OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
SOCIAL
Royal Family
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017
SPORTS
King Bill Bowron Has Deep Ties To the Beaux Arts Krewe By Donna Cornelius
Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.
Bill Bowron has gone from being a “new boy” to Krewe King. Bowron was invited to join Birmingham’s Beaux Arts Krewe shortly after he returned to his hometown in 1991. He’d been living and working as a banker in Savannah, Ga., before moving back to Birmingham to join his family’s company, Red Diamond. “The year I became a member, there were six ‘new boys,’ and we were required to hang and take down all the decorations for the ball,” he said. “We’d been up all night and then had to go to the King and Queen’s Dinner the day after the ball.” At the dinner, one more duty awaited Bowron. “My cousin, Caroline Amason, was the queen that year,” he said. “A good friend told me, ‘You’re the queen’s cousin – so you’re giving the toast.’” Although Bowron had to think on his very tired feet, he didn’t mind doing his part to help finish off the fun of the ball. His family has a long and extensive connection to the annual event. “Dad was a founding member of the Krewe,” he said. “I remember my mother going over to Anne Kidd’s house to sew banners. Dinners were put on hold while that was going on.” Kidd is the reason the ball, set for Feb. 24 at Boutwell Auditorium, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. After heading up the Beaux Arts Jewel Ball for the Birmingham Museum of Art in 1966, she led the formation of a support group that would host the ball and be able to use the event’s elaborate costumes and decorations year after year. The Krewe started with more than 125 men as charter members. While the ball is a formal and festive social event, it has a charitable purpose, too, raising money for the Birmingham Museum of Art. See KREWE, page 32 Bill and Emily Bowron
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Look Forward. 93946_GRAN_HRA_Fam_10_375x2_25c.indd 1
12/19/16 4:13 PM
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IN THIS ISSUE
MURPHY’S LAW
H 40 YEARS LATER NEWS PAGE 8
A STORY OF LOVE LIFE PAGE 14
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHOOLS PAGE 29
THE SWEET LIFE FOOD PAGE 30
ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 8 LIFE 14 SOCIAL 20
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
OPINION/CONTENTS
WEDDINGS 27 SCHOOLS 28 FOOD 30 SPORTS 36
NEXT ISSUE: 2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE ON 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.
pave the driveway. He came in on arold and I were driving Saturday to patch the hole in the screen through a small Illinois town door. He changed the light bulbs on the last fall when I saw a sign in outdoor sign. front of the VFW post that said, “WE Maybe he was the guy who welWILL MISS YOU NORMAN comed the new veterans and listened, NELSON.” really listened, while they told how they I never knew Norman Nelson, and hadn’t slept much since they got home. now, apparently, I never will. The sign Maybe he played the piano. didn’t say why Norman would no lonNorman could have been chairman ger be at the VFW. My hope is that he of the Flag Day committee, the guy was moving to Florida. It would have who put posters in the coffee shop winbeen a good idea. Winters are brutal out dows for the Veterans’ Day parade. His there on the Illinois farmland. After 50 wife might have been active in the auxyears of digging out a path to the barn iliary, or maybe his wife had already at 4 a.m. and breaking up the ice in the water trough, a body would deserve a gone … to Florida. Let’s say she was Sue Murphy little sunshine. It could be that already in Florida getting things Norman was moving to Dubuque, ready in their new condo on the I don’t know anything beach. where his daughter lives, which would still be cold, but he’d be able I don’t know anything about about Norman Nelson, Norman to spend time with his grandchildren Nelson, but the sign set me but the sign set me before they headed off to college. Of to thinking about the Normans in my course, there’s always the possibility life. Day after day, there are people to thinking about the that Norman had passed on and was who take the reins and make my life Normans in my life. enjoying sunshine of another easier, people who quietly fill the gaps, people who tell me funny stokind. Whatever the case, Norman Day after day, there ries and make me laugh, and I don’t would not be at the VFW any longer want them to head off to Florida not and the membership was sad. are people who take how much I care. That’s the way life is. One day the reins and make my knowing There are probably Norman Norman is with you and the next, he is gone. life easier, people who Nelsons in your life, too, and this Valentine’s Day, it would behoove us I do hope that the fine folks at the quietly fill the gaps, all to let them know that we appreciVFW thought to tell Norman that ate them. I don’t know, send them a they cared about him while he was people who tell me give them a phone call, or betstill with them, let him know how funny stories and make card, ter yet, grab a dishtowel and stand much they appreciated all he did. Norman (I don’t think they called me laugh, and I don’t shoulder to shoulder at the sink. The Norman Nelsons in this world may him Norm.) might have been the one want them to head off to not tell you, but they could use a who did the washing up after the Friday fish fries. Maybe he manned Florida not knowing how hand themselves sometimes. So thank you, thank you, Norman the all-night smokers for the group’s much I care. Nelson. You don’t know me, but you annual pork shoulder fundraiser. He made a difference in my life and I could have told funny stories around was just passing by. The people at the VFW were lucky, the bar, done an impression of Mike Ditka that made everybody laugh. indeed. Perhaps he got the group a good deal on the gravel to We will miss you, Norman Nelson. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS
What’s your favorite romantic restaurant?
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
J O U R N A L February 9, 2017 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Sarah Kuper, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Jordan Wald, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Annie Howard Vol. 27, No. 12
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 2017 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.
Thank You, Norman Nelson
“Fleming’s at the Summit.”
“Evangeline’s in Tuscaloosa.”
“Real and Rosemary in Homewood.”
“El Barrio in downtown Birmingham.”
Lane Moore Vestavia Hills
Brittany Marie Wells Birmingham
Olivia LaRussa Homewood
Comer Crockard Mountain Brook
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
OPINION
WARNING TO CANCER We are fighting cancer with everything we’ve got. And we are going to win.
U A B M E D I C I N E . O R G / WA R N I N G T O C A N C E R
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4 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
FEB. 9 - 23 Thurs., Feb. 9 HOMEWOOD
Photo special to the Journal
Lets Dish Cookbook Club Homewood Library The library will host its monthly recipe discussion group at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required. Attendees are invited to bring a sweet treat to share. For more information, contact Judith Wright at jrwright@bham.lib.al.us or call 332-6622.
Fri., Feb. 10 HOOVER
BIRMINGHAM
All Aces Casino Night Cahaba Brewing Company The Junior Board of Junior Achievement of Alabama, an organization that offers student programs to foster work-readiness, financial literacy and more, will host a casino tournament from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $30 and includes $500 of “play cash” to use at the tables. For more information, visit allacesforja.com.
Feb.10-11
Fri., Feb. 17 BIRMINGHAM
A Night Under the Big Top The Club The Junior Board of Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center, above, will host its annual gala fundraiser, benefitting the organization’s programs supporting children and adults with autism BIRMINGHAM
Mercedes Marathon Boutwell Auditorium The annual marathon, half-marathon and marathon relay will begin in front of Boutwell Auditorium by Linn Park at 7:03 a.m. All marathon events taking place on Feb. 12 will benefit The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. Registration for the marathon is $130, the half marathon is $120 and the marathon relay is $265. For more information, visit mercedesmarathon. com.
Tues., Feb. 14
MOUNTAIN BROOK
Sweet Repeats Mountain Brook Community Church The church will host its annual consignment sale, featuring children’s clothing, toys and more. Shopping hours are Fri. from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat. from 9 a.m.- noon. Proceeds will benefit the church’s short-term mission projects. For more information, visit mccsweetrepeats.blogspot.com.
Sat. Feb. 11 BIRMINGHAM
Heart2HeART Bridgestreet Gallery aTeam Ministries will host its annual fundraiser at 6 p.m., supporting children with pediatric cancer. Patients will be paired up with local artists and will create pieces to be auctioned live along with various vacation packages and items.For more information, visit the “2017 Heart2HeART Event” Facebook page.
Sun., Feb. 12 HOOVER
Choral Concert Bluff Park United Methodist Church Bluff Park UMC will host its ninth annual Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music Chorus and Chamber Orchestra at 4 p.m., directed by Dr. Thomas Smith, professor emeritus of music at Auburn University, and accompanied by Diane Norton, organist. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit otmfestivals.org/next-festival/.
HOOVER
King’s Home Auxiliary Meeting 7223 North Highfield Lane The King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary will host a membership luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the home of member, Susan DeBose.
Thurs., Feb. 16 HOMEWOOD
Fairy Tale Festival
spectrum disorders and their families. The event will begin at 8 p.m. and includes food and drink, casino games, a silent auction, music by The Divines and a silent disco with DJ Mark AD. A VIP party will include music by the Drennen Brothers Band. Tickets are $75 or $140 per couple and VIP tickets are $250 per couple. For more information, visit glenwood.org or contact Katie Garfinkle at 795-3251 or kgarfinkle@ glenwood.org. ❖
Homewood Public Library The library will host its third annual festival from 6:30-7:15 p.m. The theme this year is “Beauty and the Beast and friends.” Guests are invited to dress up as their favorite fairy tale characters. This event is free. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org. BIRMINGHAM
Whiskeys of the World Birmingham Botanical Gardens Plant Adventures Program Specialist Brooke McMinn and whiskey enthusiast Nathan McMinn will present a program from 6-8 p.m. The program will include tastings of various whiskeys from each style discussed. Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. For more information, visit www.bbgardens. org/classes.
Sat., Feb. 18 HOMEWOOD
Jane Austen-Regency Ball Homewood Library Large Auditorium The Jane Austen Society of North America-Alabama Region will host a
Regency-era ball at 7 p.m. for dancers of all skill levels. A practice dance session will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. for dance novices. Period costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased by Feb. 11. For more information, call 578-8280 or email jasna.alabama@gmail.com.
Artist Reception Hoover Library The art of Bethanne and Darius Hill will be on display in the Friends Gallery - Theatre Level from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The art work will be on display through March. For more information, visit hooverlibrary.org.
Feb. 23-26 MOUNTAIN BROOK
Friends Book Sale Emmet O’Neal Library The Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library will host its annual book sale, beginning with a member’s-only preview party Thurs. from 6-8 p.m. featuring wine and cheese. The book sale is open to the public on Fri. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. from 1-4 p.m. For more information, visit eolib.org.
Thurs., Feb. 19 MOUNTAIN BROOK
Believe Bridal Showcase Grand Bohemian Hotel Alabama Weddings Magazine will host a bridal event from 1-4:30 p.m. featuring visual interactive galleries created by some of the magazine’s featured vendors. An admission fee of $20 will be charged at the door the day of the event. For more information, visit alabamaweddingsmagazine.com.
Feb. 24 -25 HOMEWOOD
Lil’ Lambs Trinity UMC - Oxmoor Campus Trinity will host its annual consignment sale in the gym Fri. from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sat. from 9 a.m.- noon (many items half-price). The sale will feature gently used clothing, furniture and toys at reasonable prices. For more information, visit trinitybirmingham.com/ kids/lil-lambs/.
Tues., Feb. 21 HOOVER
Eggs and Issues Hyatt Regency -- Wynfrey Hotel Rep. Gary Palmer will provide a
BIRMINGHAM
Giggles and Grace Asbury UMC The annual consignment sale will take place on Fri. from 8 a.m.6 p.m. and Sat. from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Proceeds from the sale are used to pay consigners and remaining funds will benefit Asbury Children’s Ministry and mission projects. For more information, visit asburyonline.org/gigglesandgrace/.
Sat., Feb. 18 BIRMINGHAM
ArtBlink Gala UAB Kirklin Clinic The Advisory Board of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center will host its 32nd annual gala fundraiser beginning at 6:30 p.m. and includes food, drink and music. Local artists will create works of art in 90 minutes for a silent auction. Artists include: Natalie Russo, Amy Crews, Melissa Payne Baker, Sam Collins, Robin Wright, Paul Ware, Carol Carmichael, Barbara Davis, Amy Collins, Michael Swann, Linda Ellen Price, Carol Misner, Vicki Denaburg, Joan Curtis, Gary Chapman, Ahmad Austin, Thomas Andrew Findlay and more. The Gala Committee includes Mitzi Davis, Trisha Dodson and Susan Williams. Tickets are $150. For more information, visit artblink.org. ❖
HOOVER
SAVE THE DATE
Feb. 24-26 BIRMINGHAM
Photo special to the Journal
Hearts and Harmony Gala Park Crest Event Facility The Hoover Service Club will present its fifth annual gala at 6:30 p.m. featuring cocktails, appetizers and a silent auction, followed by dinner and a live auction. The auctions’ profits will support local charitable organizations and scholarships to Hoover City Schools’ students. For more information, visit hooverserviceclub.com.
Washington update at the “Eggs & Issues” Breakfast event from 7:30-9 a.m. This event is co-hosted by the Greater Shelby County, Homewood, Hoover, Montevallo, Mountain Brook, South Shelby and Vestavia Hills chambers of commerce. This event is $20 per person. To make a reservation, e-mail info@shelbychamber.org or call 6634542.
A Piece of My Heart Dorothy Jemison Day Theater The Alabama School of Fine Arts theatre arts program will perform the dramatic play “A Piece of My Heart.” Showtimes are Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, visit djdtheater.org.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 5
ABOUT TOWN
Sat., Feb. 25
Thurs., Feb. 23
BIRMINGHAM
BIRMINGHAM
Decadence Art Bash Thomas Jefferson Tower Magic City Art will host a fundraiser from 7-10 p.m., benefitting the organization’s mission to provide free children’s art programming to the city’s elementary students. Festivities include an art salon, guest portraits, interactive installations, music and more. Tickets range from $30-200. For more information, visit magiccityart.com. HOMEWOOD
SuperPops! Series Samford University’s Wright Center Bernadette Peters, Broadway and film star, will bring her incomparable voice and signature wit to the Wright Center for one night only at 8 p.m. Christopher Confessor and Marvin Laird will conduct. Tickets are $17-$32. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit alabamasymphony.org.
Photos special to the Journal
Dinner & Diamonds Regions Field Vestavia City Schools Foundation will host its annual fundraiser from 7-11 p.m. This event includes dinner, music by Vestavia’s BHP’s, silent and live auctions and complimentary valet parking. Tickets are $80 per person. For more information, visit vestaviafoundation.org or call 978-8808.
VESTAVIA HILLS
Scholarship committee, front, from left: Cynthia Watts, Jane Lewis, Brenda Weaver and Jeanna Westmoreland. Back: Kathryn Woodruff, Kathy Clay, Lisbeth Cease, Sharon Smith and Lynn Parrish. Not Pictured: Lindsay Kessler and Allison Strickland.
Legacy League Scholarship Luncheon A Private Club in Vestavia The Samford Legacy League will host its annual luncheon at 11:30 at a country club in Vestavia, featuring keynote speaker Melanie Shankle, a “New York Times” bestselling author and blogger. Proceeds from the event will benefit scholarships awarded to Samford students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances. The luncheon is open to the public and tickets are $50. Reservations must be made by Feb. 17. For more information, visit samford.edu/legacyleague. ❖
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Thurs., March 2 VESTAVIA HILLS
Community Leadership Awards Banquet A Private Club in Vestavia Leadership Vestavia Hills will honor outstanding citizens at the 27th Community Leadership Award Banquet, formerly Citizen of the Year, at 6 p.m. The banquet is open to the public. Tickets are $50. For information, visit leadershipvestaviahills.com or contact Penny Lewallyn at Lewallyn@aol.com.
March 3-5 BIRMINGHAM
Senior Dance Composition Showcase Dance Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre Alabama School of Fine Arts dance seniors will choreograph, produce and direct this annual show performed by students. Showtimes are Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, visit djdtheater. org.
Sun., March 5 BIRMINGHAM
Ovarian Cancer Cycle LJCC The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation will host a 3-hour stationry cycle ride from 9 a.m.-noon. Participants can register for 1, 2 or 3 hours in any combination of the following: walk or run, ride or compete in a personal training challenge. For more information, visit nlovca.org. ❖
Keynote speaker Melanie Shankle, is a “New York Times” bestselling author and blogger.
Go to AndrewsSportsMedicine.com to start making your comeback.
