Over the Mountain Journal Dec. 2, 2012 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 DECEMBER 1, 2011

HOME TOURS HERALD THE SEASON

Helping plan this year’s Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday Tour of Homes are from left: Beth Adams, Betsy Brown, Paige Albright and Cyndy Cantley. Betsy’s Mountain Brook home is one of six featured on the tour. Also, read about Dr. Jeanna Westmoreland and her husband, Samford University President Dr. Andrew Westmoreland, who will open their home for the first Legacy League Christmas Home Tour. Home features begin on page 22.

The Red Mountain Garden Club will hold its 28th annual greenery sale Dec. 7 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. See About Town, page 7.

During the holidays, it’s business as usual for firefighters. But that doesn’t mean they won’t have a holiday meal worth celebrating. See Life, page 10.

The city’s top young professionals vie for “The Finest” in a fundraising competition benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. See Social, page 16.

2 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

CONTENTS/OPINION

Gift Guide Part II: Our advertisers have come together again to help you find that special gift for everyone on your list. See Gift Guide, page 32

B J P S

OTMJ.COM

rowse through more photos from the area’s biggest and best social events.

oin the conversation. Comment on stories, events and more. We want to know what you think. lan your weekends with our extended online calendar.

hare your good news. Submit wedding and engagements online by clicking on “issues, forms & info” at the top of the page, or click on “Submit News,” to share other news.

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In our next issue, get into the holiday spirit with Christmas and holiday cards created by Over the Mountain students.

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

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HOME WEDDINGS SCHOOLS SPORTS

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December 1, 2011

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Laura McAlister Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Bones Long, Cary Estes, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Editorial Intern: Jennifer Taylor Vol. 20, No. 23

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to 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.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MURPHY’S LAW

Tannin Bomb

ot every gift is a Orient. The catalog didn’t exactly say. winner. That’s the problem with food gifting. Seen or I recently sent unseen, things can go horribly wrong. It could be bad my parents a lobster pot pie. timing (first day of Weight Watchers), bad choices I hadn’t had a chance to try (cheese log for the lactose intolerant) or just plain bad it myself, but it looked so (lobster pot pie). good in the catalog that I Ordering food gifts from catalogs is even trickier. thought I’d just send it on. For one thing, it’s hard to determine the scale. That I mean, the pie contained Gigantor Tower of Treats may tower only over your Maine lobster (one of their cereal bowl. I once ordered a chocolate torte that was favorite foods) flash frozen supposed to serve 16 people. I don’t know which in a flaky crust. How bad 16 people they were talking about, but my husband Susan Murphy could it be? Harold and I split it over coffee. Evidently, pretty bad. At least it tasted good, but the pictures all look deliWhen I asked about the pie cious and you can’t taste things experience, my parents hemmed online or over the phone even if That’s the problem with and hawed. it’s a smart phone. Of course, as Finally, my dad said, “It soon as I say that, someone will food gifting. Seen or wasn’t the best.” invent an app for that, too. You unseen, things can go hor- lick the screen and the essence My mother hurried to add, “It didn’t make us sick or anything.” lobster pot pie comes right on ribly wrong. It could be bad of through. Cumin, definitely cumin. I had hoped for more than timing (first day of Weight Crafting food gifts in your simply not sending my parents own kitchen avoids all that taste to the emergency room. I had Watchers), bad choices uncertainty, but a gift from my hoped the pie would be a hit, but it bombed. (cheese log for the lactose kitchen would be no gift at all. For me, cooking is more a surWhen I was a teenager, my mother went off-roading and tried intolerant) or just plain bad vival skill than a calling, which is why Harold and I end up calling to sneak in some fancy dinner(lobster pot pie). time quiche where our meat and for pizza more times than not. potatoes should have been. My Those handmade mix kits sister and I were more than vocal in our disapproval. seem more like cut and paste than cooking, but to me There were gagging noises involved. they’re only half a gift. “Here’s a baggie of dip spices. “What’s in this?” we demanded. Add your own sour cream” or “Here’s a bag of beans. “Oh, just eggs and bread and milk ...” my mother Brown a pound of ground beef and cut up an onion.” said, looking sheepishly at her lap. I’d be calling for pizza for sure. “No, no, no,” we insisted, “there’s something else.” But not for lobster pot pie. At least I didn’t sign “Well,” my mother conceded, “I did add a little bit my parents up for the Pot Pie of the Month Club. If of wine.” they didn’t like the lobster, they sure wouldn’t like And there it was. Some kind of tannin extravaganza. the mushroom and venison creation. There’s probably Like the lobster pot pie, it didn’t make us sick, but my wine in that, too. mother certainly never tried it again. Still, gifting consumables appeals to me. Less clutNow, it was my turn to bomb. There may have ter, less confusion, nothing to dust. been wine in the lobster pot pie. There may have been Right now, I’m thinking about cocoa. Cocoas with allspice or cumin or some kind of flavoring from the little marshmallows. No wine. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What holiday dish do you look forward to feasting on the most?

“Macaroni and cheese.” Kim Doss Vestavia Hills

“Cheese bake made with Captain Rodney’s glaze from Fun Stuff.” Becky Nichols Vestavia Hills

“Oyster dressing.” Dennis Jones Bluff Park

“Turkey, specifically dark meat.” Jon Clemmensen Mountain Brook

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 3

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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Holiday floats with surprises for the crowd, a marching band, music and elves will all be a part of Mountain Brook’s annual holiday parade Dec. 4, with a new longer route through Mountain Brook Village. Parade-goers can have photos made with Mountain Brook’s mayor, who will arrive on a fire truck. Mountain Brook native Tribble Reese, CMT’s “Sweet Home Alabama” star, will be the grand marshal. Emcee is Scott Mauldin with Media of Birmingham. Merchants in Mountain Brook Village will be open on parade day from 2 to 5 p.m. Parade activities begin at 3 p.m. with live entertainment from the center stage in Mountain Brook Village as Santa and the parade make their way through the city. The route includes Cahaba Road, Culver Road and Petticoat Lane.

Referred for a reason.

The Greater Birmingham Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will host a fundraiser Dec. 7 at the Vestavia Country Club. Entertainment will be provided by storyteller Dolores Hydock. She is a touring artist for the Alabama State Council on the arts, a speaker

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Special guests at this year’s Mountain Brook Holiday Parade include Scott Mauldin, left, and CMT “Sweet Home Alabama” star and Mountain Brook native Tribble Reese. Photo special to the Journal with the Alabama Humanities Foundation and a member of the Southern Order of Storytellers. The event also includes a jewelry sale, bake sale, pecan sale and many craft items to purchase. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 10 a.m.; lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m. All proceeds support programs of the Greater Birmingham Salvation Army.

Ornament Sale Helps Homeless Dogs Shelby Humane Society and its Shelter Partners Program are selling holiday ornaments featur-

ing a dog or puppy which will be transported to another state for adoption. The ornaments are $50 each. The donation will be used to sponsor the transport of a homeless dog to New England, where, in most cases, homes are found within a week. The ornaments are at Shelby Humane Society’s Holiday Store at the Riverchase Galleria, at Whole Foods in Mountain Brook and at www.shelter-partners.org. For more information, call Michelle Amaral at 612-1102. To volunteer, call Jenny Miller at 6693916 or visit www.shelbyhumane. org. ❖

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 5

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6 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Public Invited to Briarwood Events

Briarwood Presbyterian Church invites the public to several holiday events, including its Walk Through Nativity and Community Christmas Festival. The congregation will stage the Walk Through Nativity Dec. 7-9 from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. on the church grounds. More than 850 church members participate

ABOUT TOWN in this three-night event featuring 13 Christmas scenes, including a camel and other live animals. The event also features a children’s petting zoo and refreshments are also offered. It’s an easy walk for the entire family, including children in strollers. There is no admission charge. Briarwood will present the 23rd annual Community

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Christmas Festival Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. The 120-voice adult choir will be joined by the Briarwood Ballet and the Alabama Philharmonic Orchestra in a musical celebration of the Christmas story. There is no admission charge. For a full calendar of events, visit briarwood. org/advent.

Shades Mt. Baptist Plans Special Programs

Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills will host Christmas by Candlelight: Glory in the Highest Dec. 4 at 2 and 6 p.m. The annual holiday musical spectacle includes vocals, instruments, ballet, modern dance, percussion, arrays of lights and more. Worship Pastor Michael Adler will direct a cast of hundreds of participants. Doors open one hour before each performance. Admission is free. For more information, call 822-1670 or visit www.shades. org Shades Mountain Baptist also will present Tidings of Joy Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. The Shades Orchestra will present musical sounds of the season. Admission is free.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Getting ready for Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church’s Christmas in the Hills are from left: Quint Harris, Ruth Grissom, Susan Groseclose and Jim Frazier. Journal photo by Laura McAlister

Vestavia Hills UMC Hosts Annual ‘Christmas in Hills’

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church will host “Christmas in the Hills: A Celebration of Giving and the Arts” Dec. 15 from 1 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall and Tyson Hall. Christmas trees will be decorated by community organizations. The Vestavia Hills East Elementary choir, Pizitz Middle School girls’ choir and the Hoover High School Chamber Choir will provide entertainment. Other performers include the Dill Pickers, Vestavia UMC’s handbell choir, New Life Singers, Youth Praise Band and Vestavia Dance. Those who attend are asked to bring canned goods for a tree in the entrance of Tyson Hall.

For more information, contact Rev. Susan Groseclose at sgroseclose@vhumc.org or 7690151.

Children’s Choirs Sing at Trinity UMC

Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood will present its Children’s Choirs Christmas Concert Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. in the church’s main sanctuary. Choirs composed of 3 year olds through fifth graders will perform along with the Children’s Handbell Choir. A string quartet and Orff instruments will accompany the choirs. The concert will be under the direction of Jodi Haskins, Trinity’s associate music director. Handbell director is Dan Hermany. Call 879-1737 or visit www. trinitybirmingham.com for more information. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Garden Club Readies for Greenery Sale

The Red Mountain Garden Club will hold its 28th annual greenery sale Dec. 7 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.

Girls’ Choir Sings at Dec. 4 Concert

The Birmingham Girls Choir Holiday Concert will be Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at Shades Crest Baptist Church in Hoover. The concert is free. The choir is a multicultural, nonprofit organization that celebrates

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 7

ABOUT TOWN

Getting ready for the Red Mountain Garden Club Greenery Sale are from left: D.A. Tynes, Holly Goodbody, Anne Couch, Pratt Brown and Bob Newton. Photo special to the Journal 12 and under will receive half-price diversity through the study and tickets to the matinee performances community-wide performances of on Dec. 3 and 17. For $5, young choral music. guests can have cookies and picFor more information, visit tures with Santa beginning at 1 p.m. www.birminghamgirlschoir.org. before the same performances. ❖

RMTC Continues Holiday Tradition

Red Mountain Theatre Company presents “Holly Jolly Holidays” Dec. 1-18 at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre, 301 19th St. North. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and at 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tickets are $30-35 (group discounts and student/senior rates are available) and can be purchased by calling 324-2424 or visiting www. redmountaintheatre.org. Children

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8 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

‘Nutcracker’ Back for 16th Year

Alabama Dance Academy’s Ballet Classique’s “The Nutcracker” will return this year for its 16th season. Performances are Dec. 10 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. at Oak Mountain High School’s Performing Arts Center. E.T.A. Hoffman’s fairy tale ballet is set to music by Tchaikovsky. More than 125 Alabama Dance Academy students perform a traditional version of the ballet. ADA dancers have performed in the Bahamas, Paris, Munich, New York City and at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Tickets are $10 and are available at Alabama Dance Academy. For more information, call 9786830 or visit www.aladance.com.

Fashion Show Has Seasonal Theme

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The Shelby County Christian Women’s Connection will host a December Fashion Show Dec. 8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Riverchase Country Club. The show will include holiday accents by Bags & Then Some. Etiquette coach Connie Rhodebeck will speak on “The Surprising Gift of Lasting Friendship.” Cost for the brunch and program is $16.50. There’s no 2:45:14 PM charge for childcare; mothers with children in the nursery may attend at half price. Door prizes will be given. For reservations, call 6858791.

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Alabama Dance Academy will present “The Nutcracker” Dec. 10 and 11 at Oak Mountain High School. Photo special to the Journal Center on Montclair Road. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students per film. A $40 weekend pass can be purchased for five films. For more information and a complete list of movies and times, visit www.bhamjcc.org.

Vulcan Performers Host Holiday Show

The Vulcan Performers will present its fifth annual holiday dance entertainment event Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. at the Wynfrey Hotel. The event includes a dance show, family dance party, Salvation Army toy drive, a goods drive for Three Hots and

Film Festival Set for Dec. 3-4

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The Birmingham Jewish Film Festival, co-sponsored by the Levite Jewish Community Center and The Edge 12 Theatre, will be Dec. 3-4. Movies will be shown Dec. 3 at The Edge Theatre in Crestwood and Dec. 4 at the Levite Jewish Community

Vulcan Performers dancers include directors and founders T.J. and Wendy Zito. Photo special to the Journal

{Hosted by Earthborn Studios and Cahaba ClayWorks}

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a Cot, vendor tables, art show and silent auction. The family-friendly dance party after the show will include free lessons for kids and adults and popular dance music. Rhythm N Motion students will provide exhibitions, including the Rhythm N Motion junior ballroom team and junior boys hip hop dancers plus local Justin Bieber impersonator Brad Price. Vulcan Performers dancers include directors and founders T.J. and Wendy Zito, Alexa Duchock, Brooks Macbeth, Nicole Gryder, Kyle Gwin and Ryan Reed. Junior performers are Nicole Glick, Griffin Glick, Brad Price and Hannah Parrish. A silent auction will feature items from vendors and from Birmingham area restaurants. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for the arts/vendor show. Those who attend can bring a toy for the Salvation Army or a household item for Three Hots and a Cot to receive a free ticket to the door prize drawing. Three Hots and a Cot helps counsel and house homeless veterans. The organization needs new household items, toiletries and men’s clothes. Tickets are $8 online at www. bhamdance.com or $10 at the door.

