April 3, 2014 by Over the Mountain Journal

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

inside

JOU RNAL otmj.com

ursd ay, April 3, 2014

V ol . 23 #7

Early Bird Event

A Ball for All: Children are welcome at Curtain Call Gala

about town page 4

Parade of Homes Set for First Two Weekends in April

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

See parade, page 42

Blessed Event: LJCC gets ready for first Bark Mitzvah

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

about town page 6

Dressing up the Ranch: Classic home style makes comeback in Logan Design Page 34 Photos special to the Journal

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

hose in the market for a new home will get an earlier look at the latest construction techniques and trends as this year’s Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders Parade of Homes kicks off earlier than last year’s event. The 2014 Parade of Homes has been set for two weekends in April and is expected to attract thousands of visitors eager to explore the best ideas in home design and decor in the area. This year’s event will be April 5-6 and April 12-13 and will give homebuyers and dreamers alike the chance to sample the best ideas in home design and decor in the area, officials said. An annual event since the early 1960s, the Parade of Homes inspires unique design and a high level of craftsmanship, said Matt Morrow, Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders executive vice president. “The Parade gives people the opportunity to tour some of Birmingham’s most elegant and beautiful new homes,” he said. “It’s an

A House Full of Ideas: Parade’s Ideal Home shows off trends, technology Page 38

Walks to Remember: Relays for Life start this month

life page 16

Function Comes First: Builder puts priority on user-friendly houses Page 36

Learning about Leadership: Actress, Author Headline Conference

Park Parade: MOMS group gets in Mardi Gras spirit

life page 17

Photos special to the Journal

Paint Party: Heart 2 HeART Supports Pediatric Cancer Patients Tina Upshaw with her daughter, Perrin, and Academy Award-winning actress Geena Davis at the 2014 Momentum Leadership Conference. More than 700 women and men participated in the event. Page 19

Mary Elizabeth Olvey and her big brother walk the red carpet to the VIP lounge at the fourth annual Heart 2 HeART event which supports pediatric cancer patients and their families. Page 18

Opening Their Hearts: Supporters raise more than $1 million for AHA

Social page 20

Sue Murphy: 50 shades of snowman p. 2 • spring (art) is in the air p. 5 • hazardous waste day set p. 15 • vestavia dinner and diamonds p. 26

2 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

Opinion/Contents

Hamming it up

murphy’s law

Jason Johnson

On otmj.com Look for more photos from the best events in town and keep up with what is happening in your neighborhood online.

Coming April 17

We’ll take you inside the 2014 Decorators’ ShowHouse and talk to the designers about the latest home trends.

in this issue Weddings 30 Business 32 Home 34 Schools 43 Sports 48

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

April 3, 2014

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Keysha Drexel Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Taylor Burgess Vol. 23, No. 7

Fifty Shades of Snowman

See the full story on page 32.

About Town 4 People 10 News 14 Life 16 Social 20

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at ads@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2014 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.

so close!” I protested. And I was. All t’s been…maddening. I started I had left were the snowmen. There a jigsaw puzzle shortly before were three of them, already outlined, Christmas, and I just put the just requiring their snowy innards. The final piece in place last week. At thing that had me flummoxed was that least that’s what I tell myself. each snowman was a slightly different I thought it would be FUN. Can shade of eggshell/ecru/cream. A puzzle you imagine? The picture looked fun piece would physically fit next to one enough--a collection of brightly decoof the red candy buttons, but it wouldn’t rated holiday cookies with frosting and be the right off-white tone. It was horsprinkles and little candy decorations. rible, like when I try to match up all the There were snowflakes and stockings socks in the laundry by gradient stages and gingerbread men, and they were of wear. all arranged on a festive red plate. The I put the pieces in. I took them out. puzzle was circular, as in it had no I adjusted the overhead lamp, but it just corner pieces. If I had been thinking, wasn’t coming together. And the presI would have taken one look at all of Sue Murphy sure was mounting. It would soon be those semi-identical curves and thrown Easter and, even if it was cardboard, the whole mess back in the box. Friends don’t let a giant plate of cookies on the dining But no. I trudged forward, one room table was not going to help me infuriating piece at a time. I could friends wrestle for fight off my gluttonous tendencies have quit anywhere along the jourmonths with multi- during Lent. ney. I know that. But there was White piece in. White piece out. something a bit frightening about hued snowmen. Then, during one last late night puzadmitting defeat to a hunk of cardzling session, I declared it a “no board. It’s a moral/morale mas” endeavor. I crammed the last I started off just fine. The puzzle dilemma. piece into place, switched off the was a hobby, a diversion. I would light and went to bed. Enough. walk through the dining room and I left the close-enough puzzle on stop for a minute to see if I could the table for three more days, and then I did what I knew find homes for a piece or two. I’d look while the teaI’d have to do all along. I took it apart and loaded all of kettle came to a boil. I’d look while the dryer finished the pieces back into the box. its spin. But soon, five minutes became 50 and the once The question is…now what? Let the cardboard clean, fluffy shirts would have to be spun and fluffed all cookie plate jeer at me from the game shelf? I don’t over again. think so. Give the puzzle away? To whom? Friends don’t Having been witness to my obsessions for these many years, my husband Harold tried to intervene. When let friends wrestle for months with multi-hued snowmen. It’s a moral/morale dilemma. things got too quiet, he would holler out, “Are you puzFor now, I have exiled the puzzle to live out its days zling?” And I would hurry away from the table and say, with all of the other monsters…in my closet, but last “No.” Complete denial. night I swore I could hear the beast whispering…You Then one night (morning?) Harold came padding didn’t really finish, you know. bleary-eyed into the dining room at 3 a.m. and found me Somebody make me stop. ❖ hunched over the table in my bathrobe. “But I’m getting

over the Mountain Views

What’s first on your spring cleaning list?

“I have actually already done it--our winter dog beds were horrible.”

“If I were actually home much, it would be yard work.”

Gretchen Sexton Homewood

Charlotte Brammer North Shelby

“I’ve got a rug, a lawn chair and books and invitations I’d forgotten about that need to come out of my car.”

“I’m going to help my boyfriend clean his apartment because he refuses to vacuum.”

Ian Dexter Mountain Brook

Kelli Watkins Homewood

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

About Town

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 3

“WELCOME TO OUR WORLD”

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4 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

A Ball for All

About Town

Children Are Welcome at Curtain Call Gala By Keysha Drexel

of seeing the characters I knew and loved come to life on stage. All children need to experience that.” s a child, Scarlotte In this plugged-in, tech-savvy Deupree Kilgore was world, children need to experimesmerized by watchence live theater more than ever, ing her favorite stories come said Margaret Brooke, a BCT to life on the Birmingham Patrons Board member who’s Children’s Theatre stage. helping with the plans for the And now that she has chilCurtain Call Ball. dren of her own, Kilgore said “Live theater keeps children’s she wants to bring the magic of imaginations going and keeps live theater to all children in the them dreaming big and thinking Birmingham metro area. outside of the narrow view they “I have very, very fond memocan get in video games or from ries of visiting the BCT, and I TV,” she said. want more children in our area Brooke, who lives in Crestline, to be able to have those same said like Kilgore, she has fond kind of memories,” the Mountain memories of visiting BCT as a Brook mother of two said. child. Scarlotte Deupree Kilgore, Curtain Call Ball To that end, Kilgore is head“My father, Felix Drennen, chairman, makes plans for the family-friendly ing up the Curtain Call Ball, a gala with her oldest daughter, Virginia Price was on the BCT board, and we family-friendly gala on April 5 Kilgore. Photo special to the Journal would come to the theater with that will support the Birmingham him all the time,” she said. “We Children’s Theatre’s mission to would go back and try on all the provide underserved children with costumes, and it was such a happy affordable access to live theater. place.” Kilgore is a member of the Brooke said her father’s Birmingham Children’s Theatre support of the arts scene in Patrons Board and is chairman of Birmingham inspired her to do the this year’s fundraising gala. The same thing. former Miss Alabama and Miss “My father had three girls who America first runner-up has been were drama queens and loved involved with the BCT Patrons the arts, and he wanted to supBoard for about two years. port the arts for all children, and “In the past, the fundraising that’s what I want to do, too, as gala had a different name each a member of the Patrons Board,” year that was based on a different she said. theme,” she said. “But from this Brooke got involved with the year forward, we’re going to call the event the Curtain Call Ball.” Margaret Brooke, a member of the Birmingham BCT Patrons Board about a year This is the sixth year the Children Theatre’s Patrons Board, looks through ago because she believes in its mission to expose children to the Patrons Board has hosted a fund- costumes at BCT. arts, she said. raiser gala for BCT. “It seems like the arts proThe Curtain Call Ball will be grams are the first things to be cut held on the BCT’s Main Stage when schools have budget probtheater from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and lems, so we really have to support will feature music, live and silent programs like the BCT that are auctions, gala-inspired food, art trying to bring that enrichment to activities for kids and interacchildren’s lives,” she said. “The tions with costumed characters BCT is a wonderful resource, and from classic children’s plays and we need to take advantage of all stories. that is offered.” The event will culminate with This season, in-house produca performance showcasing BCT tions at the BCT will play to more productions. than 90,000 children in preschool “There’ll be face painting and through the eighth grade, teachers balloon artists, a photo booth, a and parents, said Rebecca Rhodes dance floor and the characters Sibley, development director at will perform every 30 minutes BCT. throughout the evening,” Kilgore The BCT also takes its shows said. All kinds of characters will be on hand for the on the road, reaching nearly The Curtain Call Ball will be Birmingham Children Theatre’s Curtain Call Ball 45,000 additional students each the rare fundraising gala that is this weekend. year and traveling to as many as kid-friendly, Kilgore said. She 40 Alabama counties. have to hire a babysitter,” she said. said she will bring her daughters, “We all value our own experi“It’s really a fun and affordable night 5-year-old Virginia Price and 2-yearences that we’ve had at the BCT, and out for the whole family, and it’s for old Jordan Lee, to the event. we want to give as many children as such a great cause.” “This is one gala where you don’t possible a chance to have that same That great cause, Kilgore said, is kind of experience,” Kilgore said. all about helping more children in “That’s what the Curtain Call Ball is the Birmingham area learn about the Curtain Call Ball all about.” excitement and value of live theater. When: April 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Individual adult tickets for the “I remember coming to the BCT Where: Birmingham Children's Curtain Call Ball are $50, and chilbeing an amazing experience for me Theatre. dren’s tickets are $20. Tickets for a as a child, right from the moment I What: This family-friendly gala family of four are $125. Individual walked in the door,” Kilgore said. will feature music, food and live sponsorships are available for $250“There was the smell of popcornand silent auctions. $1,000. -they sold concessions back then--the For more information, visit For more information, visit www. anticipation of the show, the thrill of www.bct123.org or call 458-8181. bct123.org.❖ the lights going down and the magic

Journal editor

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Save the Date Homewood

Dance for Downs April 3, 7-9 p.m. Samford University The third annual Dance for Downs fundraiser will be from 7-9 p.m. April 3 in the Pete Hanna Gymnasium at Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive in Homewood. The community event brings children and adults with special needs together for a fun night of dancing. Last year’s event drew more than 500. Dance for Downs was founded by Lindy Williamson, a Samford University senior. For more information about Dance for Downs, visit http:// dancefordowns.org. Homewood

Momentum: A Dance Concert April 3-6 Samford University The Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series at Samford University will present “Momentum: A Dance Concert” April 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. and April 6 at 2:30 p.m. in Harrison Theatre, Swearingen Hall. The annual dance concert brings the creative work of dance minors and faculty to the stage. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students and can be purchased online at tickets.samford.edu or by phone at 726-2853. Birmingham

Lenten Lunches April 3-17 Cathedral Church of the Advent The Cathedral Church of the Advent has offered a Lenten Preaching series every weekday during Lent for more than 100 years and will continue the tradition April 3-17. This year’s sermon series will feature preachers from around the country and the world. Lunches will also be served. For more information or to volunteer for the event, call Anne-Marie Brown at 879-8715 or Carla Reich at 601-5002. For tickets, visit www.adventbirmingham.org. Birmingham

Empty Bowls Soup and Bread Lunch April 3, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Bruno Conference Center Magic City Harvest will host the Empty Bowls Soup and Bread Lunch from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on April 3 at the Bruno Conference Center at St. Vincent’s Hospital. For $15, those attending will get a bowl of soup and the chance to sample different breads from area bakeries. They also will be able to select a bowl from more than 800 foodsafe bisque bowls hand painted by local potters, artists, students, churches and ceramic groups. Proceeds will benefit Magic City Harvest, a food recovery program for the greater Birmingham area. For more information, visit www. magiccityharvest.org/emptybowls or call 591-3663. Birmingham

Girlfriend Gala April 3, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Old Car Heaven The Literacy Council of Central Alabama will host its third annual Girlfriend Gala from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on April 3 at Old Car Heaven in Birmingham. The theme for this year’s event is Broadway Babes. Old Car Heaven is at 3501 First Ave. South.

Corporate and individual tables are now available for purchase. Call Beth Wilder or Missy Burchart at 326-1925 for more information and to reserve a seat at the ladies’ night out event. Tickets can be purchased at literacy-council.org. Homewood

Couponing Strategies with Heather Lebischak April 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Homewood Public Library Super couponer Heather Lebischak will go over basic couponing rules and show participants how to put those rules into practice during a free program on April 3 at the Homewood Public Library. The event will be from 6:30-7:30 pm. in the large auditorium. Lebischak will discuss time-saving ways to find, store and organize coupons and how to guarantee the greatest savings through coupon use. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org or call 3326620. Mountain Brook

Jones Is Thirsty Event April 3, 6-7:30 p.m. Oli.O Scott Jones of Jones Is Thirsty will present an olive oil and wine tasting/ pairing session at Oli.O in Mountain Brook from 6-7:30 p.m. on April 3. The event will feature five new Oli.O olive oils, three wines and an assortment of tasty nibbles. Seating is limited to 25 guests. Tickets Scott Jones are $20 and are on sale at Oli.O, 2411 Montevallo Road. For more information, call 802-5756. Vestavia Hills

Bards & Brews Poetry SLAM April 4, 6:30-9 p.m. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest The Birmingham Public Library will bring its popular poetry performance/ beer tasting series to the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest on April 4. The Bards & Brews Poetry SLAM will be from 6:30-9 p.m. Bell’s Brewery will provide beer. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Poetry performances are from 7-9 p.m. The event is free. For more information, visit vestavialibrary.org or call 226-3670. Homewood

Youth Theatre Auditions April 5, 3-6 p.m. Children’s Dance Foundation The Children’s Dance Foundation StageDoor Youth Theatre will hold auditions for the 2014 production of “James and the Giant Peach” from 3-6 p.m. April 3. The auditions will be held at the Children’s Dance Foundation at 1715 27th Court South in Homewood. The CDF is seeking 15-20 actors ages 7 and older, including two adults. For more information, visit www. childrensdancefoundation.org. To sign up for an audition time, call 870-0073. Birmingham

Small Steps to End Childhood Obesity 5K April 5, 8-11 a.m.

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Spring (ARt) is in the air

Artists are getting their work ready for the 33rd annual Spring Art Festival hosted by the Mountain Brook Art Association April 5. From left: Ron Lewis, Brenda Marlar, Katherine Sechrist, Diane Hathcock, Mary Mellen, Lynn Briggs and Janice Piper.

For over 90 years, Levy’s has been Birmingham's Specialist in Antique and Estate Jewelry as well as Fine Diamonds, Art and Antiques.

