OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
SOCIAL
SPORTS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019
Lay Off of Them Shoes
CELEBRATING THE ARTS | SPECIAL ISSUE THEATRE DANCE MUSIC ART
Alabama Ballet Starts Its Season With Blue Suede Shoes
Alabama Ballet’s first major performance of the 2019/2020 season will be “Blue Suede Shoes,” being presented Oct. 4-6 at the BJCC Concert Hall. Dennis Nahat’s full-length ballet, danced to 36 master recordings of Elvis Presley songs, combines classical dance with classic rock, extending traditional ballet to rock and disco. The rock-and-roll ballet, with a good helping of jazz, follows three friends over almost 20 years, starting with high school in the 1950s and rolling through an age of innocence, the social changes of the 1960s and the disco era of the 1970s. The 90-minute ballet has 16 sets and 280 costumes, all designed by Hollywood fashion icon Bob Mackie. “Bob’s done a stunning design look for us,” Nahat, said. “It’s a very contemporary take on the 1950s, and the stage is always filled with so much action that the audience barely has time to blink or else they miss something.” There are no Elvis sightings, no impersonators. “No one can duplicate him, so why bother? Besides, you see him plain as day when you hear the music,” Nahat said. “We are excited to bring this spectacular production back to life and bring it to the Birmingham stage. It will really be a treat for everyone,” Tracey Alvey, artistic director of the ballet, said. Alabama Ballet will also tour this production to Tupelo, Mississippi, in January in honor of Elvis’ 85th birthday. Tickets for the Oct. 4-6 evening and matinee performances, sponsored by Protective Life, are available now at alabamaballet.org or on Ticketmaster, by calling 3224300 or at the box office. —Virginia Martin
INSIDE THEY CAME TO PLAY Birmingham-Born The Brook & The Bluff to Release First Album, Headline ASC’s Emerge Fest 14 MUSIC MAKERS A Mix of Sounds to Be Highlighted in Samford School of the Arts’ Davis Architects Guest Artist Series 14 HANG TIME World Traveler, Former Cirque du Soleil Performer Shares Artistic Passion in Her Native Birmingham 16 PERCHANCE TO DREAM Two Dreamers Combine Talents in Forest Park Boutique 16 ALABAMA INSPIRED Beverly McNeil Gallery Displays Celebration of Two Centuries of Statehood 17 FALL ARTS CALENDAR Begins on 15
Asha Gangolli, Alabama Ballet company dancer. Photo by Michael J. Moore
GRILL A BETTER STEAK!
A WINNER EVERY TIME! The Certified Angus Beef® brand is a cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select. Ten quality standards set the brand apart. It’s abundantly flavorful, incredible tender, naturally juicy. Piggly Wiggly is the only grocery store in the area with Certified Angus Beef. TASTE THE DIFFERENCE!
2 • Thursday, September 5, 2019
Inside
Murphy’s Law
T ADDICTION COALITION Mayors Turn Their Attention to Vaping in Next Addiction Breakfast PAGE 6
RETAIL RECOGNITION The Cook Store Earns Spot Among 2019 Alabama Retailers of the Year PAGE 7
A DOG’S BEST FRIEND Mountain Brook Students Create A Place for Puppies to Play PAGE 19
PERFECT BLEND Royal Cup Family Member Applying Coffee-Blending Techniques to Rum PAGE 20
ABOUT TOWN 3 NEWS 6 SOCIAL 8 WEDDINGS 13
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
OPINION/CONTENTS
LIFE 14 SCHOOLS 19 FOOD 20 SPORTS 24
otmj.com With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter. Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area. To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, forw daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
J O U R N A L September 5, 2019 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Emily Williams Photographer: Jordan Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Blake Ells, Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch, Sam Prickett, Lauren Helmer Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd, Suzanne Wald Vol. 29, No. 3
Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2019 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.
That’s the Ticket
his was a good summer for movstage director is working with consideries. With “Aladdin” and “The ably less space and a considerably Lion King” coming out back-tosmaller budget, so the images the audiback, it was like a Disney-palooza. ence sees must be condensed. In the While the thermometer hovered at 95 recent film version of “The Lion King,” degrees, I spent many happy hours sitgreat care was taken to make the aniting in the dark with my Junior Mints. mals appear real (other than the fact I also went to see Red Mountain that they could talk, of course). The aniTheatre’s production of “Matilda,” mals in the stage production of “The which was great fun. No Junior Mints Lion King” were people in bright, artisthere, but I really didn’t need them, and tic costumes. The background animals that’s saying something. were giant puppets on wheels. I love live theater. The first producThe remarkable thing is that both Sue Murphy tion I ever saw was “Camelot.” I was versions of the story worked beautifully. probably 10 years old, and when the Movies are like big sprawling novbig velvet curtains parted and the els. They use the tools at their disfirst strains of music rose from the posal to make the audience’s experiI love live theater. The ence bigger and louder to command orchestra pit, I was hooked. Movies and live theater are very first production I ever their full attention. Live theater is different creatures. Movie directors like poetry. The director cuts to saw was “Camelot.” I more have acres and acres of screen to fill. the essence of the story by distilling The actors may be front and center, was probably 10 years it down to its most vital parts. but they’re surrounded by buildings miss the big screen showold, and when the big ing Ifofyou and street signs and specific dish a movie, you needn’t worry. velvet curtains parted Within the year, it will be available towels slung over someone’s shoulder, and every item needs to be true video, and eventually it will make and the first strains of on to the story. Because the audience it to Amazon or Netflix or even a music rose from the gets such a super-zoom view every regular non-paying channel. If you single minute, every soup can label, miss a live theater production … orchestra pit, I was every song on the car radio, every well, I’m sorry. Yes, the play may be hooked. subtle facial expression has to be put on somewhere else, but that parauthentic. If the story includes snowticular production, with that cast and fall, it can’t be filmed in the Sahara. that set and that magical mix of audiIf a scene takes place in a dust storm, the director must ence members, is gone for good. It was a moment in pack up the cast and crew and carry them to a place time, and time moves on. where a lot of dust can be stirred up on cue. There’s a From the previews, this fall will be another banner small town in Illinois close to where my sister lives that season at the movies, and I am squirreling away my a production company sank thousands of dollars into just Junior Mint money in preparation. I’ve also bought seaso they could film a scene where they blew up a gas stason tickets to the theater. I’m going big, I’m going small. tion in a Superman movie. No wonder movie tickets are I’m going all out. so expensive. So, buy a ticket this season. Buy two. Have popcorn In a live theater, the same effect would be accominstead of Junior Mints. There are no real rules —except plished with an offstage blast and a flash of light. The to silence your cell phone.
Over the Mountain Views
What do you think about the new Cahaba River Walk Dog Park? “I like the location and that it’s shaded in parts. I like that they can run around.” Mieke Hemstreet and Avery Cahaba Heights “It’s convenient, I used to drive 20 minutes now I’m only driving 3 minutes.” Bill Nonidez and Perro Mountain Brook “She can run loose and be near the water.” Billy Krueger and Kathryn Shook with Gatsby Mountain Brook “It’s nice and peaceful.” Carol Ann and William Nicrosi with Rosy Mountain Brook
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, September 5, 2019 • 3
ABOUT TOWN
OTM Communities Plan Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremonies
SEPT 5 - SEPT 19 Thurs., Sept. 5-Dec. 12 Grief Share
Journal file photo
Journal file photo by Ingrid Howard
What: For those suffering from the loss of a loved one, Grief Share offers a 14-week series to help those grieving learn to adjust to “a new normal.” For college age or older. When: Thursdays, 7 -8:45 p.m., with the exception of Thanksgiving Where: Faith Presbyterian Church, lower level Website: griefshare.org/groups/63460
Fri., Sept. 6
On Sept. 11, communities across the country will recognize Patriot Day. The annual day of remembrance honors the more than 3,000 victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The city of Retired Maj. Gen. David P. Burford Hoover’s ceremony will feature keynote speaker retired Maj. Gen. David P. Burford of Vestavia Hills. Burford was one of the first people mobilized in the War on Terror.
Journal file photo by Lee Walls
Maestro’s Ball
He reported as deputy commanding general of Army Special Forces, spending almost three years on active duty, including as acting commanding general of the Army’s 9,000-man Green Beret Force in the early stages of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will take place at Hoover’s Fire Station 2. Over the Mountain communities Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills will host their joint Patriot Day ceremony at Homewood City Hall this year. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature words from retired Lt. Col. Marvin Chandler of Birmingham. —Emily Williams
What: The Alabama Symphony’s largest fundraiser provides ten percent of the ASO’s operating budget including educational programs that serve approximately 25,000 students annually. When: 7 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall Website: alabamasymphony.org
Sept. 6 and 7 Giggles and Grace
What: Asbury United Methodist Church hosts its annual baby and child fall consignment sale featuring children’s clothes, toys, books, shoes, baby furniture and more to benefit the church’s youth programs. When: Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-noon. Where: Asbury United Methodist Church Website:
Thurs., Sept. 12 POOCHES ON THE PATIO
What: In celebration of Vino’s sixth anniversary the restaurant hosts an event to benefit the GBHS. Bring your furry friends, meet adoptable dogs and enjoy opportunities to win prizes or toys and treats. When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Vino Website: mtnbrookchamber.org asburygigglesandgrace.com
Artwalk
What: This two-day event transforms Birmingham’s loft district into an arts district featuring the work of more than 100 visual artist, live musicians, street performers, vendors, children’s activities and more. When: Fri., 5-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Where:
Birmingham Historic Loft District Website: birminghamartwalk.org
Sat., Sept. 7 Monkey C Monkey Run 5k
What: Smile-A-Mile’s 5k features a dove release honoring SAM children, post-race food, inflatables and more. Proceeds benefit SAM and its mission
Rare Opportunity 4 Lots Available
Homesites for Sale in Prestigious Gated Vestavia Hills Community: $109,000 Only 4 lots remain in the exclusive community of Viridian, one mile off Highway 31 on Tyler Road, convenient to Birmingham’s major Interstates, shopping and recreation. Bring your builder or let Wedgworth Construction design and build your dream home.
www.wedgworth.net
Mike Wedgworth (205) 365-4344
4 • Thursday, September 5, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
to aid families affected by childhood cancer. When: 6:30 a.m., registration; 8 a.m., 5k; 9 a.m., fun run. Where: Smile-A-Mile Place Website: smileamile.com
p.m.; Sept. 13, 9-2 p.m., noon-2 p.m. half off Where: Vestavia Hills United Methodist gym Website: vhumc.org
BBQ at the Brew
Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale
Sept. 12-14
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
What: Holy Familly Cristo Rey Catholic High School presents a barbecue cook-off featuring live music, college football, food trucks and more all in support of of Cristo Rey in Birmingham. When: 1-4 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Co. Website: bbqbrew2019.swell.gives
Sun., Sept. 8 The Friedman Family Foundation Jewish Food and Culture Fest
What: Authentic Jewish foods will be available for purchase at this free festival along with the annual “When Pigs Fly” Kosher BBQ cook-off, live music, local vendors and activities for all ages. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Levite Jewish Community Center Website: bhamjewishfoodfest. com
Fifth Annual Graze: Birmingham What: Over 15 local farmer-chef pairs collaborate each on a single dish, which they serve in sample
Fri., Sept. 20 DINNERTAINMENT
What: This unique dinner party features a cocktail hour, seated dinner and live entertainment by Exceptional Foundation participants, individuals of all ages with special needs present songs, skits and more. When: and Where: For more information call 870-0776. Website: expeptionalfoundation.org sizes to picnickers as they graze from booth to booth. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: Avondale Brewery Website:
asanonline.org/fifth-annual-grazebirmingham/
Sept. 8-30 Bargain Costume Closet
What: Find Halloween costumes, dance wear and dress up clothes at The Dance Foundation’s annual sale. Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s Tuition Assistance and Community Partnership programs. When: 2-4 p.m. Where: The Dance Foundation Website: thedancefoundation.org
Sept. 12 and 13 Whale of a Sale
What: Vestaiva Hills United Methodist Church presents its annual fall children’s consignment sale featuring gently worn clothing, toys and furniture. Proceeds benefit Vestavia Day School. When: Sept. 12, 4-9
What: Trinity United Methodist Church hosts its annual sale featuring gently worn clothes, toys and furniture. Proceeds fund the churches mission and outreach project in the community and more. When: Fri., 9 a.m.-2 p.m; Sat., 9 a.m.-noon. Where: Trinity’s Gym. Website: trinitybirmingham.com
Fri., Sept 13 Zoo Gala 2019
What: “South American Sizzle ‘n Samba” features cocktails, dinner, dessert, dancing and an online auction. Black tie optional. When: 7-10 p.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo. Website: birminghamzoo.com
Sept 13 and 14 MBCC Sweet Repeats
What: Mountain Brook Community Church hosts its children’s consignment sale featuring children’s clothing, shoes, and more. When: Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (no strollers from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.); Sat. 9 a.m.-noon Where: Mountain Brook Community Church gym. Park behind the gym near the UCF House. Website: mbcc.us
Sat., Sept. 14 Meadow Brook Homeowners Sale What: Meadow Brook Homeowners Association presents its tenth annual sale featuring 50 plus homes on average. Included will be signs and balloons with an “interactive map.” When: 8 a.m.-noon. Where: Meadow Brook. Website: mbho.org
Patriot Ruck
What: HomeFit teams up with Still Serving Veterans to raise money to help families in need and bring awareness to their sacrifices. This 22km ruck honors the nations military, first responders and their families. When: 8 a.m. Where: Good People Brewing Co. Website: “Patriot Ruck 2019” Facebook page.
Helping Hands in the Hills
What: Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and the city of Vestavia Hills presents a day of service to help Vestavia Hills residents (senior citizens, disabled, etc.) with minor projects or yard work.When: 8:30 a.m. Where: Vestavia Hills City Hall. Website: vestaviahills.org
Sept. 14 and 15
Thurs., Sept. 17 Emmet O’Neal Library: An Alabama Bicentennial Celebration Event What: EOL welcomes Verna Gates, author of “100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die” featuring the best of the Magic City, from high cuisine to gas station BBQ, opera to hiking, history to hipster. When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Emmet O’Neal Library, Community Meeting Room Website: eolib.org.
