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Nonprofits Talk About What It Takes to Survive a Pandemic PAGE 8
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
NEWS
Homewood Witches Ride co-founders Janie Mayer and Daphne Dickinson, along with other witches, held a socially distant reverse parade on Sunday.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020
Holman Ranch and Bottega Restaurant Kick Off TumTum Vintner Dinners With Creative Virtual Tasting PAGE 26
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Homewood and Liberty Park Witches Kick Off Halloween PAGE 12
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OPINION/CONTENTS
Inside
Murphy’s Law
I ‘SEE US AS PARTNERS’ Nonprofits Tell Homewood Chamber Members What It Takes to Survive a Pandemic. PAGE 8
TAKE ACTION Hoover Veteran Mark Davis Creates Ways to Honor Those Who Have Served. PAGE 10
CREATIVE ESCAPE Lilt Floral’s McAfee Finds Beauty Distracts From Today’s Problems PAGE 24
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE Col. Channon Among Honorees for Military Service During Hoover’s Veterans Week PAGE 28
ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 8 LIFE 10 SOCIAL 12 WEDDINGS 15
The Good Old US of A
had a double snake encounter last able THEM you can blame and deniweek and, as I get ready for grate and send to bed without their Halloween, that’s as scared as I supper. No matter which side of the want to get. My knee-jerk reaction fence you look at, it’s sadly comfortwas to put a For Sale sign in my front ing to think of them all as snakes, but yard and start looking for an antiseptic in your heart of hearts, you know that’s not true. condo, and I might have done it, too, More important than that, no matter except that, later that day, I looked who wins Nov. 3, the sun will come up down to find a large brown insect Nov. 4, and if we’re still standing there calmly making his way onto the armwith our hatred in our hands, we’re in rest of my rocker. It was a praying for a rough time. I think we can all mantis, one of those elegant, gangly agree that there are legitimate snakes – creatures who walk around on their Sue Murphy COVID-19, racism, unemployment, elbows. I sat very still so as not to disnot to mention a certain squatty dictaturb him, and at one point, he turned tor who likes to shoot off missiles around and looked directly at me, whenever he gets bored – that will which was chilling in a wonder and require our undivided attention. awe sort of way. Undivided. Say it Undivided. Say it with me. I needed that. Instead of continuing on our current The back-to-back incidents with me. Instead of Us-and-Them-of-A trajectory, we reminded me that nature is not all continuing on our should do everything we can to snakes. It also set me to thinking about the upcoming election (Stay current Us-and-Them- move on to a better US-of-A place. I realize using the praying manwith me here.). With Nov. 3 only a of-A trajectory ... tis as a hope-rendering example few days away, I’m sure that you’ve might be a stretch, seeing as she noticed the political rhetoric has eats her mate and all, so how about gotten a bit … well, snaky. Both we change our nature analogy to sides of the political fence are branthink of turtles or butterflies or the duck-billed platydishing their verbal assault rifles and Big Bad Wolf pus. Now, there’s an interesting critter. And just to kick bazookas, trying to convince you that, unless you vote things off in an US direction, I’m going to make my their way, life as you know it is over. circle bigger to include the snakes. That’s right. You Given the 2020 litany of woes, you’d think we heard it here first. There has to be room for everybody. couldn’t be scared any more than we already are, but It just seems that if we could look to our left and by golly, these seasoned campaign officials are doing our right and recognize the other people whose backs their best to bring the entire country to its emotional are also against the wall, we would be much more likeknees. ly to effect the changes we so desperately need. I’d say This is not helpful. It’s a far cry from the kind, we should join hands, but right now we could start with responsible (grown-up) behavior we’re going to need a sincere but socially distanced nod and see if we can going forward. get ourselves back on track. The Good Old US of A. I understand that when your back is up against the We need that. wall, you would dearly love for there to be a recogniz-
HOME 24 FOOD 26 PEOPLE 31 SCHOOLS 32 SPORTS 36
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
Homecoming in Mountain Brook
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
J O U R N A L October 29, 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
Future Dorians Reese and Kate Hull enjoyed the Homecoming festivities at Mountain Brook High School Friday night wearing outfits inspired by the MBHS Dorian dance team’s gameday costumes. During halftime, Senior Ebbie Stutts was crowned Homecoming Queen. For more see page 32
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Vol. 30, No. 7
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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4 • Thursday, October 29, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
OCT 29 - NOV 12 Editor’s note: Some of the events in our calendar may have been canceled after our press deadline. Please check organiziation websites for the latest information.
Through 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. 29-30, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 1, 2:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Theatre Website: homewoodtheatre.com
Thurs., Oct. 29 TopGolf Kickoff Fundraiser
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
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
Tucked on a wooded hill off Interstate 459, just beyond Mountain Brook High School, is the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park. It was founded by Della Fancher, a Cahaba Heights native and Shelby County resident. Her vision for the memorial began in the mid-1980s to honor Alabamians who served in wars throughout the 20th century, as well as the families who lost loved ones. Dedicated in 2001, the park honors veterans, reminds the community of their sacrifice and educates new generations to honor the men and women who served. The park typically hosts several events throughout the year, most nota-
Beacons of Hope
What: Forge Survivorship Center invites you to honor a loved one or celebrate your own breast cancer journey by lighting a luminary at the Forge House. Masks and physical distancing are encouraged. Virtual attendance offered. When: 8-9 p.m. Where: Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center Website: “Beacons of Hope” Facebook page
Mon., Nov. 2 Drive - Out Breast Cancer Golf Tournament
What: Join the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama for its 25th annual tournament to support breast cancer research in our community. Email bcrfa@uab.edu for more information. When: All day Where: Old Overton Club Website: bcrfa.org
Fri., Oct. 30 Zoo Brews: Drafts at a Distance Round Two
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: 5-8:30 p.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
What: This new trail run series is designed for all skill levels of runners with easy to moderate difficulty trails incorporated into the raced loops. 5 or 10 mile options. When and Where: Check the website for details Website: runhammies.com
Nov. 2, 10 and 16 Hope for the Holidays
What: Community Grief Support hosts a series of virtual events designed to help grief survivors through the holiday season. Included will be tips, a memorial service for your loved one, and more. For reservations, email communitygriefsu@bellsouth.net or call 205-870-8667. When: 6-7:30 p.m. Website: communitygriefsupport.org/ schedule/events/
bly its Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations. But this year it will forego an in-person event, and the park foundation’s board will take the annual ceremony virtual. The event will be broadcast Nov. 8 on the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park Facebook page beginning at 2 p.m. As the park’s Memorial Day celebration was canceled due to public health concerns, recognition of this year’s Stepstone honorees will be included in the event. For more information, visit the park’s Facebook page. —Emily Williams
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
MOSS ROCK FESTIVAL NOV. 7-8
Nov. 1, 8 and 15 The Hammies Birmingham’s Funnest Races
Veterans Memorial Park to Host Virtual Veterans Celebration
What: Guest will enjoy the opportunity to purchase the work of around 100 juried artists, nature exhibits, food, a beer garden trail, kids activities and more. When: Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: The Hoover Met Complex,Website: mossrockfestival.com Artist Butch Oglesby displayed his work at last year’s Moss Rock Festival. This year’s event will be held at The Hoover Met Complex.
Thurs., Nov. 5 Live 2 Lead 2020
What: This world-class half-day leader development experience is designed to equip attendees with new perspectives, practical tools and key takeaways. When: 8:30 a.m.-noon Where: Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Website: vhumc.org
Samford Legacy League Holiday Gift Market
What: Visitors will find a variety of goods for purchase including jewelry, art, handmade soap, candles specialty foods and seasonal items. Proceeds help provide scholarships for students in need.. Masks required. When: 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: First Church of the Nazarene Website: samford.edu/legacyleague
Sat., Nov. 7 BTC Vulcan Run
What: The 46th running of this Birmingham classic 10K is conducted on a (USATF) certified course, and includes electronic timing, race shirts, post-race refreshments an other amenities. When: 8 a.m. Where: Macy’s parking lot, Brookwood Village Website: runsignup.com
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Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 5
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6 • Thursday, October 29, 2020 Walk to End Epilepsy
What: Join the virtual Walk to End Epilepsy and walk for the 54,000 families affected by epilepsy in Alabama. Raise awareness and funds to end epilepsy. When: 9:30 a.m. Where: Zoom Website: “Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama” Facebook page
Thurs., Nov. 12 Virtual Beyond Blue
What: Join co-hosts Laura Rutledge (ESPN/SEC) and Mike Tirico (NBC Sports) in a benefit to end prostate cancer includes a virtual auction and is in honor of Mike Slive Foundation board member Charlie Perry. When: Check the website for updates Website: mikeslivefoundation.org
What: STARS presents the enchanting modern classic from Disney based on the 2018 Broadway musical. A story of true love and acceptance, this play is loaded with beloved characters, magic, adventure and humor. When: Check the website for times Where: VST Mainstage Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org
Fri., Nov. 13 Bear the Burden Ruck
Nov. 12 and 13
What: The Wings of Hope Pediatric Foundation hosts a 10 mile ruck, with or without weight. Proceeds benefit critically ill children with meals, lawn care, house cleaning and financial support when needed When: 7 p.m.2 a.m. Where: Oak Mountain State Park Website: “Bear the Burden Ruck 2020 presented by Wheeler Wrecker Services” Facebook page
Sportsman Social and Clay Shoot
Nov. 18-Jan. 18
What: Enjoy an evening of food, bourbon tasting, a raffle, live auction and experience wild game tastings of renowned chef Rick Vonk. A clay shoot to follow on Nov. 13. Proceeds place life-saving AEDs in athletic programs, schools, summer camps and non-profits. When: Social, 6 p.m.; clay shoot, 8:30 a.m. start Where: Social, Iron City; clay shoot, ORVIS at Pursell Farms Website: lordwedgwoodcharity.org
Nov. 12-22 “Frozen Junior”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration
What: This night-time event will feature animal-themed lanterns that will illuminate the zoo like never before. When: 5 p.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com
Fri., Nov. 20 Magical Marketplace
What: Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church presents its annual marketplace featuring art, pottery,
jewelry, baked goods, children’s clothing and more. When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: VHUMC Website: “Magical Marketplace” Facebook page
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
Sat., Nov. 21 SBTT Holiday Open House
What: Studio By the Tracks hosts its annual open house in a variety of socially-distant ways, beginning with and indoor-outdoor sale featuring Studio By the Tracks participant artwork, 15 local art and food vendors and more. Masks are required. A twoday online auction will be held from Nov. 21-22. Proceeds from the event will benefit the nonprofit organization. When: Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., indoor and outdoor market. Where: Studio By the Tracks Website: studiobythetracks.org/holiday
Halloween Fun Through Oct. 29
Behind the Masks Art Show
What: Bare Hands Inc. presents a showing of the Day of the Dead Festival masks made by local artists, leading up to the 18th Dia de los
Through Oct. 31 Pumpkin and Mum Sale
What: Sims Gardens presents a fall fundraiser featuring pumpkins of all kinds, mums of many colors, crafts, a scarecrow trail and tricks and treats. Questions and preorders, simsgarden@homewoodal.net. When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: 913 Irving Road, Homewood Website: facebook. com/SimsGardens/
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 Hoover Senior Center. When: noon-2 p.m. Where: Hoover Senior Center upper parking lot Questions: 205-7396700
Parking Lot Pumpkin Patch
What: Hoover Library will have sidewalk chalk, pumpkin patch inspiration and families can decorate their own parking spot “pumpkin patch” while remaining socially distant. Registration required. When: 5:30-6 p.m. and 6:30-7 p.m. Where: Library parking lot Website: hooverlibrary.org
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
Fri., Oct 30 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
COVID-19 TESTING IN YOUR COMMUNITY
APPT. REQUIRED CALL:
205-975-2819 (CV19) Anyone can be tested, free of charge.
www.uab.edu/livehealthsmartal COVID-Testing_Cahaba-Sun_9-25x5.5.indd 1
8/27/20 6:47 PM
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 7
ABOUT TOWN/PEOPLE
They’re BACK!
p.m. Website: “Autism Society of Alabama Monster Dash” Facebook page
Halloween Scavenger Hunt
What: Participate in Vestavia Library’s first-ever Halloween themed scavenger hunt. This family-friendly activity will take place outdoors and promises to be festive fun for everyone. Call the children’s department for details, 205-9780158. When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Website: vestaviahills.org
2020 Tasting Trail Oct 15 - Nov 30 @ Local Breweries 16 Brewery Stops
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
Nov. 1-7 Dia De Los Muertos Alabama
What: Bare Hands Inc. will host a week-long celebration of life as opposed to the traditional day festival. Altar installations will honor lost loved ones and pets. In addition, there will be nightly food vendors on-site. When: 9-5 p.m. Where: Pepper Place Website: bhamdayofthedead.com
SEND ABOUT TOWN INFO TO: EDITORIAL@OTMJ.COM
Commemorative Glass IT’S SCARECROW WEEK Stroll through Crestline Village through Nov. 1 to see what scarecrows participating Crestline businesses have come up with for their window displays. Above, a scarecrow outside of Iberia Bank on Monday.
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8 • Thursday, October 29, 2020
NEWS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
‘See Us as Partners’
Nonprofits Tell Homewood Chamber Members What It Takes to Survive a Pandemic
By Sam Prickett
er economic influence on the surrounding communities. They said the venues attract tourists from around the country who, in turn, spend money in neighboring Over the Mountain cities. “Even though we are a nonprofit, we are an economic generator like most nonprofits in town,” Pfefferkorn said.
