OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
SOCIAL
SPORTS
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017
A Thanksgiving to Remember
A Trip to Disney is Just One More Way the Area is Supporting Mountain Brook Cancer Patient “Super Sam” By Sarah Kuper
F
or more than a year, the Over the Mountain community has been rallying around 5-yearold cancer patient Sam Hodnett, more affectionately known as “Super Sam.” Now, after months of support from family, friends and people he doesn’t
even know, Sam and his family are getting a Thanksgiving to remember at Disney World from one Alabama organization. The Crestline Elementary kindergartener was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in the spring of 2016. Sam’s mother, Amanda Hodnett, said she initially thought he may just need glasses, but during his exam the doctor saw pressure behind his eye. They headed to Children’s for an MRI. “We thought it was silly doing the MRI and that it would be nothing,” See SAM, page 16
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
‘He was paralyzed after the surgery but now he is walking again. His hair is coming back. He is the same Sam he was before, very shy but very strong and very brave.’
DISNEY MAGIC MOMENT Sam Hodnett and his mother Amanda, to the news he and his family will be spending Thanksgiving at Disney World. Alabama nonprofit Magic Moments is sending Sam and his family to Disney as part of a wish-granting program for children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions.
INSIDE
THANKSGIVING TREATS AwardWinning Local Chefs Reflect on Unique and Traditional Recipes PAGE 14
HERE COME THE HOLIDAYS Time to Check Out Our Annual Toy Story and Holiday Gift Guide PAGE 26
MERRY IN MOUNTAIN BROOK Mountain Brook Villages Plan a Series of Events to Welcome the Holidays PAGE 34
2 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
All Together
Hands On Birmingham Hosts Annual Family Volunteer Day For this year’s Family Volunteer Day, Hands On Birmingham will be hosting five volunteer projects around the city, in partnership with the United Way of Central Alabama. According to organization officials, the day of service was created to provide families with an opportunity to give back to the community together. “With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this is an opportunity for families to help others in need and promote the ‘giving spirit’ around the holidays,” said development manager Anna Goodwyn. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Nov. 18, with volunteers reporting to one of the five project sites. The projects this year will include trail clean up at the Alabama Wildlife Center, along with making suet cakes for the wildlife patients. At the Brookside Boys and Girls Club, families will be washing vans and decorating the center’s entrance for the holiday season. Families also can help out in the Wylam neighborhood, in western Jefferson County, with general clean up and the installation of two trash receptacles. The project is part of the United Way’s Love Your Block initiative. At the Moss Rock Nature Preserve, participants will be removing privet piles from a glade and seeding new plants near Patton Chapel Road. A favorite project each year, volunteering at the North Hill Nursing Facility, already was full at the time of publication. Each project will include snacks and water for volunteers, and close-toed shoes are encouraged for any outdoor projects. “Volunteering as a family provides quality time for busy families and strengthens communication and family bonds that positively impact local communities across the nation,” Goodwyn said. To sign up to volunteer, visit handsonbirmingham.org. — Emily Williams
IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN 4 PEOPLE 8 NEWS 12 LIFE 14 SOCIAL 18
WEDDINGS 25 GIFT GUIDE 26 BUSINESS 42 SCHOOLS 44 SPORTS 48
ON OTMJ.COM
There’s so much happening in the Over the Mountain area, we can’t fit it all in the paper! Visit www.otmj.com for more stories and photos.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
J O U R N A L November 16, 2017 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Sarah Kuper, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Blake Ells, Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, Jordan Wald, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Sam Prickett Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Vol. 28, No. 8
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 2017 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.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
OPINION/CONTENTS
MURPHY’S LAW
F
Game: Stop
Like the wand store in the Harry Potter movies, the game store walls or once, I find that I am almost were lined with alien packaging and I done with my Christmas shopping. (Don’t hate me.) The only had no idea where to start. Trying to people I have left on my list are my maintain my dignity in front of my grandchildren, I handed the clerk the grandchildren. My granddaughters slip of paper where I had written down both want dolls, so that’s easy. Barbie exactly what we needed. Recognizing and I go way back. My 2-year-old me as a video lost cause (I mean I had grandson loves construction vehicles, written it down on a piece of paper … so if I find something with giant tires ), he kindly plucked the reader from and a scoop on the front, I’ll be golden. My 8-year-old grandson, however, the wall and took my credit card. wants video games, and that will be a I suspect, however, that the clerk also pegged me as an easy grandma challenge. mark, so when my grandson pointed I may have subconsciously dragged out a sign featuring the Zippo 2017, my feet doing his shopping because Sue Murphy the clerk casually mentioned that the I’m suffering from PTGGS (Post Zippo representative was coming Traumatic Grandma Gaming I may have that afternoon to do a demonstraSyndrome). I don’t do well with video games. They involve subconsciously dragged tion. When I hesitated, he added, machines, my arch-nemesis, and “They’re giving away color-changmy feet doing his you are invariably faced with an ing logo cups to anyone who drops electronic opponent who is smarter shopping because I’m by.” My grandson looked up at me and faster than you…or maybe just those earnest, patient eyes, and suffering from PTGGS with me. By the time I figure out how to I knew we’d be back. use the controls, my character has When we returned, the new sys(Post Traumatic already been stomped by a monster tem was indeed set up in all its Grandma Gaming or fallen off a cliff. My grandson glory and was running some game has been very patient with my where the object was to cover Syndrome). doomed efforts, and I want to buy everything with paint, which looked a whole lot less painful than repeathim exactly what he wants. I’m his grandma. That’s my job. edly falling off a cliff. However, it Last summer, my grandson was pining for a new was also surrounded by a gaggle of Big Bang Theory gaming system, the Zippo 2017 or something like extras who had brought their own controllers, probably in monogrammed controller cases, although I didn’t that. He spent hours watching people on YouTube simply take it out of the box. The system is expensive, and actually see them. We stood there and stood there but his parents wisely set up a chores = savings system to we didn’t stand a chance, so we collected our colorhelp him purchase it. And as much as I love being the changing cups and went home to play with the little critter who had (miracle of miracles) made it into the grandma hero, I didn’t want to derail that. game my grandson already had. What I could do was help him get some new fuzzy I don’t know anything about video games, but I will little character into his existing game system. After sevstrive to overcome my PTGGS this holiday season eral failed attempts, we read the directions and found because of my kind, patient, hard-working little that we needed a relatively inexpensive reader, so I gamely said, “Let’s go get one.” guy. I’m his grandma. That’s my job. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish? “Honey ham, because I don’t like turkey.” Autumn Tate Homewood
“Hash brown casserole, because my mom makes it every year so I look forward to it.” Taylor Searcy Homewood “My Grandfather’s grape leaves, we are Lebanese and we use it as an excuse to eat more Labenese food.” Marisa Sitz Homewood “Corn bread dressing, because my nana makes it.” Kaitlyn Hale Homewood
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 3
ABOUT TOWN
the shops of
Canterbury
Road
Hospitality and unique gifts found in the local shops of Canterbury Road in Mountain Brook Village.
For him, a snap tray or a leather card case is sure to please, $20 and $29.
Antiquities, 870-1030.
Adorable four piece toddler feeding set, available in seven designs. Fun for little ones, dishwasher safe, and unbreakable!
Christine’s Across the Street, 871-6611.
Keep your hands warm and fingers free. Hand knit handwarmers in a selection of colors and designs.
Christine’s on Canterbury, 871-8297.
18” Tracey Necklace with Christy Pendant, with free custom engraving, $249.
Ex Voto Vintage Jewelry, 538-7301.
100% cool & comfy cotton PJs! by Needham Lane (several styles and lots of cute patterns)!
Hammitt Los Angeles handbags, purses and clutches.
Marguerite’s Conceits, 879-2730.
The Village Poodle, 423-5443.
4 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
 Junior League Moves Market Noel to the Met
NOVEMBER 16 - 30 Thurs., Nov. 16 BIRMINGHAM
Photo special to the Journal
Iron Bowl Kickoff Casino Party The Club A pre-party reception is scheduled from 6-7 p.m. with the party to follow from 7-11 p.m. featuring casino tables with celebrity football player dealers, live music by the Negotiators, complimentary open bar and cocktail buffet, silent and live auction, football scoreboard and a fireworks show. Proceeds benefit the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation. For more information, visit reedgifoundation.com.
Nov. 16-19 BIRMINGHAM
H. Goose creates watches for the activities you make time to enjoy. When you trade your wingtips for boat shoes or your blazer for a hunting jacket, a high quality, military-grade field watch from H. Goose is one part of your wardrobe that can stay right where it is.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Virginia Samford Theatre STARS program members will perform in this holiday favorite Thurs. and Fri. at 7:30 p.m., Sat. at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 adult and $15 students. For more information, visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org.
Nov. 16-Dec. 3 Â HOMEWOOD/MOUNTAIN BROOK
The Salvation Army Angel Tree Brookwood Village Brookwood Village is continuing to partner with the Salvation Army and WBRC Fox 6 for the annual Gifts for Kids Angel Tree Program. Select an angel, shop for the items and return your new, unwrapped gifts at the same location by Dec. 3. For more information, visit shopbrookwoodvillage. com/events.
1811 29th Ave. South I Downtown Homewood, AL 35209 205.874.1044 I wallace-burke.com
Fri., Nov. 17 BIRMINGHAM
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Blue Jeans and Baskets Bash The Haven Support Firehouse Ministries in their care for the homeless from 6-9 p.m. Event festivities include silent and live auction items and giveaways. $50 tickets include complimentary beer and wine, live music by JKO and food. For more information, visit firehouseshelter. presencehost.net. VESTAVIA HILLS
For its annual holiday-themed fundraiser, the Junior League of Birmingham is hosting Market Noel Nov. 15-18 in the new Finley Center at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. More than 100 vendors will be on hand to sell handcrafted goods, clothing, accessories, artwork and more. The event kicked off Wednesday with Preview Noel. Festivities included hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, beer tastings, private shopping and a diamond drop. The general event shopping hours will be Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $12. Friday night, from 6 to 8 p.m., will be Market Bliss – A Night of Beauty and Bubbles. The event includes a beauty bar from Tonya Jones Salon, a pop-up shop from Skin Wellness Center of Alabama, cocktails, champagne and a dessert bar. Tickets are $36. On Saturday, the league will host its annual Rock the Runway fashion show from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with mimosas, a coffee bar and brunch bites. Styles will include mommy & me pieces from Lilly Pulitzer and Avani Rupa. tickets are $24. All of the proceeds from ticket sales will support the more than 35 community projects that the Junior League of Birmingham supports. For more information, visit marketnoel.net. � al.us. CALERA
North Pole Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum The train will make its way to the top of the world, where Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves board the train. Enjoy chocolate milk and cookies, sing Christmas carols, listen to a special Christmas story and receive a Christmas gift. For departure dates and times, visit hodrrm.org. BIRMINGHAM
Magical Market Place Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church This free holiday bazaar from 9 a.m.4 p.m. features arts and crafts, clothes, candles and scents, housewares, wooden items, toys jewelry, hand-made items and more. For more information, visit “Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church’s Magical Marketplaceâ€? Facebook page. Â
Lights Up The Summit Shopping Center The free annual holiday kick-off party will begin at 5 p.m. with holiday performances and visits from Santa from 5-6 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. The parade begins at 6 p.m. with the lighting of the tree, fireworks show and a concert by Elliot Davis Band from 7-8 p.m., concluding with the lighting of the Summit. For more information, visit “Lights Upâ€? Facebook page. Â
HOMEWOOD
HOMEWOOD/MOUNTAIN BROOK
Shred It! Recycle It! Homewood Public Library A shredding truck will be on site to destroy sensitive documents and files and take electronics, batteries, appliances, ink cartridges and other items. No TVs or monitors. There will be secure hard drive destruction on-site for $10. For more information, contact Heather Cover at hcover@bham.lib. 11/2/17 11:48 AM
Singing Santa’s Arrival Celebration Brookwood Village Hearald the return of Birmingham’s own Singing Santa with an array of activities and appearances by Glitter Fairies Snow and Frost, and a special visit from Elsa, Anna and Olaf at 5:30 p.m. The Birmingham Children’s theatre will perform a sneak-peek of their
upcoming production of “Cinderella: An Outrageous Fairytale!� at 6:30 p.m. followed by the arrival Santa. For more information, visit shopbrookwoodvillage. com/event. BIRMINGHAM
Kevin Spencer Magic Aly Stephens Center This world-renowned illusionist will perform at 7 p.m. There will be a sensory-friendly performance on Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. Sirote Theatre. Tickets begin at $10. For more information, visit alysstephens.org.
Nov. 17-18 BIRMINGHAM
Mozart & Beethoven Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall Justin Brown returns as both conductor and pianist. He will lead Mozart’s Concerto no. 27 from the keyboard and will conduct Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony. Tickets begin at $20.85. For more information, visit alabamasymphony.org.
Sat., Nov. 18 VESTAVIA HILLS
Charles Ghigna Book Signing Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest “Father Goose� will be signing his books inspired by children, pets, animals and nature from 10:30 a.m.-1
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 5
o: om:
ate:
6 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
p.m. The Humane Society will be on hand with puppies and kittens available for adoption. Dynamic Education Adventures will perform a strange and gross animal program and have strange animals on display. For more information, visit vestaviahills.org. VESTAVIA HILLS
Grand Masquerade Ball A Private Club in Vestavia Hills Alzheimer’s Research and Care Society presents a masquerade ball from 7-11 p.m. Wear Venetian masquerade attire for a night of heavy appetizers and dessert, a cash bar, silent auction and live music featuring Total Assets. Tickets are $75 per person. For more information, visit alzarcs.org.
Holiday Special!
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BRAVO Kamado Grills
Constructed with high-quality ceramic and commercial-grade stainless steel Bravo Kamado grills gives you the flexibility to grill, sear or smoke foods. Built to last by MHP.
2828 Linden Ave. • Homewood • 870-4060 alabamagaslightandgrill.com
Science, the only science activity that features November’s favorite bird. There will be a number of public programs including Pumpkin Chunkin’, Design Challenge: Mayflower, and Dinner Table Science. For more information, visit mcwane.org.
BIRMINGHAM
ASYO Fall Concert Alys Stephens Center The Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform a free fall concert conducted by Dr. Blake Richardson. For more information, visit alabamasymphony.org.
Nov. 18-19 BIRMINGHAM
Silence: The Adventure of a Medieval Warrior Woman RMTC Cabaret Theatre Delores Hydock tells a tale based on a story written in the 13th century, adapted for 21st century audiences. Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. For more information, visit redmountaintheatre.org. BIRMINGHAM
United Way Canned Food Drive Birmingham Zoo Bring any canned or non-perishable food item to the Zoo’s annual United Way Food Drive and receive half-price admission. This offer is limited one discounted ticket per guest and cannot This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the be combined with other offers. For more Nov. 2, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. information, visit birminghamzoo.com.
Mike Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Oct.. 2017
Please make sure all information is correct, Sun., Nov. 19 including address and phone number! BIRMINGHAM
2017 Magic City Half Marathon & 5k Regions Field If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Kick off will be at 8 a.m. with the your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. 5k start at 8:15 and a one-mile fun run at 8:45 a.m. Proceeds benefit The Thank you for your prompt attention. Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts and include a swag bag, post-race craft beer and entertainment. For more information, visit magiccityrun.com.
Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
Nov. 20-22 BIRMINGHAM
Turkey Science McWane Science Center As Thanksgiving Day fast approaches, it’s time for Turkey
Thurs., Nov. 23 MOUNTAIN BROOK
Sam Lapidus Montclair Run LJCC This community event celebrates the life of Sam Lapidus who lost his battle with cancer in November 2008, just a few days before his fifteenth birthday. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama.The 10k and 5k start at 8:30 a.m. followed by a one-mile fun run at 10 a.m. For more information, visit bhamjcc.org.
Tues., Nov. 28 VESTAVIA HILLS
Tree Lighting Festival Vestavia Hills City Hall The Holiday in the Hills Tree Lighting Festival will be form 6-8 p.m and feature entertainment, merchant give-aways, a visit with Santa and the lighting of the tree. For more information, visit vestaviahills.org.
Wed., Nov. 29 MOUNTAIN BROOK
English Village Open House English Village Store owners and shop keepers in English Village are beginning the holiday season with a Holiday Open House featuring refreshments, trunk shows and a Poker Run from 5-8 p.m. For more information, visit mtnbrookchamber.org.
Thurs., Nov. 30 MOUNTAIN BROOK
Mountain Brook Village Open House Mountain Brook Village Mountain Brook Village will ring in the holiday season from 5-8 p.m. with their annual open house featuring refreshments, trunk shows and a visit from Santa at Iberia Bank. For more information, visit mtnbrookchamber.org. HOOVER
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Hoover City Hall This annual city event kicks off the holiday season at 5 p.m. with a Hoover City School choir performing and a student lighting the tree during the ceremony. Santa makes his grand entrance on a fire truck and takes pictures with all the children. For more information, visit hooveral.org.
SAVE THE DATE Nov. 30-Dec. 3 HOMEWOOD
Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck Samford University The Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith Opera Series will present a favorite Christmas opera based on the Grimm brother’s classic story on Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m. in the Harrison Theatre. Tickets are $20 general admission and $10 students. For more information, visit samford.edu.
Fri., Dec. 1 HOMEWOOD
Christmas with Act of Congress Samford University ASO will join Act of Congress in a concert featuring a blend of tight harmonies, vintage instrumentation and deep musical roots, held in the Wright Fine Arts Center. Tickets start at $15. For more information, visit alabamasymphony.org. HOMEWOOD
Jingle All The Way Homewood Public Library The library will host a show with Christmas songs and stories of the season with Storyteller Delores Hydock and the music of Bobby Horton at 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium with a light hors d’oeuvres buffet and program from 7:30-9 p.m. Advanced reservations required. For more information, visit homewood.libnet.info.
Dec. 1-3 BIRMINGHAM
Last Stop Dorothy Jemison Day Theater This piece choreographed by Kristopher Ester-Brown is presented through fifteen chapters each with their own style of music and thematic elements. Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. matinee 2:30 p.m. Q&A to follow. For more information, visit the “Last Stop” Facebook page. BIRMINGHAM
Chirstmas at Arlington Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens The Arlington Historic Home and Gardens presents a Hanging of the Green, Candlelight Tour and Reception at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 and home tour Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. and Dec. 3 at 1 p.m., featuring refreshments, entertainment, music, photos warm cookies with Santa and more. For more information, visit arlingtonantebellumhomeandgardens. com. VESTAVIA HILLS
Geoff Clapp Trio
New Orleans Jazz & Funk Collective Book Now for Your Holiday Parties
To book contact: Jovial Consulting 208.867.8098
VHUMC Magic City Nutcracker Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church The Magic City Nutcracker’s annual holiday season production of The Nutcracker features an all-community cast celebrating the tradition in the Birmingham area with a fresh version of the holiday classic. For
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
tickets and more information, visit magiccitynutcracker.org.
Dec. 1-16 BIRMINGHAM
The Elves and the Shoemaker BJCC The theatre will perform the classic tale on the Wee Folk’s Stage at the BJCC. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. For more information, visit bct123.org.
Dec. 1-17 BIRMINGHAM
Holiday Spectacular RMTC Celebrate the holidays with all your favorite music of the season as RMTC Conservatory students perform alongside Birmingham’s best local artist. Wed.-Sat. at 7:30 and Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Tickets begin at $19. For more information, visit redmountaintheatre.org. BIRMINGHAM
Mountain Brook Art Association Holiday Art Show The Summit The Mountain Brook Art Association will hold its annual holiday art show on Mon. to Sat. from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sun. from noon-6 p.m. in the space to the left of Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Ten percent of the total sales will go to Hand in Paw. For more information, visit mountainbrookartassociation.com.
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 7
ABOUT TOWN Sat., Dec. 2 BIRMINGHAM
Great Russian Nutcracker BJCC Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is set for 3 p.m. and features over-the-top production values, world class Russian artists, puppets, nesting dolls and hand-crafted costumes. For more information, visit nutcracker.com.
LET'S PLAY!
25th Annual
25th Annual
PLAY DAY!
PLAY DAY!
HOOVER
Holiday Greenery Sale Aldridge Gardens Get greenery, pine cones, acorns, grasses, etc. for holiday decorations from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and vist Roots on the property for ornaments, Christmas decorations and gifts Mon.- Fri. from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. For more information, visit aldridgegardens.com.
Sun., Dec. 3 MOUNTAIN BROOK
Holiday Parade Mountain Brook Village The annual holiday parade will take place at 3 p.m. and includes holiday floats, a marching band, music and photo ops with Santa. For more information, visit mtnbrookchamber.org. HOOVER
ASYO Holiday Concert Riverchase Galleria The Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform a free holiday concert from 2-4 p.m. conducted by Dr. Blake Richardson. For more information, visit alabamasymphony.org. ❖
THIS THANKSGIVING
PLAY DAY IN CRESTLINE VILLAGE Saturday November 18th • 9:00-4:00
Meet the reps and play with the toys. There will be toy manufacturers and representatives available to answer questions and to demonstrate products. FREE PRODUCTS given to a limited number of children. Drawings and giveaways from your favorite companies.
