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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021
SPORTS
The Way of the Cross
T
he annual Homewood Way of the Cross communal procession took place April 2 in recognition of Good Friday. Beginning at Homewood Central Park, participants marched to Edgewood Presbyterian Church. Stops along the way included scripture reading and prayer, covering the stories of the accusation, trial, conviction, crucifixion and burial of Jesus. Participants representing church staff, clergy and members of the public each took turns throughout the event carrying the cross as Daniel Akin played the bagpipes. The event was a collaboration between multiple churches in and around Homewood, including Trinity United Methodist Church, Edgewood Presbyterian Church, All Saints Episcopal Church, Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Homewood Community Church, Shades Valley Lutheran Church and more. See page 11 for more photos.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
2 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
OPINION/CONTENTS
Inside
Murphy’s Law
A SIT, STAY, READ! Hand in Paw volunteer animal therapy team Lusia MacPherson and Mooc adapt to virtual programming PAGE 6
PLEASING TO THE EAR Vestavia Hills native Bradley Metrock to produce new music festival Euphonious PAGE 8
A STORIED HISTORY O’Neal Library to honor longtime board member and volunteer Penny Page during MB Chamber Luncheon PAGE 10
A HERITAGE OF TRADITION Ruby Ansley owner continues offering timeless designs at Mountain Brook interiors store PAGE 20
ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 8 LIFE 10 SOCIAL 14
FOOD 18 HOME 20 SCHOOLS 24 SPORTS 28
otmj.com With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter. Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area. To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.
Fowl Play
fter breakfast this morning, I feeling very excited about the possible hauled Dave outside to walk hatchlings, but then (cue ominous the lower 40, feet, that is. My music) one terrible morning, I came backyard isn’t all that big, but my upon a pile of bluebird feathers in the goodness, this year there has been a lot yard. Actually, my dog, Dave, made the to see. discovery. There were a couple of hawk The daffodils made an early appearfeathers mixed in, but it was obvious ance. I sent photos to my northern that the bluebird had not made it friends and relatives meaning to cheer through the encounter. them, but when they were hit with yet I was devastated. Really, on top of another snowstorm, I realized I was everything else, this? It was almost being just plain mean. more than I could take. I wouldn’t have blamed the daffoIn my flower child mind, I started to Sue Murphy dils if they hadn’t come up at all, things think, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we having been so wacky this past year. could persuade the animals to go vegeThe bulbs could have conferred like tarian? Hawks could circle around to the cruise lines and decided to dry find tender chrysanthemums and dock until 2022, but I’m glad they foxes could salivate over fern fronds In my flower child didn’t. In years past, I would have instead of the rabbits that hide under mind, I started to casually looked out my back window them. (Dave found one of those, too, and thought, “Hmm, the tulip tree is parts of one. I won’t describe the think, wouldn’t it be or in bloom.” But this year, I was celeencounter mostly because I do not wonderful if we could want to burden you with the visual brating every blossom. I cheered the lilies when they sent green shoots up persuade the animals since I am still trying to delete it through the bark. I said helpful, from my mental library.) to go vegetarian? Disney approached the vegetariencouraging things to the forsythia an idea. The sharks in “Finding and azaleas. I even stifled my annoyNemo” were endeavoring to make ance at the camellia-ish bushes fish friends and not food. The aniwhose flowers are so heavy they fall mals in “Zootopia” had set up a predator-free society, but off as soon as they bloom. Scooping up sackfuls of sodeven then, there was pushback. If Disney can’t accomden foliage does not exactly feel like gathering ye roseplish it, what hope do I have? buds. Now, I know what you’re saying. Animals are aniStill, all this loveliness and the reinstatement of the mals. That’s the way they’re meant to be. It’s the circle NCAA tournament. It was like the universe was saying of life and all that, but wouldn’t it be lovely if we all just that things were going to be OK after all. circled around plants? As if that wasn’t wonder enough, I noticed a pair of Yes, meat-eating is wired into some animals’ DNA, bluebirds checking out my birdhouse. It’s an official but when I came upon that little pile of blue feathers, bluebird house but the bluebirds have ignored it for the some still being tufted by the wind, it just about broke past 25 years. Other birds have made use of it, but every my heart. This morning, I found a pile of dark grey year, I clean it out in hopes that it will attract an actual feathers. Wiring or no wiring, I’m going to have to bluebird pair, and it finally did. I watched the mom and speak to that hawk. dad go in and out of the house for several days and was
Over the Mountain Views
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April 8, 2021 JOU RNAL Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Emily Williams-Robertshaw, Sam Prickett Photographer: Jordan Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith 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
PLAY BALL! Opening Day of the 2021 season of Joy League Baseball in Homewood arrived on Saturday, April 3. Founded in 1958 by local attorney John J. Smith with the belief that every child who wants to play baseball should have that opportunity, Smith created a league centered on sportsmanship, friendly competition and having fun while learning the game.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Vol. 30, 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 2021 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.
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4 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
APR 8 - APR 22 Editor’s note: Some of the events in our calendar may have been canceled after our press deadline. Please check organization websites and social media for the latest information
Sat., April 10 Funky Fish Fry
The Autism Society of Alabama and
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN Mitchell’s Place will co-host this annual fundraiser to support children and adults affected by autism in Birmingham. When: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Avondale Brewing Co. Website: funkyfishfry.com
Cornhole Classic
The Bell Center will host its ninth annual event, including a maximum of 60 teams in order to allow social distancing. Festivities will include live music and a food truck. When: 1 p.m.
Where: The Bell Center Website: thebellcenter.org
Sun., April 11 Brews with Bama Bully Rescue
Trim Tab Brewing Company will open their patio to fans of Bama Bully Rescue. When: noon-4 p.m. Where: Trim Tab Brewing Company Website: “Brews with Bama Bully Rescue” Facebook Page
April 15-25 “Plaza Suite”
Virginia Samford Theatre will present this three-act comedy by Neil Simon, each act involving different characters but all set in Suite 719 of New York City’s Plaza Hotel. Each act will be played by the same two actors, husband and wife team Nick and Kelsey Crawford. When: Thurs.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. Where: Virginia-Samford Theatre Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org
April 16-30 End Heroin Bham
The Addiction Prevention Coalition will host its 5th annual End Heroin Bham event virtually challenging participants to complete 16.6 of any activity they wish, whether it be miles run, minutes of meditation, rounds of golf, etc. Complete the challenge on your own time and post selfies to social media using #EHBChallenge. Website: endheroin.org
McWane has events down to a science! To learn more about hosting events, weddings, and more at McWane Science Center, please contact the Manager of Internal and Private Events at (205) 714 - 8491 or mecampbell@mcwane.org
April 17 Birmingham Diabetes Walk
Camp Seale Harris will host its annual Birmingham walk to raise awareness and support for those with Type 1 diabetes. This free event will include activities for the whole family. When: 9 a.m. Where: Veterans Park Website: campsealeharris.org
Household Hazardous Waste Day
Held each spring, Hoover will be collecting hazardous waste items from Hoover residents only, including items such as household chemicals, medicine, automobile fluids, batteries, paints, etc. When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Hoover Public Safety Building Website: hooveral.org
Ways of Seeing: The Art of Travel, Trade, and Transportation The Birmingham Museum of Art will unveil a new installment of its ongoing Ways of Seeing exhibition, featuring more than 70 objects from the museum’s permanent collection to explore subjects of traveling for both pleasure and necessity. The exhibit will be on display through Jan. 2, 2022 in the Bohorfoush Gallery. Where: Birmingham Museum of Art Website: artsbma.org
April 18 Cornapalooza
The Homewood Athletic Foundation will host its 6th annual corn hole tournament to raise funds for student athletes in Homewood. When: 12:30 p.m. Where: Pizzeria GM Website: “Homewood Athletic Foundation” Facebook Page
April 23-25 Magic City Art Connection
The 38th annual contemporary
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
arts festival will feature 150 juried artists from around the country, both through a virtual marketplace as well as an in-person event featuring live performances, children’s workshops, special installations and more. In addition, the 24th annual Corks and Chefs will take place on April 24 and 25, featuring tasting menus created by some of Birmingham’s best food vendors. When: Fri., 11:30 a.m.6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Sloss Furnaces Historic National Landmark Website: magiccityart.com
April 24 Red Shoe Run
The Ronald McDonald House will host its annual run in a socially-distanced fashion, including in-person 5k and one mile fun run as well as a virtual option. When: 7 a.m. - noon Where: Downtown Homewood Website: rmcha.org
A Night at the Oscars
Mitchell’s Place will host its Academy Award-themed fundraiser both in-person and virtually to benefit its mission to improve the lives of children affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. When: 6 p.m. Where: The Theodore Website: Mitchells-place.com
SEND ABOUT TOWN INFO TO: EDITORIAL@OTMJ.COM
Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 5
ABOUT TOWN
Spring Plant Sale
Friends of BBG Takes Sale Event Virtual April 17-18 The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens recently announced that it will host its largest plant sale fundraiser of the year, the Spring Plant Sale, in a virtual format this year. To be held April 17 and 18, the sale will feature hundreds of plants that have been selected to suit this region by six of the Friends’ volunteer growing groups. “After the sale’s cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are thrilled that this popular event will return in 2021,” said Tom Underwood, executive director of the Friends. “Because our Spring Plant Sale is staffed by volunteers and normally draws more than 5,000 attendees, we decided to move the 2021 sale online as we continue to do all we can to keep our community safe while also raising much-needed funds for the Gardens and helping Birmingham prepare to get outside and grow this spring.” The sale will feature dozens of plant varieties, including natives, ferns, perennials, herbs, tropicals, houseplants, trees and shrubs. Members of the Friends will have priority access to shop the site April 15 and 16, before the public sale April 17 and 18. Purchases will be available for pickup at the Gardens on April 23 for members, and April 24 and 25 for the public. Coinciding with the pickup sched-
ule, the Friends’ Education and Visitor Experience team plans to host a free informational Spring Plant Fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on April 24 in the BBG’s Formal Garden. Exhibits highlighting specific plants will be on display in a contactless fashion, created by the Library at the Gardens, select Friends growing groups
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‘After the sale’s cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID19 outbreak, we are thrilled that this popular event will return in 2021.’ TOM UNDERWOOD
and local plant societies. “The Friends’ annual Spring Plant Sale is a wonderful and important part of the fabric of our community, a signal that spring is here,” Underwood said. “When the 2020 sale was canceled last April, the Birmingham community still found a way to support the Friends’ mission and help us grow a greener tomorrow.” To learn more, visit bbgardens.org/ spring.
