Over the Mountain Journal March 22, 2012

The Suburban Newspaper for Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

INSIDE

JOU RNAL OTMJ.COM

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

VOL. 21 #6

ASFAʼs “Our Town” debuts new Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 6

YOUTH

Homewood resident Nancy Lee Sherk Price promoted to U.S. Army Major General

PEOPLE PAGE 9

MOVEMENT

Rotaract Club volunteers recently provided child care for parents of children at the Bell Center in Homewood, which provides care for children with special needs. Above, club member Lindsay Aycock watches Lily as she delights in opening and closing the playhouse door. Below, Rotaract member Mary Photos courtesy Daniel Taylor Photography Meadows Livingston plays with Frances, who was all smiles with a toy bell bracelet.

Birmingham Rotaract Attracts Civic-Minded Young Professionals

BY LAURA MCALISTER

S

JOURNAL EDITOR

ome may be lawyers or bankers and others web designers or photographers, but all are young and ready to make a difference in the Birmingham area.

Masquerade Ball They’re members When: 8 p.m.-midnight of the Rotaract Club March 24 of Birmingham, a Where: UAB’s Alys junior form of the Stephens Center Rotary Club formed What: The Masquerade in 2004. Since then, Ball is Rotaract’s biggest the organization has fundraiser. Visit www. grown into one of the bhammask.com for tickets largest – if not the and more information. largest – of its sort in the world. To date, the club has about 250 members, all under age 35 and from varied backgrounds and careers.

Rotaract’s goal is to provide young professionals with opportunities to learn, socialize and serve, and it offers members a variety of ways to do all three. But this club isn’t for just anyone. Not only do you have to be 35 years old or younger, you also have to have proven leadership skills and a determination to move the city forward.

“That’s one of the things that does make us different. We do have an application process,” said Andrew Case, Rotaract president and a manager of Harbert Management Corporation’s real estate investment team. “When looking through the applications, we’re looking for leadership abilities and past experiences. We want to know what you would like to see change about Birmingham. It’s very competitive.”

While the application process can be

See ROTARACT, page 8

Attorney Charles Denaburg honored with lifetime achievement award

LIFE PAGE 12

ʻBig Topʼ Draws Big Crowd

SOCIAL PAGE 16

MUG SHOTS IN MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE P. 4 • SURVIVING SPRING BREAK AT HOME P. 15 • VESTAVIA STUDENTS RAISE MONEY FOR AFRICA, ARTHRITIS P. 26

2 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

OPINION/CONTENTS

MURPHY’S LAW

IN THIS ISSUE

I

ROAR (Regional Oncology Active Research), the fundraising arm of Southeast Cancer Foundation, hosted the second annual James Bond Gala, The Spy Who Cured Me, Feb. 11 at The Club.

Social, Page 18.

ON OTMJ.COM Browse through more photos from the area’s biggest and best social events. Join the conversation by signing onto our website. Comment on stories and upload your news items and pictures. Like us on Facebook for daily updates on what’s happening at the Journal.

COMING APRIL 5

We’ve all heard about smart phones, but do you know about smart homes? We’ll take you inside one that will be open during the upcoming Parade of Homes.

IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE LIFE TRAVEL

4 9 12 15

SOCIAL WEDDINGS SCHOOLS SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

16 24 26 32

March 22, 2012

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 Vol. 21, No. 6

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at ads@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com.

Copyright 2012 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.

Going Viral

you. ’m not usually one for expletives, Think of me, not as your mother but for one brief non-shining (who knows what issues lie there?), moment, buddy, did I let them fly. but as a kindly semi-older person you I was doing some computer research may have come across in your travels, when I inadvertently clicked into a a favorite aunt, perhaps, or a grade virus, a nasty bugger deftly attached to school teacher who believed in you a mainstream website that proceeded when other people didn’t. to run roughshod over my hard drive In any case, I want you to know and all parts beyond. first and foremost that I forgive you.

My icons disappeared. My screen Water under the bridge, and I mean filled up with big red X’s. My comit. Deep down, I sense you’re a fine puter world was disintegrating before person, just a little bit misdirected right my eyes. now. I mean, you go to all the trouble I started to panic. Actually, I was to send out this nasty program and well into panic mode by that point. you outsmarted ... who? ... me? Me, I have the ability to go from zero to Sue Murphy who can never find the oil can in the panic in a millisecond. With one hand Highlights Magazine Hidden Picture clutching my heart, I used the other I mean, you go to all Puzzle, who can’t figure out how to to shakily place a call to my friendly computer guru (thank you, Jon) who the trouble to send out program my DVR, whose greatest mechanical accomplishment of the walked me through an immediate this nasty program past year was to successfully negotidefensive response strategy. the payment terminal at the car “Call me when the program runs and you outsmarted ... ate wash? its course,” he said calmly. I hung I’m just saying, I’m not that big up and sat back to watch as the two who? ... me? Me, who a trophy. You can do better, and forces battled it out for my files. can never find the oil here’s an idea: Why not use that first I was scared, yes, but I was also fuming. I had just been zapped by can in the Highlights rate expertise to create something positive, something that will make the Zappo’s intrusion, so my outrage Magazine Hidden life better for people, cause them to was running at an all-time high. The Zappo’s thing was obvious thievery.

Picture Puzzle, who sing your praises all over the webworld and perhaps make you a I didn’t like it, but I understood the can’t figure out how to wide gazillion dollars in the process? perpetrators’ motives. This assault Sure, you’ve made mistakes, but was different, apparently sent out program my DVR ... who hasn’t? It’s never too late to into cyberspace simply to wreak turn things around. Today is the first havoc. day of the rest of your life and all As I sat there watching my file labels spin, I tried to picture who would do such a thing, that. You’re a smart cookie. Do something positive. Use your powers for good. You’ll be happier. The rest of us and more importantly why, so I send this message out will be happier, too. into the wide black and white yonder, hoping to make It required a few weeks of expert TLC (Techno some kind of connection.

Loving Care) and a brand new hard drive, but my comKevin ... can I call you Kevin? I don’t know what your name is, but Kevin sounds intelligent and I already puter is back up and running again. My icons are still a bit wobbly, but nothing important was lost ... except know that you’re smart because you created such my temper. I’m sorry about that, Kevin. I called you a whiz-bang (and bang and bang) program. Kudos. some awful names, but it’s never too late to turn things Really. It must have taken a long time to put that virus around, right? ❖ thing together, but Kevin sweetie, I’m concerned about

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What are you doing during spring break?

“My family and I are going on a cruise. It goes to Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and a private island. I’m so excited.”

Riley Logsdon Vestavia Hills

“I’m going on a mission trip to Cape Town, South Africa. We’ll be helping the children there. It’s with my church, Shades Mountain Baptist.”

Leah Dennis Vestavia Hills

“I’m going to Costa Rica with my family.”

Savannah McCallum Vestavia Hills

“We’re going on a cruise to Hawaii. I’m going with my family. I’ve never been before.”

Morgan Jemison Vestavia Hills

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

About Town

©2012 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.

Join us for the Watch Event at Tom Williams Porsche, Thursday, March 29th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM Main Auction Item: A Porsche Sport Driving School One-Day Precision Driving Course Register to win Race Tickets and other valuable prizes including a special prize from Bromberg’s.* Silent Auction benefiting Mitchell’s Place, a nonprofit treatment center for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Refreshments and live entertainment provided.

Tom Williams Porsche is the proud sponsor of the March 30-31st at the Barber Motorsports Park.

For more information visit www.barbermotorsports.com.

METRO

Tom Williams Tom Williams Way / I-459 @ Grants Mill Road Birmingham, AL 35210 205-397-2700 / 800-571-6399 TomWilliamsPorsche.com *You must be present to win.

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 3

4 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Taking the stage Birmingham

2011-2012

Red Diamond SuperPOPS!

ght Center All at Samford’s beautiful Wri

In this scene from “Our Town,” presented by the Alabama School of Fine Arts, Thad Mickler as George Gibbs and Morgan Walston as Emily Webb court at a drugstore soda fountain, while Maddy Boles, the play’s stage manager, watches.

ASFA “Our Town” March 30-April 1 Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre Alabama School of Fine Arts’ Theatre Arts department will present Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” as its inaugural performance in the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater on the school campus. The theater, a state-of-theart facility built for both school and community use, is at 800 19th S. North in Birmingham’s arts district.

Friday and Saturday productions are at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday performance is at 2:30 p.m. General admission tickets may be purchased on a first come, first served basis at the door for $8 for adults and $5 for students.

For more information call 252-9241 or visitwww.asfa.k12.al.us. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

Upcoming events Birmingham

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 | 8 p.m.

LeAnn Rimes comes to Birmingham to perform with full symphony accompaniment.

You’ll be “Blue” if you miss this one-night-only treat!

Christopher Confessore, Conductor LeAnn Rimes, Vocals Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, McWane Inc. and National Bank of Commerce

KERN & HAMMERSTEIN’S

SHOW BOAT IN CONCERT

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 | 8 p.m.

THE MUSIC OF

JOHN WILLIAMS SATURDAY, MAY 5 | 8 p.m.

FAMILY FRIENDLY FOR AGES 8 AND UP!

Birmingham Genealogical Society March 24, 1:30 p.m.

Birmingham Library Annex The Birmingham Genealogical Society will meet on the fourth floor of the Birmingham Library Annex for its March 24 meeting. Miriam Fowler will speak on Counterfitters of Alabama. Social time starts at 1:30 p.m.; the meeting begins at 2 p.m.

A secured parking lot is behind the main library.

Homewood

Brian McLaren Event March 25, morning and evening sessions Trinity United Methodist Church Brian McLaren, author, speaker and public theologian, has been called one of America’s 25 most influential evangelicals by Time magazine. A popular speaker and respected author, he has focused his ministry on the church in the postmodern culture. McLaren will speak on “A New Kind of Christianity: 10 Questions that Are Transforming the Faith” at morning worship services and an evening session.

The public is invited to all sessions.

North Shelby Co.

Building and Remodeling Expo March 23-25 Pelham Civic Complex

The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders’ 2012 expo March 23-25 will open to the public at 10 a.m. Friday and showcase 90 Birmingham companies. The expo will include the latest in design trends for home components like appliances, flooring, windows and doors plus seminars on timely topics. The GBAHB will follow the expo with its annual Parade of Homes April 21-22 and 28-29 with more than 100 homes on tour. For information on both events and directories for area builders and remodelers, visit birminghambuilder. com.

Homewood

Wright Center Presents Series March 27, 7:30 p.m.; March 30, 7:30 p.m.

Leslie Stephen Wright Fine Arts Center Samford University will conclude the new Wright Center Presents Series with two international performers: the Peking Acrobats March 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Ballet Hispanico March 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased in person at the Samford Arts Box Office, by phone at 726-2853 or at www.samford.edu/wrightcenter.

The Peking Acrobats, a troupe of China’s most gifted tumblers, contortionists, jugglers, cyclists and

snout shots

Join the ASO for a tribute to the man called “America’s Composer.” We’ll be playing his THNUPÄ JLU[ TV]PL T\ZPJ MYVT Star Wars, E.T., Harry Potter, Schindler’s List and more!

Christopher Confessore, Conductor Daniel Szasz, Violin Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

(205) 975-2787 www.alabamasymphony.org

OTMJ3.15.12.indd 1

Pooches that participate in this year’s Mug Shots event in Mountain Brook Village can have their photos made – and help the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, too. Photo special to the Journal

3/14/12 10:56 AM

gymnasts are complemented by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments. Tickets are $17-$25.

Ballet Hispanico explores, preserves and celebrates Latino cultures through dance. Tickets are $20-$45.

Birmingham

Take a Bite Out of Hunger/Empty Bowls Soup & Bread Lunch March 29, 5:30 p.m.; March 30, 11 a.m.

St. Vincent’s Bruno Conference Center.

The ninth annual Empty Bowls Soup & Bread Lunch kicks off with the Take a Bite Out of Hunger preview party March 29.

The luncheon is March 30. Both events are at St. Vincent’s Bruno Conference Center and benefit Magic City Harvest. The preview party includes wine and beer, food provided by Jim ’N Nicks, music and a raffle. Tickets are $25. The soup and bread lunch, with dine-in or to-go options, will be provided by A Social Affair and Oscar’s at the Museum. Meals are $15 and include a hand-painted or handcrafted bowl to take home. For more information or to purchase tickets to either event, call 591-3663, email mcharvest@ bellsouth.net or visit www. magiccityharvest.org.

Ruffner Mountain

Mountain Brook

2012 Mug Shots March 30-31, 10 a.m.

A’mano Irene Thames Gardner Photography and A’mano Gifts have teamed up for the 2012 Mug Shots event March 30-31 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at A’mano in Mountain Brook Village. With a $35 donation to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, those who attend will receive a 10-minute pet session and 5x7 portrait of their furry friend and be entered into the 2012 Mug Shots Contest. Last year’s event was sold out, and more than $3,000 was raised for GBHS. The best 2012 Mug Shots contest will be at A’mano April 9-16. The $1 voting fee goes to GBHS; the top dog will receive a wraparound custom canvas. The top 12 winners will appear in the 2013 Mug Shots calendar.

For more information, email Irene Gardner at irenetg@ bellsouth.net or Lynn Ritchie at ritchielgr@aol.com. ❖

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 5

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

A WALK BACK IN TIME BIRMINGHAM

Spring Walking Tour Series March 31, 9:30 a.m.

Birmingham Historic Retail/ Theater District Vulcan Park and Museum’s 2012 Spring Walking Tour Series will kick off with a tour of the downtown Birmingham historic retail and theater district. These tours offer a fun, invigorating way to experience the history and architectural beauty of Birmingham’s neighborhoods and districts. Space is limited.

Tickets are $12 and $10 for Vulcan members. For more information or to register, visit www.visitvulcan.com. ❖

Last yearʼs Spring Walking Tour helped participants learn more about Birmingham archiPhoto special to the Journal tects, socialites and entrepreneurs.

Beer on the Back Porch March 29, 6 p.m.

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve’s Beer on the Back Porch fundraiser is March 29 from 6-10 p.m. The event includes beer, light hors d’oeuvres and music. Back Forty Beer Company will bring its award-winning Liquid Folk Art beer again this year. Mark Harris and Friends return to provide music.

Beer glasses with the Ruffner logo will be sold for $10, including beer.

All proceeds go to support Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve.

BIRMINGHAM

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee March 29-April 1 RMTC Cabaret Theatre The Red Mountain Theatre Youth Series will present “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” This tale of overachievers’ angst chronicles the experiences of six teens vying for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime. Show times are Thursday-Sunday, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m.

Tickets are $20 (student rush tickets are available); call 324-2424 or visit

www.redmountaintheatre.org. With Birmingham City Schools, the theatre company will host the RMTC Bee, an actual spelling bee for middle school students, April 3. Participants will compete for scholarship prizes.

Tickets are $20.

The Scott family has been a part of Savage’s story for almost 80 years! As customers on opening day in 1939 and today as owners; it is an honor and privilege to continue offering freshly baked products, made by hand with the finest ingredients available. The old fashioned, home-made taste of our products has allowed Savage’s to be a part of your family and we look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come!

HOMEWOOD

Kappa Delta 5K Shamrock Run March 31, 2 p.m.

Exceptional Foundation Kappa Delta Sorority at the Birmingham-Southern College will host its annual Shamrock run, both a 5K and 1 mile fun-run event, at

To: From: Date:

2916 18th Street South | Homewood | 205.871.4901

Margaret Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 March 2012

This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for t March 22, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

N

119

280

Doug Baker Blvd.

Publix

CB&S Bank Rave Motion Pictures

6 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Let the planting begin

Getting ready for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens annual Spring Plant Sale are from left: Dr. Craig Christopher, Alberta Fields, June Mays, Tom Douglass and Pam Holby. Journal photo by Laura McAlister

Sewing Central for Spring!

