Over the Mountain Journal Sept. 23, 2010 issue by Over the Mountain Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L

THE SUBURBAN NEWSPAPER FOR MOUNTAIN BROOK, HOMEWOOD, VESTAVIA HILLS, HOOVER, AND NORTH SHELBY COUNTY SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

Blazing Trails ZooGala Benefits Upcoming ‘Escape to Africa’ Exhibit The Birmingham Zoo will host its largest fundraising event, ZooGala 2010, at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23. Getting ready for the annual event are from left: Red-tailed boa constrictor Mrs. Whiskers, Sumner Starling, Wally Nall, Jesse Vogtle, Greg King, Capriccia Carney and groundhog Storm. See About Town, page 3. Photo special to the Journal

What’s the secret to a long life? If you ask Joe and Jan Akin, they’d say lots of love, petting and boiled chicken – or at least that’s done the trick for their dog, Peanut. See Life, page 8.

Hope Gala raised more than $350,000 for the American Cancer Society and honored Joe Lee Griffin’s legacy commemorating the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge. See Social, page 10.

Learn all you need to know about this year’s Antiques at the Gardens and more with a look at this year’s featured designer, and get a peak inside of one committee member’s home and her cherished antiques. See Home, page 17.

2 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

CONTENTS/OPINION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MURPHY’S LAW

G H

OTMJ.COM et a closer look at designer Miles Redd’s New York home.

ear Barbara Burton describe why she loves her new home in Mountain Brook, and why she doesn’t miss New York.

ell us your wedding story. We’re looking for engaged or newlywed couples to tell their wedding stories on otmj.com. Contact editorial@otmj.com for more information.

s always, check out more photos from OTM social events or send us pics from your parties to share with our readers.

In our next issue, see how OTM women are staying fit and healthy.

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

3 7 8 10

HOMES WEDDINGS SCHOOLS SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

17 22 24 28

September 23, 2010

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Laura McAlister Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Bones Long, Cary Estes, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Vol. 18, No. 18

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

ABE

want to apologize. In that harsh. Of course, even as I’m typing this, I’m my column of Sept. backspacing and redoing, backspacing and redoing 13th, second paraagain. graph, I said, “I was not Editing, re-editing. It’s a bit of an obsession exactly sure what this (along with my Starbucks’ iced green tea). I conwould involve.” Instead stantly edit my wardrobe, my filing systems, the of “was not” I should steps I go through to clean the bathroom. I lie have said “wasn’t.” It awake nights pondering how I can fix and tweak makes the sentence flow and adjust the knobs of my everyday life so things more smoothly. will be easier/faster/ more pleasing to behold. This happens all the I edit the path I cut through the grocery store, time. I look back at what the route I take to accomplish my errands, the goal Susan Murphy I’ve written and realize being to use less gas and get the ice cream home there was a better , more without meltdown. In restaurants and shopping graceful way to get the message across, which is malls, at some point I invariably turn to Harold terrific if the article is still glued and say, “You know what they need to my computer, but when the here...” Even at Disney World, purEven at Disney piece has already seen newsprint, portedly the happiest place on earth, it can be downright painful. I threw out a string of suggestions I World, purportedly My columns originate with sure would make the place just the happiest place on was one quirky idea, something I the teensiest bit happier. read, something somebody said, Or not. I could be wrong. That earth, I threw out a something that hit me while I happens a lot. So most of the time I string of suggestions I edit my conversation and keep these was brushing my teeth. I expand on that quirk factor with a delwas sure would make flashes of brilliance to myself. My uge of brainstorming ink in one daughter calls it “self-monitoring.” the place just the of my daughters’ castoff spiral I like that phrase even better (edit). notebooks, then sit down and type teensiest bit happier. When thoughts jump out of my up a horrendous first draft. After mouth without passing through the that comes the real work: editself-monitoring filter there’s always ing. Every time I catch a word the potential for things to go horribly omission or a Spell Check escapee, I feel like I’ve wrong. Wouldn’t it be great if you could backspace been given a retraction reprieve. When I go over and re-do every conversation, delete those regretthe piece again, eliminating awkward phrases and table slip-ups or upgrade to a wittier retort? Take unnecessary fluff, I feel even better, like I’m doing Two would be so much better. my part to keep the world safe from tedium. Editing, re-editing - overall, it’s a handy neurosis Editing is good. Editing is fun. The hard part is to have. If we didn’t operate with at least a mild stopping. That phrase may have been good, and this sense of dissatisfaction, we’d all still be gathered one is better, but somewhere out there is an elusive around the fire gnawing on a mastodon bone. Wait “best” that often doesn’t show up until way past ... I should have said a pteradactyl bone. Pteradactyl deadline. is funnier. Backspace and redo. It’s the story of my life. If a salesperson’s motto So, like I said, I’m sorry about the “was not” in is Always Be Closing (ABC), mine is “Always the September 13th issue. I “wasn’t” thinking. Oh Be Editing”, ABE. Or maybe it’s ABC after all, ... in case you’re looking to go back and correct it, “Always Be Critiquing.” My husband Harold would that was the issue from September 13, 1990, my say “Always Be Criticizing,” but I don’t think I’m very first column. ABE. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What’s your favorite thing about the Birmingham Zoo?

“I like playing on the bridge and going down the slide.” James Henry Brook, 3

“I like the lions because they roar a lot.” Noah Cleveland, 4

“The alligators are my favorite because they eat animals.”

“My favorite animals here are the giraffes and the flamingos.”

Sean McDonald, 10

Rachel McDonald, 5

ABOUT TOWN

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 • 3

Zoo Readies for Wild Fundraiser

The Birmingham Zoo will host its largest fundraising event, ZooGala 2010, Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. With a boa constrictor, grey fox, hyacinth macaw and other animals, this event will be the wildest fundraiser in Birmingham all year. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, live music and animal walkabouts in an African wonderland. All funds raised at ZooGala go toward the zoo’s new exhibit, Trails of Africa, which will focus on the care and conservation of elephants. The black tie affair will be in the zoo’s Junior League of Birmingham-Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo. Cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a seated dinner at 8 p.m. ZooGala 2010 features entertainment by Lava Lamp, menu by Kathy G and decorations coordinated by Carol Sullivan of Lagniappe Design. For the first time, the Junior Board will host a ZooGala AfterParty from 9 p.m. to midnight featuring music, desserts, coffee and an open bar. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.birminghamzoo.com, e-mail speciale vents@birminghamzoo.com or call 879-0409.

Bluff Park Art Show to Feature 130 Artists

The 47th annual Bluff Park Art Show will be Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Cloudland Drive in Hoover. Admission is free, as is parking and a shuttle service to the show. The juried art show, features more than 130 artists from 12 states. Other event highlights are food vendors, homemade cakes and sweets, area high school jazz bands and hands-on arts and crafts for children. In the event of rain, the show will be Oct. 3. For more information, call 408-4312 or visit www.bluffparkartassociation.org.

Getting ready for the annual Zoo Gala are from left: Red-tailed boa constrictor Mrs. Whiskers, Sumner Starling, Wally Nall, Jesse Vogtle, Greg King, Capriccia Carney and groundhog Storm.

Photo special to the Journal

at 975-2785. Patron tickets are $100 and include choice seating and a catered pre-concert reception with the service organizations, sponsors and performers. For more information, visit www.magiccitychoralsociety.org.

‘Picture of Health’ Helps Livingston Foundation

Birmingham Bombshells will present the second annual “A Picture of Health,” an ovarian cancer fundraiser, Sept. 30. The event will be at the newly-

renovated Redmont Hotel on Fifth Avenue and 21st Street. A silent auction will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Activities, including photography shoots for the Birmingham Bombshell calendar, a silent auction, food, drinks and entertainment, will be held on three different floors of the hotel. D.J. Coco will be on the Redmont rooftop at the Above bar along with Ultra Hip Revue. Local restaurants will provide food for the event. All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation. ❖

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Red Ribbon Gala Benefits AIDS Research

The Magic City Choral Society will perform Oct. 3 at the Red Ribbon Gala, a concert event benefiting AIDS Alabama, Birmingham AIDS Outreach, West Alabama AIDS Outreach and UAB’s 1917 Clinic. Artistic director is Dr. Joseph Paul Dease; guest soloists are Kristi Tingle Higginbotham and Emily Herring. The 6 p.m. performance will be at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center’s Jemison Hall. For tickets, which start at $30, call the Alys Stephens box office

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Restaurants Serve Up Fresh Food for Fundraiser

The Birmingham Originals will host the organization’s annual Break ‘n Bread fundraising event Oct. 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Pepper Place Market on Second Avenue South in Birmingham. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Children’s Hospital and the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. The event includes food from dozens of local restaurants, wine and beer, live music, local market vendors and a children’s area. Tickets are $35 for adults, $12 for ages 12-20 and free for children under 12. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $75. For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.birminghamoriginals.org.

Cahaba Village Event Helps Susan G. Komen for the Cure

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ABOUT TOWN

Cahaba Village for the Cure, an after-hours event benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Central Alabama, will be Sept. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. Cahaba Village merchants will provide food and entertainment while offering a portion of sales to the charity. Susan G. Komen will provide volunteers and promote breast cancer awareness, while

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Participants in Break ‘n Bread include from left: Tasos Touloupis with Ted’s Restaurant, Antony Osborne with Culinard, Nick Nicholson’s with Mafiaoza’s, Jerry Hartley with The J. Clyde and George McMillan III Journal photo by Laura McAlister with Daniel George. signing up participants for this year’s Race for the Cure. The event includes a band and a scavenger hunt with prizes for the winners. The Race for the Cure will be Oct. 9 in Linn Park. Visit www. komenncalabama.org for more information.

Football 101 Teaches Basics for Women

Those who love football – or love someone who does – but don’t get the basics of the game – may be ready for some Football 101 for Ladies. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen will offer an evening of football funda-

Teaching ladies the basics of football and healthy tailgating will be Donna Sibley, R.D., and former professional and University of Alabama football player Thomas Rayam.

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mentals Sept. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. Instructor is football great Thomas Rayam, former professional and University of Alabama player. Each participant will experience what it takes to play the game physically and mentally. Rayam will team up with Donna Sibley, R.D., to teach participants how to make healthy tailgating meals. The event is $10 per person. Call 939-7878 to register.

