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THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2018
PUBLIC PEOPLE S PRIVATE PLACES
True to Life
Architect James Carter’s House Is Full of His History By Donna Cornelius
W
hen architect James Carter meets with clients, he asks a question: What do you want your house to say about you? His own house makes a statement, but not in stark black-and-white terms. “I wanted to express the duality of my personality – casual and formal, city and country,” Carter said. Thus, the house he built three years ago in Mountain Brook is full not only of treasures collected from his travels, but also family possessions dear to his heart. He’s just as fond of the little toy steam engine that belonged to his father as he is of a Chippendale-style writing table, a Chinese export he found in New York. The house’s walls hold a collection of Italian gouache paintings, maps, portraits – and a painting done by his grandmother when she was 7 years old. “It all means something,” Carter said. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.
See TRUE TO LIFE, page 22
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2 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
OPINION/CONTENTS
Inside
Murphy’s Law
Putting It All Together
RUBBING ELBOWS Bobbye and Emmett Weaver’s collection of entertainment memorabilia blends history and friendship. Page 12
HOMETOWN HERO Jeremy Downey is the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off champ. Page 25
ABOUT TOWN NEWS LIFE SOCIAL WEDDINGS
4 10 12 16 21
HOME FOOD SCHOOL SPORTS
22 25 28 32
otmj.com There’s so much happening in the Over the Mountain area, we can’t fit it all in the paper! Visit www.otmj.com for more stories and photos.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
Breathe, breathe. It’s only a few short Golf is calm and measured and purposeful. The weeks until the football season begins. fans are expected to be quiet, except for the one I love watching football, especially when I guy who yells “Get in the hole!” every single don’t have a dog in the hunt, although I don’t time. But even he waits until the ball leaves the care what team I’m watching, when some poor tee. Think about it. No one holds up “Hush kicker stands facing a win-or-lose field goal, I Ya’ll” signs at the Alabama/Auburn game, and have to leave the room. It’s excruciating. Poor good luck to them if they did. guy, out there all alone. I’m sure all golfers have their personal In golf, every player is a kicker, every player issues (some more than others) but you don’t is out there by himself with everyone staring at see players yelling obscenities at the official him. But golf is different. Golf fans cheer for who swoops in to make a rules determination. everyone, celebrate every par-saving chip and There’s very little spitting either, which I appregroan over each missed putt. They may have a ciate immensely. And if anyone arrived juiced favorite player, but you don’t see Phil up on performance-enhancing drugs, we’d Mickelson foam fingers or buttons that say, know it. “Wow, Bob just hit the 17th green “Cage the Tiger.” In golf, it’s not us against Sue Murphy from the 14th tee!” The commentators might them; It’s everyone against the course. even have to raise their voices above a whisper I was out of town for the U.S. Women’s for that one. Open Championship, but I stood happily That’s one area where golf and football I’m glad Birmingham along the ropes at the Regions Tradition tourare the same: the commentators know more scored such prestigious than the players. Just ask them. They know nament. The Pro-Am day was great fun, seeing big name coaches and celebrities being golf tournaments this where the player should place his tee carted around (literally) with the golfing know which club the guy should year. Fans could come shot. They greats, although I have to tell you, the highuse. They know everything. It’s probably light for me was when Dr. Condoleezza Rice to watch world-class good for the players that the commentators walked up to the men’s tee, made a super their clubs in the garage because if they play and then eat at the left shot, and insisted on walking. My kind of joined the tour, no one would stand a chance. I’m glad Birmingham scored such prestigal. restaurant voted best in gious golf tournaments this year. Fans could On day two, after the celebrities had the United States. Take come to watch world-class play and then eat cleared the course, it was time to get serious. at the restaurant voted best in the United I started by watching the players practice that, Atlanta. States. Take that, Atlanta. putting on the green by the clubhouse. ViJay More importantly, I think Birmingham Singh worked meticulously, same distance, different angles, over and over again. John needs golf. It’s the perfect yin to our football Daly appeared with a cup in one hand (probably an Instant yang, and in a few short weeks, we’ll be yanging up big time. Breakfast) and a club in the other. A few strokes and he headed But if the pressure gets to you, if you just can’t watch when that poor kicker is facing a 45-yard field goal for the win, turn to the to the tee. Different strokes for different folks, as they say. Golf is different all around. Football is raucous and physical. Golf Channel for a few minutes of respite. Breathe, breathe. ❖
Over the Mountain Views
What are you doing this summer to beat the heat?
JOU RNAL
Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Sarah Kuper, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Blake Ells, Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, Jordan Wald, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Sam Prickett Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Laura Lane, Tommy Wald, Suzanne Wald Intern: Ben Fu
Vol. 27, No. 23
Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2018 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.
“We are going to the pool and we will go to the beach.”
“I go to the pool a lot.” Scott Bourgeois Vestavia Hills
James Alan Owen Homewood
Next Issue: July 26
“Drink lots of water and fellowship with friends.” Rick Wambsganss Homewood
Back to school preview special section.
“Shopping in Homewood.” Laura Messer with mom Nancy Messer Homewood
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
OPINION/CONTENTS
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 3
EVERY CANCER PATIENT IS UNIQUE. AND AT OUR NEW CENTER, THEIR CARE WILL BE, TOO.
The Grandview Cancer Center is about to open its doors, bringing this community an important new resource for cancer care. A full range of care, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, will be available right here. Services will be provided by a team of cancer care specialists using advanced technology and cancer treatment options. Jennifer De Los Santos, M.D., is the Cancer Center Director. She is a renowned radiation oncologist whose research in breast cancer treatment has gained international attention. She joins more than 20 board-certified physicians and a dedicated staff who will provide our patients with personalized care. To learn more, visit GrandviewCancerCare.com.
Jennifer De Los Santos, M.D. Cancer Center Director Independent Member of the Medical Staff at Grandview Medical Center.
3670 Grandview Parkway • Birmingham 205-971-1800
Look Forward. 102129_GRAN_CancerCenter_10_375x12_75c.indd 1
6/1/18 12:58 PM
4 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
July 12-29
Magic City Theatre Festival
What: Magic City Theatre Festival continues its presentation by Children’s Theatre, featuring Ken Ludwig’s “The Three Musketeers” adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas. Bringing together the talents of Birmingham’s area youth, director Kasaundra Couch will be composing The Green Show, in Shakespearean fashion, a free performance held on the green surrounding the theatre combining theatre, song and dance. When: Wed.-Sat. at 7 p.m.; and Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Where: Brookwood Village Website: bct123.org
Sat., July 14
Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris
What: The Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris is a family-friendly Walk/Run raising awareness of diabetes, and an opportunity for participant fundraising efforts to make it possible for kids to attend Camp Seale Harris for kids and families living with diabetes. When: 9 a.m. Where: Veterans Park Website: campsealeharris.org
July 14-15
McWane’s 20th Birthday Bash
What: McWane Science Center opened its doors on July 11, 20 years ago. The center will celebrate with a two-day party featuring educational shows, live entertainment and birthday cake. When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., check the website for updates Where: McWane Science Center Website: mcwane.org
Sloss Music & Arts Festival
What: This premier music experience features two days of music from around 44 renowned headliners and emerging artists on 4 stages; plus craft beer and creative cocktails, arts and crafts, live iron pouring demonstrations and more. When: Gates open at 12:30 p.m., music begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends at approximately 11:30 p.m. Where: Sloss Furnaces Website: slossfest.com
Sun., July 15
Book Signing with Lorraine “Boots” Parker
What: Join local author, Lorraine “Boots” Parker, for a book talk and signing of her debut novel “A Dividing Stream”, based on family stories stretching back to the Civil War. Books will be available for
Shelby Humane Society’s Bark and Wine to Auction Decorated Hydrants
McLafferty
What: Learn a lot about whiskey from bartender and author Clair McLafferty while enjoying adult beverages and light refreshments. McLafferty’s book “Classic and Craft Cocktail Recipe Book” will be available for purchase and signing. Must be 21 or older to participate. When: 6-7:30 p.m. Where: The Pavilion at Aldridge Gardens Website: aldridgegardens.com
Anyone who has been searching for a one-of-a-kind work of art that they and their four-legged friends can enjoy might find it at the Shelby County Humane Society’s annual Bark and Wine. Taking place July 21 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, the auction fundraiser will feature 12 fire hydrants donated by the Mueller Company Water Products Division and transformed by local artists. Participating artists include Susan Meyer and Donna McFeeters, Vallie Pate, Connie Collum, Vicki Denaburg, Melanie O’Keefe, Thomas Andrew, Pam Truitt and Shea Miller, Jane Cline, Carrie Pittman and Randy Newlin. Proceeds from the event will benefit the humane society’s Shelby Spay Neuter program, which is launching a new plan to increase its availability. Over the past eight years, the program has provided nearly 12,000 free or low-cost surgeries and led to a 30 percent reduction in stray or surrendered animals received by the Shelby County Humane Society. The funds raised also will be counted toward the organization’s current challenge to raise $100,000, which was established when the program received the promise of matching donations from VP Funds. Bark and Wine will begin at 6 p.m. and includes a silent auction, followed by a seated dinner and a live auction. Individual tickets are $150 and valet parking will be available. For more information, visit barkandwine.org. —Emily Williams
SAVE THE DATE Fri. July 27
Art on the Rocks Photo courtesy Shelby County Humane Society
JULY 12 - 26
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
“Dogs are Love” by Connie Collum.
purchase. When: 3-4 p.m. Where: Homewood Public Library, Round Auditorium Website: homewood.libnet.info
Mon., July 16
GBAC Auburn Athletics Kick-off
What: Greater Birmingham Auburn Club hosts a fun family-friendly event for the AU family and friends in the Greater Birmingham area honoring the ‘83 and ‘93 SEC Champions.The event will include speakers, the cheerleaders, pep band, AU Alumni Singers, Aubie, Tiger Paws, War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen and Nova, War Eagle VII & Friends; as well as a silent auction, hot dog dinner and beverages. When: Doors open at 5:30 p.m., program starts at 7 p.m. Where: The Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel Website: thegbac.org
Tues., July 17
Kindergarten Kick Off Popsicle Party
What: The Homewood Library hosts a popsicle party for all kindergarteners and their families to meet future classmates from area schools and celebrate the leap into kindergarten with popsicle snacks and crafts. When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Where: Homewood Public Library,
Round Auditorium Website: homewood.libnet.info
Wed., July 18
Flicks Among the Flowers What: The Gardens presents “Jaws”. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is encouraged which benefits educational programming at the Gardens. Make it a date night. Bring a blanket. No pets or alcoholic beverages. When: 6 p.m. Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, in the formal garden in front of the Conservatory Website: bbgardens.org
Sat., July 21
Community Night in the Forest
What: This free outdoor concert featuring Rollin’ in the Hay will have something fun for all ages. Bring your own chair. The event will move inside in the case of rain. When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Website: vestavialibrary.org
Sun., July 22
Tour de Cahaba
What: Cahaba Cycles hosts the 10th annual ride through Birmingham and its surrounding areas. There is a rest stop at every Cahaba Cycles and plenty of sag
support. Included is an under 5-mile, slow roll family ride for all ages. The other distances are 10, 34, 45 and 65 miles. Good People Brewing Co. will host a cookout and live music afterwards behind Cahaba Cycles. When: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Where: Cahaba Cycles, Homewood Website: “Cahaba Cycles” Facebook page
Battle of the Blues Bands What: Each year the Magic City Blues Society presents a contest for Birmingham-area musicians to compete for a spot at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. A band and solo/duo act is selected, allowing the organization to showcase Birmingham’s finest. When: Doors open at 1 p.m. with the competition to follow at 2 p.m. Where: Iron City Website: magiccityblues.org
Thurs., July 26
Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run Golf Tournament
What: The tenth annual tournament to benefit Special Olympics is a four person best shot (scramble). When: Tee off is at 10:30 a.m., doors open at 8:30. Where: Robert Trent Jones, Oxmoor Valley Website: “Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run Golf Tournament” Facebook page
Whiskey Workshop and Book Signing with Clair
What: The second installment of the Birmingham Museum of Arts’ summer series presented by Dale’s Seasoning features musical guests The Seratones and brings a night of entertainment with artist collaborations, interactive performances, food, cocktails and more. When: 7-11 p.m. Where: Birmingham Museum of Art Website: artsbma.org
Sat., July 28
Downtown Homewood Sidewalk Sale
What: Join the merchants of Downtown Homewood for the seventh annual Sidewalk Sale. Lasting throughout the entirety of the day, merchants will line the sidewalks in front of their shops with merchandise discounted up to 75 percent. When: All day Where: Downtown Homewood Website: homewoodchamber.org
Sat., July 28
Otey’s Fest
What: Enjoy great bands, family fun and Rodney’s famous burgers, chicken sandwiches and hot dogs. The event will include live music with the Rebirth Brass Band. When: 5-11 p.m. Where: parking lot in front of Otey’s Tavern Website: oteysfest.com
A Night of Big Stars
What: Summer Classics presents an event to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham as “Littles” take the stage and perform a one-of-a-kind-show. Guests will enjoy auction packages, a dinner and a cocktail reception; as well as dancing to the band Shimmer. Every dollar raised helps the organization continue its mission of matching children facing adversity with caring and supportive mentors. When: 6 p.m. Where: The Club Website: anightofbigstars.com
KultureBALL
What: KultureCity’s annual starstudded fundraising event features entertainment, a seated dinner, a
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Trak Shak Twilight Retro Run
What: Dig out your old polyester, split shorts, tube socks, aviators, afro wigs and whatever else you can come up with for the 2018 run. The event features a costume contest, beer, cold non-alcoholic beverages and music from the 70’s,80’s and 90’s. When: 7-9 p.m. Where: The race begins and ends on 18th Street in Homewood Website: “The Trak Shak Twilight Retro Run 5K” Facebook page
Mon., July 30
Strong is the New Pretty Camp
What: Girl Spring, an online community created by girls for girls, is offering a camp featuring a ropes course, zip lining, team building, fashion, cyber-security, self-defense, nutrition and more. Registration deadline is July 20. When: July 30-31 (girls entering 4th and 5th grade), Aug. 2-3 (girls entering 6th and 7th grade) and
See ABOUT TOWN, page 8
Mountain Brook Village Businesses Prepare for Market Day Sale In the heat of the summer, Mountain Brook Village merchants will open their doors and fill the sidewalks for the annual Market Day. The European-style tent sale, in its 17th year, gives village businesses a chance to open their doors to customers new and old and offer them sales and other opportunities. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 21. At this year’s sale, ARC Realty Gallery Brokers will open the doors at its office on Cahaba Road, which opened earlier this year, and invite guests to see its special gallery space, which currently is featuring artwork from Studio By the Tracks. The works of art that will be on display have been created by the students of the studio’s free classes for adults with autism spectrum disorder. For each piece sold, the artist receives 60 percent of the purchase price. “One of the main objectives of opening our new space this year in Mountain Brook Village was so that Arc Realty could support the surrounding communities that we do business with,” said Susan Fitzgibbon, Gallery Brokers CFO and Realtor. “Our name itself,
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
one-of-a-kind live auction and a chance to rub shoulders with local and national celebrities. Proceeds benefit children and families living with autism. When: 6:30-11 p.m. Where: Southern Sky Aviation Hangar Website: kulturecity.org
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 5
ABOUT TOWN
Among the businesses getting ready for Market Day in Mountain Brook Village, July 21, are, from left, Virginia Grisham, Pam Clark, Susan Fitzgibbon, Deanna Hawkins, Brenda Meadows and Ricky Bromberg.