6 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
ABOUT TOWN
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Lil’ Lambs Children’s Spring
Consignment Sale
Friday, February 24 • 9am-3pm Saturday, February 25 • 9am-12pm
Highland Dentistry
Photo special to the Journal
in the gym
Artist Darius Hill and his wife Bethanne, above with their children, will be jointly represented in a month-long exhibition of their work at the Hoover Public Library. They will also be honored at the library’s annual Southern Voices Festival Artist Reception on Feb. 21, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Below, a painting by Bethanne Hill.
The Art of Marriage Couple’s Artistic Styles Differ, but Both Will Be Featured During Southern Voices Festival
By June Mathews
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Once upon a time, two 14-year-olds met at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, and as classmates will, they formed a friendship. She admired his artistry and intelligence. “I thought she was cute,” he said. The pair also had a lot in common. “The whole ASFA experience involves students being around peers that share the same goal of becoming the best they can be at their craft,” he explained. “What better way to start a relationship?” Even though the youngsters’ skin colors differed, their artistic souls were a near-match, so before long, love blossomed and grew. In time, the two were married. Twenty-six years and three children later, the marriage of Darius and Bethanne Hill is still going strong. The Hills have made art not only their preferred form of expression, but their professions as well. The art of both Hills is being jointly represented in a month-long exhibition of their work at the Hoover Public Library. The two also will be honored at the library’s annual Southern Voices Festival during a reception Feb. 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Now in its 25th year, the festival celebrates the writing, music and art of the South. It runs through Feb. 25, culminating with the annual author’s conference. Though the Hills are not collaborators as artists – their mediums and styles differ too much for that – their mutual
admiration for and support of each other’s work is clear. “He helps me with everything I need to get there – framing and building the panels I paint on, for example – but we work very independently,” said Bethanne. “Because we have this long history, we understand what art means to each other, even though we otherwise might not understand the need to do what we each do.” For his part, Darius, initially known in Alabama art circles as a printmaker, identifies with some of the printmaking qualities in Bethanne’s work. “It sets up with how I see things,” he said. But there’s one aspect of her work he particularly admires and even somewhat covets.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Southern Voices Festival 2017 An Evening with Rebecca Wells
Author Conference Saturday, Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 24, 7p.m.
Rebecca Wells
Chris Bohjalian
C.J. Box
Julie Cantrell
Rabia Chaudry
Kristy Woodson Harvey
Mary Kubica
Michael Farris Smith
Karen White
Lou Berney
For complete event listing and more details, visit hooverlibrary.org/sv.
“I’m envious of how accessible her work is,” he said. “My work appeals to those in more academic circles, but hers appeals to the general public and to the academic crowd as well. She gets the best of everything.” Born in Tuscaloosa and raised in Birmingham, Bethanne graduated from ASFA in 1985 and earned a bachelor’s in painting and sculpture from Birmingham-Southern College. She works full time from her studio in a carriage house behind the Hill’s Birmingham home, painting and illustrating in acrylics on wood, paper or canvas. Influenced by the bold outlines,
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 7
ABOUT TOWN
patterns and simplified shapes of Australian aboriginal art, Bethanne also appreciates old barns, churches, houses, cemeteries and animals, leading her to base much of her art on the rural South. Her work can be found in cover illustrations and interior art in books and CDs, in the permanent collections of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Alabama Power Company and Children’s of Alabama, and in private collections across the country. Darius, who holds a bachelor’s in printmaking from the Atlanta College of Art and a master’s in studio art from the University of Alabama, is
chairman of ASFA’s Visual Arts Department. His sculptural and architectural 3-D mixed-media pieces have earned him numerous honors and awards such as the Operation New Birmingham Best in Show Award at the Magic City Art Connection and an Individual Artist Fellowship from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. His work has appeared in juried exhibitions such as the Red Clay Survey in Huntsville and the Energen Exhibition in Birmingham, and his work is repre-
sented in numerous museum, corporate and private collections. For all their differences, the two have at least one significant quality in common. “We share a very high level of integrity in our work,” said Darius. “We’re both very concerned about getting it just right, and we’re truthful to ourselves through our craft.” The Southern Voices Festival also will include the Appalachian-style harmonies of Zoe Speaks, a musical trio from Kentucky. Performances will
take place Feb. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Library Theatre. Tickets are $25. Tickets for An Evening With Rebecca Wells, of Ya-Ya Sisterhood fame, on Feb. 24 have sold out, but a waiting list is available. Call the box office at 205-444-7888 for more information. Tickets for the Feb. 25 Authors Conference are still available for $40. All tickets may be purchased by phone or online at hooverlibrary.org/ sv. ❖
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NEWS
8 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Success is Green Mountain Brook Snags 23rd Tree City USA Designation
40 Years Later
Head of the The Altamont School to Retire in 2018 By Sarah Kuper A lot can change in 40 years. But at The Altamont School, there has been one constant: Sarah Whiteside. Whiteside has served as head of the private school for 10 years, but she was first hired in 1978 as a parttime Latin teacher. She then taught Latin full-time for more than 20 years. Whiteside announced her plans to retire after the 2018 school year. The Altamont School enrolls students in fifth- through 12th-grade and still teaches students Latin. “There are two full-time Latin teachers at the school now – I had them both as pupils years ago,” Whitehead said.
‘When I looked up the word ‘retirement’ I decided that it was not the right word to use because I do not plan to do any of those things listed in the meaning – withdraw, disappear, go away.’
Over the years, Whitehead wore many hats at the school. Then in 2007, she was tapped as interim head and assumed the position permanently later that year. Whiteside stipulated that she would head the school for 10 years. Brantley Fry, president of the Altamont board of trustees said in a statement that under Whiteside’s leadership, “The school has grown to full enrollment, with waiting lists in some grades, and annually places its graduates in the nation’s top colleges and
universities.” Whiteside acknowledges that the school is in a very strong position but she credits her colleagues as well. “The faculty is truly outstanding and dedicated to helping students be successful and discover their passions and interest,” she said, “we are very committed to offering students the best prep for college and life. We have a strong curriculum across all areas.” Whiteside said she is also grateful for the dedicated parents, grandparents and alums who continue to support the school even after graduation. The Altamont School will begin a nationwide search led by board of trustees Vice President Mike Denniston. The board plans to hire a search firm by mid-March. Whiteside wrote a letter to Altamont family and friends explaining her feelings on retirement – a word she does not believe accurately describes her departure. “When I looked up the word ‘retirement’ I decided that it was not the right word to use because I do not plan to do any of those things listed in the meaning – withdraw, disappear, go away. Altamont is in my blood and in my soul,” she wrote. Indeed, Whiteside said she plans to substitute in Latin classes and attend school events and sporting competitions. She is also excited to travel to many of the places that inspired her passion for Latin and the classics such as Greece, Rome and Provence. Whiteside will lead the school one more academic year while the board conducts its search. Celebrations honoring Whiteside will take place in the coming months. For more information on the head of school search visit altamontschool. org. ❖
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Sarah Whiteside has served as head of The Altamont School for 10 years, but she was first hired in 1978 as a part-time Latin teacher.
Mountain Brook’s done it again. For the 23rd year in a row, the community has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. Mountain Brook also accepted its 15th Growth Award from the Foundation. Both of the foundation’s awards recognize a strong commitment to tree care. As a Tree City USA, Mountain Brook met four core standards. It had: an Arbor Day celebration, a tree board, a community tree ordinance and at least $2 per capita spent on urban forestry. The city received the Growth Award for going above and beyond those four standards. “The Growth Award recognizes a higher level of tree care and highlights innovative programs and projects,” said Amber Morrison, ADF’s Tree City Project Manager. Mountain Brook’s latest award in a two-decade streak comes as no surprise. The city has a winning combination: involved residents, an active tree commission, and a city manager who stresses responsible urban forestry. “We make it a priority in our annual goals to continue being a Tree City USA,” said Sam Gaston, Mountain Brook’s city manager. He helped organize the city’s first tree commission back in 1993, and he’s still on staff with the Tree Commission today. “We budget properly and staff well,” he said. Since stepping into his position as city manager, he’s encouraged Mountain Brook’s forestry programs. “We’ve budgeted more funds for tree plantings and maintenance, added two city arborists (Don Cafaro and Michael Gill, Jr.) to our staff, and become involved in the Alabama Urban Forestry Association.” Aside from the ADF recognition, in
‘We’ve budgeted more funds for tree plantings and maintenance, added two city arborists (Michael Gill, Jr. and Don Cafaro, above) to our staff, and become involved in the Alabama Urban Forestry Association.’ SAM GASTON, MOUNTAIN BROOK CITY MANAGER
the past, Mountain Brook’s also netted three awards from the Alabama Urban Forestry Association. Another ingredient in Mountain Brook’s success is that, through the years, its Tree Commission has fostered a strong relationship with the local community. Teamwork and interaction is encouraged, from Arbor Week tree giveaways to the Christmas Tree Recycling Project and quarterly Tree Commission newsletters. Looking forward, Mountain Brook’s urban forest has a bright future. Currently underway is development of a Tree Master Plan. “Many of the trees planted when the villages were first developed by Robert Jemison Jr. and Warren
Manning in the 1920s and 1930s are passing their prime,” said Simeon Johnson, chair of the Tree Commission. “The city is thoughtfully planning for what native trees will replace them.” There’s always more work to be done, but Mountain Brook is planning ahead. A healthy urban forest is worth the work. “Trees add value to our property and the community,” said Gaston. “They enhance our quality of life as well as the beauty of Mountain Brook.” Hoover, Montevallo and Birmingham also have been recognized by ADF as Tree Cities. ❖
Listen Up
Birmingham Zoo Groundhog Predicts an Early Spring
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Photo special to the Journal
By Annie Howard
As groundhogs across the country gave their ceremonial weather predictions, The Birmingham Zoo’s own Birmingham Bill emerged Feb. 2 to predict an early spring for Alabama. Though his prediction differs from that of the famous Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania, Bill whispered his prediction into the ear of zoo staff member Kelly Garrison after failing to see his own shadow when he awoke. Garrison said that Bill attributed the lack of shadow to the cloudy weather. To celebrate the Groundhog Day holiday, families were treated to arts and craft activities, hot beverages and snacks. Children and their families were also invited to meet Bill and take photos with him. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 9
NEWS “The Junior League of Birmingham believes that strong women lift each other up. As leaders, we are proud to invest in creating the future female leaders of our community,” said Lauren Roberts, JLB president. “As the females in Jefferson and Shelby County seek an opportunity to further their education, we are excited to support them in their
endeavors. Our dream would be that wherever these women choose to pursue their degree, they will want to return to Birmingham with their newly acquired skills and education. Hopefully we are building the future of our city as we support these young women.” For more information, visit jlbonline. com or call 879-9861.❖
Photo special to the Journal
OUR 120TH YEAR
BIRMINGHAM TRUNK
The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce 2017 Jemison Visionary Award recipient, Hatton Smith, second from left, with from left: Dan Bundy, 2016 chamber president; Suzan Doidge, chamber executive director, Rev. Richmond Webster, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Dr. Lori Smith, 2017 chamber president. from the chamber. He was named national Broadcaster of the Year by the National Weather Association in 2012. The American Meteorological Society gave him the Award for Broadcast Meteorology in January 2013. The NWA said Spann was selected to receive the award for his more than 30 years of service, “especially during the deadly April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak.” The AMS also said Spann won that award in part for his efforts to educate the public about meteorology, particularly involving severe weather forecasting and response. He won an Emmy for best television weather anchor in the Southeast in June 2014 and another Emmy for his live coverage of the tornado that hit Tuscaloosa on Dec. 6, 2000. He was elected to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle in 2013. The luncheon, sponsored by America’s First Federal Credit Union, will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Vestavia Country Club. Reservations are $20 by 4 p.m. Feb. 10. Late registration is $25. For more information and to make reservations, visit vestaviahills.org.
Mountain Brook Chamber Honors Award Winners
At the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s seventh Annual Luncheon, city officials and board members recognized award winners past and present. Mike Royer acted as emcee and RBY Retail founder Richard Yielding gave the keynote speech and introduced the chamber’s 2017 Jemison Visionary Award recipient, Hatton Smith. Smith, CEO emeritus of Royal Cup Coffee, received the award in recognition of his efforts to better both the community of Mountain Brook and the surrounding Birmingham community. In addition to the chamber award, several other awards were given during the luncheon. City manager Sam Gaston presented the Employee of the Year award to city arborist Michael Gill Jr. Emmet O’Neal Library Director Sue DeBrecht and board President Max Pullium gave the library’s 2017 Tynes Award to Western Supermarkets. Presenting the Jemison Visionary Award to Smith was Dr. Lori Smith, 2017 chamber president, and Dan Bundy, 2016 chamber president. Bundy passed his gavel to Smith, who recognized city and school officials, city and state representatives, judges, Leadership Mountain Brook students and sponsor Amber Benson. Alabama Retailers of the Year Marguerite Ray of Marguerite’s Conceits and Linda Flaherty of Once Upon A Time were also recognized. The next chamber luncheon will be March 16 and will include a program by All In Mountain Brook. For more information, visit welcometomountainbrook.com.
JCCHS Welcomes New President and New School Plan
Benefactors of John Carroll Catholic High School gathered at Flemings Prime Steakhouse Jan. 22 to welcome the school’s new President Rev. Robert J. Sullivan, below. The dinner was hosted by the John Carroll Catholic Educational Foundation and was followed by a live auction. In addition to tackling a new plan,
Meteorologist James Spann will be the guest speaker at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon Feb. 14. Spann has been a television meteorologist for 38 years and has been with ABC 33/40 for 20 years. He has received the two highest awards in the nation for a broadcast meteorologist, according to a release
Photo special to the Journal
James Spann Set to Speak at Vestavia Hills Chamber Luncheon
JCCHS will be celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. “There could not be a better time than now to present the plan for our advancement as we celebrate 70 years of our faith-enriched education in the Birmingham community,” said Sullivan. Sullivan is not only president, but an alumnus of the school. “We are very excited about the direction that John Carroll will be taking for the future,” Sullivan added. “The school’s longevity speaks volumes for its future, not only to those who are directly associated with it, but also to those in our community,” he expressed. “There are no boundaries that can hinder our decisive vision!”
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Female students who live in Jefferson and Shelby counties are invited to apply for the Junior League of Birmingham’s Academic Scholarship Program. The program will award several oneyear college and graduate school To: Ken Rosenberger scholarships starting at $1,000 each to Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., From: applicants who display a willingness 205-824-1246, fax to better themselves as well as their Date: February community. Those who apply for the program This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for th must enroll as a full- or part-time February 9, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. student at an accredited two-year or four-year undergraduate, graduate, vocational or technical school for the 2017-18 year. Applications must be submitted by March 1. Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. Scholarship recipients will be If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, announced at the Junior League your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. of Birmingham’s Community Circle Thank you for your prompt attention. breakfast March 22.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!
10 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
NEWS
Break the Cycle
By Emily Williams Birmingham’s Smile-A-Mile is entering 2017 with a new home and new branding to match. Formerly known as Camp Smile-AMile, the organization that began 32 years ago by providing a summer camp for children battling pediatric cancer, survivors and their families has grown to serve its participants year-round through support programs and activities. “Our greatest need was a space to be able to have all of our participants and families together,” said Smile-A-Mile Development Director Savannah Lanier. A project in progress since the end of 2015, Smile-A-Mile Place, at 1600 Second Avenue South, is the first property that the organization has had that is all its own. The building opened first to SmileA-Mile participants Feb. 6, giving them the first look at the space that will serve as their home away from home during their cancer treatment and beyond recovery. “We feel we found the perfect location,” said Lanier. “We’re within walking distance of Children’s Hospital and when kids who are in treatment at the hematology/oncology floor look out their windows, they’ll be able to see our building and know that this space is just for them.” By touring other facilities similar to Smile-A-Mile across the country and polling its participants, the organization was able to work with general contractor B.L. Harbert and design firm Cohen Carnaggio Reynolds to transform the former warehouse into a facility that
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The Women’s Fund Grants $215,000 to Programs to Move Women out of Poverty
A project in progress since the end of 2015, Smile-A-Mile Place, at 1600 Second Avenue South, is the first property that the organization has had that is all its own.
