Over the Mountain Journal May 31, 2012 by Over the Mountain Journal

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

INSIDE

JOU RNAL OTMJ.COM

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

VOL. 21 #11

ROAD TO THE GOLD Cyclist Overcomes Injuries, Illness to Bike Her Way to Paralympics

American Cancer Societyʼs Black-Out Cancer Party

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 3

Teen turns birthday celebration into gift for others

LIFE PAGE 10

75 young ladies to be presented at Ball of Roses

SOCIAL PAGE 14

Jennifer Schuble of Homewood will compete in the Paralympics on the U.S. cycling team. This will be the second time sheʼs competed in the Paralympics. The Photos courtesy Lakeshore Foundation first time, in Beijing, she took home one gold medal and two silvers. She hopes to top that this summer in London.

BY LAURA MCALISTER

she had dreams of working for NASA. “I was obsessed with space and wanted to be an astronaut,” she said. “I realized that wasn’t going to be easy. It was about as easy as ennifer Schuble always thought she would winning the lottery, so I decided to go the miliserve her country, but she’s doing it in a tary route to be a pilot.” way she never expected. After high school graduation, Jennifer This summer, Jennifer will join the U.S. received a scholarship to Marion Military Paracycling Team for the Paralympics in Institute. After Marion, Jennifer went on to London. It will be her second time to compete Inside: The Lakeshore Foundation West Point. in the Paralympics, and this time she hopes to is hosting events leading up to the During rigorous training there, Jennifer bring home even more medals than before. Olympics and Paralympics, Page 11. received a traumatic brain injury – so severe, The Homewood resident and Houston she qualified as a disabled citizen veteran. native took home two silvers and one gold in Jennifer, then 20, wasn’t giving up, though. the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing. Since she At Marion, she’d become familiar with nearby only took up cycling seriously in 2007, that’s no small feat. Tuscaloosa and decided to take up studies at the University of Alabama. It’s even more impressive when you consider what the 35 year old has Tragedy struck her again, this time in the form of a multi-car accident. She been through to make her second trip to the Paralympics. again received injuries to her head as well as her arm and hand. Jennifer grew up in Texas and was always an athlete, although not a See CYCLIST, page 11 cyclist. She played soccer and excelled in track. When it came to a career,

JOURNAL EDITOR

A second home on wheels

HOME PAGE 18

All-OTM softball and baseball teams announced

SPORTS PAGE 28

SUE MURPHY TALKS ABOUT U.S. P. 2 • A ʻMAGICʼ EVENING P. 12 • DECORATED DESIGNER P. 20 • SHADES CAHABA WINS NATIONAL AWARD P. 24

2 • Thursday, May 31, 2012

OPINION/CONTENTS

MURPHY’S LAW

GETTING TO KNOW ...

Rollina Oglesbay’s artwork includes self portraits like the one above as well as sketches and paintings of her loved ones. For her 80th birthday, 50 years of her work was displayed at Artists on the Bluff in Hoover. Page 8

ON OTMJ.COM Browse through more pictures from the area’s biggest and best social events. Share your news. Submit engagement and wedding announcements online as well as school, social and people news. Follow us on Facebook for daily updates.

COMING JUNE 14

It’s officially wedding season. Get the latest on wedding trends from OTMJ advertisers and get ideas on how to celebrate your special day.

IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE LIFE SOCIAL

3 8 10 12

HOME WEDDINGS SCHOOLS SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

18 22 23 28

May 31, 2012

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Laura McAlister Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Bones Long, Cary Estes, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Editorial Intern: Morgan Hart Vol. 21, No. 11

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at ads@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2012 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.

The Good Old U.S. Us

without even being asked. When they y husband Harold and I have checked into their hotel, complete been out gallivanting lately. strangers would hold the elevator door On our last excursion, we for them and exit saying, “Have a nice made a wide driving loop through day.” Florida, no special plan, just stopping That afternoon, a caravan of SUVs whenever the mood struck. would pick them up and do a grocery One of these unscheduled stops store/dry cleaner/Chick-fil-A loop before put us in a very scheduled location, a driving through a grade school carpool pseudo-quaint seaside nook full of tiny line. Our visitors would accompany little shops and restaurants. The place their hosts to a children’s dance class, was overrun with tourists, a word most soccer practice, karate testing, then head people hiss through clenched teeth. to the host’s house for dinner around a (When we ourselves venture to new kitchen table in an actual kitchen. After locations, we consider ourselves “travelthat, there would be homework, teeth ers.” Visitors to our area are “tourists.” brushing and a couple of PG sitcoms Why?) Sue Murphy before they were bundled off back to This group had apparently been their hotels for a good night’s sleep. dropped there by some sightseeing tour The whole thing On the weekend, I’d take them to a bus. They were shoulder to shoulder on baseball game, have a hot dog under the the sidewalks, speaking a variety of lanmade me sad. If stadium lights, sing “Take Me Out to guages, trying to take in all of the wonit were up to me, the Ballgame” during the seventh inning ders of the magical Florida they’d heard We’d attend the church of their so much about. I’d herd the group stretch. choice followed by a big pancake breakI couldn’t help wondering what their other “This Is America” stops would onto a different fast at IHOP, and I’d load them back on buses with a slice of pound cake be. New Orleans? Las Vegas? A string bus (yes ma’am, their covered with Saran Wrap and the admoof breakneck theme parks? When they nition, “Drive safe now, and call us when returned to their home countries, broke you can bring get there.” and bedraggled, their friends would sureyour commemora- youFrom here, they could visit families ly ask, “What was America like?” What would these poor people say? tive thimble and on farms in Iowa or apartment buildin Brooklyn. Along the way, they’d What could they say? They weren’t spoon rest) and ings eat pizza and pot roast and corn on the really seeing America. I wanted to stop them mid-double scoop overpriced ice bring them here to cob; attend a rodeo, a NASCAR race, a symphony concert under the stars; view cream cone and say, “Seriously, this is Birmingham. stretches of ranch land, the rim of the not us. We don’t subsist on neon daiquiris Grand Canyon, Gulf Shores beaches. and salt water taffy. We don’t all wear I’d want them to see it all because T-shirts that say ‘I’m Just My Wife’s Arm that’s America. That’s us, not a bunch of price-gouging Candy.’ We don’t spend our paychecks on coconut montee shirt shops, but people, real people, trying to live their keys and animal statues made out of seashells.” short time on this planet the best they know how. We’re The whole thing made me sad. If it were up to me, not warmongers or business tycoons or reality TV stars ... I’d herd the group onto a different bus (yes ma’am, you not most of us, and I want people to know that. can bring your commemorative thimble and spoon rest) I want visitors to go back to their countries and say, and bring them here to Birmingham. “You know, those Americans are a pretty decent bunch.” We’d start off with lunch at a barbecue restaurant Because we are. We just need to get the word out. ❖ where the waitress would refill their iced tea glasses

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Where would you take out of town guests to show off the city?

“I would take my guests to The Summit for the shopping experience. The wide variety of stores makes for a successful trip for all shoppers. The restaurants are great, too.” Lauren Davis Hoover

“The Vulcan. I would love to tell my out of town guests about the immense history of the area.”

“Vulcan, Botanical Gardens, Aldridge Gardens, Moss Rock, after that help me, please . . .”

Mary Pillitteri Hoover

Mike Zarichnak Hoover

“Alabama Adventure Water Park and wading in the creek at the Irondale Furnace.” Kyle Heath Mountain Brook

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 3

BACK IN BLACK

Earth Fare

Getting ready for the American Cancer Society Junior Executive Boardʼs Black-Out Cancer Party are from left: Jason Elrod, Rachel Keydoszius, Nicole Photo special to the Journal Thomason and Melissa Tuck. BIRMINGHAM

Black-Out Cancer June 8, 8 p.m. WorkPlay The American Cancer Society’s Junior Executive Board of Birmingham is organizing the Fourth Annual Black-Out Cancer Party set for 8 p.m.-midnight. Attendees are asked to wear all black. The event will feature music from The Undergrounders, a silent auction and free food, wine and beer. Tickets are $35 in advance and may be purchased from members of the Birmingham Junior Executive Board, online at www.jebbirmingham.org or at various store sponsor locations, including: all locations of Iron Tribe Fitness, La Vie, MD & Spa, Mia Moda, Steel 1st & 23rd and all Trak Shak locations. There will be an official after-party at Innisfree and Nana Funks in the Lakeview District. The money raised at the Black-Out Cancer Party and the after-party will go to the American Cancer Society for cancer research, education programs, advocacy efforts and patient support. For more information visit www.jebbirmingham.org or contact Mary Frances Colley with the American Cancer Society at 930-8893. ❖

NOW ! N E P O

Save the Date BIRMINGHAM

Bama Rocks June 1, 8 p.m. WorkPlay Theatre Toomers for Tuscaloosa will present Bama Rocks! featuring Sudden Impact, Todd Simpson, Hope from a Downfall and Alive in Wonderland. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance at www. workplay.com or at the WorkPlay box office. The show is for ages 18 and older. There is a $3 surcharge for patrons under 21. Toomers for Tuscaloosa is a nonprofit that formed after the April 27, 2011 tornados. HOOVER

Celebrating Life June 1, 6 p.m. Regions Park The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Birmingham Barons and several Alabama cancer-related organizations will host this National Cancer Survivors Day event. National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual celebration of life that is held in hundreds of communities annually during the first weekend of June. This year’s event will feature educational opportunities, children’s activities, giveaways and more. The Barons will take on the Chattanooga Lookouts and help recognize thousands of cancer survivors. The first 200 cancer survivors will receive a free T-shirt and ticket to the game. There will be an honor wall for attendees to honor a loved one who has battled cancer. For more information or to submit a name for the honor wall, visit www.

uab.edu/survivorsday. IRONDALE

Birmingham Chapter of the American Rosie the Riveter Association Meeting June 2, 11:15 a.m. The Irondale Cafe This quarterly meeting’s featured speaker will be J.J. Aretz Jr. with the Military Order of the Purple Heart. All women who assisted on the home front during World War II and their male and female descendants are encouraged to attend. For more information, call president Nell Branum, 608-0898. HOOVER

Hoover First United Methodist Church Yard Sale June 2, 8 a.m. Hoover First United Methodist Church This annual yard sale will include furniture, clothing, household items, electronics and more. The sale ends at 2 p.m. RUFFNER MOUNTAIN

Wine and Cheese Hike June 2, 6 p.m. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve Hikers will have a view of the sunset over the downtown Birmingham skyline from Hawk’s View Overlook. After wine and refreshments, including cheese donated by Cabot Creamery, participants will head back down the mountain under a full moon. Tickets are $10. Visit shop.ruffnermountain.

3230 Galleria Circle, Hoover 205-988-2938 | EarthFare.com

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4 • Thursday, May 31, 2012

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A night under the stars

COLLIER’S Nursery

spring A SEASON FOR DIGGING, PLANTING AND

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Hydrangeas Under the Stars Committee Members are from left: Debbie Bartoletti, Rip Weaver, Paulette Pearson and Willie Edmiston. Not pictured Photo special to the Journal are Beverly Meadors and Miriam Kirklin Reed.

