2.7.19

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

SPORTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2019

Bittersweet Inspiration Stitching History from The Holocaust

n Jan. 27, also nationally known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, nine University of Alabama students traveled to Gus Mayer at the Summit to showcase their designs, which were each based on a Holocaust victim’s sketches.

The fashion show was put on in tandem with the Stitching History From the Holocaust exhibit on display through March 16 at the AbromsEngel Institute for the Visual Arts. The exhibit, which is visiting from the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, at its center tells the story of a dress designer in Czechoslovakia who tried unsuccessfully to flee to the United States during the Holocaust.

Hedwig Strnad – or as most people called her, Hedy – had red hair, a great sense of fashion and a husband, Paul.

Together, they had a hobby of making puppets and putting on shows.

When Hitler’s army invaded Czechoslovakia, Hedy’s dream of becoming a dress designer started to become impossible. Jews were having a difficult time finding any work. The Strnads decided that immigrating to the United States would be their best option, so Paul wrote a letter to his cousin in See INSPIRATION, page 16

Model photo by Ingrid Howard; Strnad and sketche artwork courtesy Jewish Museum Milwaukee

O

By Ingrid Howard

University of Alabama apparel design students were recently invited to create contemporary garments inspired by the sketches of Holocaust victim Hedy Strnad, inset with husband Paul Strnad, on display at UAB’s AbromsEngel Institute for the Visual Arts.

Madyson Smith, pictured, models Mary Rives Drake’s interpretation of one of Hedy’s sketches, inset right.

INSIDE ‘SOMETHING TO SAY’

AWARDWINNING IDEA

CREATING A CULTURE

Mountain Brook Author Writes About the Romance Between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis PAGE 4

ASHOF Starr-Sullivan Award to Honor Former College Quarterbacks PAGE 8

Chef Abhi Sainju to Bring AsianFusion Concept to Another Over the Mountain Location PAGE 25

2 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

Stay in the Loop

Murphy’s Law

Have you been missing out on local news and events?

With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the new OTMJ newsletter.

Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area.

To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj. com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.

ABOUT TOWN 4 8 PEOPLE 10 NEWS 12 LIFE 18 SOCIAL

WEDDINGS FOOD SCHOOLS SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

24 25 28 32

otmj.com There’s so much happening in the Over the Mountain area, we can’t fit it all in the paper! Visit www.otmj.com for more stories and photos.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

S

To Sleep, Perchance

your late night toddler tour and is played out in leep is part of the good health trifecta – Technicolor, bound together by just enough realsensible food, regular exercise, eight solid ism so that your mind thinks it’s actually happenhours of sleep. With enough willpower, you can talk yourself into the right foods and an ing. appropriate amount of exercise, but the sleep This can’t be the best way for your body to part isn’t that simple, at least not for me. recharge. You’ve had a hard day. You’ve had to I do all the right things – dim the lights, cool fend off difficult people and solve annoying probthe room just a tad, make sure I haven’t just lems. You need a break, not a mishmash of trouwatched any Stephen King on TV – but after that, blesome bits and pieces that make you wake up it’s a waiting game. Actual sleeping is out of my feeling like you’ve narrowly escaped a lunatic control. Even when I am successful, I don’t really asylum that (and here’s the scariest part) resides know how I got there. I just know that I did. in your own head. How is this helpful?

This is difficult for a dedicated “to-do-er” like It would be ever so much easier if we could me. I can see where I need to be. I am committed just plug ourselves in overnight like our phones to getting there, but sleep is less about persistence and wake up refreshed at 100 percent, or if we Sue Murphy and more about letting go. It is, after all, called could scroll through all of our mental flotsam and “falling asleep.” In effect, you have to give yourjetsam before bedtime and consciously erase the self over to sleep and then you are taken … troublesome bits we’d rather not see on the All day, every day, it where? Unless you have chemically knocked would seem, your mind toddler tour. Or maybe the sleep tour could be yourself out and end up unknowingly driving turned over to your grown-up side, the one is stashing stuff away in you’ve carefully cultivated, the one that has yourself to an all-night IHOP, your body stays put, but your mind – where does it go? no particular order. The your best interest in mind.

The morning light seems to erase many of It would be even better if we didn’t have guy who was rocking out the specifics, but it would appear that your to sleep at all, if we could just Energizer to ABBA at the stoplight, Bunny our way through life. Imagine all the inner toddler, the one you keep successfully cooped up all day, is driving the bus. While the new Avengers movie things we’d get done. Sleepless in Seattle or your body is resting, she takes your mind on a trailer, the conversation Topeka or Birmingham? It’s a system that whirlwind tour of your subconscious. That could work … or maybe not. The overnight you overheard at the REM stuff? Really Eclectic Mess. All day, glut online would be insurmountable, the every day, it would seem, your mind is stashDMV – all these things lines at the all-night Walmart out the door. ing stuff away in no particular order. The guy Coffee would be completely unnecessary. are thrown into your who was rocking out to ABBA at the stoplight, Starbucks would come crashing down. brain willy-nilly. the new Avengers movie trailer, the conversaWe need to rest. There’s no getting tion you overheard at the DMV – all these around it. Tonight, I’ll have a cup of things are thrown into your brain willy-nilly.

Sleepytime Tea and close my eyes and hand Whatever you’ve been thinking about, or trying not to think about, my toddler the keys. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get a column idea or shelved away under “don’t ever think about” becomes part of out of it.

Over the Mountain Views Last Saturday was Groundhog Day, so we went to the Birmingham Zoo and asked Birmingham Jill ...

When will spring arrive, and where is Birmingham Bill?

Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Ingrid Howard, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Blake Ells, Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, Jordan Wald, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Sam Prickett Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Laura Lane, Tommy Wald, Suzanne Wald

“Birmingham Bill is hibernating and was given the choice to sleep in this year. In the past, we would wake him up out of hibernation for Groundhog Day. But the staff said they are continuing to learn better ways to take care of the zoo’s animals and decided to make their own tradition.

Virginia opossums like me don’t hibernate, so I was excited to be part of this event and eat lots of treats.

Unfortunately, I saw my shadow on Saturday, so I predict six more weeks of winter weather!”

Birmingham Jill Birmingham Zoo

Vol. 28, No. 13

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

Copyright 2018 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.

Next Issue: February 21 Summer Camp Guide!

Presidents P id t D id Day

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 3

OPINION/CONTENTS

FAMILY OWNED AND LOCALLY OPERATED SINCE 1994 GOING ON NOW

FDERLIVEEREY!

Doorbus ter

FREE

F R E E PILLOW

Adjusta ble Base * See sto re for de tails. *o Up to a $n select sets 699 Valu e - FREE

No Interest Up To 72 Mo ils

for deta *See store

Family Owned & Locally Operated

S!

4TH OF JULy SALE NOW! BIG SAVINGS AND FREE GIFTSGET STOREWIDE! A

E E E KING E E E E R E E E FSR F R R R F F F $ HEETS! Sealy Upbeat and Buttonwood mattresses shown

Only

FOR THE PRICE OF

599 QUEEN 0% FINANCING FOR 72 MONTHS! GS! BOX SPRIN

CKER!A SLEEP TRA

!

BEDFRAME

H! BONUS CAS

Presidents P id t D id Day *

SAVE $900

FREE

THREE TOP

GOING ON NOW MATTRESS

BRANDS ONE LOW PRICE

399

Premium Posturepedic Technology Your Choice: Freedom PillowtopFoam or Coil Mattress

$

In light of recent bankruptcy filings by two of our major competitors, Bedzzz Express would like to reiterate our commitment to serving our customers long term. We’ll be here to help you find your best night’s sleep today, tomorrow, and beyond. Thank you.

- Clark Cooper, President, Bedzzz Express

HEAD & FOOT ADJUSTABLE BASE Only With purchase of any set $699

299

$

and up, not valid with any other offers. See store for details.

SAVE $

200

FULL OR QUEEN MATTRESS

PLUS FREE BOX SPRING PLUS FREE SEALY Only PILLOW

Bamboo Cay Plush

499

$ FREE BOX SPRING SAVE $

699

$ FREE BED FRAME OR FREE SHEET SET Gardenview Plush

300

400

SAVE $

PerfectSleeper

QUEEN MATTRESS + FREE BOX QUEEN MATTRESS + FREE BOX QUEEN MATTRESS + FREE BOX Your Choice Foam or Spring

Buttonwood Cushion Firm or Upbeat Firm

699

Grandview

$ Buttonwood Plush

Queen Mattress

Queen Mattress

Luxury Plush with Gel

Only

™ SealyCushion with Gel Queen Mattress +Air FreeFoam Box

Triple Choice Kayla Firm, Plush or Pillowtop

Triple Choice

Kirkville - Extra Firm, Plush, or Pillowtop

699Katie Jane

$

QueenTriple MattressChoice: + Free Box Pillowtop,

899

$

Queen Extra Firm or Mattress Plush + Free Box

Queen Mattress

Hoover Mtn Brook Vestavia Greystone Homewood 982-8006 956-8033 978-3068 408-0280 802-8888 979-7274 STORE HOURS: MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 10 AM TO 7 PM, SATURDAY 9 AM TO 6 PM, SUNDAY 1 TO 6 PM ||| SHOP LOCAL OR ONLINE—SAME LOW PRICE!

49 Locations Across The Southeast · Shop online 24/7 at bedzzzexpress.com

4 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

‘Something to Say’

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

By Sam Prickett Joy Davidman may have died nearly 60 years ago, but for Mountain Brook author Patti Callahan Henry, she’s begun to take on “a life of her own” again.

Davidman’s 10-year relationship with author and theologian C.S. Lewis is the subject of Henry’s latest novel, “Becoming Mrs. Lewis,” which was published by HarperCollins in October. Though the book is billed as a historical romance, it’s also about spirituality and self-actualization, as Davidman, at first an atheist, undergoes a “mystical experience” that shakes her worldview and leads her to seek out Lewis, a wellknown Christian apologist known for books such as “The Screwtape Letters” and “Mere Christianity.”

“When she first had this experience, she started searching for something that would not just satisfy this mystical experience, but would satisfy her logic and her intellect (too),” Henry said. “She thought (Lewis) was the only person she’d read smart enough to answer her questions, so she wrote to him and they started an almost 3-year pen friendship.”

Much of the book’s characterization of Davidman and Lewis comes from those letters and other writings, which Henry said she spent years reading in order to understand, and, in a way, to be able to revive, the couple as living, breathing characters.

“Luckily, we have loads (of writing) from

FEB. 7 - FEB. 21 Feb. 7 Scholarship Luncheon

What: Samford Legacy League hosts its annual winter luncheon.

Open to the public, the event features Jodie Berndt, (right) best-selling author of nine books, including the Praying the Scriptures series, an insightful and humorous speaker with a passion to equip people

both of them,” she said. “I listened to their cadence of language, listened to what they talked about, listened to how they expressed themselves, and then went off and did the best I could on this side of the grave.”

According to those who knew Davidman, Henry was successful. Douglas Gresham, Davidman’s son, called the book “extraordinarily accurate … more accurate than most biographical essays that have been written about my mother.”

Henry said she was drawn to explore Davidman’s life because Davidman is often eclipsed by her more famous husband. Even her death – in 1960, at age 45, of cancer – is usually understood through the lens of Lewis’ “A Grief Observed,” a series of essays exploring his bereavement at her loss.

“I’ve always been a huge C.S. Lewis reader, so I’ve always known about her,” Henry said. “But the most I knew about her was that she was his dying wife … And part of me was curious to know, who was this woman whom he loved so much? Once I started doing the research, I realized that they’d had a decade-long relationship. It had been portrayed as this quick, short romance when in fact it had been this twisty-turvy, improbable relationship. I was like, ‘Wait a minute! We’ve only been told the smallest piece of this story!”

At first glance, the historical romance of “Becoming Mrs. Lewis” appears to represent a departure for Henry, whose previous novels, such as 2009’s “Driftwood Summer” or

Photos courtesy of Penguin Random House

Mountain Brook Author Writes About the Romance Between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis

Patti Callahan Henry will be one of the featured authors at the Hoover Public Library’s Southern Voices conference Feb. 22 and 23.

Henry’s next book, “The Favorite Daughter,” is slated to be published in June.

2017’s “The Bookshop at Water’s End,” are typically dramas set in the present day. But it fits neatly into her oeuvre as a document of a woman coming to terms with, and moving on from, her troubled past – a common theme throughout Henry’s work.

“I’m very interested in how the events that happen to us in the past form who we are,” she said. “How do we break free of that to become who we’re meant to be? I write quite a bit about breaking free of old patterns and old believes to become who we want to be.”

Henry’s next book, “The Favorite Daughter,” is slated to be published in June, and it focuses on a woman who returns home from New York to care for her ailing father, who has Alzheimer’s, and finds herself forced to confront both her strained relation-

to pursue joy, celebrate grace and live on purpose. Proceeds provide scholarships for deserving students.

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: A private club in Vestavia Website: samford.edu

Where: Bluff Park United Methodist Church Website: “BOTB Spring Public Sale” Facebook page

Feb. 7-9

What: Birmingham Festival Theatre presents the Alabama premier of “Maytag Virgin,” written by multiaward-winning author and native Alabamian Audrey Cefaly. A classic Southern love story, “Maytag Virgin” follows a lovable character and her new neighbor over the course of the year following the tragic death of her husband.

When: Check the website for dates and showtimes Where: Birmingham Festival Theatre Website: bftonline.org

Bargains on the Bluff Consignment Sale

What: Stock up on all of your spring and summer clothes, toys and accessories for a fraction of the cost of new.

When: Feb. 7, preview sale (check the website for times); Feb. 8, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 25 percent off marked items

Fireballs the modern alternative

Feb. 7-23 “Maytag Virgin”

Fri., Feb. 8 Video Games Live

What: This immersive concert event, presented by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra featuring music from the most popular video games of all time, will have guests dazzled by synchronized cuttingedge video screen visuals, a state-of-the art lighting stage show production and special on-stage interactive segments.

ship with her sister and her father’s secret past.

“That one is very much about the role memory plays in our lives,” Henry said.

“When we lose our memories, we lose who we are. And then when someone we love is losing their memories, do we lose them? They’re still there, right?”

In its own way, “Becoming Mrs. Lewis” is also about the power of memory, giving depth and life to an often-forgotten corner of our collective cultural memory.

“One of the reasons I wrote about (Davidman) – and some of the reasons that a lot of these women are being dusted off and written about – is because they still have something to say to us today, because their voices were squelched in the past,” Henry said. “If we can let them have their voices today and show the woman, not behind the man, but beside the man, it’s really interesting. C.S. Lewis couldn’t have written in the way that he wrote the last 13 years of his life without her influence. I think it’s important to bring back these people from the past who have had an incredible impact that we don’t understand and let them talk to us today.”

Patti Callahan Henry will be one of the featured authors at the Hoover Public Library’s Southern Voices conference Feb. 22 and 23. The conference will also feature Bryan Stevenson, Rick Bragg, Gin Phillips and Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hooverlibrary.org/sv.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: BJCC Concert Hall Website: alabamasymphony.org

Fri., Feb. 8-9 Giggles & Grace

What: Asbury United Methodist Church will host its baby and child consignment sale featuring clothing, toys, books, shoes and more. Proceeds benefit Asbury Children’s Ministry and mission projects.

When: Feb. 8, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Feb. 9, 8 a.m.-noon Where: Asbury United Methodist Church Website: asburygigglesandgrace. com

Feb. 8-10 Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend

What: Due to the I-59/20 interstate bridge construction in 2019, the Marathon will have a fresh new face as the start and finish lines for all races will be at Railroad Park. All Sun., Feb. 10, benefit the children at The Bell Center For Early Intervention Programs.

When: Visit the website for a weekend schedule for exact location and times for all activities Where: Railroad Park

Website: mercedesmarathon.com

Sat., Feb. 9 Birmingham Boys Choir Collaborative 6.2

What: Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church Concert Choristers collaborate with Birmingham Boys Choir Alumni to present a concert featuring 100 Concert Choristers and well as 40 BBC Aumni.