Birmingham-area nonprofit leaders spoke at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s virtual luncheon Oct. 20 to share how their organizations were adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic — and how the community can help them continue to survive. The hour-long panel featured Birmingham Zoo President and CEO Chris Pfefferkorn, Vulcan Park and Museum President and CEO Darlene Negrotto, ¡HICA! Deputy Director Carlos E. Alemán and Lakeshore Foundation President and CEO Jeff
Essential Services for People Also Suffering
Underwood, all of whom have been forced to pivot to make up for the economic damage of COVID-19. Revenues at the Birmingham Zoo, for instance, have diminished not only because of the city of Birmingham’s budget cuts, but because of a decline in ticket sales, which make up about 30% of its overall budget. Now, the zoo faces a $2.5 million deficit for the year, Pfefferkorn said, and it will likely take three years to fully recover. The zoo has had to lay off staff and cut education programs, because some of its operating costs, such as the $1,000 per day it takes to feed the animals, are fixed. “I can’t furlough the animals,” Pfefferkorn said. “This is their home. So to shut down for three months, as we had to due to COVID … you have to get creative.” That meant moving many of the zoo’s educational programs into the virtual realm, as well as starting an emergency animal fund through which the community could contribute to the animals’ care. “There was no training we had in our past to prepare us for something like this, but I think we’re very lucky that we have the community around us that we do,” Pfeffekorn said. “Without the community, I don’t know what we would have done. We would have maxed our credit cards. I often joke I’d be on the highway collecting aluminum cans. I think we would all do what we need to do to
Though organizations such as Vulcan Park and Museum, above, and the Birmingham Zoo, right, have established a new normal, they closed out the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s Oct. 20 virtual luncheon by urging the local business community to continue its support through volunteering and partnerships.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
BIRMINGHAM ZOO PRESIDENT AND CEO CHRIS PFEFFERKORN
Journal photo by Lee Walls
‘I think we would all do what we need to do to make sure that we keep the lights on and, in our case, keep the animals fed.’
make sure that we keep the lights on and, in our case, keep the animals fed,” he said. “Thankfully, Birmingham is a very philanthropic community, and the cities surrounding it, and they responded and really did help out their zoo.” Vulcan Park and Museum has similarly fixed operating costs. “We can’t not have the lights on Vulcan,” Negrotto said. The park stayed open during the pandemic, Negrotto said. “We felt it was very important to allow families a place to come and get some fresh air and some exercise,” she said.
But some staffing cuts were needed. Like the zoo, Vulcan’s educational programs have been moved online, while signature events like the Vulcans Community Awards are being significantly retooled. But an increase in attendance in recent months has given Negrotto hope that things eventually will return to normal. “We’ve been, honestly, fairly surprised by the growth over the summer and into the fall in admissions,” she said, pointing out that the park has seen attendees from 49 states. Both Pfefferkorn and Negrotto emphasized their organizations’ larg-
For ¡HICA! and the Lakeshore Foundation, the pandemic emphasized how essential their services are for vulnerable communities. ¡HICA!, the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, is an advocacy group for Latino and immigrant families in Alabama, while the Lakeshore Foundation provides athletic services and advocacy for people with disabilities. “We had to pivot immediately and figure out how to deliver the services that we normally do in this new environment,” Alemán said. The organization’s 24 full-time employees were able to easily switch to working remotely, he said, “but then we had to also meet real, basic needs for our community … . If you’re an undocumented immigrant, you’re not eligible for a stimulus check. We have real, dire concerns around food security. … And we were really concerned that if people were out of work or coming into contact and being exposed to COVID, that they would not be able to work or be able to pay their rent.” To address these concerns, ¡HICA! partnered with local churches, food banks, and the Levite Jewish Community Center to distribute approximately 500 boxes of food to families in need. It also allocated $10,000 of its operating budget to creating an emergency assistance fund, which was augmented by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, United Way, local banks and private donors. “We have been able to distribute over $175,000 to families so that they can pay their rent and utilities,” he said. “That’s been an enormous lift for us, and really, it’s kept people
in their homes.” ¡HICA! also worked with the state and county public health departments to make sure information about COVID-19 was distributed both in English and Spanish, “to make sure our community was aware of how grave this pandemic was going to be and all the things that they needed to do to protect themselves and their communities,” Alemán said. “And we’ve also been a testing site for folks. … We dived right in, to say the least.” The Lakeshore Foundation found itself similarly faced with helping a vulnerable population. “We had to realize that (people with disabilities) need access to physical activity in order to maintain their health,” Underwood said. “It’s this balance between providing some level of programming in a safe way for the clients and staff but also recognizing and addressing the vulnerabilities of the population we serve.” Lakeshore’s facilities reopened May 18, though appointments are necessary, and the building is deepcleaned every two hours. For those unwilling or unable to venture into public, Lakeshore implemented new tele-exercise technology, which delivers virtual exercise programs directly to peoples’ homes.
Groups Need Partners and Volunteers Though these organizations have established a new normal, they closed out Oct. 20’s virtual luncheon by urging the local business community to continue its support through volunteering and partnerships. “I would say to the business community, ‘See us as partners,’” Underwood said. “Don’t see us as those people you only hear about with our hand out when we want to do an (event). “We’re not just fundraisers, you know? We’re providing valuable services to the community. … Engage with the nonprofit sector as volunteers, as financial supporters. Serve on our boards of directors. There are lots of ways to engage and support rather than writing a check – and we all need those checks written (too).” Pfefferkorn, meanwhile, struck an optimistic note. “We can recover,” he said. “We’ve got the community and we’ve got some great folks here, and I know we can do it. But I think (a) partnership aspect is critical in doing it, and I would encourage people throughout all the communities to reach out and give us a call.”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 9
NEWS
Renovated Courtyard Helps Draw New Tenants to Vestavia Hills City Center
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
have renovated the exterior, which is nearly complete.” The building soon will be home to three new businesses. One side of the building will become a TrustCare Urgent Care. The opposite side has been split into two spaces that will accommodate new food concepts – Chopt Creative Salad Co., which is corporately owned, and a locally owned franchise of Crumbl Cookies, which serves a variety of
cookies and ice creams. When the businesses will open is hard for McFadden and his team to determine because of the pandemic. But, he said, “We will be handing things over to them within a month so they can start doing the work they need to on their spaces.” A new hurdle for the KPR crew has been the August announcement that Stein Mart will be closing all of its stores.
McFadden said there already has been interest from multiple parties in the Stein Mart on Montgomery Highway, some offers more appealing than others. “Certain possibilities could involve splitting that space up … splitting into two spaces, moving an adjacent tenant around who may want more space,” McFadden said. “We are creative when it comes to that kind of stuff. We do it all the time.”
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Karen Odle, left, with Vestavia Hills city manager Jeff Downes in the newly renovated Vestavia Hills City Center courtyard. City officials are excited about the revitalization plans city center owners KPR Centers have for the development.
By Emily Williams The Vestavia Hills City Center welcomed guests to its first official event in the newly renovated courtyard on Oct. 17 to watch the AlabamaGeorgia game. The courtyard is situated in an open area between Planet Fitness, Panera Bread and First Watch. Lights have been strung above the courtyard, a fountain was removed and replaced by a stretch of synthetic turf, and moveable pieces such as seating and lawn games have been incorporated into the space. According to Fred McFadden, director of asset management for KPR Centers, owners of the city center, room for flexibility was important to maintain in the area as new tenants arrived. “I think that (the courtyard) work has been a draw for some of our new tenants,” he said. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Karen Odle said that whenever she passes by the courtyard since its completion, there are always people gathered to enjoy it. In her 18 years with the chamber, Odle said, conversations about the City Center always have included revitalization of the courtyard. “That’s what people have been wanting, is something happening there,” she said. “We are so excited about seeing it now. It’s not just talk; it’s actually happening.” The next event set for the courtyard will be a tree lighting Nov. 19. McFadden said he noticed during discussions with potential tenants that the courtyard concept seemed to have been proposed over the years but never fully realized. “The proof is in the pudding,” he said. “We had to spend the money and get the work done and get it happening. The more we got done, the easier it was to convince people that this is really going to happen. “What was our biggest challenge is probably becoming our biggest asset at this point, but we’ve got a ways to go,” he said.
The team just needed the first few tenants to sign on to create a domino effect in the area. “It’s about the energy and the activity you create within the area,” he said.
New Stores Arriving
Pigtails and Crewcuts drove interest in the center, and the recent announcement that Taco Mama will open its first Vestavia Hills location right off the courtyard has been a major step forward in KPR’s longterm goals for the center. “(Taco Mama) will be going into the courtyard area and will have outdoor seating and a real presence that will hopefully spur more leasing activity,” McFadden said. The hope is that more food and beverage operations will move to the center, playing off its status in the city as a designated entertainment district. “The entertainment district, in essence, is an open container area where individuals within the district – the city center – can purchase an alcoholic beverage in one of the city center tenant’s locations, leave that particular site and take the open beverage to a common area, which … as the city center starts planning activities, can be an opportunity to enjoy the beverage, support the brick and mortar tenants while having a good time in the common area – whether it be watching a football game or anything else,” said Vestavia Hills city manager Jeff Downes. Since the purchase of the property in 2017, KPR has had a mission to breathe new life into the retail spaces. So far, that has included painting the Publix shopping center, the City Center and the Stein Mart center. LED lighting is being upgraded and upgrades are being made to the AMC Vestavia Hills 10 and former Rite Aid locations. Hurdles to development included the closing of the Rite Aid shortly after the shopping center was purchased. “We have been able to take advantage of that,” McFadden said. “We
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LIFE
10 • Thursday, October 29, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
By Emily Williams
Corvette Club, Davis was introduced to the track manager of Talladega Superspeedway, leading to the creation of the organization’s annual Track Day. The 10th annual event has been rescheduled for May 29, 2021. The organization has raised more than $500,000 to date, selling laps around the speedway for $100 each. Those funds are distributed to individuals and non-profit organizations that help veterans, active military personnel and their families in distress or in need.
T
Fallen Warrior Project
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
o say that Hoover resident Mark Davis is involved in veterans’ support would be an understatement. Mark Davis is veterans’ support. As he walks across a bridge beneath the Veterans Memorial Arbor at Aldridge Gardens, where he has served on the board for more than seven years, visitors pass by while on a jog or walk with friends. “You know, nobody used to come over here,” he said. The arbor was just one project he has seen come to fruition in his journey to give back to fellow veterans who are in need or are in need of remembrance. On Nov. 8, Davis will join fellow veterans and members of the Hoover community at the arbor at 2 p.m. for the city’s annual Thank A Vet Kickoff. Davis’ own service in the armed forces was instrumental in shaping who he has become. At the age of 19, in 1973, Davis left college and joined the Navy despite his mother’s worries. He was driven by the example of his father, who served in the Korean War. “It was the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said. “I grew up really quick in the Navy.” As luck would have it, he was never sent to Vietnam but was stationed in the Caribbean. “Do you know The Hunt for Red October?” he asked. “I worked on those nuke submarines. I inspected them to make sure they were safe.” He learned to use ultrasound technology to inspect the welds, vessels and pipes in the subs. “As soon as we’d finish inspecting, they would go right back out,” Davis said. “We’d be working 24/7 for a week straight to get them set up in order to head back out.” Since his service concluded in 1979, Davis has used those skills he learned during his military career. He spent time working for Duke Power before eventually making his way to the Southern Company, working on nuclear power plants.
During the pandemic, Mark Davis hasn’t slowed down a bit. He took over as president of Vettes4Vets following the retirement of Maj. Gen. David Burford. He also took over as president of Support Our Soldiers, founded by Tom and Charon Rivers in memory of their son, Thomas Rivers Jr. He has been working with Shelby County engineers and will soon meet with the Hoover City Council to present plans for a Veterans Monument at Veterans Park.
TAKE ACTION
Hoover Veteran Mark Davis Creates Ways to Honor Those Who Have Served “I’m also the guy that inspected Vulcan and closed down the park,” Davis said. In the 1990s, the city of Birmingham reached out to Davis and asked him to conduct some ultrasonic testing on a crack found on Vulcan’s left hip and assess its severity. “The crack was so bad that I took a ruler and stuck it all the way through,” he said. “That 250-pound section was about to fall off, but it was his right arm that closed (the park) down.”
Davis’ desire to act when a good idea presents itself has translated into a life of service for veterans, living and deceased. It began in 2007, when he and his wife attended a holiday party and left with the opportunity to buy a Corvette. “My wife and I were looking for a convertible to buy that we could take out on a pretty day, drop the top and ride around,” he said. In February 2008, after having seen news about the number of sol-
diers returning to the United States in body bags, he felt the need to take action. “It just hit me while I was driving,” he said. “Corvettes, ‘vettes,’ for veterans, ‘vets.’” The idea became the veterans support organization Vettes4Vets, composed of Corvette owners across the southeast. “Our first event was a car show at Veterans Park,” Davis said. Through his membership in the Mid-Alabama
Davis Plans Events to Mark Veterans Day When the city of Birmingham announced it would not be supporting a Veterans Day Parade this year because of public health concerns, Vettes4Vets stepped up. Founder and President Mark Davis reached out to the parade manager, Mark Ryan, who told him the annual event would be replaced by a virtual parade. “You send in a videotape of what you are doing to celebrate and they play it on a loop on Fox News,” Davis said Ryan told him. It did not seem to him to be enough. “I called (Ryan) two days later and asked him if they have ever missed a Veterans Day
parade,” he said. Birmingham’s National Veterans Day Parade holds the distinction as America’s first and longest-running Veterans Day parade. Ryan told Davis that, over 72 years, the parade had never been canceled. So, Davis went to work and has organized the Veterans Day Motorcade. The event will feature 30 to 35 Corvettes and will be escorted by American Legion Riders, who often provide escort services when a veteran is transported to their final resting place at a national cemetery. Parade participants will start their ride at 4
p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 668, near the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, and will follow a route to Regions Field. The parade will be led by the Support Our Soldiers’ 99 Tahoe in honor of Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas Rivers, who was killed in action April 28, 2010, in Afghanistan. “We’ll be going by the VA Hospital, working with UAB – the athletic department and provost department – and will be trying to get an announcement made,” Davis said. “Hopefully, students will be able to stop and wave.”