SAVE THE DATE Fri., Sept. 20-22 35th Annual Alabama Orchid Show and Sale
What: Some of the regions top orchid growers from the Alabama, Huntsville and Northeast Alabama Orchid Societies partner to present hundreds of blooming orchids. When: Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Website: “35th Annual Alabama Orchid Show and Sale” Facebook page
Sat., Sept. 21 Head Over Teal 5k/10k and Family Fall Festival What: The Laura Crandall Brown Foundation’s 10th annual event kicks off with a race followed by a free festival. Proceeds benefit the foundation and its mission of offering hope through research for early detection of ovarian and gynecologic cancer. When: 7 a.m., registration; 8 a.m., run Where: The Hoover Preserve Website: thinkoflaura.org
St. Jude Walk/Run
What: During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, supporters from across the nation come together to raise money for the kids of St. Jude, where families never receive a bill for anything.When: 7 a.m., registration; 8 a.m. opening ceremony Where: Railroad Park Website: stjude.org
Sun., Sept. 29 Symphony30 Picnic
What: The ASO will play a selection of music the whole family will enjoy. Included will be a a kid zone and food provided by Jim N Nick’s. Proceeds go to the ASO’s outreach missions in our communities. When: 4 p.m. Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Website: alabamasymphony.org
Birmingham Botanical Gardens Fall Plant Sale
What: Enjoy the opportunity to purchase native plants, sustainable trees, shrubs, herbs, perennials, camellias and more. Proceeds benefit the programs of the BBG. When: Sept. 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sept. 15, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Blount Plaza at the BBG Website: bbgardens.org
Send about town info to: editorial@otmj.com
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Samford Adds Late Governor and Banker to Men’s Hall of Fame
Gov. Albert P. Brewer
Brewer (1928-2017) was an Alabama governor and Samford University law professor who founded the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. He was a progressive who was recognized for reforming and Albert Brewer creating programs in Alabama. He taught at Samford’s Cumberland School of Law for more than two decades. Brewer served as governor from 1968 until 1971. He practiced law in Decatur before and after his service as governor. He joined Samford in 1987 as distinguished professor of
law and government and worked to establish PARCA as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that studied issues of public interest affecting state and local government in Alabama. Brewer’s administration as governor produced the largest appropriations increase for public schools in state history. He created the Alabama Development Office and introduced measures to economize the operation of state government. “He was the only governor we had who ever came close to being a ‘New South’ governor,” said noted historian Wayne Flynt.
Brock was a philanthropist as well as a banker. Among the institutions that benefitted from his efforts were the University of Alabama, Southern Research Institute, the Gorgas Scholarship Foundation and Samford University. He served Samford as a trustee from 1962 until his death in 2015. Plaques recognizing the men in
the Hall of Fame are installed in Samford University’s Harwell G. Davis Library. Luncheon tickets are $40 each and available from: Kathryn Hicks Porter, 77 Fairway Drive, Birmingham, AL 35213-4240. For more information, contact Ms. Porter at 871-5616 or khp470@ aol.com.
Come See The New Fall Items!
Harry Blackwell Brock Jr.
Blackwell (1926-2015) was a leader in banking in Alabama whose hard work and business acumen changed the structure of the banking industry in the state. His efforts in leading a small group of investors in 1964 to open Birmingham’s Harry Brock Jr. first new bank in 18 years laid the foundation for the city to become a major regional banking center. Brock was instrumental in the passage in 1980 of the Statewide Bank Merger bill, which allowed bank branching across county lines. Later, he led his bank, Central Bancshares, to buy a Texas bank, making it the first in Alabama to own a bank in another state.
& BE NICE TO PEOPLE
Date:
Attic Antiques Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 September 2019
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOUR September 5, 2019 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 8
Please make sure all information is corr including address and phone numbe Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.
the future looks good
If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press d your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
INTRODUCING A NEW SENIOR LIVING DESIGN IN BIRMINGHAM.
H K A R
Longleaf Liberty Park is taking a fresh approach to elevate
expectations of what assisted living and memory care should be. Modern, welcoming spaces match our forward-thinking philosophies, programs and amenities. Longleaf is built upon the idea of turning corners, not cutting them. For seniors and their loved ones looking for a community that values the highest levels of care and style, Longleaf is here.
RD
WORK HARD
To: From:
WO
Former Gov. Albert P. Brewer and banking trail blazer Harry B. Brock Jr. will be inducted into the Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame on Sept. 17. The annual induction luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at The Club in Homewood. The program recognizes men native to or most closely identified with Alabama who have made significant contributions on a state, national or international scale within their professional field. Honorees must have been deceased at least two years before they are eligible for induction, according to a statement issued by Samford. Inductees are selected by the AMHOF board of directors following a statewide nomination process.
Thursday, September 5, 2019 • 5
our Prime location is just east of I-459 in the Vestavia Hills/Mountain
Brook communities, offering spectacular Cahaba River views.
Limited-time pre-opening Priority Program savings and benefits now available.
Call (205) 627-6631 to schedule an appointment at our newly opened Information Center today.
451 Liberty Parkway • Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35242 (205) 627-6631 • LongleafLibertyPark.com
MERCEDES • BMW • PORSCHE 205-403-4626 • MOMENTUMMOTORWORKS.COM
LIBERTY PARK
ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE • SHORT-TERM STAYS
NEWS
6 • Thursday, September 5, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Hoover Council Names Highway 150 Bridge After the Late Mike Gilotti David Wheeler, R-Vestavia Hills; Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills; and Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook. In November 2018, the Hoover
bad memories, until Middlebrooks presented his proposal to name the bridge after her late husband. “I could finally see a glimpse of hope and healing amidst all of the
‘I have said it before and I’ll say it again, Mike was doing all of the right things. He served his country – two tours in Iraq – came back here and was a valued member of the community. Raising a young family – everything you wish for.’
Photo courtesy City of Hoover
CASEY MIDDLEBROOKS, HOOVER CITY COUNCILMAN
The family of the late Hoover resident and veteran Mike Gilotti at the Hoover City Council’s Aug. 19 meeting.
of the community. Raising a young family – everything you wish for. He wasn’t doing anything wrong.” Middlebrooks noted that having the bridge named via a proclamation
was a team effort, with help from the entire City Council, city staff, Mayor Frank Brocato and local legislators. He then recognized Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook; Rep.
Mayors Turn Their Attention to Vaping in Next Addiction Breakfast
By Sam Prickett Last year, four Over the Mountain mayors banded together to combat the opioid epidemic in their communities through a series of antiaddiction breakfasts. During the past 18 months, Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch, Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry have taken turns hosting quarterly Freedom from Addiction Coalition community breakfasts. The free events have focused on providing resources and information for those who have been affected by the opioid crisis. The next breakfast, which takes place Sept. 20 at Mountain Brook’s Canterbury United Methodist Church, is the sixth such breakfast – and for this one, Welch said, the programming will widen its focus to include what he calls “the newest pathway to drug addiction,” vaping. The practice of vaping is similar to that of smoking cigarettes, though it uses a handheld, battery-powered device to heat and evaporate cartridges of liquid solution instead of burning tobacco. The cartridges often contain nicotine and flavoring additives. It’s a fairly new technology, though it has proven very successful in recent years. For instance, JUUL, a popular vaping brand, has forecasted revenue of $3.4 billion for 2019, according to Bloomberg. But many details about the health risks of vaping remain largely unknown, Welch said. In fact, the first death from vaping was confirmed in Illinois last week, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a nation-
wide outbreak of lung disease that doctors believe is related to vaping. Meanwhile, statistics show that the trend is extremely popular among high schoolers. That, Welch said, is the reason it was important to focus on vaping with this month’s FFAC breakfast. “This one in particular is a departure,” Welch said. “(Previous breakfasts) have been more focused on drug addiction and opioids, but this one is different in that vaping, as far as I can tell, is still running pretty far under the radar.” Welch said that the breakfast’s programming will largely be directed toward parents who are curious – or simply unaware – of what vaping is and what effects it might have on their children. “A lot of parents are curious,” he said. “If you say ‘vaping’ to a parent, they all know what it is, but they’re curious if it could be harmful … . I think it is very dangerous. If I had a child that was vaping, that would be a serious red flag for me.” Welch points to research that says vaping could lead adolescents toward addiction to cigarettes and other drugs. “I think parents are so busy now, there’s just so much going on, that it is easy to overlook vaping as a cute phase or something that’s not harmful, when in fact it could be the thing for their child that leads them down the path to drug addiction,” he said. “If they start vaping, there’s a very high probability they’re going to graduate to something worse.”
Narcan is on the Program, Too
During the breakfast, attendees also will have the opportunity to learn how to use Narcan,
City Council sent a resolution to the Alabama state Legislature asking that the bridge be named after Gilotti. The resolution was passed and signed by the governor in May. According to Gilotti’s widow, Heather, Hoover was the first place the family of four called home. After her husband’s death and two trials, she began to associate the city with
pain,” she said. “This was not just a plaque or a folded flag or a gravestone. This was an actual bridge that he was proposing. A bridge, to me, that signifies progress, a way to overcome obstacles and really a journey from life to death. It was so fitting for the amazing man that I loved and so perfect.” —Emily Williams
Photo courtesy Dan Roberts
The family of the late Hoover resident and veteran Mike Gilotti gathered at the Hoover City Council’s Aug. 19 meeting for the unveiling of two new signs created in his honor for the Alabama Highway 150 bridge. Gilotti was shot to death outside of his Lake Cyrus home on Jan. 5, 2016. Four teens were suspected of the murder, but only two were tried and subsequently acquitted of Gilotti’s murder. The bridge is along the route Gilotti used to drive daily to work or the gym. Hoover City Councilman Casey Middlebrooks spearheaded efforts to have the bridge between Ross Bridge parkway and Lake Cyrus Boulevard named for Gilotti. “I have said it before and I’ll say it again, Mike was doing all of the right things,” he said. “He served his country – two tours in Iraq – came back here and was a valued member
During the past 18 months, Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch and Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry have taken turns hosting quarterly Freedom from Addiction Coalition community breakfasts.
a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The breakfast also will allow the FFAC to perform some self-assessment to determine whether the anti-addiction breakfasts will continue in their current form. That will be a topic, Welch said, for the four Over the Mountain mayors’ upcoming informal lunch meeting, which they hold once a quarter. “I think that after this one, we’ll see how the attendance is, and we will evaluate whether to keep going with this format,” Welch said. “We’ve done a year-and-a-half of (these breakfasts), and I think that’s enough time to step back, take a pause, and say, ‘How’s this working? Do we think we’re having a positive impact, and do we want to continue doing it in the way we’re doing it, or do we want to try something different? Maybe we should do it in the afternoon, or in a different format.’” Regardless, Welch said the mayors are dedicated to addressing issues of addiction in their respective communities. “This is the worst problem, in my opinion,
facing America,” he said. “It’s the single worst crisis in the country.” “We’ve each got a unique perspective on this,” Welch said. “Ashley is ex-FBI, so during his career he was trying to track down the people who were pushing the drugs. Brocato, a former member of the Hoover Fire Department, he was the guy dispensing Narcan and bringing people back to life. Then you have me, a financial adviser, who has seen families spend hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to get a kid clean … . And then Scott McBrayer is head of Ridout’s Funeral Home. He puts them in the ground. So we all have a perspective on this. It means something to all of us, so we’ve decided to work together to try to make a difference.” The next FFAC breakfast will be Sept. 20 at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8 a.m. The program, “Vaping: The Newest Pathway to Drug Addiction,” which includes guest speaker Dr. Susan Walley, begins at 8 a.m.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, September 5, 2019 • 7
NEWS
Mountain Brook’s The Cook Store Earns Spot Among 2019 Alabama Retailers of the Year
On April 1, 1999, Wesley Lassen celebrated her first day as owner of The Cook Store in Mountain Brook Village, which has been in operation since the mid-1970s. “The Cook Store is built around a great team of employees,” Lassen said. “We have a faithful group; everyone works as if the store were their own.” This month, the Alabama Retail Association named The Cook Store one of its 2019 Alabama Retailers of the Year, in the category of retailers with annual sales under $1 million. In addition, fellow Mountain Brook establishment Village Dermatology won in the category for annual sales from $1 million to $5 million. Winners in all categories will be honored at the Alabama Retail Day luncheon Oct. 22. The ARA has been dolling out Retailer of the Year awards since 1999, when Lassen took over The Cook Store. According to the organization, the purpose of the awards is to recognize Alabama businesses that have demonstrated growth, innovation and commitment to their communities. Under Lassen’s leadership, The Cook Store has its own recipe for success: being a good neighbor. “The Cook Store has withstood the
Journal file photo by Ingrid Howard
By Emily Williams
Wesley Lassen, owner of The Cook Store, with her trusted assistant Lucy.
test of time the same way good neighbors withstand the test of time,” Lassen said. Lassen and her team choose to focus not so much on making the sale but on creating an experience for the customer that results in the right sale. “We want each customer to leave with what they need, not just make a sale. Sometimes that means sending the customer to a fellow retailer,” she said. When it comes to staffing the store, Lassen puts the focus on hiring sales
associates who have strong connections to the surrounding communities. “We often get to know generations of the same families,” Lassen said. “We believe that familiarity and automatic connections with neighbors has led to not only a growth in sales but a deep connection with the community.” In addition, Lassen strives to maintain a good relationship with officials and business owners in the suburbs that surround the store, taking pride in the success and accomplishments of other businesses in the area, especially in the food scene. “Of course, we love to cook food, eat food and talk about food at The Cook Store,” Lassen said. “We love to discuss local restaurants with our customers, especially those visiting from out of town. We are always curious to know where people choose to dine out, what they are cooking at home or what they are serving for holiday meals or special occasions.” Earning a Retailer of the Year award is an honor for Lassen. “I am proud of The Cook Store, thankful for a great team of employees and grateful to all of our customers who have become friends during these 20 years,” Lassen said. “I am also appreciative of the Alabama Retail Association’s efforts on behalf of local retailers. We are here to stay!”
