Otmj over the mountain journal u otmj.com
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Thursday, july 28, 2016
‘I’m always learning more about my boundaries and how much I can push myself.’ Jennifer Schuble
Looking for the Fast Track in Rio Homewood Cyclist Trains for Her Third Paralympic Games Photo courtesy Lakeshore Foundation
See story page 14
Lakeshore Foundation to Host Night of Champions page 14
inside
A String of Stories Central Alabama Theater’newest production brings director Norton Dill back to his roots. about town Page 4
Top Cop Mountain Brook police chief Ted Cook says policing is tough in the best of times. news Page 13 star power Celebrities and philanthropy go hand-in-hand for autism acceptance. life Page 16
2 • Thursday, July 28, 2016
Opinion/Contents
Local Merchants Waive Taxes For School Shopping Holiday The annual back-to-school state sales tax holiday is Aug. 5-7 this year, and the Alabama Retail Association is urging shoppers to buy local. During that period, the state’s 4 percent sales tax will be waived on clothing priced at $100 or less; school supplies valued at $50 or less; books that cost $30 or less; and computers and computer equipment with a selling price of $750 or less. Many cities – including Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook and Birmingham – also are waiving their cities’ share of sales taxes during that period. “Outside of December, (the sales tax holiday) is probably our biggest weekend of the year,” Michael Gee, president and co-owner of the Pants Store and an association board member, said in a prepared statement. The association predicts Alabamians will spend almost $1.14 billion on back-to-school shopping this year. The association also is launching its Shop Alabama campaign the same weekend with a contest that could net one Alabamian $300 in shopping money. To compete for the prize, post a photo and comment about why you #ShopAlabama on the Alabama Retail Association Facebook page during the weekend. The person who gets the most likes by the end of the sales tax holiday will win the prize. For details, visit shopalabama.org/ contest. Retailers employ one in four people in the private sector in Alabama, making it the top private sector job creator in the state, according to the association’s statement. “Those who shop in Alabama strengthen the local economy, support friends and neighbors and invest in the community,” association President Rick Brown said in the statement. ❖
in this issue About Town 4 people 8 news 12 life 14
social 18 weddings 23 business 24 sports 28
On 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
July 28, 2016 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: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Vol. 26, No. 22
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 2016 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.
murphy’s law
M
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
School of Rocks
taking piano lessons, “Every Good y husband, Harold, is into Boy Does Fine” gave you the lines rock. Yes, back when I was on the music staff and FACE named trying to save the world the spaces, but you had to remember with Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, to start from the bottom or you’d be he was turning up the speakers and off completely. blasting Iron Butterfly and Cream, Same thing with the colors of but that’s not what I’m talking the rainbow. Sure, it’s ROYGBIV about. I’m talking about rock of the (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, igneous or sedimentary variety. indigo and violet), but do you begin Harold studied rock…rocks… skyward or earthward, and since in college, and there was a great big ROYGBIV doesn’t really mean anypile there to learn. A lot went on in thing, is it helpful at all? the earth’s crust before we arrived at It happened again in typing class pea gravel and granite countertops. – or now I suppose it’s keyboarding Not only that, but rocks exist natu– QWERTY doesn’t really get you rally in varied shapes and densities Sue Murphy anywhere unless you commit it to and colors and it was important to memory. Harold’s geography professors that People make up memory songs he be able to identify every one. about all kinds of things: plumbThere were so many rocks to ing techniques (righty-tighty, remember that Harold made up School will be startlefty-loosey), the names of the jingles, little riffs to help him ing soon and there will planets in our solar system (plus along. The only one I remember be a lot for the kids to or minus Pluto) and the Periodic is “Fossilitic limestone, dolomite, chert,” but that’s because I was remember, but hey, a Table of Elements. But I caution to be careful with this tool an early childhood major and was jingle here, a ditty there, you because, once you’ve committed a charged with remembering rhymes and it will all work out. ditty to memory, it will come back about five little pumpkins and to you when you least expect it – many other characters that miracudriving down the highway, lounglously always came in fives. ing at the beach or standing in the My job was to undo the damcenter aisle of the grocery store. age done by the alphabet song, to convince a group Really, that’s where I count on it the most. Of of 5-year-olds that there wasn’t a letter called course, the Periodic Table isn’t much help. It’s been “Ellamenopee.” This knowledge served them well a long time since I bought uranium (just joking, FBI when they were later told that you put “i before friends), but when it comes to shopping for grocere except after c or when sounded like ‘ay’ as in ies, I try to make a memory word using the first neighbor or weigh,” – except when that wasn’t true. letters of the things I should have written down. Weird. Sometimes my memory jogger works, but other My students would move on to, “Thirty days hath times I find myself going up one aisle and down September, April, June, and November. All the rest another repeating, “It began with a C…” have 31, except for February, which has 28 or someSchool will be starting soon and there will be a times 29,” another lesson in the fact that much of life lot for the kids to remember, but hey, a jingle here, a defies being put on a leash. ditty there, and it will all work out. Fossilitic limeStill, some of the ditties were helpful. You could stone, dolomite, chert. Try to forget it. I dare you. remember to build HOMES on the Great Lakes – Rock on. ❖ Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior. When
over the Mountain Views
If you could compete in any Olympic sport, which would it be?
“I think they added rugby this year. I’d definitely choose rugby, because I’m highly competitive and aggressive. ” Caroline Laird Birmingham
“My dream is to be a gymnast, but I’m afraid to jump over that horse. When I was in high school, they had us do it in those horrible blue outfits.” Daria Howard Vestavia Hills
“Oh, I’d do curling. It is such a unique sport. I find it particularly intriguing because you don’t see it very much in the South.”
“Diving. I don’t know why. I just love it. That or synchronized swimming, because it’s just like dancing but under the water.”
Amanda Hill Mountain Brook
Cortney Meachem Birmingham
About Town
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Thursday, July 28, 2016 • 3
Founder Sterling Edwards with Louis Chevrolet
Now With Two Great Locations
Still Downtown (205) 716-3330 And Also On Highway 280 East (205) 956-6700
And, of course, Everywhere on the web at www.chevyman.com!
4 • Thursday, July 28, 2016
About Town
A String of Stories
By Emily Williams
Cat’s Newest Production Brings Director Norton Dill Back to His Roots it out and played “Peggy Sue” by Buddy Holly, and when I heard that song, I was hooked from then on,” he said. His first stringed instrument was a ukulele, which he played in the first band he started, made up of a group of elementary school vocalists. He graduated from uke to guitar to banjo – an instrument he said he is still learning to play – and started his first official musical group in high school. His trio performed the hot folk hits of the day from acts such as Peter, Paul and Mary and Bob Dylan. The summer after his sophomore year at Birmingham-Southern College, Dill formed a band with a few friends that turned into a source of income. During the summers, the band would make its way up to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. After college, Dill toyed with
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Photo special to the Journal
For Norton Dill, directing and performing in the Central Alabama Theater’s upcoming production of “Smoke on the Mountain” evokes a feeling of deja vu. The wildly popular off-Broadway musical about The Sanders Family, a family string-band performing in a Baptist church in North Carolina in 1938, is one of the most produced shows in the world. A natural storyteller, Dill was ready to recount the tale of his first encounter with string music. “When I was a little, bitty kid, I was staying at my aunt’s house for a week in Opp, Alabama, the city of opportunity – which is their slogan,” Dill said. One night, while enjoying the company of his favorite aunt, Grace, the two heard a knock at the door and both went to the see who it was. “It turned out that it was my oldest cousin, but I didn’t recognize him. I was so young that I didn’t remember ever seeing him in my life. Well, he had a guitar with him and he pulled
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Norton Dill, holding banjo, and fellow “Smoke on the Mountain” cast members. CAT’s production of “Smoke on the Mountain” will show at Steeple Arts Academy in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village Aug. 5-7 and Aug. 12-14, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. or matinees at 2:30 p.m.
the idea of relocating to Tennessee. But he settled on staying in Alabama once he fell in love with his job teaching choir and drama at Wynona High School, which was before he started his production company, Dill Productions. “We were mostly doing commercials for businesses, which was great for a while,” he said. “But after about 15 or so years, I wanted to do something that was my own.” Dill’s first production was the documentary “Music in Their Bones: The Music and People of Sand Mountain,” which aired nationally on PBS. It tells the story of the rural and isolated Alabama community that breeds selfsufficient people. “One of the main themes was that we are all equal when we play music together. At any given moment you could see the mayor standing next to a mandolin player who is the poorest man in the community, and they’re good friends in their music,” he said. His experiences documenting Sand Mountain locals and getting to know them personally rekindled Dill’s passion for string music. In 1999, the same year as the documentary’s release, Dill traveled to New York City and saw “Smoke on the Mountain” at The Lamb’s Ear
– the original production’s longestrunning venue, which is inside of the Manhattan Church of the Nazarene. At the time, he led a performance group at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church called the Parable Players, and he decided to direct a performance of the musical. The show was a complete success, which led to future performances as well as productions of the official sequel, “Sanders Family Christmas.” The group grew a following, with many locals asking the cast to perform as a string band around town. Once the group began playing out of state, they settled on their official name, The Dill Pickers. Telling
Through his presence in the local arts community, Dill became acquainted with acclaimed journalist, author and storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham. The friendship led to another documentary, “Kathryn: The Story of a Teller,” and got The Dill Pickers invited to perform at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. The experience sparked an unknown desire in Dill to become a storyteller himself. In October, Dill will take the stage without his fel-
low Pickers as a teller at the Athens Storytelling Festival. Though Dill directed and performed in a multitude of showings of “Smoke on the Mountain” over the years, at the last production, in 2007 at the Virginia Samford Theatre, the size of the audience had not thinned. “I’m sure I’ll never understand this phenomenon where people who would never buy a bluegrass CD, who would never go to a bluegrass concert, who would never listen to bluegrass of their own will, come back time and time again to see these shows,” he said. Dill said he believes it is the innocence of the show, adding how rare it is these days to watch something that is truly funny and entertaining for all ages. “The thing that also helps is that, if the characters are done right, everyone in the audience will see someone they already know. They’ll see grandma, their crazy sister or their strange uncle.” Dill will maintain his role as the patriarch of the Sanders clan, Burl Sanders, with fellow Dill Pickers Theresa McKibben as “Momma” Vera Sanders and W. Scott “Scottie” Stewart as Pastor Mervin Oglethorpe. “For the people who have been a part of the show all along, a lot of the dialogue and mannerisms have become a part of us for all of these years,” he said. “Lesli Wright, who played June for years, we all call her “Junebug.” She calls me daddy and (McKibben) is momma.” Though not all of the Dill Pickers could make the trek back to Birmingham, Dill is making good use of local talent, like Kristen Sharp, a regular on Red Mountain Theatre’s main stage. Sharp will play June Sanders, a character that Dill says is a show stealer. June is a character who signs for the band and plays a bit of percussion, but never joins in the singing. “(Sharp) is the best female vocalist I have ever worked with and it’s probably a crime that she isn’t singing in show,” Dill said. CAT’s production of “Smoke on the Mountain” will show at Steeple Arts Academy in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village Aug. 5-7 and Aug. 12-14. Evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. and matinees begin at 2:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $22 and can be purchased at smokeonthemountaincat.eventbrite.com. ❖
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About Town
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Thurs., July 28 BIRMINGHAM
The Taste of Birmingham The Club This annual fundraiser for the Birmingham Boys Choir will be from 6-9 p.m. Local restaurants will provide tastings of signature dishes and guests will vote on their favorites. Other event features include a silent auction, raffle, a performance by the Birmingham Boys Choir and fireworks after dark. Tickets are $100. For more information, visit biriminghamboyschoir.com. BIRMINGHAM
Southern Summer Night Tavern on 1st The Junior Board of Hands On Birmingham host their annual summer fundraiser from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The evening will include food from Pranzo and a live auction. Tickets begin at $25 and include food, as well as two drinks. Proceeds benefit the organization’s mission of providing volunteer opportunities to promote positive social change within the community. For more information, visit the “Southern Summer Night 2016” Facebook page. BIRMINGHAM
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. Virginia Samford Theater The Theater’s youth company, STARS, will perform Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr., featuring music from
the Academy Award-winning animated feature by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman and new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. Tickets are $20 and the show runs through Aug. 7. For more information, visit STARS@ virginiasamfordtheater.org.
The style and the low price
Fri., July 29 HOOVER
Free Friday Flicks Veterans Park The free summer movie series will continue with a showing of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” beginning at dusk. Activities will begin at 6:30 p.m., featuring a kid’s zone, Gold’s Gym activities and picnic food and drinks provided by local vendors. The rain date for the event will be Aug. 5. For more information, visit the “Free Friday Flicks” Facebook page.
Sat., July 30 BIRMINGHAM
Woof’s & Wags Fest Just Happy Hounds Just Happy Hounds will host a fundraiser from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Proceeds will benefit The Baily Foundation, an organization that properly assesses the placement of rescue dogs and provides support for pet owners with the cost of emergency vet care. This event will include contests, a pet photo booth, grooming, adoptable pets and more. For more information, visit justhappyhounds.com or call 920-1986.
Journal photo by Julie Edwards
July 28 - Aug. 11
Thursday, July 28, 2016 • 5
will have you looking twice. HOMEWOOD
2016 Sidewalk Sale, July 30 Downtown Homewood The fourth annual Sidewalk Sale will be held at 9 a.m. and continues throughout the day. Merchants will line the sidewalks in front of their shops with merchandise discounted up to 75 percent. For more information, visit homewoodchamber.org. ❖ HOMEWOOD
Trak Shak Retro Run The Trak Shak The family-friendly event kicks off at 7 p.m. Each participant will receive a shirt, meal ticket and will be entered in the costume contest. Registration is $35 and ends July 27. For more information, visit trakshak.com or email jeff@ trakshak.com.
