Over the Mountain Journal Sept. 6, 2012

The Suburban Newspaper for Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

INSIDE

JOU RNAL OTMJ.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2012

VOL. 22 #17

Homemade foods highlight Middle East feast

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 4

EXCEPTIONAL ART

Western Supermarkets partners with Emmet OʼNeal Library for wine festival

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 6

Football-themed party raises funds for Childrenʼs team

SOCIAL PAGE 14

Amy Williamson assists Exceptional Foundation participant James with one of his paintings. Art is one of the many activities the program offers to adults with mental and physical disabilities. The public will have a chance to purchase some of the participantsʼ work at the foundationʼs art show Sept. 20. Proceeds Journal photo by Laura McAlister from the show benefit the foundation.

Foundation’s Show Helps Open Doors for Mentally and Physically Challenged

BY LAURA MCALISTER

H

JOURNAL EDITOR

e starts with a blank sheet of butcher paper and then carefully selects his colors.

For this particular painting, James chooses a fiery red and a bright yellow.

Then he delves into his work.

As a new participant in Homewood’s Exceptional Foundation, James has discovered a love for painting. He’s also made some pretty good friends.

The Exceptional Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving mentally and physically challenged individuals. On a daily basis, it serves adults like James, but it also offers programs and summer camps for children.

On any given day at the center, participants can be found working on an art proj-

Art in Action

Birmingham Museum lands largest Norman Rockwell traveling exhibit, page 3 Mountain Brook Artist creates paintings for the GOP National Convention, page 8 See how donors make a difference in fostering the area’s arts, page 12

ect like James with his painting. Or, if it happens to be a Wednesday afternoon, there may be some karaoke.

Whatever the activity may be, the program strives to provide these mentally and physically challenged individuals with social and recreational activities with peers, something they might not get otherwise.

“There’s always something going on here,” said Ginny Bastar, program director for the foundation. “They have a far more active social life than any of us.”

Usually activities are in the daytime, but on Sept. 20, the organization will open its doors for its ninth annual Exceptional Art Show, where budding artists like James will get to show off and sell their work.

Ruth Bean, a staff member at the Exceptional Foundation, said the show is a great way to tap into the talents of these See EXCEPTIONAL, page 7

Cats and dogs reign at Picasso Pets event

SOCIAL PAGE 17

Back to school, OTM students begin a new year

SCHOOLS PAGE 23

SUE MURPHY ON THEME BIRTHDAY PARTIES P. 2 • PATRIOTS DAY IN HOMEWOOD SEPT. 11 P. 4 • MAGIC CITY MILE BENEFITS BELL CENTER P. 6

2 • Thursday, September 6, 2012

OPINION/CONTENTS

MURPHY’S LAW

ALL ABOUT ART

I

Symphony 30 will soon host its annual picnic benefiting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. For more on this event and other art-related ones, see our arts calendar, page 13.

ON OTMJ.COM Browse through even more pictures from the area’s biggest and best social events. Share your news. Comment on stories or send us your own by clicking on the “Got News” link. Like us on Facebook for updates on what’s going on at the Journal.

COMING SEPT. 20

Step inside the homes of some of this year’s tastemakers for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ annual Antiques at the garden. Plus, get to know this year’s featured Red Diamond lecturer chef and author Alex Hitz.

IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE LIFE SOCIAL

3 8 12 14

WEDDINGS SCHOOLS SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

22 23 28

September 6, 2012

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at ads@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com.

Copyright 2012 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.

Bagging Up Robots

talented and resourceful and funny t’s almost my grandson’s birthand nice, but I’m trying to like her day. Three years old ... can you anyway. believe it? It seems like only yesNot wanting to seem like a birthterday that my daughter called with day freeloader (I prefer that to the her big family news and I started my phrase “game on”), I offered to take cute-cute-cute mega-shopping. I’m care of the take-home treat bags, a still shopping, of course, but now critical component in any successful the clothes are bigger, my grandson preschool party. I located appropriate insists on picking them out himself robot toys and stickers online and had and cute-cute-cute is no longer on the them sent directly to the party site in program.

Florida. Treats, check.

The boy has his own ideas now, Now, I’m busy working on the including selecting the theme for his bags. There aren’t that many 3-yearupcoming birthday party. Robots. old friendly, non-world dominating It was Choo-Choo/Robots and then robot icons out there (unless you Halloween/Robots (when it’s so fun Sue Murphy count Rosie the Robot maid from the to trick-or-treat, why would you limit Jetsons, and a party is no place for yourself to once a year?), but I think Not wanting someone who reminds you to pick up my daughter has finally talked him into a single party theme, something to seem like a your socks), so I set about crafting a robot of my own. Harkening back we all must learn on our way to eventbirthday free- to my kindergarten teaching days, I planning stardom. cut a series of squares and rectangles OK, robots it is. My grandson also loader (I prefrom duct tape and aluminum foil requested one of those giant blow-up fer that to the and affixed them to some sturdy ripcontraptions for the backyard (called a bags. If I add a pair of nonHop Hop in 3-year-old circles). Again, phrase “game resistant choking hazard googly eyes and a few it’s a mystery to him why you would on”), I offered to strands of matching ribbon, I think I’ll only have access to one on special the whole project in the bag, as occasions when they feature them on take care of the have it were. the front page of the Toys R Us circutake-home treat I have to make only 10 of them, lar (see, Grandpa?) so it’s apparently one each for the 10 little guests, which possible to have one in your backyard bags, a critical will include a couple of school friends, all the time. Mysteries of life, I tell component in children of Mom and Dad’s friends and you. misguided biter who we’re hopWhile my daughter has been busy any successful one ing to keep mandibly occupied with with invitations and appropriate snack ideas (what do robots eat?), Jackson’s preschool party. piñata candy. I bought 11 treat bags, of course, because I always factor disaster other grandmother has been fashioninto my projects and am rarely disaping a piñata for the big event. Actually, pointed. she’s making two. She learned from a 3-year-old Hopefully, though, by the time you read this I’ll experience with her older grandson that bashing a well-loved icon with a baseball bat does not make for a have 10 successes in hand, leaving only one long interstate drive to deliver the stack to the party site. Two happy birthday boy. frosting-filled hours later, and the big Robot Hop Hop So, there will be one piñata to keep and one to ... party will be a happy, albeit exhaustive, memory. And let’s just say “open.” Last year’s piñata was a spot-on the next day? Who knows? If a birthday party is that Thomas the Tank Engine construction, complete with much fun, why would you only have one once a year? a photograph of Jackson waving from the choo-choo I hear you, buddy, I hear you. ❖ window. Grandma Number Two is talented like that,

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What is your creative outlet?

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Laura McAlister Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Bones Long, Cary Estes, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Editorial Intern: Ben Johnson Vol. 22, No. 17

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

“I like to sew and make different types of clothes.”

Stephanie Steward Homewood

“I work (as a crafter) at Prime Time Treasures making clothes for dogs and other animals, so for my free time I make tutus for little girls.”

Mariea Russell Homewood

“I like D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself), projects, like painting, drawing and crafts, anything I can do by myself.”

“I do ballet for fun. I paint for fun too. I also do some gardening. I don’t know if some people find that creative, but I think it is.”

Sarah Stannard Homewood

Gincie Walker Homewood

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

From London to Birmingham

Museum Will Host Record-Setting Rockwell Exhibit

BY LAURA MCALISTER

in another exhibit coinciding with the Norman Rockwell’s America exhibit at the museum. A third exhibit, the Golden Age, will feature other great American illustrators.

“You hear of a ‘two-fer,’ well, this is a ‘three-fer,’” orman Rockwell’s work may seem as American as Graham said. “We’ve partnered with Coca-Cola for Norman apple pie, but the largest traveling collection of the Rockwell and Coca-Cola: Two American Classics. There will painter and illustrator’s work recently made its debut be two images in that one that Coca-Cola never even used, so in London – and it was a record-setting event. people will get to see what they rejected. The Golden Age is The collection, which features 52 original paintings and all 323 of The Saturday Evening Post covers the artist is most an extraordinary example of American illustrators from our collection.” known for, was first shown in London’s popular Dulwich The exhibits will be open for about three months, but Picture Gallery. In the gallery’s storied history, the exhibit broke records, ranking No. 2 in the number of visitors it drew. Graham said it took nearly two years to make them happen.

Based on past American Graham C. Boettcher art exhibits at the museum, suspects the exhibit will do Graham said, it was decided even better when it arrives in the museum needed someAmerica, and area residents thing from the more recent won’t have to travel far to see it. past. Museum exhibits like Norman Rockwell’s America Life, Liberty and the Pursuit will officially open to the public of Happiness have centered Sept. 16 at the Birmingham around early American artwork.

Museum of Art. Not only does Norman Rockwell and his the collection include all of nostalgic American illustraRockwell’s Saturday Evening tions were an obvious choice, Post illustrations, it also has Graham said. paintings and drawings from the After a little research, start to finish of the artist’s sixGraham found Judy Cutler decade career. and her American Illustrators “This is the first time the Gallery in New York. Judy and exhibit will travel in America, husband Laurence founded the and I fully suspect it will set National Museum of American records here,” Graham, curator BMA American Arts Curator Graham Boettcher Illustration. of American arts at the museum, stands in front of the entrance to what will be “We knew the Cutlers had a said. “This has his early years, the Norman Rockwellʼs America exhibit at the wonderful collection,” Graham through The Post, through Birmingham Museum of Art. Top, the exhibit will feasaid. ture original artworks and covers from The Saturday Look magazine to the end of Journal photo by Maury Wald Evening Post like these.

He even took his Friends of his career. There are a lot of American Art group to tour the surprises.” national museum in Newport, R.I. First, Graham said, people will likely be shocked to see The Cutlers debuted their collection in Dulwich, and now the scale of the artist’s Post illustrations. They’re not tabloid Birmingham will be its second showing and the first in the newspaper size but large canvases.

U.S. The famous illustrations he did for the Post were actually Graham said he’s thrilled to have the exhibit. photographed and then sized down to fit the format of the The entryway to the exhibit has already been fashioned newspaper. into a Craftsman-style American home. Rocking chairs and Other surprises in the exhibit aren’t so obvious, Graham an American flag will be added before the opening to add a said. nostalgic American feel.

For instance, Graham said Rockwell worked in a variety A comprehensive book on Rockwell and the many pieces of styles. Some of the pieces that will be on exhibit look more displayed in the exhibit will be for sale, and audio that can be like one of abstract painter Jackson Pollock’s paintings than downloaded free to cell phones will accompany the exhibit. the popular nostalgic American scenes for which Rockwell is Graham hopes people will take away two things from famous. the exhibit – a respect for the artist’s skill and how well “He painted more than 4,000 pieces of work during his Rockwell painted a picture of his times in a subtle yet reallifetime,” Graham said. “That’s amazing. I think people will istic way. be really impressed with the variety. They’ll really take away Graham points to one of his favorite Post covers as an an understanding of his mastery of painting.”

While through the years some have debated that Rockwell example.

“It was Dec. 6, 1930, a very grim year,” Graham said. wasn’t an artist but a paid illustrator, Graham strongly “It shows a medieval knight outside. Inside, you see a portly disagrees. He said more and more people are recognizing friar serving a Christmas feast.

Rockwell as one of the great American artists of his time.

“President Hoover had just given a speech to Congress “There was a time people discounted him,” Graham said. calling on people to be charitable, to not leave anyone out “An illustration is meant to tell a story or sell a product. If in the cold. It was a full year into the Great Depression. He you go back to the early days, look at the Sistine Chapel. It’s couldn’t have put a man in a suit. That would have been an illustration because it was meant to tell a story. Religious too shocking then. He made the point without being overart all tells a story.” controversial.”

From 1916 to 1963, Rockwell created Post covers depictThe Rockwell exhibit will be open to the public Sept. ing scenes from the times. He was also commissioned to cre26-Jan. 6. Tickets are $15, Visit www.artsbma.org for more ate paintings for Coca-Cola. information and events surrounding the exhibit. ❖ Rockwell’s artwork for Coca-Cola will also be displayed

N

JOURNAL EDITOR

Thursday, September 6, 2012 • 3

ABOUT TOWN

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4 • Thursday, September 6, 2012

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MIDDLE EAST FEAST BIRMINGHAM

Gifts, Antiques & Home Accessories

Join us as we celebrate our First Anniversary

Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival Sept. 20-22, 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Saint George Melkite Catholic Church This festival offers humus dip, kibbee, falafel sandwiches, meat and spinach pies, rolled grape leaves and more homemade foods. The dessert table will feature favorite homemade delicacies such as baklawa, harissa and zalabieh, a fried doughnut. Lunch is served Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; dinner is from 4-9 p.m. A drive-through service will be available from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Downtown delivery is available for lunch orders on Thursday and Friday with a $75 minimum order.

Call 492-9621 for lunch delivery. Cultural booths and vendors will feature Middle Eastern and Byzantine wares, including Byzantine icons, exotic ingredients and spices, olive wood carvings from the Holy Land, hand-painted Paschal eggs and colorful hip scarves. Visitors will be entertained by Amin and the Sultans band of New York and the parish’s own dance groups. Church tours will be conducted during festival hours.

For more information, visit www.saintgeorgeonline.org. ❖

Norma Bahna and other church members are busy cooking up Middle Eastern cuisine for the upcoming food festiPhoto special to the Journal val.

Save the date HOOVER

Fri., Sept. 7th & Sat., Sept. 8th Cary Calhoun Jewelry Trunk Show Fri., Sept. 7th 11am-4pm Register for Door Prizes

Mon - Fri, 10am - 5:00pm • Sat 10am - 4:00pm 3138 Cahaba Heights Road • 205.969.3138 www.ChickadeeBirmingham.com

To: From: Date:

Lorrie Morgan Concert Sept. 7 and 8, 8 p.m.

