OTMJ 11.17.22

Linda Stone, a retired pediatrician, became a Meals on Wheels volunteer about a year after retiring from Over the Mountain Pediatrics in 2018.

‘Making a

By Anne Ruisi

You could say Meals on Wheels vol unteer Linda Stone of Mountain Brook has her very own fan club at Villa Maria Senior Community in Birmingham’s East Lake neighbor hood, starting with longtime resident Lucille Crowe.

“She’s terrific,” Crowe said, beaming, as

Stone delivered her meals last week for Thursday and Friday’s Veterans Day holiday. “She’s the best I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been here for 25 years.”

Stone is one of the just more than 400 volun teers who deliver 1,500 meals a day to home bound seniors and disabled people in Jefferson County, said Becky Wright, Meals on Wheels program director. Each day from Monday to See MEALS, page 11

It’s the Holiday Season!

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

CLASSIC CLAUS Vestavia Hills native creates popular series of Santa Claus paintings inspired by Coca-Cola PAGE 13

TOY TALK Local toy experts share their best bets for Christmas, plus great holiday gift ideas from OTM area merchants PAGE 24

SMILE BIG FOR SANTA The Jolly OId Efl is coming to town and we’ve got news on where to get a close up PAGE 30

ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 8 LIFE 10 SOCIAL 14

TOY STORY 24 GIFT GUIDE 26 MTN BROOK SS 30 SPORTS 40

With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter. Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area.

To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.

Murphy’s Law

Rainbows on the Floor

It was off the coast of Newfoundland. I was waiting for the ship to pull into port when I turned to see a rainbow in the dis tance; just a small arc, mind you, but it was beautiful as all rainbows are. I was prepared to watch it fade when another rainbow appeared, then anoth er, then another, each one more bril liant than the last. They came down in front of the mountains. I could actually see where they landed. It was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. And then … and then … a rainbow came down within a few yards of the ship itself. If I had been properly posi tioned, I could have reached out and touched it. I am so thankful that I was there to see that.

I see rainbows here at home, too, not as often, not as brilliant, but they’re always a marvel, aren’t they? I mean, all those colors tied up in a clear shaft of light. Who could have seen that coming?

There are also tiny rainbows that form on the floor in my entryway. Some afternoons, the sun filters through the front door glass and breaks the light into beautiful patches of color on the rug. Same miracle in miniature, and yet, very often I don’t even pause to acknowledge them.

There are clothes that must be folded, armloads of things to be schlepped from one room to another. I was raised to be in a constant state of productive bustle, and sometimes my duty mandate derails my wonder. I need to do better.

Every time the phone rings and it is NOT a telemar keter, I should count that as a gift. When my toast pops up perfectly browned the first time, it is a reason to cel ebrate. When I open up the dishwasher and it is (ta-da!)

Over the Mountain Views

empty, I should do a mental happy dance. Even if I just forgot that I unloaded it earlier, it’s a moment to stop and smile.

As I’m driving out of the subdivi sion and see a pile of turtles on the drainage pipe on the pond, I picture the one squished on the bottom saying, “Dude, do you know how many square feet are in this place?” and I laugh. That’s good! When the traffic light changes so I can merge seamlessly onto Highway 280, I should say, “Thank you very much!” When I open my car door in front of the donut shop and the smell of hot donuts is wafting across the parking lot to greet me, does it get any better than that? Miracles. Teeny, tiny miracles. The funny exchange you had with the lady at the checkout coun ter, the fact that there was just enough milk left in the carton for your cereal that morning (hence the stop at the grocery store), the cardi nal that stared in your living room window reminding you to fill the feeder (also need to stop for birdseed). These are all reasons to celebrate.

It’s easy to be thankful for the big stuff, the huge, happy events, the openly joyous occasions in the com pany of family and friends. It takes a little more prac tice to be actively thankful for the smaller things, the little rainbows on your floor every single day.

This Thanksgiving, on your way to hauling the tur key out of the oven or pressing the linens or making a frantic last dash to the grocery store because you forgot the cream of mushroom soup, I hope you see a rainbow on your floor … and I hope you offer up a word of thanks.

Big Dog!

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JO U RNA L November 17, 2022

Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald

Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writer: Anne Ruisi

Photographer: Jordan Wald

Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant

Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch

Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd

Vol. 33, 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 2022 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.

Dogs Strutted Their Stuff During Canine Competition

Canine companions were the stars of the show Nov. 6 at Birmingham’s Next Hot Dog fun draiser for the Animal League of Birmingham. Avondale Brewing Company was the site of the event, which crowned an overall canine winner and a people’s choice for 2021-22. Also featured were com petitions in categories such as Best Fur-do, Most Talented, Best Team Spirit, Most Squeezable Puppy and Sassiest Senior. Each furry contestant received a special swag bag, and representatives from local rescue groups were on hand. Enjoying the event were, from left, Kirsten Atkinson, Bindy and Lynn Geter.

Sue Murphy

I was raised to be in a constant state of productive bustle, and sometimes my duty mandate derails my wonder.

‘THE TRUE MEANING OF VETERANS DAY’

Vestavia Hills salutes veterans PAGE 8

RECIPES TO FOLLOW Shelby County woman shares her mother’s love for cooking in new cookbook PAGE 10

STATE CROSS-COUNTRY MEET Riley repeats as Spartans sweep Class 6A titles PAGE 40

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

Woman continues Christmas stocking tradition started by mom PAGE 12

Journal

Photo by Jordan Wald

Greenery Sale Set for Botanical Gardens

In-person shopping is back and online ordering will be available for most items at the Red Mountain Garden Club’s popular Greenery Sale at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Nov. 30.

The event, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., marks the sale’s 40th anniversary. Several items can be ordered online at redmountaingardenclub.square.site and picked up on the day of the sale.

Wreaths and fresh garlands by the yard, Fraser fir crosses, fresh cut green ery and holiday red bows are among the offerings that can be pre-ordered. Mailbox and lamp post decorations are

available only in person.

Seasonal favorites such as paper whites, amaryllis and reindeer food will be on the Gift Table, where shoppers can find one-of-a-kind specialty items. Gift Table items are not available for online pre-ordering.

Proceeds will help support the Memorial Garden at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

The club was founded in 1927 and is involved in several local projects that support the Memorial Garden, the Botanical Gardens and other groups and organizations dedicated to the environ ment and beautification of Birmingham.

Nov. 16-19

Market Noel

The Junior League of Birmingham presents its Christmas market with vendors galore for those who want to get a jump on their holiday shopping. Ticket info: marketnoel.net. When: Nov. 16 preview from 7-10 p.m.; Nov.17 from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m; Nov. 18 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 19 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: The Finley Center, Hoover

Thurs., Nov. 17

Iron Bowl Kickoff Casino Cruise

A silent auction, casino games, a wine pull and a liquor toss are among the activities to be enjoyed at this fundraiser for the Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation’s Finish the Fight. When: 6-11 p.m. Where: The Club

Nov. 17-18

Magical Marketplace

The annual arts and crafts show to benefit Unless U will offer a VIP shopping event with $5 admission on Nov. 17. Admission is free on Nov. 18. When: VIP shopping event on Nov. 17, 5:30 -7:30 p.m. Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church

About

When: 8:30 a.m.

Nov. 18-19

West Side Story Symphonic Dances

Join the Alabama Symphony Orchestra to celebrate one of Bernstein’s most joyful creations, “West Side Story Symphonic Dances.” The concert also will feature the world premiere of the Hammond Organ Concerto by Birmingham native Brian Raphael Nabors. When: 7 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall

Sat., Nov. 19

The Magic of Model Trains

Studio By the Tracks Holiday Open House

One-of-a-kind artwork by SBTT Studio Artists, great Studio merchandise including t-shirts, prints, totes, and more, also shop from over 15 local makers and food vendors from our community as part of the outdoor Holiday Market. When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Where: Studio by the Tracks, 301 20th Street South in Irondale.

Sun., Nov. 20

Tree of Lights Memorial Dedication

When: 5:30 p.m. Where: 2116 Colum biana Rd., 205-704-9020

A holiday tradition at McWane Science Center, discover trains of every shape and size inside this awe-inspiring exhibit of locomotive displays. No detail is too small for miniature landscapes. When: Opens Nov. 19. Where: McWane Science Center

A tree filled with lights will be placed on the corner of Oxmoor Road and Central Avenue in Homewood’s Central Park and illuminated through December as a memorial to those we have loved and lost in a fundraiser for Community

Ready for the Red Mountain Garden Club Greenery Sale are, from left, Melissa Hagan, Pratt Brown and Lucy Gaede.

Courtesy

SAM LAPIDUS MONTCLAIR RUN | THURS., NOV. 24

1,500 runners are expected at this fundraiser for the Levite Jewish Community Center and the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. 5K and 10K routes start and end at the center.

Where: Levite Jewish Community Center

Journal file photo

Grief Support. Donations for memorial lights and cards can be placed at communitygriefsupport.org. When: 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Handel’s Messiah

Professional soloists and orchestra will joint the Alabama Civic Chorale free performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” Those who wish may bring items that will be donated to children in need.

When: 3 p.m. Where: Riverchase United Methodist Church

Thurs., Nov. 24

and appearances by some of your favorite SEC Shorts characters.

When: 7 p.m. Where: Alabama Theatre

Tues., Nov. 29

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

ABOUT TOWN

The acclaimed holiday tradition is live in theaters for the 30th Anniversary tour. The show features larger-thanlife puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes in a production featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. When: 7 p.m. Where: Alabama Theatre

Thurs., Dec. 1

Aldridge Gardens Gifts of Art

A one-stop Christmas shopping event with unique, one-of-a-kind art items from a select list of local artists. When: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Where: The House at Aldridge Gardens

Sat., Dec. 3

Holiday Market

The Fellowship House Junior Board is hosting a holiday market full of shopping, charity, and Santa! When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: indoors at Sloss Furnaces

Fri., Nov. 25

SEC Shorts Live!

Can Auburn and Alabama fans peacefully coexist in a theater for a hilarious night of college football comedy? This will be a one-night-only event on the eve of the Iron Bowl celebrates the greatest rivalry in college football with hilarious sketch comedy, audience games, singing

Sun., Dec. 4

Ho Ho Hoover-Randle

Hoover-Randle house will host it’s annual holiday event featuring performances, tours, and refreshments. Kids 12 and under are admitted free. When: 2 - 5 p.m. Where: Hoover Randle Home

Fri., Dec. 9

Sounds of the Season

The Youth Leadership Program at Vestavia Hills High School hosts “Sounds of the Season,” a fundraiser for the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program of UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. The event will feature a silent auction of fine art by local artists and a performance by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Tickets: go.uab. edu/vhhsrise. When: 6:30 p.m. for the silent auction and dessert, with the ASO performance at 8 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center Ballroom

Sat., Dec. 10

Birmingham Girls Choir Holiday Concert

The Birmingham Girls Choir features three different choirs, with students ranging from K through 12th grade, with a goal to instill excellence and build community amongst girls who love to sing through the power of choral singing. When: 3 p.m. Where: The Summit in Saks Plaza

Dancing, Music and Fur

Red Mountain Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular to Hit the Stage

Traditional and modern music, excit ing choreography and some fourlegged friends will highlight Red Mountain Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular next month.

The show, which runs from Dec. 1 to Dec. 18, features several guest stars who’ve performed with the company in the past and showcases the most talented young performers in Birmingham, according to a Red Mountain Theatre press release. Tickled Pink Petting Zoo will supply the animals in the production.

The show is recommended for all ages. Show times are Wednesday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at

2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at redmoun taintheatre.org. Tickets start at $32 for adults and $25 for children.

Courtesy RMT

A Feast for the Eyes

Gingerbread House Competition Marks the Holidays

Gingerbread houses will be dis played in Vestavia Hills City Hall on Dec. 3 for viewing and judging.

The event, Gingerbread Jam, is being presented to raise money for the Megan Montgomery Domestic Violence Prevention Fund, which pro vides grants to high schools and colleg es for age-appropriate education on safe and healthy relationships.

Building gingerbread houses was a family tradition for Susann Montgomery-Clark, daughters Meredith and Megan Montgomery, and many friends and relatives who were invited

ArtBlink

Philanthropic Couple to Be Honored for Work With UAB Cancer Center

This year’s ArtBlink Gala will honor Gray and Lee Thuston for their long standing commitment to the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and Birmingham at large.

Lee has served on the advisory board of the center since 1994, hold ing numerous roles including presi dent and income development chair, according to a statement from the board. It said Lee’s work helped lay

to take part.

“This event is a fun way to help raise funds for critical education about healthy relation ships,” said MontgomeryClark said. “It’s a way to carry on the tradition that our family and friends loved for many years and help make memories for other families as they build their own houses to enter.”

Meredith Montgomery said, “The most fun will be viewing and voting for

your favorite houses through the peo ple’s choice awards and bidding in the silent auction for beautiful gingerbread houses made by professional bakers in the culinary division.”

The gingerbread hous es will be on display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and res idents can come through and judge which they think is best.

It’s free to view the gingerbread houses, but there will be a small entry fee to take part in the judging. To enter your own creation into the gingerbread house-building competition or register to attend the event, visit gingerbread jam.swell.gives.

Cancer Center and throughout the Birmingham community have truly made an impact on the lives of count less individuals, and it is a privilege to recognize them for all they have invested to make Birmingham and the state of Alabama a healthier, more vibrant place to live,” the statement said.

A reception to honor the two will be held Dec. 1 by the board’s Director’s Circle.

the groundwork for community investment in cutting-edge research and innovative patient care.

