Over the Mountain Journal Sept. 8, 2011 by Over the Mountain Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L THE SUBURBAN NEWSPAPER FOR MOUNTAIN BROOK, HOMEWOOD, VESTAVIA HILLS, HOOVER, AND NORTH SHELBY COUNTY SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

Ten-Year Tribute Firefighters, Police Officers Join Forces For Sept. 11 Remembrance

9/11 is an anniversary that America wishes it didn’t have to mark. But three Over the Mountain fire and police departments – Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook and Homewood – recognize the importance of honoring the memory of those who died in the terrorist attacks and the courage of the heroes who risked their lives. Among those who will gather for this year’s joint ceremony are, from left: firefighters Mike Stone, Lt. David Martin, Heath Wester, Alan Bates and Scott Boone. See About Town, page 9. Journal photo by John Pope

The Animal League of Birmingham will host its third annual Paws for the Cause 5K Run and Fun Run/Pet Walk benefiting the Shelby County Humane Society Sept. 10 in Hoover. See About Town, page 3.

This year the Alys Stephens Center will celebrate its 15th anniversary. A community birthday bash will kick off the festivities followed by the start of what’s sure to be one of the center’s best seasons yet. See Life, page 10.

Picasso Pets was held Aug. 20 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. The night’s main event was the live auction, which included one-of-a kind pet paintings. See Social, page 14.

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CONTENTS/OPINION

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MURPHY’S LAW

Keep Moving

Experience a traditional, Southern holiday in the Mobile Bay town of Fairhope. See Travel, page 13

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rowse through even more pictures from the areas biggest and best parties.

hare your good news. Recently married or engaged? Fill out the online form under “issues, forms & info” or click on “Got News” to send us pictures from recent parties or information on upcoming events.

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lan your weekends with our extended events calendar.

ollow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest happenings at the Journal and a look at what’s in store in our upcoming issues.

In our next issue, explore a beautiful Mountain Brook home and get the inside scoop on this year’s BBG Antiques at The Gardens.

F E AT U R E S ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE LIFE TRAVEL

3 8 10 13

SOCIAL WEDDINGS SCHOOLS SPORTS

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JOU RNAL

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September 8, 2011

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: Jennifer Taylor Vol. 20, No. 17

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to more than 40,000 households in the Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Hot Property is a paid advertisement. 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 2010 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.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ten years ago, Sue Murphy shared her thoughts about the tragic events of Sept. 11 with our readers. Although these words were written a decade ago, we hope that they will inspire you to remember and honor the heroes and victims of the day that changed the world.

That was it. We could not be at Ground Zero to lift debris or console those poor family members walking from hospital to hospital carrying pictures of their missing loved ones. From here, we could pray, we could donate blood, we could send money to relief organizations. And, while the rest of our world was in chaos, we could bring some order to our own little corner. We’re all wracked with sorrow and anger and fear, but it doesn’t change the fact that you run out of milk. While the smoke billows above New York, the lawn keeps growing. The light above the stove still needs to be Susan Murphy ’m really not sure what replaced. And so, for lack of a better purpose, those are to say this time. the things we take care of. Truthfully, I’m still The bombing of the Pentagon and the World Trade a bit numb. To fly planeloads of hostages directly into Center was beyond comprehension. How do you reconbuildings filled with thousands of their own countrymen cile yourself to living in a world where such evil exists? ... How do you begin to understand anyone committing I’m still working that out. such an act? What goal could posWhat I do know is that we have sibly be worth inflicting that kind to keep moving. Fear has a way of What I do know is that we turning us inward, making us set of suffering? How is it that some people see God as a being who have to keep moving. Fear aside our regular lives and seek would not only sanction but reward the nearest defensible corner. But has a way of turning us that kind of cruelty? if we let this event paralyze us, the I’m lost on that one, completely terrorists will have won. We could inward, making us set aside lost. stay home from work, keep the kids our regular lives and seek out of school, cancel every football On September 11, I sat glued to the television like the rest of and baseball game, close the malls, the nearest defensible the country. Even when I felt that swear off air travel and forgo the corner. I could not bear to see all that holidays altogether, but then we’d destruction and horror again, I be bowing to a heartless mass murcould not tear myself away from the derer. screen. Listening to the words of I’m determined not to do that. the reporters and rescue workers made me feel connected By the time you read this, the news may be different, in some way, not quite so scared and alone. for better or worse. I am beyond even trying to guess For two solid days, I watched TV ... and cleaned. I what will come next. Our leaders speak confidently cleaned everything. Baseboards, cabinet doors, closets, about preventing this type of terrorism from happening ceiling fans. Every surface was 409-ed into submission. again. I hope and pray they are right. On the third morning, I picked up my purse and headAll the rest of us can do now is keep moving, put on ed to the car wash. As I drove there, I felt like a monster. brave faces and go out there and do the job that’s in front I mean, thousands of lives had been lost, the president of us, whether it’s rebuilding a city, helping a second had declared all-out war and what was I doing? Getting grader with his spelling words or eliminating the waxy the mud off my tire wells. buildup on the kitchen floor. But as I sat there watching the workers dry the Just a side note: If you ever wanted to come to my chrome, a woman sat down on the bench next to me, house, this would be the time. I hope and pray that it will sighed and said, “I just don’t know what else to do.” never be this clean again. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Where were you 10 years ago when terrorists attacked the U.S. on Sept. 11?

“I was in a middle school English class. None of us had any idea what had happened, and we were all just in shock and unable to fathom how serious the situation was because we were so young.”

“I was in my sixth grade science class. Our principal came in and explained to our class that the World Trade Center towers had collapsed and we talked about it in all our classes for the rest of the day.”

Stephanie Tuttle Homewood

Ashlee Franks Homewood

“I was at the orthodontist that morning. I returned to school and the news was on the TV and we had several announcements about it all day.” Mary Claire Fuqua Homewood

“My class was coming in from recess and our assistant headmaster stopped us. She told us to stay calm because two buildings had been knocked down by planes crashing into them, and school was cancelled for the rest of the day.” Hannah Hatterick Homewood

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Paws for Cause Has 5K, Pet Walk

ABOUT TOWN

The Animal League of Birmingham will host its third annual Paws for the Cause 5K Run and Fun Run/Pet Walk benefiting the Shelby County Humane Society Sept. 10 at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road in Hoover. Register at www.active.com. For more information, visit the Animal League of Birmingham on Facebook. Late registration and packet pickup will be from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. the day of the event. The 5K run begins at 8 a.m.; the fun run/pet walk begins at 9:15 a.m.

Service Honors Retiring Minister

Dr. James D. Moebes, senior minister at Mountain Brook Baptist Church, will be honored at a special service Sept 11 at 10 a.m. Moebes Dr. James D. is retiring Moebes after 38 years of ministry at the church.

Getting ready for the Paws for a Cause 5K Pet Walk are from left: Joan Stough, Jenny Miller, Tina Willard, Donna Mcfeeters and Cindy Beatty. Photo special to the Journal

He began his ministry at Mountain Brook Baptist in 1961 by serving for two years as a part-time youth minister while attending and playing basketball for Samford University. He graduated with a master of divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1966 and earned his Ph.D. in counseling and educational psychology from the University of Alabama in 1967.

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Moebes returned to Mountain Brook to serve as executive minister in 1975. After the retirement of Dr. Dotson M. Nelson Jr. in 1981, Moebes began serving as senior minister and has continued in that position until now. The recognition service in the church sanctuary will be followed by a reception in Hudson Hall. The community is invited to attend.

Zoës Kitchen Hosts ‘RISE For Little Zoë’

Zoës Kitchen, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant based in Birmingham, recently announced an initiative to raise money for the RISE Program at the University of Alabama. For every dinner for four sold at its restaurants through Sept. 15, Zoës will donate $5 to the RISE Program in honor of Zoë Bromberg, nicknamed “Little Zoë.” Zoë Bromberg was the granddaughter of Marcus and Zoë Cassimus, the original founders of Zoës Kitchen. Bromberg, a 23year-old University of Alabama graduate and active Kappa Delta sorority member, died in a traffic accident July 12. In her memory, Zoës Kitchen is supporting the RISE Program, the philanthropy of UA’s Kappa Delta chapter.

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Founded in 1974, the RISE Program serves west Alabama children with known or suspected disabilities. The Stallings Center, named for former University of Alabama football coach and RISE advocate Gene Stallings, was built in 1994 at the University of Alabama to house the program. The fundraiser will take place at Zoës Kitchen restaurants in Birmingham, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa and Florida locations in Ponte Vedra Beach and Riverside. More information about the fundraiser is on the company’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/ZoesKitchen.

Harbert Center Turns 25

Downtown Birmingham’s Harbert Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year.

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ABOUT TOWN The historic building originally opened as a permanent meeting venue for Birmingham’s civic groups in June 1986. John M. Harbert III and Hall W. Thompson spearheaded the building project. A dinner gala to celebrate the milestone will be Sept. 22 in the center’s main dining room, Beeson Hall. A weeklong celebration, including educational mini-programs and receptions, will precede the dinner. The Rotary Club of Birmingham, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham and Monday Morning Quarterback Club have been permanent tenants of the Harbert Center since it opened. Today, the venue serves more than 30 civic and professional groups that meet regularly throughout the year. The center also hosts weddings, receptions, proms and other social functions as well as educational training seminars, fundraisers and more. For more information, contact Jessica Atkins, Leslie Rives or Chandrel WrightRichardson at 226-8800 or visit www.theharbertcenter.com.

Actor Will Speak at Trinity UMC

Actor Tony Hale, who played Buster Bluth in the TV show “Arrested Development,” will speak about the challenges and joys of being a Christian in Hollywood Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood. Hale, a Samford University graduate, lives in Los Angeles. He is married to Emmy award-winning Tony Hale makeup artist Martel Thompson. Tickets are $15 and are on sale through www.itickets.com or the church office, 879-1737.

Symphony 30 Hosts Annual Picnic

Symphony 30’s annual Symphony 30 Picnic is set for Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Proceeds will help the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, specifically its family and education programs. Along with dinner provided by Jim ’N Nick’s and a symphony concert, activities will include an art table where children can make their own musical instruments.

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New on the program this year is Nancy Tran of Green Central Station, a picnic provision business specializing in picnic planning and picnic-themed events. Green Central offers bicycles, lawn games, baskets and more for picnics. The nonprofit Symphony 30 includes some 80 young women committed to the legacy and future of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The group has raised more than $200,000 for ASO education programs. Planning this year’s event are Morgan Cook, chairman; Caroline Reynolds, cochairman; and Tracy Sproule, president of Symphony 30. Tickets are $60 per family or $25 for an individual ticket. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.symphony30.org.

Women Invited to Football 101

Al Del Greco, former Auburn University placekicker, will teach Football 101 for Women Sept. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. After a 17-year career in the NFL, Del Greco now cohosts the “Opening Drive” on WJOX radio. He has been inducted into the Alabama Football Hall of Fame. The event includes a tailgate meal. After the workshop, parAl Del Greco ticipants will receive certificates of completion. The cost is $12. Call 408-6550 to register.

Concert Celebrates Urban Ministry

First United Methodist Church of Birmingham will host a back to school concert to celebrate 35 years of Urban Ministry in Birmingham and to welcome its Urban Kids back to school. Back to School with Urban Kids, a benefit concert featuring the Dill Pickers, is Sept. 18 at 3 p.m. in the church’s main sanctuary at 518 19th St. North. Tickets are $10 each with a family cap of $30. Buy tickets in advance at www. urban-ministry.org. Urban Kids is an after-school and summer camp program offered free to kids in Birmingham’s West End neighborhood. ❖ At the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to plan the annual Symphony 30 Picnic were, from left: Sarah Johnson of Jim ’N Nick’s, Lindsay Knight of Brookwood Medical Center, picnic co-chairman Caroline Reynolds, picnic chairman Morgan Cook and Tracy Sproule, Symphony 30 president.

Photo special to the Journal

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 • 5

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Art Show Features Exceptional Artists

The Alabama Society of CPAs Birmingham Young CPA Chapter will present the eighth annual Exceptional Masterpieces Art Show, “Pieces of Yesteryear,” Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Exceptional Foundation on Oxmoor Road in Homewood. The event benefits the Exceptional Foundation. The art show is the culmination of a year of hard work and creative endeavors by foundation participants. All works are centered on recycled art. The event includes an artwork sale, a silent auction including a local artist section, music, cocktails and food provided by local restaurants. Tickets are $35. VIP packages, which are $250, include two VIP tickets, specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a live art demonstration by foundation artists and the first opportunity to bid and buy. For more information, call 870-0776 or visit www.exceptionalfoundation.org.

BIG SEPTEMBER EVENTS ��

Harvest of Hope Luncheon Is Sept. 13

The fifth annual Harvest of Hope Luncheon will be Sept. 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. A silent auction will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the luncheon at 11:30 a.m. The event is the only fundraiser for Oak Mountain Missions, a � �� non-profit Christian organization �� that provides food, clothing, fur�� niture and financial assistance to those in need in Shelby County �� and the greater Birmingham area. �� nationally known silhouette artist James Spann is the keynote speaker. Janet Hall of Fox 6 News �� will be mistress of ceremonies, and the Rev. Al and Passion �� Lewis will provide musical entertainment. �� For more information or to �� make a reservation, contact Oak �� Mountain Missions at 685-5757 �� or oakmtnmissions@yahoo.com.

