OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
SPORTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022
SOCIAL
Photo courtesy
Ceremony remembers the last hours of Jesus
Lew Burdette, on the campaign trail, is president of King’s Home and is running for governor in the Republican primary.
‘LEW IN 22’
Home design, building trends to watch in 2022
Vestavia Hills’ Lew Burdette Says Prayer Led Him to Run for Governor By Ally Morrisson
W
hen he was just 15 years old, Lew Burdette was kidnapped. He was held at gunpoint in the alley behind his father’s Roanoke grocery store and then taken into the woods, where he would end up shot, stabbed and left for dead in an old 30-foot water well. Burdette said he battled for his life at
“I just remember repeating in my head, ‘Lew in 22’, but at the time I didn’t know what that meant.” the bottom of that well, later was given only a 5% to 10% chance of living and survived only by the grace of God.
Burdette now is president of King’s Home and is running for governor in the Republican primary. Burdette has lived in Vestavia Hills for 23 years with his wife, Suzie. The couple has three children, Ash, Sarah Gabel and Grant. When asked why he chose to live in the Over the Mountain area, Burdette emphasized his love for the family environment
See BURDETTE, page 10
Joy for cooking leads to career change
2 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
Inside
Murphy’s Law
I BRING ON THE BRAY Vestavia Hills City Council OKs plans for 600-home development PAGE 10
THE PERFECT FIT Homewood artist creates a puzzle with Ravensburg PAGE 12
BROTHERS’ REUNION Alpha Sigma Delta celebrates 100th anniversary PAGE 18
3 ... 2 ... 1 ... LEGO! Crestline Cool Coders win big at Lego League State Championship PAGE 36
ABOUT TOWN NEWS LIFE SOCIAL
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OPINION/CONTENTS
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HOME FOOD SCHOOLS SPORTS
just got back from the Panama seating area of Team Viagra (I didn’t Canal. Bet you didn’t expect me to ask), but Team Viagra prevailed, capsay that. I didn’t expect it, either, ping it off by sending the Prevagen but in one of those “life is short” losers a big glass of lemons. moments, I booked a cruise with my Our little gang of three had no sister and brother-in-law that left San name. We made a respectable showing Diego and landed in Ft. Lauderdale. each time but never won. We did, howFourteen days at sea! It was terrific! ever, win prizes in the Simon Says The highlight, of course, was transiting competition. Actually, I don’t know if the canal. We went through the “going you can call it winning. We were the up” locks in the morning and the only three people who showed up for “going back down” locks in the afterthe event, so we walked away with noon. The beautiful simplicity of the ship coffee mugs. Being paid not to Sue Murphy idea – raise and lower the ships by play. I could do that all day. raising and lowering the water – was Our days were filled with similarly an impressive show of engineering. amusing but pointless activities. The fact that the captain could We went directly from This was not a Jello shot crowd. squeeze our giant ship in between was no wet T-shirt competiexperiencing one of the There those concrete walls with just a few tion (thank goodness), but there feet to spare on either side was seawonders of the world were multiple games of bridge and manship at its best. The whole day and Mah Jong. Our threesome to huddling around a bingo was made even better by the fact went a more pure research route, coffee table trying to signing up to taste and evaluate that the remarkable trek was over in time for us to play team trivia at libations the bartenders remember the name of whatever 4:30. were offering. We knew our Bob Marley’s back up strengths. Oh yes. We went directly from experiencing one of the wonders of Looking back (now I can do group. the world to huddling around a cofthat), it seems strange that we would fee table trying to remember the need entertainment of any kind. I name of Bob Marley’s back up group. (It was the mean, we were on the open seas, sailing in waters most Wailers, which for the life of me I couldn’t remember.) of us had never experienced. There were mountains in Team trivia involved 15 questions, put forth in rapid the distance, cities we had only heard about in travelsuccession, with participants sternly warned against ogues … or the nightly news. cheating with their cell phones. The moderator was not And yet, we spent several hours of that time digging asking us to puzzle out the meaning of life, but to come through the fifth grade slush pile in our brains to answer up with tidbits of information so extraneous that I have “Who was the first human person supposedly created by semi-successfully navigated my entire life without Zeus?” It was Pandora. I didn’t know that, either. knowing the majority of them. Our trio has booked another cruise for later this sumStill, the competition was fierce. Trivia teams wrote mer, giving us ample time to read up on our destinations their possible answers on scratch paper so as not to tip and fill the rest of our brains with as much useless trivia off the other teams with verbal cues. On the last day, as possible. Or maybe they’ll pay us not to play trivia. Team Prevagen launched a coup and usurped the normal We’re good at that.
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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 Views Running for the Bulls
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
April 7, 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
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Vol. 32, No. 17
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.
Trivial Pursuits
Bama Bully Rescue held its Third Annual Running for the Bulls 5K on March 26 at Oak Mountain State Park. Participants of the 5K were encouraged to bring their canine family members as pups, too, were eligible to win medals. Runners and their furry friends were treated to live music from Puttin’ on the Ritz, as well as raffle items. Nick Rex and Casey Krzeczkowski with Lexa, left, were medal winners at the event. Bama Bully Rescue works with animal shelters to rescue pit bull type dogs who are overlooked for adoption and at risk for euthanasia.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 3
ABOUT TOWN
THACKER RANCH 191 CROSSCUT ROAD | ALABASTER, AL | MLS# 1305735
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Boathouse
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Call to set up a private tour of this amazing property today!
4 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
APR 7 - APR 21
animals. Proceeds of the event will benefit The Animal League of Birmingham. When: 12-4 p.m. Where: Smith’s Variety
Thurs., April 7 Mastering Happy Hour
The 2022 Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival activities celebrate all of the incredible things Vestavia Hills has to offer! There is something for everyone at the Dogwood Festival!
April Events 6: Dogwood Luncheon 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 16: Battle of the Bands 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
Stop by during Mt Laurel’s Spring Festival to shop the book sale and craft. All proceeds from the book sale support the library. No registration required. When: 10 am – 3 pm Where: Mt. Laurel Public Library
Party on the Patio
This Dogwood Festival event will feature food, shopping and music at The Heights Village. When: 3-8:30 p.m. Where: The Heights Village
Fri., April 8 VHHS RISE Day
Enjoy live music by student bands, food, games, and a Luminary Ceremony honoring those who have fought a battle against cancer. When: 4-10 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills High School
April 8-24 Once the Musical
From the very first note, Once draws you in and never lets go. This emotionally captivating musical is the only show to have music that won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Olivier Award, and a Tony Award. When: Showtimes vary Where: Red Mountain Theatre
Sat., April 9 Red Shoe Run Rockin’ 5K
This “Rockin’” 5K directly benefits and impacts guest families served by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. During and after the race, runners will enjoy music and a fun block party. Rock N’ Roll costumes are encouraged! When: 8 a.m. Where: Downtown Birmingham, 1617 3rd Ave S
Sun., April 10
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
Spring into Fun!
Spring Festival Book Sale and Crafts
Watch The Masters on a Jumbotron during this free, family-friendly Dogwood Festival event. When: 2-6:30 p.m. Where: Vestavia City Center
Easter Egg-Sperience
FUNKY FISH FRY | SAT., APRIL 9
Held every April to celebrate Autism Awareness month, this family-friendly event is hosted by the junior boards of Mitchell’s Place and the Autism Society of Alabama in support of children and adults affected by autism in Birmingham. When: 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: Avondale Brewing Co.
Cornhole Classic
The 10th annual Bell Center Cornhole Classic is a round-robin tournament that will keep your cornhole skills intact during tailgating off-season. Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Proceeds benefit The Bell Center Early Intervention programs. When: 11 a.m. registration, 12 p.m. start Where: Good People Brewing
My Broken Doll
In partnership with the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center, Red Mountain Theatre will host Baleigh Nelson’s Samford University Catalyst Project, with the free one-time showing of My Broken Doll. The onehour play will follow the life of Beatrice
Enjoying last year’s Funky Fish Fry were Hannah Giddings and Cody Nall with Winnie.
Karp during the Holocaust. When: 2:30-4 p.m. Where: Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus
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
Pet Easter Photos at Smith’s Variety
Bring your furry friend, kids, or the whole family to Smith’s Variety for a special photo memory with the Easter Bunny, all while helping Alabama
We Hop To See You This Easter!
Hop on over to this festive Easter egg hunt where more than 10,000 eggs will be hidden in Henley Park. Four different hunts will be offered, and plush bunny toys will be given to each child that collects 10 eggs. When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: The Birmingham Zoo
Darter Festival
Presented by Southern Environmental Center, Good People Brewing Co, Avondale Brewing Company and Birmingham-Southern College festival includes live music, food and drinks, kids’ activities, and more in support of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Avondale Burger Company, and Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn will be serving food and treats and this year marks the launch of Good People Brewing Co.’s Darter IPA. When: 12 p.m - 5 p.m. Where: Avondale Brewing
Tues., April 12 All In Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook Schools and Mountain Brook football presents Damon West, keynote speaker, bestselling author and college professor. West will present information and education in three key areas: Alcohol and substance awareness, Mental health and wellness, and Safety and preventable injuries. When: 6 p.m. Where: Mountain Brook High School
Fri., April 15 Easter Eggstravaganza
Visit the baby animal petting zoo, get photos with the Easter Bunny, and find a prize egg at this relaxed egg hunt. This non-competitive hunt is for children 6 and under. When: 11 a.m. Where: Wald Park
Sat., April 16 Bocce Bash
Scan for detailed event info or visit https://bit.ly/ Dogwood_Fest
2830 18th Street So. • Homewood • 205-879-3986 • Mon.-Sat. 9:30 - 5:30
This annual event will allow attendees to get competitive for a great cause. Proceeds from the event will support the Crisis Center’s Michael K. Falligant Scholarship Fund, awarded on an annual basis to individuals who are in an advanced degree program in the helping profession, including counseling, social work, and nursing. When: 11:30 a.m. Where: 3620 8th Ave S Birmingham, On the green
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 5
ABOUT TOWN
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Charity Partner
HANRTURE BO VE
BIRMINGHAM’S
VIDEO GAME EXPERIENCE
JUNE 17-19 UNITED ABILITY
100 Oslo Circle, Birmingham AL 35211
6 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN Sun., April 17
HAPPY EASTER! Thurs., April 21
2022
50% EVENT ..the
.entire
Samford Legacy League Scholarship Celebration ..
month of APRIL.
.by appointment 205.930.9394.