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6 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
ABOUT TOWN
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Sit, Stay, Read!
Hand in Paw Volunteer Animal Therapy Team Lusia MacPherson and Mooc Adapt to Virtual Programming By Emily Williams-Robertshaw
When Lusia MacPherson retired from a nearly 50-year career in education, she was ready to go back to school. This time, she planned to take her miniature schnauzer, Mooc, along with her. Once a week during the school year, MacPherson and Mooc visit Greystone Elementary School teacher
April 15-18
OUR 2021 SPRING PLANT SALE IS MOVING ONLINE! Get ready to garden by shopping hundreds of plants specially selected for our region and grown by six of our dedicated volunteer growing groups. Members of the Friends will enjoy priority access to shop our new e-commerce website and first choice of pickup time April 23–25 at the Gardens. ME MBE R P R I O R I TY SH O P P I NG : A P R IL 15 – 16 O P E N T O TH E P U B L I C : A P R I L 17 – 18
THINK SPRING! Cultivate your inner gardener as well by joining us for an informational Spring Plant Fair on Saturday, April 24! Visit our website to learn more.
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.
Melissa Summers’ English Language Learning classroom. According to Hand in Paw, the Sit, Stay, Read! program was designed to help students who struggle with reading by creating an inclusive learning environment and using books that explore social and emotional themes as well as multicultural books to celebrate diversity and equality. “In addition to having the students read, the teacher will sometimes do a question of the day,” she added. “That gives the students the opportunity to talk and converse. They are practicing their conversation and communication skills.” MacPherson had known for a while that she wanted to volunteer for Hand in Paw in schools, but she waited until her retirement to pursue it. “I felt strongly that this was an important experience for the students,” MacPherson said. “It is so beneficial to their language and reading development.”
Photo courtesy Hand in Paw
‘When we would put that yellow Hand in Paw scarf on, he would get so excited. He knew we were going to school.’
During the school year, MacPherson and Mooc visit Greystone Elementary School teacher Melissa Summers’ English Language Learning classroom.
During the spring of 2018, as she prepared to retire as Shelby County Schools supervisor of gifted education and advanced programs, she began taking Mooc to Hand in Paw to complete screenings. That summer, Mooc completed his evaluations, and the duo was able to begin its volunteer work the next school year. “Schools are my comfort zone,” MacPherson said. They also happened to be a place where Mooc thrives. During their visits, Mooc is read to by students, serving not only as a cute and cuddly audience but as a
nonjudgmental and unbiased listener. Not only has Mooc showcased the ideal temperament for animal-assisted therapy work, he always has been drawn to kids. “Even when I would take him walking some place – whether a store or trail – he would always get excited when he saw children, so I knew that (Sit, Stay, Read) was going to be the area that he enjoyed.” In a regular school year, Mooc would don his yellow Hand in Paw bandana and go to work each Monday, meeting kids in their own classroom.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
MacPherson also has created a few picture books featuring photos of Mooc woven together by a story. She typically will gift these books to teachers for their classroom library. During the pandemic, Hand in Paw shared a video of Mooc “reading” the story “Mooc and Blue Bear,” about Mooc searching around the house for his favorite toy.
Virtual Visits
In the age of virtual learning, both MacPherson and Mooc have adapted to meeting their students through a screen. “When we would go in person, the dogs get so used to the routine,” she said. “When we would put that yellow Hand in Paw scarf on, he would get so excited. He knew we were going to school. “Now, when I roll in that chair that he sits on, he knows that he is going to school again. I’m not sure he knows that it’s ‘school’ but he knows it is something fun that he is doing.” While MacPherson admits she is not technologically savvy, Hand in Paw staff made the transition to Google Meet and Zoom as seamless as they could. “Even before they were virtually meeting with classrooms, the staff had virtual training, get togethers and provided ways to become more accustomed to the virtual process and stayed connected,” MacPherson said. For the students MacPherson and Mooc serve, virtual learning already was normal by the time Hand in Paw
Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 7
ABOUT TOWN
Hand in Paw’s Mutt Strut 2021 Coming Up Hand in Paw will host its 11th annual Mutt Strut: Dog-Friendly 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on April 17. This year’s event will be hosted in a virtual format. Participants can run or walk the race at their leisure at any point on the event date, with Hand in Paw providing a selection of dog-friendly race routes and curated music playlists. Runners’ furry friends can also participate in the pet costume contest by uploading pictures to the race day portal. Funds raised will support the organization’s efforts to deploy professionally trained volunteer handler and animal therapy teams to help improve the lives of people in several medical centers, schools and service organizations throughout North Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa. For more information, visit classy. org/event/mutt-strut-2021/e262416.
resumed its programming. “Having the dog come in every week for them to read to was something that was very readily accepted,” MacPherson said. She added that the teacher, Summers, has found that Mooc’s weekly visits give the students something to look forward to.
“It’s something that they can consistently depend upon,” MacPherson said. “Even school schedules kept changing all of the time, so this has been a very interesting experience.” The students’ love of Mooc was apparent on the Monday they returned to school after spring break. “As soon as the students saw Mooc on the screen, you could hear them all saying, ‘Hi, Mooc!,’” MacPherson said. Each session, the teacher will pick a student’s name at random to be the first to read. “When she picked out the name, you could hear the student in the background cheering,” MacPherson said. She gives Hand in Paw a lot of credit for persevering to serve the community against the seemingly insurmountable odds of a pandemic. “It’s a very forward-thinking group,” MacPherson said. “They are on the cutting edge.” Throughout the shutdowns, when staff could not continue their typical programming, they continued to reach out to MacPherson and their fellow volunteers through social events such as book clubs. They also have added a trick training course that MacPherson has been able to mix into her Sit, Stay, Read program. “How fortunate the Birmingham area is to have this staff that continually tries to come up with innovative ways to reach out,” MacPherson said. For more information, visit handinpaw.org.
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NEWS
8 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
After more than a year without consistent live music performances during the pandemic, Bradley Metrock is heading up the production of Euphonious, a three-day concert series to take place June 18-20 at the Birmingham Zoo.
square. It’s a system that has been used in Texas, where outdoor concerts featuring socially distant squares have been hosted throughout the pandemic. In addition, there will be a number of standing-room-only passes, which will include designated socially distant areas around the periphery of the lawn. Each square and standing room will be first-come-first-served, so guests will get to choose their square in the order they arrive to lineup for entry. Though June may seem far away, the team organizing Euphonious is certain that neither the pandemic nor its lingering psychological effects will soon disappear. “Personal space is something we can all agree on,” Metrock said. “That’s the beautiful thing about how this is set up.” Masks also will be required when guests are outside of their designated squares, standing in lines and the like. There also will be temperature checks at the gates.
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw
Beginnings
Pleasing to the Ear
V
estavia Hills native Bradley Metrock has a dream to bring a music festival back to Birmingham for Father’s Day weekend. After more than a year without consistent live music performances during the pandemic, Metrock is heading up the production of Euphonious, a three-day concert series to take place June 18-20 at the Birmingham Zoo. The word euphonious, meaning “pleasing to the ear.” The event is inspired by fond memories of the three-day music festival City Stages, which dominated the holiday weekend each June from 1989 until 2009 – save one year when it took place in May. A 1999 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, Metrock left the city to attend college at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He remained in the Music City for about two decades and is CEO of the Nashvillebased company Project Voice, which works with voice tech and conversational artificial intelligence companies, well known examples being Amazon Alexa and Samsung’s Bixby. Last summer, Metrock and his family made the move to Liberty Park to be closer to his parents and escape the growth of Nashville. “I always said, if and when I moved back to Birmingham, I want to do something music-related,” Metrock said. “I want to specifically do something that, if it goes right, could end up filling the City Stages-sized void in the city.” This year’s event is all about starting small in a space that hasn’t before been associated with a festival.
“People have asked me, why the zoo?” He said. “Before coming back from Nashville, I had to come through Birmingham all of the time because my parents are here. “Even when we moved back, I still didn’t know that in 2017 the Birmingham Zoo had multiple millions of dollars spent on renovations. As part of that, they built this Henley Park Lawn, and they did it specifically with concerts in mind.” The outdoor event space was just starting to hit its stride before the pandemic hit and shut down all major gatherings. “So, the zoo was a perfect fit in many ways,” Metrock said.
The Music
Metrock describes the theme for the musical lineup in three words: fantastic live acts. That means the team organizing the event wanted to make sure that the people they booked on stage had performing live as one of their core strengths. “If you are a studio act, there is nothing wrong with that, you’re just not going to be a good fit for what we’re doing,” he said. Main acts will play a variety of genres, with headliners including Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Blues Traveler and Moon Taxi. At its core, Euphonious will be about community and, in that vein, many of the acts that take the stage have a connection to the Birmingham area and Vestavia Hills in particular. On the Friday night of the event, the new musical duo LaBoix will open the event. “It’s going to be their first time to perform live, ever,” Metrock said.
Vestavia Hills Native Bradley Metrock to Produce New Music Festival Euphonious on Father’s Day Weekend
The pop-electronic duo is made up of Nashville-based folk and country recording artist Hugh Mitchell and the Berlin-based DJ Jeremy Black. Mitchell also is a 1997 VHHS graduate. “Over the pandemic, these two started to collaborate and create some music that I would best describe as within the same realm as The Chainsmokers,” Metrock said. The Brooklyn-based hip-hop, funk, fusion band Soul Inscribed will be Saturday’s opener. Metrock noted that the group’s ringleader and saxophone player, Sean Nowell, is a VHHS graduate. On Sunday, the first act, Hawthorne Street, is well-known in Vestavia Hills. The band is made up of four Birminghamians who recently graduated from area high schools: Noah Williams, Will Sutton and VHHS graduates Cy Powell and Gabe Baldone. Two founding members of the Sunday night headliners Moon Taxi are Trevor Terndrup and Tommy Putnam, both 2002 graduates of VHHS. The band also brought on drummer and fellow VHHS alum Tyler Ritter in 2006.
