The Suburban Newspaper for Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
INSIDE
JOU RNAL OTMJ.COM
THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012
VOL. 21 #13 Bang-up ideas for celebrating the Fourth
ABOUT TOWN PAGE 6
Vestavia chef ready for Iron City competition
PEOPLE PAGE 11
VETERANS’ VOYAGE
Pink Palace Casino benefits breast cancer research
SOCIAL PAGE 16
PUBLIC PEOPLE/PRIVATE PLACES At home with ...
OTM residents Malcom Miller and Owens Sims were among the veterans taking part in Birmingham’s last Honor Flight June 21. The group spent the day touring the World War II memorial and other Washington, D.C., landmarks. Below, the group was welcomed back at the Birmingham airport with flags and signs thanking them for their service. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.
Last Honor Flight Takes Off from Birmingham
By Laura McAlister
W
JOURNAL EDITOR
hen Dr. John Carter of Homewood signed up for Birmingham’s Honor Flight years ago, he specifically requested to be put at the end of the waiting list to let his fellow World War II veterans in the area go before him. John, unlike many who signed up for the program, has visited the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. But he did want the opportunity offered through Honor Flight to see it with those who served as he did so many years ago. “When I put in the application, I told them since I’d already been to let others who hadn’t go first,” he said. “I wanted to make sure those who hadn’t been to the memorial could go first.”
Organizers of Birmingham’s Honor Flight, which flies World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., for one day to tour the WWII monument for free, honored John’s request. Since just about every able World War II veteran in the area has been flown to the memorial since the program’s formation in 2008, John was one of some 80 veterans invited to take part in the city’s last Honor Flight. The group of 88, including 64 World War II veterans and the rest Korean or Vietnam veterans, left for Washington, D.C., early on the morning of June 21 and returned that night. The landing of their flight marked the end of Birmingham’s Honor Flight, which has now taken almost 1,000 veterans to see the WWII memorial. The program was supposed to end last year, but Pam Nichols, who heads the all-volunteer organization in Birmingham, said there were still names left on the list of those waiting to go to Washington, D.C. “After last year’s flight, we had 83 left on this list,” she said. “Many of them weren’t in good enough health to travel. Most of these veterans are 87 years old or older.” There were still many WWII veterans See HONOR FLIGHT, page 15
ABC/33 sports anchor Mike Raita PAGE 24
Sports Illustrated writer Lars Anderson PAGE 25
97.3 the Zone host Matt Coulter PAGE 26
SUE MURPHY’S TWO CENTS WORTH P. 2 • THE HUNT IS ON IN HOMEWOOD P. 4 • MARKET DAY IN MOUNTAIN BROOK P. 10 • MEET THE HOOVER BELLES P. 29
2 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
OPINION/CONTENTS
MURPHY’S LAW
NATIONAL CHAMPS
$
The Altamont School’s Junior Varsity Scholars Bowl Team recently took home the National Championship for their age group. See Schools, page 28.
ON OTMJ.COM Browse through more photos from the areas biggest and best social events and keep up with what’s going on at the Journal by liking us on Facebook.
COMING JULY 26
The Journal will take a short break for the summer and return on July 26 with your back to school news for the 201213 school year.
IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE SOCIAL
3 11 16
WEDDINGS HOMES SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
JOU RNAL
22 24 32
June 28, 2012
Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Laura McAlister Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Bones Long, Cary Estes, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Editorial Intern: Morgan Hart
Vol. 21, No. 13
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 ads@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2012 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.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Small Change
school, but I don’t think that’s the 11.02. I was fishing around in whole story. If you settle into the my purse at the checkout regidea that other people have nothing ister when the person behind to offer you, you treat them differme handed me the two pennies that ently. If you’re already “all that and would complete my bill. This hapa bag of chips,” you won’t accept pened twice in one week. Two differthat handful of Funyums even though ent people. Two pennies each. That’s they might be just what you need to Karma, my friends. grow into a more delicious person. I’m a sucker for Karma, and this Still, being a designated receiver was Karma and word play all in isn’t easy. Now that I took the penone. These two people were literally nies, I’ve been obsessed with the putting their two cents in, a phrase notion of paying the kindness back that’s usually launched in a negative ... or forward, as it were, carrying way. It’s assumed that most people pennies in my purse everywhere I don’t want your two cents, your go. So far, no one within earshot miniscule contribution to a situation Sue Murphy has needed them, which has led me that is really none of your affair, but to Two Cents Plan B. I can go forth in this case, it was two cents worth It’s assumed that and hold the door for someone, put of kindness, pure kindness, and the cart in the cart corral, smile at whole thing made my day. Twice. most people don’t my the checkout clerk at the register. If a We’ve all been there. Someone want your two person is standing there holding one says just the right thing, makes just I can let them ahead of me in the right tiny gesture, and just for a cents ... but in item, line. When I decide against buying an second, the world seems like a much better place. this case, it was item, I can put it back where I found instead of leaving a package of tube I try to stay positive. I do, but two cents worth itsocks among the cans of cranberry when I listen to the nightly news, my heart sinks. When the front page of kindness, pure sauce and making the stock clerk about the future of mankind of the morning paper is filled with kindness, and despair as well. nothing but greed and selfishness and I don’t know the stock clerk, but if cruelty, it makes me despair for our the whole thing she feels better about the human race, species in general. made my day. she might be more apt to let a harried But there in the grocery store driver into traffic on her way out of aisle, right next to the celebrity rags Twice. the parking lot, making it so that the touting whatever the Kardashians are driver (less harried now) doesn’t blow doing this mega-second, a stranger a gasket when he gets home and his son has left his stepped up and demonstrated that all is not lost. I bicycle in the driveway ... again. There could be needed that. I have to admit that I hesitated when the two pen- peace at the dinner table, peace doing dishes, so that by the time they all get to the nightly news, they will nies were offered. I had a quarter. I had a dime. I have one shining moment in the Pro column to go up could have made do. against all those Cons. But there was something about the way the penSmall change, small changes. It couldn’t hurt. nies were offered that made taking them the right thing to do. It is better to give than to receive. That’s And that’s my two cents worth of wisdom on the subject. ❖ what I was told lo those many years ago in Sunday
OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS
How are you planning to spend your Fourth?
“I’ll be barbecuing with family, and then going to watch the fireworks at Red Mountain.” Michael Harris, Birmingham
“My daughter and sonin-law and my son and daughter-in-law will be out of town for the Fourth so I’ll be by myself. They make up for it at other times, though.” Bill Quenelle Vestavia Hills
“I’ll be at the beach in Panama City with my family.” Troy Gipson Vestavia Hills
“I’m going to spend the day at the lake with my family.” Hannah Traylor Vestavia Hills
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 3
ABOUT TOWN
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Save the Date
A GOLDEN CAUSE
BIRMINGHAM
Art on the Rocks June 29, 6 p.m. Birmingham Museum of Art In its eighth season, Art on the Rocks will be themed around the museum’s summer exhibition, “Warhol and Cars: American Icons.” The event includes live outdoor music, food and drinks in the newly renovated sculpture garden, graffiti artists’ demonstration, interactive art scavenger hunts, photo booths and more. Visit www.artsbma. org for announcements about the music line-up and to buy tickets.
run in honor or memory of a loved one who has fought cardiovascular disease. A memorial will be set up on site to honor those who have lost that fight. Welcome ceremonies begin at 8:40 a.m. followed by aerobic warm-ups. The 5K walk/ run will begin at 9 a.m., with the course snaking through downtown Birmingham. To create Heart Walk teams or join an established team, visit BirminghamHeartWalk.org.
feature lute songs, madrigals and other selections inspired by music from Elizabethan England and the High Renaissance. Guests will receive complimentary wine, a signature drink and hors d’oeuvres. There will be a live and silent auction. A VIP reception and special performance will begin at 5:30 p.m. Buy tickets at www. magiccitychoralsociety.org or from committee members. BIRMINGHAM
Vintage quilts are now on display at Arlington. The event continues Photo special to the Journal through August.
Bards & Brews July 6, 6:30 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Birmingham Public Library’s poetry performance/beer tasting series hits the road in July. Events are on the first Friday of each month. The next edition of Bards & Brews will travel to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The open-mic program will be in the Ireland Room with live music and poetry performances starting at 7 p.m. Emcee Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins will guide novice and veteran poets through an evening of verse with topics from romantic relationships to the local political scene. Craft beer will be available for sampling, along with light refreshments. Attendees must be 18 years or older to be admitted and 21 years or older to be served.
BIRMINGHAM
HOOVER
BIRMINGHAM
Max and owners Carole and Ron Broglio are involved in supporting A Night Photo special to the Journal of Golden Opportunities June 28 at Mickeyʼs Grill. BIRMINGHAM
A Night of Golden Opportunities June 28, 6:30 p.m. Mickey’s Grill This is the first fundraiser for Adopt-a-Gold, a golden retriever rescue and adoption group. The event will include food, wine, craft beer from Good People Brewery and music by Crooked Road. A live auction will feature beach condos, art, vintage wine, a Napa winery stay, restaurant package and more. Tickets are $100 and are tax deductible. For more information or to buy tickets, call 985-4760, or visit www.facebook.com/adoptagoldenbirmingham. ❖
Quilts of Arlington Exhibit Luncheons and Dinner Thursdays Now-Aug. 31, 11:30 a.m.; July 21, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Arlington House This exhibit of vintage quilts will include weekly luncheons as well as a Midsummer American Quilt Celebration Dinner. The luncheons will be every Thursday through Aug. 31. Seatings are at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations are required. The dinner seatings will be 6 and 8 p.m. July 21. For reservations or for more information, call 780-5656. BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham Heart Walk June 30, 7:30 a.m. Linn Park Admission is free for this American Heart Association event with live entertainment, a family-friendly atmosphere and a 5K walk/run. Participants in the 5K can walk or
Summer Soiree June 29, 6 p.m. Matt Jones Gallery Themed “A Mid-Summer Night,” this year’s Summer Soiree benefiting the Magic City Choral Society will
Inksy’s Art Opening Event July 6, 6 p.m.; July 7, 10 a.m. Inksy’s Art at Patton Creek As part of the Grand Opening event for their new location in the Patton Creek Shopping Center, Insky’s Art will
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4 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
About Town
Save the Date Continued
The hunt is on
host Memphis artist Emery Franklin for a show and reception. Emery Franklin is cited by American Art Collector magazine as one of the up and coming artists from the American South. The event will begin with a reception July 6, where Emery will have his art on display from 6-8 p.m. and continue July 7 from 10 a.m. -6 p.m. To find out more about Emery Franklin and view his art, visit www.inskysart.com. Hoover
Getting ready for Homewood’s Scavenger Hunt are from left: Sherry Hartley with Alabama Goods, Jason Jones with Edgewood Jewelry, Mary Glen Carlton with Briarcliff Shop, Chrissy Bushnell with Needco The Cabinet Company, Sonya Jones with Sike’s Children’s Shoes, Greg Berry with Hair Group, Cindy Weniger with Jack and Jill Shop, Frank Youngs with Jack and Jill Shop and Sikes Children’s Shoes and Terrianne Teel with Hair Group. Journal Photo by Laura McAlister
Homewood
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Homewood Hunt July 1-Aug. 8 Participating Homewood shops The Homewood Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the first Homewood Hunt, a scavenger hunt for the competitive shopper. Twenty four stores in Edgewood and downtown Homewood are participating in the event that starts July 1 and runs through Aug. 8 ending with a $500 shopping spree in Homewood. Using the Homewood Hunt advertisement on page 5, follow the directions and find the store that matches the picture. When completed, fill out the entry information and turn it into the Homewood Chamber office located in the Homewood Public Library at 1721 Oxmoor Road. The form will also be on the Homewood Chamber website at www. homewoodchamber.com. ❖
City Vineyard Blues Fest July 7, 1 p.m. Arbor Place Shopping Center City Vineyard owner Gavin Ennis is hosting this event combining blues music, Alabama beers and wine tastings at his Greystone shop. Avondale Brewing, Back Forty, Beer Engineers, Blue Pants, Cahaba Brewing, Straight To Ale and Yellowhammer Brewing will serve their latest brews. There will be wine tastings and food from Crazy Cajuns and Pizza Express. There’s no charge for general admission, but guests can buy tickets for $75 to a VIP tent with seating close to the stage, free samples of the beer and wine offered at the event, food catered by Stones Throw Bar and Grill and more. Musicians will include Philip Dudley, 2 Blu and the Lucky Stiffs,
Microwave Dave and the Nukes, Kent Burnside and the New Generation. Hoover
Summer Acting Workshops for Seniors July 9-25, 10 a.m. Artists on the Bluff The Seasoned Performers’ Martha Haarbauer will lead these six fun and interactive two-hour acting workshops especially for senior adults. Topics include how to open up and express yourself, what an actor should really be thinking about, talking and listening on stage, conquering stage fright, playing different characters and expanding your imagination. Haarbauer has taught acting for more than 25 years at UAB. Theatre games and scene work will be used in the workshop; no memorization is necessary. Sessions are Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m.-noon. The fee for senior adults is $150 for all six sessions. For more information or to register, contact the Seasoned Performers at 978-5095 or mail@ seasonedperformers.org. Birmingham
Legally Blonde July 12-Aug. 5, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Virginia Samford Theatre Bailey Hanks, MTV’s “Search for
Open invitation
Elle” winner and Broadway leading lady, heads to Birmingham to star in this Red Mountain Theatre Company production. Show times are 7:30 p.m. ThursdaySaturday and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tickets are $30-$35; call 324-2424 or visit www.redmountaintheatre.org. Group, senior and student rates are available. Homewood
Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County July 20, 7 p.m.; July 21, 1 and 7 p.m. Samford University The 2013 Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County, formerly known as Junior Miss, will be at Wright Center Concert Hall at Samford University. Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County is an official local preliminary of Distinguished Young Women, a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent in young women. This year’s program will feature 22 young women from 10 area schools. Preliminary performances are July 20 at 7 p.m. and, July 21 at 1 p.m. The finals will be July 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance through participants or at the door. ❖
Birmingham
Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham plans three open house events Photo special to the Journal in July.
Ronald McDonald House Open House July 14, 21 and 28, 10 a.m. This event provides an opportunity to see the Ronald McDonald House, meet the staff and discover ways to volunteer. No reservations are needed. Those who attend are encouraged to donate a wish list item; the list is at www.rmhca. org. For 33 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama has provided a safe, affordable “home-away-from-home” for sick or injured children and their families when they travel to Birmingham for medical treatment. For more information, visit www.rmhca.org or contact Kathy Robson, volunteer and program manager, at 212-7258 or kathy.robson@rmhca. org. ❖
Big three day sale easy as 1-2-3!
