OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2019
SOCIAL
SPORTS
Little Hands Serving Hearts Little Hands Give Food to Fill Empty Tummies Over Thanksgiving
W
By Ingrid Schnader
To help give the community some relief this holiday season, Ashley Seligson packed 2,500 brown bags with the nonprofit she founded, Little Hands Serving Hearts. More than 200 families were expected to meet at Canterbury United Methodist Church on Nov. 13 to On Nov. 14, some pack 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of food into brown bags. of the children Each bag was to be packed with about 13 items that students can use to feel food secure over the volunteering with Thanksgiving break. Items are things such as microLHSH and some wavable macaroni and cheese, granola bars, animal crackers, goldfish, fruit snacks and peanut butter of the children crackers. from the schools “So all kid-friendly items that might be appetizing to them but also very easy for them to get into,” in need will get the Seligson said. opportunity to skip These bags will go to two schools in which a majority of students are on free or reduced-price lunch school and help or breakfast programs. This year’s schools are Hayes deliver the bags. K-8 School and Hemphill Elementary School. “Every student gets a bag, no matter if they’re on the program or not” Seligson said. “Typically in these schools they’re still in need. They just might not have qualified for that poverty level. So everyone gets one, and that way no one’s singled out.” On Nov. 14, some of the children volunteering with LHSH and some of the children from the schools in need will get the opportunity to skip school and help deliver the bags. See LITTLE HANDS, page 14
LHSH volunteer Brooklyn Seligson.
Photo courtesy Ashley Seligson
hen students are on free or reduced-price lunch programs, they’re able to leave their food insecurity at home when they go to school. But over holidays such as Thanksgiving break, they’ll go one week or longer without being able to take advantage of their school’s programs.
2 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
Inside
Murphy’s Law
T TO NEW HEIGHTS Vestavia’s Carpenter to grace the stage in final RMTC Holiday Showcase as a student. PAGE 8
THE ART OF MAKING CLAY Susan Gordon’s new pottery and jewelry shop opens a window on ‘making.’ PAGE 16
A LITTLE JOURNEY Colon cancer survivor uses his experience to spread awareness for early detection. PAGE 18
SANTA’S GURUS Local toy store owners reveal season’s hottest toys. PAGE 34
ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 10 LIFE 14 SOCIAL 24
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
OPINION/CONTENTS
WEDDINGS 32 GIFT GUIDE 38 SCHOOLS 48 SPORTS 52
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
J O U R N A L November 14, 2019 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Ingrid Schnader, Emily Williams Photographer: Jordan Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Blake Ells, Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch, Sam Prickett, Lauren Helmer Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd, Suzanne Wald Vol. 29, 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 2019 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.
Pilgrims in Progress
he sad truth is that no kindergarhadn’t ended well, yet they gave the tener wants to be a Pilgrim in the newly arrived Pilgrims a chance. Thanksgiving play. In a way, it’s The Pilgrims and Native Americans understandable. Feathers or a tight black gave each other room and helped each hat? The choice is obvious. other … at least I’m assuming the But now that I am an adult (of sorts), Pilgrims had something to offer. I’d like I find the Pilgrims to be a fascinating lot. to think the help went both ways. Imagine leaving your home, not once, Anyway, the first year passed, the but twice, and being so committed to crops were harvested, and somebody your faith that you would crowd into a said, “We ought to have a party.” rickety ship and set sail for a land very (Excellent idea.) The Pilgrims prepared few of your fellow countrymen had sursome food, the Native Americans vived. brought some other dishes. Basically, it Sue Murphy It’s not like one of us deciding to pull was the first colonial potluck. They gave up stakes and move from Birmingham thanks to God, they enjoyed the food, to Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills, for all but there must have been conversaof its eccentricities, is not an untried tion, as well. The Pilgrims’ trip was wilderness. It is already inhabited Otherwise … awkward. (with more than a few eccentrics) and Somewhere in the first year, they had more like a group of us contains places where you can live to have figured out how to communimoving to the moon, (for an eccentric amount of money) cate with each other. and stores where you can buy food Sadly, as time went on, history given the moon had been (although you’ll have to take your paints a different picture. Subsequent shown to possess air and shiploads of settlers just settled right own grocery bags). The Pilgrims’ trip was more like a water and things like that. over the top of the Native Americans. group of us moving to the moon, They kept settling and settling until given the moon had been shown to the Native Americans had to settle for possess air and water and things like that. The moon is a patches of arid wasteland if they had a chance to settle at long way away, and we have very little experience in deal- all. It was shameful. Take a trip out west. It still is. ing with its surface. How bad would things have to be in But, that’s not what we’re celebrating on your life for you to volunteer for that move? Thanksgiving. We’re celebrating those first few golden The Pilgrims disembarked and had to figure out on day moments when everyone got along, much like the first one where they were going to sleep and what they were half hour when all of your relatives congregate in the livgoing to eat. And they did it. They built homes and planting room before dinner. ed crops and, despite many sad losses, moved forward The best part of Thanksgiving (besides the squash caswith their lives. serole) is that it helps us remember that those moments History tells us they had a little help, though. The were and are in our humanoid skill set. We can be nice Pilgrims were bolstered along by the people who were when we want to. We can help and share and strive to native to the land. (Leave it to the Europeans to “discover” communicate with people who are vastly different from places where people already lived). us. And you have to hand it to the Native American This year, I’m going to cut myself an extra slice of crowd. Their earlier encounters with Europeans generally pumpkin pie and just be thankful for that.
Over the Mountain Views
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? “I make a peanut butter pie every year. It’s the appetizer, main entree and dessert.” Stephanie Edwards Birmingham “Chicken fingers and rolls, every year.” Ricky Edwards Birmingham
“Pumpkin pie, you can eat it during or after your meal.” William Elkins North Shelby
“Pecan pie, I don’t make it. I just eat it.” Trisha Elkins North Shelby
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 3
ABOUT TOWN
BIRMINGHAM 1924 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, 205.407.7622
TRACE CROSSINGS 1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy Hoover 205.490.6339
NOW OP EN !
W INE TASTINGS!
Loc ate d off Stadium Trace BLVD, Hoo ver
Che ck our web site for dates and location !
Our mission is simply one word: COMMUNITY. As an independent retailer our goal is to provide a variety of local and affordable food options as well as career opportunities to surrounding residents.
Meet the team at Brock's Gap in Hoover!
WINE MANAGER RUSSELL TAYLOR Russell has been in the wine business for 35 years. His degree in history and 15 plus years of wine education, formal and informal, provide him with a wealth of useful and interesting knowledge in helping customers select from wines around the world. Married with two children, Russell lives in Helena. When he's not uncovering interesting wines you may find him on a Putt Putt golf course or playing darts.
WELLNESS MANAGER SHERRY MURER Sherry began working in the Health and Wellness Industry as a teenager when her sister-inlaw Barbara and mutual friend Cindy opened B & C Nutrition in Hoover. "I have had a passion for helping people with natural products ever since. I'm able to learn more by listening to our customers, reading, trade shows, webinars, product training, etc. We offer many great brands including Charlotte's Web, Garden of Life, Dr. Mercola, Young Living Essential Oils, and Bio Coffee.
CHEF JOHN "TROLL" WILLIAMS Raised in Mountain Brook, John served his country in the United States Marines and owned a private investigation firm for 20 years. Pursuing his dreams, John decided to attend culinary school. Upon graduation he honed his skills working at some of the finest restaurants in Birmingham, including Satterfields, El Bario, Shindigs, Ovenbird, and Chris Hastings Catering. John has two children, JT and Ellie, and a Chihuahua named Monster.
MEAT MANAGER DAVID BULLOCK David says he learned to cut meat at A&P while going to school. He then spent 42 years at Western Supermarket working his way up from meat cutter to store manager. "My favorite cut of meat is the ribeye. At Brock's Gap we will cut to order at our specialty meat case where we sell whole beef tenders, trimmed and cut for free. We also offer the Tomahawk steak wihich is hard to find. If you're looking for a special cut, call us and we'll have it ready for you when you arrive!"
Check out the Downtown store for great food and drink! Our Downtown Birmingham Store has a great loft space. It is full of seating to eat, drink a beer, share some wine, lounge, or catch a game on one of its 5 TV's. This space can also be rented for events, and catered. We also offer corporate conference room rentals. Please inquire at localloft@theharvestmarkets.com BIRMINGHAM - 1924 2nd Ave N, Birmingham • 205.407.7622 | TRACE CROSSINGS - 1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy Hoover • 205.490.6339 theharvestmarkets.com
MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE $5 OFF YOUR NEXT PURCAHSE OF $50 OR MORE. THROUGH 11/30/2019
4 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
GiftsStudio That Give Back By The Tracks to Host
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Holiday Open House Sale
The holidays have already arrived at Studio By The Tracks, as the nonprofit arts organization prepares for its annual Holiday Open House sale on Nov. 21 and 23. Located in Irondale, the studio serves artists on the autism spectrum, providing studio space for adults with autism to create works of art using free materials and guidance, make an income and socialize. New this year, the sale will take place in the recently-opened Studio Store - located at the studio in downtown Irondale, at 301 20th St. S - and a second sale date has been added. “We’ve decided to do things a little differently this year in order to accommodate the growing demand for our artists’ works,” said Katie Thompson, director of marketing and partnerships. “If you’ve ever been to our holiday sale before, you know that we draw a huge crowd and that elbow room can be hard to come by.” “If you’re looking for meaningful gifts for your loved ones this year, this is a really good place to find them,” said studio instructor Danielle Dyar. Handmade works of art will be available in the studio, created by stu-
NOV 14 - NOV 28 Thurs., Nov. 14 Bid ‘n Buy
What: Vestavia Hills Garden Club hosts an event to benefit the Sybil Temple Foundation. featuring a silent and live auction, hand-crafted jewelry, table runners, garden art and vintage china and linens. When: auction, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m. Where: A private club in Vestavia Hills Website: “Vestavia Hills Garden Club” Facebook page
Crestline Village Holiday Open House
What: Patrons will enjoy discounts
Photos courtesy Studio By The Tracks
By Emily Williams
A selection of merchandise ispired by Studio By The Tracks participants will include scarves, featuring artwork by John Miller, above, right.
dio participants who receive 60% of the sale of each of their pieces. “The rest just goes back into the studio to keep providing a safe place for self expression, as well as social and professional opportunities for these really talented artists,” Dyar said. Framed and unframed drawings and paintings will be available at the Holiday Open House. In addition,
there will be ceramics, including dishware, vases, plates, angels and trees. Merchandise will feature studio participant designs and will include a variety of accessories and unique gifts. Items include six T-shirt designs, scarves that feature artwork by John Miller, Super Dog socks that boast Michael Hall’s classic Super Dog character design, coffee mugs that display Melvin Roscoe’s “Ten
and special events while shopping and dining in Crestline. Santa will be in front of City Hall for pictures from 4-6 p.m. When: 4-7 p.m. Where: Crestline Village Website: mtnbrookchamber.org
complimentary swag, special shop and restaurant discounts, a designer handbag giveaway and live music by the Jason Bailey Trio. When: 5:307:30 p.m. Where: 2621 Lane Park Road Website: mtnbrookchamber.org
Deck the Heights
What: Enjoy complementary food, wine, activities, trolleys, arts and crafts, pop up shops, sales holiday cheer from local merchants and Santa. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: Cahaba Heights Website: vestaviahills.org
Sip & Stroll
What: Join the merchants of Lane Parke for wine and cocktails,
Nov. 14-24 TNT’s Written in the South Series
What: In the fourth installment of what has become a a fall favorite, the theatre presents “Paper Thin” by TK Lee, an award winning actor, director, playwright and poet. When: Thur., Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. Where: Terrific New Theatre Website: terrificnewtheatre.com
Commandments of Coffee” and more. “We have brand new tote bags ($25) this year. Two, in fact,” Dyar said. “We have Monika Woody’s colorful circles and Art Horton’s grey scale dots to choose from. Both Monika and Art have been artists at the studio for about 25 years. They have also both shown at fine galleries and have sold work throughout the country.”
Fri., Nov. 15 Magical Marketplace
What: Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church presents its annual marketplace featuring art, pottery, jewelry, baked goods, stationery, baby gifts, children’s clothing, holiday goodies and more. When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: VHUMC, Tyson Fellowship Halls Website: “Magical Marketplace 2019” Facebook page
Nov. 15 and 16 Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony
What: Experience the full range of the symphony’s virtuosity: from bombastic passages to flowing lyricism. The
The sale also will feature field notebooks featuring a wrap-around art piece by Woody. A members-only preview sale will take place Nov. 21, 5-7 p.m., and feature complimentary refreshments. The free general admission open house will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23. For more information, visit studiobythetracks.org. orchestra revisits “Forest Dark and Stars Above,” a piece written for the ASO. When: 7 p.m. Where: Jemison Concert Hall. Website: alabamasymphony.org
Sat., Nov. 16 2019 Moonstone Festival
What: This two-day festival celebrating women in music and art features national touring musicians, food, art vendors and more. A percentage of the sale will benefit Girls Rock Birmingham. When: Gates open at noon; event 1 p.m. Where: Sloss Docks and property of Back Forty Beer Co. Website: moonstonefest.com
ALABAMA BALLET PRESENTS
Guaranteed Results GEORGE BALANCHINE’S
THE
NUTCRACKER
®
DECEMBER 13-15 & 20-22 LESLIE S. WRIGHT FINE ARTS CENTER
1811 29th Ave. South I Homewood I 205.874.1044 I wallace-burke.com
ALABAMABALLET.ORG
SPONSORED BY:
Mary Charles’ Doll House
Happy Holidays From New, Collectible Mary Charles' Antique Dolls Doll House 2820 Petticoat Lane
New, Collectible Antique Dolls
Mtn. Brook Village
870-5544 2820 Petticoat Lane Mountain Brook Village 870-5544 Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm Open Thursday - Saturday 10 am - 4:30 pm
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 5
ABOUT TOWN
Welcome to our New Home, just in time for the Holidays VIP STANDARD $900
One treatments of the New! Luminous Micro-resurfacing One SkinPen Microneedling + PRP One SkinPen Microneedling with Glide One Signature Ultra Sound Elite Facial Includes the new roller microcurrent One Advanced Corrective peel One V-IPL Photo Facial Face & neck add chest $50 upgrade Two Dermaplaning Two Glow peels
VIP DELUXE $1850 One eTwo Sublime Skin Tightening Lower Face and jowls Two Brow Wow, Reaction eyes using radio frequency Two Reaction lips using radio frequency Two Luminous micro-resurfacing This is smart skins latest skin rescue treatment Two SkinPen Microneedling + PRP One Signature Ultrasound Elite facial Includes micro roller current One HydraFacial + Pro-light Therapy Two V-IPL face & neck photo facial Three dermaplaning treatments Three glow peels Two Advanced Corrective peels 10% skin care all year long
Buy a $150 gift certificate for only $50 (towards skincare services)
GETTING STARTED BEAUTY PACKAGE
Signature Ultrasound Elite Facial HydraFacial + Pro-light Therapy One dermaplaning One glow peel $300
GLOW PACKAGE 2 Signature Ultrasound Elite Facial 2 Dermaplaning with 2 glow peels 2 Luminous micro-resurfacing treatment $375
ALL IS CALM PACKAGE Three V-IPL photo facial’s Three Signature Ultrasound Elite Facial One All Calm Colorescience Package $590
eTWO PACKAGE Buy 2 eTwo Sublative get one eTwo sublime free $750
HydraFacial, dermaplaning, glow peel, eyebrow shape and tint $155
SKINPEN + eTWO PACKAGE
2 SkinPen with Glide plus 2 eTwo Sublative Ultrasound Elite Facial, HydraFacial, dermaplaning, glow peel, (can upgrade with PRP $200) $950 brow shape and tint $225
VIP $2850 THE WORKS (share plan) can split with friends or family One eTwo Sublative Skin Resurfacing This amazing treatment gives you great results with very little downtime One eTwo Sublime Tightening for mid face and jowls Two V-IPL Photo facial Includes face, neck and chest Two Advanced Corrective peels Two Signature Ultrasound Elite facials Includes Roller micro-current One HydraFacial + Pro-light Therapy Two Luminous Micro-resurfacing treatments Two SkinPen Microneedling + PRP treatments Two SkinPen Microneedling with Glide Four dermaplaning with glow peels 10% off skincare all year long
Purchase 4 b12 shots $65 Get your energy on!!!!
e2 Sublime skin tightening Single $260 Package of 4 $900 full face and neck
6 DERMAPLANING $240 (Save $60)
BOTOX, INJECTIONS & FILLERS DUET SPECIAL Purchase 1 Syringe Filler and 25 units of Botox to receive $150 off (Expires Dec 31, 2019) BOTOX SPECIAL Purchase 50 units of Botox get 10 units free Purchase 100 units of Botox get 20 units free LIQUID FACE LIFT SPECIAL Purchase 4 Syringes of Filler to receive 1 Volbella or 50 Botox units free
e2 full face single laser treatment, one ultrasound facial $300 Package of 3 e2 full face, one ultrasound facial $1,050 FILLER SPECIAL BOUTIQUE HAIR SPA
Cut, color, highlight get a free Kevin Murphy
Single skin pen with glide, one TreatMe ultrasound facial $350 Buy 2 keratin treatments get 1 free ($300+ Package of 3 $750 includessavings) ultrasound facial Buy hair facial, free haircut ($65+ savings)
Purchase 1 Filler syringe get $75 off Purchase 2 Filler syringes get $200 off Purchase 3 Filler syringes get $400 off Expires one year from date of purchase
Full highlight, free hair cut Buy 2 men’s hair cuts get 1 free
Join us for our
Single PRP skin pen $500 includes ultrasound facial & glow peel HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE SMART BUCKS Spend $75 get $155 in services Package of 3 $1200 includes one Dermaplanning, free alastin nectar November 14 - 16th Spend $100 get $200 in services Spend $150 get $300 in services Spend $250 get $500 in services Spend $500 get $1000 in services
9 a.m. until close
Buy $500 in skincare products and get $100 credit towards any Smart bucks aremay to be used toward memberskincare service (some exclusions apply) ship services only. All members will get the membership pricing as long as they maintain a current membership with Smart Skin.
1931 29th Ave. S, Homewood | 205.968.1301 | smartskinmedspa.com
1754 Oxmoor Road, Homewood • 968.1301
VIP specials available now-November 16th All other specials available now-December 31st
6 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Sat., Nov. 16
TAKE THE CHILL OUT OF AUTUMN
Thanksgiving Morning Ritual
WITH OUR SOFT AND COZY BLACK & IVORY HOUNDSTOOTH THROW. OUR GIFT TO YOU WHEN YOU SPEND $250+ ON MACKENZIE-CHILDS WHILE SUPPLY LASTS
Photos courtesy LJCC
An Evening With the Author
LJCC to Host Sam Lapidus Montclair Run
Before turkeys are carved, the Levite Jewish Community Center will kick-off Thanksgiving Day by hosting the annual Sam Lapidus Montclair Run. The Nov. 28 event will include a 5K, 10K and one-mile fun run, all benefiting the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama and the LJCC. The run honors the life of the late Sam Lapidus, an LJCC member and
Mountain Brook resident who lost his battle with Ewing’s sarcoma in November 2008, nine days before his 15th birthday. Race participants will take part in a USA Track and Field-certified course, starting and ending at the LJCC. Teams of runners will be judged on costumes and team spirit before the race. For more information and registration, visit slmr.itsyourrace.com.
What: Emmet O’Neal Library welcomes bestselling author Lev Grossman for a lecture and book signing. Grossman wrote “Warp,” “Codex,” and the Magicians trilogy as well as a new TV series called “The Heavens.” When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Emmet O’Neal Library, Community Meeting Room Website: eolib.org
Sun., Nov. 17 Riverchase Patriots Dinner
What: Lawrence Deluca, M.D., astronaut on STS-50 as chief scientist on the International Space Station, will be the guest speaker at this donationdriven event featuring items donated by Deluca and local merchants. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: Riverchase Country Club Website: vettes4vets. org
Mon., Nov. 18 Riverchase Patriots Golf Tournament
What: Vettes4Vets, donating participants, and those interested in helping vets will have the course all to themselves as 18 foursomes with a fifth golfer, which will be a veteran, take to the course. When: Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., 9:30 shotgun start Where: Riverchase Country Club Website: vettes4vets.org
Thurs., Nov. 21 English Village Holiday Open House
What: English Village will be having its annual Poker Run. Get your holiday shopping done while enjoying discounts and more. When: 5-7 p.m. Where: English Village Website: mtnbrookchamber.org
“The Elf on the Shelf”
40-60
E V E RY T H I N G I N T H E S T O R E I S
%
OFF MSRP
Bring your holiday vision to life and visit us today! BIRMINGHAMWHOLESALE.COM
What: Broadway in Birmingham presents the all new musical and premiere stage production based on the beloved tradition that continues to capture the hearts of children and their families everywhere. When: 6 p.m. Where: The BJCC Website: americantheatreguild.com
Nov. 21-24 1776, The Musical
What: A musical with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards based on the book by Peter Stone. The story is based on the events surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence. When: Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; Nov. 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Nov.23, 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Nov. 24, 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Where: Samford University, Harrison Theatre Website: samford.edu
VST STARS Presents: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical
What: Watch in surprise as the same old Christmas story is rejuvenated by the creativity, energy and unexpected sincerity of a misunderstood young
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
family. When: Thurs.-Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. Where: VST Mainstage Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org
Birmingham Improv Theatre. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Birmingham Improv Theatre Website: bhamimprovtheatre. com
Fri., Nov. 22
Fri., Nov. 29
Lights Up
What: Join the Summit for a magical celebration to kick off the holiday season featuring live music, a parade, fireworks, Santa, a tree lighting, a photo booth and more. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: The Summit Website: thesummitbirmingham.com
Blue Jeans and Baskets Bash
What: Firehouse Ministries Junior Board presents its annual fundraiser featuring a basket drawing, live and silent auctions, food and drinks. When: 6-9:30 p.m. Where: Iron City Website: firehouseshelter.com
Nov. 23-Jan. 5 Holidays at McWane - The Magic of Model Trains
What: Take a slip down the Ice Slide and whoosh through the air on the zip line. Climb aboard the McWane Train and go for a ride before checking out the awe-inspiring exhibit of locomotive displays. When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: McWane Science Center Website: mcwane.org
Sun., Nov. 24
The Mutt-Cracker
What: This twist on a “classic tail” is essentially Birmingham Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” featuring dogs and aspiring youth performing alongside professional dancers. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: The Alabama Theatre Website: birminghamballet.com
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 The Nutcracker
What: Birmingham Ballet’s performance features elaborate costumes and sets along with the ambience of the “Showplace of the South” all dressed up for the holidays. When: Nov. 30, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 1, 2 p.m. Where: Alabama Theatre Website: birminghamballet.com
Sun., Dec. 1 The Rainbow Fish
What: Mermaid Theatre of Nova
YOU GO 24/7. NOW, SO DO WE.
