10.15.20 by Over the Mountain Journal

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Homewood’s Jeffries Family Shares Epilepsy Journey to Shine a Light on Disease PAGE 12

LIFE

Witches Still Riding Through October Headed Toward Halloween PAGE 7

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020

HALLOWEEN

Photo by Jean Allsopp

Cottage Industry

Birmingham Home & Garden Inspiration Home Gives Southern Charm a British Accent PAGE 18 ALSO INSIDE HOME SECTION: COVID-19 Hasn’t Kept the OTM Housing Market Down PAGE 24. Samford Legacy League to Host 10th Annual Christmas Home Tour PAGE 24.

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OPINION/CONTENTS

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Murphy’s Law

T SAVING LIVES Clay Shoot to Raise Funds for AEDs and CPR Training Through Lord Wedgwood Charity PAGE 6

‘A GREAT FIT’ Two Birmingham Retail Families Collaborate in New Jewelry Venture at the Summit PAGE 10

MASK MARKET Mountain Brook Couple Creates Mask Made for Eyewear PAGE 26

HALF A CENTURY OF LEARNING Vestavia Schools Celebrates 50th Anniversary, Shines Spotlight on Educators PAGE 28

ABOUT TOWN 4 HALLOWEEN 7 NEWS 10 LIFE 12 SOCIAL 14

he holidays are coming. That would have purchased the turkey itself much is certain. I don’t know except I first have to do some targeted what they will look like, but thawing and eating to create a turkeyI’ve learned from expert sources (The sized hole in my freezer. As of today, Grinch and other Whovillians) that I’m two frozen pizzas and a Christmas will indeed arrive even if Tupperware container of spaghetti we don’t have baubles or boxes or sauce away from my goal. tags. I haven’t heard rumblings about a With Thanksgiving handled, at least bauble shortage on the horizon, but I in a bottom line/canned goods sort of laid in a supply just in case. way, I moved on to Christmas prep. I Mid-August, I finally reached a was shocked to discover that the comfort point on my toilet paper stash, Yummy Ham people won’t let you which was good because I could turn order your Christmas ham more than Sue Murphy my attention to procuring a backlog of 60 days ahead of your delivery date, my favorite breakfast cereal. For which seemed unnecessarily cruel, not weeks, it had been MIA in every to mention the fact that, there I was, store, which surprised me because it So yes, Mr. Grinch, a customer with a credit card in her is a simple grandma-type cereal that hand, who could easily have been I do know that has no cartoon representative. I talked into a sweet potato casserole, scored a case of boxes online, but it Christmas and maybe even a chocolate cake. Their made me think … if boring cereal loss. But the Yummy Ham people Thanksgiving and could be shorted, what would be hold all the ham cards, so I will get Halloween will arrive next? And so I began my frantic in the queue for the appointed day. I holiday prep while the stores were set a reminder alarm on my phone. right on time even still full of pool noodles. The upcoming holiday shopping without all of the bells season is set to be the biggest online I tried to be discreet, hoping I wouldn’t (a) be laughed at, or (b) onslaught in history, so I have and whistles ... create a ripple effect that would already made a few preliminary procause an online stampede. I started curements. I would have done more, by buying a few bags of Halloween candy even though but I found that when you ask people what they want I don’t imagine we’ll have regular trick-or-treaters. It for Christmas on August 15th, they are not very recepwas a win/win purchase anyway, as you all know that tive. chocolate will never go to waste in my house. When So yes, Mr. Grinch, I do know that Christmas and the big day gets closer, I’ll haul out my pre-lit foam Thanksgiving and Halloween will arrive right on time jack-o-lantern and be good to go. Halloween – check! even without all of the bells and whistles (jingle bells Getting ahead of Thanksgiving was a bit more com… better add them to the list), but I would dearly love plicated. I couldn’t take the chance that November for my holidays to feel as traditional as possible. I don’t would see a dearth of cranberry sauce or Stove Top know about you, but I have had my fill of being adapStuffing or those glass jars of turkey gravy that save me tive. And so, as far as I can reach, I will get ready. If I time and again. A few online clicks, and I had all three. keep up this pace, I’ll have St. Patrick’s Day (2023) (I checked the expiration date. They’ll still be good.) I under wraps by next week.

WEDDINGS 17 HOME 20 FASHION 26 SCHOOLS 28 SPORTS 32

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. Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area. 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

Welcome Back; Birmingham Museum of Art Reopens

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L October 15, 2020 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Emily Williams, 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

After nearly seven months closed, the Birmingham Museum of Art reopened for visitors on Oct. 6. The museum has returned to its normal operating hours with new safety protocols including a mask requirement, hand sanitizing stations, encouraging social distancing and more. Pictured, visitors admire “Looking Down Yosemite Valley, California” by Albert Bierstadt in the Styslinger Gallery. Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Vol. 30, No. 6

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 2020 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.

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Sharing Stories of Hope

Photo courtesy Forge Forge Survivorship Center

4 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

Forge to Light Luminaries for Breast Cancer Awareness in Inaugural Beacons of Hope Forge Survivorship Center is conducting its inaugural Beacons of Hope event as an opportunity to honor those touched by breast cancer. The socially distant outdoor luminary ceremony will be Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. at Forge’s new home, at 1321 19th St. S. “In the few days since announcing this initiative, we have seen tremendous response from the community,” said Forge Executive Director Lauren Roberts. “We have messages on luminaries supporting loved ones who are currently battling breast cancer, messages celebrating those who fought and won their battle, messages in memory of those who, unfortunately, lost their battle, and messages from survivors themselves, honoring their own journey and perseverance. “The idea came from our Samford intern, Samantha Nichols, who was looking for a way to honor her moth-

OCT. 15 - OCT. 29 Through Oct. 31 Virtual Pink Up the Pace

Invite some glamour to your holiday season at Mountain Brook’s best kept secret. Habitat Feed & Social is the perfect destination for celebrations with friends and family. Indulge in new and familiar cravings and satisfy your good taste with our inspired seasonal menus. And don’t miss the signature dessert. After all, ‘tis the season to celebrate. For reservations call 205.203.4745 or find us on OpenTable. habitatfeedandsocial.com @GrandBohemianMountainBrook

What: Join the Junior Board of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama in this month-long event featuring three running options: A time challenge; a distance challenge; and a 1-mile run, bike and scooter race for kids. Website: bcrfa.org

Step Up for Down Syndrome

What: This year’s virtual event features friendly competitions between local communities in our area and across the state. Register today to stay informed of all the events being hosted all month long. Website: downsyndromealabama.org

Thurs., Oct. 15 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night

What: Bring light to the darkness of cancer by honoring and remembering those touched by cancer by rallying virtually as a community in support of LLS’s mission of funding research to find a cure for blood cancers. Website: lightthenight.org

Oct. 15-25 “The Fantasticks”

What: Virginia Samford Theatre presents a gem of the American musical theatre, beloved and as timely as it was when it opened over 50 years ago. When: Thursdays-

Forge Intern Samantha Nichols, right, was looking for a way to honor her mother Barbara Nichols, left, a 12-year breast cancer survivor, when she came up with the idea for Beacons of Hope.

er, a 12-year breast cancer survivor, when she learned that the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was canceled.” Throughout October, community members can personalize a luminary bag that will be used in the ceremony. Fill out a form to dedicate a luminary bag on the Forge website, forgeon. org. Each of the luminaries will be lit in the ceremony. Masks will be required for those in attendance and Forge will livestream the event on its Facebook page.

“We are honored to bring the community together in a meaningful way to share stories of hope through adversity,” Roberts said. “As we like to say at Forge, our region was forged from steel; breast cancer survivors are, too. We invite anyone who has been affected by breast cancer to join us and share their story.”

Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Where: VST Mainstage Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org

Champagne and Fried Chicken Drive Through

Oct. 16-18 “At Home”

What: Alabama Ballet will open its season with an in-studio performance which will be live-streamed as well as performed outdoors at Avondale Brewery. When: Oct. 16 and 17, live stream from Alabama Ballet; live performance at Avondale Brewery, 2:30 p.m. Website: alabamaballet.org

Sat., Oct. 17 Tailgate - Alabama vs. Georgia

What: Vestavia City Center is hosting it’s first tailgate event. Bring your chairs and watch the game on a giant screen. Go early to eat or pickup dinner and set up your spot. When: 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. kick off Where: Vestavia Hills City Center Website: “Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce” Facebook page

Sun., Oct. 18 Handmade Art Show

What: The Homewood Arts Council and the city of Homewood hosts its free annual show featuring about 60 local artists, food trucks and live music by Pickin in the Park. Bring your instruments and enjoy an interactive jam session with local musicians. When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Homewood Central Park Website: handmadeartshowhomewood.com

Those who are interested in submitting names, words of encouragement or stories that will shine a light on breast cancer can email info@forgeon.org.

What: Les Dames d’Escoffier, Birmingham host its annual Southern Soirée fundraiser with a drivethrough. Pick up a dinner basket for two, complete with a bottle of wine. Funds raised support the organizations scholarship and grant program. When: 3 p.m. Where: The Market at Pepper Place Website: ldeibirmingham.org

Thurs., Oct. 22 Harvest of Hope at Home

What: Supporters will enjoy a three-course meal for two, cookies and carefully curated wine pairings delivered to their home along with the opportunity to participate in a silent online auction, which will go live Oct. 19. All proceeds benefit Cornerstone Schools of Alabama. Website: csalabama.org

Hearts in Harmony: Autumn in the Gardens What: Hoover Service Club presents its semi-annual event to raise funds for scholarships and community outreach. Enjoy a silent auction, live entertainment, a gourmet boxed dinner and socially distant seating. Reservations by Oct. 15. When: 6-9 p.m. Where: Aldridge Gardens Pavilion Website: hooverserviceclub. com

Virtual Dinnertainment

What: The Exceptional Foundation is taking it back to the ‘70s in this unique dinner party exhibiting the many

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talents of its participants through a variety of performances. Register for access to the live stream. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: From home or Cahaba Brewing Brewing Co. Website: “Virtual Dinnertainment” Facebook page

Thurs., Oct. 22 The Fall Edit

What: Rele Street will be closed so that attendees can safely enjoy live music by Derek Day, drinks, extended store hours and pop-ups at this free family-friendly event hosted by Lane Parke. When: 5-7:30 p.m. Where: Lane Park Website: “Lane Parke” Facebook page

Oct. 23-25 Standing Up to POTS 5K/2K

What: Standing Up to POTS is committed to increasing awareness for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in the medical community and raising money to support POTS research. Run/walk, take pictures and tag SUTP on social media with #SUTP5K. Website: “7th Annual Standing Up to Pots 5k/2k (virtual)” Facebook page

Mon., Oct. 26 Swing for Hope Golf Tournament

What: Hope for Autumn Foundation hosts a tournament assisting families battling childhood cancer and blood disorders in Alabama. When: 8 a.m.,

ABOUT TOWN registration; 9:30 a.m. shotgun start Where: Inverness Country Club Website: “2020 Swing for Hope Annual Golf Tournament” Facebook page

Oct. 28- Nov. 1 “The Outsider”

What: Homewood Theatre presents a timely and hilarious comedy that skewers politics and celebrates democracy. It’s a fun show that pokes fun and doesn’t take sides. When: Oct. 28-30, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 1, 2:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Theatre Website: homewoodtheatre.com

Thurs., Oct. 29 TopGolf Kickoff Fundraiser

What: Celebrate the return of college football by wearing your team colors and enjoying an evening of golf with friends all the while providing tuition for students enrolled at Restoration Academy. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: TopGolf Website: restorationacademy.org

Toast for a Cure

What: The Alabama/NW Florida Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation presents an at-home wine tasting experience. The evening will include a silent auction, Kendra Scott jewelry pull, grand prize drawing and an inspiring mission-centered program led by Tony Giles, the voice of the Crimson Tide. When: 7 p.m. Website: crohnscolitisfoundation.org

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 5

Fri., Oct. 30 Zoo Brews: Drafts at a Distance Round 2

What: Back by popular demand! Craft beer lovers will enjoy a selection of beverages from the finest specialty brews and wines. Experience breweries from all over Alabama and the southeast while safely traveling the zoo. 21+. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com

Nov. 1-7 Walking to Remember

What: “Move for Your Memories” for brain health in honor of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. The event will culminate in a drive through event including their traditional Krispy Kreme doughnuts and more. When: Drive through event, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.noon Where: 300 Office Park Dr. Website: alzca.org

Nov. 4-6 Get Busy Fighting Golf Tournament

What: Laura Crandall Brown Foundation hosts a four person scramble honoring Ginny Bourland, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2017. Money raised helps fund research and grants for women battling female cancers. When: 7 a.m. Where: Highland Park Golf Course Website: thinkoflaura.org

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6 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

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Saving Lives

“He said, ‘Robbie, you would not know this, but years ago in Birmingham … we were at the Huffman ball field watching our youngest brother play – who was about 11 or 12. He was hit in the chest with a ball, his heart stopped and all of us in the stands watched my little brother die on the field.” Though they weren’t available at the time, an AED could have saved his brother’s life. “What I learned was that so many people have been touched by cardiac arrest,” Robertson said.

