Over the Mountain Journal Nov. 3, 2011 by Over the Mountain Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L THE SUBURBAN NEWSPAPER FOR MOUNTAIN BROOK, HOMEWOOD, VESTAVIA HILLS, HOOVER, AND NORTH SHELBY COUNTY NOVEMBER 3, 2011

THE SPICE OF LIFE Lori Sours’ Salsa Senorita Tastes Like Home to the New Mexico Native

When Lori Sours and her brother moved away from their home state of New Mexico to opposite ends of the country, both missed the authentic southwestern cuisine they’d become so accustomed to. So, when the Mountain Brook mom and her Los Angeles brother found a salsa recipe that reminded them of home, they bottled it and founded Salsa Senorita. Check out some of her recipes to spice up the holidays, and then get inspired by Birmingham Home & Garden’s Inspiration Home, where everything from the floors to the furniture were found locally. See Home, page 34.

Tribble Reese may have missed his chance for love on the first season of CMT’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” but the network has given him another chance. See People, page 8.

Ellen Edmonds’ husband was a World War II veteran in his youth, but later in life he fought a different kind of battle – dementia. See Life, page 10.

The annual FROG Affair raised more than $70,000 to benefit the mission and projects of the Autism Society of Alabama. See Social, page 14.

2 • THURSDAY, NOVMEBER 3, 2011

CONTENTS/OPINION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MURPHY’S LAW

Mountain Brook merchants are readying for the holidays. The city and shops will be hosting several events to kick off the holiday shopping season. See Mountain Brook Special Section, page 18.

OTMJ.COM B M C J K

rowse through even more photos from the area’s biggest and best social events. ake plans with our extended online calendar of events.

heck out more recipes from Salsa Senorita founder and Mountain Brook mom, Lori Sours.

oin the conversation. Comment on pictures, stories and events. eep up with daily happenings at the Journal. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

In our next issue, get a head start on holiday shopping with great gift ideas from our gift guide, and see how a Vestavia Hills artist is creating one-of-a-kind art for football fans.

F E AT U R E S ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE LIFE SOCIAL

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WEDDINGS SCHOOLS HOME SPORTS

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JOU RNAL

30 31 34 40

November 3, 2011

t’s coming. The gaiety Kamikaze chipmunks. I read, I do crossword puzand gathering, the gift zles, I look out through the leafy branches and just cards and gift exchang- breathe. es. In a few short weeks, it Everyone needs some time alone. I think that’s will be all retail hands on why people like having their own cars. Of course, deck, elbows out, boots on unless you’re traveling some back road, you’re the ground. never really alone. All that motion, all that glass. I enjoy it. I do. But, It’s like having your Me Time in a fish bowl. Still, if there’s always a moment that’s all you can get, you take it. during the holiday hoopla Today, Thoreau’s original cabin is gone. The park when I gaze wistfully out includes a full-sized replica, built and furnished the car window at the rare from the detailed descriptions he left in his writings, Susan Murphy uncluttered hillside and but it’s sitting at the edge of a gravel parking lot. sigh. Not the same feeling at all. The actual cabin site has Holiday life gets really been reduced to a square of loud sometimes, and I’ve foundation stones, still peaceHoliday life gets really loud ful, even though it’s only 100 learned that when my ears start ringing or I can feel my from a busy road. sometimes, and I’ve learned yards heart pounding in my chest, I There’s a gift shop next that when my ears start ringing to the parking lot. Of course need to take some time apart. Like my friend Thoreau. is. Very un-Thoreau, I or I can feel my heart pound- there Henry David, Walden Pond, know, but it’s clear that most the writer who left civilization ing in my chest, I need to take devotees want to take away a memento of their visit. I did, to ponder life’s great quessome time apart. tions in a cabin in the woods. too. The guy’s my hero. Before Harold and I got He didn’t actually go that back in the car, I walked far. When I visited Walden Pond a few years ago, down for one more look at the pond, then I did what I was surprised to find that civilization was never many guests had done before me: I placed a stick more than a mile down the road. Not only that, but on the woodpile next to the cabin remains. A gift. his friends came to visit on a regular basis, bringing Something to warm heart and hearth. food and conversation. The man wasn’t cloistered at When I came home, I put on my different drumall. mer T-shirt and made myself a cup of tea in my He didn’t stay alone in the woods forever, either, hand-thrown Walden mug, and sat on the porch for just two years and two months. Most days, all I need a good long time. The guy who lives behind me was is two minutes. running his leaf blower, but again, you take what When I was growing up, I would clear out you can get. enough space in my closet for a pillow and a couple I’m looking forward to having everyone here of books. When the weather was nice, I carved for the holidays. There will be good food and good out little spots in the weedy vacant lot next to our company, love and laughter. There will also be gift house. I enjoyed being with my friends, but I needed receipts and postage due and sinks full of dirty a little Me Time, too. I still do. So far, I haven’t dishes, so right now, I’m putting a few sticks on built a lean-to in my backyard, but I do steal away my woodpile and slipping away to my screened-in as often as possible for a few sequestered minutes porch. Thoreau would be proud. ❖ on my screened-in porch, just me and my herd of

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS Why did you serve in the military?

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Laura McAlister Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Bones Long, Cary Estes, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Editorial Intern: Jennifer Taylor Vol. 20, No. 21

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to more than 40,000 households in the Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Hot Property is a paid advertisement. 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 ads@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2010 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.

Sticks on the Woodpile

“I was 18 years old and they were going to draft me when I turned 19, so I went ahead and joined.” Howard Strickler Hoover

“I was drafted in 1966 during the Vietnam War.” Bob Mosca Hoover

“I was in ROTC at the University of Alabama, and I went to basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. I was commissioned during the Vietnam War.” Tom Martin Hoover

“I was drafted right after graduating from the University of Michigan in 1956.” Walter Bailey Mountain Brook

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Garden Club Plans Bid ’n Buy Luncheon

Vestavia Hills Garden Club will host its annual Bid ’n Buy luncheon Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Vestavia Country Club. There will be a silent auction as well as a live auction conducted by Kay Yeager. Members will contribute auction items; proceeds will benefit the ongoing maintenance and improvement of Sibyl Temple and its surrounding park on the crest of Shades Mountain. Auction items include original artwork, home accessories, jewelry, sports memorabilia, vacation packages and gift certificates from local businesses and restaurants. Members will also provide homemade baked goods, candies and specialty foods for auction. The “Sibyl’s Treasures” boutique will offer vintage jewelry, decorative items, seasonal décor and more for purchase. Handmade holiday decorations made from natural greenery by garden club members will be sold during the auction. Mailbox covers will be filled with fresh magnolia leaves, berries, pine boughs and other native greenery. The mailbox covers will be installed at customers’ homes before the Christmas holiday. Last year, members sold more than 75 of the decorations and expect to sell even more this year. Chairmen for the event are Melinda Helveston, Wendy Henry and Leigh Ann Yeilding. Club president is Dot Renneker. For tickets to the auction or to purchase mailbox covers, contact a garden club member or Sarah White, reservations chairman, at 823-0052.

Illuminations Ball Is at Cahaba Grand

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The Illuminations Ball, presented by Protective Life Corporation

Chairmen for this year’s Sibyl’s Treasures Boutique at the Vestavia Hills Garden Club’s annual Bid ‘n Buy Luncheon are from left: Lisa Henley, Judy Leesburg and Dawn Bendig. Photo special to the Journal and benefiting Children’s of Alabama, will be Nov. 12 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. The event includes silent and live auctions by C King Benefit Auctions plus entertainment by Groove Daddy. Holiday and dessert stations will open after the dinner, and live entertainment will resume. The event is black-tie optional. For more information, contact Beth Serotsky at 212-7478 or Beth.Serotsky@ChildrensAL. org or visit www. ChildrensIlluminations.org.

BBG Will Host Noted Author

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host Douglas Tallamy, Ph.D., as the keynote speaker for the Central South Native Plant Conference Nov. 4-5. The symposium is one of the most extensive nature-related seminars in the nation. Tallamy and 20 other presenters will give lectures focused on “Native Plants: The Bigger Picture; How Native Plants Complete the Puzzle,” the theme of this year’s conference.

The lecture series will focus on native plants and the roles they play in facilitating the health of ecosystems. The conference includes a variety of breakout sessions, workshops and field trips. Tallamy is professor and chair of the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. His book “Bringing Nature Home” won a Silver Medal from the Garden Writers Association. To register, visit www.bbgardens.org/central-south.php. For more information, contact Shelly McCarty at 414-3965 or sbusby@bbgardens.org.

BAA Show Opens With Nov. 3 Reception

The Birmingham Art Association will have its annual Juried Art Show at Colonial Brookwood Village Nov. 3-Dec. 2. The opening reception will be Nov. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. The show will close for Thanksgiving Day and re-open on Friday. For more information, visit www.birminghamartassociation. org. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Annual Show Has Variety of Crafts

The 39th Alabama Designer/ Craftsmen Fine Crafts Show and Sale will be Nov. 12-13 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The show features handmade jewelry, ceramics, glass, baskets, gourds, textiles, ironwork, copper, paper and wood. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The event includes door prizes and children’s art activities. A $3 donation is suggested for ages 12 and older. For more information, visit www.alabamadesignercraftsmen. com.

Homewood Lions Will Sell Pecans

The Homewood Metro Lions Club will hold its annual Camilla Pecan sale Nov. 11 in front of the Homewood Piggly Wiggly, 3000 Montgomery Highway. An $8 donation is requested for a 12-ounce package. All profits will be shared with the Alabama Lions Sight Association, which provides eye care to the indigent, and with Camp Seale Harris for diabetic children, East-West All Star Baseball games, Leader Dog for the Blind, Southeastern Guide Dog, Alabama Lions eyeglasses and hearing aid recycling programs, Homewood elementary schools and community

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Among participants in this year’s Alabama Designer/Craftsmen show are, from left: sculptor Nada Boner, fiber artist Janice Weinstein, sculptors Jayne Harrison and Daphne Grable and furniture craftsman Bill Palmer. Photo special to the Journal projects. For more information, call Max Herzel at 871-5125.

Premiere Spotlights ‘Hottest Hounds’

Four-legged stars will walk the red carpet at Homewood’s Aloft Hotel Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. for the premiere of the Hottest Hounds in Birmingham. Guests can purchase a copy of the coffee table book, “The Hottest Hounds in Birmingham,” with 5 percent of sales donated to the Animal League of Birmingham. The event includes light appetizers, a cash bar and raffle prizes. The Animal League of Birmingham is asking for a $10 donation per person at the door,

which will include entry to the party and one raffle ticket. For more information about the event, call Cassie at 335-8298 or email HottestHounds@gmail.com.

Hospice Services Hosts Celebration of Life

To honor its patients and their caregivers, Hospice Services of Alabama will host its annual Celebration of Life service Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Mountaintop Community Church. The memorial service will also honor victims of the April 27 tornados. For more information, call Hospice Services at 682-9996 or visit its Facebook page at www. facebook.com/hsofal. ❖

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Magical Marketplace Is at Vestavia UMC

The Vestavia Hills United Methodist Women’s Circle 5 will host the 13th annual Magical Marketplace Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please send your letter of This year’s marketplace will interest and resume to: feature more than 60 local and vcoresumes@vc.edu regional vendors. Items for sale will include art, pottery, jewelry, stationary, children’s clothing, baby gifts, holiday goodies and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit Magic Moments, which �� fulfills the non-medical wishes of �� chronically ill Alabama children. �� Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church is at 2061 Kentucky Ave. �� Box lunches will be $6. For �� more information, visit www.facebook.com/Magical Marketplace.

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Briarwood Plans Christmas Shop

The 2011 Briarwood PTF Christmas Shop will be Nov. 10-11 in the fellowship hall of Briarwood Presbyterian Church. On sale will be Christmas gifts, jewelry, clothing, crafts, baby items, gift baskets, decorations and more from more than 70 Alabama vendors. Shop hours are from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 10 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 11. Admission is free, and door prizes will be given away.

‘Silver Stars’ Pairs Leaders, Dancers

Dancing with the Silver Stars II, �� a high-energy salute to senior citi�� zens, will be presented by Alacare �� Home Health & Hospice and Blue �� Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Nov. �� 7 at 6 p.m. at The Club. Proceeds will support the UAB �� Center for Aging in its effort to maintain the health, independence �� and well-being of older adults and the people who care for them. *Watch sing-along �� *Photo with Santa The event also includes enterDVD & Book Reading tainment by the Birmingham Sugar *Play with life-sized �� *Balloon Art and Babies, a dancing group of women Jingle and Jangle �� ranging in age from 53 to 72, plus a Face Painting �� cocktail reception and dinner. Tickets are $1 per person �� Emcees are Brenda Ladun with ABC 33/40 and Shelley Stewart Stop by The Blue Willow or with o2ideas. Will Call available at 968-0909 Dancing with the Silver Stars II is open to the public. Tables, which include special benefits, come in three different levels: Cha-Cha for $5,000, Rhumba for $2,500 and Foxtrot for $1,500. Individual tickets are $100. For more information, visit or call 975-5659.

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‘Reap Life’ Plans DIG Event

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Birmingham native Sarah Koch, Development In Gardening executive director, will discuss DIG’s unique form of community gardening and how to help continue its mission around the world Nov.

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Kim Smith, Jenny Ballentine and Heather Hurt display a sample of items that will be available at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church’s Magical Marketplace. Photo special to the Journal 10 at the fifth annual Reap Life DIG event. The event will be at the Birmingham Zoo’s Zoo Lodge from 6 to 9 p.m. DIG is a nonprofit that seeks to improve the nutrition and health of HIV-affected and at-risk populations through sustainable gardening. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served at the event. Silent and live auctions will feature world arts, crafts and photography along with items from local artists and businesses. VIP tickets are $125 and include special recognition during the event as a HUG (Home Urban Garden) sponsor for a DIG family in Zambia or Kenya. General admission tickets are $25. Donations are tax deductible. For tickets and information, email sarah@ReapLifeDIG.org, call 619-274-7218 or visit www. ReapLifeDIG.org.

5K Walk Spotlights Suicide Awareness

The Out of Darkness Walk, a 5K walk to increase awareness about depression and suicide, will be Nov. 6 at Heardmont Park. The event will honor loved ones and raise funds for research and education to improve the understanding and prevention of suicide. In 2010, the Birmingham walk ranked third in the nation with 1,600 walkers and raised almost $140,000. Registration begins at 1 p.m.; the walk starts at 2:30 p.m. To register, go to www. Afsp.org/Alabama and select the Birmingham Walk.

Tom Brokaw Will Visit Birmingham

Television journalist and author Tom Brokaw will be in Birmingham Nov. 14 for “An Evening with Tom Brokaw” at the Doubletree Hotel, 808 South 20th St. The event, sponsored by Alabama Booksmith, will benefit Children’s of Alabama. A private reception with Brokaw will begin at 7 p.m. with the main event starting at 8 p.m. Reception tickets are $150; general admission tickets are $39. Reception guests will receive a personalized, signed first edition

of Brokaw’s latest book, “The Time of Our Lives: Past, Present, Promise.” General admission attendees will receive a signed copy of the book. Seating is limited, and tickets are available online at alabamabooksmith.com or at the store, 2626 19th Place South in Homewood.

Dance Marathon Aids Exceptional Foundation

The eighth annual Ballroom Dance Marathon benefiting the Exceptional Foundation will be Nov. 4 and 5. The weekend kicks off Friday with the Big Band Ballroom Dance at the Exceptional Foundation in Homewood from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. The Classics Band will provide entertainment, and the event includes food and beverages. On Saturday, dance classes will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church’s Family Life Center. Lunch will be available at the Exceptional Foundation, where a consignment shop and vendors will be set up. Those who attend can park at both locations, and a shuttle service will be available. The weekend wraps up Saturday night at the Exceptional Foundation with a “Dancing with the Stars” event. Exhibition presentations will feature professional dancers, along with Dancing with the Channel 6 Foxes, Janet Hall and J.J. Pruitt. Tradewinds will perform at the semiformal event. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided. Call the foundation at 229-7317 or visit www.exceptionalfoundation.org for more information.