Holiday Art Show
What: The Mountain Brook Art Association is hosting its Holiday Art Show benefiting LOCAL artists, and this year’s charity, Studio by the Tracks. The popular evening reception
Call us 24/7 at 205-939-3699 to schedule an appointment and to start making your comeback.
OHOH’s Answer to Cancer 2019
What: Wear your team colors to Open Hands Overflowing Heart’s tailgate party. This family-friendly event to end childhood cancer features great food, music, kids activities and auctions. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: Regions Field Website: “OHOH’s Answer to Cancer 2019” Facebook page
Nov. 25-27 Turkey Science
What: McWane Science Center presents the only science activity that features November’s favorite bird. When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: McWane Science Center Website: mcwane.org
Thurs., Nov. 28 Happy Thanksgiving!
What: Join Positively Funny Improv in celebrating the holidays in this fully-improvised comedy show.
Dec. 1-22
For those who go round the clock, we now offer anytime scheduling for most appointments.
What: T-shirts, post-race craft beer and a finishers medals are included in this run to benefit the Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts and is the fall focus event for Girls on the Run of Birmingham. When: Registration, 6 a.m.; half marathon, 8 a.m.; 5k, 8:20 a.m.; mile, 8:30 a.m. Where: Regions Field Website: magiccityrun.com
It’s a Wonderful Laugh! A PFI Holiday Show
Scotia presents “The sparkling story that became an international publishing phenomenon” based on the book by Marcus Pfister. Reception before the show at 3 p.m. When: 4-6 p.m. Where: Jemison Concert Hall. Website: alysstephens.org
INTRODUCING 24/7 SCHEDULING
Magic City Half Marathon & 5k
Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5, 6, 13, 19 and 20
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 7
ABOUT TOWN
AndrewsSportsMedicine.com
will be Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m. When: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. Where: The Summit Website: mountainbrookartassociation.com
Tues., Dec. 3 It’s A Wonderful Place
What: Pepper Place hosts its Holiday Open House featuring extended hours, special events and more. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: Pepper Place Website: “Pepper Place Holiday Open House” Facebook page
8 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
ABOUT TOWN
To New Heights
ALABAMA'S PREMIER REAL ESTATE COMPANY SINCE 1934 1425 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35205
“We at Team Red Rock go beyond what is expected in providing our clients service for their commercial real estate needs.”
JOHN BENTON
Office: 205-918-0328 Email: jbenton@redrockrg.com
SUPERIOR SERVICE THAT'S ROCK SOLID
J
OHN BENTON is a commercial real estate broker for Red Rock Realty Group. He represent buyers and sellers in commercial transactions. Whether looking for investment property or your next business location, John will give you his full attention. He considers himself an adaptable problem solver and thrives on any opportunity to help a client. “We at Team Red Rock go beyond what is expected in providing our clients service for their commercial real estate needs,” said Benton.
“We do this not only through our online platforms and close relationships, but also by listening to each client’s individual needs and offering solutions. We ‘work’ each opportunity we are awarded, instead of simply putting up signs and waiting for the phone to ring. So, if you’re looking for a commercial real estate agent to go the extra mile, call or e-mail to get started.” John Benton, 205-918-0328 or jbenton@redrockrg.com
Senior year is full of many “lasts” far before spring arrives. In the first semester, there is the last first day at school, the last football season or the last homecoming. For Vestavia Hills High School senior Sarah Kaye Carpenter, the experience is doubled as she also enters her final season as a student of the Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Conservatory. As the holidays arrive, she will be preparing for her last student performance in the company’s annual Holiday Spectacular, a showcase filled with festive tunes to celebrate the holiday season. Carpenter’s passion for performance was inspired at home, with her family. “My mother was a musical theater major, and she really inspired me to attend performances. Once I witnessed my first show, I quickly fell in love with it,” recalled Carpenter. Carpenter is in her fifth year in the conservatory program and has been performing and participating in RMTC programming on-and-off for the past decade. Her work with the conservatory goes beyond extra-curricular, creating the foundation for a future career in the performance arts. Participants train alongside industry professionals and devote an estimated 450 hours in rehearsal and performance each year. When she isn’t gracing an RMTC stage, Carpenter can be found singing at the Diplomat Deli on the odd Friday night or performing with the Vestavia Hills High School choir. Through singing and musical theater, she found a way to build selfconfidence and a belief in herself that helped her power through the highs and lows of adolescence. “I’ve always struggled with anxiety and not quite knowing where I fit in, so it was very stressful for me at times,” she said. “The love and support I receive from my fellow conservatory members really helped me
Photos courtesy RMTC
Vestavia’s Carpenter to Grace the Stage in Final RMTC Holiday Showcase as a Student
Sarah Kaye Carpenter is looking forward to studying music performance in college.
overcome those hurdles.” All that she has learned she will take with her to the next stage, as she looks forward to studying music performance in college. After spending the past five years working and bonding with her fellow ensemble members, the final Holiday Spectacular, an RMTC tradition, will feel bittersweet, she said. “The stories portrayed in Holiday Spectacular are so special and nothing is close in comparison. The finale is my favorite part of the production. The connection you feel with everyone on stage and the audience is unlike any feeling ever experienced. I hope the audience takes away the sense of love and holiday spirit into their communities,” Carpenter reflected. The show will run Dec. 6-22 and will feature a number of local performing arts professionals alongside Carpenter and her fellow conservatory students.
First Sidewalk Jewish Film Festival Set for New Downtown Cinema
The Inaugural Sidewalk Jewish Film Festival is set for Nov. 21-24 at the new Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. A cinematic exploration of Jewish culture, history, art and life in Israel, the festival will include an opening night reception, panels, workshops, networking events and a closing night party featuring a tasting of Jewish cuisine. It is presented by the Birmingham Jewish Foundation.
“Birmingham’s Jewish community is one with an immense impact and one that should be celebrated,” said Chloe Cook, executive director of the Sidewalk Film Festival and Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. “We are extremely proud to bring their stories, perspectives and culture to attendees of all walks of life.” The festival also includes 22 film showings, beginning with “Before You Know It” at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 and
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
RMTC to Host New Arts Campus Groundbreaking The Red Mountain Theatre Company will host a groundbreaking ceremony next month to celebrate its new $25 million arts campus. The ceremony will take place Dec. 11 at 1:30 p.m. and will feature words from Birmingham Mayor and RMTC honorary board member Randall Woodfin. According to RMTC officials, the project to build a permanent home for the company has been 40 years in the making. “It has been a dream for us to consolidate our programming in order to better serve our community,” said Executive Director Keith Cromwell. “We envision an arts campus where artists can create, students can develop life and theater skills, and where for-profit and nonprofit can drive economic growth together.” The new campus will be at 1600 Third Ave. S. next to Regions Field. “RMTC is right at the heart of our city, and this space will allow us to be more efficient and more effective in our mission of enriching, educating and engaging our community,” said Kathryn Harbert, RMTC board pastpresident and capital campaign chair. A 10,000-square-foot education center will house a 100-seat discovery theater, rehearsal space and classrooms. The main theater will have the ability to transform from a 360-seat cabaret theater to a proscenium-style theater that seats 450. It will also feature a grand lobby with full-service bar and a donor lounge that will double as a small piano bar when the theater doesn’t have a performance. Through the combined efforts of Live Design Group, Brasfield & Gorrie and Harbert Realty Group, the project is estimated to be completed by summer 2021.
For more information, visit redmountaintheatre.org/holiday-spectacular. —Emily Williams ending with “Standing Up, Falling Down,” which begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 24. At noon Nov. 22, the filmmaker is scheduled to attend the showing of “The Rabbi Goes West.” Tickets are now available. Featured options are a $24 Pick-3 Pass, which gives holders access to any three films; and a $100 VIP Pass, which gives holders access to all films, plus six drink tickets for Yellow Tail Wine and Cahaba Brewing Company beer. The Sidewalk Cinema concession stand and full bar will be open throughout the festival. For a detailed festival schedule or to purchase tickets, please visit sidewalkcinema.org. —Virginia Martin
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 9
ABOUT TOWN
Two convenient locations with hands-on emergency care for you.
A
Abington Green
Asbury Park
Lake Purdy
A COMMUNITY BUILT ON WARMTH When life takes an unexpected turn, let our emergency care team at one of our two locations help you get back on track. We can handle your emergency situations with less wait time, and you’ll be seen by highly trained staff that will treat you with kindness and compassion. You can even check in online! To learn more, call 205-725-6800 or visit Brookwoodbaptisthealth.com/ER For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1
B
Meadowbrook
A. Main Campus 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Drive Birmingham, AL 35209 B. Freestanding Emergency Department 7131 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35242
NEWS
10 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Four OTM Cities Challenge Each Other to Recycle Correctly When you recycle incorrectly, you may be costing your city money. Current contamination rates for recyclables in the Over the Mountain area are 32% for Vestavia Hills and Homewood and 37% for Mountain Brook and Hoover. This is compared to a 25% industry standard. Contamination refers to materials that are not recyclable that make their way into the recycling supply. Not only do high contamination rates make it harder for the people at Birmingham Recycling & Recovery to do their jobs, but it also gets charged back to the city from which the contaminated recyclables came. In an effort to bring local contamination rates down, these four Over the Mountain cities are coming together for an Intercity Recycling Challenge that kicked off Nov. 1 at Homewood City Hall. “We all want recycling to remain sustainable and cost-effective,” said Hoover City Councilor Casey Middlebrooks. “And at the rate we’re going now, I’m concerned that may not be the case. So we have to do a
Journal photo by Ingrid Schnader
By Ingrid Schnader
At the challenge’s kick-off, Homewood Councilor Jennifer Andress, above left, said she wanted to start with one simple tip that would immediately affect recycling success rates: don’t put plastic bags in your recycling bin.
better job of clean recycling and producing a better end product for (Birmingham Recycling & Recovery).”
Each month, those involved in the challenge will publish each city’s new contamination rate. They also will post infographics with tips on how to
number it is. The only exceptions to this rule are clear plastic cups and black plastic containers. These should both be thrown away with trash. Things that should not be recycled using a Birmingham metro curbside pickup service include milk cartons, pizza boxes that have grease on them, styrofoam that has come into contact with food or beverage, glass and plastic bags. Shaffer said Publix accepts plastic bags and styrofoam egg cartons and meat trays for recycling. “Some of the items on this table are the least of our worries,” Shaffer said. “Bags are a serious issue. … Even if you’re bagging your material inside, when you take it outside to your bin, dump it out of the bag. Let it be loose.” While this intercity recycling challenge is only among Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, Andress said at the event that any other municipality is welcome to join in. “Our citizens want to do the right thing. They do,” she said. “They just need to know how, and that’s our job.”
The organization’s annual premier event was hosted in partnership with the city of Hoover, featuring words from Mayor Frank Brocato. Ret. Maj. Ed Pulido of the United States Army gave the keynote speech. Pulido is the founder of Warriors for Freedom, a resource to support and improve the mental, physical and
holistic wellness of active military, veterans and their families. He is vice president of Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members. The evening’s program served as a celebration and a reminder of the enormous debt owed to military service men and women, as well as first responders. Funds raised benefit the organization’s mission to provide support services for homeless veterans, as well as veterans and families in need of transportation, education and personal, physical and mental assistance. —Emily Williams
Vettes4Vets Salutes Veterans With a Ball
In honor of Veterans Day, the Hoover-based non-profit Vettes4Vets hosted its “Salute to Veterans Ball” at the Finley Center on Nov. 7.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
recycle better. After six months, the losing cities will make a donation to a charity of the winning city’s choice. At the challenge’s kick-off, Homewood Councilor Jennifer Andress said she wanted to start with one simple tip that would immediately affect recycling success rates: don’t put plastic bags in your recycling bin. These are not recyclable, and the entire bag will be thrown away, even if the bag contains items that are recyclable. Leigh Shaffer of Birmingham Recycling & Recovery set up two tables at the event to demonstrate what can and can’t be recycled using the curbside pickup services in the Birmingham metro area. Pretty much any kind of paper product can be left in a curbside recycling bin, except for wax-coated paper or paper that has been contaminated with food. Metal cans that can be recycled locally include steel, tin and aluminum. Shaffer said these cans should be clean and dry. No. 1 and No. 2 plastics can be recycled. You can look at the bottom of any plastic container to see what
Ret. Maj. Ed Pulido, (far left with Ret. Maj. Gen. David Burford, Vettes4Vets chairman) of the United States Army gave the keynote speech.
JLB’s 2019 Market Noel to Offer More Than 100 Holiday Vendors With the holidays just around the corner, the Junior League of Birmingham will be offering its annual Market Noel. The annual shopping event raises funds to support the Junior League’s community projects, including Backpack Buddies, Mobile Food Pantry, JLB Second Serving and Meals on Wheels, all of which provide food to children, families, homeless teens and the elderly. Market days will take place Nov. 20-23, featuring more than 100 national and regional vendors offering fashion, home decor, jewelry, gourmet food, art and more. Preview Noel will kick things off Nov. 20 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The
ticketed event will offer a preview of merchandise along with a diamond drop, cigar drop, live music and heavy hors d’oeuvres by Happy Catering. General market hours will be Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special events will be held each day, including JLB Hearts Birmingham on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Cheers & Beers on Friday at 6 p.m., and Brunch with the Big Guy on Saturday with seatings at 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit marketnoel.net or @jlbirmingham on social media.
Members of JLB Market Noel Committee, above. The annual shopping event raises funds to support the Junior League’s community projects, which provide food to children, families, homeless teens and the elderly.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Tony Cooper passed the torch to Michael Coleman on Nov. 6.
New Executive Director Takes the Lead at Jimmie Hale Mission A new sheriff is in town, said Tony Cooper, the former executive director at Jimmie Hale Mission. At a press conference Nov. 6, Cooper passed the torch to Michael Coleman, who was founder and previously executive director of Hope
Inspired Ministries in Montgomery. “I’m stepping into some big footsteps,” he said. “I just admire Tony and I want to honor his 29 years by continuing to push the ministry forward.” Tony said everything in his vision for his role at Jimmy Hale Mission can be
Birmingham Holocaust Education Center Hires New Executive Director
students to develop leadership skills, learn about social justice issues and become change agents in their communities. Patrick established this camp through the National Conference of Community and Justice, where she served as assistant director. Patrick now is a member of the Interfaith Interpretation Committee of the Jefferson County Memorial Project, working with communities to honor victims of lynching. She also is a member of the Instruments of Hope Unity Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and is a co-leader of the upcoming interfaith “Friendship Journey 6” to Israel. “We could not be more pleased to have Melissa on board at the BHEC,” board President Andy Campbell said in a prepared statement. “She has been an outstanding leader in every position she has held and a champion for social justice in this community. We are looking forward to Melissa’s leadership of the BHEC at such a vital time for Holocaust education.” BHEC provides programming throughout the state for teachers, students, civic groups and communities about the history and lessons learned from the Holocaust.
The Rev. Melissa Self Patrick recently was hired to lead the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center as its new executive director. Patrick is a native of North Alabama with more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit community in Birmingham. She earned a bachelor’s in history from BirminghamSouthern College and Rev. Melissa Self a Master of Patrick Divinity from Emory University. She is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church who has been involved in many community initiatives and projects in the greater Birmingham area. Patrick was an adviser during the establishment of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, as well as a founding organizer and director of Anytown Alabama, a week-long residential leadership summit for high school
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 11
NEWS
NOW OPEN!
summarized through three things. “First and foremost, is it Godhonoring?” he said. “Number two, is it relational? And number three, is it transformational?” Cooper said he is looking forward to joining his wife in retirement. “She’s enjoying retirement so much that I thought I should join her,” he said. “I’m looking forward to whatever the next season or chapter is for me.” Jimmie Hale Mission celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The Christian-based nonprofit includes a shelter for homeless men, Bible-based 12-step recovery programs, learning centers for education remediation and
720 MONTCLAIR ROAD
TRICIA’S TREASURES ANTIQUES
Always Something New Even If It’s Olde 2700 19TH PLACE SOUTH, HOMEWOOD 871.9779 | TUE-FRI 10:30-5:30 SAT 11-4
BIG
To: Tricia From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: May This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the May 30, 2019 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!
DIFFERENCE Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Follow these tips to lower your power bill.
Set ceiling fans to run clockwise in winter.
For more ways to save by making your home more energy efficient, visit AlabamaPower.com/tips.
FREE 24 HOUR ACCESS • FREE MOVE IN TRUCK FREE WiFi • FREE LOCK & KEYS
FIRST MONTH FREE! JUST MENTION THIS AD!
a ministry of the Jimmie Hale Mission. For more information, visit jimmiehalemission.com.
— SM ALL CH ANGE —
Program your thermostat to 68° or lower.
(205) 307-0500
career readiness, and a shelter for homeless women and children called Jessie’s Place. Discovery Clubs is also
© 2019 Alabama Power Company
Raise your blinds to let the sun help heat your home.
12 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
NEWS
Education About Alzheimer’s
By Ingrid Schnader When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzeimer’s or another dementiarelated illness, a caregiver’s first line of defense is education. That’s why Brookwood Baptist Medical Center is hosting a free lunch and learn event called “Let’s Talk Seniors” on Nov. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A panel of experts will discuss Alzheimer’s disease and local resources for families. “Programs that help caregivers learn more about the system and learn more about levels of care and methods of payment, all those kinds of things are really important,” said Miller Piggot, the executive director of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. Piggot’s colleague Vance Holder will be on the panel along with Dr. John Hammond, a psychiatrist with Integrated Behavioral Health; Leanne Messer with Brookdale Senior Living; and Kristen Snell with the Encore Program at Canterbury United Methodist Church. “This is the first panel of its kind” at Brookwood, said Lemeshia Chambers, market director at Brookwood Baptist Health. “We’ve done panels to address opioid abuse and mental health disorders, but we’ve never specifically focused on
‘We’re really wanting to address the children who are the millennials and … baby boomers who are taking care of their parents and may not know exactly what all they could be or should be doing, or what all is available for them locally.’ LEMESHIA CHAMBERS, MARKET DIRECTOR AT BROOKWOOD BAPTIST HEALTH
older adults and the medical concerns or issues that may affect that population of individuals.” “We’re really wanting to address the children who are the millennials and … baby boomers who are taking care of their parents and may not know exactly what all they could be or should be doing, or what all is available for them locally,” she said.
Making a Difference
In the 28 years that Piggot has
been with Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, she has seen how much of a difference education makes in a family when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. “The biggest transformation that we see with people are the folks that participate in the support group,” she said. “Only a small percentage of caregivers will actually attend a support group. But when you make that effort, it says right there that you are seeking information and you’re willing to change.” Many caregivers continue to reason, rationalize and argue with their loved one, she said. But it doesn’t work. “It’s over and over again that you have to reinforce that with families,” she said. “Because it’s so ingrained with us to be reasonable with our loved ones. We want to tell them the truth, and we also think that by correcting them that we can turn it all back.” According to Holder, who has been with the ACA since 2007, “You cannot cure them by correcting them.” One woman called Holder because her mother had been wanting to water her garden in the middle of a drought, a time when the rest of the community was rationing their water use.
Journal photo by Ingrid Schnader
Brookwood Baptist Health to Host Panel Discussion
Above right, Miller Piggot, the executive director of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. Piggot’s colleague Vance Holder, above left, will be on the panel along with Dr. John Hammond, a psychiatrist with Integrated Behavioral Health; Leanne Messer with Brookdale Senior Living; and Kristen Snell with the Encore Program at Canterbury United Methodist Church.
Holder advised the caller to let it go. “Having a better relationship with your loved one will be better than an adversarial relationship,” he said. “Because they forget why they’re aggravated with you, they just know they’re aggravated with you.” Holder will discuss advice like this at the panel discussion and will provide other resources that will help families become educated on the dis-
ease and get help. “It’s really fulfilling to work with families and see the difference that we can make,” Piggot said. “Education’s for everyone.” Seating for the “Let’s Talk Seniors” event is limited, so contact Lemeshia Chambers at 205-877-1245 or by email at lemeshia.chambers@ bhsala.com to RSVP. A free lunch is provided with an RSVP.
cadencebank.com
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 13
NEWS
Before Smart Skin, the building housed Sanctuary Hair Salon. But when renovations for Smart Skin fully gutted the building, it exposed The Brass Rail, which was a restaurant and bar.
Smart Skin MedSpa Moves to Downtown Homewood Location
Smart Skin MedSpa, a full-service spa featuring anti-aging and acne treatments as well as injectables, has opened its downtown Homewood storefront after a year of renovations. The storefront, located at 1931 29th Ave. S. in Homewood, is walking distance from 18th Street. Lacey Edwards, who owns the spa with her mom, said the building has a long history. Before Smart Skin, the building housed Sanctuary Hair Salon. But when renovations for Smart Skin fully gutted the building, it exposed The Brass Rail, which was a restaurant and bar. “I think a lot of people who have lived here their whole lives used to come here when they were younger, so that was fun for a lot of them,” Edwards said. “We had people posting pictures on social media and telling stories about how they used to come here when they were younger with their families.” One of Edwards’ clients told her that a Bible study group used to meet at the space, too. When Smart Skin outgrew its previous space on Oxmoor Road, Edwards decided the downtown Homewood building would be a great fit for the spa. “Since we’ve been at this location, our clients have been really excited about it because it’s walkable to all the other businesses, shops, restaurants, clothing stores and things like that,” she said. She worked with Christopher Architects and Interiors to come up with a functional and clean design for the new Smart Skin building. The existing 2,700-square-foot building expanded by 550 square feet with the addition of a new entry element.
