OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
SOCIAL
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2019
SPORTS
Stories of Survival Alabama’s Holocaust Survivors to Be Honored at Holocaust Education Event
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By Rubin E. Grant
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
sther Levy will never forget and she hopes no one else will, either. Levy is a second-generation Holocaust survivor and heard stories of the horrifying events of the World War II tragedy from her mother, Tobi Kamornik Gerson, who lived through it. “We can’t forget the lessons of the Holocaust,” Levy said. “Humanity can’t let something like that happen again.” With that in mind, Levy will be attending L’Chaim 2019, honoring Holocaust survivors and their families. L’Chaim (to life) is presented by the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center in collaboration with Red Mountain Theatre Company. It will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 18, in the Jemison Concert Hall at the Alys Stephens Center. “What makes this event important is it brings the memory of the Holocaust to the forefront,” said Levy, a board member of the BHEC. One of the highlights of this year’s program will be the stories of survival from many different family perspectives. The personal stories of survivors are the very reason for the BHEC’s existence and the core of the organization’s work statewide. The BHEC uses these stories to teach new generations about the consequences of hate and indifference. Levy won’t be sharing her story, but she is one of the BHEC’s Guardians of Remembrance, a group of second- and See STORIES OF SURVIVAL, page 10
GET YOUR SCHOOL YEAR OFF TO A HEALTHY START!
2 • Thursday, August 8, 2019
Thank you! Some folks like to say they’re “29 and holding” when asked how old they are. But here at the Over the Mountain Journal, we’re celebrating our honest-to-goodness 29th birthday: Our first issue was published on Aug. 2, 1990. That year, George Bush was president, the Cincinnati Reds swept the Oakland A’s in the World Series, “Home Alone” hit the theaters and Twitter was something that birds did. Of course, the world – and especially the newspaper business – has changed a lot since then. We’ve tried to move forward with it. Our readers who like to hold our newspaper in their hands, leaf through its pages,and maybe save a favorite photo can still do that. But those who’d rather get their newspaper in a digital format or follow us on social media can do that, too. One thing hasn’t changed. Our mission from the start has been to provide you with news and features about the people of Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, North Shelby County and Vestavia Hills who make the Over the Mountain area such a wonderful place to live. As we start our 30th year, we pledge to continue to make that our goal. We may be 29, but we’re not “holding.” We’re looking forward to many more years of capturing in words and in pictures the people, places and events that are important to you. And we’re thankful for the gift of our loyal readers and advertisers who make it possible for us to do that.
ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 8 LIFE 10 SOCIAL 14
HOME 19 FOOD 22 SCHOOLS 24 SPORTS 28
otmj.com With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter. Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area. To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
August 8, 2019 JOU RNAL Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writer: Emily Williams Photographer: Jordan Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Blake Ells, Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch, Sam Prickett, Lauren Helmer Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd, Suzanne Wald Vol. 29, No. 1
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 2019 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
OPINION/CONTENTS
Murphy’s Law
I
Mourning Muffin
t’s like Jumpin’Jack Doritos all over it wasn’t enough to save the poor things again. and I had to move on. When I asked for my usual I’ll move on from the morning mufgreen iced tea and morning muffin at fin, too, but it kind of rankles me that I Starbucks a few weeks ago, I was told have to. Don’t the company executives that the muffin had been discontinued. value muffin diversity? It didn’t take up To give you an idea of the magnitude that much room and if Mr. Starbucks of this loss, you need to know that I wanted me to sign a pledge to consume have ordered the muffin at least twice a at least two muffins a week, I’d do it. week for the past 6 months. After every I’d go as high as three and if I went out treatment, every pre-fasting test, I ate a of town, I’d hire a muffin sub to take morning muffin. Now, it was gone. my share. Really, I would. The morning muffin was a thing of I’m sure it all gets down to numbers, Sue Murphy beauty, filled with fruit and nuts and with 90% of people preferring bluebertopped with pumpkin seeds. It was a ry, but sometimes I get tired of the tyrhealthy snack, one you could feel anny of the majority. It may be partly positively virtuous about, and on top my fault because I didn’t say how So, Mr. Starbucks, listen much I liked the muffin as I went of that, it was delicious. What were the odds? up: I really, really, really along. I didn’t tweet or email or put When I called my daughter to it on my Facebook page. (can’t have too many) wail about its demise, she immediLesson learned. If there’s someately looked up the muffin ingredilike the green iced tea. thing out there that you like, I mean ents on the company’s nutrition page, like, make sure the higher-ups Please, please, please really so I suppose I could fire up my know about it. They hear a lot of Martha Mixer and guess at the ingre- (again, never too many) complaints, I’m sure, so a “job well dient amounts, but I don’t really message might actually get don’t discontinue that. done” some play. want 12 muffins. I just want one at a So, Mr. Starbucks, listen up: I time, savored at a table in the sun. really, really, really (can’t have too Discontinued. Why? I had talked many) like the green iced tea. Please, please, please up the muffin all over town, which I thought was gener(again, never too many) don’t discontinue that. I’ve been ous of me since it could have meant the pastry case a good sport, but at that point, I’d have to stage a sit-in would be empty when I got there, but apparently I didn’t talk it up enough. It helped that the barista was unhappy that would look more like a cry-in because, it’s silly, but about my missing muffin, too, but neither of us had the I would be inconsolable. power to change the situation. It’s all going to work out. It is. In fact, when I came The incident brought back dark memories of the loss through the door at Starbucks yesterday, the barista had of my Jumpin’ Jack Doritos. They were akin to Cool already warmed up a blueberry muffin and my iced tea Ranch Doritos but with a more subtle cheesy flavor. was being summarily shaken. They were both delicious, Again, delicious, and I promise you, I not only ate my but I couldn’t help looking wistfully at the pastry case, share but that of a few other people. In the end, however, mourning my morning muffin.
Over the Mountain Views
In honor of National Book Lovers Day Aug. 9, we asked local book lovers ...
Read any good books this summer? “‘Vaacum in the Dark’ by Jen Beagin. I liked the main character. She is going through a lot and it’s funny to read about the things she goes through.” Sam Baine Homewood “‘Close to Shore’ by Michael Capuzzo - great book. It was the basis for ‘Jaws,’ awesome commentary on the time period it is set in.” Katie Moellering Mountain Brook “‘Men Without Women’ by Haruki Murakami. Haruki Murakami is one of my favorite authors. I love his imagination. His work makes you feel so invested in the characters.” Cristina Castor Homewood “‘Normal People’ by Sally Rooney. It’s a great story about growing up.” Kathleen Wylie Homewood
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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native of the Over the Mountain area, Clint Lovette attended Vestavia Hills High School before going to the University of Alabama and receiving his degree in business management. He spent ten years in a corporate business development position while remodeling three of his existing homes. In 2005, he decided to take his passion for remodeling and design to the next level and founded Lovette Construction. Lovette holds the Certified Graduate Remodeler and the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist designations from the National Association of Home Builders. He has been recognized for his industry expertise and involvement through multiple awards. Lovette was awarded the Builder of the Year (2015) and Remodeler of the Year (2016) by the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. He was named Young Professional of the Year (2017) by the National Association of Home Builders and State Remodeler of the Year (2018) by the Home Builders Association of Alabama. "We specialize in kitchens, baths and whole house remodels," said Lovette. "As a design build firm, our value is created in the planning and design phase of all of our projects. The details that go into a kitchen, bath or reworking the footprint of an existing home are incredibly important to get the final result our clients expect. "The entire Lovette project process encour-
ABOUT TOWN
Love your home. ages high-level communication between you and your project lead, ensuring exceeded expectations and a hassle-free process. As we learn about your needs and desires, we'll also gain key details about your project that will influence material layout, strategy, schedule and budget. The result is a Design Agreement that will clarify the project goals, any challenges we perceive and a budget range. "We approach each project with the mindset that this is our home. Compassion is a core value in our company and it translates to everything we do from designing a space specific to our clients needs to keeping a job site meticulously clean and organized. Since all we do is remodeling, we are specifically set up to deal with our clients living in our work areas. We go to great lengths to keep the impact on our clients and their families as minimal as possible and this includes sharing our job schedules so they know exactly what is going on and when the project will be complete. "In the past five years, we have worked on over 125 homes mostly in the over the mountain communities like Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Homewood but we have done several projects out in Greystone and the 280 area as well.
"In working with Lovette Construction you can expect the Project Development phase to begin with an inhome visit, allowing you to ask questions, share your ideas, and discuss the remodeling process. Using historical data, we compare your project goals to past projects, quickly gaining insight into possibilities, challenges, and budget. You are welcomed to our design studio to talk through the Project Development specifications, selections, and costs. We present a visual representation of your budget range, explaining how design and material choices
Thursday, August 8, 2019 • 3
will affect it, and helping navigate priorities. Our Design and Build Phases are explained step-by-step so that you have total clarity. You will be able to interact with our real-time Project Portal to see how you’ll stay in the know. Finally, you are presented with a timeline and estimate. If the project meets your goals, desires, and budget, sign our Design Agreement to start the Design Phase. "Home renovations will continue to be driven by the technology that is constantly being integrated into the products that go into a home. I see this trend continuing to progress and in ten years we will be fully integrated into our homes through our smart devices. You’ll be able to access and control just about every aspect of your home." Contact the Lovette Design+Build office at info@lovettedesignbuild.com or call (205) 401-2488 to schedule your risk-free needs assessment today. The Lovette Design + Build team showing off their Best In Show award from the 2019 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards from the Home Builders Association of Alabama.