Photo special to the Journal

Mountain Brook

33rd Annual Spring Art Festival April 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Crestline Field The Mountain Brook Art Association will host the 33rd annual Spring Art Festival at Crestline Field, 32 Vine St., from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 5. Up to 100 local artists Regions Field The Junior League of Birmingham and the Birmingham Barons will hold the Small Steps to End Childhood Obesity 5K for Kids and one-mile fun run at Regions Field in Birmingham on April 5. The race is the culmination of an educational program provided to select Birmingham City schools designed to educate and motivate students to live healthy lifestyles. The fun run is open to children 12 and younger. Parents may walk with their children at no additional cost. Parents, teachers and friends are encouraged to participate. Race day registration is from 8-8:30 a.m. This is a family-friendly event for runners and walkers of all levels and ages. Awards will be given for overall male, overall female and overall team. There will also be age group awards. The event includes a health expo and post-race party. Registration for the 5K is $30, and registration for the fun run is $10. For more information, visit www.jlbonline. com/5kforkids or call 879-9861.

will display original paintings for sale in the outdoor setting in Mountain Brook near Crestline Village. Many of the participating artists are regionally recognized. Artwork will be available in a wide range of sizes and prices. Admission and parking are free. The rain date is April 6 from noon-5 p.m. For more information, visit mountainbrookartassociation.com. ❖ Jackie and Jerry, mascots for the Autism Society of Alabama, will be on hand for the Walk for Autism in Hoover on April 5. Photo special to the Journal

Hoover

Walk for Autism and 5K Race to Solve the Puzzle April 5, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Veterans Park The Autism Society of Alabama will hold the Walk for Autism and 5K Race to

Solve the Puzzle from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on April 5 at Veterans Park in Hoover. The annual event is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers and helps support the Autism Society’s mission and projects. Pre-registration is $30, and race day registration is $35. For more information, visit walkforautismal.com or call 951-1364. Homewood

Ministry Introductory Workshop April 5, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Dawson Memorial Baptist Church Dawson Memorial Baptist Church will

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High Country 5K Saturday, April 5, 8 a.m. Shades Crest Baptist Church The 13th annual High Country 5K Race will be held April 5 at Shades Crest Baptist Church in Hoover. Voted the second best race in Birmingham in 2010, this year’s event will kick off at 8 a.m. at the church, 452 Park Ave. There will be a free kids’ fun run at 9 a.m. The third annual Elementary School Team Challenge for Hoover elementary schools will also be part of the event. Registration is $25 through April 4 and $30 on the day of the race. Participants will get a T-shirt, pre-race pasta dinner on April 4 catered by California Pizza Kitchen and a post-race pancake breakfast during the awards ceremony. Registration is available through www. active.com. Space will be limited. For more information or an application, visit www.facebook.com/ShadesCrestBaptist or shadescrest.org.

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6 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Blessed Event

LJCC Gets Ready for First Bark Mitzvah By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Just like others preparing for the traditional Jewish coming of age observance and celebration, Selly and Sassy Page are getting fitted for new tallits and yarmulkes. But the custom-made prayer shawls and skullcaps are not for a bar mitzvah or a bat mitzvah--they are for the Bark Mitzvah. The Levite Jewish Community Center will host its first Bark Mitzvah April 6 where Caren Page’s Shelties and other animals will be blessed by two rabbis. The Bark Mitzvah will be a part of the LJCC’s spring community outreach event, said Page, the membership, outreach, retention and engagement director. “We have a spring fitness launch and wanted to do an open house event to invite the community in to see all the great things happening at the center, but we didn’t want to call it an open house,” Page said. Page said she and Betzy Lynch, director of the LJCC, brainstormed ways to make the non-open house fun and engaging. And they didn’t have to look very far for inspiration, she said. “I am so lucky in that I get to bring my dogs to work with me every day, and so when we started trying to come up with fun ideas, I suggested that we do something with animals,” Page said. That’s when Lynch came up with the idea of a Bark Mitzvah, an event that’s become increasingly popular among dog owners. “The more we talked about it, the more the event kind of took on a life of its own,” Page said. The Bark Mitzvah ceremony will start at 12:30 p.m., followed by the blessing of the other dogs present. “They’ll be given certificates after they are blessed, and we’ll have a photographer on hand to take pictures of the dogs and their people,” Page said. And like any traditional bar or bat mitzvah, the Bark Mitzvah will be followed by a seudat mitzvah, a celebratory meal following the ceremony. “Yes, we always, always have lots of food after these kinds of things, and the Bark Mitzvah will be no different,” Page said. For tasty treats, Dreamcakes, Doodle’s, Cantina, Saw’s Street Kitchen, Edgewood Creamery, Slice Pizza and Brew and other food vendors will be on hand for the April 6 event, she said. “The Birmingham Fashion Truck will also stop by so you can also get a little shopping in during the Bark Mitzvah,” Page said. The center’s kosher cafe will be open during the event, she said.

Caren Page and her Shelties, Selly and Sassy, are making plans for the April 6 Bark Mitzvah at the Levite Jewish Community Center. Photo special to the Journal

Throughout the day, guests are invited to drop in for one of the fitness classes at the LJCC, including a new program the center is launching. “It’s a hula hoop dancing class, and it’s a fabulous way to exercise,” Page said. “We’ll have some of our instructors doing demonstrations throughout the day, and people will have a chance to jump in and give it a try.” But the people at the Bark Mitzvah aren’t the only ones who can try out a fun exercise class, Page said. “We’ll also have a canine conditioning class where our fitness director will teach you exercises that you can do with your dog,” she said. “That is going to be a whole lot of fun for the people and the dogs.” Those attending the Bark Mitzvah can talk to the veterinarians and professional groomers who will be on-site for the event. The celebration will also have plenty of activities for kids, Page said, including a moon bounce, a camp zone with information on LJCC summer camps and much more. Page said her sister-in-law recently made custom pink and blue satin tallits and yarmulkes for Selly and Sassy to wear at their Bark Mitzvah ceremony. “I guess the first reaction some people might have is to laugh out loud at this idea,” Page said. “But I think it’s going to be a fun day for the dogs and their people, too.” For more information, visit www.bhamjcc.org or call 879-0411. ❖

Save the Date cont. host the Stephen Ministry Introductory Workshop from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 5 at the church, 1114 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. The workshop is designed to help participants strengthen their caring ministries. The cost is $15 per person or $50 for a group of four or more from the same congregation. For more information or to register, call Stephen Ministries at 314-428-2600 or visit www.smore.com/mwyz. Birmingham

Second Annual Paul Meyers Memorial Golf Tournament April 5, 3 p.m. Highland Park Golf Course The second annual Paul Meyers Memorial Golf Tournament will be April 5 at Highland Park Golf Course. All proceeds will benefit the Paul Meyers Foundation’s efforts to support medical mission trips to Haiti. The event will include a band party and silent auction.

Registration opens at 3 p.m. for golfers who will play their first nine holes at 4:30 p.m. Non-golfers can join in the celebration at 6:30 p.m. for barbecue and live music from The Low Down Dirties. Golfers can then hit the glowin-the-dark course for the second nine holes while non-golfers browse silent auction items. After tournament winners are announced, DJ Ron Awesome will take the stage at 10 p.m. and continue the party until midnight. Complimentary drinks will be provided by Good People Brewing Company and Piggly Wiggly, and a cash bar will also be available. Tickets are $150 for golfers and $40 for non-golfers. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.golf4paul.com. Homewood

Fun in the Sun Day April 5, 2-5 p.m. Patriot Park Project Homewood will host Fun

in the Sun Day at Patriot Park in Homewood from 2-5 p.m. April 5. The event will support Project Homewood’s mission to ensure that each child in Homewood has the opportunity to succeed through Homewood City Schools’ after-school Extended Day Program. The event will feature inflatables, carnival games, the Nola Ice Truck, the I Love Bacon food truck and a dunk tank. Those attending will get a chance to dunk some of their favorite EDP leaders. Wristbands are $10, and $1 buys three tries at the dunk tank. For more information, visit www. projecthomewood.org. Vestavia Hills

Garden Club Annual Yard Sale April 5, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Vestavia Hills Methodist Church The Vestavia Hills Garden Club will hold its annual yard sale from 8 a.m.1 p.m. on April 5. The sale will be in

the parking lot of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church at 2061 Kentucky Ave. All proceeds will go toward the upkeep of Sibyl Temple on U.S. 31. The large sale will include household items, furniture, artwork, toys, clothing and much more. Vestavia Hills

Self Defense for Women

April 6, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Vestavia Library in the Forest The Vestavia Hills Police Department will hold a self-defense class for women at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on April 6. Police officers will teach those attending how to defend themselves in case of a physical attack. The program is free. For more information, visit vestavialibrary.org.

homeward bound

Birmingham

Organizers are getting ready for the 2014 First Light Gala Remix on April 5. Event co-chairmen Melissa Brisendine, left, and Darri Scott, right, are holding suitcases designed by First Light guests which will be part of the auction at the gala. Photo special to the Journal

First Light Gala Remix April 5, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Old Car Heaven First Light Shelter will host the 2014 First Light Gala Remix at Old Car Heaven from 6:30-9:30 p.m. April 5. The theme, “Homeward Bound: Support the Journey,” celebrates the women and children who find their way home through the efforts of shelter supporters. The gala will feature music by Downright, cocktails, dining, dancing and a silent auction. There will be plenty of parking with valet service available. Old Car Heaven is at 3501 First Ave. South, Birmingham. Tickets are $150 per person or $300 per couple. A reserved table for four is $750, and a reserved table for six is $1,125. To make reservations, visit www.firstlightshelter.org. For sponsorship information, contact Lani Powell at lani.powell@firstlightshelter.org or 323-4277. ❖

statuary • furniture • urns • planters

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furniture • urns • planters • fountains

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2713 19th Street South • Homewood 205-870-1236

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 7

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Hours: 10:00 - 5:00 • Tue. - Sat. UPS/Gift Wrap

Homewood

2014 Walk MS: Birmingham April 5, 7:30 a.m. Homewood Central Park The Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold the 2014 Walk MS: Birmingham event at Homewood Central Park on April 5. The annual fundraiser helps support programs and services for the more than 6,300 families affected by MS in Alabama and Mississippi. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. The walk starts at 9:30 a.m. There is no registration fee,

but walkers are encouraged to set a personal fundraising goal of at least $100. After the walk, the celebration will continue at the park with food, live entertainment, awards and children’s activities. For more information or to register, visit www.walkMS.org or call 800-344-4867. Hoover

Whispers from the Past: A Native American Experience April 6, 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Aldridge Gardens

Rediscover the culture and contributions of native Alabamians at Whispers from the Past: A Native American Experience at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover on April 6. Visitors to the gardens can watch demonstrations on flint-knapping, cooking, making hunting weapons, leaf pounding, beading, corn grinding, gourd painting and more. There will also be children’s games and activities. Admission is $5 for visitors 18 and older. School-age children can purchase a $3 ticket to participate in take-home craft activities.

8 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

find fun and food at fifth funky fish Fry

Organizers are gearing up for the April 5 Funky Fish Fry to benefit autism awareness and research. Back, from left: Laney Naramore, Wade Armstrong, Trey Fulmer and Sara Croft: Front: LaToya Flint and Anna Ellis. Photo special to the Journal

Birmingham

Funky Fish Fry April 5, 12:30-8 p.m. Trim Tab Brewing Company The Autism Society of Alabama Junior Board and the Mitchell’s Place Junior Council will present the fifth annual Funky Fish Fry from 12:30-8 p.m. on April 5 at Trim Tab Brewing Company, 2721 Fifth Ave. South, Birmingham. The event will benefit the Autism Society of Alabama and The event will run from 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at 3530 Lorna Road. For more information, visit aldridgegardens.com or call 682-8019. Homewood

Juried Flower Show April 7, 3-5 p.m. Rosewood Hall The Little Garden Club of Birmingham will host a juried art show April 7 in Homewood as part of the regional

Mitchell’s Place. The event will feature fried catfish, a kids’ area, chances to win prizes and beer from Trim Tab. There will also be live music from Cousin Boogie, Zarinah and the Zaratans, Live Wire, and Eric Watters from Caddle and Suburban Love Junkies will play an acoustic set. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Children 12 and under get in free. For more information, visit www.funkyfishfry.com/index.php or contact Anna Ellis at agellis89@gmail.com. ❖

business meeting and conference of the Garden Club of America. The flower show will be open to the public from 3-5 p.m. at Rosewood Hall on the main floor of Homewood City Hall. The event will feature entries in the categories of floral arrangement, horticulture and photography. There will also be a conservation exhibit. From April 7-9, the club will host the Ribbons of Green meeting. For more information, email to zoneviimeeting2014@gmail.com.

April in Talladega April 11-12 2014

Historic Tour of Homes

Friday & Saturday - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tickets: $20 for Adults; $10 for Students and 12 and under

Call (256) 362-9075 for more information

Other Events For The Weekend Include: • Wine & Cheese Reception, Heritage Hall Museum Friday 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - $5.00 Donation at the door • Ghosts of Talladega, Oak Hill Cemetery Tour Friday only at 5:00 & 5:15 pm - $5.00 at the Cemetery • Taste of Talladega Luncheon, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Friday & Saturday at 11:30 am - Tickets $15.00 • Cooking Demonstration by Garfrerick’s Cafe of Oxford Saturday only at 10:30 am • Dogwood, 404 East South Street - Tickets $7.50 LImited Seating • Tea for Callie’s Kids Sunday, April 13 at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm Eastaboga Road - Tickets $15.00 Plus Many More Free Events Including: Talladega Public LIbrary - Talking Tent • Heritage Hall - Perry Austin and Folk Art Festival • Townsend’s Warehouse - Antique Show • A.J. Powers Memorial Lodge “April on the Square” Block Party (Saturday PM only) www.talladegachamber.com www.facebook.com/aprilintalladega

John Manion, the curator of the Kaul Wildflower Garden at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is getting plants ready for the annual Spring Plant Sale April 10-13. Photo special to the Journal

Birmingham

Spring Plant Sale April 10-13 Century Plaza The Birmingham Botanical Gardens will hold the 2014 Spring Plant Sale April 10-13. More than 100,000 plants will be available at The Gardens’ largest annual sale at the former JC Penney store at Century Plaza. The membersonly sale will be April 10, and the sale will be open to the public April 11-13. The sale will run from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on April 11 and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 12-13. Proceeds will benefit educational programs at The Gardens. For inventory lists of plants that will be available at the sale or for more information, visit www. bbgardens.org/springplantsale. Vestavia Hills

Rollin’ in the Hay Concert April 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest The Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest will kick off the new season of its Outdoor Concert Series by hosting a performance by Rollin’ in the Hay on April 11. The high-octane musical veterans will perform at the library from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, visit vestavialibrary.org or call 978-4678.

Birmingham

Ovation April 11-12 Dorothy Jemison Day Theater The Alabama Ballet will present Ovation on April 11-12 at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater at 800 19th St. in Birmingham. The mixed repertory performance features one of the most celebrated excerpts in classic ballet, The Kingdom of Shades from “La Bayadere.” Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on April 11 and at 2:30 on April 12. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit www. alabamaballet.org or call 975-2787.

April 12 to find contestants for an upcoming season. The show’s “at home” winner from season 14, Hoover’s Gina McDonald, will be on hand for the casting call from 10 a.m.6 p.m. at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, 2150 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham. Candidates must be at least 18 and should bring a non-returnable photo of themselves. Candidates cannot line up any earlier than three hours before the start of the open call. For more information, visit www.thebiggestlosercasting.com.