By Emily Williams

For the past 18 years, Mountain Brook’s Frank Bromberg, Robbie Robertson and Floyd Larkin have been on a mission to save lives in the name of their friend, the late Lord Piers Wedgwood, former international ambassador for Wedgwood China and Waterford Crystal. Through the Lord Wedgwood Charity, established in Birmingham, the three men estimate they have raised more than $2 million dollars since 2002 to buy and place automated external defibrillators in schools, parks and restaurants throughout the country and to fund CPR training. The charity’s annual fundraiser, typically held each spring, was cancelled this year due to COVID-19. To make up for the loss and add to their existing fundraising opportunities, the charity has set its inaugural Sportsman’s Social and Clay Shoot. The event will begin Nov. 12 with a social at Iron City Birmingham, featuring a whiskey tasting, raffle, auction and other activities. The next day, there will be a clay shoot at Pursell Farms. “For the last 19 years we have done golf tournaments, so we thought this was an excellent opportunity to expand our venue and to reach out to a whole new audience,” Floyd said. “With COVID-19, we are in the open air and it should be a very safe environment for everybody.” It was important to the group to maintain an in-person event as safely as possible to pay homage to the charity’s namesake. “Piers, to people who knew him, was one of the most genuinely nice people that you’d ever meet and fun

to be around that you’d ever meet,” Robertson said. All three of the men had personal friendships with Wedgwood, along with event organizer Marcia Twitty. “Out of all of the things great that Piers has done for people, one of the things he has done for others is help people who might encounter the same issue he experienced,” Robertson noted. “Just being a part of that is what spurred us on as much as anything.”

Golf Course Scare

Bromberg was playing golf with Wedgwood one day in 2000. Wedgwood was in town to speak at the museum and do a few PR projects and met up with Bromberg and another friend to play golf before he boarded a flight to his next destination. His plans were halted on the course when he experienced sudden cardiac arrest. “Thank the Lord, he was saved, in this instance actually by CPR,” Bromberg said. Wedgwood remained in Birmingham and underwent quadruple bypass surgery. He recovered, though his chances of surviving the entire ordeal couldn’t have been more than 4%, Bromberg said. “While he was in the hospital recovering – and he spent three weeks in Birmingham – he and I had a conversation and basically I said, the Lord kept you alive for a reason,” Bromberg said. “We’ve got to start a charity.” At that point in 2000, Bromberg didn’t have any idea what that charity would be. The idea took shape as he reached out to Floyd Larkin and

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Clay Shoot to Raise Funds for AEDs and CPR Training Through Lord Wedgwood Charity

From left, Robbie Robertson, Floyd Larkin and Frank Bromberg are getting ready for this year’s Lord Wedgwood Charity fundraising event on Nov. 12.

long-time friend Robbie Robertson. “We knew we wanted to do something around the heart,” Bromberg said. “We were talking about heart research and giving money to UAB, and I’ll never forget, it was Robbie who really came up with the idea to do something different.” While it is more difficult to measure medical research, Robertson said it is easy to see the effect when you place defibrillators in a high school. Two years after Wedgewood’s cardiac event, the men hosted the first Lord Wedgwood Blue Dinner and Wedgwood Links to Life Celebrity Golf Classic. “Within our first year, we raised $100,000,” Larkin said. “Back then, AEDs were a lot more expensive, and we placed 38 AEDs. “In that nine months, we saved three kids here in the Birmingham area. That was two 17-year-olds and a 13-year-old.” Wedgwood would go on to die of cardiac arrest, but not for another 14 years.

AEDs Placed Widely

Since it was established, the char-

ity has placed about 500 AEDs throughout the United States, mainly in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Texas. “How many lives have been saved since then?” Floyd asked rhetorically. “I can’t tell you, but a lot of people are walking around today that wouldn’t be walking around.” With funds raised each year, the charity continues to place AEDs as well as monitor that the AEDs provided are safe for use at all times. In more recent years, they have put a focus on funding CPR training as well. “When you combine CPR with the AED, their chances of a positive outcome greatly increase,” Floyd said. One of the things each of the founders have learned through involvement in the organization is the significance of sudden cardiac arrest. It is an experience that knows no demographic limitations and can happen to anyone. In the early years of the group, Robertson reached out to David Cutcliffe, then-head football coach at the University of Mississippi, to play in the celebrity golf tournament. At first, Cutcliffe turned him down because the date conflicted with a youth football training camp. When he asked Robertson what the event raised funds for, he found someone to cover for him so he could attend.

Quick Help Needed

The rule of thumb, Floyd said, is that CPR and an AED be used within the first three minutes of someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, much shorter than the timeframe it often takes for an EMT to arrive on the scene. “We can make a difference. If you have a trained person, (it) enhances the outcome with CPR if you have an AED there,” Floyd said. The men are working to create a world where AEDs are as prevalent as fire extinguishers. “Cardiac arrest also happens for unusual reasons,” Robertson noted. “Like the young men at Vestavia High School who were moving the temporary goal post.” In 2019, three VHHS students were moving the goal post on the soccer field and came into close or direct contact with a power line. All three were shocked, one critically electrocuted. Athletic trainers on the scene used a portable AED, which had been provided by the Lord Wedgwood Charity, and CPR to revive the student just as EMTs arrived. “His dad showed up at one of our events and I’ll never forget – it was the most telling moment – he got up and thanked everyone for being there because his son wouldn’t be here today without it,” Robertson said. “That’s enormous.” For more information on the Lord Wedgwood Charity or to register for the Sportsman’s Social and/or Clay Shoot, visit lordwedgwoodcharity.org.

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Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 7

HALLOWEEN

Witches Still Riding Through October Headed Toward Halloween

The second annual Liberty Park Witches Ride, will take flight Oct. 25. Hocus Pocus witches at last year’s ride.

By Emily Williams

The Halloween season is upon us, and while trick-or-treating practices are up for debate, staple Over the Mountain events either are taking a year off or adapting to pandemic protocol. The Mystics of Mountain Brook had planned a Halloween parade, but it canceled the festivities at the behest of Mayor Stewart Welch. A new tradition, the second annual Liberty Park Witches Ride, will take flight Oct. 25 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Liberty Park, raising funds for Vestavia Hills High School’s Rise

club, which supports the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Meanwhile, the Homewood Witches Ride fundraising efforts are in full swing with a variety of events in play throughout the month. According to 2020 ride co-Chairwomen Janie Ford Mayer and Daphne Dickinson, this year’s ride will look a bit different. Mayer started the Homewood Witches Ride eight years ago as a way to honor her late mother, Paula Stringfellow Ford, who lost her life to lung cancer in 2013. As usual, the funds raised at the event will benefit cancer research, this year directly

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funding rare cancer research at the O’Neal center. Witches are invited to sign up for the ride individually, as a family or as a team this month and dress up to take their own ride anytime through Oct. 25. Participants are being asked to take a video of their ride and post it on their social media and tag it with @homewoodwitchesride and @onealcanceruab. Awards will be given to the best-dressed witches, witches with the best brooms,To: highest-fundraising Ryan Reeves team and individual, and participants From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 HappyPHONE: Halloween from R and R Crestline! in other categories. FAX: 205-824-1246 81 Church Street, Suite 102 • 205.848.2080 • RNRcrestline@gmail.com See WITCHES, page 8 Date: February

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HALLOWEEN

WITCHES From page 7

Homewood witches also participated in a Birmingham Pedal Tour Scavenger Hunt as part of this month’s festivities, riding pedal cars to four bars downtown while decked out in their costumes. The witches also have partnered with local businesses to plan giveback nights, when a percentage of a patron’s purchase will benefit the O’Neal center. The entire fundraiser will culminate in a parade at 6 p.m. on Oct. 25 at the Little Donkey in downtown Homewood. “While we can’t have the traditional parade this year, due to that old COVID-19, we have decided to proceed with alterations,” Mayer said. The witches will be hosting a “reverse parade,” with the witches lining up to wave and cheer at a social distance while folks drive-thru. On-site, representatives of V94.9 radio station will be playing music, and there will be a performance by the Magic City Disco Groove Crew. Witches can register and join the fun virtually at uab.edu/homewoodwitchesride.

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Festival masks made by local artists, leading up to the 18th Dia de los Muertos Festival at Pepper Place Nov.1-7. Masks will be for sale and proceeds benefit the festival. Where: Rojo Website: “Dia de los Muertos Alabama” Facebook page

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Pumpkin and Mum Sale

Carousel* and trick-or-treat in the new Candy Cave* located in the zoo’s Reptile Building. Additional cost*. Check the website for activities and event details. When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com

Fri., Oct. 23 Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball

What: Sims Gardens presents a What: Guests will enjoy the annual fall fundraiser featuring pumpkins cash costume contests followed of all kinds, mums of many colors, by a showing of The Rocky Horror crafts, a scarecrow trail and tricks Picture show. Mask are required and treats. Questions and preorders, and limited seats will be available simsgarden@homewoodal.net. When: so register early. When: check the 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: 913 Irving website for updates Where: Avondale ANNUAL WINTER CLEARANCE SALE! Road, Homewood Website: facebook. Brewery Website: “The Rocky Horror com/SimsGardens/ Masquerade Ball” Facebook page

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Trick or Trot 5K

BOO Run for Down Syndrome

Everything store 25% 80%event Off What: Kid One Transport hosts a in the What: This free family- friendly 5K and costume contest to benefit features a 10K, 5K and one-mile Hundreds of pieces of Fall & Winter Fun its mission to transport children and Run followed by a costume contest merchandise and plus previewing expectant mothers to necessary cook out. All of the new proceeds Spring merchandise health care services. When: 7 a.m.& Summer benefit Down Syndrome Alabama. Costume Contest; 8 a.m. 5K start When: 8 p.m. Where: Red Mountain Where: Back Forty Brewing Website: Park Website: “BOO Run for Down kidone.org Syndrome” Facebook page

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Oct.Care, 29 What: Adorn your crown or tiara and • Through In-Home Including Bathing, Grooming, Housekeeping, join the Birmingham Zoo for a royal Hoots & Howls: Zoo’s New Daytime Halloween Event Meal Incontinence Care, Medication Reminders breakfast and socially distanced Behind the MasksPreparation, Art Show meet-and-greet between your little What: Bare Hands Inc. presents What: Take a ride on the Haunted and TransportationTrain*, go for a spin on the Cobweb prince and princess and a court a showing of the Day of the Dead • Skilled Nursing, Occupational and Physical Therapy Services We We Offer Offer ••We In-Home Including Bathing,in Grooming, Housekeeping, •Care, The Only Agency Alabama Accredited by the In-Home Care, Including Bathing, Grooming, Housekeeping, Offer Meal Preparation, Incontinence Care,Medication Medication Reminders Accreditation Commission Health Care (ACHC) for Aide, Preparation, Incontinence Care, Reminders • Meal In-Home Care, Including Bathing, Grooming,of Housekeeping, and Transportation • In-home care provided by Certified Nurse Aides who deliver services such • In-Home Care, Including Bathing, Grooming, Housekeeping, and Transportation Companion and Care, Skilled Nursing Services When you want the best for your Meal Preparation, Incontinence Medication Reminders as bathing, grooming, housekeeping, meal preparation, •• Skilled Nursing, Occupational andPhysical PhysicalCare, Therapy Services incontinence Preparation, Incontinence Medication Reminders care, Skilled Nursing, Occupational and Therapy Services and Meal Transportation medication reminders and transportation loved ones, call Always Best••Care! and Transportation The Only Agency in Alabama Alabama Accredited by thejob Services The in Accredited the Skilled Nursing, Occupational anddoes Physical Therapy “I love Eloise! She a by great for me and is a • National COVID-19 Certified caregivers whofor have been extensively trained Accreditation Commission of Health Care (ACHC) for Aide, Accreditation Commission of Health Care (ACHC) Aide, The Only Agency in Alabama Accredited by the • onSkilled Nursing, Occupational Physical Therapy Services When you want the best for your • Companion sweetheart. Eloise is likeand one of my family members. ” CDC precautions SkilledNursing Nursing Services Companion and Skilled Services When you want the best for your Accreditation Commission of Health Care (ACHC) for Aide, loved ones, call Always Best Thebalance Only Agency in Alabama - BETTY MAHON •• Free testing Companion and Skilled Nursing ServicesAccredited by the When you want the best forCare! your loved ones, call Always Best Care! Accreditation of Health Care (ACHC) for Aide, love Eloise! She does aaas great for and a athe Sheas does great job forme me and •“I“I love Non-medical, well skilled nursing, from only agency She in Alabama accred“Ruby isCommission one ofjob a kind and isisissuper fantastic! is so smart, loved ones, call Always Best Care! sweetheart. Eloise is like one of my family members. ”” Eloise is like one of my family members. Companion and Skilled Nursing Services When you want the best for your sweetheart. “I ited love Eloise! She does a great job for me and is a by thethat Accreditation of tell Health (ACHC) aide, companion I do not Commission even have to herCare what to do,forshe just does

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

of princesses. When: 8:30 a.m. Where: Trails of Africa Website: birminghamzoo.com

Grace House Festival

What: Grace House Junior Board hosts a drive-thru festival, where guests can participate in all festival activities from inside their vehicle. Included will be two pumpkins, a pumpkin decorating kit, a yard sign in support of Grace House and candy and prize giveaways. When: 11 a.m. Where: Mountain Brook Community Church Website: “Grace House Pumpkin Festival” Facebook page

Owl-O-Ween

What: Join Alabama Wildlife Center for treat bags and activities while hanging out with live owls, hawks, falcons and the resident bald eagle. Included will be the release of a rehabilitated owl. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Alabama Wildlife Center Website: “Owl-O-Ween” Facebook page

Oct. 24-31 Spooky Science

What: Wear your Halloween costume and mask and celebrate Halloween with science experiments, slime, potions and meet McWane’s Creepy Crawlies. Oct 30 and 31 will include scavenger hunts and costume contests with prizes and give-away items. When: All week long Where: Mcwane Science Center Website: mcwane.org

HALLOWEEN Sun., Oct. 25

Fri., Oct 30

“The Phantom of the Opera”

What: The 1925 classic silent film will be played on the big screen featuring Tom Helms playing his original score on Big Bertha, the Alabama Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ. When: Doors open, 1 p.m.; show, 2 p.m. Where: Alabama Theatre Website: alabamatheatre.com

Star Lake Witch Ride

What: Wear your Halloween costume and watch the witches “fly” around Star Lake on their bikes tossing candy. Bring a box of canned food to benefit the Green Valley Baptist Church Food Bank. When: 5-6 p.m. Where: Star Lake Website: “2020 Star Lake Witch Ride” Facebook page

Trunk or Treat

What: All children (accompanied by an adult) are invited to dress up and join VHUMC Family Ministries for trick or treat. There will be free food and drinks, bingo and prizes. When: 5-6 p.m. Where: VHUMC Website: vhumc.org

Thurs., Oct. 29 Trick or Treat on Wheels

What: Dress in your favorite Halloween costume and trick-or-treat at this drive-thru event presented by the Hoover Senior Center. When: noon-2 p.m. Where: Hoover Senior Center upper parking lot.