Health and Safety
“Live music needs to come back,” Metrock said, and he is confident that Euphonious will bring live music back to Birmingham in the safest way possible. The event lawn will be broken up into 10-foot by 10-foot squares that can each accommodate eight people. These can be purchased for $500 total, and attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets to place in their
For Metrock, this is all just the beginning of a larger goal to make a positive mark on Birmingham. Though the event is a for-profit festival, a portion of the proceeds and proceeds from an officially sanctioned Euphonious afterparty will benefit United Ability, a local nonprofit dedicated to connecting people with disabilities to the Greater Birmingham community. According to Metrock, the organization was at one time a beneficiary of City Stages. While the music is the main event for Euphonious, Metrock has made a connection with the work of Project Voice to highlight voice technology’s role in the way people listen to music. The company will be hosting voice and AI briefings in the days leading up to the concert series with local and regional executives. In addition, there will be space for big tech companies to present demos of their work. “Our ability to bring companies to Birmingham that are working in that realm – companies that don’t make it down here that often (or smaller companies) that are making waves – that’s a powerful addition,” Metrock said. “That’s going to be something that you see more out of this as well.” Whether you focus on the return of live music, the impending end to a pandemic or the bright future of tech in Birmingham, the Euphonious message should be pleasing to the ear. “This year one is all about planting seeds and seeing if we can do this half-way competently,” Metrock said. “If we can, then we’ll keep doing it.” For more information, visit euphonious.ai.
‘Something for Everyone’ Alabama Ballet Presents Romeo and Juliet
Alabama Ballet will present “Romeo and Juliet” April 23-25 live at the BJCC Concert Hall. Roger VanFleteren, associate artistic director and resident choreographer of Alabama Ballet, choreographed the ballet, which is based on Shakespeare’s tragedy and follows the fate of two star-crossed lovers from their first meeting to their deaths. The ballet is set to Prokofiev’s dramatic score, widely recognized as a masterpiece of 20th century music. The Alabama Ballet also will perform a free school show matinee April 22 for school students as part of its outreach programs. These matinees bring more than 2,000 students per show from surrounding schools. “This ballet truly is a timeless classic,” Tracey Alvey, artistic director, said. “Full of stunning sets and costumes, beautiful choreography, swoon-worthy romance and actionpacked scenes, this production has something for everyone.” Tickets to “Romeo and Juliette” are available now and can be bought online at alabamaballet.org, on Ticketmaster, by calling 205-3224300 or at the box office. The production is sponsored by EBSCO Industries and The Hugh Kaul Foundation.
Opera Birmingham Presents “Pirates of Penzance”
Opera Birmingham will return to live performances April 10 and 11 with an outdoor production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance” at Avondale Ampitheater. Performance times will be April 10 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and April 11 at 2 p.m. The performances will include both the Opera Birmingham Chorus and members of Samford Opera. For more information, visit operabirmingham.org or call 205-322-6737.
Photo courtesy Alabama Ballet
LIVE AND IN PERSON EVENTS MAKING A COMEBACK
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Ferniany to Retire as CEO of UAB Health System
After nearly 13 years at the helm of the UAB Health System, Will Ferniany, will retire at the end of 2021. Will Ferniany, Ph.D., became chief executive officer of the Health System in 2008, his second stint at UAB, and is CEO of the new UAB/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance. In this role, Ferniany oversees a $5 billion, 11-hospital Health System. Dr. Selwyn Vickers, senior vice president and dean of the UAB School of Medicine, will succeed Ferniany as CEO of the UAB Health System and the alliance while continuing in his role of dean of the medical school. “Will Ferniany has enjoyed a long and distinguished career that led to transformational change for UAB Medicine and health care in Birmingham and across Alabama,” UAB President Ray L. Watts said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful for all of Dr. Ferniany’s contributions to the success of the UAB Health System, the School of Medicine and UAB and will continue the strong collaborative and aligned leadership team approach that has brought us great success over the last decade.” Ferniany graduated from the University of Alabama in 1973 and earned a master’s degree in 1975 and a doctoral degree in 1983 from UAB in health care administration.
He then embarked on a long career in health care management, serving as associate vice chancellor and chief executive officer of the University of Mississippi Medical Center and vice president/chief administrative officer and senior vice president of Professional Services of the University of Will Ferniany Pennsylvania Health System. He was CEO of UAB Psychiatric Hospital and executive administrator for the Department of Psychiatry from 1988 to 1990 and worked in strategic planning and market development in the UAB Health System from 1990 to 1992. During Ferniany’s tenure as CEO, the Health System has grown from five hospitals to 11, with revenues expanding from $2.3 billion in 2008 to more than $5.8 billion today. Ferniany is well-regarded for the development of a successful Funds Flow model, which provides financial support for clinical care, biomedical research and education. “Dr. Ferniany is to be credited for his unwavering support of the mission
NEWS of academic medicine,” Vickers said. “The Academic Enrichment Fund developed under his leadership aligned the Health System with the academic departments, enhancing the school’s ability to retain and recruit top physicians and scientists.” Vickers said the school will establish the Will Ferniany Academic Medicine Leadership Award to be given to a Health System executive who best demonstrates commitment to the institution’s academic mission. Ferniany has served on many regional and national health administration boards, including the Alabama Hospital Association, of which he is past chairman; Association of American Medical Colleges; University Health Consortium; Council of Teaching Hospitals, of which he is past chairman; Vizient; and the University of Miami Health System. “It has been my honor and privilege to serve UAB Health System’s patients, physicians and employees, and the people of Alabama,” Ferniany said. “The UAB Health System and the UAB Health System/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance will continue to improve health care delivery in Birmingham and across Alabama. While it is bittersweet to announce my retirement, I do so with great pride in all we have accomplished together for those we serve and knowing the future of continued success is in good hands. UAB will never fail as long as we do what is right for our patients, our community and our state.”
Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 9
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LIFE
10 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
O’Neal Library to Honor Longtime Board Member and Volunteer Penny Page During MB Chamber Luncheon
T
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw
ing history with the O’Neal Library. It has been a part of her life since her childhood in Mountain Brook. Her grandparents, Elizabeth and Kirkman O’Neal, gave the seed money used to create the library in 1965 through their family’s foundation. “I grew up going there,” Page said. “I used to go with my parents or my grandparents to pick out books.” The facility remained a part of her life into her adulthood, when she took the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community. “When I was in the Junior League of Birmingham, my placement was at the library, sorting books,” Page said. In addition, she served on the Junior Women’s Committee of 100, which was created to support the library’s children’s department. The group puts on the library’s annual Summer Reading Carnival, an event that is close to Page’s heart and is a beloved tradition in her eyes. Due to the pandemic, the library will be restructuring the carnival this year, opting to host a drive-thru Popsicle Summer Reading Kick-Off
he O’Neal Library will honor its 2021 Tynes Award recipient, longtime volunteer and board member Penny Page, during the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s annual luncheon April 27. The luncheon also will honor this year’s Jemison Visionary Award Winner, former Mountain Brook Mayor Terry Oden, and the 2021 City of Mountain Brook Employee of the Year, Detective Drew Moore. The 2021 chamber luncheon will take place in the great outdoors at the Birmingham Zoo from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Tynes award annually recognizes a group or individual who has gone above and beyond in service to the library as well as the city of Mountain Brook. It is named in honor of former Mountain Brook City Councilman Williams Tynes Jr., who helped establish the Mountain Brook Library Foundation and served as its president from 2003-2008. Like Tynes, Page has a longstand-
Beating Expectations Andrews Doctor Seeing Patients Again After Nearly Dying from COVID
By Rubin E. Grant
November, Davis started experiencing shortness of breath, his oxygen level dropped. He developed blood clots in his lungs. “My body attacked my lungs,” he said. “It was a hyper immune response.”
Hospitalization and Recovery
Photo courtesy Andrews Sports Medicine
Dr. Jeffrey Davis walked into an operating room at St. Vincent’s Hospital on March 18 to perform a surgery he had done countless times. But this time it was different. It was the first time Davis, a senior orthopaedic surgeon with Andrews Sports Medicine, had performed surgery after nearly dying from an extended bout with COVID-19. “They say when you do something for a long time it’s like riding a bike,” Davis said. “It’s so much muscle memory.” Davis performed surgeries on two knees and a shoulder that day. “It was great,” he said. “Surgery is the easy part. The hardest part has been remembering passwords and documentations because I hadn’t thought about them for five months.” Davis started feeling bad on Nov. 2, but he didn’t think much of it. “I had gotten our Christmas decorations out of the attic and I thought it might be allergies,” he said. “I started running a low-grade fever.” But when his fever spiked to 104
on May 25. From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the library will pass out free Steel City Pops as well as summer reading prize bags. In 2008, Page was placed on the library’s board of trustees, serving an unprecedented three terms before leaving the board in 2020. “We typically serve two terms, but I have served for three,” Page said. When the previous library director, former Tynes award-winner Sue DeBrecht, decided to retire in 2017, Page was asked to stay on and aid in current library director Lindsy Gardner’s transition. “I’ve always had a vested interest in the library,” Page said. “I took my own children to story time there, and it has just always been a part of my life.” In 2002, her family’s foundation helped fund the construction of the library’s current building. Page later was the liaison between library officials and contractors redesigning the library’s garden. She worked with landscape architect Mary Zahl to create a space that includes seating, arbors and blooming
Dr. Jeffrey Davis, 60, was hospitalized with COVID-19 from Nov. 13 to Dec. 31 at UAB Hospital in the intensive care unit and nearly died during the first week of December.
degrees and he developed viral pneumonia, he decided to get a test at the COVID clinic at UAB. It came back positive. Davis was sent home and told to take it easy. He thought he was on his way to recovery because after 48 hours, he didn’t have a high fever. Then, on Friday, the 13th of
Davis, 60, was hospitalized with COVID-19 from Nov. 13 to Dec. 31 at UAB Hospital in the intensive care unit and nearly died during the first week of December. “I got so bad one night I went into respiratory failure and they urgently intubated me. Unfortunately, the ventilator couldn’t oxygenate my lungs and I had to be put on the ECMO machine,” he said, referring to an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine. Blood is pumped outside the body to a heart-lung machine that removes carbon dioxide and sends oxygenfilled blood back to tissues in the body. That involved tubes running into Davis’ neck. Davis was on the ECMO for three weeks. “I was very weak with lung issues, but I continued to get stronger,” he said. “I came home on New Year’s Eve day.” Davis was sent home with an oxygen tank and began cardiopulmonary rehabilitation three days a week.