Come meet Peppa Pig and Hello Kitty! HOLIDAY HOURS
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PIES
Nov. 25th thru December 23rd Mon.-Sat. 9:00 -7:00 and Sun. 12-5
ONLINE ORDERING NOW AVAILABLE! Have your favorite holiday treats shipped to your door or ready for pickup in store!
Since 1950 2916 18th St S • Homewood • 871-4901 savagesbakery.com
CRESTLINE VILLAGE 45 Church Street • 871-0841
8 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
PEOPLE
ANTIQUE PRINTS MAPS CUSTOM FRAMING
Photos special to the Journal
OIL AND ACRYLIC PAINTINGS BY OUR ARTISTS
Arceneaux Gallery 802-5800 Tues. - Sat. 10-5
Kitty Robinson, pictured center surrounded by her family, was recently honored by the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Board for her years of service in preparation for the 2018 ArtBlink Gala in February.
Cancer Warrior
SOHO SQUARE HOMEWOOD NEXT TO CHICKEN SALAD CHICK
UAB Cancer Center Cocktail Party Honors Founding Advisory Board Member Kitty Robinson
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By Emily Williams Spirits were high at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center on the evening of Oct. 24 as supporters and officials gathered for a cocktail party to celebrate this year’s ArtBlink Gala honoree, Kitty Robinson. Robinson is one of the founding members of the center’s advisory board. Attending the event were Robinson’s family and friends as well as members of this year’s Director’s Circle, a group that helps raise funds for not just the gala, but the cancer center’s work.
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To kick off the event, the center’s new director, Dr. Michael Birrer, paid recognition to Robinson’s years of hard work, which helped set the stage for the future he sees for UAB. “With the efforts of individuals like Kitty, I think in the next five years we can bring the entire cancer center to the next level,” Birrer said. “I think that UABCCC is an Alabama treasure and recognized throughout the South. We’d like to take it now to the national level and to the international level – meaning that patients at that other cancer center, over in Texas, will actually come here
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CALL: 205-978-7030 CLICK: AAA.com/PleasantHolidays VISIT: 2400 Acton Road Birmingham, AL 35243 The value is per booking and equals the total inclusions and member benefits listed. 2Rate is per person, land only, based on double occupancy for check-in on May 1, 2018. 3Kids stay free in same room as adults using existing bedding. Occupancy limits apply. 4Activity voucher does not apply to air/car only booking. Valid toward the purchase of a select optional activity. Not valid for hotel direct activity bookings. Minimum fi ve night stay at participating AAA Vacations properties required. For Mexico, Hawai‘i, and all other Caribbean destinations, $100 value in activity vouchers is combinable with standard member benefit activity voucher of $50, totaling $150 value in activity vouchers per booking maximum. Activity voucher does not apply to air/car only bookings. Valid toward the purchase of a select optional activity. Not valid for hotel direct activity bookings. Must be booked by December 31, 2017 with travel complete by December 31, 2018. Minimum fi ve night stay at participating AAA Vacations properties required. Unless otherwise indicated: rates quoted are accurate at time of publication, & are per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare, taxes, surcharges, gratuities, transfers & excursions are additional. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, government taxes, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/conditions & policies subject to change without notice at any time. Other restrictions may apply, including, but not limited to baggage limitations & fees, standby policies & fees, non-refundable tickets & change fees with pre-flight notification deadlines, & blackout dates. Fees & policies vary among airlines. Contact airline directly for any details or questions. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits & savings which may vary based on departure date. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Your local AAA Club acts as an agent for Pleasant Holidays®. CTR #1016202-80. Copyright © 2017 Auto Club Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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From left: Past board presidents Rick Swagler and Jeanie McKenzie with Kitty Robinson and current board president Mitzi Davis.
Fireballs the modern alternative
because they want to see our clinical trials, they want to get our personalized medicines, and they want to get exposed to that transitional science that they can only get here.” Birrer and his predecessor, Dr. Edward Partridge, both believe the future of cancer treatment is personalized medicine. “I think this is all very doable,” Birrer said. “But this is not going to be done with moneys from (the) federal government.” He said money needed to support the cancer center comes from private grants and the tireless work of volunteers such as Robinson. She became involved in creating the board after her father was treated at the cancer center by its founding director, Dr. John Durant. “He was operated on at another hospital in April, and they said, ‘Now, your daddy isn’t going to be here by Christmas. He’ll be gone.’ So, we brought him down here to UAB, to Dr. Durant, and my daddy lived four more years. That’s why I’m so passionate about our cancer center,” she said. She and her husband also have each battled cancer. Partridge said Robinson has improved patient care through her work. “She has always been passionate about improving the experience of the patients and their families,” he said. Robinson led efforts to secure rooms at the Essex House downtown for families of patients to stay, which was a precursor to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge. “A lot of them slept in their cars, if you can imagine. So, we had to do something about that,” she said. She coaxed Royal Cup to donate free coffee for the radiation and oncology departments, she led efforts to update the nurses’ lounge, and she spearheaded fundraising to help patients pay for their medications. In addition, she and her fellow founding advisory board members created the now annual Halloween and Christmas parties on the patient floors. “I can’t tell you how wonderful this place is and what it does. And it’s a wonderful addition to the state of Alabama,” Robinson said. “I know that this devil cancer is almost defeated and dead. I know this because Dr. Partridge told me. And we need to pray and thank God for our wonderful cancer center here.” ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Life in The Jungle
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 9
PEOPLE
By Emily Williams
Her garden is the focal point of her new book, “Listen to the Land: When Louise Wrinkle looks back Creating a Southern Woodland on her childhood in Mountain Brook, Oasis.” she remembers a city far different According to Wrinkle, what makes from the one that exists today. her garden unique is that she “let the As early settlers of Mountain land speak.” She lets it take its own Brook, Wrinkle’s shape instead of family made a imposing a design home on a plot of scheme. land in 1938, when With that in the area was uninmind, the book corporated. mingles stories of Wrinkle said her childhood, the that, in those days, lessons she learned Mountain Brook and her failures was “an environand successes ment of unspoiled while working to woods and tame The Jungle. streams.” Wrinkle noted Her home was that the book can surrounded mostly be used as a referby nature, with litence for other gartle else in the area deners, no matter other than Shades what their skill Creek, The level. Mountain Brook A learned garClub and The Old dener who has Louise Wrinkle Mill, on Mountain gained internationBrook Parkway. al recognition, Wrinkle said that, because the Wrinkle has included a section profilproperty was so overgrown back then, ing several hundred plant species she she used to call it “The Jungle.” has maintained. For the past 30 years she has lived on the same property where she spent Gardens Around the World her childhood, dedicated to maintainWrinkle maintains a large presence ing the land’s woodland charm.
in the gardening community at home and on a national level. She is a member of The Garden Club of America,
Photos special to the Journal
Mountain Brook’s Wrinkle Pens Gardening Memoir
serving as chairman of the horticulture committee and the executive committee, and she was a horticulture judge for one of the organization’s flower shows as well as shows for other groups. One of her highest achievements has been earning the GCA’s National Achievement Medal in 2001, she said. She also is a founding board member for the Garden Conservancy in Cold Spring, New York, and has spent many years as a board member for both the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Aldridge Gardens. A book launch will be held Nov.
30 at the Botanical Gardens, with all proceeds from the evening’s sales donated to the gardens. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m., and guests are encouraged to pre-order books by Nov. 28. The books are $35 for members or $40 for non-members. A limited number of books will be available for purchase at the event, and books will be available at Leaf and Petal following the launch. In addition, a book signing will be held at Little Professor in Homewood on Dec. 3 from 2-4 p.m. Books may also be purchased online at louisewrinkle.com. ❖
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10 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
PEOPLE
Debutantes to Be Presented at 50th Annual Poinsettia Ball
T
he Poinsettia Men’s Club and Ballet Women’s Committee will host the 50th annual Poinsettia Ball on Dec. 28 at Vestavia Hills Country Club. Thirty young women will be introduced at the Benefactor’s Dinner, sponsored by the Poinsettia Men’s Club. The Ballet Women’s Committee was founded in 1960 to promote fine arts in the Greater Birmingham area. The Men’s Club was formed in 1969 to support the Women’s Committee’s mission, with all of the proceeds from the presentation benefitting the Alabama Ballet. The ballroom presentation will take place at 9 p.m. with debutantes accompanied by their fathers or an escort of their choice. Following the presentation will be dancing and the music of Az IzZ. Those helping coordinate the event are Liz Guest, ball board president; Sue Ellen Summers, Benefactor Dinner chairman; Sharon Maddox, ball chairman; Kelley Brown, debutante social chairman; and Jay Dennis, Men’s Club president. Other board members include Sherry Bohorfoush, Cathy Donze, Cara Haston, LIanne Hand, Melissa McMurray and Jayna Southerland, Committee chairmen include Suzanne Richardson, decorations; Erin Burton, publicity; Carla Nesbitt, photographer’s assistant; Tammy Towns, rehearsal; Ashley Stockard, invitations; and Stephanie Whisenhunt and Kelly Troiano, reserved seating. For information about tickets to the ball, call Ashley Stockard at 821-7889; for the Benefactors Dinner, call Sue Ellen Summers at 423-0048. —Photos courtesy Belmont Studios
Caroline Leigh Adams, daughter of Ms. Mary Beth Adams and Mr. Webb Whitson Adams.
Ellen Hunter Berryhill, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Daniel Berryhill.
Rachel Catherine Brooks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Scott Brooks.
Madison Lane Brown, daughter of Ms. Kimberly Hoffman Brown.
Morgan Reese Brown, daughter of Ms. Kimberly Hoffman Brown.
Katherine Butler Bryan, daughter of Mrs. Ashley Bryan and the late John Nathanael Bryan Sr.
Elizabeth Chase Burton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wesley Burton.
Bonnie Kerr DeCarlo, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Anthony DeCarlo.
Haley Elizabeth Dellaccio, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hillman Dellaccio.
Abbey Layne Donze, daughter of Mrs. Cathy Donze and the late Frank Joseph Donze.
Cameron Ford Green, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bradley Green.
Olivia Laulice Hall, daughter of Mr. Jack Jordan Hall Jr.
Catherine Claire Hand, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Russell Hand.
Erin Amelia Haston, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Marion Haston III.
Bailey Elizabeth Hymer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Milton Hymer.
Frederica Jordan Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jon Colquilt Moore.
Lowrey Rose Patterson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dudley Patterson.
Wynne Abigail Pietrantoni, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Pietrantoni.
Ashleigh Covington Pugh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wayne Pugh.
Bennett Daye Searcy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Hearn Lowery Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. David Ross Searcy.
Katherine Lanning Speyer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gregory Speyer.
Morgan Elizabeth Stockard, daughter of Ms. Shannon Hopkins and Mr. and Mrs. Brian Robinson Stockard.
Anna Lea Strickland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Chase Strickland.
Elizabeth Rowland Summers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lynn Summers.
Lauren Amanda Thackerson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Earl Thackerson.
Ann Frances Thomas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Peter Thomas.
Brooke Elaine Westhoven, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Anthony Westhoven.
Emory Kirkland Wiley, daughter of Ms. Amelia Wiley and Mr. James Boyce Wiley III.
Katelyn Ashley Wright, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas Karney.
Hannah Lee Yarmowich, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Scott Yarmowich.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
PEOPLE
Raymond and Kathryn Harbert to Be 2018 Heart Ball Honorees death in the U.S. For that reason, we are honored to serve as the 2018 Birmingham Heart Ball honorees.” Raymond Harbert has served as chairman and chief executive officer of Harbert Management Corp., has served in leadership roles in numerous organizations and was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor in 2015. Kathryn Harbert has been involved
in many community organizations, such as the YWCA Central Alabama, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and Red Mountain Theatre Company. This year’s Birmingham Heart Ball campaign has a $2 million fundraising goal. Wells Fargo is signature sponsor for the 2018 Birmingham Heart Ball. Media sponsors are ABC 33/40, Over the Mountain Journal and
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 11
Shelby County Newspapers. For more information, visit birminghamheartball.heart.org. ❖
INSURANCE APPRAISALS FOR JEWELRY
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Photo special to the Journal
To: From: Date:
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Please initial and fax to Raymond and Kathryn Harbert will be honorees at the 31st annual Birmingham Heart Ball. This year’s campaign has a $2 million fundraising goal.
The American Heart Association announced Nov. 7 that Raymond and Kathryn Harbert will be honorees at the 31st annual Birmingham Heart Ball. The ball will be held March 3 at Barber Motorsports Museum. To date, the ball has raised more than $16 million for local research, advocacy and community education
If we have not heard fro before the press dat
efforts to fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke, the first- and third-leading killers of Alabamians, according to a press release. “All of us have had friends and family affected by heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions,” said Kathryn Harbert. “The American Heart Association is dedicated to saving people from the leading cause of
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NEWS
12 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
Home Goods
By Emily Williams
Mountain Brook Ranked in Top 25 Best Neighborhoods for Small Business
Photo special to the Journal
Mountain Brook recently was ranked number 23 in America’s Top 25 Best Neighborhoods for Small Businesses. The ranking was released by Welcomemat Services, a technology company dedicated to providing marketing for small businesses by targeting families that recently have moved to an area. “This validates Mountain Brook as one of the top communities in the nation,” said Mountain Brook city manager Sam Gaston. According to Welcomemat CEO Brian Mattingly and Angela Stuttard, the company’s representative for the Birmingham metro area, what makes Mountain Brook and its fellow top 25 neighborhoods so successful is support from the community. “One thing that I love about Mountain Brook is that the entire city is very family-centered and community-centered,” Stuttard said. “I see the same great things happening in these other surrounding cities, especially Homewood. The community has these great traditions and they take pride in it.” It’s communities like Mountain Brook, Mattingly noted, that make small businesses successful because the residents and the city officials understand what a small business gives back to the city. “When you support a local business, you are making much more of an impact on your own community,” he said. “Those tax dollars are feeding
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Alexandra Stone, left, and her mother, Deborah Stone, are business partners at The Pantry in Mountain Brook.
back into the community and flood into better parks, better roads, better schools … . It all adds a lot more value to the city.” Making the success of small businesses a priority is a hallmark of the city’s government, Gaston said. “Our City Council, mayor and staff are pro-business and work closely with our Chamber of Commerce to promote our business community,”
Gaston said. One of the ways this filters into city planning, he added, is by continuing to maintain and enhance the attractiveness of the city’s commercial areas – the Mountain Brook, Crestline, English and Cahaba Villages, especially. In honor of the Top 25, Welcomemat will be highlighting one small business from each of the neighborhoods. The highlighted business in Mountain Brook Village is The Pantry and Stonehollow Farms, which was founded by Deborah Stone. Stuttard said it is one of her favorite places to shop because she doesn’t have to think too much about what she is looking for. “They do all of the thinking for you,” she said. “I know that whenever I walk in here, I’m going to see something that I have never seen before, but it’s always something I want. I’ll see a handmade leather bag and think, ‘I never would have picked that out, but that is exactly what I want.’” Stuttard added that is in keeping with the spirit of a small business. The customer is never overwhelmed by hundreds of brands of the same product. “That goes back to the store owner,” she said. “They work in the community, they know people in the
You Can’t Get Around Hoover
community, they often live in the community, so they know exactly what their customer wants.”
The Welcomemat Recipe
It’s that personal connection that Welcomemat works to forge. The company, based in Atlanta, was created because of the disparity between the marketing a small business can afford and that which a big box store can afford. “Our goal is to help local and small businesses gain access to tools and solutions to make them more successful,” he said. “We started by asking the question, ‘How do we help a small business improve in our country?’” Mattingly said it became apparent through data collected that a small business attributes much of its revenue to repeat customers. So, in a small town where people have rituals and their regular “hot spots,” that question became, “How do we find new customers?” he said. Stuttard said Welcomemat’s technological services collect data from real estate agencies and banks to identify newcomers to the area. Stuttard then provides new residents with a welcome packet that includes fliers, coupons and more that showcase the businesses Welcomemat rep-
resents. “We don’t work with more than one of a certain business and I vet every business I work with, so it’s a thoughtfully curated group of small businesses,” she said. “We’re not just helping the small businesses reach new customers, but we’re helping new families by introducing them to what the community has to offer.” When a family moves to a new area, they aren’t just moving away from their old home, they’re moving away from their lives in that town – their favorite pizza place, their hairdresser, their body shop and dentists. “People moving are leaving behind all of the things they know, so there we can capture a great opportunity, because they don’t have those habits formed yet,” Mattingly said. While Welcomemat provides the ingredients for a more successful small business, Mattingly said support from the community is crucial. For instance, in the height of the holiday buying season, the day after Black Friday will be Small Business Saturday. Mountain Brook takes it a step further by maintaining an ongoing Shop Local campaign, championed by its city and Chamber of Commerce, according to Chamber Executive Director Suzan Doidge. During the holidays, instead of just recognizing Small Business Saturday, the chamber helps boost more small business success by hosting Holiday Open House nights for each of its villages. ❖
By Sam Prickett Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Powell has seen the city and the chamber grow “quite a bit” during his 22 years in that position. “We’ve quadrupled our membership since I’ve been here,” Powell said of the chamber, which during his tenure expanded from roughly 300 members to 1,200. Part of that, he jokes, is due to the chamber’s “restrictive” admittance policy. “You have to either have a business in Hoover, do business in Hoover, want to do business in Hoover, or occasionally drive through Hoover,” he laughs. “That gets just about everybody, because you can’t go to the beach without driving through Hoover, at least not from this area.” Powell said the chamber boasts members from states as far away as Utah, California and Pennsylvania, all of whom are invested in the area “for various reasons.” Powell, who announced last month that he would retire from his position at the end of the year, cites that growth as one of his proudest achievements as head of the chamber.
The 71-year-old said he’s also proud of the chambers’ efforts to recognize city employees and first responders, a program he implemented in his first year as executive director. Initially, awards were given only to firefighters and police officers, but gradually the awards have expanded to include paramedics, 911 operators and detention officers. There’s also the Freedom Award, which also started during Powell’s tenure, that honors citizens with “good character” who have demonstrated support of the military – typically a veteran. “We’ve had some really outstanding people win that, including a guy who was a marine on Iwo Jima,” Powell said. Has the business climate in Hoover changed during his 22 years in the job? Powell said that, despite the Summit’s emergence as a shopping competitor to the Riverchase Galleria, the climate “has always been good.” “Even through the Great Recession that we had, our membership did not decline, and the Hoover city government has never had to lay off any employees because of reduced tax revenue,” Powell said. “With the
leadership in the city of Hoover through the years, we’ve been able to do quite well – both the city and the chamber.” Even so, Powell said he sees a looming threat to local business in the form of Amazon and the online shopping industry. “I think that’s one of the problems that’s hurting businesses all over the country, because for so many people, it’s just second nature to get on the internet and order things through Amazon or through somewhere else online,” he said. “Local businesses don’t have the opportunity to make that (sale), and as such, they don’t collect sales tax for the state, city and county that the municipalities need.”
Developing a Niche
Powell said he’s encouraged by local businesses such as Wrapsody, a Hoover- and Auburn-based gift boutique, that are able to develop their own distinctive niche. “They’ve got something different,” he said. “I love to see small businesses like them succeed.” In the future, Powell said he believes the chamber “is going to
Journal file photo
Long-Time Hoover Chamber Leader Reflects on 22 Years of Growth
Bill Powell said he’s proud of the chambers’ efforts to recognize city employees and first responders, a program he implemented in his first year as executive director. Initially, awards were given only to firefighters and police officers, but gradually the awards have expanded to include paramedics, 911 operators and detention officers.
continue to be an important asset to the city and to the community,” and, hopefully, to those outside the community as well. He mentions a recent visit to the chamber by a couple from Silicon Valley, California, who were considering a move to Hoover. “They were so impressed with the area, and we gave them all kinds of information … . The chamber of commerce always provides a lot of information to visitors, so we spent a good amount of time with them talking about the benefits of the area and comparing certain suburbs or areas to others and giving them some insight.” That outreach, he says, is essential.