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Heirloom Silhouettes Tim Arnold

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Creating artwork for the eighth annual Exceptional Masterpieces Art Show is Stephen Dabney. Photo special to the Journal

Golf Tourney Aids March of Dimes

Golf for Babies, a charity golf tournament for the March of Dimes, will be Oct. 10 at Pine Tree Country Club. Registration begins at 11 a.m., and lunch is at 11:45 a.m. The shotgun scramble begins at 1 p.m. All proceeds from the tournament will go to the March of Dimes. This is the tournament’s second year. Bonnie and J. Hamilton Pounds helped start the tournament after the loss of their twins in 2008. Friends who also have been directly affected by premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality joined a committee in 2010 to plan the tournament, setting a goal of $15,000 for the first year. Committee members for the 2010 golf tournament were Chad Gay, Michael Pounds, Hunter Hill, John Holmes, Grahame Read, Whitt Wilson and Todd Becker. This year, Ron Beasley, Liz Read and Todd Allums have joined the committee. To register in advance or for sponsorship information, contact Hamilton Pounds at hamiltonpounds@gmail.com.

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Getting ready for Golf for Babies, a charity tournament for the March of Dimes, are, from left, committee members Chad Gay, Grahame Read, Liz Read, Hamilton Pounds, Todd Becker, Michael Pounds and Hunter Hill. Photo special to the Journal

AIDS Walk is at Railroad Park

The 20th annual Magic City AIDS Walk will be Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. at Railroad Park. The title sponsor is Wells Fargo. The event will feature local choirs and musicians as well as a walk around the park and a balloon release for everyone who has loved and lost someone to HIV and AIDS. During the closing ceremony, names of individuals who died from HIV and AIDS will be read aloud. To submit a name for the reading, email jamie@birming hamaidsoutreach.org. The Magic City AIDS Walk is family-friendly and pet-friendly. The event is free and open to everyone. Vendors will be at the park selling food, beverages and ice cream. For more information about starting a team or volunteering on the AIDS Walk Committee, email jamie@birminghamaidsoutreach. org. To start a fundraising page, visit www.firstgiving.com/BAO/ magiccityaidswalk2011.

Schools Will Screen ‘Race to Nowhere’

The Altamont School and the Creative Montessori School will screen “Race to Nowhere” Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Altamont. The documentary analyzes how a high-pressure, high-stakes culture has affected schools and children’s lives, creating unhealthy, disengaged, unprepared and stressed-out youth. Created by first-time filmmaker Vicki Abeles, the documentary aims to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare American young people to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens. A community discussion will be held after the screening. Parents, school faculty members and other educators are invited to attend. For more information, visit www.altamontschool.org or contact Ashley Davenport at adavenp ort@altamontschool.org. ❖

Aldridge Adds Fleming Art Collection

Aldridge Gardens will host a ribbon cutting Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. for the largest public collection of Frank Fleming bronze sculptures. Following the ribbon cutting is an opening reception to view the collection donated by Ken Jackson. The addition of Jackson’s personal collection of 16 pieces brings the number of Fleming sculptures at Aldridge Gardens to 19, 15 for indoor viewing and four on the grounds. Jackson said several factors led to this donation, primarily his longtime friendship with garden founders Kay and Eddie Aldridge and his own love for the gardens. Earlier this year, Aldridge Gardens decided to add more art and sculpture. The Bluff Park Art Association commissioned the creation of a sculpture for the gardens’ new entrance plaza. It will be installed later this fall by Ted Metz, artist and University of Montevallo professor. In June, the Aldridge House was converted to an art gallery and renamed the Kay and Eddie Aldridge Art and Historical Museum. Aldridge Gardens is open daily from dusk to dawn. The Kay and Eddie Aldridge Art and Historical Museum is open Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Charity League Plans ‘Shoot for Loot’

The Charity League’s second annual Shoot for Loot Skeet Tournament, a sporting clay tournament at Selwood Farms presented by Ruff and Tuff, will be Sept. 29. Mark Prater, CBS 42’s chief meteorologist, is the celebrity cochairman. The league will auction off two spaces on a team to play with radio show hosts Rick and Bubba. Registration is $175 for an individual shooter and $600 for a four-person team. For sponsorship opportunities, visit www.thecharityleague.org. The event will raise money for speech and hearing impaired children. For more information, contact Pam Measel at 540-8067 or pmeasel@eatatjacks.com.

Bluegrass & BBQ Set for Sept. 15

Bluegrass & BBQ, which celebrates cancer survivors as well as those who lost their lives to the disease, will be Sept. 15 at the Vestavia Lodge off Alabama 31 behind the Vestavia City Center. A dinner from Saw’s BBQ starts at 6:30 p.m. Music by the Dill Pickers begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40. Seating is limited. All proceeds from the event go to Livestrong to support those living with cancer.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 • 7

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Looking forward to a ribbon cutting and reception that will open Aldridge Gardens’ collection of Frank Fleming sculptures are Rip Weaver, Aldridge Gardens executive director, left, and Ken Jackson, who donated pieces from his own collection. Visit www.dogoodoften.org for more information or to buy tickets.

Club to Host Figure Skating Competition

The third annual Magic City Ice Classic will be Sept. 9 from 4-6 p.m. and Sept. 10 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Center at 500 Amphitheatre Drive in Pelham. The competition is being hosted by the Birmingham Figure Skating Club, which will host its 50th anniversary celebration following the competition on Sept. 11, also at the Pelham Civic Center, from noon-5 p.m. The competition is open to the public and admission is free. Nearly 100 skaters from beginners to advanced will be competing in events. The event is sanctioned by the U.S. Figure Skating Association. The anniversary celebration will start with a reception and cash bar at noon, and a picnic lunch will follow at 1 p.m. The hostess is Betty BostwickStockham, and guest speakers

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church

“Whale of a Sale” Children’s Consignment Sale

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‘Moms Rock’ Event Celebrates Everyday Moms

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Francis Wins in Tennis Essay Contest

Joey Francis, Wofford College sophomore and 2010 Mountain Brook High School graduate, won first place overall in a writing contest sponsored by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and the United States Tennis Writers’ Association. Francis’ winning essay was called “How You Play the Game.” The competition consisted of two separate Joey Francis nationwide contests, one for sports information directors and one for college students. The top three winners in each contest received prizes, awards certificates and the opportunity to be featured on www.itatennis.com and www.USTWA.org. During his junior and senior years at Mountain Brook High, Francis played No. 1 singles and was captain for the school’s state champion tennis team. He continues to play tennis at Wofford. He is the son of Tom and Patty Francis of Mountain Brook.

Brooke Is Chairman of Alabama Alliance

Maggie Brooke of Mountain Brook was recently appointed �� chairman of the Alabama Alliance �� of Boys & Girls Clubs. �� Brooke served as �� has the alliance’s vice chairman since �� 2009. She also serves �� on the Boys �� & Girls Clubs of Maggie Brooke Central Alabama board of directors. Following in the footsteps

PEOPLE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary recently elected new officers, including, from left: Dorothy Holloway, vice president; Sara Ann Polhemus, president; Carol Waites, treasurer; Martha George, secretary; and Donna O’Brien, second vice president. Photo special to the Journal

of her father, the late John A. Williamson, Brooke is a secondgeneration board member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama. She will serve as president of Alabama Alliance until August 2013. Alabama Alliance is a fundraising coalition for all Boys & Girls Clubs of Alabama. The alliance’s primary goal is to continue fiscal support for each organization on a state and national level. Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama is a nonprofit organization for children 7 to 18 years old. It provides after school and summer programs in character and leadership, the arts, education and career, health and life skills, outdoor environmental education and sports, fitness and recreation. For more information, visit www.bgcca.org.

Bell Center Has Five New Directors

The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs has added five new business and civic leaders to its board of directors. Joining the board for threeyear terms are James C. Delk Jr., president of Ligon Industries; John Grimes, civic volunteer; Jeff Hicks, chief financial officer for Ram Tool and Supply; Leigh Perry, vice president of charitable giving for Alabama Power Co. and president of the Alabama Power Foundation; and Scott Shunnarah, district man-

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ager for Farmer’s Insurance. Andy Rotenstreich with Haskell Slaughter is president of the board of directors. Other members are Les Alexander, AEA Group LLC; Bruce Barze, Balch & Bingham LLP; Trey Clegg, Brasfield & Gorrie; Julie Cundiff, the Service Guild of Birmingham; David Fields, Bayer Properties; C.T. Fitzpatrick, Vulcan Value Partners; Wendy Garner, WVTM; Gina Henley, the Service Guild of Birmingham; Donald Howell, Lovoy, Summerville & Shelton; Jennifer Kilgo, the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Tom Luckie, Luckie & Company; Wayne Miller, Miller Valves; Christie Mundy, the Service Guild of Birmingham; Lee Perry, Perry Design; and Pauline Scott, the Service Guild of Birmingham. The Bell Center is dedicated to maximizing the potential of children from birth to three years of age at risk for developmental delay. Each year, more than 100 children from the central Alabama area receive early intervention services, including physical, occupational and speech/language therapies; special education services; and nutritional counseling at the Bell Center.

Morris Receives UA Freshman Award

The University of Alabama Honors College recently awarded the Computer-Based Honors Program Darren Evans-Young Outstanding Freshman Award to Zack Morris, a 2010 graduate of Spain Park High School. The award was presented during UA’s Crimson Zack Morris Honors Week in April. Morris also received the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Rising Leader Award from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He is majoring in mechanical engineering and is a member of the Computer-Based Honors Program. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LIFE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 • 9

remembering 9/11 Firefighters, Police Officers from Three Cities Unite to Honor Heroes, Victims

BY LAURA MCALISTER

that they would choose to pick on innocent civilians just to make a point,” he JOURNAL EDITOR said. “It’s still unbelievable that civilians were subike most Americans, jected to that for any other it doesn’t take Chip reason than they were just Cousins long to Americans.” remember what he Nearly 3,000 died durwas doing Sept. 11, 2001, ing the Sept. 11 attacks. when terrorists attacked the Of those, about 340 were U.S. firefighters. The Vestavia Hills fireVHFD Chief Jim St. fighter and chaplain spent John said the remembrance much of that day glued to ceremony will honor those the television watching the who lost their lives 10 years events unfold. ago on Sept. 11 as well as “I remember seeing the the many others who died second plane hit the World serving the country since Trade Center. I said, ‘Boys, then in Afghanistan and we just went to war,’” he Getting ready for the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11 Iraq. said. “It was a pretty soberare Vestavia Hills firefighters from left: Chief Jim “This really started as a ing day with lots of things group of firefighters joinSt. John, Lt. David Martin, Michael Patton and happening pretty quickly.” ing together, and then the Eric Jones. Journal photo by Laura McAlister This year marks the police would join us,” he 10th anniversary of the said. “So about six years attacks. To remember those who lost their lives that ago, we decided to just observe the day together.” day, as well as the many rescue workers who risked This year, Vestavia is the host city. The event will theirs, the fire and police departments of Vestavia Hills, be at the flagpole in front of Vestavia Hills High Mountain Brook and Homewood will come together School beginning at 8:45 a.m., about the same time the Sept. 11 for a remembrance ceremony. first plane struck the World Trade Center. If there’s one good thing to remember about the The names of each of the cities’ employees serving tragic attacks, it’s the bravery of rescue workers who in the armed forces will be recited, with special attenhelped those in need, Chip said. tion given to those currently serving overseas, Jim said. Chip was one of many firefighters who decided The featured speaker will be Commander Joseph S. he needed to help. He traveled to Ground Zero about Honea with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and retired a month after the attacks, but his help was still much needed. Search and recovery would continue at Ground fire marshal for the city of Hoover. “This is really just a time to remember all the public Zero for months, as would the cleanup. safety workers, and the ordinary citizens, who stood up The psychological impact would also be lasting, to do something unimaginable on Sept. 11,” Jim said. which is where Chip figured he could be of use. “This time also really establishes a great connection Chip arrived in New York City Oct. 17 with a friend between public safety and the armed forces. and fellow chaplain. He provided counseling to relief “Public safety responded on Sept. 11 to handle the workers, mainly firefighters. crisis, and the armed forces stepped in to manage the “It was profoundly sad,” he said. “It was unbeconsequences and to ensure we wouldn’t experience lievable to think people had been working for over a that again. They’ve been 100 percent effective the past month and the pile was still 80 feet tall. People were 10 years, too.” angry. They were disillusioned. Though much has changed since the terrorists “They just still couldn’t believe what had happened and what they were dealing with. That’s part of the rea- attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Jim said firefighters and public safety workers remain a closely knit family. Before, son we had to go up there.” workers in the same communities and departments Chip stayed in New York for one week, working were close, but the attacks enlarged that family. nights. During that time, he said, bodies were still “I don’t even know how to describe the pain being recovered from the rubble that was once the of those departments in New York and around the World Trade Center. Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa.,” he said. “We had “We’d be working, and you’d hear the equipment people like Chip who responded. We had people who and water spraying,” he said. “Then all of the sudden went out there. it’d just get really quiet. Then you’d notice a group “It works both ways. Those firefighters that we of about six men walking out with a basket with an were helping after Sept. 11 were the same ones sendAmerican flag draped over it.” ing us gear down here in Alabama after the April 27 Even though it’s been 10 years, Chip said he still tornados. can’t understand why civilians were targeted on that “Firefighters live in a brotherhood. We’re brothers day. and sisters, and we’re trained to act when it’s time.” ❖ “For lack of a better term, it’s just a kick in the gut