AU Chaplain Opens Trinity Men’s Program

The Rev. Chette Williams, chaplain of the Auburn University football team and a former Tiger football player, will be the speaker when Trinity United Methodist Church kicks off its fall ministry for the men of Trinity. The dinner will be Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Call 879-1737 for tickets. For more about Williams, visit www.ChetteWilliamsMinistries. com. ❖

Festival to Serve Up Middle Eastern Treats

The Saint George Annual Middle Eastern Food Festival will be Oct. 7-9 at Saint George Melkite Catholic Church. The parish community combines its talents to prepare foods such as kibbee, falafel, meat and spinach pies and rolled grape leaves New to the festival are hand crafted Olive Wood carvings and Ceramic “Peace Lamps” made by artisans of Bethelem and other parts of the Holy Land. Locally made vintage jewelry, reminiscent of Bedouin baubles, will be featured as well. On Friday and Saturday night, entertainment will be provided by Amin and the Sultans Band of New York and the church’s own folk dance groups. Church tours will be conducted during festival hours. Hours of operation are: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; 4 p.m.9 p.m.. Downtown delivery is available for lunch Thursday and Friday with a $75 minimum order. A drive-thru service will operate from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. For priority lunch delivery, call 492-9621 or 9158051 or e-mail stgeorgefestival @bellsouth.net. For additional information contact, Jo Ann Shahid at 3266232 or visit www.saintgeorgeonline.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 • 5

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

For ticket information, contact Priscilla Collums at priss522@aol.com or 8731064, Madrene Roberts at dmyroberts@yahoo.com or 915-0482 or Jackie Tally at jgtally@aol.com or 823-1659.

Art Show Features Work from Area Artists The Hoover/Shelby Art Association Show will be Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Heardmont Park on Cahaba

Valley Road. Admission is free to the handicap accessible and familyoriented event, which will have indoor and outdoor exhibits. Artists will be on site to discuss the techniques and methods used in their original works. The Senior Center at Heardmont Park will offer refreshments and easy access parking. For more information, visit www.hoovershelbyart.com or call 979-5699. ❖

Getting ready for the Hoover/Shelby Art Association Show are, from left: Theresa Peterson, recording secretary; Lewis Hughes, president; Lincoln Gaborik, wood-turner; and Sue Hughes, second vice-president.

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It’s All Aboard for Railroad Museum Trip

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera will present Steam Days Sept. 25-26, an event that lets participants relive the “Golden Age of Steam.” The six-mile excursion features a train pulled by Flagg Coal No. 75, an operating coalfired steam engine built by Vulcan Iron Works of WilkesBarre, Pa., in 1930. This 40-ton locomotive will take passengers through the Shelby County countryside. For departure times, visit www.hodrrm.org or call 6683435.

Dance Remembers Those With Alzheimer’s

Birmingham Ballroom Dance Association, a local chapter of USA Dance, and Concordia Beneficial Society, will present “A Dance to Remember,” an evening of spotlight dancing benefiting Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, Oct. 8 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the Concordia Beneficial Society. The Tradewinds band will provide dance music. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $25 each or a table for eight for $200.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Party Offers Sneak Peek of New Library

Party in the Hills, a fundraising event for Vestavia Hills’ new Library in the Forest, will be Oct. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the new library. Guests will get a sneak peek of the library along with live entertainment, drinks and light food. Tickets are $100, with all proceeds benefiting the Library in the Forest. They can be purchased at Vestavia Hills City Hall, Vestavia Hills Public Library or at www. libraryintheforest.org. For more information, call 9784632 or e-mail Foundation@librar yintheforest.net.

EcoFest 12 Includes Live, Silent Auctions

Birmingham’s 12th EcoFest will be Oct. 7 from 6-9 p.m. at WorkPlay’s SoundStage. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres by Whole Foods Market, organic wines and samples from local microbreweries. A live and silent

Helping plan the Party in the Hills are from left: Kiley Watson, Jay McEniry, Teresa Collier, Hugh Dye, Lilla Hood and Taneisha Young Journal photo by Laura McAlister Tucker. auction will cap the evening. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser have allowed the Southern Environmental Center to create nationally-recognized urban parks on vacant lots and to manage the 466-acre Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson. Tickets are $50 and include a 10 percent discount on one Whole Foods catering order. They can be purchased by calling 226-4934 or at www.myecoscapes.org.

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Something for Every Woman at Southern Women’s Show

The Southern Women’s Show is set for Oct. 7-10 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. The event includes shopping, creative cooking ideas, healthy lifestyle tips, trendy fashion shows, celebrity guests and prizes. Advance discount tickets, available at participating Piggly Wiggly locations, are $7 for adults and $5 for ages 6 to 12. Admission is $9 for adults at the door or $8 in advance online and $5 at the door and online for ages 6 to 12. Children 6 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. For more information or to order tickets, call 800-849-0248 or visit www.SouthernWomensShow.com.

Wine Event Benefits CF Research, Treatment

The Laps for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation will host the second annual Sips for CF Wine Tasting Competition Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. on the rooftop of the Kress Building in downtown Birmingham. The event includes food and drinks, music, games and a silent auction. Tickets are $15 prior to the event or $20 the night of. Registration and hors d’oeuvres begin at 6 p.m. and the tasting competition starts at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. LapsForCF.org or contact Stephanie Kite, Laps for CF director, at 8719140 or stephanie@lapsforcf.org.

Beer Tasting Will Benefit Hand-In-Paw

Hand-In-Paw hopes to raise funds and awareness with Barktoberfest Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at the Barking Kudu. The event, a beer tasting out on the pet-friendly patio of the Barking Kudu, will raise money for HandIn-Paw. Tickets are $20. Visit Hand-InPaw on Facebook for more information. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 • 7

PEOPLE

Clark Named Pastor Emeritus

Members of the Birmingham Zoo’s new Junior Board include, from left: Austin Davis, Amy Bailey, Blakely Bowron, Stacey Morales, Ellen Photo special to The Journal Blalock, Emily Jordan and Joseph Welden.

Zoo Announces New Junior Board

The Birmingham Zoo has a new support group: the Junior Board, made up of 11 professionals in the Birmingham area. Directors are Austin Davis, president; Joseph Welden, vice president; Emily Jordan, treasurer; Katharine Davis, secretary; and Blakely Bowron, social chairman. Members are Jason Anderson, Amy Bailey, Ellen Blalock, Sherri Burgess, Stacey Morales and Griff Israel. The Junior Board will give young professionals the opportunity to provide insight and ideas for the zoo. The board also will focus on fundraising opportunities. The first will be the ZooGala After Party Sept. 25 from 9 p.m. to midnight. For more information, call 879-0409.

Joseph Gall Awarded Eagle Scout Rank

Joseph Gall, a member of Boy Scout Troop 320 at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Gall earned 24 merit badges and served as historian in his troop. Joesph Gall For his Eagle service project, he restored a 1940s-era mine site at Ruffner Mountain. Gall is a junior at Mountain Brook High School. He is the son of Fran and Craig Gall of Mountain Brook.

The Rev. Don Clark, right, joined by his wife Shirley, was named Pastor Emeritus at Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian. Pastor Derek Jacks, center, presented him with a plaque.

The Rev. Mr. J. Don Clark was officially named Pastor Emeritus of the Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church Aug. 22. He was presented with a plaque at the service by Pastor Derek Jacks. A reception was held for Clark at the church, where he served as pastor for more than 24 years. He is the first person to be named Pastor Emeritus of the Homewood congregation. ❖

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MONEY-SAVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP No.20

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8 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

LIFE

A Good, Old Dog

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

Hoover Couple’s Peppy Peanut May Be a Record-Setting Pooch at the Ripe Old Age of 21

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

hat’s the secret to a long life? If you ask Joe and Jan Akin, they’d lots “She prob- say of love, ably lived petting boiled most of her and chicken – first few or at least that’s years off done the table scraps, trick for dog, none of that their Peanut. The fancy dog Hoover food. And couple lots and lots thinks their of water. She Labradordachshund drinks lots of mix just might be water.” one of – JOE AKIN ON HIS the oldDOG PEANUT est, if not the oldest,

Jan and Joe Akin sit with their dog, Peanut. The Hoover couple believes that at age 21, Peanut could be the oldest dog in the state if not the nation. Top, right, Peanut sits in her crate that was designed by Joe to keep Peanut cool on hot days and warm in the winter. Bottom, right, though Peanut Journal photos by Laura McAlister is nearly 150 years old in dog years, she still likes to run and play in the Akins’ backyard. dog in the state and possibly the nation. Though they don’t

know Peanut’s exact age, they believe she’s at least 20 years old but more than likely 21. That’s almost 150 years old in dog years. “Our vet told us that there was a dog that died in Russia that was 25 years old,” Joe said. “He was supposedly the oldest. The vet said they’d never heard of a dog in Alabama more than 19 or 20 years old, so Peanut probably is the oldest in the state.” Dr. Brad Murphy at Vestavia Animal Clinic, Peanut’s veterinarian, said it’s rare to see a dog as old as Peanut, especially since she is part Labrador – a breed that typically has a lifespan of 14-15 years. The fact that Peanut’s a mix breed, and a small dog, could be in her favor, he said. While he can’t be certain Peanut’s the oldest dog around, he does know he hasn’t seen many older. “I’ve been practicing since 2000, and I think the oldest I’ve seen is maybe 20,” he said. “We don’t see many over 18.” According to the Guinness World Records website, the organization honored a 21-yearold dachshund named Chanel in 2009 as the oldest dog, though many readers disputed the fact. It could be hard for the Akins to prove their dog’s age as well. Peanut was a stray, and the vet they originally took her to when they brought her home in 1989 doesn’t keep records that far back.

But the retired couple remembers distinctly when Peanut hopped her way into their hearts. They weren’t really looking for a dog, but as Jan said, she’s a sucker for a stray. Her employer’s son was attending school at the University of Montevallo, and some of his friends needed to find a home for a dog they’d been keeping. “Peanut would stay with these girls at night, but finally the apartment said they couldn’t do that anymore,” Jan said. “The people I was working for told me they had this dog and were going to have to put him in the humane society, and well, I just couldn’t stand the thought of that.” The Akins already had a dog at the time, but that didn’t stop Jan from going to pick up the stray. Joe wasn’t sure what to expect. He had been told it was a small dog, maybe nine months to a year old. He suspected she might be one of those frou-frou dogs he had no interest in, but when Jan arrived home and the young dog hopped out of car, it was love at first sight. “She had a kind of longish body and short little legs,” he said. “She looked just like a peanut. That’s when she got that name. She’s really just been an excellent dog.” Sure, Peanut has slowed down some in her old age, but watching her prance and hop

around the Akins’ backyard, it’s hard to believe she’s more than two decades old. She’s a little hard of hearing, and Jan is certain her sight is not what it used to be. But other than that, Joe said Peanut’s got a clean bill of health. Age hasn’t changed her demeanor either. She still loves a good belly rub and a run around the yard. Now, Peanut lives mostly outdoors on the Akins’ back porch, since she is more accident prone in her older age. The Akins got her a crate on the porch and surrounded it with window screens, so the birds and other critters won’t bother her. The crate is left open, so she can come and go as she pleases in the fenced backyard. When it gets cool, Joe has a special heating light outside the crate that keeps her warm. Jan and Joe can only guess the secret of their furry friend’s longevity, but both agree it must have something to do with lots of love and lots of petting, and maybe a few table scraps, as well. “She loves boiled chicken,” Jan said. “And some mornings I fix her scrambled eggs.” “She probably lived most of her first few years off table scraps, none of that fancy dog food,” Joe added. “And lots and lots of water. She drinks lots of water.” ❖

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10 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

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Elegant Evenings Support Music, Medical Research The 30th annual Hope Gala raised more ...

than $350,000 for the American Cancer Society Aug. 28. The event, held at Vestavia Country Club, honored Joe Lee Griffin’s legacy and commemorated the 10th anniversary of the openmore photos at ing of the American Cancer Society Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge. “Share Your Good Fortune” was the theme of the event, which had an Asian-inspired atmosphere and cuisine. Under the direction of event designer Bob Vardaman, the Hope Gala brought together 11 area florists to create the table centerpieces. They included Kathy G & Company’s Andy Hopper, Landscape Design’s James Farmer, Dorothy McDaniel Flower Market’s Dorothy McDaniel, Lagniappe Design’s Carole Sullivan, Bloom’s Jon Martinez, Flowerbuds’ Ray

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Attending the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Maestro’s Ball were from left: Dowd and Susan Ritter, Benny and Lynn LaRussa and Will and Maggie Brooke. Below, Benny and Lynn LaRussa hosted the ball Photos special to the Journal along with the Dowds.