Gallery Brokers, was created also to promote art, which is often such a beautiful and personal part of the homes we help our clients buy and sell.” The office offers its two-walled gallery space to local artists free of charge. It recently has promoted Riverwoods art, a local mother and daughter team, and Sharon Brown of
The Beverly McNeil Gallery. Having been a devoted supporter of Studio By the Tracks since she was introduced to it five years ago at its annual Holiday Show, Fitzgibbon said she has been waiting for the perfect time to offer the office’s gallery space to the organization. “I love the way SBTT provides a welcoming and encouraging
space for their students to express their creativity and how proceeds are shared with the artists,” she said. “Market Day seemed the perfect time for Gallery Brokers to help the art and artists to get exposure.” For more information, visit mtnbrookchamber.org. —Emily Williams
REGIONS IS PLEASED TO INTRODUCE
JOSEPH KASSOUF as the newest member of the Regions Investment Solutions team. With Regions Investment Solutions, you have access to financial professionals with the experience, service and products to help you reach your financial goals. Joseph Kassouf is the Financial Advisor for Regions Investment Solutions in Birmingham, Alabama. He focuses on not only his client’s immediate needs, but also on his client’s complete financial picture. Call Joseph at 205-586-3190, visit your local Regions branch or visit regions.com/solutions to find out more about the benefits of a Regions Investment Solutions relationship. Investments | Insurance | Advice and Guidance 1592 Montgomery Hwy. | Hoover, AL 35216 205.586.3190 | joseph.kassouf@regions.com Toll-Free: 1.800.598.9164 Investment, Insurance and Annuity Products: Are Not FDIC Insured | Are Not a Deposit | May Go Down in Value | Are Not Bank Guaranteed Are Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency | Are Not a Condition of Any Banking Activity
Regions Investment Solutions is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and insurance products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Neither Cetera Investment Services nor Cetera Investment Advisers is an affiliate of Regions Bank.
6 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Mountain Brook Village’s 17th Annual
Market Day
Saturday, July 21 | 8am - 5pm Shop the Village for Great Deals!
IT'S HOT
and that means To: From: Date:
Molly Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 July
MARKET DAY IS HERE!
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN the great things, and some surprises this year. You willJOURNAL find greatfor prices, July 12th issue. Please email approval or changes to 824-1246.
One special treasure is worth a $50 gift certificate! Please make sure all information is correct, The "hottest" buys are under the tent, but we also have Including address and phone number! some "cool" buys inside at discounted prices.
THE SALE YOU'VE BEEN ASKING FOR IS HERE! See you Saturday, July 21st
2404 Canterbury Road • 871-8297
PMS 462 C
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 7
ABOUT TOWN
MARKET DAY SALE IN-STORE SALE
Market Day Sale
20% - 50% OFF STOREWIDE*
Wednesday - Friday, July 18-20, 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
25% OFF STOREWIDE
TENT SALE
UP TO 75% OFF AT TENT SALE*
15% Off On future Purchases fOr WishList Makers
Saturday, July 21, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 21st Special Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm
*some exclusions apply, all sales final
2421 CANTERBURY ROAD | @SHOPANTIQUITIES | 870-1030
avanirupa.com
MARKET DAY SALE!
To: From:
Shop Sale Early for Best Selection Now through Market Day July 21st
Date:
Making Room for New Merchandise
• 205.982.4888 • 2408 canterbury road in mountain brook village
July 20th July 28th
Avani Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax July 2018
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the July 12, 2018 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
PMS 462 C
Please make sure all information correct, Saturday, Julyis 21st including address andBest phone Early Bird Dealsnumber! of the Day! a.m. - 10 a.m. Thank you for your 8prompt attention.
2410 Canterbury Road
2417 Canterbury Road
423-5443
www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com
871-7872
THE LINGERIE SHOPPE
- remove the exclamation point - change the blue color to match our metallic gold color to match the logo - remove the italic style of the store hours - change the "a" in avanirupa to lower case
To: Beverly From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: July 2018
NEW HOME
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the July 12, 2018 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! 2416 Canterbury Road To: Thank you for your prompt attention. 205.879.0691
Back By Popular Demand!
From: Date:
AlleySale
Backroom will be open Thursday, July 19th and Market Day, Saturday July 21st
Wesley Tax-Free Shopping on Market Day Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 July 2018 2403 Montevallo Road, Mountain Brook Village 205-871-8994
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the July 12, 2018 issue.
July 21
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!
20 18
Thank you for your prompt attention. Closed Monday July 16 for set up
2406 CANTERBURY ROAD • 879.2730 Summer Linen Sale! 20-75% OFF all Bed Linens!!! Now - July 21st All sales final, no store credit or gift cards may be used during the sale, no gift wrapping.
25% OFF STOREWIDE July 17-20, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, July 21, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. BIG SAVINGS between 8 and 10 a.m. some exclusions apply, all sales final, no store credit or gift cards may be used during the sale, no gift wrapping
2402 Montevallo Road | www.table-matters.com | 205.879.0125
Photo courtesy American Cancer Society
ABOUT TOWN
The Hope Gala co-chairs are Lucy Parker and Robin Kidd.
An Evening to Remember, Celebrate and Fight Back American Cancer Society Hope Gala Features Auction Items and Bright Colors
By Sarah Kuper The 38th annual Hope Gala benefiting the American Cancer Society is set for Aug. 18. This year’s event will include elements of years past, such as
dinner, dancing, remembering those who are fighting cancer and raising money for research and a cure. Only at this year’s gala, bright colors and bold patterns will give the night a lively feel.
JULY 14-15
We’re inviting you to help us celebrate McWane’s 20th birthday with a two-day celebration! Join us for some incredible demonstrations, activities, and of course cake! Special Thank You to
www.mcwane.org
“The event theme is Palms and Pucci, which is sure to bring lots of color and bold patterns to this year’s event. We’re hoping for the guests to join us in that theme!” said Meredith Rodgers, community development manager for the South Region of the American Cancer Society. The Hope Gala co-chairs are Lucy Parker and Robin Kidd. Both women have been hard at work planning and seeing a new side to the cause they champion. “Just being around the Cancer Society offices and the Hope Lodge, seeing the patients drives home how important it is. It is more than just planning a party,” Parker said. Parker was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 10 years old. At the time, she said she didn’t realize how serious it was. “My parents did a great job shielding and protecting me. Being a mom now, I can’t imagine what they were going through,” Parker said. Parker lives in Mountain Brook and is a mother to five children. She is especially passionate about the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge. “It is a huge benefit to these patients who travel in from out of town. They provide transportation to and from treatment. I don’t know how some patients would do it without them,” Parker said. This year’s honoree is Austin Brown, who passed away from brain cancer last year. The husband and father of two was in his 30’s and a Homewood resident. Brown’s family will be a part of the gala to honor him. During this year’s cocktail hour, attendees will peruse a wide variety of auctions. Some highlights include a dove hunt to Argentina, two flights to anywhere in Europe and a piece of diamond jewelry. To see a list of event sponsors, commit to a sponsorship or buy tickets, visit acsbirm.ejoinme.org.
ABOUT TOWN, From page 5
Aug. 6-7 (alternate session); from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Red Mountain Park Website: girlspring.com or email kirsten@girlspring.com
Tues., July 31
Mad Hatter’s Fairy Garden Tea Party
What: Parents and grandparents, bring your child/grandchild to a Tea Party presented by Aldridge Gardens. Guests are invited to decorate and plant a small fairy garden together; eat finger sandwiches with tea and cookies; and enjoy an Alice in Aldridge Gardens theme. Hats are
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Antiques at the Gardens Honors Longtime Supporters Cameron and Derrill Crowe
Cameron and Derrill Crowe are this year’s Antiques at the Gardens honorees. The Crowes, (pictured) have been members of The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens and loyal supporters of the gardens for more than two decades, according to a release from the Friends group. “The leadership and generosity of supporters like the Crowes allows the gardens to remain a treasured community asset and enables 10,000 area students annually to participate in education programs free of charge,” the statement said. Cameron is an active volunteer at the gardens and now serves on the Antiques Advisory Committee. Her past involvement includes: The Great Chefs Series, chair of the Sculpture Auction, past chair of Antiques at the Gardens, member of the board of directors and member of the finance committee. While she was on the committee’s research and development team, Cameron was instrumental in bringing the Antiques Show to the gardens. Cameron had been involved with the Antiques Show when it was hosted by the Junior League of Birmingham and was able to help with its transition to the gardens. In 2006, Antiques at The Gardens’ first year, it became the Friends’ largest fundraiser. Cameron was a member of the inaugural antiques committee and today her daughter Cameron Estes is chair of the Antiques at The Gardens’ Junior Guild. The junior guild was established several years ago to encourage the next generation to participate. Junior guild members volunteer throughout the show and host a special event of their own. “It has been fun to work on the
welcome. When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Aldridge Gardens Website: aldridgegardens.com
Sat., Aug. 4
An Arc Affair: The Next Chapter 2018
What: The Arc’s annual gala supports the Arc and its mission to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live the most independent life possible. This years project will be a literacy center at their Crestwood Center. Support for this project helps fund books, shelves, training tablets and a part-time instructor dedicated to teaching all people served by The Arc who want to enrich their knowledge and abilities.
Photo courtesy Birmingham Botanical Gardens
8 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
show with my daughter and niece, who is also involved. Sharing the weekend events with family and friends is a treat,” Cameron said. Cameron’s insights have helped keep Antiques at the Gardens relevant during a changing economy and interests. “It is really funny how history repeats itself and the show I chaired in 2007 is not unlike much of the 2018 show! Many of the same conversations are still relevant,” she said. Cameron believes that what has changed is that Birmingham has become a resource for current design talent. “We have incredible architects, interior designers, artists, craftsmen, landscape designers, curators, floral artists and designers, antique and specialty shops with experts all over the Birmingham area,” she said. Proceeds from the show will support the Friends’ educational programs and garden enhancements. Antiques at the Garden will be Oct. 5-7. —Blake Ells
When: 6-10 p.m. Where: The Club Website: arcofcentralalabama.org
Journey of Hope
What: Medical Properties Trust, Inc. presents Journey of Hope, which supports the advancement of medicine, technology and therapies for people living with disabilities. The event will benefit United Ability and honor the dedication of Dr. Mark Cohen, United Ability’s first medical director, and include a performance by singer-songwriter Mandy Harvey. A dessert reception will follow. When: Doors open at 7 p.m., program begins at 7:30 p.m. Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Jemison Concert Hall Website: unitedability.org
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NEWS
10 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
By William C. Singleton III
Journal photo by William C. Singleton III
Known for Her Pottery
The Cook Store owner Wesley Lassen, right, shows customer Sue Abele a pottery dishware.
Retailer of the Year Nominee Cook Store Gives a Homey Vibe in the Middle of Mountain Brook
contest had more than 100 nominees and 54 entries that made the final cut. Karen Odle, executive director for the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, said her chamber doesn’t generally nominate a slew of businesses because it doesn’t want to set them up to compete against each other. But she said the chamber picks a nominee who is not only doing well in business, but also helping the community. She noted the owner of the local Jimmy John’s sandwich restaurant as
an example. “They go above and beyond their normal work to serve the community. Any time when we have huge community events, they’ll step up and provide sandwiches and lunches for our workers,” she said. “They’ve done the same thing for the schools. They’re very communityoriented. That’s why we felt they were worth nominating.” Molly Wallace, project manager for the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, said
Messy Situation in Hoover By William C. Singleton III
It’s a messy situation, but it has to be addressed. Hoover officials are trying to make the case for a possible rate hike to generate more revenue for its two wastewater treatment plants, which service the city’s Riverchase, Inverness and Southlake communities. So, they took their message to residents during a recent public forum at the Riverchase Country Club. Another meeting will be held July 31, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Spain Park High School. The two sewer systems serve 4,500 residents and 200 commercial customers in Hoover. Other residents outside Inverness and Riverchase are served by the Jefferson County sewer system. Greystone residents pay for private sewer service. Hoover officials say they haven’t increased rates in 14 years. But
expenses continue to climb. Since 2011, the city hasn’t been able to pay all of the depreciation costs on the system’s assets. That depreciation cost runs $2.2 million annually, Hoover Chief Financial Officer Melinda Lopez said. The city has been able to pay $1.1 million of that annual depreciation cost. Also, stricter environmental regulations are driving costs up, city officials say. “Our regulations regarding the discharge from those two plants have significantly increased,” Hoover Chief Operations Officer Tim Westhoven said. “They both discharge into the Cahaba River, one of the most highly sensitive environmental rivers in the United States. It clearly needs to be taken care of, and we’re doing our best to do that … to protect the health and welfare of the city and, of course, the environment.” A rate hike of $30.53 a month
per residential household ($366.36 a year) is needed to bridge the shortfall, officials explained. In addition, city officials say the two sewer systems are going to need $7.2 million in capital improvements over the next five years. “We know at some point, the rates need to increase,” Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said. “Now that’s either going to be absorbed by the city or it’s going to be absorbed by the citizens who are using the system.” Brocato said he’s against selling the sewer systems or delegating authority to an independent board. He wants the system to remain in the control of Hoover and the City Council so the city can have the deciding voice on issues such as rate hikes. Brocato also said city leaders don’t have an immediate timetable for settling the issue. Riverchase resident Donna McDowell asked city leaders to
Franks first started the store in 1975 as the Kitchen Shoppe. He sold it to Knight, who later sold it to Lassen. Since Lassen has taken over, she has added her own personal touches. She sells no items with electrical cords, for instance. The store offers gadgets, bakeware, cookware, knives – anything for the kitchen. But the shop located at 2841 Cahaba Road is known for its pottery. “I really started the pottery part of it,” Lassen said. “I’ve always had a love for handmade anything, cutting boards, pottery all that kind of stuff. I really added that as an element to the store, and it’s really become a big, big part of the business.” She features the work of local pottery makers, though one has since moved to North Carolina, she said. Lassen said carrying pottery resulted in a booming bridal business for her. “The bridal business is incredible,” she said. “We wrap and deliver locally in Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia Hills. We have a bridal registry. But we try to be real easy for our customers to come in even if they’re not registered, and they want to shop with us. We try to accommodate them as best we can.”