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
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
The second-annual Spring Edit will be held at Lane Parke with live music from Pioneer Chicken Stand, signature cocktails, and extended store hours. Wild Honey Flower Truck will be there with free bouquets for the first 25 guests, bunches will also be available for purchase. When: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Where: Lane Parke on Rele St.
Giveaways & more!
SAVE THE DATE
EXTENDED STORE HOURS LIVE MUSIC
April 22 - April 24
2022
APRIL 21 FROM 5:30 TO 7:30 PM
cookmuseum.org
MAGIC CITY ART CONNECTION | APRIL 22-24
2022 Featured Artist, Chloe York The 39th year of the festival will spotlight 150 juried, fine artists from the region and around the country alongside the 25th Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham, Imagination Festival art workshops for kids, special exhibitions, new entertainment district at the Sloss Visitor’s Center featuring live music and dance performances on stage plus festival cafe food trucks and vendors. When: Fri.,12 p.m – 6 pm; Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where: Sloss Furnaces
50% EVENT ..the
Don Quiote Alabama Ballet @LANEPARKE | LANEPARKE.COM
Photo courtesy MCAC
Spring Edit
Don Quixote is a classical ballet about .. a nobleman obsessed with stories of ancient .entire chivalry. Don Quixote and . Several different award categories, his trusty servant Sancho Panza .by appointment 205.930.9394. music, local vendors and food trucks. battle imaginary enemies in order When: Mutt Strut Vendor Village to rescue Dulcinea, the lady of his opens at 8 a.m. Races start at 10 a.m. dreams. Danced to live music by Where: Homewood Central Park the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. When: Showtimes vary Where: BJCC Concert Hall Pink Palace Casino Night The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama hosts the 14th annual Pink Palace Casino Sat., April 23 night—an elegant evening of food and fun! Vegas-style casino gaming. Mutt Strut All proceeds from this event fuel Hand in Paw’s 12th annual doglifesaving breast cancer research friendly 5K and 1 mile fun run. All across the state When: 7 - 10:30 p.m. proceeds benefit Hand in Paw’s Where: Soireé Event Gallery animal-assisted therapy programs!
month of APRIL
Sun., April 24 Heights Hangout
Enjoy live music from Big City Rhythm and Telluride, kids zone, pop-up shops, sponsor booths and more. Tickets are $10 at the gate; proceeds benefit the ongoing Beautification of Cahaba Heights through the Cahaba Heights Merchants Association. When: 2 - 7 p.m. Where: Heights Village
SEND ABOUT TOWN INFO TO: EDITORIAL@OTMJ.COM
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ABOUT TOWN
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 7
GENERALS V STALLIONS
APRIL 16 TICKETS $10 KIDS UNDER 15 ARE FREE
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Off Shoots Garden Club Hosts Overton Park Easter Egg Hunt
On April 9, OffShoots Garden Club will hide more than 5,000 eggs and a golden prize in Overton Park for an Easter Egg Hunt. During this free family-friendly event, children ages preschool to 10 are invited to hunt for eggs and search for the golden prize. The event also offers face painting, balloon art, Doodle’s Italian ice food truck, a professional photog-
rapher and a visit from the Easter Bunny. For almost four decades, Off-Shoots Garden Club has been an integral part of the Brookwood Forest community in Mountain Brook. Each year, the club hosts the annual egg hunt to bring the neighborhood together.
Children ages preschool to 10 are invited to hunt for eggs and search for the golden prize.
The Way of the Cross
Church Leaders and Congregants Will March in Procession in Homewood The annual Homewood Way of the Cross communal procession will begin at 2 p.m. April 15 in recognition of Good Friday. Each year, participants march from Homewood Central Park amphitheater to Edgewood
Presbyterian Church, following a path that will lead the group down Oxmoor Road. Attendees will make stops along the way, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Trinity United Methodist Church and Dawson Memorial
Baptist Church before concluding the march. Various Homewood church leaders will be involved, and the public is invited to take part in the ceremony, which remembers the last hours of Jesus.
PHotos courtesy
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
8 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
YARD SALES! August 4-7, 2022 May 12–15, 2022 Attalla, Reece City & Keener, Alabama are the heart of the 502 miles of yard sales along US 11 from Merdian, MS to Bristol, VA 256-538-3154 for vendor space
Slather on the sunscreen, empty out the trunk of your car, fill up the gas tank, and get ready to head up to Noccalula Falls Park to experience the “World’s Longest Yard Sale!” The Sale starts at Noccalula Falls Park, where hundreds of vendors set up throughout the front of the Park and extends 690 miles to Hudson, Michigan. 888-565-0411 STARTS AT NOCCALULA FALLS PARK
90 Walnut St. • Gadsden, AL 35901 • greatergadsden.com
1-888-565-0411
1-256-549-0351
@GreaterGadsden
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 9
ABOUT TOWN
FIND ART
Image: Chloe York, “Washy Decorator 2” (Detail)
April 22-24, 2022
Sloss Furnaces
150 Artists • Corks & Chefs • Live Performances • Imagination Festival for Kids Cafe & Lounges • Special Exhibitions 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 • Blue Cross and Blue Shield 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 Business Journal • 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
NEWS
10 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Vestavia Hills City Council OKs Plans for 600-Home Development at Liberty Park
Libertypark.com
‘In closing, I want to be very clear that our projections show the Bray will yield adequate funds for the school system to pay – on its own – for a new Liberty Park elementary school, a school the system predicts will likely be needed regardless of whether we approve the Bray or not.’ COUNCILMEMBER KIMBERLY COOK
Plans to build The Bray Town Center at Liberty Park with more than 600 single-family homes were approved by the Vestavia Hills City
BURDETTE From Page One
and the Vestavia Hills school system, from which his children graduated. After attending the University of Alabama and obtaining a degree in finance, Burdette worked in Washington, D.C., on a political campaign before accepting a position with First Methodist Church in Florence, where he was director of Christian education. After a few years serving with the church, Burdette found himself working for Bookland, which is now Books-A-Million. “I went to college with two sons of the Anderson family, who owned Bookland at the time, and was asked to come work with them as they grew the company,” Burdette said. “The timing was perfect, so I went to work with them in 1985. We grew the company from 26 stores to 175 stores that spanned over 16 states.” Burdette explained he held a variety of titles in the company before ultimately becoming executive vice president and chief operating officer. Such vast growth in a short amount of time presents its challenges, he said. “When my wife introduces me as we campaign around the state, she still talks about my time at Books-AMillion,” Burdette said. “It was an
Council during a March 14 meeting. Intended to be a live, work and play environment, the 700-acre mixed-use property is now in the early stages of development. According to the proposal, green
space, retail, luxury hospitality, restaurants and office spaces are planned, and the development is projected to generate $307 million in city and county revenues over the next 25 years.
extremely challenging time because we were growing so rapidly. Going from 250 employees to over 3,000 was a lot to manage but a lot of fun. I definitely had to learn to keep a balance and keep my priorities where they should be.” After 13 years with Books-AMillion, Burdette chose to open his own store, called Kindred Bookstores, a Christian book superstore. “We opened our first store in Center Point, and it was a phenomenal success,” Burdette said. “So, we opened our second store in 2001, right after 9/11. It was a tough economic environment during that time, and we ended up losing both stores.” During the liquidation of the two stores, Burdette said God opened the doors to a new opportunity to serve with King’s Home, a nonprofit organization providing services to abused women, children and families. “The attorney who was helping us with liquidation called me and told me about an opening at King’s Home and said he just felt led to share it with me,” Burdette said. “It stirred my heart, and I knew that was where my next journey was going to be. It’s been my pleasure to serve abused youth and women these last 19 years, and to give them an opportunity to start over in life.” Burdette emphasized the significant influence of the organization and
its mission. “What’s most important at King’s Home is seeing God transform lives and seeing youth and moms truly find hope and get to start over in life,” Burdette said. “That’s the most important part.”
But some Vestavia Hills residents raised concerns about how the development will affect the school system. Superintendent Todd Freeman said the development would add
‘I Felt Led to Do Something.’
Burdette said the idea to run for governor came to him during the summer of 2020. “In the summer of 2020 I felt led to do something,” Burdette said. “I just remember repeating in my head, ‘Lew in 22’, but at the time I didn’t know what that meant. The first thing we did was start praying together as a family, and that’s what really began the journey. In the next few months, I started talking with individuals about responsibilities and what it may look like to run, and we made the final decision last summer to run for sure.” Burdette explained his first campaign has been difficult. “It’s definitely a new experience for me, but I approach it very methodically, just like I do my business career,” Burdette said. “It’s been a great process, but it’s definitely been a learning curve because it’s a new arena for me.” When asked why he chose to run for governor, Burdette replied by saying it’s all about the people. “My entire life we’ve been at the
Photo courtesy
By Ally Morrison
about 1,000 students to Vestavia Hills City Schools, about 77 per grade. That growth mostly likely will mean the school system has to build a new elementary school, council members were told. Councilmember Kimberly Cook said she analyzed the numbers and concluded revenue from the project will be more than sufficient to build a new elementary school. “In closing, I want to be very clear that our projections show the Bray will yield adequate funds for the school system to pay – on its own – for a new Liberty Park elementary school, a school the system predicts will likely be needed regardless of whether we approve the Bray or not,” Cook said. The Liberty Park Joint Venture agreed to donate 15 acres to the school system after construction is concluded. Officials said LPJV also will be building sanitary sewer lines, sidewalks and other infrastructure for the development. John Bonanno, vice president of Liberty Park Daniel Communities, said construction is to begin as soon as possible, with plans to break ground as early as late spring or early summer. Land preparation is projected to be completed within 12 months, and the construction of structures will follow.
Lew Burdette has lived in Vestavia Hills for 23 years with his wife, Suzie, above. The couple has three children, Ash, Sarah Gabel and Grant.
bottom of education, health care and crimes and prisons,” Burdette said. “We have a great state with great people. There’s no reason for us to be at the bottom. When people ask me why
I’m running for governor, it’s because I so dearly love this state. I truly believe it’s got to be a political outsider like me with common sense business experience.”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 11
NEWS
Volunteers Needed! New Study for Investigational
Respiratory Illness
Vaccine RSV is a major cause of illness in high-risk adults, especially those who have chronic lung and heart disease, such as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We need your help to learn more about how effective this investigational vaccine is to prevent RSV infection in the future.
Health insurance is not required to participate in this study. You may be compensated for your time and travel related to study participation, up to $880.
Contact Accel Research Sites in Birmingham to learn more. Call (205) 757-8212 or email recruiting@accelclinical.com to get started.