Photo courtesy Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce
A Storied History
From left, O’Neal Library Director Lindsy Gardner, Library Board Treasurer Patrick Carlton and 2021 Tynes Award Winner Penny Page.
foliage. Funded by gifts in memory of late library supporter Mary Moren Crommelin, the gardens were rededicated in 2012. According to Page, the long-standing success of the library is due to staff members who go above and beyond to serve the public, even during the pandemic; strong partnerships between the city schools and government; and the people of Mountain Brook who hold the facility in such high regard. “It’s a real privilege to live in a
community that places a real value on reading and education,” Page said. “The library has been so successful because of that. Young mothers want to take their children to story time and check out a book.” During the chambers’ luncheon, Page will be honored alongside Oden and Moore. “You don’t ever feel deserving of an award, but I’m just honored to be a part of it,” Page said.
He still requires oxygen to exercise and still gets out of breath. He still takes a blood thinner because of clots that were in his lungs. But he has essentially recovered. “I’m getting better and stronger and feeling incredibly blessed to still be here,” Davis said. “The hardest part was the isolation. I didn’t get to see my wife and kids and friends for five weeks.” Davis said his mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, died in August with COVID-19. His wife, Sheri, also tested positive for COVID19 around the same time as him, but her symptoms were mild. “This disease is so unpredictable,” he said. “I wasn’t skeptical of the virus, but I didn’t believe it would hit me this way. I didn’t have any of the risk factors.”
resetting goals because I am reaching them so much faster.” Dr. James Andrews, co-founder of Andrews Sports Medicine, was glad to see him back at work. “We were praying for him,” Andrews said. “We really weren’t sure if he was going to pull through. When he made it back to the office, you wouldn’t believe the cheering, hollering and clapping the whole office gave him.” Davis appreciates the prayers and support he received from the staff at Andrews Sports Medicine and the churches he attends, Church of the Highlands and the Gathering Place in Moody. “I’ve got boxes of cards,” Davis said. “The outpouring of support is unbelievable.” What Davis is most thankful for is being able to see patients again. “The disability people called because they assumed I wasn’t going back to work, but I told them I was going back to work,” Davis said. “I am excited to be back. This is my passion and my gift, and I am grateful for the time to still utilize it for the glory of the Lord. “It was fantastic to see patients again. I tell people you can get so caught up in doing the job, you forget why you started doing this in the first place. I was able to focus on the patients. It was nice not to be so busy and spend some time with patients.”
Return to Work
Davis made a dramatic appearance on Jan. 26 at Andrews’ office, with his oxygen tank. He saw patients during the first week in March for the first time since November and the surgeries on March 18 were the first he had performed since October. He’s now working half days five days a week. “I haven’t gotten too fatigued,” he said. “I’m not going up and down the stairs like I used to, but I have far exceeded what the physicians thought. My therapist said we have to keep
For more information, visit mtnbrookchamber.org.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 11
LIFE
Aldridge Gardens
2021
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Plant Sale HOLY CROSS: The annual Homewood Way of the Cross communal procession took place April 2 in recognition of Good Friday.
Plant Sale Dates: April 29th - April 30th, 9AM – 5PM May 1st, 8:30AM – Noon
MEMBERS RECEIVE 10% OFF PURCHASES
Hydrangeas for sun and shade, wildflowers and azaleas, pass-alongs, some old favorites and more. Also food and craft vendors.
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12 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
LIFE
Great Graduation Gift Ideas Show the graduate how smart you are with a gift from one of these local retailers
MOSCOT infuses its refined, downtown aesthetic with over 100 years of eyewear expertise and unparalleled craftsmanship to create timeless eyewear. Above, the “Johnny Depp” frame, $310. iiis. an optical shop. 205-930-9394 Scout’s “Beauty Burrito,” $40, has all you need to hit the road again. The water-resistant hanging cosmetic organizer is available in other patterns. Marguerite’s Conceits, 205-879-2730.
This acrylic wastebasket, starting at $32, is an attractive, useful gift for your favorite graduates and can be customized with a monogram to match your style and decor. Dorm Decor, 888-874-8778
Say “Congratulations” with a personalized one-of-a-kind Jon Hart bag made personalized for the graduate. The collection includes luggage, handbags, backpacks, wallets and more. Gus Mayer, 205-870-3300.
Oliver Thomas bags are the featherweight champ featuring squeaky clean technology. Each bag is lightweight, machine washable, water resistant, include a hidden bottom zipper compartment and more. george inside Snoozy’s Kids, 205-871-2662
The Neely and Chloe jewelry case, $178, is the perfect partner in crime for weekend getaways, summer travels or safely storing jewelry at college. Embroidery is available. Bromberg’s, The Summit, 205-969-1776; Mountain Brook, 205-871-3276.
Layering necklaces, starting at $299, are one of the hottest fashion accessories this year. In addition to being a great graduation gift, these necklaces are perfect for any upcoming special occasion. Shay’s Jewelers, 205-978-5880.
For the graduate, a selection of enamel colored clocks trimmed in gold or silver. Christine’s on Canterbury, 205-871-8297.
Sterling silver bracelets with 18 karat gold accent, by Phillip Gavriel. Southeastern Jewelers, 205-980-9030.
3301 Lorna Road, Ste. 1, Hoover • 978-5880 • www.shaysjewelers.com
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Homewood Public Library Staff Recognized By State Group The Homewood Public Library recently announced that two of the library’s employees have been selected by the Alabama Library Association for annual awards based on their dedication, merit and significant contributions. Heather Cover was selected for the Alabama Library Association’s Eminent Librarian Award. The award is the highest honor awarded by the association and is presented to librarians in recognition of exceptional contributions toward the development
Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 13
LIFE of library services. Cover has worked at the Homewood library for more than 25 years in numerous capacities and has been active in the state Heather Cover association. Edward Eggleston was selected for the association’s Paralibrarian Award, presented to an outstanding library employee in a support staff role who goes above and beyond the limits of the job title. Eggleston has worked at the
Homewood library for more than 20 years and is well-known by patrons for providing excellent customer service as he fulfills their Edward Eggleston information needs. Both will be recognized at the ALLA Convention, held virtually April 28-29. The city of Homewood will recognize Cover and Eggleston with a proclamation at the April 12 City Council meeting.
Photo courtesy Troop 4
Troop 4 Grows With Pack 1 Webelo Crossover
From left, Nolan Blackenburg, Watts Ueltschey, Gray Latham, John Tyler Ransome, Colin Simpson, Jory Yuan and Asher Wright.
On March 7, Troop 4 welcomed seven new Scouts from Pack 1 at a socially distanced Webelo Crossover at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. New Scouts included Nolan Blackenburg, Watts Ueltschey, Gray Latham, John Tyler Ransome, Colin Simpson, Jory Yuan and Asher Wright. At the crossover ceremony, troop members paid recognition to a newly installed Troop 4 Eagle Plaque at the church. The plaque pays homage to the prestigious Eagle Scout Award. A COVID-compliant dedication ceremony is being planned to recognize more than 200 Eagle Scouts from Troop 4 whose names are engraved on the plaque along with their year of award.
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OTMJ APRIL 2021
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‘BRIGHT LIGHTS, IRON CITY’
Photos by Dee Moore
The Debutante Club Celebrates 16 Presentees
From left, Margaret Jean Holloway, Hannah Marie Elliott and Sarah Brasfield Cooper. Not pictured: Gunter Moren Crommelin.
Sarah Scott McPherson, Barbara Grace Tortorici, Elizabeth Rose Gillespy and Ruth Evelyne Kirkland.
Ann Chapman Haynes, Mary Walker Poe, Kate McCarroll Bumgarner and Mary Adelaide Vandevelde.
Ansley Caldwell Gross, Ann McQueen Whatley, Frances Elizabeth Hand and Mary Margaret Bromberg Byrne.
