Over the Mountain Journal, Nov. 18, 2010 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 18, 2010

Celebrate Thanksgiving!

These Mountain Brook Elementary students may be happy because they’re thinking about turkey and all the trimmings – or the prospect of a break from school. Even if you won’t be wearing a cardboard Pilgrim hat or construction paper feathers, here’s hoping that Thanksgiving brings lots of smiles to you and your family. Ready to celebrate are, from left, Kathryn Grace Halsey, Garrett Gray, Sophie Kamakis, Mary Jane Cleere Lassiter, Howell Fell and Blaise LeJeune. Journal photo by Emil Wald 22 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

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It’s fast approaching – the holidays will be here before we know it. But it’s no reason to panic, not with these gift suggestions from OTM retailers. Find the perfect gift for SOMEONE SPECIAL, or maybe you’re looking for some fun stocking stuffers and TOYS for the little ones. Our 2010 gift guide has ideas for everyone. Get great gifts for the HOME for all times of the year or decorations for the HOLIDAYS. Some of these items are available at more than one OTM retailer, so get busy shopping!

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At any given time, the Lovelady Center houses around 350 women and 80 children. Most are sent to the center through the corrections system and are addicts who have suffered from abuse and poverty. The center helps the women tackle their addictions while equipping them with the tools they need to reenter society. See Life, page 10.

Indian Springs School rolled out the red carpet for guests at its Oct. 16 Film 101 fundraiser, which, with the help of three filmmaker alumni, raised funds for the school’s financial aid program and other initiatives. See Social, page 12.

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SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 21

Simple life in abundance

C O N S T RU C T NEW HOME

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$ 50 0 ,0 0 0 s C E - from th e A L P N E D P HAM 6 0 0 ,0 0 0 s S - from th e $ L IL H E K A L V E ST 6 0 0 ,0 0 0 s E - from th e $ V O C E K A L V E ST 0 ,0 0 0 s - from th e $ 70 S L IL H E G A H E R IT 0 ,0 0 0 s - from th e $ 70 E G ID R E K V E ST L A 0 0 ,0 0 0 s from th e $ 1 ,0 E G ID R . N K IN G S M T 00s th e $ 1 ,0 0 0 ,0 om fr N O T R O L D OV E

RESALES ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE $300S TO $2,000,000+ IN SEVERAL LIBERTY PARK NEIGHBORHOODS.

To contact a Liberty Park Sales Associate, call 866.933.2509 or visit www.libertypark.com. 8000 Liberty Parkway

. Birmingham, AL

All information contained herein deemed accurate but not warranted. Neither Liberty Park Properties nor its builders and agents are responsible for errors or omissions. Plan information subject to change without notice.

2 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

CONTENTS/OPINION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MURPHY’S LAW

Ready for their close-up: Mountain Brook Elementary students featured on our cover are among class members who will be commemorating our first Thanksgiving with a school play. From left are Kathryn Grace Halsey, Garrett Gray, Sophie Kampakis, Mary Jane Lassiter, Howell Fell and Blaise LeJeune.

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OTMJ.COM

heck out even more photos from Over the Mountain area events.

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lan your weekends. At otmj.com we have even more events listed.

In our next issue, get a peak inside one of the featured home’s of this year’s Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour.

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

4 9 10 12

GIFT GUIDE WEDDINGS SCHOOLS SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

22 30 31 36

November 18, 2010

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: Molly Folse Vol. 19, No. 22

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.

The HMS Buffet

y husband item doesn’t pan out (like the snails), you can get up Harold has had and get something from a different pan. a lot on his plate Which is fine ... if you have Sansabelt slacks and an lately. I’d like to say it unlimited supply of Alka Seltzer, but no one can buffet forever. Sadly, I know Harold will try. He cannot help was brokering Mideast himself. Faced with 60 feet of options, he will help peace talks or finding a cure for cancer, but most- himself to too much. Not a man of moderation to begin ly it’s been roast beef and with, the words “all you can eat” strike him as a double dog dare. Lyonnaise potatoes. A year ago, we attended a dinner theater production Oh sure, there were other in Illinois where the gilded buffet tables filled an entire things – spareribs and coleroom. There was an omelet stop and a sushi bar, three slaw, flank steak and caraSusan Murphy carving stations and a dessert display that snaked all the melized onions. Once there way to the exit. I thought Harold would hyperventilate. was even a snail, a buttered He rallied, however, dutifully picking up a new tidbit Harold goes to great lengths to sidestep on the plate on each successive trip sidewalk but still felt compelled (was it three or four?) until the to try. Why? Because it was free. Faced with 60 feet of stack of dirty dishes on our table OK, not exactly free. It came as part of an all-you-can-eat-buf- options, he will help himself towered between us, a Great Wall of castoff crab legs and fet on an all-you-can-eat-cruise. to too much. Not a man of oyster shells. Only when they That wasn’t really how the cruise the pre-curtain lights and line billed the trip, but when moderation to begin with, blinked the buffet doors slammed shut Harold presented me with the the words “all you can eat” did we waddle off to our packfull color brochure last summer, he skipped past the myriad shore age deal seats. strike him as a double excursions to point out the ice We got another great deal last sculptures and giant tablescape winter on a long weekend at an dog dare. displays. all-inclusive resort. When Harold “It’s all included,” he whisfound out that happy hour lasted pered. And so we were booked. all day, he was the happiest man on the island. He Harold spends long hours searching out good travel left no Zombie or entree unturned. They pried the last deals, and when the deal includes a good deal of food, chicken skewer from his warm tanned hands as we so much the better. In the last few years, we’ve had boarded the airport bus. chowder in Boston, cheesesteak in Philadelphia and That picture was still in my head as we sailed off double crust pizza on Chicago’s south side. Those into the discounted Aegean sunset, but it all worked choices were easy, givens for the location. out fine. Ten days later Harold disembarked carrying When there are no regional “must haves,” however, 10 gigabytes of memorable photos and 10 additional Harold has been known to waffle. Not literally, of pounds which amazingly came off as easily as they course. He’s more of a pancake man. But there’s somewent on. thing about being faced with a three-page menu that The man is a marvel. leaves him paralyzed. And now it is Thanksgiving, the pinnacle of any Steak or chicken? Grilled or deep fried? A la mode eating man’s year. “It’s called a feast,” Harold insists. or a la not? No matter what he chooses, he looks at Turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin other tables with longing. The salad is always greener pie. It will be everything he could possibly hope for. across the aisle. And no snails. Today Harold would skip those even With a buffet, we avoid all that entree regret. If one if they were two-for-one ... I think. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

OTM Chefs, Cooks Offer Alternatives for Turkey Day Leftovers

“A turkey pot pie. Just use the traditional green bean casserole and mix in the turkey. Instead of pie crust, use stuffing. To serve, add a dab of cranberry sauce on top.”

“I just say make enough so you have plenty of leftovers. To me, they’re better the second time around. You’re not working, and you can sit back and enjoy.”

Scott Wilson Super Suppers, Vestavia

Kathy Bley Penzy’s Spices, Homewood

“Being from New Orleans, we like to make a turkey gumbo. We use the turkey carcass for the broth then add the meat. We put the oyster dressing in, which is basically beef, veal and lots of oysters.”

“You can make a quiche with leftover ham and broccoli casserole, or maybe squash croquettes with squash casserole. My favorite is turkey hash because my dad used to make it.”

Chris Zapalowski Homewood Gourmet, Homewood

Annette Weaver Magic Muffin, Vestavia

CONTENTS/OPINION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

18th Annual

PLAY DAY!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 3

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18th Annual

PLAY DAY!

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18th Annual

PLAY DAY!

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18th Annual

PLAY DAY!

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 19

The Birmingham Chapter of the National Society ...

of Arts and Letters’ second meeting of the season featured a pas de deux from the ballet “Blanche Nuit.” Choreographer was Alison Cummins Page, founding artistic director of Arova Contemporary Ballet, and performers were company members Michelle Imhoff and Jamorris Rivers. Chapter president Margie Denton presided over the Oct. 20 luncheon at the Country Club of Birmingham. NSAL is a national organization that assists young artists through competitions, scholarships and career opportunities. Mildred Allen-Taub, vice president and program chairman, introduced Edie Barnes, National Dance Competition chairman. Page, who spoke to the group, is a graduate of the Alabama School of Fine Arts and holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree from New York University in arts and humanities education. A faculty member in theatre and dance at Samford University, she served as assistant to the dance supervisor of “The Lion King” on Broadway and has created 30 original works. Imhoff has performed with several companies, including the Boston Ballet, Alabama Ballet and City Ballet of San Diego. Rivers, a former Alabama Ballet principal, appeared most recently in Europe with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Chaplain Ruth Jensen gave the luncheon invocation, and pots of bronze mums by Ralph Crill topped the tables. Among those attending were outgoing president Gail Ledbetter Hill, new president Margie Denton with guest Robert Denton, Janis Zeanah with guest Tallulah Hargrove, Carolyn Satterfield, Helen Smith Hudgens, Loretta Brown, Mel Robinson, Catherine Rogers and Edie Barnes with guest Heather McPherson. Also there were Edith Bauman with guest Leigh Corra, Robert Bauman, Sara H. Vaughn, Cathy Gilmore, Cindy Free, Rosemary Johnson, Lynn Russell-Davis, Zelda Covey, Melva Jones, Jeannine McElroy, Nancy Morrow, Mary Frances Reed, Martha W. Willetts, Rebecca Rast, and Flora Richardson. ❖

NSAL National Dance Choreography Competition Steering Committee members at an Oct. 20 luncheon included, from left: Cindy Free, Edie Barnes, Lynn Russell-Davis and Rebecca Rast. Below, Arova Contemporary Ballet’s Jamorris Rivers and Michelle Imhoff were guests at the NSAL October luncheon. Photo special to The Journal

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4 â&#x20AC;˘ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

ABOUT TOWN

2010 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11 SEASON JUSTIN BROWN | Music Director and Principal Conductor

EILEEN IVERS: AN NOLLAIG An Irish Christmas Friday

DEC. 3 8 p.m.

The Queen of the Celtic Fiddle comes to Birmingham with a lush performance of traditional Celtic and holiday favorites.

" ! !

THE VON TRAPP CHILDREN

The Von Trapp Children lend their angelic voices to an evening of classic folksongs and carols with the ASO. " " ! "

Friday

DEC. 10 8 p.m.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Fannie Flagg to Discuss Books, Life at Historic Theatre

An Evening with Fannie Flagg, a fundraiser for the Virginia Samford Theatre, will be Nov. 20 at the historic theater. Guests are invited to a rare and personal live interview with Flagg, who will discuss her career as an actress and bestselling author. The event also marks the release of Flaggâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new novel, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Still Dream About You,â&#x20AC;? which highlights her early years in Birmingham. Her best-known book is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop CafĂŠ.â&#x20AC;? She also wrote the Academy Award-nominated screenplay for the 1991 movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fried Green Tomatoes.â&#x20AC;? General admission tickets are $35 for the 7:30 p.m. theatre interview and a signed copy of Flaggâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new book. Premium tickets are $250 and include the interview and an exclusive 6:15 p.m. cocktail reception with Flagg. Other premium tickets are $100 for the interview and a 6:45 p.m. wine reception with Flagg. All proceeds benefit the Virginia Samford Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preservation fund.

Making plans for â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Evening with Fannie Flaggâ&#x20AC;? are, from left, standing: Susan Nettles, Betsy Henle, Dot Mash, Norma Warren, John English, Linda Griggs and Cathy Rye Gilmore. Seated are Helen Crow Mills and Betty McMahon. Photo special to the Journal

Plans Underway for HOPE Under the Stars Beth Schaeffer, Judy Barclay and Jan Cobb recently met at the home of Jack and Beth Schaeffer to discuss the upcoming Full Life Ahead Foundation HOPE Under the Stars fundraiser. The event, set for Nov. 18 at the Schaeffersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home in Mountain

THE MUSIC OF QUEEN Saturday

DEC. 11 8 p.m.

The ASO and the team behind â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Music of Led Zeppelinâ&#x20AC;? will ROCK the Alabama Theatre with the hit songs of Freddie Mercury and Queen! "

HANDELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MESSIAH

Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite holiday tradition! Hurry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tickets sell out quickly every year! Two performances only! ! " !

Fri/Sat

DEC. 17 & 18

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE Friday

JAN.21 8 p.m.

The best Cirque artists in the world meet the best musicians in the South for an event you will never forget! Jugglers, aerialists and other masters will perform alongside the ASO in a blend of motion and music! ! " ! ! ! " !

L SPECIA DEAL!

S V 15% on a SAVE F Family Four Pack!

Choose any of these ďŹ ve shows and get 15% off your purchase of 4 tickets. Just enter

Gathering at the home of Jack and Beth Schaeffer to discuss Hope Under the Stars were, from left: Beth Schaeffer, Judy Barclay and Jan Cobb.