Room one... 20% off all meRchandise Room two... 30% off all meRchandise Room thRee... 40% off all meRchandise Monday, July 9 through Wednesday, July 11
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Henhouse Antiques is becoming more eco-friendly. If you would like to join our contact list to hear about upcoming events, please send us your e-mail address to henhouseantiques@gmail.com
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 5
6 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
About Town
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
A Soiree and Runway
Making plans for Soiree@SoHo are, from left, front: Ben Goldman, Kimberly Rudolph and Casi Ferguson. Back: J.W. Swift, Mary Cummings, Ali Wilburn, Photo special to the Journal Tiffany Story and Meredith Foster. Homewood
Soiree@SoHo July 26, 6:30 p.m. Rosewood Hall in SoHo The Girl Scouts Young Professionals Society will host the third annual Soiree@ SoHo, formerly Soiree@Saks, from 6:30-9 p.m. Young professionals are invited to join the YP Society for live music, food and drinks, a silent auction and a role model runway fashion show by Belk at Brookwood Village. Proceeds allow girls in north-central Alabama to participate in Girl Scout programs. For sponsor and ticket information, contact Meredith Foster, communications coordinator, at 4539530 or mfoster@girlscoutsnca.org. ❖
visit www.otmj.com
50% off
Planning Vestavia Hills’ “I Love America” celebration are, from left: Richard Shahan, Martha Cook, Bob Journal photo by Morgan Hart Elliot, Karen Odle, Martine Craven, Jason Burnett and Katie Woodruff.
Bang-Up Ideas for the Fourth Over the Mountain and Surrounding Area Events Include Fireworks Shows, Festivities
By Morgan Hart
T
Journal Intern
he Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation will host the first event in its 31st annual “I Love America” Summer Celebration Series July 3. The community is invited to celebrate the Fourth of July event at Wald Park on U.S. 31. Those who attend are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, family members and friends to take part in activities, music and movies in the park. No pets will be allowed on the field. Admission is free to all events.
Thunder on the Mountain will again shoot its display of fireworks at Vulcan. Photo special to the Journal
The celebration will open with free swimming from 6-7:30 p.m. and children’s activities provided by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church from 6-8 p.m. The Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra will present “Pops in the Park,” a concert of patriotic and pops favorites for the entire family, beginning at 7 p.m. A movie showing of the family film “Rio” will begin at approximately 8 p.m. Refreshments will be available for purchase. In case of rain, the celebration will be July 13 at Wald Park. The second event of the “I Love America” series is Aug. 10 at Wald Park with free swimming
All Spring & Summer Clothes & Accessories
Beginning July 5th 74 Church Street • Crestline
Mon.-Fri. 10-5 & Sat. 10-4 • 871-7909 www.townandcountryclothes.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MIKE WEDGWORTH, 365-4344. mike@wedgworth.net
12 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
people
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Assistance League Announces New Officers
A New Assistance League leaders are, from left, front: Anne Whitaker, membership; Mary Ann Wade, president; June Pryor, treasurer; Colleen Adams, bylaws; and Melinda Thornbury, fundraising. Back row: Rochelle Sims, Operation School Bell; Carolyn Puryear, Operation Literacy; Marie Taylor, headquarters; Reba Williams, recording secretary; Barbara Kelley, community relations and Encore Thrift Shop; Molly Bee Bloetscher, PrimeTime Treasures; Joann Bruer, assistant treasurer; and Elizabeth Judd, education. Not pictured: Jody Dean, Operation School Bell; Jan Hoyle, correPhoto special to the Journal sponding secretary; and Jan Service, president-elect.
ssistance League of Birmingham recently held its final meeting of the year to announce its board of directors for 2012 -13. After a business meeting and installation of officers, members enjoyed lunch at The Club. An all-volunteer membership manages Assistance League’s three philanthropic programs. PrimeTime Treasures sells one-of-a-kind crafts, art, jewelry and furniture created by Alabama senior artisans. Operation
School Bell provides new clothing, jackets, socks, undergarments, personal care products and books to children in need. Operation Literacy provides tutoring and reading sessions to children in nearby schools. Assistance League also operates Encore Upscale Thrift Shop. Gently used furniture, clothes, art, jewelry, children’s clothes and toys are sold at low prices. Encore is an ongoing fundraising project that generates funds to support the league’s nonprofit programs. ❖
People Notes GSNCA Honors Volunteers The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama recently honored volunteers for their service in 2011. The group presents Appreciation Pins to volunteers in at least one geographic division or service unit within the council jurisdiction. Birmingham recipients this year include Wynda Owens, DeLois Turner and Cassandra Ward. The Honor Pin recognizes volunteers actively giving outstanding service by significantly contributing to membership growth and retention, resource development or increased community visibility in more than two geographic areas within the council’s jurisdiction. Honor Pin recipients include Celia Ardis of Birmingham and
Joan McLaughlin Page and Linda Richardson, both of Vestavia Hills. The President’s Award recognizes the efforts of a geographic area team or program delivery team in moving its assigned area or audience toward achievement of the council’s goals during a fiscal or membership year. Points are awarded for achievements in membership, program, diversity, family giving, community involvement, unit administration and communications. President’s Award winners include the Homewood Service Unit; Mountain Brook Service Unit; Rocky Heights Service Unit, Hoover/Vestavia; and the Shades Mountain Service Unit, Vestavia. Years of Service Recognition recognizes registered adult members for their years of active volunteer service at five-year intervals. Birmingham recipients include Peggie Myles, who received a 50-year pin; Queen Watts, 40-year pin; Frances Faulks, 25-year pin; and Jeanette Humes, Lonnie I. Jones Jr. and Wynda Owens, 20-year pins.
The choir is holding auditions for the 2012-13 concert season. For more information, visit www. birminghamboyschoir.com or contact Ken Berg at ken@birminghamboyschoir. com.
Boys Choir Announces Recent Graduates
Mission Director Earns National Award
The Birmingham Boys Choir recently announced its graduates. They are: Tanner Causey, Mark Muhihu, Cameron Estes, Graham Heifner, Jeffrey Ji, Andrew Boyd, Evan Pezant and Stephen Ritchey. Preparations are also underway for the annual Birmingham Boys Choir Summer Music Camp and 2013 concert tour.
Hoover Antique Gallery
Hoover’s Largest 80-Plus Vendors! 822-9500
Recent Birmingham Boys Choir graduates, with music director, Ken Berg, far left, include Tanner Causey, Mark Muhihu, Cameron Estes, Graham Heifner, Jeffrey Ji, Andrew Boyd, Evan Pezant and Stephen Ritchey. Photo special to the Journal
Birmingham’s Tom Zobel, director of the Brother Bryan Mission, recently received the annual Russ Reid Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions Conference in Orlando, Fla. Zobel became an AGRM board member in 1994 and was named vice president in 2003. Last year, after
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a brief retirement, Zobel took over Birmingham’s Brother Bryan Mission and helped launch the New-Life Recovery program. The mission sleeps 62 to 68 people a night and serves 130 to 180 meals a day. It provides recovery and Bible classes, life skill assistance and Christian counsel. AGRM, founded in 1913, is North America’s oldest and largest network of independent Christian crisis shelters and rehabilitation centers, offering radical hospitality in Jesus’ name.
McCain Appointed to Securities Commission Marlene M. McCain, CPA, has been appointed to the Alabama Securities Commission. Her appointment was made by Gov. Robert Bentley and confirmed by the
Alabama Senate. As a member of the commission, she will represent certified public accountants and serve a fouryear term. McCain has been with Warren Averett, LLC for eight years and is a member and director of the firm’s Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino division in Birmingham. She has more than 22 Marlene M. years of public McCain accounting experience and focuses her practice, including service to public companies, in financial services, not-for-profit, healthcare and technology. She is a former chairman of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants and has served as an ASCPA Council member and past president of the ASCPA Birmingham chapter. The Alabama Securities Commission regulates the securities industry in Alabama,
Birmingham Author Wins IPPY Judge and author Debra H. Goldstein was a winner in the 2012 Independent Publisher Book Awards. Goldstein received a bronze award for her mystery novel, “Maze in Blue,” in the Best Regional E-book category at the IPPY awards ceremony in New York. The IPPY Awards, launched in 1996, recognize titles published by
8 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
About Town
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
SATURDAY JULY 21ST
MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE
Be sure to visit these participating stores Tracery Interiors The Cook Store Sew Sheri Designs, LLC Little Flower Day Spa Lulie's on Cahaba The Dandé Lion Table Matters, LLC ANTIQUITIES, LLC Olexa's Catering Gilchrist Drugs Marguerite's Conceits Paige Albright Orientals A Tiny Kingdom The Lingerie Shoppe Bromberg & Co. Christine's Ritch's Pharmacy
Market Day
Saturday, July 21st Early Bird Tent Sale 8am to 11am - Up to 75% OFF! To: From:
2834 Culver Rd Date: Mtn Brook Village 802-8469 www.atinykingdom.com
Some of B'ham's hippest gifts will be up to 75% OFF!
ONE DAY ONLY!
Saturday, July 21, 8am - 5 pm
Hannon Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax June 2012 toys This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 28, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!
Birmingham’s Newest Antiques Shop
Market Day Sale
Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
Beverly Ruff Antiques
If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
Friday, July 20th and Saturday, July 21st Thank you for your prompt attention.
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To: Phillilp From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: June 2012
July Sale, 16th - 21st 60% OFF This is your aD PrOOF from the OverUp Theto MOunTain JOurnal for the June 28, 2012 issue. Please faxSpecials approval or changes to 824-1246. Added Daily!
2417 Canterbury Road • Mountain Village • 871-7872 Please make sure Brook all information is correct,
including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 9
ABOUT TOWN
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Market Day Sale Inside Byers' Choice Approved Sale on Select Carolers!
July 21st
look for bargains, including new this year, relics from the past and Mackenzie-Childs. also: Fragrances, linens, Scarves, and much more.
2411 Montevallo Rd. • Mountain Brook Village • 871-8297
879-0691 Inside Byers' Choice Approved Sale on Select Carolers!
July 20th - July 28th
To: 871-4985 From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: June 2012
Saturday, July 21st
This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for t June 28, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. 879-0691
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Thank you for your prompt attention.
July 21 2406 Canterbury road To: From: Date:
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Wesley Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 June 2012
This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the June 28, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
To: From: Date:
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Over the Mountain Journal June 2012
Savings up to 75% off
This is your aD prOOF FOr OTMJ June 28, 2012issue. please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Saturday, July 21st • 8am - 4pm
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About Town
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Getting ready for Mountain Brook Market Day are from left: Patricia Murray with Table Matters, Suzan Doidge with the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, Jessica Lipp with Olexa’s Cafe, Cakes and Catering, Paige Albright with Paige Albright Orientals, Lauren Stewart with Lulies on Cahaba and Joann Long with The Dandé Lion. Journal photo by Laura McAlister
Mountain Brook BARGAIN BINS UNDER TENT SALE DOES NOT APPLY TO SPECIAL ORDERS AND STORE CREDIT. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
2409 MONTEVALLO ROAD MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE
To: From: Date:
Market Day July 21, 8 a.m. Mountain Brook Village This annual merchant-centered event in Mountain Brook Village has been described as a European-style sidewalk and tent sale. The one-day-only flea market will have discounts up to 75 percent. Participating merchants often have preview sales, music and other special events. Visit www. welcometomountainbrook.com for more information. ❖
Tuesday, July 17 - Saturday, July 21 Kendall Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 June 2012 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 28, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
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2822 Petticoat Lane
Mountain Brook Village
A Taste for Victory
Vestavia Chef Hopes to Excel in Iron City Cooking Competition
BY LAURA MCALISTER
J
JOURNAL EDITOR
eremy Downey is no stranger to competition. He played on the 1992 University of Alabama national championship football team, though he admits he wasn’t one of the standout players. He said his time on the team did prepare him for the pressures of his job today. Jeremy is owner and chef of Bistro V in Vestavia Hills, along with business partner Emily Tuttle. Jeremy will be one of four competitors in this year’s Iron City Chef set for July 21 at Jefferson State Community College. The newcomer to this year’s Vestavia Rotary Club fundraiser hopes the competitive skills he learned on the field as well as his background will give him a leg up in the contest. The Bayou LaBatre native said there is a lot of competition when it comes to fine dining in Birmingham, but he hopes Bistro V can stand out in the downtown strip of Vestavia Hills near City Hall, where many eateries are geared to casual, express dining. “We’re trying to make this a good place for Vestavia,” Jeremy said. “It’s casual upscale dining. We have fresh seasonal food, which you used to have to go downtown to get. “This is a place you can wear your jeans and T-shirt – just please wear shoes – or you can dress up. It’s open for all.” Bistro V originally opened seven years ago under the name City Diner. The late Jennifer Claborn was the owner then, and Jeremy had recently moved to Birmingham with his wife to be the chef there. The couple now have two children. After Jennifer’s death, the restaurant closed. It reopened two years ago under the ownership of Jeremy and Emily. “We gave it a facelift,” Jeremy said of the interior. “We worked in more seasonal foods, fresh vegetables, seafood.” Seafood is a staple at Bistro V and in Jeremy’s family. With Snapper Grabbers next door to the bistro, you can bet the fish is fresh at the restaurant. Jeremy said they get all their seafood from Snapper Grabbers, which brings in fresh seafood from the Gulf. Jeremy serves a fish of the day as
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 11
PEOPLE
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
2012 Iron City Chef Sell-out crowds for the past three Iron City Chef Cook-Offs enjoyed gourmet dishes prepared by the chefs and students at the Jefferson State Culinary and Hospitality Institute, a festive atmosphere and a silent auction featuring fine art and other major items. An ample wine tasting, featured by Western Supermarkets, is a favorite event of the evening. When: July 21, 6 p.m. Where: Jefferson State Culinary and Hospitality Institute Shelby Campus off Valleydale Road by Spain Park High School
The Rules: Each of the four chefs will prepare an entree and dessert of their choice for about 300 dinner guests, who will vote on their two favorites to meet in the finals. Proceeds benefit the local Rotary Club District Disaster Relief Fund, the Vestavia Hills math and debate teams and Rotary International’s End Polio Now and Clean Water for the World projects. Tickets: $55 each. Buy them at www.rotarytoast.org or through a member of the Vestavia Rotary Club or Vestavia Hills debate or math team.