T
he Debutante Club of Birmingham honored 16 young ladies at a traditional Black and White Ball on Dec. 29. The 2020 new members of the Debutante Club and their escorts were Kate Bumgarner and John Crockard, Mary Margaret Byrne and Aaron Sanders, Sarah Cooper and Johnny Lavette, Gunter Crommelin and Mabry Crane, Hannah Elliott and Carter Kampakis, Elizabeth Gillespy and Joseph Propes, Ansley Gross and Duncan Morris, Frances Hand and Sam Guilsher, Ann Chapman Haynes and Drew DeHaven, Maggie Holloway and Zachary Carroll, Ruth
Evelyne Kirkland and Graham Harrison, Sarah Scott McPherson and Bradford Turner, Walker Poe and Henry Barze, Gracie Tortorici and Daniel Darwin, Delia Vandevelde and Wilson Golden, and Ann McQueen Whatley and Hays Dubberly. In keeping with a tradition dating back to 1929, the honorees wore white gowns and opera length gloves while their guests wore black tie and black cocktail attire. The event was held at Haven in southside Birmingham. Guests received black and gold invitations featuring Birmingham’s skyline. They were designed by Maggie Holloway, one
of the honorees. The theme of this year’s Debutante Club Ball, “Bright Lights, Iron City,” inspired Robert Logan of Backstage Designs to transform the warehouse venue into a magical and elegant setting of lights, brightly lit stars, elaborate murals and structures created to highlight some treasured features of Birmingham. The honorees and their escorts began their evening at the Mountain Brook Club with cocktails and a dinner party. The group dined on gold sequined tablecloths with white roses and pearls draped on gold candelabras as centerpieces. As they arrived at the party, the entrance was
adorned with lighted trees and stars with a large silver star surrounding the entrance. Noted Birmingham sites and attractions, such as the Alabama Theater, Vulcan, Sloss Furnace and the old Birmingham Magic City railway sign were incorporated into the decorations. A large painted city skyline gave partygoers a backdrop for photos. Creativity, a 10-piece band from Atlanta, kept the crowd dancing until midnight with the sounds of Motown to today’s hits. Guests in attendance at the event included presentee’s parents and friends from near and far. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Rhett-Sanders
Mr. and Mrs. William Warren Barbour Rhett, of Birmingham and Chatham, Massachusetts, announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter Alexandra Moore Rhett to Mr. William Clayton Sanders of Nashville. Mr. Sanders is the son of Mr. and
SOCIAL/WEDDINGS Mrs. Randall Wesley Sanders of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Perdido Key, Florida. Miss Rhett is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Churchill MacElvain of Eufaula and the late Mr. and Mrs. Harry Moore Rhett Jr. of Huntsville and Chatham. The bride-elect was presented at the International Debutante Ball in New York. She also was presented in Charleston, South Carolina, at the Symphony Ball in Huntsville and at the Ball of Roses in Birmingham. She is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Alabama. She is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and is a legacy member of the Colonial Dames of America. She is a direct descendant of Mayflower passenger Richard Warren. The future groom, known as Will, is a graduate of Brentwood High School and the University of Alabama College of Commerce. He is a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraterni-
ty.
His grandparents are Mr. Richard DeLamar Williams III of Decatur and the late Mrs. Williams, who was Tay Samford; and the late Mr. and Mrs. Nolan Sanders of Decatur. Mr. Sanders’ great-grandfather Yetta Samford Sr. was an early executive and board member of Liberty National Insurance Company, now Global Life. Sanders is also a direct descendant of William J. Samford, the 31st governor of the state of Alabama. Until recently, Miss Rhett was the managing editor of Sophisticated Living Magazine, in Nashville. She is currently the owner of Exit Eleven Marketing, a luxury product marketing and placement company. Mr. Sanders is co-owner and vicepresident of Specialty Food Service LLC, a Nashville-based regional supplier of specialty baked goods to the retail and commercial food service industry. A late spring wedding is planned.
Best of Both Worlds
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Rumpshaker 5K Raises Funds for Colon Cancer With In-Person and Virtual Racing
Jessica Roberts and Ava Gray.
From left, Landon Delozier, Ramsey White (first place finisher) and Marcus Harris.
Scott and Tiffany Bell.
Lucia Perez, Igmazio Sanchez, Biego San Martin and Jagoba Angulo.
This year’s Rumpshaker 5K not only adapted to maintain social distance, but also changed locations to downtown Homewood. The event allowed runners who wished to abstain from in-person events to race virtually, as well as letting runners show up for the in-person 5K on March 27. Since its inception in 2009, the Rumpshaker 5K has raised more than $1 million while promoting colorectal cancer awareness. The Rumpshaker organization was created in memory of Lisa Martz by friends and family to provide hope for colorectal cancer survivors and support those fighting the disease. ❖ Samuel Murphree and Trent Willis.
Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 15
Sips in Spring
16 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
Virginia Grisham and Emily Gardner.
From left, Lee Mallette, Grant Morgan, Ali Money, Lindsay Crocker, Drew Dickson and Will Reis.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Lane Parke Hosts Evening of Shopping and Live Music The merchants of Lane Parke hosted an evening of shopping April 1 to celebrate a new season. Rele Street was closed off as guests walked the street listening to live music by Pioneer Chicken Stand, sipping cocktails and shopping. Pop-up shops joining in on the fun included House Plant Collective, Katie Creative Co., Natalie Zoghby Art, Thrifty Things and Earrings, Little Miss Therapist, Asher Riley, Doodles and Heezie’s. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SOCIAL
Mary Frances Boston and Lizzie Boston.
Paxton and Mickalyn Clemons.
Brianna Stein and Kristin Springer.
Elena Cassinelli and Wesley Hunter.
Dare, Kyle and Margaret Kyle Fessler.
Sandy Naramore and Sallie Braswell.
Sidney Ammons, Sanders Williams and Sally Harris.
Molly Wallace, Gina Harris and Cathy Catalano.
Taylor and Kim McGuire with Robin Kidd.
Kimberly Torres, Kurt Gaines and Katie White.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 17
SOCIAL
Hopping Down the Bunny Trail
Smith’s Variety Hosts Pet Photo Ops for Animal League of Birmingham Families and their furry friends made their way to Smith’s Variety on March 17 as the store hosted pet photos with the Easter Bunny. Throughout the afternoon, pets had the chance to sit on the bunny’s lap and have a commemorative photo taken. Proceeds benefited the Animal League of Birmingham. The organization works in the Greater Birmingham area raising funds for nonprofit rescues and shelters to support the health, welfare and general well-being of animals in need. The league’s spay and neuter assistance program also helps reduce shelter and rescue intake numbers.
Animal League of Birmingham members with the Easter Bunny, from left, Mellisa Sullivan, Georgia Claridy, Inga Clum and Alicia Baldwin.
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Journal photos by Jordan Wald
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The Easter Bunny and friend.
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Becky Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 February 11th
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FOOD
18 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
FOODIE NEWS Revelator Named 12th Most Popular Coffee Roaster by Far & Wide
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Granite Media’s travel publication Far & Wide recently published a list of the nation’s 15 most popular coffee roasters, naming Revelator Coffee Company in 12th place. The article by Mariana Zapata, “Most Popular Coffee Roasters and Shops in the US, Ranked,” noted that people in the United States consume approximately 400 million cups of coffee a day, with the country annually importing more than $4 billion of coffee.
For owners Dusty and Karen Scott, the new store in Liberty Park represents the latest evolution of a three-generation seafood legacy. The Liberty Park location, above, part of the new Cahaba Station shopping center, will feature a selection “relatively similar” to the U.S. 31 location.
In the Footsteps
New Snapper Grabber’s Location Marks Third Generation of Family Seafood Legacy By Sam Prickett
S
napper Grabber’s Land and Sea will expand to a second Vestavia Hills location in May. For owners Dusty and Karen Scott, the new store in Liberty Park represents the latest evolution of a three-generation seafood legacy. Dusty started working with seafood when he was 7 years old, working summers at his grandfather’s River Fish Market in north Birmingham. He worked there into his teenage years, watching as his father, Kent Scott, took over and “really, really grew that business.” But when it came time to choose his own career, Dusty opted to go into the auto parts industry, where he spent 30 years sitting behind a desk. Kent, meanwhile, sold the River Fish Market in 2005 but found himself unable to stay out of the seafood business. He and his wife, Pam, purchased Snapper Grabber’s, a seafood market on U.S. 31, in 2012. They expanded the business to include a café, butcher and wine shop in 2017. When Dusty started looking for a new career, he saw an opportunity to expand upon his family’s legacy. He was drawn to the “growing community” of Liberty Park, which had similar demographics to the U.S. 31 location and presented an opportunity “to open a store with very little risk.”
More Than Seafood
“The Liberty Park location, part of the new Cahaba Station shopping center, will feature a selection ‘relatively similar’ to the
U.S. 31 location,’” Dusty said. “We’re going to have the same types of products, all types of fresh seafood, highquality meats and a unique selection of wine. Of course, we’ll have my father’s ‘Almost Famous Gumbo.’ He’s been working on
“We’re going to have the same types of products, (as the original location) all types of fresh seafood, high-quality meats and a unique selection of wine. Of course, we’ll have my father’s ‘Almost Famous Gumbo.’ He’s been working on his recipe for 30 years and it really is delicious.” DUSTY SCOTT
his recipe for 30 years and it really is delicious,” he continued. “We’ll also have a large grab-and-go assortment, including condiments, spreads and dips, such as chicken salad and smoked tuna dip. And, we’ll even steam your shrimp in your choice of seasoning.” Pam said the market is in a convenient location. “People can come in and load up if they’re going to the lake or the beach,” Pam said. “We see this so many times, people
stop by Snapper Grabber’s on their way, bring their cooler in, and we ice down their meat, seafood and wine. It’s kind of a onestop shop for those items.” The main difference between the two locations is that the Liberty Park Snapper Grabber’s won’t have a dine-in café, which Dusty attributes to the pandemic. “I guess you can blame it on COVID,” he said. “It was just difficult to open a food business in the COVID era. Things just didn’t work out. We’re not shutting the door on that completely – one day we’re going to revisit it.” Construction on the new store is still going on, though things are on track to be open by early May. The interior of the market, Dusty said, “won’t be your typical seafood market, where it’s kind of beach-y. It’s going to have more of a rustic vibe featuring darker decor that highlights the product in the case.” His number one goal, he said, “is to make people love the experience so much that they can’t wait to come back.” He’s also looking forward to a more hands-on job. “The seafood business is a unique industry, but it’s hard work,” he said. “But I enjoy hard work and don’t mind getting my hands dirty.” Pam, meanwhile, said she’s excited for the Scott family seafood legacy to continue. “Dusty’s going to take it to another generation,” she said. “We thought it was going to end with my husband, and now that Dusty has decided to do this … . We think it’s pretty phenomenal. We’re keeping it all in the family, you know.”
“This company has been bringing specialty coffee to the Southeast for (a) relatively short time, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming wellknown within the region and the coffee world at large,” Zapata writes. The company was started in 2014, with founders Josh Owen, Emily Chevalier and Elizabeth Pogue opening its first location in Birmingham’s historic theater district. Revelator’s first roasting facility was later opened in 2015 as the company expanded to open locations in Atlanta, where it is now headquartered. In addition to Revelator’s locations in downtown Birmingham, Lane Parke in Mountain Brook and Georgia, the company also has locations in Louisiana.