Birmingham

Fashion Meets Faith April 11, 7 p.m. Briarwood Presbyterian Church Briarwood Presbyterian Church will present Fashion Meets Faith at 7 p.m. April 11 in the church’s fellowship hall. Fashionista Shari Braendel will give women and girls of all ages fashion tips to help them look and feel their best. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door or online at briarwood.org/ women. Briarwood Presbyterian is at Interstate 459 and Acton Road. For more information on Braendel, visit www.sharibraendel.com. Talladega

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 9

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Anna Kate is one of the 2014 Ambassadors of Easter Seals of Birmingham’s Walk With Me event. Photo special to the Journal

Hoover April in Talladega April 11-12 Walk With Me Talladega April 12, 8 a.m. The Talladega Pilgrimage Council Veterans Park will present its 33rd tour of homes April Easter Seals of Birmingham will 11-12. The tour will feature the homes present Walk With Me on April 12 at of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Hill, Dr. and Mrs. Veterans Park in Hoover. The event Zack Dollar, Mrs. Nelson G. Conover will include face painting, moonwalks, and the Manley Manor, owned by cotton candy, popcorn and more. All Salome Manley. The Talladega Masonic proceeds will help a local pediatric Lodge is also on the tour. The event will clinic. Registration is from 6:30-7:45 include a tour of Oak Hill Cemetery at a.m. on April 12. The 5K starts at 8 5 p.m. April 11 followed by a wine and a.m. The one-mile Family Fun Walk cheese reception at 6:30 p.m. There will starts at 9 a.m. Sponsorships are also be an art show at Heritage Hall. available. Individual and corporate team Events on April 12 include a cooking participants are welcome. For more demonstration at 10:30 a.m., an arts information or to register a corporate and crafts show from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and team, visit www.eastersealsbham.org the family-friendly April on the Square or www.walkwithme.org/birmingham or events from 1-3 p.m. For tickets or more contact Allison Nichols at anichols@ information, visit talladegachamber.com eastersealsbham.org or 314-2187. NYTimes Best Selling Author, Thomas Moore or aprilintalladega.org or call 256-362North Shelby Will be speaking in Birmingham on his newest 9075. Double Oak Book – A Religion of One’s Own onDuathlon Friday night Birmingham April 12, 8 a.m. and SaturdayOak Morning 3rd “The BiggestMay Loser”2nd Contestant Mountain May State Park Search with Gina McDonald Magic willat present the Double Full info and ticketsTeam available April 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oak Duathlon on April 12 at 8 a.m. at www.spafer.org Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Oak Mountain State Park. The distances Casting directors from NBC’s “The covered in the run and bike courses Biggest Loser” will be in Birmingham are challenging but not extraordinarily

difficult, according to event organizers. The bike course will take participants through a few rolling hills at the park. There will also be a Powerkids Duathlon. Registration fees range from $25-$158. For more information, visit www.team-magic.com.

of Beer basket from World Market. Door prizes will also be given away. For more

information, visit magiccitychoralsociety. org. ❖

Birmingham

Girls Inc. Cajun Chili Cook-off April 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Linn Park Girls Inc. of Central Alabama will host the Cajun Chili Cook-off from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 12 at Linn Park in downtown Birmingham. The event will feature a Cajun cooking competition and live music. Those attending can sample gumbo, étouffée, jambalaya, red beans and rice and more. The event will also feature children’s activities, including face painting, henna tattoos and a balloon artist. The event raises money for Girls Inc. programs in central Alabama. Tickets are $25 in advance for adults or $30 on the day of the event. Tickets for children 10 and younger are $10. For more information, visit www. bhamcajuncookoff.com. Birmingham

Fourth Annual Masquerade April 12, 7-11 p.m. Magic City Choral Society The fourth annual Masquerade benefiting the Magic City Choral Society will be April 12 from 7-11 p.m. at 2212 Second Ave. North, Birmingham. Valet parking will be available. The event will include food, entertainment, dancing and an open bar with beer, wine and a Cathead vodka signature cocktail. A live auction will feature trip packages, a Tonya Jones Day of Indulgence, a Ross Bridge Salon spa package and a World

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10 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

people

From Corn to Collard Greens Brys Stephens’ New Cookbook Spotlights Southern Staples

By Donna Cornelius

He helped found Cookthink.com, a food and cooking website, and wrote articles for publications including Bon Appetit, Garden and Gun, Charleston City Paper and Charleston Magazine. “I did consulting work for other cookbooks, and with Cookthink, I worked to verify recipes and put them on the site,” he said. Creating his own cookbook was a lengthy process, he said. “It took me a couple of years to put the book together and get a book deal,” he said. Stephens also did all the photogra-

ple, the first recipe is basic and really allows you to taste the ingredients. Journal feature writer You go from easier to more complicated,” he said. rys Stephens knows how But the more adventurous cook to tell a story--on a plate won’t be disappointed by Stephens’ and on the pages of his new recipes. In the peanut chapter, he adds cookbook. The 41-year-old Birmingham the humble legume to a chicken and native is the author of “The New vegetable stew. And butterbeans are Southern Table,” which devotes each unexpectedly used in bruschetta with of its 13 chapters to a classic Southern parmesan and basil. ingredient. From okra to watermelon, He often gives suggestions for the foods on which he focuses made ingredient substitutions. In the introfrequent appearances on his childhood duction to his recipe for Bowtie Pasta dinner tables. with Guanciale, Yellow Squash and But Stephens, a food writPinto Beans, he tells the reader and consultant who now er that bacon or pancetta can lives on Sullivan’s Island near be substitute for guanciale, Charleston, S.C., has come up which is cured pork jowl. with fresh, creative ways to “I can eat that dish several cook these usual suspects. His times a week,” he said. world travels expanded his Stephens said that as a culinary boundaries—and he child, he wasn’t a picky eater. shares those adventures in his “I’ve always been a vegcookbook. etable eater,” he said. “But “I grew up seeing soul I will say that the rice I had food being cooked in my growing up wasn’t very grandmother’s house,” he inspiring.” said. He fixes that problem But a family trip to France in his rice chapter, which when Stephens was a teenincludes recipes like Chard, ager opened his eyes—and Walnut and Gorgonzola his palate. Risotto and Forbidden “As we traveled all over Coconut Rice with Mango. Provence, I saw fresh rabbits, Choosing which ingredigame birds and cured sausagents to focus on in his cookes hanging from the rafters of book was sometimes a tough butcher shops,” he writes in call, Stephens said. the cookbook’s introduction. “I included figs, but you “Fromagiers offered eggs could make an argument that and potent, farmy cheeses, muscadines are more tradiand bakers displayed fragrant tional in the South,” he said. fresh-baked baguettes and “And I considered the tomato, pastries.” too, but I had only so much Birmingham native Brys Stephens, above, whips up a Stephens later lived and space.” recipe from his cookbook, “The New Southern Table.” worked in France and travWhile many of the recipes The cookbook is available for purchase at several Over eled to places like Northern the Mountain retailers and online. Photo special to the Journal in “The New Southern Table” Africa, South America and were inspired by his visits to Southeast Asia, allowing exotic destinations, some have their him to see and taste the way familiar roots closer to home. Southern foods are used in other cul“The Collard and Feta Pie was a tures. The more than 100 recipes in tribute to all the Greek restaurants his cookbook combine homegrown in Birmingham,” he said. “And the ingredients with Asian, French, lamb stuffed in collard greens rather Mediterranean and Latin influences. than cabbage leaves is another of my After graduating from Mountain favorites.” Brook High School, Stephens studStephens said the current food ied English at Washington and Lee scene in Birmingham is much University in Lexington, Va. He then changed from years past. worked in marketing at an English“In the 1950s, you had TV dinners language city magazine in Paris and and those congealed salads,” he said, studied at the Cornell University phophy for his book. smiling. “After World War II, it’s like tography program in Rome. “I’d cook something, put it on a we left farming behind. We didn’t go He returned to the United States in plate, shoot it—and usually eat it,” he to farmers markets in Birmingham— 1997 and worked as an apprentice at said, smiling. they were forgotten.” Birmingham’s Hot and Hot Fish Club Stephens was in Birmingham last Chefs like Frank Stitt of Highlands with James Beard award-winning month to promote his book. Alabama Bar and Grill helped change that, Chef Chris Hastings. Booksmith hosted a book signing, Stephens said. “I waited tables and worked in the and friends and family members “Frank Stitt and his disciples kitchen,” Stephens said. “I’d spend gathered at a party in his honor. His caused a sea change,” he said. “Now, like an hour pulling thyme off stems publicity tour was set to include stops you can get a taste of Provence in or cutting basil. I worked with their in Washington, D.C., New York, downtown Birmingham.” catering group in people’s homes. Virginia and Florida. After earning a law degree and “I’ll be participating in the “The New Southern Table” is pubMBA from Wake Forest University, Charleston Wine and Food Festival, lished by Fair Winds Press. It’s availStephens practiced law for a couple of too,” he said. able in Birmingham at Table Matters years, he said. Stephens said he tried to make the But his love of food—cookrecipes in his book ones that the home and Alabama Booksmith. It’s also sold ing it and writing about it—proved on the Amazon and Barnes and Noble cook could interpret. more appealing than the legal field. “With the okra chapter, for examwebsites. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

People Notes Hoover Resident Earns Girl Scout Gold Award A Hoover resident recently earned the highest award in Girl Scouts. Victoria Pinkerton, a Hoover High School graduate and Mississippi State University freshman, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. To earn the Gold Award, Girl Scouts must demonstrate excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours. Pinkerton won the award for her project called Hymns for the Heart. The project provided music therapy for the residents at South Haven Nursing Home on Old Columbiana Road in Hoover. Pinkerton Victoria Pinkerton played the piano and performed several hymns, made CDs of the music and gave each resident a copy. Pinkerton said she hopes when the residents are lonely and bored, they can keep their minds active by listening to the CDs. She said she discovered a stronger sense of self through the project and is now considering a career in music therapy. “I think my leadership skills will grow drastically from this project,” Pinkerton said. “I learned how to assess the problem, plan accordingly and take initiative to complete necessary steps.” Girl Scouts who earn the Gold Award are recognized by the President, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Armed Services and the American Legion. Some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Thomas Earns Eagle Rank A member of Troop 63 at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook recently earned the highest rank in Boy Scouts. Kirk Thomas was recognized for achieving the Eagle Scout rank at a Court of Honor ceremony at the church. Thomas started as a Tiger Cub in Kirk Thomas Pack 23 at the church and earned the God and Me Award and the Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouting. Since crossing over to Boy Scouts with Troop 63, Thomas has earned 35 merit bases, the God and Country Award and the World Conservation Badge. He also spent 60 nights camping and was elected by his fellow scouts to the Order of the Arrow. Thomas completed his OA ordeal at Camp Jackson. He has served as patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and junior

assistant scoutmaster. Thomas attended the Northern Tier High Adventure Program in Minnesota and Canada, where he hiked and canoed more than 125 miles. For his Eagle Scout service project, Thomas designed and constructed 17 sets of bunk beds for Avondale Samaritan Place. The center will house mission groups doing service work in Avondale and the surrounding communities. He raised money for the project and coordinated volunteer efforts. A junior at Mountain Brook High School, Thomas plays lacrosse and is an active member of Canterbury’s youth group. He is the son of Michael and Ellen Thomas of Mountain Brook and the grandson of Frances Ferrell and L.S. and Sarah Thomas.

Cub Scout Pack 397 Hosts Pinewood Derby Cub Scout Pack 397 recently held its annual Pinewood Derby at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood. The overall pack race winners were Henry Housman, first; Quade Beasley, second, and Sam Housman, third. There were five divisions in the derby with 61 cars.

Henry and Sam Housman of Cub Scout Pack 397. Photo special to the Journal In the first-grade division, the winners were Will Brooks, Garner Johnson and Santi Pozzo. In the second-grade competition, the winners were Hatcher Estep, Gray Newman and Kendrick McMillan. Sam Housman, Quade Beasley and Eddie Abel won in the third-grade division. For fourth grade, winners were Daniel Boackle, Walker Mitchell and Will Abel. In the fifth-grade division, winners were Henry Housman, Andrew Droste and Gage Estep. Henry Housman, Sam Housman and Quade Beasley will represent Pack 397 in the districtwide race later this year.

OTM Residents Studying Abroad This Semester Two Over the Mountain residents are studying abroad this semester as part of their studies at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. Carolyn Ann Harvey, a member of the Wofford College class of 2015, is studying in Nantes, France. Lelia Elizabeth Smith, also a member of the Wofford College class of 2015, is studying in Rome. Both Wofford College students are from Mountain Brook.

Nance Wins Professional of the Year Award A Hoover resident and superintendent of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department was recently honored with the highest award given by the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association. Dee Nance received the Jim Spain Professional of the Year Award in February. The statewide award is named after Jim Spain, who was director of the Florence Parks and Recreation Department for 34 years. Dee Nance He served as president of the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association in 1955-56. Nance received the award for her more than 20 years of service to Hoover. She established the EXPLORE program for individuals with mental and physical disabilities and has initiated other programs designed and supervised by certified therapeutic recreation specialists. Through the years, Nance has implemented several programs for children and adults. She has been in charge of the summer day camp program and hosts events ranging from Free Friday Night Flicks to the city’s annual WOOFstock event for dogs. Nance’s co-workers said she strives for excellence in both her professional and personal life. “She spends Sundays serving in a local soup kitchen, has dedicated time to Habitat for Humanity and is a member of the Hoover Civitan Club,” Taylor Reece said. “She inspires me to put others above myself and to be diligent about work.” Dana Stewart said she has been working with Nance for more than 20 years. “The one thing that will always remain true about Dee (is that) you know where you stand with her,” Stewart said. “Her strong spirit is not a spirit that gives up, and because of that tenacity, she has been able to undertake numerous endeavors.”

Westmoreland Elected Board Chairman The president of Samford University has been elected chairman of the board of trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Andrew Westmoreland will serve during 2014. He was elected at the SACSCOC annual meeting Dec. 9-10 in Atlanta. SACSCOC is the regional body in 11 Southern states for the accreditation of degreegranting higher education institutions that award Andrew associate, Westmoreland baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees. The organization serves Alabama, Florida,

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 11

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia as well as Latin America and other international sites approved by the Commission on Colleges. There currently are 802 institutions accredited by SACSCOC. Samford has been accredited by SACSCOC since 1920, and accreditation most recently was reaffirmed in 2007. Samford’s next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2017. “Dr. Westmoreland’s election to this prestigious post is affirmation both of his leadership in higher education circles and of the stature that Samford University has among its

peers,” said William J. Stevens, chief executive officer of Motion Industries in Birmingham and chairman of Samford’s board of trustees. “He is an outstanding administrator and will be able to use his strong leadership skills to enhance the important work of our regional accreditation organization.” Westmoreland has been Samford’s president since 2006 and is the second Samford president to serve as SACSCOC chairman. His predecessor, the late Thomas E. Corts, served from 1992-94. Westmoreland has led the most comprehensive fundraising campaign in Samford history. As of Nov. 30, more than $183 million in gifts and pledges

had been received toward a $200 million goal. The campaign is set to end in December 2014 but already is the largest fundraising campaign in university history. Samford also has experienced record enrollments for four consecutive years.

Vestavia Resident Named Samford Ambassador A Vestavia Hills resident has been named a new Samford University Ambassador for the 2014-15 academic year. Mary Leslie Prater will serve as a host at campus events, interact with university constituents and represent

Samford in a variety of settings in her role as a university ambassador. Prater is a business management/ social entrepreneurship major. The 31-member Ambassador team works closely with the Samford President’s Office and the Office of University Advancement. New ambassadors are chosen each spring on the basis of grades, leadership skills, public speaking ability, enthusiasm for Samford, personality and other qualities.

Send people news and photos to: kdrexel@otmj.com

Knowledge is the world’s greatest security blanket.

Every child born at UAB is wrapped in a blanket of knowledge big enough to cover the expected and the unexpected. And when you’re only 6 lbs or so, and new to this whole life thing, that carries a lot of weight.

Learn more at uabmedicine.org/women | 800.822.8816

12 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

Mayfair Medical group welcomes

Dr. Christina Fettig

and Dr. Gretel Russell

People

Thomas Earns Eagle Scout Rank with Troop 63 Adam Anthony Thomas, a member of Boy Scout Troop 63, was honored Jan. 12 for achieving the highest rank in Boy Scouts at a Court of Honor ceremony at the Scout Building at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook. Troop 63 is under the direction of Scoutmaster Adam Anthony Harold Wells. Thomas Thomas has been a member of Troop 63 since 2010. As a Cub Scout, Thomas earned the Arrow of Light Award. As a member of Troop 63, he has earned 24 merit badges and spent 44 nights camping. He is also a member of the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Scout project, Thomas built an arbor and picnic tables for the Eco Garden at the Birmingham Zoo. He is the son of Susanne and Jeff Thomas of Mountain Brook.