12 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
LIFE
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
The Perfect Fit
Photo courtesy Sue Ellen Brown
Homewood Artist Creates a Puzzle with Ravensburg
and features 1,000 colorful pieces that when assembled reveal a fantasythemed alphabet, containing letters made of fire-breathing dragons. Brown was presented the opportunity through Suzan Lind Art Licensing & Design, which represents her. “Ravensburger was great to work with,” Brown said. “I got to work with them through Suzan, with both of their designers. It was kind of a team project. They would offer suggestions, and they were good suggestions.” Brown describes the process of creating the puzzle as a new experience. “I definitely had a learning curve in understanding what makes a good puzzle and the idea that every single piece needs to be interesting,” Brown said. After spending time with Ravensburger’s design team, Brown tweaked a few aspects of her original design, one of those aspects being color. “They were concerned that in one color, it may be a little boring for Sue Ellen Brown has illustrated children’s books for several publishers and has created promotional materials their market,” Brown said. “So I for commercial clients such as McDonald’s, Denny’s and Pepsi. thought, ‘Let’s see if I can turn each letter into colors.’ and I did. They really liked it. It was my idea, and By Ally Morrison Little did she know, she would later make a they amplified it.” career with her artistry at its center. Production and distribution of Brown’s puzomewood artist Sue Ellen Brown After graduating from the University of zles fell victim to the pandemic supply chain began her art career at the early age North Texas with a degree in advertising design, issue. of 5 with a Crayola drawing of her Brown moved to Dallas, where she spent nearly Ravensburger, one of the largest puzzle comcat, Taffy. six years working for the well-known greeting panies in the world, creates puzzles on specialty Today, Brown has years of art experience card company Hallmark. boards. The company wasn’t able to access the under her belt, as she previously worked for “There were about six of us in the Hallmark materials needed for its puzzles during the worst Hallmark and most recently designed a puzzle studio, and we worked on every product of the pandemic. for the popular puzzle retailer Ravensburger. Hallmark produced,” Brown said. “I made a lit“They sold out of everything in the initial Growing up in Houston, Brown explored her tle bit of everything, from greeting cards and lockdown,” Brown said. “Everyone was stuck at imagination through art classes in high school gift wrap to ornaments and miniature boxes. We home, so everyone bought puzzles.” and studied oil painting on Saturdays with a weren’t limited by departments.” After waiting for what felt like an eternity, local artist. Additionally, Brown has illustrated chilBrown was excited to finally get her hands on dren’s books for several publishthe physical product she spent so much time ers and has created promotional designing. materials for commercial clients Brown was surprised to see her product such as McDonald’s, Denny’s and Pepsi. ‘I definitely had a learning Brown incorporates several art styles into her work, which she curve in understanding what joked is both a blessing and a makes a good puzzle and the curse. idea that every single piece “I have to find what I’m working on fun or a challenge,” needs to be interesting.’ Brown said. “I love fantasy, but that’s a wide range. If it’s whimsical and fun, I’ll take it on.” being sold in a toy shop so close to her home in Homewood. “Homewood Toy was already a licensed Puzzle Carried by retailer of Ravensburger,” Brown said. “It was a Homewood Toy surprise to them and to me that they were carryBrown’s puzzle, Dragon ing the puzzle and that I had made the puzzle. Alphabet, is now sold at It’s great to be able to tell people to go to Homewood Toy & Hobby Homewood Toy.”
Steve Skipper’s artwork has been displayed in notable locations such as the Professional Football Hall of Fame and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
Prayers for the World
31st Annual Dogwood Prayer Breakfast Welcomes Sports Artist Steve Skipper Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce on April 19 will host the 31st Annual Dogwood Prayer Breakfast, welcoming keynote speaker Steve Skipper. “I use to cut grass with my dad in Vestavia Hills as a little boy,” Skipper said. “It’s amazing how God can so beautifully bring me in such a wonderful full circle. Instead of thinking of my dad looking down with pride, I’m looking up with pride.”
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Courtesy Steve Skipper
H
According to the chamber, the annual breakfast is one of the most well-attended and moving events in Vestavia Hills. Dignitaries and local residents come together to offer prayers for the world, country, state and city. The buffet will open at 7 a.m., and the program will begin shortly thereafter. Skipper is a former Homewood High School football player and now is a sports artist whose paintings have depicted the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers and are officially licensed through the Collegiate Licensing Company. Skipper also has created works focused on the NFL and NASCAR. His images have been displayed in notable locations such as the Professional Football Hall of Fame and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, among a list of others. —Ally Morrison
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Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 13
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Now You See It
Bring in the Blooms Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 2022 Spring Plant Sale Set for April 8-9 at the Gardens
Selling plants common and rare, the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host its popular Spring Plant Sale April 8-9 at the Gardens. Hundreds of varieties of plants have been selected for this region by Friends’ volunteer growing groups. Shoppers can choose from heirloom vegetables, natives, ferns, perennials, herbs, tropicals, houseplants, trees, shrubs and other plants. Plants will range in price from $3
to $80. The event is the Gardens’ largest plant sale fundraiser of the year. Friends of BBG will have priority access to shop from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Then the sale opens to the public from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The sale will take place on the Formal Lawn and in the Hill Garden. Shoppers are encouraged to bring folding carts and wagons as well as gardening questions.
“After holding the sale for a number of years at Brookwood Village and offering it virtually in 2021, we are thrilled that our Spring Plant Sale is returning in person to the Gardens in 2022,” Tom Underwood, executive director of the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, said. “Each year, the sale signals that spring is here and now is the time to get outside in your garden,” he said. “With dozens of expert gardeners on hand to offer suggestions for selecting plants and advice on planting, it’s a wonderful opportunity to grow your green thumb while also supporting this urban oasis and helping us grow a greener tomorrow.” For more information, visit bbgardens.org/spring.
Magician David Garrard will bring his special brand of magic to Birmingham’s Historic Lyric Theatre on April 24 for the Magic Moments Magic Show. Before the magic show begins, Magic Moments will offer photos with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, along with face painting and balloon art. Garrard’s show is a mix of magic and music. The magic show also will feature an appearance by David’s friend and fellow magician, Tommy Ellison. Two Magic Moments recipients will be “guest magicians” who will assist Garrard on stage with some of his magic tricks. Tickets for the show, which will be 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., will include pre-party entertainment, Magic Show general admission seating, chips, candy and a drink ticket. Magic Moments was founded in 1984 to grant wishes of children throughout the state who have been diagnosed with chronic life-threatening illnesses. To date, it has provided nearly 5,000 magic moments for children in all 67 counties of Alabama. For more information, visit magicmoments.org.
Photos courtesy Magic Moments
Photos courtesy Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Wish-Granting Group Brings in David Garrard’s Magic Show
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Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 15
LIFE provide upkeep for Sibyl Temple. The temple, on the crest of Shades Mountain, was designed by former
Planned to stand as a replica of the Temple of Sibyl in Tivoli, Italy, it is the last remaining structure from Ward’s estate.
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Mayor George Ward. Planned to stand as a replica of the Temple of
Sibyl in Tivoli, Italy, it is the last remaining structure from Ward’s estate. Vestavia Hills Baptist Church purchased the property in 1958 and had the house demolished in 1971 but spared the temple, donating it to the Vestavia Hills Garden Club. In 1985, Sibyl Temple was named a Historical Landmark by the Alabama Historical Commission and now appears in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage, according to information from the garden club.
From left, Anne Moulton, Becky Babanats, Jere Madonia, Tootsie Chandler, Dot Renneker, Linda Wood, Tammy Towns and Sarah White.
Supporting Sibyl Yard Sale by Vestavia Hills Garden Club Set for April 23
The Vestavia Hills Garden Club will hold its 10th Annual Yard Sale on April 23 at Boy Scout Square on Montgomery Highway from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fifty-five members of the Vestavia Garden Club will be donating a variety of items to ensure there will be something for everyone. Proceeds from the yard sale will
To: Henry Holifield From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 20 Date:
March
This is your AD PROOF from the OVE March 24,
Please make sure all including address a
Thank you for you
April 8–9
AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS 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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16 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
Alan and Lynn Creighton
Amanda and Marshall Morrissette
June Eagan, Dr. Tom and Kendall Eagan, and Walton Foster
Amber and David Kinney
T
Chris and Melody Eagan
TEAM EFFORT
Dr. Robert and Jamie Dabal
Birmingham Heart Ball Raises Funds to Battle Heart Disease
he American Heart Association hosted the 35th annual Birmingham Heart Ball on March 12, at Barber Motorsports Museum. This year’s event honored Dr. John T. “Tom” Eagan Jr. and his wife, Kendall Eagan. At the ball, guests were treated to live and silent auctions, heart-healthy dining from Bruno Hospitality, live music from “Just a Few Cats” and guest speakers. In addition to the Eagans, the Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team included co-chairs Ken McPherson, Tom Jernigan, Lisa Jernigan Bruhn and Ruffner Page. Other team members for this year’s campaign were Shelly Bridges, Philip Cook Jr., Alan Creighton, Chris Eagan, Melody Eagan, Key Foster, Pete Hanna, John Nathan, Jim Pool, Conrad Rafield, Jesse Vogtle Jr. and Paul Wilson. According to a press release from the American Heart Association, the Birmingham Heart Ball has raised more than $18 million for local research advocacy and community education efforts to fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The Birmingham Heart Ball highlights the affect the association has had on research and treatment of those conditions, as well as local efforts to implement the association’s mission to promote longer, healthier lives. ❖
Tim and Antoinette “Toni” Vines
George Eagan, June Eagan, John Eagan and Preston Eagan
Brittany Decker, Sheri Falk, Rebekah Foret and Susanna Moore
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Dance for All
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 17
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The Children’s Arts Guild hosted its annual luncheon and fashion show March 1 at The Country Club of Birmingham to benefit The Dance Foundation. The Children’s Arts Guild, composed of more than 100 women, has been supporting The Dance Foundation for more than 40 years. The guild has raised more than $1 million to support the foundation’s work to provide dance classes to students across Birmingham each week at schools, social service agencies and child care centers. The foundation, a nonprofit in downtown Homewood, supports dance as an inspiring, fun and beneficial experience for students of all ages, abilities and circumstances. At the root of its mission is inclusion, diversity, connection and generosity. ❖
Photos courtesy
Children’s Arts Guild Hosts Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show for the Dance Foundation
Above: Dance Foundation Executive Director Diane Litsey; Event Emcee Pam Huff; Event Chair Anna Sullivan; Children’s Arts Guild President Nancy Ball. Below: Members from The Dance Foundation board and staff.
