, and up, but some Over the it’s a way for us to express Mountain area churches our love to Him.” are using it as an opporOn any given work tunity to give something day, Susan said, there are back. around 25 church memLent is the period bers on hand to help with between Ash Wednesday the building of the house. and Holy Week that prepares Some are skilled; others Christians for Easter. It’s a Michael Balliet of Mountain Brook helps put are not. time of reflection and selfup the framing of the Independent Presbyterian “One of the great things denial, as well as a time of Church’s Lenten Habitat Home. about Habitat is they’ve almsgiving or giving back. Photo special to the Journal learned how to work with For the past nine years, unskilled workers,” Susan Habitat for Humanity said. “Really, you just have to be over the age of 14 to Greater Birmingham, through its Building on Faith work. Some people come out and hammer and frame program, has used the season to bring churches of all walls, and others are painting or just cleaning. denominations together to build homes for families in “We’ll have the youth group out there Saturday need. (April 16) doing the landscaping. That’s the last thing More than 20 Birmingham area churches and 1,000 we’ll do.” volunteers have joined together this year to build six The Habitat homes being built during Lent are scathouses during Lent. The houses will be dedicated on tered throughout the Birmingham area. The IPC site is Good Friday, April 22. in Ensley. Once complete, it will be home to Shanna “It’s really a great way to celebrate Good Friday,” said Beth Jerome, vice president of marketing and devel- Williams and her two sons. Since Habitat requires future homeowners to particiopment for Birmingham’s Habitat. “Good Friday and pate in the building of their house, Susan said, volunEaster are all about new beginnings, and this is a new teers have really gotten to know the family. beginning for the homeowners.” “This is going to be the first home she’s ever Over the Mountain area churches participatowned,” Susan said. “She has two little boys – one is 5 ing this year include All Saints’ Episcopal Church, and the other 1. She’s a wonderful young woman, and Asbury United Methodist Church, Episcopal Church she’s just so excited.” of the Holy Apostles, Highlands United Methodist Getting to see the excitement on the new homChurch, Independent Presbyterian Church (IPC), Our eowners’ faces is Rupert Bodden’s favorite part about Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Our Lady of the volunteering for Habitat. The Homewood resident is a Valley Catholic Church, Riverchase United Methodist member of IPC’s year-round Habitat volunteers and also Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, St. Mary’s-onparticipates in the Lenten builds. the-Highlands Episcopal Church, St. Peter the Apostle Rupert likes to dabble in carpentry, although he was a Catholic Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church and Trinity United Methodist dentist before retiring. Using spare wood from the building sites, he has created a cross to hang in each of the Church. Lenten homes IPC has built. IPC has participated in the Building on Faith proAlthough Rupert enjoys both the construction and gram since it started in 2002 and also has a group of the camaraderie associated with Habitat, it’s really about members who volunteer year round for Habitat. During Lent, volunteers work on the home two days a week seeing the families in their new home. – Thursdays and Saturdays. “It’s just a real thrill to watch their excitement, and “One of the things you often hear talked about durfor them to express their appreciation,” he said. “It gives ing the Lenten season is giving something up,” said the us a lot of pleasure and joy. In almost every case, this is Rev. Susan Clayton, associate pastor for community the first time they’ve ever had a house.” ❖

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Helping plan this year’s Derby for Duchenne set for May 7 are from left: Jessica Glaze, Brian Higdon and Caroline Pridgen.

Derby -Style Event Raises Funds for MDA The Muscular Dystrophy Association will host its third annual “Derby for Duchenne” May 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Matt Jones Gallery. The Kentucky Derby-style event raises money for Duchenne, the most aggressive form of muscular dystrophy that begins in early childhood. Women are invited to wear hats to the event, held on the same day as the Kentucky Derby. The woman with the best overall “Derby style” will be named “Queen of the Derby.” The event offers live entertainment, a silent auction, food and beverages and valet parking. Tickets are $45 per person and $85 per couple and will be $5 more on the day of the event. For ticket information, visit www.derbyforduchenne.com or mail a check to Derby for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Association at 700 Century Park South, Suite 129 Birmingham, AL 35226.

Journal photo by Laura McAlister

through 12th grade. Tommy Angelillo is chairman of the fourth annual tournament. The golf committee includes Cindy McGinnis, Megan DiPiazza, Joanie Scott, Dale McKee, Helene Taylor, Susan Rutland and Trish Cleveland. For more information, call Tery Young at 423-8660.

Tour de Blue Helps Urology Foundation

The Tour de Blue bike ride is set for April 23. The event benefits the Urology Health Foundation, a local non-profit organization which provides free prostate cancer screenings to Alabama men who cannot afford the tests.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 7

Three ride options – 100, 75 and 50 miles – will take riders from the east side of Birmingham to the dam on Logan Martin Lake. Cost is $40. Registration will open at 6:30 a.m.; the ride begins at 8 a.m. at Birmingham Bicycle Co., 1105 Dunston Ave. Cyclists will travel through Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair counties before returning to the bike shop for lunch. For more information, visit www.urologyhealthfoundation. org or call Sherry Wilson at 4450117.

SA’s ‘Catch the Joy’ Set for April 27

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary annual membership coffee will be April 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Samford University president’s home. “Catch the Joy” is the theme for this year’s event. Prospective members are invited to the coffee to learn about the auxiliary’s projects and events supporting the mission of the Salvation Army. Mrs. Andrew Westmoreland is opening the SU president’s home, which overlooks the campus, for the event. For more information about the auxiliary or coffee, call 328-2420, ext. 214, with your name, address and telephone number, or send an e-mail to sawabham@gmail.com. ❖

Easter Egg Hunt Planned in Crestline

An Easter egg hunt will be held April 23 at 10 a.m. in Crestline Village at Country Club Park field, across from the Emmet O’Neal Library. Children through age 10 are invited to bring their Easter baskets to hunt for colorful eggs filled with treats. They may stay after the hunt to meet and greet the Easter Bunny. The event is organized by Linda Flaherty, owner of Once Upon a Time For more information, e-mail onceuponatimebaby@gmail.com.

Putting for Dyslexia Scheduled for May 2

The Putting for Dyslexia golf tournament benefiting Spring Valley School is set for May 2 at Riverchase Country Club. Spring Valley is the only school in Alabama serving bright students who struggle with learning differences such as dyslexia and ADHD. It serves students in lower school

Easter Week Communion

Thursday, Thursday, April April 21, 21, 6:30 6:30 p.m., p.m., Sanctuary Sanctuary

Hispanic Good Friday Service Friday, Friday, April April 22, 22, 7:00 7:00 p.m., p.m., Chapel Chapel

Easter Sunday, April 24

Bible Bible Study: Study: 8:30 8:30 a.m. a.m. and and 9:40 9:40 a.m. a.m. Worship: 8:30 a.m. and 9:40 Worship: 8:30 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. a.m. (contemporary (contemporary service service in in the the Chapel) Chapel) 9:40 9:40 a.m. a.m. and and 11:00 11:00 a.m. a.m. (traditional (traditional service service in in the the Sanctuary) Sanctuary) Hispanic Worship Service, Hispanic Worship Service, 11:00 11:00 a.m. Servicio Servicio de de Adoración Adoración en en Español, Español, Capilla Capilla

Dawson Memorial Baptist Church 1114 Oxmoor Road 35209 205-871-7324 www.dawsonchurch.org

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of many nonfiction books and novels and also is a member of the American Sports Writers Hall of Fame. The public is invited to attend the event, which will be held at Library in the Forest.

‘Parrot Heads’ Will Party for a Purpose

Members of the Bargain Carousel steering committee are, from left, front: Shannon Stewart, Valerie Ramsbacher and Sara Hood. Back: Megan McGarity, Leigh Haver, Meredith McMillan and Lindsey Branyon. Photo special to The Journal

Junior League Plans Bargain Carousel

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The Junior League of Birmingham will host its largest fundraiser, Bargain Carousel, at the Riverchase Galleria April 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. League members donate thousands of gently-used items, including children’s clothing and toys, heirlooms, furniture, appliances, electronics and more. Tickets for Saturday’s sale are $5; admittance on Sunday is free, and items are half price. Two special events are set for April 28. A Patron’s Party begins at 6 p.m.; tickets are $40. In addition to first dibs on cash and carry auction items and the All New Shop, tickets include specialty appetizers by Maki Fresh, local beer from Good People Brewing and margaritas from Cantina while they last. Dinner, beer,

wine and music are also included. A Preview Party with pre-sale shopping, dinner, entertainment and a silent auction begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include presale shopping privileges from 7 to 10 p.m., dinner by Cantina, beer and wine, cash and carry items, a silent auction and music by Jamm Entertainment. For tickets, visit www.jlbonline. com.

Bolton Is Guest at Library in the Forest

Friends of the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest will welcome retired Birmingham News sportswriter Clyde Bolton April 28 at 10 a.m. Bolton will talk about his literary and journalistic career. A native of Wellington, Bolton lives in Trussville. He is the author

“Wastin’ Away In MargaritaHAM: A Party with a Purpose” will be April 30 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Fish Market on U.S. 280. Sponsored by the Magic City Parrot Head Club, the event benefits Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. Music will be provided by CalypsoNuts, a tropical-rock duo. Reservations are $15 until April 23 and $20 at the door. To buy tickets or for more information, visit www.mcphc.com.

Service Guild Seeks New Members

The Service Guild of Birmingham is accepting applications for its spring membership drive through April 25. Founded in 1958, the Service Guild, through a partnership with the Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, has brought local women together to serve the needs of children with developmental delays. For more than 25 years, the Bell Center has been providing critical early intervention services to local children at risk for developmental delay with volunteer help and financial support of Service Guild volunteers. Each volunteer has the opportunity to work with a child in a oneto-one approach in the Bell Center classroom. Members also can be “Partners in Training” and run in honor of a Bell Center child in the Mercedes Marathon, participate in the guild’s annual spring gala and more. The guild has more than 135 members. For more information about membership, visit www.theserviceguild.org or e-mail Ashley Johnson, vice president of membership, at membership@theservi ceguild.org. ❖

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Service Guild member Catherine Walker works with a child at The Bell Center. The guild is taking applications for new members. Photo special to the Journal

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Women in Business Host ‘After Hours’

which all are invited to attend. An exhibit of artifacts and information about St. Elias Church will be in the church hall’s Heritage Room during the festival. Silent auctions will be held both days. Items for sale at fixed prices include cookbooks, coin dancing belts, hats, T-shirts and cups. St. Elias is at 836 8th St. South. Parking shuttles will run from 5 to 9 p.m. both days from UAB parking lot 15R, 10th Ave. South, next to the EPIC School parking lot.

St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church will celebrate its 13th annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival April 29-30 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission to the festival entertainment and tour events is free and open to the public, and traditional Lebanese food will be available both days. Visitors may choose from Lebanese delicacies, including baked kibbee, rolled grape leaves, spinach pies, baked kibbee and falafel sandwiches, tabouleh (Lebanese salad), grilled Lebanese lemon chicken, humus and pita bread. Desserts include a variety of baklava, kiak (Lebanese sugar cookies) and Lebanese ice cream. Prices will range from $2 for

most desserts and $3 for individual spinach and meat pies to plates of food for $10 and up. Friday lunchtime delivery will be available by calling at 252-3867, or place deliveries online at www.stelias.org for any delivery more than $75 to the Southside or downtown area. Young people will perform traditional dances on an indoor stage beginning at 6 p.m. Fri. and at 12:30 p.m. Sat., continuing through the afternoon and evening. The New York-based Amin Sultan Lebanese Band will perform in a large tent from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. nightly. Hourly guided tours, starting on the front steps of the historic church with its renovated interior, will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Self-guided tours may be taken from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days, with a 5 to 6 p.m. exclusion Sat. during the Saturday Vigil Liturgy,

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Alabama Women in Business will hold an After Hours social April 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Vestavia Country Club. The evening includes food and wine. Nancy Wagnon, founder and president of Wagnon & Associates, will present the program, “Learn How to Entertain Clients without Golf Clubs.” Admission is $15 for members

and $20 for guests. For information and reservations, visit www. alwib.org. ❖

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10 • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Big Oak Auxiliary Plans Luncheon

Welcome St. Vincent’s Birmingham proudly welcomes the physicians of Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Specialists: Samuel R. Goldstein, MD

James A. Flanagan, Jr., MD Cherie B. Miner, MD Renee´ S. Riley, MD

Emily Bell Casey, MD These physicians have joined the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center located on the 1st floor of the St. Vincent’s OrthoSports Center. The practice will expand hours at their St. Vincent’s One Nineteen office.

Samuel R.Goldstein, MD, FAAOS Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement

James A. Flanagan, Jr., MD, FAAOS Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement

Cherie B. Miner, MD Primary Care Sports Medicine

The physicians relocated on April 1 from Trinity Medical Center. For more information, contact St. Vincent’s Dial-A-Nurse at 939-7878 or visit stvhs.com/orthosports.

Renee´ S. Riley, MD, FAAOS Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement

Getting ready for the 2011 Gumbo Gala are planning committee members, from left: Tim Blanton of Episcopal Place, John Pelham of Pelham Financial Group, Rob Conrad of the Magic 96.5 morning show and Lucas Pepke of Virginia Samford Theatre. Photo special to the Journal businesses and churches as well as individuals also will dish up gumbo to the beat of live New Orleans-style jazz music provided Episcopal Place’s sixth annual by the Legendary Pineapple Gumbo Gala, presented by Skinners. First, second and third Ezell’s Catfish Cabin, will be place trophies will be awarded in May 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the amateur division. All teams Caldwell Park. will be eligible for the Chef’s Up to 40 professional and Choice awards for seafood, amateur teams will cook and chicken, sausage and specialty serve gumbo at the fundraising event as they compete for the title gumbo as well as the Team Spirit and People’s Choice awards. The of “Birmingham’s Best Gumbo” “Most Divine Gumbo Award” and other awards. will be presented to the Episcopal The planning committee, team with the best gumbo. chaired by John Pelham of The event also includes chilPelham Financial Group, has been dren’s games and entertainment. recruiting teams and sponsors Rob Conrad and Jeanine Jersey of for this year’s event. Committee Magic 96.5-FM’s morning show members are: Rob Conrad of will emcee. Magic 96.5; Allen Oakes, Burch Tickets are $10; children age Corporation; Debbie Breaux, 12 and under are admitted free. CareFusion; Trudie Gruman; For more information or to regAgnew Hall, Ezell’s Catfish ister for the event, visit www. Cabin; Juan Carlos Moreno, gumbogala.com, call 939-0085 or Moreno Law Office; Lucas e-mail kmueller@episcopalplace. Pepke, Virginia Samford Theatre; org. Dan Price, Brice Building Co.; All proceeds help provide supTerry Rogers, St. Martin’s-in-theportive services to seniors and Pines; Butch Williams, Robbie young adults with disabilities who D. Wood, Inc.; Rachel and Will Williams; and staff members from live at Episcopal Place, an affordable housing community near Episcopal Place. Caldwell Park. Amateur teams from local

Gumbo Gala Set for May 7

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The Auxiliary of Big Oak Ranch will host a spring luncheon April 29 at 11:30 a.m. Vestavia Country Club. Doors open at 11 a.m. A raffle will include 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 at the Girls Ranch provides shopping opportunities for items not covered in the ranch’s budget. At the Boys Ranch, “Outfitters” gives boys the same opportunity. The children earn points 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 823-6123 or bigoakauxiliary@yahoo.com.

