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SPORTS OTMJ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022SOCIAL FALL ARTS PREVIEW 2022 Spotlight on the Arts Music, theater, dance, art and other events to look forward to this fall in the Over the Mountain area. Preview begins on page 8
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
OK, occasionally, trees do fall on our houses, but that’s hardly the trees’ fault. Blame those lapses on overzeal ous winds or an unreasonable amount of rain.IfIseem to be waxing a bit poetic, it’s because the Girl Scout project happened to coincide with my reading of a book called “Braiding Sweetgrass.” It’s taking me a while to read, but not because I’m having trouble deciphering the words. No, I only read a paragraph or two at a time because each page contains something beautiful that needs to be savored. The author, Robin Wall Kimmerer, is a Native American botanist, a professor who knows the Latin names for all of her plant friends but is working on learning their “songs.” She suggests that we would do well to show more respect for plants because they “were here first on the earth and have had a long time to figure things out.” Don’t you just love that? I mean, how could you hurry past that? Being guilty of zooming past just about everything, I am trying to slow down and learn to better appreciate my deciduous and coniferous roommates. (Look at me throwing around plant words!) So far, I’ve really only been acquainted with what falls out of the trees. The oaks produce acorns that pelt my deck like grenades. The hickories have bigger fruits that are a puzzle even for the squirrels. The sweet gums drop ingenious little multi-pocketed seed pods that my childhood Girl Scout troop used to fill with toothpicks and spray paint gold. And the leaves ... so many leaves! This fall will bring days and days of raking. At that point, I won’t stop to notice whether the leaves are pointy or rounded or saw-toothed or smooth. Somehow, I never noticed the trunks at all, and they’ve been right at my eye level, for heaven sakes. Maybe it’s because trunks aren’t flashy. Bark is gray or brown and seems like a backdrop for the colorful bits above. But, apparently, the trunk isn’t just there to hold up the leaves. It serves as a highway for nutrients and grows ring after ring of meaty substance so the rest of the tree can branch out and be its more spectacular self. Maybe it doesn’t matter if I can tell one tree’s bark from another, but now, I’d feel remiss if I didn’t at least try. And I’ll have all winter to do it. The leaves will … well, leave … but the trunks will remain. They will be quietly prepping for the spring ahead while getting thicker around the middle. I hear ya, sister. I hear ya.
It’s Showtime in SoHo
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JO U RNA L September 8, 2022
Murphy’s Law
Inside ‘WE KNOW RETAIL IS CHANGING’ Hoover Wants Health Care Facility at the Galleria PAGE 6 ‘LARGER-THAN-LIFE’ Local Theater Legend Carl Stewart Lost This Year PAGE 8 ‘IT STARTS HERE’ ASFA Music Department Head to Lead ASO Youth Orchestra PAGE 21 FOOD OF THEIR ANCESTORS St. George Food Fest Offers Middle Eastern Fare, Culture PAGE 20
The Homewood Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting event at Homewood Theatre’s new location in SoHo on the corner of 19th Street and 29th Avenue South on Aug. 25. Helping Executive Director Kyle Bass, center, cut the ribbon are Homewood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Meredith Drennen, left, and Homewood Theatre’s Marietta Lunceford. For info on upcoming shows at the theatre, as well as other venues in the OTM area, see Fall Arts Preview 2022 beginning on page 8.
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 2022 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.
2 • Thursday, September 8, 2022 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNALOPINION/CONTENTS
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ABOUT TOWN 3 PEOPLE 5 NEWS 6 LIFE 8 SOCIAL 14 FOOD 20 SCHOOLS 21 SPORTS 24
To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too. otmj.com
Vol. 33, No. 3
Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writer: Anne Ruisi Photographer: Jordan Wald Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd 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.
Over the Mountain Views
My granddaughter has been working on a nature patch with her Girl Scout troop. One requirement is to identify five trees by theirBybark.their leaves, I might have had a chance, but by their bark? I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t been much help. You’d think I’d be better at it, given the number of trees that have stood faithfully in my back yard lo these many years, but I’ve approached them more like trusted coworkers that I count on to be there but would struggle to recall their names if I ran into them at the mall. I should do better. I like trees. They produce oxygen for us to breathe, peaches for cobbler, pecans for pie and syrup to go on our pancakes. And that’s just while they’re standing. At the end of their earthly existence, they help produce homes and cozy firesides and paper for almost everything. Who among us is consistently that productive?
Sue Murphy I like trees. They produce oxygen for us to breathe, peaches for cobbler, pecans for pie and syrup to go on our pancakes. And that’s just while they’re standing.
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Barking Up The Right Tree
When: 8:30 a.m. Where: Vestavia City Hall Sewanee 1899 Unrivaled Screening of the feature-length documentary by local filmmaker Norman Jetmundsen of the 1899 undefeated Sewanee football team. When: 2-6 p.m. Where: O’Neal Library Thurs., Sept. 15
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ much-anticipated Fall Plant Sale will be held Sept. 10 at the gardens. Dozens of varieties of natives, perennials, tropicals, herbs, ferns, camellias, trees and shrubs will be for sale, and shoppers can get advice from seasoned gardeners at the event. Only checks and major credit cards will be accepted.Proceeds from the sale will support the friends’ mission to protect, nurture and share the Gardens with the public. In a change this year, shoppers can preorder bedding plants at the sale and pick them up Oct. 8. The sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Gardens’ Formal Lawn and in the Hill Garden. Priority shopping for members of the friends group will be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. the Friday before, on Sept. 9. Members also will receive their annual plant gift, courtesy of Leaf & Petal.Tom Underwood, executive director of the friends group, said in a press release from the Gardens. that its staff and volunteers educate thousands of schoolchildren a year about the science of plants and grow thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables that are distributed to people in need in the community. He said the friends group helps maintain, improve and promote the Gardens. For more information about the sale, visit bbgardens.org/fallplantsale.Town continued on page 4
Thurs., Sept. 8
SEPT 8 - SEPT 22 Botanical Gardens’ Fall Plant Sale Set for Sept. 10
Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce will host a recycle day for electronics as well as shredding services for sensitive files and documents. Household hazardous waste will also be collected for disposal, with the Vestavia Hills Police Department collecting unneeded medications.
Dinnertainment
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills City Hall Cahaba Heights Clean Up Day Bring your family, friends and neighbors, and gloves and trash bags to help clean the creek by Meadowlawn Park. When: 10 a.m. Where: Heights Village. DogFest Alabama DogFest supports the mission of Canine Companions to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs free of charge. When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Railroad Park Sun., Sept. 11
3OVER THE MOUNTAIN
Tapas and Taps Lane Parke will host a fundraising event sponsored by Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Birmingham. Festivities will include local beer, small plates, music and auctions. When: 6-8 p.m. Where: Lane Parke Fri., Sept 16
Thursday, September 8, 2022 •JOURNAL ABOUT TOWN
The City of Hoover will host its annual Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony followed by a memorial stair climb in honor of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The ceremony will begin in the Riverchase Galleria’s food court followed by a stair climb equivalent to 110 stories in the north parking deck. When: 9:00 a.m. Where: Riverchase Galleria Shred and Recycle Day
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and Patriot Day Celebration
The Exceptional Foundation’s Dinnertainment is a night of exceptional entertainment by exceptional people. The unique dinner party exhibits participants’
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About
Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K Smile-A-Mile will host its annual 5K to raise funds to support the organization’s mission to provide support to patients and families during the childhood cancer journey. When: 8 a.m. Where: SAM Place Downtown Birmingham Hoover Climb to Remember
Gospel Music Concert Tickets are on sale for a concert by the Grammy award-winning Gaither Vocal Band at www.shades.org/ events. When: 7-9 p.m. Where: Shahes Mountain Baptist Church. Sat., Sept. 10
Keynote speaker will be Michael Williams, retired special agent in charge, U.S. Secret Service for andAlabamaMississippi.
FIDO FEST | SAT., SEPT. 17
This free event celebrates and benefits our four-legged friends at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. It will be held in the parking lot area near REI Co-op. Pet vendors, arts and entertainment, giveaways and more will be on hand. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: The Summit Crystal Terry with Ace and Flint at Fido Fest in 2019.
The Musicians of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra will be present ing two free community concerts this monthThe concert series, in its second year, is called Our Hearts Beat for Birmingham. The first will take place at Canterbury United Methodist Church, in Mountain Brook, on Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. The second will be at Greater Emmanuel Temple Holiness Church, in Birmingham, Sept. 18 at 3 p.m.No tickets are required for either of the one-hour concerts, according to a statement from ASO. They also can be viewed online. These concerts offer attendees an up-close seat to the musicians, joined by ASO Music Director Carlos Izcaray and Birmingham-Southern College professor Lester Siegel. The two unique programs include works for strings by Mozart and Tchaikovsky, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 and other works. Each concert will spotlight a com munity partner nonprofit. This year, attendees and online viewers will be encouraged to donate to One Place Family Justice Center and Scrollworks Music School if they have enjoyed the concerts. In addition to supporting family and children’s services during the past year, the musicians have actively sup ported the Ukrainian community in Birmingham and statewide refugee organizations through performances and fundraising.
Violinist Ashkenazi, who is a former student of Itzhak Perlman, has made several Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center appearances and performed in Europe, the Middle East and across North America.
ConcertsCommunityTwoThisMonth
L’Chaim 2022
4 • Thursday, September 8, 2022 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNALABOUT TOWN
Homewood Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Update September Chamber Luncheon, where the group will receive an update from Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senator Rodger Smitherman, and Representative David Faulkner. When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: The Club ❖
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of ovarian cancer’s silent signs and symptoms, remember those who have lost their lives and honor those who are battling or have beaten ovarian cancer. This moving celebration features live music, educational booths, merchandise vendors and more. When: 2:30 -4:30 p.m. Where: Aldridge Gardens Tues., Sept. 20
Violinist Highlights Alabama Holocaust Education Center’s Annual Fundraiser
Courtesy About Town continued from page 3
Violinist Ashkenazi, who is a former student of Itzhak Perlman, has made several Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center appearances and performed in Europe, the Middle East and across North America. The event begins at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit aheclchaim.swell.gives.
The concert is part of the Alabama Holocaust Education Center’s annual fundraising event L’Chaim, being held at Red Mountain Theatre.
Vet Force Multiplier is a website cre ated by Krulak Marine Alliance of Alabama that offers suicide prevention and emergency services links. It can be found at VetForceMultiplier.org. The riders group is accepting dona tions for two prize packages, worth about $1,000 each. About 15 area indi viduals and businesses, ranging from restaurants to teeth whitening to music lessons, have sponsored the fundraising effort, and Hoover Tactical Firearms has donated an annual range membership. Tickets for the prize drawings will be $5 each or five for $20. Tickets also will be available the day of the event for a $100 bar tab at Red Shamrock in Mt Laurel. The Bike and Jeep Night, which is set for 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., will include live music outside. Red Shamrock will have beer and drink specials throughout the night.