Hoover Library Theatre The Library Theatre, on the lower level of the Hoover Public Library, will present four-time Female Vocalist of the Year winner Lorrie Morgan. Tickets are $25 plus processing fees; seating is reserved. Buy tickets at www. thelibrarytheatre.com, or come by or call the library box office, 444-7888.

BIRMINGHAM

Felder Rushing Lecture Sept. 9, 2 p.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens BBG welcomes Felder Rushing, author of “Slow Gardening: A No-Stress Kate Philosophy for All Senses and Seasons” Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., and other books. His cottage garden 205-824-1246, fax has been featured on the cover of Southern Living and in the New York Aug. 2012 Times.

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal forThe theMississippi native will speak in the Linn-Henley Lecture Hall about Sept. 6, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. his recent work offering a “down home” f e at u r i n g approach, with humorous anecdotes and garden-irreverent metaphors, observations and photography.

Reservations are $15. Copies of Rushing’s book will be available for please initial and fax back within 24 hours. purchase. For more information, visit If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, www.bbgardens.org.

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

at this annual luncheon. Wilson is University Research Professor Emeritus and Honorary Curator in Entomology at Harvard University. At the luncheon, he will speak on “On the Origin of the Human Condition.” General tickets are $50 for the luncheon only. Patron tickets are $150 ($75 in goods and services), which includes the Jenice Riley reception prior to the luncheon and a book by Wilson. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www. alabamahumanities.org or contact Paul Lawson at 558-3992.

BIRMINGHAM

Meet the Alabama Republican Party Sept. 10, 11:30 a.m.

B&A Warehouse The Alabama Republican Party will host a meet and greet with featured speaker Bill Armistead, chairman of the organization. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

The program will be from noon-1 p.m.

Lunch is $18 with a reservation and $25 without. Contact rhondahethcox@ yahoo.com or 422-7080 for more information or to make a reservation.

HOMEWOOD

Patriots Day Sept. 11, 9 a.m.

Homewood City Hall The cities of Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia Hills will come together again to host a remembrance ceremony for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This year’s ceremony will be at Homewood City Hall.

Participants include members of the police and fire departments from all three cities.

VESTAVIA HILLS

montgomery renaissance convention center montgomery, alabama sponsorship and photo opportunities available dinner: 7:00 p.m. reception: 5:30 p.m. (special ticket admission)

call visit

334.386.7257 or Faulkner.edu for

event information or to purchase tickets

Edward O. Wilson BIRMINGHAM

Alabama Humanities Awards Luncheon Sept. 10, Noon The Club Edward O. Wilson, a native Alabamian and one of the past century’s most distinguished scientists, will be the featured speaker and main honoree

Karma Yoga to Honor Our Troops Sept. 11, 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 5:50 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Bikram Yoga Come to any of the Sept. 11 classes listed and donate to the Pat Tillman Foundation. There is no charge to attend. The Tillman Military Scholars program aids all veterans, specifically veterans of post-9/11 conflicts. Each class will be a 90-minute heated class of beginning yoga postures.

For more information, visit www. bikrambirmingham.com.

VESTAVIA HILLS

E-Recycling and Shred It Event

Sept. 15, 9 a.m.

Wald Park The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and the city of Vestavia Hills invite community residents to donate certain electronics for recycling at this event at the Wald Park pool parking lot, 1973 Merryvale Road. Acceptable items include computers, monitors, desktop CPUs, LCD display laptops, notebook computers, CD/DVD players, scanners, printers, fax machines, adding machines, cell phones, corded phones, cordless phones, answering machines, pagers, pocket PCs, digital cameras, routers, remotes, PDAs, stereos, Discmans, Walkmans, VCRs, radios, tape players, keyboards, cables, mice, game hardware, modems, external hardware, small kitchen appliances, can openers, blenders, large white kitchen goods, refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, washers, dryers and microwaves. For more information, call the City of Vestavia Hills at 978-0100 or Vestavia Chamber of Commerce at 823-5011.

BIRMINGHAM

Trucks by the Tracks Sept. 16, 11 a.m.

Railroad Park The Railroad Park Foundation Junior Board will host this event, featuring music, entertainment, food trucks and beverages. Admission is free. Burning Vinyl, Gip Gipson, the Green Seed and Todd Simpson will perform.

HOMEWOOD

Bargain Costume Closet Sept. 16, 2 p.m.

Children’s Dance Foundation Find costumes, dancewear, dressup clothes, shoes and accessories at bargain prices. The items have been donated from individuals, dance studios and groups from across the country. The sale is from 2-4 p.m.; entry to the shop is free. Donations are welcome at any time. For more information, visit www. childrensdancefoundation.org.

BIRMINGHAM

“Menopause The Musical” Sept. 20, 8 p.m.

BJCC “Menopause The Musical” and the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation are teaming up to fight

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ovarian cancer. For every ticket purchased using the promo code NLTEAL, “Menopause The Musical” will donate $5 to the foundation. Buy tickets at www.TicketMaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000 or in person at the BJCC Box Office.

BIRMINGHAM

The Daily Show Live Indecision Tour 2012 Sept. 21, 8 p.m.

Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center “The Daily Show,” which has won 16 Emmy Awards, is visiting college campuses and performing art centers, including UAB’s Stephens Center. The show is sponsored by Comedy Central and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” as well as WBHM, UAB and Viva Health. The evening will begin with a 10-minute video introduction by Stewart followed by stand-up performances and a question and answer session with the audience. The event may contain adult language and content. Tickets are $48.50, $39.50 and $28.50; student tickets are available. Call 975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.

BIRMINGHAM

29th Annual Alabama Orchid Show & Sale Sept. 21-22, 10 a.m.; Sept. 23, 11 a.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Exhibits will showcase unusual species of orchids at this 29th annual show and sale. Several varieties of orchids will be for sale at the show. The show is from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, contact Margaret Holder, show chairman, at Margholder@ aol.com or 933-8688. There is no admission charge. The Alabama Orchid Society welcomes all visitors to its monthly meetings in the BBG’s Hodges Room every fourth Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.

NORTH SHELBY COUNTY

Football, Fashion, Food and Fun Sept. 27, 6 p.m.

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Join St. Vincent’s One Nineteen for this event with Ben Tamburello, former Auburn football guard and center and a member of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1987-91. He will answer questions about football. A fashion show by Second Hand Rose will show off the latest Alabama and Auburn fashions. A healthy tailgate will be provided. Advance registration is $20; call the Wellness Desk, 408-6550.

BIRMINGHAM

Mid-Day Musical Sept. 28, 12:30 p.m.

Cathedral Church of the Advent The Elyton Chamber Players, made up of members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and friends, will perform a free 30-minute concert of chamber music at the Cathedral Church of the Advent.

HOOVER

R(un) for One 5K Sept. 29, 8 a.m.

Veterans Park R(un) for One strives to raise awareness and support for the fatherless through (un)adopted, a Lifeline Children’s Services ministry.

There will be a children’s fun run, food, games and door prizes. Registration is

GOOD TIMES AND GOLF Getting ready for the Golfing for Babies preparty at ORE are from left: Laura McCormick, Liz Read, Rollins Montgomery, Hunter Hill, Grahame Read, Hamilton Pounds, Lee Birchall, Michael Pounds and Todd Becker.

Photo special to the Journal

Thursday, September 6, 2012 • 5 BIRMINGHAM

Golf for Babies Oct. 7, 5 p.m.; Oct. 8, 1 p.m.

ORE/Pine Tree Country Club The 2012 Golf for Babies tournament benefiting the March of Dimes will be a four-man scramble with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. There also will a pre-party with a silent auction and wine tasting the night before the golf tournament at ORE. Tickets for the preparty are $25 for one and $40 per couple. The tournament began in 2009 when Hamilton and Bonnie Pounds approached the March of Dimes about organizing a golf tournament benefiting the March of Dimes. For more information contact Hamilton Pounds at 969-7014 or Laura McCormick at 588-0509. ❖

6 • Thursday, September 6, 2012

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

sip and see

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A variety of wines will be available for tastings during Western Supermarkets Photo special to the Journal Wine & Food Fest benefiting the Emmet O’Neal Library.

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THE MARCUS AGENCY LLC 1446 MONTGOMERY HWY BIRMINGHAM nathanmarcus@allstate.com

Save the date continued from 7-7:45 a.m. For more information or to register, visit www.unadopted.org, www.active.com or call 967-0811.

Homewood

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Western’s Wine & Food Festival Sept. 28, 6 p.m.

Birmingham Zoo Western Supermarkets partners with Emmet O’Neal Library for this ninth annual festival. The library uses proceeds to host events. The festival will include wine vendors offering more than 650 wines for tasting and foods focusing on Alabama products prepared by the chefs from Jefferson State Culinary School. Included are Fox Valley crab cakes, pond-raised shrimp, Hereford, N.Y., strip steak samples and more. Each ticket holder will receive a re-useable wine tote from Western. Tickets, $45 in advance and $55 at the door, can be purchased at Westernsupermarkets.com, at the Emmet O’Neal Library and the Mountain Brook, Highland Avenue and Rocky Ridge Western Supermarkets. ❖

Magic City Mile Sept. 30, 2 p.m.

18th Street The Magic City Mile, which follows a one-mile course through downtown Homewood, benefits the Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. The race will start at the top of 18th Street in front of LAH Realty. Race day registration and the post-race party will be held in the parking lot on the corner of 18th Street South and 29th Avenue South.

Entry fee is $10. Runners can request a chip for $5 in order to receive an official time. T-shirts are $10. Visit www. imathlete.com/events/magiccitymile to register.

Birmingham

Laurence Rosenthal in Piano Concert Sept. 30, 2 p.m.

Birmingham Museum of Art Emmy winner Laurence Rosenthal will play Gurdjieff/deHartmann music at the museum. The piano concert is free. Rosenthal was an Academy Award nominee for his scores for “Becket” and “Man of La Mancha.” He won seven Emmy awards. For more information,

call June Cunniff at 879-2299 Birmingham

Southern Museum of Flight Swing Night Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m.

Southern Museum of Flight This event will include swing dancing, with lessons from 6:307 p.m., and a silent auction. Door prizes and silent auction winners will be announced at 8:30 p.m. Swing Night benefits the Southern Museum of Flight. Tickets at the door are $25 for couples and $15 for individuals.

Advance tickets are $5 off, and students and active and retired military tickets are $10. For more information or to buy tickets, call 833-8226.

Hoover

Southeastern Regional Yoga Asana Competition Oct. 6, 1 p.m.

Stardome USA Yoga presents this competition with yoga practitioners and enthusiasts from six different states. The event is open to all levels and styles of practitioners. Competitors will exhibit the focus, strength, flexibility and control each has gained in their practice of yoga. Before the event, look for random acts of yoga around

Birmingham. For more information about competing or becoming a sponsor, contact Bikram Yoga Birmingham, 824-2626. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Hoover

Riverchase Baptist Church 25th Anniversary Oct. 7, 9:15 a.m.

Riverchase Baptist Church The church will celebrate its 25th anniversary during the Sunday school hour at 9:15 a.m. and in the worship service at 10:30 a.m. After the service, a catered barbecue lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, contact Becky Jones at becky@rbcstaff.com or call 985-4495.

Hoover

Riverchase Baptist Church 25th Anniversary Oct. 7, 9:15 a.m.

Riverchase Baptist Church The church will celebrate its 25th anniversary during the Sunday school hour at 9:15 a.m. and in the worship service at 10:30 a.m. After the service, a catered barbecue lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall.

For more information, contact Becky Jones at becky@rbcstaff.com or call 985-4495. ❖

schooled in running

Sunset 5K chairman Beth Steed, with William and Ella, meet with fundraising chairman Lisbeth Cease at the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium.

Photo special to the Journal

Homewood

Sunset 5K for Scholarships Sept. 29, 5 p.m.

Samford University Track and Soccer Stadium The Legacy League, an auxiliary of Samford University, will host its first Sunset 5K for Scholarships.

This event, which starts at the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium at 5 p.m. and proceeds along the Lakeshore Trail, will include a 5K course and 1-mile fun run. Proceeds will help provide SU scholarships for students who are not able to afford the Samford experience on their own. Entry fees are $20 for the 5K and $10 for the fun run through Sept. 21. On Sept. 22, entry fees will be $25 for the 5K and $15 for the fun run. Those with valid Samford IDs can register for $15 at any time but should plan to show their IDs when picking up registration packets. Those who register by Sept. 21 are guaranteed a souvenir T-shirt. Register at active.com or www.samford.edu/legacyleague or pick up an entry form at the Trak Shak in Homewood. ❖

Thursday, September 6, 2012 • 7

COVER STORY

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ing,” Ginny said of the facility next to Homewood Central Park. “In 2006, we from Cover outgrew it and added on.”

Ruth said it won’t be long before special individuals while raising money the program will have to consider more for the foundation. expansions.

“These are very special people, and “We’re not going to turn anyone they have some really special talents,” away,” she said. “It would be easy to she said. “While they may be lacking in say, ‘no, we’re full,’ but we’re not going some other skills, many of them have to do that. We’ll find a way to serve some real artistic talent.” them.”

The total cost for a year of enrollOver the years, the program has ment at the foundation served its participants is about $13,000, said well.

Exceptional Art Amanda Terry, the Amanda said one told Show foundation’s executive her she didn’t want to go assistant. However, indito heaven anytime soon, When: 6 p.m. Sept. 20 viduals are charged only “because the Exceptional Where: Exceptional about a third of that.