Walk Helps Pancreatic Cancer Fight

PurpleStride Birmingham 2011, which will raise funds for the fight against pancreatic cancer, will be Nov. 12 at Homewood Central Park. The event includes a 5K timed run/walk, a 1-mile fun walk to honor and remember loved ones, music, kids’ activities and more. To register, visit www.kintera.org. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Caroline House Opens For Holiday Event

Christmas at the Caroline House is set for Nov. 15-16 at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. The 13th annual event begins with brunch or dinner each day followed by a performance of the Briarwood Ballet, music by Daniel Cason and a Christmas message by speaker Kelley Gage. A shuttle will take guests to tour the Caroline House, the original home on the property of Briarwood Presbyterian Church. The house was given to the women of the church as a venue for special events. Furnishings and antiques were donated by church members. The house will be filled with decorating ideas for the holidays. Birmingham decorators and floral designers have decorated the home. Tickets are $10 and are available at www.briarwood.org/women or the Briarwood Bookstore. For information, call 776-5311 or email flong@briarwood.org.

‘Violapalooza’ Set At Bluff Park UMC

Viola soloists from the American Viola Society will present a concert with the Red Mountain Chamber Orchestra Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. at Bluff Park United Methodist Church. Admission is free. BMC_ROSIEadƒ10_25x6_25.pdf Thomas Hindes, music direc- 1 tor of the Montgomery Symphony

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Donna Gray decorates a tree for the upcoming Christmas at the Caroline House. Orchestra, will conduct four pieces. Soloists include Lucina Horner, Zakaria Enikeev and Daniel Sweaney. For more information, visit rmco.org.

PrimeTime Treasures Plans Holiday Event

The Assistance League of Birmingham’s PrimeTime Treasures will host a holiday open house Nov. 6 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.. Items include handmade art, children’s clothes, toys, furniture, crafts, one-of-a-kind ornaments and wreaths and more. 10/27/11 Shoppers5:27 willPMalso have the opportunity to meet some of the

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seniors whose crafts are sold in the shop. All funds raised by ALB remain within the community for support of its three philanthropic programs: Operation School Bell, Operation Literacy and PrimeTime Treasures. The Birmingham Model Connection and fashion stylist Darlene Real-Higginbotham will present the latest in holiday wear. The event will include a raffle of diamond hoop earrings donated by Diamonds Direct Birmingham. Call 870-5555 to reserve tickets, which are $40.

Hoover Belles Are Accepting Applications

Young women interested in representing the city of Hoover as Hoover Belles are invited to apply for membership beginning in November. Hoover Belles must be of exemplary character, have a pleasant personality, be enrolled in school and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. They serve two-year terms during their junior and senior high school years and must perform a minimum of 30 community service hours. Application forms will be available now-Dec. 1 at the Hoover Chamber of Commerce offices and in the Hoover High School and Spain Park High School guidance offices. Applications must be returned to the chamber by Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. ❖

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PEOPLE

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In season two of CMT’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” Mountain Brook’s Tribble Reese will be looking for true love with one of these 22 girls –11 from the city and 11 from the country. Photos courtesy CMT

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Mountain Brook’s Reese Gets Another Shot at Reality TV-Style Love

Tribble: Take Two

BY LAURA MCALISTER

“This is Tribble’s thing, not mine,” she said. “He loves it. I JOURNAL EDITOR will say I met Devin and these girls, and I enjoyed them all ribble Reese may have immensely. They are all lovely missed his chance girls.” for love on the first The taping of each season season of CMT’s “Sweet took about one month. During Home Alabama,” but the net� those times, Diane and Herb had work has given him another �� little contact with their son. His chance. cell phone was taken away, and Actually, it’s more like 22 when he and his parents did talk, chances. they couldn’t discuss the show. Mountain Brook’s Tribble is The taping for season two is the star of the second season of complete, and Nov. 3 marks the the reality dating show that pits �� third airing of the show this seacontestants from the country and son. It debuted Oct. 20 and airs at the city against each other. Last �� 8 p.m. Thursdays on CMT. season, Tribble was a contestant Tribble said to expect the second To start, there were 22 women vying for the heart of Southern season of “Sweet Home Alabama” – 11 from the country and 11 belle Devin Grissom. to have even more romance and from the city. He made it to the final two, but drama than the first. The women stayed at the in the end she picked the country same Fairhope home Tribble and boy, Adam Moyer, over Tribble, the Clemson quarterthe other contestants stayed in during season one, and back and Atlanta bartender. �� he was in a house by himself. “That was really tough, because I did have a con�� “This show is going to be so amazing,” he said. nection with her,” Tribble said of Devin. “We had � �� really good chemistry, and I thought there was no way “I’m so excited. We’re back in Fairhope. If you �� thought there was drama last season – this is a whole I wasn’t going to walk away with her. In the end she new level. There’s a lot more romance, a lot more said I was a great guy, but ... it was a complete shock.” �� drama.” Perhaps even more shocking to Tribble and his �� His family and friends in Mountain Brook are havfamily was that CMT came back and offered him the ing fun watching it all unfold, too, Diane said. On leading role in season two of “Sweet Home.” Thursday nights, their Crestline home is filled with �� YOUR NEXT PARTY OR EVENT! In fact, Tribble almost didn’t appear in season one Tribble’s old high school friends. They’ve even started of the reality show, which takes place in the charming �� a pool on Tribble’s final choice. coastal city of Fairhope. His mother, Diane, a former Includes: Pork, Chicken, “It’s just crazy, but it’s lots of fun,” Diane said of Spanish teacher at Mountain Brook Junior High, said O Sauce, Pickles, Chow Chow, the Thursday viewings. “This summer, no one knew if �� Tribble was skeptical it might be like some of the N Buns, Baked Beans, Cole he’d be on the next show or not, and now they’re all �� L other reality shows out there. watching the girls and throwing out their own opinSlaw,�� All Paper Goods, Y “He made sure before he went into this that it Sweet Tea/Unsweet Tea & ions. It’s really funny.” wasn’t going to be raunchy,” she said. “I guess it’s a �� Tribble said the hardest part about being the star of Cookies little more upscale than some. It really has been just a the show was the elimination process. great experience. “It was funny because I was thinking that this time “We do watch with our hands over our faces someI know what it is like to be on the chopping block, so I times, but we keep our fingers open so we can still thought it would be easier for me to let them down and see.” send them home,” he said. “I was completely wrong. After dodging phone calls from the show for several days, Tribble decided to join the 20 contestants for There is nothing easy about sending someone home. “You develop connections. Letting people go was a season one. for 10 - 10,000 People whole lot tougher than I thought.” Devin’s dad was unsure of handsome and polNow Tribble is back in Atlanta, honing his hosting ished Tribble, but the Mountain Brook High graduskills. He said the show has opened lots of opportuniate showed that he was really just a mama’s boy and ties and connections for him. Southern gentleman when he brought Diane to meet As for whether he has any insight to share as to Devon and her mom on one of the final episodes of whether he prefers city or country girls – he’s keeping season one. quiet. But he will say his Southern roots are a part of Tribble added that season two will show he’s not who he is today. the stereotypical jock. “I was raised with Southern values and morals,” “I’m not a typical jock, and I think you’ll definitely he said. “That really made me the man I am today. see that next season,” he said. “They’ll get to see the I didn’t grow up on a farm or anything, but I take real Tribble Reese.” Southern values and manners seriously. Diane, as well as Tribble’s dad Herb, may make “Some of the city girls were really surprised to see appearances in this season, but Diane said she would that I opened car doors and would pull out their chairs. be OK if her part wound up on the cutting room floor. I think girls deserve that.” ❖

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The Rotaract Club of Birmingham board of directors includes, from left: W. John Smola II, Laura Lavender, Laura Montgomery, Richard Davis, Andrew Case, Niki Harris, David Knight, Carly Jane Rullman, Justin Weintraub and S. Wesley Carpenter. Photo special to the Journal

Rotaract Club Has New Directors

Weintraub, past president and chairman. The Rotaract Club of Birmingham was founded in 2004 to develop effective leaders and promote responsible citizenship. The club is sponsored by the Downtown Rotary Club of Birmingham and Rotary International. For more information, visit www.birminghamrotaract.com.

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Curry Receives Rotary Award

Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry won the Rotary District 6860 Vocational Service Award, given annually to a nonRotarian. The district includes 56

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Does Your Bank Charge for Debit Cards We Don’t.

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Dr. R. Lee Evans, dean, Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, welcomes Rebecca Lee Beacham as a student pharmacist at the school’s White Coat ceremony for inductees of the Class of 2015. Beacham, the daughter of Bill and Rhonda Beacham of Homewood, was among 148 students entering the AU doctor of pharmacy program.

Photo special to the Journal

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The Rotaract Club of Birmingham recently announced the members of its 2011-2012 board of directors. The board includes members from a variety of vocations and backgrounds, reflecting the club’s membership of more than 240 young professionals. New directors are Andrew Case, president; Niki Harris, vice president; W. John Smola II, treasurer; S. Wesley Carpenter, service director; Richard Davis, social director; Carly Jane Rullman, membership recruitment director; Laura Montgomery, membership development director; David Knight, programs director; and Justin

Rotary clubs in north Alabama. The North Shelby-Inverness and Hoover Rotary clubs jointly nominated Curry for the award. Both clubs, in addition to the Alabaster-Pelham and Montevallo Rotary clubs, honored Curry at a combined luncheon meeting Sept. 28 at Greystone Founders Country Club in Hoover. The North Shelby-Inverness Rotary made Curry an honorary member at the meeting. ❖

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 9

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LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

Brannon Sirmon recently had a book published on his great-grandfather William Author Sirmon’s World War I diary.

War Stories

Ellen Edmonds cared for her husband, Frank, until his death in 2005. Frank suffered from dementia. He was a retired CEO of AT&T in Mississippi, as well as World War II veteran, civilian aide to the secretary of the Army and Golden Eagle Boy Scout leader. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

A Time for Everything

See Dementia page 11

See War Stories page 12

JOURNAL EDITOR

W United for Life Foundation will host Hearts for Hope, a fundraising dinner for dementia research and education, honoring the life of Frank Edmonds. When: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 Where: The Club Information: Ellen Edmonds will discuss her book and journey with Frank. Other speakers include Dr. Daniel Potts, a neurologist. Eddie Hand is emcee. A drawing will be held for a rare set of 14-karat gold custom-made, hand-engraved Papal Crest cufflinks from Frank’s personal collection. Tickets: Visit www. HeartsOfHope.org, or call Robin at 408-0438.

similarities in Frank and Brantley. It was this that helped her embrace and cope with her husband’s degenerative disorder and eventually led her to write a book to help others with friends and family members suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementias. In 2008, three years after her husband’s death, Ellen published “Embracing Dementia: A Call to Love.” The book describes her journey with Frank and how she learned to love not just the CEO she

BY LAURA MCALISTER

Hearts for Hope

BY DONNA CORNELIUS JOURNAL FEATURES WRITER

rannon Sirmon never met his great-grandfather. William Arthur Sirmon died in 1971, 15 years before Brannon was born. But Brannon, an Oak Mountain High School graduate, has gotten acquainted with his ancestor through the older man’s diary. The elder Sirmon chronicled his World War I experiences from Jan. 1 to Nov. 12, 1918. Now, Brannon hopes others will get to know his great-grandfather, too, through the republication of the diary. “That’s War” tells the story of one soldier’s experiences, from a train ride to New York Brannon Sirmon City before shipping out to a close call in the trenches. Two years ago, Brannon, who played football at Oak Mountain, was home from the University of Alabama during Christmas break. He’d just finished reading “Lone Survivor,” an account of a Navy SEAL team, and needed something else to read. “I found my great-grandfather’s diary and read it in one night,” he said. “It’s a true story. It drew me into the action right away. “I went to my father and said, ‘Dad, this would make an incredible movie.’ He told me that the family had talked about that for years. I said, ‘I’m going to try.’” Brannon’s determination to share his great-grandfather’s story was fueled after

Ellen Edmonds Shares What It’s Like to Lose Husband, Veteran to Dementia hen Ellen Marie Edmonds met her husband, the late Frank Edmonds, he was a CEO, not a soldier. Late in his life, though, she did get to meet the soldier as well as the teenager and child that her husband once was. Frank suffered from vascular dementia, a disease similar to Alzheimer’s, the last two years of his life and succumbed to the disorder in 2005 at the age of 84. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The advanced dementia was triggered by a head injury in a car accident. It was 2002, and Frank was a retired CEO for AT&T in Mississippi, civilian aide to the secretary of the Army, a World War II veteran and very involved with the Boy Scouts of America. He and Ellen lived in Inverness. At the time, Ellen said, he was confident – and maybe even a little cocky, she added with a smile. However, in three short years Frank reverted back to a child, even an infant, she said. “This man was a brilliant man,” Ellen said. “But people with dementia, it’s like they’re going backwards in their learning. I married him when he was a widower. We were together 16 years. “I never knew the younger Frank, but I got to meet him, as well as the adolescent and even the infant in that last year.” While Ellen was watching her husband’s mind grow smaller, she also was caring for her first grandchild, Brantley. Though the two were in very different stages of their lives, Ellen couldn’t help but notice the

Sirmon Brings GreatGrandfather’s WWI Diary to Light Once More

Ellen Edmonds holds copies of her book, “Embracing Dementia.” The cover is a water color done by her granddaughter Brantley, that she named “Joyful.” Journal photo by Laura McAlister

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Dementia page 10

married but also the soldier, child and infant that he once was. Ellen will talk about that journey Nov. 17 at the United for Life Foundation’s Hearts for Hope Alzheimer’s Fundraiser Dinner. In addition to raising funds for Alzheimer’s and dementia education and research, the event will also honor Frank. “It’s so great that they’re honoring my sweet husband Frank,” Ellen said. “He would be so excited because he’ll be the center of attention. He loved that.” Ellen said the message she would like to spread is that dementia can take over the mind, but it can’t take the heart. That’s what she learned during the years before her husband died. “The mind has a heart,” she said. “And the heart doesn’t get dementia. I learned that I just had to adjust my microscope to be with him. “As his world became smaller and smaller, he just became my precious baby.” It was her granddaughter Brantley who helped her learn how to care for her husband. Ellen said she noticed Frank would respond well to the way she spoke to her baby grand-

daughter. And just as her daughter’s family prepared for a new baby before Brantley’s birth, Ellen said she realized she needed to prepare for Frank’s dementia. “I tell people all the time that I wish we would respond to dementia like we do to an unplanned pregnancy,” she said. “It’s a call to sacrificial love. It’s a matter of accepting reality. “If you had a baby coming, you would be prepared. I know it’s different. With a baby you’re always moving forward, and with dementia you’re going backward until the day their heart stops beating.” Ellen cared for Frank in their home with the help of live-in nurses, though at one point he was at an assisted living home while she had the house restructured to meet his needs. She said he did have lucid moments, and at those times, she was there with words of love and encouragement. “One day I saw him just sobbing into his hands, and I asked him what was wrong,” she said. “He said, ‘Ellen, I’ve lost my wisdom.’ I told him he could have some of mine. He just laughed.” Ellen said she never tried to test Frank or his memory. “I just met him where he was at that time,” she said.

THURSDAY,NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 11

LIFE Frank spent most of the last year of his life in a hospice bed. In her book, she refers to it as the “rails of love,” because it was at the rails of the hospice bed where she would meet her husband daily. At this time he was completely bedridden and, Ellen said, an infant once again. He died Dec. 21, 2005, the same day Ellen learned of a new life that would soon be entering hers. Her daughter was expecting a girl, Riley. Now, as Ellen watches her grandchildren continue to grow,

she said it’s confirmed all her beliefs about Frank’s disease. She hopes her book will help others caring for loved ones with similar afflictions as well as those suffering from dementias. “I wanted to be a source of hope and security,” she said. “If that person has fear, we can replace it with hope. Never forget the people. “Even if they have dementia, they have moments of knowing. We just have to see the flame is still alive inside that person and embrace them where they are.” ❖

Frank and Ellen Edmonds

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LIFE

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12 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Amiens looks as though the vital spark of life has gone forever, its very soul passed into oblivion. The quiet of the graveyard is wrapped about this little city, so recently a center of laughter and gaiety.