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church Website: birminghamboyschoir. com

Jazz Cat Ball

What: The Greater Birmingham Humane Society hosts is eighth annual Mardi Gras-themed, blacktie gala. The evening will feature casino games, a seated dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing to the music of The Downtown Band.

When: 6 p.m.-midnight Where: Sheraton, Downtown Birmingham Website: gbhs.org

Mon., Feb. 11 The Remarkable Life of Dr. John Allan Wyeth

What: As part of the Alabama Bicentennial, Dr. Rodderick Davis

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

discusses Dr. Wythe, a Marshall County native who went on to found the New York Polyclinic Graduate Medical School and Hospital.

When: 1-2 p.m.

Where: Homewood Public Library, Round Auditorium Website: homewood.libnet.info

Thurs., Feb. 21 Chamber Music at AEIVA: Stitching History From the Holocaust Art of Irene Grau

Tues., Feb. 12 The Classics: Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn

What: Hear Alabama Symphony Orchestra musicians perform music for flute, horns and strings from the giants of classical composition in this dazzling concert featuring Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Samford University, Brock Recital Hall Website: alabamasymphony.org

Feb. 15-May 13 Alabama Justice: The Cases and Faces That Changed a Nation

What: Vulcan Center Museum will host an exhibit telling the stories of five Alabama-based, landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases and profile three U.S. Supreme Court Justices from the state. The cases will cover issues including civil rights, equal protection, city zoning and prayer in public schools.

When: Daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Vulcan Park and Museum Website: visitvulcan.com

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 5

Feb. 15 and 16 Clay Days at the Birmingham Museum of Art

What: The 2019 Bunting Biennial Ceramics Weekend kicks off Feb. 15 with an Artist Talk by New Yorkbased ceramicist Joan Bankemper (above) followed with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and time to explore the ceramics collection in the galleries. Feb. 16 will include art making activities, offering pop-up maker stations where visitors can create sculptures and mosaics, tour the ceramics collection and watch a potter demonstrate his throwing technique.

When: Feb. 15, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; and Feb. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Museum of Art Website: artsbma.org

What: “Chamber Music at AVEIA” is a free concert series that offers semesterly performances that connect music with the art on display at the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts.

Included will be a complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvre reception.

When: Reception starts a 5 p.m. followed by a one-hour performance at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts Website: calendar.uab.edu

We Offer: • In-Home Care, Including Bathing, Grooming, Housekeeping, Meal

Preparation, Incontinence Care, Medication Reminders and Transportation

Rescue Innocence Project

What: The National Center on Sexual Exploitation will present information on the national efforts that they have participated in over the last year to fight sex trafficking and some of their most recent research from interviews of sex buyers. The fundraiser features dinner, a silent auction and speakers. Money raised will help to fund a program within UAB’s adolescent psych facility that will intake minors who are sex trafficked.

When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: The Club Website: rescueinnocenceproject. com

• Skilled Nursing and Physical Therapy Services • The Only Agency in Alabama Accredited by the Accreditation Commission

of Health Care (ACHC) for Aide, Companion and Skilled Nursing Services

• Accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield and VIVA HEALTH commercial insurance for Skilled Nursing and Physical Therapy services

Jennifer Mancuso Owner

Call Today: (205) 874-9730 jmancuso@abc-seniors.com www.AlwaysBestCare-Birmingham.com

6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Birmingham, AL 35223 Locations independently owned and operated throughout the United States and Canada.

To: From: Date:

Jennifer Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 February This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURN February 7th issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-

Please make sure all information is corr Including address and phone number Thank you for your prompt attention.

6 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

Step Right Up

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Glenwood is growing each year thanks to an ongoing $10 million capital campaign that has been funding a variety of expansion projects to help further the organization’s Renowned Care Renewed Hope mission.

Each project is designed to further help the organization’s participants – adults and children with autism spectrum disorder – live their lives as independently as possible.

After recently completing a renovation of the new Avondale campus, an education and early intervention center, Glenwood has a lot to celebrate at the 15th annual A Delfeayo Marsalis presents the Uptown Jazz Orchestra What: With repertoire ranges from New Orleans street band songs, swing, bebop and the blues to modern and contemporary jazz, listeners have a wide-ranging musical experience.

When: 7 p.m.

Night Under the Big Top, an event hosted by the junior board at The Club on Feb. 22.

The funds raised at the event will support the organization’s children’s services, said Julie Luker, Glenwood’s communications manager. More than 700 guests are expected to attend the event.

“The prevalence of autism is increasing at an extraordinary rate, and the need for services is great,” Luker said.

The new Avondale children’s educational center campus office opened in 2018, according to Luker, and an outpatient center is expected to open in the area this Spring. Once renovations are completed, the facility will begin proWhere: Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall Website: alysstephens.org

Feb. 21-24 Emmet O’Neal Library Book Sale What: Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library hosts a book sale to benefit the Library’s adult and teen programs.

When: Feb. 21, preview party, 6-8 p.m.; Feb. 22 and 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Feb. 24, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Emmet O’Neal Library Website: eolib.org

Feb. 22-23 Sweet Repeats

What: Mountain Brook Community Church hosts its consignment sale featuring children and teens clothing, sports equipment, toys and more. Proceeds benefit the church’s short-term mission projects.

When: Feb. 22, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (no strollers allowed before 1 p.m.); and Feb. 23, 9 a.m.-noon (many items half off) Where: Mountain Brook Community Church Website: mbcc.us

Twice as Nice Sale

Sweetheart Gift Basket, $39.95

2933 18th Street South Homewood, AL 35209 www.alabamagoods.com

Facebook.com/alabamagoods Instagram.com/alabamagoods

What: Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples presents a sale featuring gently used infants, children’s and maternity clothing, shoes, equipment, toys, books, DVDs, housewares electronics and more.

When: Feb. 22, 4-8:30 p.m., no children under 10 and no strollers allowed; Feb. 23, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., half-priced sale day Where: Metropolitan Church of God Website: “Twice As Nice Sale (BAMOM) Facebook page

Members of the Glenwood Junior Board at last year’s “Big Top”. Funds raised at the event support the organization’s children’s services.

viding diagnostic intervention services, outpatient therapies and autism training programs for professionals such as health care workers and teachers.

Those who attend the Feb. 22 event will have the opportunity to celebrate the organization’s suc-

Sat., Feb. 23 Superhero and Princess Breakfast

What: Vestavia Hills High School presents a meet-and-greet Breakfast with 40 of your favorite characters to benefit the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. When: 8:30-10 a.m.

Where: Vestavia Hills High School Gym Website: vestaviahills.org

70th Annual Camellia Show

What: Camellia fans from around the Birmingham and North Central Alabama area will participate in the eighth annual local Camellia Show. This is the seventh year the show has focused entirely on local blooms.

When: Enter blooms by 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., judging is at 11 a.m. and public viewing from 1-5 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Botanical Center Auditorium Website: For more information, contact Tom Warriner at (850) 803-1161 or photocrafttom@gmail. com, or Dave Glass at 901-3010 or glasswd@gmail.com.

End Heroin Birmingham Walk

What: The Addiction Prevention Coalition presents a walk to end heroin. Friendly leashed dogs are welcome. Included will be NARCAN training, prevention education tents, recovery resource tables, food trucks and more.

When: 9 a.m. check-in, 10 a.m. start Where: Railroad Park Website: endheroin.org

James Bond Gala

What: Join ROAR for the eighth annual James Bond Gala, benefiting cancer research

cess. Festivities include music by Total Assets, a large selection of silent auction items and a silent disco with DJ Mark AD and Silent Storm, which has become an event tradition for the past four years.

“With the growth and expansion of services, annual operating

expenses have increased,” Luker said. “Success of events like Big Top are more important than ever to continue to provide crucial services for children with autism and their families.”

For more information, visit glenwood.org/bigtop.

Steeple to Steeple Run for the Children’s Home The fifth annual Steeple to Steeple run to benefit the United Methodist Children’s Home is set for Feb. 23 in West Homewood.

“This is all about the mission of helping vulnerable kids in Alabama,” said Rebecca Morris, director of marketing and external affairs at UMCH. “What the Children’s Home does is provide a safe home for kids that can’t live with their biological families. That can be from abuse, abandonment or neglect.”

Instead of starting and finishing at churches like some of the previous years, the 2019 event will start near Patriot Park and end at Seeds Coffee Co. “I like the idea of this becoming more of a community event,” Morris said. “I don’t want someone that is not necessarily attending a church to go, ‘That’s not for me.’”

The event will have fun run, programs at the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The event includes a dinner, live auction and music by Total Assets. This year’s honoree is Tony Petelos, (pictured left) CEO, Jefferson County Manager, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2014.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: The Club Website: roarthecure.org

Dinner & Diamonds

What: Enjoy dinner and silent and live auctions to benefit the Vestavia

5K and 10K options. There is also a virtual option for out-of-town supporters and a “sleep in” option for those who want to support the event but would rather stay in bed.

For more information, visit Steeple2Steeple.com.

—Ingrid Howard Hills City Schools Foundation.

When: 7-11 p.m.

Where: 400 Beaumont Drive Website: vestaviafoundation.org

Sun., Feb. 24 A Night at the Oscars Gala

What: Mitchell’s Place presents a gala supporting children with Autism Specturm Disorde, featuring silent and live auctions, dinner and the airing of the Academy Awards.

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: The Club Website: mitchells-place.com or call 951-9537.

Photo courtesy UMCH

By Emily Williams

Photo courtesy Glenwood Junior Board

Glenwood Junior Board Hosts Annual Carnival Fundraiser, Celebrates Avondale Campus Renovation

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 7

ABOUT TOWN

Racial Reconciliation

Samford Hosts Conference Looking at Race Relations From a Spiritual, as Well as Political, Perspective

A conference being held at Samford University next week will look at race relations not just in a political light, but also by considering “the religious roots of the United States and its sins,” according to a statement from the university.

“Racial Reconciliation and the National Covenant” is being hosted by the Beeson Divinity School and its Institute of Anglican Studies in conjunction with the Institute on Religion and Democracy, based in Washington, D.C. “This country suffers from continuing racial tension. We are convinced that the tension cannot be resolved by politics alone because our racial divides have vital spiritual, moral and cultural dimensions,” said Gerald McDermott, director of the Institute of Anglican Studies and organizer of the event. “This conference will take a fresh approach by exploring the implications of the biblical tradition of national covenant.

We think it will open fresh possibilities for our fragmented society.”

Studies, Derryck Green of Project The event will feature 12 noted speakers, headlined by Alveda King, 21, Mark Tooley of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, and Carol pastoral associate of Priests for Life, Swain of the James director of Civil Rights for Madison Society at the Unborn and director of Princeton University.

African American Outreach Beeson Divinity School for Gospel of Life. She will Dean Timothy George and present a lecture titled faculty members Osvaldo “Little Black Lives Matter.”

Padilla, Robert Smith Jr. King is the daughter of and McDermott will also the late civil rights activist serve as presenters. the Rev. A.D. King and Tooley said his institute niece of the Rev. Martin was honored to collaborate Luther King Jr. She is a forwith Beeson on a program mer college professor and that “rediscovers a veneramember of the Georgia Alveda King ble tradition of understandState House of Representatives. She is a recipient of ing the nation under both divine judgment and mercy.” the Life Prize Award, the Cardinal “This message is unfashionable John O’Connor Pro-Life Hall of in much of American Christianity Fame Award, and the Civil Rights that now rejects or minimizes the Award from the Congress of Racial providential role of nations,” he said.

Equality. Her books include “King “But Christians cannot help our Rules: Ten Truths for You, Your nation heal unless they also underFamily, and Our Nation to Prosper” and “How Can the Dream Survive if stand the nation’s purpose under God.” we Murder the Children?”

The conference will be Feb. Other speakers include Rabbi 12-13 at Samford. General admisJoshua Berman of Bar-Ilan sion tickets are $75, with discounted University, Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin rates for students, clergy and veterof the Tikvah Fund, Joshua Mitchell ans. of Georgetown University, Glenn More information on the conferLoury of Brown University, the Rev. ence and registration information can Eugene Rivers of the National Ten be found at theird.org/racial-reconPoint Leadership Foundation, Jacqueline C. Rivers of the Seymour ciliation.

—Virginia Martin Institute on Black Church and Policy

Introducing Precision Sports Medicine & Orthopedics

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED … IN CHOCOLATE

6 Flavors oF PoPcorn • chocolates sea salt caramel chocolate sauce AVAILABLE AT

Christine’s Canterbury

on

{ returnsRoad to retail } • 205-871-8297 2404 Canterbury

2404 Canterbury Road ~ (205) 555-1234

Committed to providing accessible quality care for our community, Brookwood Baptist Health Specialty Care Network is proud to introduce Precision Sports Medicine & Orthopedics. With 70 years of combined experience treating patients on and off the field, our collaborative team of sports medicine specialists and orthopedic surgeons are united in their goal of offering the most compassionate and advanced patient care possible.

Whether you have an injury, a chronic condition that’s causing discomfort, or need surgery, Precision’s experienced team is dedicated to offering you Julian Carlo, M.D.

Calvin Spellmon, Jr., M.D.

Michael Patterson, M.D.

John Young, M.D.

David M. Hardin, M.D.

Robert Agee, Jr., M.D.

personalized care worthy of the pros. Let our experts get you back on the field — and back to your life.

7 Convenient Locations: ALABASTER | CLANTON | FULTONDALE

Visit PrecisionSportsOrtho.com to book an appointment.

BIRM 01.24.19 OTMJ Precision.indd 1

| HOOVER | THE NARROWS | PRINCETON | VESTAVIA

BIRM 02.07.19 OTMJ Precision

1/18/19 1:32 PM

8 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

PEOPLE

AWARD-WINNING IDEA

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ASHOF Starr-Sullivan Award to Honor Former College Quarterbacks

By Rubin E. Grant

The Roads to Glory

Starr grew up in Montgomery, attending Sidney Lanier High School. He played quarterback, safety and punter at the University of Alabama and later starred in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers. He won five NFL championships under legendary coach Vince Lombardi, including Super Bowls I and II. Starr was named MVP of both Super Bowls and won the 1966 NFL MVP Award.

Following his playing career, Starr was head coach of the Packers for nine seasons.

In 1965, he and Cherry co-founded Rawhide Boys Ranch with Wisconsin residents John and Jan Gillespie. Rawhide Boys Ranch, located in New London, Wisconsin, is a faith-based organization dedicated to helping

LP2189 / MR2453

Cherry and Bart Starr with Pat Sullivan and his wife Jean at last week’s press conference to announce the ASHOF Starr-Sullivan Award.

at-risk youth. The Starrs continue to provide leadership and financial support to the organization.

Sullivan grew up in Birmingham and played at John Carroll Catholic High School. He attended Auburn University and starred as quarterback under head coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan. Sullivan won the 1971 Heisman Trophy. After six seasons in the NFL, Sullivan went on to coach at Auburn and UAB and served as head coach at Texas Christian University and Samford University.

Since being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2003, Sullivan has battled the disease courageously. The Sullivan family also has partnered with the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center to raise awareness of head and neck cancers as well as provide survivor

Your wedding, Your style.

care programs. truly admire, is a tremendous blessing,” Both Starr and Sullivan are inductees of Sullivan said. “I would like to thank the the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the peoThe emphasis of the award named for ple of Alabama for always being so supportthem is to honor former quarterbacks who ive of me and my career.” have made a significant impact in their comFuture recipients of the award must munity and have brought honor to the state have played at an Alabama institution, or of Alabama. have been born in the state or made a sig“I am humbled to be recognized by my nificant contribution to the state. home state and to share this honor with “This award will give us the opportunifootball legend, Pat Sullivan,” Starr said in ty to recognize individuals who have not a news release. “The Alabama Sports Hall only made an impact on the football field, of Fame is a first-class organization and my but in their community and the lives of wife, Cherry, and I are profoundly grateful others as well,” said ASHOF Executive for their efforts to celebrate excellence.”

Director Scott Myers.

Sullivan was equally humbled.

The recipient of the award will be “It is a privilege to have an award in my selected by the ASHOF board of directors name presented from1 4our Hall the 25 M o n t gof o mFame; e r y H wand y , V e s t ain v i aconcurrence H i l l s | 2 0 5 . 8 2with 2.9173 | sStarr t e e d s jand e w e lSullivan ers.com to share that honor with Bart Starr, a man I families.

