OTMJ 4.20.23

Homebuilder Giving Back

By Anne Ruisi

Volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity convinced Alicia Huey that early childhood education was not to be her career path.

Instead, it led to more than 30 years in the home building industry and in February, chairmanship of the National Association of Home Builders’ board of directors.

“I’m really enjoying my role. I hope I’m giving back in a meaningful way,” said Huey, a Hoover resident who is president of AGH Homes Inc., a custom home building company she founded in 2000.

Hoover’s Alicia Huey Leads National Home Builders Group

ABOUT TOWN 4

NEWS 8

LIFE 10

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 JO U RNA L

April 20, 2023

Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald

Copy Editor: Virginia Martin

Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writer: Anne Ruisi

Photographer: Jordan Wald

Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant

Contributors: Susan Murphy, Ana Good, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch

Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd

Vol. 33, No. 18

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.

Murphy’s Law

Deep Dark Dog Trouble

Iam writing this from a sunlit chair in my piano room. Actually, I am only sitting on half the chair, maybe less, because Dave is occupying the rest.

This détente is a considerable improvement from earlier in the day, when Dave was in deep, dark dog trouble. Naughtiest he’s ever been.

The termite inspection guy had arrived, and when I opened the front door a crack to speak to him, Dave seized the opportunity to bolt out the door and across the lawn. In the past, he would have stepped out on the porch, given a few half-hearted barks and returned inside for his “thank you for coming back inside” cookie. Not this time. This time, he ran full speed down the lawn into the street, with me in hot pursuit. Actually, my pursuit these days is not all that hot, but it didn’t matter, because even though I was not up to full speed and had on my softsole slippers, I was the only game in town. The termite guy wisely chose to continue down the driveway, ignoring the crazy woman who was by now running into her neighbor’s yard hurling very unlady-like names at a 14-pound dog.

I chased Dave into the neighbor’s bushes (sorry about that) and down their driveway into their backyard, still spewing words I would never say in front of my grandchildren. Finally, finally, I was able to lay my hands on Dave, but only because he paused to relieve himself (a rookie mistake). I hauled him back across the yards and up the sidewalk and into the house where I deposited him, rather forcefully, into my bedroom and slammed the door. Then I collapsed on the couch.

Over the Mountain Views

Once I regained my breath, I sat down in this same sunlit chair and vowed not to make any contact with Dave until dinner time, and then only for a cursory bowl of kibble. There would be no Rachel Ray Roasters tonight.

I watched out the window as the termite guy made his inspection, noting that he kept a safe distance when he got to my window. When he was done, he gingerly knocked on the door and handed me the paperwork from as safe a distance as he could manage.

A few minutes later, the house was quiet and I was able to review my actions. I’d like to say I was sorry, but nope. I was still that mad. I needed more time.

Dave was quiet for a few minutes, then he began to whine, not an “I’m sorry” whine, but an “I’m unhappy in here” whine. Yeah? Well, imagine how I feel.

A few minutes later (more than I’d like to admit), I returned to being a grownup. Dave had already returned to being a dog, so we were both in our appropriate stations. Now, it was up to one of us to make the first conciliatory move. Since Dave could not open the door, it had to be me. I walked to the bedroom, wordlessly walked back to the piano room with Dave at my heels and sat in the sunlit chair where I intended to remain until I was good and ready.

And that is where we are. I must say that this sunshine is softening my “no treats” resolve. They say that dogs do not remember these naughty incidents past their occurrence. It is to my shame that I will. Anyway, thank you for letting me rant. It’s been quite a day. I see a big bowl of chocolate ice cream in my future. That’s Rachel Ray Roasters for people.

Funky Event Focuses Attention on Autism

Sue Murphy

A few minutes later (more than I’d like to admit), I returned to being a grownup. Dave had already returned to being a dog, so we were both in our appropriate stations.

CARING FOR THEM

Hands Up Together set to benefit Collat Jewish Family Services

HOPE AND HEALING Mountain Brook Police debut anti-abuse decals

GOOD FRIDAY TRADITION Homewood churches hold annual Way of the Cross procession PAGE 12

“FATHER GOOSE TREASURY” For Charles Ghigna new book is a culmination of his life’s work.

The 13th annual Funky Fish Fry at Avondale Brewing Company drew supporters of Mitchell’s Place and Autism Support of Alabama on April 15, as well as people who love catfish and a good time. Enjoying the event, from left: Kristy Henry, Hannah Walter, Meredith Street and Katie Seale. Look for more photos in our May 4th issue.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

CRAWFEST 2023

MAY 4 Birmingham Zoo

Cajun Buffet

Boiled

Crawfish, Jambalaya, & Drinks

Silent Auction

Raffles

Live Music

Thurs., April 20

Samford Legacy League Scholarship Celebration

Tony Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Liz Callaway will perform a 90-minute concert at Samford Legacy League’s 13th annual Scholarship Celebration. Guests will enjoy a reception, dinner, program and concert. When: 5:30-9 p.m. Where: Covenant Presbyterian Church

Hope in the Ham

This fun, casual party with a specialty drink by Tito’s, food and music by The Hams will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge, where cancer patients and their caregivers can stay in a safe and nurturing environment during treatment. When: 6-9 p.m. Where: Retail Specialists Building, 2200 Magnolia Avenue South

April 20-30

A Fox on the Fairway

Tickets - $150 Couple $80 Single

https://crawfest23.givesmart.com/ text "crawfest23" to 76278 or scan the red code for link

Sponsorships, Donations, Questions - info@ccaalabama.org

25th Annual LEBANESE FOOD & CULTURAL FESTIVAL

If you liked “Caddyshack” you’ll love Ken Ludwig’s play, “A Fox on the Fairway,” a golf comedy filled with mistaken identities, slamming doors and over-the-top romantic shenanigans. When: ThursdaysSaturdays, 7:30 p.m., Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Theatre

Fri., April 21

Dogwood Festival Concert

20th Annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival

April 21 & 22, 10am to 9pm Free Admission

Friday and Saturday, April 13 & 14 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair to hear Mountain Grass Unit and Will Stewart perform at this free, familyfriendly concert sponsored by the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Wald Park’s

Blooms Galore

Decorate Your Yard for Spring at Aldridge Gardens Plant Sale

Find the perfect plants for your container or garden spot at Aldridge Gardens’ annual Spring Plant Sale set for April 27-29.

Customers can own an extra special plant when they buy one that lived at the gardens, and many other plants will be on sale that are from friends and members of Aldridge Gardens.

The main feature is always the Snowflake hydrangea, but shoppers can choose from a host of many varieties and sizes of hydrangeas.

Volunteers and gardeners will be on hand to help with selections and to give advice about placement, care and maintenance of the wide variety of plants that will be for sale.

Among the dozens of plants scheduled for sale are asters, azaleas, honeysuckle, zinnias, ferns, lilacs, gardenia and begonias. A number of herbs will be included, such as mint, sage, sweet Italian basil, oregano and golden lemon thyme.

The event’s hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 27-28 and 8:30-noon April 29. For more information and a complete list of plants, go to aldridgegardens. com.

Earth Day celebration is a familyfriendly event will promote healthy communities, sustainable living, and human wellness through educational dialogue, informational displays, and outdoor activities. When: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Earth Day 2023 at McWane Science Center

St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church

836 8th Street So., Birmingham (Between University Blvd. and 10th Ave. So)

FOOD: including Rolled Grape Leaves, Spinach

Pies, Baked Kibbee and Falafel Sandwiches, Tabouleh (Lebanese

Salad), Grilled Lebanese Lemon

Chicken, Loobia (Green Beans),

Rice, Homous and Pita Bread.

Desserts include a variety of

LEBANESE DELICACIES INCLUDING: Baked Kibbee, Lemon

Baklawa, Kaak (Lebanese Sugar

Grilled Chicken, Grape Leaves, Tabouleh, Homous, Spinach

Cookie), Lebanese Ice Cream.

Pies and Desserts like Baklawa, Zlaybah and Ice Cream.

5K RUN: Saint Elias Cedar

St. Elias Cedar Run 5K and Cedar Shake Fun Run

Opera Birmingham presents Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera about two lost children who must escape from a wicked witch’s candy house.

7:30 p.m. on April 21, 2:30 Dorothy

Sat., April 22

Established 1999

Stop the Violence 5K and Fun Run

The American Legion 21st District will hold a Stop the Violence 5K and Fun Run to raise awareness of gun violence in Birmingham and our communities. When: Registration begins at 9 a.m., race at 11 a.m. Where: Railroad Park

Celebrate Earth Day with hands-on programs that foster an appreciation for our world as The McWane Center showcases the work of local organizations and explore actionable ways to protect our planet. When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: McWane Science Center

Magic City Mimosa Festival

The inaugural Magic City Mimosa Festival celebrates the favorite brunch drink to Sloss Furnaces. Live music, drinks and amazing local restaurants will be featured. When: 1-5 p.m.

Ball, a fundraiser for local research, advocacy and community education efforts to fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke. When: 6 p.m.

