OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
SOCIAL
Cookie Fix founder and “Chief Cookie Officer” Amy Jason is thrilled to be featured in the soon-to-bereleased cookbook “50 Things to Bake Before You Die.” See story, page 8.
SPORTS
‘We Cannot Sit Idle’
Brookwood Cardiologist From Poland Launches Foundation For Ukraine
W
By Ally Morrison hen Mountain Brook cardiologist Dr. Jan Skowronski heard about the unrest happening in Ukraine, he knew he had to do something. On March 14, Skowronski announced the launch of Fortuna Clinical Foundation for Ukraine, an initiative that supports medical institutions in Ukraine as well as mothers fleeing the war with children. In an informational video, Skowronski and his team encouraged viewers to donate. “All of my ancestors lived in the area of today’s Ukraine, a beautiful land where Ukrainians, Poles and Jews lived peacefully for centuries,” Skowronski said in the video. “We cannot sit idle.” Being from Wroclaw, Poland, Skowronski holds this cause close to his heart. Although the foundation was established with a separate mission, Skowronski and his team quickly shifted gears upon hearing about the invasion and destruction of Ukraine.
One for the Cookbooks
Journal photo by Ally Morrison
Photo by Karen Askins
Please turn to page 6
Being from Wroclaw, Poland, cardiologist Dr. Jan Skowronski holds this cause close to his heart.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
OTMJ’s Rubin Grant Named a Legend of Alabama Sports Writing
Rubin Grant has been a regular contributor to the Over The Mountain Journal since 2017.
Rubin Grant has been named one of the 50 Legends of the Alabama Sports Writers Association, an honor being given out in conjunction with the association’s 50th anniversary celebration. Grant has been a regular contributor to the Over The Mountain Journal since 2017 and previously spent 25 years at the Birmingham Post-Herald, where he served as prep editor. He has worked as a freelance journalist since 2004 and co-authored “Tales from Alabama Prep Football.” “This is not something I was expecting. I am
‘I owe a debt of gratitude to the sports writers, some of whom are on this list, who took me under their wings when I was in college and showed me the ropes ...’
honored and humbled,” Grant said. “I thank God for gifting me with the ability to write and for being able to turn my love for sports into a career that’s lasted for more than four decades. I also thank my family, my wife, Dena, and my daughter Krystal, for their love and support throughout my career. Grant is a graduate of Carver-Montgomery High and the University of Alabama, where he was the first Black sports editor for the Crimson White student newspaper.
See GRANT, page 10
2 • Thursday, March 24, 2022
OPINION/CONTENTS
Inside
Murphy’s Law
I BIG SURPRISE Mountain Brook Council Chamber named for Sam Gaston PAGE 6
‘STAND IN THE GAP’ Vestavia Hills student-led club hosts Buddy Anderson Serve Day PAGE 10
THE SPORTING LIFE Hallman’s career path lands him in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame PAGE 19
RAISING OF THE GREEN Homewood Rotary Club raises money for students with St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser PAGE 24
ABOUT TOWN NEWS LIFE SOCIAL
4 SENIORS 6 SCHOOLS 8 SPORTS 12
19 24 28
otmj.com With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter. Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area. To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Strollers on the Platform
had another column all ready to fix them, either. All we can do is bring send to you. It was quirky. It was what we have, however small, and whimsical. But then, I was struck offer it up for the effort, trusting that in by a photograph. some minute way, it will make a posi“Struck” is the wrong word. Gifted, tive difference. perhaps. You’ve probably seen the picI’m guessing the Ukrainian women ture. It’s a simple line of strollers on a traveling to Poland had been holding train platform, and the story behind it themselves together for a long time, is simple, as well. The strollers were being brave for the children. They left there by a handful of Polish mothwere tired and terrified and had no ers, left there for Ukrainian moms who idea what would happen when they got would be getting off the next train. off the train. Where would they go? The Polish mothers didn’t know these What would they do? Can you imagine Sue Murphy other women, but they knew that they carrying all that? All they knew was were fleeing their country, leaving that there was a chance that where they homes and husbands and brothers were going would be better than and fathers that they might very The picture made me where they had been. To get off that well never see again. They had train and see a line of strollers left cry, first because of the by welcoming strangers? It makes packed up what little they could carry, picked up their children and horrible senselessness me cry all over again. boarded a train, hoping to get the The Ukrainian immigrants are of the attacks, but also going to need so much more. little ones out of the path of the madman who was destroying their for the simple, open Immediately, they need food and country on an evil, delusional whim. and protection from the beauty of the gesture. shelter The picture made me cry, first bombs. Going forward, they will because of the horrible senselessneed a future, a path, a place for ness of the attacks, but also for the rebuilding and healing. It’s bound to simple, open beauty of the gesture. be a long, painful road, but right We all know the story of Jesus’ multiplication of a now, if they can go to sleep knowing that they are not handful of loaves and fishes to feed a crowd of thoualone in all this, it will be a good place to start. You and sands, but the part of the story that is sometimes overI, we can help make that happen. looked is that someone, some say a child, brought the I’ll send my other column out later. It will still be loaves to the table to begin with, a small, open offering quirky. It will still be whimsical. But, I needed to send that went to the very heart of our collective hunger. you this one now. It is the barley loaf that I have. In times of horror, such as we are witnessing now, it There will always be people who are suffering, is easy to feel helpless. Think back to 9/11, to the sometimes in situations immediate and desperate, school shootings, to tornadoes that all too often rip sometimes quiet and long and deep, and I hope each of through our area leaving unspeakable destruction in us stays aware of what loaves we have in our keeping. I their wake. For as much as we would like to, we can’t hope we see our strollers and know exactly where they should go. keep these things from happening. And sadly, we can’t
Over the Mountain Views Beads, Bling and Bowties
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
March 24, 2022 JOU RNAL Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writer: Ally Morrison Photographer: Jordan Wald Sports: Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd
Above, Holland and Leesa Green Below, Laura Wisdom and April Farrelly
Vol. 32, No. 16
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 2022 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.
Shades of purple, yellow and green filled Homewood’s Central Park on March 1 as children and their parents celebrated Mardi Gras. Moms Club of Birmingham-East hosted the Kids’ Mardi Gras Parade and encouraged parents to decorate wagons and strollers. Sequin masks and vibrant bowties seemed to be the popular attire for the whimsical celebration in Homewood.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 3
4 • Thursday, March 24, 2022
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
MAR 24 - APR 7 Through April 3, 2022 Significant Other
There is something for everyone at the Dogwood Festival!
April Events
From Cocoa Beans to Chocolate: Story Walk A part of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Family Fun Days, guests will enjoy a walk in the Gardens’ Conservatory to learn how cacao beans are processed into delicious treats. When: 9-10 a.m. Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Ales & Tales
Hosted by the Junior Board of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, guests will enjoy live entertainment and raffles to benefit the Lindy Harrell Predoctoral Scholars in Alzheimer’s Research at UAB. When: 12-5 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Co.
Running for the Bulls
6: Dogwood Luncheon
Bama Bully Rescue Inc. will have its third Running for the Bulls 5K and Fun Run event at Oak Mountain State Park. Participants are welcome to run/ walk with or without a dog. This is a family and fur friendly event to raise money for the organizations rescue of bully breed dogs from shelters.. When: 9 a.m. Where: Oak Mountain State Park
7: Mastering Happy Hour 7: Party on the Patio 8: VHHS RISE Day 8: Spring Yard Judging Begins 9: Dogwood Dink
Pickleball Tournament 15: Easter Eggstravaganza
March 31-April 10
16: Battle of the Bands
Always A Bridesmaid
18: Historical Society Presents:
Who Designed Vestavia Hills? 19: Dogwood Prayer Breakfast 21: Dogwood Days Farmer’s Market:
Liberty Park 22: Concert Series: Sean Michael Ray 23: Garden Club Yard Sale 23: Wing Ding 24: Heights Hangout
In the hilarious comedy, four friends have sworn to keep the promise they made on the night of their Senior Prom: to be in each other’s weddings…no matter what. Hop on this marriage-go-round for a laughout-loud journey of bridesmaids as they navigate the choppy waters of love and matrimony. When: Showtimes vary Where: Homewood Theatre
Company at Virginia Samford Theatre
This 1970 musical comedy revolves around Robert, a single man unable to commit fully to a steady relationship, the five married couples who are his best friends, and his three girlfriends. When: Showtimes vary Where: Virginia Samford Theatre
Scan for detailed event info or visit https://bit.ly/ Dogwood_Fest
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Sat., April 2 Best Buddies Friendship Walk Join Best Buddies for a day of fun, family, fitness, and friendship on the #1 walk in the country raising awareness and funds for individuals with all levels of intellectual and developmental
3/17/22 4:55 PM
Photos courtesy
The 2022 Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival activities celebrate all of the incredible things Vestavia Hills has to offer!
Sat., March 26
Scholarship Celebration Committee members are, seated, from left: Paula Gossett, Rhonda Orr (chair) and Robin Greer. Standing: Julie Cundiff, Eugenia Burch, Inga Clum, Chizuru Elliott, Sharon Smith, Julie Taylor and Kristen Comer. Not pictured: P.A. Carmichael, Wendy Cook, Aimee Dykes, Katharine Faucett, Susan Hill and Kathryn Woodruff.
Broadway Lights
Legacy League Event Includes Concert by Liz Callaway Tony Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Liz Liz Callaway Callaway will perform a 90-minute concert at Samford Legacy League’s 13th annual Scholarship Celebration on April 21. Callaway starred in the original casts of “Baby,” “The Three Musketeers” and “Miss Saigon” and received widespread acclaim for singing “Memory” in her longstanding role as Grizabella in “Cats.” She also has sung in numerous animated features. She sang the Academy Award-nominated song “Journey to the Past” in “Anastasia” and is the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin and the King of Thieves” and “The Return of Jafar.” Her animated voice work also includes characters in “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride” and “The Swan Princess.” The league’s annual Scholarship Celebration will include a reception, seated dinner and the concert. Proceeds help provide Samford University scholarships for students who have faced challenges, including homeless-
SPRING PLANT SALE
Tues., April 5 Taste For A Cure
The Parkinson Association of Alabama will host a fundraiser benefiting medical research efforts. Participating restaurants include: Kathy G, Lil Donkey, La Fresca, Pastry Art and American Cookie Company. When: 5:30 p.m. Where: Haven
ness, violence, abandonment and the death or disability of a parent. The reception and dinner are presented by Samford Dining by Sodexo, and the Liz Callaway concert is presented by Vulcan Materials Company. Other sponsors include Friends of the Samford Legacy League, EBSCO, Altec, Baptist Health System, Hoar Construction, John 3:16, Marathon Electrical Contractors, Medical Properties Trust and Regions. The event will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Reservations are required and range from $120 to $150 per person. Find more information and make online reservations at samford.edu/legacyleague. Members of this year’s scholarship celebration committee are Paula Gossett, Rhonda Orr, Robin Greer, Julie Cundiff, Eugenia Burch, Inga Clum, Chizuru Elliott, Sharon Smith, Julie Taylor, Kristen Comer, P.A. Carmichael, Wendy Cook, Aimee Dykes, Katharine Faucett, Susan Hill and Kathryn Woodruff.