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Art in the Gardens June 2-3, 9 a.m. Aldridge Gardens Alabama artists will exhibit their works at Aldridge Gardens, celebrating its 10th year. More than 50 participants will compete for category and best of show awards in this juried open-air show, which ends at 5 p.m. both days. Shop the works of painters, potters, woodworkers, photographers, jewelry makers and glass artists. Ron Lewis, Beverly Klamer, Jayne Harrison, Rollina Oglesbay, Ken Gables, Toby Klein and others will return; more than a dozen new artists will participate. Hoover trolleys will run continuously from the nearby HH Gregg parking lot; a food vendor will be onsite. For more information, call 682-8019 or visit www.aldridgegardens.com. Vestavia Hills

Vacation Bible School: Accept the Challenge

June 4-8, 9 a.m. Shades Mountain Baptist Church VBS classes, which last until noon each day, will be offered for incoming kindergartners-eighth graders. For more information, call 822-1670 or visit www.shades.org/summer2012. Vestavia Hills

Steel Strides Point to Point 5K for MDA June 9, 8 a.m. Ruby Tuesday The Muscular Dystrophy Association is partnering with KGS Steel, Inc. for the first “Steel Strides Point to Point 5K for MDA” run to benefit spinal muscular atrophy research through the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The course is a point to point downhill path beginning at Ruby Tuesday in Vestavia Hills and ending at Pizitz Middle School. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the run starts at 9 a.m. To register for the run, visit www. active.com and insert “steel strides” in the keyword prompt or contact the local Birmingham MDA office at 8238191. If you are not a runner but still

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Hydrangeas under the Stars June 16, 6 p.m. Regions Park Aldridge Gardens’ 11th garden gala will celebrate the Gardens’ 10-year anniversary. Hosted by Kay and Eddie Aldridge and emceed by Dave Baird of ABC 33/40, the festivities will begin in the Michael Jordan Room of Regions Park. A cocktail reception starts at 6 p.m. with music by the Alabama School of Fine Arts Jazz Ensemble. Following the reception is a seated dinner prepared by the Jefferson State Community College’s School of Culinary Arts under the direction of Chef Joseph Mitchell. The final event will be a live auction conducted by Jack Granger. Individual tickets are $150, a table for eight is $1,000 and a corporate table for eight is $2,000. Buy tickets at Aldridge Gardens or through any committee member. For more information, call 682-8019 or visit www.aldridgegardens.com. ❖

Save the Date Continued org to buy tickets or for more information.

e n j o y 11/ 2 w e l l - o r g a n i z e d a c r e s o f s h r u b s , trees, groundcovers, vines & perennials as well as a knowledgeable, helpful staff. stock up on your annual color & flowers today!

Hoover

Clowns will be on hand again for face painting this year at Vulcan’s Photo special to the Journal Birthday Bash.

wish to donate to the event, contact Casey Ramey, director of business development, at 823-8191. Birmingham

Art from the Heart June 10, 6 p.m. B&A Warehouse Tickets for the 23rd Art from the Heart are $100 for 5:30 p.m. admission and $60 for 6 p.m. admission. More than 200 artists donated works for live and silent auctions. The event benefits Studio by the Tracks, a nonprofit organization providing free art classes to adults with autism or mental illness and children with emotional disorders. Adults receive 60 percent from the sale of their artwork. Visit www. studiobythetracks.org for more information and to purchase tickets. Birmingham

Al Pacino: One Night Only/Viva Health Starlight Gala June 15, 7 p.m. UAB’s Alys Stephens Center This event benefits the programs and education initiatives of UAB’s

Birmingham

VULCAN’S 108th BIRTHDAY BASH June 3, Noon Vulcan Park Vulcan will ring in its 108th birthday, and Vulcan Park and Museum has a party planned to help him celebrate. From noon-4 p.m., Vulcan’s surrounding park grounds will be transformed into a party atmosphere with balloons, clowns, live music, entertainment, ice cream and more in honor of the Iron Man’s special day. Throughout the afternoon, a variety of activities will take place for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Admission to the party is $5 for ages 5 and up and includes all birthday bash activities and entrance to Vulcan Center Museum and Observation Tower. Children ages 4 and under and Vulcan members are free. Food and refreshments will be available for an additional charge. For party details, log on to www.visitvulcan.com. ❖

Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Al Pacino will discuss his life, career and backstage tales. He will show never-before-seen film clips and retrospectives and answer questions from the audience. Tickets are $125 and $175; both include a pre-show reception. Call 975-2787 or visit www. AlysStephens.org.

Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Jazz Age

Homewood

National Sacred Harp Singing Convention June 14-16, 9:30 a.m. First Christian Church This 33rd annual convention includes three days of Southern hospitality, fellowship and shape note singing from the Sacred Harp Hymnal published in 1844. The event ends at 2:30 p.m. each day. A covered-dish lunch is included. Sacred harp sings are participatory events with no rehearsals or performances. Last year the event drew 700 singers from 29 U.S. states, Ireland, Canada and the UK. For more information, visit http://www.mcsr. olemiss.edu/~mudws/national.html or contact P. Gaston White at 879-1909 or pgwhite1909@gmail.com. The event is open to the public. Hoover

On Stage @ the Plaza June 15, 12:30 p.m. Hoover Public Library This Hoover Public Library event includes a presentation by Catherine Heinzerling on Old World Europe: Budapest and Prague history and culture. The event is free and open to the public. ❖

Kirk Whalum is the headliner of this year’s Preserve Jazz Festival presented Photo special to the Journal by Tom Williams Lexus. Hoover

Preserve Jazz Festival June 3, 3 p.m. The Preserve The 2012 Preserve Jazz Festival presented by Tom Williams Lexus is a worldclass outdoor jazz festival. Gates open at 3 p.m. and the festival begins at 4 p.m. This year’s headliner is Kirk Whalum. Other performers include co-headliner Alex Bugnon, Birmingham’s Eric Essix and saxophonist Eric Darius. For the first time, the festival will offer the Lexus Platinum VIP package, which includes onsite parking premium seating and access to food and beverages in the Lexus Lounge. General admission ticket holders will again park and ride from Regions Park on free shuttle buses. For more information visit www.preservejazz.com. ❖

for Girls who have a

To: From: Date:

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

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for th May 31, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

with Tracy James Robinson

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm • of Goodie the Friday the press date, bag before which includes a $25 gift your ad will run as is. We print t to Thefor Outletyour Shops ofprompt Grand River attention. Thankcard you • All graduating campers will receive

an opportunity to model in our Back to School Fashion Show and a VIP invitation to our Back to School Bash.

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OTMJ5.23.12.indd 1

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

5/24/12 12:37 PM

Helping Will Gaines Holmes, second from left, celebrate her 100th birthday were, from left: Lisa Reich, Caroline Reich and Cynthia Gore. Photo special to the Journal

honoree’s many accomplishments and highlighted her service as director of Children’s Aid Society. Holmes won the Tocqueville Society Award in 2009 and still gives speeches to civic groups. She entertained guests with stories of her life and her years as a Judson student. Among the more than 40 guests were Ben Holmes, son of the honoree; Dr. Caroline Reich, president of the National Judson College Alumni Association; Lynn Johnson, daughter of former Judson president Dr. Norman McCrummen; and Jennifer Truelove of the Judson staff. April Deal photographed the event. Also there were Cecelia Bailey, Judy Leesburg and Liz Hutchings accompanied by daughter Stirling of the class of 2013. Other guests were Betty Howard, Lisa Crenshaw, Sue Curlee, Betty Cole, Ruth Yarbrough and Mary Waite. Sandra Holley, Lucy Chapman, Marianne McGriff, Bethany Rush, Dawn Dorr, Melissa Turner, Rhonda Lewis, Miriam Thomas, Regina Branyon, Anne Simmons, Fran Davis and Jane Latture.

Aktion Club Inducts New Members The Exceptional Foundation’s Aktion Club inducted four new members at its April 19 dinner ceremony. New members are John Miller Gorrie, Ebony Alexander, Julia Rickels and Daniel Thrasher. Eugene Rogers, the foundation’s volunteer coordinator and Aktion

Club advisor, greeted more than 30 participants and their families at the induction ceremony dinner. New members were welcomed by club president Brishette Winbush and secretary Reagan Bush. The Aktion Club, sponsored by the Homewood-Mountain Brook Kiwanis Club, provides adults living with disabilities an opportunity to develop initiative, leadership skills and to serve their communities through volunteer activities. Recent service projects benefitted Birmingham Community Kitchens, the Salvation Army and Center Point Elementary tornado victims. The club has more than 20 members; all are participants at the Exceptional Foundation. The Exceptional Foundation, a nonprofit organization, provides mentally challenged individuals with social and recreational activities when at age 21 they can no longer find opportunities for social interaction within the school system.

Wilson Named to State Bar Team Jamie Wilson, a partner with Benton & Centeno LLP, has been selected as a member of the 2012 Alabama State Bar Leadership Forum.

HUMANE SOCIETY HAS NEW OFFICERS

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary recently announced its 2012 officers. They are, from left: Martha George, second vice president; Eleanor Parker, vice president; Carol Coppock, president; Tricia Preston, secretary; Julie Elliott, membership chairman; and Charlene Frechette, treasurer. Photo special to the Journal

She also has been named a 2012 Alabama Super Lawyers “Rising Star” in business litigation, an honor awarded to no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in Alabama each year. Her practice focuses on business litigation and bankruptcy.

Desforges Earns Science Award

Jamie Wilson

Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 7

PEOPLE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Marty Elaine Desforges of Hoover has been recognized by the United States Achievement Academy as a student of excellent in science. Fewer than 10 percent of all American high school students receive the award.

Desforges, who attends John Carroll Catholic High School, was nominated for the honor by Bruce H. Saunders II, a teacher at the school. She will appear in the United States Achievement Academy’s Official Yearbook, published nationally. She is the daughter of Al and Susan Desforges of Hoover. Her grandparents are Rose Peteet of Birmingham and Paul and Frieda Desforges of Martinez, Ga. The Academy recognizes students on the exclusive recommendation of teachers, coaches, counselors and other qualified sponsors and on academic cooperative spirit and dependability. ❖

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8 • Thursday, May 31, 2012

People

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Clockwise from top, left: A sampling of Rollina Oglesbay’s work includes a sculpture of one her sons out of clay, a self portrait of her dressed for church, a woman posing in an art class, a sculpture of her school’s mascot and a sketch of former President Jimmy Carter. Below: Rollina in the gallery at Artists on the Bluff where her works were on display.

Portraits of an Artist

Rollina Oglesbay Loves Capturing Family on Canvas By Laura McAlister

Journal Editor

hen Rollina Oglesbay was a little girl, she entered a contest to receive free art lessons. She didn’t win, but her sketch impressed the judges enough to pay her a personal visit to encourage her to take art classes. “Someone came to the door and told my mother that I was real talented,” Rollina said. “If she’d pay $50, I could get lessons. “Mom said I wasn’t that talented. That was a lot of money back then.” That was some 70 years ago. Rollina of Hoover wasn’t deterred, though. Inspired by family and friends, she continued to sketch, sculpt and paint, and on her 80th birthday, a show of her work throughout the decades opened at the Soon Bok Sellers Gallery at Artists on the Bluff in Hoover. Some 100 pieces were displayed, many depicting the true loves of her life – her family. Much of Rollina’s work throughout the years is of people in her life. Whether it’s a sculpture of one of her four sons, charcoal sketches of her eight grandchildren or paintings of family pets, most of her work is related to her family. A favorite piece is a pastel sketch of a profile of her son Dan and his daughter Anita. It’s a simple piece that Rollina named “Profile of Love.” “It’s one of my favorites,” she said. “Their foreheads are just touching. It’s very hard to make something simple.” Although she’s always had an aptitude for the arts, it wasn’t until her oldest son turned 5 that Rollina really began to take her work seriously. She started with portraits while she was teaching, a career her mother encouraged her to pursue. Being a practical woman, Rollina’s mother told her she also needed a “real job” in addition to her art, Rollina said, laughing. “I took some high school art classes, and I really wanted to go to college to study art and drama,” she said. “Mom was fine with my art, but she told me I also had to make a living. So, I became a kindergarten teacher.” The Wichita, Kan., native got a degree in teaching and even went on to get a master’s degree in kindergarten education. While teaching kindergarten, she would sketch her students during rest time. Rollina quit teaching to become a fulltime mom, which in the end allowed her time to perfect her artistic abilities.

When her oldest son turned 5, she purchased an instructional book on portraits. She sketched each of her children when they were 5. She began taking classes when she could and moved from sketches to elaborate oil paintings and clay sculptures. Once her children were grown, Rollina went back to teaching. This time, it wasn’t kindergarten. Rollina’s been teaching art for 25 years and still teaches at the Birmingham Museum of Art and other venues in the Birmingham area. “I’m really proud of my students,” she said. “Some have been accepted in shows and won awards. I had one win first place and best of show at the Pen Women Show.” Rollina also has won her share of honors throughout the years. As a member of the Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills art associations and the local chapter of the National League of American Pen Women, her work is well known in the Over the Mountain art community. To Rollina, however, her art was never about winning prizes or getting noticed. She just enjoyed capturing a moment and looking at things differently. While others might pick up a book or a magazine during their spare time, Rollina would reach for a sketch pad. “When I go on trips, I have a small pad I take with me to do sketches,” she said. “I don’t take as many pictures as I make sketches.” One example is her drawing of President Jimmy Carter. “That was in Georgia, and he was teaching a Sunday school class,” she said of the pencil sketch. “I was supposed to be taking notes, but I was really sketching him.” While Rollina has done a few landscapes in her long career, people are definitely her passion. She’s even done a few self-portraits. In one, she’s wearing a white summer dress. “I was at church that day, and someone said, you need to paint yourself in that, so I did,” she said. Another was from a class she was taking at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Until her exhibit at Artists on the Bluff, the painting had only left her home once, and that was for her class. “The last thing we had to do was make a picture of ourselves as nude as we felt comfortable,” Rollina said. “So I put a mirror behind me and painted my back. This is only the second time this one’s been out of my house.” While most of the 100 pieces from Rollina’s show at Artists on the Bluff have been returned to their owners – many of them Rollina’s family members – she said some would remain in the building to add to the permanent collection there. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The Write Move

Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 9

People

Claire and husband Dr. Boris Datnow recently hosted a book signing at Smith’s Variety in Mountain Brook Village. Claire is a South African native and has been writing books ever since she retired from teaching about 10 years ago. Her newest books are geared toward middle school children and are what the author calls ecomysteries.