ALABAMA'S LARGEST GASLIGHT SHOWROOM

2828 Linden Avenue Homewood 870-4060 www.alabamagaslightandgrill.com 1425 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills | 205.822.9173 | steedsjewelers.com

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Two of the state’s legendary quarterbacks will be linked forever thanks to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

The ASHOF recently announced the creation of a new award to be named for Bart Starr and Pat Sullivan.

The Starr-Sullivan Achievement Award will recognize a former collegiate quarterback who exhibits exemplary character, integrity and leadership while making a significant contribution in the community.

“We are fortunate to have two great men from our state who excelled at the quarterback position and left a lasting example for everyone on how to lead a life of character amid great success,” said Edgar Welden, ASHOF chairman of the board. “It is an honor for us to have the opportunity to present an award in their name.”

Starr, 85, and his wife, Cherry, are longtime Hoover residents, and Sullivan, 69, and his wife, Jean, live in Vestavia Hills.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 9

PEOPLE Smile-A-Mile Announces 2019 Board of Directors Smile-A-Mile recently announced members of its 2019 board of directors.

Serving on the board’s executive committee are Angie Cameron Smith, chairman; Caroline Little, vice chairman; Lee McKinney, vice chairman; Bill Leitner, secretary; Scott Price, treasurer; and Bevelle Worthen, immediate past chairman.

Board members at-large include Stephen Armstrong, Nancy Goedecke, Rosilyn Houston, Crawford Jones, David Knight and Emmett McLean.

The board hosts Smile-A-Mile’s largest annual fundraiser, the Red Nose Ball, which will be Feb. 23 at the Birmingham Sheraton Hotel.

For more information on Red Nose Ball, contact Savannah Lanier DeRieux, savannah@smileamile. com, or visit smileamile.com.

Photo courtesy Smile-A-Mile

Arceneaux Gallery

The connection to his hand is just as important as the connection to his chest.

A COMMUNITY BUILT ON WARMTH We never forget that there’s more to care than medicine. There’s compassion. Attentiveness. And a healthy dose of kindness. Which is why when it comes to your care, all of us are here to treat you well.

Find a physician at BrookwoodBaptistHealth.com

Custom Framing New board members are, front, from left: Caroline Little, Angie Cameron Smith and Rosilyn Houston. Middle: David Knight and Emmett McLean.

Back: Stephen Armstrong, Scott Price and Lee McKinney. Not pictured: Nancy Goedecke, Crawford Jones, Bill Leitner and Bevelle Worthen.

To: From: Date:

1830 29th Ave., So. Homewood | SoHo (205)-802-5800

Patty Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Jan. This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the ?, 2019 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.

NEWS

10 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

Goodbye and Thank You

Hydrangea Society Members Share Memories of Eddie Aldridge and His Living Gift to the Community

Eddie Aldridge, the creator of Aldridge Gardens and the man who patented the “snowflake” hydrangea, passed away Nov. 25 at 85 years old. During the January Hydrangea Society meeting, people shared stories about the man whom everyone called Snowflake.

Karen Mitchell, society president, recalled a time she was selling garden tour tickets in the Bed Bath and Beyond parking lot.

“At about 4:30, these two guys drive up in a convertible and they wanted tickets,” she said. But since

Journal photo by Ingrid Howard

By Ingrid Howard

Karen Mitchell, president of the Alabama Hydrangea Society, honors Eddie Aldridge at last month’s Hydrangea Society meeting. Aldridge, pictured with his wife, Kay, created Aldrige Gardens and patented the “Snowflake” hydrangea, which is now found all over the world.

the gardens close at 5 p.m., she told them she didn’t think they would

make it out in time.

Mitchell ran into these strangers

The Pig’s Projects

According to Virciglio, the team is constantly looking for great specialty items – his oldest son, Austin, regularly attends food shows looking for new products – and, more importantly, listening to what customers want.

“I always tell people, if they can’t find something that they want, tell us and we’ll get it for you,” he said. “If you don’t see something in our stores, we want to know about it. If you tell us what you’re looking for, we’re going to do our best to get it.”

The closing of Western Market locations could seem like a sign that the market is shrinking for local supermarkets, but Virciglio said he has seen growth at his stores.

River Run Remodel Highlights Recent Moves to Ramp Up Offerings, Shopping Experience at OTM Area Piggly Wiggly Stores The Greater Birmingham-area grocery game is changing, and Piggly Wiggly Food Stores of Jefferson County co-owner Andy Virciglio and his partners Basim and Naseem Ajlouny are working to capitalize on those changes with renovations of the River Run store in Vestavia Hills.

“We’ve been here [River Run] for 12 years,” Virciglio said. “We’re going to keep doing what we do best, but it was time to give this place a face lift and really show the community that we’re here to stay,” According to Virciglio, business has been great, but it was time to rework the interior and put more of a focus on those items that shoppers find on the perimeter of the store rather than in the aisles.

“We’ve seen our grocery sales, which is the middle of the store, shrink,” Virciglio said. “Our growth has been on our perimeter – wine and beer being one of those. It’s the thing that separates us from the bigger stores.”

Virciglio and his partners were looking to create a homier feel similar to the Crestline location in Mountain Brook and the new Dunnavant Valley store near Mt Laurel.

“We had too much clutter and we just wanted to clean it up,” he said, adding that the team wanted the

space to feel bigger once the work was completed.

The renovation, which should be completed during the first few weeks of February, has included making the aisle space slightly smaller and shifting it farther to the left of the store to create more room around the perimeter for a larger fine wines and craft beer section and extended meat and deli space.

“We’ve created a better traffic flow for the shopping pattern of the customer,” Virciglio said.

Personnel Growth

One of the great opportunities that has developed through the growth of perimeter sales has been the ability to offer jobs that capture

Different but Familiar

For any regular shoppers who are worried about getting lost in a sea of rearranged products, the layout of the aisles has remained much the same.

“Nobody likes change … so one of our goals was not to confuse people,” he added.

New signage throughout the store has also been included to help shoppers navigate through the changes, but the crew made it a goal to keep the flow of product placement in the aisles as much the same as possible.

What those big-box stores aren’t able to provide as efficiently as a local store is a curated selection of local and specialty products.

“Charmin tissue is Charmin tissue,” Virciglio said. “Whether the customer is having it delivered by Amazon, getting it at Walmart or getting it here, it’s all the same.”

at a later event, and the two men told her what happened next.

“They drove out to Kay (Aldridge’s wife) and Eddie’s, and the tour was over,” she said. “They said they knocked on the door, and Kay answered the door and said, ‘Oh, come on in! We’re just having a glass of wine.’ They gave him a glass of wine, and Eddie toured them around.

“That’s just their heart,” Mitchell said. “They could have been ax murderers. But he was a sweet, kind visionary who gave this to us.”

Jan Rogers, who was the keynote speaker for the January meeting, shared memories of taking a group of second-graders on a tour around the gardens.

“A public garden, and for someone to have given it to us – I’m not sure how much second-graders get of that, but it still astounds me that that happened. I would always want them to go down and touch the magnolia trees and tell them about how Eddie and his dad helped plant those. On the last magnolia tree,

there’s actually rope embedded in it from a long-ago parking of a boat. ... You can just imagine a young man in his teens coming to plant a tree, and now look at this tree. The history of Eddie will be with us forever.”

Aldridge planted those magnolia trees in the 1960s on what was then the Coxe family estate in Hoover.

He bought the property in 1978 for $425,000 with the financial help of the Coxes and turned it into Aldridge Gardens in 1995. It was here that he patented the snowflake hydrangea, which can now be found all over the world.

Mitchell discussed ideas for a memorial to Eddie at the gardens.

“If we could do a statue on the bench with his hat under the tree ... of course it would need some fundraising, but I think that would just be a wonderful memorial to him,” Mitchell said. “Because he loved being out there.”

You can read more about Eddie Aldridge in an OTMJ feature story at otmj.com/eddie-aldridgealdridge-gardens.

the interests of a younger generation of workers. For example, Taylor Dye and Thomas Warren, who both work in the Crestline store’s wine department.

The wine department at the Crestline store recently grew, gaining W. Scott Atkinson, former wine director at Western Market in Mountain Brook who kicked off his 23rd year in the wine industry when he joined the Piggly Wiggly team on Jan. 26.

Once Atkinson made the decision to join the Piggly Wiggly Crestline team, Virciglio said he was surprised to find out how many of his friends had been going to his friendly competitor, Western Market, rather than buying their wine at Piggly Wiggly.

“We’ve been slowly growing our department,” he said. “We’ve never been a wine store, per se, but the wine sales have grown through time.

We’ve seen it and that’s why we’re expanding it at the store and adding

more personnel within that department to take care of the customers.”

With Atkinson working alongside Dye in wines, Warren will have a chance to put a bit more of his focus on craft beers.

“We want to become a destination for craft beers,” Virciglio said, adding that his son Andrew has been taking an active role in overseeing that area of the River Run store.

“The growth in that category has really amazed me, because there is so much that is new coming out,” he said. “You’ve got to find the right ones to carry because you only have so much space.”

It has been important to have great, knowledgeable personnel working perimeter sections like wine, beer and meats to provide better customer service.

“We just hired a guy for our new store out in Mt Laurel, (Josh Lapidus). He just graduated from Auburn University, is as smart as he can be, in a meat science,” Virciglio said.

With his bachelor’s degree in muscle foods production, Lapidus can answer just about any question a customer has about meat and seafood and keeps track of changing government regulations and guidelines regarding meat and seafood products.

As the remodel of the River Run store comes to a close, Virciglio said he foresees opportunities to renovate other stores.

“We want to do this in other locations,” he said. “With Homewood residents, every time I see somebody they’re asking, ‘When are you going to do something in Homewood.’ And we’re getting there. We’ve got plans to try and do something there, hopefully here in the near future.”

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

By Emily Williams

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

At the Crestline Piggly Wiggly are wine and beer experts Taylor Dye, W. Scott Atkinson and Thomas Warren.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

In addition to earning recognition as a 2018 Tree City USA, the city of Mountain Brook recently was named a recipient of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Growth Award.

The award serves as a higher recognition of the city’s commitment to environmental improvement and demonstration of a higher level of tree care.

“It is a testament to the team effort of our city officials, employees and citizens that Mountain Brook is annually recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation for exemplary stewardship of our native tree canopy,” said Sim Johnson, chair of the Mountain Brook Board of Landscape Design.

The city has maintained its status as a Tree City USA for 24 years. The status recognizes the city’s ability to maintain a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

According to city manager Sam Gaston, being named a Tree City USA and earning the Growth Award showcases the city government, City Council, Board of Landscape Design and city arborist’s commitment to Mountain Brook’s urban forestry program, as well as that of the Public Works and Parks and Recreation

departments.

“It is a quality of life issue here in Mountain Brook, and thanks also go to many of our residents for their support and love of the tree canopy in our community,” Gaston said.

—Emily Williams

Hand in Paw Holds Ribbon-Cutting to Celebrate Building Expansion On Jan. 24, Hand in Paw officials and guests gathered for a ribboncutting ceremony and dedication of the animal-assisted therapy organization’s new headquarters in the Beth Franklin Building, in Avondale.

“This fantastic building represents the generosity of our community and the hard work and generous hearts of our volunteers. Hand in Paw is entering a golden age and we are positioned to serve more people than ever before,” said Margaret Stinnett, executive director of Hand in Paw. At the site of the group’s old administration building, the expansion to create a new facility was completed nearly a year after construction began.

The facility is now able to accommodate Therapy Team training, community events, volunteer orientations and more. In addition to the expanded, open training room, Children’s of Alabama donated the funds to create a hospital simulation

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Mountain Brook Receives Growth Award From Arbor Day Foundation

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 11

NEWS

From left, Frank and Philippa Bainbridge with Beth Franklin. room to help prepare therapy animals for visits.

The renovations were funded through a $2 million capital campaign led by Dr. Jim and Katie Lasker, which included two $500,000 donations from campaign adviser Ken Jackson and John 3:16 Construction.

“I am grateful for and in awe of our donors’ generosity. They make more than donations, they make a difference in the lives of the countless clients served through animalassisted therapy,” said Beth Franklin, founder of Hand in Paw. Before the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, guests mingled with organization handlers and animal therapy team members and were provided tours of the new building, led by founder Beth Franklin and Stinnett.

—Emily Williams

Lite Bites and Refreshments.

Specials on Dysport, Restylane & Sulptra.

Colorescience discounts & gift with purchase.

700 Montgomery Hwy Suite 300 Vestavia, AL 35216 205.822.8787 Prescriptionaestheticandwellnessspa.com

It’s A New Day In MEMORY CARE WITH RITTENHOUSE VILLAGE AT HOOVER!

DISCOVER OUR LIFESTYLE: • Safe & Secure Memory Care Neighborhood • Immediate Occupancy Available • Short Term/Respite Care Available • 24-Hour Professional Team Support • Fun & Purpose-Driven Activities in Small • Delicious & Nutritious Meals Groups or on a One-on-One Basis • Peace of Mind For You & Your Loved Ones

LIMITED TIME SPECIAL PRICING!

CALL 205.725.6057 TODAY! RittenhouseVillages.com 570 Southland Drive, Hoover, AL 35226 MEMORY CARE

Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Owned and operated by Discovery Senior Living. Void where prohibited by law. ©2018 Discovery Senior Living RVH-0041 12/18

12 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Listen to Your Heart

UAB Women’s Heart Health Clinic Founder Pamboukian Says Heart Disease Symptoms May Be Silent eye-opening.

“Women’s and men’s bodies are so different when it comes to heart health, but most of the medical research includes men and not women,” she said. “I had thought my odds of dying from breast cancer were higher than dying from heart disease, but it’s the opposite. I couldn’t believe that this information is generally unknown to women.”

Paying it Forward

Photo courtesy UAB Medicine

Ask the average person about the leading cause of death for men, and “heart disease” likely will be the response. Ask about the leading cause of death for women, though, and chances are they’ll come up empty. The correct answer? Heart disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is responsible for one in four deaths among both men and women. And the highest concentration of heart disease deaths for women is in the South – especially in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

This lack of awareness about women’s heart disease led Dr. Salpy Pamboukian to establish the UAB Women’s Heart Health Clinic in 2016.

“We don’t think about heart disease in women,” said Pamboukian, a transplant cardiologist and director of the clinic. “As women get older and past menopause, their rates of heart disease are the same as men.”

While the classic signs of heart attack in men – chest pain radiating into the jaw and arm – are well known, a woman’s symptoms may differ dramatically.

“Women may or may not have classic chest pain,” Pamboukian said. “The pain could be in other areas and not necessarily in the center of the chest.”

She notes that pain might not flare up with exertion, as is often the case with men.

In fact, sometimes there’s no pain at all.

“The symptoms can be shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, tiredness or fatigue, or abdominal discomfort,” she said.

Ignorance about the prevalence and symptoms of women’s heart disease can, unfortunately, extend to the medical community.

“Women presenting with atypical heart disease symptoms are often written off as having stomach problems or hormone problems,” Pamboukian said. “Clinical studies have demonstrated inherent biases in how the medical establishment evaluates women differently than men.”

As a result, there can be a significant lag between the time a woman begins experiencing symptoms of heart disease and the time she receives a diagnosis and treatment.

“As a cardiologist, I’d see women who had lost precious treatment time,” she said.

“We needed a place where women could come, be listened to and be evaluated without biases.”

Today, women travel a variety of paths to the UAB Women’s Heart Health Clinic.

Some have ongoing symptoms that eventually lead a physician to order an electrocardiogram (EKG) or chest X-ray, resulting in a diagnosis of heart disease and a referral to the clinic. In other cases, women arrive at the doctor’s office or emergency department with heart disease symptoms, are diagnosed quickly and are sent on to the clinic.

Joy O’Neal, 50, eventually found the Women’s Heart Health Clinic after being told by doctors that her weight gain, fatigue and difficulty breathing were due to menopause, stress and allergies. In fact, she had congestive heart failure.