Sale Offers Help for Haiti

Ann Piper Carpenter will host a Made-in-Haiti sale at Little Savannah restaurant Dec. 4 to help Haitian workers market their wares. Carpenter leased land near Terrier Rouge in Haiti and provided a tractor to help employ Haitians. Workers produce aprons, napkins, bags, skirts, throw pillows, pillow cases, honey, Christmas candles, sea salt, wood carvings, jewelry and art. Those products will be on sale Dec. 4 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Little Savannah on Clairmont Avenue. The restaurant will provide snacks and drinks. Valet parking is available. Proceeds from the sale go directly to the workers and artisans in Haiti. ❖

LIFE

10 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

Firefighter Fare

The Guys at Station No. 5 Give ‘Hot Meals’ a Whole New Meaning BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

uring the holidays, it’s business as usual for firefighters. But that doesn’t mean they won’t have a holiday meal worth celebrating. In fact, firefighters all over the country have become known for their gourmet grub. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving dinner at the firehouse or just a typical day, firefighters come together to cook a hearty meal. At Hoover’s Station No. 5 in Bluff Park, they whip up at least two hot meals a day. Though they still have to tend to their regular duties on the holidays, those on duty Thanksgiving and Christmas Day still make time to gather around the table for a mouth-watering meal. “This year we’re doing rib-eye,” said firefighter Scott Wilkinson, who worked on Thanksgiving and is scheduled for Christmas Eve. “Big, fat rib-eyes. I can eat leftover turkey when I get home. I’ll have a fridge full of turkey.” Firefighters like Scott, who’s been with the department more than a decade, have become used to working holiday shifts. And since firefighters have to prepare their own meals while on duty, he’s also become quite a cook. “We just kind of all get together for a meal, so we don’t starve,” he said. “I’ve watched the other guys through the years and picked up a few things here and there. It’s really trial and error.” According to firefighter Brian Hallman, Scott is the “gravy man.” He also makes a “killer enchilada,” added firefighter Michael Thorin. Whatever Scott and his fellow firefighters are cooking up, expect it to be hearty, like Scott’s beef tips and gravy with black-eyed peas. “We might have that for lunch, but then of course we’ll have a healthy dinner,” joked Capt. Blake Jones. “I’m sure it will be something like broccoli and skinless chicken breasts.” More likely Scott and fellow firefighter and cook Adam Reeves are going to whip up something with a bit more flavor – like bacon, eggs, biscuits and grits or maybe their special gumbo. That’s always a crowd pleaser, Scott said. And since these guys spend every minute together during their three-day shifts – waking and sleeping – of course they also gather around the dinner table together for their five-star meals. Rusty Lowe, public information officer for the Hoover Department, said mealtimes are often therapeutic for firefighters. “Especially around the holidays when bad things happen, it can be tough,” he said. “A lot of therapy is done around the dinner table. It’s physical and mental nourishment for us.” They do have a good bit of fun, too.

When on duty, the firefighters at Hoover’s Station No. 5 like to cook at least two hot meals a day, and they’ve gotten pretty good at preparing gourmet meals. From left are Hoover fire chief John Wingate, public information officer Rusty Lowe, Adam Reeves, Michael Thorin, Capt. Blake Jones, Brian Hallman and Scott Wilkinson. Journal photos by Laura McAlister Michael said the Station No. 5 crew knows not to let him cook. “They don’t even allow me to have sharp objects,” he said. He’s typically left in charge of buttering the bread and opening the cans. During the holidays, they’ll have work to do around the station, but it’s usually a little more relaxed, Scott said. “We’ll turn on the TV in the morning and have it on all day,” he said. “Usually we don’t turn the TV on until about 4 p.m.” Their work includes the typical vehicle checks and cleaning, and of course those unplanned emergencies. It’s not uncommon for the firefighters to get an emergency call while they’re cooking their holiday feasts. That’s when they spring into action -- and hopefully remember to cut off the stove. “It’s not really good PR for us to have a station catch fire,” Rusty said. “They might have to come back to cold food, but I can promise you it’ll be the best they’ve had.” Of course, if the firefighters can’t finish preparing their meal, stations like the one in Bluff Park have plenty of options to fall back on. “We always have tons of people bringing us food, especially during the holidays,” Brian said. “The people here are really great to us. We get lots of pecan pies and you name it.” The guys at Station No. 5 aren’t the only ones in Hoover known for their tasty bites. Fire Chief John Wingate, who dines at all the different stations, said each has some super cooks. “These guys cook really, really well. The good ones kind of surface to the top,” he said. “I do visit the different stations. “I couldn’t eat there all the time, though. I’d be twice as big as I am now.” ❖

Firefighter Scott Wilkinson browns some beef tips for his beef tips and gravy served over rice with black-eyed peas. While most of their recipes are top secret and subject to change depending on the day, Station 5’s Scott Wilkinson agreed to share two of his most popular:

RED BEAN GUMBO

Whole Chicken Package of Conecuh sausage Package of crab meat Shrimp (1 to 2 lbs.) 2 Cans dark kidney beans 2 Cans light kidney beans Onion and bell pepper chopped Tablespoon of Crab Boil

1 Box Zatarains Red Bean Seasoning, mix only (No rice) 1 Box Zatarains Gumbo Base Add okra if desired Add chicken broth if too thick

BEEF TIPS & RICE 3 lbs Beef Tips. 3 Jars Heinz Savory Beef Gravy. 1 Box of beef broth. Add as needed. 1 Can cream of mushroom. Onion. 1 Large can mushrooms. Add lemon pepper, salt and pepper. Serve over rice.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

White House Chef Visits American Village

Former White House Chef Roland Mesnier will be at American Village’s White House Christmas Coffee and Dessert Buffet Dec. 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the chef and sample White House desserts during the event at Liberty Hall. Mesnier served five get more at U.S. presidents and their wives: Jimmy Get the and Rosalyn recipe for Carter, Ronald White House and Nancy Chef Roland Reagan, Mesnier’s George H. W. bananas in and Barbara raspberry Bush, Bill cream at and Hillary otmj.com Clinton and George W. and Laura Bush. Mesnier will autograph copies of his new book, “A Sweet World of White House Desserts,” available for purchase exclusively at the event. Also available will be a signed commemorative White House plate and Mesnier’s books “Dessert University,” “Basic to Beautiful Cakes” and “All the Presidents’ Pastries.” After the buffet, guests will be invited to visit the President’s House, the Lucille Ryals

LIFE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 11

otmj.com

Former White House Chef Roland Mesnier will be at American Village’s White House Dec. 3 for a Christmas Coffee and Dessert Buffet. Thompson Colonial Chapel and the Estes Theatre, which houses a miniature Christmas village. Floral decorator Dorothy McDaniel of Homewood will have the American Village decked out for the holidays. For more information or tickets, call 665-3535, ext. 1031, 877-811-1776, ext. 1031, or email Christmas@AmericanVillage.org. Tickets are $100 each; table sponsorships are also available. Pre-reservations are required. ❖

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12 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

A Christmas Tradition Continues with 44th Ball

he 44th annual Poinsettia Ball will be held at Vestavia Country Club Dec. 28. The presentation will begin at 9 p.m. Denise Oliver is president of

the Poinsettia Ball board. Mary Angelo is this year’s ball chairman. Elizabeth Ferguson is the ball’s social secretary. The Poinsettia Ball is sponsored by the Ballet Women’s

Committee and the Poinsettia Men’s Club. Liz Guest is president of the Ballet Women’s Committee. David Hendrickson is president of the Poinsettia Men’s Club. ❖

Elizabeth Chase Alexander, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Blake Prescott Alexander

Brittany Lee Arias, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Peter Arias

Rebecca Emily Cade, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Detlie Cade Jr.

Mary Susan Cashio, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Richard Cashio

Sarah Hixson Cox, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert James Cox

Caroline AlexandraVictoria Daniel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Leland Daniel

Mary Ellen Davis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Baskervill Davis

Erin Elizabeth Dowling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Watford Dowling

Amy Rebecca Dumas, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Roland Frederic Dumas Jr.

Emily Rachel Dumas, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Roland Frederic Dumas Jr.

Ansley Caroline Fuller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Calvert Fuller

Sarah Elizabeth Fuston, daughter of Ms. Kay Acton Fuston and Mr. Roger King Fuston

Caroline Emily Elise Gilbert, daughter of Ms. Louisa Smith Gilbert and Dr. Jeffrey Robert Gilbert

Helen Elizabeth Glisson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Maher Glisson

Lucy Walker Gunn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Matchett Gunn

Amy Britton Hale, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Britton Hale

Anne Walker Irwin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alton Culpepper Irwin

Caroline Rose Kennemer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Allen Kennemer

Mary Lauren Lassiter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Max Lassiter

Abby Michelle Lucas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred John Lucas

Leigh Allison Mills, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Albert Mills

Virginia Hagan Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Glenn Moore

Cara Virginia Mordecai, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Marce Mordecai

Anna Katherine Page, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Ross Page

Elizabeth Wesley Pirkle, daughter of Honorable and Mrs. Robert Francis Pirkle Sr.

Meagan Rebecca Ross, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Lynn Ross

Kelsey Marie Schilling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Joseph Schilling III

Hannah Faye Scivley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Anders Scivley

Sarah Kathryn Sharp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Coleman Sharp

Allyson Blair Shumate, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Raymond Shumate

Lindsey Rebecca Sillers, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Jay Sillers

Kathleen Sherer Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Franklin Smith II

Alexandria Leigh Thornton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Michael Thornton

Emily Shelbourne Williams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Gordon Williams

Courtney Anne McCallum, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Alexander McCallum III

Samford University presented awards to outstanding faculty and staff members at its opening convocation of the fall semester. Longtime professor and former Alabama governor Albert P. Brewer of Vestavia Hills received the Samford Medallion, becoming only the third recipient of the honor since it was created by the Samford Board of Trustees in 2006. The medallion recognizes persons whose good works have made a difference in society, community affairs, the life of the church and the quality of life for individuals. Brewer has been an Alabama legislator, speaker of the house, lieutenant governor and governor, distinguished professor of law

and government in Samford’s Cumberland School of Law, chairman of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama and active church member. The Decatur native joined Samford in 1987 to lead PARCA and to teach in the law school and undergraduate history department. Brewer retired in 2005 but continues to teach a course in professional responsibility to law students. Samford exercise science and sports medicine professor Dr. Alan Jung of Hoover received Samford’s John H. Buchanan Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching. The annual award includes a silver tray and $1,000 cash prize. Finalists for this year’s award were nominated by members of the 2011 graduating class. Samford associate registrar

Nancy Miller of Hoover received the President’s Award as a staff member who exceeds all expectations and offers exemplary service to all segments of the Samford community. Three employees received Meritorious Service Awards: Tracy Luke of Pinson, program assistant, Cumberland School of Law; Sherry Baldone of Hoover, director of enterprise applications group, technology services; and Jan Paine of North Shelby County, director of undergraduate student services, Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing. The convocation also included recognition of student leaders who serve in a variety of elected and voluntary posts and acknowledgement of an elite group of donors to the school. The 75-member Founders Circle includes Samford supporters with annual gifts in an uninterrupted chain of at least 35 years.

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Former Gov. Albert Brewer, left, receives his award from Clark Watson, Samford University’s Board of Trustees chairman. Photo special to the Journal

Samford Honors Brewer at Convocation

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 13

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14 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

riends of Community Grief Support Service helped raise more than $38,000 at the eighth annual Lift Your Spirits gala Oct. 20 at Park Lane. The funds surpassed the gala committee’s $30,000 goal and will be used to fund free grief support services for bereaved adults in the Birmingham area. Board Chairman Terrell Spencer thanked sponsors, donors, committee members, volunteers and CGSS staff members for their efforts. Honorary Chairman Mal Moore, University of Alabama athletic director, was introduced by Wayne Gillis. Moore inspired the crowd with his personal story of the loss of his wife, Charlotte, to Alzheimer’s. Spencer presented Moore with the Guardian Angel award and commended his compassionate work for families victimized by the disease. Table sponsors included Herzing University, L. Paul Kassouf & Co., Protective Life Foundation, Linda and Spencer Bachus, Beth Chapman and Tom and Maizie Nelson. Members of the “WOW Friendship Group (Widows/widowers Opening Windows) sponsored two tables. Park Lane was decorated with pumpkins, fall foliage and votive candles as guests dined on a buffet dinner catered by Kathy G. Auctioneer Granger Thagard found eager bidders for vacations, autographed footballs, game tickets, wines, jewelry, fine dining, artwork and other items. Among guests enjoying the evening were Karen and Wayne Gillis, Beth and Ron Henderson, Ann Marks, Mary Roebuck, Jean and David Kassouf, Nazha and Gerry Kassouf, Johnathan Kassouf, Jimmy Beall, Peggy and Michael Balliet, George Bartle, Rena and Charles Chamblee, Sandra Craft, John Darnall, Pam and Chuck King and

Clockwise from above: Enjoying the Lift Your Spirits Gala were from left: Pat Ingle, Brenda Van Reenan and Leigh Jordan. Also there were, from left: Myrna Pittman, Virginia Love and Annella Waldrup. With the evening’s honorary chairman Mal Moore, center, are from left: Chuck and Pam King. Also enjoying the evening were from left: Patty Cooper and Katy Corbin.

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Gala Helps Lift Spirits Susan and Joe Warren, Melanie and Don Lewis, Pat and Lee Ingle, Brenda VanReenen and Leigh Jordan. WOW members at the event were Len Bryant, Sharon Ponder, Cathy Stryker, Pete Short, Kathy Adkins, Lowell Martin, Debbie Hinchman, Paulette Wiysong-Schatz, John Collins, Lynn Burtram, Tanya Brascome, Judy Taylor, Paula and Hannah Adams, John Bennett and Cheryl Dunlap. Also attending were Margaret Alexander, Wandalyn Baker, Adrienne and Dennis Bourland, Lynn Bragan, Patty and Scott Cooper, Katy Corbin, Virginia Cord, Tony Dalesandro, Peggy and Larry Davis, Patricia Dobbs, Carolyn and Michael Edwards, Jack Granger, Rebecca Wingett and Greg Green, Berlean Henderson, Diana Hodges, Donna Jernigan and Bill Johnston. Others there were Jacque Kelley, Laudan and Mounir Khalid, Debi Lacher, Joey Longoria, Collin and Andrea MacMillan, Bill Martin, Scotty McCallum, Mike McEachern, Jenelle and DeWayne McGraw, Robby Owens, Connie Rhodebeck, Tracey Runnion, Susan Sallin, Nancy Norris and Ben Schillaci, Neal Schooley, Bobby Siegal, Betty Slaughter, Cathy Stryker, Brittani Valone, Jessica Vaughan, Micah Wade, Marge Warren and Luke Williamson. Gala committee members attending were Maureen Alexander, Shelley Berman, Brenda Bodine, Peggy Bourland, Marla Corts, Linda Dunn, Martha Hastings, Anne Hightower, Laudan Khalid, Chuck King, Melanie Lewis, Virginia Love, Carol MacMillan, Ann Marks, Peggy Miller, Myrna Pittman, Terrell Spencer, Steve Sweatt and Annella Waldrup. Community Grief Support Service provides free grief counseling, grief support groups and grief education for bereaved adults. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Community Grief Support Board Chairman Terrell Spencer, right, gives University of Alabama Athletics director Mal Moore the Guardian Angel award for his work for families victimized by Alzheimer’s. Moore lost his wife, Charlotte, to the disease. In addition to receiving the award, Moore also was the honorary chairman of the Community Grief Support Lift Your Spirit Gala at Park Lane in October. Photos special to the Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 15

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The Assistance League of Birmingham ...

hosted a luncheon and fashion show Nov. 2 at Vestavia Country Club. Darlene Real-Higginbothan and the Model Connection presented a fall fashion show featuring clothing from Belk. Colleen Adams, a former Assistance League of Birmingham president, was one of the models. Mary Anderson of Diamonds Direct gave a presentation about diamonds. Doris Ruffino won a raffle for a set of diamond loop earrings. Event chairman was Melinda Thornbury. Shirley Acton, Carol Matherson and Liz Warren Above: Attending the Assistance League of Birmingham’s fashion show donated the wine. Char Bonsack were from left: Carol Medders, Cindy Wade, Liz Warren and Danielle created the centerpieces. Ardith Wade. Below: Also there were from left: Barb Kelley, Pam Buc and Darcy McMicken, Frances Owens, June Pryor, Paula Verdu and Norma Schofill. Photos special to the Journal Jean Crews also assisted. Other members there included Karen Baker, Molly Bee Bloetscher, Charlotte Brown,