“Gray and Lee’s volunteer and philanthropic efforts at the O’Neal

The 38th Annual ArtBlink will be held virtually Feb. 4 and also will honor Gray and Lee Thuston. ArtBlink will include an online auc tion and a dinner that can be picked up the afternoon before the event. For more information, visit artblink.org.

cookmuseum.org

Courtesy

‘The True Meaning of Veterans Day’

By Anne Ruisi

Biographical vignettes focused on the heroism and the sacrifices of Alabama soldiers and sailors high lighted remarks by keynote speaker W. Kent Davis, state commissioner of Veterans Affairs, at Vestavia Hills’ Salute to Veterans on Nov. 10.

As he prepared his remarks, Davis said, he tried to think how he could honor the nearly 400,000 military vet erans in Alabama. That is about 1 in 10 people in Alabama who are veter ans, the highest rate in the U.S.

“Ultimately, I can think of no bet ter way of discussing the true mean ing of Veterans Day than by discuss ing stories of individual veterans from Alabama who have served their coun try in uniform,” the retired rear admi ral said. “My hope is that, by discuss ing those individual lives, I can some how memorialize the contributions of all veterans from Alabama.”

These included men and women from the major wars and conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries. Among those Davis highlighted:

• Osmond Kelly Ingram, a Pratt City firefighter who became the first U.S. Navy enlisted man to be killed in World War I. He died when a torpedo hit his ship as he ran to release depth charges at the ship’s stern. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Birmingham’s Kelly Ingram Park is named in his honor.

• Holland Smith, born in the unin corporated community of Hatchechubbee in Russell County, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1905. He was called “Howlin’ Mad Smith” due to his ferocity under fire during World War I. By World War II,

directed extensive Army, Navy and Marine amphibious training. His vision for assault warfare is often given major credit for carrying the War in the Pacific to a successful con clusion.

native who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Korean War at Outpost Harry. At the outpost, he organized defensive actions, res cued wounded soldiers and engaged the enemy until reinforcements

• Matthew Leonard, born in Eutaw, who served in the Korea and Vietnam wars. A platoon sergeant, he received the Medal of Honor posthu mously after dying from wounds in 1967 in Vietnam. His platoon came under attack and he rallied his men, dragged a wounded soldier to safety and charged an enemy gun, destroy ing the hostile crew despite being hit several times by enemy fire.

• Tamara Thurman of Brewton, an army sergeant who was killed in the attack on the Pentagon, where her office was near the area of impact on 9/11.

“Together, despite their vast differ ences, these people stand as a meta phor for the invaluable gifts that mili tary veterans in Alabama have bestowed on us,” Davis said. “They were military heroes. Several of them made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. It is fitting that we take part in remembering these great Alabamians and military heroes as we give thanks on Veterans Day.”

The event, held at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center, also included per formances of stirring patriotic songs by the Vestavia High School Honor Choir and Wind Symphony, songs from World War II and a “Salute to America” by the Birmingham Harmony Belles.

Four young Alabamians from Central Alabama took the Oath of Enlistment into the Army or Navy. This was done for the benefit of their families, who could not attend the original enlistment ceremony, an Army official at the event said.

Rocky Ridge Principal Named to Board That Oversees The Nation’s Report Card Testing Program

Dilhani Uswatte, principal of Rocky Ridge Elementary School in Hoover, has been appointed the ele mentary school representative on the National Assessment Governing Board.

The board was established by Congress in 1988 to oversee and set policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as The Nation’s Report Card. NAEP provides information on student per formance in various subjects on a national and state basis as well as for large urban districts.

The 26-member board is respon sible for deciding which subjects NAEP assesses, defining achieve ment levels and pursuing new ways to make the results useful and mean ingful to the public.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Uswatte as the elementary school principal representative on the Governing Board,” Lesley Muldoon, the executive director of the board, said in a statement from the Department of Education. “After the disruptions of the pandemic – evi denced by stark declines on The Nation’s Report Card last month –

it’s more important than ever to help educators and families understand how children are progressing aca demically and how best to help each and every one of them succeed. Dr. Uswatte’s distinguished record as a STEM teacher, principal and mentor to fellow educators will strengthen the board’s efforts to ensure that The Nation’s Report Card informs educa tional recovery and acceleration efforts nationwide.”

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona appointed Uswatte to the

Vestavia Hills Salutes Veterans

Left, Vestavia Hills mayor Ashley Curry welcomes W. Kent Davis, state commissioner of Veterans Affairs, to Vestavia Hills’ Salute to Veterans on Nov. 10. Above from left, veterans Charles Farrell, Jack Howard and Gene Rozelle, with the Birmingham Harmony Belles, Kiley Watson, Nancy Hornsby and Louise Elmore, who performed songs from World War II.

Photo courtesy City of Vestavia Hills

Hoovef Schools

Dilhani Uswatte has served as the principal of Rocky Ridge Elementary School since 2014.

position.

Uswatte has served as the princi pal of Rocky Ridge Elementary School since 2014. Under her leader ship, Rocky Ridge earned interna

In 2009, she received the National Milken Educator Award. Since then, she has developed and implemented a mentoring program for Milken award winners to help them mentor other teachers in their districts.

“The selection of Dr. Dilhani Uswatte to serve in the elementary principal position for the National Assessment Governing Board will greatly benefit our nation’s students, especially as schools focus on unfin ished learning,” said L. Earl Franks, executive director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Eric Mackey, Alabama state superintendent of education, added,

“It is truly a privilege to engage with educators who are transformative in their approach to leading students. Dr. Uswatte is that kind of educator.”

He pointed to Uswatte’s mentor ing group, known as the Alabama Milken Visionary Partnerships.

“Through this initiative, Dr. Uswatte and other Milken Educator Award recipients are revitalizing and strengthening education in Alabama,” Mackey said.

“Dr. Uswatte brings with her enthusiasm and innovation that will benefit the board specifically and the field of education in general. As a state, we are so proud of her and cannot wait to see the impact she makes.”

tional STEM accreditation through AdvancEd, now called Cognia. Before that, she was an eighth grade math teacher and department chair at Berry Middle School.

She’s received several awards and honors, including being inducted into the Alabama Teacher Hall of Fame and named the 2019 Alabama Education Leader of the Year and a 2020 National Distinguished Principal.

Recipes to Follow

County Woman Shares Her Mother’s Love for Cooking in New Cookbook

By Virginia MacDonalD

It began as a love of her Mother’s love of cooking.

It has evolved into a way to share rec ipes with her daughters and everyone else, said Tammy Heinss who last week, for the first time, clutched her brand new 260page cookbook.

She took the name of the cookbook, “Cook With Love,” from an inscription her mother wrote in a cookbook she gave her daughter when she graduated from Booneville High School in Booneville, Mississippi. The book inscription read: “Cook with love. Love you, Mother.”

Heinss, now a Shelby County resident, was raised on a Polled Hereford cattle farm in Booneville.

“I grew up watching my mother cook,” she said. “There was something about her in the kitchen that was warm and inviting. She really loved cooking for us and making things that we all enjoy.”

Heinss’ daughters, Kelley of Huntsville and Sarah of Chicago, have asked her through the years for recipes. So when she compiled the reci pes for her book, she said, she thought it would be cool to include a history of the family.

“That was my way to give them a flavor of their heritage.”

Heinss started her own interior design busi ness, Moon Interiors, in 1999. She was the visual merchandiser and buyer for Urban Home Market when she left her job in 2016 to focus on writing

a cookbook.

The work was put on hold when Heinss’ mother, who suffers from dementia, moved in with her.

“Her dementia made that year so hard that it nipped my creativity,” she said.

After her mom was moved into memory care, COVID hit.

“I worked on the book for two years straight, collecting new stories to go with those that I had already written,” Heinss said.

The book was finished in March.

“I had it completely compiled and sent it to graphic designer and photographer Kelsey Justice, who used to work for Alabama Magazine. She put the compilation into a layout and design format.

Huntsville. Daughter Sarah is not coming home for Thanksgiving but will be home for Christmas

“There will only be the two of us, and I will not be making a gigantic turkey. I am not exact ly sure what we will do.”

Last year, the turkey was the hit of her Thanksgiving dinner, along with mashed pota toes, broccoli casserole, frozen cranberry and fruit salads, pecan pie and double-layer pumpkin pie.

Heinss is back at Urban Home Market part time doing social media and helping with mer chandising at the 17,000-square-foot store. She also continues interior design for clients whom she has worked with previously.

“I don‘t want to take on new clients,” she said. “And I can leave that job at the end of the day when I am done. When you are an interi or designer and working on a project, you never really leave that when you go home.”

And what is the cookbook author’s favorite food?

“I love Italian food,” Heinss said. “There are good recipes for lasagna and spaghetti in the cookbook.

“Five Star” Thanksgiving Turkey

“The best turkey I’ve ever had, hands down! 5-star winner” — Tammy Heinss, author of “Cook With Love”

INGREDIENTS:

Kosher coarse salt

1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves Grated zest of 1 lemon

1 (12-to-14 pound) fresh turkey (Honeysuckle White preferred)

1 large yellow, sweet onion, unpeeled, cut into eighths

1 lemon quartered

8 sprigs fresh thyme

4 tablespoons butter, melted Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. The Monday before Thanksgiving, combine 3 tablespoons salt, thyme and lemon zest.

Wash the turkey inside and out, drain well and pat it dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the salt mixture in the cavity of the turkey and rub the rest on the skin, including under the wings and legs.

2. Place the turkey on a roasting pan to catch any drips and wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for one to two days. The day before you plan to roast the turkey, remove plastic wrap and put the turkey back in the fridge. The skin will dry out and turn a little translucent.

3. Thanksgiving Day, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. If there is anything on the bottom of your oven, the time to clean it out is before you preheat!

4. Place onion, lemon and thyme in the cavity. Tie legs together with kitchen string and tie the wings close to the body. Brush the turkey with the butter and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.

5. Place in the oven legs first and turn down to 325 degrees. Roast for about 3 hours or until the breast reaches 165 degrees and the thigh reaches 180 degrees with an instant-read thermometer. Check the temperature after 2 hours in the oven.

6. Remove from the oven and cover turkey tightly with foil to rest for 20-30 minutes.

“We went back and forth editing and putting in pictures. I am so pleased with it.”

The book includes a recipe for brined turkey that Heinss claims is the best she has ever tast ed. But she will not be cooking it this Thanksgiving.

“We are not having anyone for dinner this Thanksgiving. My daughter Kelly and her fami ly are spending the holiday with his family in

“But I gravitate toward homey things in the winter like chicken rice soup and dishes like that.”

She said the best part of writing the book has been that it is a labor of love and fun.

“It’s a personal gift to my children … for them and everyone else.”

“Cook With Love” can be pre-ordered from tammyparrheinss.com/shop

7. Carve the turkey and arrange it on a platter. Cover with plastic wrap or foil. It can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

Shelby

Tammy Heinss left her job in 2016 to focus on writing a cookbook. The work was put on hold when Heinss’ mother, who suffers from dementia, moved in with her. “Cook With Love” was finished in March.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

“It’s a personal gift to my children … for them and everyone else.”

Friday, volunteers deliver a smile, a bit of friendly conversation and a fill ing, nutritionally balanced meal.

The program is based at United Way of Central Alabama in Birmingham. Meals are free of charge and there are no income restrictions on seniors who participate. To qualify, an applicant must be age 60 or older, live in Jefferson County and be home bound and without help to shop for groceries or prepare a meal, according to United Way.

Stone coordinates the 10-member Meals on Wheels volunteer team at her church, Canterbury United Methodist. They rotate in delivering 20 meals to the same recipients each weekday at Villa Maria’s two apart ment buildings.

Each volunteer has an assigned day to make deliveries, which works out to be one day every other week. Stone’s schedule means she usually participates every other Monday. It takes about 90 minutes to make the deliveries, she said.

When the Canterbury Meals on Wheels volunteers organized, not all the members were familiar with each other, Stone said.

“I had a little party at my house to make sure everyone knew each other,” she said.

That makes it easier when a sched uling conflict arises; they can swap shifts.

While specific residents who receive meals may change from time to time, there are others who the vol unteers see all the time.

“They become our friends,” Stone said.

While delivering food is the pri mary aim, making the deliveries

means the volunteers also can do an informal welfare check on the partici pants

“We make sure they’re OK,” Stone said, adding that if someone doesn’t open their door to receive the meal, the volunteers can let Meals on Wheels know for follow-up.

Meals and Hugs

A typical delivery day begins at the United Way’s office in Birmingham, where volunteers pick up bags of hot meals ready to go.

Stone and another volunteer, Edie Kitchings of Cahaba Heights, loaded the food into a car last week and took off for East Lake.

At Villa Maria I, they began deliv eries on the fourth floor. Resident Dianne Naftel is on their list.

“I think it’s a great service. They are so pleasant, and I feel blessed to have it,” she said.

Dan Lantaff, who lives on the sec

ond floor of Villa Maria I, said he loves seeing volunteers like Stone.

“I enjoy their company more than the food,” he said.

During the pandemic, when daily

deliveries were restricted, Meals on Wheels volunteers delivered food once a week, Stone said. Every deliv ery contained a box with frozen meals that participants could eat during the week. Once pandemic conditions eased, regular weekday deliveries resumed.

Stone, a retired pediatri cian, became a Meals on Wheels volunteer about a year after retiring from Over the Mountain Pediatrics in 2018. Right after retiring from her 32-year medical career, she “took it easy a bit” and thought about what she wanted to do in the next chapter of her life. While she also is an active member of the Junior League of Birmingham choral group and the choir, Meals on Wheels is “a nice way to be in com

munity with people,” she said.

“Some of them don’t see anyone. I’m not sure some of them have much family. It’s a little bit of a lifeline for them and provides social contact and a meal,” Stone said.

