Over the Mountain Journal May 19, 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 MAY 19, 2011

Picking up the Pieces

Cahaba Heights Recovering from Tornado Damage

Like other Over the Mountain areas in the path of the April 27 tornado, Cahaba Heights is coming to grips with the destruction of the storm. The Heights Shopping Center was one place that was damaged, but it was also a center for relief efforts and community togetherness. Read about how business owners and residents are dealing with the aftermath of that unforgettable day. See Life, page 8.

The Legends of Motorsports will return to Mountain Brook Village May 20 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. to kick off the vintage racing car weekend at Barber Motorsports Park. See About Town, page 3.

Guests at the James Bond Gala were greeted by Agent 007 look-alike Charles Brooks and Bond Girl Miss Alabama Ashley Davis, outside the Country Club of Birmingham April 16. See Social, page 12.

Those who couldn’t make it to New York for Fashion Week were recently treated to Birmingham’s version of that stellar event. Plus see our fashion spread to find out what’s hot this season. Summer Fashion begins on page 22.

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CONTENTS/OPINION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MURPHY’S LAW

Brookwood Forest Elementary celebrated its annual spring festival, Forest Fling. See Schools, page 27.

OTMJ.COM C P

heck out even more photos from Over the Mountain area social events.

lan your weekends with our extended events calendar. Don’t see your event listed? Send it to us. Click on “Got News” and fill out the form to submit your event.

oin the conversation. Sign up on our website site to comment on stories, interact with other OTMJ readers and let us know what you think.

ollow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily updates on what’s going on in the Over the Mountain area.

In our next issue we will feature some beautiful vacation homes of Over the Mountain residents.

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

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WEDDINGS FASHION SCHOOLS SPORTS

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May 19, 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. 10

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.

Hoppy Happy Hours

saw a plaque the begins. other day that said, And there’s a pecking order (literally) to the “Today I will be arrivals. The cardinals are first on the scene, big happier than a bird with and red and angular. They hop about with authority, a French fry.” It’s a shucking the seeds in a focused, military fashion. positive, proactive proThe purple finches, smaller and more polite, nouncement, a feel-good come later, pausing to chat amongst themselves. call to the future. We The chickadees are hit and miss, always looking like could all use that right they didn’t get the memo. now. Lately, a bully blue jay has been muscling his way I’ve seen such hoppy into the party. I don’t think he even lives around here. little opportunists in fast He just shows up like one of those out-of-county kids Susan Murphy food parking lots, dodging dropped off in carloads at the end of your street to footfall and tire tread to hustle Halloween candy. snatch up a beakful of goodness I never bother to shoo the blue from the asphalt. Bakery birds jay away, though, because it’s only Bakery birds snitch snitch muffin morsels. Gas staa matter of time before he loses out tion birds survive on Slurpees and to the squirrels. When they drop muffin morsels. Gas Slim Jims. In the bird world, you from a nearby limb, the birds go station birds survive on flying. The squirrels are okay with gather your sustenance where you may. They sit and nibble, sit and Slurpees and Slim Jims. that. My birds get sunflower seeds. nibble, enjoying the seeds as they In the bird world, you go. I call them my birds, but they’re really just flighty visitors to my The chipmunks sneak in below gather your sustenance them, yard. Unlike their bakery budeven lower to the ground than dies and McCousins, my birds are usual. Shoppers, not diners, they where you may. a picky bunch. They turn their hoover up everything they can pack beaks up at bread crusts and cereinto their cheek pouches, then run al crumbs. They have no interest underground. They know there’s a in my castoff nuts and berries. hawk who hangs around the yard, and his happy day When I have the audacity to fill the feeders with scenario has nothing to do with sunflower seeds. discount birdseed, they toss out three quarters of I try not to think about that. it like it was so much Styrofoam packing. All they Instead, I think about the birds, although there are want are the sunflower seeds. days that I forget. Not to worry. Rather than suffer I understand preferring one food over another. in silence, the cardinals send a representative up to If someone offered me a liverwurst sandwich or a the window to remind me. It’s always a young one, slice of Boston cream pie, I know which one I’d a newbie from this year’s fraternity pledge class. He pick. If both were on a prix fixe menu, I’d just hops onto the window sill, cocks his head and stares skip the sandwich and wait. The birds are willing until I get up off the couch and get to the business of to wait, too. They figure sooner or later I’ll cave in filling the feeders. and bring them the good stuff. I don’t mind the reminder. My birds are an earnest And I do. I maintain two bird dining venues: little bunch, and grateful in their own way. I am, too. a flat-bottomed feeder and one that hangs from a The birds enjoy the food and I enjoy their company. pole. As soon as the seeds hit the feeders, the word They flit in. They flit out. goes out. I’m not sure how – chirps and chatters, They make me happy ... kind of like a bird with a tiny little signal flags – but somehow the flocking French fry. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Gwin Students share what they’re looking forward to most about summer.

“Going to Shades Cliff Pool.” Emily Sims Hoover

“First grade!”

“Swimming classes.”

“Going to the beach.”

Griffin Lyda Hoover

Veer Gandhakwala Hoover

Blake Carroll Hoover

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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Legends Returns to Mountain Brook, Barber

he Legends of Motorsports will return to Mountain Brook Village May 20 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. to kick off the vintage racing car weekend at Barber Motorsports Park. The event will include more than 75 historic race cars as well as music, shopping and food. Merchants will provide special events throughout the weekend for the expected out-of-town visitors participating in the race and for those interested in seeing the million-dollar vintage racing cars up close in the village. There will also be fundraisers for Alabama’s recent tornado victims. The Legends of Motorsports race, a Bobby Rahal signature event, will be May 21-22 at Barber Motorsports Park. There will be historic race cars from the 1960s-1980s. In addition to the races, the event includes an active kids’ zone, concessions and more. Those who attend are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs and to stop by the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.barbermotorsports.com.

Cut-a-Thon Helps Tornado Victims

Joelle Salon will host a cut-athon for tornado survivors May 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. All donations will go to purchase toiletries, which will be bagged for distribution. Participants are invited to bring items such as soap, lotion, razors, nail clippers and files, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes, hairbrushes and combs. Licensed stylists are welcome. They must have a copy of

Molly Green B L E N D I N G H I G H FA S H I O N & E CO - R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y

Gearing up for the Legends of Motorsports’ return to Mountain Brook Village are, from left: Clark Virden, Steven Hydinger, Sperry Snow, Journal photo by Emil Wald George McMillan and Suzan Doidge. their license to participate.

Book Sale Benefits Birmingham Library

The Friends of the Birmingham Public Library will sponsor a “Gigantic Book Sale” June 3-4 at the library’s downtown location. The sale runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days. Among sale items will be donations from private collections, including adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction, DVDs, CDs, audio books and videos. Proceeds will help purchase materials for Birmingham libraries. A special preview night for Friends members will be June 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The evening will include a silent auction of unusual books. Guests are invited to join the Friends organization with a paid membership at the door.

MDA Will Make ‘Arrests’ May 19

The Muscular Dystrophy Association will host the Over the Mountain Executive LockUp May 19 at Park Lane in Mountain Brook. Local business and community leaders are nominated to participate in this fundraising event in the Homewood, Mountain Brook, Hoover and Vestavia Hills communities. Terri Wilson is executive director of the MDA’s local chapter. May is ALS Awareness Month. Funds raised through the Over the Mountain Executive Lock-Up will provide services for families with ALS and funding for ALS research. For more information about MDA or ALS, call the Birmingham MDA office at 823-8191. ❖

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Merchants getting ready for Homewood’s Market in May are from left: Daryl Ussery, Kate Elling, LaRoyce Marsh, Laura Wilson, Patsy Gissendanner and Allen Bailey. Journal Photo by Laura McAlister

Homewood Chamber Hosts May Market

The Summit � 211 Summit Blvd � 205.969.1559

The Homewood Chamber of Commerce will host the second Market in May on May 21 in downtown Homewood. This year, the introduction of a shopping card will give shoppers the opportunity to win a $500 shopping spree. Shopping cards are available now at all participating merchants listed on the Homewood Chamber website, www.homewoodchamber.com. Local merchants will line the streets of downtown Homewood for Market in May offering special sales and events, and there will be midday entertainment. Some stores will open at 7:30 a.m. In addition to the shopping event, the second Farmers Market has expanded to a new site behind City Hall off 29th Ave. The market, a partnership between the Urban Cook House and the Homewood Chamber, will continue every Saturday through the summer. Fresh local produce will be sold from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participating farmers were selected because of their biologically diverse produce and their excellent reputation among Birmingham restaurateurs and chefs.

and $20 for students. A documentary film, “The Wayman Tisdale Story” will be featured June 3, as well as a local artist showcase at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center’s Reynolds-Kirshbaum Recital Hall from 5:30 and 7 p.m. Admission is free. “The Preserve Jazz Prelude” an Intimate evening with Earl Klugh and Eric Essix benefitting the Rev. John T. Porter Minority Scholarship Fund will be at 7 p.m. June 4 at Samford University’s Brock Recital Hall. Ticket prices are $75 for general admission and $125 for VIP. Both include admission to The Preserve Jazz Festival. The fifth Annual Preserve Jazz Festival, presented by Tom Williams Lexus, will be June 5. The 2011 headliner is three-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Boney James. Ticket prices are $35 in advance and $40 the day of show. For more information on the

various events, visit www.preservejazz.com; www.samford. edu/wvsu or www.alysstephens. uab.edu.

New York Jet Teams Up with Library

The Birmingham Public Library will again host its “Score Big” with the Cotchery Foundation as part of its summer reading initiative. Jerricho Cotchery, a New York Jet wide receiver and Birmingham native, has teamed himself and his foundation with the library for the reading challenge. Cotchery wants all students ages 11-18 to read by participating in the library’s “You Are Here” reading program. Qualified “You Are Here” participants will have the opportunity to attend the 2011 Skills and Drills football clinic with Cotchery and other NFL players June 18 at Legion Field free of charge. They’ll also get to go to the free

Preserve to Offer a ‘Week of Jazz’

The Preserve Jazz Festival, presented by Tom Williams Lexus, in association with Samford University and The Alys Stephens Center, is pleased to announce a “Week of Jazz” this summer Preserve Jazz Festival organizers are pleased to announce several partnerships to organize and promote a week’s worth of Jazz to the Birmingham/Hoover metro area this summer. The week of May 30-June 5 will play host to four unique, but similar events around town to showcase and promote jazz music, film and fundraising. Herbie Hancock will start the week off on June 1 with a concert at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $59.50, $47.50, $29.50

Helping plan this year’s fifth annual Preserve Jazz Festival are Andy Parrish with WVSU-FM 91.1, left, and Jason Henderson, co-founder of Journal photo by Laura McAlister the festival.

Club 89 Teen Tailgate Party June 17 at Birmingham Public Library. Registration for “Score Big” ends June 3. Visit any Birmingham Public Library location for details.

Glasener Is Guest At Aldridge Event

“Gardening with Hydrangeas: A Symposium Featuring Erica Glasener” will be sponsored by the Alabama Hydrangea Society June 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Glasener, a horticulturist and author, hosted “A Gardener’s Diary” on Home and Garden Television (HGTV) for 14 years. Her topics at the symposium will include: • “Proven Plants: Southern Gardens,” which highlights combinations for both sun and shade, including hydrangeas. Copies of her new book by the same name will be available for purchase and signing. • “Inspiring Gardens,” based on her travels around the U.S. with “A Gardener’s Diary.” She’ll discuss what makes a good garden, the elements of design and plant choices. Jason Powell from Petals from the Past in Jemison will talk about “Companion Plants for Hydrangeas.” Jimmy Rocket, local gardening personality, will end the day highlighting new hydrangea introductions as well

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as old favorites. During lunch, free guided tours of Aldridge Botanical Gardens will be available. Admission is $60 and includes lunch. Pre-registration is required. To register, send a check made payable to the Alabama Hydrangea Society to: Francis Thompson, 3320 Monte D’Oro Drive, Hoover, AL 35216.

Emmet O’Neal Kicks Off Summer Reading

Emmet O’Neal Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival, sponsored by the Junior Women’s Committee of 100, is set for May 22. Events begin at 1:30 p.m. with the Thomas Hughes Brinkley Memorial Fun Run, a one-mile course open to bikers, walkers and those with strollers. An outdoor carnival from 2 to 4 p.m. includes games, concessions and a train ride. Emmet O’Neal “travel agents” will be available during the carnival to help children register for the summer reading program. The carnival and fun run are planned and manned by members of the Junior Women’s Committee of 100, a group dedicated to supporting and enhancing the EOL Children’s Department. Carnival chairman is Beaty Coleman; co-chairmen are Anna Emblom and Kacy Carroll. Also helping with events are fun run Laurie Bowers, president of the Junior Women’s Committee of 100, a group dedicated to supporting Emmett O’Neal Library children’s department, displays a sign promoting the May 22 kick off of the summer reading program.