Open and Functional
“The concrete floors were ground, polished and stained,” said Jared Fulton, a senior architect with CAI. “We made the walls and ceilings bright white to emphasize cleanliness and openness.” The treatment rooms are centrally located to utilize the square footage, and each room has individual sound and lighting capabilities to
Journal photos by Ingrid Schnader
By Ingrid Schnader
Lacey Edwards, above, who owns the spa with her mom, said the building has a long history.
maximize a client’s comfort. There is also a photography room for “before and after” photos. Room for lots of storage, along with hidden trash cans throughout the building, are other functional elements that Edwards enjoys in the space. The community is welcome to see all of these elements in action at the Smart Skin Grand Opening event, which is Nov. 14-16. Edwards said visitors and clients will be able to take advantage of lots of specials and opportunities for VIP packages. “We only do the VIP packages twice a year, and our clients get really excited about it,” she said. “They wait and save up and get ready for it. It’s three different price level packages that we put together, basically making no money off of it. It’s just more of a thank you to our clients for being members and a sampler of some of the bigger services we offer without them having to buy a whole big package.” Visit smartskinmedspa.com for more information.
Established in 1871, Oak Hill is Birmingham’s Pioneer cemetery. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is a Birmingham landmark and treasure. Nestled on 21.5 acres overlooking downtown Birmingham, Oak Hill is a place of beauty, serenity, and history. Generations of Birmingham families have made Oak Hill the final resting place for their loved ones. Love lives in this place. To inquire about available spaces, including our new columbarium to be completed in 2021, call 205-251-6532 or email info@oakhillbirmingham.com
www.oakhillbirmingham.com
1120 19th Street North Birmingham, Alabama 35234
LIFE
14 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Little Hands Give Food to Fill Empty Tummies Over Thanksgiving “They get to see exactly who they’re helping,” Seligson said. “It’s really neat to see the kids interact with one another, and they realize, ‘They’re just like I am, just in a different situation.’” Braxton, Seligson’s 9-year-old son, said he enjoys participating in the event and making new friends. “You go into their classroom and they say, ‘Hey, who are these people?” he said. “Then you make new friends, and you come back every year and high five each other. “You meet a lot of new people there, and it’s just so much fun doing it. What I love about it is the serving opportunities for us to come together and learn about our community.” For Seligson, watching the excitement and joy on the children’s faces as they pass out bags is her favorite part. “I’m sitting here picturing it, thinking back into the lobby of this elementary school, and those kids filing in,” she said. “And our kids handing them out and being super excited to go grab a bag and go to the end of the line to be able to hand it to them. “And then just the excitement on the kids’ faces of knowing that they got a special treat and they didn’t have to worry about anything. And the hugs, the smiles and the sheer joy of those kids. It’s hard to even put into words.” This is Seligson’s third year being in charge of the Thanksgiving Food Drive, and she said it grows every year.
Photos courtesy Ashley Seligson
From page one
For founder LHSH Ashley Seligson, watching the excitement and joy on the children’s faces as they pass out bags is her favorite part.
“Before it was kind of a smaller group, and it continues to grow as word has gotten out about Little Hands Serving Hearts and the different things that we’re doing,” she said. “It’s been a complete grassroots effort but being able to see more people come to events and participate, not only with their kids but as a family unit.”
The Three T’s
One thing she said she hopes every child takes away from this event is that they all have something to give, and she calls it the Three
“They get to see exactly who they’re helping. It’s really neat to see the kids interact with one another, and they realize, ‘They’re just like I am, just in a different situation.’”
T’s: time, talent and treasures. “It’s really figuring out, do you have time to give to somebody?” she said. “Treasures can not only be financial, but it could also be the coat in their closet that doesn’t fit anymore, the toy in the corner that you don’t play with anymore. … And then finally, really figuring out what your talent is, and then sharing that with others.” Someone’s talent could be as simple as smiling at a stranger, giving a compliment or holding the door open for somebody, she said. “It doesn’t have to be some gran-
Cool Idea
Unless U’s New School to Include Ice Cream Shop By Emily Williams While celebrating its fifth anniversary Nov. 4, the Vestavia Hills-based nonprofit Unless U announced a new collaborative project with Big Spoon Creamery at the store’s Homewood location. Executive Director Lindy Cleveland announced that the organization’s new school, currently under construction, will now include Unless U Scoops. The ice cream shop will employ the adults with developmental disabilities who attend the school to serve up Big Spoon Creamery’s ice cream. “One of our primary goals at Unless U is to provide multiple opportunities to shape and grow our students as a whole,” Cleveland said. “We want to do all we can to offer our students a well-rounded life. So far, we have been able to provide ser-
vices for our students to grow academically, socially, physically and spiritually. However, we have not had the means to serve our students vocationally.” She noted that there aren’t enough quality jobs for adults with developmental disabilities in Birmingham and even fewer that provide piece of mind to their families. “Over the years, we have had multiple students who have bad experiences with employment,” Cleveland said. “For example, we had a student who was getting their tips stolen by another coworker, and another of our students had shoppers hurt her feelings on several occasions because they didn’t like the way she bagged their groceries and so on.” In addition, students are often offered hours that make it difficult for parents and family to organize transportation. At the ice cream shop,
Executive Director Lindy Cleveland, second from left, announced that the organization’s new school, currently under construction, will now include Unless U Scoops. The ice cream shop will employ the adults with developmental disabilities who attend the school to serve up Big Spoon Creamery’s ice cream.
students can simply walk from class to work. “We know that jobs provide purpose, and we want to give the students of Unless U the opportunity to
wake up every day feeling valued and purposeful, whether that be in the classroom, on stage, on the basketball court or at work,” Cleveland said. The idea for an ice cream shop
diose idea or thing, but really getting them to plug in at an early age,” she said. “My husband and I always say the secret to living is giving. So really trying to instill that into our children and everyone who participates in the program. Because the feeling that you get when you give to others is something that can’t be duplicated with material things.” In the two years since LHSH’s founding, Seligson has arranged almost 50 different service opportunities for children. For more information on getting involved, visit littlehandsservinghearts.org.
was inspired by her family’s love of ice cream, including her older brother’s, who was the inspiration for development of Unless U. Big Spoon was their first choice for collaboration, due to the quality of their product as well as their mission to use something as simple as ice cream to affect the community. “We felt like we could make an even greater impact on the Birmingham community as a team!” she said. “So we reached out to (owners) Ryan and Geri-Martha O’Hara with our crazy idea, and they were quickly on board. They even have creative ideas on ways to include the students on creating new flavors.” The organization broke ground on the site of the new school in November of last year, and the project is projected to be finished in fall 2020. At the time of publication, Unless U had raised $1.5 million of their $1.6 million capital campaign goal for the new school. For more information, visit unlessu.org.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Holiday Homes
LIFE
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 15
For the 70th year, Independent Presbyterian Church will host its Holiday House Tour, featuring three homes and IPC decked out for the holidays. Tours will take place Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Dec. 15, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Homes featured on the tour will include Caroline Gidiere, 2932 Fairway Drive; Vawter Stratford, 2821 Stratford Road; and Doug Sutton and Andrew Nix, 2426 Henrietta Road. Tea and cookies will be served at IPC, and a newly added shuttle service will transport guests to each of the featured homes. Approximately 2,000 visitors take the tour each year, according to IPC, raising an average of more than $47,700 a year to benefit IPC missions that directly affect more than 1,310 people. Funds will benefit three of the church’s ministries that benefit families in the Birmingham area – the Children’s Fresh Air Farm, Stair of Birmingham and First Light Women’s Shelter. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased online or at the church beginning Dec. 1. For more information, visit ipcusa. —Emily Williams
Photos courtesy IPC
Annual IPC House Tour to Feature Three Homes Decorated for the Holidays
The home of Vawter Stratford, 2821 Stratford Road.
The home of Doug Sutton and Andrew Nix, 2426 Henrietta Road.
Rare Opportunity 4 Lots Available
Homesites for Sale in Prestigious Gated Vestavia Hills Community: $109,000 Only 4 lots remain in the exclusive community of Viridian, one mile off Highway 31 on Tyler Road, convenient to Birmingham’s major Interstates, shopping and recreation. Bring your builder or let Wedgworth Construction design and build your dream home.
www.wedgworth.net
Mike Wedgworth (205) 365-4344
16 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
LIFE
The Art of Making Clay
Journal photos by Ingrid Schnader
Susan Gordon’s New Pottery and Jewelry Shop Opens a Window on ‘Making’ Susan Gordan decided back in 2013 that she wanted to pursue pottery full time. She opened her first retail location in Homewood last week. She will also be selling jewelry offering multiple collections of ceramic necklaces and earrings.
By Ingrid Schnader
November 23 - January 5 For a full schedule of events, visit us at www.mcwane.org Located in downtown Birmingham
Wishing You Joy This Holiday Season
For the first time ever, you can shop Susan Gordan’s pottery and jewelry in a brick-and-mortar storefront. More than 200 people visited the store’s grand opening Friday at 1910 28th Ave. S. in Homewood to shop the colorful and gold-trimmed designs. In sharp contrast to the perfectwhite walls and clean atmosphere at the new storefront, Gordan said her business had “humble beginnings.” She decided back in 2013 that she was going to quit her jobs directing an arts council and teaching pottery on the side. She wanted to pursue pottery full time. “I was in my basement over in an apartment in Homewood doing all this,” she said. “It was terrible, honestly. We didn’t have any heat or air. There were crickets everywhere, and the basement would sometimes flood. It was my piece of heaven at the time, but it was pretty awful looking back on it.” She and her team spent the next
Attic Antiques (205) 414-3332 | (888) 783-7631 800 Shades Creek Parkway, Suite 750 Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com
Come See Our Vintage Christmas
Tues.-Sat. 10-4:30 5620 Cahaba Valley Road
991-6887
few years in a couple of different makerspaces, but these venues didn’t have heating or air. Sometimes the clay would freeze overnight, and they would have to throw out thousands of pounds of clay. Gordon knew she wanted to move into a different space, so every day after dropping her children off at school, she would drive around Homewood doing what she called “prayer driving.” “I would be like, ‘Where am I supposed to be? I feel like I’m supposed to be in Homewood. I feel like there’s a place for me. I just feel like I need to find it,’” she said. “I was driving through Homewood, and I had passed this place. And I think that they had put that sign out maybe a couple of days before. It was just a vinyl banner that they threw over the fence, and I cannot believe I even saw it.” She called her agent and said she wanted to see it as soon as possible. “I wanted this space to be an inspiring place to come to work,” she said. “I wanted to be inspired. I wanted my people to be inspired. I wanted them to be comfortable and not freezing cold or hot.” One of Gordon’s favorite elements in the new storefront are the floor-toceiling windows that peek into the artists’ workspaces. Guests can look through the windows to watch the employees hard at work, and Gordon said she plans to occasionally open up the back for public tours. “Making to me is the most interesting part of the process, because it’s kind of a miracle that you can take a squishy wad of clay here and make it
into a sculpture, a nativity, a vase or a bowl,” she said. The first step in the process is making, which can be by throwing the clay on a wheel or using a pattern or a bowl to shape the clay. The next step is the smoothing process. The artist will take a sponge to the clay to get rid of all of the rough edges or scratches. It takes a couple of days for the clay to dry – especially if the weather outside is wet – and then the clay is ready to get fired in the kiln. “We have names for all of our kilns,” Gordon said, laughing. “It just makes it easier to keep track of them, honestly.” Skeeter is Gordon’s “old faithful” kiln and is one of the first kilns she ever bought. The biggest kiln is named Elvis, because “he’s the king.” Layla and Lilo are two medium-sized kilns, and Buttercup is the smallest one. “The art of making clay – it has its own personality, it reacts to its own environment,” she said. “It’s not cut and dry at all.” Gordon said the clay itself is inspiring, but she also gets inspiration just by being a Southern mom, having a home and thinking about practical things she wants for herself. “What do I want to give?” she said she asks herself. “What do I want to have in my kitchen? What do I want to use? What do I need?” Her love for clothes, fashion and style led her to start selling jewelry and dropping “pottery” from her company’s name. She began selling just initial charms to friends and family, then moved to Pepper Place. Now, she has multiple collections of ceramic necklaces and earrings. “We just are happy to be here in our storefront, and we look forward to hosting more events in the future – not just pottery events or sales, but having some cool and creative workshops here,” she said. “And we’re opening up our retail space so people can have small gatherings here and so we have a lot of things in the works that we’re excited about.”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
LIFE
Illustrious Introductions
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 17
Debutante Club to Present 14 Young Women in Annual Black and White Ball The Debutante Club of Birmingham is pleased to announce its 14 newest members for 2019. Founded in 1929, The Debutante Club of Birmingham continues a 90-year tradition of presenting debutantes to their families and friends at the Black and White Ball, formerly known as the Heritage Ball. The 14 young women will be presented at the Black and White Ball on Nov. 29.
Louisa Bradford Collins
Anna Jackson Cooper
Carolyn Cason Crommelin
Mary Ashton Ellis
Virginia Murray Farley
Catherine Morris Greene
Carson O’Neil Hull
Emily Catherine Johnson
Adelaide Essick Kimberly
Elizabeth Jarrell Lindsey
THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST November 28 • 6:30am to 10:30am
Grace Wyman Lockett
Sara Chandler Mitchell
Margaret Hanna Pewitt
Virginia Walker Thornton
THANKSGIVING BRUNCH BUFFET November 28 • 11am to 4pm $69 adults / $29 children 6-12 years old Complimentary fall-inspired mimosa
THANKSGIVING DINNER November 28 • 5:30pm to 8:30pm $34 menu special Á la carte menu available
Call 205.203.4745 for details and reservations.
18 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
LIFE
By Emily Williams
‘A Man of Faith’
Photos by Harry Long.
Philip Little tends to listen to that little voice in his head. So, when it told him to get an early colonoscopy last year, he listened. His decision to go ahead and have the procedure at the age of 44 may very well have saved his life. Doctors were able to detect stage I colon cancer before his body developed any symptoms. When he was diagnosed, he was devastated. He had three young children with his wife, Leigh, 11-year-old twins and an 8-year-old. “To myself, I was saying goodbye,” Little said. “I thought it was the end for me.” His outlook quickly changed as he met with his surgeon, Dr. Marty Heslin, interacted with other GI cancer patients and powered through his treatment. “If I live through this,” became “when I get through this,” and Little developed a personal mission to use his experience to help others. “Cancer is truly the scourge of our generation,” Little said. He became actively involved in the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation through Heslin and his cousin, Walter Little, who is a board member. Now he will be one of the foundation’s 2019 Faces of GI Cancer. Excluding skin cancer, the American Cancer Society identifies colorectal cancer as the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women. It is estimated that more than 145,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colorectal cancers in 2019. This form of cancer is expected to claim more than 51,000 lives.
ent types of cancer, in the meantime the push is to get patients diagnosed sooner and provide better treatment options.
Philip Little sees it as his duty to make other people aware and show them that cancer isn’t always a death sentence, especially if you catch it early.
A LITTLE JOURNEY Colon Cancer Survivor Uses His Experience to Spread Awareness for Early Detection
Though the overall death rate has dropped, the death rate of patients younger than 55 has increased 1% every year from 2007 to 2016. “It’s my understanding that if you catch a lot of these cancers early enough, they are highly treatable,” Little said.
Through the Reed Foundation, Little and his fellow volunteers and advocates don’t push to fund that fancy new piece of equipment so much as hope. “With a lot of these GI cancers, the symptoms don’t develop until later stages,” Little said. “So, it’s
often about buying more time. How can we make you as comfortable as possible while your life is extended. Even if it is just a few months or a year, they have that time to be with their family a little longer.” While there is hope that researchers will find cures for all of the differ-
“I’m not someone who is afraid to go to a doctor,” Little said. “I won’t just sit around and wait for something to get worse. If it’s for my piece of mind, I have no problem going ahead in.” The idea popped into his head at his annual physical. “As I was leaving, I just asked the doctor about possibly having a colonoscopy,” Little said. He quickly learned that colonoscopies aren’t typically covered by insurance companies until the age of 50. So, it became a question as to whether Little wanted it enough to shell out the extra cash. The idea began to marinate as he left the doctor’s office, and a short while later he decided to make the appointment. “I was a man of faith before this, and I think that had a lot to do with my decision.” He said. “I was just listening to whatever that voice was in the back of my mind.” The colonoscopy itself wasn’t a problem for him. Sure, he didn’t love not being able to eat for 24 hours, but sleeping through the procedure made it pretty painless. It wasn’t until he awoke to somber faces that he felt the weight of his decision.
A New Perspective
He was told that a polyp had been found in his colon, and there was a chance that it would be cancerous. The process that followed was a blur. He got an appointment with Dr. Martin Heslin at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
ONLINE AUCTION NOW OPEN! presented by
Edwards Chevrolet
November 21, 2019 The Club
View the Online Auction NOW at ReedGIFoundation.com Bids close Nov. 20 Benefitting the research efforts and patient care initiatives of the Robert E. Reed GI Oncology Research Foundation. Get your tickets for the Finish the Fight Casino Party at ReedGIFoundation.com or call 205 907-3473.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
surgery was soon scheduled. “I had surgery on a Tuesday, and thankfully he was able to do all of it laparoscopically. Then I was home by Friday afternoon,” he said. Little was back in action fairly quickly, so quickly that he didn’t have time to tell all of his friends that he had cancer. In terms of his early diagnosis and recovery time, he counts himself as fortunate in his battle. It gave him perspective. “It’s all about perspective,” he said. “I truly believe that going through this made me a better person that sees the world differently.” He sees it as his duty to make other people aware and show them that cancer isn’t always a death sentence, especially if you catch it early. The only tried and true way to get a colon cancer diagnosis is with a colonoscopy, yet Little has encountered countless people who either were considered “too young” to have one or were avoiding the task. He spoke with a doctor at Children’s of Alabama during his battle. The doctor was stage III and beat it, but just before he got his diagnosis, he could hardly walk a block without getting exhausted. “He was a doctor and he still didn’t go get tested until it had gotten to that point,” Little said. “I think there are a lot of people who maybe just don’t want to know,” he said. “They would rather not know than find out something is wrong and worry about it.
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 19
LIFE
Minette Wiggins
Nicole Robinson
Dr. William Baxley
Reed Foundation Introduces 2019 Faces of GI Cancer During Iron Bowl Kick-Off
The Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation will host its annual “Finish the Fight” Iron Bowl Kickoff Party on Nov. 21 at The Club. The event will celebrate 17 years of fundraising for GI cancer research, awareness efforts and patient support at the University of Alabama at Birmingham under the direction of Dr. Martin J. Heslin. At the event, the foundation will celebrate its 2019 Faces of GI Cancer, patients and survivors who represent a spectrum of gastrointestinal cancers. This year’s honorees are Minette Wiggins, gastric cancer; Philip Little, colon cancer; Nicole Robinson, pancreatic cancer; and Dr. William Baxley, metastatic colon cancer to the liver. The casino-themed event, hosted by honorary chairs Jenny and Lee Edwards, will include celebrity football players, the Denny Chimes Wine Pull and the Toomer’s Corner Liquor Toss. There will be a buffet dinner, live music and a silent auction coordinated by the Reed Foundation Women’s Committee. For more information, visit reedgifoundation.com.
“I gave a talk a couple of months ago on perspective to my company,” Little said. “There were 350 people in the audience, and afterwards I can’t tell you how many people have told me they went and got a scope.”
Date: Wednesday, November 20th Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Some thank him for giving them that push they needed, while others rib him for guilting them into getting one even though the results were all clear. Either way, Little is proud that he is reaching people.
Thank you to our
2019 Corporate Friends JOE LEE GRIFFIN Foundation
Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation
20 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
LIFE
‘Open Door Policy’ Collection
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Artist Opening MultiUse Studio and Gallery In Homewood Where Patrons Can Buy or Make Art
SWISS MADE
A U T O M AT I C
1875
Designed in NYC and crafted in Switzerland.