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

THE BIG 15 An Artful Celebration W

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

Alys Stephens Center Marks 15th Birthday with Special Events, Stellar Season

hen UAB’s Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center opened in 1996, the goals were to bring diverse performing arts to the city of Birmingham and to develop a full-scale education center for the arts. A decade and a half later, it’s achieved that and so much more. This year the Alys Stephens Center will celebrate its 15th anniversary. A community birthday bash will kick off the festivities followed by the start of what’s sure to be one of the center’s best seasons yet, said Jessica Simpson, ASC program director. “We’re so excited to be entering our 15th year,” she said. “The theme of the year is ‘Flirting with Boundaries.’ “We wanted to explore what it means to present arts as well as the spaces of the center. We’re going to be doing a lot of innovative things with those spaces.” Thanks to support from UAB and the community, the nonprofit center has offered unique performances to the area. A typical season used to be about 10 shows a year. This year the center will present about 50 performances. “Over the past 14 years, the support the Alys Stephens Center has received from the corporate community, subscribers, donors, UAB community and Birmingham region at large has been incredible and inspiring,” said Theresa Bruno, chairman of the center’s corporate board. “Key visionaries championing the way for the ASC have been UAB President Dr. Carol Garrison; Dr. Shirley Kahn, UAB’s vice president for external affairs; and Jane Stephens Comer, board member and founding donor of ArtPlay, the ASC’s arts education and outreach program.”

To thank the community for its support, the ASC season will start with a community-wide anniversary celebration, “inter-ART-ive,” at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Alys Stephens Center’s outdoor Engel Plaza and Courtyard. The event is free. In addition to performances from UAB’s Marching Blazers drum line and steel drum band, New Orleans’ Big Sam’s Funky Nation will perform. Big Sam’s is led by Sam Williams, formerly of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The urban funk band has performed in two European tours and has recurring roles on HBO’s “Treme.” The public won’t take a backseat role in this anniversary celebration. Jessica said the event will include a community art project. There also will be a craft beer tasting and signature celebration cupcakes created by Dreamcakes. “We want people to come paint the birthday mural,” she said. “There’s really going to be a lot going on. This officially opens our season. It’s going to be great, and it’s free to everyone.” Shortly after the celebration bash, the new season begins. One of the highlights this year starts Sept. 19, when Project Bandaloop will have a weeklong residency at the center. This delightfully different dance troupe is sure to make interesting use of space there. The company, headquartered in California, is what founder and creative director Amelia Rudolph likes to call a “vertical dance” troupe. “We’re not acrobats or circus performers,” she said. “But what we do is different from traditional dance. We truly dance on a vertical stage. Our dance floor is sideways.” In most cases, the group’s dance floor is the side of a building. In fact, in its 20 years, the troupe has performed on more than 50 building fronts and historic sites around the world. The dancers perform indoors, too, but still use harnesses to create their vertical experience.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Amelia describes the performances as a combination of rock climbing and dance. She said she’s looking forward to the troupe’s week at the center, which ends Sept. 23 with an outdoor and indoor performance. The troupe will dance on the outdoor brick walls of the Alys Stephens Center and will also host workshops and open rehearsals throughout the week. “We do often hold open rehearsals so people can see,” Amelia said. “Every time we have a performance, we have to adapt our repertoire to the space, so we’ll be adapting our performance. “We’re also going to host a workshop. The center will choose who participates. First and foremost we teach safety. Then we’ll have people learning the equipment and basic technique.” Amelia said the Sept. 23 performance will start outside and should offer a unique experience for viewers. A pre-party outdoors starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by the outdoor performance at 7:30 p.m. After a brief intermission, the crowd will move indoors to the Jemison Concert Hall. “Sometimes when we perform we’re on huge skyscrapers,” Amelia said. “So in reality, you can’t really see the dancers’ faces. We’re excited that (at the Alys Stephens Center) the audience will get an up close, personal view of

The Alys Stephens Center will include Project Bandaloop, a dance troupe that performs “vertically” on building fronts and on stage.

Photos courtesy Atossa Soltani

the dancers.” Project Bandaloop is just one of many distinctive performances coming to the center this year. Others include Patty Griffith with musical guest Buddy Miller, Cyndi Lauper, Common Threads featuring the quilters of Gee’s Bend and a holiday comedy show featuring Mo Rocca. The season also will include performances from the center’s new education center, ArtPlay. ArtPlay, which opened in January, helped fulfill the center’s goal of being not only a performance arts center but an arts education program. Housed in an old Victorian house in Southside,

UPCOMING ARTS

THEATER & FILM

Sweet Charity Oct. 6-23 Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. The RMTC Cabaret Theatre www.redmountaintheatre.org This Tony Award-winning musical first opened on Broadway in 1966, was revived in 2005 and spawned an Academy Award-nominated movie staring Shirley MacLaine. Featuring hits like “Hey Big Spender,” “If They Could See Me Now,” “The Rhythm of Life” and “I Love to Cry at Weddings,” the play is full of fun and laughs. [title of show] Sept. 15-Oct.15 Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m. Terrific New Theatre www.terrificnewtheatre A musical about two guys writing a musical, [title of show] turns Jeff and Hunter’s everyday into an inspirational, whimsical ride through the world of musical theatre. Disney Camp Rock the Musical Sept. 16-25 Wed.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sun., 2:30 p.m. Magic City Actors Theatre

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ArtPlay offers art classes in all mediums to both children and adults. “You don’t have to be an artist to take classes,” Jessica said. “The whole philosophy is about unleashing people’s creativity, about the arts in our lives and how you can produce art even if you’re not an artist.” Thanks to educational programs like ArtPlay, Jessica said, ASC leaders hope to continue to grow the center in the years ahead as well as the art community in the Birmingham area. For more information on the Alys Stephens Center’s 15th season, visit alysstephens.uab.edu. ❖

Below is a sampling of art events in our area

and Shades Valley Theatre Academy The Virginia Samford Theatre at Caldwell Park www.virginiasamfordtheatre. org Disney’s sensation Camp Rock makes its Alabama debut, presented by the Magic City Actors Guild and Shades Valley Theatre Academy. MUSIC & DANCE Catch a Rising Star Nov. 6, 2:30 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University

Opera Birmingham www.operabirmingham.org Opera Birmingham’s season begins with Catch a Rising Star, as Opera Birmingham welcomes back soprano Melissa Shippen Burrows, the winner of the 2011 Opera Birmingham Vocal Competition. 9/11 Memorial Concert Featuring Gorecki’s “Symphony of Sorrowful Songs” Sept. 11, 3 p.m. Alabama Symphony Orchestra Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall In this free concert, the

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9 5 1- 7 7 0 7 Art Dance Drums Guitar Piano Violin Voice

ASO and the Birmingham community will join to remember the 10th anniversary of the tragedy that forever changed the United States. Conductor Justin Brown and soprano Rebekah Camm will perform Gorecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs.

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St. Vincent’s One Nineteen www.shelbycountyartscouncil.com The Shelby County Arts Council and Wells Fargo Advisors will host an opening reception and exhibit featuring Daniel Moore, voted 2005 Sports Artist of the Year. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artist and see a rare display of original paintings, watercolors and prints. Moore will sign prints and his book, “Iron Bowl Gold,” all available for purchase during the reception. The Daniel Moore exhibit will be on display in November at the Shelby County Arts Council Gallery, 104 Mildred St.in Columbiana.

Alabama Ballet at Home – At the Barre Sept. 30-Oct. 8 Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sun., 2:30 p.m. Alabama Ballet Center for Dance www.alabamaballet.com Alabama Ballet is openMembers of the Watercolor Society of ing its 30th anniversary Alabama showing their work at the exhibit season with an exclusive at the Birmingham Public Library are, front performance series at its home studios on First row: Melinda Mathews, left, and Marjoryn Avenue South. Attendees Creighton. Back, from left: Jaceena Shepard Who Shot Rock & Roll: will have the opportunity and Tora Johnson. Photo special to the Journal A Photographic History, to enjoy cocktails and dis1955 to the Present cussions with the dancers 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the gallery’s Through Sept. 18 and artistic staff after the perreception room. Those interest- Birmingham Museum of Art formance. Seating for the five ed in membership are invited www.artsbma.org performances is very limited, to attend. Who Shot Rock & Roll is the so purchase tickets early. first exhibit of its kind, focusArt Walk ing on photographers and ARTS Sept. 9, 5-10 p.m.; Sept. 10, their creative and collaboranoon-6 p.m. tive roles in the history of rock Watercolor Society of Downtown Loft District music. The exhibition is in six Alabama www.birminghamartwalk.org sections, each illustrating how Sept. 18, 2:30-4 p.m. Downtown Birmingham’s photographers contributed to Birmingham Public Library 10th annual Artwalk is a free, fourth floor art gallery family-friendly event that draws the social and cultural transThe Watercolor Society of formations rock has fostered. more than 15,000 people Alabama opening reception It is organized by the Brooklyn downtown and showcases and awards presentation will Museum with guest curator more than 170 artists and be Sept. 18 from 2:30 to 4 Gail Buckland. performers. In addition to art, p.m. in the gallery. The pubthere will be three entertainlic is invited to attend. Some Family Day: BMA Rocks! ment areas: a KidZone on 50 aqua media paintings by Sept. 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, food and drinks Alabama watercolorists will Birmingham Museum of Art and more than 100 artist disbe selected for the exhibit, www.artsbma.org plays within nine city blocks which will run through Oct. 27. Birmingham Museum of Art from Morris Avenue and First Watercolor artist and instrucoffers families the opportunity and Second Avenues North tor Wayne Spradley of Pell to discover artwork celebrating between 22nd and 25th City is the juror for this year’s Streets. music and dance from around showcase. The Watercolor the globe. The free event Society of Alabama will hold its Daniel Moore Exhibit includes live music, art activiOpening Oct. 20, 4-6 p.m. annual meeting Sept. 10 from ties and dancing. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 • 13

TRAVEL

From left: Cozy up by the fireplace in the Grand Hotel lobby that’s decorated with live trees and greenery. Mrs. Claus is on hand to greet children at Fairhope’s Christmas Tree lighting. Santa makes his first appearance of the season at the city’s Christmas parade. Then he returns to downtown for Santa Saturdays.

Fairhope Festivities

From Faux Snow to Parades, the Holidays are Magical in Charming Mobile Bay Town

BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR

he streets of downtown Fairhope are lined with trees draped in twinkling, white lights year-round. But during the holidays, the small town takes on even more enchantment with the lighting of the town Christmas tree, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and, believe it or not, snow. While this artsy town on Mobile Bay is better known for its community of artists and fine golfing, it also has several unique events to celebrate the holidays. It’s not just the city, either, that makes the holidays extra-special. At the nearby Grand Hotel in Point Clear, the festivities include fireside readings of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” carriage rides and even carolers and a reindeer or two. “Christmas is really one of our favorite times of year around here,” said Alex Robinson, special events coordinator with the city of Fairhope. “It just has a real local, small town feel. It starts with the tree lighting on Thursday, and then people really just make a weekend of it.” The holidays kick off downtown with the tree lighting ceremony Nov. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The streets of downtown Fairhope light up with one million twinkling lights as well as the town Christmas tree. Last year, snow machines were brought in to add to the fun. Alex said to expect the faux snow again this year. Mrs. Claus also will be on hand visiting and giving out candy. Another tradition started last year in Fairhope that will return this year is the Movie on the Street on Fairhope Avenue. Streets will be blocked off Nov. 19 for the 6 p.m. showing of the Christmas classic “The Polar Express.” Children are invited to wear their pajamas and bring blankets.