The Exceptional Foundation in Homewood. The registration fee for the 5K is $20, $10 for the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, and free for children 10 and under to participate in the Fun Run/Walk. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Exchange Club Center for the prevention of child abuse in America and The Exceptional Foundation. During the race there is a children’s activity center inside The Exceptional Foundation. The 5K will begin at 2 p.m. with the Fun Run/Walk starting shortly after at 3 p.m. After the races there will be an awards ceremony and a “Shamrockin’ Dinner” complete with door prizes and music. Visit www.active.com (search for “Kappa Delta”) or pick up a community registration sheet at various locations around town including the YMCA, The Trak Shak or register day of race starting at 12:30 p.m.

Birmingham

Tennis Festival March 31 Birmingham-Southern College Tennis Complex Learn about tennis at this free festival open to ages 10 and younger at the BSC tennis complex.

Participants will practice rallying, volleying, ups and play plenty of games.

• Exquisite Heirloom and Designer Fabrics & Lace • Ribbons • Custom Sewing for Children • Gifts • Classes • Monogramming

Birmingham

• Exclusive Baby Lock Sewing Machine Showroom.

• Come visit the Quilter's Corner featuring Moda, Anna Griffin and Tilda Fabrics Exclusively from Europe.

Patsy Smith, Proprietor 1040 Inverness Corners Highway 280 at Valleydale Rd., Birmingham 205-980-1112 • www.patsyssewingroom.net

visit us on Facebook @ The Sewing Room at Inveress Corners

Rumpshaker 5K Race March 31, 8 a.m.

Sloss Furnaces The 2012 Rumpshaker 5K Race starts at 8 a.m. March 31 at Sloss Furnaces. Proceeds will further the organization’s mission, which includes funding education programs in the community and making donations to the GI/colon labs of Birmingham area hospitals. Since 2009, Rumpshaker, Inc. has raised more than $265,000 for colon cancer awareness and prevention. Register at www. rumpshaker5k.com.

Birmingham

Barber IndyCar Event March 30-April 1 Barber Motorsports Park Barber Motorsports Park and ZOOM Motorsports recently announced

that the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, presented by Legacy, will be March 30-April 1. Bart Starr, former University of Alabama and Green Bay Packers quarterback, will be the grand marshal of the IZOD IndyCar Series race April 1. Tickets start at $15; kids 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. A new option this year is a Junior Paddock upgrade ticket.

Fans can also purchase tent and motorhome camping. Visit www. barbermotorsports.com to buy tickets or for more information.

Homewood

Holy Week Guest Speakers April 2-4 Trinity United Methodist Church Trinity UMC will host three guest speakers as part of the 2012 Holy Week noon luncheon series April 2-4 from noon-12:30 followed by lunch in the church’s fellowship hall. Speakers include the Rev. Keith Thompson, pastor, First United Methodist Church, Birmingham, on April 2; the Rev. Charles Gattis, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntsville, April 3; and the Rev. Julie Holly, pastor of Discovery United Methodist Church in Hoover, April 4.

Trinity’s other Holy Week services include a Maundy Thursday service of Holy Communion at 7 p.m., April 5; a Good Friday Service of Darkness at 7 p.m., April 6 (free valet parking); and a youth-led sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. at Homewood Central Park, or at Wesley Hall in case of rain, on Easter morning, April 8. Three traditional Easter Sunday worship services will be at 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, visit www. trinitybirmingham.com.

Mountain Brook

Smart Investing April 5, 6:30 p.m.

Emmet O’Neal Library The next installment of the Emmet O’Neal Library’s Smart Investing will address Saving for Retirement. The series kicked off in the fall thanks to a $47,000 grant from the American Library Association and The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. The program is centered on personal finance and investing. For more

Homewood

Spring Plant Sale April 12-15 Former Mazer’s Discount Home Center The Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ largest annual plant sale fundraiser will be April 12-15 in the former Mazer’s Discount Home Center on Greensprings Avenue in Homewood. More than 100,000 plants will be available for purchase, including the 2012 signature plant, the Rosalita Cleome hybrid ‘Inncleosr.’ A Preview Party and MembersOnly Sale is April 12; the first Tunes ’n Blooms hosted by the BBG’s Junior Board is set for April 13. For more information, visitwww.bbgardens.org/ springplantsale. ❖

information on Smart Investing or to register, visit www.eolib.org or contact Katie Moellering at 445-1118.

Homewood

The Beginning Experience Ministry Support Group April 10, 6 p.m.

Our Lady of Sorrows Church Beginning Experience (BE) Ministry is an interdenominational peer ministry designed to assist in grief recovery and personal growth for the divorced, widowed, and separated of this community. All who are in need of grief support from the loss of a marriage/relationship are welcome to participate. The group meets Tuesdays at 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

For more information visit www. birminghambeginningexperience.org or call 969-8509.

Vestavia Hills

High Country 5K Run/Walk April 7, 8 a.m.

Shades Crest Baptist Church The 11th annual High Country 5K Run/Walk includes a free kids’ fun run at 9 a.m. An Elementary School Team Challenge is for area elementary schools; students at each school will form a team and compete for a combination of shortest time and number of finishing runners. Preregistration is $20 before March 23, $25 March 24-April 6 and $30 on race day. The race includes a T-shirt for runners, a pre-race pasta dinner April 6 and a post-race pancake breakfast during the awards ceremony for runners and their families. Register at Raceit.com; space is limited.

Birmingham

Magic is all around us April 10, 5:30 p.m.

Sheraton Birmingham The A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club’s 45th anniversary celebration, “Magic is all around us,” will feature Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the legendary NBA champion and businessman. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Visit www.aggbgc.org for tickets and more information.

North Shelby Co.

Mt Laurel Spring Festival

April 14, 10 a.m.

Town of Mt Laurel The Mt Laurel Spring Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 14.

Farmers and craftsmen will be among the 150 vendors. Activities for kids include a children’s park and cartoon characters. Admission is free. For more information, call 408-TOWN. WILSONVILLE

Bluegrass and Burgers April 14, noon Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch will host the fifth annual Bluegrass and Burgers April 14 from noon to 3 p.m.

Spirit of Hope adopts horses that are in difficult situations and gives at-risk and disadvantaged young people the opportunity to work with and care for the horses. Bluegrass and Burgers is the ranch’s largest event of the year. It includes bluegrass music, horse demonstrations, kids’ activities and burgers on the grill. The event is free; donations are accepted. For directions to the ranch and more information, visit www.sohyr.org or emailinfo@sohyr.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Girls Inc. Cajun Cook-Off April 14, 11 a.m.

Linn Park This casual, family-friendly event will feature a Cajun cooking competition and live music from the Swamp Poppas. Those who attend can taste-test gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya, red beans and rice and more. Kids’ activities include face painting, a balloon artist and

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 7

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

henna tattoos. Tickets include food samples from participating teams, water and iced tea. Soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Ticketholders can also attend a kickoff party April 3 at the Wine Loft. All proceeds will benefit Girls Inc. programs. Tickets are $20 for adults in advance and $25 the day of the event and $5 for ages 10 and younger. Children 3 and under are admitted free. Visit www. bhamcajuncookoff.com for more information.

SIGNATURE EVENT

R2S RENT TO SELL

PROGRAM

BIRMINGHAM

Carrollights Celebration April 28, 6 p.m.

Our Lady of the Valley Social Hall The John Carroll Catholic High School PTO’s eighth annual Carrollights Celebration will feature dinner, dancing to the music of the Birmingham Rhythm Kings and live and silent auctions. The winner of the free tuition raffle will be announced during the evening. Auction items include an apartment for a week in Rome, wine tasting in your home, a vacation rental on Lake Martin, Auburn football tickets, an Alabama football helmet signed by the national championship team plus many specialty gift baskets. Past events have helped fund ELMO classroom projectors, language labs and new desks for students. Funds raised this year are earmarked for science lab refurbishments. Buy event tickets and raffle tickets at www.jcchs.org. For information, contact chairman Laura Meineke at 516-3265 ormeinekel@ bellsouth.net. ❖

Ron Rash MOUNTAIN BROOK

Signature Series April 10, 6:30 p.m.

Private home The second Signature Series event of 2012 will feature Ron Rash, author of the bestselling novel “Serena,” at the Mountain Brook home of Peggy and Ed Goodwin. Single event tickets are $110. Season tickets, still available for $200, guarantee admission to this year’s remaining two receptions. Signature Series is a fundraiser for the Literacy Council’s programs and services.

Visit www.literacy-council.org for more information or to purchase tickets. ❖

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Discover what the wind already knows.

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2012 Infiniti G37 Convertible

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8 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

Cover Story

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

rotaract, from Cover

rigorous, the results are worth it, said Laura Lavender, Rotaract communications chairman and a recruiter at Children’s of Alabama.

The club has ended up with a large group of highly-motivated young professionals who live in the Birmingham area but are from all over the country. Members are committed to making a difference. In the eight years since the club formed, they have.

Service projects include serving meals to the homeless, helping clean up after the April 2011 tornadoes and collecting classroom supplies for area students.

The club’s biggest service project is Ready 2 Read.

The signature project of Rotaract Birmingham, Ready 2 Read is a partnership with Better Basics, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing literacy, that endows a library in Birmingham City Schools’ second grade classrooms. Better Basics helps maintain the more than 110 libraries in the city schools daily, while Rotaract ensures the libraries and materials are up to date for years to come.

Rotaract members also serve as “reading buddies,” who come and read with the second graders twice a month.

Wesley Carpenter, Rotaract service director and a wealth management advisor with Merrill Lynch, said Ready 2 Read is already mak-

Rotaract Club members volunteering recently at the Bell Center were front row, from left: Mary Meadows Livingston, Laura Lavender, Laura Elizabeth Montgomery and Sarah Graffeo. Back row: Reed Avant, Alex Ulbricht, Lindsay Photo courtesy Daniel Taylor Photography Aycock, Nicole Hedrick, Andrew Case and Lochrane Smith.

ing a great impact.

“The literacy numbers from second to third grade have improved pretty significantly,” he said. “I’ve been a reading buddy for three years, and I can tell you it’s very, very rewarding. You not only become a reader to them but also a role model.

“A lot of these kids don’t have father figures, and reading buddies are someone they can look up to.”

While Ready 2 Read targets the area’s future, Rotaract isn’t forgetting the area’s past.

Another of Rotaract’s major service projects that also incorporates the club’s social aspect are its monthly game nights with St. Martin’s in the Pines, a comprehen-

sive retirement community.

“St. Martin’s is one of our standing service projects, and it really is a blast,” said Laura, a Mountain Brook High graduate. “I was a little nervous the first time I went because I wasn’t sure what to expect.

“It’s just like hanging out with your grandparents or co-workers.

We just get to talk and they offer advice.

“It’s fun knowing we brightened their day. I really like going there.”

There are more than enough opportunities for Rotaract members to serve within the club, but this group of young people doesn’t stop there. Wesley said he serves on four other nonprofit boards, and Laura is

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an active volunteer for Hand in Paw. Baines Fleming, an attorney with Norman, Wood, Kendrick and Turner and chairman of the club’s foundation, said it can be difficult to balance a career and service work.

But Rotaract members make time for both.

“It’s definitely a balancing act, but you just kind of make it work,” he said. “I think our membership as a whole are in leadership roles, and they really have a heart and passion for what we do as a club through service initiatives. People in our club find room for service and camaraderie.”

The Rotaract Club is just as much about camaraderie as it is service. They go hand in hand, said Baines, a Homewood resident. Whether it’s the upcoming Masquerade Ball, the club’s major fundraiser for its service projects, or bi-weekly lunch meetings or socials, they all bring the young professionals together.

The Masquerade Ball, set for 6 p.m. March 24 at the Alys Stephens Center, includes cocktails, dancing and live and silent auctions. The event raises money for the club’s foundation.

The foundation was formed to endow and support the club’s service projects. The funds are totally separate from the club’s operating budget, paid mainly by club dues, that fund bi-weekly luncheons and socials for members.

“That’s another thing about our club,” Wesley said. “We are an all-volunteer club. We don’t have a staff. Everything we do, we do ourselves.

“The foundation supports our service initiatives. A portion of our dues do go to the foundation, but the Masquerade Ball is our major fundraiser, and we have sponsorships to help us raise funds.”

The Rotaract Club also has monthly socials where members meet for drinks and networking at various Birmingham hot spots.

When it comes to learning opportunities, members meet twice a month at the Harbert Center for lunch, where there is a featured speaker.

While the club has a plethora of activities for its members, finding volunteers doesn’t ever seem to be a problem, Laura said. The club doesn’t set any meeting or service requirements.

“It’s just not necessary,” she said. “Everybody wants to help and do something.”

Although the club is limited only to those young movers and shakers under the age of 35, it’s doubtful many of these young professionals will drop out of service and leadership roles once they outgrow the Rotaract Club.

“The average age of our club now is 27, and we have some now who are just starting to age out,” Andrew said. “We’re connecting them and letting them know their options.”

Of course it’s likely most of the young professionals in Rotaract already are volunteering with several service organizations. Wesley said club members – whether they are from Birmingham or relocated to the area – already have a vested interest in the area’s future.

“We are very diverse in our ethnicity, jobs, lives,” he said. “We come from different places, and that’s what’s made us successful.

“We want to make a difference and be successful. We’re interested in service above self.” ❖

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Longtime Homewood resident Nancy Lee Sherk Price, with her mother Phyllis Sherk, was recently promoted to major general.

Photo special to

L

Price Promoted to U.S. Army Major General

ongtime Homewood resident Nancy Lee Sherk Price was promoted to the rank of major general March 2 in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. She is the daughter of Phyllis Sherk, who has lived in Homewood since 1956, and the late Maurice Sherk.

Price is a graduate of Shades Valley High School and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has two master’s degrees, one in management information systems from the University of Arizona and one in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. Price began her more than 36-year career with the U.S. Army when she enlisted in the Alabama National Guard

the Journal

in 1975 as a private first class.

She is the first Alabama Military Academy graduate to achieve the general officer’s rank while serving on active duty. She is also the first woman in her specialty branch to become a general and the first female program executive officer, a position which puts her in charge of an annual budget of $4 billion and a global workforce of 2,000.

Price has won the Distinguished Superior Service Medal, which she received in the service of the Special Operations Command, the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

She was inducted to the Alabama Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Academy of Honor in 2009. ❖

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 9

People Notes UAB Names 2012 Leadership Class The University of Alabama at Birmingham recently announced its 2012 Leadership UAB class.

Members are young professionals and volunteers who offer their support to the university. This year’s class represents a cross-section of Birmingham’s corporate, civic and volunteer organizations.