Photo special to the Journal

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

A ESAT., NOV. 20 & SUN., NOV. 21 m

OTMJ15

in the coupon box on the ticket link from our website or say the code to your box ofďŹ ce representative.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! ďż˝ CALL 205.975.2787

ďż˝ ORDER ONLINE at www.alabamasymphony.org

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Brook, will feature a silent auction, live entertainment and a menu from local restaurants and caterers, including the Fish Market and B&A Warehouse. Drinks have been donated by International Wines. Auction items include a collectible Bear Bryant art piece, valued at $2,500, featuring an autographed photo, CD and recording of the ABC Sports Special interview from 1967; original artwork from area artists, including Vicki Denaburg; fine jewelry; travel packages; dinner outings and more. There will also be a drawing for a pearl and ruby necklace, donated by Barton-Clay Jewelers. Tickets for the necklace drawing are $10. Full Life Ahead assists individuals with disabilities in living the fullest lives possible. Tickets for HOPE Under the Stars are $60 for individuals and $100 per couple, can be purchased at www.fulllifeahead.org or by calling 439-6527.

Homewood Area Churches Unite for Thanksgiving Service

The churches of Homewood will celebrate their annual community Thanksgiving worship service at Trinity United Methodist Church Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. Taking part in the service are All Saintsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Episcopal, Bethel AME, Dawson Memorial Baptist, Edgewood Presbyterian, Friendship Baptist, Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian, Oakmont United Methodist, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic, Second Presbyterian, Shades Valley Lutheran, Trinity United Methodist and Union Missionary Baptist. Trinity, the host church, is at 1400 Oxmoor Road. Dr. Andrew Wolfe is senior pastor. For more information, call 879-1737 or visit www.trinitybirmingham.com. â?&#x2013;

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Garden Club Readies for Greenery Sale

The Red Mountain Garden Club will hold its 28th annual greenery sale Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. In addition to the traditional items of fresh wreaths, garlands, topiaries, kissing balls and mailbox decorations, this year’s sale is offering a limited number of mobile mailboxes, where a few of the club’s designers will come to your home and create a personalized mailbox decoration. Fresh-cut and conditioned greenery for do-it-yourselfers will be provided by Bob Newton of Landscape Services and Pratt Brown of Pratt Brown Landscapes. Proceeds benefit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Museum of Art and other community projects. For more information, e-mail Mellisa Hagan at melhagan@bellsouth.net. Preorder forms are available at www.redmountaingardenclub.com.

Alabama Ballet Events Lead Up to Pointe Ball

Several November events will lead up to the 10th annual Pointe Ball, the largest fundraiser for the Alabama Ballet. The ball is set for Jan. 29, 2011, at Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit. Saks will host an all-day shop-

ABOUT TOWN

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 5

hristmas

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ouse

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 10AM  6PM

Members of the Red Mountain Garden Club getting ready for the annual greenery sale are, from left: Helen Drennen, club president; Pratt Brown, owner of Pratt Brown Landscapes; Bob Newton of Landscape Services; and Lila McGahey and Anne Couch, club co-chairmen. ping event Nov. 20 in support of the Alabama Ballet. A DJ will fill the store with music while shoppers enjoy in-store promotions, trunk shows, makeovers and informal modeling. From 2 to 4 p.m., Alabama Ballet patrons will be invited to a reception featuring tastings from The Summit restaurants. At 3 p.m., dancers from the Alabama Ballet’s production of Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” will greet shoppers and pose for photos with children. Pointe Ball committee members will be selling discounted tickets to the Pointe Ball and “The Nutcracker” performance. Patrons should request a promotional card at the Alabama

Photo special to the Journal

Ballet table, and 10 percent of the associated sales Nov. 20 will be donated to the Alabama Ballet. Barnes & Noble at The Summit will host a book fair, also on Nov. 20, to benefit the Alabama Ballet. The bookstore will feature ballet-themed children’s activities and a special story time. “Nutcracker” dancers will greet shoppers and pose for photos with children at 3 p.m. A portion of associated sales on Nov. 20 will be donated to the Alabama Ballet. Patrons should use promo code #10293686. Pointe Ball tickets are $500 per couple. Pointe Ball After Hours tickets are $100 per couple. Sponsorship opportunities are available. ❖

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Midnight Madness SALE

FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 10

Vestavia’s Toys for Tots Drop-oﬀ Headquarters

205-822-9922

1069 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 interiorsantiques.com Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sunday 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

6 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

Ski & Snowboard Equipment Men’s/Women’s/Children’s Clothing Winter Accessories

with the

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Ends Sat, Nov 20th Clearance items not included.

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(205) 823-6349 . www.ski-n-stuff.com Store Hours: 10-6 Mon-Sat

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Christmas at Arlington Includes Tours, Book Signing

The annual Christmas at Arlington candlelight tour and reception will be Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m., followed by an open house Dec. 4-5. The rooms of Birmingham’s historic antebellum home will be decorated for the 1933 wedding of Frances Montgomery. Carolyn Satterfield, author of “Arlington: Birmingham’s Historic House,” will sign copies of the book Dec. 3. Satterfield compiled essays by Leah Atkins, Marlene Rikard, Lamar Osment and George Jenkins and Arlington memories of Robert Munger Montgomery and Mary Montgomery Marcoux. Tickets for the candlelight tour are $15 and can be bought at the door or by sending a check, payable to the Arlington Historical Association, to P.O. Box 130237, Birmingham, AL 35213. The open house is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 and 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 5. Satterfield’s book will be available for purchase at all events and is $20 for a soft cover and $30 for a hardcover edition. Arlington, more than 160 years old, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Making plans for Christmas at Arlington are, from left: Dan Brooks, Arlington curator; Virginia McDorman, president of the Arlington Historical Association; and Carolyn Green Satterfield, editor of “Arlington: Birmingham’s Historic House.” Photo special to the Journal Registration begins at 9 a.m. Participants can ride at their own leisure or with a group from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. and is $5 for non-riders. The cost to ride is a minimum tax-deductible contribution of $35. A silent auction and raffle will be held throughout the morning. For more information, visit www.specialequest.org or call 987-WHOA.

Special Equestrians Offer T.H.R.I.L.L. Ride 5 Alarm Gala Benefits Firehouse Shelter The Special Equestrians’

al Dr. power J wants your autograph. 2 x 6.25"

annual T.H.R.I.L.L. (Therapeutic Horseback Riding Is a Labor of Love) Ride will be Nov. 20 at Brierfield Farms near Montevallo. This public ride-a-thon, held every fall, gives horse owners a chance to trail ride while helping to support the work of Special Equestrians.

The Firehouse Homeless Shelter is hosting its fourth annual 5 Alarm Gala Nov. 19 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at B&A Warehouse. Tickets will be available at the door for $75. The event includes a silent and live auction along with live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and

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By simply autographing the check for your electric bill, you can donate to Project SHARE and the American Red Cross and help those in need in your own community. Just check the donation box on your next Alabama Power bill. Or give online at AlabamaPower.com/ProjectSHARE.

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619 Montgomery Highway • 979-5611 jewelsbyrose.net and join us on Facebook!

special guests. The gala is the main fundraiser for the Firehouse Shelter, Birmingham’s only step-by-step network of resources for the homeless. The shelter provides short- and long-term housing options, street outreach programs, counseling, medical referrals and educational programs for the community. The facility also provides 450 meals a day and houses more than 175 men each night.

Holocaust Education Presents ‘In the Footsteps’ Program

Ann Mollengarden, education coordinator for the Birmingham Holocaust Education Committee, will present “In the Footsteps of the Holocaust” Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. at the N.E. Miles Jewish Day Ann Mollengarden School. A reception will follow. Mollengarden, one of Birmingham’s foremost Holocaust educators, recently attended a summer institute sponsored by the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, an organization established in 1986 to provide financial assistance to needy Righteous Gentiles (individuals of other faiths who provided shelter or in other ways protected Jews during the Holocaust). Participants in the institute traced the evolution of Nazism and its policies. They visited sites of historic significance in Germany and Poland and were able to meet more than 50 rescuers. ❖

Aldridge Gardens Hosts Holiday Events

Aldridge Botanical Gardens will once again hold its holiday greenery sale, but this year it’s a week earlier than usual. Fresh greenery, garlands and wreaths will be on sale Nov. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For the first time, the gardens will be selling fresh Fraser fir trees from the North Carolina mountains through Howell Christmas Trees, who will deliver and set up trees for buyers. Bundles of all types of local greenery and festive bows also will be available at this one-day event coordinated by Aldridge Botanical Gardens volunteers. From Dec. 1 through Dec. 22, the Aldridge house and gardens will again be decorated for the holiday season. Many designers, florists and creative volunteers will participate. Ann Hoglund will trim the tree in the foyer, while Randy Johnson of Southern Wicker will decorate the fireplace mantel. Jeannie Clark and Nita Collinsworth will decorate the dining room, while Peggy Roberts and Lynne Cooper will be in charge of the grounds. The gardens will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aldridge Botanical Gardens will hold its members’ holiday open house Dec. 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. Guests will be able to partic-

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 7

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

D onuuts ts and Discounts Don Select a mystery discount card at checkout for

Committee members for the Aldridge Botanical Gardens’ holiday greenery sales are from left: Cherry Johnson, Gay Cabaniss, LeAnne Porter, Ann Hoglund, Sharon Hill and volunteer coordinator LaVerne Martin. ipate in the second annual holiday silent auction. For more information, call the gardens’ office at 682-8019 or visit www.aldridgegardens.com.

Homewood Lions Plan Annual Pecan Sale The Homewood Metro Lions Club will hold its annual Camilla Pecan Sale in front of Piggly Wiggly on U.S. 31 in Homewood Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A donation is $8 per one-

Photo special to the Journal

pound bag. The pecan sale is the civic club’s main fundraiser for the year. Proceeds from the sale support Camp Seale Harris for diabetic children and Alabama Lions Sight, a statewide project that provides free cataract surgery and other eye care to those who cannot afford these services. The club meets the second and fourth Monday of each month, except December, at the Paw Paw Patch restaurant on Green Springs Highway in Homewood at 6 p.m. Visitors are welcome. ❖

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8 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

ABOUT TOWN

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Symphony to Host First Youth Concert

The Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), presented by BBVA Compass Bank, will hold its inaugural concert Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. in the Jemison Concert Hall of the Alys Stephens Center. Tickets are $10 for ages 12 and older and $5 for children under 12. Fifty-six young musicians representing 23 cities and 25 schools in Alabama make up the ensemble. The ASYO is led by Fawzi Haimor, the new ASO assistant conductor and ASYO music director. The youth orchestra has been a vision of Justin Brown’s since he joined the ASO in 2006 as principal conductor and music director. Concert-goers will hear Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Strauss’s “Serenade for Winds,” Holst’s “St. Paul Suite” and Sibelius’s “Symphony No. 1.” For audition information, call Meaghan Heinrich at 314-6943 or visit www.alabamasymphony.org/ aysorchestra.htm.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk Aids Arthritis Research

Lace up your sneakers with jingle bells and join the Arthritis Foundation as it kicks off the holiday season with its 22nd annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Dec. 4. Participants can form a team with family members, co-workers and civic, church or school friends to help the Arthritis Foundation raise funds for the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases. The event includes a 5K certified course and a one mile fun run/ walk in Birmingham’s Southside. The race will be at Underwood Park, behind St. Vincent’s Hospital, at the corner of 10th Avenue South and 26th Street South.

Members of the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra include, front from left: Adriana Galindo, Sowmya Karra, Ellis Powell and Conductor Fawzi Haimor; second row, from left: Shannon Whetter, Siri Kore, Ransom Creech, Jared Bash and Casey Aldridge; third row from left: Sam Strickland, John Michael Adair, Archie Creech, Heeseob Lee, Patrick Maddox and Sam Ardovino; and fourth row from left: Grace Cunningham, Brian Stahl and Tim Hudson. Photo courtesy Joyce Johnsen Registration opens at 8 a.m. The 5K run begins at 9:30 a.m., and the fun run starts at 10:30 a.m. There will be music, a jumping castle, face painting, pictures with Santa, free food and more. For more information, call Anna Nelson, Jingle Bell Run/Walk director, at 979-5700 or 800-8797896 or visit 2010jbrbham.kintera. org.

Christmas Heritage Tour Opens Pioneer Homes for Holidays

Three pioneer homes will be open for the 39th Christmas Heritage Tour Dec. 5 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The homes are owned by the West Jefferson County Historical Society. This year’s tour is an invitation to “A Simple Sadler Christmas.” The Junior Service League will sponsor Sadler House, built around 1838, for the tour.

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Service League members dressed in period costumes will greet guests. Decorations will be made from all-natural materials. Featured in the parlor will be local musicians Kenny and Suzy Spencer, who will play ballads and fiddle tunes from their latest CD, “Tune Travelers.” Apple cider and cookies will be served in the kitchen. The Owen Plantation home and McAdory Cottage will also be open for the tour. The Hall of History Museum on Alabama Avenue in downtown Bessemer will have an open house, with a Christmas tree and vintage toy display, during the tour. Children ages 12 and younger will be admitted free with a paying adult. Ticket donations are $6 for the entire tour and may be purchased at the houses. All three homes are on Eastern Valley Road between Bessemer and McCalla. For more information, call 426-1633 or 428-9652. ❖

PEOPLE

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Trey Sides Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Charles William “Trey” Sides passed his Eagle Board of Review and earned the rank of Eagle Scout March 11. An Eagle Court of Honor ceremony was held at Ascension Episcopal Church in May. Sides’ Eagle Scout project was to improve the entrance to Camp Fletcher in Bessemer. Telephone Trey Sides poles were installed on either side of the entrance, and a sign made by Sides was hung between the two poles. New gates were attached to the poles, and a large area surrounding the entrance was landscaped with shrubbery and day lilies. Sides entered Cub Scout Pack 254 as a Tiger Cub in 1999. He received the Arrow of Light and crossed over to Boy Scout Troop 96 of Vestavia in 2004. Sides achieved two Polar Bear awards for camping in temperatures at or below 19 degrees and four 50-Milers – one for hiking, one for canoeing and two for biking. The son of Keith and Jane Sides

of Altadena, Sides is a senior at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in Irondale.