She enjoys the overall experience as a Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Volunteers Needed

While Meals on Wheels already is delivering meals to 1,500 residents, more volunteers are needed to meet demand, according to the United Way of Central Alabama.

You can help by signing up.

It doesn’t involve a huge time commitment, and volunteers say participating gives them great satisfaction.

For more information and to sign up, go to mowjeffco.org.

“I enjoy meet ing people, talk ing to people,” she said. “I enjoy making a differ ence in people’s lives. It feeds my soul as well as, hopefully, it feeds theirs.”

As Stone and Kitchings pre pared to leave Villa Maria I and head to the com plex’s other building, Crowe smiled as she caught Stone’s attention.

“Give me a hug goodbye,” she said, a request Stone answered with a big smile of her own.

Meals on Wheels volunteer Linda Stone, left, delivers a meal and a smile to Lucille Crowe a longtime resident at Villa Maria Senior Community in Birmingham’s East Lake neighborhood, last week.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

By Anne Ruisi

Preparing for the Christmas season is a year-round job retired teacher Susan White inherited from her late mother, Lois Lee.

That’s because White’s hand-knit ted Christmas stockings, originated by Lee, are in demand at Homewood gift shop PrimeTime Treasures not only during the holidays but throughout the year.

“It’s one of our most popular items. It’s Christmas 365 days a year,” said June Pryor, a volunteer and past chair man at the shop, which is operated and staffed by the Assistance League of Birmingham.

While White’s Christmas stockings delight customers and earn her extra income, they are a legacy from her mother, who started making the stock

ings to sell at PrimeTime Treasures decades ago.

“That was my mama’s life. She was widowed for 47 years,” White said. “She made them all year long.”

For more than 30 years, until she became ill several years before her death in May at 98, Lee knitted the stockings and sewed angel tree toppers and ornaments to sell at PrimeTime Treasures. Her daughter doesn’t do sewing crafts, but she’s mastered how to make the Christmas stockings.

Mainly working with red, green and white acrylic yarn for the stocking itself, she incorporates a charming design, such as an angel, Santa and Mrs. Santa, a snowman, tin soldier and reindeer, to decorate each one.

While her mother made the Christmas items consistently all year and kept them in a box under a bed until it was time to add a name to the top of the stocking when it was ordered, White waits for an order to come through before she starts knit ting.

“I work better under pressure,” she said.

White said her mother made 60 to 70 Christmas stockings a year. This year, White made 50.

Each sells for $92, Pryor said. Of that amount, White keeps $75 and the rest is used for the shop’s operating expenses.

Her Mother Tried …

Knitting is a hobby that came later in life, White said. She recalled her mother trying to teach her young daughter the craft, but White said she just wasn’t that interested in learning it. Knitting captured her attention in 1972 when she was a student teacher at a Bessemer kin dergarten.

A teacher at the school taught her and she made a red, white and green Christmas stocking for her then-fiancé, and future husband, George.

“That stocking still hangs on my mantel every year,” she said, noting this Christmas marks the treasured stocking’s 50th anniversary. The couple will celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary next year.

Additional Christmas stockings were made as the couple’s family expanded over the years, including for their two children and two grandchildren.

“The dogs even have them too,” White added

Her Christmas stockings hold up well for years because she uses the acrylic yarn, White said. “Moths get at wool and will ruin it. Mine is 50 years old and doesn’t have holes.”

After she learned to knit, White often would help her mother make Christmas stockings when she got a

lot of orders and “if she was in a pickle.” One task she didn’t learn was how to make repairs to a stock ing.

“Mama could repair. She could do almost anything,” White said.

While White has stopped taking orders for the season, she will start accepting them after New Year’s.

Examples of her work are on dis play at PrimeTime Treasures, where customers can place an order.

Those at the shop fondly recall White’s mother and enjoy seeing White when she pops into the shop.

“Her mom was a precious lady, and Susan is very much like her,” Pryor said.

Susan White said her mother, Lois Lee, made 60 to 70 Christmas stockings a year. This year, White made 50. White is shown above with some of her stockings at PrimeTime Treasures in Homewood.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Inspired by Coca-Cola

Vestavia Hills Native Creates Popular Series of Santa Claus Paintings

impressed. She asked to see two or three more of his paintings.

“It took me about two years to feel confident to bring more in,” he said.

Eventually, he bought the gallery when Goodwin retired and owned it for about 20 years, until he decided to concentrate on painting and brought in Beverly McNeil.

The Beverly McNeil Gallery in Birmingham now carries his work, as do galleries in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. He has an online print store at dirkwalkerfineart.com.

By Anne Ruisi

Artist Dirk Walker didn’t discover his true calling until he was in his 30s, but since then he’s created several series of paintings that focus on scenes such as wildlife, landscapes, Birmingham landmarks and, notably in the holiday season, Santa Claus.

His Santa Claus artwork will be on display Dec. 1 at a Christmas trunk show at Brombergs in Mountain Brook from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Walker’s Santa Claus paintings, which he started creating about 25 years ago, have become popular with collectors – so popular, in fact, that one pediatrician collected 27 of them and decorated his office with the paintings during the holidays, Walker said.

“People have a warm, fresh and

Dirk Walker started painting the Santa series almost as a joke, he said. He always loved the Coca-Cola Santas and wanted to paint one.

sometimes funny response to them,” Walker said.

He started painting the Santa series almost as a joke, he said. He always

loved the Coca-Cola Santas and want ed to paint one.

People still ask him to do them, and while in previous years he made different versions to pick from, this year he’s only doing two original Santa paintings. Fans don’t have to worry about the originals being sold before they can buy one; Walker offers prints.

As a child in Vestavia Hills, Walker doodled, but his desire was to go into architecture. He was accepted at Auburn University but not into its renowned architecture school, so he went into industrial design.

Walker was working for Central Bank of the South in the 1980s when he started painting for stress relief. He took one of his pieces to the Loretta Goodwin Gallery in Birmingham to get framed, and Goodwin was

109 Hilltop Business Drive Pelham www.GriffithArtGallery.com 205.985.7969

2933 18th Street South Homewood, AL 35209

www.alabamagoods.com Facebook.com/alabamagoods Instagram.com/alabamagoods

Holiday Decadence Gift Basket $79 November Ad

Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov

Courtesy Dirk Walker

Homewood Witches Ride

‘Witches’ Fly Bicycles Around Homewood for Cancer Research

Celebrating its 10th anniversary Oct. 30, the Homewood Witches Ride drew hundreds as “witches” rode their bicycle “brooms” on a 2.5-mile route to benefit the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB.

Participants dressed up for the spooky fun occa sion and decorated their bikes as they threw candy to children and families watching the “flight.”

An after party with live music at Little Donkey was held with the witches and their support ers in attendance. ❖

Kathryn McPhaul, Katie Ross, Meagan Gargis and Carrie Gargis

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Sue Ellen Binkley, Jamie Crow, Marie Knight, Angie Whiddon, Lauren Globetti, Amy Byars and Megann Cain

Michelle Davis, Tiffany Linn, Leslie Dawson and Leigh Anna Hall

Sloane Drumm, Carrie Hicks, Jen Driskill, Cassidy Quimby, Sarah Jelks, Jenna Shugart, Kat Bailey, Katie Carroll; Back row, Jama Ketchum, Haley Brignac, Amanda Flavin, Zoe Burgess and Amy Stone

Front, Maggie Misner and Megan Jones. Back Ellen Bridges, Sally Bajalieh, Kristi Wood, Hayden Lancaster, Alex Whitfield, Bree Johnson and Audrey Bone.

Playful

Participants dressed as witches and rode their bicycle “brooms” through the community in this fundraiser for the Cahaba Heights Merchant Association Community Beautification Initiative.

The ride ended with a block party at The Heights Village and a fun, family-friendly Halloween movie shown at dusk. ❖

Lori Stokes, Cailin Jones, Ginny Mayhew, Haley Wright and Caitlin Jackson

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Karen Rayburn, Mary Joyce Lynch and Kaylee Lynch Karley Nemeth, Brittany Norman and Marie Thompson

Lisa Heifner-Hobson, Charlotte Ann Adams and Tish Tillis

Kathryn Dorlon, Rachelle Cather and Leslie Culver

Jennifer Fuqua and Amanda Beshears

Anna Russell and Laura Pemberton

Rehab Reality...

by Judy Butler

A Mardi Gras take on All Hallows Eve entertained the crowd as the Mystics of Mountain Brook held its 20th annual Halloween parade Oct. 31.

A New Orleans Halloween

Mystics of Mountain Brook Float Parade Through

Give a Gift of Love and Life

This time of year we often begin to stress, with the gift giving season only weeks away. There’s graduation, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and of course birthdays throughout the year. As you think of what to give, consider a gift of love. If you or someone you know has a problem with addiction, Bayshore Retreat can be that gift. No one plans on being an addict, but with quality care everyone can beat it. In many cases, this will also be a gift of life. Each year hundreds of thousands die from overdose or alcohol related accidents.

The choices we make have consequences and the choice of going or not going to rehab can be a life-changing consequence. We receive calls from previous clients often just to check on us and let us know that they are celebrating their 5thor 8th year of sobriety.

Because we have only six clients at a time, there is a bonding that happens between our staff and clients as well as between clients. Most rehabs have hundreds of beds and use 12-step meetings as their program. At Bayshore Retreat, clients receive about 30 hours of counseling weekly (individual, small group and Life Skills) not 12-step meetings.

Coming to Bayshore Retreat is like an escape. It’s an escape from addiction. When we say that we take the “Fear Out of Rehab”, this is what we mean. Most places treat everyone the same, with a ‘cookie cutter’ regimen. The addiction might be the only thing clients really have in common. This why they need the individual attention we provide to beat it.

The family-friendly parade with floats and throws to catch drew huge crowds as it wound its way through Crestline. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Crestline

In Cognito

Supporters Were Spellbound at Tricia’s Treasures Costume Ball

Partygoers dressed up for a night of dancing at Tricia’s Treasures Costume Ball on Oct. 29.

The event at the Homewood antique store featured a costume con test, a signature drink, the Redmont Spellbinder by Redmont Vodka, and a dessert bar.

A portion of tickets sales were donated to Banks Academy. ❖

Electra Martin and Gregory Goetcheus

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Matt Monroe and Tricia Thomas

Kris and Brittany Macon Cathy and David Phares Trent Farrow and Barbara Shepherd

150 Years of Care

Cathedral Church of the Advent Marks Its Anniversary With Several Events

Hundreds of Adventers filled the Fennec on Oct. 20 to celebrate the Cathedral Church of the Advent’s 150th anniversary as a congregation in downtown Birmingham.

It was an evening of fellowship that recalled the ministry of the Advent’s activities and growth dur ing its 150 years.

The celebration featured an opening prayer and welcome from Dean Craig Smalley, followed by a brief presentation on the history of the Advent, written by Alice Bowsher and read by Margot Cooney and David Fleming Fred and Carrie Teardo led attendees in singing hymns. Dr. Jonathan Linebaugh, Anglican Chair at Beeson Divinity School, also joined the festivities, delivering a word of encouragement and reflecting on the ministry of the Advent.

The event was coordinated by Emily Curran and Elizabeth Sharman, with help from countless church members who assisted with decorations, flower arrangements, invitation design, the compilation of a slideshow and many other details.

The Advent will continue its cel ebration with special Sunday servic es on Dec. 4 at 9 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. ❖

Jay Gardner, John Hargrove, Jay Ezelle and Kelly Hargrove

Courtesy

Tommy Mayfield, Emma Kegley, John Kegley, Maxwell Josephs, Auburn Powell, Ginger Mayfield

Perry Keel and David Hezlep

Mae Mae Kracke, Gil Kracke and Jono Linebaugh

Will and Elizabeth Fagan, Sharon Segner, Madison and Ben Nye

Elizabeth Sharman, Ann Haas, Emily Curran

New York lifestyle brand Frances Valentine opens new

Back in 2016, co-founders (and best friends) Elyce Arons and Kate Spade launched Frances Valentine, following their wildly successful foray into fashion with the one-and-only Kate Spade. You can think of Frances Valentine as the next chapter in the journey—a continuation of the joysparking, vintage-inspired, legendary style for which founders are known and loved.

At its core, Frances Valentine con

veys the spirit of Arons and Spade, two best college friends who dreamed big and had the moxie to make their mark on the world of fashion. In fact, the name itself is an ode to love, heri tage, and deep connection—a celebra tion of lasting friendship, personal confidence, and heart-fluttering nos talgia.

“At Frances Valentine, we make clothes with heart, soul, and a story to tell – clothes that inspire you tell yours,” said co-founder Elyce Arons, left. “Clothes that make you smile every time you open your wardrobe. Clothes that make fashion feel fun again, that transcend trends and spark joy, year after year, decade after decade, generation after generation. We make clothes that create connec tion and friendships.

“We believe personal style is a mood-boosting, conversation-spark ing, confidence-building celebration of a life well-lived. It’s a timeless pursuit; a form of self expression that only gets better with age because it’s evolving in real time – just like us.”

“This holiday season we are don ning bright shiny sequins, fun, floral jacquards and plush, jewel toned vel vets,” Said Elyce. “Although we do not consider our collections to be trendy, we are right on trend with our party and occasion wear this year. In addition to our clothing, we also

offer beautiful jewelry, handbags, and shoes that are the perfect com plements to our line. We also have great gift items to please everyone on your list, including beautiful leather gloves, hand-knit mittens, scarves & hats, as well as a great new Pickleball paddle set. We have stocked up on hostess gifts with our new letterpress stationery collections, FV signature wine bags, fun puzzles and so many more unique, personal gift items that you will be able to shop in store. All of our items are able to come wrapped in our optional FV blue gift bag with red ribbon, which will make gifting a breeze!