Members of the Leadership UAB 2012 Class are: Rebecca Beers, Haskell, Slaughter, Young & Rediker, LLC; Bettina Boateng, WVTM-TV Alabama’s 13 News; Hallie Bradley, Alabama Power Co.; T. Wesley Brinkley, Maynard Cooper & Gale, PC; LaKisha M. Cargill, State Farm Insurance Co.; Brian Cauble, AppSolute Genius; Megan Reed Cottle, Alabama Ballet; Justin R. Craft, Nowlin & Associates; Mary P. Cummings, Frost Cummings Tidwell Group; Peter Curtin, CRC Insurance Services, Inc.; Christopher Hugh Daniel, Sheffield and Lentine, PC; J. Ben Dixon, Reliance Financial Group; Grier Donald, Brownell Travel; Stephen B. Franklin, Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC; Maye Head Frei, Ram Tool and Supply Co.; Robert Fuqua, Atlas RFID Solutions; Kevin R. Garrison, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC; Andrew Gearhart, Mass Mutual Financial Group; David Germany, Regions Bank; Brooke Buster Glennon, HealthSouth Corporation; John Goldasich, Arlington Capital Advisors, LLC; Crystal Goodman, Vulcan Industrial

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Contractors, LLC; Claire Hart, HealthSouth Corporation; Corey L. Hartman, Skin Wellness Center of • Wood window restoration and repair Alabama; Hunter G. Hill, Iberia Bank; • Sash replacement, rot repair Marshall A. Hollis, Couch, Conville & • Replace broken and fogged glass Blitt, LLC; James Houston Holmes, Ernst & Young; Ebony Jordan, Jefferson • Wood insulated, putty glazed, and County Community Corrections/UAB composite vinyl replacement sashes T.A.S.C.; Michelle Lawley, United Way • Locally owned and operated of Central Alabama; James Little, Main Street Birmingham; Gaines Livingston, First Commercial Bank; Sarah Malcom, Forensic/Strategic Solutions, PC; J. Chris Mason, BHK Investment Advisors, LLC; Bonnie B. Monroe, Maynard Cooper & Gale, PC; Hagood Sams Morrison, Harbert Management Corporation; Terrance Moultrie, Alabama Power Co.; Toney Peer, IMS, Instruments of Mercy; Rachel T. Powell, BBVA Compass; Evan J. M. Price, Sterne, Agee & Leach; Blake D. Rhodes, BL Harbert International, LLC; Sharrie Robinson, IMS, Integrated Jim Medical Systems; Andrew W. Saag, Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Sirote & Permutt, P.C.; FAX: 205-824-1246 Sara Sanderson, ADT Security Oct. 2010 Services, Inc.; Jessica Bryant Sciacca, Bruno This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for Event the Team; Stephanie D. Smith, community volunteer; Erin K. Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Stephenson, Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham; James V. Stewart, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP; Holly Stiles, community volunteer; John Stone, Alabama Association of Nonprofits; James Warren, The Forté Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Marketing Group; Robert C. Wesley, If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,BBVA Compass and J. Lee Williams Jr., your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Oak Mountain High School students If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Amanda Boutwell, left, and Peyton your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Hill won second place in the hospital-

ity services category at the recent Thank you for your prompt attention.

DECA state conference.

Photo special to the Journal

OMHS Teens Take Home DECA Award Two Oak Mountain High School marketing students recently won second place at the Alabama DECA State Conference in Montgomery.

Amanda Boutwell and Peyton Hill were winners in the hospitality services management team event from a field of 11 teams. They are eligible to compete at the International DECA Career Development Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, in April.

Oak Mountain’s marketing teacher and DECA advisor is Sandra Gallups.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

United Way Elects Board Members United Way of Central Alabama recently recognized volunteers for their service to the organization, which serves five counties.

Bill Jones, vice chairman of O’Neal Industries, was re-elected as chairman of the board. Gordon Martin, senior vice president and general counsel at Alabama Power Company, was elected 2012 campaign chairman.

New director Leigh Collier, regional president of the Mid-South Region, Wells Fargo, will serve through 2013.

New directors who will serve through 2014 are: Matthew Dent, president and CEO, Buffalo Rock; Mark Drew, managing partner, Maynard, Cooper and Gale, P.C.; Felyicia Jerald, manager of communications, Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc.; Greg King, market president, Iberia Bank; Coleman Loper, managing partner, Ernst & Young LLP; Rena Ramsey, senior vice president, human resources, Regions Bank; Alan Register, city president, BBVA Compass; John Thompson, vice president and director of human resources, EBSCO Industries, Inc.; and Gray Plosser, managing principal, KPS Group, Inc.

Cheatham Is New Eagle Scout Bryant C. Cheatham, a member of Troop 63 at Canterbury United Methodist Church, has been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.

Cheatham has been active in Troop 63 since 2006. He earned 30 merit badges, served as patrol leader, historian, assistant patrol leader and two terms as senior patrol leader.

Bryant C. Cheatham He was elected to the Order of the Arrow and earned the World Conservation Award. He attended two of Scouting’s high adventure camps, SeaBase in the Bahamas and Philmont in New Mexico.

For his Eagle project, Cheatham refurbished a playground area at his church, Mountain Brook Baptist. The centerpiece is a 30’ x 8’ stacked stone cross that will serve as a planting area for children in the church’s daycare center.

The Mountain Brook High School junior is the son of Ward and Nancy Cheatham.

Samford Honors Angel, Wells Longtime Samford University faculty members Dr. Jim Angel and Elizabeth Wells received top university awards at the school’s opening convocation of the spring semester.

Angel, a professor in Samford’s Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies, received the George Macon Memorial Award for outstanding performance as a teacher and counselor and for inspiring students to greatness.

Wells, special collections librarian and university archivist, received the Jennings Marshall Service Award for significant Elizabeth Wells and sustained service contributions to the university.

Samford Provost Dr. Brad Creed recognized Angel for his commitment to students Jim Angel and desire to help each one achieve his or her fullest potential.

Angel, who has taught at Samford since 1984, was named 2009 health educator of the year by the Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and received a similar award from his school of education colleagues at Samford.

Angel has a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee Creed noted that in Wells’ 36-year tenure at Samford, she has provided the “highest caliber” of service and edification to the university and the community. Wells has written many articles and is a frequent lecturer at historical, denominational and librarians’ meetings.

She has a bachelor’s degree in history from Judson College, a master’s degree in history from Auburn University and a master’s degree in library science from the University of Alabama.

Mountain Brook Scout Earns President’s Award Riva Cullinan, a Mountain Brook High School sophomore, recently earned a President’s Volunteer Service Award as part of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards on behalf of President Barack Obama.

As a Girl Scout, Riva Cullinan Cullinan has worked at Rocky Mountain Day Camp for several years, worked at Service Unit weekends, volunteered at Girl Scout World Thinking Day programs, helped with recruitment and aided in program delivery in the Girl Scouts’ Hispanic Initiative.

She is the daughter of Judy and James Cullinan of Mountain Brook.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program recognizes young people across America for outstanding community service activities. ❖

T

Vestavia Hills Chamber Announces Award Winners, Board Members

he Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce recently recognized leaders who helped the organization reach the largest membership in its 30-year history.

At the chamber’s annual meeting Jan. 17, outgoing board president Paul Sumner of Principal Mortgage, LLC announced that the chamber had a record 998 members.

Businesses and individuals earning awards for outstanding achievements were: Moe’s Original BBQ, Business of the Year; Hilton Garden Inn Liberty Park, Business of the Year: Service; The Elliott Firm, LLC, Business of the Year: Service; Mark Macoy, Mark W. Macoy, LLC, Board Member of the Year and Directors’ Choice Award; Rob Richardson, Southern States Bank, Member of the Year; Kim Mangham-Barelare, SouthStar Properties, LLC, President’s Award; Leigh DeWitt, Utility Auditing, Inc., Volunteer of the Year; and John Henley, State Farm Insurance-John Henley Agency, Ambassador of the Year.

The chamber also inducted its 2012 board officers and directors at the luncheon.

Officers are: Martha Cook of McCallum, Hoaglund, Cook & Irby, chairman; John Henley of State Farm Insurance-John Henley Agency, chair-

Photo special to the Journal

Schaffer Receives Aviation Scholarship Hoover resident Forrest Schaffer, a cadet at Marion Military Institute, is a 2012 recipient of the David E. McCollum Aviation Endowed Scholarship, awarded in the amount of $1,000.

Established in memory of an MMI alumnus and career pilot, the scholarship assists cadets who are pursuing a private pilot license through the MMI Flight Training program.

Enrolled in MMI’s Service Academy Program, Schaffer is a President’s List student and Falcon Scholar on track to transfer to the U.S. Air Force Academy this fall.

At MMI, he is a member of Band Company, playing both clarinet and baritone saxophone, the Flying Tigers Flight Club, Normandy Society, Ranger Challenge Team and the

She needs a life...

The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce introduced its 2012 board and offiPhoto special to the Journal cers at its Jan. 17 meeting.

man-elect; Leigh DeWitt of Utility Auditing, Inc., vice chairman of membership development; Ann Hamiter of Pinnacle Bank, vice chairman of community affairs; Kay Wilburn of Dominick Feld Hyde, P.C, vice chairman of programming; Charlie Shell of Farmers Insurance-Charlie Shell Agency, vice chairman of public education; Ben Chambliss of Jackson, Howard & Whatley, CPAs, treasurer; Mark Macoy of Mark W. Macoy, LLC, secretary/legal counsel; Paul Sumner of Principal Mortgage, LLC, immediate past chairman; and Janet Holcomb of the Fitting Touch, past chairman.

Directors are Angie McEwen of Johnston Barton Proctor & Rose, LLP; Derek Meek of Burr & Forman, LLP; Linda Parker of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream; Joe Perez of Wild Birds Unlimited; Rob Richardson of Southern States Bank; James Robinson of Alabama Gas Corporation; and Dr. Charles A. “Scotty” McCallum. Each will serve a one-year term.

Karen Odle is the chamber president, and Lisa Christopher is membership and marketing consultant. For more information about the chamber, call 823-5011 or visit www.vestaviahills.org. ❖

People Notes

Hoover’s Forrest Schaffer recently received a David E. McCollum Aviation Endowed Scholarship.

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 11

People

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Community Service Club.

As a Hoover High School student, Schaffer was the marching band’s drum major, performed in both the concert and jazz bands and was selected to the 2011 U.S. Army AllAmerican Marching Band.

He was also part of the Alabama All-State Jazz Band and was awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence as a senior. He was president of the Bucs Science Olympiad Team and Physics Club.

Schaffer’s interest in aviation began with radio controlled precision aerobatic competitions. While in high school, he joined the Bessemer Civil Air Patrol and was named its Cadet of the Year in 2010.

He has been a volunteer at the Southern Museum of Flight and is also a member of the Birmingham Soaring Society, where he received his private glider certificate.

Schaffer hopes to become a U.S. Air Force pilot.

Cahaba Foundation Elects Directors The Cahaba Foundation board of directors recently elected two new directors: Fournier J. “Boots” Gale and Garland Smith, both of Birmingham.

Gale is executive vice president and general counsel of Regions Financial Corp. He was a founder and, until last year, a partner in the law firm of Maynard, Cooper and Gale. He is a former president of the Alabama State Bar. Smith has long been active in

charitable activities in Birmingham.

This past fall she received the Outstanding Civic Leader award for her service in the philanthropic field.

The Cahaba Foundation is a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation dedicated to securing private financial support for the state historical park, Old Cahawba, site of Alabama’s first state capital. It is Heritage Parc embarked on a $2 million capital up the campaign$229,000 to raise fundsand to enable Hoover Alabama Historical Commission to obtain all the land in the historic town site in order to bring it into the park.

Other board members are Daniel J. Meador, president; Ralph Hobbs, vice president; B. M. Miller Childers, secretary-treasurer; and directors Cartledge Blackwell and Linda Derry, both of Selma; Anne Dalton of Maggie 999.9877 Clanton; Bibb Kessler Lamar of Mobile; Mason www.crerealty.com McGowin of Chapman; Dr. Clifton Meador of Nashville, Tenn.; Howard Oliver of Minter; Jimmy Stewart and Lee Thuston, both of Birmingham; and Florence Young of Montgomery. ❖

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Life

12 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

✯

Just Getting Started

These OTM Residents are Making the Most of their Golden Years

Attorney and co-owner of Levy’s Fine Jewelry Charles Denaburg has spent his life juggling two very different professions. His legal work has earned him a lifetime achievement award. Page 13

She may be best known for her barbecued ribs with white sauce, but Myra Harper, owner of Miss Myra’s Barbecue, is making a difference in the lives of blind veterans throughout the United States. Below

Like most, Paul Woods joined the YMCA for exercise. While he’s dropped some pounds he’s also gained lots of friends, and a new title – the Vestavia Branch Volunteer of the Year.

Page 14

Miss Myra’s Midnight Mission

Act of Kindness Has Life-Changing Results

By Laura McAlister

W

Journal Editor

Myra Harper

ho says nothing good happens after midnight? Not Myra Harper.

It was actually just after midnight some 15 years ago that Myra, better known as Miss Myra from her Cahaba Heights barbecue joint, did something that would change her life as well as the lives of countless blind veterans from all over the country.

After a night of dancing at a local VFW, she decided to give a few fellows a ride home when nobody else would. The men were blind veterans; the cab that was supposed to take them back to the rehabilitation center for blind veterans in downtown Birmingham never came.

“I used to dance all the time,” the 76-year-old said. “That night, the band director said there were some blind veterans there, and of course they couldn’t see to ask us to dance, so he asked us to ask them, and of course we did.

“When I left a little after 12, I saw these two guys waiting for a taxi. It never came, and no one was helping them. I just got so mad.”

Myra gave the veterans a lift back to the rehab center. Still fuming that no one offered them help, Myra told the men to give her a call anytime they needed anything and to pass the offer on to others at the center.

Her two new friends did call, and they did pass the information on to fellow blind veterans.

That was 1996. While Myra might not be dancing as often, she is still helping blind veterans, whether it’s giving them a ride to the store or hosting an annual reunion for the many who have passed through the Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center.

“After that night, I started picking them up and taking them to dinner and dancing,” she said. “I take them to Wal-Mart, just where ever they need to go.”

Veterans at the center go through a three- to 12-week program that helps them adjust to blindness. They come from all over the country and are all ages.

While Myra has volunteered her time to helping these veterans, they aren’t the only ones benefiting from her service.

Myra’s first husband, Clark Rountree, died in 1996.

“It was around the same time I got involved with the center,” she said. “I never thought I would marry again.”

She did, though. Four years ago, she married Karl Harper, a blind veteran she met at the center.

“He was a Navy Seal in Desert Storm,” Myra See miss myra, page 14

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Gem of a Lawyer Charles Denaburg Marks Milestones in Legal Practice, Jewelry Business

By Laura McAlister

or law.

“I told my father the results, and he said, ‘You’re going to law school,’” Denaburg said. e’s dedicated his life to After graduating from the two very different profesUniversity of Alabama, he went on sions, and at age 77, Charles to attend and graduate from law Denaburg has no plans to give either school there in 1956. of them up.

Following law school, he served He’s not even really planning on in the U.S. Air Force as a JAG offislowing down. cer.

Denaburg has been an attorney While in the Air Force, he got to for almost 60 years, and to mark travel and learned that law was the the milestone, the Birmingham Bar right career path for him.

Association recently honored him “I had a ball,” He said. “I loved with a lifetime achievement award. it. It was a This year great expealso marks rience. It the 90th gave me the anniversary opportunity of Levy’s to see the Fine Jewelry, world.” the Denaburg After family busispending ness where a couple Denaburg of years in started Germany working on with the Air Saturdays at Force, he age 12. He’s returned to been workhis homeing there town of ever since, Birmingham he said. to practice Between law. mediations He began and meetings his practice with clients, with George Denaburg Traywick still makes Charles Denaburg has been an attorney and Red daily visits for 60 some years earning him a lifetime Stewart and to the downachievement award from the Birmingham then practown jewelry Journal photo by Laura McAlister Bar Association. ticed with store, which Silberman he co-owns and Silberman before opening his with sister Rhoda. own office in 1961.

“I call it my lunchtime job,” “I’d take anything that walked Denaburg said. “If I don’t have a in the door,” he said. “Collections, mediation or something, I’ll head criminal, divorces, wills. Anything.” over there.”

In 1962 he was sharing offices Levy’s Second Avenue North with attorney Tom Najjar. Denaburg location is just blocks from his law and Najjar merged in 1984, and practice, Najjar Denaburg, P.C., on the two men worked together until Morris Avenue.

Najjar’s death in the late 1990s.

While the two professions are Denaburg is still practicing at very different, Denaburg admits, the combination has worked well for him Denaburg Najjar. The firm has about a dozen attorneys. over the years.

He said a lot has changed since “Here I deal with some very he first began practicing. There were unhappy people,” he said, sitting in fewer lawyers, forming a close-knit his law office. “There it’s a situation group that was quick to refer cases where people are happy. They’re or lend a hand to a fellow attorney, buying jewelry for their loved ones.

Denaburg said.

It’s a different environment.”