Join us July 30th for the Downtown Homewood Sidewalk Sale.
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6 • Thursday, July 28, 2016
About Town
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
ANNOUNCING FALL 2016 CLASSES F O R C H I L D R EN A N D A D U LT S
A Night of Big Stars The Harbert Center Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham will host its annual gala fundraising featuring dinner, a live auction and a performance by 25 of the program’s “Littles.” A cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. Honorary chairs for the evening are Hatton Smith (pictured) and UAB Football Head Coach Bill Clark. Mike Royer will guest emcee for the evening, accompanied by a special appearance by American Idol finalist Jessica Meuse. For more information, visit anightofbigstars.com. BIRMINGHAM
ART CALLIGRAPHY CERAMICS
HARP KINDERMUSIK LANGUAGES
STAINED GLASS STRINGS VOICE
Summer Dance Party Old Car Heaven The Italian American Heritage Society will host a dance party from 7-11 p.m. featuring music provided by Total Assets at 8 p.m. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served until 9 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online or at the door, provided they do not sell out. For more information, visit iahsbham.com.
ESL GUITAR
PAINTING PHOTOGRAPHY PIANO
WOODWINDS WRITING
Tues., Aug. 2
TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION call 205-726-2739 or go to samford.edu/go/aota S A M F O R D U N I V E R S I T Y I S A N E Q U A L O P P O R T U N I T Y I N S T I T U T I O N / E M P LOY E R .
Come as you are. You’ll fit right in.
BIRMINGHAM
Walk to Defeat ALS Kick-off Railroad Park The Alabama chapter of the ALS Association will host a kick-off party and information session to prepare for the annual walk on Oct. 1. Catering for the evening will be provided by Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ. Parking will be available along 1st Ave. as well as adjacent streets. To attend, an RSVP can be send to Ashli Esslinger at ashli@alsalabama.org or by calling (256) 519-9030.
Fri., Aug. 5 HOMEWOOD
Party on the Porch Alabama Outdoors The fourth installment of this free summer series, benefitting the Junior League of Birmingham will feature music by Jason Bailey and Joe Breckinridge, food by Eugene’s Hot Chicken and Bendy’s Cookies and Cream and beer from Good People Brewing Company. Collectible cups can be purchased for $10 and custom engraved Hydro Flask pints are $20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, visit the “Party on the Porch - August 2016” Facebook page.
Sat., Aug. 6 MOUNTAIN BROOK
SUNDAYS AT 8:15 & 10:45 AM
Crestline Tent Sale Crestline Village Merchants in Crestline Village are gearing up for another outdoor tent event. Throughout the day, participating merchants will provide special sales, trunk shows and more. The event runs from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit welcometomountainbrook.com.
Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace Birmingham, AL 35242
#wheregraceabounds
HOMEWOOD
Jersey Girl Book Signing Brookwood Village Vestavia Hills resident and former
Photo special to the Journal
BIRMINGHAM
BIRMINGHAM
Members of The Junior Board of the Easter Seals of Birmingham Fenders and Fireflies, Aug. 4 enjoying last years event. Old Car Heaven The Easter Seals of Birmingham will host their fifth annual event, featuring music, catering by Cocina Superior, live and silent auctions, signature “firefly” cocktails and more. Event proceeds benefit the Easter Seals’ efforts to improve the lifestyle of children and adults with special needs in Central Alabama. For more information, visit eastersealsbham.org. ❖ Bravo TV personality Jamie Primak Sullivan will host a reading and signing for her new book “The Southern Education of a Jersey Girl: Adventures in Life and Love in the Heart of Dixie.” The free event will begin at 11 a.m. at the Brookwood Village Books-A-Million and will be followed by a session of Sullivan’s digital series, #cawfeetawk.
Save The date Fri., Aug. 12 VESTAVIA HILLS
Back 2 School in the Hills Cahaba Heights, Oliver Square This free event is from 6:30-10 p.m. and features rides and inflatables for kids, tweens and teens, music and a family movie. A free shuttle service will be available at Cahaba Heights United Methodist Church. For more information, visit vestaviahills.org.
Sat., Aug. 13 HOMEWOOD
Third Annual Block Party Homewood Library The Homewood Library Foundation’s annual fundraiser will take place from 5-8 p.m. Food tickets are $30 or $10 for children ages 4 and up. Admission includes food and unlimited access to event activities. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org. BIRMINGHAM
Beer, Bands and Bullies Avondale Brewing Bama Bully Rescue’s sixth annual fundraiser will take place form 4-10 p.m. Admission is $10 and proceeds benefit the organization’s efforts to find homes for abandoned, abused and neglected “bully” breeds. For more information, visit bamabully.org. BIRMINGHAM
Picasso Pets The Harbert Center Hand in Paw’s 16th annual fundraiser will showcase a silent and live auction featuring one-of-a-kind pet paintings from 6-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $175 and can be purchased at picassopets.com.❖ Send About Town info to: editorial@otmj.com
Homeless Ministry Hosts Fundraiser, Collects Books The 16th annual Family Promise Bound and Determined fundraiser is set for July 28 at Rose Hall in Homewood. In addition to participating in a live and silent auction and hors d’oeuvres, attendees will be able to donate new books appropriate for a homeless child or young adult. Guest can have fun in the photo booth and enter to win raffles. All proceeds go toward helping stabilize homeless families through the programs at Family Promise of Birmingham. Family Promise of Birmingham began in 1998 as the Birmingham Hospitality Network. Now, almost 20 years later, the volunteer organization is still serving the homeless community by providing more than 12,000 meals a year plus shelter for families in transition. More than a shelter, FPB also connects homeless families with volunteer families and churches that can help them get back on their feet and assist them with any special needs. A large part of the nonprofit’s mission is to keep families together while they take steps to regain their independence. FPB strives to spread awareness of homelessness in the community. FPB also works to prevent families from becoming homeless by connecting them with community programs that may help them keep their home. Volunteers are trained by FPB staff and they are not expected to offer financial aid to families. There are qualifications for a family to receive help from FPB, including criminal background checks and drug screenings. To buy tickets and learn more about FPB, visit familypromisebham.org.
—Sarah Kuper
Thursday, July 28, 2016 • 7
people
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Current board members from the Over the Mountain area include: Chloe Bloodworth, Homewood; Lydia Bloodworth, Homewood; Lana Chen, Vestavia Hills High School; Satura Dudley, Hoover High School; LeYann Harris, Altamont; Carolina Phillips, Oak Mountain High School; Ainsley Platt, Mountain Brook Junior High School; Jane Perry Starling, Mountain Brook High School; Anne Mitchell Welch, Mountain Brook High School; Zoe Zahariadis, Altamont; and Sarah Zhao, Vestavia Hills High School.
On Aug. 19, the girls will host a screening of the documentary film “He Named Me Malala” at Avondale Park Amphitheatre. The movie will begin at 8 p.m. Following the film, the Springboarders will host a live chat session on the organization’s web page to discuss the message of the film. To apply to be a Springboarder, girls ages 13-18 can complete an online application. For more information, visit girlspring.com. ❖
Photo special to the Journal
Back 2 School Girlpower: Girlspring’s Springboarders are local students ages 13-18 who serve as the editorial staff for the organization’s online forum.
Spring Forward
In the Hills
GirlSpring Recruits Students to Join New Teen Board
By Emily Williams GirlSpring is showcasing a newly renovated website, revamped programming and a new teen advisory board featuring students from across the Greater Birmingham area. “We wanted to recruit girls from all of the schools in the area to help create offline connections,” GirlSpring Executive Director Kristen Greenwood said. The organization was created in 2010 by local philanthropist Jane Comer to support and encourage young women to be their own advocates and support each other. The new website supports Comer’s original mission while also taking into account where
The organization was created in 2010 by local philanthropist Jane Comer to support and encourage young women to be their own advocates and support each other. young girls conduct most of their conversations in today’s world. “Most of these girls spend most of their time online – whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat – so the idea is to meet them where they are,” Greenwood said. The teen advisory committee was another logical addition, according to Greenwood, because nobody knows what girls today are faced with like their peers. “Some of their struggles are similar to mine,” she said. “Typical things like peer pressure and self-confidence are always there, but social media has really changed things.” Some new struggles that she has heard her Springboarders describe are issues with bullying on social media. Most shocking to her, Greenwood said, is that girls are glorifying serious issues
like depression, anxiety and cutting. One hope that the organization is striving for is that the online forum reaches the hallways of local schools through the efforts of the youth advisers and results in an offline effect. The website showcases a multitude of resources, from written works such as articles and movie reviews to poems and artwork – all created by young women. “As a Springboarder, the girls are required to create content for the website,” Greenwood said. “But there is also the option for any young women to submit artwork, poems, stories to the website.” The teen board meets once a month, usually on Saturdays, to discuss new themes and topics for their contributions as well as other ways they can expand their reach to other girls. The meetings begin with commentary and feedback on current topics and then the brainstorming begins. “One great idea that the girls came up with totally on their own was to have this showing of Malala,” Greenwood said. “They chose the film and they also came up with the idea to host a live chat afterwards on the website with a question and answer session.” The girls also came up with the idea to have monthly arts and writing contests with prizes to try to increase reader submissions. For August, the organization will run an art and writing contest open to ages 13-18. Winners will have their work featured on the website’s home page and will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. “We also give them a way to give back to their community through volunteer opportunities,” she said. “This year we’re going to have a team participate in Race for the Cure.” Through a partnership with Children’s of Alabama, Greenwood said, a group of Springboarders will make their way to Washington, D.C., this year to participate in a youth mental health council. The Springboarders are currently 16 members strong, but Greenwood hopes to bump that number up to 30.
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8 • Thursday, July 28, 2016
people
Ice Age
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
OTM Fifth-Grader Prepares to Shine at Magic City Figure Skating Competition By Sarah Kuper
Many ask Jared if he has Olympic aspirations. “It’s like, I never say I do want to go to the Olympics or I never say I don’t. It would be cool but I don’t think that’s why I do it,”
Creative, kind and intuitive. Those are the words Amy Stiftel-Sedlis uses to describe her 10-year-old son, Jared. “He is a unique and compassionate person and very well-rounded,” she said. A rising fifth-grader at Brookwood Forest Elementary, Jared has not spent his summer poolside or boating on the lake. Rather, he has been busy practicing on the cool ice of the Pelham Civic Complex and in Salt Lake City with Olympic figure skating coaches. Jared’s love for and dedication to skating actually began when he was 5 years old and tagging along with older brother Aaron to the
Sedlis said it will be special to compete locally, where his friends can come watch what he can do. “I’m feeling pretty good! I have a new costume and new music. We are changing
rink for hockey practice. “My brother was playing hockey and we were trying to think of something for me to do,” Jared said. Stiftel-Sedlis said Jared immediately took to figure skating. “From the beginning, even if he fell, he got right back up and didn’t lose confidence or his train of thought,” she said. Jared said he has stuck with figure skating because it appeals to his interests and personality. “I didn’t really like team sports. What I like is the elegance of skating – the spinning, the jumping and the music,” he said. Jared, who also plays violin, has mainly performed to classical music and even works together with his coach on choreography sometimes. Jared has long graduated from group skating lessons and now works one-on-one with a husband and wife coaching team at the Pelham Civic Complex. He practices on the ice four days a week and does some conditioning exercises. That may sound like a lot for an elementary schooler, but Stiftel-Sedlis said his training regimen is actually more relaxed than some competitors his age. “Some kids do ballet and other intense cross-training,” he said. “That’s something we will get to at some point but not now.” Currently, Jared is competing at the Preliminary Free-Skate level. Unlike other sports, ice skating levels are not based on age or size but rather skill level. To move to the next level, skaters must pass a skills test in front of a panel of judges. Recently, Jared has been working on more intense spins and jumps like a double toe loop and a double Lutz. “I’m trying to get my doubles more consistent and clean and maybe starting to work on a double axel,” he said. “I’m also trying to get my spins a little better.” To the wider public, figure skating may not be considered a mainstream sport like football or baseball, but it does see a spotlight every four years during the winter Olympics.
Photos special to the Journal
‘It’s like, I never say I do want to go to the Olympics or I never say I don’t. It would be cool but I don’t think that’s why I do it.’
ice man: Jared strikes a pose in his costume for a Star Wars themed performance. He practices on the ice four days a week at the Pelham Civic Complex.
Jared said. He will be competing July 30 in the Magic City Ice Classic hosted at his home rink in Pelham. Jared and his family have traveled all over the nation for competitions, so Stiftel-
some things around still but I feel good,” Jared said. For this competition, Jared is stepping away from a classical program and embracing a more jazz-like routine using music from the movie “Swing Kids.”