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18 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
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Gerald Gillespy, Ivey Jackson and Delmar Hill
Frank Crockard ,Craig Crockard, Kim Crockard, Francis Crockard, Paula Crockard, Paul Crockard and Harriett Crockard
Brothers’ Reunion Alpha Sigma Delta Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Members of the former Mountain Brook fraternity Alpha Sigma Delta gathered March 19 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding. Better known as “The Sigma Club,” the fraternity was formally founded on March 4, 1922. For generations, many men raised in Birmingham areas such as Forest
Better known as “The Sigma Club,” the fraternity was formally founded on March 4, 1922. For generations, many men raised in Birmingham areas such as Forest Park, Southside, Homewood and Mountain Brook were members of Alpha Sigma Delta. Park, Southside, Homewood and Mountain Brook were members of Alpha Sigma Delta. Weekly fraternity meetings were in the homes of members’ families. Sigma held regular social events and had a robust interfraternity football league. By the late 1970s, there were only two fraternities remaining, and they were only at Mountain Brook High School. Sigma continued until early 1996, when high school fraternities were formally abolished, and sororities followed suit shortly thereafter. More than 350 guests and 50 years of Sigma alumni were represented at the event, which was held
Jay Skinner, Nancy Skinner and Henry Wurtele
Forrest DeBuys, Martha DeBuys and John DeBuys
David Faulkner, Hollis Gieger, Mabry Smith and John Bromberg
Roy Morton, Chris Eagan and Wilmer Poynor
at The Country Club of Birmingham. The brothers of Sigma also invited the former “Sigma Sweethearts” to the event. Thirteen Sigma Sweethearts attended, including Paula Porter Crockard, the first
Sigma Sweetheart, from 1953. Philip Jackson was the oldest living alumni at the party, with Sharp Gillespy and Bayard Tynes right behind him. The youngest members attending were Tim Hennessy and John Kidd.
John Comer, Richard Cook and Tim Hennessy
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Frank Pritchard, Cobb Hagan, George Kontos, Donny Patton, Peyton Sherrod and Allen Yeilding
Attendees included numerous well-known and long-time Birmingham residents, as well as several out-of-town alumni who traveled back to Birmingham for the event, including M.D. Smith, who helped plan the event. Also at the party were the two sons of J. Molton Smith Jr., one of the original Sigma founders – J. Molton Smith III, who was president in 1952, and Freddy Smith. Twenty-four former presidents of the fraternity celebrated the founding, including Tom Boulware, Bayard Tynes, Ivey Jackson, Billy Warfel, Charlton Bargeron,
Cary Tynes Wahlheim and Bayard Tynes
Ehney Camp, Tommy McLeod, Kirby Sevier, Bill Goodrich, Robby Hazzard, Morley Alexander, Ralph Smith, Billy Pritchard, Peyton Sherrod, Dr. Ed Kissel, Callen Sparrow, Roy Morton, Haskins Jones, Charles Perkins, Tom Spencer, Frederic Smith and Cliff Spencer. Among others helping coordinate the event were Gerald Gillespy, Delmar Hill and Nancy Skinner. ❖
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 19
20 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
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Sweet Home Soiree
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To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, email editorial@otmj.com or call 205-823-9646.
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Presbyterian Home Recognizes Dedicated Partners
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
The Presbyterian Home for Children took the opportunity of its Sweet Home Soirée on April 2 to recognize ministry partners. The soiree, held at The Club, honored Tom and Patti Winter and their ministry through the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley. The couple were honored for their dedication to at-risk children, youth and families over a lifetime of service, in addition to their support of the home. The soiree included live and silent auctions, a plated dinner and live music. ❖
Kendra Shea and Jack Carney
Brenda and Jim Toomey with Sam and Terry Hamilton-Poore
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Hanna Antique Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 April This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 7th issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Becky Watson and Amanda Scott
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
The Birmingham Center of Colonial Dames held its spring luncheon March 24 at The Country Club of Birmingham and honored three students who wrote exceptional papers on Colonial or Early American History. For the past 66 years, the Colonial Dames has encouraged Samford student with its contest. First-place winners during the luncheon gave short presentations on the topic of their papers. This year’s speakers were students Kristopher Labenske and Yorgo Sarris. The luncheon was attended by members of the Colonial Dames as well as Dr. Beck Taylor, Samford University president, and his wife, Julie, along with Dr. Den Hartog, History Department chair. ❖
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 21
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About History
Colonial Dames Honors Samford Students During Spring Luncheon
New members above, Marianne Jester, Murray Bromsted and Virginia Amason, below, Lucy Spain, Bebe Sprain, Annie Green, Mary Evelyn McKee, Elizabeth Ann Sparks, Catherine Smith, Ellen Rhett
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To: Tricia From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646 Date: April This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL fo April 7, 2022 issue.
If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, we know you Please make sure all information is correct have questions. The physicians at Grandview Obstetrics and phone Gynecology are here including to help answeraddress them – and and with three new number! providers, it’s easier than to make an you appointment. If we ever have not heard from by 5 pm of theFrom Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paperwe Monday. nutrition and exercise to birth plans and post-delivery support, Thankmaternity you forcare. your prompt attention. focus on giving you personalized And, we’re proud to deliver at The Birthing Center at Grandview Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, call 205-855-5145 or visit GrandviewHealthOBGYN.com.
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Erin Showalter, D.O. OBGYN
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Members of the Medical and Allied Health Staffs at Grandview Medical Center.
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Grandview OB/GYN also includes Drs. J.C. Brock, Emily Craner, Dale Greene, Natalie Reddington and Lewis Schulman
22 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
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Contemporary Statements
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1678 Montgomery Highway, Hoover, AL 978-5880 • www.shaysjewelers.com
Fine furnishings retailer Urban Home Market hosted a grand opening celebration March 24 in honor of its new Fine Art Gallery. Guests were served champagne and hors d’oeuvres to the backdrop of live music from jazz artists Ron Alexander and Tony Lombardo. Defined as a provocative new contemporary gallery for “emerging collectors,” the Fine Art Gallery at Urban Home Market features a curated selection of artwork from leading cultural documentarians and artists. The opening lineup featured award-winning artists with ties to Alabama, including Yogi Dada, John Lytle Wilson, Celeste Amparo Pfau, Sophie McVicar and Moses Pressnell, among others. Urban Home Market President Ken Delgreco described the space as
an opportunity to showcase living artists whose work represents the diverse and dynamic voices of the present time. Attendees included artists, art collectors, interior designers and public representatives from Shelby County, including Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kirk Mancer, and judicial candidates Philip Bahakel and Donna Beaulieu. ❖
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Urban Home Market Opens Fine Art Gallery
Ken and Kate Delgreco
William and Maria Ledbetter and Philip Kierce, Ashley Boyd and Emily Harrell
he Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 205-824-1246 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 7, 2022 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
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Kenneth Eisenman and Lynda Rubin
Thank you for your prompt attention.
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To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, email editorial@otmj.com or call 205-823-9646.
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Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 23
SOCIAL Katherine Anne Paul, Manjari Sharma and Graham Boettcher
Lots of wonderful Gift items
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Tues.-Sat. 10-4:00 5620 Cahaba Valley Road
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Elisa Gonzalez-Ruvio, Donna Williams Whitlock, Tonya Cotton and Ron Scott
Reframing Art
Birmingham Museum of Art’s Reframe Party Focuses on International Art and Culture Birmingham Museum of Art hosted its spring Reframe Party on March 18, unveiling upcoming programs, collections and exhibits for the new year. Reframe highlighted BMA’s newest exhibit, “Expanding Darshan: Manjari Sharma, To See and Be Seen,” a show that explores nine Hindu deities. Exhibit artist Sharma gave a lecture during the party. There also were pop-up gallery talks from museum curators, food trucks, live music and activities in galleries throughout the museum. ❖
To: From:
Attic Antiques Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 March
100 YEARS OF Date:
Service
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL April 7, 2022 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-124
Ben Larkin and Erin Everett
Please make sure all information is correc 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.
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...And Leadership, Partnerships, Community Development & Impact. THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BIRMINGHAM (JLB) is kicking off our centennial celebrations by honoring our past and forging our future with doing what we love best—serving our community. In honor of the JLB’s 100 years, our volunteers are partnering with other local organizations to show our love for Birmingham this January through April through 100 Acts of Service. Lacey Woodroof, Carey Fountain, Sanjay Singh and Maggie Belshe
Look for us around town as we roll up our sleeves and get to work, collaborating with local municipalities, businesses, community organizations and others to organize meaningful service opportunities. We invite our past, present and potential partners throughout the metro to join us as we commemorate our 100 years of impact.
ENGAGE. INSPIRE. LEAD. BUILD PARTNERSHIPS FOR A BETTER BIRMINGHAM.
LEARN MORE:
Summer Rhea and Rachel Pickering
JLBONLINE.COM
Beth and Keith Johns JLB_220331_OTMJ Ad-APRIL_Centennial_6.15x10.25_01.indd 1
3/31/22 5:56 PM
24 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
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Ales & Tails
Bob and Amanda Straka with Wrigley
Alzheimer’s Junior Board Served Up Beer and Crawfish at Event for Alzheimer’s Research The junior board of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama hosted its Ales & Tails event March 26 to benefit the Lindy Harrel Predoctoral Scholars Program in Alzheimer’s Research at UAB. During the event, held at Cahaba Brewing Co., guests were served beer, crawfish, corn and potatoes. The board also raffled off its famous liquor wagon, cooler of meats and a Taco Mama Buffet. ❖
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Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 25
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Henderson Draperies
Birmingham Music Guild Holds Spring Meeting
Over 45 Years experience
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Photos courtesy
NOW OPEN Margaret Hubbard, Vicki Lukens, Judy Anderson and Warren Page
The Guild of the Birmingham Music Club held its spring membership meeting March 18 at The Club, hosted by Perry and Pat Grant. During the meeting, performances were provided by a string ensemble from the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Under the direction of ASFA Music Chair Alex Fokkens, students played a variety of string pieces from well-known and underpublicized composers. As the performances concluded, Guild President Roberta Atkinson discussed businesses and promoted upcoming events. Members were served lunch, courtesy of the Grants. ❖
See Senior Living in a NEW LIGHT. To: From:
Date:
Henderson Draperies Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 August This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JO August 26, 2021 issue. Please fax approval or changes t
Please make sure all information is corre Introducing a community designed address and phone number!