The American Legion Ryan Winslow Post 911 Riders group will hold a Bike and Jeep Ride, followed by a Bike and Jeep Night, Sept. 24 to help bring awareness to veteran suicide. The event is called Operation S.A.V.E., which stands for Suicide Awareness for Veterans Everywhere.
Draws Attention to Veteran Suicides
ASO Musicians to Perform
“The Holocaust took place because individuals, groups and nations made decisions to act or not to act. It was not inevitable,’” Daniel Odrezin, chair of L’Chaim 2022, said in a press release. “Focusing on those decisions leads to insights into history and human nature that are critical to ensuring a peaceful and just world for everyone. That is what L’Chaim and the Alabama Holocaust Education Center are all about.”
many talents through a variety of performances showcasing their musical and artistic abilities. When: 6 p.m. Where: A private club Sat., Sept. 17 Hold the Fort Races Presented by Mills Pharmacy, this annual 5K, 10K and one-mile warrior walk will benefit Blanket Fort Hope, which provides services and care to survivors of child sex trafficking. When: 8-11 a.m. Where: Oak Mountain State Park Shear Genius! Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep are featured in a hands-on exhibit that opens Sept. 17 and is geared to children ages 3-9. When:
Legion Post 911 Bike and Jeep Ride
Together in Teal The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation event to raise awareness
The ride will start at Heart of Dixie Harley Davidson and end at Mt. Laurel for the Bike and Jeep Night. Registration for the ride starts at 10 a.m., and start engines is at 2:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per vehicle and $5 for each additional“Suiciderider.isa significant issue for veterans. We want our brothers and sis ters to know there is help,” said Barry Nance, Post 911 Riders director. “We will support our veteran brothers and sisters with a donation of part of our proceeds to Vet Force Multiplier.”
During regular science center hours Where: McWane Science Center Be Still My Soul Briarwood Ballet presents this production featuring Ballet Exaltation and the Birmingham Boys Choir. When: 7 p.m. Where: Briarwood Presbyterian Church Oktoberfest Cahaba Brewing will host its annual Oktoberfest event, including live music, a stein-hoisting competition and more. When: noon-10 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Company Sun., Sept. 18
Virtuoso violinist Niv Ashkenazi is to perform Sept. 18 using one of a collec tion of instruments that survived the Holocaust and then were restored by a father-son pair in a Tel-Aviv workshop. The concert is part of the Alabama Holocaust Education Center’s annual fundraising event L’Chaim, being held at Red Mountain Theatre. Avshalom “Avshi” and Amnon Weinstein, the founders of the Violins of Hope project to restore the violins, are two of the honorees at this year’s event, as are Sallie Downs, Dr. Henry Panion III and Kay Donnellan. Event chairmen are Daniel Odrezin and Stephen Royal. Jeffrey and Gail Bayer, and Dr. Selwyn Vickers are honorary event co-chairs, and Medical Properties Trust is this year’s presenting sponsor.
Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 5OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL PEOPLE
To: George From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Date: JulyThis2022isyour PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the July 28, 2022 issue. Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Thank you for your prompt attention.
ExVoto Vintage Founder Listed in Who’s Who Elizabeth C. Adams has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who in recognition of her work as a jewelry designer and entrepreneur.Sheisthecreator of ExVoto Vintage, a collection of jewelry made using antique elements, and operates jewelry and apparel stores in Mountain Brook, Montgomery and Rosemary Beach, Florida.Adams began creating art, including jewelry and mixed-media collages, after losing her daughter to a brain tumor in 2009. Now she donates a portion of her company’s sales to The Cure Starts Now Foundation for pediatric brain cancer research. She also is planning to publish a book about her daughter’s journey battling byStateJewelernamedyear,Earliercancer.thisshewasBestintheofAlabamaAlabama cookmuseum.org
FOODBAR is committed to providing employment opportunities for young people who may have an interest in the culinary field. A number of college and high school age young people have benefitted from and valued their work experiences at FOODBAR. If you think you would have an interest in a front-ofhouse or kitchen position at FOODBAR, please give us a call at (205)876-8100 to discuss the application process. Elizabeth C. Adams Monsignor Martin M. Muller presented the Ernie Eltz Volunteer of the Year Award to Dr. Frances Andrews.
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Other updates include a new ele vator, additional stairs, sound proof ing, technology-efficient classrooms and labs, and better-quality practice rooms and studios.
By Anne Ruisi
Some type of health care facility could be in the Riverchase Galleria’s future, as Hoover city officials look into redevelopment of the largest enclosed mall in Alabama and the adjacent Patton Creek shopping cen ter.
The vacant Sears store at the Galleria offers an opportunity for redevelopment.“Wehavethe Sears store and looked at how it could be filled. We believe it is a great place for a great health care facility,” the mayor said, adding that the city is also studying what type of facility would best fit the Thesite.Galleria offers remarkable opportunities as the footprint of retail changes, with plenty of parking and excellent travel access, Brocato said. Two ideas that have been dis cussed are transforming the vacant Sears store into a large surgical cen ter or a small center for overnight stays following procedures. “We’ve talked to physicians and health administrators. So many things are moving out to surgical centers,” he said.Having such a facility at the mall would benefit people who accompany someone undergoing a procedure by giving them something to do, the mayorDevelopingsaid.
There is a glass front on the first floor, which contains a student-cen tered zone with a student commons, instrument storage, practice rooms, a computer lab and a new recording studio, she said.
Samford University celebrated the renovation of Buchanan Hall with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 1. School officials, students, faculty and staff, alumni and civic leaders attended the ceremony, which was held on the quad. The university’s marching band and A Cappella Choir performed for those gathered. The 15-month renovation trans formed Buchanan Hall, which has housed the School of the Arts’ music program since 1958, with state-of-theart improvements, Ashley Smith, the university’s marketing and communi cations manager said. The project re-imagined the space, providing areas for growth and, most importantly, access for all students and faculty members, Smith said. Davis Architects, a firm that has guid ed Samford’s campus design for decades, created plans to transform the interior of the building to meet students’ needs.
On the second floor, a glass-front ed office in the reception area for the School of the Arts welcome center allows more natural light into the area. Administrative offices, studios and classrooms round out this level. Classrooms and faculty studios are located on the third floor, and the fourth floor has offices, a commons area and a smaller classroom/confer ence room space, Smith said.
health care facilities is a national trend in retail centers as owners look for new ways to use vacant space left by closed big box stores such as Sears, which once was the largest retailer in the country. That Hoover would like a medical facility there by no means signifies the Galleria is failing, Brocato said. “It’s not dying” and remains “very vibrant,” with 6 million cars carrying shoppers visiting a year, Brocato said.“We know retail is changing, he said. “I see every weekend people from all over the state there and it’s not unusual to see tour buses,” he said. Plans for the Galleria are among the ideas being studied as part of the overall redevelopment of the U.S. 31 and Alabama 150 corridors, the mayor said. A state-of-the-art per forming arts center, for example, is one proposal that has a lot of commu nityHooversupport.also is working with Patton Creek’s owner to develop pro posals for Patton Creek, which the city hopes to roll out later this year or by next summer. “It’s still a work in progress,” Brocato said.
Samford University president Beck Taylor, (looking up) cuts the rib bon at Buchanan Hall. He’s joined by community leaders and school representatives, from left, Meredith Drennen, Turner Burton, Neil Davis, Jeff Poleshek, Larry Thompson, Cindy St. Clair and Rebekah Lamb.
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The renovation of Buchanan Hall honors the historical architecture out side while creating more welcoming, contemporary spaces inside. There are community gathering spaces for stu dents and faculty, which will encour age interaction and collaboration as the focus is on the needs of training
Developing health care facilities is a national trend in retail centers as owners look for new ways to use vacant space left by closed big box stores such as Sears, which once was the largest retailer in the country. “It’s not dying” and remains “very vibrant,” with 6 million cars carrying shoppers visiting (the Galleria, above) a year, Hoover mayor Frank Brocato said.
Mountain Brook Voters Reelect 2 to Council Ribbon Cutting Marks Renovation of Samford’s Buchanan Hall
By Anne Ruisi
‘We Know Retail Is Changing’
21st-century musicians, Smith said.
The city’s Health Care Authority has hired an attorney with expertise in the health care industry to prepare the paperwork for a Certificate of Need, which is required by the state, Mayor Frank Brocato said. “It’s interesting. Hoover is the sixth-largest city in the state. We’re a city of 100,000 and need a medical facility,” the mayor said. A Certificate of Need affirms that a proposed health care facility is needed in an area after looking at other facilities in the vicinity. Brocato said it’s clear Hoover needs one. The proposal is part of the city’s comprehensive plan, which maps growth and opportunities for redevel opment. The Galleria and Patton Creek are two well-established com mercial developments that are impor tant to the city as major contributors to Hoover’s commercial tax base, Brocato said.
Hoover Wants Health Care Facility at the Galleria
6 • Thursday, September 8, 2022 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNALNEWS WaldJordanbyphotoJournal
Mountain Brook voters returned two incumbents to the City Council and elected a member of the city’s Planning Commission to replace Councilwoman Alice Womack, who did not run for another term. Graham Smith defeated Christopher Powanda for Womack’s Place 1 seat, 5,530 votes to 1,990, according to unofficial results from the city’s website, www.mtnbrook.org. Smith won with 73.5% of the vote. In Place 2, incumbent William S. “Billy” Pritchard III defeated Kent Osband with 5,320 votes to 2,186 votes. Pritchard won with 70.7% of the Invotes.Place 3, incumbent Lloyd C. Shelton defeated Tate A. Davis 5,051 votes to 2,459 votes. Shelton won with 67.2% of the votes. The council was set to certify the election results Aug 30. Smith, Pritchard and Shelton will be sworn in Nov. 7, City Clerk Heather Richards said.
Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 7OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL NEWS
Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $1000 or more or 30% off any order of $700-$1000 on any complete custom closet, garage, or home office unit. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $600 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Expires in 30 days. Offer not valid in all regions.
“The path to parenthood can be challenging, so providing support through our faith-based Carrywell Groups, financial assistance for fertility treatments through our grant program and Invocell partnership, and additional services are crucial resources for couples facing infertility and loss,” Executive Director Mallory Wear said in a statement from Carrywell. “Although our mission remains the same, our heart is to meet people where they are, cultivate and grow relationships and reach those near and far who are on their journey to hope and healing in a hard-to-navi gateInvocellseason.”is an affordable in vitro fertilization method that is one-third the cost of traditionalCarrywellIVF.is working to raise more than $75,000 for grants to provide financial assistance for fertility treatments to conceive. The organization also offers a grief grant program, in which it has partnered with Christian counselors to offer discounted sessions and priority scheduling for those who have lost children, according to its website. Shown are, from left, Allyson Mouron, Carrywell community relations coordi nator; Mallory Wear, Carrywell executive director; Hallie Dawson, Carrywell director of development.