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Wade. All funds raised by the luncheon will remain within the community to support ALB’s three philanthropic programs: Operation School Bell, Operation Literacy and PrimeTime Treasures. ❖

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Above: Attending Birmingham’s Finest, a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation were from left: Michelle Groetken, Angie Sayler, Katie Prodoehl and Kimberly Pruitt. Below: Also at the event at Ted’s Garage were from left: Marianne and Dr. Greg Ledbetter and Jennifer Hagler. Photos special to the Journal

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Birmingham’s Finest débuted Nov. 3 ...

at Ted’s Garage with 19 of the city’s top young professionals vying for “The Finest” in a fundraising competition benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. A seven-week campaign to raise funds for CF research kicked off Sept. 15 at Regions Conference Center with Maki Fresh providing refreshments. Honorees met their CF family partners, who provided insight about how children or young adults live with the disease. Honorees were featured in radio spots, in B-Metro’s October edition, at YP Birmingham’s October mixer and at community fundraisers with local restaurants. At the grand finale, presented by Brookwood Medical Center, guests awaited the final totals from the silent auction to determine who would be crowned “The Finest.” VIP guests were hosted by KPMG, and Gentlemen Zero rocked the room as guests enjoyed hors d’eourves by Creative Cuisine. CF young adults Katey Ballard and Cade Hovater spoke to the group about the disease and the advances being made through research. Scott Fitzgerald from WERC congratulated all the honorees and announced the top three, who were given their awards by event chairman Adam Thomas. Kimberly Pruitt was the 2011 Finest winner. She raised more than $9,000. Dr. Greg Ledbetter was the runner-up, and Charles Moore placed third. Together, the honorees raised more than $57,000. Others honorees were Stephen Armstrong, Anna Barnes, Brent Barringer, Philip Currie, Jay Dennis, Brooke Everley, Kenny JnoFinn, Dr. Lauten Johnson, Zac Riddle, Angie Sayler, Alex Sproule, Dr. Clark Thomas and Holly Tanner. Style Advertising promoted the new event, and Jennifer Hagler and Dennis Lathem provided photography. Committee members were Anna Barnes, Elizabeth Burgess, Lawrence Greer, Reginald Jeter, Amy Moore, Beatty Richardson and Patrick Runge.

MyScoop hosted its annual Beaus and Belles ...

event Oct. 20 at Bromberg’s in Mountain Brook. It was presented by Bromberg’s and sponsored by Hoover Toyota with catering by Ashley Mac’s. Ward Halliday

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MyScoop’s 2011 Beaus, with Amy Bailey, include, from left: David Germany, Patrick Eades, David Barry, Joel Pryor and Brian Hoffman.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 17

will be held in the spring. Lewis Hughes is the Hoover/Shelby Art Association president. At the Vestavia Hills Art Association fall show, Bill Brown won Best of Show. Other Vestavia winners were: Oil/acrylics: Charles Lively, first; Sondi Barton, second; Faye Creel, third; and Sharon Wolfe, honorable mention. Water media: Yvonne Andrews, first; Gayle Jones, second; Caroline Collins, third; and Robbie Ann Harris, honorable

mention. Photography: Barry Wilson, winner. 3-D: Lincoln Gaborik, first, �� and Bill Payton, second. �� Dry media: Wanda Rayfield, �� winner. �� Pastel: Ellen Justice, first, and Sandra Davis, second. �� The VHAA show was at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Sharon Gates of Birmingham was the �� juror. Charles Lively was show �� chairman and is serving as presi�� dent. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

and Associates sponsored the bar. Scoopette Lounge, a 2012 airstream equipped with champagne, was sponsored by Dandy RV. The 2011 Belles are LeeAshford Broughton, Alexandra Stone, Ashley Norris, Betsy Wall and Sara Hood. The 2011 Beaus are David Germany, Patrick Eades, David Barry, Joel Pryor and Brian Hoffman.

The Hoover/Shelby Art Association and the ...

Vestavia Hills Art Association recently hosted their annual fall arts shows. At the Hoover show, Lewis Hughes received Best of Show in Art, and Darci Alexander received

Best in Show in Craft. Other Hoover winners were: Oils: Sue Hughes, first; Sandra Walters, second; and Faye Creel, third. Watercolor: Yvonne Andrews, first; Barbara Prior, second; and Marion Rekus, third. Mixed media: Winnie Cooper, first; Mary Ann Brechun, second; and Scott Pelham, third. General art winners: Carol Weston, first, and Theresa Peterson, second. Deco: Teresa Wamble, first, and Becky Roberson, second. Craft: Barbara Dollar, first, and Lincoln Gaborik, second. Juror for the Hoover show was Jerry Roldan from the Mobile Museum of Art. The show was at Heardmont Park. The next members’ show

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At the Mountain Brook Kappa Delta Alumnae Founders Day were Marnie Hutchinson, left, and Cynthia Shearer. Photo special to the Journal

The Mountain Brook Kappa Delta ...

Alumnae Chapter recently celebrated Founders Day with a meeting and luncheon at the home of Betsy Henley. �� Member Carol Hunter gave �� a report on this summer’s Kappa Delta convention in Tucson, Ariz., ��and the awards earned by the area associations. �� alumnae Guest speaker Deb Schneider presented a session about her organization, CHIPS, Children’s �� Hospital Intervention and �� Prevention Services. The group promotes health and healing for �� those affected by child abuse and 619 Montgomery Highway Vestavia Hills • 979-5611 neglect. The alumnae chapter, whose �� philanthropic focus is helping �� children in need, began its affili�� ation with CHIPS last spring and jewelsbyrose.net • Friend us on Facebook! plans to increase its involvement in the coming year. Members at the luncheon were Jane Brakefield, Barbara Burton, Crispin Cantrell, Molly Carter, Kaci Chesebro, Cindy Crowther, Janie Evans, Betsy Henley, Jordan Holt, Suzanne Hughes, Carol Hunter, Marnie Hutchinson and Michele Knowles. Other KDs there were Ann Lee, Sally Legg, Vicki Lukens, Nancy McCollum, Maggie

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The Birmingham Bar Association Pro Bono Committee ...

and the Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers Program honored local firms and attorneys Oct. 26 for their dedication to providing free legal assistance to low-income people in Jefferson County. The awards were presented at the 2011 Pro Bono Celebration Luncheon at The Harbert Center. At the luncheon, the Hon. Sue Bell Cobb, former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, spoke about the importance of pro bono work and of providing access to justice for community members struggling with poverty. Three local firms and two local attorneys were honored for their dedication to providing pro bono legal services in 2011. The awards were presented by the Hon. J. Scott Vowell, presiding

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judge of the 10th Judicial Circuit, and BVLP executive director Kelli Hogue Mauro. Attorney Heather R. Fann of Boyd, Fernambucq & Dunn P.C. was recognized as the 2011 Volunteer Attorney of the Year. She graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law and specializes in family practice. Attorney Wm. Randall “Randy” May of Allison, May & Kimbrough LLC was the 2011 Special Projects Award winner for his involvement with the Attorney of the Day District Court Help Desk, tornado relief efforts and other pro bono projects. The Birmingham office of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz P.C. was recognized as the large firm 2011 Volunteer Firm of the Year for its efforts to make pro bono service to clients a priority. Baker Donelson is one of the only firms to have a pro bono shareholder, Lisa W. Borden, who oversees the firm’s pro bono programs. Baker Donelson also allows its attorneys to count pro bono towards their billable hours. After the April 27 tornados created a backlog of pro bono cases, attorneys at Baker Donelson agreed to take on more than 20 cases in one day. Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC was recognized as the midsize 2011 Volunteer Firm of the Year for its commitment to and support for the pro bono efforts of the BVLP. The firm supports the pro bono efforts of its associates, and attorneys from the firm are actively involved with various pro bono volunteer efforts, including taking on pro bono cases and volunteering with the BVLP’s free homeless legal clinic, tornado relief and the free Attorney of the Day District Court Help Desk. Kirk Drennan P.C. was recognized as the small firm 2011 Volunteer Firm of the Year for its efforts to provide pro bono legal assistance to indigent clients with family law issues. Partner Jessica Kirk Drennan has been an advocate for pro bono and orchestrated the first joint pro bono domestic relations clinic hosted by the Alabama State Bar Family Law Section and the BVLP. ❖

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Attorney Heather R. Fann was recognized as the Volunteer Attorney of the Year. Photo special to the Journal

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Elizabeth Kerley, left, and Wei Wang are AAUW Memorial Scholarship recipients. Photo special to the Journal

The Birmingham branch of AAUW ...

began its 2011-12 year with its annual membership coffee Sept. 10 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Birmingham. Second term president Jimmie Anderson introduced incoming officers and board members, including: programs vice president Pattie Steelman, co-vice president of membership and caring committee chairman Barbara Patterson, co-membership vice president Jo Hempstead, who also serves as yearbook editor and bylaws chairman, treasurer Diane Marks, secretary Jennifer

Kersh, communications director Cathy Moncrief and bulletin editor Jeannine Spann. Past president Cathye McDonald also serves on the board along with the chairmen of the group’s book groups. Sara Taylor is in charge of education and legal funds; Barbara Barnard oversees public policy issues. Bobbie Piper, Morning Book Group chairman, gave a preview of books that will be read this year and said the group would carry on its tradition of seeing a play at the Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery.

Evening Book Group chairman Judith Hand presented a list of the books her group will review and said the monthly dinner and movie night would continue. Patti Steelman, vice president of programs, and her committee have planned “lunch and learn” meetings with speakers. Included will be an outing to the Birmingham Museum of Art and musical entertainment for the holiday gathering in December. Pat Fitzsimmons, who provided the musical entertainment and serves as chairman of the Memorial Scholarship Committee, introduced this year’s recipients, Elizabeth Kerley, a student at UAB, and Wei Wang, who attends Jefferson State Community College. A memorial candle was lit in remembrance of members Marie Mayer, Bennie Mendelson and Barbara Trauffer, who passed away this year. ❖

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 19

Saturday, December 3rd, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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A t B l a c k b e r ry Fa r m , t h e r e a r e n o b o u n d a r i e s t o b e i n g t h e b e s t. Wh e n i t c a m e t o c h o o s i n g t h e c o f f e e e x p e r i e n c e t h e i r g u e s t s w o u l d sav o r , t h e y c o u l d h av e g o n e a n y w h e r e . Th e i r p u r s u i t o f e x c e l l e n c e b r o u g h t t h e m t o u s.

20 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

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Above: Attending the second annual Taste of Teal were from left: Wally Nall, Sissy Long, Diane Kent and Larry Long. Below: Committee members for Taste of Teal include from left: Lauren Sinnott and Rachell and John Rice. Photos special to the Journal

The second annual Taste of Teal ...

Wine Tasting and Auction was Nov. 3, at Park Lane in Mountain Brook. Attendees enjoyed refreshments provided

by Kathy G while savoring a wide variety of wines provided by Grassroots Wine and Neighborhood Hops & Vine. The UAB Jazz Ensemble entertained guests as they surveyed a wide variety of silent and live

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auction items available for bid. Megan Crane, lead designer for Judith March Designs, presented the foundation with a check in the amount of $10,000. Megan and her team also provided several beautiful designer dresses and coat creations as part of the silent auction. Megan said she is looking forward to working with the foundation in the coming year and is already planning a second dress. The design will be complemented by artwork drawn by Laura’s younger sister, Emma Crandall, she announced. Jim Crandall, president of the Foundation, thanked the Judith March firm on behalf of the board and announced that next year, the Taste of Teal event will be known as the Judith March Taste of Teal with Judith March as the presenting sponsor. Judith March designed a special Think of Laura original dress which was sold from the foundation website, as well as in retail stores across the country. Thanks to the generosity of Stephanie Nichols, founder and owner of Judith March LLC, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the dress was earmarked as a contribution to the foundation. The mission of the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation is to provide funding in support of research in the early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Oklahoma City was the destination in September ...

for 15 members of the Birmingham Friendship Force. The group was hosted for a week by fellow Oklahoma City Friendship Force members and enjoyed an itinerary in and around Oklahoma City. Members toured the Oklahoma Capitol Building and Oklahoma City Museum of Art. In the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, they were entertained with a re-enactment of Wiley Post’s life. In Lawton, Okla., members visited Fort Sill to hear lectures about American Indian culture. In Arcadia, they rode on the famous Route 66 and stopped at the Historic Old Round Barn and the historic landmark called “Pops,” which serves more than 250 varieties of soda pop. In Cyril, the group toured the SIA Eagle Preservation facility. In the city, members took part in a sing-a-long with a banjo musician in a re-creation of a Shakey’s Pizza Parlor in the Historic Banjo Museum. They also toured “Passages,” a traveling display celebrating the 400th year anniversary of the King James Bible. One of the most impressive tours was the Oklahoma

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

National Memorial and Museum, the site where 168 people lost their lives due to a terrorist act. A tour in the rain was to the Chesapeake Boat House, where members learned how the city had diverted the small river for recreation and water preservation. Friendship Force members enjoyed ethnic meals, including German, Mexican, Moroccan and Chinese. One night, Birmingham members were hosted at dinner parties in different Oklahoma City members’ homes. Birmingham Friendship Force members who participated in the exchange were exchange director Charlotte Laggy and husband Tom; Inez McCollum, president of Birmingham Friendship Force; Mary John James; Pat Powell; Barbara Hill; Erle and Virginia Smith; Jackie Matte; Jean Butterworth; Will and Doris Grove; Vicki Smith; Jane Lewis; and Sylvia Denton. Birmingham members invited Oklahoma City Friendship Force Club members to visit Birmingham. For more information about the Birmingham Friendship Force, contact Inez McCollum at inezhm@aol.com.

The Central Park Boys Association met for ...

lunch Sept. 9 at Central Park Methodist Church. Attending were 121 members and four guests. Bill Lammert was master of ceremonies. New president Claude Vaughn presented awards. The late Jim Pyburn received the Greatest Athlete Award, accepted by his wife, Ann Pyburn. Pyburn was an All American at Auburn University, then the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. He played baseball in the Baltimore Orioles organization, coached football at the University of Georgia and was in the antique business for many years. The late Harold “Speedy” Wilson received the Distinguished Veteran Award. Two of his brothers, Walter Wilson and Thomas Wilson, accepted the award. “Speedy” was in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The Outstanding Scholar Award was presented to Dr. William E. Hull. He was present at the luncheon, but the award was accepted by his grandson Andrew Hull due to Dr. Hull’s medical condition. He pastored several churches over the years and retired as Provost of Samford University. New board members elected were Gordon Fluker, Preston Huddleston, Bill Lammert, Pat Morton and Philip Teer. They

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 21

Birmingham Friendship Force members traveling to Oklahoma City in September were, from left, front: Barbara Hill, Inez McCollum and Virginia Smith. Second row: Jean Butterworth, Doris Grove, Sylvia Denton, Mary John James and Pat Powell. Back: Tom Laggy, Vicki Smith, Will Grove, Jackie Matte, Jane Lewis, Erle Smith and Charlotte Laggy. Photo special to the Journal

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Walter Wilson and Thomas Wilson accept the Central Park Boys Association’s Distinguished Veteran Award for their brother, the late Harold “Speedy” Wilson.