“We really didn’t know what to expect when we did this last year, but it was such a great hit,” Robinson said. “It’s in November, so it’s cool but not freezing. People can bring lawn chairs and blankets and coolers. We’ll have some vendors, too.” To close the holiday kickoff weekend, the city will have its annual Holiday Open House. The eclectic shops of downtown Fairhope will be open Nov. 20 from 1 to 5 p.m. Christmas characters will walk the streets, and stores will serve treats and offer specials. Mrs. Claus will again be on hand, but the big man himself won’t make an appearance in downtown until Dec. 2. That’s when the city will host its Magical Christmas Parade. The 7 p.m. parade will travel through downtown from the intersection of Morphy and Section Street and then down Section to Oak Street. “The Christmas parade is always the first Friday of December, and it’s always great,” Robinson said. “It’s at night so all the floats are lit up, and Santa’s on the last one. He doesn’t make an appearance until

then.” However, Santa can be found the following Saturday and Dec. 10 at the downtown Fairhope Welcome Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For celebrations that last the whole season, head to the Grand Hotel and step back in time for some longstanding Christmas traditions. The holiday festivities at the historic hotel start the day after Thanksgiving and continue through Christmas Day. David Clark, general manager of the Grand, said the hotel is transformed both inside and out with sparkling lights and live greenery. In addition to 25-feet-tall live Christmas trees in the lobby, there’s also a massive gingerbread house replica of the hotel that’s constructed every year. The holiday traditions of the Grand date back decades. They include a children’s breakfast with Santa, gingerbread house workshops, bonfires with hot chocolate and a traditional holiday reception hosted by the Grand’s general manager on Dec. 23. On Christmas Eve, one of Santa’s elves even comes to tuck

the children into their beds, said Clark. Whether it’s strolling on the charming streets of downtown Fairhope or taking in the traditions of the Grand, visitors to this southern Alabama town will find plenty of events that add magic to the holiday season. For information in visiting Fairhope, visit www.cofairhope. com ❖

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SOCIAL

PETS & PEOPLE PARTY at Hand In Paw’s 11th annual Picasso Pets

icasso Pets was held Aug. 20 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. The 11th annual fundraising event was hosted by Hand in Paw. The evening began with a silent auction with an open bar and appetizers. Following the auction, a seated dinner featured a three-course meal. The ballroom was decorated with sunflowers and Hand in Paw’s signature color. Presentations were made by those whose lives have been enhanced by the positive effects of Hand in Paw’s Animal-Assisted Therapy Teams. The night’s main event was more photos the live auction, which included one-of-a kind pet paintings. At the end of the event, guests had the opportunity to donate money straight to Hand in Paw’s programs. Proceeds from Picasso Pets directly benefit Hand in Paw in improving the health and well-being of children and adults by serving those with physical, emotional, educational or psychological needs through interactions with professionally trained Animal-Assisted Therapy Teams. Helping make this year’s event a success were Tina Willard, the 2011 Picasso Pets chairman; Idie and Chris Hastings, honorary chairmen; Mallie Ireland, sponsorship chairman; Denise Hoyle and Melinda Carter, auction chairmen; and Hand in Paw’s Paige Staylor. Hand In Paw’s executive director is Kitty Terry. Scott Grover is president of the board of directors. ❖

OTMJ.COM

Attending Hand In Paw’s Picasso Pets were from left: Courtney Lucas, Courtney Bailey and Cassie Moore. Journal photos by Laura McAlister

Clockwise, from far left: Among those at Hand In Paw’s 11th annual Picasso Pets were therapy team Laura Lavender and Lula with Matt Gosney. Also there were from left: Ginny Rediker, Sandra Gillis with therapy dog Josie and Julie Rediker. Enjoying the evening at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center were Amanda and Hurell Adair.

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SOCIAL

Above: Attending a reception at Gus Mayer for Miami-based designer Rene Ruiz, center, were from left: Ann Simmons, Herman Heinle, Kay Grisham, Ruiz, Jeff Pizitz and Patti Badham. Left: Gus Mayer models show off some dresses by Ruiz, center.

have been awarded to deserving women attending state colleges and universities. For more information, visit www.linlyheflin.org. The Linly Heflin Unit includes 125 volunteers headed by president Kathryn Porter. Co-chairmen of this year’s luncheon and fashion show are Patti Badham and Kay Grisham. Other key members involved in the event are Susan Alison, Happy Anthony, Jane Arendall, Grace Bentley, Gina Boyd, Margaret Brunstad, Suzanne Chenoweth, Deane Cook, Beth Corey, Kate Cotten, Katherine Cox, Martha DeBuys, Gillian Goodrich, Eugenia Greer, Elizabeth Hubba, Kate

Photos special to the Journal

Linly Heflin members were treated to a ...

private showing of Miami-based designer Rene Ruiz’s designs Aug. 25. Gus Mayer representatives hosted a cocktail reception for the Cuban-born designer when he flew into Birmingham for two days. He will present his spring 2012 collection at the 53rd annual Linly Heflin Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show Sept. 28 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel ballroom. Ruiz earned a degree from the International Fine Arts College in Miami. After working at apprenticeships throughout Europe, he opened his first atelier in Coral Gables, Fla. in the 1990s. Ruiz blends his own inspirations with Miami’s rich cultural heritage and also is known for creating his own fabrics. The September event, set for Wednesday this year instead of the traditional Thursday, will start at noon. Tickets are $50 and are available by calling the Linly Heflin office at 871-8171. Fashion show producer Megan LaRussa is planning a new and exciting show. Amie Beth Shaver, Miss Alabama 1994, will serve as emcee. Ruiz is introduced through Gus Mayer, a longtime sponsor and partner of the Linly Heflin Unit. The long-running scholarship luncheon and fashion show

continues to be the primary fundraiser for Linly Heflin’s scholarship program, which benefits women seeking higher education in Alabama. In recent years, more than 3,000 four-year scholarships totaling more than $2 million

Please join us for the Fall 2011 Cordani Trunk Show featuring stock for immediate purchase Tues., Sept.13 & Wed., Sept.14

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Millhouse, Margaret Moor, Bette Owen, Sheri Perry, Murray Priester, Allison Prichard, Pam Prichard, Cynnie Sproull, Helen Terry, Caroline Thomas and Libba Williams.

Mountain Brook High School Class of 1981 ... alumni held a 30-year reunion Aug. 5-6. The weekend started with a gathering at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Clark (Caroline Rather, classmate) for 113 classmates and many of their spouses. The group enjoyed the view from Vestavia Drive as well

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as a meal provided by Hassell Rather, a Mountain Brook graduate and owner of Brother Zeke’s Heavenly Barbecue. Classmates came not only from all over Birmingham but from across the country. From the West Coast were Bob Bangham, Ed LeMay and Dr. Charles Cobbs. Celia Eidex Ciemnoczolowski

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event. Carleton Kessler Ambrose, Elizabeth Hightower Baker and several others also helped plan the weekend.

More than 125 guests turned out for ...

Celebrate Hope, an inaugural event benefiting House of Hope. The Christian ministry for the Timeless Elegance women opened in February. featuring Tammy Connor Committee members for event of Tammy Conner Interior Design were Anne-Moore Baldwin, �� Debbie Bartoletti, Martha Bohorfoush, Sara Bright, Charla �� Brown, Paula Cox, Debbie �� Dresher, Peggy Goodwin, Catherine Gross, Virginia �� Lavallet, Marsha Perry and Catching up with Mountain Brook Class of 1981 classmates at Sandy Whitten. a Saturday night party were, from left: Dr. Kevin Alexander, Bob Also helping was Justin Bohorfoush, House of Hope execBangham, Elizabeth Riley Hood and Martha Seiler Ecols. Photo special to the Journal utive director. The evening began with a bartraveled from Missouri. becue dinner with coleslaw, potato their time to making the event Charlie Pitts, Lyle Darnall, salad and homemade desserts. happen. Special thanks went to Sue Selack Flannery and Nancy Judy Sezemsky Herron for find- Guests enjoyed live music by King came from the Carolinas. Brian Lutterbie. ing and connecting with so many Hodge Eagleson was there During a silent auction, guests classmates and for organizing the from Texas. From the Southeast were Bob Berry, Melinda Kent Parsons, Muff Walker Thames and Steven Tishler. Some alumni visited Mountain Brook High School Saturday afternoon for a tour to see how the school has evolved since their 1981 graduation. �� A Saturday evening event �� was hosted by alumnus Ken � �� and Rebecca Effinger at the ��Vintage �� Jewelry • Engagement Rings • Old Cut Diamonds Carraway-Davie House on Old Overton Road. The food was Custom Design • Restoration �� prepared and served by Corretti Fast�� in-house repair service on jewelry! Catering. Mountain Brook alumnus 619 Montgomery Highway • 979-5611 Jimmy Gauld with his acoustic �� jewelsbyrose.net and join us on Facebook! guitar and Laine Poole with his �� mandolin entertained the crowd of more than 200. Among those attending the Celebrate Hope event benefiting the new Dr. Kevin J. Alexander, �� whose leadership brought the House of Hope in Mountain Brook were from left: Debbie Bartoletti, �� class of 1981 together, thanked Debbie Dresher, Martha Bohorfoush and Peggy Goodwin. �� all who attended and donated Photos special to the Journal

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September 15th, 6-9pm

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At The McWane Center, on the plaza Swag, prizes, good eats, drinks, and live music from Justin Gannon

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could bid on jewelry, a crystal vase, spa treatments, an Auburn football signed by Coach Gene Chizik and the Auburn coaching staff, an Alabama football autographed by Coach Nick Saban, original artwork and more. Tables covered with white cloths and burlap overlays were centered with flower baskets. At the event were Laura Dee and Bill Wood, Tommy and Virginia Tucker, Nancy Harris, Carolyn Lusk, Suzanne Graham, Pat and Frank Day, Ben Smith, Becky and Donovan Harris, Cindy Pate, Don and Susan Casey, Sharon Chandley and Rob and Fran Glendenning. Other guests included Patty Hall, Bob Bohorfoush, Clarke Bohorfoush, Dave Dresher, Phillip Lavallet, Bryan Baldwin, Tom Bright, Ed Goodwin, Ken Brown, Leta McGehee, Vista Lutterbie, Ashley Carmichael, David and Laura Armistead and Rick and Leah Braden. The event raised approximately $8,500. House of Hope is in English Village at 2106 Cahaba Road. For more information, call 639-1360 or visit houseofhopeforwomen.org.

The Greystone Ladies Club recently elected officers ...

for 2011-12. Leading the group will be Carolyn Haynes, president; Mechelle Wilder, vice president, membership; Wilma Thompson, vice president, social; LaVerne LaRocca, vice president, resident programs; Susan Hanley, vice president, communications; Joan Zolak, vice president programs; Ginger Adams, secretary; and Sharon Suellentrop, treasurer. The club’s purpose is to promote good neighborhood relations and enhance the sense of the community within Greystone. Last year, the group made donations to the Lovelady Center, Alabama Kidney Foundation, Lorie Johnson Foundation, Symphony on the Green at Greystone, Alabama Court Appointed Special Advocates, Shelby County DHR Back to School Program, Adopt a Foster Child Christmas Program and Children’s Hospital Illuminations and provided a scholarship for a Spain Park High School student. The Greystone Ladies Club will kick off its new season with a Tablescapes Fashion Show Luncheon at the Greystone Golf and Country Club Sept. 14. A coffee social will start at 9:30 a.m. Membership is open to all residents inside the gates of the Greystone community and to members of the Greystone Golf and Country Club. For more information, visit www. greystoneladiesclub.com ❖

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 • 17

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Showing support for Mountain Brook’s new House of Hope, a Christian ministry for women were from left: Marsha Perry, Sandy Whitten, Virginia Lavallet, Catherine Gross.

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New Greystone Ladies Club officers are, from left: Wilma Thompson, vice president, social; Sharon Suellentrop, treasurer; LaVerne LaRocca, �� vice president, resident programs; Susan Hanley, vice president, commu�� nications; Carolyn Haynes, president; Mechelle Wilder, vice president, �� membership; Ginger Adams, secretary; and Joan Zolak, vice president, programs. Photo special to the Journal

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Above: Attending the Heart of the House Gala were from left: Connie and Jason Stein, Kit and Rick Roth and Rick Hanna Jr. Right: With the night’s honoree, Judge Sue Bell Cobb, left, are Bill Cobb and Wendy Crew.

Photos special to the Journal

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was held Aug. 18 at the Wynfrey Hotel. Presented by UAB Medicine and Sirote & Permutt, the event benefited Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. Live and silent auctions gave guests the opportunity to win trips to Las Vegas, Oregon, San Diego, Coral Gables and the beach. Other auction items were a Mini Cooper, Harley-Davidson, Alabama and Auburn football packages, wining and dining, art, jewelry and more. Auctioneers were Tony Kurre, WJOX FM’s “Opening Drive” host, and Nicole Allshouse, ABC 33/40’s “Talk of Alabama” co-host. Liz Bolen won the Sparkling Sweepstakes sponsored by Diamonds Direct, which sold 150

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Welcoming Annette Shelby, center, to the May 25 Republican Women of the South meeting were vice president Diane Zaragoza, left, and president Joy Ann Perry. Photo special to the Journal

flutes of champagne with one chance to win a 3/4 carat brilliant cut diamond. Guests mingled to the tunes of Mac’s Tracks played by DJ Randy McDonald. The night honored recently resigned Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb for her advocacy for the health, wellness and safety of Alabama’s children. Among guests were Mary Ellen and Tom Clark, Marianne and Paul Sharbel, Randy and Darby Nichols, Rick Hanna, Jr. and Rick Hanna Sr., Patricia and Linn Pritchett, Dr. Tony and Evelyn Jones, Jennifer and Frederic Smith, Mary and David Kimerling and Connie and Jason Stein. Also there were Henry and Mary Mellen, Lajuana Bradford, Andy Peters, Velinda and Branson Block, Max Cooper, Kit and Rick Roth, Jeannie and David Walston, Jimmy Holloway, Mike Donnelly, James Alexander, Charles Powell, Timothy and Kimble Vardaman, Jackie and John Martinek, Jill and Bob Crawford, Eleanor Barnes, Wendi Boyen, Linda and Bobby Vann, Jenna and Craig Stephens, Tempie and Todd Sharley and Susan and David Brouillette. Proceeds support families of sick and injured children in need of temporary housing at Birmingham’s Ronald McDonald House and the new Ronald McDonald Family Room at DCH Regional Medical Center.