April 8-9
disabilities. Participants will enjoy food, entertainment, and fun at the post-walk celebration.When: 10 a.m. Where: Oak Mountain State Park
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
Spring into Fun!
From the critically acclaimed writer of Bad Jews, Joshua Harmon will take the crowd along for the journey of Jordan Berman’s hunt for love. When: Showtimes vary Where: Birmingham Festival Theatre
Grow your green thumb and get ready for spring planting by shopping hard-to-find plants specially selected for the region by expert volunteer growers. Friday’s sale will be for members only. Saturday’s sale will be open to the public. When: Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Vestavia Hills’ Revamps Dogwood Festival
Vestavia Hills’ Dogwood Festival is the state’s longest-running dogwood festival, having occurred annually in some form since 1964. The original format for the festival had events spanning over the course of a month but, according to Vestavia Hills Communication Specialist Cinnamon McCulley, this year’s festival has been reworked. The collection of events began in March and continue through April. “We have so many incredible spaces and quality-of-life amenities in Vestavia Hills and want our residents to have multiple opportunities to experience and enjoy them all.” McCulley said. Dogwood Festival Committee
SAVE THE DATE Sat., April 9 Hop ’N Shop Homewood
Join the businesses of 18th Street to hunt for coupons, candy and more while you shop for Easter. Keep your eyes and ears open for a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny who will be hopping around downtown. When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: The Shops of Downtown Homewood, 18th Street
members helping to plan the festivities include Jeff Downes, Cinnamon McCulley, Karen Odle, Katherine McRee, Anne Boston, Marty Martin, Bob Barker, April Godsey, Kris Reek, Lauren Lawrence, and Paige Carpenter. Some of this year’s Dogwood Festival events include:
VHHS RISE Day: 4-10 p.m., Vestavia Hills High School
Wednesday, April 6
Who Designed Vestavia Hills: 2 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Dogwood Luncheon: 11 a.m., Vestavia Country Club Thursday, April 7
Mastering Happy Hour: 2-6:30 p.m., Vestavia City Center Party on the Patio: 3-8:30 p.m., The Heights Village Friday, April 8
Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 5
Friday, April 15
Easter Eggstravaganza: 11 a.m., Wald Park Saturday, April 16
Battle of the Bands: 5-9 p.m., Rocky Ridge Business District (Plaza) Monday, April 18
Thursday, April 21
Dogwood Days Farmers Market: 4:30-7:30 p.m., Liberty Park, Provence Park For a complete list of events and more information visit: https://bit.ly/ Dogwood_Fest
SPRING BREAK Tues., April 12 In partnership with CLOSE TO HOME the Birmingham ADVENTURES All In Mountain Brook Holocaust Education Check out our Mountain Brook Schools Center, Red suggestions for and Mountain Brook football Mountain Theatre will fun things to do presents Damon West, host Baleigh Nelson’s next week! keynote speaker, best selling Samford University PAGE 11 author and college professor. Catalyst Project, with the West will present information free one-time showing of My Broken and education in three key areas: Doll. The one-hour play will follow Alcohol and substance awareness, the life of Beatrice Karp during the Mental health and wellness, and Holocaust. When: 2:30-4:00 p.m. Safety and preventable injuries. Where: Red Mountain Theatre Arts When: 6 p.m. Where: Mountain Campus Brook High School
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6 • Thursday, March 24, 2022
NEWS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
‘We Cannot Sit Idle’ Continued from Page One
“The original purpose of the foundation was for medical education,” Skowronski said. “But given the circumstances and the situation, we had to use it as a vehicle to help Ukraine. I knew I had to do it when the first rockets landed.” “I am unhappy that I had to do it, but I feel
‘First, I want to educate people on why they should care about a war happening thousands of miles away. Additionally, the foundation serves as a way to help people in need. These people are in dire (straits), and funds have to go out quickly. Time is everything.’ DR. JAN SKOWRONSKI
Photos courtesy
called to help. It has been absolutely revolting what is happening in the world in the last three weeks.” On March 12, Skowronski sat with his phone and sent a link to the video to all of the contacts he recently had spoken to. “I sent the texts around 1:30 p.m., and at 2 o’clock my phone rang,” Skowronski said. “A friend asked if he could come over. When he did, he handed me a check for $11,000. He said he saw the video and his wife cried. He is a great neighbor and a great friend.” Skowronski, who also is chair of Icarus, a global cardiovascular conference for medical education, has two hopes for his foundation in the future – education and support. “First, I want to educate people on why they should care about a war happening thousands of miles away,” Skowronski said. “Additionally, the foundation serves as a way to help people in need. These people are in dire (straits), and funds have to go out quickly. Time is everything.”
Above and left: Fortuna Clinical Foundation provides support to a refugee center in Yazlovets in southern Ukraine, where a 17th century palace has been turned into a center for mothers with children and orphans.
Contacts Under Fire
During the interview, Skowronski took a phone call from Sister Julia, a nun in Ukraine. The nun, who resides in southern Ukraine, told Skowronski she and others were coming out of the bunker after a mass of Russian rockets darted through the sky just above them. “There is a bombardment somewhere,” Skowronski said as he translated the call. “She said she has never experienced anything like this.” Skowronski spoke with Sister Julia on March 16 via video chat about the designation of funds. “We are funding a transport of medical goods from Poland to Ivano-Frankivsk that will be departing soon,” Skowronski said. He said the funds will be designated to a local hospital in Buchach, 10 miles north of the refugee center, for medicines and single-
use supplies. In addition, funds will be used to provide gas and to build a playground for refugee children, as the center found itself with a lot
of small kids. “The nuns have no need for hoops and swings, but the refugee children do,” Skowronski said.
As of now, Fortuna Clinical Foundation provides support to a refugee center in Yazlovets in southern Ukraine, where a 17th century palace has been turned into a center for mothers with children and orphans. On the morning of March 17, donations totaled more than $40,000 – money raised just from Skowronski’s contacts.
Working on Hearts
Skowronski attended medical school for interventional cardiology in Poland and completed his rotations in London and Chicago. When asked why he chose his profession, Skowronski stated, “It’s all about saving lives.” “It’s a neat thing to be able to save someone’s life,” Skowronski said. “We just saved one this morning. He had a heart attack. We took him to the cath lab, and he will probably go home tomorrow.” He moved to Birmingham after spending 13 years in the Chicago, Illinois, area working with OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. “A good friend of mine is one of the fundamental names of interventional cardiology,” Skowronski said. “His name is Gary Roubin, and he worked at Brookwood. When he approached me and asked if I would move to Birmingham, I thought he was out of his mind. But he encouraged me to come visit, and I liked it.” Skowronski has now been with Brookwood and Cardiovascular Associates for four years. For more information or to donate to Fortuna Clinical Foundation, visit fortunaclinical.com.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 7
NEWS
A Little Planning, a Big Surprise as Mountain Brook Council Chamber Named for Gaston
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
name for the chamber was revealed in bold letters: Sam S. Gaston Council Chamber. “We want you to be recognized for years to come,” Welch said. “We want to dedicate the City Council chamber in your name.” A roaring applause ensued, and Gaston took to the podium to thank city officials, members of the City Council
Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston at last week’s city council meeting in the newly renamed Sam S. Gaston Council Chamber.
By Ally Morrison Family, friends and colleagues of Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston gathered at Mountain Brook City Hall March 14 for a surprise ceremony during which a new council chamber name would later be revealed. Gaston thought he was going to a routine City Council meeting. As he walked into the room he had been in just hours before to change a clock battery, Gaston was both surprised and confused to see not only a full room – but a room full of his closest friends and family. “I walked into a big crowd, and thought, what’s going on? Am I in trouble?” Gaston said. As Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch took to the podium, he began
thanking Gaston for his commitment to the city and people of Mountain Brook. “I wanted to take a minute to thank you,” Welch said. “To thank you for your years of service, and to thank you for all that you’ve done for our city. I was trying to think of one word to describe you, and my wife came up with two: the rock. I can confidently say that is appropriate, Sam is the rock. He is the foundation for which this city has grown for almost 30 years. Any time I have a question, I know I can go to Sam and get a great answer.” “So Sam, we wanted to take a second to say thank you, but we actually wanted to memorialize you.” As chamber members pulled the strings of a banner tacked above the doors of the council chamber, a new
and others in the chamber. “This is quite a surprise,” Gaston said. “I am caught completely off guard. I have been a very blessed man, thank you so much. It’s a great pleasure to be with the city of Mountain Brook, and I greatly appreciate this. This is a wonderful tribute and I hope I continue to live up to that tribute in the future. When asked what it meant to him to
be memorialized in such a way, Gaston was almost at a loss for words. “It’s hard to put it into words,” Gaston said. “It was a wonderful surprise and something I have never expected. When you love what you do and every day is a pleasure, time goes by fast. We’ve built a great team here. I can say this without any hesitation, 95% of the time, it’s not a job. It’s fun.”