Chesebro Receives Eagle Scout Rank

Cooper Chesebro achieved the rank of Eagle Scout Sept. 9 at his Eagle Board of Review. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 28 at Independent Presbyterian Church. Chesebro earned 22 merit badges and several special awards, including the Cooper Chesebro prestigious Arrow of Light and the God and Country Award. He also has held several leadership positions since joining the troop in 2004. Chesebro’s Eagle Scout project was to refurbish the outdoor classroom at Mountain Brook Elementary School. He built benches and a podium and planted several plants to enhance the nature trail. He is a senior at Mountain Brook High School, where he is a member of the band’s percussion section. He is the son of Mark and Kaci Chesebro of Mountain Brook.

Freeman Attends Leadership Forum

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 9

Carson Freeman of Vestavia Hills attended the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) on national security Oct. 5-10 in Washington, D.C. The NYLF is an educational organization established to help prepare young people for their professional career fields. More than 50,000 young people have attended NYLF programs. Freeman, a 10th grader at Vestavia Hills High School, is a member of the German Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity and Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills. The 15 year old is the son of Dr. and Mrs. John C. Freeman Sr. of Vestavia Hills and the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Freeman Sr. of Hoover and Grace Price of Orangeburg, S.C.

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LIFE

10 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

Military Mission

Couple Reaches Out to Soldiers Through ‘Adoption’

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

Getting ready for the holidays at the Lovelady Center are from left: Bonnie Miller, Charity Hamilton, Haley Meadows, Logan Holloway and Michelle Bates. Journal photo by Laura McAlister

Thankful for a Second Chance

Lovelady Center Offers Hope, Helping Hand

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

his year for the holidays, Bonnie Miller will sit down for dinner with her family. They’ll probably exchange gifts as well as prayers of thanksgiving. It sounds like a typical holiday, but it won’t be for Bonnie. This will be the first time in five years she’s even celebrated the holidays. In the past, the 41year-old was too “doped up,” she said, to even know that it was a special time of the year. But that’s changed since she entered the Lovelady Center, a faith-based women’s shelter and rehabilitation center in East Lake.

Learn more

For more information about the Lovelady Center or how to help visit www.loveladycenter.org “I just wanted to stay high all the time,” she said. “I threw my family out the window. There were no birthdays for me, no Christmases or Thanksgivings. Nobody was going to put out a missing person (report) on me. “I thought there was no hope for me.” Stories like Bonnie’s are not uncommon at the Lovelady Center. At any given time, the center houses around 350 women and 80 children. Most are sent to the center through the corrections system and are addicts who have suffered from

abuse and poverty. The center helps the women tackle their addiction while equipping them with the tools they need to reenter society. The Lovelady Center relies on donations to keep its doors open. To make the holiday season bright again for residents, the center is seeking donations to host Christmas dinner tables, as well as items for its Santa Store. The Santa Store is housed at the center and allows residents to purchase low-cost gifts for family and friends. To understand how important donations are, especially during the holidays, is to understand its residents, said Hugh Thomas, the center’s chief operations officer and vice president of administration. Here are the stories of two of those residents and how the Lovelady Center saved them.

Bonnie Miller, 41

Logan Holloway was a typical kid. She grew up in Hoover, raised by a loving family. She was involved in activities at Spain Park High School and loved to attend football games. When she was 18, things changed. “I started hanging out with the wrong crowd,” she said. “I was doing drugs. I was lying to my family, cheating. “I was stealing because of drugs. I was on cocaine. I was falling to pieces.” She was also pregnant. After her baby was born, she continued to use drugs. Logan was arrested and sent to drug court in Shelby County. She continuously failed drug tests and was given two options:

Bonnie Miller grew up in New Orleans. Her adoptive family were Pentecostals. “They lived, slept and breathed the Word,” she said. And so did Bonnie, until she turned 17. That’s when she got married for the first time and starting drinking and “running from God and my family,” she said. The marriage lasted only six months, but by the time Bonnie was 18, she was married again. That marriage ended when her husband went to prison. At 25, she married for the third time, and life was looking up. Bonnie Miller The couple lived in Savannah, Ga., and had two sons. Bonnie finished school and was working as a paralegal. “I had it all, but I was a functioning addict,”

See Logan, page 11

See Bonnie, page 11

Logan Holloway and daughter Ava

Logan Holloway, 22

llen Long doesn’t know firsthand what it’s like to be a soldier overseas, but she’s getting a better understanding every day. The more she learns, the more she wants to help the young men and women in the military. About a year ago, Ellen and husband Bones were introduced to Adopta-Soldier. The program helps supporters of the military connect with deployed soldiers. The Longs initially adopted three soldiers stationed in Iraq but ended up adding even more as some soldiers returned home. Throughout the year they’ve sent care packages, letters and e-mails. They hope, with the help of others, that they can send even more letters and care packages to the soldiers during the holidays. “These guys just really need us,” Ellen said. “I know they’re lonely, and so many come home and their lives are destroyed. People just don’t realize what all these young people do for us.” The Longs, along with some friends at the Shades Valley YMCA, have been raising money to send care packages to the soldiers deployed overseas. Ellen is selling her handmade Christmas wreaths and ribbons, and all the money raised from the sales is used to send care packages and letters to To purchase a holiday wreath or bow soldiers overseas. benefiting soldiers deployed overseas The Longs sent more than 400 letters or to learn how to make a donation, to soldiers deployed in contact Ellen Long at 942-6415 or Iraq for Thanksgiving. gmaln@bham.rr.com. They’ve got a much higher goal for Christmas. Sgt. Lee Handford is one of the soldiers the Longs adopted. He’s in charge of some 1,100 soldiers in Iraq. Ellen and Bones’ goal is to have a Christmas letter of encouragement for each of those soldiers. Ellen said people would be surprised that something so little can mean so much to those deployed overseas, especially during the holidays. “It’s just surprising how much they really need and how lonely they can be,” she said. “Each time we send a care package, they always tell us what a blessing it is to have something homemade from the states.” Handford said in an e-mail, that the work the Longs and her friends are doing, is making his unit’s stay in Iraq a little easier. “I can’t stress enough that I’m very grateful and thankful for the program and especially thankful for Mrs. Ellen Long, her family, friends and associates that help her help us make it through this deployment,” he said. “I really want to meet with her and thank her in person for all that she has done and is still doing for my fellow soldiers and myself.” Ellen and Bones are quick to point out one example of how the soldiers love gifts from home – her care packages with homemade jam. “They were just fighting over that jam and eating it by the spoonfuls,” Bones said, laughing. “We’ll be sending more jam.” While the Longs love to send homemade treats to the troops, they

How to Help

See Military, page 11

LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Bonnie, page 10

Logan,

she said. “I had the money. I drove the new car, but I was drinking and doing cocaine.” After 11 years, the marriage ended, and so did the pretense that Bonnie “had it all together.” She moved back to New Orleans to be with her adoptive mother in 2004. In 2005, her adoptive mother died, and Hurricane Katrina hit. Bonnie lost almost everything she had, including her two sons, who were sent to live with their father in Savannah. She left New Orleans and ended up in St. Clair County. There, she turned to more drugs. “I was cooking dope, meth. Then I turned to the needle,” she said. “Instead of hitting my knees, I hit the bottle.” After Bonnie was arrested for possession of prescription medications, the court sent her to the Lovelady Center. On March 23, she arrived, in handcuffs, with nothing but the clothes on her back. “I knew when I walked in the door that this was my chance,” she said. “The world was going to kill me.” She graduated the center’s program in September and is now employed there as an outreach coordinator. Bonnie still hasn’t been able to restore her relationship with her two sons, but she’s hopeful that in time she will. She has been reunited with her biological family and will spend the first Thanksgiving that she’s celebrated in a long time with them. ❖

page 10

either go to jail or seek treatment at the Lovelady Center. When she entered the center in June 2008, the Department of Human Resources had taken custody of her baby. “I wasn’t allowed to see her,” Logan recalled. “I didn’t want to go to the center, either. I remember thinking, I’m not going to a place with a bunch of prisoners. “I was scared. I didn’t want to be here, but it changed my life.”

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 11

Now Logan is a graduate of the program and has regained custody of her 3-year-old daughter, Ava. She lives in a graduate house not far from the center. She is employed at the Lovelady Center as a development associate. Without the center’s help, Logan said, her life would have been headed in one of two directions. “I think I’d either be in prison, or I wouldn’t be here at all,” she said. “This place gave me so much hope, and I have a life. “I don’t need drugs. I have love.” ❖

Members of the Shades Valley YMCA helping send care packages to deployed soldiers are from left: Verna Lyons, Janet Holloway, Ellen Long, Jan Monroe, Buddy and Miriam Finch, Liz Lasole, Katie Dunn, Celia Cox, Virginia Chappelle and Supreeya Osborne. Journal Photos by Bones Long

Military, page 10

also know necessities are needed, too. After being adopted by the Longs, Handford e-mailed them to tell them what his soldiers needed most. The list included towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap and “things of that nature.” It costs $12.50 to send a care package to a soldier stationed in Iraq. Through donations, Ellen hopes to send many more this holiday season.

Personally, she’s sent 30 boxes in the past year, and members of the Shades Valley YMCA have come together to send 17. “This program has really just touched my heart,” she said. “I read in the news about one that was killed, and he hadn’t been adopted. “It’s just so sad. You really form relationships with them and share lives.” During the past year, Ellen’s become close with the soldiers she’s adopted. They e-mail each other often, and during Thanksgiving, she will actually be meeting one of them in person for the first time. ❖

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12 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

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Rolling Out the Red Carpet at ISS

Award-winning documentary film maker and Indian Springs alumna Celia Carey with ISS parent Sharon Putman at the school’s Film 101 fundraiser. Below, Director John Badham, with wife Julia, led a class session at Indian Springs School’s Film 101 event.

Photos special to the Journal

ndian Springs School rolled out the red carpet for guests at its Oct. 16 Film 101 fundraiser, which, with the help of three filmmaker alumni, raised funds for the school’s financial aid program and other initiatives. The ISS Parents Association hosted the event, which gave guests the chance to return to school and experience an educational, entertaining evening revolving around film. More than 200 guests took film-related classes from three ISS alumni – “Saturday Night Fever” director John Badham, Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Celia Carey and “Baby Mama” writer/director more photos at Michael McCullers – as well as ISS faculty members and friends. An outdoor reception with a red carpet and roving lights started the evening. A schoolwide meeting featured an address from Badham on “Digital Wars: Surviving in the Film Revolution.” After the meeting and classes, guests packed the school library for a “graduation” with coffee, desserts and a silent auction. This was the second installment of Indian Springs “101” fundraisers, which began last year with a Wine 101 event that taught attendees about wine and the wine industry. The “101” events benefit the ISS annual fund, which supports needbased scholarships, student activities, faculty salaries and updates to campus facilities. Elizabeth North was chairman of the event. Other members of the planning committee were Ruth Bean, Susan Cutler, Lucia Delchamps,

OTMJ.COM

Michael McCullers and wife Sidney were among those attending Film 101. McCullers is an Indian Springs alumnus and writer/director of the movie “Baby Mama.”

Rebecca DePalma, Andy Driggers, Donna Francavilla, Melinda Groover, Anna Holmes, Kelly Kahn, Susan Lapidus, Ann Perry, Amanda Pigue, Sharon Putman, Ginger Rueve, Holly Whatley, Victoria Arrand, Kathryn D’Arcy, Melanie Kieve and Beth Mulvey. Along with Badham, Carey and McCullers, ISS faculty members Lisa Balazs, Charles Ellis, Kelly Jacobs, Diane Sheppard, Kerry Smith and Tim Thomas and board member Stephen Black taught classes at the event. ❖

Pre-Holiday Happenings

embers of Robert Hill, owner of Independent Robert Hill Antiques; Presbyterian Stephen Dickerson and Church gathered with Lanita Engates. homeowners at Robert Honored guests were Hill Antiques Nov. 11 the 2010 homeowners for an evening of apprewho will open their homes ciation to mark the 61st this year to raise money annual Holiday House for IPC Presbyterian Tour. Women ministries. Guests mingled enjoyFeatured on this year’s ing refreshments pretour are the homes of Mr pared by the Independent and Mrs. Barry Evans, Presbyterian Church 3000 Dundee Circle; Mr. kitchen. and Mrs. David Alan Spotted in the crowd Ball, 33 Ridge Rd.; Mr. were 2010 Holiday House and Mrs. William Hiden, chairman Amy Morse and 50 Randolph Rd.; Mr. and co-chairman Beth Adams. Mrs. James Walker, 59 Also there were Rusty Attending an evening of appreciation to mark the Matthews Rd.; and Mr. Boyd, Gina Boyd, Paige 61st annual Independent Presbyterian Church and Mrs. Miller Gorrie, Albright, Lynn Huddle, 54 Country Club Blvd. Holiday House Tour were Libby and David Ball. Cyndy Cantley, Babs Among the ministries Photos special to the Journal Simpson, Betsy Faucette, supported by the tour Susan Edwards, Barbara Lanier, Martha Grizzle, are the Children’s Fresh Air Farm and First Light Betsy Canterbury, Judy Feagin, Betty Schreiber, Shelter, a center for homeless women and children. Jan Cash, Anne Cowin, Babbie Shelton, Nancy This year’s tour will be Dec. 11 and 12. Tour hours Long, Penney Hartline and Barb Fillmer. are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Others were Melanie Talbot Montgomery, Evelyn The self-guided tour begins at the church, 3100 Puckett, Kay Grisham, Susan Gilpin, Andrew Highland Ave., with the Holiday House Tea in the Hicks, Elaine Swoger, IPC Staff, Paul Romjue, Great Hall. Refreshments will include sweets, savoBetsy Middlebrooks, Nancy Skinner, Mary Ann ries and spiced Christmas tea. Morrow, Beth Grauel, Kim Martin, Libby Kidd, The IPC Te Deum Choir will provide entertainJeff McLelland and Beth Middleton. ment at 2 p.m. on Saturday, also in the Great Hall. IPC pastor Dr. Conrad Sharps and wife Lauren Tickets are $20 and may be purchased in advance Sharps attended, as did associate pastors Rev. Lucy or at the homes during tour hours. Call the church at Turner, Rev. Susan Clayton and Rev. Bobbi Epting; 933-1830 or visit www.ipc-usa.org for more informaRuth Crosby, executive director of First Light Shelter; tion. ❖

Celebrating the upcoming Independent Presbyterian Church’s holiday home tour were from left: Robert Hill, Amy Morse and Stephen Dickerson. Among those opening their home for the tour this year are, below, Barry and Brownie Evans.