BBG’s Junior Board hosting spring events

The Junior Board of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, now in its second year, is hosting a pair of events this spring. First, in an effort to raise funds for The Gardens and awareness of their group, they will host Grub for The Gardens at Otey’s Tavern April 26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. There is no cover, but for every $10 donation, guests will receive a free burger and be entered to win several door prizes. The young patrons’ next venture is a class called Salsa de Mayo, a salsa-making twist on Cinco de Mayo, slated for May 5 at The Gardens. More like a party, guests will enjoy refreshing imported beer and tasty margaritas while learning how to make gourmet salsa with a cooking lesson from Kathi Rushing, owner of The Market Café at Pepper Place. She will teach the basics of making salsa, from harvesting the perfect tomatoes to choosing the perfect beer to complement a dish. Kathi will serve up her recipes for roasted salsa, pico de gallo and strawberry-pineapple salsa. Participants will also get their own cilantro to grow at home. The Junior Board is a group of junior patrons hoping to raise funds and awareness of opportunities for young people at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Proceeds from the event will help The Gardens fulfill its mission to increase public knowledge of plants, gardens and the environment. For more information about Salsa de Mayo or to register, contact Phyllis Sutton at 414-3958 or psutton@bbgardens.org, or visit www.bbgardens.org/juniorboard to register online. ❖

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Magic City Art Connection Coming to Linn Park

The 28th annual ONB Magic City Art Connection contemporary art festival will transform Linn Park April 28-May 1 with art from 215 juried artists and much more. Add to the experience with Corks and Chefs, a ticketed food and wine tasting event; 25 interactive art workshops for kids; live music; dance and cultural performances; and food. The event runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is free. For more information call 595-6306 or visit MagicCityArt.com.

Children’s Choir Plans Free Concert

The Birmingham Children’s Choir will host a free concert May 3 at 7 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church. Formal auditions for those interested in joining the choir will be Aug. 6 and 9 at Edgewood Presbyterian Church on Oxmoor Rd. Open rehearsals are Aug. 9 and 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., also at Edgewood Presbyterian Church. Contact Amanda Klimko at 9167664 or amanda.klimko@birmingh amchildrenschoir.org to schedule an audition.

Fashion Week Comes to Birmingham

Birmingham is joining trendsetters around the country with the launch of its own annual Birmingham Fashion Week April 29. Birmingham Fashion Week benefits Camp Smile-A-Mile, a year-round program for Alabama children with cancer. The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Historic Rucker Place with a VIP cocktail hour followed by general admission at 7:30 p.m. The runway show will feature designer Lauren Leonard, creator of the Leona Collection, and Birmingham’s menswear store Shaia’s. Birmingham designer Heidi Elnora will present a royal wedding-inspired show. The event also includes music from DJ Coco and an after party at Innisfree. Tickets are $100 for VIP admission and $35 for general admission. To buy tickets, call 323-8427 or visit www.campsam.org. For event information, visit www.bhamfashionweek.com.

‘Music with View’ Set for May 1

The Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra will present Music with a View, a free outdoor concert, May 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the event, sponsored by the City of

Christy Daniel-Camp is one of more than 200 artists who will have works on display at this year’s ONB Magic City Art Connection. Photo special to the Journal

Vestavia Hills. Bagged picnic meals from McAlister’s Deli include sandwich, chips, pickle, giant cookie and drink; a vegetarian option is available. Those who pre-order the picnic will have their names entered in a door-prize drawing to be held at the concert. To pre-order the vegetarian option, e-mail the quantity of meals and your name to asyobirmingham@yahoo.com with “Music with a View Picnic” in the subject line. Pre-orders are $15 per picnic; picnics at the event are $20. Deadline for pre-orders is April 23. Picnics can be purchased through PayPal at www.alabamasymphony.org/asyo.htm, or send checks to: ASYO Music with a View, 1617 Barry Avenue, Homewood, AL 35209. For more information, call 3146981

Bo Johnson Memorial Party Set for April 28 The sixth annual Bo Johnson Memorial Party will be from 5-9 p.m. April 28 at the Birmingham Children’s Zoo. Music will be provided by Jimmy and Lanie, and there will be a full barbecue dinner from

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 11

Full Moon BBQ. There will be children’s activities, as well. Tickets are $35 per person and children under 17 are admitted free. Reserve your tickets by sending a check made payable to: The Bo Johnson Charitable Foundation, 3219 Karl Daly Road, Birmingham, AL 35210; or they can be purchased at the door for $40 per person. The Bo Johnson Foundation is a non-profit organization. In addition to honoring the life of Bo Johnson, who died of esophageal cancer in 2006, the event also raises funds for esophageal cancer research.

Shopping Event to Benefit Breast Cancer Research

The Betsy Prince Charity Bazaar will host a day of shopping, wine and hors d’oeurves April 30 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. Shoppers will get discounts on a collection of vintage Betsy Prince clothing. Betsy Prince’s loyal customers are donating new and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories to be sold for $5-$85 with all proceeds benefiting breast cancer research. Some of the vintage designer fashions already donated include Robert Clergie, Handwritten, Peter Cohen and Vince, and new items from Cordani, Krista Larson, Planet, Skif and Surrealist. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door and will go to benefit breast cancer research. For more information on donating clothing contact Bezshan Dolatabadi at Betsy Prince by calling 871-1965, and to request an invitation or purchase tickets call 996-5463. Betsy Prince is located on the first floor of the Colonial Brookwood Village shopping center. ❖

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12 • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

Hope

��

Breaks Through

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PEOPLE

Left: With Battalion Chief Tommy Hale at an awards ceremony honoring him as Vestavia Hills Firefighter of the Year were, his daughter Madeline, wife Billie Jo and sister India Alford. Right: Jack Monroe, left, presents Chad Cobb the Vestavia Hills Police Officer of the Year award with Cobb’s wife, Jackie.

Photo special to the Journal

VH Rotary Recognizes City’s Top Firefighter, Cop

he Vestavia Hills Rotary Club recently honored the city’s top firefighter and top �� police officer. �� Battalion Chief Tommy Hale of the Vestavia Hills This Easter, Come the Rebirth of Hope at VHUMC! Fire Department was named Firefighter of the Year �� 6:00 am Sunrise Service - McGimsey Prayer Garden(Columbarium) 2011 by the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club. Hale is currently battalion chief of the depart8:30, 9:45 &�� 11:00 am Traditional Worship ment’s C-Shift. Since joining the Vestavia department 8:45 & 11:00 am Contemporary Worship 1996, he has served as firefighter and medic at �� in Station No. 1, lieutenant with Special Operations at 2061 Kentucky Avenue Birmingham, Alabama 35216 �� Station No. 5 and captain at Station No. 2. Phone: 822.9631 www.vhumc.org �� The special operation chief also oversees the �� department’s Community Emergency Response Team. Hale has a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration from Athens State University and is certified as a paramedic by the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Attending his award ceremony were his wife Billie Jo, their daughter Madeline and Hale’s sister, India Alford. Also there were Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza; featured speaker Tom Bradley,

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

recently retired chief of the Hoover Fire Department; and many members of the Vestavia Hills Fire Department, including Fire Chief Jim St. John. Officer Chad Cobb of the Vestavia Hills Police Department was honored as Police Officer of the Year 2011. Cobb served as sergeant at the Pleasant Grove department for several years before coming to Vestavia in 2003. His consistent dedication to the department, attention to detail, persistence in investigation and courage in performance of his duties recently resulted in his promotion to corporal in the department. As evidence technician, Cobb has been responsible for recovering significant property taken in car burglaries and the apprehension of several perpetrators of burglaries in the area. His wife Jackie, son Sean and daughter Christy attended the award ceremony, as did Lt. Kevin York and Deputy Chief Dan Rary from the Vestavia Hills Police Department.

Young Women Attend Conference

The third annual Young Women’s Empowerment Conference was held March 26 at the YWCA of Central Alabama. Teen girls mingled with each other and met professional women from varied fields, including non-profits, fashion, film and travel. This year’s event, hosted by Hot 107.7’s Tasha Simone, included Candi Williams, E. Free, Angela Karen and other professional women. Birmingham teenagers Victoria Thompson, Megan McClung, Sydney Green and Maria Solano won leadership awards.

Basinger Is Auburn SGA Chief of Staff

Abby Basinger has been selected chief of staff of the 2011 Executive Board of the Student Government Association at Auburn University. A public relations major from

Winning leadership awards at the Young Women’s Empowerment Conference were, from left: Victoria Thompson, Megan McClung and Sydney Green. Photo special to the Journal

Vestavia Hills, Basinger is a member of ODK, Cardinal Key and Squires and is the SGA secretary of University Outreach, which oversees the Beat Bama Food Drive, Fall 5K, blood drives, AU Dance Marathon and the Big Event. Her involvement earned her the Most Outstanding Panhellenic Cabinet member award. She has

been a High School Leadership Conference Counselor, selected to participate in Tiger Tuesdays REACH and a Top 20 Miss Auburn nominee. Basinger is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, where she has held several positions, most recently reference chairman. She is the daughter of Jim and Dana Basinger. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Chef Wins Service Award

Chef Antony Osborne, academic dean of Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College, recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). The award recognizes Osborne’s contributions and continuing service to the Family and Consumer Sciences Education Programs for Alabama Secondary Chef Antony Schools. Osborne FCCLA promotes personal growth and leadership development through family and consumer sciences education. Osborne has been involved with FCCLA for more than seven years. During this time, Osborne and Culinard have hosted an annual “Iron Chef” type competition allowing teams of FCCLA participants from occupational culinary arts/food service training programs to compete against each other to earn top state awards. Named one of the Top 10 pastry chefs in the U.S. in 2006, Osborne has worked and lived in 38 countries. He apprenticed and trained at the Dorchester in London, Palace Hotel in Switzerland, Nasseur Hof Hotel in Germany and the Oriental in Bangkok, Thailand, where he prepared specialty desserts for the Royal Family of Thailand and for state banquets for President George Bush and President Ravi Gandhi of India. Osborne was a part of the Best National Team at the Singapore Salon Culinaire in 1994 and was awarded the Golden Lion Award, the highest culinary award in Asia.

Theater Board Has New VP

The Dane Peterson Theater Series board of directors has elected Ryan Joseph Richardson its new vice president. A native of Hattiesburg, Miss., Richardson holds a dual B.A. in English literature and political science from BirminghamSouthern College, where he was a Presidential Scholar, president of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and vice president of the Interfraternity Council. Now in his second year at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, Richardson is articles editor for the Cumberland Law Review and is a Judge

Abraham Caruthers Teaching Fellow. Before entering Cumberland, he worked for two years as a litigation research analyst with Burr & Forman LLP. Richardson has studied piano and conducting for more than 15 years. In 2001, he was named the youngest music director of the Saenger Theatre in Hattiesburg, serving as principal conductor for the Saenger’s resident company, Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera. The Dane Peterson Theater Series is a non-profit service organization whose mission is to develop, advance, strengthen and promote quality theatre with a focus on upcoming talent and audiences in the Birmingham area.

Levy’s Designers Win Awards

Levy’s Fine Jewelry, a Birmingham-based jeweler specializing in antique and estate jewelry, recently competed in the Alabama Jewelers Association Design Competition, with two employees taking top honors with their designs. Antonio Garcia won first place in Category I with his onyx and diamond handengraved earring and pendant suite. Candace Wade won the overall People’s Choice Award with her earring design, “Pearls and Diamonds Delight Me.” The annual competition is sponsored through the Alabama and Georgia Jeweler’s Association.

PEOPLE

Miller Is Director of Humane Society

The Shelby Humane Society Board of Directors recently announced the selection of Jenny Miller as the new executive director of Shelby Humane Society (SHS) and the promotion of Sara Shirley as the new director of operations. Miller was an attorney with the law firm of Lloyd, Gray, Whitehead & Monroe, P.C. She has served as a volunteer at SHS, on the board of directors and as president of the Jenny Miller board. She will focus on fundraising and finance, outreach to the 13 municipalities in Shelby County and partnerships with Shelby Sara Shirley County officials and the ASPCA. Shirley has been involved in the SHS in several positions over the last eight years. For the past four months, she has been interim executive director and will now manage all day-today operations and programs for SHS. ❖

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 13

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14 • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

LIFE

A Golfing Legacy:

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

Love of the Game Was Common Ground for Mike Thompson and His Father

BY DONNA CORNELIUS

JOURNAL FEATURES WRITER

“Dad always worked on my swing,” he said. “He loved to see good golf. We’d go into our den at night and practice my swing by looking at the reflection in the TV.” Besides Shoal Creek, Mike’s favorite course is Augusta National. “I work on the Masters’ concession committee,” he said, smilingly referring to himself as a champion “egg salad sandwich salesman.” Pebble Beach, Seminole and Merion are also on his A-list. “I like the good ones,” he said. “Friends recently offered to take me to Sand Hills in Nebraska and Fisher Island in Rhode Island, so those are two wishes that I fulfilled. I’m working my way through the top 30 courses. “My grandmother and father loved playing golf in Ireland, and one of my goals is to play the great Irish courses.” Shoal Creek, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course, is a great venue for major tournaments because “it can be anything you want it to be,” Mike said. “It can be a bear of a course, or you can just play it and have a lovely time with your friends. It’s a chameleon – it can be difficult or not so difficult. “Aesthetically, it’s very serene. We have beautiful hardwoods and pines and lots of water features. It’s like walking

hen Mike Thompson played golf with his father, he kept his eye on the ball and his mind on one objective: to play the first hole well. “That’s because Dad would always pick on the worst player in the foursome,” said Mike about his father, the late Hall Thompson. “My goal was to beat the other two guys so he’d pick on them.” Even high-profile folks weren’t immune to the elder Thompson’s friendly criticism. Once, said Mike, Bill Gates was on the receiving end of some hints from Hall. Hall Thompson died last October, and Mike has lots of wonderful memories of his father, both on the golf course and off. Those thoughts are especially vivid as tee-off time approaches for the upcoming Regions Tradition set for May 3-8. The tournament, the first major championship of the 2011 Champions Tour season, will be played at Shoal Creek Country Club, founded in 1977 by Hall Thompson. The Regions Tradition is expected to have a 66player field, including such Mike Thompson, right, has many memories playing the Shoal Creek Country Club golf course well-known names as Tom with his father, the late Hall Thompson, left, who founded the club. Photo special to the Journal Watson, Fuzzy Zoeller and Ben Crenshaw. Practice rounds begin May 3 followed by a One of Shoal Creek’s most famous members in a park.” pro-am tournament May 4. Tournament play begins today is former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Mike expects large crowds for the upcoming tourThursday; the final round is Sunday. Rice. She’ll serve as honorary chairman for the nament. “This is one of the five most important tournaRegions Tradition, hitting the first ball of the tourna“The golf public in Birmingham is incredible,” ments” for the Champions Tour, Mike said. “The he said. “In 1984, our crowds broke PGA records. In guys want to win for the prestige and the money. 1990, we had 200,000-plus.” They’ll be serious about their play.” The tournament will be a whirlwind of activity Shoal Creek is accustomed to big events; the from start to finish. On the grounds will be the playclub hosted PGA championships in 1984 and 1990. ers and their entourages, corporate guests and spectaBoth were opportunities for the club to show off its tors. The Golf Channel will broadcast on site live on world-class course and facilities. The second, howthe final four days. The Bruno Event Team and club ever, brought some less than desirable publicity. Like members will join forces to make sure everything many private clubs at that time, Shoal Creek had no runs smoothly. minority members. After national media coverage But even amid the hubbub, Mike Thompson will and a threatened boycott of the PGA event, the club be thinking about his dad, without whom Shoal admitted its first African-American member, Louis Creek would not exist, and about the love of golf Willie Jr. —Mike Thompson shared by father and son. “When that issue came up in 1990, we took “Golf haunts me like it haunts all golfers,” Mike in Lou Willie and reached out to other Africansaid. “You get something working well in your Americans,” Mike said. “We also encouraged greater ment and participating in the pro-am event. game, and then you change it. It’s the greatest game access through guest play, weddings and parties at Mike, who in 1986 succeeded his father as presiof all.” the club and vendors and suppliers. dent of Thompson Tractor Co., first hit the links at For ticket information, event times and the latest “The club never did anything but look forward. age 4, playing golf in high school and for his fraternews on the Regions Tradition at Shoal Creek, visit We’ve been proactive. And Dad was never embitwww.regionstradition.com.❖ nity at the University of Alabama. tered. He had a great life.”