980-9030 5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 southeasternjewelers.net (1/4 mile off 280)
When you walk into Thomas Andrew’s upcoming art space in downtown Homewood this December, you won’t be sure if you’re in a store, a bar, a gallery or a studio. It will have a bartop and menu board, just like some of your favorite Friday night haunts. But instead of Thomas Andrew serving alcohol, the menu has different canvas and paper sizes. Instead of sitting at the bar and drinking, you can sit draw out the mural, and then compaat the bar and paint. scared to follow along in a class setting because they can’t draw. nies can take their employees to paint “I’m going to have an open-door Instead of drawing on each individ- on it. policy where you could just walk in, ual canvas for visitors, Andrew came “To keep your people happy, you’re anytime, by yourself or with friends, always trying to find ways to do and you can come paint,” Andrew said. up with a solution with his image transfers. Visitors can put transfer things, what they call off-sites, where The multi-use facility will be at paper on their canvases and trace they’re doing something fun as a 1925 29th Ave. S., which is a block Andrew’s image onto the canvas. group, as a team,” he said. “What they and a half away from 18th Street, and “Or they can just take a canvas and figure is, if they work well together the grand opening is Dec. 6. Andrew do their own thing,” he said. “They outside, they’ll work well together won’t be serving alcohol there, but can just freeform it, abstract it or what- inside.” adults are welcome to bring in a drink ever.” When the team is finished painting to sip •whileIn-Home they work. Care, Including Bathing, Grooming, Housekeeping, There will be a wall in the back of the mural, members can take a photo On nights and weekends, Andrew Meal Preparation, Incontinence Care, the space that Andrew will use forMedication in front of itReminders and purchase prints of the plans to have scheduled class times at finished painting. the space. But he said some people are team-building mural painting. He will
We Offer
and Transportation • Skilled Nursing, Occupational and Physical Therapy Services We Offer We Offer • In-Home• Care, Bathing,inGrooming, TheIncluding Only Agency AlabamaHousekeeping, Accredited by the • Meal In-Home Care, Including Bathing, Grooming, Housekeeping, Incontinence Care, Medication Reminders • In-Home Care, Including Bathing, Grooming, Housekeeping, •Preparation, In-Home Care, Including Bathing, Grooming, Housekeeping, To: Renee Accreditation Commission of Health Care (ACHC) for Aide, Meal Preparation, Incontinence Care, Medication Reminders From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., and Transportation Meal Preparation, Incontinence Care, Medication Reminders Meal Preparation, Incontinence Care, Medication Reminders and Companion and Skilled Nursing Services When and Transportation 205-824-1246, fax you want the best for your • Skilled Nursing, Occupational and Physical Therapy Services and Transportation Transportation Date: November • Skilled Nursing, Occupational and Physical Therapy Services loved ones, call Always Best Care! • The Only Agency in Alabama Accredited by the •• Skilled Skilled Nursing, Occupational and Physical Therapy This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the • The Only “ICommission love She doesCare a great jobfor for me and is Therapy a Services Agency in Eloise! Alabama Accredited by the Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Physical Services Accreditation of Health (ACHC) Aide, November 14, 2019 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to Accreditation Commission of Health Care (ACHC) for Aide, sweetheart. Eloise is like one of my family members. ” approve yourWhen ad or makeyou changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Companion and Skilled Nursing Services • The Only Agency in Alabama Accredited by the want the best for your Companion Nursing Services Accredited by the Accreditation • The and When yousure want the best for your OnlySkilled Agency in Alabama Please make all information is correct, Accreditation Commission of Health Care (ACHC) for Aide, - BETTY MAHON loved ones, call Always Best Care! including address andAlways phone number! Commission of Health Care (ACHC) for Aide, Companion and Skilled loved ones, call Best Care! “I love Eloise! She does a great job for me and is a Services Companion Nursing When you want the best for your“I love Eloise! She does aand great job for me and a “Ruby is one ofSkilled a kind and isissuper fantastic! She is so smart,
We Offer
sweetheart. EloiseServices is like one of my family members.” Nursing
Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. EloiseI isdo like oneeven of myhave familyto members. that not tell her” what to do, she just does Always Best Care!-sweetheart. If we loved have not heardones, from you by 5call pm of the Friday before the press date, BETTY MAHON your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
- BETTY MAHON “I love does a great job for me and is a whatEloise! I needShe done. I love her!”
She a great job for meis and is a sweetheart. Eloise is like “Ruby“Iislove oneEloise! of a kind anddoes is super fantastic! She so smart, sweetheart. Eloise is like one of my family members.” “Ruby is one of a kind and is super fantastic! She is so smart, of -my family - BETTY BRENDA CALHOUN that Ione do not even have members.” to tell her what to do, MAHON she just does that I Ido not even MAHON have tell her what to do, she just does - BETTY what need done. I loveto her!” “Ruby is one of a kind and is super fantastic! She is so smart, that I do not what I need “Jennifer, done. I lovethe her!”only way that you could have sent anyone
- BRENDA evenCALHOUN have to tell her what to and do, she just does what I need I love her!” is one a kind is super Shesent isdone. soansmart, - BRENDA“Ruby CALHOUN better thanofAmina would be for fantastic! you to have angel
- BRENDA CALHOUN
“Jennifer,that the only youhave couldto have I doway notthat even tellsent heranyone what to do, justand does from heaven. She does everything that we she ask for she “Jennifer, the only way that you could have sent anyone better“Jennifer, than Amina would be for you to have sent an angel the only way that you could have sent anyone better than Amina what I need done. I love her!” betterheaven. than Amina would bespirits for you to have sent an angel hasforkept my up. We laugh all of theShe time. I don’t want from does that ask for and she would beShe you everything to have sent anwe angel from heaven. does everything that fromkept heaven. She does everything wetime. ask for and want she - BRENDA CALHOUN to give herkept up!” has my spirits up. We laugh allthat of I don’t we ask forever and she has mythe spirits up. We laugh all of the time. I don’t want has kept my spirits up. We laugh all of the time. I don’t want to give everher give her up!” - NORMA BANKS to ever up!” -her NORMA BANKS “Jennifer, only way that you could have sent anyone to ever give up!” the - NORMA BANKS - NORMA better BANKS than Amina would be for you to have sent an angel
from heaven.874-9730 She does everything that we ask for and she Call Today (205) Call Today (205) 874-9730 kept my spirits up. We laugh all of the time. I don’t want Call Today| www.AlwaysBestCare-Birmingham.com (205)|has 874-9730 jmancuso@abc-seniors.com www.AlwaysBestCare-Birmingham.com jmancuso@abc-seniors.com to ever give her up!” jmancuso@abc-seniors.com | www.AlwaysBestCare-Birmingham.com 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Birmingham, AL 35223 6 Office ParkSuite Circle, 315, Birmingham, AL 35223 6 Office Park Circle, 315, Suite Birmingham, AL 35223 - NORMA BANKS Locations independently owned and operated throughout the United States and Canada Locations independently and operated the Canada United States and Canada Locations independently owned andowned operated throughout thethroughout United States and
Call Today (205) 874-9730
Photo courtesy Thomas Andrew
©2019 Bulova. 97B189. BULOVA.COM
By Ingrid Schnader
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
He also wants to have a splatter tent in the space, but he’s not sure whether that portion will be ready by opening. “You can bring in anything (to splatter),” he said. “You can buy a canvas if you want to splatter it, or you can bring in an old pair of jeans or shoes or hats.” He doesn’t want to call the space a gallery, but he will be selling his art there, and he will be renting out wall space for other artists to sell their art too. Additionally, he’s offering subscription art classes on the website ThomasAndrewArt.tv. Visitors who buy a canvas can get a free trial of the site to follow along with Andrew.
Becoming an Artist
Andrew doesn’t have much of an art background. He majored in graphic design when he went to Auburn University in the late 1980s, but he never painted. Instead, Andrew’s background is as a serial businessman. When he graduated from college, he worked for a textile company in North Carolina as a graphic artist. But after five years there, his mother became sick, so he moved back to Birmingham. From there, he did just about everything. He started a magazine featuring local celebrities and pets, then he started a weekly radio show about pets on WBRC, he opened up a boutique pet store in Brookwood Mall, he opened up a dot com just
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 21
LIFE before the bubble burst, and he even bought a jewelry business. When a friend who also was in the jewelry business bought him out, he was talking to his dad and trying to figure out what his next adventure would be. His dad suggested he get into art. “I could always draw as a kid,” Andrew said. “I said, ‘Eh, I don’t know if I want to be a starving artist.’ And my dad’s a businessman, and he said, ‘Why do you have to be a starving artist? If you apply the same business principles to your art business that you did to these other businesses, you should be successful.’” He spent the next few years trying to find his voice as an artist. He didn’t have health insurance or cable TV, and he was going to Sam’s Club every day to get free food samples. “The first couple of years were lean and mean,” he said. “I was at the age where I couldn’t go to my dad. I wouldn’t, just out of pride. It was sink or swim time. When you’re that desperate, you’re very inspired to figure out how to make it work.” His first few paintings were portraits of his friends and their families, but he didn’t want to be a portrait artist forever. His dad had a place in Colorado that inspired him to start painting cowboys. One gallery owner in Edgewood liked his style and put some of Andrew’s cowboy paintings in the gallery. But nothing was selling. People in Alabama don’t typically hang cowboy paintings on their walls. He learned a
valuable lesson, and now he teaches this in his art classes. “As an artist, it’s not about you,” he said. “I know you think it is, but it’s about what your customer wants. There’s got to be a balance between what you want to make and what they want to buy. “You’ve got to know who your audience is first. Because if you don’t know who to sell to, you don’t know what they’re putting in their homes, you don’t know what their price points are or where they shop for their work. You don’t know their colors. You’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall, hoping something sticks.” He went to art gallery owner Jim Smith and asked him what people ask for when they go into his gallery. Smith said that people go in looking for angels. “I went home and painted one to start with, figuring out my style,” he said. “A friend of mine whose husband had some health issues, she came over to buy a cowboy, because she was being nice. … She saw this angel, and she just started crying.” She bought it right away. Andrew painted more angels, and he was off to the races. Now a professional artist for the past 15 years, Andrew paints lots of landscapes and abstract animals. He even still paints cowboys — but only if he’s going to a show in Texas. To read updates about Andrew’s upcoming Homewood space or to browse the art he has for sale, visit thomasandrewart.com.
Award Winning CHOICE THE
SHELBY LIVING’S
BEST OF THE
BEST 2019 WINNER
SHE
LBYLIVING.CO
M
Greystone • Patchwork Farms • Trace Crossings • Valleydale SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY!
WWW.ARDENTPRESCHOOL.COM
Welcome
Robert Lolley, M.D. & Tin Vuong, D.O. Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Dr. Robert Lolley:
Dr. Tin Vuong:
5295 Preserve Pkwy. Ste. 260 Hoover, AL 35244
200 Montgomery Hwy. Ste 125 Vestavia, AL 35216
Precision Sports Medicine and Orthopedics welcomes Robert Dean Lolley, MD and Tin Vuong, DO, to the team. Dr. Lolley is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon with more than 20 years’ experience treating patients. Tin Vuong, DO, is board certified in family medicine and board eligible in sports medicine. They specialize in treating the following orthopedic conditions: § § § § §
Head & Neck Shoulder Elbow Hand & Wrist Hip
§ § § §
Knee Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine Regenerative & Orthobiologic Medicine
BIRM 11.14.19 OTMJ PRECISION.NEWPROV.indd 1
§ Total Joint Replacement
For an appointment, visit precisionsportsortho.com Dr. Lolley: 205-380-9761
BIRM 11.14.19 OTMJ PRECISION.NEWPROV
Dr. Vuong: 205-822-4357 11/8/19 9:53 AM
22 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
LIFE
Tracy Arrington Designs exclusively at
WALLACE -BURKE
Fine Jewelry & Collectibles
Halloween OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
PERFECT FOR HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING Earrings & Necklaces Starting at $100
1811 29th Ave. South I Homewood I 205.874.1044 I wallace-burke.com
Ashlee and Sullivan Todd.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
R&R CRestline
Mystics of Mountain Brook Haunted Crestline Village on Halloween
We’re Santa’s helpers' helpers... Cheers!
Mali and Abby Brown.
81 Church Street, Suite 102 • 205.848.2080 • RNRcrestline@gmail.com
Despite the chill in the air, the 17th annual Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade drew a large crowd to Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village on Oct. 31 for a Mardi-Gras style, Halloween parade. This year’s parade featured performances by Mountain Brook High School bands, cheerleaders, and dance teams, as well as over-the-top floats manned by neighborhood groups, businesses and organizations.
JD Landscaping Complete Landscape Maintenance
Christmas Lights Installation! And Christmas Tree Delivery! Yard Maintenance
Tree Planting
Hedge Trimming
Stump Removal
Pressure Washing
Pine Straw Mulching
Above, from left, John Montgomery, Colin Stewart, Sam Downard, Jack Nesmith, Thomas Corts and Walker Springfield.
Shrub Removal
Underbrush Removal
Liquor Bobcat Work Retaining Walls untain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax
Top Soil & Sod Work Yard Grading
Grand Bohemian Hosts Rooftop Costume Party on All Hallows Eve
Kim and David Meeks.
As children traveled door-to-door col-
om the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL lecting candy on Halloween night, the e. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook
Shrub Planting
Cross Tie Work
Call, Text you or Email Today!!! Thank for your prompt attention. Jonathan Stockton 205-907-8372 jdstockton92@att.net
A Wicked Halloween Affair took place in Habitat Feed & Social, offering a rooftop dance party featuring signature cocktails and artful dishes including “Batwing” chicken wings with a pumpkin chili sauce, candy corn fritters, Bloody Mary deviled eggs and more. VIP guests were treated to a champagne toast, as well as meet and greets with artists John Lytle Wilson as he unveiled an 18-foot tryptic painting at the party.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
hosted a costume party designed for adults. Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!
Hot Spots
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
LIFE
Bluff Park Witches Ride for United Ability
Photos by Fresh Grace Photography
Witches gathered Oct. 20 as the Bluff Park Witches Ride commenced, with witches riding bikes through the streets of Bluff Park as they tossed candy to costumed kids. The second annual event began with a pre-ride party at the park by Shades Cliff Pool, featuring bounce houses, face painting and food trucks. Fundraising efforts resulted in $2,366, which will be donated to United Ability of Birmingham.
Above, from left, Mindy Tatum, Jessica Daviston, Becky Suttle, Rikki Tanner, Angie Taylor, Amanda Bihun and Anna Price. Above, right, Shep and Kati Maddox. Right, Katie Dixon, Laura Powell and Chris Anne Massengale.
Photos special to the Journal
Liberty Park Witches Ride for Cancer Center
Laura Witherington, Karen Scott and Caroline LaFon.
The streets of Liberty Park were abuzz Oct. 20 as the inaugural Liberty Park Witches ride brought a parade of witchy women riding golf carts or bikes through the neighborhood. Before taking flight and tossing candy to good little goblins along the route, a pre-party featured music and a costume contest by Liberty Pediatrics at Provence Park. More than $3,900 was raised for the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB through the Vestavia Hills High School’s annual studentled RISE fundraiser.
Jamie Sewell, Kristen Bailey and Vanessa Williams.
The Hocus Pocus Crew: Connie Moss, Allison Williams, Alice Allen, Leah Perry, Tiffany Nelson, Shena Brown, Rachel Thomas, Amy Spivey and Michelle Ramsey.
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 23
SOCIAL
24 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
A
CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY New York Times Best-Selling Author Speaks at Emma’s Circle Luncheon
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
community of Emma’s Circle supporters gathered at The Florentine on Nov. 7 for the eighth annual Emma’s Circle Luncheon to celebrate efforts to advocate for children in need. The group supports the Alabama Court Appointed Special Advocates Network, a network of volunteers who advocate for a child’s best interest in court. Speaking at the event was Andrew Bridge, New York Times best-selling author of his memoir, “Hope’s Boy.” His message of hope included sharing his experience as a child in foster care and how that experience inspired him to advocate for children and families living in poverty. Bridge was homeless until the age of 6, when he was separated from his mother and grandmother by the court. After surviving MacLaren’s Children’s Center in Los Angeles, a facility notorious for its mistreatment of children, he entered the foster system. Despite the odds stacked against him, Bridge went on to receive a scholarship to Wesleyan College, attended Harvard Law School and was named a Fulbright Scholar. He helped found the Los Angelesbased Alliance for Children’s Rights and helped spearhead the establishment of National Adoption Day in the United States. He has devoted his adult life to supporting children in need, even representing kids who were kept at MacLaren’s. Emma’s Circle exists to give hope to abused, neglected and abandoned children by advancing the Alabama Casa Network, which provides those in need with volunteer court-appointed specialists. Funds raised at the luncheon will support the Emma’s Circle Critical Needs Fund, available to Alabama Casa Network member programs. The fund pays for needs that cannot be met by a parent, family member, the Department of Human Resources, foster parents or other sources. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Keynote speaker Andrew Bridge, center, with Aleesha Dillon and Kai Stevens.
Kendall Egan, Hannon Davidson and Cheryl Fritze.
Caitlin Brown and Kali McNutt.
Above, Felicia Williams, Terri Archer, Frances Faulconer, Cindy Marbury, Patty Bromberg, Cathy DeLozier and Sherri Tarpley. Right, Carlye Dudgeon, Darla Evans and Caroline Drummond.
Sarah Merkle and Jill Watts.
Be Thankful for Healthy Workouts Functional Exercise combined with good infrared workouts is the perfect way to get in shape this hoiday season! Come check out all the amazing benefits we have to offer!
24 HOUR INFRARED FITNESS STUDIO
VESTAVIA HILLS
790 Montgomery Hwy #124 | (205) 502-7511 hotworx.net/studio/vestaviahills
"HOTWORX is a virtually instructed exercise program created for users to experience the many benefits of infrared heat absorption, while completing a 30-minute isometric workout or 15-min High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session." LEIGH ANN ALLEN, OWNER
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 25
Photos courtesy English Village Garden Club
SOCIAL
Above, Anne and Jim Proctor. Below, Tammi Cooley.
Virginia Jones, Jay Reed, Laura Bartlett and Steve Anderson.
GIVE WHAT YOU LOVE... English Village Garden Club officers.
LOVE WHAT YOU GIVE!
Sunset Supper English Village Garden Club Hosts Evening Dinner Atop Red Mountain
Soaring to over 100 garden club members, the English Village Garden Club recently hosted an autumn social to celebrate its success. Festivities took place at The Cooley’s recently restored 1927 limestone estate and 2 acre gardens overlooking downtown Birmingham.
The theme for the evening was a “Sunset Southern Supper,� which featured a dinner for the 130 guests in attendance. Coordinating the festivities was president Joy Kloess and special event chair Sandy Miller, with Tammi Cooley preparing tables. �
2841 Cahaba Road www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com
‘tis the
SEASON for online shopping! INTRODUCING OUR NEW AND IMPROVED FULL ONLINE STORE! We are LIVE and just in time for the holiday shopping season! Within our store, you can now conveniently purchase all of our products, aesthetic services and cosmetic treatments with just a few simple clicks.
To: thecookstore@msn.com From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: November
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL f 12-1-16 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. E FRE OY G O N J N N E PPI RST SHI UR FI ! O Y DER OR R O U AY O P back Please initial and RID within 24 hours. S Hfax F S AC5Kpm If we have not heard from you of! the Friday before the press date, BLby E A LD E C . 2 your ad will run as is.DWe print the paper Monday. 29
Please make sure all information is correc including address and phone number! . OV
Thank you for Nyour prompt attention.
Give the gift of great skin this holiday season! STORE.TOTALSKINANDBEAUTY.COM MAIN OFFICE
TRUSSVILLE
FULTONDALE
BESSEMER/UAB MEDICAL WEST
Ash Place • Ste. 202 2100 16th Ave. S. • Birmingham, AL 35205 205.933.0987
Norwood Clinic Plaza • Ste. 109 339 Walker Chapel Plaza • Fultondale, AL 35068 205.380.6162
Inside Premier Urgent & Family Care 4913 Deerfoot Pkwy. • Trussville, AL 35173 205.380.6161
Professional Office Bldg. 2 • Ste. 210 975 9th Ave. SW • Bessemer, AL 35022 205.380.6163
TOTALSKINANDBEAUTY.COM
26 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
SOCIAL
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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 60 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
Member of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce
Mention this ad to receive a free diagnostic service call.
o Buon Giorn ! m a h g n i m r i B
BE HAPPY EAT HEALTHY LIVE WELL
mention otmj for 10% off total purchase through Nov 30!
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Pride and responsibility drive us to be the best in everything we do.
Bill and Debbie Visintainer, Steve and Shelley Watkins and Don Engelbert and Nancy Becker.
Dancing in the Moonlight Coronets Host Autumn Dance to Celebrate the New Season
The fall dance for Coronets Dance Club was held recently at Vestavia Country Club. Following a moonlight theme, the tables were decorated with beautiful fresh dark pink orchids. Nancy Becker and Don Englebert and Shelley and Steve Watkins again served as photographers and greeted members and guests at the door. Vestavia Country Club served a dinner of beef tenderloin, roasted potatoes and grilled asparagus, preceded by a fresh garden salad with bacon ranch dressing and followed by vanilla crème brulee. Dancing to music by Easy Street were Edna and Ken Alderman, Cathie and John Amos, India and Bill Askew, Nancy Becker and Don Englebert, Nancy and Pat Boone, Cheree and Eric Carlton, Patricia and Cal Clark, and Patty and Norman Clay. A great band with an upbeat tempo made for a lot of dancing by Bettie Davenport and Ron Thrasher, Carolyn and Jim Delk, Susan and Steve Dobbs, Patty and Wynn Echols, Cindy and Tom Edmonds, Glenda and Roy Etheridge, Nelle and Clyde Freeman, Pat Garlikov and Jim Harrison, Clarice and Sydney Gibbs, Linda Gooldrup, Cheryl and Bob Hardwick, Missy and Robert “Coach” Hayes, Jean and David Hendrickson, Marsha and Don Hire, and Sandra and Elam Holley. Also enjoying a variety of dancing and toe tapping were Dianne and Richard Horn, Margaret and Bill Howell, Gloria and Dick Hudson, Nell Larson and Russell Kilgore, Cookie and Dennis Logan, Judy and David Long, Marsha and Buford McCarty, Cele and Gus Miller, Shirley and Howard Palmes, Dena and Wallace Parker, Carol and Phillip Powell, Phyllis and Roye Tinsley, Shelley and Steve Watkins, Linda and David Wood, Debbie and Bill Visintainer. Special guests included Dr. Ann England and escort. ❖
Carolyn and Jim Delk with Carol and Phillip Powell.
Linda and Michael Gooldrup with Cindy and Tom Edmonds.
Cheryl and Bob Hardwick with Patty and Norman Clay.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Members of Carousel’s Dance Club recently gathered at Mountain Brook Club for their fall luncheon. After a brief business meeting, members adjourned for a delicious lunch of chicken crepes, asparagus, fresh fruit and assorted desserts. Colorful tables were decorated with clusters of confetti hydrangeas. According to member Virginia Gross, the members enjoyed visiting and catching up on activities since their last party in the spring. Among those attending were Sarah Neal, Mary Roebuck, Bartley Statham, Phyllis Russell, Sahra Coxe Lee, Margie Williams, Ann Harvey, Laurie Binion, Patty Perry Finney, Joyce Lott, Frances Verstandig, Patsy Norton, Sandra Oden, Ann Rutland, Lynn Ault, Virginia Gross, Tina Darnall, Bebe Donnell, Fay Hall, Anne Waudby, Ann Garrett, Patty Faulkner, Sarah Creveling, Mary Alice Carmichael and Kathleen Petznick. ❖
Photo courtesy Carousel’s Dance Club
Catching Up Over Crepes
Carousels Gather Around Colorful Tables for Fall Luncheon
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 27
SOCIAL
Joyce Lott, Patsy Norton, Peggy Marshall and Sahra Coxe Lee.
the southeast's premier luxury candle boutique illuminatedbham.com • 2415 Montevallo Road, Mountain Brook
205.538.5366
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.
www.wedgworth.net
Mike Wedgworth (205) 365-4344
28 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
SOCIAL
Colonial Dames Ride Again
Roman BRantley aRt, antiques Gifts & DecoR
Birmingham Dames Celebrate New Members, Alabama History The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Alabama, Birmingham Center held
their annual fall meeting at the Mountain Brook Club on Oct. 24. Birmingham Center Chair
Photo courtesy Colonial Dames
Open Mon-Fri 10:30-5:00 pm & 1st & 3rd Sat 10:30-2:30 pm 2790 BM Montgomery Street Homewood, AL • 205.460.1224
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Laurie and Madelyn Hereford, Patricia Faulkner and Patricia and Genie Stutts.
Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 824-1246
r AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the 19, 2018 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
ake sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Nation Treaty of New York.” Colvin, Carolyn Satterfield called the wella PhD and public programs curator at attended meeting to order. It featured a presentation of new members Tricia the Alabama Archives, also is the 2011 NSCDA Scholar from Samford Long Ford, Holly Cole Goodbody, and the recipient of two Auburn Catherine Smith, Jane Goings and Susan Lowder. The Young Dames, who are under 45 years old, introduced by their mothers included Dr. Mary Kinney Lowe Corley, Gray Miller and Lindsay Smith Puckett. Cousins Patricia Lawrence Stutts and Madelyn Fletcher Hereford were joined by their mothers Genie Stutts and Laurie Hereford and grandmother Amy Smith Scott, Nancy Ward Smith and Mary Turner. Patricia Faulkner, as three generations Dames awards. of Colonial Dames. Cameron Crowe handled the inviAlabama President Mary Turner tations, menu and fall decorations. introduced Nancy Ward Smith, the Upcoming events planned by newest Golden Dame, whose 50 years Patty Ringland, historical activities in good standing earned a special cerchair, include a book club to discuss tificate. Also in attendance were past Brian Kilmeade’s “George Birmingham Presidents Henrietta Washington’s Secret Six” and a field Emack, Kathy Myatt, Grace trip to Columbiana for the Harrison Whatley, Julia Wilcox, Frances Museum of George Washington and Wheelock, Liza Petznick and Kathryn Porter. American Village’s Mount Vernon. In keeping with this year’s theme, The Young Dames will have a gatherGeorge and Martha Washington and ing in December organized by Carlen Dr. Alex McClure Colvin spoke on Williams, A.K. Hardeman and Katie George Washington and the Creek Nelson. ❖
Dottie Miller, Gray Miller Gambrell, Lindsay Smith Puckett and Garland Smith.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 29
SOCIAL
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Alicia Waters, Jamie Cannon and Sara and Drew Gunnels.
May Green and Jennifer Boles.
Tim and Gina Clifford.
OP E SO NING ON !
Luck Be a Lady Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Hosts Annual Casino Fundraiser
The ninth annual Casino for a Cause raised more than $141,000 for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s efforts to cure chronic digestive diseases. Hosted by the foundation’s Alabama/NW Florida chapter, the event took place Oct. 24 at Haven. The evening included dinner, drinks, silent and live auctions, live music and prizes, including a Kendra Scott jewelry pull. Proceeds from Casino for a Cause will support the foundation’s programs, including education, Camp Oasis for children with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and additional support services for Alabamians living with these diseases. ❖
Derek Alfsen and Michelle Nguyen.
Small Business Saturday November 30th
HANNA
ANTIQUES
MALL
Call us “Hanna Claus”
Santa has a sleigh full of surprises. Our oneof -a kind collection of rugs, silver, jewelry, furniture, glassware, and more qualify us as an official Santa’s Helper. Rooms and rooms of antiques, curiosities and fun.
the future looks good INTRODUCING A NEW SENIOR LIVING DESIGN IN BIRMINGHAM. Longleaf Liberty Park is taking a fresh approach to elevate
expectations of what assisted living and memory care should be. Modern, welcoming spaces match our forward-thinking philosophies, programs and amenities. Longleaf is built upon the idea of turning corners, not cutting them. For seniors and their loved ones looking for a community that values the highest levels of care and style, Longleaf is here.
our Prime location is just east of I-459 in the Vestavia Hills/Mountain
Brook communities, offering spectacular Cahaba River views.
Limited-time pre-opening Founder’s Club savings and benefits now available. Call (205) 627-6895 to schedule an appointment today.
Be Unique, Give an Antique. 2424 7th Ave. So.
451 Liberty Parkway • Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35242 (205) 627-6895 • LongleafLibertyPark.com
Major credit cards accepted
Mon-Sat 10-5
323-6036
Dealer Spaces Available
109 Hilltop Business Drive Pelham www.GriffithArtGallery.com 205.985.7969
LIBERTY PARK
ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE • SHORT-TERM STAYS
30 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
SOCIAL
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Casual But Not Low Key The Pickwick Dance Club recently held a fall membership party for members and their spouses or dates. The casual theme for the outdoor affair was “Dine, Drink, Dance in Denim at Donna’s!” Member Donna Jernigan opened her beautiful home to a crowd of about 130 guests who were eager to reunite after summer to discuss family, football, friendship and more. A.J. Beavers and his brother Branscomb played their guitars and sang to entertain the guests. A delicious array of food was catered by Whiskers, featuring catfish, shrimp and chicken along with salad, mac and cheese and banana pudding for dessert. Party planners were Patsy Dreher and Yorke Williams along with club President Allison Morgan and Dale Prosch. Decorations were organized by Trissy Holladay, including tables topped with burlap and pumpkins filled with colorful fall mums. In addition. Nancy Bagby assembled an arrangement for the dining room centerpiece. ❖
Your Sporting Headquarters
Photo courtesy Colonial Dames
Pickwick Dance Club Dons Denim for Fall Shindig
Julia Ann Cleage, Donna Jernigan, Joe Cleage, and Allison Morgan. Below, Bootsie and Lowell Garrett, Yorke Williams and Elizabeth Meadows.
917.5800
2822 Central Ave. Homewood, AL 35209
www.caliberxl.com
Your gift of a meal gives ber hope for a er The Mountain Journal, PHONE: changed X: 205-824-1246 ember 2019life!
Just $1.95 gives a meal 205-823-9646
Jim and Tricia Ford with Tommy Norton. Below, Trissy Holladay, Dale Prosch, Lowell Adams and Kelley Gage.
and more!
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the - Randal November 14, 2019 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
life.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Leon and Barbara Ashford with Jeanne and Jim Adair.
“I have a successful business and a family; the life I never dreamed of having, I now have.”
Give your gift of a meal now ... (205) 323-5878
Call (205) 323-5878 • Mail PO Box 10472 • Birmingham, AL 35202
JimmieHaleMission.com
Sharon and Emris Graham with Rob and Fran Glendinning. Left, Mac and Debby McCullough with Anne Moore and Bryan Baldwin.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 31
SOCIAL
Take a Taste
Rehab Reality... By Judy Butler
For the past 20 years M-POWER Ministries has helped Birminghamarea individuals and families in need seek paths out of poverty. At the organization’s annual Taste of the Magic City fundraiser, guests celebrated the “Taste for the 20th.” The ninth annual event was hosted Oct. 24 at The Theodore, featuring a seated dinner. The evening’s meal included salads, sides, entrees and desserts from Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Mile End Deli, Little Donkey and Jim ’N Nick’s. Funds raised at the event benefit the organization’s efforts to provide vital outreach services and resources through its free medical clinic, as well as adult literacy, GED and careerreadiness programs. ❖
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
M-Power Celebrates 20th Anniversary at Annual Tasting Fundraiser
Alton Irwin, Susan Sellers, Cindy Bembry and Dalton Smith.
Zach Mardis, Susan Holden and Elise Mardis.
Aldridge in Autumn
Annual Taste of Hoover Brings City’s Eateries to Aldridge Gardens Food offerings from throughout the city of Hoover were celebrated Oct. 10 as Aldridge Gardens hosted the
annual Taste of Hoover. The Birmingham Heritage Band played live music as guests sampled
Anne and Brian McCarley.
Maria Alexander and Stephanie Carothers.
dishes from local restaurants and sipped distilled spirits by Chattanooga Whiskey and Dread River Distillery, wines from International Wines and local beers by Back Forty Beer. Participating restaurants and caterers included Jake’s Soul Food Cafe, The Cajun Cleaver, Happy Catering, Savoie Catering, Metro Diner, Bruno Hospitality, Rock n Roll Sushi, Nothing Bundt Cakes, R&S Food
Service, Edible Arrangements, The Whole Scoop, Spoon and Ladle, Simply Infused, Needs Eatery, Jefferson State Culinary & Hospitality Institute, Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe, Merk’s Bar and Grill at the Hyatt, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ, Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes, Gourmet Pantry Catering, CakEffect, Tre Luna Catering and Bare Naked Noodles. ❖
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
A Gift That Gives Twice
Kristi and Chip Oelschlaeger.
Stan and Connie Shaffer.
Every pecan purchase supports children and adults with autism
Pecan Options: Mammoth Halves Chocolate Covered Cinnamon Candied and more
Corporate Gifts Are Available!
Shop online at glenwood.org/shop Katherine Wright, Julia Wright, Madeline Kurz, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and Lilly Covington.
Phone: 866.729.2189 OTMJ Holiday Gift Ad 2.indd 1
11/6/2019 10:44:36 AM
You Might Lose More This Year
It’s not enough that we lost an hour this week with Daylight Savings, but we’re also losing six days of holiday shopping. When we cherish every hour during this time of year, this just adds to the stress that affects all of us. It’s even worse for the person struggling with an addiction. This stress often seems a good reason to resort to something that takes the ‘edge’ off. There’s also the addictive personality that can get totally out of control. “If one is good, then two’s better”and so forth. Not only do we extend ourselves beyond our limits financially, we tend to overextend ourselves emotionally as well. We all want to “get the right gifts” and when we get together we want everything to be perfect. The stress that comes with the effort can spoil the whole event. The best ‘escape’ from holiday stress is to come to Bayshore Retreat. It’s a great time to begin changes in life that could ultimately save a relationship or possibly a life. It’s also a great time to use the treatment cost as a tax deduction. For the person with addiction, Bayshore Retreat can be a gift of health and life. We have no more than six clients at a time and offer a holistic approach to health with sauna therapy, deep tissue massages, vitamins and a delicious, fresh menu. In addition, we do about thirty hours of counseling weekly in the form of individual, life skills and group therapy. We lose 130 lives a day to the opioid crisis. Let’s hope it’s not you or someone you love.
32 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
WEDDINGS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
HAPPY APPY Holidays H H HOLIDAYS OLIDAYS Happy
FROM the THE STAFF from staff at FROM THE STAFFATAT HAY'S Jewelers! ! ! Shay's SSHAY 'S JJEWELERS EWELERS
Kast-Toler
SHOP NOW FOR
INCREDIBLE SAVINGS!
SHOP NOW FOR
INCREDIBLE SAVINGS! 3301 Lorna Road, Ste. 1 . Hoover . 978.5880 New Extended Holiday Hours! www.shaysjewelers.com
3301 Lorna Road, Ste. 1 . Hoover . 978.5880 New Extended Holiday Hours! www.shaysjewelers.com
black friday sale november 18-23
46 546 The he Mountain MountainJournal, Journal,PHONE: PHONE:205-823-9646 205-823-9646 205-824-1246 205-824-1246 019 2012
sisisyour yourAD ADPROOF PROOFfrom fromthe theOVER OVERTHE THEMOUNTAIN MOUNTAINJOURNAL JOURNALfor forthe the November November14, 29,2019 2012issue. issue.Please Pleasefax faxapproval approvalororchanges changestoto824-1246. 824-1246.
Please Please make make sure sureall all information informationisiscorrect, correct, Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 24-1246 including includingaddress addressand andphone phonenumber! number!
Amy Nicole Kast and Austin West Toler were married Sept. 21 at Christ Church at Branch Cove in Odenville. Pastor Stacey Kelly officiated the ceremony. A reception followed in the reception hall. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Kast of Evergreen. She is the granddaughter of Ms. Lynda Hammonds of Evergreen. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Toler of Birmingham. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Toler Sr. of Birmingham. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an Essence of Australia fit-and-flare silhouette wedding gown with classic lace and beading and a sheer lace back with fabric covered buttons. She wore a fingertip length veil. The bride was attended by Brittany Turk Gulley as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Madison Gabrielle Collier, sister of the groom, Bree Childes Dickinson and Jill Renee Riggins. Selah Jo Dickinson was the flower girl. The father of the groom was best man. Groomsmen were Chris Sapp, Alan Boutwell and Andrew Weyerman. After a wedding trip to St. Lucia, the couple will live in Birmingham.
Share your Good News!
Please Pleaseinitial initialand andfax faxback backwithin within2424hours. hours. IfIfwe wehave havenot not heard heardfrom fromyou youbyby5 pm 5 pm ofofthe theFriday Friday before beforethe thepress pressdate, date, ur AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the To have our wedding & your youradadwill willrun runasasis.is.We Weprint printthe thepaper paperMonday. Monday. November 29, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. engagement forms Thank Thankyou youfor foryour yourprompt promptattention. attention. sent to you, call 823-9646. Please make sure all information is correct,
including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
Thank you for your prompt20% attention. 10am-12pm off
12pm-5pm 15% off additional 5% off for purchases $350 or more
r yan
reeve boutique
3920 crosshaven drive
Cohen-Shores
Natalie Lauren Cohen and James Gavin Shores were married May 18 at Windwood Equestrian in Pelham. A reception followed in the courtyard. Cantor Jessica Roskin officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Cohen of Mountain Brook. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Russell Hudson and the late Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Cohen. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Shores of Vestavia Hills. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Smith Sr. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shores Sr. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a strapless champagne lace wedding gown embellished with pearl beading and a scalloped lace train. She also wore a mid-length pearl embossed veil. Casey Grimes of Cummings, Georgia, was the bride’s matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Whitney Shores, sister of the groom, of London, England; Arianna Cohen, sister-in-law of the bride, of Nashville, Tennessee; Cathy Holmes, sister-in-law of the bride, of Denver; Ansley Cohen, sister-inlaw of the bride, and Jeanette Crouch of Vestavia Hills; Gina Ferraro of Cartersville, Illinois; Tayler Elliott of Gardendale; and Kalli Cuny of Marietta, Georgia. Anna Catherine Cohen, niece of the bride, of Vestavia Hills was the flower girl. The father of the groom was best man. Groomsmen were Blair Shores, brother of the groom, of Birmingham; Seth Cohen, twin brother of the bride, of Nashville; Philip Holmes, brother of the bride, of Denver; Jacob Cohen, brother of the bride, of Vestavia Hills; Mike Barber and Grant Melvin of Trussville; and Stevie Robertson and Tyler Jones of Hoover. Hudson Holmes and Callen Holmes, nephews of the bride, of Denver, were the ring bearers. After a honeymoon trip to the Dominican Republic, the couple live in Trussville.
Hall-Fall
Jordan Tate Hall and Wesley Franklin Fall were married June 29 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. The Rev. Samuel Lee Williamson officiated the ceremony. A reception followed at Roots and Revelry Ballroom. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wayne Hall of Hawkinsville, Georgia. She is the of granddaughter of Mrs. Melvin Eugene Clemons of Prattville and the late Mr. Clemons, as well as the late Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Wayne Hall of Prattville. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Franklin Fall of Mountain Brook. He is the grandson of Mrs. Ray Osborne Welborn and the late Mr. Welborn of Laurel, Mississippi, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ira Veltus Fall Jr. of Ellisville, Mississippi. The bride was given in marriage by her father. She wore a white silk dupioni gown designed by Heidi Elnora. The strapless sweetheart neckline bodice was completed with delicate Alencon lace. The gown was fitted at her natural waist and accented with a tiny crystal flower belt adorned with rhinestone details. The soft A-line organza skirt, with pockets, swept to a chapel-length train. Completing her ensemble was a chapel-length veil with delicately scalloped Alencon lace stitched to the softly curved edge. The bride was attended by Aubrey Fiorillo, cousin of the bride, of Plains, Georgia, as matron of honor and Sarah Allen of London, England, as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Shay Bierly, sister of the bride, of Phoenix; Amy Funderburg, sister of the groom, of Birmingham; Peyton Domning of Mobile; Catherine Perez of Palo Alto, California; and Ashley Schnurr of Madison. The groom’s father served as his best man. Groomsmen were Taylor Hall, brother of the bride, of Hawkinsville, Georgia; Corey Funderburg, brother-in-law of the groom, of Birmingham; Patrick Bearden of Foley; Jacob Koval of Palo Alto; and Christopher Edmunds of Denver. After a honeymoon trip to St. Lucia, the couple live in Tuscaloosa.
Boos and Brews
Halloween went to the dogs Oct. 23 as Studio By The Tracks and Mitchell’s Place teamed up to host the third annual Boos and Brews, held at Back
Forty Brewing Company. Guests were invited to take their costumed pets along for the festivities, which featured a pet costume contest, music by The Drennen Brothers Band and beer. The event raised awareness for autism spectrum disorders and funds for the studio and Mitchell’s Place, which both provide programming for people with autism and other developmental disorders. ❖
Caitlin Boyd with Jake and Susanna Stanbury.
CJ Phillips with Dex and Bailey Roberts.
Alyssa McCourt with Reese and Thomas Wachter.
Emma Fiore with Hank, Lauren Davis and Madison Humber.
Halloween Party for Pooches Raises Autism Awareness
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 33
SOCIAL
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
HOLIDAY EVENTS DECEMBER 5th
DECEMBER 12th
MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Trunk Show & Personal Appearance
featuring
DECEMBER 13th-14th
Trunk Show & Personal Appearance
DECEMBER 19th-20th
Trunk Show & Personal Appearance
with personal appearance from Brent Neale and
HOLIDAY HOURS* : MONDAY - SATURDAY 9:30-6 | THURSDAY 9:30-8 | SUNDAY 1-5 | CHRISTMAS EVE 9:30-3 *starting December 1st 2726 CAHABA ROAD, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35223
205.871.6747
SHOPETCJEWELRY
SHOPETCJEWELRY.COM
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL • TOY STORY • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2019 • PAGE 34
Santa’s Gurus on the Ground
The holiday season is filled with traditions, and the Over the Mountain Journal has one of its own: checking in with neighborhood toy gurus to find out what’s new this year. Our friends at Homewood Toy and Hobby, Smith’s Variety and Snoozy’s Kids have shared suggestions for toys and fun stuff for all ages. Please bear in mind that toy selections and prices may vary from store to store. Journal photos by Ingrid Schnader
Homewood Toy & Hobby owner Tricia McCain likes creative toys like the Pix Perfect Starter Pixel Art Kit, $34.99.
Smilth’s Variety owner Jim Glazner with two can’t miss suggestions, D-Dart Tempest Gun and AirFort.
Snoozy’s Kids owner George Jones with one of this year’s hottest toys, Hearthsong’s Steam-Breathing Dragon.
TRICA MCCAIN Homewood Toy & Hobby
JIM GLAZNER Smith’s Variety
GEORGE JONES Snoozy’s Kids
OTMJ: Do you remember your first day working in the toy Biz? Tricia McCain: “I’ve been coming in here since I was four. I really did come to work with my parents and sat upstairs above the bike shop and colored. I’ve been doing it forever.” OTMJ: If you were an elf working in Santa’s workshop, what would your job be? TM: “I would be the cookie taster, or the anyHOMEWOOD TOY & thing chocolate taster. Either one!” HOBBY is at 2830 18th St. S. in downtown Homewood. OTMJ: What is a toy For more information, that has stood the test of call 205-879-3986 or visit time? homewoodtoy-hobby.com or TM: “I think of baby the store’s Facebook page. dolls, in general. At some point between the ages one and five, every girl gets a baby doll.” OTMJ: If your younger self time-traveled to 2019, what would be the first toy on your list? TM: “I’ve always liked to swing, so maybe the Sky Dreamcatcher. I mean, I still love to swing. I’ll go to the park right now.”
OTMJ: Do you remember your first day working in the toy Biz? Jim Glazner: 1976. It was back-to-school, so you had all the kids coming in. OTMJ: If you were an elf in Santa’s workshop, what would your job be? JG: I’d probably organize everything. OTMJ: What is a toy that has stood the test of time? JG: Hot Wheels and Barbie. Trucks never go SMITH’S VARIETY is at away. OTMJ: If your younger 45 Church St. in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village. For self time-traveled to 2019, more information, call 205what toy would be on your 871-0841 or visit the store’s Christmas shopping list? Facebook page. JG: The animal bluetooth speakers.
OTMJ: Do you remember your first day working in the toy Biz? George Jones: “We opened in 1988, primarily as a children’s bookstore with only a small section of toys. It was very exciting, as we were already in the book business but were so happy to have a store in our neighborhood. We soon learned that, although our customers loved books, they were really craving toys!” OTMJ: If you were an elf working in Santa’s SNOOZY’S KIDS is at workshop, what would 228 Country Club Park in your job be? Mountain Brook’s Crestline GJ: “If I were working Village. For more information, in Santa’s workshop I call 205-871-2662 or visit the would like to be in charge store’s Facebook page. of product development. I can’t wait to go to our markets each year and see all the new and innovative toys.” OTMJ: What is a toy that has stood the test of time? GJ: Toys that continue to keep on giving include Lego, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Nerf products and any movie-related items. OTMJ: If your younger self time-traveled to 2019, what would be the first toy on your list? GJ: “My Christmas list would include the Glowstriker, the Steam-Breathing Dragon, the Tumbling Hedgehog kit, and I would really, really want the Nerf Blaster Scooter!”
