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THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021
SOCIAL
SPORTS
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Like Mother, Like Daughter Mountain Brook Matriarch Cindy Robinson and Daughters Build a Legacy of Creativity By Emily Williams-Robertshaw
R
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
egardless of whether she meant to, Cindy Robinson raised her daughters, Melanie Pounds and Anne-Emory Lockert, to be tastemakers. A Mountain Brook florist, Robinson raised her family in Tuscaloosa. She picked up her first experiences in flower arranging in her first home. Cindy Robinson, in “I just wanted flowers in my house,” Robinson back, with daughters said. “So, I started doing it. Melanie Pounds, far “As time went on, people started asking me to do left, and Anne-Emory flowers for them, but I never did it professionally.” Lockert, far right; While living in Tuscaloosa, she was asked by a and granddaughters representative of the University of Alabama to volunEmory, Parish and teer her time to arrange flowers for events. Serving in Anne Banks Pounds, that capacity, she began to see it as a career. and Elouise and “When I moved back to Birmingham, someone Seeley Lockert. told me to call Carole Sullivan,” Robinson said. She spent well over a decade working with Sullivan, the owner of the Crestline floral shop Lagniappe Designs, which closed in 2019 when Sullivan retired. “She had 12 to 15 other people who worked with her and See ROBINSON, page 11
Mothers and Daughters Renee, Erica and Baret Steed join the fight against breast cancer, advocate for research and early detection PAGE 10
Great Gifts for Mom!
Family. Life. Balance ... Rolls into Homewood
Roses or Rosé? Local shops offer up a few can’t miss ideas PAGE 12
Katie Cornutt started making cinnamon rolls, based on her grandmother’s “old-timey” recipe, for her children PAGE 22
2 • Thursday, May 6, 2021
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OPINION/CONTENTS
Inside
Murphy’s Law
M SHINING EXAMPLES Mountain Brook Chamber honors three residents and public servants with top awards PAGE 8
NEW LEADERSHIP Hoover names seasoned educator as superintendent PAGE 9
DEDICATED SERVICE Women’s Committee of 100 recognizes founding member Mary Louise Hodges PAGE 13
FAMILIAR FACES Homewood, Vestavia Hills announce new principals at 4 schools PAGE 24
ABOUT TOWN 4 PEOPLE 6 NEWS 8 LIFE 10 SOCIAL 14
y grandson started playing For me, it was so intense that somethe Mario Kart game shortly times I forgot to breathe. While I after Christmas. He spent recovered, it dawned on me that the days whooping and maneuvering and feeling was familiar. That is what my perfecting his Mario Kart victory life feels like much of the time. I get dance, and then one day, in a fit of up and do the thing that’s in front of what can only be called pure optime and then do the next thing and the mism, he handed me the controls. next thing until, sooner or later, the Since I did not want to out myself as clock announces a FINISH to the day being a complete video klutz (there’s and I collapse onto the couch. I emoplenty of time for that), I gave it a go. tionally check my rankings, evaluate For those of you who have not how I did with the challenge, make played, Mario Kart features a group of mental notes about future encounters, Sue Murphy cartoon characters who race around a then go into suspended animation until video course at breakneck speed. the next day, when I do it all over There are numerous online tutorials again. you can research to increase your When I get up in the morning, I Maybe when I get chances of success, but there wasn’t have a clear goal. I am revved up time for that. My grandson chose to older, my grandson can and ready to hit the track. But then, be Mario, of course, so I lined up as the universe throws a banana peel throw Miss Yoshi in the into the mix, my hair dryer dies, the Yoshi, pressed the pedal to the metal (virtually) and roared ahead. back seat of his sports tire pressure light goes on in my car, Cartoon scenery flew past, but I I am temporarily sent spinning coupe and I can just sit and couldn’t tell you what it was. Again, until the problem is fixed. no time. All I could do was keep my back and look at the Sometimes, I’m slowed by the squid hands on the controls and gas on. ink of relationship glitches or waitscenery. As I drove full speed around the ing for test results, leaving me bends and turns, my grandson franunable to see clearly where I’m tically hollered out suggestions. headed, but I have to keep driving “Grandma, use your super blaster!” (Not it’s real name, just the same. I slam into walls and I miss golden coin I suspect.) “Throw your mushroom bomb!” I couldn’t opportunities, but somehow, I get to the FINISH each do any of it. My hands were locked on the steering con- day, a little bedraggled, sometimes white-knuckled, but trols. I kept driving. I spun out on banana peels. I was I get there. Thank you, Game Coder. blinded by squid ink. I fell into caverns, where luckily a Even with my crackups and failures, my grandson hang glider appeared. (Thank you, game coders). There somehow believes I am a viable competitor. I suspect, was a mockup of the track on the screen to my left, however, that I am really most valuable as a goodnatured loser, and there’s a place for that, too. apparently telling me where I was and where my comMaybe when I get older, my grandson can throw petitors were situated, but all I could do was hang on Miss Yoshi in the back seat of his sports coupe and I and drive until blessedly the FINISH sign appeared can just sit back and look at the scenery. overhead. That, I’d be good at. The experience was both energizing and exhausting.
WEDDINGS 21 FOOD 22 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.
Over the Mountain Views
May is National Pet Month
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May 6, 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 Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Vol. 30, No. 19
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.
Driving Miss Yoshi
Each May, people throughout the United States recognize National Pet Month, honoring the benefits that pets bring to their owners’ lives. Ray, pictured, got National Pet Month off to a good start at The Exceptional Fondation Chili Cookoff last Saturday. With him were, from left, Kendra Watson, Autumn Harris and Meghan Royer. In honor of National Pet Month, Homewood Library is having a pet photo contest - see page 4 for more information. For more from the Chili Cookoff, see page 15.
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May 1-14 Taste of Teal Gala
The Laura Crandall Brown Foundation will host its gala fundraiser virtually, kicking off Derby weekend. Dinners are available for purchase for $150 and include a gourmet meal and chance to win a trip for four to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Website: thinkoflaura.org/tasteofteal
May 1-23 Pet Photo Contest
The Homewood Public Library is inviting the public to send in pics of their best fur friend enjoying their favorite book for a chance to win gift cards. Families can submit up to three photos of their pet reading a book, magazine, ebook, etc. Website: homewoodpubliclibrary.org
May 5-9 Regions Tradition
This annual tournament will bring together 81 of the top PGA Tour Champions and World Golf Hall of Fame members to compete. Since 2011, the tournament has raised more than $4.5 million for local charities and more than $19 million since its inception in 1992. The primary beneficiary of donated funds is Children’s of Alabama. Where: Greystone Golf and Country Club Website: regionstradition.com
Sat., May 8 Mother’s Day Market
Get mom the gift she deserves
Sat., May 15 5K Meow-A-Thon and 1-Mile Whisker Walk
May 9-15
Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue will host this 5k and one-mile fun run fundraiser, benefitting the organization’s no-kill, cage-free shelter for cats and kittens. When: 8 a.m. Where: Veterans Park Website: runsignup.com/meowathon
Run for a Reason 5K
Sozo Children will host a virtual run benefitting its mission to serve the needs of vulnerable children in Uganda. Runners can enroll online, challenge friends through social media and compete for prizes. Website: sozochildren.org/ runforareason
SAVE THE DATE
Tues., May 11 Links Fore Scholars Golf Tournament
The Hoover Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf fundraiser benefits its mission to reinvest in the future workforce through scholarship program. Networking will occur before, during, after tournament. Lunch is included. When: 1-4 p.m. Where: Top Golf Website: business. hooverchamber.org
Wed., May 12 Dogwood Luncheon
A fashion show featuring Clothes Horse, Dirty Hippie, Fun Stuff, Gigi’s, Mia Soda, Cradle + Bee, Monograms Plus, Ryan Reeve, Serendipity, The Lili Pad and Manhattan South will be a part of the Vestavia Hills Beautification Board’s annual Dogwood Festival. When: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Vestavia Country Club Website: 2021vestaviahillsdogwoodluncheon. eventbrite.com or Vestaviabeautiful.com
Hump Day Hops
This event will feature a panel discussion entitled “From the Top:
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
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
aircrafts, the B-17 Flying Fortress, along with two other war planes. When: Tours from 1-4 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday Website: B17TexasRaiders.org
this year at a Mother’s Day Market featuring 50 local artisans, vendors, makers and creators, food, shopping, cocktails and more. Live music will be provided by JD & The Man and Dirty Mirrors. When: noon-5 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Co. Website: Cahaba Brewing Co. Facebook page
Photo by Katie Kreiser
MAY 6 - MAY 20
LIVE FROM LAUREL CANYON | MAY 6 AND 7
The Library Theatre presents Live from Laurel Canyon, a performance created by master composer Brian Chartrand. This 90-minute retrospective of music and stories of some of the most influential artists of the era features acts such as The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Carole King, James Taylor, the Mamas & the Papas, Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and Jim Morrison. When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Hoover Library Theatre Website: hooverlibrary.org
What We Can Learn From Successful Female Leaders,” featuring Shannon Spotswood, May Frei and Bobbie Knight. Proceeds benefit Girlspring, a non-profit devoted to empowering girls. When: 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Co. Website: humpdayhops.swell.gives
DO DAH DAY | MAY 15
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
This annual celebration of pets will take place at Cahaba Brewing, including live music, cute animals and more to support local animal charities. Also planned is a “reverse parade” and a chance to win a fabulous prize. Parade categories include: Best Float, Best Team, Largest Pet, Best Movie-Themed Pet or Pet/Human Group, Best Dressed Pet, Best Pet/Owner LookAlike. See website for entry fees. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the gate. Social distancing and masks are required. When: 11:01 a.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Co. Website: dodahday.org Having fun at the 2019 Do Dah Day celebration were Allyson Busby with Toby and Madeline Crowson with Remy.
Thurs., May 13 Ascension Food Truck Festival
The Episcopal Church of the Ascension will host a festival featuring food from local food trucks, music, yard games and more to benefit the church’s Weekend Meals program. When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Episcopal Church of the Ascension Website: ascensionepiscopal.org
May 13-June 5 Parkside Concert Series
The Red Mountain Theatre will host a soft opening of its new Arts Campus with a concert series, welcoming back familiar faces for its first performance. Kristen and Jon Campbell will perform from May 13-15 and Bobby Horton will perform from June 3-5 When: Thurs.Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Website: redmountaintheatre.org
May 14-16 B-17 Flying Fortress Texas Raiders
The Southern Museum of Flight and Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing will host cockpit tours and flights in one of the most iconic WWII
At a recent Zoo Brews event were, Beth Sieckman, Ansley Winter and Candice Gagnon.
ZOO BREWS: DRAFTS AT A DISTANCE | FRI., MAY 21
The Zoo’s beer-centric event series will continue, featuring a selection fo beverages from the finest specialty beer and wine makers. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: The Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com
Tues., May 18 O’Neal Library Drive-thru Popsicle Summer Reading Kick-off In lieu of the annual summer reading carnival, the library is offering a drivethru celebration with Steel City Pops popsicles and summer reading prize bags. When: 5-6:30 p.m. Where: O’Neal Library Website: onealllibrary. org
Sat., May 22 Vestavia Library Summer Reading Kick-off The Library will host a series of Summer Reading inspired events, beginning with a kick-off for the Children’s Department, featuring Dynamic Educational Adventures. A 30-minute outdoor program will be held at the top of every hour. Registration is required. When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Website: vestavialibrary.com
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Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 5
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Unless U to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Campus May 14 The Vestavia Hills-based nonprofit Unless U will open its first campus at 737 Chestnut St. in a ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. on May 14. Formerly located at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, the organization is committed to provide continuing education, life skills and social skills for adults with developmental disabilities. The organization was founded in November 2014 with 10 students, with founder and Executive Director Lindy Cleveland envisioning a free-standing facility. The capital campaign to fund the building project began in November 2018 with land for the project donated by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church and Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Duncan. The campaign raised $1.7 million, and construction began in October 2019 to create a building that houses multiple classrooms, a library, a
lunchroom, a life skills classroom, fine arts space, offices and the Unless U ice
... the new facility will allow Unless U to double its student body and will serve as a university-like atmosphere for those who attend programming.
cream shop, called Unless U Scoops. Unless U now serves more than 80 adults and their families, but the new facility will allow Unless U to double its student body and will serve as a university-like atmosphere for those who attend programming.
Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation Event Celebrates Survivors, Raises Money The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation will host an event May 8 that is both a celebration of ovarian cancer survivors and their families and a call to raise funds and awareness to fight the disease. The 18th annual Motherwalk 5K and Fun Run will be a hybrid event, with a virtual option as well as in-person runs at Homewood Central Park. According to the foundation, more
than 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and more than 14,000 women die from the disease annually. By funding research and patient support programs, the foundation works to fight the disease. The Motherwalk is an event hosted in memory of the organization founder, Lori Livingston’s mother, Norma, who lost her life to ovarian cancer, and of many other women who have
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 11 a.m., and snack sand goodie bags will be provided. According to organization officials, the public is invited to witness the students of Unless U see their new school for the very first time. The program will include a time of worship and celebration led by the music ministry at Shades Mountain Baptist Church and the students of Unless U. Speakers will include the Rev. Danny Wood, the Rev. Bill Brunson, Unless U board President Dr. Ammie Akin and Unless U founder and Executive Director Lindy Cleveland. With the protection of students in mind, those in attendance who have not been vaccinated will be asked to wear a mask or shield. For more information, visit unlessu. org. succumbed to the disease. Registration for the event will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a 5K race start at 8 a.m. and the fun run at 9 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear teal. Funds raised will benefit the organization’s mission to increase ovarian cancer awareness, fund research and improve patient quality of life through patient and family support and the Just a Need medical care package program. For more information, visit nlovca. org/motherwalk-2021/.
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6 • Thursday, May 6, 2021
5 OTM Girls Receive Girl Scouting’s Highest Award Dettling and Sarah Laney. “Each of these girls earned the designation of Gold Award Girl Scout by tackling issues they encountered in their communities, providing a sustainable solution and educating others,” according to a statement from the Girl Scouts.
Five Over the Mountain girls have been recognized by the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama with the Gold Award, which is presented for Scouts’ work to improve their communities. The Scouts are Maleah Brady, Roshni Datta, Avery DeBerry, Isabell
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
PEOPLE Maleah Brady
Maleah Brady, a junior at Vestavia Hills High School, learned that girls are underrepresented in the computer science field and that low-income families often don’t have access to computer classes. To tackle this issue, she led sixth through eighth grade girls through a sixday coding camp. Before this camp, many of the girls had only heard of programming and coding but never had tried Maleah Brady it out on their own. Brady succeeded in providing a hands-on experience, showing the impact of technology in everyday life and encouraging girls to pursue their interests in the computing industry. She partnered with Tech Birmingham on the program and received support from the National Center for Women and Information Technology. “Ultimately, the girls learned about the importance and impact of technology in their everyday lives, which has brought awareness of the benefits that the computing industry offers,” Brady said.
Roshni Datta
Roshni Datta, a senior at Oak Mountain High School, noticed even
before the pandemic that many of her classmates were struggling with mental health. The pandemic only exacerbated their feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation. She took action to address misconceptions about mental illness and destigmatize getting help, while providing resources to her peers. She created and narrated a series of animated informational videos about mental health, mental illnesses and myths and facts regarding both. These videos can be found on her Hope for Mental Health YouTube channel. Along with two of her Girl Scout Troop members, she hosted a live mental health panel discussion on Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama’s Facebook page. She also created mental health care kits for Roshni Datta students and collaborated with her school’s Beta Club to assemble them. The kits included tissues, bubbles, Play-Doh and other stress-relieving items as well as resources for finding help. “Mental illness needs to be talked about more so we as a society can progress and allow the stigma to decrease,” Datta said.
Avery DeBerry
Avery DeBerry, a sophomore at Spain Park High School, has ADD and wanted to give back to her community in a way that would have helped her when she was younger. She created two sensory activity paths at Riverchase Elementary School to help students who have ADD, ADHD or other Avery DeBerry problems focusing in school. The paths give them a place to release energy, relieve stress and be creative. These brightly painted paths feature the solar system with planets to hop on, a unicorn with a big area to draw on, a sunflower with leaves for hopscotch and a maze. The results of a survey DeBerry conducted showed that teachers “felt the paths were effective in improving the mood, motor skills, coordination, balance, concentration, focus and creativity of the students,” DeBerry said in the statement. Teachers also said the paths increased cooperative play and even helped the students with counting and sequencing skills. “I learned that hard work pays off and I feel like I made a contribution in the lives of the children at this school,” DeBerry said.
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Isabell Dettling
Isabell Dettling, a Homewood High School senior, knew she wanted to focus on the environment for her Gold Award. She tackled the issue of air pollution by designing and building an ozone garden at Sims Garden. Ozone exists naturally in the stratosphere, but when it is made closer to the earth, in the troposphere, it is harmful to people and wildlife. The garden is cultivated with plants that act as signals to demonstrate the levels of ozone in the troposphere, as well as plants that are tolerant to ozone. When in contact with ozone, the bioindicators will “stipple,” or get little purple dots. The garden can be helpful in showing when there are harmful levels of ozone, during which times those with respiratory issues should avoid going Isabell Dettling outside. The garden is free and open to the public. “Education is self-sustaining,” Dettling said of her project. “Once you learn something, even if you forget one fact, it influences how you interpret the world.”
Sarah Laney
Sarah Laney, a junior at Spain Park High School, jumped into action in March 2020 — right at the beginning
PEOPLE of the COVID-19 outbreak in Alabama — to help members of her community keep themselves and others safe. Laney made instructional videos, including tutorials on how to hand sew and machine sew face masks. Sarah Laney Her team made over 2,000 masks and donated them throughout the community. At least 3,500 masks have been made using her tutorials. “I learned that if I work hard and dedicate myself to something, even if it is hard or frustrating, I can try new things and learn new skills,” Laney said. Brady, Datta, DeBerry, Dettling and Laney were all honored April 11 at Camp Coleman in Trussville at a Gold Award Ceremony, along with 11 other Girl Scouts from north-central Alabama who earned their Gold Award between April 2020 and April 2021. “Gold Award Girl Scouts don’t just change the world for the better, they change it for good, and Maleah, Roshni, Avery, Isabell and Sarah all represent everything this achievement stands for,” said Karen Peterlin, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama. “They each addressed an issue that’s important to them for their Gold Award, and we congratulate them on this momentous accomplishment.”
Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 7
Troop 86 Chandler Vargas Earns Eagle Scout Rank Chandler Vargas, a member of Boy Scout Troop 86 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook, received the Eagle Scout award on April 3. In his scouting career, he earned 30 merit badges, logged more than 100 service hours and held several leadership positions. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow, a national honor society of the BSA. Vargas went on highadventure trips to the Philmont Boy Scout camp in New Mexico and to the Northern Tier in Northern Minnesota, Chandler Vargas as well as many overnight camping trips and Appalachian trail adventures. For his project, he built multiple raised garden beds with the assistance of his troop members last summer at Cherokee Bend Elementary School in Mountain Brook, which he had attended. He also participated in several fundraising events for his troop over the years. Chandler is the son of Ashley and Adolf Vargas and is a senior at The Webb School. He is preparing to attend college in the fall.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Mountain Brook city officials, community members and school system representatives gathered under a tent on the Henley Park Event Lawn at the Birmingham Zoo on April 27 for the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Luncheon. At the event, the chamber recognized its new president, Ricky Bromberg, who will take over the position previously held by Tonya Jones. In addition, Mountain Brook City Schools’ superintendent recognized graduating members of Mountain Brook High School’s Leadership Mountain Brook program. The highlight of the program was the recognition of the recipients of the city’s three highest annual awards. Former Mountain Brook Mayor Terry Oden earned the Jemison Visionary Award, and Detective Drew Moore was named Mountain Brook’s Employee of the Year. The O’Neal Library presented its Tynes Award to lifelong supporter Penny Page. According to library board President Susan Elliott, the award is annually “presented to honor a patron who has gone above and beyond for the good of the O’Neal Library. Page’s grandparents, Elizabeth and Kirkman O’Neal, gave the seed money needed for the library, built in 1965. “If my grandparents could see the library today, rebuilt in 2001, with all that takes place there, they would be quite impressed,” Page said. “I remember visiting the library as a little girl with my grandparents and parents and picking out a book. I’m now taking my grandchildren to story time and picking out a book, experiencing the great circle of life.” Page has volunteered at the library in a variety of capacities, through her work with the Junior Women’s Committee of 100, the Junior League of Birmingham and by serving on the library’s board for 12 years, including a stint as president from 2018 to 2019. “One of the bullet points under the library’s mission statement on their website is to encourage a love of reading and learning in our young people,” Page said. “Aren’t we fortunate to live in a community which values so highly both education and reading.”
Terry Oden
“I’m most honored and flattered and humbled to be the recipient of the Jemison Award,” Oden said. “This, I guess, could be considered the Congressional Medal of Honor for Mountain Brook.” The award is presented annually to someone who has gone above and beyond to help the city. Oden said he recalls when the award was conceived and never imagined he would ever receive it. Nevertheless, presenter Tonya Jones recounted the work Oden did to champion the city’s success while
Journal photo by Emily Williams-Robertshaw
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw
From left, Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch, Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Suzan Doidge and Jemison Award recipient Terry Oden at the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Luncheon.
Shining Examples Mountain Brook Chamber Honors Three Residents and Public Servants with Top Awards
serving on the city’s planning commission, the City Council and in five terms as Mountain Brook’s mayor. Oden grew up in the East Lake neighborhood and graduated from Woodlawn High School. He left Birmingham to attend college at Auburn University, breaking away to work in oil fields in New Mexico. He then joined the U.S. Army and was stationed overseas in Japan for three years. When he returned stateside, he was able to graduate from Auburn and went on to begin his career in the U.S. Secret Service. He was first detailed with the Kennedy family and, subsequently, the family of Lyndon B. Johnson. “Throughout his various assignments with the Secret Service, he helped move Jackie Kennedy from D.C. following JFK’s assassination,” Jones said. “He attended Lucy Johnson’s honeymoon and attended George Wallace’s bedside after he was shot.” Oden cultivated a worldly knowledge through his experiences with the Secret Service, as did his family, including his wife, Sandra, and his daughters, Christie and Mary Elliott. The Odens have lived in Atlanta; New York; Washington D.C.; Austin, Texas; Birmingham; Montgomery; Kansas City; and San Francisco. In Paris, Oden served as special agent in charge of international operations and attaché. “Knowing it was time for his family to set roots, he retired from the Secret Service in 1988 and transi-
tioned to senior vice president of corporate security for AmSouth Bank, where he worked for 10 years before starting his own security consulting firm,” Jones said. When Oden and his family settled down in Mountain Brook, they were drawn in by its Mayberry feel. It was that feeling that incited Oden’s desire to take on a public service role in the community. He served on the city’s planning commission for 10 years before becoming a member of the City Council in 1992. He then took on the role of mayor, first running unopposed in 1996 and continuing to hold the position for 20 years. Milestones during his tenure as mayor included hiring City Manager Sam Gaston, overseeing the construction of the new City Hall building, the beginnings of the Lane Parke development and the construction of the Grand Bohemian Hotel. A story that is memorable to Oden is what he refers to as “the untold story of the zoo.” “It was back in the year of 1998 and a Shades Valley property was fallow on the land,” Oden recounted with much dramatization. “And the wolves were circling and licking their chops. Twenty-one prime acres in a prime spot.” That fallow land was the former site of Shades Valley High School off of Lane Parke, and Oden had heard tell around town that a “big wolf” was looking to buy the lot and build a big box store, likely a K-Mart.