2010 Heritage Ball

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 13

he newest members of the Birmingham Debutante Club will be honored by their parents at the 2010 Heritage Ball set for Nov. 27 at the Country Club of Birmingham. The Debutante Club dates back to 1929 and is celebrating 81 years of presenting young women in Birmingham. The ball has become a Birmingham tradition marking the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Leslie Ralls Allen, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Bibb Allen, Jr.

Allison Casey Bates, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter William Bates

Sarah Margaret Brooke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Wade Brooke

Amanda Reeves Brown, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Tom Tartt Brown, Jr.

Mary Katherine Kimberl Bushnell, daughter of Mr. James Joseph Bushnell , Jr. and Mrs. Susan Kimberl Bushnell

Frances Margaret Chenoweth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Barnett Chenoweth, Jr.

Claire Hamilton Eagan, daughter of Mr. Mark Christopher Eagan and Mrs. Sherri Amberson Hansen

Grace Anne Garrett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bryan Garrett

Taylor Lynn Garrett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bryan Garrett

Marguerite Harbert Gray, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Eugene Gray

Dorothy Monnish Grenier, daughter of Mr. John Beaulieu Grenier and Mrs. Celeste Crowe Grenier

Mary Catherine Hawley, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. William Kirkland Hawley

Jess Anne Heppenstall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rest Baker Heppenstall

Jane Latham Elizabeth Hodges, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Robert Hodges

Caroline Ann Alden Holman, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. William Long Holman

Laura Adams Jackson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lee Jackson, Jr.

Margaret Nelle Krebs, daughter of Mr. Edward Alfred Krebs and Ms. Elisebeth Burford Bashinsky

Laura Glasgow McCraney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Robert McCraney

Loyer Lawton Osbun, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clapp Osbun

Carolyn Brooking Pritchard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Adams Pritchard

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Mary Carleton Rafield, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Webb Rafield, III

Joyce Callahan Ratliff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Kimble Vardaman Ratliff, Jr.

Marguerite Ashford Rowe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ashford Rowe

Elizabeth Palmer Sherer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Johnson Sherer, Jr.

Rita Cecil Sandner Wright, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wright III

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14 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

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The Vestavia Hills Senior Monday ...

Night Dance Club recently honored seven dancers who have reached age 90 with “Dancing with the Stars” medals. The honorees also received certificates of achievement for their contributions to social and professional activities. Sam Schellaci sang an aria in Italian. Robert Rube, who will celebrate his 91st birthday in February is a regular dancer. Another member, Tony Caruso, served as an interpreter under Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. The club includes dancers age 55 and older who meet each Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Vestavia Hills Lodge.

More than 80 members of the Greystone Ladies ...

Club recently gathered to learn about classic interior design techniques and the latest design trends from some of their neighbors. The group’s October program featured four creative interior specialists who live “behind Mountain Brook Village the gates” in Greystone. The 2417 Montevallo Road decorators demonstrated goals to achieve in design, such as 205.879.3999 balance, successfully mixing www.cmvfashion.com antique and contemporary pieces and a list of top 10 current trends. Featured presenters were Carolyn Haynes, Merle Howard, Kay Miller and Wilma Thompson. New members Ashley Fuentes and Eleanor Hall were introduced. For Greystone Ladies Club �� membership information, call �� Tina Douglas at 437-0226 or � �� visit www.greystoneladiesclub. �� com. ❖

Vestavia Hills Senior Monday Night Dance Club members celebrating birthdays of 90 years or more include, from left, front: Sam Schellaci, Tony Caruso and Pete Antonio. Back: Sal Theriot and Don Dunham. Left, Audrey Peine and Don Dunham enjoy themselves at the Vestavia Hills Senior Monday night Dance Club. Photo special to the Journal

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 15

EVERYTHING ON SALE! Enjoying a Charades Dance Club wine and cheese party were Becky Rollins, left, and Betsy Canterbury. Photo special to the Journal

The Charades Dance Club hosted its ...

annual wine and cheese party, led by Verna Lyons, at the home of Betsy Canterbury on Ridge Drive. The club’s newest members, Carole Ann Moorer and Grace Finkle, were introduced by Becky Rollins to the 60-plus members who attended. Jane Trammell shared details about the upcoming cocktail and dinner party to be held at the Fish Market in November. The hostess served a variety of cheeses, fruit, dips, sandwiches, sweets and selected wines. Helping were Lynn Smith, Rita Spencer, Katy Sexton and Aleta Schanbacher. Carol Corvin took pictures of many of the members during the event.

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upcoming Heart Ball. The 24th annual ball, hosted by the Heart Guild of Birmingham, will be March 5 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. The annual Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team Breakfast, sponsored by Maynard Cooper & Gale, P.C., was held at the Summit Club Oct. 5. Mark Drew, chairman of the Executive Leadership Team, announced that C. Phillip McWane, chairman of McWane, Inc., will be the 2011 honoree. In addition to Drew and McWane, members of the Heart Ball Leadership Team are Dr. James Kirklin, Open Your Heart chairman; Dr. James Andrews, Heart Society Patron chairman;

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Kim Hull, Heart Ball chairman and member of the Heart Guild of Birmingham; and Kristina Hindman, guild president. David and Diana Salter recently hosted a Birmingham Heart Society Patron Party at their home in Greystone benefiting the Heart Ball. Mrs. Salter is a co-chairman of the Heart Ball and a member of the Patron Committee. Dr. Walter H. Johnson Jr. was the featured speaker. Bill Bryant, a member of the American Heart Association board of directors, introduced Johnson, a pediatric cardiologist. The Birmingham Heart Society is an exclusive mission-related giving circle whose members generate awareness about heart disease and strokes. For more information about the Birmingham Heart Society, call �� 510-1517.

�� ‘Decorating�� for the �� Featuring Birmingham’s �� Holidays’ was the largest selection of �� theme of the�� ... Earthborn Studios Pottery �� by Tena Payne since 2000. Oct. 11 program for members of ��

the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and their guests. Ellen King, a Willow House consultant and chapter member, hosted the event in her Pelham �� home. �� Using Willow House products �� and seasonal garlands, candles and floral pieces, Ms. King cre�� ated an array of Thanksgiving and �� Christmas room accents, centerpieces and wreaths, giving step-bystep instructions. She shared ideas for using family pieces to create a personal design style for the holidays. �� Members there were Lindsey �� Fagan, Janis Abernathy, Katie �� Rehner, Casey Ramey and Karen King. Guests included Sue Cooke �� and Layne Lavett. �� The chapter’s next social event is its annual Founders’ Day din�� ner Nov. 11. Gamma Phi Beta ��

��

�� Colorful, enduring, lifelike renditions of you and your loved ones. Photos are made ﬁrst, at no extra charge, by the artist. These are used to make a preliminary drawing overnight. The next day there is a short sitting. The portrait is then completed in an hour or so from the detail in the photos. Pastel Portraits are 16 x 20 in size. $100 for a single and $50 each added face in group.

�� Since 1950

Attending the Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team Breakfast were from left: Mark Drew, managing partner with Maynard Cooper & Gale, P.C. and chairman of the Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team; Richard Murray IV, community volunteer and member of the Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team; and C. Phillip McWane, chairman of McWane, Inc. and Heart Ball honoree. Left, David and Diana Salter were the Patron Party hosts.

Photos special to the Journal

women interested in attending or who want information about future chapter events may e-mail gammaphibirmingham@gmail. com.

The Birmingham chapter of Executive ...

Women International (EWI) joined with past chapter presidents and representatives, corporate leaders and guests Oct. 19 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of EWI of Birmingham. The celebration was at the Harbert Center. Special guests included Sharon Bennett, corporate EWI president and former corporate presidents

Peggy Quinn with the Memphis chapter and Glenda Burson with the Birmingham chapter. The evening included the unveiling of a display showing the Birmingham chapter from its beginning in 1960 through 2010 and highlighting the mission, scholarships and other projects supported and administered by the chapter. Two awards were presented to recognize significant contributions to the chapter during the year. Vulcan Materials Company received the Firm of the Year award, and Diane Long, Balch & Bingham LLP, received the Jo DeMoll Representative of the Year award. ❖

Mary Claire Brouillette and Rev. Msgr. Martin Muller, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Homewood, were among those celebrating 18 years of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at the dinner for committed adorers and their families. Photo special to the Journal

Our Lady of Sorrows Church entered its ...

18th year of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration with hundreds of people turning out to celebrate Aug. 14. OLS is one of only three parishes in the Birmingham Diocese with adoration of the Eucharist 24 hours a day, seven

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 17

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

days a week. The celebration began outdoors just before the 5 p.m. Mass with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament from the Chapel of Our Savior to the church. The Knights of Columbus led as the Honor Guard and the OLS choir sang. Inside the Homewood church,

Benediction preceded Mass, which was concelebrated by OLS pastor Martin Muller and associate pastors Jaya Reddy and Michael Adams. The sanctuary was filled with 325 red roses representing 325 committed adorers. Eight white roses represented committed adorers who died within the past year. The chapel has had more than 6,000 visitors this year, according to Mary Claire Brouillette, who helped initiate Perpetual Adoration at OLS. Visitors have come from other Birmingham area and Alabama parishes and from other states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. Wherever visitors come from and whenever they arrive, there are always at least two committed adorers in the chapel. Msgr. Muller said OLS began Perpetual Adoration Aug. 15, 1992, because of the connection between the Feast of the

Assumption and the Eucharist: heaven. After Mass, some 300 people enjoyed a catered dinner in the church’s family life center. ❖

��

See more photos from OTM social events at

OTMJ.COM

��

Since 1922 we have had the commitment to our customers for a lifetime, not just a transaction. You will get only the best prices on Antique and Estate Jewelry and Diamonds.

�� Fine Jewelry

2116 2nd Avenue North • (205) 251-3381 www.levysfinejewelry.com ��

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18 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

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Send us your holiday party pics

E-mail high-resolution photos and a brief write-up to editorial@otjm.com

BLUFF PARK WINDOW WORKS

Episcopal Place marked its 30th anniversary ...

with an Oct. 14 celebration at The Club. More than $17,000 • Wood window restoration and repair was raised for the non-profit • Sash replacement, rot repair housing community. • Replace broken and fogged glass The Rt. Rev. Henry N. • Wood insulated, putty glazed, and Parsley Jr., bishop of the composite vinyl replacement sashes Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, was special guest at the event, • Locally owned and operated which also celebrated the Episcopal Church’s 30-year commitment to the affordable housing, independent living �� community. The fundraismore photos at ing event, �� called the �� Episcopal �� Place Bishop’s Dinner, drew 230 people for cocktails, dinner, a special program and dancing to music by the Charles �� Giambrone Triad. �� The program included com� �� ments by Parsley on the impor�� tance of Episcopal Place in serv�� ing elderly and disabled adults �� and a video on the facility’s mission and services. Event sponsors were Business �� Electronics, St. Martin’s in �� the Pines, Brice Building (the builder for Episcopal Place), �� St. Vincent’s Health System, �� SPM Property Management �� and BREC Development, Pam �� Ausley Remax Southern Homes, �� Omega Bank Card Services, Mr. Paul and the Venerable Louise �� Thibodaux and Regions. Keehn Berry served as hon�� orary chairman of the host com�� mittee; Terry Chapman was �� event chairman. Decorations

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Call 205-542-6094

��

OTMJ.COM

The Lovelady Thrift Store Where your savings add up to more!

At an anniversary celebration for Episcopal Place were, from left: Dr. Lori Smith and Suzan and Neil Doidge, members of the Event Host Committee, and Bo Berry. Below, The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley, Jr., Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, with Mariah Chapman.