Foundation is so much Foundation in Homewood Amanda said it’s thanks fun.” Details: The event to grants, donations and Margaret Klocke, the presented by the fundraisers like the art foundation’s executive Alabama Society of show that they are able director, recalled another CPAs Birmingham Young to keep the cost down participant’s family CPA Chapter auctions for participants. telling her they had to artwork by Exceptional Finding participants get another phone line Foundation participants hasn’t been a difficult because he had made and includes music and task. To date, the proso many friends from wine, beer and food. gram serves about 410 the foundation that their Information: Tickets families in some capacfamily phone was always are $35. Visit www. ity. Enrollment for the tied up. exceptionalfoundation.org daily program is roughly Then there is just seefor more information 185. ing the participants day The Exceptional in and day out, she said.

Foundation has come “There’s always something going on a long way since its founding some 20 here,” she said. “We have a lot of fun. years ago. It started in 1993 as a program We get a lot of marriage proposals.” of Homewood Parks and Recreation.

James agrees that it’s lots of fun at As word spread, participation grew, the foundation. His favorite part is the and it was obvious the program needed art, though he also loves all the new its own building. friends.

“Around 1999 there was a capital “I love it here,” he said. “Everybody campaign, and we built the buildis so nice.” ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Painting the Party

State Republican Party Embraces Mountain Brook Artist Thomas Andrew’s Elephant Artwork

BY LAURA MCALISTER

original and come from Alabama musicians.”

Local bands Act of Congress, The Sleep Design and musician Joseph Baldwin agreed to let Thomas use their September 19th from 4pm to 8pm music. The videos are now posted on YouTube. ost of Thomas Andrew’s popular elephant While not all might rally around the Republican paintings have a letter representing a certain September 20th from Party, Thomas said proceeds from the prints will be football team hidden in them, but one of his 9am to 12pm used for something most people would get behind – his newest works is hiding a totally different symbol for a angel painting ministry. whole other sport. and from 4pm to 7pm* In addition to elephants, Thomas is also known for Thomas of Mountain Brook was commissioned by *Half price on Selected itemS his angel paintings. He’s been selling them for years, the state Republican Party to create one of his signature and they are some of his most sought-after work. elephant paintings for the 2012 campaign. He ended mountain chapel United methodist church “I’m a full-time artist, so I need to make a living,” up doing four elephant paintings for the party – two he said. “People ask what my inspiration is. I say I have with the state flag in the background and two with an 2541 Rocky Ridge Rd • www.mckidskorner.org a car payment, a house payment, but I’m also a spiritual American flag. person.”

“Initially, I was just going to do one painting with So when an art gallery owner suggested he paint the state flag,” Thomas said. “They were going to turn introducing them into prints and gift them to the Alabama delegates. angels, Thomas was willing to give it a try. The first one sold almost immediately, as did the next five or six.

Then they said, how about creating four – two with the Audrey “It was off to the races,” he said. “I was cranking out state flag, and two with Old Glory?”

Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., angels. Then, it was about five years ago, I decided I Thomas 205-824-1246, fax wanted to do liked the something to September 2012 idea, and give back.” so did other He sent This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOurnAl for the high-ranking out a mass members of Sept. 6, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. email looking the Republican for someone Party. In fact, who had had GOP leaders a bad year liked the paintso he could ings so much give them one they invited please initial and fax back within 24 hours. of his angel Thomas to if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, paintings. attend the paryour ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

The plan was ty’s national to give away Thank you for your prompt attention. convention in about 10 angel Tampa, Fla. paintings each Despite the 619 Montgomery Highway Vestavia Hills • 979-5611 year. looming threat Vintage Jewelry • Engagement Rings Thomas of Hurricane Old Cut Diamonds • Custom Design Restoration said he hopes Isaac, Thomas with proceeds Celebrating 36 Years in Business headed to from the GOP Florida the jewelsbyrose.net • prints, he’ll be week of the able to purconvention, chase supplies when his paintto create even ings were sold more paintings at auction Aug. for his angel 28 at the Taste giveaway. of Southern “This is Hospitality something I Thomas Andrew, left, displayed his artwork for the Republican Party at the party. They Republican National Convention. State GOP Chair Bill Armistead, right, was do all on my were a popular key, Thomas said in getting a print of his painting to all Alabama delegates. dime, and it’s item since not Photo special to the Journal really hard,” only did the he said. “I get elephant represent the Republican Party, but original over 100 nominations now, and they are all so deservpaintings also had the signature of the top speaker at ing. I say I do 10 a year, but it’s usually something like the convention. Following Romney’s speech Aug. 29, Thomas headed to a party for Alabama delegates, where 20 or 30.”

Thomas takes nominations from Nov. 1 until each were given a print of the Alabama painting.

Thanksgiving, prints them out and takes them to his When presidential candidate Mitt Romney visited family to read while they gather for Thanksgiving.

Birmingham in August, Thomas dropped his paintings The week before Christmas, he delivers the paintings off at The Club, where Romney was speaking, for the to those chosen by his family. He said many times the governor to autograph. recipients or a family member are battling cancer.

“If we could get Gov. Romney to sign them, I knew The first angel giveaway went to Birmingham it would be really special,” Thomas said. “(The state GOP) said it would be very difficult because of security. News writer Kathy Kemp, who lost her longtime battle with cancer in 2010. A painting also went to a former They called me in the middle of the day, and said, drive University of Alabama football player Siran Stacy, who up to The Club for him to sign them. lost his family in a car accident.

“There were police and security everywhere. I had “When I send them the painting, I include a note that to leave them at the front. Then later that evening they tells them, hey, I’m an artist from Birmingham, because called and said they were signed by the governor.” they go all over,” Thomas said. “I tell them how someThomas didn’t have much time to create the GOP one has written on their behalf and felt they could use paintings. He said he basically worked day and night to an angel. get them done.

“The really neat part is I’ve gotten notes back – dozThe paintings are 36 inches by 48 inches, and just ens and dozens – saying it came at just the right time, like his popular Crimson Tide elephant paintings, he’s like the angel showed up right when they needed it.” hidden a few symbols in these.

For more information about Thomas’ angel giveaway or “I took videos while I painted each piece,” Thomas his GOP paintings, visit www.thomasandrewart.com. ❖ said. “I always add music. I wanted this music to be

M

JOURNAL EDITOR

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Jewels By Rose

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

OTM Residents Are Sen. Shelby Interns in Washington, D.C.

Charlie Deer with Sen. Richard Shelby

Austin Duckworth with Sen. Richard Shelby

Trey Oliver with Sen. Richard Shelby

Thursday, September 6, 2012 • 9

People

Charlie Deer, Austin Duckworth and Trey Oliver recently completed internships in the Washington, D.C., office of Sen. Richard Shelby.

While in Washington, the interns completed legislative research, conducted tours of the U.S. Capitol building and attended hearings on important issues.

Deer, son of Alan and Jill Deer of Mountain Brook, is a junior at the University of Alabama, where he is majoring in accounting.

A member of the Honors College, he has been on the President’s List since his freshman year. He also participates in the computer-based honors program.

Deer is treasurer of his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, and a member of Capstone Men and Women.

Duckworth, son of John and Julie Duckworth of Vestavia Hills, received a bachelor’s degree in history and German from the University of Alabama. He will complete a master’s degree in history this school year. At Alabama, Duckworth was on the Dean’s and President’s Lists and competed on the UA cross country and track and field teams.

Oliver, son of Tom and Denise Oliver of Vestavia Hills, is a senior at Auburn University, where he is studying political science and communications. He has been named to the Dean’s List and was recently inducted into the Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies. He is president of his fraternity, Sigma Nu, and is the Interfraternity Council judicial board chairman.

Shelby’s Congressional Internship Program is open to college students who exhibit an interest in government and public service. ❖

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10 • Thursday, September 6, 2012

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Vestavia Hills Student Named Hess Fellow Alex Hunsucker, a junior biology major and Harrison Honors Scholar from Vestavia Hills, is one of 14 Birmingham-Southern College students in the 2012 class of Hess Fellows.

Hess Fellows dedicate an academic year to exploring advocacy in a threephased internship program that trains students to become advocates.

Hunsucker worked with Collaborative Solutions, Inc. in Birmingham this summer as part of the program.

As a Hess fellow, he will tackle a broad range of issues, including coordinating lobbying events on Capitol Hill, researching innovative ways to make downtown Birmingham more “green,” tracking the crosscurrents between political campaigns and advocacy initiatives, assisting with grant allocations and building a comprehensive database of education policies in Alabama.

In addition to the summer advocacy internships, Hess Fellows participated in five seminars this spring to prepare them for their summer work. Upon returning to Birmingham-Southern in August, each Fellow will design and implement an advocacy project on campus.

New agencies participating this year include the Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham, Alabama Partnership for Children and Human Rights First.

Bread for the World and the YWCA of Central Alabama will host BSC Hess Fellows for the seventh year.

Hess Fellowships are supported by the Dixon Foundation, Ronne and Donald Hess, the Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation and several private donors.

Nutcracker Auditions

The 2012 Hess Fellows are, from left, front: Ian Diament, Nino Yu Tiamco, Alex Lupo, Alex Hunsucker, Terri Ray, Kimber Reeves, Gabriela Sherrod and James Randolph, coordinator of Leadership Studies. Back: Coty Lovelady, Rachel Morgan, Maulin Shah, Kent Andersen, director of the Hess Center for Leadership and Service, Jacquelyn Cox, Grace Elliott and Nikki Wright. Not Photo special to the Journal pictured is Melanie Robinson. the foundation.

As part of Turner’s Girl Scout requirements, she organized a Cornelia de Lange Syndrome family gathering for Alabama. Emily, 19, was born with the syndrome but does not let it hinder her activities and goals.

The award was presented at the foundation’s national family conference June 23 in Lincolnshire, Ill. Founded in 1981, the foundation is a family support organization that exists to ensure early and accurate diagnosis, promote research into the causes and manifestations of the syndrome and help people make informed decisions throughout their lifetimes.

For more information, call 800-7532357 or visit www.cdlsusa.org.

9-16.

Whitacre also was elected president of his city council for the city of Jeffrey, named for past Vestavia school board administrator Jim Jeffrey and selected Outstanding Band Member for the Boys State Band.

As president of the Jeffrey City Council, he helped develop a plan to restructure his city in the event of a bankruptcy. The project placed first among the eight Boys State cities. The city of Jeffrey also won first place as Best City.

Whitacre is the son of Ron and Millie Whitacre.

Alabama Boys State is a leadership program for young men who have completed their junior year of high school and are expected to be campus leaders during their senior year. It provides delegates with a working knowledge of how government functions on the city, county and state levels.

Delegates are selected by their school faculty and community leaders.

This year, 534 young men were invited to participate in Boys State, hosted by the University of Alabama. ❖

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Auditions are open to everyone in Birmingham and surrounding areas. Boys are encouraged to audition.

The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation recently honored Emily Turner of Hoover with its Special Recognition Award.

The award recognizes an individual for his or her extraordinary efforts to raise awareness for the syndrome and

Roles are available for beginner thru advanced dancers. Arrive 15 minutes early to register. The audition consists of classwork and choreography from the production. Students that currently dance en pointe should bring their pointe shoes. The Nutcracker appears December 7 - 9 at the BJCC Concert Hall.

Community Cast rehearsals are primarily on Saturdays at Birmingham Ballet Academy.

Audition Fee: $20. Questions? Call 9799492 or visit www.birminghamballet.com

Whitacre Wins Boys State Honors

Alex Whitacre, senior at Vestavia Hills High School, received the $12,000 Charles B. Hayes Leadership Scholarship to the University of Alabama at the 75th annual American Legion Alabama Boys State June

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Dialysis Patient Is ‘Champion in Motion’ Fresenius Medical Care North America, a network of dialysis facilities, announced that Johnnie Johnson at Fresenius Medical Care Montclair in Mountain Brook has Johnnie Johnson been named a

Charlie Cope’s Eagle Scout project included construction of picnic tables at Photo special to the Journal Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center.

Cope Earns Eagle Rank Charlie Cope, a ninth grader at Mountain Brook Junior High School, has been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.

He is a member of Troop 320 at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church.

Cope’s leadership project benefited Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center, a nonprofit organization devoted to the education and treatment of adults with autism or other disorders.

The project included the construction of three picnic tables set on a circular gravel bed and surrounded by an edible garden and an expansion of the existing gardens at the Sullivan Day Center to provide a place for residents to sit and eat outdoors.

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Thursday, September 6, 2012 • 11

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

As a member of Troop 320, Cope earned 21 merit badges and held several leadership positions.

At Mountain Brook Junior High, Cope is a member of the tennis team, National Beta Club and SOS organization and is on the A honor roll.

He is the son of Jennifer and Pat Cope.

Get more OTM news • visit otmj.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter

Champion in Motion.

Champions in Motion are dialysis patients who, in spite of dealing with chronic kidney failure, have made a commitment to regular physical activity.

Johnson is recognized as a Champion in Motion because he is proactive about his health care, maintains a healthy dialysis-friendly diet and gets regular exercise.

Johnson’s weekly workout regimen includes three days of lifting free weights and one day of cycling.

Winners were chosen from more than 135,000 FMCNA patients. ❖

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Visit Ch il dre ns A L . or g/ com mi tte dtoac ur e to DO N ATE NO W This istoyour aD prOOF from the Over The M and for information on other ways help.

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12 • Thursday, September 6, 2012

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Three for the Arts

Mountain Brook Women Share Friendships and Support for City’s Arts Scene

By Laura McAlister

T

Journal Editor

heir friendships have lasted decades, and though their backgrounds differ, one thing is the same – they all share a love for the

arts.

Mountain Brook residents Garland Smith, Lyndra Daniel and Lisa Paden Gaines have known each other for years. During that time they’ve watched the arts scene in the Over the Mountain and Birmingham area grow, in part because of people like them.

The three women are staunch supporters of the arts in the Birmingham area. They’ve helped found artistic organizations and brought new life to old artistic venues. They’ve been active players in growing the arts scene from just a few theaters and museums to a thriving art community.