Retired Teacher Has Published Eight Books – Including Eco-Mysteries By Laura McAlister

Journal Editor

laire Datnow has been writing most of her life, but it wasn’t until retirement that she decided to make a career out of it. The South African native who’s now a Hoover resident retired from teaching in Birmingham and Mountain Brook about 10 years ago. Since then, she’s had eight books published. Her latest, an eco-mystery series, is for middle school-aged children. “I knew towards my retirement that I couldn’t write and teach full time,” Claire said. “My kids had left, and I realized I had this block of time where I could just sit and write. I wanted to see if it would be a fit, and it was lovely. I was able to concentrate on writing as a profession.” Her first book, “Behind the Walled Garden of Apartheid,” is a memoir from her life in South Africa. It was 1965, and Claire and husband Boris were in their 20s when they decided to move to the U.S. The young couple was fearful that the political climate in South Africa could erupt into violence, and they also wanted to see the world, she said. “There were a number of reasons we left,” Claire said. “It was an uneasy political situation in many ways. We both morally thought the system we were living in was wrong and potentially unsafe. Then, we were just young.” Both had an insatiable desire to learn. Boris studied at the Mayo Clinic and worked for NASA, and Claire is a University of Alabama at Birmingham alumnus “twice over,” she said. Her many books also show her desire to learn. “My kids had left, Though she writes both fiction and non-fiction, and I realized I Claire said all her work is fact based. She points to her newest series, “The Adventures of the had this block Sizzling Six,” as an example. of time where I The series, which includes three books so far, follows six middle school-aged girls as they solve could just sit and complex eco-mysteries. One looks at saving a centuries-old oak tree, write. I wanted to and another deals with the disappearing freshwasee if it would be ter mussels vital to keeping rivers and streams a fit, and it was clean. Claire said she hopes to not only educate lovely. I was able young readers on environmental issues with to concentrate on her Sizzling Six series but also prompt them to writing as a pro- action. “Each book sends them on an adventure,” she said. “It gives them a chance to understand fession.” the ecology. The idea was to take something real – like the one on the Cahaba lily – and make it Claire Datnow the center of the story. Then I want to give them empowerment to make a difference.” While Claire typically does all the research for the books herself, she did have some help when it came to the eco-mysteries. Since she has some grandchildren roughly the same ages as the stars of the Sizzling Six series, she tested her stories on them first. “I work with them, and they’ll tell me if I’m off key for their age group,” Claire said. “There’s lots of text messaging, so I had to get up on my texting.” The books also make use of technology that middle school kids are all too familiar with – smart phones and tablets. The books, available in print and e-book on Amazon, have videos to go along with them. All the young readers have to do is scan the QR code in the book with their phones or tablets and watch the video. “They all tie into the flow of the story,” Boris said. “It really makes the books come alive.” In the eco-mysteries, Claire said she uses video to further describe a complicated eco-system. Her other books also make use of video, but they’re used more to get to know the author, Boris said. For example, in “The Final Diagnosis,” a non-fiction book that looks at some of her husband’s many autopsy cases, the chapters begin with a video of Claire discussing why she wrote that particular chapter. In the e-book versions, Boris said, the video is embedded in the book so readers aren’t taken away from the book when they watch it, and it doesn’t require Internet access or downloading. While Claire’s eight books may seem like a lot, the author said she’s not nearly done writing. She plans on writing more for the Sizzling Six series. One is already underway, inspired by the couple’s recent trip to Australia. Next she’ll write about whatever topic might interest her. “I’m kind of like a dog chasing a rabbit,” she said of her writing. “I view the world as a really interesting place, and when I get interested in something I dive into researching it. “It’s a lot of work, but I don’t mind. I want to keep that sense of wonder and curiosity and share it.” ❖

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OTMJ_StormSafety.indd 1

5/17/12 9:21 AM

Life

10 • Thursday, May 31, 2012

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Hope Dawson addressed the crowd of about 300 at her Birthday of Hope Celebration. Instead of a party and presents for her, the now 13 Photos special to the Journal year old opted to host a fundraiser for Compassion International.

A Compassionate Celebration Teen Turns 13th Birthday Party Celebration into Gift for Others By Laura McAlister

Journal Editor

hen Hope Dawson started planning her 13th birthday celebration, she decided this year she would have a non-traditional party. Instead of a sleepover or dinner with friends, she hosted a party for some 300, and instead of gifts, she asked for compassion. More specifically, she asked her guests to give to Compassion Help Hope Help International, a nonprofit ministry that Others helps children living To help Hope reach in poverty all over her goal to raise the world. $30,000 for Compassion “All my friends International, visit were having birthdayofhope.com sleepovers and the Visit www.compassion. usual things like com to learn more that,” said the Berry about Compassion Middle School outInternational going seventh grader. “I couldn’t think of what I wanted to do for my 13th birthday, and then I thought about Michel. My dad visited her in Honduras in 2009 and gave her a pack of stickers. “He said it was like she won the lottery. That kind of set all this in motion.” The Dawson family sponsors Michel through Compassion International. The 9-yearold Honduran girl happens to share Hope’s birthday – May 28. Though Michel doesn’t know it yet, Hope said this was her way of cel-

ebrating their birthday together while helping out children like her. Dubbed the Birthday of Hope, the party was a success for all involved, said Scott, Hope’s dad and founder of Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association. They planned the party in about two weeks, and even though it was a short amount of time for such a big event, many stepped up to ensure its success. “This time of the year is hard,” Scott said. “You’ve got graduations and Memorial Day, but when you have a child say she wants to do something like this, you just make it happen.” The party was May 20 at Southeastern Bible College, which donated the space. Entertainment was provided by KJ-52, Jamie Grace and Rush of Fools. Speakers included Rick Burgess of the Rick and Bubba Show. Ryan Brown of 94.5 FM was the emcee, and David Nasser, pastor of Christ City Church, said a prayer. Edgar’s Bakery provided birthday cake for all the guests. Scott said Dale’s restaurant also pitched in to sponsor the event. Hope took the stage to encourage her guests to give, which was perhaps the hardest part of the party and planning for the now 13-year-old. “I was really nervous,” she said, blushing at the thought of it. “I had a script and told them what Compassion is and about Michel.” While some of Hope’s classmates were shocked their peer would give up presents on her birthday, Hope said they stepped up to support her cause. Even her 16-year-old brother Hunter and his friends helped, she said. “I had friends who helped pass out invitations,” Hope said. “I did have one friend that said it was a very unusual idea. I told her I don’t live in a usual family.” Through Scott’s ministry, the family

is accustomed to giving and sharing their Christian faith. It was through this ministry that Hope came to know about Compassion International. The organization helps children living in poverty by providing nutritional, educational and spiritual assistance. It costs $38 a month to sponsor one child. “The kids who walk through this, it really changes their lives,” Scott said. “I think because of Hope’s party, we’ll be able to sponsor the rest of the kids in Michel’s circle.” Hope set her goal high at $30,000 when she decided to host a fundraising birthday party. She came pretty close. As of May 21, she had raised close to $20,000, and more donations are expected to come in, said Tarra, Hope’s mother. Tarra said the party was a great event. It was planned to last about two hours but was closer to three. “It was great whether you were 50 or 15,” she said of the event. “I’m just thrilled as a parent to see her do something like this. Then you think about the time of year and pulling it off. Everything just came together.” Hope said she has sent a letter to Michel to let her know about the party celebrating their birthdays, though the little girl hasn’t received it yet since letters have to be translated into Spanish. As for future birthdays, Hope said she isn’t planning on having a Birthday of Hope every year, but maybe again for her sweet 16. “I think it’d lose the effect if I did it every year,” she said. Scott said the next logical step is for Hope and Michel to meet one day. Hope is on board with that. “I would like to meet her,” she said. “I guess I need to learn to speak Spanish.” ❖

Edgar’s Bakery donated the cake for the Birthday of Hope celebration.

Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 11

Cover Story

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Lakeshore Foundation to Host Events Leading Up to Olympic Games

s an official U.S. Paralympic and Olympic Training Site, Lakeshore Foundation is presenting its Lakeshore to London, which will include training and selection camps and more. The community can join in on the countdown to London with the following events:

Walk to London

Olympians, Paralympians and the Birmingham community will participate in the Walk to London 2012 June 10

from 2- 4 p.m. at Lakeshore Foundation. Walk to London kicked off on April 7 in Los Angeles and continues in cities across the country led by athletes from 21 Olympian and Paralympian Alumni Chapters. The miles walked by participants will be counted in the overall mileage total from Los Angeles to London, which is 5,456 miles. At the completion of each walk, the total distances will be added to the www.walktolondon2012.org website and totals announced. At the Lakeshore event, the public

Jennifer competes on the velodrome, as well as road races. In London, she’ll enter the games as one of the top paracyclists in the world. Photo courtesy Lakeshore Foundation

cyclist, from Cover

She recovered, but there was still one final shoe to drop. At 27 years old, Jennifer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Jennifer kept on going. She graduated and got a job at the Honda plant in Lincoln. She now works as an engineering change controller at Mercedes in Vance. While finishing school and entering the workforce, she always remained active. But she never had any thoughts about competing in the Paralympics. “I don’t even think I knew what they were,” she said. “I’d never even heard of Lakeshore.” Jennifer was working out at the Levite Jewish Community Center when a member told her about the Lakeshore Foundation. Because of her injury at West Point, Jennifer qualified to train there. In addition to being the official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, the Lakeshore Foundation also provides rehab and training for disabled veterans. It was Jennifer’s Lakeshore trainers who encouraged her to focus on cycling. It turned out to be good advice, Jennifer said. In August, she’ll go to London as one of the top paracyclists in the world. She’ll compete in five events; in one, she’s broken the world record. She can run the velodrome – a circular track that slants inward at a 45-degree angle ridden with bikes with fixed gears and no brakes – 500 meter in 38 seconds. That’s the event for which she won her gold medal during the 2008 Paralympics. She also won a silver

medal for the 3K pursuit on the velodrome. Although she has broken records on the velodrome, Jennifer had never even ridden on one until five years ago. Her first attempt wasn’t so successful. “I just decided to try it, and I fell over,” she laughs. “I didn’t realize how bad my balance had gotten.” While MS, a degenerative disease of the nervous system, made activities like running difficult for Jennifer, cycling proved to be just what this athlete needed. “With MS, my feet start to get floppy, especially when I’m running outside in the heat,” Jennifer said. “With cycling they’re strapped in, controlled. I can also use my hips when it starts to get hard on my feet.” Jennifer will spend about three weeks in London for the Paralympics. She leaves at the first of August. In the meantime, she’s about to start rigorous training, even more strenuous than her daily rides and two to three days a week at Lakeshore doing weight and balance work. She said she’ll be spending many of her weekends in Atlanta and Los Angeles, which have velodrome tracks. Jennifer hopes to return from London with more gold medals to add to her collection. If not, that’s no big deal. She’s been through lots of daunting experiences, and losing a race isn’t the worst of them. “This isn’t my life,” she said. “I’m the Jennifer people see in Homewood always riding her bike. I’m the Jennifer working at Mercedes, and I’m also the Jennifer people see walking her bulldogs. “I have another life. I just enjoy the challenge, and I enjoy the stress relief.”❖

will have an opportunity to participate in a one mile fun walk on Lakeshore’s indoor track, or take a 3-mile walk throughout the Lakeshore Foundation campus. Participants will also be able to get autographs from Olympians and Paralympians, and the first 400 participants get a free Walk to London T-shirt. For more information or to register, visit walktolondon.eventbrite.com.