A lack of awareness about women’s heart disease led Dr. Salpy Pamboukian to establish the UAB Women’s Heart Health Clinic in 2016.

“Even though I presented every symptom of heart disease, they never, ever ever offered me an EKG,” said O’Neal, the founder and executive director of The Red Barn, a therapeutic equine center in Leeds.

“Dr. Pamboukian said I’d been exhibiting signs of heart disease for two years and that she was going to treat this aggressively,” O’Neal recalled. “I love the fact that she listened to me and saw me and didn’t assume that these were my first symptoms.”

Once a woman’s heart disease has been identified, the next step depends upon her diagnosis.

“There’s a spectrum of heart disease,” Pamboukian said. “For some, treatment can be as simple as taking medication, while others may need heart transplants.”

In between are those who require arteriograms, stents, valve replacements or bypasses. Pamboukian’s goal is to provide a central place for women to be seen and then refer them to appropriate specialists.

“For example, we have a renowned hypertension specialist and a clinic for people who have difficult-to-manage high blood pressure,” she said.

Although Sherron Simmons’ story has a happy ending, her journey through heart disease was a rollercoaster. Following two heart attacks and bypass surgery, Simmons, now 62, was diagnosed with heart failure and then referred to UAB’s transplant team.

Simmons received her heart transplant in 2011 and said she is feeling great today.

“I’m staying in compliance with everything that Dr. Pamboukian and my wonderful transplant nurse tell me to do, and I haven’t had any rejection episodes with my transplant,” Simmons said.

Spreading the Word Pamboukian notes that Simmons’ and O’Neal’s health care hurdles are the norm and that one of the best ways to promote healing is education.

“A lot of women aren’t assertive with physicians when their symptoms don’t get better, and they don’t ask for a cardiac evaluation,” Pamboukian said. “That motivated me to get involved with patient advocacy.”

Pamboukian’s commitment to empowering female patients led UAB Medicine to partner with WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, an organization dedicated to heart disease education and patient support. She nominated Simmons and O’Neal to become UAB WomenHeart Champions and secured coalition funding to send the two women to the Mayo Clinic to receive training in heart health advocacy.

For Simmons, who is retired and living in Hoover, attending the four-day WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium in Rochester, Minnesota, was “exhausting, wonderful and informative.”

Nearly 50 women ages 26 to 74 and from 18 states participated. The attendees, all of whom had heart disease, learned about a variety of topics that ranged from heart disease risk factors and healthy lifestyle choices to mental health and stress reduction.

“I have never been in the presence of that many women who were heart disease survivors,” Simmons said. “It was powerful to know that we’re not alone, that we’re not only survivors but also thrivers.”

O’Neal echoes Simmons’ sentiments, adding that the information she gathered was

As UAB WomenHeart Champions, Simmons and O’Neal are helping educate women in the Birmingham area about heart health. Pamboukian believes the two volunteers are uniquely qualified to spread the word.

“Women can connect with Sherron and Joy on a personal level and understand that the same thing could happen to them, rather than learning information from health care providers who haven’t lived through the experience of heart disease,” she said.

Pamboukian has high expectations for UAB’s WomenHeart program.

“We want to educate as many women as we can in as many different venues as we can,” she said. “Rather than just bringing women into the hospital, we want Sherron and Joy to connect with them in community groups, houses of worship, and workplaces.”

Armed with WomenHeart PowerPoint presentations, lectures and handouts, Simmons and O’Neal plan to launch UAB’s heart health initiative this month.

“We’ll have a two-pronged approach,” O’Neal said. “I’ll coordinate the educational piece for places such as community fairs, women’s lunch groups and Bible study groups, and Sherron will organize a peer-led monthly WomenHeart support group at UAB.” Simmons is excited about the prospect of helping women with heart disease find one another.

“I had a strong family support system, but there was not another woman I could really talk to about having heart disease,” she recalled. “Women need to know they’re not alone in this fight.”

She plans to rely on the UAB community to speak at monthly meetings.

“We hope to have a nutritionist speak about heart health diets, a mental health professional speak about mental health and heart disease, a cardiac rehabilitation nurse, a certified fitness trainer and possibly even a yoga instructor to help women improve their health and their quality of life.”

Simmons’ bottom line? “Heart disease does not define who you are. You can go on and live a full life.”

Simmons said the opportunity to help other women through sharing her story is something she’d prayed about.

“UAB has given us a wonderful platform,” she said. “As women, we’re caregivers, but I want to talk about the importance of taking care of ourselves.”

See HEART, page 13

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 13

LIFE

VALENTINE’S DAY RELATED FUN IDEAS

Fri., Feb. 8 My Heart Through Art

What: Liz Lane Gallery and Black Warrior Riverkeeper are partnering for a public event featuring a large collection of postcard-sized art perfect for sending to one’s Valentine. Original works including paper, ceramic and canvas pieces start at $20. Each artist has donated work for this show, so all sales from this collection go directly to Black Warrior Riverkeeper. Visitors will enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres. The event is free but donations to Black Warrior Riverkeeper will be accepted.

When: 5:30 p.m. the night of the show, with items available for purchase through Valentine’s Day. Where: Liz Lane Gallery Website: lizlanegallery.com

Feb. 8-14 Show Your Love

What: The fourth annual King’s Ranch/Hannah Home “Show Your Love” Valentine’s Mailbox Decorating Benefit will continue as “Cupids” decorate your mailbox with a signature large pink and red bow and place a “Show Your Love” sign in your yard, sharing support from King’s Ranch/Hannah Home’s mission with your community.

When: For more information visit the website or contact Cahterine Franklin at 775-1804 or catherine@ kingshome.com Where: All over the Mountain Website: kingshome.com

Sat., Feb. 9 Wild About Chocolate

What: Brenda Ladun will emcee this 15th annual Valentine Gala that benefits the Alabama Wildlife center. Included will be sweet treats, beverages, complimentary wine, a cash bar, music featuring High Tide and silent and live auctions. Meet AWC hawks, owls and falcons. Complimentary parking across the street from The Harbert Center. Cocktail attire.

HEART, From page 12

Importance of Education

O’Neal has doubled down on educating women about heart disease, in part because, even after her diagnosis, she still fights ignorance within the medical community. A dermatologist told her she was too young to have heart disease and questioned whether she’d in fact had a heart attack.

“Two doctors told me I must have misunderstood my diagnosis because I was too young and looked healthy,” O’Neal said.

“Knowing what I know now, I

When: 7-10 p.m.

Where: The Harbert Center Website: awrc.org

Sun., Feb. 10 Southern Tales at The Gardens What: Birmingham Botanical Gardens presents Dolores Hydock in Eglamore and Cristobel, a Medieval Love Story. Medieval music trio Pan Harmonium will lend musical punctuation on harp, hurdy-gurdy, lute, viol, recorder and other instruments of old.

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Lecture Hall Website: bbgardens.org

Tues., Feb. 12 Stupid Cupid Chocolate Party

What: Experience the joys of chocolate in this fun-filled chocolate extravaganza featuring chocolatethemed games and trivia with prizes. All supplies provided.

Register online.

When: 4-5 p.m.

Where: Homewood Public Library, Room 101 Website: homewood.libnet.info

Thurs., Feb. 14 Casablanca

What: Celebrate Valentines Day in style at the Alabama Theatre featuring a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer followed by the show. Enjoy a specialty cocktail whipped up just for Valentine’s Day along with the usual selection of wine, beer, cocktails and CocaCola products.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Alabama Theatre Website: alabamatheatre.com

Fri., Feb. 15 Lover’s Leap 2019

What: Soar through the air with your sweetheart at Red Mountain Park’s Lover’s Leap Mega Zip. Adventure guides will meet at the Park entrance and walk you to the

want to educate women so they can argue back with confidence.”

Before her diagnosis, every time O’Neal saw her primary care physician, he asked whether she’d had a mammogram.

“I have no family history of breast cancer or cervical cancer, and I’m routinely screened for those,” she said. “But I’m not screened for the one thing I’m statistically most likely to die from.”

While stressing the importance of mammograms and Pap tests, O’Neal said, “Women’s heart health should be discussed as much as breast cancer.”

She believes that a baseline EKG would have led to a quicker

Adventure Area. There, you’ll get geared up to enjoy the 1,000-foot long Mega Zip. After your tour is finished, hang out by the fire and enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate, and a photo booth.

When: 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. (be there 30 minutes early) Where: Red Mountain Park Entrance Website: redmountainpark.org

Fri., Feb 15 and 16 Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet

What: In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, indulge in the age-old romance of Romeo and Juliet, as told by Prokofiev. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra plays Wagner’s storied Tristan and Isolde Prelude, another time-honored romance.

When: Feb. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. with an 11 a.m. coffee performance on Feb. 15 Where: Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall Website: alabamasymphony.org

Sat., Feb. 16 Love for Literacy

What: Better Basics will host its fifth annual Valentine’s Day Gala in support of all 10 educational programs within Better Basics. The event includes live entertainment, a night of dancing and a silent auction.

When: 6:30-10 p.m.

Where: The Grand Bohemian Website: betterbasics.org

Feb. 16 and 17 Valentines Dinner Theatre

What: South City Theatre presents Love Letters by A.R. Gurney. The play brings a simple charm to the stage, with an uplifting message and laughs at every turn.

When: Feb. 16, 6:30-9 p.m.; and Feb. 17, 1-4:30 p.m.

Where: Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium Website: homewood.libnet.info

diagnosis and faster treatment.

Pamboukian expresses a similar sentiment, adding, “Heart disease can affect any woman, and we need to increase awareness about screening.”

Both O’Neal and Simmons say they are grateful for the UAB Women’s Heart Health Clinic.

“They saved my life, and they are doing so much to help women in the Birmingham community,” O’Neal said. “I am blessed to live near a world-renowned research center that allows women to get the heart health treatment they need.”

Healthy Legs are Beautiful Legs Are unsightly, painful spider veins or varicose veins standing between you and the healthy activities you enjoy? You don’t have to live with the embarrassment and discomfort. Trust your veins to the vascular experts at the UAB Vein Clinic.

• Alabama’s premier comprehensive vein center • Physicians specialty trained in vein disease • Minimally invasive and surgical treatments

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TODAY. Located at UAB Hospital-Highlands 800-UAB-8816 • uabmedicine.org/vein

This article was written by UAB Medicine.

Vein Clinic ad 2016-SEAL-OTMJ 4.0625x12.5.indd 1

9/13/17 3:17 PM

14 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

GIFT GUIDE

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2019

GIVE IN TO TEMPTATION. VALENTINE’S DAY ROMANTIC 4-COURSE PRIX-FIXE MENU 5:30pm - 10pm Featuring Live Music

Timeless Love Necklace, made with intricate watch gears encased in a gold heart frame, 28” length, $45.

Alabama Goods, 803-3900.

PJ Harlow, for a Valentine seeking high-quality, comfortable yet chic loungewear, $44-$117.

Gus Mayer, 870-3300.

14k petite diamond cross on a chain, 3/8” x 1/4”, $195.

John William Jeweller, 870-4367.

Purchase any 2 EltaMD sunscreens this month and receive a free UV Physical Sunscreen and travel bag.

Total Skin and Beauty Dermatology Center, 933-0987.

Mother of Pearl tear drop earrings. Southeastern Jewelers, 980-9030.

Wine plates, $6 each, for the wine lover with a sense of humor.

Attic Antiques, 991-6887.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Elvis and Priscilla Presley Barbie Dolls, $95. Mary Charles’ Doll House, 870-5544.

Sand quartz center stone necklace on a multi-beaded quartz stone chain, $30.

Second Hand Rose, 970-7997.

These books are perfect for your little Valentine and last longer than a card, $7.99-9.99. Once Upon a Time, 870-7772 and 870-7776.

This glass pedestal with a dome cover is perfect for presenting a cupcake or candy, $18. Christine’s on Canterbury, 871-8297.

“Valentine’s Day Six Pack,” $18.

Order in-store, online at cookiefix.com or call the store.

Cookie Fix, 582-2623.

Valentine’s Day Is Thursday,

February 14th!

Reserve on OpenTable or call 205.203.4745

201 Country Club Park Mountain Brook, AL 205-870-7772 2900 18th St. South Homewood, AL 205-870-7776

BY KESSLER

201 Country Club Park Mountain Brook, AL 205-870-7772 2900 18th St. South Homewood, AL 205-870-7776

Faux orchids stay fresh all year, starting at $18. Roman Brantley Art and Antiques, 460-1224.

New diamond cross styles are available in white and yellow gold, starting at $299.

Shay’s Jewelers, 978-5880.

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” but this rose longsleeved t-shirt will last forever, $30. White Flowers, 871-4640.

’

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

GIFT GUIDE

An engravable Waterford Crystal heart-shaped box from the Giftology collection, 4.5” w x 4.3” d x 1.8” h, $75. Bromberg’s, 871-3276 or 969-1776.

Mention Over the Mountain Journal and receive $25 off on the gift of a cleaner and healthier home.

The Maids, 871-9338.

Fine Italian wood frames by Galassi make a pictureperfect Valentine, $32. Trouvé, 490-1533.

The HOTWORX mat and microfiber towel improve stability and prevent slipping during isometric workouts. Hotworx Vestavia, 502-7511.

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 15

Bee Mine

The Bee Collection

Custom framed watercolor Botanical c1940, $130.

Arceneaux Gallery, 802-5800.

Harbingers of spring, creators of heavenly honey — the exalted bee, nature's tiny wonder Just in time for Valentine's Day

2701 CAHABA ROAD | MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE | 871-7060 bartonclay.com

Perfect for the grill master, Pilleteri’s Marinade in a Valentine’s Day package, $29.95.

Alabama Gaslight and Grill, 870-4060.

Pep Up™ To:combines Ryan a powerful blend Over of From: The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., ingredients to help 205-824-1246, fax support your skin’s Date: Feb. own healthy collagen production and This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for t defend against visFeb. 7, 2019 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. ible signs of aging.

Everyone can appreciate a thorough clean from The Maids.

Prescription Aesthetic and Wellness Spa, 822-8787

NOTHING SAYS LOVE LIKE A CLEAN HOME.

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

Five faceted gemstone links, toggle decorated with a bead-in-diamond motif, by Julie Vos, $375.

Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060.

Miniscule, mixed-metal heart necklaces, $19.99. george, inside Snoozy’s Kids, 871-2662.

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.

Barbies on Sale!

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Proudly keeping homes cleaner and healthier since 1987

871-9338

www.MAIDS.com Mary Charles’ Doll House

Collectible Mary New, Charles' Antique Dolls Doll House

With a Grateful Heart we are staying at Brookwood Mall.

2820Antique PetticoatDolls Lane New, Collectible Mtn. Brook Village

870-5544Lane 2820 Petticoat MountainOpen Brook Village Thur.

- Sat.870-5544 10am - 4:30pm Open Thursday - Saturday 10 am - 4:30 pm

871.4640

To:

Mary Charles Robbins

Referred for a reason.

16 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LIFE

INSPIRATION the States to ask for help in acquiring a visa. He also sent some of Hedy’s sketches along with it to show that she could be employable in America.

“I was very glad to hear that you are troubling to get an affidavit of necessity for my wife as a dress-designer,” the letter said. “Would you be so kind as to let me know if you have had any success in this matter.

You may imagine that we have a great interest of leaving Europe as soon as possible because there is no possibility of getting a position in this country.”

Paul also asked his cousin to send him fashion magazines; they didn’t have access to them anymore due to censorship, and Hedy was no longer informed about Paris fashions.

The Strnads failed to get out of Europe and died in the Holocaust.

The cousin stored the letters and sketches in his attic, not to be rediscovered until 1997.

Realizing the letter’s significance, the family donated it to the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, which led to further research about the Strnad family. The museum began to put this couple’s tragic story together, piece by piece.

Stamps on the letters were from Czechoslovakia, revealing the Strnad’s home country. Paul didn’t mention his wife’s name in his letter, so the researchers looked for Holocaust victims named Paul Strnad in the Yad Vashem database.

Several possibilities resulted, one of them mentioning Hedvika (Hedy). The database showed that a woman named Brigitte Rohaczek provided that bit of information, so the search for Rohaczek began.