“There are always conventions and conferences coming to Hoover, particularly to the two big hotels that we have here, the Embassy and the Wynfrey, and often we’re approached to see what we can give,” he said. “We put out a new magazine every year talking about the benefits of Hoover. And recently, one major publication selected Hoover as the 17thbest city in America to live. So that was impressive.” The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce is in the process of finding a new director. Powell said he will remain in his position until the end of the year, or, if needed to help with the transition, through January. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 13
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LIFE
14 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Oysters, Pizza and Toasty Rolls THANKSGIVING
Award-Winning Local Chefs Reflect on Unique and Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes
By Sarah Kuper
Journal photos by Sarah Kuper
Although Jeremy Downey has had oysters on the brain for the past few weeks, (see story below) he’s always thinking about seafood, especially when it comes to the holidays. It reminds him of home. Downey hails from Bayou La Batre, so shrimp, crab and oysters are as traditional as turkey at his Thanksgiving table. “We take it in more of a gulf coast direction – gumbo, oyster dressing, boiled shrimp cock-tail, my grandma’s squash casserole with crab in it,” he said. Turkey and oyster gumbo is a family favorite. Downey credits his grandfather with the origin of the dish. “We pull the turkey and make gumbo. By using the turkey carcass for the stock, plus the oysters, it makes it a very rich gumbo.” Downey said it is a good way to utilize the whole bird and, while it is an involved recipe, a family can get several meals out of it and it is well worth the effort. Downey said the gumbo would be a hit at any “Bayou Thanksgiving.” “We are all pretty miserable after the Thanksgiving meal, but in a way, that’s a good sign that it was delicious,” he said.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
BORN ON THE BAYOU
Downey Team Wins Top Prize at Oyster Festival
The Birmingham area is home to many culinary delights: barbecue restaurants with signature sauces, unassuming meat ‘n’ three joints and even whimsical popsicle shops. Now, the community can add award-winning oyster dishes to the list, courtesy of Bistro V chef Jeremy Downey. Fresh off a win at this year’s Gulf Shore’s Oyster Festival, Downey and assistant chef Matt Faust (pictured) are the first competitors from the Birmingham area to take the top prize. “Winners are usually from Mobile or Florida. It’s sort of hard to be the out-of-towners,” Downey said, “The judges were Food Network stars and they were eating oysters from 38 teams. So, it is a nice win for us. Local teams were surprised but happy for us.” Downey and Faust prepared raw oysters, Cajun-style oysters and Oysters Rockefeller. Downey believes incorporating ingredients such as Tabasco sauce and collard greens may have set their oysters apart. —Sarah Kuper
From left, Jeremy Downey of Bistro V in Vestavia; Margaret Scott of Savages Bakery & Deli in Homewood; and Terrill Brazelton of Slice in Lakeview.
Chef Jeremy Downey’s Turkey and Oyster Gumbo INGREDIENTS:
Turkey stock 2 cups oil or butter 2 cups flour 8 celery stalks 3 onions 3 bell peppers Salt Pepper 2 teaspoons Gumbo file Pulled turkey, about half of a 20-pound turkey Hot sauce 2 bay leaves 1 quart shucked oysters Cajun seasoning DIRECTIONS:
Start by making stock with bones of turkey. Boil with carrots, celery and onion for five hours. This should yield two gallons of stock depending on the size of the turkey. Combine oil and flour to make a roux. Stir for 45 minutes until dark brown. Dice eight celery stalks, three onions and three bell peppers, then add to the roux and stir for ten minutes until tender. Combine the stock with the roux and vegetable mixture. Once it has thickened, add salt, pepper and 2 teaspoons gumbo file to the pot. Add pulled turkey (Downey suggests at least half the meat of a 20 pound turkey). Simmer all ingredients, adding a touch of hot sauce and two bay leaves. Now add a quart of shucked oysters. Cook until they curl and turn burner down to low. Add Cajun seasoning to taste. Serve with rice. ❖
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Orders for seasonal favorites have been pouring into Savage’s, a bakery in Homewood, since before Halloween, but Margaret Scott isn’t stressed or anxious. She’s got the holiday rush down pat. After all, she’s been a part of it since she was 12. “I grew up working here with my dad, my parents and my sisters. Since I was 12, I worked the holidays,” she said. Savage’s Bakery first opened in 1939 and was bought by Scott’s father, Van, in 1979. Now, Scott has joined her father in operating the business. “Dad is very hands-on. He is the eyes and ears of the business and I’m the young one learning and learning and learning,” she said. The Scott family still bakes with the original recipes from the ‘30s. “Everything here is made by hand and made from scratch,” Scott said, “It is so much more work because you have to make the recipe, make the product, it’s a lot of hands, but it is worth it because we are staying true to the original recipes.” Savage’s prides itself on being a family business, and for Scott and her father, “family” means more than just sharing the same last name. Scott said there are bakers who have been mixing up family recipes at Savage’s for more than 30 years. “Ben, one of our bakers, has been here since dad bought the business. What sets us apart is that when we say a ‘family owned business’ we don’t just mean me and my dad.” And, as with any family, nothing brings them together like soft dinner rolls or flaky pastries. Scott said that, this time of year, she and the staff are at the bakery in the wee hours of the morning prepping for the day’s customers and getting holiday online orders ready to execute. “Now, we are just getting really ready for the rush. Thanksgiving is early this year, so we are preparing lots of rolls, cookies, coffee cakes are
very popular. It’s thousands and thousands of pieces,” she said. There is no time to waste because Savage’s reputation doesn’t come easy or quickly. “We don’t take shortcuts. We want the person who came in 20 years ago to taste that cookie and have the same experience today,” Scott said, “Our goal is to just keep continuing those products for our loyal customers and hopefully new customers.” Scott said that, for many, having a cake or pie from Savage’s at Thanksgiving has become a tradition. While the family keeps many of Savage’s beloved recipes proprietary, Scott will share her grandmother’s recipe for cheese cookies because they are such a favorite. She said the cheese cookies are similar to a traditional cheese straw, but her grandmother called them cookies and the name stuck.
Savage’s Family Favorite Cheese Cookies
(These are technically cheese straws, but the Scott family has always called them Cheese Cookies) INGREDIENTS:
½ pound sharp cheddar cheese, grated ½ pound butter, softened 2 cups flour 2½ cups Rice Krispies cereal ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper DIRECTIONS:
Mix cheese and butter. With your hands, mix in remaining ingredients until uniformly mixed. Roll into walnut-sized balls. Flatten each a little and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool on racks. Store in fridge or freezer. From fridge, reheat to 400 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes. If frozen, defrost in fridge before reheating. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SLICE UP THE LEFTOVERS
The popular Lakeview pizzeria and brewhouse Slice serves both traditional and unusual oven-fired pizzas. Chef Terrill Brazelton has been dreaming up unique pizzas since the restaurant opened in 2011. Since then, Slice has become known as a hip place for beer and pizza in the revitalized Lakeview District. For the past six years, the pizzeria has put on Slice Fest, Birmingham’s largest food and music block party. A percentage of the proceeds go to area nonprofit organizations. Plans are in the works to open a suburban location in Vestavia Hills in 2018. Brazelton’s expertise crafting tasty pies is what makes him able to make a pizza out of almost anything – even turkey and green bean casserole. He said a good way to make the most of a traditional holiday like Thanksgiving is to reincarnate the meal as a pizza the next day. “Pizza is such a good vehicle for foods. When we first opened, my goal was to get people to eat foods they might not normally eat but they may try it on a pizza,” Brazelton said. It’s that kind of thinking that gives Brazelton the idea of a Thanksgiving leftovers pizza. “The last thing you want to do is spend another day in the kitchen or go to the store,” he said, “Use leftovers— things like leftover pimento cheese balls or cheddar from a casserole. If you need to, just pile on more green beans. Don’t worry too much about
it.”
Although Brazelton talks like throwing a pizza together is easy, the pies at Slice are carefully crafted after being created by trial and error. “I play back and forth with the guys in the kitchen. We might see something on TV and wonder how we can turn it into a pizza,” he said, “We break it down and build it back up. The idea is to have over the top but delicate flavors.” But, Brazelton said, a day-afterThanksgiving pizza is all about keeping it simple and not overthinking it. He said that, if a cook just can’t handle another moment in the kitchen, Slice is open the day after Thanksgiving.
Chef Terrill Brazelton’s Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza Suggestions
Crust: Traditional pizza or cornmeal crust Base or sauce (choose one): Gravy Cream of mushroom soup Layer of leftover sweet potatoes Cheeses: Cheddar or pimento
Toppings: Shredded turkey Green beans Any leftovers you want! Brazelton emphasizes the importance of keeping ingredients fun and easy. Use what you already have, don’t make a trip to the grocery, and get creative. ❖
Sample Thanksgiving Treats Early at A Taste of Culinard
Thanksgiving cooking demonstrations and samples of holiday dishes will be the focus of A Taste of Culinard, taking place Nov.16, 2:30-5:30 p.m. A food drive benefiting a local food pantry also will be part of the event, along with drawings for prizes such as a HoneyBaked Ham gift card. You must be older than 18 to register for the drawings. Culinard students and instructors will be providing cooking demonstrations for these Thanksgiving favorites: roasted turkey and gravy, classic bread dressing, brussels sprouts with bacon, cranberry orange relish, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin bread with maple glaze. The public is invited to attend the free event, which will be held on the Culinary Institute of Virginia College campus, at 488 Palisades Blvd. Guests interested in attending can RSVP at https://goo.gl/forms/ V5IHoGKh63Iqv9Vj2. “The holidays are such a special time,” campus President Greg Gossett said. “As we look forward to family reunions, holiday dinners and all the festivities that come with this time of year, our talented students and instructors are thrilled to share the secrets to some of their favorite recipes.” ❖
Free Lunch and Learn Seminar:
Peripheral Artery Disease Friday, December 8 • Noon-1 p.m. Grandview Conference Rooms inside Grandview Medical Center 3690 Grandview Parkway Lunch will be provided at 11:30 a.m. Christopher King, M.D., FACC Board-Certified in Cardiology
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 15
LIFE
Seating is limited and registration is required.
Call 205-971-7474.
To: Leaf and Petal From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: October This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the November 2nd issue, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
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STAY A STEP AHEAD OF PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE. Do your legs ache or feel heavy? Do your feet or toes sometimes tingle or feel cold? Do you have sores on your feet that just won’t heal? Those could be symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or PAD. If allowed to progress, PAD can result in the loss of a limb. But fortunately, it’s treatable when detected early. So join cardiologist Christopher King, M.D., FACC, to learn more about PAD symptoms, early detection and treatment options.
Member of the Medical Staff at Grandview Medical Center
GrandviewMedicalGroup.com 99433_GRAN_L&Ldec_10_375x6_25c.indd 1
Look Forward. 10/20/17 11:39 AM
16 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
LIFE
it.
SAM,
This trip is meaningful, Hodnett said, because she believes it will not only be magical for Sam, but it will also fill a void in his childhood. “I feel like we missed out on so many memories and moments from his childhood because he was going
From page one
‘I feel like we missed out on so many memories and moments from his childhood because he was going through treatment.’ Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Hodnett said, “but the doctors thought it was cancer right away and I kept asking if they had ever been wrong. It took my breath away.” After a lengthy surgery, six weeks of radiation and nine rounds of chemotherapy, Sam is able to go to kindergarten, and his mother said he is doing well for someone who has endured what he has. “He was paralyzed after the surgery but now he is walking again. His hair is coming back. He is the same Sam he was before, very shy but very strong and very brave.” Hodnett gives credit to the doctors at Children’s of Alabama, but she believes the backing of the community played a big part in helping Sam heal. The most obvious sign of support came in the form of red ribbons on area mailboxes – an effort by locals to rally the community around one of its youngest members. “I would be driving down Euclid Avenue and see a red ribbon on almost every mailbox. These are people I don’t even know, and they are pulling for my child,” she said. “He matters to them.” Hodnett said there were days that felt very isolating for her and Sam, but then she would log on Facebook and see many hopeful and encouraging comments from people in the area who were paying attention to Sam’s fight. “I’m not even really a Facebook person but social media ... . You hear
On Nov. 5, friends and family gathered at Overton Park as Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse revealed to Sam that he would be spending Thanksgiving at the Orlando park. From left: Jake Paul (Mickey Mouse), Sam and his mom, Amanda Hodnett, and Jessica Walker (Minnie Mouse).
a lot of negative things about it, but I was on the receiving end of so much positivity,” she said. As for Sam, he handled the outpouring of support like most 5-yearolds. “He is shy, but he liked the attention. We would be driving and he would count the ribbons on mailboxes,” Hodnett said, “I would tell him that every ribbon meant someone was
praying for him. He loves that people call him ‘Super Sam.’” Now that Sam is regaining strength and Thanksgiving is fast approaching, the Hodnett family is not only counting their blessings, they are packing to spend the holiday in the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Disney World. Alabama nonprofit Magic Moments is sending Sam and his family to Disney as part of a wish-grant-
ing program for children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions. On Nov. 5, friends and family gathered at Overton Park as Disney characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse revealed to Sam that he would be spending Thanksgiving at the Orlando park. Hodnett said Sam was quiet at first but now he won’t stop talking about
through treatment. Now our family gets to make some of the most magical memories a child can make ... at Disney.” From the simplicity of a ribbon on a mailbox to the grand surprise of a trip of a lifetime, Hodnett said this experience has made her a believer in the power of showing support. “I’ve never been one to do the ribbon on a mailbox or post messages of support on Facebook but now, I’ll never not support someone in the community in whatever way I can. It gave us strength to be better parents.” One way Sam and his family are trying to give back to a community that has helped them is by spreading the word about Magic Moments’ April 15 marathon, called BHM26.2. Sam’s story will be featured along the course. For more information visit magicmoments.org. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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Representing Kids With Arthritis
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 17
Homewood Pre-Teen Chosen as Jingle Bell Run Youth Honoree
Creative and determined – those are the words Meg Wallace uses to describe her 11-year-old son, Cooper, who suffers from juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Cooper is this year’s youth honoree for the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run. In addition to being well-spoken and intelligent, Cooper is an accomplished writer and storyteller – skills that recommend him as an ambassador to people who aren’t familiar with his condition. “It is a little overwhelming. I didn’t really expect to do much, but then you think, ‘Wow. This could really mean a lot,’” Cooper said. Cooper was diagnosed when he was five years old. Wallace noticed he was having difficulty moving and he began having persistent high fevers. Since then, Cooper has experienced countless injections, IV transfusions and MRIs. He’s been on many medications, and he participates in strength training at the Lakeshore Foundation Aquatic Center. He has pain walking and doing everyday tasks. He tried playing violin but was disappointed when it proved to be too painful for his joints. Wallace said that, if it weren’t for relatively new treatments, he might be wheelchair-bound. “If we didn’t have the medication we have now, the disease would be
Photo special to the Journal
By Sarah Kuper
Cooper Wallace
more noticeable because kids would be in wheelchairs,” she said. But people at Cooper’s school, Advent Episcopal, and his family encourage his writing. He already has had one of his poems published in Cricket, a major children’s literary magazine. One of the frustrating things about JIA, Wallace said, is that it seems kids like Cooper should be able to do some of the rudimentary things that they can’t do. Handwriting is extremely difficult for Cooper, but thanks to laptops in his school classroom, he is able to adapt. Wallace said Cooper tries to stay positive, but he sometimes can’t escape the physical and emotional pain of JIA. “When he is having a hard time doing something, he gets overwhelmed and we have to reset. He has a lot of frustration over not being able to do sports like other kids, but he is going to be great at things like debate,” she said. Wallace said Cooper’s involvement with the Arthritis Foundation has given
him some perspective and helped him mature when dealing with JIA. According to the CDC, 300,000 children in the country have juvenile arthritis, and 5,000 of them live in Alabama. The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is one of the biggest fundraisers for the non-profit, and Wallace said her family will raise every penny it can. “It’s important to me because there is a cap on how long these medications are effective. Kids will not outgrow this and so they are looking at being on some kind of medication for a lifetime,” she said, “We want to encourage new research, keep new medications coming out.” Cooper said he knows how much it would mean to kids like him to have a successful event. “People with arthritis would really appreciate the support because so many people don’t understand what it is like,” he said. Cooper and his fundraising team, “Cooper’s Troopers,” are trying to raise $8,000. The 5k Jingle Bell Run is Dec. 9 at Railroad Park. Participants are encouraged to wear festive attire and even incorporate jingle bells into their ensemble. To register, visit arthritis.org/getinvolved and search “Cooper’s Troopers” to join his team. For more information on juvenile arthritis, visit kidsgetarthritistoo.org. ❖
Downtown Birmingham • 205-251-3381 www.LevysFineJeweLry.com
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
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18 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
THAT’S A WRAP
ose-colored glasses were not needed for guests at the Real Men Wear Pink wrap-up event Nov. 2. The Yard at The Elyton Hotel was decked out in pink, as were guests who attended, to celebrate the end of the month-long campaign fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. More than $139,000 was raised over the course of the month by the campaigns’ participating ambassadors, made up of local men who donned pink each day of the month to promote breast cancer awareness. The title of Pink Man of the Year, given to the ambassador who raises the most funds, was given to Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis. Derzis raised more than $44,000 during the month. Joining the Pink Man of the Year for the celebration were fellow ambassadors Jason Bajalieh, Mark Bearman, Bobby Collier, Del Davis, Thomas Dudney, Chuck Faush, Roscoe Hall, Sly King, David Knight, Ben Lancaster, Devon Laney, Haller Magee, George McMillan, Eric Meyer, Jonathan Nelson, Joe Pilleteri, Eric Baumann, Troy Rhone, James Spann, Tommy Spina, Van Sykes, Art Tipton, Norman Tynes, Chris Vaklavas, Mel Wilcox, Will Haver and Bezshan Dolatabadi. ❖
Tommy Spina and Nick Derzis.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
R
ACS Celebrates Men Who Wore Pink for 2017 Campaign
From left, Julia Meyers, brothers Norman and Ingram Tynes.
Ginny Tucker and Rossi Carlson.
Jennie and Chris Vaklavas.
Sean McCroskey and Caroline Harding.
Brandi Yaghmai and Sarena Martinez.
This Thanksgiving We're Giving Thanks for You and All Our Blessings ANTIQUES AND ACCESSORIES 2700 19TH PLACE SOUTH • HOMEWOOD • 871-9779 TUE.-FRI. 10:30-5:30 • SAT. 11:00-4:30
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 19
Photo special to the Jouranl
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From left: Sandra Hines, Nancy Whitt, Choko Kimura Aiken and Diane McNarron.
Encouraging Talent NSAL Celebrates 60 Years of Arts and Music
The Birmingham Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters celebrated its 60th anniversary Oct. 18 during a meeting at the Birmingham Country Club. The chapter was founded in 1956 and continues to recognize, encourage and assist young artists in their artistic, dance, drama, literary and musical pursuits by hosting performance opportunities and competitions and awarding scholarships. President Peggy Carlisle presided over the meeting as Les Filmer detailed plans for the local woodwind competi-
tion, which will be held April 7 at the UAB Hulsey Center for the Arts. Sandra Hines and Mary Lynda Crockett were welcomed as new members. Judith Hand was thanked for organizing table decorations celebrating the theme of Autumn Leaves. Nancy Whitt introduced the program, which featured Diane McNarron, performer, stage director and vocal coach, who sang jazz and cabaret selections from the American Songbook. She was accompanied by Choko Kimura Aiken, noted jazz pianist, who also performed several selec-
tions. Members and guests present included: James Aiken, Edie Barnes, Edith Bauman, Elfrieda Bay, Margo Coker, Laine Crook, Patricia Dice, Cindy Free, Tallulah Hargrove, Jane Hinds, Ruth Jensen, Melva Jones, Gail Ledbetter, Marie Lewis, Miriam McClung, Nancy Morrow, Megan Noojin, Mary Frances Reed, Catherine Rogers, Mary Noel Sellers, Chandler Smith, Jane Paris Smith, Mildred Allen Taub, Sue Watkins, Jesse Williams, Bennetta Wyatt and Janis Zeanah. ❖
To: From: Date:
Briarwood Christmas Shop
Thursday, November 16th from noon-6pm Friday, November 17th from 9am-4pm Free Admission
Great Gifts and Keepsakes • Many Talented Merchants • Door Prizes Briarwood Presbyterian Church • Fellowship Hall 2200 Briarwood Way at I-459 and Acton Road
Angie Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax September
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the November 2rd, 2017 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
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Journal photos by Jordan Wald
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The concert featured 3 Legged Dog, a group made up of Homewood dads and the band BHP.
Let it Rock
Homewood Fathers Band Together for Grateful Dads Fundraiser Good People Brewing Company was rocking and rolling Nov. 9 despite the nip in the air as the Homewood City Schools Foundation hosted its fourth annual Grateful Dads fundraiser. While the bands served up classic rock favorites, guests enjoyed food provided by Little Donkey. The concert featured 3 Legged Dog, a group made up of Homewood dads Danny Whitsett, Chris Hoke, Brian McCool, Bret Estep and Tony Oliver. In addition, the band BHP’s performed, with Homewood dad Matt Stephens on the drums. Funds raised through the evening’s affair will support Homewood City Schools through the foundation’s grant programs. ❖
5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 980-9030 southeasternjewelers.net (1/4 mile off 280)
Amy Irby and Mary Reed Durkin.
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Renee Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax October
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the October 19, 2017 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
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Matt Kiser, Brian Dudgeon and Tom Jeffries.
Brooke Rebarchak and Anna Akers.
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Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 21
Photos by Nick Layman
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
From left, Peggy Dupuy, Bill Kreis, Kim Kreis, Sharon Wright and Chris Wright.