“Being the perceptive person that I was, I realized that it would be an economic disaster for Mountain Brook Village and an aesthetic disaster to the whole area,” Oden said. He met with the potential buyers, who didn’t feel the need to let him in on their plans should they obtain the property. It was enough to send Oden on a mission to buy the property and build something that would be of better use for not just the Mountain Brook community, but the entire Greater Birmingham area. He met with the mayor of Homewood, then Barry McCulley, and the Jefferson County commissioner, then Gary White, and sold them on a plan to combine their funds and purchase the land to be leased by the Birmingham Zoo. The zoo was in dire straits. It was run-down, under-funded, and many believed it would stand a chance of recovering and succeeding if it went private. While the city of Birmingham and then-Mayor Richard Arrington Jr. were hesitant to provide funds to purchase the property, Oden was able to work with them to make the zoo a private entity to secure the deal.
Drew Moore
According to Mountain Brook Police Chief Ted Cook, Detective Drew Moore has spent his mere nine years with the Mountain Brook Police Department building a record of excellence. “Very early on in his career, we saw what value he brought to the
department,” Cook said. “So much so that after serving on patrol for only 4½ years, we signed him to the detective division.” Cook said it might have been the fastest journey from patrol to investigation in the department’s history. After showcasing excellence in his work as a detective, Moore was assigned to the U.S. Secret Service Financial Crimes Task Force in November 2017. “Through the experience he gained while assigned to the Secret Service task force, he provided the Mountain Brook police department with information and access to resources rarely made available to municipalities the size of Mountain Brook,” Cook said. The year 2020 was a big one for Moore. He was involved in a number of high-profile cases, some on the frontlines and others behind the scenes. Cook noted that Moore’s forensic analysis of electronic devices helped uncover vital information in the case of the late Megan Montgomery’s murder in December 2019. The evidence allowed Montgomery’s family to recently agree to a plea agreement and avoid the further pain of going to trial. In June, Moore’s efforts during a theft investigation of a Mountain Brook business resulted in the recovery of more than $280,000 in stolen funds. Cook concluded by recounting a lesser-known story – Moore’s involvement in helping find the two people who kidnapped businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr. in September. Though he was off duty at the time and the case was outside of the city’s jurisdiction, Cook said Moore answered the call when asked to help with federal and local agencies’ investigation efforts. “In the news on that case, you never saw the Mountain Brook Police Department,” Cook said. “That’s kind of the way we like things.” Moore obtained the victim’s cell phone and was able to download vital information, including pinpointing where the victim had been taken by his captors. “The FBI agent standing around said, ‘You can do that?’” Cook recounted. Moore went on to obtain video footage of the suspects and discovered that the victim had an app that monitored his sleep apnea condition. After retrieving data from the app, Moore discovered recordings of the suspects committing the kidnapping. “He tracked down and recovered most of the money, if not all of the money that was delivered so that the victim could be released from that suspect,” Cook added. Event emcee Jack Royer, an anchor with CBS, noted that he reported extensively on the case but had not heard of Mountain Brook’s involvement in the investigation efforts.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Hoover Names Seasoned Educator as Superintendent
Dr. Dee O. Fowler, former state education official and principal in Huntsville, has been named to take over the role as superintendent of Hoover City Schools. The city Board of Education announced its decision April 28, selecting Fowler to replace former Superintendent Kathy Murphy, who left to Dr. Dee O. Fowler become president of Gadsden State Community College. Fowler has more than four decades of experience in education, as a teacher, a principal, an administrator, a superintendent, deputy state superintendent and chief of staff. He was superintendent for Madison City Schools from 2007 until 2016, a period when the system experienced unprecedented growth and improvements. He left that position to accept a job as deputy state superintendent and chief of staff for the Alabama State Department of Education. “I come from a school district that, before we even started, we talked to Hoover City Schools,” Fowler said in
Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 9
NEWS
a statement from the city system. “I came to this office and visited this office before we even built an office in the last district because we wanted an office like Hoover’s. We wanted academics like Hoover’s. We wanted athletics like Hoover’s. We wanted to mirror Hoover.” “Dr. Fowler comes to us with decades of experience and leadership,” Board President Deanna Bamman said. “His experience in Madison City Schools, in particular, was compelling. Under his tenure, Madison City Schools experienced
tremendous growth, funding challenges. He was charged with oversight of two of the largest high schools in the state, in a diverse community with high standards that expects no less than the absolute best for its children. While there is no place exactly like Hoover, Madison is pretty close, and his success there speaks volumes. We immediately recognized his collaborative style, kindness and his respect for others.” Dr. Tera Simmons has been serving as interim superintendent since Murphy left at the end of the year.
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LIFE
10 • Thursday, May 6, 2021
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Mothers and Daughters
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw
T
his Mother’s Day, the Steed family will celebrate in the usual fashion. They will gather at matriarch Renee Steed’s home with her husband, Mike, and they will eat great food and spend time together. There is a lot to celebrate with four children, four grandchildren and another grandchild on the way. It’s also a time to celebrate their health. Since Renee’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2019, the family has become a unit of survivors. Renee’s outcome was a positive one. Her case was caught early. She knew she was high risk and had been a patient in UAB’s high-risk group at the UAB Breast Health Clinic. She received her cancer diagnosis in her third year with the clinic. She knew she had a history of breast cancer on both sides of her family, as well as cancers that are loosely connected to breast cancer. Her brother had a battle with colon cancer in his early 40s.
She even had genetic testing done through the clinic and found out she had the CHEK2 gene, which indicates a significant risk of developing breast cancer after the age of 30. While she knew the risks and the statistics, Renee’s diagnosis was a wake-up call not only for herself but for her daughters, Baret Steed and Erica Steed Mitchell. “I think we just thought it was farther off,” said Erica. Because she was monitored so closely at the clinic, Steed said she didn’t feel like the diagnosis was imminent. “Every year when I went to the breast health clinic, they would give me this sheet of paper and say, ‘Double mastectomy is an option for you,’” Renee said. “I didn’t even want to consider it, and then they found the cancer.” According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. It is projected that 4,460 women will be diagnosed with the disease in 2021 and
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Renee, Erica and Baret Steed Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer, Advocate for Research and Early Detection
After her cancer diagnosis, Renee Steed, above with daughters Erica and Baret, went into action and joined the board of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama.
approximately 720 will die. The diagnosis immediately brought the family together, Erica said, not just the women, but their two other siblings and father, as well. “It brought us all closer together and, on the tail end of it, has given us this common cause, which has been incredible,” Erica said.
To Know or Not to Know
Even without their mother’s diagnosis, Baret and Erica knew they were at a higher risk. The sisters were able to go through the testing together with support from a mother who had been through it all. “You never really pushed or really encouraged us to get genetic testing until after your diagnosis,” Erica said to Renee. Once she was diagnosed, Renee said the risk for her daughters became that much more real. “When she said she wanted us to get tested for her birthday, I couldn’t say no,” Baret said. Baret noted that she was more hesitant than Erica. “I think I’m a very anxious person and I overthink everything,” Baret said. She asked her mother and sister, if they had the gene, would they have immediately had a double mastectomy. Both mother and daughter said no. “When they called and said I didn’t have it, I wasn’t even excited,” Baret said. “I just immediately asked, ‘But what about my sister?’” While Baret did not test positive for the CHEK2 gene, Erica did.
“Seeing that (my mother’s) outcome was so positive because of early detection, that was more encouragement to do it rather than let it be this looming and scary situation,” Erica said. “My outcome is more likely to be like hers because I will be followed through the clinic.”
Catch Cancer Early
Because of early detection, Renee’s treatment was simple in comparison to the alternative.
‘I have granddaughters. Maybe one day they won’t have to go through this.’ RENEE STEED
“My cancer was caught so early,” she said. “My diagnosis could have been chemo and radiation, but I didn’t have to do that.” She had a double mastectomy, which was not only a method of treatment, but also piece of mind for the future. “It’s made me very passionate,” she added, not only about monitoring high-risk cases but making the effort to have those annual mammograms and screenings. “I always talk about being high risk, but of those 1 in 8 women who are diagnosed, many have no family history,” she said. “If you’re not high
risk it doesn’t mean you aren’t going to have it.” After her diagnosis, Steed went into action and joined the board of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, knowing that the money she raised would be put to use locally, even at the same clinic where she is treated. “This money stays right here,” Erica said. “It goes to doctors that you know and see.” Erica recently joined the BCRFA junior board, and the entire family joins in when there is a fundraiser, even at a social distance in last year’s Pink Up the Pace run. “We got out in our neighborhood and all had our race T-shirts on,” Renee said. “We walked the five miles with the babies on golf carts.” Renee said being plugged into the work being done at the cancer center gives her satisfaction. “One of the things that I love about being on the board is that we get to sit and listen to the studies that are being conducted,” Renee said. “I’m so hopeful that someday there may even be a vaccine. It’s all very encouraging.” It is especially encouraging when you have a family filled with women. Steed noted that she looks to the future and sees better treatments and prevention for her family, not only her two daughters and her stepdaughter but also for her four grandchildren. Erica is pregnant with the fifth. “I have granddaughters,” Renee said. “Maybe one day they won’t have to go through this.”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ROBINSON From page one
they were all so creative,” Robinson said. “We learned from each other and just got along so well.” Picking up a creative and crafty skill is not something that is foreign to Robinson. Her daughters have watched her choose to create rather than purchase, even if it means learning a new skill. In fact, learning a new skill is encouraged. Both of Robinson’s daughters have forged professional careers based in creativity. Lockert, who studied art in college, put down her paints professionally to create a custom jewelry design studio known as Anne-Emory Studios. Pounds is the owner of Patina in Mountain Brook Village, where she also operates as an interior designer. “A constant question is, did you grow up knowing that your mom was creative,” Lockert said. “Whatever your surroundings are is just what is normal to you.” Looking back, their childhood home was bursting with creativity. “Mom worked in every medium,” she said. “It wasn’t just flowers. It was cooking, sewing, arranging the house and everything that goes into keeping a home and entertaining.” Robinson even made jewelry at one point. Not professionally, but just for herself or to give to others. Perhaps that inspired Lockert to consider a career in jewelry design.
Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 11
LIFE “(Robinson) would see a necklace and would say, ‘It’s silly that it’s that expensive. We can do something like that,’” Lockert said. Lockert and Pounds were exposed to a little bit of everything. The desire to create rather than purchase began in high school, when Robinson wanted a coat. Her mom told her she wouldn’t buy it for her, but she would buy materials for Robinson to sew her own. “I wear it to this day,” Pounds said. “People comment on it all the time and I tell them my mother made it when she was 16. It is fabulous.” The A-line coat is made of white wool with a leopard printed collar. “It’s beautifully tailored,” Lockert said. “She is so particular and so precise and detail-oriented.” Sewing is something Robinson loves to do not only for herself and her daughters but now for her five granddaughters. “My daughters inspire me,” Robinson said. “They will send me pictures and say, ‘I would love this top for my girl.’ It’s always a fun challenge.” Robinson made the dress Pounds wore for her bridesmaids luncheon. The pair also came up with the design for the bridesmaids’ dresses. “Do you remember when I was little and you wanted … pots to look aged?” Pounds asked Robinson. “We put buttermilk on them to make the moss grow on the pot,” Robinson said. It’s never about whether you can do
it yourself. With a little research, the ladies have found a way and had fun on the journey. “We didn’t have google,” Pounds said. “So, we would have to research and read about innovative things that people were doing. “I think that has helped me in running a creatively inspired business,” she said. To be innovative, Pounds and Lockert don’t jump to the easy route but, instead, enjoy the search for that new and exciting artisan or method. “It makes everything seem possible,” Lockert said. “(Robinson) learned that from a really young age and raised us to think that it can be done and you can do it within your own vision.” Throughout the pandemic, having an outlet based in possibility has been important for the entire family. “We were all searching for something, weren’t we?” Robinson said. “Something to keep us occupied and bring us together.” “Maybe people had to explore creativity that they didn’t even know was there,” Pounds said. “Cooking, sewing, drawing, making jewelry.” As the world begins to work its way back to a place of normalcy lost more than a year ago, Robinson and her family plan to use the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday to take it easy. “I’ve always told them, I’ve had my mother’s days,” she said. “Now I want to do what you want to do.” The family plans to come together, perhaps by the pool, for a day of restorative relaxation with some good food and maybe even a few flowers.