Photo special to the Journal

chairman Tanya Stutts and cochairman Kristie Stewart, JWC president Laurie Bowers and vice president Charlotte Langley. Tickets and registration for kickoff events are available now. All other summer reading programs and activities begin May 31. Call 879-0497 for more information. ❖

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Kat Jones of Chandler Health and Rehab Center shows off artwork created by Alzheimer’s patients. The art will be featured as part of the auction at ACA’s 15th annual Garden Art Party May 21.

Garden Art Party Has ‘Carnival’ Theme

Jugglers, magicians and a fortune teller will set the carnival theme for Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama’s 15th Annual Garden Art Party, set for May 21 at B&A Warehouse. �� The event will help raise money for services, education �� and research programs. ACA’s �� programs include scholarships for �� patients to attend adult day care centers or to receive continence �� Vintage Jewelry • Engagement Rings • Old Cut Diamonds products. �� Custom Design • Restoration The theme was gleaned from Fast in-house repair service on jewelry! artwork created by Alzheimer’s �� patients who participate in art 619 Montgomery Highway • 979-5611 therapy at local day care centers. �� jewelsbyrose.net and join us on Facebook! Support of this event will allow more patients to enjoy the experi�� ence that is offered at adult day �� care centers, including art and music therapy. The party includes a cocktail buffet, live music and a live and silent auction. This year’s live auction will have a one-week stay at a five bedroom home in Seacrest Beach, Fla., golf packages, a chance to attend an NFL game and have dinner with the game’s officials, entertainment and dining packages, Southwest airline tickets, jewelry, artwork and gardening items. Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama’s mission is to support education, caregiver services, and research. Its objectives are to assist with the cost of respite care, adult day care, and limited supplies; provide education through public seminars, telephone counseling, support groups, a comprehensive resource center, �� Because �� organize when you newsletters and its website; sup�� your home, you simplify your life. port dementia research; provide � �� advocacy; and increase public �� awareness. CALL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION Tickets to the Garden Art Party 800.448.1915 | californiaclosets.com �� are $95 per person. For more Showroom:�� 709 3rd Avenue N., Birmingham information contact ACA at (205) 871-7970 or buy online at www. �� alzca.org. 0000273783

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Photo special to the Journal

Art, Wine Highlight Hydrangea Event

The 10th annual “Hydrangeas Under the Stars” Garden Gala, set for June 17 at Aldridge Gardens, will be all about art, wine and travel. Hosted by Kay and Eddie Aldridge and Sandy and Don Logan, the festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with a wine tasting reception featuring products from Girard Winery in Napa Valley, Calif. Entertaining guests during the reception, sponsored by Pleasure Is All Wine, will be Michael Glaser’s Reputable Quintet. A seated dinner prepared by Jefferson State Community College’s School of Culinary Arts will include Girard Winery wines. A live auction emceed by Gene Hallman will feature art, wine and travel. Items up for bid will include a trip for two to the Galapagos Islands; use of four Florida beach condos; original sculpture by Frank Fleming; plein air paintings of Aldridge Gardens by Dirk Walker, Ben Carlisle and Southeastern artists; and baskets of

fine wine. Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos will introduce the winner of the Bluff Park Art Association’s sculpture competition for the gardens’ new entrance plaza. Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased at Aldridge Botanical Gardens or at the Riverchase branch of Regions Bank. Group tables and corporate sponsor tables for eight are also available. This year’s corporate sponsors are Aztec Events and Tents, Loretta Goodwin Gallery and Pleasure is All Wine. Planning the event with board president John Sellers are Kay Aldridge, Debbie Bartoletti, Willie Edmiston, Anna Fowler, Jennifer Gowers, Beverly Meadors, Paulette Pearson and Martha Yielding. For more information, call 6828019 or visit www.aldridgegardens.com.

‘Run for Kids’ Has Races, Relay

Camp Smile-A-Mile will host the first Run for Kids Challenge May 28 at Hoover’s Veterans Park, next to Spain Park High School. The race includes a 5K, 50K, 12-hour runs and 12-hour relay. The event runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with all proceeds going to Camp Smile-A-Mile, a year-round camp for Alabama children with cancer. For information and to register, visit www.runforkidschallenge. com.

Discovery UMC Plans Seminar on Aging

Discovery United Methodist Church will host “Caring for the Elderly: Obligation, Love and Stress,” a free seminar on aging with grace, May 25 at 6:30 p.m. at 5487 Stadium Trace Parkway in Hoover. The speaker is Dr. Patricia Drentea with UAB’s Department of Sociology and Social Work. Call Kimberly Ming at 213-9076 or e-mail agewithgracedumc@aol. com for more information. ❖

Members of the 2011 Hydrangeas Under the Stars Committee are, front from left: Anna Fowler, Eddie and Kay Aldridge, Beverly Meadors and Paulette Pearson. Back from left: John Sellers, board president, and Willie Edmiston. Not pictured are Debbie Bartoletti, Jennifer Gowers Photo special to the Journal and Martha Yielding.

Brown Receives Samford Award

Danielle Brown of Birmingham received a top Samford University honor during the school’s annual leadership and service convocation April 28. She won the Omicron Delta Kappa Leader of the Year Award for exemplary service to the Samford ODK circle and the campus community. A senior biochemistry major, she is the daughter of Bill and Linda Brown.

DAR Chapter Chooses 2011 Good Citizens Students representing three area high schools were presented the annual Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Awards by the Birmingham Territory Chapter.

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PEOPLE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The ceremony was April 13 at the chapter’s luncheon meeting at The Club. Winners were Jordan Godfrey, Oak Mountain High School; Burt Nabors, Homewood High School; and Anna Kate Wilson, Spain Park High School. Each received a certificate, pin and cash scholarship award. Students are selected on the qualities of good citizenship they exhibit and on patriotic essays submitted.

service and scholarship during her first year at Samford. A freshman English major, Kraus is the daughter of Tom and Barb Kraus.

Jiang Wins Music Club Honor

Wendy Jiang won this year’s Alabama Federation of Music Clubs Thomasine McGehee Award.

Annie Kraus Wins Samford Honor

The award was presented at the group’s Junior Division Convention April 9 in Huntsville. The Thomasine McGehee Award is given annually to the organization’s music student who accomplishes the most in Federation work for ages 12 and under. Jiang, the daughter of Justin and Jane Jiang of Vestavia, was chosen out of 2,103 students.

She also took second place in the National Music Week Poster Contest. Jiang is a piano student of Betty Bridges of Hoover. ❖

Wendy Jiang

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Annie Kraus of Vestavia was among those winning top honors at Samford University’s annual leadership and service convocation April 28. She received the Omicron Delta Kappa Freshman Leadership Award as the female student who showed exemplary character, leadership,

At a ceremony honoring DAR Birmingham Territory Chapter’s Good Citizens are, from left: Emily Volavka, the chapter’s Good Citizen committee chairman; Anna Kate Wilson, Spain Park High School; Burt Nabors, Homewood High School; Jordan Godfrey, Oak Mountain High School; and Emily Allison, committee vice-chairman.

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Photo special to the Journal

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LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

Lessons from the Storm

BY DAVID ABROMS

SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Although a F2 tornado tore through The Heights shopping center April 27, almost all the shops are back in business. Left: Terri Jackson, owner of The Nesting Place; Lesley DeCastro, owner of Manhattan South; and Samantha Jones, owner of Serendipity, are still waiting for their shops to be repaired so they can reopen. Center: Owners of the Lili Pad and GiGi’s Katherine McRee, left, and Susan Day are collecting baby items for storm victims. Right: Volunteers Mary Jo Ritchey, left, and Joanna Duckett set out meals for storm victims at a FEMA tent in The Heights Parking lot.

Picking up the Pieces

Cahaba Heights Recovering from Tornado Damage

BY LAURA MCALISTER

JOURNAL EDITOR

hen Elizabeth Lemons sees the damage and destruction an April 27 tornado did to places like Tuscaloosa and Pleasant Grove, she can’t help but feel a little bit of “survival guilt.” But that doesn’t mean she didn’t experience a fair amount of damage herself when a tornado ripped through the Over the Mountain area earlier that morning. While most merchants are back in business and many of the fallen trees and debris have been removed, there are still signs of the early morning tornado that tore through Cahaba Heights and other areas of Vestavia Hills around 6 a.m. April 27. The ancient-looking oak trees that were characteristic of the neighborhood were torn up by their roots, sending them crashing into homes and businesses throughout the area. Sadly, there was one recorded death. The community was damaged and the landscape dramatically changed. Still, Elizabeth knows Cahaba Heights was fortunate compared to other communities. “I hate to even complain because I know it’s

damages by the numbers

Here is a look at some of the damages caused by the tornado in Vestavia Hills: 4505 structures damaged 41 storm-related fatality 4100 city lights down in Liberty Park 4$7.77 million in damages so much worse for others, and I’m much more fortunate,” said Elizabeth of her shop, Elizabeth Consignments in Cahaba Heights. “We had a tree fall in on our roof. The windows were blown out. “We lost most of our outdoor stuff. We haven’t even been able to find it. But we’re still fortunate. We didn’t lose our house. We didn’t lose everything.” Work to repair the storm-damaged community started almost immediately, as did the community’s efforts to help others there and elsewhere.

GETTING BACK IN BUSINESS

With the tornado hitting Cahaba Heights early, businessmen like Raymond Gotlieb were

able to get a head start on the cleanup. Raymond, founder and president of Metropolitan Properties, which operates the Heights Shopping Center in Cahaba Heights, said by 9 a.m. the morning the storm hit, he had spoken with his insurance agent and was scheduling repairs for the shopping center. “My initial reaction when I heard (about the tornado damage) was shock,” he said. “That lasted about a minute, and then I became very cognizant and started getting things rolling.” About a week after the storms, the majority of businesses in the center were open. A handful of the shops – The Nesting Place, Manhattan South and Serendipity – are still closed awaiting roof repairs. The Nesting Place hopes to open in early June, while owners of Manhattan South and Serendipity said it would be late summer or early fall before they’ll be able to open.

EXTENDING A HELPING HAND

After learning of the damage to the Heights Shopping Center, Susan Day and Katherine McRee sprang into action, not just to check on their store, Gigi’s and the Lili Pad, but also to check on Cahaba Heights residents. They got approval from the Vestavia Hills mayor and Raymond to help set a tent up in the parking lot, and thanks to FEMA and the American Red Cross, they began serving warm

See Pieces, page 9

t was a few minutes before 6 on a Wednesday morning in the quiet neighborhood of Cahaba Heights. I woke up to the sound of incredibly loud wind and debris hitting the window of my two-story duplex. With an hour left before my alarm went off, I grabbed my glasses, then my phone, and ran as fast as I could downstairs into the bathroom. As soon as I slammed the door and hit the ground I heard windows shatter and the howling wind grow even louder. I sat on the floor, wearing nothing but my boxers, with my back against the bathroom door. As I felt a chilling breeze from underneath the door, I desperately checked my phone, trying to figure out what was going on. I called my parents but couldn’t get through. All I could think about was if they were all right. I opened the bathroom door, trying to make it to the stairs without cutting my feet on the glass from the living room window. I got upstairs to find my bed covered with leaves and glass. I put on a shirt, shoes and went outside to check on my neighbor and her three kids. As I opened the front door, the day was just beginning to dawn, and I saw a very different Cahaba Heights than the one I went to sleep in. The destruction was unreal. Trees down everywhere. Every road impassable A neighborhood once covered with lush vegetation was now disturbingly bare. I wanted to check on my tenant on the other side of Cahaba Heights. There was no way to drive, so I started walking. In the midst of unimaginable destruction, I saw a familiar face running to a police officer calling for help. It was a friend, Nadav Raviv. Nadav said a man had just been hit on the head by a falling limb. Neighbors were holding a rag to this man’s head trying to slow the bleeding. A few moments later, paramedics and firemen arrived in an off-road vehicle that looked like nothing more than a golf cart with bigger wheels. More emergency personnel showed up. They kept trying to resuscitate him. Although this man would be the first casualty on a day that still had many more to come, I will not forget the effort to save his life. It was a reminder of how precious and valuable each life is. About a

See Lessons, page 9

LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 • 9

Behind the Scenes: EMA Headquarters

s chairman of the Jefferson County Emergency Management Council, Mountain Brook Mayor Terry Oden knows first hand what goes on at the county’s EMA headquarters located in the basement of the Birmingham City Hall. He was there the day the April 27 tornadoes tore through parts of Alabama, and he watched the county’s emergency teams spring into action. In a recent interview with the

Pieces continued from page 8

Journal, he described step by step what takes place at the headquarters during an emergency: 1. Representatives from all public safety departments are summoned to the headquarters to take emergency calls in their field. In addition to fire fighters and police, Oden said this also includes public works, veterinarians and more. 2. When the storm has passed, EMA begins search and rescue, and roads are cleared to allow emergency vehicles to pass through. 3. The power company begins

deactivating downed lines. 4. A temporary operation center is set up in the disaster area. 5. FEMA steps in to help with the recovery. In the event of a disaster, FEMA typically pays for 75 percent of the cleanup, the state 10 percent and the city 15 percent. Oden said in the case of this storm, there was just too much damage for the cities to be able to afford the 15 percent, which likely means the state will pay their share. ❖