Museum officials asked one of their interns, Tyler Grasse, to look for her, doubting that he would actually find her. But within a few days, he found Rohaczek and was on his way to interview her.

Rohaczek was Hedy’s niece and was able to provide personal details about the Strnads.

“They were always laughing,” Rohaczek said in her interview with Grasse. “The whole Strnad family was a very happy family.”

Rohaczk said she would often visit her aunt and uncle’s home in Prague.

“Hedwig had this sort of big room where there were sewing machines, and she’d sew dresses,” Rohaczk said. “And I know when she came to … visit us, she always brought us some nice dresses that we could wear.”

The museum partnered with the costume shop at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and together

Model photos by Ingrid Howard; Sketches courtesy Jewish Museum Milwaukee; UA student photos courtesy

From page 1

Jennica Mancarella, above left, a UA student from Hoover, said she was immediately attracted to the blue dress, above, modeled by Hadia Crumb, but she was assigned the purple dress. Lucky for her, Mary Rives Drake, above right, a Mountain Brook native who was assigned the blue dress, was willing to trade.

they brought the sketches to life, creating garments that are a reflection of Hedy’s 1939 sketches. The garments, photocopies of Paul’s letters and other facts about what life was like for Jews in the Holocaust make up the Stitching History from the Holocaust museum exhibit.

The exhibit is on display at the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts in Birmingham through March 16 and is presented by the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center.

Stitching the History in Birmingham

The BHEC approached the University of Alabama College of

Human Environmental Sciences to invite the apparel design students to create contemporary garments inspired by Hedy’s sketches.

Student designers Jeff Austin, Mary Rives Drake, La’Shandra Garner, Trevor Hill, Jennica Mancarella, Kaitlyn Sarao, Millie Steed, Kailyn Thomas and Pang Vang showcased these designs at a fashion show.

Jennica Mancarella, a UA student from Hoover, said she was immediately attracted to the blue dress, but she was assigned the purple dress. Lucky for her, Mary Rives Drake, a Mountain Brook native who was assigned the blue dress, was willing to trade.

“The blue was the first thing that drew me to the sketch,”

Taylor Elliott wears UA student Pang Vang’s updated verison of the grey dress design by Hedy Strnads.

Along with the students’ designs, Amy Tully modeled pieces from Gus Mayer’s collection, chosen by stylist Tracy James of Chic Made Simple to complement each of Hedy’s sketches.

Mancarella said. “But then I noticed the dress part with the pattern and the print. I was like, ‘Oh my goodness. I love it.’”

The final thing she noticed was the fur on the sleeves.

“I noticed it after the fact,” she said. “I thought, now I can make a fur coat or something. I can make that a bigger portion of the garment instead of just being cuffs on a jacket.”

Mancarella’s look was also different from Hedy’s sketch in what was underneath the blue: a patterned pant suit instead of a dress.

This presented a challenge for Mancarella.

“Getting the fabric for the pants

was a struggle,” she said, laughing.

“I ordered it the first time, and it came in the mail from a shop in London, and it took a long time to get here. It came in the mail, and I was excited, and I threw it in my passenger seat on my way out the door.”

She decided to wait to take the fabric out until she got back home. She went to her brother’s house, and while her car was parked, someone stole the package out of her car. This was Dec. 26, just one month before the fashion show.

“I ordered it again that night,” she said. “They didn’t ship it until Jan. 5, and it was getting crunch time, and I was like, ‘I can’t wait.’”

She found the same fabric on a website based in China, so she canceled her London order and hoped the Chinese fabric would come in more quickly. Four days later, she finally had the fabric in her hands.

While Mancarella was hard at work on her blue outfit, Drake – the student who traded sketches with her – was working on the purple dress.

“I traded for this design because I knew it was the one I wanted,” Drake said. “It’s very interesting to me because of the unique color combination, and I really liked the structure of the coat that she made with the designs and diamonds in it.”

Drake used a heavy wool fabric in the design of the purple dress, similar to the fabric of a peacoat.

“It was definitely a challenge because the top had to be tight enough to hold up all of that weight,” she said. “But at the same time, I had to be able to fit the blouse underneath.”

Inspired by the diamond shapes in Hedy’s sketch, Drake designed a diamond-shaped neckline. To give her model an “oldworld vibe,” Drake said she attached a family pocket watch to a chain and let her model wear it as a necklace.

Along with the students’ designs, stylist Tracy James of Chic Made Simple selected pieces from Gus Mayer’s collections to complement each of Hedy’s sketches.

In addition to the Gus Mayer fashion show and the Stitching History from the Holocaust exhibit, there also will be a theatrical production telling Hedy and Paul Strnad’s story on Feb. 17 at the Alys Stephens Center. There also is a talk, “Immigration Then and Now,” March 5 at 6 p.m. at the Abroms-Engel Institute.

For more information, visit bhecinfo.org/stitching.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 17

LIFE

Amphibious Activities

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Friends of Shades Creek Host 2019 Salamander Festival

Above, Melissa, Finn and Matthew Harris. Below, Elizabeth Hannah Espy Snodgrass and Sarah Ramthun. Below left, Haley and Evie Pursell.

The salamanders may not have been marching one-by-one, but they were out and about for the annual Salamander Festival, hosted by the Friends of Shades Creek on Jan. 26 at Patriot Park.

The event began inside the Homewood Senior Center with real salamanders, and activities including displays of fish, frogs, turtles and crayfish.

Kids young and old could take part in experiments with fossils and microscopes, and they could learn more about fishing, recycling, Southern trees, carnivorous plants and more.

A presentation, “Critters of Shades Creek,” was given by Gordon Black of the Cahaba River Society, followed by salamander dancing and music from the Rob Angus Band.

—Emily Williams

SHOW YOUR SKIN

SOME LOVE. It’s never too early or too late to start taking care of your skin.

At Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center, our mission is to provide you with the most comprehensive skin care services available. We work with people of all ages, who have various skin conditions or concerns about their appearance that can be helped through modern dermatologic techniques.

Call us to schedule an appointment today!

MAIN OFFICE

TRUSSVILLE

2100 16th Ave. South • Ste. 202 Ash Place • Birmingham, AL 35205

4913 Deerfoot Pkwy.

Trussville, Al 35173

205.933.0987

205.380.6161

FULTONDALE

TUSCALOOSA

339 Walker Chapel Plaza • Ste. 109 Fultondale, AL 35068

1800 McFarland Blvd. N., Ste. 150 • Bedford Office Park • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

205.380.6162

205.380.6163

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

18 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

Ashley Kaple, Ashley Holt and Maggie Thompson.

Avani Patel, Susan Swagler and Lee Ann Petty.

FOR THE GIRLS Girlspring Hosts Winter Founders Circle Event

M

overs and shakers from throughout the Greater Birmingham area gathered at the home of Leslie and Elton B. Stephens Jr. on Jan. 24 to celebrate women and Girlspring Founders Circle Winter Party.

As guests sampled cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a live jazz guitar and piano combo

Caroline Roberts and Cooper Smith.

provided music.

The evening served to raise funds and spread the word about Girlspring, a nonprofit organization based in Birmingham that focuses on the issues, activities and concerns of girls and young women.

The host committee for the event included Ginger Busby, Jill Callaham, Anna Comer,

Elton Stephens Jr. and Jason Comer.

Mallory Baxley and Lillian Still.

24 HOUR INFRARED FITNESS STUDIO Couple Laura Gaston and Jake Gillikin like to work out together at HOTWORX in Vestavia Hills.

Girlspring founder Jane Comer, Lorrin Etka-Shepherd, Lisa Flake, Susan Han, Laura Hatcher, Ashley Holt, Mary Beth Howland, Andrea Kirkland, Rupa Kitchens, Emily Lassiter, Colin Mitchell, Sumner Rives, Nikki Still, Jodi Sullivan, Emma Suttles, Wendy Tatum, Ashlee Todd and Virginia Volman. ❖

VESTAVIA HILLS

790 Montgomery Hwy #124 | (205) 502-7511 hotworx.net/studio/vestaviahills

Lisa Flake and Leslie Stephens.

"HOTWORX is a virtually instructed exercise program created for users to experience the many benefits of infrared heat absorption, while completing a 30-minute isometric workout or 15-min High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session."

LEIGH ANN ALLEN, OWNER

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 19

SOCIAL Left, Jodi Sullivan and Neillie Butler.

Right, Heather McCalley and Pia Sen.

Margo Araoz, Chloe Bloodworth and Lauren Choi.

Liucija Wright and Jill Moore.

Kristin Meriam-Bloodworth and Lydia Bloodworth.

20 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

SOCIAL

Audrey Lindquist, George and Kathleen Petznick with Ginger Sharbel.

FEBRUARY LAMP SALE

Up to 40% Off

Elam and Sandra Holley with Becky and Greg Keyes.

Shaken, Not Stirred Silhouettes Hosts 007-Themed Winter Dance

Bring this ad in and receive an additional 10% OFF

art • antiques • home

English Village • 2004 CAHABA RD. • 490.1533

trouveinmountainbrook.com

shoptrouve

Candy Hacker and Bill Gray.

Guests were dressed to kill as they entered The Country Club of Birmingham on Jan. 26 for the Silhouettes’ James Bond-themed “007” winter party.

To: Trisha Serving as the event organizers were winter dance From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 committee members Sara Collins, chairperson; FAX: 205-824-1246 Mariellan Morris, Cadis Birchfield and Lauren Keet, co-chairs; and Rose Ann Kendrick, reservaDate: Feb. 2019 tions. were shaken, This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAINCocktails JOURNAL for the not stirred as guests arrived, followed by a seated dinner. After the meal, music by Feb. 7, 2019 issue.

Z and the Party Faktory filled the room and the dance floor opened.

Please make sure all information is correct, including The Silhouettes social club was founded in 1955.

The first winter dance had a Mardi Gras theme and address and phone number! was hosted in February 1956 at The Country Club of Birmingham. Two of the club’s charter members 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 remain active in the group, Nora Coffee and Tallulah the paper Monday.

Hargrove.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

“What I find so inspiring about the Silhouettes is our membership,” said club President Candy Hacker of Vestavia Hills. “We have members from the Greatest Generation, my generation, and the generations after me. The group was founded with the sole purpose of celebrating friendship by hosting social events. We do not have guest speakers or silent auctions. What we have are intergenerational friendships and a lot of fun.”

The 2018-2019 Silhouettes officers are: Candy FOR AN APPOINTMENT, CALL: Hacker, president; Sara Collins, vice president; Tricia St. Vincent’s Downtown Office (205) 776-6330 Preston, recording secretary; Sandra Holley, correSt. Vincent’s East Office (205) 856-2284 sponding secretary; Karen Kapp, treasurer; and Barbara Klyce, parliamentarian. ❖ OR Visit Birminghamheart.com

Joseph Anthony and Alison Kapp.

February is Heart Month!

Mending Broken Hearts & Veins

Steven and Leigh Shepherd.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Brian and Karen Dillard.

SOCIAL

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 21

Kathleen Ryan.

Pipers and Haggis Emmet O’Neal Hosts Annual Burns Night Celebrating Scotland’s National Poet

The Emmet O’Neal Library hosted a festive evening of dining, music and poetry to mark its Burns Night celebration Jan. 25.

Tartan-clad guests were welcomed to the venue by bagpipers to celebrate Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, and the country’s literary history.

A grand Scottish feast commenced with the Selkirk Grace, a prayer that has been attributed to

Burns. The dinner included piping in the haggis, an address to the haggis and toast to the haggis, followed by supper, musical entertainment and poetry readings.

The event concluded with “The Immortal Memory,” a speech and toast to Burns; followed by a toast to the lassies, a toast to the laddies and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” ❖

Pride and responsibility drive us to be the best in everything we do.

Charles and Laura Smith.

Glory McLaughlin and Tynley Baker.

As a life-long Over-the-Mountain resident and a third generation working at Guin, I feel great pride and responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and hard work that my grandfather began 60 years ago. Family is very important to us, and we treat our customers with the same care and respect as members of our own family. It would be a privilege to serve you.

Katie Moellering and Adam Roberston.

Carey and Patty Gilbert.

Joseph Braswell

Serving Birmingham since 1958

Member of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce

Mention this ad to receive a free diagnostic service call.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

22 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

Think Pink

ACS Introduces 2019 Real Men Ambassadors at Campaign Kickoff Party

Tween to Trend Accessories In Snoozy's Kids CRESTLINE VILLAGE 871.2662

Holly Falkner and Chuck St. John.

Hayley Widden and Nick Greco.

David and LaToya Hicks.

The fourth annual Real Men Wear Pink Birmingham campaign began with a kickoff party Jan. 31 at Roots and Revelry, hosted by the American Cancer Society.

Presented during the festivities was a group of prominent Birmingham-area men serving as the “2019 Real Men Wear Pink Ambassadors.” These men will take a stand against breast cancer and spend the month of February fund-

raising and raising awareness by wearing pink.

The evening’s festivities included hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, music by The Hams and a bourbon auction.

The 2019 ambassadors are Dr. Michael Beckenstein, St. Vincent’s; Stan Blanton, Balch & Bingham; Brandon Cain, Roots & Revelry; Joshua Carnes, Ameriprise Financial; James

Cason, Warren Averett; Neil Caudle, Brasfield & Gorrie; Dr. Jeff Chaiproakob, Medical Center East; Josh Clarke, Doulos Partners; Willie Davis, Dannon Project; Bezshan Dolatabadi, B. Prince; Luke Elder, Mercedes Benz of Birmingham; Ben Franklin, Alfa Insurance; Anthony Gardner, Alabama Regional Medical Services; Mike Gibson, Creature Builds; Deon Gordon, Tech Birmingham; John Hennessy, Colliers International; Brian Heslop, Cadence Bank; Dr. David Hicks, Jefferson County Department of Health; Chandler Hoffman, Birmingham Legion FC; Roy Johnson, Alabama Media Group; Alex Shahid, Legal Shield; and Michael Turnbough, Raymond James. ❖

Make this Valentine's Day Sparkle

Keeping it classy!

Spring Items Coming in Everyday

CUSTOM MONOGRAMS, ILLUSTRATIONS, PAPER GOODS AND MORE

!

205.870.1097

WEEZIEBDESIGNS.COM

3301 Lorna Road, Ste. 1 • Hoover 978-5880 www.shaysjewelers.com

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Fête Française

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 23

SOCIAL

The home of John and Cindy Floyd was cheerfully decorated for the recent Alliance Française of Birmingham’s Christmas celebration.

Wine and Champagne were plentiful, and a selection of delicious foods included some classic French specialties.

All members joined in unison to sing Christmas carols in French and were accompanied by music teacher, Jodie Coombs, at the piano.

In attendance was the club’s new president Margaret Bond, Serge Bokobza, past president; McCarter and Lisa Garcia, hospitality; Alan and Marie Claude Freeland, Nancy Moore, Fiona and Rob Shattuck, John and Katherine Sechrist, Genenieve Blaudeau, Regina Smith, Gene Hartley, Jeanne Classe, and Scott and Ruthie Schram. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Christmas with the Alliance Française of Birmingham

Margaret Bond and Regina Smith.

5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 980-9030 southeasternjewelers.net (1/4 mile off 280)

ANNUAL WINTER CLEARANCE SALE!

To: Renee Above, Ruthie Schram, Gene From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Hartley and Genevieve 205-824-1246, fax Blaudeau. Left, Harry Martin, Mindy Stokes and CindyDate: February Floyd. Below left, Jody This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Coombs and Alan Freeland.

Feb 7, 2019 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may 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.