The decision to help build the Birmingham arts scene was easy for women like these. Lyndra, a singer with the Junior League of Birmingham Chorus, summed it up.

“Really, I love all arts,” she said. “It’s an expression of the best of mankind. Art is really man at his best.”

Lyndra Daniel

Lyndra moved to Birmingham from Louisiana about 36 years ago.

She was working as an executive assistant for an antiques company when she was sent to Birmingham to showcase some antique prints at Bromberg’s. During her stay in Birmingham, she met Bill Daniel, who’s now her husband.

Her parents had always encouraged her interest in the arts. They took her to plays and ballets.

“I actually thought I wanted to be a ballerina,” she said, laughing. “That didn’t work out.”

She has had a big impact on the arts in Birmingham, though.

After moving to Birmingham, she was quickly convinced to volunteer with the Birmingham Museum of Art. Since singing was her passion – she majored in it in college – Lyndra also got involved with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. She joined what was at the time the Junior Women of the Symphony.

“Four years later, I was chairman of the symphony’s Decorator’s ShowHouse,” she said.

Lyndra also served on the State Council of the Arts board and was key in forming the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham.

Though her work in the arts has been constant since she moved to Birmingham nearly four decades ago, she said her proudest moment has been helping establish a comprehensive arts calendar through the Cultural Alliance with the creation of birmingham365.org.

“I think that was one of our most important achievements,” she said. “It gives people the opportunity to see everything available in the arts, especially those coming from out of town.”

At the Virginia Samford Theatre are from left: Garland Smith, Lisa Paden Gaines and Lyndra Daniel. The three have Journal photos by Laura McAlister been active in the area’s art scene for years.

Garland Smith

Garland has been a part of the Birmingham area arts scene since she was a child.

It was then that her parents would take her to Birmingham from their hometown of Camden to see plays and ballets. She was immediately hooked.

“It was really just in my blood to begin with,” she said. “My parents encouraged it. They would take me to the Town and Gown Theatre.

We’d go to ballets and concerts.”

The Town and Gown Theatre is now the Virginia Samford Theatre; Garland serves on its board.

When it comes to the arts, Garland said she believes it’s important to preserve the past as well

as encourage the future. She’s doing both.

“My love is not only arts, but it’s also historic preservation,” she said.

She’s served on the Alabama Department of Archives and History board and was a founding board member of the McWane Science Center.

“They do a great job of training teachers,” Garland said of McWane, “and they make science and art fun.

(Children) don’t realize they’re learning.”

Throughout the years, Garland has served and continues to serve on several boards of arts and history organizations including McWane, the Birmingham History Center and the Alabama Ballet.

Garland said she’s always amazed to see new art organizations entering the Birmingham area, but she also loves that the older ones remain strong.

She mentioned the Birmingham Music Club, one of the oldest, if not the oldest presenting group in the state.

“It’s just been great to see the diversity and new groups coming in,” she said. “That’s been huge, but then we have clubs like the Birmingham Music Club that’s been here more than 100 years.”

Lisa Paden Gaines

Lisa has to look no further than the Virginia Samford Theatre to recall when her lifelong love and support of the arts began.

After all, it was at the Southside theater where she discovered her love for performing when she was just 15 years old.

“I was raised here,” she said, referring to the Virginia Samford Theatre, which will celebrate its 10-year anniversary after major renovations this month. “It was here that I got hooked on theater.”

The Virginia Samford Theatre, where she remains active today, is where she met her husband, Rad, and discovered her love not just for theater but for the arts in general.

“I’ve met some of the coolest people,” she said of her involvement in the Birmingham arts scene. “I’ve made great friends. It’s really just a bonding experience.”

One person she’ll never forget, nor will most supporters of the Virginia Samford Theatre, is the late James F. Hatcher. He was director of the theater for many years.

“Like most girls, I was into ballet,” she said. “I studied with Hatcher, and he needed dancers for the production of ‘Kismet.’”

Lisa was one of six dancers cast for the production of the musical.

The experience gave her a lifelong attachment to the theatre and the start of her involvement with the arts.

She went on to study ballet at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.

At the time, the school didn’t even have a campus. Thanks to Hatcher, the school used the Virginia Samford Theatre.

Lisa later went to the University of Alabama in a new program where she studied theatre and dance. The program took her to New York and beyond, but in the end, she was back in Birmingham working with mentor Hatcher at the Virginia Samford Theatre.

Though she hasn’t performed in two years, Lisa isn’t retired, and she’s certainly still active in the arts scene. In addition to her work with the Virginia Samford Theatre, she’s also involved with the Red Mountain Theatre Company, the Alabama School of Fine Arts and the NALL Foundation, to name a few. ❖

Thursday, September 6, 2012 • 13

LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Arts Calendar Below are just a few of the many upcoming events centered on the arts in the area. For a more complete list, visit, www.otmj.com, or to have our event posted online email information to editorial@otmj.com HOMEWOOD

Virginia Samford Theatre 10th Anniversary Sept. 6-7 Virginia Samford Theatre The historic theatre celebrates its 10th anniversary since its 2002 restoration with the best musical theatre from the past decade. See favorite VST performers in selections from “Always,” “Patsy Cline,” “The Buddy Holly Story,” “South Pacific,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Les Miserables” and more. The Sept. 6 performance at 7:30 p.m. will honor past VST directors and board of managers. For more information, visit www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Inter-ART-ive Sept. 13, 6 p.m.

Alys Stephens Center The sixth annual Inter-ART-ive outdoor party features global music sensation Red Baraat. UAB Music’s Marching Blazers Drumline will open the event followed by a performance

by Juka Tribe, headliner Baraat and a community drum circle with John Scalici and Friends. Admission is free. The party includes food for sale from Cantina on Wheels, Spoonfed Grill, NOLA Ice and Dreamcakes.

Guests can try new craft brews by Birmingham Budweiser. ASC Junior Patrons will receive VIP Lounge access with complimentary food and drinks. For more information, call 975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens. org.

NORTH SHELBY COUNTY

Alabama Ballet at St. Vincent's One Nineteen Sept. 13, 7 p.m.

St. Vincent's One Nineteen In collaboration with St. Vincent’s Health Systems, the ARts & Lectures

Club of Shelby County will present the Alabama Ballet at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Gym space will be transformed to accommodate seating for 100 with a stage for six professional Alabama Ballet dancers to perform a 30-minute program.

Pre-performance beverages will be available for purchase at 6:30 p.m. Following the performance, adult guests are invited to attend a catered after-party in the community room at One Nineteen. Professional childcare will be available until 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children under 12. For ticket information, contact Paige Kyser at atpaigerandfbham@gmail.com.

Sponsorship packages are also available; call Rebecca Blythe, event chairman, 910-0855.

CHELSEA

Hoover/Shelby Art Association Fall Art Show Sept. 29, 9 a.m.

Chelsea City Hall This annual art show has a new location at the Chelsea City Hall.

All media visual fine arts and fine crafts will be exhibited by member artisans onsite. The outdoor juried show is handicap-accessible. For more information, call 482-1684 or 979-5699.

BLUFF PARK

49th Annual Bluff Park Art Show Oct. 6, 9 a.m.

Bluff Park This Bluff Park Art Association event is held annually on the first Saturday in October. The show includes more than 150 local and national artists displaying fine art for sale. Free admission, free parking and shuttle buses are available at Bluff Park United Methodist Church, Shades Mountain Independent Church, Shades Mountain Plaza, Bluff Park Village Shopping Center and Shades Crest Baptist Church. The show is from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Follow the signs from I-65 exits at Alford Avenue and Tyler Road. Refreshments and food are available. Children can enjoy

At the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to plan the annual Symphony 30 Picnic are, from left: Caroline Reynolds, picnic chairman; Paige Daniel, Symphony 30 president; Sarah Johnson of Jim ʼN Nickʼs; Emily Branum, picnic co-chairman, and Mary Goodrich, corporate solicitations co-chairman. Not pictured: Photo special to the Journal Kelly Taylor, Brookwood Medical Center. hands-on art fun. Proceeds support the arts in the Birmingham area, including scholarships.

BIRMINGHAM

Symphony 30 Picnic Sept. 30, 4 p.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Symphony 30 will host its annual picnic with proceeds benefiting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, specifically family and education programs. Along with dinner provided

by Jim ’N Nick’s and a symphony concert with excerpts from "Harry Potter" and "The Sound of Music," activities will include an art table where children can make their own musical instruments. Symphony 30 is a nonprofit that includes some 80 young women committed to the legacy and future of the ASO. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.symphony30.org. Tickets are $60 per family or $25 per person. ❖

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14 • Thursday, September 6, 2012

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Louis and Lisa Carruba, Connie and Frank Madonia and Phyllis Chiarella

Journal photos by Laura McAlister

SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT Football-Themed Party Raises Funds for Children’s Team

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more

he Rotary Club District 6860 and Rotaract Club of Shelby County recently hosted the fourth annual Boiling N’ Bragging at Otey’s Tavern in Mountain Brook.

More than 425 attended the event, raising more than $32,000 for Critical Care Transport Team at Children’s of Alabama.

Boiling N’ Bragging included an all-you-can-eat cookout and Low Country boil. photos at Live music was provided

by Sean “Rockstar” Heninger, and WJOX’s Lance Taylor made an appearance. Attendees came dressed in their team colors.

Critical Care Transport is available 24 hours a day to provide specialized, state-of-the-art care to newborns, infants and children. The team is called to rural hospitals throughout the region to transport these patients to Children’s of Alabama, where they can get the care they need.

Staffed with a registered nurse and respiratory therapist ambulances, a jet and helicopter are used to transport the patients. The team makes about 1,000 transports a year.

Members of the Boiling N’ Bragging steering committee include: Ted Burns, Tom Somers, Phillip Williams and Kristen Woods. ❖

Abbi Heaton, Cassieta Trawick, Tabitha Fulton and Taylor Eubanks.

Anna Sparks, Ashley Patterson, Carrie Hill and Ashley Ellis

OTMJ.COM

Sophia Knox, Manna Hanson and Sarah Weatherly

Reeder Coker and Aubie

Caroline Lester and Presley Kate Bartlet

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Sarah Moseley, Carolyn Higginbotham and Photos special to the Journal Yvonne Pope

Fanoula Gulas and Nancy Harris

Dink Boyce, Jennifer Alden and Julie Narz

Denise Nichols, Honey Miller and Rita Wood

ROAR Ready to Raise More Funds for Cancer Research

C

arolyn Higginbotham recently welcomed ROAR members and guests in her home in Greystone.

ROAR (Regional Oncology Action Research) is the volunteer fundraising committee of the Southeast Cancer Foundation.

ROAR raised $1 million for cancer research in the last three years.

Members are planning the third annual James more photos at Bond Gala to be held Feb. 9, 2013, with a goal of raising $1 million to establish the ROAR Endowed Chair at UAB for Personalized Cancer Medicine Research.

Cancer survivor Jerry Duncan and his wife, Karen, are the gala’s honorees.

Celebrating a successful year of supporting cancer research were: Jennifer Alden, Barbie Arnold, Kayla Arnold, Pam Ausley, Fran Baker, Carol Balden, Sherry Best, Dr. Anne Bishop, , Libby Bontly, Dink Boyce, Barbara Brickner, Betty Bussey, Carol Campbell, Andrea Carmichael, Terry Crutchfield, Peggy Devane, Kristie Dobelbower, Karen Duncan, Janice Herving, Diane Flowers, Deane Giles, Fanoula Gulas; Nancy Harris, hostess Carolyn Higginbotham, Kati Higginbotham, Hiltrud Hollibaugh, Anne Horne, Barbara Huffman, Kim Hull, Julie Kim, Barbara Klyce, Audrey Lindquist, Jackie Mcatee, Melody McGuire, Honey Miller, Denise Moore, Sarah Moseley, Julie Narz, Denise

OTMJ.COM

Nichols, Sue Nuby, Dr. Somaz Oget, Alicia Pangman, Yvonne Pope, Mary Rankin; Michelle Scholtz, Glenda

Sparacio, Margaret Stewart, Wanda Stone, Sherry Tatom, Martha Thompson, Hollis Traylor, Rita Wood and Joan Zolak. ❖

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We are glad to have our home on the campus of Brookwood Hospital, grateful for the trust placed in us by referring physicians, and honored to serve you, our patients, with excellence in cardiac care. We welcome new patients to our office in Brookwood Hospital.

To make an appointment, please call 205-250-6964.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Antiquarians Plan New Orleans Trip

ebecca Mason, president of the Antiquarian Society of Birmingham, hosted the group’s executive board meeting Aug. 8 at The Club in the Vulcan State room.

Carolyn Reich told board members that the Antiquarians’ annual spring trip would be a pilgrimage to New Orleans to explore the hidden treasures behind the gates of French Quarter houses.

The Antiquarian Society is dedicated to fostering interest in antiques, collectables and heirlooms through travel and onsite programs. Future programs will include a lecture on the history of interiors given by University Alabama professor We areof pleased to welcome Shirley Foster and a talk by Susan patients...

Lapne of M.S. Lapne antiques in New Orleans.

New officers for 2012-13 are president Rebecca Mason, first vice president Rebekah Taylor, second vice president Nan Teninbaum, corresponding secretaries Elaine Clark and Kirke Cater, recording secretary Sara Jackson, treasurer Joan Hull, historian Janis Zeanah, past presi-

new

Elaine Clark, Rebekah Taylor, Rebecca Mason, Sara Jackson, Joan Hull and Photo special to the Journal Anne Gibbons

dent Judith Hand and parliamentarian Anne Gibbons.