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12 • Thursday, May 6, 2021
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
LIFE MOTHER’S DAY IS MAY 9TH!
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Give Mom a precious summer robe, one size fits most, $38. Marguerite’s Conceits, 205-879-2730.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Baccarat Rouge 540 Fragrance, $65-$875. Gus Mayer, 205-870-3300.
Birmingham Home soy candles celebrate the most iconic places in beautiful Birmingham, $29.99. Choose from five scents: Magic City, Vulcan Park, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Railroad Park, and Sloss Furnaces. Alabama Goods, 205-803-3900.
Diamond bracelets, in 2 carat, $2,250; 3 carat $2,500; 4 carat, $3,000 and 5 carat, $5,300. Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelers, 205-874-1044.
Fine European-style chocolates, made in USA and presented in collectible tins, $8.50-$75. Christine’s on Canterbury, 205-871-8297.
Beautiful pedestal bowls by Earthborn in four different sizes, $68, $100, $160 and $275. The Cook Store, 205-879-5277.
White gold, diamond and onyx ring and white gold diamond and sapphire ring. Levy’s at Gus Mayer, 205-870-9477.
English silver napkin rings, range from $75-$300. Henhouse Antiques, 205-918-0505.
Galatea carved pearls set in necklaces and earrings. Southeastern Jewelers, 205-980-9030
Spend $175 on Skin Medica products and receive a Diamond Glow Facial. Smart Skin Med Spa, 205-968-1301.
This French cast aluminum planter can be used inside or outside, $165. Tricia’s Treasures, 205-871-9779.
Give your mother the finest in home fragrance. From Rigaud our Rose candle and room spray. Five additional fragrances available. $40-$100. Christine’s on Canterbury, 205-871-8297.
Elizabeth Locke “Sailing Cherub” Intaglio Ring. JB & Co., 205-874-9919.
Costa Del Mar sunglasses, available in various styles. Dry Eye Center of Alabama, 205- 490-2322.
One-of-a-kind, handmade metal and gemstone cuffs by Laurel Bassett, $138 each. Town & Country Clothes, 205-871-7909.
David Yurman Petite Helena Hoop Earrings, $950. Made with gleaming sterling silver, 18-karat yellow gold and set with pavé diamonds. These hoops have just enough sparkle for Mom to wear ever day. Bromberg’s, Mountain Brook, 205-871-3276, and The Summit, 205-969-1776.
peepers by peeperspecs Focus Eyeware filter 40% of harmful blue light emitted from digital devices and offers UV400 protection. Mom is sure to appreciate the many stylish designs available. Clotheshorse, 205823-9144.
Fun beaded bags to hold your cell phone with a zippered pocket for essentials, $34, available in several designs. Village Poodle, 205-423-5443
All season Casita Bird house covered in seed, perfect for Mom’s backyard, $25.99. Wild Birds Unlimited, 205823-6500.
Shop our vintage luxury handbag collection of rare, limited edition and classic Chanel handbags and accessories. Call for price. Gus Mayer, 205-870-3300.
Layering necklaces, starting at $299, are one of the hottest fashion accessories this year and make a great gift for Mom. Shay’s Jewelers, 205-978-5880.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw
Dedicated Service Women’s Committee of 100 Recognizes Founding Member Mary Louise Hodges
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Members of the Women’s Committee of 100 of Birmingham met at Birmingham Country Club on April 20 for the organization’s annual Awards Luncheon. Special recognition was paid to Mary Louise Hodges, the only remaining founding member of the organization. The organization was conceived in 1963 and a year later began serving the community and highlighting leaders in the Birmingham’s creative community. In Hodges’ tenure with the organization, she served in a variety of capacities, including chairwoman of members orientation, serving on the quality media committee and serving as president from 1978 until 1980. She helped guide special visitors traveling to Birmingham on tours of the city as chairman of civic hospitality, a position she held for more than 25 years. Her accolades outside of her work with the committee include being named Birmingham Woman of the Year in 1979. In addition, former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington named her the “Official Volunteer Tour Guide of Birmingham” in 1989. She is a co-founder of the Birmingham International Festival of Arts, was a board member of the Birmingham Art Alliance, a member of the Birmingham Music Club and the Birmingham Symphony. In addition, she is the former president of the Baptist Hospital Women’s board and a former fundraising chairwoman for the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. According to committee officials, Hodges began playing the piano when she was 3. She crawled up on the bench with her grandfather and began playing “Jesus Loves Me” by ear. At the age of 100, she continues to play. Hodges identifies music as a great love and gift in her life that she loves to share with others. For 40 years she has played preludes for Women’s Committee gatherings. She also has
Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 13
LIFE
Mary Louise Hodges, second from left, the only remaining founding member of the Women’s Committee of 100, with from left, Sandi Gornati, Donna Dukes and Dan Brooks at the organizations annual Awards Luncheon.
played frequently for the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary, Arlington Historical Society, St. Martin’s in the Pines and at her church, Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. A devoted member of her church, Hodges taught Sunday school at Dawson for 65 years – a record for the church. Hodges recalled she once participated in a mission trip to Africa, teaching Bible stories to young children. She took a portable keyboard on the trip to sing songs with the kids and left it in Africa so the music would continue in her absence. In addition, Hodges has been a constant supporter of her alma mater Samford University. She graduated in 1943, when the facility was known as Howard College, having served on the school’s newspaper staff and in the external publicity office. She contributed to The Birmingham News during her undergraduate days, writing weekly articles recounting campus news. As an alumna of the university, Hodges is past president of Samford’s
International Alumni Association and the Alabama Phi Mu Alumnae Association. She has been a Legacy League member for more than four decades. Samford is where she met her late husband, Andrew Gerow Hodges. According to Hodges, the accomplishments of which she is most proud are her two sons, Dr. Andrew Gerow Hodges and Gregory Robert Hodges. Gerry is a psychiatrist and published author and Greg is a marketing executive. The program also included recognition of annual award winners by Awards Committee Chairwoman Amy Scofield with words from President Anne Lamkin. Scofield’s committee members included Jeanie Box, Molly Bee Bloetscher, Anne Durward, Monique Gardner-Witherspoon, Phyllis Hoffman DePiano, Kate Millhouse, Kerri Pruitt, Carla Roberson, Nan Teninbaum, Jeanna Westmoreland and Bet Wright. The Brother Bryan-Prayer Point Award, presented to someone who has
made outstanding humanitarian contributions to the community, was presented to Donna Dukes. Dukes is founder and executive director of the Maranathan Academy, a nonprofit school and learning center that serves critically at-risk youth and adults. The Small Business Award was presented to Sandi Gornati for her work building a small business, enlarging and improving it and giving back to the community. Gornati, a Homewood native, started her logistics business, SGI Logistics, in May 2005 after retiring from her 25-year career in the corporate transportation and logistics world. Her business grew from three warehouses in Alabama to incorporate service points in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle. The Alabama Historic Preservation Award was presented to Dan Brooks for his exceptional contributions to conserve and promote the history and culture of Alabama. For 25 years, Brooks served as the director of Birmingham’s Arlington Historical House. At Samford University’s Academy of the Arts, Brooks has served for 35 years as the instructor of the academy’s largest and longest-running class, which focuses on antiques and decorative arts. He also is a founding member of The Alabama Governor’s School at Samford and taught in the school for 25 years, focusing on Southern culture and folkways and Alabama history.
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SOCIAL
14 • Thursday, May 6, 2021
A NIGHT AMONG THE STARS
he 15th annual Mitchell’s Place A Night at the Oscars fundraiser drew a smaller crowd to the Theodore than in years past. To maintain social distancing, the guest list for the evening’s festivities was limited to 100 people in person, but many more participated virtually. Chris Hastings created a menu for the event, which was served in a seated dinner to in-person guests and to-go for virtual participants. In addition to a program, the event included swag bags and an online auction featuring memorabilia, art, experiences and other items. Funds raised will benefit Mitchell’s Place in its mission to improve the lives of children affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. This year, the organization will add a new Southside location to allow it to serve more families and cut down the waitlist for its services. The facility will be located on Arlington Avenue next to Triumph Services Inc., which serves teens and adults with autism. ❖
Mitchell’s Place Hosts Annual Academy Award-Inspired Fundraiser
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
T
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Lindsey and Phillip Stutts.
From left, Allen and Nancy Meisler and Jeff and Deanna Pizitz.
Linda Ripps and Eric Siegel.
Ryan and Jamie Loy.
Lee and Candice McKinney.
Ainsley and Daniel Dreher.
Fulton Williams and Hallie Mauldin.
Rebecca Swann and Audrey Cox.
Abby Weatherford and Caroline Vines.
Lee and Caroline Hammonds with Mallory and Ben Samuelson.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
FEELIN’ HOT, HOT, HOT
Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 15
Alabama Graphics Takes Home Grand Prize at Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-off
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
The 17th annual MortgageBanc Chili Cook-off may have been delayed from its typical March date, but a socially distanced version at Brookwood Village went off without a hitch May 1. While the headlining event was unlimited chili tastings concocted by competing cooking teams, also included were live music and a kids zone. The Grand Prize winner of the juried cooking competition was the Alabama Graphics team, which won for the second year in a row. First runner-up was Byars-Wright Insurance, and second runner-up was MortgageBanc LLC. The Sportsmanship Award went to Edgewood Boulevard. Spirit awards were presented to Echelon BHM’s Salvation by Chili, first place; the Exceptional Foundation’s Exceptional Parents, second place; and Team Goldasich, third place. The Participant’s Choice Award was Brasfield and Gorrie’s Chili Ray Cyrus. Winner of the People’s Choice Award was Samford University’s Sigma Chi team. Funds raised will help the Exceptional Foundation provide adults and children with special needs with the social and recreational activities they require to promote healthy living, social relationships, improved life skills and community involvement. ❖
SOCIAL
Winner of the People’s Choice Award was Samford University’s Sigma Chi team, above. From left, Jackson McKinney, Cooper Reynolds, Aubrey Breed, Jonathan Lehman and Josh McDonough.
Kelly Voelekel, Emily Collum and Madison Parvin.
Mackenzie Cogle and Hannah Ray.
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16 • Thursday, May 6, 2021
2410 Canterbury Road | Mountain Brook Village | 205-423-5443
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Joie de Vivre
Founders Advisors Celebrates New Headquarters Building with Annual Crawfish Boil The 18th annual Crawfish Boil, hosted by Founders Advisors, celebrated more than the crawfish season. This year’s event was held April 22 at the investment banking firm’s new home office, a renovated warehouse in downtown Birmingham. The event offered networking opportunities for northern Alabama’s business and civic leadership, in addition to crawfish and music. ❖
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Handmade by Canadian designer Eva Gordon
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SOCIAL
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Becky Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 February 11th This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the February 11, 2021 issue.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!
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Tyler and Bill Anderson.
Amy and Wesley Legg.
Virginia and Dennis Coker.
Megan and Andrew Elliott.
Billy Pritchard with son Billy.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 17
SOCIAL
Rehab Reality...
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
by Judy Butler
Jordan Kretzer and Mary Hunter Nelson.
Aria and Morgan Taylor.