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LIFE
8 • Thursday, March 24, 2022
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
On the Page With Legends Over the Mountain’s Own Cookie Fix to Be Featured in “50 Things to Bake Before You Die”
C
By Ally Morrison
ing with a business degree from the University of Alabama, Jason began her professional career in pharmaceutical sales. When her second child was born, she made the decision to leave the business world and stay home with her children. Jason continued her baking, and after she started making a name for herself strictly by word of mouth, her hobby turned into her next venture.
ookie Fix founder and “Chief Cookie Officer” Amy Jason is thrilled to be featured in the soon-to-be-released cookbook “50 Things to Bake Before You Die.” The book features a mix of local bakeries and well-known figures in the culinary world. Author Allyson Reedy found Cookie Fix with a quick internet search. Asking Google for “Best cookies in the Southeast,” Reedy stumbled upon Homewood’s cookie heaven. “Allyson emailed me last fall to introduce herself,” Jason said. “She said she was writing this book, and she name-dropped some well-known bakers who were going
Far left: ulyssespress. Left: Karen Askins Above: Cookie Fix
to be in it. She mentioned JoAnne Chang, who has been a mentor and an inspiration to me. I told Allyson if she put me next to JoAnne, I would absolutely give her a recipe.” The cookbook includes a vast collection of dessert recipes from the greatest bakers and celebrity chefs to small-town café owners and quality restaurateurs. Featured as the second recipe in the cookbook – and right next to Jason’s personal baking icon – is a Cookie Fix fan favorite, the Plain Jane cookie. “I gave Allyson a few options when it came to recipes,” Jason said. “But when describing the Plain Jane, it became very appealing to her when I described it as a combination of a sugar and oatmeal cookie rolled in Sugar in the Raw, with a secret ingredient that I used to not tell.” When Jason started telling people the secret ingredient was cream cheese, loyal Plain Jane followers started doubling their orders. When Reedy asked for a recipe, Jason knew the Plain Jane needed to be added to the repertoire. “Plain Jane is such a hit,” Jason said. “It can
“I built up a very strong base of friends and neighbors who knew me for cookies,” Jason said. “People were placing orders and coming to my house to pick up. I didn’t have social media. It was all just word of mouth. I had a lot of great mentors who encouraged me to take a bold step and find a place to call my own. I took that leap of faith about six years ago.” Jason said she found her love for baking as a young girl with a big sweet tooth. “My mom was a very good cook, but she was not a huge sweets person,” Jason said. “She baked some, but not often. My dad and I have always had gigantic sweet tooths. I would get these huge smiles from him when I would make something sweet. Other than the ‘I love sweets’ aspect, pleasing my dad and sharing those moments with him is what sparked my joy.” After realizing her love for baking, Jason landed on her focus of cookies for their ease and accessibility. “Cookies are the humble item on the list of baking,” Jason said. “They are easy, friendly and unassuming. I love them because you don’t have to wait on a special occasion, meal or day to have a cookie. In my opinion, a cookie is always a good idea. It’s always what I reach for as a mid-afternoon snack.” Now, with more than 80 flavors on a rotating menu, Cookie Fix has three locations: Homewood, Cahaba Heights and most recently, Huntsville.
‘My dad and I have always had gigantic sweet tooths. I would get these huge smiles from him when I would make something sweet. Other than the ‘I love sweets’ aspect, pleasing my dad and sharing those moments with him is what sparked my joy.” COOKIE FIX FOUNDER AMY JASON
be dressed up in a lot of ways. I’ve topped it with fresh fruit, whip cream and lemon curd, and layered them to make strawberry shortcake.”
A Different Kind of Sales
Jason has been in Birmingham for 32 years and lives in Vestavia Hills. Shortly after graduat-
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
By Ally Morrison
I0HUH1 – I owe Huh one UAB’s Huh Given National Award for Work With Cancer Society
Journal photo by Ally Morrison
Each year, the American Cancer Society carefully selects winners of the St. George National Award based on continuous leadership, commitment and dedication to the society’s mission. This year, the society plans to present 13 awards across the country. Among the recipients is Dr. Warner K. Huh, chair and medical director at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. A statement from ACS Alabama said Huh’s involvement with the society has been significant. For more than 23 years, Huh has actively served as a speaker, presenter, researcher and volunteer for the society. “Dr. Huh is very deserving of this award,” Kristi Lovell, senior manager of strategic partnerships for the society, said in the statement. “This is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are thrilled to present it to him. It is an honor to work with him.” During his time with UAB, Huh has served in many leadership roles. He has been vice-chair of gynecology as well as a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the UAB School of Public Health. Additionally, Huh acted as director and senior scientist of UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Ovarian Cancer Program, along with being medical director of the O’Neal Cancer Service Line.
Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 9
LIFE
Dr. Warner K. Huh, chair and medical director at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, center, with Jeff Fehlis, executive vice president of ACS South Region, left and Letitia Thompson, vice President of the Cancer Control for the South Region, right.
A reception was held for Huh’s award presentation March 15 in the cancer center’s atrium, where Huh was surprised by friends, family and colleagues. Before awarding Huh with a
plaque, Barry Sleckman, director of the center, spoke about Huh’s dedication to science and to patients. “Warner has really committed his career to preventing, understanding and treating women’s cancers,”
Smoke on the Falls
Sleckman said. “He is an amazing physician, and I have experienced that firsthand. “I had been with UAB for only a month when I had a terrible bike accident. The only cell phone number
I had was Warner’s. I told him I was in the emergency room, and he replied with, ‘I’ll be right there.’ He took me home to my apartment that day and picked me up for surgery the next. Warner provides that care to all of his patients.” Sleckman continued by unfolding a piece of paper from his jacket pocket. “I brought with me a license plate Dr. Huh was given about a year ago by one of his patients that reads I0HUH1 – I owe Huh one,” Sleckman said. “It was from a woman he treated awhile ago to thank him for his wonderful care. He truly is a wonderful physician, colleague and friend.” Jeff Fehlis, executive vice president of ACS South Region, also sang Birmingham’s praises as he handed the award to Huh. “It gives me great pleasure to recognize you,” Fehlis said. “This is the top award we give to a volunteer for the impact they have. It says a lot that there have been so many winners in Birmingham.” After Huh received the award, he thanked the ACS for the impact the organization has had on his career. “I have very much enjoyed working with the American Cancer Society,” Huh said. “The ACS helped me launch my research career with a research scholar grant. I credit the ACS for that. I’ve always enjoyed volunteering for this organization, and I’m deeply grateful for this award.”
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involved in something outside of football. That means a lot to the students who don’t play football who were there volunteering.” Bass was ecstatic about the number of volunteers who came out to participate. “It was a great day, better than I envisioned,” Bass said. “We had every generation represented from kids in elementary school to older adults. It
‘We had every generation represented from kids in elementary school to older adults. It was amazing to see, especially seeing the young kids who were there learning what it means to serve.’
‘Stand in the Gap’ Vestavia Hills Student-Led Club Hosts Buddy Anderson Serve Day
By Rubin E. Grant Vestavia Hills High School senior Nathaniel Bass wanted to do something special to honor the Rebels’ legendary football coach. So, Bass, president emeritus of a student-led club at Vestavia Hills,
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organized the first Buddy Anderson Serve Day. The school’s One Birmingham Service Club hosted the event last Saturday at Christian Service Mission in Avondale. “Our club believes that community is built through serving alongside one another,” Bass said. “Coach Anderson selflessly and faithfully served the Vestavia Hills community and the Birmingham area throughout his years as head coach of the Rebels.” More than 100 students and others from the community volunteered to pack 600 food boxes for families of Cornerstone Schools of Alabama and Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Birmingham. Volunteers also sorted items donated to CSM and worked in the organization’s community gardens. Anderson, who retired at the end of
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VESTAVIA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR NATHANIEL BASS
volunteer, they were standing in the gap for people by putting their hands and feet to work for someone else,” Anderson said. Anderson also shared in the work and was thrilled to see new Rebels football coach Robert Evans and several of Vestavia Hills’ current football players among the volunteers. “I thought everything went great,” Anderson said. “I saw a couple of teachers and a couple of parents and a couple of my former players. It was good to see Robert there and see him
was amazing to see, especially seeing the young kids who were there learning what it means to serve.” The group worked efficiently. “We were supposed to take three hours packing the boxes,” Bass said, “but we were done in 1½ hours, so we started doing some other things. It was a great reminder of the importance of serving others.” Bass, who attends Shades Mountain Baptist Church, said that’s the mission of One Birmingham Service Club, formerly called the Vestavia Hills High School Habitat for Humanity. “We are called to love our neighbor and that’s what we try to do,” Bass said. “Our name change reflects our desire to better know and love our neighbors across the Birmingham community because there are a lot of people dealing with homelessness and food insecurity. We also are working toward racial reconciliation.”
nominations from the ASWA membership and included numerous rounds of voting by the selection committee, which was primarily made up of the sitting executive council. Among those joining Grant on the list are: Clyde Bolton, Paul Finebaum, Hoyt Harwell, Cecil Hurt and Kevin Scarbinsky. The 50 will be honored during the 2022 ASWA Awards Banquet on June 12, in Birmingham. “I owe a debt of gratitude to the
sports writers, some of whom are on this list, who took me under their wings when I was in college and showed me the ropes, and the copy editors who always managed to improve my work,” Grant said. “Of course, none of it would have been possible without the athletes and coaches who trusted me to tell their stories and the readers who made what I do worthwhile.” —Virginia Martin
Above, Buddy Anderson, center, with Vestavia Hills High School students Nathaniel Bass and Molly Steur at the first Buddy Anderson Serve Day. Members of the school’s One Birmingham Service Club, top and above right, hosted the event last Saturday at Christian Service Mission in Avondale.
the 2020 football season after 43 years as the Rebels’ head football coach, spoke to the group about servant leadership before the work began. He told them about the importance of standing in the gap for others and keeping the main things the main things. He shared an emotional story about a friend of his who died in combat during the Vietnam War after jumping on a grenade to protect his fellow soldiers from the blast. “He stood in the gap for his unit and I told them that by being there to
GRANT From page one
Last year, he was given the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s 2021 Mel Allen Media Award. In 1981, he won the ASWA’s Herby Kirby Award, and he was inducted into the Birmingham Barons Hall of Fame after 25 years of covering the team. Selection of the legends began with
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal file photos by Jordan Wald
Ruffner Mountain
With a mission to advance the understanding of ecology, Ruffner Mountain offers a variety of educational programs and 14 miles of trails to encourage visitors to learn something new. One thousand acres offer visitors an opportunity to chase sunsets, hike the trails and watch for birds during spring break. The Nature Center is a favorite of many Ruffner regulars, housing a wide array of native species including turtles and snakes. For more information, visit ruffnermountain.org.
Close-to-Home Options for Spring Break Adventures Parents looking for a way to entertain their kids over spring break have a plethora of options in the Birmingham area. From outdoor activities at the zoo, the gardens, Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain Park; to fun science at McWane Center; and educational outings at the Museum of Art, Sloss Furnaces and Vulcan Park, these attractions have the bases covered.
Birmingham Zoo
Experience wildlife at the Birmingham Zoo. Spanning 122 acres, the zoo contains 550 animals, including endangered species from six continents. This spring break, the zoo is offering kids ages 5-11 a chance to enroll in a Spring Break Camp. During the weeklong adventure, campers will participate in all the zoo’s signature activities: giraffe feeding, keeper chats, Red Diamond Express Train and other activities For more information, visit birminghamzoo.com.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Open 365 days a year, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is filled with more than 30 thematic gardens, each classified into one of three types: gardens of collections, gardens of nature and gardens of culture. Having more than 12,000 different plants in its living collections, the 67.5-acre property is the most visited free attraction in Alabama. The Gardens are open to the pub-
Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 11
LIFE Sloss Furnaces
Once the largest manufacturer of pig iron in the world, the web of pipes and towering stoves that is Sloss Furnaces is a glimpse into Birmingham’s extensive industrial background. Upon arrival, a self-guided tour brochure leads visitors around the property, teaching guests about the iron-production process and past faces of Sloss. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to watch introductory videos, read storyboards of Sloss history, browse the art gallery and take home a souvenir from the Gift Shop. For more information, visit slossfurnaces.com.