– From the diary of William Author Sirmon on the city in France

War Stories page 10

an Internet search for information about William Arthur Sirmon turned up nothing. “It was like he never existed,” Brannon said. Brannon went to Los Angeles

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to talk with Bruce Faulk, a producer, director and film creator who graduated from Greenville High School with Brannon’s mother. “He took me under his wing,” Brannon said. “He’s my L.A. dad.” He also met with Mike De Luca, co-producer of “The Social Network.” De Luca also is the former president of production for New Line Cinema, where he oversaw films like “Seven” and “Rush Hour” for Dreamworks. “He advised me to get the

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book published first,” Brannon said. Actually, the diary had already been published in 1929 by an Atlanta company that went out of business in 1930, likely a victim of the Great Depression. “I went online and found some original copies,” said Brannon. “We have six or seven of those.” While his great-grandfather had the book published mainly for family members, “I wanted to get the story out to a bigger audience,” Brannon said. He self-published “That’s War” through XLibris after restoring photos in the original diary and adding some thoughts of his own. “I wrote the preface,” Brannon said. “I guess you could say I’m a preface author.” He’s now publicizing the book through his website, www.thatswar.com, and by speaking to groups. He’ll present a copy to the Shelby County Historical Society’s museum in Columbiana Nov. 6 at the group’s annual veterans’ memorial, where he will also sell and sign books. “I’m trying to get the book into libraries now,” Brannon said. “I’m starting here in Alabama and then will go to Georgia next, because that’s

where my great-grandfather lived after the war.” The book can be ordered on the website and also is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. While he was at the University of Alabama, Brannon majored in business, mainly because most of his Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers and friends were doing it. But he discovered a love of writing that he thinks he inherited from his great-grandfather. “He was a great writer,” Brannon said. William Arthur Sirmon, born in 1894, served in the U.S. Army for four years prior to 1917 in the Philippines on Mindanao, known as the “Island of Blood.” “He was in charge of a tribe there,” Brannon said. “When the U.S. entered the war, he was called home and was at Fort Gordon in Georgia, where he trained the men.” According to Brannon, his great-grandfather and Sgt. Alvin York, whose story became famous when he was portrayed on screen by Gary Cooper, were the only soldiers awarded the Legion of Honor of France, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Croix de Guerre with Palm by Gen. John Pershing. Sirmon also received the Victoria Cross,

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Brannon said. The diary, said Brannon, “starts at boot camp. And it’s a funny book in places. He talks about traveling from Georgia by train through Washington D.C. and Baltimore to New York. He even talks about plays that he and his friends saw in New York before going overseas.” The book has its dramatic moments, too. “When he gets into the actual war, he talks about the psychological things they go through,” Brannon said. “He talks about the effects of the trenches on the men. “He was almost killed by one of his own men, who went crazy and tried to stab him with a bayonet before another guy tackled him.” Sirmon shows a gift for description in this passage from the diary about a city in France: Amiens looks as though the vital spark of life has gone forever, its very soul passed into oblivion. The quiet of the graveyard is wrapped about this little city, so recently a center of laughter and gaiety. And he was adept at capturing the action after a fellow soldier was hit with a “potato masher,” a German grenade: I heard Lieutenant Hazelwood shout, “Tell Major Hawkins that Hazelwood is wounded.” There was a terrific explosion right beside me. I turned, and a private lay there, groaning. “Are you hurt?” I asked. “I think my hip’s blown off,” he said. I felt his hip and put my hand into a ghastly hole the potatomasher had made. In addition to adapting “That’s War” into a screenplay, Brannon is pursuing other writing projects – and not militaryrelated ones. “I’d probably consider myself more of a romantic,” he said. “I’m working on a romantic novel now and a book of poetry. But I could dive back into the military stuff eventually.” Brannon especially likes one of his grandfather’s quotes: “Heroism is a matter of witnesses.” The young author is doing his best to make sure that the bravery of his great-grandfather and his comrades is witnessed, through the diary, today and for years to come. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Honoring Our Heroes

eterans Day is Nov. 11, and there are several events in the area that will pay tribute to the men and women past and present who risked their lives for their country. Below, is a sampling of some of the Veteran’s Day events in the area:

VETERANS TRIBUTE

The Alabama Veterans Memorial will host its Veterans Tribute with a series of events Nov. 6. Beginning at 1:30 p.m., veterans will talk with guests about their military experiences at the Walk and Talk with History. Veterans will be stationed at the end of the trail in the Memorial Plaza Columns until 2:30 p.m. From 2 to 2:30 p.m., a Stepstone Ceremony will be held in the American Flag Plaza. All stepstones purchased by Oct. 1 will be placed under the American flag during this time. At the Flag Retirement Ceremony from 2:30 to 2:45 p.m. in the Memorial Plaza, representatives from the American Legion will demonstrate the proper procedure for the retirement of the American flag. The tribute will end with the Patriotic Ceremony honoring all veterans at 3 p.m. in the Memorial Plaza. The Alabama Veterans Memorial is off I-459 at the Liberty Parkway exit. For more information, visit www.alabamaveterans.org.

NATIONAL VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION

The 64th annual National Veterans Day observance in Birmingham will be Nov. 9-11. Birmingham is home to America’s first Veterans Day celebration. The tradition continues with six events over three days. Personal Leadership for Patriots will be held Nov. 9 at 5:45 p.m. at Boutwell

Auditorium. Two Nov. 10 events include a 64th anniversary commemoration at Linn Park at 5 p.m. and the National Veterans Awards Dinner at the Sheraton Birmingham at 7 p.m. The celebration ends with three other events Nov. 11. At 9 a.m., a memorial service will be held at Cathedral Church of the Advent followed by a World Peace Luncheon at the Sheraton Birmingham at 11 a.m. The National Veterans Day Parade in downtown Birmingham begins at 1:30 p.m. For tickets for the banquet and luncheon or parade entry applications, call Jim Holt at 942-5300.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 13

LIFE

Getting ready for the Veterans Tribute at the Alabama Veterans Memorial are front row, from left: Ken Wade, Lulu Richardson , Dr. Rob Sciacca and Bob Mosca; and in back from left: Chuck Caldwell, Dr. Howard Strickler, Tom Martin, Dr. Kent Palcanis and Walter Bailey.

Journal photo by Jennifer Taylor

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VHCE VETERANS PROGRAM

Vestavia Hills Central Elementary School is planning a special program Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. to honor veterans. The school invites veterans to attend. Active duty military members are requested to come in uniform.

BIRMINGHAM ZOO

In honor of Veterans Day, the Birmingham Zoo will offer free admission Nov. 11-13 to all active and retired members of the military and their dependents. Valid military identification must be provided. For more information, visit www.birminghamzoo.com. – Compiled by Jennifer Taylor ❖

Get more OTM news • visit otmj.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter

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14 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

First Look Party Kicks off to BBG’s Antiques in The Gardens Event

irmingham Botanical Gardens held its annual Sterne Agee First Look Party Oct. 6. More than 400 people attended the exclusive black-tie affair, which featured an Asian-inspired menu by Kathy G. Will and Sarah Mason. The John Williams Band provided the evening’s soundtrack at the private Men’s The Birmingham Committee party and in Botanical Gardens Rushton Garden. recently wrapped up theGuests could shop its final installment of from more than 20 dealthe 2011 Cocktails in ers from around the The Gardens with “A country who participated in the weekend’s Haunted Affair.” To sixth annual Antiques at see who was spotted and more on the The Gardens. Among those at event, see page 29. the event were Bill and Shannon Blount, David Blount, Joe Blount, Kay Blount, Philippe Lathrop, Bo and Kay Grisham, Henry Lynn, Wendy and Brian Barze, Mile and Sue Ellen Lucas, Stewart Dansby and Richard Keith Langham. ❖

IN THIS SECTION:

Above: World-renowned interior decorator Charlotte Moss was the speaker at this year’s Antiques in The Gardens and famous book collector Kinsey Marable was a featured guest. Below: Guests to the First Look Party included Mallie Ireland and Glenn Ireland.

At the Birmingham Botanical Garden’s First Look Party were, from left: Barbara Burton, Frances Blount and Elizabeth Broughton.

Photos special to the Journal

FROGGY FUN

Annual FROG Affair Raises Funds for Autism Research

Above: With the ASA’s mascot at the FROG Affair were from left: Austin and Haleigh Blackwell, Ashley and Alex Seligson and Debbie and Jim Stidham. Below: Also among those attending were from left: Jennifer Robertson, Caroline Gomez, Gary Gomez, Melanie Jones and Bama and Jeff Hager. Photos special to the Journal

he annual FROG Monteleone, gift cards for local Affair was held Oct. 7 restaurants and two tour accomat Workplay. The event modations. raised more than $70,000 to Special guests Caroline benefit the mission and projGomez, former state autism ects of the Autism Society coordinator, received the ASA of Alabama, according to President’s Award along with Jennifer Robertson, the Vestavia Hills High School group’s fundraising manager. teacher and cheer coach One of the entertainers was Melissa Caffey, who volunteers 11-year-old Mary Catherine as the FROG mascot. Collins. Her performance of the ASA board members song “If I Die Young,” by the include: Bill Pearson, presiAt the annual FROG Affair were Julie dent; Ryan Thomas, immediate Band Perry, touched the more and Sen. Cam Ward. than 200 guests at the event. past president; Peggy Stephens, vice president; Jonathan Mary Catherine has been the recipient of a Camp FROG scholarship for the past Nelson, treasurer; Nancy Barnes; Tracy Camp; Ben Carlisle; Christy Chambers; Suzanne Dowling; three years. A weekend at Camp FROG sponsored by the ASA is one of the many programs supported by the Rod Harbin; Mathew Maini; Matt Moore; Jenny Morris; Andrea Plante; Lisa Riley; Hanes Swingle 14th annual FROG affair. M.D.; and Jodie Smith, general counsel. At the event, bids started hopping at 6 p.m. with The FROG Affair fundraising committee included the start of the silent auction, which featured items such as an Italian painted lingerie chest from Pickwick Jonathan Nelson, Peggy Stevens, Matt Moore, Antiques and a weekend beach stay provided by Lance and Bethenie Taylor, Nancy Barnes and Rod SunDestin. Harbin. Guests included Caroline and Gary Gomez, Sen. Participants refueled with signature cocktails from Cam and Julie Ward, Bama and Jeff Hager, Tracy Lea Beverage and entree choices such as shrimp and and Randy Cron, Austin and Haleigh Blackwell, grits from Imperial Catering while they enjoyed music Debbie and Jim Stidham, Ashley and Alex by Blind Dawg. Seligson, Ryan Thomas, Cathy and Rod Harbin, Auctioneer Jack Granger led participants in a Bill and Paulette Pearson, Beverly and Ron bidding war over the Alabama Crimson Tide Game Carroway, Nathan and Carolyn Smith, Pat Levine, Package that featured two skybox seats on the 50-yard Allison and Matt Moore, Nadine Hamilton, Jenny line, Iron Bowl tickets, transportation in a 370 Z convertible and a Dreamland BBQ tailgating package for Folsom, Will and Georgia Pearson, Courtney eight. and Matthew King, Suzanne Dowling, Sandy Other auction items were a New Orleans travel Naramore, Andrea and Dan Plante, Jonathan package, which included a hotel stay at Hotel Nelson and Jodie Smith. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 15

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The Alexis de Tocqueville Society is celebrating its ...

25th anniversary, and several events are marking the milestone. The most recent was a Silver Anniversary Luncheon Oct. 14 at �� The Club. Central Alabama charter members and their families were honored at the luncheon, which included a video tribute and a keepsake book chronicling how the group first came together. �� Tocqueville Society members �� contribute at least $10,000 annu�� ally to a member United Way. �� The United Way of Central Alabama’s Tocqueville Society �� started in March 1986, when �� UWCA board members passed a �� resolution and invested $5,000 to �� launch the chapter. �� UWCA has many second- and �� third-generation society members �� who remain actively involved with the organization. �� One of the many society �� members to be honored during �� the anniversary celebrations is �� Emil Hess. He, with Gen. Ed �� Friend, Crawford Johnson and �� others, took to heart the words of �� Tocqueville Society founder Dr. Tommy Frist and inspired the �� creation of a society in Central Alabama. �� The society in Central �� Alabama is the fifth largest in the world. Its contributions account for 28 percent of all dollars generated for the annual campaign of UWCA. In addition to the Silver Anniversary Luncheon, a Major Donor Dinner hosted by JeanGuillaume de Tocqueville, a direct descendent of Alexis de �� Tocqueville, was Sept. 15. The �� event honored United Way donors giving $25,000 or more. � �� The Tocqueville Annual �� Dinner Nov. 10 will honor all �� Tocqueville members. At the �� black tie event, individuals from

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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�� HOW TO BE A HAUTE HOSTESS

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Above: Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Alex de Tocqueville Society at The Club are from left: Lauren Poulin, Anthony Bruno and Donna Bruno. Below: Also at the Silver Anniversary Luncheon are from left: Claude Nielsen, Kate Nielsen, Walker Jones, Stewart Jones and Crawford Jones. Photo special to the Journal

the charter member circle are awarded the annual Alexis de Tocqueville Award. The winner of the 2011 award, which honors the contributions of an outstanding Tocqueville member, will be announced at the dinner. Charter members of the UWCA Tocqueville Society are: Mr. and Mrs. Harold L. Abroms, Mr. and Mrs. W. Houston Blount, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Bolden, Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Breard Jr., Mr. and Mrs. F. Dixon Brooke Jr., Ann and Angelo Bruno Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Bruno, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph

S. Bruno, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bruno, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Cabaniss, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin M. Dixon; Fig Tree Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Goodrich, Mr. and Mrs. M. Miller Gorrie, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Hanson II, Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Hess, Mr. and Mrs. Emil C. Hess, Mrs. C. Barney Ireland, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ireland II, Fay B. Ireland, William R. Ireland; John S. Jemison Jr., Thomas E. Jernigan, Estate of Caroline and Crawford Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford T. Johnson III, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 17

Why choose Primrose ?

® Margaret Moor, Bette Owen, Sheri Perry, Murray Priester, Allison Prichard, Pam Prichard, Cynnie Sproull, Helen Terry, Caroline Thomas and Libba Williams. My children are learning things I never imagined they could The luncheon gave members the opportunity to review notes learn at this point in their lives. My preschooler can write his and start planning for the show name and recite his alphabet and numbers. I also have a next year, which will be under the 15-month old who is learning his shapes and colors. It’s just leadership of Fran Goodrich and amazing how much Primrose is teaching my children. Libba Williams. The annual luncheon and — Jude & Ethan’s Mom, Primrose Parent fashion show was Sept. 28 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel ballroom. Miami-based designer Rene Ruiz showed off his spring 2012 collection. This year, fashion show producer Megan LaRussa enterPrimrose School tained a full house of about 1,000 at Liberty Park patrons. Amie Beth Shaver, Miss 1800 Urban Center Parkway Alabama 1994, was emcee. Ruiz was introduced through clothier Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35242 Gus Mayer, a longtime sponsor 205.969.8202 and partner of the Linly Heflin primroselibertypark.com Unit. The long-running Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show continues to be the primary fundEducational Child Care for Infants raiser for the Linly Heflin Unit’s through Private Kindergarten scholarship program, which benand After School efits women seeking higher education in Alabama. In recent years, more than 3,000 four-year scholarships totaling more than $2 million have been awarded to deserving women attending state colleges Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose, Primrose Schools, and The Leader in Educational Child and universities. Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2011 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. For more information, visit www.linlyheflin.org. The Linly Heflin Unit includes 10/14/11 125 volunteers headed by presi-66954_Prmrs_Rdns_Ad_ID_1945.indd 1 dent Kathryn Porter. ❖

Just ask a mom.

“

”

Above: Celebrating this year’s Linly Heflin Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show were, from left: Suzanne Chenoweth, Caroline Thomas, Beth Corey and Susan Alison. Below: Also there were from left: Gina Boyd, Kay Grisham, Kate Millhouse and Kate Cotton.

Photo special to the Journal

Kaul, Mr. and Mrs. Jack D. McSpadden, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Pittman; Mr. and Mrs. Jon Rotenstreich, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Rushton III, Morris K. Sirote, Elton B. Stephens, James T. Stephens, Mr. and Mrs. Hall W. Thompson, Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust and James. W. Wilson.

