1.28.21

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

“From Steel Mills to Stethoscopes: A History of the Birmingham Medical Profession”

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Clockwise from upper left: Dr. Tinsley Harrison’s “Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine” remains the single-most-used and best-selling internal medicine text in the world; The Alabama Legislature chartered the Hillman Hospital in 1897; Dr. Champ Lyons became the first full-time chair of the Department of Surgery at Hillman Hospital; Dr. Kathryn Honea, IVF program director, UAB Hospital; St. Vincent’s Hospital, Birmingham’s first general hospital.

‘A Full Life’ McCallum Remembered for Contributions to UAB, City of Vestavia Hills

By Rubin E. Grant

M

urry Bartow had a front row seat when the UAB football program started at the NCAA Division III level in 1991.

Bartow was an assistant coach on the basketball team under his late father, Gene Bartow, the head coach and the Blazers’ athletics director at the time. Charles “Scotty” McCallum was the UAB president.

‘Without his visionary leadership and dedication, UAB would not be the worldclass institution it is today.’

‘Medical Giant’

UAB PRESIDENT RAY L. WATTS

Local Journalist and Author Pens History of Birmingham Medical Community

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

F

rom its beginnings as a rough and tumble coal mining community, Birmingham has grown into a polished medical community nationally known for its work to advance medical knowledge.

A new book by local author and reporter Lynn Edge, “From Steel Mills to Stethoscopes: A History of the

Birmingham Medical Profession,” recounts that transformation.

“I was really surprised by how intertwined this state was and how it all worked together to create this medical giant,” Edge said. “I tried to write the book from looking at the history of the area as the backdrop to the story of the medicine of the area.”

According to Edge, the book, published in November 2020, has been the

largest undertaking of her career as a journalist and author.

A Samford University graduate, she began her writing career in 1968 as a reporter for The Birmingham News. She earned an Associated Press news writing award for her coverage of a sniper shooting in Bessemer.

She went on to become religion editor before transitioning into freelance

See MEDICAL GIANT, page 10

Gene Bartow and McCallum had a special bond, Bartow said.

“Dr. McCallum was a great friend of our family and he and my dad were incredibly close,” Bartow said. “They were heavily involved in starting football at UAB.” Gene Bartow once wrote that McCallum was “the best college president any athletic director could ever have.”

McCallum died Jan. 16 of natural causes at

See McCALLUM, page 11

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2 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

Inside

Murphy’s Law

W STATE OF THE CITY Mayor Patrick McClusky painted an optimistic picture of Homewood’s future at recent chamber meeting PAGE 8

SAVE THE DATE Popular winter parties getting reworked due to pandemic PAGE 12

HEALTHIER SOCIAL MEDIA HABITS Altamont student founds global social media-concious organization, Log Off PAGE 20

‘BEST ALL-AROUND’ Versatile McKinnon earns OTM Volleyball Player of the Year honor PAGE 24

ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 8 LIFE 10 SOCIAL 12

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

inter officially began Dec. painted turtle, it is not a good coping 21, but we were in the mechanism for me (or Dave) because throes of our Christmas it has been determined that not breathmerriment and no one seemed to mind ing has serious side effects for both too much. In December, cold and ice our species. are just part of the Currier and Ives Until the spring thaw, bats hang holiday experience, not to mention wing-to-wing in large groups in caves that they bring with them the distant and drink the water vapor on their fur. possibility of having snow, without Garter snakes gather in large groups for which riding in a one-horse open shared warmth also, but since they have sleigh is just mudding. no equipment for digging, they have to But after Christmas, the cold and appropriate the abandoned hole of ice are just that: cold and ice, and they another animal, often that of a woodSue Murphy only bring with them the possibility of chuck. Skunks will winter in a woodbeing chilled and inconvenienced and chuck hole, too, sometimes when the sick, and since this is not the year to woodchuck is still inside. The author But after Christmas, said that the woodchuck is OK with wing our way to some sunnier clime, we crank up the thermostat, the cold and ice are just that, but again, how does he know? we put on a coat. We adapt.

My guess is that the woodchuck, that: cold and ice, and or groundhog, simply dislikes conI recently read a book that described how several species of they only bring with frontation. He would have to be pretanimals deal with the rigors of winlaid back given the fact that he them the possibility tydoes ter. We all know about the bear, not go into attack mode when who prepares for the onslaught by he is hauled out of his slumber by a of being chilled, ravenously eating. I kind of did that man in a top hat inconvenienced and Punxsutawney part over the holidays, but I don’t every Feb. 2 to make a call on how sick ... think I’d get away with snuggling much winter still lies ahead of us. I down in a cozy den to sleep the don’t know how the groundhog was winter months away unless I could first determined to have such meteoconvince my dog, Dave, to do the same. rological skills (another grant?), but I am guessing that It might not be that hard a sell. Dave is not a fan of even the type-B groundhog will have had enough of such winter. When I indicate that it is time to go outside, he nonsense sooner or later. Perhaps that’s where his skunk hides under the dining room table. When finally forced boarder comes in. onto the frozen sidewalk, I try to explain that the quick“Sure, I’d love to have you winter with me. Take the est way to get out of the cold is to do your business room by the front door (wink, wink).” Well played. I post haste, but I’m not sure he sees the connection. don’t know if the skunk would be able to predict the When the temperature dips, the painted turtle buries weather either, but I think I can say with certainty that himself in the mud and stops breathing entirely. I don’t Mr. Top Hat would need a bath. know how scientists determined this. Turtle sleep studOn Feb. 2, I will be rooting for old Chuck. Even if ies? I know you can get a grant for just about anything. we have six more weeks of winter, I will spend some of While this no-breathing strategy may work for the it laughing.

WEDDINGS 14 HOME 15 SCHOOLS 20 SPORTS 24

otmj.com With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter.

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To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.

Over the Mountain Views

Attention Veterans

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

Vol. 30, No. 12

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

J O U R N A L January 28, 2021 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Emily Williams-Robertshaw, Sam Prickett Photographer: Jordan Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com.

Copyright 2021 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.

Woodchuck Chucked

BIRMINGHAM VA EXPANDS COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC Beginning Jan. 25, the Birmingham VA Health Care System partnered with the United Way to create an expanded COVID-19 vaccine clinic in the United Way building at 3600 Eighth Ave. S. The clinic will administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by appointment to veterans ages 65 and over on weekdays from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Left, Peter Evans receives the vaccine shot from Princess Pippen at the United Way on Monday. To schedule an appointment, call 866-4874243 or your local CBOC. For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/healthcare/covid-19-vaccine/.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

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4 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

JAN 28 - FEB 11 Editor’s note: Some of the events in our calendar may have been canceled after our press deadline.

Please check organiziation websites for the latest information.

Through Jan. 31 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Team in Training’s Re(Solution)

Photo courtesy Susan Alexander Yates

Participants customize their own experience by not only choosing their sport (running, walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, etc.) but their mileage goal as well (25, 50, 100, 250 or 500). Website: teamintraining.org

Through Feb. 3 Sundance 2021: Satellite Screens

Finding Peace

Susan Alexander Yates to Speak at Two Legacy League Events Feb. 11 The Samford University Legacy League is offering two opportunities for encouragement from bestselling author Susan Alexander Yates, an international speaker, blogger and columnist.

Yates will share messages relevant for all ages and stages of life in two events on Feb. 11, both planned in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Mom to five, grandmother to 21 and a pastor’s wife for 50 years, Yates has written 16 faith-building books. “(She) does not discount the fears and worries of our lives, but she challenges us to reorient our perspective,” said bestselling author Jodie Berndt. “Instead of letting our issues take up the whole screen and cloud our vision, Susan encourages us to stack these things up against the awesome power and love of our Almighty God.” “Anchored in Hope: Finding Wisdom for Every Season” is the theme of the Legacy League’s annual Scholarship Luncheon, sponsored by Brookdale University Park and Wells Fargo Advisors.

The event will be held at 11 a.m. at a country club in Vestavia, with the program starting at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are $60, $30 of which is tax-deductible.

That evening, Yates will focus on “Finding Peace in Times of Uncertainty” in a program at 7 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Homewood.

Reservations are $15; and doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Proceeds from both events will provide scholarships for students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances.

The Legacy League is a volunteer organization with nearly 800 members ranging in age from 22 to 100.

Reservations and additional information may be found at samford.edu/legacyleague.

—Emily Williams-Robertshaw

Fireballs the modern alternative

Journal photo by Maury Wald

Bestselling author Susan Alexander Yates is also an international speaker, blogger, columnist and dog lover.

Sidewalk is an official Satellite Screen Partner for the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. Website: sidewalkfest.com

Thurs., Jan., 28 The Vulcans Community Awards

This program recognizes citizens who exemplify civic pride, leadership and progress just as Vulcan has symbolized for 116 years. When and Where: Virtual program, 6:30 p.m.; Exhibit opening on the same night inside the Linn-Henley Gallery Website: visitvulcan.com

Fri., Jan. 29

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR KING’S HOME | THROUGH FEB. 14

A beautiful mailbox spreads awareness of abuse, neglect, homelessness and other horrific conditions impacting youth, women, and kids in our area. Participants in the sixth annual “Show Your Love” event, will have their mailbox dressed in a beautiful signature bow from Smith’s Variety along with a festive yard sign to decorate the mailbox. Participants may also choose to add a balloon and bless someone special with their own charming mailbox with a note delivered by the King’s Home Cupids by Valentine’s Day. Website: kingshome.com

Blood Drive in Honor of Mike Gilotti

Mike Gilotti was 33 when he was killed outside of his home in January of 2016. He left behind a wife and two children. To honor his life and service as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, LifeSouth will be holding a blood drive in remembrance. When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Hoover Recreation Center Website: hooveral.org

Jan. 29-Feb. 7 Opera… from a Sistah’s Point of View

Angela Brown blows up the preconceived expectations of opera by mixing show-stopping arias, poignant art songs, and moving spirituals with tongue-in cheek commentary from a Black perspective. When and Where: Available for streaming online, all week, from the comfort of your home.

Website: operabirmingham.org

Sat., Jan. 30 Frostbite 5k and Fun Run

YoungLife Birmingham South hosts its annual run including music, snacks, male and female age group winners with prizes and customized medals for winners. When: 7:45-8:50, registration Where: Veterans Park Website: “Young Life Birmingham South” Facebook page

BTC Adam’s Heart Runs

One of the BTC’s premiere races, participants have the opportunity to select a 5k, 10k or 10-mile distance.

When: 10-mile, 8 a.m.; 10k, 8:30 a.m.; 5k, 9 a.m. Where: Oak Mountain State Park Website: runsignup.com

Cheers to Nine Years - Cahaba Birthday Party

Cahaba Brewing Co. will celebrate its ninth anniversary by hosting a variety of local vendors and musicians, along with free tours, food trucks and more. When: noon-10 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Company Website: cahababrewing.com

MB Listens: T. Marie King

The grassroots community organization MB Listens will host a virtual event, featuring guest speaker T. Marie King, an activist, speaker and trainer. When: 2-3 p.m. Where: Zoom Website: mblistens.com

Thurs., Feb. 4 GriefShare

This 13-week series features trained facilitators who have experienced grief, available to guide you through one of life’s most difficult experiences

and provide you with the tools and resources to move forward.

When: 7-8:45 p.m. Where: Online and at Faith Prebyterian Church, lower level Website: griefshare.org/ groups/129438

Wed., Feb. 10 Valentines-themed Murder Mystery Event

The Southern Ghost Girls Tours and Paranormal Investigations team will host this interactive event in the historic Thomas Jefferson Tower.