Vulcan Park
Check out the largest cast-iron statue in the world. Vulcan was cast from local iron ore and designed by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti. Inside Vulcan’s museum, visitors can find a historical timeline of the city of Birmingham. During spring break, Fresh Air Family’s award-winning Gross Out Camp will be held at Vulcan Park. Campers in grades 1-4 will explore the trail, dig for worms, race roly-polies, build debris shelters and perform experiments, all for the love of science. For more information, go to visitvulcan.com.
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Birmingham Museum of Art
Birmingham Museum of Art has the mission to spark the creativity, imagination and liveliness of Birmingham residents. Dating from ancient to modern times, a diverse collection of more than 27,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts are housed in the museum. While visiting, be sure to check out the Museum Shop, and don’t forget to soak up the spring sunshine in the outdoor sculpture garden. For more information, visit artsbma.org.
McWane Science Center
Visit the McWane Science Center for a fun week at Camp McWane. Designed for grades K-6. Uncovering dinosaurs, exploring the ocean and examining forensic evidence are all a possibility for campers during spring break at the McWane Center. Camps are available in half-days or full days. For more information, visit mcwane.org.
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RED CARPET READY Mitchell’s Place Returns With Its A Night at the Oscars
M Journal photos by Jordan Wald
itchell’s Place hosted the red carpet-inspired Night at the Oscars Gala at Haven on March 19. The annual event is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. Guests were treated to a reception, seated dinner provided by Hastings Catering and live and silent auctions. Music was provided by Emerald Empire Band. Proceeds from the event benefit Mitchell’s Place and its assortment of early intervention programs that support children affected by autism. ❖
Brian and Jill Murphy
Gaines and Anna Zarzour
Matthew and Anna LaPere and Cody Nall and Harris Richie
Lori Edlin and Natalie Meisler
Miranda and Jeremy Cranfield Jack Shaeffer, Melanie Petro and Allen Meisler
Rachel Green, Katy Stanford and Nancy Moreland
Matt and Mindy Dennis
Jerry and Shelley Clark Kylie Drummond, Shena Brown and Britt Puckett
Anthony Paulin, Francie and Jay Holmes
Charlie Welker and Melanie Appell
Robert Ashline and Destiny Sims Deana and George Christian Hank and Ashley Adams and Mara Kevin Liles
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Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 13
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
SOCIAL
Brandon Cummings, Jessica Poor, Cameron Shelvin and Nick White
Brad Edmonds and Cathryn Schrader
A Tip of the Hat
Rotaract Club of Birmingham’s 2022 Foundation Ball Recognizes Leaders The Rotaract Club of Birmingham gathered at Regions Field on March 12 to highlight leaders in the community. Inducted into the organizations 2022 Foundation Ball Hall of Fame were: Lindsy Gardner and Erica Murphy, Rotary Club of Shades Valley; John Martin and Counce Drinkard, Birmingham Sunrise Rotary Club; Brenda Hackney and Sanjay Singh, Rotary Club of Birmingham; Caitlin Mullin and Marcus Williams, Rotaract Club
of Birmingham. The club’s hall of fame-themed black-tie event, hosted in partnership with its Rotary Charter, featured live music, raffles and food and drinks. Proceeds from the event go to the club’s three main signature service projects: Achieve Alabama, Ready2Succeed and Ready2Read. Following the ball, an after-party was held at The Fennec. ❖
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Spring Break – Spring Broken This is the time of year for new beginnings. This is the time of year for renewal. This is the time of year for fresh starts. This is the time of year that we give away the clothes that are tired or no longer fit us. This is the time of year that we deep clean our homes and finally gets the cobwebs out of the corners. It’s also the time when students all over the country take a break from school. Unfortunately some will not return to school because the Spring Break at the beach derailed their lives with drug charges, alcohol, and many other activities that happened on the ‘get away’. For instance last year Texas reported more than 400 automobile accidents due to drunk driving resulting in 11 deaths and over 40 hospitalizations during that period. There’s a message on t-shirt out there that reads, “went on vacation, came home on probation”. This is so true. If you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol and/or drugs it’s time to take action and get help. Take the initiative and face the problems now before it gets out of control with legal issues or worse yet, death. Bayshore Retreat is the perfect choice to help make a fresh start in life and with only 6 clients at a time it is the safest place to do it. We understand the fears, shame and self-loathing of going to rehab. Coming to Bayshore Retreat is a gift not a punishment. Bayshore Retreat is different and can make a difference. Call us today.
Celebrity Sighting
Inspiring Others Hoover Service Club Raises Funds Through Its Hearts in Harmony Event
Hoover Service Club hosted its signature Hearts in Harmony event March 5. With the theme “Inspiring Others,” the event featured silent and live auctions and a seated dinner. It took place at Hoover Country Club, and the emcee was Reggie Torbor, a New York Giants Superbowl champion and 8-year NFL veteran. Proceeds of the semi-annual event are used to raise funds for community outreach. All monies raised are distributed as scholarships to deserving Hoover students and to support worthy programs in the community. Special guests of the event included Hoover Fire Chief Clay Bentley and his wife, Julie. ❖
Antiques Roadshow Appraiser Meets The Antiquarian Society of Birmingham
Photos courtesy
by Judy Butler
Antiques Roadshow appraiser Stuart Whitehurst led an interactive presentation for The Antiquarian Society of Birmingham during a Feb. 9 meeting. Whitehurst is co-founder and owner of Marvin & Whitehurst Appraisal Group in Florida and is a skilled decorative arts appraiser on the well-known PBS series Antiques Roadshow. Members were asked to bring a sentimental piece from their homes to the meeting, which offered an opportunity for Whitehurst to shape his presentation around the examination of each object. As Whitehurst inspected each piece, a story or historical fact was offered, along with the occasional suggestion of monetary value. After the presentation, members had lunch on tables with decorative tablescapes featuring antique collections by member Judy Anderson. Attending the meeting were Amanda Adams, Julia Anderson, Cary Baker, Susan Bell, Emily Blount, Redonda Broom, Kirke Cater, Elaine Clark, Mary Lynda Crockett, Martha Lee Culp, Susan Dasher, Carolyn Delk, CeCe Dillard, Carolyn Drennen, Vickie Drummond, Marsha Duell, Jane Ellis, Fran Fendley, Marjorie Forney, Joann Fox, Claire Goodhew, Anne Green, Charmion Hain, Judith Hand, Jean Hendrickson, Vera Henley, Sandra Holley, Dottie Hoover, Sara Jackson, Annalisa Jager and Nancy Jones. Becky Keyes, Barbara Klyce, Elizabeth Koleszar, Janet Krueger, Anne Lamkin, Lesley Lewis,
Judy Long, Laura Wallace, Betty Northen, Becky Keyes and Angela Comfort
Antiques Roadshow appraiser Stuart Whitehurst
Audrey Lundquist, Cookie Logan, Judy Long, Terri Lyon, Tainey Marcoux, Rebecca Mason, Gina Martin, Betty Northen, Meridith Peeples, Barbara Petzold, Beverly Phillips, Helen Pittman, Kathryn Porter, Margie Preston, Gail Pugh, Lucy Richardson, Carla Roberson, Donald Roth, Phyllis Russell, Ann Sanders, Janeal Shannon, Nancy Skinner, Jan Smith, Linda Stewart, Rhetta Tatum, Rebekah Taylor, Nan Teninbaum, Nancy
Annalisa Jager and Lucy Richardson
Terrell, Carole Thomas, Ellen Tucker, Amy Tully, Diana Turnipseed, Elizabeth Wallace, Liz
Elouise Williams and Anna Williams
Warren, Jeanna Westmoreland, Lynda Whitney and Elouise Williams. ❖
Journal photos by Ally Morrison
Rehab Reality...
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Shane and Mitzi Eaker with Michelle and Reggie Torbor
Barry and Mindy Rayburn
Beth and John Lyda
Elouise Williams and Anna Williams
Elaine Thompson and Diane Thomas
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Journal photos by Jordan Wald
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Above, Ty Goddard, Steven French, Brenda Gibson, Chris Wilson, Michelle Gels, Andrew Hancock, Julie Antee, Mellanie Franklin and Andrew French. Below Nancy Gowens, Molly Bee Bloetscher and Steve and Cynthia Issis.
One Starry Night
Char and Rick Bonsack, Roger and Beth Clarke
SUMMER FUN
Assistance League Gala Benefits Underserved Children and Seniors Assistance League of Birmingham hosted its signature fundraiser, One Starry Night Gala, March 10 at The Club. Guests were treated to dinner, live music from The Bassmen and a live auction presented by C King Benefit Auctions. The event honored Andrew Hancock, division president of D.R. Horton America’s Builder. Proceeds from the event benefit three philanthropic programs that serve underserved elementary school children and seniors in the Birmingham area. ❖
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Hello Again!
After Two Years, Pickwick Dance Club’s Membership Luncheon Returns
AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
Photos courtesy
April 8–9
The Pickwick Dance Club held its annual membership luncheon Feb. 23 at Birmingham Country Club after a two-year intermission because of the pandemic. The chatter of 70 longtime friends filled the Terrace Garden room at the Country Club of Birmingham as Kelley Gage gave details of an upcoming spring party featuring The Swingin’ Medallions. Charlotte Kearney was in charge of the luncheon and the pink table toppers with pink hydrangeas. ❖ Dottie Kent, Darlene Mears, Susan Nolen and Jane Gribben
Our annual Spring Plant Sale is moving back to the Gardens! Grow your green thumb and get ready for spring planting by shopping hard-to-find plants specially selected for our region by our expert volunteer growers. Bring a folding cart or wagon.
Member Shopping: Friday, April 8 Open to the Public: Saturday, April 9
bbgardens.org/spring A facility of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the result of a public/private partnership between the City of Birmingham and the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a mission-driven membership organization that seeks to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of the Gardens.