Hoover Resident Wins Game Design Award

Now offering information sessions for parents the 1st Thursday of each month

· Meet the doctors · Tour the practice · Ask questions about important child health issues

Call (205) 870-1273 to reserve your place

A Hoover resident attending the University of Montevallo has distinguished herself in the arena of game design. Amy George’s game design was chosen as a Best Entry in the Game Design Challenge by GameCareerGuide.com, a nationally recognized website for game design. The challenge was to design a game that uses an everyday household object for input that would detect touch, movement and position. George created Atacama, a survival game in which the Amy George player tracks characters through a desert while battling reptilian humanoids. The controller used to play the game is an ordinary water gun. This was not George’s first time to earn recognition from the website. Last year, she also had a winning entry in the Game Design Challenge.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

scoutmaster. He was elected to the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national honor society, by his peers. Vianey has also participated in two high adventure camps at Northern Tier and Sea Base. A junior at Vestavia Hills High School, Vianey is active Chad Vianey in the Habitat for Humanity Club and the Boys’ Honor Choir. He is also a member of Brookwood Baptist Church, where he has participated in several local and regional mission projects.

Tully Achieves Eagle Scout Rank with Troop 86 John Austin Tully earned the highest rank in Boy Scouts as a member of Troop 86 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church under the leadership of David Millhouse. For his Eagle Scout project, Tully led a book drive and built bookshelves for PreSchool Partners, a nonprofit John Austin Tulley organization that provides quality preschool education to at-risk children and job skills training to their parents. Tully’s family members and friends helped fund the project. Tully is a student at Mountain Brook High School, where he has been a member of the baseball team, chamber choir and Ambassadors Club. He is president of A Bunch of Guys, an allmale a cappella singing group. He is the son of Amy and Scott Tully. His grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. Albert J. Tully of Mountain Brook and Dr. and Mrs. John A. Heetderks of Atlanta.

Several OTM Residents Recognized at Elite Night Several Over the Mountain residents were among the 37 University of

(205) 870-1273

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Crowe Earns Eagle Scout Rank with Troop 63 Carson Crowe was recognized for achieving the Eagle Scout rank at a Court of Honor ceremony. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 63. As part of his requirements to reach the Eagle Scout rank, Crowe earned 35 merit badges; 11 were required and the others were electives. During his time in Scouts, Crowe has served in several leadership positions, including patrol leader, patrol quartermaster, historian, librarian and scribe. He also received the Order of the Arrow Award Carson Crowe for the honor society of Scouts. For his Eagle project, Crowe planned and built a wooden deck with benches for the residents at St. Martin’s in the Pines. The deck lets residents comfortably enjoy the outdoors and the facility’s raised gardens. Crowe is the son of Derrill and Cameron Crowe. The Mountain Brook High School senior joined Boy Scouts in the spring of his fifth-grade year.

Copeland Scott of Hoover, center, was a page for Rep. Paul DeMarco, right, in February. Copeland’s mother, Christy Bosworth is also pictured.

Vianey Earns Eagle Scout Rank with Troop 76 Chad Vianey, the son of Charles and Janie Vianey of Vestavia Hills, recently earned the Eagle Scout award. He was recognized during a ceremony at the Charles T. Clayton Scout Service Center. Vianey is a member of Troop 76 sponsored by Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church. Chris Morhard is the Scoutmaster. In addition to earning 21 merit badges, Vianey served in several leadership roles in the troop, including quartermaster and patrol leader. He is currently the troop’s junior assistant

Montevallo students recently recognized as “the best and the brightest” at UM’s Elite Night. Elite Night recognizes the top senior student in each major at UM. The distinction of Senior Elite is the highest honor bestowed by an academic department at UM. The faculty in each major selects its Senior Elite in recognition of exceptional leadership and outstanding academic achievement. From the College of Arts and Sciences, Sarah Butler of Vestavia was named Senior Elite in foreign languages-Spanish, and Rebecca Cleveland of Hoover received honors in communication science and disorders. From the College of Education, Jillian Fancher of Hoover received honors in retail merchandising. From the College of Fine Arts, Kaitlee Daw of Hoover received honors in communication studies, and Robert Embry of Vestavia Hills was honored in mass communication.

Photo special to the Journal

Hoover Resident Serves as Page at State House A Hoover resident recently served as a page in the state House of

Representatives. Copeland Scott, a seventh-grader at Simmons Middle School, was a page for Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, Feb. 4-6.

century American and Irish literature with emphasis on writers from the American South. He has written three books, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strange Kin: Ireland and the American South,â&#x20AC;? which won the Landry Award for the best book in Southern studies from LSU Press. He has also published essays in journals includingÂ The Southern Review, The Kenyon Review andÂ World Literature Today. His recent work, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kirwan Street, In Memoryâ&#x20AC;? was named a notable in The Best American Essays 2013. In the essay, Quinlan writes about growing up on Kirwan Street, a modest community situated between a convent and an asylum in Dublin, Ireland. Later, under the influence of the American monk Thomas Merton, Quinlan entered a Trappist monastery to live a life of silence. Quinlan, who earned a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from Oxford University and a doctorate degree from Vanderbilt University, is working on a book about the late Irish poet Seamus Heaney. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dr. Quinlan epitomizes the highest standards of scholarly achievement,â&#x20AC;? said associate professor of English Alison Chapman, who nominated him for the honor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The unusual conjunction about Dr. Quinlan--Irish born and educated on the one hand, Southern scholar on the other--has fueled his remarkable success as a writer.â&#x20AC;? â?&#x2013;

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Kieran Quinland was recently honored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Arts and Sciences for his contributions to the university and the community. Quinland, of Hoover, a professor at UAB, has been named the winner of the 2014 Caroline P. and Charles W. Ireland Prize for Scholarly Distinction. The award is given to Kieran Quinland a full-time faculty member for professional and academic achievements and contributions to the university and local community. The prize, made possible by the Caroline P. and Charles W. Ireland Endowment for Scholarly Distinction, comes with $5,000 and a Steuben crystal engraved award. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m both very surprised and very happy to receive the Ireland Award and to find myself among a group of earlier winners whose accomplishments have inspired me to aim higher,â&#x20AC;? Quinlan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Above all, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pleased to have contributed to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the music of what happensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at UAB.â&#x20AC;? Quinlan is an acclaimed writer and scholar whose specialty is in 20th

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u Homewood

City’s Credit Rating Improves By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

The city of Homewood got a bump up in its credit rating by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service. The city moved from AA to AA+, according to the rating service. The rating service grades the city’s general obligation warrants, with a higher rating carrying a more favorable rate in the financial market. AAA is the highest rating, and D is the lowest. “With a credit rating like that, when you do borrow money, you get it at a much better rate,” Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer said. “The last bond issue we had for the parks and recreation center, that $16.5 million was sold in about three hours. So you have investors out there chomping at the bit waiting for them (our warrants) to be released.” Mayor Scott Standard & McBrayer Poor’s considers Homewood’s finances as “stable.” “The stable outlook reflects Standard & Poor’s opinion of Homewood’s consistent financial performance, supported by, what Standard & Poor’s considers, good

financial management practices and its strong economy,” the report states. “We do not expect to change the rating within the next two years because we believe that Homewood’s budgetary flexibility will likely remain very strong and that city residents will likely continue to participate in the broad and diverse Birmingham MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area).” However, the report also states that the rating could be lowered “if Homewood’s budgetary performance, economic indicators or debt and contingent liability profile were to deteriorate.” McBrayer said the upgraded rating means Homewood has made significant progress in correcting financial accounting problems within City Hall. Shortly after McBrayer became mayor five years ago, he and council members called for an independent audit of city finances. The audit revealed 51 areas of financial mismanagement. The council and mayor worked to put financial policies in place to ensure greater financial accountability in city government. “The first audit found 51 counts of not good accounting practices,” McBrayer said. “We’ve got that down to two, and we’ve got our credit rating up. We’ve averaged $1 million in surplus a year over the last five years and over $11 million in a rainy-day fund. I think we’re going in the direction we need to financially.” ❖

u Vestavia Hills

Council Agrees to Sell City Hall Property to Fast Food Restaurant The Vestavia Hills City Hall is going to the chickens. Sort of. The Vestavia Hills City Council recently agreed to sell the current city hall property on Montgomery Highway to Chick-fil-A. The fast food restaurant plans to open a location at the city hall site once the new Vestavia Hills City Hall is built. The city’s agreement with Chickfil-A means Vestavia Hills can continue operations at the current city hall until the new 57,000-square-foot city hall is completed. The new city hall is expected to be finished by August 2015. The city is building the new city hall complex at the site of the

former Food World and Joe’s Ranch House. Vestavia Hills paid $1.15 million for the Food World site and $825,000 for the Joe’s Ranch House property. Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes said Chick-fil-A has agreed to pay $1.5 million for the current city hall property. The current city hall at 513 Montgomery Highway was built in the 1950s. It wasn’t initially designed as a municipal building. It currently doesn’t meet the needs of the police or fire administration, city officials say. The current city hall has about 35,000 square feet. ❖

Red Mountain Park Honored by Parks Alliance

is extremely exciting for us,” said David Dionne, the park’s executive director. “Our goal here is to build the park in the community while building the community into the park.” Red Mountain Park is built on a mountain that was the main source of iron ore for Birmingham’s iron and steel industry. In 2005, U.S. Steel sold 1,200 acres to the Freshwater Land Trust for less than half its value and contributed $1 million in seed money to develop a public park on the site. ❖

In recognition of its unique approach to partnerships and fundraising, Red Mountain Park has been named one of 12 Frontline Parks, a nationwide contest sponsored each year by City Parks Alliance. The park was selected through a peer review process from a field of more than 40 entries across the country. “Being named a Frontline Park

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u mountain brook

CVS/Pharmacy Parking Plan Approved by Council By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

Plans are moving forward to not only bring a new CVS/ Pharmacy to Mountain Brook but a new Piggly Wiggly, too. The Mountain Brook City Council recently approved a shared parking agreement with the landowners of the former Piggly Wiggly site at 93 Euclid Ave. CVS/Pharmacy plans to build a new store in the site Piggly Wiggly vacated last year. CVS/Pharmacy’s proposal includes eliminating 11 current parking spaces to accommodate a drive-thru pharmacy service and removing two additional current parking spaces to comply with ADA regulations. The landowners, Scott and Scott, and the city had to determine how many parking spaces would be needed for the proposed CVS/Pharmacy to

satisfy the city’s zoning code. Dana Hazen, Mountain Brook’s city planner, said the development would need five parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet. “We have worked with them and have confirmed they have the adequate number of parking spaces around the development to meet their parking needs,” City Manager Sam Gaston said. The developers of the CVS/ Pharmacy have an idea of how much parking they need but still must submit their plans to the city, officials say. CVS/Pharmacy plans to be open by the end of the year or early spring in 2015, Gaston said. The store’s move to the old Piggly Wiggly store could mean a new Piggly Wiggly in Mountain Brook. Robert Jolly, president of Retail Specialists, recently presented to the council preliminary plans to build a new Piggly Wiggly in the space that

CVS/Pharmacy will vacate for its proposed new store. After leasing negotiations failed, Piggly Wiggly closed its Crestline store in November after 30 years in the Mountain Brook community. The new store would be larger than the former store–about 18,000 square feet compared to 11,400 square feet–and would be more of a “boutique Piggly Wiggly,” Gaston said. Hazen said about five property owners would need to sign off on any proposal to bring a larger Piggly Wiggly to the area. “There are so many moving parts at this point,” she said. But Gaston said the city and residents could experience the best of both worlds by having a new CVS/ Pharmacy and a new Piggly Wiggly. “People are very excited Piggly Wiggly could be coming back,” he said. ❖

u Hoover

Detectives Will Get New Offices By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

Hoover police detectives will soon be getting new offices in a new location. The City Council recently approved spending $710,700 to renovate nearly 10,000 square feet at the Hoover Public Safety Center so 24 detectives can get new offices. The city selected Battle Miller Construction Corp. to perform the renovation work as the lowest bidder of nine companies. Police Chief Nick Derzis said the new offices will give his detectives more room compared to the space-limited offices in City Hall. Office space at City Hall measures about 3,000 square feet, he said. “That space has been very cramped for investigators for the past 10 years,” he said. “It’s something we have been discussing the past several years. Obviously, the location will be a better location than the one we have today.” Derzis said the new offices will allow detectives to be closer to the jail facility, cutting down on the amount of time

The Hoover City Council has approved spending $710,700 to renovate space at the Hoover Public Safety Center to create offices for 24 Hoover Police Department detectives. Journal photo by William C. Singleton III

driving back and forth from City Hall to the Public Safety Center. The renovation will include cubicles for detectives, soundproof interview rooms, a locker room, break area and waiting room, Derzis said. The new location also will give the police department room for expansion. “Over the past 10 years, we’ve added detectives. We’ve added them in the same space we have now. In the next 10 years, we’ll be adding additional officers, and we’ll have room to accommodate them,” Derzis said. Hoover officials said they hope to be in their new offices in six months. ❖

u over the mountain

Cities Make Top 10 Smartest List

Two Over the Mountain cities have been dubbed among the top 10 smartest cities in the state. Both Homewood and Vestavia Hills made the top 10 list of the smartest cities in Alabama as determined by Movoto Real Estate’s first such ranking, which was released last week. Homewood finished fourth and Vestavia Hills came in sixth. Hoover finished in 15th place, and Mountain Brook was ranked 27th by the national online real estate brokerage firm. The Movoto Real Estate analysis examined the state’s 61 cities with populations of at least 10,000. The smartest cities determinations were based on: u Colleges and universities per

capita u Libraries per capita u Museums per capita u Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher u High school graduation size u Average K-12 class size The analysis indicated that Homewood placed well on the list for a couple of reasons. “For starters, it ranked second overall for class size with a studentteacher ratio of 13:1. It also had top 10 finishes in high school graduation and college degree attainment, with the former placing sixth at 93 percent and the latter placing seventh with 19.12 percent of residents holding at least a bachelor’s degree,” the report’s author

wrote. The report said Homewood’s ranking on the list got a real boost from Samford University. “Since it’s a relatively small city of just over 25,000, the presence of just one higher learning institution-Samford University--was enough to place it at 13th for this criterion,” the reporter’s author wrote. Vestavia Hills had the second-best high school graduation rate in Movoto Real Estate’s entire list. “An absolutely brilliant 96 percent of students who attend high school in this city of about 34,000 leave with a diploma, perhaps due in part to the fact that its 12 to 1 student-teacher ratio is the lowest (and thus best) on our list,” the report’s author wrote. For the complete list, visit www. movoto.com/blog/top-ten/smartestalabama. ❖

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 15

News

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u Over the Mountain

Hazardous Waste Disposal Day Set for April 26 By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Over the Mountain residents will have a free way to safely dispose of hazardous household waste this month. The city of Hoover will hold its spring household hazardous waste day on April 26, the same day Jefferson County residents can bring their hazardous waste to McLendon Park, which is adjacent to Legion Field. From 8 a.m.-noon, Hoover residents can bring household chemicals, pesticides, paints, batteries, automobile fluids, electronics and

other hazardous items to the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium at 100 Ben Chapman Drive. Hoover will also accept unused medications, guns and ammunition at the event. Businesses are not allowed to participate in Hoover’s hazardous waste day, and verification of Hoover residency will be required. Residents are asked to bring valid driver’s licenses or current photo IDs that show their address. For a complete list of the items that will be accepted in Hoover, visit www.hooveralabama.gov. From 8-11 a.m., Jefferson County residents can bring electronics, motor

oil, small engines, air conditioners, paint and paper for shredding to the household hazardous waste collection day at McClendon Park, 400 Graymont Avenue West in Birmingham. The Birmingham Police Department will also be accepting prescription drugs and ammunition at the event. The Birmingham event is hosted by the city of Birmingham, the city of Bessemer, the Jefferson County Commission, the Jefferson County Department of Health and the Alabama Environmental Council. For more information, visit www. aeconline.org/hhw. ❖

u Hoover

Field & Stream Will Build Store Near Chapel Lane By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