When: 6-10 p.m. Where: Roots and Revelry Website: southernghostgirls. com

Fri., Feb. 12 O’Reilly World of Wheels Birmingham

The Super Bowl of Car Shows, this event features vendors and a wide variety of custom cars, trucks and motorcycles as well as restored and antique vehicles. When: Feb. 12, 3 p.m.; Feb.13, 6 p.m. Where: The BJCC Website: “O’Reilly World of Wheels - Birmingham” Facebook page

ABOUT TOWN continued on page 6

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6 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Online Cats

GBHS to Host Virtual Jazz Cat Ball Feb. 4, Online Auction Jan. 28-Feb. 11 Packages include a dinner for anywhere from two to 10 guests.

According to GBHS officials, the gala is mission-critical to the work the shelter conducts, supporting efforts to save the lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals.

Dinners are available now through Feb. 4 and have been prepared fresh and then frozen.

Meals include chicken and sausage gumbo with red beans and rice prepared by chefs Chip Welch and Harry Fine, a Manny Randazzo King Cake, Gambino’s bread, Howling Hurricane drink kit from Fortified Hospitality, hurricane glasses,

Left: Journal file photo by Jordan Wald; Below and far left: GBHS

Every February, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society’s auxiliary board hosts its annual Jazz Cat Ball in conjunction with Mardi Gras.

The 2021 event will go virtual Feb. 4 in an effort to adhere to CDC guidelines.

According to GBHS officials, the gala is mission-critical to the work the shelter conducts, supporting efforts to save the lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals.

Funds raised at the event provide vet care, vaccines, healthy food and a warm bed for 14,000 animals; spay and neuter surgery for 4,560 animals; transport for more than 2,000 animals to homes up north; and help fund 24/7 emergency response when people report an animal in crisis.

As guests log on to watch the virtual event, there are some added features available.

Attendees can order a Mardi Gras Dinner party package, including delivery within 30 miles of Birmingham or curbside pickup.

Enjoying last year’s GBHS Jazz Cat Ball were, from left, Sue Thors, Allison Black Cornelius, Tricia Preston, Janet King and Melanie Perry. This year’s event will be virtual.

Mardi Gras beads and masks and a Beatriz Ball Sierra Tela large deep gold oval platter.

In addition, those who purchase a dinner will be entered to win a drawing for $25,000.

There also will be an online charity auction, to be available online from Jan. 28 to Feb. 11. The auction

will feature art, wine, home interiors, jewelry, sports memorabilia and other items. Two of the featured items up for grabs are an Alabama Team autographed 2021 National Championship football and helmet.

For more information, visit gbhs. org/jcb21.

—Emily Williams-Robertshaw

If You Build It, They Will Come

McWane’s New Brickology Exhibit Uses Building Blocks for Play and Display Templeton, McWane’s president and CEO. The exhibit, on McWane’s third floor, was designed so people of all ages could explore, design, build and test their own brick creations.

Activities include Building Tables McWane, which offers hundreds of pounds of Legos that guests can use to create works to be displayed on one of five Graffiti Walls or City Tables. In addition, guests can test the resilience of their work on an 8-foot, 20-inch Giant Jump Ramp and Earthquake Tables.

“The exhibits team kept safety and positive visitor experience at the forefront of each part of

SAVE THE DATE

and more. When: Feb. 12 and 13, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: The Finley Center at the Hoover Met Complex Website: birminghambuilder.com

Feb. 12-14 Home Building and Remodeling Showcase

The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders will host this event showcasing local contractors, remodelers, suppliers, craftspeople

Brickology will highlight science, engineering and math concepts.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

The newest McWane Science Center exhibit, Brickology, an interactive exhibit using construction block play, is built to spark creativity and ingenuity.

The 5,500-square-foot exhibit opened Jan. 23 and was designed and created in-house by McWane’s exhibits department.

Brickology will highlight science, engineering and math concepts that can be taught through building block systems such as Lego, according to McWane officials.

“I am proud of our incredibly talented exhibits team for developing this fun and unique experience.

Visitors of all ages will love finding new ways to express their creativity and engineering skills,” said Amy

Sat., Feb. 13 Mardi Gras Market

Ross Bridge Farmers Market hosts a

Mardi Gras-themed market featuring Creole food trucks, a live jazz band, and local shopping. When: 1-5 p.m.

Where: 2101 Grand Avenue, Hoover Website: “Ross Bridge Farmers Market” Facebook page

Fri., Feb 19 Mountain Brook State of the City

the Brickology design, while at the same time ensuring that precaution did not get in the way of the creative experience,” said Director of Exhibits Erik Lizee.

There also will be a variety of “My Own Creation” works on display – created by some of Birmingham’s most talented Lego creators – including Batman’s Arkham Asylum, a scale creation of the Alabama Theatre and a massive Cyber City.

“These individuals have been very generous by sharing their passion and creations with McWane visitors. It has been amazing to see what they are able to do and how much time, creativity and planning goes into the builds we have on display,” Lizee said.

Brickology is available with regular admission to the museum during normal hours of operation. For more information, visit mcwane.org.

—Emily Williams-Robertshaw

Address

Join Mayor Welch, left, and the Mountain Brook City Council for a virtual address. Registration is free and questions should be sent ahead of time to When: 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Where: Zoom Website: mtnbrookchamber.org

SEND ABOUT TOWN INFO TO: EDITORIAL@OTMJ.COM

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Troop 63’s Austin, Graham Earn Eagle Scout Rank

An Eagle Court of Honor ceremony was held Nov. 22 to recognize Pierce Austin and William Graham Jr. from Canterbury United Methodist Church’s Troop 63.

Collectively, the boys earned 51 merit badges and camped 65 nights on the way to earning scouting’s highest award, and both boys have been inducted into the Order of the Arrow.

Austin chose to build a deck with stairs at Cherokee Bend Elementary School for his Eagle project. The beneficiary was the Fair Oaks Adventure Curriculum, led by Rick Hedrick, and future Cherokee Bend students.

Austin wanted to give back to the program and worked to identify the need.

Pierce Austin The project involved detailed planning, construction drawings and designing for the 10-foot-high deck and attached stairs, which provides a safer experience for the Fair Oaks climbing wall.

Austin is the son of Keith and Beth Austin of Mountain Brook. He is a junior at Mountain Brook High School and is considering a career in medicine.

PEOPLE For his Eagle project, Graham built a paver walkway, constructed and painted a wooden sign and installed landscaping for Woodlawn Community Table.

Woodlawn Community Table is a nonprofit food cooperative that helps the food insecure in the Woodlawn community, and its participants are the beneficiaries of Graham’s project. He worked with the Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield to identify the need.

The project involved detailed planning and design for both the sign and William Graham Jr. the 61-inch walkway to connect the Woodlawn United Methodist Church to the co-op building.

Graham led a crew of friends, relatives and fellow scouts over two weekends to complete the construction of the walkway and installation of the sign and landscaping. The walkway provides easier access to the co-op building for workers who transport goods from the church, and the sign and landscaping make the co-op building more identifiable and inviting for co-op participants.

Graham is the son of Will and Christi Graham. He is a junior at Mountain Brook High School and is considering a career in engineering or business.

Vestavia’s Lingala Earns Eagle Rank

Rishabh Lingala achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at Dawson Church Troop 83 in December.

Lingala’s leadership roles in the troop included patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, senior patrol leader, chaplain’s aide and instructor.

He earned 21 merit badges and earned the Arrow of Light as a Cub Scout. In his scouting career, Lingala participated in many high adventure trips, including Sea Base and Philmont, on which he was the chaplain’s aid.

For his Eagle Scout Project, Lingala renovated a powder room to be used for storage at The Sanctuary Apostolic Pentecostal Church.

Rishabh Lingala The project involved removing everything from the powder room including sink, plumbing, mirror and tile. He put up and painted drywall, and built and painted wooden shelves for the room. This project allows the church a storage room for equipment and supplies to support the activities of the youth program.

Lingala, the son of Vomsi and Sudha Lingala, is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School and is a member of the speech and debate team.

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • 7

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8 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

‘Front and Center’ Legislature This Year Likely to Focus on COVID and Gambling

By Sam Prickett When lawmakers return to Montgomery next month, they’ll be working under the long shadow of COVID-19.

A temperature check and questionnaire will be required for entrance to the State House, while legislators will

“Most people when they think of the word ‘lottery,’ they think of an education lottery.” be tested for the virus during their first week back, “and probably subsequently, depending on how things go,” Rep. David Wheeler, R-District 47, told members of the Hoover Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 21.

Wheeler was a featured speaker during the chamber’s virtual luncheon, along with state Senate Majority

Leader Jabo Waggoner, R-District 16; Sen. Dan Roberts, R-District 15; and Rep. David Faulkner, R-District 46.

The legislators previewed their priorities for the upcoming legislative session, including increasing COVID protections for businesses and, potentially, legalizing gambling statewide.

Waggoner said that, in addition to passing the state’s education and general fund budgets, the Legislature would make business legislation to renew “tax credits and rebates to industries that are due to expire” a priority. There also will be a vote to prevent state taxes on federal stimulus checks, he said, as well as to expand broadband.

Faulkner, meanwhile, said he’d been working on a “COVID Immunity Bill,” which he said would protect businesses and schools from COVIDrelated lawsuits.

“We want to give people the confidence that they can send the kids back to school, get back to work and not worry about COVID lawsuits,” he

NEWS said.

Financially, Alabama is doing well, Roberts said.

“Through leadership in the chambers, I believe we’re economically in some of the best shape … . Our education budget is in great shape thanks to decisions that were put in place back in 2010,” he said, referring to the Rolling Reserve Budget Act, which caps education spending based on a rolling 15-year average growth rate.

But the state could feel COVID’s economic impact in the near future, he warned.

“My ultimate concern is that the impact on small business is going to be most felt in our next year’s budget,” he said. That impact may make other sources of revenue, even controversial ones, more appealing to legislators.

Gambling Expected to Take Center Stage

The potential legalization of gambling across the state will be “front and center” this year, Waggoner said, following a study ordered by Gov. Kay Ivey that determined “gambling will work in the state of Alabama.”

The study projected that instituting a statewide lottery would gener-

STATE OF THE CITY

McClusky Found Mayor’s Job Overwhelming at First but Said Homewood Will Survive the Pandemic

Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky delivered his first State of the City address to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce Jan. 19, less than three months after being sworn into office amid a nationwide health crisis.

His speech painted an optimistic picture of Homewood’s future, highlighting the city’s ability “to make the best of this unfortunate situation.”

“Our businesses are rebuilding, our schools are back in session, and our citizens are starting to see a light at the end of a dark tunnel,” McClusky said. “The way we are living is different now, but that hasn’t stopped us.”

McClusky said he’s spent his first few months acclimating to the job, which had managed to hold some surprises for him despite his 11 years in city government.

“People continue to ask me, ‘So how are things going?’ And my standard answer has been, ‘Well, I feel like I’m drinking from a firehose, although I feel like I’m taking in fewer liters per second than I was back in November,’” he said. “There are a lot of things that even I wasn’t aware of as a council member over the past 12 years, but I am getting more acclimated to the daily position.