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Photo special to the Journal

will serve with Bill Cooch, Roy Leeth, Tom Matthews and Claude Vaughn. Dick Ray and others shared stories at the event. ❖

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22 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

holiday homes

HOME

{

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

Holiday home tours open doors to some of the Over the Mountain area’s most beautiful homes. Whether decked up or down for the season, these homes are sure to impress.

}

Merry Minimalism

Designer Betsy Brown Loves Simple Pleasures at Christmas and All Year Round

BY LAURA MCALISTER

decorations. It would overwhelm the house.” Simplicity was key when Betsy moved into the house nearly four years ago. She wanted only useful items in her home, but they still hen it comes to her had to be beautiful. She also wanted to be Mountain Brook home, within walking distance of great restaurants designer Betsy Brown and shopping. likes to keep the decor Her location on Montevallo Road puts simple, and the same Betsy in great proximity to fine dincould be ing and shopping, and the home, said of her DETAILS with white walls and little to no Christmas decorations. For more informatrim work or molding, is simple and But that doesn’t mean the tion on the homes serene. cottage isn’t stunning. In this Though many of the decorations featured in this case, less is definitely more. year’s IPC Holiday are contemporary, the house has Betsy’s house is one of a rich history. It was built in 1933 six that will be open for the Home Tour see and designed by Helen Davis, the 62nd Independent Presbyterian page 25. first female registered architect in Church Holiday House Tour Alabama. Dec. 10-11. When Betsy purchased the house, she Don’t expect any flashy Christmas decoraenlisted friends and Birmingham architects tions in this home. Like her design philosoPaul Bates and Jeremy Corkern to help her phy, Betsy has a minimalist approach when it update it. comes to decking the halls. The moldings were removed and the “I like to let the house speak for itself,” she said. “I don’t really like intense Christmas JOURNAL EDITOR

W Designer Betsy Brown moved into her Montevallo Road home about four years ago. True to her style, she wanted the decor to be beautiful yet simple. The home is one of six that will be open for the Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday Home Tour. Journal photo by Emil Wald

See Minimalism. page 26

Christmas on Campus

Samford President’s Home Is Stunning Stop on First Legacy League Tour

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

hose who have toured the Samford University president’s Vestavia Hills home know it’s a beauty, but the house takes on a whole new feel during the holidays. Keeping with the decor of the house that sits atop Shades Mountain overlooking the Samford University campus, the Christmas decorations are traditional and timeless. As Dr. Jeanna Westmoreland says, they don’t take away from the already-beautiful house but add to it. This will be the third Christmas in the house for Jeanna and her husband, Samford University President Dr. Andrew Westmoreland. Just as they have in the past, the couple will open their home to Samford faculty, friends

and family for Christmas gatherings. This holiday season, however, people can tour the home while helping send DETAILS a stuFor more infordent to mation on the Samford who oth- Legacy League Christmas Home erwise couldn’t Tour see page 25. afford it. For the first time, the Samford Legacy League, formerly the Samford Auxiliary, is hosting a Christmas Home Tour. The Westmoreland house will be one of four homes featured on the tour. The homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8. Tickets, $15 in advance and $20 at the door, will benefit the Samford University Legacy Scholarship fund.

“This is something I’m really passionate about,” Jeanna said. “These are scholarships that are endowed and will be there forever. It makes it possible for students to attend who otherwise might not be able to afford it.” The Samford home is the only one being announced publicly. The others would be revealed to ticket holders, said Jeanna, but the president’s home, especially when it’s decked for the holidays, is draw enough for the tour. Jeanna said Christmas is a big event for the Westmoreland family and Samford University. Throughout the season the house will be open for parties, and Jeanna always makes sure that the festive feel of the holidays is present in every room. Decorating for the holidays starts early at the Westmoreland home. Jeanna said they usu-

See Campus. page 24

Dr. Jeanna Westmoreland and husband, Samford University president Andrew Westmoreland, will open their home for the first Legacy League Christmas Home Tour. Photos courtesy Samford University

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Arlington to Open Doors for Holidays

he annual Christmas at Arlington Candlelight Tour and Reception will be Dec. 2 followed by an open house Dec. 3 and 4. The antebellum house will be decorated in a period theme with an operatic flair for the occasion. Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell and Dr. Sharon Bell are honorary chairmen. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with the hanging of the greens by Mayor Bell followed by a cocktail buffet and tours of the home. The Birmingham Belles will serve as docents and will be posted in each room. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at Arlington. Open house hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 and 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4. There is no charge, but dona-

tions are accepted. Punch and cookies will be served by the Belles. The cocktail buffet and open house events include live Christmas music by choral ensembles from area high schools, churches, BirminghamSouthern College and Samford University.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 23

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Above, from left: The Samford University President’s home has five Christmas trees. The home also has several fireplaces, all of which are decorated for Christmas. Below: Dr. Jeanna Westmoreland has collected ornaments over the years. Photos courtesy of Samford University

Campus from page 22

ally have all their decorations up before Thanksgiving, thanks to the help of Kelly Kirkland and her decorating crew. Jeanna actually tried to the do 2419 Canterbury Road • 205-870-1300 the decorating herself their first Christmas in the house, but it mulberryheightsantiques.com turned out to be a huge undertaking. “It takes hours and hours to decorate,” she said. “When I did it myself, I was working all day, every day for about a week. “Now Kelly and her helpers come in, and they’ll probably stay �� about 12 hours and do the basic �� stuff. I do the rest, what they can’t � �� get done in that 12 hours.” While the house has a mix of �� pieces belonging to the university �� and the Westmorelands, all the �� Christmas decorations belong to the family. The house, originally built �� in the 1950s, was designed after �� an antebellum home in Natchez, Miss. Jeanna said the woodwork in the front of the house is so strik�� ing that she keeps the decorations �� outside very simple. Some gar�� lands are draped around the front ��Baby Lock�

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doorway, and wreaths are hung on the front door and windows. “The architecture is just so beautiful,” Jeanna said of the front of the home. “There is some very beautiful, intricate woodwork, so we try to dress it just a little for Christmas but let its everyday beauty shine. Most of our decorating effort is inside.” Jeanna said she likes to have a little Christmas in every room. They have five Christmas trees. They have to be artificial, Jeanna said, since the decorations go up so early. The trees are traditional

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with ornaments they’ve collected over the years from students as well as the ones made by their children. The family tree, where they place their presents and spend Christmas morning, is in the living room along with their stockings. The house has four fireplaces, which are all decorated for the holidays, as are the banisters. One of Jeanna’s favorite Christmas collections is her nutcrackers. She displays the collection in the ballroom, which has great views of Samford’s campus. It’s where most university functions take place. “There’s a tree in there where nutcrackers are pretty much everywhere,” she said. “I’ve just collected them over the years.” Jeanna also has a display of Nativity scenes that she collects. She said while the amount of their Christmas decor seems to grow each year, it’s not necessarily the decorations that make the house inviting during the holidays. “I think for me the thing that makes a house a home is making memories there,” she said. “To me, you have to have Thanksgiving and Christmas in a home for it to really seem like home. “Christmas is one of those special times where you create memories. As a result, it makes the house really seem a lot more special.” Jeanna said the whole house, with the exception of the service kitchen, will be open to the public for the Christmas Home Tour. While the Westmoreland home is certainly one to see, Jeanna said the others on the tour are sure to impress as well. One is on the National Register of Historic Homes, “There really are some great homes that are just beautiful anyway,” she said. “But I think they are particularly beautiful at Christmastime. People will enjoy all of them.” ❖

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 25

Six Homes Open Doors for IPC Tour

T Making plans for the Legacy League’s Christmas Home Tour are, from left: Jeanna Westmoreland, executive director; president Penny Kimrey and committee chairman Lisbeth Cease. Photo special to The Journal

Homes Open for League Tour

he Legacy League, formerly known as the Samford University Auxiliary, will present its first Christmas Home Tour Dec. 8. Four homes in Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia Hills will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at the Samford president’s home. Proceeds benefit the Samford University Legacy Scholarship,

one of 19 named scholarships established by the league to support its vision of making a difference in the lives of students through scholarships. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the first home visited. Tickets may be purchased online through Dec. 6. For tickets and tour details, visit www.samford.edu/legacyleague. For more information, call 726-2247 or email ssmith12@samford.edu. ❖

he 62nd annual Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 and 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets are $20, and if you buy 10 tickets, two additional ones are free. They can be purchased at www.ipc-usa.org through Dec. 8 or at the church reception desk. Businesses selling tickets in advance are Paige Albright Orientals, Richard Tubb Interiors, Iris & Company, Robert Hill Antiques, Cantley and Company and The Tracery. Tickets also will be sold during the tour at any of the homes or at the church. Volunteers helping plan this year’s tour are: Beth Adams, chairman; Robert Hill, selection chairman; Langston Hereford, publicity chairman; Amy McCain, ticket sales; house chairmen Paige Albright, Cyndy Cantley, Jennifer Cope, Kay Grisham, Penney Hartline, Allison Ingram, Kate Simpson, Kelly Sorrells, Sumner Starling, Kathy Thomson, Stacy Pulliam and Ellen Walker;

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See IPC Tour page 27

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26 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

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Clockwise from top, left: The living room of Betsy Brown’s home showcases some of the designers finds from abroad. Her daughter’s bedroom is soothing yet whimsical with laser paper cut curtains casting playful shadows. Betsy likes to combine the old with the new, like this antique table with modern vases. Her bedroom is a serene getaway located on the main level of the home. Photos courtesy of Don Freeman Photography

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Minimalism from page 22

walls painted white. Interior doors inside were custom made from thick, white oak, as is the kitchen cabinetry. The floors throughout are �� bleached white oak as well. �� With a pretty much blank can� �� vas, Betsy began decorating. She said she wanted her home to be �� contemporary yet not too formal. �� In the living room, as is the case �� in most the house, white is the ruling color. The draperies are white, as is the tuxedo sofa. She adds a �� punch of color with a Kelly green �� lumbar pillow, and a calf-skin rug covers the floor. Betsy’s love of traveling is �� apparent in this room. Many of �� the accent pieces and artwork �� were purchased during her trips to �� France, Belgium and Brussels.

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One of her favorite pieces in the room is a three-armed standing lamp she bought in France. “That light is real iconic,” she said. “It’s by Serge Mouille. I just really love it.” Betsy said she likes decorating her home with items from abroad as well as custom-made pieces. It keeps the home authentic, she said. “Today with the Internet and everything, you just see the same thing over and over,” Betsy said. “I love it when people don’t know where something came from. It makes it feel special.” One custom-made piece that gets lots of use in Betsy’s home is the kitchen table. Made from reclaimed oak, the long, narrow table seats 18 comfortably. With a table that large, there’s no need for a dining room, which Betsy said didn’t really have a place in her home anyway.

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“A dining room just always looks like a party waiting to happen,” she said. “It’s just kind of stiff. You kind of feel like you’re in a play or something.” The 16-foot table in the kitchen provides plenty of room for her family and for entertaining. Like the rest of the house, Betsy keeps it simple in the kitchen, too. She decided there was no need for upper cabinets. Instead, she leaves her white restaurant-style dishes out in the open. The master bedroom is on the main level, and there are two more bedrooms and an office upstairs. Betsy wanted her master bedroom to be serene. White curtains cover three walls of the room, and the fourth wall is the same white oak used on the cabinets and floors. Floating nightstands flank the bed. The bedding is white, and she adds a little color with a soft purple throw and fresh flowers. The upstairs bedroom, which belongs to her daughter who’s in college, has a similar color scheme. The twin beds are white, but purple pillows and a purple dresser give the room a whimsical feel. Laser cut paper curtains from the Metropolitan Museum of Art complete the look of this room. Betsy’s mission for simplicity extends to the outside. She had the exterior of the house painted white. Even the landscaping, a boxwood parterre garden of consecutive squares, has clean lines. All in all, Betsy got what she wanted in her Mountain Brook cottage. The design is simple inside and out, yet calm and inviting. “It’s really just a fun house to live in,” she said. ❖

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 27

transitional style, mixing modern pieces with antiques. Using local resources, they pulled together a home that is at once livable, inspiring and achievable. ❖

This Craftsman-style home owned by Jennifer and Kevin Wagoner is one of six being featured in this year’s Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday Home Tour. Photo special to the Journal

IPC Tour from page 25

Presbyterian Women coordinators Laurie Allen, Melissa Brisendine, Judy Feagin, Cindy Keller, Babbie Shelton and Betty Shreiber; and house artists Elaine Swoger and Andrew Hicks. In addition to the Independent Presbyterian Church and the Betsy Brown home, the following homes will be open for the tour: Jennifer and Kevin Wagoner, 1033 32nd St. South A Craftsman-style home built in 1918 for the Wheelock family, the Wagoner residence is tucked away just behind IPC. The classic large bungalow has a deep porch, a dormer across the front, an inglenook and an informal entry. Tubb, with sister Connie Carlisle, decorated the house for Christmas. Doug Davis, 2644 Montevallo Road With only 530 square feet, this recently-renovated bungalow fits the owner’s busy lifestyle as a frequently-traveling designer. Plus, it’s convenient to his office at Tracery Interiors in Mountain Brook Village. Simple but elegant furnishings layer family heirlooms with recent local finds and transform the cozy bungalow into a spacious and inviting home. Rebecca and Ben Fulmer, 3172 Overhill Road The Fulmer residence was commissioned in 1927 by Lewis E. Ford and Warren, Knight and Davis, the prominent architectural firm that designed IPC. Birmingham architect Dick Pigford added on to the house in 1995, when the side terrace was enclosed to make the current media room and the master bedroom and bath were renovated. In 2009, the owner planned the most recent renovation with the assistance of Erdreich Architecture and the Berman Group contractors. Several local artists are working together to create a unique Christmas home for this tour. Katharine and Bryson Edmonds, 3142 Old Leeds Lane The Edmonds’ home, situated

on a private, forested lot on Old Leeds Lane, was designed by Jeff Bagwell for George and Margo Gaskin in 1967. This mansardstyle house with French eclectic details features a monumental entry, simplistic detailing, and generous proportions. In 2010, Ben Shepard and Darla Davis of Shepard and Davis Architecture designed a modernization of the kitchen and master bedroom suite. At the same time, landscape architect Scott Gilchrist designed the driveway, front yard and private garden. Inspiration House, 3162 Overton Cove The Birmingham Home and Garden Inspiration Home was designed by architect Chris Reebals of Christopher Architects. Part of the Cove at Overton neighborhood developed by Charles Kessler, the home exhibits an eclectic blend of French and European architectural styling. Interior designers Paige Schnell and Doug Davis of Tracery Interiors outfitted the home with

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28 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Partlow-Moore

Dr. and Mrs. David Beeson Partlow Jr. announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Jane, to Branham McGraw Moore, son of Mr. Robert Dunseath Moore Jr. of Birmingham and the late Mrs. Mary Lillian McGraw Moore. Miss Partlow is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Warren

Jin-Kilgore

Wenqi Jin and Weiying Lv of Beijing, China, announce the engagement of their daughter, Xiuming Jin, to Clinton Travis Kilgore, son of Dr. Larry and Mrs. Patricia Kilgore

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Jackson Jr. of Luverne and the late Dr. and Mrs. David Beeson Partlow of Tuscaloosa. She is a graduate of Tuscaloosa Academy and the University of Alabama, where she received a degree in public relations. She was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and was presented at the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball and Tuscaloosa’s Holiday Cotillion. She is employed in Tuscaloosa at Matt Clinton Designs. Mr. Moore is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dunseath Moore of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ford McGraw of Louisville, Miss. He is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Alabama with a degree in history. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Mr. Moore is employed at Phifer Incorporated in Tuscaloosa. The wedding will take place Dec. 31 at Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa. of Knoxville, Tenn., formerly of Vestavia Hills. The groom is the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. William Morehead of Malden, Mo., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Clint Kilgore of Whitwell, Tenn. The bride is a graduate of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where she received a bachelor’s degree in geography, a master’s degree in geography and a master’s degree in finance economics. The groom is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he received a bachelor’s degree in geography. He received his master’s degree in geography from Ohio University and in the spring will receive his master’s degree in finance economics from Ohio University. The wedding is planned for Dec. 10.