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s ...

(ASO) annual Maestro’s Ball was Sept. 10, at the UAB’s Alys Stephens Center (ASC). This Maestro’s Ball raised more than $650,000 for the ASO’s education programs. The ball was hosted by Lynn and Benny LaRussa. Dowd Ritter served as corporate chair, and Maggie Brook served as ball chair. Corey Walker, a sixth grade student at Green Acres Middle School, received the ASO Rising Star Award. During the concert Corey received a trombone and five years of private trombone lessons with ASO trombonist Nicole Abissi. The inaugural award is sponsored by Elaine and Justin Brown. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception in the ASC lobby, followed by a concert in the Jemison Concert Hall featur-

ing guest pianist Valentina Lisita and Maestro Justin Brown conducting. After the concert guests enjoyed dinner on the ASC grounds catered by Idie and Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club. Sybil Sylvester of Wildflower Designs provided the table arrangements. Members of the 2010

Maestro’s Ball Committee are : Maestro’s Ball Chair Maggie Brooke, Dalton Blankenship, Dell Brooke, Theresa Bruno, Marilyn Dixon, Kelley Fitzpatrick, Idie Hastings, Kathryn Harbert, Sheryl Kimerling, Penny Page, Sheri Perry, Kristin Ritter, Susan Ritter, Courtney Stephens, Sybil Sylvester and Ellen Walker. Members of the 2010 Maestro’s Ball Corporate Committee are: Maestro’s Ball Corporate Chair Dowd Ritter, Jeffrey Bayer, Dell Brooke, Dixon Brooke, Will Brooke, David Brown, Mark Crosswhite, Tony Davis, Mike Goodrich, Miller Gorrie, Raymond Harbert, Chris Harmon, Jim Hughey, Johnny Johns, Matt Lusco, Fred McCallum, James McManus, Claude Nielsen, Craft O’Neal, Gray Plosser, Alan Register, Stan Starnes, Bill Terry and Lee Thuston.

Having a good time at the Hope Gala were Lara Jean and Ronnie Roddam. Jordan and Janet Jackson, Park Lane Flowers’ Grant May, Homewood Florist’s Vince Gray and Norton’s Florist’s J. Ross. Among those who attended were event chairman Lisa Smith Sharp, public relations chairman Kelly Todd and husband Monty, event growth chairman Randall Morrow and wife Carmen,

Hope Gala guests included, from left: American Cancer Society MidSouth Division CEO Lisa Roth, Eric Roth, Ginger Griffin Burkett and Photos special to The Journal Ashley Wilkinson.

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Board of Ambassadors co-chairmen Robert Gardner and Brad Sklar and live auction co-chairmen Laura McDonald and husband Burton and Mariah Chapman and husband Terry. Also there were silent auction chairmen Peter Waldron and Mollie Stiff, Dr. Ed Partridge and wife Barbara, Bill and Patti Ireland, Chip and Lynn Hazelrig, Audrey Wadley, Lenora Pate and Steve Brickman, Gari Griffin, Steve and Gana Barrantine, Ginger and Mike Burkett, Allen and Nancy Meisler and Billy and Elizabeth Cornay. Jack Granger was auctioneer for the event. Guests bid on items including jewelry, Senate lunches and trips to California, North Carolina and Florida. A special request was made at the end of the program for donations to the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge, which houses cancer patients at no charge while they seek treatment in Birmingham. Hope Gala proceeds are donated to the American Cancer Society for

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 • 11

Mothers of Preschoolers of Riverchase ...

Community Church had its first “MOPSCARS” (Oscars for MOPS) night Aug. 31. Guests were invited to bring out their old bridesmaid dresses or to dress up. Before the big event, those who attended enjoyed finger foods and Oscar trivia games. The MOPSCARS awards were miniature mops. Patricia Linehan was named best dressed with her 1980 makeup and hairstyle to coordinate with her hot pink 1980s bridesmaid dress. Dedra Sledd got honorable mention for her Angelina Jolie costume. For more information about the organization, visit www.MOPS. org. ❖

At MOPS’ Oscar night were, from left, front: Pam Love, Inez Brownbridge, Tamara Pyatt and Megan Romero. Back: Heather Benoit, Andrea Steed, Rebecca Falkins, Julia Siebold, Lynn Landry, Wendy Kautz, Photo special to the Journal Patricia Linehan, Christy Van Dam, Dedra Sledd and Lee Simpson.

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The 52nd annual Linly Heflin Scholarship ...

and Fashion Show produced by Megan LaRussa is set for Sept. 29 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel ballroom. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $45 and are available by calling the Linly Heflin Unit office at 871-8171. For more information about the event, visit www. linlyhelfin.org. Co-chairmen Murray Priester and Happy Anthony have been working with representatives from Birmingham clothier Gus Mayer to present the latest fashions from Gustavo Cadile. more photos at Blending American style, Latin flavor and European sensibility, New York women’s wear designer Cadile gives familiar, classic fashion forms new context through his elegant and understated designs. On Sept. 2, Linly Heflin members were treated to a “sneak peek” of Cadile’s designs along with other fashions from Gus Mayer. The fashion show preceded the unit’s regular meeting. The annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show is the primary fundraiser for the group’s scholarship program. The Linly Heflin Unit includes 125 volunteers headed by president Bette Owen. Other key members for the upcoming event are Gillian Goodrich, Pam Pritchard, Sally Worthen, Susan Alison, Roxanne Given, Helen Drennen, Margie Gray, Martha DeBuys, Eugenia Greer, Margaret Moor, Jane Arendall, Allison Pritchard, Anne Hicks, Gina Boyd, Kay Grisham, Elizabeth Hubbard, Deane Cook, Cynnie Sproul, Margaret Brunstad, Nancy Bromberg, JuJu Beale and Sheri Corey.

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Attending a sneak peek of the 52nd Annual Linly Heflin Scholarship and Fashion Show are from left: Ann Simmons, Murray Priester, Herman Heinle, Jeff Pizitz, Happy Anthony and Megan LaRussa.

Photo special to the Journal

At the Junior Women’s Committee of 100’s presentation of a donation to the Emmet O’Neal Library were, from left: Laurie Bowers, JWC vice president; Jenny Walker, JWC carnival chairman; Shaun Gray, JWC president; and David Roth, library board chairman.

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The Junior Women’s Committee of 100 ...

presented a $27,000 check to the Emmet O’Neal Library children’s department at the library board

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meeting Aug. 24. JWC president Shaun Gray, vice president Laurie Bowers and carnival chairman Jenny Walker presented the check to Sue Murrell, library director, and David Roth, library board chairman. The JWC raised the $27,000 during the 2010 summer reading kickoff carnival, Thomas Hughes Brinkley Memorial Fun Run and other events. The philanthropic women’s group, made up of some 100 leaders in volunteer and civic service in the Mountain Brook community, raises money for the children’s department. The JWC coordinates with the library to plan and staff the annual summer reading carnival, which raises funds directly for the children’s department and also provides an incentive for children to register for summer reading. This year, the JWC recruited 70 carnival and fun run sponsorships from area businesses and individuals, sold tickets and Tshirts to kickoff events and conducted a campaign for “Library Lifesaver,” photos of children who support the library. ❖

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 • 13

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Guests Connie and Tom Dabbs and Joyce and Frank Dill enjoy themselves at the Cheramis Dance Club’s annual summer party. Below, Brenda Harris and Martha Vick were also in attendance. Photos special to the Journal

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Cheramis Dance Club held its annual ...

summer party Aug. 15 at the lakefront home of Wanda and Tom Arnold. Tables, covered with red tablecloths topped with cowboy boots and hats, held a buffet of barbecue pork, potato salad, cole slaw and baked beans. Members furnished delicious appetizers and desserts to accompany the meal. Spotted at the event were guests Betty and Ron Bassinger, Sarah and Jeff Beard, Connie and Tom Dabbs, Joyce and Frank Dill and Sharon Franks. Cheramis members and their escorts who attended included Shirley and Jack Vaughn and Peggy and Chandler Yarnall of Trussville. From Birmingham were Margarite and Art Gracianette, Vickie and Bob Barnes and Reba Lyons with Lee Rachielles. Also enjoying the party were Jerri Kitchings with Carl Harris, Lisa and Bobby Powers, Nancy and Tom Coggin, Martha and Bob Vick, Bess and Alan Speegle, Yvonne and John Norton, Reba Huffman

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with Stan Biggs, Alice and Tony Ellison, Fairfax and Ed Segner, Helen and Hack Sain, Sissy and Charlie Mathews and Regina Smith. Others there were Noel and J.P. Tidwell, Brenda and Ray Harris, Colleen Adams with Mitch Mitchell, Betty and Lowell Womack, Janet Harden, Mary and Elmer Klemenc, Marilyn Kelly with Willie Larson and Shirley Whitlock with Gil Bokencamp. Also at the event were Mollie and Bill Midlick, Jessica Ireland with Robert Carr, Penny Deaton, Ann Duncan with Stewart Swindle, Beverly and George Burgess and Doris Kenny with Carl Jones. ❖

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Red Mountain Theatre Company kicked off ...

its 2010-11 season with a Sept. 7 membership preview party hosted by the Dress Circle Society, along with social chairmen Darlene Brown, Beth Pitman and Angela Lichtenstein. The event was at the law offices of Wiggins, Childs, Quinn & Pantazis. Guests were welcomed by Betsy Holloway, Julie Gannon and Sharon Suellentrop as they headed to the penthouse to enjoy assorted candies more photos at and sweet treats provided by Dress Circle members Susan Edmonds, Betsy Faucette, Margo Harwell, Kristy Harrison, Betsy Holloway, Lisa Robbins, Beth Watts, Carol Medders, Beth Norris, Kelli Rucker, Jan Thompson, Tammy Fleisher, Kelly CampbellBusby, Leslie McRae, Roxanna Hankins, Janis O’Malley, Lee Ashford Broughton, Ernie Gerontakis and Kim Janich. Guests headed downstairs to the RMTC Cabaret Theatre, where Keith Cromwell, executive director, emceed entertainment from shows in RMTC’s 2010-11 season, including performances. The RMTC youth programs opened

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Attending the Red Mountain Theatre Company’s preview party were from left: Beth Norris, Kelli Rucker, Lisa Beck and Terri Platt.