Where: Barber Motorsports Museum

Tsvey Brider

Tsvey Brider, or Two Brothers, presents a musical evening of diverse Jewish music, including combinations of African-American spirituals, the music of Jewish Eastern Europe, and tunes from the vibrant world of Yiddish culture. Registration required When: reception at 7:30 p.m., concert at 8 p.m. Where: Temple Beth El

Tues., April 25

Prescott House 35th Anniversary

Live music, silent and live auctions are among the features at this fundraiser recognizing the 35th anniversary of Prescott House child advocacy center. When: 6 p.m.

Silent Auction · Music & Dancing · Free Shuttle Parking

Mutt Strut

5K Run on April 14 at 8 a.m., followed by Cedar Shake Fun Run at 9 a.m. Benefits The Exceptional Foundation, an organization established to provide social and recreational activities for individuals with special needs. For route and registration, visit www.cedarrun5k.com

SILENT AUCTION: Features catered Lebanese dinners, vacation packages, collector items, gift certificates to restaurants and events in the Birmingham area. Closes 8 p.m. on April 14.

25% of all festival proceeds go to local and national charities. For more information visit www.stelias.org.

DANCING: Traditional dances by youth of the church on indoor stage starting 6 p.m. Friday and 12:30 p.m. Saturday. New York-based Amin Sultan Lebanese Band performing under outdoor tent from 6 to 9:30 p.m. nightly.

Hand in Paw’s 13th Annual Mutt Strut: Dog-Friendly 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run will take place at Homewood Central Park on Earth Day. When: 7:30 a.m. Where: Homewood Central Park

Earth Day at the Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens annual

Where: Sloss Furnaces

Wing Ding

A day of fun competition for local chefs is part of the Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival. Presented by Leadership Vestavia Hills, it will feature chicken wings, live music and a children’s area full of games and activities. Free for children 10 and under. When: 4-7 p.m. Where: Vestavia City Hall

Birmingham Heart Ball

Randy and Kelly Owen are the honorees for the Birmingham Heart

Where: Grand Bohemian Hotel Grand Ballroom

Thurs., April 27

Birmingham Boys Choir

Celebration

Richard Simmons III, founding director of the Center for Executive Leadership, will be the featured speaker of a dinner event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Boys Choir. When: 6 p.m. Where: Birmingham Country Club

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Sat., April 29

Hope for Autumn Crawfish Boil

Join us for the 16th annual Hope for Autumn Foundation Crawfish Boil, one of the area’s most popular family events! Enjoy all you can eat crawfish, hamburgers, hot dogs, kids’ activities, face painting, a kids’ DJ dance party, live music by the Divines and Pioneer Chicken Stand. Proceeds benefit Alabama families battling childhood cancer and funds local childhood cancer research. When: 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Where: The Church at Ross Bridge, 2101 Grand Avenue

GUILD GALA | FRI., APRIL 28

The Bell Center will host its 34th annual black-tie Guild Gala featuring a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner and live auction followed by an afterparty featuring Monsters of Yacht. Proceeds will benefit The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, which is dedicated to helping children from birth to age three who are at risk for developmental delay. When: 6 p.m. Where: The Club

Taste for a Cure

Amazing food and spirits, live and silent auctions, wine pull drawing

Denim and Dining

The seventh annual fundraising event for the Hoover City Schools Foundation will feature a reception, silent and live auctions, a Jim n’ Nicks barbecue dinner and live music. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: Aldridge Gardens

Celebrate Hoover Day

Annual city-wide celebration, free to the public. This family-friendly event draws more than 10,000 residents of all ages for a fun day at the park. Event features: Veterans Memorial Paver Dedication, petting zoo, carnival rides, a car show, live

entertainment and more. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Veterans Park on Valleydale Road

Movie Night with Christopher Confessore

Your favorite movie works will be performed by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra with conductor Christopher Confessore at the helm. When: 7 p.m.

Where: Alys Stephens Center

Sun., April 30

Heights Hangout

Enjoy live music, food, drinks, a kid’s

zone, pop-up shops, sponsor booths and more. Tickets are $10 at the gate, with proceeds benefitting the ongoing Beautification of Cahaba Heights through the Cahaba Heights Merchants Association. When: 2-7 p.m. Where: The Heights Village

Tues., May 2

Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

The 40th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is sponsored by the Hoover Beautification Board and brings city and elected officials, religious leaders, business leaders, and the

Festival art workshops for kids, live music, dance performances, a cafe with food trucks and much more.

When: Varies. Where: Sloss Furnaces

Children’s of Alabama

Indy Grand Prix

This three-day event features the same cars and drivers as the Indy 500. The event is attended by fans from all 50 states and countries around the world. Includes fan zone, car corral, Indy 5K, Racing for Children’s dinner and more. When: Gates open at 8 a.m. Where: Barber Motorsports Park

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Jeb Mitchell and Alison Schmidt at last year’s black-tie Guild Gala event.

Plant Sale

community together for a faith-based event. Guest speaker will be Sandy Stimpson. When: 7:30 a.m. Where: Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel

Thurs., May 4

Crawfest 2023

Hosted by the Coastal Conservation Association of Alabama this fun event includes Cajun buffet boiled crawfish, Jambalaya, drinks, silent auction, raffles, live music and more. When: 5:30 - 10 p.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo

May 4-6

$5 Bag Book Sale

Fill a provided bag with books at the Friends of the Homewood Public Library $5 Bag Sale. Proceeds

Plant Sale Dates:

HVS PRE-TRYOUT CAMP

Boys & Girls: Ages 2012-2005 Dates: May 11-12

HVS TEAM TRYOUTS

Boys & Girls: Ages 2012-2005 Dates: May 13-14 ALL DATES OPEN TO ALL PLAYERS FROM ANY CLUB!

William, Reed and Rachel Avant at We Love Homewood Day street dance in Edgewood last year.

WE LOVE HOMEWOOD DAY | SAT., MAY 6

A day full of fun with activities that the whole family will enjoy! Come for food, music, games, parades, a 5K race, vendor expo, parade and a street dance in Edgewood. Check online at homewoodparks.com/wlhd for specifics. When: Various times Where: Central Park; Edgewood

and their families. Enjoy a cocktail buffet, beer, wine and the tunes of Mother May I, plus live and silent

Where:

The International Peace Conference will hold this concert fundraiser featuring local and regional talent to

When: 7 Alys Stephens Center

SEND ABOUT TOWN INFO TO: EDITORIAL@OTMJ.COM

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Tickets are on sale now for Collat Jewish Family Services’ Hands Up Together event May 2 at The Farrell in Homewood.

This year’s event celebrates the 20th anniversary of the nonprofit agency’s Personal Care program, which provides services that allow older adults on limited incomes to continue living independently. It begins at 5:30 p.m.

Presenting sponsors are the Lucille Beeson Trust of Canterbury United Methodist Church and Medical Properties Trust. Event co-chairs are Anne Warren, who helped launch the program through her leadership with the Beeson Trust, and Robert Levin.

The Beeson Trust provided startup

funding in 2003 that enabled Collat Jewish Family Services to begin providing Personal Care. The program began with 10 clients and has grown over the decades to serve as many as 150 clients each year.

Today, Personal Care team members visit clients for one to four hours each week providing bathing assistance, meal preparation, laundry service, and/or light housekeeping for an average fee of about $4 per hour. These regular, friendly check-ins provide much-needed socialization, in addition to helping clients manage tasks that they could not handle alone.

Esther Schuster served as the agency’s executive director when the Personal Care program was founded.

“The idea for the personal care program came from the Jewish Family Services staff,” she recalled. “They were working with older people who wanted to continue living independently in their homes or apartments but who needed just a little bit of help to make that possible – maybe help with bathing or tasks in the home that were difficult for them. We tried to find an existing program that could provide these services, but they all required at least a four-hour minimum per visit. These particular clients didn’t need that much help, and they couldn’t afford it.”

Warren, the event co-chair, was the founding chair of the Beeson Trust at that time.

“The funds that Canterbury received after the death of Lucille Beeson were designated to be used to benefit the needy elderly in Jefferson County,” she recalled.

“CJFS came to talk to us about starting the Personal Care program. We agreed that it was hugely needed and that it would make a difference in older people’s lives, allowing them to live in their own homes or apartments independently for longer. For many years, the Beeson Trust has funded this program at its maximum level,” Warren said.

Most clients in the program reside in subsidized senior housing communities, such as Episcopal Place. Tim Blanton, executive director of Episcopal Place, said if not for the Personal Care program, many of his residents would be unable to continue living in their apartments. These resi-

Appointments available with cardiovascular specialists

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Ask about virtual visits and schedule an appointment with one of our cardiovascular specialists today.

dents cannot do all of the housekeeping that is required of residents in federally subsidized housing, he said.

“They can’t afford to have someone do it, and they don’t have family and friends that can help,” he said, adding that many of them live very isolated lives.

“A lot of times the personal care attendant is the only person they may see,” he said.

Collat Jewish Family Services is a 34-year-old United Way agency that provides support services for individuals and families in greater Birmingham, regardless of their faith or financial ability.