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26 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
Rehab Reality... by Judy Butler
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Swingin’ With the Medallions Pickwick Dance Club Returns After Hiatus
Yes, it’s a great accomplishment. We’ll give you that, but it’s only the beginning. Some rehabs actually give out graduation certificates. At Bayshore Retreat we only give certificates to those who may need them for legal reasons. Reality is people don’t ‘graduate’ from addiction. It’s an everyday challenge until finally one day you realize that it’s no longer a challenge. After graduation the real challenges begin such as a student looking for employment or the addict must find new ways to fill the time they previously had for their drugs or alcohol. Whether someone has been to Bayshore Retreat or another facility they will be faced with the same issues. The only difference might be that at Bayshore Retreat we work very hard to ensure our clients get the best treatment possible, physically and with counseling to prepare them for their new life. They don’t ‘graduate’ instead they develop an Exit Plan, which is how they will live, work, and play. Also, and not the least is who they will associate with or have for support. Some of these things can’t change and this is where the possibility of relapse is greatest. Friends that were friends may no longer fit in this new life style. Relatives will question behavior that reminds them of the addicted behavior. We work hard to prepare them for those possibilities and are in touch with them long after they leave Bayshore. Many reach out to us when they have a problem and some have even returned to us because of a relapse. The ones who have returned always admit ‘it was harder than they thought it would be’.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Graduation is Only the Beginning
Pickwick Dance Club held a spring party March 18 at Vestavia Country Club. Pickwick members attended a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres event to kick off the party before moving into the ballroom, where the Swingin’ Medallions played. As soon as the band began playing, the dance floor was filled as members celebrated the return after the pandemic hiatus with old friends. Chairman of the Pickwick spring party was Kelley Gage, along with her committee of Cathy Echols, Kathy Miller, Beverly McNeil and Dale Prosch. ❖
Jean Woodward, Peggy and LaWayne Thrasher, Molly Bradley and Alan and Gail Howle
Susan Kidd, Brad Kidd, Leila Anne Kidd Rowan, Robin Kidd and Robby Rowan
Dana Pigford, Emris and Sharon Graham, Elizabeth Meadows and Prince Warnock
Larry and Grace Whatley, Micky and Kathy Miller, Kelley and Pete Gage and Beverly McNeil
Debbie McCorquodale, Catherine Ann Schilleci and Kathy Brush
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 27
SOCIAL
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28 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
HOME DESIGN, BUILDING TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2022
New Home Construction Trends Are Influenced by Pandemic CORNER OFFICE According to a report in Forbes, by 2025, an estimated 70% of the workforce will be working at home at least five days a month. ROOM WITH A VIEW Homeowners are embracing Biophilic design, a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions.
By June Mathews
A
little more than two years ago, no one could fully imagine the impact the pandemic would have on people around the world. Health habits, social interactions, work schedules and other aspects of life changed overnight. Parents became instant homeschool teachers, practical shoppers became hoarders, masks rendered us unrecognizable to neighbors, and restaurant deliveries skyrocketed. Everything was different, and the influence of it all quietly changed us in ways we didn’t expect. Take home construction trends for 2022, for example. In-demand options reflect who we’ve become, not who we were pre-pandemic.
The all-white house – inside and out – appears to be going away, according to Patrick Gilbert, left, owner and president of Wedgworth Construction and Patty Leeming, right, the company’s project manager and marketing director.
See BUILDING TRENDS, page 31
Photos courtesy
A seismic shift took place in the working world in 2020 when companies all over the country shut down due to COVID-19, and massive numbers of employees began working at home. But what was first considered a temporary situation may not be so temporary after all. According to a report in Forbes, by 2025, an estimated 70% of the workforce will be working at home at least five days a month. So, it only makes sense that people might want to carve out
Journal photo by Maury Wald
Trend No. 1: Home Offices
Condos Return to the Real Estate Spotlight
Photo courtesy
By June Mathews
The Tramont is being constructed as part of a mixed-use development in the Highland Park area, off Arlington Avenue.
G
ood news for homeowners planning to downsize, young people looking to jump into the housing market for the first time, or anyone looking for shared amenities and ease of building maintenance: Condos are back. Not that condos ever really went anywhere, but the market has definitely experienced its ups and downs in recent years. In 2020, during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, condo sales around the U.S. dropped 46% percent. But only a year later, the market had bounced back. In
See CONDOS, page 32
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HOME
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 29
30 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
HOME
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
BUILDING TRENDS From page 28
a spot in their homes dedicated to their jobs. “The biggest thing we’ve added to new houses over the past two years is home offices,” said Patrick Gilbert, owner and president of Wedgworth Construction. The company’s project manager and marketing director, Patty Leeming, agreed. “The work-at-home thing is real,” she said. “People want a space now. For a while they were taking them (home offices) out. They don’t want a big one, and they don’t want a fancy one. They just want a spot of their own to go into, essentially. And it’s nice to have your work in a place where you can walk away from it instead of having it on the kitchen island where you’ve been working on it all day long.”
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 31
HOME makes TV viewing difficult in the den. Or maybe too much family togetherness has gotten to be, well, too much, and a little separation in the form of a wall is called for. “We’re seeing more people put walls up,” said Leeming. “The open concept is still there, but people are wanting a bit of separation, particularly between the kitchen and den.”
Trend No. 4: Homebuilder Dilemmas
While homeowners enjoy trends associated with new homes, homebuilders are experiencing trends of a less pleasurable kind. Shortages caused by production delays and a lack of workers have them scrambling for building materials, appliances and fixtures. This trend, said Gilbert, has caused
builders to change the way they do things. “We now order things when contracts are signed, but we may still be waiting on something to come in when we’re trying to finish up the house nine or 10 months later,” he said. “So, we just kind of restructure how we do things and work around the delays as best we can.”
According to Leeming, delays can drag on far beyond what anyone would expect. “Every day’s a new day,” she said. “You just don’t know when you’re going to get a phone call that something else isn’t going to come in when it was supposed to. We ordered a dishwasher for a new home in June of last year, and it’s still not here.”
“every home is unique because every client is unique.”
Trend No. 2: More Color
As they spend more times in their homes, homeowners are saying goodbye to the neutral color schemes they’ve spent so much time looking at over the past two years and opting to put some cheerful hues into their surroundings. Whether this is in response to a reported increase in depression due to the stresses of pandemic life or a simple case of being bored with uninteresting walls, one can never be sure. But the color bug has truly bitten. “Seeing people put more color in their houses is nice to see and a bit daunting at the same time,” said Leeming. The all-white house – inside and out – appears to be going away, Gilbert predicted. As homeowners spent day in and day out in their homes, the propensity of all-white surfaces to show dirt became a bit wearing. “It’s like white cars,” said Gilbert. “They look good when they’re clean, but when they get dirty, you can really see it.” Along with more color, Leeming said homeowners are seeking natural light with larger and more windows throughtout. Homeowners are embracing Biophilic design, a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions.
LET US PLAN & BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME – the wedgworth team
Trend No. 3: More Walls
During the past decade or two, the open concept achieved by connecting common living spaces has been an ongoing trend, but its popularity may be waning. It’s great until a pandemic comes along. Then maybe the kids get a little too noisy in the den while the adults are talking a few steps away in the kitchen. Or a noisy dishwasher in the kitchen
patrick gilbert
| 205.542.9940 |
patrick @ wedgworth . net
32 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
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ESTATE SERVICES
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Plant Sale Dates: April 28th - April 29th, 9AM – 5PM April 30th, 8:30AM – Noon
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Hydrangeas for sun and shade, wildflowers and azaleas, pass-alongs, some old favorites, and food and craft vendors.
www.aldridgegardens.com ALDRIDGE GARDENS | 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover, AL 35216 | 205-682-8019
May 2021, twice as many condos sold nationwide compared to May 2020. Now with the single-family home market experiencing record-high prices and record-low availability, many prospective homebuyers are taking a closer look at condos. That does not mean they want to forgo creature comforts. Plugging into the idea that buyers are looking for a sense of luxury and serenity in their homes are the builders of The Tramont. The condo building is being constructed as part of a mixed-use development in the Highland Park area, off Arlington Avenue. Evan Watts is a partner and cofounder of D&A Companies, a New York-based real estate development and design company that is partnering locally with Ingram & Associates and FiveStone Group on The Tramont project. “The concept of The Tramont originated from the D&A partners’ desire to create a boutique collection
Photos courtesy
From page 28
The Tramont originated from the D&A partners’ desire to create a boutique collection of residences in Birmingham, while also paying reverence to the city’s history of enduring architecture.
of residences in Birmingham, while also paying reverence to the city’s history of enduring architecture,” he said. “Inspired by Birmingham’s architectural gems, like the iconic terminal station, D&A is creating a timeless building that will inspire the community many years from now.” Overall, two years of pandemic living have moved trends in the luxury condo market from over-the-top flamboyance to understated qualities that promote serenity and calmness.
Two Great Showrooms, Now Under One Roof!
Two Great Showrooms, Now Under One Roof!
Two Great Showrooms, Now Under One Roof!
Steve Mote & Family—Owners of Hollywood Pools Outdoor Furnishings & Spas are excited to announce the acquisition of Alabama Gaslight & Grill! Formerly located in Homewood and owned by long-time Vestavia Hills resident Mike Barnett, Alabama Gaslight & Grill offers a wide selection of gas grills & smokers, gas & electric lighting, and gas logs. Combined with Hollywood Pool’s outstanding inventory of pool, spa, and patio furnishings, 1441 Montgomery Hwy | Vestavia Hills the Vestavia Hills location is your one-stop shop for outdoor (205)979-7727 | www.hollywoodpoolandspa.com products from local families you know and trust.
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Connection to the Outdoors
The Tramont’s views of the city encompass the downtown skyline, revealing a city on the move during the day and of sparkling lights at night. But the star of the show in terms of views is the Birmingham sunset, particularly since the name of The Tramont is derived from the Italian word “tramonto,” meaning sunset. “It’s fitting that its name highlights the views, one of the most coveted features of the building,” Watts said.
Close to Everything, Removed From the Din
Homebuyers are showing a trend toward wanting the conveniences of urban living but not necessarily the fast-paced lifestyle. The Tramont strikes a balance. “One of the greatest amenities of The Tramont is its location, nestled between Birmingham’s suburbs and its downtown urban core,” said Watts. “Within walking distance of English Village in one direction and the historic Five Points (South) district in another, it’s also in close proximity to some of Birmingham’s best restaurants, beautiful open space and parks, and to the rest of the Magic City.”