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THE WEEKS TO COME

While most merchants have reopened, there are still meals and handing out bottled water, ice, blankets and some that are unable to open. Terri Jackson, owner of tarps. The Nesting Place, said she’s been told it will likely be “At first they had the police and the fire departJune before the section of the Heights Shopping Center ment trying to man the tent,” Katherine said. “But we she’s in will be able to reopen, adding that shoppers knew they had better things to do, so we should check their Facebook page for decided we could help them.” “We need people updates. Katherine and Susan weren’t the got to have a new roof,” she to know that we’re said.“We’ve only business owners with storm dam“We’re just sort of in a holding age who reached out to help the comopen, and we need pattern. I still feel very blessed, though. munity. Mudtown, a nearby restaurant, What we lost is replaceable.” them to come out grilled hamburgers and served them to Terri admitted that it’s been hard rescue workers for free. Local churches here and shop and having her business closed for the past also came out to help with the tent at the several weeks. The store wasn’t open for support us” Heights Shopping Center, as well as with the Mother’s Day rush, and it looks like it – Mary Jo Ritchey will miss graduation gift time as well. other fundraisers and cleanup efforts. “We’ve really had lots of people and For that reason, residents like Mary churches stopping by wanting to help,” Susan said. Jo Ritchey said one easy way people can help in the “People just didn’t really realize how bad it was out recovery of Cahaba Heights is to go shopping. here. “We need people to know that we’re open, and we “There’s a lot of elderly people out here, and need them to come out here and shop and support us,” they’ve been without power. It wasn’t as devastating as she said. “That’s one thing everybody can do to help Tuscaloosa and Pratt City, but it was devastating.” this community get back up on its feet.” ❖

Lessons continued from page 8 dozen neighbors were holding this man and trying to stop the bleeding. Emergency personnel passed through impassable roads with just a glimmer of hope they could save this man’s life. Although this man was probably dead before they got there, they tried for 20 minutes, using every tool at their disposal to bring him back. What I will remember most about this day is not the howling winds or the totaled vehicles or the destroyed houses. I will remember the people who came outside on that early Wednesday morning to an eerily quiet Cahaba Heights. After assessing that their family was safe, everyone in my neighborhood started walking around to see if anyone needed help. Strangers, people I had never met, people whose homes or vehicles were just destroyed, were walking through the streets of Cahaba Heights, with downed power lines and trees everywhere, with the smell of gas at every corner, to see if there was anything they could do to help. We hear and see so much hate and divisiveness in the world today, but on this morning, in the depths of unimaginable destruction

and despair, I saw the very best in people. I have never been so proud to be an Alabamian. I have never been so proud to be an American. We were standing shoulder to shoulder, willing to do anything we could to help our neighbors. When people look back on the storms of 2011, this is what I hope they remember. Not the

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winds or the destruction, but the �� outstretched hands, the caring�� for �� one’s fellow man, and the determi�� nation to rebuild better and stronger than before. �� David Abroms, 28, is a mem�� ber of The Birmingham Jewish Federation’s Board of Directors. �� This column appeared in the BJF’s e-newsletter. ❖ ��

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10 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

PEOPLE

2011 Ball of Roses Presentees

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

37 Young Women Will Be Presented at This Year’s June 4 Ball

Cassell Anne Adams, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. James Mark Adams

Julia Dorothy Andrews, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James Seldon Andrews

Elizabeth Tucker Bolvig, daughter of Ms. Caroline Stevens Bolvig, Mr. and Mrs. Christoffer Peter Bolvig

Caroline Christian Bromberg, daughter of Mr. William Gregory Bromberg II, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Cummings Randle

Elizabeth Sumner Brown, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Davis Mikiel Brown

Margaret Morrow Burge, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Tucker Burge

Mary Kathryn Carney, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John Daniel Carney III

Anna Kathryn Clark, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Lange Clark

Leonora Carol Culp, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William Newton Culp III

Elizabeth Cunningham Debardeleben, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Whitney Debardeleben

Margaret Brooke Donald, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Glen Hamilton Donald, Jr

Margaret Alice Drew, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mark Livingston Drew

Emily Elizabeth Dugger, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. E. Scott Elledge

Katherine Camille Dugger, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. E. Scott Elledge

Alexandra Dwyer French, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Paul French

Leigh Parker Hendry, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Donald Charles Hendry

Sarabeth Sutton Henry, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. G. Steven Henry

Lillian Virginia Jones, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. George Francis Jones, Jr

Rebecca Lucille Kissel, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Edward U. Kissel III

Alice Ray Lucas, daughter of Mrs. William Ray Lucas, Jr. and the late Mr. Lucas

Jane Anne Martin, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Charles Douglas Martin

Caitlin Erin Miller, daughter of Mrs. Nancy Morgan Miller, Mr. Lawton Price Miller

Elizabeth Ballard Nesbitt, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Steven Scott Nesbitt

Laura Kendall Owens, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James Bentley Owens III

Renny Ellen Ratliff, daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Wendnagel Ratliff, Mr. Robert Bryan Ratliff

Emily Barton Roberson, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Loyd Whitfield Roberson, jr.

Elizabeth Clarke Ross, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Allen Ross

Katherine Candler Shannon, daughter of Mrs. Winn Cole Shannon and Mr. Michael Sherrod Shannon

Sarah Evelyn Silverstein, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. David Silverstein

Lauren Frances Simpson, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Loyd Clark Simpson

Carolyn Cade Smallwood, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Scott McDonald Smallwood

Rebecca Curry Stevenson, daughter of Mrs. Caldwell Berry Stevenson

NOT PICTURED: Clementine Corbin Lacey, daughter of Mrs. Clementine Day Lacey, Mr. & Mrs. John Anthony Lacey

Sarah Chappell Stewart, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas B. Roth, Mr. Merrill H. Stewart

Margaret Hill Watford, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Walter Hansford Watford, jr.

Martha Kennan Wood, daughter of Mrs. Martha Bradford Roberts, Mr. & Mrs. William Thomas Wood

Rebecca Claire Woodall, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. William Carvel Woodall III

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SOCIAL/PEOPLE

Ball to Benefit Alabama Ballet

Making plans for this year’s Ball of Roses are, from left: Allene Neighbors, Men’s Committee dinner co-chairman; Barrow Kettig, ball co-chairman; Liz Rich, ball chairman; and Melanie Hennessy, Men’s Photo special to the Journal Committee dinner chairman.

UAB’s Panion Earns Governor’s Arts Award

Henry Panion III, Ph.D., a University of Alabama at Birmingham professor, won a 2011 Governor’s Arts Award from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts in Alabama. Panion, a profesHenry Panion III sor in the UAB Department of Music, is one of eight Alabamians who was honored at the council’s 2011 Celebration of the Arts awards May 17 in Montgomery. Panion is well known for his work as conductor and arranger for Stevie Wonder. The two-CD set “Natural Wonder” features Panion conducting his arrangements of many of Wonder’s songs with Wonder and the Tokyo Philharmonic. As a producer, composer, arranger and orchestrator, Panion’s work has earned two

Grammy awards, two Dove awards and many other national music awards and nominations. One of his most recent projects is the “Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti” recording. Panion was tapped by gospel music’s Kirk Franklin and Jazzy Jordon, head of Sony Music’s gospel division, to arrange and conduct on this project. Panion’s other projects include “A Gospel Symphony Celebration,” a special being prepared for national TV and film theatrical release.

Attorney Gives Back To Scholarship Fund

Birmingham attorney Maurice Rogers has pledged an additional $85,000 to the Maurice Rogers Endowed Scholarship Fund. With this donation, the fund is now valued at more than $400,000. Rogers, a sole practitioner in Birmingham specializing in probate, real estate and litigation, established the fund to provide financial support to deserving Alabama law students who intend to pursue a legal career as a sole practitioner or in a small firm. Rogers was born March 18, 1926, in Birmingham. While

The Ballet Guild, founded in 1959, is an invitational organization of young women dedicated to supporting the ballet in Birmingham through fundraising and volunteer work. Since its inception, the group has raised more than $1 million for the Alabama Ballet. The Ball of Roses celebrates its 51st anniversary this year. Ball chairman Elizabeth Sandner Rich and co-chairman Katherine Barrow Kettig have collaborated with Carole Sullivan of Lagniappe Designs on a colorful palette and organic garden theme for the ball décor. ❖

hirty-seven young women will be presented at the annual Ball of Roses June 4 at the Country Club of Birmingham’s East Room. The presentation will begin at 9 p.m. The Ball of Roses is sponsored by the Ballet Guild of Birmingham. Shannon Upchurch Holt is president; executive vice president is Caroline Coats Woods. The first Ball of Roses was held in Aug. 1961. Eleven young women from Birmingham were presented.

firm in Birmingham. Rogers and wife Peggy live in Hoover. Together, they have three children and nine grandchildren. ❖

growing up in a financially burdened section of Birmingham during the aftermath of the Great Depression, much of his time was consumed with schooling, delivering papers every morning, and pursuing his true passion, baseball. Rogers volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Force in Nov. 1943. Before he was called to active duty in 1944, he attended Birmingham-Southern College and later completed his college education after the war ended in 1945. He eventually entered the University of Alabama School of Law and established his own

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12 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

Bond Benefit Gala Fights Cancer 007 Style SOCIAL

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uests at the James Bond Gala were greeted by Agent 007 look-alike Charles Brooks and Bond Girl Miss Alabama Ashley Davis, outside the Country Club of Birmingham April 16. Nearby was the James Bond Aston Martin, provided by T.K. Cali of Highline Imports. The event was a fundraiser for the Southeastern Cancer Foundation/ROAR. Charles wore a Jack Victor tuxedo provided by Remon’s Clothiers, while Ashley modeled a Lourdes Chaves gown, compliments of Gus Mayer. The clothes were live auction items at the event, which raised more than $300,000 to benefit cancer research in the area of personalized cancer medicine. Bill “Bubba” Bussey gave the invocation, and Bruce Ayers entertained as emcee. Jack Granger presented the live auction, followed by dancing to music by the Pat Patrick Orchestra. Honoree Dr. David G. Bronner and Mary Lynn Bronner were celebrated for cancer advocacy by a crowd of 300 in the club’s East Room. Guests included Colleen Adams more photos at and Mitch Mitchell, Joe and Betty Jo Adams, Robert Ajam and Angela Brothers, Steve and Cay Alby, Rick and Michelle Alvis, Dr. James and Patrice Bonner, John and Dr. Nan Brinkerhoff, David and Madeline Busby, Sammy and Carol Campbell, Thomas and Sylvia Crawford, Dr. Jennifer De Los Santos and Conrad De Los Santos; Walton and Julia Doster, Frank and Karle Falkenburg, Dr. John and Dr. Laura Fiveash, Ted and Sandy Frohs, Don Giardina and Gloria Walker, Miller and Frances Gorrie, John and Stacey Gunderson, Margi Ingram, Dr. Rojymon Jacob, Liz and Sam Johnson, Dr. Kimberly Keene and Lou Herring, Dr. Robert and Julie Kim, Freddie and Katherine Lynn, Autrey and Donna McMillan; Dr. Ruby Meredith and Mike Pfaff, Laurens and Sandra Pierce, Dr. Richard and Nancy Popple, Tom and Patty Reynolds, John and Bethany Rooney, Dwight and Sandy Sandlin, Scott and Gay Dyar Shorr, Dr. Sharon Spencer, Charlie and Barbara Tickle and Jeremy Tickle, Dr. Christopher and Veronica Willey and Dr. Eddie and Sarah Yang. Gala leaders included Yvonne Pope, chairman; Honey Miller, corporate; Glenda Sparacio, decorations; Barbara Huffman, hospitality; Pat Starr and Sheila Verciglio, live auction; and Denise Nichols, silent auction. ROAR members helping with the event were Yvonne Albaugh, Patrice Bonner, Rebecca Cammack, Terry Crutchfield, Peggy Devane, Anna Dewees, Kathy Frey, Gloria Grube, Carolyn Higginbotham, Billie Holleman, Julie Kim, Audrey Lindquist, Melody McGuire, Sarah Moseley, Sharon Palm, Alicia Pangman, Debbie Parrott, Pat Pleasant Michelle Scholtz, Fresia Vega-Thompson, Martha Thompson, Jane Van Eaton, Gloria Walker, Rita Wood and Lynn Yeager. The evening’s showstopper was 12-year-old Catherine Danielson, who thanked the doctors present and everyone attending for helping raise funds for cancer research that saved her mother’s life. Caroline’s mother was given a 30 percent chance of living when she was only 5 years old and very low odds of ever having children. ❖

OTMJ.COM

With “James Bond” (Charles Brooks) at the Southeast Cancer Foundation/ROAR fundraiser are: Julie Kim, back, and Sheila Verciglio and Melody McGuire.

Photos special to the Journal

Above: Dr. James Bonner, left, Patrice Bonner and honoree Dr. David Bronner were guests at the James Bond Gala April 16. Right: Catherine Danielson speaks about her mother’s fight with cancer and the importance of research.