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 9

Rocky Ridge Entertainment District Trick or Treat Drive Thru

What: Merchants will be distributing candy/treats curbside. Included will be a virtual costume contest via Facebook. Post your costume pictures for a chance to win prizes. Check the website for contest categories. When: 5-7 p.m. Where: Rocky Ridge Business District Website: vestaviahills.org

Happy Halloween! Oct. 31

Monster Dash

What: Autism Society of Alabama presents the first run in a four part series of virtual 5K/walks. Walkers are invited to make it a family event or a safe distance friend or coworker challenge and share their photos on social media. When: 5 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Website: “Autism Society of Alabama Monster Dash” Facebook page

Halloween in the Heights

What: Trick-or-treat with participating Cahaba Heights businesses. Stores will be marked with orange balloons and will be passing out candy and goodies to all the trick or treaters. When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Cahaba Heights Website: “Halloween in the Heights” Facebook page

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10 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

NEWS

‘A Great Fit’

Two Birmingham Retail Families Collaborate in New Jewelry Venture at the Summit By Sam Prickett

evy’s at Gus Mayer, which opened at the Summit earlier this month, aims to bring “fashionable, funky and functional” jewelry to the Over the Mountain community. But it also marks a first collaboration between two longtime Birmingham-area businesses: Gus Mayer and Levy’s Fine Jewelry, which have operated in the Birmingham area since 1900 and 1922, respectively. “One of the most amazing things about this is that both of these family businesses are very, very entrenched in Birmingham,” said Jeff Pizitz, whose Pizitz Management Group owns and operates Gus Mayer. “Both of these families have been around for 100 years and are still in business. Both of these are fourth- or fifth-generation businesses, which is really unheard of in today’s time.”

Let the Specialists Decide

Gus Mayer, which Pizitz characterizes as an “upscale specialty store,” traditionally has leased out both its jewelry and shoe departments. “Typically, specialists in these areas can do a better job than a large or specialty store like we are,” Pizitz said. “Everything else in this store … is all operated by our buyers and our family. The jewelry is operated by Levy’s and their family and the shoes are also a separate operation. We just want to build on each other, build on the synergies between all of the different businesses. It’s

Homewood Library Puts Finishing Touches on Addition, Computer Lab By Emily Williams Construction crews at the Homewood Public Library have spent the pandemic putting the finishing touches on a welcome addition. According to Executive Director Deborah Fout, the library reopened on Oct. 7 with adjusted hours Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. “Following established guidelines for public libraries, we must limit the number of people in the building to 30 at a time plus staff,” Fout said. “This allows for social distancing.” Visitors returning will see the workers finishing up a project that began in 2019 and includes an addition to the west side of the building that has added approximately 3,000 square feet to the facility. Through the adult department, patrons will be able to access the new upper-level computer lab, loaded with natural light. Computer services will be available in the space, as opposed to the previous location in the lower-level of the library. Four new glassed-in study rooms, located on the west side of the building are also included in the new addition but will not be available for use once the pandemic ends. The new study rooms overlook a newly renovated courtyard, which includes new seating for those who wish to sit outside and read or work.

‘Both of these families have been around for 100 years and are still in business. Both of these are fourth- or fifthgeneration businesses, which is really unheard of in today’s time.’ —JEFF PIZITZ

Changing With the Times

Above, Jared Nadler, left, and Jeff Pizitz outside Gus Mayer at The Summit. Left, Pizitz and Nadler at the jewelry counter inside which Levy’s now operates.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

The new business venture is a jewelry counter inside Gus Mayer, which Levy’s manager Jared Nadler said will offer jewelry that “people will have fun wearing, that’s going to be very versatile … nice, fine-quality jewelry that should last them a lifetime, but that will also have the ability to build and go with their current styles.” When the counter space at Gus Mayer opened up, Pizitz said his family “looked around town for something that would be a great fit, both for a similar quality of product and similar customers.” “And we thought of Levy’s,” he said. Nadler said the idea of a collaboration quickly became a “no-brainer.” His first reaction to the proposed collaboration was to visit Gus Mayer as a “secret shopper” — one of the few tasks made easier by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I started grinning underneath my mask,” he said. He saw customers he recognized from the Levy’s downtown location, and he was impressed by the attentiveness of Gus Mayer’s regular staff. “The type of service that we try to give our clients in our downtown business, they give the same type of service here,” he said.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

just a great match.” “We want to work closely with their sales associates,” Nadler said. “We believe in feedback, whether it’s good or bad, and it just seems to be sort of a magical little thing going on.” Part of that magic might be the history between the two businesses. The families behind them have known each other for years. “His father played basketball with my uncle as kids!” Nadler said. They also share similar family histories. “My great-grandfather came over from Russia, Belarus and that area around the same

time as (Pizitz’s) grandfather did,” Nadler said. “I was reading the Pizitz family story, which they have in a beautiful bound book. And I was like, wait a minute, this is our story. It was bizarre, just going through the first three chapters. I was like, this is what my grandfather did, what his greatgrandfather did!” Levy’s at Gus Mayer will feature some exclusive, one-of-a-kind items, Nadler said. “They may be from our curated estate collection and antique collection,” he said. “Also, I’ve got three award-winning jewelry designers … I may put a couple of (their) pieces out there.” The counter also will give Levy’s the opportunity to keep an eye on fashion trends as they develop. “If something takes off here, we’ll move it downtown and we’ll try a new line,” he said. “We want to specialize in trying out new, up-and-coming jewelry designers and this is the perfect location for that.” For more information, visit facebook.com/ LevysAtGusMayer.

While patrons haven’t been able to enter the library to browse, the shelves are still in use as the library staff continues its curbside pickup program. The library began its curbside service June 1, with patrons making reservations online for pickup. When the pandemic put a stop to all in-person programming, the staff rose to the challenge coming up with inventive online programs, which reach people beyond their normal service area. “In September alone, we had 37 programs attended by nearly 1,361 people and 5 pre-recorded programs watched by 972 individuals,” Fout said. In addition, the library has anywhere from 1,300 to 1,500 curbside appointments each month. To enhance the curbside experience, the staff also has created a Bonus Bag program. Bags are filled by librarians based on information included on a preference sheet, and it can include anything from books to movies to telescopes. The theme for this month’s events, Fout said, is spookiness. The library staff has partnered with their sister-library in Homewood, Illinois for a series “Cookies & Comics” for kids ages 3-6, which will take place on Oct. 15. Kids can register online and pick up cookies from Homewood’s Cookie Fix the day before the program. Throughout the pandemic, the goal for Fout and her staff has been to meet people where they are during this pandemic, whether that’s in the parking lot, online or back at the bookshelves.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

NEWS

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 11

Operation School Bell Changes Its Ways to Serve Students During a Pandemic been creating a clothes closet for the district with help from Operation School Bell. “Having clothes on hand will be so helpful, because often the children are abandoned or dropped off with nothing but the clothes they are wearing,” Grant said. “To be able to go into a closet, much like home, and give the child new clothes is a tremendous benefit to the foster programs and comfort for the child.” The volunteers also will provide new clothing for the children in spring. Fundraising opportunities also have been limited during the pandemic. The organization has had to cancel its annual Little Black Dress Luncheon, held each November. Instead, it will host a holiday market Oct. 15-17. The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day at the Assistance League building in Homewood. The sale will feature Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas items, all handmade by Alabama senior craftsmen who work with the league’s PrimeTime Treasures initiative. Funds raised will support the league and its philanthropic endeavors: Operation School Bell, Operation

More Than 250 Retailers to Participate in 15th Annual Shop, Save & Share Fundraiser

area businesses to the community while still finding a way to support the 40 community projects these efforts benefit.” All of the proceeds from the sale of cards will benefit the Junior League’s 40 community projects aimed at improving the lives of Birmingham women and children. During the past 15 years, Shop Save & Share has raised more than $750,000 for the JLB’s community projects. Among them include the Community Partnership of Alabama’s Meals on Wheels, YWCA of Central Alabama’s Children in Crisis and Vineyard Family Services’ Backpack Buddies. Patrons will be able to purchase the $40 Shop Save & Share card by visiting shopsaveandshare.net. Physical cards can be purchased in select retailers. Cardholders should check the official guide, which is on the website, shopsaveandshare.net for details on each retailer and their offer.

The Junior League of Birmingham will host its 15th annual Shop, Save & Share fundraiser Oct. 14-25. The 12-day event allows patrons to receive 20% off and exclusive offers at more than 250 participating businesses with the purchase of a Shop Save & Share card. “Shop Save & Share is much more than just a shopping event or a discount card, and this year that means more than ever,” JLB Shop Save & Share Chairwoman Lauren Globetti said. “During a time when many organizations are being forced to cancel and postpone events as a result of COVID-19, we’re taking this as an opportunity to do our part in promoting

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Literacy and PrimeTime Treasures. Operation School Bell has been providing new clothes and hygiene supplies to elementary school children in need since 1985. The league has provided clothes to about 40,000 students through the operation. It currently serves 45 schools in nine school districts in the greater Birmingham area. For more information about the fundraiser, call 205-870-5555. —Emily Williams

Photo courtesy The Assistance League

Volunteers with Operation School Bell, a philanthropic program of the Assistance League of Birmingham, usually meet children in need at the league building and make a big to-do out of outfitting them with new clothes and gathering hygiene supplies for them. But this year, things have had to change a bit. To deal with health restrictions needed because of the coronavirus, the group has created Operation Clothes Closet, supplying school counselors with clothing to take back to their schools. Volunteers prepared large bags of new clothes for boys and girls, including jeans, shirts, underwear, socks and hoodies. Counselors picked up the packages and will distribute the clothes to the children they determine are in most need. In addition, Operation School Bell has begun reaching out to foster homes in the greater Birmingham area and providing clothes for their elementary school-aged children. It provided clothes to King’s Home in Chelsea and to Oneonta Foster Care Program. Breah Grant, district social worker for Birmingham City Schools, has

Collin Jones, social worker; Breah Grant, district social worker for Birmingham City Schools; Debbie Anderson, president of Assistance League of Birmingham; and Susan Kirkland, counselor at Hayes Elementary School.

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LIFE

12 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Fighting the Stigma Homewood’s Jeffries Family Shares Epilepsy Journey to Shine a Light on Disease

By Emily Williams

Photos courtesy the Jeffries family

pilepsy has been a part of Tom and Louisa Jeffries’ lives ever since their oldest daughter, Reed, was diagnosed in kindergarten with absence seizures. At the age of 12, she began having grand mal seizures. “There is a huge stigma around epilepsy,” Reed said. “One in 26 people have it, but how many people do you know who say, ‘I have epilepsy’? That is a pretty small group.” The Jeffries family, who live in Homewood, are trying to change that one step at a time. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological condition. One in 10 people will have a seizure at some point. To shine a light on the topic and honor Reed and her younger sister Anne, who also was diagnosed with epilepsy, the family each year has walked in the Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama’s Walk to End Epilepsy Birmingham. Reed will be one of the featured speakers at this year’s event, the Virtual Walk to End Epilepsy, on Nov. 7. The presentation will be held via Zoom at 9:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to walk in their own neighborhoods, on their treadmills or wherever they choose on the same day. Reed’s doctors told her this summer that she possibly has outgrown her epilepsy and is considered “seizure free.” Yet, epilepsy is something that has shaped her life and defined her childhood, for better or worse. “I was very lucky in that my seizures were always well controlled, it was more the side effects from the medicine that really affected my childhood,” Reed said. “When I was little it would be stuff like nausea, but as I got older it was the way it affected my mood.” In addition to emotional changes caused by medication to manage the disorder, epilepsy can be isolating and cause depression. Reed has supported her younger sister, Anne, through her epilepsy journey, an influence she wishes she’d had in her childhood. She also hopes to be a source of support for other kids. “I’m so amazed by my own children. Eva who wasn’t affected, has taken it upon herself to become so involved in the (foundation),” Tom said. “So, I really think that that is what I have seen echo throughout my whole family.”

The Jeffries family above, from left, Reed, Eva, Louisa, Tom and Anne. Below Reed and Sara Franklin, the executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama in Washington, D.C. at the Foundations Teens Speak Up program. Reed represented the state of Alabama.