Thirteen Distinctive New Homes in Vestavia Hills On the crest of Shades Mountain overlooking Oxmoor Valley, Walnut Hill epitomizes a Wedgworth community: beautiful homes, great views, and energysmart construction. Minutes from I-65 and downtown Birmingham, these thirteen home sites surround a central park. With lots starting at $200,000, Walnut Hill provides a unique opportunity for you to create a custom home in one of Birmingham’s most desirable areas.
www.wedgworth.net
Mike Wedgworth (205) 365-4344
SOCIAL
8 • Thursday, September 5, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ONCE UPON A TIME … Childcare Resources Hosts Kid-Centered Fairy Tale Ball
K
ids donned their ball gowns, superhero capes, crowns and costumes for Childcare Resources’ 13th annual Fairy Tale Ball, held Aug. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel. The evening of magical festivities featured dancing, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, an over-the-top candy bar and more. For the kids, a variety of activities and performances included face painters, magicians and photos with fairy tale characters. Funds raised at this event will help further the mission of Childcare Resources, a non-profit organization that provides information, education and assistance to families, providers of child care and the community. ❖
Jeff and Jaelyn Martin.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Reynolds Crawford, Mackenzie Colbaugh and Trina Farris.
Jill and Kylie Hoops.
Kristin Beauchamp and Colin Puckett.
Kelly and Bo Metz.
Keelyn Griffin, Latasha Johnson and Kaiden Griffin.
Elizabeth Council and Sara Jones.
Dalton, Ryan and Anderson Willis.
Jameson, Jonathan, Anderson and Stephanie Kolodziej.
Some wish for it, we work for it! Functional Exercise combined with good infrared workouts is the perfect way to an undefeated season this fall! Come check out all the amazing benefits we have to offer!
24 HOUR INFRARED FITNESS STUDIO
VESTAVIA HILLS
790 Montgomery Hwy #124 | (205) 502-7511 hotworx.net/studio/vestaviahills
"HOTWORX is a virtually instructed exercise program created for users to experience the many benefits of infrared heat absorption, while completing a 30-minute isometric workout or 15-min High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session." LEIGH ANN ALLEN, OWNER
Thursday, September 5, 2019 • 9
SOCIAL
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
WE OFFER:
• In-Home Care, Including Bathing, Grooming, Housekeeping, Meal Preparation, Incontinence Care, Medication Reminders and Transportation Julie May, Amy Saul, Ann Mollengarden, Jason Mollengarden, Erin Broday, Casey Broday, Zach Mollengarden, Anita May, Kevin Broday and Robert May.
Preserving the Past
Alabama’s Holocaust Survivors Honored at Holocaust Education Event Generations of Holocaust survivors were at the epicenter of the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center’s annual L’Chaim event on Aug. 18. According to the BHEC, the personal stories of Alabama survivors are the reason for the organization’s existence and the core of its work. The stories are used to teach new generations about the tragedy, as an example of the consequences of hate and indifference. At one point in time, 150 Holocaust Joe and Sheri Falk See. survivors resided in the state, and 75 of them lived in the Birmingham area. As the survivor community continues to dwindle, the BHEC works to preserve their stories. Currently, 16 survivors are still acquainted or work with the BHEC. Held at the Alys Stephens Center, L’Chaim’s theme was “Holocaust Survivors from Generation to Generation” honoring survivors and their families. The event’s program incorporated entertainment, education and recognition. Honorary co-chairs were Karen Maurice Shevin and Debbie Shevin. Allen, Dr. Neal Berte and David Silverstein. Special guest host was Jeff Eliasoph, anchor and reporter for WVTM. Performances included the Magic Shtetl Klezmer Band, directed by Alan Goldspiel; and a special show arranged by Keith Hank Layman with Andi and Joe Preston. Cromwell of Red Mountain Theatre Company, featuring vocalists cantor Jessica Roskin, Caleb Clark, Tracy Winborn and RMTC Conservatory students. Funds raised at the event will support the BHEC’s efforts to collect and preserve the stories of Holocaust survivors and use their experiences to educate the community through a variety of programs. ❖
• Skilled Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Services • The Only Agency in Alabama Accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Health Care (ACHC) for Aide, Companion and Skilled Nursing Services • Free fall risk assessment and monitoring
Jennifer Mancuso Owner
Call Today: (205) 874-9730 jmancuso@abc-seniors.com www.AlwaysBestCare-Birmingham.com
6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Birmingham, AL 35223 Locations independently owned and operated throughout the United States and Canada.
Joel and Bunny Rotenstreich.
To: From: Date:
Pride and responsibility Jennifer drive us PHONE: to be the best in Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 June everything we do. This is your AD PROOF from OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the July 11th issue.
Sandra and Alan Berman.
As a life-long Over-the-Mountain resident and a third Please make all Iinformation correct, generation workingsure at Guin, feel great prideisand Including address and phone number! responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and hard work you began for your that my Thank grandfather 60 prompt attention. years ago. Family is very important to us, and we treat our customers with the same care and respect as members of our own family. It Joseph Braswell would be a privilege to serve you.
Sylvia Wright and Eli Pinhas.
Serving Birmingham since 1958
Member of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce
Mention this ad to receive a free diagnostic service call.
10 • Thursday, September 5, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
SOCIAL
Sip and See
Max and Kelly Taylor, Allison Crotwell, Lissa Peterson, and Shelley and John Gentle.
United Ability Junior Board Hosts Vino and Van Gogh Wine Tasting At the United Ability Junior Board’s annual Vino and Van Gogh fundraiser, guests had a chance to taste wine from local wineries and vendors as well as eat and bid on auction items. The event was Aug. 22 at Haven and culminated in an auction. Among the items auctioned were original works of art created by participants in United Ability’s LINCPoint Adult Day and Hand in Hand Early Learning programs. Co-chairs of the event were junior board members Natasha Padan and Amy Teske. The two were supported by fellow members Chris Biggins; Charlie Law, Tina Shaddix, Kristi Hart and Gary Edwards. Zane Broadhead; Jessy Catanzaro; Troup Cunningham; Jonathan Drannan, president; Scott Courtney is taking on life in her dream Forster; Rob job as a registered nurse at Children’s Gray; Melissa Hand, vice of Alabama — where she was treated president; Alex for cancer as a teenager! Hufham; Brian Johnson; Ransom Kelly; THE ALABAMA CENTER FOR CHILDHOOD Meg CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS is McClenney; Randi McCoy; committed to finding a cure for more Alyssa than 1,500 children each year who come McQuilling, Beth Moody, McCauley Adams and Kimberly Reynolds. Alison and Adrian Castellano. secretary; to us for care. At our Center, more than Megan Miles; 300 dedicated pediatric healthcare Kelly Neumayer; professionals provide exceptional patient Matt Nelson; care, education and research. Grant Rafield; Isabelle Rohr, digital publicity They’re taking on life ... committee chair; because we are COMMITTED to a CURE. Benjamin Teske; Blake Thomas; Van Trefethen; Sara Beth Wilcox; Colin Winkler; SICKLE CELL DISEASEand Brooke Yarbrough. ❖ Casey Dennis with Jim and Katherine Green.
ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure SICKLE CELL PAIN CLINIC
Stacey Harbour and Jeremy Wood.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Bottom’s Up
Thursday, September 5, 2019 • 11
SOCIAL
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Alabama/Northwest Florida Chapter, based in Birmingham, hosted a fan favorite fundraiser Aug. 24 at Cahaba Brewing Company. Bottoms Up for Crohn’s & Colitis brought people together for an afternoon of tailgate snacks, games, a silent auction, trivia and more. Proceeds from the festivities will benefit the foundation’s mission to find cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. ❖
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Afternoon of Tailgating Raises Funds and Awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis
Brett and Taylor Knight with Virginia Jordan, Andy Wharton, Katherine Jordan, and Randy and Lauri Jordan.
Lindsay Self, Emily Richter, Eunice Elliott, Courtney Singleton and Taylor Knight.
SCAD
IS STATE OF THE ART,
ALL THE TIME.” BC Hwang
Chair User experience (UX) design Emily Richter and Taylor Knight.
Drew and Julie Cundiff.
Michael and Alli Jordan with Elizabeth Anne Jordan and David Jordan.
Craig and Julie Sanderson with Leo Chamblin.
Tyler, Addelyn and Amber Crow.
12 • Thursday, September 5, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
SOCIAL
Gray and Jessica Gilmore.
Andy Perkins, Andrea Barnes, and Kathryn and Jud Bringman.
Joann Deese, Hope Harper, and Mike and Judy Wade.
Sweet Home Soiree
New Birmingham Event Benefited Presbyterian Home for Children The Sweet Home Soirée, an evening of fun, food, music and auctions, was the community’s latest event to benefit children in need. The Presbyterian Home for Children sponsored the Aug. 15 event, which included fundraising auctions, seated dinner, music and drinks at The Club.
Wesley Shaw and Peyton Chandler.
The event honors Cindy Fisher, founder of Kingfisher Media, a multimedia publishing firm that owns and operates two community news-
Brittany Rouse and Faye Mills.
papers in Alabama. An award-winning journalist, Fisher also is an advocate for women and children who have escaped domestic abuse.
Doug and Christy Marshall with Eric Marshall and Brittney Bragg.
The event raised money for Ascension Leadership Academy, a ministry of the Presbyterian Home for Children, which has served chil-
dren at risk and in need for 150 years. It was the first event spearheaded by the new junior board of the Presbyterian Home. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Turn up the Heat
Rotary District 6860 Hosts Annual Boiling N’ Bragging
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Teaming up to host the ultimate football kick off party, the 53 clubs of Rotary International’s District 6860 coordinated their annual Boiling N’ Bragging fundraiser. Guests celebrated the upcoming sporting season Aug. 17 in the Otey’s Tavern parking lot. Activities included a cookout, low country boils, kids’ activities, drink specials, corn hole and more. Entertaining the crowd throughout the event were emcees Lance Taylor and Rockstar from WJOX’s Roundtable. The event raised funds and awareness for the Critical Care Transport team at Children’s of Alabama. The program serves nearly 1,000 critically ill and injured children each year, transporting patients and health care professionals by helicopter, jet and ambulance. ❖
Ying Lin, Samantha Travis, Michael Harrison, Natalie Schumann and Andrew Fair.
Thursday, September 5, 2019 • 13
SOCIAL/WEDDINGS
Cole-Shiver
Mr. and Mrs. Thornton Estes Cole Jr. of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Margaret “Meg” Gail Cole, to Austin Paul Shiver, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Arlton Shiver of Auburn. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul James
To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, call 823-9646.
Ausbeck of Vestavia Hills, and Mr. Thornton Estes Cole of Navarre, Florida. Miss Cole is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where she received a bachelor’s degree in nursing and was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She currently is enrolled in the University of South Alabama’s Master of Science Nursing program. She is employed with UAB Hospital in the Trauma and Burn ICU. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Max Arlton Shiver and Mr. and Mrs. Ray McKinnon Armstrong, all of Troy. Mr. Shiver attended Troy University, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He is a graduate of Auburn University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in supply chain and logistics. Mr. Shiver is employed with Dollar General in Birmingham as a logistic manager. The wedding will be May 16, 2020.
109 Hilltop Business Drive Pelham www.GriffithArtGallery.com 205.985.7969
Above, Sarah Margaret Spivey, Dan Shelton, Barbara Thornton, Emma Wells and Caroline Bell. Below right, Patricia and Dakota Panduro.
Carrie McGimsey and Mary Day.
Roman BRantley aRt, antiques Gifts & DecoR
Open Mon-Fri 10:30-5:00 pm & 1st & 3rd Sat 10:30-2:30 pm 2790 BM Montgomery Street Homewood, AL • 205.460.1224
Salon Summit
I believe if we can build a career doing what we love, we are undeniably fortunate. Professional passions that ultimately enhance the lives of others can weather the test of time, competition and life’s detours; like North on a compass, they pull us towards our true self. Passionate people simply see the world through a different window. When we artists hone our craft with discipline and team work; extraordinary things begin to happen. Things that bring value to the lives of others lasting beyond the work itself. For those of us who serve in this manner, we are fortunate indeed. I find myself in a beautiful season of life; smack-dab in the middle of a big, fat second chance at life, love and career, I couldn’t be happier or more excited about the future. With my 20 years’ experience in cosmetics and clinical skincare, I’ve joined forces with the incredible owners of Salon Summit, Deanna Lucas and Linda Willard, to create a fresh approach and direction to my services. I’m starting a beauty blog; see www.terrimundy.com, reintroducing my trademarked Ultrasound Facelift, offering a variety of clinical aesthetic services, featuring my natural, custom approach to brow microblading, along with my signature “fresh eyes” permanent liner which creates fuller looking lashes without looking like makeup. All of this and so much more…. We at Salon Summit are adding Farm House Fresh skin/body care and undergoing leading-edge aesthetic and salon training/certification to specialize in styling and beauty breakthroughs unique to the Birmingham area. Stay tuned….
Keeping it classy! CUSTOM MONOGRAMS, ILLUSTRATIONS, PAPER GOODS AND MORE
!