4 • Thursday, August 8, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
AUG 8 - AUG 22
Hope Gala
What: The American Cancer Society presents an evening of dinner, cocktails, live and silent auctions and dancing to music by the Underhills. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: A private club in Birmingham Website: cancer.org
Thurs., Aug. 8 “In Her Own Fashion”
What: Friends of Hoover Library presents Dolores Hydock as she tells the true story of, Ninette Griffith, a smart, sassy, elegantly ambitious woman who was born in Alabama in 1913. When: 6 p.m., light refreshments; 7 p.m., event Where: Hoover Public Library Website: hooverlibrary.org
Banks High School 50th Reunion
What: The class of ‘69 presents a reception and mingle time followed by a buffet dinner, brief program and dancing to the music of the ‘60s. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Birmingham Marriot, Grandview Parkway Website: Email banks69@gmail.com
Overflow’s Got Talent 70s Edition
Aug. 8-31 “The Cake”
What: Terrific New Theatre presents its season opener with a play that is both human and challenging, written by Bekah Brunstetter, writer for TV’s “This is Us.” When: Thur.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun. 8/18 and 8/25, 2:30 p.m. Where: Terrifiec New Theatre Website: terrificnewtheatre.com
Fri., Aug. 9 Back 2 School in the Hills
What: Guest will enjoy rides, inflatables for kids, tweens and teens, fun freebies, music and a family movie. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Philadelphia Baptist Church Website: vestaviahills.org
Double Down for Rett
What: The Suki Foundation’s fundraiser features casino-style entertainment, silent and live auctions, dinner and drinks to help fund research and therapy programs for Rett syndrome patients at Children’s of Alabama. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: B&A Warehouse Website: childrensal.org
Art on the Rocks
What: The final installment of Birmingham Museum of Art’s summer series features Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, artists collaborations, interactive performances, food, cocktails and more. When: 7-11 p.m. Where: Birmingham Museum of Arts Website: artsbma.org
Sat., Aug 10 G.I.R.L. Leadership Summit 2019 What: Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama hosts a one-day event for Girl Scouts, juniors and above,
Thurs., Aug. 22 Journal file photo by Lee Walls
What: The Overflow Foundation hosts a fundraiser featuring music, a silent auction and southern desserts. Proceeds benefit the foundations mission to join the fight against suicide. When: 7 p.m. Where: The Dance Foundation, Homewood Website: “Overflow’s Got Talent and Silent Auction” Facebook page
Homewood Chamber Golf Classic
Sat., Aug. 17 PICASSO PETS
What: This unique gala features paintings by invited artists painting with featured dogs, a live auction, craft beer, wine, specialty cocktails, a seated dinner and more. Proceeds benefit Hand in Paw. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: Grand Bohemian Hotel Website: handinpaw.org
to engage with mentors in the fields of STEM, arts, civic engagement, financial literacy and more. When: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Samford University Website: “The 2019 GIRL Leadership Summit” Facebook page
Crestline Tent Sale
What: The merchants of Crestline Village present their annual tent sale complete with awesome deals, trunk shows and more. When: varies by store Where: Crestline Village Website: mtnbrookchamber.org
Water Lantern Festival
What: Guests will enjoy food trucks, music and design a lantern to launch in the water along with thousands of other lanterns. This for-profit event donates to charities and non-profit organizations. When: 4-9 p.m. Where: Railroad Park Website: waterlanternfestival.com
Beer, Bands and Bullies
What: Join Bama Bully Rescue for its ninth annual music festival. Friendly leashed dogs are welcomed and encouraged. All proceeds benefit Bama Bully Rescue. When: 4-9 p.m. Where: Avondale Brewery Website: bamabully.org
Aug. 11 Chirps and Chips
What: Alabama Wildlife Center hosts
its annual fundraiser featuring casinostyle gaming, beer and wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, a silent auction and more. When: 7 p.m. Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens Website: alabamawildlifecenter.org
Thurs., Aug. 15 Dinner in the Streets
What: Salvation Army hosts and outdoor community dinner featuring an appetizer and social hour, followed by dinner with 150 of your closest friends at one long table placed in the middle of the street. When: 6-8:30 p.m. Where: 1st Ave. S, between Railroad Park and Regions Field Website: salvationarmybham. ticketspice.com/dinner-in-thestreets-2019
Sat., Aug. 17 Just A Call Away 5k & Fun Run
What: Crisis Center, Inc. presents its fifth annual run in support of their mission to provide 24-hour support services for individuals experiencing personal crisis or mental health issues. When: 6:30-9:15 a.m. Where: Sloss Furnaces Website: crisiscenterbham.org
Pancakes and Princesses
What: The Birmingham Zoo offers a royal pancake breakfast including a meet-and-greet with a court
Sweet Pea Yancey displays some fancy footwork creating her masterpiece for last year’s Picasso Pets event.
of princesses, an unlimited ride wristband, a gift upon arrival and more. Costumes are encouraged. When: 8-9:30 a.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo, Trails of Africa Website: birminghamzoo.com
Fairytales and Frogs Day
What: Children are encouraged to dress in their favorite costume for the Birmingham Zoo’s annual fundraiser. Included will be costumed characters, keeper chats, animal demonstrations, photo opps and more. When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com
Sixth Annual Block Party
What: The Homewood Library Foundation’s annual fundraiser includes cold beverages, food samples from local restaurants, live music, book-themed carnival games, a climbing wall and more. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: Homewood Library parking lot Website: homewoodlibraryfoundation. org
Autism Shines Gala
What: The Autism Society of Alabama presents “Havana Nights,” featuring a night of Latin music and cuisine, festive cocktails, tropical attire and more. Proceed benefit the Society’s mission and projects. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: Regions Field Website: “Autism Shines Gala” Facebook page
What: The Chamber’s largest annual fundraiser assist its economic development programs, helps provide scholarships for local students, and fund its efforts to promote the community. When: 3-6 p.m. Where: Topgolf Birmigham Website: homewoodchamber.org
Vino and Van Gogh
What: The United Ability Junior Board hosts an evening of wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, live music and a silent auction to include original works created by participants in the United Ability’s programs. When: 6 p.m. Where: Haven Website: unitedability.org
Aug. 22-25 Bill Bugg and Friends Part 3
What: Homewood Theatre kicks off its season with Bill Bugg and an all new cavalcade of cabaret, singing show tunes and standards backed by a swinging combo. When: Thurs., Fri. and Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Theatre, in Brookwood Village Website: homewoodtheatre.com
Fri., Aug. 23 Clays 4 Kids
What: Not only an aTeam Ministries fundraiser, but an outlet for families to enjoy time together away from the hospital, this annual sporting clays tournament is great for advanced and first-time shooters. When: 8 a.m., registration; 9 a.m., safety presentation; 9:30 a.m., clay shoot. Where: Selwood Farm Website: ateamministries.org
Aug. 23 and 24 Birmingham Area Morthers of Multiples Twice as Nice Sale
What: A consignment sale featuring gently-used infant, children’s and maternity clothing, equipment, housewares and more. No children under 10 or strollers on Fri. Baby wearing is allowed. When: Fri., 4-9 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-noon
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
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Highly regarded as one of Alabama’s top five private clubs by Golf Digest, Old Overton Club offers world-class golfing in the heart of the Liberty Park Community. The 18-hole championship golf course is sculpted from rocky terrain for sweeping views and championship play. Discover what Old Overton and Liberty Park have to offer. PH 205.972.9000
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Thursday, August 8, 2019 • 5
Where: Metropolitan Church of God Website: “Twice As Nice Sale (BAMOM)” Facebook page
I Want My Sidewalk Film Festival MTV Documentary Kicks Off Film Festival Featuring Something for Everyone
Sat., Aug. 24 Heart and Sole 5k
What: Equal Access Birmingham host a run to raise money to help operate their free, student-run clinic that provides services to medically under served communities. When: 8 a.m. Where: Crestline Elementary School Website: uab.edu
Back 2 School Bash 19
What: Enjoy an array of rides, bounce houses, food and live entertainment. In order to jump, play and ride an unlimited attractions wristband must be purchased, $10. Proceeds benefit HHS band. When: 4:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Patriot Park Website: homewoodparks.com
Fairy Tale Ball
What: Childcare Resources presents a family gala including entertainment, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, children’s activities, a silent auction, fairytale characters and more. Costumes encouraged. When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Hyatt Regency Birmingham, The Wynfrey Hotel Website: ccr-bhm.org
An Arc Affair
What: Take a trip to the Emerald City for dinner, dancing and a silent auction to benefit The Arc of Central Alabama and its mission to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When: 6-11 p.m. Where: The Club Website: arcofcentralalabama.org
SEND ABOUT TOWN INFO TO: EDITORIAL@OTM.COM
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
By Sam Prickett It’s been a dark year for independent cinema, but don’t expect this month’s Sidewalk Film Festival to be a dour affair. “I think that we’ve done a good job – certainly the best that we could do – trying to balance the lineup in a year that’s very dark for film,” said Sidewalk Creative Director and Lead Programmer Rachel Morgan. “I think that independent film, especially, tends to be on the very forefront of reflecting our culture and our current state of things back to us, and I don’t think it’s any sort of secret that the world and our country is in a very interesting place right now, and you feel that in what’s coming out.” When selecting films for this year’s festival, which will take place Aug. 19-25 in downtown Birmingham, organizers didn’t shy away from darker material. But Morgan said they also worked to “provide that balance of having fun, enjoying yourself and feeling good about life.” Morgan points to two films from this year’s lineup to illustrate the festival’s range. The first, the Australian thriller film “The Nightingale,” is a brutal tale of revenge directed by Jennifer Kent (“The Babadook”). Morgan described that movie as “one of the best films I’ve seen, maybe in my entire life.” But on the other end of the lineup’s emotional spectrum is another film with an avian title, The Peanut Butter Falcon. That film, a comedydrama about a boy with Down syndrome who runs away with the dream of becoming a professional wrestler, “is a much kinder film,” Morgan said. “It really makes you think that the world’s going to be OK after all.” This month’s festival will mark
Construction on the new Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema is still ongoing, but organizers say they’re confident the cinema will be ready in time for the festival’s Aug. 19 kickoff.
Journal photo by Sam Prickett
6 • Thursday, August 8, 2019
Sidewalk’s 21st year of existence, and organizers hope to communicate that the festival is intended for everyone, not just film buffs. The opening night film, which will screen at the Alabama Theatre, is the nostalgic documentary “I Want My MTV,” which Morgan describes as a celebration of one of the 1980s’ defining television channels. There also will be a screening of “The Empire Strikes Back” at the Lyric Theatre, a “rare opportunity” offered by Lucasfilm, Morgan said. The basement of the Lyric, meanwhile, will be transformed into a space that highlights virtual reality technology. “We have a family lineup, we have a kids’ lineup, we have a lot of fun stuff,” Morgan said. “There are just so many wonderful, wonderful things in the lineup.” Organizers emphasize the chooseyour-own-adventure aspect of the festival. “We just like to remind people that
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the festival can seem intimidating at first glance, in particular for someone that’s never been,” said Chloe Cook, the festival’s executive director. “But the event is actually really accessible. Once you’re here and your feet are on the ground in the theater district, you really have permission to get in a line at any venue you want to check out a film. If it’s really not your cup of tea, you can leave and try a different film on for size. Or, come and see a single film! If you’ve ever been to the Alabama Theatre, you can come to Sidewalk. It’s really not any more complicated (than) that.”
Sidewalk Opens Its Own Theaters
There’s another reason to check out this year’s festival, too. In addition to this year’s lineup of 72 feature films, Sidewalk is adding another brand-new element this year: its very own cinema. The Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema will help to cement the festival as a year-round presence in the Magic City. For years, Sidewalk has offered new programming nearly every week, including film screenings, educational workshops, book and film clubs, and panel discussions with professional filmmakers. The new facility, located in the basement of the Pizitz building in downtown Birmingham, won’t just be the home of two new theaters, but also will hold Sidewalk’s offices, a bar and lounge area, and a classroom for the festival’s educational programs. Construction on the center is still ongoing, but organizers say they’re confident the cinema will be ready in time for the festival’s Aug. 19 kickoff, when it will host an event highlighting Alabama filmmakers. The facility is the result of an ongoing $4.9 million capital campaign and years of planning. Initial discussions about starting an independent cinema in Birmingham started in the late 1990s, Cook said, but plan-
ning didn’t begin in earnest until late 2009. Even then, it took years to find the right location. The infrastructure offered by the Pizitz – including an adjacent parking deck, the food hall upstairs and the square-footage to accommodate two theaters – made it the best option, even though construction crews had to dig into the ground to accommodate the theaters’ stadium-style seating. The Pizitz’s location, too, places the cinema near the festival’s existing footprint in downtown Birmingham. “Everything kind of lined up in a very logical way, and it kept us in the theater district, which we wanted,” Cook said. After this year’s festival wraps up Aug. 25, the theater will run “just like a movie theater, year-round, seven days a week,” Morgan said. One of the cinema’s two screens will be dedicated to new, independent films, each of which will have weeklong runs. The other screen will be divided between film retrospectives – “like an auteur series that celebrates, for example, the work of (director) Kathryn Bigelow, or a series that focuses on what it looks like when a film treats a city as a character,” Morgan said – and other special screenings and events. The goal, Morgan said, is “really interesting, thoughtful programming that works on a calendar model ... where every single day looks a little bit different.” The cinema, organizers hope, will mean that more people than ever will be able to enjoy what Sidewalk has to offer. “You can be a part of the Sidewalk family and never come to the festival now,” Cook says. “We hope that’s not the case, but it will be an option where it really hasn’t been before.” Tickets to the festival range from $35 for day passes to $270 for VIP passes, and prices increase Aug. 19. Tickets can be purchased at sidewalkfest.com by clicking on the “Tickets” tab.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 8, 2019 • 7
ABOUT TOWN
Photo courtesy Alabama Symphony Orchestra
John Carter said. “After serving many years on the Maestro’s Ball Corporate Committee, I am thrilled to give my support to the Alabama Symphony Orchestra by hosting this special night with them.” Emmett McLean serves as the 2019 Maestro’s Ball Corporate Chair. Members of the Maestro’s Ball Corporate Committee include: William A. Bowron Jr., Dell S. Brooke, F. Dixon Brooke Jr, William W. Brook, Barbara Burton, John From left, Emmett and Catherine McLean with Molly and John Carter.