The new Chapel Lane extension is already drawing business based on the announcement that Field & Stream is building a store in Hoover. Hoover Executive Director Allen Pate said the $7.5 million, 3/4-mile road which runs under Interstate 459 and ties Chapel Lane with Galleria Boulevard was pivotal in the city landing the new business. “It makes the area where Field & Stream is building a store very accessible and puts a lot of cars on a daily basis passing in front of it,” Pate said. The Hoover City Council recently approved sales tax rebates up to $4.5 million for Black Water Resources to build a 50,000-square-foot Field & Stream store on about 10 acres near the Chapel Lane extension and Rooms To Go furniture store at the Patton Creek shopping complex. The new store will be located near Dick’s Sporting Goods, which owns Field & Stream. Dick’s will move its

hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor equipment to Field & Stream, city officials say. Pate said the two stores won’t be in competition with each other. “What we didn’t want is for Field & Stream to show up and Dick’s close,” he said. “I’ve been assured that won’t happen. If anything, it will increase Dick’s’ business.” The sales tax rebate was necessary to lure Field & Stream to Hoover, Pate said. “From the developer’s point of view, the rent he was able to get for the facility and the cost of buying land and building the facility didn’t make him whole,” he said. “So it took a lot of help from the city to make the developer whole. And once we finish this rebate, we’ve got the business forevermore.” Pate said he couldn’t estimate how much the new store will generate annually in sales tax revenue. The sales tax agreement is based on Dick’s’ current sales tax, “so if Dick’s were to go away, that means the sales tax rebate probably goes away too,”

Pate said. The sales tax rebate covers a period of 10 years--until 2024. The rebate is based on 50 percent of new sales tax revenue produced by the new store and cannot exceed a total of $4.5 million. The city is scheduled to hold a public hearing likely next month on the sales tax rebate. Although segments of the public have complained about such sale tax rebates, Pate said the city hasn’t experienced much negative reaction to these type arrangements. “The city isn’t putting anything at risk,” he said. “We’re not giving up anything we currently have. It’ll be 50 percent of new revenue that we have.” If everything goes according to plan, the store should open by this time next year, Pate said. “It’s going to be a great asset to the city and draw a lot of shoppers here,” Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey said. “It’s going to truly be a destination location with people staying overnight to be part of that facility.” ❖

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life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Rallying for Relay For Life OTM Events Kick off This Month

By Taylor Burgess Journal intern

ver the Mountain residents will have plenty of chances to get moving for a good cause this spring as several organizations are finalizing plans for Relay For Life events. The first event in the OTM area will be held at Mountain Brook High School on April 4. Events are planned locally through May 16. The Relay For Life is a fundraising walk event organized by the American Cancer Society and started in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Wash. Money raised goes to the American Cancer Society’s research efforts to end cancer permanently. Community members organize into teams, collect pledges for their walk and then meet at the events, which can last up to 24 hours. During the events, all teams have one member walking on the track or walking area at all times. Participants frequently walk in memory of loved ones or in support of friends and family members who are cancer survivors. Each year, all Relay For Life events raise more than $400 million and have raised nearly $5 billion in total since 1985, American Cancer Society officials said. Several events are planned in the Over the Mountain area: u Relay For Life at Mountain Brook High School will be from 4 p.m.-midnight on April 4 at the school’s stadium. u Relay For Life at Vestavia Hills High School will be from noon-midnight on April 5 at the school’s stadium. u Relay For Life at Briarwood Christian School will be from noon-10 p.m. on April 5 at the school. u Relay For Life at Spain Park High School will be from noon-midnight on April 11 at the school. u Relay For Life Homewood will be from 4 p.m.-midnight on April 25 at Homewood Central Park. u Relay For Life at Oak Mountain High School will be from 6 p.m. on May 2 through 6 a.m. on May 3 at Heardmont Park. u Relay For Life Hoover will be from noon-midnight on May 7 at Hoover High School. u Relay For Life at John Carroll Catholic High School will be from 4 p.m.-midnight on May 16 at the school’s stadium. Though all events are organized by the American Cancer Society, individual events and teams believe strongly in their own goals to help beat cancer, said Sam Campbell, chairman of Briarwood Christian School’s Relay For Life. “Our event is different from the others because it is our first year to do it,” Campbell said. “Even though it is our first year, the community has really reached out to us and wants to help.” Individual events set different fundraising goals, and Briarwood Relay organizers hope to meet a target of $40,000. “I’d like to see the community come together on April 5 and just blow that number away,” Campbell said. “I think we’ll exceed that goal because of all the interest and also because of all the hard work the students are putting in.” For the school-based events at Mountain

Organizers are gearing up for the Homewood Relay For Life on April 25. From left: Justin Cannady, Lisa Morales, Christina Zabala, Beth Lepore, AnnChandler Hassett and Mary Browning.

Community members organize into teams, collect pledges for their walk and then meet at the events, which can last up to 24 hours. During the events, all teams have one member walking on the track or walking area at all times. This aerial photo shows a previous Relay For Life event at Spain Park High School.

Brook, Vestavia, John Carroll Catholic, Oak Mountain, Briarwood Christian and Spain Park, representatives from the American Cancer Society asked teachers to recommend students with the ability to lead the events, according to Campbell. “They pick who they think who would be the best leaders for different specific jobs,” Campbell said. Other Over the Mountain events approach their fundraising efforts in different ways. To promote their relay, Homewood will host a “Zombie” Run For Life on April 26, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Homewood High School. Participants pay $30, or $120 for a team of four, to attempt to outrun “zombies” and beat other teams in a two-mile fun run. Proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society. Runners can visit www.zombierunforlife.com to register. Additionally, the Homewood Relay held a kickoff gathering on Jan. 25 at Aloft Hotel in downtown Homewood to promote its April relay. The Hoover Relay took a similar approach, hosting a Feb. 13 kickoff at Moe’s Southwest Grill, with the restaurant donating 20 percent of the proceeds to the Hoover event. In December, the Mountain Brook High School Relay attempted to register 25 walking teams over 25 days, with a minimum of five people per team and a $25 pledge per participant. Organizers of the Mountain Brook event said their goal is to raise $250,000 during the 2014 event. Mountain Brook High School and Vestavia Hills High School have both raised significant funds for the American Cancer society in the past. Together, they raised $468,000 in 2013 and ranked second and fourth, respectively, in the American Cancer Society’s top five youth Relay events in the nation. The American Cancer Society values the efforts of individual relay teams to bring in funds for research and other efforts, said Adam Castleberry, a Relay For Life specialist and staff partner for many Shelby County events, including the Oak Mountain High School Relay. “Relay For Life draws attention to the progress being made by the American Cancer Society and the work yet to be done,” Castleberry said. The events bring members of the community together for a common cause, said Malinda Williams, a Relay For Life specialist and staff partner for the Briarwood Christian School event. “Many participants are our family, friends and neighbors who have faced cancer themselves. Their involvement gives us hope that, together, we can finish the fight against cancer,” Williams said. “Each new team that registers brings us that much closer.” Organizers of Over the Mountain Relay For Life events said they are determined to exceed their fundraising goals and to get even more people involved this year. “We’ve banded together, and we’re making this happen. We’ll reach our goal and excel even past that,” Campbell said. To find a local team or register a team for a Relay For Life event, visit www.relayforlife. org. For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org. ❖

Life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Mardi Gras season was cold and windy this year, but that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop Over the Mountain children from enjoying a parade organized by the local chapter of MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club International. The Birmingham MOMS Club Over the Mountain Chapter organized the event at Homewood Central Park. The support group for stay-athome moms schedules playdates and other activities for moms and their children in the Birmingham metro area. Some 75 people turned out for the parade in February as the children and moms danced and threw beads and MoonPies as they circled Homewood Central Park--twice. Children rode in wagons and on bikes and scooters decorated for the Mardi Gras celebration. Moms also decorated their babiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; strollers for the parade. Parade participants included the Krewe of Twos, Mystics of Naptime and the Mystic Order of Moms Society. MOMS Club member Melanie Lewis said she got the idea for the event after moving to Homewood from New Orleans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to live in New Orleans for very long, but then it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take very long for New Orleans to get to you,â&#x20AC;? Lewis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want my son growing up with-

out that kind of joie de vivre.â&#x20AC;? Parade organizers said they hope to make the Mardi Gras parade an annual event open to all moms and children in the Birmingham metro area. For more information on the club, email Lewis at mpeeples1@gmail. com. â?&#x2013;

Clockwise From top left: The MOMS Krewe held a Mardi Gras parade at Homewood Central Park; Heather Champagne; Sarah Henderson; Max Lewis; Hunter, Eva and Gabby Gonzalez. Photos special to the Journal

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Paint Party

From left: Andy and Jan Thrower, Marina Provenzano and Luanne Carter.

Heart 2 HeART Supports Pediatric Cancer Patients

The fourth annual Heart 2 HeART event raised $101,500 to help provide spiritual, financial and emotional support programs to pediatric cancer patients and their families. The annual aTeam Ministries fundraiser was held Feb. 15 at Ted’s Garage on Fifth Avenue South in Birmingham. The Heart 2 HeART program and event support children with pediatric cancer by pairing them will well-known professional artists in an effort to celebrate and inspire the children. Organizers of the program said by being given the opportunity to create art, the children are aided in expressing their journey with cancer,

Photo special to the Journal

an important part of their healing process. Pediatric cancer patients arrived at the February event by limo and walked the red carpet to a special VIP photo shoot with their families by event photographer Angela Karen of Angela Karen Photography. Guests then enjoyed a meal provided by Savoie Catering. The event also featured a live auction which included the paintings for aTeam by professional artists, a weekend at Lake Martin, a fishing package, a father and son or daughter hunting experience with Rick and Bubba at Dream Ranch and vacation packages to Tuscany and Costa Rica.

Guests at the fourth annual event included Sonja and Dr. John Richardson, Laura and Dr. Greg Champion, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Bentley, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Jody Peddy, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. John Lyda and Mr. and Mrs. Jay Price. Others attending included aTeam Ministries founders Andy and Jan Thrower and their children, Avery and Anderson Thrower. Also spotted at the event were Marina Provenzano, Luanne Carter, Mary Elizabeth Olvey, Tina Thompson, Gracie Lee Thompson, Taylor Thompson, Summer Thompson and Robert Thompson. ❖

From left: Nancy and John Ryan, Miss Alabama Chandler Champion and Joe Cassell.

Optimist Event Clubs Team Up for Gateway Fundraiser

The Over the Mountain Optimist Club recently teamed up with other Optimist Clubs to raise money for Gateway, the oldest social service agency in Birmingham. In January, the Over the Mountain Optimist Club, led by Hal Farrell, along with the Optimist Clubs of Birmingham, Birmingham-West End, Leeds, Metro Tuscaloosa and Talladega participated in a book sale at Books-A-Million stores to benefit local schools and organizations in need of books. Miss Alabama 2013 Chandler Champion also partici-

Photo special to the Journal

pated in the fundraiser. The Chandler Champion Rushton School Library at Gateway has been revitalized by Champion’s efforts and will also benefit from the fundraiser. Champion’s platform is promoting literacy across the state. The fundraiser will also benefit Gateway’s residential treatment campus for children ages 12-18 who have been removed from their homes and require intense therapies to recover from their traumas. Gateway was first established in Birmingham in 1891 as the Mercy Home by 12 women who recognized that there were people in their community who needed help. The modern agency recognizes that people still need help and provides counseling, intervention, education, prevention and foster care services. For more information on Gateway, visit www.gway. org. ❖

Life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Help for the Homeless

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YWCA Luncheon Supports KIDS Korner

The YWCA recently hosted a luncheon to benefit a program for homeless children and families. The seventh annual KIDS Korner Luncheon was held Feb. 20 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center in Birmingham. The theme of this year’s luncheon was “Love an Angel.” Luncheon co-chairmen were Mary Bradley Anderson and Jeris Burns. Committee members included Nancy Biggio, Lindsey Druhan, Rebecca Eubanks, Susie Gaston, Lisha Li Graham, Brenda Hackney, Susan Hackney, Leigh Haver, Cynthia Lamar-Hart, Sheri Robinson, Lacey Scott, Tracy Sproule, Jenise Spurlock, Shannon Stewart, Jackie Tucker, Carrie Walthall, Jennifer Willings and Jan Bellenger Yates. KIDS Korner provides a safe, loving environment for children of homeless families. KIDS Korner has a unique, nationally-accredited curriculum designed for the transitional nature of homelessness and offers children a safe place to learn and play, two hot meals and a snack each

Goworld into the YWCA board members Brenda Hackney and Kate Cotton.

day and many special programs with groups like the Children’s Dance Foundation. Event organizers said recent government sequestration has had a huge financial impact on funding for KIDS Korner and that in order to continue to provide programs for children in

Photo special to the Journal

need, the YWCA currently relies largely on the generosity of its donors and volunteers. Among those attending the annual event included Yolanda Sullivan, the chief executive officer of the YWCA, and YWCA board members Brenda Hackney and Kate Cotton. ❖

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Academy Award-winning actress Geena Davis made a visit to Birmingham recently to take part in the second biennial Momentum Leadership Conference. Davis and Princeton University professor emerita Ann-Marie Slaughter headlined the conference in Birmingham Feb. 26 and 27. In addition to being an award-winning actress, Davis is the founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, a research-based organization aimed at transforming the way women and girls are depicted in film and television. Slaughter is the author of “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All,” one

of the most-read articles in the history of The Atlantic online magazine. More than 700 women and men participated in the conference, which included breakout sessions on diversity in the workplace, redefining success, broadening professional networks, the changing face of media, using creativity to define success and the imperative of ethical conduct in high-pressure environments. Honorary co-chairmen for the conference were Rep. Martha Roby and Rep. Terri Sewell. Princeton University professor emerita The event also included the Ann-Marie Slaughter and Dianne Authors Corner where participants Mooney, a member of the 2014 could meet and have books signed by Momentum Leadership Conference Alabama authors. steering committee. Sweet treats for the conference were provided by local bakeries owned by women, including Dreamcakes, Gia’s Cakes, The Cakepop Girls, Royal Pastries, Kathy G & Company, Indie Candy and Pastry Art Bake Shop. The steering committee for the conference included Tina Upshaw, Sidney Hoover, Dianne Mooney, Marilyn Henry, Mary Katherine Cabaniss, Connie Pruett, Cara Ross, Libbet Crumbley, Judge Agnes Chappel, Patty Cobb, Barbara Royal, Koko Mackin, Donna Smith, Jennifer Buettner, Ann Mc Millan, Vickie Saxon, Kathleen Kauffman, April Benetello and Joy Godsey. ❖ Front, from left: Judge Helen Shores Lee, Koko Mackin and Barbara Royal. Back: Ann McMillan, Vickie Sexton, Suzanne Durham, Mona Fouad and Deborah Barnhart. Photos special to the Journal

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more photos at

OTMJ.COM From left: Dottie Smith, Tricia Walker, Mariah Chapman, Lee Styslinger III, Rebecca Collier and Kim Kuhn.

Joe and Vickie Fuller and Lura and C.D. Denson.