Demand for More Space
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average square footage for new single-family homes has increased by 6.2%, to 2,541 square feet since Great Recession lows. Families are demanding more room to spread out, particularly as they spend more time at home. The Tramont will offer two-story “maisonettes” of up to four bedrooms with access on both floors, as well as its one-, two- and three-bedroom condos with corner views. Nationwide, the forecast for the condo market in 2022 calls for tight inventory and high demand as more people migrate toward cities. While such a climate can mean increasing prices for buyers, it can also mean greater profits for individuals already in the condo market. So, weigh the options, determine what’s right for you and your family in terms of maintenance and amenities, then go in that direction. If ease of living is at the top your list, there just may be a condo in your future.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Decorators’ ShowHouse Takes Over Hallmark Farm
Allyson Kirkpatrick, Nancy Gowens, Lynne Coker, Mandy Majerik, Ann Marie James and Cathy Hannah. During the event, visitors will be able to see the 565-acre property and purchase snacks from food trucks that will be on-site daily. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance and $30 at the door. For more information, visit alabamasymphony.org. —Ally Morrison
Journal photos by Ally Morrison
Décor Frenzy
Decorators’ ShowHouse is back April 23-May 8 at Hallmark Farms after taking a hiatus last two years because of the pandemic. Designers picked rooms at the estate to redecorate in their own styles, resulting in an assortment of decor and art throughout the home. The ShowHouse is sponsored by the Symphony Volunteer Council and raises money for the Alabama Symphony. This year, Decorators’ ShowHouse welcomes many designers, some of whom have participated before. These designers include Libby McCurry,
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 33
HOME
LOOK FOR SHOWHOUSE SPECIAL SECTION IN OTMJ’S APRIL 21 ISSUE
Buying a home in today's market can be complicated. During the event, visitors will be able to see the 565-acre property. Parking will be provided at the property. Fee to park is $5.00.
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SEE BEYOND
inda Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 AX: 205-824-1246 April his is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 7, 2022 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
ase make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
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the tr amont.com 28 GRACIOUS RESIDENCES DESIGNED TO GLIMPSE THE BIRMINGHAM SKYLINE AND SEE LIFE BEYOND
FOOD
34 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
JOY FOR COOKING
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
FOODIE NEWS
Photo by Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner Bang Images
Six years ago Joy Smith quite her job as a teacher to ‘focus on feeding people’.
venient for everybody.” When asked how she learned to cook, Smith credited a lot of her knowledge to her mother. “My mom was a single mom, and she worked at nights as a nurse,” Smith said. “A lot of times she would get dinner started and tell me how to finish it. She would peel and chop the potatoes and I would boil and mash them. I learned a lot from her.” “I have been cooking for a long time,” she continued. “During my senior year of high school, I was in charge of our big art festival. Usually a group or committee made the food and, for some reason, they didn’t have anybody that year. My art teacher heard I cooked, so I handled all of the food for the festival.” Smith’s joy for cooking continued well into her college career. She catered her first wedding by herself at 21 years old out of a tiny apartment kitchen.
‘My mom was a single mom, and she worked at nights as a nurse. A lot of times she would get dinner started and tell me how to finish it. She would peel and chop the potatoes and I would boil and mash them. I learned a lot from her.’ Montessori. Smith stayed with Creative Montessori for 10 years before deciding to pursue her passion for cooking full time. “Six years ago, I quit my job as a teacher and told myself to focus on feeding people,” Smith said. “I started doing farmers markets like West Homewood Farmers Market and eventually Pepper Place, along with corporate catering.” “Right before COVID, I started to do more take and bake items to meet new people, test recipes and portion sizes, and just learn along the way. When COVID hit, it was really incon-
Serendipity
Smith’s fantasy of having her own café came to fruition after she noticed a space for sale on Broadway Street in Homewood near GianMarco’s Restaurant, a location she had driven by for nearly 20 years. “I saw the space become available and I thought it was time to go for it,” Smith said. But just four days before her opening, her chef quit. The anxiety-inducing development worked out in her favor.
Blue salad
Photo by Kristin Greene FMPStudios
Photo courtesy Joy Smith
Veggie slider
Pavlova
Photo courtesy Joy Smith
W
hen she was 7 years old, Joy Smith hopped into her mother’s car for a Sunday drive in her hometown of Romeo, Michigan. During the drive, her mother, Corinne, pointed out of the car window to a nearby shed and told Joy it would make the cutest restaurant. As they drove by, Corinne explained how she would serve pot roast on Thursdays and chicken pot pie on Fridays. Both Joy and her mother have always had a passion for cooking. From that moment on, an idea dwelled in Joy’s heart. Years later, Smith has found herself in her dream position as the owner of Sorelle Catering in Homewood. After graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in psychology, Smith worked in real estate and then became a preschool teacher with Creative
“I met a man named Daniel Gregory at Restaurant Depot and told him about my business,” Smith said. “He wanted to come work for me but had never worked in a kitchen before. I decided to give him a chance and hired him, and he has been my knight in shining armor. “He has learned so many recipes and lends an extra set of hands around the café. He jumped in.” Now serving as both a catering company and grab and go café, Sorelle offers a plethora of options, as Smith strives to please every customer. “I love a buffet and I love to have something for everybody,” Smith said. “When people walk in, they see a lot of choices.” Smith said that there’s a lot of recipe research that goes with having such a large menu, but it also incorporates an element of family. “There’s a lot of research that goes into dishes that heat back up well, and I always try to make recipes my own,” Smith said. “My mom taught me how to make spaghetti sauce, so to me, our marinara is all her. There are a lot of things that are her to me. I keep her rolling pin in the café.” Incorporating a grab ’n’ go cafe into the catering company has allowed Smith to make her menu and space versatile. “Our café has comfortable seating for inhouse coffee service, as well as items people can come in and grab for lunch, like salads and sandwiches,” Smith said. “For dinner, we have a lot of take and bake options like roasted vegetables, chicken parmesan and beef and veggie lasagnas. Our frozen favorites are chicken pot pies and soups.” One service Smith provides in addition to formal catering is what she calls to-go catering, which allows people to call ahead and place large orders for weekend getaways or girl’s nights. To welcome the spring and Easter season, Smith plans to offer a vegetable quiche or frittata with ingredients such as asparagus, squash, green peas and goat cheese. As far as an Easter dinner, Smith knows she’ll be making apricot and thyme-stuffed pork loin with mashed potatoes, but other elements will be announced before the holiday.
Attending Gumbo Gala last year were Kathy DiPiazza, Jamie Whitehurst and Jan D. Hunter
Gala Pits 40 Teams in Competition for Best Gumbo in Birmingham
Gumbo in all its variations will be up for tasting at the Episcopal Place’s Gumbo Gala April 30 at Cahaba Brewing Co. The friendly competition draws crowds upwards of 3,000 to partake in live music, food trucks and beverages while tasting a variety of different gumbos made by backyard chefs, professional chefs and students. Gumbo Gala was born from a gesture to welcome new residents at Episcopal Place, an organization that provides low-income seniors and disabled adults safe and affordable housing and access to related resources. Shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Episcopal Place gained several new residents who had lost homes in the storm. To welcome them, the staff threw a gumbo party in their honor. Soon after, it became a tradition and has grown into the annual fundraiser it is today. This year, 40 cook teams will compete for the title of the best gumbo in Birmingham during the event, which is the largest Episcopal event in Alabama. For more information, visit episcopalplace.org/ gumbogala.
BBQers Fire Up the Grill for CahabaQue Competition
All barbecue lovers are called to Cahaba Brewing Co. April 9 to help choose the best barbecue in the city. CahabaQue will bring together craft beer, live music and barbecue samples from teams ranging from backyard grillers to professionals. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., guests can try all-youcan-eat samples from each team’s offerings and Jessica Elliott and Michelle vote for their McKissack with Sadie at favorite. CahabaQue in 2019. While votes are counted, guests are encouraged to make a day of it and hang out while enjoying live entertainment. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, to fuel lifesaving breast cancer research statewide.
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
By Ally Morrison
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
Sorelle Catering Opens New Space in Homewood, Adds Grab and Go
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 35
FOOD
Chili Chefs Ruled at The Exceptional Foundation’s Annual Cook-Off
24th Annual
LEBANESE & CULTURAL FESTIVAL 20thFOOD Annual Lebanese Food and Cultur
AprilFriday 29 &and 30Saturday, , 10am April to 9pm 13 & 14 10 a.m.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Free Admission
St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church 836 8th Street So., Birmingham
(Between University Blvd. and 10th Ave. So)
20th Annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival Members of the Bring the Heat (Heninger Garrison Davis) team claimed the top prize at this year’s Chili Cook-Off. From left: Tzena Gauldin, Tavis Turner, Cheryl Thomas, Lisa Mann and Madison Coleman.
The Exceptional Foundation held its largest annual event March 5 as a variety of cook teams drew thousands to Macy’s parking lot at Brookwood Village.
Friday and Saturday, April 13 & 14 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
FOOD:
delicacies including: Baked Kibbee, (Between University Blvd. and 10th Ave. So) Rolled Grape Leaves, Spinach The Chili Cook-Off featured a ily-friendly event will benefit the kids zone, live music, and “all the foundation, a nonprofit organization Pies, Baked Kibbee and Falafel FOOD: Lebanese delicacies chili you can eat,” according to orgaestablished in 1993 to serve individu- including: Baked Kibbee, Tabouleh (Lebanese Rolled Grape Leaves,Sandwiches, Spinach nizers. als with special needs in the Greater Pies, Baked Kibbee and Falafel Salad), Grilled Lebanese Lemon Sandwiches, Tabouleh (Lebanese The $416,000 raised from the fam- Birmingham area. Established Salad), Grilled Lebanese Lemon Chicken, Loobia (Green Beans), Chicken, Loobia (Green Beans), Rice, Homous and Pita Bread.Homous SILENT and AUCTION: Rice, PitaFeatures Bread. Desserts include a variety of SILENT AUCTIO catered Lebanese dinners, Baklawa, Kaak (Lebanese Sugar Desserts include a variety of Kibbee,catered vacation packages, collector DELICACIES INCLUDING: Baked Lemon Lebanese d Cookie),LEBANESE Lebanese Ice Cream. items, gift certificates to Baklawa, Kaak (Lebanese restaurants and events in theSugar Grilled Chicken, Grape Leaves, Tabouleh, Homous, Spinach vacation packages, 5K RUN: Saint Elias Cedar Birmingham area. Closes 8 p.m. 5K Run on April 14 atCookie), 8 a.m., Lebanese Ice Zlaybah Cream. and Iceitems, onlike April Baklawa, 14. Pies and Desserts Cream.gift certifica followed by Cedar Shake Fun DANCING: Traditional Run at 9 a.m. Benefits The restaurants and ev dances by youth of the church Exceptional Foundation, an 5KtoRUN: Saint Elias Cedar onRun indoor stage starting 6 p.m.Shake Fun Run organization established St. Elias Cedar 5K and Cedar Birmingham area. Friday and 12:30 p.m. Saturday. provide social and recreational 5K Run on April 14 at 8 a.m., New York-based Amin Sultan activities for individuals with Silent Auction · Music & Dancing · Free Shuttle Parking on April 14. Lebanese Band performing special needs. For route and by Cedar Shake outdoor tent from 6 toFun registration, visit followed under 9:30 p.m.Benefits nightly. www.cedarrun5k.com Trad at 9proceeds a.m. Theand nationalDANCING: 25%ForofMore allRun festival go to local charities. Information Visit www.stelias.org dances by youth o Exceptional Foundation, an on indoor stage sta organization established to For more information visit www.stelias.org. Friday and 12:30 p provide social and recreational Andrew Virciglio, Jill Dominick, Celeste Mayhall and Franco Castro New York-based Am activities for individuals with Lebanese Band pe special needs. For route and under outdoor ten registration, visit To: Michelle Restaurants & Chefs, Wine, Craft Beer, Spirits & Cocktails, 9:30 p.m. nightly. www.cedarrun5k.com From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Kaitlyn Word and Taylor Wetzel
St. Elias Maronite Catholic ChurchLebanese 836 8th Street So., Birmingham
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Corks & Chefs’ 25th year is honoring the Birmingham Chapter of Les International. This is your AD Dames PROOFd’Escoffier from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 4, 2019 issue.