Tickets to Hands Up Together are available at cjfsbham.org/giving.

To schedule an appointment, call 205-660-4174 or visit ascension.org/StVincentsALHeart

Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham 2700 10th Ave. S., POB 2, Suite 305 Birmingham, AL 35205

Ascension St. Vincent’s One Nineteen 7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Building 1, Suite 106 Birmingham, AL 35242

Ascension St. Vincent’s Primary Care Hoover 1870 Chace

Personal care attendant Vickie Jackson, right, visits client Marianne Dreyspring as part of Collat Jewish Family Services’ Personal Care program.

By AnA Good

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer did not mince words when he spoke during a multi-chamber event April 13. Palmer, R-Hoover, spoke on his belief that the country must unite in the face of growing international tensions.

“We don’t have the option to fight each other,” Palmer said, during the Washington Update Luncheon held at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook. “We’ve got to come together. We’ve got to realize we share this country together.”

Palmer, who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Subcommittees on Energy, Environment and Climate Change, among others, said a top concern of his is China’s “aggressive” pursuit for influence in Central and South America.

According to World Economic Forum’s figures shared on the House Foreign Affairs Committee website, trade between China and Latin America grew from $12 billion to $315 billion between 2000 and 2020. Experts predict this number to double by 2035 to more than $700 billion.

In Central America specifically, China’s influence resulted in Panama, El Salvador and most recently Honduras breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Belize and Guatemala are Taiwan’s remaining allies in Central America, according to multiple media outlets.

Palmer said the situation with Taiwan is “critical” because of its dominance in production of the world’s semiconductor chips that power everything from mobile phones to electric cars. The U.S., he said, imports approximately 60% to 80% of microchips from Taiwan – and up to 90% of the most advanced ones.

Washington Update

Rep. Palmer Urges Americans to Unite Amid International Tensions

“We need to unleash it.”

Informational handouts distributed at all the tables in the ballroom listed various “House Republican Accomplishments in the 118th Congress.” Top of the list was an outline of H.R.1, Unleashing American Energy and Lowering Costs for Americans. The resolution,

Escalation of tensions between China and Taiwan would be catastrophic for the U.S., Palmer said.

China’s rapid global advancement is among the top reasons Palmer said he has been pushing for what he refers to as a Western Hemisphere Alliance between the United States, Europe, South America and Central America.

“China’s not our friend,” Palmer said. “Their objective is to be the dominant world power.”

Asked about potential economic options to help diffuse the situation, Palmer said the proposed alliance would rely on using “soft power.” The United States, he said, has become too dependent on an extended supply chain from other nations.

“I’m doing everything I can to rally the West to come together using soft power,” he said, “investing in sub-Saharan Africa, investing in Latin America and South America, particularly through building out their energy infrastructure predominantly through natural gas so that we can near-source our supply chain.”

Pro-Natural Gas and NextGen Nuclear

Recent global emergencies including the COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine have brought to light the nation’s overreliance on other nations, he said.

“No nation should be reliant on an adversarial nation for something so critical as energy,” Palmer said.

Palmer described himself as a huge proponent of natural gas as well as next-generation nuclear energy and was critical of President Joe Biden’s administration policies on energy. Natural gas, he said, is key to bringing down energy costs and CO2 emissions.

Palmer also shared what he believes are the benefits and capabilities of next-generation nuclear energy over other sources of energy, including wind turbines. The United States, he said, has the ability to rely less on other countries for energy and must tap into that potential as a way to combat growing international tensions.

“The United States is literally an energy superpower,” Palmer said.

which was in part authored by Palmer according to the handout, “increases domestic energy production, reforms permitting processes and reverses the anti-energy policies of the Biden Administration.”

Other accomplishments listed on the handout included Republicans’ efforts to nullify legislation to eliminate some mandatory minimums for crimes and to lower many maximum sentences. Also listed were efforts to repeal funding for 87,000 IRS agents as part of a bill under consideration in the Senate and establish a “select committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.”

Palmer said the topics he discussed after lunch were heavy but real, and he stressed his belief that the nation cannot afford to remain divided.

“I know things that keep me up at night, that I can’t share,” Palmer said. “We don’t have the option to fight each other. We’ve got to come together.”

Mountain Brook Police Debut Anti-Abuse Decals

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

By Anne Ruisi

Mountain Brook police vehicles are sporting new decals to let children suffering abuse know that police officers are safe people to go to when they need help.

“So many kids are taught to think they should be afraid of the police. We want children to understand they can go to them for help,” said Debra Schneider, executive director of Children’s Hospital Intervention and

Prevention Services, or CHIPS Center, at Children’s of Alabama.

Attaching the decals to the rear of every police vehicle started this month, as April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, Schneider and Mountain Brook police Chief Jaye Loggins said.

“It’s bringing attention to it,” Loggins said. “Any program we can use to assist us in prosecuting those who hurt our children is a valuable asset.”

Child abuse in Alabama is defined as when a child under the age of 18 is intentionally harmed or neglected. There are four types of child abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional and neglect.

It’s a problem that cuts across every socio-economic class and usual-

Mountain Brook police Chief Jaye Loggins, left, and Debra Schneider, executive director of Children’s Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services, or CHIPS Center, at Children’s of Alabama with antiabuse decal.

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer with Over the Mountain Chamber leaders at the Washington Update Luncheon held at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook last week.

Journal photo by Ana Good

‘No nation should be reliant on an adversarial nation for something so critical as energy.’

CHIPS

ly it’s from someone a child knows, Schneider said.

The idea is to help children identify trusted, safe adults they can turn to for help, such as a school resource officer.

“We’re trying to promote positivity and the police as a great resource for protection,” she said.

The CHIPS Center promotes hope, healing, intervention and prevention of child abuse, according to its website, childrensal.org. The center serves children, families and communities affected by child maltreatment, regardless of ability to pay for the services.

“Our whole mantra is hope and healing,” Schneider said.

Since 1995, the center has served as an outpatient clinic for children who have experienced suspected abuse and the families that have been affected by suspected abuse. The CHIPS staff is a team of licensed professional counselors, doctors, licensed

social workers and sexual assault nurse examiners.

CHIPS also provides forensic medical evaluations, social work support services, counseling services and prevention education services. The staff works with law enforcement, the state Department of Human Resources and child advocacy representatives.

Assessing the Situation

When abuse is suspected in a child, a medical examination is sometimes necessary to evaluate and document the health of the child’s body, the CHIPS website said. At CHIPS, these examinations are conducted in a safe and nurturing environment designed to promote health and healing, according to the website.

A nurse spends time with each child explaining the check-up and discussing any concerns, and the nurse meets with the child’s caregivers to gather information, answer questions and provide a follow-up plan after the exam with the doctor present. Under no circumstances is any child ever forced to undergo an examination.

A CHIPS licensed social worker is available to meet with caregivers to assess the family’s needs, identify resources, make referrals and provide ongoing support services as necessary. That includes free counseling for children and their families.

There’s also preventive education for all ages, which can include presentations to people and organizations in the community, and group or individual sessions at the CHIPS Center. At Mountain Brook Junior High and many other schools in the Over the Mountain area, students are being taught sexual abuse prevention by members of the CHIPS team.

“A lot of parents think it’s sex education, but it’s not,” Schneider

said, adding that awareness of the issue helps students learn safety, just like they would learn about fire safety. “We don’t go in there with scare tactics. We tell them they do not have to face challenges alone and that they can lean on safe grownups for help and guidance.”

Mountain Brook police through its Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 78 and the CHIPS Center have partnered on other projects, such as helping CHIPS provide Warmies to children. Children who undergo a suspected child abuse medical exam or have to

appear in court can pick one of the microwaveable plush toy animals to comfort them during the procedure, Schneider said.

For more information about CHIPS and child abuse, call the center at 205-638-2751 or go to childrensal.org/services/chips-center.

‘So many kids are taught

think they should

afraid of the police. We want

to understand they

go to them for help.’ DEBRA SCHNEIDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION SERVICES

Rotarians Building Bridges

International Peace Conference Set for May 4-6 in Birmingham

By Anne Ruisi

More than 100 confirmed speakers are scheduled to attend the 2023 International Peace Conference set for May 4-6 at the BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex North Exhibition Hall.

“It will be bringing the international spotlight to Birmingham, Alabama, for educating and connecting people,” event chairman Will Ratliff told members of the Birmingham Rotary Club

Topics at the conference will focus on peacemaking in several tracks, such as community, education, home life, prevention of human trafficking, racial justice and equity and women’s empowerment.

while previewing the conference at the club’s March 28 meeting.

Organizers are hoping for a good turnout, Ratliff said.

“There is space for 1,500 (adults) and we hope to fill every seat,” he said, adding that up to 400 out-of-town and international visitors are expected.

It’s also hoped that up to 500 young people will attend the event’s Youth Conference on May 6.

The conference aims to equip attendees with peacemaking skills so they are able to create change in their communities.