The Republican Women of the South met ...

May 25 at the Vestavia Country Club to hear guest speaker Dr. Annette N. Shelby, wife of U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, talk about the role of a U.S. senator or congressman’s spouse. Shelby told the group about her first visit to the White House, everyday schedules, the difficulties of private life and the opportunities to meet people. She also discussed politics in Washington, D.C. The Republican Women of the South meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Vestavia Country Club. ❖

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Above: Dressed in their team colors at the Boiling N’ Bragging event for Children’s of Alabama are Dr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Walker, Sr. Right: Auburn mascot Aubie was also at the event to greet little fans. Photos special to the Journal

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The annual golf tournament hosted by St. Francis ...

of Assisi Episcopal Church was July 25 at the Riverchase Country Club. After the tournament, golfers and guests headed to the clubhouse, where Willie Nelson lookalike Johnny Wayne Abbot performed. Buster Norvell, an organizer for the church and coordinator with Riverchase Country Club, and his daughter Angie Riddlehover, emcee for the day, passed out golfing awards. First place net were Hugh Parish, Wes Steed, David Simmons and Ray Sewell. Second place net were Becky Patterson, Phillip Underwood and Matt Robertson. First place gross winners were Bryan McGuffey, Dick Limbach, Lee Harper and John Stamps. Closest to the pin were Danny Bedgood, Larry Hanson, Gary Young and Scottie Houston. Winner of the longest drive for ages 64 and under was Becky Patterson. Jim Mosley won the longest drive for ages 65 and older. Micah Robertson won the putting contest. Among those at the event were Decie Harper, Vance Alexander, Carol Thomasino, Bill Yon, Shelly and Jeff Stevens, Dale Smith,

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Playing in St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church’s 11th annual golf tournament were, from left: Bill Morris, Braxton LeNoir, Betty LeNoir and Mike Bruno. Photo special to the Journal Buzz Palmer, Kathleen Harper, Sandee Goddard, Gordon Goddard, Marsha Gunter, Gary and Terri Coley and their daughter Taylor, Robyn Kaylor, Ellen Wright, Janet Griffin, Joan McNamara and Morgan and Sara Campbell. Others there were Jennifer McCormick, Bing Lingle, Karen Hubbard, Ellen Hamilton, John Mitcham, Sarah Barber, Betty Bond, Bill and Joyce Lane, Dave and Lisa Rish, Carol Bradley, Red and Anne Hartline, Harry and Ensaf Hamilton, Jessie and Archie Creech, Lara Dworshak, Ann Shoemaker, Carol Thomasino, Sue Scarbrough, Buster and Mary Norvell, Kim Norvell, Angie Ridlehoover and Susan Vicens and son Koa.

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Chi Omegas catching up at the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter’s summer gathering included, from left: Jill Wiggins, Leah Rice, Jennifer Chewning, Sally VonEschenbach and Jana Rome. Photo special to the Journal

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Father Neil Kaminski, Danny Bedgood, Jeff Barber and Andrew Barber were first in line for the door prizes. Other players were Tom Barberine, Pete Whitfield, Bryon Hollyway, Scotty Houston, Stowe Shoemaker, David Gifford, Chuck Bennick, Tim Krieder, Sam Krieder, Tom Calhoun, Greg Ashley, Larry Hanson, Jan Hanson, Leah Scalise, Gene Griffin, Becky Patterson, Phillip Underwood, Matt Robertson, Pat Sullivan, Steven Kaylor, Gary Young, Mike Kirchen, Chris Walker, Pat Hamrick, Seith Gamby, Micah Robertson, David Vines, Chuck Cutts, Roddy Slaughter, Andy Stevenson, Brian Riddlehover, John Walker, Russell Wood and Phil Uland. Also playing were Buster Norvell, Ralph Vicens, Bob Bleistine, Jack Pruitt, Dan Farrell, Jim Hamilton, Ron Broglio, Lou Hammer, John Stamps, Lee Harper, Dick Limback, Bryan McGuffey, Junior Thomasino, Mickey Scarbrough, Bobby Cross, David Cade, Al Shores, Tom Hall, Jim Mosley, Brooks McEleven, Betty LeNoir, Braxton LeNoir, Mike Bruno, Bill Morris, Hugh Parish, Wes Steed and Paul Simmons. Coordinators were Buster Norvell, Gwen Kaminski, Sandra Dillon and Rebecca Horsley.

Birmingham’s Chi Omega Alumnae Association hosted ...

its annual Summer Soiree at Vestavia Hills Country Club June 16. Representatives from Alabama, Auburn, Troy and Birmingham chapters gathered with alumnae to kick off the recruitment season. Among guests were Terri Baxter, Boo Brown, Ashley Ferguson, Roxanne Given, Elizabeth Glisson, Lani Graphos, Jennifer Hewitt, Margaret Kloess, Elena Leonard, Jenny Parrott, Kathleen Ross, Laurin Sanders, Leigh Ann Smyth, Ann Watkins and Mary White. To contact the Birmingham Chi Omega Alumnae Association, email bhamchioalums@yahoo. com. ❖

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Hydinger-Arnold

Mr. and Mrs. Richard John Hydinger of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Evalouise Drennen Hydinger, to Allen Durham Arnold , son of Ms. Linda Bostwick Arnold of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Richard Arnold of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Judge Arnold Drennen and the late Mrs. Jean Trafford Drennen and the late Mr. and Mrs.

Cook-Jackson

Mr. and Mrs. Terry Lee Cook of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelly Anne Cook, to William Van Jackson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Dean Jackson Sr. of Florence. Miss Cook is a graduate of the University of South Alabama

Barker-Hester

Stephanie Diane Barker and Kristopher Ryan Hester were married June 24 at Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, Texas. Clay Redding

Elbridge Seals Hydinger, all of Birmingham. Miss Hydinger is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the College of Charleston, where she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She was presented at the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball and the Redstone Ball. She is employed with Taylor+Miree Construction, Inc. in Birmingham. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Richard James Stockham Jr. and the late Mr. John Allen Bostwick and Mr. Robert Walter Arnold and the late Mrs. Katherine Durham Arnold, all of Birmingham. Mr. Arnold is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Southern Methodist University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in finance. He received his juris doctorate, cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law. He is a partner at Arendall & Arnold in Birmingham. The wedding is planned for Oct. 29 at Highlands United Methodist Church in Birmingham. with a bachelor’s degree in communication. She was a member of Mortar Board, Omicron Delta Kappa, Lambda Pi Eta and Order of Omega honor societies. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi social sorority and served as Panhellenic president. She was also on the university’s dance team, the Prowlers. Miss Cook is employed at the University of South Alabama as an admissions officer. Mr. Jackson is a graduate of the University of South Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He served as SGA president and was a member of the Southerners, the university’s ambassador organization. He was a summer intern for U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions in Washington, D.C. Mr. Jackson is employed at BBB Industries in Mobile as assistant controller. The wedding is planned for Oct. 15 at Dorgans Inn in Point Clear. officiated. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barker III of Bedford, Texas. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Hester of Hoover. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory lace, laceup, strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline. The maid of honor was Katherine Brackeen. Bridesmaids were Kristin Barker, Courtney McCasland and Lauralee Lasater. The flower girl was Olivia Redding. Best man was Kyle Hester. Groomsmen were Michael Hackney, Josh Hester and Josh Butler. The ring bearer was Jacob Redding. After a honeymoon trip on a Caribbean cruise, the couple live in Houston.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 • 21

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

Dahl-Denney

Dr. Ashley Lynn Dahl and Dr. Brad David Denney were married May 14 on the Terrace at The Club in Birmingham. Chaplain Gordon Pugh of Birmingham performed the evening ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Albert Cox and Mr. and Mrs. James Dahl of Montgomery. She is the grand-

Dillon-Bondurant

Mr. and Mrs. Rick Dillon of Huntsville announce the engagement of their daughter, Katherine Ashley, to Albert William Bondurant, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bondurant of Vestavia Hills. Grandparents of the bride-elect are Mrs. Hortense L. Jones and the late Mr. Robert E. Jones of Birmingham, Dr. and Mrs. Richard E. Pyburn of Verbena and the late Dr. Hugh C. Dillon Jr. of Birmingham. Miss Dillon has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Auburn University, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She is employed at the Huntsville Hospital Wellness Center. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Donna D. Acosta and the late Mr. Sylvest F. Acosta and Mr. Albert G. Bondurant Jr. and the late Mrs. Helen H. Bondurant, all of Baton Rouge, La. Mr. Bondurant has a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Auburn University, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He is employed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in Lacombe, La. The wedding is planned for Oct. 8.

daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Henry Hanly Funderburk of Montgomery and the late Mr. and Mrs. Frits Dahl of Dothan. The groom is the son of Dr. and Dr. David Powell Denney of Birmingham. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Lester Lazarus and the late Mrs. Sonia Lazarus of Birmingham and of Dr. and Mrs. Calvin Davenport Denney of Dothan. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown designed by Melissa Sweet. Courtney Ann Lewis of New Orleans served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Ashley Poteat Bizzell of Charlotte, N.C.; Shannon Elizabeth Denney, sister of the groom, of Chicago; Lindsay Prophet Frederick of Birmingham; and Betsy Fulghum Suiter of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were Joshua Adam Denney, brother of the groom, of Baltimore; Mark Spencer Konter of Savannah,

Wright-Valiquette

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wright of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Allison Claire Wright, to Mark David Valiquette, son of Mr. and Mrs. Al Valiquette of Nashville, Tenn. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Faye Floyd

Ga.; Austin Taylor Lutz of New Orleans; William Tillman Moor Jr. of Northampton, Mass.; Richard Rhett Owens Jr. of Birmingham; Carson Bennett Penkava of Birmingham; and Christian Anthony Savoie of Little Rock, Ark. Hanly Paul Funderburk of Tuscaloosa and Wesley Reid Funderburk of Montgomery, cousins of the bride, served as ushers. Ceremony music was provided by the Strattford Trio, as arranged by Bonnie Furuto of Birmingham. Floral arrangements on the Terrace and throughout the reception areas inside were created by Libby Holmes of Koi in Birmingham. The reception that followed featured the 14 Karat Gold Dance Band of Atlanta and fireworks off Red Mountain. The couple plans a honeymoon trip to Anguilla in the fall. They live in Birmingham, where both are completing medical residencies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. and the late Mr. James Floyd of Memphis, Tenn. and Mrs. Martha Wright and the late Mr. Herbert Wright of Winona, Miss. Miss Wright is a 2008 magna cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in human and organizational development. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She is employed with Dollar General Corporation in Goodlettsville, Tenn. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Nora Rohling and the late Mr. William Rohling of Nashville and Mrs. Alice Valiquette and the late Mr. Albert Valiquette of Nashville. Mr. Valiquette is a 2004 graduate of the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He is employed with Western Express, Inc. in Nashville. The wedding is planned for November 5, 2011.

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Sanderson-Franklin

Dr. and Mrs. James Lester Sanderson Jr. of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Sara Christine Sanderson, to Andrew David Franklin, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Kirk Franklin of Trussville. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. J.L. Sanderson Sr. of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Horace Everett Woodall of Birmingham. Miss Sanderson is a 2006 graduate of Spain Park High

Season-Punch

Mr. and Mrs. Willis Sanford Season of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Christy Ann Season, to Bradley Christopher Punch, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Eugene Punch of Landrum, S.C. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs.

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WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and communication studies. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega social sorority and Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, Cardinal Key, Lambda Sigma, Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies. She was presented at the 2008 Poinsettia Debutante Ball. She is a technical writer for ADT Security Services, Inc. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. James Earl Tatum Sr. and Mrs. Jo Ann Tatum of Trussville and the late Mrs. Lelton Barrington Franklin of Trussville and Mr. and Mrs. Ira Lee Franklin of Jacksonville, Fla. Mr. Franklin is a 2006 graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and political science. He is marketing and warranty coordinator for MCM Custom Vehicles. The wedding is planned for Feb. 25, 2012. Amos Paul Storm of Wilmington, Del., and the late Dr. and Mrs. Edwin Herbert Season of Cleveland. Miss Season is a graduate of Clemson University in Clemson, S.C., with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and a master’s degree in business administration. She is employed by SCANA Corporation in Charleston, S.C., as a senior intranet strategist. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Loyd Alan Whitener of Hickory, N.C., and Mrs. Evelyn H. Punch and the late Mr. Make Eugene Punch of Newton, N.C. Mr. Punch is a graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in business and a minor in computer science. He is also a graduate of the University of Carolina in Columbia, S.C., with a master’s degree in business administration. He is employed by SPAWAR Atlantic in Charleston as operations manager. The wedding is planned for Dec. 10 at Riverchase United Methodist Church in Hoover.