Photo special to the Journal

and closed the evening with songs. Guests at the preview party included Kathryn and Raymond Harbert, Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman, Diane and Bill Mooney, Ginger and Lane Milam, Kristi Tingle Higginbotham, Aubrey Garrison, Tate Maddox, John and Jean Oliver, Frank Lankford, Bob Suellentrop, Robert Raiford and Zane Rhoades, Linda Rhoades, Bari Cotton and June Garza. Also there were Anne Chace, Robin White, Joy Ryder Wood, Lee Ann Petty,

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James Michael Moyer, Jessica Brooks Lane, Brooke Everley, Stewart Edmonds, Phil and Nan Teninbaum, Liz and Tom Warren, Mike and Cathy Wesler. More who attended were Charlie and Nancy Haines, Jimmy Holloway, Amy and John Johnstone, Terri and David Platt, Dennis Ripple, Gina Graham, Jonathan and Tracy Thrasher, Pam Paustian, Donna Slovensky, Matthews and Jeanie Brown, Jesse Bates, Jan Cordell and Carol Ann Smith. ❖

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The 2010 Heart of the House Gala ...

was held Aug. 19 at The Club. More than $106,000 was raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. Guests listened to the JRobinson Trio while bidding on silent auction items, including trips to New Orleans, Las Vegas, Atlanta and SEC football games. Other items were a more photos at Mini Cooper, Harley Davidson, fine wine, restaurant gift certificates, massages and jewelry donated by Bromberg’s, BartonClay Fine Jewelers and Levy’s Fine Jewelry. Tisket, a division of the Grodner Group, donated centerpieces with floating yellow lilies and small birdhouses with heartshaped openings. The event honored Ben and Luanne Russell, honorary recipients of the Heart of the House Award, for their significant contributions to the health and lives of children in Alabama. Afterwards, a video highlighted the courageous stories of the Jacksons and the Jarmons, two families that recently stayed at the Ronald McDonald House. After the program, the Rambler Reunion Band played oldies music while guests placed their final bids and made pledges on the House’s wish list items, which included helping with the electricity bill for three days ($500), the water bill for four days ($400) and maintenance repair labor for four hours ($250).

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Auntie Litter, Inc. recently presented ...

the 2010 Take Pride Statewide Conference at Samford

Attending the Heart of the House Gala were from left: Larry Uptain, Luanne and Ben Russell, Patricia Pritchett and Ronald McDonald. Also there were Forsyth Tynes, left, and AK Daves.

Photos special to the Journal

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University. The event featured Alabama gubernatorial candidates Dr. Robert Bentley and Commissioner Ron Sparks, with a special video message by Gov. Bob Riley. Program director Julie Wade presented nine communities in Alabama the 2010 Take Pride Statewide Awards in several categories: Litter Prevention Education Program for Children, Special Event Program for Litter Prevention and Communitywide Program for Litter Prevention. Auntie Litter, Inc., also

awarded the William R. Ireland Sr. Make a Difference Award in memory of the late William R. Ireland Sr., who helped the Auntie Litter program grow from a one-woman campaign to a national award-winning nonprofit organization. This year, the honor went to Vestavia Hills resident Julie Danley for her outstanding contributions to environmental education and awareness. The award was presented by Pat Mitchell and John Ireland, a son of William Ireland Sr. Guests included John

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Ireland of Lake Martin; Dana Ferniany, Scott and Kelly Walton, Connie and LaShanna Tripp, Bridget Helmes, Joann Wissinger, Fronda Bridgmon, Matt Lacke, Barbara Newman, Jon Paolone, Lonnie Pressley and Jennifer Wroten �� all of Birmingham; Kathy Collier and Joyce Lanning �� both of Mountain Brook; �� Karin Bell and Dr. Larry Davenport and wife Rebecca �� of Homewood. �� Others there were Julie and Kevin Wade, Pat and Herb Mitchell, Nina and Steve Hall, Chelsey Mitchell, Julie and Patrick Danley, Deborah �� Blanchard, Maureen Birdsong, �� Valerie Guthrie, Lynda and Dean Battles, Pat and Gil Perry, Terry Amaral and JoAnn Turner of all Vestavia Hills; Sonia Crist, Deborah �� Sorrell, Barbara and Chuck �� Bowers, Andrew Fort, Colette �� Scott, Pam Thompson, Tricia Ponder, Ginger Hamilton, �� Terry Rice and Alvin �� Brengelman all of Hoover; and Allen Smith of Meadowbrook.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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Attending the Aunti Litter Take Pride Statewide Conference were fromleft: David Johnson, Pat Mitchell, Julie Wade and John Ireland.

Photo special to the Journal

�� Executive board

members of the �� Mountain Brook ... ��

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Kappa Delta Alumni Association gathered at the home of Romona Shannon Aug. 27. Guests at the luncheon planning session reviewed last year’s philanthropic and social activities and planned the group’s upcoming activities. Officers there included Romona Shannon, Francie Deaton, Ann Lee, Kim Pitts, Marlea Foster, Libba Williams, Anne Heppenstall, Julianne Buckley, Rebecca Hiller Moore, Sally Yeilding, Julia Bevill and Mary Rooney. ❖

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At a Mountain Brook KD Alumni Association luncheon were, from left, front: Anne Heppenstall and Kim Pitts. Back: Libba Williams, Romona Photo special to the Journal Shannon, Marlea Foster and Francie Deaton.

HOMES

17 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

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JOU RNAL

2010 BBG Antiques at The Gardens

southern style

Learn all you need to know about this year’s Antiques at the Gardens and more with a look at this year’s featured designer, and get a peak inside one committee member’s home and her cherished antiques.

Perfect Partnership

Barbara Burton Turns to Childhood Friend, Designer, to Fill Her House With Southern Charm

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

Miles Redd stands in his New York home, which exemplifies his unique design style. He will be the featured designer at this year’s Photos special to the Journal Antiques at The Gardens.

Redd Hot

Popular New York Designer Miles Redd Will Be Featured Speaker at Antiques at The Gardens

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

ome of the nation’s top home design magazines describe his style as bold and intense, but if you ask designer Miles Redd, it’s really a nod to Hear Designer Miles Redd his Southern at Antiques at The Gardens roots. The New at 1 p.m. Oct. 1. Tickets are $25 and can be purchase at York designer was raised in www.bbgardens.org Atlanta and grew up visiting family in South Alabama. Though he’s been in New York City since his college days, he said the influence of the Deep South still drives his design style.

In his own words:

“Southerners are renowned for their gracious lifestyle,” he said. “I think Southerners have a kind of irreverent bravado. They say I’m great with color, but really, I’m knocking off some of the really great Southern ladies.” Redd will discuss his love of Southern style at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Antiques at The Gardens, where he will be the event’s featured designer. The title of his lecture, which will be Oct. 1 at 1 p.m., is “Decorating in a Cold Climate: A Field Guide for Showing Yankees How It’s Done.” Redd has proven he does know how it’s done. His work has recently been featured in New York, W and Elle Decor magazines.

See Redd Hot, page 18

Watch a video of Barbara Buron describing why she loves the South at

ven though Barbara Burton spent the last three decades in New York City, you won’t find a stark urban look in her Mountain Brook home. Burton moved back to Alabama about a year and a half ago. Although she’s been far from the South, this Brewton native kept her Southern style. The many antiques that decorated her New York City dwelling look right at home in her Mountain Brook house. “Pretty much every piece I have here I had in New York. The same curtains, everything,” she said. “It just fit perfectly, so it really felt like we had a bit of New York here.” When decorating her New York home, Burton wanted that same Southern charm she became accustomed to while growing up in Brewton, so it made sense to seek the assistance of childhood friend and famed New York designer Keith Langham. Also from Brewton, Langham mixed rich colors with bold patterns along with antiques to give the Burton home an elegant yet comfortable feel. Mixing Langham’s signature style with her family heirlooms was key to Burton, a member of the 2010 Birmingham Botanical Gardens Antiques at the Gardens committee. Langham also is familiar with Antiques at the Gardens. He’s one of this year’s featured dealers – he’ll have a custom collection of handwoven dhurrie rugs he designed – and was the featured designer of the event Barbara Burton stands in the family room in 2009. To Burton and Langham, antiques of her Mountain Brook home. Friend and designer Keith Langham is working to help and the South just go together. Burton designed the room. Journal Photos by Emil “I think here, people really love their homes, and family is so important,” said Burton. “My children laugh about when we first moved here how everybody wanted to know who their mamma was. “To me, antiques are kind of the same thing. I think of my table and all the meals that have been eaten around it. There’s just so many stories, and that’s part of the South.”

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See Burton, page 19

18 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

HOMES

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Redd Hot, Continued from page 17

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Fellow designer Keith Langham, last year’s featured designer of Antiques at the Garden, describes Redd as “one of the most vibrant designers in the business.” “I’ve watched him since he arrived in New York,” Langham said. “If I had the money, I’d have him do my house. He’s full of talent, and he’s just real charming. “I think he really understands color. His rooms are high style, but they are still comfortable, and �� it’s all in an original way.” Redd’s quick to say that he looks to the past for inspiration, but he likes to put his own spin on it. “I like a sense of fantasy, and I love a strong sense of color,” he said. “I don’t want anything �� vaguely predictable. I love his�� torical references, but I like to use �� them in a modern way.” His love for history is one rea�� son Redd has such a fondness for �� the South. His lecture at Antiques at the �� Garden will focus on the Southern �� approach to decorating and some of the differences he’s discovered �� about the people on the other side of the Mason-Dixon line. �� “I just think there’s a sort of strength and confidence you get �� in the South,” Redd said. “I guess that’s why we took on the War of Northern Aggression. We’re ‘upstarters.’ ” Kathy’s Designer Kitchens, Inc. While Redd said his use of 1831 29th Ave. S. • Homewood, AL 35209 Southern style in his design has 205-871-9880 • Kathy Owens, CKD, President gone over well with his client base in New York and elsewhere, “All the beautiful things in the world can’t teach you manners – I think that’s a Southern trait,” he joked. While history and his Southern

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Above is Miles Redd’s living room, designed by him. Redd has become known for his bold use of color, which is evident in his library, below, he designed using red and pink.

roots inspire much of Redd’s design, he still has trouble pinpointing his favorite era.