ASO Highlights France in the 2019 Maestro’s Ball The Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s 2019 Maestro’s Ball, set for Sept. 6, is designed to take the audience on a musical journey to Paris. Musical choices will explore the romance, drama and beauty of French music, an ASO statement said. “I am excited to begin my fifth year with the ASO by continuing our journey around the globe, this time in France,” Maestro Carlos Izcaray said, in the statement. “The Maestro’s Ball is one of Birmingham’s most spectacular events of the year. It’s a night to dress up, relax, and enjoy an evening surrounded by fellow music lovers.” The black-tie event this year will
be hosted by Molly and John Carter at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. The ball is the ASO’s largest annual fundraising event, raising as much as 10% of the ASO’s operating budget. It promotes the ASO’s artistic, educational and community outreach programs. The evening, which begins at 6 p.m., will feature a champagne reception and concert, followed by a gourmet dinner prepared by Chris and Idie Hastings of Hastings Catering. The wine for the event will be provided by Susan and Tom Lowder of Holman Ranch, the Curtin family and DuMol. “It’s an honor for Molly and me to host the Maestro’s Ball this year,”
Carter Jr., Laura Carter, Liles Carter, Virginia Hazelrig Carter, Peter Curtin, C.T. Fitzpatrick, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Melanie Grinney, Chris Harmon, Cathy Harvey, Jimmie Harvey, Nancy Lewis, Colin Luke, G. Adam McClain, Danny McKinney, Maggie O’Connor, Tyler O’Connor, Charlie Perry, Karen Piassick, Joel Piassick, Lee Thuston, Nick Willis, Tim Vines and Jesse Vogtle. For the fifth year, young associates from sponsoring corporations will
have their own reception following the concert. The young professionals party is sponsored by Vulcan Value Partners and will be catered by Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen. The ASO is the state’s only fulltime professional orchestra. It serves nearly 100,000 people a year through its concert series, youth programs and educational and community engagement efforts. For more information, contact Kimberly King at 314-6917.
THE ARBOR E S TA B L I S H E D 1 9 7 6
After 43 years, The Arbor is relocating to a larger space. We can’t wait to reveal the next chapter of our company’s growth, so stay tuned. In the meantime, we will be liquidating as much inventory as possible so we don’t have to move it —everything is at least 30% off.
RELOCATION
Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary! THANK YOU TO OUR PATIENTS, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES FOR YOUR SUPPORT. Van C. Reeder, MD Robert E. Foster, MD C. Andrew Brian, MD Brian D Snoddy, MD James R. Trimm, MD Michael S. Bailey, MD Jason B. Thompson, MD Jacob C. Townsend, MD
Brian A. Flowers, MD Robert H. Yoe IV, MD James G. Towery, MD Joshua N. Cockrell, MD Corey M. Coleman, MD Joshua A. Turner, MD John L. Parks, MD
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NEWS
8 • Thursday, August 8, 2019
Bigger and Stronger
By Emily Williams
Bell Center Celebrates Grand Opening of New State-of-the-Art Facility
Briggs noted that the new building was designed to enhance and accelerate the center’s offerings for the future. “As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how having the right people in the right environment can really make a difference in the lives of peo-
‘For 35 years, the Bell Center has provided early intervention services to infants and toddlers. Even more than that, we have provided a community to our families, and now this community has a home that will help it grow bigger and grow stronger and more closely knit.’
Journal photo by Emily Williams
“Children all have potential, and they all have to be loved and cared for,” is a quote from Betty Bell, founding director of The Bell Center for Early Intervention. On July 30, center officials, families, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of a new facility designed specifically to care for children at risk of developmental delays. “In 1984, a small group of women had a vision, a vision born out of a small classroom at Trinity United Methodist Church,” said Benny LaRussa, who co-chaired the campaign to raise money for the new building, “A vision to provide early intervention services to children born with developmental delays. A vision to hire Betty Bell, a highly skilled nurse with a vision of her own. “ Jill Deer of Brasfield and Gorrie also co-chaired the fund drive, which raised $8.6 million in project funds for the 18,000-square-foot facility. “This is a very easy place to get behind,” said LaRussa. “All you have to do is show up when the kids are in action with the professional staff and it sells itself. “I don’t think I have ever been involved, in all of my years of any kind of fund development, of being given an opportunity like this one.” With its new building, the center hopes to increase its classes. According to Executive Director Jeannie Colquett, the facility’s staff is thrilled with the result. “For 35 years, the Bell Center has provided early intervention services to infants and toddlers,” Colquett said. “Even more than that, we have provided a community to our families, and now this community has a home that will help it grow bigger and grow stronger and more closely knit.” At the ribbon-cutting, Bell stood alongside Colquett and project leaders to help cut the ribbon on the facility that will carry the organization she helped found into the future. “Betty never wanted anything
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JEANNIE COLQUETT
Bell Center Executive Director Jeannie Colquett, is joined by, from left, Bell Center for Early Intervention Board President Dow Briggs; capital campaign co-chair Jill Deer; Founding Director Betty Bell; and capital campaign co-chair Benny LaRussa.
other than to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families, and I think she’s done that and much, much more,” Colquett said. The new facility offers spaces the old facility didn’t have the room to include, allowing for up to 60 more participants. The building includes a third toddler room, a third infant room, a small-group instruction room, a toddler playroom and a sensory room. The facility has been outfitted with updated technology, specifically hightech classrooms with smart boards and sound systems. Finally, a backyard space allowed
the project team to create a playground to accommodate children with special needs. More than a year before the ribbon cutting, on July 25, 2018, a similar crowd of people gathered on the empty lot after the old Bell Center had been demolished. They were there to ceremonially break ground on the project in partnership with Brasfield & Gorrie, Live Design Group and Perry Design.
A Decade in the Making
Though the work to plan the new building began about four years ago, the vision for the center’s future had been in the works for a decade.
“It was a labor of love for sure,” said Deer. “It really started about four years ago, by a small group of board members led by Douglas Lee.” Deer noted that Lee helped coordinate a conversation with staff to decide what tools the facility needed to serve participants in the best way possible. Two years later, she noted, the project team came together to start the work. “We are past excited about the new opportunities that will come as a result of this project,” said Bell Center board President Dow Briggs. “It’s been a long journey to get us to where we are today.”
ple,” he said. “And I’m convinced that that will happen here. Now that I see the new center, it’s kind of hard to believe the unbelievable care and services that were provided at the old site.” On Aug. 24, the center’s junior board will host its 11th annual Tailgate Challenge from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Last year, the fundraiser was held on the empty lot; this year, attendees will taste tailgating dishes alongside the new building. In addition to a team cooking competition, the festivities will include music, football team mascots, games and more. The event will raise funds for the facility’s operational costs as staff help transition its participants from early intervention through preschool. For more information, visit thebellcenter.org.
Hoover Establishes a Plan for Growth to Transform the City
By Sam Prickett
On July 9, the city of Hoover’s planning and zoning board voted unanimously to approve the city’s first-ever comprehensive plan. The vote marked the end of a twoyear process that involved city officials, school system officials and Hoover residents – “a true cross-section of the city,” said Mayor Frank Brocato. While the resulting 178-page document has no regulatory power, it charts a suggested course for the city’s growth across four broad categories – its social, economic, natural and built environments – by outlining what it describes as a series of “guid-
ing principles for making Hoover a successful and sustainable city.” More specifically, that involves plans for establishing walkable city centers, reducing traffic congestion and diversifying the city’s economy. Establishing a comprehensive plan was one of Brocato’s campaign promises – one that he said was motivated by looking at ways that the city had originally grown. “The biggest challenge is, you just think about how Hoover grew up as a suburb,” he said. “I don’t want to say that there wasn’t any planning, but it was like, whoever got there first, that’s what was built. There wasn’t anything in mind when it came to connectivity, walkability, things like
that.” Walkability is a keyword that recurs throughout the comprehensive plan, and Brocato said that making
‘We want to have the highest possible quality of life of any city in the Birmingham-metro area.’ HOOVER CITY PLANNER MAC MARTIN
Hoover more pedestrian-friendly was a priority expressed by many residents during the plan’s public com-
ment phase. “It turns out, that is what people want,” he said. “They like that lifestyle. They like to be able to walk to a little restaurant in their neighborhood, or to a coffee shop ... . People focus so much on a healthy environment and being able to get out and walk safely.” To address this, the plan establishes the idea of creating town centers – “hubs that cater to the needs of the adjoining communities and neighborhood” – as well as a city center, which is meant to serve as a gathering place for residents from throughout the city. These areas, Brocato said, are important to developing Hoover’s identity and sense of place.
Suggested town centers include Hidden Valley, an as-yet undeveloped stretch of land between Interstate 459 and U.S. Highway 150; the Lorna Road area, which the plan reimagines as a “secondary downtown;” and the Meadowbrook office park, which the plan suggests could transition into a “tech village” combining residential and commercial uses. For an overall city center, the plan identifies the Riverchase Galleria, due to its location and existing infrastructure. “We don’t have a real downtown, so we’d like to take this opportunity through the plan to develop a downtown Hoover,” Brocato said. “In our opinion, and the professionals See HOOVER, page 9
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
HOOVER From page 8
around us, that area is probably the Riverchase Galleria.” The plan establishes a handful of ways the mall might be redeveloped to fit that concept, including redeveloping parking lots into small parks and mixeduse buildings, establishing a cultural and performing arts center on the mall’s campus, and making streets more pedestrian-friendly. “The Galleria is a very vibrant, active mall and has been for 30 years, but we all know that retail is changing, and our shopping patterns are changing,” Brocato said. “So, we don’t want to just sit there and see the Galleria just start to experience a decline. We want to get ahead of the curve while it’s enjoying a good, solid life right now, take the opportunity as things become available to make it better and start to transform it in a way that’s more walkable, that develops a city-center sort of atmosphere.” He points to the SoHo development in Homewood as an example to emulate. “I think they’ve done a great job in Homewood in developing that essentially into a suburban city with that little bit of urban feeling.” But these redevelopment ideas aren’t just about increasing walkability and fostering a sense of place, said city planner Mac Martin. “I think what we’re looking at with the Galleria and several of the office parks is a microcosm of the larger goal
Thursday, August 8, 2019 • 9
NEWS and emphasis of the plan, and that’s to work toward diversifying the city’s economy over time,” he said. “What you see at the ground level in places like the Galleria, the office parks, and other areas of the city is really a diversification of the uses of land, creating more of a mixture of uses within close proximity to one another. “The highest and best use of a piece of property is one that can be utilized in some shape or form 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Instead of seeing these particular portions of town serving only one use, one of the strategies going forward is to look at it through the prism of mixed-use and having a variety of activities going on in these centers that will allow folks not only to go and shop there but also to work there, to recreate, to play and have entertainment, and even in some cases live there.”