205.870.1097
WEEZIEBDESIGNS.COM
CALL FOR DETAILS OR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULATION
205.518.0406
LIFE
14 • Thursday, September 5, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
CELEBRATING THE ARTS | THEATRE DANCE MUSIC ART
Since relocating to Nashville, the Birmingham-born band The Brook & The Bluff has entered a new era of performance and sound. The four-man group – composed of frontman Joseph Settine of Bluff Park; and guitarist Alec Bolton, drummer John Canada and bassist Fred Lankford, all of Mountain Brook – spent the better part of January through May regularly performing. When they hit the road this month, things will be a bit different. “We’ve done a cross-country tour before, but this will be the first time that we are headlining,” said Lankford. The group recently put the finishing touches on its first full-length album, which will be released in October and showcase a newly polished version of its sound, blending instrumental talent with vocal harmonies. The tour will kick off in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the guys will play the Moon River Festival. Second on the list will be a return to their hometown. The Brook & The Bluff will be headlining the Alys Stephens Center’s first Emerge Festival, on Sept. 19. With Emerge Fest, the center has created a template that can be used each year to kick off the center’s season of performances. Attendees will listen to and view work created by new, upand-coming or emerging artists – most of whom will be local to Birmingham. “We want to show our support for artists that are also in the developing stages of their careers, as well,” said ASC Director of Programming Eric Essix. “These are all things that we hope will go a long way towards serving our community in ways that line up with our mission.” When searching for a headlining performer, Brook & The Bluff piqued his interest, both through its sound and its success since relocating to Nashville.
A Mix of Sounds to Be Highlighted in Samford School of the Arts’ Davis Architects Guest Artist Series
Photo courtesy The Brook & The Bluff
By Emily Williams
From left, Alec Bolton, Fred Lankford, Joseph Settine and John Canada.
They Came to Play
Birmingham-Born The Brook & The Bluff to Release First Album, Headline ASC’s Emerge Fest “I was particularly impressed, initially, by the music and the bands vibe,” Essix said. “They had great well written and performed songs that were presented in a very polished and professional way that resonated with me.” Essix and his team took a look at the band’s schedule, noticed the scope of its tour, and that resonated with him, too. “If a band is working that hard and touring that broadly, I just felt like it’s a matter of when and not if they will develop a strong national presence,” he said. “We wanted to be a small part of their journey by having them perform here at the ASC at this stage in their career.”
our students and the Birmingham community exposure to impressive artists who not only perform but also offer professional connections and invaluable insights into the music industry,” Joe Hopkins, dean of the Samford Arts will be bringing in a mix of sounds for this year’s Davis Architects School of the Arts, said. “These are some of the most creative, appealing Guest Artist Series, including jazz, a and entertaining artists we could cappella, Latin Grammy-award-winning assemble in one piano and a new series.” string quartet. In addition to Sammy Miller and Davis Architects, The Congregation Wright Center is kick off the series co-presenting the Oct. 1 with their Sammy Miller and joyful jazz sound. The Congregation On Oct. 22, event, and the Chanticleer, a Birmingham renowned all male a Chamber Music cappella ensemble from San Francisco, Sammy Miller and The Congregation Society is co-presenting the will perform. Acclaimed Venezuelan pianist Gabriela remaining three shows. The society also Montero will perform Feb. 4, and the will host a performance of Trio Valtorna series will conclude with the innovative on Feb. 13. sounds of string ensemble Invoke on All performances will be in Brock Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be March 24. “The Davis Series provides purchased at tickets.samford.edu.
Starting Out as Hometown Boys
In its first iteration, The Brook & The Bluff was Bolton and Settine. The two performed as a duo, mostly playing covers, their band name paying homage to their hometowns: Bolton of Mountain Brook and Settine of Bluff Park in Hoover. After graduating from college, Bolton and Settine returned to Birmingham and began playing at venues around town. Canada joined shortly afterward. These years were important for the group. “We were figuring out who we were as a band in Birmingham without the pressure of
Germaul Barnes Joins the Dance Foundation as Artist in Residence The artist in residence for the Dance Foundation this academic year will be Germaul Barnes of Viewsic Dance. Barnes will be working to support TDF programs and community engagement as well as his own artistic exploration and work. “We have identified a collective need for ‘space’ in which dance artists can work with less constraints on their finances and time,” TDF Artistic Director Rachael Inman said. TDF began its artist in residence program last season. “Part of our organizational vision and mission is to be innovative as we cultivate and inspire our arts community,” Inman said. A statement from TDF said that the program prioritizes the artist and artistic process while providing students, faculty and audiences with a broader perspective of dance-making
being a very small band in Nashville,” Canada said. “There are so many artists here, and it’s saturated,” he said. In 2017, the band played its first gig that solely featured original songs at Otey’s Tavern, recorded its first EP and invited Lankford to join the group. The EP charted on Spotify’s United States and Canada “Viral 50” playlists, and with the success came the confidence to relocate to Nashville. According to band members, they played a gig at a small hotel venue shortly after making the move. The booking agent for the space sent their music to a friend who worked for Paradigm Agency. The band got a call the next day and were soon paired with its current booking agents, Jeffrey Hasson and Joe Atamian. “Now we are at the point where we have a little bit of confidence in the fact that there are people out there buying tickets and waiting to hear our live show,” Bolton said. Generating content for and releasing a full album allowed the band the chance to put the finishing touches on songs that had been dancing around in Settine and Bolton’s minds since college. “I love playing live, but (recording) was the most fulfilling thing that I have done as a musician or in a band,” Settine said. “You’re trying to make everything that has been in your head, for years sometimes, come to life. We did and it’s better than I ever could have thought.” The new album is a translation of the band’s now fully realized identity and is infused with the energy and musicality that the band presents while performing live. “Now we have to find a way to recreate that in a live setting,” Lankford said. “It’s tough but at the same time, really exciting.” For more information on The Brook & The Bluff, visit brookandbluff.com. For more information on Emerge Fest, visit alysstephens.org.
and performance. That includes engaging audiences in less traditional or expected presentation of dance. In November, Barnes will present Contemporary Improvisation for Black Men, designed to give black men the opportunity to move together creatively, physically, spiritually and intellectually, Germaul Barnes according to the statement. Black men in the Birmingham area are invited to attend the event at TDF. Barnes also will be guest teaching in TDF’s Dancing with Words academic support for language arts program, teaching master classes for TDF students and adults in the community, choreographing a
dance work for TDF students and collaborating on new programming. He recently moved to Birmingham from Brooklyn to take a position as instructor of dance at ASFA. Barnes has developed a relationship with The Dance Foundation over his years visiting Birmingham as a guest teaching artist and choreographer for Alabama Ballet, Southern Danceworks and Alabama School of Fine Arts. Barnes is a Bessie Award-winning former dancer and current répétiteur for the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. His latest commission, “In the Folds,” for Alabama Ballet, premiered in April.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, September 5, 2019 • 15
CELEBRATING THE ARTS
FALL ARTS PREVIEW CALENDAR ALABAMA BALLET
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Dec. 14-16 and 20-22 Alabama Ballet presents the holiday masterpiece. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University.
Birmingham Does Broadway: Leading Ladies, Sept. 20 Hear Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rogers and Hammerstein and more from Broadway classics as Birmingham’s Leading Ladies take the stage. Samford University Wright Fine Arts Center.
ALYS STEPHENS CENTER
Tank and the Bangas, Sept. 13 Distinctive New Orleans group featuring rhythmic soul and spoken word, among other genres such as rock, gospel, funk and folk. Engel Plaza.
George Balanchines The Nutcracker
Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi, Sept. 19 This duo traces musical globalism by reimagining the encounter of the banjo, frame drum and other instruments from their journeys around the world. Jemison Concert Hall. DINO-LIGHT, Sept. 20 A glow-inthe-dark adventure with cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance. Jemison Concert Hall. Hanzhi Wang, Oct. 2 The first accordionist to win a place on the roster of Young Concert Artists in its 58-year history. ArtPlay House.
Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin.
Anthony Hamilton, Oct. 11 Hamilton’s raw, passionate notes and his authenticity and honest depiction of the average man’s woes tell a story so familiar to all. Jemison Concert Hall. The Gatlin Brothers, Oct. 13 Grammy Award-winning trio has dazzled audiences for more than 60 years with a lifetime of noteworthy achievements. Jemison Concert Hall.
Taj Express
Deana Carter
The Rainbow Fish, Dec. 1 “The sparkling story that became an international publishing phenomenon based on the book by Marcus Pfister. Jemison Concert Hall.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Dec. 10 A holiday mash-up for the whole family, this contemporary dance spectacular is performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, violinist and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip-hop’s founding fathers. Jemison Concert Hall
OPERABIRMINGHAM.ORG
SAVE 10 %
Opening Masterworks: Rach Two and Petrushka, Oct. 4 and 5 Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto performed by Van Cliburn Silver Medalist and UAB Professor of Piano Yakov Kasman. Jemison Concert Hall.
OCT 20, 2019
JAN 24 & 26, 2020
DEC 15, 2019
MAY 16 & 17, 2020
Peer Gynt and Polovtsian Dances, Nov. 1 and 2 Journey with the ASO to Norway with Grieg’s beloved Peer Gynt suites.The ASO Chorus performs in Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances and Brahms’ “Nanie.” Jemison Concert Hall.
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio, Nov. 19 Yakov Kasman joins ASO musicians for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s beloved chamber pieces. Samford University, Brock Recital Hall. Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 20 Handel’s Messiah has become the world’s most popular choral work, delighting audiences every holiday season. Jemison Concert Hall.
Moss Rock Festival
MARCH 20 & 22, 2020
Explorer concerts: Let’s Dance Around the World, Sept. 25-27 and Oct 8-11 A program for the youngest audience, students will dance their way through different countries and become familiar with different cultures through music expressing the art of dance. Four locations.
Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, Nov. 15 and 16 Experience the full range of the symphony’s virtuosity: from bombastic passages to flowing lyricism. Jemison Concert Hall.
Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin, Nov. 17 Carpenter and Colvin will appear on stage together as an intimate acoustic duo, swapping songs and sharing stories. Jemison Concert Hall. Béla Fleck and The Flecktones, Nov. 22 The Grammy-winning quartet, celebrating their 30th anniversary, feature music from classical and jazz to bluegrass and African music to electric blues and Eastern European folk dances. Jemison Concert Hall.
All the Starts in the Sky, Sept. 22 A sensory friendly performance, join the ASO for a musical journey through vibrant dreams and the night stars, all the way to the beauty of a new sunrise. Jemison Concert Hall.
Ghostbusters in Concert, Oct. 25 Experience the film, screened live, as the ASO performs Elmer Bernstein’s Grammy-nominated score and Ray Parker Jr.’s theme song. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University.
Taj Express, Oct. 28 Through a fusion of film, dance, live music and colorful costumes, this international sensation takes audiences on a live cinematic journey through modern Indian culture and society. Jemison Concert Hall. Silkroad Ensemble, Nov. 7 Founded by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, this ensemble creates music that engages difference, sparking radical cultural collaboration and passion-driven learning to build a more hopeful world. Jemison Concert Hall.
2019-2020 SEASON!
ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Home for the Holidays, Dec. 21 Sing along to holiday favorites and enjoy the spirit of the season with the ASO and special guests Caleb Clark, Dolores Hydock and Three on a String. Jemison Concert Hall. Cheers! The New Years Eve Concert, Dec. 31 Dance into the New Year with waltzes, polkas and marches by Johann Strauss II. Jemison Concert Hall.
See CALENDAR, page 18
205-322-6737
AT PURCHASE, ENTER CODE
OTMJ10
CELEBRATING THE ARTS
Hang Time
World Traveler, Former Cirque du Soleil Performer Shares Artistic Passion in Her Native Birmingham By Emily Williams
tions and at community events. “At one point I even created the Morgan Family Circus, which we sold tickets to in our backyard,” she said. “Our parents were fantastic about fostering creativity and entrepreneurship.” After graduating from UAA, she moved back to Vestavia Hills and taught dance and acrobatics at Jackie O’Neal. It wasn’t until she attended the show “La Nouba” in Orlando in 2002 that Knight began to see a possibility of succeeding in the circus arts. “I believe that the dancing in combination with my acrobatic background made me a great candidate for circus arts,” she said.
Photo courtesy Leisha Knight.