“It is stressful knowing that you dropped more than 55% since 2015. campaigned so hard and long on cer“I don’t know if you realize what tain aspects and visions of where you a huge number that is, but that is a wanted to see the city in four years, significant drop,” he said. but you can’t even begin The city made progto work on those things ress even during the panuntil you have a greater demic, McClusky said, understanding of the duties highlighting the numerous and responsibilities of this capital projects the city position.” undertook in 2020, includHomewood’s finances ing the repair of a stormare stable despite the panwater sewer at demic, he said. The city Brookwood Hospital and ended FY 2020 with a the upgrade of streetlights slight surplus, even after to LED. He also pointed Homewood Mayor paying $370,000 in yearto the ongoing Green Patrick McClusky’s end employee bonuses, Springs Highway revitalthanks in part to $1.1 mil- speech painted an ization project, which lion in relief funding from optimistic picture of soon will begin its landHomewood’s future, scaping phase. The city the federal government. highlighting the city’s also continues to research Sales taxes from October to December also ability “to make the the development of a city best of this unfortuwere up 7% from what manager position, he said. nate situation.” they had been a year ago, McClusky also praised before the pandemic, Homewood City Schools’ McClusky noted. response to COVID. In contrast, the city’s crime rate “I jokingly told people last year, continues to drop, McClusky said, back when the pandemic first hit our reaching “record lows” in 2020. community in March, that I wouldn’t “The men and women of the wish those (school) board positions Homewood Police Department work on anybody,” he said. “These men very hard to keep our businesses and and women were put in a situation citizens safe, and I am so proud to see where they had to make last-second these continued declines.” decisions in circumstances they had Total crime is down 14% comnever seen before. I applaud their pared to 2019, he said, and has efforts, and while it was a no-win sitFile photo

By Sam Prickett

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ate between $200 million and $300 million in annual revenue, while the lottery, casinos and sports betting combined would bring in $700 million per year.

Legalizing gambling would require amending the state constitution, meaning that the final yes-or-no decision would be up to voters. But what exactly would appear on the ballot – such as what types of gambling would be included and where the revenue would go – is still very much up in the air, legislators said.

Wheeler said his vote would be determined by “exactly how it’s written. If it’s giving a monopoly to one group or another, that might be hard for some of us to vote on. As with any legislation, the devil’s in the details.”

Waggoner said the legislation likely would be split into multiple bills “pertaining to the various topics of gambling,” such as casinos, the lottery and sports betting.

Some of those individual bills may have better chances of passage than others, Faulkner said.

“I think I would probably be against full-scale gambling – in other words, casinos in our state – due to all the issues and problems that they bring in,” he said. “But I do think the

lottery is probably the one that has the most chance … . There’s clearly growing support for it in the state based on polling data that I’ve seen.”

Faulkner said he believed that support was tied to Georgia’s lottery model, which allocates lottery revenue to specific education programs, including college scholarships and pre-K programs.

“Most people when they think of the word ‘lottery,’ they think of an education lottery,” he said. “They think of Georgia. ‘Yes, I’m for it if the money goes to education.’ … I don’t think the Legislature will pass something that’s not dedicated to education.”

Even so, he said he was skeptical.

“I personally am not a big fan of the lottery, just based on what I’ve seen in other states. … I would hate to base any revenue for essential services on gambling,” he said.

Waggoner said he expected any gambling measure to stir up debate.

“It’s going to be highly controversial, but again, whatever we pass will ultimately go to the vote of the people to say yes or no,” he said. “In my opinion, I think a vast majority of the people in Alabama want the opportunity to vote, and if it goes to a vote, I think it will pass.”

uation, I believe that they did their very best in such challenging situations.”

Over the first semester of this school year, McClusky said, HCS “has averaged less than 1% of new COVID cases districtwide each week and continues to show very little evidence of spread in our schools.

Students continue to wear facial coverings and are distanced to the greatest extent possible.”

The retirement of HCS Superintendent Bill Cleveland on June 30 was “another obstacle” for the school system, McClusky said, but he praised the hiring of Dr. Justin Hefner to replace him, calling it an “excellent decision.”

“I am very impressed with his knowledge and understanding of the Homewood school system and I believe Homewood City Schools are in good hands with Dr. Hefner,” McClusky said.

Though McClusky acknowledged that, “it was and frankly still is a time of great stress for many of our citizens,” he said he had hope for a “more prosperous year” ahead.

“Franklin Roosevelt once said, ‘A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor,’ and I believe this quote still holds true today,” he said. “Hard situations like the one we are dealing with now make us stronger and more capable.”

During the chamber meeting, McClusky also presented three annual awards: firefighter of the year to Anthony Whittington, police officer of the year to Chris Brown, and city employee of the year to Jujuan Brooks.

Mountain Brook High School Wins “Best Hustle Award”

Alabama Possible, a statewide nonprofit that seeks to break down barriers to prosperity, recently announced that 51 schools will receive the Best Hustle Award for improving their early Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion by at least 10% from 2019 to 2020.

Mountain Brook High School received this recognition and had improved FAFSA completion by 20.71% compared to 2019.

To be considered for the award, more than 350 Alabama high schools participated in the Alabama Goes to College campaign, which is coordinated by Alabama Possible.

Cash for College, a component of the Alabama Goes to College campaign, works with school counselors, career coaches and other educators at high schools across the state to equip students to continue their education after high school by completing their financial aid form.

By Dec. 1, nearly 12,000 Alabama high school seniors had completed the FAFSA. Despite barriers caused by COVID-19, counselors and students know completing the FAFSA is the gateway to postsecondary financial aid.

Any student seeking federal or state financial aid – including grants, loans and work-study programs – must complete the FAFSA. Most Alabama students qualify for Pell Grants of up to $6,345 per year. Students can use Pell Grants for two-year and four-year technical and academic programs. For more information, visit alabamagoestocollege.org.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

State Grapples With COVID-19 Vaccine Distributions; Who Is Eligible and How to Get One For just shy of a year, the pandemic has ruled not only Jefferson County or the state of Alabama but the entire world.

For the past four weeks, the Alabama Department of Public Health and medical community have faced a new COVID-19 challenge: vaccine distribution.

State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris recently dispelled misunderstandings concerning the process of distribution and shed light on what is to come.

Harris said public health leaders are determined that no vaccine will be left sitting unused on the shelf.

“We are making every effort to get shots into arms as quickly as possible,” he said. “The biggest obstacle to vaccination is still the limited vaccine supply.

We are attempting to manage expectations, because the timeline for receipt of vaccine has not changed and we cannot give people a resource we don’t have yet.”

The ADPH noted that all county health departments have been required to administer all inventory of the vaccine each week. To combat the expiration of unused vaccine doses, the ADPH has been working to remove supplies from providers who are not administering them in a timely manner and redirect those doses to other providers.

Thus, no vaccine doses in Alabama

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • 9

NEWS

have been discarded, according to ADPH officials.

Providers report vaccinations administered within 24 hours of giving them, at which point the ADPH updates its Immunization Patient Registry. The total number of vaccines administered is updated daily and can be found at alabamapublichealth.gov by clicking

In Jefferson County, you can register online through the county Emergency Management Agency website, jeffcoema. org, and you will be contacted to schedule an appointment. on the link “COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard.”

Demand for the vaccine outweighs the state’s supply.

The state began its distribution plan by offering the vaccine to a group it dubbed 1a – frontline health care workers and people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care situations. Last week, it opened vaccines to some people in group 1b, namely any-

one 75 years old and older. Stage 1a also still is in progress.

There is a population of more than 326,000 frontline health care workers and first responders, as well as nearly 350,000 people who are 75 or older.

The state had received 502,950 vaccines and administered 249,356 doses as of Friday.

Those who are eligible to receive the vaccine can find a vaccine provider locator map online at arcg.is/OrCey. But patients are asked not to show up at those locations. An appointment is required.

In Jefferson County, you can register online through the county Emergency Management Agency website, jeffcoema.org, and you will be contacted to schedule an appointment. You also may call the local call center to register. The number is 205-858-2221. Outside of Jefferson County, call the state’s hotline at 855-566-5333.

Because of the limited number of appointments, the ADPH requests that members of the public who are not yet eligible for vaccination under the current distribution phase refrain from calling the hotline.

For general information about COVID-19, including locations where testing is available, call the COVID-19 Information Hotline number at 800270-7268.

—Emily Williams-Robertshaw

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LIFE

10 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

MEDICAL GIANT From page one

work for magazines and newspapers across the country. Edge also has authored several books and edited a number for other writers.

The vast amount of research conducted to write this book opened Edge’s eyes to a world within Birmingham that she had only experienced from one side, as a patient.

“I have used their services, I’ve been in their hospitals more times than I care to admit, so I knew some of the inner workings but never delved as deeply as I went into it when I started researching this book,” Edge said.

Stories From the Past

The industry is in many ways a product of its environment.

“Had Red Mountain not contained everything to make steel, there would never have been a steel industry and doctors would never have come to treat ailments from the steel industry,” Edge said. “I tried to set it against the history of what was going on in the city and county that caused these medical advancements to happen.”

Throughout the book, Edge recounts the history of the landscape of Birmingham, its people and how the medical community – built to help humanity live and thrive – was influenced by that history.

“One of the things about writing the book that was sometimes frustrating was that I would get up in the morning and say, ‘Today I’ve got to look up the first liver transplant,’” Edge said.

“I would start down that path and find out that there were 16 little roads that went off of it that I needed to stop and research before I finished up that journey.”

Experienced With Pandemics

In the early years of a formulated medical community, Birmingham doctors were focused on treating deadly epidemics such as cholera, typhus and the 1918 Spanish flu, finding that each iteration brought its own quarantines and, on occasion, business shutdowns.

“I also found it very interesting that in some of the early coverage of the yellow fever epidemic, some of the doctors were saying, ‘Don’t worry about it. Only a few people are going to get it,’” she said.

Edge noticed similarities in the way Birmingham and the United States as a whole reacted in the early days of the COVID-19 pan-

Writing During a Pandemic One of the main challenges Edge faced throughout the process of writing her book was the emergence of the COVID19 pandemic.

Shutdowns hampered Edge’s research.

“It became more difficult as libraries closed, and there were other research facilities that weren’t available to me anymore,” she said.

Lynn Edge “Thank goodness for things like newspaper.com because I could go back and read through old newspapers.”

Sources also included a few books that people had written in years past about the early history

One of the most interesting and fulfilling aspects of the process for Edge was having the chance to delve deeper into the medical commu-

nity’s response to polarizing moments in history.

A hallmark of the research process for Edge was discovering what people in Birmingham were doing on the morning of Sept. 15, 1963, and reactions to the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing.

“They got a call at the church that said how ever many minutes they had to get out of the church.” Edge said. “Those five minutes have always fascinated me, so being able to delve into that time and find out what other people were doing in the city is probably one of the most rewarding things.”

Edge was able to interview someone who knew exactly where George Seibels, later to become mayor of Birmingham, was during those five minutes: attending church at the Cathedral Church of the Advent.

“Seibels rushed from the church in the direction of the noise and found himself, after covering fewer than five blocks, staring at what he would describe as the worst thing he had ever seen,” Edge writes.

Hillman Hospital and University Hospital were readying their ERs. University received 12 victims and Hillman, 19.

Dr. Holt McDowell of Hillman Hospital and his fellow physicians set about to treat the 15 people that could be saved, while a fellow doctor oversaw a temporary morgue for those who were killed.

It was one of a number of incidents in the early 60s that brought victims of racial violence into Birmingham ERs. Just days after the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, a local doctor took down signs segregating restrooms in his office and a wave of integration followed in medical facilities and hospitals throughout the city.

Throughout the book, there are plenty of surprises and discoveries to be found as Edge recounts major historical events and occurrences, as well as great strides in technology, research and treatment.

“This whole state is intertwined, even though Jefferson county and Birmingham are probably the center of medical research,” Edge said.