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

Christopher-Briggs

Nora Lane Christopher and Dr. Robert Stephen Briggs were married Nov. 5 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. Dr. Dixon Mitchell and Rev. Michael Ricks officiated at the 4:30 p.m. ceremony. A reception followed at the Country Club of Birmingham. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Toliver Davis Christopher Jr. of Tamassee, S.C. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Robert Moorhead of Anderson, S.C., and the late Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Christopher of Barnwell, S.C. Dr. Briggs is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stephen Briggs Sr. of Birmingham and the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Bryan of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Edward Briggs of Andalusia. Given in marriage by her parents,

the bride wore a Marisa gown made of ivory silk organza and a mixture of Alencon and Chantilly lace. The sweetheart neckline was paired with an asymmetrical rouched bodice with the Alencon and Chantilly lace appliqués following the natural lines of the dress from the side of the bodice all the way down to the hemline. Covered buttons were added down the back through the waist. Two layers of silk organza made up the A-line skirt with chapel-length train. The bride’s veil was fashioned from her mother’s veil, a fingertiplength mantilla of French illusion edged in matching Alencon lace. She also wore the engagement ring set with a sapphire of her late grandmother, Mary Lane Christopher, and lace from the 1907 wedding of her maternal great-grandmother, the late Nora Dalton Moorhead of Anderson. Music for the ceremony was provided by vocalists Scott and Rachel Christopher and Kyle Christopher singing “Glorious Day” and “Take My Life.” Kyle Christopher accompanied on the guitar. Lester Siegel was the organist. The maid of honor was Deanna Staires of Birmingham; matron of honor was Mrs. John Noah Huggins of Athens, Ga. Bridesmaids were Rachel Christopher, sister-in-law of the bride, of Norcross, Ga., and Lacey Bryan Briggs, sister of the groom, of Birmingham. Other bridesmaids were Lauren Brennan, Kristen McGriff, Andrea

Roebuck and Britney Moore, all of Nashville, Tenn.; and Nicole Strovinskas of Atlanta. The flower girl was Callie Marie Briggs, niece of the groom. Honor attendants were Brittanie Barnette of Watkinsville, Ga.; Emily Bowman of Wake Forest, N.C.; Emily Dalton of Houston; and Laura Durchsprung of Franklin, Tenn. The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were Alexander O’Neill Briggs, brother of the groom, of Hattiesburg, Miss.; Kyle Davis Christopher of Nashville, Tenn., and Scott Mitchell Christopher of Norcross, Ga., brothers of the bride; Greg Collins of Atlanta; Patrick Crandall of Carlsbad, Calif.; John Andrew Goldsmith of Greenville, S.C.; and Joshua Raymond Jacobs and Dr. James Richard Sampson, both of Birmingham. The ring bearer was John Alexander Briggs, nephew of the groom. Ushers were Jordan Ciervo, Zachary Allen Harter and Sam Hawes. Mrs. Briggs is a 2008 graduate of Samford University Brock School of Business. She is employed as sales and member relations manager at Thornblade Club in Greer, S.C. Dr. Briggs graduated magna cum laude from Samford University in 2006 and is a 2010 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He is a resident in internal medicine and pediatrics at Greenville Memorial Hospital. After a honeymoon to St. Lucia, the couple will live in Greenville, S.C.

Seymour-Kohn

a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She is a member of the Ballet Guild. She was presented at the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball and the Ball of Roses. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Kirby Clements Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Julian Herzfeld Kohn, all of Montgomery. Mr. Kohn is a graduate of the Montgomery Academy and Auburn University. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Miss Beasley and Mr. Kohn are employed in Birmingham. The wedding is planned for Feb. 4, 2012.

Albert William Bondurant were married Oct. 8 at Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville. Pastor Gary Spooner officiated. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kendrick Vann Crawford Dillon of Huntsville. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Winans Bondurant of Vestavia Hills. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a white princess style gown with bead and crystal embellishments. The maid of honor was Lydia Doubet. Bridesmaids were Rachel Anderson, Anne Clark, Sarah Clark, Kristin Johnson, Abbie Pierce, Lindsay Powell, Jane Pryjmak and April Smitherman.

Honorary bridesmaid was Amy Lanteigne. The flower girl was Cameron Dillon, cousin of the bride. The groom’s father was best man. Groomsmen were Mark Adams; William Babanats; Daniel Bondurant and Drake Bondurant, brothers of the groom; Andrew Dillon and Michael Dillon, brothers of the bride; Matthew Michel; and Brian Pugh. Honorary groomsman was Capt. Loring Jones. Ushers were George Hamm, Jordan Jensen, David Jones and Gil Shults. Greeters were Chris Dillon and Hugh Dillon, cousins of the bride. After a honeymoon in Ashville, N.C., the couple live in Slidell, La.

Mr. and Mrs. John Windsor Seymour of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Marye Beasley Seymour, to Richard Leon Kohn Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Leon Kohn of Montgomery. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Patrick Henry Logan Jr. and the late Mr. Logan of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Edward Seymour of Pittsburgh. Miss Beasley is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a magna cum laude graduate of Auburn University, where she was

Parrish-Rainbolt

Mr. and Mrs. John Ralph Parrish of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Tiffany Lynn Parrish, to Craig Steven Rainbolt, son of Ms. Marilyn Clay Rainbolt of Searcy, Ark., and Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Allen Rainbolt Jr. of Little Rock, Ark. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ned Heffington of Vestavia Hills and Mrs. Margaret Parrish and the late Mr. John Wesley Parrish Jr. of Birmingham. Miss Parrish is a graduate of Harding University and is a second year student at the University of Virginia School of Law. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Frances Hoofman Clay and the late Mr. Carrol Carlton Clay of Searcy and Mrs. Calla Jo Rainbolt and the late Mr. Aubrey Allen Rainbolt Sr. of Searcy. Mr. Rainbolt received his undergraduate degree from Harding University and is pursuing a MBA from Harding University. He is employed as a project specialist with INC Research in Charlottesville, Va. The wedding is planned for Jan. 7, 2012.

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Dillon-Bondurant

Katherine Ashley Dillon and

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SCHOOLS

Opening South Shades Crest Elementary’s new Health Trail are, from left: Brendan Murphy, Rep. Paul DeMarco, Emma Rigsby, PTO president-elect Melissa Gleason, principal Bob Lawry and Ariana Young.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 29

Making A List?

Photo special to the Journal

South Shades Crest Elementary held a ribbon cutting ceremony Nov. 2 to open the school’s new Health Trail. The 1/3 mile, eight-station course lets students concentrate on balance, upper body strength and agility in addition to a cardio workout provided by the running track itself. State Rep. Paul DeMarco, who helped secure grant funding for the project, was on hand to help cut the ribbon. He was joined by former South Shades Crest Elementary student Emma Rigsby, the $10,000 grand prize winner of the 2010 Regions Charity Classic statewide junior poster competition. Emma and Bob Lawry, SSC principal, discussed ways to best utilize the money to benefit the school and community. Emma decided to apply the money to the cost of building the fitness circuit.

Students can fill the boxes with items such as toiletries, school supplies and toys. Monetary donations also can be given. The boxes will be shipped overseas to help children in need. The school organizes the project through Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian evangelism and relief organization that provides physical and spiritual help to victims of natural disaster, war, poverty and disease.

Students Lead Red Ribbon Week

Trace Crossings Elementary students directed the school’s National Red Ribbon campaign during the last week of October. This year’s theme was “Planting the Promise.” The children and their families collected nearly 600 gently used

and new stuffed animals and new toothbrushes for Jessie’s Place and the Lovelady Center. Each class also planted red tulip bulbs, one for each student at the school, in the Trace Crossings Community Garden. National Red Ribbon is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program.

MBHS Show Has Billy Joel Theme

Mountain Brook High School’s annual fall choir show paid tribute to the music of Billy Joel with “Brookie State of Mind.” Choir director is John Kincaid. The show, a sell-out each night, included 30 Billy Joel songs and accompanying choreography planned by Brandon

OLS Begins Season of Giving

The Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School community will kick off the holiday season of giving with two donation projects: Dinner in a Bag and Operation Christmas Child. The projects will give students and their families opportunities to collect items and donate them to the less fortunate. Dinner in a Bag will provide dinners for families in need. Large paper grocery bags were distributed to the students and their families, who will fill them with nonperishable canned or boxed food items. Instructions and menu ideas were attached to the bags so families could be creative in their selections. The Thanksgiving food drive bags will be delivered to the Catholic Center of Concern for distribution. The center is a faithbased organization working with ecumenical and interfaith networks to help those in need in the Birmingham area. Many students and their families are also participating in Operation Christmas Child. This project includes a shoebox donation filled with age-specific gifts for underprivileged children around the world.

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With stuffed animals collected for Trace Crossings Elementary’s National Red Ribbon Campaign are, from left: Brooke Kelley, Abbey Pettit and Nancy Huddleston. Photo special to the Journal

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SSCE School Opens Health Trail

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30 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

Henky. Lily Rumbley and Meghan Levant read the poem “The Pride of Our Country” by Roger Robicheau. Civil Air Patrol cadets Travis Dykes Jr., Sarah Shea, Joey Kimble, Cole Posey and Brody Kimble performed Color and Honor Guard duties, presented and retired the colors and then performed a flag folding ceremony. Shea spoke about the symbolism of each fold of the flag.

OMMS Recognizes Good Character

Helping plan Mountain Brook High School’s production of “Brookie State of Mind” were, from left: Brandon Barranco, Delle Kincaid and John Kincaid. Photo special to the Journal Barranco and Delle Kincaid. Senior Sam Riess rewrote the song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” with references to current events. The show began with “UnPlugged,” a showcase of 11 vocal and instrumental acts. More than 160 students participated. Students who performed solos were Elizabeth Perkinson, Rebekah Patterson, Libby Hobbs, Josie Berman, Cooper Real, Drew Willoughby, Deanna Medina, Michael Swecker, Camille Smith, Emily Siegal, Abbey Moore, Ann Ashton, Dee Dee Joehl, Maddie Phillips, Allen Bush, Garner Lyon, Brooks Kimberly, Sam Cochran, Spiro Gerontakis, Brooke Harwell, Bynum Albritton, Joey Weed, Matthew Powell, Ben Echols, Mark Hammontree, Brooks Kimberly, Spiro Gerontakis, Malcolm McRae, Wade Bramlett, Brent McCollough and Joey Weed.

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Pediatric/Adolesc

LPMS Hosts Veterans Day Event

Liberty Park Middle School recently held a Veterans Day assembly to honor men and women who have fought for America’s freedom. Kirk Spence, Amy Woodard, Robert Goler and Brad Schwoebel helped organize the event. Vestavia Hills Mayor Butch Zaragoza attended as well as veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Keynote speaker was chaplain Michael Raymo, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. He spent almost 28 years as an infantry officer and Army chaplain. His awards include the Legion of Merit and the Order of Military Medical Merit. Raymo is presently staff chaplain at the Birmingham VA medical center. Other speakers were eighth graders Jessica Compton, Leighton Martin and Madison

Oak Mountain Middle School recently honored students from each grade level as part of the Characters With Character program. Eighth graders honored were Gentry Williams, Silvia Kinnebrew, Kelly Parker, Stone Turner, Connor Jenkins and Matt Hogan. Seventh graders were Erin Duffey, Davis Pugh, Abby Jones, Drew Fitzgerald, Maddie Barnhill and A.J. Fleet. Sixth graders were Ayumi Nishiya, Jonathan Zaleski, Fuller Herring, Sidney Fisher, Caroline Perkins and Connor Kelley.

Mystery Guests Read at Hall-Kent

Hall-Kent Elementary School students in Janice McCoy’s third grade class are visited by “mystery readers” each week. The readers are parents or family members of the students. Each day, McCoy gives the class a clue about their upcoming mystery reader. Students try to guess the name of their guest, who appears each Friday with his or her favorite childhood book. Student Robert Murchant’s father, Wayne, came and read his favorite third grade book, “The Jungle Book,” recently as part of the mystery readers program.

tistry

�� We gladly file all insurance

Diplomate Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Oak Mountain Middle School students honored as part of Character Week were, from left, front: Ayumi Nishiya, Jonathan Zaleski, Fuller Herring, guest speaker Spence McCraken, Sidney Fisher, Caroline Perkins and Connor Kelley. Middle row: Erin Duffey, Davis Pugh, Abby Jones, Drew Fitzgerald, Maddie Barnhill and A.J. Fleet. Back: Gentry Williams, Silvia Kinnebrew, Kelly Parker, Stone Turner, Connor Jenkins and Matt Hogan. Photo special to the Journal

At Liberty Park Middle School’s Veterans Day assembly were, from left: Civil Air Patrol cadet Joey Kimble, Capt. Frank Hughes and cadets Brody Kimble, Travis Dykes Jr., Sarah Shea and Cole Posey.

Photo special to the Journal

Wayne Murchant, father of Hall-Kent student Robert Murchant, read his favorite childhood book to third graders. Photo special to the Journal

ISS Students Selected for Forum

Indian Springs School sophomores John Banks and Tara Markert have been chosen to participate in Youth Leadership Forum of Birmingham. YLF is a community-wide leadership program for high school sophomores and juniors. During the school year, Banks, Markert and other young leaders will participate in seven day-long sessions exploring topics such as government, human services, economic development, education and the arts. The participants will also take part in leadership skills development sessions and community service projects. Banks and Markert, both of Birmingham, were chosen from other Birmingham area applicants based on their leadership in school and/or community activities and their interest in furthering their knowledge of the Birmingham area. Youth Leadership Forum of Birmingham is an outgrowth of the adult program Leadership Birmingham, which began in 1983.