Share your good news Fill out an engagement or wedding form at otmj.com to have your announcement published in the Journal.

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Ashley Corinne Brown and William Haswell Thomas Shafferman were married June 11 at Asbury United Methodist Church. The Reverend Dr. John Yates officiated. The bride is the daughter of Drs. Charles and Debra Brown of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Haswell Shafferman of

Arlington, Va. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a formal gown of ivory duchess satin. The strapless gown was fashioned with a sweetheart neckline and a basque waistline. The soft A-line skirt with a chapellength train was delicately scattered with beaded lace appliques and was bordered with a wide band of European Schiffli lace at the hemline. Her chapel veil of imported French tulle was edged with faceted crystals and pearls and held by a bridal band of rhinestones and freshwater pearls. The maid of honor was Dr. Lindsay Elizabeth Brown, sister of the bride, of Birmingham. Bridesmaids were Allison Katherine Hill, cousin of the bride, of Huntsville; Chaney Shafferman Widmer, sister of the groom, of Richmond, Va.; Sarah Octavia Ferguson of Oxford, N.C.; Elizabeth Fair Ingle and Amy Elizabeth Shaw of Murfreesboro, Tenn.;

and Denise Marie Frohlich of Tallahassee, Fla. Flower girl was Addison Lee Bowlin, cousin of the groom, of Madison, Miss. The father of the groom was best man. Groomsmen were John David Cleveland, cousin of the groom, of Birmingham; Charles Brooks Widmer, brother-in-law of the groom, of Richmond, Va.; William Curtis Wright Jr. of Athens, Ga.; Andrew Nicholas Leithe of Raleigh, N.C.; Jeffery Bailey Hennessy of Annapolis, Md.; and David James Nakano of Johns Creek, Ga. Ring bearer was Ryan Christopher Hill, cousin of the bride, of Birmingham. After a honeymoon trip to St. Lucia, the couple will live in Birmingham, where the bride will be a second year medical student at the University of Alabama School of Medicine and the groom is employed by Union Bank and Trust Co. as a marketing representative for Alabama 529 College Savings Plans.

Mathews-Wolfe

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathews of Diliner, Pa,. announce the engagement of their daughter, Kaylin Mathews, to Dr. Matthew Wolfe, son of Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Wolfe of Homewood. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Harry Otto Mathews of Diliner and the late Mr. and Mrs. Otha Shelby Brotherton of Maidsville, W.Va. She received an associate degree in science with a major in nursing from the Pennsylvania State University in 2008. She is a registered nurse at West Virginia University Hospitals. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. Raphael

Preston Thompson and Carol Jacqueline Thompson and stepgrandson of Caroline Thompson of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Wooten of Huntsville. He is a 2005 graduate of Birmingham-Southern College with a bachelor’s degree in biological chemistry and received his doctor of medicine from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 2009. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He is a resident in emergency medicine at West Virginia University Hospitals. The wedding is planned for March 24, 2012.

Parents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. Murray McConnell Beck of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Donald Athony Waitzman Sr. of Florence and the late Mr. and Mrs. Rolla Earl Beck Jr. of Birmingham. The bride is a 2006 graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in outdoor administration and leadership. Parents of the groom are Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Brian England Sr. of Huntsville. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Coleman Burd of Syracuse, N.Y. and Rev. and Mrs. James Lee England Sr. of Huntsville. The groom is a 2005 graduate of Huntsville High School and a 2010 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in geology. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown made of a collection of vin-

tage laces from France and vintage linens all hand sewn and pieced together by the artist. The bride carried her maternal grandmothers first communion prayer book in her bouquet. She wore her paternal grandmother’s diamond-stick pin. Maid of honor was Murray Alice Beck, sister of the bride, of Birmingham. Bridesmaids were Caroline Elizabeth Beck Phelan, sister of the bride, of Ocean Springs, Miss., Mary Elizabeth England, sister of the groom, of Huntsville, Kathryn Taylor Cooper of Birmingham and Sarah Syndey Riggs of Boston. The groom’s father was best man. Groomsmen were Kieran Patrick Dowdy, Timothy Charles Maddox, and Adam David Wilder all of Huntsville and Samuel Joseph Latone III of Atlanta. The couple have planned a fall honeymoon trip to Yosemite National Park and San Francisco and have made their home in Huntsville.

Brown-Shafferman

Beck-England

Mary Augusta Beck and Samuel Brian England Jr. were united in marriage on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at half past four in the afternoon overlooking the Tennessee River at Lake Guntersville Yacht Club. The reception followed at the Yacht Club. The Rev. James Lee England Sr., grandfather of the groom, officiated the ceremony.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 • 23

SCHOOLS

Elementary Students Learn Magic at Library Camp

“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” author William Kamkwamba , center speaks with Indian Springs students before his lecture at the school. Photos special to the Journal

‘Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’ Author Inspires ISS Students

n the face of famine, poverty and derision, William Kamkwamba built a windmill from scratch to generate electricity — and hope — for his family and village in Malawi. Co-author of the acclaimed book “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” he tells a story that has garnered attention and inspired thousands around the world. Kamkwamba recounted his experiences in an address to Indian Springs School community members recently in the school’s concert hall. “In your life, you will face challenges,” Kamkwamba told the audience of ISS students, faculty, alumni, board members, parents and friends. “You must not let those challenges stop you, but let them encourage you to persevere toward what you want to achieve.” The speaking engagement kicked off Springs’ 2011-2012 theme of “Energy and the Environment.” ISS students and faculty read “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” over the summer, and had the chance to engage Kamkwamba in classes and other opportunities, including a visit to Springs’ own windmill. Built by students from scratch, the ISS windmill is a hybrid solar/wind system that powers a 55-gallon compost tea brewer and outdoor classroom LED lights, both part of the school’s organic garden. Kamkwamba’s visit was made possible by the school’s Goodrich Lecture Fund, created in honor of former ISS board member and alumnus parent and grandparent Henry C. Goodrich of Birmingham.

Elementary students at Emmet O’Neal Library’s fourth annual Geoffrey Glaub Memorial Summer Reading Camp learned sleight of hand tricks from a professional magician. The students, ranging from rising third to rising sixth graders, spent four days preparing their tricks under the tutelage of AtsMagic’s Arthur Atsma. Campers used their new tricks to wow an audience of friends, family, other students and library board members at the end of the camp. A reception followed the presentation. The camp was made possible by the support of the family of Geoffrey Glaub. Campers included George Davis, Natalie Womack, Kennedy Stewart, Peyton McGilberry, Ann Carlton Keller, Ella Kampakis, Amelia Jane Joehl, Ethan Clark, John Shows, Annya Evans, Rob Gunn, Lucy Windle, Anna Elizabeth Byrne, Myya Corkan, Tate Record, Stephen Woodry, Joseph Armstrong, Alex Black, Luke Black, Claire Dennis, Thomas Hunt, David Evans, Jack Armstrong, Ella Grace Perry, Griffen Darden, Wills Black, Caroline Pope, Mary Allison Anderson, Hannah Cox and Louise Knight.

HPD Teaches Students About DARE PROGRAM

Homewood Police Officer Scott McSparen spent the day talking to fifth grade students at Shades Cahaba Elementary School about the DARE pro

Camper Myya Corkan demonstrates a trick she learned at the Emmet O’Neal Library’s magic camp. Photo special to the Journal

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Showing off the windmill students built are from left: Director Gareth Vaughan, Biology Teacher Bob Pollard Kamkwamba

ISS ISS ISS and

Honored by Amazon and Publishers Weekly as one of the top books of 2009, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” chronicles Kamkwamba’s life and pursuit of electricity for his home and village. Now a student at Dartmouth College, Kamkwamba is a sought-after speaker who has appeared on CNN, BBC News, “The Wall Street Journal,” ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart,” among other outlets. ❖

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Marguerite Edmonds William Edmonds Kate Edmonds Betsy Edwards Sarah Welles Edwards Ciara Edwards Teague Edwards Menet Elbahrawi Nooraan Elbahrawi Eleanor Elkus Mary Richard Elkus Isabel Elkus Hannah Ellison Savannah Ellison Kyla Emmitt-Gory Ryan Espy Lila Banks Everette Sam Everette Trey Faulkner Travis Faulkner Emory Anne Ferris Logan Ferris Shannon Fifer Shanden Fifer Christian Fischer John Fischer Rachel Fleisig Rebecca Fleisig Virginia Fleming Andrew Fleming Delia Folk Cadence Ford Douglas Frederick Alexander Freeburg Hunter Frey Alyssa Frost Reeves Gachet Alex Galloway Curt Gann Libby Grace Gann Lucas Garrett Claire Garrett Ella Grace Gaston Tucker Gaston Hayden Gilbert Ryan Gilbert Ethan Gilroy Noah Girkin Kristin Girkin Antonette Githinji Morgan Glasgow Addison Gleason Kionna Glover Marco Gonzalez Naomi Gonzalez George Green Mary Morgan Green Shaunbria Grissom Kaylen Gunn Weining Guo WeiWei Guo Nicholas Gustin Langston Gustin Daelyn Guy Matthew Gwin Sophia Hackney Foster Hackney Sumner Hackney Rebecca Hall Clayton Ann Halla Parker Halla Garrett Halla Clayton Ann Halla Anne Merrick Hamilton Ellie Hamilton McKinley Hamilton Austyn Hampton

Kaitlyn Harbison CJ Harlan Aubrey Harper Joseph Harper Chandler Harris Anson Harris Will Harris Mary Reagan Harvey Kristin Hawthorne Sara Haynes Isabel Haynes Spencer Haynes Olivia Hazelrig Alex Headrick Amanda Healey Haynes Healey Peyton Heath Jon Tylor Helms Camden Hemstreet Elise Hemstreet Mason Hemstreet Philamon Hemstreet Jack Herbert Drew Herndon Stewart Herndon Andrew Hess Luke Hess Evans Hess Emily Hester Jay Hester Rachel Hester Anna Marie Hill Julia Hill Christian Hill Laney Hill Tessa Hill Evey Hill Tiffani Hoang Breanna Hoang Justin Hoang Hope Hobson Chase Hobson Connor Hogeland Aine Hogeland Rowan Hogeland Hallie Hooten Elliot Hooten Zoe Hooten Carson Horn Win Horn Addison Houser Emilie Houser Anna-Lauren Houser Laura Kate Howell Emily Howell Sarah Huddle Christian Huddle Grayson Hunt Andrew Hunt Anaya Hunter Cecelia Hunter Wallace Hunter Mary Ashford Hyde Sarah Elizabeth Hyde Hikaru Ito Tsubasa Ito Isaac Jacobsen Joseph Jacobsen Sarah Jacobsen Ryan Jenkins Nick Jenkins Judah Jenkins Ivey Jenkins Levi Jenkins Noah Jenkins Mary Alison Jenkins Ellen Jenkins Jocelyn Jimenez

Cooper Johnson Chari Johnson Cheyenne Johnson Jordan Johnson Sean Johnson Reese Johnson Hicks Johnson Chase Johnson Caroline Johnson Nathan Johnston Amelia Johnston Fisher Jones Colin Jones Duncan Jones Asia Jones Braiden Jones Samuel Jones Collins Keith Fletcher Keith Annabelle Kemp Lydia Kemp Tate Kennedy Fisher Kennedy Taryn King Anna Knerr Casey Knerr Emily Knerr Sidney Knight Cole Knight Louise Knight Lee Knight Megann Koetter Matthew Kundler Madeline Kundler Michael Kundler Kensley Lamon Carlin Laney David Laney Barrett Larussa Anna Larussa Sawyer Lash Seth Lash Davis Latimer Tine Latimer Thomas Latimer Gracie LaTorre Joshua LaTorre Jacob LaTorre Laura Leavitt Caitlin Leavitt Noah Leavitt Victoria Lee Kurstyn Lee Sam Legg Joshua Legg Emma Leggett Tess Leggett Caroline Lewis Cate Lewis Rebecca Lewis Langston Lilly Stephen Lilly Carson Lilly Will Lisenby Oliver Little Brawner Little Alex Lloyd Isabella Lloyd Claire Lockridge Logan Lockridge Luis Lopez Daniel Lopez Jack Lowery Hunter Lucas Carlos Maldonado Shane Manasco Abigail Manasco Thomas Marriott