Home Away From Home
Smile-A-Mile Rebrands and Expands With New Smile-A-Mile Place suits all of its programming and administrative needs. “Every part of this building was well thought out,” Lanier said. “Every inch of our space serves to meet a specific need that our participants have.” The main floor is devoted to programming. Upon entering the building, guests are greeted with a large open area filled with tables and chairs and a large screen. It’s perfect for events involving large groups of people. On the far side of the room, a large red metal mountain covers the staircase to the second floor. “This structure is entirely custom made,” Lanier said. “We felt that the mountain represents what our families and kids go through on their journey through treatment.” Winding around the rest of the first floor are programming rooms. The rooms are devoted to art therapy projects, one for educational courses and support groups, a fitness room for parents and young adult participants, a catering kitchen and reading nooks. There is even a game room with an Xbox for the older participants. “For these kids, it’s not about the activities at Smile-A-Mile so much as
the opportunity to be surrounded by people who know what you have faced and what you are facing,” Lanier said. A performance room equipped with a small curtained stage, large television, bean bag seating and an old-timey popcorn machine is one that Lanier expects to be a participant favorite. “Our kids love to entertain … . At camp we always have a talent show and the kids look forward to it all year ‘round,” Lanier said. Lanier’s favorite room is the meditation space. With dark-colored walls, seating and carpeting and dim backlights tucked into the walls at eye level, the viewer’s focus is drawn to the ceiling, where filament lighting twinkles to create a starry sky. “We want this to be a room where kids or adults can go whenever they need to be alone and think,” she said. “Maybe if they are facing a surgery or get news that they have relapsed, they can come in here for some quiet time.” Another room that Lanier feels will “change the game” for Smile-A-Mile families is the family room. The space is set up much like a regular home living room. There is a washer and dryer and a full bathroom with a walk-in
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shower. “Sometimes kids will be at the hospital for three weeks at a time,” Lanier said. “Most parents don’t want to leave their child overnight, so we wanted a space where they can come have some time outside of the hospital. They can come here during the day while their child is in treatment and they can just take a break – relax, take a shower, do some laundry.” The second floor is where the administrative needs are met, including extra office space to accommodate staff growth, which organization officials expect they will need quite soon with all of the opportunities to grow within their building. There is also a large break room with seating and an open full kitchen where Lanier says the organization hopes to host its Mom’s Night Out programming, which typically includes spa and therapeutic activities. A large conference room will be used for a variety of meetings for the staff and participating families. “A dream for the future is that we can use this space to have pediatric oncologists conduct conferences,” Lanier said. “We have such a strong bond with Children’s, and moving forward we want to create ways to grow in that partnership.” Though they are still within their capital campaign, Smile-A-Mile’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Red Nose Ball, will raise funds specifically for programming. “With this new space, we will be adding more programming and serving more kids and more families,” Lanier said. “As our scope is broadening, so too are our budgets and we are so fortunate that Red Nose Ball has continued to be more and more successful each year.” The event will be Feb. 25 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. It begins at 6 p.m. and includes a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, a seated dinner and dancing with music by The Schmohawks. Tickets are $300. For more information, visit campsam.org. ❖
The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham has awarded $215,000 in grants to programs that improve women’s economic security and help end the cycle of poverty. “Thanks to generous community support, more women and their children will have the tools they need to build better lives,” said Jeanne Jackson, president and CEO of the fund. “The 2017 grants fund programs that provide women with supports essential for their long-term success, including job skills training, affordable housing, child care, career coaches. Birmingham invested in these women, and in turn, we will all move forward together.” This year’s grant total is the largest amount invested in a single grant cycle since The Women’s Fund was founded in 1996. Programs awarded grants were: • Childcare Resources, Supplemental Child Care Program, $25,000: Provides child care subsidies for low-income working mothers. • Children’s Aid Society, Project Independence, $25,000: Provides housing, economic and educational supports for homeless, pregnant or parenting teens. • First Light, Forever Home, $25,000: Provides independent housing and wraparound supports for homeless mothers and children. • Jefferson State Community College, Women in Manufacturing Initiative, $25,000: Provides scholarships and supports for single mothers to enter manufacturing associate’s degree program. • Jimmie Hale Mission, Jessie’s Place, $20,000: Provides educational, financial and economic support, including child care assistance, for homeless mothers. • Norwood Resource Center, Family Forward, $25,000: Provides financial coaching, housing advocacy and tax preparation assistance for 30 mothers whose children participate in center programming. • Oasis Counseling, Mentally Healthy Moms, $25,000: Provides mental health counseling for women to address employment issues. • The Salvation Army, My Home, $25,000: Provides permanent housing and case management for single mothers. • St. Vincent’s Foundation, Jeremiah’s Hope Academy, $20,000: Provides child care assistance for lowincome, single mothers receiving training at Jeremiah’s Hope for jobs in health-related fields. A ceremony to honor the grant recipients will be held Jan. 26 at Regions. The Women’s Fund also invested $338,450 in collaborative two-generation programs in Greater Birmingham through their Collaboration Institute and other initiatives in 2016. —Virginia Martin
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
NEWS
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 11
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12 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
NEWS
Vestavia Hills Woman Wins American Cancer Society Award nator as well as an associate professor. She said she tends to focus her teaching on the psycho-social aspect of cancer patient care. “We need to understand what patients feel and deal with when they go home,” she said. Walker and her students developed an app that helps cancer patients find local resources to support them through cancer treatment. Walker said she believes nurses can improve a patient’s quality of life even beyond medical measures.
Photo special to the Journal
‘We need to understand what patients feel and deal with when they go home.’
In addition to her work at UAB, Deborah Kirk Walker, right, is furthering oncology care internationally by teaching and advocating in Malawi.
By Sarah Kuper Deborah Kirk Walker did not grow up wanting to be an oncology nurse. “I got out of school, I was looking for a job and a great physician agreed to mentor me,” Walker said. But almost 20 years later, she has won one of the highest honors given by the American Cancer Society. In January, the ACS gave Walker the Lane W. Adams Quality of Life Award for her work caring for cancer
patients and advancing education in oncology care. Walker worked for many years as an oncology nurse practitioner before transitioning to a teaching role at the UAB School of Nursing. “I realized when I got into it, I hadn’t had a foundation for oncology in nursing school,” she said. Walker said she believes caring for patients with cancer requires specific education. “Cancer touches people in so
many ways, whether we get it or friends or family get it,” she said. “Sometimes people don’t have someone who knows how to respond, but as nurses we have opportunity to be those people.” Walker’s father died from metastatic melanoma in 2008 only six weeks after his diagnosis. Walker initiated development of the oncology nurse practitioner subspecialty track at the UAB School of Nursing. She currently is the coordi-
Slogging Through It
Vestavia Hills Mom Pushes Through Training for 10K
By Annie Howard
NEW 10K ROUTE REGISTER AT WWW.VILLAGE2VILLAGE10K.COM
trainers are so positive, energetic, and encouraging – all things a true beginner like me needs.” Although she can’t say she looks forward to her runs yet, the feeling after each run makes all her hard work worthwhile. “Each completion is a ‘W’ in a personal category I have omitted for a long time,” she said. Working toward a healthier self is important to her. It hasn’t been easy, but she’s keeping at it and training hard. Meanwhile, V2V is getting closer. “I can’t lie. The fear is real!” she said. “I’m trying not to think about the hills in V2V I feel sure will be my nemesis.” But, for now, she’s choosing to take it all one week at a time. “Baby steps,” she said. OTMJ will follow Travis’ steps toward becoming a runner as she nears her V2V goal. ❖
Dana Travis, second from left, says the group of ladies she’s training with are genuine and motivating.
Photo special to the Journal
MARCH 11
MARCH 11
Dana Travis is staying strong, or at least she’s trying to. The Vestavia Hills resident, wife, mother of three and vice president of account services at blr | further started the year with a new challenge – running the Village2Village 10K on March 11. Since being profiled in the Jan. 12 edition, the novice runner has been prepping for the challenge at Resolute Running Training Center. “It’s going,” she said recently, “which means I’ve continued to show up.” So far, training has been full of highs and lows, she said. Time is her number one hurdle. Everything takes up space on her busy schedule, and sometimes it’s hard to make room for group runs. She’s missed a few because of business travel and family commitments. While she’s made the runs up solo, she said she was More info at village2village10K.com. feeling “astray and
deflated.” “It’s a daily struggle for me,” she said, “and the exact emotional response, I’d like to manage better.” Travis is coming up on week five of training with Resolute, and she said running isn’t getting any easier yet. She still has to power through pre-group-run anxiety and those pesky timed running sets. But she said she’s isn’t giving up. “I’ve surprised myself at times,” Travis said. She also is finding plenty of support and “encouraging high-fives,” along the way. “The group of ladies that I’m training with are genuine and motivating,” she said. “And the Resolute
Along with five other cancer care professionals from around the country, Walker received the Lane W. Adams Quality of Life award at a ceremony in Atlanta. “I was humbled and honored to receive the award. I didn’t know it but two of my patients wrote letters of support and that meant a lot.” Walker said she learns a lot from her patients and her students and she hopes she has been able to help them on their journey to heal and help others as well. In addition to her work at UAB, Walker is furthering oncology care internationally by teaching and advocating in Malawi. She has been back and forth to the African nation for several years either on her own dime or through grants and sponsorships. She hopes to return this year. ❖
Public Health Hero
Alabama Federal Prosecutor Honored for Work Combatting Opioid Abuse By Sarah Kuper The UAB School of Public Health awarded former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance the Lou Wooster Public Health Hero award for her work fighting opioid trafficking and addiction in northern Alabama. Vance until her retirement last month was the U.S. attorney for the northern district of Alabama, which includes Birmingham. The annual award is given by the school’s advisory board to a person, organization or group that is an unconventional health hero. Dean of the public health school Max Michael III said Vance’s leadership addressing the opioid epidemic made her a standout candidate for the honor. “Vance joins uncommon public health heroes selected because their work falls outside the traditional boundaries of public health yet has a great impact on the public’s health,” Michael said. According to the school, Vance took on the opioid abuse problem long before it gained national attention. Vance was Joyce Vance nominated as U.S. attorney by former President Obama in 2009. In 2014, she convened the first ever “Pills to Needles Summit” in conjunction with the Jefferson County Department of Health and the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Public Health. The summit brought together teachers, doctors, prevention experts, law enforcement, government officials and concerned parents for a day of education about the opioid problem. Momentum from the summit led to the establishment of the Pills to Needles Initiative, an ongoing resource to combat the heroin epidemic. Vance has helped develop federal, state and local task forces to deal with heroin traffickers, and her office has arrested and charged dozens of dealers. In addition to her work surrounding opioid addiction and trafficking, Vance focused on civil rights cases. The award is named in honor of Louise Wooster, the 19th century Birmingham madam who risked her life during the 1873 cholera epidemic by staying in the city to care for the sick and dying. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
“I am deeply humbled to be selected to serve as the executive director of the Alabama State Bar,” said McCallum. “It is a privilege to have practiced as an Alabama lawyer for almost 30 years. I now embrace the opportunity to serve our bar in helping lawyers maintain the highest of ethical standards as they deliver critical services to the people and businesses of Alabama.” McCallum has served as president of the Birmingham Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. He is also a member of the Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Commission for Professionalism and of the Alabama State Bar’s Board of Bar Commissioners representing the 10th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. In addition to the Alabama State Bar, he is also a member of the Texas Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, West Virginia Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He is also a member of the National Conference of Bar Presidents and the Southern Conference of Bar Presidents.
Vestavia’s Phillip McCallum Named Executive Director of Alabama State Bar
The Alabama State Bar recently announced that Phillip McCallum of Vestavia Hills will serve as the organization’s new executive director. McCallum, past-president of the bar, will replace longtime Executive Director Keith Norman upon his retirement in June. “I am pleased that (McCallum) was selected as the Alabama State Bar’s new executive director,” said Alabama State Phillip McCallum Bar President J. Cole Portis of the Beasley Allen Law Firm. “He is a servant leader who has answered a unique calling to serve his beloved profession and the public. (McCallum) possesses the ability to motivate others and the vision necessary to help Alabama lawyers. I am excited to observe the fruits of his labors in the coming years.” McCallum is a founding shareholder of McCallum, Methvin & Terrell, P.C. He is a graduate of Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and was admitted to practice law in Alabama in 1988. From 1989 to 1992, he worked as a prosecutor in the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office before becoming a civil litigator.
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 13
NEWS in the national finals June 29-July 1 in Mobile. Included in the top eight finalists for the state competition was Vestavia Hills High School senior Shelby Wu, representing
Claire Kendrick
Jefferson County. The 48 young women who competed were evaluated by a panel of five judges on scholastic achievement, interview skills, talent, fitness and selfexpression. Applications for the 2018 competition are available and must be submitted by March 5. For more information on Distinguished Young Women of Alabama, please contact Committee Chair, Carna Triftshauser at 334-538-4451 or alabama@distinguishedyw.org. ❖
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The Distinguished Young Women of Alabama scholarship competition, formerly Alabama’s Junior Miss, was held Jan. 20-21 in Montgomery, recognizing high school senior girls from across the state. Valleydale Christian Academy senior Claire Kendrick was named the 2017 Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama. She will go on to compete
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LIFE
14 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
A Story of Love
Local Storyteller Hydock to Perform Valentine Story for Hoover Service Club By Emily Williams
During her pursuit of an American Studies degree at Yale University, Hydock’s independent study project brought her to Chandler Mountain in St. Clair County, a community rooted in American folklore. After she graduated, instead of remaining in New Haven, Connecticut, or moving back home, she took a leap and made a new home in Birmingham. “I wanted to be an actor, but who can make a living as an actor? So I figured acting would always be a hobby, and I got a job here in Birmingham, working as a sales rep for IBM – selling room-sized computers that cost a million dollars and had the computational capability of a FitBit,” Hydock said. Hydock’s IBM career left her little time to take part in community theater, where she really wanted to be. If she couldn’t make time to attend auditions, she decided to make a performance opportunity to relieve the incessant itch to take the stage. “So one day, 30 years ago, I called the activities director of Kirkwood by the River, a retirement community out in Irondale, and asked if I could come out once a month and read stories to the residents – classic short stories by James Thurber, O. Henry, Mark Twain or something from back issue of “The Saturday
Mountain Brook Couple Promote Heart Health as 30th Anniversary Heart Ball Honorees
‘I think it’s simply important to tell stories that you love, stories that mean something to you as the teller, and that passion and interest will come across to the listeners.’ DOLORES HYDOCK
Evening Post.” The standing Kirkwood gig, which she still continues to this day, opened up a whole new world of performance opportunities to Hydock. Kirkwood residents would ask her to speak at their garden clubs, book clubs, any kind of club that existed. “I discovered that here in Birmingham, there were all these wonderful women’s clubs that met monthly, nine times a year, and needed a ‘program’ every month,” she said. After serving as the “program” for various clubs, her name bounced around the social scene, resulting in more performances. After a while, Hydock was given the title of storyteller, not knowing what else to call herself. Much of her early storytelling performances were literary stories written by acclaimed authors. Her job was to interpret the stories and perform the words in an interesting way to make them come alive before her audiences, which became a form of acting she could take part in without having to attend castings or rehearsals. “I kept getting invited to speak for more and more groups, and then I tried my hand at writing some of my own stories, and that’s how my ‘professional’ career began. I finally quit
my day job and started doing this full time about 15 years ago,” she said. Flash forward and Hydock has found her place in the acting world as an award-winning storyteller, sharing tales that are both her own and those that belong to others. In writing her stories, she either consults her own life or the lives of interesting real-life characters who surround her. Both processes are equally gratifying for Hydock. “John Claypool, a fabulous storyteller who used to be rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, once said, ‘A good story holds up a picture to the audience. A really good story holds up a mirror.’ So, whether I’m telling a story that is from someone else’s experience or my own, the goal is always the same: to have the audience members see themselves in that story,” she said. Hydock will perform her Valentine’s Day story “Perfect Match” for the Hoover Service Club at 11 a.m. Feb. 9 at the Hoover Country Club. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and an optional $18 lunch will follow. For reservations, contact Winnie Cooper at 979-5699. For more information on Dolores Hydock, visit storypower.org. ❖
When Dr. Derrill Crowe was approached to be the 2017 Heart Ball honoree, he said he would do it, but only if his wife was an honoree as well. For the 30th anniversary of the event, which benefits the American Heart Association, organizers thought it was fitting to have Derrill and his wife, Cameron, as hosts and honorees. “So many people have poured into this cause over the years and it is fitting to represent the male and female population. Heart disease affects us all,” Crowe said. Derrill Crowe practiced medicine as a urologist for many years and he is the founder of ProAssurance, a medical liability insurance company. As a result of his influence in the area in the medical and business fields, Crowe was inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame and the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame in 2008. The couple is not only active with the American Heart Association, but they also are physically active. Both longtime runners, the Crowes know well the cardiovascular benefits of exercise. That’s one reason they said they will focus their energy as honorees on prevention of heart disease, especially among young people. “We believe the more people are educated about heart health at a young age, the more they will respect their physical body which, in turn, will make them better citizens,” Cameron Crowe said. According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. See CROWES, page 19
Photo special to the Journal
DISCOVERING THE SOUTH
A Focus on Prevention By Sarah Kuper
Photo special to the Journal
Throughout her childhood and into her postgraduate life, Dolores Hydock didn’t realize that storytelling could be a career. Nonetheless, she began what would become an acclaimed storytelling career at 5 years old, when she entered a local storytelling contest in her hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania. Despite being the only contestant in her age group, she took home a blue ribbon and a newfound love of performing and words. Since then, she’s performed on stages across the country as well as many at home in Birmingham. Hydock will be performing “Perfect Match: A Valentine Story” Feb. 9 in honor of the upcoming holiday. “’Perfect Match’ is my own story, based on something that really did happen to me when I was a junior in high school. It tells about a very surprising lesson about love that I learned in an unexpected way,” Hydock said. Whether performing her own story or the story of someone else, she approaches it the same – she leads with her heart. “I think it’s simply important to tell stories that you love, stories that mean something to you as the teller, and that passion and interest will come across to the listeners. Then each of them will take something different out of that story, based on their own experience,” she said. In her profession as a storyteller, she strives to perform words she has written, as well as the words of others, in a way that immerses the audience. “There is so much discord, disappointment and, well, loneliness in our world. I think people enjoy hearing stories where love triumphs over all the many obstacles in its way, stories where people find in another person a little haven of acceptance, a spark of passion and the comfort of being truly seen and cared about,” she said.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
For the 30th anniversary of the event, which benefits the American Heart Association, organizers thought it was fitting to have Derrill and his wife, Cameron, as hosts and honorees.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 15
LIFE
IT’S A DATE!