April 23 & 24, 2022 Sloss Furnaces Landmark Please makeNational sure Historic all information
is correct, including address and phone number! @ the 39th Magic City Art Connection Thank you for your prompt attention.
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TASTE. SIP. REPEAT. 25th YEAR
36 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
Vestavia Hills Names Mann as New Freshman Campus Principal
TODD FREEMAN VESTAVIA SUPERINTENDENT
cials with the city schools, said he looked forward to leading the work to build a positive student and staff culture at the school. “It’s important for students at the freshman campus to be excited about
Before becoming assistant principal at the main high school campus, Bill Mann, above, taught history at Louis Pizitz Middle School.
joining the Rebel family at the high school level,” Mann said in the press release. “I look forward to building on the solid foundation already established at the school and making it a place that students and staff are proud to be a part of.” Mann’s principal status follows the retirement of David Howard, a longtime Vestavia Hills teacher and administrator who helped form the freshman campus in 2020. “Mr. Mann has served Vestavia Hills City Schools as a teacher, coach and assistant principal,” Superintendent Todd Freeman said. “He has a reputation of being a successful leader in each of those positions. He will be a great leader for the stellar faculty and staff at the freshman campus.”
Photo Mountain Brook City Schools
Crestline Elementary’s Crestline Cool Coders competed March 5 in the First Lego League State Championship, a global program open to grades four through eight. The Cool Coders felt confident going to state after winning the Champion’s Award at the Southern Railway qualifier, according to a release from Mountain Brook City Schools. The rookie team of fourth, fifth and sixth graders walked away from the competition with the Robot Performance award after outscoring 23
Crestline Elementary’s Crestline Cool Coder’s won the Robot Performance award at the First Lego League State Championships last month.
teams in a series of timed challenges. Making up the team were Fourth graders: Jack Couch, Charlie Long and James McLester. Fifth graders: William Acker, Val Marcoux and Samantha Oliphant.
Sixth grader: Emelia White. Crestline team sponsor and head coach: Heather Phillips. Coaches: Scott Phillips and Pronce Acker. Robot: Rhino
Hoover Schools Foundation Denim and Dining Event Set for Aldridge’s Pavilion Hoover City Schools Foundation will host the annual Denim and Dining fundraiser April 29 at Aldridge Gardens. The outdoor pavilion will play host to this casual event with live and silent auctions, live music and a catered barbeque dinner from Jim ’N Nick’s. Proceeds will be used for enhanced academics in all 17 of Hoover’s schools to benefit its nearly 14,000 students, including college and career
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readiness, teacher grants, professional development, STEM and SeedLAB. Denim and Dining also will serve as the kickoff event for the Commit to 36 Campaign, an initiative of the Hoover City Schools Foundation to raise $36 for every student in the Hoover City School District – $1 for every week of the school year. For more information visit: hoovercsf. org.
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
‘Mr. Mann has served Vestavia Hills City Schools as a teacher, coach and assistant principal.’
3…2…1… LEGO! Crestline Lego Team Wins Robotics Award at State
Photo Vestavia Hills City Schools
Bill Mann, assistant principal at the main campus of Vestavia Hills High School, has been named the next principal of the Vestavia Hills High School Freshman Campus. Mann will take on the role for the 2022-23 school year, according to a press release from Vestavia Hills City Schools. The Vestavia Hills Board of Education made the change during a meeting March 21. Before becoming assistant principal at the main high school campus, Mann taught history at Louis Pizitz Middle School. He moves into the principal role with 15 years of education experience. Mann, reached by phone by offi-
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SCHOOLS
Drew and Sara Franklin were among the guests attending last year’s Denim and Dining event.
HARRADINE From page 40
said. “He has phenomenal hands. To be his size, he has incredibly soft hands and that helps as much as his punting. He has a really strong leg.”
Using Skills in Football
Harradine’s strong leg has helped him become one of the top football kicking recruits in the nation as both a
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
Teachers Are in the Spotlight at Homewood Grown Homewood Grown is a community event organized by the Homewood City Schools Foundation that celebrates “all things Homewood.” Being held April 29, the event will include dinner provided by The Happy Catering Company in Patriot Park along with a keynote speech by awardwinning educator Debbie Fly, who has taught in the Homewood School system for more than 30 years. The 2022 Teacher Impact Award winners also will be announced. Due to limited capacity this year, the event is currently full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, go to homewoodcityschoolsfoundtion.com for details.
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 37
SCHOOLS/SPORTS
Homewood Grown is a community event organized by the Homewood City Schools Foundation that celebrates “all things Homewood.” Above, Marshall and Carey Beth Rivers with Erika and Corey Hartman at Homewood Grown 2021. This year’s event will be held on April 29.
punter and place-kicker. During the 2021 football season, he converted 59 of 64 extra point attempts and 7 of 14 field goal attempts (with a long of 39 yards), and he averaged 40 yards per punt. Also, 70% of his kickoffs wound up in the end zone, resulting in touchbacks. Harradine spent spring break working on his kicking. He’s being heavily recruited by Baylor and Mississippi State, but he said he would take a serious look at any school from one of the Power 5 con-
ferences (SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big 12 and Pac-12) that offered him a scholarship and has a good engineering school. Harradine didn’t start playing football until the eighth grade, but he took over as the Spartans’ primary kicker as a sophomore on the varsity. Mountain Brook football coach Chris Yeager gave Harradine some of the credit for the Spartans’ stout defense during the 2021 season. “The neat thing was Reed Harradine kicking the ball into the
end zone and teams were getting the ball on the 20 and having to try to drive the length of the field,” Yeager said. “He’s a real talented young man. But probably the best thing he does is punting. He brings rain when he’s kicking it. He puts it in the clouds.” Harradine took pride in creating touchbacks. “Most high school kickers can’t put the ball in the end zone, so I try to put a good kick on it,” he said. “Plus, if I don’t put it in the end zone our special teams coach gets mad.” Harradine’s most memorable place-kick of the 2021 season came in the Class 6A semifinals against ClayChalkville when he kicked a 28-yard field goal with 1:48 remaining in the fourth quarter to tie the score 18-18. “That’s one of the scariest field goals I’ve every hit because if I didn’t make it, it would have been the end of the game,” he said. “So I guess you can say I clutched up.” Clay-Chalkville eventually won the game 24-18, ending the Spartans’ playoff run.
Soccer Tradition
Although Harradine’s future is in football, soccer has been his game all his life. His dad, Robert Harradine, who is from England, played as a center midfielder for the famous Chelsea Football Club in London. Harradine’s older brother Ethan also played soccer and was Mountain Brook’s all-time scoring leader with 60 career goals when he graduated in
Photo courrtesy
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Harradine’s strong leg has helped him become one of the top football kicking recruits in the nation as both a punter and place-kicker.
2018. He’s now studying engineering at UAB after playing soccer at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. Harradine credits his brother for helping him become a skilled goalkeeper. The two would play in the backyard and Harradine would try to stop Ethan’s shots.“That’s how I got pretty good at goalkeeping because he was good at shooting,” Reed Harradine said. Reed Harradine shares his success this season with his defenders, especially seniors Cole Knight and Camden Hemstreet and freshman Jude Smith. “I don’t want anything going in the goal, so my job is to stop it,” Harradine said. “I’ve got some good guys in front of me who do a good job of stopping the ball before it gets to me. “I try to guide all those guys back there, letting them know where people are. If they do their job correctly, it makes my job easier.” And of course, he doesn’t have to do any running.
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38 • Thursday, April 7, 2022
SPORTS
Homecoming
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
1.9 steals as a senior and leading Spain Park to the Class 7A state championship. She was named MVP of the Class 7A tournament along with being selected the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year and the MaxPreps Player of the Year. She also was the 2020 OTMJ Player of the Year and a three-time ASWA all-state selection as well as the 2019 Class 7A Player of the Year. Barker scored 2,222 points and collected 1,107 rebounds during her career at Spain Park, helping the Jaguars win two state championships, in 2018 and 2020.