Brandon Martinez Kareshia Matthews Joshua Maxwell Alan McArdle Cameron McClinton Shelton McCollough Jack McCormack Anna Elizabeth McCormack Hayden McCrary Alexia McCray Matt McDonald Harrison McDonald William McIlvaine Jim McPherson Sam McPherson Sarah McPherson John Mears Lee Mears Joshua Meyers Luke Miller Laila Miller Lila Mitchell Bennett Mitchell Maggie Mizelle Noelle Mizerany Amelia Moffatt Adele Moffatt Ford Moffatt Sam Monroe Trip Morgan Troy Morris Tristin Morris Dylan Morris Jordan Moss Addie Moss Lauren Mussell Eric Mussell Kathryn Mussell Matilon Nash Chase Newton Brennen Northcutt Nicholas Obregon Emilio Obregon Sophia Obregon Yazmeen Oliver Audrey Osborne Kendall Owens KC Owens Christian Owens Braeden Painter Ryan Painter William Parker Brett Parrish Bennett Pearce Avi Peetluck Sophia Pena Jonathan Perez John Michael Pickens Hayden Powers Haley Powers Aiyana Reardon Maura Reed Davis Reese Paul Regan Joseph Regan Knox Richardson Caroline Ricks Rachel Rinks Taylor Rinks Jackson Robbins Charlotte Robbins Sophie Robbins Meg Roberts Mary Frances Robertson Gray Robertson Matthew Romero

Ella Rosenthal Madalyn Rosenthal Jack Rosenthal Bess Rosenthal James Roth Eleanor Roth Tyler Sach Henry Salinas Le’Merial Sanders Alana Scott Lauren Scott Aziz Shabazz Kamal Shabazz Bilal Shabazz Rasool Shabazz Thomas Shaffer Lyons Shaffer Hollis Shaffer McLain Shaffer Mary Mchael Shaffer Ashley Shaffer Mahi Shah Ria Shah Sarah Shank Jeremy Shank Anna Kate Shea Gray Sherrer Ryan Shiflett Kenny Simmons Ian Simmons Ethan Simmons Maggie Simmons Anne Bonds Simmons George Simmons Emma Simon Matthew Simon Madison Simpson Ashley Sizemore Lauren Sizemore Beckett Smith Sawyer Smith Kole Smith Christian Smith Wesley Smith Kirk Smitherman Carter Sobera Lily Kate Sobera Will Sobera Bennett Solomon Noah Solomon Grayson Spears Elizabeth Spears Aidan Springer Carter Stagner Alex Stanley Siri Stelter Sam Stewart Olivia Stinson Sarah Stipe Hannah Straughn Emily Straughn Daniel Strong Amy Strong Virginia Strong Nayla Stubbs Taylor Taft Brooklynn Taft Brilee Taft Carlton Tarpley Hallie Tarpley Jordan Thomas Fletcher Thomas Madison Thomas Chandler Thomas Julie Thorington Jillian Thorson Connor Tierney Addison Tierney

Breese Tierney Caroline Till Davis Till Reid Till Laura Tovar Tabitha Troxler Luke Tulloch Ryan Tulloch Bishop Turner Jackson Ulmer Nia Vargas-Taylor Harris Waggoner Mimi Waggoner Parker Wallace John Robert Wallace Madeline Wallace Jackson Wallace Cooper Wallace Reese Wallace Layton Waller Dallas Walters Eric Ward Caroline Ward Hope Ward Seth Ward Arden Warner Jayla Washington Abby Waters Warner Watkins Eugenia Watkins John Webb Kathleen Webb Ward Webb Niki Wehunt Anne Mitchell Welch Lillie Corinne Welch Mason West Huston West Hallie West Will Wetzler Mary Parker Wetzler Braxton Wetzler Dewey Wilbanks Katy Wilbanks Will Wilder Hunter Wiliamson Garner Wilkerson Rollins Wilkerson Vanntrel Wilkerson Evan Williams Rachel Williams Tamia Williams CJ Williams Zoey Williams Rasaria Williams Ellison Wilson Lulu Wilson Sam Windham Hannah Wolfe Hope Wolnski Emily Wolnski Abigail Wolnski Sarah Wolnski Sophie Woods Ethan Wright Alexandria Wright Clay Yeager Colton Yeager Jonathan Zavala Fabian Zavala Emily Zhang

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24 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Alabama’s eight board districts, two principals and two private school teachers.

Hilltop Opens Year with Expansion

Listening to Officer Scott McSparen talk about health and tobacco in Melissa Day’s fifth grade class are from left: Larkin Williams, Hayden Brogdon and Spencer Philips. Photo special to the Journal gram, Drug Abuse Resistance volleyball coach. Education. During 2011, Alfa Insurance McSparen gave each student and the Alabama Farmers their DARE workbooks and pack- Federation will honor one outets, and the classes discussed the standing teacher from each of different ways they could make good choices in their lives.

Hilltop Montessori School in Mt Laurel opened its doors for the first day of school Aug. 22 with three new classroom areas and expanded playgrounds. The school is already certified by LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, as an environmentally efficient building by the U.S. Green Building Council. Hilltop Montessori continued its emphasis on sustainable practices with the addition of new playground areas and classrooms unique to the Birmingham area. Wooded play areas, tricycle paths, garden areas that produce fresh vegetables for the children and honey bee habitats are parts of the outdoor learning areas. A native plant trail through a grant

Lee Ann Fuller Is Teacher of the Month

Lee Ann Fuller, a mathematics and economics teacher at John Carroll Catholic High School, recently received the Alfa Teacher of the Month award at a ceremony held at the school. As the August honoree, Fuller won $1,000 from Alfa Insurance. John Carroll received a matching award from the Alabama Farmers Federation. Fuller has a bachelor’s degree from Emory & Henry College and a master’s degree in education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. A team leader for the Professional Learning Community, Fuller also serves as John Carroll’s

Tucker Bradberry, left, and Edison Yang were among Hilltop Montessori School students exploring the school’s recent expansion.

Photo special to the Journal

with Legacy, Inc., also borders the property. Future plans include a butterfly garden and wildflower area. The new classroom features include a state-of-the-art HVAC system, windows and daylighting, recycled materials and low VOC, as well as miniature wooden furnishings in keeping with the Montessori philosophy. Due to the expansion, the school has openings in its fullday toddler program, preschool, fourth through sixth grade and middle school. Parents should contact Michele Scott, executive director, at 437-9343 to arrange a tour of the facility.

Newcomers Honored at Riverchase Elementary Riverchase Elementary student Jay Agarwal, left, will help new student Kevin Liu get acquainted with the school through the Buddy Program.

Photo special to the Journal

Riverchase Elementary hosted a newcomers reception Aug. 11 as part of the school’s Buddy Program, which pairs new students with returning students

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Our readers want to know! Send your school news and pictures to editorial@otmj.com.

Parents of both the new and returning students were invited to the reception, and the buddies had their pictures taken together. Parents stayed in the lunchroom to get acquainted with each other while the students completed a tour of the school. Buddies are encouraged to sit with their new friends at lunch and to play with them during recess for the first few weeks of school to help new students make the transition to the school.

SMC School Has New Director

Shades Mountain Christian School in Hoover has a new executive director and has become a self-sustaining, selfgoverning nonprofit entity, school officials announced recently. Rick Gardner is the new executive director. Also hired was Josh Caldwell as the director of student life. Joel Dunn has been named athletic director. The school will begin a capital campaign in the fall to build new facilities to support the growth of the student body. Founded in 1974, SMCS is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International and the Alabama High School Athletic Association, Class 1A. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Golf Tournament Honors Grandfather’s Memory

An Aug. 8 golf tournament helped its young founder remember his grandfather and raised money for charity. Patrick Martin, a Spain Park High School freshman, started the Harvey G. Martin Memorial Classic last year in his grandfather’s memory. This year, 58 junior golfers and 20 hole sponsors helped Patrick raise $8,167 for the St. Vincent’s Foundation. The funds will benefit the Joseph S. and Theresa R. Bruno Cancer Center at St. Vincent’s Hospital, where Harvey Martin was treated for prostate cancer. The tournament was at Riverchase Country Club. Daniel Schroder of Spain Park High School won the event for ages 16-18 with a 4 under par 68. Patrick Martin won for ages 14-15 with a 3 under par 69. Other area players, who ranged from ages 7 to 17, were: High school students: Jonathan Binder, Mills Poynor, Vasili Kartos, J.T. Watkins, John Allen

Lions,

from back cover back and get the win,” said Craft. “The fact that they (Eagle’s Landing) are one of the best teams in Georgia made it even better.” Craft is the triggerman for a team determined to win a state title. Last year, Briarwood came close, falling to Spanish Fort 14-0 in the Class 5A final. This year, Craft thinks his team will improve in the areas where it fell just short in 2011. “I really think there are two things that will make us better than last year,” said Craft, when contacted shortly after a tough Monday practice last week. “First is maturity. We appreciate being picked to finish high, but we don’t listen to the press or read the newspapers. We understand that all that is written or said are just people’s opinions. “What’s important is how the team performs on the field. Briarwood always plays a tough schedule, and there are numerous teams that can beat us, if we don’t do our jobs.” The well-spoken UAB football commitment said the other key is the Lions’ level of enthusiasm. “We are much more pumped up this year,” Craft said. “The guys who aren’t in the game are really yelling and cheering for their teammates on the field. Our fans in the stands hear and feel it and feed off of it. “Crowd and team enthusiasm has a big role in high school football.” So does having a lot of talent

Bagby, Justin Nolen, Cason Reeves, Chase Averitt, Aaron Stansell, Robby Tapscott, Craig Martin, Jackson Seawell, Banks Nash, Beau Scott, William Walker, Robert Sorrell, Crawford Flach, Bill Perry, Butler Dobbins, Carson Culton, Ian Stone, Sam Goldasich, J.D. Scott, Wes Holley and Corbin Glasscock. Middle school students: Joel Averitt, Thomas Luther, Robert Gillespie, Hadley Hayes, Jordan Susce, Mychael O’Berry, Grayson Gladden, Nicholas Cotumaccio, Connor Hayes, Ethan Hagood, Andrew Gedgoudas, Jack Goldasich, Davis Holley, Gill Satcher, Sam Dantone, Jack Serra, Brayden Puckett, Britton Rembert, Chris Dugas and Garrett Yamowich. Elementary school students: Ford Goldasich, William Vinson, Jalen Mosely, Carter Stout, Crawford Poynor, Cooper Poirier, Banks Harland, Griffin Poirier, Connor Stout, Alex Cotumaccio and Austin Montgomery. on hand. Craft directs an offense that may be one of the best in metro Birmingham, regardless of classification. Running backs Sam Whittaker and Furuto are outstanding, and there are few better overall athletes in the area than Briarwood wide receiver Daniel Robert. But Craft is smart enough to know that a strong offensive line is the key to any quarterback’s success – not to mention his good health. “I call our big guys up front ‘my boys,’ ” said Craft, laughing. “With fellows like (guard) Nick Maxey and (tackle) Tim Crenshaw, we have as good an offensive front five as anybody. They take care of me, so I’m going to look out for them.” Craft is a good offensive weapon in his own right. An equally adept passer and runner, he is perfectly tailored to run Yancey’s wide open schemes. “When you have as many quality people in the skill positions as we do, it’s easy for a quarterback to take advantage of the situations,” said Craft. “If the opposing defense comes up to stop the run, we have receivers that can get

Sports

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 • 25

Team members are, Karen Amidon, Susie Barnes (Captain), Luann Causey, Diane Clifton, Ramona Cunningham, Jean Deal, Liz Dove, Debbie Drake, Colleen Ellis, Kathy McLeod, Linda Sink, Robin Sparks, Wendi Wilcox Stanley, Lisa Steed (Captain) and Teresa Turner.

OTM Team Crowned at 2011 USTA League Tennis Southern Sectional Championships in Mobile

More than 900 players on about 100 teams from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee competed in the first half of the 2011 USTA League Tennis Southern Sectional Championship nine-day tournament held in Mobile recently. In order to reach this point, teams competed in regular season matches and a state championship. Winners here can advance to play other sectional champions at the USTA League National Championships. Winning at the 4.0 Women’s Level was a team from Birmingham. Next up for the group is the National USTA tennis tournament for the 4.0 Level will be held Sept. 23 - 25 in Tucson, Ariz. at the Reffkin Tennis Center. open. If the defense respects the pass, we can ram the ball down their throats. That gives a quarterback a lot of opportunities.” Throughout his athletic career,

“We want this (a championship) not only for ourselves, but for our coaches and fans. The fact we came so close last year makes us want it all the more.” Lion QB, Ben Craft Craft has always made the most of his opportunities. A standout in baseball as well as football, Craft began playing quarterback in the sixth grade while growing up in Chelsea. By the time he reached the ninth grade, Craft was such a prolific athlete that he was doing double duty for the Hornet football program. “On Friday night, I was playing defensive back for the varsity,”

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Craft recalled. “Then on Monday night, I would play quarterback for the ninth grade team. I was pretty busy.” Following his freshman year, Craft decided to transfer to Briarwood, which required that he sit out his sophomore year. But Craft stepped right into the quarterback picture at the beginning of his junior year and hasn’t looked back. Briarwood followed its opening night win over Eagle’s Landing with an easy 39-14 rout of Region 4 rival Moody last Friday. Craft guided the Lions to 22 first-quarter points, setting the tone. Briarwood’s victory was also a milestone: It marked Yancey’s 250th career win. “We didn’t even know before the game that this would be Coach Yancey’s 250th win,” said Craft. “I’m so proud to be a part of it and the great tradition he has built at

Briarwood.” Craft and his teammates want to add one more layer to that tradition by giving their coach his first state championship since 2003. “We want this (a championship) not only for ourselves, but for our coaches and fans,” he said. “The fact we came so close last year makes us want it all the more.” Away from athletics, Craft is a fine student but said there are two classes he likes best. “First, of course, there’s lunch,” he said, laughing. “But probably math is my favorite. It’s not like history or government, where there is always a dispute about the answer. In math, there is just one answer. I like that.” Ben Craft may like lunch, but don’t expect his Lions to take many long lunch hours this fall. And when they add up the numbers, Briarwood could well be Class 5A champions again.