But Vettes4Vets wasn’t enough for Davis. He wanted to do more for the veterans who had paid the ultimate sacrifice. Through a partnership with retired Col. Lee Busby of Tuscaloosa, who took up sculpting in his retirement, the Alabama Fallen Warrior Project was created. The project’s mission is to commission bronze memorial busts of every military member from Alabama killed while on active duty since 9/11. The first sculpture commissioned was of Hoover High School graduate Andrew Hand, an army specialist killed in action in 2010 while serving in Afghanistan. “We raised about $11,000 in one week to build that bust for him,” Davis said. Another leg of the project was to fund the creation of the Veterans Memorial Arbor at Aldridge Gardens and adjoining Gateway Pentagon Plaza. The busts of fallen Hoover residents Hand, Ryan Winslow and Thomas Rivers Jr. line the passage from the plaza to the memorial. The effect the project has had is clearest in the eyes of the fallen warrior’s parents, Davis said. Hand’s mother once told him that she didn’t like going to the National Cemetery to visit her son, that the memorial arbor was a more peaceful place to remember his life. “She said, ‘I can come out See DAVIS, page 11
In addition to the motorcade, Davis has been working with UAB’s athletic department to coordinate a Veterans Fan Stand for the Blazers Nov. 14 game against North Texas at Legion Field. There will be silhouettes made featuring the pictures of all 225 fallen Alabama veterans who have lost their lives since 9/11, including their names and where they are from. In addition, he will be giving veterans and Gold Star families of fallen veterans tickets to the game. “They are going to give me 1,500 tickets for veterans, for free,” Davis said. “We’re going to get as many veterans as we can into the game that day.” – Emily Williams
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
DAVIS From page 10
LIFE “Within that dash (are) all of the things you did in your life,” Davis said. “Eddie had a really big dash.”
here. I can sit. I can look out over the lake, and I know that my son’s bust is sitting right here,’” Davis said. Recently, Davis has been working with Busby to create a bust of gardens founder Eddie Aldridge. Before Aldridge’s death in 2018, Davis was able to take him to Tuscaloosa to meet with Busby. “He was a … veteran,” Davis said. “He was military police from 1953-55 in the Army and served in the Korean War.” “I wanted to do a full, life-sized bronze of Eddie,” Davis said. “I wanted to have him sitting on a park bench here.” Though Aldridge could be found on a garden banch just about any given Saturday, the full-size representation wasn’t his style. Instead, a bust of Aldridge has been commissioned. Once complete, it will be one of the first things visitors see when they go to Aldridge Gardens, positioned near the front entrance along with two plaques displaying Aldridge’s story and his mission in founding the gardens. “I just wanted to do something that would honor him, what he did, both with the gardens and the Alabama Hydrangea Society, which he founded,” Davis said. It comes down to the dash, he said, the dash that sits between someone’s birth date and the date of their death.
Even a Pandemic Can’t Get in the Way During the pandemic, Davis hasn’t slowed down a bit. He took over as president of Vettes4Vets following the retirement of Maj. Gen. David Burford. He also took over as president of Support Our Soldiers, founded by Tom and Charon Rivers in memory of their son, Thomas Rivers Jr. The organization sends care packages overseas to U.S. military personnel on active duty. “It works out because it creates three legs of support,” Davis said, the monument for those who have died and support for organizations for veterans and active duty military. In addition, he has been working with Shelby County engineers and will soon meet with the Hoover City Council to present plans for a Veterans Monument at Veterans Park. The monument would have colBob Channon will be recognized for his military service during the kickoff of Hoover’s Thank A Vet Week PAGE 28
Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 11
umns representing each Alabama veteran who has died since 9/11. “We have had 225 veterans killed since 9/11,” Davis said. “Four were killed in the Pentagon. The first man killed in the war on terror was Michael Spann,” he said. “He graduated from Auburn, so we have his bronze bust down at Auburn University.” Of the 225 columns, 118 would represent veterans who were killed in action and the rest would represent those who died “unhostile deaths.” “We will have uplighting at all four corners, so anybody driving up or down Valleydale Road will see this monument when they pass,” Davis said. “Anybody going to Spain Park High School or to any of the sporting events they have over there, they will all see this monument.” Davis said such monuments inspire remembrance and gratitude in people who see them. But, most importantly, Davis hopes they inspire people to show their support for veterans. “Everybody has a connection to a veteran,” he said. “You ask people if they served and maybe they haven’t. They may say, ‘No, but my dad did.” When Veteran’s Day arrives on Nov. 11, Davis’ advice is to go beyond a simple “thank you.” “What I tell people is that, yes, it’s great to thank people for their service, • In-Home Care, but take action,” Davis said. “Go getIncluding Bathing, Grooming, Housekeeping, • with In-Home Care, Including Bathing,Care, Grooming, Housekeeping, involved a veterans organization. Meal Preparation, Incontinence Medication Reminders And if youMeal don’t know of one, call me Preparation, Incontinence Care, Medication Reminders and I’ll putand you inTransportation touch with one.”
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SOCIAL
12 • Thursday, October 29, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
STAYING GROUNDED
Homewood and Liberty Park Witches Raise Funds for O’Neal Cancer Center
R
Homewood Witches
Christy Atkinson and Kate Moore.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
ather than hosting the traditional two-mile bike ride, the annual Homewood Witches Ride served up something a bit more socially distant. A reverse-parade was held in the parking lot of The Little Donkey in Homewood on Oct. 25, with witches lining up along a “drive-thru” lane. Those who would have been paradegoers took to their vehicles and rode through the lot as the witches waved and cheered. In addition, the festivities included an awards ceremony and performances by the Magic City Disco. At the heart of the event is its mission, to raise funds for the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. The ride honors the spirit of its cofounder Janie Mayer’s late mother, Paula Stringfellow Ford, who passed away after battling a rare form of lung cancer. Throughout October, the witches took flight and spread the word virtually – taking videos of their rides with family, friends or solo. All the while, teams and individual witches raised funds.
Members of Magic City Disco with Homewood Witches Ride founders Janie Mayer and Daphne Dickinson (in front).
Claire and Hannah Johnson.
Liberty Park Witches
The second annual Liberty Park Witches Ride took off without a hitch on Oct. 25. Witches (pictured on page 13) rode golf carts from Provence Park to Alston Meadows spreading cheer from a social distance for parade watchers. Through their participation, witches helped raise funds to support the Vestavia Hills High School Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement program. The student-led club raises funds throughout the school year to donate to the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Those funds go specifically towards the cancer center’s Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program. ❖
Above, Emmeline and Eleanor Church. Right, Luke and Hannah Miller.
Bethany Miller, Amy Ray, Katie Hollis, Heather Reeves and Callie Huffstutler.
Fran Chaiprakob, Jennifer Chewning and Stephanie Fuhrman.
Tristan and Evelyn Terrell with Jamie Keith.
Kim Crawford-Meeks.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
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SOCIAL
Liberty Park Witches Tiffany Marron, Jamie Sewell, Lorita Faulkner, Kristen Bailey, Lindley Salmon, Jennifer Tidwell and Meg Flowers.
Candis Hacker and Jan Williams.
Alison Schmidt, M Cranfield, Rebecca Moore and Lorin Kraeling.
Andrea Cook, Mary Frey, Rhonda Johnson, Reena Powell and Ashley Harmon.
Lauren Swillie and Connie Swillie.
Mallory Richardson, Lauren Estes and Lauren Ferguson.
Tanya Horne, Jennifer Burnaman and Tana Bernal.
Shannon Satterwhite, Angie McLean, Maria Fortune, Paige Coker and Kelsi Martin.
Tracy Gardner, Serena Porter and Dori Pekmezi.
Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 13
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SOCIAL
Casual Styles
GAME ON
Vestavia City Center Hosts Tailgate Party in Newly Renovated Courtyard
New fall fashions from Gameday In Style Boutique were highlighted during the Hoover Service Club’s annual Fall Fashion Show. Sylvia Gonda, Kim Allen, Debbie Rutherford and Darlene Real Higginbotham. The event took place Oct. 8 at the Hoover Country Club. The models, members of the Hoover Service Club, walked the fashion carpet while displaying gameday attire in addition to comfortable everyday styles, handmade jewelry and accessories. Darlene Real Higginbotham was the emcee for the fashion show while Rhonda Boyd, Hoover Service Club first vice president, coordinated and organized the event. Fashions were provided by Sylvia Gonda, owner and founder of Gameday In Style Barbara Henry, Shelley Shaw, Bonnie Campbell, Melanie Posey and Frances Brocato. boutique, at 450 Inverness Corners. In addition to the monthly general meeting and fashion show, Hoover Service Club members collected money for the Green Valley Baptist Church United Way Food Bank as part of their October Community Service project. Members were served take-out box lunches prepared by the Hoover Country Club that included Caesar salad, beef lasagna with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, steamed vegetables medley and garlic breadstick, with tiramisu for dessert. ❖
Alabama and Georgia football fans gathered in the courtyard at the Vestavia City Center on Oct. 17 for the center’s first community event. Large TVs were set up on the synthetic turf-covered courtyard, with socially distanced seating available for guests. In addition to food available from surrounding restaurants, Samurai Japan set up a drink cart offering beers and wines. ❖
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Hoover Service Club Hosts Annual Fall Fashion Show
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Jackie Hollingsworth, Marjorie Ward and Carlee Petro.
Caroline Kennedy, Jeneva Salter and April Godsey.
Kim Allen, Rhonda Boyd, Elaine Thompson and Karen Bruce.
Attic Antiques
Holiday Open House Thursday, Nov. 12th Friday, Nov. 13th Saturday, Nov. 14th
3301 Lorna Road, Ste. 1, Hoover • 978-5880 • www.shaysjewelers.com
Wear Mask Please Tue.-Sat. 10-4:00 5620 Cahaba Valley Rd. 991-6887
Unpacking Boxes Full of Treasures!
Joel Gaston, April Godsey and Karen Odle.
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Tailgate Party
Allie and Rebecca Dickey.
Williams-Robertshaw
Mr. and Mrs. Scott G. Williams of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Shelbourne Williams, to Benjamin Thomas Robertshaw, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Robertshaw of Vestavia Hills. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Connie Bishop and the late Mr. Paul S. Bishop of Mountain Brook, the late Mr. and
Mrs. Fred T. Stroble of Meridian, Mississippi, and the late Col. Evan E. Williams of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Miss Williams attended Mountain Brook High School and is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where she received a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in French and was a member of the Delta Gamma Fraternity. Miss Williams is a staff writer for the Over the Mountain Journal. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Al Robertshaw of Annapolis, Maryland, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Bill Krause of Mobile. Mr. Robertshaw attended Vestavia Hills High School and is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s degree in advertising. He currently works for Martin Retail Group. The couple will wed in a private ceremony at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Nov. 14, and a wedding celebration will follow in March of 2021.
Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 15
Pride and responsibility drive us to be the best in everything we do. As a life-long Over-the-Mountain resident and a third generation working at Guin, I feel great pride and responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and hard work that my grandfather began 62 years ago. Family is very important to us, and we treat our customers with the same care and respect as members of our own family. It Joseph Braswell would be a privilege to serve you.
Serving Birmingham since 1958
Share Your Good News! Mandy Chou and Sara Chen.
To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, please call 205-823-9646.
Member of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce
205-595-4846
AL#12175
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Santa Claus is Coming To Town
Market Days
Journal file photos by Jordan Wald
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
NOVEMBER 5TH-11TH
Homewood to Kickoff Holiday Celebrations Nov. 5 Homewood is planning to keep things holly and jolly this holiday season, adjusting its traditional celebrations to suit continued health and safety regulations. Festivities will begin with the 20th annual Holiday Open House, presented as a series of Market Days from Nov. 5 to Nov. 11. It is one of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s most anticipated events of the year, according to a statement. It kicks off the holiday shopping season while encouraging the community to shop at smaller
SHOP EARLY, SHOP LOCAL! LIVE PERFORMANCES EACH DAY AT 3PM! *VISIT EACH BUSINESS FOR HOLIDAY SPECIALS AND OFFERINGS JOIN OUR CONTEST! SCAN BELOW TO SEND 3 RECEIPTS FROM PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES AND BE ENTERED TO WIN A GIFT CARD!
Immediately following the Homewood Christmas Parade on Dec. 3, Santa will lead the Lighting of the Christmas Tree at City Hall.
boutiques that are closer to home and to support local businesses. Each day will bring new holiday specials and a musical and dance performance at 3 p.m. in the community circle outside of the Trak Shak. Participating merchants will update their websites or social media pages with offerings throughout the week, some offering extended hours, special sales and other specials to appeal to customers.
Joining in on the Homewood for the Holidays campaign, the city will host its annual Lighting of the Star on Dec. 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m. After the star is lit at the top of 18th Street, the Downtown Homewood Christmas Parade will commence. Immediately following the parade, Santa will lead the Lighting of the Christmas Tree at City Hall.
Applause Dancewear Applause Dancewear has been known as “Your One Stop For All Of Your Dancing Needs” since it was opened by Buddy and Cindy Wade in 1981. Their daughter, Katie Wade Faught, has continued that strong tradition and consistent answer to an ever changing and exponentially growing dance market since her ownership in 1992. “As a family that has grown up in dance and that has a love and true passion for this art form, it comes as second nature and makes it an absolute joy to come to work everyday,” said Faught, above. “In these critical times, as our world changes around us, we are striving to keep as much normalcy in the community of dance as we can. We want our customers to feel safe when shopping with us and to know that we are not taking the atti-
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tude of, ‘due to COVID’ as an excuse to not continue to strive for the best that we can offer our customers for the thing we love the most! For our customers and our little dancers that are here to buy their first pair of dance shoes, whether they be the first ballet or tap shoe for a toddler or the first pointe shoe for a teen, we want it to still be a very special moment!” “This Christmas season we will be offering beautiful new fashion leotards and booties in some new colors and prints. We are also excited to announce that we now carry Nikolay Pointe Shoes by Grishko! We are also fully opened for shopping and our customers are able to try items on and can be fitted for shoes in our store.” Applause Dancewear is located at 1629 Oxmoor Road in Homewood, 205-871-7837.
At Home Furnishings At Home Furnishings is a unique, privately owned store in the historic Homewood district of Birmingham carrying an eclectic mix of wares, from lighting, furniture and rugs to accessories and kitchenware, including a large assortment of Vietri dinnerware, candles and fashion. The flea market style makes the shop charming and inviting. “We have been in business for 28 years,” said Paige Rouss, head buyer. “Our wares are hand picked by the owner and staff to ensure that everyone’s tastes are satisfied. Inventory changes on a daily basis so there is always something new and exciting to discover.
“Many people come in on their lunch breaks just to see what’s new. Our greatest pleasure is to help people make their spaces feel comfortable and inviting no matter what their style may be. We make every effort to ensure that our prices and quality of product is far and away the best our customers can find. We want the experience at At Home Furnishings to be something that our customers look back on with extreme satisfaction.” Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. At Home Furnishings is located at 2921 18th Street S. in Homewood, 205-879-3510.
‘OUR GREATEST PLEASURE IS TO HELP PEOPLE MAKE THEIR SPACES FEEL COMFORTABLE AND INVITING NO MATTER WHAT THEIR STYLE MAY BE.’
GREAT GIFT ITEMS FOR ALL OF THE DANCERS IN YOUR LIFE!!
add a dash of
magic
to your home
NEW ARRIVALS DAILY!
Dancewear 1629 Oxmoor Road Homewood 871-STEP (7837)
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Celebrating 39 Years In Business - Family Owned & Operated
205.879.3510
2 9 2 1 18 T H S T , H O M E W O O D A L 3 5 2 0 9
ATHOME-FURN ISHINGS.COM
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Skin Wellness Homewood Toy & Hobby Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop is celebrating its 70th year in business, making it the oldest toy store and hobby shop in the Birmingham area. “We are family-owned and operated since 1950 with a focus on classic toys for the child inside of everyone,” said owner Tricia McCain, above right, with store manager Julie Marix. “We carry a wide variety of brands including, but not limited to Corolle Dolls, Lego, Playmobil, Melissa & Doug, Lionel Trains and Traxxas Remote Control.