Photos special to the Journal

Opening Their Hearts Supporters Raise More than $1 Million for AHA

2014 Heart Ball Honoree Lee Styslinger and 2014 Outstanding Sweetheart Award winners Caroline Conrad and Grace Boggan.

he 2014 Birmingham Heart Ball raised more than $1 million to support the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association, officials said. The Birmingham Heart Guild hosted the 27th annual Birmingham Heart Ball March 1 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. About 900 people attended the black-tie gala. The year-round efforts of the Heart Ball’s leadership team, together with proceeds raised at the event, secured more than $1.1 million for the American Heart Association. Wells Fargo was the Signature Sponsor of the evening, and Altec, Inc. was the

Leigh Collier, Wells Fargo Mid-South Region president and Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team member, speaks at the 2014 Heart Ball.

Members of the Heart Ball Honoree and Leadership Team were, from left: Jim Richardson, Dr. Michael Honan, Ruffner Page, Lee Styslinger III and Craft O’Neal.

Legacy Sponsor. Lee Styslinger III of Altec, Inc. was recognized as the 2014 Heart Ball honoree for his work in the community, his continued support of the American Heart Association and his commitment to health he has instilled at Altec, Inc. Craft O’Neal of O’Neal Industries and Ruffner Page of McWane, Inc. were Executive Leadership Team chairmen.

Dr. Michael Honan of CardioVascular Associates headed the Open your Heart committee. Jim Richardson of Sellers, Richardson, Holman, & West chaired the Cor Vitae Society. Dottie Smith of Edgar’s Bakery served as president of the Heart Guild. Mariah Chapman of Cadence Bank was Heart Ball chairman. Rebecca Collier, Kim Kuhn and Tricia

Walker of BBVA Compass were auction chairmen for the event. During the ball, Dr. James Boogaerts, a heart attack survivor, shared his experience and expressed the importance of proper resuscitative methods. Lura Fuller Denson and her family also shared their compelling story of Lura’s lifelong struggle with heart disease and talked about the need for continued cardiovascular research. Her mother and father, Joe and Vickie Fuller, and her husband, C.D. Denson, attended the event. Caroline Conrad and Grace Boggan were the 2014 Outstanding Sweetheart Award winners. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Cajun Food Celebration Jazz Cat Ball Draws a Crowd

About 1,000 guests turned out to support the Greater Birmingham Humane Society at a Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser in February. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society’s third annual Jazz Cat Ball, presented by John 3:16, was held Feb. 22 at Old Car Heaven in Birmingham. Those attending danced to the music of Streetkar, sampled food from 12 Birmingham restaurants in a Cajun cook-off event and browsed a silent auction with more than 200 items. The fundraiser also featured a gaming casino and a live auction that included a Thomas Andrew Findlay painting. Vanessa Vienna carried out the theme by decorating the venue with Mardi Gras masks, feathers and beads. Guests had their pictures taken by Kenwyn Alexander. GBHS Auxiliary President Tricia Preston and event chairman Missy Ellis more photos at presented the 2014 Jazz Cat Ball king and queen, Scott Register and Karen Wood. Other event chairmen included Ramona Graffeo, event co-chairman From left: Joan Reick, Mary Ellen Capps, Donna Hightower, Sandra Gillis, and GBHS director of development; Erica Tolbert, Shelia Portman, Donna O’Brien and Sara Ann Polhemus. Carol Coppock, corporate sponsor chairman; Shelia Portman, silent auction chairman; Amanda Bates, silent auction co-chairman and GBHS donor relations administrator; Nancy Ellis, communications and GBHS director of marketing and branding; Hailey Rogers, GBHS events and communication; and Mary-Grace Wilson, GBHS volunteer coordinator. Karen Swann and Kevin Burke were this year’s Ambassadors of the Schaeffer Royal Court. Monty Todd of Birmingham’s Spoon & Ladle Soup Co. won this year’s Cajun Cook-off at the Jazz Cat Ball. Others attending the third annual event included Chick Preston, Ian Oliver, Colleen Oliver, Joan Reich, Mary Ellen Capps, Donna Above: Lauren Schwartz, Hightower, Sandra Gillis, Erica Mary Margaret Autry, Hailey Tolbert, Donna O’Brien, Mike Rogers and Abby Boone. O’Brien, Sara Ann Polhemus, below: Event chairman Missy Lauren Schwartz, Mary Margaret Ellis with Scott Register, Jazz Autry, Abby Boone, Paul DeMarco Cat Ball king, and Karen Wood, Jazz Cat Ball queen. and Jacqueline DeMarco. ❖

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Rocking to the Oldies

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Charades Party Celebrates ’50s and ’60s Members and guests of the Charades Dance Club “Rocked Around the Clock” in their 1950s and 1960s attire on Feb. 15. Greeting guests as they arrived at the Mountain Book Club were hostess Carolyn Featheringill with Ivan Rich and Charades President Diane Weatherford with Allen. Anne Dawson was party chairman. Committee members were Pat Miree, Carole Ann Moorer, Pam Morad, Barbara Mundy, Josephine Pankey, George Ann Parker and Milner Phillips. Attending the party with the committee members were Ken Dawson, Wimberly Miree, Bob Moorer, Alton Parker and Allen Phillips. Robert Logan of Backstage Florist provided decorations throughout the club’s living room, ballroom and sunroom. The glittering Charades marquee above the living room entrance was backed by 45 records and flanked with pink Cadillac convertibles. Two larger-than-life-sized cutouts of drivein carhops on roller skates stood on either side of the doorway. Revolving on a table in the center of the living room were cutouts of a large juke box with a dancing couple and a large clock with 45 records in place of numbers. Acrylic rods in the center of the dining tables held a collection of 1950s and 1960s memorabilia, and large silhouettes of dancing couples

were in the ballroom windows. A large cutout of Elvis was among the décor in the sunroom. Charades members and guests donned poodle skirts, neck scarves, circle pins, charm bracelets, white socks with loafers or rah-rahs, plaid blazers, letter sweaters, thin ties, cheerleading outfits, rolled-up jeans and white buck shoes accompanying white sport coats with pink carnations. Socializing in the living room before dinner were Sallie Aman with Carlos White, Kathi and Roger Ash, Margaret and Eason Balch, Judy and Adrian Bewley, Susan and Bill Bowman, Jeannie and Harry Bradford, Evelyn and Steve Bradley, Anne Carey, Judy and Jim Carns, and Mary and Bobby Cobb. Also enjoying the cocktail hour and the revolving decorations were Carol and Jerry Colvin, Ellen and Russell Cunningham, Naomi and Kirk Cunningham, Judy and Andy Daniel, Lyndra and Bill Daniel, Enid and Bill Dean, Sara Lynn and Fox DeFuniak and Kati and Brad Dunn. Enjoying the buffet dinner of salad, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, hamburgers, chicken fingers and build-your-own hot fudge sundaes were Louise and Durham Ellis, Anne and Rick Finch, Claire and Pat Goodhew, Annie and Maurice Green, Laurie Hayworth and Roger Mills, Beth and Rich Henry,

From left: Nancy Riley, Susie Abbott, Sharon Marbury and Ginna Gardner.

Sorority Soiree

Tri-Delta Alums Celebrate Mardi Gras Delta Delta Delta alumni members recently gathered in Mountain Brook for a Mardi Gras-themed wine and cheese event. Laurie Hereford hosted the Birmingham chapter’s party on Feb. 18 at Oriental Rugs, owned by Tri-Delta member Paige Albright, in Mountain Brook Village,. Those in attendance included outgoing president

From left: Susan Pitts, George Ann Parker, Anne Terrell, Diane Weatherford, Carole Ann Moorer, Milner Phillips and Pat Miree. Below left: Fred and Madelon Rushing. Below right: Russell and Ellen Cunningham. Photos special to the Journal

Carolyn and Delmar Hill, Carey and Bill Hinds, Marcia and Wayne Holley, Mary Ann and Bill Jones, Carolyn and Walter LaGroue, Anne and Tom Lamkin, Susan Pitts, Karen and Keith Lloyd and Barbara and Cliff Lynch. more photos at The Ramblers, a band which many of the attendees remember playing for parties in the 1960s, once again played the oldies so dancers could rock around the clock. Dancing and reminiscing after dinner were Leslie Puckett and Les Goins, Mary and David Putman, Helen and Ty Robin, Madelon and Fred Rushing, Carolyn and Bill Satterfield, Alice and Bob Schleusner, Carole and Charles Crabbe, Katy and Rick Sexton, Lou Ann and George Sherling,

OTMJ.COM

Rita and Burr Spencer, Gayle and Mike Byrne, Nancy and Bill Stetler, Lana and Harry Thompson, Karen and Brant Sanders, Janie and Bud

Trammell, Karen and Charlie Watkins, Kathleen and Ray Watkins and Marsha Terrell with husband Eddie, a Ramblers band member. ❖

Cheryl Crane, Allison Ingram, Kathryn Norris and Mindy Hasse.

Genie Stutts and incoming president Jeannie Dodson. Also enjoying the festivities were Patty Faulkner, Alice Christenson Susie Abbott, Tricia Abele, Kimberly Bean and Suzanne Boozer. Others attending the Mardi Gras fete included LaVonda Bowdin, Cheryl Crane, Julie Edwards, Ginna Gardner, Martha Grizzle, Mindy Haas and Bea Healy. Also spotted at the February event were Ginger Hollingsworth, Jane Howard, Allison Ingram, Elizabeth Lynn, Sharon Marbury, Mary Clayton Rach and Nancy Riley. ❖

Photos special to the Journal

Paige Albright and Mary Clayton Rach.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Dramatic Honor

Alabama at Birmingham in 1955 as the Clark Memorial Theatre and was a Birmingham cultural center for the next 50 years. Vivian Ferguson Perry and Hill Ferguson III attended the event to name the Virginia Samford Theatre’s

Theater Lobby Named for Hill Ferguson The historic Virginia Samford Theatre dedicated the theater lobby in memory of the late Hill Ferguson with a reception on Feb. 1. Ferguson was a prominent citizen of Birmingham who was vice president of Jemison Real Estate, owned by his brother-in-law Robert Jemison Jr. With Jemison, Ferguson helped develop major residential areas including Altamont, Cliff Road and areas of Mountain Brook. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1896, served as the first editor of the Corolla, was founder of the first Glee Club and Opera Society and was president of the University of Alabama

Card Party

Amulet Club Hosts Bridge Luncheon The Amulet Dance Club of Birmingham held its bridge luncheon at the Country Club of Birmingham on Feb. 27. Round luncheon tables were centered with pink-tinted philodendron plants on pink mats. Centerpieces were by Leaf and Petal. Fay Hart chaired the event, and Janis Zeanah was co-chairman. President Ann Harris presided at a brief business meeting and announced that the club’s annual wine and cheese party would be held at a new venue this year. The March 12 event was held at Brookdale Place at University Park on Lakeshore Drive in Homewood. Sue Trammel was chairman of the wine and cheese party.

lobby the Hill Ferguson Lobby in honor and memory of their grandfather. Others attending the event include George Crawford, Cathy Rye Gilmore, Louise Sewell Taylor, Rick Ferguson and Hill Sewell. ❖

Front, from left: Louise Sewell Taylor, Vivian Ferguson Perry and Hill Ferguson III. Back: Rick Ferguson and Hill Sewell. Photo special to the Journal

Alumni Association. He also founded the Birmingham Historical Society and was involved in major commercial developments throughout the city. Ferguson was known as “Mr. Birmingham” for his civic contribu-

tions to the city. Ferguson was an avid supporter of the arts and The Little Theatre, now known as the Virginia Samford Theatre. Because of his efforts, the theater was donated to University of

It was also announced that the club’s Spring Dance will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on April 11 at Vestavia Country Club. The Classics will provide live music for dancing. Those attending the Feb. 27 luncheon included Edith Bauman, Martha Black, Roma Bounds, Beverly Jackson, Cathy Crapet, Clarice Gibbs, Ann Harris, Fay

Hart, Bernice Hill and Barbara Jones. Also attending were Liz Judd, Nell Larson, Joanne McConnell, Betsy McGrath, Anne Nelson, Evelyn Ringler, Donna Talbot, Sue Trammel, Dot Weathers, Olivia Weingarten, Sandi Whitten, Janis Zeanah and Val Middleton, guest of Jackie Thompson. ❖

To: From: Date: From left: Betsy McGrath, Liz Judd and Beverly Jackson.

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Foundation Festivities Dinner and Diamonds Supports Vestavia Schools

From left: Lauten and Betts Johnson, Mark Yanosky and Tim and Buffie York. Photos special to the Journal

More than 520 Vestavia Hills residents and friends of Vestavia Hills City Schools gathered at Ted’s Garage Feb. 22 for an evening of live music, international cuisine and silent and live auctions to benefit the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation. The eighth annual Dinner and Diamonds fundraiser event raised an estimated $75,500 for the Foundation. Guests enjoyed live music from The Undergrounders, cuisine from around the world by Fish Market and auctions that included a diamond pendant from Paul’s Diamond Center, a private chef-hosted dinner from George Sarris and an exclusive vacation home on Daufuskie Island. Dinner and Diamonds is the flagship fundraiser for the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation. Those attending included Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza, Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes, Brian Lambert, Paul Petro, Rhonda Neighbors, Alison Smith, Amy Irby, Kristin Tunnell, Brent Irby, April Arendall, Ty Arendall, Lauten Johnson, Betts Johnson, Mark Yanoksy, Tim York and Buffie York. ❖

Brent and Amy Irby and April and Ty Arendall.

Rhonda Nabors, Ashley Thompson, Alison Smith, Amy Irby and Kristin Tunnell.

Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza, Jeff Downes and Brian Lambert.

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Sweet Treat

Wild About Chocolate Held at Harbert Center The Alabama Wildlife Center held its 10th annual Wild About Chocolate fundraiser on Feb. 15 at the Harbert Center in Birmingham. Anna Morris, AWC board member, and Keith Feinman, AWC board chairman, co-chaired the event. Guests enjoyed savory appetizers, scrumptious chocolate desserts and complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks and coffee donated by local restaurants, caterers, bakeries and beverage distributors, including Avo, Dram, Jackson’s Bar & Bistro, Ashley Mac’s, Primeaux Cheese and Vino, Dixie Fish Company, Royal Cup Coffee, Catering by LaNetta, Good People Brewing Company, Savoie Catering, Max’s Delicatessen, International Wines, The Heavenly Donut Company, Southeastern Foodservice Management, The Gingerbread Lady, The Pita Hut, Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and Friends of the Alabama Wildlife Center. Valentine-themed decorations were provided by Ellen Morris, and classical music was played by Bonnie Furuto and Marsha Gunter. The Birmingham Bombshells also assisted with the program. Kaitlin McCulley of CBS 42 served as emcee for the evening. The highlight of this year’s program was the introduction and naming of the Alabama Wildlife Center’s new education ambassador, Arthur, a rehabilitated merlin. This beautiful member of the falcon family was rescued and rehabilitated by the center in 2013. The severity of Arthur’s wing injury prevents his release back into the wild, so he will serve as an avian ambassador playing a key role in the Center’s education and outreach programs. The Alabama Wildlife Center conducted a social media campaign soliciting suggested names for Arthur, and after much input from supporters and friends, he was introduced with his new moniker at Wild About Chocolate. Pictures of Arthur are on the AWC Facebook page and website at www.awrc.org. A silent auction chaired by Junior Board Vice President Katherine Klyce offered a wide variety of items, including jewelry, original artwork, gift certificates to restaurants and shops and spa packages. Van Pearson led an animated live auction featuring a range of items from African safari adventures and beach vacations to casino gaming parties and the opportunity to release a rehabilitated AWC patient back into the wild. All proceeds from the event benefit the nonprofit Alabama Wildlife Center. Among those attending were Ann Piper, Dick and Dana Pigford, Dr. Ed and Sandra Jean Murray, Wylie and Tammy Williams, Dr. Alvin and Jill Atlas, Gary and Ann Palmer, Judith Moor, Rachelle Cather,

From left: Dick and Dana Pigford, Dr. Ed Murray and Sandra Jean Murray. Photos special to the Journal

Keith Feinman the AWC Board President, Dr. Jamie Bellah the Director of the Southeastern Raptor Center at Auburn University, Karen Bellah.