“Ever since I moved back to Birmingham in 1981, I’ve been involved in a number of community organizations that have been based on efforts to build bridges relative to race and intolerance in all forms,” Ratliff said, including the conference’s sponsors, Rotary International District 6860, the Birmingham Civil Rights

By AnA Good

Homewood-based author Charles Ghigna credits his wife, Debra, for redirecting his career path toward writing for children.

Ghigna said that while he was studying creative writing at Florida State University, he considered himself a “serious, brooding poet.”

When he received a grant to help start a poet-in-schools program for the State of Alabama, Ghigna remembers driving through the Dothan area of South Alabama and being inspired to write his poem “The Alabama Wiregrassers,” which eventually would be published in Harper’s Magazine.

peaceconference2023bham.com

“It will be bringing the international spotlight to Birmingham, Alabama, for educating and connecting people,” said event chairman Will Ratliff, above.

Institute and the UAB Institute for Human Rights.

Ratliff and fellow Rotarians, including Andrea L. Taylor, CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, decided to create the International Peace Conference. Their goal is to teach participants peacemaking skills at local and international levels.

It wasn’t an afterthought for Birmingham to be chosen as the city for the conference, with its history of being the headquarters of the Civil Rights movement’s campaign to desegregate public accommodations.

Among the highlights of the conference or events that coincide with the conference are a 60th anniversary reenactment of the Birmingham Children’s March on May 5, hosted by the Civil Rights Institute, and dinner that evening with Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of the Anglican Church of Rwanda

Topics at the conference will focus on peacemaking in several tracks, such as community, education, home life, prevention of human trafficking, racial justice and equity and women’s empowerment.

Between the breakout sessions, there will be speakers on the topics of peacemaking regionally and internationally. Among the more than 75 featured speakers are the Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Steve Killelea, founder and CEO of the Institute for Economics and Peace in Sydney, Australia.

For more information about the conference, go online to peaceconference2023bham.com.

Charles Ghigna “The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry”

Wife, Mother Inspired Father Goose’s Storytelling Career

“Then I met my wife and fell in love,” Ghigna said, recalling the moment his path began to change.

The pair met in the cafeteria at Birmingham-Southern College, where Ghigna had been provided with room and board as part of his grant.

“It wasn’t long before she said, ‘You know, you need to lighten up,’” Ghigna said with a laugh.

At the time, he had been attending conferences, speaking about poetry and being published in university presses. Ghigna said the material was coming to him “fast and furiously,” inspired by the new-to-him state of Alabama and its change of seasons.

“Also, I was in love,” he said, of his inspirations at the time.

The person he was in love with,

however, his eventual wife, encouraged him to “write something lighter.”

“I asked her, ‘like what?’ and she said, ‘Something everybody can relate to, like dogs or cats,”’ Ghigna said as he recalled their conversation.

He soon got to work on what he thought at the time was a “crazy story.” What resulted was four titled works, including “Good Cats, Bad

Cats” and “Good Dogs, Bad Dogs,” and a four-book contract with Disney.

“Well,” he said, “my wife was right.”

Ghigna said that success prompted him to quit his teaching job and devote his time to writing full time.

“I started writing for kids,” he said, “and it was literally like the proverbial cliché – the floodgates opened.”

After their son, Chip, was born, Ghigna said he became even more invested in children’s literature.

New Book Signing April 27

To date, the beloved local author, known to many as Father Goose, has written more than 100 books and

See GHIGNA, page 11

Journal

photo by Anne Ruisi

Among the more than 75 featured speakers are the Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Steve Killelea, founder and CEO of the Institute for Economics and Peace in Sydney, Australia.

Special keynote address featuring Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of the Anglican Church of Rwanda is planned for May 5.

GHIGNA

From

thousands of poems. His latest, “The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry: 101 Favorite Poems for Children” is set for release April 28. Ghigna will begin his book tour in Homewood with a scheduled appearance at The Alabama Booksmith on April 27.

Ghigna said that when he’s writing children’s books and stories, it feels like he is once again the 8-year-old kid making up stories with his mom, Patricia, whom he described as the most creative person he’d ever met.

His first taste of writing success came in third grade, Ghigna said, when he wrote a short story about a freckle on a little boy’s face who tries to climb away when there’s a flood. Ghigna said his parents would make him stand in front of their couch when they had friends over to tell the story.

“All of a sudden it was like, ‘Wow, this is magic,’” he said.

Ghigna said his mother was not formally educated, having dropped out of school in the eighth grade during the Great Depression.

“She should have had the chance at being educated,” he said, “because she was smart as a whip and very creative. We played all the time, and she would make up these crazy stories and I’d become a character in those stories. It was so natural to me that I thought everybody just made-up stuff every day.”

In high school, when he wasn’t playing baseball, Ghigna said a teacher, Mr. Summers, helped further cement his love for writing and reading. Mr. Summers helped him realize he could be both athletic – as he himself ran a mile before class every day – and be interested in literature.

On Fridays, he fondly remembers free-writing time in Mr. Summers’ classroom, where he’d dim the lights and play light music.

Before heading to college, Ghigna said he tried out for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“I’m still waiting for them to call me back,” he joked.

Despite the unsuccessful Majors’ tryout, Ghigna did go on to find success at school. He fondly remembers his freshman English teacher, Miss Brooks, reading poetry to the class by Robert Frost and Carl Sandburg.

After class, Ghigna said he often found himself in her office borrowing books of poetry from her own collection.

“I thought that was such an honor,” he said. “I really started seeing what poetry is like at different levels.”

When she retired, Miss Brooks gave Ghigna a box of books that he used for many years in his own classrooms and eventually gifted to one of his son’s teachers.

‘It’s Like Breathing’

Asked to describe his typical writing process, Ghigna said that question often catches him by surprise.

“It’s like breathing,” he said. “There is no process, really, I have no formula. I just do.”

Homewood-based author Charles Ghigna’s latest book, “The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry: 101 Favorite Poems for Children” is set for release April 28.

Ghigna said he will begin playing with an idea that might come to him at any point in the day.

“I’m like the little boy who says his prayers before he goes to bed, except I’ll pull out my journals and write about all the days’ events and some highlight might pop up and I’ll think about it a little longer,” he said. “I just see where it takes me and if it generates a little heat, I just keep going.”

Ghigna said he still keeps paper on his nightstand as well as in various places around his house just in case an idea comes to him. Those papers scattered around the house are part of what Ghigna said inspired his son to become an artist himself.

“I think he thought they were for him to draw on,” he said, “and today that’s how he makes his living.”

Ghigna often writes in his “treehouse” – looking out the window from the attic of his 100-year-old home, where he’s lived for almost 50 years.

“I come up here every day,” he said, “and by the time I’m at the top of the stairs I’ll think, ‘What can I get into today?’ I look at the world like that still.

I look at things and turn them inside out and upside down. I’ll think, ‘What if?’”

Life’s Work

Ghigna views the “Father Goose Treasury” as a culmination of his life’s work.

“I’ve waited all my life for this book,” he said.

The book spans 128 pages and comprises new poems as well as favorites among children, teachers and librarians. The book also has a complete index of titles and an index of subjects, Ghigna said, to make it easier for all readers to find poems on topics they are interested in.

Ghigna said selecting which poems to include from the thousands he has written was a tedious process, but he is more than satisfied with the result.

“It’s beautiful,” he said. “It’s got silver gilding all the way around and a blue, ribbon bookmark.”

The book is illustrated by Italian artist Sara Brezzi.

“Every page of this is really a work of art suitable for framing,” Ghigna said, “and makes my poems look good.”

Ghigna invites readers to The Alabama Booksmith at 4 p.m. on April 27 for the first signing of his latest book. He will be at the Little Professor Bookshop in Pepper Place at 9:30 a.m. May 13 and at the Homewood Library on May 17 at 4 p.m.

For more information about Ghigna, visit charlesghigna.com.

Poto by Scott Pierce Courtesy

Homewood Churches Hold Annual Way of the Cross on Good Friday

The Way of the Cross, the traditional Good Friday procession of Homewood’s Christian churches commemorating Jesus as he carried the cross to his crucifixion on Calvary, was held April 7. The one-hour solemn procession started in Homewood Central Park and ended an hour later at Edgewood Presbyterian Church. Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Children’s Harbor Family Center in Birmingham held its inaugural fundraiser, the Fork and Cork Chef’s Dinner, on April 11.

The event at the historic Kress Building in downtown Birmingham featured James Beard Award winner Adam Evans from Automatic Seafood and Oysters and five-time semifinalist Rob McDaniel from Helen Restaurant.

Children’s Harbor’s mission is to strengthen families of seriously ill children through refuge, respite and resources.

SOCIAL Fork and Cork

Children’s Harbor Dinner Featured Beard Award Winner

Sweet Home Soiree

Entertainment and Auctions at Gala for Presbyterian Home

The Presbyterian Home for Children held one of its largest fundraisers of the year at The Club on March 16.