‘Dad always worked on my swing. He loved to see good golf. We’d go into our den at night and practice my swing by looking at the reflection in the TV.’

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The Regions Tradition is expected to have a 66-player field, including such well-known names as Tom Watson, Fuzzy Zoeller, Ben Crenshaw and Hale Irwin, above.

About the Tournament

When: May 3-8 Where: The Regions Tradition will be played at Shoal Creek Country Club, 100 New Williamsburg Dr., Shoal Creek. The club has hosted two PGA championships; the 1984 event was won by Lee Trevino, and Wayne Grady won the 1990 tournament. The 7,324-yard, par 72 course was designed by Jack Nicklaus. Club founder Hall Thompson contributed ideas for the course and was always credited as the co-designer by Nicklaus, according to Mike Thompson, Hall’s son. Sponsor: Regions Financial Corp. Primary Beneficiary: Children’s Hospital of Alabama Players: The tournament will have a 66-player field. Golfers will compete for a $2.2 million purse. Tom Watson, Lanny Wadkins, Mark O’Meara, Fuzzy Zoeller and Fred Funk, defending champion, were among those expected to play as of April 14. The Champions Tour includes professional golfers age 50 and older. The organization started in 1980 as the Senior PGA Tour. Honorary Chairman: The Hon. Condoleezza Rice Schedule of Events: May 3: practice round, Great Grand Champions Par 3 competition, 10 a.m. May 4: Pro-Am tournament, 6:50 to 9 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m.; Alabama vs. Auburn Putting Challenge, 9:30 a.m.; Past Champions clinic, 2:30 p.m. May 5: first round tournament play, 8 a.m. May 6: second round tournament play, 8 a.m. May 7: third round tournament play, 8 a.m. May 9: final round tournament play, 8 a.m.; awards ceremony, 18th green, immediately after play concludes. Tickets: Daily grounds tickets are $10 for practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday, $20 for the tournament Thursday and Friday and $30 for the tournament Saturday and Sunday. Weekly tickets are $95. General admission is free for kids 18 and under with a ticketed adult. Daily Nicklaus Pavilion tickets are $25 Tuesday and Wednesday, $35 Thursday and Friday and $45 Saturday and Sunday. Weekly Nicklaus Pavilion tickets are $175. Parking: Free general parking for spectators is at the corner of U.S. 280 and Alabama 119. Tournament shuttles will provide transport to and from Shoal Creek. To order tickets or for more information, visit www.regionstradition. com. ❖

LIFE

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 15

16 • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MASQUERADING THEIR CAUSE

Rotaract Club Dons Mask, Formal Wear to Raise Money for Its Service Initiatives

Right: Ely Jones shows off her mask at the Rotaract Club’s Masquerade Ball at The Club. Below: Among those in attendance were from left: Mark and Sarah Bales, Melanie Robinette and John Hennesey.

Above: Donning masks for the Rotaract Club’s annual Masquerade Ball were from left: Lindsay Hembree, Katie Allgood, Joanna Holloway and Natasha Reshetnikova. Below: Among those at the ball were from left: Jeff Miller, Laura Montgomery, Wilson Long, Liz Gray, Ben Ragsdale and Maloree McDonough.

Photos special to the Journal

he Rotaract Club of Birmingham hosted its annual Masquerade Ball March 19 at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. more photos at The event drew more than 500 young professionals from the Birmingham area who donned masks and black tie apparel to support the Rotaract Club of Birmingham Foundation.

OTMJ.COM

Guests enjoyed entertainment by Rick Carter and the League of Legendary Artists, a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres by Kathy G. Catering. The ball raised more than $60,000 for Rotaract’s service initiatives, including the club’s signature service project, Ready 2 Read. Next year’s event is set for March 24, 2012. For more information about the club, visit www.birminghamrotaract. com. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ArtBLINK Gala 2011 raised ...

$904,000 for research and patient services at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center. The theme for this year’s event, held Feb. 26 in the Kirklin Clinic, was “Ignite Your Inner Artist.” Hosted by the cancer center’s advisory board, ArtBLINK featured 20 top Alabama artists, who had just 90 minutes to create a masterpiece while guests watched. The art was auctioned that evening by Guin Robinson and CBS 42’s Sherri Jackson. The gala honored three of the Cancer Center’s more photos at most longstanding and loyal supporters, who each passed away in 2010. This year’s honorees were Judith Todd Abrams, Rita C. Kimerling and William M. Spencer III. Honorary chairmen were advisory board members Pat and Jean Sullivan. Guests enjoyed cocktail dining by B&A Warehouse and live music by Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame inductee Cleve Eaton and the Alabama All Stars. At the event were Cancer Center director Dr. Edward Partridge and his wife Barbara, UAB President Dr. Carol Z. Garrison and Julian Banton, Dr. Shirley Salloway Kahn, Herman and Emmie Bolden, Sol Kimerling, Sam Todd, Ed and Candy Meyerson, Foots and Allene Parnell, Jeanie and Bob MacKenzie, Richard and Helen Pardue, George and

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Above: At ArtBLINK Gala 2011 were, from left: Marty and Amy Heslin and and Tom Butler. Below: Also there were from left: Richard Pardue, Betsy and Eric Styles and Helen Pardue. Photos special to the Journal

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Top: At a Birmingham Zoo event for members of Leadership Birmingham’s Class of 2011 were, from left: Johnathan Austin, Viveka Bizzell, Fred McCallum and Connie McCallum. Above: Also there were, from left: Carolanne, Sara Frances and Ellie Kate Berte, and in back: Photos special to the Journal Dena Berte and Scott Berte.

A sundowner and seated dinner for a small group ...

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

of Leadership Birmingham Class of 2011 members was held recently at the Safari Peak in the Birmingham Zoo’s Trails of Africa. The world’s first exhibit featuring a herd of African bull elephants in a natural setting, Trails of Africa distinguishes the Birmingham Zoo as a national leader in the care and conservation of threatened elephants. A sundowner is an African tradition that occurs at the end of the day with old and new friends gathering to discuss their blessings. The sundowner was hosted by Balch & Bingham LLP. Jesse Vogtle, partner at Balch & Bingham and vice chairman of the Zoo Board, organized the event to introduce Bulwagi and Callie, the two African elephants inhabiting the exhibit Dr. William Foster, zoo president and CEO, gave the group a behind-the-scenes tour of the elephant LAIR, or Large Animal Information Research facility. Those attending the dinner with their families included Rachel Estes, director of outreach for Canterbury United Methodist Church; Fred McCallum, president of Alabama AT&T; Johnathan Austin, Birmingham

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Jim Mersmann and Cindy Puchta, left, invited fellow book club members to their Columbiana farm. Among guests were Becky Parsley and Bishop Henry Parsley. Photo special to the Journal

City councilor; Benjamin Patrick, vice president of B.L. Harbert International, LLC; Dr. Craig Witherspoon, superintendent of the Birmingham City Board of Education; Dr. Gregory James, senior vice president and chief medical officer of St. Vincent’s Health System; Jeffery Adams, director of community relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama; Pam Siddall, president and publisher of The Birmingham News; the Hon. Sharon Blackburn, chief United States District Judge of U.S. District Court; and Joel Welker, president and publisher of Birmingham Business Journal. Also there from Leadership Birmingham were Ann Florie, executive director; Mary Ivey, project assistant; and Dena Berte. For more information about the Birmingham Zoo, visit www. birminghamzoo.com.

Welcoming fellow book club members to their ...

Columbiana farm for a spring outing were Jim Mersmann and Cindy Puchta. Among guests were the Rev. Jim and Elma Tuohy, Bishop Henry and Becky Parsley, the Rev. Van and Heidi Foreman and Janet and Gene Griffin. The day began with a stroll through the farm that included petting and feeding the animals and gathering freshly-laid eggs. Afterwards, a meal prepared by the members was served. Guests then moved into the den to hear poems pre-selected by Jim Mersmann. Poems included works by D. H. Lawrence, Gerard Manley Hopkins and Mary Oliver. The group’s special favorite was “Monet Refuses the Operation” by Liesel Mueller. The group got a synopsis of a poetry presentation that Jim Mersmann and Bishop Henry Parsley gave to the priests of the Alabama Episcopal Diocese at a recent meeting.

Vanities Dance Club held its annual ...

black tie dinner dance at Mountain Brook Club April 1. Decorations by Robert Logan celebrated April Fool’s Day with a court jesters ball theme. The club was decorated with castle walls, suits of armor, chain mail and a variety of jesters. Guests gathered for cocktails in the living room, where the castle décor featured a king’s throne, cape and large floral arrangement including a jester holding a single red rose. The festivities included a juggler and magician. Tables were topped with red cloths and centered with brass candelabra filled with candles, greenery, red roses, white hydrangeas and a single orb. Court jesters atop the castle photo booth

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A Feb. 24 wine tasting was hosted by the ...

Vanities Dance Club officers and their husbands at the group’s annual dinner dance, are, from left: Lou Ann and George Sherling, Barbara and Frank Cobb and Pat and Wimberly Miree. Photo special to the Journal called all “fools” to don courtly apparel and have their pictures made. Members and their guests dined on flank steak, fried shrimp, vegetables, Caesar salad and sweet shots for dessert. Afterwards, they danced to the music of the Flashbacks. Club president Lou Ann Sherling was accompanied by husband George, and treasurer Pat Miree was there with Wimberly. Planning the evening were dance chairman Barbara Cobb, at the party with husband Frank, and her dance committee members, Ellen Cunningham with Russell and Karen Sanders with Brant. New members there included Amy Sanders with Brantley, Jennifer Haver Russell with Jimmy Ard, Carolyn LaGroue with Walter, Julia Ann Cleage with Joe, Caroline Clayton with Robert, Carolyn Reed with Mike Klyce, Wesley Lassen with Hal, and Jane Cole with Hutch. Dance club members who attended included Lyndra Daniel with Bill, Catherine Ann Schilleci with J.B., Ann Liles with Paul, Anne Finch with Rick, Peggy Barnhart with Buck, Karen Gillis with Wayne, Kay McKinnon with Tom, Linda Stewart with Joe, Bette Owen with Crawford, Grace Bentley with Bob, Betsy Gresham with Bill, Linda Freeman with Art, Ann Bloodworth with Luke, Sara Lynn DeFuniak with Fox, Patsy Gaskin with Tom, Kay Littleton with Harry, Angela Brady with Joe, Carole Ann Moorer with Bob, Marianne Sharbel with Paul, Sandy Emory with Brooks, Katie Wynn with Albert and Harriet Hawkins with Larry. Also there were Mimi Renneker with Fred, Joyce Lott with Jim, Becky Rollins with Doug, Margaret Balch with Eason, Louise Ellis with Durham, Mary Helen Straughn with Mike, Madelon Rushing with Fred, Yates Amason with Tommy, Mary Kay Klyce with John, Milner Phillips with

Allen, Robin Sulzby with Jim, Derry Bunting with Pete, Janie Henderson with Jimbo, Joy Cooper with Lee, Jane Feagin with Frank, Doris Haver Wilson with Jim, Carolyn Satterfield with Bill, Anne Rainer with Jim, Douglas Joyce with Tom, Katie Howard with Bobby, Debby Denson with Bill, Bobbye Ann Goodner with Vann, Lynn Smith with Wheeler, Ann Hull with Leland, Jane Morgan with Cecil, Carolyn Hill with Delmar, Laurie Jones with Frank, Beth Henry with Rich, Sandra Oden with Terry, Louise Gillespy with Sharp and Linda Johnson with Sam.

the Birmingham Bar Foundation and the Women Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar Association. The event, held at the Wine Loft, raised money to fund “Bunny Bags” for child victims of domestic violence. The 2011 Wine Tasting for a Cause raised $7,320 for the purchase of stuffed bunnies, coloring books and crayons for “Bunny Bag.” The bags will be distributed through the Bessemer Domestic Violence Court, Jefferson County District Attorney’s office, Jefferson County Domestic Relations Court, Jefferson County Family Court and Birmingham YWCA. Sponsors were Associated Court Reporters, LLC; Bain & Associates Court Reporting Service, Inc.; Balch & Bingham LLP; Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC; Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP; Burr & Forman LLP; Carr Allison, P.C.; Khristi and Joe Driver; Freedom Court Reporting; Gathings Law; Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton; Haskell, Slaughter, Young & Rediker, LLC; Jimmy and Georgia Sullivan Haggerty; Huie, Fernambucq and Stewart, LLP; Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C.; George M. (Jack) Neal Jr.; Solo Small Firm Section; White Arnold & Dowd, P.C.; Young Lawyers Section; and Ed and Melisa Zwilling. ❖

At a wine tasting hosted by the Birmingham Bar Association and its Women Lawyers Section were, from left: Arnita Foster, Georgia Haggerty and Crystal McMeekin. Photo special to the Journal

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20 • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

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Participating in this year’s Vestavia Hills Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast were from left: Mayor Alberto C. “Butch” Zaragoza, keynote speaker Mark Whitlock, Dana Whitlock, chamber executive director Karen Odle and chamber vice president of community affairs Ann Hamiter.

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Photos courtesy of David Leong

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RESPECT - DIGNITY - RESULTS

The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce held its ...