Aiming at Road Congestion, Other Quality-of-Life Issues
The plan isn’t all about foot traffic – it also suggests several ways to alleviate road congestion, one of the biggest complaints received from the public. Those suggestions include constructing a series of connector roads throughout the city, as well as widening Old Montgomery Highway and portions of Valleydale Road. But, Martin said, town and city centers could play just as much of a role in reducing traffic. “We’re already seeing what I think we could already call success with the Village at Brock’s Gap,” he said, refer-
ring to the new development in the city’s Trace Crossings subdivision. “It’s an example of neighborhood-oriented commercial (development) coming right to the front door of residents. They’re not having to travel by vehicle as far; it’s right down the street from a lot of residences.” The plan covers a wide variety of other topics as well, including protecting natural resources such as the Cahaba River, working with Hoover City Schools on developing diverse career paths for students and establishing more efficient public transit. But each aspect of the plan, Martin said, contributes to one core goal: raising the quality of life for every Hoover resident. “We want to have the highest possible quality of life of any city in the Birmingham-metro area,” Martin said. “I think going through the plan and taking stock of all the strengths that we have, we’re already at or near the top. For us, the challenge is going to be continuing to offer the best possible quality of life for our citizens, and that encompasses the four main topic areas of the
plan – our built environment, our economic environment, our natural environment and our social environment. If we can excel and be exceptional in those four areas across our city, then our quality of life going forward will be unmatched.”
When asked if he has anything to add, Brocato laughs: “I thought that was pretty doggone good, myself.” Hoover’s comprehensive plan, as well as many supporting documents, is available online at futurehoover. com.
Vestavia Making Inroads on Widening of Crosshaven Drive
“As with most business dealings, it took some time to hammer out the legalities of right of way allowance, but the City has reached agreeable terms with all property owners to allow the road widening project to move forward,” communications specialist Cinnamon McCulley wrote in an Aug. 1 Facebook post. “Please continue to support your local Vestavia Hills businesses – in all areas of the city – while projects are ongoing.” The city will now begin working to turn those verbal agreements into legal agreements, then obtain a notice to proceed with the project. Officials expect to be able to put the project out to bid in the first quarter of 2020.
The city of Vestavia Hills has come to verbal agreements with owners of land needed to widen Crosshaven Drive, putting that project one step closer to a reality. As OTMJ reported in its July 11 edition, progress on the planned upgrades had been stymied by the city’s inability to reach agreements with 30 property owners for needed temporary construction easements and right of way allowances. The city now has reached verbal agreements and is working to turn those into legal agreements.
State Senator Jabo Waggoner; Mountain Brook Chamber President Vince Schilleci; State Reprentative Jim Carns; and luncheon moderator Paul DeMarco, above, from left. Other panelists include Representative David Faulkner and Senator Dan Roberts.
Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce Luncheon State of the State Chamber Luncheon August 27th, 11:00-1:00 Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Register at mtnbrookchamber.org
LIFE
10 • Thursday, August 8, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Stories of Survival From page one
third-generation survivors who ensure the stories and lessons of the Holocaust continue to live. She has spoken about her mother’s experiences on a number of occasions in a variety of venues, particularly at schools and colleges.
tacted the Holocaust Museum (in Washington, D.C.) and Yad Vashem (a Holocaust museum in Israel) for more information, trying to fill in some of the blanks.” Levy has two older brothers, one in Atlanta and one in Memphis. She’s been living in Birmingham for 41 years, attends Temple Beth-El and speaks frequently about the devastating impact of the Holocaust. “When I go speak at schools, I tell them to treat others with dignity and respect,” Levy said. “That’s the one thing I want them to remember – and some of these talks last for an hour – if they don’t remember anything else.”
A Horrific Journey
The L’Chaim event will be a combination of entertainment, education, and recognition, and feature The Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band under the direction of Alan Goldspiel and special entertainment arranged by Keith Cromwell of Red Mountain Theatre Company (RMTC), including vocalists Cantor Jessica Roskin, Caleb Clark, Tracy Winborn, and student performers from RMTC’s Conservatory.
‘She did not like to talk about it. At one point she decided to write it down. She started writing bits and pieces. I tried to do an oral history 25 years ago. We did some of that and I began researching.’ ESTHER LEVY, ABOVE, DAUGHTER OF HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR TOBI KAMORNIK GERSON, IN FRONT OF A PAINTING OF HER MOHTER WITH NOTES SHE MADE ABOUT HER HOLOCAUST EXPERIENCE.
L’Chaim will focus on some of that as well. It is the culmination of the BHEC’s annual fundraising campaign. The program, a combination of entertainment, education and recognition, will feature The Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band under the direction of Alan Goldspiel and special entertainment arranged by Keith Cromwell of Red Mountain Theatre Company, including vocalists Cantor Jessica Roskin, Caleb Clark, Tracy Winborn and student performers from RMTC’s Conservatory. A dessert reception will follow the program. Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for students and are available at bhecinfo.org/lchaim. All fundraising proceeds are used to advance the mission of the BHEC, which is to keep the history and lessons of the Holocaust alive so that new generations will apply these lessons to their own lives and make a difference in the world for the benefit of all humanity. For more information, contact BHEC at 795-4176.
The Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band
Cantor Jessica Roskin
Tracy Winborn
Caleb Clark
Photos courtesy BHEC
L’Chaim 2019
Entertainment, Education, Recognition
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Gerson was 14 years old when WWII started and living in the small town of Szczercow in Poland. When the Germans bombed her hometown, her family traveled to safety in Lodz. “They left home with nothing but the clothes on their backs,” Levy said. “When they came back home, it was bombed so badly there was nothing but ashes.” During a six-year period, Gerson went from a work camp in Praszka to the Lodz Ghetto to Auschwitz to Berlin, where she worked in a munitions factory, to Ravensbruck, a concentration camp for women. Finally, in 1945, she made it to freedom in Sweden thanks to the Swedish Red Cross. Her parents, two sisters, a brother, a nephew and sisterin-law perished under Nazi rule. Only she and her eldest brother survived. Gerson was 20 years old when she came to the United States with an uncle. “She settled in Atlanta,” Levy said. “My father, Max Gerson, had emigrated to Atlanta before the war. He was from the same hometown in Poland. He was one of seven siblings and not one of them or any of their children survived.” The pain and suffering was unbearable for Gerson. “She did not like to talk about it,” Levy said. “At one point she decided to write it down. She started writing bits and pieces. I tried to do an oral history 25 years ago. We did some of that and I began researching. “It’s an ongoing thing. I’m constantly asking questions. I have con-
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Dementia and the Family
St. Luke’s Memory Care Fundraiser Features Author Patti Callahan Henry WILLIAM EUGENE RUTLEDGE JOSEPH HENRY RUTLEDGE Author Patti , II Callahan (1987-2018)
By Emily Williams
Henry will share her new novel “The Favorite Daughter,” which explores themes of memory and family.
PHoto courtesy St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook’s newest ministry, Founders Place, has invited author Patti Callahan Henry for a meet the author and book signing event Aug. 27. Henry will share her new novel “The Favorite Daughter,” which explores themes of memory and family. The event will raise money for the ministry and its efforts to provide respite for caregivers and quality programming for memory care patients. In 2018, approximately 92,000 Alabamians suffered from Alzheimer’s, according to data from the Alzheimer’s Association. In 2017, an estimated 304,000 Alabamians identified themselves as caregivers for a person with memory loss. “Founders Place opened in late April and is now able to accommodate several additional participants,” said Executive Director Susanna Whitsett. The program hosts programming on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for $40 a day. There also is a caregiver support group that meets Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. “Founders Place has been a breath of fresh air for me and my husband,”
Thursday, August 8, 2019 • 11
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one of the ministry’s caregiver participants was quoted as saying in a statement from the group. “We both look forward to it every week. He often asks when it will be time to go back. It gives us both a break from each other and I think it makes him feel like he still has some independence. He gets to go somewhere without me.” According to Whitsett, the hope is to add more days in the future. “Attending Founders Place feels a little like going to camp; we paint, tell stories, sing, exercise, play games and eat lunch together – all kinds of activities that stimulate the brain and pro-
vide opportunities to socialize,” Whitsett said. “And there’s always a lot of laughter and love.” The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the church and includes opening remarks from Miller Piggott of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, along with a wine and cheese reception and book signing. Tickets for the event are $35, with funds benefitting Founders Place’s mission to provide quality programming for adults with memory loss, caregiver respite and volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit foundersplacepresents.eventbrite.com.
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LIFE
Canterbury Day School Bids Adieu to 30-Year Director Linda Wingo
Canterbury United Methodist Church Day School Director Linda Wingo is saying goodbye to a position she has held for the past three decades. On Aug. 1, church staff and the advisory council hosted a reception for Wingo and her family to celebrate her career at the school. Her final day as director will be Aug. 30. Before joining the Day School, Wingo taught in an elementary school. When her middle child was born a
month prematurely, she had to take extra maternity leave to care for him. “Then our daughter surprised us,” Wingo said, with a laugh. “They were born 16 months apart, so I had to take another year’s leave.” At that point, she decided to leave work and focus solely on her children for awhile.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
By Emily Williams
Changing Lanes
Wingo entered into her 30-year career directing the Day School almost by accident. When her youngest child was 2 years old, she received two separate
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phone calls from two different Canterbury UMC staffers on the same day. “Neither of them were aware that the other was calling me, and both were telling me about this little parttime job,” she said. Serving as Day School director didn’t end up being a part-time job. It was pretty much full-time, and occasionally it had her working seven days out of the week. Before the nursery broke off from the Day School, Wingo oversaw both operations, which had her “working morning, noon and night,” she said. As the demand for good preschool programming grew, Wingo wanted to maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio in the classrooms. She put a cap on the number of students who could attend. “You don’t want a crowd control issue in the classroom because you want those students to learn everything that they possible can,” she said. “These are some of the most important years of these children’s lives.” Wingo noted that the position offered her the best of both worlds, giving her time to work while also keeping her kids occupied. “I was apprehensive at first, because I had been teaching older children,” she said. “But after I started, I thought, ‘Why had I not been teaching younger ones this whole time?’” Throughout the years, Wingo was never bored. She said she continued
Colonial Dames Installs 2019-2021 Officers
The Birmingham-based George Maris chapter of the Colonial Dames of the 17th Century recently installed its officers for the 2019-2021 term in a ceremony at the Country Club of Birmingham. Officers include Mary Anne Kane-Garrett, president (Trussville); Pam Spivey, first vice president (Birmingham); Elizabeth Gillian, second vice president (Wetumpka); Mary Woodard, chaplain (Pelham); Rita Reid, recording secretary (Montevallo); Colleen Sanders, corresponding secretary (Birmingham); Meg Hyde, treasurer (Vestavia Hills); Mary Jane Tingle, registrar (Mountain
Laurel Keel, Amy Smith and Kelsey Shelton.
Above left, Jan Coats and Carolyn Phillips. Above right, Katie Howell and Linda Wingo. Below, from left, Taylor Wingo, Greg and Brooks Wingo and Shepard Wingo with Linda and Steve Wingo.
learning new things from the students. “The greatest thing is that all of these children keep me laughing all the time. … It’s the most wonderful thing,” she said. After she announced her retirement to staff and parents, one of the 4-yearold students approached Wingo.
“She said, ‘Who is going to take your place? Could it be you?’ Her eyes were full of tears and it was just the sweetest thing,” Wingo said. According to Day School teacher Rita Cooper, Wingo will be sorely missed by the entire school – staff, students and parents included.