Leslie more photos at Culver, Sammy and Laura Howell, Betsy Rogers, Dr. Jamie and Karen Bellah, Anna Morris, Scott Shinbaum, Larry and Carol Myers, Keith Feinman, Tine Hoffmeister, Richard and Kellie Esposito, Scott Mauldin, Cora Bowen, Carl and Linda Miller, Michael and Laura Player, Dylan Player, John and Virginia Hillhouse, Ryan and Kim Allen, Cole Allen, Monte and Deborah Barth, Steven and Lauren Stastny, Bill and Gaylyn Ballard, Russell and Gina Hinson, John and Ellen Morris, Travis and Brittany Ramey, Dr. David and Cory

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Friddle, Larry and Becky King and Dr. Jennifer Wallach. Others enjoying the Wild About Chocolate fundraiser were Ashleigh Timmerman, Steve and Zora Merchant, Hugh Mallette, Kit Law, Curt and Liz Rozzelle, Tom and Jan Stewart, Robert and Gina Lowe, Bill and Susan Failor, Dan and Tammy Campbell, Bill and Veronica Payer, Mitchell and Marilyn DeLoach, Ken and D.J. Boyd, John and Tina Roberts, Roger and Dr. Dominika Steakley, Richard and Deborah Thompson, Devin and Helen Dolive, Jim Taylor, Teresa Moran, Joe and Jenny Walker, Jeff and Tammy Harris, Brent and Lisa Warren, Randy and Cleo Kathryn Gorman and Austin and Randi Chapman. ❖

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serving well-groomed men of all ages

For appointment Call 870-9210 Walk-Ins Welcome

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Tues. - saT. 8:30 - 5:30

2700 Culver Road • Mountain Brook Village

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28 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

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Dining Dancers

Carousels Club Hosts Annual Brunch

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Members of the Carousels Dance Club recently got together to enjoy an annual event. The club members gathered for their annual brunch at the Mountain Brook Club. Those attending the event included Lynn Ault, Barbara and Win Baird, Sara Jane and Gene Ball and Judy and Jim Carns. Others enjoying the event were Mary Bledsoe, Beverly and Henry Bright, Mary Alice and Don Carmichael and Martha and Garner Cheny, Adele and Chuck Colvin, Bebe and Roy Costner, Sahra Cox, Sarah Creveling, Nina Crumbaugh, Jane and Cecil Culverhouse, Charlotte and Glenn Donald and Bede and Sam Donnell. Also spotted were Patty and Larry Faulkner, Patty Perry and Jimmy Finney, Jo Anne and Nick Gaede, Melanie Gardner, Theo Greene, Fay Hall, Ann and Fletcher Harvey, Jane and Cooper Hazelrig, Anne Hightower and Raleigh Kent, Joanie and Carey Hollingsworth, Mary Ruth and Fred Ingram, Agatha and George Jones, Jessie and Ken Key, Sue and Bob Kreider, Virginia and Phil Lavallet, Dena and Bill Leitner, Marcia and Kenneth Little, Joyce and Jim Lott, Peggy Marshall and Emmy and Travis McGowin. Also at the brunch were Jerry and Pat Mills, Cindy and Norton Montague, Jane and Cecil Morgan, Betty and Steve Morton, Lettie Lane and Jim North, Patsy and Jimmy Norton, Martha and Peyton Norville, Betty and Jimmy Nunis,

From left: Jim and Judy Carns, Frances Verstandig and George Jenkins.

Emmy and Travis McGowin, Lynn Ault and Jane and Cecil Morgan. Photos special to the Journal

Carolyn and Jim Odum, Valerie and Tommy Pankey, Suzanne and Robert Parsons, Kendrick and Ed Pascoe, Kathleen and George Petznick, Paula Pointer, Betty and Fred Powell, Peggy Ragland, Betty and Charlie Regan, Ann and Goodloe Rutland, Lee Scott, Gretchen and Clarence Small, Carolyn Smallwood, Jim Beaird,

Marybeth and Carl Smith, Monty and Vastine Stabler, Bartley and Ernest Statham, Rosalyn and Jim Stroud, Carole and David Sullivan, Harryette and Gerald Turner, Frances Verstandig and George Jenkins, Betty Wagstaff, Anne and Bob Waudby, Frederica and Wayne White, Alice and Tom Williams and Margie Williams. ❖

From left: Riverchase Women’s Club board members Mindy Estep, Liesa Pitts, Lynn Cooper and Beverly Stine. Photo special to the Journal

Meeting the Mayor

At Fair Haven we believe intotal care. We can accommodate a variety of health needs under one roof. Our Christian principles drive us to provide quality care with the faith-based loving kindness that people of all faiths deserve.

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Ivey Addresses Riverchase Women’s Club The Riverchase Women’s Club hosted an event on Feb. 27 to bring residents of the Riverchase community together. The second annual community meeting, What’s Up Riverchase, gave residents an opportunity to come together with Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey, members of the Riverchase Country Club board, the Riverchase Residential Association board, Premier Properties and candidates for residential board openings.

The mayor gave those attending an update on recent and future events in Hoover. Jeff Greer, senior pastor of Riverchase Baptist, reminded everyone of the annual Holy Week community services. Some 200 people attended. Riverchase Women’s Club board members at the event included Mindy Estep, Liesa Pitts, Lynn Cooper and Beverly Stine. ❖

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 29

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Presidential Party

Vestavia Country Club Hosts Heritage Ball The former presidents of Vestavia Country Club were honored March 1. Vestavia Country Club held its 2014 Heritage Ball in honor of the former club presidents. The club’s 2014 president, John Smyth, presided over the Mardi Grasthemed event and presented the history of the club. The planning for Vestavia Country Club, located atop Shades Mountain, began in 1948, Smyth said. It was originally called the Vestavia Hills Golf and Riding Club, but the name was changed to Vestavia Country Club when the charter members formally incorporated in 1949. Vestavia Country Club opened its doors in June 1950 with more than 1,000 charter members. The first president more photos at of Vestavia Country Club was William B. Philips Sr. There have been 64 club presidents who have served since 1949. Of the 25 living past presidents of the club, all but five attended the ball. The former club presidents at the event included 2013 president Bill Visintainer and his wife, Debbie; 2012 president Ricky Kirkpatrick and his wife, Vickie; 2011 president Howard Nelson and his wife, Carolyn; 2010 president Billy Harvill and his wife, Sharon; 2009 president David Belcher and his wife, Sue; 2008 president Richard Wood and his wife, Kay; 2006 president Arthur Edge and his wife, Carolyn; 2005 president Mickey Green; 2004 president George Nolen and his wife, Susan; 2002 president Tim Donahue and his wife, Diane; 2000 president Larry Richardson and his wife, Wanda; 1999 president Joe Morgan and his wife, Harriett; 1997 president Jim Delk and his wife, Carolyn; 1994 president Les Longshore and his wife, Betty; 1993 president Alan Kaufman and his wife, Pug; 1990 president Wayne Gillis and his wife, Karen; 1989 president Bill Halbrooks and his wife, Lin; 1987 president John McCarley and his wife, Jean; 1980 president Owen Sims and his daughters; and 1974 president E.L. Bud Conaway and his wife, Mary Elizabeth. Members and guests attending the Heritage Ball enjoyed a “Taste of New Orleans” menu featuring a duo of blackened filet mignon over garlic smashed potatoes and shrimp etouffee over Creole grit cake with asparagus hollandaise followed by Bananas Foster and Café Du Monde coffee and beignets. ❖

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Wayne Gillis, left, the 1990 president of Vestavia Country Club, and John Smyth, the 2014 president.

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Mystery guests show off their Mardi Gras masks at the Vestavia Country Club Heritage Ball.

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Redonda and Lowell Broom and Shelley and Steve Watkins.

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Grady Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax March 2104

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the april 3 2014 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Tammy Towns, Ricky and Vickie Kirkpatrick and Dianne and Richard Horn. Photos special to the Journal

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

▪K3 - 12 Grades

please initial andth 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.

▪Student/Teacher Ratio 12:1

Thank you for your prompt attention.

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30 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

Floyd-Corr

Mr. and Mrs. William Holmes Floyd III of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Amy Lynn Floyd, to Brooks Wilson Corr, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Vanis Corr Jr. of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the grand-

Hoke-Alexander

Mr. Scott Hoke and Mrs. Jane Bynum of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Caroline Elizabeth, to Douglas Taylor Alexander, son of Mr. Douglas Alexander and Mrs. Rosemary Alexander of Atlanta. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Harry Hawkins and the late Mr. Hawkins and the late Mr. and

Shook-Horsley

Molly Elizabeth Shook and John Michael Horsley were married Feb. 22 at The Sonnet House in Leeds. The Rev. Paul Balducci and the Rev. Bob Waldrop officiated the ceremony.

Weddings & Engagements daughter of Mrs. Dorothy Eleanor Worthington Ryder and the late Mr. Edwin James Ryder of Scarborough, Ontario, and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Holmes Floyd Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla. Miss Floyd is a graduate of Shades Valley High School and Auburn University. She is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and is employed with Lifeline Children’s Services as the (un)adopted coordinator. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Pennie Strickland Dempsey of Meridian, Miss., and the late Mrs. Robert Bartholow Hays Jr. of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. James Vanis Corr of Atlanta. Mr. Corr is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Furman University. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Order and is employed with Retail Specialists as senior leasing and brokerage representative. The wedding will be April 5. Mrs. Robert Hoke of Laporte, Ind. Miss Hoke is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Mississippi, where she received a bachelor’s degree in education. She was presented at the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball and the Ball of Roses and is a member of the Ballet Guild. Miss Hoke teaches third grade at Brookwood Forest Elementary School. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Ralph Alexander and the late Mr. Alexander of Charlotte, N.C., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Rupert Smith of Atlanta. Mr. Alexander is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Mr. Alexander received a master’s degree in real estate development from Auburn University and is employed in the real estate development group of Protective Life in Birmingham. A family wedding is planned for June 7. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Grady Allen Shook of Vestavia Hills. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lee Horsley of Decatur. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a full Alencon lace strapless gown with a lace-trimmed elbow-length veil. The dress was accented by a sash adorned with pearls and crystals, handmade for the bride by her aunt, Mrs. James Milam. The bride was attended by Margaret Betbeze Walker as matron of honor. Hannah Walker and Reese Johnson were flower girls. Andrew Tyler Horsley, brother of the groom, was the best man. Ushers were Stephen Boyd of Washington, D.C., and Len Silverman, Gregory Silverman and Benjamin Silverman, all of Nashville, Tenn. After a honeymoon trip to Jamaica, the couple live in Madison.

Sanders-Scott

Caroline Strother Sanders and Sterling Andrew Scott were married Oct. 26, 2013 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Huntsville. The Rev. Michael Mac Mahon officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Foster Sanders of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard

Byrd-Willings

Mr. and Mrs. James Orr Walker Jr. of Birmingham and Mr. William

Barnett-Austill

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Laird Barnett of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Laura Madison, to William Alfred Austill Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. William Alfred Austill of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Eugene Markwalter of Huntsville and Satellite Beach, Fla., and Mrs. Doris Strother Sanders and the late Mr. William Richards Sanders of Atlanta. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wade Allen Scott of Lincoln. He is the grandson of Mr. Elbert Lorenzo Poole and the late Mrs. Mary Huddleston Poole of Gardendale and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Earl Scott of New Braunfels, Texas. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a cathedral-length ivory satin organza strapless gown from Vera Wang with illusion veiling overlay and an exquisite beaded silk embroidered leaf pattern on the bodice and satin buttons trailing down the back. Her heirloom veil was made from ivory illusion attached to a wreath of seed pearls and was originally worn by her grandmother, Maria Harris Markwalter, in 1959 and then by her mother, Theresa Markwalter Sanders, in 1984 and also her aunt, Marianna Markwalter Cornelius, in 2009. The matron of honor was Kristen

Meadows Sanders, sister-in-law of the bride, of Twentynine Palms, Calif. Lillian Grace Markwalter was maid of honor, and Emma Frances Markwalter was the flower girl. Both are cousins of the bride of Huntsville. The father of the groom served as best man along with the brother of the groom, Brandon Scott of Tuscaloosa. Ushers were the bride’s brothers, Sgt. Richard Winn Sanders, USMC, of Twentynine Palms, and Kemper Morgan Sanders of Birmingham. Robert Craig Cornelius III, cousin of the bride, of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., was the ring bearer. Richard Eugene Markwalter III (Trace), cousin of the bride, of Huntsville served as the lector. A beautiful poem written by the grandfather of the groom was read by his aunt, Debbie Davis of New Braunfels. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the home of the bride’s aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eugene Markwalter Jr. The couple live in Birmingham.

Wood Byrd Jr. of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Virginia Knapp Byrd, to David Christopher Willings, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Joseph Willings of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Magnus Miller Gorrie of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. William Wood Byrd of Birmingham. Miss Byrd is a 2006 graduate of Mountain Brook High School. She graduated with honors from the University of Alabama, where she received a dual bachelor’s degree in marketing and fashion retail and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She was presented at the 2009 Beaux Arts Krewe Ball, the Ball

of Roses and the Heritage Ball. Miss Byrd is employed with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hubert Willings Jr. of Birmingham and the late Dr. and Mrs. David Beeson Partlow of Tuscaloosa. Mr. Willings is a 2006 graduate of Mountain Brook High School. He graduated with honors from the University of Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in accounting and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He is employed with Sellers, Richardson, Holman & West, LLP. The wedding will be May 3 at Independent Presbyterian Church.

Vernon Barnett and the late Mrs. Alice Albritton Barnett and Mr. and Mrs. Wade Odice Farmer, all of Birmingham. Miss Barnett is a 2009 graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a 2013 summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity where she served as president, was a two-year director for the University Program Council’s Tiger Nights and a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Gamma Sigma, Golden Key International, Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi Eta Sigma and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars honor societies as well as the Alpha Kappa Psi All-Academic Team. She also participated in the Leadershape Institute program. Miss Barnett is employed as a business risk consultant with Deloitte and Touche in Atlanta. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs.

Jere Austill Jr. of Mobile, the late Mr. Ralph Huntington Sidway Jr. of Simpsonville, Ky., and the late Dr. and Mrs. George McComas Wolverton of Clarksville, Ind. Mr. Austill is a 2009 graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity, where he served as vice president of Alumni Relations, was director for the University Program Council’s Special Projects and director of films as well as the Alpha Kappa Psi All-Academic Team and participated in the Leadershape Institute program. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key International, Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi Eta Sigma and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars honor societies. Mr. Austill is employed as a business risk consultant with Deloitte and Touche in Atlanta. The wedding will be May 24.

To have our engagement and wedding forms sent to you, call 823-9646

Shannon 50th Anniversary

Janeal and Len Shannon of Birmingham were married March 6, 1964 at Dawson Memorial Baptist

Barlow-Weingarten

Dr. and Mrs. James B. Barlow Jr. of McDonough, Ga., announce the engagement of their daughter, Allie Barlow, to Grant Weingarten, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Weingarten of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Mary Ann Barlow

Chaney-Walters

Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Chaney Jr. of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Dr. Dawn D. Chaney, to Mr. Eugenio G. Walters, son of Ms. Barbara Walters of Queens, N.Y., and Mr. Hugo Walters of Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert Tyler Grant of Montgomery and the late Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Chaney Sr.