21st annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast April 5 at Vestavia Country Club. The event began with a welAlcohol and substance residential treatment center �� come from the Rev. Dalton located in Destin offering truly individualized program Styes, pastor of Vestavia Hills �� for each client.LMHC, CAC, Peer Counselor, medical United Methodist Church and director, dietitian,massage therapist and more. Six bed breakfast chairman. �� capacity proves one doesn’t get lost in a crowd. 24/7 Chris Byars, a student at care. State licensed and qualifies for court referrals. �� Vestavia Hills High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Shades Mountain Baptist Church �� All contact and consultations are confidential. Quartet members Michael �� Adler, Richie Bruce, Paul �� Carter and Cas McWaters email info@bayshoreretreat.com �� sang the national anthem. Paul Sumner, chamber president, welcomed guests before Mayor Alberto C. “Butch” �� Shelley Stewart, owner of Chocolate Magnolia, was among those participating in the Riverchase United Methodist Church Creations Art �� Event. ��

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Members of the Shades Mountain Baptist Church Quartet provided entertainment at Vestavia Hills 21st annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Zaragoza Jr. spoke to the group Keynote speaker was Mark Whitlock, owner of Mark’s

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Outdoor Sports in Vestavia Hills. Karen Odle is the chamber’s executive director. Lisa Christopher is membership and marketing consultant. Ann Hamiter is vice president of community affairs.

The Riverchase United Methodist Women ...

recently hosted a Creations Art Event. A variety of of artists with paintings, woodworking, T-shirts, hand-crafted jewelry and more displayed their works for sale. There was also live entertainment, lunch, baked goods and frozen casseroles for sale. All the proceeds went to the RUM Women’s many missions, such as Camp Sumatanga, Urban Ministries, Oak Mt. Missions, Family Connections, Fairhaven, Church of the Reconciler and Safehouse. Gay Blalock headed up the committee for the event. Others on the committee were Pam Allen, Eve Beasley, Sue Bennett, Laura Estes, Margaret Payne, Nancy Stewart and Julie Elliot. Entertainment that was provided by RUMC gospel choir with Natalie Moon, Chris Hicks, Tom Tice, Michael Bulin and others. This was the first art event for the women’s group. It is expected be become an annual event. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer ...

Foundation is putting finishing touches on its eighth annual Motherwalk, scheduled for May 7 in Crestline Village at 9 a.m. Members of the committee met recently to review plans for the 5K walk and run. In addition to the race, there will be a pre-event stretch led by fitness instructors from the Levite Jewish Community Center; a kids zone; and informational booths from such organizations as CANSurvive and UAB. Mistress of ceremonies for Motherwalk will be Fox 6 Evening News Anchor Beth Shelburne. In attendance for the planning meeting were Brittany Saag, Sheila Moore, Cindi Routman, Susan Greene, Allison Hawkins, and Robin Bloomston. For more information or to sign up for Motherwalk, visit www.motherwalk.com.

The Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Zeta ...

sorority recently held its second meeting at Canterbury United Methodist Church. The event included a potluck luncheon and program by Dorothy McDaniel, Delta Zeta alumna and owner of Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market in Homewood. Members were shown a variety of ways to use fresh flowers in interesting and decorative floral containers. Dorothy also had a book signing for her two books on flowers. Planning the meeting were Carol Medders, vice president for membership and alumnae relations; Christie Strange, president; Wendy King McDowell, hospitality chairman; Ginger Shurett LaRue, courtesy chair-

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Attending the planning committee meeting for the 2011 Motherwalk are from left: Brittany Saag, Sheila Moore, Cindi Routman, Susan Greene, Allison Hawkins and Robin Bloomston. Photo special to the Journal man; and hospitality committee members Susan Hall Bellows and Inga Braasch Strickland. Jennifer Brooks, vice president for member recruitment, and Katie Ellis Reeves, recruitment chairmen, welcomed new members Ginny Andrews Ezekiel, Beverly Richmond Francis, Pat Scheer Holston, Patty Crocker Limbaugh, Natalie Lowe, Venita Yates Mann, Dorothy Sarris McDaniel, Leslee McGeoch Primm, Robbie Black Roberts,

Sarah Lindsey Scholl, Teresa Suttle and Brooke White. Other members serving on the executive committee include Krystle Gilchrist Campbell, Donya Franklin Rumore, Susan Barton Groves, Betsy Bowers Head, Lisa Griffith Lebo, Glenda Hamner Lott, Lisa Cunningham McAlister, Heather Gregory Messer, Lottie Ricker Nunnelly, Julie Brooks Radford, Lindsey Smith, Jeannine Pugh Teague and

Attending the Delta Zetas Birmingham Alumnae Chapter meeting were from left: Carol Medders, Dorothy Sarris McDaniel, Sarah Lindsey Scholl and Christie Strange. Photos special to the Journal

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22 • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thirty-eight tables were created by members ...

At a recent meeting of the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Zeta sorority were, from left: Glenda Hamner Lott, Mary Ella Buettner Hamner and Linda Hamner McPhillips.

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Andrea Zarichnak. Other members attending were Judy Barnes, Jennifer Wyatt Carter, Pat Crumpton Grey, Mary Ella Buettner Hamner, Tamara Davis Harrison, Karen Bailey Jackson, Heather Bolt Karr, Sharon Bolt Leland, Jean Wickstrom Liles, Virginia Gilbert Loftin, Sharon Sheaff Lovell, Sarah McClellan, Linda Hamner McPhillips, Kim Kelly Ryals, Katie Durrett Weeks and Mary Epperson Wyatt. The chapter’s next membership

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meeting will be in May. Delta Zetas in the greater Birmingham area who want information about the group may send an e-mail to dzbirmingham@bellsouth.net or call 870-9883.

At a spring tablescapes luncheon hosted by the Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary were, from left: keynote speaker Sister Schubert, Rita Wood, Chef Joseph Mitchell, Patsy Riley and Henny Mitchell.

Photo special to the Journal

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At the Birmingham Children’s Zoo Thursday�� April 28, 2011 • 5:00-9:00 pm Music by Jimmy and Laine Dinner by Full Moon BBQ Children’s Activities!

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EVERYONE WELCOME!

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Reserve you tickets by sending a check made payable to: The Bo Johnson Charitable Foundation Mail to: 3219 Karl Daly Road Birmingham, AL 35210 (Tickets will also be available at the door for $40 per person)

of the Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary and their friends for the auxiliary’s annual Spring Tablescapes luncheon at the Metropolitan Church of God. Tables were decorated in a variety of themes, including formal with fine china and silver, casual with picnic and fiesta themes and elegant, with floral arrangements accented with peacock feathers. Some 250 guests attended the event, which raised more than $20,000 for the Christian home for abused and homeless women and children. Gourmet pastries and lunch were provided by Chef Joseph Mitchell and the Culinary and Hospitality Institute of Jefferson State Community College. The menu included chicken salad served in fresh pineapple boats, pasta salad, fruit and banana nut bread and poppy seed bread followed by

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The Bo Johnson Foundation is a non-proﬁt organization and your donation is tax deductible

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lemon squares. Sister Schubert, keynote speaker for the event, signed her most recent cookbook while guests bid on silent auction items. Among those attending were former Alabama First Lady Patsy Riley; Marsha Drennen, auxiliary president, with husband Jim; and Rita Wood, event chairman, with husband Ed. Also there were Sarah Moseley, Billie Holleman, Phyllis Hoffman, Lois Tipton, Kelly Orr, Denis and Peggy Devane, Charles and Lucy Mason, Ryan Parks, Joey DuMontier, Jay Jamison, Christy Jackson, Amy Reese, Tamara Moser, Mary Byrd, Jennifer Alden, Evelyn Criswell, Gloria Grube, Terry and Manda Humber, Louise Mango, Mary Jo Carter, Solmaz Olget and Brenda Sheehan. Others at the luncheon were Merve and Bettie Torme, Pat Yost, Pat Daughety and Louise Mango, Esther Howell, Janie Dollar, Kim Quick, Leigh Ann Hines, Margaret Walker, Nancy Warden, Joan Van de Veer, Amy Isbill, Betty Bussey and Jodi Hill, Laine Crook, June Griffen, LaDonna Payne, Taffy Szczuka, Pam Bradford, Norma Walker Wiles, Charlie Vifquain, Wayne Allen, Paul Boehme, Billy Lucas, Jim Lewis, Garry Brantley, Cody Doores, Jeremiah and Jean Castille and sons Simeon and Tim, Michael Helms, Lew Burdette, Ray Nash, Spencer Stephens, Jerry Elliott and Jay Jamison.

A highlight of the festivities leading up ...

to Opera Birmingham’s production of “Lucia di Lammermoor” was Tenors, Tartans & Tiramisu, an evening of wining, dining and singing at Pianeta 3 in Mountain Brook Village. In keeping with the theme of the evening – North (Scotland) meets South (Italy) – guests, many dressed in festive Highland attire, enjoyed an Italian banquet of antipasto, chicken Marsala and tiramisu. The tables were covered with runners in an assortment of tartan patterns, representative of the various Scottish clans. John Smith and John Price were fully clad in their Scottish kilts, while Jim Emison and Scott Vowell donned festive plaid pants. The evening included a live auction of arias performed by the Lucia cast. The top bidders were Patty McDonald, Kathy Emison, Mimi Jackson, Marsha and John Markus, Cameron Vowell, Julius Linn Jr., Ann Hillhouse and Sue Newton. At the celebration were Dorinda Smith, Tallulah Hargrove, Pat Scofield, Amy Carr, Elias Hendricks Jr., Chandler and Jane Paris Smith, Betty Healey, Martha Pezrow, MaryAnne and Mike Freeman, Joseph Echols, Graham Boettcher, Melva Jones,

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 23

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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At Opera Birmingham’s Tenors, Tartans & Tiramisu were, from left: Charles Rountree, Martha Pezrow and Mike and MaryAnne Freeman

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Photos special to the Journal

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OLD TRADITIONS RECREATED �� Poinsettia Debutantes having fun at a recent party were, from left: Kate Selman, Claire Lewallyn, Rebekah Cowart, Haley Bagwell, A.K. Bruton and Emily Savage. Photo special to the Journal

Jeff Tombrello, Jim Nelson, Betty Loeb, Corinne Greer, Janis Zeanah, Joan Parker, Mary Gail and Wilfred Yeargan, Jane Morris, Sue Watkins, Anne Chace, Nita Cox, Janette Beaumont, Catherine Shepherd, Barbara Shepherd, Flora Richardson and Daniel Seigel. The cast of “Lucia” was welcomed to town with a barbecue dinner, which has become an Opera Birmingham tradition, hosted by Kathy and Jim Emison at their home. Among guests were members of Amici – Young Friends of Opera Birmingham, Libby Cochrane, Karyn Uptain, Rob and Misty Norton and Crystal Berryhill. Also there were Susanna Phillips, John Bellemer and Sarah Blaze, Corey McKern, Elias Hendricks III, Kurt Link, Bray Wilkens, Kathleen Clawson, Andrew Altenbach, Carol Brian and Elden Little, Opera Birmingham’s general director John Jones, Charles Rountree,

� ��

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Eleanor Parker and Aaron Calvert.

Six Poinsettia Debutantes were ..

honored at a party hosted by their parents. Haley Bagwell, A.K. Bruton, Rebekah Cowart, Claire Lewallyn, Emily Savage and Kate Selman “danced in the headlights” to the sounds of Nationwide Coverage. Guests included childhood, high school and college friends and other debutantes who were presented at the 2010 Poinsettia Ball. ❖

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�� From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE:� 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 �� Date: 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.

24 • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

McDanal-Casey

Doctors Clarence and Judy McDanal of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Ellen McDanal, to Matthew Joseph Casey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bartholomew Casey of

Favret-Pearce

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Joseph Favret of New Orleans announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Michelle Favret, to Frank Bennett Pearce Jr., son of Dr. and Mrs. F. Bennett Pearce of Vestavia Hills. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. Marshall Joseph Favret and Ms. Mary Gail Favret and Mr. Steven Roland McDonald Sr. and Ms. Marilyn Jeanne Turner of New Orleans.

Meadows-Harris

Mr. and Mrs. William Douglas Meadows of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Claire Meadows, to Jack Allen Harris II, son of Mr. Jack Allen Harris

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS Mountain Brook. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Einer Oman of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Clarence McDanal Sr. of Mountain Brook. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama Medical School and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She is a resident in pediatrics at Vanderbilt University. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Emmanuel Casey of Takoma Park, Md., and the late Dr. and Mrs. Robert Fulmer Guthrie of Mountain Brook. He is a graduate of Belmont University and is employed in music performance and management in Nashville. The wedding is planned for May 7. Miss Favret is a graduate of Ursuline Academy in New Orleans. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Spring Hill College in Mobile. She earned a master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is practicing in Huntsville. The groom is the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Frank Pearce III of Alexandria, La., and Mrs. Bertie Barletter Guhman and the late Mr. George Allen Guhman of New Orleans. Mr. Pearce is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from the honors college of Spring Hill College. He will graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine in May 2012. The nuptial mass will take place in mid-November at Ursulines’ Our Lady of Prompt Succor Shrine in New Orleans. A reception will follow at the Columns Hotel. After a honeymoon trip to California, the couple will live in Birmingham. and Mrs. Donna Davis, both of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Edward McConnell of Manchester, Tenn., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Leon Meadows of Murfreesboro, Tenn. She is a graduate of Auburn University and was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She is employed with Shire Pharmaceuticals. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. Jack Daniel Harris of Birmingham and Mrs. Mary Crump Harris of Atlanta and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Barry Patton of Birmingham. He is a graduate of Auburn University and is employed with Krumdieck A+1 Design. The wedding is planned for June 11.

McKean- Nast

Mr. and Mrs. Rory Lambert McKean of Montgomery announce the engagement of their daughter, Landon Michele McKean, to Mr. Ryan David Nast, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Lee Nast of Huntsville and the late Lee Ann Cromer Nast.

Williams-Bartlett

Barnett-Barley

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kenneth

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Mahlon Sealy Paulk of Montgomery, the late Mr. Mahlon Sealy Paulk and the late Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Frederick McKean. Miss McKean is a 2003 graduate of Trinity Presbyterian School and a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in higher education administration. She was elected Miss Auburn 2006, was president of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, a Camp War Eagle counselor, taught the Auburn Experience course for freshmen and served as the graduate advisor for the Student Government Association. She is a member of several honor societies, including Phi Kappa Phi, Cater Society, Mortar Board, Omicron Delta Kappa, Lambda Sigma and Squires. Miss McKean teaches at

Homewood Middle School. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Hovey Preston Cromer of Alexander City and the late Mr. Hovey Preston Cromer and of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Fredrick Nast of Tallapoosa, Ga. Mr. Nast is a 2002 graduate of Huntsville High School and a 2006 cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He is a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, the Jasons Society and served as Interfraternity Council judicial vice president. Mr. Nast also received a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is employed at Sterne Agee Financial Services, Inc., in Birmingham. The wedding is planned for June 25 at the First Baptist Church in Montgomery.