Night of Champions

Lakeshore to London will culminate in Lakeshore’s Fieldhouse with

the Night of Champions a fundraising event at 7 p.m. July 27 celebrating the London Olympic Opening Ceremony. Experience the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremonies on high definition broadcast screens while dining on a British-themed dinner and drinks. Former and future Olympic and Paralympic champions will be attending. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Jennifer Chandler at 3137436 or jenniferc@lakeshore.org. ❖

12 • Thursday, May 31, 2012

social

A ‘Magic’ Evening

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Former NBA Great Keynotes 45th Anniversary Celebration of Club

Keynote speaker Earvin “Magic” Johnson invited Club members and young guests in the audience to join him on stage. Photos special to the Journal

Master of Ceremony Paul Finebaum with Frank Adams Jr.,president and chief professional officer of A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club

Steve Spencer and Lee Styslinger

Andrew Wyatt, Walter Howlett Jr., Birmingham Mayor William Bell Sr. and Chuck Faush

arvin “Magic” Johnson was the keynote speaker at the 45th anniversary celebration of the A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club April 10. Some 900 guests and alumni turned out to celebrate the anniversary. In the Sheraton Birmingham ballroom, guests were entertained by roaming illusionists. A buffet included an ice sculpture carved by Nick Hartmann in the shape of the A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club logo. Greeting guests was a floral display in blue and white, the colors of the evening and of the club. Among those enjoying hors d’oeuvres, including a selection of fine cheeses, fruits and wine, were Steve Spencer, 2012 dinner chairman; John and Judge Nyya Parson-Hudson; Bobbie Knight and Gary Burley; Miss Alabama 2011 Courtney Porter and her father, Dennis Porter; Clinton Smith; Jim Kosowski; and Glenn Smith. Listening to music by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Youth Ensemble were the Hon. Roderick Royal; Birmingham City Council members Steven Hoyt, Kim Rafferty and Jay Roberson; Judge Tom King; and Ella Byrd McCain. Club members’ artwork was available for purchase and displayed throughout the ballroom. Admiring the children’s art were Bob Dickerson, Marjorie Perlman, Jamie Johnson, Steve Serra, John Montgomery, Alphonso Patrick, Glyn Agnew, Joel Welker and Pam Meisler, Dr. Billy C. Hawkins, Lajuana Bradford and Chris and Lauren Fields. Board members of A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club took time to pose for a formal portrait during the evening. They included Chairman Walter Howlett Jr., Phillip Pope, Jeff Ingrum, Nancy Wagnon, Don Lutomski, Bill Horton, Peggy Sparks, Mike Baker, Robert Holmes, Henrietta Sims, Jordan Frazier, Dr. Neal Evans, John Hudson, Rosa Hanks, Rev. Clinton Patterson, Hon. Roderick Royal, Alex Bumpers, Dr. Erline Patrick, Robert Beeman and Al Denson. Boys and Girls Club teens, who are members of the Keystone Club, greeted guests as they entered the ballroom and escorted them to their seats. They were welcomed by Paul Finebaum, master of ceremony for the evening. Guests dined on grilled flat iron beef with coconut shrimp in chili butter, grilled asparagus and baby carrots, white cheddar-chive mashed potatoes and white chocolate-dipped marshmallows. Two vintage wines were donated by Vineyard Brands. Following the opening address by Spencer, the invocation was given by Dr. George T. French, president of Miles College. Guests were invited to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, led by 13-year-old Jamari Pope, 2012 Youth of the Year for A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club. Among those at the dinner were Lee Styslinger, Mark Styslinger, Charles Miller, Pat Molony, Jim Priester, Steve and Evelyn Bradley, Judge Bill Cole, Paula Beck, Arthur Bailey, Bob Weaver, Bessemer City Council member Sarah Belcher, Kerry Hardy, Carol Clarke, Donnie and Shanna Gooch, Finley Evans, Ann and Tommy Hopkins, Tasha Simone, Sherrie LeMier, Don Holmes, Birmingham Mayor William Bell and Chuck Faush. During dinner, pianist and long-time board member Henrietta Sims accompanied the A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club Performers in two numbers, led by music instructor Dorothy Dilworth. Miss Alabama 2011 Courtney Porter and board member Dr. Erline Patrick accompanied the singers vocally during their performance. Guests, staff and volunteers enjoying the entertainment included Patrice Adams, Rose Walker, Ron Storey, Ellen Phillips, Shammara Hasty, Carl Bailey, Curtis Terry, Stacy Powell, Carolyn Newton, Leslie Wampol, Greg Calhoun, Sherri Jackson, Rosie Butler, Rick and Jennifer Journey, Monique Bumpers, Brian and Janice Carrington, Tyrenda Williams, Susan Tipton and Myrna Moline Bazzle. Keynote speaker Earvin “Magic” Johnson, chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, took the stage. He traced his steps from high school basketball standout to successful business entrepreneur. He also took questions from children and gave autographs. Mayor Bell presented Johnson with a special recognition and key to the city, thanking him for coming to Birmingham and helping A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club celebrate its anniversary. A new video, “The Magic of A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club,” debuted at the event. It featured Southside Homes Club alumnus Jonathan Porter, along with members of the club, as he recalled the impact the club had on his life as he grew up in a distressed neighborhood. Porter’s wife, Yakima, and his mother, Gwen Porter, also were in the audience along with Jason Awtry, Emily Landsdell, Tony Smoke, Rashada LeRoy, Harold Holloman, Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley and Mrs. Gulley and Pam Ausley. The recipient of this year’s “Blazing the Future Award,” A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club’s highest honor for service and support of the club’s members, was Marjorie Perlman, vice president of marketing, Tacala LLC. Watching her accept the award were Tacala team members Patrick Williams, Julio Villagomez, Thanh Nguyen, Donzell Brown, Jamie Johnson, Ragan Cain, Angelique Gisin and Angela and John O’Rourke. A new award was presented for the first time this year. The Dr. A.G. Gaston Vision Award was given to Karlos Dansby, linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, who was recognized as one who has made an impact in the lives of children in the community. His wife, Tynesha Dansby, was on hand for the presentation. ❖

Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 13

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Mutt Strut Helps Hand in Paw

and in Paw hosted its third annual Mutt Strut: Dog Friendly 5K and One Mile Fun Run, presented by Veterinary Eye Care April 21 at UAB’s Campus Green. The event also included music, vendors and the Manners in Motion agility dogs. The run helped raise funds for Hand in Paw’s work. The more photos at organization’s professionally trained teams of animals and handlers make more than 55,000 physically and emotionally beneficial visits a year to those most in need. Funds raised at the event help Hand in Paw provide free services to children with special needs, at-risk youth, struggling readers and the chronically and terminally ill. Mutt Strut raised more than $20,000 for Hand in Paw. More than 750 attended. Cantina’s food truck was at the event, and Birmingham Mountain Radio broadcasted live. The race warm-up was by CrossFit Rebellion. Pinkberry provided free yogurt to everyone who participated. ❖

OTMJ.COM

Maria Cecil finishing the 5K with her two dachshunds.

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14 • Thursday, May 31, 2012

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Ball with Ballet Benefits

A Family Company Earning Your Trust For Over 50 Years

Making plans for this year’s Ball of Roses are, from left: Ellen McCulley Faust, ball co-chairman; Katherine Barrow Kettig, ball chairman; Mary Bradley Hosch Anderson, Men’s Committee Dinner chairman; and Mary Catherine Rollins Ferguson, Men’s Committee Dinner co-chairman.

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

75 Young Ladies to be Presented at Ball of Roses

eventy-five young women will be presented at the annual Ball of Roses June 2 at the Country Club of Birmingham’s East Room, with the presentation beginning at 9 p.m. This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the The ball is sponsored by the Ballet Guild of Birmingham. June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Caroline Coats Woods is guild president; Lindsey Tomlinson Druhan is executive vice president. Please make sure all information is correct, The Ballet Guild is an invitational organization of young

including address and phone number!

women dedicated to supporting the ballet in Birmingham through fundraising and volunteer work. Since its founding in 1959, the guild has raised more than $1 million for the Alabama Ballet The first Ball of Roses was held in August 1961. Eleven young women from Birmingham were presented. This year, the Ball of Roses celebrates its 52nd anniversary and continues to serve as a vital fundraiser for the Alabama Ballet. Ball chairman Katherine Barrow Kettig and co-chairman Ellen McCulley Faust have collaborated with Carole Sullivan of Lagniappe Designs on a colorful palette and organic garden theme for the ball décor. ❖

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Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 15

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Dr. Alexander Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax May 2012

This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOurnAl for the May 31, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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

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Mary Elizabeth Scott Hodges, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Robert Hodges

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Donna, 979-5691 Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Sept. 2011 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Oct. 6, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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HOME FURNISHINGS • DÉCOR • GIFTS FUN CLOTHING & JEWELERY WITH VINTAGE FLAIR

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Dance Has ‘Casablanca’ Theme

he Gaieties Club held its spring dance May 4 at Mountain Brook Club. Dance chairman Brownie Evans, there with husband Barry, had devised a night in Casablanca at “Rick’s Cafe Americain.” President Mary Steiner greeted members, who saw that the “Gaieties Cruise Line” had docked in the club’s living room. “Passengers” disembarked under palm trees through a Moroccan market with rugs, brassware, vegetables, fruit, red roses and wrought iron votives, created by Robert Logan of Backstage Florists. While “As Time Goes By” was played on “Sam’s” upright piano, guests enjoyed cocktails on the balcony. The dining room also had a Moroccan theme, with pierced geometric lanterns surrounded by red roses, palm leaves, grapes and colorful votives centered on each white linen tablecloth. Moroccan fretwork screens lit by red, blue and amber lights covered the large windows. White-gloved waiters wearing red fezzes served mixed green salad with blood oranges, filet mignon béarnaise, asparagus, dauphinoise potatoes and chocolate molten cake. The Classics played music from the “Casablanca” era as well as current favorites. Mary Steiner introduced new members Martha Bradford with Wally Nall Jr., Helen Mills with Walter Gay Pittman and Betty and Albert Tully. Other new members are Evie Varre, Alex, Lynne Hennesy, Tim, and Doris and Jim Wilson. Gaieties’ first president, Mary Elizabeth Waitzman, there with Jim, told guests about the club’s formation in 1949. Dancing followed, while some members found “Rick’s Back Room” where croupiers in red fezzes conducted games of roulette, craps and blackjack. Bill Whitaker, at the party with Margaret, was the night’s big winner and received a bottle of Veuve Cliquot. Among those attending were: Lucy and Dan Allison, Martha Bradford and Wally Nall, Becky

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18 • Thursday, May 31, 2012

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Second Home on Wheels

Family Follows Tide, Visits Beach and More in Airstream Trailer Story by Laura McAlister

hen it came to purchasing a vacation home, Will and Ammie Akin considered two options. They could get a condo in Tuscaloosa, where the couple spends many weekends in the fall, or they could get a recreational vehicle they could take to Tuscaloosa for University of Alabama football games as well as away games and even the beach and the lake. The possibilities were really endless, so the family of three chose the RV – but not just any RV. They wanted one that would stand out in a crowd as well as stand the test of time. In November 2011, after lots of research, they purchased a 2012 Airstream International Serenity Trailer. While that may sound like roughing it compared to luxury condos on the beach or a lakeside home, that’s just not the case with this line of retro RVs. “It’s really comfortable,” said Will, a partner in iStore Self Storage at the former Bruno’s in Eastwood and broker and principle at Capital Growth Real Estate. “It’s really just like a home. It has two plasma TVs, we’ve got a shower and a bathroom. It’s just like being at home.” Ammie, an assistant principal at Paine Intermediate School in Trussville, agrees. She said the 30-foot trailer is small, but it’s been great for ballgames and weekend trips to the lake. The Akins pack up the trailer and keep a Pack ‘n Play for their 9-month-old son Jack to sleep in. They also don’t have to worry about boarding their other family member, a Welsh corgi named Gamble, who now gets to go along on all their vacations. While Ammie said she doesn’t consider herself at all the trailer or RV type, she loves their Airstream. She was first drawn to it for its retro look. Airstream trailers and campers are hard to miss. The outside is aluminum, and the exterior hasn’t changed much since they were first produced in the 1930s. “I’m really the exact opposite of an outdoorsy person,” Ammie said. “I was open to the Airstream, though, because of football games. I was so tired of sitting in traffic after games at 2 or 3 in the morning with a 9-month-old screaming in the back. That’s not that fun.” While the exterior of Airstreams hasn’t changed much, the inside has. The Akins’ Mountain Brook home is decorated in a rather traditional style, but the Airstream is modern with clean lines, Ammie said. Their model sleeps six, though Ammie and Will both say that for comfort’s sake, it’s more suitable for four. A queen-sized bed in the back can be closed off from the rest of the living space. A couch and table can both be converted into beds. In addition to the plasma TVs, Will said, the Airstream also came with a DVR and a Sony surround sound system. It’s also equipped with LED lights to make it more environmentally friendly. The bathroom is small but meets their needs, Ammie said. On one side there’s a toilet area, and directly across from it in a separate room is the shower.