Committee chairmen of the 53rd annual ... Linly Heflin Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show

recently wrapped up a successful event with a celebration at the home of co-chairman Kay Grisham in Mountain Brook. The luncheon and meeting were also hosted by co-chairman Patti Badham. Other key members involved in the charitable event were: Susan Alison, Happy Anthony, Jane Arendall, Grace Bentley, Gina Boyd, Margaret Brunstad, Suzanne Chenoweth, Deane Cook, Beth Corey, Kate Cotten, Katherine Cox, Martha DeBuys, Gillian Goodrich, Eugenia Greer, Elizabeth Hubbard, Kate Millhouse,

11:05 AM

For more social news, see page 28.

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18 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

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MOUNTAIN BROOK SPECIAL SECTIOIN

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A’mano

A’mano is a unique store selling pottery, glass, gifts, jewelry and accessories by national and local artisans. “We offer many one of a kind and unusual gift items,” says owner, Lynn Ritchie, above. “This will be our 14th year in operation. We are always changing and growing.” A’mano has recently doubled its space and has increased its offering of accessories, candles and other new lines of merchandise. “This will be our first holiday season with the new space open and we are very excited about all of the new gift items that we will be carrying.

MOUNTAIN BROOK SPECIAL SECTION

“A’mano is a great spot to find a special gift for an anniversary, birthday or special event. We are also known for our wonderful selection of greeting cards.” The store will be open on Sundays from 1-5 after Thanksgiving. “The people of Mountain Brook have supported our store faithfully and we are so appreciative. Because of this, we will host our Annual Customer Appreciation Night Sale on Nov. 10 from 5-8 with 20 percent off all items. We will be serving food and wine.” A’mano has become a Mountain Brook tradition offering the perfect gift and complimentary gift wrap. A’mano is located at 2707 Culver Road, 871-9093

ANTIQUITIES

ANTIQUITIES, Mountain Brook’s newest antiques shop, opened in October, and with its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere has become a favorite of homeowners and interior designers across the Southeast. When owner Nancy McClendon, above seated, decided to open her shop, she invited friends Debby Shepherd and Pam Evans to join her in bringing a fresh, new and exciting antiques shop to Birmingham. ANTIQUITIES is filled with an everchanging, personally selected inventory of French, English and Italian furniture, mirrors, chandeliers and accessories in all price ranges.

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On Nov. 7, ANTIQUITIES will introduce its 2011 Holiday Collection. “We have a wonderful selection of holiday items for the home and for gift-giving,” Nancy said. “We have many items that are perfect teacher gifts and stocking stuffers. We have pre-wrapped many of our gift items to accommodate the busy shopper and, as always, we offer those items not pre-wrapped. We have gift certificates which are always appreciated gifts. “At ANTIQUITIES you will always be greeted with a warm smile and a friendly ‘hello.’ We look forward to seeing you this holiday season.” ANTIQUITIES is located at 2421 Canterbury road, 870 1030.

Beverly Ruff Antiques & Linens

Beverly Ruff Antiques & Linens is an “Antique Boutique” specializing in hard to find antiques and unique speciality gift items. When you walk in the door you are greeted by a soft fragrance and charming vintage antiques and probably a standard poodle. Beverly’s passion for antiques began in childhood. The first treasure she found was an old beat-up teapot that had been discarded. “I didn’t think it should be thrown away, so I used it for a flower arrangement,” she said. For 28 years Beverly indulged her passion through booths in antique galleries while holding a day job. Seven years ago, after marrying her husband Larry, who told her “I want you to do what you love,” Beverly took only a few weeks to open her first shop. For Beverly, her favorite part of owning a business is the relationships she builds with customers. She is passionate about finding the perfect selection for every customer. She loves to bring joy to others homes. Nov. 7th from 2-6 p.m. she will be having a handcrafted jewelry trunk show with designer Jan Finerson. For the holidays, Beverly will be having an open house Nov. 19. Door prizes will be

THURSDAY,NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 21

MOUNTAIN BROOK SPECIAL

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Christine’s

given out throughout the day. She will be serving cake from Olexa’s and finger food. And of course, she will be wrapping presents in the exquisite style for which she is known. Beverly Ruff Antiques and Linens is located at 2417 Canterbury Road, 8717872.

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This year will be Christine’s 39th Christmas in Mountain Brook Village. The Christmas window has become a tradition that young and old look forward to each year according to Jean Clayton, owner, above. She remembers the elaborate windows the stores in downtown Birmingham always had during the holiday season. “For the younger children it is such magic,” Jean says of the display her shop does every year. “Diversity of merchandise keeps the store interesting. While frames, fragrances, linens and MacKenzie

Childs are the mainstay, you will find a broad selection of gifts and accessories too.” This year the best selling item has been scarves. “The selection was so great, I didn’t know where to stop,” she said. Bagatelle, just next door to Christine’s, showcases bed, bath and table linens from Yves Delorme, Sferra and Matouk. “Also available are home furnishings from Mis en Demeure. Both stores offer free gift wrap. Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted,” says Jean. Christine’s is located at 2411 Montevallo Road in Mountain Brook Village, 871-8297. Bagatelle is located at 2415 Montevallo Road, 414-6001.

Tree ornaments from

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Jewelry Trunk Show

Mon, Nov. 7th 1-5pm

Holiday Open House Sat., Nov 19th, 11- 4pm ��

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22 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

The Cook Store

The Cook Store is a kitchen specialty shop featuring functional pottery, pots, pans and gadgets for cooking and entertaining. “The Cook Store has been a fixture in Mountain Brook since 1975,” says owner Wesley Lassen, above. The Cook Store exclusively carries pottery skillets and sauce pans from The Pottery Works that is stovetop safe, whether you have a gas or electric cooktop. The store also offers kitchen linens, bakeware, cookware and more. “You can chose from All Clad stainless steel cookware, Doughmakers bakeware, Wusthof knives and pottery from local

MOUNTAIN BROOK SPECIAL SECTION

potters: Tena Payne of Earthborn Studios, Lynne Killion Pottery, Wade Oliver Pottery and our newest potter coming soon, Gidge Black Pottery. “We are looking forward to a crazy holiday season of selling, selling, selling and wrapping, wrapping, and more wrapping. We have lots of great gift ideas for the person who has everything to the person who has not enough. Come check out our pottery, the Corkcicle, Chill It bags and gadgets galore. We will be open for the Christmas Parade on Dec. 4 and we are also a sponsor of the Inspiration House in Cahaba Heights. Let us make your gift buying easy and fun!” The Cook Store is located at 2841 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook Village, 879-5277.

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Crestline Pharmacy

This friendly, family-run business has been owned by Mike Cobb and Scooter Hammers since 1990. Wives Jan and Susie soon added an upscale Gift Shop in the main store and then in 2003, opened The Christmas Shoppe around the corner, with help from gift shop manager, Diane Wright. “Everyone at Crestline Pharmacy is excited about the upcoming holiday season,” says manager, Diane Wright. “The Gift Shop in the store and The Christmas Shoppe around the corner will feature traditional and whimsical Christmas items. Our collection this year features M. Bagwell,

Mark Roberts’ fairies and pixies, Art of the Spirit, Byers’ Choice gingerbread houses and Kindle figurines, garland, wreaths and much more. “We strive to make your shopping experience pleasant and memorable. Our customers are important to us and we provide personal customer service including complimentary gift wrapping. “We hope you will shop with us as you prepare for a special season with your family and friends.” Crestline Pharmacy is located at 60 Church Street in Crestline and The Christmas Shoppe is located around the corner on Hoyt Lane, across from the site of the new municipal complex, 871-0317.

Crestline Pharmacy

�� Seasonal Décor & Gifts

Everybody's Favorite Christmas Shop!

NOW OPEN!! Located Behind Crestline Pharmacy ��

On Hoyt Lane across from Mountain Brook City Complex Mon. - Sat. 10am - 4pm

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Hayden

Hayden is a specialty boutique for women and tween girls (ages 7-14). “It is a ‘Boutique for all Generations,’” says co-owner Hayden Carter, above right with mother, Linda and daughte, Emma. “My mother, Linda and I opened Hayden on Oct. 3, 2011. We had talked about opening a boutique for many years. We prayed and asked God to either open the doors to the opportunity or to shut them and the doors flew open! We easily found the location and things started happening.” “Opening Hayden has truly been a labor of love. It took many long hours and late nights, but it has also been a lot of fun. We spent a lot of time looking at different markets to find great, fashionable clothes at affordable prices and that seems to be the biggest comment from the customers. As a mom, busy with my daughter, Emma,

MOUNTAIN BROOK SPECIAL SECTION

and a business owner I want to look and feel good about what I am wearing without breaking the bank. I think in today’s economy people can appreciate that.” “And don’t forget about our tween area upstairs. Emma tells me that’s her shop! And I have to agree, she’s great with the customers!” “For our first holiday season we have wonderful gift items such as LAFCO candles, Shannon Martin wine tags and cocktail napkins, Crow watches, Love Quote scarves, and beautiful jewelry. We are also your destination for your holiday party attire. We have amazing dresses from Tracy Reese, Yoana Baraschi and Suzi Chin just to name a few and precious holiday clothes for tweens. “We look forward to seeing you this holiday season!” Hayden is located at 81 Church Street, Suite 105, 870-1889.

Henhouse Antiques

Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques specializes in beautiful European antiques from formal to country. “Dining tables, chandeliers, silver, mirrors, paintings, books and benches await you,” says Barbara Ashford, above left, with Judy Hill. Owners Barbara and Judy started the business 14 years ago in English Village. They travel to Europe at least three times a year to hand pick wonderful treasures from the 18th to the 20th centuries. A recent addition to the shop is fabu-

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 23

lous European vintage jewelry. Daughter Laura Ashford and daughter-in-law Jamie Hill have put together a spectacular collection to accessorize you for the holiday and any occasion. Along with a wish list, they have great prices. “For the holidays, deck your home with our pretty selection of ornaments, wreaths and tabletops guaranteed to add sparkle. Need gifts for hostesses, teachers, that special friend? We have fun choices and offer free gift wrapping,” Judy said. Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques is located at 1900 Cahaba Road, English Village, 918-0505.

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English Village 1900 Cahaba Road 918-0505 www.shophenhouseantiques.com

24 • THURSDAY,NOVEMBER 3, 2011

Mobley & Sons

When Hunt Mobley, pictured above right, with Kevin Nelson, came to work at Mobley & Sons men’s store in Crestline, he became a third-generation haberdasher at a store that has been in business for more than 30 years. Mobley & Sons of Birmingham was opened in 1977 by Hunt’s father, Reggie Mobley, who ran the store until 1983. That year, Reggie’s father, CD Mobley, took over the store from his son and ran a successful business for a number of years. After graduating in business from the University of Alabama in 2005, Hunt decided to learn the retail business from his grandfather. After a three year apprenticeship, CD turned over the reigns to Hunt completely in 2008.

MOUNTAIN BROOK SPECIAL SECTION

Hunt has made an imprint of his own by transforming Mobley & Sons from exclusively classic to a blend of classic and effortlessly cool. Mobley & Sons offers a variety of brands at a range of price points, as well as custom suit, sport coat, and dress shirt services and alterations. Hunt prides himself in maintaining that Mobley & Sons is a family business. “It’s kind of cool that we’ve had customers coming in here for 30-plus years. We really consider them part of our extended family. It’s those kind of relationships that make my job fun.” Through the end of November, bring in any slightly used sports coat or suit for donation, and receive 15 percent off an equivalent item in the store. Mobley & Sons is located at 112 Euclid Avenue, 870-7929.

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Mulberry Heights Antiques

Mulberry Heights in Mountain Brook Village is excited to now offer design services. They offer unusual hand-pickedFrench and English antiques. Customers will find an incredible selection of dining tables, sideboards, armoires, chairs, desks and benches, as well as an array of accessories including leather books, botanicals and picture frames at Mulberry Heights Antiques. The shop opened in 2000 as a expansion of owner Carolyn Bradford’s interest

in decorative antiques and transfer ware. The shop provides an avenue to interact with customers and help them achieve their decorating goals. “We strive to provide a cheerful, uplifting environment for our clients,” says Carolyn. “We feature several artists with their own look and one-of-a-kind pieces. We will be having an open house on Dec. 8 and Emily Ozier will be here with more paintings. We are very excited to showcase the incredible paintings, jewelry and T-shirts by our artist.” Shown above, owner Carolyn Bradford with Ellen Hill and Pattie Booker. Mulberry Heights Antiques is located at 2419 Canterbury Road, and the phone number is 879-1300.

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For generations Mobley & Sons in Crestline Village has been Birmingham’s premiere gentleman’s �� clothier. Specializing in the highest �� quality clothing from casual to formal �� wear by featuring lines such as Peter �� Millar, Vineyard Vines, Barbour�� and �� Southern Tide—just to name a few.

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2419 Canterbury Road • 205-870-1300 mulberryheightsantiques.com

�� 112 Euclid Ave. Birmingham, AL 35213 • 205-870-7929 ��

facebook.com/MobleyandSons ��

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Table Matters Player’s Choice Tennis

Player’s Choice Tennis is a full service tennis specialty shop. They carry everything for tennis for all ages. They offer racquet stringing, clothing, shoes and accessories. “The store has been in business since 1993,” says owner Deborah Standifer, above. “We moved to our new Mountain Brook location in December of 2010. We love being in Mountain Brook -- we are so much easier to find now! “Owning my own business is so rewarding. I love helping folks from the true tennis beginners to Pro and tournament players. I just wish there was more time in the day!

“I’m not sure exactly what we are going to do for Black Friday, but its going to be really good - stay tuned. It’s so nice that the AU Bama game is on Saturday this year because when its on Black Friday it really effects business. We close during the game so the employees and I can enjoy the game with our families. Maybe they could make it a night game this year? We will also offer extended hours closer to Christmas. Player’s choice gift cards make a great gift in a pinch. We will be offering Holiday wish lists this year -come in and pick out exactly what you want. We will make a file and then friends and family will know your size and preferences. As always, we provide free gift wrapping.” Player’s Choice Tennis is located at 2800 Cahaba Village Plaza, Suite 180, and their phone number is 985-4989.

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Table Matters is the place to visit for all of your entertaining needs ... especially when it comes to the holidays! The friendly staff is happy to assist you as you browse their extensive selection of pottery, stemware, serving pieces, fine china and seasonal décor. In addition to tableware they’ve expanded their niche to lamps, pillows and furniture – including tables, sideboards and hutches. Table Matters’ owner Patricia Murray, above, left, with Alex Marshall of Alex Marshall Studio bought the business in 1997. “I enjoy planning dinner parties and entertaining friends, so it’s only natural that I also love going into customers’ homes to help them complete their ‘entertaining ensemble’,” says Patricia. “Birmingham is still one of those southern cities in which people have both formal and casual dinner parties, supper clubs or just gather on porches for drinks before going out to dinner - and that’s where

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 25

we fit into the picture. Whether it’s glassware you need or a full place setting.” Patricia also notes that one of the most rewarding parts of owning your own business is the friendships formed with so many of the artisans. “Join us for our Holiday Open House Nov. 10 from 4-7 p.m. We will be hosting the Cravens from Virginia for two days – showcasing their one-of-a-kind hand built porcelain. David Villanueva, the national sales manager of Creative Candles, will be joining us and sharing his in depth party planning knowledge and of course how to use candles at your special event! And coming from New York City, we’ll have Julian Mejia here for three days with his beautiful linens and custom table cloths. Free Simon Pearce wine coaster with Simon Pearce purchase of $100 or more. Creative Candles will be giving away free taper burn samples! Come by from 4-7 p.m. to sign-up for the $500 shopping spree giveaway.” Table Matters is located at 2402 Montevallo Road in Mountain Brook Village and their phone number is 879-0125.