“We could not be more excited to launch our newest retail store in Birmingham. We make sure that our retail locations feel like you are walking into your best friend’s living room - warm, welcoming and gra cious, so join us for a unique and personal shopping experience in our new store location at the Summit Birmingham!”

Frances Valentine’s new retail store is located at 225 Summit Blvd, Suite 97 – next to Belk.

Sportsman’s Social

Clay Shoot Participants Took a Night to Relax Before Doing Battle the Next Day

Iron City Birmingham was the site for the Sportsman’s Social on Nov. 3 as supporters of the Lord Wedgwood Charity gathered there the evening before the annual Clay Shoot fundraiser on Nov. 4.

The social offered participants a chance to relax, mix and mingle before the clay shoot, which was held the next day at the Orvis Shooting Facility at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga.

The two-part fundraiser was presented by Bromberg’s to support the Lord Wedgwood Charity’s mission to place life-saving AEDs in schools, athletic programs, camps and nonprofits throughout the Southeast. ❖

Begins with a Meal

This Thanksgiving, you can set the table for lasting transformation. A warm meal at our facility for the homeless and hurting in our community is often the first step for hope. Our Active Recovery program then addresses the root causes of homelessness for anyone who wants to do their part. So many of our neighbors are struggling this time of year.

They need your help. Your generous financial support this holiday helps start the process of their recovery.

JIMMIE

Carolyn Howell, John and Beth Lauriello and Cindy Whisner

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

David Baylot and Chrissy Kennedy

Allen and Paige Dye

at Lane Parke

The holidays are time for getting together with family.

SUMMIT BOULEVARD | 205.870.9477 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @LevysatGusMayer

If you notice that someone in your family needs some extra care and attention, give us a call at Always Best Care.

If you notice that someone in your family needs some extra care and attention, give us a call at Always Best Care.

If you notice that someone in your family needs some extra care and attention, give us a call at Always Best Care.

If you notice that someone in your family needs some extra care and attention, give us a call at Always Best Care.

As the only home healthcare company in the state of Alabama to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) and the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), Always Best Care has served hundreds of seniors and disabled individuals in Birmingham. Services provided by Certified Nurse Aides (CNA’s) include personal care, transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders and companionship.

As the only home healthcare company in the state of Alabama to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) and the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), Always Best Care has served hundreds of seniors and disabled individuals in Birmingham. Services provided by Certified Nurse Aides (CNA’s) include personal care, transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders and companionship.

As the only home healthcare company in the state of Alabama to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) and the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), Always Best Care has served hundreds of seniors and disabled individuals in Birmingham. Services provided by Certified Nurse Aides (CNA’s) include personal care, transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders and companionship.

As the only home healthcare company in the state of Alabama to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) and the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), Always Best Care has served hundreds of seniors and disabled individuals in Birmingham. Services provided by Certified Nurse Aides (CNA’s) include personal care, transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders and companionship.

Always Best Care combines high touch and high tech through frequent in-home checkups, free balance testing, as well as 7x24 smart technology monitoring.

Always Best Care combines high touch and high tech through frequent in-home checkups, free balance testing, as well as 7x24 smart technology monitoring.

Always Best Care combines high touch and high tech through frequent in-home checkups, free balance testing, as well as 7x24 smart technology monitoring.

Always Best Care combines high touch and high tech through frequent in-home checkups, free balance testing, as well as 7x24 smart technology monitoring.

Here is what one of our client’s family member had to say about Always Best Care:

Here is what one of our client’s family member had to say about Always Best Care: “I would like to express my appreciation for the in-home care you provided to us after my wife’s surgery. We were very pleased with the caregivers from Always Best Care. They were very helpful during a difficult time. It was comforting to know that all of the caregivers were Certified Nurse Aides. We would recommend your services to anyone in search of quality care for their loved ones. Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.” – B.M

“I would like to express my appreciation for the in-home care you provided to us after my wife’s surgery. We were very pleased with the caregivers from Always Best Care. They were very helpful during a difficult time. It was comforting to know that all of the caregivers were Certified Nurse Aides. We would recommend your services to anyone in search of quality care for their loved ones. Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.” – B.M

Here is what one of our client’s family member had to say about Always Best Care:

“I would like to express my appreciation for the in-home care you provided to us after my wife’s surgery. We were very pleased with the caregivers from Always Best Care. They were very helpful during a difficult time. It was comforting to know that all of the caregivers were Certified Nurse Aides. We would recommend your services to anyone in search of quality care for their loved ones. Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.” – B.M

Here is what one of our client’s family member had to say about Always Best Care: “I would like to express my appreciation for the in-home care you provided to us after my wife’s surgery. We were very pleased with the caregivers from Always Best Care. They were very helpful during a difficult time. It was comforting to know that all of the caregivers were Certified Nurse Aides. We would recommend your services to anyone in search of quality care for their loved ones. Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.” – B.M

Always Best Care, 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, 205-874-9730, jmancuso@abc-seniors.com

Always Best Care, 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, 205-874-9730, jmancuso@abc-seniors.com

Always Best Care, 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, 205-874-9730, jmancuso@abc-seniors.com

Always Best Care, 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, 205-874-9730, jmancuso@abc-seniors.com

Vaughn Spanjer

Allen and Paige Dye

Charlie and Marcie DeBardeleben and Marilyn and Jeff Whitlock

Marcia Twitty and Gail Braswell

The holidays are time for getting together with family.

The holidays are time for getting together with family.

The holidays are time for getting together with family.

Sips for Sound

Live Music Raises Money to Help HearingImpaired Children

Food and the sounds of live music by The Hams drew supporters to Dread River Distilling Company in Birmingham for the second annual Sips for Sound benefit for the Woolley Institute for SpokenLanguage Education on Nov. 6.

WISE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching hearingimpaired children to speak and helps children who have speech and language delays.

Comprehensive therapy provides opportunities for children who are deaf and hard of hearing to listen, speak, read and integrate fully into the hearing society. ❖

Allison, Emme and Audie Wooley

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Jim and Kathryn Delk and Haley and Mike Carton

Jill Musgraves, Laura Primer and Sara Enger Ashley and Phillip Johnson Gary and Mandy Allen Helen Lee and Graham Miles

Alumnae Tri Deltas were treated to music and food during a fall gathering Oct. 26 at B.Prince in Mountain Brook Village.

The Delta Delta Delta Birmingham Alumnae Chapter hosted the party, which included the Derek Day band and food from Vaughn and Company.

Some of the DDD chapters represented were Alabama University, Auburn, Samford, Ole Miss, Wake Forest and Brenau University.

Some of those who attended included Birmingham chapter President Catherine Pewitt, Sara Schilleci, Mae Mae Kracke, Laura Terrell Griese, Catherine Gross. Mary Margaret Gullage, Elizabeth Jernigan, Laurie Hereford, Frances Tynes, Turner Hull, Paige Jacoby, Joy Boozer, Kim Poynor, Lynn Ritchie, Laura Lancaster, Lesley Giles, Allison Ingram, Anne Sherrod, Jean Smallwood, Sarah Duggan, Cameron Estes, Anna Hussey, Anna Fikes and Ginna Gardner. ❖

Carleton Ambrose, Anna Hussey, Gin Echols and Ginna Gardner

Courtesy

Mary Margaret Gullage, Elizabeth Jernigan, Laura Lancaster, Lesley Giles and Allison Ingram

Turner Hull, Paige Jacoby and Frances Tynes

Catherine Pewitt, Sarah Duggan, Sara Schilleci and Laurie Hereford

Toy Talk

Over the Mountain Toy Stores Offer Best Bets for Christmas Morning

STORY BY ANNE RUISI * PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD

Santa isn’t the only one making a list and checking it twice. Over the Mountain shop pers seeking great gift ideas for the young ones should look at these suggestions from our friends at Homewood Toy & Hobby and Snoozy’s/george in Mountain Brook. Please note that toy selections and prices may vary from store to store.

TRICIA MCCAIN, HOMEWOOD TOY & HOBBY

Do you have any tips for shoppers who are navigating the 2022 holiday shopping season?

The most important tip that I would give shoppers is not to wait on purchasing items that are at the top of their list. Most of our suppliers are shipping in a timely fashion these days but, with it already being November, the cut off for reorders will be here soon and some of the hotter items will already be sold out for the year from our suppliers.

What is your favorite rising trend in toys?

We have been seeing a rising trend in parents buying toys that provide quality play time. There has been an uptick in sales of board games, puzzles, more hands-on items like Lego and science/robotic type building kits. We are selling more toys that encourage group play and STEM play rather than novelty toys like fidgets and slime, which were all the rage last year.

HOMEWOOD TOY & HOBBY is at 2830 18th St. S. in downtown Homewood. For more information, call 205-879-3986 or visit homewoodtoy-hobby.com or the store’s Facebook page.

TRICIA’S PICKS

Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Stack, $19.99, is a classic stacking toy of silicone cups topped by a squishy, textured bubble the little ones will love to push and pop. Ages 6 months and up.

Kidoozie Whirl n’ Go Ball Tower, $19.99, is a six-tier ball tower for little hands that teach es fine motor skills. Ages 9 months and up.

The sweet pastel design of the wood Classic World Toys Afternoon Tea Set, $34.99, will delight any child and guests at teatime. Ages 3 and up.

A sequin Santa tutu is among the many vivid patterns of the Sparkle Sisters tutus for dress up, $32.99.

Ages 2 and up.

Swedish in design, Viking Toys Noah’s Ark, $32.99, is durable, with a plastic ark and animals. Ages 1 -5.

Bruder Trucks, $29.99 - $140, are the best brand of trucks in the mar ket. They’re made in Germany and offer replicas of trucks made by Jeep, Cat, Mercedes and other truck manufacturers. Ages 2 and up.

Spinmaster RC Monster Jam Gravedigger, $79.99, for ages 4 and up, is a remote-con trol monster truck for beginners that’s great for kids up to age 6. The shop has hobbygrade remote control vehicles for kids 7 and up in its hobby department.

Do you have any tips for shoppers who are navigating the 2022 holiday shopping season?

My advice to shoppers is to consider buying the item you are interested in when you see it. Shipping delays are still very much a problem in 2022. And of course, buy from your local merchants! We have searched our markets to bring you curated items at a reasonable price. And where else can you get your gifts wrapped?

What is your favorite rising trend in toys?

Whether it be art kits, science kits, puzzles or games, customers seem to be looking for hands-on items. Anything to give the children a break away from a screen.

GEORGE’S PICKS

Hape Musical Whale Fountain, $39.99, is for bath time fun. It’s an engaging toy that squirts water and plays music when the child presses the keys, which are little whales. Ages 18 months and up.

Tonies, are interchange able characters that tell sto ries and sing songs when placed atop the soft sided, storytelling audio Toniebox. Put one of the characters, such as Olaf from “Frozen,” Clark the Shark, Eloise or a penguin, on top of the box and enjoy their story. $99 for the box, $15.99 per charac ter. Ages 3 and up.

Where’s Squeaky? $14.99, is an interac tive hide and seek game where Squeaky, a cute mouse, makes noises and teases players with phrases like, “Hey, I’m over here!” Ages 4 and up.

SNOOZY’S KIDS is at 228 Country Club Park in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village. For more information, call 205-871-2662 or visit the store’s Facebook page.

Tongues Out, $19.99, is a memory game for preschoolers in which players match pup pies by the color of their tongues. Ages 4 and up.

Children still want to play with Barbie, which starts at $14.99 for a single doll and $9.99 for a smaller version. Don’t forget accessories and Barbie sets, such as gymnast or horse trainer Barbie. Ages 3 and up.

Jellycat, $15 and up, is a premier line of stuffed ani mals designed in London. Elephants, dogs, pandas, even flamingoes, feel so soft “they melt in your hands,” George said. All ages.

“So stinkin’ cute,” is how George describes the line of Varsity letter items, $25 and up. Glittery initials on purple and

Homewood Toy & Hobby owner Tricia McCain likes Mindware Dig It Up! The Big Egg. It lets kids “excavate” seven dinosaurs out of an oversized egg.

Snoozy’s Kids owner George Jones says that Stiix, which comes with two Bluetooth speakers with two different lighting modes, is a great gift for that hard to buy for tween or adult.

GEORGE JONES – SNOOZY’S/GEORGE

Made in Spain, LLorens Dolls, $79.99 and up, are exquisite, lifelike dolls featuring adorable babies and toddlers. Ages 3 and up.

Mindware Dig It Up! The Big Egg, $21.99, lets kids “exca vate” seven dinosaurs out of an oversized egg. Comes with two chisels so a friend can join the fun. Ages 4 and up.

Rainbow Loom Combo Set, $17.99, includes all the loops and charms and a loom to make bracelets, and it comes in a storage box. Ages 7 and up.

Schylling Toys Lava Lamps, $34.99 and up, are great for preteens and teens.

Great for boys and girls, and family game night, Fat Brain Toys Heap-o-Sheep, $29.99, challenges players to use a springboard to launch their plastic sheep into a paddock. Ages 5 and up.

Another great family gift is Playmonster Magical World of Disney Trivia game, $44.99.

Ages 6 and up.

Loungefly Disney Mini Backpack purs es, $74.99 - $99.99, have a huge following among Disney fans. With a wide selection featuring Disney charac ters such as Mickey and Minnie, Chip and Dale, Winnie the Pooh, and even Disney vil lains, these are great for preteens, teens and adults.

Outdoor game combo Franklin Sports Fun 5 Combo, $74.99, includes badminton, ring toss, frisbee, jai alai and volleyball. It’s great for a fami ly gift. Ages 8 and up.

pink accessory bags labeled “hair,” “makeup” and “stuff” will appeal to tweens. Very popular with tweens, but kids as young as eight like them too.