We receive many testimonials from clients and their families, but this is the first we’ve received in the form of a poem. This is one of many poems this client wrote and published while dedicating her book to Bayshore Retreat. It reminds us of what we’ve created with Bayshore Retreat and of lives saved and those lost to addiction.
Drew, Margaret, and Macy Chapman with Katie and Taylor Chapman.
We Love Homewood
City Hosts Communitywide Celebration May 1 was a day packed with events throughout the city of Homewood as the community celebrated its annual We Love Homewood Day. Festivities began in the morning with the annual We Love Homewood Day 5K, which was hosted live with reduced crowds to maintain proper social distancing. A virtual option also was offered to those who wished to participate but without the crowds. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Homewood High School band. Throughout the day, the park offered rides, games and inflatables as well as a variety of food vendors. Local artisans, businesses and community organizations set up vendor tents. A DJ provided tunes throughout much of the day, taking a break in the early afternoon as the Homewood High School band hosted a pep rally and concert. In conjunction with the day’s events, the Homewood Rotary Club hosted its annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival and presented awards to winning artists. A parade traveled through the city in the evening, featuring floats created by community groups, businesses and civic organizations. The evening concluded with a street dance hosted by Starz Live. ❖
From left, Blakely Nash, Katie Elliott, Lee Nash and Casey and Ross O’Keefe.
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The changes I’m making are oh so sweet. Since renewing my spirit at Bayshore Retreat. Through sobriety I can handle the challenges I meet. It will keep me centered, grounded and on my feet. As I grow in spirit, body and mind. I wait with excitement, the new me I will find. And reflection of past will always remind. That living clean and sober is a very fine line. The people I’ve met here have enriched my soul. They help me resolve in life, what’s my role. Through work and reflection, I am able to work towards a goal. And extinguish the abuse and it’s terrible toll. To rejoice in the person that is uniquely me And give me the courage to truly live free. Like a soldier, I learn to be all I can be. And rekindle my life, and of God, live with thee. Julie I. - 9/16/2017 No one plans to be an addict. It can begin with one careless decision or in many other innocent ways. The decision to get help is the most important one you’ll ever make. When we say, “Bayshore Retreat is different and can make a difference” those aren’t just words, they are heart felt and based on experience.
18 • Thursday, May 6, 2021
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SOCIAL
Making an Impact Celebrating all things Homewood, the Homewood City Schools Foundation hosted its annual community dinner, Homewood Grown, April 30 at Homewood’s Patriot Park. The evening featured a meal catered by Happy Catering Company at socially distanced tables. A program featured keynote speaker Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell, who is a father of Homewood students as well as a Homewood High School alum. The headlining event was the presentation of the 2021 Teacher Impact Awards, annually given to teachers who have conceived classroom, gradelevel and schoolwide projects that raise the level of learning for their students. Twenty-eight grants were presented in the spring 2021 grant cycle that will fund new reading and instruction materials, lessons, certifications and classroom projects. ❖
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Homewood City Schools Foundation Hosts Annual Homewood Grown Grant Presentation
From left, Lauren Gwaltney, Rachel Waters, Sarah Hefner, Karen Roberson, Natalie Wearren, Blair Middleton, Kristen McGarrah and Amanda Thames.
Matthew and Steph Whitaker with Abnous and James Samford.
Marshall and Carey Beth Rivers with Erika and Corey Hartman.
Jay and Elizabeth Mitchell.
Chase and Taryn Cowyer.
Cory and Millie Minton.
Sharon and Patrick Chappell with Mark and Cathy Boardman.
Carlye Dudgeon and Tom Bedics.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Hang Out in the Heights
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Cahaba Heights Merchants Join Forces to Host Annual Heights Hangout
Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 19
SOCIAL More than 1,200 people made their way to the Heights Village in Cahaba Heights on April 25 for the annual Heights Hangout, hosted by the Cahaba Heights Merchants. Festivities included a kids zone with a variety of activities, pop-up shops and music by Color of the Night and Hit Radio Live. ❖
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This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL f May 6, 2021 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SOCIAL
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Hoover City Schools Foundation Hosts Annual Fundraiser
Steve and Alli Ammons.
Brandi Belcher and April Lawrence.
The Hoover City Schools Foundation’s annual Denim and Dining fundraiser offered the best of both worlds. An in-person event was hosted April 30 at the Pavilion at Aldridge Gardens, and a to-go option was offered. According to foundation Director Shelley Shaw, attendance was limited due to the ongoing pandemic, so a to-go option was organized for those who could not attend the sold-out event. Those both at the event and celebrating from home were able to access a virtual auction and bid on items. The money that is raised for the foundation helps to fund enhanced academics in all 17 Hoover schools and its nearly 14,000 students. Although teachers were able to receive grants for the 2020-2021 school year, the foundation must raise money to continue projects in the future. “We encourage everyone to give what they can, especially to our Commit to 36 endeavor,” Shaw said. “We understand that not everyone can do this, but even just a few dollars per student adds up quickly when many people are involved.” The Commit to 36 campaign aims
Carly and Alex Derencz.
John Willard and Lauren Sisler with Frances and Frank Brocato.
Donna and Greg Bishop.
to raise $36 per student, or $1 per week of school. That commitment could raise $500,000, an amount that can make a real difference in grant money for the system’s teachers. The foundation was established in 1992 to bridge the gap between lim-
Drew and Sara Franklin.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Tucker-Kennedy
Frances Lane Tucker and William Robert Kennedy Jr. were married on June 6, 2020, at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. The noon ceremony was officiated by Dr. Doug Dortch and Dr. Wayne Splawn with scripture presented by Mrs. Mary Splawn. Vocalists were Dr. Kely Hatley and Mrs. Lassie Hatley, and musical selections were coordinated by Dr. Paul Mosteller. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Richardson Tucker of Mountain Brook. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hubert Lane of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. James Bruce Tucker of Mountain Brook. The groom is the son of Mrs. William Robert Kennedy of Mountain Brook and the late Mr. Kennedy. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Quincy Adams of
Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 21
SOCIAL Mountain Brook and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Rae Kennedy of Vestavia Hills. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an Anne Barge A-line gown with an illusion bateau bodice and silk satin organza skirt. Sashed at the waist in satin ribbon, the v-back gown and veil were appliquéd with Alencon lace. Virginia Stockham Tucker, cousin of the bride, was her maid of honor. Bridesmaid was Elizabeth LeBeau Vansant and junior bridesmaid was Kylie Lane Ellis. Honorary bridesmaids were Alexandra Suzanne Andrews, Julia Ling Blackerby, Mary Riley Ogilvie Deer, Jennifer Locke Frost, Mary Brennan Reich, Loudie Ellen Thompson Schweers and Mary Morgan Weed. Flower girl was Brookelynn Grace Ellis. John Adams Kennedy, brother of the groom, was best man. Groomsman was Mark Richardson Tucker Jr. Honorary groomsmen were Robert Richardson Baugh Jr., Benjamin Addison Beall, Tom Tartt Brown III, John Fleetwood Burkett, Peyton David Falkenburg, Thomas Pritchard Griffin, Lee Ferguson Hollingsworth, William Dean Nix Jr., Joseph Wheeler Sewell, Wilson Rawls Stewart and Charles Dobbins Yeilding. Ring bearer was Dax Homer Vansant. Following the ceremony, a jazz luncheon was held for extended family at Daniel George Restaurant. The couple reside in Birmingham. In lieu of a wedding reception, the
couple set an anniversary celebration for June 4 at Vestavia Country Club, followed by their delayed wedding trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Sweet Success Homewood Woman Propels Grandmother’s Roll Recipe Into Growing Business
Katie Cornutt, above, started making cinnamon rolls, based on her grandmother’s “old-timey” recipe, for her children. Below, Cornutt with members of her team, from left, Sydney Gillilan, Amy Lee and Olivia Julian outside Rolls new location in downtown Homewood.
By Sam Prickett
A
fter two years of online sales, the Homewood-based bakery Rolls finally has a brick-and-mortar storefront. Katie Cornutt had started making cinnamon rolls, based on her grandmother’s “old-timey” recipe, for her children. But the recipe made so many cinnamon rolls that she started sharing them with her neighbors. One neighbor suggested she start selling the rolls, and in March 2019, Cornutt launched an Instagram account for her nascent business. “From there it was kind of word-of-mouth,” she said. The business quickly expanded. “I was in my home, baking, and it just outgrew that,” Cornutt said, “so I rented a commercial kitchen in Hoover and hired some employees. But I was always thinking about a storefront.” In November, she decided to take a leap of faith and signed a lease for a storefront on Homewood’s Crescent Avenue. It’s an old house, fully renovated, that Rolls shares with the Southern-style eatery Meals by Misty. “She’s got a portion of the space, and she does like casserole things, so the businesses kind of complement one another,” Cornutt said. The new space will carry all the varieties of rolls for which Cornutt is known, including strawberry, blueberry, orange, funfetti and “OG” cinnamon rolls. The menu also features some savory options, which Cornutt attributes to the recipe’s “extremely versatile” dough. Take, for instance, the BBQ Conecuh Cheddar Rolls. “It is a little crazy, right?” Cornutt laughed. “That was my first savory and was just something that I had wanted to dip into. I love Conecuh and my kids love Conecuh, and that’s just something I had on hand. We used a homemade barbecue sauce that my friend’s dad makes, and it just worked together!” “That’s another really important thing about
Rolls,” she adds. “We incorporate everything locally sourced and locally made, with no preservatives whatsoever. Everything is homemade from scratch.” That ethos gives Cornutt plenty of room to try new recipes. “That’s my favorite part of Rolls, experimenting,” she said. Take, for instance, the Friday Funzie, a just-launched weekly dessert special that’s a bit different. The first Friday Funzie, for example, was a made-from-scratch chocolate cookie “with an ooey gooey center,” served with vanilla ice cream. New Friday Funzies will be announced each Thursday and will be available for purchase on Fridays and Saturdays. “I like to be a little creative and do something different, that’s not necessarily all tied into rolls,” Cornutt said. “Honestly, a lot of times it’s these things that I just think of in the middle of the night, and I like to play with it.”
A Place to Create
The new storefront opened March 17, almost exactly two years after Cornutt launched Rolls as an online-only shop. She hopes the brand will continue to expand, though she plans to keep things close to home.
“I want to stay in Homewood,” she said. “If we outgrow this space, the primary location will definitely always be in Homewood, because that’s my home and my community. I would love to have a second location in Mountain Brook and Vestavia.” Her ultimate “pipe dream,” she said, is to open a location along Highway 30A in the Florida panhandle. “But that’s a long, long-term goal,” she laughs. For now, though, she’s focused on the new location, which boasts outdoor seating that invites people to “linger” and enjoy the food. “I feel like food brings joy, and food can bring all kinds of different good emotions,” she said. “I want (the new storefront) to be comfortable and happy. It’s all about community. A lot of the people that come in are people that I have known, or know, or know of. There’s a sense of community there that’s really important.” For more information – and regular updates on new or limited-time menu items – visit Rolls’ Instagram account, see @rolls. homewood, or its online storefront at rollshomewood.myshopify.com. The brick-andmortar store is at 2900 Crescent Avenue in Homewood.
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
FOODIE NEWS
Chris and Idie Hastings at the Children’s Table event in 2020. This year’s fundraiser for Children’s of Alabama will be virtual.
Pull Up a Computer Annual Children’s Table Fundraiser Features Cooking Demo by Chris Hastings James Beard award-winning chef Chris Hastings, owner of Birmingham restaurants Hot & Hot Fish Club and Ovenbird Restaurant, will team up with editors from Food & Wine and Southern Living for the annual Children’s Table fundraiser on May 16. Hastings will host a virtual cooking demonstration for viewers. Those who purchase VIP tickets will be able to pick up a recipe basket including additional treats before the event. The event will raise money for Children’s of Alabama to assist families in meeting the dietary restrictions of patients at the hospital. Many of the patients at Children’s have strict diets, which requires patients and families to learn everything about the food they eat. According to hospital officials, many end up developing strong passions for cooking and experimenting with recipes. For more information, visit give.childrensal. org/childrenstable.