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Taste of Teal
Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 17
The Laura Crandall Brown Foundation held its annual Taste of Teal Gala on March 5 at the Wynfrey Hotel. Guests were treated to silent and live auctions, casino games and dinner during the event. Each year, Taste of Teal recognizes four Legacy of Laura Honorees through videos to celebrate the hope, compassion, positivity and strength they have taken to the lives of GYN cancer patients and survivors. Among this year’s honorees were: Corporate Honoree, Alabama Gynecologic Oncology; Healthcare Hero, Kaitlin Rector; Caregiver, Beth Blackburn; and Survivor, Joyce Beard. Rector is a registered nurse with UAB’s gynecologic clinic. Known for her work ethic, calm personality and ability to get the job done, she helps patients leave the clinic each day feeling
Journal photos by Ally Morrison
Gala Puts Spotlight on Four Honorees
Shane and Emily Sammons, Violet Chaffinsh, Sabrina Mcgee, Adam Mcgee
Jim and Cecilia Crandall
Above, Larry and Karen Norris, Sharri and Kevin Logsdon Left, Ana Baker, Christina Babineaux, Brandy Sunday
confident. She has coached countless patients through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, palliative care and even hospice. Blackburn has been the caregiver to two women battling ovarian cancer. She has worked with CanSurvive and with Cathy Moore to chair and contribute to the Moore Life to Live Golf Tournament, which provides financial support for women who are victims of the disease. Beard, a longtime volunteer and advocate for the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation, participated in foundation events with her daughter even before GYN cancer became a reality in her own life. Since her diagnosis of uterine cancer in 2013, Beard has gone above and beyond to promote LCBF through volunteer work and advocacy. ❖
EXHIBITION
March 19 · 2022 – Jan 15 · 2023
free admission
Daniel Moody and Haley Willis
Co-sponsored by
With support from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the Dora and Sanjay Singh Endowment for Global Arts, Culture, and Education, a fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, and the Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust Manjari Sharma, Maa Laxmi, 2011; Museum purchase, 2020.48.2a, Courtesy of the artist
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Birmingham Museum of Art
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Rockin’ Good Time
Cornerstone School’s Schoolhouse Rock Returns
Journal photos by Ally Morrison
The 17th Annual Schoolhouse Rock was hosted by the Cornerstone School junior board March 11 at Regions Field. Guests were treated to an evening of live music from Just A Few Cats, a silent auction, games and giveaways. Tickets included complimentary drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Proceeds of the annual event directly benefit students of Cornerstone School. ❖
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The Sporting Life
‘I am not thinking about retiring at all,’ Gene Hallman, left, said. ‘I’m more energized than I have ever been.’ The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame will recognize Hallman as its 2022 Distinguished American Sportsman during its 54th Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony on May 7.
Hallman’s Career Path Lands Him in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
By Rubin E. Grant
G
ene Hallman had reached a crossroad. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of Charleston in 1982 and earning a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Carolina in 1985, Hallman went to work for NCR, a financial firm. But after five years of working in corporate America, Hallman decided that wasn’t the life for him. He had a passion for sports and wanted to work in the sports world. So, he moved back home to Anderson, South Carolina, to live with his parents while he figured out what direction he wanted to take. After a while, he went to work for IMG as a manager for PGA tour golfers, starting as a marketing consultant for Corey Pavin. But he decided that wasn’t for him, either, especially with the constant traveling. “It was too tough trying make a living doing that,” Hallman said. “I didn’t want to just be a small player in a big business.” So, without knowing a soul, Hallman moved to Birmingham in 1992 to become tournament director of the inaugural Bruno’s Memorial Classic golf tournament. Three years later, he founded the Bruno Event Team with Ronnie Bruno. It specializes in managing operations at large sporting events. Now, 30 years since coming to Birmingham, Hallman is the chief executive officer and owner of Bruno Event Team, which has grown into one of the largest sports event management companies in the nation. Bruno Event Team has more than 80 employees in nine offices throughout
the United States and Bermuda. “I didn’t envision being in Birmingham for 30 years and counting or that I’d still be in the sports business,” Hallman said. “I wasn’t sure where my life path would take me. “When we formed the Bruno Event Team in 1995, we didn’t have a strategic plan. We were just going to pursue the opportunities in front of
‘I didn’t envision being in Birmingham for 30 years and counting or that I’d still be in the sports business. I wasn’t sure where my life path would take me.’ GENE HALLMAN
us. We didn’t look beyond maybe even a year.” Bruno Event Team manages a number of notable events, such as U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and many other professional golf tournaments on the PGA Tour, along with PGA Tour Champions and LPGA. Other events it manages include Magic City Classic, SEC Baseball Tournament, WBC Heavyweight Championship title fights, SEC Gymnastics Championship, NCAA Gymnastics Championship, NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship, SEC Women’s Golf Championship, SWAC Football Championship, Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival, Davis Cup, Fed
Cup, 1996 Olympic Soccer and 2004 Olympic Marathon Trials. Hallman also is CEO of both ZOOM Motorsports and Bruno Hospitality, a catering service. He lives in Vestavia Hills with his wife, Allison, and their two children, Ella, 18, and Marshall, 16, both students at Vestavia Hills High School. He also has two stepdaughters, Maddie and Molly.
Marathoner in Life and Career
A long-distance runner, Hallman has completed six marathons, including both the New York City and Boston marathons. Now 62, Hallman is showing no signs of slowing down or considering retirement. As a matter of fact, Bruno Event Team is assisting with the management of The World Games to be held in Birmingham this summer. “The World Games and the 1996 Olympic Soccer are probably the two most gratifying events I have been involved with because they are international in scope,” Hallman said. “I am really looking forward to the World Games and I am really proud they are coming to Birmingham.” Since 2008, Bruno Event Team has managed gameday operations for the University of Alabama football, basketball and gymnastics programs. More recently, Bruno Event Team has worked with Auburn University, UAB and Alabama State University on various aspects of their football gameday operations. Hallman also was instrumental in bringing the USFL to Birmingham. The league kicks off its spring football season in April. He is cur-
rently assisting the league with marketing and community relations in its inaugural season. The first sporting event Hallman managed, which is now called the Regions Tradition, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in May, having raised more than $20 million for Alabama charities. “I am not thinking about retiring at all,” Hallman said. “I’m more energized than I have ever been.” Hallman is a member of the Birmingham Golf Hall of Fame and the Birmingham Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame. The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame will recognize Hallman as its 2022 Distinguished American Sportsman during its 54th Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony on May 7. He will join an impressive list of others who have been honored as ASHOF Distinguished American Sportsmen. They are: Bob Hope (1988), Hugh Culverhouse (1991), former President George H.W. Bush (1992), Charles O. Finley (1993), Larry D. Striplin, Jr. (1998), Bill Ireland (2000), Roy Kramer (2003), Jim Wilson Jr. (2005), Michael E. Stephens (2006), Joseph Gibbs (2008), Nick Bollettieri (2009), Rick Woodward (2010), Don Logan (2011), Ron Froehlich (2015), Mike Slive (2015), Edgar Welden (2016), Pete Derzis (2017), Jimmy Rane (2018), Daniel Moore (2019), Robbie Robertson (2020), Angus R. Cooper II (2021) and John McMahon Jr. (2021). “I was stunned when they told me,” Hallman said. “I was also delighted and excited. That’s the biggest award of my professional career. It’s humbling to think I will be in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.”
20 • Thursday, March 24, 2022
TruBlue of Birmingham Focuses on Seniors Who Want to Age-in Place When owner/operators Mur Feldman, Roxanne and Rick Batson opened the doors of TruBlue they agreed that one of the main focuses of their company would be to help seniors who want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. The company now has two Certified Senior Safety Specialists who will help seniors and their adult children assess the home and determine what can be done to make it easier and safer to live there. The TruBlue technicians do senior modifications such as installing lever door knobs in place
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SENIORS
Steel City Walk in Tubs
of old, round door knobs that can be hard to operate when arthritis strikes, resurfacing slippery bathroom tile, or securing wobbly handrails. We have a plan that provides a regularly scheduled technician to do jobs such as replacing filters, batteries, ceiling light bulbs, and move items to storage called Home Maintenance Plus. “These are small jobs, but are so helpful to seniors who no longer have the mobility to do it themselves. Until TruBlue, getting these things done was almost impossible!” said Roxanne Batson. Among the most popular requests are installation of grab bars, handheld showers and replacement of thresholds that hamper navigation for wheelchairs and walkers. TruBlue services homeowners who are located in Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Hoover. For more information about TruBlue call 205839-3818.