Live entertainment and silent and live auctions were featured at the gala. The event raised funds needed to care for the children, youth and families entrusted to the home, which has operated for 155 years. ❖

Alan and Heather Baty Emmett and Catherine McLean, Rosa Hooper, Sam McGarr, Leigh Anne and Charles Lambert

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Drew and Mary Ansley Smalley

Kathryn and Grant Rogers, Gary and Cathy York Ross and Kalin Swenson

Jason Patton and Amanda Godwin

Adrienne and Williams Bruner

Heather and Dave Kaiser

Allison Black Cornelius, John Haley, Karen Wood, Missy Yacu, Doug Marshall.

Fashionable at the Table

Heidi Elnora Speaks During Dogwood Luncheon

Alabama-based entrepreneur Heidi Elnora was the guest speaker at the Vestavia Hills Festival’s Dogwood Luncheon at the Vestavia Hills Country Club on April 4.

The event, which also included a silent auction, was part of the annual festival, a months-long series of events that celebrate Vestavia Hills.

Elnora is the founder of Heidi Elnora Atelier bridal fashion house, whose dresses are sold exclusively at its flagship shop, sister stores, and Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. She also starred in her own reality show, “Bride by Design,” on TLC. ❖

Whitney Bosley, Heidi Elnora, Cindy Gee

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Anne Boston, Ashley Curry, Sarah White

Ingrid Proelss, Beth Neighbors, Sally Penfield

Diane Zaragoza, Marga Curry, Kimberly Cook

Brigitte Dumant, Tracy Thornton.

Tammy Towns, Ann Jordan

Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov

Acrylic by Maya Eventov

No-Golf Masters

Otey’s Tavern Set the Scene for Master’s Party

If you couldn’t make it to Georgia for the Masters Tournament on April 8, Otey’s Tavern in Mountain Brook was the place to be.

Sod, azaleas and other touches helped recreate the atmosphere of the tourney’s Augusta National Golf Course while golf fans sipped drinks and watched the Masters on TV. Many at the event dressed as if they were at the tournament, in classic golf attire and spring dresses.

Hosted by Magic Moments Junior Board, all proceeds from the event will be used to help create ‘magic moments’ for children with chronic life-threatening or severe life-altering conditions in the state of Alabama.

Garden and Gun featured Otey’s Masters-themed event online at gardenandgun.com. ❖

Grace Hawkins, Butler Holland, Annie Gazzini, Sydney Howard

Robin Kidd, Sarah Kate Powell, Bradford Kidd, Katie Bass, Patrick Weatherly, Madeleine Snidow

Rachel Nesbitt, Caroline Ousley, Grace Lockett, Katherine Dodson

Connor Monson, Alyssa Monson

The Gaieties Dance Club held its spring luncheon April 3 at the home of Harriet McFadden.

New officers elected for the 20232024 year included Leah Hazzard, president; Hannon Davidson, vicepresident and dance chair; Maura Goodwin, recording secretary; Elizabeth Ezell, corresponding secretary; Becky Sevier, treasurer; Barbara Klyce, assistant treasurer; and Jennifer Ard, parliamentarian.

Among the new members present were Tookie Hazelrig, Katherine Cox and Ginny Farley.

Dance chairman Leah Hazzard shared plans for the spring dance with the theme “Swing into Spring” to be held April 28 at the Mountain Brook Club. ❖

Tookie Hazelrig, Katherine Cox, Ginny Farley, Leah Hazzard Courtesy

Wine, Women & Shoes brought women together for fine wine, great shopping, auctions and a great cause on April 13 at The Club.

“Bubbles and Baubles,”was the theme for this year’s sold out event benefitting the Baptist Health Foundation. The sold out event included wine tastings, local and national vendors, silent and live auctions, delicious bites and the Charming Shoe Guys Best in Shoe contest.

Baptist Health Foundation supports the financial and emotional needs of its patients and employees through faithdriven care. ❖

Heather Preskitt, Stacy Arnold Brooke Baird, Kate Belyayeva, Anna Davis Sommerkamp, Madelyn Beatty

Courtney Adams, Melanie Nichols, Elizabeth Brasher

Jamicia Savage, Hannah Bowles

Sarah Hudson, Claire McLane, Natalie Thomson, Faith Baumann

Kelly Benton, Rachel Brooks

Charles’ House

10am - 4:30pm

205-823-9646 ph.,

from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

sure all information is correct, address and phone number!

Mary Charles' Doll House Dolls, Doll Houses and Minatures

Mary Charles’ Doll House

COME SEE US IN HOMEWOOD!

New, Collectible Antique Dolls

2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544

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To: Mary Charles Robbins

From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax

Date: May 2010

Hope lives

To: Mary Charles

From: Over the Mountain Journal 823-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Date: Nov 2018

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

This is your ad proof for the OTMJ for the November 15, 2018issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. Thank you for your prompt attention.

Our dedicated doctors, nurses, researchers and staff are committed to finding a cure, so kids like Adrian can live their healthiest life – cancer free. We never give up hope of a world without childhood cancer and blood disorders, and that’s why we are here.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. Thank you for your prompt attention.

initial and fax back within 24 hours.

from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, run as is. We print the paper Monday. for your prompt attention.

Mandi Dreaden, Bradley Leonard

Shannon Cooley, Julie Kim

Nancy Barnett, Sally Baker, Beth Gregory

Greer Apollo, Ali Corominas

Musical Scholars

Birmingham Music Club Guild Presents Annual Scholarship Winners

The Guild of the Birmingham Music Club held its Spring Luncheon honoring its annual scholarship winners at the Mountain Brook Country Club on April 14.

The guild exists to foster appreciation of music and the performing arts. It funds and administers an annual music scholarship competition for young musicians who attend an institution of higher learning in Alabama.

This year’s winners were: Kaelyn Harris, first place voice, who received the Penelope Cunningham Scholarship; Walter Sechriest, Best Performance Award recipient; Samuel Gaines, first place piano, who received the Mildred Volentine Green Scholarship; Libby Criswell, first place instrumental (cello), who received the Stuart Mims Scholarship; Adreanna Pulliam, second place voice, who received the Dr. Oscar and Ellen Dahlene Scholarship; Ruthie Sommer, second place piano, who received the Charles C. and Julia W. Anderson Piano Scholarship; and Kerrig Kelly, second place instrumental, who received the Guild of the BMC Scholarship.

Luncheon arrangements were made by Jocelyn Palmer, and Beth Adams hosted. On the tables, napkins were tied with pink satin ribbon to match the pink and natural centerpiece baskets filled with multi-colored flowers.

The club introduced the officers for 2023-2024. They are president, Fran Howard; first vice president, Cheree Carlton; second vice president, Powell Owens; third vice president, Beth Elliott; fourth vice president, Beth Adams; fifth vice president, Jeanne Bradford; sixth vice presi-

dent, Phyllis Pelham; corresponding secretary, Lochrane Coleman Smith; treasurer, Suzanne Thomas; historian, Marsha Drennen; parliamentarian, Roberta Atkinson; telephone Margaret Hubbard and Jocelyn Palmer; and investment trustees, Barbara Klyce and Lesley De Ramus.

Others attending were Liz Alosi, Charlann Anderson, Judy Anderson, Sara Anderson, Debbie Bennett, Sebastian Black (accompanist for instrumental winner), Ron Bourdages, Cindy Bowron, Harry Bradford, Allison Bradley, Laura Bryan, Elizabeth Burle, Anne Carey, Anne Carey, Elaine Clark, Kay Clark, Charlotte Clarkson, Betsy Cooper, Linda Cooper, Elizabeth Crommelin, Martha Lee Culp, Naomi Cunningham, Judy Daniel, Marsha Duell, Sandy Eichelberger, Marjorie Fourney, Kathleen Gaines, Pat Grant, Anna Gray, Linda Griggs, Beth Hammer, Tallulah Hargrove, Susan Haskell, Angie Holder, Margariette Hoomes, Mary Horn and Margaret Hubbard.

Also on hand were Rosemarie Ippolito, Elaine Julian, Karen Kapp, Blythe Keith, Becky Keyes, Anne Lamkin, Allison Lankford, Nell Larson, Linda Lazer, Gail Ledbetter, Carolyn Long, Joann Long, Vickie Lukens, Jesalyn McCurry, Amy Miller, Betty Miller, Malcolm Miller, Sandy Miller, Charla Mobley, Miriam Morris, Nancy Morrow, Bonnie Nicosia, Warren Page, Jocelyn Palmer, Murray Phillips, Marilyn Pickett, Linda Pope, Martha Gail Pugh, Carolyn Quinelle, John Quinelle,

ifts for Graduation

Sarah Rich, Amy Roberts, Catherine Rogers, Michelle Rushing, Karen Sanders, Angelyn Simmons, Susan Simon, Phyllis Tinsley, Carolyn Van Lance, Ann Vaughn, Ann Vrocher, Elise Warren, Sue Watkins, Eyleen Widjanarko, Anna Williams, Eloise Williams and Janis Zeanah.

Struck by Starlight

Young Women Presented During Resurrected Cotillion

Twelve young women were presented to society at the Starlight Cotillion at the Pelham Civic Center on March 18.