VALENTINE'S DAY IS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH.
Fun Ideas for Valentine’s Day Feb. 10 - 11
Valentines Dinner Theatre Homewood Library Large Auditorium South City Theatre presents Over the River & Through the Woods by Joe DiPietro. The event will begin with a buffet starting at 6:30 p.m. with the show following at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased before Feb. 8. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
Sat., Feb. 11 BIRMINGHAM
Love for Literacy Regions Field Better Basics will host its third annual Valentine’s Day event from 7-10 p.m. in the Diamonds Direct ballroom. Tickets are $75 and includes dinner, drinks and dancing to music by Nationwide Coverage. The event will also include a silent auction and Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers giveaway. Eunice Elliott from WVTM-13 will serve as host. For more information, visit betterbasics.org. MOUNTAIN BROOK
CAT Cabaret Steeple Arts Academy The Central Alabama Theatre will host Birmingham’s Belinda George-
See VALENTINE’S , page 18
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
HOMEWOOD
Calling All Love Birds
earrings - $795
Birmingham Zoo’s Valentine’s Day Event Loosens Up
The Zoo will host its annual Valentine’s Day event, Woo at the Zoo, Feb. 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This year’s event will shift to a more flexible program as guests sip and stroll through the Predator Building. Guests will be greeted at the building with a glass of champagne and a rose for the ladies. As they stroll through the building, guests can read each animal’s “online dating profile.” Zoo staff will present discussions on each animal’s courtship habits as well as other animal facts. The zoo’s ambassador animals will be out and about for meet-and-greets with guests, and the festivities will include hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, music and more. Tickets are $80 a couple for members and $100 a couple for non-members. Attendees must be 21 and older. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. For more information or to buy tickets, visit birminghamzoo.com. ❖
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Ryan Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Feb 2017 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JO Feb. 9, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to
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Give the gift of beautiful skin this Valentine’s Day. Call or visit Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center for lovely gift ideas for everyone. GARY D. MONHEIT, MD JAMES M. KRELL, MD MELANIE L. APPELL, MD A . MICHELE HILL, MD
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16 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
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LIFE
2017 VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
be mine!
Circa 1920s 14k white gold Art Deco diamond pendant, Valentine’s Day special, $375. Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 251-3381.
Women’s Vintage Whale Pocket tee in Bright Pink, $49.50, and Cupid Whale lounge shorts, $48. vineyard vines, 970-9758.
Tag Heuer Lady Link, featuring a white Mother of Pearl diamond dial and steel link bracelet, $2,350. Bromberg’s, 871-3276 or 969-1776.
THIS THANKSGIVING Silver heart lariat necklace with pearl drop, $129. Shay’s Jewelers, 978-5880.
“One Lump or Two” tea towel by MacKenzie-Childs, $26. Christine’s on Canterbury, 871-8297.
Lucy Farmer’s “Inspire to Give” necklace pair. Wear one and give one to a friend, $32. Alabama Goods, 803-3900.
Nam’s Bits Chocolate Chip Cookies, $11. Lucky Duck, 238-5056.
Valentine’s Day Sweets & Treats!
2916 18th St S • Homewood • 871-4901 savagesbakery.com
Mention the Over the Mountain Journal and receive 10% off the gift of a cleaner and healthier home, $150-$300. The Maids, 871-9338.
Amethyst and diamond pendant set in 14k yellow gold, $1,435. Southeastern Jewelers, 980-9030.
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Iconic iced cookies, cupcakes, cakes and Valentine’s gift bags, starting at $4.25. Savage’s Bakery & Deli, 871-4901.
Freshwater pearl necklace, $300. Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry & Collectibles, 874-1044.
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 17
LIFE
THE BEST PART OF OUR VALENTINE’S DINNER
Handmade, natural horn jewelry, from $30-$100 approximately. Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060.
Vintage “Ant Hill” orange garnet and enamel ring in 22k gold, $895. JB & Company, 478-0455.
Signature twist-off triangle bracelet in 14k gold with diamonds, $795. Avani Rupa, 982-4888.
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Laurel Bassett handmade multi-gemstone earrings, $38-48. Town & Country Clothes, 871-7909.
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18 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
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LIFE
From left, Kaley Johnson, Kendall Johnson, and Lisa Langer meet AWC’s Great Horned Owl at last year’s Wild About Chocolate gala.
A Wilder Side to Valentine’s Day Wild About Chocolate Raises Funds for Alabama Wildlife Center
By Annie Howard
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Sweet treats, music, auctions and close encounters of the feathered kind will highlight this year’s Wild About Chocolate gala. The annual Valentine gala, being held Feb. 11 at the Harbert Center, benefits the Alabama Wildlife Center and “has grown into one of Birmingham’s premiere Valentine’s Day events,” said AWC’s director, Doug Adair. This is the 13th year AWC has presented Wild About Chocolate, and it marks the center’s 40th anniversary. Brenda Ladun will be the emcee for the evening, while the band High Tide will chime in with live music. Birmingham’s best restaurants and caterers will provide refreshments. In
VALENTINE’S , From page 15
Peoples performing “Songs From the Heart,” in honor of Valentine’s Day. The event will be held from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and tickets are $30. For more information, visit centralalabamatheater. org.
Sun., Feb. 12 BIRMINGHAM
Located at UAB Hospital-Highlands 800-UAB-8816 • uabmedicine.org/vein
Garden Pairings: Wine and Chocolate Birmingham Botanical Gardens The gardens will host a one-hour wine and chocolate pairing class from 4-5 p.m. instructed by Bill and Lindsey Barclift. Participants will try three wines paired with three distinct chocolates. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. For more information, visit bbgardens.org/classes. BIRMINGHAM
Arts de Valentine The Wine Loft The Crisis Center will host its annual Valentine’s Day fundraiser from 6-9 p.m. This year’s event will feature local
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addition, items from African safaris to flight lessons will be up for grabs in live and silent auctions. This year’s gala also will star two special guests: the center’s newest education ambassador birds, an eastern screech owl and a Eurasian eagle owl. They’ll be a striking pair. The screech owl is Alabama’s smallest owl, while the eagle owl is the largest owl in the world. Both birds are rescues; their stories underscore the importance of AWC’s work. After suffering eye and wing injuries in a car accident, the screech owl was taken in by AWC, but was unable to be released. She now has a new career educating groups statewide. The eagle owl was rescued from a negligent owner out west, then transferred to AWC from the Teton Raptor Center in
Wyoming. Wild About Chocolate guests will be able to meet both of these beautiful birds in addition to other glove-trained ambassador raptors. Event proceeds will go toward care for all of AWC’s birds, as well as statewide conservation education programs and upkeep of the center. “It requires a lot of resources to do what we do,” Adair said. “Every year we rescue and rehabilitate and release back into the wild almost 2,000 of Alabama’s native wild birds, from over 100 different species. That ranges from a tiny ruby-crowned kinglet all the way to a bald eagle.” Gala tickets will be $75 in advance and $100 at the door. They can be reserved by visiting awrc.org, or by calling 663-7930. ❖
artists, live music, tarot readings and face-painting. Guests are encouraged to wear jazz-era and vintage dress. Admission is a $20 donation. For more information, visit crisiscenterbham.org.
soprano Susan Botti and will include the Love Theme from “Romeo and Juliet,” selections from “West Side Story,” and “Telaio: Desdemona.” Tickets are $16. For more information, visit alabamasymphony.org.
Tues., Feb. 14
BIRMINGHAM
I Do With a View Vulcan Park and Museum Vulcan Park and Museum and 97.3 Play will host an opportunity for couples to marry or renew their vows on Valentine’s Day. Packages include a 30-minute, outdoor ceremony on the city overlook performed by a licensed officiate, a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, professional photographs, and a champagne toast for the bride and groom. Reservations are limited. For more information, call 933-1409 ext. 113 or visit visitvulcan.com. BIRMINGHAM
Contemporary Visions WorkPlay The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. inspired by Shakespeare in honor of Valentine’s Day. The program features
BIRMINGHAM
In the Park After Dark Red Mountain Park The park will host a Lover’s Leap event with nighttime rides on the Mega Zip. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted at the trail head and given a guided hike to the Kaul Adventure Tower. Tickets are $40 and include two rides on the zipline and a campfire. Times are 5:30, 6:15, 7, 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit redmountainpark.org. BIRMINGHAM
“Casablanca” Alabama Theatre The theatre will host a showing of the classic romance “Casablanca” at 7 p.m. The event will include a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer, specialty Valentine’s themed cocktails. Tickets are $8. For more information, visit alabamatheatre.com. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
CROWES, From page 14
And, according to the American Heart Association, Alabama has the second-highest death rate from cardiovascular disease in the nation. The Crowes said they aren’t surprised by this statistic. “If you go shopping in the average shopping center or go to Walmart, you get a good idea of what we are talking about. It is a problem in this state,” said Derrill Crowe. Cameron Crowe said one thing she wants people to understand is that being heart healthy doesn’t have to be all-consuming. “It just needs to be a lifestyle. You don’t have to spend every second of every day thinking about it. It is just a matter of good choices.” Besides encouraging youth education, the Crowes are excited to promote individual giving at this year’s Heart Ball. “The Heart Ball is notoriously a corporate event and we appreciate that great support, but we also know that when people give they are invested on a personal level,” Derrill Crowe said. This year’s fundraising goal is $1.6 million dollars. “We expect to see a tremendous increase in individual giving but we are not seeing our corporate giving decreasing at all,” Derrill Crowe said. For the sixth year in a row, Wells Fargo is the corporate sponsor of
LIFE the event and the mission champion of the ball is ProAssurance, the company Derrill Crowe founded. The Heart Ball is Saturday, March 4, at Barber Motorsports Museum. Tickets are on sale through the association’s website.
Last year’s Heart Ball raised $1.3 million dollars. For more information about the American Heart Association and The Heart Ball visit www.heart.org/ centralalabama. ❖
Hand embroidered guest towels and beverage napkins
2404 Canterbury Road • 205-871-8297
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 19
SOCIAL
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Photos by Kenwyn Alexander
20 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
Everybody Wants to Be a Cat The Party Crashers provided music for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary’s annual Jazz Cat Ball fundraiser held Feb. 4 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.
N
ow in it’s sixth year, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary’s annual Jazz Cat Ball fundraiser was held Feb. 4 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, bringing the Mardi Gras spirit to Birmingham to raise funds for the humane society. Guests were treated to a seated dinner, ritzy casino games, a crowded dance floor and the music of The Party Crashers. Silent and live auctions showcased items such as a David Yurman luxury watch from Bromberg’s, a boxing glove signed by Muhammad Ali, an NFL Hall of Fame helmet signed by members, wines from around the world, trips to various locations around the world and more. “The Jazz Cat Ball is our organization’s largest and most popular fundraiser,” said GBHS CEO Allison Black Cornelius. “We took in almost 20,000 animals last year – that’s an average of 70 a day. We only expect our intake numbers to rise this year, and this event is crucial in helping us provide the best care possible for those abused, neglected and abandoned animals.” ❖
GBHS Auxiliary Hosts Annual Jazz Cat Ball
Gregory and Margaret Ellis.
Kimberly Ennis and Donna O’Brien.
Karen and Michael Swann.
Kelly Wesley and Austin Phillips.
Katie Beck, Audrey Pannell and Claire Per-Lee.
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Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 21
Bourbon And BBQ
National MS Society Fires up the Grill for A Good Cause BourbonHam, a bourbon and barbecue tasting to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, was held Jan. 22 at Old Car Heaven, raising more than $61,000 to help fund cutting-edge research and life-changing programs for those affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Guests were treated to 1-oz pours from more than 50 bourbons while enjoying Jim ‘N Nicks barbeque, a complimentary cigar bar and music by the Drennon Brothers Band. A silent auction boasted 60 items that included rare bottles of bourbon, a Yeti cooler filled with more than 100 miniature bourbon bottles and signed bourbon memorabilia. Helping coordinate the evening’s
Photos special to the Journal
with our Exclusive 18KT Gold Diamond Rings
From left: Andrew Bell and Brian Kittrell. Below, Meridith and Steve Bottchen.
festivities were members of the 2017 BourbonHam Committee: Meridith Bottchen, Scott Thorne, Brian Guilbeau, Gia Bivens, Cody Robinson, Burt Chandler, Scott Northcutt, Kimberly Early, John Howe, David Schoel, Steve Hewitt, John Pat Weinacker, Peggy Striplin, Ed Colebeck, Reed Avant, Brandon Robinson, Joel Gilbert, Payton Ely, Patrick Cummings, Rush Thrift, Doug Foshee, Ben Bennett, Brian Farr and Jerry Lasuer. ❖
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Shifting Perspectives BMA Opens New Contemporary Art Exhibit
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The Birmingham Museum of Art celebrated its newest exhibition, Third Space /shifting conversations about contemporary art, during a grand opening Jan. 27. Museum officials foresee the exhibit invigorating and enlightening the Birmingham community. Guests were treated to internationally inspired Southern cuisine as well as drinks. Trim Tab’s Jake Orr attended, providing insider tips and tricks on craft brewing. Serving as DJ for the evening was Holly Waxwing. Merrilee Challiss and Blake Wimberly presented the sound performance “Disappearing Act.” Guests also were offered a first glance at the museum’s most extensive contemporary exhibition, including pieces by artists hailing from as close as Birmingham and as far away as Fuxin, China. ❖
From left: Joel Piassick, Peggy Balliet, Karen Piassick and Michael Balliet.