After the Magic City Ice Classic, Jared’s next competition is regionals in September in Lansing, Michigan. Stiftel-Sedlis said Jared went last year and it was a good chance for him to see more boys competing than he sees in Birmingham. “Jared is maybe the only boy we see at the Pelham rink figure skating. He sort of gets picked on, but not much. All his friends are pretty supportive,” Stiftel-Sedlis said. For Jared’s part, he said he doesn’t really even notice that he’s the only boy. “I don’t really mind. I’m friends with all the other people,” he said. “I don’t really care if they are the same gender or not.” Stiftel-Sedlis, who works as assistant producer at WBHM, said Jared’s figure skating requires a lot of dedication on his part but also from the whole family. Living in Mountain Brook, it isn’t exactly a short drive to the rink in Pelham several times a week for several hours, but StiftelSedlis said it’s not that different than the travel time she would spend if Jared did any other sport. There isn’t a large figure skating scene in Alabama, so competing requires a lot of travel, which can get expensive. But Stiftel-Sedlis said it is worth every penny. “To see your child do a sport that he is passionate about, it is very rewarding,” she said. Although Jared doesn’t foresee giving up skating, StiftelSedlis said that, even if he did decide he didn’t want to skate anymore, she wouldn’t pressure him. “If he decided he didn’t want to continue I would still value the discipline and self confidence he has gotten out of it,” she said. Plus, skating at the rink in Pelham has helped both her sons meet children from other areas of town and walks of life. “We are there some afternoons from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m,” she said. “They do their homework there; it has become like a second home.” While Jared said he is most proud of himself when he lands a difficult jump or masters a new spin, Stiftel-Sedlis said she is proud when others notice what she gets to see all the time. “Jared is just infectious, he brings joy to people when he performs – people stop and tell me that. It’s like when he is skating you can tell he wants you to know he’s having a good time.” The Magic City Ice Classic is July 29 and 30 at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena. The two-day competition begins at 4 p.m. on Friday and will include 150 skaters from four states competing in 246 events. Admission is free. ❖
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Stepping Down
‘The planning and organization for the Games are now at a crossroads. I am 73 years old and it is time for me to retire.’
Welden Retires from World Games 2021 Board; Jonathan Porter Takes His Place Edgar Welden has retired from his role as chairman of the board of directors for The World Games 2021 Birmingham Foundation, according to a release from the foundation. Jonathan Porter, vice president of the Birmingham Division for Alabama Power Company, was named as Welden’s successor and assumed the role immediately. Bobby Humphrey, vice president of the foundation, said Welden was instrumental in securing The World Games for Birmingham. “We are indebted to his service, which has laid the foundation for the board members to build upon,” Humphrey said in the statement. “His influence will extend far beyond his initial involvement.” Welden – who first served as cochairman of The World Games 2021 alongside Scott Myers and David Benck – said in the statement, “The planning and organization for the Games are now at a crossroads. I am
73 years old and it is time for me to retire. I believe it is vital to the success of the board’s goals that we continue to move forward with an energetic group of leaders in place that can see us through the 2021 event.” Welden also serves as chairman of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame board of directors and chairman/president of the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program. He founded the Birmingham Athletic Partnership, a non-profit that supports middle and high school athletic programs, and in May was honored as the ASHOF 2016 Distinguished American Sportsman for his contributions to athletics over the course of his career. Before retiring, Welden welcomed three new board members – Porter, Leroy Abrahams of Regions Bank and Scott Adams of Protective Life Corporation. Welden also offered special thanks to current board members Marc Tyson, Benck, Myers and Humphrey for their hard work and
Edgar Welden
service over the past two years. Porter is a member of the board of directors for the Jefferson County Education Foundation, Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority, Inroads Inc., Rev Birmingham Inc., Birmingham Business Alliance, Alabama Power Foundation and the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club. He also serves on the board of trustees of his alma mater, Tuskegee University, and is a member of the Newcomen Society of Alabama. He is a graduate of Leadership Birmingham, has been featured in Who’s Who in
Photos special to the Journal
Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club 144 Business Center Drive 35244 560-0706 ~ bridgewebs.com/birmingham/
Local Pharmacist Wins APA President’s Award
Dorothy Ziff has been honored by the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for her work with Temple BethEl’s Chesed Committee and on behalf of Hadassah and other organizations in the Birmingham area. Ziff was given the Lifetime Achievement Award during a ceremony July 17. Since 2006, Ziff has served as co-chairwoman of the Chesed Committee, a group established to provide services for Temple Beth-El’s senior community. She has arranged programs and parties at several care facilities and planned sessions in which committee members bake and prepare goodie bags then deliver them to residents of facilities. Chesed members also bake cakes and deliver them to bereaved families and visit homebound seniors. They send birthday greetings to temple members over age 75 and communicate with ill temple members. A new program involves members making regular telephone calls to seniors to chat as a social outlet.
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PARTY BRIDGE PLAYERS ARE WELCOME! Alabama Pharmacy Association President Johnny Brooklere presents Darrell Craven, left, with the Mitchel C. Rothholz’ President’s Award at APA’s 135th annual convention. in a released statement. According to APA officials, the award recognizes the superlative voluntary contributions of one individual to both APA and the pharmaceutical profession. Craven is serving his second year as chair of the APA membership committee. ❖ ©2015 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated.
Dorothy Ziff Honored for Work With Seniors
Darrell Craven of Birmingham accepted the Alabama Pharmacy Association’s Mitchel C. Rothholz’ President’s Award during the organization’s 135th annual convention June 13 at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Destin, Florida. “The recipient of this award is selected by the APA president. President Johnny Brooklere recognizes the important contributions Derrell makes and the association is better because of his commitment to pharmacy,” APA Executive Director Louise Jones stated
BEGINNING BRIDGE LESSONS Mondays at 9:30am, starting August 15 Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, starting August 16
Since 1977, Ziff has served in a number of positions in the Birmingham Chapter of Hadassah, a national Jewish women’s organization, leading up to service as president and then coordinator of the Premier Leaders Institute in the Southern region. She chaired the chapter’s Bubbe Club from 1997 to 2004, pulling together grandmothers and great-grandmothers to celebrate their grandchildren.
Dorothy Ziff receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from Glenn Parker, Co-Chairman, Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
Black America and was recognized among the “Top 40 Under 40” by the Birmingham Business Journal. “I look forward to the leadership and proven community spirit each of us as new board members will lend to The World Games 2021 efforts moving forward,” Porter said in the statement. “Edgar has set the bar extremely high, and we will work diligently to make him and the City of Birmingham proud over the next five years.” Abrahams, North Central Alabama Area president for Regions Bank, is a
board member for Rev Birmingham, the Woodlawn Foundation, the Birmingham Education Foundation and the Birmingham Business Alliance. He was community division chair of the 2015 United Way of Central Alabama campaign. Adams is executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Protective Life, serves on the boards of the Innovation Depot and McWane Science Center and is a member of the Birmingham Kiwanis Club. Birmingham was named host of The World Games 2021 last year. The international multi-sport event takes place every four years, in the year following the Olympic Games, and showcases more than 25 sports. About 4,500 athletes and officials from more than 100 countries will compete for the gold medals. In addition to worldwide recognition, hosting the games is estimated to generate a $250 million economic impact for the city and the state, according to the statement. For more information on The World Games 2021, visit theworldgames2021.com. ❖
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Mountain Brook’s Simmons Releases First Album
Briarwood Grad Accepted to UK Horticultural Fellowship
Register Now! Music Lessons, Art Classes, Theatre Classes Now including homeschool options for all of these
The 2016 Fall registration is now open! For more information or to register, visit: vhumc.org/coa For questions, email coa@vhumc.org or call Ellen Bryant at 205-769-0123.
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Molly Hendry, a 2010 graduate of Briarwood Christian School, has been chosen as the 2016-2017 Royal Horticultural Society Interchange Fellow. Hendry was nominated for the placement by the Garden Club of America, which selects one U.S. citizen each year to represent the Molly Hendry country in the exchange program. Hendry is a recent graduate of Auburn University, where she earned degrees in horticulture and landscape architecture. Through the program, Hendry will spend 10 months in the United Kingdom, learning from horticulturalists and landscape designers. Hendry said she hopes to develop relationships with the leading gardeners and designers in the UK and learn how to use her deep love and understanding of plants to infuse her future design work as a landscape architect. Her placements throughout the year include the Royal Horticultural Society Garden Wisley; Great Dixter House and Gardens; Eden Project; Royal
Photo special to the Journal
Sarah Simmons
Botanic Gardens at Kew and Edinburgh; Sheffield University; the Winfield House, which is the U.S. ambassador’s residence in London; Chelsea Flower Show; and Tresco Abbey. Following the fellowship, Hendry hopes to pursue a career as a landscape architect. She is the daughter of Janice and Don Hendry of Vestavia Hills.
Mountain Brook Natives Complete Internship in Sen. Shelby’s Office The office of U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby recently announced that former Mountain Brook High School students Tucker Martin and Kate Register completed internships in the senator’s Washington office this summer. The internship program is open to college students who exhibit interest in government and public service. “The Congressional Internship Program provides students with a firsthand view of public service that brings their classroom studies to life,” Shelby said in a released statement. “The internship experience is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn more about the federal government and to gain a greater understanding of our nation’s legislative process. I am confident that these young men and women will go on to achieve great things.” While in Washington, Martin and Register conducted legislative research and tours of the U.S. Capitol. In
addition, they attended hearings on various issues. Both students are rising seniors in the Honors College at the University of Alabama. Martin is studying business management and has served as a member of the Capstone Men and Women and the Blackburn Institute. He is the son of Gordon and Margret Martin. Register is studying political science, international studies and computer science while being involved in Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Arts N Autism. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Susan Register.
Photos special to the Journal
Former Mountain Brook resident Sarah Simmons recently announced the completion of her first full-length album, set to be released Aug. 26. Simmons gained national acclaim through her performances on season four of the NBC reality show “The Voice,” making it to the eighth round of the vocal competition. Her album, “Freedom,” showcases pop music with modern rock influences. “I wrote part of this album while driving across the country from California to Nashville,” Simmons said in a released statement. “That’s when I started feeling an intense freeing from people, places, heartaches and all kinds of situations.” The album was produced by Marshall Altman – known for working with such celebrities as Amy Grant, Eric Paslay, Frankie Ballard and Citizen Cope – at the House of Blues Studio. Simmons either wrote or co-wrote each track. The lead single for the album, “Honey I’m Fine,” has a complimentary music video that was released in early June. “I’m a big Led Zeppelin fan,” Simmons said. “I tend to make songs a little longer than normal, the way it used to be. Back in the day, a lot of people would put on a vinyl, lie down on the floor and listen to it like a journey. I really want ‘Freedom’ to be that journey.” In addition to working on her album, Simmons has signed with Cutting Edge Group, a song-licensing company for which she composes music, working closely with Deborah Lurie, a film composer. ❖
Darty and the granddaughter of Bob and Donna Darty and Ed and Patricia Franks.
Hoover Student Participates in Alabama Girls State Montanna Darty, a recent graduate of Hoover High School, was selected to represent her school at the 2016 session of Alabama Girls State, a weeklong leadership conference sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary and held on the campus of the Montanna Darty University of Alabama. During the week, Darty will take part in a simulation of the daily life of a politician in an imaginary state. She has chosen to campaign for the office of mayor. Through the simulation, she will gain insight into the operation of government through party caucuses and election processes. In addition, she will participate in lectures led by various state, county and city officials. According to a press release, Darty was chosen for the program because of her leadership experience. At Hoover High School, she served as vice president of the senior class and the TNT Peer Helpers program. In her community, Darty attends the Alabama Dance Academy, serves as a Hoover Belle and is an active volunteer with the American Heart Association Sweethearts. She is the daughter of Chris and Tara
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Homewood Rotary Installs New Officers At the Homewood Rotary Club’s June 30 meeting, Carol Chesnutt was installed as 2016-17 president of the club. Chesnutt serves as the Champions program director at Homewood High School, where she is head varsity volleyball Carol Chesnutt coach. Other new officers installed are Merrick Wilson, president-elect; Sandra Nelson, secretary; and Melody Salter, treasurer. Club directors are Debbie Fout, Mike Hathorne, Damon Holditch, John Krontiras, Debbie Roberson, Janice Scholl, Robert Sprain and immediate past President Bo Duke. The installation program included a report by Homewood Rotary Education Foundation board member Michael O’Kelley on the many projects the group supports through service and financial commitment. These include the Homewood Library, Lakeshore Foundation, Assistance League, Bell Center, and annual scholarships totaling more than $12,000 to Homewood High School graduates.
The club meets Thursdays at noon at Homewood Library.
Hoover Author Publishes Self-Help Book Dr. Racquel D. Innis-Shelton of Hoover recently released a self-help book, “When My Well Ran Dry,” which focuses on recovery following an emotionally painful experience. According to a press release, the book focuses on marriage and relationships, drawing from InnisShelton’s personal experiences. Through insights into her own daily battles with grief, she provides helpful methods of dealing with emotional struggles. Innis-Shelton is the fourth daughter of Jamaican immigrants and, following her parents’ divorce, was raised by her mother in inner-city Los Angeles. A frequent traveler during her marriage to a military man, Innis-Shelton had four children before her 13-year marriage ended in divorce. The methods laid out in “When My Well Ran Dry” are based on her four-year struggle recovering from the split and the inner strength she found through her journey of self-discovery. Innis-Shelton is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and specializes in hematology and oncology. Her work focuses on stem cell transplantation and its applications as a form of therapy for patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies. For more information and to purchase the book, visit dorrancebookstore.com. ❖
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Zaragoza Challenged by Curry in Mayoral Election
Zaragoza
Zaragoza, a retired Vestavia Hills fire chief, said he wants to continue the positive path the council and his administration have set for Vestavia Hills. “I really feel we have made every effort to move the city of Vestavia Hills forward, and I still feel like I can bring some value to the community,” Zaragoza said. In particular, Vestavia Hills has made great strides in economic development, as seen in the revitalization of the U.S. 31 corridor in the city, he said. After retail establishments such as Ruby Tuesdays and Pizza Hut abandoned their locations along U.S. 31, the city worked with developers to pave the way for a Sprouts Farmers Market and a 34,000-square-foot retail development in the same spot. The city also has relocated city functions to a new municipal complex, selling its old site at 513 Montgomery Highway, which also is
Journal file photo
Unlike his two previous elections, Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza has competition in his attempt to win a third term next month. Zaragoza, who ran unopposed in 2008 and 2012, will face retired FBI agent Ashley Curry for the right to become mayor when Vestavia Hills residents go to the polls Aug. 23. Both candidates stressed the importance of economic development in the city, and Curry said he wanted to push for more transparent government operations.