Meet the competition
Bistro V Chef Jeremy Downey gets ready for lunch service at the Vestavia Hills restaurant. Jeremy will be one of four area chefʼs competing in the Journal photo to by Laura McAlister Vestavia Hills Rotary Clubʼs Iron City Chef.
well as a risotto of the day. “I sometimes wake up in the morning thinking about what the fish of the day will be,” he said. “I love it that much. Then a kid or two jumps on my head.” Growing up in the coastal village of Bayou LaBatre, Jeremy knows his seafood. He said his family often had crawfish boils, and it’s the food he grew up eating that he craves most. While he learned lots from his father, who was the cook in his family, he also learned while working in college. Jeremy doesn’t have a degree in cooking, but he has lots of experience. He said it started with Alabama football. “There’s a lot of pressure in a restaurant,” he said. “Then I think about football. It took a lot of discipline. We practiced three times a day in the heat. “I try to think about those days when I’m in the kitchen, and we’re slammed.” While in Tuscaloosa, he worked at several restaurants. From those experiences, the English major learned his passion wasn’t so much words but food.
He moved to California and worked for a few five-star restaurants there and then went on to Washington, D.C., where he worked at famous restaurants like Vidalia’s and Zaytinya. “That was a Middle Eastern restaurant,” Jeremy said of the latter. “It seats 400, so when it’s really busy here, I look back at that and think, OK, this isn’t that bad.” Bistro V seats about 65 and is open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for brunch. ❖
Haller Magee, Satterfieldʼs
Angela Schmidt, Chef U
Haller Magee, chef at Satterfield’s in Cahaba Heights, discovered his love of cooking while playing hookie from school.
Angela Schmidt brings to the contest her family tradition of Japanese and U.S. Southern dishes, blended in a fusion of flavors. Her company, Chef U, is a major player in the Birmingham catering scene.
Get more OTM news • visit otmj.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter
Downey’s Dish Jeremy said this paella is a favorite at Bistro V.
Salt and pepper White wine
Ingredients: 1 link chorizo 6 mussels 4 shrimp 1 fish filet, quartered 1 cup cooked rice with saffron threads 1 T. corn 1 T. sweet peppers Chopped garlic and shallots
Directions: Sauté garlic and shallots, adding chorizo, mussels, shrimp and fish. Add saffron rice and a splash of white wine. Then add corn, peppers and fresh herbs. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, covered. Season with fresh herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Serve in bowls over rice and garnish with green onions. ❖
Harold West; David Bates, III; Len Shannon; Ben Ivey Jackson, Jr., CIC; David (Bubba) Bates, IV, CIC; Thomas A. (Tommy) Roberts, CIC; Henry S. (Sonny) Fowlkes III
Clif Holt, pictured with wife Maureen, Little Savannah Clif Holt worked with Chef Frank Stitt of Highland’s Bar and Grill before opening the popular Little Savannah in Forest Park with his wife, Maureen.
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About Town
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
from 6-7:30 p.m. and children’s activities provided by First Baptist Church of Birmingham from 6-8 p.m. Music by the Odd Quad will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the Vestavia Hills High School band at 7 p.m. The family film “The Muppets” will be presented at approximately 8 p.m. For more information, call 8235011. Additional area events celebrating the Fourth of July include: Chelsea
Big Kaboom July 3, 8 p.m. Chelsea Park The city of Chelsea will hold its sixth annual Big Kaboom Fireworks Celebration. The event will feature entertainment by local musical artists and fireworks at the Chelsea Park Subdivision and Chelsea Water Tower. For more information, visit www. cityofchelsea.com or call 678-8455. Birmingham
Thunder on the Mountain July 4, 9 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum Thunder on the Mountain will once again illuminate the skies above Vulcan. Free to the public, this year’s show will last about 20 minutes and include a variety of firework shells that will brighten the sky with new colors and patterns. The show will be choreographed to a musical soundtrack featuring a mix of patriotic favorites and popular musical performances. Prime viewing locations include Five Points South, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook and the UAB campus. Organizers are advising spectators to stake out a viewing point well in advance of the 9 p.m. show. For more information, visit www.visitvulcan.com. Homewood
Fourth of July Celebration July 4, 5:30 p.m. Downtown Homewood The city of Homewood and the Homewood Parks and Recreation Board will celebrate the Fourth of July in downtown Homewood. The streets will be closed to vehicles. The event opens at 5:30 p.m. and will include inflatables, rides, a DJ and interactive activities. Downtown Homewood is a great place to view the Thunder on the Mountain fireworks show at Vulcan Park. Activities end at the beginning of the fireworks show. Proceeds will benefit the H.E.A.T. program at Homewood Parks and Recreation and other community organizations. H.E.A.T. provides recreational opportunities for Homewood sixth-eighth graders. For more information, email rusty.holley@ homewoodal.org. Birmingham
July 4 Concert July 4, 7:30 p.m. UAB Bartow Area Lawn The free Fourth of July concert presented by the UAB Summer Band will return this Fourth. Bring lawn chairs and picnics to enjoy the musical performance, then watch the fireworks from Red Mountain. The hour-long concert will feature patriotic audience sing-a-long medleys, pops and traditional band music. Restrooms and rain cover are available at Bartow Arena.
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 7
Birmingham
Fourth at the Zoo, Red River Hogs Birthday Celebration July 2-4, All day; July 4, 1:30 p.m. Birmingham Zoo The Birmingham Zoo will celebrate not only the nation’s birthday this Fourth of July, but also three of its special residents. There will be a birthday celebration for the zoo’s three Red River Hogs on July 4 at 1:30 p.m. Star, Spangle and Banner are sisters who were born on July 4, 2006. Learn about Red River Hogs during an educational keeper chat and see Star, Spangle and Banner receive patriotic enrichment birthday gifts. Enjoy all the Zoo has to offer during the holiday, such as exploring the zoo’s newest exhibit, Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter, cooling off in the Foam Zone and experiencing an up-close and personal look at the Red Diamond Sea Lion Splash Show. In honor of our nation’s birthday, all active and retired military and their dependents get free admission to the zoo on July 2, 3 and 4 with valid military identification. Montevallo
America’s 236th Birthday July 4, 11 a.m. American Village Celebrate Independence Day at the American Village July 4. Gates open at 11 a.m. with events scheduled to begin at noon and continue through evening fireworks. Admission is $5 but free for ages 4 and younger, active military personnel and veterans. Homewood
OLS July 4th Celebration July 4, 10 a.m. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Alabama’s longest running barbecue festival will celebrate 63 years in Birmingham July 4 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The festival will feature 5,000 pounds of slow-cooked barbecue, music and karaoke entertainment as well as games. Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the day for a chance at a $10,000 grand prize. A popular feature of the fest is the Trash ‘n’ Treasure rummage sale in the gymnasium. Among the thousands of items filling the gym are vintage toys, housewares, jewelry, electronics, clothing and shoes for men, women and children. There will also be a huge tent filled with furniture. The first 300 bargain hunters who donate $5.00 for an early bird ticket will be admitted at 8 a.m. Otherwise, shoppers can enter for free at 9: a.m. Like ‘OLS Trash and Treasure’ on Facebook for updates. Harpersville
Music and Fireworks in the Vineyards July 4, 6 p.m. Morgan Creek Vineyards and Winery Morgan Creek in Harpersville will host Music and Fireworks in the Vineyards July 4 from 6-9:30 p.m. Entertainment featuring music by Tekneek will kick off the night with food served by Full Moon Bar-BQue. Tours and wine tasting will be available, but the event is familyfriendly. The celebration will end with fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m. ❖
Celebrate the birth of the nation as well as these three Red River Hogs at the Birmingham Zoo. The hogs were born on July 4th and appropriately named Star, Spangle and Banner. The zoo will have a birthday celebration for them on the Photo special to the Journal Fourth.
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 13
people
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
independent authors and publishers. For more information about Goldstein’s books, visit www. debrahgoldstein.com.
Bailey Is Regions Tradition Volunteer of the Year
Brad Bailey, second from right, receives the Regions Tradition Volunteer of the Year award from, from left: Wayne Gillis, Matthew Dent and Mike Thompson. Photo special to the Journal
Stephen W. Shaw, outgoing chairman of the Alabama Commission of Higher Education, left, receives a plaque from new chairman Jeff Coleman, for his years of service to the organization.
Photo special to the Journal
JULY 4TH
Weekend
The Regions Tradition, along with the Champions Tour, recently named Brad Bailey as Regions Tradition Volunteer of the Year. At each Champions Tour event, an individual is recognized for outstanding service and dedication. Bailey received a Waterford crystal gift with a Champions Tour logo and will now become a finalist for the Champions Tour’s Volunteer of the Year award at the end of the 2012 season. Volunteers are present at all PGA Tour co-sanctioned events, with approximately 1,000 people volunteering at each Champions Tour tournament. Their efforts have helped the PGA Tour and its tournaments donate more than $1.7 billion to charity over the years, including more than $118 million last year.
in August. Shaw, a Birmingham attorney, was commended in a resolution presented by fellow board members for his exemplary leadership on critical higher education issues as well as his dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for Alabama citizens. ❖
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Shaw Honored for ACHE Service Stephen W. Shaw, outgoing chairman of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, has been honored for his two-year leadership term on the state’s coordinating board for public higher education. He was appointed to the commission as an at-large member by Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley in 2003. He was named chairman in 2010 and will end his term
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14 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
Cover story
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
A total of 88 veterans as well as their guardians attended Birmingham Honor Flight’s last trip to the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C.
a flight to remember Birmingham’s last Honor Flight took off June 21 carrying 88 veterans to visit the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. In four years, the organization has taken nearly 1,000 WWII vets to see the memorial for free.
Eugene “Britt” Butler shakes hands with a Navy seaman on arrival at the Baltimore airport. Britt served in the Navy during World War II.
Here we GROW again! Henderson & Walton Women’s Center is excited to announce our new satellite office in Chelsea! The physicians you know and trust at our main office in Birmingham will now be coming to YOU in Chelsea. They bring with them the excellence you have come to expect—healthcare that is delivered in a personal, considerate, sensitive and knowledgeable manner. Henderson & Walton’s physicians are Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and affiliated with St. Vincent’s Birmingham.
Above: Veterans on the Honor Flight visited the World War II monument, as well as others on the day trip. Right: A World War II veteran takes in the monument.
So, if you’ve been looking for quality women’s healthcare, you’ve found it—right here in your neighborhood! Give us a call today at (205) 678-8093 to set up an appointment in our Chelsea office and meet our physicians.
398 Chesser Drive, Suite 3 | Chelsea, AL 35043
Left: Dr. John Carter of Homewood was one of the some 60 World War II veterans on Birmingham’s last Honor Flight. Above: Marsh Adams of Vestavia Hills attended the Honor Flight with his daughter, Shanne.
photos by Lee Walls Jr. Visit www.otmj.com to see more photos from Birmingham’s last Honor Flight
“If you’ve been to the memorial, there are two walls with bronze plaques depicting different battles and events. It reminded me of several things that happened, some humorous and some that I don’t particularly like to remember.” – Dr. John Carter
Honor flight, from Cover
who were well enough to make the busy day trip, so the organization continued its fundraising efforts for another year and raised the money, about $75,000, it takes to make the trip. Eugene “Britt” Butler, 89, is glad it did. The Vestavia Hills resident and retired vice president and secretary of Southern Progress made his first trip to the memorial thanks to the June 21 Honor Flight. “I haven’t been to Washington in a long time,” Britt said. “It was my first time going to the memorial and probably my last.” Britt served in the Navy’s Seabee 85th Battalion in the Pacific. He was there for 27 months before returning home, which then was Texas, in January 1946. “I was a draft dodger,” he joked. “I joined the Navy to stay out of the Army. I took a course at Texas A&M and found out that I could join the Seabees as a petty officer instead of as a seaman.” When Britt returned home, there were no big parades. He was one of many coming back. It was a different scene for the veterans on the Honor Flight. The group met at the BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport at about 5:30 a.m. the day of the trip. There they met their guardian, the person assigned to tour the memorial with them, and received instructions about what to expect. When they arrived in Baltimore, they were greeted by active-duty military; on this trip it was the Navy. “There was a whole group of Navy seamen there,” Britt said. “They were in their white uniforms there to greet us as we got off the plane. I shook hands with everybody and told them I was in
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 15
Cover Story
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
the Navy three years and never had the chance to wear whites. We wore green work uniforms.” From the airport, the group headed straight to the World War II memorial. This would mark John’s fourth trip to the memorial, but he said it was a one-of-a-kind experience to go alongside other World War II veterans. John was a communication specialist with the paratroopers. He was activated to Europe shortly after Normandy was invaded. In fact, his unit was supposed to take part in the invasion, but plans were changed at the last minute. “They decided the logistics of two invasions at the same time in Normandy just wouldn’t work,” said John, 90. The day at the memorial brought back many war memories for John and the other veterans. “If you’ve been to the memorial, there are two walls with bronze plaques depicting different battles and events,” said John, retired dean of education for Samford University. “It reminded me of several things that happened, some humorous and some that I don’t particularly like to remember.” Like Britt, John doesn’t recall a big homecoming celebration after the war. There was a band in New York, he said, when they got off the ship. Then back in his hometown in Mississippi, he was greeted by his fiancée Frances, who’s now his wife. Frances is a World War II veteran, as well, but she didn’t make the Honor Flight. However, she was there again to welcome her husband home June 21. In addition to John’s wife and family, several groups and servicemen and women welcomed the veterans home at the Birmingham airport after the flight. They held up signs and waved flags, cheering the veterans after they got off the plane.