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“That’s a really hard one for me,” he said. “I love the period they ushered in plumbing. I look fondly on that time.” But to hear him describe his own New York townhouse, it’s obvious Redd has a love for the 1930s and old Hollywood glamour. Redd lives in a townhouse that he shares with his sister. He lives on one floor, and his sister and her family on the other. The 1820s Federal building has a neoclassical look, and Redd added awnings and shutters on the outside to give it a little more French feel. He describes the interior decor as 1930s couture saloon. “It’s my homage to the top hat,” he said. Redd said he really appreciates all periods in history. With his design, he likes to take the old and make it modern. “I’m always looking at the great masters and using them as reference,” he said. “I think you can mix two or three modern things in a room, and it changes everything. A little modern can go a long way.” ❖

HOMES

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Burton,

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 • 19

Continued from page 17

The table Burton is referring to is an 19th century French Directoire table found by her friend Langham. The designer was shopping in London and knew it was just what Burton’s dining room needed. “He left me a message and said, ‘You better call me back in 15 minutes or I’m buying this for you,’ ” Burton recalled. She didn’t get the message in time, but she can’t complain. The dining table fits perfectly in her Mountain Brook dining room, which is painted a rich blue. The draperies are celery green with the blue from the walls mimicked in the trim. The table isn’t the only cherished antique in the dining room. One of Burton’s favorite pieces is a set of silver candelabra that belonged to her grandparents. They are displayed on a sideboard. An old painting of Burton’s mother hangs on the wall at the end of the table to complete the look of the room. Across the hall from the dining room is one of Burton’s favorite places, the library. Langham had the ceiling painted a rich burgundy, which pairs well with the cherry-wood shelving that covers the walls. “I just really love this room,” Burton said. “The painted ceiling really gives it a warm feeling.” One of Langham’s extradeep-seated couches makes the perfect spot to curl up and

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Antiques make the dining room of Barbara Burton’s house. The table, found by friend and designer Keith Langham in London, is a 19th Century French Directoire. The painting is of Burton’s mother. read a book. Or for more studious activities, a 19th Century Regency mahogany pedestal table sits in the corner of the room. Langham found this piece in New Orleans. The chairs surrounding it are covered in solid red on the fronts and a red gingham fabric on the backs. Although Burton has pieces in every room that she loves to talk about, she knows it’s the rug in her living room that’s probably the most valuable and eye-catching. It’s another item handpicked by Langham, who describes it as a 19th century English Axminster carpet made in Turkish taste. “We bought that one a long time ago, maybe 20 years ago,” he said. “It has just such an unusual color combination with aquamarine, sherbet and egg-

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See Burton, page 20

20 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

Burton,

HOMES

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Continued from page 19

plant.” Bits of the colors are reflected in the furnishings throughout the room. From the rich eggplant silk velvet couch, also deep-seated to make it more comfortable, to a pair of armchairs covered in an Asianthemed pattern with light greens and oranges, the rug brings the room together. One of the things Burton has always liked about Langham’s design is the fact that it’s not too “matchy-matchy,” she said. Burton’s home is anything but “matchy-matchy,” yet Langham’s combination of colors, textures and styles marry well. Though the rug is bold and colorful, it pairs nicely with the patterned chairs. The draperies are neutral, but a blue paisley pattern on the back gives those looking in from the outside an entirely different perspective. “I just think Barbara’s house has such a friendly personality,” Langham said. “I think the best rooms are ones that are layered and have a good mix of wood, color and furniture style.” The Burton living room has all this, along with the sentimental family pieces. The most obvious of these in the living room is the piano. Made by Chickering, a company established in 1823, it belonged to Burton’s great-grandmother. “It’d been passed down several generations and had really fallen apart,” Burton said. “We had the whole thing rebuilt. It was worked on for about eight

Designer Keith Langham had the ceiling and even the inside of the book shelves painted a burgundy red to give the Burton library a calm and relaxing feel. Left, the rug in Burton’s living room was also hand picked by Langham. She’s had it now for close to 20 years.

to 12 months.” Now the piano is in perfect

playing condition and is just one more piece that makes the Burton home well suited for entertaining. Being a true Southern lady, Burton does plenty of that in her home. Whether it’s with new friends from her new neighborhood or old friends from up North, Burton said her Mountain Brook home has been an ideal place for gathering. Even though she spent nearly 30 years in New York, she couldn’t be more at home in Mountain Brook. “I’m just crazy for Birmingham,” she said. “Keith (Langham) was here with me not long ago, and we were sitting on my front porch, and he said he was so envious. It’s just a great place.” Langham has worked on about four of Burton’s houses now and continues to lend his design expertise to her Mountain Brook home. Currently, the two are working on a family room in Burton’s home that will be complete with a pool table and comfortable couches. It’s yet another space for Burton to share her Southern hospitality. ❖

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 • 21

HOMES

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ANTIQUES AT THE GARDENS 2010 SCHEDULE The ﬁfth annual Antiques at The Gardens is slated for Oct. 1-3. Continental and American furniture, antique silver, jewelry, paintings, lighting, china, Oriental rugs and more will ﬁll the Garden Center at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Proceeds from Antiques at The Gardens support educational programs at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Since 2006, Antiques at The Gardens has raised more than $1.3 million for The Gardens. For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.bbgardens.org.

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22 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

Cofield-Di Cristina

Kristen Elizabeth Cofield and Mark Richard Di Cristina were married Sat., Feb. 20, 2010, at the Belk Chapel at Queens University in Charlotte, N.C. Rev. Thomas Daniel officiated the 6 p.m. wedding ceremony. A reception followed at Quail Hollow Club. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Ronald Miller Cofield Sr. of Charlotte with his wife Shannon Hodge Cofield and the late Patricia Newell Cofield. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Maizie Almon Newell and the late Charles Patton Newell of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Guy Burnard Cofield Sr. of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Henry Di Cristina III of Atlanta. He is the grandson

of Mrs. Mary Alberta Vaughan of Lee City, Texas, Mr. Robert Edwin Booth of Atlanta, Mr. Frank Henry Di Cristina Jr. of Atlanta and the late Marion Ines Di Cristina. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Leigh Driskill Phelps of Atlanta was matron of honor, and Rebecca Patricia Cofield of Charlotte, sister of the bride, was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Angela Barnes Barganier, Michelle Lynn Delgado, Kristen Courtney Green and Kasey Beers Jenkins, all of Birmingham; Emily McGrath Brown of Charlotte; Julie Allbritton Chrisman of Atlanta; Mary Lindsey Newlin of Huntsville; and Cecile Gray Brigham Pitkanen of Knoxville, Tenn. The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were Christopher Scott Di Cristina of Hong Kong; Christopher Bryan Baldwin, Robert Vincent Forrestor, Jared Blair Milbury, John Ray Phelps Jr. and Gregory McKittrick Simmons Jr., all of Atlanta; Mark Edward Johnson of Washington, D.C.; Andrew Peter Kintz of Nashville, Tenn.; Matthew Guy Cofield and Charles Newell Cofield, both of Charlotte; and Ronald Miller Cofield Jr. of Delray Beach, Fla. Following a honeymoon to Costa Rica, the couple reside in Atlanta.

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Pearce-Warnock

Susanna Elizabeth Pearce and Emery Claude Warnock were married June 26 at the Berry College Chapel in Rome, Ga., with a reception following at Magretta Hall. Rev. William Bagwell of Trinity United Methodist Church, Warner Robins, Ga., officiated.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Hiller III of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. George Samuel Hiller Jr. of Birmingham, formerly of Jasper, and the late Mr. Hiller and the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Byrd Hood of Atlanta. The groom is the son of Mr. Robert Dunseath Moore Jr. of Birmingham and the late Mrs. Moore. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dunseath Moore of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ford McGraw of Louisville, Miss. The bride was escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents. Matrons of honor were Mary Margaret Hiller Plumridge, sister of the bride, of Washington, D.C., and Lillian Abigail Moore Brown, sister of the groom, of Birmingham. Honorary bridesmaids were Wimberly Robbins Comer, Jessica Boatright Donald, Rebecca Crawford Eubanks, Ellen Magnus Hawley, Katherine Phillips Llewellyn and Bradley

Ray Norris. The groom’s father, Robert Dunseath Moore Jr., and brother, Branham McGraw Moore, served as best men. Ushers were William Adam Cone, Allen Taylor Graham, Lawrence Watkins Greer Jr., Thomas Brian Hoven, John William Lawrence, Michael Andrew Mouron, Bertrand Clarke O’Neal Jr., Charles Stephen Plauche Jr., Scott Stuart Plumridge, Taylor Clark Powell, Charles Mitchell Smith, Andrew Hoffman Underwood and Wallace Daniel Weathers. The crucifer was Kathryn Hastings Holladay, cousin of the bride, of Birmingham, and acolytes were Bony Fields Barrineau Jr. and Parker McKenzie Barrineau, cousins of the groom, of Tuscaloosa. Scripture readers were Elizabeth Kari Killen of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., and Margaret Moore Porter of Birmingham. After a wedding trip, the couple resides in Birmingham.

Askins Klinner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alan Klinner Sr. of Birmingham. Miss Deupree is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Lee Deupree Sr. of Sylacauga and the late Mr. and Mrs. Lurlie Newton Payne Jr. of Talladega. She received a bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in economics from BirminghamSouthern College, where she graduated cum laude, was Student Government Association secretary and a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She was presented at the 2004 Poinsettia Debutante Ball and is employed at Allstar Financial Group in Birmingham. Mr. Klinner is the grandson of Ms. Elsene Askins Klinner of

Birmingham, the late Mr. William Harold Klinner of Talladega and Mrs. Elizabeth Duncan Mull and the late Mr. William Bascom Gathings of Birmingham. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in biology and was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society. He received the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration Outstanding Undergraduate Award and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He is employed with KMAC Greenworks of Birmingham. An October wedding is planned in New Orleans.

Parents of the bride are Ms. Carrie Anna Pearce of Vestavia Hills and the late W. Scott Pearce. Parents of the groom are Mr. and Mrs. Eli Claude Warnock of Warner Robins. The bride was escorted by her brothers, Jefferson Scott Pearce of Houston and Andrew Scott Pearce of Hoover. Matrons of honor were Dr. Karen Devine of Dublin, Ireland, and Susan Asbury Newsome of Elizabethtown, Pa. The groom was attended by his brothers, Allen Warren Warnock of New York and Dr. Ralph D. Warnock of Chapin, S.C. Benjamin Woods Pearce, nephew of the bride, of Houston and Eli Harrison Warnock, nephew of the groom, of Chapin, S.C., were ring bearers. They carried original pillows designed by Dr. Shirley Schooley of Vestavia Hills and crafted from the wedding dress of the bride’s mother. Music was provided by a brass

quintet composed of University of Georgia faculty and friends and by piper William Hunter, organist Tom Granum and vocalist Doris Granum. Special arrangements of the wedding music were composed by Dr. Warnock. Readings were given by Allen Warnock on behalf of Dr. Sabahat Samuel and Jennifer Warnock. The bride is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, Berry College and the University of Dublin, Trinity College, Ireland. She is employed as a research analyst with New South Research. The groom is a graduate of Berry College, Florida State University, VanderCook College of Music and the University of Utah. He is a music educator employed by the Bryan County, Ga., Board of Education. After a wedding trip to South Addison, Maine, the couple live in Richmond Hill, Ga.