“As we get older we want to be able to remain in our homes and we want to remain independent and risk free,” said Spencer Bissell. Steel City Walk in Tubs is owned by Richard Trueb, Spenceer Bissell and Cody Walker. Walk-in tubs offer customers the ability to make their bathroom a top-tier spa experience, make their bathroom safe for continued daily use, and allow the homeowner to make their home one step closer to being equipped for continued use for years to come as they get older. Steel City Walk in Tubs are built to fit any sized tub slot. Whether it is a standard fiberglass tub or a large jacuzzi tub, the demo is the same: remove the old tub, fit the new walk-in tub making sure the plumbing matches up, the tub is installed and ready to be used. “Down time for the client is as much as one to
two days without a tub, depending on the situation,” said Spencer. “Everything else is determined by the scope of the project for the bathroom. “We have our own in-house installation team that we trust and respect. It is headed by one of our owners, Cody Walker of Curren Builders. Their crews have 35 years of experience and reputation to back up the high quality work they are able to accomplish. “Our acrylic walk-in tubs are wonderfully easy to maintain and keep clean and like new. The self cleaning jet system prevents microbial growth, the acrylic tub allows for quick and easy cleaning that anyone can do, and the high quality fixtures maintain their luster and shine for years to come.” Another attractive feature of walk in tubs, according to Spencer, is that they can be deductible as a medical expense, since your time spent in them is able to improve your well being and possibly treat some ailments you face. For more information call 205-789-3807.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 21
SENIORS
Danberry at Inverness The Unique Choice in Senior Living
In the past, seniors seeking a retirement community Comprehensive health and wellness services for had few options. Often, it was either an uninspiring independent living, assisted living and memory care urban high-rise with few outside amenities or an lifestyles are available at Danberry at Inverness, and upscale development built around a golf-course or they are offered in meticulously designed environwaterfront with few personal services. ments that invite nature indoors. For example, throughBut today’s retirees and tomorrow’s retiring baby out the Danberry at Inverness Clubhouse, nature seamboomers increasingly demand an environment that not lessly blends both indoors and out with fireplaces, the only is carefree, but also offers them ample opportuniatrium lobby, English tea gardens and waterfalls. Here, ties to remain mentally and physically active in a residents can take care of everyday details and enjoy a soothing natural setting. range of first-class amenities (movie theater, creative In other words, they want an address that redefines art studio, bridge and card rooms) and services (library, retirement. mail/communications room). Dining is available in the Danberry at Inverness senior living community, formal dining room and al fresco on the garden terrace. located at 235 Inverness Center Drive in Hoover, justMOUNTAIN JOURNAl OVER THE life off US 280 and Valleydale Road, is an example of an A Dynamic Approach to Wellness inspiring approach to retirement living that feels The advantages of living in one of today’s wellnessunique from the moment one enters its atrium lobby. oriented retirement communities are many: ample Stained-glass windows and a cascading waterfall set the mood for a retirement lifestyle that emphasizes nat- opportunities to stay as strong and independent as Danberry at Inverness retirement community has been chosen as in the mainstream of activities and ural beauty, vitality and personal fulfillment.oneResidents of the nation’s toppossible, communities staying in 2013 on SeniorAdvisor.com, the premier online ratings events and reviews sitekeeping for senior living communities and a healthy outlook on life. Danberry can choose from comfortable one-, two- or three-bednationwide. at Inverness offers exceptional fitness opportunities all room luxury apartment homes which are appointed The SeniorAdvisor 2013 Excellence Award recognizes senior living under one roof, such “senior-friendly” spa services, with upscale features such as ceramic tile floors, grancommunities that receive consistently high ratings andas positive reviews from residents, families, visitors. “Receivingfitness this des ignation a and fully equipped center, classes including Tai ite countertops and stainless steel appliances. English places Danberry in the top one percent of all retirement communities Chi,ataerobics, waterdirector, yogaLori and Pilates, a private seniorgardens and flowering landscapes complete nationwide,” these picsaid Danberry Inverness marketing Krueger. “We are so proud that soheated many—especially residents— friendly indoor,ourresort-style saltwater pool and a ture-perfect residences. consider us to be one of the wellness“Our clinic. The award-winning Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired residents will tell best of the best.” in Inverness on“We make residents architecture and natural surroundings only addLocated to the you thatsure theyour wish they’dhave every opportuniLake Heather, Danberry at moved here sooner. They ty to learn, explore and savor life in a whole new peaceful, stress-reducing environment. Inverness is a senior living carefree, fun-filled way,” said the Krueger. “In other words, we help them “We believe that Danberry at Inverness offers people community for adults 55 and love older with every convenience rewarding retiredesign a and future filled with fun!” over 55 independent living unlike anywhere else - one and amenity imaginable, ment lifestyle they find that encourages growth, learning and discovery of new including a clubhouse with This community really must be seen to be believed, we love today, visit rooms, a ballroom, so stopatbyDanberry. DanberryAnd at Inverness things about yourself and your environment,”card said indoor swimming pool, serving them!” DanberryAtInverness.com or call 443-9500. Danberry at Inverness Marketing Director Lori Krueger. creative art studio, salon/
Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 13
Danberry at Inverness
ABOVE: Residents spending time together at Danberry at Inverness. LEFT: The atrium at Danberry at Inverness is the center of the clubhouse. It connects the common areas and provides a place where residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner.
lori Krueger, marketing director, spa, theater, fitness studio, Danberry at Inverness. innovative wellness programs and much more. Residents enjoy chef-prepared menus and dining with friends in the casual bistro or more formal dining room. Services include scheduled transportation, concierge and weekly housekeeping. For those in need of a helping hand, 24-hour licensed professional nursing is available on-site in Assisted Living at Danberry, which offers a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. On-site physical and occupational therapy also are available. “Our residents will tell you that they wish they’d moved here sooner. They love the carefree, fun-filled and rewarding retirement lifestyle they find at Danberry,” said Krueger. “And we love serving them!” Danberry is the flagship senior housing development for the Daniel Corporation and is managed by CRSA®, an LCS® company. Danberry at Inverness is located on Lake Heather just off U.S. 280 and Valleydale Road in Hoover, 443-9500.
Get more out of life at Danberry at Inverness Residents enjoy: Even more than larger floor plans, • Flexible dining options gorgeous architecture, and • Transportation outstanding amenities—Danberry • Housekeeping at Inverness frees you to create • Fitness Center a lifestyle all your own, with • Wellness Clinic • 24-hour nursing Independent Living, Assisted ARE YOUR VETERANS BENEFITS SAFE? • Indoor resort-style pool Living, and Memory Care all • Full-service salon & spa right here. More peace of mind. • Card & billiard rooms And a lot more fun! • G. Creative studio Our speaker is William Nolan, an arts accredited attorney with the VA and a local Elder Law attorney
Congress is in session –
Top: The atrium at Danberry is the center of the clubhouse that connects the common areas, providing a place residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner. lefT: Waterfall at the entrance to Danberry. Above: lori Krueger, left, marketing director and Jaclyn Gardner, executive director of Danberry at Inverness.
Veterans benefits have been available since WWII... yet there are some in Congress who want to significantly curtail your benefits. If you are a Veteran or the widow of a Veteran, or if you might become a caregiver for a Veteran, please join us for an informative and timely (and free!) presentation on “The Future of Your VA Benefits”.
with the firm Nolan Stewart, PC. Mr. Nolan has written articles about and is a frequent speaker on • Movie theater the subject of Veterans benefits.
• And much more! Call (205) 443-9500. You will also learn more about services provided to qualified Veterans exclusively by Always Best Care.
The Future of Your VA Benefits 235 Inverness Center Drive
Tuesday, April 8 OR Thursday, April 10, 2014 • 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Hoover, AL 35242 Refreshments and Door Prizes
DanberryAtInverness.com 235 Inverness Center Drive • Hoover, AL
Limited Availability!
The changes that Congress proposes are not yet law but their intent is clear – they want to make it much harder for Veterans and widows to obtain their pensions. Consider applying for your pension now, before it becomes more difficult!
RSVP to (205) 443-9500. Limited Seating. In accordance with Alabama Bar requirements, no representation is made that the quality of legal services is greater than the legal services performed by other lawyers. ARPC 7.2(e)
Distinctively Different Retirement Living 235 Inverness Center Drive Hoover, AL 35242
www.DanberryAtInverness.com
22 • Thursday, March 24, 2022
Helping find the Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care that is right for you.
SENIORS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Senior Placement Services
Finding the right retirement community for yourself or a loved one can be a difficult task. The Birmingham area is blessed with an abundance of excellent retirement communities, but for seniors, the process of locating the community that matches their lifestyle needs and their budget can be overwhelming.
“BECAUSE WE KNOW THE INDUSTRY AND HAVE WORKED WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES. WE ARE ABLE TO ASSESS OUR CLIENTS’ NEEDS AND NARROW THEIR SEARCH TO THOSE COMMUNITIES THAT OFFER THE BEST FIT IN TERMS OF BUDGET, LOCATION, LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH CARE NEEDS.” — TIM MEEHAN
Birmingham-auBurn
seniorplacementservicesllc.com
Fortunately, there is a solution for those considering the move to a retirement community. Senior Placement Services, LLC has helped hundreds of seniors find the perfect fit for their clients since the company’s founding in 2018. Best of all, said owner Tim Meehan, the service is absolutely free. Clients of Senior Placement Services will never pay a fee either to the company or to the retirement community they choose as their new home. “Many people find it hard to believe,” said Tim, “but our services are actually 100% free to our clients.” Tim and his team of Placement Specialists bring decades of senior care industry experience to the task of helping seniors locate the best fit for their needs. “Because we know the industry and have worked with the local communities,” said Tim, “we are able to assess our clients’ needs and narrow their search to those communities that offer the best fit in terms of
budget, location, lifestyle and health care needs.” Tim and his team arrange facility tours, accompany clients on these tours, and perhaps most importantly, serve as their clients’ advocate throughout the process. The goal, Tim said, is to help his clients find the answers they need to make the best possible decision for themselves and their loved ones. “We’re proud of our reputation within the senior community and the local senior care industry,” said Tim. “We believe we’ve earned that reputation by truly working to serve the best interests of our clients and their families.” For more information about Senior Placement Services, call Tim Meehan at 205-913-3902, or visit www.seniorplacementservicesllc.com.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 23
SENIORS
Fighting Back Against Loneliness and Social Isolation with Aging when out for walks.
Two major challenges that many seniors face are loneliness and social isolation. Older adults often live on their own and may not have close friends or family nearby who can visit regularly. They may struggle with poor vision, hearing, mobility, or health which makes it harder to get out and about by themselves. In turn, this may leave them feeling depressed, frustrated, and disconnected from others. Taking steps to identify those at risk and helping them to build connections and stay active and engaged is essential. Remember that not everyone who lives alone is lonely or socially isolated. They may live by themselves but still regularly go out and meet up with friends, volunteer in the community, talk with family, and maintain a strong sense of purpose. However, there are plenty of people who don’t have this kind of lifestyle.
4 Partner with an in-home care provider who can visit regularly, provide companionship, assist with activities around the house, escort on errands, and much more.
Loneliness and social isolation can take a toll on seniors’ physical, mental, and emotional health. Make a conscious effort to ensure that your aging parents have regular interactions with others, are able to participate in activities they enjoy, are having their daily needs met, and are able to build meaningful connections.
TALK ABOUT IT
Talk to your loved one about their day. Find out what they did and what some things they want to do are. Are they spending much of their time inside and alone? What are some of the challenges to them getting out and interacting with others? Look for ways you can help, such as: 4 Teach them to use technology and connect over Zoom, FaceTime, Google Duo, Skype, or another video conferencing platform.
4 Getting them assistive devices such as hearing aids, a magnifier, or a walker or cane so they can stay more involved and know what is going on.
4 Arrange for transportation to help an aging parent get to the store, appointments, get-togethers with friends, church services, and recreational activities. Having a reliable ride can allow them to do more things independently and participate in things they enjoy.
4 Coordinate visits from friends, family, community groups, or an in-home caregiver. Having someone to talk to, eat a meal with, or socialize with can reduce loneliness and isolation.
4 Help them adopt a pet if they are willing and able to care for it. Dogs and cats can be wonderful companions and give seniors a greater sense of purpose. They can also be a great conversation starter to meet neighbors
a difference and give them something to look forward to.
Giving Our Best To Your Loved Ones Giving Our Best To Your Loved Ones ysical Therapy Services
oming, Housekeeping, 4 Schedule regular times to call or video chat just Reminders to check in and catch up. Talking to Medication them for just a few minutes a day can make
Let us help your loved ones stay healthy, fit and happy in their home in 2022!