Will and Ammie Akin said the Airstream trailer is perfect for them and their 9-monthold son Jack, who sleeps in a Pack ‘n Play while they vacation in the trailer. In addition to ball games, the family has taken their trailer to the lake and most recently the Gulf Coast.

The kitchen, Ammie said, is also compact. There are lots of built-cabinets for storage plus an oven, microwave and refrigerator. The Akins don’t really use the kitchen for cooking, though. They prefer to grill outside or dine out when on vacation. Will said one of the reasons the couple chose the trailer as opposed to a motorhome was the fact that they could park the trailer at a site, hook up the electricity, water and sewer and then take their car when they want to go out to eat or elsewhere. “I really just felt more comfortable with it,” he said. “I don’t have to worry about the engine. It’s easy to pull, and when we go camping we already have a car,

The Akin Airstream trailer has a queen-sized bed, which can be partitioned off from the rest of the trailer. It also has a flat-screened TV in the bedroom.

so we don’t have to rent one.” In the seven months they’ve had their Airstream, the couple has attended Alabama football games, of course, but they’ve also been to Guntersville and to Goose Pond near Scottsboro. They headed to the beach for Memorial Day weekend, where they were parking their Airstream at Camping on the Gulf near Destin, Fla. The park allows campers to park right on the beach, which Ammie said was great since the Airstream has panoramic windows. The Akins were planning to meet friends there, because since purchasing their Airstream, they’ve also acquired a few new friends, who, like them, love the look and the travel experience of the Airstream. “There really is this sense of community with them,” Ammie said of RVing and particularly the Airstream. “We’ll go somewhere and not even know one person.

Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 19

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to tout it. “It’s actually the TideAir Club,” Ammie said of the name. “You’re supposed to have ‘club’ on the end, even though we’re the only members.” As far as future trips go, they plan to head back to the beach often this summer and then hopefully to Dallas in the fall for Alabama’s first game of the season. ❖

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To: From: Date:

Jim Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Oct. 2010 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for t Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! When you leave, you’re best friends with everybody. We’re not really used to that, but it’s great. “ Will and Ammie said they’ve been learning a lot lately about the

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MIKE WEDGWORTH, 365-4344. Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. mike@wedgworth.net If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Airstream community and the cultlike following the trailers have. For example, each Airstream has to have a name. The Akins’ is TideAir. They’ve even got koozies, T-shirts and decals

Thank you for your prompt attention.

To: From: Date:

Patty Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 May 2012 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the may 17, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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Decorated

20 • Thursday, May 31, 2012

Designer Award-Winning Tammy Connor Excels in Vacation Home Vibes By Laura McAlister, Journal Editor

Kathy’s Designer Kitchens, Inc. 1831 29th Ave. S. • Homewood, AL 35209

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photo by Jean Allsopp

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One example of her designs is Coastal Living’s ammy Connor might credit some 10-year anniversary Ideal House in River Dunes, Ga., of her success as a designer to which she decorated. being in the right place at the In a children’s room, she hung twin beds with rope right time. But some industry from the ceiling and topped them with bright orange insiders would beg to differ. print bedding. The wall behind the bed is covered in a The Homewood resident similar fabric. and owner of Tammy Connor In another room, she used rich blue and red and Interior Design has had her work even painted the floor for something fun and different featured in magazines such as in the space used as a bunk house and sitting room Coastal Living and Southern for children. Living as well as Elle Decor and “I like painting the floors in kids’ areas,” Tammy Traditional Home. said. “That’s something fun. The hanging bed, that This year alone, Tammy was was just something kind of unexpected for a vacation named one of Traditional Home’s home. It’s on a teak platform suspended by ropes. We “New Trad” Designers, recognizing her as one of the had a boat person tie the knots so it would hold the nation’s up and coming designers, and was one of weight.” eight designers nationwide selected by Elle Decor for Although Tammy has some unique approaches to its Bloggers’ Choice Awards. her decorating, she said in the end she’s still a traTammy also received the Philip Trammell ditionalist. She just Shutze award for the likes to bend and Southeast. The award break the rules some. recognizes excellence With a background in traditional and clasin art history – she sical design, which is studied art history and what she’s come to be studio design at Wake known for. Forest University “I’d say my style is – and a love of archiupdated traditional,” tecture, Tammy knows Tammy said. “It’s a little bit about those comfortable but sophisrules. ticated. I like to have “I feel like once high quality pieces, but you know the rules, I still want it to be very you can break them,” inviting. It’s about ones she said. “It’s kind of lifestyle and how your a fresh way of thinkhome enhances that.” ing.” Tammy’s clients After graduating have taken her all over from Wake Forest, the nation, from hisTammy attended toric Charleston, S.C., design school in homes to New York Atlanta. She later City apartments. She moved to Charleston, said she also is enjoyS.C. That’s where, she ing the opportunity to said, she was in the design second homes right place at the right for her clients, many time. of which have been “I guess it was featured in top home around 2000 that I magazines. Some of was encouraged to those designs have even start my own busigone viral on the web. ness in Charleston,” When approaching she said. “I was doing second homes for her some projects downclients, Tammy said town. Then I moved she gets to have a little back to Birmingham more fun while always but continue to keeping her clients’ maintain my work in needs first and foreCharleston.” most. Tammy now lives “It’s just a different with her husband approach,” Tammy said and two children in of decorating a vacation a historic house in home. “First, I’m going Homewood, not far to look at their priorifrom where she grew ties. Then, if they’re on Meet the Decorator up. the beach, I’m going Tammy Connor, owner/founder of Tammy Connor Interior Some of her first to look at the different clients in Charleston color schemes. I like to Design in Homewood Awards: and elsewhere are bring the colors of the Named a New Trad Designer by Traditional Home, now coming to outdoors inside.” Blogger’ Choice award from Elle Decor and Philip Tammy to decorate She cites a Kiawah Trammell Shutze award for the Southeast their second or third Island, S.C., home she Visit tammyconnorid.com to learn more homes. recently decorated for Just as she does a client. In the living with a primary resiroom, she used an analdence, Tammy said, she considers the family’s needs ogous color scheme. The family room that looks out and works closely with the architects and builders to on the golf course has lots of light green and blues help deliver a turnkey product to her clients. that mirror the outdoors of the coastal Carolinas. “Most of our projects are pretty comprehensive,” “It’s a calming space,” Tammy said. “There are she said. “We work closely as a team with the cliblue and green shades together. Then we layered it ent, builder and architect. We do everything from the with patterns.” structural finishes to the furniture. We carry the conWhile Tammy likes a soothing space in a vacation cept through to the pillows on the sofa.” ❖ home, she also said it’s an area where you can add a bit of whimsy as well.

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Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 21

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Clockwise from top left: The hanging beds in the Coastal Living 10-year Anniversary Ideal Home that Tammy Connor decorated have become an Internet sensation, featured in several design blogs. In that same house, Tammy painted the floor of this children’s bunk room and sitting area with a red, white and blue pattern. The living room of this Kiawah Island, S.C. house uses an analogous color scheme with light greens and blues to give it a calming feel. Photos special to the Journal

more photos at

OTMJ.COM

To: Tricia From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1 Date: May 2012 This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JO May 31, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to

please make sure all information is c including address and phone num

please initial and fax back within 24 hours

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

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22 • Thursday, May 31, 2012

Arrington-Lunsford

Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Graves Arrington of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Mignon McGlynn, to Thomas Henry Lunsford, son of Mr. and Dr. Lowell Thomas Lunsford II of Raleigh, N.C. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. William Watt and the late Mr. Watt and the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pierce Arrington, all of Montgomery. Miss Arrington is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the

Howton-Mantel

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Eugene DiBenedetto of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. David Houston Howton of Canton, Ga., announce the engagement of their daughter, Katie Howton, to Sam Mantel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dannie Malcolm Mantel of Valley Grande. The bride-elect is the granddaugh-

Weddings & Engagements University of North Carolina, where she graduated with distinction with a bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts. She was a member of Gamma Sigma Alpha Greek Honor Society and Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She received her juris doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where she graduated with honors. She will join Burr & Forman, LLP as an associate this fall. Miss Arrington was presented at the Montgomery Debutante Assembly and the Ball of Roses. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Allen Ogden and Mr. Lowell Thomas Lunsford and the late Mrs. Alyce Creech Lunsford, all of Burlington, N.C. Mr. Lunsford graduated from Needham Broughton High School and from the University of North Carolina, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Mr. Lunsford received a master’s degree in teaching from Duke University. He teaches at Voyager Academy in Durham, N.C. The wedding is planned for August 4 at the Cathedral Church of the Advent. ter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Morgan Goodson of Vestavia Hills and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Franklin Howton of McCalla. Miss Howton is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, the University of Alabama, where she received a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and the University of West Alabama with a master’s degree in continuing education in psychology/ counseling. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Miss Howton is employed with Shelby County Schools. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles William Andrews of Valley Grande and the late Mr. and Mrs. Malcom Willie Mantel of Selma. Mr. Mantel is a graduate of Dallas County High School and the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He plans to pursue a master’s degree from the University of Montevallo. The wedding is planned for July 14.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Liles-Carlisle

of the bride, of Arlington, Va., was the matron of honor. The bridesmaids were Mary Riley Ogilvie and Collier Morris Ogilvie, cousins of the bride of Birmingham. Flower girl was Lucy Elizabeth Liles, niece of the bride. The groom’s father was best man. Groomsmen were Taylor Rush Carlisle, of Milton, Fla., and Noal Steven Rivers of Hattiesburg, Miss., brothers of the groom; and William Walton Liles, brother of the bride, of Arlington. Paul Andrews Liles II, nephew of the bride, was the ring bearer. After a wedding trip to the Dominican Republic, the couple live in Birmingham.

Samantha Nicole Ralston and Brian Raymond Holloway were married May 20 at Belle-Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tenn. Henry Bieber officiated at the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Ralston of Hoover. The groom is the son of Ms. Joyce A. Holloway of Hendersonville, Tenn., and Mr. H. Wayne Holloway, also of Hendersonville. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Maid of honor

Ralston-Holloway

was Brittany Knight of Nashville. Bridesmaids were Brooke Hale and Meghan Brown Medlin of Madison, Laura Howell of Arlington, Va., and Darilynn Keith of Nashville. The best man was Eric Crews of Madison, Wis. Groomsmen were Braxton Holloway, brother of the groom, of Franklin, Tenn.; SPC Christopher Ralston, brother of the bride, of Fort Campbell, Ky.; and Jonathan LaFoe and Chad Covert of Knoxville, Tenn. After a honeymoon cruise to the Bahamas, the couple live in Hendersonville.

Inghram of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Lynn Inghram, to Joshua Cade Harrelson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louie Kenneth Harrelson of Jackson’s Gap. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Franklin Howard of Vinemont and Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick William Inghram of Hoover. Miss Inghram graduated from Vestavia Hills High School in 2003. She received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2008 from Mississippi State University, where she was vice-chairman of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, treasurer of Zeta Tau Alpha, student association senator

for the College of Engineering and a Poinsettia Debutante. She is an engineer at Farley Nuclear Plant in Columbia. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. William Edgar Fuller and the late Mr. Fuller of Childersburg and Mrs. Louie Clinton Harrelson and the late Mr. Harrelson of Dadeville. Mr. Harrelson graduated from Benjamin Russell High School in 2000 and from the University of Alabama in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He received a master’s degree in business administration in 2009 from Troy University. Mr. Harrelson is also employed as an engineer at Farley Nuclear Plant in Columbia. A June wedding is planned.