Photo courtesy Ashley Curry
By William C. Singleton III
Retired FBI agent Ashley Curry has served both on the city’s parks and recreation board and the library board.
U.S. 31. Chick-Fil-A bought the property and opened a restaurant July 20. Zaragoza said these investments have generated more tax dollars to help the city with other projects such as improving parks and recreation. “You look at the turnaround in sales tax we’ve been able to bring into the community and the increase in ad valorem tax,” Zaragoza said. “It translates into being able to provide services and needs that we have in our community.” Zaragoza, 70, and his wife, Diane, have been married for 47 years. They have two adult twin children and four grandchildren.
involved in my city.” Curry has served both on the city’s parks and recreation board and the library board. He said he wants to make sure the Vestavia Hills school system maintains its excellent educational standard and further expand economic development opportunities. He also said he believes city government can be more transparent. “I hear from residents that they feel like city government has not been transparent, but I think what they’re talking about there is that they don’t feel as if they’re getting access to information and able to contribute input into decision making,” Curry said. “And I like the fact that coming from an FBI background, our job was to investigate and get all the facts. What I would hope as mayor is that I and our council would get all of the information and all of the input from citizens before we make some decision.” Curry and his wife, Marga, have been married for 44 years. The couple has two adult children and four grandchildren. ❖
Curry, 66, said he, too, wants to continue to move the city of Vestavia Hills forward. “I’ve got a vested interest in Vestavia Hills,” he said. “I’ve lived here for 30 years. My children grew up here and went through the schools, and I have grandchildren about to enter the schools and I want to be
City Elections 2016
Almost 50 candidates have signed up to represent their city governments as council members in Over the Mountain cities. Municipal elections will take place Aug. 23 with runoffs Oct. 4 if needed. Here is a list of council candidates who are running: Homewood
Council President – Bruce Limbaugh (unopposed) Ward 1, Place 1: Andy Gwaltney, Mary Ellen Snell Ward 1, Place 2: George Terry, Britt Thames (incumbent) Ward 2, Place 1: Mike Higginbotham (unopposed) Ward 2, Place 2: Don Little, Andrew Wolverton Ward 3, Place 1: Patrick McClusky (unopposed) Ward 3, Place 2: Fred Azbik, Walter Jones (incumbent) Ward 4, Place 1: Wayne Qualls, Barry Smith (incumbent) Ward 4, Place 2: Alex Wyatt (unopposed)
Ward 5, Place 1: Jennifer Andress, Rich Laws (incumbent) Ward 5, Place 2: Thomas Reid, Peter Wright (incumbent) Hoover
Council Place 1: Trey Lott, Curt Posey, Joe Rives (incumbent) Council Place 2: Gene Smith (incumbent), Sam Swiney Council Place 3: John Lyda (incumbent), Arnold Singer Council Place 4: Michael Holt, Mike Shaw, Joel Smith Council Place 5: Dan Ellis, Derrick Murphy Council Place 6: John DeLuca, Casey Middlebrooks
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Mayor Facing Challenge from Councilman – and Déjà Vu By William C. Singleton III
Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza, a retired Vestavia Hills fire chief has competition in his attempt to win a third term next month.
Curry
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Council Place 7: John Green (incumbent), Roger Schultz
Mountain Brook
Council Place 2: Philip Black, Vincent Schilleci III, Tripp Watson Council Place 4: Virginia Smith (unopposed) (Council members serve staggered terms, with other seats up for election in 2018.) Vestavia Hills
Council Place 1: John Henley (incumbent), Dennis “Rusty” Weaver Council Place 2: Kim Benos, Kimberly Cook Council Place 3: Steve Ammons (incumbent), Robert de Buys, Paul Head Council Place 4: Robert “Bob” Elliot, George Pierce (incumbent) ❖
In 2008, a councilman defeated a three-term mayor to become the new leader of the city of Homewood. That councilman was Scott McBrayer who defeated then-Mayor Barry McCulley. Now, McBrayer, a two-term mayor seeking re-election, faces a challenge from Ward 1 Place 1 Councilman Michael Hallman for the mayor’s seat. Homewood residents go to the polls Aug. 23 to decide who will represent them as mayor. Of course, McBrayer, 47, is determined not to let history repeat itself. “We’ve got a lot of good things going on in Homewood, and we’re not done,” he said “We’ve still got a lot of things to do with our parks and our schools, with our neighborhoods and with our streets, and I intend to see that through.” But Hallman said he believes he can unseat the incumbent. He is running on a platform of improving fiscal responsibility, honoring neighborhood preservation, improving roads and sidewalks and making government more transparent. Hallman said he’s concerned about the $104 million debt the city has acquired. “We need to address this issue so we leave Homewood debt-free for our kids and grandkids,” he said. He also said he has supported neighborhoods in their fight against developments and institutions that threaten them. Hallman mentioned the moratorium on Samford University’s rezoning. In a controversial decision, the council in July 2011 voted to allow Samford to rezone property north of its campus from neighborhood preservation district to institution so it could remove six homes and build parking spaces for new dormitories. Samford agreed not to ask to rezone any more neighborhood property for seven years. “The moratorium on Samford is about to be up,” Hallman said. “There’s going to be a lot of neighborhood preservation issues that the city will have to deal with in the next four years, and I believe in the neighborhood preservation.” Hallman, 40, said the city could use more transparency, particularly in its budgetary process. He said the mayor should have to submit his budget in July instead of at the end of August. “That way, the city officials and the council will have time to look at it. And it gives
Scott McBrayer, above, a two-term mayor seeking re-election, faces a challenge from Ward 1 Place 1 Councilman Michael Hallman, below, for the mayor’s seat.
our constituents an opportunity to see what the mayor is presenting and gives them 90 days to look at it,” he said. In response, McBrayer said city government has been very transparent. “Anybody in this city knows how to get in touch with me if they have any questions,” he said. “If there was an issue of transparency, the residents would have been complaining about it. There’s no transparency issue here. We’re as open as we possibly can be.” McBrayer said the city could be debt free if it offered residents no amenities. But making improvements in Homewood costs money, and that often involves debt. McBrayer assured residents that the city is solvent. “Standard and Poor’s and Moody have given us the highest rating you can have credit wise, and we have no problems borrowing money and no problems repaying any debt we have for projects we have ongoing,” McBrayer said. At the same time, McBrayer pointed to Homewood’s ranking by Niche.com as the best place to live in Alabama, its top-ranked school system and its walkability. “We’ve got great parks, great schools, and we continue to draw a lot of good, young couples to Homewood,” he said. “Financially, we’re better than we’ve ever been. We’ve had surpluses the past eight years so we’re doing great, and I just want to keep it going.” ❖
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Journal photo by Maury Wald
the state. In addition to the 14-week training program at the Alabama Police Academy, the city’s police cadets must also complete Mountain Brook’s own comprehensive 14-week regimen. “We look for the best at the front end and have a very selective process in choosing officers,” he said. “Our standards are very high.” Mountain Brook’s citizens clearly appreciate their police department’s work. Like many residents of other cities, Mountain Brook residents
regularly bring food and cards with encouraging notes or other expressions of gratitude to the Police Headquarters in Crestline Village. “It’s always great to have the oneon-one contact with the people,” he said. “Anything anyone does to say, ‘Thank you,’ means a lot to all of our officers.” Cook’s personal plans do not call for a change in the foreseeable future. “I’ve got the best job in the state,” he said. “I’ve got no ambition except to do the best I can every day.” ❖
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Top Cop
Police Chief Ted Cook Says Policing is Tough in the Best of Times By Lee Davis Unlike some in his profession, Ted Cook admits that he enjoys watching police procedural dramas on television. “I like them. NCIS is probably my favorite, along with Hawaii Five-0,” Cook said. “But they are only marginally realistic.” Cook probably gets enough realism in police work every day. As chief of police in Mountain Brook for the past five years, he has been tasked with running one of Alabama’s most respected law enforcement agencies. “We have a lot of resources here,” Cook said while taking a quick break from his duties last week. “But the best one is something money can’t buy. We have great community support. A police department can’t be the best possible without the cooperation and respect from the people it serves.” While every municipality provides unique challenges, Cook said a police officer’s job is difficult even in the best of circumstances. “Remember that nobody ever calls the police because they are having such a great day,” he said. “Often when people need the police, it’s one of the worst days of their lives. Our job is to come in and fix the situation as fairly and quickly as possible.” The recent months have been a difficult time for law enforcement as a rash of recent police shootings – some resulting in the deaths of officers – have grabbed headlines across the county. Cook, like many in his profession, is concerned about the future of the profession in modern America. “Two things can change the attitude that many have toward the police,” he said. “First some national leaders need to be more responsible with their rhetoric. Secondly, crime can get so bad in neighborhoods that people demand that officers be allowed to do their jobs.” Contrary to what many think, police methods have evolved greatly in recent decades, according to Cook. “In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a lot more physicality about the way police handled suspects,” he said. “There were more arrests, cuffing and taking people to jail. There’s still a time and place for that, but we’ve
become more mindful of alternatives through the years.” As much as Cook enjoys forensic dramas on television, he said they also create many misconceptions about how law enforcement works. “Most of the time, fingerprints don’t lead to an identification,” he said. “And few cases have as much clearcut evidence as you see on TV and movies.” Cook became chief of police in Mountain Brook in 2011, climaxing a distinguished career that spans three decades. A graduate of Homewood High School, he decided upon a career in law enforcement as a teenager. After earning a degree from Auburn University, Cook worked with the Birmingham Police Department in a variety of capacities, including SWAT operations and mounted patrol. But one tragic date will never leave his memory: June 17, 2004. Cook was the lieutenant of the day shift when three police officers were shot and killed in Ensley. “The recent events around the country have kept everything about that day in my memory,” Cook said. “Whenever there is an on-duty death, it tears your heart out, but to have three is incredible and you never forget it.” Cook, 55, served as chief of police of Leeds for three years before moving over to Mountain Brook. “Leeds was different in the sense that the crimes ran the gambit across the board, while in Mountain Brook, a prime concern was robberies, and specifically home burglaries,” he said. “But both are great places where the police officers get tremendous support.” The chief said that presently one particular crime rate is growing faster than any other. “That’s undoubtedly identity and credit card theft,” he explained. “There’s been a massive increase. It often happens at a restaurant or other place of business that isn’t secure. There are even groups that get credit cards and sell the numbers.” Cook is confident that his police unit – which numbers nearly 60 officers – is ready for the challenges of the 21st century. Mountain Brook’s officers are among the best-trained in
To: From: Date:
Ken Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Jan. 2015
This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN Jan. 15, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or chang
Please make sure all information is correct, including
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“Don Bonner made us feel like we were his only customers.”
When Matt and Jenny Ling were in the market for a new home, they enlisted ARC Realtor Don Bonner to help narrow their search. “We probably looked at thirty houses over several weekends,” says Jenny. “Don was patient and found answers to all our questions. He took great pride in helping us find the right house.” Don’s attention to detail paid off when the couple found a great house. “He wanted us to find a home that suited us,” says Matt, “not just sell us a house.” To learn more about Don Bonner and ARC Realty, visit www.arcrealtyco.com.
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14 • Thursday, July 28, 2016
life
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
world class: Between the 2008 Beijing games and the 2012 London games, Jennifer Schuble set records and won a lengthy list of national and international championships.
Photo courtesy Lakeshore Foundation
Looking for the Fast Track in Rio
By Sarah Kuper “It will be one of the toughest games I’ve been to, but I imagine it will be a party.” So said Paralympic cyclist Jennifer Schuble, who calls Homewood home and trains at the Lakeshore Foundation – an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training center in Homewood. Schuble, who competed in the Beijing and London games, said it will be one of the toughest Paralympic games she’s attended because of the hot and humid conditions. Heat and humidity pose extra challenges for any athlete, but high temperatures and dense air are particularly tough and dangerous for Schuble. After sustaining traumatic brain injuries in a combat class at West Point and receiving a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2004, Schuble has difficulty regulating her body temperature. She also deals with issues of balance, stamina and motor functions, and she experiences spasticity and numbness. But Schuble has always been a stellar athlete. Throughout her childhood and in high school and college, she excelled in soccer, swimming, running and shooting, winning state championships and lettering in a wide range of sports. So despite her health problems, Schuble was not about to let go of her athletic identity and competitive nature. With the support of the Lakeshore Foundation and its staff and leadership, Schuble adapted to her disabilities. Her new sport of choice became cycling. “In cycling you lock your feet in, so it was easier to have control,” she said. She began competing, both indoors on a track and outdoors in road races.