“Whether you are looking for a new toy for a newborn baby, a birthday gift for your child’s classmate or even a new hobby for Dad, our experienced staff can help you decide on the best item,” Tricia said. “We carry the largest selection of remote controlled toys in Birmingham. We are proud to have 70 years of business in the hobby industry. “If you are looking for a particular toy, don’t hesitate to give us a call. If we don’t stock it, we can often special order it for you.” Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop is located at 2830 18th Street S., 205-879-3986.
‘IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PARTICULAR TOY, DON’T HESITATE TO GIVE US A CALL. IF WE DON’T STOCK IT, WE CAN OFTEN SPECIAL ORDER IT FOR YOU.’
Making Christmas Magic for 70 Years 2830 18TH STREET SOUTH • HOMEWOOD • 879-3986 HomewoodToy-Hobby.com
The dermatologists at Skin Wellness Dermatology are extremely sensitive to the delicate balance between medical and aesthetic dermatology. The professionals and experts at Skin Wellness know the importance of specialized training, advanced techniques and cutting-edge technologies. Skin Wellness’ medical dermatology care focuses on preventing skin problems, early detection and effective treatment options. When you visit for an evaluation, the doctors and physicians are determined to find the best solutions to conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or skin cancer. You will receive the highest level of compassionate care and dedication from every member of the Skin
Wellness team. To keep you looking as great as you feel, Skin Wellness also provides aesthetic dermatology services to fit your needs. They offer the latest skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments like neuromodulators (Botox®), dermal fillers, resurfacing treatments, laser therapy, top quality skincare products and much more. Skin Wellness recently moved to a state of the art facility in Homewood. You’ll find the atmosphere calming and peaceful in their new modern and spacious practice. Each dermatologist takes the time to understand your medical situation and aesthetic goals to provide a customized skin wellness plan meant just for our most important patient – you!
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON BY GIFTING SOMEONE A SKIN CARE PRODUCT, AESTHETIC PROCEDURE OR SKIN WELLNESS GIFT CARD. WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING LIST!
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Three Sheets Located in the heart of historic Homewood since 1995, Three Sheets offers a sophisticated mix of both the luxurious and the casual, including linens to suit any age, simply elegant accessories and beautifully hand-crafted furniture. Every mother-to-be will love the store’s sweet, unusual selection of stuffed animals, blankets and clothing, said Caitlin Ogren, store manager. “Three Sheets is Birmingham’s choice for the latest luxury bed linens, bath accessories and home furnishings,” Ogren said. “We carry bed linens by leading brands such as SDH, Peacock Alley, Legacy, Pom Pom, Bella Notte and Pine Cone Hill. Stop in today for a fabulous shopping experience.” Everyone at Three Sheets loves the holiday
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season, Ogren said, and looks forward to helping shoppers check items off their wish list. “We have all been working hard at Three Sheets to get prepared for the 2020 Christmas season. We are stocked up on all your favorite gifts including pajamas, sheets, Art by Susan, candles and scents. “Attending the market days event is the perfect way to get in the spirit. Everyone at Three Sheets loves the holiday hustle and bustle and we are excited to help pick out the perfect gift! “This year we are focusing on creating the safest and most enjoyable shopping experience possible. We hope to see everyone shopping soon!” Three Sheets is located at 2904 18th Street S., Homewood, 205-871-2337.
Wallace-Burke Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelers began as a brick-and-mortar business in the spring of 2007. The owners, Preston Foy and David Hezlep, pictured above, from left, bring to the fine jewelry business over 70 years of experience. Over the thirteen years since opening, Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelers has become the premier local jeweler in Homewood. In addition to providing fashion forward jewelry, Wallace-Burke creates custom, oneof-a-kind jewelry from family heirlooms. The process is simple. Wallace-Burke will harvest the gemstones from the older jewelry and repurpose them into an all new custom design piece more in line with today’s fashion. “It truly is the most economical way for
someone to have new fine jewelry,” said Preston. Not only does Wallace-Burke have a selection of fine jewelry, but also unique giftware. Items you just can’t find in your “Big Box” stores. “Because of our history and experiences over the years we have developed vital relationships worldwide with quality artisans that enable us to produce almost anything one will ever see or imagine,” said David. “Come by Wallace-Burke for your holiday shopping and take advantage of the 20-50 percent discounts on selected items,” said Preston. Wallace Burke is located at 1811 29th Avenue S. in Homewood, 205-874-1044.
Freshwater Twisted Pearl Necklace and Bracelet. Bracelet - $150 Necklace - $285
2904 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209 • threesheetslinen.com
20 • Thursday, October 29, 2020
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Ho Ho Hold these Dates!
Alabama Goods is the go-to place for a wonderful selection of gifts. In fact, they have been voted the best place to buy gifts in Homewood for the last 3 years! Alabama Goods, owned by Beth Staula and Sherry Hartley (above), opened eight years ago and in July they opened a new store in Huntsville. “Our customers are thrilled when they see all of the wonderful items that are made in Alabama,” Sherry said. “We provide shoppers with a mix of unique products crafted in the state, such as pottery, candles, jewelry, art, tea towels, glassware and other distinctive items. You will discover gifts here that you can’t find anywhere else.” “We create amazing gift baskets and boxes,” Beth said. “Many can be found in our stores, and a larger selection on our website. In addition, we create custom gifts with gourmet foods and other products that customers hand pick from the stores. This is the time of year when we receive a lot of corporate orders, which we love! We ship anywhere in the continental United States.” “For Holiday Open House Market Days this year we will have something special happening every day from 3 p.m. until closing, Nov. 5-11.” To see what Alabama Goods will doing special each day, view the event section on their Facebook page. Alabama Goods is located at 2933 18th St S, 205-803-3900.
Journal file photos by Jordan Wald
Alabama Goods
Willa Grace, William, Virginia and Margaret McClendon enjoying the festivities at last year’s Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting Festival in Vestavia.
Thurs. Nov. 19 All is Bright
What: Join the Vestavia Hills City Center for their first annual tree lighting to kick off the holiday season. When: 6-8 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills City Center Website: vestaviahills.org
Thurs., Nov. 20 A Rockin’ Christmas Carnival
What: Grab dinner and drinks while you rock around the Ridge, playing carnival games and
collecting tickets. Find the Prize Table at the Chamber of Commerce tent and use your tickets to enter drawings for prizes from Rocky Ridge merchants. When: 6-9 p.m. Where: Rocky Ridge Business District Website: vestaviahill.org
Sat., Nov. 21 Deck the Heights
What: Enjoy refreshments, arts, pop-up shops, sales and holiday cheer from local merchants. Take a ride through Cahaba Heights on the Heights Express and fill your passport for a
Deals for you from Homewood Carpet and Flooring
Bundled up at last year’s Hoover Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony were, Christian, Blake and Karlin Fleming. chance to win prizes. When: 2-8 p.m. Where: Cahaba Heights Website: vestaviahills.org
Tues., Dec. 1 Hoover Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony What: Join the city of Hoover for the official start of their holiday season. Included in the ceremony a Hoover City School choir will perform and a student will light the Christmas tree. Santa will make an entrance on a fire truck ready for pictures. When: 5 p.m. Where: Hoover City Hall Website: hooveral.org
Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting Festival
What: Enjoy entertainment, merchant give-aways, a vist with Santa and the lighting of the tree. When: 6-8 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills City Hall Website: vestaviahills.org
Thurs., Dec 3 Lighting of the Star and Homewood Christmas Parade
Waterproof Flooring Special: Choose a Luxury vinyl plank floor, moulding and installation starting at only $5.49/ sq. foot.
What: Join the city of Homewood in lighting the historic Homewood Star as the official beginning of the Downtown Homewood Christmas Parade. The Lighting of the Christmas Tree will immediately follow the parade at City Hall. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: At the top of 18th Street Website: homewoodchamber.org
Sat., Dec. 12 Holiday in the Hills Breakfast with Santa
What: Bring the whole family for a free pancake breakfast with Santa courtesy of the City of Vestavia Hills. Check the website for more details TBA. When: 7:30-10 a.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center, Dogwood Room Website: vestaviahills.org
Jingle All The Way gift box, $69 Free shipping on this gift! Let us help you with your holiday gifts. We have several free shipping gift options!
2933 18th Street South Homewood, AL 35209 www.alabamagoods.com
Facebook.com/alabamagoods Instagram.com/alabamagoods
Sun., Dec. 13 Vestavia Hills Christmas Parade
Homewood Carpet & Flooring 813 Green Springs Hwy., Suite #150, Birmingham 35209 205-518-6423 | www.homewoodcarpet.com
What: Enjoy the city’s official parade followed by the Liberty Park Christmas Celebration with children’s activities, refreshments, music, pictures with Santa and more. When: 2-4 p.m. Where: Liberty Park Sports Complex to Alston Meadows Website: “Vestavia Hills Christmas Parade & Celebration” Facebook page
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Shopping with Santa in Mountain Brook Mountain Brook Holiday Open Houses Encourage Community to Shop Local
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
While we wait to hear what the city of Mountain Brook has planned for the holidays, the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce and local merchants are looking forward to a packed season of events highlighting local villages and the merchants who call them home. Celebrations will commence in Crestline Village on Nov. 12 with a Holiday Open House. Participating merchants will offer discounts, extended hours and special activities from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Mountain Brook Village will host its open house, dubbed “Jingle and Mingle” on Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. The merchants of English Village will be collaborating on a two-part “Shop, Sip and Stroll” event. The first installment will take place Nov. 5 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. The second will take place from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Dec. 4. Each event is designed to inspire the community to shop local during the holiday season, a practice that has taken on a new level of importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information and updates, visit mtnbrookchamber.org. SELFIES WITH SANTA Barbara Kenyon, takes her picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus at last year’s Crestline Village Open House. This year’s event is scheduled for Nov. 12.
now more than ever
SHOP LOCAL!
English Village presents "Shop, Sip, and Stroll" | Nov. 5th from 4-6pm Crestline Village Holiday Open House | Nov. 12th from 5-7pm Mountain Brook Village presents "Jingle and Mingle" | Dec. 3rd from 5-7pm English Village presents "Shop, Sip, and Stroll" | Dec. 4th from 5-7pm
mtnbrookchamber.org
22 • Thursday, October 29, 2020
HOLIDAY KICKOFF
Snoozy’s Kids - george
Town & Country Clothes
Having been in business since 1988, Snoozy’s Kids - george is an award winning store that will surprise you. In Snoozy’s Kids, you’ll find the latest and coolest toys, along with the latest trends in jewelry and accessories in their george section. “With curated items and uncompromising service including free gift wrapping, we can make holiday shopping a pleasure,” said George Jones, owner, pictured above. “During our Open House we will have a book signing with local author Katherine Cobb with her new guide to spirited pairings ‘Tequila and Tacos.’” During the holidays, store hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Snoozy’s Kids - george is located at 228 Country Club Park in Crestline Village, 205871-2662.
“We have been in business since 1943, making us one of the oldest businesses in Mountain Brook,” said store owner Laurel Bassett, pictured above left with some of the members of the Town & Country team, Marion Wilson and Debbie Rutherford. “We are lucky to have long-standing relationships between our salespeople and customers who have been very supportive during a difficult year. We are a women’s clothing store with everything from great quality basics to specialty wearable art accessories. Everything we carry is easy to wear and care for, and most items are lightweight for layering and can easily be dressed up or down. “During the Crestline Open House we will have a tent out front to safely sample our holiday food items, with unique holiday gifts and special discounts throughout the store.” Town & Country Clothes is located at 74 Church Street in Crestline Village, 205-871-7909.
Effortless Style for the holidays
We wrote the book on toys! NOW IN PRINT, THE 2020 SNOOZY'S HOLIDAY CATALOGUE, FULL OF THE BEST IDEAS FROM THE TRUSTED LOCAL TOY EXPERTS AT SNOOZY'S KIDS! SHOP LOCAL AND GET THE BEST ADVICE ON WHAT TO BUY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
74 Church Street ~ 871-7909 Monday - Friday 10-5 & Saturday 10-4 www.townandcountryclothes.com
Crestline Village 871.2662
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Gunn Dermatology Gunn Dermatology is a full-service medical, pediatric, surgical and cosmetic dermatology office that takes most insurances. Also offered is a facial spa, Spa Crestline, and a boutique skincare shop. “We softly opened our doors this past August,”said Holly Gunn, MD, FAAD. “Our Grand Opening event will be Nov. 16-20. We will have great specials and savings for the Grand Opening. Look for special event and holiday offers on Facebook and Instagram.” Dr. Gunn offers dermatology care for all ages and specializes in medical, surgical, cosmetic and laser dermatology. She recently served as assistant professor of dermatology and director of the UAB Dermatology Cosmetic and Laser Clinic. Dr. Gunn is from Alabama. She graduated in biochemistry at the University of Maryland. She then attended medical school in her hometown at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Honor Society as a medical student. Dr. Gunn has over 13 years of experience purely in diagnosing and treating skin conditions. “We treat all skin ailments and growths including acne, rosacea, skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, cysts, scars and many more,” Dr. Gunn said. Gunn Dermatology is located at 32 Church Street in Crestline, 205-415-7536.
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Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 23
anta’s S Best Helpers Shop Local! Smith’s Variety Smith’s Variety has been in business since 1950, but Brad and Amy Simpson purchased the business from the Glazner family in February of this year (just in time for all the COVID craziness to start). Smith’s is a true variety store. “We carry a little bit of everything, including gifts for everyone in the home, toys, home décor, seasonal decorations and supplies, ribbon, candy, balloons and party supplies, and even hot new fire pits from Solo Stove,” owner Brad Simpson said, above with his wife Amy. “Our team has been with the store a long time and will truly go out of their way to serve the community. “We’re excited to host our Open House Weekend beginning with a Sip & Shop from 5-8 p.m. on Nov. 12, and continuing with a toy demonstration day Sat., Nov. 14, from 9-4 p.m. This will be a COVIDfriendly demonstration event in lieu of our annual
Play Day. We will show off lots of new toys and gift items for kids and costumed characters will be on site. Santa will be joining us throughout the day on Saturday, as well as for the Sip & Shop event on Thursday night! We can’t wait to have everyone out.” Smith’s will have pop-up sales throughout the weekend, giveaways on Thursday and Saturday and, as always, will offer free gift wrapping on anything you purchase. “Smith’s is a one-stop shop for all your holiday shopping needs. Whether decorating your home or shopping for friends and family, our team can help you find those special gifts and items. Check back with us as Santa will be making other appearances throughout the season!” Smith’s Variety is located at 45 Church Street in Crestline Village, 205-871-0841.