Brook); Halcyann Badham, historian (Birmingham); Catherine Kirpalani, librarian (Birmingham); and Marlene Lawley, parliamentarian (Helena). The Colonial Dames of the 17th Century is a lineage society for women, founded in 1915. In addition to historical preservation, the society funds scholarships and donates to veterans groups. The George Maris chapter was the first to be founded in Alabama in 1952. The state society is led by Judith Kennedy Arthur of Alabaster, who is a member and past president of the George Maris chapter. Additional state officers include Deborah Whitmore Hicks (Eufaula); Janet Denman Langley (Guntersville); Rita Haywood Reid,
state corresponding secretary (Montevallo); Mary Wyatt Buehler (Prattville); Kimberly Jo Alexander (Madison); Martha Ann Higginbotham Whitt (Huntsville); Alice Stallworth Lancaster (Columbus, Mississippi); Valerie White Harris (Dothan); Janell Smith Kozak (Opelika); and Mary Anne Kane-Garrett, state registrar (Trussville). Today, there are 11 Alabama chapters and chapters in 45 states and Canada. Members must prove their direct descent from a person who contributed to the founding of the American colonies before 1701. For more information, including membership inquiry, visit colonialdames17calabama. weebly.com/
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Thursday, August 8, 2019 • 13
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
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RAISING HOPE
Hope in the Ham Raises Funds for the ACS Hope Lodge
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
T
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Journal photos by Jordan Wald
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Auburn Club Sends off Freshmen, Kicks-Off Football Season Auburn University alumnae and students gathered at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel on July 25 for the Greater Birmingham Auburn Club’s annual AU Athletics Kick-Off and Freshman Send-Off. Featured speakers included Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, Auburn football running back coach and former player; and Rodney Garner, Auburn football associate head coach. Speakers were joined by Auburn football greats and coaches, the AU pep band, cheerleaders, War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen, and the 2019 SEC Basketball Tournament Champions Trophy. Festivities included a kid’s zone, the freshman send-off for new students and a VIP reception. In addition, the event marked the 50th anniversary of the 1969 AU football team and the 25th anniversary for the 1994 AU football team.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
16 • Thursday, August 8, 2019
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Miller lives in Vestavia Hills with her husband Bud and their children, Ella Kate and Win. She most TA Nrecently N E R served as the Executive Director of N the Parkinson FO U N DAT I O Association of Alabama. FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES
The Tanner Foundations seeks to enhance the lives of individuals with neurological disease through educational and research opportunities. The foundation was established in 2003 and is named after a former healthcare executive, Tony Tanner, who lives with MS. The foundation is currently involved in a multi-center grant for Tele-excercise in Multiple Sclerosis and has been able to offer financial assistance and educational events for both individuals with neurological disease, caregivers and healthcare professionals. The addition of a new executive director, Mary T. Miller, will broaden the scope and area of the community that the foundation is able to serve.
alaneuro.com/tanner-foundation
Lisa, Key and Madelyn Warren.
109 Hilltop Business Drive Pelham www.GriffithArtGallery.com 205.985.7969
Mac, Will and Margaret Frasier.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 8, 2019 • 17
SOCIAL
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Will Murray, McKenzie Cox, and Kelly and Michael Atchison.
Stephanie Swindle, Ken Jackson and Kerri Keith.
Artsy Barksy Shelby Humane Raises Money With Bark & Wine Gala
The 10th annual Bark & Wine was hosted July 20 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook, raising funds for the Shelby Humane Society. A live auction featured handmade, reclaimed wood pet beds built by Randall Lucas and painted by local artists. A VIP auction preview, featuring specialty cocktails and custom bidding paddles, gave a select number of guests the chance to see the customized beds. Festivities continued with a silent auction, seated dinner, program and the live auction. Funds raised at the event will benefit the humane society’s work throughout the community and the state. ❖
Bart and Danielle Yancey.
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Kimberly and Matt Womble with Therena Smith and Bart Wilkerson.
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Meagan Wilson and Cassidy Poe.
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Lynn Coleman, Bruce Rawls, Yorke Williams, Kathryn Harwell, Jimmie and Louise Wright and Jane Elmore. Below, Kathy and Mike Pearce.
Dance to the Music
Fandango Dances to the Ramblers at Spring Party The Fandango held their last meeting of the year on May 21 at Betsy Dreher’s home, reflecting on a year of fun and friendship. The club hosted a “Welcome Spring Party” at the Jay Harbert Youth Center at The Exceptional Foundation on March 29. Many partygoers celebrated Auburn’s big win against North Carolina in the NCAA Basketball Tournament, socializing and dining on a delicious dinner. The menu included fried catfish, chicken, shrimp, coleslaw, fries and hushpuppies, provided by Whisker’s Catfish Catering. The crowd then danced the night
away with the Ramblers, a local 60s band. Enjoying the party were Livy and James Abele, Frank Alverson, Dalton and Jon Blankenship, Lyn and James Bradford, Ann and Craig Campbell, Sarah and John Chisolm, Ann Luckie and Trotter Cobb, Lynn Coleman and Jim Brown, Paula Cox, Martha Lee and William Culp, Debbie and Dave Dresher, Jane Elmore, Kathryn Harwell, Anne and Barrett Hicks, Becky and Greg Keyes, Lillian and Walt Laughlin, Judy and Bruce Matthews, Carolyn and Frank Nowicki, Jowane Patton, Kathy and Mike
Photos courtesy
18 • Thursday, August 8, 2019
Pearce, Charlotte Powell, Hallie and Bruce Rawls, Margaret and Jim Reyher, Carla and Loyd Roberson, Brenda and Alan Ross, Sister Rutland, Lochrane Coleman and Mell Smith, Shirley Ann and Ed Stringfellow, Vivian and Tommy Tucker, Elise Warren, Mary Ellen West, Yorke Williams and Louise and Jimmie Wright. ❖
HOME
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 8, 2019 • 19
VIEW FROM THE TOP
1920s Vestavia Hills Home Transforms to Suit Today, Maintains Memories of the Past
S
By Emily Williams
Starting From Scratch
The house was completely gutted, while the front facade and the front porch were maintained. “We basically took it down to the studs and then put it back in the same way,” the homeowners said. “The trims look the same as they did before.” Before renovations, almost every room had a door, shutting off the flow of traffic through the home. In addition, the kitchen was small. “We wanted to keep with the original look of the house, which was very traditional,” the homeowner added. “So, we just updated everything to work with today’s style of living.” An addition to the back of the house on the main level and in the basement gave room to create a larger kitchen, main-level master suite and back porch. To support the opened pathway
Journal photos by Emil Wald
ome of the oldest homes in Vestavia Hills dot Shades Mountain, built well before the city’s incorporation in 1950. The area was first established in the late 1800s by former two-term Birmingham Mayor George B. Ward, who built his Greco-Roman-inspired “Vestavia” estate where Vestavia Hills Baptist Church now stands. A wave of people built grand homes along Shades Crest Road and Vestavia Drive in the mid to late 1920s. When a Southern Colonial-style home on Vestavia Drive, originally built in 1929, came on the market in early 2013, it hadn’t had a new owner in 50 years. When a young husband and wife, married in 2009, purchased the home in 2013, they were in love with the location. They had kept a close watch on the street, waiting for a home to go on the market. “We just thought that it had really good bones and fell in love with it,” said one of the homeowners. The late ‘20s home had been renovated when it was purchased in the ‘60s, but it maintained some of those less-appealing qualities of its origins – asbestos, plaster walls, not a friend to WiFi and a floor with nearly every room closed off from the rest by a door. Enlisting the help of builder Philip Woods, the couple embarked on a three-year mission to breathe new life into the house, bringing it into the modern age while resurrecting some of the home’s original charm that was lost to the ‘60s.
breezeway that connects the home to the new multi-car garage that houses the family’s vehicles and collection of vintage cars. “This is my favorite room,” one of the homeowners said while making her way into the kitchen. Light blue-grey cabinetry extends along the back wall, with windows providing views of the new back patio and the garden below. Countertops were kept a neutral tone of stone while the cabinets conceal all shelving and most appliances, save the cooking range. It was important to make the kitchen one of the largest rooms in the house. “That’s how everyone lives today,” the homeowner said. “We live out of our kitchens.” When the homeowners are entertaining, traffic easily flows to the main living room through a breakfast nook with more cabinetry along the back wall to create an extension of the kitchen.
The Suite Life
An addition to the back of the house on the main level and in the basement, below, gave room to create a larger kitchen, above, main-level master suite and back porch. Above, right, a framed, black-and-white photograph of a gorilla rests above the mantle, purchased because it reminded the homeowners of a gorilla trekking excursion they took while traveling in Africa. Mary Finch of McCollister and Company created an interior design plan based on warm neutrals.
throughout the house, Mary Finch of McCollister and Company created an
interior design plan based on warm neutrals. Foregoing stark white, the
walls and ceilings feature various warm shades of off-white, with pops of color introduced through furnishings. It’s a timeless look, according to the owners. The foyer is open to both the living room on the left and the dining room on the right. The focal point as you enter is the staircase. The banister at the bottom was replaced, but hints of the original were maintained upstairs. A coat closet and breakfast room were turned into a butler’s pantry that connects the dining room to the kitchen. To the right of the room, additions included closing in a screened in porch and creating an office space and a bathroom. The space leads out to an added
The homeowners created a new master suite that juts off from the living room, replacing what had been a master suite upstairs. A laundry room was added off the living room, just outside of the doorway to the bedroom. The master bath is filled with neutral tiles and a sleek, modern soaking tub that is a statement piece in the room. The main living room maintains the original look. The mantle over the fireplace and the marble surround are both original to the home. “It was broken in pieces (during the renovation) but they put it back together,” the homeowner said. Above the mantle is a flat-screen television, which Finch wanted to give the homeowners the ability to hide. While staying at a hotel, the homeowners were inspired by a bi-fold print that covered a television. A custom piece was made for their home using antiqued mirror panels rather than prints. A sunroom off the living room had seen better days when the homeowners bought the house. In true ‘60s style, the previous homeowner had put up busy wallpaper along the walls and on the shutters that covered the rooms’ many windows, along with drapes featuring an identical pattern. The room is now neutrals and devoid of window treatments, allowing light to shine across the space and See VIEW, page 20
20 • Thursday, August 8, 2019
VIEW
Converting Upstairs
From page 19
flood across the room’s original fireplace. A framed, black-and-white photograph of a gorilla rests above the mantle, purchased because it reminded homeowners of a gorilla trekking excursion they took while traveling in Africa.
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Back to the foyer and up the stairs, four bedrooms can be found in the four corners of the top level of the home, each now featuring an en suite bathroom. Two rooms on the level originally shared a sleeping porch, which was later converted into a sitting room by the previous owner. Sleeping porches were highly popular in the 1920s as a way to beat the Southern heat. In addition to having many windows to create a cross-breeze, these rooms were thought to have health benefits. Germs still were not fully understood at the time, but it was theorized by doctors that sleeping while exposed to the outdoors was beneficial to the immune system. Specifically, they hoped it would help combat a person’s susceptibility to tuberculosis, which was one of the leading causes of death in this time period. In the present day, there isn’t too much use for the room, with air conditioning taking care of the summer heat. So, the current owners converted it to a closet and craft room and used some space to split up the original Jack and Jill bathroom.
In the Basement
Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 824-1246
r AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the over years combined experience and deep roots 19, 2018 issue. With Please fax40 approval or changes to 824-1246. in the community, let us partner with you throughout your home search in the Birmingham area. including ake sure all information is correct,
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SINCE
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In the basement, the history of the house is at its most unavoidable. When descending the staircase into the basement, visitors are faced with a dormant coal-burning furnace. To the left of the furnace is a short wall that sections off a space where coal would be stored and then shoveled into the furnace. Back in the day, a truck would pull up to the porch and dump the coal into the basement area through a small hole in the wall. Now the area provides the perfect amount of space for a custom shuffleboard table. The work of shoveling coal into the furnace would heat the house through a series of ducts connected to smaller radiators, but it also would
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carry coal dust throughout the house. The radiators have been removed, but the main furnace is nearly impossible to remove because of its weight and location. So, the main structure of the furnace was cleaned up with some charcoal grey paint and now acts as a piece of art in the room. One of the must-haves for the new homeowners – second only to the need for more kitchen space – was a large state-of-the-art wine cellar,
Journal photos by Emil Wald
Roman BRantley
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The lower level of the guest house now serves as a study. Dark wooden bookcases fill an entire wall, fully stocked with books and knick-knacks.
found just past the basement stairs. It features copious amounts of shelving and a tasting area, housing the family’s extensive wine collection.