Birmingham’s Roscoe Hall First Eliminated on Season 18 of Bravo’s Top Chef Folks who tuned into the first episode of Season 18 of the James Beard Award-winning Bravo show Top Chef were able to watch Birmingham contestant chef Roscoe Hall. Hall, who recently became culinary director for Post Office Pies and is executive chef for Rodney Scott’s BBQ, was the first contestant eliminated at the end of the first episode, which aired April 1. He began his career in restaurants as a dishwasher before making his break as a line cook at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. There he trained for two years under renowned chef Alice Waters. Hall has worked in kitchens in St. Louis, Portland and New York City, including working under chef David Chang at Momofku Saam Bar. In Birmingham, Hall has worked in several culinary outlets, from Jones Valley Teaching Farm to Bottega. Hall grew up in the barbecue business as the grandson of Dreamland BBQ founder John Bishop. In addition to working in the kitchen, Hall also is an accomplished artist who graduated with a degree from the Savannah College of Art and
See FOODIE NEWS, page 19
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 19
FOOD
FOODIE NEWS
TEACHER RECOGNITION: This year’s Homewood Grown event will be moved from Soho (2019 event pictured) to Patriot Park where guests will be treated to a dinner by The Happy Catering Company at socially distanced tables of 10 or 6 people.
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
From page 18 Design. Despite being the first of the 15 contestants to be eliminated, there is a chance he may return to the Top Chef kitchen. Hall will have a chance to earn redemption and reenter the competition through Last Chance Kitchen, a web series that pits eliminated Top Chef contestants against each other. Episodes are available on Bravo’s website immediately following each new episode of Top Chef.
Arthritis Foundation to Host Crawfish Fundraiser April 24 A down-home crawfish boil will take place April 24 as the Arthritis Foundation of Alabama hosts its annual Mudbugs & Music fundraiser from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Cahaba Brewing Company. The event will feature crawfish and shrimp boiled by Crawdaddy’s, along with a silent auction and live music. Proceeds from the event will benefit the foundation in its mission to conquer and cure arthritis and support the pediatric rheumatology program at Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In addition to following CDC guidelines for health and safety, the event will include a drive-thru pickup option for pre-purchased ticket orders. For more information, visit the Arthritis Foundation Alabama Facebook page.
Hope for Autumn Foundation Plans 2021 Crawfish Boil Fundraiser All-you-can-eat crawfish is on the menu as the Hope for Autumn Foundation looks forward to its annual Crawfish Boil on April 24. The event is scheduled to take place on the Main Green at Ross Bridge, with festivities including balloon artists, a DJ,
bounce houses and face painting. Food will be prepared by Louisiana native John Hein, with hot dogs and hamburgers available for kids. Live music will be performed by the Tuckahoe Travelers and OPOV Band. Water and soda will be provided, but guests also can bring their own adult beverages. Parking will be available in a variety of spaces with shuttle service to the event from Shades Creek Pool, the Hamptons Pool and Deer Valley Elementary School. Tickets are available online for $40. Tickets for children ages 5-12 are $10 and kids under the age of 5 enter for free. Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s mission to assist families battling childhood cancer in Alabama and fund childhood cancer research at Children’s of Alabama. For more information, visit hopeforautumnfoundation.org.
Exceptional Foundation to Host 17th Annual Chili CookOff May 1 In a typical year, the Exceptional
Foundation hosts its largest fundraiser of the year, the annual MortgageBanc Chili Cook-Off, on the first weekend of March. Out of concerns for public health, this year’s event has been moved to May 1, when hundreds of teams will compete to see who can cook up the best chili recipe. The event will take place at Brookwood Village in the Macy’s upper parking lot. The fundraiser will include unlimited chili tastings, live music, a kids’ zone and other entertainment, with all proceeds directly benefiting the foundation. Tickets to the cook-off are $15 for general admission, and kids ages 12 and younger enter for free. Masks are required and social distancing must be practiced by all in attendance. For more information, visit exceptionalfoundation.org/chili.
Homewood Grown to Take Place April 30 The Homewood City Schools Foundation will host Homewood Grown, its annual community event to celebrate the school system’s outstanding teachers and administrators, April 30. This year’s event will be moved from Soho to Patriot Park where guests will be treated to a dinner by The Happy Catering Company at socially distanced tables of 10 or 6 people. The keynote speaker for the program will be Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell, a Homewood High School alum and father to four current Homewood students. The evening also will include recognition of this year’s Teacher Impact Award winners. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit homewoodcityschoolsfoundation.com.
WORK HARD
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
& BE NICE TO PEOPLE
MERCEDES • BMW • PORSCHE • AUDI EXCEPTIONAL: Teams are set to compete to see who can cook up the best chili recipe at the Exceptional Foundation’s 17th Annual Chili Cook-Off on May 1. Above Scott Goranti, Laura Hulsey, Stephanie Zepponi, Brandon Pennington and Austin Overton from Corporate Realty competed in the 2018 cook-off.
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Rehab Reality... by Judy Butler
Graduation is Only the Beginning
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’.
HOME
20 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw
T
he colorful storefront of Ruby Ansley Interiors – adorned with yellow, green and red valances – is a staple in the landscape of Mountain Brook Village. Founded in 1963, the interior design firm has a storied history and has remained a successful, female-owned business over the course of its existence. Current owner Sallie Aman first joined the staff in 1965 just after graduating from the University of Alabama with her degree in interior design. “In college, you learn the facts and you learn how to do floor plans and renderings,” Aman said. “They don’t teach you as much about business as they should because they aren’t focused on that.” Ansley took Aman under her wing and taught her protege what it takes to run a successful business in interior design. “When I first started, I was doing design
work and helping her,” Aman said. “Then I began figuring jobs, doing estimates and doing the actual bookkeeping.” Bookkeeping turned out to be something that Aman thoroughly enjoyed, and she still has a hand in it. She is also supported by a staff that includes longtime manager and head of installation Craig Britnell and interior designer Virginia Grisham. “One thing we have been really proud of is that a woman has owned the shop since the beginning and we want to keep it that way,” she said. Aman took over ownership of Ruby Ansley Interiors in 2012 determined to maintain its mission to provide quality and timeless design created through a marriage of traditional and contemporary styles.
Investment Pieces
The use of traditional pieces has been a standard for Ruby Ansley Interiors. By foregoing devotion to trends and instead mixing pieces that will last a lifetime with contemporary touches, there is more value to be had in the long term. “Our main theory here is and has always been from the start, no matter how much money you want to spend, we will show you how to spend it wisely,” Aman said. “If you can only do one thing each year, just do one good thing,” she added. Purchase a higher-quality chair that will be comfortable for years. If you tire of the fabric, simply recover it and allow it to grow with you. Unfortunately, the growing trend of lowcost fast furniture – think IKEA or Wayfair. com – comes with a lower-quality design. Aman prefers to spend money on the things that can grow with you. “I can recall working in homes that Ruby Ansley designed herself,” Aman said. “I would take those homeowners and move them into a retirement home with the same furniture.” Longstanding client relationships are an aspect of the industry that she treasures.
Current owner Sallie Aman first joined the staff in 1965 just after graduating from the University of Alabama with her degree in interior design.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
A Heritage of Tradition
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 21
HOME generations deep. “We’re working on a job currently in Houston for the daughters of some really nice clients,” she said. “They wanted to come to us because they liked what we did for their parents.” For Aman, seeing a job complete and a client happy is the best product of her work.
The Beauty of Spring!
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Finding Her Calling
Aman says she hopes to see a resurgence of traditional, English-style porcelain rather than the current pottery trend.
“An aspect of the interior design profession is that we are closed mouthed,” Aman said. “Like a doctor or lawyer, we don’t talk about your business to someone else. We keep it all in-house and, more often than not, we end up being really good friends.” Those friendships have taken
Aman to work across the country, as well as internationally – a rare opportunity Aman treasures. “I had the opportunity to work on a house in England,” she said. “They ended up owning a children’s shop, so we went back over there and designed that, too.” Her work with clients also can go
Aman wasn’t always certain that she would become an interior designer, though she did show a proclivity for changing her living space. “In high school, my parents would let me paint my room whatever color I wanted,” she said. After beginning her studies in liberal arts at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, she found her way to interior design and transferred to the University of Alabama. Working with Ruby Ansley solidified her excitement for the industry. She was able to travel on buying trips a couple of times each year in New York City. “It was so exciting just to be there and with someone who had experience,” Aman said. “We would just walk for the whole day – in high heels.” Some of her favorite experiences in the beginning of her career were trips to market, then held in
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22 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
Chicago, where she would familiar-
ize herself with furnishings, textiles and other design materials. She also was inspired by the installations designed to showcase products.
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“At that time, things were mostly traditional,” Aman said. “There was a lot of modern furniture as well … which has come back into style.” Reputable designers such as Knoll and Herman Miller were among the modern designers, and their individual work now is mostly known as midcentury modern. Traditional and antique furniture, which has experienced a resurgence, is popularly known as “brown furniture,” Aman said. “I think we will see that there is much more color,” she added. “All white design is going to be ‘beiged out’ as they say.”
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
AMAN From page 21
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
HOME
Pop the Color
Current and forthcoming trends are bright for Aman, who loves to begin her designs with neutrals and add in pops of print and color. “I think we are really seeing prints coming back into style,” Aman said, specifically colored prints of the
Tricia 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 8, 2021 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Above, Sallie Aman and interior designer Virginia Grisham say they are seeing business begin to rebound. Current and forthcoming trends are bright for Aman, who loves to begin her designs with neutrals and add in pops of print and color.