ONE DAY ONLY! FEB. 9TH EVERYTHING IN THE STORE

Roman BRantley

40% off SteRling & SilveR Plated Until feBRUaRy 14th Open Mon-Fri 10:30-5:00 pm & 1st & 3rd Sat 10:30-2:30 pm 2790 BM Montgomery Street Homewood, AL • 205.460.1224

25% - 80% OFF Hundreds of pieces of Fall & Winter merchandise plus previewing new Spring & Summer merchandise

CAHABA HEIGHTS 4200 Oakview Lane 970-7997 shrose.com

24 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

Emily Alice Yearout and Parker Yates McAnnally were married Nov. 17, 2018, at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham. The Rev. Canon R. Craig Smalley officiated the ceremony. A reception followed at the

Birmingham Museum of Art. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Gusty Yearout of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sidney McAnnally of Tulsa, Oklahoma, formerly of Birmingham.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by Ann Morris Bailey Merline as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Catherine Elizabeth Allen, Catherine McKenzie Burton, Mary Catherine Clark, Catherine Greer Connolly, Robyn Elise Greene, Savannah Branum Holt, Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, sister of the groom, and Haley Westbrook Yearout. Junior attendants were Noelle Amelie Dupont, Zoë Marie Yearout, Alexandra Kate Yearout and Adrianne Augusta Yearout, nieces of the bride. The flower girls were Alexis Michele Yearout, Adrianne

LaBreck Yearout and Eleni Alexis Smith, cousins of the bride.

The groom’s father was best man. Groomsmen were Thomas James Adams, Michael Americo Pace, Grady Burns Proctor, William Hays Ragsdale, Jordan Stephen Scott, Charles Grayson Small and Christopher Cameron Yearout, brother of the bride. The ring bearer was James Gusty Yearout II, nephew of the bride.

The bride’s cousin, Connor Thomas Smith, served as Bible bearer. Readers were Robert Sidney McAnnally and Emily Manifold Ragsdale. Program attendants were Charles Collins Dillard, Anna Kate McAnnally, Edward Tate McAnnally, Robert Jackson McAnnally and William Maddox Stroud, cousins of the groom.

After a wedding trip to St. Lucia, the couple lives in Nashville.

Phillips-Cohen

Arianna Phillips and Seth Cohen were married Aug. 5, 2018, at Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham. Cantor Jessica Roskin officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Ms. Krista White and Mr. Larry Phillips of Saks. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ross N. Cohen of Mountain Brook.

The bride was attended by Kenny Lamb of Boston as man of honor. Bridesmaids were her sisters, Mariah Phillips of Weaver and Alina Phillips of Anniston; Kirstie Brooks of Anniston; Natalie Cohen, sister of the groom, of Homewood; and Adrianne Foreman of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.

The flower girl was Anna Catherine Cohen, niece of the groom, of Vestavia Hills.

The best man was the father of the groom. Groomsmen were brothers of the groom, Jacob Cohen of Vestavia Hills and Philip Holmes of Denver; Dr. Alex Denton of Memphis, Tennessee; and James Reid of Salisbury, Maryland. The ring bearer was Hudson Holmes, nephew of the groom, of Denver.

After a honeymoon in Jamaica, the couple live in Nashville, where the groom practices law with Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP, and the bride is completing her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Yearout-McAnnally

Bass-McDade

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Bass of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter,

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

WEDDINGS

Kellie Renee Bass, to Gregory Leon McDade, son of Mr. Roy McDade of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Ms. Jane McDade of Helena.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John E. Bass of Cahaba Heights and the late Ms. Nancy Manzella and the late Mr. Sam Manzella, both of Birmingham.

Miss Bass is a 2000 graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School and a 2004 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. Miss Bass will graduate in May

Stay in the Loop Have you been missing out on local news and events?

With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the new OTMJ newsletter.

Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday -

from Jefferson State Community College with an associate degree in nursing. She is employed with Cigna-HealthSpring.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Cashmere Buryn of Miami and the late Mr. Roy McDade Sr. of Hollywood, Florida, and the late Mrs. Evelyn Margolis of Miami.

Mr. McDade is a 1995 graduate of North Miami Beach High School, a 1997 graduate of ITT Technical Institute, Fort Lauderdale, with an associate degree in electronics and a 1999 graduate of ITT Technical Institute, Birmingham, with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

He is employed with Communications Test Design Inc. The wedding will be April 6.

we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area.

To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @ overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.

Lowman-Simpson

Mr. and Mrs. Sid Collier Lowman of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Collier Elizabeth, to John William Simpson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lindsay Simpson of Vestavia Hills.

The bride-elect is the grand-

Miles-Dawson

Mr. and Mrs. David Lee Miles of Homewood announce the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth Holmes Miles, to Phillip Michael Dawson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Albert Dawson Jr. of Mountain Brook.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Cecil Holmes and the late

SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS! To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, call 823-9646.

daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Allen Lowman Sr. of Birmingham and Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Jackson Mills Jr. of Enterprise.

Miss Lowman is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in early childhood and elementary education and is a member of Chi Omega sorority. She is employed with the Mountain Brook School System.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Lt. and Mrs. John William Simpson of Birmingham and the late Mr. AA Munsell of Talladega and Mr. Raymond Harper and the late Mrs. Loretta Munsell Harper of Montevallo.

Mr. Simpson is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in journalism and is a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

He is employed with Regions Bank.

The wedding is planned for March 23 in Mountain Brook.

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Anthony Miles.

Miss Miles is a cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and specialization in real estate. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. Miss Miles is a property manager with Southpace Properties.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bernard Vetrano and the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Albert Dawson Sr. Mr. Dawson is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in finance and specialization in real estate. He was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. Mr. Dawson is a property manager with Orchestra Partners.

The wedding will be May 11 at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

FOOD

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 25

Big Spoon Creamery owner Ryan O’Hara waits on a customer at the shop’s new location on Oxmoor Road.

Journal photo by Ingrid Howard

FOODIE NEWS

Journal photos by Ingrid Howard

HOMEWOOD SCREAMS FOR ICE CREAM: BIG SPOON CREAMERY OPENS NEW LOCATION

Chef Abhi Sainju

Creating a Culture

Chef Abhi Sainju to Bring Asian-Fusion Concept to Another Over the Mountain Location

By Ingrid Howard After two years of operation at the Summit, an Asian-fusion restaurant called Abhi has experienced enough success that the owner is opening a second location, this time in Mountain Brook.

Chef Abhi Sainju, the brains behind the restaurant, grew up in Nepal and has traveled around the world, trying new foods and restaurants everywhere he went. He said that he learned what not to do from those restaurants.

One thing he noticed in his travels is how some restaurants focus on the glitz and glamour of the environment without putting the right amount of focus on the food.

“I wanted everything to be about the food,” he said. “Over here, you get the best food and a very high quality and casual environment. I wanted that. I didn’t want it to be too pretentious.”

He also wanted each menu item to be just as important as the one before it.

“Any dish you have on here is good,” he said. “I just didn’t want to put something on the menu as a filler. … I couldn’t find that at any restaurants I traveled to.”

In Nepal, he learned the importance of cooking using organic ingredients. From mushrooms to green onions and cilantro, Sainju said he shops locally, supporting about 25 local farmers. He said sometimes people come in and ask what he did to make the food taste so good.

“When you use good ingredients, good quality, you don’t have to do much to it,” he said. “It’s gonna come out good.”

To make sure each dish served at his res-

taurant stays consistent over time, Sainju said, he prepares every dish himself. He comes in early each morning to do this, and then he can spend his day shopping for new ingredients or running errands while the restaurant staff cooks the meat and serves.

“I cannot teach somebody how to make curry,” he said.

“It’s not like you put a cup of this, a tablespoon of that or a tablespoon of this. …

It took me 20 years to get that right.”

Despite being a successful restaurateur, Sainju said he doesn’t like to call himself a chef.

“I know so many chefs that paid so much time and energy, and they’ve gone to school, and I didn’t do all of that,” he said.

Coming to America

Instead, Sainju was living in Nepal when he applied to a few different colleges in the States. When Faulkner University accepted him, he said he didn’t open any other letters from other colleges.

“I was like, this is my ticket to the USA!” he said, laughing.

He studied there for a year, transferred to Jefferson State Community College and stayed for two years, then transferred to UAB. In 2003, he got his degree from UAB

in management information systems. He said he didn’t have the intention to open his own restaurant at that time – in fact, he was more passionate about music and playing gigs with his band.

He started bartending at Surin West, and his interests slowly started transitioning away from music and toward Asian food. He was particularly interested in sushi, so he taught himself how to make sushi in three days and bought a sushi business.

Almost every day in 2012 and 2013, Sainju said, he was doing pop-ups at different bars, selling sushi. He didn’t have his own storefront then, but he caught people’s attention, and they started following him from bar to bar.

One day, his friend told him to check Urban Spoon, a restaurant information and reviews website that has since been acquired

by Zomato. Sainju’s sushi company, Everest

See ABHI page 27

Big Spoon Creamery opened a new location at 929 Oxmoor Road in Homewood on Feb. 1.

Although Ryan and Geri-Martha O’Hara have been selling ice cream since 2014, they opened their first storefront for Big Spoon in Avondale in 2017.

“While our guests can expect much of the same outstanding ice cream and service they’ve come to expect in Avondale, we do plan to have some things that are unique to Homewood, so guests can look forward to some fun surprises,” Ryan said in a statement.

“We’re also thrilled to offer more seating options in this location, so patrons can expect an even more guest- and family-friendly atmosphere than before.”

For more information, visit bigspooncreamery.com.

STAR QUALITY: ALABAMA CHEFS TO GATHER AT THE CHILDREN’S TABLE

Guests can sample signature dishes, drinks and desserts from some of Alabama’s most celebrated chefs at The Children’s Table event on March 9.

The event will be at Meredith Food Studios, at 4100 Old Montgomery Highway in Birmingham. Guests will have an opportunity to explore the studio’s 28 test kitchens, 13 photo and video studios, a prop and styling studio and a showcase kitchen and tasting room.

Chris Hastings Featured chefs will be Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club and Ovenbird Restaurant; Bill Briand of Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina; Leonardo Maurelli III of The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center; Rob McDaniel of SpringHouse; Geri-Martha O’Hara of Big Spoon Creamery; Mauricio Papapietro of Brick & Tin; Abhi Sainju of Abhi restaurant and Mo:Mo; and Ben Vaughn of Root to Tail.

Money raised from this culinary event will benefit patients at Children’s of Alabama, and proceeds will help Children’s assist families in setting their dietary restrictions and encourage patients’ passions for nutrition.

Tickets are $150 each or $275 per couple and can be purchased at TheChildrensTable. org.

See FOOD NEWS, page 26

26 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

FOOD

Feast of 48

In 2018, Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch came up with the idea to host a Restaurant Trail challenge, inviting community members to visit 48 of the city’s restaurants in one year for the chance to win a grand prize of gift cards and packages from participating establishments.

“When I first heard about it, I thought it would be really hard to eat at 48 different restaurants in one year,” said Bert Amason, a Mountain Brook resident and partner at Balch and Bingham. “Maybe by the second week of January, I had eaten at (four) of them.”

He couldn’t imagine who ate out that much, but the task didn’t feel so insurmountable after he had knocked the first few off his list.

After clearing the first three restaurants, Amason set the goal of eating at all 48.

To verify each meal, Amason posted a photo taken at each of the restaurants on Instagram along with #i8mb.

“There were actually a bunch of repeats that you don’t get credit for – places that we eat on a normal basis,” Amason said.

Completing the contest challenged him to try out places he had never been before and some places he had never heard of before, which surprised him considering

how long he has lived in the city.

Not a life-long resident but a majority-of-life resident of Mountain Brook, Amason also enjoyed being able to lend his support to the local food industry.

“There are about three Asian or Asian-inspired restaurants within a mile of my house,” Amason said. “I never would have thought about driving all the way to Overton to eat at Wok Express, but I did and I enjoyed it.”

Not only was the challenge fun for him, his family wasn’t complaining along the way.

“My kids loved deciding to go get beignets in the morning at Another Broken Egg, going to get Breakup Cookies at Church Street Coffee and Books, getting ice cream at Mountain Brook Creamery. We also went and picked up cookies at Olexa’s one day, so it was a lot of fun for them,” he said.

Stiff Competition

Once the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce began running promotional videos announcing the first few finishers, Amason realized that there would be plenty of competition for the grand prize.

“I think in all we had about 28 finishers and I was just happy to hear my name drawn,” to win the grand prize package, Amason

FOOD NEWS From page 25

COFFEE LOVERS WANTED: ALABAMA COFFEE FEST RETURNING AT CAHABA BREWERY

Cahaba Brewery is hosting the second annual Alabama Coffee Fest on Feb. 23.

The event includes specialty roasters and coffee shops with unique beans, demonstrations, coffee tastings, live entertainment and live latte art creations.

Pastries by local bake shops and Cahaba Brewery’s beer will be available for purchase.

Proceeds fund a future multicultural center that will include art, music, dance, film and theater programs.

This event is hosted by Alabama Multicultural Organization. For more information and to buy tickets, visit alabamamulticultural.org.

REOPENING SOON: FULL MOON BARB-QUE ON U.S. 280 RENOVATIONS NEAR COMPLETION

After closing due to a fire in May 2018, the U.S. 280 location of Full Moon Bar-B-Que has begun complete renovations that are expected to be completed by April.

Among the renovations, the location is upgrading the flooring and other interior elements as well as adding features that are

Bert Amason, a Mountain Brook resident enjoyed being able to lend his support to the local food industry. He picked up his grand prize gift cards at the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.

said.

Fellow finishers included Abby Nevins, Stewart Welch, Janet Forbes, Sam Gaston, Jackie Nesmith, Sue and Matt Abele, Holley Wesley, Alex Valencia, Elizabeth Riddle, Joshua Osborne, Kristen Osborne, Allison Savela, Julie Edwards, Steve Boone, Felicia Stewart and family, Samantha Chandler, Heather Scott, Food Baby Bham (Hunter and Alexandra White), Chris Mullins, Kristy Smith, Ashley Lyerly, Dylan Angeline, Monica

Sargent and Layne McDougal.

After experiencing the Restaurant Trail, Amason said he is ready for the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s next challenge “I was hoping that the next challenge would be visiting all of the gyms,” Amason joked.

While he is waiting, he’s been revisiting spots along the trail to use the gifts he won. He’s already treated his family to dinner at La Paz, Char Bar and Icehouse.

Having now visited most of

the city’s restaurants, Amason gave his suggestions for places to eat this Valentine’s Day. His thoughts: it all depends on the mood you’re looking for.

“One, there are a lot of great restaurants around town,” Amason said. “If you’re going for fancy, there is dg, Root to Tail, Vino.

You can go all the way down to Sneaky Pete’s or Gus’ Hot Dogs if that’s what you want to do. …

There is such a wide range of restaurants out there, so there is something for everyone.”

found in newer locations.

The restaurant is at 4635 U.S. 280. For more information, visit fullmoonbbq.com.

WINTER FRESH VEG FIX: PEPPER PLACE RETURNS WITH INDOOR WINTER MARKET

The Indoor Winter Market inside the Martin Biscuit event space in Pepper Place celebrated its opening day on Jan. 19.

Patrons could shop for veggies from Owls Hollow and Snows Bend, meats and cheeses from Marble Creek Farmstead and Dayspring Dairy, honey from Eastaboga Honey, prepared foods from several vendors and other non-food items such as scarves and home essentials.

The winter market is held Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, until April 6. For complete vendor lists and more information, visit pepperplacemarket.com.

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

By Emily Williams

Photo courtesy Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce

Mountain Brook Announces Amason as Winner of 2018 Restaurant Trail Challenge

SPICY FUNDRAISER: EXCEPTIONAL FOUNDATION CHILI COOK-OFF SET FOR MARCH 2

The 15th annual Chili Cook-Off to benefit The Exceptional Foundation will be held March 2 at Brookwood Village.

The Chili Cook-Off is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds are a significant source of funding for The Exceptional Foundation, which strives to meet the social and recreational needs of individuals

The Corporate Realty team at last year’s Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off, from left, Scott Goranti, Laura Hulsey, Stephanie Zepponi, Brandon Pennington and Austin Overton. of all ages who are mentally challenged.

Tickets range from $10 to $20 and allow attendees to sample all the chili they can eat.

For more information, to buy tickets and to get information about registering a team, visit exceptionalfoundation.org.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 27

FOOD

Rehab Reality...

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

By Jeff Butler, Co-Founder of Bayshore Retreat

Steve and Christine Wittmann with Derrick and Nicole Helm.