Mr. and Mrs. John Alan Williams of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Katherine Williams, to Andrew Horton Bartlett, son of Dr. and Mrs. Jimmy Dale Bartlett of Vestavia Hills. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. William Robert Roland of Andalusia and Mr. Curtis Williams and the late Mrs. Betty Tollison Williams of Red Level. Miss Williams is a 2010 graduate of the University of Alabama. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and Phi

Beta Kappa honor society. She is employed at Taylor Publishing Company in Birmingham. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Arnold Lundberg of Vestavia Hills and Rev. Oran Lee Bartlett of McAlester, Okla., and Mrs. Marie Elizabeth Bartlett of Fort Smith, Ark. Mr. Bartlett is a 2007 graduate of the University of Alabama and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He will graduate from UAB School of Medicine in May. The wedding is planned for June 4.

Barnett of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Blakely Taylor Barnett, to Matthew Austin Barley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven John Barley of Vestavia Hills. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Charles Phipps of Birmingham, Mr. Ralph Lamar Payne and the late Mrs. Faye Estelle Payne of Birmingham and the late Mr. Amel Kenneth Barnett of Birmingham. Miss Barnett is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and will graduate from Auburn University in May with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She is a

member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Arthur Barley of Hoover, Mrs. Nancy Parker Boswell and the late Mr. Joseph Miller Boswell of Meridian, Miss., and Ms. Barbara Steed Royal and the late Mr. Lloyd Royal Jr. of Meridian. Mr. Barley is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He is pursuing a law degree at the University of Mississippi School of Law. The wedding is planned for July 23 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Homewood.

Deitchman-Miller

administration and marketing. She is a sales executive with Say Media in New York City. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Glenna Miller of Nashville, Tenn., and the late Mr. Kenneth L. Miller Sr. of Nashville and the late J.B. and Nell Crew of Tallassee. Mr. Miller is a 1999 graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication. He is associate director of the NBC Today Show in New York City. The wedding is planned for May 7.

Mrs. Susan Nemec of Mount Dora, Fla., and Mr. Alfred Morangelli of Signal Mountain, Tenn., announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Ashley Deitchman, to Kenneth Leeman Miller III, son of Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Miller II of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Captain and Mrs. William W. Monk of Tampa, Fla. Miss Deitchman is a 2002 graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in business

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Seibels-Ray

Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Kelly Seibels of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Margaret Burch Seibels, to Henry Barnes Ray III, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Barnes Ray Jr. of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Goldthwaite Seibels Jr. of

Coons-Taunton

Mr. and Mrs. Hal Coons III of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Camille Margaret Coons, to Michael Paul Taunton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Alex Taunton of

McManus-Mock

Mrs. Elizabeth Hill Longshore McManus of Birmingham and Mr. Mark Bowyer McManus of Atlanta announce the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth Virginia McManus, to James Vinson Mock, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Owen Mock of Tifton, Ga. The bride-elect is the grand-

Birmingham, the late Mrs. Margaret Polk McCutchen of Russellville, Ky., and the late Mr. Oscar Tandy McCutchen of Bowling Green, Ky. Miss Seibels is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Hollins University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. She received a master’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Alabama. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Riley McDavid Sr. of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Barnes Ray Sr. of Sylacauga. Mr. Ray is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and HampdenSydney College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in managerial economics and Spanish. He received a master’s degree in business administration from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. The wedding is planned for June 4. Hoover. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Shepard Fuller Jr. of Mountain Brook and the late Mr. and Mrs. Hal Coons Jr. of Jasper. Miss Coons was presented at the Ball of Roses. She is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School. She will graduate in May from Samford University, where she is a member of Chi Omega sorority. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Judith Noel Taunton and the late Mr. Charles Buce Taunton of Cullman and Mr. and Mrs. Palmer Delbert Hohm of Huron, S.D. Mr. Taunton is a graduate of Heritage Academy and a 2010 magna cum laude graduate of Samford University. He will attend law school in the fall. The wedding is planned for June 25. daughter of Ms. Elizabeth Hill Montgomery of Birmingham and Mr. Leslie Clarke Longshore Jr. of Birmingham and Mrs. Lucy Bowyer Youngquist and the late Joseph McManus of Savannah, Ga. She is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in education and was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She is employed with Tift County schools. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jim Vinson of Rebecca, Ga., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ray Mock of Albany, Ga. He is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He is employed with AG Georgia Farm Credit. The wedding is planned for June 11.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 25

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

Brannon-Harris

Mr. and Mrs. James Harrison Brannon of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Paige Claire Brannon, to Brent Hamilton Harris, son of Mrs. Jo Ann Harris of Montgomery and Mr. Robert Herman Harris of Miramar, Fla. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Frances Mitchell Owens and the late Mr. Vernon Clair Owens Jr. and the late Mrs. Audrey Sims Owens of Birmingham and the

late Mr. Pete Brannon and Mrs. Jean Boswell Brannon of Geneva. Miss Brannon graduated from Vestavia Hills High School and attended Samford University, where she graduated magna cum laude in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is a member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society and the Janice R. Teal Award recipient for 2010. She was presented at the 2006 Poinsettia Debutante Ball. Miss Brannon is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Lessie Mares Harris and the late Col. Clyde Charles Harris Jr. of Montgomery and the late Brigadier Gen. Herman Leon Harris and the late Frances Ashurst Harris of Tallassee. Mr. Harris graduated from Trinity Presbyterian in Montgomery and attended Auburn University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He attends the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Business, where he will receive his master’s degree in business administration in May. He is a member William Dietrich Jr.; Preston Linden Reeder; John Randolph Adams Jr.; and Chase Michael Elmore. Ushers were Edgar Alston Meeks Jr. and Brett Hamilton Meeks. After a honeymoon trip to Rivieria Maya, Mexico, the couple live in Birmingham.

of Alpha Lambda Delta and Alpha Theta Chi honor societies. Mr. Harris is employed with Sterne Agee in Birmingham. An evening wedding is planned for May 21 at Children’s Harbor Chapel on Lake Martin with a reception to follow at The Ridge Club. The couple will live in Huntsville, Texas.

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Thompson-Mobley

Lindsey Ann Thompson and Jesse Hunt Mobley were married March 12 at the Western Beach in Rosemary Beach, Fla. A reception followed at the Western Lawn in Rosemary Beach. Pastor Gene Harris officiated. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Russell Reagor of Memphis, Tenn., and Mr. and Mrs. Kent Ritchie Thompson of Memphis. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Reggie Dale Mobley of Memphis. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Brooke Moskovitz Dowdy and Whitney Scott Smith were matrons of honor. Bridesmaids were Sarah Moody Thompson, sister-in-law of the bride; Christina Lee Mobley, sister of the groom; Margaret Scott McFarland; Kate Collins Sneed; and Lela Crump Smith. Nicki Myers Brock and Libby Taylor Orr were program assistants. Rebecca Strell Roberts was the reader. Flower girls were Charlotte Myers Brock and Lucy McCaa Simon. The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were David Andrew Thompson, brother of the bride; Bradley Joseph Mard; Mark

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JOU RNAL

2011 DECORATORS’ SHOWHOUSE GUIDE

2011 decorators’ showhouse

The Thomas E. Jernigan Residence Mountain Brook April 30-May 15

ShowHouse will be open: Monday-Friday - 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday nights - 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays - 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Due to insurance regulations, no infants or children under 8 years of age are allowed in the ShowHouse. Pre Sale Tickets: $15 through April 29 General Admission Tickets: $20 at the door For more information: 968-7603 Parking: Park and ride shuttle from the Mountain Brook Community Church located on the corner of U.S. Highway 280 East and Dolly Ridge/ Cahaba River Road. Last shuttle leaves one hour before the house closes. No parking allowed at the house.

The Thomas E. Jernigan Home is this year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse. The back of the Thomas in Mountain Brook looks over a three-hole golf course. Photo special to the Journal

Best of Both Worlds

ShowHouse Had Resort Qualities but Was Still Tom Jernigan’s Retreat BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

he 25 rooms and outdoor spaces on display at this year’s showcase have different themes and stories to tell, but if you want to hear the real story of what life was like The designers of the kitchen in the 2011 took one look out the homes Decorators’ windows and found their theme, ShowHouse, you’ll want to page 28. talk to Ed Pyle. Ed is the propAn interior decorator icon erty manager and inspired this bright and inviting groundskeeper bedroom, page 30. of the Mountain Brook estate once Visit a guest suite that will make occupied by the you want to stay a while, page late Thomas E. Jernigan, his wife 32. and their two children. While The living room has timeless Ed has worked at charm fitting for the Thomas E. the estate only for Jernigan Home, page 34. about eight years, he got to know the entrepreneur and philanthropist quite well before Jernigan’s death three years ago, and there’s just about no one who knows

In this section

Ed Pyle is property manager and groundskeeper of the Thomas E. Jernigan Estate. He’s commonly seen driving on the grounds in his club car. Journal photo by Laura McAlister

more about the day-to-day work it takes to keep up the estate. Although Jernigan has passed on, and his family has moved out of the house, Ed is still employed by the estate. “Tom, he just really did things right. He was so exceptional and did so much for people,” Ed said. “I remember he would sit out here on this porch drinking a glass of wine

watching his bird feeders – he especially like hummingbirds – and he’d say, ‘This is the way to live.’ ” It was the way to live for Jernigan and his family from 1987 until his death in 2008. The house was designed in 1966 by George Rust of Rust Engineering. The 20,000-square-foot home that now sits on nearly five acres of land was built by Brice Construction and would take

Opening Gala: The Symphony Volunteer Council Of The Alabama Symphonic Association is hosting the 2011 Decorators’ ShowHouse Opening Gala and 90th Birthday Celebration of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra April 29 from 6-9 p.m. at the Thomas E. Jernigan house. The symphony will perform at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a tour of the house. Attire is cocktail. The event will be catered by B&A Warehouse and entertainment will be provided by Standard Time Jazz Combo. There is no Parking at the Decorators’ ShowHouse. A shuttle service from Mountain Brook Community Church begins at 5 p.m. Reservations are $100 per person. To make a reservation, send your name, address and phone number with a check for the number attending made payable to DSH 2011 to: Mrs. Bob Brown, 4928 Meadow Brook Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35242. Your check is your reservation. For more information call the ShowHouse at 968-7603. Gourmet Dinners: May 6 - Gray Byrum of Echelon Catering at 6 p.m. The cost is $35 per person. May 13 - TBA. Reservations required. Call 968-7603 for more information. Mother’s Day Fiesta by LaPaz Catering - May 8 Combo Taco and Fajita 1-3 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. Reservations are required. Call 968-7603. Featured Events: Salute Our Soldiers Day - May 2. Admission is free with uniform. Fashion Shows – Mondays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Super Sundaes - 1-4 p.m. 19th Hole Beverages and Snacks – Fridays 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 1-3 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m. For more information on this year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse, or for ticket locations and information, visit www. symphonyvolunteercouncil.org. ❖

I remember he would sit out here on this porch drinking a glass of wine watching his bird feeders – he especially like hummingbirds – and he’d say, ‘This is the way to live.’ more than a year to complete. In 1980, Jimmy Filler purchased the home, but it’s Jernigan who made it what it is today. When the former CEO and owner of Marathon Corp. purchased the home, he had it completely renovated – inside and out. “Tom said the house looked like a big hotel,” Ed said. Jernigan hired Henry Moretti, a design consultant and sculptor from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to redesign the home. Moretti’s plan called for lower ceilings, custom woodwork and five Italian marble fireplaces. As for the exterior of the house, the front was reconfigured to include a waterfall and collecting pond. The swimming pool that once extended inside the house was moved completely outside, Ed said. In the back, a loggia and veranda were added to give the home a transitional style with Mediterranean elements. The roof is made with concrete shingles, and the main level sits on a concrete slab. “That house, it’s a bomb shelter,” Ed said.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 27

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– Ed Pyle, property manager

As far as the landscaping, it’s the three-hole golf course designed by Charles Carter of Pell City that really adds to the resort feel of the home. The course was laid out so golfers could tee off in two different directions, making it more like a six-hole course. It took nine months to complete the redesign. But in the end, Jernigan had a home that fit his lifestyle, with lots of outdoor space and plenty of room for entertaining. “This was a busy house,” Ed said. “There were two teenagers in the house and Tom’s wife, Donna. He’d have little golf tournaments out here. He did things right. “He loved football. He’d have maybe 75-80 people here for games. He had a movie theater downstairs and then the den. They really had a good time.” In addition to being an avid golfer, Jernigan was an avid Alabama football fan. UA’s athletic director Mal Moore was even known to visit the Jernigan home, and Ed remembers that former Tide quarterback Kenny Stabler once accompanied the AD.

See ShowHouse, page 36

Hoover, Vestavia Hills or Mountain Brook

“We Have It All” 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 homes are just down the road from The Summit, The Colonnade and great schools. High 600's up. Call Charles (999-9881) or Gary (612-1509).

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. High 300’s Up.

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 feature 3 or 4 bedrooms, slab and basement plans, lots of parking, and a park area with outdoor cooking. 180’s Up.

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Call Maggie at 999-9877 or Jason at 369-5187. Office 985-7171 Ask about our Trade-a-Home Program.

C R E R E A L T Y. C O M

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The Kitchen

Decorators Tammy Heinss and Lisa Freeman took one look out the window and knew their theme for this room would center around the country where golf was born: Scotland.

Tammy Heinss and Lisa Freeman

Decorators Tammy Heinss and Lisa Freeman had lots of countertops and space to fill with the Jernigan kitchen. They chose a Scottish Highlands theme with rich reds, yellows and blues.

Highland Fling BY LAURA MCALISTER

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JOURNAL EDITOR

Journal photos by Emil Wald

Decorators Spice up Kitchen, Breakfast Room with Scottish Flavor

ammy Heinss took one look out the huge kitchen windows of the 2011 Decorators’ ShowHouse and knew exactly what the room’s

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theme should be. “Well, you see this three-hole golf course out the window, and it just reminded me of the Scottish Highlands,” said the Lasso the Moon Interiors decorator. “I thought, how appropriate. It’s where golf originated.” The late Thomas A. Jernigan likely would have found it appropriate, too. He loved golf so much, he had the course built in his backyard, and he was known to travel the world playing the game. He was also known to enjoy leisurely mornings sitting in the breakfast room while a chef prepared gourmet meals in the kitchen using state-of-the art equipment. Heinss and fellow decorator Lisa Freeman with Southern Flair Designs decorated the kitchen and breakfast room of the Jernigan residence for this year’s ShowHouse. With their “Highland Manor” theme, the two used colors common to the Scottish Highlands – rich blues, yellows, greens and reds – and mixed them with both rustic and modern pieces. And true to their design style, many items in the room are custom made. The kitchen was basically a blank slate for the designers, with dark cabinets and granite countertops. It’s one of the larger rooms in the residence, so large that there was room for an 8x11

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 29

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be displayed in the kitchen’s built-in display case. For the actual dining space, the pair chose a round table and paired a custom-made banquette with side chairs for seating. The 60-inch table is topped with a custom-made patterned burlap tablecloth that again incorporates the rich Highlands colors. While Lisa and Tammy both said it was a challenge to fill the large kitchen and breakfast room, both agreed the hardest part was the windows.