Upping Her Involvement

While juggling her studies and participation on her high school tennis team, Reed made the decision last year to become more involved in the Epilepsy Foundation. She applied to participate in the foundation’s Teens Speak Up program, and she was chosen to represent Alabama at the conference, held in February in Washington, D.C. Just one teen represents each state at the conference. “That was a really amazing experience,” she said. “I’ve never met that many people who had epilepsy before and it really made me so thankful. “When I heard about their struggles, I feel like mine were nothing compared to what a lot

of them or their siblings have been experiencing – brain surgery, bullying” and such, she said. Not only was she able to meet with other kids and learn from them, they all took time to meet with their states’ federal legislators to advocate for epilepsy research and support. Reed spoke at the offices of Alabama Sens. Doug Jones and Richard Shelby, and she spoke personally with Rep. Gary Palmer to ask for

increased funding for CDC epilepsy research and training for school nurses. According to Tom, the support of full-time onsite nurses at Homewood City Schools was invaluable to the entire family. “Whether it be at the elementary, middle or high school, we have been blown away by the nurses and the people we are surrounded by in our community,” he said. “We know that if Reed had been at any other school, she may not have had the same level of support, so we are all just very grateful to Homewood.” The Jeffries’ twins, Anne and Eva, have joined the organization’s Kids Crew, a program for kids ages 14 and under. Kids who are involved complete awareness tasks and training, and they earn pins they put on lanyards. “It’s just for people who want to learn more about epilepsy and be more supportive of people who have it,” Louisa said. “Eva has just earned her eighth pin for the year, for which she will receive a special award called the World Changer Award.” To earn pins, Eva has written to legislators

about supporting epilepsy and made cards for the neurology clinic at Children’s of Alabama. She and Ann have painted pumpkins for the foundation’s Purple Pumpkin Project.

Involving the Schools

Reed started a Walk to End Epilepsy Club Homewood at the high school in the spring and had recruited about 80 members before the 2020-21 school year started. The club already has spread awareness throughout the school. It has hosted bake sales and a Candy for a Cause fundraiser, in which students paid to guess how much candy was inside a bowl. Members of the club handed out purple ribbon pins one day, and Reed said it was amazing to see hundreds of her peers and teachers in the halls sporting their purple in solidarity. Eva and Anne also held a Lemonade for Libby stand, a national Epilepsy Foundation fundraiser, at the West Homewood Farmer’s Market in the summer with members of Reed’s high school club. “As a parent, I think the biggest thing, whether it is the foundation or watching our children become more involved in epilepsy education, has just given tremendous empathy to all of us for those who are going through it and those that are newly diagnosed,” Tom said. “You take pause because you know what that child or that adult is about to go through,” he said. “Having seen it firsthand, it certainly has raised my awareness and made me a lot more empathetic to those who are challenged with it.” To sign up or for more information, visit walktoendepilepsy.org/Birmingham.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 13

LIFE

For folks looking to get a jump on holiday shopping, the Samford Legacy League’s Holiday Gift Market will take place Nov. 5. The annual market typically has been hosted in conjunction with the Legacy League’s annual Christmas Home Tour. This year, the fifth annual market will be an independent event. It will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. at First Church of the Nazarene, at 1998 Shades Crest Road in Vestavia Hills. “We wanted to have the Holiday Gift Market as a separate event so more people in the community can come and shop,” Market Chairwoman Phyllis Crocker said. “It’s the perfect time for people to do their Christmas shopping.” Admission to the Holiday Gift Market is free. Proceeds from gift sales will help provide scholarships for students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances. The Samford Legacy League is a volunteer organization that provides life-

Photo courtesy Samford Legacy League

Samford Legacy League to Host Holiday Gift Market Nov. 5

changing scholarships for students who have faced extraordinary challenges, including homelessness, inner-city violence, foster care and death or disability of a parent or sibling. Visitors to the market will find a variety of goods for purchase, including jewelry, art, handmade soap, candles, specialty foods and seasonal items. Due to COVID-19, vendors and visitors will be required to wear masks. Market vendors will be spread out to allow for social distancing. For more information, visit samford. edu/legacyleague.

WORKING TOGETHER Helping you get more from Medicare

Cigna Medicare Advantage is accepted by Dr. Marquisha D. Moore Jarmon Photo courtesy John Sellers

Adopt a Golden Birmingham’s 1,000th Rescue is ‘Happy’ to Be a Record Breaker Adopt a Golden Birmingham recently rescued its 1,000th golden retriever. “Over the past nine years, we have found homes for hundreds of dogs and some have come from severe abuse, neglect, fear and inhumane conditions,” AGB President John Sellers said. “We look forward to rescuing another thousand and more in the coming years.” The landmark pup is a 34-pound, six-month-old boy now named Happy, a name chosen because of his good temperament, according to an announcement from AGB. He’s in an overall healthy condition, gets along with other animals and is house and crate trained. “Not every dog that comes through

From left, Kathy Clay, Cindy Anderson, Inga Clum, Terry Morgan, Kristen Comer, Paula Gossett and Holiday Market Chairwoman Phyllis Crocker. Not pictured: Karen Register, Sharon Smith and Jeanna Westmoreland.

Happy the doors at AGB is as in great of shape as Happy,” Sellers said. The mission of the nonprofit group, founded in 2012, is to find good homes for golden retrievers throughout the metro Birmingham region regardless of their medical needs or age. No golden is every turned away, according to the statement. To find out more about the group and its adoptable goldens or donate to a dog’s medical care fund, visit adoptagoldenbirmingham.com.

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* You can use any licensed dental provider who is eligible under Medicare. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Other providers are available in our network and the providers may accept other Medicare Advantage plans. You must reside in the plan service area. Available in certain counties of Alabama. Cigna complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Cigna cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no dicrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge are available to you. Call 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Spanish: ATENCIÓN:Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.Llame al 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Chinese: 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Cigna is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal. All pictures are used for illustrative purposes only. © 2020 Cigna Y0036_21_86668_M 951364

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EVENING IN THE GARDENS Photo by Quez Shipman courtesy of Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens Celebrates Volunteers With Sunset Picnic

Bill Barrick, John Floyd and Katy Moss Warner.

Mark D. Sikes, Shannon Lisenby, Stephanie Lynton and James Farmer.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

he Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens hosted an outdoor picnic supper in the Dunn Formal Rose Garden and Hill Garden on Oct. 4 to celebrate supporters and sponsors. As a sign of the times, face masks and social distancing were de rigueur for this festive event, which honored Director Emeritus Dr. John A. Floyd, Jr., and was chaired by former Board Chair Beverley Hoyt and her dedicated committee. Special guests James Farmer and Mark D. Sikes signed copies of their latest books and enjoyed the evening. â?&#x2013;

Carolyn and Bill Satterfield.

Mark and Tequila Smith.

Photos by Quez Shipman

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Arthur and Betsy Henley with Janie and Wally Evans.

Emily Wood Bowron with Bill and Emily Bowron.

Chris and Gene Boles.

Cameron and Claude Estes.

Pam and John Floyd.

Thomas and Jane Shelton with Neal and Shirley Schooley.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 15

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

SOCIAL

Jane and Kate Motl.

Skylar and Sinae Hughes.

Chandler and Jackson Smith.

Tea for Two or Four Sims Garden Celebrates Founder Catherine Sims with Take-Home Tea Party In honor of former Homewood resident and Sims Garden founder Catherine Sims, the garden’s caretakers and supporters hosted a take-home tea party on Oct. 3. The event celebrated the late founder’s 105th birthday. Tea service was supplied by Little London Kitchen and was packed for curbside pickup to adhere to social distancing and health guidelines. ❖

Mills, Wilder, Eloise and Oaks Leach.

Rare Opportunity 4 Lots Available

Homesites for Sale in Prestigious Gated Vestavia Hills Community: $109,000 Only 4 lots remain in the exclusive community of Viridian, one mile off Highway 31 on Tyler Road, convenient to Birmingham’s major Interstates, shopping and recreation. Bring your builder or let Wedgworth Construction design and build your dream home.

www.wedgworth.net

Mike Wedgworth (205) 365-4344

16 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Rehab Reality... by Judy Butler

Jimmie and Mona Stephens.

Philips-Cossuto

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Many of our clients at Bayshore Retreat have gone to other rehabs over the years only to find that they’re treated with disrespect. Countless clients have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars at such places as Hazelden, Passages and others. They’ve told us horror stories of the treatment versus what they expected. Bayshore Retreat was created from those experiences to be better in everyway. First the limit of six clients speaks volumes as to the individualized treatment we offer. The holistic approach to health sets clients up for a healthier life style. The sauna therapy and deep issue massages help get the toxins out of the body so our clients look and feel better sooner. We have an awesome chef that prepares gourmet meals instead of cafeteria lines and vending machines. There are no uniforms; in fact often visitors say that they can’t tell who’s the client and who’s the staff. The varied methods of counseling help clients get to the underlying reasons. For instance; individual counseling at least twice a week, group counseling everyday except Saturdays and Life Skills, which covers issues such as irrational thinking, relationships, self-awareness and discovery, anger, and other real life issues. Most rehabs have 12-step meeting after 12-step meeting and maybe one or two individual sessions a month. Compare everything before deciding where to get help with addiction. We are Joint Commission accredited, court approved and licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services. We treat more than addiction. We treat the whole person. Call me any time.

Rita and Darrell Dinkel.

Caroline Wells Philips and Daniel Joseph Cossuto were married Aug. 22 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. The Rev. Sheryl Thornton officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Tingen Philips of Mountain Brook. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Paul

Cossuto of Alpharetta, Georgia. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a custom Anne Barge textured organza fils coupe gown. The dress featured a V-neckline and trumpet skirt. The bride’s chapel-length veil, originally worn by her mother, was made of Brussels lace and purchased by her maternal grandparents in Belgium. The bride was attended by Elizabeth Davis as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Christina Boyer; Katie Bromberg; Rose Cossuto, sister of the groom; Lucy Curran; Dori Longley; Ashley Pierson; Quinn Scanlan; and Mary Grace Showfety. The groom’s father was best man. Groomsmen were Michael Chang; Tommy Cossuto, brother of the groom; Joe Fisher; Phil Kunz; Walker Philips, brother of the bride; and Logan Reitz. After a honeymoon trip to Cabo San Lucas, the couple will reside in London while on a two-year rotation with accounting firm PwC.

Kayla Neighbors, Kay Aldridge and Mallory and Lydia Evans. Andrew and Robin Buell.

Molly and David Custred.

Share Your Good News!

Just a Taste

To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, please call 205-823-9646.

Local Eateries Highlighted at the 2020 Taste of Hoover Aldridge Gardens was transformed into an outdoor culinary exploration venue Oct. 8 as the city of Hoover hosted its annual Taste of Hoover. Food vendors were spaced out throughout the area to accommodate social distancing, with tables cleaned regularly. In addition to samples of dishes from some of Hoover’s best restaurants, tastings of distilled spirits were offered as live music played. Concessionaires included Back Forty Beer, Chattanooga

Whiskey, Coca Cola, Dread River Distillery, International Wines and Santos Coffee Participating restaurants and caterers included Bojangles, Bruno’s Hospitality, Cajun Roux, CakEffect, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Chicken Salad Chick, The Craft Burger, Culvers, Edible Arrangements, Emily’s Heirloom Poundcakes, Eugene’s Hot Chicken, The Happy Catering Company, Jefferson’s Restaurant, Jimmy Johns, Jubilee Joe’s, Melt, Merks Tavern &

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Kitchen at the Hyatt, Pho Pho Asian Cuisine, R&S Catering, Rock N Roll Sushi, Rowzac Caribbean Restaurant, Savoie Catering, Sprouts Farmers

Market, Super Chix, Tazikis, The Cajun Steamer, The Whole Scoop Ice Cream, Tre Luna Catering and Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen and Walk-Ons. ❖

Renee Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax October

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Oct. 15, 2020 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Grandview Medical Group makes it easier to see a primary

Please make sure information is correct, care provider in Birmingham –including quickly. Justallcall address and205-831-3810. phone number!

Helping Veterans

Most calls will result in a same-day appointment with a physician

Please initial and fax back 24 hours. or nurse practitioner Ifat one of our 13 primary care within locations. we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,

Hoover Service Club Presents Flora Mae Pike Community Service Award

your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you Adam Carroll, M.D., recently joined Grandview Medical

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

When Looking for a Rehab Bigger isn’t Better Better is Better

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 17

SOCIAL/WEDDINGS

From left, Debbie Vandiver Rutherford, great-granddaughter of Flora Mae Pike, Hoover Service Club member and co-chair for the Flora Mae Pike Hoover Community Service Award; Mark Davis, 2019-2020 Flora Mae Pike Hoover Community Service Award recipient; Roberta Atkinson, past recipient of the Flora Mae Pike Hoover Community Service Award and co-chair of Flora Mae Pike Hoover Community Service Award; and Jean Ingram, co-chair of Flora Mae Pike Hoover Community Service Award.

The Hoover Service Club held its annual award ceremony in March at the Hoover Country Club and presented the 2019-2020 Flora Mae Pike Hoover Community Service Award to Hoover resident Mark Davis. Davis is a member of Hunter Street Baptist Church and co-founder of its Helping Hands Ministry, including having led two mission trips to Honduras with his wife, Ann. He served in the U.S. Navy in 1973-1979 and started the University of Ultrasonics, training veterans to perform welding inspections on nuclear submarines using ultrasound equipment. He has been involved with many other veterans’ organizations.

He is founder and CEO of Vettes4Vets, which has raised more than $400,000 since its inception to provide vets with support services. He also founded the Alabama Fallen Warriors Project, which has a goal of casting a bronze bust of every Alabama veteran who has died since 9/11. He also developed the Veterans Memorial Arbor at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover. He wrote the book “From Mind to Market, The Inventor’s Handbook,” and invented the Eggsercizer hand exerciser. Many who attended the awards ceremony wore red to honor Flora Mae Pike, who founded the club in 1975. ❖

Group and is ready to see you. If you have been a patient of Dr. Carroll, call us today so we can assist in transferring your Adam Carroll, M.D. Board-Certified in Family Medicine

medical records. New patients are also being accepted.

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Look Forward.