The jewelry business has changed Through the years, Denaburg has quite a bit, too, in many respects, practiced just about all types of law, but Denaburg’s father’s philosophy but he now specializes mainly in keeps Levy’s strong amongst all the bankruptcy and commercial law. competition.

While transitioning to law school “It’s about value, price and relaafter working weekends in his tionship and trust,” he said. “We father’s jewelry store may seem like have a good relationship with people, a stretch, it made sense to Denaburg. and we believe our prices are fair.”

He said he had no great aspiraWhile Denaburg said retirement is tions as a young boy to be an attorout of the question anytime soon, he ney, but in high school he took an does enjoying spending time with his aptitude test to help him determine a family – his wife Jan, six children career path. The results indicated he and 12 grandchildren – and visiting should consider three professions in his farm in Dunnavant. ❖ this order: engineering, architecture

H

Journal Editor

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 13

Life

“Here I deal with some very unhappy people. There it’s a situation where people are happy. They’re buying jewelry for their loved ones. It’s a different environment.”

Charles Denaburg

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14 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

life

‘Y’ Indeed

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Vestavia YMCA Membership Is Great Fit for Retired Firefighter

By Laura McAlister

ing gym-goers with a friendly hello, or maybe even a “hey Journal Editor babe” or “babe-o,” even though he knows hen Paul most members by Woods’ name. doctor “Coming here is ordered him to join just fun and carrying a gym, the retired on foolishness,” he firefighter thought said. “We have a good the most he might time.” get from it was Paul joined the Y dropping a few at just the right time. pounds.

Having worked for the Well, he got that fire department and – to date he’s lost 60 also at a part-time job pounds – and much, most of his adult life, much more. he was used to being Paul, 78, has busy.

Then in 2003, In addition to working out at the Vestavia YMCA, Paul Woods also volbeen a regular at the unteers to fold towels, make coffee and just whatever else is needed.

Polly, his wife of some Interim HealthCare since 1966 • Home HealthCare, Vestavia Express Photo special to the Journal 50 years, passed away.

YMCA since joining Skilled Nursing, Personal Care, Companionship, Paul needed to get in 2006. At first, the Homemaking, Transportation, 24/7 and live-in out and get active again, so his doctor suggested he join a Bluff Park resident was just taking a few classes a week and gym not only for health benefits but to meet new people. In maybe doing some walking.

Trained-Screened-Bonded-Insured and available 24/7 2004, he joined the Hoover Rec Center.

“I’d walk the track, and I’d do the 8:30 (a.m.) class,” he While it met his needs when it came to exercise, it was Accredited member of BBB • Certified Senior Advisor said. “I met a lot of very nice people. I like it here because we lacking in the social department for him. socialize a lot.”

The smaller, more intimate setting of the Vestavia Y It was the socializing that kept Paul coming back. Now, Owned and operated by the Forbes Family, seemed to be a better fit for Paul. He quickly bonded with the he’s there at least three days a week, sometimes for several staff and other regulars. doing business in Birmingham since 1889. hours. He typically arrives around 7 a.m. and often doesn’t “This is my time to interact,” he said. “Nobody’s judgleave until mid-afternoon. mental at all. There’s all types here, too. We have doctors and A bad back has kept Paul from attending some classes, Free in-home evaluation. but it hasn’t stopped him from mixing and mingling and help- lawyers, writers. We’ve lost some, but there always seems to 205-298-6605 be more.” ing out where he can. After a workout in the pool and maybe There’s also a lot more to it than just a jog around the a little walking, Paul then begins his volunteer work at the track or a fitness class. branch.

Members converse over coffee and sometimes enjoy Though the former Birmingham Fire Department lieutenbreakfast together. There’s also the occasional birthday celant will say it’s not much, his work at the Y recently earned ebration. him the branch’s Volunteer of the Year award.

To Paul, volunteering at the gym is his social time, and it To Paul, helping out around the gym is almost second hasn’t hurt his health, either. nature. After all, he was a firefighter for some 30 years.

Shannon “It’s a good thing,” he said. “I’ve lost 60 pounds, and I “If you took the last cup of coffee at the fire department, Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 you better put another pot on,” he said. “So when the pots are need to lose more. I’ve been told I don’t eat correctly. I’ve March 2012 also got a bad back, so if I didn’t come, I’d just sit and it’d be low here, I fill them up. It’s really nothing much.” worse.” ❖ This is your ad PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTaiN JOurNal for theHe also folds towels and works the front desk, greet-

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March 22, 23012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Regency Retirement Village Celebrates our Resident Juanita Fisher

After her husband and best friend of 62 years passed away last year, Juanita found that she was lonely at home, that pans were getting heavier, that housekeeping was getting harder and that eating alone was not much fun. She decided the best way to make her days more meaningful was to do for others by volunteering at our Juanita with assisted living Assisted Living building. She resident John Harmon quickly realized that she also loved the food, activities, outings and entertainment. After convincing her four daughters that she was "walking" not "running" away from home, she has had a great time decorating her first apartment Call Kathy Hasty, 777-7479 or in her 84 years. We celebrate Rene Oldstein, 210-273-0159 for a tour Juanita's independent spirit Mention this ad and receive and find her enthusiasm con$200 off Community Fee! tagious!

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miss myra, from page 12

said. “He was exposed to chemical weapons. He came through the rehab center.”

Thanks to the center, Karl is still able to enjoy his woodworking hobby, though illness has recently slowed him some. It’s also caused Myra to quit working at her family restaurant and to cut back on some of her work at the center – but not completely.

She’s now working on the rehab center reunion, coming up in June.

This year, she’s in charge of gathering items for the auction.

Since her husband is recovering, she said, she hopes to get back to zdancing occasionally and also to taking the veterans at the rehab center to dinner once a week.

The way Myra sees it, she was meant to meet those two blind vets after midnight that day some 15 years ago – not just for their sake but also for hers.

“It was fate for me and them,” she said. “They are all the neatest people I’ve ever known.”

For more information about the blind veterans’ reunion or to donate auction items, contact Myra at 9675788. ❖

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 15

travel

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Take a Spring Break in Birmingham and Beyond

By Lynn Grisard Fullman

Y

Journal Contributor

our friends may have left town for spring break – and poor you, you’re stuck at home.

For you, it has meant no packing.

No airline delays. No pat-downs by airport security. No gasoline expense.

No buying new clothes. No paying a pet sitter. No imposing on a neighbor to get your mail. No timing lights inside your house.

You’re home. Lucky you! You have time to discover the magic in the Magic City and to look around at surrounding areas.

To help you outline your explorations, here are several suggestions for how you and your family might spend the remainder of spring break. Clip the list, post it on your refrigerator door and you’ll be ready when someone bellows, “What can we do?” ➤ Go bowling. The smoke-free Vestavia Bowl ( www.vestaviabowl. com or 979-4420) has a special Monday through Friday until 5 p.m.

Cost of one game per person is $1.65.

(Shoe rental is $3). A snack bar sells pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches and nachos with cheese – so stay through lunch and keep playing. And, btw, there’s also a large game room. ➤ Enjoy Beach Blanket Bingo March 22 at Wee Flip (www.weeflipgym.com or 824-8282) in Vestavia City Center. The colorful gym has bars, a balance beam, trampoline and plenty of places to jump and play. Planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the spring break event ($45; ages 2 to 5) offers games, arts and crafts and a place to practice gymnastics. A snack is provided; campers should pack a lunch. You’ll need reservations. Near several restaurants and Rave Motion Pictures, the gym also offers Parents Night Out on Fridays from 6 to 10 p.m. ➤ With renewed interest in the Tuskegee Airmen, thanks to the recently released Anthony Hemingwaydirected movie Red Tails, venture to the Southern Museum of Flight (www.southernmuseumofflight.org or 833-8226) to learn more about the airmen – and about planes, pilots and piloting. There’s also an inflatable and a large play area with a gigantic wall mural of a balloon festival. Before paying admission ($7 for adults; $6 for ages 4 to 17), ask about an annual membership ($35 per family,) which may be a better deal, especially when you consider all the additional science museums where the membership is accepted. ➤ If the Southern Museum of Flight prompts interest in aviation, head to the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest ( vestavialibrary.org/ or 978-0155) to check out books on the subject. The library plans Story Time March 23 at 10:30 a.m. for ages 18 months through kindergarten. A Tween Zone splatter-paint event is slated for March 22 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. You can even play Wii while you’re at the

library. ➤ On a sunny day, head to Oak Mountain State Park (www.alapark. com/OakMountain/ or 620-2520), where you will find more than 50 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails woven into the 9,940-acre park, the state’s largest. Plan a picnic, rent a canoe or pedal boat, dash through an expansive playing field, try bank fishing or go boating. (Gas operated motors are not allowed; electric trolling motors are OK.) The park also has an 18-hole golf course with pro shop and driving range and horseback riding facilities. Best of all, at a demonstration farm you can see the likes of pigs, horses and peacocks up close – even snuggle with goats. Cabins and camping facilities are available inside the park. ➤ Find hawks, owls and other critters at the Alabama Wildlife Refuge (www.awrc.org/ or 663-7930), inside Oak Mountain State Park. The state’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center annually cares for more than 2,000 injured and orphaned wild creatures.

You can view the rehab process through one-way glass and learn about native species. From an elevated walkway in the woods, a treetop nature trail affords close-up views of unreleasable hawks and owls in natural habitat enclosures. Admission is free once you’ve paid park admission. ➤ DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park (www.desotocavernspark.com or 800-933-2283) has a cave as its centerpiece and a mini-theme park with loads of attractions – a maze, gemstone panning, a 10-hoop basketball challenge, bow and arrow shooting range, wall climb, moon walk, spin-and-tilt ride, mini-train, spinning tubs and more. Dozens of picnic tables, many under cover, are scattered throughout the park, 36 miles southeast of Birmingham in Childersburg. ➤ Alabama’s official railroad museum, Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (www.hodrrm.org or 7578383) in Calera will host Steam Days March 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 40-minute rides aboard a train pulled behind a coal-burning, vintage steam engine. Cost is $15 for anyone older than 2 years. Reservations are suggested. Admission is free to the museum, signal garden and static display of dozens of train cars. (Look but do not enter.) To reach the museum, take I-65 to Calera Exit 228, go 0.6 miles south on Alabama 25. ➤ On March 24, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park ( www. nps.gov/hobe or 256-234-7111) in Daviston (some two hours southeast of Birmingham) will host the 198th Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. With demonstrations and interpretive programs, the free event, slated for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., focuses on frontier life in 1814. This is your chance to experience the life of the Creek and Cherokee Indians, see hunting camps and watch demonstrations of such skills as hide tanning, flint knapping and weaving. You can learn how to

make Cherokee baskets, take part in an authentic Creek stomp dance, see what it was like to be part of Andrew Jackson’s frontier army, learn how soldiers cooked their meals and watch Tennessee militiamen and soldiers representing the 39th U.S. Infantry fire cannon and muskets. ➤ Just west of Birmingham at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park (www.tannehill.org/ or 477-5711), you can see preserved Civil War-era iron works; tour a pioneer farm, gristmill and cotton gin house; find goodies at the park’s Sweet Shoppe; stay overnight in a cabin; hike trails; check out the Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama; and ride aboard a miniature railway that runs along a mile-long track. ➤ Romp, explore and learn about science in downtown Birmingham at McWane Science Center (mcwane. org or 714-8300), where the John W. Woods IMAX Dome Theater projects images onto a five story-tall dome screen. Check the center’s website for show times for Tornado Alley, showcasing the power of tornadoes, and Rescue, focused on saving lives in the face of a natural disaster. ➤ Learn about our nation’s beginning at the American Village (americanvillage.org/ or 665-3535), south of Birmingham in Montevallo. The 113-acre, hands-on village enlivens the nation’s early days, focusing on George Washington and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. There’s a replica of the Oval Office. Guided tours are weekdays at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Admission is $9. ➤ Breeze by Aldridge Gardens (aldridgegardens.com or 682-8019) on the corner of Lorna Road and Rocky Ridge Ranch Road in Hoover. Filled with hydrangeas and native plants, the 30-acre woodland gardens were once home to Eddie and Kay Aldridge.

Amble a half-mile around the six-acre lake and take along a picnic. Admission is free. ➤ You’ll have the chance to see inside the historic Alabama Theatre (www.alabamatheatre.com or 2510418) on March 22 at 8 p.m. when Trace Adkins performs and on March 23, 24 and 25 during the International Dance Challenge when admission is free. Built in 1927 by Paramount Studios, the building was mostly used as a movie palace for 55 years – with the exception of the annual Miss Alabama pageant and the weekly Mickey Mouse Club. After the building’s owners declared bankruptcy in 1987, the nonprofit Birmingham Landmarks bought and salvaged the structure, which annually hosts more than 300 events attended by a half million people. ➤ To learn more about the civil rights struggles staged in Birmingham as the nation and the world looked on, plan a trip to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (www.bcri.org or 3289696), where exhibits are captivating.

Among those are a bombed-out bus and a replica of the jail cell where Dr.

Above: A demonstration farm at Oak Mountain State Park allows visitors to get up close and friendly with many of the farm’s residents. Left: An exhibit at the Southern Museum of Flight remembers the Tuskegee Airmen.

Photos by Milton Fullman

Martin Luther King Jr. was held while in Birmingham. ➤ Don’t forget the Birmingham Zoo ( www.birminghamzoo.com or 879-0409) and all the critters and creatures there.

For more ideas, contact the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau: www.birminghamal.org or call 458-8000 or the Alabama Tourism Department ( www.alabama.travel or 800-ALABAMA (252-2262). ❖

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16 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

‘Big Top’ Draws Big Crowd

From left: Elizabeth McCoin, Tricia Wallwork, Lauren Grecus, Katie Stripling, Maggie O’Connor, Christine Smith, Britney Summerville, Erin Clark, Katie Gulas, Rebecca Moore, Cathleen Ellington and Arden Ward. Photos courtesy Arden Ward Photography

Gala raises close to $180K for Glenwood

S

more

ome 700 guests attended the eighth annual “A Night Under the Big Top” presented by Glenwood’s Junior Board Feb. 17 at The Club.

The event raised money for autism and to support the Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center.

The gala raised close to $180,000 due to support from Birmingham area businesses, including Ringmaster sponsor Iberiabank and Daredevil sponsors Alabama Power Co., CRC Insurance Services and Robins & Morton.

The event included dinner, casino fun and games and a live auction with auctioneer Tony Kurre. Live auction items included a Labradoodle from Mountain Spring Farms won by Christopher Conn. Susan and Tom Curtin won a photos at lunch with Justin Tuck in New York, including a stay at the Palace, provided by Brownell Travel.

Silent auction prizes and winners included a five-piece dining set by Summer Classics won by Daniel Williams, a David Yurman necklace from Bromberg’s won by Gregory Vedel, dinner at Hot and Hot Fish Club won by Taylor Cooper, a chef’s dinner for six at Fleming’s Steakhouse won by Angie and Philip Young, a party from Kathy G for 30 won

by Melissa and John Wood and a beachfront condo donated by Steve Mote and won by Debbie and Gregory Carlson.

Michelle Tubbs at Alabama Weddings magazine donated colorful linens. Festive lights were provided

by Andy Tolar at Design Productions.

In this year’s VIP room for upper level sponsors, sponsored by Charter Business, guests viewed centerpieces created by Christopher Confero. Danny Brewer at Feel the Beat Entertainment donated a photo booth.