26 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

MOUNTAIN BROOK SPECIAL SECTION

A Tiny Kingdom

Town & Country Clothes

Town & Country Clothes is a women’s clothing store in Crestline Village that has been offering great clothes and service since 1943. “We are really looking forward to a great holiday season,” says owner Laurel Bassett, above. “We’re kicking it off with 20 percent off everything in the store, now through Saturday, Nov. 5.” Some of their best gifts this year include handmade jewelry by Laurel Bassett, super soft cashmere wraps, and fabulous smelling candles and reed diffusers from Fairhope Soy Candle Company. “We also have cute crinkle tees that come in a little bag and lightweight cashmere-blend striped ponchos, which are great inexpensive gifts that

are sure to please – and fit any figure, large or small. “ “We love to help our customers find the perfect outfits for their upcoming holiday parties! We carry a great selection of dressy-casual clothes from lines like Sympli, Damee, and Samuel Dong. We try hard to find clothes that cover all of our customers needs – we have customers ranging in age from 17 to 104, and sizes 2 through 18 – and we have a great sales staff that can help our customers navigate through all of our clothes to find the styles best suited for their needs. “ “Don’t forget – we have a couple of parking places behind the store, and offer free gift-wrap, to make your holiday shopping as painless as possible!” Town & Country Clothes is located at 74 Church Street, 871-7909.

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Once upon a time there was a magical place in Mountain Brook Village where children’s dreams came to life. More than a toy store, more than a party venue, A Tiny Kingdom is a special occasion destination. Parents are in for a treat too because A Tiny Kingdom can handle every detail of specially-themed birthday celebrations— from invitations to costumes to personalized gift registries. And, there’s no need to wait for a birthday to give your prince or princess the royal treatment. With an unsurpassed selection of toys, video games, collectibles, dolls for adoption and so much more, A Tiny Kingdom can make any day unforgettable. “For the holidays we will have Santa in our store taking pictures,” says Brannon Bruno, who owns A Tiny Kingdom with his wife Stephanae. “We will be making wish lists with all children for the holidays to make it easy for friends, relatives and Santa to know what all the good little girls and boys want. We will have all the most popular and unique gifts for the holiday season.” A Tiny Kingdom is located at 2834 Culver Road in Mountain Brook Village, 802-8469 (TINY).

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Suite Dreams

Suite Dreams is a fine linen boutique nestled in the heart of Mountain Brook Village. “We specialize in custom bedding and home decor and have a design center with hundreds of fabrics to choose from,” says owner Kendall Jackson. Suite Dreams offers exceptional service and can assist with any bedroom project, large or small. Suite Dreams has been under new ownership for 2.5 years. The business has been here since 2001. Suite Dreams is really excited about Christmas this year! “We are fully stocked with the “must haves” for men, women and children. Gifts range from Santa Maria Novella, Lafco, Graphic Image, Antica Farmacista, Alexa Pulitzer stationary and much more! Suite Dreams now has a small lounge wear section for women that we can’t seem to get enough of! From jewelry to cashmere, you are certain to find the perfect gift for the holidays! “ Suite Dreams makes Christmas shopping easy for anyone!! Suite Dreams is located at 2409 Montevallo Rd. and their phone number is 414-1922.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 27

MOUNTAIN BROOK SPECIAL SECTION

Snoozy’s Kids - Crestline

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Snoozy’s Kids is a most unusual toy store that showcases items from jewelry to the latest trends in toys. “We have been in Mountain Brook for 23 years,” says George Jones, right, whose family owns the store. “We saw a need for a toy store in Crestline because there are so many young families with so many children. “We live in this community and a lot of our customers are our neighbors. We try to give a small town feeling while you shop for the latest ‘big city’ items. “Customers will be surprised at the variety and value of shopping at a locally owned shop. We can’t wait for you to see our holiday 2011 selections! We carry many items typically only found through catalogs or exclusive web sites.” Snoozy’s Kids is located at 228 Country Club Park in Crestline Village and their phone number is 871-2662.

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• We have items for all ages! • It is our pleasure to assist you in finding a gift with a budget in mind! • Allow us to ship your gifts for you!

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28 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011

Have You Seen...

Wallace -Burke?

WALLACE -BURKE

Fine Jewelry & Collectibles

Exquisite and unique jewelry, antiques, and giftware from around the globe.

Soho Square, Suite 100 | 1830 29th Avenue South Homewood, AL 35209 | www.wallace-burke.com | 205.874.1044

SOCIAL

The Gaieties Club held its fall luncheon ...

recently at the Country Club of Birmingham. President Mary Steiner conducted the meeting. Other officers and committee members for 2011-12 are vice president Brownie Evans, recording secretary Shelly Clark, corresponding secretary June Eagan, treasurer Beverly Goff, assistant treasurer Sandra Oden and parliamentarian Kathleen Bruhn. Serving on the membership committee are Valerie Pankey, Carolyn Featheringill and Betty Northen. On the nominating committee are Kathleen Bruhn, Louise Gillespy and Nita Collinsworth. Doris White is on the publicity committee; yearbook chairman is Cheryl Williams. Brownie Evans, dance chairman, presented plans for the group’s Dec. 2 Black Tie Ball. She and dance committee members Ann Baker, Becky Bates and Edith Medley presented Chef George Reis, owner of Ocean and 26, was one of the participants in the Birmingham Originals’ Break ’n Bread food and wine event. Photo special to the Journal

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Gaieties Club models and officers at the group’s recent luncheon included, from left: Doris White, Brownie Evans, Mary Steiner, Dorothy Ratcliff, Ann Baker, Margie Davis and Joyce Lott. Photo special to the Journal “save the date” cards to members. During lunch, members dined at tables adorned with art deco jewelry, beaded and petit point evening purses, long gloves and millinery centered on silhouettes of the Eiffel Tower. Dorothy Ratliff, Margie

Davis, Mary Steiner, Brownie Evans, Doris White, Joyce Lott and Ann Baker modeled Parisian fashions of the era. Among members enjoying the vintage hat collection were Jill Dangler, Miriam Davies, Peggy Fortier, Sara Harris, June Henderson, Janie Henderson, Susie Kissel, Sue Kreider, Jane Leslie, Mimi Little, Marcia Little, Anne Martin, Ann Massey, Peggy Morgan, Hallie Rawls, Pat Robinson, Carol Sandner, Gail Sharp, Win Shepherd, Betty Short, Elaine Smith, Catherine Styslinger, Katy Terry, Virginia Tucker and Janie Wilson. New members are Barbara “Tootie” Fash, Anne Terry Hicks, Linda Sue Johnson, Catherine Smith, Valerie Pankey Watson and Margaret Callahan Ritchie.

The Birmingham Originals hosted its annual ...

�� 3138 Cahaba Heights Road Birmingham, Alabama 35243 Mon thru Sat, 10am - 5:30pm www.ChickadeeBirmingham.com

Break ’n Bread food and wine event Oct. 9. The event moved to a bigger space at Railroad Park this year. It featured tastings from a number of Birmingham-based restaurants, including Hot and Hot Fish Club, Daniel George, Little Savannah, Silvertron, Nabeel’s, Ted’s, Stones Throw Bar and Grill, Cantina, 26, Sol y Luna and Ocean. The event included a children’s area and entertainment from the Birmingham Zoo, pumpkin decorating and carving, face painting with clowns from the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, an area designated for the Desert Island Supply Company and a cooking demonstration for kids by Campus Dining Inc.’s Chris Vizzina. American Idol winner Taylor Hicks headlined the entertainment. Craft beer and wine tastings selected by J. Clyde’s Jerry Hartley were available, while three hand-picked chefs from Nashville’s City House, Flyte and Table 3 restaurants hosted cooking demonstrations and tastings in the VIP tent. ❖

SOCIAL

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email dzbirmingham@bellsouth.net or call 870-9883.

The final Cocktails in The Gardens event ...

At the Delta Zeta Birmingham Alumnae Chapter’s first anniversary celebration were, from left: Carol Medders, event chairman and vice president for membership; Christie Strange, chapter president; and Delta Zeta alumna Janet Hall, who entertained at the event.

Delta Zeta Birmingham ...

Alumnae Chapter members celebrated the chapter’s first anniversary at a luncheon at Iz The Place in Vestavia Hills. Chartered in August 2010 with 70 members, the chapter grew to 103 members in its first year. Janet Hall, Delta Zeta alumna and Fox 6 news anchor, sang her original music and played the guitar. Centerpieces with pink roses were created by Delta Zeta alumna Dorothy McDaniel of Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market. In support of the sorority’s national philanthropy of speech and hearing, money raised during the silent auction was donated to the Charity League’s Hearing and Speech Center at Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Members also brought school supplies that were donated to Hands On Birmingham for children in the community. Carol Medders, vice president for membership, was event chairman. Also planning the luncheon were chapter president Christie Strange, Krystle Gilchrist Campbell, Susan Barton Groves, Susan Osborn Lines, Ginger Shurett LaRue, Glenda Hamner Lott, Sarah McClellan, Southeast Regional and Alabama Delta Zeta representatives attending were Margaret Purcell and Dalisha Herring. Others there were chapter members Judy Barnes, Susan Hall Bellows, Pat Cauthen Bird, Angella Trulove Carlisle, Jennifer Wyatt Carter, Liz Harding Estes, Jane Gore Graham, Pat Crumpton Grey, Mary Ella Buettner Hamner, Nancy Magel Harper, Tamara Davis Harrison, Pat Scheer Holston, Karen Bailey Jackson, Jessica Brooks Lane, Jean Wickstrom Liles, Virginia Gilbert Loftin, Sharon Sheaff Lovell, Linda Hamner McPhillips, Sherri Harrison Mewbourne, Lottie Ricker Nunnelly, Debra Thomas Pounds, Katie Ellis Reeves, Emily Roberts, Robbie Black Roberts, Kim Kelly Ryals, Lindsey Smith,

Photo special to the Journal

Jane Easterwood Walker, Amy Cunningham Wilbanks and Mary Epperson Wyatt. Guests were Emilil Lawson Dunbar, Nancy Harding, Melissa Lovell Harrison and Kelly Lovell. For information on the chapter,

of 2011 was Oct. 13 at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. “A Haunted Affair” in the Hill Garden included music from Rollin’ in the Hay and cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Imperial Catering offered an eclectic, autumninspired more photos at menu paired with the evening’s signature cocktail, the Caramel Apple Martini. Decor by Kirsti created an inviting atmosphere for the more than 350 guests. The 2011 sponsors include: Imperial Catering, 103.7-The Q, James Avery, Fox 6, Southeastern Attractions, Birmingham magazine, Over the Mountain Journal, 280Living and Décor by Kirsti. ❖

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 • 29

Grand Opening Gala Nov. 4–5, 2011 Special Guests: Martha Pullen Kathy McMakin

OTMJ.COM ��

� Friday, 1–3 PM: Baby Lock Demo

� Friday, 6–9 PM: An evening with Martha Pullen “Making Money with Sewing” � Saturday: Free demos and book signing � Come by for a free gift and door prizes. Patsy Smith, Proprietor 1040 Inverness Corners Highway 280 at Valleydale Rd., Birmingham ��www.patsyssewingroom.net

Above: Attending the final Cocktails of The Gardens for 2011 were from left: Rachel Dresher, Chelsie Hogan, Meagan Vucovich, Jenny Dumas and Laura Marie Norwood. Left: Also there were: Adele Chassaignac and Linda Roley. Photos special to the Journal

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30 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

Hamilton-Broussard

Mary Cawood Hamilton and William Jeffery Broussard were married Aug. 26 at Pastures of

Plenty in Boulder, Colo. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Wesley Hamilton Jr. of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Helen Boles and the late Mr. Fred Boles and the late Mrs. Glenda Boles and Mr. James Wesley Hamilton and the late Mrs. Edith Hamilton. The groom is the son of Mrs. Marcella Broussard of Golden, Colo., and Mr. Ian Broussard of Boulder. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William Steinheimer. The bride was escorted by her father and wore a natural silk dupioni and French Alencon lace gown. The lace bodice had a keyhole back with a dupioni band with bow detail and brooch at the natural waist. The A-line skirt had tiny covered buttons down the

Strange-DeShazo

Mr. and Mrs. David Skyler Strange Sr. announce the engagement of their daughter, Mendel Samantha, to William Clinton DeShazo II, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lehman DeShazo and the late Diane Steiner DeShazo. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Hugh Coker Barton Sr. and the late Mr. Barton, both of Birmingham, and the late Mr. and Mrs. George Howell Strange Jr., also of Birmingham. Miss Strange is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School. She attended Auburn University, where she was a member of Pi

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WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

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center back from the neckline to the end of the sweep train. A veil of illusion trimmed in lace completed her ensemble. The matron of honor was Sunni Parrish of Birmingham. Bridesmaids were Fuller Sherrod and Claire Fierman of Birmingham, Dakota Hills of Colorado and Nealy Vardaman of Louisiana. Jodi Parrish of Birmingham was the flower girl. Matt Harper of Colorado, cousin of the bride, was best man. Groomsmen were Jason Broussard, brother of the groom, of Ohio and Dane Casterson and Sam Cole of Colorado. After a honeymoon camping trip and a February wedding trip to Hawaii, the couple will live in Boulder.

Fayette and Mrs. J.C. Wheat and the late Dr. J.C. Wheat of Gordo. Miss Humber is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority and Sigma Tau Delta honor society. She is a graduate of Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, where she was on the dean’s list and was a Scholar of Merit. She is employed with Dominick Feld Hyde P.C. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. Bao-Hua Yan and Mrs. Rui-Di Xue of Beijing and Mr. Mao-Sheng Yang and the late Mrs. Feng-Qin Zhang of Beijing. Mr. Yan is a graduate of the University ofAlabama at Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in international business. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He is employed with Adamson Ford LLC. The wedding is planned for Nov. 12.

Beta Phi fraternity. She earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is employed at Cornerstone Schools of Alabama. Mr. DeShazo is the grandson of Mrs. Lehman Alfred DeShazo Jr. and the late Lehman Alfred DeShazo Jr., the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Charles Steiner of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Marvet Hartley, also of Birmingham. Mr. DeShazo is a graduate of Briarwood Christian School. He attended Auburn University, where he studied history and economics. He received a scholarship to swim on the Auburn University Swim Team and was also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He is employed by LAH Realty. The wedding is planned for Dec. 31. After a honeymoon in Costa Rica, the couple will live in Birmingham with their dogs, Lucy and Cain.

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Humber-Yan

Mr. and Mrs. James Terry Humber of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Melissa Humber, to Shaun Yan, son of Mr. Xiao-yong Yan of Beijing and Ms. Pingar Yang of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Humber of

Rodenberry-Montgomery

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Eugene Rodenberry of Northport announce the engagement of their daughter, Beth Ann Rodenberry, to Kreg Michael Montgomery, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Downey Montgomery of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Gladys Rodenberry of Tuscaloosa and the late Roy

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Recently engaged or married? Share your good news with our readers. Just go to otmj.com and click on “forms, issues & info” to fill out the form and upload a picture. Or email editorial@otmj.com, and we’ll email you a form. For more information on submitting an announcement call 823-9646.

Koretzky-Wollner

Jill Leslie Koretzky of Mountain Brook and Robert Micah Wollner of Atlanta were married June 5 at the Ritz-Carlton, Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. Rabbi Tamara Miller of Washington, D.C. officiated. Jill is the daughter of Susan and Barry Koretzky of Mountain Brook.

Rodenberry and Reda Crowe of Northport and the late Bascom Reed. Miss Rodenberry is a 2006 graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School and a 2010 summa cum laude graduate of Troy University with a degree in math education. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She is employed with the Shelby County Board of Education. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Downey Montgomery of Birmingham and Evelyn Greeson of Birmingham and the late James Greeson. He is a 2007 graduate of the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School and will graduate from Troy University with a degree in science education in December. He was a member of Farmhouse Fraternity. The wedding will be Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion in Tuscaloosa. She is the granddaughter of the late Estelle and Isadore “Izzy” Eubanks of Mountain Brook and the late Edith and Sol Koretzky of New Orleans. Robert is the son of Leora and Herb Wollner and the grandson of Penina and the late Harold Bowman and the late Elise and Reuven Wollner, all of Atlanta. Jill graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia with a bachelor of business administration in marketing in 2006. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She is employed with Google in New York City. Robert graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia with a bachelor of business administration in finance in 2004. He was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. He is employed with 360i in New York City. The couple enjoyed a “minimoon” on the island of Vieques. An extended honeymoon in Thailand is planned for December.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 31

SCHOOLS to come to school dressed as their favorite nursery rhyme character for the day. This year the students rocked it out to Mother Goose by performing various nursery rhymes from “Jack and Jill” to “Humpty Dumpty.” The students put a modern-day twist to traditional nursery rhymes by rapping and using chipmunk voices during their performance. Parents and grandparents joined in on the fun and made the event a success. Afterwards, the students were treated to a muffin and juice.