6/5/20 9:20 AM

HOME

18 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

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Photos by Jean Allsopp

About the 2020 Inspiration Home

Cottage Industry BHG Inspiration Home Gives Southern Charm a British Accent

ou’ll find a houseful of bright ideas when a new cottage in Homewood rolls out the welcome mat as Birmingham Home & Garden’s Inspiration Home. The house, at 3025 Firefighter Lane, opens its doors to the public for tours Nov. 5, but Cathy Still McGowin, BHG editor, said the planning process for the annual event started well in advance. “We pick out a builder who will be compatible with what we want in the design, and they come up with a plan,” she said. “It’s a partnership with our builder, designers, vendors and sponsors.” Willow Homes was tapped to construct the 2020 house. “We haven’t used Willow Homes before for the Inspiration Home, but we’ve featured several of their projects in the magazine and knew their style,” McGowin said. Jason Hale, president of Willow Homes, said his crew thought the project sounded like fun when they met with the BHG team to discuss

and talked about how the plan made sense for a show house,” Hale said. “It’s truly a collaboration.” He said Barry DeLozier, a Birmingham-based residential designer, collaborated with Willow to sketch and create the concept.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

By Donna Cornelius

Blended Design

The newest Inspiration Home combines Southern charm with British flair. “This house has an English cottage look, and we’re excited to be using Alabama natural materials like stone,” Hale said. Above, Jason Hale, president of Willow Homes, and “Blended style is popular today.” Cathy Still McGowin, BHG editor, in the kitchen of the He said the cottage is a good 2020 Inspiration Home located at 3025 Firefighter Lane in fit for Homewood’s Mayfair Homewood. Top, the living room by Stock & Trade. neighborhood and harmonizes well with Tudor-style houses in nearby Hollywood. the Inspiration Home. See INSPIRATION, page 20 “We showed our plan to them, got feedback

This year’s Birmingham Home & Garden Inspiration Home, dubbed “A Southern Cottage,” will be open to the public four days a week from Nov. 5 to Nov. 29. Tour hours for the house at 3025 Firefighter Lane in Homewood are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Willow Homes, a Homewood-based company that handles new construction and renovations, is the builder. The company has won Best of Houzz awards from the popular design website as well as Greater Birmingham Parade of Homes honors and the Alabama Remodelers Excellence Award. The Willow Homes team includes project managers, plan designers and home designers. The Inspiration Home has five bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms, two fireplaces, an open concept dining room and kitchen, vaulted ceilings, a private courtyard with a fireplace and dining porch, and a three-car garage with a guest suite above it. The house has 1,884 square feet on the main level, 808 square feet on the upper level and 616 square feet on the bonus level. Inspiration Home sponsors include Alabama Brick Delivery, AllSouth, Art House, Ashley Gallion Interiors, Avondale Specialty Hardware, Cassie Tonsmeire Interiors, CBM Design, Cotton+Quill, Darden and Green, Design Supply, Ecological Insulation, Eighteenth Street Orientals, Lorberbaum McNair and Associates, FireRock, Hardie Board, HCR Cabinets & Countertops, HiltzLauber, Inline Electric, Louisiana Pacific, McGowin King Mortgage, Members Title, Michaele Travis Interior Design, Pandy Agnew Interiors, Red Mountain Garage Doors, Redmont Vodka, River Bottom Pine, Southern Window Supply, Space Cadets, Spire, Stock & Trade, Suite Dreams, SWAG Home Staging & Design, Triton Stone Group, Truitt Insurance Agency, V&W Supply Company, Vavia, Virginia Volman Designs and Willow Design Studios. Landscape design is by Lorberbaum McNair & Associates. For more information about the Inspiration Home, visit birminghamhomeandgarden.com. You can buy tickets on the website or at the door. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Birmingham’s Ronald McDonald House. —Donna Cornelius

COVID-19 HASN’T KEPT THE OTM HOUSING MARKET DOWN PAGE 24 |SAMFORD LEGACY LEAGUE TO HOST 10TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR. SEE STORY PAGE 24

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Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 19

HOME

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10/8/20 10:01 AM

20 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

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HOME

Robust home sales are continuing with plenty of buyers ready to enter the market. Are you ready to LIST your home?

The upstairs den above the garage (right), accessible by the interior stairwell, was done by Pandy Agnew Interiors. The house has 1,884 square feet on the main level, 808 square feet on the upper level and 616 square feet on the bonus level.

Photo by Jean Allsopp

Let my 26 years of EXPERTISE work for you!

INSPIRATION

Pam Turbeville Ager REALTOR® Associate Broker 205.563.8580 pamt@lahrealestate.com

From page 18

THE CLEAR CHOICE Cahaba Glass specializes in the installation of custom shower enclosures, mirrors, glass shelving, furniture top glass, cabinet door glass and specialty glass.

With quite a few designers participating in the Inspiration Home, it was important to coordinate a compatible as well as a creative look for the interior. Allison Hallman of Willow Interiors, a full-service design firm and Willow Homes’ sister company, spearheaded the design to make sure it was cohesive

throughout the house. Hale said those who tour the house can look for vibrant colors, elegant accents such as classic beams and trim elements, and a “library foyer,” with built-in bookcases and a handsome staircase with iron railings. “The kitchen has tall, vaulted ceilings with beams, and the appliance package there is the latest technology,” he said. “It was really important to us to be a little bit cut-

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ting-edge, a little different. It’s been fun to be creative. We really went for it.” He’s proud of the house’s landscaping, which includes a private courtyard with a fireplace and dining porch. Lorberbaum McNair & Associates came up with the outdoor plan. McGowin said that the Inspiration Home is always a new house and not a renovation. One reason is that the house is meant to inspire, and constructing the house from the ground up means the team can provide those who visit it with a lengthy, up-todate list of building materials and sources. “You get a super-comprehensive resource guide when you tour the house,” McGowin said. “Also, the

‘This house has an English cottage look, and we’re excited to be using Alabama natural materials like stone.’ people working at the house have a notebook that they can refer to if you want specifics.” She said everything in the house is for sale – and so is the house itself. It will be put on the market after it closes for tours. This is the second time the Inspiration Home has been built in Homewood. “Willow Homes is in Homewood and so is our new office, so it’s home to both of us,” McGowin said. “Homewood is such a pedestrianfriendly area, and it’s booming.” Proceeds from Inspiration Home ticket sales benefit a charity chosen by the builder. Hale and his crew

To: Tricia From: Over The Mountain Journal, 256-347-6803 phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 darylsupholstery@gmail.com Date: October This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the October 15, 2020 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Photo by Jean Allsopp

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

picked Birmingham’s Ronald McDonald House, a place that provides housing and support for families of children who are receiving medical care at Children’s of Alabama and UAB Hospital. The facility cares for up to 73 families every night. “We have worked with the Ronald McDonald House here over the years through volunteering,” Hale said. With the COVID-19 pandemic, that kind of help is now needed more than ever, he said.

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 21

HOME Inspiration Home could open this year. “Of course, we’re taking precautions,” she said. “We’ll have people walking through the house in one direction, wearing masks and using hand sanitizers.” While virtual tours of houses have increased due to coronavirus restrictions, McGowin thinks there is a benefit to actually visiting the Inspiration Home. “It’s like walking through the pages of our magazine,” she said. Hale said he hopes people will be ready to get out and tour the house. “The coronavirus situation has been a challenge for companies like ours,” he said. “Early on, we had to

figure out how to work and be safe. Now you’re seeing some delays in manufacturing. But it motivated us. It’s been a tough year for everybody, and we think the Inspiration Home will provide some entertainment for people.” McGowin said one of the most enjoyable parts of the project has been the process itself. “When I do articles for the magazine, I see beautiful homes that are completely finished,” she said. “With this, I see the brainstorming, the planning, the moving in – everything from conception to completion. It makes you appreciate how much work and thought goes into the finished product.”

Before

BAKER

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Restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic meant even more careful planning than usual for the project. McGowin said those involved “went on faith” that the

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Thirteen Distinctive New Homes in Vestavia Hills

To: From:

On the crest of Shades Mountain overlooking Oxmoor Valley, Walnut Hill epitomizes a Wedgworth community: beautiful homes, great views, and energysmart construction. Minutes from I-65 and downtown Birmingham, these thirteen home sites surround a central park. With lots starting at $200,000, Walnut Hill provides a unique opportunity for you to create a custom home in Katie Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 onePHONE: of Birmingham’s most desirable areas. Oct. 2020

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Oct. 15 2020 issue.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

www.wedgworth.net

Mike Wedgworth (205) 365-4344

22 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

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Collaboration Inspires Home Design

Blackjack Gardens Black Jack Gardens is an outdoor furniture store offering high quality outdoor furniture from well- known companies in the industry. They offer a huge inventory but can also special order custom frame finishes and fabrics for their commercial and residential customers. Shoppers will enjoy personalized customer service in a large showroom display designed for customers to try out the furniture. They offer all price ranges and quick delivery service. “Recent trends we are seeing take place in the home industry are chat groups - chairs around a fire pit or chat table,” said sales manager Tammy Powell, pictured above, back row left with other Black Jack Gardens team members. From left, front: Larry Gilmore and Christy Harris. Back: Tammy, Mary Younes and Sandi Kirk. “Customers are also looking for furniture options that do not require cushions but still

REPRESENTING EXCLUSIVE OUTDOOR FURNITURE COMPANIES

offer comfort, lighting options such as lanterns and outdoor lamps. “Our competent and creative sales people create outdoor spaces to be lived in, lounged in and enjoyed for years to come. As a family ‘RECENT TRENDS WE ARE SEEING TAKE PLACE IN THE HOME INDUSTRY ARE CHAT GROUPS - CHAIRS AROUND A FIRE PIT OR CHAT TABLE.’ —TAMMY POWELL

owned business of over 20 years we strive to offer a broad selection that can fit many budgets while maintaining a high level of quality. We are committed to offering the best selection of outdoor furniture with exceptional customer service. “We are opened Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.” Black Jack Gardens, 5549 Derby Dr., Birmingham, 205-836-2933.

on your smartphone, creating a board on Pinterest, or clipping images from magazines. I had the good fortune to work alongside the Your designer will recognize common elements talented team at Willow Homes to design the (all these homes are painted white, or you like 2020 Birmingham Home & Garden Inspiration natural wood) and these revelations will guide Home. the pathway to the plan that best reflects you. If there’s ever been a Three year we needed a boost of If there’s ever considerations: inspiration, it’s 2020. 1. We’re all spending more been a year we Symmetrical vs. time at home, and some needed a boost of Asymmetrical: of us have moved our The neoclassical offices in with our famiinspiration, it’s White House is lies. If you’re contemplat2020. We’re all symmetrical (on ing building a new house, spending more all four sides). it’s an exciting process, Barry DeLozier The châteauesque with nearly 400 decisions time at home, Biltmore (the to make. Start by setting and some of us largest home in these priorities: America, outside have moved our 1. Location: Obviously, the one thing you Asheville, North can’t change during construction is where you offices in with Carolina) is build your house. Do you want privacy (a rural setting) or walkability (neighbors, sidewalks and asymmetrical. our families. You’re likely not a grocer two blocks away)? Your commute, trying to duplicate school systems, recreational facilities, family either of these styles, but they illustrate the difand friends may be key factors. Chances are, ferences. you’ll reflect on where you want to live long 2. Formal vs. Casual: We tend to think of before you commit to building. Good. Your priformal as symmetrical and casual as asymmetriorities are in order. cal, but this isn’t always true. Think about 2. Budget: Nothing frustrates the building streets you drive, admiring houses. Do you preprocess more than budget issues. Do your fer homes with detailed moldings or houses with accounting homework before you constrain design elements. Be upfront with people helping simple, square porch posts? Landscapes typically reflect a home’s architecture, so you can get a draw and build your house. I’ve had the rare clue from foundation plantings. Tidy hedges? experience of a budget doubling during conFormal. Wispy hydrangeas? Probably casual. struction; the house morphed from “nice” to “OMG,” but not everyone wins a lottery. Understand what features you’d be OK with eliminating. Maybe the dog’s shower? 3. Size matters. Your location and budget will help establish a square footage target. Most homesites have setback restrictions, some have an architectural Barry DeLozier, a Birmingham-based residential designer, collaborated with review committee’s Willow Homes to sketch and create the concept for this year’s Birmingham Home & Garden Inspiration Home. minimum requirements. Set a goal for 3. Impressive vs. Inviting: Don’t take these heated space. How many bedrooms and baths terms to be judgmental or mutually exclusive; you need are easy calculations; having a home certainly, impressive homes can look inviting, office requires the equivalent of another bedtoo. When we’re honest about our motivations, room (typically 120 square feet, minimum). Once you’ve finished analyzing, it’s time for the some of us want a home that looks big. Your style leans toward “first impressions.” Some of creative process, when style comes into play. us don’t care how big our home looks as long as friends describe it as cozy. Your style leans Style Decisions toward “discovery.” People use different terms to describe similar Knowing your budget and design preferences architecture (i.e., Craftsman vs. bungalow). It’s will lay a solid foundation for the process of easy to get confused naming your style. Most of drawing and building your new home. us like elements from different styles, so we have hybrid favorites. Rather than tell someone Residential Designer Barry DeLozier is a what you like, show them. Anyone drawing your writer, business strategist, marketing communications consultant, custom home designer and plans will benefit from looking at images of dad. For more about his design work, visit his homes that catch your eye, whether that’s from website sowowme.com riding through neighborhoods snapping photos

Photo by Jean Allsopp

By Barry DeLozier

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 23

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Griffith Art Gallery Griffith Art Gallery is a family owned and operated business with 40 plus years experience in the art industry. Established in 1987, Griffith Art Gallery specializes in bringing all original art by world famous, famous deceased, up-and-coming, and emerging talents in addition to providing very fine custom framing and ready-made frames all at far less than retail prices. The gallery offers a large variety of art styles, periods, color palettes and price ranges to fit any budget. Around 100 artists are represented with new artwork being continually added. A very large selection of ready-made frames are in inventory along with more than 1,000 unique custom frame choices. Full service custom framing is completed in-house in record time. Conservation framing is available. “Talented artists and better frame designers stay ahead of the coming color and style trends which lets us have the art and framing that is going to be

popular well in advance of many in the home industry,” said Rick Griffith, co-owner of the business, pictured above, right with his brother Dave Griffith, left. “But even with ever changing fads and seasonal updates, beautiful art will always be beautiful art!” “Our passion for original art and for perfect framing provides one of the last things in our modern world that is still hand made by real people, one at a time, that can literally become a family heirloom while being something that provides daily joy for the owner as well as their family members and guests,” Dave said. “Original art and fine framing is something that many people think that they cannot afford, or that is scary to try to get into. We think that everyone can and should be able to own and enjoy real art and that everybody can do so at Griffith Art Gallery. One-of-a-kind original art is a wonderful way to express your own individual taste and style in a very homogenized world. Great art may not be a life and death issue, we think its much bigger than that!” Griffith Art Gallery, 109 Hilltop Business Center Dr, Pelham, 205-985-7969.