Top Toys
We asked McCain and store manager Julie Marix to give us their top toys for the holiday season: The b4 Adventure Sky Dreamcatcher swing, $129.99, is a gift for the entire family. “It can hold up to 500lbs, so really multiple kids or even adults can get on it,” Marix said. Though marketed for ages 4 and up, she noted that a blanket can be thrown over the base for younger kids so their legs and arms don’t fall through the net. Inspired by the popular Netflix series Stranger Things, Dungeons and Dragons has released a starter set, $28.99, which includes a new adventure called “The Hunt for Thessalhydra.” “This is See HOMEWOOD TOY & HOBBY, page 36
Top Toys
We asked Glazner and Steve Sudduth, toy department manager at Smith’s, to give us their top toys for the holiday season: Pet Care Centers, $29.99, are fun, educational gifts for animal lovers. “There are several different kinds of pet care centers, even horse care centers,” Sudduth said. “They’re wonderful teaching tools.” Knuckle Headz, $24.99, reminds Sudduth of the toys he had when he was a kid. “You run them into each other,” he said. “And when they hit each other, the heads pop off. Every kid loves these.” Circuit Blox come in multiple sizes and prices. “These are a take on the old Radio Shack electronic toys,” Sudduth said. “It’s an easier way to build things.” Depending on which kit you buy, your child could build an FM radio, nerve tester, flying saucer and more. How to Be a Great Sibling, $29.99, is ideal for an only
See SMITH’S VARIETY, page 35
Top Toys
The hottest toy of the season, Jones said, is the Owleez, $54.99. “We’ve already seen them selling on eBay,” he said. These interactive baby owls are the most recent take on the classic Furby-style robot. They respond to touch and movement, their eyes change colors with their mood and, best of all, they can fly. At the time of publication, Snoozy’s only had a few left in stock. Bringing a dose of educa-
See SNOOZY’S KIDS page 36
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
TOY STORY
SMITH’S VARIETY From page 34
child who is expecting a new baby brother or sister soon. This teaching toy includes a real
stethoscope and information about how to play with a baby. “If you’re an only child and somebody’s invading your space, maybe that would help a lot,” Sudduth said. Last year’s Ax Throwing Kits were a hit, so this year’s Throwing Star Kits, $19.99, are the perfect alternative to buying your child actual throwing stars. “Back in the ‘80s when I was a kid, we had throwing stars,” Sudduth said. “We didn’t have the kit. This is much safer.” Y’Art, $14.99, takes creativity to a new dimension. “You run the string through a hollow pen,” Sudduth said. “And this is sticky, and you follow the colors by the number and draw a picture.” D-Dart Tempest Gun, $49.99, looks like something a superhero or a soldier would wear. “D-Dart goes on your wrist and shoots out foam darts,” Sudduth said. “It’s awesome.”
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 35
responsibility. “It has a little leash, and it walks, gallops, neighs and sparkles,” Sudduth said. Tabletop Tiki Toss, $39.99, brings a popular game indoors. “Tiki Toss goes on the wall of your garage, outside, or whatever, but this is Tabletop Tiki Toss,” Sudduth said. “So, you can play it in your house. Four players can play at a time. It’s pretty neat.” Last year’s iPlay iLearn Animal Bouncers, $29.99, are back, and this time they’re plushcovered. “They’re very cool,” Sudduth said. “And they’ve got an awesome face on them.” For those who would rather bounce on their team’s logo, the Team Hoppers, $14.99, come in Alabama and Auburn styles. “I love them,”
Sudduth said. “But it is only Alabama and Auburn, nobody else.” Glazner said the Kids’ Bean Bags, starting at $49.99, make a cute addition to any bedroom. “If you’re like me and you’re a cartoon fan, that burger bean bag – I definitely would want that, because I just love Bob’s Burgers.” Bounce Battle, $24.99, has multiple ways
Stocking Stuffers
Neato has another great assortment this year, and “they’re just great stocking stuffers all around,” Sudduth said. These toys are retrostyled and come in a variety of sizes and prices to match any child’s interests. Fozzi’s Bath Foam, $9.99, helps keep bath
for the family to get together and play. “I fell in love with this when I saw it because it reminds me of a family edition of beer pong,” Sudduth said. “And there’s several different ways to play, such as tic-tac-toe and connect four.” The Gund Peek-A-Boo Bear and Elephant, $39.99, is an interactive stuffed animal for babies and toddlers. It can read nursery rhymes and play peek-a-boo with your child.
Stardust Walking Unicorn, $29.99, is just like a pet, but much cuter and without the added
time fun. “You can spray it on your walls in your bathtub and play with it,” Sudduth said. “You can actually use it as a soap or just play around in the tub.” On-the-Go books have several different puzzles, coloring pages and more to keep children busy while they’re on the go. “They’re good for the car or anywhere,” Sudduth said. Sudduth said the Dragonfly Copter, $9.99, is good for children of all ages. “The actual pack has three different launchers with six different flyers, so you could actually get it and break it up between three kids,” he said. “You shoot it straight up, and it helicopters down. At night, it looks like fireworks.”
Monday-Friday 9:30-6:30 • Saturday 9:30-5:30 • Sunday 12:00-5:00 in November & December 2830 18th Street South • Homewood, AL 35209 • 205.879.3986. • HomewoodToy-Hobby.com
36 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
TOY STORY
HOMEWOOD TOY & HOBBY
SNOOZY’S KIDS
From page 34
From page 34
great for that middle school boy all the way through college age,” Marix said. “It’s a good, classic non-video game.”
The VR Bow, $39.99, allows you to clip your phone into a plastic bow and virtually hunt turkey and deer via a gaming app. “It turns the screen of your phone into a hunting environment, so while you’re moving the bow around, you’re actually walking around in the woods,” Marix said. In addition, the app can access your phone’s camera and allow you to hunt different kinds of game in your own environment. A fresh take on the remote control car is the RoboDragon Chameleon, $29.99. “It lights up, it walks, its little eyes move and it comes with insect disks,” Marix said. “When you push a button, its tongue jumps out to catch them.”
According to Marix, gift givers can never go wrong with bluetooth speakers. My Audio Pet, $24.99, comes in different animal options, from unicorns to dragons. “It’s a bluetooth speaker and it’s teeny tiny, but it has really great sound,” Marix said. “For the younger kids, there is an app you can download and you can play games with it, like hide-and-seek. You can also talk through it and it will change the sound of your voice.” Moms who need a great toy to toss in the diaper bag or baby stroller can grab Fat Brain Toy’s Oombee Ball, $24.99. It’s all one piece, Marix noted, featuring nesting balls with different textures to create a sensory experience for the babies.
Batteries are not even necessary when it comes to Playviators, $19.99. “It’s a plane, but all it takes is the power of the child moving their hand up and down to propel it,” Marix noted. Great Pretenders’ Color-A-Skirt Mermaid, $25.99, is Marix’s current favorite. “It’s a reversible mermaid skirt,” she said. “One side is rainbow scales and the other side is for coloring. You can color it, wash it and color it
again.” Moldable, squish-able Playfoam Pluffle, $8.99, is available in a variety of colors and is perfect for kids who like to keep their hands busy. “It feels fantastic,” Marix said. “It kind of sticks together and it keeps moving. It’s as if it’s alive.” A top-selling game last year for the store was Clack! This year, a new version was released called Clack! Categories, $24.99. “The object is to collect as many tiles as you can, and the tiles make a clacking noise whenever you pick them up,” said Marix. Crafting kits are ever-evolving – and everpopular. A unique option is the DIY Puffy Charms by Ann Williams Group, $29.99. “You can make bracelets or necklaces. They’ve got little pencil toppers, charms, you can put it on your shoes, your backpack. This just gives you everything.”
Marix noted that shoppers can never go wrong when they invest in a Madame Alexander Middleton Doll, $119.99. “These are the dolls that feel like a new baby, and we’ve got doll furniture and other accessories to go along with it.” Glowstriker, $34.99, takes dart games to new heights. “The (targets) are little ping pong balls,” Marix said. “So, when you turn it on, the air pushes them up and they are hovering. You’re trying to shoot them with your dart gun.”
Stocking Stuffers
When it is time to stuff stockings, Marix said, the Fart Bomb, $2.99, is a go-to option. “It’s great for little boys, the grosser the better,” she said. “These will clear out a room. So, you may want to give it to your neighbors or a cousin.” Finally, for your favorite collector, Funko Pop! figures, $11.99, are arriving in new styles to suit sports fans. While the brand covers everything from Star Wars to superheroes, Marix said it has been rolling out some sportsthemed figurines. “LSU we have in. Alabama is on the way,” Marix said. “They do not make Auburn, yet. They only have six or seven colleges right now, but they are supposed to come out with more.” – Emily Williams
tion, My Robotic Pet Tumbling Hedgehog, $39.99, is a great substitute if you can’t get your hands on Owleez. This robot includes an element of STEM experimentation. “You build your own robot and he responds to clap commands,” Jones said. “Two means to roll over, one might mean go to the left or the right.” The latest and greatest take on karaoke is the Kids Singing Machine Karaoke Pedestal, $69.99. “It’s bluetooth compatible. It works with all music apps. It has a voice-altering feature. It’s just fun, fun, fun stuff,” Jones said. It also comes with two microphones, in case a duet is in order. You can never go wrong with an action figure, and Jones’ current favorite is Hearthsong’s Steam-Breathing Dragon, $42.99. “His wings move, his eyes glow, he stomps around; but the coolest thing about him is that real steam comes out of his mouth,” Jones said. To get kids moving, Jones suggests Spyder Pong, $129.99. The netted ping-pong-style game includes a smaller ball to be used with paddles, or a larger ball you can hit with your hands. “We set one up outside the store the other day, and it is really light and easy to transport,” he said. Another great game to get moving is Hearthsong’s Inflatable Balance Jousting set, $35.99, Jones said, which builds core strength and balancing skills while kids are playing a fun game. The AirFort, $49.99, is the perfect hideaway that can be inflated and dismantled inside the home. “These will make a big statement at Christmas, and they’re great for boys and girls,” Jones said. “We have one style in camo, one looks like a circus tent and we also have one in pink.” Blinger, $29.99, is made for kids who love to experiment with style. The tool clips rhinestones onto hair, accessories, clothing and more. “When you run out of bling, we have refill packs that are $12.99 each,” Jones said. “We have a brand new stroller from Carolle ($59.99),” Jones said. “Who wouldn’t want to see this set up as you walk down the stairs on Christmas morning.” Both the stroller and carrier feature Carolle’s signature patterns and French design. When it comes to foam darts, said Jones, “the Blaster Scooter ($159.99) is the top of the line, for sure.” The latest Nerf creation features a three-wheel scooter outfitted with a dual-barrel blaster that fires darts up to 40 feet.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
“Paw Patrol is huge,” Jones said. “We’ve got some exclusive pieces that you can’t get just anywhere.” The store has stocked a range of Paw Patrol toy sets, from $14.99 up, inspired by the popular children’s television show. “Each character has a cute name inspired by their job, like Marshall, who is a firefighter. They are just regular dogs, but then they go around town saving the city and making it better.” In terms of stuffed animals, Jones is talking Ty, and he doesn’t mean beanie babies. “Ty has released their Frozen line (available in a variety of sizes and prices), in honor of Frozen 2, which comes out later this month,” Jones said. “When we went to look at these at market, they had them hidden behind a curtain. You could only look at them, you couldn’t even touch them.” Older kids can be difficult to shop for, Jones said, but you can never go wrong with tech. He suggests Type, a sleek and portable wireless keyboard, $49.99. The product folds in half and comes with a carrying case, so it slips easily into a purse, backpack or even coat pocket. A great game for families with oleo tweens and teens is (May Cause) Side Effects, $24.99. “It’s a little bit like charades,” Jones said, but one person draws a pill and acts out the side effects described while the other team member has to guess a word or phrase.
Stocking Stuffers
Finally, if you are looking to stuff stockings, it’s all about the element of surprise. “All of the blind packages are fun, because you don’t know what you are going to get” Jones said. “They keep coming out with new ones, and they are just getting bigger and better.” One of Jones’ top picks for ages 3 and up is the Baby Born Surprise series, $18.99, which includes a surprise baby doll. – Emily Williams
Editors note: Some toys picked by Tricia, Jim and George may be available at more than one store, and prices may vary.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 37
TOY STORY
2020 CHEVY TAHOE STARTING AT
$39,487
Plus tax, title and administration fees.
2020 CHEVY TRAVERSE STARTING AT
$33,995 Plus tax, title and administration fees.
2020 CHEVY EQUINOX
Up To
$6,500 Off Plus tax, title and administration fees.
DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM and on HIGHWAY 280
And, of course, Everywhere on the web at chevyman.com!
205-716-3330
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL • GIFT GUIDE • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2019 • PAGE 38
LOCAL presents
I
t’s time once again to get serious and begin your search for the perfect gift for everyone on your list. eGood news is we’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you again this year with our ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE! Even better news, these great gift ideas are found CLOSE TO HOME at Over the Mountain area stores. Many neighborhood merchants are happy to offer suggestions for even the hardest of your hard-to-please relatives and friends. eWe’ve found a wide variety of choices, from splurges to stocking stuffers and everything in between. e
Men’s Stillwater Sherpa half zip in Forest Green, $148. vineyard vines, 205-970-9758.
Go Green: 2XL Big Green Egg, unit $3,200. Alabama Appliance, 205-777-5154.
Tied leather bracelet with white freshwater baroque pearls, sterling chain, sterling and pavé diamond accents and a small sterling and pavé diamond toggle clasp, $1,050. Jordan Alexander Jewelry, 205-868-1391.
Your home will be holiday ready with an original, heavy palate knife acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov, sizes range from 12”x12” up to 48”x72”, prices range from $550-$5,500. Griffith Art Gallery, 205-985-7969.
Give the gift of irresistible softness with Barefoot Dreams’ iconic CozyChic knit throw. Simplicity and style with a luxurious touch makes this blanket the perfect gift! $147. Gus Mayer, 205-870-3300.
Freshly baked cookies for the holidays, from $2.40 each. Bake them yourself with Cookie Fix Frozen Dough to Go, $18 for a pack of 15. Cookie Fix, 205-582-2623.
YETI re-engineered the opening of this cooler to offer a wide mouth for easy loading and unloading. It closes almost on its own using HydroShield™ Technology, $299.99 Little Hardware, 205-871-4616.
Christmas Pyramids, handmade in Germany, add just the right touch to your holiday decorating. Prices start at $73. Table Matters, 205-879-0125.
Dettling Alabama Small Batch Bourbon, 750 ml, $54. The first bourbon made in Alabama. R&R Wine & Liquor Crestline, 205-848-2080.
Magnolia Blossom tray by Arthur Court, 11 inches, $58, perfect for holiday entertaining. Black Jack Gardens, 205-836-2933.
Give the gift of art, Calla lilies by Frank Fleming, $300. Roman Brantley Art and Antiques, 205-460-1224.
14k yellow gold star diamond earrings, $310, and 14k yellow gold diamond star and moon necklace, $775. Southeastern Jewelers, 205-980-9030.
Leave cookies for Santa on this Old St. Nick 2019 limited edition round platter, $148. This can be personalized by Susan Gravely during her appearance Nov. 14. Bromberg’s, Mountain Brook, 205-871-3276; The Summit, 205969-1776.
Wild Birds Unlimited Modern Rustic Bird House made from recycled milk jugs, $51.99. The EcoTough line looks like wood but is tough like plastic. This product is designed to bring joy to your backyard experience. Wild Birds Unlimited, 205-823-6500.
Lampe Berger, a functional and attractive accessory that controls odors by destroying bacteria in the air. Many fragrances available for hours of wonderful scents for your home. Lamps start at $40. Fragrances start at $25. Baker Lamps & Linens, 205-981-3330.
MacKenzie-Childs Large Winter Bouquet Potpourri (19 oz.) is a blend of eucalyptus leaves, goldfrosted mini pine cones, apple slices and other natural elements infused with the fragrance of a forest in bloom. Christine’s on Canterbury, 205-871-8297.
Upgrade your tastebuds this holiday season with Midwest Fresh Bacon Jam Savory Bacon Marmalade, a gourmet sauce from Indiana. Procurement from local farms started a journey, bringing you “The Best in the Midwest,” $12. The Cook Store, 205-879-5277.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
GIFT GUIDE
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 39
SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER SEND THOSE YOU LOVE WARM THOUGHTS AND
HOLIDAY CHEER WITH A CUSTOM DESIGNED CARD, SURE TO BE TREASURED BY ALL.
Easy-to-organize travel makeup kit, $75, with snap-out pouches making it as roomy or separated as you desire. Marmi, 205-298-7633.
Vintage velvet scarves are the perfect accessories for your holiday wardrobe. Available in 12 colors, $98. Marguerite’s Conceits, 205-879-2730.
SkinCeuticals Gold Standard Kit: Phloretin CF and travel size B5 Hydrating Gel, $176. Total Skin and Beauty, 205-933-0987.
SPECIAL DELIVERY
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT HOLIDAY CARDS
Premium all weather floor liners, in black, with Chevrolet script for most models, 20% off MSRP. Edwards Chevrolet, 205-716-3330.
Handmade lock necklaces, available in 15 and 16 inch. Baby lock, $32.50; heart lock, $39.50; and cross necklace, $32.50. Clotheshorse, 205-823-9144.
Hand crafted metal angel wings from England make any wine bottle look heavenly, $30. Henhouse Antiques, 205-918-0505.
SEASONʼS GREETINGS HIGH QUALITY, CUSTOM DESIGNED CARDS
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT HOLIDAY CUPS, NAPKINS AND MORE
A gift certiifcate from Piggly Wiggly is a great stocking stuffer idea that’s always in style and always fresh. pigbham.com
Beautiful estate diamond earrings. AMW, 205-870-3588.
Small Batch Gourmet Mustard made by Happy Olive’s own mustard sommelier, $16.99. Happy Olive, 205-703-9003.
Holiday candles by Nest, starting at $20, to light up your home. Mantooth Interiors, 205-879-5474.
From France: faux fur scarf, $125, and gloves with faux fur pom pom, $76. Interiors by Kathy Harris, 205-970-4161.
Estate Tiffany & Co. Sterling “Atlas” watch, $1,575. JB & CO, 205-478-0455.
205.870.1097 • WEEZIEB@WALLSMEDIA.COM
@WEEZIEBDESIGNS
SHOP NOW WEEZIEBDESIGNS.COM
40 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
GIFT GUIDE
18k white gold necklace with 4 sapphires, weighing 1.75ctw, and 6 round diamonds, weighing 0.27ctw, $2,935. Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 205-251-3381.
Bourbon Balls by Pappy & Company, $18-$34, made with Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year. The Dandé Lion, 205-879-0691.
Get lit this holiday season with a lighted handbag. Each individually signed bag includes a battery pack with light switch, removable cross-body chain, logo dust bag and clear vinyl inner pocket. Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry & Collectibles, 205-874-1044.
Customizeable cutting boards, $50, and drink coasters, $38 for a set of two, are the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Weezie B. Designs, 205-870-1097.
Spinelli Kilcollin handmade linked rings in various arrangements of sterling silver, gold and diamonds. Featured rings are $700-$1,700. Etc…, 205-871-6747.
Diamond and precious gemstone cross necklaces for every price point, available in sapphire, ruby and emerald. Shay’s Jewelers, 205-978-5880.
Beautiful Nutcracker ornaments, $13 each. Antiquities, 205-870-1030.
“Tory Burch” enameled raised Logo stud earrings, $78. John-William Jeweller, 205-870-4367.
Skin Vedder makeup powder with a memory, adapts to the individuals coloring. Smart Skin Med Spa, 205-968-1301.
Rhinestone Holiday pins in assorted styles and sizes. Hanna Antiques, 205-323-6036
Nutcracker themed dance tops and warm ups, prices range from $25-40 and are available in all sizes. Applause Dancewear, 205-871-7837.
OPI Hello Kitty Holiday Advent Calendar, $48, a different nail color for each day. Salon Summit, 205-518-0406.
Vulcan keeps your favorite wine fresh. Four inch wine stopper enclosed in a five inch ready-to-gift box, $21.99 +tax. The Anvil at Vulcan Park & Museum, 205-203-4814.
French candles, soaps and lotions by Bastide featured in “Veranda Magazine,” $22-$65. Iluminated - a candle bar, 205-538-5366.
Your loved ones will enjoy the gift of art all year with a membership to the Birmingham Museum of Art. Birmingham Museum of Art, 205-254-2565.
Fuzzy footies, one size fits most, $9.99. Flip Flops & What Nots, 205-967-7429.
One-of-a-kind handmade pumpkins will add just the right amount of sparkle to your holiday tables, starting at $9. Attic Antiques, 205-991-6887.
Glenwood’s Pecans for Autism include deliciously decadent chocolate covered pecans and crunchy cinnamon glazed pecans, packaged in a holiday gift box, $40. It’s the perfect combination of ready-to-go as the perfect gift of good taste. Glenwood, 205-795-3353.
The Alabama Snack Basket contains an assortment of popular savory and sweet goodies: Keylime Cooler Cookies, ranch flavored Krackers, Merry Cheese Crisps and rounding out this snack basket are Pistachio Roasters and Peggy’s Snack mix. Free Shipping $54.95. Alabama Goods, 205-803-3900
The Original Sweet Potato Pie, this creamy, mouthwatering pie is made with fresh sweet potatoes and just the right amount of the finest seasonings. It is sure to satisfy the craving of any sweet potato pie lover. Available in 9 inch and serves 8-10, $17.99. JaWanda’s Sweet Potato Pies, 205-874-9880.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
It’s all about the details this holiday season! All paintings and accessories are an additional 10% off with code ‘Holiday10’. Birmingham Wholesale Furniture, 205-322-1687.
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 41
GIFT GUIDE
Stay stylish and warm on winter days with Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Lite Knit beanies, $40, and Barefoot Dreams Cozychic women’s heathered socks, $17. Beverly Ruff Antiques, 205-871-7872.
A gift they can open every day, a Brio Collection walk-in closet with slanted shoe shelves, decorative drawers and polished nickel handles. Prices vary, call for free design and quote. Closets by Design, 205-777-4000.