Vestavia Hills native Leisha Morgan Knight, a born-and-bred gymnast turned Cirque du Soleil performer, feels it is her duty to share her skills with others. Between her travels hosting a yoga workshop at the base camp of Mt. Everest or performing circus arts for an audience, she finds time to come home and share her passion with Birmingham. “I am very passionate about what I do,” she said. “It is who I am, and it seems like others love it, too. Sharing the classroom and the stage with others is how we continue to grow. It is our responsibility as artists to foster talent.” While she calls many places home, Birmingham is where she finds her roots. It is a necessity to come home, spend time with her family, visit her favorite spots and see her friends. Her latest contribution will be performing in the first-ever Birmingham circus festival, Hang Time for Hurricane For Leisha Morgan Knight, doing the seemingly impossible has been a lifeRelief, on Sept. 14 long trait. She joined the cast of Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas in 2005. at Forma Arts + Wellness. The festival will feature various circus arts workshops for a It also came naturally to her, she said, variety of age groups and skill levels from 9 a.m. “Finding new ways to move my body, new planes to 12:50 p.m. of movement, interesting ways to make a com“I think acrobatics is interesting, because it mon skill look cool or different – walking on my doesn’t come naturally to most people,” she said. hands, doing splits, backbends, etc. – is second “The idea of spending so much time upside down, nature.” the tremendous strength and flexibility that is often After the performance, she made a demo video involved in acrobatic performance is impressive,” with help from her sister and sent it off to Cirque she said. du Soleil. The aerial and circus arts take years to develop, She then travelled with her mother to Las Knight said, but you can get a taste of what is to Vegas for her first audition, returned home and come in that very first class. waited. “I suppose it is empowering to be able to per“I waited for three years, had given up on the form these skills, but I would say it is even more idea and was just working, teaching acrobatics empowering to teach someone else to do someand coaching gymnastics, but I still loved tumthing they thought was impossible.” bling, dancing and performing,” she said. Finally, in the fall of 2005, she had a callback. Acclimating to the Art “They invited me for a second audition in Las For Knight, doing the seemingly impossible Vegas, which I joined, and two weeks later – on has been a lifelong trait. Thanksgiving Day – they invited me to join a new Her mother was a gymnast who went to the creation for a show that would open in Las Vegas Olympic trials. It was a skill set Knight inherited in June of 2006,” she said. “I still remember that at an early age. day like it was yesterday. It changed my life and “I have pictures of myself on the balance opened doors that I couldn’t have imagined.” beam when I was only six months old,” she said. The show was “Love,” a theatrical Cirque du She competed as a gymnast in high school and Soleil production that combined re-imagined was invited to join the team at the University of music of the Beatles with interpretive and circusAlaska Anchorage. While at UAA, she was an based artistic performance. NCAA All-American and seventh all-around at The first few performances, called “Lion’s Nationals in 2000, and she was named NCAA Den,” were for special guests to evaluate the Woman of the Year in 2000 – her graduating year show. The cast put on these shows for performers at college. in other shows, as well as Paul McCartney and While gymnastics gave her the skills she need- Ringo Starr. ed to quickly grasp acrobatics, her love of per“We had done every act so many times and forming on the stage was honed while dancing sections of the show, but putting it all together for with her sisters and cousins. the first time was interesting,” she said. “Even Her sisters and cousins danced at Jackie opening night, there were several places where O’Neal School of Dance in Vestavia Hills, and we needed to use improvisation techniques durSee KNIGHT, page 19 she often performed alongside them in competi-
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Perchance to Dream
Two Dreamers Combine Talents in Forest Park Boutique By Lauren Helmer
And they simultaneously blurted out, “I want to go to SCAD.” The jewel-box interior juxtaposes a deep, Their choice to invest their money – and soulful blue wall with a golden-dijon velvet hearts – in SCAD was validated by the practical, antique sofa. Striking art, handmade leather reality-based training they received. goods, imaginative stationery and journals, fra“They use the equipment that you’re going to grant elixirs and lotions, chocolates, books and use in real life. And my illustration professors candles are displayed in arrangements. The originality of this curated collection is no accident. Dreamer’s Supply Co. owners Kaitlin and Alan Slattery are intentional curators. Artists in their own right, the Slatterys never have been afraid to dig deep, dream big and take risks to find their authentic dreams and create their own art. Dreamer’s Supply Co. in Forest Park is one of those dreams, but it didn’t happen overnight. The two met when Minnesotanative Alan came to Birmingham to attend ministry school at Church of the Highlands. Kaitlin, who grew up in Cahaba Heights, and Alan connected over a shared love of theater, he in set design and she in musical theater. After a year of friendship, they began dating. Each briefly attended college, but both were left feeling less-than-fulfilled by the experience. “I was bothered with how many classes I was taking that had nothing Kaitlin and Alan Slattery, will celebrate their shop’s one-year anniversary with a party on Sat., Sept. 28. to do with set design,” said Alan. “I just felt like, ‘I’m not paying you to make me a well-rounded person. I can do that on were all still working and doing freelance, my own. I’m paying you to give me information because that is their first love,” Kaitlin said. She about a specific skill.’” said her professors would use examples from From Kaitlin’s viewpoint, “I just wanted to their own contracts and exchanges with art direcwait until I knew exactly where I wanted to go tors, showing students how to navigate the busiand exactly what I wanted to go for. That way, I ness side of their trades. could really take it on wholeheartedly.” Upon graduation, they considered moving to One thing they did know was that they were New York, like most of their SCAD counterparts, meant for each other. So, they got hitched and set but true to Slattery form, they pragmatically about finding their place in the real world, all the crunched the numbers and looked inward at their while nurturing their artistic sides. Kaitlin loved desire to start a family, to be surrounded by famidrawing and Alan enjoyed working with leather. ly and to own their own business. All of those “I had been playing with leather for quite a things were possible in Kaitlin’s Magic City while, just figuring it out on my own,” he said. “I hometown. So, they moved back to Birmingham was also a little frustrated because there were and began dreaming up Dreamer’s Supply Co. things in my head that I wanted to create that I Their French Escape just didn’t have the skill set for yet.” It wasn’t long before SCAD came calling with But on an anniversary trip to Savannah, Georgia, they found their North Star – on the side another opportunity, the Alumni Atelier ambassadorship in Lacoste, France. Even though Kaitlin of a bus. was pregnant with their first child, they couldn’t “I remember where I was when I saw the bus resist the chance to have three months to create a go by with a picture of a person making shoes beautiful body of work together and to experiand it said, ‘Accessory Design’,” Alan said. It ence gallery ownership as they ran an atelier in was a Savannah College of Art & Design ad. Provence. They applied and got word of their “And I thought, ‘That’s a thing? Oh, my God. acceptance in the hospital delivery room, just Why did I never think of this?! I just started after the birth of their baby boy, Harrison. going crazy thinking about how this was a real In the idyllic French village, as they created a thing, and I couldn’t believe that someone would leather travel accessories collection, handmade by teach someone how to do it.” Alan and hand-painted by Kaitlin, they formulatKaitlin, who had earned a scholarship to ed their business plan, logo and all, for Dreamer’s attend SCAD her senior year but was unable to Supply Co. They returned in August of last year attend at the time, silently took note of the university’s presence in the city. Both of their wheels and opened the shop a mere month later. Kaitlin marvels at the way the ambassadorship were turning. morphed their dream into a reality. In the car on the way back home, Alan recalls “I think about that experience every single thinking, “This is insane. We have insurance and jobs. ... Going to school in Savannah ... . She will day … . In such a dreamy environment, it was easier to focus on the possibilities,” she said. never be on board for this. I’m just going to say See DREAMERS, page 17 it.”
Photo courtesy Kaitlin Slattery
16 • Thursday, September 5, 2019
Alabama Inspired
Beverly McNeil Gallery Displays Celebration of Two Centuries of Statehood By June Mathews
except Hawaii and Rhode Island – and I mean driving through, soaking up the scenery and speaking to people. Alabama is just as beautiful and com-
we each saw the same subject,” he said. “It was a great help to me because criticism flowed freely, and it was always constructive. We were always best friends and still are, and we also have other things in common, like fly fishing, golf and hunting.” In 1998, the brother artists were featured in “Southwest Art” magazine in an article titled “Family Connections.” Soon afterward, Austin began his full-time pursuit of fine art. Before that, he’d made his living in other artrelated ways while continuing to paint outside office hours.
As Alabama celebrates 200 years of statehood, the Beverly McNeil Gallery in Birmingham’s Lakeview District will be marking the occasion with an exhibition featuring the works of some of the state’s most talented artists. “State of the Art: There’s Nothing Celebrating the Bicentennial Like Fine Art with Our Alabama Artists” Austin’s first experiwill run Sept. 13-30. The pubence as a professional lic is invited. artist was in the aero“We have always been space industry as a techproud of the home state artists nical illustrator for comwe represent, and this celebrapanies as far away as tion was the perfect reason to California and as close curate an exhibition featuring to home as Marshall those artists and inspired by Space Flight Center in Alabama’s natural beauty, rich Huntsville. He later history and diverse people,” became vice president of said gallery director Brittany marketing and sales for Barnes. “This is a great opporan international process tunity to see a variety of artequipment company, a work in terms of subjects, position in which his mediums and styles.” artistic tendencies conMore than a dozen artists tinued to serve him well. will be participating in the That’s where he was show. Among them is Perry Artist Perry Austin will be participating in the Beverly McNeil working when he decidAustin, a Sylacauga native Gallery’s “State of the Art: Celebrating the Bicentennial with ed to take the plunge known for his renderings of Our Alabama Artists”. into full-time painting. rural Alabama from The “I’ve done advertisShoals area to the Gulf Coast, ing design and a lot of marketing and as well as for his colorful, almost pelling as any other, and I love our illustration,” he said. “But none of it dreamlike Birmingham city scenes. state.” has been as much fun as fine art.” Represented by the McNeil gallery Born into an artistic family, the Known as an observant and invensince it opened and its predecessor, the now 76-year-old Austin began painting tive painter, Austin’s overall style is Loretta Goodwin Gallery, before that, at about the age of 13 with a set of oil what he describes as suggestive realAustin has a long history with the paints bought for him by his mother. ism. Birmingham art scene. That connecHe also has three brothers who have “It’s not too loose or too tight. It is tion, along with his captivating paintall painted at some point, putting the representative of the scene, not a copy. ings of Alabama, made him a natural four in the position of serving as one I try to use the subject to create an choice for the Bicentennial exhibition. another’s most candid sources of feedattractive piece, never to just try and “I am pleased to paint Alabama as back. copy,” he said. “I love the challenge of often as possible,” he said. “Art has “We would all go out to paint outpainting to see if I can illustrate my allowed me to travel in every state side, and it’s amazing how differently Photo courtesy Beverly McNeil Gallery
Thursday, September 5, 2019 • 17
CELEBRATING THE ARTS feeling for a particular subject.” Instead of waning with the passing of time, his enthusiasm for his art continues. “It’s been rewarding and fun,” he said. “I get excited every day about painting.” For more on Austin’s art, visit perryaustinfineart.com.
Other Alabama artists in the “State of the Art” exhibition include Dirk Walker, John Lonergan, Janet Lucas Back and Nan Cunningham, to name a few. All the art and participating artists may be viewed through the Exhibitions link at beverlymcneilgallery.com. The Beverly McNeil Gallery is at 605 28th St. South, Birmingham.
DREAMERS From page 16
Alan agreed, “It was amazing for us emotionally, spiritually, physically to be removed, to rest and really think, ‘What do I want? What do I have stirring in me that needs to be created and come out?” What came out of them was a way to combine her illustrations and his leather accessories, community events, gallery shows and parties at their longtimedream-turnedreality, Dreamer’s Supply Co.
In the idyllic French village of Lacoste the couple created a leather travel accessories collection, handmade by Alan and hand-painted by Kaitlin.
Guest Artist Series tickets.samford.edu
OCT. 1 7:30 P.M.
BROCK RECITAL HALL
SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION
CO-PRESENTED WITH WRIGHT CENTER
OCT. 22 7:30 P.M.
BROCK RECITAL HALL CO-PRESENTED WITH BIRMINGHAM CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
CHANTICLEER FEB. 4 7:30 P.M.
BROCK RECITAL HALL
GABRIELA MONTERO PIANIST
MARCH 24 7:30 P.M.
BROCK RECITAL HALL CO-PRESENTED WITH BIRMINGHAM CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
INVOKE
CO-PRESENTED WITH BIRMINGHAM CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
Photos courtesy Kaitlin Slattery
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
18 • Thursday, September 5, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
CELEBRATING THE ARTS
Samford’s Wright Center Announces Event and Performance Schedule
CALENDAR from page 15 BIRMINGHAM ART CRAWL
Art Crawl, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5 Local artists and performers will present exhibitions along 2nd Ave. N. surrounding the Pizitz building the first Thurs. of every month. BIRMINGHAM ART MUSIC ALLIANCE
BIRMINGHAM BOYS CHOIR
Collaborative Concert, Sept. 12 Act of Congress Collaborative Concert, Metro Chruch of God. Fiesta!, Sept. 28 The choir will perform in Linn Park at this annual festival. Christmas Concert, Dec. 19 The choir performs its 42nd annual Christmas Concert at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE
The Watsons go to Birmingham Sept. 28 and 29, Oct 12 and 13 Christopher Paul Curtis’s Newberry Medal and Coretta Scott King Awardwinning book comes to life with the beloved story of a family’s bond and endurance amidst one of the darkest periods in American history. Mainstage.
A Year with Frog and Toad, Dec. 7, 14, 15 and 21 Based on the books by Arnold Lobel, this performance tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout every season. Part vaudeville, part make believe and all charm. Mainstage. The City Mouse and the Country Mouse, Sept. 14, 21 and 28 Aesop’s traditional story of two mice from different worlds comes to the stage in this classic written by Jean Pierce. Wee Folks Theatre. Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 An unforgettable musical adventure based on the 1938 classic by Richard and Florence Atwater. Written by Robert Kauzlaric, music by George Howe. Wee Folks Theatre. BIRMINGHAM IMPROV THEATRE
Ugly Baby Improv!, Sept. 6 Birmingham’s disturbingly good, rough improv comedy.
Mystery at the PTA! A Who Dun’It Show, Sept.7 PTA meetings have always been a bore but this one is a killer. There is a killer among you and it is up to you to help bring them to justice. Which Way Do We Go?, Sept. 21 ETC Birmingham presents an improv show that is like a livelier version of “Choose Your Own Adventure.”
Logan Ledger BIT’s Mystery Playhouse Episode 3, Tales of Ernie Nesbit, P.I., Oct. 5 Live in front of a studio audience, this fully improvised 1940’s style radio show is made-up from the audience suggestions. Birmingham Improv Theatre. Unscripted! Starring Postively Funny Improv Oct. 26, Nov. 2 PFI’s premier show on the stage at the new Birmingham Improv Theatre, “Cleanup Aisle 1,” is the show audiences have loved since PFI’s beginning. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber on Fleet Street, Oct. 27 A musical thriller, set in Victorian England, about an infamous murderous barber who kills unsuspecting people in London. Birmingham Improv Theatre.
Holiday Spectacular no introduction, Skaggs is a 15-time Grammy and 15-time IBMA Award winner. Holiday Memories, Dec. 5 and 6 Adapted from two of Truman Capote’s most famous stories, “The Thanksgiving Visitor” and “A Christmas Memory.” HOMEWOOD THEATRE
Girls Weekend, Oct. 24-Nov. 3 Four women travel to a cabin to consume copious amounts of wine, laugh at their lives, and chat about their book club’s latest selection. Inspecting Carol, Dec. 5-8 and 12-15 A hilarious behind-the-scenes look when all goes wrong in a slapdash production of “A Christmas Carol.”
Doesn’t Matter the Size of Your Caucus… If You Can’t Keep an Election, Nov. 7-10 Kick off the political election season with the BIT’s original comedy musical comedy. This show is rated PG13 and is an equal opportunity political party offender. Birmingham Improv Theatre.
MOSS ROCK FESTIVAL
It’s a Wonderful Laugh! A PFI Holiday Show, Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5, 6, 12,13, 19 and 20 Join Positively Funny Improv in celebrating the holidays in this fully-improvised comedy show. Birmingham Improv Theatre.