Even though Pam has been on all of Birmingham’s 16 Honor Flights, she said it never gets old watching the welcome the vets get from Baltimore to Birmingham. “That’s one of the most emotional times of the trips,” she said of landing at the two airports. “The veterans are so surprised, so humbled that even though it’s been over 65 years people still care enough to be there to welcome them. “I’ve done this 16 times, and every
time I feel like I won’t cry, but that never seems to work. It’s just very emotional.” In addition to being humbled by their welcome, Britt said it’s also humbling to know that the Honor Flight program has taken so many WWII veterans to the memorial at no cost to them. The chartered flight and meals are all free to the veterans. Guardians pay $400 and go through a brief orientation to attend. “I think it’s great that they’re doing
this, and I got to be included,” Britt said. “It was a wonderful trip, and they did a beautiful job all the way through.” ❖
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31st Annual
I Love America
Summer Celebration Series Presented by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation
n Bring your ow or r lawn chai blanket
at Wald Park Tuesday, July 3
Free Admiss io to all ev n ents
Free Swimming 6:00-7:30 PM Children’s Activities by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church 6:00-8:00 PM Pops in the Park~Patriotic Music by the Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra 7:00 PM
*Family Movie 8:00 pm Friday, August 10
Free Swimming 6:00-7:30 PM Children’s Activities by First Baptist Church of Birmingham 6:00-8:00 PM Music by the Odd Quad 6:00-6:50 PM 7:10-8:00 pm; VHHS Band 6:50-7:10 PM
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*Visit www.vestaviahills.org for movie titles Concessions Available for Purchase
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Rain Date: July 13 at Wald Park
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Adult admission is $7 and student/senior is $6. Active military & families are free. Museum family memberships are $45. Tues. – Sat., 9:30 p.m. 4343 73rd St.a.m. No. –•4:30 833.8226 www.southernmuseumoffl ight.org 4343 73rd Street North, Birmingham 833-8226 • southernmuseumofflight.org
Anytime Fitness * Birmingham Ballet * Cellular Sales * Express Oil Change & Service Center David Faulkner for Circuit Court Judge * First Baptist Church of Birmingham * Judge Sherri Friday Kwik Kopy Printing~Vestavia * The Maids * Oakworth Capital Bank * Pinnacle Bank * Republican Women of the South Rollingwood Apartments * Roofing & Painting Contractor~Oswaldo Sialer * Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Judge Virginia A. Vinson * Wood & Spooner Cosmetic & General Dentistry
**Please Note: No Pets will be allowed on the field.
16 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
social
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
A Night in the Big Apple
Front, from left: Kate Kiefer, Carol Sue Nelson, Dianne Mooney and Mary Welden. Back: Kate Darden, Jill Carter, Jason Harpe, Dolly O’Neal, Bruce Sokol, Jennifer Andress, Kim Mitchell and Rosalind Griffin.
Golf, Casino Night Raise Funds for BCRFA
T
more
he Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) raised nearly $275,000 from two recent events. The Fifth Annual Pink Palace Casino Night was held May 19, at Ted’s Garage. More than 400 guests reveled in the Big Apple themed evening. Over 100 golfers turned up at Old Overton Club for the 17th Annual Drive Out Breast Cancer LPGA Pro-Am on May 21. Pink Palace Casino Night co-chairs Rosalind Griffin, Joy Jennings, Janet L. Fritz, Carol Pinkerton, Gay Roberts and Debbie Butterworth presided over the VegasStyle casino action featuring professional dealers provided by Alliance Game Rentals. The co-chairs also dazphotos at zled guests with Gotham décor and a photo booth from Classic Events while DJ Coco kept a festive spin on the evening. Guests noshed on a themed menu created by Kathy G. & Company, which was based on famous New York neighborhoods Little Italy, Chinatown, Harlem, SoHo and Broadway. Co-Chairs Jill and Brent Carter hosted 25 amateur foursomes at Old Overton for the Drive Out Breast Cancer LPGA Pro-AM. Each foursome was paired with an LPGA pro in the scramble format. Winners of the tournament were: Low Gross Winning Team: David Busby, Josh Jones, Angela Jerman-Pro, Dirk Williams and Mike Henry, each winning a FootJoy Sports Duffle Bag First Place Team: Dr. Andres Forero, Cindy Owen, Colleen Walker, Pro, Jill and Brent Carter and Carol Myers each winning a FootJoy Rain Suit. Second Place Team: Jackie Davis, Holly Boone, Shirley Furlong, Pro, Tonia Whatley and Jan Harris, each winning DryJoy Golf Shoes. Third Place Team: David Kimerling, Brenda Hackney, Lisa Ferrero, Pro, Jim Thompson and Morris Hackney, each winning a Sta-Sof FootJoy Glove and a bottle of Bell Glos La Altureas Pinot Noir. ❖
OTMJ.COM
Gay Roberts, Janet Lynn Fritz, Joy Jennings, Carol Pinkerton, Rosalind Griffin and Debbie Butterworth
First place team Dr. Andres Forero, Cindy Owen, Colleen Walker, Pro, Jill and Brent Carter and Carol Myers
Second Place Team: Jackie Davis, Holly Boone, Shirley Furlong, Pro, Tonia Whatley and Jan Harris
Casino Night photos by Veronica Booth Tournament photos by Chip Shots Photography
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 17
SOCIAL
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Send us your party pics! • Email your event pictures along with a short write up to editorial@otmj.com.
The 2013 smarts have arrived at Crown Automobile.
Andy and Jeanna Westmoreland, Larry and Lisbeth Cease and Andy Andrews
T
Photos special to the Journal
Author Headlines Legacy League Gala
he Legacy League, an auxilia- Buddy, third vice president Lisbeth ry of Samford University, held Cease with Larry, recording secretary Kathryn Woodruff with its fourth annual Scholarship Byron, historian Ann Layne with Gala May 3 at Vestavia Country Ron, scholarship chairman Paula Club. Gossett with Kerry, newsletter The gala featured bestselling chairman Carolyn Robinson with author and speaker Andy Andrews Michael, yearbook chairman Karen and included a private reception folBergquist with John and director of lowed by dinner. development Sharon Smith. Nearly 250 attended the dinner, Ways and Means Committee with about 115 of those also attendchairman Lisbeth Cease welcomed ing the reception. dinner guests and gave the invocaLegacy League was formerly tion. Layla known as Humphries, Samford director of University Dawson Auxiliary. Music The group’s Academy, purpose is to provided vioraise scholarlin music durship funds so ing dinner. that deservJeanna ing students shared some with financial history of needs are the Legacy able to attend League, tellSamford. ing guests The league that the group has a goal has awarded of endowalmost ing one new $500,000 in scholarship scholarships each year. The since the new Legacy endowment Scholarship fund was is the 20th Author Andy Andrews established in named schol1988. arship created by the league. Scholarship recipient Cassie The gala contributed more than Sizemore, a communication stud$36,000 toward endowing the new ies major who graduated in May, Legacy Scholarship. The total thanked the Legacy League and amount raised this year for the new scholarship by all fundraising activi- shared her story of hoping to attend Samford and knowing it would not ties is more than $52,000. be possible due to a difficult family The committee planning the situation. With the help of a scholarScholarship Gala included chairship from the Legacy League, she is man Lisbeth Cease, Cindy now ready to pursue a career. Cassie Bartlett, Karen Bergquist, Bonnie is one of 13 Samford students who Chapman, Kathy Clay, Terre received scholarships for the year Currey, Penny Kimrey, Jane just completed. Lewis, Sharon Smith, Jeanna Penny Kimrey introduced guest Westmoreland and Kathryn speaker Andrews, whose parents met Woodruff. Legacy League officers and com- at Howard College, now Samford University. mittee chairmen who attended the The Legacy League’s next fungala were executive director Jeanna draising event is the Sunset 5K for Westmoreland with husband Andy, Scholarships Sept. 29. The event president Penny Kimrey with Phil, first vice president Becky Seay with will include a one-mile fun run. For
Starting at $12,490.
information, visit www.samford.edu/ legacyleague. ❖
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
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T
he Literacy Council recently held its inaugural Girlfriend Gala at WorkPlay in downtown Birmingham. Dr. Alexander Elaborately decorated tables Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., were the stage for “Chicks Flicks: 205-824-1246, fax Celebrating Girls on Film.” Some June 2012 ladies took the fun up a notch wearing outfits that were straight out This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOurnAl for the their theme film’s wardrobe departJune 28, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. ment. There please make sure all information is correct, were more photos at Disney including address and phone number! Princesses, Marilyn Monroes please initial and fax back within 24 hours. if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, from your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, Holly Golightlys from “Breakfast at Thank you for your prompt attention. Tiffany’s”, bridesmaids of all types from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “27 Dresses” and some sassy ladies from a very famous little house in Texas. Food, music and door prizes added to the memorable evening. Still riding high on the success of the event’s first year, the Girlfriend Gala committee and Literacy Council team have begun planning for 2013. Anyone interested in participating as a committee member, sponsor or purchasing table should contact The Literacy Council. The event is tentatively planned for April 2013 with a day to be determined. Proceeds from the Girlfriend 1829 29th Ave. So. • Homewood • 870-8110 Gala benefit literacy programs that help teach adults to read and speak English. ❖
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Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 19
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Celebrate Independence Day with Fireworks from Steed's Jewelers!
Left: Bruce and Jackie MacClary, Jim Simmons and Helen Camp and Katie and Bobby Howard. Right: Jim and Robin Photos special to the Journal Sulzby, Lucy and Dan Allison and Brownie and Barry Evans
Muses Gather for Spring Party
M
uses Dance Club members were invited to an evening of merrymaking at the Mountain Brook Club. Those who attended were invited to wear flip-flops, straw hats and sunglasses to the event, which had an Indonesian island backdrop. Planning the party were Margaret Harper and her team, Judy Bewley, Mary Ellen Clark and Mary French. Raffia curtains hung from the doorways, which were surrounded with island raffia interspersed with hibiscus flowers. Tall fresh palms stood at the doorways. A guitar player strumming island tunes greeted members before they were welcomed with colorful leis. Bartenders in straw hats and leis staffed bars draped with hibiscus table skirts. Beach Boys music played on the terrace. The dining room tables, covered in yellow cloths, were centered with fishbowl glasses containing yellow floating flowers. Luau balloon lanterns hung from the walls; palm leaves and colorful flowers adorned the buffet table. At the party were president Lucy Allison with Dan; vice president Brownie Evans with Barry; secretary Karen Chapman; and treasurer Robin Sulzby with Jim. The 117 members dined on a Caribbean-style menu that included the club’s signature salad, grilled jerk chicken, grilled mahi-mahi with mango salsa, saffron rice, black beans and sausage, roasted asparagus, cornpones and
shrimp fritters. Desserts were mini-Key lime and chocolate tartlets. Among those at the party were: LuLu and Jim Abernathy, Pinkie and Gene Ashley, Nancy and Max Austin, Ann and John Baker, Peggy and Buck Barnhart, Marie and Ronnie Baynes, Eloise and Davis Bennett, Judy and Adrian Bewley, Ann and Luke Bloodworth, Francislee and Ashby Boulware, Jane and Bill Costenbader, Bebe and Charlie Bugg, Helen Camp with Jim Simmons, Mary Ellen and Tom Clark, Mary and Bobby Cobb, Joy and Lee Cooper, Sarah and Bob Creveling; Judy and John Feagin, Mary and Jamie French, Pat and Clarke Gillespy, Bobbie Ann and Vann Goodner, Betsy and Bill Gresham, Margaret and John Harper, Harriet and Larry Hawkins, Janie and Jimbo Henderson, Beth and Rich Henry, Katie and Bobby Howard, Ann and Leland Hull, Mary Ruth and Fred Ingram, Caroline and Jimmy Kelly, Linda and Sam Johnson, Ann and Gilly Key, Dee and Jim King, Mary Kay and John Klyce, Betty and Bill Knight; Robbie and Warren Lightfoot, Mimi and Henry Little, Kay and Harry Littleton, Carolyn and Thad Long, Jackie and Bruce MacClary, Cornelia and Art Malone, Carole Ann and Bobby Moorer, Kathy and Mark Myatt, Bette and Crawford Owen, Mary Elizabeth and Bill Patterson, Kay and Tommy Payne,
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822-9163 Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-124 June 2012
This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTa June 28, 2012 issue. please fax approval or change
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Opera Birmingham Chooses ‘Opera Idol’
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To: From: Date:
Evening Marks Group’s 34th Annual Vocal Competition
pera Birmingham celebrated its 34th annual vocal competition May 20 with Opera Idol 2012, a finals competition and gala dinner at the Vestavia Country Club. Tenor Matthew Newlin of • Wood window restoration and repair Georgetown, Ill., won the Martha Dick McClung Award and was • Sash replacement, rot repair named the winner of the vocal com• Replace broken and fogged glass petition. • Wood insulated, putty glazed, and Among those sponsoring indicomposite vinyl replacement sashes vidual prizes were Nanci Chazen, • Locally owned and operated Birmingham Opera Guild, Jane Paris and Chandler Smith, Mike and MaryAnne Freeman, Sara Sistrunk and Julius E. Linn Jr. The evening began with cocktails in the reception room. After the RESPECT - DIGNITY - RESULTS cocktail reception, guests assembled in the concert room where the five competition finalists, accompanied by pianist Elden Little, sang for the audience and judges Janet Jarriel, artist manager and founder of JEJ Artists; John D. Jones, general QUALITY vs. Quantity is our STRENGH director of Opera Birmingham; and With only 6 clients at a time, one doesn’t get lost in a crowd. Leah Partridge, soprano and winJimTrue individualized drug and alcohol addiction treatment ner of the 2002 Opera Birmingham in The a home-like environment. holistic approach inOver Mountain Journal, PHONE: Our 205-823-9646 vocal competition. cludes dry sauna to cleanse the body, massage therapist, Among those at the event FAX: 205-824-1246 yoga, LMHC counseling, and much more. 24/7care. State were Joyce and Bill Billingsley, Oct. 2010 licensed and qualifies for court referrals. Cameron This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the and Scott Vowell, Ann Hillhouse, Marsha and John Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Markus, Jean Shanks, Vicki and All contact and consultations are confidential. Wilton Bunch, Jason Turner, Robert Listerman, Martha and Fletcher Yeilding, Lavonne and local email butlers101@aol.com Joe Sanders, Jennifer and Terry Joyce, Becky and Bo Bashinsky, Charles Rountree, Tad Cherry, Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Chris Gagliano, Emily Omura, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. Pat Scofield, Dorothy McDaniel, Diane and Scott Selman, Karyn Thank you for your prompt attention. and Brent Uptain, Betty Healey, Joan Parker, Beverly Kausch, Jane Hinds, Courtney Monnette, Madison Monnette, George H. Smith, Darla and Paul Mosteller, Patti Mulock, Ray Floyd, Cleve Kinney, Lida Hill and Jan and Jim Briley. After the competition, board president Dorinda Smith welcomed the singers and audience to the grand ballroom, decorated in a Japanese theme as a preview to the coming season’s performance of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” Centerpieces were variations of Ikebana atop round tables draped with white cloths and accented with teal napkins. Dinner included Asian greens with mandarin oranges, water chestnuts, crispy rice noodles and sesame ginger vinaigrette followed by Filet Dengaku and Shrimp Duet, miso glazed grilled filet paired with sesame crusted shrimp in a sweet soy glaze and served with wasabi mashed potatoes, snow peas, Shiitake mushrooms, bok choy and shoestring carrots. Dessert offerings were green tea
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Marsha Markus, Andrea White and Betty Healey
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Elden Little, Patti Mulock, Martha Pezrow, Patty McDonald and Julius Linn