English Chintz variety. “So many companies are pulling things out of their archives and recoloring it a bit,” she said. Wallpapers also have been a big hit, offering a lot in the way of design for just a little bit of money by making a big splash in small amounts. One could use a bold print in a powder room or as an accent wall. “I could spend all day looking at wallpapers,” Aman said. “It can be expensive, but it isn’t as expensive as buying a lot of furniture.” In her own forecast, she hopes to see a resurgence of traditional, English-style porcelain rather than the current pottery trend. When the pandemic hit, the interior design industry felt the shutdown
across the board. “Business just stopped,” Aman said. “We were fortunate that we were working on some jobs that we could continue to complete once we reopened.” Many businesses shifted to focus on virtual sales, which Aman notes has distinct limitations when it comes to design. “You can’t really feel a chenille sofa online,” she said. “It makes a difference.” Luckily, Aman and her staff are seeing business begin to rebound. People spent a lot of time in their homes, using their furniture, and are beginning to find time to recover that old chair or reimagine their living spaces to provide more function.
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Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 23
HOME
Mary Charles' Doll House Mary Charles’
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
A kick-off party will be hosted at the Ideal Home May 13 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. At last year’s kick-off party were, from left, Morgan Walls, Petra Pryor, Darcie Plowden and Ellis Terry.
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To: Mary Charles Robbins Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Office, Pantries, Laundries From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Wall Beds, Wall Units, Hobby Rooms, Garage Flooring and more... 205-824-1246, fax Date:
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To: Mary Charles This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOU From: Over the Mountain JuneJournal 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or c 823-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax Date: Nov 2018 Please make sure all informati
including address and phon
This is your ad proof for the OTMJ for the November 15, 2018issue. Plea possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax
The 2021 Spring Parade of Homes, hosted by the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, will feature newly built homes throughout the Birmingham area as wellTo: as highlighted Mary housing Charlescommunities. Robbins The event will take place over two weekends, May 14-16 and 205-823-9646 May 21-23. ph., From: Over The Mountain Journal, According to event officials, attendees will havefax the opportunity to tour 205-824-1246, homes, get ideas for theirDate: own dream Mayhome 2010and admire an array of architectural designs, from classic to contemporary. A highlight of the event will be the unveiling of this year’s Ideal Home, This is your community AD PROOFinfrom built by Centennial Homes LLC in the Heatherwood Norththe OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Shelby County. A kick-off party will be hosted at the Ideal Home May 13 from 5 p.m. until Please make sure all information is correct, 8 p.m. Tour hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sundays including address and phone number! from noon to 6 p.m. For more information and updates, visit birminghambuilder.com.
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24 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
SCHOOLS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
205.638.PIRC (7472)
PIRC
Navigating the mental health system for children and teens
Helping Hands Briarwood, Oak Mountain Schools Conduct Drives in Response to Shelby County Tornadoes
Relief efforts to support those affected by the tornadoes that swept through parts of Shelby County on March 25 were well under way less than 24 hours after the disaster.
Briarwood
The PIRC is generously supported by additional funding from the Hill Crest Foundation, Brasfield and Gorrie, LLC, and the Gorrie family.
l
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PIRC, based at Children’s of Alabama, is a confidential phone response center linking adult callers to mental health resources for children and teens. Service is provided by licensed mental health professionals who educate callers and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. PIRC hours are 8 am — 11 pm, 7 days a week.
PIRC is NOT a crisis or suicide hotline. Call for mental health resources.
Students, faculty and families with Briarwood Christian School began collecting donations for storm victims on March 26 at Briarwood’s Alabama Highway 119 high school campus. According to a post on the school’s Facebook page, volunteers collected and delivered more than 100 cases of water and more than 50 tarps to victims in the Eagle Point neighborhood in less than 24 hours. Large care bins filled with items also were delivered to those in need. The local humane society also dropped off 80 pounds of dog food for those who are fostering pets due to tornado damage.
Oak Mountain
Oak Mountain High School turned its cafeteria into a collection center, gathering donations of items such as food and paper goods, heavy duty trash bags, work gloves, moving boxes, family grocery to-go bags and firstresponder care packages. In just more than one day, the school had collected more items than it could hold and began distributing the donations to storm victims. Among those affected by the storm were Oak Mountain Elementary and Middle schools, which have had to transition students to remote learning because of extensive damage. Students from with Oak Mountain Middle School also ran a lemonade stand and bake sale at Veterans Park to raise funds for teachers and students in need. —Emily Williams-Robertshaw
Top, Oak Mountain students collected more items than the school could hold and began distributing the donations to storm victims. Above, Briarwood Christian School student Brooke Anderson was one of the many students collecting donations from members of the community, below, for storm victims.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SCHOOLS
Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 25
Art by Garland Farwell
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26 • Thursday, April 8, 2021
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Young John Carroll Softball Team Sets Sights on a State Title
John Carroll Catholic softball coach Jeri Beck doesn’t have any qualms about fielding a young team. In fact, she rather enjoys it. “We’ve got young kids on the field this season and we always do,” Beck said. “One of the advantages I have is I get them in the seventh grade and get to work with them for six years. “I’m never shy about putting seventh graders on the field. We’ve got two starting for us now. If you can play the game, I’m putting you on the field.” Second baseman Hannah Greene and right fielder Emily Williams are the Cavaliers’ two seventh-grade starters. They play other positions, depending on who’s pitching. The Cavs have only one senior on this year’s team, designated player Abi Allarde, so youth is definitely served where John Carroll is concerned. “It’s a good group of girls,” Beck said. “We have some great personalities and they’re fun to coach.” They also are talented. John Carroll entered this week with a 16-7 record in a season that has featured junior pitcher Macey Ogle and her younger sister Mallory, a freshman center fielder. Macey Ogle has been “phenomenal” in the pitching circle and at the plate, Beck said. She has a 13-3 record with a 2.22 ERA and 161 strikeouts in 81 2/3 innings pitched. She has allowed only 40 hits and walked 39. “She has great command of her pitches,” Beck said. “She spins the ball really well.” At the plate, Macey Ogle, who also plays left field, is batting .484 with 30 runs batted in. She is orally committed to Lipscomb University in Nashville. Beck calls Mallory Ogle “a fantastic” defensive center fielder who tracks
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
By Rubin E. Grant
John Carroll is considered the favorite in Class 5A, Area 9 this season. Above left, Sophomore shortstop Gracie Mills is batting .412 with 19 runs scored and 14 RBIs. Above right, freshman pitcher-third baseman Annie Gregory is one of several young key players on the squad.
the ball well but is probably better as a hitter. She leads the team with a .554 batting average (36 hits in 65 at-bats), with 36 runs scored, 27 stolen bases and 12 RBI. Sophomore shortstop Gracie Mills, the older sister of Hannah Greene, is another player who excels in the field and at the plate. “She’s a fantastic shortstop,” Beck said. “I would put her up against anybody. She has great range and a great arm, and she’s tough.” Offensively, Mills is batting .412 with 19 runs scored and 14 RBIs. Junior catcher Charlotte Phillips is the Cavs’ top power threat with six doubles and three home runs, while batting .386 with 18 RBIs and 21 runs scored. Two other key players who have
emerged are sophomore first baseman Kayla Coley-Drayton and freshman pitcher-third baseman Annie Gregory, a transfer from Mountain Brook. Coley-Drayton is solid defensively
keeps Macey Ogle from being overworked in the pitching circle. “She’s still a little green,” Beck said of Gregory, “but she’s going to do well for us.”
‘We’ve got fantastic pitching and we’re building a great defense behind that. We’ve got some good hitters and team chemistry is really good.’
Building Up Performance
John Carroll finished third in the 2019 Class 5A state tournament, ending the season with a 29-10-1 record. The 2020 team got off to a slow start but was just starting to click with an 8-6-1 record when the season was shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “That was very difficult,” Beck said. “We were rolling on a high and starting to have a good season with our expectations in place when we got shut down. We had four seniors and that was tough on them.”
and also swings the bat well from the left side, batting .379 with 20 RBIs and 17 runs scored. Gregory has a 3-4 record, but she
Beck put together a highlight video for the 2020 seniors, center fielder Emma Bauer, pitcher Abigayle Parker, catcher Claire Boone and utility player Tannslee Duck. The coach also has invited them back for this spring’s Senior Night, set for April 15.
Season Favorite
John Carroll is considered the favorite in Class 5A, Area 9 this season. The Cavs open area play on Thursday at Pleasant Grove. Beck likes the Cavs’ chances of making another deep run in the postseason. “I believe we can,” she said. “We’ve got fantastic pitching and we’re building a great defense behind that. We’ve got some good hitters and team chemistry is really good.”
By Rubin E. Grant Dr. John Riser is a veteran marathon runner, but later this month he won’t be running, but instead riding, a long distance. Riser, co-founder of Alabama Neurology Associates in Homewood, will participate in the Grace Ragland 400-mile Bike Ride April 21-24, going from Birmingham to Greenville, to Atmore and finishing in Fairhope. The ride is a fundraiser for the Tanner Foundation, a nonprofit organization for people with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and ALS. The foundation was started in 2003 by Dr. Emily Riser to provide educational opportunities to persons with multiple sclerosis, their relatives and health care professionals.