Signed copies of the book are currently available at Alabama Booksmith.

of the Birmingham medical community. She also conducted interviews with a number of current and retired medical professionals, who she said were typically stuck at home and easily contacted for an interview.

“I also depended a lot on the notes from the Jefferson County Medical Society because they kept excellent minutes from their meetings,” she said.

One of the major challenges Edge faced during the process was finding an ending while a global health crisis was going on.

“The funny thing about finishing up the book during a pandemic was that we were never quite sure that we were finished,” Edge said. “Every time we would write something, another thing would change and you’d have to go back in and add it.”

At a certain point, Edge had to say “enough is enough” and formulate a conclusion to a history that is ongoing and ever-developing.

“This is by no means the end of the history,” she said.

There was a span of time during which Edge and the Legacy Publishing Company team were worried that as the book was being printed, something monumental would occur. UAB researchers could potentially find not only a vaccine for the virus, but stumble upon a cure.

“The ending is really what you draw from it, that every single minute it’s changing,” Edge said.

“The ending is that, yes, we are doing research on the coronavirus and are one of the forefronts of creating a vaccine, but we might accidentally find a cure.”

“I think the lesson is that it is a very fluid industry, even though there are certain rules,” she added. “Gravity isn’t going to change. If you fall down and skin your knee, you’re going to need a doctor. But it is an exciting industry. Tomorrow, something extraordinary could happen right here.”

demic.

“I thought, we’ve heard this, and we should have learned from the yellow fever epidemic,” Edge said.

Women Claimed Ground

She was surprised by the role of female physicians in the Birmingham medical community, which drummed up many open-ended questions.

“I did find a lot of that interacting interesting, how women were ignored yet they were doctors,” she said. What was continually left out of the accounts were the reasons why women chose the area to practice, as there was, for much of its history, no substantial medical school in the area.

“I certainly don’t think it would be a very welcoming community for women,” she said.

There were female physicians who made headlines in the area.

‘Had Red Mountain not contained everything to make steel, there would never have been a steel industry and doctors would never have come to treat ailments from the steel industry.’

One of the city’s first female doctors was Dr. Annie May Robinson of Maryland.

She started her Birmingham-based obstetrics practice in about 1907 and lent her time as a house physician for the Salvation Army’s Rescue Home.

In addition to her work in the medical community, she was documented as one of Birmingham’s most outspoken suffragists.

In addition, Birmingham was home to Dr. Alice McNeal, one of the first females in the nation to chair an academic anesthesia department. She became the first female anesthesiologist to practice in Alabama in 1946, when she accepted a position as assistant professor of surgery and chief of the surgery department’s anesthesia division at the hospital of the Medical College of Alabama. She held the position until 1961.

Big Moments in History

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Real Men Wear Pink Breast Cancer Campaign Kicks Off

The “real men” have lined up to take part in this year’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and money to fight it.

The men met virtually Jan. 18 to kickstart their efforts. They’ll be wearing something pink every day in February as part of their competition to beat all of their peers and become the top fundraiser in the area.

This is the sixth year of the campaign in Central Alabama.

“Breast cancer affects everyone,” said Aubie Clements, community development

‘The COVID pandemic has given cancer the advantage, as women were forced to postpone regular breast cancer screenings earlier this year.’ manager for the American Cancer Society.

“One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. These are sisters, mothers, grandmothers and friends.”

She applauded the men who have joined with the American Cancer Society in the fight against breast cancer.

“This is a cause they personally believe in and (they) are committed to raising awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer,” she said.

“The COVID pandemic has given cancer the advantage, as women were forced to postpone regular breast cancer screenings earlier this year,” added Clements. “We are grateful to our Real Men Wear Pink participants for lending their voices to raise awareness and funds for everyone fighting breast cancer.”

According to the American Cancer Society Facts & Figures 2021, an estimated 284,200 people in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 44,130 will die from the disease this year.

In Alabama, 4,460 women will be diagnosed this year and 720 will die from the disease. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer.

For more information about breast cancer or the Real Men Wear Pink campaign in Central Alabama, visit RealMenBham.com.

This year’s Real Men Wear Pink participants in central Alabama are: Quentin Riggins, Ronnie Rice, Bob Dickerson, Mike Hendrickson, Bill Witting, Patrick Strubel, Trent Hallmark, Scott Sobera, Jon Register, Hunter Houston, Timothy Puthoff, Phillip Houston, Trip Cobb, Steven Jackson, Jason Avery, Rickey Passey and Mark Pettaway.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • 11

LIFE

McCALLUM his home in Vestavia Hills. He was 95.

McCallum was UAB’s third president, from 1987 until 1993.

“Our university family and the Birmingham community have lost a fierce advocate and a wonderful friend,” UAB President Ray L. Watts said in a statement issued by the school. “Scotty believed in the people of this university, their work and their mission to provide a quality education to all and to build a medical facility that could care for the people of our state and beyond.

Without his visionary leadership and dedication, UAB would not be the world-class institution it is today. Nancy and I are eternally grateful for Scotty’s life and join the UAB Family in sending our deepest sympathies to the McCallum family.”

Before being named UAB president, McCallum served as vice president for health affairs, dean of the School of Dentistry and chair of the Department of Oral Surgery.

McCallum came to Birmingham in 1951 as an oral surgery intern and earned his medical doctorate in 1957 from what was then known as the Birmingham medical school.

McCallum’s family wrote in his obituary that “he loved the student-athletes and coaches on all the teams at UAB and frequently attended their games, as he believed athletics was integral to school spirit and the culture of the campus.”

McCallum was inducted into UAB’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.

“He was great for UAB,” Murry Bartow said. “He was a veritable ambassador for the school, and he fought hard for UAB.

File photo

From page one

In 2014, Charles A. “Scotty” McCallum Jr., a former dentist, educator, president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a two-term mayor of Vestavia Hills, received Leadership Vestavia Hills’ Lifetime Achievement Award. McCallum was joined by his sons at the event, from left: Phillip, Chris, Scott, Chip and Alex McCallum.

His Legacy in Vestavia

McCallum also served as Vestavia Hills’ mayor from 2000 to 2008, after having moved to the city in 1967 to raise his family.

Current Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry issued a statement saying he was thankful to have known McCallum.

“His impact on the City of Vestavia Hills will be felt for many, many years,” Curry said.

“He leaves a tremendous legacy.”

City manager Jeff Downes also issued a statement.

“Many of the successes we see today are a direct result of the foundation laid by Scotty McCallum,” Downes said. “He was a fine man and an influential member of our city govern-

ment. His many contributions to the City of Vestavia Hills will continue to benefit our resi-

‘His impact on the City of Vestavia Hills will be felt for many, many years. He leaves a tremendous legacy.’

VESTAVIA HILLS MAYOR ASHLEY CURRY

2018, he said, “There are many things that bring me joy. What I love doing is working with the people in this community who are so wonderful. I’m lucky that I came to Birmingham back in 1951. When you’re making other people happy, I think that’s so important.

“We’re here because God put us here to make this a better world and a better place and to be kind to other human beings. It’s a beautiful, beautiful challenge.”

Bartow said McCallum accomplished his lifelong mission.

“All of us want to have a full life and he did live a full one,” Bartow said. “I’m going to miss him.”

Giving Our Best To Your Loved Ones Giving Our Best To Your Loved Ones Giving To YourLoved LovedOnes Ones Giving OurBest Best ToLoved Your Giving OurOur Best To Your Ones dents for years to come.”

When McCallum received the Vulcan Park and Museum Lifetime Achievement Award in

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SOCIAL

12 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Save the Date

Popular Winter Parties Getting Reworked Due to Pandemic

In Good Health I

O’Neal Cancer Center’s ArtBlink Gala Goes Virtual

n the spirit of health and safety, the advisory board of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB will host its first Virtual ArtBlink Gala on Feb. 5.

In place of the event’s typical silent auction of live painted artwork, virtual studio experiences will be featured throughout the week leading up to the event.

The evening program, hosted virtually on YouTube from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., will include special messages from center Director Dr. Barry Sleckman and this year’s event honoree, George Wheelock III, founding member and former president of the advisory board. In addition, the video presentation will include words from a featured survivor, physicians, researchers, board members and artists.

Attendees will have the option to pick up a special ArtBlink dinner organized by Iz Catering before the event. Dinner pickup will Photos courtesy UAB

In place of the event’s typical silent auction of live painted artwork, virtual studio experiences will be featured throughout the week leading up to the event.

ARTBLINK 2020: Above, Herb and Harriet Chen with artist Carrie Pittman; left, patrons view the gallery at last year’s in-person ArtBlink Gala.

take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Independence Plaza Parking Deck in Homewood.

Funds raised for the gala will benefit toppriority projects in cancer research and patient care via the cancer center’s Fund for Excellence.

For more information, visit artblink.org. ❖

Step Right Up

Glenwood to Host Circus-Themed Virtual Gala

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

The show must go on for the junior board of Glenwood’s A Night Under the Big Top 2021.

In place of the annual gala, the board will host a virtual circus event Feb. 19.at 8 p.m. The event will be free to stream and will feature circus fun, heartwarming stories, a silent auction and door prizes. Upgraded tickets are available that also include such things as circus treats, event swag, cocktails to go and wine.

Funds raised will support the organization in its mission to serve children and families touched by autism and other mental health concerns.

For more information, visit glenwood.org/bigtop/. ❖

A NIGHT UNDER THE BIG TOP 2020: Enjoying last year’s event were, from left, Elizabeth Stewart, Lindsay Grant, Kimberly Prewitt and Julie Duck. This year’s circus-themed event will be virtual.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

LOVE FOR LITERACY 2020: At last year’s gala, from left, Anne Giraud, Better Basics administrative and development coordinator; Krystal Drummond, board president; and Anna Lisa Beavers, junior board member. Better Basics recently announced a new fundraiser due to COVID19 risks.

Take the Cake

Better Basics Sells Valentine’s Gift Baskets to Raise Funds for Critical Literacy Programming Better Basics has decided to forgo its annual in-person Love for Literacy gala this year due to COVID-19 risks.

Instead, the organization will be selling Valentine’s Day packages for children and adults. Funds raised will support Better Basics’ academic intervention and enrichment programs for struggling students in

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • 13

SOCIAL

Birmingham-area communities.

According to organization officials, the pandemic has increased the education gap for low-income students, creating a larger need for Better Basics services this year. The organization also has made efforts to provide virtual, research-based literacy programs to adapt to health and safety needs.

Adult gift baskets will include a fresh flower arrangement, Nothing Bundt Cakes bundtlets and a bottle of red wine, while children’s baskets include a bundt cake, candy, a balloon, toy, an arts and craft activity and a Valentine’s Day-themed children’s book.

The last day to order baskets is Feb. 9. Adult baskets sell for $80; children’s baskets sell for $45.

Local delivery is available for $20.

Pick up also is available at the Better Basics office Feb. 12.

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14 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

Alabama, where she received a Bachelor of Science in biology. She also is a 2019 cum laude graduate of the Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine.

During her time at the University of Alabama, she was in the University Honors Program and was a member of Delta Zeta sorority, serving as its secretary and chaplain. Dr. Spivey is a member of The Poinsettia Debutante Club.

Mr. Freeman is the grandson of Mrs. L.D. Napper and the late Mr. L.D. “Buddy” Napper of Ruston, Louisiana. He also is the grandson of Mrs. Nancy Lee Henry and the late Walter Clyde Freeman of Choudrant, Louisiana. The prospective groom is a 2010 graduate of the Monticello School in Concord, North Carolina.

He is a 2015 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in public relations and advertising.