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crème brûlée, plum tart and white chocolate passion fruit truffle. Among those at the dinner were Joyce Heslip and Bill Williams, Patrick Cather, Kathy and Jim Emison, Patty McDonald and Jeffrey Klinner, John Smith, Kim Jemison, Corbin Day, Susan and Lee Reeves, Martha Pezrow, Jean and Bill Foster, Lynn and Michael Meeks, Sue Krieder, Carol Ann Smith, Bob McKenna, Tonie and Gene Bone, Antoinette and John Cipriano, Tallulah Hargrove, Fay Hart, Janis Zeanah, John Wideman, Mimi Jackson, Tommy Thompson, Andy Duxbury, Janet Emerson, Jody Wienstien, Jessie McLain,
Vickie McLain, Shelly Ann Edge McDonald and Teodora Nicola. The vocal competition semifinalists and judges were welcomed earlier in the weekend with a barbecue dinner hosted by Andrea and Goodloe White at the Crest Club at Arlington Condominiums. Dining in the club room overlooking the pool and the Birmingham skyline were Andy Keith and Emily Kitchens, Robert Raiford, Zane Rhoades and Mary Gail and Wilfred Yeargan. Nanci and Steve Chazen also entertained the judges at a small dinner party at their Mountain Brook home. ❖
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 21
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Savor The Season! Silver Queen Corn
Anita Madan, Andrew Nix, J.T. Price and Erin May Price
Photos special to the Journal
Jazz Fest Has New Orleans Flavor
T
Nikki Tucker Thomas, Georgia Sullivan Haggerty and Arnita Brown Foster
he Birmingham Bar Foundation hosted one of its signature events, the 2012 Jazz Fest, May 12. New Orleans flair, food and jazz set the tone for the festivities. Members of Birmingham’s legal community and other guests attended the event at Veranda on Highland. Proceeds will go to the foundation’s charitable endeavors, including grants to nonprofit organizations. The menu featured traditional New Orleans cuisine prepared by executive chef Jeffery Hansell, a Gulf Coast native. Dishes included jambalaya, shrimp etouffee, oysters and desserts. Two jazz bands, caricature artists and a silent auction provided the evening’s entertainment. Established in 1994, the Birmingham Bar Foundation is the charitable arm of the Birmingham Bar Association. ❖
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To: andysnur@bellsouth.net From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: June 2012
JL Book Club Gathers for Party
T
he Junior League of Birmingham Sustainers’ Book Club held its annual spring party at the home of Amy Weber. Susan Elliott, book club cochairman, coordinated the event and welcomed members. Hors d’oeuvres from Junior League cookbooks were served, including Caribbean salsa with tortilla chips, sundried tomato spread with bagel crisps, olive tapenade with baguette slices and chocolate brownies. Appreciation was expressed for the efforts of Amy Sanders, sustainer liaison, who arranged for the preparation and delivery of the hors d’oeuvres, served with a sampling of red and white wines. Members of the Junior League Sustainers’ four individual book groups shared the titles of the books they read over the past year. Leslie McLeod is the club’s chairman for 2012-13 year. Nancy Canada was introduced as the club’s new co-chairman. Lynda Whitney will be newsletter editor. Members at the party were Beth Adams, Louise Gillespy, Elna Brendel, Carol Ringland, Susan Elliott, Martha Hiden, Biddy Osbun, Charlotte Whitaker, Tellis Shoemaker, Leslie McLeod, Jill
Andy’s
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Carol Ringland, Betsy Gresham, Margaret Smith and Jill Dangler Photo special to the Journal
Bettie Boyd Sullivan, Marlea Foster and Eloise Bennett
Dangler, Nancy Canada, Eloise Bennett, Betsy Gresham, Kay Clark, Lora Terry, Ju-Ju Beale, Bettie Boyd Sullivan, Becky Smith,
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
The Sporting Life
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 25
home
Area is Now Home to Sports Illustrated Writer Lars Anderson
By Donna Cornelius
A
Journal Features Writer
ccording to Rod Stewart, every picture tells a story. So do some refrigerators. At a Palmetto Street cottage in Homewood, visitors need only glance at the fridge to see that the house’s owner isn’t your typical 9 to 5 guy. Posted there are a letter from University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban, a handwritten note from Sen. Jeff Sessions and an Air Force Two pass. The mementos belong to Lars Anderson, a Sports Illustrated writer who moved to Birmingham in 2004. “I’d become a staff writer at SI covering college football and NASCAR and realized it would be far easier to cover those from here than from Manhattan,” he said. Lars wrote the article for which he’s perhaps best known in these parts, a gripping story about the tornado that struck Tuscaloosa April 27, 2011, from his Edgewood home, in his bedroomturned-home office. The letters from Saban and Sessions praise the piece; Saban adds his thanks for Lars’s feature story on the Crimson Tide’s 2011 defense. And the Air Force Two pass? “I rode down from D.C. to Daytona with Vice President Cheney,” Lars said. While the writer has rubbed shoul-
ders with some pretty famous folks, he’s been happy to be part of friendly Edgewood. “I liked the shops here and being able to walk to Homewood Park,” he said. “It’s one of the few communities around that’s actually a walking community, like New York. I love this neighborhood.” Even more than Edgewood, however, Lars loves his girlfriend. He’s leaving Palmetto Street for her home in Cahaba Heights. His Homewood Tudor-style house, now for sale, was built in 1934, he said. “I think I’m only the fifth owner,” said Lars. “Twin sisters who never married lived here for 65 years. The house had good stewardship, and that’s one of the things that convinced me to live here.” While the house has retained its original charm – with hardwood floors, glass doorknobs and wooden windows – it has something most neighboring homes can’t claim. “I’m willing to bet a lot of money that it has the biggest bathroom in Homewood,” Lars said. Gamblers may want to think twice about taking that bet. The up-to-date master bathroom is almost as big as the master bedroom. It has tile floors, an elevated garden tub and separate shower and an adjoining walk-in closet and laundry room.
While the refrigerator decorations will leave with Lars, future owners of the house will likely enjoy the sunny eating area of the kitchen, where a gas cooktop is built into the countertop. Besides his office, a favorite writing spot for Lars has been the shady courtyard just outside his bedroom. Separate from the rest of the large fenced-in backyard, the courtyard has been the perfect spot for parties as well as for creative efforts, Lars said. “It’s intensely private,” he said. “I probably wrote about 100 stories sitting out here. You can’t hear the street traffic.” The only intrusive noise, he said, came from his Cockapoo, Frenchie. “Once I was in the courtyard talking to CNN International about the tragic death of Dan Weldon, the British racing driver,” he said. “Frenchie started barking right in the middle of the interview.” A friend of Lars’s happened to be in a Shanghai airport when the interview aired on TVs there. “She texted me and said, ‘I think I heard Frenchie barking,’” he said. Then he adds, “But she didn’t hear any car traffic.” ‘A Great Gig’ During his childhood in Lincoln, Neb., Lars didn’t dream of being a writer. “My father was a lawyer,” he said.
Lars Anderson said he likes to write stories sitting out in the courtyard of his Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr. Homewood home. Lars is a writer for Sports Illustrated.
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To: From: Date:
Tricia Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Mayl 2011
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22 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
Newton-Gargis
Carrie Elizabeth Newton and Phillip Douglas Gargis Jr. were married April 14 at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Navarre Beach, Fla. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Newton of Vestavia Hills. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Phil Gargis of Homewood. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown inspired by the ‘50’s style Grace Kelly and Old World Monaco. The princess line gown of
Knuth-Melvin
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Knuth of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Leigh Knuth, to Robert Alan Melvin, son of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Melvin of Senatobia, Miss., formerly of Hoover. The bride-elect is the granddaugh-
Legg-Miller
Mr. and Mrs. William Anderson Legg Jr. of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Martha Martin, to John Edward Miller, son of
Weddings & Engagements Grimaldi lace had lace shoulder straps and a sweetheart neckline. It was finished by a lace hem with swags and cascades. The matron of honor was Jaimie Livingston, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Maimie Livingston, niece of the bride; Meagan Lacey, future sister-in-law of the bride; Kathryn Gargis, sister of the groom; Caroline Trefethen, cousin of the bride; Jana Newton, sister-in-law of the bride; Amy Young; Lindsey Westbrook; Kimberly Barton; Mary Anne Osborne; Ashley Brown and Kate Smythe. Martha and Adele Boudreau, cousins of the bride, were flower girls. The father of the groom was his best man. Groomsmen were Jason Whiddon; Michael Mann; Clay Gaulden; T.J. Bryan; Drew Ryan; Tyler Wiechman; Jason Barker; John Newton, brother of the bride; John Livingston, brotherin-law of the bride; and Parker Gargis, brother of the groom. Hardy and John David Livingston, nephews of the bride, were ring bearers. After a honeymoon trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico, the couple live in Homewood.
Summers-King
Natalie Ruth Summers and Allen Christian King were married May 19 at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Mark Yoder and Phil Hurt
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
officiated at the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ted Sartin and Dr. Bill Summers of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris King of Birmingham. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a V-neck Monique Lhuillier sheath gown made of Alencon lace. A silk satin ribbon accented the waist and was tied in the back with a bow. Pearl buttons encompassed the back of the dress down to the soft chapel-length train. The bride also wore a fingertiplength veil trimmed in Alencon lace. The maid of honor was Kacy Summers, sister of the bride; matron of honor was Corley Tickle, stepsister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Adelle Burton,
Hutton Fant, Brooke Fleming, Amy Kathryn Gannon, Marguerite Gray, Catherine Hawkins, Morgan Henry, Catherine Hurley, Sara Claire Martin, Helen McDougald, Walton Newman and Allison Pace. Hannah Gidley, cousin of the bride, was flower girl. The groom’s father was best man. Groomsmen were Matthew Ballard, Jeff Bissell, Stephen Bowie, Wesley Burkett, Matthew Centeno, James Gannon, Andrew King, Lee King, Wilson King, Matt McCord, Claiborne Morris, Brandon Pilot and Will Summers. Jon Edward Gidley and Murphy Hawkins, cousins of the bride, were ring bearers. After a honeymoon to San Francisco and Napa Valley, the couple live in Birmingham.
Pizzitola-Dill
a bachelor’s degree in interior design. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Cummings of Ethelsville and the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas James Dill of Ethelsville. Mr. Dill is a 2003 graduate of New Hope High School and a 2008 graduate of the University of West Alabama. He was a member of the University of West Alabama baseball team from 2003 to 2008. Both are employed in Birmingham. A wedding is planned for Aug. 4.
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Paul Pizzitola of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Margaret Ann Pizzitola, to Brandon Paul Dill, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul James Dill of Ethelsville. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. A.M. Davis of Tallahassee, Fla., and the late Dr. A.M. Davis and Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Joseph Pizzitola of Birmingham. Miss Pizzitola is a 2004 graduate of John Carroll Catholic School and a 2009 graduate of the University of Alabama with
ter of Mr. and Mrs. John Ross of Iowa and Mrs. Esther Knuth and the late Mr. Lyle Knuth of Missouri. Miss Knuth is a 2006 graduate of Hoover High School and a 2010 magna cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences. She will receive a master’s degree in July from the University of South Alabama as a physician assistant. She is a member of Hunter Street Baptist Church. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jim Champagne, Mr. Robert Melvin and the late Mrs. Laura Mae Melvin. Mr. Melvin is a 2006 graduate of Hoover High School and a 2010 graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in agricultural studies. He was a member of the Auburn University fishing team. He is a member of Hunter Street Baptist Church. Mr. Melvin lives in Lawrenceville, Ga., and is employed by Hertz Equipment Rental. The wedding is planned for Aug. 25.
Amdall-Norris
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Owen Amdall of Chelsea announce the engagement of their daughter, Caroline Amdall, to Aaron Norris, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne King Norris of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Ms. Mildred Cash Atkins of Columbus, Miss., and the late Mr. James Howard Atkins and the late Dr. and Mrs. Robert Owen Amdall of Biloxi, Miss. Miss Amdall is a graduate of Briarwood Christian School and the University of Alabama, where she was vice president of Alpha Delta
Pi sorority. She was a member of Cardinal Key, Order of Omega, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, SGA and Phi Eta Sigma. She is employed as an RN with UAB Hospital. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Rayburn Edzell Smith of Trussville and the late Mr. and Mrs. Claud Norris. Mr. Norris is a graduate of Briarwood Christian School and the University of Alabama, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He is employed with BASF. The wedding is planned for Aug. 25.
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Marc Miller of Carmel, Ind. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Maury Drane Smith of Montgomery, the late Ms. Elizabeth Easter Legg of Athens and the late Mr. William Anderson Legg Sr. of Athens. Miss Martin is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and the Georgetown University Law Center. She is employed with Balch and Bingham LLP. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lee Irving Spade of Columbus, Ohio, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Alfred Miller of Marion. Mr. Miller is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. He is employed with Cornerstone Research in Washington, D.C. The wedding is planned for Aug. 11.
28 at Inlet Beach, Fla. Rev. Randy Green officiated. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Scott Walker of Hoover. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Lela Dean Fuqua and the late Mr. Roy Joe Fuqua and the late Dr. and Mrs. James Hammond Walker, all of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Harold Herring of Troy. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Floyd Herring and Mr. and Mrs. Kirby Leo Smitherman, all of Troy. The bride was given in marriage by her father. The maid of honor was Brittany Michelle Marino, and the matron of honor was Kristen Seller Brown. Bridesmaids were Millacent
Dailey Boschung, Elena Dibenedetto, Nicole Oser Kimbrell, Blakely Taylor Logan, Kristina Parker Noto, Martha Caroline Raughley and Mackenzie Grace Strawn. Mary Mcatee Rux of Fairhope was the flower girl. The groom’s father was best man. Groomsmen were Seth Davis Boutwell, Albert Couch Boykin III, Liston Hutchinson Conrad, Andrew Drinkard Folmar, Garrett Miles Herring, William Ross Herring, Zackery Austin Herring, William McDowell Sellers and Richmond Scott Walker. Ring bearers were William Adler Rux and Walker Robert Rux of Fairhope. After a honeymoon trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the couple live in Homewood.
Walker-Herring
Leigh Ellen Walker and Donald Mitchell Herring were married April
Meadows-Sanders
Mr. and Mrs. James Clarence Meadows Jr. of Castro Valley, Calif., announce the engagement of their daughter, Kristen Miranda, to Richard Winn Sanders, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Foster Sanders of Mountain Brook. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Josephine Mendes and the late Mr. Manuel P. Mendes of San Leandro, Calif., and Mr. and Mrs. James Clarence Meadows Sr. of
Smith-Richey
Karin Malea Smith and Terry Jay Richey were married April 21, 2012 at Bay Breeze Bed & Breakfast in Fairhope. The Rev. Bob Alford offi-
Hallmark-Roberts
Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Wayne Hallmark of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Linley Hallmark, to Andrew Roberts, son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Jarrell Roberts of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Glenn Olive of Clay and Mrs. Bobbie Faye Hallmark of Hoover and the late Mr. Howard Wayne Hallmark.