OPERA BIRMINGHAM
BLUFF PARK ART ASSOCIATION
Sounds of the Season, Dec. 15 Drawing on the talent of The Opera Birmingham Chorus, this concert will feature a variety of ensemble performances by native Birmingham artists both sacred and secular. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University.
Bluff Park Art Show Oct. 5 The 56th annual show features more than 150 artists, food vendors and hands-on art activities for children 3-8. In front of the Bluff Park Community Center. CENTRAL ALABAMA THEATER
Amy Johnson, Nov. 2 Local vocal powerhouse Amy Johnson kicks off the sixth season of the wildly popular Cat Cabaret Series, which features an array of singers and musical genres. Central Alabama Theater at Steeple Arts in Mountain Brook. HOOVER LIBRARY THEATRE
Eco-Creative Festival and Beer Garden, Nov. 2 and 3 This festival features art design, a SmartLIVING Market, live music from local talent, baked goods to sample and purchase, beer sampling, a kids studio, local food trucks and more. The Preserve, Hoover. Catch a Rising Star, Oct. 20 This production features the winner of the 2019 Opera Birmingham Vocal Competition in an intimate recital. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University.
RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE COMPANY
Disney’s Frozen Jr., Nov. 1-3 Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, the show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film plus five new songs written for the Broadway production. RMTC Cabaret Theatre.
Deana Carter, Sept. 12 and 13 CMA Award winner and six-time Grammy nominee showcases her own blend of country and retro-rock sprinkled with folksy qualities.
Holiday Spectacular, Dec. 6-22 All your favorite music of the season as RMTC Conservatory students perform alongside Birmingham’s best local artists. RMTC Cabaret Theatre.
PUSH presents Dracula , Oct 17 and 18 National Tour of PUSH Physical Theatre’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 horror novel.
Holiday Homecoming, Dec. 23 RMTC welcomes back past members of the Conservatory for an evening of memories, songs and celebrations. RMTC Cabaret Theatre.
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Nov. 10 A man who needs
Catch a Rising Star TERRIFIC NEW THEATRE
The Story of My Life, Oct. 3-19 Based on the book by Brian Hill this musical follows a lifelong friendship between two men whose childhood bond continues throughout their adult years. Paper Thin, Nov. 14-24 For the fourth installment of the theatre’s Written in the South series, this southern piece set on a dairy farm in North Mississippi was writeen by TK Lee and directed by Barry Austin. It’s a Wonderful Life Live, Dec.12-29 Be a part of the studio audience as the theatre takes you back in time to the 1946 radio broadcast of this beloved story, original music and live Foley sound effects bring the entire town of Bedford Falls to life. VIRGINIA SAMFORD THEATRE
Legally Blonde: The Musical, Sept. 19-Oct. 6 Based on the novel and hit-movie this musical chronicles the journey of the famously perky Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy, UCLA sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down after she is dumped by her boyfriend. You Can’t Take It with You, Nov. 1-10 Grandpa Vanderhof and his wacky family, the Sycamores, a madcap group of eccentrics, marching to the beat of their own drum have to straighten up, when one of their own becomes engaged, to meet the new in-laws. Martha Moore Sykes Studio. STARS Presents: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical, Nov. 21-24 Watch in surprise as the same old Christmas story is rejuvenated by the creativity, energy and unexpected sincerity of a misunderstood young family. VST Mainstage. VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM
Vulcan Aftertunes, Sept 22 Logan Ledger, considered one of “country music’s best up-and-coming traditionalist. Enjoy cool tunes, craft brews and sweet views. Vulcan Aftertunes, Sept. 29 Griffin House, an alternative/rock singer and songwriter known for captivating listeners with vulnerable and authentic lyrics. Vulcan Aftertunes, Oct. 6 Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, a popular blues artist from the Mississippi Delta with blistering guitar skills and vocals.
Photos courtesyw
Arias and Art Songs, Nov. 12 A group of Birmingham’s best musicians will perform a program of arias and art songs written by Birmingham Art Music Alliance composers. ReynoldsKirshbaum Recital Hall, Alys Stephens Center.
Samford’s Tonight at the Wright 2019-20 season will feature the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Opera Birmingham, Alabama Ballet, Birmingham Ballet and nationally and internationally acclaimed guest artists. Additionally, New Testament theologian N.T. Wright will kick off the inaugural Samford Provost Distinguished Lecture Series with a lecture on Sept. 9, followed by a debate on Sept. 11 with Mark Kinzer about the meaning of Israel. Samford alumnus and magician David Garrard, along with his daughter Claire, will perform for audiences Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. This is a free event. Sammy Miller and the Congregation will entertain the audience Oct. 1 in Brock Recital Hall in a performance co-presented by the Wright Center and Davis Architects Series. Celebrate Christmas with Samford Arts, which has become a holiday tradition for many families, will be held Dec. 6 this year. Over the winter, the ever-popular Step Sing will be Feb. 6-8, Melissa Manchester will be Feb. 14 and Destination Motown will be March 26. Additionally, the Wright Center will show family movies on its big screen. “Hocus Pocus” will be screened Oct. 29, “Karate Kid” on Jan. 16 and “Fantastic Beasts” on April 2. Samford will team up with a local charity for each showing. The movies will be free to the Samford community and $5 for the general public. “The hope for our movie series and our regular season is to showcase the Wright Center as a place for familyoriented entertainment and as a good community partner for Samford and beyond,” said Samford Patron Services Manager Ian Philips. Among other presentations will be Opera Birmingham’s “Cinderella, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” in concert with the ASO, Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” by the Alabama Ballet and “Sleeping Beauty” performed by the Birmingham Ballet. Visit the Wright Center events page, at samford.edu/wrightcenter/, for a full schedule. Tickets for most shows can be purchased at tickets.samford.edu.
Samford alumnus and magician David Garrard, along with his daughter Claire, will perform for audiences Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, September 5, 2019 • 19
CELEBRATING THE ARTS/SCHOOL
KNIGHT
VHCS Presents Update on Facilities Construction
ing the performance.” Opening night was a red-carpet event, complete with celebrity guests, media, Cirque du Soleil execs, artistic directors and fans. “I remember having my mom and dad in the audience and with me at our premiere party,” she said. “It was a very special occasion.”
Sharing With the World
Changing Birmingham Scene
When in Birmingham, Knight has noticed changes in the arts scene, more opportunities for arts in general and so more opportunities to introduce people to aerial arts. While the city itself is far from Las Vegas’ Cirque du Soleil, Knight noted that studios such as Forma Arts + Wellness, located downtown, has created opportunities for people to get acquainted with Circus Arts and explore their skills. The Hang Time for Hurricane Michael event will be the latest of her contributions to the Birmingham arts community. The inspiration for the event was Brittany Gillespie, owner of Aerial Dance PC and a close friend of Knight. “She has provided opportunities for myself, so many other instructors and countless students,” she said. “Her studio is a safe haven for people who are struggling. She has given people a home, a place to create and explore, to find a healthier way of life.” Knight taught a workshop at the studio a few months ago to generate donations for new gym equipment and was shocked by the remaining devastation in Panama City. “When I drove around Panama City, my heart broke,” she said. “So many homes lost, so many homeless people, and people living in homes that no longer had walls. How could they have the energy to continue to develop the artistic community, continue to replace equipment and keep their doors open in a place where daily life had become so difficult?” It reminded Knight of her experience living through a 2015 earthquake that devastated Nepal, destroying entire towns and killing more than 8,000 people. “I felt the same form of gratitude while teaching in Panama City,” Knight said. “I know they need hope there the way we needed hope after the earthquake.” The festival will provide a space for the aerial arts community to rally together and raise funds for the slow process of rebuilding after a natural disaster. Workshops will be led by professionals from around the country, with the event concluding in a 6:30 p.m. contemporary circus collective showcase. Knight will be teaching the aerial hoop, on which participants can expect to hang in the air and get creative, such as by imagining themselves sitting in the moon or dancing in the sky.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Knight stuck with the show for eight seasons, leaving to join Circus Kathmandu in Nepal as the artistic director and lead trainer. She has been traveling ever since, performing, hosting workshops and teaching yoga at studios throughout the country and world. “I love visiting new places, meeting new people, fitting into a new space,” she said. “I even love the travel itself, driving in the car from place to place and experiencing the landscape, soaring through the skies on an airplane, walking through airports, seeing what each place holds dear.” Knight, her husband, Binod Dangol, and their twin sons find home when they are in her native Birmingham or his native Kathmandu. Mountain Brook High School students, from left, Charles Nicrosi, Will Krueger, Alice Monk and Weesa Keller at the new Dog Park at Cahaba River Walk dedication ceremonies last week.
A Dog’s Best Friend
Mountain Brook Students Create A Place for Puppies to Play By Emily Williams A green space dedicated to dogs was celebrated Aug. 30 at Cahaba River Walk. The event was the culmination of a project conceived by Mountain Brook High School students. The students collaborated with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to create the half-acre park in the Cahaba River Walk on Overton Road. Current Mountain Brook High School students Weesa Keller, Will Krueger, Alice Monk and Charles Nicrosi developed a proposal for the park as part of their requirements for Leadership Mountain Brook. “At the beginning of the school year, we were splitting into groups and coming up with ideas for great projects to further develop our city when Alice proposed the dog park and we all just loved it,” Krueger said. After adopting the idea, the group conducted interviews around town, gauging community interest. “While these interviews showed us that the park was needed and would be used, we had no idea how much of a success it would be,” he said. The group had to come up with a plan, research, compile a proposal and present it to the City Council just as any petitioner would have to do. “I’m not going to lie, at first this project seemed a bit over our heads. We had to find a location, decide how large it needed to be, get price quotes, get the project approved (by the council and the parks and rec board), and then raise the needed funds,” Kreuger said. “Each step being even larger than the last.” According to Kreuger, what seemed daunting began to seem achievable as they watched their plan for the park take shape. Finding the right space at Cahaba River Walk was a bit of an accident for the group. They were coordinating with Mountain Brook’s Parks and Recreation director, Shanda
Williams, considering a few different locations. “She asked if we would be able to fit the park in a small section off to the side of (Cahaba River Walk),” he said. “While checking out this site we fell in love with an area just 20 yards away inside the sidewalk and realized that was the spot.” When the group presented their completed proposal to the city council, the council members voted for its approval and Williams began working with the students on the construction of the park. The team also sought help from Ken Jackson of The Remy Fund, gleaning information from his experience creating the Remy Fund’s dog park at Red Mountain Park. The budget for the basics of the park - fencing and gates - was $10,000. The students raised $5,000, with the remainder matched by the city. As the project neared completion, Williams added in a few extras, benches funded by citizen donations, as well as a water station. “It truly feels amazing, especially looking back to the beginning when we honestly didn’t think that we would be able to find a location (and even) less likely raise the money and see it completed,” Kreuger said. When all is said and done, Kreuger believes that the experience of taking part in the realworld experience of planning and producing a community park is invaluable – like many of the lessons he has learned in Leadership Mountain Brook. “I learned more in this course getting handson experience on planning, approval and raising funds for a large scale project, such as our park, than I have in any normal class,” he said. “We were taught and were able to reinforce the ability to plan and propose a project. “This is a skill set needed in almost any career and I have no doubt that what I learned in that class will help me throughout the rest of my life,” he said. “This class did not just inspire us but has prepared us for any project big or small in our future.”
After an Aug. 26 Vestavia Hills City Schools Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Todd Freeman released a video update on the continuing construction projects at Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge and the former Berry campus. Freeman noted that the new classroom addition at Dolly Ridge, intended to be ready before the school year, is now complete. School staff and students began moving into the classrooms late last week. As for the Berry campus, construction continues on the facility additions and softball and baseball fields. “The project is on schedule for completion prior to the end of this calendar year,” Freeman stated. Earlier this year, the project was delayed due to several complications, including a significant amount of rainy weather in late winter and early spring. Once the project had been delayed, Freeman and the board decided to wait until the project neared completion before deciding whether they would relocate Louis Pizitz Middle School during winter break. “The most important factor will be what is best for our students and staff,” Freeman said. “Accordingly, we will not move at any point during this school year. Instead the new LPMS campus will open in August of 2020.”
VHEE Music Teacher Receives Outstanding Music Educator Award
Vestavia Hills Elementary East music teacher Deanna Bell has been recognized as the 2020 recipient of the Alabama Music Educators Association’s Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educator Award. The award “recognizes innovative leaders who set high standards for our profession and offer inspiration and direction,” according to a letter from the association. Bell has been a music educator for 22 years, having worked with public schools in Alabama, Tennessee and Virginia. Earlier this year, she was named a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award. She was also named Vestavia Hills City Schools Elementary 2016-17 Teacher of the Year. She currently is conductor of the Birmingham Wind Ensemble and an adjunct music professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In addition, Bell serves as District 3 chair of the Alabama Music Educators Association board, and as president-elect of both the Alabama chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association and the Alabama Kodaly Educators. Bell will be honored at the association’s annual professional development conference in January 2020.
Photo courtesy Vestavia Hills City Schools
From page 16
Deanna Bell has been recognized as the 2020 recipient of the Alabama Music Educators Association’s Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educator Award.
20 • Thursday, September 5, 2019
FOOD
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
FOODIE NEWS
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
Perfect Blend Royal Cup Family Member Applying Coffee-Blending Techniques to Rum Sampling the best of Mountain Brook restaurants last year were Josh Burkhart and Sarah Ager.
Taste of Mountain Brook to Benefit All In Mountain Brook
Photo courtesy Hatton Smith Jr.
This family-friendly food-tasting allows patrons to sample the best of Mountain Brook restaurants in support of All in Mountain Brook and its mission to enhance and protect the lives of Mountain Brook youth. Sept. 15, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Check the website for participating restaurants, tasteofmountainbrook.com.
Great Food is Not the Only Thing Cooking at Middle Eastern Festival
Hatton Smith Jr. with his award-winning Campesino Rum. The idea for the rum started when he was living deep in the remote Panamanian jungle. He had traveled to Panama throughout his childhood, and when he was 19, spent a four-month stretch in the country as a hiking guide.