There’s also a line of small purses shaped like a cat’s head designed for little girls.

Then there is the ever-popular Lego, $5.99 and up. Lego kits range from simple to complicated. Ages 5 and up, depending on the kit. For the younger set, there are Duplo sets, $12.99 and up, which are Lego-like blocks but chunkier so they’re easier for smaller hands to handle. Ages 3 and up.

Moving Target Blaster, $49.99, is a game where players try to hit the target as it moves side to side. Ages 8 and up.

Gib Gab, $24.99, is a fast-paced

family trivia game. Ages 8 and up.

George’s favorite toy this year is the Odyssey Trailblazer Fog Car, $49.99. It’s a remotecon trolled car with sound effects. Put water in the car and smoke comes out the tail pipe. There are interior and outdoor versions of the toy.

Another ver sion is The Ripper, $94.99. Ages 8 and up.

Pickleball set, $100. Everyone’s playing, so why not get a set for the family?

Science kits, $19 and up, are educational but fun. Pick from kits such as Perfume Labs, Gross Nose Science, Wind Bots, Talking Telescope and more. Ages 7-10.

Wooden toys are popular, $80 and up. A finely crafted dollhouse,

Mary Charles’ Doll House

New, Collectible Antique Dolls

2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544

Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm

To: Mary Charles Robbins

From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: May 2010

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. Thank you for your prompt attention.

$219, designed in France comes with furniture and a doll family, and Noah’s Ark, $119, is crafted in fine detail.

Crystal Space

Terrarium, $23.99, is a crys tal growing kit in a UFO-shaped terrarium with glow in the dark features you can decorate. Ages 6 and up.

Slender col umns that offer big sound, Stiix, $99.99 are USB speakers that can be placed vertically or horizontally to fit your space. Charge them and move around the house. Ages tweens, teens, adults.

Mary Charles' Doll House Dolls, Doll Houses and Minatures

Mary Charles’ Doll House

New, Collectible Antique Dolls

COME SEE US IN HOMEWOOD!

1901 Oxmoor Rd. 205-870-5544

2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544

Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm

Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm

Children’s Hospital Ornament, Christopher Radko “The Doctor Is In” $75. Dr. Teddy is ready to share encouragement and cheer with the sick children who need him most. A per centage of the sales from this ornament will benefit Children’s of Alabama.

Bromberg’s, 205-871-3276, Mountain Brook; 205-969-1776, The Summit

Wool sheep starting at $12. Attic Antiques 205-991-6887.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

CH R ISTMAS

GIFT GUIDE 2022

Once again we’ve asked some of our favorite area merchants, who just happen to be our valued advertisers, to offer a few can’t miss ideas for this Holiday Season. Business is good, people are shopping, so don’t delay, take this list with you and start shopping local today. It’s good for our economy, it’s good for Santa and it’s especially good for those on your list. e

The Foghat Cocktail Smoker will change the way you experience food, wine and spirits. Flavored natural smoking fuel is added to smoker and burnt, creating a cascading waterfall of delicious culinary smoke to enhance the flavor of your culinary delights, $65. The Cook Store, 205-879-5277.

Johnny Was cozy blankets. B. Prince, 205-871-1965

The lowest prices on Big Green Eggs through the end of the year and all the many accessories and great gift ideas in stock. Assembly, delivery, and financing available. AllSouth Appliance, 205-749-5224

ICONS: 50 Heroines Who Shaped Contemporary. Hardcover, 112 pages, 8 1/2 “x 8”. Birmingham Museum of Art’s Museum Shop shop.artsbma.org

Marla Aaron locket earrings revers ible, mini caricatures of Marla’s lock shapes in earrings! Available in 18K yellow, white, and rose gold, $288 each (sold as singles). Etc..., 205-871-6747 shopetcjewelry.com

Birmingham Zoo Family Membership: Enjoy your Zoo allyear-long! $145 2 adults and up to 6 children (ages 2-17). Birmingham Zoo, 205-879-0409

Detachable South Sea pearl earring jackets, $1,250 to $2,450.

JB & Co., 205-478-0455

Glenwood’s

Glenwood, 205795-3353, glenwood.org/shop

Resin and gold metal server set, $24. Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques, 205-918-0505.

Give a personal touch to your tree this year with pictures of family and friends. Frame measures 2-3/4” square, $17. Christines on Canterbury, 205-871-8297

“Believe” Anne Neilson limited edition signed print 5” x 5” framed in acrylic, $79. Baker Lamps & Linens, 205-981-3330

CC White Slippers comes in women’s sizes 6/7- 9/10, $58. GiGis 205-593-4586

Cookie Fix holiday tins, because cookies are always a sweet idea. Tins hold from 8 to 40 cookies, $27 - $128. Cookie Fix, Homewood, Cahaba Heights and cookiefix.com.

Pecans for Autism have been a holiday staple for more than 40 years.

Recess and Frances Valentine team up to bring joyful and happy paddles to the pickleball world, Recess and Frances Valentine Pickleball Paddle Set Juniper, $148. Frances Valentine, francesvalentine.com

It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas! Let Mantooth Interiors be your first stop in preparing your home for the holidays. Original Holiday, Birchwood Pine, and Hearth by Nest. Single wick $49. Mantooth Interiors, 205-879-5474

“If you only knew” is a beautifully framed original 36”x48” abstract painting by Corrie Jackson Hayes. A beautiful gift for the centerpiece of any fabulous room. Tricia’s Treasures, 205-871-9779

Bogg Bag is unique because of its patented design and durability. Perfect for tailgates, picnics or the beach, available in a variety of col ors in two sizes, $69 - $89. Little Soles, 205-970-6990

Let TruBlue help catch up on your honey-do lists, $249 for three hours. Holiday décor, leaky faucets, grab bars, hinges, door knobs, pressure wash, replace ceiling lights and filters and other small projects around the house. TruBlue, 205-839-3838

Melatonik: Dr. Gunn’s favorite nonirritating, non-drying retinol. This night time serum works while you sleep. Wake up with the most beautiful glow! Gunn Dermatology, 205- 415-7536

Cotton and acrylic, super soft and cozy throws! Lots fo beautiful colors and machine washable! Marguerite’s Conceits, 205-879-2730

Handmade

A gift they can open every day, a Brio Collection walk-in closet with slanted shoe shelves, decora tive drawers and polished nickel handles. Prices vary, call for free design and quote. Closets by Design, 205-777-4000.

The

Stunning 18kt white gold ruby and diamond ring and 18kt white gold emerald and diamond ring, BartonClay Fine Jewelers, 205-871-7060.

blown glass ornaments from Egypt, $36. The Village Poodle, 205-423-5443

Zakano socks made in Fort Payne from organic cotton with no seams in the toes in fun, beautiful colors, $19.

Lingerie Shoppe, 205-871-8994

Beatriz Ball Luxury Melamine large bowl. The pieces are perfect for entertaining with style year ‘round, both indoors and out. The Blue Willow, 205-968-0909

Fresh gift cards from your neighbor hood Piggly Wiggle are the perfect stocking stuffer. thepigbham.com.

One of a kind ruby and diamond necklace, custom designed by Mother Daughter designers, $5,500.

Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers, 205-982-4888 avanirupa.com

Maison Francis Kurkdjian; Baccarat Rouge 540 is a luminous and intense fragrance with amber and woody floral notes.

Gus Mayer, 205-870-3300

Southern Christmas Holiday Table Setting with Gold Charger, $41; Hand-Painted Christmas Botanical Napkin, $11; and Burnished Metal Antler Napkin Ring, $11. Urban Home Market, 205-980-4663

or stocking stuffers! They can be purchased on our website DavenportsPizza.com or at our Vestavia and Mountain Brook locations.

Men’s cloud French Terry Quarter Zip is course-ready, no matter the weather and allows you to easily transition from the links to the streets and everywhere in between, $98. Tasc Performance, 659- 599-9240

“White Poppies in Bloom” by Maya Eventov, 24”X24” acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, $1,890. Griffith Art Gallery, 205-985-7969

Tarpon Cellars

Cabaret Sauvignon - 750 mL. This deli cious Napa valley cab is perfect for the holiday season with its bright fruit and heavy texture, $132.00

R&R Wine & Liquor, 205-848-

Homewood Theatre Christmas Gift Card can then be used for any per formance at Homewood Theatre. Go to homewoodtheatre.com click “Schedule/Tickets” then click “Gift Card” or call 205-873-1816.

Eighteen inch custom engraved shield necklace features vintage chain, our exclusive shield pendant, and exclusive Ex Voto toggle, $269. Ex Voto, 205-538-7301

Sweet Dreams Santa Green Gingham pj’s, comes in sizes 2T-8, $54. The Lili Pad, 205-298-1811

Initial necklaces.14k gold dipped layering initial necklaces, $33.95, Second Hand Rose, 205-970-7997

Henau frames, traditional craftsmanship with a certain unique ness, for people who love shapes, structure and colours, $485. iiis., 205-930-9394

Give the gift of science, learning, and fun that lasts all year long. Annual memberships start at $120 and provide memories that last a life time. McWane Science Center, 205-714-8300

For the one that can’t get enough: one month of unlimited rides, $240 and a pair of TIEM cycling shoes, $130. Ignite Cycle, 205-639-6908

Lily Juliet Servers Celadon, $180. Table Matters, 205-8790125. Fuzzy Footies, $9.99, one size fits most slip ons with nubs on the sole for traction on your hardwoods. Lots of colors to choose from. Flip Flops & What Nots, 205-967-7429.

Stiix Two Bluetooth speakers with two different lighting modes. Syncrhonized sound and light, with up to five hours playtime after charge, $99.99. Snoozy’s Kids 205-871-2662

Danz N Motion dance bags avail able for all dance styles and ages, $25-$45. Applause Dancewear, 205-871-7837

Avachi -Super Hair Dryer Intelligent heat control for shine, fast drying, Engineered for balance, smooth, controlled styling. Salon Summit, 205-518-0406

Cheers to the Magic City! Designed by Alabama artist Katherine Baker, this stemless wine glass depicts some of the most iconic images in Birmingham $12.99. Alabama Goods, 205-803-3900.

Shrek the Musical, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. They’ll love tickets or even a season subscription! Red Mountain Theatre, 205-324-2424

Twisted pearl necklace, $450. Wallace-Burke Fine Designer Jewelry, 205-874-1044.

14 kt gold and diamond bracelets starting at $650. Wide colored gemstone and diamond bands start ing at $1,350. Shay’s Jewelers, 205-978-5880

During the month of November, enjoy $10 off gift memberships with code GIFT22. Offer ends Nov. 30. bbgardens.org/membership, 205-414-3950

GRIP6 belts are American made founded by BJ Minson, whose mis sion is to create high quality products that last decades. Little Hardware, 205-871-4616.

Beautiful hand-made feeders from the Amish Country in Pennsylvania. Great for Black oil sunflower, sunflower chips, or peanut splits, assorted styles, $72.99. Wild Birds Unlimited, 205-823-6500

Deer bookends, $155. Antiquities, 205-870-1030

14kt two-toned omega-black Huggies with 0.67 cttwt of diamonds. Southeastern Jewelers, 205-980-9030 Men’s

205-855-2020

5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 980-9030

southeasternjewelers.net (1/4 mile off 280)

Throughout the holiday season, the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce and local merchants will host open house events that provide festive community activities and encourage gift givers to shop local.

“We’re seeing people are ready to get out of the house and ready to go,” Emily Jensen, presi dent of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, said. “Mountain Brook is ready and open for business.”

Crestline Village’s Holiday Open House will kick things off Nov. 17. Participating mer chants will offer discounts and special activities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Even Santa Claus may be stopping by again this year for pictures.

The highly anticipated Mountain Brook Village Open House and English Village Open House will take place Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with discounted prices and spe cial events.

The city’s celebrations will culminate with the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 4. The parade begins at 3 p.m. at Office Park and trav els through Mountain Brook Village. Floats decked out in holiday regalia and performances by Mountain Brook City Schools cheerleaders, dance teams and bands will be part of the event.

For more information, visit mtnbrookcham ber.org.

Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Community Holiday Events

HOLIDAY IN THE HILLS

Vestavia City Center will hold a magical holiday celebration on Nov. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. with the annual All Is Bright Tree Lighting.

The Annual Tree Lighting Festival will take place Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. at Vestavia Hills City Hall and includes musical entertainment, merchant giveaways and a visit from Santa.

Fun for the whole family, the annual Breakfast with Santa will be held Dec. 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the new Vestavia Hills Civic Center.

Citywide festivities will conclude Dec. 11 with the annual Vestavia Hills Christmas Parade and Celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. The parade will begin at Liberty Park Sports Complex and travel to Alston Meadows Park, where a holiday celebration will take place.

HOOVER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

The City of Hoover will host its annual Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 29 to kick off the holiday season, including performances from local school choirs, visits with Santa, refreshments and more beginning at 5 p.m. at Hoover City Hall.

HOMEWOOD LIGHTING OF THE STAR AND CHRISTMAS PARADE

The City of Homewood will celebrate its annual Lighting of the Star in conjunction with the Homewood Christmas Parade on Dec. 7. The event will begin with the lighting of the historic Homewood Star over 18th St., followed by the parade at 6:30 p.m. and the lighting of the Christmas Tree at City Hall.

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

SELFIES WITH SANTA Santa and Mrs. Claus have been known to stop by for pictures in Crestline Village, above, during the annual Holiday Open House event.

Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers

“If a picture is worth a thousand words, then an exquisite piece of fine jewelry is too,” says Avani, pictured above left with her mother Rupa.

Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers got its start around a dining room table. What began as a passion for good jewelry design and sourcing high quality stones, eventually led its way into a gorgeous bou tique showroom located in Mountain Brook Village.

“Successfully owned by a mother/daughter team and with a degreed education in GIA Gemology, our pieces reflect a modern style with a nod to our deeply rooted Indian culture and heri tage, a unique distinction that is hard to find not only in Alabama, but within the southeast region. Our jewelry lines focus on one-of-a-kind and cus tom designed gemstone and handcrafted metal

pieces. We also offer engagement and bridal sets that can be completely custom made to suit indi vidual taste and budget. No two pieces are ever alike and each are made with careful attention to intricate detail.

“We are also known for our personable cus tomer service; well at least that is what many of our customers tell us! We try to treat our customers like good friends. A personalized folio is devel oped for each customer; we really get to know them – what their preferences are, what speaks to them and their important dates. We’ve been a part of our customer’s lives for many milestones –something we feel is an honor and a privilege.”

Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers is located at 2408 Canterbury Rd., 205-982-4888.

Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers

Since 1987, Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers has been the premier jeweler in Birmingham, Alabama.

“We are a family-owned and operated busi ness with over 50 years of experience,” said owner Eric McClain above with wife Jill and son Ryan. “Our friendly and professional staff work to provide quality services and products at reasonable prices.

“At Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, we offer jew elry and watch sales and repair. We specialize in Rolex watch repair and Montblanc pen repair. Other brands we service are Omega, Panerai, Breitling, Longines, Hamilton, Baume et Mercier, and Luminox.”

Barton-Clay has a full-time designer/crafts man, as well as a full-time jeweler.

You’ll also find diamond necklaces, brace lets, earrings - yellow gold jewelry - Montblanc

pens - Longines and Hamilton watches and more.

Annual Barton-Clay Holiday Open House will be Sun., Dec. 4 from noon to 7 p.m.

Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers is located at 2701 Cahaba Rd., 205-871-7060

Time for the Holidays! His and Hers

“We are a family-owned and operated business with over 50 years of experience.”

Eric McClain

Bromberg’s

“Continuing a longtime tradition, we are look ing forward to the lighting of our Village Christmas Tree. This year’s tree arrived on November 13th and will be lit the day after Thanksgiving, November 25th,” said Ricky Bromberg, President of Bromberg’s.

“Our 30-foot Fraser Fir tree is brought down from North Carolina each year before Thanksgiving. You may have seen the crane required to stand the tree up on the lawn in front of our Mountain Brook store while driving through the Village. It takes up to three days just to add the beauti ful combination of approx imately 30,000 white and colored lights to the tree, which stay lit through New Year’s Eve.

“To our delight, we have seen many people stop to enjoy the Bromberg’s Village Christmas Tree over the years,” said Bromberg. “We have also noticed the numerous photos posted to social media in front of the tree. Stopping for photos with the tree seems to have become a holiday tradition for many families, couples, and friends.”

Bromberg’s is adding to the holiday fun with a social media photo contest! “We encourage anyone who posts a picture or video with our beautiful tree to use the hashtag #BrombergsTree and tag us in their post.” Simply tag @Brombergs on Instagram

or @BrombergsJeweler on Facebook.

All tagged posts with the tree and that hashtag will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a $500 Bromberg’s gift certificate. People without a social media presence who would like to enter the contest can email a photo in front of the tree to contact@brombergs.com with the words “Bromberg’s Tree” in the subject line. The prize will be awarded on Christmas Eve!

Bromberg’s Mountain Brook is located at 2800 Cahaba Rd., 205-871-3276. The Summit location is at 131 Summit Blvd., 205-969-1776. You can also shop online at www.brombergs.com.

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 is available for Christmas entertaining. From Christmas napkins, plates, cards, and wrap ping paper you will find Christine’s well stocked.

An extensive collection of candles in bees wax and soy is always available. Festive holi day tapers include plain, lightly glittered to heavily glittered.

Picture frames are a year round staple, but especially during the holidays with candid photos during family and friend gatherings.

“Over seven companies with multiple fra grances to select from. Made in the USA,

France and England. Plenty of stocking stuffers with flavored nuts and caramels new this year. And of course, Poppy’s popcorn,” Jean said.

“This year we are introducing Heartfully Yours by Christopher Radko. A broad selec tion of European hand-blown ornaments is available. MacKenzie-Childs continues to expand with new introductions,” Jean said.

“We have always felt that the wrap is as important as the gift. Caspari designs are care fully selected for each season,” Jean said. “As many of our customers say, ‘It isn’t Christmas without a gift from Christine’s.’”

Christine’s on Canterbury Christmas Open House is Dec. 1 from 4-8 p.m..

Christine’s on Canterbury is located at 2404 Canterbury Rd., 205-871-8297.

By Christopher Radko. A new charity conscious collection with a portion of proceeds benefitting heart disease, breast cancer and more.

ExVoto Vintage Jewelry

Elizabeth Adams, right, created ExVoto in 2009 after losing her youngest daughter to a brain tumor. ExVoto is a timeless lifestyle brand elevating every day living, and a portion of every sale goes to pediatric brain cancer research.

Uniting powerful stories from the past and present, ExVoto is a lifestyle brand celebrating timeless craftsmanship in jewelry and ladies apparel and building meaningful relationships through conversational pieces.

ExVoto takes vintage jewelry elements and gives them a new story. Personalized, hand engraving or machine engraving is available for many jewelry styles, making ExVoto a great source for memorable and meaningful gifts. When it comes to apparel, they select speciality apparel from emerging, female-founded brands with a commitment to high quality craftsman ship and ethical working conditions. In the past few years, they have expanded their apparel, shoes, and handbag selection, while working closely with designers to offer unique and exclu sive styles.

ExVoto is proud to be a member of The

Female Founder Collective; an organization led by Rebecca Minkoff, that networks businesses led by women, to support women.

Their Birmingham shop is located in Mountain Brook Village, and in the past year has moved just down Canterbury Road to a space 3 times larger than before!

You can order online with in-store pickup and free gift wrap, even same-day pickup on select items!

ExVoto is located at 2416 Canterbury Road, 205-538-7301.

Gunn Dermatology

Dr. Holly Gunn is an accredited board certified dermatologist with over 20 years of experience in the dermatology field. She is known for helping her patients achieve their dream skin while provid ing exceptional and relational patient care. Physician assistant, Mariah, agrees— healthy skin is a marathon and not a sprint. The two are fully committed to each and every unique journey with their patients.

Gunn Dermatology is known for their advanced anti-aging regimens and treatments, spe cifically Vivace. This non-invasive skin tightening treatment leaves patients looking 5-10 years younger after a series of 3 treatments.

Along with advanced dermatology, they are also the only office in Alabama that has the Physiq body contouring device that destroys fat, builds muscle and tightens skin all at the same time. It’s a

non-invasive treatment with absolutely no down time but ALL the results.

In addition to all of the medical and cosmetic treatments, they are now offering cryotherapy, infrared sauna, and spray tans- all for that healthy glow!

The charming crestline clinic we have come to know and love has expanded from their boutique like clinic to a second location in Mountain Brook Village. The new clinic not only provides a luxuri ous patient experience, but allows Gunn Dermatology to meet the ever growing needs for its patients and community. Book an appointment to see what all we can do for you!

Gunn Dermatology is located at 32 Church St. Crestline Village and 391 Rele Street, Mountain Brook Village 205-415-7536. Follow us on Instagram @gunndermatology

391 Rele Street Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-415-7536 gunndermatology.com

Personalized, hand engraving or machine engraving is available for many items, making ExVoto a great source for memorable and meaningful gifts.

When she moved from Boston to Birmingham, Ignite’s owner, Tiffany Martin, right, looked for a place to continue her passion of instructing spin, but was unable to find a place that compared to the studios in Boston. So, she set out to start a bou tique cycling studio of her own.

Ignite Cycle opened the doors of its flagship studio in Pepper Place March of 2019. After a wildly suc cessful inaugural year, Ignite worked creatively to stay afloat during the pandemic, ultimately opening its second studio in Mountain Brook May of 2022.

“The new studio offers the same killer work out, dark room, and dope beats, and also has childcare for their Riders’ little ones!” said Tiffany. “Ignite’s vision is centered around cre ating a space where all are welcome, none are judged, and exercise is all about having a great time!”

Tiffany says beware of lot of fear-based mar keting around holiday weight gain, the pressure to look a certain way upon returning home for

the holidays, or practice “earning” your holiday meals.

“Not at Ignite. At Ignite, through out the holidays, we continue the prac tice of celebrating our bodies’ abilities and strengths, while offering our Riders a place to have a few minutes to themselves during a busy season. The holidays can require us to give so much of ourselves to oth ers. When you show up at Ignite, it is all about YOU. You show up, you clip in, and - in those four walls - your only responsibility is yourself.

“In addition to an absolutely mindblowing New Year special, we offer specials to students who are home for the holidays - those can be found on our social media and in our newslet ters. Every year, we also have a challenge called The 12 Rides of Christmas - Riders are encour aged to ride with 12 different Instructors during the month of December, and are entered in a giveaway at the end!”

Ignite Cycle is located at 1091 Jemison Ln, Lane Parke, 205-603-7463.

Private Jeweler, John Bromberg maintains a return to an old-world artisan approach to fine jewelry. In an industry that is increasingly focused on mass production, JB & CO chooses

John Bromberg is a sixthgeneration GIA trained jeweler with memberships in the prestigious Diamond Dealers’ Club of New York and The American Society of Jewelry Historians.

to focus on the unique, with specialties that include bridal, custom and estate jewelry.

At a time when individual service and priva cy is of the utmost importance, Bromberg per sonally works with his clients to select or create just the right piece for the occasion, always adhering to their style and budget. Whether it is a diamond engagement ring, a special piece for your day or turning your old jewelry into some thing current. JB & CO can help you with your jewelry heirloom. His collection of estate jewel ry comes from the finest jewelry houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, Verdura, as well as, designers Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany, Ilias Lalounis, Pierre Sterle’, Elizabeth Locke, Katy Briscoe, Chopard and Ippolita. John also has a select collection of coveted watches from Cartier, Patek Philippe and Rolex.

John Bromberg is a sixth-generation GIA trained jeweler with memberships in the presti gious Diamond Dealers’ Club of New York and The American Society of Jewelry Historians.

John’s longstanding relationships offer the unique opportunity for his clients to purchase fine jewelry at an exceptional value. JB & CO was named “The Best Jeweler” in the About Town magazine Readers’ Poll!

For the full JB & CO experience, we recom mend making an appointment. “Collect with us,” says Bromberg.

JB & Co. is located at 1 Office Park Circle, Suite 201, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. 205478-0455.

Little Hardware

In 1946, Lewis Little opened the doors of Little Hardware in Ensley.

In 1959 an opportunity presented itself to move to the newly built Mountain Brook Shopping Center adjacent to Mountain Brook Village.

Prospective businessman Frank Davies Jr. bought Little Hardware in 1965 from Mr. Little. In addition to being a devoted business-man, Frank Davies Jr. was dedicated to his family. He and his wife had three children, all of whom worked in the store at some point in their lives.

His son, Frank Wesley Davies III, perma nently joined the team in 1982, which made Little Hardware the family business Mr. Davies Jr. had dreamed about.

In 2013, Little Hardware relocated to English

Village in the former Park Lane grocery store location.

“We are a family owned and operated busi ness built on service and selection,” said owner, Frank Davies, above, sixth from the left, with members of the Little Hardware team.

“We offer barbecue grills, pet food, lawn and garden power equipment, bird feed and feeders. We are a full-line hardware store.” The popular longtime hardware store also sells Benjamin Moore paints and a complete line of STIHL products.

“We have lots of great and practical gifts for everyone. We are open from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.”

Little Hardware is located at 2117 Cahaba Rd. in English Village, 205-871-4616.

LITTLE HARDWARE

Tasc Performance

Born from a deep love of sport and an authentic drive to do what’s right, the family-run Tasc Performance company maintains one goal: to create the best activewear in the world, for the world.

Tasc’s recently opened location in Mountain Brook is the New Orleans-based company’s third brick and mortar store.

“What makes Tasc stand out from others, is their natural fabrics, a combination of unique blends of fibers,” said store manager Mary Glen Carton, above. “Organic cotton or merino wool with viscose from bamboo. This combination of fibers makes a fabric that feels amazing, durable and performs better than the common synthetic fabrics.”

Tasc Performance offers a full line of Men’s

and women’s functional athletic apparel. The clothes are extremely versatile and comfortable.

“With the weather changing, men and women alike have been layering up in our Men’s Legendary fleece vest and the Women’s Apex Fleece Half Zip,” said Mary Glen. “The Apex Fleece is great for everyday wear while shopping for the holiday season.”

A Grand Opening for the new store in lane Parke is planned for Nov., 1.7 Ribbon Cutting at 4 p.m., and include food by Melt, Sol Y Luna drinks, and music until 7.

“Be on the lookout for our Black Friday instore deals!” said Mary Glen.

Tasc Performance is located at 370 Rele St., Mountain Brook, 659-599-9240.

THE BRANDS YOU KNOW FROM THE PEOPLE YOU TRUST

Hill for Henhouse Antiques

Located in charming English Village for over 20 years, Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques offers beautiful, unique pieces personally select ed by owners Laura Ashford Gessert and Libby Hill McGowan, above from left.

From the traditional to the unexpected, Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques offers a fresh approach to decorating. The team expertly mixes English with French, 18th century with 21st century, and primitive with formal.

Customers will enjoy repeatedly visiting Henhouse Antiques as its offerings are constant ly changing and evolving.