Attending the luncheon were Rebecca Mason, Rebekah Taylor, Nan Teninbaum, Elaine Clark, Sara Jackson, Joan Hull, Janis Zeanah, Anne Gibbons, Marsha Duell, Anne Hollans, Lynda Robertson,

Artist Gather for Watercolor Society Opening Reception

Alfred W.H. Stanley, Jr. M.D., F.A.C.C Saji C. Jacob, M.D., F.A.C.C Michael E. McKinney, M.D., F.A.C.C. Dianne Barnard, M.D., F.A.C.C Leah C. Ashworth-Edge, CRNP Jeffery W. Herald, CRNP

My Dad can make your lawn look like this!

Anita

T Ron and Becky Lewis with Ron’s painting, “Morning Sun”

To: From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: aug. 2012

This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOurnAl for the Sep. 6, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Miriam McClung, Nancy Christie and Barbara Prior

Fertilization • Weed Control Insect Control • Disease Control

Andy’s

Landscape Service Vestavia 824-0371

www.AndysGardenCenter.com

Lena Knight, Annie Green, Laura Ramsay, Meridith Peeples, Jane Ellis, Gail Pugh, Nan Skier, Linda Stewart, Kirke Cater, Martha Lee Culp, Kathryn Porter, Susan Dasher, Barbara Wall, Carolyn Reich, Pauline Fugazzotto and Margie Denton. ❖

Caroline Collins, Langley and Marjoryn Creighton

Photo special to the Journal

he Watercolor Society of Alabama recently hosted the opening reception for the 71st National Exhibition 2012 at the Littlehouse Galleries in Homewood.

A crowd gathered to view the aqua media works on display from watercolorists from across the country. Artists from 12 states received awards. Artists from more than 20 states have works in the exhibit.

Yuri Ozaki of Huntsville won the top award, the WSA Award of Excellence, for her woodland creek scene, “October in Monteagle.” Ron Lewis of Vestavia Hills won the Winsor Newton Fine Art Watercolor Award.

The awards were presented by Joan Blackburn of Pensacola, Fla., the awards juror for the show. Steve Rogers of Ormond Beach, Fla., was the selection juror.

Helping present the awards were Tora Johnson of Mountain Brook, WSA president; Diane Shepherd of Hoover, show chairman; and Heike Covell of Huntsville, WSA membership chairman.

Area artists with works in the exhibit were Lynn Briggs, Craig Gallaway, Pat Hall, Tora Johnson, Toby Klein, Ronald Lewis, Melinda Mathews, Bob Moody, Barbara Prior, Diane D. Shepherd, Gerald Tysver Jr. and Isabelle Wilson.

The guests were treated to refreshments by WSA members. Jennifer Shepherd presided over the reception table.

Among those at the reception were Miriam McClung, Nancy Christie, J. David Davidson, Rebecca Dailey, Ron and Becky Lewis, Peggy Milburn Brown and Carol Hull both of Montgomery, Caroline and Doug McIntyre, Caroline Collins, Langley and Marjoryn Creighton, Corky and Rosa Goldman, Melinda Mathews, Jaceena and Jim Shepard, Barbara Prior, Julia Pope, Mary and John Sowell, Lynn Briggs, Craig Gallaway, Isabelle Wilson, Gerald Tysver, Pat Hall and Winnie Cooper.

The WSA will present its Alabama Members’ Showcase exhibit this month. ❖

Thursday, September 6, 2012 • 17

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Medical Weight Loss staff members, from left: Rebecca Washington, Kim Morin and Sarah Walls.

An Affordable Way to Regain Your Health

From left: Chaz Tillman, Chelsey McEntire, Bill and Casey Schaffer

Photo special to the Journal

Cats and Dogs Reign the Night Auction Is Highlight of Picasso Pets

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and in Paw held its 12th annual fundraising event, Picasso Pets, Aug. 18 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center.

The evening began with a silent auction, live music by jazz band Soul Therapy, an open bar and passed appetizers. Guests were then seated for a three-course dinner.

Presentations were made by people whose lives have been enhanced by the positive effects of Hand in Paw’s Animal-Assisted Therapy Teams. The night’s main event, the live auction, included one-of-a kind pet paintings.

At the end of the event, guests had the opportunity to donate money directly to Hand in Paw’s programs.

In addition to the pet paintings, Picasso Pets auctioned a trip to The Columns in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and a trip to Ireland. The top-selling item of the night gave the winner the chance to have his or her pet be the marketing image for the 2013 Picasso Pets.

More than $200,000 was raised for Hand in Paw, which relies on fundraisers like Picasso Pets, charitable donations and grant monies to fund its work. ❖

Dr. Jim and Crispin Cantrell and Dr. Jim and Katie Laskera

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This is your aD prOOF from Over Thethe MOunTain JOurnal for programs that the pinpoint and address needs of each patient on an individual Sep. 6, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. basis.

Dr. Sklare’s Inner all Diet program please make sure information is correct, compliments and strengthens your weight loss program, helps you work including address and phone number! smarter, not harder at weight loss and creates healthy change from within.

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

if we haveProfessional not heard Support from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, One on One Counseling P your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

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18 • Thursday, September 6, 2012

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Symphony Council Elects Officers

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enhancing lif e with plants

4:30-7:30 p.m.

ham's g n i m r i B autiful e B t s o M our H y p p a H Live Featuring Live MuSic: Musi Sept. 13 - Jeff otwell c oct. 11 - india ramey 2012 SponSorS:

From left: Shirley Brown, Lisa Rutherford and Martha Black

Full cash Bar Tickets are $5* for non-members and FREE for members.

Scan the tag for

more information.

*$5 ticket price provides entrance to the event and live entertainment. Drinks and food are available for purchase, but are not included with admission.

Get the free mobile app at

http:/ / gettag.mobi

Tickets are only valid for one event in series. No refunds. Must be 21 to purchase alcoholic beverages.

205.414.3950 bbgardens.org/cocktails Roberta and Jim Atkinson

Here we GROW again!

Henderson & Walton Women’s Center is excited to announce our new satellite office in Chelsea! The physicians you know and trust at our main office in Birmingham will now be coming to YOU in Chelsea. They bring with them the excellence you have come to expect—healthcare that is delivered in a personal, considerate, sensitive and knowledgeable manner. Henderson & Walton’s physicians are Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and affiliated with St. Vincent’s Birmingham.

So, if you’ve been looking for quality women’s healthcare, you’ve found it—right here in your neighborhood! Give us a call today at (205) 678-8093 to set up an appointment in our Chelsea office and meet our physicians.

398 Chesser Drive, Suite 3 | Chelsea, AL 35043

Photo special to the Journal

he Brookwood Trace home of Lisa and Robert Rutherford was the setting for the Symphony Volunteer Council’s spring membership meeting.

Members and prospective members mingled in the reception rooms and on the terrace at the annual event. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and wine before the business meeting led by retiring president Linda Griggs.

Linda recognized Roberta Atkinson as the winner of the Sandra Apolinsky Award presented by the Alabama Symphonic Association at its May 15 board meeting. The award is presented annually to a Symphony Volunteer Council member selected by the SVC board for contributions of time and expertise to activities on behalf of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

Roberta is a past president of the SVC and has been a vital leader in its support of the ASO. New SVC officers were elected and installed by Nan Teninbaum.

They include Kathie Ramsey, president; Roberta Atkinson, executive vice president; Debbie Reid, Rosalind Rust and Jody Weston, vice presidents, education; Martha Black and Shirley Brown, vice presidents, hospitality; Mike Griggs and Mimi Jackson, vice presidents, membership; Liz Warren, recording secretary; Pat Penfield, corresponding secretary; Sandra Annonio, treasurer; Elaine Clark, parliamentarian; and Linda Griggs, immediate past president.

Appointed to serve as committee chairmen were Gailya Sargent, guest artist hospitality; Tora Johnson, historian; Clairee Clarke, legislative liaison; Connie Bishop and Terry Standridge, Lois Pickard luncheon; Cheree Carlton and Charlotte Clarkson, orchestra hospitality; Janis Zeanah and Deborah O’Connor, publicity; and Diane Ray, volunteer coordinator.

Others at the gathering were: Bob Black, Bob Brown, Merrily and Ray Newton, Raymond Newton, Tallulah Hargrove, Jim Atkinson, Gene and Tonie Bone, Angela Asher, Beth Szymborsk, Don Burrell, June Bulow, Dottie Thompson, Sandra Butler, Pat Nix, Darlene Gray, Melanie Crane; Olivia and Gene Weingarten, John Stone, Oliver Clark, Jack Standridge, Steve Clarkson, Lin and Jim Musgrove, Margie and Robert Denton, Dixie and Bill Ayers, Bonnie Cicio, Mary Jo Nicastro, Cecille Perkins, Lynne and Michael Meeks, Tom Warren; Nancy Van Wanderham, Peggy Heaps, Roma Bounds, Gerry Dunham, Lu and Charles Moss, Martha Noble, Gerda Carmichael, Linda James and Barbara Ann Beckett-Gaines. ❖

Cheryl Williams, Betsy Miller, Mary Steiner, Mary Russell and Ann Massey

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photo special to the Journal

Gaieties Club Hosts Coffee, Fellowship

he Gaieties Club held its spring coffee at the home of Betsy Miller.

The hostess decorated her dining room table with arrangements in crystal containers of yellow and blue Dutch iris accented with lime green bottlebrush flowers.

Silver trays and bowls were filled with chocolate petits fours, finger sandwiches, ham biscuits, cheese straws and an assortment of fruit and cheese.

President Mary Steiner conducted the meeting. Vice president Brownie Evans presented plans for the spring event, “Cruising to Morocco.”

New officers are Brownie Evans, president; Jackie MacClary, vice

president; June Henderson, recording secretary; Janie Henderson, corresponding secretary; Betty Northen, treasurer; Louise Smith, assistant treasurer; and Mary Steiner, parliamentarian.

Louise Gillespy and Nita Collingsworth served on the nominating committee.

New members are Lynne Hennessy, Helen Mills, Betty Tully, Evie Varre and Doris Wilson.

Among those at the coffee were Ann Baker, June Eagan, Tootie Fash, Marjorie Forney, Bettie Hurd, June Henderson, Jane Leslie, Joyce Lott, Anne Martin, Peggy Morgan, Lovie Montgomery, Lenora McCauley, Sandra Oden,

To: From: Date:

Ann Massey, Mary Roebuck, Mary Russell, Winyss Shepard, Carol Sandner, Doris White, Janie Wilson, Cheryl Williams, Mimi Little and Hallie Rawls. ❖

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Bradley Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Aug. 2012

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This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Sept. 6, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

ON: CONSTRUCTI NEW HOME $500,000s ACE - from the PL EN PD M A H 00,000s LS - from the $6 VESTLAKE HIL 00,000s VE - from the $6 VESTLAKE CO 00,000s LS - from the $7 HERITAGE HIL 00,000s GE - from the $7 VESTLAKE RID e $1,000,000s DGE - from th RI .

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ailable from Resales also av ral ,000+ in seve 00 ,0 $2 the $300s to s. od ho or hb ig Liberty Park ne

its Park Properties nor ed. Neither Liberty rate but not warrant tion subject to change without notice. herein deemed accu rma ed info tain Plan con ns. tion ssio All informa errors or omi are responsible for builders and agents

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20 • Thursday, September 6, 2012

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A Family Company Earning Your Trust For Over 50 Years

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

McDonald Honored at ArtPartners Event

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SA Alabama hosted its 10th annual ArtPartners Live Auction and Showcase Aug. 19 at B&A Friendly caring Warehouse. service you B&A provided food, including minicupcakes, to celebrate the program’s can count on 10th birthPlumbing, day. White hydrangea Heating and centerpieces Air Conditioning were arranged

by Linda 595-4846 Barnes.

Patty Peggy Rice and Chris Coffey McDonald was honored as the 2012 Community ArtPartner.

Patty McDonald She was introTo: Joseph duced by Birmingham Mayor William From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Bell, who also welcomed guests.

FAX: 205-824-1246 Honorary co-chairmen included Date: May 2010 Grace Davis, Lindsay Davis, Allie Simmons and Ryan Steeley, children This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the with VSA since who have participated June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. they were toddlers.

The Birmingham Boys Choir under the direction of Ken Berg performed Please make sure all information is correct, the national anthem. Guin Robinson including address and phone number! was auctioneer.

This year’s event raised $100,000. ❖

She said yes

In front from left: Lindsay Davis, Ryan Steeley and Grace Davis. Back: Rep. Photos by Virginia Jones Paul DeMarco and Birmingham Mayor William Bell

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Fishing Tournament Aids Scouts

Thank you for your prompt attention.

T

Park South Plaza • 1425 Montgomery Hwy., Suite 111 next to Diplomat Deli in Vestavia Hills Mon.-Fri. 9:30 - 5:30 • Sat. 10-3 • (205) 822-9173

From left: Quint Cook, Carol Waller, Greg and Peggy Powell

Photo special to the

Journal

To: From: Date:

822-9163 Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Aug. 2012

RESPECT - DIGNITY - RESULTS

This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAinQUALITY JOurnAl forvs. the Quantity is our STRENGH Sept. 6, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

With only 6 clients at a time, one doesn’t get lost in a crowd. individualized drug and alcohol addiction treatment please make sure all informationTrue inis acorrect, home-like environment. Our holistic approach inincluding address and phone number! cludes dry sauna to cleanse the body, massage therapist, yoga, LMHC counseling, and much more. 24/7care. State

please initial and fax back within 24 hours. licensed and qualifies for court referrals.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

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All contact and consultations are confidential.

Call 1-850- 687- 6831 local email butlers101@aol.com

he annual Bill Ireland Invitational Fishing Tournament was June 22-23 on Lake Alice at Kanawahala Program Center in Chelsea.

Proceeds benefited the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.