The Fruits of Their Labor
Vestavia’s Premiere Green Home Community
Hilltop Montessori School Celebrates Its New Expansion
Hilltop Montessori School in Mt Laurel celebrated the completion of its third expansion with a Fall Harvest Garden Dinner Fundraiser on Oct. 12. The event, attended by more than 130 people, was held in the new community center. Kathy G’s catered the event with a menu of fall recipes, supplemented by products from the Hilltop gardens. Jack Granger conducted a live auction, and the school hosted a silent auction with student artwork and crafts as the primary theme. Popular bidding items included the Personal Chef for the Evening package, from Cliff Holt of Little Savannah Restaurant and Bar, as well as trips to Charleston, South Carolina, and Highlands, North Carolina. ❖
Above, Bill Hightower, Jackie Curtiss and Chris Brown. Below, Mary Knoechel, Brittany Lamb and Anna Clare Culp.
Viridian offers all the charm of a vintage neighborhood with the latest energy-efficient green homebuilding technologies. These authentic, one-of-a-kind homes are tucked in the woods in a unique gated community off Tyler Road, with prices starting in the $600s. Two lush parks and an abundance of green space provide privacy and a sense of history for this significant property.
www.wedgworth.net (205) 365-4344
Dec. 9-10, 2017 Sat. 9-4 & Sunday 11-4 at Earthborn Studios
22 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Joining the Corps
It’s the Holiday Season!
GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST!
Above, Steve and Susan Dobbs. Below, Mary Beth and Carlton Wood.
Howls and Growls
GBHS Young Professionals Board Hosts Night of Frights and Fun
Guests dressed in their All Hallows’ Eve best on Oct. 28 at Old Car Heaven for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society’s annual Howls and Growls fundraiser. The event, hosted by the organization’s young professionals board, raised more than $37,000 for the GBHS’s animals and programs. Costumed actors and monsters mingled with the crowd as attendees
enjoyed bites from local food trucks and music by Neon Electric. The evening included a costume contest with awards for best group costume, best couple, best individual and audience favorite. Members of the young professionals board who helped coordinate the evening’s festivities included board President David Horsley, Trey Abbott, Katie Beck, Cassie
Caraway, Rachel Cash, Katie Summers Clifton, Dan Courter, Ashley Culliver, Lacey Danley, Jerome Dees II, Michael Elder, John Michael Finney, Lindsay Ghee, Anne Healy, Ellen Knowles, Courtney Lankford, Patrick McCarroll, Megan Montgomery, Clifton Nail, Ethan Olson, Judd Spooner, Kent Walker and Alexander Williams. ❖
From left: Erica and Daniel Hardegree, James and Ally Trigg. Photo special to the Jouranl
ATTENTION!
Photos special to the Jouranl
Ballerina Club Announces New Members at Fall Dinner
The Ballerina Club, one of the oldest dance clubs in Birmingham, held its Fall Dinner honoring new members Oct. 19 at the Mountain Brook Club. Members and their guests gathered in the living room for cocktails after President Sahra Lee greeted them in the foyer. Second Vice-President Cheree Carlton, who planned the fall event, and Treasurer Connie Bishop also welcomed guests and provided special name tags for the new members. Eric Carlton entertained the crowd with vocals and guitar music during the cocktail hour. Seen among those enjoying the fellowship and crisp fall weather were Sue and Preston Trammel, Nancy and Arnold Bush, Mike and Ginny Halter, Susan and Stephen Dobbs, Kathie Ramsey, Janis Zeanah, Leigh Laser and Kevin Collins, Jamie and Ted Crockett, Mary Beth and Carlton Wood, Nell Larson and Russell Kilgore, Margaret and Bill Howell, Anne and Tom Lamkin, Eloise Williams, Janet and Rolan Jackson, Martha and Mallory Reeves, Anne and James Ruzic, Nell and Sam Williams, Catherine and Andy Meehan, Sahra and Roland Lee, Connie Bishop, Rusty and Don Kirkpatrick, Kathy and Ted Miller, Cheree and Eric Carlton, Ginger and David Ballard, Sherrie and Dell Futch, Rebecca and Jack Drake, Pat and Perry Grant, Fay Hart, Carolyn King, Barbara and Bobby Jones, Linda and Jeff Stone, Patsy and Bob Straka and Margaret Somerall. As the group entered the dining room for dinner, they were greeted by autumnal centerpieces created by Cheree Carlton and hospitality chairwoman Bonnie Cicio. Before dinner was served, Lee announced the new members of the Ballerina Club: Laurie Thompson Bullington, Jamie Gaines Crockett, Martha Lee Slater Culp, Jan Josey Ehrhardt, Sherrie Futch, Maura Goodwyn, Angie Stewart Holder, Janet Lewis Jackson, Nell Larson, Catherine Meehan, Amanda Pigue, Carla Shaw Roberson, Anne Wooten Ruzic, Maggie Somerall, Glenda Sparacio, Linda Johnson Stone, Bettie Boyd Sullivan, Lisa Cheatham Warnock and Mary Beth Wood. The finale of the dinner planned by Cicio and Carlton was a spectacular dessert medley. As the evening ended, Lee gave special recognition to Eloise Williams for hosting the evening at the Mountain Brook Club and to Carlton for providing the entertainment. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 23
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From left: Robert Raiford, Sandra Wilson, Janet Lauer, Zane Rhoades and Bob Wilson.
Gathered in the Gallery SVC Hosts First Membership Event of the Season
Members and their guests gathered Oct. 24 at the Jemison Art Gallery for the Symphony Volunteer Council’s first membership event of the new season. Hosting the event was Corbin and Kim Morgan, Jemison Day and Dick Jemison. Attendees enjoyed fine wine and a variety of hors d’oeuvres, topped off with mini bowls of Santa Fe soup prepared by Robert Raiford. Raiford and Zane Rhoades, SVC hospitality co-chairmen, coordinated the party plans. Attendees were delighted with the gallery’s exhibits of spectacular contemporary art, including paintings, art glass and wood carvings. They were welcomed by SVC President Char Bonsack and ASO interim Executive Director Cheryle Caplinger. Others in attendance were Sandra and Bob Wilson,
Martha and Bob Black, Diane and Herb Rossmeisl, Shirley and Bob Brown, Mimi Jackson, Betsy and Joe Cooper, Janis Zeanah, Sue Watkins, Tallulah Hargrove, Cheree and Eric Carlton, Bettie Davenport, Jo Broadwater, Perry Umphrey, Chandler and Jane Paris Smith, Molly Bee Bloetscher, Melinda Thornbury, Jonnie and Rich Venglik, Nancy Delong, Martha Pezrow, Jim and Roberta Atkinson, Tom and Liz Warren, Debbie Reid, Janet Lauer, Darlene Gray, Bob and Skip Wadhams, Rick Bonsack, Jim and Lin Musgrove, Nicole Williams, Olivia and Gene Weingarten, Elaine Hornberger, Kathie Ramsey, Randy Mayfield, Betty Jo Gorman, Bobbie Holland, Pam Wood, Nan and Phil Teninbaum, Emily Omura, Alex and Sally Hood, Anna Carey, Bob and Carolyn Orchid and Barbarann Beckett-Gaines. ❖
The best looking and most comfortable shoes are at 271 Rele Street Lane Parke • Mountain Brook 871-1965 • shopbprince.com
To: From: Date:
Betsy Prince Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 11/2/17 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOUR issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246
n i g p p S o t a h r S ts Here! y a d i l o H
Holiday Marketplace DANBERRY AT INVERNESS
Please make sure all information is cor Including address and phone numbe Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
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Tuesday, November 28 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 235 Inverness Center Drive | Hoover, AL 35242 Call 443-9500 or visit DanberryAtInverness.com Shop for handmade jewelry, wreaths, jellies, children’s gifts and more. Enjoy holiday music, seasonal treats and cocktails. Retirement living at Danberry at Inverness is a gift you’ll treasure.
Come see what we mean!
24 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
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Experience the comfort, choice and convenience of independent senior living at Town Village Vestavia Hills. Enjoy so much more than a beautiful private apartment in our welcoming community. Embrace a maintenance-free lifestyle, say goodbye to outdoor maintenance, and enjoy the simplicity of downsizing. Dine out every night, leave the cooking, cleaning, and even the driving to us, and spend your time the way you choose “If you are tired Regina Phillips of being home alone, Town Village can give you the privacy of home in your own apartment and friends with whom you can eat with and enjoy activities,” said resident Regina Phillips. “It’s easier to connect with friendly folk when they are next door or just down the hall. There are several activity types whether you are active or sedentary. The setting is lovely and convenient to drugstores, a grocery store, restaurants, and churches. The location is convenient to freeways and highways. Move in, make friends and enjoy! Don’t wait. Leave the work and responsibility behind and “c’mon down.” Tours are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment on weekends.
The annual Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade cast a spell of success on Oct. 31 as Mardi Grasstyle floats made their way through Crestline Village. Local groups, organizations and businesses created masterpiece floats and tossed toys, treats and more to the crowd. The Steve Shea team was recognized as Grand Champion for its float “Glitter Rain.” Joining the ranks of champion floats was Antoinette Flowers’ “Sloss Furnace,” first; Leah Rice’s Beach Street “Munchkins,” second; Beth White’s West Montcrest “Wild Wild West,” third; Kyle Newell’s “Pirates,” fourth; Kacy Carroll’s Gaywood Circle “Trolls,” fifth; and Kate Sutlive’s Montevallo Terrace “Totally 80’s,” sixth. In addition, spirit awards were given to Holly Williams’ “Purple People Eater Dog,” and a group of “Disco Amigos.” ❖
Magic in the Air
Annual Halloween Parade Floats Roll Through Crestline
Joining the parade were performances by local bands, dance teams and celebrities, including a singing Elvis, Harold Schulz.
Town Village is located at 2385 Dolly Ridge Road, Birmingham (behind the CVS off of Rocky Ridge Road), 979-2702.
Join us for Town Village Vestavia Hill’s
ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET December 1st 10 am-4pm.
Riley Ovson and Bella Godwin.
Jayna Esquivel, Brian Davis, Camille Clingan and Nancy North.
*Come shop for handmade items, clothes, jewelry, art,
And our
Holiday Open House December 15th 2-7 pm
RSVP to Abbey Fowler or Desiree Soriano 979-2702
Jack and Emmy Barrett. Lillian Weinberger, Graham, Lisi and Rebekah Hester.
2385 Dolly Ridge Road Birmingham, AL 35243 205-979-2702 www.TownVillageVestaviaHills.com
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Town Village Vestavia Hills
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Given-Peck
Caroline Carter Given and Brennan Kennedy Peck, both of Birmingham, were married May 13 at Church in the Pines on the shores of Lake Martin. The 5:30 p.m. ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Charles Daniel Giffen of Birmingham and the Honorable Kenneth Martin Howard, uncle of the groom, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky. A lakeside reception followed at Willow Point Golf and Country Club. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Perry Given Jr. of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Perry Given of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Myron Raley of Montgomery. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Kennedy Peck of Birmingham. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Walton Howard of Elizabethtown and the late Mr. and Mrs. Roger Phillip Peck of Tacoma, Washington. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a 1951 imported ivory silk satin gown with Lyons lace made in Como, Italy. It featured a fitted bodice with a low-portrait neckline adorned in Point-de-Lyons lace, and full skirt caught up with rings of pearls falling into a cathedral train. Her heirloom gown was originally worn by family friend Katherine Wooten Springs Milnor, followed by the bride’s paternal grandmother, Ellen Pratt Wilkerson Given, and was last worn by the bride’s mother. Her ivory, cathedral-length heirloom illusion veil of Brussels lace and English net was held in place and fell from a spray of fresh sweetheart roses. The veil was purchased by the late “Mary B” Brandon Tompkins Cochrane of Tuscaloosa while visiting Brussels, Belgium, and was worn by the bride’s mother as well as many of Mrs. Cochrane’s family and friends. The bride carried a bouquet of peonies, French tulips, hyacinth, dendrobium orchids, lily of the valley, eucalyptus and olive branches, all wrapped in an antique white satin ribbon.
Margaret Allyn Pratt Given, sister of the bride, served as her maid of honor, and Margaret Stone Given, sister-in-law of the bride, served as her matron of honor, both of Birmingham. Bridesmaids were Eulalie Crommelin Draper Given, cousin of the bride, Anna Patricia Bailey, Katherine Farris Briley, Elizabeth Vaughan Edwards, Allison Jane Lazenby and Natalie Elizabeth Thomley, all of Birmingham; Ann Morris Bailey of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Susan Corinne Waggoner of Memphis, Tennessee. Emison Anne Cochrane of Tuscaloosa; Jenevieve Garrett McNeil of Destin, Florida; and Mary Juliet St. John of Birmingham, all cousins of the bride, served as flower girls and dressed the altar. The father of the groom and Nicolas Howard Peck, brother of the groom, both of Birmingham, served as best men. Groomsmen were Samuel Perry Given III, brother of the bride, John Harrison McCrary and Harrison Franklin Smith all of Birmingham; Alando Jonathan Ballantyne of Washington, D.C.; Preston Collins Brown and William Taylor Tucker Thompson of New York City; James Francis Busch of Norman, Oklahoma; and John Joseph MacKinnon Moorer of Jacksonville, Florida. Ushers were Harris Hodges Anthony of Nashville, Tennessee; John Hunter Rutherford of Dallas, Texas; and Charles Melbern Wilcox III of Denver. Griffin James McCormack, cousin of the groom, of Washington, D.C., served as the ring bearer. Heralding the bride’s entrance as bell ringers were cousins of the bride James Tompkins Cochrane III of Tuscaloosa and Adam Perry Hemingway of Birmingham. Denise Houlditch Dow, of Birmingham, chimed in the hour. The Shades Creek Chamber Players, a string quartet from Birmingham, performed the music for the prelude, processional, recessional and postlude. Vocalists were John Clark Canada, Benjamin Thompson Dow and David Ruffner Mandt, all of Birmingham; and Earl Wimberly Stradtman III of Orlando, Florida. Holy communion was served to the wedding party before the rehearsal by Giffen, William Turner Chadwick of Dallas, Texas, and Norman Blair Tynes, junior, of Washington, D.C. Scripture readers were Ellen Elizabeth deBerniere Given, cousin of the bride, and Emily Judith Bailey, both of Birmingham. The wedding guests were greeted by Brenna McClung Moorer of Jacksonville, Florida. The bride and groom left their lakeside reception under a canopy of tossed rose petals in the bride’s family boat. After a honeymoon to Bermuda, the couple will reside in Birmingham.
Bluff Park WindoW Works f f f f
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 25
SOCIAL
Wood window restoration and repair Sash replacement, rot repair Replace broken and fogged glass Wood insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes
Call 205-542-6094
LocaLLy owned and operated
Beauchaine-Wilson
Mary Caroline Beauchaine and Ryan Lee Wilson were married May 13 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills. The 5 p.m. ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Thomas Scott Heath. An evening reception of dinner and dancing followed at The Club. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Ironside Beauchaine of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Perry Beauchaine of Bloomington, Minnesota, and Mr. and Mrs. James Edward Brock of Camden. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Ray Wilson of Vestavia Hills. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lawson Hayes of Birmingham and Mrs. Simuel Ray Wilson and the late Mr. Simuel Ray Wilson of Montgomery. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a Martina Liana ivory A-line silhouette wedding gown with embroidered lace on soft tulle, embellished with a scalloped lace hemline extending to a cathedral train of embroidered lace. Her cathedral length veil was of ivory silk illusion. She carried a bouquet of
ivory and blush garden roses, hand tied with ribboned Alencon lace from her mother’s wedding gown and pinned with the bride’s monogrammed gold beauty pins from infancy. Emily Anne Beauchaine, sister of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Hannah Wilson Holladay, sister of the groom; Allison Thomas Wilson, sister-inlaw of the groom; Sloane Marie Bell; Anna Kathryn Benner; Cameron Elizabeth Carter; Lindsey Linne Conry; Kimberly Grace Galloway; Caroline Collier Harrington, Mary Margaret Kelley, Emily Hayes Kennedy, Karly Elizabeth McCollum; Madding Ferebee McFadden; Grace Alexandra Shipman; and Meredith Anne Zepf. The groom’s father and brother, Samuel Hayes Wilson, served as best men. Groomsmen were James David Beauchaine, brother of the bride; John Allen Bobango Jr.; Patrick Ryan Dreher; Jordan Landon Holladay, brother-in-law of the groom; Thomas Pearson Lewis Jr.; Carlton Reid McFarland; Davis Reynolds Orr; Mason Paul Phillips; Robert Eason Flowers; Walter Elias Whatley; Austin Bartlett Whitt; and Joseph Franklin Young III. Mary Peyton Burford, cousin of the bride, of Camden, was flower girl. Greeters were cousins of the bride, Gerry Ann Burford and Jayne Ellen Burford also of Camden; Mary Braden Hendon and Anna Kate Lindsey of Montgomery; and Alison Beverly McElveen and Hailey Marie McElveen of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Music was provided by Ginger Collins, pianist and organist, and Abbey Plant, soloist. After a honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the couple resides in Vestavia Hills.
25th
Rehab Reality... by Julie Martin Butler
The Spirit of the Holidays
As we approach the holiday season, most people are consumed with excitement and good spirit. To the alcoholic/addict, however, spirit takes on a completely different meaning. Their “spirit” is in a bottle of liquor or drugs. The holidays become anything but spiritual. The holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve) have been described to many as the Bermuda Triangle of addiction. While others are getting into the holiday sprit, shopping for gifts, making cookies and decorating the tree, the addict feels alone with little to celebrate. No matter how many loved ones are around and rejoicing, addiction is simply a solitary condition. Furthermore, the addict will use the holiday season to justify their drug use with excuses such as; this will be the last time, everyone else is over consuming, and so on. For many, it just be may be a way to function with challenges of interacting with friends and family. With that being said, family and friends need to recognize what the addicted friend and/or family member is experiencing and be supportive and understanding during the holidays and everyday in between. It truly is a gift when some admits he or she needs help and important that it is acted on immediately. At Bayshore retreat, we value family involvement because we know the importance of family dynamics in active addiction as well as in recovery. As part of our comprehensive treatment approach, we address these consequences and support the family while their loved one gets the help they need. This combined with the home environment at Bayshore Retreat can be the difference that really makes a difference.
TOY STORY
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photos by Maury Wald
26 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
Tricia McCain, with Homewood Toy and Hobby, above, and George Jones, with Snoozy’s Kids in Crestline, right are both excited about this year’s crop of Christmas toys. All our experts agreed they won’t be surprised to see two wildly different toy themes be tops on many Christmas lists: unicorns and slime.
A Season of
SURPRISES
Shopping Is Child’s Play With Recommendations From OTM Toy Stores By Donna Cornelius THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS often are unexpected treats, especially when it comes to a special toy under the tree. Sometimes, though, it’s not just children who are surprised. Even toy store owners can be startled when an item they hope will earn respectable sales flies off the shelf. Homewood Toy & Hobby owner Tricia McCain and manager Julie Marix said a revamped old favorite has turned out to be a hit. A new twist on the traditional stacking toy, Spin Again has rings that spiral down, and you can make the rings spin by rotating the toy up and down. “It’s just a reboot of the old model, but it’s really popular,” said McCain. The toy, also carried by Smith’s Variety Toy & Gift Shoppe in Crestline, is $29.99 and for ages 12 months to 3 years. Jim Glazner, owner of Smith’s, remembered another surprising success story. “Years ago, we had a 20Q ball that sold for $20,” he said. “You’d think of an object –
say, a bobby pin – and then the ball asked you 20 questions across its screen. After you answered all of the questions, the ball would tell you what you were thinking of. We sold 875 in about two hours.” At Snoozy’s Kids in Crestline, owner George Jones said customers had a real ball with one toy. “We’ve sold from 2,500 to 3,000 Squishies, which are like stress balls shaped
like animals, food, even mermaids,” he said. “That surprised me – but I’ve learned they’re popular not just here, but throughout the nation.” All our experts agreed they won’t be surprised to see two wildly different toy themes be tops on many Christmas lists: unicorns and slime. “Unicorns are huge,” said Steve Sudduth, toy department manager at Smith’s. “We have a bunch, from stuffed animals to finger puppets.” Each of the three stores has a wide selection of these magical creatures. At Smith’s, the Flipemz Unicorn is a plush toy that gives you twice the fun. You flip the unicorn’s head around, its horn disappears, and voila! You’ve got a horse. It’s $19.99. Another charmer, this one at Snoozy’s Kids, is Uni the Unicorn. Uni is a unicorn who believes little girls are real – although her unicorn friends don’t. There’s also a little girl in the story who thinks unicorns are real – although her human friends are nonbelievers. The book ($17.99) and the stuffed animal ($18.99) are an adorable combination for ages 3 and up. Homewood Toy & Hobby has lots of craft kits, including the Hanging Around Unicorn. Kids can stuff a cloth unicorn head, fancy it up with markers and stickers, and mount it on a frame to hang on their bedroom walls. The kit is $24.99 for ages 7 to 8 and up. On the opposite end of the cuteness scale is slime – and all three stores have plenty of the stuff, including 3 Pounds of Slime. For anybody who likes slime (and who doesn’t?), this non-watery material can be stretched to more than 50 feet – and it doesn’t leave a residue.