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 • 13

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SOCIAL

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 • 15

Celebrating the ShowHouse and the Symphony

Above: Ed Pyle, left, is the property manager of the Thomas E. Jernigan house, and Lisa Jernigan Bruhn with husband Tommy Bruhn, lived in the house while growing up. Below: Also attending the opening gala were from left: Pat Scofield and Nancy and Bart Morrow.

Attending the 2011 Decorators’ ShowHouse Opening Gala were from left: Nan Teninbaum, Lyn Gibson, Journal Photos by Laura McAlister Curt Lone, Fawzi Haimor and Shirley Brown.

he Opening Gala of the 2011 Decorators’ ShowHouse was held April 29 at the residence of the late Thomas E. Jernigan. To celebrate the beginning date of the symphony, April 29, 1921, the Alabama Symphony started the event with a concert conducted by Fawzi Haimor, assistant conductor of the Alabama Symphony. ShowHouse chairmen Halcyann Badham, Lyn Gibson and Nancy VanWanderham have been planmore photos at ning the 35th ShowHouse since last summer. After the concert, a cocktail dinner included salmon with tarragon cream, beef tenderloin, southern comfort grits station with assorted toppings, chipotle shrimp salad, grilled vegetables, Oriental noodles station, champagne brie and artichoke dip, Havarti cheese with pecan caramel sauce, truffles and assorted mini sweets. The buffet table was decorated with an arrangement of purple, pink and yellow roses and gladiolus atop a tall glass cylinder filled with cascading orchids. The Standard Time Jazz Combo entertained guests. Party chairmen were Shirley Brown and Susan Mason. Patrons were invited to tour the home, decorated by more than 30 decorators. Guests enjoying the evening were Edith and Robert Bauman, Bob Brown, Gene and Noma Jeanne Crews, Bonnie and Tony Cicio, Linda and

OTMJ.COM

Cutting the ribbon at the opening day of the ShowHouse were from left: Halcyann Bedham, Mountain Brook Mayor Terry Oden, Miss Alabama Ashley Davis, Lyn Photo special to the Journal Gibson and Sue Parker. Michael Griggs, Jean and David Hendrickson, Joyce and Ebbie Jones, Cornelia and Art Malone, Evan and Donna McCauley, Peggy McClure, Carolyn Slappey, Bart and Nancy Morrow, Karen and Joel Piassick, Robert Raiford and Zane Rhodes. Also there were Kathie and Pringle Ramsey,

Diane Ray, Chuck and Debbie Reid, Diane and Herb Rossmeisl, Pat Scofield, Amy Carr, Nan and Phil Teninbaum, Liz and Tom Warren, Sue Watkins, Jane Williams, Martha and Fletcher Yeilding, Janis Zeanah, Kurt Long, Houda Haimor, Miller and Frances Gorrie, Tallulah Hargrove, Brackey and John Stewart, Sue Selby, Patty and Pat Arceneaux, Tammy Heiness and Lisa Freeman. Others at the event were Robin McCorquodale, Providence Paulin and Jack Feller, Pandy Agnew and Ken Jackson, Perry Umphrey and James Altherr, Randi Kierce, Anna Lichter, Holly Bagley, Christiana Hambright, Jay Howton, Deborah O’Connor, Juanita and Ed Pyle, Lisa and Tommy Burhl, Jane Eades, William Bowron, Nancy and Ken Folk, Dan Cash, Claire Williams, Ginger and Brian Ferrell, Avery Rhodes and Chris Akins. Opening Day ceremonies were planned by Liz Moore and Sue Parker. ShowHouse chairmen Halcyann Badham and Lyn Gibson expressed their appreciation to the Jernigan estate and welcomed the first group of people waiting to view the ShowHouse. Nan Teninbaum introduced members David Pandolfi, Kevin Zozak, Jeffrey Solomon and Nina Adair from the French horn section of the Alabama Symphony; the musicians played an opening fanfare. Mountain Brook Mayor Terry Oden assisted as Ashley Davis, Miss Alabama 2011, cut the ribbon officially opening the house to the public. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Judson College’s Birmingham Area ...

Alumnae Chapter held a luncheon and silent auction Feb. 12 at Vestavia Country Club. Dr. Cynthia Gore, chapter president, greeted guests and served them tea from her Judson College tea set. Sandra Holley, Judy Leesburg and Pat Woodard decorated with a Victorian Valentine theme. They used antique reproduction valentines, crystal candlesticks and arrangements of hydrangeas and other flowers in Judy’s collection of antique pearlescent vases. During lunch, Judy discussed the Elizabeth Hare Hamner Scholarship and introduced sisters Betty H. Cole and Ruth H. Yarbrough. The two organized an auction that raised more than $2,000 for the scholarship honoring their mother. Auction items included Judson china, artwork and a yearbook from 1899. Lisa Reich talked about the life of Will Gaines Holmes, a Judson graduate from 1932. Mrs. Holmes, accompanied to the luncheon by her son Ben, entertained the group with her recollections of attending college during the 1930s. Among guests were Eugenia Anderson with her daughter, chapter treasurer Dr. Caroline Reich; April Deal, who served

Above: At a luncheon and silent auction hosted by Judson College’s Birmingham Area Alumnae Chapter were, from left: Dr. Cynthia Gore, Pat Woodard, Sandra Holley and Judy Leesburg. Left: Also there were Liz Hutchings, left, and Diane Richardson.

Photo special to the Journal

as event photographer; Rhonda Chambers; Judy Crittendon; Dr. Judy Favor; Linda Gray with her mother, Mary Hightower; and Betty Howard. Also attending were Lynn McCrummon Johnson, whose father served as president of

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E At the Jefferson County Medical Society Alliance Doctors’ Day dinner were, from left: Anne Lamkin, event chairman; Nell Williams, alliance Photo special to the Journal president; and hostess Susan Dasher.

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Judson for many years; Judy Martin; and Dr. Terry Morgan of the Judson staff.

Jefferson County Medical Society Alliance members ...

honored their physician spouses at the group’s annual Doctors’ Day Dinner March 26 at the home of Charles and Susan Dasher. The Doctors’ Day observance began in 1933 in Winder, Ga., on the anniversary of the first administration of anesthesia by Dr. Crawford Long in Barrow County, Ga., in 1842. Anne Lamkin orchestrated the decorations and menu. The banquet table was topped with two physician bags filled with red azaleas, spirea and old medical textbooks, stethoscopes and other equipment. Boutonnieres of red carnations, symbols of Doctors’ Day celebrations since 1935, were pinned to the physicians’ lapels. Jeannie Davis provided photos. Guests included Michael Harrington, president of the Jefferson County Medical Society, with wife Kathy, Mark and Marion Wilson, Bill and Nancy Stetler, Lewis and Zena Schulman, Bill and Rosine Feist, Tom and Mary Wills LeCroy, Billy and Elizabeth Cornay, Chandler and Jane Smith, Jim and Dolly Walker, John and Sheryl Gould, Merrill and Elizabeth Compton, Madelon Rushing, Tom and Anne Lamkin, Charles and Susan Dasher, Jim and Jeannie Davis and Sam and Nell Williams. Fred Rushing entertained with music from Frank Sinatra. Rushing dedicated “Come Rain or Come Shine” to Win and Dick Shepard, who were celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary. ❖

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The Birmingham Belles’ 43rd ...

annual Garden Party Presentation was April 10 at Arlington Historical House and Gardens. A reception followed in Boxwood Garden. The Birmingham Belles is a service organization that gives senior high school girls the opportunity and experience of volunteerism and civic responsibility. The young women presented will be visible at city functions throughout the year. Their volunteer opportunities include the Alabama Ballet, the Antiques and Gardens Show at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Arlington Summer Luncheons, delivering cookies baked from Belle recipes to assisted living homes, Birmingham Museum of Art, Christmas at Arlington, Decorators’ ShowHouse, Exceptional Foundation, Mystics Halloween Parade, Mountain Brook Art Association Art Show, the Birmingham Zoo and the Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel. Mollie Lindsey, Lelia Elizabeth Smith and Patricia Stutts were recipients of the 2011 Scholarship Fund, established to honor Birmingham Belle founder Mrs. James Mallory Kidd Jr. The Belles presented for 2011-2012 are: Martha Streit Abbott, Mary Katherine Abele, Rebecca Bynum Albritton, Anne Fairly Alison, Elizabeth Alston Armstrong, Ann Floyd Stevens Ashton, Alexandra Laird Barnett, Eileen Claire Barry , Brianna Danielle Basik, Caroline Ellingwood Bell, Olivia Leigh Benfield, Anna Kathryn Benner, Caroline Westbrook Bice, Mary Alexandra Blank, Mary Frances Boston, Madeline Charles Brawley, Anna Elisabeth Brewton, Katherine Alton Brown; Julie Anne Bryant, Leah Barrett Burton, Kalli Ruffin Calvin, Elizabeth Ferrell Carter, Grace Anne Conaway, Elizabeth Carlisle Cline, Elizabeth Norris Coleman, Caroline McCormick Collier, Carol Alexandrea Cool, Helen Cumbee Corey, Sarah Elizabeth Crouch, Sarah Elizabeth Dodson, Margaret Anne Donnell, Elizabeth Hughes Drake, Virginia Hagood Drennen, Caroline Cook Driggers, Virginia Lockett Farlow, Carly Ann Galbraith, Anne Hutchinson Galloway; Emily Irene Gardner, Eulalie Crommelin Draper Given, Sara Lillian Grantham, Mary Kathleen Graves, Caroline Nabers Gray, Mary Virginia Grisham, Mary Nobles Hancock, Elizabeth Hartley, Caroline Harper Hawkins, Grace Evelyn Ainsworth Hawkins, Rebecca Jane Henderson, Katherine Jean Henry, Mary Elizabeth Hobbs, Linda Dockery Holcombe, Madison Taylor Lee Hutto, Allison Leigh Ingram, Ivy Elizabeth Israel, Sarah Ruth

Above: Birmingham Belles presented at an annual garden party at Arlington included, from left, front: Virginia Drennen, Florence Poynor, Anne Fairly Alison and Gracie Hawkins. Back: Libby Hobbs, Abby Lucy, Margaret Pope, Caroline Collier and Virginia Grisham. Left: At the party were, from left: Mary Margaret Hendry, Leila Elizabeth Smith, Patricia Stutts and Ashelynn Falkenburg. Jager; Adelaide Harling King, Katherine Elaine Laatsch, Olivia Childs LaRussa, Laine Walton Lidikay, Ann Douglas Logan, Margaret Anne Logan, Mary Evelyn Lott, Collier Elizabeth Lowman, Mary Aileen Mackin, Hannah Westbrooke Mancer, Anna Kinsey Martin, Shelby Gardner McMahon, Laura Shealy McMullan, Seline Julia Meisler, Elizabeth Lee Miller, Abigail Celine Moore, Isabella Lauren Moseley, Grace Dunlap Murray, Anna Anglin Patterson; Anne Sloan Pell, Madeline Gilmer Phillips, Virginia Parker Pippen, Ansley Taylor Platt, Margaret Munger McCall Pope, Florence Evans Poynor, Florence Jane Prater, Sara Rene Price,

Anna Wynn Rodgers, Draper Lynne Rushing, Morgan Perry Russell, Elizabeth Ann Scott, Wesley Day Shaw, Mary Clayton Whitlock Shearer, Jennifer Kathryn Shewmake, Kathryn Ann Simpson, Brownlee Stephens Smith, Camille Miree Smith, Catherine Shepard Smith; Virginia Gilder Smith, Caroline Creighton Sparrow, Mary Ann Stevenson, Taylor Grayton Stewart, Mary Harmon Bryant Tyson, Elizabeth Turner Webster, Lela Ellen Welden, Alice Mims Whatley, Virginia Alton White, Chaney Emmaline White, Katherine Hope Williams, Addison Paige Williams, Mallory Elizabeth Wilson, Emily Fallon Wilson and Margaret Eleanor Wiygul. ❖

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 • 17

18 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

SOCIAL

Vestavia Hills Garden Club recently held ...

“Dining for Sibyl, Gateway to Our City” to raise funds for the ongoing maintenance of Sibyl Temple, located at the crest of Shades Mountain. The event included gourmet dinners in private homes. Hosts included Carolyn and John Hartman, Jane Paris and Chandler Smith, Wendy and Pat Henry, Melinda and Bubba Helveston, Lynne and Tim Petro, Anne and Rusty Moulton and Tracie Gwaltney. The Hartman and the Smith parties both featured entertainment by local musicians. One of the highlights of the fundraiser was a garden partystyle luncheon April 21 at Sibyl Temple. Guests were seated at cloth-draped tables centered with silver urns holding spring flowers. Garden Club members hosting the luncheon were Becky Babanats, Marsha Hire, Cindy Wester, Becky Hickel, Kelly Sorrell and Della Fancher. Special guests included Vestavia Hills Mayor Butch Zaragoza and former Mayor Scotty McCallum. Local merchants and restaurant owners donated jewelry, wines, gift certificates and other items for a raffle, with the drawing held at a brunch at the home of Dot Renneker, chairman for the event. More than $27,000 was raised and will be used to continue the beautification and upkeep of Sibyl Temple. The temple is open to the public and can be reserved ��

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Above: Hostesses for the Vestavia Hills Garden Club’s “Dining with Sibyl” event included, from left, front: Claire Gwaltney, Marsha Hire and Becky Babanats. Middle row: Becky Hickel and Kelly Sorrell. Back: Della Fancher and Cindy Wester. Left: At the luncheon were Patricia Barr and Frances Poor. Journal photos by Laura McAlister

for private parties, weddings and celebrations.