Journal photo by William C. Singleton III
The creaking wood floors and wood smell that greet you when you enter The Cook Store of Mountain Brook convey a homey, welcoming environment. Owner Wesley Lassen credits original owner Sam Franks with the idea for the wood floors and walls. Since she took over from the previous owner, Betty Knight, 19 years ago, Lassen has installed wood cabinets, adding to the store’s warm and scented appeal, Lassen said. What’s even more attractive – according to her customer base – is the store’s focus on functional pottery – dishware that is safe to use in microwaves, dishwashers and ovens. “Everything we sell we want it to be very functional,” Lassen said. “We want you to be able to cook in it, clean it and do anything you want with it.” Her store has received attention from local and state retail and business organizations. Lassen is among seven local businesses and business owners who’ve been nominated for 2018 Alabama Retailer of the Year Awards. Lassen’s nomination is in the category for stores with less than $1 million in sales. The Alabama Retail Association, based in Montgomery, sponsors the awards program. Awards will be announced at a ceremony Oct. 16, 11:30 a.m. at Vestavia Hills Country Club. Other nominees from the Over the Mountain Area include: • Elizabeth Adams, Ex Voto LLC, Mountain Brook • Paige Albright, Paige Albright Orientals, Mountain Brook • Avani Patel and Rupa Patel, Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers, Mountain Brook • Leslie Pittman, Elle, Mountain Brook • Julie G. Howell and Elizabeth G. Roberts, Lamb’s Ears Ltd., Mountain Brook • Brandon Stewart, Jimmy John’s, Vestavia Hills Nancy Dennis, spokeswoman for the Alabama Retail Association, said this year’s
the Alabama Retailer of the Year Award is prestigious for any business. “I’ve heard it said the Alabama Retailer of the Year Awards are kind of like the Oscars for retail in Alabama,” she said. “The banquet they have in the fall is fabulous. It makes everybody feel like a million bucks. Anyone nominated and certainly any winners will get tons of PR through the process.” Wallace said the chamber is proud of all its nominees this year. Of the Cook Store she said, “We love the Cook Store. It’s a neat place. It makes you feel like you’re on a movie set. It’s steep(ed) in tradition. It’s so local. They have this fabulous earth-born pottery line. They love helping people in the community find gifts.”
Former Hoover Councilman David Bradley gives the audience a history lesson on the sewer issue.
reach a decision as soon as possible so residents can plan accordingly. “People are going to want to know answers for questions like, ‘When is it going to impact me?’ and ‘When am I going to see the financial hit,’ because if your sewer rate doubles, maybe you need to cut back
somewhere else in your budget,” she said. “We need to know that.” David Naefe, a Riverchase resident for 30 years, said when the city first acquired the sewer system, it was supposed to be a catalyst for economic development in the
See HOOVER, page 11
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 11
NEWS
Troops Rally to Save Historic Bridges Home
By William C. Singleton III
The Homewood Historical Society is trying to raise money to save the Bridges Home. But the society’s president said they’ve got a way to go if they want to keep the historic pink home from being torn down. “We’ve formed a non-profit in Alabama and we’re waiting to get our tax number and then we can get a GoFundMe page,” said Martha Wustele Jones. “We’ve gotten some (donations), but we’re hoping for corporate backing after we get the tax number.” Jones wouldn’t say how much the society has raised. “We’ve had donations from New Hampshire, Mobile, California. This has gone nationwide,” Jones said. “They’re coming in every day.” Jones and supporters are trying to raise funds to buy the home at 214 Edgewood Boulevard known as the Bridges Home. The home previously belonged to Georges and Eleanor Bridges, artists who
roamed through Europe before they made the pink stucco home their permanent dwelling in the 1920s. The property on which the home sits features an elaborate garden and is surrounded by an assortment of lush trees that shield the house from the neighborhood streets. The Bridges raised children abandoned in the mines during the Great Depression and hosted prominent American writers in their home, including Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Eric and Diana Hansen purchased the home in 1988 and have lived there ever since. However, in 2004, the Hansens sold the home to developer Pat O’Sullivan because they needed money for a family medical crisis, Diana Hansen said at the recent Homewood Planning Commission meeting. At that June 5 meeting, the commission approved plans for O’Sullivan to subdivide six lots at 214 Edgewood Boulevard to accommodate five new houses.
HOOVER, From page 10
Riverchase area and was supposed to be supported through revenue generated from the Riverchase Galleria and other businesses.
O’Sullivan’s plans call for the demolition of the Bridges Home, although he told the Hansens he would let them stay there at least until the end of January. Greg Cobb, Homewood’s director of engineering, planning and zoning, said once the Planning Commission approved the lot subdivision, there was nothing more the city could do to stop O’Sullivan’s plans. O’Sullivan has said he would listen to any proposals to buy the property. Now it’s all on the society and supporters. Currently, Jones said the society doesn’t have a figure it needs to raise but is operating from a statement Diana Hansen made at the commission meeting that she needs $5 million to get the property back. “I offered $2.5 million. I don’t have it but I offered it,” Jones said. “He (O’Sullivan) told me to put it in writing and he’ll entertain it.” “We still have time to save this house,” she added.
“The sewer system was not profitable; it was breakeven then. It was never supposed to be,” Naefe said. “The city was expected to cover it.” Other residents said they understood the need for the increase and asked that city leaders consider the effect a rate hike would have on residents who live on fixed incomes.
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Look Forward. 5/24/18 3:36 PM
LIFE
12 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
PUBLIC PEOPLE S PRIVATE PLACES
Rubbing Elbows
By Emily Williams It all began with a wink. Home from college for Christmas break, Bobbye Weaver, nee Williamson, winked at a handsome young Emmett Weaver, editor for the Pell City News-Aegis, as he stood on her doorstep. He took it as an act of flirtation rather than what it was – a small little tick. The two went across the street for a coke and what followed was a 63-year marriage filled with celebrities, the stage, stories and thousands of pieces of cinematic history that the couple collected through Emmett’s career in entertainment journalism with the Birmingham Post-Herald. The late Emmett Weaver, a native of Anniston, will soon be celebrated along with Bobbye as their collection of historic cinematic, musical and theatrical memorabilia goes on display at the Oxford Performing Arts Center in 2019.
Bobbye and Emmett Weaver’s Collection of Entertainment Memorabilia Blends History and Friendship
Humble Beginnings
Star Stories
It was at these many premieres, with Emmett interviewing actors and reviewing the films, that the Weavers began developing relationships, often friendships, with many of
the celebrities they encountered. It didn’t hurt that Emmett’s reviews grew highly respected. “Emmett was very honest as a critic,” Bobbye said. “He was never mean.” A fan of many Woody Allen films, Emmett wasn’t terribly fond of “Annie Hall,” and his slightly negative review elicited a heartfelt thank you letter from Allen. Many similar letters are tucked throughout photo albums filled with famous faces. A premier in those days was a much more intimate affair, where reporters spent time getting to know the stars rather than shouting at them from the sidelines of a red carpet. Sometimes, there were events hosted at an actor’s home, as was customary for Clint Eastwood, in particular. Bobbye offered up photos of herself and her husband standing alongside Eastwood at his ranch, all dressed in old western outfits for the premiere of “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” While others who attended the events might have stood in awe of the stars, Bobbye and Emmett treated them the same as anyone else. “Others would put them up on such high pedestals that they couldn’t actually be themselves,” she said. “Emmett and I kind of hung loose and they seemed to really like that.” As a result, the Weavers received a steady stream of little gifts from actors they knew:
Sometimes, there were events hosted at an actor’s home, as was customary for Clint Eastwood, in particular. Bobbye offered up photos of herself and her husband standing alongside Eastwood at his ranch, all dressed in old western outfits for the premiere of “The Outlaw Josey Wales.”
Photo courtesy Bobbye Weaver
Emmett started his life going in a far different direction than the one he wound up taking. A pre-med student at the University of Alabama, he joined the Navy to serve as a medic corpsman in World War II, where he learned he could not be a doctor like his father. When he returned to school after the war, he changed his major to journalism and communications – which led him to Bobbye's doorstep. The couple soon married and moved back to the University of Alabama, where Bobbye finished her degree in classical piano and Emmett finished his master’s degree. Emmett then enlisted in the Army Reserves for the much-needed $35 a month pay and, not a month later, the couple relocated to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina in response to the Korean Conflict. Emmett was never deployed for battle, and the couple was later moved to New York, where Emmett finished up his service and Bobbye developed her love of theater and public relations. “When we came back (to Alabama) Emmett began working with the Birmingham Post-Herald,” Bobbye said. “He worked in entertainment because he knew entertainment from our time in New York. When we were living there, I met Mary Martin, Ethel Merman and Carol Channing, and they have all become a part of a one-woman show that I did in about 2008, right before Emmett became ill.” Throughout his career, Emmett attended at least 25 world premieres among other premieres of films and plays he reviewed for the Post-Herald. “I accompanied him on most of them. Most of the time, what I was doing was with WSGN/WCRT Radio,” Bobbye said. She would chaperone the Miss Alabama contestant in the Miss Universe pageant and report back with stories. “Through Emmett’s work, he really gave me the chance to do what I loved and make great contacts,” she said. “For instance, when we went to the premiere of Norma Rae, with Sally Field and Beau Bridges, I went with WCRT and got to interview them.”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
From top, Emmet and Bobbye Weaver with Johnny Carson; Bobbye with Rock Hudson; Emmet with Andy Griffith.
Christmas cards, signed photos, commemorative mugs, ash trays and T-shirts. Many of those personal gifts will be on display at the Oxford Performing Arts Center. Among those of the highest value is an original painting by Jack Lord, one of only 200 that he made during his Hawaii Five-O days. It will be joined by three original foil frames for cartoons, including one from The Flinstones and one from “The Incredible Mr. Limpet.” The collection also includes two original scripts signed by Neil Simon, which Bobbye treasures; a pristine belt buckle sent by Elvis Presley; and a ring sent by Elizabeth Taylor that is a copy of the 29.4 carat diamond given to her by Mike Todd, which Bobbye wore in her one-woman show. Another highly valuable piece, according to Bobbye, is a copy of the original script of the “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast sent to Emmett with a letter from the show’s narrator, Orson Welles. It didn’t stop at gifts. The many photos of Emmett and/or Bobbye alongside celebrities recall many amazing moments. While having dinner at The Hollywood
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Photo courtesy Bobbye Weaver
Journal photo by Emily Williams
Palladium with a group of Miss Universe contestants, Bobbye met Lawrence Welk, who already had a relationship with her husband. “I really was almost ready to swoon then, because he was my idol,” she said. As the music played, she began drumming her hands on the table to the beat to stay calm. When Welk took notice, he told her she had natural talent and even wanted her to join him on tour. She didn’t join his troupe, but she did learn how to play the drums, performing locally and teaching drum lessons to children for many years. In 1973, Welk visited Birmingham and called the Weavers, requesting that Bobbye play drums with him in the Dixieland jazz section of his show. “I’ve got a picture of me singing with him.” The couple met Johnny Carson in 1950 while in New York to see a Broadway show. A friend at ABC talked them into being on Carson’s game show “Who Do You Trust?” and Bobbye and Emmett left the winners of $3,000. Proving nearly all of her photos have a story attached, Bobbye showed a photo of herself with the handsome Rock Hudson, whom she visited at his home with a busload of Miss Universe contestants. “The bus, when we got ready to leave, backed into his fence and knocked his whole big fence down,” Bobbye said, giggling at
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 13
LIFE
A constant throughout her collection is Red Skelton, who became a close friend of the Weavers. Skelton gifted the Weavers a short-leaf pine that thrived until it was taken down by the April 2011 tornadoes that swept through their Cahaba Heights neighborhood .
the memory. “But he was such a gentleman. I really liked him as a person.” Emmett later ran into him at the premiere of “The Undefeated,” and Hudson told him he remembered Bobbye’s battle with the fence and sent Emmett home with autographs from himself and John Wayne along with sepia copies of stills from the film. Then there is a photo of Emmett leaning toward a short woman with thick, black glasses and a head of bright red hair. “Oh, this was Lucille Ball,” Bobbye said. “She was a lovely person. All business. Mrs. Business. She was very nice, but hard as tacks.”
A constant throughout her collection is Red Skelton, who became a close friend of the Weavers. Each time his image appears, Bobbye said, “And there’s old Red” with a wide smile. “He truly was the kindest man and a great friend,” she said. Skelton gifted the Weavers a short-leaf pine that thrived until it was taken down by the April 2011 tornadoes. He also gifted them one of his director’s chairs, which complimented one that Vann Williams had personalized for Emmett.
Bringing it Home
For 30 years, until he retired in 1983, Emmett served as the Post-
‘When I shuffle off – I’m gonna go fighting, believe me – but, when I shuffle off, I can’t say that I haven’t had a wonderful life.’ BOBBYE WEAVER
Herald’s first religion editor, an amusement and entertainment editor and editor of the “Week-Ender,” which became “Kudzu.” During that time, when they weren’t traveling the couple immersed themselves in the local arts community. Bobbye often took to the stage at the Town and Gown Theatre and worked with the Summerfest Musical Theatre, which was co-founded by Emmett, James Hatcher and Birmingham
Mayor David Vann. The couple often invited their famous friends and acquaintances to visit the city, including the incomparable Judy Garland. Through their shared love of theater and the arts, Bobbye became close friends with Eleanor Bridges, a painter, and her husband, George, a sculptor, whose house in Homewood was often a spot where the Weavers would take their famous visitors. Having tucked away many of the possessions in her Cahaba Heights home that she and her husband of 63 years collected, Bobbye said that she has loved reliving her fond memories as she filters through to find the pieces that are best suited for exhibition. “When I shuffle off – I’m gonna go fighting, believe me – but, when I shuffle off, I can’t say that I haven’t had a wonderful life,” Bobbye said.
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Look Forward. 6/29/18 12:55 PM
14 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
LIFE
Happy Birthday, Uncle Sam!