Blessed Brokenness Rebrands as Carrywell, Expands Services Courtesy
partnerships that will continue to expand our reach outside the village campus.”Miller,who was appointed by the board in July, was a founding partner of Hepburn & Miller LLC in Shelby County. He also has been executive director of Shelby County COMPACT 2020 and chief assistant district attorney for the 18th Circuit District Attorney’s Office in Columbiana.Heisacolonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve with experience in the Marine Forces Europe, in the Republic of Georgia; the 4th Marine Logistics Group and Force Headquarters Group, both in New Orleans; and the 3rd Battalion 14th Marines, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He attended Air War College in Montgomery.
The zoo had to submit a lengthy application and pass a thorough inspection by experts in animal welfare and zoo operations to obtain accreditation. Among the other aspects examined were veterinary programs, staff training, safety, financial stability, risk management and visitor services.
American Village Board Names New President and CEO
Call or ask your Designer
Blessed Brokenness has changed its name to Carrywell and launched Carrywell Groups and Grants. The faith-based organization supports women and couples struggling with infer tility by offering support groups and financial assistance for medical treatments. Support groups meet weekly for about 10 weeks. Registration for sessions beginning in September and November is open. Visit www.Carrywell.org. The women-only version of the support groups are based on the book “The Hannah Anointing.” The organization began in 2018 with one Birmingham-based group for women and now offers groups for women and couples in 16 states.
The Birmingham Zoo has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, indicating it has met the highest of standards in all aspects of operations, including animal care and welfare, education and conservation.
SPECIAL forFINANCING1 8 Months! approved credit. for
“This is a testament to the outstanding leadership of your zoo’s board of directors and the dedication and commitment of the zoo’s staff,” he continued. “We appreciate the continued support of the community in recognizing that we are a vital resource for working together to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders in the conservation of our natural world.” Pfefferkorn also has been elected to the AZA board of directors, which guides AZA to support member zoos and aquariums, conserve endangered species and educate the public. There are 241 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums globally.
details.
AZA requires zoos and aquariums to complete the rigorous accreditation process every five years to maintain accreditation. The Birmingham Zoo is the only AZA-accredited zoo in Alabama.“Weare extremely proud to have achieved AZA accreditation through maintaining the highest standards in animal care and welfare and providing a fun, safe and educational family experience,” Chris Pfefferkorn, Birmingham Zoo president and CEO, said in a statement.
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Alan B. Miller, a criminal defense attorney from Chelsea, has been named the new president and CEO of the inwhoTomPresidentandVillageAmericanreplacesVillage.AmericanMillerfounderformerWalker,retiredFebruary.Walker will continue as president emeritus. “Alan is committed to continuing our educational mission of building new leaders by teaching the foundations which built this great country we all are honored to call home,” Carol Brown, chair of the American Village Citizenship Trust board of trustees, said in a“Westatement.lookforward to his tenure at the village as we move into a period of growth and new and exciting
Birmingham Zoo Maintains Accreditation
By Ashley smith T
UniversitySamford
Symphony 30 Picnic, Sept 25, The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform a selection of music during the picnic at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. There is a kids zone including crafts and other activities available during the concert. The picnic will include a buffet by Urban Cookhouse with wine, beer, water and tea, and all proceeds will go to supporting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s outreach missions.
Alabama Ballet at Home Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 21-23
See SAMFORD, page 12
WaldJordanbyphotofileJournal ARTS, page 10
FALL ARTS PREVIEW
See FALL
8 • Thursday, September 8, 2022 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNALLIFE
A home studio performance of an all-new repertoire that offers a chance to see the dancers perform in an intimate atmosphere with complimentary drinks and an affordable ticket price of $20. At Home offers the excitement of live ballet performances in the company’s studio in the Lakeview District. The Nutcracker, Dec. 16-23 Tickets are on sale for “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” at the BJCC Concert Hall. The Alabama Ballet remains one of only eight companies in the world granted the rights by The Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday classic.
ALABAMA SYMPHONY alabamasymphony.orgORCHESTRA
Local Theater Legend Carl Stewart Lost This Year
he School of the Arts at Samford University has a performance season planned that includes almost 100 events, including well-known artists, student ensembles and faculty events.
The season includes the annual Davis Architects Guest Artist Series, the Emma Taylor Theatre for Youth Series, the Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series, the Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith Opera Series, and an Art and Design Series highlighting one of Alabama’s most notable artists – Thornton Dial (see story on page 9). It kicks off with the Faculty Gala, which will take place Sept. 13 in Brock Recital Hall. This event is sponsored by Ann and Howard Holt. Other faculty to perform throughout the year include Joel Scott Davis, Brian Viliunas, Cindy St. Clair, Sadie Goodman, Brad Diamond, Michael Averett and the Samford StringTheQuartet.Davisseries, which is in partnership with the Birmingham Chamber Music Society, will feature five performances: euphonium player Demondrae Thurman with pianist
Samford School of the Arts Sets Performance Schedule of Almost 100 Events
By Alec hArvey Birmingham’s theater scene lost one of its greats this year as Carl Stewart, who for more than 40 years at Birmingham Festival Theatre and Terrific New Theatre helped mold what Birmingham theater is today, died at the age of 80. “Carl was a larger-than-life presence who took up a lot of space in the room,” an announcement of his death by TNT stated. “Some might say he was Birmingham’s most infamous curmudgeon, but there was a heart beneath that cantankerous nature, and everyone who ever worked with Carl is better for having done so. He was truly one of a kind, and his legacy will remain for decades to come through the artists he shaped, the theaters he founded and the audiences he entertained.” Stewart grew up in Florala, attended Florida State University and moved to New York to study acting with Stella Adler. In New York, he became director of supernumeraries (the extras in opera) for the New York City Opera. He returned to Alabama in 1968 before leaving for California with friends. After a brief stint there, he settled back in Birmingham, where he was a hairdresser by day and a prolific and acclaimed director by night.Stewart, Vic Fichtner and Randy Marsh cofounded Birmingham Festival Theatre, and Stewart directed BFT’s first show, “Threepenny Opera.” He would go on to direct more than 60 shows at BFT.But that was only the beginning. In 1986, Stewart and his partner, Steve Stella, opened Terrific New Theatre, where Stewart directed every show produced by the theater until he retired in 2016. Stella designed every show until his death in 1996. Though he would do well-known works, Stewart’s preference was little-known plays and musicals that audiences wouldn’t find any whereBFTelse.isstill in existence, though TNT closed its doors earlier this year, and actors
‘Larger-Than-Life’
Birmingham Festival Theatre Marks 50th Year. Page 13
Planning for the Season
See STEWART, page 13FacebookTheatreNewTerrific Carl Stewart
Opening Masterworks: Pictures at an Exhibition, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 Pictures at an Exhibition takes the listener on a musical journey through an art gallery. Valerie Coleman’s 7 O’clock Shout, an anthem inspired by the tireless efforts of frontline workers in the COVID-19 pandemic, opens the concert, which will also feature two compelling works by Ravel, including his Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, performed by award-winning pianist Yakov Kasman.
ALABAMA alabamaballet.orgBALLET
BalletAlabama
The critically acclaimed SPA Trio featuring Susanna Phillips, soprano, Paul Neubauer, viola and Anne-Marie McDermott, piano, will be performing on Oct. 6 as part of Samford University’s annual Davis Architects Guest Artist Series.
By Ashley smith
Siegel)Jerry©️artist,theof(courtesy2007Alabama,McCalla,Dial,Thornton JASON ROBERT BROWN in Concert A SEASON OF BIG TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! OR GET SAVINGS & BENEFITS WITH A SEASON SUBSCRIPTION REDMOUNTAINTHEATRE.ORG | (205) 324-2424 MAR 31 - APR 16 2023 FEB 3 - 19 2023 JUNE 2 - 25 2023 JUL 21 - AUG 13 2023 DEC 1 - 18 2022 OCT 7 - 8 DREAMS2022DREAMS
“Working10.alongside guest curator Paul Barrett and having Samford Art Gallery be included in his historic visionary multi-venue curatorial proj ect has been especially inspiring,” Lauren Evans, gallery director and assistant professor of art at Samford, said. “I can’t wait to witness the wide spread impact that presenting Thornton Dial’s work here on our campus promises to provide to both Samford and our Birmingham com munity.”Dial, 1928-2016, was one of Alabama’s most critically acclaimed artists, and his works can be found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the High Museum of Art, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the Birmingham Museum of Art and numerous other important institu tions.His work has been the subject of solo exhibitions at the American Folk Art Museum, the New Museum, Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Indianapolis Museum of Art, New Orleans Museum of Art, Mint Museum and the High Museum of Art.A catalog featuring new essays and many artworks never presented to the public will be available at the opening reception Sept. 15, 4:30-7 p.m. The exhibit is made possible through a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the MISA Collaborative, a partnership between Samford University and Miles College.TheSamford Art Gallery is in 153 Swearingen Hall, which is free to enter and open to the public MondayFriday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Critically Acclaimed Samford Art Gallery Part of Multi-Gallery Thornton Dial Exhibit Dial’s work has been the subject of solo exhibitions at the American Folk Art Museum, the New Museum, Museum of Fine Arts in MuseumMuseumMuseumofIndianapolisHouston,MuseumArt,NewOrleansofArt,MintandtheHighofArt.
Samford University has partnered with the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Maus Contemporary art gallery and the Wiregrass Museum to present the first Alabama solo exhibi tion for the late Thornton Dial Sr.
Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 9OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL LIFE
The overall multi-venue retrospec tive will include “Thornton Dial: I, Too, Am Alabama” at the AbromsEngel Institute for the Visual Arts at UAB. It presents seminal works from the 1980s alongside major works from the height of his production and some of his later works. At Samford, “I, Too, Am Thornton Dial,” curated by Paul Barrett, focuses on Dial’s works on paper. It will then travel to the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan and then onto the Louisiana State University Museum of Art. “Anyone Can Move a Mountain,” at Maus Contemporary, will feature works by the artists commissioned to write for AEIVA’s catalog. Although works on paper are sometimes dismissed, the Samford exhibition makes the case that Dial’s drawings are as significant to his prac tice as his monumental assemblages and powerful in their own right. It includes drawings on loan from the Dial family and public and private collections, with many works never before exhibited or published. Before “I, Too, Am Thornton Dial,” only “Thornton Dial: Thoughts on Paper,” organized by the Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, has pre viously focused on the strength of Dial’s drawings. That exhibit also was shown at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in 2013. “We are most fortunate to have works loaned from the Dial family and other significant private collec tions, including Samford alumni,” Barrett said. “Their generosity allowed me to show a great variety of techniques and subject matter. The inclusion of two major paintings and a selection of small sculptures from the 1980s provides context so visitors can connect the works on paper with both earlier and later Thornton Dial works.”Along with a range of works on paper, this exhibition features a 2007 photograph of Thornton Dial in his studio in McCalla, taken by Jerry Siegel. The image had never been printed before and was selected spe cifically for this exhibition. Another portrait of Thornton Dial’s created that day was selected for the cover of Siegel’s first monograph, “Facing South: Portraits of Southern Artists,” published in 2012. Barrett said he hoped visitors to the exhibit being shown at the Samford University Art Gallery Sept. 15-Dec. 2 will also visit “Anyone Can Move a Mountain” at Maus Contemporary, open through Oct. 1, and “Thornton Dial: I, Too, Am Alabama” at the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts at UAB Sept. 9-Dec.