The Mountain Brook Alumnae Association ...

of Kappa Delta held its annual Shamrock Party March 25 at the home of Barbara Burton. The event included dinner and a fundraising raffle, with proceeds benefitting the

Kappa Delta alumnae at a March 25 Shamrock Party includ�� ed, from left: Rebecca �� Moore, Cindy Crowther and �� Ann Baker.

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Kappa Delta Foundation Children in Need Fund and the Lovelady Center. Philanthropy chairmen are Julianne Buckley, Rebecca Moore and Sally Yeilding. Among the 91 member guests and their dates enjoying the party were: president Romona Shannon and her husband Jim, Tripp and Rosemary Alexander, Lucy Allison, Ann and John Baker, Garnet and Jim Baker, Mary Katherine Bentley, Julia Bevill, Nolen Bevill, Sara Beth Blair, Jane and Chris Brakefield, Leigh and Gene Bromberg, Julianne and Jim Buckley, Mary Ruth and Charles Caldwell, Cindy and Chad Crowther and Beaty and John Coleman. Others at the party were Brooke Coleman, Deane and Phil Cook, Anna and Jim Cooper, Elizabeth and David Crommelin, Martha and John DeBuys, Lottie Drennen, Betsy Dumas, Irene Gardner, Augusta Hassinger, Ann and Parks Lee, Kitty and Tim Lovelady, Elizabeth McCoin, Nancy McCollum, Rebecca and Robert Moore, Rebecca and Ben Morris, Lee and Dean Nix, Katie and Ben Patrick, Dawn Peeples and Jean Reed and Robert Woodward. Also attending were Kim and Bill Pitts, Murray and Jim Priester, Lori and Peter Reich, Betsy and Dieter Rietz, Laura Susan and Tommy Roberts, Kim and Bruce Rogers, Mary and Mike Rooney, Katherine Rountree, Amy Smith, Mary Frances and Pat Thetford, Susan Waggoner, Laura Dee Wood, Ellen and Rich Webster, Yorke and Martin Williams, Catie Yeilding and Sally and Ralph Yeilding. ❖

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Members of the Camelot Club ...

enjoyed their annual spring luncheon at the Garden Cafe by Kathy G at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on a recent May day. The tables were set in all white, and the centerpieces were clear globes containing a pink rose, a white orchid and a blade of variegated liriope curled around the inside of the globe. The menu included Parmesan crusted pan roasted boneless chicken breast over stone-ground

polenta, sauteed green beans and lemon caper picatti sauce. Desserts were lemon pound cake with fresh strawberries and flourless chocolate torte. Hostesses were chairperson Patti Braswell, Sue Perry and Tracy LeBerte. At the business meeting, members elected the following officers to lead the club in its upcoming 47th year: Linda Kitchens, president; Gail Brown, vice president; Sondra Richardson, secretary; and Sharon Lovell, treasurer. Members attending were: Pat Brandstadt, Patti Braswell, Patsy

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 • 19

Cate, Audrey Cornutt, Kathy Crawford, Carolyn Crowe, Deloris Donegan, Kay Eddins, Betty Margaret Elliott, Peggy Goldschmidt, Jeri Gray, Cheryl Hardwick, Betty Sue Jordan, Linda Kitchens, Sharon Lovell, Jane Mahaffey, Mary Nelson, Sue Perry, Mary Ann Prewitt, Wade Repass, Sondra Richardson, Dottie Schoel, Dianne Small, Judy Smith, Linda Stewart, Betty Thompson, Norma Warren, Nancy Welch, Harriette Woodring and Gloria Woods. ❖

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Above: Attending the Camelot Club spring luncheon were from left: Sondra Richardson, Linda Kitchens and Sharon Lovell. Below: Also there were from left: Dianne Small, Sue Perry, Pat Brandstadt.

Photo special to the Journal

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20 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

Bramlett-London

Mr. and Mrs. David G. Bryson of Birmingham and Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. Bramlett of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Allison Lenore Bramlett, to Gary Mitchell London Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. London of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the grand-

Renneker-Masterson

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tutwiler Anderson of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Faith Piper Renneker, to Alexander Michael Masterson, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Michael Masterson of Wolf Springs. Miss Renneker is the daughter of the late Mr. William Walker Renneker and the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hilton Addison Piper Jr., the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick

Brown-Shafferman

Drs. Charles and Debra Brown of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Corinne Brown, to William Haswell Thomas Shafferman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Haswell Shafferman of

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS daughter of Mr. Daniel William Coughlin of Birmingham and the late Mrs. Lenore Ross Coughlin, Mrs. Shirley Parker Bramlett of Birmingham and the late Mr. Joe B. Bramlett and Mr. and Mrs. Ian David Bryson of Albemarle, N.C. Miss Bramlett is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She is employed with Jacobs Engineering in Washington, D.C. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. Ben Ivey Jackson of Birmingham and the late Mrs. Barbara Garforth Jackson and Mrs. Betty London of Albemarle and the late Mr. L.C. London. Mr. London is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He is employed with B & D Consulting in Washington, D.C., and will attend Georgetown University Law School in the fall. The wedding will be June 11 at First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham.

Renneker Jr. and the late Mr. And Mrs. Frank Yarborough Anderson III of Birmingham. She is a graduate of Briarwood Christian High School and Birmingham-Southern College, where she received a bachelor of arts degree in music songwriting. She has since released two recording albums under “Faith Piper.” Miss Renneker was presented at the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball, the Ballet Guild’s Ball of Roses, the Heritage Ball and the Redstone Ball. Mr. Masterson is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William Stinson Masterson of Wolf Springs and Mr. and Mrs. Harce Mannon Hill of Moulton. He is a graduate of Calvary Fellowship School in Florence and graduated magna cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College with a bachelor of arts degree in history and a minor in political science. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and was a member of the Honor Council. This fall, Mr. Masterson will attend the University of Alabama Law School to pursue a juris doctorate. A May 2011 wedding is planned.

Arlington, Va. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Winslow Lawson Hill of Huntsville and the late Mr. Hill and the late Mr. and Mrs. Claude Kenner Brown of Mobile. Miss Brown is a 2010 summa cum laude graduate of Furman University and a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She is a first year medical student at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carlton Shafferman of Arlington and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Benjamin Moore of Montgomery. Mr. Shafferman is a 2010 graduate of Furman University and a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He is a marketing representative with Union Bank and Trust Company. The wedding is planned for June 11.

Spratling-Seale

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gilley

Kearley-Teague

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Vincent Giambrone of Mountain Brook and

Marx-Goodsell

Mrs. Mark Harvey Elovitz and Mr. Victor Hugo Marx III of Birmingham announce the engage-

Martin-Floyd

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Allen

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Byrne and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Barnett Spratling III of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Patricia Camille, to Robert David Seale Jr., son of Mrs. Diana Tidd Seale of Birmingham and Mr. Robert David Seale of Chattanooga, Tenn. Miss Spratling is the granddaughter of Mrs. Alfred Gore Marks of Lebanon, Tenn., and the late Mr. Marks and of the late Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Barnett Spratling, Jr. of Roba. She graduated magna cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omicron Pi. She later earned a master’s degree in public and private management at

Birmingham-Southern. Mr. Seale is the father of Hannah Lee Seale of Birmingham. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Allen Jones of Mobile and the late Mr. Ewell Paul Tidd Jr. of Birmingham and of the late Mr. David Aubrey Seale and the late Mrs. Margaret Bice Seale of Birmingham. He earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree and education specialist degree from the University of Montevallo. The bride is executive director of Railroad Park Foundation, and the groom is assistant principal at Jemison Middle School. A small family wedding is planned for mid-July.

Brigadier General and Mrs. George Henry Walker Jr. of Normandy, Tenn., announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Walker Kearley, to Dylan Wayne Teague, son of Ms. Kathryn Lee Timberlake of Auburn and Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Wayne Teague of Auburn. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. William H. Block of Hartselle and the late Mrs. Nadine F. Orr of Birmingham. Ms. Kearley is a 1993 graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School. She is a 1999 graduate of Auburn University-Montgomery with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology and a 2010 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a bachelor’s

degree in history. She is employed at Saint Luke’s Day School. The prospective groom is the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Teague of Auburn and Ms. Lee C. Timberlake of Fairhope and the late Mr. Ingold Vaughan Timberlake Jr. of Auburn. Mr. Teague is a 1999 graduate of Auburn High School. He is a 2003 cum laude graduate of the University of the South at Sewanee, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and the baseball team. He received his master’s degree in business administration from Auburn University in 2004. He is employed at Liberty Park Middle School. The wedding is planned for June 11.

ment of their daughter, Alice Sara Marx, to Blake Bryant Goodsell, son of Mrs. Michael Eugene Kozlik and Mr. Timothy Dean Goodsell of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Sara Dominick Clark and the late Mr. James Edward Clark and the late Mr. and Mrs. Victor Hugo Marx Jr., all of Birmingham. Miss Marx is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a member of Kappa Delta sorority and was presented at the Ball of Roses. She is employed with Metairie Park Country Day School in New

Orleans. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Joseph Stanley Brown and the late Mr. Brown of Fayette and Mrs. Dean Goodsell Jr. and the late Mr. Goodsell of Florence. Mr. Goodsell is a graduate of Hoover High School. He is a cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama and the Blount Undergraduate Initiative. Mr. Goodsell graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama School of Law. He is a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He is practicing with the firm, Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith in New Orleans. The wedding is planned for June 4.

Martin Jr. of Monroeville announce the engagement of their daughter, Katherine Hybart Martin, to Paul William Holmes Floyd, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Holmes Floyd III of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Samuel Allen Martin and the late Mr. Martin and Mrs. John Cameron Hybart Jr. and the late Mr. Hybart, all of Monroeville. Ms. Martin is a 2004 graduate of Monroe Academy and a 2008 cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and Omicron Delta Kappa honorary. She will complete her master’s degree in nurse anesthesia from Samford University in

May 2012. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Edwin James Ryder and the late Mr. Ryder of Toronto, Ontario, and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Holmes Floyd Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla. Mr. Floyd is a 2001 graduate of Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School and a 2005 graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is a 2006 summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a master’s degree in accounting. He is employed as a certified public accountant at Ernst and Young LLP in the financial services tax practice. The wedding is planned for July 16.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Green-DeAndrade

Dr. and Mrs. John Clifton Green announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Anne Green, to Dr. Kevin Blasé DeAndrade, son of Mr. and Mrs. Avito Pereira DeAndrade of

Carey-Harding

Mrs. Joseph Frederick Carey Jr. of Birmingham announces

Benton-Wagner

Mr. and Mrs. William David Benton of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Benton, to Captain Thomas Robert Wagner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lee

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 • 21

WEDDINSG & ENGAGEMENTS

Mobile. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Howard Gilbert of Demopolis and Mrs. Alma Ruth Green and the late Mr. John Robert Green of Mobile. Miss Green is a 2000 graduate of Demopolis High School and a 2004 graduate of the University of Alabama. She will graduate in May from Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, where she is a member of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, American College of Clinical Pharmacists, American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists, and Rho Chi honor society. Upon graduation, she will complete a pharmacy practice residency with the Ochsner Health System in New Orleans.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Louis Policarpo Pereira DeAndrade and the late Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rosario Abreo. Dr. DeAndrade is a 2001 graduate of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, a 2004 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama and a 2008 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He is currently an internal medicine resident physician at UAB Hospital, where he serves as president of the House Staff Council and is a member of the board of directors for the Medical Alumni Association. He will complete a cardiology fellowship at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans. The nuptial mass is planned for June 4 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Demopolis.

the engagement of her daughter, Catharine Alice, to Paul Gary Harding of Birmingham, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Alexander Harding of Nashville, Tenn. Miss Carey is also the daughter of the late Joseph Frederick Carey Jr. Grandparents of the bride-elect are the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Frederick Carey (Adelaide Fox) of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Leon Goggans (Evelyn Stewart) of Tuscaloosa and Greenville. Miss Carey is a graduate of Indian Springs School, Birmingham-Southern College and the Birmingham School of Law. She was presented at the Heritage Ball, the Ball of Roses and the Redstone Ball. The bride-elect is

a member of the Junior League of Birmingham and is a sustaining member of the Ballet Guild of Birmingham. She is an associate with the W.E. Smith Law Firm. Grandparents of the prospective groom are Mrs. Alexander Harding Jr. of Edgewater, Fla., and the late Mr. Harding. He is also the grandson of Mrs. Edward O’Neill, the late Mr. O’Neill and the late Charles Knanishu, all of Yonkers, N.Y. Mr. Harding is a graduate of Rogers High School in Florence and attended Northwest Shoals Community College. He is employed with O’Neal Steel. The wedding is planned for Aug. 27 at South Highland Presbyterian Church.