Indian Springs students Tara Markert and John Banks were chosen to participate in the Youth Leadership Forum of Birmingham. Photo special to the Journal

Altamont Inducts New National Honor Society Members

The Altamont School inducted 19 new members into the Basil M. Parks Chapter of the National Honor Society and 26 new members into the Elizabeth Brooks Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society at an Oct. 27 ceremony. The two organizations recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. To

Altamont School recently inducted new members in to the Basil M. Parks Chapter of the National Honor Society, above, and the Elizabeth Brooks Chapter of the National Junior Honors Society, below.

Photos special to the Journal

New National Junior Honor Society members are William Parke Aiken, Ann Margaret Arnold, Alice Elizabeth Bradford, Samuel Rutledge Brinkley, William Lee Cook, Kathryn Lee Cotton, Alexander William Damman, Mary Olivia Eckert, Fletcher Crossland Hare, Joseph Anthony Harvey, Alexis Mae Heard, Shannon Lee Hickey, Lauryn Ashli Hill, Jonathan Lloyd Hurowitz, Eric Burn Johns, Olivia Wynn Jones, Keegan Njuguna Kariuki, Keenha Jamila Mays, Patrick Stephens O’Neal, Willian Allan Pannell, Sarah Elizabeth Polhill, Graham Thomas Rutledge, Nathan Swift Sorscher, Isabella Linn Trierweiler, Samantha Earle Yates and Katherine Xuelan Young.

Prince of Peace Students Learn at Sea Lab

Prince of Peace seventh graders recently explored Mobile Bay at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Students trawled the bay aboard the A.E. Verrill and also used scientific equipment to observe plankton and measure physical parameters of the water while surrounded by dolphins. They also investigated beach, dune and maritime forests and analyzed hurricanes, currents, tides, salinity and beach erosion. Other activities included a trek through a salt marsh and dissecting squids. ❖ qualify for induction, candidates must demonstrate leadership, character and service and have a cumulative grade average of at least a 90. New National Honor Society members are Keith Bertrand Adler, Christine DeJesus Ahsan, Harry Lee Arnold, Erin Timothy Fielder Basilico, Sarah Margaret Linchet Bender, James Turner Collins, Lillian Matilda Culp, Olivia Albin Dure, Ruth Qian Gresham-Jacobs, Gwendolyn Leigh Hart, Hayley Mae Hurowitz, Alexis Leonora Holt Kentros, Victoria Leigh Kraftsow, Stephen Higgins McMahon, Alisha Hetal Patel, Ellis Amelia Powell, Mary Virginia Pauline Ricketts, Brindon Tyler Sutton and Christopher Henry Vance.

SHARE YOUR SCHOOL NEWS Spread the word on all the good things happening at your school. Send school news and pictures to editorial@otmj.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 31

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Duffy’s Garage

“Duffy’s Garage is an Import vehicle service center with an emphasis on European imports,” says owner Brad Duffy, above left. “We strive to offer quality service and advanced technology in the diagnostics of our vehicles to save our clients time and money. Our goal is to be an affordable alternative to the dealership.” Duffy’s Garage was started from the owner’s idea that downtown Birmingham needed an affordable option for vehicle service apart from the dealership. “We have been in business two years now and have won Birmingham’s Best Mechanic by the readers of Birmingham Magazine two years straight. Brad teamed up with John Lee Budd, above right, almost three years ago when John Lee moved here from England to start this shop. John Lee was a Master Mechanic for the British Government for over 15 years and has a vast knowledge of European imports. Duffy has been in automotive industry for almost

15 years and excited to have his dream garage open for business. “I wanted a place where men and women could bring their vehicles to be serviced and feel comfortable that they would get quality work without the exorbitant price they might pay at the dealership. I have a great appreciation for the craftsmanship of the European vehicles, so this business for me is the perfect fit. I have made sure that we have the latest technology to allow us to be able to work on these vehicles and give us the factory level tools to make accurate diagnostics. We differ from other shops in one major way. We try to repair or fix our clients vehicle rather than just replace tons of parts at the customer expense. I must say I love our client base. It is so nice when customers stop by to say hello and hang out on a Friday afternoon, just because Duffy’s Garage has that old school garage feel.” Duffy’s Garage is located at 3101 3rd Ave., So., 715-2100.

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Import Service Center • ��

Prince of Peace students learned about marine life at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Photo special to the Journal

Virginia College is hiring!

Virginia College, Online Programs continues to grow and change students’ lives. Our mission is, in part, to provide high quality, career focused educational services to a diverse student population in a dynamic, growth oriented setting. If you have a passion for helping college students change their lives and if you would like to be a part of an expanding college with its face to the future, please contact us, now. Please send your letter of interest and resume to: vcoresumes@vc.edu

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2011

32 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

GIFT GUIDE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

holiday gift guide II till searching for that perfect gift for the holidays? Our OTMJ advertisers have lots of ideas. Whether searching for that SOMEONE SPECIAL, a unique gift for the HOME or HOLIDAYS, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also got plenty of TOYS the little ones will love.

someone special

Cowboy boots are all the rage, and she’ll look her best in these by Old Gringo, starting at $396. The Clothes Tree by Deborah, 822-1902

Your holiday is sure to sparkle with diamond and sterling silver cuff bracelets under the tree. Starting around $500. Shay’s Jewelers, 978-5880

This year, treat yourself to a little holiday happiness! Lease the 2012 smart fortwo passion coupe for $169 per month from Crown Automobile. For details, visit CrownAutomobile.com or call (205) 985-4200.

Complete your holiday ensembles with special occasion handbags and purses. Available in many styles and colors for each person’s personality. Starting at $62. Beverly Ruff, 871-7872

home

holiday

Set the mood with lighting that’s beautiful year round. These beautiful lamps are individual, unique and perfect for any room in the house. Starting at $150. Briarcliff Shop, 870-8110

These enchanted angels come in a variety of sizes and look great on a tabletop, as tree toppers or in a mantel display. $11.95- $39.95. Blue Willow, 968-0909

For that special holiday glow LAFCO Candles - natural soy based candle in beautiful art glass that can be re-used, 80 hour clean burn time - various natural scents. $55. Hayden, 870-1889

The mini Buddha Board is inspired by the Zen idea of living in the moment. You simply paint on the surface with water, and your creation comes to life in a bold design. Then, as the water slowly evaporates, your art will magically disappear, leaving you with a clean slate. $9.99. Whole Foods, 912-8400 Celebrate the holidays in comfort and style with a vintage Herman Miller mid-century modern chair, $400. Urban Suburban, 592-0777

For the china lover, give Spode Christmas China place settings, serving pieces and everything for your holiday table. These are priced below retail prices. Elizabeth’s Consignments, 977-3355

Santa’s helpers will look their best in these special holiday aprons. Adult $28 Child $22 The Nesting Place, 970-9001

Beautiful Ribbon Wreaths will add special holiday charm to your home. $54.99. Andy’s Garden Center 824-0233 Vestavia, 402-2639 Hoover

toys

For the little entertainer in your life these tables and chairs make the perfect gift. They are handmade and painted by one of Santa’s helpers, an Alabama Senior Craftsman. 24” x 24” Table and 2 chairs $180. 24” x 30” 186.67. Primetime Treasures, 870-5555

Keep your baby snug and warm this holiday season in Artwalk Babies knitted blankets. They’re hand-knitted in children’s favorite patterns. Lili Pad, 298-1811

Your little ones are sure to become fast friends with these adorable little pets. Pawparazzi Pets have a nose for style, and everything they’re wearing is what’s popular in fashion. $22.99; outfits, $13.99. Kidz Closet & More, 979-0707

Kids will have a ball with Air Swimmers. They are remote controlled helium filled balloons shaped like this clownfish or sharks. $39.99. Learning Express, 970-9710

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

GIFT GUIDE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 33

someone special

The men in your life are asking Santa for them, so get ahead of the game and give your man briefcases, dock kits and wallets by Scully – the company that produced leather products for WWI and WWII pilots. Starting at $50. Remon’s, 977-5512 Make the woman in your life feel special with this one-of-a-kind handmade pottery necklace designed by Olaria, a regional artist. $32. Amy Head Studio, 802-7810

She’ll be the envy of all her friends in the Slane Sterling “Bee Free” Collection with necklace, bracelet or earrings. $100-$110. Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060

The Chevrolet Avalanche is sophisticated as it is versatile. This truck can carry a full load of materials as well as accommodate your family. Edwards Chevrolet, Downtown 7163300, HWY 280 951-6202

Erin Cole Earrings will make her holidays even brighter. She can make them her go-to accessory throughout the season and the new year. They’re available in clear or amber. $280-$300. The White Room, 970-6767

These soft, sock-style slippers are made of a Lycra and polyester blend with a chenille-like feel and have slip-resistant soles. Comes in kids and adult sizes. $9.99. flip flops & what nots, 967-7429 The Hobo International Zara Crossover bag is sure to please her, and it comes in multiple colors. $118. Lulie’s on Cahaba, 871-9696

There are countless ways a new Porsche for the Holidays make every day amazing. Explore them and share some magical Porsche moments of your own. Tom Williams Porsche, 397-2700

Tide and Tiger fans are sure to crave Auburn and Alabama gear this Christmas. Aubie or Big Al Pillow Pets, $29.95, will make the little ones happy, and Alabama and Auburn Band-Aids are fun for fans of all ages, $6.99 a box. An Alabama or Auburn pillowcase is $9.95. Alabama and Auburn football shaped magnets are $8.95 for large, $6.95 for small. Mountain Brook Sporting Goods, 870-3257

Keep the man in your life warm and cozy this holiday season in the Peter Millar “Quail” Quilted Down Vest. 100 percent Goose Down, $195, Navy, M-XL. Mobley and Sons 870-7929

A delightful gift to last the yearround a Hand Sculpted Writing Implement, Owl. $66 Chickadee, 969-3138

Here Comes Santa Claus... ��

�� Mon - Sat, 10am - 5:30pm 3138 Cahaba Heights Road • 205.969.3138 www.ChickadeeBirmingham.com

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Fresh Cut North Carolina Fraizer Furs

sizes range from 4-12 feet at

34 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Located at the old Circuit City building. Remember to make your donations before the New Year. ��

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They’ll think of you every time they pick up these bags made of recycled magazines. Available in cosmetic bags and totes. Starting at $12. Christine’s, 871-8297

With a dropin bobbin, 15 built-in stitches and four-step buttonholes, the Anna is a great friend to turn to for mending, hemming and even crafting. Christmas gift pricing, $199. The Sewing Room, 980-1112

Get ready for the FIAT 500. At FIAT of Birmingham they are ready to put you in the drivers seat. Fiat of Birmingham, 888-419-2622.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

someone special

Your loved one will know for sure he was on Santa’s “nice” list with this executive leather iPod case. Personalize it with free monogramming. $59.95. Rosenberger’s, 969-3506

Bring in 3 bags of clothes and get $5.00 Off your tree!

GIFT GUIDE

Bold statement necklaces and fantastic bib necklaces add a special touch to finish any outfit. These come in a variety of colors and sizes, all of which are sure to make you standout and look fabulous. $29-$46. The Pink Tulip, 870-7258. Tide and Tiger fans can celebrate all year long with Maui Jim’s Alabama/ Auburn sunglasses. $169. Player’s Choice, 985-4989

If your special someone is into the arts surprise her with Iris Paris Pearled Opera Glasses in a velvet case, so elegant. $180 Rusty Dime 995-4005

For the busy Santa’s helper in your life, the Vega brand cross body bag is a convenient and stylish way to carry all of her things. Available in brown, black and nutmeg. $29.50. Private Gallery, 969-1559

Artist Thomas Andrew has created a series of elephant prints that go great in dad’s office, or anywhere that wants a touch of Alabama spirit without screaming it. Each is printed on high quality archival canvas, varnished for UV protection and signed by the artist. Both sizes are framed with rustic black wood, weathered around the edges. $249-$299. Four Seasons, 803-4059 These distinctive Hawaiian Volcano Plants are grown on volcanic cinder and blessed to bring joy and prosperity to those who possess them. $16. Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery, 3281000

Whiskey Stones are perfect for the man in your life. They are milled in Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the U.S. $70. Table Matters, 879-0125 Stuff your stockings with a personalized Super Slab Tablet – 300 sheets and so cute. It’s a great gift for friends, neighbors, family and teachers. $23.95 until Dec. 5, includes personalization. Please Reply 870-4773

Stuff her stocking with style this holiday season with this Tiffany & Co. 14k two-row snake bracelet circa 1940. Price upon request. AMW, Inc. 870-3588

Drive in comfort year round with Alabama Auto Top custom heated seats and convertibles. $75 off. Alabama Auto Top, 251-4391

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

GIFT GUIDE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 35

home

Give the gift that really does keep giving. Janome Sewing Machine $129 The Smocking Bird 879-7662 Give a one-of-a-kind gift with Caroline Reehl pottery. These beautiful handformed vases with roses and lilies are created by a local artist. Prices start at $30. Mulberry Heights Antiques, 870-1300 Wine lovers will adore this hand-engraved wildlife decanter from artist Harald Herglotz. $3,500. Bromberg’s, Mountain Brook: 8713276; The Summit, 969-1776

If ambiance is what you’re looking for, Aspen Bay’s metallic candle collection is sure to set a festive holiday mood. Candles are available in five different scents and make perfect hostess gifts. $38. A’Mano, 871-9093

For the collector on Santa’s list, antique miniature Staffordshire sheep and dogs are sure to please. $45 a sheep or a pair of dogs for $95. Tricia’s Treasures, 871-9779 Sing along with Santa and his elves anywhere with Chicboom - Mini Keychain speaker $24 and Chicbud - Bird speaker $34 - can be used with iPod, iPhone - any listening device. Betsy Prince 871-1965

Living baskets full of colorful combinations for indoors or out can create an uplifting, festive mood for the cold grey days of winter. $35-$100. Collier’s Nursery, 822-3133

Give the gift where memories are made – A custom made table from England. These beautiful tables will be enjoyed everyday and remind the recipient of a most memorable holiday gift. The Nest, 870-1264.

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Art lovers will adore this “Church” painting by Tres Taylor, $35 Art Alley, 8791105. Sooth your holiday stress in Marguerite’s Conceits Moisturizing Bubble Bath. 32oz. $10, available in magnolia, celestial or peppermint. Marguerite’s Conceits 8792730 Add old world elegance to your garden this holiday season with the Willimasburg Tea Table Bird Bath.18 1/2 “ diameter x 25” high. $175. Christopher Glenn, Inc. 870-1236 This unique round side table is handcrafted out of an antique wheel with an iron base. $250. Greenbrier Furniture, 822-7456 The Original Savory Saltine Seasoning makes the perfect and amazing party crackers. Follow the directions on the package for a quick, easy snack that is sure to be party favorite. $7. The Cook Store, 879-5277.