In 2007, Schuble went to her first national para-cycling championship and then earned the opportunity to go to the World Championship para-cycling road race in Bordeaux, France. The competition also included an indoor track race, but at that point Schuble had never competed on a velodrome-style track. “I took a crash course at a velodrome in Atlanta then went to Bordeaux. I fell over the first time in the starting gate. But my second time I got silver,” she said. From there, Schuble advanced to the 2008 Paralympic games in Beijing – winning a gold medal in the 500-meter time trial and several silver medals. Between the 2008 Beijing games and the 2012 London games, Schuble set records and won a lengthy list of national and international championships. It was during the London Paralympics that Schuble achieved one of her proudest accomplishments. “I was the first woman ever to medal in the mixed team sprint event. I was on the podium with a bunch of men.” In the mixed team sprint, men and women may make up the relay team instead of having a separate men’s and women’s event. Until Schuble’s performance in 2012, no team racing with a female member had medaled in the event. Although the thrill of the competition is a big part of Schuble’s drive to race on the international stage, she said the opportunity to travel and experience culture through the Paralympic games is another reason she trains so hard. “It is a great way to see the world. For example, I got to see the real Beijing by racing through the streets and the alleys,”
she said. “We get to ride and explore. I’ve raced through vineyards and seen castles in Switzerland. We see a lot more than the athletes playing volleyball.” Schuble said the national and international para-cycling world is pretty small, which means there are always familiar faces at events. “We all know each other at this point. Every competition is like a family reunion.” Besides forming friendships with fellow para-cyclists, Schuble also uses them as a resource when dealing with her disabilities. “We compare methods and strategies for keeping our core body temperature cool and ways to better control our bikes,” she said. Because of the constantly changing nature of MS, Schuble said she is always looking for ways to adapt to stay competitive. “I’m always learning more about my boundaries and how much I can push myself,” she said. Looking toward Rio, Schuble said she is anticipating a lot of world records will be broken and the tracks will be fast. “It seems everyone is getting stronger. The velodrome track will be fast. I’m a person who likes a fast track.” In addition to racing competitively, Schuble has a successful career in the auto industry. She has held key new project management jobs at Honda manufacturing of Alabama and Mercedes-Benz USA. Although she must approach life differently because of her brain injuries and MS, Schuble said she keeps her symptoms in check through her athletic pursuits. “Riding my bike is what helps me stay healthy,” she said. The Rio Paralympic games begin Sept. 7. The Olympic games begin Aug. 5. ❖
Lakeshore Foundation To Host Fundraiser Both a fundraiser and a celebration, Lakeshore Foundation’s “Night of Champions” event is Aug. 5 at the Foundation on Lakeshore Drive in Homewood. The Lakeshore Foundation is not only an official training site of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes, it also is an organization dedicated to enabling people with disabilities or chronic illness to lead full and active lives. The Night of Champions event will feature talks by foundation leaders as well as Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches. A live broadcast of the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games will be shown on multiple screens, and a Brazilian-themed dinner will be catered by Kathy G. Guests will have the opportunity to meet several Paralympians headed to Rio and wish them well. Tickets are on sale at lakeshore. org. ❖
Thursday, July 28, 2016 • 15
life
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Camp Smile-a-Mile Hosts 10th Annual Funky Monkey at Regions Field
Photos special to the Journal
Camp Smile-a-Mile is hosting its annual Funky Monkey fundraising event July 29 at Regions Field. The event is a casual fundraiser that includes live and silent auctions, heavy hors d’oeuvres and entertainment by DJ The Toddfather. Proceeds from the evening go toward enrichment programs for pediatric cancer patients. Camp Smile-a-Mile provides many programs to help support children with cancer and their families, including hospital outreach activities and summer camps for patients, siblings and parents. Tickets to Funky Monkey are $50. The event begins at 6 p.m. Complimentary valet parking will be available off of First Avenue South. For more information on Funky Monkey and Camp Smile-a-Mile, visit campsam.org. ❖
Mason Wald and Jordan Bass attending 2015 Funky Monkey fundraiser benefiting pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Top WaTch and
JeWelry repair specialists
Right You Are! The Lochamy brothers – Reed, left, and Will, right – have a popular local radio show, “Oh Brother Radio,” that airs on Birmingham Mountain Radio. The brothers are set to launch a new trival show July 30.
Lochamy Brothers Plan New Variety Show on Birmingham Mountain Radio
A few of the brAnds bArton-ClAy is reCognized to serviCe
Reed and Will Lochamy will introduce a new variety show to Birmingham Mountain Radio’s line-up July 30. The duo, which has the show “Oh Brother Radio,” will record their new trivia show, “Right You Are! With the Lochamy Brothers,” at Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex’s Forum Theater beginning at 7 p.m. The brothers have collaborated with Mental Floss to create a modern variety show that includes trivia games, celebrity guests, musical performances and prizes. The show will be broadcast at a later date on BMR and iTunes. According to a press release, the brothers hope to produce the show monthly at the Forum Theater as a fundraiser, with a portion of ticket sales benefitting a different local charity. This month’s selected charity is Camp Smile-A-Mile and the featured musical guest is Jackson Capps, a singer who made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 12. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit bjcc.org. ❖
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16 • Thursday, July 28, 2016
life
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
star power
Celebrities and Philanthropy Go Hand-in-Hand for Autism Acceptance By Sarah Kuper The upcoming KultureBall will not be just another black tie benefit, said Libby Matthews, vice president of growth at the Vestavia Hillsbased autism nonprofit KultureCity. “It’s not just your typical, get dressed up and bid on a silent auction,” she said. “People who come say they’ve never experienced an event like it.” She said that’s partly because of the bevy of celebrities who come in for the event, but it also is because of the nature of the cause it supports – autism acceptance. Founded by two Over the Mountain physicians with a son on the autism spectrum, KultureCity aims to change the culture around autism in practical ways. The nonprofit has initiatives that work to solve issues specific to children with autism. Through KultureCity, families can get location alert devices for a child who wanders away or a smart tablet that helps a non-verbal child communicate. Only three years old, KultureCity already has garnered international attention and attracted celebrity spokespeople. Although based in Vestavia Hills, KultureCity has a presence in Boston, New York, San Francisco and even Uganda.
Alimi Ballard Star of ABC’s “The Catch”
John Donvan ABC News correspondant and author
Libby Matthews, vice president of growth at the Vestavia Hills-based autism nonprofit KultureCity, above, said one of KultureCity’s particularly effective programs is the Sensory Initiative. The program helps equip public places such as zoos and parks with tools and strategies to help children with autism enjoy the outing rather than be overwhelmed by it.
Only three years old, KultureCity already has garnered international attention and attracted celebrity spokespeople. Although based in Vestavia Hills, KultureCity has a presence in Boston, New York, San Francisco and even Uganda.
Traci Johnson Model and philanthropist
Tiki Barber NFL Legend and Thuzio co-founder
Noelle Foley Actress, model, and philanthropist
KultureCity founders Dr. Julian Maha and his wife Dr. Michele Kong have a son on the autism spectrum. KultureCity aims to change the culture around autism in practical ways.
Caren Zucker ABC World News producer and author
Photos special to the Journal
“I don’t know if the founders were trying to make it a national non-profit but it has just gone wild in the last three years,” Matthews said. The organization has won awards from Microsoft, Tom’s of Maine and GreatNonProfits. org. Matthews said one of KultureCity’s particularly effective programs is the Sensory Initiative. The program helps equip public places such as zoos and parks with tools and strategies to help children with autism enjoy the outing rather than be overwhelmed by it. The Birmingham Zoo and the McWane Science Center are local examples of designated Sensory Friendly places. Families can check out bags that come with headphones and other items that may help keep a child from being too stimulated. In fact, Matthews said, founder Dr. Julian Maha has been working with the Quicken Loans Arena, home to the Republican National Convention, to create a Sensory Friendly environment. “The hope is one arena will copy another and soon many more places will be adapted for those with autism,” Matthews said. The benefit on Aug. 6 will feature local and celebrity speakers – many with personal connections to autism. Confirmed to attend so far are: stars of the
Victoria Stilwell Star of Animal Planet’s “It’s Me or the Dog”
Jacqueline Laurita Author and star of “Real Housewives of New Jersey”
Chris Laurita Founder of The Little Kernel, star of “Real Housewives of New Jersey”
“Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Chris and Jacqueline Laurita; former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber; actress Alimi Ballard; ABC World News correspondent John Donovan; model and philanthropist Traci Johnson, Cheap Trick bassist Tom Peterson and TV personalities from Animal Planet. ABC 33/40 is the official media sponsor of the event. Matthews said one of the most impactful moments of the KultureBALL is the LifeWalk, in which attendees can donate $36 in recognition of the average 36 seconds it takes for a child with autism to wander away. In its short history, KultureCity has helped more than 14,000 children through its many programs. Matthews said she doesn’t see the nonprofit plateauing anytime soon. “Every child has potential and KultureCity is about unlocking that potential in children with autism,” she said. The KultureBALL is Aug. 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Haven Building. Tickets are $99 and available online at kulturecity.org/kultureball. ❖
Thursday, July 28, 2016 • 17
life
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Straight From the Heart
from jewelry to toyS to lUggAge. A little bit of everything!
AHA Breaks Records With Community Walk
walk on: The Birmingham Heart Walk celebrates heart disease and stroke survivors like this Heart Hero.
Photo special to the Journal
More than 7,000 people made their way to Uptown Entertainment District on June 11 for the American Heart Association’s annual Birmingham Heart Walk. The purpose of the community walk was to celebrate heart disease and stroke heroes, honor loved ones lost and take steps to live healthier lives. Betsy Postlethwait, this year’s Heart Walk chair and CEO of Princeton Baptist Medical Center, led an executive leadership team in raising $616,730 for local heart disease and stroke research and educational programs. For the fourth year in a row, the top fundraising team for the Birmingham Heart Walk was Motion Industries. “We started about five years ago with the American Heart Association to help promote healthier lifestyles for our employees, to be heart healthy and be conscious about stroke and educate our employees,” said Mark Thompson of Motion Industries. ❖
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18 • Thursday, July 28, 2016
Pup Parade social
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Canines and Their Companions Continue Charity Brewery Crawl The Greater Birmingham Humane Society hosted the second installment of its annual summer Pup Crawl at Trim Tab Brewing Company on June 17. Activities included a pet photo booth, the organization’s T.A.R.A. van complete with merchandise and a raffle for a pair of tickets to an upcoming Adele concert. While guests enjoyed locally brewed beers on tap, they mingled with four-legged friends and some of the humane society’s adoptable pets. ❖
Audrey Pannell and friend.
Photos by Kenwyn Alexander
Above, Alexis Dunfee. Left, from left: Maria Garcia, Kelly Wesley, Paulette Nelson and Katie Beck. Back: David Glenn, Kimberly McCain Ennis, Janet King, Donna O’Brien, Missy Ellis, Courtney Underwood, Meagan Boren and Meredith Riggs.
Jessica Moncrief.
Sugar Rush
Guests Sample Sweets at Magic City Chocolate Challenge
Above, Krysta Parsons and James Perini. Below, Anne Claire Tucker.
Photos special to the Journal
Folks were treated to an evening of chocoholic delights June 16 at the annual Magic City Chocolate Challenge, hosted by Disability Rights and Resources. More than 250 guests attended the event at Old Car Heaven to support the organization’s mission, to serve and empower individuals with disabilities throughout Central Alabama through an independent living center and free programming and services. A panel of judges for the evening included Krysta Parsons, chocolatier and owner of Right Hand Chocolate, and James Perini, chef/caterer and food stylist for the Hunger Games movies. While enjoying the backdrop of vintage cars and perusing silent auction items, guests were invited to sample signature dessert tastings from local bakers and chefs. Judges voted on their favorite sweet treat for the People’s Choice Award, given to Ivory LeShore’s Gourmet Bread Pudding and Cheesecake for his white chocolate cheesecake. Second place went to The Bright Star for its legendary chocolate cream pie. Anne Claire Tucker of Hayden, Alabama, took third place with her dark chocolate peanut butter tartlets. The Judges Panel Award went to K&J’s Elegant Pastries for its mini chocolate peanut butter cupcakes topped with chocolate ganache and Reese’s cups. ❖
Thursday, July 28, 2016 • 19
social
Photos special to the Journal
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Jim and Ali Hoover.
Tripp and Kristen Watson.
Jeff Morrison and Anna Hart.
Shine Bright
Kid One Hosts Annual Gala Doused in Diamonds Guests gathered at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center May 13 for KidOne Transport’s annual Diamonds for Life gala. Proceeds from the evening benefit the organization’s efforts to provide transportation to medical care for children and expectant mothers. The event began with a silent auction featuring jewelry, art, dining and travel packages. Music for the evening was provided by The Rythms Band. Guests who weren’t hitting the dance floor enjoyed casino games, along with spirits provided by Redmont Vodka. A live auction followed, featuring big ticket items such as a private dinner for six at Galley and Garden and a trip for two to San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Following the program, Bromberg’s announced the winner of its diamond giveaway, awarding a $5,000 pair of diamond stud earrings to a lucky guest. ❖
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20 • Thursday, July 28, 2016
social
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
A Game Show Divided Make-A-Wish Alabama celebrated the sports-themed fundraiser Rivals for Wishes on April 22 at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa. The annual event pits Alabama fans against Auburn Tigers as a panel of sports celebrities from each alma mater compete in a parody game show. Guests were treated to an upscale tailgate party, live and silent auctions and autograph sessions with sports celebrities. In a highlight of the evening, the Make-A-Wish team took a moment during the festivities for a wish reveal. Tide fan Slade Anderson of Mountain Brook, who attended the event with his family, had his wish granted to visit the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. Proceeds raised will fund 25 wishes for Alabama children with life-threatening medical conditions. Athletic celebrities who attended in support of Auburn University included Ben Obamanu, Brandon Cox, Chris Gray, Devin Aromashodu, Kendall Simmons, Mike Fuller, Reese Dismukes, Rob Pate, Ronnie Baynes and Will Herring. Representing the University of Alabama in the game show were Jay Barker, John Parker Wilson, Wesley Britt, Cory Reamer, Bobby Humphrey, Antonio Langham, Michael Nysewander, Tyrone Prothro, Don Jacobs and Eryk Anders. ❖
Photos by Scott Day and Samantha Nelson.
Guests Help Grant Wishes at Annual Sports-Themed Fundraiser
Above, from left: Amanda Thames and Tara Davis. Below left, Mike Kolen. Below right, Pam Jones and Big Al.