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Clockwise, from above, Ali Clark and Katie Thompson; musical entertainment; Elizabeth Koleszar and Taylor Davis.
Photos by Nik Layman and Carmen Gonzalez Fraile.
22 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
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Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 23
Photos special to the Journal
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From left: Bo Watkins, Chapple Chandler, Mac and Mary Lawrence Gibson, and Suzanne and Cary Chandler.
Say Grace
WellHouse Hosts Gala Fundraiser The junior board of the WellHouse hosted the inaugural Grace Gala on Jan. 27 at Woodrow Hall to celebrate the organization’s sixth anniversary and pay recognition to National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness month. The event raised more than $35,000 to be used toward the completion of two women’s shelters and a main office at the WellHouse’s new property. On arrival, guests perused a silent auction featuring items including deer and turkey hunting packages, a Diamonds Direct diamond necklace, Kendra Scott jewelry, fine art from local artists, sports tickets and memorabilia and more. A buffet dinner was served as event host Roxanne Richardson of WDJC’s morning radio show welcomed guests and introduced WellHouse founder and keynote Carolyn Potter with her speaker Tajuan McCarty. daughter, Joy. McCarty spoke about her life, being a victim of human trafficking for more than 11 years before escaping to the Church of the Highlands
Katherine Jordan, Amy Grote and Hanna Nall.
Dream Center in Woodlawn. In addition to McCarty, guests heard from second keynote speaker FBI Special Agent in Charge Roger Stanton. Stanton spoke about the fight against human trafficking from the federal perspective and discussed his work with WellHouse. Following the program, guests danced the night away to music by The Schmohawks. Helping plan the event were Junior President Joseph Holt, junior board committee heads Bo Watkins and Chapple Chandler, and silent auction committee members Katherine Jordan, Amy Grote and Hanna Nall. ❖
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By Candlelight
Paul Petznick, DMD, FAGD
Petznick Dental Now Open In Homewood Paul Petznick, DMD, FAGD, who has practiced dentistry in Birmingham for 27 years, says it’s an exciting time for him, the dental profession, and his patients as he welcomes them to his new office in the Brookwood Dental Arts Building. The office is located at 2045 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, near Brookwood Baptist Hospital, in Suite 6 on the first floor. “With our new office, we’re able to provide our patients with the very latest technology in dental care,” Dr. Petznick said. “We are pleased to be able to offer digital imaging, soft tissue laser therapy, electric handpieces, and transillumination imaging technology.” “We also have innovative diagnostic services using high-definition intraoral cameras and monitors to help diagnose dental problems and disease. We are using advanced systems with fluorescence technologies for early oral cancer screening of soft tissues.” Patients who have visited Dr. Petznick’s office since its opening have been thrilled with their experience at Petznick Dental. In particular, patients have appreciated the friendly staff, the state of the art equipment, the high quality of care received, and the peaceful environment in the office. “The response of our patients regarding their dental experience with us has been tremendous and exactly what we hoped for,” Dr. Petznick said. Dr. Petznick appreciates his patients’ enthusiastic response and looks forward to continuing to serve both new and existing patients in his modern, contemporary office in Homewood. The location of the office is convenient to patients in Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Hoover, and greater Birmingham. Please call (205) 326-7444 today to make an appointment with Petznick Dental. For more information about the office and the services offered, please visit www.petznickdental.com. While visiting the website, be sure to click on the link where Dr. Petznick was recently interviewed on ABC 33/40’s “Talk of Alabama”!
Skinner, publicity; Katrina Logan The 2017 Candlelight Ball was held and Argie McDonald, presentation Jan. 21 at Old Car Heaven, including a presentation of 155 senior girls from chairs; Tricia Pugh, security chairman; Carol del a Torre, Carrie Law Mountain Brook. and Meg Sullivan, transportaServing as chairwoman of the ball was Adelaide Vandevelde, assisted tion; Missy Jones and Gina Winn, by co-chairwomen Elisabeth Branch, T-shirt design. Lynn Creighton and Kristin Ritter. Members debuted in Candlelight Ball 2015 and were presented in A lighted and glimmering backreverse alphabetical order, including: drop set the scene as the young Mary Eleanor Wolter, Virginia women were led out by escorts. Zach Thomas Winn, Hannah Elaine Skipper served as emcee. Above, from left, Janie Creighton, Janie Branch, Ellie Ritter, Delia Vandevelde Wilder, Ann McQueen Whatley, Following the presentation, memGabrielle Nicole Weissman, Marion and Louise Doss. Below, Candlelight Ball Committee Chairs, Elisabeth Branch, bers and guests mingled for pictures Lynn Creighton, Adelaide Vandevelde and Kristin Ritter. and enjoyed a buffet dinner by Happy Hanlin Webb, Nicole Broach Waudby, Sutton Camille Ward, Catering. Susan Davies, Tricia Pugh Ellen Marie Waller, Carolyn and Leigh Whatley designed the Dickinson Walheim, Mary Adelaide menu and set up a dessert candy bar Vandevelde, Anna Craig Tucker, for the guests. The dance floor was Barbara Grace Tortorici, Caroline filled with guests and presentees Elizabeth Till, Laura Lee dancing to the music of the Entice Thompson, Sarah Madison Band from Nashville, Tennessee. Thomas, Eve Lawler Taylor, Emma The Candlelight Committee Bolling Hall Taylor, Eleanor included Kathleen Doss, secretary, Martelia Swagler, Celia Bright and Jill Clark, treasurer. Other memSullivan, Stella Smith Styslinger, bers of the committee included: To: Hass and PaulCal and Eliza Jane Perry Starling, Julia Nicole Leighanne Sirkin, Springer,PHONE: Kathryn Andrea Sours, entertainment; Dawkins From:LeeOver The and Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 Mary Fletcher Snow, Lily Caroline Cary Walheim, boutonnieres; Lisa FAX: 205-824-1246 Smith, Katherine Hollon Skinner, Cross and Gina Winn, chaperones; Date: November Alexandra Leigh Sirkin and Mary Jennifer Childs and Jane Huston Crommelin, decorations; Patton Sims. ThisKelli is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Rucker, seating; Liz Briggs,Dec. escort1st issue.Also presented were Caroline Please email approval or changes to 824-1246. supervision; Stephanie Byrne and Carlisle Sims, Anne Lewis Goodman, Elizabeth Rose Gillespy, Victoria Rysedorph, Lillian Sumner Starling, invitations; Pam Simmons, Lealis Grace Schilleci, Please make sure Schanbacher, all informationRachel is correct, Alden Jackson Gibbs, Emmaline Herndon Rucker, Grace Evelyn Billingsly, photography; Kathy Helen Katherine Susanna Geurs, Frances Elizabeth Anne Helen Ritter, Including address and phone Robinson, number! Hannah Elizabeth Reeder, Caroline Gaut, Madison Chaney Gaston, Brown Raine, Alice Jordan Pulliam, Emma Francis Garcia, Peggy Clare Friday, Katherine Elizabeth Foy, Lindsay Elizabeth Pugh, Susan Virginia Foster Farrar, Charlotte Alexandra Preston, Elizabeth McCammon Farrar, Grace Sinclair Catherine Polk, Mary Walker Poe, Evans, Hannah Marie Elliott, Anne Marie Perri, Savannah Grace Marion Shook Dukes, Elise Louise Page, Anne Kendall Outland, Anne Francis Norris, Eleanor Jane Noden, Doss, Emily Ann Donahue, Mary Margaret del a Torre, Carlee Dailey Anderson Nichols, Sally Jane Amanda Dawkins, Patricia Ann Neal, Victoria Elizabeth Morris, Davis, Hunter Caroline Davies, Anna Grace Morgan, Caroline Jane Caroline Beck Cross, Gunter Moren Monson, Mary Robbins Miller, Crommelin, Jane Anne Creighton, Sarah Scott McPherson, Maggie Caroline Elizabeth Crafton, Lauren Elizabeth McPherson, Elizabeth Frances Cotten, Elizabeth Elouise Renneker McMillan, Elaine Wright Cotton, Sarah Margaret Corley, McDonald, Marlowe Michael Sarah Brasfield Cooper, Lucile McCraney, Sarah Campbell Fitzpatrick Collins, Parker Tuliare McAtee, Hannah Ruth Lyman, Sarah Arrington Lucas, Julie Cobbs, Caroline Heacock Clutton, Haddon Lowe, Grace Anne Logan, Margaret Anne Clark, Sarah Memory Anne Littleton, Virginia Elizabeth Chitty, Katherine Hamilton Limbaugh, Leigh Elizabeth Childs, Caroline Adele Elizabeth Lewis, Rose Elizabeth Center, Sarah Coleman Causey, Levine, Nancy Kathyrne Letzer, Madeline Anne Campbell, Mary Virginia Merritt Leak, Nina Margaret Bromberg Byrne, Kate Elizabeth Law, Lee Lorraine McCarroll Bumgarner, Frances Knight, Mary Margaret Kirkland, Murray Brown, Emma Camille Charlotte Roberts Kinney, Mary Brown, Jennings Lee Briley, Jordan Kilgore, Sarah Taite Kelly, Caroline Davis Briggs, Anna Caroline Elizabeth Keller, Mary Katherine Brian, Jane Elisabeth Marcella Jones, Kaitlin Lane Jones, Branch, Mary Johnson Bradford, Margaret Jean Holloway, Brooke Anne Coleman Bradford, Isabel Campbell Holloway, Hadley Browning Boyd, Emily Lynne Elizabeth Hitson, Kathryn Taylor Bolvig, Camille Elizabeth Hinkle, Ann Chapman Haynes, Bloomston, Mary Frances Lucille Graves Harris, Elizabeth Bloodworth, Caroline Peyton Barclay Hancock, Noelle Pratt Haas Billingsley, Emily Page Berryhill, and Marley McKay Barnett, Emily Glenn Charlotte Haas. OAK MOUNTAIN Catherine Barber, Ansley Oxford Also participating were Ansley PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Balogh, Rebecca Carter Alexander, Caldwell Gross, Elizabeth Inez 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace • Birmingham, AL 35242 Laine Bridges Alby, Kendall Grigsby, Grace Caroline Gray, #wheregraceabounds Bernard Alby and Alyssa Kay Elizabeth Berit Grantham, Ellen Adcock. ❖ Louise Gorman, Kaitlin May
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Photos special to the Journal
155 Mountain Brook Seniors Presented in Annual Ball
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 25
SOCIAL
Party for a Cause
United Way Hosts Annual Women United Party
From left: Joyce Baumhauer, Chappell Stewart, Virginia Kranzusch, Anna Harris and Kelly Baker. Below, Allison Westlake, Elizabeth Stewart, Margaret Brooke, Rachel Weingartner and Miller Girvin.
More than 100 women attended The United Way of Central Alabama’s second annual Women United House Party, held Nov. 17 at the Crest Road home of Stewart Dansby. Women in attendance heard from Jill Deer and Octavia Kuransky about the vast mission and incredible stories of United Way while enjoying food
from Shindigs Catering, fall cocktails and Marigold Designs flower arrangements. Event co-chairs were Lauren Pearson, Gage Smith and Margaret Brooke. Royal Cup Coffee and Tea, Icebox Coffee, Village Dermatology, Cobbs Allen, HighTower Advisors and
Southern Living provided donations for the goodie bag that each participant received. Guests included: Joyce Baumhauer, Meg Cherry, Suzy Dansby, Miller Girvin, Bebe Goodrich, Catherine Long, Fran Nichols, Lee Ann Petty, Elizabeth Stewart, Jessica Thuston, Rachel Weingartner, Allison Westlake, Nancy Goedecke, Katie Bee Marshall, Mallie Ireland, Jennifer McEwen, Chandler Bibb and Connor Cranford. ❖
j b a n d c o j e w e l r y. c o m
S H E A L R E A DY T H I N K S Y O U ’ R E F U N N Y
Photos special to the Journal
N OW S H OW H E R YO U ’ R E B R I L L I A N T
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SOCIAL
Guests were given the chance to peruse items from the more than 100 merchants included in the annual sale.
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The Junior League of Birmingham kicked off its annual Market Noel fundraiser with a Preview Noel event Nov. 30 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Guests were given the chance to peruse items from the more than 100 merchants included in the annual sale. This year’s event was organized by Market Noel chair-elect Sally McKay and Market Noel chair Julia Meyers. The women were backed by a From left: JLB steering comPresident, Lauren mittee that Roberts; Market Noel Chair, Julia included Meyers; and Fund Ashley Development VP, Blomeyer, Becky Holt. Nicole Cunningham, Meg Lovett, Julie Rogers, Theresa Ryals, Haley Scallion, Sarah Shaffield and Jennifer Shaw. The evening included a silent auction featuring hotel and restaurant packages, popular gifts for kids, jewelry, gifts for him and more. A “diamond drop” by Diamonds Direct raffled off a $5,000 jewelry package. A Man Cave provided food and games, including giant Jenga, horseshoes and ring-toss, with winners taking home bourbon prizes. A biergarten featured regional craft beers provided by Good People Brewing Company and a bourbon tasting by Dram. The funds raised by the event benefit 32 community projects that are funded by the league. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Stallworth-Cade
Emily Prather Stallworth and Adolphus Catlin Cade V were married November 19 at The Episcopal Cathedral Church of the Advent. The 5 p.m. ceremony was officiated by the Very Reverend Andrew Pearson, the
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 27
WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS/SOCIAL Right Reverend Christopher FitzSimons Allison and Mr. Frederick Lee Kracke. A reception followed at the Mountain Brook Club. The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. David Kern Stallworth of Monroeville. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Louis Brooks Lee of Huntsville and the late Mr. Lee as well as the late Mrs. Louis Brooks Lee. She is also the granddaughter of Mrs. Richard Boyles Williams III of Auburn and the late Mr. David Kern Stallworth of Monroeville. Given in marriage by her parents, the bride and groom were married in a family ceremony. The reception, which followed, included a number of friends and relations from both families as the bride spent her early years in Birmingham before moving to her father’s ancestral home and the groom is a life-long resident of Birmingham. After a wedding trip to the Caribbean, they live in Birmingham.
Lawrence-Weaver
Hallie Elisabeth Lawrence and Leighton Myles Weaver were married Aug. 20 at Mountain Brook Baptist Church with a reception following at Avon Theater. The 6 p.m. ceremony was officiated by the Rev.
Dr. Danny Wood. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randall Bascom Lawrence. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lewis Weaver. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a lovely embroidered lace, strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline and sweep train accented with a satin waist tie and a cathedral-length veil. She carried a hand tied garden inspired bouquet of dahlias, garden roses, succulents and eucalyptus. The bride was attended by her sisters, Kristen Lawrence Milling and Caroline Marie Lawrence, as matron and maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Jordan Elizabeth Callahan, Margaret Towns Carlson, Caroline Christian Clark, Julie Anne Davis, Grace Ann Hollis Hardison, Blakely McGarity Oberneder, and Lauren Wannemuehler Trippe all of Birmingham; Lydia Katherine Sooter
Remembering Veterans
Photo special to the Journal
Local DAR Wraps Up Service for 2016
From left: Marsha Perry, Judy Anderson and Molly Bradley.
The General Sumter Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met at the Birmingham Country Club on Dec. 7 to celebrate the holiday season with the annual Christmas Treasure Auction. The event raised about $2,000, which will benefit projects of the National DAR president general and the state regent, as well as the chapter’s scholarship fund. Cheri Sanders, service to veterans coordinator, reported on chapter participation in the Birmingham Veteran’s Day Parade and the Wreaths Across America Project. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Glenn Nivens initiated the Wreaths Project, and he had spoken during the November meeting about the National Cemetery in Montevallo and his participation in the Blue Star Salute Service Committee. Chapter Regent Mary Helen Dixon presided over the meeting as Honorary Regents Patricia Bennett and Kathryn Porter served as auctioneers with assistance from Emily Hand.