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Downtown Homewood Hot Spot for Fun and Fireworks on the Fourth; Red, White and Brew in Avondale
From left, Charles Mitchell; Chase, Jackson and Annie Taylor; Eleanor Bailey; Ogden Deaton; and Taylor Anne Straughn. DOWNTOWN HOMEWOOD was the place to be on July 4, with two blocks of 18th St. S. and a block of 29th Ave. S. blocked off for the City of Homewood and the Homewood Parks and Recreation Board’s annual July 4th Festival. Pedestrians, inflatables, rides and more filled the streets to celebrate Independence Day in the early evening and festivities concluded with the perfect view of the annual Thunder on the Mountain fireworks show, conducted atop Red Mountain at Vulcan Park and Museum.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Andres Camacho and Katia Reyes. Ryan and Kelsey Christie with Salem.
Mary Streets and Remy Garrison.
Ryan and Michelle Campbell.
KICKING OFF INDEPENDENCE DAY celebrations a day early, the Birmingham Education Foundation hosted its 2nd annual Red White and Brew fundraiser on July 3 at Avondale Brewing Co. A selection of some of Birmingham’s best food trucks served up their signature dishes, adults sipped on local craft beers, children enjoyed inflatables and face painting and the evening finished off with a fireworks display.
Above, Eryn Dorsett, Brianna Jaudon and Jordan Carroll.
Above, Brett and Jake Cole with Dixie. Below, MacKenzie Yoakman, Grace Gaddis and Evyn Vlahos.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
LIFE
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 15
54 Years and Counting
Birmingham artist Darius Hill, left, with Lee and Catherine Styslinger.
MS Society Unveils Legacy of Leadership Commission, Honors Lee Styslinger Jr. The Alabama–Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recognized its 2016 Legacy of Leadership honoree, Lee Styslinger Jr., on June 18 with the official unveiling of the ‘OFFICIALLY UNVEILING LEE’S PIECE IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE INCREDIBLE IMPACT HE HAS MADE ...’
artwork commissioned in his name at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The artwork is a visual representation of Styslinger’s contributions to the Legacy of Leadership campaign, his impact on the Birmingham community and the role that Altec, the company he founded, has played in the evolution of the manufacturing industry. “This campaign not only serves to enhance Birmingham aesthetically and artistically; it also enables the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to raise much-needed funds for
research, services and resources for people living with MS,” said Andrew Bell, president of the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter. “Officially unveiling Lee’s piece is a wonderful way to acknowledge the incredible impact he has made, as well as a tangible way to continue to bring awareness to MS and the strides we are making in ending it.” The piece, made of aluminum and titled “Fiber,” was designed by Birmingham artist Darius Hill. It will be on display in front of the Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. entrance to the museum. “The Birmingham Museum of Art is grateful to the Multiple Sclerosis Society AlabamaMississippi for honoring one of our greatest supporters, Lee Styslinger Jr., with this incredible gift of art. For the fourth time, the MS Society has added an important work to our collection, and we are thrilled to now have a sculpture by contemporary artist Darius Hill,” said Graham Boettcher, R. Hugh Daniel director of the BMA.
The Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham is planning its 55th year of community service with new officers and eight new members. President Nan Teninbaum installed the officers and introduced new members May 8 at the Mountain Brook Home of Becky Keyes. The annual Guest Day was organized and chaired by Nancy Jones. Officers serving in 2018-19 are Carla Roberson, president; Irene Collins, first vice president; Kathy Miller, second vice president; Bet Wright, recording secretary; Valerie Ramsbacher, treasurer; Rebecca Mason, assistant treasurer; and Nan Teninbaum, past president. New members are Anne Bishop, Fran Howard, Liz Huntley, Sheryl Kimerling, Anne Moses, Amie Beth Shaver, Nan Skier and Anna Williams. Members attending were Jo Ballard, Martha Bartlett, Kirke Cater, Irene Collins, Nita Collinsworth, Carolyn Drennen, Jane Ellis, Carolyn Featheringill, Marjorie Forney, Anne Gibbons, Annie Green, Judy Haise, Sandra Holley, Nancy Jones, Becky Keyes, Zandi Krulak, Anne Lamkin,
Photos special to the Journal
Photo special to the Journal
Women’s Committee of 100 Welcomes New Members, Installs Officers
New members are, from left, Anna Williams, Fran Howard, Liz Huntley and Nan Skier.
Kimberly Leslie-Patton, Jean Liles, Audrey Lindquist, Kathy Miller, Kate Millhouse, Helen Pittman, Kerri Pruitt, Gail Pugh, Nelda Pugh, Valerie Ramsbacher, Caroline Reich, Carolyn Reich, Lisa Reich, Carla Roberson, Lisa Roberts, Sara Ruiz de Molina, Marianne Sharbel, Barbara
Shepherd, Rebekah Taylor, Nan Teninbaum, Doris Wayman, Elouise Williams, Bet Wright and Janis Zeanah. Guests were Nancy Skinner, Leslie DeRamus, Carmen Morrow, Leigh Laser Collins, Margaret Tucker, Judy Mathews and Caroline Sparrow.
New officers are, from left, Carla Roberson, Irene Collins, Nan Teninbaum, Kathy Miller and Bet Wright.
SOCIAL
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Celebrating Outside the Lines BMA Celebrates Modern Artwork at the Annual Museum Ball
From left, Anna Kathryn and Daniel Johnson with Susan and Grayson Hall.
M Courtney and Jay Pigford.
odern art served as the muse for the 63rd annual Museum Ball, held May 5 at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Co-chairs Tricia and Troy Wallwork and Nick and Sue Willis welcomed guests to an evening “Outside the Lines,” a contemporary theme inspired by works in the museum’s Third Space exhibition. Guests arrived at dusk for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the terrace. As a special treat, Oysters XO made their Alabama debut, offering freshly shucked Murder Point oysters. Guests were invited to the galleries for a seated dinner prepared by chef Rob McDaniel of Springhouse at Lake Martin. The three-course menu was accompanied by wine pairings provided by Susan Curtin and the recently deceased Tom Curtin. After dinner, the big sounds of the 12South band brought guests to the dance floor for an outstanding performance that lasted all night. The evening was a record-breaking success, raising the largest amount in the history of the Museum Ball. Funds from the Museum Ball provide critical support for the museum’s educational initiatives, including public programs, school
Billy Hulsey and Karen and Joel Piassick.
tours and community outreach. Attending were Mr. and Mrs. D. Scott Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Edward K. Aldag Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Bielen, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Blackwell, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Broughton III, Mr. and Mrs. J. Wesley Calhoun, Mr. and Mrs. Edward R. Christian, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory S. Curran, Mr. Peter L. Curtin, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Dent, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Dunn, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Echols III, Mrs. William W. Featheringill, Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Florie, Mr. and Mrs. Braxton Goodrich, Mr. and Mrs. Beau Grenier, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Hayes Jr., Mr. and Mrs. John A. Lacey, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar B. Marx Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L. McKinney, Mr. and Mrs. Guy K. Mitchell III, Mr. and Mrs. R. Page Naftel, Mr. and Mrs. James K. Outland, Mr. and Mrs. G. Ruffner Page Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Pharo, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Pursell, Dr. Sanjay K. and Mrs. Dora E. Singh, Mr. and Mrs. B. Hanson Slaughter, Mr. Matthew P. and Mrs. Shannon P. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. Bryson D.D. Stephens, Mrs. Erin K. Stephenson, Mr. Larry D. Thornton Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Jesse S. Vogtle Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. J. David Walker. ❖
Bart and Mary Lauren McBride.
Sanjay and Dora Singh.
Emily Hanna and Jane and Harold Goings and Carolyn Featheringill.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Troy and Tricia Wallwork.
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 17
SOCIAL
Dave and Rupa Kitchens.
Nick and Sue Willis with Matthew and Jen Dent.
Erin and Scott Stephenson.
Carolyn Featheringill and Ivan Rich.
Nan and David Skier with Corbin Day and Kim Morgan.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
SOCIAL
Kay and Eddie Aldridge.
Beth and John Lyda.
Blossoms at Night Marsha Burgess, Bridget Roscoe and Sophia Barnes.
Aldridge Gardens Hosts Hydrangeas Under the Stars
Lucky and Boo Bailey.
Skies may have been gray, but spirits were bright as guests enjoyed a sold-out evening at Aldridge Gardens' annual Hydrangeas Under the Stars gala, held June 9. The evening began under the pavilion with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a seated dinner provided by the Jefferson State Community College Culinary and Hospitality Institute. Master of ceremonies for the evening was Aldridge Gardens board President James Mathews Jr. and John Lyda served as auctioneer. The main event for the evening, a live auction, offered the opportunity to snag a variety of items, including vacations in Bermuda, Pebble Beach and Cancun, Mexico. With the funds raised at the gala, the gardens continue to provide educational field trips, children’s camps and programming, as well as a garden escape for the public and venues for a variety of events. ❖
Mike and Shelley Shaw.
Art From the Heart
Donated works by more than 200 artists, including works created by studio students, were featured in Studio by the Tracks' annual Art from the Heart silent and live auction, held June 10 at Haven. Throughout the venue, artworks donated by local and regional artists, were offered up for silent auction, live auction and cash and carry. Sixty percent of the money raised through the sale of student artwork went directly to the studio artists, with the rest supporting the organization's free art classes for emotionally conflicted children and adults with autism. With a recent surge in the demand for the studio’s services,
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Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Studio by the Tracks Hosts Annual Auction and Art Sale
Chuck and Marta Wald with Francie Caradine and Jay Holmes.
Laura Lou, Katie and Frances Patrick.
Studio by the Tracks recently doubled the adults with autism it serves. Helping coordinate the evening were studio staff members Ila Faye Miller, founder; Susan Boozer, executive director; Catherine Boyd, director; Katie Thompson, art director; Karen Balliet, children’s program director; Bunny Chew, art instructor; and Maggie King, studio assistant. Studio board members include Mike Battle, Jay Bender, Ben Burford, Dan Bynum, Anne
Couch, Cilie Cowin, Bill Fisher, Will Haver, Lee Marks, Ben Miller, Ila Faye Miller, Connie Sherrod, Hampton Stephens, Laura Vogtle, Paul Ware, Leila Watson and Philip Young. Junior board members include Tay Bailey, Betsie Boggs, Todd Boozer, Alice Fisher, Abigail Hearn, Preston Kelley, Carolyne Kontomitras, Katherine Miller, Frances Ellen Morris, Cody Nall, Carolyn Parker, Emma Reich, John Romano, Rebecca Stivender, Stuart Stone and Ginny Willings. ❖
Cathy and David Pharris. Joanna Fallen and Jordan McLain.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
With a Smile
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 19
SOCIAL
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Annual Funky Monkey Supports Local Pediatric Cancer Patients
—Galleria Woods—
Marissa Young and Brittany Hurd.
Brandon Hazouri, Ansley Bos and Adam Wilson.
Smile-A-Mile's Junior board of directors hosted its annual Funky Monkey event June 22 at Regions Field, giving guests a view of Smile-AMile Place as they placed their bids on a variety of items offered in silent and live auctions. Drinks, dancing to the music Chace Spears, Laurie Balzli, Kyle and Hollie McReynolds and Casey and Lauren Cobern. of The Toddfather and great food were on the menu, as well as a photo booth for guests to take commemorative pictures. Funds raised will benefit the organization's mission to provide educational programming and support to pediatric cancer patients and their families. Event chairs who led the organizing of the evening were junior board vice presidents Pierce Huggins and Cindy Piedra. Helping coordinate the event were junior board members Rachel Abel, Jessica Bell, Chase Bottcher, Angelica Chapman, Evan Crawford, Brandon David and Leah Knight with Emily and Allen Baker. Cummings, Matthew Dyer, Taylor Dyer, Tripp Giles, John Hanson, Tyler Hearin, Katie Heywood, Ethan Hiatt, Lauren Huggins, Brian Jones, Joe Jones, Jordan Jones, Jonathan Leopard, Julie Levy, Meredith Mason, Rebekah Mears, Wayne Mello, Brandon Mundie, Kyle Neeley, Bobby Norman, Mary MONDAY, AUGUST 6 at 9:30 am, or Morgan Phillips, Tony Piedra, MONDAY, AUGUST 6 at 6:30 pm Holly Poole, Michael Ramsey, Mac Reynolds, Blake Rhodes, Birmingham Duplicate LEARN NEW TRICKS... Thomas Rice, Fletcher Roberts, Bridge Club ! ! Peyton Rogers, Brandon Sanak, 144 Business Center Dr. 35244! ...MAKE FRIENDS WHO Tyler Smith, Taylor Sunday, ! (205) 560-0706! ! SHARE YOUR OBSESSION... Carolyn Therrell, Richard Vann bridgewebs.com/birmingham/! and Sam Wilcox.❖
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20 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
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Pride and responsibility drive us to be the best in everything we do.
From left, Shannon Byrd, Danielle Kerley and Natalie Gravois.
years ago. Family is very important to us, and we treat our customers with the same care and respect as members of our own family. It would be a privilege to serve you.
Joseph Braswell
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
As a life-long Over-the-Mountain resident and a third generation working at Guin, I feel great pride and responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and hard work that my grandfather began 60
Portrait of an Evening Art on the Rocks Unveils Amy Sherald Portrait, Features Art Activities and Music
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The first installment of this summer's three-part Art on the Rocks series was held June 8 at the Birmingham Museum of Art, drawing hundreds of guests for an evening featuring art installations, activities and music by The Suffers. During the evening, Amy Sherald, made famous by her commissioned portrait of Michelle Obama, which hangs in the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., debuted her newest portrait. Guests were able to participate in an interactive mural by John Lytle Wilson, have their pictures made with a floral installation by Shoppe in the Sculpture Garden, watch an LED performance by Lunimarts and watch William McLure create a live painting. While they awaited the headline band and took part in activities throughout the museum, guests were entertained indoors with music by The Audiovore and outdoors with music by Gina T. In addition, “Gallery Gazing” tours of the BMA collection were led by Lana Pearl, and Zoe’s on Forest Park presented a fashion installation and photo opportunity inspired by decades of fashion. ❖
Anne, Anna Jane and Daniel Yoder.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 21
SOCIAL /WEDDINGS
S’mores and Pours
Rehab Reality... By Judy and Julie Butler
Annual Dessert Tasting Supports Experiences at Camp Fire Alabama
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Guests gathered at Avondale Brewing Co. on June 14 for drinks and desserts and to take part in Camp Fire Alabama's S'mores and Pours auction. Craft brews and wine from Avondale were poured alongside food pairings from local restaurants as guests bid on items and helped raise funds for the organization's mission. As a result, the organization raised more than $13,000 to help raise awareness and support for its services. Camp Fire Alabama provides camp experiences and inschool programs to more than 11,000 children and families each year. ❖
Alex Spaulding, Blakely Lloyd and Davis Riley.