Out to the Lawn
Off the basement is a newly added media room filled with University of Alabama memorabilia and a hall, which leads to the backyard. The lawn has been transformed into a formal English-style garden, with pebble pathways leading away from the house, weaving around a small lawn, past an outdoor dining table and finally to the guest house. The driveway along the left side of the house slopes down toward the guest house, revealing the structure’s original purpose as a garage. The two bays for cars were replaced with windows by the previous owner, who transformed the space into a multipurpose room. “It was a kids hang-out spot,” the homeowners said. “Then there was a spiral staircase leading upstairs, where there was a big room and a bathroom.” Because the staircase was so narrow, there wasn’t a good way to get furniture to the room upstairs. Thus, the new homeowners decided to remove the spiral stairs and make the upper and lower levels two separate spaces. The lower level of the guest house now serves as a study. Dark wooden bookcases fill an entire wall, fully
stocked with books and knick-knacks. A seating area with leather chairs looks as if it could have been pulled right out of an English castle. Stairs were then added on the back of the guest house to a new mother-inlaw suite above, which is almost a polar opposite to the downstairs. The suite upstairs is light and airy, featuring neutrals akin to those found throughout the main house. Though there isn’t a kitchen, there is a coffee cart table made of light wood that even includes a retro-looking Igloo mini-fridge. Beyond the guest house, lawns and main house, the home extends to the opposite side of Vestavia Drive with a lawn situated on an overlook. The space originally was filled with brick pathways, which were lifted and cut in half to replace the red tile on the main home’s porch and the former screened-in porch space. “There was a fountain and things of that nature. We took all of that out, except for the gazebo, and put in a bocce ball court,” the homeowners said. The space has seen various engagements, one hosted just last week for a family friend. The overlook across the street also provides the homeowners with a view of landscape that has changed, but mountains that have stood tall since the home was built almost a century ago.
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Devine’s Flooring America
Devine’s Flooring America is a local family owned and operated full-service flooring store, which has been providing design help and professional installation for over twenty years. They offer a range of options in diverse styles and colors to help every patron find the perfect choice for them including unfinished hardwood, hardwood sand and finish, prefinished hardwood, waterproof flooring, ceramic tile, laminate and carpet. Special financing is available to qualified purchasers with your “Synchrony Home” credit card. “Devine’s Flooring America is a second-generation flooring company,” said Stephanie Miller, coowner of the business with her husband Billy and his parents. Billy started working part-time at 15 years old in installation. After learning the installation side of the business, he has taken over the insurance restoration department of the business. Years later, after Stephanie and Billy had married, she joined the company. Her background in retail management and merchandising was a natural fit for the family business model.
Stephanie said, “Some of their favorite projects are the Kitchens and Main living areas of the home. Making the homeowner proud and excited to open their Home to friends and family to entertaining is a great feeling we get from our customers. We try not to be too trendy. We help our customers choose what best fits with their existing home as well as something that will last for years. The more your home looks clean, fresh and up to date the faster it will sell when you get ready to move.” “Being family owned and operated, we will be there, from selection to installation, our family believes in customer service. You will be working with a family member. As Flooring America co-op members, we are made better by the backing of the nation’s largest floor covering cooperative. “Business referrals, especially from insurance restoration customers and their Next-door neighbors, provides over 65% of our business. Let us bring new life to your home!” Devine’s Flooring America is located at 1553 Montgomery Hwy., in Hoover. 942-1163..
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22 • Thursday, August 8, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
FOODIE NEWS Second Location of Carrigan’s Coming Soon to Mountain Brook Village
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
This fall, Carrigan’s Public House will be opening a second location in Mountain Brook Village. The new gastropub is owned by David Carrigan, who owns the downtown location on Morris Ave. and Brat Brot in Lakeview. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Dram, Carrigan hopes to maintain a true cocktail According to lounge atmosphere similar to Carrigan, the downtown location, which is new spot will 21+, but with a few tweaks. offer table According to Carrigan, service, and the new spot will offer table will welcome service, and will welcome persons under persons under 21 when 21 when accompanied accompanied by a guardian. . by a guard“While the staples of both ian. the food and drink menus will remain in place, we will definitely be using the unique attributes of this space and location to offer some new and exciting options,” Carrigan said. “More on that later as we get closer to opening.” He hopes the new location will be up and running by October, or November at the latest. The original location of Carrigan’s will remain open downtown. For more information, email info@ carriganspub.com.
Wine and Song at the Haven
Ash owner and executive chef Mark Driskill has worked as head chef at Bottega Café and Mountain Brook’s Brick and Tin. Ash, which opened in West Homewood last August, takes its name from the restaurant’s wood-fire cooking process.
Wood-Fired Experience
Ash Neighborhood Bar and Grill Gets Ready for Restaurant Week With a Focus on Family By Sam Prickett When Birmingham Restaurant Week first started in 2009, Mark Driskill was working at Highlands Bar and Grill under the direction of award-winning chef Frank Stitt. But as the annual dining event prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Driskill finds himself in a very different position: as owner and executive chef of his own restaurant, Ash Neighborhood Bar and Grill. Driskill, who also has worked as head chef at Bottega Café and Mountain Brook’s Brick and Tin, said his restaurant shares Stitt’s ethos of emphasizing the “beautiful” aspects of dining. “Food is meant to evoke beauty, from coming through your door in its raw form, through how it’s being prepared, how it’s being plated and presented to the guests, how it’s being eaten and enjoyed – all of that together is supposed to be an experience that magnifies the beauty of the food,” he said. Ash, which opened in West Homewood last August, takes its name from the restaurant’s wood-fire cooking process, which Driskill said he chose to use because “it’s such a natural way to cook. It’s how people first cooked anything, thousands and thousands of years ago. It’s an element that provides familiarity and comfort and yet uniqueness to food that people don’t get
in a lot of dining experiences.” But just as importantly, he said, the woodfired technique “really forces me to be grounded in how I approach the ingredients.” In many ways, Ash’s culinary approach is a reaction to trends in cooking during the past 10 years, which Driskill characterizes as “people moving further away from the natural state of the food, manipulating it and trying to turn it into something else, trying to change flavors, trying to combine odd flavors, and really miss-
‘We really want to go back to this idea of community. We’re a neighborhood restaurant.’ MARK DRISKILL
ing the point of the natural ingredients.” Instead, he said, he focuses on getting “really fresh ingredients that don’t need a lot of extra manipulation” from vendors such as Joyce Farms and Smitherman Farms, and then letting them “speak for themselves.” As an example, he points to the restaurant’s simple herb marinade, which the restaurant uses with many of its dishes, including chicken, pork, steaks, even okra.
“It’s three very flavorful herbs, shallot, garlic and really good olive oil … . The marinade doesn’t overpower (the dish), it’s not anything super distinguishable, but it is going to enhance the flavor of what it’s put on,” he said. “For me, the manipulation comes when you’re trying to find ways to impart flavor or combine flavors using really fresh ingredients.”
Emphasis on Family-Friendly
Driskill has another goal, for Ash to become a family-friendly gathering place in the developing West Homewood area. “We really want to go back to this idea of community,” he said. “We’re a neighborhood restaurant. That’s why we planned it here as opposed to Second Avenue (in downtown Birmingham), or Avondale, or Pepper Place, or Railroad Park. I think we’re filling this niche of giving a space for people to come with their family and to feed them affordably, and to feed them food that you can trust, that wasn’t frozen, that didn’t come from a bag, that was made from scratch and made with care.” In contrast with some high-end restaurants, Ash goes out of its way to be child-friendly. Children eat free on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., for example, and Driskill emphasizes that the children’s menu is made with the same See ASH, page 23
Sample premium varietals from some of the best wineries while music performers and other secret performers keep the party lively at this year’s Birmingham Wine Fest. Set for 1 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 10 at the Haven. Must be 21, neat dress required. For more information go to “Birmingham Wine Fest 2019” Facebook page.
Kid-friendly Fun at Fam Jam Food Fest
Some of the area’s best kid-friendly restaurants come together for an afternoon of tasting on Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m at Jeff State Community College, Shelby-Hoover Campus. For more information visit famjamfoodfest. ticketleap.com.
Wing Fest Benefits Literacy Council
The Junior Board of the Literacy Council of Central Alabama presents Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest wing cook off featuring all the wings you can eat, live music and a kid’s zone on Aug. 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Ghost Train Brewing Co. Proceeds benefit the Literacy Council’s programs. For more information visit litchicken.org.
More than Music: A Taste of Birmingham
Support music education and the Birmingham Boys Choir at this one-of-a-kind tasting event. Taste of Birmingham, set for 6 to 9 p.m on Aug. 20 at the Haven, will include live entertainment and a live auction. Fore more details visit birminghamboyschoir.org.
Farm-to-fork Event Benefits Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network
Over 15 local farmer-chef pairs collaborate each on a single dish, which they serve in sample sizes to picnickers as they graze from booth to booth at the Fifth Annual Graze: Birmingham. Grazing from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 8 at Avondale Brewery. Fore more details visit asanonline.org/fifthannual-graze-birmingham.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 8, 2019 • 23
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
FOOD
The Dread River team from left, Stephen Suitts, Tracie Dugas, Dr. Jeff Dugas, Brian Rodgers, John Cubelic and Cyd Quick.
Dread River Distilling Opens Its Tasting Room and Bar to the Public
Dread River Distilling Co. has opened as the area’s newest distillery, one that comes with a tasting room and bar, event space and food service each night. A grand opening was held Aug. 3 for the venue, at 2400 7th Ave. South. Founders Jeffery Dugas and John
ASH From page 22
ingredients and care as the rest of the menu. “I have three kids, a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old, so I know how important it is what you’re putting into their bodies,” he said. “At the same time, we want to provide the same quality across the board, indiscriminately, for adult and for child.” That familyfriendly approach, Driskill said, is also important because it fits the demographics of the neighborhood. “Homewood in general is a young (area) with tons and tons of kids,” he said. “For me to come in and try to build something that doesn’t fit in with that would have been asinine on my part.” At the same time, Driskill said, he hopes the restaurant’s kid-friendliness doesn’t distract from quality of the food. “We think, for the most part, a lot
Cubelic have been working for almost four years to bring Dread River to life. The 9,000-square-foot manufacturing space opened earlier this year, tours and tastings have been conducted each weekend since Memorial Day, and now the tasting room and event space has opened to the public.
of people know us as the kid-friendly place or a more casual destination, and we absolutely want to continue to be that,” he said. “But when it comes to our food, it’s far more than that, and that’s what we want to set ourselves apart in.”
Restaurant Week Plans
Driskill said he hopes that Birmingham Restaurant Week will allow people who might not live in the West Homewood neighborhood to discover what Ash has to offer. “I wish more people knew that we were over here, that they have another option in Birmingham that is elite,” he said. “I say that with trepidation because it sounds arrogant, but I know how much love and care we all put into it ... . We want people to recognize us and that the quality of food we’re putting out here is worth driving across town for.” “But at the end of the day, we’re serving our community, and that’s what it’s about,” he adds. “That’s
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possibilities this space offers for events and experiences,” Cyd Quick, event coordinator said. “Our versatility, combined with our ongoing partnerships with local vendors, allows us to customize events of all sizes. We want each event to be a unique experience and feel that we have the space and resources to bring your vision to life.” Under state law, Dread River is permitted to sell only original alcoholic products. So small batches of beer will be brewed and wine will be bottled. Beverage director Stephen Suitts, who bartended in Los Angeles for 15 years, said the legal limitation was a challenge to reach for a more creative and versatile craft cocktail program. “The craft cocktail culture has exploded in recent years and is really only governed by a bartender’s imagination,” Suitts said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to narrow the focus of our program and accentuate the nuances of our individual spirits.” Brian Rodgers, formerly of Greystone Golf & Country Club, Five Star Plantation and the Alabama ABC Board, has been appointed CEO of the venture. —Virginia Martin
By Judy Butler
Compare Everything - Before Selecting a Rehab!