PHOTO BY: ARIK SOKOL
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From left: Mimi Jackson, Debra Gilbreath, Char Bonsack, Debbie Reid and Martha Black.
Photo special to the Journal
The Symphony Volunteer Council held its spring membership party and officer installation at the home of Lynne and Michael Meeks on May 17. Members and guests were greeted by the Meeks and vice presidents of hospitality Phyllis Davis, Sandra Wilson and Betsy Cooper. After enjoying refreshments in the home and garden, the assemblage was treated to a performance by two talented students. Mimi Jackson introduced Sophie Spina, an oboist as the first performer. She participated in the Lois Pickard Competition and is the granddaughter of Jonnie and Rich Venglik. Michael Meeks introduced the second performer, Haeun Kim, a violinist and member of ASFA. Following the performances, President Cheree Carlton called to order a short business meeting. Vice-president of education Jody Weston reported that the education committee had met and determined the organization's summer scholarship winners: Caleb Edwards, Haeun Kim, KeVon Johnson, Erin Acree, Benjamin Lane and Savannah Hamilton. Past president Mike Griggs conducted the installation of 2016-2017 Officers: Char Bonsack, president; Debra Gilbreath, executive vice-president; Martha Black and Bob Black will serve as co-vice-presidents of membership. Tonie Bone, corresponding secretary; Mike Griggs,
Thursday, July 28, 2016 • 21
social
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
by Jeff Butler
Back to School. Back to Worry.
Symphony in Spring Volunteer Council Holds Membership Party
treasurer; Bob Brown, assistant treasurer; Liz Warren, parliamentarian; and Cheree Carlton, past president. Linda Griggs, Debbie Reid and Mimi Jackson will serve as vice presidents of education. Phyllis Davis, Sandra Wilson and Betsy Cooper will serve as vice presidents of hospitality.
Appointed chairs for next year are Emily Omura, guest artist hospitality; Diane Ray, historian; Beverly Lisenby, orchestra hospitality; Shirley Brown, volunteer coordinator; Rosa Minehan, legislative liaison; Kathie Ramsey, publicity; and Sandra Annonio, publicity and website. Carlton presented each new offi-
cer a rose and recognized Debbie Reid as the recipient of the Sandra Apolinsky Volunteer of the Year award. Newly installed President Char Bonsack presented Carlton with an SVC President's Pin. Two members were nominated and elected to be on the 2017-2018 Nominating Committee: Beverly Lisenby and Janet Lauer. ❖
S’mores Fun Camp Fire Alabama Hosts Annual Fundraiser
Attic Antiques Celia Hodnett and Cindy Mayhue.
Photo special to the Journal
Guests were treated to food, music and fun at the annual S’mores and Pours fundraiser June 16 hosted by the Camp Fire Alabama Junior Board at Avondale Brewing Co. The festivities offered up samples of wine, beer and local food alongside silent and live auctions. The event raised more than $10,000, which will benefit Camp Fletcher as well as the organization’s programs and initiatives for local children, youth and families. Featured food and beverage vendors were California Pizza Kitchen, Post Office Pies, Saw’s Soul Kitchen, Ashley Mac’s, Jim ‘N Nick’s, Birmingham CocaCola and Royal Cup Coffee and Tea. Live music was provided by Jace Yarbrough and Michael Cannon. Items up for auction included a gulf seafood dinner for 10 from Savoie Catering, tickets to attractions such as Vulcan Park and Museum, McWane Science Center and Birmingham Barons games, and gift certificates to local restaurants including Iron City Grill, Vino, Bottega and more. ❖
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To: From: Date:
Babara Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 January
As excited as parents can be about finally getting through the summer, they still can’t entirely relax just because the kids are in school. Here are a few things you can do: 1. Have the “drug and alcohol” talk with your child. Equip them with the facts about drug and alcohol using consequences. 2. Pay attention to red flags of issues such as depression and anxiety. A very large percentage of young people self-medicate in order to experience relief from untreated psychiatric issues. 3. Know who your kids are hanging out with. The most significant indicator of drug use is peer group. If your child is hanging out with drug users or kids who drink, odds are your child is also doing it. 4. Support their efforts to participate in sports, drama, clubs or other healthy social activities. Kids who are active in these pursuits are less likely to recreationally use drugs or alcohol. 5. Have dinner together with your children at least once a week to maintain a healthy, meaningful dialogue. Listen to them. 6. Don’t expect the school to solve the ‘family time’ for them or give them the sense of belonging. Sending your child away to school or college won’t protect them from the possibilities of falling into habits that can ruin their lives. Many times there are issues that only reveal themselves when away from the protective home environment... nothing can take the place of family and understanding.
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Now offering Transitional, Eclectic, and Antique This isStyle your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl Destin, for the FL Healing water front setting Furniture and Lighting January 14, 2016 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Licensed & court approved from GABBY.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
22 • Thursday, July 28, 2016
social/Weddings & Engagements
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
A Treasured Fourth OLS Celebrates Independence Day
Jackson-Bush
Photos special to the Journal
A few thousand people turned out for fun and food during Birmingham’s oldest Independence Day celebration, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood. The 67th annual festival welcomed visitors from the Birmingham metro area as well as former and present parishioners. OLS Monsignor Martin Muller served as the grand master for the day and Bobby “T” Tanory provided music. During the festival, 70,000 pounds of meat hit the grill under the expertise of the Knights of Columbus Council 4304. The event included not only food, but also the Trash and Treasure rummage sale, music, a bake sale, a raffle and games. Decorated by the Altar Sodality ladies, a doll walk exhibited dolls dressed in handmade costumes sewn by parishioners. Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer occupied the dunking booth, sporadically splashing into the water under the good aim of event guests. New this year was a series of church tours highlighting OLS architecture and Catholic theology. Longtime parishioner Jack Fagan received the annual Ernie Eltz Volunteer of the Year Award. Among other projects, Fagan is a dedicated organizer of Trash and Treasure. The festival was coordinated by the Knights of Columbus Festival, and proceeds will be divided among the OLS Building Fund, the OLS School, special charities and the Knights of Columbus Council 4304. ❖
Above, Monsignor Martin Muller and Ginny Dooley. Michael and Julie Blackstone, below, enjoy lunch with their children.
Caroline Alan Jackson and Christopher Alfred Bush were married Dec. 12 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn. The Rev. Jonathan Chesney officiated the ceremony. A reception followed at Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alan Jackson Jr. of Orlando, Florida. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Francis Smith III of Mobile and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alan Jackson of Orlando. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Alfred Bush of Mountain Brook. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Henry Kaylor of Talladega and Mrs. Alfred Bush and the late Mr. Bush of Birmingham.
Luther-Wadsworth
Mr. and Mrs. Mark T. Luther of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Madison Lynn Luther, to Michael Lee Wadsworth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hal Wadsworth, also of Hoover. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Richards of Athens and Dr. and Mrs. Lynn Luther of Guntersville. She
Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown with a tulle skirt and an Alencon lace bodice. She wore her mother’s veil made of tulle and Brussels lace. She carried a bouquet of anemone, hydrangea, cabbage roses and ranunculus. Francis-Arden Jackson Purvis, sister of the bride, of St. Louis served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Kimberlynn Edge Bush of Mobile, Jamie Tobler Fairbanks of Birmingham, Katherine Porter Nusbickel of Atlanta, Dorothy Elizabeth Westmoreland of Los Angeles and Megan Claire Wilson of Fort Payne. The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were brothers of the groom Benjamin Andrew Bush of Mobile and Jackson Allen Bush of Auburn; Cameron Ellery Campbell of Austin, Texas; James Boyd Dodds Jr. of Birmingham; Carter Wayne Hutchison of New Orleans; Daniel Wesley Purvis of St. Louis; and Brent Matthew Westlake of Auburn. Austin Alexander Bonds of Birmingham, William Paul Carpenter of Montgomery, Jonathan Hardin Franks of Anniston and Joshua Andrew Hill of Madison served as ushers. Readers were Anna Margaret Cragon of Nashville, Tennessee, and Sarah Catherine Nesbitt of Birmingham. After a wedding trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the couple live in Nashville. is the great-granddaughter of Albert Richards and the late Geraldine Richards of Ravenna, Ohio. Miss Luther is a 2013 graduate of Spain Park High School. She will graduate May 2017 from Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. She is completing an internship with Northrop Grumman in Melbourne, Florida, before returning to finish her degree. Miss Luther is a member of various engineering groups and service organizations at Georgia Institute of Technology. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Sample of Hoover and Mr. and Mrs. Harold T. Wadsworth of Bradford. Mr. Wadsworth is a 2011 graduate of Spain Park High School and a 2016 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He is employed with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The wedding will be May 13, 2017, at Riverchase United Methodist Church.
Sarah Draughon (front, center) with the U.S. Army Materiel Command band and 110-member choir.
Musical Tribute
Church Group Pulls Together Civic and Military Leaders for Patriotic Concert
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Vestavia Hills hosted a patriotic concert June 18 that brought together civic and military leaders for a free performance. To kick off the event, retired Lt. Col. Ronald W. Acker Sr. provided an invocation, with a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” following. Headlining the hour-long concert was the U.S. Army Materiel Command Band from Red Stone Arsenal, under the direction of Commander James Bettencourt. The band was backed by a 110-person choir primarily made up
of church members representing congregations in north-central and northeast Alabama. The program included songs, solos and narrations presented by notable guests. Serving as narrators in between songs were U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., former NASA flight surgeon Heidi Kapanka, retired Col. Claude Kent Jackson, Dannon Project Executive Director Kerri Pruitt, retired Maj. Gen. George Bowen, Junior Vice Commandant Charlie Walker, Vestavia Hills Mayor Butch Zaragoza Jr., and Fox6 sports anchor Jeh Jeh Pruitt.
From left: Toni Sadler, Stephanie Johnson and Julienne
A VIP reception was held following the program. The event was coordinated by Sherry Polhill and a committee that
included Margie Westenhofer, Keith Draughon, Sarah Draughon and Bettencourt. ❖
Thursday, July 28, 2016 • 23
schools
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Not Resting on Her Laurels
Back To School: Important Dates to Remember
MB Schools Tech Director Plans to Expand Technology in the Classroom By Emily Williams Mountain Brook School system Technology Director Donna Williamson is celebrating several awards her department has received recently by setting her sights on more new technology to bring to the classroom. The 4,300-student system provides laptops to students at a 1-to-3 ratio on the elementary and secondary levels. The technology department has set a goal for the next year to work toward a one-to-one ratio of students to laptops, Chromebooks or iPads on the elementary and secondary levels. It also is working to bring in new tech that can be used to help educate the students and data security measures to help keep them safe. In June, Williamson was awarded a Technology Innovation Award at the Alabama State Department of Education’s annual Alabama Educational Technology Conference. The honor is bestowed in recognition of the state’s top leaders in technology in five categories: innovation/creativity, impact on teaching and learn-
ing, leadership, teamwork and scholarship. In April, the school system was recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education with the Donna Williamson Distinguished District Award. Tech is something Williamson has a passion for, and her 30-year career in educational technology coordination has been devoted to using new products in the teaching process. In the school’s 2016-17 technology plan, presented at the school system’s annual technology conference, Williamson and her department addressed data concerns that affect all school systems and highlighted new products and educational ideas that are gaining popularity worldwide. First on the list is to provide students with easier access to the internet and materials through cloud comput-
Mountain Brook Elementary Welcomes New Principal Students at Mountain Brook Elementary School will see some familiar faces in new positions welcoming them on Aug. 11, the first day of school. Following the retirement of Belinda Treadwell, former assistant principal Ashley McCombs has accepted the role of principal with former MBE reading coach Brannon Aaron joining the administrative staff as assistant principal. “(Aaron) and I have been working in tandem with our PTO and teachers this summer in preparation for the new school year,” she said. “With new science standards and curriculum on the table, we will be working alongside teachers to assure they receive the necessary professional
Ashley McCombs, left, has accepted the role of principal with former MBE reading coach Brannon Aaron joining the administrative staff as assistant principal. development and resources for effective implementation.” According to McCombs, professional development is one of her passions as an educator and has always been a driving force at the forefront of her administrative work. The school will also continue to
ing. That ease of access draws attention to the growing concern for data security. According to Williamson’s presentation, a major concern for parents is the security of their children’s online presence. Laws regarding the subject of student data security have not been written yet, but Williamson hopes the solutions will be found regardless. So, what can students look forward to in the classroom? Williamson’s department is continuing to support STEM programs, which are gaining popularity globally. Focus will be given to finding and creating more space for technology that supports coding classes and robotics. The department plans to allot space students can use that includes 3D printers and robotics equipment for STEM projects. In the works for the five-year plan is the addition of drones to classrooms. Williamson drew a comparison to a Norwegian school where students used drones to conduct experiments that implemented complex physics concepts. ❖ pursue success in the nationally acclaimed Leader in Me program, a method of teaching that empowers students to reach their full potential by highlighting leadership skills. “We will also continue our journey towards obtaining Lighthouse status, where all members of MBE will be recognized for their leadership,” she said. McCombs received her bachelors degree in elementary education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham before earning a masters at Samford University. Prior to joining the Lancer family, McCombs spent more than eight years teaching in the Trussville school system where she taught fourth grade and fifth grade. She joined the Mountain Brook School System staff as a reading coach for MBE for two years before moving to the position of assistant principal. ❖
Homewood City Schools First Day for Students: Aug. 10 Labor Day: Sep. 5 Veterans Day: Nov. 11 Parent/Teacher Conferences: Oct. 21 Professional Development/no students: Nov. 21-22 Thanksgiving: Nov. 23-25 Winter Holidays: Dec. 19-Jan. 3 Students Return: Jan. 4 MLK Jr. Holiday: Jan. 16 Spring Break: March 27-March 31 Last Day for Students: May 24 Website: homewood.k12.al.us Hoover City Schools First Day for Students: Aug. 11 Labor Day: Sep. 5 Professional Development/no students: Oct. 10 Veterans Day: Nov. 11 Thanksgiving: Nov. 21-25 Winter Holidays: Dec. 19-Jan. 2 Students Return: Jan. 3 MLK Jr. Holiday: Jan. 16 Professional Development/no students: Feb. 20 Spring Break: March 27-March 31 Last Day for Students: May 26 Website: hoovercityschools.net Mountain Brook City Schools First Day for Students: Aug. 11 Labor Day: Sep. 7 Professional Development/eSchool Day: Oct. 10 Veterans Day: Nov. 11 Thanksgiving: Nov. 23-25 Winter Holidays: Dec. 19-Jan. 2 Students Return: Jan. 4 MLK Jr. Holiday: Jan. 16 Professional Development/eSchool Day: Feb. 17 President’s Day Holiday: Feb. 20 Spring Break: March 27-March 31 Last Day for Students: May 23 Website: mtnbrook.k12.al.us
Shelby County Schools First Day for Students: Aug. 9 Labor Day: Sep. 5 Professional Development/No Students: Oct. 10 Veterans Day: Nov. 11 Thanksgiving: Nov. 21-25 Winter Holidays: Dec. 19-Jan. 3 Students Return: Jan. 4 MLK Jr. Holiday: Jan. 16 President’s Day Holiday: Feb. 20 Teacher Work Day/No Students: Mar. 10 Spring Break: March 27-March 31 Last Day for Students: May 25 Website: shelbyed.k12.al.us Vestavia Hills City Schools First Day for Students: Aug. 11 Labor Day: Sep. 5 Columbus Day Holiday: Oct 10 Veterans Day: Nov. 11 Thanksgiving: Nov. 23-25 Winter Holidays: Dec. 19-Dec. 30 Students Return: Jan. 4 MLK Jr. Holiday: Jan. 16 Professional Development/no students: Feb. 17 President’s Day Holiday: Feb. 20 Spring Break: March 27-March 31 Last Day for Students: May 25 Website: vestavia.k12.al.us
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High Marks for Homewood The Homewood High School cheerleading teams received high honors at the annual Universal Cheerleaders Association camp, held in Gulf Shores, Alabama June 1-4. The three teams are comprised of 38 girls. For the camp, the junior varsity and freshmen teams were combined into one group. The varsity team won second place in the cheer category, second place in
the game day champs category and first place for extreme routine. The combined junior varsity team took second place in sideline cheer, second place in cheer and second place in the game day champs competition. Students Hannah Oliver, Byerly Wilson, Lucy Williams, Mae Dowda, Lily Thompson, Allie Claire Meeks, Maryl Stone, Sarah Daniels, Livi Dowda, and Macy Gann received All-American status. Teammembers Lucy Williams, Chloe
Engle, Mary Lauren Burdeshaw, and Hannah Oliver received a Pin it Forward award, given to campers who exemplify excellent character. Hannah Oliver, Byerly Wilson, Lily Thompson, Dallie Kate Darnell, Cate Fowler and Mallie Claire Alfano received “Jump Off” awards, which recognize the best jumpers at camp. In addition to their awards, Hannah Oliver and Mae Dowda were formally invited to audition for the UCA staff upon graduation from high school. ❖
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business
24 • Thursday, July 28, 2016
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Photo special to the Journal
business briefs
Reflecting
Sterling Edwards takes a test drive with Louis Chevrolet. Without even a high school diploma, Edwards started selling cars while supporting his family.