Each 400-mile cyclist is asked to meet a goal of at least $1,000, money that will go to fund another year of research for Ashlyn Anderson, the Tanner Foundation’s Scholar of Multiple Sclerosis at Civitan International Research Center at UAB. Anderson is a fifth-year immunology graduate student pursuing her Ph.D at UAB, studying multiple sclerosis in the laboratory of Drs. Laurie Harrington and Etty “Tika” Benveniste. “My family and I have all enjoyed bike riding,” John Riser said. “With the purpose being to raise money for MS research, I was willing to take the time and ride.” Besides, the ride is in memory of Grace Ragland, a dear friend of Riser’s and his wife, Emily, also a
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Local Neurologist Training for 400-Mile Bike Ride Fundraiser for MS Research
Dr. John Riser will participate in the Grace Ragland 400-mile Bike Ride April 21-24, going from Birmingham to Greenville, to Atmore and finishing in Fairhope.
board-certified neurologist. Ragland was diagnosed with MS while in college at the age of 18 and died in 2020 at the age of 58 after a nearly two-
year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In 2018, Ragland participated in the 2,750-mile Tour Divide bike race that stretched from Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide. Her story has been chronicled in the acclaimed book, “Divide by One.” I knew her story and she and my wife were close,” Riser said. “When there’s something involved with Grace Ragland’s name, I am always interested.” So far, Riser is one of nearly a dozen riders who plan to do the 400mile ride. He has been busy preparing for the trek. “I started my training doing 70 miles on the weekend east of Birmingham,” Riser said. “I will ramp it up to 80 miles closer to the ride. The main thing is having the endur-
ance and preparing yourself for the wear and tear on your body.” Riser already has exceeded the fundraising goal of $1,000. With donations from friends and colleagues, he had raised $8,183 as of last Saturday. “My friend, Tony Tanner, who the foundation is named for, decided he wanted to give $5,000 and just put my name on it,” Riser said. In addition to the Grace Ragland 400-mile ride, people also can register for the Gracie Sunshine Ride of 20, 50 or 100 miles on April 24 in Fairhope. A relay team of four can participate for $300, or someone can ride the 400 miles virtually for $100. The Tanner Foundation will award a top fundraiser for each category. For information, email marytmiller@tannerfoundation.org
WINDHAM From page 28
was not forthcoming, nor were any answers for what was wrong with him. During one of his examinations in November, doctors discovered Windham had torn both quad muscles, which was extremely rare, and wondered how he could even walk. So he underwent more tests, had MRIs, blood work and biopsies, but nothing concrete was found to explain his condition. As doctors at Children’s of Alabama and UAB, as well as Stanford and Baylor, where some of his lab results were sent, examined the tests, Windham and his family waited. Jamie Windham said several possibilities emerged, such as a muscle disorder, an autoimmune disease and a mitochondria issue. But nothing was definitive. Despite the pain, Windham practiced as much as his body would allow and joined the Rebels’ baseball team as the 2021 season started. He pitched four solid innings in a game against Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa on Feb. 23, but the outing left him in pain that shifted from his legs to his back. “On the 25th, he told me he might need to go to the emergency room,” Jamie Windham said. “When we got there, they pulled up his shirt and there was inflammation on his back and his right side. His chest area also was inflamed. Windham was admitted to Children’s of Alabama as the search for answers continued. Finally, a doctor told him that he needed to stop playing baseball. He had been playing baseball since he was 5, going to batting cages over the years with his dad, Forrest, to improve his skills. Harris said Windham, who also plays first base, had begun receiving attention from colleges. “He had proven he was good enough to play in col-
SPORTS lege,” Harris said. Windham didn’t want to hear that his career was over. He begged his parents to let him take the field one more time and they relented. “He loves the game,” Jamie Windham said. “He’s a great pitcher.” Windham made his gallant return on Senior Night, showcasing his talents despite the pain and the loss of nearly 40 pounds since his ordeal began. “It gave me chills,” Jamie Windham said. “It was heartbreaking because I know the kind of pain he was in, but at the same time it was beautiful. I could see him taking his time and breathing hard, but he got through the whole game. “It meant a lot to him and to us.” Harris, who lives next door to the Windhams, marveled at what Windham did. “It was special,” Harris said. “Baseball has been a big part of his life for so long. Our guys knew what he was going through, so it was a special moment, not only to see him out there but also to see him do well. It meant the world to him and it meant the world to us. Now I just hope they can get some answers.” At the end of the school year, the Windham family, which includes Alden’s younger sisters, Adler and Ava Scott, will be moving to Nashville, where Forrest Windham is already working. After traveling to Vanderbilt Medical Center, Alden Windham and his mother returned to Vestavia Hills on Friday evening. “We wanted to get a fresh set of eyes for what is causing the flare ups, but we didn’t get any answers,” Jamie Windham said. “We must have seen about 20 different doctors. They gave him some meds to manage the pain and told us to come back next month for a follow-up. “It’s not just that he can’t play baseball, but he can’t play tennis with (his) girlfriend, go kayaking or do any other sports. That’s pretty life-changing for a 17-year-kid.”
Thursday, April 8, 2021 • 27
WETZLER From page 28
Spain Park and Hewitt-Trussville – Mountain Brook has dropped down to Class 6A this season. But the competition didn’t drop off as they landed in Area 9, one of the strongest areas in Class 6A in the state. It includes Briarwood, Homewood and Chelsea. Briarwood (5A) and Chelsea (6A) were in the state finals in 2019. Mountain Brook ended last week with a 16-10 overall record, but it was 0-2 in the area, with both losses coming to Chelsea. The Spartans were scheduled to play Briarwood twice this week, Tuesday at home and Thursday on the road. They play Homewood twice next week. “We’re in a tough area and we’ve got a lot of young guys on the team,” Wetzler said. “We’re trying to get them to grow up fast. They’re doing a good job, but they have to step up and keep improving for us to win more games.”
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Likes to Hit
Wetzler knows about stepping up. A twosport standout, he anchored the defensive line on the Mountain Brook football team in the fall as a nose tackle. He recorded 56 total tackles and six tackles for loss, helping the Spartans reach the semifinals for the first time since 2010 and finish with a 12-2 record. He was a four-year starter on the football team, spending his first two seasons on the offensive line before switching to defense. Wetzler has been playing both sports since the third grade. “It’s hard for me to say which one I like the best,” he said. “One you go out and hit someone as hard as you can and in the other you hit the ball as hard as you can.” Unless something changes, Wetzler’s base-
Mountain Brook has only four seniors on the team, pitcher Brennan Holden, above, third baseman Brock Payne, outfielder Tanner Plummer and first baseman Braxton Wetzler.
ball career is likely over after high school. “I’m thinking about walking on at Alabama and playing football,” Wetzler said, “but I haven’t made a final decision, yet.” Gann said he will hate to see Wetzler graduate. “He’s one of those guys who don’t come around too often, someone with a great personality and will do anything you ask,” Gann said. “I’m going to miss Braxton Wetzler.”
COMPETITIVE SOCCER TRYOUTS & CAMP VHSC PRE-TRYOUT CAMP Boys & Girls: Ages 2013-2003 Dates: May 10-12 VHSC COMPETITIVE TEAM TRYOUTS Boys & Girls: Ages 2009-2003 Dates: May 17-19 VHSC ACADEMY TRYOUTS Boys & Girls: Ages 2013-2010 Dates: May 24-26 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
Local Neurologist Training for 400-Mile Bike Ride Fundraiser for MS Research Page 26
SPORTS Thursday, April 8, 2021 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Young John Carroll Softball Team Sets Sights on a State Title Page 26
STEPPING UP Wetzler Giving Spartans’ Baseball Team a Lift Just Like He Did in Football
Braxton Wetzler makes an unassisted double play at first base, tagging out a Chelsea runner after catching a line drive in last weeks game with the Hornets.
By Rubin E. Grant
B
raxton Wetzler is once again enjoying the sounds of spring, especially the crack of the bat. A year ago, after the Mountain Brook baseball team had gotten off to a 16-2 start, its season was shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wetzler was a junior on a squad that had 15 seniors. He felt bad for them when the season was halted. “It was really tough,” Wetzler said. “At first we didn’t know whether we would play again. The
seniors thought we would get back to playing again, then the rest of the season was canceled. That was a huge moment. I was lucky to have another season of baseball, but they weren’t.” Wetzler, a stocky 6-foot, 235-pound right-handed pitcher and first baseman, is making the most of his final season with the Spartans. He entered this week with a .378 batting average with seven doubles, three home runs and 23 runs batted in. On the mound, he had a 3-2 record with two saves and a 3.79 earned-run average, while he recorded 28 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings pitched. “Braxton has done a lot for us, offensively,
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
On Senior Night, March 29, he returned to the diamond and stepped back on the mound, pitching a complete game with 10 strikeouts and allowing only one earned run as the Rebels defeated Vincent 13-3.
defensively and on the mound,” Mountain Brook coach Lee Gann said. “But he’s even more fantastic as a person and a leader. He leads by example and does a great job of getting the other players to rally around him.” Wetzler’s leadership will be needed if the Spartans are to advance to the state playoffs. He is one of only four seniors on the team, joining third baseman Brock Payne, outfielder Tanner Plummer and pitcher Brennan Holden. After having competed in one of the toughest areas in Class 7A – which included Vestavia Hills, See WETZLER, page 27
‘He’s one of those guys who don’t come around too often, someone with a great personality and will do anything you ask. I’m going to miss Braxton Wetzler.’ LEE GANN MOUNTAIN BROOK COACH
Special Night
Vestavia Hill’s Windham Pitches Through Pain in Courageous Outing By Rubin E. Grant Senior Night for the Vestavia Hills baseball team became more than just a special evening to recognize 16 seniors. It also was an evening to witness a profile in courage. Senior right-handed pitcher Alden Windham has been battling a mysterious illness for months, dealing with agonizing pain, first in his legs and then in his back, with his condition confounding doctors and medical specialists alike. Early this season, a doctor advised Windham to stop playing baseball, but Windham had other ideas. He worked as hard as he could to get himself ready to pitch again. So on Senior Night, March 29, he returned to the diamond and stepped back on the mound, pitching a com-
plete game with 10 strikeouts and allowing only one earned run as the Rebels defeated Vincent 13-3. “He threw great, like he’d never missed a beat,” Vestavia Hills coach
Early this season, a doctor advised Windham to stop playing baseball, but Windham had other ideas. Jamie Harris said. “He had been struggling with inflammation, specifically in his back, but he was still sitting at 85-86 mph with his fastball.” Windham’s remarkable performance could have been his last baseball game. He was in
such pain afterward that two days later, on March 31, his mom, Jamie Windham, drove him to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville to seek answers for his ailment.
Out of the Blue Came Pain
His saga began late in the summer. He had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2019, but he recovered in time to pitch during the 2020 season. Then the COVID-19 pandemic put an end to his junior year. Windham was preparing for his senior season and had completed his summer throwing program when he started experiencing pain in his legs in August 2020. His body began to ache everywhere. He was told to rest, go to physical therapy and take steroids, but relief
See WINDHAM, page 27
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