If it’s time to shop, here’s where to stop: Homewood Toy & Hobby is at 2830 18th St. South, Homewood. For more information, call 879-3986, visit homewoodtoy-hobby. com, or follow the store on Facebook. Smith’s Variety Toy and Gift Shoppe is at 45 Church St., Crestline. For more information, call 8710841 or follow the store on Facebook. Snoozy’s Kids is at 228 Country Club Park, Crestline. For more information, call 871-2662 or follow the store on Facebook. All three stores offer free gift wrapping.
Jellycat dolls.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
TOY STORY
As the label on the container says, it’s oddly satisfying. It’s $16.99. The Slimeball Gobzooka at Homewood Toy & Hobby comes with two guns and two slime balls, neither of which will leave marks on the people or stuff it hits. You just pump, aim and shoot the balls, which will travel more than 25 feet. It’s $29.99 and for ages 6 and up. The Make Your Own Slime kit from We Cool lets you make slime glittery, in neon colors or in different textures. Who knew slime was so versatile? For ages 4 and up, it’s $19.99. It’s at Homewood Toy & Hobby and Smith’s Variety. This holiday season, there’s a wide world of toys beyond unicorns and slime. Here are more ideas for the kids on your gift list. Whether you’re looking for toys that will keep kids from getting underfoot – er, to take outside for some exercise and fresh air – or to entertain them indoors on cold, rainy, no-school afternoons, each toy store has plenty of choices. Laser X is a two-player laser tag game for daytime or nighttime play. It comes with two guns, which shoot up to 6 feet, and two vests. You can buy extra guns, vests and even a tower. $54.99. Ages 6 to teens. At all three stores. The Sky Dreamcatcher multicolored rope swing can hold up to 500 pounds, so more than one child (and even mom and dad) can join in the fun. $129. For all ages. At Homewood Toy & Hobby and Snoozy’s Kids. Snoozy’s also has a smaller Deluxe Platform Swing for $99. George Jones said this one comes in darker colors, in case you want a swing that blends into the landscape. The Retro Gaming Mat plugs right into your TV and has more than 140 games to play. Julie Marix said the animation looks like ’80s video games, and the mat resembles a Nintendo control. Use your feet to play all the games. $39.99. For all ages. At Homewood Toy & Hobby and Snoozy’s Kids. Jim Glazer gives the Airzooka top ratings on the fun scale. The megaphone-shaped blaster can harmlessly “fire” a blast of air at people, or you can line up targets and try to knock them down. It comes in different colors, and there are no batteries. It’s non-breakable, too. $21.99. Ages 6 and up. At Smith’s Variety. Put “grassy” sections together to make your own mini putt-putt course with Noochie Golf. The set comes with a putter and balls. $129.99. Ages 6 and up. Or try Golf Pool, a game that’s played on a green felt pad that looks like a pool table. Instead of a pool cue, you use a putter that’s included. $99.99. Ages 6 and up. Both are at Snoozy’s Kids. Two players use launchers to shoot out and catch a foam ball with Sky Pong. It’s fun outdoors but also much safer for indoor play than regular pitch-and-catch games. $24.99. Ages 7 or 8 to adult. At Homewood Toy & Hobby and Smith’s Variety. The Passback Football looks like it’s missing one-third of itself. The reason? Its flat end means you can throw it against a wall and have it come back to you, which means your budding Tom Brady or Julio Jones can practice both passing and catching skills. The balls come in rubber or leather and in different sizes for little and big hands. $14.99 to $34.99. At Smith’s Variety. Kids can use their balancing skills on the Chalktivity pogo stick, a contraption that’s safer than a standard pogo stick. When you bounce on it, you leave paw prints behind. The No. 1 seller among these is – what else – the unicorn model. $14.99 to $19.99. Ages 3 to 4 and up. At Smith’s Variety. Incred-a-Balls are really, really big inflatable balls (we’re not kidding here). You can actually “wear” them as you bounce around the yard, and some have room for two. $75 and up. Ages 6 and up. At Snoozy’s Kids. Night Balls basketball and soccer balls light
Journal photos by Maury Wald
FUN AND GAMES
Jim Glazner, owner of Smith’s Variety Toy & Gift Shoppe in Crestline, above, says the Zipes Duel Barrel Racing Set is the first ever racing set to place vehicles inside pipes instead of on a track. Below, Air Hogs, Slimeball Gobzooka and 3D String Art.
up on impact, making them fun for afterdark play in the backyard. $24.99. Ages 8 and up. At Smith’s Variety and Snoozy’s Kids. Looking for a game for an older teen or college student? Who’s the Dude? is a hot new game that’s played like charades. You draw a card and have to get your teammates to guess the name of a TV show, movie, sport or location. The catch: When you act out the clues, you have to incorporate the inflatable “dude” that’s included. $24.99. Ages 16 through adults. At Homewood Toy & Hobby and Snoozy’s Kids. Steve Sudduth said Blue Orange games “are always fun and very high quality.” Three of his favorites are Go Go Gelato, Dr. Eureka and Dr. Beaker. With these three games, players use matching skills and simple logic to win. $19.99. Ages 5 to adult. At Smith’s Variety. Not that there’s anything wrong with Candy Land, but there are other board game options for very young players. Soggy Doggy is a brandnew game that features a cute little puppy in a plastic tub. Players roll the dice and follow the instructions on the square where they’ve landed. You might add two squirts of water – but look out, because the doggy might shake without warning. If you get soaked, it’s back to “start” for you. There’s no reading required. $28.99. Ages 4 and up. With the Wobbly Worm game, players try to toss rings around a friendly worm’s wriggling body. He gets taller and taller – up to 3 feet – as the game progresses. $28.99. Ages 3 and up. Both are at Snoozy’s Kids.
The awardwinning Code Gamer allows kids to use code to make and then play their own video games. Don’t know what coding is? No worries, because your child likely does. If not, the game teaches coding, too. $169.99. Ages 10 and up. At Homewood Toy & Hobby. THE RIGHT TOUCH
Julie Marix said tactile toys are big this year. Here are some ideas for hands-on fun from all three stores. Billed as the “smartest dough to ever flow,” Mad Mattr is shapeable material that comes in neat colors like teal, purple and pink. The dough doesn’t dry out, so it should provide hours of fun. $12.99. Ages 3 and up. At all three stores. The Boogie Board Magic Sketch has four different writing tools so you can doodle and draw on a screen. There are 18 different templates to trace – or you can just do freehand sketching. You can save your art, too. No batteries are required, and there’s no noise, so it’s great for kids to take on car trips or to restaurants. $34.99. Ages 4 and up. Another fun toy that doesn’t involve staring at an iPad is the Free Play Magna Tab. Use a stylus to raise tiny magnets and create designs. Don’t worry – the magnets won’t come out of the board. $24.99. Ages 3 to adult. Both are at Homewood Toy & Hobby. The Design and Drill is not only fun, it’s a best-seller and award-winning toy. Use a bat-
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 27
tery-powered drill to follow color patterns and make designs. Sets come in boy and girlfriendly themes. $13 to $39. Ages 3 and up. Homewood Toy & Hobby. With Fluffables craft sets, you can create your own fluffy little creatures in calico, orange, pink and other colors. $9.99 to $14.99. Ages 6 and up. At all three stores. You also can get crafty with kits like Jewelry Jam, which includes a big box of all kinds of beads – plastic, glass and metal – so you can make your own bling. Or use the 3D String Art kit to create a colorful heart or other shape to display. Both are $24.99. Ages 7 to 8 and up. At Homewood Toy & Hobby. Knead, stretch or bounce nontoxic Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, which comes in glow-in-the-dark, glitter and other varieties. $10.99 to $14.99. Some sets are for ages 3 and up; other sets are for ages 8 and up. At all three stores. You might call Brackitz a modern take on Tinkertoys. Plastic pieces of different shapes and sizes stick together to make almost anything you choose. There are themed sets, too. $19.99, $24.99 and $29.99. Ages 3 or 4 to 8. At Homewood Toy & Hobby and Smith’s Variety. George Jones said all the Lego sets at Snoozy’s Kids are new for 2017, except for a few classics. That’s especially nice for grandparents who aren’t sure what Legos their grandchildren already have. Popular themes this year are Star Wars, superheroes and “The Lego Ninjago Movie.” $3.99 and up. Also at Homewood Toy & Hobby. Use Kinetic Rock sets, with materials made from natural rock, to “pave” a road; some sets come with vehicles and construction tools. $6.99 to $14.99. Ages 3 and up. At Snoozy’s Kids. More building fun comes from Laser Pegs. These construction sets light up and come in different sizes – for example, one lets you make four different cars, while a deluxe model allows you to create up to 20 dinosaurs. $9.99 and up. Ages 8 to 14. Homewood Toy & Hobby and Smith’s Variety. Not playable but definitely touchable are soft, furry throws and blankets from Snoozy’s Kids. They come in pink, lime green, blue, multi-colors and patterned fabrics that “kind of melt in your hand,” George Jones said. Snoozy’s can monogram the blankets, too. $26 and up. Ages 3 to college students. Snoozy’s also has reversible sequin purses, backpacks, pillows, journals and stockings. Sweep your hand over the sequins to create a totally new design. $4.99 and up. Ages 6 and up. Smith’s Variety also has reversible sequin pillows for $24.99. REMOTE ACCESS
Lots of kids – and, OK, adults, too – will ask Santa to bring remote control vehicles. All three toy stores can help you choose models for different ages and skill levels. The Air Hogs Remote Control FPV high speed race car isn’t your typical remote control vehicle. You put on goggles, download an app and then maneuver the car without actually seeing it. You have a first-person view of where your car is going. $159. Ages 8 and up. Snoozy’s Kids. Steve Sudduth said he loved taking the XForce Motion Control Drone out for a test fly. “You hold the control, which is like a mouse, and the drone is motion-controlled by your hand movements,” he said. “It flies pretty high and for a good distance.” $34.99. Ages 8 and up. Smith’s Variety. The Rustler Traxxas remote control vehicle is a good beginner car, Julie Marix said. “It’s made to take a little more wear and tear than some models,” she said. “We carry all the parts See TOY STORY, page 33
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • PAGE 28
Holiday Gift Guide WE WANT YOUR HOLIDAYS to be bright and merry, so to save you the time of stressing to find that perfect holiday gift, we’ve done some of the work for you. Once again we’ve asked some of our favorite OTM merchants for the hottest gifts this holiday, and once again they delivered.
Mustard Seed Tees are super soft with local-themed designs, style shown is $39.99. Smith’s Variety, 871-0841.
Kitchen Aid stand mixer, available in a variety of colors, $399. AllSouth Appliance, 942-0408.
Bromberg’s Exclusive Christopher Radko Children’s of Alabama Ornament, “Dial Up Some Fun,” $58. Bromberg’s, 871-3276 and 969-1776.
Nutcracker bow tie in Raspberry, $55. vineyard vines 970-9758.
Christmas p.j.s for the entire family, even the dog, 100% cotton with button fly, drawstring and enclosed elastic waist and pockets, sizes available from XS-XL, $29. a.k.a. Girl Stuff, 802-7735.
Duck out of the rain with these colorful duck umbrellas, $24. Christine’s on Canterbury, 871-8297.
Tin votive holder by Mudpie holds 6 votives, $20. Roots at Aldridge Gardens, 682-8019.
Vulcan statue bobble head. Vulcan’s head and “buns” both bobble, $18.50. The Anvil at Vulcan Park and Museum, 933-1409.
Handcrafted, classically inspired jewelry in 24k gold plate with semi-precious stones, by designer Julie Vos, starting at $68. George in Snoozy’ Kids, 871-2662.
Have that special fragrance for the holidays with Rosy Ring Candles, various sizes, starting at $22. Wallace-Burke, 874-1044.
Yeti Loadout bucket, $39.99, with the Loadout lid, gear belt and caddy, sold separately. Little Hardware, 871-4616. Family PLUS membership, $299, regularly $350. Includes 2 adults, up to 6 kids and unlimited rides for one year. Birmingham Zoo, 879-0409.
Camo gloves. Fun and stylish, $44. B.Prince, 871-1965.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 29
Tween to Trend Accessories In Snoozy's Kids
Bedrock Tree Farm fir needle scented candles, made in Vermont with fresh fir needles, various sizes. Wild Bird’s Unlimited, 823-6500
ThermoWorks Thermometer for grilling, from $29.95-109.95. Alabama Gaslight and Grill, 870-4060.
Crestline Village 871.2662
Framed vintage cards, hand-stitched flowers and buttons, starting at $9.50. Attic Antiques, 991-6887.
Black Friday SNOOZY DOOZIES!
Christmas tea towels, from $14-$18. Trouve’, 490-1533.
Take advantage of special holiday kits from Revision Skincare, Skinceuticals and Neocutis. Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center, 933-0987.
18k yellow gold knot bracelet, signed Hermes. AMW, 870-3588.
Holidaythemed cookies and petitfours. Savages Bakery & Deli, 871-4901.
Smoke and Mirrors Sun classic aviator interpretation, $385. iiis. an Optical Shop, 930-9394.
A cleaner and healthier home, with 10% off for OTMJ readers. The Maids, 871-9338.
Holiday Gift Guide continued on page 30
FROM 8AM - 6PM, NOV. 24TH!
30 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
14k gold hoop earings in various styles. Southeastern Jewlers, 980-9030.
1819 Alabama t-shirt, $21, and soft mesh trucker hat, $25. Made by Locally Established in Birmingham. Alabama Goods, 803-3900.
Charming tabletop Christmas trees for your holiday decor, starting at $54. Henhouse Antiques, 918-0505.
Woodland Trees Coir Mat, $25, by Tag. Other holiday Coir Mat styles are also available, $25. Black Jack Gardens, 836-2933.
Vintage Judith Ripka 18k yellow gold and diamond cross dangle earrings, $1,650. JB & CO, 478-0455. Mignonne Gavigan Mini Madeline earring, $125. A’Mano, 871-9093.
A year of fun with a McWane Science Center membership, beginning the Nov. 17 a holiday gift memberships will be available at the ticketing counter. McWane Science Center, 714-8300. Black dress with faux fur sleeves. Available in S, M and L, $75. The Dress Shop on Linden, 739-2152.
Cinda B tennis tote bag, $149. Player’s Choice Tennis, 985-4989.
Fuzzy footies, one size fits most, $9.99. Flip Flops & What Nots, 967-7429.
2017 Silverado Double Cab #4241, starting at $30,490 after rebates, plus tax, title and administrative fees. Edwards Chevrolet, 716-3330
Oil paintings, 9x12, available in all 50 states, $75. Arcenaux Art Gallery, 802-5800.
Cookie Fix “Dough to Go” in packs of 15, $16, and 5” skillets, $11.25. Cookie Fix, 582-2623.
Faux phalaenopsis orchids are beautiful orchids that don't need care, starting at $25. Roman Brantley Arts and Antiques, 460-1224.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 31
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Christmas in Birmingham flour sack towel, $18. The Cook Store, 879-5277.
Spongology body wash, for him or her, an infused back buffer, milk and honey or lavender and eucalyptus, $34. Marguerites Conceits, 879-2730. LFB Designs, handdyed by textile artist Allison Manley using natural materials. The Village Poodle, 423-5443.
19th Century German sterling repoussé box, $275. Tricia’s Treasures, 871-9779.
AKA Fall_OMJ_Ad_Layout 1 11/22/16 11:38 PM Page 1
To: From:
15 years of crazy christmas gifts!
Shay Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Contemporary miniDate: house, October $85. Mary Charles Doll House, 870-5544.
Mont Blanc pens, gray ballpoint, $225, and blue rollerball, $250. Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060.
This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for.a. the a.k November 17th, 2016 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Perfume
Please make sure all information is correct, gir l including address and phone number! stu ff Rough Cut Diamond jewelry set in 14k gold, starting at $1,500. Shay’s Jewelers, 978-5880.
Holiday Gift Guide continued on page 32
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Get on the Nice List with our famous Half Moon Cookies! The last Fire Pits you’ll ever need, in a variety of sizes and shapes, from $275-$575. Fronterra, 320-1900.
Please and• Downtown fax back within 24 hours. • 205.802.7735 2906 18thinitial St. So. Homewood 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.
Pick up a tin or two for your next holiday party or office get-together.
Available at any Full Moon location or online at
fullmoonbbq.com
32 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Oval cut ruby, blue sapphire and emerald necklaces with a diamond halo and diamond bail, from $1,065-1,990. Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 251-3381.
Holiday candles by Nest, starting at $20. Mantooth Interiors, 879-5474.
Bloch warm up booties, available in 6 prints and 5 solid colors for adults, $46, or kids, $37. Applause Dancewear, 871-7837.
While supplies last.
Handmade serving bowls, noodle bowls and dinnerware in various glazes. Earthborn Studios, 702-7055.
Father Christmas figurine, $68. Trussville Antiques & Interiors, 661-9805.
The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Nov. 16, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
DISCOVER THE MANY Please make sure all information is correct, REASONS including addressHOMEOWNERS and phone number! Please GIVING initial and fax back within 24 hours. ARE THANKS THIS 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.
holiday season. Thank you for your prompt attention.
Proudly keeping homes cleaner and healthier since 1987
Large selection of vintage Christmas ornaments, starting at $1 and up. Hanna Antiques, 323-6036.
Smathers and Branson leather cozys, $29.50. Remon’s Clothier, 977-5512.
DON’T MISS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE II NOV. 30 OTMJ
205-871-9338 www.MAIDS.com
AV
Referred for a reason.
Come See Our Vintage Christmas Gifts
TOY STORY, From page 27
for it; the thought is that you can repair it yourself as a hobby.” $189.99. Ages 8 to teens (and maybe dads, too). Homewood Toy & Hobby. ESPECIALLY FOR LITTLE FOLKS
It can be tough to find very good toys for very little people – but not at our three toy stores. Cloth Baby Stella dolls come with a magnetized pacifier. You can buy the dolls in different skin tones, and there’s a boy doll, too. There are birthday sets, bath sets and a bedtime set with a doll scented with soothing lavender. Lots of accessories are available. $19 to $35. Ages 12 months to 2. Homewood Toy & Hobby. Corolle Newborn dolls are little charmers that play eight melodies and have nightlights that switch off by themselves. $39.99. For babies and very little girls. At all three stores. The Madame Alexander Sweet Baby Nursery collection debuted this fall and is especially for little girls. The dolls have the line’s trademark sweet faces and even smell sweet, too – they’re lavender-scented. You can get single babies or twins. $14 to $56.99. Ages 2 and up. At all three stores. Sit and bounce on a friendly Farm Hopper pig, horse, cow, dog or rabbit. What’s not to love? $29.99. Ages 18 months and a little older. At all three stores. Familiar stories like “The Ants Go Marching” and “Quick as a Cricket” go big with oversized books that are fun for young readers. $19.99. Ages 2 and up. At Snoozy’s Kids. Neckerchews are dribble bibs that have chewy teething triangles on the ends. $22.99. For babies, of course. At Homewood Toy & Hobby and Snoozy’s Kids. SMALL WONDERS
These small gifts are perfect for stocking-stuffing, for classmates or just for fun. They’re not unicorns or slime, but Fingerlings may be pretty hot during this holiday season. They’re little monkeys that talk and move, and they fit on your finger, notebook, racquet or a straw. Steve Sudduth said they’re already on eBay for $50 each, and George Jones is advising Snoozy’s Kids customers to call or come by to get on a list for these. At Smith’s Variety, they’re $12.99 to $19.99. At Snoozy’s, they’re $20 to $25. But both stores also will have a special tie-dye Fingerling for $24.99 that’s available only to specialty toy stores. Ages 6 to teens. Kids love anything for smartphones, Julie Marix said. One smart choice: PopSockets, extending phone props and phone grips that come in cool designs. $9.99. For anybody old enough to have a smartphone. At all three stores. Shareable Earbuds are brand-new devices with two sets of earbuds to let kids share their favorite songs or podcasts with their BFFs. $24.99. Ages 6 and up. Snoozy’s Kids. Little girls love to collect Teeny Tys, stackable stuffed toys with big eyes. There’s a variety available, from unicorns and owls to Hello Kitty and other familiar characters. $3.99.