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3301 Lorna Road, Ste. 1 . Hoover . 978.5880 New Extended Holiday Hours! www.shaysjewelers.com

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Make a simple table setting stand out with antique French copper poissonnière (fish kettle). They are rustic, yet beautiful. Starting at $349. Antiquities, 870-1030 These clay buckets can be used as wine caddies or as a centerpiece. They’re made in the U.S. and are perfect for hosting or giving. Each bucket has a moving saying on it. Small $84; large, $128. Full Circle, 202-5907

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�� Cahaba Heights Vestavia Hills • 970-9710

Riverchase Galleria Hoover • 402-0079

36 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

GIFT GUIDE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

holiday

CIALIZING I N PE

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Convertible Tops Sunroofs Leather Interiors facebook.com/AlabamaAutoTop

1201 3RD AVENUE SOUTH . BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 PHONE: 205-251-0684 . WWW.ALABAMAAUTOTOP.COM

New Season, New Location We're pleased to announce we've relocated to our new location! Come see us in Park South Plaza, Vestavia Hills next to Diplomat Deli

Take a step back in time with these vintage Christmas ornaments. They’ll make any Christmas tree more festive. $3$7. Hanna Antiques, 323-6036 These hand towels spread holiday cheer specifically for Over the Mountain dwellers. Available in different colors and for Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook and Alabama. $14.50. Monograms Plus, 822-3353

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Her eyes will light up at the sight of this beautiful silver pomegranate ornament. Perfect for the collector on Santa’s list. $42. Mary Evelyn Interiors 879-7544

Yo-yos are always a hit with the little ones. Yo2 is a new, updated version of the old favorite. $9.99-$19.99. Smith’s Variety, A Tiny Kingdom

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For the creative little ones, PaintA-Doodle is perfect. It comes with all the coloring supplies they’ll need and then some. $24.99 to $29.99. Homewood Toy and Hobby, Snoozy’s

The Tailgate Toss is fun for the whole family and comes in mini, tabletop and large sizes in UA and AU motifs. A Tiny Kingdom

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�� 870-5555 • 1755 Oxmoor Road • Homewood Open Monday - Saturday 10:00-4:30

Bring happy thoughts into your home when you decorate with these all season and functional buckets. $35. Customizable. The Retriever, 601-8900 Set a beautiful table for the holidays with these place settings. Placemats starting at $9, napkins starting at $8, napkin rings $5 and cocktail napkins $5. Harmony Landing, 871-0585

toys Cyber Fire for ages 6 and up comes with a football and two pairs of LED glasses. At night, players put on the glasses, and they’re the only ones who can see the ball light up. $29.99. Smith’s Variety, Snoozy’s, Learning Express

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Show your birds you care this Christmas Season with a treat they will enjoy! The Christmas Seed Wreath will add a festive cheer to your backyard. $21.99. Wild Birds Unlimited, 823-6500

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Holiday Help: Need more help finding the perfect toy for the little ones in your life? These toy stores are more than happy to help: ✏ A Tiny Kingdom, 802-TINY ✏ Homewood Toy and Hobby, 8793986 ✏ Learning Express, 970-9710 ✏ Smith’s Variety, 871-0841 ✏ Snoozy’s Kids, 871-2662

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 37

VESTAVIA SPECIAL SECTION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

December 1

December 10

City Tree Lighting Festival

Liberty Park Holiday Parade & Christmas Celebration

Vestavia City Center, 6:00 pm Holiday fun, including live entertainment, visiting Santa, the official city tree lighting, the Giving Tree & SNOW!

Liberty Park Elementary to Alston Meadows, 1:30 PM Pictures with Santa, kid’s activities, live entertainment & more!

December 3

Christmas in the Hills - A Celebration of Giving & the Arts

December 15-17

Breakfast with Santa

Senior Citizens Lodge at Wald Park, 7:30-10:00 am Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa. $1 Suggested Donation.

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church 15th-16th 1-8 pm; 17th 10 am-2 pm The winter wonderland will feature decorated trees by nonprofit & civic organizations. Please bring a canned food item.

December 10

December 20

Seniors with Santa & the Vestavia Hills Belles Senior Citizens Lodge at Wald Park, 9:00-11:00 am Breakfast will be served. Sponsored by Town Village $5 Suggested Donation to the Vestavia Hills Beautification Board.

Cruising the Christmas Lights Visit www.vestaviahills.org for a list of well-decorated houses. If you would like to be included on the list, please email the Information to chamber@vestaviahills.org.

Please visit www.vestaviahills.org for a complete list of all community events.

Thanks to Our Participating Merchants! Alfano Computers Ambiance Salon Annabelle’s Andy’s Creekside Nursery Artists Incorporated Bistro V Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Cameras Brookwood Cartridge World Chickadee Collage Designer Consignment Construx

dL Salon Farmers Insurance-Charlie Shell Agency Fit Life Nutrition Frio en La Paz Greenbrier Furniture Hollywood Pools Interiors & Antiques Market Iz Café Jewels by Rose Joelle Salon John Henley State Farm Insurance Karen’s Hallmark Kidz Closet Mia Moda

Presented by:

Mister Car Wash Mobility Central Monograms Plus Murpree’s Market & Garden Center The Nesting Place RealtySouth-Over the Mountain Rocky Ridge Hardware Rocky Ridge Pharmacy Signature Health/ExpectCare Snapper Grabbers Steed’s Jewelers Storkland Baby Furniture Tutoring Club Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market Zoe’s Kitchen-Vestavia

The City of Vestavia Hills & The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce

Vestavia Hills Plans Merry Celebrations

38 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

he Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, the City of Vestavia Hills and volunteers are working together to bring “Holiday in the Hills” to Vestavia Hills residents and visitors during the holiday season. In addition to encouraging shoppers to support Vestavia businesses, “Holiday in the Hills” includes a variety of events throughout the city. The City Tree Lighting Festival will be at the Vestavia City Center Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. with a mailbox drop for letters to Santa, entertainment and a visit with Santa. A Giving Tree will provide opportunities to help families in need, and families can enjoy the first “snow” of the year. Completed Prize Passports can be turned in at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce table. Passports should have three different stamps. A pancake breakfast with Santa is set for Dec. 3 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Senior Citizens Lodge in Wald Park. No reservations are required; a donation of $1 is suggested. The Prize Passport drawing is at 9 a.m. Winners do not have to be present. The Liberty Park Holiday Parade and Christmas Celebration is Dec. 10 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The parade route will begin at Liberty Park Elementary School and go down Liberty Parkway to Alston Meadows. After the parade, the celebration at Alston Meadows will include pictures with Santa, horse and carriage rides, kids’ activities, live entertainment and more. For more

VESTAVIA SPECIAL SECTION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Among the many “Holiday in the Hills” events planned by The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and the City of Vestavia Hills is a pancake breakfast with Santa Dec. 3 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Senior Citizens Lodge in Wald Park. Looking forward to hosting the event is Chamber volunteer John Henley, along with his wife Gina and daughters, Katharine, far left and Lily, far right. No reservations are required; a $1 donation is suggested. information, contact Carol Adkins at 441- Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. for a canned food tree is requested for 5561 or email carol@adkinsontime.com. A winter wonderland will feature trees admission. To recognize the generosity of Vestavia decorated by local nonprofits and civic Area churches and schools have schedHills residents, a special “Celebration of organizations and will showcase the work uled more holiday events. For a detailed list, Giving and the Arts” will be Dec. 15-17 at of these organizations. A canned food item visit www.vestaviahills.org.

Vestavia Hills Calendar of Events ��

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City Tree Lighting Festival 6:00 PM, Vestavia City Center Holiday fun, including live entertainment, a visit with Santa, the ofﬁcial city tree lighting, the Giving Tree & SNOW! Children of the World Concert 6:30 PM, Saint Mark United Methodist Church

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Liberty Park Middle School Winter Concert 6:00 PM, Liberty Park Middle School Pizitz Middle School Choir Concert 7:00 PM, Shades Mountain Baptist Church

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Presentation of‚ "The Grinch that Stole Christmas‚" 6:00 PM, Southminster Presbyterian Church

Vestavia Hills High School Holiday Program 7:00 PM, Vestavia Hills High School Auditorium

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Breakfast with Santa 7:30-10:00 AM, Senior Citizens Lodge at Wald Park Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa. $1 Suggested Donation.

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Pizitz Middle School Holiday Play 7:00 PM, Pizitz Middle School

Christmas by Candlelight 2:00 & 6:00 PM, Shades Mountain Baptist Church This annual holiday musical spectacle is rich with the sights and sounds of voices, instruments, dancers, & stunning arrays of lights.

Seniors with Santa and the Vestavia Hills Belles 9:00-11:00 AM, Senior Citizens Lodge at Wald Park Breakfast will be served. Sponsored by Town Village Vestavia Hills. $5 Suggested Donation to the Vestavia Hills Beautiﬁcation Board. Liberty Park Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Liberty Parkway to Alston Meadows 1:30 PM

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Christmas in the Hills A Celebration of Giving & the Arts Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church 15th-16th 1-8 PM; 17th 10 AM-2 PM The winter wonderland will feature decorated trees by nonproﬁt and civic organizations. Please bring a canned food item.

Pizitz Middle School Band Holiday Concert 7:00 PM, Shades Mountain Baptist Church

Visit www.vestaviahills.org for further details

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Cruising the Christmas Lights Visit www.vestaviahills.org for a list of well-decorated houses.To be included, email chamber@vestaviahills.org

Vestavia Hills Plans Merry Celebrations

38 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

VESTAVIA SPECIAL SECTION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Vestavia Hills Calendar of Events ��

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Liberty Park Middle School Winter Concert 6:00 PM, Liberty Park Middle School Pizitz Middle School Choir Concert 7:00 PM, Shades Mountain Baptist Church

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Presentation of‚ "The Grinch that Stole Christmas‚" 6:00 PM, Southminster Presbyterian Church

Vestavia Hills High School Holiday Program 7:00 PM, Vestavia Hills High School Auditorium

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Breakfast with Santa 7:30-10:00 AM, Senior Citizens Lodge at Wald Park Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa. $1 Suggested Donation.

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Pizitz Middle School Holiday Play 7:00 PM, Pizitz Middle School

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Pizitz Middle School Band Holiday Concert 7:00 PM, Shades Mountain Baptist Church

Visit www.vestaviahills.org for further details

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Cruising the Christmas Lights Visit www.vestaviahills.org for a list of well-decorated houses.To be included, email chamber@vestaviahills.org

40 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Wild Birds Unlimited

“Wild Birds Unlimited is a unique specialty shop that ‘brings people and nature together’ for the purpose of enjoying the hobby of backyard bird feeding,” says store owner Joe Perez, pictured above. “We offer bird feeders, bird baths, nature products, and other unique gifts for giving to, and sharing with, friends and family. Our Certified Bird Feeding Specialists, Barb, Trish, Vernon, and Lisa are experienced and friendly and ready to help you enjoy nature!” Store customers at Wildbirds often enjoy the wildlife experts that the store brings in to share knowledge. Recently the Alabama Wildlife Center brought four rehabilitated raptors to the store. “We stock the best and the freshest bird food in town, with seed blends that are specifically formulated for the local Birmingham

VESTAVIA SPECIAL SECTION

area birds,” says Joe. “In addition to the seed and the seed blends, we also stock suet, peanuts, seed cylinders, and meal worms. Be sure to visit us during the Christmas season when we feature our Christmas seed blends, suet, cylinders, and seed wreaths! “Come in to see our beautiful and unique items for your Christmas gift giving. We have many sizes and colors of hand-tuned Corinthian Bells windchimes, decorative bird feeders and bird houses, our WBU exclusive Advanced Pole System, and our WBU branded and fully guaranteed tube feeders, hopper feeders, hummingbird feeders, and platform feeders. Our Eliminator Squirrel Proof feeder is also the best squirrel proof feeder available. “Come in and experience the unique shopping experience that is WBU! We offer complimentary gift wrapping for the gifts you purchase for your bird loving enthusiasts!” Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 1580 Montgomery Highway, 823-6500.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

VESTAVIA SPECIAL SECTION/SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 41

Frio en La Paz

Frio en La Paz is the ‘sister’ restaurant to La Paz Restaurant and Cantina, located in Crestline Village of Mountain Brook. With some of the same mainstays as the La Paz menu, but having some additional new Tex Mex fares. “We wanted to bring the La Paz concept to Vestavia, but wanted to change it some. We believe in the Vestavia community, and wanted to bring something special,” said co-owner Todd Becker. Frio en La Paz opened in May of this year. La Paz, in Crestline, opened in 1991. “We would like to thank this community for giving us such a warm welcome,” says Ellen Prince, Director of Operations, above. “We recently made some changes to our offerings and the response to the new menu has been tremendous. “We can accommodate small and large parties. We have also recently added a Happy Hour and specialty drink menu to carry forward into the Holiday season.” Frio en La Paz is located at 700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 188, in the Vestavia City Center, 745-3930.

Team members above are, first row, from left: Team Assistant Miguel Zacarias, Freddy Ruiz, Tyler Aderholt, Zach Traweek, Ryan Bishop and Joe Friday. Second row: Coach Rocky Harmon, Anthony Green, Christian Adkins, Jacob Ramsey, Garrett Blaising, Brian Meadows and James Riner. Third row: Jack Hopkins; Captain, Lavares Stone, Oliver Littleton, Evan Black and David Coggin.

Steamers 94 Black Repeat State Soccer Champions ��

The Steamers 94 Black team of the Vestavia Hills Soccer Club repeated as Division I Alabama State Champions at the Alabama Powerade State Cup in Decatur on Nov. 13. Coached by Rocky Harmon, the team posted a decisive 5 – 0 win in the championship game over the Birmingham United 94 Elite team. The win again qualifies the Steamers to compete in the Region III Championship Series in Greenville, SC in June 2012. While the team successfully reached the regional quarter-finals last summer, the team hopes to better its record to end a successful senior year. Most recently, the Steamers finished the fall 2011 season in 1st place in the Alabama State League, champions of the Liberty Cup Elite Challenge, and finalists in the Region III Premier League Central.

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Levite Jewish Community Center Under 7 Are Champs

�� LJCC finished with a perfect 9-0 season, defeating Highlands in the final game with a

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Independent Soccer League championship. Team members above, from left: Lawson Evans, Thomas Marriot, Jackson Beatty, �� Quinn Denson, David Miller, Trent Wright, Nick Boler, Logan Blowmeyer, Ford Moffatt, Landon Friedman, and Coach Rebecca Harrison. Not pictured: Jack Windle.

Lady Phantoms Win Wolf River Classic Tournament

Hoover Soccer Club’s Lady Phantoms 98 took first place in the Wolf River Classic Tournament in Memphis, Tenn. The Lady Phantoms went undefeated beating teams from Mo., Ky., and Tenn. The girls defeated Murray-Calloway County Soccer Association 98 1-0 in an exciting shootout to claim the 2011 Wolf River U14G championship title. Team members above are, front row, from left: Yana Vickery, Lauren Laney, Rachel Hester, Treasure Adams, Catherine Spence, Briana Morris, Mackenzie Lloyd, Jillian Joyner and Coach Kat Nichols. Back: Jordan Richmond, Payton Bisso, Camille Shepherd, Lilly Rogers, Katie Bostrom, Hunter Tilashalski, Eva Byrum and Georgia Hontzas.