Over The Mountain Journal
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
THURSDAY, NOV 12 - SIP & SHOP EVENT FROM 5-8
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
SATURDAY, NOV 14 - TOY DEMONSTRATION DAY FROM 9-4
PLUS Our expert panel of local toy store owners share their picks for the best toys of 2020!
sales all weekend long!
come meet santa thursday & saturday!
@smithsvariety
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Creative Escape Lilt Floral’s McAfee Finds Beauty Distracts From Today’s Problems
By Emily Williams
S
Discovering Her Talent
McAfee first discovered her affinity for design at 19 years old. She was working in an antique store that also offered decorating and design services in Edmond, Oklahoma, a town that has a prominent design community. “I took over decorating and designing all of the different displays and booths and windows,” she said. Over time, designers would enter the store and take note of her work. “It was very organic,” McAfee said. “I was a young kid just going in to run the register, and I happened to start decorating, and these incredible designers wanted to know how I had done this and that.” She naturally progressed into interior decorating, staging homes and styling for events and photoshoots. When McAfee made her way to Birmingham at 27, she had drifted into a different place. She was brand new not only to the state of
Brooke McAfee, left, is a floral designer and stylist who owns and operates Birminghambased Lilt Florals.
Photos courtesy Brooke McAfee
ometimes you just need to look at something beautiful. As the tenth month of 2020 rolls past, there have been countless “sometimes” so worrying that you simply needed to turn your mind away and bask in a bit of creative beauty. Creativity is like air for Brooke McAfee, a floral designer and stylist who owns and operates Birmingham-based Lilt Florals. Though the event design world, like the rest of the world, has changed this year, she has found the silver linings in the details. “For a while, events were just getting bigger and bigger,” she said. One of her favorite pandemic trends has been the rise of the brunch wedding. “I love large events and I love a production, but these smaller more intimate weddings are really burrowing into my heart quickly,” she said. Last year, McAfee’s business reached new heights with the potential for 2020 to be even bigger. Then everything came nearly to a halt. A few brides persevered, but others moved their plans forward a year. “We’ve all had time to just sit down and reflect on what we want to do, how we want to be, what impact we want to have,” McAfee said. She’s a person who enjoys being busy. “I’m a natural workaholic,” she said. “I really enjoy it. … You have to be in this industry.” When she was forced to take a step back she realized how much she needed a little break. “My mother sent me watercolors for my birthday in April, so I’ve started painting and I absolutely love it,” she said. Being able to do something creative with her hands as she works through the insanity of COVID-19 has been a great release. “I love a before and after, seeing the progression of things as you layer your design, and working with different colors and color schemes,” she said. “Those are my two favorite things.”
Alabama, but the Southeast. She spent time bartending and exploring the region. “It came over me one day all of a sudden that I just had to be creative again or I would die,” she said. “It sounds so intense, but it was actually a dark time.” She didn’t understand it at first but knew she had to start doing something. Leaning on her design experience but drifting from furnishings, she turned to floral design. “That came really naturally to me as well,” McAfee said. “You know the old adage fake it til you make it. I had hardly touched a flower before.” She reached out to a local floral designer whose work caught her eye, setting up a meeting over coffee to simply pick her brain. “When I showed up she said, ‘Do you want to do bouquets or arrangements?’ And I was so nervous I almost threw up,” she said, but she chose arrangements and went along for the ride. After working on a smaller scale and learning all she could from her mentor, she joined a large-scale floral operation that cranked out florals for about 15 events on a given weekend. “Between the two of those – the artist and the machine – I got some really good education,” she said. Under the Lilt Florals brand, McAfee creates custom florals for weddings and special occasions, and she does styling. But one of her favorite areas is holiday decorating. It combines her love of design and her love of Christmas.
Christmas With Family
“I come from a huge family and we are all very close, very tall and very loud and very sarcastic,” she said. “Every family event is just a complete celebration, whether it is dinner at my mom’s on Sunday night or Christmas.” On Christmas, they go all out, play charades and break out the crackers in a home decked in holiday regalia. While holiday decor was a must, there were rules. “You couldn’t touch my momma’s tree,” she said. “I always wanted to help her with the tree, but she had a system and now I do, too.” In a long-standing tradition, McAfee and her five siblings each would receive a Christmas ornament from one of their aunts. “So, there are about a billion sentimental ornaments on my mother’s tree,” she said. “What she would do was put all of the glass orbs inside the tree and then all of the smaller ornaments toward the top and the bigger toward the bottom.” Once the tree was finished, the whole family would lay underneath and look up at the ornaments.
Prepping for the Busy Time
At a time of the year when most event and floral designers are taking a breather, Lilt is full steam ahead spreading holiday cheer as they decorate homes. “If you are going into holiday decorating,
you are outside in all of the elements and you have to really have a passion for it,” McAfee said. Planning typically kicks off once the fall wedding season begins to wind down. Last year, McAfee and her team began installing decor the week before Thanksgiving. “The thing is, you have an allotted amount of time to do all of these homes,” McAfee said. “It’s just a total smash and grab of Christmas. I love it.” There is so much work to be done, and often friends in the biz will reach out and offer to help with installations. “I can’t even count how many times we have had people show up for one day and then never show up again,” she said. You have to have a passion for it, and McAfee has a passion for the holidays. The decor includes just about everything indoors and outdoors except for the lights. “I really enjoy using real, organic materials,” she said. “Garlands and things like that that make everything smell really nice and give off that old world, classic, dreamy Christmas style.” Tradition is a foundation of any holiday, but Christmas is essentially traditional and that remains at the heart of her holiday decor. “When the season rolls around and the foliage rolls in, you work with what is presented,” McAfee said. Yet, there are certain florals that are constants. “A potted orchid or amaryllis, that is tried and true,” she said. They are a great addition in a dining room, on the kitchen table or placed on a kitchen island. Areas of play and whimsy lie in the layers. “I like mixing different greeneries, textures and berries together, as well,” she said. The complexities of layering are what amp up a simple wreath and give it a more professional look. There are also moments of play, such as introducing an unexpected color in a ribbon.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
“It doesn’t always have to be red and green, although I am a big fan of red and green,” she said. She once used a green and grey velvet ribbon in a shoot for Southern Living. It was a simple addition, McAfee said, but it was one that everyone went wild for. Ribbons are an essential in decorating. Throughout the year, McAfee will find herself stopping to grab a ribbon that catches her eye, often with a specific home in mind. “We used this really beautiful, jeweled pink ribbon. It sounds gaudy and tacky as can be, but it is stunning,” she said. “We found that in July.” While investing in ribbon may not seem very economical, it’s a place where clients can cut costs over time. A more expensive ribbon will stand the test of time and be reused each year. “There is one home that we decorate the same way every year,” she said. “I don’t know how long those ribbons have been there, but we get them out and we flat iron them and rebow them up.”
Getting Good at Adapting
Ongoing COVID-19 preventive measures have had a ripple effect for the event planning and design worlds. “It has been strange just at the floral level,” McAfee said. “Shipping has been such an issue.”
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HOME Being flexible isn’t something McAfee is new to. It always has been important to only make promises she has the power to keep. She can promise a certain color scheme and a specific price point, but there is no guarantee when it comes to specific types of flowers. “It’s a live product,” she said. “There are shortages.” You just don’t ever know for sure, she said, especially when your opponents are typically acts of Mother Nature. “A lot of floral farms were depleted because they didn’t have the workers or they didn’t have the product moving,” McAfee said. And then came the forest fires in California, which also have had a huge impact. There are also looming questions surrounding what this year’s holiday celebrations will look like, but she is hoping for the best. “Last year, by the time we had finished with all of the homes that we had on our roster, we were already fully booked for this year,” she said. “I’m hoping it will all work out, because it is such a joyful thing to decorate.” It has been encouraging to see the amount of decorating that the Halloween season has brought. “We also saw, during lockdowns, when people would put out their Christmas trees and put up their lights,” she said. Driving around and gazing at decorations is quite socially distant.
Arlington Historic House Reopens to the Public The Arlington Historical Association has announced it will not host the 2020 Christmas at Arlington festivities this year due to COVID concerns. “The City of Birmingham may decide to continue this annual event, but the AHA cannot take responsibility for this event over concerns about COVID,” said AHA President Dottie Hoover. The historical home located near downtown Birmingham has been closed to visitors for much of the pandemic and re-opened Oct. 6. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Arlington features a 6-acre garden and a collection of 19th century furniture, textiles, silver and paintings, and it is a venue for historical, cultural and civic activities. Currently, the home is available to tour with social distancing measures in place, limiting the number of people on the grounds. In addition, masks must be worn. Hand sanitizer is available at the site. For more information, call 205-780-5656.
Thirteen Distinctive New Homes in Vestavia Hills 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 one of Birmingham’s most desirable areas.
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Mike Wedgworth (205) 365-4344
FOOD
26 • Thursday, October 29, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
‘Creativity Abounds’
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
22, the Stitts were partnered with Susan and Tom Lowder of Holman Ranch, this year’s wine auction honorary chairs. “Susan is so detail oriented and I had a blast working with her on the logistics,” Pardis said. Susan was introduced to the TumTum Tree Foundation by her husband. Both Susan and Tom have a vested interest in helping those who are battling critical illnesses, having experienced such battles themselves. “Tom lost his first wife, Jarman Lowder, to Alzheimer’s, and I lost my first husband, Dick Carrington, to ALS,” she said. “One of my first dates with Tom was attending a TumTum Tree event,” she added. “He knew I had a special interest in children’s causes, having helped start a similar nonprofit in Virginia.” She was later encouraged to join the board by friend and board member Susan Curtin. “It has been a pleasure to serve with an inspiring group of caring individuals who play such a special role in impacting the lives of so many children in our community,” Susan Lower said.
A Passion for Wine
By Emily Williams
P
erseverance can be found in every detail of the TumTum Tree Foundation’s 31st annual Wine Auction and Vintner Dinners. This year, the entire event has gone virtual, calling for participating winemakers and chefs to get creative in their approaches. Despite the pandemic’s effect on the foodservice industry, the foundation’s mission has called its supporters together to give back to children in need. “Nonprofit organizations are facing major challenges, but in the face of adversity, creativity abounds,” said founding board member Pardis Stitt. “It’s been fascinating to see many organizations find ways of supporting others within their community. In difficult times, we must look after one another and help in any way we can.” Pardis and Frank Stitt have been involved since the beginning, when the TumTum Tree Foundation was known as the Friends of Magic Moments. The live auction and dinner were first held at the Stitt’s Bottega Restaurant in 1990. “Several years later, I joined the Magic Moments board and saw the impact the auction had on Alabama’s children with life-altering medical conditions,” Pardis said. The organization grew over the years to sup-
port not just Magic Moments but a number of organizations that offer support to children in need, including Mitchell’s Place, The Red Barn, Angel Pillowcases, AMBUCS, the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, UAB’s Institute of Arts in Medicine, Service Dogs of Alabama, Smile-AMile and Special Equestrians Inc. In 2005, Pardis and fellow board member Sally Mackin met with Cayenne Creative to change the foundation’s name. “The story of … ‘Jabberwocky’ by Lewis Carroll – a young man resting safely beneath the Tumtum tree before facing the Jabberwock – enthralled us,” Pardis said. “The idea was that, through the auction, children facing their own chronic life-threatening Jabberwock would be provided a place to rest, safely beneath their own Tumtum tree.” Over the years, Pardis said that not only has the mission promoted a network of good, lifelong friendships have been forged through the annual wine auction between members of the Birmingham community and vintners from California, Oregon and France. For this year’s first vintner dinner, held Oct.
Photo courtesy Holman Ranch
Pardis and Frank Stitt, above, kicked off this year’s TumTum Tree Wine Auction vintners dinners on Oct. 22 with guests picking up food prepared by the Bottega Restaurant team and a wine package including four bottles chosen by the Holman Ranch team. This year’s wine auction honorary chairs are Susan and Tom Lowder of Holman Ranch, right.
Susan Lowder grew up with a passion for gardening, mainly vegetables planted and cared for in the red clay soil of her native Virginia. “My dad is well known for his Bloody Mary’s made with our homemade tomato juice,” Susan said. When she married Tom, she left the tomatoes behind for grapes. He introduced her to his winery, Holman Ranch, and she adopted his passion for growing grapes. “Tom has taught me so much and I am fascinated by the whole wine process,” Susan said. The 100% estate grown vineyard and boutique winery is in Carmel Valley, California. The grapes are handpicked. The wines are handcrafted in caves and bottled on site. “Tom planted 18 acres of grapes in 2006 close to the Pacific coast in Monterey County, providing the perfect cool temperatures and chalky soil for growing grapes for our chardonnay, rosé, sparkling brut rosé and pinot noir wines,” she said. “As a family-owned winery, we value our relationships with our clients and our community,” Susan said. “It is important to us to use our wines as a way to help others.”
Reorganizing the Dinner
The Oct. 22 virtual vintner dinner began at Bottega, with guests picking up food prepared
See TUMTUM, page 27
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Holman Ranch and Bottega Kick Off TumTum Vintner Dinners With Virtual Tasting
Dean Robb, owner of Blueprint on 3rd, left, with Blueprint executive chef James Huckaby.