The bride-elect is an associate veterinarian at Southside Animal Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. The prospective groom is a senior data integration manager with Enterprise Data Office at eviCore in Franklin.

The wedding is planned for March 2021 in Nashville.

To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, call 823-9646.

Let the Holiday Celebrations Roll Ghost Train Hosts New Orleans-Style Holiday Party

In the style of the Big Easy, Ghost Train Brewing Company hosted a New Orleans Holiday Celebration Dec. 19.

The event featured live jazz music from the Choko Aiken Jazz Trio while Gumbo to Beaux served up authentic New Orleans cuisine.

In addition, a variety of holidaythemed cocktails were served alongside Ghost Train Brews, including a Sleighbell Sour, Hurry-Train Frozen Cocktail and Barrel Aged Hard Eggnog. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Spivey-Freeman

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Delane Spivey of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Spivey, to Luke Napper Freeman, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Lee Freeman of Franklin, Tennessee.

Dr. Spivey is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Aubrey Ivy of Birmingham, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Loyce Edker Spivey of Dothan. The bride-elect is a 2010 graduate of Mountain Brook High School. She is a 2013 summa cum laude graduate of the University of

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Clockwise from above: Belle and Marc Harris; Midge and Melissa Paruszkiewicz with Nova and Brittany Wiginton; and Lydia Moore, Lucie Moore and Savannah Lee.

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Thursday, January 28, 2021 • 15

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HOME

Photos courtesy Organize BHAM

16 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

T

he spaces we live in have become our quarantine zones, our classrooms, our offices, our restaurants and bars. With so many roles a home has to play in a pandemic, clutter is bound to take over.

Decluttering and organizing the home can be a time-consuming and daunting task.

Birmingham resident Alex Sasser knows this firsthand. It’s the reason she created her professional organization service Organize BHAM. The company was founded in 2017, inspired by her ability to get a handle on the clutter in her own home as she and her husband raised two twin boys.

“I quickly realized that it’s hard to have kids, have a home, be a wife, work a demanding job and balance doing all of those things that all of those people required of me,” Sasser said. “I realized that I was falling behind.”

One day, enough was enough. She looked around her home and was faced with some big questions. Why hadn’t she cleaned out those clothes she hadn’t worn in a year? Why hadn’t she gone through the cabinets? Why hadn’t she organized and sorted through the medicine?

“I did it for myself one day,” she said. “I then went through our entire house. Then I went to my mom’s house. Then I went to my grandmother’s house.”

Sasser realized that she wasn’t alone in her struggle, and – having had a corporate career before motherhood – she knew she wasn’t the only one who struggled to find the time to get the job done.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Alex Sasser founded Organize BHAM in 2017, inspired by her ability to get a handle on the clutter in her own home as she and her husband raised two twin boys.

Treasure It or TOSS IT Organize BHAM Founder Alex Sasser Gives Tips to Declutter Your Home

“Those two issues go hand in hand – having the time and knowing how,” she said.

Backed by two assistants, Sasser’s services lend that helping hand so homeowners can get a handle on their clutter and save time.

Having an objective third-party is also helpful because it provides perspective. Sasser and her team are there to teach people how to let things go while also providing the tools to maintain that organization long-term.

Pandemic Boost

For Sasser, a light in the darkness of 2020 was that people had to spend so much time at home and discovered what wasn’t working in their living space.

“We had a great year because people realized that the home is really very important,” she said.

“We need to pay attention to it a little bit more than we do.”

During the shutdown, Sasser wasn’t able to go into homes and provide her services as she

typically does. Yet, the need was growing.

“I noticed that people were really starting to itch,” she said. “We were all really tired of our homes.”

She revamped her social media strategy to infuse a bit more customer value.

“I started blogging, giving tips that they

‘We had a great year because people realized that the home is really very important. We need to pay attention to it a little bit more than we do.’ could implement right then and there,” she said.

When business commenced once again, the phone was ringing off the hook.

One of her most memorable tasks was helping a mom create a functional learning space for

her children.

“She was craving order and the kids needed somewhere to go and focus,” she said.

A great trick Sasser employed was putting items at various heights based on their use and ability to distract. Learning resources and educational tools were placed within reach, while fun things like Play-Doh were placed on higher shelves.

Finding Focus

Organization of the home can be a way to organize the mind, but it’s a struggle when people don’t understand how to make their space work.

Clutter can be found not only on countertops and in drawers but created by the way we decorate our space.

“I have projects where people have felt the need to repurpose a piece of furniture,” Sasser said. “The problem is that piece of furniture really doesn’t function. It’s not maximizing the space. It’s too big and bulky, so it’s actually wasting space in the long run.”

There is no substitution for good shelving. In fact, Organize BHAM works closely with another local company, Closettec, based in Montevallo.

“We work with them to replace those bulky pieces with actual built-in shelving that maximizes their space to create more function,” she said.

When it comes to filling those shelves in a functional way, for example in the office, Sasser has a piece of advice.

In a July 1 blog post, Sasser offered some

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

takeaways from a collaboration with local design blog Montgo Farmhouse for a Better Home & Gardens One Room Challenge. Montgo redesigned an office and Sasser helped organize the clutter.

Her four big tips for office organization are: • Make filing a habit. Paperwork can be daunting in an office, so use some type of sorter to keep it straight.

Magazine holders or stackable letter trays work well.

• It’s tempting to buy a random basket here or there but be mindful that the visual clutter can be easily eliminated by having similar containers.

• Labels are crucial to help you know where items live.

• Store your important documents all in one place. Keep the passports, birth certificates, house records and such all together in one box for easy access.

Sasser has two golden rules she teaches her clients to guide their ability to maintain organization, and they go hand in hand.

Organization is not a one-time thing but a continuous task.

“Just because you are getting it done today doesn’t mean it does not need to be done again next month,” Sasser said. “It will need to be done again next month.”

And you cannot simply edit or spring clean your home once a year.

Sasser suggests doing a full home edit at least twice a year.

“We as humans buy too many things,” she said. “We are consumers of Amazon and Target and the local dollar spot. We need to be clearing out more often.”

Don’t Seek Perfection

It’s important to note that a home cannot be expected to be perfect.

“I think people probably believe that because I’m a professional organizer my home is perfect,” she said.

“That’s not true. Everything is not color coordinated and labeled in a bin.”

It’s an unrealistic goal. While coordinating and labelling to perfection potentially can be achieved in spaces such as a medicine cabinet or pantry, there are so many spaces in a home that simply don’t lend themselves to perfect coordination.

“Especially with young kids,” Sasser said. “They’re not going to put it back where it needs to go every time.”

There is also a sentimental struggle. One could hang on to too much or, like Sasser, struggle with concerns that they are throwing too much away.

The sentimental aspect of having

kids also lends itself to clutter.

“I want to keep some things, but I sometimes feel that I am too ruthless,” she said. She also said she has learned through experience with relatives who keep everything that, “my kids are not going to want it all.”

She doesn’t keep buckets full of baby clothes, but she wonders if she will regret it later.

She does keep artwork, but she decides right when a new piece enters the home if it will be filed away in

the container or tossed.

It’s an ever-evolving task, a form of therapy.

“I don’t think people realize it in the moment, but down the road it changes your mentality,” she said.

For more tips and tricks, check out Sasser’s blog at organizebham.com.

There you also will find links to her social media pages. To get in touch, fill out the online form or email hello@organizebham.com.

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HOME

Photos courtesy Willow Homes

Willow Homes recently completed a total makeover of this home in Vestavia Hills.

A

s people have spent more time in their houses during the pandemic, the unsatisfactory elements have become more annoying than ever, leading more and more people to renovate and expand their houses.

Low interest rates also have driven the trend, making it cheaper to borrow money to finance changes, said Roxanne Hale, co-owner of the Homewood-based real estate agency Art House Creative. Additionally, home prices have increased, giving homeowners more equity to make renovating affordable.

But finding the right renovators and contractors to carry out those projects might not be as simple as it sounds. Hale helps pair clients with those services to create their dream homes, in addition to helping them find new homes.

She said it’s important for homeowners to interview renovators and contractors to make sure the company’s vision and process align with the project goals.

Hale suggests homeowners ask a litany of questions before signing on the dotted line.

How long have you been in business?

If they are new and eager to make the sale, the price should reflect that. Are they tenured pros with a friendly team? Expect to pay a little more.

How big is your team?

The company might be a one-person shop or a larger one with an entire team.

If your project is small or the company doesn’t take much business, the smaller company may give you excellent one-on-one service.

The perks of a larger team are the extra services they provide, such as plan designers, decorators, full accounting departments and project managers at your fingertips. Of all the disagreements clients have with contractors, most revolve around money disputes.

I’d advise choosing a builder with an accounting department and pass over anyone that does their accounting at night after work. You want a contractor with a full-time accountant tracking the expenses on your job like a pro. You’ll be kept up to

speed on billing and costs and most likely have far fewer disagreements over money.

Do you help with plan designs or do I need an architect?

If you need help designing your floor plan or addition and selecting the design elements for it, you may want to go with a build-design firm that offers a full suite of services so you can do it all in one place. If they don’t provide these services, you’ll be tasked with finding a plan designer or architect yourself.

Do you have interior designers on staff to help me?

A designer’s purpose in a renovation or addition is to help you coordinate choices, document your selections and keep track of your spending.

Ideally, you want to stay on budget in accordance with the allowances your builder sets for your project. Some builders include this service in their fees, and others recommend one.

Either way, you should probably get one and allow them to make the whole process so much easier.

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Ask Questions First Choose the Right Builder for Your Remodeling Project

What do you do best and what are your pain points?

Get their perspective on what they do best and issues they frequently have.

If they are transparent, the remodeler or contractor shouldn’t have any problem discussing this with you.

Sometimes their pain points are company-specific, like growing quickly and working to keep up with demand.

Other times, it’s market-driven issues like a shortage of labor or cumbersome local building codes.

What are your build times on a project like mine?

Find out how much time they think your project will take. Be extremely specific on what you both agree the “start” time means. Clients generally think of the start time as when they sign the contract and start paying for the work. Builders think of the start time as when they pull permits and begin the site’s actual construction work. How much time do they expect the planning and permitting phase to take for a project like yours? Most importantly, when do they think you can move back in or use your new renovation?

What is your estimating process like?

The estimating team’s job is to calculate how much it costs to do the work

you are requesting. Ask them how long this part of the process takes, and ask whether they are making an educated guess or sending your plans around to vendors to solicit actual numbers.

It’s a lengthy and detailed part of the process, so be prepared to buckle up and wait patiently. You want your contractor to get this part as accurate as possible.

How do you plan to keep me updated on the progress?

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Due to the details and costs involved (and pure excitement), clients always want more information and more involvement.

A typical contractor or remodeler’s day is busy coordinating trades, keeping costs down, working with city building officials, and managing schedules. They should have a communication plan for your home that keeps you up to date on the progress and billing, explains what’s coming next and addresses any issue. In our work consulting with builders and contractors, we tell them, “If you think you are over-communicating with your clients, it’s probably barely enough.”

Find out how frequently you’ll hear from them and whether they have pre-determined meetings for essential project milestones.

What software do you use to keep me informed, my billing updated and my project progressing?

Do they use any software programs to schedule your project and keep you informed? How do they manage change orders and billing? Are bills sent out on a schedule? When are they due? There are a variety of programs available to builders to help with all these issues. Some builders embrace them, and others don’t bother with them. How does the company plan to keep your project and accounting organized?

Will you work with my lender? Or, if paying cash, what should I expect from billing?