The debutants are Brooke Morgan Brown, daughter of David and Nefatari Brown; Riley Ashford, daughter of Rowell and Trinita Ashford; Lauren Gardner, daughter of Ross and Terri Gardner; Shawnise Gregory, daughter of Shawn and Denise J. Gregory; Melanie Harris, daughter of Nathaniel and Lori Harris; Johnna Hawkins, daughter of John and Mercedes Hawkins; and Sydney Humes, daughter of Darryl and Lisa Humes.

Also, Olivia Jackson, daughter of Adolphus Jackson Jr. and Angela Jackson; Stephanie Jones, daughter of Stanley and Ke’Andrea S. Jones; Morgan Lankford, daughter of Sidney and Erica E. Lankford; Kennedy Means, daughter of Kenneth and Tammy Means; and Lauren Ware, daughter of Foster Ware III and Linda Ware.

The Starlight Cotillion hadn’t been held since its debut in 2013 and was revived and organized by three of the young women’s mothers, Dr. Denise Gregory, Lori Harris and Dr. KeAndrea S. Jones. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Marsha Drennen, Fran Howard, Beth Adams, Phyllis Pelham

Lochrane Smith, Margaret Hubbard, Lesley DeRamus, Cheree Carlton

Kaelyn Harris, Samuel Gaines, Libby Criswell

Jocelyn Palmer, Cheree Carlton, Lochrane Coleman Smith

Jeanne Bradford, Beth Elliott

The Parade is Coming

Home Showcase Shows Features Buyers Most Want Now

By Anne Ruisi

The Birmingham Parade of Homes presented by the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders will return to highlight the

Participating Parade residences will be open to the public each weekend during the event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

metro area’s best new residential builds across the weekends of April 28-30 and May 5-7.

Despite widespread economic headaches for the industry, the upcoming spring Parade is evidence of a resilient building community in Birmingham, a Birmingham Parade

of Homes news release stated. Single-family housing starts indicate that homebuilders nationwide have scaled back their ambitions in the face of rising interest rates and persistent inflation.

While the Magic City is no exception to these market forces, the inventory on display at this year’s Parade is proof that the unforgiving circumstances have kept innovation by local firms at a high.

“In times like these, we have to be more in touch with what new owners want in a home than ever,” said Patrick Gilbert, president of the home builders association and owner of Wedgworth Construction. “There’s no denying the challenges of the market. But if prospective

See TRENDS, page 24

Journal photo by Maury Wald

Patrick Gilbert, owner and president of Wedgworth Construction, right, with Patty Leeming, project manager/marketing director, at their Parade Home in Cahaba Heights last week.

Parade of Homes is Showcase for Birmingham Home Builders

The Birmingham Parade of Homes is a chance for members of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders to showcase their new construction and remodeled homes, said Kellie Lloyd, event chair and vice president of the association.

The Parade, which is being held across the weekends of April 28-30 and May 5-7, lets potential homebuyers and current homeowners wanting to remodel see the latest and greatest trends in home construction, design, décor and technology, she said.

“We will have a new website that

self-guided tours allow visitors to wander and discover all the new opportunities Birmingham has to

offer. They will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and from noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

should be released next week that will allow the attendees to look at the houses online and create their own map to see each entry based on their location and desire,” Lloyd said.

All homes entered in the Parade of Homes are open to the public, and

To: Linda

Date: April

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 20, 2023 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov

Acrylic by Maya Eventov

From page 22

buyers come out to this Parade, they’ll see that when you choose a property from one of our members, you’ll get what you pay for – you’ll get the best.”

Homebuyers who want to build a

new house also know what they do and do not want in that home, homebuilders said.

Space- and Energy-Efficient Homes

“People want every inch of space to use,” said Alicia Huey, president of AGH Homes Inc. in Hoover, a custom home building company.

They also want flexibility in the rooms, Huey said, such as two bedrooms on the ground level, with one that can be used as a playroom.

Huey and Gilbert noted people still want home offices, a feature that took off during the pandemic, when many were forced to work from home. Gilbert added that smaller home offices seem to be a trend now that more employees have returned to the office or switched to hybrid work.

Energy efficiency in the house is a top demand among homebuyers, and houses today are built that way,

including the windows, Huey said. Clients such as grandparents who are downsizing are building houses close to their grandchildren. They don’t care so much about dining rooms as about kitchens large enough to accommodate the family, Huey said.

Older homebuyers also want everything on the main floor of the house, Gilbert said. Formal living rooms and dining rooms are pretty much out, and walkable communities are in.

“They want the convenience to walk to the grocery store” and other shops and places, and they don’t want a long commute from downtown, Gilbert said.

The Mt. Laurel development in North Shelby County is an example.

“They’ve got all they need – a grocery store, gas station, mom ‘n’ pop store, florist – it’s all there,” Gilbert said, noting that The Bray in Liberty Park will have similar amenities.

Participating Parade residences will be open to the public each weekend during the event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

LET US PLAN & BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

“every home is unique because every client is unique.”

‘There’s no denying the challenges of the market. But if prospective buyers come out to this Parade, they’ll see that when you choose a property from one of our members, you’ll get what you pay for – you’ll get the best.’

THE CLEAR CHOICE

HUEY

From Page One

Her company specializes in highend custom homes for buyers on individual lots, and the company builds homes in Hoover and at several golf course communities in Vestavia Hills.

It was while attending the

University of Montevallo and volunteering with Habitat that two lifechanging events occurred: she met her husband, Don, and she decided to switch careers.

Home construction was and is an industry overwhelmingly dominated by men. Today, 21.3% of homebuilders in the country are women, while 73.7% are men, according to job and career development website

zippia.com.

Huey said it was unusual when she started out, but she said she’s thrived, adding she learned about the business from “wonderful mentors.”

One of her duties as board chairman of the national association, which is headquartered in Washington, is to meet with members of Congress on issues affecting

Cahaba Glass Company is a familyowned glass business with more than three decades of service in installation and repair works of most types of glass.

Cahaba Glass specializes in the installation of custom shower enclosures, mirrors, glass shelving, furniture top glass, cabinet door glass and specialty glass.

Huey volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for a decade, was honored as the organization’s 2011 Volunteer of the Year and served as chair of the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham from 2012-2014.

Courtesy

the home construction industry “and the American dream of home ownership,” Huey said.

These issues include legislation and regulations that can drive up the cost of building a new home as well as supply chain shortages.

“Every new regulation makes housing more expensive,” Huey said.

The national association also steps in to help when natural catastrophes hit the country, such as helping with cleanup after recent tornado strikes in Mississippi.

History of Service

Huey’s leadership role in the national association puts Alabama in the spotlight, Huey said. The Greater Birmingham and Alabama home builders’ associations are successful and are respected nationally.

Throughout her career, Huey has been active in the leadership structure of the national home builders’ organization at the local, state and national levels. Its elected senior officers serve on a multi-year leadership ladder, and she has served on the association’s board of directors for more than 15

years.

Huey has also chaired several national association committees, including BUILD-PAC, Professional Women in Building and membership. She’s also served on the state and local Government Affairs and Public Affairs and Association Communications committees, and as a member of the executive board. In 2008, she was named Professional Women in Building’s Woman of the Year.

At the local level, Huey was president of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders in 2013, was named the association’s

Builder of the Year in 2012 and inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2008. Huey was named as the Builder of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Alabama in 2014.

She’s also been active in her community. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for a decade, was honored as the organization’s 2011 Volunteer of the Year and served as chair of the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham from 2012-2014.

What she loves about home construction is that it is inspiring to “come together and make someone’s dream a reality,” Huey said.

She also said she enjoys “the

whole experience of being outside” and learning something new every day.”

One of Huey’s duties as board chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, which is headquartered in Washington, is to meet with members of Congress on issues affecting the home construction industry.

OVER 800 PROJECTS COMPLETED!

In the year and half that Trublue has provided handyman services for homeowners the growth of the company has outpaced expectations.

“It has been phenomenal” said Roxanne Batson. My partners and I give most of the credit to our employees…good people who do good work.”

Their clients clearly agree.

“They arrived early and began work. They were very efficient. Did an excellent job and cleaned up the mess before they left. Recommend highly!” E Smith wrote in a review.

Anne S, another happy client gave the company this five star rating:

“Trublue will be my “go-to” whenever I need a job done around my house. I was very impressed with the level of service that I received and how they took extra care of my

house.”

Of course, like many homeowners, Trublue made a few hiring mistakes in the beginning and learned the hard way that not all handymen come with the same core values such as reliability, integrity, quality work and caring about people.

“We learned how to make better hires and do background checks as well as ‘working interviews’ where they work with another technician before sending them on their own. said Batson. It saves the clients from having to go through the pain of a wrong hire because we have done the work for them. Employees are also bonded and insured every employee to protect our clients.”

For more information on the services the company can provide or a free estimate contact Trublue at 205-839-3818.