Bourbon and whiskey specialists were on hand to provide tasting tips and hourly seminars were presented throughout the afternoon by various distillers and brand ambassadors, above and below.

Make it a Double

Danielle Smith and Jenny Fuller.

Annual Bourbonham Whiskey Tasting Raises Funds for National MS Society Bourbon enthusiasts gathered at Old Car Haven on Jan. 20 to sip a variety of whiskeys and support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

An outdoor cigar lounge was available to guests, bourbon and whiskey specialists were on hand to provide tasting tips and hourly seminars were presented throughout the afternoon by various distillers and brand ambassadors.

More than 28 bourbons and whiskeys were available to sip and savor alongside samples of award-winning barbecue dishes and live blues music.

Natalie and Patrick Harrington.

ABHI From page 25

Sushi, was rated No. 1 “Talk of Town” on the website, ahead of Highlands Bar & Grill and Bottega.

In 2017, he opened Abhi, and Sainju sells his sushi there, among other dishes such as curry, dumplings and noodle bowls.

Sainju said he plans to expand his sushi and cocktail menu in the upcoming Mountain Brook restaurant, which will be in the former Avo space upstairs at 2721 Cahaba Road.

For more information about Abhi and updates on its second location,

Bluff Park WindoW Works f f f f

Wood window restoration and repair Sash replacement, rot repair Replace broken and fogged glass Wood insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes

Call 205-542-6094

Southern Gourmet at it's Best LOCATED AT THE TOP OF SHADES MOUNTAIN ON HWY 31, BISTRO V OFFERS ONE OF THE FINEST CULINARY EXPERIENCES IN BIRMINGHAM!

LocaLLy owned and operated

Open Monday-Saturday 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm 521 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 • (205) 823-1505

Everyday is Groundhog Day

We all know what this means in general and now it applies to rehab centers in Florida.

Last year due to the number of deaths at rehabs (primarily in south Florida) the mandate was given for all drug and alcohol treatment centers in Florida be Joint Commission accredited.

We had until the end of this year to get it, but thanks to the hard work of Megan Deane and Stephanie Butler, our operating partner and lead mental health counselor we can proudly show the Gold Seal of Approval on our web site.

Over the years very few, less than 5 people, have even asked about it. This was another reason for not pursuing it earlier.

Again, we’ve had it for a year and it doesn’t seem to make an iota of difference, other than we’re able to get some reimbursement for clients from insurance such as Tri-Care when we couldn’t the past.

Now in our ninth year we are continually looking for the latest scientific and solution based approaches to help our clients become as healthy as possible and successful with sobriety. Life doesn’t get better by chance… it gets better by change.

Having the Joint Commission accreditation is just one more “stamp of approval”.

Perhaps this is something you should know when you’re looking for a rehab for yourself or someone you love. Bayshore Retreat continually scores high marks from the Florida Department of Children and Families, the health department, fire department and every other department and inspector they can send to us. Now least we can say, if you have doubts about us or others “look for the Gold Seal”.

28 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

Members of a board/steering committee to launch the program include Hoover Fire Chief Clay Bentley; Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato; Darin Boykin, general manager of U.S. 150 Wal-Mart; David Cohen of the Whole Scoop and the Hoover City Schools Foundation; Ruth Cole, Leadership Hoover, PTO liaison; Jaclyn Gardner, executive director of Danberry at Inverness; Jason Gaston, director of Hoover schools public relations; Hoover City Councilman John Lyda; Debbie Mar, area director of Newk’s; Steve McClinton, Hoover City Schools Foundation and Hoover Helps board member; the Rev. Wes Savage of Riverchase United Methodist Church; Marley Stephens, lead counselor for Hoover schools; and April Stone, executive director of the Hoover Chamber of Commerce.

—Virginia Martin

Two-Part All In Parenting Conference– Elementary Edition Coming to Cherokee Bend

By Emily Williams

When it comes to parenting, everything would be easier if chil-

dren came with a handbook.

While there aren’t any instruction manuals to which parents can turn to find an answer to each

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH MTN BROOK CITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION maintenance of records. Oversee the implementation of a process to ensure timely and effective reporting on all funds. Maintain a database for donors and potential donors fully utilizing fundraising software (i.e. Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge)

Career Opportunity Executive Director Background: The Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation is a non-profit corporation created to mobilize community support for the Mountain Brook City Schools.

The Foundation is operated independently from the school system and secures resources from individuals, corporations and foundations. Since 1995, the Foundation has given over $7 million to the school system that serves approximately 4500 K – 12 students in the areas of technology, professional development and library enhancement.

Position Summary: The Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation is looking for an innovative and highly engaged Director to lead the organization and implement fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in meeting and exceeding fundraising goals. The candidate should be an exceptional relationship builder, collaborator, and a committed fundraiser capable of working with donors of varied backgrounds.

This is a full-time 12-month position with a primary focus on fundraising and stewardship. The Executive Director will be responsible for overall management, fundraising, creation and implementation of projects and programs of the Foundation.

The Director is not a Mountain Brook City Schools employee and will be employed directly by the Foundation. Some night and weekend work is required.

Responsibilities: Direct and oversee the Foundation’s fund development plan including: major gift solicitation, planned giving, special events, annual giving campaign, endowment campaign, and donor relations.

Manage and monitor day-to-day operations of the Foundation ensuring fiscal accountability and the

Serve as a liaison between the Board of Directors, volunteers, Foundation administrators, principals, teachers, PTOs and community groups. Represent the Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation at community events.

Oversee Foundation funded programs, prepare annual budgets, develop annual goals and fund development plan, monitor program revenue and expenses in relation to budget.

Serve as a member of all subcommittees of the Board of Directors and direct and oversee the preparation of reports and required forms to ensure legal compliance. The Executive Director will serve as “chief compliance officer” for the Foundation, verifying that all state and federal filings are completed correctly and on time as required of a 501(c) 3 public charity.

Compensation: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with education and experience.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications: · Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in business, public relations, marketing, non-profit management or equivalent experience. · 3-5 years of experience in fundraising or non-profit administration. · Exceptional presentation and written communications skills. · Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to take initiative and effectively handle multiple tasks, changing priorities, and complex assignments. · Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint, QuickBooks, WordPress, and non-profit experience with donor database software desirable.

To apply, please submit a resume’, letter of interest, and salary requirements to smaxwell@ mtnbrookschoolsfoundation.org. Please reference “Executive Director Search” in the subject line of your e-mail.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

https://mtnbrookschoolsfoundation.org/executive-director-search/

struggle that comes with raising their children, they can find some helpful tools through All In Mountain Brook’s third annual All In Parenting Conference– Elementary Edition.

According to Mountain Brook Director of Student Services Amanda Hood, this event will help parents navigate some of the more challenging situations their child will face as they grow. That can be struggles they face at home or with their peers in or outside of the classroom.

The conference has been broken into two separate events to be held at Cherokee Bend Elementary. A Feb. 12, will focus on pre-teens, grades four to six. The Feb. 26 will focus on kindergarten through third grade children.

“Attending a parenting conference, not only provides a parent with resources and information, but helps create a sense of connectedness within the uncertain world of parenthood,” Hood said.

Each event will be held from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will include a variety of presentations and discussions led by local professionals.

Topics to be discussed at the Feb. 12 event will include “How to Raise Kids in a Tech World,” “How to Protect Kids in a Tech World” and “How to Develop and Maintain Strong Friendships.”

The Feb. 26 event discussions will include “How to Raise Kids in a Tech World,” “How to Protect Kids in a Tech World” and “Addressing Big Issues with Small Kids-Having Difficult Conversations.”

To register for this free event, visit allinmountainbrook.org.

VHHS We the People Wins Big at State Championship The We the People team at Vestavia Hills High School recently won first place in a state championship at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. Teams were tested on their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, giving presentations and answering questions from judges to showcase their depth of understanding of their presented topic.

This is the second consecutive state title the team has earned, and it puts the team on track to compete at the national competition to be held later in the spring.

Team members included Sam Swinson, Abby Ronson, Julia Holmes, Julia Stewart, Ellis Zhang, Walter Zhang, Boris Lu, Ritika Samant, Caroline Bass, Nikki Pedicord, Rohith Vuribindi, Sophie Borden, Rizwan Khan and Libby Jackson.

Perfect Scores at Altamont Three Altamont School 11th-graders, Benjamin Tang, Ahad Bashir and Sameer Sultan, earned a 36 on the ACT, the highest possible composite score.

Their scores bring Altamont’s total number of perfect ACTs to eight in four years, with four current Altamont students having perfect ACTs. On average, only one-tenth of 1 percent of all test takers receive the top score. Among recent U.S. high school graduates, just 2,760 out of more than two million students who took the ACT reached a composite score of 36.

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science, each scored on a scale of 1 to 36. A student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores.

Photo courtesy Altamont School

school supplies, money for school fees, furniture, household items and other donations.

Greg and Donna Bishop, executive directors of Hoover Helps, along with David Bannister of Leadership Hoover and Janet Turner, executive director of the Hoover City Schools Foundation, will provide the leadership to bring the project to fruition.

“This bridge is a Hoover citywide, kids-first initiative, which brings city leaders, city services, city business, city charities, city schools, city churches and city resources all to the table,” Bannister said. “This all-in … effort lets the entire Hoover community know that there is one vetted, citywide bridge for all of Hoover to use to deliver kindness.

The bridge is a 100 percent pass thru, all volunteer-driven charity, so all kindness is passed to the Hoover families.”

From left, Benjamin Tang, Ahad Bashir and Sameer Sultan,

VHEE’s Thompson Places in Bicentennial Artwork Competition Avie Thompson, a student at Vestavia Hills Elementary East, recently earned third place in a student art exhibition hosted by the Alabama State Superintendent’s Bicentennial Division.

Her artwork, “Vulcan the Great,” celebrated Birmingham’s Vulcan statue and its place in the state’s history.

She will be recognized for her accomplishment later this spring at the state Capitol in Montgomery.

Courtesy Vestavia Schools

Hoover Helps, a local non-profit charity working to serve the children, schools and families of Hoover, has connected with neighborhood bridges, a Westerville, Ohio, charity and Leadership Hoover to launch a Gateway for Kindness.

Neighborhood bridges was founded and launched in January 2017 in Westerville, Ohio, and has engaged residents and businesses there through direct support and care to more than eight communities, 10,000 children and families, according to a news release.

Now, Hoover leaders hope to replicate that success. The initiative will invite all 17 Hoover schools’ teachers, counselors and administrators to advocate for children and families in need. It will work with key community stakeholders to mobilize resources, which could include food, clothing, shoes, coats, eye exams,

Photo courtesy VHHS

Hoover Charity Joins with Neighborhood Bridges to Help Needy Children

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Rush to Retire

Pizitz Middle School Coach Stepping Down After 37 Years

Mending kids’ hearts

Journal file photo

By Rubin E. Grant On Friday night, one of the legendary coaching figures in the Vestavia Hills school system coached his last game.

Pizitz Middle School coach John Rush is retiring after 37 years coaching football and basketball at the school.

“Middle school is a tough age and I am getting, like, old,” Rush said with a bit of a chuckle. “I’ll be 62 in April.

“You just know when it’s time, and it’s time.”

Rush’s final game as head coach was a loss to Simmons Middle School in the third-place girls basketball game of the Metro South Tournament.

“I ended on a loss and I lost my last football game,” Rush said.

“I hope my career is not defined by that,” he added with a hearty laugh.

Rush doesn’t know what his coaching record is or how many league championships he has won.

“I never kept up with my record,” he said. “I have an idea, but that’s not what’s important.”

He said his main goal was to make sure the athletes had a positive experience.

Athletics has always been a part of Rush’s life. He was a three-sport star at Mountain Brook and quarterbacked the Spartans to a 7-3 record under coach Robert Higginbotham in 1974.

Rush played baseball at the University of Montevallo before beginning his coaching career at Warrior Academy near Tuscaloosa. He came to Pizitz in 1981 after being hired by the late Thompson “Mutt” Reynolds, then Vestavia’s athletic director and Pizitz’s head football coach. Rush replaced Reynolds as the Pizitz head coach in 1986.

“Mutt Reynolds was a big influence on me,” Rush said. “He

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 29

SCHOOLS/SPORTS

‘I think the two things I’ll miss the most are the coaches I worked with and the kids I coached. I coached some really good kids. The kids are the ones who make you a better coach.’

JOHN RUSH

helped me as a young coach. He was an outstanding man. He shaped my coaching philosophy.

He knew the X’s and O’s, but what was a great help was he taught me how to relate to the kids.”

Rush’s middle school teams sent a parade of athletes to the Vestavia Hills High School program, fueling the Rebels’ success.

He enjoyed a special relationship with the coaches at the high school, especially Rebels head football coach Buddy Anderson.

“Buddy was a big influence,” Rush said. “Whenever I had any questions, I could go up to the high school and ask Buddy, or Peter Braasch, or Rick Grammar or any of them. George Hatchett and Fran Braasch taught me a lot about coaching basketball.”

Rush also was surrounded by talented coaches at Pizitz, including John Wyman, Dal Davis,

Mark Woodruff, Tyler Tidmore, Malcolm Prewitt and trainer David McKenzie.

“I’ve been very blessed to work in the Vestavia system and work around good coaches at the high school and at the middle school,” Rush said. “They helped me a lot over the years.

“I think the two things I’ll miss the most are the coaches I worked with and the kids I coached. I coached some really good kids.

The kids are the ones who make you a better coach.”

Rush will finish the school year as a physical education teacher at Pizitz before his retirement becomes official. He’s not sure what he’s going to do next.

He recently remarried. His wife, Wendy, works at Briarwood Christian elementary school.

“I haven’t gotten any specific plans in mind,” Rush said. “I’m in good shape, so I’ll do something.”

It’s what we do best. Our team of more than 250 pediatric professionals is recognized for its excellence in providing world-class cardiac care in an environment best suited to the needs of our patients. From tiny babies to teens, we care for Laney Light and every child like our own. l

24 board-certified physicians and surgeons

l 458

cardiac surgeries performed in 2018

l More

than 700 cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology procedures performed in 2018

l 94%

survival rate for the 35 heart transplants performed 2015-2018

l 97.77%

survival rate for all surgical patients in 2017 and 2018

l 20

private CVICU rooms, 16 private CCU rooms, 2 CV operating rooms and 2 cath labs

Learn how you can help.

Visit www.ChildrensAL.org/heart.

Students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School packed and sealed more than 10,000 meals for hungry orphans in Haiti recently. The fundraising work event also provided supplemental funds to help with additional school security.

The Feed the Need project took place in the OLS school gym as students took shifts preparing food packets and boxing them up throughout the day in an effort to help feed those less fortunate. Parents and school staff also were on hand to help the students in this humanitarian endeavor.

“This was such an extraordinary event,” said OLS Principal Mary Jane Dorn. “Instead of selling magazines or coupon books, we are holding our first-ever Feed the Need event to help those less fortunate in a country in another part of the world. What better way to teach our students the importance of being of service to others.”

Photo courtesy OLS

OLS Students Feed the Hungry in Haiti

For Children’s Financial Assistance information contact 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance

30 • Thursday, February 7, 2019

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SPORTS

Best in the State

By Blake Ells Vestavia Hills captured its first boys bowling state championship by topping East Limestone on Jan. 24 at Oak Mountain Lanes in Pelham.

A relatively new sport to state competition, the bowling championship has been recognized by the Alabama High School Athletic Association since just 2016. The championship includes all high school classifications, 1A-7A, allowing for the unique declaration of one true state champion.

The Rebels have been quietly laying a strong foundation for their program, finishing as state runnersup each of the past two seasons.

Todd Evans has served as the team’s coach for each of its four years, but he is quick to credit the teams that came before this one and how integral they were to reaching these heights – guys such as Travis Saunders, Will Evans, Sam Lawhon and Barret Blackwood.

“Our old teammates taught us the spirit of competition,” said senior Boris Lu. “Travis Saunders played football before he began bowling. That group of guys led our team. They set the standard and taught us how to compete. Many of us were not athletes and did not have the same drive.”

Lu and his fellow seniors, Cameron Monistere and Beau Reed, were driven by the desire to avenge those championship shortcomings on behalf of the teammates who have since graduated.