Most builders and remodelers work with any lender. If they’ve had a bad

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

experience with your lender, they may let you know that as well. Most people don’t realize the builder is the “first lender” on the job. The contractor or remodeler pays to have the work done first and once the work is complete submits for reimbursement from your lender or you.

For contractors to have a responsive trade or vendor base, they must pay quickly for completed work. If they are slow to pay, vendors and trades won’t jump on their work, and the job slows down. If you or your bank don’t pay on time, it slows down your job or may stall it entirely. Most contractors’ contracts explain how their billing works precisely. Read it carefully and abide by the agreement to keep your project on track.

Do you offer a fixed price or costplus contract?

These are two basic contracts most custom builders or remodelers offer.

Sometimes they offer one or both.

A fixed price contract is one in which the contractor calculates the total cost for what you want to do and provides a fixed price and scope of work for the job, laying out the specifications exactly. The price does not change unless you add something additional, despite any cost overruns the builder may have.

A cost-plus contract outlines the cost the contractor expects to pay for the work, including a builder fee (calculated as a percentage of the total costs) to manage the work for you.

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • 19

HOME You are responsible for cost overruns and benefit from any savings on the project.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Pick the one that feels right for you.

What areas of town do you work in most frequently?

It’s best to find a remodeler that regularly works in your area or close by. You want someone familiar with the municipality, government officials, local building codes and preferences in your area.

Having a contractor that regularly travels in your part of town means you’ll have plenty of job supervision on your project. Going with someone who doesn’t routinely work in your area might be fine, but they could have a learning curve figuring out some of the local nuances, getting their trades out quickly and supervising the work on your project daily.

Do you have references or examples of your work I could see?

THE CLEAR CHOICE

Most contractors and remodelers post references and testimonials on their website and social media feeds.

Check these out for photos of past work. If they are newer and don’t have any online, ask whether they have a current project you can walk through.

If provided with references, call them. Ask about the experience, process and quality of work provided.

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20 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

Healthier Social Media Habits

Syracuse, New York.

Her video for Middle Ground compares and contrasts the viewpoints of young people on opposite sides of the social media spectrum.

Participation in the video shoot was a high school highlight for Lembke.

Altamont Student Founds Global Social Media-Concious Organization, Log Off researched the negative effect of social media on her own mental health.

“The constant bombardment with a never-ending feed worsened my anxiety and left me instilled with unrealistic expectations for my life,” Lembke said.

Now, Log Off has grown into a global movement with a Teen Leadership Council made up of 30 teens from 13 countries.

Through a variety of materials – podcast episodes, blog posts, a character education curriculum and digital detox challenges – the movement is generating a dialogue to promote healthy social media use and shed light on the many facets of the social media world.

Log Off has grown into a global movement with a Teen Leadership Council made up of 30 teens from 13 countries.

Photo courtesy Altamont School

Altamont School senior Emma Lembke is asking her peers to log off.

She isn’t so much asking her fellow students to log off the internet as to rethink the way they use social media. Through the global movement Log Off, Lembke seeks to start a conversation to help other kids like her navigate both the positives and negatives of the social media realm.

The first iteration of Log Off was born through Lembke’s Miree project, which is conducted through Altamont’s C. Kyser Miree Ethical Leadership Center and seeks to help students express leadership and empower them to serve their communities.

For the project, Lembke

Emma Lembke researched the negative effect of social media on her own mental health.

Lembke recently was featured in two outlets: a national video called “Pro Social Media Teens vs. Anti Social Media Teens” for a series called Middle Ground, through Jubilee Media; and an interview by Bridge Street, a TV news show in

Photo courtesy Vestavia Hills High School

Homewood Schools Instruction Director Announces Retirement

VHHS SGA Raises Thousands During Fall Charity Events

Despite pandemic challenges, Vestavia Hills High School’s Student Government Association spent the fall term surpassing fundraising goals for the semester.

“We had no idea what we truly would be able to accomplish with many students learning virtually, students coming in and out of the term and fundraising being very difficult during a pandemic,” said teacher Kelly Gwarjanski.

The school was able to donate $35,077 and needed items to the Amelia Center.

The SGA’s fund drive resulted in the following donations: $200 in gift cards, $2,777 worth of art supplies, $500 Hike the Hills direct donation to the Amelia Center, $2,600 in direct donations through the Amelia Center website from the Vestavia community and $29,000 raised by the SGA through class competitions, T-shirt sales and Homecoming King donations “We were honored and excited to be able to support this charity that is so special to the Vestavia Hills family,” Gwarjanski said.

In addition, the school’s November Canned Food Drive surpassed a goal to collect 15,000 cans.

“Our students and faculty really got behind this fundraiser, had some intense class competitions, and we were able to divide 25,420 cans and nonperishable goods between Vestavia Hills United Methodist and Love in Action,” Gwarjanski said.

“We are very proud of our students for their work in this hard, pandemic year and very different first semester.”

The Amelia Center provides grief counseling and support to children who lose a parent and parents who lose a child.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

With 28 years of service in public education, Homewood City Schools Director of Instruction Dr. Patrick Chappell announced his plans for retirement this spring.

Chappell has dedicated his career to the students in Homewood by helping to foster a strong vision for Homewood’s leadership in curriculum and instruction.

“This decision is truly bittersweet for me. I have spent 27 of my 28 years in public education working for Homewood Schools, and I have loved every minute of it,” Chappell said.

In 1994, Chappell joined Homewood as a middle school teacher, and later he was hired as Homewood High School’s assistant principal for instruction.

In 2005, Chappell was promoted to a district level administrator of instruction.

He has been an administrator in Homewood Schools for 21 years.

Throughout his career in Homewood, Chappell has helped develop and facilitate many of the instructional programs that have led the school system to excel in many areas.

Chappell has participated and led in all five of the district’s strategic planning processes over 25 years. A participant in Homewood’s first administrative cohort program, he directed the other three Homewood-Samford University partnerships that resulted in the leadership development of many of Homewood’s current school leaders.

Chappell also has helped to develop or improve on creative structures, schedules and initiatives to enhance student learning. He assisted in creating and implementing Homewood’s instructional learning targets, its elementary standards-based grading process, academic teacherteaming at the secondary level and embedded professional learning for

It was shared with Jubilee Media’s community of more than 5 million subscribers.

“As a young child, I dreamed of moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting and singing career. Although my career aspirations have shifted, the opportunity to be in front of cameras to speak about an issue of the utmost importance to me was exhilarating,” said Lembke.

This experience gave her the opportunity to listen to other particiHomewood teachers. He has overseen the growth of Homewood High School’s Advanced Placement program over the past two decades.

“Chappell has been a person I’ve admired and esteemed for many years,” Homewood’s superintendent, Dr. Justin Hefner, said.

“He’s an outstanding school leader and even better person. We will miss him dearly but know our district is academically moving in Dr. Patrick Chappell a positive direction. Chappell’s collaborative leadership will continue to serve Homewood City Schools for years to come.”

For the past 16 years, Chappell has directed professional learning for teachers and administrators, led new teacher induction and support, facilitated accreditation and state monitoring processes, and served as the district’s liaison to the Homewood Schools Foundation.

This spring, Chappell will be joining Publisher’s Warehouse as a customer development analyst.

“I rest easy at night looking to the future of Homewood Schools, as I care deeply about this community. Our schools are full of bright, young leaders investing in this community and in ‘the Homewood way,’ just as I did as a young teacher and administrator.”

Chappell believes Homewood schools will continue doing what they do best. “HCS will continue to build and evolve from the best of our past by always looking to the future. I will always be an ambassador for Homewood Schools and one of Homewood’s biggest cheerleaders,” he said.

pants’ stories that contrasted with her own. Five other teens from across the nation participated in the video.

“As a digital wellness advocate, I speak with children and adults about the ways that social media has impacted them,” which she said usually was negatively. “It is imperative that I heard these positive stories because social media is in fact a multifaceted entity. After this experience, I will work harder to spread digital consciousness and awareness while simultaneously celebrating the beneficial aspects of the apps.”

She also was interviewed this week by Bridge Street, a television news show in Syracuse. During the interview, she mentioned that social media is a double-edged sword.

“It’s imperative that teens start to discuss healthier social media habits in order to mitigate its harm on teens’ mental health,” she said.

Lembke’s hope for Log Off is that it will serve as a catalyst for change and a platform to highlight young voices. To learn more, visit logoffmovement.org.

— Emily Williams-Robertshaw

Mountain Brook Kindergarten Enrollment Opens

Kindergarten enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year recently began in Mountain Brook Schools.

There are two steps to enroll a child in kindergarten, according to school officials.

First, create an online student account. An account can be created at mtnbrook.k12.al.us. Parents can enter their child’s demographic information as instructed. They also will be able to pay for kindergarten items such as supplies and field trips.

Second, attend an on-site event to complete the process. The events will be at the elementary school the child will be attending.

The dates for the enrollment events are Brookwood Forest Elementary, Feb. 4; Cherokee Bend Elementary, Feb. 10; Mountain Brook Elementary, Feb. 18; and Crestline Elementary, Feb. 24.

At the on-site events, parents will verify residency and complete the enrollment process. Parents should take proof of residency, a birth certificate and a certificate of immunization. If any siblings already are enrolled in Mountain Brook Schools and the family residence has not changed, proof of residency is not required. Bringing a child’s social security card is voluntary, and if there is not a social security number or parents elect not to provide it, an internal number will be assigned.

It should be noted that on-site enrollment is subject to be changed to virtual format, depending on the COVID-19 conditions. Updates will be provided on the district website.

Kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 2, 2021 to enroll. For more information, call Cyndi Griffin at the Mountain Brook Board of Education office at 205-871-4608.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS/ SPORTS

You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile Mountain Brook Teen Creates Buttons for O’Neal Cancer Center Staff

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • 21

Rehab Reality...

by Judy Butler

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

Addiction is a Family Affair

Photo courtesy

A seemingly simple gesture can have a big impact, especially during a pandemic. It’s something 16-year-old Emily Straughn accomplished during the fall as she created buttons for staff members at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. Straughn, a Mountain Brook High School student, is the daughter of UAB Medicine gynecologic oncologist Dr. Michael Straughn. The daughter of a physician working on the frontline of the pandemic, she heard stories of her father’s workday and the impact certain health and safety measures have had on his relationships with his patients.

“Emily is the type person who is listening when she appears to be engaged in her homework, phone or TV,” Dr. Straughn said. “I think she heard of all the COVID-related health care issues for months and wanted to provide a solution to the problem.”

She was inspired to start the “Under My Mask Is My Smile” campaign so doctors such as her father, his fellow medical professionals and his patients could continue to see smiling faces while adhering to mask requirements.

“I was very proud of Emily when she started developing this project,” he added.

Through the project, Straughn has created personalized buttons for a number of hospital workers. Buttons also feature a mask-free, smiling photo.

The project has a level of simplicity, yet the impact is great, according to Dr. Straughn.

“As an oncologist, it is so important to provide hope to your patients,” he said, “hope they will feel better, get better and accomplish their goals.”

Some of the ways he connects with his patients and helps provide them some hope is through simple human connection. It’s as simple as a smile.

“Difficult conversations are usually made better

Emily Straughn has created personalized buttons for a number of hospital workers.

by human interaction, including touch and a smile,” he said. “Hand shakes, hugs, even facial expressions are limited by the pandemic.”

According to Dr. Straughn, the buttons have been quite popular among the staff. When staff members don their buttons, it is a way to remind their patients that they care.

“It is great to see the staff wear their buttons every day,” Dr. Straughn said. “It becomes part of their daily routine. Patients have given us lots of positive feedback. Makes me proud to be part of a simple gesture.”