This article was provided by Jennifer Mancuso, owner, Always Best Care. For more information on our services contact us at 205-874-9730 or email us at jmancuso@abc-seniors.com
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24 • Thursday, March 24, 2022
SCHOOLS
Raising of the Green
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
The Rotary Club of Homewood held its St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser at Little London Kitchen on March 17. Guests were treated to live Celtic music courtesy of Hooley and food and beverages. The event also featured a live auction emceed by Homewood High School principal Dr. Joel Henneke, as well as online and silent auctions. Proceeds of the event go to the Educational Foundation of the Homewood Rotary, benefiting Homewood High School seniors heading to college. Since 1984, the club has awarded over $200,000 to 142 students.
Bekah and Faith Hamby, Debbie Sema, Carol Chesnutt and Mike Hathorne
Lura and CD Denson
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
The Rotary Club of Homewood Raises Money for Students with St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser
Homewood High School principal Joel Henneke; Homewood Rotary Club fundraising chair Jennifer Kyle; and club president Rhett McCreight.
Greg, Sara and Peggy Powell
Mary Lou Reynolds, April Ellis and Sandy Nelson
Tobie and Katie Smith
Ty Miller, Trey Booth and Bobby Norman
Patrick Kyle, Dan and Ann George, Lucky and Amy Davis
RISE’s Rebel 5K Color Run Honors Sam Cunningham
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Vestavia Hills High School’s Rebel Impact through Service and Engagement group raised more than $10,000 during its annual Rebel 5K Color Run at the school on March 5. Participants from sixth graders to adults ran in the event, and proceeds benefit the Adolescent and Young
Adult Oncology Program of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. The event honored Vestavia Hills High junior Sam Cunningham, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2017. After a four-year battle, his cancer went into remission, only to return in November. Cunningham had a successful
CAR-T cell transplant, and the week after the race, he was diagnosed cancer-free again, according to Kym Prewitt, who is the Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills sponsor and works with the RISE program. Prewitt said the event had a record number of runners this year.
Above, Sela White, William Fu and Laura Buder. Below, John Ham and John Mark Butler.
Above, Anne Elisa Stephen and Katherine Gaston. Below, Mary Alex Maluff, Mary Whit Stoddard and Sophie Mae Talbert.
Above center, event honoree and canceer survivor Sam Cunningham, with from left: Tripp Wiggins, Joe Eshleman, Avery Thrower and Freddy Nelson.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
The Symphony Volunteer Council of the Alabama Symphonic Association presented this year’s winners of the Lois Pickard Music Scholarship on Feb. 24 at Vestavia Hills Country Club, and several Over the Mountain students were on the list. Winning second place in Piano was Conrad Feng, a ninth grade student at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.
Recognized by The Symphony Volunteer Council of the Alabama Symphonic Association recently, from left, Will Hertz, Andrew Robertson, Raymond Hou, Conrad Feng, Diana Nazerenko and Francis Tsei.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Lois Pickard Music Scholarship Winners Named
Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 25
SCHOOLS
Alabama School of Fine Arts junior violist Diane Nazarenko took home the second-place title in the String category. In the Brass, Woodwind and Percussion category, first place was
presented to Andrew Robertson, a junior at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Hoover High School junior Will Hertz was selected for second place. The awards were given during a
luncheon that also included performance by the winners and a silent auction. Lois Pickard was a founding member of the Women’s Committee of the symphony, which was formed
Jumping For Heart Health
FIND ART
Homewood’s Edgewood Elementary School recently was recognized by the American Heart Association for raising more than $55,000 through the Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. According to a press release from the AHA, this makes Edgewood Elementary one of the top fundraising schools in the state. Edgewood launched its Kids Heart Challenge in February, also recognized as American Heart Month, with a theme of “Who are you jumping for?” To jumpstart fundraising, Edgewood
Image: Chloe York, “Washy Decorator 2”
Photo courtesy American Heart Association
Edgewood Elementary Raises $55,000 to Benefit American Heart Association
39th Annual April 22-24 Sloss Furnaces
www.magiccityart.com 2022 SPONSORS: Alabama Power • Alabama State Council on the Arts & the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency • Avadian Credit Union • Bancography • BlueCross and BlueShield of Alabama • Coca Cola United • Dermal Brands • EventWorks Rentals • Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau • Jemison Investment Company, Inc. • Joe Piper, Inc. Kinetic Communications • Sloss Furnaces Foundation, Inc. MEDIA SPONSORS: AL.com • Babypalooza • Bham Now • Birmingham Mountain Radio 107.3fm • B-Metro • EXCURSIONSgo.com • High Level Marketing • Homewood Life Over the Mountain Journal • Starnes Media • The Birmingham Times • This is Alabama • WBHM Public Radio 90.3fm
staff put together an inspirational video of not only students and faculty but also well-known Homewood locals and notable Edgewood alumni, including several NFL players. “With the awesome students at Edgewood combined with a community always willing to get behind a good cause, that’s a recipe for success,” physical education teacher John Dorough said in a press release. “We’re proud to support the American Heart Association to make a difference in the lives of those affected by heart disease.”
in 1948. Due to her leadership, her name became synonymous with the symphony. She was instrumental in creating the Birmingham Festival of Arts, and her legacy remains a piece of the Volunteer Council’s history. Kids Heart Challenge offers a wide array of physical activities, such as dance, basketball or jumping rope, paired with digital resources to learn life-saving skills such as CPR. It helps boost heart health and self-esteem while reducing stress and anxiety through yoga, dance and obstacle courses, for instance. The program helps prepare kids for success by supporting physical and emotional well-being while presenting learning resources and physical activities to meet the needs of youth and educators. Funds raised by Kids Heart Challenge participants support the American Heart Association’s scientific research and outreach programs.
26 • Thursday, March 24, 2022
From page 28
record. She led the Lady Bucs with 26 points, sinking 14 of 17 free-throw attempts, in their 73-64 victory against rival Vestavia Hills in the championship game. She also had nine rebounds and four assists to earn MVP honors. For her performance, Kelly was voted the 2022 Over The Mountain Girls Basketball Player of the Year in balloting of Over the Mountain coaches. It’s the second consecutive season she has earned the honor. “I think it’s extra good to be named player of the year again,” Kelly said. “I worked very hard.” Kelly is one of four Hoover players on the 2022 All-OTM team. The others are senior forward Aniya Hubbard, junior center Kristen McMillian and junior guard Layla Etchison. Vestavia Hills landed three players on the team, senior guards Emma Smith and her twin, Ally Smith, and freshman guard Sarah Gordon. Mountain Brook also had three players voted to the team, sophomore guards Sarah Passink and Emma Stearns and freshman guard Francie Morris. Rounding out the team are Spain Park senior guard Camille Chase, Oak Mountain sophomore forward Raegan Whitaker, Briarwood sophomore guard Mary Beth Dicen and Homewood senior guard-forward Caidyn Cannon. Vestavia Hills’ John David Smelser was voted the Girls Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season. Kelly was extra motivated this season, trying to help the Lady Bucs finally succeed in repeating. They had won odd-year state titles in 2017, 2019 and 2021 but hadn’t gone backto-back until this season. “It’s a blessing to win two in a row,” she said. “I lot of teams don’t get to the BJCC and we worked hard to get back, being in that atmosphere and being in position to win it again. It was all worth it.” Kelly now has been a part of three state championships in her four seasons at Hoover with another season to go before she moves on. She has committed to the University of North Carolina. But before she heads to the next level, Kelly has one goal in mind for senior season next year. “I want to get a three-peat,” she said. “That’s something Hoover has never done before.”
Coach of the Year
Smelser would like nothing better than to end Hoover’s reign next season. He has done everything else but win a state championship in his first three years as Vestavia Hills’ head coach. He guided the Lady Rebels to a 33-3 record this season, with two of the losses coming to Hoover, as he earned coach of the year honors again. “That’s really a blessing because
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
OTMJ’s 2022 High School Basketball All-OTM Teams PRESENTED BY
2022 ALL-OTM GIRLS TEAM
2022 ALL-OTM BOYS TEAM
Guards Reniya Kelly, 5-7, Jr., G, Hoover Emma Smith, 5-7, Sr., G, Vestavia Hills Aniya Hubbard, 5-9, Sr., G, Hoover Sarah Gordon, 5-11, Fr., G, Vestavia Hills Ally Smith, 5-5, Sr., G, Vestavia Hills Camille Chase, 5-6, Sr., G, Spain Park Sarah Passink, 5-5, So., G, Mountain Brook Francie Morris, 5-7, Fr., G., Mountain Brook Emma Stearns, 5-8, So., G, Mountain Brook Layla Etchison, 5-6, Jr., G, Hoover Mary Beth Dicen, 5-5, So., G, Briarwood
Guards Win Miller, 6-3, Jr., G, Vestavia Hills Josh Harrington, 5-9, Sr., G, Spain Park Reese Gurner, 6-0, Sr., G, Vestavia Hills Ty Davis, 6-4, So., G, Mountain Brook Kyle Layton, 6-0, Jr., G, Mountain Brook Wilder Evers, 6-2, Sr., G, Oak Mountain Brady Dunn, 6-3, Sr., G, Oak Mountain Salim London, 6-3, Fr., G, Hoover Carson Huff, 5-10, Sr., G, Indian Springs
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“He’s a great young man, first and foremost,” Laatsch said. “He definitely left his mark on this program, and he will be remembered for a long time. “His size, character, work ethic and coachability are what made him special. He always put the team first and loved his teammates and was so happy when his teammates would have success.” Turner played 17 minutes in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game
‘His size, character, work ethic and coachability are what made him special. He always put the team first and loved his teammates and was so happy when his teammates would have success.’ CHRIS LAATSCH, SPAIN PARK BASKETBALL COACH
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
KELLY
SPORTS
OTM GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR Hoover’s Reniya Kelly averaged 14.0 points per game, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season, helping Hoover repeat as Class 7A state champions
it’s the people we compete against who voted,” Smelser said. “It’s an honor because there are a lot of good coaches around here.” Smelser especially enjoyed this season because of Vestavia Hills’ three seniors, the Smith twins and Carley Smith, who is not related to them. “I’ve had them for three years and they’re good players, so this senior class was special,” Smelser said. Smelser now has an overall record of 86-18 in three seasons at the helm of the Lady Rebels, but he shares the credit for their success. “It’s not about me, it’s about the players and the assistant coaches,” he said. “My assistants put in a lot work, but we’re nothing without the players. Our players make us what we are.”
OTM BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR Spain Park’s Colin Turner was dominant on the court, averaging 16.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, helping the Jaguars reach the Class 7A Final Four.