Fun Run Aids Crestline Elementary Vestavia Hills High School varsity cheerleaders include, from left, front: co-captain Maci Warren, Sarah Gabel Burdette, Morgan Cecil, Callie Barganier, Callie Garrison and captain Kaitie Benos. Middle row: Abby Graham, McClain Wheeler, Riley Logsdon, Sarah Elizabeth Hyde and Meredith Thomley. Back: Greer Burkett, Marilyn Gray, Caroline Smith, Madison Escue and Francie Puglia. All the seniors, pictured on the front row, received invitations to serve as UCA instructors for next summer’s cheer camps. Photo special to the Journal

VHHS Cheerleaders Take Top Awards

The Vestavia Hills High School varsity cheerleading squad recently received top honors at two Universal Cheerleading Association camps. The squad won the leadership award at camps in Panama City, Fla., and the University of Alabama. The leadership award, which recognizes team unity and sportsmanship, is voted on by the UCA staff and all cheerleading squads attending camp. The VHHS cheerleaders also won two first place trophies for their home pom and extreme routines and second place in the cheer category in Panama City. Several members of the varsity squad also won individual honors. At the Panama City camp, Kaitie Benos, Callie Barganier and Maci Warren were named All-American cheerleaders. At the Tuscaloosa Ironman competition, seniors Sarah Gabel Burdette and Callie Garrison and juniors Abby Graham, Sarah Elizabeth Hyde, Riley Logsdon and Meredith Thomley won All-American honors. Students from Rebakah Reach’s class dressed up for Nursery Rhyme Day were from left: Reagan Miller, Ani Webb, Muhammed Zeinou, Caid Finn, Olivia McGrew, Adan GuerreroCamacho, Madeline Spraul, Hela Shairi and Aiden Quigley. Photo special to the Journal

Sophomores Anna Cate Parker, Emilee Benos, Hannah Dean, Alex Tankersley, Elizabeth Caputo and Nicole Pierluisi and freshmen Anna Leigh Rumbley, Libby Franks, Elizabeth Bennett and Carly Biven also received All-American honors. All-American winners received invitations to march with UCA in the New Year’s Day parade in London, the first official event of the 2012 London Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The school’s competition squad is now preparing for the Alabama high school cheer championships Nov. 19 at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. The competition squad will also compete in the December UCA Southern Regionals with hopes of winning a return bid to the National High School Cheerleading Championships in February at Walt Disney World. VHHS cheer sponsors are Melissa Caffey and Kim Whitten.

Gwin Kindergartners Raps to the Rhymes Gwin Elementary kindergarten classes held their Annual Nursery Rhyme Party Sept. 23. Kindergartners were encouraged

EPIC Adventure – Encourage, Play, Invite and Celebrate – was the theme of this year’s Boosterthon at Crestline Elementary. Over the past four years, Crestline and Boosterthon have raised more than $360,000 for the Crestline Parent Teacher Organization. Country music star Sara Evans, a Mountain Brook resident, kicked off the fun run by singing the national anthem. Children raised funds by asking parents, other family members and friends to pledge money for every lap they ran. Students raised an average of $150 each. Proceeds from Crestline School PTO fundraisers will go to Operation Playground, which will break ground next summer.

Troop Treats Patients to Halloween Bags

Members of Edgewood Elementary Brownie Troop 217 made Halloween trick or treat bags for patients at Children’s Hospital. Troop members include, from left: Ellie Willcutt, Claire McKibbin, Abby Brown, Emmie Neely, Mary Callen Darnell, Leland Young, Claire Lambert, Maggie Stana and Maggie Loegler. Not pictured: Alyssa Langford, Liza Jane Ponder and Sarah Parker Lowery. Photo special to the Journal

Earning National Merit honors were Indian Springs School seniors, from left: Emily Cutler, Isabelle Shallcross, Leah Fox, Harrison King, Ilana Engel, Michael Miller and Chris Edmunds. Photo special to the Journal

Children at Crestline Elementary helped raised money for the school playground at EPIC Adventure. Photo special to the Journal

ISS Seniors Win Honors

Seven seniors from Indian Springs School have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their achievements on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, PSAT/NMSQT. Leah Fox and Isabelle Shallcross, both of Birmingham, were named 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists. They scored among the top 1 percent of the 1.5 million students who took the exam last year as high school juniors. As semifinalists, they can continue in the competition for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $34 million that will be offered next spring.

Emily Cutler of Hoover, Chris Edmunds of Birmingham, Ilana Engel of Mountain Brook and Harrison King of Birmingham are 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students, recognized for placing among the top 5 percent of students taking the exam nationwide. Michael Miller of Birmingham is among a select group of African-American high school seniors who are semifinalists in the 2012 National Achievement Scholarship Program, another NMSC initiative. Miller earned the designation by being among the top scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT who requested consideration in the program. He can continue in the competition for about 800 Achievement Scholarship awards worth more than $2.4 million that will be offered next spring. ❖

32 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

SCHOOLS

The 2011 Vestavia Belles are, from left, front: Grace Cato, Melissa Prevatte, Kayla Hunter, Neely Henry, Lizzie Dunn and Allison Pounds. Second row: Lucy Anne Link, Joan Leslie McGill, Jane Anne Roddam, Francesca Malensek, Alex Brown, Mary Katherine Mize, Rachel Caskey, Leigh Anne Alfano, Ryan Brown and Layton Dyess. Back: Marilyn Gray, Saralynn Lowry, Hannah Moss, Ashley Bonovitch, Caroline Bottcher, Hannah Harris, Caroline Smith, Leah Dennis, Maria Inman, Haley Evans, Molly Brannan, Elizabeth Benton, Sara Elizabeth Hyde and Caroline Morrison. Not pictured: Chandler Kitchens. Photo special to the Journal

Vestavia Belles are Chosen

The Vestavia Belles for 2011 were recently chosen. Vestavia Belles have to be a sophomore or junior and must reside in the city of Vestavia Hills or attend Vestavia Hills High School. The young ladies dressed in their antebellum gowns, are hostesses for many city events. New members of the group include: Leigh Anne Alfano, daughter of Joanie and Joe Alfano; Elizabeth Benton, daughter of Nancy Benton; Ashleigh Bonovitch, daughter of Suzanne and Lance Bonovitch; Caroline Bottcher, daughter of Kelly and Charles Bottcher; Molly Brannan, daughter of Karen and Tommy Brannan; Alex Brown, daughter of Dana and Jeff Brown; Ryan Brown, daughter of Dana and Jeff Brown; Rachel Caskey,

daughter of Rebecca and Al Caskey; Grace Cato, daughter of Vicki and Lee Cato; Leah Dennis, daughter of Karen Dennis and Rodney Dennis; Lizzie Dunn, daughter of Laurie and David Dunn; Layton Dyess, daughter of Jessica and Jeff Dyess; Haley Evans, daughter of Debbie and Cooper Evans; Marilyn Gray, daughter of Nancy and Ves Gray; Hannah Harris, daughter of Julie and Greg Harris; Neely Henry, daughter of Wendy and Patrick Henry; Kayla Hunter, daughter of Terry and Walter Hunter; Sarah Elizabeth Hyde, daughter of Kimberly and Matt Hyde; Maria Inman, daughter of Teresa and Gerry Inman; Chandler Kitchens, daughter of Missy and Lance Kitchens; Lucy Anne Link, daughter of Ingram and David Link; Saralynn Lowry, daughter of Lynn and Kris Lowry; Francesca Malensek, daugh-

ter of Gail Sanson and Frank Malensek; Joan Leslie McGill, daughter of Julie Freeland and Brad McGill; Mary Katherine Mize, daughter of Carolyn and Chad Mize; Caroline Morrison, daughter of Sheri and Bill Morrison; Hannah Moss, daughter of Ashley and Jim Moss; Allison Pounds, daughter of Debra and Jim Pounds; Melissa Prevatte, daughter of Kelly and Mike Junkins; Jane Anne Roddam, daughter of Hope and Roy Roddam; and Caroline Smith, daughter of Charlotte and Steve Smith. Rita Green is chairman of the Belles.

‘Human Calculator’ Visits Prince of Peace

Scott Flansburg, nicknamed the “Human Calculator” by talk show host Regis Philbin, visited Prince of Peace Catholic School recently. Flansburg earned the nickname for his ability to perform mental mathematics at recordsetting speed. He visited Prince of Peace due to the school’s affiliation with Mathletics, an online worldwide mathematics program. Flansburg ended his tour around the world at Prince of Peace, where he kicked off the American Maths Challenge Oct. 12 -13.

Hoover Students Are Merit Semifinalists

With “human calculator” Scott Flansburg are, from left, Prince of Peace Catholic School principal Connie Angstadt, assistant principal Katie King and technology director Theresa Reardon.

Photo special to the Journal

Twelve students at Hoover city schools – six at Hoover High and six at Spain Park – have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists/ Achievement Semifinalists. Hoover High’s semifinalists are Gabrielle Agnew, Tara Massouleh, Emma Puchta, Brian Bender, Logan Tarbox and Tyler

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Meredith Spain Park’s semifinalists are Catherine Ritchey, Devon Schoeneman, Jackson Knouse, Jake Hoffman, Sarah Alyce Hartley and Sophia Ritchey. The 12 Hoover students are among 16,000 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists across the nation. All are now in the running for a piece of the $34 million in National Merit Scholarships to be awarded this spring. Students gain semifinalist status based on their pre-SAT (Stanford Achievement Test) scores. They will be notified in February 2012 if they have been named finalists.

Book Club Mixes It Up, Brings in Dads

A group of Edgewood fifth

grade girls have a mother/ daughter book club called The Story Sisters. A few months ago the club switched things up and the fathers read “Old Yeller” with their daughters and then had a cook-out at the home of Joe and Cathy Daniel to discuss the book. Attending this event were: Hope Drentea-Tybor and Paul Tybor, Samantha and Michel Le, Maggie and Paxton Heath, Cate and Jeff Fowler, Molly Kathryn and Chris Cooper, Hannah and Gabe Crosswy, Julia Rouleau, Kate and Daniel Sims, Anna and David Merkle, Caroline and Ashley Doyal, Audrey and Burt Nabors, Mallie Claire and John Alfano, Sarah and Joe Daniel, Mary Walton and Steven Blomeley, Dallie Kate and Jeremy Darnell and John Beaube. ❖

Instead of discussing books with their moms at a recent book club meeting of The Story Sisters, the Edgewood fifth grade girls invited their dads to the discussion.

Above: The National Merit Semi-Finalist for Hoover High School front row from left: Gabrielle Agnew, Tara Massouleh, Emma Puchta. Back row, from left: Brian Bender, Logan Tarbox and Tyler Meredith. Below: From Spain Park High School from left were: Catherine Ritchey, Devon Schoeneman, Jackson Knouse, Jake Hoffman, Sarah Alyce Hartley and Sophia Ritchey. Photos special to the Journal

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Alabama AG Visits Highlands School

Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange spoke at Highlands School Oct. 17 to kick off Character Counts Week. Strange and his wife are members of the Highlands family; Melissa Strange, the niece of Evalina Brown Spencer, graduated from Highlands, as did the couple’s two sons. Strange spoke about the importance of growing up with good character. Even for young children, he said, it’s important to be kind to others, respectful of others, to make good choices in life and to follow the rules. Like many Highlands students, Strange was an Eagle Scout. Students were interested in Strange’s basketball career, which included a basketball scholarship to Tulane University. The children enjoyed guessing their guest’s height – almost 7 feet.

St. Francis Xavier Named SC Officers

St. Francis Xavier School recently elected new Student

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 33

Maggie McClintock, Highlands School’s Student Council president, welcomed Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange to the school Oct. 17.

Experience

a close-knit

community of scholars and friends — at one of the top college preparatory schools in the na�on.

Photo special to the Journal

Council members for the 2011-12 school year. The sixth-eighth grade students were selected based on behavior, written applications and interviews. They will organize service projects that give students an opportunity to give and plan events that enhance student life.

Last year, the students organized a Christmas gift drive for the Irondale Exchange Club and planned the annual Spirit Day for the student body. The Student Council is led by sixth grade teacher Jean Lindquist and guidance counselor Sarah Hart. ❖

Admission Open House November 6, 2011 2-4 p.m. RSVP: admission@indiansprings.org Grades 8-12

205.988.3350

ExperienceSprings.org

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New Student Council members and their advisors at St. Francis Xavier School include: Sarah Hart, Farley Morris, Chauncie Jackson, Olivia Eubanks, Caroline Grady, Mark Berry, Isabella Guevara, Carmen Smith, Caroline Moffitt, Andrew Ramey, Morgan Cleveland, Hannah Barber, Connor Weldon, Alex Zimmerman, Lindsey Flemming, Jordan Perez, Kristin Girkin, Robert Eubanks, Peter Do and Jean Lindquist. Photo special to the Journal

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34 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

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JOU RNAL

Lori Sours uses her Salsa Senorita to put a new twist on old recipes like black bean chili and tortilla soup. Lori of Mountain Brook Journal photos by Emil Wald founded the salsa along with her brother, Mark Coffman, who lives in Los Angeles.

The Spice of Life

Lori Sours’ Salsa Senorita Tastes Like Home to the New Mexico Native BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

hen entering Lori Sours’ Mountain Brook home, it’s obvious this is one all about family and entertaining. The formal dining room table can seat at least 15, and the kitchen is a warm, open space where Lori said she loves spending time preparing meals for family and friends. While Lori is quick to say she’s not a chef, she can cook. And when it comes to her secret

For more information on Lori Sours and where to find Salsa Senorita, visit salsasenorita.com for entertaining, it all goes back to family. Lori, the only girl in a family with four boys, grew up in New Mexico. There, her family would meet weekly around the dining table for large Sunday suppers. Sometimes the menu was Italian – her mother is Italian – and often it was authentic Southwestern cuisine. When she left her home state, she missed the fresh salsa served so often at the dinner table, as did her brother, Mark Coffman. After months of

searching for a recipe to replicate the salsa they grew up with, Mark finally found one that met his expectations and asked his sister for assistance in bottling and distributing it. At the time Lori was adjusting to a new life in Atlanta with her husband David and daughter Kathryn. She reluctantly agreed. “At that point I was just kind of sick of hearing him talk about it,” she said. “So I said I would help.” In 2008, Lori and Mark started Salsa Senorita with a medium salsa. Although the siblings operate the business out of their homes on opposite ends of the country – Mark lives in Los Angeles and Lori moved to Mountain Brook about two and half years ago – they now have four different varieties of the salsa, which is stocked in close to 20 stores in three states, including Alabama. Locally, Piggly Wiggly stores, Western

also in this section ... Take a look inside the Birmingham Home & Garden 2011 Inspiration Home. Located in The Cove at Overton, this five bedroom home was designed and decorated locally, and the house and everything in it is for sale. See page 36.

Want to try some of the tasty Southwestern dishes Lori Sours talks about? Get recipes from this Mountain Brook mom to spice up some of your holiday dishes. See page 37.

Every recipe I see that uses ketchup, I replace it with salsa. I love spicy food, and salsa has a lot less sugar than ketchup.