Photos courtesy of Bill Dixon Photography

were designed by Bob Vardaman of Bob Vardaman Events Management. Proceeds from the Bishop’s Dinner will help fund Episcopal Place’s Supportive Services pro-

gram, which provides services such as transportation, subsidized noon meals, housekeeping, pastoral care, worship services and resident activities to the 146 residents of Episcopal Place. ❖

�� Shop the ��Lovelady Thrift Store, where

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22 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

holiday gift guide OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

TOYS

SOMEONE SPECIAL

Your little ones are sure to become fast friends with these adorable Sock Monkeez. These classic toys are back, and your kids will love them just as much as you did. Smith’s Variety Shop, Learning Express, Homewood Toy and Hobby

Datejust Rolex watches for men and women are a gift to stand the test of time. The stainless steel Datejust Rolex has an 18K white gold fluted bezel and a mother of pearl diamond dial. Men’s are $10,975; women’s $10,100. Barton -Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060

HOME

HOLIDAYS

Orbix Hot Glass tumblers are perfect for holiday cocktails. Made in Fort Payne, the tumblers are available in 14 colors, $50 each. A’mano, 871-9093 H&K Steel Sculptures wine caddies, $90 to $95, make a great gift for any wine lover, coming in various styles and motifs: professions, sports and hobbies. Art Alley, 879-1105

Dash & Albert Tote bags will delight the ladies. These woven totes come in a variety of patterns and colors, $55. King’s House Oriental Rugs, 244-1943 In case you didn’t know, tie-dye is back in vogue. So is the peace symbol. Cool purses ($26.99) and watches ($19.99) combine both, and the watches’ faces change colors according to the wearer’s mood. Homewood Toy and Hobby, Schoolhouse Educational Supply (just purses) “Star Wars” themed games are back this holiday season. Both young and old will enjoy these “Star Wars” Lego sets. Snoozy’s Kids, Homewood Toy and Hobby

Support your team in comfort in Alabama and Auburn jerseys and pajama pants. Jerseys, $29.95, are available in youth sizes only; pajamas come in youth and adult sizes, $27.95. Mountain Brook Sporting Goods, 870-3257

This giant, flying Uber Dart is lots of fun for boys and girls, and it’s also safe. It’s easy to catch and soars great distances. Snoozy’s Kids, Homewood Toy and Hobby, Learning Express, Smith’s Variety This super-cool Special FX Lightsaber comes complete with an array of sound effects and a feature parents will love: a mute button. Schoolhouse Educational Supply, Snoozy’s Kids, Smith’s Variety

Craven vases, $65 to $125, are made of highfire porcelain embossed with antique lace; none of them are the same. Table Matters, 8790125 Ukrainian Designer Anna Balkan brings organic lines and feminine essence to her natural gemstone creations. Pricing from $79-$379. Jewels by Rose 9795611

Antique sterling vanity jars, starting at $48, make pretty and practical presents. Beverly Ruff, 871-7872

For indoor or outdoor use, these wooden reindeer are great for holding almost anything you can imagine. The largest is $51.99, medium-sized is $44.99. Decorative toppers, $15, turn an ordinary bottle of wine into a fantastic gift. Monograms Plus, 822-3353

These beautiful hand-blown glasses are straight from the glass blowing artisans of Mexico. Yucatan Trading Co., 967-7055 This is one hot item! FireLites produce a dramatic flame that crackles and gel that is safe for indoor use and leaves on carbon footprint. With a variety of styles and prices ranging from $22. to $99. Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery, 328-1000

Add some homemade cookies to this charming reindeer platter ($24) for the perfect gift for anyone on your list. The Briarcliff Shop, 870-8110 The Christmas Elf ($13), with its sweet little face, is soft and pliable. Their arms and legs can wrap around just about anything, so they’re super cute hanging from wreaths, sitting on mantles and shelves, lining the stairwell or climbing on the Christmas tree. The Nesting Place, 9709001

Unique Metal Handcrafted Trees. These whimsical creations come in various sizes with prices ranging from $25. - $125. Even Charlie Brown would love to have one of these! Homewood Antiques and Marketplace, 414-9945

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 23

SOMEONE SPECIAL The Lucky Charms diamond necklace, a 17inch sterling silver station necklace, features pavé diamond charms, $295. Bromberg’s: Mountain Brook, 871-3276; The Summit, 9691776

ment to a classic Kay Unger dress. Lulie’s on Cahaba, 871-9696

Three pairs of panties, available in boy shorts and thongs by Affinitas Intimates, come in bright colors and neutrals. They’re $28, wrapped and in a butterfly gift box, ready for giving. One size fits all. The Lingerie Shoppe, 871-8994

Every girl loves something a little sparkly. Give the gift of assorted rhinestone jewelry; prices start at $10. Elizabeth Consignments, 977-3355 She’ll look sophisticated and stylish with this beautiful vintage jewelry line. Pieces ranging from $250 to $395. Mulberry Heights Antiques, 870-1300

Ornate animal charms from Bangkok, $28, make unique key chains, charms or ornaments. Betsy Prince, 871-1965 Keep loved ones warm with the North Face ladies’ Cedar Tri-Climate, also available in the Bantum Tri-Climate for men. Jackets have a waterproof shell with a lightweight fleece zip-out liner. The holiday price is $179.99; jackets come in a variety of colors. Rogers Trading Co., 408-9378 Fashionistas will look their best in a black leather cropped jacket ($340) by MM Couture. Wear with jeans or leather booties to bring an edgy ele-

Black Diamonds are very popular this year. Get them in everything from earrings to necklaces, stackable rings, cocktail rings and more, $300-$6,500. Shay’s Jewelers, 9785880

This year’s musthave for ladies is a scarf. Choose from a large variety of patterns and colors to find the perfect one, $12-$29. Private Gallery, 969-1559

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Give the shoe that gives back. For every pair of Toms Shoes sold a pair is given to a child in need, starting at $44. Mountain High Outfitters, Cahaba Village 970-3300; Summit 967-7607; Galleria 985-3215 You’ll be on the “nice” list for sure if you get her this beautiful Art Nouveau enamel pearl and amethyst lavaliere. Levy’s, 251-3381

��

Now is the time to get the sewing machine of your dreams!

Monogram Wizard Special Edition

Available only at Janome authorized dealers. �� 89 Fonts ��188 Motifs ��Endless Possibilities ��

Christmas Sewing Machine

��

SALE

Conveniently carry you credit cards, checkbook and cell phone all in one small purse with wrist strap with these stylish Hobo Wristlets, $68. Rosenberger’s at the Summit, 969-3506

��

�� November 29th - December 4th �� The Smocking Bird is pleased �� to meet all �� your sewing, �� embroidery and monogramming machine needs!

��

2831 Linden Ave � 879-SMOC (7662) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm � Sat 10am-2pm

24 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

GIFT GUIDE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOME

��

One of a kind glass vases made by a Seattle artist will shine year round. Each has handapplied fine sheets of gold, silver or copper metal leaf. Water and heat safe, they’re designed to be included with the finest gifts, tableware and decorative accessories. Baker Lamps and Linens, 981-3330

��

Give gifts for the home with handmade replica sheep breeds of England. The bisque porcelain line includes ewes and rams plus lambs, goats, donkeys and border collies, $47-$75. Charlotte Woodson Antiques, 871-3314

3138 Cahaba Heights Road

�� 969-3138 • Mon.-Sat. 10:00 - 5:00

Mary Charles’ Doll House

Antique labels framed in Italian molding are sure to please this holiday season. Choose labels from wine and spirits, international hotels, cigars and food, $25-$45. Arceneaux Gallery, 824-5800 Hand-blown glass balls are great for the holidays and beyond. They come in an array of colors and sizes and can be used as decorations by setting them on a metal ring, as a vase for flowers or clustered in a bowl. Prices range from $7 to $34. Sizes are from 3 to 8 inches in diameter. dwellings, 981-7779 Gardeners will dig this circa 1890 French bronze of St. Jean, $595. It’s 111⁄2 inches in diameter and signed McBaries, Paris. Christopher Glenn, Inc., 8701236

�� Delivery • UPS New, Collectible ��

Give the soothing sound of water with these tabletop fountains, $135. Elegant Earth @ the Arbor, 251-0203

Antique Dolls

�� 2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544 �� Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm �� Alabama ��

Spice up your gift giving with a dash of Pepper!

�� Pepper Place in the heart of Birmingham’s Design District is �� the destination for distinctive Christmas gifts (many crafted �� right here in Alabama) that will delight everyone on your list. ��

White ceramic floral vases ($10 to $35), in all shapes and sizes, are sure to please almost any palate. Lamb’s Ears, 969-3138 Those who love to decorate will also love this antique Noah’s Ark with 12 animals, $295. Interiors at Pepper Place, 323-2817

Kathy’s signature “coastal candle” is composed of seashells and a floating candle in a decorative jar. Murphree’s Market and Garden Center, 967-8590 Surprise the petlover in your life with a portrait of their furry friend. These original works of art will stand the test of time.Judy Butler, 9070700

Ballet

Birmingham’s Professional Ballet Company

��

Restore your own joy of giving at our

Holiday Open House

��

One of only 6 in the world!

��

Thursday, December 2nd, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. �� Beverages and light hors d’oeuvres

Dec. 10, 11, & 18 at 7:30 �� and ��

Dec. 11, 12, 18 & 19 at 2:30

�� Samford Wright Center

�� Sponsored by

��

Atmosphere / Cantley & Company / Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery General Store at Pepper Place / Illuminations @ innerspace / Interiors at Pepper Place King’s House Antiques / King’s House Oriental Rugs / Lite Box Gallery The Winery at Pepper Place

��

2829 Second Avenue South�� Birmingham, AL 35233�� ilovepepperplace.com/holiday

��

Special Performance

Nutty Nutcracker

Dec. 17 at 7:30

Samford Wright Center

For tickets, call 205-975-2787 or visit alabamaballet.org

HOME

Those who appreciate the finer things will love Tuscan pottery made in Italy; prices start at $195. Tricia’s Treasures, 871-9779 Need a gift for the hunting dad? Vintage handpainted duck decoys are $50. The Rusty Dime, 995-4005 Great selection of “coffee table” books - with wonderful photos of decorating ideas and travel destinations. Prices from $45$60. King’s House Antiques, 320-2535 Exotic orchids make every home look beautiful. These orchids have open flowers with lots of buds that will last through January. Starting at $30. Plant Odyssey, 3240566

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 25

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Moravian Stars have just arrived! Introducing new styles and sizes. Priced to fit any budget $15-$95. These stars are beautiful when lit, and will light up your home well beyond the holidays. Frontera, 320-1900 or 987-2633

Porcupine quill boxes of Southern Ceylon are finely inlaid with ivory discs and porcupine quills. Production begin about 1850-1900. They are great for holding jewelry and knickknacks. They are excellent for any decor. Sizes vary. French Market Antique Warehouse, 323-4700 This beautiful Antique American Convex Gold Gilt Mirror from the 1800’s with a golden eagle a top is a must-have for collectors or decorators looking for that unique piece to add to their collection, $4,795. Interiors and Antiques, 822-9922

Millie Ray’s Homemade Orange and Cinnamon Rolls will round out any holiday meal, or just keep them handy for snacks for your holiday guests, $5.99. New York Butcher Shoppe, 637-7500 An original painting by Emily Ozier will let the art lover know you care. Prices range from $980$2,000. Mulberry Heights Antiques, 870-1300 Creamware, cream-colored earthenware created about 1750 by the potters of Staffordshire, England, is highly collectible but also can be used for serving. Sizes vary. French Market Antique Warehouse, 323-4700

��

�� 3022 3rd Ave. So. 320-1900

Open Mon.- Sat. • 10 - 5:30 www.fronterairon.com

3988 Old Mont. Hwy 987-2633

26 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

CHARLIE THIGPEN’S

Garden Gallery

HOLIDAY

OPEN HOUSE CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WEEKEND

NOVEMBER 18-20 THURSDAY, 11/18 4:00-8:00 p.m. OPEN HOUSE Wine and light hors d’oeuvres

HOLIDAYS A white Nativity figurine, $40.95, is the perfect gift to capture the meaning of the season. Blue Willow, 968-0909

J O I N U S F O R H O L I D AY D E C O R AT I N G TIPS, GIFT IDEAS, KIDS’ ACTIVITIES, P L A N T I N G D E M O N S T R AT I O N S , P R I Z E D R AW I N G S A N D M O R E . 20 % D I S C O U N T O N A L L P L A N T S , A L L W E E K E N D LO N G . T W O $ 2 5 G I F T C E R T I F I C AT E S W I L L B E G I V E N AWAY E A C H D AY !