“We had no window treatments,” Tammy said. “And there are just so many windows in this room.” In addition to the sheer amount of window space, the designers also were challenged with the fact that the heights of the adjacent windows weren’t even. Thanks to Lisa, they were able to fix the problem while complementing the space and not inhibiting the views of the golf course. Using plastic mesh and poppy-

colored silk, Lisa created valances wide enough to conceal the different heights of the windows. She covered the mesh in a faux finish, giving it a metallic look. The designers added earthy colored beads to the valances to soften the look. The same poppycolored silk fabric was used for the curtains. In the end, the decorators said, the draperies added a bit of elegance to the rustic pieces of the room, which is how the pair imagined their Highlands Manor. ❖

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The Fallow Deer antler chandelier is one of decorator Tammy Heinss’ favorite items in the kitchen. The Fallow Deer is common to Europe and the Scottish Highlands, she said. rug in the entryway. That’s one of Lisa’s favorite pieces in the room. The rug incorporates the rich blues, reds and greens the designers used throughout the space. “I just love how you can stand over here and it looks lighter, and you stand over there, and it’s darker,” Lisa said. “This is really one of my favorites. I think it really wants to come home with me.” As for Tammy, her favorite piece is a toss-up between the Fallow Deer antler chandelier that hangs over the breakfast table and the custom-made wooden sign hanging above the stove. The Fallow Deer is an animal

that’s common to Europe and fit with the Scottish Highlands theme of the room, as does the plaque, which bears a common Irish phrase meaning “a feast is no use without good talk.” “The sign is nothing all that fabulous, but it really ties in the theme. Then seeing the deer over there,” Tammy said, motioning to the breakfast table, “it’s just so European, and it’s used in a different way. It’s not mounted to the wall or anything like that.” Tammy and Lisa brought in modern art to mix with the more rustic pieces. Abstract paintings, again with the Highlands coloring, cover the walls, and Lisa found a glass gallery in Pelham, Dixon-Ballog, whose pieces will

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Bedroom No. 1 Decorator Andrea Carmichael uses interior decorator icon Dorothy Draper to inspire her look for what is dubbed Bedroom No. 1 at the Decorators’ ShowHouse.

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n the ShowHouse guidebook, the space decorated by Andrea Carmichael and Providence Paulin is blandly described as “Bedroom #1.” Much more descriptive is Andrea’s name for the bedroom: “Dorothy Draper Meets 21st Century.” If the only Drapers you’re familiar with are Don and Betty from the TV show “Mad Men,” you’re on the wrong track. When it comes to clothes, the fictional Drapers are always beautifully turned out. When it comes to the décor of their early 1960s home – yikes. Dorothy Draper was a horse of a different color – lots of color. In 1923, she established the first interior design company in the U.S. The originator of the Modern Baroque style, she used vivid colors in combinations that, up until then, hadn’t been seen in polite company. She was dramatic, daring and innovative. And she was the perfect muse for the Andrea Carmichael, Inc., team. “We admired her timeless

style and felt it was reflective of us,” said Andrea, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers. “She had such a strong use of color aligned with a bit of bright whimsy.” This year’s ShowHouse, said Andrea, “suits itself well to her style. It has a more modern flair but needed some added architectural interest.” To create that interest in the main-level bedroom, Andrea and Providence hung panels on either side of the bed. Dressed up with applied wood moldings and a shell motif, the panels are a nod to Draper, who loved elaborate plaster designs and moldings. Fabrics, too, reflect Draper’s passion for color, starting with the sunny yellow and white material of the bed ‘s upholstered headboard. On an armless chair near the windows, Neo-baroque fabric is patterned with light blue flowers on a brown background. Instead of painting the walls a neutral shade, Andrea chose to light them up with bright yellow. More liveliness comes from blue vintage Murano glass lamps on the night tables. Draper had a penchant for mixing styles, and so does Andrea,

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QUICK LOOK: The Dining Room

he dining room was designed by Robin McCorquodale with Castle Creations, and the theme is “Remembrance of St. Andrews.” The furnishings match the classical architectural design of the room. Journal photo by Emil Wald Andrea added modern pieces into her room with this contemporary desk and chair. She also included a custom-made pet bed with a mansard top, blue striped drapery and a valance.

who incorporated a contemporary desk and a Neoclassical Italian chest into her design plan. “The desktop is recycled glass and cement, and it was made here in Alabama,” she said. “Hundreds of pounds of glass were used to make it.” Fanciful touches include white floor lamps with “petals” sprouting from the posts plus a place for a family’s most pampered member. “We have a wonderful pet bed,” said Andrea. “We love pets, and we make custom beds for them. This one has a mansard top, blue striped drapery and a valance.” Andrea, who is a licensed contractor as well as a decorator, said her carpenters “revised” a large white cabinet in the room. “It had good bones, but we added panels and a new base, made it taller and reworked the doors,” she said. “We also made the wooden bed surround, a nice departure from the average dust ruffle.” In the adjoining bathroom, Andrea hung handmade paper flowers and photos on the wall. The star of the display is a period photograph of her own beautiful aunt. Like Dorothy Draper, Andrea doesn’t hesitate when it comes to

making a bold design statement. “Remember,” she said, “that the drab age is over.” ❖

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The Guest Suite

RECOMMENDED BY pretty much, almost, EVERYONE. 96% of our customers would refer The Maids to friends or family.

Perry Umphrey

Decorator Perry Umphrey wanted guests in this suite to feel like they were at a contemporary European hotel. He mixed traditional items with more modern pieces to complete the look of the room.

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Referred for a reason.

Decorator Perry Umphrey painted the walls a cool robin’s-egg blue and used cream and chocolate accents throughout the guest suite. He encourages visitors to pay attention to the details in this space. For instance, the lamp shade is covered with primary blue, hand-applied sand, and there’s even a tiny crystal bird perched on the edge. Journal photos by Emil Wald

How Suite It Is

Perry Umphrey Transforms Guest Suite into European-Style Retreat

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www.kennethmcgilldesigns.com Birmingham Al 205 401 0910. Navarre FL 850 221 0899

BY DONNA CORNELIUS

JOURNAL FEATURES WRITER

here’s only one negative about Perry Umphrey’s guest quarters: Your company may never want to leave. Umphrey, a ShowHouse veteran, transformed three connecting rooms on the house’s lowest level into inviting quarters designed to accommodate visitors for an extended stay. “I knew my ideas would work only by taking on all three rooms,” said Umphrey. “It made more sense to treat the area as one space.” The designer turned to his own experiences for inspiration. “You’re in Mountain Brook, Alabama, but I wanted this to feel as if it were a hotel suite in Barcelona or Paris,” he said. “When you walk into a nice hotel suite in this country, you’re likely to see antiques and a traditional look. “When I took a Mediterranean cruise, I stayed in European hotels that were more contemporary, with clean lines and colors and more architectural in feel.” Umphrey used variations of blue as the palette for all three rooms – a sitting area with builtin-bar, bedroom and living room. Walls are a cool robin’s-egg shade accented by cream, chocolate

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brown, celadon and teal. “I wanted to do things a little quirky – imagine that!” said Umphrey, who’s well known for his never-ordinary designs. “Rarely do people do a strictly contemporary or traditional look. Most rooms are more eclectic.” The trick to mixing time-honored and trendy elements, he said, is “to start with a base of one style – here, it’s clean and contemporary – and then add to it.” ShowHouse visitors need only look into the bedroom to see a successful marriage of styles. On the Ethan Allen bed, crisp white linens are decidedly classic, but the designer threw some deep brown fuzzy pillows into the mix. timepiece walks itself off the bed An ornate full-length mirror that and onto the floor if you fail to would be at home in any formal respond to the snooze alarm. room leans against a wall; close In the bathroom that adjoins by are two stark metal stools and the bedroom, clouds are painted a sleek glass and chrome table. on the walls rather than on “Nothing’s matchy-matchy, the ceiling – another twist to and there’s tons of texture,” Umphrey’s � design plan. Umphrey said. All these elements prompted �� Don’t miss the details through- the designer to offer some advice out the suite. In the living room, to ShowHouse visitors. a lampshade is covered with “Don’t rush through the primary blue, hand-applied sand. rooms,” he said. “Stop and look And look closely: You’ll see a under things and around corners. tiny crystal bird perched on the You never know what you’ll edge of the shade. find.” ❖ In the sitting area, a glasstopped table is surrounded by four leather chairs – two brown and �� two cream-colored. The table’s base is covered in snakeskin �� paper. Also in this room is Perry’s �� “pet,” a decoupaged dog that adds a touch of fun – and who doesn’t need feeding or walking. Side tables throughout the suite are of varied materials – wooden, ceramic and glass. On one bed�� side table, you’ll find a turquoise �� Clocky. The much-in-demand ��

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 33

HOME Perry mixes contemporary and traditional styles throughout the guest suite. In the bedroom, the Ethan Allen bed has classic white linen sheets accented with modern fuzzy brown pillows. An ornate full-length mirror would be at home in almost any room.

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Appleseed Workshop

Appleseed Workshop is a Design Build company founded by Ben Strout and Michael Gibson, while attending Auburn University’s School of Architecture. What began as two friends making furniture and building kitchens has grown into a residential and commercial construction company that has been awarded two American Institute of Architecture Awards and have been featured in almost every major publication in Birmingham for their residential work and creativity inside existing spaces. The heart of the company is a desire to provide a one of a kind experience for every client. Appleseed designs the project and builds the project. Another option is they can build

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ings) right here in Birmingham in their 6000 sq ft shop. If you are thinking about a project call us at 205 789 1518 or email us at mike@appleseedworkshop. com. If you are in our neighborhood, you can visit the new ofﬁce at 409 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South, in downtown Birmingham. Before you spend one more minute planning for that renovation or new home, treat yourself right. You deserve the Appleseed experience, all you have to do is call.

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34 • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

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The Living Room

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Nancy Gowens and her team from Issis & Sons wanted the living room to take visitors back to a time of elegant sophistication. They chose timeless pieces that would last for generations.

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The living room is one of the largest rooms in the house. Issis & Sons filled the room with timeless furniture along with carefully chosen accessories like a Norwegian glass bowl and candlesticks inlaid with marble. The rug is a handmade Oushak in soft muted colors. Journal photos by Emil Wald

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JOURNAL FEATURES WRITER

hen Nancy Gowens and her team from Issis & Sons walked through the empty ShowHouse living room, they immediately recognized the potential of the expansive space. ”It’s the largest room in the house,” said Nancy, the company’s operations manager, “and we saw its grandeur. The house itself is classic and tasteful, and we wanted the room to reflect that.” The Issis & Sons decorators hope ShowHouse visitors will feel as if they’ve returned to a time of, as Nancy said, “elegant sophistication, when things were calm and manners were manners.” “We wanted the room to be simple and understated,” she said. To that end, they filled the room not only with furniture pieces that should last for generations but with carefully-chosen accessories, like a striking Norwegian glass bowl and candlesticks inlaid with marble. You’d expect Issis & Sons to provide a beautiful rug, and you won’t be disappointed by the handmade Oushak in soft, muted colors. The mansion-sized rug has a Turkish design.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 35

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Above: A Sherrill game table is set with chess pieces in a corner of the room. Right: A secretary offers not only a place for business but also storage and display space. “Each knot is hand-tied,” said Nancy. The company now offers not only rugs but furniture, lamps, paintings, fabrics and decorative items – everything, according to Nancy, “from ceiling to floor.” “We’re also fortunate to have a great staff of interior decorators,” Nancy said. “Their services are complimentary when you buy furniture.” In the room are elements that are sophisticated but still inviting, including a curved Queen Anne-style sofa from E.J. Victor. Its design was inspired by a pair of large sofas acquired by Southern gentleman J. Edgar Monroe for Rosecliff, his Newport mansion, in the 1940s. Equally comfortable is a stylish high-backed chair in soft chocolate-brown leather. Two upholstered settees with handcarved frames are reproductions of antique French pieces. On the wall opposite the fireplace is an impressive walnut library cabinet patterned after a 16th century Venetian bookcase. “The pilasters are handcarved,” said Nancy. “This really has the quality of a longterm heirloom.” Two other pieces are beautifully made but still functional for those who use the room. A stately secretary offers storage and display space but is enlivened with a mirrored inset and doors. In one corner, a Sherrill game table is set with gleaming chess pieces. In the fireplace are stylized hand-forged irons from Italy. On the mantel, a landscape painting leans against a mirror that reflects the room. The decorators wanted to avoid a “heavy” look not just for design purposes but for practical reasons. Although glass doors open onto the loggia, that outdoor space is covered, so “there’s not a lot of natural light,” said Nancy.

But there’s plenty of light – and lots of bright ideas – in Issis & Sons’ living room. “We wanted clean lines, taste – a new elegance,” Nancy said. “We wanted to tie all the pieces together for an experience rather than just décor.” ❖

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HOME

QUICK LOOK: The Foyer

hen entering the Thomas E. Jernigan home, you’ll be greeted with the timeless elegance that sets the tone for this year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse. The foyer was decorated by Libby Greene of Libby Greene Interiors. Fine antiques are paired with modern accents creating a combination that is classic and fresh. The existing marble floor pairs nicely with the antiques that date back to the 1800s. Journal photo by Emil Wald

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ShowHouse from page 27 Often during the visits, Ed said, Jernigan was being approached about giving to a certain cause, and give he did, quietly. “He was very humble,” Ed said. “He was always helping people and giving. He had a closet full of plaques that he didn’t want anyone to see. He just enjoyed giving. He was a really gracious person.” Another thing Jernigan enjoyed was travel. He had homes in North Carolina and Palm Springs, Fla., as well as a private jet and yacht. Ed said ShowHouse decorators weren’t allowed to remove Jernigan’s world map on the hallway outside the kitchen. The map covers most of the wall; on the opposite wall is a digital map displaying time zones throughout the world. “When they started (the ShowHouse), they started to take that down,” Ed said of Jernigan’s world map. “I said ‘No, that would be a sin.’ ” Though Jernigan was known to grab some of his golfing buddies from the Country Club of Birmingham to fly south for a few rounds of golf on a moment’s notice, it was at home and work where he liked being most. Jernigan would start his day with breakfast prepared by his chef, Ed said. “Tom would sit there in the kitchen watching the news and reading the paper while the chef prepared his breakfast,” he said. “Then, the chef would fix his lunch and deliver it to his office. You see, Tom had a full kitchen in his office, but he didn’t want the whole place smelling.” In addition to a chef and property manager and groundskeeper, the Jernigans also employed two full-time housekeepers. Ed had about four people working under him. The household, he said, needed every one of its employees at the time. To get an idea how large the estate is – and how active the family was while there – Ed said the average power bill was $4,000; in the summer, it was more like $6,000. The water bill could exceed $2,000 a month. As Ed said, it was a busy house, but things changed after Jernigan’s death. The family moved out, and the house is now for sale. Ed’s staff has dwindled to about half of what it used to be, but there’s still plenty to do, especially during the growing season, and especially with the Decorators’ ShowHouse set to open in just a few days. The ShowHouse will kick off April 29 with an Opening Gala, which will also celebrate the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s 90th anniversary. Then the home will be open from April 30-May 15 for tours. ❖

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QUICK LOOK: The Library

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 37

COMING MAY 5: Take a look outside of the 2011 Decorators’ ShowHouse in our next issue. This fiveacre estate has lots to offer outdoors.