The Junior Board includes president Michael Phillips, vice president and silent auction chairman Cathleen Ellington, event chairman Katie Gulas, secretary Andy Parker, treasurer Will Thuston, past president Dowe Bynum, decorations co-chairmen Christine Smith and Maggie O’Connor, public relations chairman Katie Stripling, event graphic designer Lauren Grecus, photographer Arden Ward, silent auction co-chairman Erin Clark, ticket chairman Britney Summerville and board members Whit Bird, Russ Chambliss, Peter Curtin, John Goldasich, Milton Johnson, Reed Lawrence, Elizabeth McCoin, Rebecca Moore, Noah Oliphant, Brent Panell, Andy Parker, Adam Robinett and Patricia Wallwork. ❖

From left: David and Cathleen Ellington and Ed Varner

OTMJ.COM

From left: Lauren Grecus, Adam Robinette, Dowe Bynum and Elizabeth and Seth McCoin

From left: Julie and Sen. Cam Ward and Carol Hill

SOCIAL

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Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 17

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18 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

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and Sandy Sandlin, Sammy and Carol Campbell, OAR (Regional Oncology Active Research), the Robert Ajam, Ed and Linda Kuchens, Ron and Deane fundraising arm of Southeast Cancer Foundation, Giles; hosted the second annual James Bond Gala, The Terry and Valerie Mennen, Ben and Nancy Spy Who Cured Me, Feb. 11 at The Club.

Schillaci, Barbara Shepherd, Brett and Heather This year’s gala and live auction honored speScullen, Doug and Eleni Shipp, John and Regina cial guest survivor Barbara Dooley, wife of former Williamson, Taylor and Katie Adams, A.W. and Kelly University of Georgia coach Vince Dooley.

Bolt, Mike and Kim Hull, Wes and Suzanne Wildmon The nearly $500,000 raised this year will help and Kristen Norwood. advance personalized treatment options for cancer Corporate sponsors were Morgan Keegan & Company, patients. The funds will equip doctors with more ways to The Sheffield Group, USA Healthcare-Alabama, respond to each unique case of cancer as it evolves.

Waldrep, Stewart and Kendrick, The Welch Group, KBR At a 5 p.m. VIP reception, guests were treated to and RealtySouth. personal photos with Serving on the the Dooley family Host Committee were and a message from Judge Brad and Dr. Barbara Dooley, folAnne Bishop, Frank lowed by cocktails Brown, Dr. George and a seated dinner. and Joyce French, Granger Thagard and Ike and Fanoula Associates hosted a Gulas, Randy and live auction featurDebra Jones, Bob ing international and and Billie Lochamy, domestic vacations, Hamp and Merrill fine jewelry, dining McWhorter and packages and excluDr. Jack and Beth sive special events.

Schaeffer.

After dinner and Gala chairthe auction, Barbara men were Kelly Dooley captivated Kassouf, Julie guests with her talk, From left: Julie Kim, Yvonne Pope, Sarah Moseley, Denise Nichols Kim, Honey Miller, “The 10 Most Fun and Honey Miller.

Sarah Moseley, Things About Having Denise Nichols, Yvonne Pope, Pat Starr and Kelly Cancer.”

Williamson.

Total Assets performed after the speech.

ROAR members helping with the event were: SCF board members attending were Dr. John Barbie Arnold, Char Bonsack, Libby Bontly, Becky Fiveash, Yvonne Pope, Colleen Adams and Don Cammack, Dona Bullock, Terry Crutchfield, Peggy Giardina.

Devane, Anna Dewees, Deborah Flatt, Kathy Members of the Dooley family who attended with Frey, Gloria Grube, Carolyn Higginbotham, Billie Barbara and Vince included Deanna, Daniel and Suzanne Dooley, Coach Derek Dooley and Allison, Jay Holleman, Kelly Kassouf, Julie Kim, Chantal Kottmeyer, Laverne LaRocca, Annette Lenane, Angela and Denise Mitchell, Dr. Michael and Kitty Meshad, Lewis, Audrey Lindquist, Bob Lochamy; John and Elaine Meshad and Norm and Karen Debbie McCune, Melody McGuire, Hamp Baldwin.

McWhorter, Honey Miller, Sarah Moseley, Denise Other guests were: Drs. Jennifer and Conrad De Nichols, Sue Nuby, Alicia Pangman, Yvonne Pope, Los Santos, Lisa Thompson Smith, Richard and Rhonda Pyatt, Michelle Scholtz, Sue Selby, Pat Starr, Martha Thompson, Tony Smoke, David and Madeline Patti Summerford, Martha Thompson, Jane Van Busby, Hixey and Karen Stephens, Steve and Barbie Eaton, Fresia Vega, Sheila Verciglio, Charlie Waldrep, Arnold, Dr. Doug and Connie Clark with Dru; Carol Knight, Jeff Nahasingh and Jennifer Wilson, Gloria Walker, Tabitha Walker, Kelly Williamson, Darlene Wilson, Rita Wood, Lynn Yeager and Joan John and Lydia Herring, Scott and Betsy Grinstead, Zolak. ❖ Mike and Liz Slive, Joe and Betty Jo Adams, Dwight

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 19

Lamplighters Dance Club Dances the Night Away at VCC

T

he Lamplighters Dance Club held a dance recently at Vestavia Country Club.

Tables were adorned with fall decorations provided by Jane Crouch and Mary Pate. After a buffet, guests enjoyed dancing to music from the Classics Band.

Members and their guests included Joan Meeks and Howard Clowdus, Shirley and Ray Patton, Betty Rogers and John Bosshart, Reba Huffman and Stan Biggs, Sheila and Larry Taylor, Pearl Montalbano and Robert Rube, Dena and Wallace Parker, Margie Wasley, Jean Morton, Lou Camp,

Pearl Montalbano and Robert Rube

Photos special to the Journal

Reba Huffman and Stan Biggs

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Also at the party were Harriet Jackson, Doris Shattuck, Charles Wilkerson, Dianne and George Adams, Jean Weamer and Chester Bieniosek, Colleen Adams and Virgil Mitchell, Ann and Joe Liberto; Gladys and Chuck Reynolds, Howell Scott and Paul Chapman, Ginnie Stewart, Virginia and John Golightly, Jane Crouch and Frank Jones, Yvonne and John Norton, Mary Nappi and Ben Bailey, Betty Mills and Paul Barrett and Lois Avery. ❖

R

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Guild Gala Is Glittering Event

hythm and Muse, the Guild of the Birmingham Music Club’s annual gala, was an unforgettable evening at the Country Club of Birmingham.

All proceeds benefited the guild’s prestigious scholarship fund and the Birmingham Music Club’s concert series.

Thursday, March 29th, 4pm - 7pm The evening began with cocktails Friday, March 30th, 9am - 1pm in the living room followed by a seated dinner and live auction conducted by Saturday, March 31st, 8am - 11am Granger Thagard and Associates. The event ended with entertainment by piaShop online at www.littlelavender.com nist Michael Savela in the East Room.

(The site will be off line during the in person sale.)

Kay Clark, guild president, and her Please email us at littlelavender@littlelavender.com husband David greeted guests as they for directions or call us at 249-4750 arrived.

4104 Shiloh Drive, Mountain Brook, AL 35213 Among the 150 guests mixing and mingling were: Event co-chairmen Marsha Drennen and Mary-Noel Sellers with husbands Jim and Bob, Judy and Come See Charles Anderson, Charlann and Our Exciting Charles Anderson, Lochrane and New Shipment From Mell Smith, Gerda Carmichael, Anne and Tom Lamkin, Kacey Clark, To: Tracey Joyce Morgan Sellers and William Mills, From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Kevin and Nancy Canada, Sandra 205-824-1246, fax and Elam Holley, Jo Self, Tommie Date: March Ruth Blackwell, Elouise Williams; Birmingham Music Club executive This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL theBourdages with wife directorfor Ron March 22, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Randi, Jeanne and Harry Bradford, Carolyn and Thad Long, Pat and Please make sure all information is correct, Don Cosper, Diane and Neil Davis, and Gerry Durward, Edith and including address and phone number!Pat Robert Bauman, Kathie and Pringle Ramsey, Elaine and Oliver Clark, Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. Ellen and Russell Cunningham, Judy If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, and Andrew Daniel, Joy and Walter Vintage Jewelry your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Clark, Lois and Jim Turnipseed, Rings Thank you forEngagement your prompt attention. Deborah O’Connor and David Old Cut Diamonds Johnson; Lynn and Chip McCallum, Custom Design Restoration Heather and Kenneth Till, Caroline Celebrating 36 Years in Vestavia Hills and Stephen Reich, Lu and Charles Martha Ann Doyle, Nancy and 619 Montgomery Highway Vestavia Hills • 979-5611 Moss, Bart Morrow, Betsy and Deiter Reitz, Amy and Scott Tully, Elizabeth and Mark Ezell, Bess Rice McCrory, Jane Stuffed AnimAlS, BlAnketS, QuiltS, BootieS, BiBS, and Randy Yarbrough, Anne Cobb, Michele and Mabry Smith, Sarah and Floris van Os; Phyllis and Jim Pelham, Frances and Buddy Howard, Carol McCoy, Nan and Phil Teninbaum, Miriam Donna, 979-5691 and Clay Morris, Sue Watkins, Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Fay Hart, Gerry Dunham, Tallulah 205-824-1246, fax Hargrove, Janis Zeanah, Jeffrey Klinner, Patty McDonald, Margaret Sept. 2011

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From left: David and Kay Clark, Sandra and Elam Holley.

Hubbard, Judy and David Long, Tina and Jamie White, Kim and Bob Lepley and Jane Paris and Chandler Smith.

The club’s East Room was decorated with turquoise and green peacock feathers nestled in arrangements of purple tulips in beds of variegated acuba leaves bordered by teal picture frames.

Large glass vases with feathers and fanned leaves also complemented the tables’ cream linens with navy overlays and shimmering turquoise fabrics.

Event co-chairman Mary-Noel Sellers was the floral designer. She was assisted by Judy and Charlann Anderson and their committee members.

Guild member Anne Lamkin chose the menu for the dinner. Guests were

served an appetizer trio of chicken and apple salad in profiteroles, smoked salmon with cream cheese on dill flat bread and tomato and basil and mozzarella bruschetta.

Next came Tournedos au Poivre crusted with cracked black peppercorns with brandy Dijon cream and veal demi-glace. Dessert was the “Prez Special,” a mound of vanilla ice cream encrusted with chocolate.

Bidding was competitive for artwork donated by Gerda Carmichael, Tena Payne and Jeremy Roegner, a playhouse designed by Davis Architects and built by The Robins & Morton Group, trips, dinners, parties, a Henig mink, jewelry by Barton-Clay and a one-ofa-kind hunting trip donated by Sandra and Elam Holley. ❖

T

he Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity hosted its annual Founder's Day luncheon Jan. 21 at Inverness Country Club.

President Allison Carmichael welcomed alumnae from chapters throughout the U.S. Collegiate members of Kappa Alpha Theta from the University of Alabama and Auburn University also participated in the Founder's Day program. ❖

Kappa Alpha Thetas from the group’s Birmingham Alumnae Chapter gathPhoto special to the Journal ered for a Founder’s Day luncheon Jan. 21.

M

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 21

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Salvation Army Shows Off Styles

iss Alabama Courtney Porter was the featured model at the annual Salvation Army Fashion Show, sponsored by the Adult Rehabilitation Center Committee of the SA Women's Auxiliary.

The fashion show was Feb. 22 at the Salvation Army Green Springs Family Store on Green Springs Highway.

Other models included Doran Helton, Phyllis and Roye Tinsley, Genoa McPhatter, Pat and Stan Bussey, Capt. Kathy Parker, John Tidwell and many auxiliary members.

The fashion show is held each year to raise awareness of the Salvation Army Stores, the sole supporters of adult rehabilitation, a ninemonth faith-based program for men with drug and alcohol problems. ❖

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IREM Chapter Helps Homeless, Shelter Residents

M

embers of the Alabama Chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management collected and donated toiletries to Birmingham shelters on Valentine’s Day. More than 100 bags were delivered to men, women and children at Jimmie Hale Mission, Jessie’s Place, the Salvation Army and the Firehouse Shelter, and 100 bags were handed out directly to homeless men and women at Linn Park.

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From left: Terri Cobb, Servpro; Millanne Khleif, Birmingham Apartment Leasing Solutions; Bernie Scott, Bagby Elevator; Lauren Guillebeau, Trust Building Services; and Connie Harris, Daniel Corporation. Photos special to the Journal

Send us your party pics!

• Email your event pictures along with a short write up to editorial@otmj.com.

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To: From: Date:

Bill Fargason Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 March 2012 AT OVERTON This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the $600’s and up March 22 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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     Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Sherri Ellis

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"Creating beautifully appointed interior spaces is my passion, one that is very personal and client based. There is no 'cookie cutter ' approach to my business. Each project reflects the client’s personality and lifestyle."

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To: Charles Dr. GriffinKessler From: crerealty.com Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, 1114 Oxmoor Road • Birmingham, AL 35209  fax 205-824-1246 Date: 205.999.9881 Feb. 2012 Phone: (205) 871-7324 • Prayer Line: (205) 795-PRAY This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for the www.dawsonchurch.org xxx issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

please make sure all information is correct,

22 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

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SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Dance Clubs Combine for Valentine’s Bash at Park Lane

he Cha Cha and Fandango Dance Clubs hosted a Valentine’s Sweetheart Dinner and Dance Feb. 11 at Kathy G’s Park Lane in English

Village.

Welcoming members and guests were Cha Cha officers Gina Boyd, Maggie Somerall Moore, Beff King, Camie Griffin, Mary Owen,

Diane Beck, Marie Cole and Martee Barnes.

Fandango officers are Judy Matthews, Mindy Boggs, Fran Robertson, Laura Bryan, Elise Warren, Kathy Hoar, Candace Watson, Lochrane Coleman Smith, Carol Norwicki and Carla Robertson.

The Silk E Smooth Band’s high energy performance had members and their guests on the dance floor.

Cha Cha members with their Valentines were: Blair and Tom Agricola, Janet and Jeff Porterfield, Diane and Murray Beck, Vickie and Dave Rader, Susan and Phil Black, Sue and Kimble Ratliff, Elise and Vince Blackerby, Ellen and Warren Rhett, Susan Blair and Michael O’Brien, Melinda and Steve Smith, Gina and Rusty Boyd, Janie and Kevin Stump, Ann and Jim Carter, Dawn and Mark Tucker; Pam Cezayirli and Gary Sears, Elizabeth and Bayard Tynes, Marie and Mike Cole, Libba and Turner Williams, Laura and Elliott Colebeck, Marlene and T.J. Willings, Sara and Bobby Crook, Margaret and David Winge, Sandy and Ken Deaton, Torrey and Armand Dekeyser, Karen and Doug Eddleman, Elizabeth and Mark Ezell, Pat and Perry Grant, Pam and Andrew Grayson; Camie Griffin, Beff and Duane King, Joy and Price Kloess, Judy and Steve Kowalski, Ann

From left: Larry and Mindy Boggs, Mell and Lochrane Coleman Smith.

Photo special to the Journal

and Parks Lee, Trudy and Alex Lockett, Eve and Gary London, Leslie and Frank Mapes, Sally and Lee Morris, Margaret and Glen Murdock and Jean and John Oliver.

Fandango members enjoying the evening with their Valentines were: Mimi and Stuart Arrington, Elisebeth Bashinsky and Marvin Hughes, Mindy and Larry Boggs, Susan and David Boyd, Courtney and Phil Brown, Laura and David Bryan, Beth and Andy Campbell, Dotty and Joe Carley, Bimi and Blair Cox, Paula Cox, Emmie and Bob Dawson, Debbie and Dave Dresher, Anne and Randy Easterling, Penny and Mike Fuller;

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Kitchens/Baths • Outdoor Living Spaces • Decks Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 23

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Yin and Stan Ingram, Julius Linn, Boehm, Mary and Tom Boulware, fargasonbuilding.com 205-426-3377 bill@fargasonbuilding.com Margaret Livingston, Henry Lynn, Emily and Bill Bowron, Patrick Edgar Marx, Bill Mason and Bob Cather, Jane Comer, Paula and Sharfenstein, Emily Omura, Karen Francis Crockard, Ellen and Fred Elsas, Beverly and Stanley Erdreich, and Joel Piassick, Elizabeth and John Steiner, Carolyn Wade and Maye and Bernard Frei, David Alan Zeigler. ❖ Hezlep, Millie and Billy Hulsey,

The First Look

From left: Yin Ingram, Dr. David Skier, Stan Ingram, Nan Skier and Michael Steiner

T

Photo special to the Journal

Museum Supporters See ‘The Look of Love’

he Birmingham Museum of Art premiered its highly-anticipated exhibition, The Look of Love: Eye Miniatures from the Skier Collection, to its Benefactor and Circle level members at a private opening in February.