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42 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

SPORTS

Hoover,

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

from back cover

in the second quarter. The Bucs moved the ball to the Yellow Jackets’ 14-yard line before Larsen Real booted a 31-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 9-3. An Oxford turnover put Hoover in prime position. Short’s 33-yard scoring strike to Caleb Sims tied the score with 2:41 left in the first half. Real’s extra point gave the Bucs a 10-9 lead. But Hoover wasn’t finished yet. Dakota Daniel’s 21-yard run for a touchdown in the final minute of the half lifted Hoover to a 17-9 advantage at intermission. Any thoughts, however, of an easy second half for the Bucs vanished early in the third quarter. Hoover’s lost fumble on the second half kickoff set up a nine-yard touchdown run by Oxford’s Thomas. A two-point conversion attempt failed, so the Bucs clung to a narrow 17-15 lead. Hoover kept dispensing charity to the visitors. Another lost fumble gave the Yellow Jackets good field position. Thomas’s sevenyard touchdown run and the ensuing extra point propelled Oxford to a 22-17 lead with 7:11 remaining in the third period. With the game on the line, the Bucs

Bucs,

from back cover Most pre-season speculation ranked Hoover as a solid team, but hardly unbeatable. For one of the first times in memory, there were few legitimate major college prospects in its senior class. The team’s most promising prospect, defensive back Marlon Humphrey, was only a sophomore. But beginning with its opening win over South Panola, Miss., the Bucs showed they might be

Hoover Quarterback Connor Short looks for a receiver in the Buc’s 32-22 win over Oxford. Hoover will meet longtime nemesis Prattville at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the title at 7 p.m. on Friday. Journal photo by Tom Neil

something special. Unproven Sam Gillikin stepped in like a natural at quarterback. Senior Caleb Sims picked up where he left off in the previous season as a versatile running/receiving threat. Dakota Daniel was dangerous if not spectacular at running back, and the offensive line developed on schedule. Defense may have been Hoover’s forte. The Bucs yielded only about 12 points a game but just as importantly had a knack for making big plays that could change the momentum of games. Hoover looked far from invin-

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cible, however. It struggled in a 21-14 win on Sept. 9 against Oak Mountain, a team that would win only two games the entire season. But the Bucs’ first real crisis occurred a month later, when Gillikin was injured and lost for the year in a 41-6 rout of Homewood. Sophomore Connor Short stepped into the signal-caller position and immediately took charge. He led Hoover to a 34-23 win on the road against Vestavia Hills. The next week, the Bucs journeyed to Mountain Brook to meet the undefeated Spartans in one of the most-hyped games involving Over the Mountain teams in years. Inspired by a wildly partisan crowd, Mountain Brook overcame a 9-7 halftime deficit to stage an emotional 17-9 victory. The Spartan players were so excited about the win that many took pictures of the scoreboard after the game. It would have been easy for Hoover to collapse after the loss. Instead, the Bucs got better. They closed the regular season with a 41-13 rout of highly-regarded Bob Jones. Hoover opened the playoffs with an easy win over HewittTrussville. The Bucs followed that with solid – if not overwhelming – victories over Bob Jones (in a rematch), Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa and Oxford to earn a Friday night date with Prattville at BryantDenny Stadium for the Class 6A Championship. In case you’ve forgotten, Hoover and Prattville have a history. The pair played for the state championship in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2009, with the Bucs winning

responded like a team bound for a championship game. Hoover pieced together an 18-play, 96yard drive to regain the advantage. Short’s one-yard run gave his team the lead for good at 23-22 as the third quarter ended. The quarterback’s two-point conversion pass to Sterling Thompson raised the margin to 25-22. In the fourth quarter, Hoover successfully used its running game to keep the ball away from Oxford and Thomas. Daniel was the workhorse, rushing for 157 yards on 28 carries. The Bucs defensive unit throttled the few opportunities the Yellow Jackets had in the final 12 minutes. Daniels’ 20-yard touchdown run with less than five minutes remaining brought the final score to 32-22. “Our offensive line did a great job of giving us holes that trucks could run through,” said Daniel. “Once we got behind, we knew we had to bounce back.” The bounce put Hoover into a familiar place – playing for the Class 6A title. The team that some had written off after its loss to Mountain Brook had completed its resurgence to the summit of high school football in Alabama. And that sounds like a pretty good introduction for the book about a Hoover team that never gave up.

the first and fourth meetings. The Lions, on the basis of their impressive semifinal win over Central of Phenix City, should probably be the favorite in Friday’s match. Hoover’s rugged trail to the title game certainly built the team’s character. The lessons learned from those experiences may be enough for one more big payoff.

Gavin’s Grab.....

One team that will watch Friday’s championship battle with mixed emotions will be the Mountain Brook Spartans. Mountain Brook, of course, defeated Hoover in the regular season and seemed headed to a semifinal rematch with the Bucs. A not-so-funny thing happened on the way to Spartan-Bucs II, however. Oxford upset Mountain Brook 35-28 in a three-overtime thriller. The big play came in Mountain Brook’s possession in the third overtime period, when quarterback Edward Aldag’s apparent touchdown pass to Gavin Golsan was ruled incomplete by the officials. The call ended the game and the Spartans’ state championship dreams. Even though the controversial play was nearly two weeks ago, it is as fresh in Golsan’s mind as it was the moment it happened. Someday, when Golsan is watching his grandsons play high school football, he still will likely remember the one that got away, at least according to the officials. “I’ll never forget it,” said Golsan, when contacted last week. “We were facing a fourth and 10, and we lined up with triple receivers to the left. I got open in ��

the end zone, and Edward had to throw the ball a little low, but it was still very catchable. “I dove to get it and cradled my hands around the ball. As far as I could tell, the ball never hit the ground. It never came loose. But the referees said I didn’t catch it, so that was it.” Golsan isn’t bitter about the call but admitted there was one rule change he’d like to see. “I wish they had instant replay in high school football,” he said, laughing. “If we had, they would have taken another look at that play. I’ll always believe I had total control of the ball.” The senior receiver added that even the disappointment of losing to Oxford didn’t diminish the glory of Mountain Brook’s season, which ended with a 12-1 record, a number one ranking and the school’s first win over Hoover since 1984. “We had an incredible year,” said Golsan. “Just going undefeated in the regular season and beating Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood and our other rivals was enough to make it special. Sure, losing like we did hurts. “Everyone makes mistakes -- players, coaches and officials. We’re all human. I’m sure those officials did the best they could.” Golsan will spend the spring of his senior year playing baseball and hopes to be playing at the collegiate level next season. But no matter what happens, the events of the night of Nov. 18, 2011, in Oxford, Alabama, will always be in his memory bank. “I’ll remember that night for the rest of my life,” said Golsan. But not for the reasons he had hoped.

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Vestavia Finishes Third In Rebel Basketball Classic BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

estavia Hills defeated Spain Park 47-44 to take third place in the Rebel Classic basketball tournament held on the Vestavia campus last weekend. B.J. Houston led the Rebels with 17 points, and Anton Cook added nine. Blake Dudchock paced the Jaguars with 14 in the Saturday night game. Later that evening, Jeff Davis defeated Auburn 64-59 to win the tournament title. Calera routed Homewood 7751 to take fifth place. Nyck Young scored 18 points for the Patriots, while Ernest Bell added 11. On Friday, Auburn earned its way to the championship game with a 55-45 win over Vestavia. Houston was the Rebels’ leading scorer with 17, and Cook contributed 14. Jeff Davis reached the final with a 72-69 overtime win over Spain Park. Deric Washington scored 18 points in the losing cause for the Jags. Dudchock added 16. Homewood overcame Pleasant Grove 51-42 in the consolation bracket. Bell scored 13 for the Patriots. In girls’ play, Hoover defeated East Central of Oklahoma 68-49 in the Tennessee Turkey Jam in Memphis. Marques Webb had 21 points and eight rebounds for the Lady Bucs. Breighta Cochran added 12 for the winners. Spain Park lost to Brewer 5643 in the finals of the Brewer Thanksgiving Tournament. Ashley Gaston had 19 points for the Lady Jaguars. Jasmine Hollis scored 11 points and 13 rebounds. The Lady Jags reached the finals with a 70-36 rout of Pope John Paul II. Whitney Gulledge and Gaston each scored 15 points for the winning cause. Hollis had eight points and 16 rebounds.

Briarwood battled back in the third quarter. Quarterback Ben Craft’s 14-yard touchdown pass to Canon Smith and Benson Mulvaney’s extra point cut Hartselle’s lead to 10-7 with 8:28 remaining in the period. The Tigers retaliated by moving to the Lions’ 22-yard line. Marsh’s 39-yard field goal raised the lead to 13-7 before the quarter ended. Briarwood seized the initiative, driving 34 yards to Hartselle’s 36 before losing a fumble early in the

final period. Later in the quarter, Craft’s would-be touchdown pass to Daniel Robert was nullified by a holding penalty. Meanwhile, the Tigers added more points when Marsh hit a 41yard field goal with eight minutes to go in the game, pushing their cushion to 16-7. The Lions gamely attempted a comeback. Craft connected with Smith for a seven-yard touchdown with 2:21 left in the game, but Briarwood couldn’t score again.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 • 43

Craft completed 26 of 41 passes for 248 yards. He did, however, also throw four interceptions, an uncharacteristic number for one of metro Birmingham’s best passers. Hartselle had no turnovers. Matthew Furuto rushed for 67 yards on 14 carries. Colman Pearson had eight catches for 59 yards. Robert caught six passes for 53 yards. “Hartselle put a lot of pressure on us,” said Yancey. “Their kicking game was terrific tonight.”

Craft was philosophical when the game – and his senior season – ended. “Things didn’t go our way tonight, but we fought,” he said. “This was a team of guys who loved to compete. I’ve never been more proud of a Briarwood team.” The Lions came up short in their bid for the Class 5A title. But not before providing their coaches and fans plenty of reasons to be proud.

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Lions,

from back cover interceptions really hurt us.” The win was particularly sweet for the Tigers, who were eliminated in the playoffs last season by the Lions. Hartselle was determined from the beginning not to suffer through a repeat performance. In the first period, the Tigers moved to the Briarwood 15-yard line. Gavin Marsh’s 32-yard field goal gave Hartselle a 3-0 lead with 9:21 remaining in the first quarter. The hosts added to the lead in the second stanza when quarterback Deacon Aldridge scored on a five-yard run to give the Tigers a 10-0 halftime advantage.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011 GAME OF THE WEEK

Sports

Steamers 94 Black Claim Second Straight State Soccer Title. See Page 41

OCCUPY THIS Bucs Overcome Jackets, Play Prattville for Title BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

hen they write the book about the 2011 Hoover Buccaneer football team, the subtitle should be “The Team That Overcame.” Since the Bucs’ remarkable run of state championship game appearances began in 2000, no team in orange and black has dealt with more obstacles on the way to the big dance in early December. Hoover’s 32-22 win over Oxford Friday night put the Bucs in their fourth consecutive Class 6A championship and eleventh in 12 years. Hoover will meet longtime nemesis Prattville at BryantDenny Stadium for the title at 7 p.m. on Friday. But whether it wins or loses to the Lions, this year’s edition of the Bucs should always hold a special place in the hearts of Hoover fans. Consider: This team went 13-1 with the fewest number of legitimate Division I college prospects on a Briarwood’s Matthew Furuto, pictured here in action against Muscle Shoals, rushed for 67 yards on 14 carries in the Lions’ loss to Hartselle. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Hoover team in recent memory. What the Bucs lacked in raw talent, they made up for with intensity, courage and hustle. This team rebounded from a potentially devastating loss to Mountain Brook and used the defeat to make itself better. This team suffered the loss of its starting quarterback, Sam Gillikin, to an injury but saw backup Connor Short play like a champion. This team overcame a 9-0 deficit in the first quarter and two untimely fumbles in the third period against Oxford to earn its way to Tuscaloosa. “I can’t say enough about these guys,” said Hoover coach Josh Niblett, who arguably did his best coaching job in his fourth season at the helm. “They’ve always found a way to get it done when the game was on the line.” The night began inauspiciously for the hosts. Rock Thomas’ 33-yard touchdown run gave the Yellow Jackets a 7-0 lead with about five minutes left in the opening period. Oxford got a safety when Short was called for intentional grounding while passing from the Bucs’ end zone, pushing the lead to 9-0. Hoover answered with 17 points

See Hoover, page 42

Lee Davis

Hoover’s There: Bucs’ Return to Title Game Is Best Run Yet

impressive in three playoff games prior to visiting secondranked Hartselle in the semifinals. That’s where the roll stopped. In a game filled with nearmisses, Briarwood’s bid for a state title fell just short as it dropped a narrow 16-14 decision to home-standing Hartselle. The Lions’ season ended with a 12-2 worksheet. Hartselle goes on to meet Vigor for the state 5A championship. “There were several times in the game where if we had made a decent play we could have kept the drive alive,” said Briarwood coach Fred Yancey. “But we didn’t always make the decent play. Fumbles and

ince 2000, the Hoover Bucs have enjoyed a lot of glory on the gridiron. In the past 11 years, Alabama high school football’s version of the New York Yankees have played in 10 Class 6A championship games and won six of them. In the one year that Hoover didn’t make the big game – 2007 – crosstown rival Spain Park did, and lost to Prattville. During the extraordinary run, Hoover reached the final in almost every way conceivable. Often -- particularly during the era of Coach Rush Propst -- the Bucs dominated with sheer athletic ability. Players such as Chad Jackson and John Parker Wilson, who both went on to stardom in the Southeastern Conference, would have been considered once-in-a-generation athletes at most schools. At Hoover, however, potential college blue chippers often populated the team roster. Not all of the Bucs’ championship teams, however, had such obvious talent. Not many people thought much of Hoover’s team in 2004, but the Bucs – led by quarterback Jarod Bryant and do-everything Cory Reamer – put together Hoover’s first-ever 15-0 record and earned a third consecutive state title. When Coach Josh Niblett took over the program in 2008, Hoover’s brief hiatus from the championship game ended. The Bucs have made appearances there in the last three seasons, winning one and losing two. Errors in the kicking game may be all that has separated the Bucs from winning three consecutive titles. For all the inventive ways Hoover has reached the first weekend in December over the years, the Bucs’ championship run in 2011 may well have topped them all.

See Lions, page 43

See Bucs, page 42

Hoover’s Matthew McCay celabrates with Buc teammates after intercepting an Oxford pass in the first half. More photos at otmj.com

Journal photo by Tom Neil

5A SEMIFINALS

LIONS CAGED

Briarwood Dream of Title Ends In Hartselle BY LEE DAVIS

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

n the pre-season, many observers assumed the Briarwood Lions would reach the Class 5A football championship at Tuscaloosa’s Bryant-Denny Stadium. And for most of the 2011 season, Briarwood looked to be a good choice. The Lions rolled over virtually all of their Class 5A opponents, losing only to perennial 6A power Vestavia on the way to a 9-1 regular season record. Briarwood looked equally