- Lori Sours

Supermarkets, V. Richards, Whole Foods, Oak Street Garden Shop and Mr. P’s carry the salsa. A distributor, International Wines of Birmingham, also recently picked up the brand, so it could be located in more stores soon. Lori said the secret to their salsa, and what makes it authentic, is the ratio of tomatoes to peppers and onions – the three main ingredients. “This isn’t a real tomato-y salsa,” she said. “We don’t use any tomato sauce or puree. It’s all equal parts, and all the ingredients are fresh. That’s what makes it authentic Southwestern style. This salsa is really like a jar of veggies.” Lori uses it in almost anything when entertaining. In fact, she prefers it to the condiments most Southerners consider staples, like ketchup. “Every recipe I see that uses ketchup, I replace it with salsa,” she said. “I love spicy food, and salsa also has a lot less sugar than ketchup, so it’s really better for you.” Most of the Southwestern cuisine Lori prepares for family and friends is quite healthy,

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unlike some of the cheese-smothered concoctions found in many American-Mexican restaurants. It’s also easy and affordable to entertain with, she said. If friends come by on the fly, Lori said she can quickly chop up an avocado and add some garlic and few tablespoons of Salsa Senorita for an easy yet tasty guacamole. She sprays flour tortillas with a little cooking spray, sprinkles them with cumin and chili powder and then bakes them in the oven to serve as chips with the spread. “I use the big tortillas,” she said. “Then I’ll get cookie cutters and cut out chips. I found these pumpkins, which are fun for fall and Halloween. “You can also make these sweet. Instead of chili powder and cumin, sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon and bake for a few minutes at 350. It’s really easy, and it’s healthy.” Easy, healthy and fresh are key to Lori when she’s cooking. Some of her go-to meals, especially in the fall and winter months, are black bean chili and tortilla soup. Her black bean chili can be served with or without meat. In

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 35

addition to her salsa and canned black beans, she adds fresh seasonal vegetables like bell peppers and squash. Her family prefers a little kielbasa in the soup, but Lori said it’s just as good without. During the holidays, Lori said her family celebrates with the traditional turkey on Thanksgiving, but the day after, it’s always Southwestern. She said her tortilla soup makes it easy. She just replaces the typical chicken with leftover turkey, and of course this recipe is flavored with her salsa. Scraps of flour tortilla are stirred in as a thickening agent, she said. All her Southwestern dishes are served up with garnishes of lime, shredded cheese, avocado and Salsa Senorita. Even though Lori may not be a chef in the technical sense – she actually has an MBA in marketing – she has certainly shown family and friends that she can cook. “I just love to cook, especially when I have time,” she said. “I love finding shortcuts for the recipes I grew up with, and I love spicy food, so I love using salsa in my recipes.” ❖

Simple life in abundance

ON: CONSTRUCTI NEW HOME $500,000s ACE - from the PL EN PD M A H 00,000s LS - from the $6 VESTLAKE HIL 00,000s VE - from the $6 VESTLAKE CO 00,000s LS - from the $7 HERITAGE HIL 00,000s GE - from the $7 VESTLAKE RID e $1,000,000s DGE - from th RI . TN M S G KIN ,000,000s N - from the $1 OLD OVERTO ailable from Resales also av in several $2,000,000+ the $300s to ighborhoods. Liberty Park ne

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36 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

Inspiring Minds

HOMES

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

he planners of the Birmingham Home & Garden Inspiration Home had family living in mind when they designed the 2011 home, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a showstopper. Attention to detail was key in the building and decorating of the home. From the orientation of the house on its lot in The Cove at Overton to making the decor flow from room to room, this is a home you have to see. People will have the opportunity to do just that Nov. 19-Dec. 4. Tickets to view the Inspiration Home are $10, and proceeds go to the American Diabetes Association. The home also will be a part of the Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour Dec. 10-11. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or unique finds from local merchants, this house has it all. Building started about six months ago. Architect Chris Reebals designed the home, and the decorating team at Tracery Interiors – Doug Baker, owner Page �� Schnell and Hannon Kirk Doody – decorated the house Above: The Tracery decorating team used high-back using all local furniture and decor. Even the materials chairs in the family room to play up on the high ceilused to build the house are local. The developer was ings. Below: The oval table is the centerpiece of the Kessler Companies. dining room, which leads into the family room. “We have loved working with local sponsors, Photos special to the Journal designers and resources to show just how well-rounded this city is as a style mecca and how much talent exists,” said Birmingham Home & Garden editor Cathy Still Johnson. “Tracery interior designers Paige Schnell and Doug Davis, along with architect Chris Reebals and developer Charles Kessler, worked with local vendors and shop owners to pull together a home that is at once livable, inspiring and achievable. “Visitors to the home will be excited to see just how interesting a home can be by shopping Birmingham. The design team pulled together an eclectic mix of furniture, rugs and accessories that shows just how diverse you can be if you shop carefully.” Heirloom hand knitted Like all the homes at The Cove at Overton, which stockings—14 designs is in both Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills, the Inspiration Home is designed to be pedestrian-friendly, taking advantage of the development’s community gazebo and park as well as the many outdoor spaces of the home. Chris describes the exterior as a “French eclectic 870-5555 • 1755 Oxmoor Road • Homewood style.” Open Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-4:30 “It’s really hard to pin down the exact style,” he said. “We played on some of the new urbanism. It’s over the table give the room a formal feel. The dining real pedestrian-oriented. It fits tight on the lot. The first room has entryways to both the kitchen area and famthing we did when laying it out was look at the sun ily room. Rustic wood doors open to the family room. angles.” There, Doug said, they used the lofty ceilings for inspiA sidewalk made from Peacock Pavers concrete ration. tiles leads into this house. The tiles also are used for �� “The ceilings are really high in here, so we used flooring in the entire downstairs of the about 4,600 �� really high-backed chairs,” he said. “The cedar double square foot, five bedroom and 4 1/2 bath home. � �� When designing the house, Chris said, he took great doors were custom built for the house.” A three-tiered loop chandelier also plays on the �� care to make sure you could see from one end of the drama of the high ceilings, which are whitewashed house to other while standing in the foyer. wood with exposed beams. Doug said all the ceilings �� “When you come in the front, you can see straight in the downstairs are whitewashed wood instead of the �� through the house to the outdoor area and pool,” he typical drywall. said. “From each direction you can see windows to the An entire wall of the family room is Alabama limeoutdoor spaces.” �� stone and contains the fireplace. The arched doorways are extra-large to make the The family room leads into the breakfast room, a �� flow throughout the main level easy and great for narrow room with built-in bench seating on one side of entertaining, Doug added. the large rectangular wooden table. When it came to the decor, Doug said they wanted it �� Though the kitchen isn’t too large, it has just about to feel like a lived-in home, not just one that’s open for �� anything a chef could want. Even though there are no �� show. He said they made up a family of four and then upper cabinets, a large butler’s pantry adds plenty of began decorating the home based on them. �� storage space. “We tried to give it a story,” he said. “We made up The back wall and counters in the kitchen are white this family of four with a boy and a girl.” marble. All the appliances are stainless steel, with the The upstairs is dedicated to the kids, while the exception of the refrigerator. It blends in with the cabidownstairs has more formal spaces for family and nets, which are pale green. guests. The study is in the center of the house. Here, the Downstairs, Doug kept the walls the same neutral decor takes on a masculine feel with leather chairs and color throughout to allow the furnishing and decorawood whitewashed walls. tions to stand out. He said it also added to the flow The master bedroom is on the main level, with a from one room to the next. whole separate living space for the children and guests In the dining room, Doug said the oval table is the focus. Straight-backed chairs and an antique chandelier See Inspiring page 37 ��

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Below are a sampling of recipes developed by Lori Sours using Salsa Senorita:

get the recipes ...

Combine the first 12 ingredients in a stock pot. Simmer on low heat for one hour, stirring occasionally. Add tortillas strips and simmer for another 30 minutes or until strips are dissolved and the broth thickens. Serve and top soup with avocado slices, cheese and sour cream.

Bean and Vegetable Chili* Serves 8 1 large onion, coarsely chopped 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 pound smoked sausage sliced (optional) 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped (reserve liquid) 2/3 cup Salsa Senorita brand salsa 1 1⁄2 teaspoons each: dried rosemary, oregano, chili powder, cumin 1 teaspoon dried basil 2 (16 ounce) cans black beans , rinsed and drained 1 green bell pepper cut into 1⁄4 inch pieces 1 large yellow squash and/or zucchini, cut into 1⁄2 inch chunks Hot cooked rice Garnish: sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, Salsa Senorita salsa Cook onion and if desired, sausage, in oil in a large saucepan. Add tomatoes, salsa and seasonings. Cover and simmer five minutes. Stir in beans, peppers and squash. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes until vegetables are crisp and tender. Serve over rice. Garnish each serving with sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese and salsa. *Recipe adapted from “Food for Thought” published by the Junior League of Birmingham

Inspiring page 36 upstairs. It’s upstairs where Doug said they decided to have a little more fun using brighter and bolder colors. The second story also has a family room. The children’s bedrooms, which share a Jack and Jill bath, are on one side of the family room. On the other is what Doug calls a guest suite. It includes a large bedroom with a separate sitting area and full bath. While the family room upstairs plays on the blues and grays from the boy’s room as well as the pinks and oranges in the girl’s, Doug said he used a completely different color scheme in the guest room. “I really wanted this area to feel like a retreat,” he said. “We’ve got this amazing purple rug that is so beautiful. The bedding is subtle, but we’ve mixed patterns and colors.” Another upstairs retreat is the family theatre, which includes a

HOME

Lori’s tortilla soup and black bean chili are easy and healthy fall favorites in her family.

Journal photo by Emil Wald

Tortilla Soup 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken 32 oz. chicken broth 5 beef Bouillon cubes 1 jar Salsa Senorita (any variety) 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce 2 cloves minced garlic 1/3 bunch fresh cilantro 1 tsp. sea salt 1⁄2 tsp. celery seed 1⁄2 tsp. pepper 1⁄2 tsp. thyme 1⁄2 tsp. cumin 3 corn tortillas cut into strips Optional: 3 limes 3 avocados, sliced and cut into chunks Grated Mexican cheese, or Monterey jack, cheddar or Colby, sour cream, tortilla chips

Authentic Guacamole 2 to 3 ripe avocados 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 tbsp lemon juice 1⁄2 cup Salsa Senorita Salt to taste Tortilla chips In a bowl mash avocados. Add garlic, lemon juice, salt and Salsa Senorita. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips or use as a topper for salads.

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Cheesy Spicy Beer Dip 1 16 oz. Salsa Senorita (Any variety) 1 lb American cheese 1⁄2 lb sharp Cheddar cheese 1 8 oz.. package cream cheese, cut up 2/3 cup beer (dark beer is prefer-�� able) �� In a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker,�� combine Salsa Senorita, cheeses �� and beer. Cover and cook on �� low-heat for up two-three hours. Serve immediately or keep warm, �� covered on low-heat for up to two hours, stirring occasionally. Serve �� with tortillas chips or in a bread bowl. ❖

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built-in wet bar. This room’s walls and floors are covered with sea grass. Although the interior of the house is something to see, don’t forget to check out the outdoor spaces. There’s a grilling porch off the breakfast room, and the backyard also has a full outdoor kitchen as well as an oasis pool and fountain. The Peacock Pavers used inside also cover the back patio. The countertops of the outdoor kitchen are limestone. “We really wanted to play up the outdoor spaces,” Chris said. “The grilling porch overlooks the community area and gazebo and can be accessed from the family room and the breakfast room. The outdoor kitchen can be accessed straight through the foyer.” For more information on the Inspiration Home and touring times and tickets, visit www.birminghamhomeandgarden.com and click on the “Home Inspiration Tour” tab. ❖

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 37

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38 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

SPORTS

Spartans, from back cover

ing care of what had to be done.” Even after Hoover scored late in the second period to take a 9-7 lead into halftime, Mountain Brook never lost its uncanny sense of calm. “We never doubted,” Aldag explained. “We knew our coaches would make the right adjustments and correct our mistakes. The team never forgot its focus.” The Mountain Brook players’ serene attitude toward the task at hand was not shared by their schoolmates. On game day, the entire Mountain Brook campus was in a state of frenzy as the kickoff drew closer. “It was incredible,” said Aldag. “All day at school we saw ‘Beat Hoover’ signs and stickers everywhere. We wanted to win this game, not just for ourselves, but for the student body and our fans.” The student body and fans Aldag referred to were treated to the game of their lives. One of the big tests of the night was how well the Spartans’ passing game would play against Hoover’s outstanding secondary. The Buc defenders effectively neutralized Mountain Brook’s superb wide receiver, Gavin Golsan. So Aldag turned to tight end Coates Doss, who would finish with seven catches for 89 yards. Six of Doss’ catches would go for first downs. The Spartans took the lead midway through the opening quarter. Mark Rector’s two-yard touchdown plunge, followed by Warren Handrahan’s extra point, gave Mountain Brook a 7-0 lead with 6:56 remaining in the period. Hoover’s Connor Short, making only his second start following the injury of first-string quarterback Sam Gillikin, promptly answered the Spartans’ opening volley. He moved the Bucs to the Mountain Brook 23-yard line. From there, Larsen Real booted a 40-yard field goal to cut the host team’s advantage to 7-3 with 3:06 remaining in the quarter. The field goal ignited Hoover, which seemed to take command on its next series. Short moved his team to Mountain Brook’s nine before an untimely lost fumble killed the drive. Ever resilient, the Bucs got the ball back before halftime. Short’s 31-yard touchdown strike to Alfonzo Steele gave Hoover a 9-7 lead with only a minute left before intermission. Other teams in other seasons might have been spooked by the Bucs’ second quarter surge. But nothing fazed this version of the Spartans. Mountain Brook took control early in the second half. Aldag directed the team on an 80-yard, 12-play drive for the go-ahead score. A key play on the march was Aldag’s 17-yard completion to

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Oak Mountain, Briarwood Fall in Volleyball Elite Eight

BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

The Oak Mountain and Briarwood girls’ volleyball teams did themselves and the area proud by reaching the Elite Eight at the Pelham Civic Complex last week. Unfortunately, neither school made it past the first day. After defeating Baker in the semifinal round in Class 6A action, the Lady Eagles were eliminated by eventual state runner-up Bob Jones. Briarwood didn’t do quite as well as Oak Mountain. The Lady Lions fell in three straight sets to see their season come to an end. Fifth-ranked Oak Mountain started strongly with a 25-20, 2325, 25-10, 25-14 victory over seventh-ranked Baker in the 6A quarterfinals. The win was expensive for the Lady Eagles, however, as star hitter Hannah Kowal injured a knee and was unable to play in the semifinal match against the Lady Patriots. Despite the loss of Kowal, Oak Mountain moved to a 5-2 lead over

Above: Spartan quarterback Edward Aldag scrambles for yardage. Aldag completed 13 of 22 passes for 152 yards. Right: Mountain Brook receiver Gavin Golsan scored on a nineyard reverse to give the Spartans the lead in the third quarter.

Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

Doss on a third and 11 situation to give Mountain Brook a key first down. Golsan’s nine-yard touchdown run on a reverse gave the Spartans the lead. Handrahan’s conversion lifted the score to 14-9 with 7:05 remaining in the third period. Short valiantly tried to bring Hoover back. He completed pass after pass – ultimately finishing with 29 completions in 44 attempts for 178 yards – but Mountain Brook, inspired by its loud, partisan fans, turned back every scoring attempt. The Spartans moved to the Bucs’ five-yard line late in the game. Handrahan’s 22-yard field goal gave Mountain Brook a 17-9 advantage with 2:21 remaining. Hoover gave it one more brave effort. But Short’s last pass was intercepted as the clock ran out. “You have to call our fans the 12th man tonight,” said a happy coach Chris Yeager. “The students showed their support for us all week, and it meant so much to our players.” Yeager was certainly sincere, but his players had a lot to do with the historic victory, too. Aldag completed 13 of 22 passes for 152 yards. Rector gained 66 yards in 34 carries. Although his yard per carry average was unimposing, Rector gained the tough yards when the Spartans needed them. “We expected Hoover to play a lot of man-to-man defense because their secondary is so good,” said Aldag. “But the offensive line gave me plenty of time to find open receivers. All I had to do was throw the ball.” Mountain Brook’s win gave the program its first region championship since 2003. Hoover, with one

loss in region play, took the Class 6A Region 6 runner-up spot. The Bucs’ long dominance of Over the Mountain football was reflected even in defeat. Mountain Brook handed Hoover its first loss in region play from a team other than Vestavia Hills since Pelham turned the trick in 1999. The Spartans’ celebration went late into Friday night. Yeager’s usually ironclad rule that his team has 24 hours to celebrate a win was extended through the weekend. For Mountain Brook students, however, the celebration extended even to the resumption of school on Monday morning. “It was awesome,” said Aldag. “Kids in school that I don’t even know came up and said congratulations. The way (the students) inspired us during the week, we had to win it for them.” There will be chances for more historic wins for the Spartans, as Mountain Brook is on the short list of teams that have a realistic shot at the state 6A championship. A possible rematch with Hoover is in the offing. But for the time being, Mountain Brook could ride the wave of its school spirit. Call it the spirit of 1976.