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ecorator Brackey Stewart’s room embraces warmth and elegance with its soft tones of beige, bronze and brown. A mix of old and new furniture gives the room a fresh, classic design. The walls are covered in a fabric, which is original to the Thomas E. Jernigan House. The room is anchored by a hand-painted cabinet that houses everything from books to collectibles. An inviting velvet chair and ottoman serve as a comfortable spot to kickback and cozy up with a good book. This room is not just for relaxing, though. A 1900’s French table and wingback chair serve as a work station in the room. Journal photos by Emil Wald

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38 • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

SCHOOLS

OTM Students, Schools Work on Worthy Causes

Brookwood Forest Elementary team members who will participate in the Autism Society of Alabama’s fundraising walk include, from left: Carolyn Smith, Kat Smith, Lyndy Smith, Michelle Hale, Stephanie Cook, Abby Davis, Kathleen Davis, Flynn Davis, Ryan Davis, Dan Gilliland, Henley Hager, Robert Dillard, Louise Griffin, Jerry the Frog, Remy Cron, Bama Hager, Randy Cron, Susan Foster, Claire Tynes, Tracy Cron, John Morgan Rowlen and Kim Rowlen. Photo special to the Journal

BWF Forms Autism Walk Team

Several Brookwood Forest Elementary families affected by autism spectrum disorder formed a team in preparation for the Autism Society of Alabama’s fundraising walk April 30 at Regions Park. The Brookwood Forest volunteers will walk and participate in the event to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders, which affect about one in every 100 children. BWF families participating include the Smith, Davis, Hager, Dillard, Cron, and Rowlen families. The school’s special education staff members supporting the walk are Michelle Hale, Stephanie Cook, Dan Gilliland, Louise Griffin, Melisa Suttle, Susan Foster, Claire Tynes, Martee Hewitt, Andrea Chapura and Becky Hendrick.

Working at the stand were, from left, front: Caleb Harwell, Taylor Harwell, Haley Garrett and Sam Garrett. Middle row: Ben Garrett, Maddie Robison and Madalyn Walton. Back: Austin Harwell.

VHEE Students Make a ‘Stand’ for Japan Several Vestavia Hills

Kendall Huynh and Benjy Ly raised money for the American Red Cross’ relief efforts in Japan by setting up a chip stand in Hoover.

Photo special to the Journal

Elementary East students and their siblings raised money for Japanese relief with a lemonade stand. Proceeds were donated to Samaritan’s Purse to aid Japan relief efforts after the country’s recent earthquake and tsunami.

Students Team Up to Help Japan

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After seeing the devastation caused by Japan’s recent tsunami, two sixth graders were moved to action. Benjy Ly, an 11-year-old Briarwood Christian School student, and Kendall Huynh, a 12year-old Berry Middle School student, spent a recent weekend raising money for the American Red Cross at a chip stand they set up near their parents’ business in Hoover. They set up their stand in a shopping center off Alabama 31 and created signs asking drivers to “honk if you love Japan.” The chips were given away for free, and Benjy and Kendall asked people to consider donating to the American Red Cross. The project raised almost $520 for the Red Cross to help with relief efforts.

Homewood High Is Banner School

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Homewood High School has been selected as a CLAS (Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools) Banner School, an award given to schools with outstanding educational programs that serve as models for other Alabama schools. HHS was nominated by Bill Cleveland, Homewood City Schools superintendent. Principal Kevin Maddox completed the application. The school serves 961 students. A panel of educators selected the school as one of 13 winning programs from 130 nominations from across the state. As a banner school, Homewood High School will make a brief presentation about its exemplary program, The Movement, at the CLAS annual recognition luncheon in Montgomery The Movement, a studentcentered physical education program, includes classroom instruction focused on the individual student, prevention and rehabilitation for athletes, adapted programs for students with special needs and employee wellness programs. The Movement has been successful in involving a variety of participants and has been recognized at the national, state, and local levels. Maddox and Cleveland will also be recognized at the luncheon and presented with a CLAS banner to display in the school.

HHS Physics Team Wins State Title

The Homewood High School physics team won first place in the public school division and also defeated all private schools at the annual state competition at the University of Alabama. Burke Smith and Elizabeth Gauntt finished third and fourth

in the individual competition and were both offered full scholarships. Letters of recognition written by Gov. Robert Bentley were sent to both students and to Will Johnston and Hannah Mae Robinson for their outstanding performances. The team is coached by AP Physics teacher Zack Lindsey.

Berry Student Wins Geographic Bee

Daniel Picard, a sixth grader at Berry Middle School in Hoover, won first place in the State Geographic Bee at Samford University April 1. Picard correctly answered “Iraq” to the question: “Basra, which is connected to the northwestern end of the Persian Gulf by the Shatt al Arab, is the principal Daniel Picard port in what country?” to win a tie-breaker in the championship round. He received a $100 cash prize, a digital set of National Geographic issues dating to 1888 and an all-expenses paid trip to represent Alabama in the national finals in Washington, D.C., May 25-26. The championship round of the national finals will air on the National Geographic Channel. He is the son of Michele and Lee Picard. Alabama’s top 100 geography students, all in grades four through eight, competed in the event. Competitors qualified by winning contests in their schools and placing among the top 100 scorers in the state on a test administered by the National Geographic Society. They represented schools in 26 Alabama counties. ❖

The Homewood High School physics team celebrated its state championship at Dreamland in Tuscaloosa. Photo special to the Journal

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Accepting the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School Award are from left: Father John Fallon, pastor; Katie King, assistant principal; Steve O’Brien, director of assessments BRSE; and Connie Angstadt, principal. Photo special to the Journal

Prince of Peace Earns Blue Ribbon Award

Prince of Peace Catholic School in Hoover has been designated to receive the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School Award from Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc. (BRSE). The program identifies and selects schools based on excellent performances in each of nine major categories: Student Focus and Support; School Organization and Culture; Challenging Standards and Curriculum; Active Teaching and Learning; Technology Integration; Professional Community; Leadership and Educational Vitality; School, Family, and Community Partnerships; and Indicators of Success. Assessments were completed by school administrators and faculty, parents, students and BRSE staff using the organization’s Blueprint for Excellence. Dr. Steve O’Brien, BRSE director of assessments, conducted an on-site assessment of the school. In his comments about Prince of Peace, O’Brien cited the student-focused environment, visual and performing arts programs, differentiated instruction, integrated middle school curriculum and the bright, clean facility as standout assets of the school.

Students at Homewood elementary schools, including these Edgewood students, explored South America in a big way -- with one of the world’s largest maps of the continent. The South American map, designed for grades K-8, measures 35 feet by 26 feet and weighs 102 pounds. It’s part of National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Maps program, organized by National Geographic Live, the public programming division of the National Geographic Society.

“The faculty seems to be highly motivated, committed to the school and willing to work beyond what would normally be expected to help the student succeed,” he said. Prince of Peace will be honored in an awards ceremony at the annual Blue Ribbon Schools Blueprint for Excellence Conference in December. Established in 2000, the school currently educates more than 350 students in preschool, elementary and middle school programs. For more information on the school, contact the office at 824-7886 or www.popcatholic.org.

Mt. Brook Debaters Make District Squad

Six Mountain Brook High School debaters recently competed in Congressional Debate at Spain Park High School to qualify for the national championships in Dallas in June. The Deep South District is made up of more than 24 high schools from Alabama and Tennessee; each team is allowed limited entries in the Congress. In all, 56 students vied for four spots to the national championship. Mountain Brook senior Mims Windham and sophomore Philippa Straus made the district squad and will represent their school and state at the national

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 39

tournament. Windham qualified in the Senate; Straus qualified in the House. First alternates for the district team from Mountain Brook were junior Alex Cordover and senior Lee Quinn, both in the House. Mountain Brook senior Charlie Hartley placed fifth overall in the Senate. This will be the first national championship for both Straus and Windham. They join fellow MBHS students Lee Quinn, Evan McCarty and Wyatt Moorer, who previously qualified in other events.

OLS School Has ‘Dino Day’

Dinosaurs roamed the halls at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School March 11 as second grade students celebrated “Dino Day” by parading through the school with their homemade dinosaur creations. As a part of their science curriculum, which included the study of dinosaurs and fossils, students used items such as recycled materials, clay, clothes and paper to make their own dinosaurs to display. They wore papier-mâché dinosaur masks made in art class. Each child researched a dinosaur and created a PowerPoint presentation about it. The students also participated in other activities, including an educational session about dinosaurs by the McWane Science Center, fossil cleaning, imprint making, amber polishing and dinosaur arts and crafts.

Second graders Riley Vicinanzo, left, and Eleanor Kyle celebrated “Dino Day” as they paraded through Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School with their homemade dinosaur creations.

Photo special to the Journal

Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Program honors students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The National Achievement Scholarship Program honors academically talented AfricanAmerican high school students. Both programs are conducted by the National Merit

Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and awarded, in part, on the students’ outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Finalists remain in the running for NMSC scholarships numbering in the millions of dollars that will be offered later this spring and summer. ❖

ISS Students Are Scholarship Finalists

Six Indian Springs School seniors have been selected as finalists in prestigious national scholarship competitions. Caroline Choy, Jeff Liu, Larry Liu and Blake Senn, all of Birmingham, are finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program competition. Choy, along with Seth Appiah-Opoku of Tuscaloosa and Andrea Mayo of Birmingham, are finalists in the National Achievement

Scholarship finalists at Indian Springs School are, from left: Caroline Choy, Andrea Mayo, Larry Liu, Blake Senn, Jeff Liu and Seth AppiahOpoku. Photo special to the Journal

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Photo special to the Journal

2011 OTMJ eighth-pg_BSC.indd 1

2/7/2011 4:34:03 PM

40 • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

SCHOOLS

Vestavia Students Quiz Miss Alabama

Liberty Park Middle School media specialist Jean Deal, in back, asked students to design bookmarks for a contest. Winners included, from left: Olivia Medley, Frankie Rivera and Avery Baker. Photo special to the Journal

LPMS Students Design Bookmarks

Jean Deal, Liberty Park Middle School media specialist, recently hosted a bookmark contest to celebrate the National Education Association’s project “Read Across America.” Students were asked to design bookmarks illustrating their favorite books or to promote reading. The winner was seventh grader Avery Baker. As part of the award, Avery’s bookmark was copied, laminated and distributed at the library. Honorable mention awards went to seventh graders Logan Holyfield and Frankie Rivera and sixth grader Olivia Medley.

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Simmons Students Learn Art of Origami

Students on team 6-2 in Phyllis Scott’s sixth grade classes at Simmons Middle School were treated to a lesson in origami. Erik Cebrian, a student on the team, demonstrated this art of paper folding to his classmates. Students followed step by step directions from Cebrian and made a swan. Cebrian ended his presentation by telling a story about a little girl with leukemia who learned how to fold paper into a swan. The lesson was part of the team’s study of geometry.

Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights was one of five schools visited by Miss Alabama 2010 Ashley Davis as part of “Learning the Wonderful Works of Water,” an educational program launched last year by the Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham. The program teaches students about water as it relates to science and includes topics such as the water cycle, water treatment, drought and the history of the Birmingham Water Works Board. About 60 students participated in “Are You Water Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” The interactive game is designed to test the students’ knowledge of water. Davis was quizzed on material the students have studied during the school year. Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragosa also attended.

Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights students participating in the Birmingham Water Works “Learning the Wonderful World of Water” with Miss Alabama 2010 Ashley Davis, in back, were from left: Luci Smitherman, Earl Bradberry, Emily Price, Birmingham Water Works communications manager Binnie Myles, Evan Greer, Averie Plugge, Cole Snyder. Photo special to the Journal

MBHS Students Earn Forensic Rank

Mountain Brook High School students Evan McCarty and Lee Quinn have earned the National Forensic League’s degree of Premier Distinction, the honor society’s highest student degree. A degree of Premier Distinction reflects sustained excellence in classroom activities, competition rounds and service projects. Students may earn points in six categories: speech, debate, congress, service, district and national. Only about 400 students out of NFL’s 112,000 student members receive the degree each year. The National Forensic League promotes high school and middle school speech and debate activities as a means to develop a student’s essential life skills and values. Members include high school and middle school students representing more than 2,800 high schools and nearly 100 middle schools.

St. Francis Xavier School students who won awards at the Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair were, from left: David Whaley, Hanna Becerra, Breanna McPherson, Sami Sinak, and Andrew Ramey. Photo special to the Journal of fat content in milk. Other students receiving recognition were sixth grader Samantha Sinak, who won honorFive middle school stuable mention in the engineering dents from St. Francis Xavier category and Most Outstanding School placed in the Central Exhibit in Materials Science for Alabama Regional Science and her project, “Thermal Properties Engineering Fair March 5 at of Containers”; eighth grader the University of Alabama at Breanna McPherson, honorable Birmingham. mention in the engineering catSeventh grader David Whaley egory for her project, “Bridges: placed third in the engineerWeights and Deflection;” and ing category with his project, seventh grader Andrew Ramey, “Cracking Domes,” which examhonorable mention in environined the effects of temperatures on domed structures. Sixth grader mental and earth sciences for his project, “The Effectiveness of Hanna Becerra placed third in Chemical vs. Biological Response the chemistry category with her Techniques on Oil Spills.” ❖ project, “2% Fat in your Milk,” which examined the consistency

St. Francis Students Take Honors at Fair

Having fun with origami were Simmons Middle School sixth graders, from left: Patrick Thomas, Zack Woodruff, Parker Alspach, student instructor Erik Cebrian, Derek Cebrian and Sam Ollie.

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

Scout Troop 119 members from Greystone Elementary, Berry Middle, Spain Park High, Oak Mountain Middle, Oak Mountain High and Our Lady of the Valley recently participated in a bridging ceremony at Somerby at St. Vincent’s 119 for Webelos II bridging to the troop. Troop 119 meets at The Church at Brook Hills and has partnered with the seniors at Somerby at St. Vincent’s 119 for many events. Photo special to the Journal

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SCHOOL

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 41

42 • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

SPORTS

Baseball, from back cover

Hoover Claims North Shelby Championship

The second grade Hoover Bucs recently won the North Shelby Basketball Association regular season and tournament titles. The team beat Vestavia 32-15 in the tournament championship game. Team members are: Sam Tolbert, Marcus Williams, Michael Scott Myers, Zach Tucker, Josh Lundy, Brandon Baker, Brody Moss and Colby Carter. The Bucs were coached by Joseph Lundy, head coach and David Tucker, assistant coach.