I recently made a road trip to pick up a client in Montgomery and take her to Bayshore Retreat. She was The venue, with a total of 4,000 in a treatment center called square feet in event space, contains Crossbridge Behavioral Health and I met her mother there. five semi-private or private rooms, in Not only were we not able to addition to the main bar area. Each get her discharged to go with of the rooms can accommodate small me, but also the place was gatherings, and the 700-square-foot so prison-like, we couldn’t private event room can accommodate go into the lobby without a larger groups for luncheons. guard unlocking not one … “I am excited about the numerous but two doors. At least her mother was able to speak to her by phone. She didn’t have what food has always been about.” her own clothes or any of her Birmingham Restaurant Week – possessions. which is actually 10 days long – will Experiencing this first hand take place Aug. 16-25. As part of resreminded me of other clinics taurant week, Ash will offer a threeI’ve seen. Be careful of the course meal for $30, featuring a choice you make. It seems choice between house salads and this one was interested in farmer’s market salad, grilled shrimp punishing the patient, instead August 8th-August 22nd and marinated chicken, and peach of affording her what some cobbler or soaked bourbon cake. For consider being a “vacation.” Just because Bayshore more information, including a list of Retreat has wonderful accomparticipating restaurants, visit bhammodations allowing clients to restaurantweek.com. wear their own clothes, keep their cell phone, etc. and provides top-level care, it is by no means a “vacation”. We don’t believe our clients should be punished; rather we want them to feel love and understanding. Our counselors lead them through the hard work of readjusting their approach to life. We must accept the fact that To: Attic Antiques no one plans to become an From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 addict. It happens for many FAX: 205-824-1246 complex reasons. For instance Date: August 2019 there are injuries that require pain medicine and it’s said This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the some opiates can become August 8, 2019 issue. Please fax approval or changes that to 824-1246. addictive with just five days of Some people have conPlease make sure all information is use. correct, sumed alcohol all their adult life, then find one day that they including address and phone number! cannot function without it. Compare and choose Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. carefully. If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Bayshore Retreat your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. is different and can make a difference.
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24 • Thursday, August 8, 2019
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Griffith Wins Iron City Chef Competition
Jeff State Culinary student Joy Geer, left, and Iron City Chef Champion Andrea Griffith from Pursell Farms.
Elaine Lyda, Vestavia Hills Rotary Club ICC Chair Kent Howard and Alabama’s 13 Meteorologist and ICC M.C. Jerry Tracey.
Tom Constantine and Tony Petellos, County Manager, Jefferson County.
Kent Howard, left, and Chef Joseph Mitchell, far right, director of the Culinary & Hospitality Institute, recognized longtime Vestavia Hills Rotary Club supporter Pardis Stitt, center, of Bottega and Highlands Bar and Grill.
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International Wines, Alabama Crown, Pinnacle, Grassroots and Rush. Ghost Train provided the crowd samples of their own home brew. Vestavia Rotary’s partnerships with Jefferson State’s Culinary and
Spartan’s Balzli and Hunter Awarded Irons Trophy Mountain Brook High School’s most outstanding long-distance track athletes recently were awarded the Colonel George V. Irons Distance Trophy. Anna Balzli and Hunter Harwell were given the trophies by William L. Irons, son of the award’s namesake, during Mountain Brook High School’s annual track and field banquet at the Country Club of Birmingham in May. The trophy is given in honor of Dr. George V. Irons Sr., who broke distance records throughout the South as captain of the University of Alabama Distance Team in the 1920s. The trophies are given to the most outstanding male and female distance runners at Mountain Brook High who have excelled in scholarship, leadership and service, according to a statement from Irons. The athletes are selected by the coaches at the end of the track season each year. Recognized as the “South’s premier distance runner” in 1978, Irons was inducted into the Alabama
Hospitality Institute and Alabama’s 13 – plus overwhelming community support – have allowed the organization to raise more than $150,000 in contributions over the last 10 years. department at Samford University for years. An anti-aircraft artillery commander in World War II, Irons rose to the rank of colonel and served 33 years reserve duty. In 2002, for his contributions as educator, civic leader and athlete, he was inducted into the Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame. He is the only individual who is a member of both the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame.
H K A R
Sports Hall of Fame. He is the only University of Alabama track athlete and the only distance athlete ever inducted in the Hall of Fame’s 50-year history. Irons was a Phi Beta Kappa honor graduate and Rhodes Scholar nominee. He earned his doctorate at Duke University and served as head of the history and political science
RD
WORK HARD
,Hills High School math and debate teams, and go toward Rotary International programs that improve living conditions for people around the world. The evening included a wine tasting sponsored by Piggly Wiggly and their wine distributor partners
Photo courtesy William L. Irons
the master of ceremonies. A first-time partner this year was AHEPA, which Howard said is a fraternal Greek organization much like Rotary International. Iron City Chef proceeds will provide scholarships for Jefferson State and AHEPA, support the Vestavia
WO
The 11th edition of the popular Iron City Chef Competition, held on July 27 at a new venue, Holy TrinityHoly Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral crowned a new champion: Andrea Griffith of Pursell Farms. Kent Howard, chairman of the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club’s annual fundraiser said the new location was a hit. “We’re excited about how well it went and the feedback we’re getting from those who attended,” said Howard. Other chefs competing for the title were defending champ Patrick McCown of Snapper Grabber’s Land and Sea, Made Subrata of Shiki Asian Cuisine and Benard Tamburello of Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato and Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila. Griffith and Subrata were top vote getters in the popular vote and went head-to-head, cooking onstage in a battle for the title. A panel of judges that included Scott Jones (Jones is Thirsty), Charles Brammer Jr. (Morgan Creek Winery) and Henny Mitchell chose Griffith the winner. Chef Joseph Mitchell, director of Jefferson State Community College’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute, secures the judges and chooses the protein for the finalists. He and the college are longtime Iron City Chef partners. Jefferson State culinary and hospitality institute students assist competing chefs at the event, and the student who serves as sous chef to the winner receives a $1000 scholarship. Jerry Tracey of Alabama’s 13, another Iron City Chef partner, was
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
FOOD/SCHOOLS
William L. Irons, son of George Irons presented trophies to Anna Balzli and Hunter Harwell at an awards ceremony in May.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
By Emily Williams During the summer, Hunter Anderson, an incoming tenth grader at Mountain Brook High School, trades in her clean clothes, backpack and makeup for bug spray, a backpack sprayer and leather boots as she works her family’s cattle farm. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently put the spotlight on Anderson via its Facebook page, praising her efforts to raise awareness about the need for agriculture education in schools. On July 25, a post was shared showcasing Anderson and the talk she prepared for the Mountain Brook Junior High Tedx event in March. “At my farm, we may not have cell service or even cable, but we do have nature and that’s just about all of the entertainment I’ll ever need,” Anderson said. Anderson’s daily task is trudging through fields with her sprayer full of weed killer, hunting for thistle; and helping contain cattle as they get their vaccinations. “Taking care of my cows on the
Thursday, August 8, 2019 • 25
SCHOOLS
Call Her a Cowgirl
farm is a huge part of me and I couldn’t imagine my life without it, but I remember a time when I wasn’t the only kid my age who felt this way about agriculture,” she said. In kindergarten, she recalls a teacher giving the class an assignment to draw what they wanted to be when they grew up. The pictures were then hung up in the kindergarten hallways. “I remember walking down that hall and seeing countless farmers and cowboys,” she said. “I was not alone.” Fast-forward to her junior high career prep class, where students watched videos of career clusters and ranked their top three and bottom three career choices. “Almost every single person in my class put agriculture in their bottom three, but there I was, sitting there with agriculture as top choice,” Anderson said. According to Anderson’s research, factory farming is king and 40 corporations control more than 80% of the beef in the United States. According to the most recent data
from the USDA’s Economic Research Service, farming accounted for 1.3 percent of 21.6 million jobs in the country. “For my peers, agriculture was not an option,” she said. “It is up to the next generation to take action and replenish the dying industry of agriculture. The next generations need that option. “That’s why agriculture needs to be taught in schools,” Anderson said. “Just as we teach science for kids to become doctors and math for kids to become engineers. We must teach kids agriculture for them to become farmers.” Anderson hopes that the next generation of kids will learn more about farming and that will draw more people into the farming industry and perhaps give small farming a better chance of standing up against factory farming. “If that natural interest isn’t nurtured, it will die out,” she said. “For many, it did, just like it did for those in my career prep class. We need to teach kids agriculture at a young age so their interest in it is nurtured.”
MBJH Tedx Speaker Anderson Earns Spotlight From USDA
Hunter Anderson
Altamont’s Lee Spends Summer Studying Politics In-Depth in Washington By Emily Williams
“The first week of the St. Albans School of Public Service was filled with fantastic speakers, group projects, day trips, and magnificent sites,” she wrote. In her first week, she heard from Charles Stimson, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for detainee affairs; authors of a biography about Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court; and a government cybersecurity expert, among others. “One of the greatest aspects of SPS is the method of teaching which parallels current affairs,” she said. “Through case study discussions and groups projects, we have learned about the state of our nation and the world, and how to approach these issues efficiently and effectively.” For example, Lee said, she participated in a mock-Supreme Court trial on a gerrymandering case the court was trying that same week. In addition to speakers, legislative simulations and discussions, Lee and her fellow participants took tours of government spaces, museums, landmarks and more within the city. She met Justice Elena Kagan at
North Shelby Senior Scores P.E.O. Star Scholarship
for the scholarship by the sisterhood’s chapter B, in Birmingham. Chapter representative Cheryl Clark presented the scholarship to Bass during the Isabella Bass Pelham High School awards ceremony. Bass is the daughter of Deana Freeman.
For Caroline Lee, a rising senior and SGA president at The Altamont School, studies don’t stop just because the school year has ended. Last year, Lee spent a portion of the seasonal break from school taking in a Frenchimmersion experience in Montreal, Canada. This Caroline Lee year, she recently spent the past four weeks in Washington, D.C., studying government, politics and public service. Lee participated in the St. Albans School of Public Service. She is among 40 students from throughout the country and beyond invited to join in the four-week in-depth program, and she kept the school community updated on her experience through posts on The Altamont Global Initiatives blog “Gateways.”
Isabella Bass, a senior at Pelham High School, has been granted a $2,500 P.E.O. Star Scholarship. She will be attending the University of Alabama beginning this fall and plans to study biology. The scholarships from the P.E.O. Sisterhood are based on excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, academics and potential for success, according to a statement. Bass was recommended
the Supreme Court, toured the House of Representatives floor with Nancy Pelosi’s floor director and discussed Middle Eastern affairs with former President George W. Bush’s national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, at the Hoover Institution. “I think I have to say Hadley’s talk was my high of the week, simply because his former occupation is my dream career,” she said. On week two, she met with fellow Birmingham-native Margaret Tutwiler, former ambassador to Morocco, former communications director and former state department spokeswoman, at her home. “One of the greatest takeaways from meeting her was the following quotation: ‘Never be afraid to start an argument,’” she said. “Tutwiler taught me to never be afraid to defend myself and my state, for false information should never go unchallenged.” In addition, Lee toured the Senate with former senator and former Democratic National Committee Chairman Chris Dodd and watched the proposition on a controversial carbon tax bill.