Marguerite and Mason Morris.
Rebecca Egeland and Cheryl Tipton.
Trevor Haynes and Kayleigh Funderbork.
RecordBreaking Turn Out
Juliana Badeaux, Brooke Savage and Caroline Whitcomb.
Heart Walk Raises Money for Research and Education The Birmingham chapter of the American Heart Association hosted the annual Birmingham Heart Walk on June 9. The event drew a record-breaking crowd of approximately 10,000 people to Railroad Park. It supports the organization’s mission to fund research and educate the public on heart disease. ❖
Jones-Mathis
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Jeffrey Jones of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Elizabeth, to William Chase Mathis, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Alexander Mathis of Memphis, Tennessee. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hill Powell of Knoxville, Tennessee, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Max R. Jones of Athens, Alabama. Miss Jones is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a magna cum laude graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis. She is employed at Capstone Collegiate Communities in Birmingham. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jaime D. Perkins of Adamsville, Tennessee, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Milburn Mathis of Memphis. Mr. Mathis is a graduate of Christian Brothers High School in Memphis and The University of Memphis, where he received a bachelor’s degree in sports management. Mr. Mathis resides in St. Louis and is the franchise owner of Smoothie King stores. The wedding is planned for July 21 at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Kennebunkport, Maine. The couple will reside in St. Louis.
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Journal photo by Jordan Wald
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Methadone And Suboxone Are Not the Answers Every summer we get at least one or two phone calls a week from people who are going on vacation and have to find a place for their Methadone treatment. Seriously? The same can be said for Suboxone. Both of these forms of “treatment” are costly and are just another dependency. In fact, they’re called “replacement therapy” which is appropriately named since patients are replacing heroin and other opioids with these. We’ve had many clients who have used these forms of treatment and finally realized the trap they were in with them. Likewise most, if not all, said that they reached a point where they couldn’t afford the “treatment” any longer so they went back to using heroin. Now with the government’s attention on the opioid addiction these centers will flourish and probably with government (our) money. If you or someone you know in this trap or heading toward it there is a better answer. It’s not a short-term medical detox or the big box rehabs where patients go from one 12- step meeting to another. It’s Bayshore Retreat where we sweat the toxins out, replenish the nutrients the body has lost and work with clients through quality counseling to restore confidence and self-esteem. Clients bring their cell phone and laptop and are able to stay in touch with family and work. We allow this because many times it helps us identify some of the stress factors the clients endure and address it with them. There is a better way to beat addiction and we have it. Bayshore Retreat’s small home environment is different and it makes a difference.
22 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
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True to Life
Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.
PUBLIC PEOPLE S PRIVATE PLACES
Shelves throughout the house hold reading material ranging from Carter’s favorite biographies to his grandfather’s medical books.
Continued from page 1
Since establishing his Birmingham firm – James F. Carter, Architect – in 1994, he’s made a name for himself with his classical aesthetics. His work has been featured in House Beautiful, Southern Accents, Traditional Home and Veranda magazines as well as in books on classical design. His own house has appeared in Veranda and other magazines and also will be in an upcoming book. His projects extend beyond Alabama. “We set up a website a few years ago, and suddenly, we have jobs in all parts of the country, not just in Birmingham and Alabama anymore,” Carter said.
South Alabama Boy
In some ways, he’s come a long way from Monroeville, where he grew up. But in other ways, his career is a natural expression of his roots. “When I was a kid, I’d ride my bike and look at houses being built,” he said. “From the
age of 5, I drew house plans.” Carter studied architecture at Auburn University, which he said had a modernist program of study. But he was determined to stay true to his classical principles.
Since establishing his Birmingham firm – James F. Carter, Architect – in 1994, he’s made a name for himself with his classical aesthetics. His work has been featured in House Beautiful, Southern Accents, Traditional Home and Veranda magazines as well as in books on classical design. His own house has appeared in Veranda and other magazines and also will be in an upcoming book.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.
The view from the back porch includes an allée lined with stone walls.
“Classical design is a backdrop for your life,” he said. “I want to help people design a house to pass on to their children.” Carter said that, although he appreciates both contemporary and traditional design, the architecture of the late 1700s and early 1800s appeals to his classical sensibilities. “I thought I’d live in Maryland or Virginia,” he said. “There’s such a strong history of that period in the architecture there.”
“Classical design is a backdrop for your life. I want to help people design a house to pass on to their children.”
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 23
HOME
Instead, friends and family drew Carter to Birmingham after he graduated from Auburn. He bought the Montrose Road property 10 years ago and lived in the existing house there before bulldozing it and building his new house. Carter calls the three-story, whitewashed brick house “casual Georgian.” He lives mostly on the main level, where there’s a kitchen, dining room, library and master bedroom and bathroom. He said he
spends most of his time when he’s at home in the library, where the walls are paneled with reclaimed white oak. Over the fireplace in the room is a portrait of a British royal family member. Carter said he feels like the man in the painting, the brother of George IV, has become an “old friend.” “I spend most of my time right there,” he said, pointing to a leather chair in the library. “I work hard, and I like to come home, shut the door and curl up with a good book or movie.” When he feels like reading, there’s no shortage of material. Shelves throughout the house are filled with his favorite history books and biographies, signed cookbooks, a few novels and medical books that belonged to his grandfather, a Conecuh County surgeon. He enjoys hosting gatherings and parties for friends – as long as he isn’t the one toiling away in his handsome kitchen. “I don’t have time to cook, but I do love good food,” he said. He chose the apricot color in the dining room from a similar hue in the library of the historic Boscobel House in New York’s Hudson Valley. The dining room is octagonal, which was a nod to the North Octagonal Room in Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Small ledges attached to bookshelves in the room hold lanterns. He said the ledges are similar to ones in a
New York apartment that belonged to William and Babe Paley. Carter consulted with fellow professional Jane Hoke Bynum on the interior of the house but said
he had the final say on all decisions. The same was true with the design of his garden. “It all ties together,” he said. He was set on having an allée,
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24 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
the help of garden designer Norman Johnson.”
Travel Inspires Him
Carter, a seasoned traveler, brings home inspiration as well as items from his journeys. “When I go on a vacation, almost everything is work-related,” he said. “I visit destinations that have interesting things for me to
see and experience. I believe travel should broaden your horizons.” Carter believes his own house and those he designs for his clients should be “about comfort – a backdrop for your life.” On his website, he writes that “people have latched on to a memory” when they imagine the house of their dreams. “A lot of people will say things like, ‘I always loved my grandfa-
ARC Realty Growing With the City of Hoover ARC Realty, one of Alabama’s fastest growing real estate companies, will serve their growing Hoover client base from a new office in Stadium Trace Village. “This location is literally at the crossroads that make Hoover such a convenient community,” says Thad Lowery, qualifying broker at the current ARC Realty location across the street from the construction site. “Our new office will overlook Highway 150 and I-459, just a stone’s throw from I-65. We’re minutes away from Central Alabama’s best shopping, recreational venues and neighborhoods.” Lowery knows Hoover, having grown up in the community. “I’ve raised my family here, too,” says Thad. Agent Carrie Richardson values Hoover’s diversity. “Even though we’re a large community, we offer a hometown feel,” says Carrie. “You see friends and neighbors from all walks of life at the grocery store and at the ballfield.” Agent Cathy O’Berry credits Hoover’s outstanding school system as a draw for home buyers. “My kids attended Hoover schools and now my grandkids do, too. It’s an outstanding system. We love Hoover’s schools.”
Donna Gaskins, ARC Realty’s top-producing agent voted “Hoover’s Best Realtor” three years in a row by Hoover Magazine, says Hoover fills a particular need within Birmingham’s housing market. “When people relocate to this area, they are often looking for new construction or a newer home,” says Donna. “Sometimes we struggle to find that close-in. Hoover is one of the few places where you can find new homes near downtown. It fills a need.”
Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.
a straight path often seen in formal French landscape design. His is lined with stone walls with lush ferns overhanging on either side. An old sugar kettle from his family’s farm was converted into a fountain. “I don’t have flowers – I have no time – and I wanted a dark green look,” he said. “This garden is as simple as I could make it with
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Clockwise from above, this toy steam engine, made in the 1930s, belonged to James Carter’s father; the apricot color on the octagonal dining room’s walls is similar to a shade found in the historic Boscobel House in New York’s Hudson Valley; Carter found this Chippendale-style writing table, a Chinese export, in New York.
ther’s farm,’” he said. “Houses are a lot about emotions. I like to find out the emotional part of the house. I take pride in catering to clients. It’s about personalities and listening to the client. It’s also about trust, and I’ve been fortunate to have clients who believed in me.” While Carter works in places far from Alabama and has friends all over the world, he hasn’t left his beginnings too far behind. As a
third-generation member of his Monroeville family, he’s grounded in tradition. “I had wonderful parents,” he said. “I knew what spoon to use, to stand up when ladies come into a room – things that Southerners know. I’m very aware of being a Southerner and what that means. It scares and intrigues people.” His background comes with a little added pressure, too. “People assume I’m going to be interesting,” he said, smiling. Chances are he doesn’t disappoint them.
The view from Carter’s kitchen.
ARC Realty’s Top Producer Donna Gaskins is one of the agents working in the company’s current office on Stadium Trace Parkway. The company will move to an interactive space across the street in the new retail development of Stadium Trace Village in Summer 2019.
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FOOD
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 25
Hometown Hero
FOODIE NEWS
Save the Date: Southern Soiree Is Set for Oct. 7
Jeremy Downey Is the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off Champ
Some of Birmingham’s best chefs and restaurateurs will bring their culinary skills to a twilight dinner this fall. The Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, an organization for women who are leaders in food and hospitality, will host Southern Soiree Oct. 7 at Jones Valley Teaching Farm, 701 25th St. N in downtown Birmingham. The dinner will be a celebration of food and a fundraiser to help the group provide grants and scholarships and to support women in the culinary arts. Watch for more details at ldeibirmingham. org.
By Donna Cornelius
Iron City Showdown: Chefs Compete This Weekend in Popular Event
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Chef Jeremy Downey wanted to impress the judges when he competed in the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off June 13. But there was one person he wanted to please even more: his grandmother, 93-year-old Tensie Johnson. “She was sitting front and center while I was cooking,” said Downey, whose Bistro V restaurant in Vestavia Hills draws rave reviews from diners. “She’d say, ‘Keep going, baby. You’re going to be all right.’” As Downey beat out three other Alabama chefs to win the competition, his grandmother wasn’t the only person cheering him to victory. For its fourth year, the cook-off moved from Orange Beach to Bayou La Batre – which just happens to be Downey’s hometown. “My mom, dad, brothers, about 10 aunts and uncles, and people I grew up with and worked for in the shrimping industry were there,” he said. “I didn’t want to lose in front of them.” His son, 10-year-old Thomas, was on hand to watch his dad win. Downey’s wife, Mary, and their 9-year-old daughter, Amelia, stayed home to tend the family’s dogs but got updates throughout the contest. “My daughter sent me a dance video after I won,” Downey said. More than 450 people attended the cookoff. It was the largest crowd ever for the event, which was held in conjunction with Bayou La Batre’s annual Taste of the Bayou. This was Downey’s first year to vie for the title. Other chefs in contention were Scott Simpson of The Depot in Auburn, Jason Ramirez of Villaggio Grille in Orange Beach, and Jeremiah Matthews of Southwood Kitchen in Daphne. Downey said about 50 Alabama chefs submitted recipes in hopes of being chosen to compete. His dish was cast-iron grouper with Royal Red shrimp mezcal ceviche, Tennessee-made Benton’s Bacon, sweet onions, chayote squash, and squash blossoms stuffed with lump crabmeat, fried tempura style, and served with salsa verde. Of course, all the seafood came from the Gulf of Mexico. “Everybody loves grouper, and we used yellow grouper – my favorite,” Downey said. “Jumbo lump crab is the best. Royal Red shrimp are popular, too.” He said his secret weapon was chayote, a Latin American squash. “It looks like a green tomato inside but has a citrus taste,” the chef said. “It’s in the cucumber family. It was like the cherry on the sundae. I felt like if I could pull it off, it would put us over the top.” Each chef had an hour to cook during the competition. “Nothing could be pre-made except stock,” Downey said. “We each had to make seven plates for the judges.” Emcee Martie Duncan, a Birmingham native who was a “Food Network Star” finalist, kept up a running commentary, much like ESPN play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler during college football broadcasts. That
Winning the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off earned Downey an honest-to-goodness golden ticket to compete in two additional events. He’ll represent his state at this year’s Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans in August. He’s also an automatic qualifier for the 2018 World Food Championships at The Wharf in Orange Beach in November. Downey said about 400 chefs will compete in the world championships.
meant Downey had to chat as well as cook. “Martie was commenting the whole time we were cooking,” he said. “She’d say, ‘What’s next, Jeremy? What have you got going?’ But I’m used to talking while I cook since I work in an open kitchen at Bistro V.”
Out of the Fryer and Into the Frying Pan Downey said each chef was allowed to have one helper. His was his sous chef, Matt Foust. As the duo’s hour ticked down, Foust had to be the bearer of bad news. “He said the fryer was broken, and we needed it to fry the squash blossoms at the last minute,” Downey said. “I could hear people in the crowd muttering, ‘He’s in trouble.’” Keeping their cool, the chefs ended up frying the squash blossoms in a cast-iron pan. This year’s judges included Jim Smith, chairman of the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission and winner of the 2011 Great American Seafood Cook-Off; chef Brody Olive, winner of the 2017 Alabama Seafood Cook-Off; Jason Burnett, founding editor of MyRecipes.com and Oyster-Obsession.com; David Holloway, food writer and food enthusiast; and Ernie Anderson, owner of Graham Shrimp Co. Downey said his winning dish wasn’t a departure from the food he serves at Bistro V, which he and co-owner Emily Tuttle Shell
opened eight years ago. “I tried to be true to what we do here at Bistro V,” he said. “This would be a common dish here.” Winning the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off earned Downey an honest-to-goodness golden ticket to compete in two additional events. He’ll represent his state at this year’s Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans in August. He’s also an automatic qualifier for the 2018 World Food Championships at The Wharf in Orange Beach in November. Downey said about 400 chefs will compete in the world championships. Judge Smith had high praise for Downey. “We expected all of the chefs to bring their A game, and we weren’t disappointed,” Smith said in a press release. “Jeremy will be a great representative for our state and our seafood at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, and he’ll be a great addition to the team at the World Food Championships.” Downey said he likes cooking competitions, and he’s obviously good at them. Last November at The Hangout Oyster Cook-Off in Gulf Shores, the judges gave him the Chef’s Choice award. “I’m very competitive – that’s why I played football,” said Downey, who was a safety on the University of Alabama’s 1992 national championship team. “It’s exciting to be pressed up against the clock.” He said he was relieved when the See DOWNEY, page 27
Four Birmingham chefs are competing July 14 in Iron City Chef, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club. The contest is at Jefferson State Community College’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute, 4600 Valleydale Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. Guests can sample a signature dish from each chef and then vote for their favorite. The top two vote-getters will face off for the title. Participating this year are Sean Butler from Five Star Preserve, Gary Jones from Root to Tail, Patrick McCown from Snapper Grabber’s Land and Sea, and Jabari Nix from Uptown’s Sheraton and Westin hotels. For more information, visit vestaviarotary. com.