ASO Continued Bach’s Musical Offering, Oct. 11 Celebrate one of history’s greatest composers with concertmaster Daniel Szasz and special guests Lisa Wienhold, Carlos Izcaray and Lester Seigel performing Bach’s Musical Offering. One of his last major compositions and a monument to the art of counterpoint, Bach’s Musical Offering is a collection of fugues, canons and other works based on a theme given to him by Frederick the Great.
SPA OCT.Trio6,7:30 p.m. Camille Thomas, cello April 11, 7:30 p.m.
A new galactic recruit, a missing star and a bit of unexpected mayhem create the world of the Star Keepers. Every night, the Star Keepers must make sure each star is awake and ready to shine, but what happens when one goes missing? This interactive play takes kids ages 0-5 years on a journey that reminds all of us that mistakes happen, but no problem is too big if you ask for help.
All events subject to change.
10 • Thursday, September 8, 2022 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNALLIFE Homewoodthedancefoundation.org|205.870.0073TheDance
Lizz Wright, Oct. 23 Acclaimed vocalist Lizz Wright is a steward of American music, bringing brilliant color and vibrancy to original works and compositions by some of the greatest songwriters of our time. Wright gained widespread attention as one of the most venerable popular singers of her generation through the release of five critically acclaimed albums.
Moving Together, ages 1 and 2 Movement to Music, ages 2-4 Young Dancer Program, K-2nd Dance for Students With Disabilities Dance Artist Program, 3rd-12th Adult Classes Live music through 1st grade in partnership with the Birmingham Chamber Music Society Brock Recital Hall tickets.samford.edu • 205-726-2853
“Side by Side by Sondheim” Nov. 4-20 Get ready to laugh, cry and fall in love with lyrics that are heartbreakingly true and music that captures the soaring emotions of a new generation with “Side by Side by Sondheim.” Simple and unpretentious, this Tony Award-winning musical is a perfect introduction to the work of this contemporary master and a must for diehard fans.
“Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” Sept. 10 and 24
Two-time Academy Award winner Geena Davis is one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, appearing in several roles that became cultural landmarks, such as Muriel Pritchett in “The Accidental Tourist,” Thelma in “Thelma & Louise,” and Dottie Hinson in “A League of Their Own.” She is also a world-class athlete, having at one time been the nation’s 13th-ranked archer, and a member of the high-IQ society Mensa. She also is recognized for her tireless advocacy of women and girls, as founder and chair of the nonprofit Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, which engages film and television creators to dramatically increase the percentage of female characters and reduce gender stereotyping in media made for children.
GUEST ARTIST SERIES
Kevin Spencer, Sensory Inclusive Magic Show, Sept. 18 Kevin Spencer, Ph.D, is an artist who believes in creating inclusive communities where everyone could experience an authentic sense of belonging and no one is relegated to the margins. He is an educator, teaching artist, researcher, consultant, speaker, curriculum designer, award-winning film producer and long-time UAB Arts in Medicine partner. Spencer also is widely considered to be the leading authority on the educational and therapeutic benefits of magic tricks in education and rehabilitation. He returns to Birmingham in September for his annual residency.
Lonnie Holley featuring Lee Bains Sept. 10 Artist Lonnie Holley has devoted his life to the practice of improvisational creativity in art and music, never performing the same song twice. Lee Bains is an alternative Southern rock musician. Both are from Birmingham.
Foundation is a non-profit organization with the mission to teach the art of dance to all, inspiring creativity, curiosity and confidence. We strive to create an inviting, non-competitive, inclusive environment to be, to move, to explore and to discover. Everyone is welcome. Classes start Sept. 6. Dance with us!
Spencer Myer, piano Part of the Morris Piano Competition and Festival Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Demondrae Thurman, euphonium with Kathryn Fouse, piano SEPT. 22, 7:30 p.m.
BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL THEATRE bftonline.org
CHILDREN’SBIRMINGHAMTHEATREbftonline.org
Itamar Zorman, violin with Adam Golka, piano Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m.
FALL ARTS From page 8 CenterStephensAlys
ASO at Avon: Bach’s Brandenburg 2 & Holiday Brass, Dec. 1 Witness the seamless polyphony and ethereal beauty of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 featuring incredible soloists from the Orchestra: Paul Halberstadt, Lisa Wienhold, James Sullivan, and Ryan Beach. In addition you’ll hear the beautiful sounds of holiday music scored for brass ensemble and the charming and gallant Symphony No. 29 by W.A. Mozart.
Concert Artists Guild Series: The Balourdet String Quartet, Nov. 3 The Balourdet String Quartet, based in Boston, is in residence at the New England Conservatory’s Professional String Quartet Program. The quartet received the Grand Prize at the 2021 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition as well as the top prize awarded in the 2021 Premio Paolo Borciani in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The group also received the Gold Medal in the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the Gold Medal and Audience Award at the 2021 Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition, and the Second Prize in the 2019 Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition.
ALYS STEPHENS alysstephens.orgCENTER
DAVIS
2022-2023 Season
SAMFORD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS presents the ARCHITECTS
Geena Davis, Nov. 10
West Side Story Symphonic Dances Nov. 18 and 19 Join the ASO to celebrate one of Bernstein’s most joyful creations, West Side Story Symphonic Dances. The concert also will feature the world premiere of the Hammond Organ Concerto by Birmingham native Brian Raphael Nabors.
Croce Plays Croce, Sept. 13 It’s the 50th anniversary of Jim Croce’s “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim.” A.J. Croce performs Croce Plays Croce, a night of music featuring a complete set of classics by his late father, some of his own tunes and songs that influenced both him and his father. Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Sept. 16 For more than a quarter of century, Kenny Wayne Shepherd has played some of the most hard-driving rock ‘n’ roll around. The young Louisiana musician who erupted onto the mid’90s scene with his burn-it down guitar solos and gut-punch songcraft has become even more magnetic. He still is pushing his Fender Strat while diving deep into human truths and personal evolution with an honesty that comes only with miles on the clock.
Roseanne Cash, Oct 21 One of the country’s pre-eminent singer/songwriters, Rosanne Cash has released 15 albums of extraordinary songs that have earned four Grammy Awards and nominations for 11 more.
A wildly funny, surprising and devastating tale of survival as seen through the lens of a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man. “How I Learned to Drive” is the story of a woman who learns the rules of the road and life from behind the wheel.
Beethoven’s Third Symphony: Eroica, Oct. 28 and 29 Explore the revolutionary and stirring Eroica (Heroic) Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven. These concerts also kick off a year-long exploration of the music of Magic City native Brian Raphael Nabors with his Letters from Birmingham.
“How I Learned to Drive” Sept. 23 - Oct. 9
Concert Artists Guild Series: Vision Duo, Oct. 13 Vision Duo, composed of violinist Ariel Horowitz and percussionist BrittonRené Collins, performs classical works with a contemporary twist. Through an exploration of musical genres and sonic possibilities for violin and percussion, Vision Duo seeks to contribute to the ongoing redefinition of classical music programming and structures.
Wall to Wall: Rico Gaston until July 2023
59th annual Bluff Park Art Show Oct. 1
The Abrams, Sept. 22 and 23 Brothers John and James Abrams became the youngest Canadians to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in 2005. They made their mark at many high-profile U.S. bluegrass festivals and toured across multiple continents while still in their teens and 20s. The Abrams are fourth generation songwriters and recording artists instilled with the ability to tell stories that speak to the hearts of their fans.
Vitaly Beckman: An Evening of Wonders, Oct. 20 and 21 Best known for fooling the legendary Penn & Teller on their hit TV show, “Fool Us,” not once but twice, Vitaly is a world-class illusionist. He orchestrates original illusions such as erasing audience members’ faces from their own driver’s licenses or causing a paintbrush to paint on its own. Brace yourself for a whole new take on magic as art is blended with illusion in this one-of-a-kind visual experience.
The exhibition is drawn from across the museum’s permanent collection that shows the influence of sports and games on art. From ancient to contemporary, art has emphasized the importance of sports to societies globally. While images of athletes and games have had major impacts on artistic practices worldwide, art has also shaped the image of the athlete in popular consciousness. Drawing a parallel between the artists and athletes, this exhibition reveals the longstanding relationship between art and sports and games. Local artist Steve Skipper’s “Forever Bart” on display above.
The second iteration of Wall to Wall presented by PNC features Brooklynbased contemporary artist Rico Gatson, who will transform the walls of the museum lobby with a colorful, lifesized image of an iconic Birmingham figure and an abstract composition.
Three on a String, Sept. 9 They play bluegrass and folk music – and keep you laughing while they do it! Jerry Ryan, Bobby Horton, Brad Ryan and Andy Meginniss provide “good, clean, hilarious entertainment.” Three on a String is four entertaining guys who have learned their craft and enjoy sharing their talents with each new audience.
BLUFF PARK ART bluffparkartassociation.orgASSOCIATION
The ever-popular Bluff Park Art Show will be held at the Hoover Met this year, a one-off relocation due to construction at its usual site in Bluff Park. The show features works in a variety of mediums created by local and regional artists.
Neil Simon’s “I Ought to be in Pictures,” Oct. 27 - Nov. 6
Pat Hazell’s Permanent Record Nov. 3 and 4 Seinfeld writer Pat Hazell uncovers his own “Permanent Record” in a confessional night of humor, heart and humanity. From his early addiction to card tricks – up to three packs a day – to his recent divorce and happily
THE LIBRARY hooverlibrary.org/thelibrarytheatreTHEATRE
BROADWAY IN americantheatreguild.com/BIRMINGHAMbirmingham/shows/
“Anastasia,” Oct. 25-30 Anastasia, a romantic and adventurefilled new musical, is a dazzling show that transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
Ways of Seeing: Sports and Games until May 21
Expanding Darshan: Manjari Sharma, To See and Be Seen, until Jan.15 Bringing together the striking work of rising star and contemporary artist Manjari Sharma with the diverse historic collections of the Birmingham Museum of Art, this exhibition introduces nine of the most significant deities of the Hindu pantheon and their contemporary relevance in art and faith, serving as a gateway to the concept of darshan, seeing and being seen by the divine. Light Play, until Jan. 29 Light Play is an exhibition drawn from the museum’s permanent collection that shows the influence and use of light in art.