More than 130 members and outof-town guests attended the event, which celebrated the largest exhibition of lover’s eye jewelry in the world and debuted an exhibition catalogue by the same name.

Guests were welcomed with Pimm’s Cup, a traditional British drink first introduced during the reign of King George IV, who reportedly commissioned the first lover’s eye.

A Social Affair presented a spread of European-inspired hors d’oeuvres, including lobster flatbread with fresh herbs de Provence and arugula with crème fraiche, forest mushroom phyllo tarts, pate served with crusty European breads and smoked salmon bruschetta with tarragon crème.

Maloy Love of Mountain Brook Flower Shop designed a centerpiece of white calla lilies, blush tulips and peach roses for the hors d’oeuvres table.

Dr. Jeannine O’Grody, deputy director and chief curator, welcomed guests and introduced exhibition curator Dr. Graham Boettcher, the William C. Hulsey Curator of American Art. Dr. Boettcher gave guests an overview of the exhibition and presented the exhibition catalog, “The Look of Love,” an Amazon.com bestseller.

Guests were then invited to view the exhibition of 100 objects, which was supplemented for the first time by 20 complimentary iPad gallery guides.

Chaz Briegle, a gallery attendant, assisted guests as they navigated The Look of Love iPad app to examine the objects in up to 20 times their actual sizes.

Guests of honor included Jo Manning of Miami Beach, Fla., contributing editor of the catalog; Elle Shushan of New York City, contributing editor of the catalog; Sonja Weber of New York City, wife of the late fine jewelry expert Barry Weber; Thomas Sully III of Asheville, N.C., eye miniature portraitist and direct descendant of legendary American artist Thomas

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To: Bill Fargason From: Dr. David Skier and MargaretOver The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Livingston Date: March 2012 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Members at the event included March 22 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Margaret and Bruce Alexander, Mimi Arrington, Peggy and Michael Balliet, Dalton and Jon Blankenship, Mary and Chris

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• Arbors • Flowers This is your AD PROOF • Statuary from the OvER THE MOuNTAiN JOuRN • Shrubs • Pottery March 8, 2012 issue.

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Listen to ourhave LIVE, Radio if we notCall-In heard from you Show by 5 pm of the Friday before the press d Saturday mornings 8-9am WERC 105.5 your ad will run as is. WeFM print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Goodwyn-Kreider

Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Williams Goodwyn Jr. of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Anne McMaster Goodwyn, to Miller

Hazelrig-Van Eaton

Caroline Cobb Hazelrig and Billy Tyler Van Eaton were married Dec. 3, 2011 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. Rev. Dr. William Hay and Rev. Dr. Thomas Daniel officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Mr.

Benton-Eckhart

Mr. and Mrs. William David Benton of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Katherine Paige Benton of Dallas, to Dr. Scott Daniel Eckhart of Dallas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Lawrence Eckhart of Katy, Texas.

The bride-elect is the grand-

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 24

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Sunnen Kreider, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mason Beach Dillard of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Sunnen Kreider of Birmingham.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. James Gavin Reardon and the late Mr. James Gavin Reardon of Worcester, Mass., the late Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Valentine Hain of Selma and the late Col. Marvin Williams Goodwyn of Newport Beach, Calif.

Miss Goodwyn is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a summa cum laude graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South with a double major in classics and English literature. She was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School, where she was a Patrick Wilson Scholar.

Miss Goodwyn was presented at the 2005 Cotton Ball, the 2007 Beaux Arts Krewe Ball and the 2007 Ball of Roses.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Norman Dewey Pless and the late Mr. Norman Dewey Pless of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson Kreider and the late Mrs. Robert Anderson Kreider, Esther, of Birmingham.

Mr. Kreider is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Emory University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from Emory’s Goizueta Business School.

He was a member of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. He is employed with Sterne Agee.

The wedding is planned for April 14.

and Mrs. John Keith Hazelrig of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mr. Charles Winfield Van Eaton IV of Auburn and Mrs. Jane Goodner Van Eaton of Birmingham.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. The maid of honor was Virginia Lyle Hazelrig, and the matron of honor was Simmons Hazelrig Skinner, both sisters of the bride.

Bridesmaids were Elizabeth Grace Coxhead, Miller Metcalf Folk, Sarah Frances Gieger, Allyson Marie Gimple, Brennan Wade Hall, Elizabeth Snow Hazelrig, Lucy Baldwin Johnston, Mary T. Willett Miller, Sarah Elizabeth Pope, Ellen Hudson Regan, Kelli Ann Sandusky and Anna Blanche Young.

Flower girls were Katherine Kane Skinner, Caroline Comer Eldridge, Madison Elizabeth Hazelrig and Olivia Leigh Hazelrig. The flower girls wore dresses made by the bride’s grandfather, the late Dr. John William

Hazelrig.

The groom’s father and John David Van Eaton, brother of the groom, served as best men.

Groomsmen were Edward Ross Baird, Christopher Bryan Baldwin, Clarke Chapman Coole, Caleb John Clark, Matthew Blair Clinton, Micah Christopher Dalton, Mark Richard DiCristina, Blake William Dozier, Sandor Duenas Fejervary, Robert Vincent Forrester, Jeffrey Martin Kent, Todd Robert Kice, Russell Richard Skinner Jr., Michael Douglas White and Jonathan Michael Youssef.

The ring bearer was Carl Edwin Miller V. Special music was provided by Alison Bradford Gorrie and Micah Dalton. John Phelps was scripture reader, and Katharine Walraven Harris and Charles Andrew Harris II were greeters.

After a honeymoon trip to St. Barts, the couple live in Atlanta.

daughter of Mrs. Bennett William Benton Jr. of Birmingham and the late Mr. Benton and Mrs. Joseph Avery Miller Jr. of Birmingham and the late Mr. Miller.

Ms. Benton is a 2010 cum laude graduate of Auburn University College of Business with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in human resource management. She was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Lambda Sigma honor societies and Alpha Gamma Delta social sorority, where she was vice president of finance.

Ms. Benton served as a counselor for Camp War Eagle, Auburn University’s freshman orientation program, in 2008-09 and was selected to be one of four head Camp War Eagle counselors in 2009-10. She also worked as an academic recruiter for Auburn University for three years.

She is employed by Capgemini as an associate human recourse busi-

ness partner in the company’s Dallas office.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Montgomery Eckhart of Niantic, Ill., and Mrs. Charles Daniel Moore of Niantic and the late Mr. Moore.

Dr. Eckhart is a 2007 summa cum laude graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science with a concentration in entomology. He is a 2011 doctor of dental surgery graduate from Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry, achieving the Baylor College of Dentistry Dean’s Honor Roll for four years.

Dr. Eckhart was a member of the Texas A&M Pre-Dental Society and served as an officer on the board. He was a member of the Odontological Honor Society and Psi Omega fraternity.

He works as an associate dentist for a private practice in Plano, Texas.

The wedding is planned for May 26.

recently married or engaged?

Share your good news with our readers. Just fill out a form at www.otmj.com under “issues, forms & info,” or email information to editorial@otmj.com.

Lovell-Rick

Mr. and Mrs. W. Taylor Lovell of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Blair Lovell, to Matthew Sidney Rick, son of Sidney Rick of Clay Township, Mich., and Nancy Rick of Macomb, Mich.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. Carl Van Hoozier Sr. and the late Phyllis B. Van

Sherard-Worley

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rodney Sherard of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Anna Gabrielle Sherard, to Daniel Dalton Worley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Worley of Memphis, Tenn.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Mildred Fields Sherard and the late Mr. Thomas

Hackney-Crumpler

Mrs. Leigh McMillan Hackney and Mr. Thomas Alpha Hackney announce the engagement of their daughter, Rebekah Jean, to Christopher Bryan Crumpler, son

Hoozier and Emma S. Lovell and the late John T. Lovell, all of Knoxville, Tenn.

Miss Lovell graduated from Auburn University in May 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She lettered in golf and was a member of three Southeastern Conference championships teams.

She is employed with AvVenta serving the Citibank account.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bill Burgess and the late Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Rick, all of Mt. Clemens, Mich.

Mr. Rick is a graduate of Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Mich., with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He earned a graduate degree from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla., in business leadership. He is employed with Bank of America/Merrill Lynch as a sales manager.

The wedding is planned for April 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Lodge and Club, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Harold Sherard of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. William A. Busenlehner of Birmingham.

Miss Sherard is a graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School and a 2007 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree public relations and Spanish. She was a Blount Initiative Scholar and is a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She is employed in pharmaceutical sales in Nashville, Tenn.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. Harvey F. Maxwell Sr. and the late Mrs. June Maxwell of Memphis, Tenn. and the late Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Worley of Memphis.

Mr. Worley is a graduate of Briarcrest Christian School and a 2007 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in business. He is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He is employed in medical sales in Nashville, Tenn.

The wedding is planned for April 21, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Nashville. of Mrs. Deborah Majure Crumpler and Mr. and Mrs. Hannibal Sonny Crumpler.

Miss Hackney is the granddaughter of Mrs. Allen Gray McMillan and the late Mr. McMillan of Talladega and the late Mr. and Mrs. James Henry Hackney of Lincoln.

She is a graduate of Auburn University and is employed in Birmingham as a registered nurse.

Mr. Crumpler is the grandson of Mrs. Robert K. Majure and the late Mr. Majure of Oneonta and Mrs. Jim Tom Crumpler and the late Mr. Crumpler of Birmingham.

He graduated from the University of Alabama with a master’s degree in economics and is employed at BBVA. The wedding is planned for May 5 at Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church.

Principi-Phillips

Amy Maureen Principi and Michael Wall Phillips were married May 21, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Point Clear. The 6:30 p.m. ceremony was officiated by The Rev. Robert J. Sullivan. A recep-

tion followed at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Joseph Principi.

The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Lewis Phillips of Vestavia Hills.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore an ivory silk shantung gown with a fit to flare silhouette. The strapless bodice had a sweetheart neckline and a soft rouched bodice. A flared skirt swept to a chapel length train. The bride wore her sister’s cathedral length veil of ivory illusion which was edged with a wide border of French Alencon lace. She carried a cascade bouquet of calla lilies.

The matron of honor was Alicia Principi Whittington of Marion, S.C., and the maid of honor was Andrea Michele Principi, both sisters of the bride, of New York City. Bridesmaids were Adrienne Cleveland Edmondson, Patricia Lynn

Everitt, Claire Elise Frisby, Nancy Cashion Harrelson, Anna Patterson Harris, Kathryn Robison Hendrix, Jennifer Gray Phillips, Jami Boni Principi, Mendel Samantha Strange and Annie Ballou White.

David Harriman Phillips, brother of the groom, of San Francisco was best man.

Groomsmen were Matthew James Beckman, Kevin James Campion, Michel Patrick Cotogno, Chase Stewart Couch, Jonathan Edward Nelson, Jonathan Patrick Norman, Lars Thomas Porter, Philip David Principi, Stuart William Rein, Samuel Patrick Thompson and Robert Jordan Wood. The ring bearer was William Vincent Principi, nephew of the bride.

After a honeymoon trip to Hawaii the couple live in Evanston, Ill., where the groom is pursuing a master’s of business administration at Kellog.

Uhrin-Taylor

elor’s degree in nursing at Samford University.

Dr. Taylor is the grandson of the late Dr. Alton Rhodes Perry Jr. of Pass Christian, Miss., Mrs. Gisela Muenster Perry of Jackson, Miss., and the late Dr. and Mrs. Charles David Taylor of Pass Christian.

He is a graduate, with honors, of the University of Mississippi and received a medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He is employed as a resident in emergency medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Ark. The wedding is planned for June 30 at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

Halverson-Manderson

Mr. and Mrs. R. Kim Halverson of Kennebec, S.D. announce the engagement of their daughter, Tess Marie Halverson, to Lewis Corrigan (Corry) Manderson, son of Ms. Nora Manderson of Mountain Brook and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Manderson of Chattanooga, Tenn.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Lyman High School and a 2005 graduate of the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Miss Halverson is a senior infor-

mation technology (IT) recruiter at Hunter Technical Resources in Atlanta.

The prospective groom is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a 2003 graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in chemical engineering. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

Mr. Manderson is an international business development manager for TenCate Protective Fabrics of Atlanta.

The wedding is planned for May 4, 2012 at Seagrove Beach, Fla. The couple will make their home in Atlanta.

Mr. and Mrs. Brett Bondurant Strozier of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Katie Elizabeth Strozier, to Paul Stephen Burge, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Greg Burge of Vestavia Hills.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Robert Anderson Strozier and the late Mr. Robert Anderson Strozier of Vestavia Hills and Mr. James Hiram Moore Jr. and the late Mrs. Elizabeth Hansen Moore of Vestavia Hills.

Miss Strozier is a 2006 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and was presented at the Poinsettia

Debutante Ball. She is employed with Vestavia Day School.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. George Bokas of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Mr. and Mrs. Don Lamb of Gulf Breeze and Mr. and Mrs. Stan Burge of Pensacola, Fla. Mr. Burge is a 2006 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree To: in risk management and insurance.

He was a member of Phi Delta Theta From: fraternity. He is employed with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Date: Services, Inc. The wedding is planned for May 19, 2012.

Mr. and Mrs. John Rogers Uhrin of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Virginia Fleming, to Dr. Timothy Pattison Taylor Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Pattison Taylor of Jackson, Miss.

Miss Uhrin is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William McMurry January of Marion, N.C., and the late Mr. and Mrs. George Andrew Uhrin of Creedmoor, N.C. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where she was a member of the varsity track and field team.

She is pursuing a second bach-

Strozier-Burge

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 25

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Send us your party pics!

Email your event pictures along with a short write up to editorial@otmj.com.

Austin-Carson

Courtney Elizabeth Austin and Arthur James Carson IV were married Aug. 27, 2011 at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery.

The 5:30 p.m. ceremony was officiated by Rev. James A. Tucker III, brother-in-law of the groom, and Rev. David Raymond Saliba. A reception immediately followed at the home of the bride’s parents.

The bride is the daughter of Richard and Kaki Austin. She is the granddaughter of Janet Cornelius Pierce, the late Col. Clyde Wilbert (Jim) Pierce, the late Sgt. Rufus Baker Austin, Bobbie Guice Mullins and the late William Otis Mullins.

The bride is a 2002 graduate of Saint James School in Montgomery and a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She was an Auburn University cheerleader and a member of Phi Mu

sorority.

She is the Montgomery regional project manager of Magic Moments, Alabama’s oldest wish-granting organization for children with life-threatening or life-altering illnesses.

The groom is the son of Jim and Jennifer Carson of Birmingham. He is the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. James H. Taylor of Auburn and the late Dr. and Mrs. A. J. Carson of Birmingham.

Mr. Carson is a 2002 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a graduate of Auburn University with bachelor’s degrees in biomedical science and Spanish. He served as a Plainsman, an official host of the university, was a Student Government Association senator and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

He is the practice administrator of Michael Scott Kendrick MDPC, a medical group in Birmingham.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Matron of honor was Hayley Tucker, sister of the groom.

Bridesmaids were Jennifer Bentley, Brittany Crain, Elizabeth Goodrich, Lindsay Green, Kristen Mills, Leslie Robertson, Erin Sharpe and Katherine Wasden.

The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were Barrett Austin, Turner Burton, William Gaither, James Grant, Matthew O’Steen, Michael O’Steen, Morgan Phillips, John Baker Whitten and Jonathan Wilson.