King Cotton

that allow us to continue to be successful.

Hass Fabrics d.b.a. King Cotton Decorator Fabrics has been decorating homes since 1967 specializing in fine fabrics and customer service. “What we love most about our business is the people, customers and staff alike,” said owner Janet Hass, pictured above, center with King Cotton team members Cyd Quick and Janeene Snuggs. “As a family-owned fabric boutique, there is a real sense of community with those we’ve been serving for years. In addition to our warehouse staff, we have a team of women who provide design assistance in fabric choices, measurement guidance and styling tips. They all know practically every fabric available and assist with projects as small as recovering chair bottoms to re-decorating entire homes and commercial spaces. It is the relationships that are formed during these projects

CURRENT TRENDS

“Neutrals will always be timeless but we are seeing color making a big comeback including jewel tones as well as those that are bright and daring,” Janet said. “Traditional rules are yielding more to creative expression such as mixing patterns. Gold and grays or deep sapphire velvet with metallic silver and bright lime…anything goes. “Because we have long-standing relationships with the most reputable mills in the industry, we are able to provide high end fabrics at affordable prices. This allows our customers to design their spaces from a multitude of options, as well as with assurance their fabrics are of the highest quality. “We give careful attention to the smallest of details and take pride in the final project.” Haas Fabrics d.b.a. King Cotton Decorators Fabrics, 1820 Green Springs Highway, Birmingham, 205-322-5878.

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24 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

HOME

Imagine your home, totally organized! Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices, Pantries, Laundries, Hobby Rooms and more...

COVID-19 Hasn’t Kept the OTM Housing Market Down The real estate market is strong in Over the Mountain areas despite the pandemic, according to real estate professionals. With low inventory on the market and continuing low interest rates, listing prices in the area are up across-the board, according to the Birmingham Association of Realtors. Mountain Brook and Homewood lead in this measure, with prices up

Mountain Brook and Homewood listing prices are up 37.61% and 28.78% respectively Walk-In-Closets

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HOMEWOOD • 54 new listings – down 5.26% • 117 total active listings – down 18.18% • 41 total pending sales – up 46.43% • 41 closed sales – 0% change • $519,642 average listing price – up 28.78% • $495,208 average closed sales

HOOVER • 220 new listings – down 2.65% • 501 total active listings – down 28.43% • 190 total pending sales – up 11.76% • 201 closed sales – up 16.86% • $498,008 average listing price – up 5.73% • $405,539 average closed sales price – up 12.50% • average days on market – 20 days • closed sales price vs. listing price – 99.80% MOUNTAIN BROOK • 56 new listings – up 9.8% • 99 total active listings – down 29.29% • 37 total pending sales – down 22.92% • 45 closed sales – up 28.57% • $1,233,806 average listing price – up 37.61% • $850,163 average closed sales price – up 2.35% • average days on market – 45 days • closed sales price vs. listing price – 98.74%

VESTAVIA HILLS • 79 new listings – down 5.95% • 267 total active listings – up 0.75% • 77 total pending sales – up 28.33% • 83 closed sales – up 23.88% • $571,510 average listing price – up 7.56% • $445,792 average closed sales price – up 3.25% • average days on market – 23 days • closed sales price vs. Listing price – 99.29%

—Virginia Martin

Home Offices

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OTMJ

Attic Antiques

Holiday Open House Nov. 12, 13, 14 10:00 - 4:00

Wear Mask Please Tue.-Sat. 10-4 5620 Cahaba Valley Rd. 991-6887

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

The pandemic may have dampened summer and spring spirits, but Samford University’s Legacy League plans to keep the holiday season bright with its 2020 Christmas Home Tour. Tour guests can expect to see homes decked out in holiday decor along with new health and safety regulations during the Dec. 10 event.

Locally owned and operated.

Here is data for Over the Mountain cities in September compared to last September:

price – up 34.87% • average days on market – 44 days • closed sales price vs. listing price – 98.58%

Samford Legacy League to Host 10th Annual Christmas Home Tour

Garage Cabinets

37.61% and 28.78% respectively. Houses also tend to sell quickly, sitting for only 20 days on the market in Hoover and 23 in Vestavia Hills. “Based on the numbers and interest rate projections, real estate continues to look strong going into 2021,” Chris Bakane, interim CEO of the Birmingham Association of Realtors, said in a statement. David Lucas, president of the Birmingham Association of Realtors, agreed. “We started the year with low inventory and increasing home sale prices,” he said in the statement. “When the COVID pandemic struck, there was an anticipated lull in the market for approximately 45 days. Once the initial shock wore off, the market recovered, and sales

improved.” He said the market in Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills all are strong. The pandemic has contributed to the housing inventory remaining low, including people working from their homes and students being educated virtually, he said. “These factors have limited some of the available showing windows for properties,” Lucas said. Central Alabama overall is following the same trends. The average sales price of houses for the year is $284,707, which is 17.67% more than the average in September 2019. Houses on average are on the market for 33 days before being sold. A National Association of Realtors survey showed Realtors in Alabama expect the median home price and sales volume to increase by 1% to 2% in the last quarter of the year.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Over the past decade, the holiday home tour has raised nearly $225,000 for the league’s scholarship program, which supports students with significant financial need. Included on the tour will be the homes of Linda and Charlie Israel, 2300 Country Club Place in Mountain Brook; Carrie and Joseph Kreps, 1524 Woodridge Place in Vestavia Hills;

Anne and George Lawton, 150 Buckhead Trail in Vestavia Hills; Beth and Bill Welden, 2308 Country Club Place in Mountain Brook (pictured); a Taylor Burton Company Inc. home at 3320 South Bend Cir. in Vestavia Hills; and the Samford President’s Home at 1994 Shades Crest Rd. in Vestavia Hills. —Emily Williams

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 25

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Featured Artist: Kimberly Paige

2020 SPONSORS: Alabama State Council on the Arts & the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency • Joe Piper • City of Hoover • Publix Super Markets Charities • Event Rentals Unlimited • Pursell Farms Resort • Coca Cola United • Bare Naked Noodles • Whole Foods Market MEDIA SPONSORS: Babypalooza • Bell Media • Beyond the Rock Bham Now • Birmingham Mountain Radio 107.3fm • B-Metro • EXCURSIONSgo.com • Hoover’s Magazine • Over the Mountain Journal • Starnes Media • This is Alabama • WBHM 90.3fm

Moss Rock Festival Magic City Art Connection Hoover Met Complex Live: November 7-8, 2020 Virtual: November 9-15, 2020 Beer Garden Trail: Oct. 15-Nov. 30, 2020 www.mossrockfestival.com

26 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

FASHION

Photos courtesy Sleevz

Owners Julie and Scott Joe Bernstein (pictured) said thier masks are made to accommodate eyewear, as well as transition from a drape over the face to a face mask in one smooth move.

MASK Market Mountain Brook Couple Creates Mask Made for Eyewear

By Emily Williams

ountain Brook couple Julie and Scott Joe Bernstein believe that wearing a mask is a sign of respect toward your neighbors. To help those who find masks uncomfortable, they have created their own brand of masks, called Sleevz. Sleevz are made to accommodate eyewear, as well as transition from a drape over the face to a face mask in one smooth move. The product not only addresses comfort concerns but also encourages the use of eyewear as a means to protect the entire T-zone from potential virus exposure. Though the couple has yet to send out their first shipment of product, they already have caught the eye of celebrity entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis, the host of “The Profit.” The format of Lemonis’ show changed as the pandemic limited his ability to travel the country meeting with small business owners. He now hosts a virtual form of “The Profit” on Instagram Live, in which he holds Q&As with entrepreneurs. “We’ve been watching every episode for the past seven weeks, trying to get on,” Scott Joe said. They finally made it onto episode four, and Sleevz peaked Lemonis’ interest enough to invite them back a second time to try to persuade him to invest in their product. The Bernsteins are now awaiting their third

call with Lemonis, they hope on Tuesday’s episode, in which he will decide whether he is going to invest in the product.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

eyewear daily. They discovered that 61% of the world’s population wears prescription eyewear, and others wear sunglasses, blue light glasses or safety glasses daily. Throughout the pandemic, medical professionals have suggested that the public refrain from touching the T-zone of their face to reduce the risk of contracting the virus through the eyes, nose and mouth. “It’s worth the comfort and breathability to find a pair of glasses to use with the mask,” Scott Joe said. He said that’s particularly true for kids, as glasses will act as a further deterrent to keep them from accidentally touching their eyes. “We’re, at the end of the day, just trying to create a better product and just solve some problems,” Julie said. Comfort was key when creating the prototype. The couple chose a breathable, washable fabric with an antimicrobial and moisture-wicking layer for those who are sick of mask-related acne. There is also an extra pocket that fits most medical-grade filters. The mask slips on to the arms of your glasses and can then be fit to your face by modeling the nose grip to the bridge of your nose and pulling back the mask to rest against the cheekbones. It can then be worn as a drape over the face, which works for sipping a drink or exercising. To provide full mask protection, users fold the bottom of the mask and engage two magnets to secure the fabric underneath the chin.

WINTER Fashions JOURNAL PHOTOS BY LEE WALLS

Comfort is Key

While Sleevz initially was created to increase comfort while wearing glasses, the Bernstein have found some quirky additional benefits. It can be used as a sunshield for those who are afraid of damaging their skin. “When it is super hot, I’ll throw it on if I’m going to be out in the sun a lot,” Scott Joe said. “It keeps the sun from beating down on my face.”

See SLEEVZ, page 29

History With Masks

Scott Joe was familiar with wearing masks on the job from working in the scrap metal recycling industry. “I get into situations where, if I am going to be in a dusty area I would try to wear one, but after five or 10 minutes, I end up taking it off just because it’s so miserable,” he said. Rather than having the mask pull on the ears, he considered creating one that fastened to a hard hat, or possibly one that attached to clothing. Once masks became more prevalent throughout the country, Scott Joe and Julianna realized that the issues they were experiencing were more common than they knew. They took it upon themselves to start working on a concept and design for their own mask. It wasn’t much of a stretch for them, as Julie has design experience, having previously owned a fashion company. The pair worked with a seamstress for months to get the product right, meeting with her often three times a week. “The beauty with this product is that it takes the pressure off of your ears and your face and puts it onto the arms of the eyewear,” Julie said. According to their market research, the majority of the population wears some form of

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 27

FASHION

WINTER Fashions DETAILS 1. Debbie Rutherford is wearing a Kerisma green tea sweater $78; FDJ black love denim, $128; Laurel Bassett necklace, $98; and cuff, $114; Joy Susan olive fold-over purse, $54; and Corky’s black wedges, $74. Town & Country Clothes, 205-871-7909. 2. Emily Maye Eustice is wearing the zip-front, mesh crop top by Bloch in purple, $38; Capezio Paneled Leggings, $47; and Capezio Hanami Pirouettes, $23. Applause Dancewear, 205-871-7837. 3. Lisa Sharp is wearing a gold jacket by Zara, cream shell by Brunello Cucinelli, animal print jeans by Ralph Lauren and brown leather boots by Frye. Second Hand Rose, 205-970-7997.

4. Jeanne Walls is wearing Elliott Lauren black cropped pants, $162; with a Zero Degrees snake print blouse, $198. Walls wears a ruffle neck blouse with blouson sleeves in gorgeous fall colors, $194 (right). Ryan Reeve, 205-518-5010. 5. Step out in style in Lululemon leggings, $32.50, and Homer gray sneakers, $42.50. The Clotheshorse, 205-823-9144. 6. Snakes and sneaks. Bamboo’s Vitality black and white bootie, $39.99. Soda’s Taylor wedge sneakers, $39.99. Flip Flops & What Nots, 205-967-7429. 7. Taylor Sharbel is wearing 5” Every Day shorts in Blue Blazer, $64; paired with a Garment Dyed,

Relaxed Funnel Shep shirt in Raspberry Rose, $118; and finished with beaded medallion Glacier Blue earrings, $58. Dalton Campbell is wearing a Slim Tucker Performance shirt in Tangelo Plaid in Jetty Red, $115; Island 5-pocket pants in Khaki, $125; a Dorset quilted vest in Vineyard Navy, $168; and a Smathers and Branson with vineyard vines Sportfisher belt in Vineyard Navy, $165. vineyard vines, 205-970-9758. 8. Wills Bailey is wearing a navy/orange button down, plaid shirt by European designer Mayoral, $30, and cinnamon twill pants, $50, finished with a red fleece vest by J. Bailey, $52. John Collins Bailey is wearing Mayoral slim fit pants in dijon, $40, with a red turtleneck from Zuccinin Kids, $26, and a navy hunter crewneck sweater

from Bella Bliss, $80. Parker Bailey is wearing an ivory, tiered dress accented with gold metallic thin stripes by Mayoral, $52, with a faux fur leopard print vest by American Widgeon, $62. Once Upon a Time, 205-870-7772. 9. Nick Horton is wearing a Tom Beckbe Tobacco Kinsman vest, $299; a Caliber camo logo hat, $29.99; and an Orvis Hunt Dri-release 1/4 zip in Blaze Orange, $69; with Mountain Khaki slim fit pants in Yellowstone, $84.95. He’s carrying a Tom Beckbe field bag in olive, $349, and a Beretta EE LL over under shotgun, $6,800. Caliber, 205-917-5800.