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26 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

Spartans, from back cover

Yeager. “We made some effort mistakes with penalties and turnovers. We had three turnovers, and against a team like Vestavia, that can make it real tough for you.” The Spartans got on the scoreboard first when Aldag hit wide receiver Gavin Golsan with an 11yard strike. The Rebels answered on their next possession when Salem broke free and raced 76 yards to tie the game at 7. The teams then exchanged interceptions. Vestavia’s Jack Nelson and the Spartans’ Zach Gillen each made big plays for their defenses to stop drives. With 5:56 left in the second quarter, Mountain Brook began its second scoring drive, highlighted by Aldag’s 17-yard pass to tight end Coates Doss and several big gains from Rector, as the Spartan offensive line began to take control of the line of scrimmage. Creating room for Rector to run were offensive linemen Will Sparks, Paul Davis, John Grady Welden and Walker Byrd and tight end Reagan Alexander. Rector scored on a 14yard ramble with 3:30 left in the half to make the score 14-7. “Our offensive line was great, as usual,” said Rector. “They opened some big holes for me to run through against a tough Vestavia team.” On their next possession, the Rebels picked up a first down and looked like they might be getting something going. But Gillen came up with another huge play on a blitz, sacking Vestavia quarterback Jack Cole for a big loss. The Spartans took over after the punt on their own 45-yard line with 1:03 left in the half. They needed only three plays, aided by a 15-

Hoover,

from back cover

back Nick Mullens looked impressive, completing his first five passes and forcing the Hoover defense back on its heels. However, his next pass was intercepted by Hoover’s Justin McArthur, ending a promising opening drive. “I thought we had a good opening script, but we probably missed an opportunity there on the first drive and lost some momentum,” said Chip Lindsey, first-year Spain Park head coach. “When you play against a really good defense like (Hoover), you’ve got to do it when you get a chance.” Hoover’s offense took a while to warm up as well as. Quarterback Sam Gillikin also took to the air to start Hoover’s initial offensive series, methodically moving the ball into Jaguar territory with a series of short screen passes to running backs Dakota Daniel and Caleb Sims. However, with first and 10 from the Spain Park 30, a fumbled snap that lost 17 yards eventually forced Hoover to punt on its opening drive.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Sports

Mountain Brook running back Mark Rector looks for running room in the Spartans’ 28-17 region win over Vestavia More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Lee Walls, Jr.

play from Cole to Shaefer Amos, who made the critical first down on second-effort running. Salem, from the quarterback position, went off left tackle from the one-yard line for the score with 6:11 in the game to make it 28-17. The Spartans took over on their own 20-yard line and made several first downs, putting together a 10play drive with Rector carrying the ball eight times and taking valuable time off the clock. The drive eventually stalled. After the punt, Vestavia had little time to mount a scoring threat. Aldag finished the night with 175 yards in passing, completing 14 of 21 attempts. Rector had 133 yards on 33 carries. The Spartans (2-0, 1-0) host Pelham this week, while the Rebels (0-2, 0-1) travel to Thompson.

yard penalty, to increase their lead. From the 34-yard line Aldag found a wide open Golsan on a seam route. Golsan went in untouched for the score. Warren Handrahan’s third PAT of the night closed out first half scoring at 21-7. To start the second half, the Rebel defense forced a Spartan fumble, recovered by Vestavia’s Keaton Lett. Despite excellent field position at the Mountain Brook 23-yard line, the Rebels were unable to move against the stingy Spartan defense led by Robert Eckert, Michael Resha and Harry Reich. “This game was decided at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. We really took control, and that was the difference in the game,” said Yeager. “Our guys played hard tonight.” The Rebels had to settle for a 21-yard field goal by Ryan Raspino to narrow Mountain Brook’s lead to 21-10.

After the teams exchanged punts, the Spartan offense got cranked up again on its third possession of the second half. Aldag hit Patrick Sullivan for a nice 31-yard gain and then found Alexander for a 10-yard pickup. Another untimely penalty set up Mountain Brook at the Rebel 27yard line. From there Rector and the Spartans pounded away on the ground, with Rector scoring on a one-yard run from the quarterback position to put his team up 28-10. “When our offense is playing like we played tonight, I believe we are unstoppable,” said Aldag. “We prepared well for this game, and our offensive line did a great job tonight.” The Rebels weren’t ready to give up, however. They responded by putting together a solid 80-yard touchdown drive that included a wellexecuted 35-yard pass from Cole to tight end Raemer Ayers-Fleming and a clutch fourth down-and-17 pass

WEEK 2 ROUNDUP Briarwood 39, Moody 14

The teams traded punts for the rest of the first quarter and the first six minutes of the second. Hoover then mounted a 70-yard drive that highlighted the ground game, culminating in the game’s only offensive touchdown, a two-yard run by Gillikin with 3:01 left in the first half. The score came on Gillikin’s ninth rushing play of the first half as the offensive line created gaping holes for the quarterback to run through. “We came in knowing Sam could cause some trouble with his legs, and they were trying to do some things to stop our bubble game on the outside, so it gave us an opportunity to get him one-on-one on the inside,” said Josh Niblett, Hoover head coach. With the offense struggling for much of the first half, Gillikin said it was the play of the Bucs’ defense that helped light a fire under the offense as it finally put the ball in the end zone. “The defense just played lights out,” he said. “I think the momentum just kept building, and them stopping (Spain Park) on some three and outs just rallied the offense. We

came together in that long drive, and that was huge for us to put that in.” Placekicker Larsen Real kicked two field goals in the second half, accounting for the remainder of Hoover’s scoring production on offense. The Hoover defense really was the star for most of the contest,

Bobby Humphrey. After a stunning debut in week one against South Panola of Mississippi, the sophomore intercepted a Mullens pass, returning it 42 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter to essentially slam the door on Spain Park’s chances to get its first win over Hoover.

particularly defensive back Marlon Humphrey, son of legendary University of Alabama running back

Despite Hoover’s solid defensive performance and a 20-point shutout over its fiercest rival, Niblett said the

Briarwood generated 325 yards in total offense in an impressive win over Moody. The Lions jumped out to a 39-0 lead by halftime and never looked back. The victory was number 250 for head coach Fred Yancey. Briarwood quarterback Ben Craft, in limited action, threw for three touchdowns to three different targets: Matthew Furuto, Keaton Russell and Daniel Robert. The Lions (2-0) host Center Point this Friday.

Homewood 24, Thompson 14

Homewood scored 14 points in the first quarter to take an early lead over visiting region opponent Thompson. The Patriots’ defense and special teams created scoring opportunities for the Homewood offense, and that proved to be the difference in the game. Earnest Bell Jr. recovered a fumble

that set up one touchdown. Lakeith Walker blocked a punt that led to another score late in the game. Homewood (2-0, 1-0) visits Spain Park (1-1, 1-1) in another region matchup this Friday.

John Carroll 47, Pleasant Grove 19

The Cavaliers were led by junior running back Trent Marshall, who rushed for 154 yards on 13 carries, as John Carroll improved its record to 2-0 with an impressive performance against Pleasant Grove. Cav quarterback Johnny Boohaker hooked up with receiver Trevor Brooks on two touchdown passes of 79 yards and 40 yards as the big-play offense rolled up 400plus yards of total offense. John Carroll (2-0, 1-0) will host McAdory this week in a region game.

Pelham 16, Oak Mountain 7

Oak Mountain lost a hardfought contest with region opponent Pelham. The Eagles’ Bradley Bostick scored on a one-yard run to cap an 80-yard drive in the first half. The Panthers returned a fumble 58 yards on the last play of the first half to take the lead for good. The Eagles (1-1, 0-1) must get over this loss and get ready for another region game when they travel to Hoover this week.

Pickens County 58, Shades Mountain Christian 7

The Eagles went up against a tough Pickens County team, ranked in the top 10 in 1A polls after beating highly-regarded American Christian Academy last week. David Reeves scored the Eagles’ only touchdown on a 16-yard run; Nick Holt added the PAT.

offense has to tighten up if his team is going to be in the hunt for a state title in November. “It’s a full team effort, and I thought our defense just played lights out tonight and gave us an opportunity to win the game,” he said. “I didn’t think we executed as well on offense, and we’ve got to get to the standard we want to be at.” As for the Jags, Lindley said there is plenty to be proud of. But there’s also a lot of work to do to prepare for their next opponent, Homewood, and their own playoff run. “I think it’s something we can learn from, and I’m really proud of our kids and how hard we played,” he said. “I’m also really proud of our defense. They gave up one touchdown. “The thing I love about them is they’re keeping a great attitude, encouraging our offensive guys and showing a lot of leadership.”

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Sports

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 • 27

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 GAME OF THE WEEK

Sports

OTM Team Crowned at 2011 USTA Tourney. See Page 25

EVEN DOZEN

Bucs Extend Streak To 12 Over Jags BY LOYD MCINTOSH JOURNAL SPORTS

pain Park High School hosted its arch nemesis, the Hoover Buccaneers, Friday night in a game that had the Jaguar faithful believing their time had come. For the first time since the school’s founding in 2002, Spain Park appeared to be on an even playing field with its more successful neighbor. Hopes were high that Spain Park might be David to Hoover’s Goliath and finally topple the mighty Buccaneers, ending its 11-game all-time losing streak. Make that a 12-game losing streak. The third-ranked Hoover Bucs (2-0) defeated second-ranked Spain Park 20-0 in a game that saw both high-octane offenses struggle at times and featured only one offensive touchdown. Mountain Brook running back Mark Rector was the workhorse in the Spartans ground attack with 133 yards on 33 carries against Vestavia Friday night. Journal photo by Lee Walls, Jr.

The pre-game festivities set the tone for the evening, as Spain Park’s cheerleaders and pep squad had trouble erecting the paper banner for the Jaguars to break through in the familiar tradition. Across the field, Hoover’s enormous banner with the phrase “Sorry For Winning” stood straight and tall as the Bucs tore through the sign the way they’ve been doing to opponents for more than a decade. It was, in hindsight, a metaphor for how the contest would shake out. Spain Park received the ball to start the game and, early in its first series, the Jaguar offense appeared to be firing on all cylinders. Following a game-opening eightyard run by senior running back John Mwaituka, senior quarter

See Hoover, page 26

Lee Davis

Master Craft: Lion QB Sees Big Season Ahead

the tough running of senior Mark Rector, the Spartans generated 324 yards of total offense against the Rebels. Mountain Brook’s defense was equally impressive, holding Vestavia to just 222 yards on the night. While talented senior Rebel running back Georgie Salem rushed for more than 100 yards, 76 of that came on one play. “This game had a real ebb and flow,” said Spartan coach Chris

or a team ranked number one in Class 5A, the Briarwood Lions’ season opener wasn’t going too well. Traveling across the AlabamaGeorgia line Aug. 26 to face Eagle’s Landing Academy, a perennial powerhouse in the Peach State, Coach Fred Yancey’s team found itself trailing 18-7 at halftime. Briarwood senior quarterback Ben Craft said that despite the score, nobody hit the panic button. “We were all very calm and businesslike,” Craft said. “The coaches didn’t yell at us or anything like that. We just corrected our mistakes and went back to work – just as a confident team should.” The results spoke for themselves. Craft’s 25-yard touchdown pass to Matthew Furuto in the third quarter cut Eagle’s Landing’s lead to 18-14. Then – with less than two minutes in the game – Craft scored on a one-yard plunge to give the Lions a dramatic 21-18 victory and a happy bus ride back home. “It was exciting for us come

See Spartans, page 26

See Lions, page 25

Hoover quarterback Sam Gilliken gets past Spain Park’s Jeniah Jackson in the Bucs win over the Jaguars. More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

WEEK TWO

FINE LINES

Spartan Units Step Up To Down Rebels BY MAURY WALD JOURNAL SPORTS

he Mountain Brook offense used a balanced attack to defeat rival Vestavia 28-17 in Week 2 action Friday night. Led by the passing of senior quarterback Edward Aldag and

New Season, New Location

We're pleased to announce we've relocated to our new location! Come see us in Park South Plaza, Vestavia Hills next to Diplomat Deli

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