on 100 Yea rs
Edwards Chevrolet Celebrates Centennial of Business in Birmingham
By Sarah Kuper
Photos courtesy Edwards Chevrolet
Celebrating 100 years in business is a milestone for any company, but Lee Edwards of Edwards Chevrolet said it is especially impressive for his family’s business. “Very few car dealerships make it this long. It seems like every decade there was some sort of major event or hardship: the Great Depression, WWI, WWII, the recession ... . It takes a lot of hard work.” The Chevrolet dealership was established in August 1916, when Sterling Edwards opened the first location in downtown Birmingham on 21st Street. At the time, Chevrolet cars were relatively new on the automotive scene. Without even a high school diploma, Sterling Edwards started selling cars while supporting his family. The business began to grow as WWI approached. After the war, demand for the cars increased and Edwards Chevrolet expanded – opening dealerships in outer areas of town. But, as a result of the Great Depression, Edwards was forced to close dealerships and recentralize operations downtown. Edwards Chevy continued to weather the storm and survived through a time when Chevrolet stopped making cars to focus on manufacturing tanks for WWII. During the time when no new cars were coming on the lot, Lee Edwards said the business relied on the service and used car sides of the business. In 1944, Edwards Chevrolet moved headquarters to Third Avenue North and continued to grow its parts and service division. The dealership continued to thrive even through the Arab Oil Embargo in the ‘70s and the recession in the ‘80s. Today, the dealership has another location on U.S. 280 and employs more than 200 people. Lee Edwards is the third generation to run the business, working along with his father, Leon Edwards. He began working summers at the dealership when he was 15 years old and now he is hoping the next generation will choose to continue the family legacy; his son and nephew are working
A 2006 photo of Lee Edwards III, Lee Edwards, Leon Edwards in an early model Chevy.
for the business now. But, he said, just because Edwards Chevrolet is a family business doesn’t mean leadership will put any Edwards in charge. “The key is to realize first and foremost it is a business. It is a privilege to have family be a part of it. When you look at it, there is a hierarchy – no family member gets special treatment or a free ride. The world is just too competitive.” He emphasizes that being a part of the family business is an opportunity that has to be earned, not a gift. When reflecting on the ups and downs of the business’ history, Lee Edwards cites customer service and employees’ well-being as keys to success and longevity. “If you treat employees well, they will turn around and treat customers well.” Even with the car buying tools widely available on the internet, Edwards still believes classic car dealerships will be around a long time. “Most people aren’t willing to buy a car without driving it and sitting in it. In fact, most people end up buying a different car than the one they came to see. There is still value in the sales process.” Edwards said the business has been able to
weather economic hardships and fluctuations in auto trends and he believes the same will be true for years to come. “Whether it is driverless cars, electric cars or ones that float or fly, someone is going to be selling them – we represent them to consumers.” Edwards said that, at its heart, the satisfaction of a job at a respected and established business like Edwards Chevrolet is making dreams come true. “We have the opportunity to provide a person with one of the most important purchases in their lifetime. It is the American dream to get a nice car. Sometimes it is a first-time purchaser getting their first car or it is someone getting, for the first time, a car they’ve always wanted.” The entire Edwards family is taking the month of August to celebrate and appreciate all who have supported them over the years. But, Edwards said that with the celebration comes the acknowledgement that there may always be a tough time around the corner. “We know it is all about building relationships over decades with great employees and loyal customers. Those are the things that translate and carry through the tough times, because something is always coming.” ❖
The Birmingham Children’s Theatre recently announced the appointment of Scarlotte Kilgore, above, as its new executive director. “We are excited that Scarlotte accepted our invitation to lead Birmingham Children’s Theatre at this critical time in our 69-year history,” BCT board of directors President Glenda Nagrodzki said in prepared statement. “Her passion for the mission of this wonderful organization is well known and, when paired with her enthusiasm and creativity, Scarlotte is the perfect person to lead BCT into the next era.” Kilgore, former 2002 Miss Alabama, has served on the BCT’s patrons board for several years and acts as an arts education advocate in the community. As BCT’s Curtain Call Ball chairwoman, Kilgore helped the theater earn more than $120,000 in two years. BCT’s Theatre Labs program was Kilgore’s brainchild, according to theater officials. Through that program, the theater presents 15-minute STEM exercises after each main stage performance. “By integrating arts – our productions – into STEM, we create a package that educators can teach from far beyond the walls of our theatre,” Kilgore said in the statement. Kilgore, who said she attended the theater as a child, said she has seen the impact an arts education can have on a child. “Test scores improve, confidence soars, and children are taught to think creatively,” she said. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve in a role that impacts over 175,000 school age children each year.” Kilgore holds a bachelor’s degree from Samford University and a master’s in communications from American University. She has been a speaker advocating literacy, established a tutor training program serving the Sylacauga area and established the state’s first Women in Literacy summit with the Laubach Literacy International. She was named Daily Point of Light #1660 by President George H.W. Bush.
Photo special to the Journal
Edwards Chevrolet dealership was established in August 1916, when Sterling Edwards opened the first location in downtown Birmingham on 21st Street.
Birmingham Children’s Theatre Has New Executive Director
Sisters in Crime Supports Little Professor Book Center The Birmingham chapter of Sisters in Crime, a national organization that supports the advancement of female mystery writers, donated
business
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Birmingham Company Highlights Need for Cyber Security
In the past five years, large-scale instances of internet and credit card hacking have created headlines and compromised sensitive data of large companies such as Target and Sony. But the director of business development and general counsel for ShadowSafe, Tommy Mayfield, said corporations and non-profits of any size are vulnerable. “Any business with electronic records or storage is at risk, whether it is a small dental practice or large hospital system,” he said. The mission of ShadowSafe is to provide comprehensive data backups and disaster recovery. Although cyber criminals are developing new ways to hack systems and extort money all the time, $250 to Little Professor Book Center in Homewood in June. The donation was awarded through the organization’s “We Love Bookstores” initiative, which recognizes bookstores that support their local chapter. The funds are donated to be used for promotion, marketing and book signing events. The chapter chose Little Professor because of the stores’ support of the club’s newest book, “Should Have Played Poker,” by Debra Goldstein. Goldstein (pictured, far right) presented the check to store owner Paul Seitz and book buyer Sara Glassman.
Vestavia Resident Represents State at National Press Competition Donna Francavilla was announced as winner of the 2016 Alabama Media Professionals Communicator of Achievement award at the recent AMP banquet held at The Club. The award is presented to journalists based on professional achievement, community service and service to the organization. As the recipient of the honor,
Mayfield is particularly concerned with the recent surge of ransomware. Ransomware is a type of software that will lock access to a computer system until the victim pays a ransom. “If you don’t have a good back-up then you are forced to pay the ransom. Sometimes you have to pay but you still never get anything back. Our solution is providing the ability to roll you back to the time before you were affected,” Mayfield said. ShadowSafe began with chief technology officer Larry Bates. Bates has worked with computers since before they became the business necessity they are today. After 35 years in the industry without seeing what he thought to be an adequate safeguard against data compromise, he founded ShadowSafe nearly 10 years ago. Francavilla will represent the AMP chapter in the National Federation of Press Women contest. In a statement, AMP officials said Francavilla has worn many hats as an entrepreneur with her boutique public relations firm Frankly Speaking Communications, as a public relations professional, talk show host, blogger, writer, podcaster and audio/video specialist. Francavilla’s awards at the state level include first prize wins in the categories of on-the-scene reports for radio, prepared reports for radio, special programming for radio and interviews for radio. In addition, she has filed stories from around the world for organizations such as Agence France-Presse, Voice of America, the Oprah Show and CBS News. While on vacation with her daughter in Peru, Francavilla proved her dedication by reporting on a mudslide after being airlifted from the area by a helicopter.
Vestavia Design Company Receives National Award The Vestavia Hills-based custom design company Over The Moon won second place at the Spirit Show in North Carolina. The company placed in the category of Hot New Product for their customizable pom keychains. Over The Moon is co-owned by
Photo special to the Journal
By Sarah Kuper
Photo special to the Journal
Director of business development and general counsel for ShadowSafe, Tommy Mayfield.