Blueprint on 3rd Prepares to ‘Rock Out’ Vintner Dinner to Support TumTum Tree Foundation By Emily Williams As the TumTum Tree Foundation works its way toward its 31st annual Wine Auction on Nov. 13, some of Birmingham’s finest restaurants are hard at work creating tasting menus and wine pairings for a Vintner Dinner series. Dean Robb, owner of Blueprint on 3rd, is preparing for its Nov. 12 wine dinner and recently received the list of wines that will be provided by partnering vintner Villa CreekMaHa. “I know a bit about the winemakers and it’s great juice,” he said. “It’s also very food-friendly wine, from the chardonnay to the pinot.” Robb and Blueprint executive chef James Huckaby will be creating a multi-course food pairing that will remain delicious after diners pick up their food and later taking part in the virtual dinner. Robb said he and his restaurant workers spent much of the pandemic mastering the art of the takeout order. “That was about 1% of our business prior to the pandemic,” he said. “We knew we would have limited seating capacity and would need that as income flow.” Before reopening after lockdown, the Blueprint team spent about two weeks working on its execution of to-go food and curbside service. “It’s a challenge … to make something that will be delightful an hour and half later and match the wine,” he said. “But we are going to rock it out, we’re going to nail it and hopefully raise a lot of money for the kids.” Robb has a long history with the TumTum Tree Foundation, which raises money for children’s charities. He became involved during his 17-year partnership with foundation supporters Frank and Pardis Stitt as the general manager at Bottega Restaurant and Bottega Cafe. His work later took him to Nashville for a time before he spent five years working with Taziki’s as vice president of operations. When he opened Blueprint on 3rd in 2018, he was ready to reconnect with the TumTum Tree Foundation. See BLUEPRINT, page 27
BLUEPRINT From page 26
“Our first year we were open, we did a dinner here. But last year they did them in people’s homes,” he said. “So, I was thrilled that they chose to contact us again about participating in this year’s event, because it’s something I want to do.” It is important for Robb to give back to the neighborhood that has supported him throughout the years. He’s especially interested in the foundation’s work to support groups that serve children with medical challenges. “When you go visit the kids in the hospital, it’s hard not to take away the sense of (how) special this is,” he said. “I couldn’t even fathom turning it down. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.” There is always room to give back in Robb’s mind, pandemic or not. “Everyone has been hurt by this pandemic, there is no doubt about it,” he said. “I don’t think anyone in their right mind is trying to make money right now, you’re just trying to not bleed.”
Focus on Health
At Blueprint on 3rd, the staff has sought to make health and safety for staff and patrons the priority above all else. “There is always a silver lining,” Robb said. “Maybe we should have
TUMTUM From page 26
by the Bottega Restaurant team and a wine package including four bottles chosen by the Holman Ranch team. “We selected wines for the dinner that we thought best represented our Holman Ranch brand,” Susan said. “Pardis and Frank created a dish to match with each of the four wines we featured as a representation of our vineyard.” The list included the vineyard’s 2018 Estate Chardonnay and 2013 Heather’s Hill Pinot Noir. Also included were a pinot noir and sparkling brut rosé from the winery’s premiere Jarman label, named after Tom’s late wife as a living memorial. A four-course meal was organized for the tasting with transportation in mind, as food pickup began at 5 p.m. but the virtual dinner presentation started at 6:30 p.m. “We served a duck braise as the main course, knowing it would hold well,” Pardis said. “The olive oil cake was made with Holman Ranch olive oil and garnished with Petals From the Past persimmon compote. “Our team loves a challenge and enjoyed putting the puzzle pieces together for this to-go dinner,” she added. In addition to wines, the Lowders included a bottle of Holman Ranch’s
Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 27
FOOD
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
turned back toward Southern hospitality long before, making that more of a priority than just trying to pack people in all of the time.” The restaurant has a patio that offers diners socially distant seating in the fresh air when the weather is in their favor. Indoor workers do as much as is in their power to make visitors feel safe. A focus on proper cleaning always was a part of the restaurant’s operation, but it has stepped it up. In addition to existing UV light air purification systems in the restrooms, Robb bought another one for the private dining area with the expectation that it will be a little more closed off during the holiday season. “It erases 99.9% of bacteria and viruses in the air and on surfaces,” he said. “If I coughed or sneezed, it’s dead in the air in 0.44 of one second.” The restaurant also has changed the air conditioning and heating systems to outdoor venting so that air is not recirculated in the restaurant. While the number one objective has changed, a focus on impeccable food and Southern hospitality is
something that will always remain, Robb said.
For the Fun of It
FOR MORE INFORMATION on the TumTum Tree Foundation or to purchase tickets for this year’s events, please visit tumtumtreefoundation.org or contact Ashley Blomeyer, executive director, at 205401-8231. Dinners for the fundraising dinners are $500 per couple.
Opening its doors to visitors and participating in wine dinners are ways the restaurant also can bring a little joy to people. “Wine and food are fun. That’s why I have done this for 40 years,” Robb said. “It’s because I really, really do love it and love to do that.” Wine and food pairings are a fun challenge and a great way to explore, he said. “Higher acid wines will go with onions and peppers and tomatoes,” he said. “Things with heavier tannins, or more fortified wines, you will want food that has butter or something more rich or more opulent to stand up to it.” The way to approach food pairings is to taste and get to know the texture of the wine, he said. “You just don’t want to try to make it that hard,” he said. “If you taste something with a wine, you will know.” For example, a light pinot grigio will be complemented by something equally delicate such as shellfish, seafood or even small snacks. A cabernet sauvignon requires something sturdier, Robb noted, such as venison or a fatty ribeye. “The motto around here is that nobody tastes our food until we do,” Robb said. “We don’t take it to chance.” As the weeks progress, Robb and
extra virgin olive oils, produced from their estate olive grove. “The Cookstore in Mountain Brook sells our oil,” Susan said. “The Holman Ranch extra virgin olive oil is like liquid gold and very healthy. We use it on everything.” Pardis noted that it was important to create a sense of energy while the food and wines were presented by computer as guests sat in their own homes. “Luckily, the winemakers, Chris and Greg, had the most beautiful background of the Carmel Valley, and their passion was palpable as they described the wines, which were exceptional,” she said. Greg and Chris Vita are Holman Ranch’s father-son winemaking team. Greg learned the trade while working alongside his Italian grandfather in Mount Shasta, later studying botany and analogy at the University of California, Davis. “Greg is fondly regarded as Carmel Valley’s Wizard (of) Oz of wine,” Susan said. The starter for the tasting was the winery’s Jarman Sparkling Brut Rosé, which Susan said was “made as a priority wine long before the rosé trend for our brides that choose to be married at Holman Ranch.” Her advice to amateur wine lovers looking to expand their knowledge is to relax and explore. “First, take a deep breath and relax!” she said.
One of the best things about wine, in Susan’s opinion, is the variety. So, it is important to look past preconceived notions about the style of the wine or the area where it is grown when tasting. “For example, our Estate Chardonnay is known for displaying bright, dry and crisp characteristics, which is unlike most found in California,” Susan said. A wine labeled chardonnay doesn’t necessarily offer up those deep oaky punches it is commonly known for. “When you are ready to take your wine knowledge to the next level, download the WSET Level Three Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine,” Susan said. “This is a simple two-page document that will help you put your taste into words.” Susan said Holman Ranch has been fortunate in that its large tasting room allows for social distancing. Some guests have continued to escape to the vineyards during the pandemic, while others have suffered far greater losses. “Every person involved in the event is experiencing challenges,” Susan said. “Many wineries suffered huge losses due to the California fires this summer,” she added. Overall, it’s more important than ever to give back to each other and the community. “It is heartwarming to see all these folks coming together despite their own losses to help the TumTum Tree Foundation,” Susan said.
his team will taste it all. Participants in the foundation’s vintner dinners will pick up their meals and wine at the participating restaurant in the afternoon and in the evening join a Zoom call on which chefs and vintners will lead the tastings. Restaurants and vintners participating, in addition to Blueprint, include chef Brian Somershield and Gamble Family Vineyards and Omnium Wines; Automatic Seafood & Oysters with Booker Vineyards and Vineyard 7&8; Ollie Irene and Hirsch and Cruse Wine Co.; and The
Essential and Fisher Vineyards and Peay Vineyards. Dinners already have been conducted by Bottega and Holman Ranch; and brick & tin and DuMOL and Donelan Family Wines. In addition to the vintner dinners, guests are encouraged to buy a charcuterie board to have before the live wine auction is broadcast Nov. 13. The charcuterie board will be prepared by Chez Fon Fon and paired with wines from 2020 honorary auction chair Holman Ranch. The deadline to order the board is Oct. 30 and the cost is $250. The auction is presented by medical Properties Trust.
It's time to enjoy a night out We're open inside, outside and just in time for the holidays, our private dining room! Blueprint on 3rd is a polished-casual American brasserie paying homage to regional cuisines.
3000 3rd Avenue South Mon. - Thurs. 5 to 9 p.m. | Fri. & Sat. 5 to 10 p.m.
blueprinton3rd.com | 205-479-3000 Our dinning room is equipped with UV light purification system. We are following all guidelines to comply with Public Health Departments ecommendations for restaurants to ensure the safety of our guests and staff. Curbside service available.
SENIORS
28 • Thursday, October 29, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Distinguished Service Col. Channon Among Honorees for Military Service During Hoover’s Veteran’s Week
By Rubin E. Grant
Col. Bob Channon, U.S. Army retired, has been asked many times whether he fought in World War II. Channon, 95, is old enough to be a member of what some American historians call the “Greatest Generation,” even though he didn’t get the chance to fight in “The Big One.” “He would have loved to have gone to the war, but he was still at West Point,” said Lyn
Culwell, his daughter. “He did go to the wars in Korea and Vietnam.” Channon volunteered for the newly formed Army Ranger Companies, sent to Korea in 1950-51, and was wounded four different times while leading troops into combat. In Vietnam from 1971 to 1973, Channon served as the director of territorial security advising South Vietnam’s Regional Forces, Popular Forces and the People’s Self Defense Force. Channon served 30 years in the Army before retiring. He now lives at Galleria Woods retirement community in Riverchase. He will be recognized for his military service during the kickoff of Hoover’s Thank A Vet Week, which will be Nov. 8, 2-4 p.m. at the Aldridge Gardens’ Pavilion. The annual week-long event recognizes Hoover residents’ military service while aiming to instill communitywide patriotism, appreciation and respect for all branches of the U.S. armed forces. This year, the event will recognize the 2020 Hoover Chamber of Commerce Freedom Award recipient, Lt. Col. Ginger Branson, U.S. Army retired, along with five Hoover veterans for their military service, sacrifice and dedication with a flag-folding ceremony. The flags being used were flown over the state Capitol in Montgomery, and the veterans presented with the flags will receive a certificate signed by Gov. Kay Ivey. Channon will be among those receiving a flag. “He’s a great man who had a very distinguished Army career and I’m so happy he’s getting to be honored in this way,” Culwell said. “It means a lot to all of us.”
A Life in the Army
Channon was born in Syracuse, New York, and grew up in Norfolk County, Virginia. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1946. Following graduation from West Point, he
Photos courtesy Channon family
Channon volunteered for the newly formed Army Ranger Companies, sent to Korea in 1950-51, and was wounded four different times while leading troops into combat.
Col. Bob Channon, U.S. Army retired, above center, with members of his family. Channon served 30 years in the Army before retiring.
Channon has written several books about his time in the military. In 1963, as a lieutenant colonel working from the Army War Room in the Pentagon, he planned air-landings of Army forces near three major cities in Alabama.
completed infantry, parachute and glider schools at Ft. Benning and then joined the 11th Airborne Division in post-war Japan, where as a young first lieutenant he planned and coordinated the out-loading of the division from Japan back to the United States. After the Ranger units he was part of in South Korea were absorbed into the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team in 1951, he planned and coordinated major air drop, air landing and amphibious loading operations, building logistical planning skills he would
apply in other assignments throughout his career. In 1963, as a lieutenant colonel working from the Army War Room in the Pentagon, he planned air-landings of Army forces near three major cities in Alabama. That was in preparation to calm potential civil unrest centered on Gov. George C. Wallace’s Stand in the Schoolhouse Door, blocking two Black students from entering the University of Alabama’s Foster Auditorium. With presidential approval, the Alabama
National Guard was nationalized to prevent the clash of Army and National Guard forces. With the Guard beyond Wallace’s control, the situation was settled peacefully. In 1967, Channon was the senior U.S. Army person establishing rapport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the Six-Day War between Israel and three surrounding Arab nations. His daily visits with his senior counterpart in the Saudi government during this very tense time helped retain diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Following his time in Vietnam, Channon was battle staff commander for the CINCLANT Airborne Command Post from 1973 to 1976. After retirement, he was the second national president of Ranger Infantry Companies, airborne of the Korean War, from 1985 to 1986 and was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 1996. At the time of his induction, this was written about Channon: “His leadership shall never be forgotten among the soldiers that he has served with and led during a long and extremely successful career of service to the nation.” Channon’s wife of 59 years, Carolyn, died in 2013 at the age of 83. He now is confined to a wheelchair because of injuries related to all the jumps he did out of airplanes, including one that resulted in a neck injury. But he will still engage in conversations about his Army career with anyone who has the time to listen. “He talked to me and my brothers and sister about his time in the military all the time,” Culwell said. “He’s always ready to talk and ready to tell a story. He has even written a few books.”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
“This year has brought unimagined change and its share of challenges to Kirkwood by the River’s surrounding community, said Chad Carter, president and CEO. “While we work to adjust and adapt from the events of these past seven months, it is important to remember who is sovereign in our hopes, fears, losses, and joys. As such, in celebrating our 40th anniversary, it is a pleasure to announce that we are moving forward in faith with our community improvement and expansion plans, which will allow us
Part of Kirkwoods community expansion plan includes the addition of residential cottage homes, which will be known as Cedar Ridge at Kirkwood. to reposition our campus to better meet the needs of our current and future residents as well as provide new offerings and services. “We recently secured a talented group of professionals to assist with the development of this project. We have negotiated acceptable terms for financing the project with an acclaimed financial institution. Not only do our partners have the talent and influence to assist us in making this a world class project, but we also find it a powerful statement that they are all local businesses. One Birmingham, One Goal!” Part of Kirkwood’s community expansion plan includes the addition of residential cottage homes, which will be known as Cedar Ridge at
SENIORS
Kirkwood by the River
Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 29
Kirkwood. This community of independent living homes will expand the horizon of offerings at Kirkwood in providing elegant, carefree living to those looking for independence with long term security. Phase one provides the opportunity for 18 single family homes. Cedar Ridge at Kirkwood will be an extension of its Independent Living offerings and have full access to Kirkwood including one meal daily, weekly housekeeping, maintenancefree lifestyle, and access to the full continuum of care and programs and amenities at Kirkwood. In conjunction with Cedar Ridge, Kirkwood plans to include the addition of a wellness center, bistro and renovations to the main living area, dining room, multiple outdoor amenities, and other campus wide improvements. The Kirkwood Board of Directors and Management Team have spent the last 3½ years conducting research, learning about the future of senior living, and making plans for this project. “We are as committed as ever to fulfilling our mission to provide the absolute best in aging services. Verna Lyons, chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, and John Higgins, chairman of the Board of Directors, have done a masterful job with guiding this process as they have a genuine passion for caring for our residents and the future of Kirkwood.” To request updates and additional information on our project process, please visit kirkwoodbytheriver.com or call Sandi Hall at 205956-2184. Kirkwood by the River is located at 3605 Ratliff Road in Birmingham, 205-956-2184.