Clifton of Rome, Ga., announce the engagement of their daughter, Sara Elizabeth Hawkins, to Preston Ford Nichols, son of Mrs. Rebecca Richards Nichols and Mr. Philip Girard Nichols both of Vestavia Hills. Miss Hawkins is the daughter of the late Mr. Jeffrey Leon Hawkins of Rainbow City. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Walter Lee Burton and the late Mr. Burton of Attalla and the late Mr. and Mrs. Leon Harrison Hawkins of Rainbow City. Miss Hawkins is a graduate of Carmel High School in Carmel, Ind. and a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She was a member of the American Cancer Society Junior Executive

Board and recruitment chair of Zeta Tau Alpha. Miss Hawkins is employed with o2ideas, Inc. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Lucy Baxley of Montgomery and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sidney Nichols of Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Nichols is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science. He received his juris doctor from Birmingham School of Law. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Mr. Nichols is employed with Charles M. Thompson P.C. The wedding is planned for August 4, 2012.

Mary Andrews Liles and Andrew Wesley Carlisle were married April 21 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. A reception followed at the Country Club of Birmingham. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Andrews Liles of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dyer Carlisle III of Birmingham. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a custom Augusta Jones gown. Her fit and flare French Alencon lace gown had an illusion bateau neckline, café sash at the waist and a full chapel-length train. Grace Barnes Liles, sister-in-law

Inghram-Harrelson

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Edward

Hawkins-Nichols

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Donald

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Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 23

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

School Notes LPE Students Earn Arrow of Light Sixteen Liberty Park Elementary fifth grade students received their Arrow of Light, the highest rank attainable by a Cub Scout, in a special ceremony at the pack’s annual Blue and Gold banquet. To commemorate the occasion, each scout received a plaque with a handmade arrow with authentic turkey feathers and a hand-knapped arrowhead. Cubmaster is Kimberly Cook. Webelos den leaders are Mike Swinson, Danny Brooks, Greg Cook and Chris Miller. The scouts officially become Boy Scouts March 5. Pack 776 is chartered by Liberty Park Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills.

Libby Pantazis is the new Board of Governors chairman at Indian Springs Photo special to the Journal School. Donald Hess is the outgoing chairman.

Pantazis is New ISS Board of Governors Chairman

ndian Springs School has named retired Birmingham attorney and artist Elizabeth “Libby” Pantazis as chairman of the school’s Board of Governors. The parent of three Springs alumni, she was named chairman during the board of governors’ meeting May 4 on the ISS campus. Pantazis recently retired as an attorney with Wiggins, Childs, Quinn & Pantazis, where she practiced civil rights law. Since her retirement in 2010, Pantazis has continued her career as an artist, focusing on oil on canvas works. Pantazis has long been active in the ISS community, serving as a member of the school’s Parents Association and Board of Governors, where she has been vice chairman, chairman-elect and a member of several committees. As chairman of the board’s planning committee, she helped oversee the school’s recent strategic planning process. She also serves on the boards of the Birmingham Art Association and the Pamela Project, which promotes awareness and education related to Arteriovenus Malformation, a hidden congenital birth defect. A graduate of Mississippi College and Mississippi College School of Law, she and her husband, Dennis, have three grown sons, D.G., Lee and Evan Pantazis. Pantazis succeeds Donald Hess, who has been chairman of the Board of Governors since 2007 and a board member from 1989 to 2003 and 2006 to present. A Birmingham native and 1966 ISS graduate, he is CEO of Southwoods Partners, a Birmingham-based family office and investment company. He also served as president of Parisian, Inc. and is currently lead director and an active member of the Board of Saks, Inc. As ISS board chairman, Hess oversaw a period of great accomplishments for the school, including the naming of Gareth Vaughan as its fifth director and the completion of the Learning through Living capital campaign. He also led the school as it experienced record Annual Fund giving, strengthened its

planned giving efforts, achieved reaccreditation by the Southern Association of Independent Schools/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, expanded its boarding program and underwent its strategic planning process. During Hess’ tenure, his family also established the Springs for Life Society, a giving society for those who pledge to contribute to the school’s Annual Fund every year, with gifts in his honor and contributed funds that led to the naming of a dormitory for his parents, Jimmie and Emil Hess. During the meeting, the board also recognized the service of outgoing members Bryson Edmonds of Birmingham, senior vice president of Robins & Morton, and Greg Hawley of Birmingham, a 1975 alumnus and attorney with White Arnold & Dowd P.C. Both joined the board in 1995. The school’s 2010 Outstanding Alumnus, Hawley served as chairman of the development committee and the Learning through Living capital campaign and was a member of the Strategic Ad Hoc Planning and Executive Committees. Edmonds was chairman of the Academic Affairs and Governance Committees, a member of the Executive Committee, an active participant in strategic planning and accreditation processes and a part of search committees that named the school’s last two directors. Several new members were also welcomed to the board: Joe Farley of Birmingham, a 1981 alumnus and co-founder and managing partner of BigCamo.com and Havercamp Products; Rob Henrikson of New Canaan, Conn., a 1965 alumnus, 2012 Outstanding Alumnus recipient and retired chairman of the board and president and CEO of MetLife, Inc.; Eli Phillips of Hoover, vice president of finance/CFO, BirminghamSouthern College; and Scott Pulliam of Birmingham, a 1985 graduate and chief investment officer for the Daniel Corporation. ❖

MBHS Debaters Vie in Tournament of Champions

Earning their Arrow of Light were front, from left: Jack Dey, Hinton Livings, Matthew Saia and Sam Swinson. Middle: Nicholas Muscolino, Will Cook, Campbell Miller, Collins Morgan and Trent Boughner. Back: Christopher Poff, Grayson Washburn, R.J. Spencer and Hampton Boles. Not pictured are R.J. Photo special to the Journal Brooks, Jonathan Hand Jr. and Quaid Rasmussen.

Spartanettes Are Tops at UDA Contest

The Mountain Brook High School Debate Team recently competed in the 41st annual Tournament of Champions. MBHS’s policy team finished in the top eight this year, the school’s best finish ever in Policy Debate. Senior Evan McCarty was the sixth overall speaker. Some 500 debaters were invited to the tournament in Lexington, Ky., in four debate events in Policy, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum and Congressional Debate and in Extemporaneous Speaking and The Mountain Brook Junior High Spartanettes won first place in the Universal Original Oratory. Dance Association state competition’s high kick division. The event was at Spain Park High School. Team members are, from left, front: Carter Hancock, The field included 137 different Virginia Poynor, Susan McElroy, Anna Howell, Elizabeth Nabors, Austin schools from 30 states. Trammell, co-captain Kaylyn Greene, co-captain Carlton Cooper and Erin Mountain Brook was represented in Rector. Middle: Meredith Stringfellow, Emily Howell and Meghan Beck. both Lincoln-Douglas and Policy Debate Back: Findlay Shelfer, Olivia Karagas, Maggie Hightower, Annie Somerville, this year. In Lincoln-Douglas debate, co-captain Sally Kale Bussman, Mary Clark Logan, co-captain Emily Owen Mountain Brook was represented Mendelsohn, Caroline Shea, Evalyn Bargeron, Charlotte McRae and Bradford Moore. Not pictured: Mary Rives Drake and sponsors Debbie Stump and Lisa by senior Alex Cordover, who will Photo special to the Journal Lewis. attend both the state and national championships. In Policy Debate, Mountain Brook Virginia College is hiring! was represented by McCarty and junior Virginia College, Online Programs continues to grow and Philippa Straus. The team has had an change students’ lives. Our mission is, in part, to provide high elimination-round seeding of top eight all quality, career focused educational services to a diverse student year and finished in the finals of multiple population in a dynamic, growth oriented setting. tournaments, including a second place finish at Harvard University, the world’s If you have a passion for helping college students change their largest speech and debate event. lives and if you would like to be a part of an expanding college At the TOC, the team lost only twice with its face to the future, please contact us, now. in preliminary rounds and went to Please send your letter of elimination rounds seeded as the No. 10 interest and resume to: team. vcoresumes@vc.edu They defeated the No. 7 seed from Stratford Academy in the Sweet 16/ octa-final match. In the Elite Eight match, McCarty and Straus were defeated by Homewood-Flossmoor of Chicago on a 3-0 decision. The finish is only the second time To: Allyn Holladay MBHS debaters have From: been to theOver Elite The Mountain Enroll in Birmingham-Southern College’s Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Eight. The other was in 2009 by William Date: Dec 2009 Schreiber and Amanda Claire Grayson for Public Forum. ThisLessons is yourinAD PROOF from theband OVER JOURNAL for the piano, voice, violin, guitar, andTHE much MOUNTAIN more. McCarty will go on to debate next year Preschool classes available. December 17,also 2009 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. at Northwestern University, one of the premier college debate programs in the Music and Theatre Camp 2012 country. ❖

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24 • Thursday, May 31, 2012

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Shades Cahaba Wins National School of Character Award

he Character Education Partnership has named Homewood’s Shades Cahaba Elementary School a 2012 National School of Character. Shades Cahaba is one of 24 schools and one school district being recognized nationwide in 2012. Each year, CEP selects schools and districts that demonstrate through a rigorous evaluation process that their focus on character development has had a positive impact on academic

achievement, student behavior and school climate. Selected schools are then expected to serve as models for other schools, helping them to achieve the same results. Schools are named NSOC for five years. Shades Cahaba also received the award in 2006. “You hear so much about school problems these days that it’s great to focus on schools that work,” said Mark Hyatt, CEP president and CEO. “These schools went through a very

rigorous evaluation process, and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements and tell their stories.” Schools and districts from more than 30 participating states are named State Schools of Character before advancing to the national level for review. CEP will honor the 2012 National Schools of Character at the National Forum on Character Education Nov. 1-3 in Washington, D.C. At the ceremony, Shades Cahaba will

receive an NSOC award, banner and a small grant to help with outreach efforts. “These schools have built strong communities that bring people together around shared goals,” said Lara Maupin, NSOC director. “Nobody feels alone or unwelcome in these schools. Adults are all on the same page about what’s important, and, as a result, kids thrive.” For more information about CEP, the NSOC program or the National Forum, visit www. character.org. ❖

School Notes

Vestavia Hills High School Partners in Education for the 2011-12 school year are, from left: Cas McWaters, principal; Diane Seitz, Little Professor Bookstore; Kenyatta Driver, Office Depot; Jessica Eanes, Bruster’s Ice Cream, Vestavia; Glynn Howard, Office Depot; Mike Jackson, Jackson Howard Whatley, LLC; Jim Anderson, Kwik Kopy, Vestavia; Kimberly Cook, PTO PIE chairman; and Kelly Bottcher, PTO president. Not pictured: Morris Jackson, Chick-fil-A, Hoover Commons; Dr. Lynn Hammonds, Eye Care Associates; Eric Witherington, Moe’s Original Bar B Que; Ann Hamiter, Pinnacle Bank; and Photo special to the Journal Don Marcrum, Substation Service Company

Vestavia Honors Partners in Education Vestavia Hills High School recognized its 2011-12 Platinum Partners in Education May 8 at a Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Vestavia Hills Country Club. The businesses honored made in-kind or cash contributions of $1,500 or more in support of school programs during this school year. The Partners in Education program

commemorate Law Day. Spain Park junior Read Mills won first place, and junior Jasmine Bolden took third place. Their essays were selected from hundreds written by students from around the state. Both students will receive a U.S. Savings Bond. Spain Park will also receive a donation from the Bar Association. Winners of the contest were honored at the Heflin-Torbert Judicial Building on Law Day. The theme of the contest was “No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom.”

Members of Cub Scout Pack 213 in Cahaba Heights toured the offices of Over The Mountain Journal recently. The group learned about the editorial and business aspects of putting together a suburban newspaper. Scouts on the tour were front, from left: Logan Price and Elijah Putman. Back: Clemente Brannon, Turner Whitley, Freddie Nelson, Ebrahim Bazeddi and Jack Burrus. Journal photo by Maury Wald Not pictured: Brandon Deutsch.

is a partnership between the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and Vestavia Hills City Schools to recognize businesses that provide funding for school initiatives not funded through public sources.