St. George Melkite Greek Catholic Church presents its 38th annual food festival Sept. 19-21 featuring church tours, Middle Eastern food and traditions, a market, music, dancing, pastries, Turkish coffee and more. Drive-thru available. Check the website for events and times. For more information, visit saintgeorgeonline.org.
By Sam Prickett
Fiesta! Family-friendly Fun for All Ages
The idea for Campesino Rum started when Hatton Smith Jr. was living deep in the remote Panamanian jungle. “I lived down there on a farm out in the woods, kind of in the middle of nowhere,” he said. Smith had some familiarity with the country; his family, which has owned Royal Cup Coffee since 1950, had traveled to Panama throughout Smith’s childhood, and when he was 19, he spent a four-month stretch in the country as a hiking guide. After he finished college, he said, he returned to the country, “But I didn’t really have a plan.” “I knew where I could live on a farm,” he said. “I slept in a hammock every night. I didn’t have any money or way of making any money. You don’t have to do that very long to a guy like me before I figure out how to start making money.” Using the skills he had learned from the family business, Smith started roasting coffee and selling it to locals. Before long, he was given the opportunity to move into a rum still. “I literally was roasting coffee over 500-degree fire during the mornings, and at about the time (that was done), the rum would start coming off the still,” he said. “From there, I did a lot of research into rum development, rum production and current rum companies, and I found out what I think of as rum’s dirty little secret.” That secret, he said, is the inclusion of additives – extra sugars, flavoring and coloring – in most brands of rum. “Even some of the ones that are $60, $100 a bottle, they have sweetener in them,” he said. “Rum as a distillate itself is not sweet. It has the essence of sugar cane flavor, but not sugar or
vanilla or caramel flavoring … . But a lot of major producers add that to their bottles, and after distilling it myself, I realized that was what was truly wrong with the production cycle.” Smith brought the notion of starting a rum company back with him when he returned to Birmingham. He decided to use some of the business practices that he’d learned from the family business.
But rum, he stressed, is the only ingredient. “When you drink Campesino, you drink straight from the barrel,” he said. “It’s important to me that people know that, so when they experience the flavor, they know they’re experiencing something that’s true. They really should consider it in its own category outside of what they consider rum to be.”
‘When you drink Campesino, you drink straight from the barrel. It’s important to me that people know that, so when they experience the flavor, they know they’re experiencing something that’s true.’
Campesino Rum takes its name from the Spanish word for “peasant” or “farmer.” To Smith, the word has the connotation of “someone who is self-sufficient – someone who lives off the land they occupy. It’s really a magician of life, where they don’t really need the outside world.” Several of the Panamanians he met during his stay there, he said, meet that description. “Where I lived in the jungle, the only guys who were (more remote) than me were campesinos,” he said. “They’re amazing humans who have the craziest skill sets. I was really fascinated by these dudes and we actually became pretty good friends. They would come by and help me around the still, and I would give them some rum. When I came back here, I really wanted to honor them with that name.” Campesino Rum is available at several restaurants and bars throughout the Birmingham area, including Oven Bird, the Collins Bar, Little Donkey, Cocina Superior, Otey’s Tavern and Whistling Table, among many others. The rum has gotten national attention, too, taking home the silver medal at last month’s New York World Wine and Spirits Competition. “So that hard work has paid off,” Smith said. “And the rum speaks for itself.” For more information, including a list of restaurants and bars that offer Campesinos Rum, visit campesinorum.com.
“I took the exact same type of blending model that Royal Cup does,” he said. “In coffee, to create a certain flavor profile, you need multiple origins. In coffee, it’s fairly common for you to take Brazilian, Central American and Colombian (beans), roast them at different levels and then blend them together to create a very consistent, tasty, deep flavor.” The same process is applied to Campesino Rum, which officially launched in August. “We go all over the world, primarily in Central America and the Caribbean, and we create custom rum blends from multiple origins, from some of the world’s finest rum distilleries,” Smith said. “We have a select flavor profile that we look for … and we combine them to create a very unique flavor that is truly one to its own.”
It’s All in the Name
Alabama’s largest celebration of Hispanic culture and heritage offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Latin American countries. Included will be family, community and cultural villages, live music and authentic food from a variety of participating vendors. Sept. 28, from noon-8 p.m. at Linn Park. For more information, visit fiestabham.com.
OPA! “The Drive-thru Experience Gets Better Every Year”
Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral presents OPA! 47th annual Birmingham Greek Festival on Oct. 3-5. The community is proud to share its Greek culture, heritage, faith tradition and cuisine. The event will include entertainment and guided tours of the cathedral and its Byzantine architecture and more. For more details, visit birminghamgreekfestival.net.
B’ham’s Biggest German-themed Party
Put on your lederhosen and join in the fun at Birmingham’s Oktoberfest, Oct. 5 from noon7p.m. Enjoy cold beer, live music, German food, and an abundance of games and Oktoberfest themed activities. For more information, visit birminghamoktoberfest.com.
Not Only Good for the Planet But Also the Palate
The Cahaba River Society hosts a catfish cook-off and festival featuring a carnival-like atmosphere, live music, a climbing wall, hulahoopers, face painters, educational games, wildlife demonstrations, a beer garden and more on Oct. 6, from noon-4 p.m., at Railroad Park. Proceeds allow the society to continue its work to restore and protect the Cahaba. For more information, visit fry down.com.
See FOODIE NEWS, page 19
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, September 5, 2019 • 21
FOOD
Just a Taste
Rehab Reality...
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Local Eateries Battle to Be Named Best at Annual Birmingham Boys Choir Fundraiser
By Judy Butler
You Can’t Make a Snake a Worm by Calling it One
Carrie Black and Fred Teardeo.
Antoinette and Doug Sands.
Staff, members, family and friends of the Birmingham Boys Birmingham Boys Choir Executive Director Mandy Peterson, center, with Choir were treated to tastings from board of directors officers Ashley Condon, vice president of development, a variety of local restaurants and and Renn Williams, president-elect, at the choir’s annual Taste of Birmingham, caterers at the choir’s annual Taste held Aug. 20 at Haven. of Birmingham fundraiser. Hosted Aug. 20 at Haven, live entertainment, boys choir performances and an auction accompanied the feast of tastings. Named the best-ofthe-best for the evening were Cajun Bistro Express, best savory; K & J’s Elegant Pastries, best sweet; Chef Clayton of Bon Appetit Y’all, chorister’s choice; and Gus’s Fried Chicken, taster’s choice. Cristina Almanca, Jen Dent and Jo Ann Davis. Katie and Nick Freeman. Other restaurant partners participating in the event were Cantina Tortilla Homewood, Medders Family Farm, Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Ozan Winery, Panoptic Catering, Catering by LaNetta, Chick-fil-A Preservery Birmingham, Seasons Eastwood Village, Corbin Farms, 52, Simone’s Kitchen ATL, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, Eli’s Eatery at Ferus, Tito’s Vodka, Jerusalem Grill, Grill 29, Intersteller Tostadas, Wintzell’s Oyster House Ginger Beer Co., Little Donkey, and Yo’ Mama’s. Louie’s Grill, Mark’s Joint in —Emily Williams
Kate Hrynewycz and Dawn Willett.
FOODIE NEWS From page 18
Louisiana Food Festival & Cook-Off Offers Hope in the Face of Pediatric Cancer
Visitors will enjoy jambalaya, gumbo, étoufée, red beans and rice, boudin, bread pudding and more. Included will be a children’s area with games and activities. Proceeds benefit the Sid Strong Foundation and scholarships for local Alabama residents. Oct. 5, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Hoover Met Complex. For more information, visit atasteoflouisianabirmingham.com
Part Competition Part Celebration of the South’s Favorite Comfort Food
Magic City Mac ‘N Cheese Festival offers tastings of mac and cheese
dishes from over 20 of your favorite restaurants, food trucks and caterers. The event is Oct. 6, from 1-4 p.m. at Brookwood Village in the Macy’s upper parking lot. Included will be free activities for kids, beer, cocktails sodas and water available for sale. Pets welcome. All proceeds benefit Community Grief Support. For more information, visit “3rd Annual Magic City Mac N’ Cheese Festival” Facebook page.
Taste of Hoover Serves Up Smorgasbord at Aldridge Gardens
Stroll through Aldridge Gardens Oct. 10, from 5-8 p.m., and sample dishes from some of Hoover’s best restaurants, caterers and more. Taste international wines and local beers while listening to live entertainment. Make your reservation now. For more information, visit aldridgegardens.com.
Southern Gourmet at it's Best LOCATED AT THE TOP OF SHADES MOUNTAIN ON HWY 31, BISTRO V OFFERS ONE OF THE FINEST CULINARY EXPERIENCES IN BIRMINGHAM!
Open Monday-Saturday 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm 521 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 • (205) 823-1505
This might seem like a strange headline, but it’s exactly what some people try to do to hide their addiction. They’re in denial. The creative ways of hiding the addiction will amaze you. Just when we think we’ve heard it all someone comes up with a new way to hide or disguise his or her substance. For example, pills in aspirin bottles, vodka in water bottles, pills in the cuffs of pants, one client said she would hang her alcohol on a rope out her bedroom window to keep her family from finding it when they visited. The ironic thing is, if they put as much energy into getting and staying healthy, life could be so much better. The wonderful thing about Bayshore Retreat is clients can be honest. They’re not lost in a crowd and they’re able to relax and get a new perspective on life. The sad thing is when the family cannot see the benefit of helping their loved one come to Bayshore Retreat because of cost or the idea that they’re sending them on a vacation. It’s even been called a rehab boutique, which is supposed to be derogatory. Yes, it’s small – and yes, our clients get ‘special attention’ like a boutique, but that’s where the comparison ends. The staff is professional, the food is wonderful, and the accommodations are superior to most places in the same price range. The next time you confront someone about their addiction and they become defensive and in denial… remember a snake is a snake and Bayshore Retreat is more than a boutique.
22 • Thursday, September 5, 2019
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SPORTS
Hontzas kicked a game-winning 30-yard field goal as time expired to give Hoover a 17-14 victory against defending Class 7A state champion Central-Phenix City in the 2019 AHSAA Kickoff Classic at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. Lightning delayed the game for more than two hours, and with the clock bearing down on midnight, Hontzas waited through two timeouts before ending the game with his clutch
BARKER From page 24
dad wants me to go out and have fun.” Harrison Barker certainly had plenty of fun in his first varsity start, on Aug. 23, sporting the familiar jersey, No. 7, which is the number his father wore in college and his brother wore at Spain Park. He completed 28 of 38 passes for a school-record 488 yards and four touchdowns, and he ran for 16 yards, giving him more than 500 yards total offense while leading the Jaguars to a 42-33 victory at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa. Barker couldn’t believe the numbers he put up. “I was very surprised,” he said modestly. “I thought I had thrown for like 200 yards. It’s crazy to see how many yards I had. “The offense played really good. The receivers were good, and Michael Callens ran really well. Our coaches did a good job of calling the game, particularly our offensive coordinator, coach (Marty) Rozell.” His dad and his brother were both there to witness it. Afterward, both congratulated him.
Constantine Hontzas kicked a game-winning 30-yard field goal as time expired to give Hoover a 17-14 victory against defending Class 7A state champion Central-Phenix City in the 2019 AHSAA Kickoff Classic at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery.
field goal. Hontzas took over the Bucs’ kicking chores this season, inheriting a spot where the Bucs excelled for several years with Barret Pickering, now at Nebraska, and Will Reichard, now at Alabama. Hontzas also kicked two extra points, delivered three kickoffs for a net return of 15 yards and booted five punts for a 39.6-yard average – and more importantly, no return yardage. His winning field goal capped a dramatic 11-play drive that started with 4:22 left at the Bucs’ 2-yard line and ended with the ball on the Red Devils’ 13-yard line with three seconds
remaining. Central called consecutive timeouts each time just seconds before the snap, but Hontzas calmly kicked the ball through the uprights as time expired. Hoover senior quarterback Robby Ashford was runner-up to Barker for the offensive honor. He directed the Bucs’ come-from-behind victory as they rallied from a 14-0 halftime deficit and snapped Central’s 14-game winning streak. Ashford completed 9 of 21 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown and caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from freshman receiver R.J. Hamilton in the third period for Hoover’s first score.
“My dad said I played pretty good and he was proud of me,” Harrison Barker said. Spain Park coach Shawn Raney praised Barker’s season-opening performance. “He had a great night,” Raney said. “He’s a winner. He’s a good, humble kid. He’s a Barker. What else can you say?” Barker doesn’t mind being compared to his dad and brother, but he believes he might be one up on them in one aspect of the game. “I’m similar to them in that they were both very good throwing the football, but I don’t want to brag or anything, but I feel I’m more athletic because I’m a better runner,” Harrison Barker said with a slight laugh. “Neither one of them ran very much.”
junior. Harrison Barker jokingly takes credit for his sister’s basketball prowess. “I’m the reason she’s good,” he quipped. Sarah Ashlee doesn’t necessarily disagree. On the day she committed to Georgia, she tweeted, “To my brothers, thank y’all for blocking my shots, dunking on me throughout the years.” The Barker twins played basketball frequently while growing up. “We’re very close,” Harrison Barker said. “We basically do everything together.” The twins still go up to Spain Park and shoot hoops, but they won’t face off against each other. “She wants to play one-on-one, but I decline because I think she might beat me,” Harrison Barker said with a hearty laugh. Sarah Ashlee loved seeing her twin brother shred Hillcrest’s defense, tweeting “BRO BALLED OUT!!!”
Intra-Family Rivalry
There is one person in the family who might be a better athlete — Harrison’s twin sister, Sarah Ashlee Barker. She’s a gifted basketball player who has committed to Georgia. She led Spain Park to the 2018 Class 7A state championship as a sophomore and was the 2019 OTMJ Girls Basketball Player of the Year as a
People He Can Count On
Harrison Barker probably will “ball out” more this season, thanks to a bevy of playmakers, including Callens, a
After the Bucs forced a Central fumble at their own 3-yard line, Ashford led an 84-yard, 11-play drive to set up Hontzas’s field goal. Ashford completed passes of 28 and 20 yards and had a big 13-yard run for a first down to stop the clock at the Central 16-yard line with three seconds remaining.