Chaplain Carolyn Johnson provided a presentation on her ancestor, Cmdr. Quincy B. Newman, before the group elected delegates to attend the 119th state conference in March. Decorations for the tables were provided by Emily Blount, Nelda Pugh, Rhetta Tatum, Rebekah Taylor and Ellen Tucker. Members in attendance were: Judy Anderson, Sara Beth Blair, Cathy Boardman, Nell Rose Brackett, Molly Bradley, Linda Burks, Pam Cezayirli, Angela Comfort, Sallie Cox, Jamie Crockett, Martha Lee Culp,
Caroline Daniel, Annette Dean, Cece Dillard, Anita Dillon, Carolyn Drennen, June Eagen, Glenda Eskew, Bernadine Faulkner, Miriam Ford, Anne Gibbons, Patty Gilbert, Kay Grayson, Annie Green, Charmion Hain, Judith Hand, Betty Holland, Amy Houston, Melanie Johnson, Mary Ann Jones, Nancy Jones, Becky Keyes, Mary Anne Kirkpatrick, Rusty Kirkpatrick, and Mindy Lalor. Also attending were: Barbara Lummis, Donna Lummus, Judy Mann, Rebecca Mason, Kellett May, Betty Northen, Meredith Peeples, Gail Pugh, Lucienne Pugh, Laura Ramsay, Carolyn Reich, Lynda Robertson, Aubrey Ross, Donald Roth, Carolyn Satterfield, Joy Schuffert, Peggy Selig, Janeal Shannon, Cynnie Sproull, Mallie Steele, Carole Thomas, Susan Thuston, Margaret Tucker, Virginia Tucker, Jean Vaughan, Marilyn Waggoner, Donna Ware, Julie Whitney, Cheri Williams, Margie Williams and Dorothy Zeigler. Guests attending were: Shelby Clark, Marsha Drennen, Romaine Gaffney, Patricia Gilbert, Roxanne Given, Rebecca Hamiter, Audrey Lindquist, Marsha Perry, Carla Robertson and Cindy Speake. ❖ SEND SOCIAL NEWS TO: EDITORIAL@OTMJ.COM
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Mr. William Dean Drinkard of Birmingham announces the engagement of his daughter, Brooke Kathleen Drinkard, to Nicholas Tyler Whatley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy DeWitt Whatley of Birmingham. Miss Drinkard also is the daughter of the late Mrs. Barbara Parr Drinkard. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Burton Drinkard and the late Mr. and Mrs. George O’Neal Parr, all of Woodstock, Georgia. Miss Drinkard is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Georgia, where she received a bachelor’s degree in pub-
LocaLLy owned and operated
lic relations. She is a member of Phi Mu sorority and was presented at the Ball of Roses. Miss Drinkard is employed with Brownell Travel in Birmingham. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Jackson Egger of Sulligent and Mrs. James Bertis Whatley and the late Mr. James Bertis Whatley of Birmingham. Mr. Whatley is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and the University of Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration. Mr. Whatley is employed by Alabama Power in Birmingham. The wedding will be in March.
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of Atlanta; and Caitlin Cunningham Weiland of New Orleans. The father of the groom was the best man. Groomsmen were Miles Parker Adams of Atlanta; Benjamin Marshall Baber, William Owen Hardison, Matthew Scott Morris, Andrew Scott Pearce, Michael Taylor Sims and Trent Austin Weaver, brother of the groom, all of Birmingham; David Morgan Bandy of Auburn; Bradley Louis Weaver, brother of the groom, of Anniston; and Peter Carter Weiland of New Orleans. Scripture Readers were Shelby Lynn Boston of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and Andrea Kathryn Young of Birmingham. The program attendants were Sara Margaret Hannum and Meredith Baxley Porter both of Birmingham. After a honeymoon trip to Cancun, Mexico the couple lives in Homewood.
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Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax February
28 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SCHOOLS
Edgewood Elementary School first-grade teacher Susan Hanson and fourth-grade teacher Towns Carlson have been nominated for the 2016-2017 national LifeChanger of the Year award. Hanson and Carlson were nominated for the award by their assistant principal, Laura Tate. The program, sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, recognizes K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the country who exemplify excellence, positive influence and leadership. According to school officials, Hanson is an active leader in the Edgewood community, most notably through serving as a volunteer coordinator at the McWane Science Center’s math and science camps. “Hanson’s dedication to her community does not go unnoticed. She has been instrumental in helping to build a school-wide character and
Photos special to the Journal
Homewood Educators Nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Award
Edgewood Elementary School firstgrade teacher Susan Hanson with Cleveland and Kiser.
Edgewood Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Towns Carlson, center with from left, students, school superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland, Edgewood principal Dr. Matt Kiser, and assistant principal Laura Tate.
recognition program that encourages and recognizes students to be their best. She even helped the adminis-
tration build a pool of community sponsors to provide awards to students as a part of the program,” Tate
said in a released statement. School officials praised Carlson for her commitment to student welfare and education. She often offers afterschool tutoring opportunities for her students. Outside of school, she serves as a program director assistant with Camp DeSoto, a
month-long summer camp for girls. “Carlson genuinely cares for her students and is willing to go above and beyond for them,” Tate said. “She is truly an outstanding educator who changes lives for students in the Edgewood Elementary community. They are blessed to have her as an educator.” Both Carlson and Hanson are volunteer coaches for Girls on the Run, an organization that provides programming to empower and educate girls in the third through fifth grades. A total of 15 educators will be awarded LifeChanger of the Year awards over the course of the spring season, receiving cash awards to be split between the educators and their schools. In addition, the program will name a 16th winner to receive the “National Spirit Award,” which is given to the nominee who receives the most support from his or her community. ❖
Students at Spain Park High School are gearing up for the school’s annual fundraiser through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Series donation drive. The drive benefits the organization’s efforts to fund research for cancers of the blood. Over the past two years, Spain
Park students and teachers have raised more than $2,200 in support of LLS and local patient services, and this year they have raised the bar in honor of Spain Park student Naomi Pitts, an LLS honorary ambassador. Pitts, a senior, was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma at the age of 12 and received chemotherapy at Children’s of Alabama. “Having cancer is tough and it changed me to make me the person that I am today,” Pitts said. “Thanks to the help of my family, doctors and God, I am able to be here today, happy and healthy as ever.” With a goal of $10,000, teachers and students drove up donations at the “Hometown Showdown” basket-
ball game Feb. 3, during which Spain Park took on Hoover High School. At the event, students and faculty sold T-shirts, and after the game they hosted a half-court shot competition, with proceeds going directly to the local LLS chapter. “Thanks to research, nearly 90 percent of children with acute leukemia are now cured. But there still is a long way to go,” said Maggie Rountree, campaign manager of the LLS Alabama/Gulf Coast Chapter, based in Birmingham. “Leukemia affects more children than any other cancer, so LLS’s Student Series donation drive provides a meaningful way for kids to help kids. Every dollar really does make a difference.” ❖
Photos special to the Journal
Spain Park High Students Raise Funds for LLS
The Bees Have It
Advent Episcopal School student Kennedy Tyson (third from left), won the District 8 Alabama Independent School Association Spelling Bee recently and was the seventh-grade winner at the competition. The school also had students who won the fourth-grade and sixth-grade titles at the spelling bee, which included 10 independent schools from the area. Competing at the bee for Advent were, from left, Helen Bedsole, a fifth-grader who took third place in her age group, Mayu Nakano, sixth-grade winner, Tyson and Julia Rosenstiel, fourth-grade winner. Nakano, Tyson and Rosenstiel were going on to compete at the state spelling bee in Montgomery on Feb. 8.
Weisberg Wins OLS Spelling Bee
Spain Park High senior and cancer survivor Naomi Pitts, center, with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2016 Man & Woman of the Year winners, Sam Todd and Sally Morriss.
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School hosted a spelling bee Jan. 17, which included 14 students from second through eighth grades. The competition was broadcast throughout the school. Eighth-grade student J.T. Weisberg took first place. Sixth-grader Victoria Moller was named this year’s runner-up. As the winner of the OLS bee, Weisberg represented the school in the Homewood district spelling bee, where he placed second in the competition.
Riverchase Hosts Annual MLK Chess Tournament
The 8th annual MLK Scholastic chess tournament was held in January at Riverchase Middle School, celebrating the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Riverchase Middle School’s chess coordinator Suha Huneidi served as host for the event, which included 44 players representing 17 schools. Winners were awarded in various categories of skill, including rooks, novices and primaries. Over the Mountain players recognized as top winners included: Kapil Natha, rook, Bumpus Middle School; Sameer Sultan, rook, Altamont School; Nikhita Chintareddy, rook, Pizitz Middle School; and Landon Opitz, novice, Riverchase Middle School. In addition, Riverchase Middle School was named the top team in the novice category.
Eighth-grade student J.T. Weisberg took first place. Sixthgrader Victoria Moller was named this year’s runner-up.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 29
SCHOOLS
Journal photo by Emily Williams
Mending kids’ hearts A graduate of Homewood High School herself, Michele Cooley grew up being inspired by the teachers in her family as well as those in her classrooms.
Advanced Placement Homewood’s Cooley Named Secondary Teacher of the Year
By Emily Williams Homewood City Schools recently named its Teachers of the Year, selecting Homewood High School’s Michele Cooley as the top among secondary teachers. “To be able to teach and teach well, one must acquire over time a variety of characteristics and traits that afford the educator the opportunity to be successful,” HHS Principal Dr. Zack Barnes said. “Mrs. Cooley possesses more of those traits than any other educator with whom I’ve worked in the past 20 years. Mrs. Cooley is aware of the pulse of the school and wants everyone, both students and teachers, to challenge themselves to make Homewood High School a better place.” A graduate of Homewood High School herself, Cooley grew up being inspired by the teachers in her family as well as those in her classrooms. “I grew up in a family of teachers, and I can remember ‘playing school’ in elementary school with the neighborhood kids,” Cooley said. When it came time to choose a major in college, Cooley chose engineering, thinking more about the financial aspects of the career than personal fulfillment. Remembering teachers at Homewood High School who inspired her to be the best version of herself, Cooley said she realized she lacked passion for engineering. She then switched her major to English and history, flirting with ideas of becoming a professor or attending law school, but in the end she accepted her love of the high school classroom. “Ultimately, I wanted to be a teacher like the ones I’d had. Once I made that decision, I have never for one second doubted that it was the best choice for me,” she said. In her AP English classroom,
Cooley strives to help students become more familiar with the world that surrounds them through reading literature and analyze it through writing and discussion. “My goal for my students each day is that they learn more about themselves and the world,” she said. “I try to ensure that every book, text, essay and lesson that we explore together is preparing them to be better citizens in an ever-changing world.” Cooley said she encourages students to connect what they learn through the text of each book to larger issues at work in today’s world, whether the text is an older book such as “The Things They Carried,” or a newer piece such as “Between the World and Me.” “A successful English class is based upon the key skills I believe students need to be successful in the world today: critical thinking, critical reading, discernment, communication, synthesizing and problem solving,” she said. Each year, about 40 percent of Homewood High School’s junior class enrolls in AP English, which Cooley said is more students than in the past. She attributes the high numbers to the increased importance of good communication skills and critical thinking. “No matter what field a student will enter post-high school, that student will need to be able to read critically and to communicate effectively,” she said. “I believe our community recognizes that and puts great value on those skills.” Just as teachers are an example for their school and students, Cooley strives to give students the opportunity to actively take pride in HHS as sponsor of the Patriot Pride program. Before working at Homewood, Cooley taught at Hoover High School, where she sponsored the school’s ambassador program, and she saw a
need to introduce the same idea at Homewood. “I really enjoyed working with the ambassadors at Hoover and saw firsthand how important their contribution was to the community and to the school. When I started teaching at Homewood High School and realized we didn’t have such an organization, I knew that I wanted to start one,” she said. Students apply to be part of the program in which they are trained to act as hosts for the school. Cooley added that several students after graduating have been able to transition into the ambassador programs at the universities they attend. Within the Homewood High School community, Cooley also takes time to act as a mentor to new teachers. With 19 years of teaching experience, her biggest piece of advice to new instructors is to follow their instincts when teaching and ask for help. “If a teacher has a good support group, any problem, whether it’s curriculum-based or classroom management or just managing the paper load, becomes so much easier to solve,” she said. There is strength in numbers in the school, according to Cooley, and having a good faculty support system is just as beneficial for the students. Teachers exchange their struggles and their triumphs and learn from each other, and students witness their instructors constantly working to hone their craft. In addition to Cooley, Homewood City Schools named Hall-Kent Elementary School’s Lisa Littlejohn as Elementary Teacher of the Year. Each school selected a Teacher of the Year, including Edgewood Elementary’s Brooke Braswell, Emily Dunleavy of Shades Cahaba Elementary and Kevin Hughes of Homewood Middle School. ❖
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Photo special to the Journal
30 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
Enjoying last year’s Exceptional Foundation’s Chili Cook-off are Lisa Morrison and Beth Bullock.
Wayne and Cassie Bolden of The Birmingham Candy Co. will be cooking up sweet treats like these especially for Valentine’s Day. Props are courtesy of Sugarboo & Co. at The Summit.
The Sweet Life
Birmingham Candy Co. is a Start-Up Aiming to Become an Institution By Donna Cornelius The owners of The Birmingham Candy Co. have a sweet story to tell. Cassie and Wayne Bolden met at a Halloween party in Savannah, Ga. – an event Cassie almost passed up. “I don’t really like Halloween and wouldn’t have gone to the party if my next-door neighbor hadn’t been having it,” she said. Cassie, a Spain Park High School graduate, was living in the coastal city to study interior design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Wayne had moved from Virginia to Savannah to be near family members. “While I was looking for work, an owner of a candy company there gave me a job,” Wayne said. “That’s when I found my love for candy. I went from packing and shipping to cooking, sales and processing. I spent 10 years there.” The couple got married at Hargis Retreat in Chelsea. They moved from Savannah to Hoover, Cassie’s hometown, and launched
their candy business in 2015. Although they had already started making plans for their new venture, an experience at their wedding reception sealed the deal. “When you’re the groom, you don’t get to do much,” Wayne said. “We created a candy table for the reception, and everything was handmade – bite-sized turtles, pralines and praline pecans. I made a ton of stuff. The candy station was empty by the time we got to the reception. And it took me a week to cook everything.” The Boldens said most of the guests had three comments: “The ceremony was beautiful,” “Cassie looked beautiful,” and “Where can we get this candy?” “We decided to give our candy company a shot,” Wayne said. “We didn’t want to wonder ‘what if’ one day. Cassie started a diligent search for a job so that I could work on logistics. We moved in July and had our first appearance at Pepper Place in October 2015. It was the rainiest day, but we had a big crowd just through word of mouth.” The company sells its candy at farmers’ markets and pop-up shops, including a temporary store at The Summit this past Christmas season. The Birmingham Candy Co., Leaf &
Petal, and Sugarboo & Co. – plus Santa Claus – set up in an empty space to attract holiday shoppers. “We’ve started a company in an unorthodox fashion, but Birmingham is the perfect incubator,” Wayne said. “There are so many farmers’ markets and festivals. I’ve never seen a town that’s so prideful of itself and that supports local people. Birmingham has a lot of pockets, a lot of suburbs. If you do a traditional business route from the get-go, you’re missing some of those markets.” Although their fluid business structure has worked well, the Boldens said there’s a permanent home in their future. “We’re working toward a storefront,” Cassie said. Wayne said they want a place where customers can not only buy their candy, but see it being created. “Our ultimate goal is a store in which we can cook in front of you so that you have the full sensory experience,” he said. “With what we do now, that great smell is lacking.” Among The Birmingham Candy Co.’s treats are a variety of caramel apples, pralines, flavored pecans, peanut and cashew brittle, and their No. 1 seller, caramel squares with dark chocolate or caramel and sea salt. “For Valentine’s Day, we’ll have apples with heart-shaped sprinkles and pink drizzle, heart-shaped pralines, red velvet truffles added
See SWEET, page 33
Exceptional Foundation Hosts Annual Chili Cook-off Think your chili is a real hot number? You may be able to test it against other spicy concoctions at the Exceptional Foundation’s Chili Cook-off on March 4. The event, in its 13th year, has become so popular that there’s a waiting list for teams that want to participate. Last year’s corporate sponsors will be given the opportunity to participate first, followed by new sponsors. Last year’s individual teams will then be given the opportunity to participate. If there are still spots available at that point, new individual teams can participate. Email Margaret Cochran at mcochran@ exceptionalfoundation.org to be notified if spots open up. The cook-off is from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Brookwood Village parking lot next to Macy’s. Tickets, which allow you to eat all the chili you can handle, are $10 when purchased before the event. Buy tickets at the Exceptional Foundation, 1616 Oxmoor Road in Homewood, or through exceptionalfoundation.org. At the gate, tickets are $15. There’s no charge for ages 12 and younger.