Get Food Straight From the Farm Farmers markets are opening across the area, offering customers fresh fruits and vegetables, craft items and a little entertainment. Here are details about the markets’ operating plans.
The MarketPlace at Lee Branch
The outdoor season for the MarketPlace at Lee Branch will begin May 8 and feature a lineup of local farmers and artisans. Held each Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon, the theme of the first event will be Celebrate Mothers. There will be a kids tent offering free flowers to give to moms, Brendan Young will provide music and there will be a strawberry
See FARMERS, page 23
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
tasting. Customers also have the option of ordering online and picking up their goods curbside. The market is located at 611 Doug Baker Boulevard. For more information, visit themarketplaceatleebranch.com.
The Market at Pepper Place
Pepper Place’s summer season already has kicked off, and it is being held each Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon. In addition to an in-person, outdoor shopping experience, there also will be a curbside market option. Farmers and small business owners who participate as vendors will upload lists of their in-season items online and shoppers will be able to place orders and pick them up on Saturday mornings.
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
FAMERS From page 22
Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 23
FOOD
The Market at Pepper Place summer season has already kicked off.
The market is at 2829 Second Ave. South in Birmingham. For more information, visit pepperplacemarket.com.
Ross Bridge Farmers Market
The Ross Bridge community’s seasonal market, hosted on the lawn in front of the Ross Bridge Welcome Center, will launch its summer 2021 season on May 14. Market days will be hosted each Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. through
Aug. 13 and will feature local produce, arts and crafts vendors, live music, food trucks and kids’ activities. For more information, visit the Ross Bridge Farmers Market Facebook Page.
United Methodist Church. According to market officials, this year will prove to be the biggest yet, with a record number of confirmed vendors signing on for the season. Market season will begin May 12, and the market will be held each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug. 25, offering fresh and prepared foods, plants, oils and vinegars, arts and crafts and other items. Proceeds from the market benefit VHUMC’s food pantry. For more information, visit the Vestavia Hills Farmers Market Facebook Page.
West Homewood Farmers Market
This community-created seasonal market is at 160 Oxmoor Road in West Homewood. It features local food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, live music and representatives from some of the best local farms. The market is held every Tuesday in June and July and concludes on the first Tuesday in August. Hours are from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information, visit westhomewood.com.
Vestavia Hills Farmers Market
Located along U.S. 31 at Scout Square, the Vestavia Hills Farmers Market is a ministry of Vestavia Hills
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An Integrative Approach to Mental Health Abbie Milich, M.A LMSW above, recently joined Freedom Professional Counseling after serving as a Clinical Social Worker at Emory University Hospital, where she thoughtfully coordinated resources to patients and families upon discharge from the hospital. After earning her Undergraduate degree in Psychology and Spanish from Auburn University, Abbie went on to receive her Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia. As a Clinical Social Worker, Abbie is highly skilled in working with people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Abbie utilizes a strengths-based, integrative approach to well-being. Abbie meets each client where they are in their current life process, and works alongside them to address their personal needs. “I understand that every client has different wants, needs, and unique life experiences they come into therapy with,” Abbie said. Abbie enjoys working with adolescents and adults seeking help with anxiety/depression, stress tolerance, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships With a focus on resilience and strength, her goal as a therapist is to provide client’s with a safe space, where they can speak freely without fear of being judged. “I employ an integrative approach to mental health and I enjoy working alongside clients during tough life transitions, whether that is a breakup, national pandemic, or going to college,” Abbie said. “I aim to help clients become the best version of themselves. I believe that all people have the capacity to be successful, sometimes we just need help. Let me, help you!”
To schedule an appointment with Abbie, call 404-409-8414 or email abbiemilich@gmail.com
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SCHOOLS
Homewood, Vestavia Hills Announce New Principals at 4 Schools
Homewood Schools’ Henneke Named Principal of Homewood High
Dr. Joel Henneke will return to Homewood High School for the 2021-22 school year to serve as principal. Henneke is Homewood Middle School’s principal and previously directed the high school’s Alternative School for nine years. He has 23 years of experience in education as a teacher and an administrator at the middle and high school levels. He assumes the high school principal’s job in July. “I have been fortunate to work with such amazing educators in Homewood. The middle school faculty, staff and students will always hold a special place in my heart,” Henneke said. “I look forward to this new adventure and working side-by-side with Homewood High’s faculty and staff to continue to empower our students to grow academically and instill the Patriot pride of our school community.” Henneke came to Homewood as a special education teacher at HMS, and he has served as an assistant principal at HMS and HHS. Before his career in education, he was enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years, attaining the rank of sergeant. “Serving as a principal during a pandemic is not an easy task,” HCS Superintendent Justin Hefner said. “Dr. Henneke has been a strong leader during this uncertain and ever-changing year. Not only has he kept the focus on strong academic standards for both in-person and virtual school while implementing many new safety protocols, he also has found ways to bring the students and faculty and staff together through school spirit.” Henneke received his bachelor’s degree from East Texas Baptist University and his educational specialist degree from the University of Montevallo. In 2011, he earned his doctorate of education from Samford University.
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“It is an honor and a privilege to serve in a community that I love,” Henneke said. “I look forward to joining our eighth graders at Homewood High next year and seeing the amazing things all of our students will accomplish at the high school.” Henneke will continue to lead Homewood Middle School through this school year, but the process for hiring the school’s new principal will begin immediately. HCS hopes to name the school’s new principal before summer break begins.
this year. “Dr. Story is a strong advocate for our students, faculty and staff, and families,” HCS Superintendent Justin Hefner said. “She has a true love and passion for educating and empowering all of our students, and we look forward to the wonderful things she will continue to do for the students and families in Homewood.” Story received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. From Samford University, she earned an additional master’s degree in instructional leadership, an educational specialist degree and a doctorate of education.
experiences at Cahaba Heights that I will always treasure, and it’s been a joy to work alongside the most incredible educators. I’m also honored to have the privilege of leading another world-class group of teachers and staff at Pizitz,” Hunsberger said. “The team at Pizitz does extraordinary work to help children transition through their middle school years into young adults, and I look forward to joining them in that work,” she added. Vestavia Hills City Schools Superintendent Todd Freeman spoke highly of Hunsberger’s service during the Monday meeting. “Dr. Hunsberger is an exceptional leader who pours her heart and soul into her students and staff. I am excited to see her lead the great staff at Louis Pizitz Middle School forward,” Freeman said.
Shades Cahaba Elementary School Names New Principal Homewood City Schools announced in April that Shades Cahaba Elementary School Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction Wendy Story will be the school’s next principal. Story is a Homewood High School graduate and has 20 years of experience in elementary education, serving as a teacher, an instructional technology specialist and an administrator. “It is an honor to continue to serve this wonderful community, school district, and the students and families of Shades Cahaba,” Story said. “Homewood holds a special place in my heart, and the amazing experiences and wonderful teachers I had as a student are what inspired me to become an educator. “I am excited to work with our faculty and staff to support our students and families and carry out Shades Cahaba’s long history of educating, respecting, protecting, and loving children,” she said. While at Shades Cahaba, Story has prioritized character education through planning and implementing Nurturing Every Student Together groups for students and staff. She also worked to develop the school’s MakerSpace, a place where students learn by discovery and get exposure to future technologies. Story is a nationally board-certified teacher and has served as president of the Alabama NBCT Network. She has also served on the Birmingham-Southern College Education Advisory Council and is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the American Educational Research Association. Story has presented at many local, state and international learning conferences, including the Alabama Association of Professors of Educational Leadership Conference
Cahaba Heights Elementary Principal Alicia Hunsberger Named New Principal of Pizitz Middle School On April 27, the Vestavia Hills Board of Education announced that Dr. Alicia Hunsberger has been named the new principal of Louis Pizitz Middle School. The decision was announced following an April 26 board meeting, and Hunsberger will take over the position July 1. Hunsberger has served as principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights since 2016. Under her leadership, the school implemented several initiatives to boost character education and community involvement. The school’s comprehensive focus on character development, “Safe and Happy Heights,” earned a 2020 National School of Character Award from Character.org. The school also organized the Heights Heroes 5K and Heroes Challenge Fun Run, which has become a popular annual event providing thousands of dollars to support the school. Hunsberger led Cahaba Heights during a period of significant expansion of the school’s footprint. The school has opened a new gymnasium, media center and classroom wing in the past five years and expanded its cafeteria. Hunsberger replaces Chris Pennington, Ed.D., who in March was selected to serve as the school system’s director of assessment and accountability. Pennington also will transition into his new role July 1. Hunsberger said it was a “bittersweet moment” to move from Cahaba Heights to Pizitz. “I’ve had so many wonderful
Roger Dobnikar to Lead Liberty Park Middle School as Principal Since August, Roger Dobnikar has been serving as interim principal of Liberty Park Middle School, but when the 2021-22 school year begins, his title will be solidified. The board unanimously approved the appointment in February. “Mr. Dobnikar has served as the interim principal at Liberty Park Middle School with a steady and consistent vision during this challenging school year,” Vestavia Hills City Schools Superintendent Todd Freeman, Ed.D., said in a statement. “He is committed to providing the very best learning experiences for students and working alongside his team of exceptional educators.” Dobnikar is a familiar face at Liberty Park, having served as the middle school’s assistant principal from its opening in 2008 to 2020. He previously spent 14 years working as an English teacher at Louis Pizitz Middle School. Dobnikar holds two bachelor’s degrees, in English and specialized ministries, from Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma as well as master’s and educational specialist degrees from Samford University. Dobnikar said he was “very excited to be offered this opportunity to lead the school. “Liberty Park Middle has a rich history, and I feel very blessed to get to take the helm and continue building on their tradition of excellence,” Dobnikar said.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Despite pandemic limitations, Jubilee Joe’s in Hoover and Destination Hoover International hosted their annual Crawfish Fest from April 20 to 25 to raise funds for DHI’s annual scholarships. Destination Hoover International annually recognizes one graduating senior from Hoover High School and one from Spain Park High School who plan to focus on international studies in their collegiate careers. Ella Nunn was recognized as this year’s winner representing Hoover High School. Nunn ranked 88th in her class of 698 seniors with a 4.1 grade point average. During her schooling she completed five years of advanced Spanish classes, including AP Spanish Literature. She plans to attend Auburn University, where she will double major in Spanish and international studies. “In addition to excitement for my future, I also feel a great sense of responsibility to become educated on the world around me,” Nunn said.
205.638.PIRC (7472)
Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens, left, with Ella Nunn and Preston Kennedy at a ceremony to recognize both students who plan to focus on international studies in their collegiate careers. “I am fascinated by international studies and Spanish, but this sense of responsibility is what drives me to pursue a career as either a diplomat, lawyer or other international worker.” Representing Spain Park High School is scholarship winner Preston Kennedy. Kennedy ranked 102 of 384 students with a grade point average of 3.98. He was a member of the Model United Nations Team. In the fall, Kennedy will attend the Croft Institute for International Studies at the University of Mississippi, majoring in international business with a focus on Italy. “The Croft Institute for International
SOCCER
Studies is the ideal place for me to become the best global citizen I can be,” Kennedy said. “What makes the program so unique is the focus on teaching the students to realize their potential as vessels of cultural exchange.” Founded in 2018, Destination Hoover focuses on cultivating cultural exchange and international relationships uniting Hoover with people throughout the world. Destination Hoover International is a member of Sister Cities International, and focuses on relationships with Japan, Germany and India. For more information, visit destinationhooverinternational.org.
PIRC
Navigating the mental health system for children and teens
offs, we have been grinding out wins and I hope we can continue.”