Wagner of East Grand Forks, Minn. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Bennett William Benton and the late Mr. Benton of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Avery Miller Jr. of Birmingham. She is a 2008 magna cum laude graduate of Auburn University School of Nursing. Ms. Benton is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Sigma Theta Tau honor societies. She served as the 2007-2008 president of Auburn University School of Nursing. She is employed as a labor and delivery nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. and will complete her master’s in family nurse practitioner school at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in

August 2012. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Norman Roy Wagner and the late Mr. Wagner of Fisher, Minn. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Archibald Mac of East Grand Forks, Minn. He is a 2007 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a 2009 flight school graduate at Fort Rucker in Enterprise. He was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 2010-2011 as a UH60 Blackhawk platoon leader. Captain Wagner recently assumed responsibility of the aviation maintenance platoon and re-deployed to the United States. He is currently stationed in Fort Campbell, Ky. The wedding is planned for July 23.

It’s that time of the year. Wedding season is here. If you’re recently engaged or married send us your announcement now. There are only two more issues left before we take our annual summer break June 16-July 14. Fill out a form at www.otmj.com or e-mail your announcement to editorial@otmj.com

Joseph-Lawrence

Mr. and Mrs. John Gerard Joseph of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Michelle Lynne Joseph, to Charles Phillip Lawrence, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Robert Lawrence of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Mitchell Joseph and the late Mr. Joseph of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Aziz George Maluff of

Alfano-Parrish

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gerard Alfano of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Lisa Michele Alfano, to Edward “Tate” Parrish, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Stuart Parish of Acworth, Ga. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joe L. Gattina of Hoover and Mrs. Carmelina Alfano of Hoover and the late Mr. Tommie F. Alfano. Miss Alfano is a graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School and the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in restaurant, hospitality and meetings management and a minor in business management. She is a member of

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Birmingham. Miss Joseph is a graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School. She is a 2006 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in biology and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She received a master’s degree in early childhood/elementary education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2010. She is a teacher at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Phillips Nelson and Ms. Mattilene Amberson Lawrence of Birmingham and the late Mr. Charles Clemont Lawrence, also of Birmingham. Mr. Lawrence is a graduate of Kingwood Christian School and Auburn University. He received his doctor of pharmacy in 2007 from the Harrison School of Pharmacy at Auburn University. He is employed at Walgreen’s Pharmacy. The wedding is planned for July 30.

Alpha Chi Omega sorority and was presented at the 2005 Poinsettia Ball. She is employed with Warner Chilcott Pharmaceuticals in Birmingham. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Blanche Harper and the late Mr. R. Dalton Harper of Acworth and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parrish of Highlands, N.C. Mr. Parrish is a graduate of Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Ga., and Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in communications studies and a minor in sociology. He played soccer with the Clemson Tigers and played professionally for the Atlanta Silverbacks. He is employed with Stryker Endoscopy in Birmingham. The wedding is planned for July 23 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover.

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22 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

FASHION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

animal accents Summer is all about fun and the outdoors, so we headed outside to the Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Botanical Gardens to showcase some hot summer looks from some very cool OTM retailers. JOURNAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN POPE

Among those modeling at Birmingham Fashion Week were from left: Marina Crosswell, Laura Leach and Journal photos by John Pope Caleb Williams.

Fashion Forward

First Birmingham Fashion Week Draws Stylish Crowd for Good Cause

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

ashion runway shows aren’t just for New York and Paris. In recent years, southern cities like Charleston, S.C., and New Orleans have added runway shows to feature local up-and-coming designers and models. Now Birmingham is doing the same. The first Birmingham Fashion Week was April 30 at Historic Rucker Place. Established fashion designers with Alabama ties showed off their new lines, as did design students from the University of Alabama. This show wasn’t just about fashion, though. It also was about raising money for good causes. “We raised $17,000 for Camp Smile-A-Mile,” said Jeana Lee Fleming, vice president of Birmingham Fashion Week. “Then as a last-minute thing, we were able to get a replica of the royal wedding ring. We got $5,000 for that and gave it to the tornado victims. “That was something we wanted to do to honor and help them.” Initially, the event was going to be all about the royal wedding; hence the April 30 date. It would feature only wedding dresses and was to be called the “Royal Runway.” With interest from designers as well as retailers, however, it was expanded to a full runway show

and two competitions, the BFW Rising Design Star Competition and the Look Model Competition. “After we started thinking about it, we decided, why not make a full fashion week?” Jeana Lee said. “You’ve got places like Charleston, New Orleans and Nashville that have fashion weeks that are wildly successful, and we have so many fashionable people here in Alabama.” About 350 of those fashionable people attended the first Birmingham Fashion Week. The runway show was actually just one day, but Jeana Lee more photos at said to expect a full week of fashion in 2012. Planning for the next BFW is already underway. This year, Creative Coalition, the group behind BFW, had only about seven weeks to plan the event. Six design students from the University of Alabama competed in the Rising Design Star challenge, and the model challenge drew more than 300 applicants, with 51 being chosen for the runway show. William Bradley, a UA senior from Chantom, won the designer competition, and Leah Furman of Birmingham won the model competition. In addition to the up-and-coming designers and models, BFW also featured two well-known southern

OTMJ.COM

designers, Lauren Leonard and Heidi Elnora. Lauren, a Tuscaloosa native, founded Leona in 2008. Among her devout followers is singer Taylor Swift. Heidi designs wedding gowns and has shops in Cahaba Heights and Atlanta. She was a contestant in the 2006 season of “Project Runway.” Lucky magazine calls her “the master of the glam Southerninspired gown.” Also featured on the runway was menswear from Shaia’s in Homewood. About 30 local retailers also had special offers for shoppers to coincide with BFW. “It really was amazing,” Jeana Lee said. “With seven weeks we were kind of limited, but we couldn’t be happier with the results. “The feedback from the community has been awesome. I think this year was really kind of a preview of what it will become.” Next year’s event will be Feb. 9-12. There again will be a featured bridal designer runway show, which has been set for the morning of Feb. 12. The location has not been determined. “We’re definitely looking forward to 2012,” Jeana Lee said. “We expect it to grow. We’ve already outgrown Rucker Place, and we already have some celebrities lined up for February.” Jeana Lee said to visit www. bhamfashionweek.com for updates about the 2012 event and featured designers. ❖

Even the giraffe can’t help but notice Hadley Algren of Vestavia Hills and Kristen Schneider of Hoover in their fun summer looks. Hadley, left, is wearing a floral dress in pink and green with a full ruffle and cross back straps, $42. Her bracelet is a pearl and mother of pearl flower bracelet, $39. Kristen Schneider is wearing a soft pink and grey floral one shoulder top with an elastic waist. The top is completed with a mesh belt. Both $39.

Pink Tulip, 870-7258

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 • 23

FASHION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

1. On a safari or in the city, Julie Rosenfield and Katherine Sparks can go just about anywhere in these looks. Julie, left, is wearing a Nautical stripe maxi dress $39.99, with raffia belt $19.99, gold earrings $14.99 and Sanuk gold flip flops $26.99. Katherine looks stunning in a tribal print crochet tank, $49.99, Seven Skinny Jeans Crop-N-Roll Jeans, $159.99 and Antelope Shoes $159.99 (30 styles).

The Pants Store: Crestline 968-1616; Trussville 655-7268; Leeds 699-6166 2. Haley Harrod of Vestavia Hills looks stunning in this one shoulder cinched waist dress, $49.50, paired with Jessica Simpson trixie heels, $89, gold medallion earrings. $18.80, Liz Palacios cuff $98, six-strand whimsical bracelet, $16.80 and Michael Kors watch, $225.

Private Gallery, 969-1559 3. Christa Harding will stop them in their tracks with this white, sleeveless crinkle dress by Babette, $283 and linen Jaga jacket, $420. Her looks completed with tan Leifsdottir pumps, $326, a flower pin in light pink, $20 and Orpel diamond studded belt, $85.

Betsy Prince, 871-1965 4. Laura Player looks fresh and fun in this “Sasha” Dress by Ginger Lamb, $94, paired with an Agate slice ring, $39, turquoise earrings by Priti, $18, and leather handbag $124.

AKA Girls Stuff, 802-7735

5. Kelly Oliver looks beautiful wearing an eco friendly dress by Feral Childe, $331, a black heart necklace made from recycled materials by Kris Nations $41, and handmade-vegetable dyed shoes by Camilla Norrback, $449.

Molly Green, 637-7110

24 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

FASHION

McKenna Welman of Mountain Brook looks comfortable and cool in a Double Zero navy tiered ruffle tee, $48; Barbara Lesser jegging, $108; Laurel Bassett handmade glass & mixed metal cuff, $138 and necklace, $128.

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233 COUNTRY CLUB PARK CRESTLINE VILLAGE 868-1616

Town & Country Clothes, 871-7909

8029 PARKWAY DRIVE DOWNTOWN LEEDS 699-6166

1830 HWY 11 TRUSSVILLE 655-7268

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

These three ladies looking stunning dressed in The Clothes Tree’s Mother of the Wedding Party collection. Britni McMillian is wearing a navy Nicole Miller dress, $630. Mandy Sisson is wearing a mocha Nicole Miller dress, $695, and Miss Teen Alabama 2011 Barron Rae Willams is wearing a persimmon, Teri Jon dress, $660.

The Clothes Tree By Deborah, 822-1902

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 • 25

FASHION

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�� 1. Just because they’re comfortable doesn’t mean they can’t be cute. If you’re planning a long day of sight-seeing at the zoo, try Ecco Women’s Groove Sandal $119.95, black noir, Merrill Dahlia in coffee bean, $84.95, Merrill White Flip Flop “Jasmine,” $79.95, or the Unstructured Clarks, Anise Peanut, $94.95.

Carl’s Comfort Shoes, 980-4800 2. These shoes are great for sightseeing at the zoo, or a night out with the girls. The Girls Beca Michele turquoise sandals with silver beaded embellishments, $16.99. The kid in you will loves these Kids Volatile fuchsia and multi colored animal print flip flops, $24.99, and FitFlops in pewter with Jewels, $59.99, will have you beach ready in no time. They’re the flip “with the gym built in.” Sanuk Ibiza flip flop in black, $34, a perfect for any occasion.

Amsale Anne Barge Christos Jenny Lee Judd Waddell Kenneth Pool Lea Ann Belter Paloma Blanca Rivini Watters

flip flops and what nots, 967-7429

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26 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

FASHION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

BORDADO TRUNK SHOW

Wednesday, May 18th Saturday, May 21

Our favorite pima cotton tees & knit sets available for special order in a wide variety of new styles, patterns & colors!

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2880 OLD ROCKY RIDGE ROAD BIRMINGHAM, AL 35243 www.theclothestreebydeborah.com Please inquire about hair and makeup for special occasions.

MISS ALABAMA TEEN USA 2011 BARRON RAE WILLIAMS

For information on becoming the next Miss Alabama Teen USA visit www.missalabamausa.com

1. Collins Kitchens, 11, of Vestavia Hills is ready to take the stage in this fuchsia halter leotard and animal print skirt in fuchsia, purple and black, both by Capezio.

Applause Dancewear, 871-7837 2. These lovely ladies are ready for a summer wedding. Melanie Benton is wearing a Marisa Baratelli. The sheath dress has an off the shoulder tufted band at the neckline, and the fitted bodice has rouching at the waist. The bride, Brittany Benton Massey, is wearing a Christos gown. The bodice is made of French Alencon lace with a modified sweetheart neckline. The soft A-line skirt is of Point d’Espirit with a tulle overlay. Completing Brittany’s look is an ivory silk satin ribbon with a soft organza and feather flower at the waist.

The White Room, 970-6767 3. These little ones will be the main attractions in these outfits. Lucy Pankey of Mountain Brook, left, is wearing an “Ariel” outfit by Little Adventures, $28.99, a light/dark pink bracelet with stones by Little Poppy, $2, and Hello Kitty Sunglasses, $8.95. Riley Campbell of Hoover is wearing a pink dress with silver trim by Little Adventures, $28.99, and princess crown, $9.99.

A Tiny Kingdom, 802-8469

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 • 27

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Send us your school news! Let the OTM area know what your school is up to. Send your news to editorial@otmj.com

Before you head to the beach come see us!

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

Brookwood Forest fifth graders having fun at the Forest Fling spring festival included, from left: Jack Sawyer, Harris Jeffords, Coe Taylor, Cole Hamilton, Hudson Durough, Lyons Shaffer and Mason Knowles.