Bob Jones. But the Lady Patriots rebounded to sweep their rival 2518, 25-19, 25-16. The Lady Eagles ended their season with a 34-11 record. Oak Mountain coach Lance Woods refused to use Kowal’s injury as an excuse for his team’s defeat. “Hannah’s a great leader, but we still had enough guns,” said Woods. “Bob Jones outplayed us and outcoached us in every part of the game.” Emily Kosgrove led the Lady Eagles with three blocks and 10 kills. Sara Goodwin added 10 digs and eight kills. Hannah Beach had 25 assists. Briarwood lost in consecutive sets to Curry 25-16, 25-17, 25-18. The Lady Lions took an early 5-0 lead in the first set, but Curry dominated the rest of the way. “They (Curry) got their confidence up, and we folded a little under the pressure,” said senior Logan Nasworthy. “We may have psyched ourselves out of it.” Briarwood ended its season with a 26-22 record.

Members of the Mountain Brook eighth grade volleyball team are, from left, front: Margaret Pewitt, Anne Raines Doidge, Helen Catherine Darby, Evans Johnson, Olivia Chew, Sara Chandler Mitchell and Laine Meisler. Back: Margaret Davidson, Allye Lott, Sarah Winston Nathan, Sara Carr, Carolyn Crommelin, Kathryn Wason, Carly Glidewell and Coach Bruce Henricks.

Mountain Brook Eighth Grade Wins Metro

Mountain Brook Junior High School claimed the Eighth Grade Metro Volleyball Tournament championship recently by downing Bumpus Middle School 25-11 and 26-24. The title capped off an outstanding season for the team as they completed a 30-1. Members of the All Tournament team from the Over the Mountain area include: Ali Lowe and Alana Shunnarah, Bumpus; Sarah Bowman, Oak Mountain; Emily Heeter, Homewood; Sara Chandler Mitchell, Helen Catherine Darby and Sara Carr (MVP), Mountain Brook; Alea Smithson, Pizitz; McCall Harwell, Berry; Amelia Novy, Simmons and Jessica Compton, Liberty Park. Coaches of the Year: Bruce Henricks, Mountain Brook and Becky Boykin, Hewitt.

Seventh Grade All Metro Tournament Team

Members of the All Metro Tournament team from the Over theMountain area include: Caitlyn Little, Addison Knox Bumpus and Abby Tissier (MVP), Bumpus; Ashley Burt, Oak Mountain; Caroline Lawerance, Homewood; Caroline Lindsey, Mountain Brook; Victoria Morris, Pizitz; Olivia Smith and Ellie Norton, Berry; Caroline Hart, Simmons and Sydney McKee, Liberty Park. Named Coach of the Year was Erin Heffner, Berry Middle School.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Roundup, from back cover

the Jaguars. Spain Park lost despite the outstanding effort of quarterback Nick Mullens, who completed 22 of 30 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns. The Jaguars finished the season at 5-5, but Hewitt-Trussville’s win over Pelham the next evening lifted Spain Park into fourth place in the Class 6A Region 6 standings, thus giving the team a playoff berth. The Jags received the playoff spot because they were technically tied with Pelham for the fourth and final playoff spot but got the edge because of head to head competition. Spain Park will travel to Oxford in the first round of the playoffs.

Briarwood 34, Anniston 7

The Lions ran their record to 91 with an easy win over the Tigers. Quarterback Ben Craft completed 24 of 32 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Matthew Furuto rushed for 94 yards and a pair of scores. Craft connected with Coleman Pearson for two touchdowns and with Michael Lathem for the third score. Briarwood, the Class 5A Region 5 champion, will host Athens in the first round of the playoffs.

Playoffs, from back cover

has been around Hood for five minutes could imagine that he or anyone who works for him would intentionally sneak in a “ringer” for the purpose of trying to win a few games on the sly. Clearly, this was an honest misunderstanding of the rules. But barring a legal action after this publication’s press time, one of Alabama’s best teams is going to be sitting at home because of the ruling. I say that if the AHSAA wants to fine Clay $1,000 and put it on probation, that’s fine and good. But the governing body of bigtime high school athletics in the state shouldn’t punish teenage boys for an issue over which they had no control. If there’s one tiny consolation, it’s that the old cliché is true: Young men who play football gain important life-lessons by participating in the sport. And the lesson the ClayChalkville players are learning now is that sometimes life is incredibly unfair. Meanwhile, there are five Over the Mountain teams that have a chance to advance in the playoffs. Let’s take a team-by-team look at their prospects.

Mountain Brook (10-0)

By virtue of their victory over

Mountain Brook 34, Buckhorn 10

The Spartans completed their first perfect regular season since 1976 with a methodical win over the Bucks. Mountain Brook quarterback Edward Aldag passed for 276 yards and four touchdowns to spark his team. Two of Aldag’s scoring passes went to Patrick Sullivan. Reagan Alexander and John Harris Britton were on the receiving end of the other two scores. Robert Fritz scored the Spartans’ final touchdown on a one-yard run. Mountain Brook, the Class 6A Region 6 champion, will host Gadsden City in the first round of the playoffs.

Vestavia Hills 40, Shades Valley 27

The Rebels rolled to a 38-0 lead and withstood a furious Mountie comeback to claim their sixth win of the season. Just as importantly, Vestavia clinched third place in Class 6A’s Region 6, assuring itself of a spot in the playoffs. The victory also marked Rebel coach Buddy Anderson’s 270th career victory as a head coach. Vestavia quarterback Jack Cole tossed touchdown passes to Ryan Smith and Austin Ward as part of the Rebel scoring parade in the first half. Josh Ellington ran for two touchdowns and Ryan Heslin followed with a single score to give the Rebels a commanding 350 halftime advantage. Hoover and the fall of ClayChalkville, the Spartans assume the state’s Class 6A number one ranking, a position they haven’t had since the Major Ogilvie era in the 1970s. This Mountain Brook team doesn’t have an Ogilvie, but it does have a lot of effective role players who understand how to win. One such athlete is running back Mark Rector, who is a punishing inside runner. While nobody on the Bethune Drive campus will discuss it, everyone knows there’s a real chance that the Spartans could meet Hoover again in a later round of the playoffs. Can Mountain Brook knock off the Bucs again? Sure. Most people didn’t think the Spartans could do it the first time. Can the Spartans claim their first blue trophy since ’76? Absolutely.

Hoover (9-1)

All of the hoopla following Mountain Brook’s win over the Bucs overshadows the fact that Hoover has an excellent football team. The Bucs showed their mental toughness by bouncing back from the defeat to stage an impressive 41-13 rout of fourthranked Bob Jones. Quarterback Connor Short looks better every week since replacing the injured Sam Gillikin, and the Bucs have versatile threats such as Caleb Sims and Marlon Humphrey that few

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 • 39

SPORTS After Ryan Raspino’s 50-yard field goal put Vestavia out front by 38, Shades Valley used some defensive razzle-dazzle to make the margin respectable. On two consecutive series, Mountie players picked up Vestavia fumbles and returned them for touchdowns. After the Rebels added a safety to raise their margin to 40-14, Shades Valley scored two late touchdowns to close the final gap to 13. Vestavia will visit the Austin Bears in the first round of the playoffs.

son with a loss at home to Class 5A power Pinson Valley. Mitch Mathias booted a 37yard field goal in the second quarter for Oak Mountain’s first score of the game. The Indians held a 14-3 lead in the fourth quarter when Eagle quarterback Jake Adams passed 19 yards for a touchdown. Oak Mountain ended its season with a 2-8 record.

Thompson 35, John Carroll Catholic 27

The Patriots ended their season on a winning note with an easy win over the Tigers. Running backs Walter Rutledge and Earnest Bell sparked the Homewood victory. Rutledge gained 134 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown and caught a scoring pass from 45 yards out. Bell caught touchdown passes of 26 yards and 34 yards from quarterback Stephen Baggett. Baggett also ran for a score. Devante Wallace scored on a five-yard touchdown run. Homewood’s final score came when Tywaun Ward recovered a Grissom fumble in the end zone. The Patriots ended their season with a 5-5 record.

The Cavaliers rolled to a 247 halftime lead only to see the Warriors battle back for a seasonending victory. Ken Johnson opened the John Carroll scoring with a 51-yard touchdown run. Trent Marshall added a field goal to raise the lead to 10-0. Johnson scored again and, following a two-point conversion, the Cavs led 18-0. After Thompson rallied for a touchdown, Carroll quarterback John Boohaker passed 88 yards for a score to give the hosts a 17-point halftime advantage. The Cavaliers could muster only a field goal in the second half as Thompson scored three unanswered touchdowns. John Carroll ended the season with record of 2-8.

The Eagles finished their sea-

The Eagles ended their season

Homewood 48, Grissom 0

Pinson Valley 14, Oak Mountain 10

teams can match. Maybe the best thing for Hoover is that for once, the Bucs aren’t the heavy favorite to reach the Class 6A finals. For one of the few times in the last decade, Hoover is in somewhat of an underdog role. But as the last 10 years – under the leadership of two very different head coaches – have proven, no team in Alabama knows how to win in November the way Hoover does. Don’t underestimate the importance of that little factoid.

Vestavia Hills (6-4)

Buddy Anderson should probably get Coach of the Year consideration for the way he held the Rebels together after a neardisastrous 1-3 beginning. Vestavia went 5-1 the rest of the way and actually wound up third behind powers Mountain Brook and Hoover in the Class 6A Region 6 seeding. Despite its overall record, this Rebel team is a classic Anderson team in the sense that it never surrenders and plays its best football late in the season. Vestavia has had a tendency in recent years to get upset early in the playoffs, but in most of those cases, the Rebels were a favorite. Moving under the radar this season, Vestavia’s not likely to be playing in Bryant-Denny Stadium in December, but don’t be surprised if the Rebels pull a surprise

Isabella 55, Shades Mountain Christian 18 or two before going home.

Spain Park (5-5)

The Jaguars had a few things break their way to even qualify for the playoffs, so they’re likely to be appreciative of the opportunity. They’ve drawn a tough opening game by having to travel to Oxford, so their mettle will be tested quickly. Spain Park’s not likely to go past a couple of rounds, but when quarterback Nick Mullens gets hot, anything can happen.

Briarwood (9-1 in Class 5A)

The Lions have been truly one of the most dominant teams in Alabama as they raced through

with a loss to the Mustangs.

WEEK 10 OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES

Hoover kick specialist Marlon Humphrey had a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Bucs’ 41-13 win over Bob Jones. Hoover quarterback Connor Short completed 21 of 28 passes against Bob Jones. Hoover’s defensive tandem of Brad Shaw and Trent Dunn had a combination of 19 tackles and three sacks against the Patriots. Briarwood quarterback Ben Craft completed 26 of 34 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns in the Lions’ win over Anniston. Mountain Brook quarterback Edward Aldag completed 20 of 28 passes and four touchdowns in the Spartans’ win over Buckhorn. Vestavia Hills placekicker Ryan Raspino booted a 50-yard field goal in the Rebels’ 40-27 win over Shades Valley. Homewood sophomore running back Walter Rutledge rushed for 134 yards and a touchdown and caught a 45-yard scoring pass as the Patriots bashed Grissom 48-0. Spain Park quarterback Nick Mullens completed 22 of 30 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns in the Jaguars’ 38-35 loss to Clay-Chalkville. their 5A schedule undefeated. Briarwood’s only blemish came against 6A’s Vestavia, and even that loss probably helped the Lions in the long run. Coach Fred Yancey’s team has great talent like quarterback Ben Craft and running back Matthew Futuro, who both would likely be starters on most Class 6A teams. The dream matchup, of course, would be to see Briarwood face undefeated Hueytown – led by the great Jaboo Winston -- in the Class 5A finals. There is a really good chance that will happen, and for once, Winston will go back to Hueytown on the losing side.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 WEEK 9 GAME OF THE WEEK

THE SPIRIT OF ‘76

Sports

Mountain Brook Junior High Wins Metro Volleyball Title. See page 38

Spartans Turn Back Bucs in Win for Ages

Lee Davis

Playoff Re-Birth: Top-ranked Spartans Enter Post-Season Among Favorites

BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

uarterback Edward Aldag and his Mountain Brook teammates weren’t around in 1976. But they sure know about their school’s football legacy in the year of America’s bicentennial. The 1976 version of the Spartans went 10-0 in the regular season and won four playoff games to claim the program’s second consecutive state championship. No Mountain Brook team since has completed its first 10 games without a blemish. That is, at least until 2011. The Spartans virtually guaranteed an undefeated record with a stunningly efficient 17-9 upset over second-ranked and also unbeaten Hoover at a noisy and jam-packed Spartan Stadium Oct. 21. Mountain Brook ratified the evening’s work with an easy 34-12 rout over Class 6A middleweight Buckhorn the following Friday. Mountain Brook’s triumph against Hoover wasn’t merely big; it was historic. In addition to earning the Spartans’ first perfect regular season in 34 years, it was also Mountain Brook’s first win over Hoover since a Gene Ellison-coached team upended Bob Finley’s Berry Bucs in 1984. Since that night long ago, Berry/Hoover had chalked up 16 consecutive victories over the Spartans. Maybe the most impressive thing about Mountain Brook’s most impressive win in years was that the Spartans played as if they

Vestavia running back Stuart Jacobs picks up yardage in the Rebels win over Shades Valley Friday night. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

The Cougars, after enduring a difficult week where they were forced to forfeit nine wins because of the use of an ineligible player, rallied from a 10-0 deficit to defeat

ive Over the Mountain football teams have the opportunity to compete in the first round of the state playoffs Friday night. Regardless of the respective outcomes, the players of the teams involved should savor the experience. Because there’s a deserving team in North Jefferson County that would collectively be happy to give up a week in Hawaii in exchange for a low seed in the Class 6A playoffs. That team, of course, is ClayChalkville, which learned last week that because there was an issue involving the eligibility of a player, its first nine victories of the season would be forfeited. An unnamed player, who had played at Huffman last year, was dismissed from the Birmingham school system and enrolled at Restoration Academy. From Restoration, he transferred to Clay-Chalkville and played in the Cougars’ first nine games. Alabama High School Association rules say that a student-athlete must be in good standing when he or she transfers from one AHSAA-member school to another. Evidently there was a misunderstanding of the rule, perhaps since the student in question didn’t go directly from Huffman to Clay-Chalkville. Once notified, the studentathlete was barred from playing in the final game of the regular season, in which Clay defeated Spain Park. The Cougars are coached by Jerry Hood, who led Oak Mountain’s program to respectability before moving on to Clay. Hood’s reputation for honesty and integrity even exceeds his abilities as a coach. No person who

See Roundup page 39

See Playoffs, page 39

Hoover’s Dakota Daniel (5) is tackled by Mountain Brook’s Sam Centeno (19) and Hatton Smith (32) in the Spartan’s win over the Bucs in week 9. More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

expected to win: not cocky -- please understand – but confident and businesslike. “We looked at the Hoover game as a business trip,” quarterback Edward Aldag explained later. “We went into the game with a business

attitude that there was a job to do. “We could celebrate when the game was over, but for four quarters, it was all about tak-

See Spartans, page 38

WEEK 10 ROUNDUP

Spartans, Bucs, Rebels and Lions Head into Playoffs with Wins Hoover 41, Bob Jones 13

The Bucs bounced back from their loss to Mountain Brook with an easy win over fourth-ranked Bob Jones. Quarterback Connor Short completed 21 of 28 passes and tossed two touchdowns to Josh Jackson. After the Patriots cut Hoover’s lead to 6-3 by kicking a 20-yard field goal, the Bucs’ Marlon Humphrey responded by returning the ensuing kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. Dakota Daniel and Kyler Jackson also had touchdown runs for Hoover, and quarterback Michael Powers passed 31 yards to Jarret Brown for another score.

Brad Shaw and Trent Dunn had dominating performances for Hoover on defense, combining for 19 tackles and three sacks. Hoover ran its regular season record to 9-1 and will host HewittTrussville Friday in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.

Clay-Chalkville 38, Spain Park 35