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 33
TOY STORY
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Homewood Toy & Hobby and Smith’s Variety. Other collect-and-trade toys are Mini Boos, fuzzy little monkeys, seals, giraffes and other critters. The trick is that, except for one of the animals, you can’t see which one is inside the box. There are 12 different animals total – and one mystery creature. $3.99. Ages 4 and up. Homewood Toy & Hobby and Smith’s Variety. Drop the Zing Popper, which looks like a racquetball cut in half; it hits the ground and then flies up to 7 feet in the air. “This is our No. 1 stocking stuffer, and adults love it, too,” Jim Glazner said. $3 to $4.99. For every age. Smith’s Variety. George Jones said two sisters invented Da Bomb, spheres that dissolve in your bath water to reveal a little prize inside. For the holidays, choose the Jingle Bomb, Santa Bomb or Snowball. Another bath bomb line, Feeling Smitten, doesn’t have surprises inside but comes in festive holiday designs. There’s a fancy Christmas cupcake and a set of three bath treats – a gingerbread man, peppermint drop and Christmas tree. $7.99 and up. For girls of all ages. Snoozy’s Kids. Jones said a toy trend expert told him that today’s parents love anything from the 1990s – when they were kids. Thus, Rubik’s Cube puzzles, which now come in different shapes to present different challenges, are tops on many toy lists. $14.99 and up. Ages 8 and up. Homewood Toy & Hobby and Smith’s Variety. Paint water onto the pages of a Water Wow book, and color appears. The pictures then dry to black and white so you can do it all over again. Books feature fairies, animals, dinosaurs, Bible stories and much more. $4.99. Ages 3 and up. Homewood Toy & Hobby and Snoozy’s Kids. AND THE LIST GOES ON …
We couldn’t fit every toy into a category, so here’s the best of the rest. Zipes racetracks have a little vehicle that races through a see-through plastic tube. Flashing lights make the racing even more exciting. It’s an Oppenheim Best Toy Award winner. Smith’s Variety and Snoozy’s Kids have the basic set for $59.99, and Snoozy’s also has a dual set for $99.99. Ages 5 to 6 and up. The Sing-along Pro is a karaoke microphone with a Bluetooth speaker that works with any karaoke app. $37.99. Homewood Toy & Hobby and Snoozy’s Kids. There’s also a Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone that comes with a snazzy disco ball for $49.99. Almost all ages. The Melissa and Doug Beauty Salon is a posh pink set that includes accessories such as hairbrushes, makeup and a hairdryer. Don’t worry, moms – everything’s pretend. $49.99. Ages 3 and up. At Homewood Toy & Hobby and Snoozy’s Kids. For Disney and puzzle fanatics, it doesn’t get any more magical than the 40,000-piece Memorable Disney Moments puzzle. The set is divided into 10 4,000-piece puzzles depicting Disney’s most popular movie scenes, including Cinderella getting all gowned up and Peter Pan flying over London with the Darling children. Each scene is bagged up separately, but they all fit together into one giant puzzle. “If you’re planning a big Disney family
vacation during the holidays, give each family one of the individual puzzles,” Julie Marix suggested. $399. For older children and adults. Homewood Toy & Hobby. Grooming your child to win “Chopped Junior?” The Snacks and Sweet Cart can inspire future chefs and food truck owners. Kids can set up a sweet shop with this cart – or reverse the banner and sign to serve snacks such as hot dogs and pretzels, instead. The set has lots of pretend foods and soft drinks. The cart is ideal for front yard lemonade stands, too. $199. Ages 3 and up. Homewood Toy & Hobby. The Giving Manger set comes with a baby Jesus figure, wooden manger, book and a bundle of straw. Every time your child says, “Thank you,” brushes his teeth or does something nice, he or she gets a piece of straw. The goal is to have the manger filled before Christmas. (If you have an especially thoughtful kid, you can supplement the straw in the set with pine straw from your yard.) $34.99. Ages 4 and up. Snoozy’s Kids. Pony Cycle horses and unicorns are toys that have real star power under the Christmas tree. The ride-on, push-andgo animals come in two sizes: The smaller model is $249.99, and the larger one is $279. Ages 3 and up. Snoozy’s Kids. Other wow-worthy gifts are Mercedes, Maserati and truck ride-in vehicles. These cool rides have a high safety factor, too, because each has a remote control so that adults can steer it. A Bluetooth attachment lets the young “drivers” tool along to their favorite tunes. $229 to $349. About age 3. Snoozy’s Kids. The Rock and Roll It roll-up electronic piano was available last year in black and white. This year, there’s a color model, too. You can play a tune – and then record it. $59.99. Ages 6 and up. At Smith’s Variety and Snoozy’s Kids. With Fantasy Forts, kids can build forts and castles from laminated cardboard pieces that look like wood or stone. They’re much more fun than the old card table-covered-with-a-sheet thing. $50. Ages 4 and up. Snoozy’s Kids. Sweep the remote control Magic Light Wand to light up or turn off your Christmas tree like – you guessed it – magic. After the holidays, you can use it with standard lights and lamps. $29.99. For all ages. Homewood Toy & Hobby and Smith’s Variety. Adorable little hedgehogs and kitties do cool things like wiggle when you touch their noses and other tricks. Spinmaster makes the Zoomer Hedgiez and Meowzies. Their eyes light up – like your little girl’s probably will if she gets one of these for Christmas. $59. Ages 4 and up. Snoozy’s Kids. George Jones has some gentle advice for moms who say their daughters already have too many stuffed animals. “I always say that there’s only a short amount of time when little girls love stuffed animals – so don’t squelch it,” he said. Steiff bears used to be pretty costly, but the company now makes much more affordable stuffed animals – not just bears but lambs, elephants, puppies and more. Jellycat has a Christmas line that includes an irresistible reindeer. Look for cute creatures like sloths and hedgehogs, too. Stuffed animal-and-
book combos like Pete the Cat are kidpleasers. $30 and up. For almost all ages. Snoozy’s Kids has both lines, and Homewood Toy & Hobby carries Steiff. Although this list is a long one, that’s not all, folks. Stop in at a locally owned toy store to see even more fun stuff and to get advice from the friendly toy experts there. “Big box stores have things that kids see on TV – and three days after they get them, they never touch them again,” Jim Glazner said. “We interact with our customers and see what kids really like to play with. We develop a gut instinct that people who choose toys for larger stores don’t have.” Our toy gurus share another quality: They’ve never lost their sense of fun. We asked each one which toy they’d choose from their own stores if they were kids again. “I think I’d love that race car with the camera – or the one in a tube,” said George Jones, referring to the Air Hogs Remote Control FPV race car and the Zipes racetrack. Tricia McClain went for slime over unicorns; she said she’d opt for the Slimeball Gobzooka gun. “I could really have done some damage with that,” she said. Julie Marix chose the Laser X game. “I can see myself as a kid, running through the neighbors’ yards with it,” she said. Jim Glazner said the Airzooka blaster “would definitely be one I’d want.” “You could torment people from a distance, and they’d never know where the blast came from,” he said. ❖
Purses by Leather Cowboy
2933 18th Street South Homewood, AL 35209 www.alabamagoods.com
Facebook.com/alabamagoods Instagram.com/alabamagoods
Just $1.95 Gives a Meal imagine what your gift can do!
Give Now at
JimmieHaleMission.com Call (205) 323-5878 Mail PO Box 10472 • Birmingham, AL 35202
34 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
MOUNTAIN BROOK
Merry in Mountain Brook
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
As November approaches its last days, Mountain Brook will be pumping up holiday celebrations throughout the city. The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce will host open house nights in each of the villages, with participating merchants staying open late to offer up special deals. English Village merchants will celebrate an open house Nov. 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with live music, refreshments and a poker run, inviting participants to compete for prizes. Merchants of Mountain Brook Village will host its open house Nov. 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The city’s annual Holiday Parade will be Dec. 3 in Mountain Brook Village. Holidaythemed floats will roll out at 3 p.m., offering treats to parade watchers and musical performances. Santa will be in attendance, offering kids a chance to get their picture taken with the big guy and put in their last few Christmas wishes. The festivities will continue Dec. 5 with the Cahaba Village Open House from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Finishing off the seasonal festivities will be the Crestline Open House, Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., doors will open at Emmet O’ Neal Library for a live reading of A Christmas Carol at 7 p.m. The free reading will feature performances by neighborhood librarians, shop owners and friends and will include cookies and hot chocolate. For more information, visit mtnbrookchamber.org. ❖
Photo courtesy Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce
Mountain Brook Villages Plan a Series of Events to Welcome the Holidays
Mountain Brook merchants and members of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce gathered recently with a friendly visitor from the North to discuss upcoming holiday activities. The city’s annual Holiday Parade will be Dec. 3 in Mountain Brook Village.
SPONSORED BY
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Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 35
MOUNTAIN BROOK
A’Mano A’Mano, a luxury lifestyle gallery located in Lane Parke, has been in business for 20 years. “We encourage all to celebrate life and art in beautiful ways,” says owner Lynn Ritchie, pictured above. “We support artists through many mediums including glass, pottery, furniture, jewelry, accessories and cards. “We are excited about our new space because we have been able to bring in new artists and suppliers that are new to Birmingham. A’Mano means by hand in Italian and it has always been important to me to showcase talented artists from our state as well as from all over the Country. “A’Mano has always been known for our unique Nativities and this year is no exception. The holidays are always fun at A’mano with gifts that appeal to everyone. It can be your one-stop shop... . And we offer complimentary gift wrap,
shipping and delivery.” A Feliz Navidad Holiday Party is scheduled for Nov. 30 from 5-8 p.m., complete with quesadillas, margaritas and everything in the store will be 20 percent off. A book signing by Steve Bender, a.k.a. “The Grumpy Gardener” from Southern Living Magazine, will be visiting Nov. 15 from 4-7 p.m. On Dec. 19 from 5-8 p.m., the store will host Elizabeth Heiskell who will sign her new cookbook “What Can I Bring?”, named one of the top ten of the season. Heiskell is from Oxford, Mississippi and is a frequent guest on NBC’s The Today Show. The store will have special holiday hours, beginning after Thanksgiving. Hours are Mon.-Fri. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. from 1-5 p.m. Follow A’Mano on instagram @amano_bham and Facebook to keep up with special offers and new shipments. A’Mano is located at 281 Rele St. in the Lane Parke Development, 871-9093.
Barton-Clay Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers is a familyowned fine jewelry and watch store specializing in extraordinary customer service and the highest quality luxury products, from writing implements fine watches to one-of-a-kind jewelry designs and more. “We opened our doors in 1987 so we’re celebrating our 30th anniversary,” said Eric McClain, owner of the business, above with son Ryan. “Whether you’re seeking to treat yourself, buying a gift for someone else or exploring the world of high-end jewelry, our store welcomes you. We’re ready to share with you our extensive knowledge of the products we sell, the brands that offer them and the intricacies that make every piece special. We also offer a full service, in-house, jewelry and watch
repair. We employ a full-time jeweler and a full-time certified 21st Century watchmaker and exam administrator. This means we’re equipped to deliver any level of service to you in the realm of repairs, appraisals, maintenance or care. And, because we do all work in-house, we remain transparently accountable for your peace of mind,” said McClain. “We have a lot of exciting holiday plans, one of which is adding Hamilton Watches to our collection which includes: Baume & Mercier, Breitling, Bell & Ross, Montblanc, Luminox, Swiss Army and Philip Stein. We have also received a lot of new merchandise from Konstantino. “Our open house is Sunday, Dec. 3 from 2-7 p.m. We invite you to stop by,” said McClain. Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers is located at 2701 Cahaba Rd., 871-7060.
HO HO HAMILTON!
A’MANO
INVITES YOU TO OUR
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 FROM 5-8 P.M. ENTIRE STORE 20 PERCENT OFF! lane parke | 281 rele street 205.871.9093 | @amano_bham on instagram
JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS! WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE HAMILTON WATCHES NOW AVAILABLE
36 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
Bromberg’s Bromberg’s is a name that has been synonymous with quality in Alabama for 181 years. From its watches, diamonds and fine jewelry to its selection of the finest gifts, china and crystal available anywhere in the south, Bromberg’s is an Alabama tradition. “We have thrived all these years because our customers are our friends and our neighbors,” says Ricky Bromberg, pictured above. “The Bromberg’s experience has always been about family and community, trust, quality and loyalty.” Bromberg & Company was founded in 1836 and has the distinction of being the longest standing family-owned retail store in the US. The company opened it’s first Birmingham location in 1900. The Mountain Brook store opened in 1959 and has become a landmark in the community.
MOUNTAIN BROOK
The Summit location opened in 2002. “I have worked at the store as long as I can remember, literally beginning at age 6 operating the elevator at the downtown store. When I was a child, our family life and the store’s operations were so interwoven that I always knew this was what I wanted to do as my career,” Bromberg said. “I view my role with a great sense of responsibility. Our business was built by six generations of my family and we owe it to them and, of course, to all our customers, to maintain our company’s mission to provide and unforgettable and enjoyable luxury shopping experience.” To find out about the many special events happening at Bromberg’s this holiday season, follow us on social media and go to brombergs.com to join the email newsletter list. Bromberg’s is located at 2800 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook, 871-3276 and 131 Summit Blvd., The Summit, 969-1776.
Christine’s on Canterbury Christine’s on Canterbury, nestled just behind Gilchrist on Canterbury Road, is filled with new gift selections, as well as some of the familiar items always in stock. A large selection of paper products from Caspari is available, including gift wrap, cards, bridge sets, napkins and ribbon. Always popular are the fragrances, but store owner Jean Clayton, pictured above, said that additions have been made with all-natural and eco-friendly lines. Beeswax candles are both natural and festive, and frames are increasingly popular, said Clayton. Christine’s carries one of the largest selections of frames in the Birmingham area with prices ranging from moderate to expensive. “Our number one stocking stuffer this year is
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
the Bling brush,” Clayton said. “This year we have the duck umbrellas added to our already popular collection of umbrellas. MacKenzieChilds continues to grow as new designs are introduced throughout the year. We have bed, bath, and kitchen linens from Yves Delorme, Le Jacquard Francais, plus new deigns from Belgium.” Christine’s offers a small, European-style shopping experience. Color is abundant with options for all price ranges and free specialty gift wrapping. “We have always felt that the wrap is as important as the gift. Caspari designs are carefully selected for each season,” Clayton said. “As many of our customers say, ‘It isn’t Christmas without a gift from Christine’s.’” Mastecard, Visa, Discover and AmEx are accepted. Christine’s is located at 2404 Canterbury Rd., 871-8297.
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Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 37
MOUNTAIN BROOK
The Cook Store
The Village Poodle The Village Poodle is a boutique offering a range of items from ladies clothing, jewelry and shoes to antiques and chandeliers. “We have been in business for two years, opening in August of 2015,” said Beverly Ruff, pictured above at right with Hillary Kent. “Our sister store, Beverly Ruff Antiques is across the street. A variety of items can be found there as well - such as ladies loungewear, baby gifts, jewelry and, of course, more antiques and chandeliers. “We will have a Christmas Open House on Thursday, Nov. 30. Olga King of Memphis will be in the store showing her beautiful line of jewelry from 1-8 p.m. “Throughout the season, shoppers will find
a wonderful selection of holiday and event clothing and handmade silk dyed scarves, by Mountain Brook’s own Allison Manley. We “THROUGH THE SEASON SHOPPERS WILL FIND A WONDERFUL SELECTION OF HOLIDAY AND EVENT CLOTHING, AND HANDMADE SILK DYED SCARVES BY MOUNTAIN BROOKS OWN-ALLISON MANLEY.”
are also showing our fun furs and gift items, such as cashmere ponchos in a rainbow of colors. “Count on your gifts to be beautifully wrapped at The Village Poodle,” said Ruff. The Village Poodle is located at 2410 Canterbury Rd., 423-5443.
Holiday Open House
TRUNK SHOW November 30th
The Cook Store is a kitchen specialty shop featuring functional pottery, pots, pans and gadgets for cooking and entertaining. “The Cook Store has been a fixture in Mountain Brook since 1975,” said owner Wesley Lassen, pictured above. The Cook Store exclusively carries pottery skillets and sauce pans from The Pottery Works that are stovetop safe on both gas or electric cooktops. The store also offers kitchen linens, bakeware, cookware and more. “You can choose from All Clad stainless steel cookware, Doughmakers bakeware, Wusthof knives and pottery from local potters like Tena Payne of Earthborn Studios, Stephanie Dikis and Gidge Black Pottery,” she said. “We are looking forward to a crazy holiday season of selling, selling, selling and wrapping, wrapping and more wrapping. We have lots of great gift ideas for the person who has everything and the person who doesn’t have enough. Come check out our pottery, cheese vault, moscow mule copper mugs, melamine serving pieces and dishes and lots more gift items. Our Holiday Open House is Nov. 30 with a meet and greet with Tena Payne of Earthborn Studios Pottery from 5-7p.m. The Cook Store is located at 2841 Cahaba Rd. in Mountain Brook Village, 879-5277.
Marguerite’s Conceits
Marguerite’s Conceits is a specialty boutique featuring fine linens, pajamas, robes and lounge wear, bath and body products, candles, diffusers and aromatherapy products. “We also carry Cinda b luggage and PurseN travel accessories for gals on-the-go,” said owner Marguerite Ray, pictured above. “Our Holiday Open House is Nov. 30 from 5-8 p.m. We will have a drawing for a discount of “FOR THE HOLIDAYS, WE HAVE A NEW COLLECTION OF OUTERWEAR APPAREL, SCARVES, GLOVES, PONCHOS AND WRAPS ...”
10 to 25 percent off and we’ll have refreshments and door prizes. “For the holidays, we have a new collection of outerwear apparel, scarves, gloves, ponchos and wraps which are perfect for our mild winters and also for gift giving. Our customer service can’t be beat and, of course, we offer beautiful complimentary gift wrapping. Many small gift items are pre-wrapped and ready to go - perfect for teachers, friend or hostess gifts.” Marguerites Conceits is located at 2406 Canterbury Rd., 879-2730.
GIVE WHAT YOU LOVE... LOVE WHAT YOU GIVE!
November 30th Open House 5pm-7pm Meet and greet Tena Payne of Earthborn Pottery! 2841 Cahaba Road Mtn. Brook Village • 879-5277 M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-4 www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com
Russian native jewelry designer Olga King of Memphis will be in our shop November 30th!
The Village Poodle 2410 Canterbury Road Mountain Brook Village | 423-5443
The Tastiest Treats for Everyone on Your List! $10 - $22.
To: thecookstore@msn.com From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: Nov. 2017 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the November 16, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. 2406 Canterbury road Mtn. brook Village
Please make sure all information is correct, 879.2730 including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
38 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
Henhouse Antiques Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques, nestled at the top of English Village, opened its doors 20 years ago this fall. Owners Barbara Ashford, above right, and Judy Hill, left, said they love what they do. Henhouse Antiques offers beautiful, unique pieces personally selected by Barbara and Judy. Traveling to Europe several times each year, they ‘THE SHOP HAS A WONDERFUL SELECTION OF TABLES AND CHAIRS FOR HOLIDAY DINING...SPARKLING WITH ORNAMENTS, TREES, TABLETOP PIECES, HOSTESS GIFTS AND VINTAGE JEWELRY, HENHOUSE ANTIQUES LOOKS FORWARD TO HELPING YOU CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS.’
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MOUNTAIN BROOK
gather a collection of antique treasures, which include furnishings as well as beautiful accessories from the traditional to the unexpected. “Our collection is a fresh approach to decorating,” the owners said. “We enjoy mixing English with French 18th century, and primitive with formal. “The shop has a wonderful selection of tables and chairs for your holiday dining, varying from formal English to French farm. Sparkling with ornaments, trees, tabletop pieces, hostess gifts and vintage jewelry, Henhouse Antiques looks forward to helping you celebrate the holidays! “Join us for our Holiday Open House on Nov. 29. We’ll have refreshments and card designer Rachel Fowler will be here with her hand painted designs and screen prints.” Henhouse Antiques is located at 1900 Cahaba Rd. in English Village, 918-0505.
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 businessman, 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, pictured above with his sons, Patrick and Wesley, from left, who also work at the store. “We offer bar-b-cue grills, pet food, lawn and garden power equipment, bird feed and feeders. We are a full-line hardware store.” “We will be open for the Open House in English Village on Nov. 29. Refreshments and snacks will be served. “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, 871-4616.
LITTLE HARDWARE
HELPING YOU GET A HANDLE ON YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING SINCE 1946!
Life in the 21st Century means taking the
best of history and making it work for you. ~DESIGNER MILES REDD~
English Village 1900 Cahaba Road Birmingham, AL 35223 905.918.0505 www.henhouseantiques.com
2117 CAHABA ROAD • ENGLISH VILLAGE • 871-4616
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MOUNTAIN BROOK
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 39
Trouvé Trouvé in English Village features a variety of beautiful home furnishings, art, jewelry and clever gifts. “I’ve been really fortunate to work alongside some fun women, who have great taste, and who are also my friends,” says owner Trisha Tomlinson, above right with, Frances Mulkin. “I’d like to say that we really make extra efforts to be one of the most welcoming places around, but because everyone here is so genuinely friendly, it just kind of happens naturally. “We really don’t look at this as work. We’re having fun and we think our customers are too.” Many of Trouvé’s customers often take
Journal file photos by Jordan Wald
Merry in Mountain Brook
“WE LOVE BEING IN MOUNTAIN BROOK. THERE’S A VIBE AND ENERGY IN THE VILLAGES ... “
advantage of the availability of beautiful artwork by local and regional artists. With pieces available by Emily Ozier, Laura Park, Carol Sneed, Katherine Trammell, Lacey Russell and Augusta Wilson, patrons have the opportunity to acquire truly unique artwork for their home or as a gift. “And we love being in Mountain Brook,” Tomlinson said. “There’s a vibe and energy in the villages, and it’s fun to be a part of that. For the English Village Open House on Nov. 29 we will have some great specials and refreshments to enjoy.” Trouvé is located at 2004 Cahaba Rd. in English Village, 490-1533.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Nov. 29th
Mark Edge Jewelry Trunk Show 1-8pm
art • antiques • home English Village 2004 CAHABA RD. • 490.1533
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS The city’s annual Holiday Parade will be Dec. 3 in Mountain Brook Village. Holiday-themed floats will roll out at 3 p.m., offering treats to parade watchers and musical performances, above and below. Santa will be in attendance, offering kids a chance to get their picture taken with the big guy and put in their last few Christmas wishes. Left, since 2006 Bromberg’s has placed a Christmas tree in front of the store in Mountain Brook Village for all to enjoy. This year’s Bromberg’s tree lighting is scheduled for Nov. 25.