Westman Atelier - Le Box, $175, a streamlined wardrobe of luminous year-round staples for glowing healthy, radiant-from-within skin that includes Super Loaded Tinted Highlight in Peau de Soleil, Baby Cheeks Blush in Petal and Lit Up Highlight Stick. beauté therapie, 205-538-5430.
The marksman on your list would love a Baretta 691 20 gage, $2,259; Winchester Super grade model 70 7mm-08, $1,250; and Parker DHE grade 20 gage, $24,000. Caliber, 205-917-5800.
Silver plated fish set, service for 12, $395. Tricia’s Treasures, 205-871-9779.
Functional exercise combined with good infrared workouts for happier holidays. Hotworx Vestavia Hills, 205-502-7511
Henau eyeglasses from Belgium, $385. iiis. an optical shop, 205-930-9394.
Munchies Supreme, $150 Filled with delicious, Alabama made treats Free shipping on this gift
2933 18th Street South Homewood, AL 35209 www.alabamagoods.com
Facebook.com/alabamagoods Instagram.com/alabamagoods
Gift Guide #1
42 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
ENGLISH VILLAGE
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Here Come the Holidays Crestline Open House Kicks Off the Season in Mountain Brook this Week
T
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
hroughout the holiday season, the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce and local merchants will host open house events that provide festive community activities and encourage gift-givers to shop local. Crestline Village’s Holiday Open House will kick things off Nov. 14. Participating merchants will offer discounts and special activities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Even Santa Claus will be stopping by, finding a seat in front of City Hall to take pictures and greet children until 6 p.m. The English Village Holiday Open House will take place Nov. 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring its annual Poker Run. On Dec. 5, Mountain Brook Village will host its Holiday Open House event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The city’s celebrations will culminate with the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 8 beginning at 3 p.m. The parade will begin at Office Park and travel through Mountain Brook Village, with floats decked out in holiday regalia and performances by Mountain Brook City Schools cheerleaders, dance teams and bands. Festivities continue with pictures with Santa and a pop-up story time under the Bromberg’s tree, hosted by Emmet O’Neal Library. For more information, visit mtnbrookchamber.org. —Emily Williams
The city’s celebrations will culminate with the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 8 beginning at 3 p.m.
The Scribbler The Scribbler is a fine paper studio that has been in business for 11 years. “We moved to English Village this summer,” said Ginny Hutchinson, owner of the business, pictured above. “Rather than a retail shop with lots of gifts, we specialize in wedding invitations and custom design. It takes a lot of time to really understand all the different paper and printing options. I have recently hired a fabulous artist, graphic designer and calligrapher, Bess Booth, and she is a great addition. “In addition to our online offerings at scribblerpink.com, we are busy creating holiday cards and ordering creative gifts and other items, like gift tags, stickers and holiday gifts. We also offer guest addressing on your holiday cards. We are offering special sales November and December. Come see us!” The Scribbler is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and offers additional hours by appointment. The Scribbler is located at 2102 C Cahaba Rd., in English Village, 205-271-8135.
Henhouse Antiques Located in charming English Village for 22 years this month, Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques offers beautiful, unique pieces personally selected by owners Barbara Ashford and Judy Hill. In recent years, their daughters, Laura Ashford Gessert and Libby Hill McGowan have joined the business, adding a fresh contemporary look to what has always been a respected curated shop. Pictured above are, from left, Laura Gessert, Barbara Ashford, Judy Hill, Libby McGowan, Jamie Hill Traveling to Europe several times each year, they gather a collection of English, French, Swedish and Italian antiques, which include fur-
nishings as well as beautiful accessories from the traditional to the unexpected. Southern Living Magazine recently selected Henhouse Antiques as one of the best shops in the south. “Our holiday open house is Thursday, November 21st,” said Barbara. “Come join us for food and wine and enjoy the beautiful works of photographer Virginia Jones, jeweler Jamie Hill and artist Susan Walker.” Henhouse Antiques is located at 1900 Cahaba Rd., and their phone number is 205918-0505.
SOUTHERN LIVING MAGAZINE RECENTLY SELECTED HENHOUSE ANTIQUES AS ONE OF THE BEST SHOPS IN THE SOUTH.
English Village • 1900 Cahaba Road 918-0505 www.shophenhouseantiques.com
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Jordan Alexander Jewelry
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 43
ENGLISH VILLAGE
Craftsmanship is essential and noticeably present in every Jordan Alexander piece. The uniqueness of the collection stems from the fact that all of the materials are fashioned as objects of art, intention, and beauty. From precious metals to unique findings to expertly cut, hand-faceted gemstones, each piece is entirely handmade, and therefore one of a kind. Inspired by heritage pieces, such as her grandmother’s pearls, designer Theresa Bruno, (left) takes the accepted classics and adds a feminine and contemporary twist; a touch of contrast, a pop of color, an unexpected reimagining of gold. With each twist, originality and meticulous attention to detail and design remain hallmarks of Jordan Alexander. The brand was established in 2010, and has since attracted a devoted clientele, celebrity wearings and industry accolades from around the world, many of which acknowledge the designer’s unique ability to create a modern and sophisticated jewelry that sets gemstones free and, at times, in motion. During the holiday season Jordan Alexander has several public and private events planned as well as participation in the English Village Open House on Nov. 21. “We have a gorgeous collection and selection of silver, pearl and 18 carat fine jewelry perfect for holiday gifts,” said Theresa. Jordan Alexander is located at 2003 Cahaba Rd., 205-868-1391. “WE HAVE A GORGEOUS COLLECTION AND SELECTION OF SILVER, PEARL AND 18 CARAT FINE JEWELRY PERFECT FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS.”
Little Hardware In 1946, Lewis Little opened the doors of Little Hardware on Avenue F in Ensley. In 1959 after operating there for 13 years, an opportunity presented itself to move to the newly built Mountain Brook Shopping Center adjacent to Mountain Brook Village. Prospective businessman Frank Davies Jr. bought Little Hardware in 1965 from Mr. Little. In addition to being a devoted business-man, Frank Davies Jr. was dedicated to his family. He and his wife had three children, all of whom worked in the store at some point in their lives. His son, Frank Wesley Davies III, permanently joined the team in 1982, which made Little Hardware the family business Mr. Davies Jr. had dreamed about. In 2013 the decision was made to relocate to
English Village in the former Park Lane grocery store location. “We are a family owned and operated business built on service and selection,” said owner, Frank Davies, above, fifth from the left, with members of the Little Hardware team. “We offer barbecue grills, pet food, lawn and garden power equipment, bird feed and feeders. We are a full-line hardware store.” “We have lots of great and practical gifts for everyone. We are open from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Come visit and you may be surprised at all of the things we carry.” Little Hardware is located at 2117 Cahaba Rd. in English Village, 205-871-4616.
HARD TO WRAP HARD EASYTO TO WRAP GIVE HARD EASYTO TO WRAP GIVE EASY TO GIVE
BATTERY-POWERED GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
BATTERY-POWERED FSA 45 BATTERY-POWERED TRIMMER $
BGA 45
“This is a great little trimmer, plenty of $ 00 $ 95 power45 and lightweight, easy to use.” FSA
000 129
– user DrEricMD Includes charger and built-in battery. BATTERY-POWERED TRIMMER
000
$ is a great 00 little trimmer, plenty of “This power and lightweight, easy to use.” Includes charger and built-in battery.
– user DrEricMD
CHAIN SAW
00000 BGA 45 $
Includes charger and built-in battery.
BATTERY-POWERED HANDHELD BLOWER
“It is compact and lightweight.”
2003 Cahaba | EnglishAtelier Village JordanRd. Alexander 205.868.1391 4400 Post Oak Parkway, Suite 108 Houston, Texas 77027 USA
$
00000
MSA 120 C-BQ Includes AK 20 battery and AL 101 charger. BATTERY-POWERED CHAIN SAW
12" bar†
000 129
“I love the lightweight and maneuverability.”
000
00 “I$love the lightweight and maneuverability.”
$ 00 $ 95 BGA – user 45 hillyard14
BATTERY-POWERED HANDHELD BLOWER Includes charger and built-in battery.
$ is compact 00and lightweight.” “It
All prices are DSRP. Available at participating dealers while supplies last. †The actual listed guide bar length can vary from the effective cutting length based on which powerhead it is installed on. © 2018 STIHL “This is a great little trimmer, plenty of – user charger hillyard14 Includes and built-in battery.
power and lightweight, easy to use.”
000 299
$ 00 $ 95 MSA 120 C-BQ – user GrandmaSaw
Includes AK 20 battery and AL 101 charger. BATTERY-POWERED CHAIN SAW
12" bar†
Check out these reviews and others on the product pages at STIHLdealers.com
000 – user GrandmaSaw
Includes AK 20 battery and AL 101 charger.
12" bar†
– user DrEricMD “It is compact and lightweight.” – user hillyard14 effective cutting length based on which powerhead it is installed on. © 2018 STIHL All prices are DSRP. Available at participating dealers while supplies last. †The actual listed guide bar length can vary from the
Check out these reviews and others on the product pages at STIHLdealers.com
“I love the lightweight and maneuverability.” – user GrandmaSaw
Check out these reviews and others on the product pages at STIHLdealers.com All prices are DSRP. Available at participating dealers while supplies last. †The actual listed guide bar length can vary from the effective cutting length based on which powerhead it is installed on. © 2018 STIHL
LITTLE HARDWARE ENGLISH VILLAGE 2117 CAHABA ROAD • 871-4616
jordanalexanderjewelry.com jordanalexanderjewelry.com stephanie@jordanalexanderjewelry.com stephanie@jordanalexanderjewelry.com
MSA 120 C-BQ
00 BATTERY-POWERED GIFTS FOR EVERYONEBATTERY-POWERED ON YOUR LIST BATTERY-POWERED 000 HANDHELD BLOWER
FSA 45charger and built-in battery. Includes BATTERY-POWERED TRIMMER
A Celebration of Vibrant Color & Unique Elegance
GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
44 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
Deck the Hills
T
he holiday season is here again, and celebrations already have begun in Vestavia Hills as the chamber and city host the annual Holiday in the Hills event series. The Chamber of Commerce has been hosting an ongoing Shop, Dine, Play Bingo challenge to encourage holiday shoppers to purchase gifts locally. There are five cards to choose from, which can be picked up at the chamber offices at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center or printed from the chamber website. Each card features an arrangement of local retail businesses and restaurants. When you make a purchase from a participating merchant, mark off their name and store the receipt in an envelope. Each completed Bingo card will count as one entry in a prize drawing.
Bingo cards must be turned in by Nov. 25, and a winner will be drawn at the city’s Tree Lighting Festival. The festival will take place Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at Vestavia Hills City Hall and includes musical entertainment, merchant giveaways and a visit from Santa. Fun for the whole family, the annual Breakfast with Santa will be held Dec. 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Vestavia Hills Civic Center’s Dogwood Room. Citywide festivities will conclude Dec. 8 with the annual Vestavia Hills Christmas Parade and Celebration from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The parade will begin at Liberty Park Sports Complex and travel to Alston Meadows Park, where a holiday celebration will take place. For more information, visit vestaviahills.org. —Emily Williams
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
Vestavia Hills Holiday Celebrations Encourage Shoppers to Buy Local
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
VESTAVIA HILLS
Shop, Dine, Play Bingo
Breakfast with Santa
Vestavia Hills Christmas Parade & Celebration
Tree Lighting Festival
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Land & Sea
“After 17 years as Snapper Grabbers Seafood Market, we finally decided it was time to expand,” said Pam Scott, who owns the business with her husband Kent. “Two-and-a-half years ago we opened Land & Sea, a seafood market, butcher and wine shop and cozy little cafe, all under one roof. Land & Sea offers the community the highest quality of fresh seafood, specialty cuts of meat, and exclusive fine wines. We are committed to sourcing our seafood and meats from all natural, humanely raised animals, assuring our customers that our high standards are being met by local famers and purveyors. “This holiday season we are highlighting the talents of Chef Tim Hughes, above right, (seafood & wine consultant) and Chef Patrick McCown, above left, (butcher shop & café) as
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 45
VESTAVIA HILLS
continuing, dedicated consultants to our customers. Whether planning the perfect holiday meal or intimate gathering for family and friends, our chefs will be happy to assist. “Come by and let Chef Tim build you a custom wine selection for the holiday season. Or, ask Chef Patrick for advice with your center of the plate selection and preparation,” said Pam. At Land & Sea you can count on expert personalized service when it comes to your holiday meal planning. Don’t forget to check out our lunch café (Tues-Sat, 11a.m. to 2 p.m.) and something yummy from our Grab n’ Go cooler while you’re there! Snapper Grabbers Land & Sea is located at 521 Montgomery Hwy in Vestavia Hills, 205824-9799
HOLIDAY GAHTERING?
From left, Linda Willard and DeAnna Lucas are excited to welcome Terri Mundy-Clyce BS, RN to the Salon Summit team. Terri has over 20 years experience in clinical and permanent cosmetics.
Salon Summit
Linda Williams and DeAnna Lucas of Salon Summit feel fortunate to add Terri Mundy BS, RN to the Salon Summit company team. With over 20 years experience in clinical and permanent cosmetics, Terri offers her trademarked ultra-sound facelift, natural brow microblading, and her signature “fresh eyes” permanent eyeliner. The combination of Terri’s nursing skills and extensive PRP research has brought the dynamic DNA Whisperlift Facelift treatment exclusively to Salon Summit. Growth factors are infused in a trademarked method which remodels skin to a noticeably more youthful state with long-lasting results. This treatment is 100 percent non-invasive and completely painless. The newest asset to Salon Summit’s home in Cahaba Heights is Kathy Padgett. Kathy is a
delightfully pleasant personality who is an especially talented colorist. By using KEVIN. MURPHY’s exceptional color, Kathy can confidently analyze, formulate and perform any color service to your satisfaction. “We are proud to offer Farmhouse Fresh, a deliciously grown skincare and organic farm-totable skin and body care line,” said DeAnna. “These products are authentically crafted with organic fruits, vegetables, herbs and small batch liquors from across the United States. “We invite you to book your next appointment with Linda, DeAnna, Paul, Terri, Kathy or Leia by visiting our website salon-summit.com, Facebook, or you can call 205-518-0406.” Salon Summit is located at 3161 Cahaba Heights Rd.
planning a
Come See Us!
Have Lunch at the Café (Tues-Sat 11am-2pm)
Try our "Almost Famous Seafood Gumbo" and take home a pint, quart or gallon for the BIG GAME!
Call us to Pre-order your Shrimp Platter! 205-824-9799
Now Carrying:
Goodness from the Land & Sea
521 MONTGOMERY HWY | VESTAVIA HILLS 205.824.9799 | SNAPPERGRABBERS.COM
Pam
3161 Cahaba Heights Rd, Vestavia Hills 35243, Nextdoor to Saterfields Salon-Summit.com • 205-518-0406
46 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
The Wald Group
VESTAVIA HILLS
Mike and Hayden Wald are a father and son team who specialize in helping Over the Mountain families purchase and sell their homes. They have been the number one agents in Vestavia for years, and last year the Wald Group sold more homes than any other Realty South team in Alabama. “The most exciting thing about the Vestavia market right now is that there are more opportunities for clients to buy a new home than we’ve seen in years,” Mike said. “There are several new neighborhoods under development or in the planning stages with over a hundred homes to be built. “These new neighborhoods are being developed by some of Birmingham’s best builders. They build quality homes Hayden Wald (with his family above) and his father Mike Wald specialize in helping Over the Mountain families purand offer beautiful designs. chase and sell their homes. And, just as important, they offer streamlined systems to help make the process easier for homebuyrently building new homes in Vestavia, and ers. they’re actually enjoying it!” “Hayden and I assist our clients from the For the inside scoop on all of the new lot selection to final walkthrough,” Mike said. “With years of experience in new con- construction opportunities in Vestavia, prospective homebuyers can visit struction, we’re uniquely qualified to help VestaviaNewHomes.com, or call Mike Wald ensure our clients have a successful building experience. at 205-541-0940 and Hayden Wald at 205“We have several clients who are cur919-5535.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Wild Birds Unlimited Wild Birds Unlimited is a unique specialty shop that “brings people and nature together” by sharing the joy of backyard bird feeding. For 28 years Wild Birds Unlimited has provided local communities with the highest quality bird feeders, bird food that is specifically formulated for the birds in our area, bird baths, and unique gifts. “My husband Doyle and I feel blessed to have been able to purchase the store August 1, 2019,” said Tracy Hill. “Doyle is an Army veteran and is in veterinary sales now, so I get to have all the fun at our store! We have a wonderful, trained staff that can answer any questions you might have about the growing hobby of bird feeding. Sharon, Jim, Trish, Debbie and I want to share the joy that comes with seeing beautiful birds come to your yard. “Come in to see the unique and beautiful
items we have for your Christmas gift giving. We have many sizes and colors of hand-tuned Corinthian Bells wind chimes, decorative bird feeders and bird houses, our WBU exclusive Advanced Pole System and our WBU privately branded and fully guaranteed bird feeders. Our Eliminator Squirrel Proof feeder is the best squirrel proof feeder, period! “Come in and discover the special shopping experience that is WBU! Find items you won’t find anywhere else and support our small, locally owned business. We can help you discover the joy of bird feeding! We offer complimentary gift wrapping for all of your gift purchases.” “Merry Christmas from Tracy and Doyle Hill and the staff of Wild Birds Unlimited,” located at 1580 Montgomery Hwy, 205-8236500.
Happy Holidays! from
Wild Birds Unlimited
Pure joy is when you realize you’ve found the perfect house and your kids love the neighborhood! We understand just how important it is to you and your family to find the perfect house. With decades of experience, we have the market knowledge to help you make it happen — even in a tight seller’s market. Trust the over the mountain experts. The right real estate agents can make all the difference. Start your search now at FindThePerfectHouse.com
Mike Wald 205.541.0940
Hayden Wald 205.919.5585
Stacy Mitchell 205.994.5903
Kim Rohloff 205.396.8446
Katie LaRussa 205.447.5154
BIRDFOOD FEEDERS
GARDEN ACCENTS
UNIQUE GIFTS 1580 Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham 823-6500 • www.wbu.com/birmingham
from
The Clotheshorse - a designer consignment store -
“Coming up on our two-year anniversary the Wild Things team has been busy at work, flowering all over Birmingham and beyond,” said owner Carolyn Chen, above. If you haven’t inside their shop yet, it’s a Thebeen Clotheshorse must-visit for the holiday Part eclectic Clotheshorse (noun) season. 1. informal. a person gift shop, part floral studio—the eccentric design whose chief interest and pleasure is dressing and florists at work will draw you in right away. fashionably. Inside can purchase has bespoke Theyou Clostheshorse beenarrangements, providing conflowers by the stem and bouquets, as that well fill as your signing and shopping experiences beautiful greeting cards, potted plants, succufashion needs in the same business district in lents, coffee-table and candles. Vestavia Hills forbooks 27 years. “We now have over Wildconsignors Things is the perfect one-stop-shop forsaid 9,500 from around the country,” all of your holiday and with gifts. her Becky Segar, whodecorating owns the needs business “Don’tTim, forgetpictured to sign up for our next workhusband above with shop dog shop and order your holiday centerpieces, mailRegan. box “We arrangements, garland wreaths early, ” chilcarry clothing forand women, men and dren.Chen. We take in the highest demand brands said along with great of new Look outafor the selection Wild Things Blog jewelry launching geared toward giving. in November forgift featured weddings and events, “We decorating are open Monday-Saturday a.m.-6 seasonal ideas and tips and 10 tricks on p.m.” arranging. flower The Clotheshorse is located 2512 Wild Things is located at 2815Bat18th St.Rocky S., Ridge Rd., Ste. 104, in Rocky Ridge Plaza, and Homewood, 703-8821.wildthingsbhm.com, The Barn - Men’s, Children’s and Clearance at hello@wildthingsbhm.com
Now open in our new locations! Women’s
Rocky Ridge Plaza Suite 104 2512 Rocky Ridge Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
Men’s, Children’s and Clearance The Barn 3365 Morgan Drive, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Monday-Saturday 10 AM- 6 PM.
3365 Morgan Dr., 205-823-9144.
Closed Sunday• 205.823.9144 shoptheclotheshorse.com
VHHS Mock Trial Team, OTM Schools Win Big at State Conference
Members of the Vestavia Hills High School Mock Trial Team, sponsored by English teacher Michael Sinnott, recently earned high praise at the Alabama YMCA Youth Judicial Conference in Montgomery. The annual three-day conference is the state’s largest mock trial tournament, with more than 600 students in grades nine-12 participating. The competition took place Nov. 2-4 in the federal courthouse and Montgomery County Courthouse. VHHS Team 353 earned the Justice Hugh Maddox Award, presented to the best overall team. Team members are Ryan Conn, Sarah Beth Corona, Carter Dewees, Safa Khan, Jacob Moore, Riya Parikh, William Seitz and Whitt Shuemaker. In addition to the VHHS team, local high school students earned top recognition in the Major League competition. Spain Park High School’s Sawyer Smith
was named Most Outstanding Defense Attorney, and Chloe Annakin earned Most Outstanding Defense Witness. In the prosecution category, best team awards were given to Spain Park High School’s Team 201, first; and VHHS team 304, third. In defense, the best teams recognized were Hoover High School’s 254, first; VHHS team 355, second; and Spain Park team 251, third. In the Premiere League competition, Homewood High School’s Trey Lemmon earned Most Outstanding Attorney. Best teams in prosecution in that league included Hoover High School team 233, second. Best defense teams included Spain Park’s 281, first; and Homewood’s 381, second. Teams moving on to the National Judicial Competition in Chicago in August will be VHHS’s team 353, Hoover High School’s team 254 and Spain Park’s team 281.
Edgewood’s Castle Named State Art Teacher of the Year
Edgewood Elementary School art teacher Celia Castle has been awarded Alabama Art Teacher of the Year by the Alabama Art Educators’ Association. This is Castle’s 10th year teaching art education at Edgewood. She received her award at the AAEA’s Fall Conference, held Oct. 25-27 at Camp McDowell.
Photo special to the Journal
Happy Holidays!