Straughn was inspired to start the “Under My Mask Is My Smile” campaign so doctors such as her father, his fellow medical professionals and his patients could continue to see smiling faces while adhering to mask requirements.

CLASSIC TRACK High school track and field teams from the Over the Mountain area and throughout the state competed in the MLK Indoor Track Classic, held on Monday, Jan. 18 at the Birmingham Crossplex.

Highlights from the competition included Crawford Hope of Homewood High School claiming first place in the boys 3200. In addition, Hoover High School girls won the 4x200, Kayla Jemison of Hoover won the girls triple jump, Briarwood’s Ansley Murphy finished first in girls pole vault and Homewood’s Reid Catherine Bunn won girls high jump.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Hoover’s Jay Avery.

Crawford Hope of Homewood High School took first place in the boys 3200.

All too often it’s the family that has the problem more so that the addict. The addict may be in lala land while the drugs and/or alcohol is in control for his or her emotions and thoughts. Meanwhile it’s the family that is suffering.

Often a family member calls because he or she is exhausted from dealing with the financial woes or the fear that the last drink or drug will literally be the last one. Interestingly, after years of being manipulated by this addictive behavior the family still doesn’t understand that this behavior can’t be fixed in a week or two or even four.

Sometimes parents and others expect a “quick fix”… it doesn’t happen. The addiction didn’t happen overnight and neither will the solution.

When clients come to Bayshore Retreat they can begin to see how the world is different and can be different for them without drugs or alcohol controlling their every thought.

There’s great food, a beautiful home, access to a phone (either their cell or the house phone) and life is good. That’s a life we want them to desire going forward.

Next comes the hard work to get there by identifying the toxic personalities in his or her life and helping them see the truth. Reality checks such as relationships, irrational thinking, money management, anger, and a list of life challenges follow this with coaches and counselors to guide them through what we call Life Skills.

Someone told me that they couldn’t see how 12-step meetings could help. I don’t see it as a rehab program, but I do see the benefit afterward as a possible support group.

22 • Thursday, January 28, 2021

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SPORTS

ALL-OTM

Mountain Brook volleyball coach Vickie Nichols with former Spartan player Liz Vandevelde in a photo taken during the 2018 season.

Going Out on Top

Nichols Retiring as Mountain Brook Volleyball Coach After Back-to-Back State Titles

By Rubin E. Grant

Vickie Nichols still loves volleyball, but now she’s ready to do something else.

Nichols has announced that she is retiring as Mountain Brook’s head coach at the end of the school year.

“Volleyball is my passion, but it’s not my life,” Nichols said. “My life has always been faith, family and mission and serving people.”

Nichols’ coaching career has spanned 33 years, including the last four at Mountain Brook. She guided the Spartans to two state championships while compiling a 162-48 record.

“I’ve enjoyed coaching,” Nichols said. “But I knew coming to Mountain Brook would be my last stop. It’s been a good stop. But now it’s just time.

Everywhere I’ve been I’ve always known when it was time.”

Nichols grew up in Florence and was a three-sport athlete at Bradshaw High School before going to Mississippi State on a volleyball scholarship.

She started her coaching career at Hazlewood High, then began the volleyball program at Northwest Shoals Community College alongside college teammate Tina Seals. She remained there for six years before becoming the head coach at Samford.

Nichols also had assistant coaching jobs at Hoover and Oak Mountain.

Before going to Mountain Brook, she lived in Quito, Ecuador, where she taught and coached in an International Christian School.

Nichols guided the Spartans to Elite 8 State Tournament runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2018. She set a school record for wins with a 59-7 record while winning the Class 7A title in 2019. After dropping to Class 6A in 2020, she led the Spartans to a 34-12 record and another state title.

“It’s good to go out on top,” Nichols said. “I’ve been blessed. I was put in a lot of different situations and formed a lot of great relationships.

“I am thankful to our athletic director, Benny Eaves, and administration for the opportunity they gave me to coach at Mountain Brook and trusting me with the program. I can’t thank my assistant coaches enough for their hard work, loyalty and friendship.”

Eaves described Nichols’ decision as bittersweet.

“We appreciate coach Nichols’ commitment and dedication to our studentathletes and athletic department,” Eaves said. “While I am happy for her and her family, I am also saddened in knowing we are saying goodbye to a Spartan family member, quality coach and great person who has contributed to our success.”

Nichols believes Mountain Brook will continue to contend for state titles after she leaves.

“The program is in good shape,” she said. “There is a core group coming back and some good young players coming in, so they will have the potential to win another championship.”

Nichols plans to take a break for a while, then spend time with her family.

She and her husband, Chris, have nine children and four grandchildren spread across the world.

“I’m ready to do something else and go visit my grandchildren,” Nichols said. “I’m not sure what I’ll be doing next, but I am not worried about it. I am looking to the Lord.

“I probably won’t feel I’m retired from coaching until the start of August, when it is time for the volleyball season to start,” she added with a laugh.

worked so hard. We practiced hard and were dedicated every day. With COVID, we made a lot of sacrifices.

We didn’t go to homecoming and football games to lessen possible exposure. Those types of sacrifices, dedication and hard work got us to the championship.”

Even though she has another year left at Hoover, McKinnon has already decided where she’s going to college, committing to Louisville.

“Louisville has some amazing coaches and when I went there to visit, it felt just right,” McKinnon said.

McKInnon is one of four Hoover players on the 2020 All-OTM team, joining outside hitter Sydney Melton, middle hitter Gabrielle Essix and setter Aly Durban.

Mountain Brook, which won the Class 6A state title, also landed four players on the team – outside hitter Cecile Field, middle hitter Greer Golden, setter Hannah Parant and libero Evelyn King.

Homewood placed two players on the squad, middle hitter Olivia Brown and libero Sarah Smith.

Rounding out the team are Spain Park outside hitter Audrey Rothman, Oak Mountain outside hitter Landry Frisch, Altamont middle hitter Kalia Todd and John Carroll Catholic libero Amelia Regusa.

Journal file photos by Marvin Gentry

Journal file photo by Lee Walls

From page 24

Clockwise from top left: Chris Camper, Hoover; Greer Golden, Mountain Brook; Kalia Todd, Altamont; Evelyn King, Mountain Brook.

CALHOUN From page 24

our radar.”

Two weeks ago, Calhoun was hired as the Rebels’ new coach, taking the reins from legendary coach Buddy Anderson. Anderson had been at the school for 49 years, including the past 43 as head coach, before retiring following the 2020 season as the winningest high school coach in state history. He left with a 346-160 record and two state championships.

“The foundation that has already been laid in Vestavia Hills is great, and I look forward to building upon that foundation and impacting lives through the football program,” Calhoun said. “It’s exciting and a little nerve wracking taking over a program that has been in such good hands.

“Coach Anderson had an amazing career and is an amazing man. I hope we can form a good relationship and I want to use him as a resource. I want to continue the journey and take us to better heights.”

Calhoun, 39, comes to Vestavia Hills from Carrollton High School in Georgia, where he had been the school’s head football coach since 2016. He had a 51-12 record over five

seasons, winning three region championships and making five quarterfinal playoff appearances. He was named Region Coach of the Year at the end of the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

Before Carrollton, Calhoun was offensive coordinator for two seasons at Colquitt County High School in south Georgia under former Hoover coach Rush Propst. The team was undefeated both seasons and won back-to-back state championships.

The team was named national champion by two publications in 2015.

Calhoun also served for four seasons as quarterbacks coach at Collins Hill High School in the Atlanta area, where he coached current Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke.

Calhoun played defensive back and quarterback for Valdosta State University from 2000 to 2004 and later joined the team’s coaching staff.

Valdosta State won the NCAA Division II national championship in 2007 while Calhoun served as running backs coach.

Calhoun was recommended to the Vestavia Hills Board of Education by a search committee that included Vestavia Hills City Schools Superintendent Todd Freeman, Vestavia Hills Principal Tonya Rozell, athletic director Jeff Segars, and

Assistant Superintendent Patrick Martin.

Freeman described Calhoun as “a dedicated family man and professional with impeccable character.“ “Coach Calhoun has dedicated his career to investing in the lives of young men through the sport of football,” Freeman said. “His values and commitment to excellence are aligned with those of our school system and community. His successful experiences have prepared him to lead our football program and build on the legacy established by Coach Anderson and his teams. Coach Calhoun and his family will be a wonderful addition to Vestavia Hills.”

Calhoun said he’s ready to take on the challenge of competing in Class 7A, Region 3, which includes Hoover and Thompson, which have combined to win four of the past five 7A state titles.

“That’s something this team’s not going to shy away from,” Calhoun said. “Only four teams from the region can make the playoffs and we think we can be right there with them. ”We’re going to bring in an exciting brand of football. Of course, it’s going to be a new system, but the kids are very highly motivated and ready to learn. I’m looking forward to building a good relationship with them.”

Hoover, Vestavia Hills Boys Advance to State Bowling Tournament

The Hoover boys bowling team defeated defending state champion Thompson last Thursday to win the Class 6A-7A South Regional in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Regional Bowling Championships.

Meanwhile, Vestavia Hills lost to Sparkman in the North Regional finals.

Both Hoover and Vestavia Hills will advance to the State Bowling Championships on Thursday and Friday at Pelham’s Oak Mountain Lanes.

The Bucs captured the South boys’ largeschool division title, posting 1,614 pins in the finals at Eastern Shore Bowling Center in Spanish Fort. Thompson, the 2020 boys’ state champs, rolled a 1,466, 148 pins behind.

Connor Davis led Hoover with a 246 traditional game total in the final game. He finished with a 614 series, third best in the South competition. Teammate Mac Spiller had a final match traditional game 223, and Alex Lee closed with a 637 series.

Hoover won its opening match over Daphne, 1,443 to 1,345, and nipped Mary Montgomery in the best match of the 6A/7A South session 1,581 to 1,559.

The Warriors beat Auburn, 1,526 to 1,273 in the semis to advance to the finals. Thompson, Auburn and Mary Montgomery also advance to the state tournament.

Sparkman beat Vestavia Hills by 255 pins with a championship match total of 1,580 pins in the North Regional at Vestavia Bowl. The Rebels had 1,325 pins.

Vestavia Hills beat Hartselle in the quarters and Huntsville in the semis. Sparkman, Huntsville and Hewitt-Trussville also advanced to the state tournament.

Sparkman had a strong finish in the finals with Dalton Tolgo, Cole Arsenault and C.J. Richardson rolling the top three traditional games with scores of 247, 200 and 189, respectively. Tolgo’s 247 was the best traditional game of the North Regional. He also had a 217 total in the first round and finished with the top 3-game traditional series (655) at Vestavia.

Arsemault had a 578 series and Walter Reed of Vestavia Hills rolled 537 for third.

The Rebels’ Riley Giardina had a 225 game in the quarters and Josh Matthews had Vestavia Hills’ top traditional game in the semis with a 200.

SCOTT From page 24

Scott said. “There’s been a few rocky starts, but overall OK.” Mountain Brook track coach Michael McGovern described Scott as a natural.

“She burst onto the scene as a freshman and continued to get better,” McGovern said. “She has lot of natural ability and she’s extremely coachable.

“Grayson’s also one of the toughest athletes I’ve seen. She works well through pain. And she’s always positive with a big smile on her face. She’s a fun kid to have on the team.”

Quick Learner

Scott became a track and field athlete in the eighth grade, doing the pole vault. But after attending a track camp, she started high jumping.

The coach at the camp was impressed.

“He told me, ‘You need to do high jump,’’’ Scott recalled.