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“Amelia Earhart” Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and 22 A curious reporter begins to uncover the story of Amelia Earhart’s mysterious disappearance, and what he finds along the way pieces together the thrilling life story of one of America’s most fascinating heroines. Just as the world was inspired by one young woman’s courage to dare the impossible, this show will inspire young audiences to undertake their biggest, wildest dreams.
Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 11OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL LIFE
This classic Neil Simon comedy is about a scriptwriter who is surprised by his teenage daughter and her dreams of movie stardom.
See FALL ARTS, page 12
BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART artsbma.org A Gift of Photographs from John Hagefstration, until Nov. 1 Birmingham-based collector John Hagefstration’s gift of close to 300 photographs is an example of a transformative offering, vastly expanding the museum’s collection representing the history of photography in the United States and beyond.
“The Emperor’s New Clothes” Oct. 22 and 29 In honor of its 75th anniversary, join BCT for the show that started it all back in 1947. Adapted from the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale, Birmingham playwright Lee Shackleford has penned an updated version of the story of two opportunistic weavers who make a fool of a vain king and his entourage. While speaking the truth and doing what is right is not always easy, lying to hide vulnerabilities can leave people exposed.
HOMEWOOD homewoodtheatre.comTHEATRE
From the Tony Award-winning authors of “Falsettos,” here is an energetic, sardonic, often comical musical about a composer during a medical crisis. Contains strong language and mature themes. “Sense and Sensibility” Nov. 9-12 and Nov. 16-19 A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes and misfortunes of the Dashwood sisters, sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne, after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable.
Oct. 12-16
The Del McCoury Band, Nov. 13 The Grammy Award-winning bluegrass icon was awarded two Grammys for Best Bluegrass Album, in 2005 and 2014, as well as doubledigit Grammy nominations.
RED MOUNTAIN redmountaintheatre.orgTHEATRE
Beehive: The ‘60s Musical Oct. 20-30 The show highlights songs by women who sang in the 1960s, from Connie Francis to Janis Joplin. Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man Jr.,” Nov. 17-20 A young cast performs the classic Broadway musical.
Jason Brown in Concert Oct. 7-8 Kick off the 2022-23 season with Broadway legend Jason Robert Brown in concert. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune for his “extraordinary, jubilant theater music,” Brown is equally skilled as a composer, lyricist, conductor, orchestrator, director and performer.
Human Rights New Works Festival, Sept. 22-25 Red Mountain Theatre is working to spark world-changing conversations through great art that explores issues and emotions too difficult for words. The theater will present five pieces to explore these issues during the festival, now in its fifth year.
“A New Brain”
FAB (Find Art mossrockfestival.comBirmingham) Moss Rock Festival, Nov. 5 and 6 The nonprofit eco-festival explores nature, art and design at the Hoover Met. Mentone-based Lydia Adele Randolph (middle) will be one of the many artists with work on display at this year’s festival.
A full calendar of events can be found at Samford.edu/arts/events, with tickets available at tickets.samford. edu. ever after, Hazell (below) opens the vault to all his faults, turning a stroll down memory lane into a high-speed chase down memory highway.
THEATER uab.edu/cas/theatre/UAB
VIRGINIA virginiasamfordtheatre.orgTHEATRESAMFORD
A hilarious and adorable retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood story brought to life with the world-famous music of J. Offenbach and G. Rossini. This children’s opera is brimming with fun and laughs. Join Little Red, her mom and granny, Forest Ranger Dudley and that sneaky wolf Mr. Bigbad himself as they discover the importance of being kind to others and always doing the right thing.
Kathryn Fouse on Sept. 22, SPA Trio on Oct. 6, violinist Itamar Zorman with pianist Adam Golka on Jan. 24, pianist Spencer Myer on Feb. 9, and cellist Camille Thomas on April 11. All events in the Davis series will be in Brock Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. There will be a pre-concert reception for the SPA Trio event and a pre-con cert lecture for the Zorman concert, both of which start at 7 p.m. The theater season will begin with the Emma Taylor Theatre for Youth’s performance of “Orphie and the Book of Heroes,” Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Harrison Theatre. The Freeman series launches with “Mr. Burns, a PostElectric Play,” which will be present ed on the Boren Courtyard Stage Oct. 27-30.The Art and Design Series started this summer with “Good on Paper,” works by printmakers Liz Chalfin and Noah Breuer. The exhibition coincid ed with the inaugural Alabama Printmaking Conference in partner ship with PaperWorkers Local. It runs until Sept. 8. “I, Too, Am Thornton Dial,” being presented Sept. 15-Dec. 2, is a part nership exhibit with Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Wiregrass Museum. It is the first Alabama solo exhibition for the late Thornton Dial Sr. Curated by Paul Barrett, the presentation at Samford focuses on Dial’s works on paper.The president of the White House Historical Association, Stewart McLaurin, will speak at Samford on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in Brock Recital Hall.Graphic design student work will be on display at the end of the fall semester. The exhibit “Mother Nature/ Mother Nurture” will run Jan. 12-Feb 23, followed by the Art and Design Student Showcase March 16-April 6 and the Studio Art Seniors exhibit AprilThe13-29.Smith Opera Series will pres ent “Amahl and the Night Visitors” for Samford’s holiday production, running Dec. 1-4 in Harrison Theatre. This event is sponsored by Elouise Williams. Opera students will also present their annual workshop in the spring.Student ensembles will perform in the fall and the spring semester, including the Samford Orchestra, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Commercial Music Series ensemble Lakeshore, A Cappella Choir, University Chorale, Marching Band, Chamber Ensembles and the Worship Arts Ensemble.
12 • Thursday, September 8, 2022 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNALLIFE Art and Antiques... a Great Mix! Contemporary Art with a 1760 Italian Piece - Primo! Antiques and Accessories 2700 19th Place South Homewood | 205-871-9779 Tue.-Fri. 10:30-5:00 | Sat. 11:00-4:00 Instagram: triciastreasureshmwd Tricia’s Treasures 109 Hilltop Business Drive www.GriffithArtGallery.comPelham205.985.7969 Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov FALL ARTS From page 11 ChildrenSozoCourtesy SAMFORD From page 8 The Wright Center on the campus of Samford University will host several events, including Sozo Children’s Choir, above, on Sept. 27.
OPERA operabirmingham.orgBIRMINGHAM
Holiday Spectacular, Dec. 1-18 Cozy up to the annual Holiday Spectacular by Birmingham’s best talent and Red Mountain Theatre’s Youth Ensembles (above).
December 1 and 2 A spectacular holiday-themed circus production beautifully decorated to capture the essence of the season. Celebrate wonder and joy with your favorite characters through a beautifully woven story line, breathtaking stunts, comedy and the unexpected.
The Magical World of Santa’s Circus: Holiday Cirquetacular
The Wright Center also will host several events, including Samford alumnus and magician David Garrard on Sept. 22, Sozo Children’s Choir on Sept. 27, several Alabama Symphony Orchestra concerts, the Birmingham Boys Choir Christmas Concert on Dec. 12 and Opera Birmingham’s Sounds of the Season on Dec. 19. Wright Center events and tickets can be found at Samford.edu/wrightcenter.
Little Red’s Most Unusual Day Oct. 15
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Birmingham Festival Theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversa ry thisTheyear.organization has been offering theater in the Magic City since 1972 and has been a pillar of historic Five Points South since 1973, according to a statement from the theater’s board of directors. The 50th season kicked off this month. “This year, we are honoring our roots for our milestone anniversary,” the statement read. The Play Selection Committee came up with the idea to honor the the ater group’s history by selecting a show from each decade and closing with a show that is new to not only Birmingham Festival Theatre but also to Alabama.“Thereare also three Studio BFT shows added throughout the season. The Studio BFT pieces were selected with keeping in mind the edgy, black box theater we began to be, while also showcasing where we are going,” the statement said.
Stewart talked about his legacy in a story in Iron City Ink when he retired.“Itused to always bother me that still, after all this time, we only can seat 98 people, and I was hoping the day would come that would demand that we have more seats to fill,” Stewart said. “But that didn’t hap pen. What did happen is all the other theaters started opening up, and in that sense, there are more chairs. You can’t fling a cat in Birmingham without seeing a theater, and that possibly might be my legacy.”
Stewart directed are appearing on stages all over Birmingham and, in some cases, around the country. “I was only 20 when he put me in ‘Jacques Brel,’” said Carolyn Messina, who performed numerous times in Stewart shows. “He and Steve were at the top of their game, and I was able to be a part of the ‘old core regime’ as a mere pup. … I was so fortunate to have known him when he was still spreading stardust and it was art for art’s sake. I wouldn’t be who I am as an artist without his influence.” “Carl Stewart forever changed the landscape of the performing-arts scene in Birmingham by introducing a brand of theater that was new to mainstream audiences here in the 1970s and 1980s: avant-garde, sometimes controversial, often racy, but always entertaining,” then-inter im president of the TNT board Chuck Evans said at the time of his death.“Every actor who ever worked under him learned the most valuable lessons about their craft and, really, about life. Carl’s legacy will be felt for many years to come through the brilliant work of his pupils and the treasure trove of ‘Carl stories’ col lected over the past 50 years by art ists and patrons alike,” he continued. Evans himself acted in several productions directed by Stewart. “As someone who didn’t get ‘bit by the acting bug’ until my mid-30s, I was blessed by the gods to have been directed by Carl Stewart seven times,” Evans said. “My first show at TNT was ‘El Grande de Coca Cola’ in 2008. Although I had made my acting debut on a different Birmingham stage four years earlier, I was still very much a novice actor when Carl cast me – not having had the benefit of a high school theater program or acting classes. “Under Carl’s direction, I was a dry sponge soaking up an enormous amount of knowledge, not only about acting technique, but also about communicating to an audience and about life lessons and, ultimate ly, about myself. Thanks to Carl, I can call myself an actor without feeling like a fraud. I loved that man, faults and all, and will forever be grateful to him.” Tam DeBolt, an actress who took over as TNT’s executive director after Stewart retired, said: “Carl Stewart’s spirit and love of theater will live in all of us who knew him. If you ever worked with Carl, you knew his room-filling laugh, you have a favorite quote from rehearsal and you probably learned something you didn’t know before.”
This story first ran on the blog AH by Alec Harvey. to the public Monday-Friday 10a-4p. admission: $11 military and 5. website for public program. Our Roots’ Festival Theatre Marks 50th
Birmingham
STEWART From page 8 ‘Every actor who ever worked under him learned the most valuable lessons about their craft and, really, about life.’ CHUCK EVANS, FORMER BOARD PRESIDENT OF TNT 1629 Oxmoor Rd. 871-STEPHomewood(7837) Dancewear
Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 13OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL LIFE 3727 HIGHWAY 119 • MONTEVALLO, AL 35115 WWW.AMERICANVILLAGE.ORG LunchChristmasColonial&Tour December 5-6-7-8-9 $40 per person Call (205) 665-3535 ext. 1031 to make your reservation.TICKETSNOWONSALE Open
‘Honoring
Alex and Katherine Gast and Debbie and Billy Johnson
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Chris Alexander, Christopher Alexander Jr. and Abe Bernstein
JOURNEY OF HOPE
Eric Eshleman and Storm Majewski Hallie and TJ Fincher Christopher Biggens and Heather Tapscott
14 • Thursday, September 8, 2022 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNALSOCIAL
United Ability on Aug. 20 cele brated families it serves along with dedicated staff during the Journey of Hope event at the Red Mountain Theatre Arts. Among those honored was Christopher Biggens, the world’s newly third-ranked golfer with a dis ability.