The tournament kicked off June 22 with a Captain’s Party. The event included venison sausage appetizers and beverages with a silent auction.

The Cajun Connection cooking team served fried catfish, smoked pork, shrimp etouffee, hush puppies and salad. Magic Muffins provided two cakes for dessert.

The next day, Tom Clark and Bo Pugh took home the first place trophy for 22.46 pounds of bass. Coming in second were Chuck and Casey Graham with 20.63 lbs. Third place went to Henley Smith and John Hudson of O’Neal Steel with 20.46 lbs.

Jamie White of Brasfield and Gorrie won the largest bass, weighing in at 7.10 lbs. Bo Adams of AlaCOMP caught the most fish with 43 bass. Chuck Graham caught 7.6 lbs. of stripe, and Sam Farlow caught 3.5 lbs. of catfish.

The fishing tournament started in 2004 and was re-named in 2010 in honor of Girl Scout supporter Bill Ireland Sr. The tournament committee included chairman Gabe Hulbert, Tom Clark, Caroline Clayton, Phyllis Davis, Marjorie Davis-Trimm, April Deal, Joel Goldstein, Chuck Graham, Bill Granberry, Bill Satterfield and Alice Williams. ❖

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Alpha Gams Gather for a Good Cause

he Greater Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta held a “Fun Evening for Philanthropy” at the Cantina.

Funds were raised for the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, which benefits diabetes awareness education, scholarships and leadership training.

Alyce Heggeman Head shared tips on easy entertaining from “Cooking with Paula Deen” magazine. She is a magazine staff member.

The Nominating Committee presented the slate of officers for 201213: Amy Nichols McCain, president; Elizabeth Estess Wilson, first vice president; Dede McDanal Moore, second vice president; Linda Winkler Pope, secretary; Suzanne Lawrence Chandler, treasurer; and Judith Hayes Hand, permanent secretary.

Appointed officers are Linda Johnson Stone, recruitment information for Auburn University, and Nancy Runyan Gaston, recruitment information for the University of Alabama.

Others who attended were Denise Hataway Ball, Alison Beazley, Nancy Beaird Bromberg, Cathy Williams Culberson, Julia Crutcher Edwards, Elizabeth Hamiter Ferguson, Susan Rice Galloway, Kathy Yates Girardeau, Diane Smith Godber, Anna Kilgo Harris, Patti Guthrie Hill, Amanda Gullahorn Murphy, Mary Ponder Wilson Porter, Sally Ryan Reiser, Michelle Lyons Rushing, Mary Ben Savage, Susan Long Womack, Ann Morris Watson, Gail Smith Westhoven and Nancy Wilson.

Members heard a report from the annual International Reunion Day Luncheon at the Hoover Country Club.

Julia Sprague Rudd was the featured speaker on “Sisters: Gifts from the Heart.”

Amber Davenport Coleman of the University of Montevallo’s Gamma Upsilon chapter was chairman of the arrangements and program. Lyndsi Mathews, Gamma Upsilon president, and Ashley Scott, University

To: From: Date:

Thursday, September 6, 2012 • 21

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Only 4 lOts Remain!

Highland Meadows

synonymous with quality and comfort

CoME HoME to HigHlanD MEaDowS

From left: Labella Alvis, Kathy Yates Girardeau and Patti Guthrie Hill Photo special to the Journal

of Alabama at Birmingham Gamma Omega president, presented reports of their chapters’ activities. Judith Hayes Hand gave a report for the Greater Birmingham Alumnae Chapter.

A Rededication of Seniors was held after the luncheon for collegiate members becoming alumnae: Ashby Angell, Molly Burrell, Sara Hughes, Britney Ledford, Victoria Manzella, Morgan McHugh, Anna Riggins, Katie Snider, Beth White and Anna Williams.

Jane Alford, Gamma Upsilon, and Sara Carroll and Sarah Hughes, Gamma Omega, were recognized as the graduating seniors with the highest grade point averages.

Alpha Gamma Delta alumnae from five chapters who attended included Amanda Beck, Erin Cheng, Kim Swindle Glover, Allison Gullick, Betsy Weese Hoffman, Charlotte Powell Howton, Laura Burkards Junkin, Anne Ryan Leavitt, Libby Medicus, Lauren Schoenfeldt and Hannah Viall. ❖

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To: jharwell@realtysouth.com From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824 i Date: aug. 2012

g rl u ffThe MOunTain J This is your aD prOOF from s thet Over Sep. 6, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes

please make sure all information is including address and phone num

Allyn Holladay Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Dec 2009 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the December 17, 2009 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

please initial and fax back within 24 hou

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attentio

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

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205.802.7735

22 • Thursday, September 6, 2012

McKinney-Thompson

Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Robinson Taylor III and Mr. Lewis Carlyle McKinney Jr., all of Birmingham, announce the engagement of their daughter, Mackin Elizabeth McKinney, to George Clinton Thompson Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. George Clinton Thompson Sr. of Birmingham.

Ramey-Ritter

Mr. and Mrs. William Sheridan Ramey of Germantown, Tenn., announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily June Ramey, to Richard Tyler Ritter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Charles Ritter of Vestavia Hills.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth

Mooney-Collie

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Gaston Mooney II of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth Saylor Arrington, to Clayton Benjamin Collie, son of Mrs. Sally Campbell and Mr. Phillip Collie of Guntersville and Albertville.

The bride-elect is the granddaugh-

Weddings & Engagements The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Stanley Mackin Sr. of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Carlyle McKinney Sr. of Greenville, S.C. Miss McKinney is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Mississippi. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and was presented at the Krewe Ball and the Ball of Roses. She is employed with Brownell Travel, Inc. in Birmingham.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Byrne Wadkins Stewart Sr. and the late Mr. Wadkins of Birmingham, formerly of Dothan, and Mrs. Hall Williams Thompson Sr. and the late Mr. Thompson of Shoal Creek.

Mr. Thompson is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Vanderbilt University, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

He is owner of Pinnacle Imports in Bessemer.

The wedding is planned for Jan. 12, 2013.

Bomar of Memphis, Tenn., and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Sheridan Ramey Sr. of Indianapolis.

Miss Ramey is a graduate of Germantown High School and Belmont University with a bachelor’s degree in music business. She is employed with an artist management firm in Nashville, Tenn.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sigmon of Hoover and Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Ritter of Prattville.

Mr. Ritter is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and Belmont University with a bachelor’s degree in music. He is touring as the drummer of the Nashville band Moon Taxi.

The wedding is planned for Oct. 6 with the ceremony and reception at Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory, Tenn. Ellen Mageer Ramey, sister of the bride, will serve as maid of honor. Charles William David Smith will serve as best man.

After a honeymoon trip to New Zealand, the couple will live in Nashville. ter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas McCarthy and the late Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Gaston Mooney.

Miss Mooney is a 2005 graduate of Briarwood Christian High School and a summa cum laude graduate of Furman University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education.

She played varsity soccer and is a member of Kappa Delta sorority.

Miss Mooney is a teacher and coach at Briarwood Christian School.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William Burke Hotalen II and the late Mr. and Mrs. Olan Carter Coplin and the late Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ulon Collie.

Mr. Collie is a 2005 graduate of Guntersville High School and a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in history. He was a Peer Event planner for Career Development Services and is a member of Farm House Fraternity. Mr. Collie is employed by Booster in Birmingham.

A fall wedding is planned.

Carey-Harding

Miss Catharine Alice Carey and Mr. Paul Gary Harding were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Aug. 27, 2011 at South Highland Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. Dr. Conrad Charles Sharps of Independent Presbyterian Church officiated. A reception followed at The

Masek-Dreher

Alexa Rachel Masek and Jake Dreher were married July 28 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The Rev. Mary Erickson officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Ms. Elizabeth Masek of Jackson Hole and Mr. John Masek Jr. of Houston. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Marilyn Green of Reno, Nev., and the late Mr. Theodore Chachas of Ely, Nev., and Mrs. Rachael Gali of Reno and Mr. John Masek Sr. of Zapata, Texas.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Dreher of Birmingham.

He is the grandson of Mrs. Dottie Krusen and the late Mr. Marshall Haynes Jr. and Mrs. Marian Lewis and the late Mr. Carl Dreher, all of Birmingham.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Maids of honor were Sarah Cella and Ivana Matura, both of New York. Bridesmaids were Mackenzie Dreher of Birmingham; Caitlin Young and Meghan Cratty of Wilton, Conn.; Nicole Yannota of Whippany, N.J.; Monica McLaren of Katonah, N.Y.; and Angelina Chachas and Marly Chachas, both of Reno. Flower girl was Payton Flynn, niece of the groom.

The father of the groom served as best man. Groomsmen were Frank Tomlinson, David Smitherman, Henry Graham, Dixon Seymour, Whitt Israel, Tom Walker, Bernard Scott and Taylor Holcomb, all of Birmingham; Julian Thomas of New Orleans; Robert Hunter of Mobile; and Zachary Masek of Jackson Hole. The ring bearer was Robert Flynn, nephew of the groom.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Club.

Parents of the bride are Mrs. Joseph Frederick Carey Jr., of Birmingham and the late Mr. Carey.

The bride is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Frederick Carey of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Leon Goggans of Tuscaloosa and Greenville. Parents of the groom are Mr. and Mrs. Gary Alexander Harding of Nashville, Tenn.

The groom is the grandson of Mrs. Alexander Harding Jr., of Edgewater, Fla. and the late Mr. Harding and Mrs. Edward O’Neill of Yonkers, N.Y. and the late Mr. Charles Knanishu.

The bride wore a v-neck dropped waist sheath gown made of white reembroidered Alencon lace with a latte colored underlay designed by Monique Lhuillier. Her extended chapel-length veil was of silk tulle trimmed in Alencon lace. The bridal bouquet was a topiary of roses in various shades of white and pale pink, accentuated with hypericum berries. She wore an

Acree-Shields

Marisa Kathryn Acree and Curtis Jonathan Shields were married at 6:30 p.m. June 23 at First United Methodist Church in LaGrange, Ga. Officiating ministers of the double ring ceremony were the Rev. Walter Humphrey Henegar of Atlanta and the Rev. Timothy Joseph Udouj of Greenville, S.C. Following the ceremony, the parents of the bride hosted a reception at Del’avant.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marc Edward Acree of LaGrange. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Benton Mills Lee of Polkton, N.C., the late Mr. Benton Mills Lee and the late Rev. and Mrs. Allen Troy Acree of Blairsville, Ga. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Curtis Shields of Birmingham. He is the grandson of Dr. Catherine Miller DuPree of Macon, Ga., the late Dr. Thomas Earl DuPree Sr. of Plainsboro, Ga., the late Ms. Mary Mildred Huston Shields of Birmingham and the late Mr. Dean William Shields of Jasper,

antique diamond and sapphire bracelet belonging to her mother.

Matrons of Honor were Heather Miller Cover and Courtney Bentley Cunningham, both of Birmingham.

Honorary Bridesmaids were Courtney Christians Cook , Jane Katherine Coole, Natalie Michelle Hummel, Tyler Anne Mellon, and Marliese Sue Thomas, all of Birmingham; and Laura Lynn Hardy of Huntsville; Cori DeLong Peck of Daphne; and Lisa Hutchens Boshell of Auburn.

The best man was Jacob Alexander Harding, son of the groom, of Lexington. Groomsmen were John Theodore Cover, Gerald Alexander Drennen III, Gregory Alan Dials, James King Owens IV, and Gann Wesley Smith, all of Birmingham. The organist was Jeffrey Randal McLelland of Independent Presbyterian Church.

After a honeymoon trip to Savannah, Georgia, the couple resides in Birmingham.

Ga. Wedding music was presented

by Rachel Sherbak Stevener, soloist, of Charlotte, N. C., Cynthia King Brown, organist, Callie Knight Hammond, violinist, and Tessa Matthews Scanlon, cellist, all of LaGrange. The scripture reader was Christina Culver Booth of Atlanta.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride was attended by matron of honor Esta Acree Busby of Decatur, Ga., and maid of honor Claire Leone Acree of Dallas, sisters of the bride.

Bridesmaids were Laurel Meghan Birch of Baton Rouge, La.; Sara Carol Cargo of St. Louis; Julie Parker Koon, Katie Lynn Kump, Darrah Lyn McGuire and Katie Amelia Phillips, all of Atlanta; Megan Smelley Martin of Athens, Ga.; and Rachel Catherine Shields, sister of the groom, of Birmingham.

Flower girls were Anne Harrell Busby and Florence Charis Busby, nieces of the bride.

Joseph David Shields, brother of the groom, of Birmingham served as best man.

Groomsmen were Cole William Eppstein of Nashville, Tenn.; Brint Joseph Hardy of Birmingham; Christopher Lee Holby of Washington, D.C.; Matthew Frederick Mahla of Charlottesville, Va.; Daniel Edwards McKinney of Fairhope; Mason Callahan Peterson of Marietta, Ga.; Joel Shane Robeson of Greenville, S.C.; Crawford Michael Stevener of Charlotte; and John Edward Trapp of Houston. Ring bearers were David Lafayette Mincey IV and William Newton Mincey of Macon, Ga., cousins of the groom.

After a honeymoon trip to Hawaii, the couple live in Charlotte.

Send us your party pics!

• Email your event pictures along with a short write up to editorial@otmj.com.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, September 6, 2012 • 23

schools

Members of the John Carroll Catholic High School class of 2016 started off the school year with Photo special to the Journal an orientation. The class is the largest the school has had in a generation.

J

Largest Freshmen Class in a Generation Kicks off 66th Year at John Carroll

ohn Carroll Catholic High School opened its 66th aca- on her area of expertise and how she could assist a struggling student. Robert Crawford, class of ’76 and associate demic year Aug. 13, by welcoming its largest freshdean at John Carroll, discussed John Carroll’s rule book man class in a generation with 172 students. and the importance of following guidelines not only in The newly formed class spent a day of learning the in-and-outs of a typical day at John Carroll. From meeting high school but also throughout their lives.