Soon afterward, she added the long jump, triple jump, hurdles and relays to her repertoire of events. In the process, she developed into a stand-

SPORTS

Winter Sports Playoff Recap

Thursday, January 28, 2021 • 23

North Regional first round to secure its state tournament berth, but it lost to eventual regional champion Sparkman 1,348-1,232 in the semifinals.

The AHSAA State Bowling Championships are competing in two divisions this season. The schools competed in just one boys’ and one girls’ division from 2016-2020. SouthsideGadsden, the defending girls’ state champion, is competing in the North 6A/7A competition.

Vestavia Hills Falls in Wrestling Duals Final

Vestavia bowlers, David Matthews, above, and Riley Giardina, below left, competing in the North Regional Bowling Championships last week. Below right, Vestavia Hills wrestler Christopher Hays, won a 7-6 decision over Thompson’s Yanni Vines in the 7A Duals Wrestling Tournament championship last Friday at the Birmingham CrossPlex Bill Harris Arena.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Indian Springs, Spain Park Girls Earn State Tournament Berths

Indian Springs beat Beauregard 973 pins to 934 in the quarterfinals of the South Regional to qualify for the state tournament. But Indian Springs fell to eventual region champion Satsuma 1,118 to 788 in the semifinals.

Spain Park beat Hartselle 1,077-1,047 in the

out in the pentathlon. She holds the school record in the pentathlon and will be competing in it Friday, Jan. 29, in the Last Chance Invitational.

The pentathlon includes the three jumps as well as the 60-meter hurdles and 800-meter run.

Scott set the school record as a sophomore with 2,692 points at the Last Chance Invitational and then broke it as a junior with 3,031 points.

the 2020 outdoor track and field season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am very thankful to have this season because we were all wondering whether we would have a season,” Scott said. “We’re very fortunate.

“We take precautions in practice, even though that’s hard to do when you’re around each other every day and you can’t run with a mask on. But we try to keep socially distanced and wear a mask when we’re not running.”

Scott hopes to compete in track in college.

“I am talking to a number of schools,” she said. “I am trying to figure out the best fit for me.”

Scott also is looking forward to the state indoor meet Feb. 5-6 at the CrossPlex. The Spartans will be competing in Class 6A after competing in 7A the past six years. Mountain Brook won the Class 7A title in 2019 but finished eighth in 2020.

“When we won the year before, we had a lot of seniors,” Scott said. “Last year, we didn’t do terrible, but we had a young team. This year we have some really good athletes. In 6A, I’m not sure what our chances are, but we’re just going to try to do our best.”

The Indian Springs girls earned a state tournament berth in the Class 1A-5A field, while the Spain Park girls advanced in Class 6A-7A. Abby Richie rolled a traditional game 153 as

‘Grayson’s also one of the toughest athletes I’ve seen. She works well through pain. And she’s always positive with a big smile on her face.’

But she didn’t win gold either year, finishing fourth in 2019 and second in 2020.

She is cautiously optimistic about her chances Friday.

“You never say going into a meet that you’re going to win because everyone has off days,” Scott said, “but I’m going to give it my best.”

Scott is grateful to be competing during her final high school indoor season, especially after

The Thompson Warriors edged Vestavia Hills 33-25 to claim their third straight AHSAA Class 7A Duals Wrestling Tournament championship last Friday at the Birmingham CrossPlex Bill Harris Arena.

Coach Shawn Weltzin’s defending AHSAA 7A state champs and the 2020 runner-up Rebels battled to the end with the Warriors (262) winning eight matches, and Vestavia Hills (25-2), coached by Monterrious “Tee” Adams, took six.

Thompson was making its fourth appearance in five years, also winning the title in 2019 and 2020. Vestavia Hills won the first 7A duals crown in 2017 and was making its third appearance in the duals’ five-year history.

The match had only three pins, Thompson winning two and the Rebels one. The Warriors’ Wilson Kennedy won the 138-pound match over Clay Johnston with a pin at 3:51.

Thompson’s Will Garrett followed with a pin over Vestavia’s Jack Lamey at 3:12 in the 160pound march.

The Rebels’ Jack McMurry won the 285pound match over Thompson’s Gregory Hamilton with a pin at 2:58.

The closest match of the contest came at 132 pounds with Vestavia Hills’ Christopher Hays edging Yanni Vines of Thompson 7-6.

The Rebels’ other winners were Hampton Hollifield at 106 pounds, Zach Flurry at 113, Harris Mitchell at 152 and Bryce Littleton at 220.

The AHSAA State Wrestling Traditional Championships will be conducted over two weekends this season with Class 1A/4A at Montgomery’s Garrett Coliseum and Class 7A at Bill Harris Arena on Feb. 12-13.

Class 5A/6A will compete at Von Braun Center in Huntsville the next week, Feb. 18-20.

—Rubin E. Grant

Joy League Baseball Registration Begins in February

Registration for the 2021 Joy League Baseball season begins Feb. 6 at Edgewood Elementary School in Homewood.

Edgewood School will host registration each Saturday in February from 9 a.m. until noon. Online registration will be available Feb. 1 at joyleague.org.

Joy League is open to boys and girls ages 4 to 12. The cost for the season is $35 per player and includes each player’s jersey and cap.

Practices will begin March 6. Opening Day is scheduled for April 3, and the season will conclude June 12. Games will be played at Homewood Middle School.

Founded on the idea that every child who wants to play baseball should have the chance to play, Joy League emphasizes sportsmanship and having fun while learning to play the game.

Joy League will adhere to the state’s health and safety protocols for youth sports.

Joy League is based in Homewood, but there is no residency requirement for registration. Anyone who wants to play is welcome. For more information, call Tim Meehan at 205-913-3902. You also can request a registration form at joyleaguebaseball@ gmail.com or at the joyleague.org address.

SPORTS

Going Out on Top: Nichols retiring as Mountain Brook volleyball coach after backto-back state titles.

Page 22

Winter Sports Playoff Recap. Page 23

Thursday, January 28, 2021 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

‘BEST ALLAROUND’ Versatile McKinnon Earns OTM Volleyball Player of the Year Honor

Spartans’ Scott Reaching New Heights During Indoor Track Season

By Rubin E. Grant

2020 OTMJ ALL-OTM VOLLYEBALL TEAM OUTSIDE HITTERS

HOOVER COACH CHRIS CAMPER TALKING ABOUT RYA McKINNON

MIDDLE HITTERS

Sean Calhoun

Rya McKinnon, 5-9, Jr., Hoover Audrey Rothman, 6-4, Jr., Spain Park Cecile Field, 5-9, Sr., Mountain Brook Sydney Melton, 5-8, Sr., Hoover Landry Frisch, 5-10, Sr., Oak Mountain Gabrielle Essix, 6-3, Sr., Hoover Greer Golden, 6-0, Jr., Mountain Brook Olivia Brown, 6-0, Jr., Homewood Kalia Todd, 6-0, Sr., Altamont

SETTERS

Aly Durban, 5-7, Sr., Hoover Hannah Parant, 6-0, Fr., Mountain Brook

LIBERO/DS

Evelyn King, 5-7, Sr., Mountain Brook Amelia Regusa, 5-6, Sr., John Carroll Catholic Sarah Smith, 5-6, Sr., Homewood Player of the Year — Rya McKinnon, Hoover Coach of the Year — Chris Camper, Hoover

Camper was voted the 2020 OTM Coach of the Year for leading Hoover to its state title after the Bucs lost their first match of the season and then reeled off 50 consecutive victories.

“I appreciate it,” Camper said of the honor.

“It’s a great feeling for myself and all the girls.

We had a talented team and they dedicated themselves and put everything they had into the season.”

That last comment certainly describes McKinnon, who has been on the Bucs’ varsity since she was in the eighth grade. Her motor never stops running when she’s on the court.

“I play with a lot of passion and aggression,” McKinnon said. “I love to hit and get a kill and see everyone get excited. I’m not the tallest player, but I play like a big player.”

McKinnon has been playing volleyball since the third grade. She also plays for the NASA Volleyball Club.

“I used to do gymnastics, but I was way too tall for that,” she said with a laugh. “I just love volleyball.”

McKinnon is thrilled the Bucs finally won a state championship, especially for Hoover’s eight seniors.

“This season was mostly about our hard work and dedication,” McKinnon said. “We

See ALL OTM, page 22

Following a Legend

Calhoun Ready to Start Journey of Replacing Anderson as Vestavia Hills Football Coach

By Rubin E. Grant

Sean Calhoun wasn’t thinking about replacing a legend when he began the process of becoming Vestavia Hills’ next head football coach.

“My wife, Kellie, and I follow the Lord, and the Lord put Vestavia Hills in our lap,” Calhoun said. “It was not something on

See CALHOUN, page 22

Mountain Brook senior Grayson Scott literally went from cheering to soaring.

After being cut from the Mountain Brook cheerleading squad toward the end of her freshman year, Scott jumped right into track.

Two months after her cheerleading days ended, Scott won the Class 7A state high jump title, clearing 5 feet, 4 inches in the 2018 Alabama High School Athletic Association

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Hoover junior Rya McKinnon, 5-foot-9 outside hitter, recorded 594 kills, 267 digs, a 2.32 passer rating and 50 aces while helping the Bucs post a 50-1 record and capture the Class 7A championship, the first state volleyball title in the school’s history.

‘I heard someone say when your best player is one of your best people, you’re in good shape.’

aces while helping Hoover post a 50-1 record and capture the Class 7A championship, the first state volleyball title in school history.

“I heard someone say when your best player is one of your best people, you’re in good shape,” Hoover coach Chris Camper said. “Rya is a great human being. She is very unselfish and as a volleyball player, she’s the best at whatever she’s doing on the court at that moment. She’s the best passer, the best setter, the best server, the best hitter and the best defender. She’s the baseball equivalent of a fivetool player. I think she’s the best all-around player in Alabama.”

Photo courtesy Vestavia Hills Schools

By Rubin E. Grant

Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry

T

he stream of accolades coming in for Hoover junior volleyball player Rya McKinnon has become a flood.

Recently, VolleyballMag.com named McKinnon to its high school All-American first team.

The Over the Mountain area high school volleyball coaches also just voted her the 2020 OTM Player of the Year.

So, what does McKinnon think of all these honors that have come her way?

“It makes me feel really good and it really humbles me,” McKinnon said. “It makes what I put into it worthwhile.”

McKinnon, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter, recorded 594 kills, 267 digs, a 2.32 passer rating and 50

From Cheering to Soaring

Grayson Scott cleared 5 feet, 8 inches in the high jump in the Icebreaker Invitational indoor track meet on Jan. 8 at the Birmingham CrossPlex. The mark tied the school’s girls record and broke the CrossPlex record.

Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

“After I got cut, I had to throw myself into track,” Scott said. “Getting cut turned out to be the best thing that happened for me.”

Scott has continued to soar since then. She cleared 5 feet, 8 inches in the high jump in the Icebreaker Invitational indoor track meet on Jan. 8 at the Birmingham CrossPlex. The mark tied the school’s girls record and broke the CrossPlex record. At the time, it was the top girls mark in the event in the nation, but now it ranks third.

“That was pretty cool,” Scott said of having the top jump in the nation for a while.

She also won the triple jump at the Icebreaker with a jump of 33 feet, 1.5 inches.

Five days later, she won both events at the Hump Day Octameet, hosted by Mountain Brook on Jan. 13 at the CrossPlex. She cleared 5 feet, 4 inches in the high jump and went 32-10 in the triple jump.

“So far this has been a good season for me,” See SCOTT, page 23