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 23
WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Tarentum, Pa. Miss Meadows is a graduate of San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational technology through San Diego State University. She is employed in Hayward, Calif., as a third grade teacher at St. Joachim School. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eugene Markwalter of Huntsville and Mrs. Doris Strother Sanders and the late Mr. William Richards Sanders of Atlanta. Mr. Sanders attended the University of Alabama and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. He is employed by the U.S. Marine Corps and returned from his first deployment to Afghanistan in October 2011. Corp. Sanders is stationed in Twentynine Palms, Calif., as a member of the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, Scout Sniper Platoon. The wedding is planned for Oct. 6 at the Church of the Transfiguration in Castro Valley, Calif. ciated. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Smith of Cullman. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dilmus Richey of Birmingham and the late Wilma Dixson Richey of Birmingham. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a formal gown of ivory ruched taffeta with a sleeveless V-neckline. The molded bodice delicately embellished with beading was ruched to the natural waistline and swept to a semi-cathedral train. She carried a bouquet of brightly colored mixed flowers. Emily Little, niece of the bride, was maid of honor. The groom’s father was best man. After a honeymoon trip to Key West, Fla., the couple live in Birmingham. Miss Hallmark is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She was chaplain of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She is employed with Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lloyd Griggs Sr. of Dalton, Ga., and Mr. Thomas Daniel Roberts of Birmingham and the late Mrs. Florence Jarrell Roberts. Mr. Roberts is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in building construction. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and Phi Kappa Phi honor society and served as president of Sigma Lambda Chi honor society. He is employed with Turner Construction. The wedding is planned for Oct. 20.
Turner-Baker
Mr. and Mrs. Ira Cain Turner announce the engagement of their daughter, Laura Owens Turner, to Warren Clark Baker, son of Mr. and
Pope-Milstead
Mr. and Mrs. William Lawrence Pope of Homewood announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Morgan Pope, to John Andrew Milstead, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Everett Milstead of Columbus, Miss. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ganes Michael Acton of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Jack Greenberry Pope of Birmingham. Miss Pope is a 2004 graduate of Homewood High School and a 2008 graduate of the University of Montevallo with a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences. She received her master’s degree in human environmental sciences from the University of Alabama in 2009. Miss Pope is employed with Aliceville High School in Aliceville. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Drew Milstead and the late Mr. Drew Milstead and the late Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Russell of Horn Lake, Miss. Mr. Milstead is a graduate of Caldwell High School in Columbus, Miss. He is employed with Router Works in Columbus. The wedding is planned for July 28.
Mrs. Clark Ralph Gordon Baker of El Paso, Texas. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Vernon Clair Owens Jr. and the late Mr. Owens, the late Mrs. Audrey Sims Owens and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ira Oscar Turner of Birmingham. Miss Turner attended Rhodes College and is a cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in family financial planning. She has certifications in both financial planning and retirement counseling. She is a member of Chi Omega sorority, the Junior League of Nashville and is an active volunteer with the Nashville Food Project. She was presented at the 2007 Poinsettia Debutante Ball. Miss Turner is employed by Southwestern Investment Services, Inc. in Nashville, Tenn.
Coley-Klein
Mr. and Mrs. William Doss Coley of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Adrienne Coley, to Jeffrey David Klein, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Donald Klein of Johns Creek, Ga. The bride-elect is the granddaugh-
The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Tabern of Sanibel, Fla., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Todd Baker of Nashville. Mr. Baker graduated from Washington and Lee University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with special attainments in commerce. He is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, an Eagle Scout and a United Way volunteer. He is also an active participant in the Nashville tennis league. Mr. Baker is an analyst at Quorum Health Resources, Inc. in Nashville. The wedding is planned for Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. at Highlands United Methodist Church. A reception will follow at Swann Lake Stables in Birmingham. The couple will live in Nashville with their two dogs, Macy and Bess. ter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Grover Cleveland Minor Jr. of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. James Houston Coley of Hueytown. Miss Coley is a graduate of Auburn University, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. She is employed with the Warren City Club in Atlanta. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Dr. and Mrs. Robert Julius Jahn of Winter Haven, Fla., and Mrs. Donald Lester Klein and the late Mr. Klein of Scottsdale, Ariz. Mr. Klein is a graduate of Auburn University, where he received a scholarship to play quarterback, 1998-2001. He was a record-breaking quarterback in 2002 for the Citadel Bulldogs while attending graduate school. Mr. Klein is a special education teacher and coaches football for Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga. The wedding is planned for April 6, 2013.
share your good news
Recently engaged or married? Announce your good news to the Over the Mountain community. Just fill out the announcement form at www.otmj.com or email information to editorial@otmj.com.
24 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
Home public people private places
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Also in this section
This year’s Public People, Private Places is dedicated to some of the hard-working individuals who keep us abreast of the latest sports news. While they may spend lots of time pacing the sidelines or at the station, they also like to retreat to their private places.
ABC 33/40 sports anchor Mike Raita and Rhonda Cowan relax on a glider on their front porch with their blue heelers, Suede and Slate . When Mike isn’t working at the station, he’s likely tending to the yard of his Shelby County home.
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Outside the Lines Story by Laura McAlister • Photos by Lee Walls Jr.
f Mike Raita wasn’t a broadcaster, he’d likely be an architect or maybe have a job in landscaping. However, the sports anchor for ABC 33/40 said those careers require some math skills, which he admits he’s lacking. When it comes to creating a cozy home with lush landscaping, though, he’s far from lacking in talent.
“That area is kind of my laboratory for wildflowers,” Rhonda said Mike and Rhonda Cowan have lived in their North Shelby County home for almost seven years. When they purchased the some of the colorful blasts of flowers dotting the drive. “We tried to get a lot of plants local to Alabama. We know those are going to do well 20 acres, it was nothing but a mound of dirt, Mike said. here. We really have some won“It looked like there was a derful resources.” nuclear war here,” he said. “It was The couple also used local a dirt pile.” materials as well as native plants That’s hard to believe today. when building the house. The property is covered with perThey found reclaimed pine fectly-trimmed zoysia grass, and at James Lumber Company in the couple has surrounded their Collinsville for the wood and the house with wildflowers and other floors. To bring the outdoors in, native plants. Mike decided to leave the walls Mike adapted the house’s a natural pine instead of covering design plans to meet their living them with drywall. needs. That meant even more outMike said they wanted the door spaces for the two, who said house’s interior to be open with an they spend most their time outside. easy flow and to have views of the Mike said his home and his lake from almost all rooms. yard are his hobbies. The front door opens to the “I mow all of this,” he said great room and kitchen, which looking over the 20 acres, which Mike laid the steps and brick on the back patio of his leads into a den where the couple home. The patio is a favorite spot of Mike and Rhonda’s include a small lake. “It’s just and overlooks a small lake on the property. watches TV and relaxes. In addisomething I’ve always enjoyed.” tion to the master bedroom, they Rhonda shares Mike’s love also have a guest suite with a loft bed. for the outdoors. Both are involved in the Shelby County Master While they enjoy their indoor spaces with views of the manmade Gardeners program. When it comes to growing their garden, they lake, they prefer to be outdoors. That’s why most of the home’s plan sought the help of Jason and Shelley Powell from Petals from the was modified to allow for larger porches and patios that of course Past. While Mike is tending to the lawn, Rhonda said she typically cruises through the property on her golf cart, checking on her various See RAITA, page 26 wildflowers that line the drive leading up to the house.
Lars Anderson
He told the nation of the tragic tornadoes that struck Tuscaloosa in April 2011 with his cover story in Sports Illustrated. That and many of his other stories were written in the courtyard of his Homewood home. Page 25
Matt Coulter
Sports is never far from this radio talk show host’s mind. The walls of his Vestavia Hills home are covered with sports memorabilia, but really his true love is family. Page 26
26 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
HOME
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
All in the Game
Matt Coulter Doesn’t Leave His Love for Sports at Work
By Laura McAlister
father is,” he said, laughing. “My father was one of the lead members of the team that put (the Hubble) up there.” In addition to the framed Hubble photo, Matt has pictures from his little league days as well as old baseball pictures and hen Matt Coulter isn’t at the station talking Daniel Moore prints. sports, he’s likely at his Vestavia Hills home His many photos and memorabilia show Matt’s lifelong watching or maybe even playing them. love of sports and a storied career in broadcasting. Matt is host of “Inside the Huddle” on Birmingham’s He’s actually been involved in radio since he was a teen97.3 the Zone Sports Radio. From 10 a.m. to noon weekdays, ager. he can be heard talking about the latest in sports news. But “I was 14 years old,” Matt said of his first job as a rock even after hours, sports are never far from this broadcaster’s and roll disc jockey. “My parents, God bless and rest their thoughts. souls, would drive me.” Just enter his Vestavia Hills apartment, and the photos Matt went on to major in broadcasting at the University of on the walls and memorabilia scattered around the home tell Alabama. some of the story of Matt’s long career and love of sports. He worked in televiWith his three sion for years, anchoring children almost grown sports for networks like – his youngest is a ESPN and CSS. He said senior in high school he made the move to – Matt downsized to radio after his children apartment living about were born. two years ago. When it comes to While Matt is a some of the most memofanatic about sports, rable stories of his career, his true love is family. he said the death of His three children Alabama head football – Matt, Madison and coach Paul “Bear” Bryant Jennifer – visit frehad to be at the top. quently, as does his “I was the first report1-year-old grandson, er at the hospital when he Logan. died,” Matt said. “Logan is really His career has also just the coolest thing taken him all over the to happen to me,” he world, including a trip said on a recent Friday Matt Coulter, pictured with his son Matt, daughter Madison and across Europe with evening while lounggrandson Logan, said family always comes first for him. famed Alabama quartering in his recliner and Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr. back Kenny Stabler. watching the U.S. “None of it compares to getting to watch my children play Open. “Everything they say about grandkids is true. They’re sports,” he said. “I get more nervous watching them than covwonderful.” ering them. That’s one of the reasons I got out of television. I When not surrounded by family, Matt likes to get back missed too many little league games and recitals.” to “work,” as he calls it, although to most it’d be enjoying a While Matt can tick off several memorable sporting good game. events during his career, one of his children’s proudest “I talk about sports at work, and then I come home and moments would probably be seeing their dad on the silver watch sports,” he said. “I can always say it’s my job. It’s my screen. job to stay up until midnight watching the Braves.” As the track announcer for Talladega Super Speedway, Be it college football or Major League Baseball, Matt Matt was on the scene during the filming of “Talladega really does like and watch it all. Nights.” He also enjoys playing sports, and thanks to his Nintendo “They needed an announcer, and I just happened to be Wii, he can do that in the confines of his home. around,” Matt said. “It was very, very cool. People told me I “I play a lot of the Wii golf,” he said. “Surprisingly, it’s a did a pretty good job. I told them, that is what I do for a livvery decent substitute.” ing. I was listed as playing myself in the credits. While the decor in Matt’s home is mostly sports related, “I met (“Talladega Nights” star) Will Ferrell. He was one of his favorite pictures has nothing to do with them. incredibly nice. They all were really nice, which was great. I It’s a photograph of the Hubble space telescope. His father, who worked for NASA in Huntsville, had a hand in its went to the premiere and everything. “I was the most popular dad at Vestavia High School for launch. “I like to tell people that I’m not a rocket scientist, but my quite a while.” ❖
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JOURNAL EDITOR
Kathy’s Designer Kitchens, Inc. 1831 29th Ave. S. • Homewood, AL 35209
205-871-9880 • Kathy Owens, CKD, President
RAITA,
from page 24
Mike had a hand in building. He laid the large stone slabs that lead up to the expanded front porch. The larger front porch allows for more seating areas. On either side of the front door, the couple has retro gliders and chairs. An old blue door found by Rhonda’s mother in Mobile serves as a coffee table. In back of the house is a patio perfect for outdoor entertaining and viewing the lake. Mike laid the brick flooring himself as well as the surrounding pathways. He even built the stone fountain on the patio. “I saw that in ‘This Old House’ magazine,” he said. “It’s just a tube through the rocks and a pump. We used all Alabama bluestone out here from
Oneonta. I also built the beds and pavers. It was sort of like a jigsaw puzzle.” The house also has porches off the guest suite as well as the master bedroom, which Rhonda said makes it easy for Mike to come and go with his unusual hours. As sports anchor for ABC 33/40, Mike said he typically goes into work around 1:30 p.m. and returns around midnight. Although it makes for a long work day, he said he uses his mornings to work in the yard. With the stress that comes from working in a newsroom and sports, it’s nice to return to a home where the only noises around are frogs and crickets. It was actually the draw to the area in the first place. Mike and Rhonda came across their Shelby County lot when they were riding motorcycles one weekend. “I used to own a Harley, and we’ve
probably ridden on about every road in Alabama,” he said. “We were taking back roads one day, and that’s how we found this place. It just happened to be for sale.” Though the property isn’t too far from U.S. 280, the couple is still secluded and away from traffic. They even have their share of wild animals roaming the grounds. Rhonda said you could spot anything from wild turkey to owls, deer and even the occasional snake. They’re not scaring this couple and their pair of blue heeler hounds off. Just about the only thing that would cause the two to move is a new idea, which Mike admits he typically has lots of. “I get antsy,” he said. “I’m always looking for a new house. I have drawings inside. Every time I’m in the house, I’m thinking about moving this or making this bigger.” ❖
home
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
“It’s intensely private. I probably wrote about 100 stories sitting out here. You can’t hear the street traffic.” – Lars Anderson on the courtyard of his his Homewood home
ANDERSON, from page 25
“I grew up wanting to be the next senator of Nebraska.” The political life lost its appeal after he spent a semester of his junior year in college campaigning door to door in New Hampshire for presidential hopeful Bob Kerrey. “We had 12 volunteers and thought we were pretty organized,” he said. “Then we saw about 80 Clinton people and thought, uh-oh.” Back in school at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, Lars, an English major, started working for the student newspaper. On a whim, he said, he applied for graduate school at New York’s Columbia University, one of the most respected journalism programs in the U.S. “That changed the course of my life,” he said. “I’d never even been to New York before. I was straight out of undergrad, and the average age of the students there was 28 or 29. They’d been working as reporters for six or seven years. I was a kid out of the Midwest.” Then, said Lars, “I got lucky.” He landed a job as a fact checker at Sports Illustrated, a magazine he’d been reading since he was 6 years old. “I was able to work my way onto the masthead,” he said.