30 • Thursday, October 29, 2020
SENIORS
Rehab Reality... by Judy Butler
Longleaf
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Longleaf Liberty Park is Birmingham’s newest, most innovative senior living community located in a scenic wooded area alongside the Cahaba River. “We opened our doors in November 2019 with the Grand Opening Celebration in February 2020,” said Leslie Carter, pictured. “We offer a fresh, local approach to assisted living, memory care and respite stays with modern design, open spaces and a caring, family-like atmosphere.” Longleaf offers first-class services and amenities such as all-day dining, a state-of-theart fitness center, movie theater and lounge.
Senior Citizens Love Bayshore Retreat
It might surprise you to know that we have had a lot of clients who are over sixty years of age. In fact, we’ve had a client as young as eighty! It’s never too late until it’s too late. Clients love Bayshore Retreat because of the home environment it provides. Along with that is the multitude of other things we offer, such as a holistic approach to health with exercise, deep tissue massages, vitamins and chef prepared food. We believe that a healthy body helps people have a healthy mind. There is no shame in having an addiction. It can happen to anyone just as any other illness. At the same time, there’s no shame in getting help, just as there’s no shame in getting help with other illnesses. Addiction doesn’t discriminate by gender, race, age or religion. When the addiction is acknowledged and the individual realizes that his/her behavior is no longer a secret to family members , he/she is generally ready for change. We’re often asked about intervention. I have yet to hear of a confrontational one that went well, with a professional interventionist there ready to haul someone off to rehab. When family members address the addiction privately, with a caring attitude and concern for health, it usually
goes much better. Going to Bayshore Retreat is not a punishment. It’s a gift of health both physical and mental. We don’t judge and with only six clients in a home environment, the likelihood of successful recovery is much higher than in the ‘big box’ rehabs, where the focus is on group counseling and turning oneself over to a higher power. Our focus is on empowering our clients. While the corona virus has taken hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States so far this year, addiction takes as many or more every year. These are individuals with a drug addiction. Some are lost to liver disease or alcohol poisoning and many more innocent individuals as a result of drunk driving. If you or someone you love has a problem with addiction, it’s time to take action. It’s never too late until it’s too late. Before you choose a rehab, consider everything. We are Joint Commission accredited. This is huge when it comes to selecting a rehab center. It basically means that not only do we pass the various inspections and requirements to receive our license each year, but also we meet the highest standards in the industry. Look for the Gold seal of approval. I know you will find that Bayshore Retreat will be the best option. Bayshore Retreat is different and this can make a difference. Call me any time.
Longleaf offers first-class services and amenities such as all-day dining, a state-ofthe-art fitness center, movie theater and lounge. “We have our very own holistic wellness program, Masterful Moments®, and provide our residents opportunities for engagement and fulfillment with a full calendar of activities and events each month.” said Carter. Longleaf is locally owned and managed and every detail is infused with classic Southern hospitality. “With Braemar Partners and Greenbrier Senior Living at the helm, our senior living community is working hard to ensure our residents and their families feel safe and secure during these uncertain times and will keep evolving and moving forward to offer
residents the highest standards of care, service and style,” said Carter. “If you are able to visit us, we’d love for you to come see the community in person. Whether you are more comfortable just meeting outside with us or willing to physically visit and tour the community, the more you are able to see, the better perspective you will have. “We’d also like to emphasize that although staying at home may seem the safest option, being in a community actually provides the peace of mind that all things are taken care of. Socialization, dining, and activities, while following CDC guidelines, are an essential part of everyday life for a senior.” Longleaf Liberty Park is located at 451 Liberty Parkway, Vestavia Hills, 205-684-2341.
Longleaf embodies a vision of
QUALITY & SAFETY WITHOUT COMPROMISE.
Longleaf Liberty Park was developed by local, trusted leaders in senior living who had an idea for a modern, boutique-style assisted living and memory care community committed to providing safety, security and wellbeing to all residents. From the beautiful early renderings and lifestyle concept, to the stunning creation that now sits near the Cahaba River, Longleaf is an innovative, thought-provoking work of art. Exactly as it was always meant to be — stylish, comfortable and secure. Schedule your in-person tour today! Call (205) LongleafLibertyPark.com to learn more.
451 Liberty Parkway • Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35242 (205) 627-6895 • LongleafLibertyPark.com
850-687-6831
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LIBERTY PARK
ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE • SHORT-TERM STAYS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SENIORS/PEOPLE
Boy Scout Troop 83 Announces New Eagle Scouts In August, Boy Scouts of America Troop 83, chartered at Dawson Church, celebrated the achievements of three of its members, Carson Hughes, Thomas Robinson and Josh Kaiser, who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Carson Hughes
Free, Unbiased Help Understanding Medicare and Choosing Benefits Figuring out Medicare – and deciding which plans are right for you – can be confusing. You need to understand all the different parts of Medicare as well as how benefits align with your own situation. That’s why signing up for a plan based on a sales pitch alone may not serve your needs. Seniors in Jefferson County can call the Medicare experts at SHIP (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program). SHIP is a program provided locally by United Way’s Area Agency on Aging, where certified Medicare counselors meet with you (this year by phone) to assess your specific needs and explain the plans that fit them best. The counselors do this in easy-to-understand language and all the information is unbiased and free. SHIP is not associated with any healthcare plan or provider. If you already have a plan, but you want to explore other options, SHIP can help there, too. Call 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) or visit uwaaa.org/ship.
In his scouting career, Hughes has held such leadership roles as patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, quartermaster, chaplain’s aide, instructor and scribe. He earned 26 merit badges – which qualified him to receive the Bronze Palms – is a member of the Order of the Arrow and earned the Arrow of Light. In addition, Hughes completed many high adventure trips, including Sea Base and Philmont, on which he was the crew leader. For his Eagle Scout project, Hughes rebuilt the Native American Education Carson Hughes Area at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The project included building a 450-pound canoe from a solid log of sweet gum. In addition, he made a traditional small drying rack, a large drying rack and a summer house, along with providing the gardens a bow and arrow, a blowgun and a gourd vase for use in educating the elementary schoolers who will visit the site. Hughes is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School. He is one of the SGA chaplains and is a member of the We the People Team. He is the son of Paul and Julie Hughes.
Josh Kaiser
Josh’s leadership roles in scouts have included assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, senior patrol leader, chaplain’s aide, historian and troop guide. Josh’s journey to Eagle Scout includes earning 21 merit badges, attending Seabase High Adventure and becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow. Josh’s Eagle Scout project involved designing, building and installing heavy duty shelving units for the music ministry at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. His project allowed the organization of supplies and materials for mission trips and
Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 31 special worship services. Josh is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School. His high school accomplishments include serving as a Vestavia Hills ambassador and in the National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, Mu Alpha Theta and Spanish Honor Society. He earned a 36 on the ACT. At church, Josh is a member of the Student Leadership Team, Dawson Josh Kaiser Chapel Choir and Chapel Choir Ensemble, and he has served in Ecuador multiple times on mission trips. Josh’s parents are Boyd and Melissa Kaiser. He has a sister, Kate, and brother, Chase.
Thomas Robinson
Robinson began his scouting career 12 years ago and has earned the Arrow of Light, was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, and earned 26 merit badges and the God and Church award. He held such leadership positions as patrol leader, instructor, scribe, troop historian and chaplain’s aide, and he has completed the Philmont High Adventure expedition. For his Eagle Scout service project, Robinson contacted the Humane Society in August 2019 Thomas Robinson and began discussions about improving trails. Project plans grew from a trailhead kiosk to include a new seating area with two iron benches, a second kiosk, new trail markers and a trail map for the trailhead. Once plans were approved, he organized workdays and manpower from fellow scouts, adult leaders, friends and family. The project was completed in July. Robinson is a senior at Homewood High School, where he plays trombone in the Homewood Patriot Band and marched in the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He also is on the junior board of Our Hope International. Thomas is a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church and is a member of the Chapel Choir and the Chapel Ensemble. He is the son of Sarah Robinson and David Robinson.
Move for the Memories Raising Funds for Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama has morphed its Walking to Remember fundraiser this year into a virtual event dubbed Move for the Memories. The event will be Nov. 1-7. People are encouraged to gather a team, set a fundraising goal and then gather supporters to make donations for their efforts. The group is asking people to move every day during the period to promote brain health. That can involve any form of exercise, such as walking, hiking, dancing and swimming, outside or in your home. According to the Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama website, researchers have found that, “exercisers were up to 28% less likely to develop any type of dementia and 45% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, specifically.” Even exercising at low to moderate levels cut the risk of cognitive decline by more than a third, according to the site. Participants will be given a short-sleeved T-shirt for a donation of $50 or a long-sleeved T-shirt for a donation of $75. They can pick those up curbside at the Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama office, at 300 Office Park Drive in Homewood, ahead of time or join the “drive by” celebration planned for the same location Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. The celebration also will include the group’s traditional Krispy Kreme doughnuts and other treats. For more information, questions or suggestions for where to exercise, you can call Vance Holder at 205871-7970 or go to the ACA site at alzca.org. ACA sponsors programs and services that currently serve more than 300 people living with Alzheimer’s each month.
32 • Thursday, October 29, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SCHOOLS
Teaching During a Pandemic
OTM HOMECOMING CELEBRATIONS
didn’t realize how much I would miss their chatter until there was none. Is it the masks? Is it the seating chart? The distance between each seat? I suspect it is a combination of these factors,
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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
MOUNTAIN BROOK HIGH SCHOOL celebrated the end of homecoming week with a ceremony presented at halftime on Oct. 23 as the Spartans took on Chelsea. Senior Ebbie Stutts was crowned homecoming queen, above, escorted by her father Britton Stutts. She was attended by seniors Abigail Clark and Caldwell Flake, juniors Julia Abele and Mallory Baxley and sophomores Kendall Crabtree and Gracie Walker.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Stacey Blakemore has been an educator for more than 20 years. She has taught a variety of high school, college and online courses. She currently teaches english at Oak Mountain High School. Stacey earned a master of education in english and language arts from the University of Montevallo and a Master of Arts in Communication from Auburn University.
and it is unsettling. It also makes it difficult to ask questions to assess for understanding when no one will talk. In order to compensate for my own mask, I talk louder. It feels like I am yelling most of the time. They still sometimes can’t understand me. Most days, I leave school with a pounding headache. I am not complaining about masks. I believe in their necessity, and I am grateful that they are required, but they created a challenge that I didn’t see coming. I need to check for understanding, so it has challenged me to be more creative in terms of assignments. Normally, I incorporate artwork and drawing into my lessons. This year, without shared supplies, that aspect of my classroom has been greatly diminished, and here is where I have found one of the surprising upsides to teaching during the most difficult year of my career. The collaboration between teachers in my building has been astounding. Everyone has stepped up to help everyone else. We’ve shared ideas, lesson plans, Google forms. You name it, we’ve shared it. Not only does it help with my lesson planning, but it has also helped me feel a little less lonely. Although being physically distanced, and often separated, from my colleagues can make me feel alone, I am not alone. That realization has helped me tremendously. Another upside and unexpected benefit of the pandemic has been smaller class sizes. This year, most of my classes are between 12-16 students. It is rare to have classes that small. Doing so has allowed me to get to know my students better and to provide them with individualized instruction in a way that hasn’t been feasible in the past. High school students are inspiring, funny, surprising individuals, and it has been nice to get to know them better and faster than in years past. Finally, the kindness of others has taken my breath away. I recently used DonorsChoose.org to fund an air purifier for my room. In just a few hours, the project was fully funded and the purifier was on its way to my classroom. Old friends that I haven’t seen in years contributed. Total strangers contributed. Teaching has never been more difficult, but knowing that people are on my side and are willing to help me make my classroom a safer place for me and my students has filled me with a peace and calm that I desperately needed. Once again, I am reassured that I am not alone. It isn’t easy, and it may get harder before it gets better, but, for now, I will focus on the things that I can control and the unexpected gifts of teaching during a pandemic.
JOHN CARROLL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL recognized its 2020 Homecoming Queen Gabby Campos on Oct. 2 as the Cavaliers took on Parker. Attending Campos were runner-up Faith Wittmann, Abi Allarge, Amanda Hall, Jaclyn Hanhauser, Carley Rickman and Jane Vaughn.
Photo courtesy Oak Mountain High School
When I decided to be a teacher, there were some challenges associated with the job that I did not anticipate. There is very little alone time as a teacher. Even our planning periods are used for training, covering other classes or running to the office. There is also the issue of using the restroom. No one regulates their bladders like teachers. The emotional burden of worrying about my students when they walk out that door has threatened to overwhelm me at times. After 15 years in the classroom, I thought I had a handle on almost all of these surprises. However, absolutely nothing could have prepared me for what it has been like to teach during a global pandemic. Like most teachers, on that first day back in the classroom in August, I was full of conflicting emotions. I was excited to see my students. I was nervous about contracting the virus. I was anxious to see what this school year would bring for me, my students, and my own school-aged children. Those first few days were so quiet. High school classrooms are almost never quiet, yet, this year, it wasn’t just quiet. It was completely silent. I
Photo courtesy Stacey Blakemore
By Stacey Blakemore
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Teacher Finds Silver Linings in the Cloud of COVID-19
OAK MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL capped off a successful homecoming week with a 48-17 win over rival Spain Park High School on Oct. 2. Senior Lizzie Trammel, left, was crowned homecoming queen during halftime ceremonies. Along with Trammel, princesses for each grade were recognized; freshman Laura Kelley, sophomore Abby O’Dell and junior Reilly DeShazo.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SPORTS
Rebels’ Reese, Bucs’ Paradise named Great America Rivalry Series Scholar Athletes
By Rubin E. Grant
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
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
Vestavia Hills senior Leighton Reese gets the most out of his ability, whether he’s playing football, wrestling or studying. “He may not be the biggest guy we’ve got or the fastest, but he’s the most consistent and most knowledgeable,” Vestavia Hills football coach Buddy Anderson said of Reese, a strong safety. “You can’t count him out. His desire makes up for anything he might lack in ability and he has a tenacious work ethic, and his attitude is super. He’s a definite overachiever. “He also wrestles for us. You watch his matches and you think there’s no way he can win. His opponent can be 11 points ahead and he’ll turn him over and pin him. You can never count him out.” Reese said it’s just a matter of dedication and determination. “I’m very dedicated in everything I do,” Reese said. “I pride myself on technique, knowing all the plays in football and knowing all the moves in wrestling. I try to outsmart and out game plan my opponents.” The same dedication carries over into the classroom. Reese scored 35 on the ACT and maintains a 4.62 grade-point average.
Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 33
HAVE DREAMS.
Above, Vestavia Hills senior Leighton Reese (45) says he’s ‘dedicated in everything I do.’ Below, upon hearing he’d been selected, Hoover senior offensive lineman Nick Paradise (52) said, ‘It means a lot to be picked from my team because there are a lot of guys deserving.’
As a result, he and Hoover senior offensive lineman Nick Paradise have been named as Great American Rivalry Series® Scholar Athletes for 2020. “I’m very honored,” Reese said. “It means a lot to be picked from my team because there are a lot of guys deserving. I’m extremely grateful.” Paradise, a 6-foot, 245-pound senior center, carries a 4.19 GPA and scored 26 on the ACT. He was surprised when he learned about the award. “I didn’t know too much about it until I was presented with the scholarship,” Paradise said. “It’s a very prestigious award and I’m honored to receive it.” Recipients of the GARS Scholar Athlete Award are chosen annually. The program is in its 17th year. “We are very happy to recognize these senior athletes for their outstanding performance on the field and as students throughout their high school careers” Rick Ford, GARS CEO, said in a news release. “In this very unique year, we felt it is even more important that the Great American Rivalry Series and our presenting partner, the United States Marines, continue the 17-year tradition of recognizing their achievements.” With their selection, Reese and Paradise will each receive a $500 scholarship on behalf of GARS. Paradise and Reese are two of 144 GARS Scholar Athletes selected from
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
Nick Paradise
across the country. From those athletes, 25 will be selected to become members of the inaugural GARS Scholar Athlete Hall of Fame Team. The selection process for the hall of fame, a program operated through a partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will involve friends and community members voting for their favorites. Voting is over 30 days and began Oct. 19. You can vote at greatamericanrivalry.com.
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34 • Thursday, October 29, 2020
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
END OF AN ERA
Bucs linebacker Marcus Williams returned an interception 70 yards to set up Constantine Hontzas’ 28-yard field goal that gave the Bucs a 10-7 lead midway through the second quarter.
Hoover Falls
Bucs Can’t Sustain Momentum, Loses to Thompson in Region Title Game By Rubin Grant
Hoover’s Sky Niblett looks for running room in the Bucs 39-23 loss to Thompson.
WEEK 10 SCOREBOARD Hewitt-Trussville 51, Oak Mountain 21 Spain Park 35, Tuscaloosa Cty 34 Thompson 39, Hoover 23 Vestavia Hills 45, Gadsden City 7 Briarwood Christian 28, Homewood 6 Mountain Brook 35, Chelsea 21 Wenonah 21, John Carroll Catholic 7
THIS WEEK’S GAMES Corner at Briarwood Homewood at Pelham St. Clair at John Carroll Catholic Mountain Brook at Austin (Oct. 29) Oak Mountain at Pace Spain Park at Hueytown Shades Valley at Vestavia Hoover is off
It was a Hoover turnover just before halftime that shifted the momentum. With Thompson holding a 13-10 lead, the Bucs’ Massiah Tolen intercepted a Harrell pass, giving Hoover a scoring opportunity. It ended when the Warriors’ Gavin Shipman stepped in front of a Josh Lundy pass and returned the interception 72 yards, putting Thompson ahead 19-10 at the half. Then, on the first possession of the second half, Thompson’s Jarrett
Photo courtesy Briarwood High School
Hoover’s bid for an undefeated regular season and a region championship came up empty last Friday night in Alabaster. The No. 2 Bucs fell 39-23 to the No. 1 Thompson Warriors at Warrior Stadium. Thompson (10-0, 7-0) captured the Class 7A, Region 3 title for the second consecutive season with its fourth consecutive victory over Hoover. The Bucs (9-1, 6-1) lost despite intercepting Thompson quarterback Conner Harrell twice after he entered the game having thrown only one interception this season. Bucs linebacker Marcus Williams returned the first pick 70 yards to set up Constantine Hontzas’ 28-yard field goal that gave the Bucs a 10-7 lead midway through the second quarter. Hoover nearly had a third pick, but the Bucs’ Jay Avery was ruled to have joint possession with Thompson’s Ryan Peppins on a pass in the third quarter, and the ball stayed with the Warriors. The Bucs also scored a defensive touchdown in the third quarter when Corey Warren sacked Harrell, forcing a fumble that was scooped up by teammate Markus Clark and returned 15 yards for the score.
Crockett scored the second of his three touchdowns to give the Warriors an insurmountable 26-10 lead. Hoover managed only 230 yards total offense, 115 on the ground and 115 in the air. The Bucs’ offensive touchdowns came on short runs, Jaylen Taylor’s 3-yard run in the first quarter and Dylan Pauley’s 1-yard run in the fourth quarter. The Warriors had 411 total yards with Harrell completing 26 of 32 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns. Both of the touchdown passes were to J.B. Mitchell, covering 65 and 14 yards. Hoover is off this week before beginning the state playoffs at home against Sparkman (5-4) on Nov. 6.
VESTAVIA’S FRIDAY NIGHT MATCHUP with longtime rival Shades Valley will mark the end of Buddy Anderson’s tenure, after 43 seasons, as head coach of the Rebels. He was hired as an assistant at Vestavia Hills in 1972, then was elevated to head coach in 1978. Anderson led the Rebels to state championships in 1980 and 1998, both coming in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s highest classification. Anderson was inducted into the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) Hall of Fame in 2018 and is also a member of the AHSAA Hall of Fame. He received the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s Frank ‘Pig’ House Award in 2014 and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Herman L. “Bubba” Scott Award in 2016.
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Members of the 2020-21 Briarwood Christian varsity cheer squad are, front, from left: Ellie Smith, Katie Rogers, Grace Hiers, Victoria Dickinson, Hannah Messer, Ellie Knippers and Ella Thrasher. Middle: Mary Stewart, Ava Albright, Catherine Gray, Lillie Griffith, Julia Sinclair and Grace Richardson. Back: Lauren Edwards, Emma Gregory, Virginia Jackson, Hallie Azar, Reilly Forbes, Audrey Tinsley and Mary Ryan King.
Thursday, October 29, 2020 • 35
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
PUGH
Hoover won the Class 7A North Super Regional championship at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville last week. Above, the Bucs swept Grissom (25-16, 25-17, 25-12). Hoover (49-1) was scheduled to play Baker (21-15) in the Class 7A quarterfinals at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Birmingham CrossPlex.
ESSIX From page 36
Essix gives the credit to her teammates for her prowess on the court. “I don’t think about it on a personal level,” Essix said. “Everything for me surrounds the team. Without my teammates doing what they do, I can’t do what I do. It all starts with them passing the ball and getting it to me. I love my team.” Even so, Essix is a special talent. Colleges look for players who can touch 10 feet or higher, but Essix reached 10 feet, 8 inches when she was 12 years old. And for the record, she didn’t have any sudden growth spurt. “I’ve always been tall my whole life,” Essix said. “My mom is 5-8 and my dad is 6-1. My granddad on my father’s side is 6-5.”
Later to the Game Essix started attending volleyball camps in the third grade, but she didn’t join a team until she was in the seventh grade at Bumpus Middle School. After that, she started playing club volleyball with Alabama Performance, formerly Southern Performance. She didn’t join Hoover’s varsity full-time until her sophomore season, although she got to experience part of the season her freshman year. She was still adjusting academically to high school, paving the way for her to become a student in the Hoover International Baccalaureate Program. “My first priority was academics,” Essix said. Camper didn’t mind because he knew that once she joined the varsity full-time, she would be a force. “Gabrielle is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete,” Camper said. “This is her fourth year in our program, and she’s grown as a player and a person. We
are proud of her leadership and we think she has a great future in the sport.” Essix committed to Florida as a sophomore. “Florida gave me the best balance of academics and athletes,” she said. “Plus, they usually go to NCAA tournament, and they’re one of the top five academic schools in the South.” This has been a special volleyball season for Essix and Hoover. After losing their first match to McGillToolen, the Bucs haven’t lost since, reeling off 49 consecutive victories while rarely dropping a set. “It’s been great, really fun,” Essix said. “We’ve been getting better every day. We’re so strong in the basics – passing, hitting, defense.” With a deep, talented roster, the Bucs entered the season as the favorites to win the Class 7A title, but the lofty expectations didn’t put any added pressure on them. “For us, we don’t think about the expectations,” Essix said. “We try to play for each other and represent the name on our chest to the best of our ability. The team is experienced and so much together. We have a very large senior class and most of us have been on the same club team since the seventh or eighth grade.” That includes junior Rya McKinnon, who led the Bucs with 44 kills in the regional. “Rya feels like a senior,” Essix said with a laugh. “She can hold her own.”
OTM High Schools Will Be Battling It Out Hoover (49-1) will play Baker (21-15) in the Class 7A quarterfinals at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the CrossPlex. Spain Park (25-10) and Vestavia Hills (16-24) are also in the 7A field. Both play at 2 p.m. Wednesday, with Spain Park taking on Auburn (11-14)
and Vestavia Hills meeting McGillToolen Catholic (40-8). The semifinals are set for 6 p.m. Wednesday and the final is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday at the Harris Arena. Mountain Brook (31-12) and John Carroll Catholic (22-20) will meet in the Class 6A quarterfinals at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. Altamont plays Orange Beach in the Class 2A quarterfinals at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Hoover has never won a state volleyball championship, losing in the Class 7A semifinals in 2019 to eventual champion Mountain Brook. Essix said that gives the Bucs even more motivation this week. “We’re excited about having the chance to go for a state championship,” Essix said. “We’ve got to take it match by match, point by point and set by set, talking to each other on the court, sticking together and keeping our emotions in check.”
“I think so far I’ve played good,” Pugh said. “I’ve had two picks in a game and that was an awesome feeling, but even when I don’t do anything special, it’s still fun being out there. I love going out and playing with the guys and that hypes me up.” The Spartans clinched the Class 6A, Region 5 championship two weeks ago with a 28-0 victory against Homewood. Last week, they beat Chelsea 35-21 to finish region play with a 6-0 record. Overall, Mountain Brook is 8-1, with the only loss coming to Class 7A No. 1 Thompson. “It’s been an amazing year and winning the region with a bunch of guys I’ve played with for several years makes it even more special,” Pugh said. “We hadn’t won a region championship since 2011, and I will look back at that one day and smile about what we accomplished.” The region title isn’t the only memorable part of the 2020 season
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
From page 36
as far as Pugh is concerned. It was just getting to play football during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with all the uncertainty when the season started. “This season has been one to remember, something special,” Pugh said. “Everybody is hating on COVID and that’s definitely for a reason, but I’ll remember this season for the rest of my life. “I try to stay positive and just look forward to the next game because you never know what can be expected. I think it’s brought us all closer together as a team. We have learned to cherish every moment.” The Spartans will close the regular season Friday with a trip to Decatur to play Class 7A Austin (8-1). Mountain Brook will open the state playoffs next week, hoping to wind up in Tuscaloosa for the Super 7 Championships. “Our goal is to win a state championship, but we can’t look that far ahead,” Pugh said. “We have to take it one step at a time, but we’ll all be disappointed if we don’t get to Bryant-Denny.”
Trenton Wright (33), John McMillan (44) and Blake Pugh (2) tackle Len Irvine in the Spartan’s 28-0 win over Homewood on Oct. 15.
Rebels’ Reese, Bucs’ Paradise named Great America Rivalry Series Scholar Athletes. Page 33
SPORTS
Thursday, October 29, 2020 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Hoover Can’t Sustain Momentum, Falls at Thompson in Region Title Game. Page 34
By Rubin E. Grant
‘Fearless M Competitor’
Blake Pugh is averaging 24.0 yards on kick returns.
See PUGH, page 35
‘Once-in-aLifetime Athlete’
Gabbi Essix recorded 29 kills in the North Super Regional last week.
Hoover’s Essix Brings Skill, Athleticism to the Volleyball Court as Bucs Seek State Title
A
By Rubin E. Grant
t nearly 6 feet, 4 inches tall, Hoover senior Gabrielle Essix is an imposing presence on the volleyball court, especially playing middle hitter. But height alone doesn’t allow Essix to dominate. She has athleticism and skill. “For a girl her size, she’s a phenomenal athlete,” Hoover coach Chris Camper said. “She’s explosive and she jumps out of the gym, but she’s a very skilled player, a dynamic volleyball player with great hands. No one in the state has the potential to take over a match like her.” Throughout this season, Essix has
done just that. Last week, she helped Hoover win the Class 7A North Super Regional championship at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. The Bucs advanced to the Alabama High School Athletic Association state tournament for the eighth consecutive year. The 50th AHSAA State Volleyball Championships will be played Tuesday-Thursday at the Birmingham CrossPlex and Bill Harris Arena. Essix recorded 29 kills and 10 blocks as Hoover swept Grissom (2516, 25-17, 25-12), Vestavia Hills (2513, 25-14, 25-20) and Spain Park (2516, 25-17, 25-18) in the North Super Regional. On the season, Essix has 378 kills, 60 blocks, 38 digs and a .498 hitter percentage. See ESSIX, page 35
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
Pugh Making Plays All Over the Field for Spartans
ountain Brook senior Blake Pugh paid a lot of attention to former teammate Logan Brewer during the 2019 football season. Brewer always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, making plays on both sides of the ball and on special teams. This season Pugh is doing similar things for the Spartans, playing cornerback and receiver and returning kickoffs. But please don’t compare him to Brewer, who graduated in the spring. “Logan was awesome,” Pugh said. “I looked up to him. I wouldn’t say I inherited his role. I am trying to do my own thing, but I knew with Logan gone I’d have to step up and be a leader.” Pugh is making plays while leading. He has more than 20 tackles and four interceptions from his cornerback spot and has two receptions on offense. He is averaging 24.0 yards on kick returns. “He’s a playmaker,” Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager said. “Even last year he played both sides of the ball and had some big receptions. “It seems like to me, in crucial situations when the game is on the line, he is always the guy who comes through. When you need someone to make a play, he makes it.” Yeager believes it’s more than just Pugh’s athletic ability that enables him to make plays. “I think he’s a good athlete,” Yeager said, “but the thing about him is he has no fear of making mistakes. But he takes calculated risks. When he believes he can make a play, he goes out and makes it. He’s a fearless competitor.” The 6-foot, 175-pound Pugh shrugs off what he’s done this season.