8 7

28 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

By Emily Williams

Buddy Anderson

Vestavia Hills High School’s head football coach, Buddy Anderson, has been a member of the Vestavia Hills High School staff for 49 years, serving as head football coach, assistant football coach, mathematics teacher, assistant principal and athletic director. With more than 343 wins over 42 seasons as head football coach, he is the winningest coach at any level of competitive football in Alabama history. This fall marks his final football season before his retirement. According to Anderson, he first joined the school system as a student teacher in 1972 and served as an assistant coach under the school’s first head football coach, Thompson Reynolds. “When we taught PE, we had bowling in the halls, wrestling on the stage, had gymnastics on the upper part of the stage and would have a tug of war out in the road running laps around ‘Big Bertha’ and played volleyball in the parking lot,” he said. These activities would occur at all hours of the school day. One day, he asked Reynolds where the students practiced football, to which Reynolds explained that the city garbage trucks finished their rounds at about 2 p.m. each day. The trucks would be washed out and would pick up the football players and take them up the hill to what is

ebrate itself. That was what was so important to my father, … the people that made up a community and came together to try to develop things.”

Kay Tipton

creed.” “The thought that most overwhelms me at this moment is how little I have done to deserve an honor of this title,” Miles said. “Every day I walked into the building I said, please lord, don’t let me mess this up, because here are so many wonderful great things happening.” Miles noted that it was the relationships with the community, among the staff, with the students and beyond that were the driving force of the school’s past success and continued prosperity. “The relationships with this community is the unique and driving engine that has made and created what we have, what we have inherited and what we pass on to others,” he said.

Introduced by her first cousin Sen. Jabo Waggoner, Kay Tipton was recognized for her accomplishments as a mathematics educator with VHCS from 1971 to 2007. During her 36-year career, she taught math and was a head of the mathematics department. A hallmark of her time with the school system was the founding of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Team, which she formed via a charter granted in 1984. Under her leadership, the team won 15 national convention championships, including nine consecutive titles from 1987 to 1995. “I am so grateful to all of you who have made this a possibility,” Tipton said. Looking back, she said there are a few specific moments that led her to become an educator and for which she is most grateful. First, she always loved math, even as a small child spending her summers learning from a neighbor who was one year older. Second, she got married her freshman year of college and chose to become an educator rather than remain at school for a few extra years to become a pharmacist. Finally, she is grateful for her students, whom she said constantly excelled beyond her expectations. “I remember when we went to Duke University one year to compete and we found out that Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology would be there to compete against us,” she said, adding that the school is famous for its SAT scores and this year boasted 212 National Merit Semifinalists. “When they called out the results they were second and we came in first by one point. It wasn’t me, it was them that made me look good.”

John Carlton Smith

LPMS Dedication

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

In April 1970, the Vestavia Hills City Schools system was founded. In its first year, it served 2,500 students across two campuses, Louis Pizitz Middle School and Vestavia Hills Elementary East. The first superintendent was Bill Clark, whose first order of business, according to Mayor Ashley Curry, was to hire the best teachers he could find. “(Clark) continued that process of hiring until his retirement in 1979. That was a quest for excellence that started in 1970, and it continues to this day,” he said. Vestavia Hills City Schools and city officials gathered among community members at the new Louis Pizitz Middle School campus on Oct. 5 to host a ceremony in honor of the school system’s 50th anniversary. The evening featured the induction of its inaugural Hall of Fame class: five VHCS administrator and educators. “Our superintendent, Dr. Todd Freeman, has maintained and grown a culture of excellence,” Curry said. “What a joy for me to be here today and recognize this inaugural hall of fame class. Our inductees represent the essence of excellence that this school system and its founders envisioned. I have had the honor of knowing and working with each of the recipients.” Each member of the first Hall of Fame class was introduced by Freeman, who read a proclamation for each educator.

From left, Millie Dedrick, Michael and Crickett Justice, Helen Holley, Don Holley, Jill Thomas and Camille Crocker.

Half a Century of Learning

Vestavia Schools Celebrates 50th Anniversary, Shines Spotlight on Educators now Vestavia Hills High School. “I had to follow a garbage truck on my first day to even know how to get” there, Anderson said. “Sure enough, I have pictures at home of our kids riding the garbage trucks and that’s where we started. Can you think of any kids who would ride a garbage truck now to practice? “We started with that and from those humble beginnings to where we are now, thank you.”

Helen Holley

Employed with VHCS from 1993 to 2012, Helen Holly served as the assistant principal for Vestavia Hills Elementary East before becoming the founding principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park. Holly made her mark on the Liberty Park school throughout the planning, initiating and growth process, laying the foundation for social and emotional support for students through her emphasis on leadership. “The reason I am up here is because of you,” Holly said, as she addressed the crowd. “There are teachers here, there are parents, there are so many of you and we all work together. That’s what makes Vestavia Hills work and that’s what makes it the place that it is. It is a place where we come together for our children.” As she spoke, she led the crowd in reciting the Liberty Park Creed, which the school community recites every morning. “It didn’t matter if you were five or 55, those words have meaning, and may we just continue to do what we’ve been doing for 50 years: thinking of the children, doing what’s best for our students,” she said.

David Miles

Former principal of Louis Pizitz

Dr. Todd Freeman and Kay Tipton.

Buddy Anderson with wife Linda.

Middle School, David Miles was a part of the VHCS staff from 1991 to 2014. Under his leadership Pizitz was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 1994. The school annually celebrates Living History Day, a day of recognition he created in 2002 to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces. According to Freeman, Miles established a “culture of character, excellence and family which is celebrated to this day through the school’s

Dr. John Carlton Smith, who passed away in June, was honored posthumously for his contributions as the third superintendent of VHCS, from 1985 to 1998. His tenure was a time of growth in terms of capacity in the school system, including the city annexation of what became Vestavia Hills Elementary Central. He also worked to enhance teaching capabilities in all of the schools, as well as to introduce technology and internet access. Following his retirement, he remained a Vestavia Hills resident, working closely with the school system as a community supporter. “I had an opportunity just a few days before my father fell ill to talk with him a little bit about this honor,” Ken Smith, his eldest son, said. “I can’t tell you how humbled and thankful he was for this recognition. “He would really love to be here tonight, not so much for the honor of himself but to see the community cel-

The event served to not only celebrate the 50th anniversary but also to dedicate the new Louis Pizitz Middle School campus. The facility, formerly Berry Middle School, was purchased in 2016 and provides more than 16,000 square feet more than LPMS’ previous building. “We must continue to innovate and adapt to our student’s needs in Vestavia Hills, and, yes, do so at times under some tremendously challenging circumstances,” said Pizitz Principal Chris Pennington. “With continued support from our board, city leaders, parents and community members, I have no doubt that we will add to the legacy of Pizitz middle school,” he said. “In doing so, we dedicate this new campus to those who came before us, those of us who are here now as stewards of this outstanding institution and to those who come after us to carry on the tradition and legacy we have worked so hard to maintain.”

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

VHHS Habitat Partners With Businesses for Love Your Neighbor Week Fundraiser

By Emily Williams

Homecoming Week evokes images of kings, queens, dress-up days, football games and dances, but for groups such as Vestavia Hills High School’s Habitat for Humanity club, it also is about the money. Each year since 2004, the club, supported by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, has built a house for a family in need. “VHHS is one of the few high schools in the nation which sponsors a new house for a family each year,” said Director of Member Involvement Rebecca Berry, a sophomore at VHHS. Members of the club have a fundraising goal of $25,000 for this year’s build. “Normally, we would have a homecoming dance which would account for around half of the funds needed,” Berry said. “Unfortunately, group gatherings of that format will

not be allowed this upcoming year.” The dance typically raises about $15,000 for the project. In order to fill the fundraising needs, the students created an alternative community outreach initiative, Love Your Neighbor Week. The club will be partnering with local businesses throughout the Birmingham area in order to mutually support each other. The fundraiser will be taking place from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4 with local businesses highlighted each day via a Favorite Business Night and Favorite Business Day. “We are thrilled that Shades Mountain Baptist Church got in at the ground floor to become a ministry partner,” said VHHS Habitat club president Nathaniel Bass. “Additionally, Flower Betty is working with us to create Flower Bombs, Weezabi is partnering with us for t-shirts and yard signs.” In addition, Bass noted that the

ountain Brook Recognizes M National Merit Semifinalists Sixteen Mountain Brook High School seniors have been named National Merit Semifinalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are now among a pool of 16,000 students — representing less than 1% of all U.S. high school seniors — in contention to become National Merit Finalists. Mountain Brook’s Semifinalists are Matthew Bottcher, Caroline Carwie, Harry Evans, Annya EvansMartinez, Teddy Feig, Lilly Gilbert, Sam Graham, Ellie Hamilton, Laurel Hand, Emma Kao, Ann

SLEEVZ From page 26

It also accomplishes some of the same things as masks that are made for hunters and fishermen. When worn loose, it is easy to drink while still protecting yourself. Eating is also doable, Scott Joe said, as long as it’s simple finger foods. The ability to shape the mask to your face also help accommodate beards. Sleevz is also great for people who wear hearing aids, something that they learned through Scott Joe’s grandmother. “She is about to turn 90 in two months,” Julie said. “She was at the Piggly Wiggly recently, trying to take her mask off in the parking lot and her hearing aid fell out onto the parking lot. It was difficult for many reasons because it’s not so easy for her to get down and reach to pick it up.” Throughout the process, the cou-

Carlton Keller, Emily King, Fletcher Nunnelley, Ethan Shunnarah, Theo Simonton and Catherine Taylor. “I am so proud of these students,” MBHS Principal Philip Holley said. “Becoming a National Merit Semifinalist is a great accomplishment and is the culmination of many years of hard work in the classroom.” According to a N ational Merit Scholarship Corporation press release, more than 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit

ple has worn their prototypes when out and about to test the product. “I’ve lost count of how many times someone has come up to us and asked where we got our masks,” Scott Joe said. Though they expect to see the mask market shrink at some point, the couple believes that masks won’t be going away any time soon now that they are more socially acceptable in American culture. The practice of wearing masks is prevalent in other cultures, for example in East Asian countries where masks are worn to protect against intense air pollution. In many of these countries, people also choose to wear masks as a common courtesy whenever they are sick, Julie added. “We do feel like some people are going to be scarred by this pandemic,” Scott Joe said. “Once there is a vaccine, people will relax with the masks, but there will still be, I believe, a percentage of the population that will continue

Vestavia Hills Chamber of commerce will be advertising the event to its members. In addition, Chick-Fil-A at the Hoover Commons will be collaborating with the club on a Love Your Community Servant project. “The purpose of Love Your Neighbor Week is to pour back into our city,” Bass said. “There is no minimum requirement for donations from local businesses, thanks to the generosity of our top tier sponsors - Swaid Medical Clinic, Method Mortgage, Shipt Inc., Precision Grinding and several Vestavia families and individuals.” In addition to LYNW, the club has an ongoing sticker fundraiser. People can buy two Vestavia Hills Rebelsthemed stickers of their choice for a $5 donation. To join the initiative, contact vhhshabitat@gmail.com.

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 29

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

For more information and updates, visit vhhshabitat.org/lynw. Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test last fall. The number of Semifinalists from each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. In Alabama, MBHS has more Semifinalists than any other high school. The school’s Semifinalists will now have the opportunity to complete an application to become a National Merit Finalist and contend for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million total. Finalists will be announced in the spring.

to wear masks,” Julie added. “Probably the percentage of the population that is at high risk or they have family members that are high risk.” The Bernsteins have plans for the future should their first round of sales succeed. They have a couple of patents in the mix awaiting further development and plans to roll out some medical grade masks. “We were trying to solve the one main problem of covering your eyes and we ended up being able to solve a lot of other problems,” Scott Joe said. “We kind of feel like we have reinvented the face mask.” The couple hopes to send out their first shipment of product by the end of October. They added a childsize mask to the mix recently, which set their early-October shipping date back a few weeks. For more information, visit sleevzmask.com.

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 3 5 2 3 3 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

30 • Thursday, October 15, 2020

SPORTS

UNSTOPPABLE

By Rubin E. Grant

KNERR From page 32

“Emily has never wanted to use cancer as an excuse. She has always fought hard to not play the victim. Nothing holds her back. She wants to achieve.”