VHHS Honors Cancer Sufferers During RISE Day

Vestavia Hills High School hosted its community RISE Day on April 8. The event featured live music by student bands, food, games and a luminary ceremony honoring those battling cancer. RISE, standing for Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement, works to raise money for the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

ADELE

From page 32

She’s endured about 15 surgeries, as well as countless physical and occupational therapy sessions.

Nothing has stopped her.

“I want to show people can do anything they want. They can break those barriers,” she said, with the help of Autumn Anderson, an American Sign Language interpreter who assists her at Homewood High School. “In the past, I’ve experienced some really tough times, but I know there’s light at the end, so I kept going for it.”

Adele has accomplished many things thought impossible for someone with Charge syndrome. For instance, she learned to ride a bicycle, a rarity for Charge patients. She’s even competed in triathlons.

That’s why her Mom, Julie Brandrup, calls her “a superstar with Charge syndrome.”

Adele is also one of 52 regional winners in the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s Student Achievement category, which honors senior student-athletes who have overcome personal adversity to excel. All regional winners receive a $3,000 scholarship.

She was recognized during the 28th Bryant-Jordan banquet April 10 at the Birmingham Sheraton Ballroom. More than $10 million in scholarship aid has been presented by the Bryant-Jordan program since its inception in 1986.

“Adele has overcome obstacles most would never dream of,” wrote Emily Mallard, Adele’s swimming coach at Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, in a letter in support of her Bryant-Jordan candidacy. “To her, these are not obstacles but just part of everyday life. She problem-solves and determines how to make a situation work for her.”

Dedicated to Swimming

Adele’s swimming career showcases her dogged determination.

She began swimming at age 4, eventually joined the team at Lakeshore Foundation and began swimming competitively in 2019. She has competed in the Move United Junior Nationals.

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown prompted her to briefly join a community swim team at the Jewish Community Center in Birmingham as the only para-athlete. She also joined the Homewood High School swimming team as an adaptive athlete while continuing to train at Lakeshore. She set AHSAA adaptive records in the 50-meter freestyle, 100meter freestyle, 100-meter breaststroke and 100-meter backstroke events.

“I’m happy to show people what we can do,” she said. “I’m happy if someone breaks my records, because that means I’m encouraging people to join the sport.”

Adele, who refers to herself as a “deaf-blind athlete,” is also set to swim at the University of Montevallo. She’ll be the first para-swimmer in Montevallo swimming history.

She recounted how she met Montevallo swimming coach Aaron Mahaney, who happened to be manning the athletics table while she visited the school for preview day. “I met him in person right there, right then,” she said. “He seemed like a nice person – a little bit strict, but nice.”

Mahaney was immediately impressed with Adele.

“I was like, ‘Absolutely, if there’s a way we can help you live your dream of being a college athlete, we’re definitely here to help support that,’” Mahaney said. “I was definitely excited to meet her.”

Adele ultimately chose Montevallo, which offers a deaf studies major, and signed with the Falcons’ swimming program. She said she plans to major in exercise science, with a minor in deaf studies.

“When I visited the campus for the first time, I knew. I knew it would be my next home,” Adele said. “I felt

like I would fit there. It has those deaf resources. It’s a small campus – small class sizes, as well. I really enjoy the teachers I have met. They’ve all been nice. I think it’s the only school in the South with deaf education.”

Mahaney said he’s excited about adding Adele to his roster.

“I think her determination and eagerness to try new things and put herself outside her comfort zone to do something she’s never done before really impressed me,” he said.

Before meeting Mahaney and visiting Montevallo, Adele said, she expected to continue swimming at Lakeshore but hadn’t considered the idea of collegiate swimming. That’s just another barrier she’s broken.

“I don’t see myself as a disabled athlete,” she said. “I live my life.”

OTM Athletes Recognized

Adele was among a handful of Over the Mountain athletes who were honored during the Bryant-Jordan Awards banquet.

Mountain Brook’s Jack Heaps was the Class 6A winner of the Larry Striplin Jr. Blankenship ScholarAthlete award. Heaps, a soccer player, also was the Region 5 Scholar-Athlete winner.

Vestavia Hills’ William Douglass was the Class 7A Region 3 Achievement winner.

Briarwood’s Bradford Latta was the Class 6A Region 4 ScholarAthlete winner and Westminster-Oak Mountain’s Hannah Adams was the Class 2A Region 4 Scholar-Athlete winner.

The overall Larry Striplin Jr. Blankenship Scholar-Athlete was Katie Giles from Glencoe High School. The overall Ken and Betty Joy Blankenship Student Achievement winner was Jazzmine Mason from Hatton High School.

The scholarship program, named in honor of the late coaches Paul “Bear” Bryant of Alabama and Ralph “Shug” Jordan of Auburn, recognized 52 regional scholar-athlete winners selected for their excellence in athlet-

ics and academics and 52 achievement winners chosen for their ability to overcome major obstacles during their high school careers.

Eight students in each category were selected as regional winners in Classes 1A through 6A. Four regional winners in each category were selected from school nominations in Class 7A. Each of the 104 regional winners received a $3,000 scholarship. The 14 Class winners received an additional $3,500; and for each overall state

Clockwise

Tate Sparks, Brennan Promer, Belle Murphree, Bailey Kopecky, Maxwell Kown and James Bentley; Emma Campbell and Miller Murray; Harper Avery, Cate Marek, Meredith Avis, Emma Watkins, Maddy Holley and Katherine Ann Gant.

winner, the stipend received was $4,000.

This year, a new scholarship was added, the W. Edgar Welden Service Award, a $2,500 grant presented to one recipient in each of the divisions. The award is named in honor of Welden, who currently serves as the chairman of the Bryant-Jordan board and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame board.

Josh Bean writes for the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

cookmuseum.org

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

from below:

Cancer survivor Sam Cunningham, center, with his parents Lisa and Patrick and brothers Zac and Luke at the RISE Day luminary ceremony on April 8

JAGUARS

From page 32

“We had the bases loaded with no outs in the sixth and seventh innings, looking to break the game open, but we didn’t score,” Smith said. “We learned that magic doesn’t just happen, you’ve got to make it happen.

“It’s hard to catch mojo in this game. You have to battle to get it and battle to keep it. That said, we have been playing well.”

The Jags have several players who have been on the varsity for two or three years, including senior first baseman Cole Edwards and senior third baseman Evan Smallwood. Both will play at the next level, with Edwards headed to Auburn and Smallwood to Jacksonville State.

Edwards is hitting .404 (40 for

99) with five home runs, 16 doubles, 40 runs batted in, 34 runs scored and 19 steals. Smallwood is hitting .341, with six doubles, 38 runs and 17 stolen bases.

Outfielder-pitcher Jacob Tobias, who is hitting .333, also will play in college at Lipscomb University.

Tobias is batting .333 and is 2-2 with a 3.06 earned-run average on the mound.

Smith expects senior catcher Clay Spencer and senior outfielder J.R. Thompson to also have some options about playing college ball. Spencer is having a solid season at the plate, hitting .398 (39-95) with 16 doubles, three home runs and 31 RBI.

Senior outfielder Ryan Cole is another experienced player.

The Jags have been getting solid contributions from a few juniors –center fielder Matthew Widra, sec-

‘Great Opportunity’

Urban Moving to Mountain Brook From Hoover as Athletic Director

By RuBin E. GRant

After nine years as Hoover High School’s athletic director, Andy Urban decided it was time for a change.

But he’s not leaving the area to make that change. He’s moving to Mountain Brook to become the Spartans’ next athletic director.

The Mountain Brook Schools Board of Education approved Urban on April 5 as the successor to Benny Eaves, who had served in the athletic director position since 2014 and retired on April 1.

“Things have changed and this is a great opportunity for me,” Urban said. “The timing is good since this is year 25 for me in education. I love Hoover

and it’s very hard to leave, but at the same time I am looking forward to going to Mountain Brook.

“When you talk to people about Mountain Brook, you don’t say, ‘They win.’ You say, ‘They’re successful and they have a certain way of doing that.’ I want to learn that from the coaches and administration and say, ‘Where can I help? What can I add? What can we do better to take the current success to another level?’”

Urban also likes the idea of working with incoming Mountain Brook Principal Carrie Busby. Busby will replace Philip Holley, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Busby has been an assistant principal at Mountain Brook since 2018 following

ond baseman James Battersby and shortstop Aiden Berke.

“They have solidified our lineup,” Smith said.

Widra is hitting close to .400 with three home runs, 20 RBI and 11 steals. Battersby is hitting close to .360 and Berke has been steady defensively.

On the mound, the Jags’ top two pitchers are undefeated. Junior righthander C.J. Gross is 8-0 with an ERA below 2.00.

“He’s having a fantastic year,” Smith said.

Gross earned the win at Hewitt last Friday, pitching 6 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and five runs but only 1 earned, and had six strikeouts.

Senior right-hander Lucas Thornton is 6-0 with a 2.17 ERA and one save. In the 11-1 win against Hewitt, Thornton allowed

one hit and one run with five walks in five innings while pitching a complete game.

Senior right-hander Caedmon Hunt is another starter. He has a 3-2 record with a 2.58 ERA. Junior righthander Blake Patrick has pitched well out of the bullpen in high-leverage situations, Smith said.