Photo special to the Journal

‘Forest Fling’ Celebrates Spring

rookwood Forest Elementary celebrated its annual spring festival, Forest Fling, April 15. Students played carnival games, climbed inflatables, participated in arts and crafts and snacked on popcorn, cookies and sodas. Popular booths included hair color spray, fake injury bandaging, face painting and finger painting. Students also enjoyed the cake walk, Pucker Powder sour candy and treats from Bruster’s and Doodles. PTO chairman for Forest Fling, a fundraiser for BWF, was Laura Brown. Her committee included Margaret Mullen, Maurine Halpern, Julie Sfakianos, Kelly Putman, Bethanne Taylor, Hayley Young, Jennifer Holley, Ami Estreicher and Lisa Bebenek.

Pizitz Chess Team Is Third in State

The Pizitz Pirates placed third in the state in the junior high division at the 2011 Alabama State Team Scholastic Chess Championship March 25 in Daphne. This is Pizitz Middle School’s first year to have a competitive chess team. The five students chosen to compete and represent the Pizitz chess team were Tarun Kore, Andrew Little, Nikitha Prattipati, Vincent West and Charby Xu. The

team was led by Pizitz chess sponsor Melinda Fagin and certified chess coach Ballagee Govidian. Charby Xu placed first in state at the individual competition March 26. The Pizitz Pirates chess team, the Pirates of the Round Table, also includes Denver Ammons, Kareem El-Kattan, Ahmed Farrukh, Robby Garrison, Andrew Hutchinson, Ake Kankirawatana, Allen Lee, Benson Lee, Morgan Long, Isabel Martin, Patrick Mills, Jason Nash and Xiaolan You.

Homewood Schools Win NAMM Award

Homewood City Schools has been designated a “Best Community” by the NAMM Foundation. This year marks the 12th annual Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) survey, which acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment to and support for music education in schools. This is the sixth year Homewood has received the honor. This year, Homewood was the only community in Alabama selected as one of the nation’s best school districts for music education. The BCME survey is a nationwide search for communities whose programs exemplify a strong commitment to music

Representing the Pizitz Pirates chess team at the state Scholastic Chess Championship were, from left: Vincent West, Andrew Little, Tarun Kore, Charby Xu, Nikitha Prattipati and Ballagee Govidian. Front: Melinda Photo special to the Journal Fagin.

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28 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

SCHOOLS

education. Established in 1999, BCME recognizes schools, their administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students for their support of music education and their efforts to assure access to all students as part of the core curriculum. Each school receiving the “Best Communities” designation scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the survey’s grading process.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

will be honored at an author reading, art show and book signing at Left Bank Books in St. Louis June 4.

ISS Twins Named Award Semifinalists

Jeff Liu and Larry Liu, Indian Springs School seniors and twin brothers from Birmingham, have been named semifinalists in the 2011 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program competition, which recognizes some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. From nearly 3.2 million seniors, Custodian Geraldine Bester read to kindergarten students during Gwin approximately 3,000 were identiElementary’s observance of Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’ fied as candidates in the program based on their SAT and ACT Photo special to the Journal birthday. scores. Only 560 were selected as semifinalists on the basis of academic achievement, personal charPediatric/Adolescent Dentistry acteristics, leadership and service activities. Two fifth graders at Advent Gwin Elementary celebrated Both Jeff and Larry made a perEpiscopal School will be honored Read Across America Day and Dr. fect 2,400 on their SAT. by the Grannie Annie Family Story Seuss’s birthday March 2. Celebration with publication of Dressed as book characters, We gladly file all insurance their stories in the sixth annual students were served green eggs and ham for breakfast. Guests read Grannie Annie anthologies, to be released this month. books by Dr. Seuss. Published authors from Advent Heather Montgomery, nonficare Ellie Guyader, who wrote tion nature and science author, Mountain Brook elementary autographed books and entertained “Flag of Freedom”; and Madison schools hosted four children’s Kirkwood, who wrote “Pop!” Diplomate Board of Pediatric Dentistry students with fun facts about authors during its recent Writers’ Each participating student intersnakes. She also presented her Festival. views an older relative and writes a collection of snakeskins to the Schools participating in story about an event from his or her the annual festival included students. family’s history. After stories have Brookwood Forest, Cherokee been selected for publication, some Bend and Mountain Brook are sent to art teachers for their stu- Elementary. dents to illustrate. The visiting authors included The Grannie Annie Family Tim Green, a former NFL player �� Story Celebration, founded by who was named the Atlanta �� authors and publishers Connie Falcons’ top defensive player for � �� McIntyre and Fran Hamilton, is a eight years. A former TV broadnonprofit corporation based in St. �� caster for FOX NFL Sunday, Good Louis, Mo. Morning America, Court TV and A �� The young authors and artists

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Gwin Celebrates Reading Day

Advent Students Are Published Authors

Mountain Brook Schools Host Writers’ Festival

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Authors Tim Green and Mike Artell discuss their books with Mountain Brook Elementary sixth graders Spence Hutchinson, Jackson Photo special to the Journal Lightfoot, Butler Wilbanks and Henry Barze.

Virginia College is hiring!

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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

Current Affair, Green is the bestselling author of adult mysteries and kids’ novels about sports. His children’s novel, “Best of the Best,” debuted this spring and is already on the top 10 New York Times list for children’s literature. His novels are based on his own experiences as an athlete and a coach. Author Timothy Weeks grew up mullet fishing and working on shrimp boats with his father along the Gulf Coast. He graduated from Baylor University. Weeks worked for Teach for America in New York City, then lived and worked as a journalist in Amsterdam, Brussels, Bangkok and Frankfurt. The freelance journalist lives in Europe for part of the year and returns to the U.S. every spring to visit schools and fish. His stories follow the life of a mullet fish that survives Hurricane Katrina and other challenges. His three illustrated books are “Goldie’s Search for Silver,” “Ol’ Middler Saves the Day” and “The Wise Mullet of Cook Bayou.” Irene Latham, a poet and mother of three from Birmingham, is the author of “Leaving Gee’s Bend,” her first novel. The book is about a quilt-loving girl growing up in Gee’s Bend during the Great Depression. Latham was named Alabama Poet of the Year in 2007. Mike Artell is an award-winning author, illustrator, TV cartoonist, musician, storyteller and humorist from Covington, La. In his school presentations, he teaches kids about Cajun culture and reads from his Cajun parodies of classic folk tales. He also gives students step-bystep instructions for creating their own original cartoons and shares music from his original music CD. His books include “PetiteRouge, A Cajun Red Riding Hood,” named the 2009 Read-Aloud Book of Year by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. He is also the author of “Three Little Cajun Pigs,” “Starry Skies,” “Weather Whys” and “Backyard Bloodsuckers.” He has two new books coming out this summer: biographies of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. Shaun Gray co-chaired the event with Cilie Cowin for MBE and MBE Library Media Center (LMC) instructors. Also helping were Margaret Hudson and Nonnie Roby. Finley Evans chaired the Writers’ Festival for Brookwood Forest Elementary while Cleo Lackey of BWF LMC helped coordinate the event. Susan Huffman and Lisa Bowling co-chaired the writers’ festival for Cherokee Bend Elementary School. Beth Shea of the CBS LMC assisted with the festival at their school. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 • 29

SPORTS

Gandler Makes All American Ranking

Spain Park Defeats Daphne to Claim Soccer Title Members of the The Lady Jaguars clebrate their 5-0 win over Daphne Saturday to claim the schools third consecutive 6A state soccer championship. More photos at otmj.com

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

The Vestavia Hills High School boys’ tennis team won this year’s state 6A championship. The Rebels edged Mountain Brook 73-66 to claim their first title since 1995. The team includes, from left: Jake Bivin, Garrett Fallon, Hall Cartledge, Jack Rayburn, Jack Patton, Coach Adam Kolasa, Peter Inge, Jeffrey Holcombe, Leo Photo special to The Journal Richard, Ziqi Wang and John Morson.

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Austin Gandler, from Mountain Brook Junior High earned All American wrestling status. recently. Austin participated in the Dixie National Wrestling Tournament held in Atlanta, GA. Wrestlers from around the country were represented at this event. Austin placed second in the 14 and under 135 pound weight class earning him his new status and national ranking.

Seitz Qualifys for BMX World Championship

William Seitz raced the USA Cycling National Championships in Chula Vista, Calif., recently and by making the semi-finals, qualified for the BMX (Bicycle Motorcross) W o r l d Championships in Copenhagen Denmark this summer. William is a third grader at Vestavia East Elementary.

Harvest Books & Gifts Offers Unique Shopping Finds

Harvest Books and Gifts is a unique book and gift store located within the atrium of Mountaintop Community Church in Vestavia Hills. We specialize in Christian books, Bibles, and unique inspirational gifts. In our store you’ll find a variety of boutique-style gifts and home décor items that are perfect for any occasion from weddings to birthdays, baby gifts and teacher’s gifts or just something special for you! You’ll also find a fun and newly expanded jewelry and accessory area, cards and journals, music and audio books, used books, and more! Our goal is to do the leg work for you-whether it’s finding your next read, something new for your home, or that perfect gift at the right price. Plus our store offers free gift wrapping, so you’re ready to give your gift with no extra stops! To check out this boutique-style Christian book and gift store, stop by Harvest Monday’s through Friday’s from 9:00 am to 5:00pm. For more information about the store you can check out www.harvestbooksandgifts.com or call us at 205-776-8100. “Liking” us on Facebook is also a great way to see new merchandise and keep up with sales and store special events.

(located in the atrium of Mountaintop Community Church)

225 Centerview Dr Vestavia Hills

30 • THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

SPORTS

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Falling Star: ISS Falls to UMS After Jamroz Ejected

BY LEE DAVIS JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

ndian Springs may have lost the state 1A-4A soccer championship to UMS Wright 1-0 in Huntsville last Saturday, but as far as ISS fans are concerned, the loss will always come with an asterisk. That’s because Indian Springs played most of the game without its star Alex Jamroz, who entered the game holding state records for season and career goals. Jamroz earned a yellow card for arguing with a referee early in the game and got another for unsportsmanlike conduct after allegedly throwing an elbow at an opposing player toward the end of the first half. The two offenses sent Jamroz to a seat on the sidelines for the rest of the game. ISS suffered another blow when all-metro performer Stuart McLean

Golf,

from back cover

ment. Lovelady fired a sizzling �� four-under par 67 on the first day and followed that with a 72 to win �� by one stroke. The Spartans’ Stewart Jolly and �� Spain Park’s Michael Johnson tied

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for second at 140. Jolly charged into second with an impressive three-under par 68 on the final day. �� “It feels really good to win,” �� said Mountain Brook coach Benny Eaves. “I’m not sure everybody �� really understands how good golf is in this state. Tom (Lovelady) �� had a great opening round and that � �� gave us a nice jump start. �� “This championship has been a long time coming.” �� It had been. Although the �� Spartans have qualified for the last four state tournaments, last week’s �� victory was the first time they had

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Track,

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

cover

“This win is a tribute to our girls and our community,” said Echols. “I didn’t really have that much to do with it.” The key to Mountain Brook’s victory was its win in the 4x800 meter relay, the meet’s final event. The Lady Spartans and Lady Bucs were tied entering the event, and Mountain Brook survived a dropped baton to win by a matter of seconds. The foursome of Margaret Pritchard, Catherine Diethelm, Kendall Reed and Marie DiMedicis provided the victory. Elizabeth Coleman aided the Lady Spartans’ cause with a win in the pole vault. DiMedicis won the 800-meter run.

was sent to the bench for allegedly stepping on a UMS player. ISS coach Rik Tozzi didn’t criticize the officiating but did say that no player had been removed for drawing a double yellow card or single red card until the championship match. “When the all-time goal scorer in Alabama and another all-star player are removed from the game, it’s going to affect how you play,” said Tozzi. UMS scored the game’s only goal when the Bulldogs’ Nick Frangos connected with 23 minutes remaining in the game. ISS finished the year with a 263-3 record. Indian Springs – ranked number one in its classification -- reached the championship final with a 7-2 rout of Collinsville the previous day. Jamroz led his team’s attack by scoring three goals. The game

was halted for 45 minutes because of a thunderstorm, but the delay didn’t stop ISS’s momentum. The news wasn’t quite so good for the Indian Springs girls, who lost to defending champion Guntersville 3-2 in Friday’s semifinals. The Wildcats’ Anna Mikel Jones, a seventh grader, decided the game on a penalty kick that broke a 2-2 deadlock. After Guntersville took an early 1-0 lead, ISS tied the score with Virginia Smith’s goal. Indian Springs took a 2-1 lead in the second half on Dabney Hofammann’s goal. But the Wildcats battled back to make the score even again. Indian Springs closed its season with a 20-7 record. “We didn’t lose on penalty kicks, they won it,” said ISS coach Hunter Gray. “We put the ball on the frame three times. Their goalkeeper made three great saves.”

brought home the state championship trophy since 1997. Lovelady said winning the team title was more important to him than being the low medalist. “The last four years, we always had the talent but just couldn’t put things together when we needed to,” he said. “It’s awesome that we were able to do it my senior year.” The news was just as good for the Spartan girls, who earned their first state title since 2007. Mountain Brook shot a two-day total of 477 to defeat Prattville by three shots. Spain Park was third with a 492 score. Spartan coach Jackie Clayton pointed out that Mountain Brook had an extremely young team. “This is a team we started putting together three years ago,” said Clayton. “They were seventh and eighth graders when we started, and we’ll still have them next year.” Mountain Brook’s low medal-

ist was Tatum Jackson, who finished third with a two-day total of 150. Lakin Eddy was Spain Park’s low medalist with a 157 total.