Cancer Diagnosis

Oct. 7 marked the 11-year anniversary of Emily’s first cancer diagnosis, in 2009. She was 6. It began with stomach aches and leg pain. Doctors suspected appendicitis, ordered an ultrasound and decided she needed surgery because they discovered a tumor. After surgery, the doctors told her parents it was cancer and it had ruptured, contaminating her entire abdomen. The 10-centimeter tumor in Emily’s stomach turned out to be small cell carcinoma of the ovary. The disease had a 94% mortality rate at the time. The Knerr family was in the process of moving from Miami to Birmingham. Once they had moved, Emily was admitted to Children’s of Alabama, underwent three major surgeries, six rounds of aggressive chemotherapy, 30 days of radiation, 60 days of Avastin therapy and a stem-cell transplant, which led to major complications, before she was declared cured in January 2011. But in November 2015, just before her 13th birthday, while she was a student at Bumpus Middle School, Emily learned the cancer was back after being in remission for more than five years. She had to go through treatment all over again. “I was pretty upset,” Emily said. “I

Fast, Slippery Smith Has Eagles Soaring

going bad or good. He’s not easily frustrated.” Smith credits maturity for his on-field demeanor. This is his third season as Oak Mountain’s starting quarterback. “This year I know the offense even more,” Smith said. “The first two years, I watched film and just went out and played. This year, I still watch film, but it’s different. I understand why I should do certain things, which plays work and which ones don’t.” That certainly wasn’t the case as a freshman, when Smith was stunned with being named the starter. “I was shellshocked,” he said. “I didn’t know what to think.” Bell had no qualms about starting Smith as a freshman because of his composure and leadership qualities. “He’s always been a great leader and everybody on the team respects him,” Bell said. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Oak Mountain football coach Cris Bell reaches into his adjective playbook to describe Eagles junior quarterback Evan Smith. At various times this season, he has used words such as slippery, fast, phenomenal, smart, competitive and steady. The past two weeks, Bell could have chosen unstoppable because that’s what Smith has been. Smith accounted for four touchdowns – two passing, one receiving and one rushing – in a 48-17 rout of Spain Park on Oct. 2, clinching a playoff berth. He followed that with 226 yards and four touchdowns rushing in a 42-21 blowout victory at Tuscaloosa County last Thursday. He scored on runs of 34, 4, 66 and 1 yards as Oak Mountain improved to 6-1 for only the second time in program history and 4-1 in Class 7A, Region 3. In his typical low-key style, Smith downplayed his performance. “I’m just doing what I can do to help the team,” Smith said. On the season, Smith has completed 34 of 69 passes for 515 yards and six touchdowns with only one interception, and he rushed for 756 yards and 11 scores. “The biggest thing about Evan is he just continues to get better playing the position of quarterback,” Bell said. “He understands our offense and understands what we need to do, communicating with me about what he’s seeing. “He’s a smart kid and extremely competitive. But he’s low-key and steady. Regardless of the circumstances, you never know whether it’s

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

didn’t want to do it all over again.” She had surgery, lost all her hair, her eyelashes and eyebrows. When the anniversary of her first diagnosis came around last week, Emily took a moment to reflect on her ordeal. “It’s crazy to think it’s been 11 years,” Emily said. “It seems like my whole life has revolved around cancer. At some points, it doesn’t feel like it’s been that long, but it’s also like I’ve never been without cancer.”

Therapeutic Running

The day before the homecoming game, Emily learned she had clean scans. She had been off treatment and cancer-free for three years. “This year has been so challenging, but in typical Emily fashion, she makes the best of her circumstances,” Amanda Knerr wrote on Facebook. “Our family is very accustomed to living with uncertainty, fear, and in isolation. We learned a long time ago that we need to live every day despite our circumstances. Every single day counts, and life is too short to live in or make decisions based on fear. “In turn, Emily has had a wonderful six months and she’s happier than I have ever seen her. Her senior year is looking different than a normal senior year but she is making priceless memories anyway.” After being named homecoming queen, Emily had to get up the next morning to go run in a cross-country meet, the Oak Mountain Invitational at Heardmont Park. She runs cross-country and track at Hoover. This is her second year on the varsity team, but this is the first year she gets to run in every

First Came the Running

Evan Smith

Smith didn’t grow up playing quarterback. He was a running back and receiver until he moved to quarterback in middle school. That might explain why Smith considers himself a better runner than passer at this point. He spent this summer working with two quarterback coaches on his throwing mechanics.

race. “She’s just another person on the team,” said Devon Hind, Hoover’s cross-country and track coach. “I don’t look at her as a cancer survivor. Some of the other runners on the team don’t even realize she’s a cancer survivor. “She’s worked hard to earn her spot on the varsity. She’s a mid-pack runner and she does all right for herself. I know I’m always going to get the best out of her when she’s running.” This fall, the Bucs are competing during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been interesting. “It’s definitely been a chaotic year,” Emily said. “I’m trying not to be too stressed.” Last Saturday, Emily helped Hoover finish fifth in the Helena Invitational. She was sixth among Hoover’s runners, finishing the 5K race with a time of 23:29.82. Running has been therapeutic for Emily since she began in the seventh grade. “I think running got me through it the second time,” she said. “There’s a huge running community and they helped me get through it. Running helps keep me mentally sane.” “I think it saved her,” Amanda Knerr said. “It’s given her purpose, drive and health.” Emily and Hind have developed a bond since she was in middle school. “She’s been through a lot,” Hind said. “I was at the hospital when she was sick and saw how disappointed she was when she wasn’t able to run. I am thrilled for her to be out there now.” Hind wasn’t at the homecoming game when Emily was crowned queen, but he saw her the next day at the Oak Mountain meet.

“Before I worked with them, I didn’t have the fundamentals of passing down,” Smith said. “They helped me have a quicker release and get a better grip on the ball. I am still developing as a passer.” With his 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash and his ability to run, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound Smith already is one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the state. Nearly a dozen schools presently are recruiting him, including UAB, Jacksonville State, Georgia Southern, Army, Navy, Cincinnati, Virginia Tech and Coastal Carolina. “I hadn’t thought about college much,” Smith said. “I’ll think about it more after basketball season.” Smith played guard on Oak Mountain’s basketball team, which reached the state tournament for the first time in school history last season. But Smith won’t think about basketball until the Eagles’ football season is finished. The only blemish on their record is a 42-7 setback at Hoover on Sept. 18. Oak Mountain is entering the gauntlet of its regular-season schedule, hosting defending Class 7A champion Thompson (8-0, 5-0) in a region game, then traveling to Hewitt-Trussville (6-2, 3-2) and Clay-Chalkville in its final three games before the state playoffs. “As a team, I’d say we’re doing pretty good, but we’ve still got to keep going and stay locked in because of what we have in front of us,” Smith said. “I think we can go all the way. Everyone understands what we need to do and are buying in, and everyone is focused.”

“It was really exciting and I was thrilled for her,” Hind said. “When I saw her the next morning, I congratulated her and she had a huge smile on her face. The day before (homecoming) she had gotten an all clear, so it was a pretty exciting day.”

Sisterly Love

Despite the all-clear, Emily still has thoughts of the cancer returning. “It’s definitely a struggle,” she said. “I think about it a little bit, but I’m living life to the fullest. I don’t worry about it until it’s time for a scan.” She receives plenty of support from her family, including her younger sisters, Anna, 14, and Casey, 12. “I love them,” Emily said. “We have a close relationship. I would like to say they look up to me. They’ve always been there for me. I have loving support at home.” With all she’s been through, Emily has become extremely close to her mother. “I think my mom and I are similar in a lot of ways,” Emily said. “We spent a lot of time together, especially when I was in the hospital. We deal with things differently. Sometimes I think it’s harder on her than me.”

Giving Back

Emily’s parents started the Hope for Autumn Foundation in 2012 after Emily’s first bout with cancer. The foundation financially assists families battling childhood cancer, funds childhood cancer research and raises awareness of childhood cancer. The foundation will host the Swing for Hope Annual Golf

Tournament on Oct. 26 at the Inverness Country Club. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the tournament begins at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. Emily Knerr 2020 Hoover High School All proceeds will benefit the Homecoming Queen Hope for Autumn Foundation. Emily serves as president of the junior board of the foundation. “I love being involved with the Hope for Autumn Foundation,” she said. “I feel like I can contribute to children who are going through something similar to what I have. It’s a good way of helping children with childhood cancer.”

PLAYMAKER From page 32

from the loss to Shades Valley. Next week, Homewood closes region play with a home game against Briarwood (6-2, 4-1). Homewood will be trying to better its region seeding before the playoffs. “We started the season kind of shaky, losing to Hillcrest, finding out who we are and what places we needed to fill,” Irvine said. “Once we found out who we are, I think we’ve been pretty good. We feel confident about the rest of the season.”

Hewitt-Trussville 42, Vestavia Hills 35 Hoover 47, Spain Park 34 Oak Mountain 42, Tuscaloosa Cty 21 Mtn. Brook 17, Briarwood Christian 7 Shades Valley 34, Homewood 17 Ramsay 47, John Carroll Catholic 6

Far left, senior Spartan defensive badk James Nichols makes a key interception in Mountain Brook’s 17 -7 win over Briarwood. Quarterback Strother Gibbs, left, led Mountain Brook’s offense with 122 yards rushing and 107 yards passing.

Photo courtesy Mountain Brook High School

Homewood at Mtn. Brook (10/15) Tuscaloosa Cty at Hoover John Carroll at Pleasant Grove Thompson at Oak Mountain Vestavia at Spain Park Briawood is off

WEEK 8 SCOREBOARD

Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

THIS WEEK’S GAMES

Thursday, October 15, 2020 • 31

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOL SPIRIT SPOTLIGHT

Mountain Brook High School Members of the 2020-2021 Mountain Brook varsity cheer squad are, front, from left: Caroline Savage, Sarah Margaret Currie, Ella Grace Perry, Katherine Bradford, Claire Dennis, Leila Horsley, Caldwell Flake, Mary Winston Hendry, Mary Carlisle Jones, Kendall Whatley and Jessica Randolph. Back: Grace Gardner, Camille Emblom, Mary Dawson Gladney, Lillie Wright, Ella Emblom, Sarah Cushman, Carson Rogers, Bentley Carroll, Mallory Baxley, Olivia Rome and Emmaline Stewart.

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Unstoppable: Fast, Slippery Smith Has Eagles Soaring Page 30

SPORTS

Thursday, October 15, 2020 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

By Rubin E. Grant

Irvine Embraces Role as the ‘Guy’ in Patriots’ Offense

Len Irvine puts a move on a Shades Valley defender last week.

On the season, Irvine has 35 receptions for 466 yards and three touchdowns. He also has two rushing

Hoover Homecoming Queen Emily Knerr Thriving After Two Bouts With Cancer

mily Knerr didn’t grow up dreaming about becoming a high school homecoming queen. She was too busy trying to survive two bouts with ovarian cancer. So, when she was announced as Hoover’s homecoming queen during the Bucs’ football game against Oak Mountain on Sept. 18, she was

stunned. She was presented as a member of the senior class homecoming court and was escorted by her dad, Ryan Knerr. “It was definitely a surprise,” Emily said. “I wasn’t expecting it. It was exciting for sure. All the other girls were so excited for me. They ran over and gave me the biggest hugs. “It means a lot to me. It makes me realize people do recognize all the effort you have put into having good

touchdowns. He leads the team with 700 all-purpose yards and shares punting duties, averaging 33.3 yards

per punt. Berguson knew early on in Irvine’s varsity career that he was a special player. “We knew he would be great as a sophomore,” Berguson said. “We usually let our seniors pick single digit numbers, but as a sophomore we let him pick a single digit number and he chose No. 3. “He’s a good all-around player. If there’s one word to describe him, it’s competitor. He runs great routes, and we don’t mind throwing the ball up to him because he’s going to go up and compete to make the catch.” As he showed against Huffman, Irvine is good at competing from the wildcat position. “We practice it for short yardage,” Irvine said. “We’ve got good blockers up front and all I have to do is run.” But that doesn’t mean Irvine wants to become a running back anytime soon. “I don’t mind running it up the middle a couple of times a game, but I prefer receiver,” he said. “They put me out at receiver in Little League and I’ve grown to love it.” The Patriots (4-2, 3-1 in the region) will visit first-place region leader Mountain Brook (6-1, 4-0) Thursday, looking to bounce back See PLAYMAKER, page 30

Emily Knerr, center, with her cross country teammates Anna Kathryn Smith, left, and Emmie Latham, right, at Saturday’s Helena Invitational.

character and that being a good person shows.” For Emily’s mother, Amanda, the moment was extra special, especially seeing her 17-year-old daughter’s reaction. “It meant the world to her that her peers would vote for her to be homecoming queen at such a large school,” Amanda Knerr said. “She has overcome so much.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Valley, Irvine still shined. He had a season-high 10 receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown.

‘Nothing Holds Her Back’

By Rubin E. Grant

Week 8 Scores Page 31

PLAYMAKER

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

It’s no surprise that when Homewood’s football game against Huffman was on the line two weeks ago, the Patriots put the ball in the hands of senior receiver Len Irvine. With the graduation of multi-talented receiver Trae Ausmer, Irvine has emerged as the Patriots’ offensive playmaker in 2020. “Trae was our guy last year and we knew Len would be our guy this year,” Homewood coach Ben Berguson said. “He’s sneaky good. He had more than 500 receiving yards last year.” Against Huffman, Irvine came through. Lining up in the backfield in the “wildcat” formation, Irvine took the snap and plowed ahead for a 4-yard touchdown run with 27 seconds remaining, lifting Homewood to a 15-8 Class 6A, Region 5 victory and clinching a playoff berth. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound Irvine has embraced the playmaking role. “I knew with Trae gone there was going to be a big hole to fill and I needed to step up,” Irvine said. “My mindset going into every game is to set an example for everyone else and set a tone early in the game.” Last week, in a surprising 34-17 loss to previously winless Shades

School Spirit Page 31

See KNERR, page 30

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