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
Hontzas Cool Under Pressure
Mountain Brook’s Logan Brewer scored on a 20-yard touchdown reception, above, and a 67-yard interception return in a 35-6 victory over Northridge. Hoover’s Josh Smith(17) had 12 tackles and one sack, and he recovered a fumble at the Bucs’ 2-yard line late to set up Hoover’s game-winning drive.
Photo coourtesy AHSAA
The opening week of the high school football season proved to be a coming out party of sorts for two Over the Mountain players. Spain Park senior quarterback Harrison Barker earned the first AHSAA Prep Offensive Spotlight of the season and Hoover junior placekicker Constantine Hontzas earned the AHSAA Special Teams Spotlight. Barker made his first varsity start one for the ages, completing 28 of 38 passes for 488 yards and four touchdowns to lead Spain Park to a 42-33 victory at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa. The 488-yard effort was a school record and the 14th-highest passing performance in AHSAA history, according to the AHSAA Record Book. It was the third-best effort since 2016. The top two efforts were 507 yards by current Alabama freshman Taulia Tagovailoa in a game against Oak Mountain in 2018 and Aaron Dove’s 503-yard effort in a game against Coosa Christian in 2017. James Raines passed for 563 yards in a 71-22 Berry win over Brilliant in 2016. The state record of 565 yards was set by Chris Smelley of American Christian in a 43-31 Class 1A playoff loss to Brantley in 2005.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Barker, Hontzas Receive AHSAA Spotlight Honors In Week 1
Honorable Mentions
A few other noteworthy performances mentioned by the AHSAA: Hoover’s Josh Smith had 12 tackles and one sack, and he recovered a fumble at the Bucs’ 2-yard line late to set up Hoover’s game-winning drive. Mountain Brook’s Logan Brewer scored on a 20-yard touchdown reception and a 67-yard interception return in a 35-6 victory over Northridge. John Carroll Catholic’s Jeremiah
Gibbs rushed 24 times for 275 yards and five touchdowns in a 35-20 victory over St. Clair County. And Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith ran for 100 yards, including a 59-yarder to set up a field goal, and he scored on runs of 1 and 3 yards as the Eagles overcame nine fumbles to beat Chelsea 17-0. —Rubin E. Grant
senior running back, and 6-foot 4-inch senior tight end Jacob Jenkins, plus receivers George Hill, Cooper Kelley, David Moultry and Jaylen Ward. Moultry and Ward are both sophomores. “It’s a blessing, knowing if I throw it up, one of them will get it,” Barker said. “I believe whenever I get it to them, we’re going to score. This is the most athletic team I’ve been on.” Raney considers his skilled players to be the key to whatever success Barker has this season. “I think he’ll have a big year as the kids continue to get better,” Raney said. Barker, however, isn’t concerned with putting up glossy statistics. “My goal is to win every game,” he said. “That’s all I care about. I don’t care about statistics. It’s my senior year and I want to go out winning every game.” Raney was not surprised by those remarks. “He’s a competitor,” Raney said. “He hates to lose.” The Jaguars finished 4-6 in 2018 and missed the state playoffs. They face a daunting challenge, trying to earn a playoff berth this season. They play in Class 7A, Region 3, considered by many as the best and most difficult region in the state. It includes heavy-
weights Hoover and Thompson as well as Hewitt-Trussville, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain and Tuscaloosa County. Barker is confident the Jaguars can navigate the region and get to the playoffs. After hosting Bessemer City last week, the Jaguars play their first region game at Vestavia Hills on Sept. 6. “I think we have a good chance of going to the playoffs,” Barker said. “Our offense is really good and the defense can step it up.” The key, he added, is limiting mistakes. “Our coaches have emphasized not turning the ball over,” Barker said. “That’s the main reason we lost several games last year.” After this season, Barker hopes to play college football. Because of his size, he has attracted little attention from NCAA Division I scouts, but Raney believes Barker will play somewhere at the next level. He has an offer from Centre College, a Division III school in Danville, Kentucky. “He might not fit the mold some recruiters are looking for, but he’s one of those kids that if you get him on campus, you’re going to like him,” Raney said. “He’s a winner.”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, September 5, 2019 • 23
SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 2 Mountain Brook 24, Center Point 6
‘Key to Safety’ New Training Tool Encourages Football Players to Keep Their Heads Up
Senior running back Sam Higgins looks for running room in the Spartan’s win over the Eagles.
Mountain Brook’s Matt Holloway closes in on a Center Point runner. Highlight: Mountain Brook defensive back Logan Brewer intercepted Center Point quarterback Jayson Jones, returning it for a touchdown from 37 yards out in the second quarter. Logan’s pick-6 streak now stands at two games. — Jordan Wald See scores and coverage from other games at otmj.com SEPT. 6 GAMES Pleasant Grove at Briarwood Homewood at Pelham Hoover at Thompson Fairfield at John Carroll Tuscaloosa County at Mountain Brook Hewitt-Trussville at Oak Mountain Spain Park at Vestavia Hills
PHELPS From page 24
Homewood cross-country coach Josh Donaldson said. “She wants to be the best she can be. That might not be winning every race or setting personal records, but it’s pushing herself to be at her best. “She also has a strong network of friends and she has a good support system from her family.” The friendships she has made from running is why Phelps loves the sport so much. “My favorite thing about running is the people you meet,” Phelps said. “I’ve also gotten close with my teammates. I really enjoy the social aspect of it. “Plus, putting in the effort, you gain confidence. Whether you run good or bad, you know you’ve
Ken Thompson has been around football for most of his life. In all that time, he noticed one thing about the game that hasn’t changed. “I’ll never forget my first experience playing youth football in the 1970s. Our coach instructed – yelled at – us each day to keep our head up. It was really difficult for most of us, especially for me, said Thompson, an attorney who lives in Mountain Brook. “Years later, I watched my own son play youth football. I was slightly amused to hear my son’s coach giving his players the same ‘heads up’ instruction with the same level of intensity.” With widespread concern about head injuries and concussions, Thompson figured something needed to be done other than just yelling at players to keep their heads up. “While the football helmet may have evolved over the years to better protect the player, there is still no substitute for proper technique when making contact with the head,” Thompson said. According to Thompson, studies have shown proper positioning of the head at the point of contact is a major factor in the prevention of injury. “Experts all agree that the most vulnerable position for a player during contact is when his head is lowered,” he said. “The key to safety then is keeping the head up.” Thompson, who played at Carroll High in Ozark, decided to design a device that could help players keep their heads up when making contact with another player. He spent more than 1½ years developing his “heads up” training tool. He consulted physicians, coaches, trainers, equipment managers and even mechanical engineers. “I was determined to make a training tool (that was) safe and easy to use and effective as a means to teach a learned behavior,” he said. Thompson wanted a piece of training equipment that would involve self-awareness of the position of the body, muscle memory and sensory cues, enabling players to be self-taught. In the spring, Thompson introduced the Heads Up Training (H.U.T) Strap to a handful of Division I college programs – including Alabama,
worked for something.”
Training for a Win
Phelps has set some lofty goals for her final cross-country season with
Phelps is part of a strong senior class of Homewood runners that includes Celie Jackson, Edie Smith, Adah Allen, Isabel Burgess, Zoe Nichols and Laura Kemper. the Patriots. She wants to win another state championship, and she would like to run in the low 17s, bettering her personal record of 17 minutes, 42
Photo courtesy Ken Thompson
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
By Rubin E. Grant
With widespread concern about head injuries and concussions throughout the sport, Ken Thompson figured something needed to be done other than just yelling at players to keep their heads up.
Auburn, Mississippi State and Samford – and to several high schools, such as Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills. Recently, he spoke to coaches in the Hoover, Jefferson County and Mobile County school systems as well as local youth leagues. “I’m trying to get the word out,” Thompson said. “I think this will be beneficial to players on all levels of football.”
Simple Design Makes Infractions Obvious
The H.U.T. Strap is an innovative, two-piece military grade nylon strap that is connected in the center of the helmet by a safety release clasp. The upper clasp is placed on the rear shell of a player’s helmet and the lower strap is placed on the rear shell of the player’s shoulder pads. The two straps are then connected and automatically detach with five pounds of tension being applied. If a player improperly lowers his head beyond an acceptable range of motion, the safety release clasp unsnaps, providing a real-time sensory cue to the player and to others. “It doesn’t restrict a player’s range of motion,” Thompson said. “It’s a training tool that tells a player when they are using improper technique. Players can feel and hear the H.U.T. Strap detach and coaches, trainers and other players can observe it. It provides a teaching/learning moment.” Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager appreciates the information gathered from use of the strap. “The big thing is it gives you feedback on
seconds. To meet her goals, she altered her training regimen during the summer. “I used to concentrate on speed intervals and not miles,” Phelps said. “But this summer I have been running around 45 miles per week, which is 15-20 miles more than I used to run. I am excited to see how it translates into this season.” Phelps also went out on Saturday mornings with her dad, Pete Phelps, hitting biking trails. But she wasn’t riding. “He rides his bike while I run,” Phelps said with a laugh. “We have a good time.” Donaldson is eager to see what difference Phelps’ more intensive workouts make in her performance this fall. “We’ve all known what she’s capable of for a long time,” Donaldson said, “but she’s looked bet-
whether the player is in the proper athletic position,” Yeager said. “You want your players to have their eyes up so they can see what’s happening and process that information. If their chins are on their chests, then that’s when they’re in their most vulnerable position. “Another big concern is players leading with the crown of their helmets. That’s a big no-no. This helps train players to not do that.” The H.U.T. Strap has been approved by the National Center for Sport Safety. “We believe that when used properly, the H.U.T. Strap can be a beneficial training tool that does not appear to pose any significant threat of injury to the wearer,” NCSS said in a statement giving its approval. The strap costs $40, which is far less expensive than the so-called smart helmets, which use embedded sensory technology to measure the force of on-field collisions and send alerts when a player’s health might be in danger. Those can cost upward of $1,000. “We’ve got 22 H.U.T. straps and use them mostly for our linemen,” Yeager said. “Our game helmets have the sensory technology and are a lot more expensive. These straps are a good alternative to that for teams that can’t afford the smart helmets.” Thompson believes his invention could be used for other sports. “Lacrosse and hockey are no different than football when it comes to safety,” Thompson said. “They are all sports where players must avoid head-down contact. Proper heads-up play is also the key to performance in those sports.”
ter than she’s ever looked before this summer. I think she’s going to surprise some people.” Phelps is part of a strong senior class of Homewood runners that includes Celie Jackson, Edie Smith, Adah Allen, Isabel Burgess, Zoe Nichols and Laura Kemper. “We’ve been together since seventh grade,” Phelps said. “We really want to go out together with a big bang.”
The Patriots opened their crosscountry season last weekend in the Early Bird Challenge at Montevallo. They will compete in the Chickasaw Trails Sept. 6 in Moulton. Phelps hopes a successful senior year will lead to a track scholarship. “That’s a big motivator for this season,” she said. “I want to run in college. My intentions are set on earning a scholarship.”
Bluff Park WindoW Works f f f f
Wood window restoration and repair Sash replacement, rot repair Replace broken and fogged glass Wood insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes
Call 205-542-6094
LocaLLy owned and operated
Barker, Hontzas receive AHSAA Spotlight honors. Page 22
SPORTS
Thursday, September 5, 2019 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
New training tool encourages football players to keep their heads up. Page 23
Morning Glory
Early Runs With Mom Set Patriots’ Phelps on Cross-Country Course By Rubin E. Grant
See PHELPS, page 23
Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry
Lainey Phelps began running as a way to spend time with her mother, Alli, even though it meant the then-6-year-old had to get up before sunrise. Mother and daughter started out running a mile and eventually worked their way up to running three-mile loops in their Homewood neighborhood. “That was the most exciting part of my day, getting up at 5:30 a.m. and going out to run with my mom,” Phelps said. Although the morning runs with her mother have long since ceased, Phelps hasn’t stopped running. Now a senior at Homewood High School, she is one of the top distance runners in the state.
Phelps captured the Class 6A cross-country title as a freshman in 2016; but she did not run crosscountry as a sophomore in 2017. “I was training for track and taking a break because I needed to refocus,” she explained. She returned to cross-country as a junior in 2018 and won the state title again. With Phelps leading the way, the Patriots won the AHSAA team championships in 2016 and 2018, the only two girls cross-country titles in school history. Phelps also has won multiple track and field state championships, including the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs last spring in the AHSAA Class 6A outdoor meet. “The thing that makes her special is her determination,”
Spain Park quarterback Harrison Barker in action last year against Mountain Brook. Barker completed 28 of 38 passes for a school-record 488 yards and four touchdowns; and he ran for 16 yards, giving him more than 500 yards total offense while leading the Jaguars to a 42-33 victory at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa in their season opener on Aug. 23.
SMASHING DEBUT
By Rubin E. Grant Harrison Barker doesn’t have any qualms about following in the footsteps of his dad and older brother as a high school quarterback. In fact, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Spain Park senior rather enjoys playing the position his dad, Jay Barker, played at Hewitt-Trussville and his brother, Braxton, played at Spain Park. Jay Barker went on to quarterback
Alabama to the 1992 college football national championship and Braxton is now a walk-on quarterback with the Crimson Tide. “It’s awesome,” Harrison Barker said about his family quarterbacking predecessors. “There’s so much experience I can draw from. My dad helps me out with everything, watching film and working on my mechanics. “There’s no pressure on me. I’m just trying to play a game I love. My
See BARKER, page 22
‘My goal is to win every game. That’s all I care about. I don’t care about statistics. It’s my senior year and I want to go out winning every game.’ HARRISON BARKER
Lainey Phelps
Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry
Harrison Barker Showcasing Family Quarterbacking Skills for Spain Park