Other area individual winners in the girls’ 6A meet were Hoover’s Charlanda Gooden, winning the 300-meter hurdles and the 100-meter hurdles; Hoover’s Chardonae Fuqua, winning the high jump; Hoover’s Joy ManeiceMarbury, winning the 200-meter dash and Spain Park’s Simone Charley, winning the triple jump. In boys’ competition, Hoover earned its third straight 6A title, totaling 70 points to outdistance runner-up Hewitt-Trussville’s 61. Mountain Brook finished fourth with 48 points. The tandem of Bryan Propst, Michael Fort, Marlon Humphrey and Nigel Cribbs won the 4x400 relay for the Bucs. Cribbs kicked into high gear in the final 100 meters to take the victory. “I just couldn’t lose the lead,” he said later. Hoover’s Jaylon Denson won

the high jump event. The biggest individual winner was Homewood’s Aaron Ernest, who won the 100-meter run, the 200- meter run and the long jump. Ernest’s time of 10:33 seconds in the 100-meter run set a new state record in all classes. The Patriot senior will run track at LSU next season. Vestavia Hills won the 4x800 meter relay, and the Rebels’ Joseph Harrison won the boys’ javelin. Mountain Brook’s Charlie Forbes won the 110-meter and 3000-meter hurdles. Spain Park’s Joe Williams won the shot put and also won the discus throw for the second consecutive year. In the Class 3A-1A meet, Altamont’s Temple Price won the 110-meter hurdles, and the Lady Knights’ Sarah Eckinger won the 800- and 3200-meter runs.

‘The last four years, we always had the talent but just couldn’t put things together when we needed to. It’s awesome that we were able to do it my senior year.’ Tom Lovelady Oak Mountain’s Taylor Casebere shot a 151, and Mountain Brook’s Carolyn McCauley shot a 159. In boys’ Class 5A play, Briarwood finished second at 627, falling to champion St. Paul’s by 16 stokes. The Lions’ low medalist was Connor Smith, who shot a 36-

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Hoover Retro: Lady Bucs Win Regional, Head to Lagoon Park

BY LEE DAVIS JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

n the early 1960s, the tandem of Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris helped the New York Yankees dominate major league baseball. The sportswriters of the time gave the hard-hitting duo the nickname “M and M.” The Hoover Lady Bucs are returning to their old stomping grounds – the state championships at Montgomery’s Lagoon Park this weekend. Lady Buc fans can largely thank their own version of M and M – senior catcher Madison Dickey and junior pitcher Marcy Harper – for their latest tale of success. The Lady Bucs routed Tuscaloosa County 10-0 Saturday to win the Class 6A North Central Regional championship and earn their way to the Capital City. Earlier that day, Hoover eliminated Thompson with a 5-0 win.

Spring Sports, from back cover

Aaron Ernest won the 100-meter run, 200-meter run and long jump. Spain Park’s Joe Williams won the discus for the second consecutive year. And those were just a few of the individual highlights. Certainly it was a case of déjà vu in the team championships, as Hoover won its third consecutive boys’ title and Mountain Brook won its fourth girls’ title in four years. Which school interrupted the Lady Spartans’ winning streak? You guessed it – Hoover. Mountain Brook’s dominance of track and field is one of the great stories in the history of Alabama high school athletics. Since Greg Echols took over the program from the legendary John Jarmon in 1994, the Spartans have won 42 state championships in cross country, indoor track or outdoor track – most of them in the girls’ category. Jarmon basically invented girls’ track and field in Alabama when Mountain Brook began to field teams in the sport in the early 1970s. If anything, the program has gotten stronger under Echols, a Spartan alumnus who was a sprinter for Jarmon in 1972-73. Together, Jarmon and Echols have built Alabama’s most durable high school sports dynasty. Schools from higher income communities are naturally expected to dominate the socalled “country club” sports of golf and tennis – and the Over the Mountain schools were in full command of both sports in 2011. Mountain Brook swept both the boys’ and girls’ golf titles. The Spartan boys ended Spain Park’s three-year run as champion and earned the school its first golf title in 14 years. Mountain Brook’s girls won their first golf title since 2007. In tennis, the Vestavia boys

Dickey, the 2010 Over the Mountain Journal Athlete of the Year, sparked the Lady Bucs offense Saturday with three hits and three runs. Harper struck out 22 batters that day to bring her total for the year to 430. Against the Lady Wildcats, Harper pitched four perfect innings, while homering twice with five RBIs. She raised her record to 32-10 for the season. Harper was named tournament MVP. But Hoover wasn’t a two-girl show by any means. Mary Catherine Nichols had five hits and two RBIs Saturday, and Abbey Walker had a triple and two runs batted in against Thompson. The Lady Bucs’ return visit to Lagoon Park is especially impressive considering that Dickey is the only senior among the position players. But the Samford University-bound catcher doesn’t see that as a negative. “We’re inexperienced, but that’s a good

won the Class 6A title, breaking Mountain Brook’s three-year stranglehold on the championship and bringing the blue trophy to Limerock Road for the first time since 1995. The tables turned in girls’ tennis, as the Lady Spartans ended the Lady Rebels’ four-year reign as Class 6A champs. In the more traditional team sports, no Over the Mountain team made it to the semifinals in baseball, but Spain Park spent much of 2011 as Alabama’s top-ranked team. Briarwood, John Carroll Catholic and Hoover also had memorable seasons. My own theory about Over the Mountain baseball is that, for many years, the competition within the area has been so intense on a daily basis that teams are mentally and physically exhausted by the time the post-season begins. It’s true that football can be more taxing physically and mentally, but in baseball, teams are playing almost daily from late February to April. So by the time they get to the May playoffs, they are often simply worn out. In softball, Hoover and Vestavia Hills are among the state’s most consistent contenders to reach the championship finals at Montgomery’s Lagoon Park, but Spain Park’s rise to power under Coach C.J. Hawkins has been one of the sport’s top stories of 2011. It’s always easy to say that football is the top dog in Alabama. But when the seasons change, there’s no question that Over the Mountain schools are the kings and queens of spring.

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thing,” said Dickey. “Our younger girls are here to win and don’t know any different.” Harper also starred in two tournament victories Friday. She struck out 13 Gardendale batters and allowed only one hit in an 11-1 win over the Lady Rockets, and then struck out 15 batters and yielded only two hits in a 1-0 win over Tuscaloosa County. She also had three hits against Gardendale and knocked in the game-winning run against the Wildcats, getting a single to bring Dickey home. Hoover goes to Montgomery with a 3923 record. As is the case with Dickey, Harper doesn’t think Hoover’s youth is a problem. “It’s been fun,” she said, “because they are all young and new and everything is exciting because they haven’t done it before.” It’s been fun, all right – and winning a state championship will be the most fun of all.

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 • 31

Madison Dickey sparked the Lady Bucs offense Saturday with three hits and three Journal file photo by Tom Neil runs.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011

Double Eagles

Sports

Jaguars Win Third Straight Soccer 6A Soccer Title. See Page 29

Oak Mountain Whips Rebels, Wildcats to Claim Soccer Title BY LEE DAVIS JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

he main problem with Oak Mountain’s Class 6A boys’ soccer state championship match with Enterprise last Saturday at Huntsville’s John Hunt Park was that most people believed the Eagles had already clinched the title on the previous night. And to some degree, that feeling was understandable. On Friday, Oak Mountain stunned the soccer world by upsetting previously undefeated Vestavia Hills – the nation’s number one ranked team – 1-0. Wes Sandlin’s goal on a free kick in the first half was enough to give the Eagles their biggest win of the season. Ironically, the Rebels had beaten Oak Mountain in their four previous meetings in 2011.

Lee Davis

On Friday, Oak Mountain stunned the soccer world by upsetting previously undefeated Vestavia Hills – the nation’s number one ranked team – 1-0. The Eagles beat Enterprise on Saturday to claim the 6A state title. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry More photos at otmj.com

Vestavia ended its season with a 30-1 record, but no championship to show for it. “Our guys didn’t come out timid,” said Oak Mountain forward John Inwalle. “We were ready for this one.” Eagle coach Ryan Patridge, however, didn’t give his team much time to savor its epic victory late Friday night. “You have only until midnight to celebrate,” Patridge warned his players. “Enterprise is undefeated. If you don’t respect them, you’ll be beaten.” The next day, Oak Mountain proved it respected the Wildcats – and again, one goal in the first half was just enough. The Eagles

edged Enterprise 1-0, giving the school its fourth state championship since 2005. Oak Mountain’s winning goal came when Chandler Stroupe brought the ball from the right wing. Caleb Thomas passed the ball to Reid Biasco, who kicked it into the goal. “After we got the goal in the first half, we settled down and kept the ball,” said Eagle goalkeeper Brenton Thompson. “We kept the ball a lot better than we did against Vestavia.” Thompson was right. After getting the lead, Oak Mountain effectively kept the ball away from the Wildcats for the remainder of the game.

Enterprise made a late desperation attempt to tie the score, but the efforts were easily thwarted by the Eagle defenders. “They had a couple of chances to score late,” said Patridge. “When it mattered, though, our back four and our goalkeeper stepped up.” Patridge also saluted the Wildcats. “I was very impressed with them,” he said. “And I mean that with the most amount of respect possible. We beat a fine team today.” Thompson had two saves for the winners, and Inwalle was named the most valuable player. Oak Mountain ended its season with a 22-4-2 record – and a state championship for the ages.

The Mountain Brook girls’ track team won the 6A state championship May 7. With Coach Greg Echols are, from left: Morgan Crumbaugh, Caroline Williams, Catherine Diethelm, Annie Newton, Elizabeth Turnley, Marie DeMedicis, Eugenia Watkins and Maggie Carey.

The Mountain Brook boys’ golf team won the state 6A title, defeating runner-up Fairhope by 18 strokes. Team members are, from left: Ingram Tynes, Andrew Barnes, Coach Benny Eaves, Stewart Jolly, Dalton Photo special to The Journal Skinner and Tom Lovelady.

Lady Spartans and Bucs Win Track State Championships

Spartans Sweep Boys’, Girls’ Golf Titles; Lovelady Top Golfer

Photo special to The Journal

BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

hey may have to open a whole new trophy case for the Mountain Brook girls’ track and field team. The Lady Spartans won the state 6A title in Mobile May 7, adding one more blue prize to an already overcrowded trophy case. The win

marked Mountain Brook’s 42nd championship in a running sport since Greg Echols succeeded the legendary John Jarmon as Spartan track coach in 1994. Echols’ girls’ team totaled 114 points to barely edge Hoover’s 112-point total. Mobile’s McGillToolen was a distant third with 79 points.

See Track, page 30

BY LEE DAVIS JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

fter years of coming close, the Mountain Brook boys’ golf team finally reached the summit at Mobile’s Magnolia Grove’s Falls Course last week. Shooting a two-day total of 572, the Spartans won the state 6A championship by a whopping 18

strokes over runner-up Fairhope. Defending champion Spain Park finished third with a twoday total of 600. The Jaguars had won the previous three state 6A crowns. The low medalist was Mountain Brook’s Tom Lovelady, who shot a two-under par 139 for the tourna-

May Days: Area Dominates Spring Sports – Again

ost people think of the Over the Mountain area as the high school football capital of Alabama. And they are right. Hoover has played in almost every state 6A championship game since 2000. Vestavia Hills is bringing coach Buddy Anderson ever closer to 300 victories. Mountain Brook, Spain Park and Briarwood are consistent winners. Homewood and John Carroll own a load of football tradition. But believe it or not, football isn’t where the schools just south of Birmingham excel the most – it’s the entire spring season. Take a look at the just-completed soccer championships. In boys’ competition, Vestavia was ranked number one in the nation for most of the season and didn’t even make the 6A final. Oak Mountain upset the Rebels 1-0 in the semi-finals in Huntsville. In girls’ play, Spain Park won its third consecutive state 6A crown with an easy triumph over Daphne. Indian Springs reached the Class 1A-4A semifinals in both girls’ and boys’ soccer. As impressive as all of that sounds, here’s what makes it all the more so: This was a comparatively down year for area soccer. There have been multiple seasons where area schools played one another for the championship, in both boys’ and girls’ competition. John Carroll Catholic, Briarwood and Homewood took turns owning Class 5A boys’ soccer from 2003-2010. In other words, the expectation bar is so high in area soccer that merely a great year is an off-year. The area dominated track and field as well. Hoover won the boys’ title, and Mountain Brook won the girls’ championship. Homewood wasn’t a contender for a team title, but the Patriots’

See Golf, page 30 See Spring Sports, page 31