40 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
HOLIDAY IN THE HILLS
Deck the Hills
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Vestavia Will Offer Sales, a Parade and Pancakes to Celebrate the Holidays Holiday celebrations will continue Nov. 28 with a Tree Lighting Festival at City Hall, beginning at 6 p.m. The free event will include giveaways, live music, visits with Santa and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
After kick-starting the season with the Nov. 9 Deck the Heights holiday celebration, Vestavia Hills is looking forward to even more holiday festivities. Nov. 16-18, participating merchants throughout the city will be offering great deals in their stores for the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Vestavia Hills Holiday Shopping Weekend. Celebrations will continue Nov. 28 with a Tree Lighting Festival at City Hall, beginning at 6 p.m. The free event will include giveaways, live music, visits with Santa and the lighting of the Christmas tree. The city’s annual Breakfast with Santa will be held Dec. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center, serving up free pancake breakfasts. Rounding out the season’s events will be the annual Vestavia Hills Christmas Parade on Dec. 10. The parade will begin at 2 p.m. and follows a route from the Liberty Park Sports Complex to Alston Meadows, featuring holiday-themed floats, musical performances and more. Following the parade, the Liberty Park Christmas Celebration will be held until 4 p.m. offering children’s activities, refreshments, merchant booths and live music. In addition, Santa will make another special appearance at the celebration. For more information and a list of merchants participating in the Holiday Shopping Weekend, visit vestaviahills.org. ❖
Calendar of Events November 16-18 Kick off your holiday shopping with great deals from participating Vestavia Hills merchants! Find the list of businesses at www.vestaviahills.org.
November 28 Vestavia Hills City Hall, 6:00 pm 1032 Montgomery Highway Enjoy entertainment, merchant give-aways, a visit with Santa and the lighting of the tree!
December 9 Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 7:30-10:00 am 1975 Merryvale Road Bring the whole family for a pancake breakfast with Santa! Free to attend-Breakfast courtesy of the City of Vestavia Hills.
December 10 Liberty Park Sports Complex to Alston Meadows, 2:00-4:00 pm Enjoy the city’s official parade followed by the Liberty Park Christmas Celebration with children’s activities, refreshments, music, pictures with Santa and more!
Presented by the City of Vestavia Hills & the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Visit www.vestaviahills.org for an extended list of events & the Holiday Shopping Weekend Deals.
40 •• Thursday, Thursday, November 17, 17, 2016 40 November 2016 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Wild Birds Unlimited Wild Birds Unlimited Wild Birds Birds Unlimited Unlimited isis aa unique unique specialty specialty Wild
Wild Birds Unlimited, located in Hoover since shop that that ‘brings people and and nature together’ for shop nature for 1991, is a‘brings unique people specialty shop that together’ “brings people the purpose purpose of enjoying enjoying thepurpose hobby of ofofbackyard backyard the of the hobby and nature together� for the enjoying the bird feeding. feeding. The store store has been in in Hoover Hoover since since bird The been hobby of backyard bird has feeding. 1991. 1991. “We offer bird feeders, bird baths, nature prod“We offer bird feeders, birdgiving baths,tonature nature feeders, bird baths, ucts“We and offer otherbird unique gifts for and sharing products and and other other unique unique gifts gifts for for giving giving to to and and products with friends and family,� says owner Joe Perez, sharing with with friends friends and and family,� family,� says says owner owner Joe Joe sharing above. Perez, above. above. Perez, “Our Certified “Our Certified Certified Bird BirdFeeding FeedingSpecialists Specialists,Davina, “Our Bird Feeding Specialists, Lisa, Lyn, Sharon and Tracy are experienced, cusDavina, Lisa, Lisa, Lyn, Lyn, Sharon Sharon and and Tracy, Tracy, are are experiexperiDavina, tomer-focused and eager to help youto your famienced, customer customer focused and eager toand help you and enced, focused and eager help you and ly and friends enjoy nature! your family family and and friends friends enjoy enjoy nature! nature! Our Our German German your We stock the best and the freshest bird you food in Shephard mascot, Neesha, will also greet greet you with with Shephard mascot, Neesha, will also Birmingham. Westock havethe seed blends are specifienthusiasm. We We stock the best and that the freshest freshest bird enthusiasm. best and the bird cally formulated for the local Birmingham-area food in in Birmingham. Birmingham. We have seed blends blends that that are are food We have seed birds. specifically formulated formulated for for the the local local Birmingham Birmingham specifically sure to visit us during the Christmas/holiday area“Be birds. area birds.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN JOURNAl OVER THE Thursday, November 16,JOURNAl 2017 • 41
The Wald Group The Wald Group Mike and and Hayden Hayden Wald, Wald, above, above, from from right, right, Mike
Mike and Hayden Wald, above, from are aa father father and son sonand team who specialize in are team specialize in right, are a and father sonwho team who spehelping over the mountain families purchase helping over the mountain families purchase cialize in helping Over the Mountain famiand sell sell their their homes. homes. They have beenThey the and been the lies purchase and sellThey theirhave homes. number one agents in Vestavia for years, and number one agents in Vestavia for years, and have been the number one agents in last year they sold more homes than any other last year they sold more homes than any other Vestavia for years, and last year sold more Realty South Southany agents in Alabama. Alabama. Realty agents in homes than other Realty South agents “The most exciting thing about the the “The most exciting thing about in Alabama. Vestavia market right now, now, is that that there there are Vestavia market right is “The most exciting thing about the are more opportunities opportunities for now, clientsisto to buythere new more for clients buy aa new Vestavia market right that are home opportunities than we’ve we’ve seen seen inclients years,�tosaid said Mike. home than years,� more forin buyMike. a new “There are several new neighborhoods “There several neighborhoods home thanare we’ve seennew in years,� said Mike. under development or in the planning stages stages under development or in the planning “There are several new neighborhoods with well over a hundred homes to be with well over a hundred homes to be under development or in the planning stages built.well Prices start in the the low lowhomes $400,000’s. built. Prices start $400,000’s. with over a in hundred to be These new neighborhoods are being being develdevelThese new neighborhoods are built. Prices start in the low $400,000’s. oped by some some ofneighborhoods Birmingham’s best bestbeing builders. oped by Birmingham’s builders. “These newof are They build build by quality homes and offer offer beautibeautiThey quality and developed somehomes of Birmingham’s best
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ful designs. designs. Andbuild just as as important, they offer ful And just important, they builders. They quality homes andoffer streamlined systems to help help make the the process streamlined systems to make process offer beautiful designs. And, just as imporeasierthey for homebuyers. homebuyers. easier for tant, offer streamlined systems to help “Hayden and II assist assist our our clients from the the “Hayden and from make the process easier forclients homebuyers. lot “Hayden selection to to final final walkthrough. With years lot selection walkthrough. With years and I assist our clients from the of experience experience infinal new construction, construction, we’re we’re of new lot selection toin walkthrough,� said uniquely qualified toofhelp help insure our our client’s uniquely qualified insure Mike. “With yearsto experience in client’s new have aa successful successful building experience,� said have building experience,� construction, we’re uniquely qualified said to Mike Mike help insure our client’s have a successful “We have have several clients clients who who are are currently currently “We several building experience. building new homes homes in inclients Vestavia and they’re building new Vestavia and “We have several who arethey’re curactually enjoying it!�homes in Vestavia and actually enjoying it!� rently building new For the the inside scoop scoop on onit!� all the the new new For inside all they’re actually enjoying construction opportunities opportunities in in Vestavia, Vestavia, proproconstruction spective homebuyers can visit our website, spective homebuyers can visit our website, For the inside scoop on all of the new conVestaviaNewHomes.com. Or they can can call VestaviaNewHomes.com. they call struction opportunities in Or Vestavia, prospecMike Wald at 541-0940 and Hayden Wald at Mike Wald at 541-0940 and Hayden Wald at tive homebuyers can visit our website, 919-5535. 919-5535. VestaviaNewHomes.com or call Mike Wald at 541-0940 and Hayden Wald at 919-5535.
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BUSINESS
42 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Heart to Table
This month, Russell Greenhalgh, right, and son Adam, left, are celebrating the company’s anniversary by building a new office that will not only give their employees a better experience, but will add to growth in Cahaba Heights.
Royal Cup Supports Project to Help out on the Coldest Nights By Donna Cornelius
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
This winter, cold nights will be a little warmer for Birmingham folks in need thanks to Royal Cup Coffee and Tea. The company has been a supporter of Heart to Table, a warming station at Boutwell Auditorium that opens its doors on the coldest nights of the year. The charity is run by Don Lupo, director of the Birmingham Mayor’s Office of Citizens Assistance, and a small group of Birmingham restaurant owners. Royal Cup already was providing hot coffee and condiments for Heart to Table. This year, the company increased its support by donating proceeds from the sale of its cold products at
‘With all the positive things going on in Birmingham, it’s easy to forget that there are people out there who don’t have enough food.’
Insuring Prosperity Greenhalgh Insurance Celebrates 80 Years
By Emily Williams When Ted Greenhalgh started Greenhalgh Insurance in 1937, setting up in the Southside of Birmingham, the idea of buying liability insurance was new for many homeowners. Eighty Years later, the company has not only served its community by providing the insurance, it has spread its coverage across 25 states. But its heart and headquarters remain in Greenhalgh’s hometown. This month, Ted’s son Russell and grandson Adam are celebrating the company’s anniversary by building a new office that will not only give their employees a better experience, but will add to growth in Cahaba Heights. “We just started building this year and it has been nice to be able to build something that will add to the community,” said Adam Greenhalgh. One of his close friends, Cahaba Heights Leaf and Petal owner Jamie Pursell, is developing land on Crosshaven Road for a new location of the flower market along with a second location of Crestline Bagel and Becky Satterfield’s new Latin American restaurant El Zun Zun. The Greenhalghs would take an active role in the community because they insure many businesses there, but Adam and Russell’s passion for Cahaba Heights springs from it being their home. Russell grew up just across the street from what is now Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights and raised his children on Locksley Road in Mountain Brook, just about three min-
utes from the office. Their affinity for the location is the reason the business was moved from downtown Birmingham to Cahaba Heights 35 years ago. “I remember when all there was across the street from the office was a grocery store and then there was the post office,” Russell said. Building a new office is something Adam said has been a dream of theirs for more than 20 years. With the company having continued success each year, now is the time to build, he said. They won’t have far to travel, though; they are relocating to a new office on the lot right next to their current spot. “We want to build something that the community will enjoy,” Adam said. “We were able to customize the entire building, which will not only give us extra space to grow, but it blends into the community.”
Learning About Loss
Both Russell and Adam said the tornado that hit Cahaba Heights in April of 2011, though a tragedy, brought the community closer together. Though they have dealt and continue to deal with claims for damages caused by natural disasters across the country, Russell noted that having a storm hit so close to home was eye opening. While the office suffered minor damage in the form of a few lost roof shingles, much of the area was without power for 11 days. Russell noted that the company had more than 230 claims accounting for more than $8 million in losses caused by tornadoes across the
state that day. Much of those losses were suffered by their clients in Cahaba Heights. “That experience taught us a lot about the service we are providing to our clients,” Russell said. “We were fortunate to be able to handle their claims and see how we’ve helped a lot of people get their lives back together.” Russell recalls the early days of the company and the hard work his father put in when the insurance industry was beginning to take off. “Back then, you didn’t even need liability coverage for your home,” he said. “But my father was very well respected in the community and that allowed him to succeed in providing for his family and protect others.” The business was started with a $5,000 loan, referrals from Ted’s uncle and a lot of knocking on doors. “He (Ted Greenhalgh) would go out to the metal roof houses that were being built in Trussville when the veterans from World War II were coming back from the war,” Russell said. It wasn’t always Russell’s intention to take over the family business, but after serving in the Navy from 1971 to 1973, he jumped in. In 1980, when his father retired, he took over with the mission to continue its growth. “He grew it and now I’ve helped grow it as well,” Russell said. “I’m very fortunate to be able to pass that on.” Russell, Adam and their staff will be celebrating the 80th anniversary in their current space, but they hope to move into the new office building in the spring. ❖
Sloss Fest. The two-day music and lifestyle event was held July 15 and 16. “We sold cold brew coffee, sweet tea, and flavored sweet tea,” said C.J. Britton, Royal Cup’s director of creative services. “The response from those who attended Sloss Fest was fantastic. We told people what we were donating our proceeds to, and they were enthusiastic. Some even gave $100 donations.” Britton said Royal Cup believes in supporting community charities. “With all the positive things going on in Birmingham, it’s easy to forget that there are people out there who don’t have enough food,” he said. “As the city grows and we get more accolades, we need to all step forward to make sure we’re not just growing one part of our city or serving one segment of the population.” The company donated $3,000 from its Sloss Fest proceeds to Heart to Table. The money will help cover 10 nights of meals for those who seek shelter at Boutwell this winter. Marco Morosini, owner of Birmingham’s Silvertron Café, and his Leadership Birmingham study group created Heart to Table to help solve a problem the city faces every year. While cots and blankets could be provided, there were no funds to feed those who need a warm place for the night. With Leadership Birmingham’s help, several restaurants across the city formed a collective group Lupo could contact to provide food. This group became Heart to Table. “The Heart to Table program is grateful and honored to receive Royal Cup’s proceeds from their sales at Sloss Fest this year,” said Morosini, Heart to Table director. “It is only by coming together that we can solve our city’s problems. Royal Cup has been an invaluable partner for the past several years – ensuring the homeless always have a hot drink to ward off a cold day. With this new donation, we will be able to do so much more.” Lupo said support from Leadership Birmingham and companies such as Royal Cup See HEART TO TABLE, page 43
Photos special to the Journal
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
This month, High Point Climbing and Fitness has partnered with Catalyst Sports to show those with physical or sensory impairments that climbing is possible and is a great way to stay strong and get involved.
Catalyst for Adventure
New Classes Teach Rock Climbing for People With Physical or Sensory Impairments
By Sarah Kuper
Rock climbing can be an exhilarating outdoor activity and a way to stay fit at an indoor gym. But for some, climbing may seem impossible because of conditions such as cerebral palsy, amputations or other disabilities. This month, High Point Climbing and Fitness has partnered with Catalyst Sports to show those with physical or sensory impairments that climbing is possible and is a great way to stay strong and get involved. High Point is now home to Alabama’s first Catalyst Sports chapter. The Atlanta-based organization teaches adaptive climbing clinics to help people of all ages with varying disabilities learn to climb. “We are delighted to bring adaptive climbing to Birmingham,” said Gillian Sharp, Catalyst Sports program director. “Together with High Point, our goal is to make climbing
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 43
BUSINESS
accessible to everyone and to break down the barriers that might be stopping someone with a physical disability from experiencing rock climbing.” Tony Levy, High Point Birmingham general manager, said having a Catalyst Sports chapter is a big deal for the gym and the area. “It means so much for us to have the opportunity to share this sport with the community, and this program is only going to help open the door for more people to get involved in the world of climbing. People who otherwise might not get the chance,” Levy said. High Point is in Inverness Plaza on U.S. 280. It has 52-feet-high climbing walls, a kid zone, a bouldering room and a weight training room plus yoga and fitness classes. For more information on Catalyst Sports and High Point Climbing, visit teamcatalyst.org and highpointclimbing.com ❖
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Mountain Brook’s Ball Youngest Recipient of National Appraisal Award
J. Roger Ball Jr. recently was named recipient of the Appraisal Institute’s President’s Award during the organization’s annual Chapter Leadership Program in Chicago. The institute is a professional association of nearly 19,000 real estate appraisers spanning almost 60 countries, according to a release. Ball, who is 36, said receiving the award was an unexpected honor. He said he is the youngest person in the 80-year history of the organization to receive it. According to organization officials, the President’s Award is given each year to a person who is active in the organization and who serves
as a superior representative and spokesperson for the group. Ball was vice president of the group in 2017 and now serves as presidentelect of the Alabama chapter and as a regional representative. He sits on the education committee of the state chapter and of the national level. He has served as treasurer, secretary and chair of various committees. In addition, he serves on the board of the International Center for Valuation Certification, an AI affiliate. Ball, a resident of Mountain Brook, is a senior real estate analyst with Commercial Valuation Services. ❖ AI President Jim Amorin with Roger Ball.
HEART TO TABLE, From page42
have enabled the warming station to operate. “For years, every time the cold came, we had to worry where the food for sometimes in excess of 300 people would come from,” Lupo said. “Then we’d beg. Thankfully, Leadership Birmingham stepped up and adopted the Boutwell warming station. They established the Heart to Table program and solicited businesses and restaurants to help out. Two years into the program, we now have a long list of willing businesses and restaurants.” Royal Cup was one of the first businesses to sign on and offer its help, he said. “Royal Cup has been one of our most ardent supporters,” Lupo said. “With this donation of $3,000, we know at least 10 cold nights are taken care of. No worries. No begging.” For more information, follow “Heart to Table” on Facebook. ❖
44 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Bigger and Better
Plans Presented for Renovating and Expanding Homewood Schools By Emily Williams
Children’s
of Alabama is ... l
The third largest pediatric hospital in the United States
l
Licensed for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets One of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state The pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB Home to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually Site of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country Home to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast One of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama Provides care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders
l l l
l l l l
............................. Russell Campus 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 205.638.9100 Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children 1601 5th Avenue South Lowder Building and McWane Building 1600 7th Avenue South McWane Building 1600 7th Avenue South Children’s on Third Outpatient Center 1208 3rd Avenue South Children’s Park Place 1600 5th Avenue South
Children’s South 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 205.638.4800 Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services, specialty care clinics and After Hours care
After spending more than a year gathering data, consulting with the public and inspecting its facilities, Homewood City Schools gave its first official presentation of a Capital Improvement Plan on Oct. 26 in Homewood Middle School’s auditorium. The setting of the meeting is just one space that will be touched by a systemwide series of renovations, additions and upgrades designed to make the schools more functional for their growing student populations. The entire project will be funded by the $55 million dollars the school acquired from a $110 million bond issue made to improve city schools and parks. Superintendent Bill Cleveland noted that those funds were gifted by the city and community; therefore, it was the board’s mission to make sure the funds were used to improve all of the schools in the system. “You’ve got to have your ducks in a row when you’re dealing with five schools, because that’s a lot of money. But when you’re talking about five schools, it goes quick,” Cleveland said. To properly serve the needs of the system, Cleveland said, the approach to figuring out what needed to be fixed or changed was to take a good look at just about everything housed in each school. First and foremost, he noted, it was essential to hear from not only the community, but faculty, staff and students. “What the community says is the number one thing that is important for them matched perfectly with what the faculty and staff said was most important for them,” Cleveland said, which was a need for either more space for more teachers or smaller class sizes. “The fact that we are all aligned on the same thing was just another blessing that we don’t take for granted,” he said. A demographic study demonstrated that, while there is a little bit of growth projected in the system’s student population overall, there is a significantly larger population of students in grades three through six, with each grade having between 340 and 360 students. Cleveland noted that those numbers made one of their main goals finding a short-term solution to preparing the middle school for the larger classes, while also preparing a longterm plan for the high school, which eventually will cater to upwards of 1,400 students.
Homewood High School will see the most work as part of a Capital Improvement Plan announced on Oct. 26.