After a honeymoon trip to the French Riviera, the couple live in Birmingham.

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26 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

Schools

Twice the Nice

Clockwise from above: Officers of the Vestavia Hills SGA are bottom row from left: Nicole Lamb, parliamentarian; Barbara Thornton, secretary; Riley Logsdon, chaplain; and Lauren Reeder, girls vice president. In back: Alex Vogt, boys vice president; Leah Dennis, treasurer; Marily Gray, historian; and Callie Barganier, president. The SGA organized a supply drive for those homes hit hardest by recent tornadoes.

Barbecue the Bucs is one of the SGA’s biggest fundraisers of the fall. Students cookout before the Hoover game and teachers and staff are Photos special to the Journal judges.

Vestavia High SGA Raises Funds for Two Charities This Year

By Laura McAlister

tion, programs and research.

The Sikuzu Community School will open this year and provide a nearby school for elementary age students. The children have had to walk five miles to the nearest primary school. hanks to the leadership of a few Vestavia Hills High School While the SGA chose the charities, the entire school body pitched students, children in Africa are one step closer to getting a new in to raise money for both the organizations. school, and the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation will receive more Through fun activities like the girls’ powder puff game, the boys’ much-needed funds for education and research. homecoming king contest and the Barbecue the Bucs Cook Off, the During the first semester of the school year, the VHHS Student school raised a record amount.

Government Association raised money for two charities – the Juvenile “We also have a talent show,” said Riley Logsdon, SGA chaplain.

Arthritis Foundation and the Sikuzu Community School in Zambia, “We do that during school, and it’s Africa. $5 to go. They get to get out of Through various activities class, and the money goes to a good throughout the semester, the SGA cause.” raised more than $20,000 for the Alex Vogt, the SGA boys’ vice two charities. During a recent president, said the events are meant school-wide assembly, the group to be fun and also bring together stupresented each with a check for dents and the community. $10,000.

“We take donations at football “This is just really neat, games, so it really is the whole combecause the students are the ones munity making it happen,” he said. who organize all this,” said teach“We’re not only raising money, but er and SGA co-sponsor Jennifer it’s memories, too.”

Carson. “They decide on the Though the logistics of hosting charities at the first of the year. the fundraisers can get “stressful,” They do all the work.”

Callie said, it’s all worth it when At the beginning of the school they’re able to present the checks to year, several charities met before the charities. the SGA, which consists of offiThis year, Greg Jeane and reprecers and representatives from each Participating in the fall’s Powder Puff game, another SGA funsentatives from the Juvenile Arthritis grade. Members then voted on drasier, are from left: Barbara Thornton, Caroline Smith and Caitlin Foundation came to the assembly to which charity to support during Photo special to the Journal McCallum receive the donations and to thank the fall semester. the SGA and the student body for In past years, the SGA picked their hard work. only one charity. This year, however, two had such close ties to home “It’s just really amazing to see the reactions,” said SGA co-sponsor that the vote was split. The group decided to raise money for both.

Beth Waltson. “It’s just really so amazing what this group and the Christian Smith, a ninth grader at the school, has juvenile arthritis and spoke to the SGA about the challenges of the disease. VHHS teacher whole school does, and this was just the fall semester.”

This semester, the students will tackle a different fundraiser – Relay Lauren Dressback talked with the students about the Sikuzu Community for Life. Although it will be the major fundraiser for the spring semesSchool, which her father, Greg Jeane, helped plan and construct. ter, just like in the fall, it won’t be the only one.

“I think that’s why the vote was so close,” said SGA president Callie Throughout the year, the SGA has canned food drives and responds Barganier. “We had a teacher and then Christian.” to different needs in the community, including those caused by the The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation strives to reduce the impact of arthritis on the some 5,000 children in Alabama it affects through educa- recent tornadoes. ❖

T

Journal Editor

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

School Notes Altamont Senior Recognized for Community Service Altamont School senior Sarah Bender has been recognized as a Distinguished Finalist by the 2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for her community service activities.

Sarah founded the Avondale Tutoring Club, a group that meets weekly at the Avondale library to help elementary and middle school students with homework on a weekly basis.

As club president, Sarah has recruited more than 50 high school tutors. She organizes and schedules the tutoring sessions, sponsors fundraisers to purchase supplies and serves as a tutor herself.

Sarah is a member of the C. Kyser Miree Ethical Leadership Center, is her Sarah Bender school’s SGA secretary and is a National Merit Finalist.

“Sarah Bender is not only a great student but an amazing person,” said Ashley Davenport, Altamont’s SGA sponsor. “She is a young woman who has seen the blessings of her own life and used such knowledge and power to enhance the lives of others.

“She is also self-motivated. Her idea to begin a tutoring organization at the Avondale library derived from a need she witnessed in her own community.”

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represent the U.S.’s largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. All public and private middle level and high schools, as well as nonprofit organizations, were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award.

The awards are based on personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth. Since the program began in 1995, more than 100,000 young volunteers nationwide have been honored by the program at the local, state or national level.

Liberty Park Middle Students are using iPads for every day tasks as part of a pilot class at Photo special to the Journal the school.

LPMS Students Try Out iPad 2s As part of a pilot class at Liberty Park Middle School, Martha Manley’s eighth grade students are using iPad 2s daily.

The iPads are used to access the class blog for the daily agenda, handouts, reading assignments and more. Tests are given interactively, and assignments are submitted via email or through other electronic resources.

The iPads give students the ability to read articles, take notes, download books, watch videos and research information without having to keep up with multiple pieces of paper.

Students use applications such as NoteTaker HD, Penultimate, Coaster Physics, Pages, Angry Birds and Google Apps.

The students have the option of taking the iPads home to read, study and complete assignments.

Students in the iPad pilot class cover the same curriculum and content as traditional science classes. ❖

ISS Scholars Bowl Team Is Undefeated

Above: Taking part in St. Francis Xavier School’s Colonial Fair were from left: Angelica Warsaw, Rachel Chapman, Abigail Courtenay, and Catherine Ladner. Below: Also enjoying the day were Sydney Swindall and Chloe Photo special to the Journal Smith.

Students Present Colonial Fair The sounds of a hammer clanging on iron or wooden spoons stirring flour aren’t usually heard at 9 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier School. But Jan. 26 was different.

The school’s fifth graders traded traditional schoolwork for the work of a Colonial American as they created a Colonial Fair for the school.

Each student was assigned a different colony, period and area of local culture to represent creatively.

The colonies represented were Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, North Carolina and Georgia.

The roles represented from each colony included the worker, artist, famous person and chef. Students represented their roles by wearing dress appropriate to the time period and serving authentic food from the era.

Before the fair, the students researched their roles and culture during library sessions with new iPads.

Parents and students visited the fair and learned about different aspects of colonial life. Costumed students told visitors about themselves and answered questions.

The fifth grade class is led by Jennifer Dunn.

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 27

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

influential leaders, singers, politicians and many others.

Everyone attended a tree planting ceremony in honor of OLF supporters.

Both sets of students spent recess and lunch together.

The Indian Springs School Scholars Bowl Team swept all of its matches and won the Alabama Scholastic Competition Association District Tournament Feb. 10 at Jefferson State Community College’s Shelby Campus.

The team includes Caleb Caldwell, Will Riley, Jack O’Malley, Hill Balliet, Patrick Scalise and Seth Perlman.

ISS English teacher Douglas Ray is the coach.

The ISS team went 5-0 in the tournament, which included high schools from throughout the Birmingham area. The team will advance to the ASCA Regional Tournament.

ASCA is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to recognizing academic achievement. It sponsors the Alabama Scholastic Challenge in which Scholars Bowl teams representing Alabama high schools and middle schools compete for state championships.

Send us your school news!

• Email your event pictures along with a short write up to editorial@otmj.com.

ISS_OTMJ_AD:Layout 1 3/13/12 3:27 PM Page 1

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Sixteen fifth grade students from Liberty Park Elementary recently received their Arrow of Light, the highest rank attainable by a Cub Scout, in a special ceremony at the pack’s annual Blue and Gold banquet.

To commemorate the occasion, each scout received a plaque which included a handmade arrow with authentic turkey feathers and a hand-knapped arrowhead.

Cubmaster is Kimberly Cook.

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Schools Exchange Visits Eighth graders from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School recently visited Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School and then returned OLS’ hospitality.

Our Lady of Fatima is one of the Birmingham Catholic Diocese’s Beacons of Hope schools in need of financial assistance. The OLF students wanted to express their appreciation to OLS for its donation of books last fall through “Arms Full of Books,” a program designed to help restock the OLF library, which relies solely on donations.

OLS eighth graders invited their guests to attend their school liturgy that day.

After Mass, both groups went to the classrooms to get acquainted with each other. The OLF students toured the school and had the opportunity to enjoy the school’s new iPads.

A week later, OLF hosted its new friends at a Mardi Gras party and Black History Month program. At the Black History Month event, OLS students learned more about important and

Learn to Ice Skate this summer!

Students from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School enjoyed a visit with Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School eighth graders, as they show them the new Photo special to the Journal iPads that were recently purchased at OLS.

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28 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Mountain Brook Debate Team Earns Accolades at Harvard, Vestavia

M

ountain Brook High School’s debate team earned honors at recent competitions at Harvard University and, closer to home, at Vestavia Hills High School.

At the Harvard event in February, Evan McCarty and Philippa Straus debated for five straight days, finishing with a 15-5 overall record and in second place in the prestigious Varsity Policy Division.

According to Mountain Brook debate coach Jeffery Roberts, the duo was “simply on fire, losing only on the closest 2-1 decision I have seen in some time.”

“The judges took over an hour to determine the winner,” he said.

Also performing well at Harvard were Ben Jackson and partner Dylan Teague, who made it into the top 32 in the Junior Varsity Division of Policy Debate, and the team of Sara Reed and Laura Beth Lavette, who finished in the top 32 of Junior Varsity Public Forum.

Since many of the divisions at

Harvard averaged more than 300 teams, “These finishes are simply tremendous,” Roberts said.

An estimated 5,000 students, coaches and judges were in Cambridge for the event, including teams from throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries.

Spartan debaters had at least one student or more with winning records through the preliminary rounds in every tournament event the team entered.

Later in February, the Mountain Brook debate team took on a field of more than 20 schools from across the nation at a tournament at Vestavia Hills.

In Varsity Public Forum, Lavette and Reed advanced to elimination rounds for the second tournament in a row. The novice teams of Anna Catherine Gurosky, Carter Habeeb, Caroline Milligan and Alex Oser also had strong performances, with all earning winning records in a difficult Varsity division.

In Novice Policy, George Perrine and Marc Straus won their fourth championship of the year.

In Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate, senior Alex Cordover and junior Wyatt Moorer swept the field to finish the tournament as co-champions. The victory gave Cordover his second bid to the Tournament of Champions, while Wyatt earned his first of the year.

Cordover joins McCarty and Straus as fully qualified team members who will attend the Tournament of Champions. Wyatt joins Russell Day and Jeff Rogers as members of the Mountain Brook team that will apply for an at-large bid now that the regular season has ended.

Mountain Brook has qualified for the Tournament of Champions in multiple events only on a few other occasions and only once in all three main debate events at the same time.

In 2009, MBHS was one of only two schools nationally to qualify in all three events: Public Forum, Policy and Lincoln-Douglas. ❖

Mountain Brook High School debaters Philippa Straus and Evan McCarty placed second in Policy Division at a recent Harvard University tournament.

Photo special to the Journal

School Notes to change the way students and staff members think about health and wellness. Its purpose is to create a culture change to better address the challenges of obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, stress, cardiovascular disease and other related illnesses.

HCS was named one of this year’s Birmingham Business Journal’s Healthiest Employers.

Highlands Students Take Part in Writers Festival

Georgia Dunbar and Elizabeth Bandura look over the site of a planned peace garden at Hilltop Montessori School.

Photo special to the Journal

Hilltop Montessori Earns Peace Garden Grant Hilltop Montessori School has received a grant from the 2012 Ursula Thrush Peace Seed Grant program for the construction of a peace garden.

The garden will be on the campus of the LEED certified green school.

It will contain a food representative from each student’s country of origin,

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including Russia, China, South America, Vietnam, Pakistan, Italy, Germany, Thailand, India, Hong Kong and Great Britain.

Kindergarten students will create flags representing each country to mark the gardens.

The school will also put together a cookbook of healthy recipes using peace garden plants that capture each country’s culture and native edible plants.

The grant was named for Ursula Thrush, a noted Montessori educator who worked toward peace education throughout her life.

Regions Donates Bikes to Homewood Schools Homewood City Schools’ Wellness Program, The Movement, will be able to move even more thanks to Regions Bank. Regions donated five bikes and helmets to the program.

The Movement is designed

Highlands School recently partnered with Barnes and Noble at The Summit for the Southern Writers Festival.

Barnes and Noble hosted 11 newly-published local authors Feb. 11 to showcase their work and to build a community fan base.

Participating young authors were Shirley Roland Ferguson, Brannon Sirman, Andrea Mathews, Aletia PuPree, Valjeanne Jeffers, Kyle Hannah, Nan Allen, Robin O’ Bryant, Cabot Barden, Kristi Walters and Beulah S. Coyne.

Also featured at the Writer’s Festival were Highlands School student authors from second through eighth grades: Joseph Katz, Alexis Rueve, Cecelia Reisner, Peter Scalise, Genevieve Doucet, Liliana Chambless, Katsuki Chan, Mary Catherine Touloupis, Zoya Bashir, Olivia Wilson, Ada Cohen, Issy Schwiebert, Whitney Byington, Catherine Holland and Grace O’Malley.

Highlands School hosted its own Writers Festival, the Creativity Convention, Feb. 27. Southern authors Kerry Madden and Diane Z. Shore and illustrator, Michael P. White spent the day at the school leading workshops for students to encourage a love of writing and to inspire students to be writers when they grow up. ❖

Homewood Superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland, HHS Principal Dr. Kevin Maddox and students try out the new bikes from Regions Bank Photo special to the Journal

Above: At the Southern Writers Festival were, from left: Tynley Baker, Highlands School librarian; Liliana Chambless, Highlands third grader; and Pam Tindal of Barnes and Noble at The Summit. Left: Among the young writers featured were Issy Schwiebert, Highlands School seventh grader.

Photo special to the Journal

Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 29

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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RIDE THE TRAIN! COTTONTAIL EXPRESS

Students, parents and teachers from John Carroll Catholic traveled to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life ceremonies in January. While there they visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Photo special to the Journal

John Carroll Group Marches for Life John Carroll Catholic High School students, parents and teachers attended the March for Life ceremonies Jan. 20-23 in Washington, D.C., along with others from around the nation to pray and show their support for the lives of the unborn.

Seventy-five students attended the March for Life with 15 teachers and parents.

The trip started in Baltimore, Md., where the group visited the Basilica of the Assumptions, America’s first cathedral, and St. Alphonsus Church before having lunch at Baltimore’s popular Inner Harbor.

Next was a visit to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., where group members attended Mass in the Crept Church with 300 people from Birmingham who also attended the March for Life. The John Carroll group took a night tour of Washington’s memorials.

Group members visited Arlington Cemetery and Museum Jan. 22. The whole diocese celebrated Mass at St. Dominic’s Church in Washington, D.C. A youth rally followed.

The group headed for the Washington, D.C., Armory Jan. 23 for a large youth rally and Mass with 10,000 other students. After Mass, the John Carroll Catholic group headed for the March for Life.

BUSA Helps Fight World Hunger The Birmingham United Soccer Association’s 98 Girls ECNL team has achieved one of its most valuable goals this year by helping feed hungry children all over the world.

The team of 16 players joined forces with other Birmingham area volunteers Jan. 28 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church to pack meals for “Feed My Starving Children,” a nonprofit Christian organization committed to feeding hungry children in body and in spirit.