FRIDAY, 11/19 10:00 -10:30 a.m. WINTER CONTAINERS PRESENTATION Charlie shows options for planting hardy outdoor containers to brighten your outdoor spaces from fall through winter. 4:00-4:30 p.m. FORCING BULBS PRESENTATION Learn how to grow bulbs in water or soil for stunning tabletop arrangements.* 4:30-8:00 p.m. Wine and light hors d’oeuvres

Hand-crafted wooden angels, starting at $75, will help spread the joy of the season. Primetime Treasures, 870-5555

SATURDAY, 11/20 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. FORCING BULBS PRESENTATION* 3:00 -3:30 p.m. FOR THE KIDS Make winter treats for the birds, handmade ornaments and more! Plus each child takes home a pansy to plant and enjoy. PEPPER PL ACE 28 05 SECOND AVE SOUTH, BIRMINGHA M 205 328 10 0 0 WWW.CHARLIE THIGPENSGARDENGALLERY.COM MONDAY- FRIDAY 9 - 6PM ‡ SATURDAY 8 -4PM

Don’t forget to leave a snack for Santa on Christmas Eve. Santa Snack Set by M. Bagwell $31. Once Upon A Time, Crestline 870-7772; Homewood 870-7776 These wonderful hand dressed Santas by Karen Didion

REAL FLIGHT RC FLIGHT SIMULATOR G 5.5

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GIFT GUIDE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

are sure to bring a smile this holiday season. Featuring traditional costume, the wine connoisseur, NASCAR, the golfers and our Santa, $79 each. Kings House Antiques, 320-2535 Count down to Christmas with Advent calendars, starting at $89, and goodies to fill them with, starting at $2. A’mano, 871-9093

Birmingham’s own Lynne Killion pottery ornaments are beautiful and meaningful with a breast cancer awareness cross, angels and plain cross, $10 to $12. The Cook Store, 879-5277

Browse through an assortment of Christmas china. It’s a great way to complete sets with missing pieces without paying retail prices. Priced as sets and individually. Elizabeth Consignments, 977-3355

Magnetic initial note pads by Ganz are a stylish and fun gift, $4.99 are great for holiday reminders and notes. flip-flops and what nots, 9677429 Hand-painted glass holiday tea light holders, in four- and six-inch sizes (also available in round), $10.49 and $13.49, will brighten the season. Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market, 871-0092

Does your loved one love tennis? If so, they’ll love these Christmas ornaments, starting at $11. Player’s Choice, 907-0700 A metal tin holiday reindeer wine bottle cover, $17.99, is a gift any wine lover will enjoy. Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market, 871-0092

These antique gift cards are not your ordinary to and from cards. On saved scraps of antiques, artist Kat Tracey paints Christmas woodlands, $2 each. The

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

GIFT GUIDE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 27

TOYS Your budding artist – or just your everyday doodler – will have fun with a Funky Notebook and Pen Kit made exclusively for Learning Express., Learning Express

A Mountaineer play set with rock wall, tire swing, slide, rope climbing ladder and swing will make any child’s holiday dreams come true. Backyard Adventure, 408-4386 Trunki rolling suitcases by Melissa and Doug have four wheels, not two, and can also be ridden. Accessories include stick-on decorations and saddlebags. They’re regulation size for airplane carry-ons. Homewood Toy and Hobby, Learning Express, Snoozy’s Kids Bubble Talk will entertain for hours. Players draw cards with a comical picture and then try to match the funniest or best caption to it, Homewood Toy and Hobby, Smith’s Variety, Learning Express, Snoozy’s Kids, Schoolhouse Educational Supply Eco-friendly City Blocs in cool colors are for ages 3 and older. The set has 100 safe, wooden building blocks. Larger sets are available. Homewood Toy and Hobby, Smith’s Variety Promote recycling and have a blast with this the Big Bang Rocket. Cut newspaper into squares, pop the top of the rocket and insert paper. Then close the lid, grab the tail and toss it into the air for a “big bang” landing. Homewood Toy and Hobby, Learning Express, Schoolhouse Educational Supply, Snoozy’s Kids

fan. Snoozy’s Kids, Homewood Toy and Hobby

Just like the ones at the supermarket, Melissa & Doug Shopping Carts are sturdy metal. So, maybe better than the ones at the supermarket.. Smith’s Variety, Learning Express, Homewood Toy and Hobby, Schoolhouse Educational Supply Retrieval Decoy Duck decoys are realistic-looking remote control ducks with a smaller duckling inside. If you’re duck hunting, get lucky and can’t get to your prey, take out the small duck, attach it to its mom with a retrieval gaffe and use a radio remote to pull in your dinner. Also great for rescuing remote control planes that land in the water. Homewood Toy and Hobby

Little ones who love animals will love Calico Critters, a line of miniature animal families with optional accessories like houses and automobiles. Learning Express, Smith Variety, Homewood Toy and Hobby

Eebees aren’t your ordinary stacking toy but an interactive adventure with shapes, colors and sizes to stack, fit, share, compare and even wear. Once Upon a Time

Take these darling Corolle Tidoo Bath Babies into the tub; they wipe clean. And they don’t mind if you get soap in their eyes. $39.99; ages 18 months to 3 years. Smith’s Variety, Learning Express, Schoolhouse Educational Supply, Homewood Toy and Hobby

“Star Wars” is still huge this Christmas seasons. You’ll find books and games themed around the popular movie and this Lego set is sure to be a hit with any

Cuff bracelets with cunning clasps have fabulous bands of stingray and lizard. Snoozy’s Kids, Smith’s Variety

Let the little ones work off all the excess energy with Sonic Slam, a virtual sport. Kids play against each other with a racquet that makes sounds. There’s no ball in this game, though. Snoozy’s Kids, Learning Express

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This clever Potato Chip Science Kit comes in what looks like a real chip bag. Instead of Ruffles inside, you’ll find 29 different experiments. $29.99. Snoozy’s Kids, Smith’s Variety, Homewood Toy and Hobby

Garden Gifts and Gift Certiﬁcates ��

Type in your answers to sports questions (there are football, baseball and golf versions), in “Obsessed With” games and the computer inside this gadget tells you how well you did. Great car game. Snoozy’s Kids Tap on the glass jar of this butterfly collection, and these real-looking beauties fly and flutter. Kids and adults will be fascinated by the butterfly collection. Smith’s Variety

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

TOYS The Z Curve Bow, a foam bow with safe “zarts” that fly up to 100 feet, stick anywhere and then fall off so little brother won’t have to spend Christmas with a dart on his forehead. Smith’s Variety, Learning Express, Snoozy’s Kids One of the newest models on the market, this Electrix Remote Control Circuit Car is a good remote control starter car. It goes 20 miles an hour and is ready to run right out of the box. Homewood Toy and Hobby

GIFT GUIDE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 29

MISCELLANEOUS is the perfect way to count down to Christmas. Embellished monthly designs available with gold or silver easel. Christine’s, 871-8297

�� These small personalized Market Totes handy multi-purpose baskets are perfect for shopping, storage or transporting furry friends, $29.95. Vestavia Hills Apothecary/Annabelle’s, 979-4444 A charming, perpetual calendar designed by artist Karen Adams

Use bead-shaped magnets and your imagination to create intricate formations with Nano Dots and Bucky Balls. A super stress reliever while you’re watching the big game or “Dancing with the Stars.” Smith’s Variety, Learning Express (Nano Dots only)

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�� Let him showoff his team spirit with Smathers and Branson needlepoint and leather SEC wallet, $115, and credit card holders, $55. Remon’s Fine Clothiers, Summit -977-5512; Downtown 328-9780

To: From: Date:

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870-3589 YOU ROAST THE TURKEY, Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 WE’LL CLEAN THE HOUSE Nov. 2010

and everyone will be thankful.

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for Everyone appreciate a thorough clean from Maids.to 824-1246. Nov. 18,can 2010 issue. Please fax approval or The changes

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

��

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Exclusive Magic Collection Kits will enchant children Christmas day and beyond. These kits come with instructive DVDs and have equipment for turning lots of tricks. $69.99, Smith’s Variety

Thank you for your prompt attention.

If “Gossip Girls” Serena and Blair are your fashion favorites, you can find their earrings in Crestline Village. You can shorten the earrings by looping the dangling chains or wear them as is for more pizzazz. $45. Snoozy’s Kids

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30 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

Creswell-Wallace

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Arnold Cresswell of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Melissa Diane, to Robert Hue Wallace III, son of Ms. Kathy Owens Wallace of Florence and Mr. Bobby Wallace of Livingston.

DeRosa-Carter

Meredith Lindsay DeRosa and Jeremy Daniel Carter were married Oct. 9 at Swann Lake Farm. Jonathan Taylor Owen officiated. A reception followed at Swann Lake Farm. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph John DeRosa. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry V. Bragg of Huntsville and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Joseph DeRosa of New York. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Carter of Birmingham. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wilkinson of Birmingham and Mrs. Hoyt Carter and the late Mr. Carter of Birmingham. The bride was given in marriage by her father. He escorted her down the aisle to “Nessun Dorma,” one of her grandfather’s favorite

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WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

Miss Cresswell is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Oliver Lyle of Grenada, Miss., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Farr Cresswell of Grenada. She is a graduate of Hoover High School and the University of Alabama, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She is employed by ADTRAN, Inc., in Huntsville. Mr. Wallace is the grandson of Mrs. Louise Eason Hooten of Tarboro, N.C., and the late Mr. James Leroy Owens of Fountain, N.C., and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Wallace of Foley. He is a graduate of Bradshaw High School. He attended Auburn University, where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. He is employed by RBC Bank in Meridianville. The wedding is planned for Dec. 11 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. songs. She wore three strands of pearls: her own, her mother’s and her grandmother’s. Her dress was ivory silk faced satin by designer Amsale Aberra. French handcrafted lace adorned the top of the gown. The silk duchess satin pleated ball gown skirt flowed into a chapel-length train. She carried a hand-tied bouquet of cream garden roses, white peonies, ranunculous, iris, mini callas and Star of Bethlehem. John Henry DeRosa, brother of the bride, of Birmingham served as man of honor. Bridesmaids were Sandra Abigail Falls, Rachel Denise Jones, Emily Bryding Henley, Kristin Nicole Riley and Alison Batts Smolin, all of Birmingham, and Katherine Jane Sherer, cousin of the bride, of Spanish Fort. Each bridesmaid selected a different style charcoal chiffon floorlength gown by Amsale. They carried hand-tied bouquets with white orchids, pink garden roses, mini callas, berries and Star of Bethlehem. Groomsmen were David Robert Bloomberg; James Daniel Carter, father of the groom; Ryan David Carter, brother of the groom; William Caleb Chancey; Joshua Philip Hausen; Trevor Jeffery Little; and Patrick Lee Meadows, all of Birmingham; and Neil Hayes Sherer, cousin of the bride, of Spanish Fort. After a wedding trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico, the couple live in Birmingham.

Send us your good news! Go to otmj.com to submit weddings/engagements announcements

Satterfield-McClain

Miss Caroline Green Satterfield, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hughes Satterfield of Birmingham, and Jason Warren McClain, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren David McClain of Marlton, N.J., were married Sept. 25 at Highlands United Methodist Church in Birmingham. Dr. Gregory Finch from the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and the Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield of Highlands United Methodist Church officiated. Organist Richard Phillips played Henry Purcell’s “Triumphal Voluntary,” and the procession began with the cross, ministers and the wedding party. Dale Vecere Seabury, cousin of the bridegroom, and Ryan Omenski Green, cousin of the bride, sang solos. Scripture readers were Colleen Vecere Menz and Drs. Cynthia Ellis Hill and Nancy Beth Muir. The bride, groom and their par-

Wagner-Vinson

Christa Caren Wagner and David Stewart Vinson were married Sept. 25 on The Green in Charlotte, N.C.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ents served Holy Communion to their guests. The ceremony ended with the couple jointly lighting a single candle symbolizing their union. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore her mother’s wedding gown, a blush taffeta faille gown featuring a bodice of imported English net appliquéd with Alencon lace. The detachable Watteau train with Alencon lace appliqués completed the Renaissance look of the original Priscilla of Boston designed gown. An elbow-length ivory mantilla of Alencon lace was attached to a matching lace Camelot cap. The bride carried a cascade bouquet of mini calla lilies, orchid spray, lavender roses and stephanotis. Dr. Holly Cameron Burt of Arlington, Va., served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included sisters of the bridegroom Kellyann Stolnabb McClain of Austin, Texas, and Alison McClain Schmidt of Corpus Christi, Texas; Katie Reynolds Beavers of WinstonSalem, N.C.; Shannon Rouse Durham of Hoboken, N.J.; Rachel Elizabeth Meadows of Philadelphia, Penn.; and Drs. Nathalia Alexandra Veale of Arlington, Va., and Martha Mae Woodrum of Birmingham. The attendants wore individual black dresses and matching purple shoes. They carried lavender trailing bouquets. The bridesmaids were the bride’s classmates at the Altamont School, Wake Forest University and her doctoral program at Marymount University. Flower girl Gray Margaret Katherine Powell of Birmingham

wore a lavender batiste dress, which the bride wore as a child. The ring bearer was Carter Patrick Spurr of Virginia Beach, Va. Mr. McClain served his son as best man. Groomsmen were Maj. Marcos Antonio Melendez III, USMC, Alexandria, Va.; Tonu Mets, Playa Del Rey, Calif.; LCDR James Brettman O’Donovan, USN, San Diego; LT Matthew James Powers, USN, Monterrey, Calif.; William Hughes Satterfield Jr., brother of the bride, Birmingham; LT Brian Christopher Schmidt, USCG, Corpus Christi; and Joel Christopher Spangenberg, Washington, D.C. Ushers, torchbearers and crucifer included LCDR Todd Alan Duez, USN, Port Orchard, Wash.; LCDR Matthew Kerr Henigin, USNR, Monument, Colo.; Ronald Matthew Ibbetson, London, United Kingdom; Brian Christopher Peithman, Seattle.; Maj. Kyle Shelley Pitman, USMC, Annapolis, Md.; LCDR James Graham Reeve, USN, Norfolk, Va.; Brian Thomas Saal, Fairfax, Va.; Maj. Graham Frederick Sloan, USMC, Iwakuni, Japan; Matthew Stephen Valle, Irving, Texas; and LT. Colin Raymond Young, USN, Bethesda, Md. The groomsmen were the groom’s classmates at the U.S. Naval Academy and friends from his nine years of service as a Marine Corps Aviator. Following the ceremony, a dinner reception was held at the Country Club of Birmingham. The couple honeymooned in Turkey and now live in Washington, D.C.