Dixon-Morrisey

and Mrs. Michael Morrisey of Vestavia Hills. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mardian of Aberdeen, S.D. and Mrs. Charles Morrisey Sr. and the late Mr. Charles Morrisey Sr. of St. Cloud, Minn. David is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in building science. Rev. Richard Trucks Sr. of Third Presbyterian Church in Birmingham will officiate the beach wedding October 9, 2010 in Port St. Joe, Fla. The Couple will honeymoon there with their two dogs, Emma and Lylah. They will reside in Lake Worth, Fla.

Neylan-Dreher

son of Mrs. John Wiley Lewis of Mountain Brook. and Mrs. Ralph Kennamer of Mobile, and the late Mr. Carl Julian Dreher of Birmingham, and the late Mr. Ralph Kennamer of Mobile, and the late Isabelle Clanton Kennamer of Charlotte, N.C. He is a graduate of Auburn University, an eagle scout, and was founder and president of Students in Free Enterprise and is a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He is employed with Jefferson Iron & Metal in Birmingham. The wedding is planned for Oct. 9, 2010.

Mr. and Mrs. Warren Dixon are excited to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Melissa Annette, to David Michael Morrisey of Vestavia Hills. The bride is the granddaughter of Mrs. John Penhale, the late Mr. John Penhale of Helena, and the late Mr. & Mrs. Sam Dixon Jr. of Shelby. Melissa is an Auburn University graduate and recently obtained a master’s in speechlanguage pathology from the University of Montevallo. The groom is the son of Dr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Francis Neylan of Dover, Del. announce the engagement of their daughter, Susan Marie Neylan, to Paul Alton Dreher Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Alton Dreher of Mountain Brook. The bride is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Olsen of Huntington Valley, Pa. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Francis Neylan of Dover, Del. She is a graduate of Wesley College and is employed with Austel Elementary School in Atlanta. The groom is the grand-

Bergh-Wald

Hardekopf-Hefner

Sarah Marie Hardekopf and Justin Michael Hefner were married June 26 at Riverchase United Methodist Church. Dr. Buddy Gray officiated. A reception followed at Matt Jones Art Gallery. The bride is the daughter of Susan and Bill Hardekopf of Hoover. She is the granddaugh-

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 • 23

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Bergh and Mr. and Mrs. Mark Raines of Ohio announce the engagement of their daughter, Melinda Marie Bergh, to Thomas Gurak Wald, son of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Wald III of Vestavia Hills. Miss Bergh is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry May, Mrs. Jane Bergh, Mr. Marvin Raines and the late Mrs. June Raines and Mr. and Mrs. John Bird, all of Ohio. She is a graduate of Kent State

University and is employed with the Birmingham Zoo as special events coordinator. Mr. Wald is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Gurak of Vestavia Hills and the late Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Wald Jr. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He is employed as an account executive with Over the Mountain Journal. The wedding is planned for Oct. 26, 2010, in Maui, Hawaii.

ter of Mrs. Gaitha Trimm and the late Mr. Robert Trimm of Fayette and Mrs. Dona Hardekopf and the late Mr. Irving Hardekopf of Studio City, Calif. The groom is the son of Kellye and Mike Hefner of Lubbock, Texas. He is the grandson of Mrs. Marti Dozier and the late Mr. Robert Dozier of Lubbock and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hefner of Lubbock. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Kathryn Elizabeth Hardekopf, sister of the bride, was the maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Brittany Gray Burkhead, Meredith Rodgers Robinson, Kendra Scarlett Reynolds and Lindsay Jordan Johnston of Birmingham; April Fernandez Ciervo of San Diego; Kathryn Nebrig Herring of Atlanta; Emily Lynne Guthrie and Virginia Rae Shaw of Nashville; Mary Katharine Elizabeth Eoff of Memphis; Cara Jane Crowson of Longview; and Jordan Hefner Barnett of

Lubbock, sister of the groom. Scripture was read by Alley Elizabeth Jackson of Birmingham. Program attendants were Taylor Bailey Townsend of Tuscaloosa and Madeline Grace Trimm of Dothan, both cousins of the bride, and Hannah Catherine York of Birmingham. Flower girl was Madeline Grace Hughes of Houston. The groom’s father served as best man, along with Ryan Wayne Amerson of Dallas. Groomsmen were Bradley Paul Hardekopf of Birmingham, brother of the bride; Christopher William Grammer and John Nicholas Carter of Austin; David Charles Wedemeyer of Houston; Justin Dean Javernick, Steven Read Hicks and Anthony Chase Barnett of Dallas; and Cody Kevin McKelvy and James Charles Long IV of Lubbock. After a wedding trip to Costa Rica, the couple reside in Homewood.

Horn-Leon

Lauren Elizabeth Horn and Eduardo Orestes Leon were married July 24, 2010, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Father John Fallon and Rev. Wes Brandon officiated. A reception followed at Vestavia Country Club. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Richard Horn Jr. of Vestavia Hills. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Orestes Leon of Daphne and Lima, Peru. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Anna Elizabeth Sanders Martin was the matron of honor. Kristen

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Leigh McIntosh was the maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Alison Claire Barefield, Courtney Aileen Barnes, Merrill Miller Carroll, Catherine Jessica Coleman, Kristen Young Horn, Josseline Isabel Leon, Anne Taylor Moss and Whitney Sloan Smith. The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were Stephen Todd Everett, Brian Patrick Hale, David Lee Higginbotham, David Richard Horn, Guillermo Orestes Puente, John Scott Rollins, Jason Robert Rowan, James Lawrence Waldrop and Larry Allen Wilson. Jackson Andrew Earnhart served as ring bearer. After a honeymoon trip to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the couple reside in Auburn.

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24 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

SCHOOLS Mountain Brook freshman cheerleaders are, from left, first row: Elizabeth Haberstroh, Everette Dawkins, Elizabeth Hymer, Madelyn Beatty, Virginia Wilson, Mims Bruhn. Second row: Mae Rose Tyson, Virginia Jordan, Piper Miles, Anne Baxley Winn, Maggie Greene, Elizabeth Letzer, Katie Seeger, Katherine Frances and Sarah Cain. Third row: Helen Pruet, sponsor. Photo special to The Journal

Mountain Brook Cheerleaders Win Camp Honors

The Mountain Brook Junior High freshman cheerleaders won top honors at the Universal Cheerleaders Association cheerleading camp at Mississippi State University in June. The squad won the Leadership Award, junior high and junior varsity division, voted on by the other squads at camp. They also won second place in the cheer and extreme routine competitions. The group brought home the Top Banana award, given by the UCA cheerleading staff to the squad that exhibits the most spirit all week. They were selected by the staff as an “Outstanding Squad” and invited to perform at a New Year’s Day Bowl.

Along with the team awards, several cheerleaders received individual honors. Selected as All Star Cheerleaders were Madelyn Beatty, Everette Dawkins, Elizabeth Hymer, Virginia Jordan, Katie Seeger and Virginia Wilson. Elizabeth Letzer and Anne Baxley Winn received the “Pin it Forward” outstanding cheerleader award, voted on by their peers and given to a select group of girls who exemplify the true spirit of a cheerleader. Elizabeth Haberstroh won first place in the junior varsity jumps competition.

Advent Students See Their Works in Print

Works from several Advent Episcopal School fourth graders were published in magazines this summer.

Jack Markert, Grayson Nabors, Zanie Shaia, Mary Allen Murray, Sophia Higgs, Shelby Lloyd, Isabella Narducci and Sara Cook were all published in the July/August 2010 issue of Cobblestone magazine. Sara Cook’s drawing appeared in Cricket magazine. Shelby Lloyd won the Storyworks magazine “Ice” contest and received a copy of the book “First Light” by Rebecca Stead.

Hoover’s Senior Belles Honored

Senior Hoover Belles were honored during the summer with a luncheon at the Wynfrey Hotel. Headed to the University of Alabama are Kaylee Frances Bearden, who attended with her mom, Tina; Meredith Jane Filippini, with mom Susan; Shelby Lee Waddell, with mom Rolanda; and Marlo Jenna Wilson, with mom Susan. Belles planning to attend Auburn University are Meredith Belle Baxley, who attended with mom Jennifer; Mary Kathryn Brymer, with her grandmother, Georgia Traylor; Mallory O’Mara Burks, with mom Susan; Mary Theresa Craig, with mom Kathy; Heather Joy Henley, with mom Debbie; Jennifer Michelle Hurst, with mom Patti; Molly Kathryn Jones, with mom Rebecca; Mary Kathleen McCluney, with mom

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Riding on the ferry over to Gee’s Bend are from left: Olivia Jones, Kate Beube, Audrey Kile, Audrey Nabors, Natlalie Jones, Molly Hughes, Elise Bals, Bailey Peterson, Anna Lee Nabors, Abby Bals, Kensie Kile and Sarah Beube. Below, Mary Ann Pettway teaches sixth grader Bailey Photos special to the Journal Peterson how to quilt. Eileen; Elizabeth Catherine Meadows, with mom Monique; Katherine Miller Patrick, with mom Marcia; Sarah Ashley Slack, with mom Jan; Leigh Ann Smith, with mom Mary; and Dana Lenette Stuckey, with mom Lynn. Heading to the University of Mississippi is Virginia Haynes Tracy, who attended the luncheon with mom Kathy. Ashlyn Mariah Watkins, there with Gayle, will attend Mississippi State University. Undecided about her plans is Jordan Miller Henry, who attended the luncheon with mom Barbara. Senior Belles unable to attend the luncheon were Katherine Nicole Canady, Lauren Ashley Cleavelin, Katy Lee Clowers, Haley Diane Ingrum, Shaye Elizabeth Knuth, Kayle Michelle Meadows, Claire Marie Middlebrooks, Haley Virginia Moore, Heather Suzanna Mullens, Mallory Nicole Nelson, Kelsey Lee Ray, Caley Eryn Reeves, Kristyn Elizabeth Richards, Meredith Anne Simmons and Emily Lauren White. The Hoover Belle committee includes chairman Cathy Head, vice chairman Laura Boyd, Jennie Alley, Shirley Anderson, Sandra Barnett, Suzette Foster, Jan Pruitt, Becky Walker and Kay Witt.

Homewood Book Clubs Tour Gee’s Bend

The Mother/Daughter Book Clubs of Homewood visited the Quilters of Gee’s Bend recently after reading “Leaving Gee’s Bend,” Birmingham author Irene Latham’s novel for children. Latham was their guest speaker in May and encouraged the clubs to travel to Camden and Gee’s Bend, where the novel takes place. Nineteen moms and daughters spent the day with the quilters, rode the Gee’s Bend Ferry, dined at Miss Kitty’s and shopped at Black Belt Treasures, where local artists and authors are showcased. They also visited the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma and stopped at the Peach Park for ice cream. ❖

Advent Episcopal School fourth grade students who had their works published during the summer were, from left, front: Mary Allen Murray, Zanie Shaia, Sophia Higgs, Sara Cook. Back: Grayson Nabors, Isabella Narducci, Shelby Lloyd and Jack Markert. Photo special to The Journal

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The 2009-2010 Hoover Belles were treated with a luncheon at the Wynfrey Hotel during the summer.