Spain Park Students Win Law Day Contest Two Spain Park High students took top honors in the Alabama Bar Association essay contest to

Making the news

Highlands student Genevieve Doucet created an award-winning entry in the Dream Architecture contest. Photo special to the Journal

Highlands Students Places in Architecture Contest Genevieve Doucet, a second grade student at Highlands School, won second place in her grade level’s category for her Dream Architecture

Contest submission. Participants had to design their dream neighborhoods with special features only a child could imagine. Originally started as a community outreach program to promote public awareness of architecture, the contest has grown from 100 entries in the first year to more than 1,000 last year. The awards ceremony was May 3 at Architecture Works/SawWorks Studio. Giattina Aycock Studios in Birmingham is a contest sponsor. Genevieve received art supplies and architectural gifts for her achievement. She is the daughter of Chris and Suzette Doucet of Mountain Brook. Students Focus on Frogs

Saint Francis Xavier School seventh and eighth graders spent part of their biology unit during the final grading quarter of the school year dissecting frogs in the school’s science lab. Before beginning the dissections, the students studied text and web resources and also focused on lab skills. They watched several video demonstrations to observe proper dissection procedures and safety measures. Students made notes, filled in diagrams and did further research on the frog’s adaptations for aquatic and terrestrial life. The middle school science program is led by Jeannie Walker. ❖

Dr. Stephanie Steinmetz

Pediatric/Adolescent Dentistry

We Gladly File Insurance

Vestavia Hills 8 2 2 -4 2 8 4

Diplomate Board of Pediatric Dentistry Zach Ballinger, left, Andrew Ramey and St. Francis Xavier science teacher Photo special to the Journal Jeannie Walker study in the school lab.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

MBHS Presents ‘Bye Bye Birdie’

Schools

Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 25

Terrace Tots Have Easter Fun Aidan and Chloe Dillion, back, recently hosted an Easter egg hunt for the children on their street. Aidan is a second grader at Crestline Elementary; Chloe is a third grader there. Among those taking part were, from left, front: Christopher Cutshall, Fleetwood Ashurst, Harrison Baxley, Everett Baxley, Zayna Glover, Sadie Martin, Sydney Martin and Lilly Cutshall. Photos special to the Journal

The Journal incorrectly identified the school that presented a production of “Bye Bye Birdie” in the May 17 issue. Mountain Brook High School students performed the play in April to more than 2,000 people. The Journal regrets the error. Above: Cast members perform “Got a lot of liven to do.” Right: Singing “Hymn for a Sunday Evening” during Mountain Brook High’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie” were: Allie Cannon, Spiro Gerontakis, Bailey Edmonds and Drew Willoughby. Photos special to the Journal

We are proud of our 55 seniors accepted to the folloWing colleges and universities: U. of Alabama at Hampden-Sydney College* University of Oklahoma Birmingham* Harvard College University of Pennsylvania U. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa* Hendrix College Pennsylvania State University American University Hollins University University of Pittsburgh* American University of Paris Howard University* Pitzer College Appalachian State University Indiana University at Point Park University Auburn University* Bloomington* Princeton University Bates College Johns Hopkins University Purdue University Birmingham-Southern University of Kentucky Rhodes College* College* Lake Forest College Roosevelt University Boston College Lewis & Clark College Samford University Boston University* Louisiana State University Savannah Col. of Art and Design Brown University Loyola University, Chicago Sewanee, The University of Bucknell University Loyola University, Maryland the South* California Institute of University of Mary Washington Skidmore College Technology Massachusetts Institute of Smith College University of California, Technology U. of South Alabama Los Angeles* University of Massachusetts, Southern Methodist University* College of Charleston* Amherst Spelman College University of Chicago University of Miami* Texas State University – Claremont McKenna College Middlebury College San Marcos Coastal Carolina University University of Mississippi* Tulane University Columbia University Mississippi State University* Vanderbilt University* Cornell University U. of Montana, Missoula University of Vermont* Davidson College* University of Montevallo* University of Virginia* University of Denver* New College of Florida Virginia Polytechnic Institute Drexel University* New York University* Washington and Lee University Duke University* U. of North Carolina at Washington University, St. Louis* Eckerd College* Chapel Hill Webster University Edgewood College U. of North Carolina, Wellesley College Wilmington Elon University* Wesleyan University Northeastern University* Emory University* U. of Wisconsin, Stevens Point Northwestern University* Fisk University Western Michigan University Oberlin College Furman University* Wofford College* George Washington University Occidental College Oglethorpe University* Georgetown University Bold – student will matriculate Ohio Northern University Georgia Institute of * - two or more students accepted Technology Oklahoma City University

26 • Thursday, May 31, 2012

sports

Hoover High Students Sign Athletic Scholarships

Homewood U13 Wins State Soccer Title

Homewood Soccer Club’s U13 team won the DII State Championship Tournament in Decatur recently, beating Fusion, 5-2 in the title match. A total of five different players scored for Homewood. Members of the Homewood Soccer Club U13 above include, from left, front: Ethan Getman, Eric Hepp, Chandler Harris, Jackson White, Stanford Massie, Brady Brannon and Salam Qashou. Back: Coach Mason Cook, Cameron Wood, Gersain Leon, Andrew Cooper, Evan Myers, Parker Bembry, Frank Trujillo, head coach Sean McBride and coach Jeff Brannon.

Briarwood Players Named to National Lacrosse All-Star Team

Briarwood Junior High School seventh graders Wilson Hand and Robert Cowen have each been named a 2012 Brine National Lacrosse All-Star and selected to represent the Southeast Region in the Brine National AllStar Lacrosse Academy and National Lacrosse Classic to be held in Boyds, Md., June 30-July 3. Both play in the Greater Birmingham Youth Lacrosse League. Cowen played for the U15 Lions Lacrosse team coached by Frank Bemis and Bobby Cowen. Hand played for the Varsity Lions Lacrosse team coached by Mark Hand. Robert and Wilson are also members of a Bamalax team, Alabama’s select travel lacrosse program.

Wilson Hand and Robert Cowen

The Vestavia Hills Steamers 01 Black soccer team finished second in the U11 State Cup - Gold Bracket recently. Members of the team include, from left, front: Zac Shunnarah, Sam McCullumsmith, Justin Aderholt and Braxton Jeffcoat. Back: Campbell Doidge, Ben Garrett, Brandon Kirkland, Larson Rula, Logan Romp, Connor Stec and Brody Arrington.

from back cover

weights to reach peak performance level. Of all the events at which Roberts excels, she said cross country is her favorite. “I enjoy running trails,” she said. “It’s interesting because you see different things while running. It’s not just running around in a circle.” Certainly winning the two races at the state indoor meet was memorable, because it marked the first indoor competition in Alabama track and field since 2007. Roberts was impressed with the Crossplex facility. “The place was definitely world class,” she said. “The track itself was very smooth and was fun. The Crossplex is going to be a great thing

From left, front: Nicole Armstrong, University of Mobile, volleyball; Marcy Harper, Auburn, softball; Angelica Chapman, Florida State, swimming; Anna Quinn, Montevallo, volleyball; Claire Williamson, Alabama, swimming; Breona Humphrey, UAB, track; Joy Maneice -Marbury, Alabama, track; Eric Dansby, Pace, basketball; Chalandra Gooden, South Alabama, track; Kayla Anderson, UAB, basketball and Nicole Tanner, Auburn, basketball. Second row: Jeremy Boyd, Delta State, football; Dakota Daniel, West Alabama, football; Raymond Morris, Faulkner, football; Brad Shaw, Coffeyville, football; Hayden Clowers, Gadsden State, tennis; Will Cannon, UAB, golf; Nigel Cribbs, Louisana-Monroe, track; Reggotta Craig, Shelton State, basketball; Chardonae Fuqua, Baylor, basketball and Breion Allen, basketball, Rice. Back: Sam Gillikin, Auburn, baseball; Jackson Armstrong, Faulkner, football; Blake Patterson, U.S. Air Force Academy, football; Trent Dunne, Delta State, football; Josh Jackson, Faulkner, football; Sam Hutcheson, Springhill, basketball; William Eads, Middle Tennessee State, football; Daniel Aust, South Alabama, football; Jerrick Rump-Henderson, Southern Union, basketball, and Zac Wharton, Bryan College, basketball. Not Pictured: Natalie Swindle, University of Arkansas-Little Rock, swimming and John Maxwell, Montevallo, baseball.

Mountain Brook Students Sign Scholarships

Steamers Finish Second in State Soccer Tourney

roberts’ rules,

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Mountain Brook students, above, at their signing ceremony recently are, from left: Mark Rector, Furman, football; Wilson Jamison, BirminghamSouthern, baseball; Gavin Golsan, Jacksonville State, baseball and Warren Handrahan, Samford, football.

White Sox Win Mtn. Brook Titles

Members of the White Sox first grade baseball team who recently won the season and league titles include, from left, front: Carter Brooks, Allen Baker, Gri Cashio, Graham Hodges and Robert Morrow. Middle: Reid Pemberton, Garrett Gray, Jay Davis, John Carter, Aidan Dillon and Jack Welch. Back: White Sox coaches Michael Brooks, Matt Morrow, Brad Dillion and Greg Cashio.

for high school track in Alabama.” Roberts became interested in running almost by accident. She transferred to John Carroll as a freshman and was required to sit out the year athletically as required by Alabama High School Athletic Association rules. Roberts worked out with the cross country team in anticipation of playing soccer the next season. As fate would have it, she fell in love with running and eventually gave up soccer. Training for soccer wasn’t the only reason Roberts started running. “Since I was new at the school, I thought running with the cross country team would be a great way to make friends,” she said. “I guess it paid off in a lot of ways.” Roberts made an immediate impression as a sophomore, winning the first of her three consecutive Class 5A cross

John Carroll Catholic runner Rachel Roberts ended 2011 by winning her third consecutive individual Class 5A cross country championship at Oakville Indian Mounds Park. Photo special to the Journal

country titles with a time of 18:42.35. As a junior, she was even more impressive, taking her second cross

country crown at a rapid 18:32. Not one to be satisfied, Roberts saved her best for last. She won her third and final cross country title in fine fashion, nearly beating the 18 minute barrier as she clocked in at 18:08.7. “I wanted to be faster every year,” she said. “That was a goal I always had.” Roberts’ accomplishments won the respect of her teammates and her school at large. Shortly before graduation, she received the Pat Sullivan Scholar Athlete Award, the highest honor a Cavalier athlete can earn. Happily, Roberts’ running career won’t end in high school. She has committed to run cross country at Samford University next season. “Samford was just a good fit for me,” said Roberts. “I wanted a smaller school, and now I’ll be close to home

so my family and friends can come see me run. I can hardly wait.” Rachel Roberts will undoubtedly bring to Samford the same work ethic and passion that led her to great heights at John Carroll. You could call those traits Roberts’ Rules of Running.

Nominations Wanted…

In a few weeks, the Over the Mountain Journal will announce its choices for the Boy and Girl Athlete of the Year for the 2011-12 academic year. Any athlete who participated in varsity competition for an Over the Mountain high school is eligible for consideration. We welcome reader nominations. Please send your nominations to Athlete of the Year, c/o Over The Mountain Journal, 2016 Columbiana Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216.