Since joining SI, Lars has written highly-regarded cover stories and five books. He calls his job “a dream experience – a great gig.” “It’s so wonderful to be surrounded by so many talented people,” he said. “My job has taken me to places I never could have dreamed of. “Also, I’ve gotten to have lunch with supermodels,” he added, smiling. As a college football writer, Lars loves not only the action of the game but its environment. “I’ve been to probably 60 different campuses, and there’s nothing like the game day experience in Tuscaloosa – walking through the Quad, the sense of anticipation, the excitement,” he said. “USC, Texas, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Florida – nothing compares to the atmosphere in T-town.” Lars has another connection with UA; he teaches a sports journalism course there. When the tornado hit last April, his first priority was making sure his students were safe. His next was convincing his editors at Sports Illustrated to let him tell the stories of those affected by the storm. “From a writer’s perspective, it had all the elements of an amazing story,” he said. “I’d never been confronted with so many compelling anecdotes – uplifting, happy, sad, stories about perseverance. “As a writer, it was like having a big pot, and all these things are swirling
inside.” On a tight deadline, Lars enlisted the help of former student Allyson Angle, a UA swimmer. “She had access to all these different athletes,” he said. No one who’s read the piece is likely to forget how Lars wrote about people like the Tide’s long snapper, Carson Tinker, who was severely hurt and whose girlfriend Ashley Harrison died of injuries caused when the winds tore her from Tinker’s arms. Or gymnast Kayla Hoffman, alone when the winds hit. Lars told readers how pitcher Nathan Kilcrease and his fellow baseball team members searched for and found a white dress. The dress belonged to a girl killed in the storm; her mother wanted to bury her daughter in it. “The fact that there were all these different anecdotes of horror – that’s how a tornado operates,” Lars said. After five days of reporting, Lars had to work quickly to put the story together. “It’s Wednesday night, and my first draft is due Thursday morning,” he said. “I stayed up all night and managed to give the editors something.” After the article was published, Lars heard not only from people affected by the tornado but from readers as far away as Japan and Germany. “It’s the most meaningful thing I’ve ever done,” he said. ❖
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28 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
Super Scholars
schools
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Altamont Junior Varsity Team Wins National Title
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ith an unblemished record, the Altamont School’s Junior Varsity Scholars Bowl Team was named the Junior Varsity National Champion of the National Academic Championship. Scores from three separate competitions in three cities were tallied to determine the overall winner. Altamont took two JV teams and one middle school team to nationals this year. The national championship team members are Leon Dure, 12th grade; Elizabeth Anne Brown and Jonathan Hurowitz, 10th grade; and Fletcher Hare, ninth grade. “Altamont has put Birmingham and Alabama in the national scholastic spotlight thanks to our performances in academic competitions this
year,” said Buck Crowe, the school’s Scholars Bowl coach. “Students from Birmingham can compete against everyone in the country, from California public schools to the elite up-East boarding schools.” Crowe believes that all Altamont team members could be nationally ranked. “Our B team made it to the semifinals, and our middle school team took second place in their division at nationals,” he said. “Each of those achievements are worthy of recognition on their own, but when coupled with a national championship, it’s a particularly striking testament to the overall strength of our program.” Crowe said the victory is a win not just for the four students who went undefeated in New Orleans but for the
young program as a whole. “All three of the school’s teams are very close,” he said. “Altamont scholars play together, practice together and could not have accomplished the win without each other. I can’t imagine a tournament without an ultimate Frisbee or card game between rounds.” Elizabeth Anne Brown, Altamont sophomore and division MVP, agreed with her coach. “Over the past couple of years, it’s been incredible watching the program transform from a handful of interested kids to the force of nature it’s become,” she said. “Not only do we have a great atmosphere for friendly competition, but this group truly enjoys the material. “We feed off each other’s energy
Showing off the Altamont School’s Junior Varsity Scholars Bowl Team’s national championship trophy are from left: Elizabeth Anne Brown, Leon Dure (12th Photo special to the Journal grade, Jonathan Hurowitz and Fletcher Hare.
to be at our best, both on the buzzers and in class, and Scholars Bowl has brought a lot more meaning to our studies in school because we’re actually using what we learn on a day-today basis.
“This was our third year at nationals, and it seems that the third time really was the charm.” The National Academic Championship is the U.S.’s oldest national academic competition. ❖
School Notes
Brookwood Forest Elementary sixth grade graduates Mills Lowman, Will Bundy and Coe Taylor enjoyed a pool party to celebrate the end of school.
BFE Hosts Sixth Grade Graduation Brookwood Forest Elementary School celebrated graduation for sixth grade students May 25. Students received certificates of completion and enjoyed slide shows and memorabilia presentations. A reception at Pinetree Country Club followed the ceremony. Students, parents, family members and friends continued the celebration with lunch, a DJ and pool party. Sixth grade PTO chairmen were Laura Cope, Ashley DeGaris and Caroline Bundy.
Photo special to the Journal
time to play Wii video games, a Quirky Quotes Art session and a “Night of the Living Dead” Creature Ball and Costume Contest.
MBE Play Spotlights Alabama The Mountain Brook Elementary fourth grade recently presented a play
Librarian Encourages Summer Reading Terri Leslie, teen director at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, visited Liberty Park Middle School to talk to seventh and eighth grade students about summer reading. Leslie told students about some of her favorite teen books and gave each student a bookmark with a list of the books she discussed. The students were encouraged to participate in Library in the Forest summer activities. This year’s summer reading program theme is Own the Night. Activities include a pillowcase art session, a
Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest teen director Terri Leslie visited Liberty Park Middle School at the end of the year to encourage students to read during the summer. Photo special to the Journal
about Alabama for fellow students, parents, grandparents and friends. Louisa Elmore, the school’s music teacher, directed the show written by former MBE teacher Helen Sporl. The students sang songs relating to Alabama, and each child portrayed a different historical character. The students spoke about their characters and what they meant to Alabama. Characters were presented in chronological order starting with Indian tribe representatives, Hernando de Soto, Chief Tuscaloosa, Andrew Jackson and John Pierce. Other parts included Julia Tutwiler, Helen Keller, Gov. James “Big Jim” Folsom, Jesse Owens, Harper Lee, Gov. George Wallace, Condoleezza Rice, Paul “Bear” Bryant, Lionel Richie and Courteney Cox. Several students sang solos and participated in group dances. The show ended with “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
Soccer Teams Join Forces for Charity The varsity boys’ soccer teams of Indian Springs School and the Altamont School met at Indian Springs recently for one of many spirited athletic competitions that take place between the crosstown rivals throughout the year. But at halftime, another competition between the schools brought them together. In an initiative led by ISS student body president Leah Fox, Springs and Altamont held a three-week canned food drive competition that ended with the April 18 game. The Defeat Hunger Challenge 2012 yielded more than 7,000 food and toiletry items for Oak Mountain Missions Ministries, a nonprofit in north Shelby Country. According to ISS Dean of Students Jan Fortson, the shelves at the OMM food pantry were almost empty when the schools’ donations arrived. In a hard-fought competition, Altamont won the food drive and subsequent bragging rights. ❖
Mountain Brook Elementary fourth graders appearing in a play about Alabama included: Lindsay Jane Drummond, Grace Murrell, Elizabeth Reid Gray, Isabelle Elkus, Robert Martin, Paul Stramaglia, Bryant McMahon, Thomas Latimer, Jackson Allison, Forest Whatley and Peter Cowin. Photo special to the Journal
Homewood students Achievement Awards
The Homewood Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Excellence in Education Luncheon this spring at Homewood Middle School. During the event, a Student of Achievement winner was honored from each school and a scholarship given to the high school winner. The system also showed off its dance and show choir program. Winning the Student of Achievement awards were from left: Ann Chandler, Homewood Middle; Evie Whitsett, Shades Cahaba; Jaden Alexander, Edgewood Elementary; Samantha Stephens, HallKent Elementary and Caleb Weaver, Homewood High. There to hand out their student achievement plaques were Homewood Schools Superintendent Bill Cleveland, far left; Homewood Chamber Executive Director Tricia Ford, Journal photo by Laura McAlister center; and Mayor Scott McBrayer.
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Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 29
schools
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
2012-13 Hoover Belles Recently Presented
hirty-two outgoing high school sophomores were recently presented as new Hoover Belles in the Wynfrey Hotel Grand Ballroom. They will be representatives for the city of Hoover for the next two years, performing community service activities for civic and local charitable organizations. The 29th annual event was presented by the Hoover Belle Committee, led by chairman Laura Boyd. Other committee members are Jennie Alley, Sandra Barnett, Laura Ellison, Pam Harris, Cathy Head, Jan Pruitt, Becky Walker and Kay Witt. The young women were assisted into a garden gazebo by Hoover Police Lt. Daniel Kane. Each received a hydrangea bloom with pastel ribbons from her presenter as she was announced by Mistress of Ceremony Kim Garner, a 2002 Hoover Belle who is now the West Alabama Bureau Chief for CBS 42. After the Belles were presented, they enjoyed a special dance to the music of the Sonny Harris Group. A reception followed. The 2012 Hoover Belles are: Emily Kristin Abernathy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darrin Henry Abernathy; Meredith Rachel Barker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Joseph Barker, Sarah Margaret Beans, daughter of Commander
and Mrs. David Thad Beans; Laura Elizabeth Blake, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Timothy Blake Sr.; Lauren Massa Burks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Scott Burks; Jamie Adair Burleson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Reginald Burleson Jr.; Frances Ann Clarke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Therrell Clarke; Caroline Emily Conrad, daughter of Mrs. Ray Hiram Conrad and the late Mr. Conrad; Bailey Annette Gray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Austin Gray; Lauren Haley Haggard, daughter of Ms. Susan McNutt Haggard and Mr. Michael Lee Haggard; Kathryn Suzanne Hatch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas Hatch; Sarah Elizabeth Hill, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Scott Hill; Jenna Katherine Huerkamp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jefri Scott Huerkamp; Shannon Marie Hurst, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Gray Hurst; Brooke Leigh Kirkpatrick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Lee Kirkpatrick; Taylor Ann Korson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Elliott Korson; McKenzie Caroline Lawry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thomas Lawry Jr.; Catherine Elizabeth Milling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kyle Milling; Madison Noel Minyard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Ray Minyard; Olivia Claire Odom, daughter
The new Hoover Belles were recently presented at the Wynfrey Hotel Grand Ballroom. They will serve as representaPhoto special to the Journal tives for the city of Hoover for the next two years.
of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Douglas Odom; Elizabeth Kimberly Pate, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Frederick Pate Sr.; Sarah Margaret Patrick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Michael Patrick; Bailey Christine Pereira, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Charles Pereira; Audrey Frances Powell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory
School Notes Homewood Rotary Recognizes Scholars Homewood Rotary Club has awarded college scholarships totaling $12,000 to three 2012 Homewood High School graduates: Robin A. Anderson, Erica Marie Lepore and Ferrah Michelle Tutton. The students were chosen for the scholarships for academic achievement, participation in school and community activities and individual interviews. Anderson plans to attend the University of Alabama and major in psychology to become a counselor for children. Lepore plans to attend the University of Alabama and major in education to prepare to teach sociology. Tutton plans to major in psychology at Samford University in order to become a child psychologist. Lawrence Corley, Homewood Rotary Education foundation chairman, introduced the scholarship winners at the club’s May 17 meeting. Each honoree thanked the club members for the financial assistance and shared information about their academic plans and career goals. Homewood Rotary supports the annual scholarship program through donations and fundraising projects throughout the year. ❖
Homewood Rotary scholarship winners include, from left: Robin A. Anderson, Photo special to the Journal Ferrah Michelle Tutton and Erica Marie Lepore.
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Ray Powell; Madeline Jean Powell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Blair Powell; Morgan Danielle Rogers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Timothy Rogers; Anna Elizabeth Shepherd, daughter of the Hon. and Mrs. Charles Richard Shepherd; Hannah Louise Shultz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William
Dean Shultz; Caroline Stuart Steele, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Wilbur Steele Jr.; Emily Brooke Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Yarbrough Taylor; Peyton Elizabeth White, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Sean White; and Reed Nicole Williams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Allen Williams. ❖
30 • Thursday, June 28, 2012
sports
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Bama Buzz team members include, from left, front: Scott Elgin, Hoover; Perry King, Mountain Brook; Richard Fitts, Helena; Michael Crowder, Gardendale; Reed Hereford, Helena and Trevor Bell, Helena. Second row: Brandon Hornkohl, Alabaster; Connor Walker, Mountain Brook; Nick Ragsdale, Helena; Clay Stearns, Mountain Brook; Dalton King, Pelham; Austin Slaten, Sylacauga and coach Mark Hereford. Third row: coaches Danny Fitts, Jeff Ragsdale and Dan Hornkohl.
Mountain Brook 7U team members are, from left, front: Heath Griffin, Daniel Kubiszyn, Jackson Beatty, Quinn Denson, Charlie Berryman and Graham Hodges. Middle row: Carter Brooks, Ford Moffatt, Thomas Sargent, Trent Wright, John Colvin and Carter Kelley. Back row: coaches Michael Brooks, Brad Moffatt, Trent Wright, Jim Beatty and Seth Sargent.
Bama Buzz Win State Tournament
Mountain Brook 7U Nationals Claim Two Titles
The Bama Buzz baseball team won the 12Major USSSA Alabama State Tournament at Lagoon Park in Montgomery on June 17. The team went 1-1 in pool play and 4-0 in bracket play defeating the defending state champions- Viper Baseball Academy twice by scores of 6-4 and 15-7. Bama Buzz is comprised of players from several OTM communities.
Dodgers Finsh First in Hoover
Indians Are Regular Season and Tournament Champs
Dogers team members include, from left, front: Ben Butka, Daniel Scott, Myles Minyard, Rich Moon, Prince Maye and coach Richard Moon. Back: Coach George Corey, Coach Brent Kizzire, Cage Kizzire, Riley Harrelson, Gabe Margene, JT Gibson, Sean Corey and coach Greg Harrelson.
dahl,
from back cover
League, a rookie circuit. He and his teammates will play more than 70 games in less than three months. Dahl wasn’t complaining. “That sounds like a lot of games, but the major leaguers play a lot more than that,” he said. “I’ll play and have fun, like I always have. Lots of guys dream of having this opportunity.” Bill Schmidt, Colorado’s vice president of scouting, said the Rockies had followed Dahl’s career for two years before making him their top draft choice. “People were speculating that we were looking at David,” said Schmidt.