TURNER From page 28
down nine rebounds and blocking six shots. For his performance, Turner was voted the 2022 Over The Mountain Boys Basketball Player of the Year in balloting of Over the Mountain coaches. “I am excited to have such an honor,” Turner said. “It’s great to be able to add that onto a great season.” Spain Park’s Chris Laatsch was voted the 2022 OTM Coach of the Year, giving the Jags a sweep of the awards. Spain Park senior guard Josh Harrington joined Turner on the AllOTM team. Vestavia Hills, Mountain
Brook, Oak Mountain, Homewood and Hoover also eached placed two players on the squad. Junior guard Win Miller and senior guard Reese Gurner were selected from Vestavia Hills; sophomore guard Ty Davis and junior guard Kyle Layton from Mountain Brook; senior guards Wilder Evers and Brady Dunn from Oak Mountain, senior forwards Christian Thompson and Donte Bacchus from Homewood; and freshman guard Salim London and senior forward Brodin Grady from Hoover. Rounding out the team are Briarwood junior forward Miles Gilbert and Indian Springs senior guard Carson Huff. Laatsch raves about Turner as a player and teammate.
on March 12 in Clinton, Misskissippi. He scored four points, grabbed nine rebounds and made two steals as Alabama won 96-89. “That was really fun,” Turner said. “I really enjoyed being able to play with so much talent. I had played against some of them, so it felt good to be in an All-Star game with them and represent the state, too.” Since the season ended, Turner has started getting ready for the next level. He is headed to North Georgia. “I am working out,” Turner said. “I don’t have many classes to take, plus I have a job at Bruster’s Ice Cream.” Turner said he’s going to miss playing for Spain Park, especially the fan support. “I will really miss the community that we have around us,” he said. “It’s unmatched compared to a lot of places. The teachers, administrators and students are so supportive and encouraging. Having younger kids coming up to you has really been fun to be a part of, too.”
Coach of the Year
Although Turner will be gone, Laatsch plans to return for his fifth season at the helm of the Jags. The past three seasons, he has guided the Jags to 74 victories, made three trips to the Elite 8 and two appearances in the Final 4. “Whenever you have success, it’s because you have great players and great buy-in from them in what you’re doing and great coaches around you,” Laatsch said. “This is too big for one guy, and my assistants were tremendous during practices and breaking down film. “I look at as a ‘we’ and not a ‘me.’ We also have great support from our administrators, families and fans. So it’s a collective thing.”
Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 27
SPORTS
By Rubin E. Grant
A
‘She’s an amazing student-athlete. She’s very well-rounded and a hard worker. She always puts forth her best effort, and she’s always very positive.’ TIMARIE FISK, VESTAVIA HILLS GIRLS TENNIS COACH
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Vestavia Hills senior Cindy Jiang is a leading contender for the Class 7A individual No. 1 singles title. As a freshman in 2019, she won the girls Class 7A No. 2 singles individual state title. Last year as a junior, Jiang reached the Class 7A No. 1 singles final before falling 6-4, 6-1 to Oak Mountain’s Grace Qian.
Scholar-Athlete
Vestavia Hills’ Jiang Named Regional Bryant-Jordan Winner be livestreamed for those unable to attend. The Larry D. Striplin, Jr. ScholarAthlete of the Year Award winner will be announced during the banquet as well as the Ken and Betty Joy Blankenship Achievement Award winner. The Achievement Award honors high school senior student-athletes who have achieved success relative to his or her ability or who may have overcome an unusual hardship. Jiang is one of five Over the Mountain student-athletes who have been announced as Bryant-Jordan region winners. The others are Indian Springs’ Olivia Honeycutt, Class 4A, Region 4 Scholar-Athlete; John Carroll Catholic’s Ruby Thornton, Class 5A, Region 5 Scholar-Athlete; Briarwood’s Holden Patterson, Class 6A, Region 5 Achievement; and Oak Mountain’s Emily Cox, Class 7A, Region 3 Achievement. Timarie Fisk, Vestavia Hills girls tennis coach, was not surprised to see Jiang’s name among the region winners.
Jiang is one of five Over the Mountain studentathletes who have been announced as BryantJordan region winners. The others are Indian Springs’ Olivia Honeycutt, Class 4A, Region 4 Scholar-Athlete; John Carroll Catholic’s Ruby Thornton, Class 5A, Region 5 Scholar-Athlete; Briarwood’s Holden Patterson, Class 6A, Region 5 Achievement; and Oak Mountain’s Emily Cox, Class 7A, Region 3 Achievement.
“She’s an amazing student-athlete,” Fisk said. “She’s very wellrounded and a hard worker. She always puts forth her best effort, and she’s always very positive.” Jiang would love to be selected as the Striplin Award winner. “It would be a huge accomplishment and a benefit for the future, and I’d like to have something to allow me to afford college,” she said. Jiang is still deciding where she wants to attend college and what she wants to study. “I don’t have a top three choices for college and I am pretty openminded about what I want to study,” she said. “I do want to try nursing or engineering or computer science. It’s going to be hard to decide.” Her favorite subject is math because it’s her best subject, she said. “I feel like I understand it well, which helps me solve problems fast,” she added. “I really liked learning geometry and calculus.” Jiang doesn’t expect to play for a college tennis team, but she does want to play club tennis.
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Aiming for the Top
This spring, she is trying to help Vestavia Hills capture its first girls state tennis championship since 2016. The Rebels lost in the tiebreaker to Auburn in 2021 to finish as Class 7A runners-up. They didn’t have any seniors last season. “I definitely believe we can win
state this year,” Jiang said. “We have tremendous confidence, and we have the potential to have the strongest team we’ve had in school history. We have won all our section matches 9-0.” Jiang is a leading contender for the Class 7A individual No. 1 singles title. “She’s a tremendous tennis player,” Fisk said. “She is a very smart, focused player with a calm demeanor. In tough matches and in tense moments, she’s able to remain cool, calm and collected.”
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t one time, Cindy Jiang struggled to balance academics and extracurricular activities. The Vestavia Hills senior is involved in a lot of activities — a lot! She plays tennis for the Rebels, sings alto in the honor’s choir, is on the math team and participates in various school clubs. In addition, she volunteers at hospitals, churches and the McWane Center. Whew! No wonder she had to figure out how to leave some time to study. “I had to learn to balance sports and my other activities with my academic life,” Jiang said. “I wasn’t able to do it right away, but through experience I learned to overcome the difficulty of trying to balance it and make it work.” Playing tennis helped. She began playing the sport in the first grade and started playing competitively in the sixth grade. “Tennis is an outlet for me, a good distraction,” Jiang said. “When I am on the court, I can just focus on playing and what’s happening behind the lines. It takes the stress off what I have to do for school.” Jiang doesn’t just find a way to relax on the court, she also competes at a high level. As a freshman in 2019, she won the girls Class 7A No. 2 singles individual state title. Last year as a junior, Jiang reached the Class 7A No. 1 singles final before falling 6-4, 6-1 to Oak Mountain’s Grace Qian. Jiang also excels in the classroom. She has a 4.7 grade-point average and scored 34 on the ACT. Her ability to balance sports and academics has paid dividends. She has been named the 2022 Class 7A, Region 3 Bryant-Jordan ScholarAthlete winner. The Scholar-Athlete Award honors high school seniors who are both superior athletes and outstanding students. Selection considerations include: scholastic standing, sport involvement, athletic honors, student leadership and civic/church leadership. “I was definitely surprised when I found out,” Jiang said. “I am grateful to have this award. It shows all my hard work in school and in other areas paid off.” Jiang will be recognized during the 37th Annual Bryant-Jordan Awards Ceremony on April 11 at 6 p.m. at the Birmingham Sheraton Hotel Ballroom. The event also will
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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Scholar-Athlete: Vestavia Hills’ Jiang named Regional Bryant-Jordan winner Page 27
SPORTS Thursday, March 24, 2022 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
The Sporting Life: Hallman’s career path lands him in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Page 19
OTMJ’S 2022 ALL-OTM HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAMS GIRLS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Coach on the Floor
Kelly Ran the Show for State Champion Lady Bucs Hoover girls basketball coach Krystle Johnson had no qualms about letting Reniya Kelly run the show for the Lady Bucs this season. After all, Kelly was in her fourth season on the varsity and the 5-foot-7 junior point guard knew exactly what Johnson wanted her to do. “Her basketball IQ is amazing,” Johnson said. “And it helps that our relationship is so good. We’re thinking the same thing, so she’s legitimately our coach on the floor. She always makes the right decisions for our team, whether that’s scoring for herself or getting the other players involved.” Kelly averaged 14.0 points per game, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season, helping Hoover repeat as Class 7A state champions with a 34-3
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
By Rubin E. Grant
Members of the 2022 All-Over the Mountain Girls Basketball Team, front, from left: Reniya Kelly, Hoover; Sarah Passink, Mountain Brook; Ally Smith, Vestavia Hills; and Mary Beth Dicen, Briarwood. Middle: Coach of the Year, John David Smelser, Vestavia Hills; Francie Morris, Mountain Brook; Emma Smith, Vestavia Hills; Raegan Whitaker, Oak Mountain and Camille Chase, Spain Park. Back: Layla Etchison, Hoover; Aniya Hubbard, Hoover; Kristen McMillan, Hoover and Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills. Not pictured: Emma Stearns, Mountain Brook and Caiden Cannon, Homewood.
See KELLY, page 26
Leaving a Mark
BOYS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Turner Put His Stamp on Spain Park’s Boys Basketball Program When Colin Turner looks back on his high school basketball career at Spain Park, he focuses on how much he developed as a player. “I’ve been reflecting on it quite a bit,” Turner said. “I think about how great this season was, and I think about last season and how much I’ve grown as a player and with this team.” This season, the 6-foot-9 senior forward was dominant on the court, averaging 16.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, helping the Jaguars reach the Class 7A Final Four for the second consecutive year and post a 27-8 record. He had a strong showing in the Jags’ 73-58 semifinal loss to Enterprise, scoring 17 points on 8 of 12 shooting from the field, pulling
See TURNER, page 26
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
By Rubin E. Grant
Members of the 2022 All-Over the Mountain Boys Basketball Team, front, from left: Carson Huff, Indian Springs; Brady Dunn, Oak Mountain; Josh Harrington, Spain Park; Kyle Layton, Mountain Brook and Reese Gurner, Vestavia Hills. Middle: Wilder Evers, Oak Mountain; Salim London, Hoover; Miles Gilbert, Briarwood; Ty Davis, Mountain Brook and Win Miller, Vestavia Hills. Back: Coach of the Year, Chris Laatsch, Spain Park; Brodin Grady, Hoover; Colin Turner, Spain Park; Christian Thompson, Homewood and Donte Bacchus, Homewood.