Photo special to the Journal

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Highlands Students Learn About Leadership

SAVE THE DATE

Highlands School seventh and eighth graders recently took an overnight trip to the 4-H Center in Shelby County to experience team building, personal goal setting and leadership skills. Participants had opportunities to work with their peers towards personal and group goals and objectives. Activities included rope courses with problem solving, a climbing wall, canoeing and a “trust swing.” The swing gave students the chance to experience a 30foot freefall as they depended on the team to pull them up to that height. Other activities included swimming, campfires, making S’mores and star-gazing. The students were assisted by head of school Kathryn Barr and middle school science teacher Randy McDonald.

Souther n Wo men ’ s Sho w October 7-10

Highlands students on an overnight trip to the 4-H Center included, from left, front: Maggie McClintock, Gabi Oser, Kyle Luce. Second row: Zach Atkins, Luke Parish, Johnny Baxley. Back: Elizabeth Holland, Lianna Zhou, Sarah Rosenthal, Thomas Barr, Wesley Madden, Quinn McCormick, Hugh Perkins and Michael O’Malley. Below, Highland School seventh grader Thomas Barr prepares for the ropes challenge.

Homewood Foundation Honors Teachers

The Homewood City Schools Foundation recently honored dedicated teachers in the school system for their excellence in teaching. The Homewood Teachers of the Year also were announced. A committee of teachers, administrators and community members selected Nona Thomas as Elementary Teacher of the Year and Rhonda Rush as Secondary Teacher of the Year. Thomas, also Edgewood Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, has taught at Edgewood for four years and is the English as a Second Language teacher. Rush was also named Homewood High School’s Teacher of the Year. She has taught at Homewood High School for 11 years and teaches

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 • 25

Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex

Food | Fashion | Celebrity Guests Health | Beauty | Lifestyle

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economics and government to the senior class. Sixth grade language arts/social studies teacher Leslie Tanner was selected as Homewood Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. Tanner, who has taught at the school for seven years, is the HMS cheerleading coach. Kelli Eden was chosen as the Teacher of the Year for HallKent Elementary School. She graduated from Homewood High School in 1998 and has been teaching at Hall-Kent for eight years. Emily Miller is Shades Cahaba Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. Miller taught fourth grade at Shades

Rep. Paul DeMarco and Homewood Schools Superintendent Bill Cleveland congratulated the teachers for their accomplishments. From left are: DeMarco, Rhonda Rush, Leslie Tanner, Kelli Eden, Kristi Dutton, Emily Miller, Sean McBride, Nivada Spurlock and Cleveland. Not pictured are Dylan Ferniany and Nona Thomas. Photo special to the Journal

Cahaba for two years and is now the school’s technology specialist for the school. She is also a graduate of Homewood city schools. The Alabama Federation Council for Exceptional Children awarded Dylan Ferniany the Tommy Russell Award for Outstanding College Student in Special Education. She is the gifted education teacher at Shades Cahaba and travels to Vanderbilt on the weekends for her graduate classes. Homewood High School Special Education teacher Kristi Dutton was awarded the Alpha Brown Award for Outstanding Special Education Teacher by the Alabama Federation Council for Exceptional Children. Dutton, who is attending graduate classes at Samford University, has been with Homewood city schools since 2004. Sean McBride, Homewood High School soccer coach, won the Roy Woodard Metro Soccer Coach of the Year award. McBride began teaching social studies at the high school in 2001. Homewood High School’s Nivada Spurlock, wellness policy coordinator, received the Alliance for a Healthier Generation award, which recognizes healthy changes made in the schools. Spurlock came to Homewood High School in 1995 as a physical education teacher and girls’ basketball coach. ❖

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26 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

SPORTS

Leveling the Field

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Middle School Football Program Scores at John Carroll Catholic

BY DONNA CORNELIUS JOURNAL FEATURES WRITER

t most Alabama high schools, students start ninth grade directly from middle schools in the same system. At John Carroll Catholic High School, however, students come from a variety of parochial, private and public schools. That means many of the school’s freshmen have never even met, much less played sports together at the middle school level. Now, that’s changed. After several years of planning, John Carroll’s middle school football program is up and running – and scoring. The seventh and eighth grade Cavaliers are off to a 3-0 record this season. E.J. Marino, a parent and paraprofessional assistant coach, helped start the new venture. “From kindergarten through eighth grade, these kids go to different schools,” he said. The 36 teammates come from Prince of Peace, St. Rose, Our Lady of the Valley, Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Francis Xavier and St. Aloysius.

Park’s Place, from back cover

score 36-29. Ameer Abdullah’s one-yard plunge brought Homewood to within a single point, 36-35. The Patriots tried to go for a two-point conversion and victory, but Abdullah’s pass attempt was knocked away by the Jags’ Jamel Cook, preserving the victory for the visitors. “Jamel made a great play, but

Hoover, from back cover

a shot at going undefeated as well. Propst built Hoover’s program into one of the best in the nation before his scandal-ridden tenure ended in 2007. Josh Niblett, Propst’s successor, may have made the program even better. The Bucs reached

“Parents very much wanted this opportunity for their kids,” said Marino. “In the past, if a child at one of these schools wanted to play football, they had to go somewhere else.” Bryan Burgess, middle school athletic director, expects the program to “level the playing field.” “This gives our kids an opportunity to compete with other schools and for us to expand our playbook,” he said. Middle school volleyball, cross country and basketball teams also have been added, and Burgess hopes that spring sports will be included soon. Last year was supposed to be the “launch year” for the middle school football team, said Marino. But when the high school field flooded, school officials decided to restrict its use to varsity games. The youngsters didn’t get to play at all on their home field, and most scheduled road games were canceled. The delay didn’t dampen the spirits of the players, parents or coaches. “We’ve taken kids from six schools, and they’ve come togeth-

er,” said Anthony Vachris, head middle school coach. “They’ve gelled – you wouldn’t know they hadn’t known each other all their lives.” Vachris was a ninth grade assistant coach at John Carroll when he was tapped to head the new program. “It’s been a real opportunity to build a family, and that’s the concept John Carroll is built on,” he said. Burgess credits high school athletic director Dan Buczek and assistant A.D. Frances Crapet for pushing for middle school sports for some 20 years. “With the leadership of Bishop

Robert Baker and support from E.J. Marino and Terry Rumore, our reality has come true,” he said. “The parents’ backing has been huge.” Team captains E.J. Marino III and Harold Shader are eighth graders at different schools and even pull for different college teams, but both agree on the new program’s benefits. “Being able to come out, have a real season and play games – it’s great,” said E.J., who likes having his dad as an assistant coach. Both boys are running backs and linebackers. “The coaches have really motivated me,” said Harold. “They’ve

taught me to hit harder.” The middle school team already boasts notable fans. Bishop Baker is a spirited backer, and actor Thom Gossom, a John Carroll graduate and football player, attended a game. But the program’s biggest supporter is probably Chris Musso, head varsity football coach. “We want the kids to be in the same system,” he said. “That way, they won’t have such a big learning curve. They run the same offense, defense and special team plays, and the same type of practice. “John Carroll has needed this. It will make us a lot better in the future.”

that’s no surprise,” said interim Spain Park coach Ben Berguson. “He’s a great player.” Cook’s heroics marked the final play of a game full of similar thrills. Abdullah’s touchdown run in the first quarter gave Homewood an early 7-0 lead. The Jaguars countered with Reid Reinagel’s one-yard dive to pay dirt, tying the score at 7-7. Steven Silvio’s two-yard touchdown run gave Spain Park a 13-7 lead at the end of the first period. Sophomore quarterback Nick Mullens passed 20 yards to Zach

Michael to stretch the Jags’ lead to 20-7 with 7:40 left in the first half. Hoffman’s 42-yard field goal gave Spain Park a commanding 23-7 halftime lead. Hoffman added a 43-yard field goal midway through the third quarter, moving the Jags’ advantage to 26-7. Abdullah ran 10 yards for his second touchdown of the evening, cutting Spain Park’s lead to 26-14 as the third quarter ended. Homewood narrowed the margin again when Abdullah ran six yards for his third score. Bernard

Holman’s extra point narrowed the gap to 26-21. Abdullah broke loose again a few minutes later, dashing 40 yards for a touchdown. Aaron Ernest’s twopoint run gave the Patriots a 29-26 lead. Spain Park responded by driving to the Homewood 10-yard line. From there, Hoffman’s 28-yard field goal with 1:28 to go in regulation play tied the game, setting the stage for the Jaguars’ dramatic overtime win. McMillan paced the Spain Park ground game, rushing for 91 yards

on 15 carries. Abdullah ran for 177 yards on 23 carries in the losing cause. The victory was a welcome event for the Jaguars, who had suffered through the uncertainty of their coaching situation and the pain of two disheartening losses. “I’m proud of what our kids accomplished tonight,” said Berguson. “They have been through a lot. Hopefully we can build on this for the rest of the season.” But those were thoughts for another day. At last, Spain Park had something to celebrate.

��lost the Class 6A finals in 2008 �but �� a close verdict to Prattville.�� The next year, Niblett led Hoover �� to its first title since 2005. �� This edition of the Bucs seems to be a team without a weakness. Quarterback Ryan Carter – an excellent passer, runner and leader – is taking his place with the great signal-callers in the school’s history.

Carter is, literally, living his dream. The senior has wanted to be Hoover’s quarterback since his elementary school days, and he plays like someone who relishes every moment on the field. Hoover has its usual assemblage of outstanding offensive linemen and receivers and a terrific open field runner in halfback Justin McArthur. Larsen Real is a standout kicker – which will be good to know if the Bucs ever experience a close game. But the play of Hoover’s defense may be the biggest story of 2010. The unit has completely throttled every offense it has faced. Not only that, it is opportunistic and can produce points. For example, in last Friday’s 50-0 demolition of Thompson, Buc defensive back Montez Carlton intercepted Warrior passes on two consecutive possessions and returned them both for touch-

downs. To be fair, Hoover’s last three opponents – Spain Park, Oak Mountain and Thompson – are struggling. Four weeks into the season, they have only two wins between them. But the Bucs’ streak of 16 consecutive quarters without giving up a point is impressive in anybody’s league. Another characteristic of Hoover football under Niblett is the team’s business-like approach. The Bucs don’t seem to get super-emotional for any game, but that’s a good thing: For every emotional high a team has, there’s always the risk of a corresponding emotional low. In the previous regime, Hoover developed an occasional tendency to “sleepwalk” through games it was supposed to win easily. The Bucs would usually get away with that because of superior talent. Propst himself even admitted that he got stale – except for a few big

games – in his final years as the coach. Since Niblett took over, Hoover seems to perform at a more or less even keel every week, regardless of the opponent. As good as the Bucs are looking, there are plenty of tough tests ahead. Gadsden City could conceivably be one of those challenges this Friday. Certainly, Vestavia Hills will be a serious hurdle for Hoover on Oct. 15. And Buccaneer fans would be foolhardy to dismiss their Oct. 22 meeting with Mountain Brook as a cakewalk. Plus, there are other factors to consider – like injuries – that are beyond a team or coaching staff’s control. For right now, however, Hoover is on pace to have its best team – possibly ever. But rest assured, the Bucs will give up a point in 2010. At least that’s what you would think.