“He was the best pick and the best player for us.” Sosnick Cobbe Sports, which represents numerous players in the major leagues, negotiated Dahl’s contract with Colorado. “If David stays healthy, we feel he’s got a chance to be a perennial all-star,” said Matt Sosnick, a representative with the firm. “He’s got all the tools. You couldn’t find a nicer guy than David. He’s the kind of boy you’d want your daughter to bring home.” Being drafted by the Rockies probably wasn’t a total surprise for Dahl. He had gone for a workout at Denver in May, and the chemistry between player and team was apparent. Dahl
The Mountain Brook 7U National All-Star baseball team rallied to win the metro tournament recently. The team came back from the losers bracket to beat Vestavia National twice to win the championship. The first game went into extra innings and the second game was won in dramatic fashion with a two out rally in the sixth inning. Prior to winning the Metro, Mountain Brook’s 7U National Baseball Team defeated Oak Mountain 14-3 to win Pell City’s Baseball on The Lake Tournament.
The 4th grade Mountain Brook Indians recently won both the regular season and tournament championships. Team members include, from left, front: Will Bellande, Jake Brown, William Preston, Mac Lidikay and Logan Brewer. Second row: Alex Stokes, Emerson Richie, Carter Sobera, Austin de la Torre,Charles Regan and Will Dobbina. Back row: coaches Lidikay, Richie and Bellande.
hit nine home runs in a batting practice session and clocked in a 6.40 in the 60-yard dash. “Colorado seemed like a great place to live and work,” he said. “And the ball really carries out of the park (Coors Field) because of the altitude. I thought at the time that it would be great to play there.” By choosing the professional route, Dahl had to forego a baseball scholarship to Auburn University, where he had committed during his sophomore year at Oak Mountain. “I hated to pass Auburn up,” he said. “I would have loved to have played college baseball, especially in the SEC. But you can’t pass up a chance at professional ball like the
one I’ve received.” Dahl made his rookie league debut against Idaho Falls June 21. He didn’t get a hit but drew a walk and knocked in a run as Grand Rapids took a 4-3 victory. As this article was going to press, Dahl had raised his average to .222 after two games. Interestingly, Dahl’s overall statistics at Oak Mountain belied his power at the plate. As a highly-touted freshman, he hit .439 with four home runs while playing shortstop. Home runs were scarce in his sophomore and junior seasons -- often because opposing pitchers were afraid to give him a solid down-the-middle pitch. A better test of Dahl’s power came in practice, according to Eagle coach
Brian Breeze. “David usually got about 20 nonsituational swings in practice and would put at least a third of them over the fence,” Breeze said. Dahl’s sophomore season was hampered by injuries before he rallied for a strong junior campaign. He hit .449 for the year, including a four-forfour performance in a playoff loss to Hoover. At the beginning of his senior season, Dahl was clearly in the sights of major league scouts, which led to his history-making draft position in early June. David Dahl’s professional baseball career has just begun. Before it’s over, he may make a lot more history.
Thursday, June 28, 2012 • 31
Sports
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Bamalax U13 Boys Win Rocket City Title The Bamalax U13 Boys Lacrosse team participated in a successful weekend of lacrosse at the Rocket City Tournament in Huntsville. The tournament was capped off by the Bamalax team winning the championship match with a dominant victory over the Georgia-based Bulldogs Lacrosse team on Sunday, June 3. Leading up to the championship match, the team played an unprecedented four games on Saturday, winning all four games. The team then completed a grueling weekend of
lacrosse by winning two more games on Sunday, including the Championship game over the Bulldogs by a score of 6 - 0. The team consists of players from various area schools including Mountain Brook, Briarwood Christian, Hoover, Spain Park, Vestavia and Oak Mountain. The tournament victory results in an automatic bid to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions held in Tampa, Fla., later this year.
Team members, at right, include from left, front: Austin Wyatt, Jackson Clark, Ryan Shea, Hunter Wilhelm, Harris Jeffords, Mason Benner, Lyons Shaffer and Lucas Heslin. Back: Coach Ryan Shea, Mark Hand, Robert Cowen, Adam Gilliland, Jared Graham, James Edwards, John Annesley DeGaris, Miller Stevens, Cole Clark, Jacob Edwards, Jake Long, Will Hulsey, Graham Thompson, Sterling DeRamus, Thomas Kreger, Mathew Bates and Coach Mark Hand.
genny,
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about the possibilities ahead. “Of course I want to perform well and swim faster than I did at the event in Auburn,” she said. “But more than anything it’s a great experience. College coaches will see me swim, and it’s a chance to represent the Birmingham Swim League.” Qualifying for the Olympic trials wasn’t Pittman’s first experience with success. She turned heads in last year’s Alabama High School Association state meet by setting a new state record in the 100-meter backstroke. The victory in the state meet was a comeback of sorts for Pittman after she’d suffered a couple of years of
davis,
from back cover
ball scene will miss him – a lot. Davis, of course, was in the unenviable position of following the legendary Sammy Dunn as the head coach of the Rebels. Dunn, who died in 2004 after a long bout with cancer, was nothing less than the John Wooden or Bear Bryant of baseball in Alabama. He directed Vestavia to 647 wins in 27 seasons at the helm and in the 1990s put together a championship run that no team in this state will ever come close to duplicating: From 1991-2000, Dunn’s Rebels won nine Class 6A championships, including seven in a row. The 1998 Vestavia team was declared national high school baseball champion by a major sports publication. Vestavia’s baseball park is named – rightfully – Sammy Dunn Field. It required a special person to even attempt to follow Dunn at Vestavia – and Davis was that individual. He was Dunn’s hand-picked choice to succeed him. And by any objective measure, Davis’s tenure with the Rebels was successful. He never won fewer than 19 games in any of his eight seasons. Vestavia earned a bid to the state playoffs in seven of those years, and the Rebels reached the state semifinals in 2009. Davis’s final Vestavia team posted a fine 21-9 worksheet, reaching the second round of the postseason before losing a hard-fought series to Spain Park. Apparently, however, Davis’s record may not have been good enough for some people.
week, so it amounts to a part-time job,” said the coach. “It can be a grind on even the most dedicated athlete. Genny’s achievements are a testament to her hard work and commitment.” Regardless of the outcome of the Olympic Trials, Pittman has already set new goals for herself.
“I want to break my high school state record in the backstroke, be more competitive and stay on the national radar,” she said. With such an ambitious agenda, Pittman is likely to be training harder than ever. So those late night pizza runs with friends might be off the table for a long time.
frustration. After working hard in and out of the pool, she seemed headed toward a breakout year entering 2011 but was sidelined by a bout with mononucleosis. The road back wasn’t easy as Pittman fought to regain her earlier form. “Last summer, my times in the regional swim meets weren’t particularly exciting,” she said. “Then I went to nationals and was very discouraged. After each race, Brian (Wrighton) would talk about what I could do and how I could improve. My family and friends were very supportive. “I worked hard in the gym in August and decided I didn’t want to look back on what wasn’t successful. There was no way to change the past. It was better to look ahead.”
The success came, but with a price. Pittman accelerated an alreadygrueling training regimen. A typical week will include nine practice sessions, with weekday workouts beginning at 5 a.m. It’s particularly tough during the school year. “I’m constantly making sacrifices and compromises,” she said. “It’s hard to go to a Friday night football game with friends because I have a 6:45 practice on Saturday morning, and that’s always the most difficult practice of the week. At school, I take every opportunity to finish my homework early. My teachers are very supportive, and my friends understand and make do with my schedule.” Wrighton is impressed with his star pupil’s Olympian work ethic. “Genny is training 20 hours a
The former coach’s critics ignore the fact that much has changed in baseball throughout the state since Dunn and his teams had their incredible sprint through the 1990s. Youth league programs – especially in this area – are better and stronger than ever. High schools are devoting more resources into bringing quality coaches and better facilities to their baseball programs. In Vestavia’s own backyard, schools such as Spain Park, Hoover and Pelham have developed into perennial powerhouses. In no way does it diminish the achievements of the Dunn era to make the case that even he would find winning in today’s environment more difficult. Ironically, Vestavia’s baseball rivals owe a great deal to the success of the late, great coach. Surrounding schools were beaten by Dunn’s Vestavia teams so many times that athletic directors finally realized they were going to have to grow their own baseball programs in order to be competitive with the Rebels. And that’s exactly what they did. Davis is a totally class act and a man of great faith, but he is also a human being. There’s no question that he felt the pressure of following the greatest prep baseball coach in the history of this state. But that may have been the most impressive thing about Davis. The coach knew full well that Dunn’s long shadow hung over everything he did. Yet Davis never whined or complained about the unfairness of it all. He never lashed out at those who criticized him. And in all decisions, Davis put God and the needs of the young men entrusted to him first, foremost and always.
My favorite story about Davis took place a couple of years after he took the reins at Vestavia. The Rebels were off to a good start, and I wanted to write a feature story about the team. So I called him, and we spent about a half hour talking Vestavia baseball and about the state of the game in general. Then Davis spoke briefly about his devout Christian beliefs and how everything he and his team did was intended to bring glory to God. When I wrote the story, I included his quotes about God and his faith. A few days after the story hit the streets, I found a handwritten thankyou note from Davis in my mailbox. The coach said that he mentioned God in every media interview he did, but I was the first reporter to actually use his words about his faith in the story. I consider Davis’s note to be among my most treasured pieces of memorabilia from my career covering high school sports. Davis didn’t want those quotes Virginia To: to appear in print so people would Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 From: think he was wonderful, or so fans June 2012 Date: might take it easy on him when the Rebels lost a game. Rather, he saw This is your AD PrOOF from the OVEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the it as an opportunity to make a public June 28, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. statement of his love for God and his desire to use his abilities as a coach Please make sure all information is correct, and teacher to carry out His will. Some might consider such a concept including address and phone number! to be sappy in these politically correct times, but there’s no question Davis Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. believes this in the deepest core of his if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, soul and lives it every single day. your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. I have no idea what the future holds for Dal Davis. But I know Thank you for your prompt attention. Vestavia’s baseball program lost a good coach last week – and a much better man.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2012
BY LEE DAVIS
Sports
Bamalax U13 Boys Lacrosse team wins Rocket City Tourney P. 31 Bama Buzz Win USSSA Alabama State Title P. 30
Genny’s Dream
Pittman. “I attended a national meet in Texas and got a taste for that level of competition. ust like any high At that point, it seemed school-age girl, like a realistic goal.” Genny Pittman Brian Wrighton of loves going to football the Birmingham Swim games and movies, eatLeague, who has been ing pizza, shopping and Pittman’s coach for the generally hanging out past seven years, said with her friends. his star pupil’s efforts Pittman, a rising in the trials will be junior at Homewood, worthwhile even if she does all of those things, falls short of earning but with her a big night a trip to London for out might be just a little the Olympic Games, different. as only two swimmers Her friends totally from each event will understand if Pittman qualify for the world’s is a little tired or can’t greatest athletic stage. go out for that after“The Olympic Trials the-movie snack. It’s give Genny the opporbecause she’s had tunity to showcase her another regular activity abilities at the highest penciled into her schednational level that we ule. Pittman has been Genny Pittman, a rising junior at Homewood, has been in training for the U.S. Olympic Trials this week in have in this country,” in training for the U.S. Omaha, Neb. She was the only high school-aged swimmer in metro Birmingham to qualify for the trials. said Wrighton. “She Olympic Trials this Photo courtesy of Kathryn Ely will be seen by all the week in Omaha, Neb. mer in metro Birmingham to qualify for the trials major collegiate swimming powerhouses. Pittman qualified for the trials by producing a and saw the accomplishment as the fulfillment of a “It is, quite simply, the fastest meet in the world.” time of 1:03.48 in the 100-meter backstroke at the longtime dream. Pittman headed to Nebraska hopeful but realistic Richard Quick Invitational at Auburn University “Qualifying for the Olympic Trials is something June 15. She was the only high school-aged swimI’ve had as a goal since the eighth grade,” said See GENNY, page 31
J
JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER
Homewood Girl Swimming In 2012 Olympic Trials
DAHL-ING FOR DOLLARS BY LEE DAVIS
D
JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER
avid Dahl made Alabama baseball history earlier this month, but it wasn’t by swinging a bat or throwing a ball. It was by answering a telephone. That was the moment Dahl learned from an advisor that he would be drafted by the Colorado Rockies as the 10th pick in the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. The good news on the other end of the line meant that the Oak Mountain graduate and outfielder would be the highest high school draftee from the state since the Montreal Expos drafted Huntsville’s Condredge Holloway fourth overall in 1971.
“I hated to pass Auburn up. I would have loved to have played college baseball, especially in the SEC. But you can’t pass up a chance at professional ball like the one I’ve received.” DAVID DAHL Holloway became a legendary quarterback at the University of Tennessee and in the Canadian Football League. Dahl hopes to build a legacy
Oak Mountain Star Moves into Pro Ball
on the baseball diamond. “It was a great honor to be drafted,” said Dahl later. “It made me proud to be a part of something so special.” The news got even better for Dahl a few days later when he officially signed with the Rockies, earning a $2.6 million bonus along with incentives and money to be set aside for a college education. The signing package was the biggest of any draft pick in Alabama history. “None of this has really sunk in yet,” said Dahl. “I’m glad it’s all over so I can start playing ball.” Dahl didn’t have to wait long to get his wish. Just days later, he reported to the Grand Junction Rockies in Colorado to begin play in the Pioneer See DAHL, page 30
Lee Davis
Early Departure
Rebels’ Davis Stepped Down Too Soon
I
’ve been blessed to cover athletics at the Over the Mountain high schools for the better part of 34 years. During those three-plus decades, I’ve been fortunate to work with a fantastic array of coaches, athletes, administrators and parents. It would take at least a year’s worth of columns to even attempt to name them all. But I have never dealt with a classier, more upright gentleman than Vestavia Hills baseball coach Dal Davis. So naturally I was disappointed to learn last week that Davis decided to step down after eight seasons as the leader of the Rebels’ baseball program. Davis was quoted as saying that he resigned in order to devote more time to his faith and to his family, which includes two young boys. All indications are that Davis left by his choice, not someone else’s. The good news is that Davis’s decision won’t send him to the unemployment line. His short-term plans are to remain in the Vestavia school system as a history teacher and middle school football coach, although he doesn’t rule out a return to high school coaching one day. The bad news is that the Vestavia program and Over the Mountain baseSee DAVIS, page 31