The Jags missed the playoffs in

able,” Urban said. “I came to Hoover in the fall of 2007 as an assistant baseball coach and we won a state championship the following spring.

“Hoover gave me a chance to grow as an administrator and as a person. I have relationships there that will be with me for the rest of my life.”

Urban hopes to build lasting relationships at Mountain Brook, too.

2022 despite a 25-11 record. Although they have already clinched a playoff berth this season, Smith said they are not looking too far ahead. The first round of the Class 7A playoffs will be played April 28-29.

“I think we need to continue to do the things we do well and correct the mistakes we’ve been making,” he said.

Superintendent Dicky Barlow said Urban possesses natural leadership and will be a tremendous addition to the Mountain Brook school system and athletic community.

several years as an assistant principal at Hoover.

“I know her and it will be good to work with her again,” Urban said.

Urban has been in athletic administration for 10 years, taking over as Hoover’s athletic director in 2014 and overseeing numerous championshiplevel programs.

“My time at Hoover was unbeliev-

“My mission is to have quality relationships with coaches and student-athletes and for them to align with our values as a school and athletic program,” he said. “We want to invest in those around us and form relationships with well-rounded people so that we can have success.

“I’m fortunate to have a positive relationship with so many in Mountain Brook already and I look forward to growing my relationship with the Mountain Brook community.”

Mountain Brook Schools

“He is an experienced athletic director who understands that relationships and values are the foundation of a successful athletic program,” Barlow said. “I look forward to Andy leading our athletic department and joining our district leadership team.”

Urban played college baseball at Wallace State and then South Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s in education. He later earned his master’s in education degree and educational specialist degree from UAB. He and his wife, Christa, have two children, Brayden, a senior at Hoover, and Anna Kate, a fourth grader.

He will begin his work at Mountain Brook this summer.

“The Mountain Brook position is unique,” Urban said. “I think the change will be good.”

Andy Urban will begin his work at Mountain Brook this summer.

Courtesy Mountain Brook City Schools

Above, Evan Smallwood is hitting .341, with six doubles, 38 runs and 17 stolen bases. Right, Cole Edwards is hitting .404 (40 for 99) with five home runs, 16 doubles, 40 runs batted in, 34 runs scored and 19 steals.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

‘Legendary’

Hoover’s Kelly Named ASWA 2023 Miss Basketball

By RuBin E. GRant

Hoover senior basketball star Reniya Kelly had a few individual goals in mind entering the final season of her high school career.

“I was really pushing to get some awards,” Kelly said, “one of them being Miss Basketball.”

The 5-foot-8 guard already had an impressive list of accomplishments when she added the state’s most coveted award. The Alabama Sportswriters Association selected her as the 2023 Miss Basketball during its annual Mr./Miss Basketball awards luncheon on April 6 at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center.

“Being named Miss Basketball is big for me because it is for the whole state not just the area I was living in, so I was definitely honored to get my flowers,” Kelly said.

Labaron Philon, a junior guard from Baker in Mobile, was tabbed the 2023 Mr. Basketball.

Kelly became the third Miss Basketball from Hoover, joining Sidney Spencer (2003) and Marqu’es Webb (2013). No other school has more than two.

“Honestly I wouldn’t say (Miss Basketball) is the cherry on top for my high school career because I still

have a chance of attending the Jordan Brand Classic since I will be attending a Jordan school,” Kelly added. “It is a blessing being named Miss Basketball, though.”

Kelly is headed to the University of North Carolina to play collegiately.

A few weeks before receiving the Miss Basketball award, Kelly was selected as the OTM Player of the Year for the second consecutive sea-

‘I don’t think many people can say they have four (championship) rings and only lost 10 games in five years. It’s really impressive, I would say.’

RENIYA KELLY

son. She also was chosen as the Alabama Gatorade Girls Player of the Year and was named to the MaxPreps All-America second team. She is listed by ESPN as the Class of 2023 No. 30 best player and No. 6 best point guard in the nation.

Kelly became Hoover’s all-time scoring leader with 2,272 career points this season while leading the

Lady Bucs to a 35-1 record and their third consecutive Class 7A title, their fourth in her five seasons on the varsity. She was named Class 7A MVP in the state tournament.

She averaged 15.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.4 steals a game this season, converting 194 of 432 field goals for 44.9% while making 80 of 171 from 3-point range for 46.8%.

Kelly also led the Alabama AllStar team to victory and was named MVP of the 2023 AlabamaMississippi All-Star basketball game in March.

During her Hoover career, the Lady Bucs posted a 168-10 record.

Best Hoover Player Ever

“I’ve seen all the Hoover High school greats and Reniya Kelly is the best player to ever play at Hoover High School,” Hoover coach Krystle Johnson said. “What makes her special is she’s always looking to elevate her game. Once she masters one thing, she moves on to the next challenge.”

Kelly is a four-time All-State player and was named the Class 7A Player of the Year for the second straight year. She heads the 2023 ASWA Super All-State team, composed of the top five state players regardless of

classification. It’s the second straight season she has been selected to the team.

“I would describe my career as legendary,” Kelly said. “I don’t think many people can say they have four (championship) rings and only lost 10 games in five years. It’s really impressive, I would say.

“It is shocking but also expected for me because I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am. I will definitely

be the standard for the younger kids coming in.”

Johnson says she’s going to miss Kelly.

“She has been a coach’s dream to coach these past five years,” Johnson said. “To watch her go from a 12-year-old sending us to the state championship game in 2019 to a 17-year-old leading us to an unprecedented third straight state championship has been a pleasure.”

COMPETITIVE SOCCER TRYOUTS & CAMP

VHSC PRE-TRYOUT CAMP

Boys & Girls: Ages 2016-2005 (U8-U19)

Dates: May 8-10

VHSC COMPETITIVE TEAM TRYOUTS

Boys & Girls: Ages 2011-2005 (U13-U19)

Dates: May 15-16

VHSC U8-U12 TRYOUTS

Boys & Girls: Ages 2016-2012 (U8-U12)

Dates: May 22-23

All dates open to ALL PLAYERS from ANY CLUB!

Kelly was chosen as the Alabama Gatorade Girls Player of the Year and was named to the MaxPreps All-America second team. She is listed by ESPN as the Class of 2023 No. 30 best player and No. 6 best point guard in the nation.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

‘Legendary’ Hoover’s Kelly named ASWA 2023 Miss Basketball Page 31

SPORTS

Thursday, April 20, 2023 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

‘Adele has overcome obstacles most would never dream of. To her, these are not obstacles but just part of everyday life. She problem-solves and determines how to make a situation work for her.’

‘Great Opportunity’ Urban moving to Mountain Brook from Hoover as Athletic Director Page 30

Battle-Tested

Spain Park Baseball Team on a Roll as State Playoffs Loom

By RuBin E. GRant

Spain Park baseball coach Will Smith decided his team needed a challenge for the first two months of this season, especially since the Jaguars had 12 seniors and seven returning starters from their 2022 team.

“I knew we had an experienced group coming back, so by design I made the schedule as challenging and as difficult as it could get because, come April, I wanted us to be battle tested and ready,” Smith said.

The Jags have met the challenge and then some. Last week, they beat HewittTrussville twice, 11-1 on Tuesday and 7-5 on Friday, to improve to 25-6 overall and 4-0 in Class 7A, Area 6, clinching a tie for the area championship. They could claim the title outright this week with a win against Chelsea.

The Jags were scheduled to visit the Hornets on Tuesday and host them on Thursday.

Spain Park has been on a roll for more than a month.

‘We lost a game at Vestavia on March 14, and from that point forward we have won 15 out of the last 17.’ SPAIN PARK BASEBALL COACH WILL SMITH

“We lost a game at Vestavia on March 14, and from that point forward we have won 15 out of the last 17,” Smith said. “A lot of those have been one-run games against good opponents and that’s allowed us to build confidence and be ready for pressure moments in big games.”

Breaking Down Barriers

By Josh BEan

Homewood senior Adele Brandrup understands the influence she can have on others.

A record-setting swimmer, she was born with Charge syndrome, a complex and rare condition that often causes vision and hearing difficulties, heart defects, struggles with breathing and balance, and other wide-ranging issues.

For Adele, she was born deaf and essentially has no peripheral vision. She was also born with no semicircular canals, the fluidfilled tubes in the inner ear responsible for balance. She can hear, thanks to a cochlear implant she received as a baby. But she communicates through American Sign Language because, although she can hear sounds, she is not able to distinguish conversation.

In one of those setbacks, a 5-4 loss to Auburn on April 1 in the Hoover Buccaneer Classic, the Jags learned a valuable lesson.

‘People Can Do Anything They Want’

Homewood High School senior Adele Brandrup is one of 52 regional winners in the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s Student Achievement category, which honors senior student-athletes who have overcome personal adversity to excel. Adele was born deaf and essentially has no peripheral vision.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Junior right-hander C.J. Gross is 8-0 with an ERA below 2.00.

See Jaguars, page 30