Road Trip: Nashville Hosts Music City Food and Wine Festival
Looking for a fall trip that’s not footballcentric? Nashville’s Music City Food and Wine Festival is set this year for Sept. 14-16. As well as plenty of food and drink to sample and quite a few special events, this festival always has a star-studded lineup of chefs. This year, the talent list includes “Bizarre Foods” host Andrew Zimmern, James Beard Foundation Award winners Gabrielle Hamilton and Sean Brock, and Food Network stars Anne Burrell, Maneet Chauhan and Aaron Sanchez. For more information and tickets, visit musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com.
Pepper Place Presentations: Demos Feature Onstage Cooking
Pepper Place shoppers can take a break from filling their bags with tomatoes, corn and other seasonal goodies by stopping to watch free cooking demonstrations. A different chef is featured at the market each Saturday at 9 a.m. Upcoming presenters include Linda Crowley of Bare Naked Noodles on July 14, James Lewis of Bettola on July 21, Chris Vizzina of The Vizzina Group on July 28, and Jason Mezrano of Kathy G’s Catering on Aug. 4. For a full schedule of upcoming demos, visit pepperplacemarket.com. The Market at Pepper Place is at 2829 Second Ave. S in downtown Birmingham.
See FOODIE NEWS, page 27
26 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
FOOD
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
From Farms to Neighborhoods
Three Over the Mountain Markets Promote Local Food, Community Connections By Donna Cornelius
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
There’s always a crowd at the Market at Pepper Place, which on summer Saturdays fills several streets in downtown Birmingham. Vendors come to the sprawling farmers market from all over Alabama to sell their fruits, vegetables, cheeses, eggs, baked goods and other fresh-off-the-farm products. But plenty of good things can be found at smaller farmers markets, too. Three Over the Mountain churches host markets that have some advantages over larger events – and often, another purpose, too. GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY
The Market at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church In its first year of existence, The Market at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church already has a loyal following. Pastor Leanne Reed said the market is a way to connect people with healthy, local food – and with each other. “We were looking at ways we could be of service to the community and realized Mountain Brook didn’t have a farmers market like some of the other cities,” Reed said. “We wanted to help support our Alabama farmers and get to know them. You learn so much about their farms, their work and where our food comes from.” She said a steering committee worked hard to get the market started, finding help through the Alabama Farmers Market Authority. “They’re very supportive and have a lot of resources,” she said. “And as word has spread, we’ve had vendors get in touch with us.” She said the market is intentionally small, with five or six vendors there each week. “We have plenty of produce and a variety of vendors,” Reed said. “All are family farms. And all the vendors have food, because that’s how we wanted to focus. “We have all kinds of fruits and vegetables and a meat producer with beef, pork and lamb. We have a honey producer; a lot of people like honey that’s fresh and local. Several vendors have fresh eggs.” Reed said she’s a fan of the homemade salsa made by one vendor, who also offers jams, jellies and other treats. The church on Montevallo Road has tried to make it easy for shoppers to get in and out of its parking lot. “Montevallo Road is super busy, so we have a police officer to help,” Reed said. “We wanted to make it simple for cars and for pedestrians. We have parking, and it’s accessible for walkers and wheelchairs. It’s easy to make a quick stop at our market.” Reed already had some experience with farmers markets before helping to start this one. “I used to serve a church in Montevallo and helped manage the farmers market there,” she said. “Also, I love to cook.” In addition to getting to know the farmers, Reed said she loves the interaction with people in the community. “Seeing so many of our neighbors, church members, commuters – that’s been great,” she said. “We keep the sanctuary doors open. Even some people who live close by will tell us they’ve never been inside our church.” And the most challenging part of the ven-
From left, Don Diggers with Bee Creek Farm at The Market at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church; Kaye Porter from GiGi’s Fabulous Foods at the Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Farmers Market; and Jay Painter of Iron City Organics at the West Homewood Farmers Market.
ture? “We’re nervous every week about the weather,” she said. “We’re always keeping an eye on the sky.” The Market at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church is open Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. through Aug. 15. It’s at 2305 Montevallo Road in Mountain Brook. For more information, visit the market’s Facebook page. SHOPPING AND SHARING
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Farmers Market Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church this year has a new venue and time for its farmers market – and the change has paid off. Jarry Taylor, a member of the church’s four-member committee that organizes and runs the market, said the event was held for its first two years in the church’s parking lot from 7-11 a.m. “That was OK, but we weren’t very visible from Highway 31,” Taylor said. “And the hours weren’t ideal because we were missing people on their lunch breaks.” The committee decided on new hours – 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – and worked with the city of Vestavia Hills to move the market to Scout Square on Montgomery Highway. “We talked to our vendors, and they were all excited about the change,” Taylor said. “So far, we feel we’re getting a lot more people to the market. It’s easy to see the tents and the signs.” Like Shades Valley Presbyterian Church, the Vestavia UMC organizers worked with the Alabama Farmers Market Authority to get started. “We got vendors’ names from the state organization,” he said. “We contacted them and also frequented other markets around town. We reached out to about 10 or 15 farmers to begin with.” Taylor said the Vestavia market usually has about six or seven vendors. “We’re trying to be deliberate and have a good mix,” he said. “We have about three farmers with vegetables and several arts and crafts vendors. GiGi’s Fabulous Foods brings casseroles and some baked goods. We don’t want to have too much overlap in what’s sold.” Taylor said the thought behind starting the
market was to “bring better eating opportunities, farm-to-market opportunities to the community.” But the church makes sure the market is a boon not only for shoppers and vendors, but also for the hungry. “With the money the vendors pay us to be there, we buy produce for our church’s food pantry,” he said. “We buy fresh food from our vendors to stock our pantry.” Taylor said the Vestavia market is userfriendly. “People who may be unable to go to a larger market, because it can be harder to park and make your way around, can come to ours,” he said. “The tents are just a few steps away from the parking, and it’s easy to traverse.” Taylor is one of the market’s fans as well as one of its leaders. “My wife and I try to grow vegetables at our house,” he said. “But it’s nice when our tomatoes get hit with blossom end rot to be able to go to the market and buy them there.” The Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Farmers Market is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. through Aug. 8. It’s at Scout Square, 741 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills. For more information, visit the market’s Facebook page. CREATION STORY
West Homewood Farmers Market The seed of an idea that launched one of the largest Over the Mountain farmers markets came from a question. Kenyon Ross, now the West Homewood Farmers Market manager, said he was part of a small group at Shades Valley Community Church that decided to host a market. “Ron Pate was our teacher, and he had a concept in the form of a question: ‘What is good?’” Ross said. “What Ron was saying is that, in the context of building community, we should ask what is good instead of asking what is wrong.” He and other group members looked at the Biblical story of creation. “It’s about things God has created and put humans in charge of,” Ross said. “In Genesis, God calls all of His creation ‘good.’ We have a direct impact on taking care of the earth; we have the land to work, the animals to eat and
to love on.” Ross said that, at first, he didn’t feel connected to the land and to animals. “I had a pet, yes, and I took care of my property, but I got my food at the grocery store,” he said. “I felt a disconnect with this charge.” He said helping to start a farmers market was a way for him and other group members to answer that call. “This was something we could pour ourselves into,” Ross said. “A farmers market checked all the boxes. We’re helping the neighborhood to build community. We are supposed to love our neighbors as ourselves, and we can do this through a love for community and building community.” Now in its eighth season, the market has grown to include 58 booth spaces. “We have every kind of fruits, vegetables, fresh meat, eggs, baked goods and even microgreens,” Ross said. “We have arts and crafts, food trucks and entertainment.” Although you’ll find plenty of food at the market, you won’t be confronted with two things that can be controversial. “Politicians can’t have booths or hand out flyers there,” Ross said. And although he said he and other church members are “passionate about the Gospel and loving the Lord,” they aren’t using the market to proselytize. “No churches, even ours, are allowed to have booths,” he said. “With our entertainers, we’ve had a couple of Christian singers, but we ask them to mix in secular music with Christian music.” The market started small, with no more than 15 booths. “We had it on Saturdays at first, but that meant every Saturday of the summer was taken for our volunteers,” he said. “The move to Tuesday was a big success. People can buy their vegetables for almost the whole week.” Ross said promoting food that’s locally grown on land that’s been “farmed well” means a lot to him and others involved with the market. “It’s also important to us for our vendors to do well and sell,” he said. “We pray for them.” The West Homewood Market is at 160 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. It’s open Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 7. For more information, visit westhomewood. com.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
FOOD
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 27
FOODIE NEWS, From page 25
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
The 7th annual Slicefest music festival brought thousands of people to Lakeview on June 16 to celebrate the anniversary of Slice Pizza and Brewhouse. In addition to craft beers and specialty pizzas, a lineup of music included headliners Big Gigantic along with The Original Wailers, Big Something, Too Many Zooz, the Vegabonds and Luthi. A Be Local Stage featuring acts from the Birmingham area, including Tragic City, Will Stewart, Riverbend, Mutton Chops, The Brook and The Bluff, Rug Monkey and Legal Limit. Over the years, the funds raised through the event have resulted in more than $50,000 donated to local Birmingham-based nonprofits.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Slicefest: Restaurant Anniversary Raises Funds for Nonprofits
SLICEFEST: Above, Ryan O’Hara, Elice Genier, Samantha Manzo and Hunt Austill. Below left, Nick Greco and Hayley Widden. Below right, Emmy and Marley Dobbins.
BURGERFEST: Above, Tom, Karys and Misty Pappas. Below left, Maranda Dearing and Bowen Gurkin. Below right, William and Nicole Cornett. Bottom left, Annabelle Fowler and Brady Cunningham. Bottom right, Emily Sturm and Courtney Rogers.
The Birmingham Zoo was filled with party animals June 16 as guests arrived at the junior board’s annual Zoo, Brews and Full Moon Bar-B-Que. The music of Union Road Band filled the air as Full Moon Bar-B-Que served up dinner and adult guests enjoyed tastings of craft beers from more than 20 breweries. New this year, kids and families were entertained this year by caricature drawings, the Children’s Zoo splash pads, sand art crafts, lawn games, carousel and train rides and more..
Grilled to Perfection: Alabama ALS Chapter Hosts Burger Cook-Off
The second annual Burger Fest was held June 2, bringing local restaurateurs and grilling aficionados to Avondale Brewery to find out whose burger recipe was best. Hosted by the ALS Association Alabama Chapter, the event raises funds for the organization’s mission to support local patient services, public education and advocacy, and to support research for a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. After a judged tasting, Carlisle’s BBQ was awarded the title of best burger. In addition to burger tastings, the event included a lineup of music featuring CBDB and Tuckahoe Travelers. Helping organize the festivities were board of trustees members Dr. Jim McCarty, president; Sherry Kolodziejczak, vice president; Jeff Brown, treasurer; Jill Homan, secretary; Melanie Barry; Walter Fulton; Jill Benninghoff; Bryan Bonds; Robert Lockwood; Kara Manning; Annette Reburn; Alex Yates; and Stuart Obermann.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Beating the Heat: Zoo, Brews and Full Moon BBQ Had Kids Splashing in the Summer
ZOOBREWS: Above, Leesa and Holland Green with Cara and Stella Lacerenza. Below left, Dayna Meincke and Amy Kennedy. Below right, Inmi Matsunaga and Casey Dennis.
DOWNEY, From page 25
Alabama Seafood Cook-Off’s first runner-up was announced – at least at first. “I thought, ‘Great – I still can win,’” he said. “And then I
thought, ‘Or I might not.’” As it turned out, he need not have worried. “I wanted to win this for our restaurant and for Birmingham,” Downey said. And of course, for his grandmother.
Southern Gourmet at it's Best LOCATED AT THE TOP OF SHADES MOUNTAIN ON HWY 31, BISTRO V OFFERS ONE OF THE FINEST CULINARY EXPERIENCES IN BIRMINGHAM!
Open Monday-Saturday 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm 521 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 • (205) 823-1505
28 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
SCHOOLS
Chasing the American Dream
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
VHHS Student Mei Mei Sun Creates Books 4 Bham to Bridge the Gap in Quality of Education While a strong case of senioritis tends to be the main struggle for high school seniors, Vestavia Hills High School’s Mei Mei Sun has added concerns that stretch far beyond her school’s walls. While hard at work preparing for her final year of coursework and what lies beyond her upcoming senior year, Sun’s passion for educational equality in Birmingham has her working hard to help her grassroots nonprofit organization, Books 4 Bham, grow. A student-led nonprofit, Books 4 Bham answers Sun’s desire to address the disparity in educational materials available to students between schools in higher- and lower-income areas in greater Birmingham. After hosting a book drive at the school this past spring with help from the FBLA and Youth Leadership Vestavia, Sun was able to donate more than 1,000 test prep materials, children’s books and vintage magazines to Birmingham City Schools. In the wake of the success, she decided to lead the development of Books 4 Bham as a parent group for the annual drive. “Throughout my life, I have learned that nothing will ever become substantially better unless you make it so,” Sun said. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once stated that, ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’ … Sometimes you must help bend the universe towards justice.”