Ninety-two percent of John Carroll’s class of 2016 their five core subjects, electives and homeroom teachenrolled from Catholic grade schools in the Diocese of ers, to learning the ropes of how to purchase cafeteria Birmingham. food from Christian Catering, the new scholars gained a “This high percentage is new perspective of what high a true testament to the dedischool is all about.

“This high percentage is a true cated families who choose to Principal Father McDonald provide a Catholic education addressed the class and capitestament to the dedicated for their sons and daughters,” talized on the importance of families who choose to provide said Kathryn Davis, director the development of one’s of admissions at John Carroll. whole person – spiritually, a Catholic education for their “We are grateful not only for academically, artistically, sons and daughters.” athletically and in discipline, To:their wonderful Jean principals and teachers them Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., while deepening their hearts From: Overwho Thetaught Mountain Kathryn Davis through205-824-1246, their eighth grade,fax through the Gospel values.

September 20 & 21 but the sacrifice that has been Julie Meadows, class of Date: April 2012 made by our families to an ’76 and freshman counselor Thursday: 9:00am-6:00pm active partnership for learning in our Christ-centered envi-is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the at John Carroll, discussed her role with the class and gave This Friday: 9:00am-12:00pm ronment.” tips on what it would take to be organized, successful and April 19, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

The class of 2016 arrived at John Carroll for their first happy throughout their high school careers. $49 and under! day of school early in the afternoon as the schedule ran Ree Latham, class of ’01 and John Carroll’s new cammake sure all information is correct, into the evening. The ninth graders and their parents hadPlease a pus minister, discussed the importance of service hours chance to mingle with their peers and new classmates. By and the requirements that all John Carroll students have including address and phone number! the end of the night, lockers were organized and ready to prior to graduation. Ginny Massa, class of ’97 and academic support teacher at John Carroll, offered background go for their first full day of high school. ❖

The Travelin’ Trunk Fall Pop Up Sale!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Ready to rock Members of the Vestavia Rockettes danceline recently performed at the Bell Center Tailgate Challenge and also got the chance to meet two former Auburn University football players. With the Rockettes are Auburn football players Neil Caudle, right, and Andrew McCain. The Rockettes participate in community events in addition to performing half time shows with the Vestavia Rebel band.

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To:

Caroline

24 • Thursday, September 6, 2012

schools

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church

“Whale of a Sale” Children’s Consignment Sale

Please join us for the 2012 Fall & Winter SALE! Friday, September 14 VhuMC lighthouse Gym 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. - Regular Price (Half-price starts at 4 P.M.)

Volunteers and sellers shop early! seller registrationonline only at: www.thewhaleofasale.com Questions? email vestaviadayschool@gmail.com • Debit/Credit cards accepted

VestaVia Hills United MetHodist CHUrCH 2061 Kentucky Avenue • Birmingham, AL 35216 (205) 822-9631 • www.vhumc.org "Like" us on Facebook for updates & giveaways!

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

School Notes CBS Events Welcome Kindergarten Students Cherokee Bend Elementary School welcomed 60 students to its kindergarten class this year.

Several events during the first week of school made the transition easier for students and their families.

New students and parents met Aug. 17 at the library for orientation, and students were invited to a “meet and greet” in the kindergarten classrooms to meet their new teachers and classmates.

After dropping off their students on the first day of school, many mothers of kindergartners enjoyed coffee and muffins at the home of Grant and Kelly Robicheaux for the traditional Sip n’ Sob get-together.

Parents also attended Back to School Night Aug. 21 to learn about the children’s new curriculum and to purchase CBS sportswear.

Highlands Students Wins Book Review Honor

Cherokee Bend teacher Trisha Humphries welcomes new students, from left: Caroline Huddleston, Hews Goodson, Ann Carter Brown and Frank Lee at the Photo special to the Journal school’s Meet and Greet event.

Mae Baird, a student at Highlands School, was recently notified that her book review for Agatha Christie’s “ABC Murders” was selected for publication in the September 2012 issue of “Voices from the Middle,” a middle school journal published by the National Council of Teachers of English.

This journal explores the best practices for English teachers and allows students to submit book reviews for publication.

Baird said she was inspired by Highlands middle school English teacher Garland Darden.

Melinda Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Homewood Cheerleaders July 2012 Win Leadership Award This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr ThE MOunTAin JOurnAL for theThe Homewood High School Aug. 23, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

2012-13 cheerleaders attended a Universal Cheerleaders Association

Please make sure all information is correct,camp at the University of Alabama including address and phone number! thisForsummer. the third year, the school’s

cheer program was awarded the Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

UCA Leadership Award, voted on by if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, the UCA staff and other cheerleading your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. squads attending camp. The award focuses on team unity and Thank you for your prompt attention. sportsmanship.

Individual tickets are $150 Tables of 8 guests are $4000*, $2500 and $1200

Highlands student Mae Baird, with teacher Garland Darden, wrote an essay Photo special to the Journal that will be published in a national middle school journal.

Homewood also received the Spirit Banana award.

The Homewood varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders brought home honors in the home pom, cheer and extreme routine competitions.

Patricia Flach, Megan McClung,

Abby Prutzman, Annie Patterson, Elizabeth Drummond, Helen Hall, Cassidy Anderson, Amanda Le and Helen Hall were named All-American cheerleaders.

Annie Patterson, Megan McClung, Elizabeth Drummond and Ali Holder

Homewood High School varsity, junior varsity and freshman cheerleaders include, from left, front: Abby Prutzman, Patricia Flach, Lauren Wright, Blair Brown, Elizabeth Drummond, Annie Patterson, Sarah Katherine Clark, Ali Holder, co-captain Megan McClung and captain Caroline Livingston. Middle row: Sidney Steed, Abby Poole, Stella Smith, Haley Pendley, Ann Chandler Hassett, Cassidy Anderson, Zoey Johnson, Katelyn Wright, Amanda Le, Katelynn Craig, Kate Hall, Riordan Wyatt, Mary Hannah Hall and Zoe Hughes. Back: Annie Livingston, Emily Roberts, Helen Hall, Percey Johnstone, Allison Rohdy, Giana Stallworth, Rebecca Feldman, Caroline Sims, Maizie Smalley, Anna Laws, Photo special to the Journal Kate Fitzpatrick, Erin Roberts, Laura Catherine Carlton and Alex Abel.

GSNCA Looking for Scouts, Leaders for New Year

each received the Pin it Forward award for making a difference in someone else’s camp experience.

Hoover Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence Close to 2,000 Hoover City School employees, former employees and friends of Hoover City Schools filled the auditorium of Hunter Street Baptist Church Aug. 16 for the 2012 HCS Institute, titled “HCS: 25 Years of Excellence!”

HCS alum and Mental Floss magazine Will Pearson was the keynote speaker. Pearson followed presentations by Superintendent Mr. Andy Craig, Assistant Superintendent Carol Barber – both of whom recognized employees and distinguished guests.

Among those in attendance were Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey and Hoover City Council members, former HCS Superintendents and former HCS Board of Education members. The presentation was kicked off by a choir performance comprised of students from across Hoover City Schools.

The Institute 2012 presentations also included a visit by Apple representative Mark Williams, who touted the company’s burgeoning importance in the field of education. Also, a video marking the history of Hoover City Schools was presented.

Institute 2012 was conceptualized and executed by committee comprised of HCS employees across the school system.

Altamont Student’s Sonnet Receives National Recognition Altamont junior Elizabeth Anne Brown’s sonnet “Untitled” was the winning entry in the Teenage category of the Great River Shakespeare Festival’s Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest.

Written for her British Literature class, Elizabeth Anne’s winning sonnet is featured on the festival’s website and was presented in a reading by company actors during the awards ceremony. Elizabeth Anne also received a cash prize.

More than 85 entries were received from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom and winners were chosen by a committee of published poets. Now in its ninth year, the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, Minn., is the largest professional Equity theatre to open in the Upper Midwest in the last 10 years and is a nationally-recognized program. ❖

Thursday, September 6, 2012 • 25

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

100-Year-Old Program Offering New Opportunities to OTM Girls

T

he Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama are looking for Over the Mountain girls and volunteers to help support its many programs during the new scouting year.

GSNCA is always in need of troop leaders and other volunteers. Adults 19 or older both male and female, can help with programs, lead troops, volunteer with events, serve on committees, help at camp or work with girls virtually.

For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts have been having fun while learning.

Through its pathway opportunities, girls have the chance to travel all over the country and internationally, explore science and technology, learn about finances and a healthy lifestyle, build valuable leadership skills and even learn about college. Girl Scout experiences are also, as much as possible, girl-led and encourage learning by doing.

“This is an exciting time to join Girl Scouting,” said Trista Cooper, community development manager serving the Over the Mountain area of Birmingham. “We’ve got more ways for girls to participate in programs through our six pathways, and we are improving volunteer services to include online training courses to make it easier to serve girls.”

Any girl age 5-17 can have real experiences through any of the six pathways. Girl Scout pathways allow girls to participate in Girl Scout programs through camp, traveling, a traditional troop setting, a virtual environment, a series of programs like the Yoga or Fancy Nancy series, or one-time events like our NASA space day or Juliette’s Jamboree.

GSNCA has created some new activities for girls, including new travel opportunities such as trips to Savannah, Ga; Gulf Shores and a European Tour.

Girl Scouting is one of the most affordable extracurricular activities for girls, Trista said. Scholarships are available for membership dues, camp

“This is an exciting time to join Girl Scouting. We’ve got more ways for girls to participate in the program through our six pathways, and we are improving volunteer services to include online training courses to make it easier to serve the girls.”

TRISTA COOPER scholarships and uniform insignia.

Contact your community development manager, Trista Cooper at 800-734-4541 ext. 1020 or tcooper@ girlscoutsnca.org for more information or visit girlscoutsnca.org. ❖

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• Email a write as well as pictures to editorial@otmj.com.

The Perfect Gift.

Make it personal... a custom portrait or painting

by Judy Butler Hand drawn and/or painted from photographs in your choice of media,charcoal, pencil, pastels, watercolor or oil/acrylic.

www.jbutlerart.com or call 205-907-0700

A group of Over the Mountain Girl Scouts recently visited Washington, D.C. Travel opportunities are one of the many scouting options offered.

Photo special to the Journal

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Mike A. Keller, DDS, PC Pediatric / Adolescent Dentistry Dr. Mike Keller, friends & staff are happy to recognize August members of the NO SUGAR BUG CLUB

Mani Aguilar Madilynn Albright Jacob Allen Aver Anderson Davis Anderson James Anderson Anna Archer Zachary Arrington Anna Arrington Mary Katherine Arthur Davis Arthur Clayton Bagby Eleanor Bagby Michael Baguley Ben Baguley Mickinnon Baker Henderson Bare Roscoe Bare Eliana Bare Jessica Barr James Barron Jack Barron Medeline Barron James Barron Addison Basquill Hannah Basquill Libby Baty Kathleen Beall Graham Beam Terry Beans Maggie Beans Edward Berry Evelyn Berry Elias Bertram Grace Bertram Duncan Bicksler Luke Blackmon Tony Bonar Clemente Brannon Jessica Brouillette Justin Brouillette John William Brouillette Jacob Brouillette Anna Cathryne Brown Rebecca Brown Riley Brown Ann Carter Brown Nathaniel Bullock Mallory Bullock Abbie Bullock Jamie Burke Jeff Burke Madison Bussey Alice Byars Gigi Byars Lula Byars Nate Campbell Brselyn Carter Hudson Carver Laney Casey Ben Casey Achyut Chakilam Harini Chakilam Cooper Clemenson Campbell Coggin

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Jim Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Oct. 2010 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for t Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

If

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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Brookwood Dental Building • 2045 Medical Center Drive • Birmingham, Alabama • 870-7110

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date,

26 • Thursday, September 6, 2012

Dominate on Defense Coach Is Counting on Spartans’ Linebacker Unit

By Ben Johnson

M

Journal Intern

ost people believe the quarterback is the heart of the team, but Mountain Brook senior linebacker Will Shapiro disagrees.

“The defense is the heart of the team,” he said. “We set the tone for the game and help the offense score.

Without us doing well, the offense doesn’t do well.”

Luckily for the Spartans, they have some of the best linebackers in the metro Birmingham area. Buddy Pell, Drew Herendon, Jordan Donald, Aaron Shapiro, Will Shapiro and Austin Chapman make up the team’s linebacker unit. Coach Chris Yeager hopes he will be able to count on his linebackers as he looks for a dominant defensive season.

“We run a complex 3-5 defense.” said Yeager, “and the defense hinges on the linebacker. He has to be a great communicator in order to let the rest of the defense know what position to be in.

“He also has to be a playmaker.

He’s basically got to be a jack-of-alltrades and really needs to be a master.”

“Linebackers are the leaders of the defense,” said Donald.

“A linebacker has to be an alpha

Mountain Brook, from back cover

time to be noticed and hope to show people just how talented they really are.

This is O’Quinn’s first year to coach the Spartans, but she said she has had a great experience coaching such a talented team.

“It’s wonderful,” she said.

“Mountain Brook is now an experienced team, and it’s great to see how they’ve come together to form such a tight unit.”

One of the team’s strengths may be that five Spartan seniors are longtime teammates. Laura Keel, Mary Clay Carr, Jordan Hughes, Greer Cunningham and Alice Brown have been playing together since the seventh grade.

“We know each other really well and know how to encourage someone if they are feeling frustrated,” said Carr.

“Playing so long together has also helped our team’s performance,” added Hughes. “We’re friends on and off the court, so we know what each other is like. We’ve created our own chemistry and know how to play with each other really well.”