Thursday, May 31, 2012 • 27

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Second and Counting Lady Rebels Fall to Sparkman in Finals By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

ohn J. Sparkman High School was named for a late Alabama senator who once ran for vice president of the United States. Sparkman High School’s namesake may have been in the second spot on a national ticket, but the Lady Senator softball team wasn’t settling for number two in the state 6A finals at Montgomery’s Lagoon Park last weekend. Sparkman defeated Vestavia Hills 5-4 May 19 to claim the state’s largeschool softball title, ending the Lady Rebels’ impressive season with a 54-9 record and a frustrating finish. “I’m very proud of this team. It was truly a great year,” said Vestavia coach Lissa Walker. “When the season begins, a team wants to be play-

‘It’s just when you get to the championship level, the pitching is so good. We were able to get the runs when they were needed, we just didn’t finish at the end.’ Hannah Taylor ing for a championship on the last week of the season. And we were able

softball team, from back cover

“I’m honored and surprised to be named Coach of the Year,” said Walker, who just completed her first season at the helm of the Lady Rebels after a highly successful run at Hueytown. “It really speaks to the work that our girls did this year and the strength of our program. I’m proud to be a part of it.” Taylor became Player of the Year based on the strength of another outstanding season. The senior hit a potent .439 with 14 home runs and 12 doubles. She also had a fielding percentage of .933 while playing the most difficult of defensive positions. “It’s exciting to be named Player of the Year,” said Taylor. “I’m honored to accept this on behalf of my coaches and teammates. One reason

to go that far.” Sparked by catcher Hannah Taylor’s home run, the Lady Rebels moved to a 3-0 lead. Vestavia hurt itself with three errors in the crucial fifth inning, as Sparkman rallied to tie the score 3-3. Lady Rebel pitcher Taylor Moon helped her cause with a ground-rule double in the sixth inning to put Vestavia back out in front 4-3. But the Lady Senators rallied for two late runs to take the crown. Moon yielded only two earned runs as her season ended with a 29-5 mark. Taylor offered no alibis for her team’s defeat. “We weren’t nervous,” she explained. “It’s just when you get to the championship level, the pitching is so good. We were able to get the runs when they were needed, we just didn’t finish at the end.” Earlier in the day, the Lady Rebels lost a morning game to Sparkman 2-0, forcing Vestavia into the loser’s bracket of the double elimination tournament. The Lady Rebels then rallied for a dramatic 1-0 marathon three-hour, 10-inning win over Dothan to avoid elimination. Riane Estes singled home Taylor, who scored from second for the game-winning run. Moon earned the victory, surrendering only seven hits. The stage was set for the final game, and Sparkman’s dramatic surge to the championship.

it’s special is because these are the girls I’ve been playing softball with my entire life.” Taylor was joined on the AllOver the Mountain team by five other Vestavia standouts: infielders Riane Estes and Abbie Miranda, first baseman/designated hitter Caroline Hardy and pitchers Taylor Moon and Rebecca Hein. Moon and Hein won 27 and 24 games, respectively. Other members of the All-Over the Mountain team include Morgan Reed and Rachel Walz, Briarwood; Marcy Harper, Hoover; Rachel Waters, John Carroll Catholic; Rebecca Blitz and Courtney Shea, Mountain Brook; Kaley Boone, Leah Reeve, Madi Ridgway and Caroline Seitz, Oak Mountain; Casey Craig, Madi Gipson and Caroline Holmes, Spain Park. The 2012 Over the Mountain Softball Player of the Year is Hannah Taylor, left, of Vestavia Hills. Coach of the Year is Lissa Walker, also of Vestavia Hills. Journal photo by Maury Wald

Spain Park’s state championship golf team includes, from left: Coach Brian Carter, Patrick Martin, Connor Smith, Vasili Photo special to the Journal Kartos, Robby Prater, Daniel Schroder and Coach Ben Moody.

Dynasty Jaguars and Lady Spartans Add New Golf Titles to Trophy Case By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

on’t look now, but two new dynasties are rising on the Alabama high school golf

scene. At least that’s the impression any observer might get after the state 6A golf championships were held at the 72-par Grand National Golf Course at Auburn last month. Spain Park’s boys shot a two day total of three-over par 579 to take their fourth state championship in five years over runner-up and cross-town rival Hoover. The Bucs finished five strokes behind at 584. On the girls side, Mountain Brook earned its second consecutive blue championship trophy. The Lady Spartans fired a two-day score of 491 to take an easy 10-stroke victory over runner-up Auburn. The Spain Park girls were fourth with a 524 total. Hoover’s Will Cannon shared boys low medalist honors with Alex Green of Fairhope. Cannon fired consecutive rounds of 71 and 69 for a final score of four under-par 140. The Jags’ team-winning score was sparked by Robby Prater, who shot

baseball team, from back cover

exclusive Over the Mountain Journal poll of the eight head baseball coaches of schools in Class 6A or Class 5A as the 2012 Over the Mountain Journal Baseball Player of the Year. “Being chosen Player of the Year is certainly a great honor,” said White. “It means a lot because the best baseball in Alabama is played here. Any award involving Over the Mountain is special, because these are the guys I’ve been playing ball with for almost my entire life.” In a clean sweep for Spain Park, Smith was chosen by the coaches as 2012 Coach of the Year. “I’m proud to be chosen as coach of the year,” said Smith. “But truthfully, it’s really a tribute to what our players accomplished. They should get the credit for anything we did.”

rounds of 68 and 74 for a total of 142, which placed him in third behind Cannon and Green. Connor Smith – also of Spain Park – tied for fifth with rounds of 75 and 70 for a final score of one over-par 145. Smith was tied with Mountain Brook’s Dalton Skinner, who shot rounds of 70 and 75 on the way to his 145 final. Also finishing in the top ten were Spain Park’s Vasili Kartos and Hoover’s Tanner Dixon, who tied for seventh with two-day totals of 146. Cannon said he was proud to win the individual championship, but a team title would have been even more special. “It would have been really nice to have won the team trophy,” he said. “They’ve got some good guys on the Spain Park team, but I really wanted to beat them.” Prater had won the individual title as a freshman, but couldn’t repeat that magic in 2012. “I wanted to win (the individual title) badly,” he said. “But

it couldn’t be about me. It had to be about the team.” The Mountain Brook girls’ path to the championship was paved in part by Tatum Jackson, who finished third in individual play behind Janie Jackson of Huntsville and Alex Harrell of Central. Tatum Jackson put together rounds of 73 and 80 for a score of 153. The Lady Spartans’ Carolyn McCalley finished tied for eighth with a two-day score of 163. Spain Park’s Morgan Natale finished tied for fourth with a final score of 155. In Class 5A boys competition, Briarwood took third place with a total of 617, eight shots behind champion Fort Payne. The Lions’ Spencer Pack finished fourth in individual competition, finishing four over-par 148. His teammate John Hayden was tied for fifth by scoring five over-par 149. Trevor Page of Briarwood was seventh at 151 and the Lions’ Banks Nash was eighth at 152.

Spartan Standout Trey Carter Signs with NC State

Trey Carter, above, recently signed a scholarship to play tennis for North Carolina State. Carter has won four state singles titles while at Mountain Brook. In all, he has won a total of six state championships, four singles and two doubles.

The coaches also chose the 2012 All-Over the Mountain baseball team. Players listed by school include Ben Craft and Daniel Robert, Briarwood; Matt Barnes, Patrick Conway, Sam Gilliken, Nathan Richards and Connor Short, Hoover; Stephen Baggett and Luke Porter,

Homewood; Robert Burgess and Zach Poticny, John Carroll Catholic; Miller Bonds, Mountain Brook; David Dahl, Oak Mountain; Colton Freeman, Hunter Hill and Mikey White, Spain Park; and Ben Gann, Ryan Raspino, Davis Rickard and Georgie Salem, Vestavia Hills. Spain Park’s Will Smith, left, is the 2012 Over the Mountain Baseball Coach of the Year. Player of the Year is Mikey White, also of Spain Park. Journal photo by Maury Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Sports

Spain Park, Mountain Brook Win Golf State Championships P. 27 Lady Rebels Fall to Sparkman P. 27 Briarwood Players Named to Lacrosse All-Star Team P. 26

Lee Davis

Roberts’ Rules of Running Members of the 2012 All-Over the Mountain softball team include, from left, front: Taylor Moon, Vestavia Hills; Maddie Ridgway, Oak Mountain; Rachel Waters, John Carroll Catholic; Rachel Walz, Briarwood; Caroline Holmes, Spain Park; and Rebecca Blitz, Mountain Brook. Second row: Leah Reeve, Oak Mountain; Abbie Miranda, Vestavia Hills; Courtney Shea, Mountain Brook; Madi Gipson, Spain Park; Marcy Harper, Hoover; and Coach Lissa Walker, Vestavia Hills. Back: Caroline Seitz, Oak Mountain; Kailey Boone, Oak Mountain; Casey Craig, Spain Park; Riane Estes, Vestavia Hills; Rebecca Hein, Vestavia Hills; Hannah Taylor, Vestavia Hills; and Caroline Hardy, Vestavia Hills. Not pictured: Morgan Reed, Briarwood. Journal photo by Maury Wald

Taylor-Made Lady Rebels Lead All-OTM Softball Team

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

he Vestavia Hills Lady Rebels didn’t win the state 6A championship in 2012, but they did just about everything else. Coach Lissa Walker’s team posted a 54-9 overall record and reached the championship finals before

losing to Sparkman. Vestavia spent most of the season ranked first or second in the polls and produced two pitchers with 20-victory seasons. With those lofty numbers in mind, it’s no surprise that the Lady Rebels dominate the 2012 AllOver the Mountain softball team. The team was chosen by an exclusive Over the Mountain Journal poll of the eight head softball coaches of Over the

Mountain area schools that compete in Class 6A or 5A. Walker was chosen by the coaches as the 2012 Over the Mountain Coach of the Year. Vestavia catcher Hannah Taylor – a four time All-Over the Mountain selection – was named the 2012 Player of the Year by the coaches.

See softball team, page 27

Members of the 2012 All-Over the Mountain baseball team are, from left, front: Ben Gann, Vestavia Hills; Davis Rickhard, Vestavia Hills; Ryan Raspino, Vestavia Hills; Miller Bonds, Mountain Brook; Zach Poticny, John Carroll Catholic; and Robert Burgess, John Carroll Catholic. Second row: Nathan Richards, Hoover; Matt Barnes, Hoover; Connor Short, Hoover; Patrick Conway, Hoover; Luke Porter, Homewood. Back: Colton Freeman, Spain Park; Mikey White, Spain Park; and Coach Will Smith, Spain Park. Not pictured: Ben Craft, Briarwood; Daniel Robert, Briarwood; Sam Journal photo by Maury Wald Gilliken, Hoover; David Dahl, Oak Mountain; Hunter Hill, Spain Park; Georgie Salem, Vestavia Hills.

Mikey Does It

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

ost baby boomers remember “Mikey” as the kid in the cereal commercial who supposedly wouldn’t eat anything. Spain Park baseball fans remember a guy named Mikey, too, but not because of what he ate for breakfast. The Jaguars’ Mikey White will forever be recalled as a guy who could do just about anything on the baseball field.

White Leads Jags to Area Title, Earns Player of Year Honors

White, an infielder/pitcher, was one of the main catalysts on a Spain Park team which surprised the experts by posting a 35-17 record in 2012. The Jaguars earned the Class 6A Area 12 championship, knocked highly-regarded Pelham out of the playoffs and came within one game of reaching the state championship finals in Montgomery. As a pitcher, White compiled an 8-2 record with two saves in 2012. He struck out 61 batters, walked only nine and had a stellar ERA of 1.13. White was just as dangerous at the plate as

he was on the mound. The senior slugger hit a hefty .388 against some of Alabama’s best high school pitching, with 37 RBIs and 46 runs. He also clubbed nine home runs. “Mikey was one of those kids who is a pleasure to coach,” said Spain Park coach Will Smith. “He was a real leader and a complete player for us. Mikey contributed greatly to our success this year.” Smith isn’t the only Over the Mountain coach who is a fan of White. He was the choice of an

See baseball team, page 27

John Carroll Track Star Dominates in Senior Season

f Rachel Roberts were a professional golfer, it could be said that she pulled off a Grand Slam in the 201112 school year. The John Carroll Catholic running star ended 2011 by winning her third consecutive individual Class 5A cross country championship at Oakville Indian Mounds Park. Roberts followed that victory with wins in her classification in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs at the state indoor meet at the Crossplex in Birmingham in February. She capped off her senior year by winning the 1600 and 3200 meter runs in Class 5A at the state outdoor meet at Gulf Shores, thus going five for five in some of the most prestigious running events in Alabama high school track and field. Just call it the Rachel-Slam. Of course, those impressive victories weren’t the only times Roberts found herself in the winner’s circle in 2011-12. Those were only the “major” victories. She also swept the 1600 and 3200 meter dashes in the King of the Mountain Meet at Vestavia Hills, which often serves as an indicator of things to come in May. Additionally, Roberts won the 3200 meter events at the Homewood Invitational and Martin Luther King Invitational. But 20 years from now, it may be her successes in the state meets that will stand out in Roberts’ memory bank. “Yes, going five for five is special, no doubt about it,” said Roberts, when contacted a few days after her performance at Gulf Shores. “It was a lot of hard work to get there, and winning (the state titles) was the way I wanted to end my career at John Carroll.” Roberts said the keys to success in running are difficult but straightforward: lots of work and passion. “You have to be passionate about running,” she explained. “That’s because if someone wants to be successful, they are going to have to do a lot of it. So they have to love running. “Fortunately, I love to run, so it worked out well.” Roberts clearly doesn’t just talk the talk, she literally runs the run. Entering her senior season, she ran about 50 miles a week and also swam and lifted

See Roberts’ rules, page 26