Cupcake Challenge
Young Cooks Can Compete at Homewood Library Kids in the fourth through seventh grades can test their cupcake decorating skills Feb. 9 at the Homewood Public Library. Cupcake Wars is from 4 to 5 p.m. in the library’s round auditorium.
See CUPCAKE, page 33
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Journal photos by Jordan Wald
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Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 31
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32 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
KREWE, From page one
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
FOOD
Bill Bowron and his father aren’t the only ones in their family with ties to the Krewe. “My great-grandfather had nine sons and two daughters, so I have a lot of relatives,” Bowron said, laughing. “Eight of my 10 Trainbearers, two of my Dukes and one member of the Queen’s Guard are related to me, as are three past queens.” His daughter, Emily Wood Bowron, was a Lady in Waiting when he presented her at the 2009 Krewe Ball. Bowron, who lives in Mountain Brook with his wife, Emily, left Mountain Brook High School after his ninth-grade year to attend Woodberry Forest School in Virginia. He graduated from Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn., and from the University of Virginia before starting a career in banking. He has a graduate degree from Rutgers University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking. His father, William Bowron, also was a banker before joining Red Diamond. The company began more than a century ago with Fitz Donovan. “In 1906, he came from Virginia to Birmingham, which was exploding due to the iron and steel industry,” Bill Bowron said. “He sold provisions and roasted coffee. “After a couple of years, he began selling only coffee and later tea. He chose the name ‘Red Diamond’ because red diamonds are the rarest jewels. His son, Bill Donovan, was my grandfather. He and my mother convinced my dad to leave banking and join the coffee business.” Bill Bowron followed a similar path. In Savannah, before he became a fourth-generation executive at Red Diamond, he was vice president of commercial lending for Trust Company Bank and then executive vice president for AmeriBank. He was set to become the youngest bank president in Georgia when his father called with big news. “He said we’d bought out the cousins and I should come home,” Bowron said. While he was eager to return home and work with his father, he enjoyed his time in Savannah. “That’s where I found my bride, and we had two wonderful children,” he said. Emily Bowron, a Smith College graduate, is a Savannah native. There, she worked in sales with a hotel. “Our move to Birmingham gave her time to ‘retire’ and be with the children,” her husband said. Their daughter is with Red Diamond and their son, Will Bowron, also was working for the family company but now lives in Atlanta with his wife, Caitlin. “He’s getting an MBA at Emory University and has an internship with Georgia Pacific,” Bill Bowron said. In addition to his demanding position as president, chairman of the board and CEO at Red Diamond, the Krewe King is very involved in civic and charitable activities. “If you work in the community, you should be involved in the com-
munity,” Bowron said. “Emily is very active at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. I’m president of the Mountain Brook Sports Park Foundation and a past chairman of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra board of directors. Music is part of the fabric of a community, and my family has been involved with the symphony for three generations.” Like his mother was years ago, he’s on the Birmingham Museum of Arts advisory board. He and his wife were co-chairmen of the 2011 Museum Ball. Red Diamond also is a major supporter of the Birmingham Zoo. A few years ago, the company donated a second train, the Red Diamond Express, to the zoo. “The zoo has earned more than $100,000 in additional revenue per year because of that second train,” Bowron said. “More people can ride because the lines are shorter.” Red Diamond sponsors both University of Alabama and Auburn University athletics and offers scholarships at both schools. “We also provide scholarships at Preschool Partners, and I’m on the
the ball. “Two out-of-town Mardi Gras clubs, the Strikers of Mobile and Rex out of New Orleans, will send representatives to congratulate us on our 50th anniversary. Past themes will be incorporated – and we’ll have some surprises at the ball, too.” Emily Bowron has a role to play as well. “We’ll have the King and Queen’s Dinner after the ball, and we’ve already had the Dukes’ Dinner,” she said. Her husband said he couldn’t think of a better partner as he takes on his royal responsibilities. “The real trick is to be organized, and nobody is more organized than Emily,” he said. The Bowrons will have plenty of family members and friends at the ball to help them celebrate. The King’s Dukes include Thomas Gilbert Amason Jr., Thomas Ashford Broughton III, John Frederick Carter, Arthur C. Parker Henley, Charles Phillip McWane, David McCoy Millhouse, Bayard Shields Tynes Jr. and Jesse Stringer Vogtle Jr. His Trainbearers are Emily
“After a couple of years, he (Fitz Donovan) began selling only coffee and later tea. He chose the name ‘Red Diamond’ because red diamonds are the rarest jewels. His son, Bill Donovan, was my grandfather. He and my mother convinced my dad to leave banking and join the coffee business.” advisory board there,” Bowron said. Professionally, he’s been on the Tea Association of the United States board of directors for 20 years and served as chairman twice. Although he ran track in high school, Bowron’s first foray into soccer came when his son played as a youngster. “I ended up coaching club soccer for 18 years,” he said. Because of his love for that sport, he’s especially proud of the Red Diamond Classic soccer tournament held annually in Birmingham. “The tournament has achieved more than $100 million in economic benefit for the area in the years we’ve hosted it,” Bowron said. “It’s a highly rated tournament that has been around since the 1990s; Red Diamond has been its sponsor for 15 years.” Despite his responsibilities to his family, company and community, Bowron finds time for one of his favorite pastimes: hunting. “I’m a wing man,” he said. “I like to hunt duck, quail and dove. I’m in a hunting club with some other Krewe members, and we lease some property near Aliceville along the Sipsey River. My father-in-law taught me how to hunt and bought my first shotgun as a Christmas present for me.” Bowron said he’s happy to be part of the 50th Krewe Ball, which will be even more celebratory than usual. “All the past kings and queens have been invited,” he said. “More of the men still live here; many of the queens got married and moved away. We have a large number of living kings, and many of them will be at
Browning Amason, Martha Bickley Bowron, Richard Rhoads Bowron, William Ransom Johnson Hoyt, Virginia Pendleton Slaughter, James Stephen Spann, Laura Elizabeth Spann, Mary Beverley Spann, Ashley Elliott Tynes and Robin Adair Wade III. His cousin, Mary Stewart Beasley, will be among the young women presented at the ball. One of these young women will be crowned queen, although in accordance with tradition, her identity won’t be revealed until the big night. Bowron learned he’d be Krewe King early last summer, but most of his fellow members didn’t find out until several months later. “In November, we had our annual dinner for the Krewe at the Country Club of Birmingham,” he said. “The room was decorated as a Great Hall with banners from all the families, and there were copies of the art pieces we’ve sponsored for the museum. We presented a donation to the museum. And for once, nobody knew who the king was going to be.” Bowron said he’s “honored to have been chosen to be the King of the Krewe Ball, and I’m particularly excited that it’s our 50th year.” “Everyone should recognize that although the ball occurs in just one night, it takes months of planning and a lot of volunteers,” he said. “I’ve been a new boy, a guard, a duke – and I have deep respect for everybody who does this.” His wife agreed. “It’s a labor of love, for sure,” Emily Bowron said. ❖
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 33
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
From page 30
to our six-piece box, and our chocolate-covered strawberries, which are staples,” Wayne said. The company also is partnering with Full Pantry, a Birmingham grocery delivery service, to make truffles for a special Valentine gift package. Wayne is the main cook in the venture, while Cassie’s artistic talent and education have helped with brand creation, marketing and sales.
‘We’ve started a company in an unorthodox fashion, but Birmingham is the perfect incubator. There are so many farmers’ markets and festivals. I’ve never seen a town that’s so prideful of itself and that supports local people.’
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
“We have an informal motto: We stay in our own lanes,” Wayne said. “We live together and work together, and we try to each stay with what we know best. We know what our strengths are.” Cassie said her husband has “most of the recipes in his head.” “His caramel recipe is the most prized,” she said. “It has just the right consistency; it’s soft and melts in your mouth. It’s not sticky. We put it on our apples, our caramel squares; we slap that stuff on everything.” Cassie did change lanes to come up with a new addition to the company’s menu: marshmallows. “It was summertime, and I wanted a way to use fresh fruits like strawberries and peaches from farmers,” she said. “We take the marshmallows and make S’mores. We have salted caramel marshmallows, strawberry, and birthday cake, and you choose your own kind of chocolate sauce.”
Rehab Reality by Jeff Butler
Balance Journal file photo by Lee Walls Jr.
SWEET,
Cassie debuted her creations at Pepper Place using a brûlée torch instead of a campfire to heat up the treats. “We had a line for them the whole time,” she said. “That was the first time I’d been a short order cook.” Wayne said he supported Cassie’s successful experiment in cooking. “I love doing the cooking – don’t get me wrong – but I loved Cassie’s idea of adding marshmallows to our repertoire,” he said. “It helps her understand both sides.” In addition to selling its treats to individual customers, The Birmingham Candy Co. can make weddings a little sweeter. “People see our products and say, these would be great for our wedding,” Wayne said. “We’re more than happy to customize and do what they like. Our mini truffles are great because they’re bite-sized. We make up gift bags as well. We can match colors and themes.” Deb Warnat, Cassie’s mom, pitches in to help her daughter and sonin-law. “She’s a professional calligrapher, and she’s used her connections to help us with the wedding industry,” Wayne said. The company makes strawberries for the honeymoon packages at The Tutwiler hotel, he said. The Birmingham Candy Co. takes on corporate jobs, too. “The city of Hoover used us for the SEC baseball tournament,” Wayne said. “We made gift baskets for the coaches.” The Boldens said they couldn’t be happier with the success of their company and the reception it’s gotten thus far. “Our goal is to be a Birmingham institution,” Wayne said. For more information about the company, its candy and where to find it, visit www.birminghamcandy. com, call 447-3002 or follow the company on Facebook and Instagram. The Boldens encourage Valentine pre-orders via the website. Orders can be picked up at the company’s pop-up shops on Feb. 11 from 8 a.m. to noon at Pepper Place Winter Market, Feb. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. at Sugarboo & Co. at The Summit, and Feb. 13 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pizitz Food Hall in downtown Birmingham. ❖
Bare Naked Noodles owner Linda Croley has a passion for pasta and recently opened a third location at 2204 Lakeshore Drive in Homewood.
CUPCAKE, From page 30
There’s no charge to participate, but registration is required. Visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org. The library is at 1721 Oxmoor Road.
Rolling in the Dough
Bare Naked Noodles Expands Both Sides of the Biz Bare Naked Noodles, a pastamaking operation and eatery owned by Hoover resident Linda Croley, has opened its third cafe in an office building at 2204 Lakeshore Drive in Homewood. The new location will not be serving the acclaimed raviolis, but
it will feature many of the brand’s signature dishes as well as new menu items. Croley’s two other locations are in office buildings at 2100 Southbridge Parkway in Mountain Brook and 100 Concourse Parkway in Hoover. All locations are open for dining from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are open for carry-out until 4 p.m. In addition to the new cafe, Bare Naked Noodles’ wholesale business is growing. Croley has been selling her sauces and homemade pastas in local Piggly Wigglys and Western Supermarkets, and now the Louisiana supermarket chain Rouse’s has bought stock for all of its 58 locations. For more information, visit barenakednoodles.com. ❖
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Balance. It seems like this has been a buzzword for decades. Well, never is it more appropriate and necessary than with a person in recovery. Addiction or alcoholism, by definition, are symptoms of a lack of balance. An addict or alcoholic uses drugs and/or alcohol to compensate for imbalance in his or her life. Being a natural overachiever, he or she usually overcompensates until the addiction becomes the decision maker. Cue the downward spiral. An addict or alcoholic only has two speeds when in active use, all stop or full speed. Well, a newbie to recovery still has those same throttle settings. It’s more common than not for a person new to recovery to set a hellacious amount of goals. While the energy and excitement should be applauded, the person needs to rein it in a bit. Concentrate on going to the gym 3 days a week for a month before curing cancer. Attend meetings or see a counselor with some regularity before climbing Mt. Everest. There’s an old AA joke, “how can you tell two people in recovery are on their second date? They’re towing a U-Haul”. Having big dreams and goals is great. However, they should be tempered with a dose of reality. Why? Because life happens. The greater the dream or goal, the greater the opportunity to fail and the farther the drop if failure does happen. Start simple. Set easily attainable goals and rejoice when they’re accomplished. Keep at them until they become habits. Then set bigger goals, meet them and so on. Our goal is to help our clients find balance.
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SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Homewood’s Jaden Alexander.
Members of the Vestavia Hills High School wrestling team celebrate the first-ever Class 7A duals championship with a 47-19 victory over Oak Mountain at Bill Harris Arena on Jan. 28. More photos at otmjsports.com.
Dualing Factions
It’s probably poetic justice that former Vestavia Hills wrestling coach Steve Gaydosh was one of the most vocal proponents of a state duals wrestling championship. Gaydosh believed that a football playoff-style duals championship would draw more spectator interest in wrestling, as opposed to the traditional format of the state’s top wrestlers reaching the state meet through a lengthy sectional competition process. “There are a lot more Vestavia High School fans than Vestavia wrestling fans, and a lot more Hoover High School fans than Hoover wrestling fans,” Gaydosh said. “Can you imagine the interest if Vestavia and Hoover wrestled for the state championship?” Gaydosh got his wish, as Vestavia – now coached by Tee Adams – directed the Rebels to the first-ever Class 7A championship with a 47-19 victory over Oak Mountain at Bill Harris Arena on Jan. 28.
“Our guys took it very seriously and went out and did the job,” Adams said. Vestavia entered the meet final with an advantage, as the Eagles had competitors in only 12 of the 14 classes. The Rebels won five of the first eight matches to set the tone for the night. Zachary Nelson and Rob Barrentine earned pins in the 170pound and 182-pound classes, respectively, to clinch the victory. Adams’ team earned its way to the final with a 50-16 win over Bob Jones and a 32-31 nail-biter over Hewitt-Trussville. Winning wrestlers for Vestavia included Alex Thomas, 120 pounds; Nathaniel Nailen, 126 pounds; Peter Dazzio, 138 pounds; Jack Stoves, 145 pounds; Spencer Haddock, 152 pounds; Nelson, 170 pounds; Barrentine, 182 pounds; James Edwards, 220 pounds; Jacob Edwards, 285 pounds. Winning wrestlers for Oak Mountain included: Sullivan Tipton, 106 pounds; Cole Thomas, 113 pounds; Blake Randle, 132 pounds; Barrett Blakely, 160 pounds; Jordan Davis, 195 pounds.
Wade Herren Loved Tennis But He Loved God and Family More
By Lee Davis As a man with a passion for tennis, Wade Herren understood the importance of keeping score. But the scorecard he cared the most about had nothing to do with sets and matches. Mr. Herren – who passed away Dec. 7 – kept notebooks in which he chronicled the blessings that had come his way in life, and he thanked God for all of them. “When Wade turned 73, he sold his business and retired,” Vivien Herren, his wife for 55 years said. “After that, he looked back on his life and reflected on his blessings. The notebooks almost became an autobiography, as he thanked God for the people that had helped him be successful. Wade truly appreciated all the blessings God had given him.” Mrs. Herren said that, while compiling the notebooks, her husband began a correspondence with Christian author Mary Manz Simon after reading her book “A Basket of Blessings.” “Wade came to the Lord when he was in his 30s,” Mrs. Herren recalled. “From that point on, he felt a calling to share his Christian faith with others.” Wade Herren was known to the public for his contribution to tennis. After serving in the U.S.