The team packed 6,120 meals specifically formulated for malnourished children. The four-day packing event produced 545,400 meals, feeding 1,494 children for one year in more than 70 countries. ❖

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Players from the Birmingham United Soccer Association met at Shades Photo special to the Journal Mountain Baptist to pack meals for hungry children.

Brownies Hit the trail

I am SMART. I am CREATIVE. I am DYSLEXIC.

Jim Brown led members of Edgewood Elementary Brownie Marcy Troop 217 on a two- To: mile hike at Oak From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Mountain Jan. 15.

Date: March Hikers included, from left, front: Sarah Parker Lowery and dog Lulu, This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Alyssa Langford and Ellie Willcutt. SecondMardh 22, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. row: Maggie Sheffer, Lucy Sheffer, Mae Lowery and Emmie Neely. Back row: Rebecca Sheffer, Brown, Dana Langford, Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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30 • Thursday, March 22, 2012

Sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Homewood Wins League Championship

The fifth grade Homewood basketball team recently won the regular season Over The Mountain League basketball championship. The team also participated in the “Young Stars” basketball League where they were co-champions and finished the season with an overall record of 20-5.

Team members are, from left: Sam Scalici, Ky Burdeshaw, Jack Dorough, Larkin Williams, Wesley Williams, Kentrell Martin, Ford Goldasich and Courtland Meeks.

Spartans Finish Regular Season Undefeated

The third grade Mountain Brook Spartans basketball team finished the regular season in first place with an undefeated record. In the OTM tournament the Spartans were runner up.

Team members are, front row, from left: Paulson Wright, Strother Gibbs, Jack Lukens, Robert Grubbs and Gordon Sargent. Back: Coach Rob Lukens, James Hufham, Charles Crommelin, John Bugg, Caldwell McCraney, Ethan Shunnarah and Coach David Hufham.

Hoover 8U Finish in Top Ten in State Tournament

The Hoover Rec League 8U All Stars defeated Vestavia 23-12 to become district three champions and finished as one of the top eight teams in the Alabama State Tournament. Members of the team are front row, from left: Brooks Ballintine, Brian Porter and David Jalbert. Middle: Evan Warren, Carter Milliron, Noah Shunnarah and Bradley Renfroe. Coaches: Steve Milliron, Brent Carter and Steve Renfroe

hoover,

from back cover

to be in the spotlight and wanted to lead by example,” she said. “This year, I had to step out into a more vocal role. It’s important that I share my experiences with the younger girls.”

Even if there were more veterans on Hoover’s team, Harper’s on-thefield credentials would make her one of the team’s inspirational leaders. She entered 2012 as the latest addition to an impressive tradition of Lady Buccaneer pitchers such as Lauren Gloor, Laine Harcourt, Jessie Lupardus and Hayden Gann.

Harper began her senior season with a 98-24 record and an ERA of 1.08, with 998 strikeouts and only 135 walks. In her junior campaign, she pitched 16 shutouts and two nohitters.

Just as impressive with her bat, she completed her junior season with a career average of .327 and smacked a whopping 23 home runs.

With Harper dominating in the pitching circle, Hoover captured the imagination of softball fans across the state last May with a Cinderella run in the state 6A championship tournament at Montgomery’s Lagoon

Park. Harper was at her best, pitching shutouts against heavily-favored Prattville, Baker and Fairhope, leading the Lady Bucs to the cusp of a state championship.

Hoover’s Cinderella story finally ended against Dothan, as the Lady Tigers scored an 8-2 win, while Harper struggled with a painful injury to the index finger of her pitching hand.

The Lady Bucs didn’t claim a state championship, but Harper’s courageous performance was the talk of Alabama softball and helped her earn the Over the Mountain Journal Girl Athlete of the Year Award.

“It was disappointing to lose, but we came a long way – much further than anyone thought we would,” Harper said. “I guess what I came away with was that I need to take better care of my pitching fingers next time.”

Harper is clear that her goal for the season is a return to Lagoon Park.

“We may have a young team, but we’ve got some very talented players,” she said. “There’s a lot of potential here.

“And one thing I have gotten the girls to understand is that Hoover softball has always had very high standards. Being a young team is not

Stealers Win Winter Tournament

In only their second tournament appearance, the 8U USSSA Birmingham Stealers AA travel baseball team won the Alabaster Winter Countdown tournament recently. Entering the tournament ranked #16, the Stealers defeated three AAA teams; the #1 ranked Land Sharks, the #2 ranked Alabaster Bandits, and the #4 ranked River Cats to claim the title.

Team members are, front row, from left: Conner Moore, Wesley Simpson, Josh Harrington, Ryan Tulloch and Wilkins Hunter. Middle: Trey Singleton, Davis Gillespie, Nick Dunlap, DJ

an excuse for not working hard and improving.”

Hoover opened 2012 with a lackluster 5-3 start, but Harper earned all five victories. In more recent outings, however, indications are that the Lady Bucs may be regaining their old

Burks, Brewer Smith and Jackson Mackin.

Coaches: Brad Gillespie, Scott Simpson, Hal Singleton and Jim Dunlap.

magic.

On March 14, Hoover upset undefeated and second-ranked Pelham 6-0, as Harper pitched a four-hitter and struck out six Lady Panthers.

Two days later, Harper tossed a fourhit shutout and struck out seven as

Hoover’s M. C. Nichols slides safely into home in the Lady Bucs 5-0 win over Alabama Christian last week. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

the Lady Bucs defeated Alabama Christian 5-0. She helped her cause with a homer and two RBIs. Despite her gaudy statistics, Harper insists she has no personal goals for her senior season.

“I really don’t set those kinds of goals for myself,” she explained. “I try to work on all my pitches and be the best pitcher I can be. If I do that, statistics take care of themselves.”

Harper, whose quiet demeanor belies a steely perfectionist streak, is always striving to make her skills better than ever. While many of her classmates were enjoying the beach, Harper spent much of last summer taking pitching lessons, and she thinks the hard work paid off.

“I feel pretty good about all my pitches now,” she said. “But I still like to be taught. I know I can always get better.”

Harper can also feel good about the fact that she’ll be pitching in the Southeastern Conference next season.

The lifelong Auburn University fan has already committed to the Tigers’ softball program.

But right now, Harper’s sole focus is her young Hoover team and doing her part to help it reach full maturity by post-season tournament time.

Just call her Mother Marcy.

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

area’s best players next season.

In about 25 years, there might be yet another DeFore dribbling up and down Over the Mountain basketball courts.

hoops,

from back cover

body of work, the best choice was Hoover. The Bucs went 31-5 and reached the Final Four for the first time ever. It’s hard to do much better, unless you win the state championship.

Hoover didn’t quite make it that far, but it was still probably the best team in school history.

Most Significant Game (Girls) Hoover 44, Bob Jones 26. Enough said.

Brannon DeFore

Best Bloodline Hoover’s Brannon DeFore’s grandfather was an All-SEC player at Auburn University in the 1960s. DeFore’s father was a star at Berry High School in the 1980s.

Brannon has another year with the Bucs, and he’ll probably be one the

Best Job of Coaching (Girls) Some people make the mistake of dismissing Hoover coach Donnie Quinn’s abilities, as they believe that even their grandmothers could coach a team as talented as the Lady Bucs.

PAYNE,

from back cover

in the Southern Shootout in Mobile.

Teammate Bailee Harnett added four goals for the winners.

The Lady Eagles regularly contend for the state Class 6A championship but have never brought a blue trophy home. Payne would like to change that bothersome factoid in 2012.

“I’d really like to win a state championship this season,” she said.

“It’s great to play in Europe and to have success with a club team,

Heritage Parc $229,000 and up Hoover

Most Unusual Game (either gender). Chris Love’s Oak Mountain boys were a huge underdog to highly-ranked Hoover on Jan. 26, so what did the coach do? Love ordered his team to use Matti Sigurdarson and a slowdown offense to stop the potent Mario Stramaglia Bucs’ attack, and the strategy almost Toughest on the Spell Checker worked. Hoover didn’t score in the Mountain Brook’s Stramaglia and second or third quarters and entered Sigurdarson have international the fourth period tied with the Eagles Maggie Kessler 999.9877pedigrees, which made their last names 11-11. www.crerealty.com challenges for the spell checks of But at the end, Hoover did what was required to win, taking an 18-15 decision.

Love was criticized for his controversial decision to use stall-ball tactics, but he is paid to give his players a chance to win. So good for him for doing what was in his team’s best interests, and good for the Bucs for avoiding the big upset.

Best Team (Girls) Let’s face it.

Hoover has one of the great girls’ basketball programs in the Southeast, but sometimes it appeared that upstate rival Bob Jones had its number. Not this year. The Lady Bucs dominated Jones and made a statement about the future of girls’ basketball in Alabama.

Color it Orange and Black.

Most Significant Game (Boys) You have to go back to late November for this one. Nobody thought much about it when Mountain Brook whipped Hoover 61-53 early in the season, but it proved to be a turning point for both teams. For the Spartans, it showed their explosive tandem of Mario Stramaglia and Matti Sigurdarson could be effective against a quality team. For Hoover, which enjoyed a 38-32 cushion at halftime, it taught the necessity of playing for four quarters.

Both teams learned their lessons well, as they combined for 55 wins between them.

Maggie Kessler 999.9877 www.crerealty.com

Best Job of Coaching (Boys) Mountain Brook’s Bucky McMillan and Spain Park’s Neal Barker make strong cases, but the nod goes to Hoover’s Burkett. Some basketball coaches wouldn’t go near a job at a strong football school such as Hoover, but Burkett embraced the challenge.

And it paid big dividends in 201112.

But sometimes coaching a talented team can be tricky.

Many talented teams underachieve. Quinn has an uncanny knack for pushing the right buttons to keep the Hoover girls motivated and hungry, and he won’t tolerate complacency.

but there’s nothing like winning a championship for your school. Oak Mountain hasn’t won a girls’ championship in soccer yet, and we’d like to be the first to do it.”

Payne’s soccer work ethic carries over to the classroom, where she is a strong A and B student.

“My favorite subject is English,” she said.

When not playing for Oak Mountain, Payne is a top player for her club team, Concorde Fire.

Although Payne has another full year of high school ahead of her, she already has her career goals set. She’s

verbally committed to play women’s soccer at the University of Notre Dame and wants to participate in the Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Canada in 2015.

“It will be an honor to play at a school with the sports tradition of Notre Dame,” said Payne. “And qualifying for the World Cup team would be a dream come true.”

Toni Payne has achieved stardom in soccer through the time-tested combination of belief in family, determination and hard work. And those attributes will look pretty good on her resume one day, too.

Thursday, March 999.9881 22, 2012 • 31 Charles Kessler www.crerealty.com

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Alabama sportswriters. The offensive abilities of the Spartans’ version of the dynamic duo provided serious challenges to opposing defenses as well.

PumPHouse village

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Charles Kessler 999.9881 www.crerealty.com

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Sports

Spartans finish season undefeated. Page 30 Homewood wins OTM regular season title.

Page 30

World Tour

Oak Mountain Star Plays for U.S. Nationals Eagle soccer program among Class 6A’s elite.

Payne’s greatest accomplishment may have occurred last month, howhen Toni Payne’s soccer career ends, she might want ever, when she was chosen for the roster of a United States Under-17 to consider going to work for the United Nations. That’s because Women’s National Team that traveled her resume will have a strong interna- to Spain to participate in a tournament against traditional European powtional flavor. ers. The U.S. team Payne, a standout scored victories “I’d really like to forward-midfielder over France and the at Oak Mountain, win a state champi- Netherlands, losbegan playing soconship this season. ing only to Great cer at age five.

Britain.

Young Toni’s first It’s great to play Payne called her coach was her father participation in the Oyleke, a native in Europe and to event “the experiof Nigeria who have success with ence of a lifetime.” excelled at soccer “It was a lot of in his own right. a club team, but fun to play against From there, she there’s nothing like some of the best grew almost immein Europe,” diately into stardom, winning a cham- players she said. “We didn’t becoming one of pionship for your have a lot of time to Alabama’s top playtour Spain. It was ers at the school and school.” mainly all business. club levels.

But it was a trip I’ll By the time Toni Payne never forget.”

Payne reached high Payne was dipschool, she was lomatic when asked about the quality gaining attention at both state and of play in Europe as opposed to what national levels and kept the Lady

By Lee Davis

W

Journal Sports Writer

Lee Davis

Hoop Dreams Basketball Season Just Ended Was Memorable

Toni Payne, a standout forward-midfielder at Oak Mountain, was chosen for the roster of a United States Under-17 Women’s National Team that traveled to Spain to participate in a tournament against traditional European powers.

Photo special to the Journal

she is accustomed to in the U.S. “It’s very difficult to compare because the styles of play might be so different,” she explained. “Some teams do very well on possession, while others might not be so aggressive. It’s enough to say that they are all very good, or they wouldn’t have been in the tournament.”

Interestingly, Payne was named to the U.S. team despite the fact that – as is the case with many players – there were no slick public relations appeals urging the selection committee to choose her. Instead, the

characteristically low-key Paynes let Toni’s efforts on the soccer field carry her story.

“We don’t go in for a lot of fancy promotions,” said Payne. “My dad has taught me the value of hard work.

In the end, that’s what pays off more than anything.”

Perhaps Payne’s best varsity performance so far in 2012 came in the season’s fourth game, when she scored five goals in Oak Mountain’s 10-0 rout of perennial power Daphne See PAYNE, page 31

Mother Marcy

Hoover Ace Leads Young Softball Team

By Lee Davis

A

Journal Sports Writer

Marcy Harper hits a home run in a game against Alabama Christian last week.

Harper began her senior season with a 98-24 record and an ERA of 1.08, with 998 strikeouts and only 135 walks.

In her junior campaign, she pitched 16 shutouts and two no-hitters.

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

s a senior in high school, Marcy Harper doesn’t see motherhood in her future for many years. But Harper may be getting a little early practice for those days when she has youngsters of her own.

As the only upperclassman on a young but talented Hoover softball roster, Harper finds herself in a new – and different – starring role.

“We’ve got a really young team – just three juniors and most of the rest are sophomores,” said Harper, when contacted last week. “So it falls on me to be the leader and, in a way, their mother when it comes to softball, and taking care of them any way I can.

“They’ve starting calling me ‘Mother Marcy.’”

Harper admitted that the Lady Bucs’ comparative youth has forced a change in her leadership style.

“I’ve always been the one who didn’t want See HOOVER, page 31

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here’s no doubt that the 201112 basketball season will be remembered as one of the most exciting in recent years for Over the Mountain high schools.

The year’s biggest basketball stories may well have come out of Hoover. Coach Donnie Quinn’s Lady Bucs settled an old score with longtime nemesis Bob Jones to earn their third state 6A title since 2001.

Even more impressive was the ease with which Hoover handled the Lady Patriots in the Class 6A final.

But perhaps even more significant were the accomplishments of Hoover’s boys’ team. The 2011-12 season will be remembered as the year the Bucs’ basketball program stepped out of the long shadow cast

by Hoover football. Coach Charles Burkett led the Bucs to a 30-plus win season and the school’s first-ever appearance in the Class 6A boys’ Final Four.

Hoover’s success will force the rest of the state to take Buccaneer basketball just as seriously as they have taken the school’s football program.

Of course, there were other important stories as well. The Mountain Brook boys’ and girls’ teams both fell short of the Final Four but produced some of the area’s most exciting players.

Several schools had rookie coaches, while others had veteran coaches who earned milestone wins.

Tim Shepler, in his 15th year at Homewood, earned his 400th career victory when the Patriots thrashed Pelham 52-37 in December. Another old master, Larry Harbin of John Carroll Catholic, just completed his 38th season as a head coach.

Players achieved milestones as well. For example, Briarwood’s Jason Laatsch became his school’s all-time leading career scorer this season.

Here’s a quick look back and some of the highlights of a season not soon to be forgotten.

Best Team (Boys) Mountain Brook, Spain Park and others had their moments in the sun, but for the total See HOOPS, page 31