The seniors have not only a tight bond with each other but have shared that bond with the rest of their teammates.

“It’s awesome. We’ve become really good friends,” said junior Louise

sports

male,” said Yeager. “He’s the one that is in charge and the one who sets the flow for the defense. As that guy goes, so goes the defense.”

With so much depending on the linebacker, Yeager think he’s fortunate to have such a strong roster.

“We really have a great group of guys,” said Yeager. “They do an unbelievable job of making sure that the defense is in line and ready to go, especially Buddy.”

Buddy Pell is one of only three starting players returning to Mountain Brook’s defense this year. But even though the defense is young, the players are confident that they are ready for game night.

“Everyone on defense knows the calls and is ready,” said Pell. “I know we can make plays and stop them on yards as long as we keep focused.”

Pell is the only linebacker who has been a starter at the position. Everyone else played other positions. Herendon and Aaron Shapiro were on the defensive line, Will Shapiro and Chapman were defensive backs and Donald played quarterback. However, Yeager sees that as an advantage.

“A linebacker needs to be able to relate with the rest of his defense,” said the coach. “These guys are able to do that because they’ve played other positions. They know what it’s like to be on the line, and they know how to communicate to those players.”

While the linebacker unit is fairly new, both the coach and players believe they have the talent to create a dominant defense.

“We know that the linebackers are the core that leads to the big plays,” said Chapman. “We’re the ones who set the tone and the ones that the others look to to make things happen.”

As Mountain Brook prepared for the start of its season last week, Yeager was looking forward to see his defense step up.

“I think we have one of the best defenses in the area,” said the coach.

“That’s why we practice against them.

If our offense can play against them, they can play against anyone. We have a very tough defense, and as long as our guys stay on target, we can play against anyone.”

Herendon shares his coach’s confidence.

“Our coaches know what they’re doing,” he said. “We’ve studied video and trained hard.”

“Our goal is to dominate every game,” said Aaron Shapiro. “We really want to score more points on defense.

As long as we are going out there and making things happen, I’ll be proud of our guys.”

Pewitt. A pre-season team trip to the beach helped strengthen players’ relationships, she added.

The team’s closeness has helped shape them into a formidable team that has already posted some big victories.

The Spartans defeated the Hoover volleyball team earlier in the season.

“Beating Hoover has probably been the best moment for me so far,” said Keel. “They are a really good team, and we knew we would have to dig deep to beat them, so when we did we were able to show ourselves and everyone else how good our team can be.”

The team also scored an invitation to the Juanita Boddie Invitational, a prestigious tournament that invites teams from the Southeast.

“It’s a big tournament,” said Carr.

“We were all excited when we were invited because it meant that we had made an impression.”

“To know that other people thought we were good really brought team morale and encouraged us to play even harder,” said Pewitt.

In the tournament, the Spartans made it all the way to the final round before falling to Tennessee’s Brentwood Academy making them the first Birmingham area team to earn a spot in the championship match since Pelham in 2007. Even though the girls lost in the final match, they still view the tournament as a success and testament to their team’s talent.

“We had finally proven that we have the talent to go far,” said Keel.

“But we also learned that we have to always keep pushing, there’s always another game.”

O’Quinn was pleased with her players’ performance in the Boddie tournament.

“It was outstanding,” she said.

“The girls were consistent and focused the entire time. It gives us a lot of confidence and taught us that we can beat anyone.

“There are things that we can tweak, but these are outstanding girls on and off the court, and they really showed their caliber of talent.”

With the tournament now behind them, the players are looking toward the rest of the season. They hope to continue playing hard and eventually make it to the state tournament later this fall.

“Our goal is definitely to pull out of area and make it to state,” said Hughes. “We know we can make it if we just keep playing hard.”

As the Spartans prepare for the next match, another goal is to continue to represent their school well.

“I love that we’re able to do something for our school that is unique,” said Pewitt. “It’s not like football where there are a lot of people involved, it’s just the few of us representing our entire school.”

“That is our main goal, to represent ourselves well,” said Keel. “We just want to play to our potential. As long as we play our hardest on the court, we will be proud of what we accomplish.”

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Above: Mountain Brook linebackers, from left: Jordan Donald, Drew Herendon, Will Shapiro, Austin Chapman, Buddy Pell and Aaron Shapiro.

Journal photo by Ben Johnson

Left:Mountain Brook linebacker Buddy Pell wraps up a Homewood runner when the teams met last year. Pell is one of only three starting players returning to Mountain Brook’s defense this year.

Journal file photo

Team members above, from top: Katie Bostrom, Kylie McGilton, Treasure Adams, Rachel Hester, Lauren Laney, Ashlyn Wright, Eva Byrum, Lillie Rogers, Georgia Hontzas, McKenezie Lloyd, Morgan Wilson, Briana Morris, Hunter Tilashalski, Coach Mateo Peral, Payton Bisso, Yana Vickery and Camille Shepherd.

Hoover Lady Phantoms 98 Win Athens United Title

The Hoover Soccer Club Lady Phantoms 98 won the 2012 Athens United Invitational Soccer Tournament in Athens, GA. The Lady Phantoms scored 17 goals and allowed none in four games played August 18-19.

send your sports news to mwald@otmj.com

Thursday, September 6, 2012 • 27

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Vestavia quarterback Spencer Towns avoids the tackle of Homewood’s Clarence Rivers to complete a pass in the Rebels 32-17 win.

Week 1 results

Briarwood 7 Eagle’s Landing Academy 32

Briarwood played host to Eagle’s Landing Academy from Atlanta area.

Friday the Lions travel to Sylacauga.

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

quickly drove deep into Rebel territory, aided by a roughing the kicker penalty. The Patriots had to settle for a 39-yard field goal by Williams to make it 14-10 at the half.

Vestavia’s Jamaris Buford picked off a Porter pass to start the second half and got the Rebel offense going.

With a good mix of running and passing, Vestavia marched 60-yards with a 20-yard touchdown run by Johnson.

The Patriots blocked the PAT to hold the lead to 20-10.

Homewood added another touchdown with an impressive 78-yard

hoover 35 South Panola 10

The Bucs traveled to Batesville, Miss., to take on the Tigers.

Hoover is on the road again this week traveling to Hueytown.

John carroll 9 chelsea 42

The Cavs lose to the visiting Hornets.

John Carroll visits Shelby County Friday.

drive that included some nice passing and running from Porter.

Vestavia would score again later in the quarter when Towns hit a wide open Oscar Harper behind the Patriot secondary for a 43-yard touchdown.

To start the fourth quarter Vestavia put together a time-consuming 12-play drive the ended in 16-yard field goal by Colin Harper to put the Rebels up 30-17.

The Rebel defense made some big plays in the fourth quarter to keep Homewood from getting any momentum, including a sack for a touchback late in the game by junior Tim Davis.

Vestavia travels to HewittTrussville this week while Homewood entertains Chilton County.

Mountain Brook 10 Tuscaloosa county 7

The Spartans hosted the Wildcats.

Mountain Brook will head down Old Leeds Rd., to take on Shades Valley this week. oAK MOUNTAIN 8 SHADES VALLEY 7

The 2012 edition of the Oak Mountain Eagles beat the Mounties.

Oak Mountain visits Wetumpka to take on the Indians Friday.

Spain Park 24 Austin 37

Spain Park drops opener in Decatur Spain Park will host powerful Prattville this week.

davis,

from back cover

trying to stop them. Kicking is one of those things that make football so quirky – and fun.

As important as placekicking is today, it’s easy to forget that for decades, the concept of kicking for points was almost an afterthought at all levels of competition. For example, in 1960, Auburn’s Ed Dyas set an NCAA record by kicking 12 field goals in a season. Today, even most high school kickers have at least 12 field goal attempts by mid-season.

Also, in the old days, kickers were rarely specialists. They usually played another position, often in the offensive or defensive line. And, of course, all of them were straight-on kickers who met the ball with their toes, not insteps. The first soccer-style sidewinder kickers looked strange when they first came to the NFL and the Ivy League from Europe in the 1960s. By the 21st century, however, the traditional straight-on kicker had become almost as rare as a dodo bird.

The development of the more sophisticated kicker now begins at the earliest levels. Many young kickers start as soccer players in their kindergarten years before, at some point, moving to football. The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s

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Rebels,

from back cover

and did what they needed to do to help us win tonight.”

Homewood came right back to even the score at 7-7 with a nice drive of their own. Runningbacks Justin Hardy and Walter Rutledge picked up a lot of the yardage on the ground including a nice 36-yard run

by Hardy.

Senior Patriot quarterback Luke Porter found tightend Robert Fittro on a crossing pattern for a 6-yard touchmandate for a spring soccer season creates a good marriage between the two sports: Many high school football kickers in the state also play soccer.

Some of the best kickers in central Alabama almost always come from Over the Mountain schools, and the fact that this area also has some of the state’s best youth soccer programs is a key reason.

It’s hard for today’s high school football players to grasp the impact that the development of kickers has on their sport. If a high school team in the 1970s had a kicker who could consistently convert extra points, the coach considered himself fortunate. If that kicker could occasionally make a short field goal, that was an added bonus.

Compare and contrast to 2012, where it’s difficult to find many schools in metro Birmingham without a kicker who is at least fairly accurate from 40 yards in. The improvement of kickers has tended to make offenses more conservative, as coaches are willing to play close to the vest knowing that if they don’t get a touchdown, a field goal is within relatively easy reach.

“When you’re settled at kicker, it gives the team a lot of confidence,” said Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager. “The players feel like that if they get close, they can come away

down pass to end the scoring in the first quarter.

Vestavia’s next scoring drive would be a big one. Homewood punter Jay Williams pinned the Rebels down on their own 3-yard line midway through the second quarter.

Vestavia put together a 97-yard scoring drive that included big passing plays from Towns to junior tightend Kyle Sitzler and strong running from Jacobs and Jordan Johnson. Johnson broke a couple of tackles to score from the 6-yard line.

Homewood took possession with under two minutes left in the half with points most of the time. That means a lot.”

John Carroll Catholic coach Chris Musso agreed.

“Having a good kicker helps a coach sleep at night,” he said.

Some people think kickers – even at the high school level – have become almost too good. The extra point has become almost a given for many teams. One innovative proposal to put a little excitement into the play is to require that the player who scores the touchdown has to attempt the extra point. But most coaches will never endorse such a radical concept.

Don’t tell the Hoover Bucs about easy extra points and chip-shot field goals. A missed extra-point attempt and a hooked 22-yard field goal attempt cost the Bucs the state Class 6A championship in a 7-6 loss to Daphne in 2010.

So to paraphrase former Alabama coach Gene Stallings, if you think the extra point isn’t important, try missing one sometime, and you’ll see how important it was.

The chances are that before this season is over, your favorite team will be in a similar position, where one kick will determine a win or a loss. In a game full of funny bounces, football has a habit of coming down to the swing of a foot.

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ALIZING

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Sports

Hoover Lady Phantoms Wing Athens Title P. 26 Spartans Look to Dominate on Defense P. 26

game of the week

Border war Rebels Down Patriots In Season Opener

Lee Davis

By Maury Wald

Kick-Start

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Journal Sports

estavia Hills combined an impressive mix of big plays and long drives to defeat neighborhood rival Homewood 32-17 on Friday night at Thompson Reynolds Stadium.

Vestavia’s first scoring drive came on its second possession when the Rebels took over on their own 20 yard line after a failed Patriot field goal attempt from 36 yards out. The 11-play drive was aided by an untimely offsides penalty on fourth down.

Vestavia did not waste the opportunity when senior runningback Stuart Jacobs broke a tackle at the line of scrimmage at left end and outran the Homewood defense to a 47-yard touchdown. The PAT by Colin Harper put Vestavia up 7-0 in the first quarter.

“Our offensive line played great tonight,” said head coach Buddy Anderson. “They worked hard See rebels, page 27

Never Underestimate The Power of the Foot

B

ountain Brook High School’s volleyball team is tired of being called “young.”

“They’ve been called a ‘young’ team in the past, or people have said, ‘They’ll have their time next year,’ so it’s good to finally see that people are recognizing all the hard work and that they are a team to be reckoned with,” said head coach Haven O’Quinn.

The team is definitely proving itself. The Spartans are ready to make a statement that this year is their

y the time you are reading this, the first week of the 2012 high school football season will have been completed.

And almost certainly at least one team won – or lost – a game by the margin of a placekick. It might have been a field goal attempt. Or it may have been an extra point. But somewhere somebody was celebrating late Friday night because of a kick that was ruled good or no good.

If you think about it, the whole concept of placekicking doesn’t quite fit the narrative of what we’re taught is required to be successful in football. Supposedly, the game is all about blocking and tackling; that is, guys getting sweaty in the gridiron version of trench warfare. Football is also about a determined offense running and passing in an attempt to get to a piece of territory (the end zone) zealously protected by the other team.

And yet, how often have we seen a game come down to the final seconds, when a player who often has played only a few minutes of the game has to kick the ball through a designated plane to give his team a victory?

Now, that kicker and the holder and snapper with whom he works are all terrific athletes who have practiced long hours to perfect their respective skills. They must execute those skills while 11 determined defenders are

See Mountain Brook, page 26

See Davis, page 27

Vestavia’s Jordan Johnson looks for running room as Homewood’s Aaron Avery and Mark Rawls close Journal photo by Marvin Gentry in. The Rebels beat the Patriots 32-17.

Earning Respect

Mountain Brook Volleyball Team Has High Hopes

By Ben Johnson

M

Journal Intern

On the Mountain Brook volleyball team that reached the finals of the Juanita Boddie Invitational are, from left: Mary Clay Carr, Louise Pewitt, Jordan Hughes and Laura Keel.

Journal photo by Ben Johnson