Navy during World War II, Herren attended Tulane University and Birmingham-Southern College on tennis scholarships. He led the Green Wave to the Southeastern Conference title in 1948 and went on to win more than 200 tennis championships in his career. Mr. Herren was the founder of Highland Racquet Club and helped build courts all over the Southeast. For his efforts, he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Southern Tennis Association Hall of Fame, Alabama Tennis Association Hall of Fame and BirminghamSouthern Hall of Fame. An active member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Herren served on the board of Young Business Leaders and served as president of the Alabama Tennis Association. But Wade Herren’s greatest legacy is how he treated others. My husband cared about people,” Mrs. Herren said. “He would help anyone any way he could. That’s what I hope most people will remember about him.” Mr. Herren was honored in a memorial service at Briarwood on Dec. 12. Wade Herrin’s notebooks chronicled much of his life. But the memories he left for those who knew him will last even longer. ❖
From page 36
60-meter hurdles, while Trent Hamner took first place in the 400-meter dash and Tommy McDonough had the best time in the 1,600-meter run. The Hoover boys also won the 4x800 meter relay. In Class 6A girls, Homewood’s Ann Mosely Whitsett won the 400-meter dash and the Lady Patriots’ Caroline Lawrence earned first place in the high jump. Homewood also won the 4x400 meter relay. The Patriot boys team won the 4x800 meter relay. In Class 1A/3A girls competition, Payton Metcalf of Westminster-Oak Mountain won the final heat of the 60-meter dash. Westminster also won the 4x800 and 4x400 meter relays. The Westminster boys also took first place in the 4x800 meter relay. ❖
Rebels Defeat Eagles to Win First Duals Crown
By Lee Davis
TRACK,
Oak Mountain’s Carter Owens (dark blue) is defeated by Vestavia Hills’ James Edwards in the 220-pound class. More photos at otmjsports.com.
The official state wrestling championships will be crowned at the Alabama High School Athletic Association meet at Huntsville this month. ❖
VHHS Soccer Coach Lauded After Championship Season
Vestavia Hills High School girls’ soccer coach Brigid Littleton recently was named South Region Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Association. Littleton is one of six coaches nationwide to receive the annual award. “I was honored and humbled to receive this award, and I’m thankful for all the people I’ve had around me through the years here,” Littleton said. In addition, Littleton was named NFHS State Brigid Littleton Coach of the Year and Alabama Coach of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in the summer. The awards follow a 2016 season in which the Rebels won the AHSAA 7A state soccer championship and finished with a firstplace national ranking from MaxPreps. “We have great teams of girls who do what they’re supposed to do and stay committed to their goals. This is a reflection of all they do,” she said. This is Littleton’s 13th year coaching VHHS varsity soccer. She also is an honors English teacher at Vestavia Hills High School. ❖
VOLLEYBALL, From page 36
cess. With a record such as that, it’s no surprise that the Lady Spartans dominated the 2016 AllOver the Mountain team, chosen by an exclusive vote of the head volleyball coaches. Four Mountain Brook players were chosen for the squad, and veteran Lady Spartan coach Haven O’Quinn was named Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season. Additionally, Mountain Brook’s outstanding junior libero Lacey Jeffcoat was named 2016 Player of the Year. For the season, Jeffcoat played 148 sets with 858 digs and 73 aces. For a career she has a whopping 1,832 digs with 184 aces and 106 assists. “Lacey is the definition of what you want in the libero position,” O’Quinn said. “She is fearless and is the ultimate competitor. Lacey brings a lot of confidence to our roster and was the game changer for us last season.” O’Quinn is the most successful volleyball coach in Mountain Brook history, leading her team to the Elite Eight in 2013 before going on the three-year championship run. “It’s an honor to be named Coach of the Year by my peers, but it’s really a reflection on the hard work of our players,” she said. “I’m just proud to be a small part of it.” Also chosen from Mountain Brook were Caroline Davies, Libby Grace Gann and Emmy Kilgore. Other players on the All-Over the Mountain team were Anna Donohue and Grace Patterson, Briarwood; Morgan Adamson, Mary Catherine Hart and Sophia Ragusa, John Carroll Catholic; Venice Sanders, Homewood; Kyra Hunter, Olivia Portera, Paige Shaw and Nora Webster, Hoover; Torie Denkers, Kendall Sharbert, Jacoby Sims and Ashley Treace, Oak Mountain; Marlee Johnson and Karlee Moss, Spain Park; Hannah Vines, Vestavia Hills. ❖
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
34 • Thursday, February 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SIGNING DAY
Thursday, February 9, 2017 • 35
SPORTS
By William C. Singleton III Thirty-five Hoover High seniors signed letters of intent on Feb. 1, marking the largest number of student signings during a school-sponsored Athletic Signing Day ceremony. “We had 32 a few years ago, but I believe this is the largest signing day we’ve ever been a part of,” said Andy Urban, Hoover High athletic director. Hoover students signed letters to participate in football, softball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, golf, cross country and track and field on scholarship. Football had the most students signed to scholarships, with 13, followed by baseball with five. Urban said the school will hold another signing day ceremony in April for late signees and for sports that hold their signing periods later. Hoover students who have signed scholarships to play sports on the college level are: Baseball: Garrett Farquhar, Shelton State Community College; Brock Guffey, Wallace State Community College, Hanceville; Drew Guffey, Snead State Community College; Jacob Kopkin, Nicholls State University; Ty Robinson, Denison University; and Tyler Williams, Huntingdon College. Cross Country: Tucker Hill, University of Mobile. Football: Ben Abercrombie, Harvard
University; Markese Brown, Cumberland University; Kholbe Coleman, Bowling Green State University; Kam Ford, Faulkner University; Cortez Hall, University of North Alabama; DeCarlos Hurt, Faulkner University; Jayden Jordan, Sacred Heart University; Ricky Palao, Western Carolina University; Will Singleton, University of North Alabama; C.J. Sturdivant, University of North Alabama; Christon Taylor, University of North Alabama; Jimmy Turnver, Cumberland University; and KJ Vault, Tulane University. Golf: Julie Baker, University of Southern Mississippi; Mychael O’Berry, Auburn University; Tanner Tabor, Millsaps College; and Frankie Wade, University of North Alabama. Soccer: Hayden Cousineau, University of Alabama in Huntsville; Jared Walker, University of West Alabama; and Cole Williams, United States Coast Guard Academy. Softball: Kaley Anthony, Wallace State Community College, Hanceville; Caroline Hart, Spring Hill University; Leslie Norris, Millsaps College; and Abby Tissier, Auburn University. Track and Field: Luke Ballard, University of South Alabama; Will Clark, Harding University; and Caitlyn Little, University of South Carolina. Volleyball: Kyra Hunter, University of New Orleans. ❖
Photo special to the Journal
Record Number of Hoover Athletes Commit
Members of the 2016-17 Spain Park bowling team state champions are from left: Assistant Coach Lillian Singleton, Wyatt Lumsden, Matt Plexico, Ryan Caraway, Tucker Contorno, Andrew Harris, Devin Dowdle, Jalen Johnson, Brady Cooper and Head Coach Stephen Hobbs.
Rolling Pins
Spain Park Wins Another Bowling Crown By Lee Davis
fearlessly and always put the team over individual statistics. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Mountain Brook finished the weekend with a 25-4 record and number three ranking in Class 7A with the region tournaments just around the corner. But if you’re looking to pick another local team to reach the Class 7A Final Four in the office pool, don’t overlook the Hoover Bucs. In girls class 7A, the Hoover Lady Bucs look like they are close to resuming their position of a few years ago, when they were among the elite teams in the state. Coach Krystle Johnson – who as a player led Hoover to a state crown in 2001 – has rekindled the Lady Bucs’ pride and tradition. The road is long and hard, but the chances of Hoover returning to their familiar perch
in the final four seem to look better every week. In boys Class 6A, Homewood is a hardy perennial that always seems to play its best basketball in late Feburary. The Patriots’ record isn’t eye-popping, so many might overlook them. It’s always a mistake to overlook coach Tim Shepler, especially in the post-season. In girls Class 6A, Homewood’s girls team has been a dominant force the entire season. The super freshman class of two years ago has matured into juniors. Standout forward Ajah Wayne has recovered from a devastating knee injury in last season’s championship loss to LeFlore to be a better and more dangerous scorer than ever. The Lady Patriots haven’t missed a beat under new coach Kevin Tubbs, and they look
Journal photo by William C. Singleton III
Hoover High School had 35 seniors sign letters of intent to play college sports. Hoover school officials say it’s the largest number of seniors to sign letters of intent during a school-sponsored Athletic Signing Day.
Spain Park’s boys bowling team wasn’t perfect all season, but the Jaguars definitely were at their best when it counted the most. Facing a Vestavia Hills team that had defeated it twice in the regular season, Spain Park staged a late comeback to defeat the Rebels 1,036899 and earn a second consecutive state championship last week at Oak Mountain Lanes. “We were a better team this year than last, but the competition across the state was so much better,” Jaguar coach Steve Hobbs said. “We were fortunate to win, but our guys bowled outstanding games on the final day of the tournament.” Spain Park defeated Indian Springs, Grissom and HewittTrussville to reach the finals. The Jaguars finished the season with a 16-2 record, with an 8-2 mark in area play. Both losses came against Vestavia. The Rebels led going into the final day of the state meet before Spain Park rallied late to claim the victory. The Jags bowled their best game of the year in Baker game four of the finals. They rolled a 258, including a spare and seven strikes in a row. In
DAVIS, From page 36
Steinert may never coach a team to a state championship, but she’s giving a special group of youngsters something far more valuable than trophies or medals. CONFRONTATION MAY BE COMING…
Anyone who thought the Mountain Brook boys basketball team would have a down year in 2016-17 hasn’t followed the Spartan program very closely over the past few years. Coach Bucky McMillan has built a well-oiled machine that almost seamlessly replaces graduating players with new ones who fit the mold that he demands: athletes who work hard, play
the Baker game format, multiple bowlers alternate frames to bowl one game. “I’m really proud of the fact that in both the finals and semi-finals, we were down after the third game, but we didn’t fold under pressure and
‘The competition is getting better every year. Other schools are making a serious commitment to bowling and that’s going to be good for everybody.’ came back to bowl as well as we have all year,” Hobbs said. Hobbs said his team’s ability to thrive in a championship environment was a key to the victory. “Our average for the state tournament was 197 for the state tournament, 204 in the semi-finals and 207 in the finals,” Hobbs said. “The higher the stakes, the better we bowled.” The electric atmosphere at the championship final helped the Jaguars as well, Hobbs said. “The place was packed with parto be an odds-on favorite to reach their third consecutive final four – and they probably will go even further. INSIDE TRACK….
The Hoover Bucs dominated the state Class 7A indoor track championships last week, claiming both the boys and girls titles by comfortable margins. Homewood brought home the Class 6A girls title, and the Patriot boys team finished a strong second place. There were also some impressive individual champions, but perhaps the biggest winner of all was indoor track in Alabama. At one time in the recent past, indoor track was a stepchild compared to cross-country and outdoor track. One reason was simple: There was not an adequate place to hold the event.
ents and fans,” said Hobbs. “Oak Mountain Lanes had the feel of a bigtime championship match. Then we came out and got strikes and Vestavia got strikes and the crowd became louder and louder. It was a great experience for the kids – and for high school bowling.” Spain Park junior bowler Jalen Johnson had the team’s highest average for the season at 193. Seniors Andrew Harris and Ryan Carraway averaged 190 and 187, respectively. Sophomores Tucker Contorno and Devin Dowdle averaged 187 and 173, respectively. Carraway produced the season’s best individual score, rolling an impressive 264 against Hoover. The Jags also went undefeated in 2014-15 but could not claim a state championship because bowling was not an Alabama High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sport at that time. With only two seniors graduating, Hobbs is excited about Spain Park’s chances for a three-peat but warns that it won’t be easy. “The competition is getting better every year,” he said. “Other schools are making a serious commitment to bowling and that’s going to be good for everybody.” ❖ For years, the event was held in a place called Celebration Arena in Priceville. The venue was better known by its nickname, “the Barn.” A generation of runners has memories of competing in a facility that – while not without a certain charm – was always cold and usually had a few loose boards in the flooring. Eventually “the Barn” was deemed unusable, and indoor track was suspended from 2008 to 2011. The sport was reborn with the opening of the Birmingham Crossplex in 2012, and since that time, it’s just gotten bigger and better. Now indoor track can stand side by side with outdoor and cross country as the third competition option for Alabama’s talented young runners. Sometimes where an event is held really does make a difference. ❖
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017
Rebels Defeat Eagles to Win First Duals Crown P. 34 Spain Park Wins Another Bowling Crown P. 35
Sweeps Month
LEE DAVIS
Soccer Blast Steinert Named TOPSoccer Coach Of the Year
Hoover Takes Boys and Girls Crown, Lady Patriots Claim Title
By Lee Davis
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
While the weather outside the Birmingham Crossplex was cold during the Alabama High School Association indoor track meet last Saturday, the Hoover girls and boys teams were red hot. The Lady Bucs won their fourth consecutive Class 7A championship with 123 points. Mountain Brook finished in the runner-up spot with 78.5 points. In boys competition, Hoover scored 111 points to overwhelm second place Hewitt-Trussville’s 58-point effort. In Class 6A action, Homewood won the girls bracket, easily overcoming runner-up Opelika 151-62. The Patriots boys team, earning 73 points, finished
Hoover’s Tommy McDonough.
Triple Play
second to champion Opelika, which totaled 89. In Class 7A girls individual performances, Caitlyn Little won the 60-meter hurdles for the Lady Bucs, and Hoover took victories in the 4x800 and 4x400 relays. Genesis Jones of Hoover tied the Class 7A record in winning the high jump, at five feet, four inches. Mountain Brook’s Anna Grace Morgan won the 1,600-meter run in a record time of 4:59.96. Nicole Payne of Oak Mountain won the 400-meter dash, breaking her own state record by completing the course in a time of 55.24 seconds. In Class 7A boys individual efforts, Hoover’s Christian Strong won the See TRACK, page 34
Homewood’s Lainey Phelps.
By Lee Davis
The third time was a charm for Mountain Brook in 2016, as the Lady Spartans won the state 7A volleyball championship. Of course, the first and second times were charms as well, as Mountain Brook also claimed the crown in 2014 and 2015. Three titles in a row? Some people might call that a dynasty. Whatever you call the winning streak, it’s an incredible run of sucSee VOLLEYBALL, page 34
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
Three-Time Champs Lead All-OTM Volleyball Team
Members of the 2016 All-Over the Mountain volleyball team include, first row, from left: Torie Denkers and Ashley Treace, Oak Mountain; Anna Donohue and Grace Patterson, Briarwood; Sophia Ragusa and Mary Catherine Hart, John Carroll Catholic. Second row: Kendall Scharbert and Jacoby Sims, Oak Mountain; Karlee Moss, Spain Park; Libby Grace Gann, Emmy Kilgore and Caroline Davies, Mountain Brook; Venice Sanders, Homewood. Not pictured: Lacey Jeffcoat, Mountain Brook; coach Haven O’Quinn, Mountain Brook; Kyra Hunter, Olivia Portera and Nora Webster, Hoover; Morgan Adamson, John Carroll Catholic; Marlee Johnson, Spain Park; and Hannah Vines, Vestavia Hills.
Live More Fully.
Katie Steinert has always had a passion for coaching soccer. She’s coached the game at all levels, but there’s one level that’s closest to her heart – kids with special needs. “There’s just something about teaching soccer and seeing the smiles and hugs you get from the kids that make it a passion for me,” Steinert said. Steinert’s love for coaching kids with special needs led her to become involved with TOPSoccer, a team program for athletes with disabilities. While teaching in the Hoover school system, she volunteered to coach in the TOPSoccer program. Katie Steinert Steinert also worked to promote TOPSoccer through social media and word of mouth. Her work didn’t go unnoticed. Last month, she was honored as the TOPSoccer National Coach of the Year at the U.S. Youth Soccer Awards Gala in Los Angeles. Steinert was in attendance for the event, as she already had been named TOPSoccer Coach of the Year for Alabama and Region III, which includes the entire southeast. “I was surprised to win the national award, as there were so many who were deserving,” Steinert said. “It was really an honor to be chosen.” See DAVIS, page 35
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