Red Tide Wins League Title

The Red Tide, finished 140 on the season, winning both the regular season and the season-ending tournament titles, in the Mountain Brook recreation league third grade girls basketball Front row: Fraley Williams, Blaire Clanton and Laura Center. Middle row: Ann Vandevelde, Rosemary Lee, Liz Vandevelde, Lilly Rowe, Lizzie Cooper. Back row: Coach Liz Lee

Coaches,

son, she guided Oak Mountain to the Elite Eight. “It’s been two of the best years from back cover of my coaching career,” said Richardson. “The school asked 2010-11. me to turn the program around, Meanwhile, another near-legand we did that.” endary area coach was calling it �� Richardson coached Pelham � quits. Tammy Richardson, who �� to two state championships and �� spent 26 years at Pelham before �� two runner-up finishes in�the coming out of retirement to take �� 1980s and 1990s. She ends her over the volleyball program at career with a sterling 1,233-483 Oak Mountain, announced she mark, ranking her as the thirdwas retiring for good. winningest high school coach in Richardson almost immediAlabama history. ately turned the Lady Eagles into The coaches who follow Moon winners, taking them to a 57-19 record and a berth in the Class�� 6A and Richardson will have large shoes to fill. They not only were finals in 2010. The previous sea-

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outstanding in their coaching skills but were also great ambassadors for their schools – and sports – in the community. Moon and Richardson join a line of other outstanding coaches and people – former Oak Mountain football coach Jerry Hood and former Homewood coach Dickey Wright – who have chosen to move on from this area. As quality coaches have left, there is one who has returned to the Birmingham area, but not for the reason he might have intended. It was learned a couple of weeks ago that former Hoover football coach Rush Propst is battling cancer. Propst, who has spent the last three years coaching at Colquitt County High School in Georgia, is being treated at UAB’s Cancer Center. His ordeal began with an operation to remove a growth on his neck in early January. Later that month, the growth was judged to be malignant.

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night ended. “I’m 34 years old,” he said, smiling. “But I feel like I’m going on 84.” The second game win was the Jaguars 30th victory of the season, against just nine losses. In the first game, Alex Close earned the win for Spain Park. Close had two RBIs in the first inning that sent the Jags on the way to victory. Spain Park’s dramatic pair of wins over Vestavia was a microcosm of the Jaguars’ season. Vestavia had beaten Spain Park 8-3 just two days earlier, setting the stage for Thursday’s epic confrontation. The Rebels needed only one win that day to earn the area crown, but the Jaguars produced when the stakes were highest. “After we lost the first game, we had to forget about it and move on,” said Smith. “We couldn’t do anything about losing after the game was over. Everything had to be focused on the games in front of us.” Spain Park’s power potential was shown in a weekend double header sweep of Hazel Green, where the Jaguars scored 29 runs in two games against the hapless Trojans. Pitcher/first baseman Alex Close hit two home runs and drove in seven runs in the two-game set. Outfielder Marks Abernathy had six RBIs in the two games. Centerfielder/ catcher Carter White had two doubles and three RBIs in the second game. Hoover also clinched a championship that night. The Bucs defeated Pelham 4-2 to earn the Class 6A Area 10 championship. Patrick Conway’s three-run home run was Hoover’s big scoring thrust. Pitcher Matt Barnes held the Panthers to seven hits while striking out three.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The win raised Hoover’s record to 21-15 overall and, more importantly, 5-1 in area play. “At the beginning of the year, we weren’t on anybody’s radar,” said Hoover coach Rick Davis, whose team spent much of the early part of the season with a record near the .500 mark. “We knew if we could put together some pitching that we’d have a chance to be pretty good.” And Barnes produced that effort in the win over Pelham. Youth was served in Briarwood’s 12-2 rout of Chelsea, as sophomore Daniel Robert went five for five, including a home run, two RBIs and three runs to give the Lions the Class 5A Area 7 championship. Briarwood exploded for 10 unanswered runs after the Hornets had scored two in the top of the second inning to tie the score at 2-2. Robert broke things open in the fourth when he parked a Chelsea pitch over the right field fence. The home plate umpire called the shot a foul ball, but the first base umpire intervened and ruled it a home run. Briarwood closed the day with 17 hits. Coach Steve Renfroe credited the batters at the end of the batting lineup for helping turn the tide in the Lions’ favor. “Our seven-eight-nine guys got hits after Chelsea got back in the game,” said Renfroe. “That was big.” Will Brown got the win after pitching five and one-third innings. Cameron Adams picked up the last two outs. Spain Park, Hoover and Briarwood may have all claimed area championships, but they know their battles are just beginning. There are tough post-season games on the way – some against the very foes they defeated to earn area titles. But for now, the Jaguars, Bucs and Lions look like the teams to beat.

Propst also had surgeries to remove a cancerous tonsil and a cancerous lymph node in February. He is now in Birmingham for a series of radiation treatments. Propst produced incredible success at Hoover – a 110-13 record and five Class 6A state championships – but was in the center of endless controversies before being forced out late in 2007. At Colquitt County, Propst took a weak program and brought on-the-field success – without the controversy. He took Colquitt County to the state championship game in his third season. Propst hopes to be back at Colquitt County by mid-May, just as football spring practice is underway. But Propst also insists he is a changed man, and he says the change took place before the cancer diagnosis. The hard-driving coach said he recommitted his life to Jesus Christ in the summer of 2009. “I was out of control,” said Propst, talking about his final years at Hoover. “I may have been on top of the world professionally, but I wasn’t on top of it personally or spiritually. “I’ve gotten forgiveness from God, and now I want to seek forgiveness from anybody I’ve ever wronged or caused to think of me in a negative light. I hope they

can forgive me.” There is no reason to doubt Propst’s sincerity. One thing that his staunchest supporters and severest critics agreed on was that the man did everything he attempted at 100 percent velocity. If Propst says he is a changed man, I have no reason to doubt him. Although he was often his own worst enemy at Hoover, I always thought that many of the slings and arrows tossed at him were unfair or tinged by jealousy or hypocrisy. A few years ago, at the peak of Propst’s off-the-field problems, a popular coach in Metro Birmingham who knows him well told me: “Rush isn’t as bad a guy as some people think, and I’m not as good a guy as some people think.” Propst certainly made his share of mistakes at Hoover, but it’s past time to forgive him and move on. And I wonder, would a high school in this area ever ask Propst to return to his home state and build its football program? I don’t know. I’m not even sure if Propst would be interested in returning to the community where he left such a monumental impact. But if a school is looking for a proven winner with a compelling life story that young men could learn from, it could do a lot worse than hiring Rush Propst.

Roundup,

two RBIs. Walley had a hit and two RBIs, and Nichols had two hits and three RBIs. Oak Mountain defeated Hazel Green 4-3. Leah Reeve hit a home run and a single with two RBIs to lead the Lady Eagles. Caroline Seitz added two hits and an RBI. Ace pitcher Nicole Kerr ran her record to 14-2 by striking out seven Hazel Green batters. Oak Mountain raised its mark to 26-9. In baseball, newly-crowned

from back cover

The Cavs’ Reece Holcombe (9) and the Lions’ Briarwood Zachary Bekken (3) in action last week. Flach each had two hits for the Patriots. Wilson Jamison had a pair of hits for the Spartans. Reliever Nolan Stevens got the win for Homewood. Bad weather wiped out Friday night’s schedule, so many games were made up the following day. In girls’ soccer Saturday, Altamont shut out Indian Springs 20. Karmen Gaines scored two goals and Emily Taylor had eight saves as the Lady Knights upset ISS. In softball, Hoover took one win in the Pelham Round-Robin Tournament. The Lady Bucs edged Cherokee County 2-1, as pitcher Harper earned her 20th win of the season. She struck out 15 while yielding two hits. Harper also had an RBI, scoring Madison Dickey, who had hit a triple. Abbey Walker had two hits. Madeline Walley scored the gamewinning run. But Hoover also fell to Pell City 3-1 and Tuscaloosa County 7-6. Against the Lady Panthers, Mary Catherine Nichols got the Lady Bucs’ only hit. Against Tuscaloosa County, Harper had three hits, including a two-run home run. Kasey Weaver had three hits and

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Top-ranked Vestavia Hills had few problems in a 6-0 rout of Pelham. Jack Hopkins scored two goals for the Rebels, while Islam Karimor, Andrew Collins, Tucker Freeman and Nate Dauphin each scored one. Goalie Marvin Castanellos had two saves for Vestavia. The Rebels moved their overall record to 24-0. In girls’ soccer Thursday, Hoover overwhelmed Pelham 7-0. Savannah Otte scored three goals and Connor Mackie scored two goals for the Lady Bucs. Kerri Reynolds and Whitney Crabb each scored one. Andrea Watwood made two saves for Hoover, and Amber Watwood added one. In softball, Marcy Harper pitched a one-hitter while striking out 12, as Hoover whipped Pelham 4-0. Harper helped her own cause with a two-run homer in the first inning. Kasey Weaver and Abbey Walker each had an RBI for the Lady Bucs, who raised their overall record to 26-12. Spain Park upended Vestavia Hills 6-2, as pitcher Channing Haynes earned her 17th win of the year. DeKayla Sankey had three hits, and Hannah Camp added two. Kelsey Brown had two hits and an RBI for the Lady Rebels, while Sydney Cooper drove in another run for Vestavia. Taylor Moon struck out five in the losing cause. The Lady Jags moved their record to 24-9; Vestavia fell to 2611 overall. In an epic slugfest, Shades Mountain Christian outscored Indian Springs 26-16. Anna Raco led the winners with three hits, four runs and five RBIs. Angel Jenkins had three hits, four runs and five RBIs. Brooke Sloan had four hits, three runs scored and two RBIs. Maranda Berry had two hits for ISS. Thompson defeated Oak Mountain 3-2. Anne Thomaston had a triple and RBI for the Lady Eagles. Leah Reeve took the loss, despite striking out six Lady Warrior batters. Gardendale handled Mountain Brook 5-2. Neil McDonald had two hits for the Lady Spartans. Briarwood fell to Mortimer Jordan 2-1. Ashlyn Boyd had an RBI single. Linley Spawn struck out three while taking the loss for the Lady Lions. In Thursday baseball, Oak Mountain clinched a playoff berth in Class 6A Area 10 with a 4-2 nailbiter over Thompson. Eagle pitcher Robby Clements pitched a complete game, allowing only one earned run along with seven hits and a walk. Second baseman Richard Greene led Oak Mountain’s offense with two hits, an RBI and run scored. Oak Mountain raised its record to 18-12 for the season. Homewood edged Mountain Brook 4-3 in eight innings. Whit Joseph drove in Spencer Smith for the winning run. Philip and Joseph

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 • 43

SPORTS

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Class 6A Area 12 champion Spain Park swept Spring Garden 10-0 and 19-4 in a double header. Alex Close homered twice and drove in seven runs to lead the way. Close hit a two-run homer in the first game and also had a home run – along with two doubles and five RBIs -- in the second game. Nathan Brock homered in the first game and tripled in the second. Mark Abernathy had two RBIs in the first game and four in the

second. Carter White doubled twice in the second game and had three RBIs. The wins lifted Spain Park’s record to 32-9 for the year. Daniel Bostick’s grand slam gave John Carroll Catholic an 8-6 win over McAdory. John Michael Todd and Robert Burgess each had two hits for the Cavaliers. Joey Eagar got the win for Carroll, while Wesley Dismuke earned the save. The Cavs saw their record rise to 17-4.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011

Sports

Hoover Claims North Shelby Basketball Championship Page 42

ISS Overwhelms Altamont, Briarwood Whips Cavs BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

henever a team ranked at the top of the polls meets the team that’s ranked second, each has something to prove. And last Thursday night, Indian Springs—the number one-ranked boys’ soccer team in Class 1A-4A —proved something to the secondranked Altamont School. ISS routed the Knights 5-1 to solidify its position at the top of the Alabama High School Athletic Association polls. ISS forward Alex Jamroz scored two goals for the winners, as Joseph Simonetti, Michael Pigue and Jake Shufford each added one. Pranav Krishman scored Altamont’s only goal. Hart Wilson had two saves for Indian Springs and Brindon Sutton had three for Altamont. The victors were aggressive from the beginning, getting their first shot in the opening minute. ISS enjoyed an 8-3 advantage on shots on goal. Indian Springs moved to 17-2-1 for the year, while Altamont fell to 12-6-2. In other boys’ action that night, Briarwood doubled up John Carroll Catholic 2-1 in a rematch of last season’s Class 5A championship game. Hoover clinched the Class 6A Section 6 championship with a 6-2 win over Thompson. Nick Amidon scored three goals for the Bucs, while Tapiwa Munetsi, Tanner Vaughn and Connor Brown each scored single goals. Connor Griffin and Luis Avelar joined Amidon and Vaughn in chalking up assists.

See Roundup, page 43

Lee Davis

Successful OTM Coaches Go –And Sometimes Come

Mikey White with one out in the fourth inning. Freeman fanned nine batters the rest of the way, while walking four Rebels. Spain Park enjoyed a 5-2 lead entering the bottom of the seventh, but Vestavia didn’t go down without a fight. With two out and the bases loaded, the Rebels’ Russell Larsen hit a two-run double to cut the margin to 5-4. But Freeman ended the drama by striking out the final Vestavia batter. His coolness under fire came to the forefront when he put Larsen’s double out of his mind to bounce back and get the game-winning out. Smith was joyful and relieved when the long

wo successful coaches said their goodbyes to the Over the Mountain high school athletics scene last week. Brian Moon, who took Spain Park to the Class 6A boys’ Final Four in 2007, announced that he is leaving to take the boys’ basketball coaching job at North Forsyth High School in Georgia. Moon, the only boys’ basketball coach Spain Park has ever had, went 303-220 in a 17-year career that started at Hoover. He cited financial reasons for making the cross-state move. “My whole career has been within a four-mile radius,” said Moon, 48, when contacted a few days after his announcement. “I started driving a school bus when I was 20 and have 28 years in the state system. “I can draw a pension from the state and work in Georgia, so I can double dip. From the financial standpoint for my family, it made sense.” The veteran coach said he would miss the Spain Park students, faculty and the overall community. “It’s a great place to work, with kids that want to be successful and parents who do whatever they can to help,” said Moon. “I really think Spain Park is the best basketball coaching job in Alabama.” As far as on-the-court highlights, a win over Homewood in Moon’s second season stands out. “Going to the Final Four in 2007 was great,” he said. “There was one win that was even better than that. “In our second year as a school, we had only freshmen, sophomores and juniors – no seniors. And we beat a very good Homewood team. I’ll always remember that one.” Moon, for all his coaching talents, will have his work cut out for him in the Peach State. North Forsyth posted a 3-22 record in

See Baseball, page 42

See Coaches, page 42

Briarwood’s Chris Burris, left and Hunter Smith, right, battle John Carroll’s Ethan Mergen for control in the Lions 20-1 win over the Cavs. More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Jaguars, Bucs, Lions Claim Area Baseball Titles

BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

Spain Park pitcher Alex Close earned the win in the Jaguars’ game with Vestavia to claim the Class 6A Area 12 title.

Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry

ast Thursday was a historic night in the history of Spain Park baseball. Coach Will Smith’s Jaguars swept two games from Class 6A Area 12 rival Vestavia Hills to earn the first area baseball title in school history. After winning the opener 8-3, Spain Park took the second game 5-4 to get the win – and the area crown. In the deciding game, the host Rebels took a 2-1 lead following Ryan Raspino’s double that scored two runs. Spain Park pitcher and University of Alabama commitment Colton Freeman came into the game in relief for starter