The Human Condition
Sun’s inspiration for the organization derives from her fascination with the human condition and her passion to learn as much as she can about other people – their lives, struggles and triumphs – a product of the many places she has lived throughout her childhood. “I was born in Yokohama, Japan, to Chinese parents,” Sun said. “We’ve lived all over the place: from Iowa City to Charlottesville to Cupertino to settling down in Vestavia Hills.” In the early years of her schooling, Sun
Mountain Brook’s Slaughter and Anderson Awarded Irons Trophy
Mountain Brook High School’s most outstanding long-distance track athletes recently were awarded the Colonel George V. Irons Distance Trophy. Charlie Slaughter and Mary Allison Anderson were given the trophies by William L. Irons, son of the award’s namesake, during Mountain Brook High School’s annual track and field banquet at the Birmingham County Club. The trophy is given in honor of Dr. George V. Irons Sr., who broke distance records throughout the South as captain of the University of Alabama Distance Team in the 1920s. The trophies are given to the most outstanding male and female distance runners at Mountain
Photo special to the Journal
By Emily Williams
A student-led nonprofit, Books 4 Bham answers Vestavia Hills High School’s Mei Mei Sun’s desire to address the disparity in educational materials available to students between schools in higher- and lower-income areas in greater Birmingham.
was living in the impoverished Liaoning district in China, where she was being raised by her grandmother. “I attended local inner-city elementary schools, all run-down institutions with extremely limited resources to its pupils,” she said. “I often marvel at the stark inequalities that define Chinese schooling and the population’s reluctance to transform it. I attributed its de facto unfairness to the uneven processes of revitalization the Chinese government imposed on the Northeast regions.” After immigrating to the United States and attending various schools over the years, Sun saw a similarity to her education in China. Even in “a nation of equal opportunity,” the quality of education available to students heavily depends on the prosperity of the neighborhoods and towns where they live. “I wondered, how could this continue to happen in the golden land of success,” Sun said. “In a way, creating Books4Bham was my way of realizing the American Dream: an
Brook High who have excelled in scholarship, leadership and service, according to a statement from Irons. The athletes are selected by the coaches at the end of the track season each year. Recognized as the “South’s premier distance runner” in 1978, Irons was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He is the only University of Alabama track athlete and the only distance athlete ever inducted in the Hall of Fame’s 50-year history. Irons was a Phi Beta Kappa honor graduate and Rhodes Scholar nominee. He earned his doctorate at Duke University and served as head of the history and political science department at Samford University for years. An anti-aircraft artillery commander in World War II, Irons rose to the rank of colonel and served 33 years reserve duty. In 2002, for his contributions as educator, civic leader and athlete,
attempt to level the playing field for both myself and others who face insurmountable barriers to success.”
Opportunities Abound
In her own schooling at VHHS, Sun has many opportunities available to her. A member of the school’s debate team and an avid writer, she was able to further develop her communication skills, one of her keys to success. “By learning to be an excellent communicator, people are willing to reveal more of themselves – and that raw, unfiltered viscerality is the lifeblood that makes existence worth it,” she said. Recently, Sun won the 2018 Alabama State Debate Championship, the 2017 Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast essay contest and the Literature Gold Award from Scholastic Magazine for the Southeast region. Through organizing and leading the creation of Books 4 Bham, Sun has picked up
he was inducted into the Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame. He is the only individual who is a member of both the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame.
OLS Sixth-Grader Receives President’s Volunteer Service Award
Twelve-year-old Alexander Delgado, a sixth-grade student at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, recently was honored for his exemplary volunteer Alexander Delgado service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award from the Prudential Spirit of
some more vital skills, delving into graphic web design, scheduling, creating press releases, interacting with supporters and fundraising. Sun said that, though exhausting, the personal satisfaction she has gained through this process is something special. “There’s nothing quite like helping others, and I don’t mean to say that because of white guilt or a savior complex: the very act of improving your corner of the world is reward enough on its own,” she said. “Though the boxes are heavy, our hearts are light with both overwhelming gratitude for the organization’s supporters and utmost compassion for the recipients.” The process is one that hints to her plans for the future. She hopes to attend college up North or out West and then participate in humanitarian aid programs on an international level, through the Peace Corps or the United Nations. Sun added that she also hopes to return to the Deep South and Alabama, her human interest peaked particularly by ICE’s Etowah County Detention Center. “My specific areas of interest span wide: from minority youth empowerment to suicide prevention to promoting inclusivity to affordable education to immigrant rights to coalition-building to bridging the gap to grassroots activism,” she said. “I’d like to think all of these are ultimately interconnected.” In the meantime, Sun is hoping to expand Books 4 Bham to schools beyond the Birmingham area and has already started contacting schools in more rural areas of central Alabama. “While I based the organization in Birmingham in an effort to give back to the city that has given me so much, it would bring me huge satisfaction to say that we’ve reached more students, we’ve delivered books; we’ve provided institutional support; we’ve cared for them; we’ve directly changed their lives for the better,” Sun said. “That’s our calling: spreading the love.”❖
Community Awards program. The award recognizes students who have volunteered significant amounts of time to serve their communities. “We are so pleased that Alexander was recognized for his many hours of service,” said OLS Principal Mary Jane Dorn, who nominated Delgado for national honors this past school year. “His dedication and compassion serve as a fine example for all of us to help those in need and make a positive difference in the world.” Delgado spent hundreds of hours volunteering at United Ability with children who have disabilities and at the Firehouse Shelter, cooking and serving meals for chronically homeless men. “The recipients of these awards demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contributions to the health and vitality of their
communities,” said John Strangfield, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial.
Prince of Peace Honors Duke TIP Scholars Prince of Peace Catholic School students Stanley Stoutamire, Laurel Pack, Amelia Massa and Carys Gonzales have qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification Program. To be recognized, students must earn ACT or SAT scores at or above the national high school average. The program allows them to participate in various educational enrichment opportunities, according to a statement from POP. In addition to qualifying for Duke TIP, Stoutamire is one of 4 percent of participants singled out for grand recognition because he scored above 90 percent of recent high school graduates. He plans to attend
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 29
SCHOOLS
Nine high school students and six middle school students recently were recognized for their academic performance and citizenship at the Hoover Service Club’s annual scholarship and awards luncheon. In total, Hoover students were presented with $34,000 worth of scholarships as a crowd of their families, school representatives and Hoover Service Club members attended the event, held May 10 at the Hoover Country Club. The money for the scholarships was raised by club members and supplemented by a $5,000 grant from the Jefferson County Commission. Scholarship winners for academic excellence from Hoover High School were Jordan Colin, Lametrius Payne, Sabrina Virani and Grace Waters. Spain Park High School scholarship winners were Moriah a recognition ceremony at Duke University.
Creative Montessori Sixth-Grader Qualifies for Honors Through Duke TIP
Claudia Williams, a sixth-grader at Creative Montessori School in Homewood, is among the students being honored by the Duke University Talent Identification Program for their exceptional scores on the PSAT 8/9. She will be recognized during a ceremony at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in May 2019. Duke TIP’s fourth- to sixthgrade talent search identifies students across the United States
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Hoover Service Club Awards $34,000 in Student Scholarships
From left: Allie Ford, Abigail Pate, Olurotimi Kukoyi, Jessica Taylor, Joseph Mudano and Ramsey El-Fallah.
From left: Hoover High School A.P. Carrie Busby, Jordan Colin, Lametrius Payne, Sabrina Virani, Grace Waters and career counselor Cindy Bond.
SPHS College and career counselor Tracy Pater, Moriah Mason, Olivia Pride and SPHS Principal Larry Giangrosso.
Mason, Olivia Pride and Jessica Shaw. In addition, Olivia Bishop of Hoover and Tanya Gupta of Spain Park received Margaret Alford Memorial Community Service Scholarships. Middle school students awarded scholarships for academics were Allie Ford, Simmons; Olurotimi Kukoyi, Bumpus; and Joseph Mudano, Berry. Those recognized for citizenship were Ramsey El-Fallah, Berry; Abigail Pate, Simmons; and Jessica Taylor,
who have scored at or above the 95th percentile on a grade-level standardized test. As part of the program, these students are invited to take an above-level standardized test, the PSAT 8/9, to learn more about their abilities. Duke TIP then hosts annual recognition ceremonies to honor the students who scored the highest. Of 9,635 fourth- to sixth-grade students who took the PSAT 8/9 through Duke TIP this year, only 879 scored high enough to qualify for the recognition. To qualify, a student must score in the top 10 percent on the PSAT 8/9 when compared to national test takers who are four grades above the TIP participant’s current grade level. “As an alum of our 7th Grade
Talent Search, I still remember how it felt to be recognized by Duke and TIP, as well as my excitement and anxiety at taking an abovelevel test,” said Shawna Young, executive director of Duke TIP. “As an organization, we cherish the opportunity to celebrate each of our ceremonies’ honorees for such an outstanding accomplishment.” Working with host academic institutions, Duke TIP sponsors 36 ceremonies in 16 states each spring. Speakers include university administrators and professors from the host institutions, state and government officials and accomplished former Duke TIP students. For more information on the talent searches, visit tip.duke.edu.
Bumpus. The Service Club also took time at the luncheon to award club member Donna Bishop and her husband, Greg, with the Flora Mae Pike Award. The award is given annually to a member of the community who has displayed outstanding service to the city. The Bishops were recognized for their work leading the organization Hoover Helps, which provides food for students in need over the weekends and during the summer.
Altamont Scholars Bowl Team Second in Nation Altamont School’s scholars bowl team of Vivek Sasse, Asher Desai, Sameer Sultan and Kuleen Sasse placed second in the nation at the National Academic Championship Final Four held June 15-17 in Orlando, Florida. Vivek, Asher, Sameer and Kuleen went undefeated through the preliminary rounds of the competition. In the finals, they lost by just a few questions to Plano West, a team they defeated in the preliminaries. Altamont’s team, which is coached by Lindsey Motlow, qualified for the NAC Final Four by capturing the New Orleans phase of the championship, held May 26-28. The varsity team of Suneeti Chambers, Henry Chang, Vivek, Asher, Sameer and Kuleen entered the playoffs ranked No. 4 with a 5-1 record. In the early rounds of the playoffs, Altamont defeated Bishop Kelley of Oklahoma 405-170 and No. 1-seeded St. Martin’s Episcopal in Louisiana 335320. Altamont faced Clinton of Mississippi in the final game, in which the team won by a final score of 360-295. Vivek, a rising senior, was named MVP of the Orlando tournament.
The Vestavia Hills High School Rebel Cheerleaders, the current state champions in cheerleading, recently returned from a Universal Cheerleaders Association cheer camp at the University of Alabama with a variety of awards. The varsity team won most original stunt transition, best use of tumbling and best overall execution. The junior varsity team was named most visual for its pyramids and won best overall execution. In addition, individual members of the team were recognized for their skills. Carson Horne was recognized as the winner of the Jump off Competition. Team members who were named All-Americans included Elizabeth Bendall, Madison Chatwood, Gracie Corcoran, Anna Crim, Katherine Haley, Haley Seitz, Sydney Shepherd, Gracie Stockard, Riley Graham, Julia Bratton, Sarah Leong and Sophia Wiley. Those who earned UCA staff recommendations were Sydney Downes, Sydney Shepherd, Gracie Corcoran, Anna Crim, Katherine Haley, Gracie Stockard, Elizabeth Bendall and Madison Chatwood. Girls who took home the Pin It Forward Award, an award given by staff members in recognition of superior leadership skills and participation, were Gracie Stockard, Emily Parker, Elizabeth Bendall and Madison Chatwood.
Photo courtesy Altamont School
VHHS Cheer Wins Overall Titles at State UCA Cheer Camp
Altamont’s scholars bowl team, from left: Sameer Sultan, Asher Desai, Vivek Sasse and Kuleen Sasse.
Photo special to the Journal
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John Carroll’s Bernal Relishes Being a Soccer Player Like Her Sister
Brook. Ross is president of No. 3 Real Estate and lives in Vestavia Hills. “Growing up as their little brother, I was always around baseball and football,” Wilson said. “They helped me a lot. With them playing and knowing what to do was a big benefit for me as I was growing up.” Wilson will follow in his brothers’ footsteps and attend the University of Alabama, where John Parker was a quarterback and Ross was a baseball player. “I’ve always been an Alabama
fan and dreamed of playing baseball at Alabama,” Wilson said. “I really look forward to playing on some real good baseball teams at Alabama.” Wilson also is looking forward to his senior year at Hoover and wants to continue to develop his game. “I need to improve overall and show a lot more leadership,” he said. “I’m going to be the primary catcher, so I’m going to try to be the best catcher I can be and do everything I can to play to the best of my ability.”
Journal photo by Mark Almond
Birmingham-Southern College. Bernal, a forward, is headed into her senior year at John Carroll after helping the Cavaliers win another Class 6A title in May. She scored 24 goals on the season as John Carroll posted a 21-3-1 record and excelled in the state tournament. Bernal scored two goals in John Carroll’s 4-0 victory against
Northview in the semifinals. She scored the Cavaliers’ first goal in their 2-0 victory against Gardendale in the championship game. Bernal was named the MVP in the game that snagged John Carroll’s fourth state championship in the past five years. “It was actually exciting after we lost last year (in the quarterfinals),” Bernal said. “We worked hard to get to the tournament and it was amazing that I was chosen the MVP. I was just in the moment.” Bernal credited her teammates for the success she had. “I think my other forwards and midfielders were responsible for me scoring so many goals,” she said. “All I had to do was put the ball in the back of the net. It was a team effort.” The Cavaliers were an extremely close-knit team, and Bernal believes that’s why they were able to win another title. “When school is in, you spend more time with your teammates than your family,” she said. “You develop a bond and depend on each other.” Next week, Bernal will participate in the 22nd annual AHSAA Summer Conference and AHSADCA All-Star Games competition in Montgomery. She will play for the North in the NorthSouth girls soccer game at 5 p.m. July 17 at Emory Folmar Soccer Complex. “I think only a few John Carroll players have gone and I think I’ll be the only girl who has actually gone,” Bernal said. “It’s an incredible honor that they picked me.” Bernal also plays club soccer for the Birmingham United Soccer Association, which is a member of the Elite Clubs National League, the highest level of youth soccer for girls in the USA. Nicole also played for BUSA before going to college. Bernal also plans to play at the college level, but she has yet to decide where. “I’m still looking,” she said. “I’m down to a few schools, but I prefer not to name them right now.”
Gabriel Bernal was named the MVP in the game that snagged John Carroll’s fourth state championship in the past five years.
By Rubin E. Grant Gabriel “Gabby” Bernal wanted to be just like her older sister Nicole. Nicole started playing soccer when she was 4, and Gabriel couldn’t wait until she could join in the fun of kicking the ball around. But at the outset, Bernal lacked assurance in her ability, so she really didn’t start playing until she was 6. “That’s when I got my confidence up,” Bernal said. Eventually, both sisters wound up at John Carroll Catholic and were teammates with the Cavaliers for two years. They played together on John Carroll’s 2016 Class 6A state championship when Gabriel Bernal was a freshman and Nicole a junior. “I actually loved it,” Bernal said. “It brought us closer together,
WILSON, From page 32
lot of games,” Wilson said. “I was really upset we didn’t come out with a win (against Hewitt). I had some good games personally and I hope to build off that.” Throughout his career, Wilson has soaked up knowledge from his brothers. Both are married with families and live and work in the Birmingham area. John Parker is a financial adviser with Morgan Stanley and lives in Mountain
especially since a soccer team is like a family.” Nicole graduated in 2017 after a standout high school career and is now a sophomore soccer player at
‘I think I’ll be the only [John Carroll] girl who has actually gone. It’s an incredible honor that they picked me.’