From page 28
Homewood Knocks Off Mountain Brook
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
Seventh-ranked Daphne will play No. 10 Davidson in the other 7A semifinal at 3 p.m. Friday. The championship game is set for 10 a.m. Saturday. Hoover advanced with a 2-1 victory at No. 3 Huntsville last Friday. Peyton Argent scored in the 32nd minute on a free kick to give the Bucs the victory. Jay Udeh scored Hoover’s first goal in the 27th minute off an assist from Kosi Udeh. Spain Park advanced with a 3-2 victory at Grissom in a back-and-forth game that saw the Jags trail 1-0 and 2-1 but respond each time. Kaleb Jowers, who has battled injuries throughout the season, tied it 2-2 with his 18th goal in 17 games, and junior Alan Melendez found the back of the net later for the game-winner. Earlier in the week, Melendez scored with 1:13 left in the game on an assist from senior Drake Tabor to give Spain Park a 1-0 victory over Oak Mountain in the first round. “Alan is one of our best players,” Spain Park coach Matt Hall said. “To have two game-winners within a few days is amazing. He does a lot of great things for us, defending and attacking.” Spain Park and Hoover met once during the regular season with the Bucs pulling out a 2-0 victory on Feb. 19. “The game could have gone either way,” Hoover coach Kris Keplinger
Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)
Photo courtesy Destination Hoover International
Hoover’s Ella Nunn and Spain Park’s Preston Kennedy Earn 2021 Destination Hoover International Scholarships
Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 25
SCHOOLS/SPORTS
Homewood also is in the state tournament. The Class 6A No. 1 Patriots will play No. 3 Fort Payne (18-2-1) in the semifinals at 11 a.m. Friday. The Patriots defeated No. 2 Mountain Brook 1-0 (5-3 on penalty kicks) in the quarterfinals last Friday. The teams had battled to a scoreless tie in 90 minutes of regulation. Mountain Brook’s Joseph Armstrong and Homewood goalkeepHomewood’s Hardy Smith fight for control in the er Luke Keown dove quarterfinals last Friday. low to his right to stop Mountain Brook’s secsaid. “Spain Park is an excellent team, ond attempt in the shootout, giving the Patriots an advantage before so hopefully it will be a great game.” senior Jacob Sitton struck decisively The Bucs are the de facto defending champs, having captured the 2019 to send the Patriots to the state tournament. Bryan Sokell, Gage Estep, Class 7A title. The 2020 season was captain Hardy Smith and Sam halted in March because of the Malone also scored penalty kicks for COVID-19 pandemic, so no champithe Patriots. on was crowned last year. Spartan goalkeeper Reed Spain Park is in the Final Four for Harradine held the Patriots scoreless the first time since 2008 thanks to a veteran team with 10 seniors and nine during regulation play. Top-ranked Indian Springs (23-2juniors. “There was a lot of pressure on us, 1) will be in action in Class 4A/5A, playing No. 3 Montgomery Academy a lot of expectations at the beginning of the season,” Hall said. “In the play- in the semifinals at 5 p.m. Thursday.
The PIRC is generously supported by additional funding from the Hill Crest Foundation, Brasfield and Gorrie, LLC, and the Gorrie family.
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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.
26 • Thursday, May 6, 2021
‘Team Effort’ Jaguars Use Depth to Claim Boys Class 7A State Tennis Championship
By Rubin E. Grant Spain Park boys tennis coach Calvin Ganus said the Jaguars always enter the season with one aspiration. “Hanging a championship banner is always the goal,” Ganus said. The Jags didn’t get a chance to pursue a title last year after the 2020 season was shut down in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was nothing to stop the Jags this spring. They won all of their dual matchups during the regular season while finishing with a 14-2 record. Spain Park didn’t let up in the state tournament, capturing the Alabama High School Athletic Association State Tennis Championships Class 7A title two weeks ago in Montgomery at Lagoon
SPARTANS From page 28
The Spartans totaled 83 points and runner-up Mountain Academy had 43. St. Paul’s was third with 39, Decatur fourth with 37 and Northridge fifth with 36. Mountain Brook senior Emma Karcher won at No. 2 singles, beating Dawson Fite of Decatur 6-2, 6-1. Karcher won the Class 7A No. 1 singles title as a sophomore in 2019. “It was kind of awkward moving her from No. 1 for Pippa,” Farlow said. “She wasn’t happy about it. We had a long talk and she said she would do what’s best for the team.”
TRACK From page 28
did a good job.” The Lady Bucs had only two individual state champions. Taniyah Thomas set a school record and a personal record while winning the discus with a toss of 134-01. Kayla Jemison won the high jump with a leap of 5-04.00. The Hoover girls 4x400 relay team of Jebreiya Chapman, Gabrielle Washington, McKenzie Blackledge and Chakiya Plummer won with a time of 3:56.88. Plummer took second in the 100meter hurdles with a time of 14.08, while Jemison placed third in both the long jump and triple jump. The Lady Bucs’ 4x800 relay team finished second (9:36.11). As for his retiring, Hind said, “It’s got to stop sometime. I started coaching in 1978 and took several years off to run a lawn service business. I have coached the last 28 years, 10 at Simmons Middle School and 18 at Hoover. I counted it up and I’ve coached for 34 years.” Hind said he’s unsure what he’s
Park. The championship was just the second state title in school history and the first since winning the Class 6A boys crown in 2007. The Jags captured two singles and two doubles finals to finish with 43 points. Hoover and Huntsville tied for second place with 34 points each. “It was a whole team effort,” Ganus said. “We have eight seniors and a lot of depth. We felt we could have won it last year and we had everybody returning except for one. I knew going in as long as we played our game, we could win.” Jags senior Jake Wilson won the No. 1 singles title and senior John Kendrick won at No. 5. Spain Park also won the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles championship. Wilson, who is headed to the University of the South, teamed Karcher and Roy joined forces to claim the No. 1 doubles championship with a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Jasper sisters Sophia and Amelia Poolos. For Karcher, it was the third doubles state title in her career, having won in Class 7A at No. 1 doubles in 2018 and 2019. The Spartans’ other singles winners were senior Warner Johnson at No. 3, defeating Decatur’s Abby Glover 7-5, 2-6 1-0 (10); senior Kate Jeffcoat at No. 4, defeating Jasper’s Riley Aldridge 6-0, 6-0; junior Lillian Still at No. 5, defeating Northridge’s Mary Wade 6-1, 6-2; and freshman Mary Neale Polk at No. 6, defeating Northridge’s Kathryn Case 6-1, 6-0. Mountain Brook freshmen twins Mae Mae Lacey and Annie Lacey going to do next. “It’s to be determined, but for now I’m going to rest a little bit.”
Strand on Top
Hind wasn’t the only one to go out on top at the state meet. Vestavia Hills senior Ethan Strand closed his high school career by sweeping the Class 7A distance races with record-setting performances in the 800 meters (1:52.73), the 1,600 (4:11.77) and the 3,200 (9:12.88). Strand’s impressive feat lifted the Rebels to the boys Class 7A team title. Vestavia Hills had 104.5 points with Hewitt-Trussville second with 91, Auburn third with 74, Hoover fourth with 58 and Oak Mountain fifth with 44. The state title was the Rebels’ first since 2008. “Ethan has shown so much leadership, helping lead our team into competitions,” Vestavia Hills coach Brett Huber said. “I appreciate him for that. “Performance-wise, we expect him to run fast times. But after he won the mile (on Thursday), he had food poisoning and didn’t have anything to eat except for a tiny bit for breakfast. Then, he went and won the 3,200 Friday morning and came back later in
SPORTS with junior Walker Jackson to claim the No. 2 doubles crown. Sophomores Brenton Cate and Sam Wasko won at No. 3 doubles. Wilson beat Bob Jones’ Parker Free 6-1, 6-2 in the No. 1 singles final, a remarkable feat considering how he began the tournament and that he had to face his nemesis, Hoover’s Sam Tolbert. Wilson beat Tolbert 6-4, 7-5 in the semifinals. “The Hoover kid had beaten him four times during the season, and Jake had to go through the play-in match,” Ganus said. “And then he had to beat Auburn’s No. 1 (Tanner Debardelaben). Beating the Hoover kid was amazing and that set him up for the Bob Jones kid in the finals.” Kendrick defeated Auburn’s Jisung Choo 6-4, 6-4 to win the No. 5 singles final. Hoover’s Isaac Hwangpo won No. 2 singles, defeating Auburn’s Sunghun Cho 7-6 (9-7), 6-7 (5-7), 10-6. The Jags’ Jackson lost in the No. 6 final, falling 6-0, 6-1 to Huntsville’s teamed up to win No. 3 doubles, defeating Northridge’s Alice Rowley and Carther Thomason 6-0, 6-2. Montgomery Academy’s No. 2 doubles team of Gabby Berrara and McRae Freeman posted a 7-5, 0-6, 1-0 (8) victory over St. Paul’s Maggie Sullivan and Emma Jane Hamilton to prevent a Mountain Brook sweep.
Spartan Boys Fall Short
Meanwhile, the Mountain Brook boys came up just short, finishing as runners-up with 49 points. Montgomery Academy had 52 points, clinching the school’s first Class 6A title with two wins in the doubles finals and claiming two singles championships. the day and anchored our 4x800 relay team.” The relay team won with a time of 7:52.23. Strand, a North Carolina signee, won the 800 on Saturday. “Ethan has a lot of heart, a lot grit, and a lot a love for our team,” Huber added. Strand was the Rebels’ only individual champion, but they had some other strong showings. Alex Leath finished second in the 400 meters (49.21) and third in the 800 (1:54.37). Tyler Moore was second in the 100-meter dash (11.00) and the Rebels’ 4x400 relay team finished second (3:23.05). “Our kids did what they were supposed to do, and we had a couple of surprises come through,” Huber said. “We lost the indoor by 3.5 points and this time our boys were determined to get over the top.”
Noteworthy Performances
Several other Over the Mountain track and field athletes had notable performances in the meet at Gulf Shores. Vestavia Hills junior Crawford West set a state record in the 3,200meter run, crossing the finish line in 10:29.08, 13 seconds better than the
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Auburn’s girls beat Vestavia Hills in a playoff to claim the girls Class 7A state title. The two teams were tied at the end of the regular competition with 30 points each while Florence and Hoover deadlocked for third place with 27 points. Fairhope and Huntsville tied for fifth with 22 points each, and Oak Mountain had 14. The Tigers and Rebels squared off in the best-of-three playoff consisting of two singles and one doubles match,
with Auburn winning a singles and doubles to capture the school’s first AHSAA state tennis crown. Before the playoff, Auburn won two singles titles and one doubles title. Camilla Bosman won at No. 3 singles, defeating Vestavia Hills’ Della Tarn 6-4, 6-2. Auburn’s Kathryn Kirkland won at No. 5, defeating the Rebels’ Ella Clae Fulton 6-2, 6-4. Vestavia Hills’ Lynly Threadcraft won No. 2 singles, defeating Huntsville’s Missy Hartwig. Oak Mountain’s Grace Quian captured the No. 1 singles crown, defeating Vestavia Hills’ Cindy Jiang 6-4, 6-1. Hoover’s Chinonye Mbanugo won at No. 6, defeating Florence’s Mattie Pharr 6-3, 6-1. Hoover also won No. 2 doubles with Mbanugo and Sara Lopez, defeating Florence’s Isabel Davis and Kaitlyn Daniel 2-6, 6-2, 10-7. In the No. 3 doubles final, Hoover’s Arya Tamhane and Kristina Hwangpo lost to Florence’s Anna Holway and Emma Walker 6-3, 4-6, 11-9.