Sarah Ashlee Barker Transferring to Alabama From Georgia
‘I don’t regret my decision. But God opens other doors and I believe God is leading me to Alabama.’ after two seasons with the Bulldogs, she once again said God is behind her decision. Barker signed with Alabama last week after entering the transfer portal following Georgia women’s coach Joni Taylor’s departure to become the head coach at Texas A&M. Taylor had recruited Barker. “I came to Georgia 100 percent because of her,” Barker said in a phone interview. “I don’t regret my decision. But God opens other doors
By Rubin E. Grant
M
ore than a month and a half into the 2022 high school softball season, Spain Park coach C.J. Urse Hawkins is not quite sure what to make of her team. That’s not to say that the Jaguars have been bad. They went into their Senior Night game Monday against Sumiton Christian with a 22-5-2 record. But Urse Hawkins, who has more than 950 victories in her coaching career, is uncertain about whether she has a team capable of making a deep run in the postseason, which begins April 30. “Coming into the season I thought we had a good foundation, even though we were replacing four starters,” Urse Hawkins said. “I like our group. We have some good chemistry, a group that sacrifices for each other. “With the pitching depth we have, I felt we could reload, but our lineup falls off after our first five hitters. So we’re not a juggernaut.” The Jags had to replace All-American Annabelle Widra, who played six seasons as a pitcher and shortstop. She’s now at Michigan. Also gone is outfielder Lydia Coleman, who is at Penn State, and slugging first baseman Chloe Brittain. Spain Park did return Katie Flannery, a junior shortstop who has already committed to Oregon. “She’s a strong player and versatile,” Urse Hawkins said. “She can play anywhere and she has a lot of leadership skills, too.” Flannery entered this week with a robust .459 batting average, while leading the team in hits (39), runs (29), RBI (30) and doubles (8). She also had six home runs and a .764
Storied Legacy
Former Spain Park standout Sarah Ashlee Barker as a sophomore this past season, averaged 7.7 points, 4 rebounds and 2.4 assists, playing in 31 games for the University of Georgia.
a teammate. “She will bring such valuable SEC experience to our program, which will translate to her making an immediate impact within every aspect of our program. Our Alabama women’s basket-
ball family just gained a truly special person. Welcome home, SA!” Barker was selected the Alabama Sports Writers Association 2020 Miss Basketball after averaging 23.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and
RIGHT MIX
Spain Park Softball Squad Hopes Team Chemistry Will Produce a Playoff Spark
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Sarah Ashlee Barker tries to go where God wants her. When Barker, the 2020 Alabama Miss Basketball, signed with Georgia out of Spain Park High School, she said she was following the leading of the Lord. And now that she’s transferring to the University of Alabama
and I believe God is leading me to Alabama.” Barker considered following Taylor to Texas A&M but decided she wanted to be closer to home and play for Alabama coach Kristy Curry. “I love coach Curry,” Barker said. “She’s doing good things at Alabama and she wants to take the next step to get Alabama to the top of the SEC. I have a good relationship with her, so it was time to come home.” Barker, a 6-foot guard, will finish the semester at Georgia and report to Alabama in June. She will be a junior for the Crimson Tide. As a sophomore this past season, Barker averaged 7.7 points, 4 rebounds and 2.4 assists, playing in 31 games for the Bulldogs. In her first season, she earned a spot on the 202021 SEC All-Freshman Team and was twice named the league’s freshman of the week, playing in 24 games and averaging 5.1 points and 2.7 rebounds. “We are so proud and excited to welcome Sarah Ashlee Barker home to Alabama,” Curry said in a release. “She has the two most important qualities that we look for in a player that you can’t coach, and that is heart and hustle. Those attributes truly make her special as a competitor and
Journal file photo
By Rubin E. Grant
The ace of the staff is junior Ella Reed.
Maggie Daniel is leading the with 10 homers.
slugging percentage to go along with a .511 on-base percentage. Slugging sophomore catcher Maggie Daniel also returned. She was leading the team with 10 home runs and was tied with Flannery for the team lead in RBI with 30. She also had seven doubles, a .368 batting
average, a .911 slugging percentage and a .500 on-base percentage. “She’s got power,” Urse Hawkins said. “She’s big and strong. She will have a chance to break the school home run record before she’s finished.” Sophomore outfielder Emma Hawkins,
Barker is the daughter of former Alabama quarterback Jay Barker. Her older brother Braxton Barker will be a graduate assistant football coach this fall after spending the past four seasons as a backup quarterback for the Tide. “Braxton texted me congratulations and said he was glad I was coming to Alabama,” Sarah Ashlee Barker said. “My whole family is happy I’m coming home.” Barker’s twin brother, Harrison Barker, is a backup quarterback at UAB, which also factored into her decision to transfer closer to home. “If I had transferred to Texas A&M and he started playing in some games for UAB, I wouldn’t have been able to see him play,” Sarah Ashlee Barker said. “Now, if he gets to play, I can go see him.”
freshman second baseman Charlee Bennett and senior outfielder Emma Jolley also have been productive at the plate. Hawkins, the daughter of the coach, was batting .365 with a .473 on-base percentage, 26 runs scored and 13 stolen bases. Bennett was leading the team with 17 stolen bases and had four home runs and 22 RBI. Jolley, one of five seniors on the team, was batting .379 with 12 stolen bases, 28 runs scored and seven doubles. She signed with BirminghamSouthern College in February. The other seniors are Caroline Whisenhunt, Katherine Brown, Kyndal Heaton and Morgan Jolley, who is Emma Jolley’s twin sister. Whisenhunt (3-0), who transferred from Hoover, and Brown (6-1) are both pitchers, but the ace of the staff is junior Ella Reed. She fashioned a 13-2 record as a sophomore last year and has a 13-4 record this season with a 1.95 earned-run average and 128 strikeouts in 97 innings pitched. “She does a great job,” Urse Hawkins said. “She’s got movement on her pitches and speed and has a different assortment of pitches.” The Jags compete in Class 7A, Area 6, also with defending state champion HewittTrussville, Vestavia Hills and Oak Mountain. Spain Park was 1-1 in the area heading into their game Tuesday at Hewitt, which is ranked No. 18 nationally by MaxPreps. “I think this is the toughest area in the state, without a doubt,” Urse Hawkins said. “Hewitt is the favorite to win area, but I feel like anything can happen and any of the four teams can advance to the playoffs. “I feel like we have a chance, but we have to stay healthy and manage the uncontrollable things.”
Thursday, April 7, 2022 • 39
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Central Alabama Community College, outfielder Luke McNeill with Snead State Community College and pitcher Marcus Locklear with Lawson State Community College. Juniors Wilson (Auburn), Hamilton (Vanderbilt), and Carr
(Samford) also have committed to play baseball in college. “The guys work hard, and it’s a bunch of guys that have been around this thing for a while, and they know what to expect and how to work,” Hoover coach Adam Moseley said.
HOOVER From page 40
Florence to reach the championship series. Their quest for their first title since 2017 ended in the championship series against No. 4 Auburn when the Bucs lost the deciding game 7-6, leaving the bases loaded in the final inning. They finished 27-22. Coming so close to a state championship has turned the Bucs into a close-knit unit this season. “I’m proud of what we did last year,” Steele said. “It glued us together for this year. Since we were runners-up, we came in looking back at how close we came to winning it last year. So this year, we’re playing an extremely difficult schedule to get us
ready for the area to try to get back to the playoffs.” The Bucs were ranked No. 6 in Class 7A in last week’s Alabama Sports Writers Association poll. Hoover carried a 22-9 record into their Area 5 opener at Tuscaloosa County on Tuesday. The teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Thursday at Hoover. Next week the Bucs will play three games against area foe Oak Mountain and conclude area play the following week with three games against Thompson. “I think we have a good chance to win the area,” Steele said. “We’ve got a bunch of good arms, guys like Jack Campell, Tyler Wilson and Samuel Schmidt. I think it comes down to throwing strikes and making the routine plays on defense because we’ve got guys who can hit.”
Last week the Bucs hosted the Walk-On’s Buccaneer Classic, going 4-2 in the three-day spring break event. They posted victories over Brooks 11-0, Harvard-Westlake School from California 3-2, Farragut from Knoxville, Tennessee, 3-1, and Christian Academy of Knoxville 4-2, but lost to Gadsden City 9-4 and Mountain Brook 5-4 in eight innings. The Bucs have gotten solid production from players such as Steele, outfielder Will Lawrence, outfielder Andrew Batson, catcher-middle infielder Cade Carr, first baseman Carter Milliron, third baseman Conner Prothro and middler infielder R.J. Hamilton. Steele, the 2021 OTMJ Player of the Year, is one of several seniors who will play at the next level. Steele has signed with Samford, Protho with
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COMPETITIVE SOCCER TRYOUTS & CAMP VHSC PRE-TRYOUT CAMP Boys & Girls: Ages 2015-2004 (U8/U9-U19) Dates: May 9-11
VHSC COMPETITIVE TEAM TRYOUTS Boys & Girls: Ages 2010-2004 (U13-U19) Dates: May 16-18 VHSC U8-U12 TRYOUTS Boys & Girls: Ages 2015-2011 (U8/U9-U12) Dates: May 23-25 All dates open to ALL PLAYERS from ANY CLUB!
W W W . V E S T A V I A S O C C E R . C O M
SPORTS
Homecoming: Sarah Ashlee Barker transferring to Alabama from Georgia Page 38
Right Mix: Spain Park softball squad hopes team chemistry will produce a playoff spark Page 38
Thursday, April 7, 2022 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
CLEAN SHEET Harradine on a Shutout Streak for Mountain Brook Soccer Team
By Rubin E. Grant
R
eed Harradine had just one problem when he began playing soccer as a toddler. He didn’t like running. So he wouldn’t have to run too much, Harradine decided to become a goalkeeper. “I figured that was a position I could just stand there,” Harradine said with a chuckle. Now a junior at Mountain Brook High School, Harradine has developed into one of the top goalkeepers in the state. This season, the 6-foot4, 220-pound Harradine has recorded eight shutouts in the 17 games he
has played, including five consecutive shutouts heading into the Spartans’ Class 6A, Area 9 game Tuesday at Homewood. The Spartans entered the week with a 16-2-2 record, including a 3-0 mark in the area, and riding a 13-game winning streak. Harradine also had 12 saves while allowing only eight goals, helping Mountain Brook earn a No. 1 ranking in Class 6A in the Alabama High School Coaches’ Poll and No. 2 ranking in the Boys Super Poll behind Vestavia Hills. “He’s a heck of a player,” Mountain Brook coach Joe Webb
Although Harradine’s future is in football, soccer has been his game all his life. His dad, Robert Harradine, who is from England, played as a center midfielder for the famous Chelsea Football Club in London.
See HARRADINE, page 37
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Mountain Book’s Reed Harradine has recorded eight shutouts in the 17 games he has played, including five consecutive shutouts.
Bucs senior Lucas Steele, #17, is optimistic that they can go all the way this year.
Title Search
Bucs Looking to Make Another Run at State Baseball Crown Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry
By Rubin E. Grant A year after Hoover made a remarkable run at the Class 7A baseball state championship, Bucs senior catcher Lucas Steele is optimistic that they can go all the way this year. Hoover began the 2021 season with a 3-9 record but turned things around to reach the playoffs. Then, the Bucs proceeded to knock off three ranked teams with series victories over No. 6 Bob Jones, No. 1 Hewitt-Trussville and No. 3
See HOOVER, page 39
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