Rev. Andrew Baxter officiated. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Wagner of Charlotte and granddaughter of Cmdr. and Mrs. John Salop of Virginia Beach, Va., and Mrs. Helen and the late Mr. Frank Wagner of Pittsburgh, Pa. She graduated from Davidson College and earned a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Duncan Vinson Jr. of Birmingham and grandson of Mrs. Ireyse Haughton and the late Mr. John Haughton of Jasper and the late Dr. and Mrs. Laurence Vinson of Gadsden. He graduated from the University of Alabama, received a master’s degree in science from the

University of New Mexico and is a Ph.D. candidate in earth and ocean sciences at Duke University. The bride’s sister, Diana Wagner of Philadelphia, served as maid of honor. Her brothers, Andrew Karl Wagner and John David Wagner of Charlotte, were ushers. The groom’s brother, Laurence Duncan Vinson III of Melrose, Mass., was best man. Laura Wagner, cousin of the bride, of Pittsburgh was reader. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, for which the bride’s father was architect of record. A rehearsal dinner was hosted by the groom’s parents at Bentley’s on 27. The couple live in Durham, N.C.

Owens-Staub

ity and was presented at the 2008 Heritage Ball. She now attends the University of Alabama School of Medicine. Mr. Staub is a graduate of the McCallie School and the University of Georgia with degrees in international affairs and African studies. He is a member of Kappa Sigma social fraternity. Mr. Staub attends Cumberland School of Law. The wedding will be at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in January 2011.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rhett Owens announce the engagement of their daughter, Milner Benedict Owens, to Mr. Joseph Martin Staub, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Paul Staub of Chickamauga, Ga. Ms. Owens, a Foundation Fellow and a member of Phi Beta Kappa, graduated summa cum laude with honors from the University of Georgia with degrees in Spanish, biochemistry and molecular biology. She is a member of Phi Mu social soror-

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 31

SCHOOLS

Greystone Students Place in PP&K Sectionals

Virginia College is hiring!

Three of the four Punt, Pass and Kick winners from Greystone Elementary traveled to Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 10 for the event’s sectional competition. Luke Dunlap was second in the 10- and 11-yearold boys’ division, Bailey Bowers finished second in the 10- and 11-year-old girls’ division and Ava Keaffaber finished third in the 8- and 9-year-old girls’ division. The sectional competition included participants from Alabama and Tennessee. Placing in the Punt, Pass and Kick sectional compeRand Payton is the school’s physical education tition were, from left: Ava Keaffaber, Bailey Bowers teacher. and Luke Dunlap.

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�� At a Liberty Park Middle School presentation about bullying were, from left, front: Angela Cope, Gabriela Cadahia, Maria Ritchey and Madison Henkey. Back: Caroline Kirkconnell, Ana Wagstaff, guest speaker Jessica Brookshire, Meghan Levant and school counselor Stephanie Photo special to the Journal Holcomb.

Liberty Park Program Aims to Stop Bullying

Alabama. Brookshire, 23, is a 2009 graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in international trade and Spanish. She is pursuing a master’s degree in Hispanic studies with a concentration in Latin American women’s studies. She will participate in the 2011 Miss Alabama pageant in June. Stephanie Holcomb, a counselor at Liberty Park Middle School, hosted the presentation for students and parents. ❖

Jessica Brookshire, the 2010 Miss Tombigbee pageant winner, recently visited Liberty Park Middle School to speak about her platform, K.A.R.M.A. (Kids Against Ridicule, Meanness and Aggression). KARMA is Brookshire’s campaign to end bullying in school-aged children. She is currently working with Tina Meier of the Megan Meier Foundation to help improve bullying laws in

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32 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

SU Chef Cooks up Demo at HHS

Appearing in the OLV production of “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” were, from left: Grace Pillitteri, Rietta Bolus, Marty McGuire, Albert Dascher, Olivia Beland, Casey Young and Georgia Claire Park.

OLV School Presents ‘Beauty and the Beast’

Our Lady of the Valley School’s drama department presented “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” Nov. 5-7 in the OLV family life center. Michael R. Bridges directed the show. The cast featured some 90 performers in first through eighth grades. Eighth grader Rietta Bolus starred as Belle during the Friday and Sunday performances, while seventh grader Marissa Latham appeared in the role for the Saturday show. The Beast was played by eighth grader Thomas Gibson. Marty McGuire was Lumiere, Casey Young was Mrs. Potts and

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

Photo special to the Journal

seventh grader Albert Dascher was Cogsworth. Joining them as the main castle characters were Olivia Beland, Jacob Steele, Georgia Claire Park and Grace Pillitteri. Gaston was portrayed by Greyson Fant with Cole Callahan as his lackey. Narrators were: Kimberly Rankin, Shelby Snelling, Sara Sligh, Catherine Tudisco, Allie Picou, Mariah Schley, Kaylee Gilchrist and Victoria Peters. Others in the cast were Abby Hagelskamp, Courtney Hayhurst, Kelsi Hobbs, Matthew Steele, Nicholas Buttrey, Nathan Fisher, Mitchell Ledbetter, Kayla Wiggins and Eva Catherine Crawford

Abby Vandiver, a Shades Mountain Christian School fourth grader, counts her money during her first banking day at the school. Class members are learning about economics by keeping their own bank accounts throughout the school year. Photo special to the Journal

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Chris Vizzina, Samford University chef, gave a food demonstration for Homewood High School faculty and students Oct. 15 during the lunch periods. The Homewood city schools’ child nutrition program has been paired with the executive chef and general manager at Samford to create healthy dishes that taste good through the Chefs Move to Schools program. Carolyn Keeney, child nutrition program director, said the partnership will be a great opportunity for Homewood schools to incorporate new recipes into their menus. The chef also will work with cafeteria employees to demonstrate cooking techniques that can be used in recipe preparation. The Chefs Move to Schools program, run through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, helps chefs partner with schools in their communities to create healthy meals that meet the schools’ dietary guidelines and budgets, while teaching young people about nutrition and making balanced and healthy choices.

Oak Mountain Team Wins 3rd at BEST

Oak Mountain High-Tech Solutions, the school’s robotics team, won the third place Overall BEST Award at the UAB Blazer BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) competition Oct. 9 at Bartow Arena. The team also won first for Web site design (www.omhsbestrobotics.com) and for marketing presentation, the BEST Founders Award for most creative robot design and most elegant robot. Oak Mountain’s creative theme for the competition was Dr. Seuss’ “We Will Succeed, Yes We Will Indeed, 99.99966% Guaranteed!” The team incorporated the Six Sigma management and engineering processes in building and testing the robot design. The High Tech Solutions team also developed an iPhone app for the competition. Oak Mountain will advance to regional competition at South’s BEST at Auburn University Nov. 19-20. The contest featured middle and high school teams from 25 central Alabama schools. Each team competed with a built-fromscratch robot and had six weeks to develop and build the robot for competition based on this year’s theme, “Total Recall.” BEST has two parallel competitions: a robotics game, based on the annual theme, and the BEST Award, presented to the team that best embodies the concept of boosting engineering, science and technology. Engineers and other technical professionals from local

Samford Chef Chris Vizzina gives a food demonstration to students at Homewood High School. Photo special to the Journal industries serve as team mentors who advise and guide students through the design and construction of their machines.

as their favorite nursery rhyme character that day. ❖

Gwin Kindergarten Students Have Good Time with Rhymes

Gwin Elementary kindergarten classes held their Annual Nursery Rhyme Party Sept. 24. Each class performed a rhyme for parents, teachers and other kindergarten students. Afterwards, they enjoyed a muffin and juice. Kindergarteners were encouraged to come to school dressed

Luke Scarborough and Evan McCain came dressed as their favorite nursery rhyme characters for Gwin kindergarten classes Nursery Rhyme Party. Photo special to the Journal

Participating in this year’s BEST competition were from left: High-Tech Solutions students Justin Clemons and Josh Tyson, with parent/engineer Donald Schnader. Left, Oak Mountain’s “Oakie” the Eagle with UAB’s “Blaze” in Dr. Seuss hat. Photo special to the Journal

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Cherokee Bend students visiting Jones Valley Urban Farm were, from left, front: Alice Byars, Sareena Askenazi, Reagan Downey, Kathryn Huddleston and Richard Brock. Middle row: Sarah Welles Edwards, Margaret Nichols, Cam Sparks, Amelia Tynes, Jenny Watts and Julia Bedingfield. Back: Ashley Paulk, James Gregory, Andrew Hawkins, Charles Vaughan, Grady Breland and Teddy Kent.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 33

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Photo special to the Journal

Cherokee Bend Students Visit Jones Valley Urban Farm

Cherokee Bend Elementary School first graders recently visited Jones Valley Urban Farm in downtown Birmingham. The students learned about farming and picked organically grown herbs, mild peppers, radishes, turnips and lettuce. Afterwards, the children walked across the street to the downtown YMCA, where they used a teaching kitchen to make healthy snacks with the vegetables they picked. The Jones Valley Farm nutritionist taught the children about the different food groups and the importance of making healthy eating decisions.

Hall-Kent Teacher Wins Science Award

Rita Schell, Hall-Kent Elementary School LEAD teacher, was named the 2010 Outstanding Elementary Science Teacher by the Alabama Science Teacher Association. Alabama Science Teachers Association, a department of the

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�� Amy Glass of UAB presents Martez McIntyre, Miracle Williams, � Charlotte Brown, Trefaye Wells and Matthew Smith with a check �� for Operation School Bell. Photo special to the Journal Alabama Education Association, is a non-profit organization affiliated with the National Science Teachers Association.

Donation Supports Operation School Bell Amy Glass from the University of Alabama at Birmingham recently presented

ASTA President Libby Little, left, presents Hall Kent teacher Rita Schell with a plaque honoring Schell as a 2010 Outstanding Elementary Science Teacher. Photo special to the Journal

a check to Charlotte Brown, cochairman of Operation School Bell, the Assistance League of Birmingham’s philanthropic program. The donation from the UAB Benevolent Fund will help the program provide new school clothes and personal care products to children in need in the Jefferson County and Birmingham area. ❖

Send us your school news! We want to know about the good things going on in your school. Send school news and pictures to editorial@otmj.com or call (205) 823-9646 to learn how to get your school recognized.

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34 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

SPORTS

hosts a 7-0 lead with 9:11 remaining in the first period. Two possessions later, the Rockets were forced to punt again. This time, the ball was snapped over the punter’s head, into the end zone for a safety, giving the Bucs a 9-0 advantage with 2:53 left in the first quarter. Hoover took advantage of the mistake when McArthur ran 13 yards for a touchdown, raising the lead to 16-0 with less than a minute in the first quarter. There was no more scoring until late in the third quarter, when McArthur scored his second touchdown, this time from 14 yards out. Real’s third conversion gave Hoover a 23-0 margin. The Bucs’ final score came on the first play of the fourth quarter when quarterback Ryan Carter passed eight yards to Jaylon Denson Hoover defenders Braxton Lowe (32), Trent Dunne (92), Max Elliot (98) for a touchdown. The conversion and Tyler Roberts (44) bring down a Gardendale runner. attempt failed, and Hoover was More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Marvin Gentry ahead 29-0. A late consolation touchdown by FIRST ROUND PLAYOFF GAME OF THE WEEK Gardendale completed the night’s scoring. FIRST ROUND The final statistics indicated a far PLAYOFF HIGHLIGHTS closer game than the score might AT OTMJ.COM have suggested. Hoover out-gained the Rockets by only 16 yards and made only five more first downs. But every time the Gardendale offense got close to the Buccaneer never seriously challenged. Even goal line, it was stopped cold. BY LEE DAVIS three Hoover turnovers in the third FIRST ROUND JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER quarter didn’t lead to any Rocket PLAYOFF HIGHLIGHTS ost people probably won’t scoring because of the stubborn Hoover 30, Spain Park 10 remember Hoover’s first play of the Buccaneer defense. The underdog Jaguars hung One of the chief catalysts in tough with the top-rated Bucs round Class 6A playoff game with Gardendale as a football Hoover’s victory was running back through the third quarter, but two classic. The High School Football Justin McArthur, who rushed for late touchdowns gave Hoover a Hall of Fame isn’t likely to request 105 yards and scored two touch- comfortable victory. downs. a DVD of the contest. Running back Justin McArthur “We like to spread the ball around, scored two touchdowns to lead But that’s just fine with the Bucs. And if Hoover wasn’t particular- but Justin delivered tonight,” said the Hoover offensive effort. Buc ly thrilling against the Rockets, it Niblett. quarterback Ryan Carter passed to The opportunistic Bucs struck Jaylon Denson for another score. didn’t need to be. The Bucs did exactly what they had to in earning early. On the game’s first series, Taylor Moon intercepted a Spain Hoover’s Devon Earl blocked a Park pass and returned it 14 yards a 29-7 victory. Coach Josh Niblett’s team took Gardendale punt, and Montez for a touchdown. advantage of early Gardendale mis- Carlton recovered the ball in the end The Jaguars’ only touchdown takes to take an early lead and was zone. Larson Reel’s kick gave the came on a 22-yard toss from quarterback Nick Mullens to Reid Reinangel. Spain Park ends its season with a 6-6 mark. Hoover, now 12-0, �� SPECIALISTS � goes on to visit Clay-Chalkville �� in the third round of the Class 6A �� SPECIALIZING IN:�� playoffs.