“We hope you will join us for our Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec., 1 from 5-7:00 p.m.” said Laura.

Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques is located at 1900 Cahaba Rd., 205-918-0505.

B. Prince

Bezshan Dolatabadi, right, is the owner of B. Prince in Lane Parke. “Being in Lane Parke is wonderful and we love being a part of the Mountain Brook shopping experience,” Bezshan said.

B. Prince is a relationship built boutique catering to people with unique taste. “We con sider our customers family and close friends and we dress and accessorize them for all of their important events as well as everyday life!” Bezshan said.

Bezshan travels all over the world to find fashion that captures current trends and fits in with client’s tastes and lifestyle.

“On Nov. 25 join us for early shopping, great discounts and food and drinks!”

“On Dec. 1, join us for Open House from 5-7 p.m., with live music, wine and food.

“Be sure to also shop with us online at Shopbprince.com”

B. Prince is located at 271 Rele St., Lane Park, 205-871-1965.

The Cook Store

The Cook Store is a kitchen specialty shop featuring functional pottery, pots, pans and gad gets for cooking and entertaining.

“The Cook Store has been a fixture in Mountain Brook since 1975,” said owner Wesley Lassen, with shop dog Lucy below.

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 Le Creuset non-stick cookware, USA Pan bakeware, Wusthof knives and pottery from local potters Tena Payne of Earthborn Studios and Gidge Black,” she said.

“We are looking forward to a crazy holiday season of selling, sell ing, selling and wrap ping, wrap ping and more wrap ping. We have lots of great gift ideas for the person who has every thing and the person who doesn’t have enough. Come check out our pottery, great gadgets, wood, holiday towels, melamine serving pieces and dishes and lots more gift items. Our Holiday Open House is Dec. 1, 5-7 p.m. Visit us at thecookstoremtn brook.com and be sure to check out our Instagram at thecookstore.”

The Cook Store is located at 2841 Cahaba Rd. in Mountain Brook Village, 205-879-5277.

GIFTS THAT MAKE SCENTS

Davenport’s Pizza Palace

Davenport’s Pizza Palace was started in Mountain Brook Village in 1964 by Rex and Ardyce Hollis. Rex named the restaurant after his friend, Jim “Peanut” Davenport, who was a profes sional baseball player with the San Francisco Giants. They grew up together in Siluria, Alabama and Davenport had recently played in the 1962 World Series. After opening, Rex and Ardyce went door-to-door to introduce the community to this unique pizza, and fortunately they took a liking to it and have been supporting the original location for 58 years. Rex and Ardyce operated a second location in Vestavia Hills in the 1970’s for about 15 years.

“The family has always dreamed about opening another location, and coming back to Vestavia felt like the perfect fit,” said Amanda Thames, who along with Yates Norris, above, are the third gener ation to own and operate the business. The Davenport’s Pizza family is thrilled to be serving the Vestavia Hills community!

Davenport’s Pizza Palace, 700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 193 in the Vestavia Hills City Center and 2837 Cahaba Rd. in Mountain Brook Village

271 Rele Street • Lane Parke Mountain Brook • 205-871-1965 www.shopbprince.com

Ashford

The Lingerie Shoppe , Inc. was established in 1946. The focus of the shop has never strayed from the commitment to provide the highest quality undergarments, bridal lingerie and sleepwear to the generations of women and those who shop for them. Curating this merchandise provides opportunity to provide high quality along with best price.

Brenda Meadows, above, and Betty McMahon purchased the shop in 1988. Betty retired in 1998 and Brenda has continued to enjoy the many facets of The Lingerie Shoppe—from purchasing the offerings at the shop to helping so many customers/friends find the right fit in a bra or the perfect gift for someone they love.

“We often hear, ‘There has to be Lingerie Shoppe wrapped packages under our tree.’ We look forward to sharing this shopping season with our wonderful customers,” said Brenda

The Lingerie Shoppe is located at 2403 Montevallo Rd, 205-871-8994.

Marguerite’s Conceits

“We also carry mb greene luggage and trav el accessories for gals on-the-go,” said owner Marguerite Ray, pictured above.

“Our Holiday Open House is Dec. 1, 5-7 p.m. Come visit your favorite Santa’s helpers for the best gift ideas!”

“For the holidays, we have lots of cozy throw blankest, dreamy pajamas and robes, yummy treats and ‘feel good’ goodies for all the girls on your list. Our customer service can’t be beat and, of course, we offer beautiful compli mentary gift wrapping—many small gift items are pre-wrapped and ready to go—perfect for teacher, friend or hostess gifts!”

Marguerite’s Conceits is located at 2406 Canterbury Rd., 205-879-2730.

“PAO celebrates 15 years!” said Paige Albright Orientals owner Paige Albright, above.

“We opened in the fall of 2007 and have been steadily hand-selecting each and every rug in our collection. We travel globally to locate the best of best for our cli ents.

“Antique ori entals are always in style. We are seeing lots of warm, earthy interiors layered with rugs and textiles.”

Fifteen percent of all sales the week of Nov. 28 will be donated to the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama to commemorate PAO’s 15th anniversary.

Paige Albright Orientals is located at 2814 Petticoat Lane, 205-877-3232.

The Village Poodle

The Village Poodle is a boutique offering a range of items from ladies clothing, jewelry, baby gifts and antique chandeliers.

“We have been in business for seven years and feel that we have filled a niche needed in Mountain Brook Village,”said owner Beverly Ruff, pictured above at right with Hillary Kent.

“Throughout the season, shoppers will find a wonderful selection of fashionable clothing including the Hinson Wu shirt line.

“We have been fortunate this year that our stock has not been affected by delivery issues. Our shop is fuller than ever before and we are excited to show you our new merchandise.

“We are also offering a large selection of La Paris picture frames and our sea salt toffee which has always been very popular.

“Make plans to shop with us, enter our drawing for a gift, and leave with your holi day purchases beautifully wrapped.”

The Village Poodle is located at 2410 Canterbury Rd., 205-423-5443.

Paige Albright

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 TRAVEL GLOBALLY TO LOCATE THE BEST OF BEST FOR OUR CLIENTS.

Spartans Rout Titans, Ready to Take on Hartselle Next

By RuBin E. GRant

Mountain Brook football coach Chris Yeager spent last weekend trying to learn as much as he could about the undefeated Hartselle Tigers.

The Spartans (10-2) will play host to Hartselle (12-0) Friday in the Class 6A quarter finals of the state playoffs.

Even before dissecting the kind of opponent the Spartans would face, Yeager had a pretty good idea about what to expect.

“When you get to this point in the playoffs, anybody you play is going to be pretty good,” Yeager said. “There are eight teams left and nobody stumbled in.”

games. He ran for 233 yards and six touch downs in Mountain Brook’s 49-7 victory against Pinson Valley in the first round.

“I thought Cole played hard,” Yeager said. “Coming in we felt we needed him to carry it 20-25 times and he wound up with 30 carries.”

Meanwhile, the Spartans’ defense was rocksolid against the Titans, allowing only a late third-quarter touchdown and coming up with three turnovers, including two in the red zone. Hampton King and Sam Hunt had interceptions.

Junior running back Cole Gamble had another monster game for the Spartans, rushing 30 times for 271 yards and four touchdowns on runs of 2, 10, 79 and 1 yards.

Mountain Brook earned its spot in the quarterfinals with a 37-6 second-round victory at Gadsden City (7-5) last Friday. Hartselle defeated Center Point 36-26 to advance.

Junior running back Cole Gamble had another monster game for the Spartans, rushing 30 times for 271 yards and four touchdowns on runs of 2, 10, 79 and 1 yards.

Gamble now has scored 10 touchdowns and rushed for more than 500 yards in two playoff

CROSS COUNTRY

From page 40

the 5K race in 17:57.30 to win her second consecutive Class 6A title. It was the second time this season Riley broke the 18-minute barrier.

She was the only one of the seven individual girls champions to have a sub-18 time. Auburn’s Sarah Tole had the next fastest time, running the course in 18:02.91 to win Class 7A.

“The time I ran was a great time, considering the conditions,” said Riley, who plans to sign a track schol arship with Notre Dame later this month.

Mountain Brook cross-country and track coach Michael McGovern said he is running out of superlatives to describe Riley.

“To be a two-time state champion is a remarkable accomplishment,” McGovern said. “She won several meets this season, and the only race she lost was in Seattle, when she fin ished in second place.”

Mountain Brook swept the girls and boys team titles in 6A, and Homewood finished runner-up in both. The girls won their second con secutive class title and 25th overall.

“The sweep was really special,” Riley said. “The girls and guys are close, like a big family.”

The Mountain Brook girls were without senior Clark Stewart, a Virginia signee who was sidelined with a leg injury. Still, the Spartans scored 33 points to 88 for Homewood. The Spartans boys fin ished with 47 points to 65 for the Patriots.

In the girls race, four other

Rebels Come Up Short at Thompson to End Evans’ First Season

By RuBin E. GRant

Robert Evans began his first season back at his alma mater as Vestavia Hills’ head football coach by saying he wanted to play Thompson twice.

Evans got that chance last Friday in the second round of the Class 7A state playoffs, but the sec ond matchup ended the same way the first one did – with a Rebels’ loss.

for a 7-3 Warriors’ lead. The Rebels answered with Shirley’s 27-yard field goal to pull within 7-6.

Early in the fourth quarter, Vestavia Hills tried a fake punt from its own 37-yard line, but it back fired and two plays later Thompson scored on Michael Dujon’s 33-yard run.

“The fake punt, in hindsight, probably was not a good decision,” Evans said.

“I thought our defense played really good,” Yeager said. “It was a collective group effort.”

Despite the lopsided outcome, Yeager said the Spartans need to correct a few things before they play Hartselle.

“We had some big plays and we played hard, but we didn’t play with preci sion on offense and we were sloppy at times,” Yeager said. “There are times when you lose a game, but you’re proud of the way you played, and there are times when you win a game and you come away saying we’re better than that. We’ve got some cleaning up to do.”

Mountain Brook will be attempting to reach the semifinals for the third consecutive season.

Vestavia Hills fell 21-12 to the three-time reigning champions at Thompson’s Warrior Stadium to finish with a 7-5 record. The Warriors defeated the Rebels 34-14 during the regular sea son.

Thompson (9-3) will visit Hoover (11-1) Friday in the Class 7A semifinals.

“We had a chance, but things didn’t shake out our way,” Evans said. “We played well enough to win, but turnovers hurt.”

Vestavia Hills outgained Thompson 298 total yards to 177 and ran 71 offensive plays compared to the Warriors’ 44. But the Rebels turned the ball over four times, including three interceptions in the second half.

The Rebels, who reached the second round for the first time since 2015, led 3-0 at halftime on Carter Shirley’s 26-yard field goal. Thompson opened the second half with a 69-yard, 11-play scoring drive, capped by A.J. Green’s 1-yard run

Rebels junior quarterback John Paul Head scored on a 17-yard touchdown run with 5:12 remaining, but the 2-point attempt failed, leaving the Rebels behind 14-12.

Vestavia Hill’s defense forced a punt, but a muff turned the ball back over to the Warriors, who clinched the victory on Green’s second touchdown run of the night, putting Thompson ahead 21-12 with 1:32 to play.

“I’m proud of our seniors,” Evans said. “They set a great example for the younger players, those at the middle schools and our youth, with how they played. Once we get our weight program on par and get bigger and stronger, we’re going to be a force to deal with in the future.

“We’ve got a lot of community support and support from our administrators. We’re never going to be the most talented team, but with our resources, in three or four years we’re going to win these kind of games.”

(13th). Jack Chapman (16th), Denton Russell (18th) and Branum Lloyd (19th) finished in the top 20.

“After three straight second-place finishes, I was superexcited to see our boys get the championship,” McGovern said.

“It’s our first sweep since 2011. I had somebody come up and tell me after the race that our seventh and eighth graders won the Metro and JV won the junior varsity state champi onship, so it was a very good year for Mountain Brook cross-country.”

Storybook Ending

The Vestavia Hills boys put an end to Huntsville’s Class 7A boys reign, preventing the Panthers from winning their fifth straight title.

The Rebels and Panthers finished tied with 60 points apiece, but the Rebels claimed the state champion ship – the school’s first cross-country title since 2012 – on a tiebreaker that factored each team’s sixth runner fin ish. Vestavia Hills’ No. 6 runner, freshman John Hayes, finished 32, eight spots ahead of Huntsville’s Jack Gruber, the Panthers’ No. 6 runner, to give the Rebels the championship.

“It was a total storybook moment,” Vestavia Hills coach Katherine Terino said. “You couldn’t write a better script if you tried.

of our top seven runners injured,” Terino said. “But the boys came together and ran as a team. Our depth was important.”

Mitchell Schaaf and Alex Leath finished eighth and ninth to lead the Rebels, while Will Jordan (12th), Wilson Holt (15th) and Jackson Mize (16th) all posted top 20 finishes.

On the girls side, the Rebels scored 114 points to place third, behind Chelsea and Auburn. Junior Kaitlyn Wende finished fifth with a time of 18:42 and sophomore Claire Spooner placed seventh in 18:54 to earn All-State honors.

Noteworthy

Indian Springs’ Elise Picard ran away from the pack, winning the 3A girls’ ace by more than a minute with a time of 19:11.32.

Altamont won the girls Class 3A title, finishing with 55 points to sec ond-place Whitesburg Christian’s 82. Laura Spann (8th), Abbey Sellers (10th), Ellie Sellers (13th) and Mary Spann (15th) led the way for the Knights.

Homewood had two girls earn AllState honors in Class 6A. Emma Brooke Levering finished third with a time of 18:48 and Sydney Dobbins 10th with a time of 19:29.