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Busy Summer for Spain Park Grad
By Blake Ells
Recent Spain Park graduate Caroline Waldrop is still competing in state tournaments this summer before leaving for college. She just wrapped up a secondplace finish at the 55th Alabama Girls State Junior Championship of the Alabama Golf Association, hosted by Montgomery Country Club, shooting 79-69-81—221, finishing seven strokes behind Michaela Morard from Huntsville. Waldrop has been competing in the Alabama Girls State Junior Championship since middle school, and she wrapped up her eligibility to compete in the tournament with her highest finish. Now, she’s playing in the 86th Alabama Women’s State Amateur Championship at the Country Club of Birmingham, which runs through July 13. “Last year, I didn’t play in any of the state stuff. I didn’t play in stroke play or the girls’ junior because I was off somewhere else trying to get attention,” Waldrop said. “I traveled around a lot, so I didn’t get to see a lot of my close Alabama friends during the summer. I knew this was my last summer before I leave for college and that there were some of these tournaments that I wouldn’t be able to ever play again,” she said. “The Alabama Girls State Junior Championship is one that you want to play every chance you can because you get close to all of these people over the years. They become sisters on the road because you’re always together.” Her finish was sparked by an impressive second round. Waldrop entered day two with a one stroke lead, and she played the round with longtime friend Ally Williams of Athens, which was a comfortable pairing. The two finished the tournament in a tie for second.
Williams, who will be a senior in the next academic year, will play her collegiate golf at Mississippi State. Waldrop’s round consisted of four birdies, 12 pars, one bogey and one double-bogey. “You just tried to place it in the right spots here and there,” she said of the relaxed feel of her second round. “If you made a bad shot, you tried to get it back. If you didn’t, good, you still keep improving.” Waldrop will begin her collegiate career at Western Kentucky in August. It was an arduous recruiting process that involved about 10 schools, and she’s relieved that it concluded early. Waldrop signed her letter of intent in November and said she’s eager to get to Bowling Green and hit the ground running with coach Adam Gary. “Some people still talk about the recruiting process because they’re still going through it,” she said. “But I’m very happy to be done with it, and I’m very happy with my decision and I’m excited for August.” She’s played on the high school team at Spain Park since she was in seventh grade and she is the only departing senior. Waldrop said her final days with the Jaguars were emotional. “There were definitely some tears shed,” she said. “I think they’re going to play well over the next couple of years, and I’ll support them all the way.” It’s a career that began when she was just 6 years old. “We had just moved from Trussville to Greystone,” she said. “Dad was playing a lot of golf and I always wanted to go with him. I went to mom and dad before my sixth Christmas and said, ‘I want to play golf.’ So, I got my first set of clubs that Christmas. That was how golf started for me. They had no idea what I was getting into.”
Waldrop is playing in the 86th Alabama Women’s State Amateur Championship at the Country Club of Birmingham, which runs through July 13.
Photo courtesy Alabama Golf Association
30 • Thursday, July 12, 2018
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 31
SPORTS
Vestavia Hills High football coach Buddy Anderson, the winningest high school football coach in Alabama, was inducted into the National Federation of State High School Association Hall of Fame on July 2 during a banquet in Chicago. Anderson, who is beginning his 41st season as head football coach at Vestavia Hills in August, was among 22 enshrined in the National Hall of Fame this year. He is the 12th individual from Alabama to be inducted into the National Hall of Fame. “Buddy Anderson is a man of faith and character who has been an important mentor to many others along the way,” said Alabama High School Athletic Association Executive Director Steve Savarese, according to a statement from the AHSAA. “He is a shining example of the kind of positive impact coaches have on the lives of the student-athletes they serve.” Anderson’s wife, Linda, their children and grandchildren where among a large contingent on hand for the induction. Anderson has compiled a 329-146 overall head-coaching record in 40 seasons at Vestavia Hills, winning the Class 4A state title in 1980 and the Class 6A state championship in 1997 on a 15-0 record. His teams have advanced to the state playoffs 30 times with a 47-28 playoff mark and in 22 years has won nine or more games in the AHSAA’s
Photo courtesy Alabama AHSAA
Vestavia Hills Coach Buddy Anderson Inducted into National Hall of Fame
Buddy Anderson congratulated by AHSAA Executive Director Steve Saverese at NFHS National High School Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Chicago on July 2.
large-school class. Anderson’s father, Dovey Anderson, was 182-81-5 as a prep head football coach in 31 seasons, all at Thomasville. Both dad and son are in the AHSAA Sports Hall of Fame and won 511 football games between them, the most in state history. Both attended Samford University and the elder competed in the first game ever played at Legion Field, in 1927. The younger Anderson was hired as an
Top Golf
assistant coach at Vestavia in 1972 and was elevated to head coach in 1978. Anderson was among 11 people enshrined this month. The others were track athlete Dick Fosbury, Oregon; former Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne; former WNBA and Stanford basketball star Nicole Powell, Arizona, distance runner Carrie Tollefson, Minnesota; soccer coach Miller Bugliari, New Jersey; swimming coach Jeff Meister, Hawaii; ice hockey coach William O’Neil, Vermont; contest official Roger “Smokey” Barr, Iowa; retired Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Executive Director Richard Neal; and choral coach William Zurkey, Ohio. Anderson, who received the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s “Frank ‘Pig’ House Award in 2014 and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Herman L. “Bubba” Scott Award in 2016, was humbled by the induction. “I was very fortunate to grow up in a coach’s home,” he said. “My father was a high school football coach for 31 years. I saw the relationship my dad had with his players, his fellow coaches and teachers. I just went to my own 50th high school reunion and picked right up where I left off with my classmates and those I played sports with. Seeing them, all now in their 60’s, and seeing the kind of men they grew into reminded me
of the coaches I worked with, most of them for more than 30 years, and the many players I have had the opportunity to coach. It also reiterated that we are in the relationship business.” Anderson, the only coach in AHSAA history to win 300 games at one school, is just the latest Alabamian inducted in the National Hall of Fame. Alabamians already in the hall, with the high school and college they attended, are: Administrators – 1987: Cliff Harper, Moore Academy in Pineapple, BirminghamSouthern; 1990: Herman L. “Bubba” Scott, Autauga County in Prattville, Troy State; 2011: Dan Washburn, LaFayette, Chattanooga. Coaches – 1992: Mickey “Guy” O’Brien, Tallapoosa County in Dadeville, Auburn University; 1999: Glenn Daniel, A.A. Parrish in Selma; Livingston; 2013: James “Jim” Tate, UMS in Mobile, Citadel; 2018: Dovey “Buddy” Anderson, Thomasville, Samford. Athletes – 1989: Bart Starr, Sidney Lanier in Montgomery, University of Alabama; 2012: Pat Sullivan, John Carroll in Birmingham, Auburn; 2014: Ozzie Newsome, Colbert County in Leighton. Officials – 1988: Dan Gaylord, Phillips in Birmingham, Howard College; 2007: Sam Short, West End in Birmingham, Western Kentucky. —Virginia Martin
Spartan Coach Named Coach of the Year by USA Today senior, Ford Clegg, who’ll leave to join the golf team at Mississippi State next season. More recently, Lambert competed in the Trudy and Alex Lockett were on vacaScott Stallings Junior Championship at Oak tion in Florida when Trudy learned that her Ridge Country Club in Tennessee. The conhusband had been named by USA Today as test is an American Junior Golf Association the American Family Insurance All-USA event. He shot a 15-under 201 to not only Boys Golf Coach of the Year. win, but claim a new tournament record. It’s an honor that comes after winning Lambert is now ranked 168th in the Rolex his second consecutive state championship AJGA nationwide rankings. in his third year at Mountain Brook High Lockett’s career began as an assistant School. “I had been told that I was being consid- for both the men’s and women’s teams at Birmingham-Southern College. ered for the award, but I never He took a break from coaching heard anything else,” Alex said. upon leaving the Panthers in “We’re on a trip and she’s sort 2013, and when his predecessor, of scrolling through here phone Eaves, was promoted to athletics and there it is. I think Benny director, Lockett inquired. (Eaves), our athletics director, “We visited and he said, tweeted it out. She was in anoth‘Well, you can help me out this er room and (I) heard her shout, year. This is my last year. We’ll ‘Honey! Honey! You won’t go from there,’” Lockett said. believe this! Get in here!’” “After that year he offered me It was quite a way to learn the job and off we went.” about the prestigious award, one Alex Lockett With talent like Lambert; that Lockett insists he owes to a Scott; Wann, who is also verbally commitremarkably talented group of young golfers ted to Mississippi State; and Sargent, who at Mountain Brook. is verbally committed to Vanderbilt, all “Of course everyone has been congratureturning, the expectations will be high for lating me and all of that stuff, but if I don’t the Spartans to win a third straight champihave the players that I have, I’m not even onship. in the conversation,” he said. “They make Lockett is most excited about the opporme look good.” tunity that national awards can give his Those players are guys like freshman players. Gordon Sargent and junior William Wann, “It can’t hurt,” he said of the recogniwho received co-medalist honors at state, tion. “It’s not something I’m out telling both shooting 11-under-par scores of 133. (college coaches). But I guess they get Junior Reynolds Lambert placed fourth word through the grapevine. (The golfers’) with his 7-under 137 and sophomore Mac play is what attracts coaches; not my Scott was sixth at 3-under 141. The plaques.” Spartans’ non-scorer was the team’s lone
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
By Blake Ells
From left, Bill Hutto, Perry Akins and Ted Hagler.
Thanks for the Fun: Three Longtime Joy League Officials Honored Joy League completed its 61st season on June 30, using that conclusion to honor two longtime league commissioners and a marketing director. League commissioners Perry Akins and Ted Hagler retired at the end of the season. Akins had been league commissioner since 1981. He began with Joy League as a coach in 1974. Hagler joined Akins as a commissioner in 1986 after also coaching for several years. During the All-Star games June 30, a committee of coaches led by Tim Meehan conducted a ceremony honoring Akins, Hagler and longtime marketing director Bill Hutto. Players, coaches and families gathered around the diamond as Meehan thanked the three men for their dedication and their decades of hard work on behalf of the league. The three honorees were presented with framed posters signed by players and coaches from each of the league’s 16 baseball teams. Each poster contained an inscription summarizing the recipient’s contributions to Joy League. The coaches’ committee, led by Meehan, will assume operations of the league in the upcoming 2019 season. The league was founded in 1958 after a son of Joy League founder John J. Smith Sr. and some of his friends tried out for baseball teams, but many of them did not make the cut. “Mr. Smith said many times that there are no bench warmers in the Joy League. That’s still true today,” Perry Akins, a league commissioner said in a release earlier this year. “From the beginning, Joy League assured, and still assures, that every player plays in every game, and there are no tryouts.”
Vestavia Hills Coach Buddy Anderson inducted into National Hall of Fame. Page 31
SPORTS Thursday, July 12, 2018 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Busy summer on the links for Spain Park grad Caroline Waldrop. Page 30
Peyton’s Place Hoover All Star Baseball Player Has No Plans to Return to Football this Fall
The switch-hitting Wilson had a solid junior season in the spring. In 42 games, he batted .386 with 54 hits, 35 runs scored, 35 runs batted in, 15 doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 14 stolen bases, helping Hoover advance to the Class 7A playoffs. He was selected to the All-OTMJ baseball team.
Peyton Wilson hasn’t changed his mind about football. Even though the defending Class 7A champion Hoover Bucs have an opening at quarterback this year, and even though both of his brothers are former state championship Hoover quarterbacks, Peyton Wilson has no plans to play the sport again. He made the decision to walk away last summer, and a year later he has no desire to return for his senior season. “I am not playing football this fall,” Wilson said. “I think it’s the best decision for me so I can progress in baseball. Baseball is my future and has always been my first love. I miss football a little bit, but I’m happy with the decision I made.” His brothers, John Parker and Ross, had no qualms about him giving up football. “Both of my brothers supported me the whole time and told me to do what I wanted to do,” Wilson said. This summer Wilson, a second baseman/ catcher, has been spending plenty of time on the diamond, playing travel ball for the East Coast Sox Select, based out of Columbus, Mississippi. He spent the Fourth of July week in Atlanta playing in the Perfect Game WWBA National Championship tournament. This week, Wilson will be in Montgomery to play in the North-South All-Star baseball doubleheader during the 22th annual Alabama High School Athletic Association Summer Conference and Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association All-Star Games competition July 17-19. The North-South doubleheader will be July 17 at Riverwalk Stadium with the first game set for 4 p.m. The second game will follow 30 minutes after its conclusion, at approximately 6:30 p.m. The AHSADCA All-Star Games also include in-state games in softball, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, volleyball, boys and girls cross-country and football. The 59th North-South All-Star football game will close out the all-star competition on July 19 at Cramton Bowl. “I didn’t know much about it until coach (Adam) Moseley told me they had picked me,” Wilson said. “I’ve heard good things about the whole week I’ll be there. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m really pleased to be a part of it.” The switch-hitting Wilson had a solid junior season in the spring. In 42 games, he batted .386 with 54 hits, 35 runs scored, 35 runs batted in, 15 doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 14 stolen bases, helping Hoover advance to the Class 7A playoffs. He was selected to the All-OTMJ baseball team. “Peyton is a throwback type of player,” Moseley said. “He’s a great kid and he’s an
incredible competitor, super tough and super skilled. He plays the game hard no matter what the situation. He never gives in and is always one swing or defensive play away from changing the game.”
‘Peyton is a throwback type of player. He’s a great kid and he’s an incredible competitor, super tough and super skilled. He plays the game hard no matter what the situation. He never gives in and is always one swing or defensive play away from changing the game.’ ADAM MOSELEY, HOOVER BASEBALL COACH
As a sophomore, Wilson batted .308 with two home runs and 17 RBI, helping Hoover win the Class 7A title. The Bucs were denied a chance to repeat this season, losing in three games to Hewitt-Trussville in the first round and finishing 35-10. “We had a good regular season and won a
See WILSON, page 30
Journal photo by Mark Almond
Journal photo by Mark Almond
By Rubin E. Grant
John Carroll’s Gabriel “Gabby” Bernal will participate in the 22nd annual AHSAA Summer Conference and AHSADCA All-Star Games competition in Montgomery next week. See story, page 30.