“During their senior year, we were runners-up,” Lu said. “We all

remember the pain and the tears we shed that day. We did not want to experience it again. They continue to support us. They relish in our success and share in our defeat.

They always ask us how we’re doing and visit at every opportunity.”

Lu estimates that more than 100 enthusiastic Vestavia Hills bowling supporters went out to Oak Mountain to support his team.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Vestavia Hills’ Boys Bowling Team Brings Home Championship

Members of the Vestavia Hills boys bowling team captured the school’s first bowling state championship by topping East Limestone on Jan. 24 at Oak Mountain Lanes in Pelham.

Diversity Bred a CloseKnit Team

more than competition, and the seniors who now move on from his program value those lessons.

“Coach has taught us how to become great teammates, but even better men,” said Monistere. “I say this a lot, but a team that is this diverse usually doesn’t come together as friends as well as we did. It’s actually hard to explain in words how this team could overcome all of our differences and become such fantastic friends.”

Reed believes that this group achieved great heights because of the focus instilled within him and his teammates by Evans.

“We’ve talked a lot about moving on from the previous frame and focusing on the current frame,” said Reed. “I’ve told the team many times that if you make a bad shot, bounce back from it and don’t dwell on it.

Coach has also kept us focused on how we are bowling and not how other competitors are bowling.”

The seniors leave an everlasting mark on their school – the first class to ever achieve a state championship.

This team had a vast diversity in personalities, Lu said. Even more memorable for many among the group is how they came together under the leadership of Evans when they otherwise may have not done so.

“This team is really special because we are all incredibly different, but we have created a family like no other,” Lu said. “It’s a miracle that we mesh so well. No other sport can bring these unique backgrounds together.

“We are able to joke around while bowling or in everyday life. We have fun, and I can’t say the same for most teams. Coach Evans is a large part of the jokes and fun. I’ve always believed this group was a miracle.

Not everyone can find such a unique band of misfits, especially in high school where cliques and stereotypes are scattered around. We win and have fun. Laugh and cry. Everything we do, we do it together.”

That bond provided an outlet for Evans to teach his team about much

It’s something that they’ll take pride in for years to come.

“It feels amazing,” Monistere said. “I hope the guys behind us can continue to win championships to show people that we are the most dominant team in the state.”

And that’s still surreal. While they had all been a part of two teams that had finished second before, this is the team that reached the top, and that is still new and a delightful surprise.

Team Members Being Groomed for the Future

But they will leave the program in good hands. Reed is confident that his younger brother, Walter, will be among those who carry the torch.

“This year, I had the task of looking at our junior varsity to find a potential alternate,” Reed said.

“My younger brother worked his butt off to be at the top of his game and, hopefully, he’ll make varsity.

He stepped up really big in regionals and the state tournament. I’m

proud of him and the rest of our team for being able to keep a tight focus on the task at hand. It still feels unreal knowing that I bowl for the best team in the state.”

The 2020 version of this team that will try to repeat will not only have the younger Reed, it returns its highest finishers in individual competition, Nick Watts, who placed eighth, and Mason Maners, who placed 20th. The future is bright for this still young program.

“We seniors have driven this team to aim for the top,” Lu said.

“Nick Watts has worked insanely hard this year to support the seniors.

He knew how much we wanted this championship and wanted us to find that success.

“We have a massive junior varsity we continue to teach and support.

We teach them more about bowling like adjusting and technique so that they can learn and share with the future of our team. Our success pushes them to continue to thrive and carry our legacy as one of the best teams in the state.”

HOMEWOOD From page 32

(18-05.50) and triple jump (39-01.25); Edie Smith won the 3,200-meter run (11:44.13) and was third in the 1,600; Alex Brooks won the pole vault (1108.00) and Brooke Walden was third (10-00.00); and Maggie White won the shot put (37-11.50).

The Patriots also excelled in the relays, taking first in the 4x400 (4:15.81), second in the 4x200 (1:48.29) and third in the 4x800 (10:12.31).

“Everybody did their part,” said Sills, who is headed to UAB on a track scholarship. “We all cheered for each other. The girls also cheered for the boys and the boys cheered for girls. It was a great team effort.”

Makiyah Sills, above, won 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.91 as Homewood won its third consecutive Class 6A team title. Patriots senior Will Stone, right, swept the Class 6A distance events. Stone won the 800-meter run in 1:56.14, the 1,600 in 4:24.55 and the 3,200 in

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

The Homewood boys totaled 95.5 points. Northridge finished second with 83.5 and Opelika was third with 78.

Patriots senior Will Stone swept the Class 6A distance events. Stone won the 800-meter run in 1:56.14, the 1,600 in 4:24.55 and the 3,200 in 9:35.34.

“That’s a tough thing to do, to win all three distance races in one meet,” Esslinger said. “He’s probably the most solid and competitive kid I’ve ever had. He’s so dominant it’s unbelievable.

“The guy’s a legend already as far as our program and really statewide.”

Stone was the only Homewood boy to win an individual state championship, but some others performed well. Logan Justice finished second to Stone in the 800 (1:59.84), Stephon May took second in the high jump (6-06.00), Eli Brooks finished second in the pole vault (13-00.00) and Sam Dill was third in the long jump (21-01.75).

Homewood also finished first in 4x800 relay with a time of 8:11.84.

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Stone Dominant

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 31

SPORTS

By Rubin E. Grant Skyla Knight prefers dishes to baskets.

In other words, Hoover’s senior guard likes to dish out assists instead of scoring baskets.

“Skyla is one of the most talented girls I’ve ever coached,” Hoover girls basketball coach Krystle Johnson said. “She has a high motor and plays with a lot of intensity. She’s a playmaker. She creates matchup problems

HOOVER

Jonathan Martin, above, ran with teammates Seth Shelby, Zach Elam and Dorian Austin in the 4x400 setting a record time of 3:20.59.

Deep Family Bench

When Knight went to Hoover, so did her younger sister Jada. She’s a sophomore guard.

“It’s a lot of fun to be able to compete with her in practice and play with her in games,” Skyla Knight said.

So who wins when the sisters play oneon-one? “I do,” Skyla said matter-of-factly.

Knight also has a 7-year-old sister, Aria, who plays in the Hoover recreational league.

“Jada and I made sure Aria would play,” Knight said. “She always had a ball in her hands. Even when she was a baby we gave her a little squeegee ball.”

Knight isn’t only excelling on the court for the Bucs, but also in the classroom. She is enrolled in Hoover’s International Baccalaureate Program.

“My dad (Delane) was the main reason I decided to take the IB program,” Knight said.

“He wanted to push me in the classroom. My mom pushes me on the court.

“My sophomore year, I struggled (academically), but I turned it around and my grades have improved my junior and senior year. It was a tough transition, but the teachers seem to care about you on a personal level and want you to be more engaged. They want all the students to have success.”

Knight also gives a huge assist to her parents. Her dad is originally from Chattanooga and her mother from Memphis.

“My parents have been a big factor contributing to me being a success,” Knight said.

“I can’t thank them enough.”

Knight has already signed with the University of Arkansas Little Rock.

“The program seemed like a good fit for me,” Knight said. “When I went to visit, the coaches made me feel wanted and the players accepted me.”

UALR head coach Joe Foley can’t wait until Knight starts dishing for the Trojans.

“She sees the floor well and has the ability to make plays for herself and her teammates,” Foley said after Knight signed. “She will give us the opportunity to do a lot of things with her play-making ability.”

easy to figure out we didn’t have a chance to win. We were lacking sprinters and jumpers like we have in the past.”

Hoover won the 4x800 relay and took second in the 4x400 relay.

Rosalind Staie placed third in the shot put with a put of 37-10.

BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW BMW

Mountain Brook’s Ella Cobbs competes in the triple jump.

personal-best jump enabled him to win his first individual title. McCall placed second in the long jump at 22-09.75.

The Hoover girls finished fourth in the Class 7A team standings with 51 points. Mountain Brook outpointed runner-up Baker 71 to 60.5 to win the Spartans’ first state crown since 2013.

“I was actually happy to get a top-five finish,” Hind said. “It was

Mercedes BMW Porshe Audi Expert Service

We service only these cars so we have the skills to fix it right the first time.

You don't have to go to the dealer.

We've worked on thousands of these cars each year for over 20 years.

We Guarantee Your Satisfaction.

Why go anywheree else?

403-4626

momentummotorworks.com In Riverchase, 1 Blk from Valleydale 1 Mi. from I-65

MERCEDES MERCEDES MERCEDES MERCEDES MERCEDES

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

From page 32

met those standards in the 400meter dash, so I’ll be competing in that,” Martin said.

Martin was third in the 400 with a time of 49.84 in the state meet, and Austin finished fourth in 50.06.

“I didn’t perform as well as I wanted to, and I was a little upset,” Martin said. “But I’m still glad I was able to contribute to my team winning.”

Hoover accumulated 105 points with strong efforts from start to finish to win their fifth title in seven seasons. Oak Mountain was a distance second with 51 points.

Vestavia Hills and HewittTrussville tied for third with 49 points each.

“They did what I thought they could,” Hind said. “It was a good weekend. Not too much went wrong.”

The 4x800-meter relay team finished third.

Shelby finished third in the 60-meter dash in 7.02 and Martin was sixth with 7:15. Kennon Johnson placed second in the 60-meter hurdles in 8.51 despite tweaking his hamstring.

Senior Kyle Smith led Hoover in the jumps, taking second in the high jump (6-04), second in the triple jump (46-1.25) and sixth in the long jump (21-04.75).

Teammate John Watkins won the triple jump with a leap of 47-03.50 on his final attempt. His

“That loss is motivating us,” Knight said.

“We know we always have to be ready to play hard and play to win.”

Knight did not get to play on the 2017 championship team. She had to sit out her sophomore season after transferring from Spain Park because of AHSAA transfer rules.

Her family had moved from the Los Angeles area to Hoover when she was in the eighth grade.

“My mom, Victoria, works for Nike as a sales rep and she got a promotion,” Knight said.

Although she was attending Berry Middle School, as an eighth-grader, Knight played on the Spain Park varsity team. She also played for the Jaguars as a freshman, but following that season she asked her parents if she could transfer to Hoover.

“It was a personal decision, one I had to take in order to be successful the rest of my high school career,” Knight said.

Johnson welcomed her with open arms.

“With her quickness and ball-handling ability, Skyla has the skill set of a college player,” Johnson said. “Even when she was in the eighth grade and we played Spain Park, we were concerned about (guarding) her because of her ability to create.”

AUDI AUDI AUDI AUDI AUDI AUDI AUDI AUDI AUDI AUDI AUDI

Skyla Knight

all over the court. She can create for herself and everybody else.

“She’s a natural point guard, but we’re playing her at the two-guard spot. She could easily average 20 points a game because nobody could stop her if she decided to be selfish.”

The unselfish Knight wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I definitely like to pass the ball and create for my teammates,” Knight said. “I like to draw the defense to me and drop the ball off for them.”

The 5-foot-7 Knight isn’t just a passer.

She surpassed 1,000 points for her career in January and is averaging 13 points per game.

She also averages 3.0 assists and 3.0 steals, providing a bit of everything as the Bucs finished the regular season with a 28-1 record, following a 56-48 victory at cross-town rival Spain Park last Friday.

Hoover will host the Class 7A, Area 5 tournament and take on Thompson Thursday at 3 p.m. The Bucs’ only loss was a 53-35 setback at Hazel Green on Nov. 16 in their third game of the season. They have a 26-game winning streak.

“So far it’s been a pretty good year,” Knight said. “We’re trying to get back to the state championship game. We are on the road to redemption. We’re playing every game like it’s a championship game.”

That’s because of the way the 2018 season ended. Hoover did not lose to an in-state school until Sparkman dealt the Bucs a 55-54 setback in the Class 7A Northwest Regional final. Hoover finished the season with a 30-2 record but didn’t make it back to the state tournament after having won the 2017 Class 7A championship.

Journal photo by Ingrid Howard

Journal photo by Ingrid Howard

Unselfish Knight Gives Hoover a Play-Making Hand

PORSCHE PORSCHE PORSCHE PORSCHE PORSCHE

Vestavia Hills’ Boys Bowling Team Brings Home Championship.

Page 30

SPORTS

Thursday, February 7, 2019 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Unselfish Knight Gives Hoover a PlayMaking Hand.

Page 31

Homewood Sweeps 6A, Mountain Brook Girls, Hoover Boys Win 7A State Indoor Track Titles

Pats’ Sills Soars to First Individual Title

RecordBreaking Relay for Hoover

By Rubin E. Grant

By Rubin E. Grant

Finally!

Although Makiyah Sills had competed for the Homewood girls track and field team since the eighth grade and been part of several state championships, she had not won an individual crown.

That changed for the Patriots’ senior Saturday at the 49th AHSAA State Indoor Track & Field Championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex.

Sills won 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.91 as Homewood won its third consecutive Class 6A team title.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Sills said. “I am new to the short hurdles. I’m proud that all the work I put in paid off.

“I actually started crying, but I had to get it back together because I had to get ready for the 60 (meter dash).”

Homewood amassed 124.5 points, easily outdistancing secondplace Pelham (95 points) and thirdplace St. Paul’s Episcopal.

Coach Tom Esslinger’s Patriots also captured the boys Class 6A title for the second year in a row and the fifth in the past seven years. Homewood was the only school to capture boys’ and girls’ crowns.

“The kids amaze me with their ability to step up time and time again,” Esslinger said. “I’m just really excited. It was a fun weekend.”

A few days before the meet, Sills was somewhat apprehensive.

“In the back of my mind I am nervous, but I am sure everything will be fine,” she said.

It was more than fine. Esslinger was especially happy to see Sills pull it off.

“She really is a coach’s dream,” Esslinger said. “She listens especially well and she comes out and goes to work every day.

“That was definitely one of the highlights for us. She’s been so good all through the years, and for her to finally realize an individual title her senior year and see how emotional she was afterward was something special.”

Sills finished second in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.72, leading a strong contingent of girl athletes for the Patriots.

Aiya Finch won the long jump

The Hoover boys relay teams went on a search and destroy mission in the 49th AHSAA State Indoor Track & Field Championships last weekend at the Birmingham CrossPlex.

“They not only wanted to win, but break records,” said Hoover coach Devon Hind.

Mission accomplished as the Bucs shattered records in the 4x400 and 4x200 while winning their third consecutive Class 7A championship.

The Bucs’ 4x400 relay team closed the meet Saturday with a 3:20.59 time to set the AHSAA alltime record in that event. Auburn (3:22.05) set the previous statemeet best in 2015.

“It was amazing because the previous week in the Last Chance meet, we came close to both records,” said junior Jonathan Martin, who ran with teammates Seth Shelby, Zach Elam and Dorian Austin in the 4x400.

“There’s a record wall at Hoover and I pointed to both of those records before state,” Martin continued. “I told them those are coming down at state. My teammates said, ‘Are you sure?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’” Hoover’s 4x400 victory was preceded by a record-shattering showing Friday in the 4x200.

Martin, Elam, Shelby and J’Marri McCall ran 1:28.02, establishing school, meet and CrossPlex records.

“Last year our relay teams were really fast, and then they graduated,” Martin said. “We didn’t know if we were nearly as fast. To break the record by as much as we … , we were all kind of shocked.”

Both of the Bucs’ relay teams currently rank third among United States high schools.

Hind was ecstatic about the performance.

“They ran really well,” he said.

“They set some goals and they reached them.

“Now, I’ve got to keep them all healthy for outdoor.”

It will be awhile before Martin gets ready for the outdoor season.

He’s training for a national indoor meet that is scheduled for March in New York.

“They have some standards you have to meet with your times, and I

See HOMEWOOD, page 30

Mountain Brook girls out-pointed runner-up Baker 71 to 60.5 to win the school’s first state crown since 2013.

Homewood’s girls won their third consecutive 6A crown totaling 124.5 points.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

The Patriots boys won their second Class 6A title in a row and their fifth in the last seven years.

Hoover boys cruised to the Bucs’ third straight title and their fifth in the last seven seasons.

See HOOVER, page 31