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
SCHOOLS
HOMEWOOD HIGH PLAN
Homewood High School will see the most work, with a new addition flanking the back of the school near the practice fields. The space will include a new fine arts pavilion with a new choral room, a new dance studio and a new Bailey Theatre. The existing theater will become an expansion for the cafeteria, which also will get a newly renovated and updated kitchen. A new entrance will be included in the center of the addition, with seven new classroom spaces and a media center added. According to Cleveland, the concept of a media center rather than a traditional library was the product of the high school’s librarian, Jana Watts, and a group of students. The project is an example of just one of the ways the board hopes to insert the opinions of the students into the projects as they move forward. On the far end of the addition will be more space for athletics, including a new weight training room, lockers, a team room and offices. There is also an opportunity to create a concourse walkway from the athletic addition to the athletic fields, creating a safe way for players to cross over carpool traffic and a “walk of champions” to boost the players’ morale. HOMEWOOD MIDDLE PLANS
At Homewood Middle School, an addition will be created next to the gym for use as a multipurpose space for wrestling, cheer and other sport activities. The existing wrestling space will then be renovated into a choral room, and the existing choral room will become expanded space for the band. To create six new classroom spaces, the plan includes renovating three oversized teacher workrooms, each of which will include two counselor’s
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At the elementary schools, there will be general updates to the interiors and exteriors of the buildings. Edgewood and Shades Cahaba Elementary will get expanded dining areas and electrical updates. Edgewood will gain four classrooms and more restrooms, and Shades Cahaba will repurpose its underutilized auditorium to create three new classrooms. SECURITY PLANS
At all five schools, the plan includes the addition of secure vestibules at the entrance of each facility. According to Greg Ellis of HPM, the project management company working with the school system on the project, secure vestibules are becoming a standard at the nation’s schools. Instead of entering and exiting the building through one door, visitors will be buzzed into an administrative space before being buzzed into the main facility through another door. Ellis noted that HPM expects to have the entire project completed by August 2019. FARTHER DOWN THE ROAD
Cleveland said that, in his eyes, there is a phase two to the plan that will be needed in the next 13 to 20 years. Shades Cahaba and Edgewood will celebrate their 100th anniversaries in a little more than a decade and, while Shades Cahaba’s structure can be renovated, Edgewood will need to be replaced. Cleveland noted that the property on Valley Avenue that recently was purchased will be used in the future to house Edgewood students while a new facility is built on the school’s existing site. “We do plan on cleaning that area up,” he said. “We do plan on, through school funds, putting back that twometer track for the middle school, closer to the middle school on that property.” He noted that there is also “a big push” to use some of the other portions of the property as trails for the schools’ cross-country teams and the community. ❖
Journal photo by Emily Williams
Altamont’s Hamrick Makes Perfect ACT Score
From left: Janet Ball, Bert Crenshaw, Mike Lutzenkirchen, Dr. Charles Mason, Tait Stoddard and Katherine Taylor.
It Takes Only One Bad Decision, Speaker Tells VHCSF
Mike Lutzenkirchen travels throughout the country sharing his words of wisdom on the dangers of poor decision-making, usually speaking with young adults. On Oct. 3, he made his way to the Vestavia Country Club to speak to parents, teachers and administrators attending the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation’s annual luncheon. It was a poor decision that led to the car accident that ended the life of his son, Philip Lutzenkirchen. “Alcohol didn’t kill my son,” he said. “His decision-making killed him.” Not only a champion on the field as a tight end for Auburn University’s 2010 national championship team, his son was a champion for those in need, Lutzenkirchen said. He shared stories of his son’s lending his time to pediatric cancer patients and volunteering with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Lutzenkirchen made it clear to the crowd that it takes only one bad decision to end a life. He praised the foundation for its work to make the schools a more fulfilling place to learn by providing money to supply students with a more rounded education and better quality of life. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit go toward providing the schools with funding for extra programs and projects, including professional development, technology and other classroom enhancements. For more information, visit vestaviafoundation.org. ❖
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 45
SCHOOLS
Altamont senior Matthew Hamrick recently earned a 36 on the ACT, the highest possible composite score. School officials noted that this marks the third year in a row that an Altamont senior has achieved the score, after Lucy Pless Matthew Hamrick in 2016 and Robert Denniston in 2015. On average, only one-tenth of 1 percent of all test takers receive the top score, according to a press release. Of the more than two million U.S. high school graduates in the class of 2017 who took the ACT, just 2,760 reached a composite score of 36. With a 36 average score on the English, mathematics, reading and science sections, Hamrick missed only five problems on the entire test.
Mountain Brook Teachers Earn Language Therapy Certifications
Four Mountain Brook teachers were recognized by the Board of Education in October for having achieved certifications as academic language therapists. Kristi Moncrief, Kim Polson, Betsie Boggs and Angela Knox completed a comprehensive therapist level
Vestavia Hills Homecoming Queen Adair Dortch, left, with SGA Director of Homecoming Lucy Ankenbrandt.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
VESTAVIA HOMECOMING Vestavia Hills High School crowned its Homecoming court during its Nov. 3 game against Shades Valley, crowning Adair Dortch the 2017 Homecoming Queen. Dortch was attended by a court including Kendall Carter, Molly Graham, Kate Strange and Sloen Zieverink, seniors; Avery Richardson, Mary Katherine Smith and Mary Morgan Trowbridge, juniors; Grace Davis, Riley Nix and Emori Zieverink, sophomores; and Lexi Green, Abbie Stockard and Diane Westhoven, freshmen. multisensory structured language training course, accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council and the International Dyslexia Association. Earning this credential is necessary for educators who wish to teach students who have difficulties learning to read, write and spell. Teachers who go through the training have a deeper knowledge of the structure of the English language and gain experience in creating individual treatment plans.
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46 • Thursday, November 16, 2017
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
FINDING HIS PLACE
By Rubin E. Grant With Homewood facing a thirdand-24 from its own 29-yard line and trailing by a touchdown early in the fourth quarter of its first-round state playoff game, no one could have blamed the Fort Payne Wildcats for thinking the Patriots would try to get the ball to senior wide receiver TyShawn Buckner. After all, during the regular season, Bucker had accounted for 42 percent of the Patriots’ receptions, catching 55; 51 percent of their receiving yards, with 80; and half of their touchdown catches, with six. But Buckner was not the go-to receiver on the critical third down play. Instead, quarterback Larkin Williams connected with tight end Wilson McCraw for a 27-yard gain to keep the drive alive. “They probably did think we were going to go to me,” Buckner said. “I ran a little stop route and I saw Wilson was wide open down the middle. The middle was open all night.” The Patriots went on to score a touchdown to tie the score. Then they completed the improbable comeback from a 21-0 halftime deficit on David Robertson’s 13-yard scoring run – his third of the second half – with 28 seconds remaining. The 28-21 game clinched the Class 6A playoff victory. Buckner was pretty much held in
SPARTANS, From page 48
that Joiner and Gates would definitely be sidelined again. But that status had improved to “doubtful” by the beginning of the week. Linebacker Walker McCraney filled their void in the backfield, and the Spartans will move forward with that game plan. He had not practiced at the position, but Yeager felt confident in his knowledge of the offensive playbook and his ability to execute. “Nobody has held Thompson to less than 30 points this year,” said
check. He caught six passes, but for only 47 yards. Despite those modest numbers, Homewood offensive coordinator David Jones said Buckner still made an impact. “TyShawn doesn’t have to catch a lot of passes to be a factor,” Jones said. “Because other teams are so concerned about him, it opens things up for the other guys to make plays.” Against Fort Payne, the other guy was McCraw, who had three receptions for 62 yards, including the clutch 27-yard grab. Buckner’s development as a go-to receiver is something the Patriots had been waiting for. “I thought he might be our go-to guy last year, but it didn’t happen for whatever reason,” Jones said. Buckner didn’t sugarcoat the reason he didn’t become a dominant receiver as a junior. “I wasn’t mentally ready,” he said. “I was like a role player.” So, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Buckner went to work. He spent more time training and practicing routes. Once he put in the work, “Things got easier,” he said. Jones noticed the transformation. “He matured, not only physically, but mentally, not only catching the ball, but also blocking,” Jones said. “He’s not a rah-rah guy, but he leads by his example and by his effort. He plays hard and he runs good route.”
Rally the Team
Buckner did become more vocal
Yeager. “They’re just a machine on offense, and they’re vicious on defense. One of the things we need to do is we have to hold on to the ball. If we turn the ball over, it won’t even be a game. We need to have some element of keeping our defense off the field because their offense is so good.”
The Year’s Legacy
Mountain Brook’s senior class, led by Sisson, will leave quite a legacy behind. It’s rooted in effort – in heart – and it’s taken this team farther than it could have otherwise
when the Patriots fell behind Fort Payne. A week after they saw their chances for an undefeated regular season evaporate with a 13-7 loss to Paul Bryant, the Patriots were in danger of seeing their promising season come to an end. So, he and some of the other seniors began exhorting their teammates to give maximum effort. “I didn’t want it to be the last game for the team, for the seniors and for me,” Buckner said. “So, we started talking to guys to do better. We had a lot of guys talking.” That the Patriots would pull together was no surprise to Buckner. It’s something he’s seen all season. “I think, overall, we’ve got a very close relationship on this team, unlike last year, when it seemed like everybody was all split up, doing their own thing,” he said. “But now, we have a better relationship with each other, with the coaches and even people at the school.” Homewood (10-1) will need another solid effort when it plays host to Clay-Chalkville (9-2) in the second round. The Cougars eliminated the Patriots in the 2015 playoffs with a wild 40-39 victory. “We’ll have to go 10 times harder in practice and on the scout team, and everybody has got to watch film, even the ones who don’t play much,” Buckner said. “We need everybody to contribute.” If the Patriots can make a deep run in the playoffs, it might improve Buckner’s stock as a recruit. He’s received some offers from smaller colleges, but he wants to play at a major school. “No matter what,” he said, “I want to play at the next level.” ❖ FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD
BRIARWOOD 62, Crossville 0 HOMEWOOD 28, Fort Payne 21 HOOVER 49, Sparkman 7 MOUNTAIN BROOK 23, Bob Jones 22 Hewitt-Trussville 33, SPAIN PARK 21
PLAYOFF PAIRINGS
BRIARWOOD at Lee Huntsville Clay-Chalkville at HOMEWOOD HOOVER at Hewitt-Trusville MOUNTAIN BROOK at Thompson
gone. “The legacy that I want them to leave is their best effort,” said Yeager. “I want them to be an example to our younger players about how we play football at Mountain Brook. “This group has played four quarters all season long. And that’s what we want to do (against Thompson). If it’s 70 plays, I don’t want them playing 68 plays; I want them playing 70 plays. I think that’s shown. We’ve won five games this season at the very end. We could just as easily be sitting here with a two- or threewin season, but they do a great job of finishing.” ❖
Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry
Journal file photo by Lee Walls Jr.
Buckner Comes Into His Own as Patriots’ Go-To Receiver
Luke Champion was one of the Rebels’ best defenders, he was also among the top four scorers on last season’s team.
Baby Steps
Vestavia’s Davis Looks to Build on Last Season’s Basketball Record By Blake Ells When Patrick Davis took over the Vestavia Hills boys basketball program last season, he was eager for the opportunity to lead the Rebels, which had won two state championships before his arrival. In his first season, the Rebels reached the state semifinals. They return eight players from that ’16-’17 team this year, with hopes of going even farther. “We had a lot of good players here,” said Davis, former coach at Thompson. “Each coach is going to do things differently, so there was a lot of teaching involved and implementing what we’re trying to do. But there was a good foundation and a solid group of players. We didn’t start the year off very well and we had some bumps and bruises until Christmas, but we played our best basketball in the back half of the year.” Auburn defeated Vestavia 44-37 before falling to Mountain Brook in last season’s 7A championship game. Davis is confident that his wealth of returning players can reach similar or greater heights this season. Leading that group is senior point guard Scott Morrison, who scored 10 points a game last season. This is Morrison’s fourth year on the varsity squad – a rarity at the 7A level. He’ll be complemented by Luke Champion, who logged a lot of minutes a season ago. One of the Rebels’ best defenders, he was also among the top four scorers on last season’s team. Juniors Paul Michael Hargrove and Hunter Salmon each started half of last season’s games as sophomores, and Rian Shields will see an expanded role. “We’ve got a lot of size,” said Davis. “And those (Hargrove and
VH
Salmon) had some size last year. They were inexperienced size; Paul Michael, right now, is around 6’8” and Hunter is around 6’5.” They split the starts because they had post size, and we threw them in the fire to get them some experience.” Davis expects big contributions from some newcomers as well. Junior Michael Vice joins from the Rebels football team, and juniors Luke Couch and Thomas Anderson had promising off seasons. The Rebels opened with a win over Chelsea, and they’ll travel to Hueytown and Helena before hosting the Sneaky Pete’s Rebel Classic before Thanksgiving. They’ll also be part of the Steel City Invitational at Samford, and they’ll travel to Kentucky for the Ashland Invitational Tournament in December before beginning 2018 against defending state champion Mountain Brook. Davis said he’s looking forward to the trip to Ashland. “I like to try to play different styles and play as many teams as possible, and this gives us an opportunity to do that,” he said. “Obviously, Kentucky is the basketball mecca, and as it’s an invite tournament, we’re fortunate to go play some high-quality programs.” Davis doesn’t really set goals for his teams; he focuses more on the things that they can control, making baby steps toward long-term success. “We don’t really set end result goals,” Davis said. “We don’t say, ‘We want to win a state title,’ or ‘We want to get to a final four.’ Obviously those things are things that we want to accomplish. When we talk about our goals, we talk about, ‘Are we better today than we were yesterday?’ “I know that sounds cliched, but if teams can identify with how we do what we do and not just what the end result is, it’s been my experience that you end up achieving more, because you’re focused on the parts that you can control.” ❖
Thursday, November 16, 2017 • 47
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Mountain Brook Boys Win State Cross-Country Title; Vestavia’s Sweeney Takes Top Individual Slot
Photos by Todd Thompson/Rivercat Photography
Senior Zack Howard of Briarwood Christian won the individual 5A title with a time of 16:16.17.
Vestavia Hills senior James Sweeney concluded a dominant season as the top finisher at the state championship.
By Blake Ells The Mountain Brook boys crosscountry team won its 14th state championship on Nov. 11 at Oakville. The Spartans had four finishers in the top 17, including Charlie Slaughter at second and Hunter Harwell at eighth. Joseph Pitard and Gram Denning finished 16th and 17th, respectively. Sophomore Eric Alexander place 41st. Vestavia Hills senior James Sweeney concluded a dominant season as the top finisher at the state championship. Only Homewood’s Will Stone, who often trains with Sweeney, managed to top Sweeney this season. That happened twice. “We thought we had a chance as a team,” said Sweeney, whose team placed third behind Huntsville. “We knew that it would be really close between us, Huntsville and Mountain Brook. We knew that everything had to fall into place for everybody and that we’d need to run perfectly, if not better than we had all season. A lot of those guys were running in a state championship for the first time, and I’m extremely proud of all that they did.” Vestavia topped the Spartans earlier this season, but injuries have nagged the Rebels and proved too much to overcome. Sweeney will compete at Butler next season. He’s
one of four departing seniors for the Rebels, with Joseph Gilroy, Grayson Holbert and William Tapscott also concluding their high school careers. He’s confident that the team he leaves behind can reach even greater heights. “Those guys are my brothers,” Sweeney said. “We’ve gone through a lot together and they’ve got a lot
‘None of our top five are seniors, so they’ll all be back. Winning state championships is tough in any sport.’ MOUNTAIN BROOK COACH MICHAEL MCGOVERN
of talent coming back. They’ve got Ethan Strand, who’s a freshman. If he stays healthy, he’s a force to be reckoned with. And there are a bunch of sophomores that are really strong. Bryce (Hutchinson), my counterpart, he’s only a junior. The Mountain Brook girls team finished third behind Auburn and Huntsville. Seventh-grader Reagan Riley was their top finisher, placing fourth. Sophomore Lilly Hulsey finished 10th, while junior Anna Balzli finished 12th, sophomore Tessa Allen finished 23rd and sophomore
Amanda Jones finished 27th. “None of our top five are seniors, so they’ll all be back,” said coach Michael McGovern. “Winning state championships is tough in any sport. The roll we’ve been on with the girls team is remarkable and we’re a victim of our own success because other teams are starting to realize what they’re capable of. Auburn’s starting to have a strong middle school program that feeds them well, which is what we built our success on.” That middle school program proved vital this season as Riley was called up to compete with the high school team. “Reagan trained with them all year, but when it came to sectionals time, we knew that she was good enough to run with us,” said McGovern. “They didn’t have any problems letting her come up to run varsity.”
Westminster-Oak Mountain Claims First Boys’ Title
Westminster of Oak Mountain completed a sweep posting 43 points to capture the boys’ 1A/2A state championship. It was the first in school history for the Shelby County school. Westminster also won the girls’ competition earlier in the day. ❖
The Mountain Brook girls team finished third behind Auburn and Huntsville. Seventh-grader Reagan Riley, above, was their top finisher, placing fourth.
HOMEWOOD, From page 48
For Stone, he just doesn’t want to have any misgivings about the kind of race he runs. He said he would rather go out hard from the outset instead of wishing later he had gone out hard. “I’d rather take a risk and not regret it,” he said. Stone led from the start, finishing 17 seconds ahead of Florence’s Grant Brown.
Girls Come up Short
Meanwhile, the Homewood girls came up short in their bid for a second consecutive state title. Fort Payne placed five runners in the top 16 to finish with 51 points and captured the school’s first girls’ AHSAA cross-country championship. Homewood was second with 65 points and John Carroll Catholic, which won the 2014 and 2015 Class 6A titles, was a distant third with 147 points. “My hat’s off to Fort Payne,” Porter said. “You never wanted to lose, but if you do, you want it to be to a quality team. “Fort Payne had a very talented group of girls. Our girls raced their hearts out. We had some with their season best times and some with personal records, but they were just outmatched.” Florence freshman Mary Claire Ridgeway won the individual championship with a time of 18:20.05. Homewood sophomore Celie Jackson was second, clocking 18:48.12. The Patriots’ Audrey Nabors joined Jackson as an All-State performer, placing 12th in 20:03. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017
SPORTS
Baby Steps: Vestavia’s Davis Looks to Build on Last Season’s Basketball Record PAGE 46
CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
STONE SPARKLES
Photo by Todd Thompson/Rivercat Photography
Homewood Wins Sixth Consecutive Cross-Country Crown
The Patriots secured their sixth consecutive state title last Saturday thanks to Will Stone, above, and plenty of depth. Stone clocked 15:46.20 on the 5K Oakville Museum and Indian Mounds course in Moulton.
By Rubin E. Grant As Homewood junior Will Stone was speeding to his second consecutive Class 6A boys cross-country state championship, he was just as concerned about how his teammates were doing. “What I love about running cross-country is the camaraderie because it’s not just you, but also your teammates who you work with day in and day out,” Stone said. “The individual title is awesome,” he added, “but this year we had a battle for the team state championship.” The Patriots secured their sixth consecutive state title last Saturday thanks to Stone and
plenty of depth. Stone clocked 15:46.20 on the 5K Oakville Museum and Indian Mounds course in Moulton. Two other Patriots earned All-State honors for finishing in the top 15. Sophomore Jackson Merrell placed ninth in 16:36, and senior Alvin Finch finished 12th in 16:40 as Homewood edged Cullman 54-69 to claim the title. “Listen, Cullman about gave me a heart attack,” Homewood coach Lars Porter said. “Cullman is a talented team. They had us on the ropes, but in the end, things went our way.” The Bearcats had four runners in the top 17 but had a sharp drop-off after that. Meanwhile, Homewood’s Azariah Kipchumba finished 18th in 16:59 and Logan Justice finished 20th in 17:03. “We’ve got a good group of guys who run
hard until the end,” Mountain Brook Boys Win State Cross-Country Porter said. Title; Vestavia’s Sweeney Porter now has Takes Top Individual Slot won state champiPAGE 47 onships in each of his six seasons as head coach, but this time it was a little sweeter. “A couple of years we were really talented and we figured things would go our way, but this one was really special because we had to fight for it,” Porter said. Of course, it helped to have Stone leading the pack. “Coaching Will Stone never gets old,” Porter said. “He’s an unbelievable kid. He’s talented and he’s focused, and he’s a risk taker. He’s not afraid to get beat.”
Mountain Brook Advances in State Playoffs Despite Injuries By Blake Ells Senior quarterback Hamp Sisson led Mountain Brook to a 23-22 victory over Bob Jones in the first round of the AHSAA state playoffs, the Spartans’ first playoff victory since 2012. Harold Joiner and AJ Gates sat with injuries, leaving Sisson as the offensive leader. But Sisson had help. “I felt like the offensive line took control of the line of scrimmage,” said coach Chris Yeager. “That’s our element. The last time they were in a four quarter football game was Oct. 6, and we’ve been in one every single week. We’ve only had two games this year that didn’t come down to the fourth quarter or the last drive or the last play of the game.” That stretch included an overtime win at Vestavia Hills and wins over Oak Mountain and Huffman with margins thinner than a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Bob Jones Patriots coasted to big victories over Gadsden City, Grissom and Buckhorn after their mid-season loss at Hewitt-Trussville. “Our region is a very physical region; it’s a very fast region,” Yeager said. He said playing in the state’s most challenging region helped prepare his team for the postseason. “There’s a lot of parity. If you don’t get ready to play in our region, you’re gonna lose. That’s the bottom line. You have to play quality football every week. “Even when they were ahead of us – they took it down the field the first two times they had the ball and our defense held them to field goals – I felt really good. When we scored and took the lead, it was game on.” As a reward, the Spartans will get a rematch Nov. 17 with region foe Thompson, which defeated the Spartans 40-13 on Sept. 15. After the first-round game, Yeager was told
See HOMEWOOD page 47
See SPARTANS, page 46
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