Leland Record, Kelly Lampkin and Julie Brandrup.
United Ability Celebrates With Evening of Awards and Entertainment
Angela Rhetta, supervisor of United Ability’s Life Enrichment Program at LINCPoint Adult Program, received the 2nd annual Dr. Gary Edwards Award of Inspiration. Brianna Collichio, who has cystic fibrosis and who sang the National Anthem for three NFL football games, performed. A silent auction and cocktail reception followed the program. ❖ Lenor Harrison, Nicole Odrezin and Kim Braasch
William King III, Christopher Biggens and Susan E Sellers
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL SOCIAL Carole and Charles Crabbe Alex Dumais and Riley Cain LOOK AT THE SUNSET REAL ESTAT AUCTIO 2730 Caldwell Ave S. Bir mingham, AL 35205 2 BR, 1.5 BA - Between English V illage & Highland Ave Monda y, Se ptember 12, 6 PM @ Embassy Suites TOUR DATES & MORE! GTAuctions.com or 205-326-0833 Jack F. Granger, CAI, 873 Convenient and pretty townhome in Highland Park with a city view and private garage with storag Christine and Mike Denniston and Anne Yuengert Leah Mitchell, Natasha Garrett, Kaya King and Calvin Mitchell To: Attic Antiques From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: AugustThis is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the September 8, 2022 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. Tues.-Sat. 10-4:00 5620 Cahaba Valley Road 991-6887 We are begining to decorate for Christmas & Holidays InspirationhappensSydneywasdiagnosedwithosteosarcoma at 13 years old. Through her treatment and recovery, she bonded with the doctors and nurses saying, “they became like family to me.” She was so inspired by her care team, she decided to become a doctor and help other children going through a scary and similar situation. She also wanted to show that people with physical challenges can and should pursue medicine, too. She believes her journey to becoming a doctor was inspired as a patient here at Children’s of Alabama. Sydney Cancer Survivor
Ken and Nina Botsford, Claude and Kate Nielsen and John Sherman
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Tom and Elizabeth Henry Fowlkes, John H. Wood and Alston Ray Rob and Eleanor Nielsen and Beeland and Grace Nielsen and David W. Wood II
The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham added six new members to its Business Hall of Fame at an event at The Fennec on Aug.This25.year’s inductees included Kirkwood R. Balton of Booker T. Washington Insurance Co., Thomas E. Jernigan of Marathon Corp. and Judy M. Merritt of Jefferson State Community College, who are all deceased; Claude B. Nielsen of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United; and the brothers David W. Wood II and John H. Wood of Wood Fruitticher Grocery Co. Each year, a committee selects for induction in the Hall of Fame business leaders who have shown strong leader ship and made extraordinary contributions to the Greater Birmingham area. ❖
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Teams squared off Aug. 27 to see who created the best tailgating experience at The Bell Center’s Tailgate Challenge. Held at The Bell Center in Homewood, the event included a Family Fun Zone and tastings of food and drinks from teams vying to be known as Birmingham’s best tailgaters. The Bell Center provides early intervention services for children ages birth to 3 years who may be at risk for developmental delay. ❖
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The Art of Healthy Living I recently had a call from a young man about his mother who was in the hospital and was convinced that she was addicted to the medication she was taking. Her pain management doctor said that was not the case. When you think about it why would he? After all he would lose a patient (customer) if he agreed that she might be addicted to whatever medication he was subscribing. We, at Bayshore Retreat, hear this all too often. We have a holistic approach to getting our clients healthy. Dr. Donchey sees them when they first arrive and goes over their medical history with them. He might suggest alternatives or perhaps a wean down program of meds that can either be illuminated or substituted with non-addictive alternatives.Afterextensive blood tests are done we begin sauna and massage therapy to help clients rid their bodies of the toxins. It’s about health with vitamins, freshly prepared meals by a chef and exercise. This combined with about 30 hours of counseling weekly helps our clients find new tract of healthy living and hard to get back on track especially when an injury or incident introduces a substance to ease the pain. Some have never been there to begin with therefore Bayshore Retreat can be their kick start to a new healthier life. People leave there with a new outlook and the understanding that we’re only a phone call away should they falter. Because of our small size (only 6 clients at a time) there is a bonding between staff and clients that strengthens the fortitude to be successful.
18 • Thursday, September 8, 2022 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNALSOCIAL Rehab Reality... by Judy Butler
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FOOD Food of Their Ancestors
Spinach Pies
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon Crisco shortening 1 package yeast 1 cup warm water Dissolve yeast in warm water and place in a bowl with other ingredients. Mix thoroughly and knead until smooth. Cover bowl with wax paper and a folded towel to keep warm. Allow dough to rest for 1½ hours. Roll dough out thin and cut with a large biscuit butter for individual pies.
Megerdigian and another volunteer, Jeanine Danforah of Vestavia Hills, recalled making rolled grape leaves with their own mothers when they were young, and it’s a tradition they’ve passed on to their own children. While making rolled grape leaves is the main task today, a number of volunteers are working on making the last 1,000 spinach pies of the 7,000 being prepared for the festival. They place a small mound of spinach mixed with chopped onions, lemon juice and spices on a round of yeast dough and fold the edges to create a trian gle.The triangles are partly baked so the dough rises, then cooled down and placed in the church hall’s walk-in freezer, along with all the other food prepared in advance. Each day of the festi val, the spinach pies will be thawed and then warmed, which will finish the baking process.
Rolling Leaves
The ka’ak cookies are circular rings represent ing that God is never ending, she said.
20 • Thursday, September 8, 2022 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
St. George Food Fest Offers Middle Eastern Fare, Culture
Recipe from “Our Favorite Recipes” by the Society of Saint Anne of Saint George Church Makes 20 pies. May be eaten hot or cold.
Spinach INGREDIENTS:filling 2 10-ounce packages frozen spinach ½ cup vegetable oil Juice of 5 lemons 1 large onion, chopped fine ¼ cup pine nuts 1 tablespoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper Thaw spinach, squeeze as dry as possible and chop coarsely. Mix spinach and all ingredients in a large bowl. Using basic dough recipe, roll out on floured board and cut into approximately 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Center each round with a heaping tablespoon of spinach mixture. Fold into triangles, pressing edges together firmly.Place in greased baking pan, spaced an 1/8 inch apart. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. St. George’s Food Festival Hours for dine-in and take-out at St. George’s Middle Eastern Food Festival, Sept. 22-24, are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and drivethrough hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Orders of more than $100 can be delivered that Thursday and Friday and must be placed the day before. For deliveries within 5 miles of Saint George, orders can be placed online at www. saintgeorgeonline.org. For deliveries outside of that 5-mile radius, call (205) 492-9621 or email placedCurbsidefoodorders@saintgeorgeonline.org.andpickuporderscanbeonlineatwww.saintgeorgeonline.org.
Rose said he’s happy the church can contrib ute to the cultural renaissance he’s seen in Birmingham in the past few years. This year’s food festival has a full menu, unlike the menu last year, which was abbreviated because of the COVID pandemic, Annette
Basic dough for spinach pies
Ritchey said. Arabic salad is back, and individual sweets are, too. Last year, sweets were served in variety boxes. This year, they will be served in packages of two. Church members will make the sweets Sept. 10. Festivalgoers will not only have a lot of food to try. There will be continuous guided church tours during the festival, many led by church member Rosalie Ritchey of Hoover. “I love this church and I am so proud of this church. Giving tours, to me, is one of my favor ite things to do,” Rosalie Ritchey said. She said the highlight of the tour for her is to see scripture come alive through the icons in the church. Vendors will be selling items such as handcarved olive wood from the Holy Land, Byzantine icons and literature, glass jewelry made from the church’s original stained glass and the church’s cookbook, “Our Favorite Recipes.”Entertainment will be available throughout the weekend, including performances from Amin and the Sultans, a band from New York that plays Middle Eastern music, and cultural danc ing by the children of the parish. All this helps the church, which is Catholic but follows the Eastern Orthodox tradition, and its members share their culture, Annette Ritchey said.“We want people to see what Middle Eastern Christians are like,” her son added.
“The kids all have a job. The small ones might put trays on a rack and push the racks to the kitchen,” Annette Ritchey said. “This is a family affair,” noted volunteer Suzan Megerdigian of Hoover. Work has been going on since early July, with members cooking different menu items on Saturday mornings. In mid-August, for example, church members cooked 1,500 pounds of kibbee – that’s 500 pounds short of a ton. They’ve also made 4,098 pieces of falafel, 5,800 meat pies, 2,800 half chickens, 900 mamoul cookies and 4,200 ka’ak cookies in plain and date varieties, Annette Ritchey said.
JoAnn Shahid added that the ka’ak is made using a Lebanese recipe from the family of her husband, Rickey Shahid.
‘We want people to see what Middle Eastern Christians are like.’
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On a recent Saturday cooking effort, about 80 church members worked on the rolled grape leaves.Piles of prepared grape leaves were set before the dozens of volunteers, who took a leaf off the pile, placed a healthy dollop of the meat mixture onto the green leaf and carefully rolled it into a cylinder, tucking the sides in to create a neat roll.
The Rev. Justin Rose, St. George’s pastor, said it was humbling that so many church mem bers have volunteered.
Piles of prepared grape leaves were set before the dozens of volunteers, who took a leaf off the pile, placed a healthy dollop of the meat mixture onto the green leaf and carefully rolled it into a cylinder, tucking the sides in to create a neat roll.
By Anne Ruisi Annette Ritchey remembers visiting her grandfather’s homeland of Greece at 13 and watching people stomp grapes on one of the islands. Years later, on a recent Saturday morning, she was in the parish hall of St. George MelkiteGreek Catholic Church on Birmingham’s Southside working with other church volunteers to use another part of the grapevine to make warak – rolled grape leaves stuffed with meat, rice and fragrant spices – for the church’s 40th annual Middle Eastern Food Festival being held Sept.“We22-24.dothe grape leaves over two days. We’ll make 18,000,” said Ritchey, a North Shelby County resident who is co-chair of this year’s fes tival with her son, Jeremy Ritchey of Hoover. The festival is an annual event at the 101-year-old church featuring traditional favorites based on church members’ family recipes passed down through the generations. Falafel, meat pies, spinach pies and hummus are on the menu, as are kibbe – a baked ground beef dish mixed with cracked wheat and spices –golden baked chicken and green beans simmered with crushed tomatoes, spices, onions and garlic. Sweets for dessert include pastries such as bakla va and zalabieh, or Arabic doughnuts. Booza, a type of Arabic ice cream, and Arabic coffee will be available.Themenu is online at www.saintgeorgeonline. org and everything is prepared in the parish hall’s commercial kitchen. About 8,000 people will be served during the three-day festival, Jeremy Ritchey said. Preparing all that food is a Herculean effort. Everyone pitches in, including several children who came with their parents.