Trinity Presbyterian was third with 47 points, Briarwood Christian fourth with 38 and Northridge fifth with 33. “I feel so bad for our boys,” Farlow said. “It was really disappointing they couldn’t pull it off.” The Spartans had two singles champions. Luke Schwefler won at No. 3, defeating Spanish Fort’s Jack Miller 6-1, 6-0. Logan Woodall won at No. 6, defeating Briarwood’s Andy Wan 6-3, 6-4. Briarwood senior Luke Wolf captured the No. 1 singles championship, beating Jordan Garrett of Chelsea 6-2, 6-1 in the final match. Wolf closed his career with two straight singles championships, winning the 4A/5A crown in 2019. He also was a part of three
doubles titles during his career for the Lions – winning at No. 1 doubles in 2017 and 2019 and at No. 2 doubles in 2018. Mountain Brook’s No. 2 doubles team of Ethan Shunnarah and Sam Chitty won the title, defeating Jasper’s Luke Oliver and Hayden Davis 6-0, 6-1. The Spartans’ No. 1 doubles team of Connor Jenkins and Dru Gresham fell in the title match to Montgomery Academy’s Hamilton Chapman and Whit Davis 7-5, 6-2. Briarwood’s No. 3 doubles teams of Wan and Vance Hopkins also lost in the finals, falling to Montgomery Academy’s Jake Alford and Jackson Brown 4-6, 6-2 1-0 (3).
previous mark (10:37.67) set by Samantha Rogers of Auburn in 2019. It also beat the overall AHSAA outdoor state record (10:32.02) set by McGill-Toolen Catholic’s Carmen Carlos in the Class 6A 3,200 at the 2013 state meet. West also won the 1,600 (4:53.49) and finished second in the 800 (2:15.25), helping the Rebels’ girls to a third-place finish as a team. Spain Park junior Keon Buck bettered the standing boys Class 7A 100meter dash record (10.54) set by Sparkman’s Charles Lewis in 2018 with a 10.43 prelim time. Buck clocked 10.77 to win the final. He also won the 7A 200 with a time of 21.44. Homewood’s Spenser Lamb won the 6A boys 110-meter hurdles (14.40) and the 300-meter hurdles (39.43). Mountain Brook sophomore Reagan Riley won the Class 6A girls 3,200 (10:47.41) and senior teammate Grayson Scott won the 6A high jump (5-08.00) as the Spartans finished second in the team standings with 93 points. Northridge won with 116.50 points. Mountain Brook’s girls 4x800 relay team also won with a time of 9:40.74. Spain Park’s MacKenzie Culpepper
won the 7A girls 400 meters (56.75) and teammate Anna Collins won the pole vault (12-00.00). Hoover’s Levi Arroyo won the 7A boys pole vault, clearing 15-06.00. The Bucs’ boys also won the 4x400 relay (3:21.05). Homewood’s Brooke Walden won the 6A girls pole vault (12-00.00) and John Carroll Catholic’s Sean Montenegro won the 5A boys javelin (165-07). The Altamont girls received strong performances from sisters Kaia Todd and Kalia Todd to win the Class 2A title at Cullman’s Oliver Woodard Stadium. Kaia Todd and Kalia Todd finished 1-2 in the triple jump with best leaps of 37-00.75 and 35-06.00, respectively. Kaia Todd set a new girls’ 100meter hurdles record with a time of 15.21 in the finals. The old record, set in 2019, was 15.23. She also cleared 5-03 in the high jump for another 2A girls’ state meet record and won the triple jump for a third gold. Kalia Todd won the long jump with a leap of 16-03.25. Teammate Carrie Hicks also took second (15-11.00). Carson Hicks won the 200-meter dash (25.92) and the 400 (59.10).
Logan Thomas. In the No. 2 doubles final, Wilson and Jackson defeated Hoover’s Hwangpo and Andrew Pierson 6-4, 6-3. In the No. 3 doubles final, Cate and Wasko defeated Huntsville’s Thomas and Jacob Corrigan 6-1, 6-2. Hoover’s Gavin Patton and Roshan Chavar teamed to win the No. 1 doubles final, defeating Huntsville’s Connor Jiminez and John Lusk 3-6, 6-2, 10-2.
Rebel Girls Lose Playoff
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, May 6, 2021 • 27
SPORTS
‘The Two Best’
chances,” Blight said. “I think the rematch is the two best teams in the state playing each other.” Meadow concurs. “They’re good,” Meadow said of the Eagles. “We respect their talent and the things they do. I think both of us have dynamic teams. It’s a good match-up. I feel it’s like a championship game.”
Vestavia Hills Faces Off Against Rival Oak Mountain in Girls State Soccer Semifinals; John Carroll Catholic and Homewood Also In Semis Vestavia Hills girls soccer coach Brigid Meadow described navigating this soccer season as a challenge because of all the COVID-19 protocols. “We were not able to play as many games as we usually play. We were not able to travel because we couldn’t stay overnight,” Meadow said. “The games we played have been beneficial to the development of our girls.” Despite the drawbacks, the Rebels are back where they have been the past two completed seasons: in position to win a state championship. Second-ranked Vestavia Hills (182) will play the rival Oak Mountain Eagles (20-3-1) in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A semifinals at 1 p.m. Friday at the John Hunt Soccer Complex in Huntsville. The championship game is set for noon Saturday. John Carroll Catholic (10-9-1) and Homewood (19-2-0) also are competing in the girls state tournament. John Carroll takes on No. 1 Montgomery Academy in a Class 4A-5A semifinal at 3 p.m. Thursday, and No. 1 Homewood meets No. 7 SouthsideGadsden at 9 a.m. Friday in a Class 6A
semifinal. Vestavia Hills won the Class 7A title in 2018 and 2019, but no one won in 2020 because the season was halted in March. “We’re thankful to be able to get back to the state tournament,” Meadow said. “I hope we can continue to move forward with the momentum we’ve had the last part of the season.” The Rebels advanced with a 1-0 quarterfinal victory at Bob Jones in Madison last Friday. Elizabeth Ray scored the lone goal off a penalty kick. Sophomore Annie Gilleland recorded the shutout in goal for the secondranked Rebels. Oak Mountain advanced with a 6-0 victory at Sparkman. “We’re very excited about going to the state tournament,” Oak Mountain coach Chris Blight said. “It’s been one of our goals. “We feel like we’re playing very well at the right time. The girls have really dedicated themselves and are looking forward to the challenge of playing Vestavia.” Vestavia Hills features 13 seniors, including captains Grace Ellis, Riley Vicinanzo, Kaylee Dressback and Julia Woodruff. All plan to play in college, Ellis at North Alabama, Vicinanzo with
A New McBride
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
By Rubin E. Grant
Vestavia Hills features 13 seniors, including captains Grace Ellis, Riley Vicinanzo, Kaylee Dressback (above) and Julia Woodruff.
the Coast Guard Academy and Dressback with Houston. Despite the presence of next-level talent, Meadow said it’s been a team effort. “All of our girls have been fully committed and have contributed,” she said. “The girls who don’t get to play a lot give 100 percent in practice to push the other girls to get better. It’s spe-
cial.” The Eagles are led by senior defender Kaitlin Maynard, sophomore defender Kierson McDonald and junior midfielders Lane Hope and Haley Wells. The Rebels edged the Eagles 1-0 when they met during the regular season March 19. “I think both teams had a lot of
Homewood will be seeking its second state title, but under a new McBride. The Patriots won the Class 6A crown in 2019 — their first state championship in girls soccer — with Mindy McBride at the helm. But now her husband, Sean, is guiding the Patriots in his second season as the girls head coach, following a lengthy tenure as the boys coach. Sean McBride guided the Homewood boys to five state championships, in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2014 and 2018. “Mindy says the girls are under the worser McBride,” Sean McBride said with a laugh. “She told me I hadn’t won anything until I have won with the girls.” Homewood earned its state tournament berth with a 3-0 victory over area rival Chelsea in the quarterfinals. Sunny Ferren scored two goals for the Patriots and Ana Harbin had the other. “I think hard work and consistency have been the keys to our season,” McBride said. “Now, hopefully we’ve got two more games to go.”
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
‘Team Effort’ Jaguars use depth to claim boys Class 7A State Tennis Championship. Page 25
SPORTS
‘The Two Best’ Vestavia Hills faces off against rival Oak Mountain in girls state soccer semifinals. Page 27
Thursday, May 6, 2021 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
AHSAA 96TH STATE OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Hoover’s Hind Heads Into Retirement With Another State Championship
By Rubin E. Grant
Front: Emma Karcher. Second row, from left: Lillian Still, Pippa Roy, Ann Coleman, Annie Lacey and Mary Neale Polk. Third row: Abbie Bateh and Kate Jeffcoat. Back: Moira Dowling, Cecelia Hunter, assistant coach Glenn Lamar, head coach Susan Farlow, Warner Johnson, Rosemary Cooper, Mae Mae Lacey and Lucy Ritter.
‘AWESOME’
Spartan Girls Dominate Class 6A Tennis Tourney to Claim 30th State Title By Rubin E. Grant Going into the girls Class 6A State Tennis Championships two weeks ago, Mountain Brook coach Susan Farlow told freshman Pippa Roy to just go out, play her best at No. 1 singles and not worry about winning. That was because of a likely matchup against junior Libbie Hamilton of St. Paul’s Episcopal. “Everybody had told us that Libbie Hamilton was not beatable,” Farlow said. “Everybody had lost to her, so we were not expecting to win at No. 1. Our No. 1’s always are playing the toughest player in the state.” Roy, however, had other ideas. “She was like, ‘So, you’re not expecting me to win, huh,’” Farlow said.
Roy confidently took the Mobile Tennis Center court and beat the unbeatable Hamilton 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals, then she routed Northridge junior Jacqueline Alcocer 6-1, 6-0 in the finals to claim the No. 1 singles title. “Pippa was really stepping into every shot, trying to get a winner,” Farlow said of her match with Hamilton. “She was aggressive. It was a great accomplishment.” Roy wasn’t the only Spartan to sparkle in the two-day tournament April 22-23. Mountain Brook won all six singles and two of three doubles finals to claim the Spartans’ 30th state girls’ tennis crown, adding another notch to the Alabama High School Athletic Association record for most state tennis titles the Spartans already held.
Mountain Brook was not competing in the highest classification for the first time, dropping down from 7A to 6A this year. “Our girls were awesome,” Farlow said. “We didn’t know much about the 6A teams. We had heard St. Paul’s was really good, and there were some other good teams like Montgomery Academy and Decatur. “We didn’t get a good draw. We were in a group with St. Paul’s and matched up against them in several matches, but our girls were totally prepared. They got down there and took things very seriously and beat the St. Paul’s girls in every match we had against them. They played with a lot of confidence and performed great.”
See SPARTANS, page 26
Moving On
See TRACK, page 26
Patriots Defeat Spartans in Quarterfinals; Jags, Bucs Set for Boys State Soccer Tournament Semifinal Showdown
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
Photo by Marie Bateh
Devon Hind has reached the finish line. And he did it in style. The Hoover track coach is retiring after winning his 43rd state championship last weekend at the AHSAA 96th State Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Gulf Shores Sports Complex.
Hind guided the Hoover girls team to the Class 7A title, edging HewittTrussville 107.50 points to 102. Vestavia Hills was third with 62 points. “It was a good win,” Hind said. “Our girls have been strong all outdoor season. We have good depth, they have been working hard and we were healthy most of the year. They
By Rubin E. Grant When the final regular season Alabama High School Coaches Soccer Poll came out, Spain Park and Hoover were ranked 1-2 in the boys Super Poll and the Class 7A rankings. Now, the two crosstown rivals will get to prove which one is the best in the state. The top-ranked Jaguars will meet the second-ranked Buccaneers (20-2) at 3 p.m. Friday in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A semifinals at the John Hunt Soccer Complex in Huntsville.
Homewood goalkeeper Luke Keown had a big night for the Patriots holding the Spartans scoreless. The Patriots defeated No. 2 Mountain Brook 1-0 (5-3 on penalty kicks) in the quarterfinals last Friday. The Class 6A No. 1 Patriots will play No. 3 Fort Payne (18-2-1) in the semifinals at 11 a.m. Friday.
See SOCCER, page 25
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