Conversely, Mayfield has no IT experience to speak of, but rather sees the issue of data protection through an attorney’s eyes. A Mountain Brook native, Mayfield has a law degree from the University of Virginia and or six years practiced at Maynard Cooper & Gale, one of Alabama’s largest law firms. He said he left the firm to look for something different and more entrepreneurial. “It is a service a lot of small to midsize companies need, they don’t appreciate how vulnerable they are,” he said. Mayfield looks at data back-ups and disaster recovery as another form of liability insurance. He said there are people developing software to protect computers against hackers, but as fast as they develop solutions, hackers are finding ways around them. Mayfield believes the only safe solution is comprehensive data backup to ensure that, if anything were to happen to a businesses’ data, it would take minimal time to restore it. ShadowSafe backs up not only data, but also operating systems and software so that a company experiences little downtime if it falls victim to a hack or hardware failure. ShadowSafe offers onsite and offsite back-ups and operates on a subscription model, with the monthly cost depending on the number of machines and total amount of data to be protected. Though ShadowSafe has clients across the country, Mayfield said the company is focused on serving small to medium-sized businesses locally. “We value the contributions local business makes to this community, and we want to help protect those businesses,” he said. ❖
Thursday, July 28, 2016 • 25
Vestavia’s Premiere Green Home Community Viridian offers all the charm of a vintage neighborhood with the latest energy-efficient green homebuilding technologies. These authentic, one-of-a-kind homes are tucked in the woods in a unique gated community off Tyler Road, with prices starting in the $600s. Two lush parks and an abundance of green space provide privacy and a sense of history for this significant property.
www.wedgworth.net (205) 365-4344 sisters Laura Ann Myers Daly, Margie Meyers Davidson (pictured above, from left) and Julia Meyers. The company offer a range of products including custom stationary and party supplies fit for various celebrations, such as births, graduations, weddings and more. “This was our first year to attend and we have acquired many new accounts, including The Trunk in Tuscaloosa and Wrapsody in Auburn,” Davidson said. The sisters started the company following the loss of their brother, Paul Meyers, and the birth of his first child. The women also founded the Paul Meyers Foundation, an organization that benefits medical mission trips and human trafficking rehabilitation programs. ❖
26 • Thursday, July 28, 2016
sports
Master of All
Photo special to the Journal
Jack Hopkins earned the prestigious Conference USA Jim Castaneda Postgraduate Scholarship for 2016. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry.
far as when I could turn them in.” Hopkins mastered the balance between school and soccer. He qualified for the Dean’s List for eight semesters, earned Conference All-Academic Honors in 2014 and 2015, and placed on the Conference Commissioners Honor Roll three times. Hopkins also earned the prestigious Conference USA Jim Castaneda Postgraduate Scholarship for 2016. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. On the soccer field, Hopkins was named team captain while leading the Thundering Herd to the conference tournament quarterfinals in 2014 and the tournament finals the following season. He had an outstanding senior year, despite having played much of the season with torn cartilage in his knee. If that wasn’t enough, Hopkins spent the summer of 2015 playing for the Chattanooga franchise in the National Premier Soccer League, a semi-professional circuit. With his college soccer career at an end, Hopkins had mixed emotions about leaving the sport that has been a major part of his life since childhood. “I won’t miss going to the field at 6 a.m. for a workout, but I will miss the game, the competition and the friend-
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ships with other players and coaches,” he said. “But the time has come to move on.” After graduation, Hopkins went to the Netherlands Antilles as part of a Marshall University Studies Abroad program to do studies on fish and coral restoration projects. He hopes to use his degrees in a career related to environmental engineering. “It’s an opportunity to do something I love that will make the world a better place,” Hopkins said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more than that.” On the soccer field and in the classroom, Jack Hopkins always knew how to go in the right direction. ❖
Fullington Named New Vestavia Boys’ Golf Coach Kent Fullington has been named head coach of the boys’ golf team at Vestavia Hills High School, athletic director Jeff Segars announced recently. Fullington is a physical education teacher at VHHS and serves on the coaching staff of several sports teams throughout the school district. Originally from Vestavia, Fullington holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Montevallo. “Kent is a fantastic young coach who is full of energy and can continue the success that Coach Essig has had with our golf program,” Segars said. “I want to keep this program successful and help lead these young men to great futures where they can continue golf in their careers,” Fullington said. ❖
Austin Wiley entered the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s AllStar Week with a big reputation. He left it with an even bigger one. Wiley, Spain Park’s 6-foot-11-inch center who has already committed to Auburn University, put together an impressive show in the North-South All-Star Basketball game. Wiley scored 30 points and snatched 15 rebounds to lead the North to an 84-73 victory over the South. The game was played at Montgomery’s Acadome on the campus of Alabama State University. Few were more impressed with Wiley’s performance than Jaguar coach Donnie Quinn. “I thought Austin did a great job of running the floor,” Quinn said. “He showed good leadership and did a nice job on the boards.” Wiley connected on 14 of 18 shots – including several slam dunks. He also blocked a shot and earned a steal. He was a runaway choice for Most Valuable Player. The effort climaxed a busy summer for Wiley. In June, he helped Team USA win the FIBA Under-17 World Championships in Zaragoza, Spain. His best game came in a 117-45 rout of Taiwan, when he scored 12 points and bagged 11 rebounds. In an earlier game, he scored 12 points and pulled in four rebounds in a 133-81 domination of South Korea. Team USA clinched the World Championship with a 96-56 win over Turkey. Wiley scored 6 points with 5 rebounds. Wiley comes by his talents naturally. His mother, Vicky Orr Wiley, is a former basketball All-American at Auburn and an Olympian. Homewood’s Luke Touliatos also was selected for the North’s basketball roster. In the girls All-Star basketball game, the South defeated the North 57-53.
Homewood’s Shelby Hardy was a member of the North roster. In the All-Star football game, the North took a 14-0 victory in a game that was ended in the second quarter because of severe rain and lightning. Spain Park center Gray Best and Jag linebacker Perry Young were on the North roster. In baseball, the North swept two games from the South 2-0 and 13-2. Spain Park’s Will Battersby pitched two scoreless innings in the first game. Vestavia’s Caden Lemons earned the win in the second contest. The North also swept the girls softball competition with 12-4 and 4-1 victories. Oak Mountain’s O’Neil Roberson had a single and two RBIs in the second game. Kynadi Tipler of Spain Park was also on the North roster. Volleyball competition saw the South sweep the North 25-17, 25-16, 25-18. Mountain Brook’s Mary Jordan Kilgore had five kills and five digs for the North squad. The Spartans’ Caroline Davies also had five kills. John Carroll Catholic’s Mary Catherine Hart and Hoover’s Olivia Portera were also on the North team’s roster. In girls soccer, the North defeated the South 3-2. Mountain Brook’s Mary Walker Poe scored a goal for the North and Oak Mountain’s Alyssa Vest had five saves. Spain Park’s Brennen Cooke, Indian Springs’ Josephine Gray, and Westminster-Oak Mountain’s Carmyn Neal were also on the North team. In boys soccer, the North scored a 4-2 win over the South. Oak Mountain’s Kennedy Davis scored a goal and Hoover’s Cole Williams earned an assist. Also on the North squad were Spain Park’s Liam Condone, Vestavia’s Connor Johnston, Westminster-Oak Mountain’s Jack Wilson and Mountain Brook’s Jacob Wolanske. ❖ Spain Park’s Austin Wiley was a runaway choice for Most Valuable Player in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s North-South All-Star Basketball game.
Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry
By Lee Davis
By Lee Davis
f f f f
All-Star Effort
Jaguars’ Wiley Leads North to Impressive Win
Vestavia Hill’s Hopkins Excelled in Athletics, Academics
Jack Hopkins is a man who has always had a keen sense of his surroundings. The former Vestavia Hills soccer star, who graduated from Marshall University last spring, is spending his summer performing environmental field work in Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. In the fall, Hopkins will pursue a master’s degree in environmental sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University. “I really like being outdoors,” Hopkins said. “It’s interesting to work with wildlife and see the problems that animals in the wild face on a daily basis. I see the work as a calling to preserve what God gave us.” Hopkins is accustomed to excelling in the outdoors. In high school, he led the Vestavia Steamers to three consecutive state championships in 2010-12 and was named Alabama Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year in his season. Also an outstanding student, Hopkins earned an academic and soccer scholarship to Marshall. Upon arriving on campus, Hopkins learned that college soccer was a different world from what he’d seen at the high school and club levels. “The most obvious difference was the speed of the game,” he explained. “Everything is done at a much faster pace. There’s a little more physicality at the college level, too. But sheer speed of the game was what stood out.” Hopkins adjusted quickly, earning a spot on the Conference USA AllFreshman team in his first year. He excelled academically as well, but he admits that it wasn’t easy. “The most important thing is to get on a schedule or a routine from the beginning,” Hopkins said. “If you’re playing soccer, you’re going to be traveling and missing classes during the week. It’s important to turn assignments in early. I also had friends in my classes that kept me informed with what was going on while I was absent.” Cultivating a relationship with his instructors was a key to academic success as well. “Some professors were very cooperative,” he said. “They didn’t make the classwork any easier, but they were willing to work with me about giving assignments early and were helpful as
OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
davis,
There’s likely no other place that simulates the life challenges all of us face quite like the field of athletic competition.
From page 28
Journal file photo by Lee Walls Jr.
by a cleverly positioned phone and be in public view in minutes. In some ways, that’s a good thing. It would be almost impossible for a coach to get away with systematic abuses of players in a setting where a camera or microphone can be anywhere. On the downside, in a world where privacy seems a thing of the past, a coach, even in what is believed to be a one-on-one meeting, could hold back on an honest evaluation of a player because it could be used against him. ESPN and Sports Saturation on Television
Once again, technology can be a great thing. Every sports fan loves to be able to tune to a live or recorded ball game 24 hours a day, but the saturation has certainly influenced high school athletics. Remember in the 1980s when college basketball powers-that-be said they would never allow games to be televised on Tuesday and Friday nights because they were traditionally for high school basketball? Today, you can find a televised college basketball game almost every night from December to March. As recently as 20 years ago, ESPN wouldn’t broadcast a college football game on Friday night to avoid conflict with the high schools. Now ESPN televises a game every Friday night in the fall.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
It’s debatable whether a TV game between, for example, Southern Mississippi and Marshall would seriously affect a crowd at a HooverVestavia Hills contest, but the fact is that many high school programs operate on tight budgets. The loss of a few hundred dollars in gate revenue per week could make a big difference. The other area of TV’s influence is on the field or court. High school coaches are constantly teaching their players the importance of fundamentals and behaving with class. Those words get undermined when kids constantly see professional athletes taunting and showboating on ESPN’s Sports Center. Kids naturally want to copy their
idols in the professional ranks. It can even be a positive. But it’s hard for coaches to teach what is right when the players see things done the wrong way every time a television is on. Travel Ball Teams
Forty years ago, high school athletes sometimes spent much of June and July playing something called summer league ball. Often they were loosely organized teams and leagues founded so athletes had a way to stay in shape by playing their favorite sport during hours when they weren’t working at their part-time summer job. Fast forward to 2016, and the old summer leagues have merged into
travel ball, in which teams of elite athletes tour the region or even the country playing similar teams. The goals of travel ball are far more than to keep kids in shape. The objective is to create specialized athletes prepared to compete at the next level. In some ways, there’s nothing wrong with travel ball. It’s no crime to want to get better at a particular sport, and facing intense competition is a way to do it. The problem comes with expectations; there’s no guarantee that a summer in travel ball is going to get an athlete more playing time at the high school level – much less a college scholarship. Parents can fall in the trap of thinking that if their son or daughter isn’t playing more at the varsity level after a summer of travel ball, then it has to be the high school coach’s fault. The truth is sometimes the other kids are just better players. Paperwork
We may live in a cyber age, but coaches do more paperwork – online or on actual paper – than ever. Eligibility forms, insurance forms and countless other forms make it to a high school coach’s desk or computer. With few exceptions, coaches don’t have a large staff to handle it. Recently, I visited a prominent football coach’s office and commented on the mountainous pile of paperwork on his desk. “My secretary is going to take care of this,” he replied, smiling. “And I’m my secretary.” There are many more points I could make, but these should give an
overview. With all the influences in the world, the role of a high school coach has never been more important, but their job has also never been more difficult. Coaches aren’t perfect and certainly some are better than others – just like in any profession. But understanding that coaching in 2016 is a far different proposition than it was when most of today’s parents were involved in athletics help them give their children’s coaches the benefit of the doubt as the new school year begins. ❖
legacy,
From page 28
paign include Prime Matter at the McWane Center, commissioned in honor of Joseph S. Bruno; the statue of John M. Harbert III at the RegionsHarbert Plaza; Sentient Matrix, which honors M. Miller Gorrie at the Civitan International Research Center Atrium on UAB’s campus; the Financial Center’s Winged Victory honoring Fred Sington; and the statue of Charles Linn in Linn Park. For more information about past Legacy of Leadership campaigns, visit legacyarttrail.com. ❖
correction: In a story about the 2016 Softball All Metro results in our last issue, we incorrectly identified a member of the All Tournament team. Katie Norris was the player selected to the team from Simmons.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Sports
Master of All Vestavia Hill’s Hopkins excelled in athletics, academics PAGE 26
Willie Mays in Bronze
lee davis
Life Coach
Would YOU Be a High School Coach Today? I’ve always maintained that a good high school coach can be the most influential non-parent in a young person’s life. That’s not to disparage the role of classroom teachers, scout leaders, church youth ministers and others, but there’s likely no other place that simulates the life challenges all of us face quite like the field of athletic competition. The requirements needed for success in athletics – mental and physical competition and intense work – mirror almost exactly what’s needed to excel in the adult world. In addition, athletics offers the unique burden of knowing that if you make a mistake, hundreds or perhaps thousands of people will see it – and some will actually be happy you made the error. That’s a pressure few other high school students are likely to face anywhere else. An advanced trigonometry test may be difficult, but no student is likely to ever take one in an environment where scores of people are hoping he or she will fail. So that’s why high school coaches are so important as mentors to young athletes; they are by their side as they face obstacles almost unknown to the general student body. But what issues do coaches face today that their professional ancestors didn’t confront 15 or 20 or 40 years ago? Here are a few:
The legendary Willie Mays is memorialized in a bronze sculpture unveiled recently on the 14th Street side of Regions Field. The sculpture, which depicts Mays making a catch in front of an outfield fence, pays tribute to the baseball player’s time with the Birmingham Black Barons, according to a press release from the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis. It was designed by local artists Caleb O’ Connor and Craig Wedderspoon. The chapter dedicated the sculpture in honor of Birmingham Barons owner and former Time Inc. CEO Don Logan, the society’s 2015 Legacy of Leadership honoree. The chapter each year chooses an individual or family with vision that has found creative solutions to community problems – such as promoting the arts, looking after the unfortunate or building businesses and creating opportunity. Through the Legacy of Leadership campaign, a piece of artwork is commissioned and donated to the city along with a plaque describing the person or family’s accomplishments. Additional money raised during the campaign goes to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s vision of creating a world free of MS. In Birmingham, art commissioned for the Legacy of Leadership camSee legacy, page 27
Journal photo by Maury Wald
New Sculpture at Regions Field Honors Barons Owner Don Logan
Cell Phones, Social Media and the Internet
say hey: The Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis chapter dedicated the sculpture in honor of Birmingham Barons owner and former Time Inc. CEO Don Logan, the society’s 2015 Legacy of Leadership honoree.
Let’s face it, technology has changed the world and high school athletics is not immune. Now, virtually anything a coach or athlete says or does can be recorded or photographed See davis, page 27
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