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 47
History Comes to Life at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School Becky Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 November 2019 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the November 14, 2019 issue.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!
What do Pocahontas, Helen Keller, Abraham Lincoln and Mia Hamm have in common? All three historical figures were among the many represented in a special history presentation conducted by third grade students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School. Students each chose a famous person from U.S. history to read about. After researching, they wrote a book report and gave an oral presentation on it. In addition, each student dressed up as their chosen character, giving classmates the opportunity to see what each person looked like while they learned about the individual’s contribution to the world. The project is designed to help develop the students’ writing skills and speech presentation abilities at the same time.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
by Kathy Harris
Complete Design Service
Home Furnishings, Antiques, Gifts and Much More 3157 Cahaba Heights Road, Vestavia • 205.970.4161
Photo special to the Journal
To: From: Date:
VESTAVIA HILLS/SCHOOLS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
48 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SCHOOLS
205.638.PIRC (7472)
PIRC
Navigating the mental health system for children and teens
Photo courtesy Homewood City Schools
Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)
Samford University’s 2019 Learning for Life Honorees Alice Laurendine, Chandra Sparks Splond, Alice Laurendine, Heather Hurt, John Lowry and Pat Wingfield.
Shades Cahaba Principal Chosen as Samford’s 2019 Learning for Life Honoree Samford University recently announced Shades Cahaba Elementary School Principal Dr. John Lowry as its 2019 Learning for Life Award honoree. The award honors outstanding education alumni who have had a significant effect in the lives of others. In 2015, in celebration of its 100th anniversary, Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education established the
Learning for Life Award to honor graduates who exemplify leadership in the classroom, school administration, churches, mission organizations, nonprofits, businesses, volunteer organizations and more. Lowry has been principal of Shades Cahaba since 2013, serving the school previously as assistant principal for three years. Before joining Homewood
schools, he began his administrative career at Creek View Elementary. Lowry earned his bachelor’s in elementary education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Montevallo. He completed his doctorate at Samford in 2018.
The PIRC is generously supported by additional funding from the Hill Crest Foundation, Brasfield and Gorrie, LLC, and the Gorrie family.
l
l
l
PIRC, based at Children’s of Alabama, is a confidential phone response center linking adult callers to mental health resources for children and teens. Service is provided by licensed mental health professionals who educate callers and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. PIRC hours are 8 am — 11 pm, 7 days a week.
PIRC is NOT a crisis or suicide hotline. Call for mental health resources.
The Hoover City Schools community will gather Dec. 2 as the board of education hosts an Equity and Educational Initiatives Forum. According to school officials, the event will serve as an opportunity to hear from Hoover students, teachers, parents and HCS leadership regarding ongoing school-and-district-based initiatives in the areas of equity and cultural competence. Special guests for the evening will be Dr. Donna Elam and Dr. Verdell Roberts of the Elam Leadership Institute, a network of leading research and development professionals focused on the challenges and importance of equity and supporting initiatives in education through research, policy and practice. The program is open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. at Hoover High School.
Writer’s Café Authors Include POP School Alumna
Prince of Peace Catholic School held a Writer’s Cafe Oct. 22 to showcase student writing portfolios to their families and to provide a forum for
Photo courtesy POP
Hoover to Host Equity and Educational Forum
From left, Wyatt Carter, local author Charles Ghigna, Finn Mooney and John Jordan at Prince of Peace Catholic School’s Writer’s Cafe, held Oct. 22. local writers to share their talents and experiences. Parents and other relatives decorated Deasy Hall, where portfolios were displayed. Local award-winning author Charles Ghigna, also known as Father Goose, and writer Sally Dollar hosted a discussion on books and writing. Prince of Peace Catholic School
Bluff Park WindoW Works f Wood window restoration and repair f Sash replacement, rot repair f Replace broken and fogged glass f Wood insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes
Call 205-542-6094
LocaLLy owned and operated
2012 alumna Cecilia Wood was one of the four writers who spoke to the middle school students. Wood is a senior at Auburn University, where she is editor-in-chief of the Auburn Circle and lead consultant at the Auburn University Miller Writing Center, and where she writes a blog called Sunny Side Cecilia. Other speakers included Brian Connell of The Connell School of Writing; former POP English teacher Rachel Mobley; and Patricia Shannon, beauty and lifestyle editor for Southern Living. The speakers talked about their particular writing specialties, their educational backgrounds and their career paths. They took questions from the students and encouraged them to continue to improve their writing skills in high school and college.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SCHOOLS
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 49
“Freight Train” 50 • Thursday, November 14, 2019
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Hoover players, it’s art. The art of football, in my mind, has to be understood and catered to, reducing the opponent’s ability to predict our plan of execution.” Hayes will be looking to do more damage when Hoover (9-2) visits James Clemens (9-2) in a second-round game Friday at 7 p.m. at Madison City Stadium.
Hayes Carried the Load for Bucs’ Football Team
Hoover senior running back Anthony Hayes was dubbed the “Freight Train” when he was in the sixth grade. “They called me that because I would often drag multiple players along with me to get a few extra yards,” Hayes said. The “Freight Train” has been carrying the load for the Hoover Bucs for most of the second half of this high school football season. With senior quarterback Robby Ashford (foot) and junior running back Dylan Pauley (knee) sidelined with injuries, Hayes more than picked up the slack. Hayes grabbed the spotlight in a 42-35 victory against crosstown rival Spain Park, rushing for 284 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries. Among his scores were a 91-yard run in the first half and a 31-yard run with 2:38 remaining in the fourth quarter to break a 35-35 tie. “That night I had fire in my belly,” Hayes said. “I was determined to make my team, my town and my family proud.” The “Freight Train” hasn’t slowed down since. Against arch-rival Vestavia Hills the following week, Hayes scored three touchdowns, including the game-winner on an 11-yard run with 40 seconds remaining as the Bucs rallied to beat the Rebels 34-28. Earlier in the fourth quarter with the Bucs down 28-20, Hayes caught a screen pass and
scampered 31 yards for a touchdown to jumpstart the comeback. Hayes finished with 24 carries for 113 yards and two touchdowns and had three receptions for 85 yards and a score. Against Mountain Brook, he lived up to his nickname when he caught a pass and then ran over a would-be tackler on the way to the end zone, a 32-yard touchdown reception. He also rushed 15 times for 73 yards and a score on an 8-yard run. In the Bucs’ 38-7 loss to nationally ranked IMG Academy in Hoover’s regular-season finale, Hayes rushed for 45 yards and scored Hoover’s only touchdown on a 3-yard run in the second quarter. In Hoover’s 21-3 Class 7A first-round playoff victory against Sparkman last week, Hayes led the Bucs with 63 yards rushing on 14 carries. Hoover coach Josh Niblett understands why the 5-foot-10, 205-pound Hayes earned the nickname “Freight Train.” “He’s a big kid who’s put together, and he’s so strong,” Niblett said. “He’s a power runner, but he also picks up blitzes and he catches the ball out of the backfield. He’s an every down back. “He’s had a huge impact on our offense. We’re fortunate to have him around. He practices hard and he plays hard, so what he’s doing is not by accident.”
Reconstituting the Team
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
By Rubin E. Grant
With senior quarterback Robby Ashford (foot) and junior running back Dylan Pauley (knee) sidelined with injuries, Hayes (6) more than picked up the slack. Ashford (16) and Pauley both returned against Sparkman.
Understanding the Art of Football
Even though he’s a load to try to bring down, Hayes doesn’t believe that’s his best trait. “The most important skills for my team are perseverance and determination,” Hayes explained. “We do our best when we capitalize on opportunities. To be an effective team member at Hoover, I feel like I have to be a student of the game. “My football IQ is the most important skill. I know that I have to be able to read a defense and understand the opponent’s body language. That isn’t just X’s and O’s on a white board for
Ashford and Pauley both returned against Sparkman. The Bucs went 6-1 when back-up quarterbacks Josh Lundy and Evan Reeder were filling in for Ashford. “It was weird playing without Robby and Dylan. I have been playing with Robby for six years now. There is a natural chemistry that Robby and I have on the field, having been in the backfield together for so long. “Lundy and Reeder have been phenomenal in their ability to execute while Robby was out.” Pauley’s return means double trouble for Hoover’s opponents for the rest of the playoffs. Hayes doesn’t mind that he will be sharing the load again. “Dylan’s presence on the field helps with the mental and emotional recovery when our opponent makes a big play,” Hayes said. This is primarily because he is the best at resetting. He helps us keep focused on ‘one down at a time.’” And on any down when Hayes has the ball in his hands, look out for the “Freight Train.”
First Round Playoff Scores
Briarwood Christian (10-1) 42, Marbury (6-5) 26 Pinson Valley (8-2) 42, Homewood (4-7) 7 James Clemens (9-2) 21, Vestavia Hills (7-4) 20 Florence (7-4) 24, Mountain Brook (8-3) 21
SPARTANS ment win. Moving forward, I knew we could do some things.” The Spartans certainly did do some things, setting a school-record for wins with a 59-7 record and winning the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A state championship for the first time since claiming three consecutive titles from 20142016. “You don’t set out saying you’re going to win 59 matches,” Nichols said. “But as time went on and we kept winning, I said, ‘This is pretty incredible.’” The Spartans entered the season ranked No. 1 in Class 7A and closed the regular season ranked No. 1. They won the top three tournaments played in the Birmingham metropolitan area: the Boddie, the Heffstrong Tournament at Spain Park and the Margaret Blalock Invitational at Homewood. And for good measure, they won an out-of-state tournament, capturing the Rocky Top Classic in Sevierville, Tennessee. Mountain Brook also won its area and the North Super Regional at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.
Slaying at Championships
But the big payoff came in the 49th AHSAA Elite Eight State Volleyball Championships Oct. 30-31 at the Birmingham Crossplex and Bill
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
From page 52
Greer Golden (3) had four kills, four assist blocks and a solo block for the Spartans.
Harris Arena. The Spartans, simply put, were incredible, losing only one set in three games while capturing the state title. “I feel like when we played against better competition, we played at a high level,” senior outside hitter Grace Carr said. “I think our competitiveness and passion came out.” Mountain Brook opened the tournament with a three-set sweep of Auburn, 25-7, 25-14, 25-14, in the first round. Carr notched 11 kills and 12 digs; Celie Field had eight kills and seven digs; Mary Katherine Fowlkes added eight kills; and Ann Vandevelde had 26 assists and nine digs. Field and Carr also had four aces each. In the semifinals, the Spartans beat rival Hoover 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-22, 25-11). Ann Vandevelde had 32 assists and nine digs. Fowlkes added 14 kills and Field had 10 kills. In the championship game,
Mountain Brook swept two-time defending champion McGill-Toolen (39-10) in a highly competitive match, winning 25-21, 28-26, 25-23. While the hitters scored points on both sides, it was the defensive effort that made the final a classic to remember. Mountain Brook recorded 86 digs, with Liz Vandevelde leading the way with 22. Carr had 19 digs, Evelyn King 18 and Ann Vandevelde 11. Carr also had 14 kills, three assists and one service ace. Fowlkes had 10 kills, Field had eight kills, and Ann Vandevelde had eight kills and 33 assists. Greer Golden added four kills, four assist blocks and a solo block. Hannah Hitson recorded three kills, and Kate Amberson had four digs. Carr was named the Most Valuable Player, while Fowlkes and Ann Vandevelde were named All-
Tournament. Mountain Brook and McGillToolen had split their two regular-season matchups, but it was the Dirty Dozen who had eliminated the Spartans in the Elite Eight semifinals in 2017 and 2018. “Beating McGill made the victory that much sweeter,” Fowlkes said. “We played our best match in the championship game and that made it even more rewarding.” The Spartans had adopted a “refuse to lose” motto throughout the season, and it showed against the Dirty Dozen. “Once we made it to the final, we put everything we had into that one last game,” Carr said.
Emotional Win
With the championship secured, the Spartans erupted in an emotional celebration. Nichols, finishing her third season as head coach, said it was the
most emotion she had seen her team display during the course of the season. “It was exciting to see that they enjoyed the moment,” Nichols said. “I think we’re all extremely passionate,” Fowlkes said. “We’re so focused and so intense. We don’t win off emotion, but by playing boldly and consistently. A lot of us cried at the end because all our hard work had paid off and we let it show with our emotions.” Carr said, “For a lot of the seniors, this was their last game, so I think that’s when the emotion came out.” Throughout the season, seniors Carr, Fowlkes, Amberson and twins Ann and Liz Vandevelde led the Spartans. But make no mistake, this was a team championship. “It took every single player for us to win it,” Nichols said. “In my first two seasons, I had only one senior, so it helped to have some maturity and leadership. That definitely made a difference.” Nichols won two state championships as a player at the former Bradshaw High School in Florence, but it was nothing like this title. “Winning a high school state championship as a coach is a special feeling,” she said. The Spartans are still coming to grips with being state champions. “Every single day, we are starting to realize that we actually won,” Carr said. “We worked hard. I’m proud of what we accomplished.”
Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 51
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
West, Strand Claim Titles to Make Cross-Country State Meet Extra Special for Vestavia Hills
Vestavia Hilis sophomore Crawford West’s victory in the Class 7A girls state cross-country meet last Saturday might have surprised some, but not Rebels boys champion Ethan Strand. Strand expected it. “I told her from the beginning of the season that she could do it,” Strand said. “She just works really hard and she kept getting better every week. I knew if she continued to get better she would be ready for anything.” West was more than a little skeptical of Strand’s optimistic outlook. After all, she had finished 30th as a freshman in the 2018 state meet. “I didn’t believe him when he said that at the beginning of the season,” West said. But Strand proved to be prophetic. West finished the 5K course with a winning time of 18:07.92, nearly four seconds ahead of Auburn senior Samantha Rogers, who clocked in at 18:11.31, in the 64th Alabama High School Athletic Association Cross Country Championships at the Oakville Indian Mounds Park & Museum. “She was a dark horse,” Vestavia Hills coach Brett Huber said. “I thought Samantha Rogers was going to win it, but Crawford closed fast on the last straight away.” West’s strategy going into the race was to finish strong. “I knew coming in I would have to stay with the top girls and not let them get too big of a gap because at the end of the race I knew I could out-kick them,” West said. “I remember
HOMEWOOD From page 52
Jackson Merrell coming in sixth at 16:11.68 and sophomore Jack Harchelroad finishing seventh in 16:16.70. Their efforts propelled the Patriots to their eighth consecutive Class 6A state championship as Homewood finished with 38 points, easily outpacing second-place St. Paul’s Episcopal with 80 points and third-place Cullman with 97 points. “The guys stepped up to the challenge,” Donaldson said. “I asked them what they were willing to sacrifice to reap a reward, and they sacrificed and they reaped the reward of a state championship.”
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
By Rubin E. Grant
Ethan Strand, a junior, won the boys Class 7A individual title. Crawford West finished the 5K course with a winning time of 18:07.92.
passing the other girl (Rogers) at the end and I didn’t think she was going to pass me. “I was so happy I started crying. My parents were shocked. They’ve always pushed me to do my best. They were crying they were so happy.” Strand was ecstatic. “That was awesome,” he said. “I’m glad for her. She worked so hard and I’m glad to see it pay off.” West became Vestavia Hills’ first individual girls state champion since Laurel Pritchard won three consecutive titles from 2003-2005.
Other Winners in the Girls Tournament
Mountain Brook freshman Reagan Riley was
Homewood Girls Log Second Consecutive Championship
Meanwhile, the Patriots’ girls won their second straight championship and their third in four years. The Patriots finished with 33 points, well ahead of second-place Fort Payne with 68 points and third-place St. Paul’s with 97 points. As usual, senior Lainey Phelps led the way. She won her second straight title and third in four years with a time of 18:14.69, far ahead of Isabel Valenzuela of St. Paul’s, who finished at 18:38.31. “I wanted to go out hard,” Phelps said. “I didn’t quite hit the 2-mile time I wanted, but I did what I needed to do. I am glad to do what I did for the team.” Donaldson is running out of superlatives to describe Phelps. “What more can you say about
third with a time of 18:22.09, followed by Auburn senior Harper McGowan (18:27.97) and Mountain Brook senior Lily Hulsey (18:30.40). Auburn and Mountain Brook finished tied in the team standings with 41 points each, when counting the top five finishers. But after going to the sixth runner tiebreaker, Auburn claimed its second consecutive Class 7A title. Baker was third with 124 points; followed by Hewitt-Trussvile, 148; Vestavia Hills, 157; and Oak Mountain, 177. Mountain Brook had three other runners garner All-State medals by finishing in the top 15. Junior Elizabeth Robertson (18:53.70) was ninth, eighth-grader Mary Katherine Malone (18:55.29) was 10th and senior Sabina Ortiz (19:03.43) was 14th. Meanwhile, Strand, a junior, won the boys Class 7A individual title with the best time of the day in the entire meet with a 15:18.58 finish.
“This was a special day today,” Huber said. “It’s the first time we’ve ever had the boy and girl individual winner. “Ethan always has his eye on the prize. He always finds a way to win.” Strand won for the second consecutive year. “Winning doesn’t get old,” he said. “There’s nothing like it. I’m glad because it helped the team do something good.”
Other Winners in the Boys Tournament
The Rebels finished as the boys’ runners-up with 47 points. Huntsville won its second straight title with 26 points. Huntsville was led by Jackson Danner’s 15:31.37, good for third place, and had five runners earn All-State medals. Vestavia Hills had three other runners finish who earned All-State. Senior John Ingram (15:50.99) was ninth, senior Andrew Precise (16:00.28) was 10th, and freshman Alex Leath (16:03.37) was 13th. Oak Mountain’s Walker Cole finished second to Strand with a time of 15:24.35. Hoover’s Owen Marquardt (16:04.22) was 14th.
Auburn and Mountain Brook finished tied in the team standings with 41 points each, when counting the top five finishers. But after going to the sixth runner tiebreaker, Auburn claimed its second consecutive Class 7A title.
Lainey,” he said. “She’s something special. Her drive and determination to go out there and put it on the line each race and even in the training she does sets her apart. She sets goals for herself and then pushes herself to attain them. “We’re definitely going to miss her next year.” The Patriots had three other runners in the top eight. Freshman Marin Poleshek was third with a time of 19:12.54, senior Celie Jackson finished sixth in 19:30.69, and junior Victoria Thompson was eighth, clocking 19:47.20. The Patriots swept the team titles for the second consecutive year. Donaldson said it’s a tribute to the hard work the runners put in. “They bring energy every day,” Donaldson said. “It’s truly remarkable what these kids accomplished.”
Homewood had four runners among the top eight finishers, from left, Jack Harchelroad, Carson Bedics, Jon Fielding Stogner and Jackson Merrell.
Now Hiring
Homewood girls won their second straight championship and their third in four years.
Apply in Person or Online 6401 Tattersall Park Drive Hoover, AL 35242 Monday - Sunday 8am - 8pm www.walkons.com/jobs
“Freight Train”: Hayes Carried the Load for Bucs’ Football Team. Page 50
SPORTS
West, Strand Claim Titles to Make Cross-Country State Meet Extra Special for Vestavia Hills. Page 51
Thursday, November 14, 2019 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Stogner Steps Up, Phelps Outclasses Competition as Homewood Sweeps Class 6A State Cross-Country Titles
In the championship game, Mountain Brook swept two-time defending champion McGill-Toolen (39-10) in a highly competitive match, winning 25-21, 28-26, 25-23.
‘REFUSE TO LOSE’
State Volleyball Championship Caps Magical Season for Mountain Brook By Rubin E. Grant
Grace Carr was named the Most Valuable Player in the Class 7A state tournament.
When Mountain Brook beat Briarcrest Christian School in the final of the Juanita Boddie Invitational in August at the Hoover Finley Center, Spartans head volleyball coach Vickie Nichols didn’t realize how big a deal it was. Nichols knew the victory meant the Spartans were champions of the Boddie tournament for the first time in school history, and she knew it came against a quality opponent from Shelby County, Tennessee. She just didn’t know how good Briarcrest really was, although it was the top seed in the tournament. “I found out Briarcrest was ranked in the top 25 in the nation for a while,” Nichols said. The loss was one of only two setbacks Briarcrest suffered during the season, as it went 33-2-1 and won its second consecutive Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Division II-AA volleyball state championship. The victory against Briarcrest gave Nichols an idea that the 2019 season could be special for the Spartans. “We beat a solid team,” Nichols said. “That was a big stateSee SPARTANS, page 50
Just before the start of the state cross-country meet last Saturday, Homewood junior Jon Fielding Stogner received a text message from Crawford Hope. Hope had been the Patriots’ top runner all fall but was not allowed to run in the sectional and state meets for disciplinary reasons. All he could do was cheer on his teammates from home. “He texted me that he believed in me,” Stogner said. “That inspired me.” Stogner was so inspired that he went out and won the Class 6A boys race in the 64th Alabama High School Athletic Association Cross Country Championships at the Oakville Indian Mounds Park & Museum. Stogner finished the 5K course with a time of 15:51.8, bettering senior teammate Carson Bedics,
who clocked 15:57.96 to take second. “It’s hard to believe I won,” Stogner said. “I knew Crawford was our top guy, but I had to step up and compete at a high level. Everyone on the team did.” Homewood coach Josh Donaldson had no doubt that Stogner would step up. “I knew what he had in him,” Donaldson said. “He’s been running behind Crawford all season, so I knew he had what it took to take this race.” Bedics’ second-place finish was just as impressive, considering he dealt with a foot injury that sidelined him for much of the summer. “He had a serious injury, and he really came back and ran hard,” Stogner said. “We were so excited about finishing 1-2.” Homewood had four runners finish in the top seven with senior See HOMEWOOD, page 51
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
By Rubin E. Grant
Homewood’s Lainey Phelps and Jon Fielding Stogner.
BIRMINGHAM THE SUMMIT | 209 SUMMIT BLVD. | BIRMINGHAM, AL | P: 205-970-9758
MONDAY–SATURDAY 10AM – 8PM SUNDAY 12 – 6PM
Birmingham_OverTheMountain_Dec19.copy.indd 1
11/6/19 1:51 PM