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TEAMS & SPONSORS
Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 21OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL SCHOOLS
By Anne Ruisi When last year in his native South Africa Alex Fokkens heard about an opportunity to head the music depart ment at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, he didn’t hesitate to apply. “This job is exactly what I was looking for,” said the Hoover resident, who got the job and arrived in Birmingham a year ago this month. “I always enjoyed working with young people.”Now he has the opportunity to work with even more budding musicians. Fokkens, who teaches and directs the school’s orchestra, also is the newly appointed conductor of the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra. He held the first weekly Sunday rehearsal with the youth orchestra Aug. 28. As conductor, he’ll be working with orchestra members, mainly high school students with a few who are college aged. Most are from the Birmingham area, but some travel from Tuscaloosa andThereHuntsville.are79 musicians, which is a good-sized orchestra, but he’s still look ing for some percussionists to join, Fokkens said. He said his goals for the youth orchestra are one of the reasons he was excited about the possibility of working at ASFA.“You’ve got the opportunity to real ly mold the way they see music and how it (affects) their life, of bringing the ensemble together to create memo rable moments,” Fokkens said, adding he also wants the young musicians to have“Notfun.all of them will be professional musicians,” he noted, adding that par ticipation in a youth orchestra teaches amazing life skills. “My ultimate goal is when they’re done, they feel like they have achieved something great and have been part of something incredi ble.”Sunday rehearsals involve preparing for the youth orchestra’s three concerts this year. The first is Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Thompson High School in Alabaster. The concert will feature a full pro gram, including the popular overture from the Strauss operetta, “Die Fledermaus,” Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italiene,” a piece the conductor described as “loud and fun” and four movements from Prokofiev’s ballet “Romeo and Juliet.” Orchestra members also will play the overture to “The Boatswain’s Mate,” an opera by Ethel Smyth, an early 20th century English composer whose works are being rediscovered today.The remaining concerts will be pre sented at Christmas and in April at the Alys Stephens Center. While his new duties with the sym phony Youth Orchestra are beginning, it’s clear Fokkens also relishes working with his students at ASFA. “The school is remarkable,” he said, praising the faculty and the students, whom he said work hard to be better musicians. “I’m lucky to be a part of it.” “This next generation is the future of the arts, the musicians, audience members, the patrons. It starts here,” he said. From Cape Town to Birmingham Coming to Alabama has been “a really wonderful opportunity for my family,” Fokkens said. He and his wife, pianist Margaret Foxcroft, have three grown daughters, two of whom were born in the U.S., and a son who is studying theater at ASFA.Fokkens was born in South Africa and raised in Cape Town, where he attended the University of Cape Town and earned his bachelor’s degree in music. He and his wife studied in Europe and then decided to pursue graduate studies in the U.S. Fokkens earned his master’s degree in double bass performance from Texas Christian University in 1999 and pur sued extensive graduate theory study, according to his biography on the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s web site.He then went to South Dakota for six years, where he was director of orchestra activities and instructor of strings at Northern State University in Aberdeen. While there, he worked with a youth symphony orchestra. South Africa beckoned the family home in 2005, and over the next 16 years, Fokken held a variety of musical posts. He was artistic director and CEO of the Free State Symphony Orchestra, music director of the Symphony Choir of Cape Town, music director and con ductor of the University of Cape Town String Ensemble and Symphonic Band and resident conductor of the University of Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. Fokkens has performed in La Turbie, France; Ravenna, Italy; Cardiff, Wales; Birmingham, England; and at the Royal Festival Hall in London. When he accepted the ASFA job last year, COVID-19 meant it took six months to get the necessary paperwork before he and his family could move to Alabama. In Cape Town, where the family lived, the U.S. consulate was shut due to the pandemic, resulting in a delay. Once his work permit was approved, they were ready to leave for their new home. They arrived in September 2021 and are enjoying their new lives here. “We’ve been very happy moving to Birmingham,” he said, noting how beautiful the area is. The family is still discovering their new home and they try to explore dif ferent areas, such as Red Mountain and Oak Mountain parks. At home in his spare time – when he has spare time – he tries to “tame the backyard,” where a groundhog the fam ily has nicknamed “Sir Chomp-a-Lot” has taken up residence. “He eats a lot,” Fokkens joked. you!
Thank
Vestavia
This Vestavia Hills Rotary and Sunrise Rotary Clubs event raised over $13,000 in donations to support Vestavia Hills First Responders; Vestavia Hills Schools Student Programs: Math, Debate and Robotics Teams; and Children's of Alabama Critical Care Transport Team Go totowww.vestaviarotary.orgseeeventpictures
Hills Rotary Club Ir n City Chef the generosity of these Participants, Community Partners and Corporate/Individual Sponsors for supporting Vestavia Hills Rotary Club and our programs to improve our community and world. Particpating Chefs Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q Moe’s Original Bar B Que Shane’s Rib Shack The Culinary & Hospitality Institute of Jefferson State Community College Partners Corporate Sponsors o Allstate Benefits o America’s First Federal Credit Union o Angelica Rohner, D.M.D, Pediatric Dentistry o Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings, LLP, Attorneys o BBVA Compass Bank o Beach Shaggers of Birmingham o BlackRock Financial Advisors o Bresco Restaurant Equipment & Supplies o Bromberg’s o Brookdale Senior Living Solutions o Champion Cleaners o Chuck Conyers o Coca-Cola o Collier’s Nursery o Culotta, Scoggins, Hendricks & Gillespie, CPAs and Consultants o Dan Moran Rocky Ridge Hardware o David Martin o Doodle's Sorbets and Ices o Don Wiginton o First Partners Bank o George Gammill o graylillies Floral Design o Greenhalgh Insurance Agency, Inc. o Highland Bar and Grill o Hoar Construction o John Saddler Allstate Agency o John Wright o Dr. Kenneth Olson o Langley Systems, Inc., Environmental Conservation & Ecological Services Baumhower's Victory Grille Davenport's Pizza Palace Donatos Pizza Moe's Original BBQ Taco Mama AmFirst Credit Union Ascension Episcopal Church Bruster's Real Ice Cream Cahaba Benefits Group Cajun Steamer Core Chiropractic City Center Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors Crumbl Cookies Dear GreenhalghFleetEmmalineFeetFunStuffInsuranceHoarConstructionInnovaCoffee Justin Richardson & Whit Strickland Land & Sea Mayor Curry & Jeff Downes Meld VestaviaStricklandSouthminsterRentaMethodFinancialMortgageMugshotsPlanetFitnessUrbanLandDesignSeniorCareAuthoritySentryHeatingandAirPresbyterianSpeegleConstructionStateFarmJohnHenleySteed'sJewelersHaggerty&AllenHillsSunriseRotaryClubTheYounginsTroup’sPizzaVestaviaHillsFireDepartmentVestaviaHillsPoliceDepartmentVestaviaHillsPublicServiceVestaviaHillsRotaryClubYourChoiceSeniorCare TAILGATE PARTNERS TOP FUNDRAISERS Cahaba Benefits Group, Strickland, Haggerty & Allen CORNHOLE WINNERS 1st Sentry Heating & Air 2nd Speegle Construction ‘It Starts Here’ ASFA Music Department Head to Lead ASO Youth Orchestra Alex Fokkens was born in South Africa and raised in Cape Town, where he attended the University of Cape Town and earned his bachelor’s degree in music.
By RuBin E. GRant Evan Smallwood is quickly gaining a reputation as someone who thrives under pressure.
“Both games we were in two-min ute drill situations and both times our offense delivered, thanks to him,” Vakakes said. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Smallwood didn’t have any qualms about the offense Vakakes installed. “It was a little bit of a change, but it was a good change,” Smallwood said. “We’ve opened up the offense more and that’s good because we’ve got some talented skill guys to get the ball to and it allows us to play at a fasterSmallwoodpace.” makes good use of the talent around him. He completed 35 of 50 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns in the Jags’ first two games. Double Threat Smallwood is also a standout base ball player as a middle infielder. He was named to the 2022 All-OTM team in the spring after hitting .355 with eight doubles, 17 stolen bases and 21 runs batted in. He recently committed to Jacksonville State to play baseball. “I love both sports,” Smallwood said, “but I think baseball fits me best for the future and I think Jacksonville State is the right fit for me.” Smallwood was Spain Park’s backup quarterback as a sophomore and was slated to be in that role again dur ing the 2021 season. But when Bennett Meredith transferred to Hoover, Smallwood was thrust into the starting role.It was tough sledding. The Jags also had a few of their best skilled players transfer to Thompson and had difficulty maintaining any offensive consistency as they suffered through a 2-8Smallwoodseason. also missed 2½ games midway through the season because of a concussion.Thisseason, Smallwood hopes the Jags can turn things around. “Our first goal is to make the play offs,” he said. “I think we have the guys to do it. The coaches give us good game plans and we just have to go out and execute. “Even though we have a tough schedule, I think we can make the playoffs. I believe in this team.”
Beyond Blue Returns to September for Prostate Cancer Awareness Senior quarterback John Colvin fin ished the game 8-of-15 for 209 yards and four touchdowns.
Common Form of Cancer Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer among men and the second most common form of cancer-related death among men. Harwood’s father, Mike Slive, who was one of the most influential pow erbrokers in the history of college ath letics and a longtime SEC commis sioner, was a prostate cancer survivor. He died in 2018. “Of course it’s personal,” Harwood said. “Before my father’s death, he realized he could have more of an impact than just in college sports. He could help save men’s lives through the foundation. “So what Beyond Blue means to me is it’s a fulfillment of my father’s mission and I’m grateful to be a part of that.”
Smallwood Thriving in Late-Game Situations for Spain Park Evan Smallwood makes good use of the talent around him. He completed 35 of 50 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns in the Jags’ first two games. Spain Park visits three-time reigning Class 7A Thompson this week.
In the opener against Calera, Smallwood spearheaded a nine-play, 70-yard march, capping it with an 8-yard touchdown run with 23 sec onds remaining to give the Jags a 14-10Thevictory.nextweek against Briarwood, Smallwood led the Jags on a 90-yard scoring drive, muscling his way into the end zone on a 3-yard run to put Spain Park ahead 21-17 with 1:02 remaining.Butthis time, Briarwood respond ed with a touchdown drive of its own and scored on the final play of the game to saddle Spain Park with a 23-21Evenloss.so, Smallwood had done what he needed to do.