In her final week, Lee and her fellow program participants heard from investigative journalist Jane Meyer, political commentator Chris Matthews and Sen. Cory Booker. Throughout her time in the program, Lee created a mock bill on
immigration and spent time lobbying it with her participants. Bills were finally presented and voted on during the last days of the program. To read about Lee’s experience, visit altamontglobal.weebly.com/ gateways.
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26 • Thursday, August 8, 2019
Steamers 02 Black Win Title
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
VHSC Scores in National Competition
Steamers 02 to clinch the championship. Steamers 04 lost in the semifinals to eventual champions GPSCharlotte, their second loss of the summer. Steamers 03’s got three points off Arkansas United. But the team was knocked out by eventual champion Oregon United. The Attack 02 team got a last-second goal to tie Challenge East from North Texas, but they were knocked out by eventual champs North Shore from Massachusetts. The Steamers 05 team beat eventual champion Doxa United, but they were beat by teams from Buffalo and California.
Photo courtesy VHSC
The Vestavia Hills Soccer Club sent five teams to the U.S. Club National Championships in Denver, Colorado, in late July, and all five teams scored points. One of those teams, the Steamers 02 Black, (pictured) coached by VHSC’s director of soccer, Luke Whittle, walked away with a U.S. Club National Cup Championship. After going 2-0-1 in group play, the Steamers 02 got by Salvo United from Minnesota in the semis, which set up a marquee match-up with Bruno United NPL from Rhode Island in the finals. It took wonder strikes from Kenneth Toledo in the sixth minute and the game winner from Tyler Fontes in the 83rd for the
ESHLEMAN From page 28
Sisters Abby and Jane Wilson lead a strong group of juniors. Abby, left, is a setter and Jane a defensive specialist.
Journal file photo by Mark Almond
section and established a fundraising program for its foundation. His stint as president included the approval of a name change for the section, formerly called the Dixie Section. He has trained many PGA professionals to become golf instructors, stemming from his devotion to bettering the golf community and fostering strong relationships with the individuals he mentors. Under his leadership, the Country Club of Birmingham has averaged more than 2,400 lessons annually since 2014. Eshleman is also a member of the PGA adjunct faculty, teaching golf to beginners and assisting students and staff in developing their skills and shaping their career paths. Additionally, Eshleman oversees one of the largest junior golf programs in the country, with 200 kids playing in the club’s Junior Club Championship in 2018. Well known as a teaching professional for students such as Graeme McDowell, Patton Kizzire, Paul Dunne and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Eshleman has been honored by the Alabama-NW Florida PGA Section on several occasions. He received the section’s PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award in 2010 and 2017, the Teacher of the Year Award in 2000 and 2004, the 2011 PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award and the 2014 Youth Player Development Award. But the 2019 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award tops them all. “I’ve been honored before, but this is really something special for us,” Eshleman said. “I was blown away when (PGA of America President) Suzy Whaley called me to let me know, and I’ve known her for years. I started reflecting on my career and all the things I’ve done. To be No. 1 this year out of 29,000 golf professionals is remarkable.” Eshleman will be presented with his award Nov. 7 as part of the 2019 PGA annual meeting in West Palm Beach, Florida.
PADGETT From page 28
playing volleyball for Revis at the middle school. “She loves volleyball,” Padgett said. “I didn’t know how much she loved it until she got to middle school. We never pushed any of our children into sports. We kind of just let them decide on their own.” Padgett played volleyball at Kentucky in the late 1990s, where she met Scott, who played on the Wildcats’ 1998 NCAA basketball championship team. She loves being part of a sports family.
“Our favorite thing is being active, going from one sport to the next,” Padgett said. “We go from college basketball, to high school basketball, to high school football and middle school volleyball. “We’ve made it a point to be really encouraging and always to have dinner together, even though we might eat at 9:30 p.m. We want to make sure we know what’s going on in each other’s sport.”
Patriots’ 2019 Outlook
Padgett had worked at Hall-Kent Elementary for the past seven years but is now at the high school. The summer has been full of activity as she prepares for her first season. “It’s
been busy but good,” she said. The Patriots will have a young but experienced team. They graduated only one senior off their 2018 team – middle hitter Alejandra Loo – and will have only two seniors this season. “It’s really nice to say we have a young veteran team,” Padgett said. “They are a lot of fun. As a volleyball fan, I love watching them. They play with high energy and don’t quit. They are tenacious.” The seniors are outside hitter Gretchen Kellen and right side hitter Kassidy Schnoer. They have been on the varsity since they were sophomores and will provide senior leadership.
Sisters Abby and Jane Wilson lead a strong group of juniors. Abby is a setter and Jane a defensive specialist. “Abby has found her niche and confidence as a setter,” Padgett said, “and Jane is a solid player.” Junior outside hitter Alex Hershbine is an “all-around solid player,” Padgett said. Junior middle blocker Xeo Jenkins is playing on the varsity for the first time. “She’s on the smaller side of hitters, but she’s really instinctive,” Padgett said. “She knows where the ball is.” Defensive specialist Emma Johnson, another third-year varsity player, and EmmaLee Floyd, a defensive specialist and outside hitter, round out the juniors. “Emma Johnson is playing with such confidence,” Padgett said. “EmmaLee is a great all-around player. She was with us as a freshman but sat out last year with some nagging injuries. She will bring depth to the team this season.” The Patriots also boast five talented sophomores – Haley Callaham, MacKenzie Yoakum, Olivia Brown, Lily Janas and Olivia Outman, a transfer from McAdory. “Haley is an aggressive, no fear defensive player,” Padgett said. “Olivia Brown is a returning middle blocker. She is really special. MacKenzie is a right side hitter who is left-handed, which is a luxury not all teams have. Lily is a natural athlete with a great swing for a middle hitter. “Olivia Outman will be setting. It’s hard to come in and fit into a group that’s already established, but the other girls have welcomed her, and it’s been a smooth transition,” Padgett said. Homewood opens the season Aug. 24, playing in a tournament at Briarwood. “We haven’t set a hard goal for the season,” Padgett said. “Last year we made it to the Sweet 16 and the players are working toward making it farther. This team thinks it’s better than last year so they expect to go farther this year.”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 8, 2019 • 27
SPORTS
Hoover’s Hind Adds Another Coaching Award to His Collection Devon Hind has had so much success coaching track at Hoover High School that he could be forgiven for not remembering all the awards he has received. Last month, Hind was selected Alabama’s Boys’ High School Coach of the Year for the 2019 track and field season by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Hind will receive a trophy from the association recognizing his achievement. “I believe I have gotten that one other time,” Hind said. “It’s nice, but to keep things in perspective, I have had good athletes. People who vote on those things don’t know me, but it’s still nice to be recognized.” Hind was the association’s 2014 Girls Coach of the Year for Alabama. The selection committee recognized one boys coach and one girls coach from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia for their successes during the 2019 outdoor track & field season. Among the factors taken into consideration were team score and placement at the state championships; margin of victory; performance against
rankings, if available; individual championships; and how their teams’ performances stacked up to previous years, such as whether they won the first title in school history or consecu-
‘I have been very blessed. You have to have really good runners and athletes. We had 11 or 12 athletes sign scholarships this year and the year before we had 15. It’s not easy to get track scholarships.’ tive titles and such. Hind guided Hoover’s boys to their third consecutive Class 7A outdoor title in May, earning his 40th state championship overall. Of course, he had lost track of the number of state championships he had won. “My daughter told me,” Hind said. “She counted them. I don’t keep up with them, but it’s kind of humbling now that I think about it.”
Trophy-Lined Career, Mostly
Hind first started coaching in 1978 at Berry High. In 1981, he left coaching to start a business, but he returned to coaching in 1993 as a part-time head coach at Simmons Middle School. He became Hoover’s head cross-country and track and field coach 10 years later. Hind does recall the time he didn’t win a state championship, even if he doesn’t remember the year it happened. “This is my 16th year at Hoover and only one year I hadn’t won one,” he said. “I don’t recall (the year), but I didn’t get to go to the AHSAA championship dinner for coaches. I said to myself, ‘I don’t like this.’” Hind attributes his success to the plethora of talented athletes who have come through Hoover’s track program. “I have been very blessed,” he said. “You have to have really good runners and athletes. We had 11 or 12 athletes sign scholarships this year and the year before we had 15. It’s not easy to get track scholarships.” Hind has some budding track athletes in his family. He was in Sacramento, California, in late July to watch his 10-year-old granddaugh-
Photo courtesy Hoover High School
By Rubin E. Grant
Last month, Hind was selected Alabama’s Boys’ High School Coach of the Year for the 2019 track and field season by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
ter and 8-year-old grandson, who both live in Hoover, compete in the USATF Hershey National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships.
“They both qualified in the mile,” Hind said proudly. “My grandson finished 11th out of 32 runners with his second-best time and my granddaughter just had fun.”
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Vestavia Hills Soccer Club scores in national competition. Page 26
SPORTS Thursday, August 8, 2019 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Hoover’s Hind adds another track coaching award to his collection. Page 27.
By Rubin E. Grant Eric Eshleman rarely had a moment to himself during the final week of July. That’s because of the flood of congratulatory messages Eshleman, the director of golf at the Country Club of Birmingham, received after news broke that he is the recipient of the 2019 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. The award is the highest annual honor given to a PGA of America professional. It is awarded for qualities of leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the PGA and the game of golf. “I had more than a few folks reaching out to me,” Eshleman said when he finally had a few minutes to talk about the prestigious honor. “I’ve had friends
and family from all over the world sending me well-wishes.” Eshleman was a semifinalist for the award in 2018 before being selected this year. He had to fill out an in-depth, 12-page questionnaire listing his accomplishments and why he was deserving. A 24-year PGA member, Eshleman has demonstrated a passion and commitment to training and mentoring fellow PGA professionals throughout his career and has served in advisory roles on several golf committees. He is honorary president of the Alabama-NW Florida PGA Section, after a two-year term as president. During his time as a section officer, he helped raise the image and status of the
See ESHLEMAN, page 26
Eric Eshleman
STEPPING UP Padgett Takes Over Homewood Volleyball Program on Husband’s Advice
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
By Rubin E. Grant
New Homewood volleyball coach Cynthia Padgett, right, with senior right side hitter Kassidy Schnoer at a recent practice. Homewood opens the season Aug. 24, at Briarwood.
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Cynthia Padgett didn’t have any desire to become a head coach. With her husband, Scott, being the men’s head basketball coach at Samford University and three teenage athletes at home, Padgett was content being an assistant coach for the Homewood High School girls volleyball team. But when Krimson Revis, who led the Patriots to the Class 6A North Super Regional in each of her two seasons as head coach, decided to concentrate on the volleyball program at Homewood Middle School, where she teaches, Padgett was asked to become the head coach at the high school. Padgett was reluctant, even though she had
been the Patriots’ assistant coach for two years under Revis. “I wanted to spend most of my time, attention and energy as a mom,” Padgett said. “But then this came about unexpectedly. I never looked at becoming a head coach.” Her husband talked her into it. “He said, ‘You know the game, you know the girls and you love volleyball,’ so I accepted,” Padgett said.
A Family Thing
Padgett still plans to attend as many of her children’s games as she can. Her oldest child, Logan, who just graduated from Homewood in May, will be a freshman basketball player at Samford, playing for his dad. Her other son, Lucas, a high school junior, will be the starting center on Homewood’s football team this fall, and he plays basketball for the Patriots. Her daughter Layla, an eighth grader, will be
See PADGETT, page 26
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Eshleman ‘Blown Away’ by National PGA Award