Spartans earned All-State honors for finishing in the top 15. Mary Katherine Malone and Virginia Averyt finished fifth and sixth, running in 19:13 and 19:22, respectively. Gracie Walker (11th) and Kennedy Hamilton (14th) also earned All-State. Callie Kent (16th), Holland Finch (19th) and Lucy Benton (20th) finished in the top 20.

“Our girls were in the next-to-last

race of the day and the course was really chopped up from the rain and mud,” McGovern said. “It was an out standing feat. They ran with a lot of heart.”

Clayton Collins was the top per former for the Mountain Brook boys, finishing second with a time of 15:56. Three other Spartans earned All-State honors, Braden Little (9th), Harry Clark (12th) and George Pelekis

‘It took only five minutes to deter mine who had won, but it felt like two hours. I started running around and screaming.”

Throughout the season, Terino expected the Rebels to contend for the title, but two of their top runners, Henry Strand and Ethan Meadows, were sidelined for the state meet with injuries sustained during and after sectionals.

“We had some adversity, with two

The Patriots’ boys had three AllState finishers, Grayton Murray (6th), Ben Murray (7th) and Andrew Laird (11th)

John Carroll Catholic’s Arthur Langley finished fifth in the Class 5A race with a time of 16:07.

Hoover’s Elijah Joseph was AllState in Class 7A boys, running 15:58 to finish 11th.

Briarwood’s Mary Grace Parker earned All-State in Class 6A girls, fin ishing ninth with a time of 19:28.

The Vestavia Hills boys put an end to Huntsville’s Class 7A boys reign, pre venting the Panthers from winning their fifth straight title. Top Rebel finishers were from left, Mitchell Schaaf, Alex Leath, Will Jordan and Wilson Holt.

Altamont won the girls Class 3A title, finishing with 55 points to second-place Whitesburg Christian’s 82.

nals.

“Our kids have done a good job of that. To a new coach and a new coaching staff, I’m tickled to be here. They’ve accepted me. It’s feeling more and more like home every week. We’re more like family every week. Again, I’m just glad to play again.”

Hoover beat Hewitt for the second time this season and has won 11 con secutive games since a season-open ing 17-14 loss to Auburn in the AHSAA Challenge at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl. The Bucs (11-1) will host Thompson (9-3) Friday at the Hoover Met. It’s the sixth consecu tive season the Bucs and Warriors

will square off in the semifinals.

The Warriors, the three-time defending Class 7A champions, reached the semifinals with a 21-12 victory over Vestavia Hills.

Before that outcome was known, Waldrop didn’t care if his team would face the arch-rival Rebels or their new nemesis in the Warriors. Hoover defeated Thompson 9-0 on Oct. 21 to claim the region title, but the Warriors have won their past four semifinal matchups.

“It’ll be a repeat game next week and it’ll be a war,” Waldrop said. “We’re glad it’ll be here. Whoever it is is who it is. They’re going to come, we’re going to come and everybody’s going to get their money’s worth.”

Some undisciplined play and a late touchdown notwithstanding, Waldrop could have hardly been more

pleased with his team’s performance against Hewitt. That was in stark con trast to his assessment a week earlier when Hoover opened the playoffs with a 45-19 win over Bob Jones.

“I thought they were focused,” Waldrop said of his team. “Wasn’t focused last week. We were focused on what we had to do tonight and we did a good job.

“It was the best four quarters we’ve played this year. I think it’s the best we’ve played at home too. It was a good win.”

Hoover was up three touchdowns before the Huskies’ offense got on track. Lamarion McCammon sand wiched a 2-yard touchdown run between two freshman quarterback Noah Schuback touchdown passes, a first-quarter 2-yarder to Jack Lamey and a 36-yarder to Jordan Woolen in

the second.

Ahead 21-3 at halftime, Hoover’s DJ Estes had visions of breaking the game open with a return of the sec ond-half kickoff. He bobbled and dropped the ball before slipping through the advancing Huskies.

Hoover fans figured he was off to the races. And they weren’t alone.

“Me too,” Estes admitted. “I got tack led by the safety.”

Estes would eventually score on a return to break open the game, pick ing off a Peyton Floyd pass and returning it 40 yards for a score, effectively sealing the Bucs’ victory.

“The receivers (were) lined up far out so (the quarterback) has no choice but to come back in,” Estes said, recounting the play. “I kind of baited it up. I saw him throw the slant, caught it and took it to the crib.”

Estes’ pick-6 was one of four Hoover interceptions, including two by Jay Avery and another by Keith Christein.

Estes was an eighth grader in the stands when Hoover won its last state championship, in 2017.

“We’ve got to get back there,” he said. “That’s the ultimate goal, get ting back to state and winning it, tak ing it all. I feel like we’ll be unsatis fied if we do anything less.”

Schuback, who completed 11 of 17 passes for 177 yards, has had to learn the history of Hoover football, having moved from California last year. But being new to the program doesn’t diminish his desire for the title.

“I wanna go get it,” he said. “I want to go take home that blue map (championship trophy).”

Saraland (11-1) Friday. Saraland rout ed Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 56-31 in the second round.

“This is great for our fans and our community,” Homewood quarterbackpunter Woods Ray said. “I’ve never been this far in the playoffs before, so it’s great to get this far in my senior season. I just wish we were at home.”

Ray threw for 171 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 85 yards and another score during the game last week. But it was his 42-yard punt that rolled dead at the Pike Road 2 in the final 96 seconds that was a real game-changer.

“It turned out to be huge,” Ray

OTM TEAM

From page 40

year of my career. I stepped into a leadership role that I hadn’t done in the past.”

Hardee appreciates that others noticed how well Gann played this fall.

“I am excited about her being rec ognized by all the coaches Over the Mountain,” Hardee said. “She’s very deserving. She’s a great athlete, a great student and a great person.”

As a team-first player, Gann was disappointed that the Rebels didn’t advance to the state tournament. They were eliminated in the first round of regionals by Bob Jones.

“I wish we could have won one more game and gotten to state,” Gann said. “But I think the team as a whole improved a lot during the season.

“It was the favorite season of my life, from a personal standpoint and a team standpoint. We had great team chemistry and we were playing at such a high level.”

Gann plans to play in college, but she’s currently sorting through her options.

“It would be amazing to play in college, but I’m still in the process of making a decision,” she said.

said. “We were able to pin them back and give our defense another chance to stop them and hit them in the mouth. The defense really responded against a really good football team.”

Homewood led 21-14 at halftime thanks to Ray’s third and fourth down magic. He converted a fourth-and-14 before scoring on a 3-yard run for a 7-0 lead. Then, he converted a thirdand-12 and fourth-and-one before throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Parris for a 14-7 advantage.

Deadlocked 14-14, Ray drove Homewood 63 yards in nine plays, passing for 20 yards and running for 36 to set up Montrell Odell’s 3-yard scoring run with 36 seconds remain ing in the half.

In the second half, Homewood managed only a field goal, three first

All-OTM Roster

Gann heads up the 2022 All-OTM volleyball team. She is joined by her Vestavia Hills teammate Audrey Vielguth, a libero.

Hoover, which reached the Class 7A state tournament, had four players voted to the squad – outside hitter Raegan James, middle hitter Kenzie Richards, right side Kendyl Mitchell and setter Maggie Harris.

Mountain Brook, which reached the Class 6A semifinals, landed three players on the team – middle hitters Alice Garzon and Mae Mae Lacey, and setter Hannah Parant.

Spain Park and Homewood both had two players make the team. Outside hitter Emily Breazeale and libero Brooklyn Allison are the Jaguars’ representatives, while the Patriots’ representatives are middle hitter Mira McCool and libero Sydney

downs and 65 yards.

“We’ve been real explosive on offense all year so you have to give them a heck of a lot of credit,” Berguson said.

Pike Road (7-5), which won the 2021 Class 5A state championship before moving up to Class 6A this year, appeared to tie the score on a 51-yard pass from Kaleb Foster to Jordan King, but a holding penalty nullified the score and the drive ended with a fourth-and-31 from the 28.

Berguson said he didn’t see all the play, but it changed momentum.

“They were spreading us out at the time,” he said. “I know it had to affect them mentally after that.”

Homewood finally got untracked after taking over on its 49. Ray found Charlie Reeves for 20 and 17 yards

Humes.

Rounding out the team are Briarwood outside hitter Stella Helms and Oak Mountain right side Lauren Schuessler.

Coach of the Year

Hoover’s Amanda Wood was voted the 2022 OTM Coach of the Year. She guided the Bucs to a 35-17 record and a state tournament appear ance in her first season. Hoover lost 3-2 to Enterprise in a back-and-forth match in the Class 7A quarterfinals.

“I did not expect it, but I am superflattered that a group of elite coaches picked me,” Wood said. “I don’t think I deserve any recognition without my kids.

“The girls worked hard. I am superproud of them. I wish we could have gone at least one more round in the state tournament.”

before Whit Armistead kicked what turned out to be the difference, a 26-yard field goal for a 24-14 lead with 9:21 remaining.

Reeves and Parris combined to catch 12 of Ray’s 13 completions. Reeves had seven catches for 82 yards and Parris had five catches for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Pike Road closed to 24-21 with 4:41 remaining on Tre’marcus Webb’s 17-yard touchdown run.

Following the kickoff, Homewood picked up only its third first down of the second half as Ray completed a 15-yard pass to Reeves before the drive stalled at the Pike Road 44. Then, Ray boomed the 42-yard punt.

Homewood stopped Pike Road’s sophomore running back sensation Anthony Rogers two yards short on fourth-and-four from the 8 to clinch the victory.

Rogers, who has more than 30 col lege offers including Alabama, fin

ished with 192 of Pike Road’s 300 total yards. He carried the ball 27 times for 140 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown and caught two passes for 52 yards with a 52-yard touchdown catch.

‘Gutsy Performance’

“We knew they were pretty one dimensional,” Berguson said, “but they are good at what they do. I felt like we tackled better than we have in weeks. It was a real great and gutsy performance. I knew (defensive coor dinator) Freddy (Lawrence) would dial them up.”

Ray was glad to escape with the victory.

“It’s the playoffs, so you have to learn to take it one play at a time,” Ray said. “I thought we fared pretty well in the first half, but it was frus trating in the second half. It’s the playoffs and we’re just happy to get the win.”

PAGE 38

Homewood Turns Good Season Into a Great One With 10th Victory

By Bill lumpkin iii

Homewood coach Ben Berguson was look ing for greatness when the Patriots took the field for their Class 6A playoff game against Pike Road last Friday at Waldrop Stadium.

“I told the kids before the game a nine-win season was good, but a 10-win season was great,” Berguson said.

Homewood earned its 10th victory with a 24-21 win, now the Patriots will play in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2018, their last 10-win season. Homewood (10-2) will visit

STEPPING UP

By RuBin E. GRant

Savannah Gann didn’t shy away when things got a little tight during matches for the Vestavia Hills volleyball team this season.

Instead, the Rebels’ senior outside hitter ele vated her level of play.

“Savannah is a fierce competitor,” Vestavia Hills coach Ashley Hardee said. “She’s always

STATE CROSS-COUNTRY MEET

Riley Repeats as Spartans Sweep Class 6A Titles

By RuBin E. GRant

Mountain Brook senior Reagan Riley had one thing uppermost on her mind as she ran the Oakville Indian Mounds Park course during the AHSAA 67th State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 5.

“The conditions were not the best,” Riley said. “It was muddy after a torrential downpour, and it is usual ly dry and dusty. I was really watch ing my footing to make sure I didn’t slip or fall.”

Riley kept her footing, finishing

working to get better. She’s a six-rotation play er.”

“She stepped up in critical moments. She put teams away when we had the lead or she brought us back when we were behind.”

With Gann leading the way, Vestavia Hills reached the Class 7A North Regional and fin ished with a 29-10 record. She recorded 537 kills to surpass 1,000 for her career. She also tal lied 265 digs, 43 aces and 18 blocks.

For her performance, Gann is the 2022 OTM Volleyball Player of the Year, selected in ballot ing by Over the Mountain volleyball coaches.

“I am truly honored,” Gann said. “I don’t want to sound like I’m super shocked, but I didn’t think I would get an award like this because there is a lot of talent Over the Mountain.

“I think I played well. I think I had the best

Wade Waldrop spent eight seasons as head coach at James Clemens in Madison. Often, his Jets’ flightpath through the Class 7A playoffs was blocked by a team from Region 3.

Now, as the first-year coach at Hoover, he leads one of those teams and he understands the difference.

“It’s a playoff game every week, and if you don’t approach it that way, you won’t be in the playoffs.” Waldrop said after his Bucs defeated Hewitt-Trussville 28-11 last Friday at the Hoover Met to advance to the Class 7A semifi

See HOOVER, page 39

Vestavia Hills’ Gann Earns OTM Volleyball Player of the Year Honor

See OTM TEAM, page 39

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Members of the 2022 All OTM Volleyball team are, front from left: Raegan James, Hoover; Kenzie Richards, Hoover; Sydney Humes,Homewood; and Savannah Gann, Vestavia Hills. Middle: Maggie Harris, Hoover; Kendyl Mitchell, Hoover; Stella Helms, Briarwood Christian; and Lauren Schuessler, Oak Mountain. Back: Coach of the Year, Amanda Wood, Hoover; Hannah Parant, Mountain Brook; Mae Mae Lacey, Mountain Brook; Alice Garzon, Mountain Brook; and Mira McCool, Homewood. Not pictured: Emily Breazeale, Brooklyn Allison, Spain Park; and Audrey Vielguth, Vestavia Hills.

Journal

photo by Jordan Wald

See

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Ray threw for 171 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 85 yards and another score during the game last week.

By Solomon CREnShaw JR.