22 • Thursday, September 8, 2022 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNALSPORTS
“The pressure situations are awe some,” Smallwood said. “You have to take your team down the field and give yourself a chance to win or you get stopped and you lose. I like being the guy to lead the team in those situ ations.“The first two games were really exciting and fun. We came out on top the first week and the next week we played a good tight game and suffered a tough loss.”
Spartans Roll Mountain Brook senior quarterback John Colvin had thrown only three touchdown passes in the first two games of the season, but matched that on his first three passes last Thursday. Colvin connected with Jackson Beatty on scoring strikes of 42 and 54 yards, sandwiched around a 53-yard touchdown toss to Clark Sanderson, as Mountain Brook thrashed Minor 49-14 in its Class 6A, Region 5 opener at SpartanColvinStadium.addeda 7-yard touchdown pass to Carter Kelley for good measure in the second quarter. He finished the game 8-of-15 for 209 yards and four touchdowns. Beatty finished with four receptions for 120 yards and two TDs. In the second half, the Spartans turned to their ground game. Cole Gamble scored on runs of 19 and 68 yards in the third quarter and Will Waldrop raced 49 yards for a touchdown in the final period. Mountain Brook had more than 300 yards rushing with Gamble running for 154 yards on 16 carries and Waldrop 101 yards on 17 attempts. “We are a good football team, but we can be a great team if we keep improving each game,” Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager said afterward.
By RuBin E. GRant Anna Slive Harwood is happy that Beyond Blue is back in the month it belongs.The2022 event, presented by Medical Properties Trust, will be held Sept. 22 at Protective Life Stadium Club with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge serving as Beyondhost.Blue benefits the Mike Slive Foundation’s effort to raise awareness about prostate cancer and fund cutting-edge research. Last year, the event wasn’t held until November because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re really excited to be back in September, which is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,” said Harwood, executive director of the Mike Slive Foundation. “And we’re excited about having it at the Protective Life Stadium Club, which is ideal for it, as a liveDr.event.”Edward Partridge will be the 2022 Beyond Blue honoree. As a for mer clinician, past president of the national board of the American Cancer Society, director emeritus and distinguished professor at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, and founding board member of the Mike Slive Foundation, Partridge has dedicated his life work to fighting cancer.Hewas instrumental in the cre ation of the Mike Slive Foundation, the first and only dedicated prostate cancer nonprofit organization in the Southeast. Partridge’s leadership and expertise has continued to guide the foundation’s exponential growth. Beyond Blue 2022 will feature silent and live auctions, which will include a variety of sports opportuni ties and travel experiences as well as items such as a collector’s private col lection bourbon to bid on. Among the sports opportunities are tickets to the Southeastern Conference football championship game, the SEC basketball tournament, a trip to Los Angeles for the college football national championship game, tickets to Wimbledon and donated VIP packages from the Sugar, Liberty, Music City and Birmingham bowls football“Peoplegames.have said, ‘You have tick ets to Wimbledon? That’s on my bucket list,’’’ Hardwood said. Some of the other auction items include a trip to Cetona, Italy, dinner at Gianmarco’s and dinner with chef Chris“ThisHastings.isour largest annual fund raiser,” Harwood said. “We want to end prostate cancer and make blue ribbons a thing of the past.”
In the first two games of the 2022 high school football season, with his team trailing late in the fourth quarter, the Spain Park senior quarterback directed touchdown drives to give the Jaguars the lead.
“I think he’s a leader,” Vakakes said. “He’s not going to be loud, but the other kids have a lot of faith in him. He’s cool, calm and collected. The kids love him and follow behind him.”Smallwood had to learn a new offense during the offseason with Vakakes’ arrival. “They ran a lot of veer with a flexbone, sort of like Georgia Tech,” Vakakes said. “We put him in the shotgun. I think it fits him well. “He’s smart and knows where to go with the ball and he’s getting bet ter at getting us out of bad plays into better plays. It’s an offense that allows him to show his leadership skills.”Hedid that in the first two games with the game on the line.
Mountain Brook (3-0, 1-0 in region) will host Woodlawn this Friday for homecoming in another region game.
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The Jags visited cross-town rival Hoover last Friday in their Class 7A, Region 3 opener. But because of early deadlines related to Labor Day, the game was played after the Over The Mountain Journal had gone to press. Spain Park visits three-time reign ing Class 7A Thompson in another region game this week. First-year Spain Park head coach Tim Vakakes believes Smallwood’s makeup is the reason he has respond ed so well in late-game situations.
Pressure Cooker
Hardee said Gann has the ability to play at the next level, but Gann is still weighing her options. “It would be amazing to play in college, but honestly, I’m still in the process of making a decision,” Gann said.Gann has been playing volleyball since she was in the fourth grade, and she’s been on the Rebels’ varsity team since she was a freshman. Gann is one of five seniors on the team this season, including setter Kate Kaiser and Elizabeth Jackson, Mackenzie Merrill and Kaylee Rickert, who each play various posi tions.Gann enjoys her senior teammates. “I’ve known just about all of them since I started playing,” Gann said. “It’s amazing to go through all the steps together, including middle school and club, and to finally be seniors. I am definitely super excited about being a senior.”
Vestavia Hills advanced to the Class 7A North Super Regional tour nament last year, and Gann believes they can make another postseason run this fall. think if we can keep progress ing we can make it all the way to the end and get to state,” Gann said. for Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. Thank you for your prompt attention. Call 205-542-6094 window restoration and repair replacement, rot repair Replace broken and fogged glass insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes
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LEGAL NOTICE
Left, Vestavia Hills freshman Millie Burgess in action against Helena last week. Above, Rebels celebrate a score against the Huskies.
The Rebels finished the first two weeks of the season with a 13-4 record, knocking off Pelham and St.
Paul’s in three sets in a tri-match to open the season and then having a strong showing in the Juanita Boddie Tournament in Hoover, going 5-1. “At the Boddie tournament, I was kind of taken aback about how well we were playing,” Gann said. “We were just being in the moment.”
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Joseph’s personal best time in cross-country (5K races) is 15:50. His best in the 1,600 is 4:17 and in the 800 it’s 1:54. He prefers track to cross-country because he believes it’s a truer test of who’s“Cross-countrybetter. is a great sport for building character, but the course –some are flat and some are hilly – and the elements could determine the out come,” Joseph said. “But track shows who’s better because there are no variables.”ForJoseph, there is one constant whether he’s running cross-country or track.“I love the process of building up for a race,” he said, adding that includes sleeping and eating right. “For me, it’s all about mental prepara tion, especially in a cross-country race. You know there’s going to be pain, so you have to keep pushing through the pain when it hits and the only way you can do that is to be mentally prepared.”
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there were only about 12 seconds between 1-5 on the team. This year they will be fun to watch.” Joseph agrees. “We always have a deep team and we’re so close,” Joseph said. “The top guy can bounce around all season because we’re so talented. We’ll be competing against each other and then we’ll be competing for Josephstate.” figures to be in the hunt, something he was wasn’t able to do in the spring as Hoover won the Class 7A outdoor track and field state title. He was still feeling the effects of the flu he had during sec tionals and did not qualify in the 1,600- or 800-meter runs. He did help Hoover finish second in the 4x800 relay, an event it won in the 2022 state outdoor meet en route to the team title. “I’m beyond excited about my senior year,” Joseph said. “I’m ready to redeem myself this fall.” Hoover opened its cross-country season last week in the Warrior 2 Mile Invitational at Thompson. The Bucs will compete in the Chickasaw Trails Invitational on Sept. 10 in Moulton at the Oakville Indian Mounds Park, site of the state meet. ‘He’s Got That It factor.’ Joseph became a runner when he was in the third grade. He was play ing church league basketball when his coach, former Hoover track coach Devon Hind, noticed him and told him he should try track. “He kind of got me out there,” Joseph said. “He apparently saw something in me eight to 10 years before I started running seriously.” Schmidt also sees it. “He’s got that ‘it’ factor,” Schmidt said. “Athletes with that have a huge advantage.“He’sa guy who knows how to prepare himself when he works out and when it’s time for race day, he knows how to turn it on. He’s a gritty kid. With distance runners you have to be smart, and he is.”
The second weekend of the sea son, the Rebels hosted the Vestavia Hills Classic and reached the semifi nals before losing to Jasper. “It was a good tournament for us, but we expected to do a little better,” GannLastsaid.week, the Rebels traveled to Tuscaloosa for a tri-match, defeating host Northridge but losing to Trinity Presbyterian. Later in the week, Vestavia Hills played host to Helena. The Rebels will play their first Class 7A, Area 5 game Sept. 8 at Thompson. Hoover and Tuscaloosa County also are in the area.
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ic and can be effective on the front row and back row. Her height and length help her to create angles and be difficult to defend.
avannah Gann has become a killing machine — on the volleyball court, that is. During the first two weeks of the 2022 season, Vestavia’s 6-foot senior outside hitter racked up 209 kills in 17 matches, an average of more than 12 per match.
“She’s a six-rotation player who gives us so much value, not just with kills, but serving, digging and block ing, too. She fills up the stat sheet, which is critical to our success.” Gann recorded 91 digs in addition to her 209 kills in those 17 games. Gann entered this season regarded as one of the top seniors in the state, so her dominating start isn’t surpris ing. But she’s not trying to be the best player in the state. The team comes first.“I’m trying to be the best I can for our team,” Gann said. “I want to leave it all on the court each game we play.” September ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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The Bucs finished third last year behind Huntsville, which won its fourth consecutive Class 7A title, and St. Paul’s“YouEpiscopal.canseethe potential of my class the last four years to compete for the blue (state championship) trophy, but now it’s time to win it,” Joseph said.Joseph is one of five top runners on the squad. The group also includes seniors Danny Tackett, Matthew Harden and Cannon Peters, and junior Zander“They’reDakis.a good group, a tight group,” Hoover track coach Chris Schmidt said. “Every week a different guy can lead our team. Last year, See 23
Gann is rapidly and well on her way to surpassing the 317 kills she had last year as a junior “Savannah is doing great,” secondyear Vestavia Hills coach Ashley Hardee said. “She’s our best attacker, our go-to player. She’s tall and athlet
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‘BEST ATTACKER’ Gann’s All-Around Play Has Vestavia Volleyball Team Off
Start Savannah Gann has racked up 209 kills in 17 matches, an average of more than 12 per match.
By RuBin E. GRant Elijah Joseph earned All-State honors by finishing seventh in the 2021 Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A state cross-country meet. This fall, Hoover’s senior distance runner has loftier goals in mind, and they’re not just to win the individual title. He wants to help the Bucs win their first boys cross-country team state championship since 2007. “It’s kind of a big deal,” Joseph said. “We haven’t been able to win it for the past 15 years. I’m going to help my team as much as possible to win it.”
Ready to Run Joseph, Bucs Looking to End Hoover’s State Cross-Country Title Drought page can see the potential of my class the last four years to compete for the blue it’strophy,championship)(statebutnowtimetowinit.’ trying to be the best I can for our team. I want to leave it all the we
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