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After several years of planning, John Carroll’s middle school football program is up and running At a recent practice are, from left; Head Coach Anthony Vachris, Nick Talyor, Patrick Rumore, E.J. Marino III, Coach Journal photo by Jordan Wald E.J. Marino Jr., Andrew McMahon and Harold Shader.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 • 27

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Stuart Jacobs also scored on a one-yard run for Vestavia. Rebel quarterback Patrick Prewitt connected with Neil Gannaway on a 65-yard touchdown strike. Ryan Raspino kicked five extra points and a 37-yard field goal, as Vestavia ran its record to 4-0, 3-0 in Class 6A Region 6 play.

Mountain Brook’s Robert Fritze (41) closes in on Homewood’s Adam Journal photo by Paul S. Arant Salles, (6).

Spartans, from back cover

the Spartans ahead 14-0 with 3:45 remaining in the quarter. The onslaught continued in the second stanza. Rector’s two-yard touchdown run raised Mountain Brook’s advantage to 21-0 with 6:32 left in the first half. Homewood began to show signs of life when quarterback Stephen Baggett ran 19 yards for a score with 3:09 remaining in the half. Bernard Holman’s conversion cut the gap to 21-7. With lightning-like speed, however, the Spartans broke the game open on their next two possessions. Rector raced 80 yards for a touchdown with 2:54 left, raising the margin to 28-7. Then, with one play left in the half, Aldag connected with John Beck for a 34-yard touchdown bomb as the buzzer sounded, and Mountain Brook went to the locker room with a 35-7 lead. Any chances of a Homewood comeback were probably dashed on the first play of the second half, when the Spartans’ Walker Cox took the kickoff and raced 94 yards for a touchdown, pushing the hosts ahead 42-7. Homewood rallied for two consolation touchdowns. The first came on Baggett’s 50-yard pass to Aaron Ernest. The final score came on Kenneth Thompson’s five-yard run with 1:42 left in the game. Aldag completed 14 of 18 passes for 236 yards. Baggett completed 18 of 32 passes for 195 yards. Mountain Brook improved its record to 3-1 overall and 21 in Class 6A Region 6 play.

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Homewood dropped to 2-2 overall and 1-2 in Region 6 play. After the win over the Patriots, Spartan fans had every reason to be excited about their team’s prospects for the rest of the season. Barring an upset, Mountain Brook has an excellent chance to go into its Oct. 22 game against Hoover with just one loss. “All we’re thinking about now is our next opponent (Grissom of Huntsville),” said Yeager. That’s understandable. But with the way the Spartans are playing right now, a lot of people are going to be thinking about them. WEEK FOUR HIGHLIGHTS Hoover 50, Thompson 0 The Bucs earned their fourth consecutive shutout in winning over the Warriors. Hoover has outscored its opponents this season by a whopping margin of 168-0. Justin McArthur rushed for 105 yards and four touchdowns. His scoring runs came on dashes of six, six, 23 and 34 yards. Hoover defensive back Montez Carlton intercepted two Thompson passes and returned them for touchdowns. Jason Jones also scored for the winners.

Vestavia Hills 38, Pelham 23 The Rebels exploded for 35 first half points to take an easy win over the Panthers. Vestavia running back Georgie Salem gained 132 yards on six carries in the first half, including touchdown runs of 48 and 63 yards. Salem also returned a kickoff 93 yards for a score.

Spain Park 21, Oak Mountain 7 The Jags ran their record to 2-2 with a win over the Eagles. Oak Mountain scored first on Heath Quinn’s 50-yard touchdown pass to Rico Dunn. Kevron McMillan’s eight-yard touchdown for Spain Park tied the game 7-7 at halftime. Steven Silivo’s one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave the Jaguars a 14-7 lead at the end of the third quarter. McMillan also scored on a 21yard run to cap Spain Park’s scoring. The Eagles dropped to 0-4 for the season.

Briarwood 41, Chelsea 6 The Lions remained undefeated with an easy win over the Hornets. Briarwood quarterback Ben Craft ran for three touchdowns and passed for one to lead the winning attack. Cannon Smith caught the scoring toss from Craft. Matthew Furuto scored on a one-yard run for the Lions. Chad Davis capped the scoring for Briarwood by intercepting a Chelsea pass and returning it 28 yards for a touchdown.

Justin Simmons, (11) and Kyle Nation, (2) provide protection for Shades Mountain Christian quarterback David Reeves as he drops back to pass Journal photo by Paul S. Arant against Maplesville Friday night.

WEEK THREE highlights and outstanding performances at

OTMJ.COM carries in the Rebels’ win over Pelham. Salem, a junior, scored touchdowns of 48 and 63 yards and also returned a kickoff 93 yards for another score. Hoover defensive back Montez Carlton returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the Bucs’ 50-0 rout of Thompson. Hoover running back Justin McArthur gained 105 yards on nine carries for four touchdowns in

the Bucs’ win over the Warriors. Mountain Brook running back Mark Rector ran for 127 yards on nine carries, including an 80yard touchdown, as the Spartans scored a surprising 49-21 over Homewood. Mountain Brook quarterback Ed Aldag completed 14 of 18 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns in the Spartans’ win over Homewood. Spain Park quarterback Nick Mullens passed for 221 yards in the Jaguars’ 21-7 victory over Oak Mountain. Spain Park receiver Reid Rangel caught eight passes for 92 yards in the win over the Eagles.

John Carroll Catholic 24, Parker 0 The Cavs returned to the winning track with a shutout of the Thundering Herd. Johnny Boohaker’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Hullum put Carroll ahead 6-0. Michael Cowan’s run added a two-point conversion. Marcus Richardson’s one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter gave the Cavs a 15-0 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Carroll earned a safety, raising its total to 17-0. The Cavs’ final touchdown came on a 67-yard run by Wes Dismuke. John Carroll raised its record to 2-2 for the season. Maplesville 61, Shades Mountain 0 The Eagles suffered their fourth straight defeat.

Outstanding Performances

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

Sports

Leveling the Field

Middle school football program scores at John Carroll Catholic. Story page 26

Lee Davis

Spartan quarterback Edward Aldag completes a 29-yard touchdown pass in the win over Homewood.

Mountain Brook’s Henry Waller (26) and John Moorer (29) stop Homewood’s Kenny Thompson for no gain.

Journal photos by Paul S. Arant

Mountain Brook Pillage WEEK 4 GAME OF THE WEEK

Spartans Offensive Explosion Sinks Pats BY LEE DAVIS JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

ountain Brook entered its game against Homewood Sept. 16 as a team on the cusp of being very good. The Spartans had sandwiched impressive wins over Shades Valley and Pelham around a hardfought 17-13 loss to Vestavia Hills. Coach Chris Yeager’s offense had shown flashes of brilliance in

its two victories, while his defense appeared to be among Metro Birmingham’s most solid. By any measure, Mountain Brook looked well on its way to atoning for last season’s disappointing 4-6 record. But even those promising signs couldn’t prepare anyone for what the Spartans would do to the visiting Patriots. Mountain Brook pounded out more than 500 yards of total offense to roll to a 42-7 third quarter advantage on the way to a

OTMJ.COM Miller Williams and Mark Rector on the Spartans’ big win over the Patriots. Plus: Oak Mountain’s Samantha Skinner’s volleyball career taking her all the way to the University of Alabama. 49-21 victory. As impressive as the offense was, however, Yeager insisted that the Spartan defense was the key. “Homewood has some of the best offensive talent in the state,” he said. “You can’t contain them man to man. “You have to have 11 people

sprinting to the ball on every play. If you can neutralize Homewood’s big play guys, you’ve got a chance to win.” The Spartan offense also worked to take Homewood out of its game. By moving to the huge early lead, Mountain Brook forced the Patriots to throw the ball early and often, and largely took Homewood’s ace running back, Ameer Abdullah, out of the equation. Abdullah finished with 86 yards on 19 carries. Mountain Brook seized the momentum almost immediately, driving to a touchdown on its first possession. Mark Rector’s fiveyard score with 7:42 to go in the first period gave the Spartans a 6-0 lead. Warren Handrahan added the extra point. On its next possession, Mountain Brook struck again. Edward Aldag’s 29-yard scoring strike to John McCrary pushed

See Spartans, page 27

Park’s Place WEEK 3 GAME OF THE WEEK

more photos at

OTMJ.COM

Jaguars Get First Win Against Patriots BY LEE DAVIS JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

Spain Park’s Jeniah Jackson (51) and Jacob Wolkow (32) bring down Journal photo by Marvin Gentry Patriot running back Ameer Abdullah.

pain Park was due some good news. With head coach David Shores on administrative leave because of an alleged incident at a practice, the Jaguars’ football season was off to a difficult start. On top of that, the team had suffered two consecutive losses, including a 44-0 defeat at the hands of archrival Hoover. It didn’t look any easier, either, as Spain Park journeyed to Waldrop

Stadium to face undefeated Homewood in week three action, Sept. 10. But finally, the Jaguars got some long overdue good fortune, as they battled the favored Patriots to a 2929 tie in regulation before taking a thrilling 36-35 victory in the first overtime period. Kevron McMillan’s five-yard touchdown run on Spain Park’s opening possession of overtime put the Jags ahead 35-29. Jake Hoffman’s extra point made the

See Park’s Place, page 26

Don’t Look Now: Hoover May Be Better Than Ever

elieve it or not, somebody will actually score points against the Hoover Bucs in the 2010 football season. Gadsden City, the fourthranked team in Class 6A, could be the team that finally lights up the scoreboard when it visits Hoover Sept. 24. Then again, the Titans might not be the ones that finally earn a point against the rugged Buccaneer defense. But trust me, sometime and somewhere, a team will score on Hoover. It might even get a touchdown. If you doubt my words, it’s understandable. In the first four games of 2010, the Bucs’ defense has been perfect: four wins and four shutouts, with nobody really coming close to making Hoover break a sweat. The Bucs opened their season with a 14-0 win over Byrnes, a perennial power in South Carolina. Some critics questioned the Hoover offense after that game, but the questions have been answered in the three weeks that have followed. The Bucs’ scoring machine has averaged more than 50 points in Region 6 wins over Spain Park, Oak Mountain and Thompson, as each game’s outcome was settled by the end of the first quarter. And while four weeks into any season is far too early to make any long-term predictions, it may be safe to say that this Hoover team might be the program’s best since the Bucs began dominating Alabama high school football in 2000. Since that season – Rush Propst’s second as the Hoover coach – the Bucs have won six state championships and finished in the runner-up spot three other times. Only one of those championship teams, the 2004 squad, produced a spotless 15-0 record. The present-day Hoover team has

See Hoover, page 26