Rocket Men

Bucs Not Fancy, But Overcome Gardendale with 29-7 Victory

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Spartans Sweep Cross Country Titles; Hazouri and Roberts Take Individual Titles

BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

he beat went on for the Mountain Brook Spartan boys’ and girls’ cross country teams. The Spartans swept to easy victories in the Class 6A cross country meet at Oakville Indian Mounds Park. In boys’ competition, Mountain Brook totaled 52 points to far outdistance runner-up Hewitt Trussville’s 89 score. In girls’ competition, the Lady Spartans were even more dominant, scoring 30 points, while runner-up McGillToolen of Mobile finished with 88. The victories of Coach Greg Echols’ teams were no big surprise. The Mountain Brook boys earned their third state cross country title in a row and fourth crown in five years. The girls’ dominance is even greater, as they won their eighth cross country championship in a row and tenth in 11 years. The day’s big stunner, however, may have come in the boys’ individual competition, where Spain Park’s Brandon Hazouri upset Grissom’s Blaise Binns to take first place. Hazouri’s time of 15:45.12 outdistanced Binns’ 16:05.96 total. Hazouri passed Binns with about 1,000 meters remaining in the race. Binns, in turn, faded late, and Mountain Brook’s Jack Morgan

took second place with a 16:02.96 finish. “I thought Blaise would be right behind me at the end,” Hazouri confessed. “I knew it would take the best race of my life to win.” In the girls’ individual competition, Mountain Brook eighth grader Caroline Kennedy led the way, finishing second behind McGill’s Carmen Carlos. Kennedy – who didn’t even join the Lady Spartan varsity until late in the season – completed the five kilometer course in 17:49.70. Carlos took first place at 17:49.70. Mountain Brook’s Amy Bedell, with a time of 19:14.78, finished fifth in the event. In Class 5A boys, John Carroll Catholic’s Griffin Lee finished second with a time of 16:31.00. Briarwood’s Ramsay Ritchie was third in the individual competition. Scottsboro won the boys’ Class 5A team competition. The big individual winner in Class 5A girls was John Carroll’s Rachel Roberts, who won her second straight individual crown. Roberts completed the course in a time of 18:32, improving her time over last year by more than 10 seconds. Roberts’ individual title sparked the Lady Cavaliers to a third place finish overall; Briarwood finished third behind first place Scottsboro and second place St. Paul’s.

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Briarwood 21, Walker 14 Sam Whitaker’s five-yard touchdown run with 1:24 left in the game gave the Lions a dramatic victory over the Vikings. After Walker moved ahead 7-0 in the first quarter, Briarwood rallied with two touchdowns in the second period. Ben Craft scored on a seven-yard run to tie the score. Craft also passed to Devin Bowman for a 12-yard touchdown play that gave the Lions a 14-7 lead. Walker battled back to tie the game at the end of the third quarter, setting the stage for Whitaker’s heroics. Briarwood, now 11-1 for the season, hosts undefeated Fort Payne in the third round of the Class 5A playoffs.

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Mountain Brook Fifth and Sixth Grade Win Volleyball Title

The Mountain Brook fifth and sixth-grade volleyball team claimed the volleyball championship recently. Team members are, front row, from left: Mary Margaret Byrne, Elaine McDonald, Libby Grace Gann and Kathy Gonzalaz Back row: Ellie Matsos, Madison Thomas, Hannah Bartles and Ellie Ritter.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Spartans,

SPORTS

from back cover

tunities to score, especially in the first half. On its first drive, Vestavia missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. A Rebel drive to the Spartan one-yard line died when Mountain Brook stopped it cold on a fourth down play later in the quarter. Vestavia saw a bad snap ruin a 34-yard field goal try late in the first half. “Our defense played out of their minds,” Spartan wide receiver John McCrary said. Mountain Brook took control in the third quarter. The Spartans put together a seven-play 56-yard drive to score the game’s only points. Quarterback Ed Aldag’s 21yard touchdown pass to McCrary gave Mountain Brook a 6-0 lead with 4:01 remaining in the third quarter. Warren Handrahan’s extra point gave the Spartans all they would need. Two turnovers forced by the Mountain Brook defense also helped the winning cause. Walker

Hoover, from back cover

game all around. We had to fight hard to win, and that was good for us.” The quarterback added that the tough test was just what Hoover needed as they begin the stretch run of the playoffs. “Nothing’s going to be easy from here on in – and that’s as it should be,” said Carter. “A team doesn’t reach this far along without being really good. It’s going to take our best effort every week if we want to reach our goals.” And that goal, of course, is

Wright,

from back cover coach when Newton had health problems in 2006, was named the full-time successor. Unfortunately for Wright, his timing was less than perfect. Homewood, which had thrived in Class 5A, was reclassified to Class 6A, which contained schools with much larger enrollments. Even worse, the Patriots were realigned in one of Alabama’s toughest regions, which included such perennial big-school superpowers as Hoover and Vestavia Hills. For a perspective on the significance of the change, bear in mind that Homewood’s student enrollment is almost always less than 1,000 students; Hoover, on the other hand, often has as many as 2,200 students crowding its halls. Not only that, but Newton’s last Patriot team graduated about 30 seniors, almost all of whom

Mountain Brook quarterback Ed Aldag’s 21-yard touchdown pass to John McCrary was the only score in Mountain Brook’s 7-0 shutout win over Vestavia. Journal photo by Pete Collins

Cox intercepted a Vestavia pass in the first half. The Spartans’ Michael Resha forced a fumble in the second half that was recovered

by Harry Reich. John Beck led the Spartans’ ground game with 111 yards on 33 carries. He gained 21 of those

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 35

yards during the winning drive. Aldag completed 10 of 14 passes for 104 yards. Aldag’s touchdown throw was his final pass of the game, as Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager turned the offense over to his running attack. “The kids played so hard,” said Yeager. “If the players don’t execute, the world’s greatest game plan doesn’t mean a thing.” Running back Georgie Salem led the Rebel attack by rushing for 107 yards on 26 carries. Vestavia coach Buddy Anderson, who saw his team end its year with a 9-3 mark, was characteristically gracious in defeat. “We had chances to score but couldn’t take advantage of them,” he said. “Mountain Brook played good, sound defense and made the big plays it needed to win.” Williams said that simplicity was the key to the Spartans’ success against the potent Rebel offense. “When we played Vestavia the first time, we used a lot of elaborate defensive schemes,” Williams explained. “They were kind of complicated, and that may have

to finish undefeated and win the Class 6A state championship. A visit to Clay-Chalkville is next on Hoover’s championship card. “I know they are big, fast and talented,” Carter said Sunday. “We haven’t looked at their film yet, so I don’t know much about their schemes. But our coaches will have us ready.” Carter said one reason for Hoover’s strong performances in recent weeks is the play of running back Justin McArthur. McArthur rushed for 166 yards on 33 carries in the win over Spain Park. “J-Mack (McArthur) is a great back and really sparked up our running game,” said Carter. “I’m glad he’s on our team.” saw important amounts of playing time. So Wright was saddled with a situation where his program was being aligned with much larger programs at a time where Homewood would be in a rebuilding mode anyway. But if Wright ever whined or complained about the hand he was dealt, few people heard it. Instead, he worked hard to make Homewood competitive in the toughest league this side of the SEC’s Western Division. I remember interviewing Wright not long after he was hired as head coach. He made it clear that the school’s size would not be used as an excuse once it began competing at the 6A level. “We will hold this team to the same high standards to which Homewood teams have always been held,” said Wright. “Nothing is going to change just because we have moved up a classification.” But despite Wright’s and Homewood’s best efforts, things did change. The Patriots’ records began to hover around – or just

slowed us down a little. “For this game, we went back to the basics and came off the ball more quickly. I think that really helped us.” Mountain Brook now stands at 10-2 for the season and only two wins away from reaching the State 6A championship game at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Spartans host powerful Gadsden City in the playoff’s third round on Friday night. Few people thought Mountain Brook, which finished 4-6 last season, would come so far. But Miller said he and his teammates had a different idea. “We had a vision for this season,” Miller said. “We wanted to revert back to the way we did things two years ago, when Mountain Brook won a lot of games and made a good playoff run. Throughout the off-season and in every day of practice, we worked to get to where we are today. “I think we’ll be ready for whatever’s ahead of us.” Williams and Mountain Brook’s vision might go a lot further. Hoover’s Jaylon Denson fights for tough yardage in the Bucs contest with Spain Park.

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

below -- .500. Never, ever, even during the darkest days, did Wright make excuses. To Wright, a loss just meant that he, his staff and team just had to work even harder. In some of Wright’s seasons, the team would start slowly, losing four or five of its first games before rallying late in the year to salvage a respectable record. Critics slammed Wright for the lackluster beginnings, but consider the type of teams Homewood usually opened against. In 2008, for example, the Patriots began their season facing Spain Park, Hoover and Vestavia in succession. Homewood lost all three games, but so would any number of other schools with similar opening slates. What was most impressive about Wright’s accomplishments was the way he kept his players together through the early tough times to score surprising victories late in the season. One of his most impressive victories came during his interim season of 2006, when

a 3-5 Patriot team walloped a highly ranked Vestavia team 2810. And during Wright’s regime, you could count on Homewood pulling an upset of that magnitude almost every season. The Patriots’ late-season heroics should have told people two things: First, that even in hard times, Wright never gave up on his players, but secondly and just as importantly, his players never gave up on their coach. That’s hard to find in athletics at any level these days.

Wright may decide on a life outside of coaching, but I could almost guarantee you he will still get the “itch” to coach when Friday nights roll around next fall. He hasn’t given me any inside information, but I’ve got a feeling Dickey Wright may well appear on the sidelines at a high school football game sooner than anyone imagines. I hope that’s the case. High school football in Alabama needs Dickey Wright, and more coaches just like him.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010

Sports

Mountain Brook wins Fifth and Sixth Grade Volleyball Title. Plus Spartans Sweep Cross Country Titles; Hazouri and Roberts Take Individual Titles. See page 34

The Big Green Shutout Machine SECOND ROUND PLAYOFF ACTION

Spartan Defense Sends Rebels Home

BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

hen Vestavia Hills defeated Mountain Brook 1713 back on Sept. 3, most players, coaches and fans agreed that the close verdict could have gone either way. In fact, the game even ended with a “to be continued” feeling as all involved had a lingering thought that the pair would meet again. “We felt like we should have won, but Vestavia made the big plays,” Spartan linebacker Miller Williams recalled. “We knew if

we saw Vestavia in the playoffs, we would need to be the ones who made the big plays, if we expected to win.” And as fate would have it, the Rebels and Spartans did meet again in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs last Friday night. But nobody would have guessed the outcome. Playing superb defense from start to finish, Mountain Brook came up with just enough offense to send Vestavia home on the losing end of a 7-0 count. The Rebels had their oppor-

See Spartans, page 35

Lee Davis

The Wright Stuff: Retiring Patriot Coach Did Things the Right Way

Mountain Brook running back John Beck gets by Vestavia’s Corbin Potter in the Spartans win over the Rebels in a second round 6A defensive battle. More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Pete Collins

No Suprise

Bucs Carter ‘Nothing’s Going to be Easy from Here on In’ BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

Hoover’s Tyler Roberts knocks the ball from Spain Park quarterback Nick Mullens in the Bucs win over the Jaguars. More photos at otmj. com Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

lthough his Hoover team thrashed Spain Park 440 back on Sept. 10, Buccaneer quarterback Ryan Carter was expecting a much tougher time when the two teams met again in last Friday’s Class 6A playoff game. “They were having a lot of issues, they lost their coach and had some key injuries,” Carter said. “We caught them at a time when they were a little disorganized. When Hoover and Spain Park

met the second time, the contest was much closer. The Bucs entered the third period nursing a narrow 17-10 lead. But at the end of the evening, Hoover had a 3010 victory and stretched its record to 12-0. (See more on the game on page 34). Carter, however, didn’t change his opinion about the Jags. “They were much better this time around,” he said. “They played some really good defensive schemes that confused us for a long time. “Spain Park played a good

See Hoover, page 35

ickey Wright announced last week that he was stepping down after five years as the head football coach of the Homewood Patriots. Wright’s statement for public consumption was that stepping down was his idea, but I’m still sorry to see him go. Few coaches at any level had more determination and class than this man, who has been in the Homewood system for almost 30 years. If ever a coach truly paid his dues, it was Dickey Wright. He began his career at Homewood as the coach of the middle school, not only leading the football program but also coaching wrestling. Wright worked his way onto the high school coaching staff in 1993, where he helped head coach Bob Newton build one of the strongest programs in the history of Class 5A football in Alabama. With Wright at his side as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, Newton led the Patriots to five state championships before retiring the summer before the 2007 season. Wright, who had served as interim head

See Wright, page 35