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 31

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Church. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a family dinner at The Club followed by a trip to the Grand Canyon. The dinner was hosted by their children, Len B. Shannon III of Birmingham and Neal and Angela Shannon of Chattanooga, Tenn. The couple has five grandchildren, Natalie, Len IV (Brock), Mary Frances, Stephanie and Amelia. Mrs. Shannon is the former Janeal Newell Nichols. Mr. Shannon is employed with Shannon & Associates and is retired from SouthTrust Bank. They are members of Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Len and Janeal met after Len saw Janeal’s photo in a newspaper article printed more than 50 years ago on a Sunday. By that Thursday, Len had found Janeal. of Maryville, Tenn., and the late Dr. James B. Barlow Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Kocmond of Newnan, Ga. Miss Barlow is a graduate of Auburn University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and was a member of Chi Omega sorority. She is employed with Capital One Bank in New Orleans. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Jean Gilchrist of Birmingham and the late Mr. John Gilchrist Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Weingarten of Birmingham. Mr. Weingarten is a graduate of Auburn University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He received a master’s degree in global medicine from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Mr. Weingarten is employed with the Red Cross in New Orleans. The wedding will be June 7.

of Birmingham. Dr. Chaney is a graduate of Tuskegee University with a bachelor’s degree in animal and poultry science and a graduate of Tuskegee University’s School of Veterinary Medicine with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Dr. Chaney is an active member of the Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is employed by the United States Department of Agriculture as a veterinary enforcement, investigations and analysis officer. The prospective groom is the grandson of Ms. Irene Thomas and Ms. Elizabeth Walters of Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago. Mr. Walters is a 2001 graduate of Tuskegee University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He is employed by Intel Corporation as a senior software engineer. The bride and groom met and live in Scottsdale, Ariz., a suburb of Phoenix, where they will be married on Oct.11 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort.

McKinney-Hill

Mr. and Mrs. Steven George McKinney of Birmingham announce

Dalton-Pugh

Dr. and Mrs. Kyle Dalton of Conway, Ark., announce the engagement of their daughter, Cathey Lee

Harris-Brown

Elizabeth Rodgers Harris and Justin Wesley Brown were married Sept. 21, 2013 at Grayton Beach, Fla. Merrilee Challiss officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Harris of Farragut, Tenn. The groom is the son of Dr. Ronald Brown of Madison and Mr. and Mrs. Neal Hudson of Decatur. Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by Mary Camille Hodge as flower girl. After a honeymoon trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, the couple live in Vestavia Hills.

the engagement of their daughter, Evelyn Diane McKinney, to Benjamin Hunter Hill, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Elvin Hill of Columbiana. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerrel Walker of Memphis and Mr. and Mrs. George McKinney of Zion, Ill. Miss McKinney is a 2005 graduate of Briarwood Christian School and a magna cum laude graduate of Furman University with a bachelor’s degree in economics. She received her juris doctorate summa cum laude from the University of Alabama School of Law. Miss McKinney practices corporate and healthcare law at the firm of Bradley Arrant Boult Cummings LLP. The prospective groom is the

grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hathcock of Dothan and the late Mr. and Mrs. Elvin Hill of Columbiana. Mr. Hill is a 2004 graduate of Shelby County High School and a magna cum laude graduate of Samford University with a bachelor’s degree in religion. He received a master’s degree in finance from the University of Alabama Manderson Graduate School of Business and received his juris doctorate cum laude from the University of Alabama School of Law. Mr. Hill works in institutional fixed income research with SunTrust Robinson Humphrey in Memphis. The wedding will be May 24 at Samford University. The couple will live in Nashville after the wedding.

Dalton, to Ryan Anthony Pugh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Toney Pugh of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Doretta Bright and the late Mr. Raymond Bright of Conway and Mr. and Mrs. Elton Dalton of Kennett, Mo. Miss Dalton is a 2009 graduate of Conway High School in Conway, where she was named 2009 All-Star Outstanding Dancer for Arkansas. She is a 2013 cum laude graduate of Auburn University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in dance and was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Miss Dalton is employed with Conway Public Schools and Irby Dance Studio in Conway. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Sally Barrett and

the late Mr. Bobby Barrett and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Pugh, all of Auburn. Mr. Pugh is a 2007 graduate of Hoover High School and a 2012 cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in building science. He was a high school U.S. Army All American, 2007 State Champion Heavyweight Wrestler, starting offensive lineman on the Auburn University football team from 2007-2010, a two-time All-American, four-time Academic All-American and a 2010 National Champion. Mr. Pugh is a graduate assistant football coach for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, where he will be coaching the offensive line and tight ends. The 6 p.m. wedding will be June 7 in Little Rock, Ark., at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.

Watson-Booth

Mrs. Cathy Watson of Mountain Brook announces the engagement of her daughter, Elizabeth Todd Watson, to Milton Oliver Booth III, son of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Oliver Booth Jr., also of Mountain Brook. Miss Watson is the daughter of the late Mr. Joseph E. Watson Jr. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Todd of

Trussville and the late Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Ellis Watson of Luverne. Miss Watson is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Alabama, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising, French and Spanish and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She was presented at the Ball of Roses in 2009. Miss Watson also attended The Creative Circus design school in Atlanta and is employed as a graphic designer at Express Oil Change. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Claire Booth and the late Mr. Milton Oliver Booth of Mobile and Mr. and Mrs. James David Brown of Mountain Brook. Mr. Booth is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School. He attended the University of Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2007. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Jasons Honor Society. Mr. Booth is employed at Johnson Sterling and recently became a CFA charter holder. The wedding will be June 21.

Recently engaged or married? Send your engagement and wedding announcement to editorial@otmj.com

business

32 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

Hamming It Up

New UAB President Will Speak at Vestavia Chamber Luncheon

New Products Promote Birmingham’s Nicknames By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

hen Jason Johnson moved his family from Atlanta in 2012, he was puzzled when he heard people refer to his new hometown as “B’ham” or “The Ham” when referring to Birmingham proper and the surrounding metro area. But now that the part-time artist and father of four has settled in Hoover, he’s determined to spread the word about his love for the Birmingham area. Johnson, owner of Jason’s Vintage Signs & Designs, has created a logo that is popping up on bumper stickers, T-shirts and even baby clothes. The logo, marketed under Original B’ham products, plays on the porky part of the city’s name and features a B and a rendering of a bone-in ham. “When we first moved here, I noticed that people were always referring to the area as B’ham or The Ham, and I just wondered if anyone had ever put that together in a visual way,” Johnson said. Last summer, Johnson sat down at his home computer and started playing with the idea. “You see these bumper stickers that say ‘HH’ for Hilton Head and you see stickers for other cities, and I thought that this would be a way to market Birmingham using a little bit of humor,” he said. Johnson made a few T-shirts and decals last summer and gave them to family and friends, including his wife of 22 years, Andi, 15-year-old daughter Claire, 14-year-old son Chase, 12-year-old son Chad and 10-year-old son Cody. “I think Chad has worn one of the T-shirts almost every day since I started making them,” Johnson said. Chad wasn’t the only one who took a liking to the Original B’ham logo. Over the Mountain retailers soon started carrying Johnson’s line. “I wasn’t anticipating on making any money when I came up with this idea, but the products started selling quickly online,” he said. “Then they caught the eye of the owners of Alabama Goods in Homewood and Smith’s Variety in Mountain Brook, and both of those stores have sold a number of products.” While Johnson marveled at the healthy start of the Original B’ham product line, he said he wasn’t convinced that he was on to something until a couple of weeks ago. “I saw the decal on someone’s car--someone I didn’t know--while I was driving down John Hawkins Parkway,” Johnson said. “I didn’t think I had really sold any on this side of town, so it gave me a real boost to see it on that car. I immediately called my wife to tell her about it, and

Jason Johnson of Hoover has created a logo that celebrates Birmingham’s nicknames. The company recently introduced B’Ham Baby merchandise. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

we both thought it was pretty cool.” Johnson said he’s thrilled that more people are embracing his idea to show their love for the Birmingham area. “We love our new city, and we want to celebrate it with these products,” he said. The Original B’ham products aren’t Johnson’s only foray into the creative arts. A native of Anaheim, Calif., Johnson grew up with a sketchbook in his hand, played guitar and wrote songs. “I guess I always had a creative outlet, but it’s something I never thought of making a career of,” he said. Johnson has been in the insurance business for his entire career and said Jason’s Vintage Signs & Designs is just a part-time way for him to flex his creative muscles. Jason’s Vintage Signs & Designs was actually started before Johnson created the Original B’ham products, he said. “We’d go on family vacations down to Destin and see these ‘30A’ signs and stickers everywhere,” Johnson said. “We went into all these shops down there that have these quirky sayings painted on driftwood, and that kind of gave me the idea of making the signs.” Johnson uses disassembled wooden pallets and other scrap wood and hand paints scenes and phrases that resonate with him, he said. A sign in his living room featuring an image of oranges is an homage to a drive-in movie theater near Johnson’s childhood home in California. “I’ve done a lot of signs that rep-

resent that area and all the beaches from my childhood,” Johnson said. “Those have sold well at arts and crafts fairs.” Johnson also created a “Sweet Home Alabama” sign and a small wooden replica of the Alabama Theatre’s iconic sign. “These kind of symbols can draw people back in and remind them of what is great about our area,” he said. “When you talk about Birmingham, you’re talking about all of us, and yes, we can be different and still have some kind of brotherhood.” And now even the youngest Birmingham fans can show their pride with Original B’ham products. The company makes infant onesies emblazoned with the logo that are available online and at the Brookwood Medical Center gift shop. In addition to the B’ham Baby clothes, Johnson also offers the logo on car air fresheners, canvas bags, embroidered hats and front license plates. To check out the full line of Original B’ham products online, visit www.originalbham.com. To see Johnson’s other work, visit https:// www.facebook.com/jasonjohnsonart.❖

The new president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham will be the guest speaker at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon in April. Ray Watts was appointed the seventh president of UAB last year after Carol Garrison retired. He will speak at the April 8 luncheon at the Vestavia Ray Watts Country Club. Prior to being appointed president, Watts was senior vice president for medicine at UAB and was the dean of the school of medicine. Watts, a Birmingham native, earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from UAB in 1976. He was valedictorian of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in 1980. Watts completed his residency and fellowship training at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He will speak at noon. Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are $18 through 4 p.m. April 4 and $25 after that. For more information, visit www. vestaviahills.org or call 823-5011.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Doors open at 11 a.m. for networking, and the luncheon beings at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers and $250 to sponsor a table of eight. For more information, visit www. welcometomountainbrook.com or call 871-3779.

Bice to Speak at Homewood Chamber Education Event The state superintendent of education will be the guest speaker at the April membership meeting of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. Tommy Bice will speak at the chamber’s annual Excellence in Education event on April 15 in the Grand Ballroom of The Club in Homewood. Outstanding students from Homewood’s three elementary schools, middle school and high school will also be recognized at the event. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. and conclude by 1 p.m. Reservations are due by April 9. Tickets are $20 per person. For more information, visit www. homewoodchamber.org or call 8715631.

Author Will Discuss Book at Mountain Brook Chamber Luncheon A Homewood author and speaker will talk about his most recent book at the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s April luncheon. Richard E. Simmons III will discuss “A Life of Excellence” at the April 24 luncheon at Park Lane in English Village. Simmons is the founder and executive director of the Center for Executive Leadership, Richard Simmons III a Homewood-based nonprofit ministry that focuses on evangelism and discipleship of men. Simmons works with businessmen to help them develop their faith through formal Bible studies, teaching and counselors. He oversees a group of professional and personal counselors at the center. Simmons is also the author of “Reliable Truth,” a book about the validity of the Bible.

David and Andrea Snyder

Urban Cookhouse Wins U.S. Chamber Award An Over the Mountain restaurant was recently honored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Urban Cookhouse has been named a Blue Ribbon Small Business for 2014 and was recognized for its support of economic growth and contributions to restoring jobs. “We have worked very hard developing our concept for Urban Cookhouse,” owner David Snyder said. “We are honored that the business community across the nation has recognized us for our success.” Urban Cookhouse has locations in Homewood, Crestline and at The Summit. Urban Cookhouse, along with all of this year’s Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners, will be honored in June at the 10th annual America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Seven regional finalists will be recognized, and one regional finalist will receive the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award.

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 33

Business

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Slice Pizza Raises Dough for Community The brothers behind Slice Pizza & Brew in Lakeview said supporting the local community is part of the reason they opened the upscale pizzeria in 2011 and was the idea behind their second fundraising event to help Birmingham area charities. Slice owners Chris, Jason and Jeff Bajalieh are celebrating the second Dough Raising event, which has raised more than $55,000 for charities in the last two years, includ-

ing the Exceptional Foundation, Mitchell’s Place and the Altamont School. Each Tuesday, the Dough Raising campaign donates 10 percent of the day’s sales to a different charity. The brothers said their business’ philosophy is all about eating local, drinking local and supporting the community that supports you. The Bajalieh brothers grew up in the restaurant business support-

Homewood merchants are prepping for the inaugural Hop and Shop event on April 12. From left: Rhonda Keith of Collage, Margaret Scott of Savage’s Bakery, Caitlyn Ogren of Three Sheets, Paige Rouss of At Home and Laura Wilson of Four Seasons. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

Homewood Plans April 12 Hop and Shop Event

New Fitness Studio Will Have Indoor Cycling

Shoppers can get a jump on Easter and spring deals with the inaugural Hop and Shop event in Homewood on April 12. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Homewood merchants will open their doors for an Easter egg hunt. Patrons can hunt for hidden eggs stuffed with coupons, gift cards and candy in Homewood and Edgewood stores during the event. Golden eggs containing special prizes will be hidden in some stores. The event is the brainchild of Steve Thomas at SoHo Retro and Liz Lane at Four Seasons. Homewood merchants said they hope Hop and Shop becomes an annual event. “It’s a wonderful way to not only build community but a great way to support local stores,” said Paige Rouss of At Home. “I hope this is something that we start doing every year.” Rhonda Keith of Collage said the event will give parents plenty of time to shop while their children are busy hunting for eggs. “The kids are going to love it and the parents are going to love it because they’ll have a chance to shop and get some great deals,” Keith said. Tricia Ford, executive director of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, said those visiting Homewood for the Hop and Shop event may see a special guest rolling through town. “Don’t be surprised to see an Easter bunny riding around in a red convertible,” Ford said. “Bring your basket because this will be fun for the whole family.” For more information on the Homewood Hop and Shop event, visit www.homewoodchamber.org or call 871-5631.

Over the Mountain residents in the Inverness/ Valleydale Road area will soon have a new place to break a sweat. Rocket Cycle Fitness Studio is set to open April 7 at 5299 Valleydale Road. Rachel Hunt Rocket Cycle will have a dedicated indoor cycling studio and will also offer Pilates,

ing their father’s endeavors at Sol Bajalieh’s downtown deli, Sol’s Sandwich Shop and Deli. The brothers said they learned early that succeeding in the restaurant business requires a lot of hard work, delicious food and superior customer service. For more information on Slice Pizza & Brew and the Dough Raising campaign, visit www.slicebirmingham.com. ❖

The brothers behind Slice Pizza & Brew celebrate the success of the second Dough Raising fundraiser for Birmingham area charities. From left: Jason, Chris and Jeff Bajalieh. Photo special to the Journal

yoga, TRX suspension training and combo classes. The cycling studio will use Spinner NXT cycles, one of the closest replications of a road bike. The bikes will track mileage and monitor the user’s heart rate. “Cycling is a high intensity, low impact workout and an excellent opportunity for off-season training for triathletes,” said Rachel Hunt, owner. Hunt also owns Extreme Fit Training LLC, a boot camp with locations in Homewood, Inverness and Greystone. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Samford University and said she has been a fitness enthusiast her whole life. The Rocket Cycle Fitness Studio will feature a live DJ a few Saturdays each month and promises to provide a motivational workout by expert instructors, Hunt said. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/Rocketcycle.

estate sales and auctions. We also buy items from people who have things that they don’t want to throw away but that they don’t really have a place for either,” McDavid said. While the market will offer a variety of changing merchandise, the friends’ appreciation of quality and unique furnishings will remain constant, Ammons said. “We have some higher end items but overall, we try to keep price points affordable so that there’s something for everyone and our merchandise moves quickly, keeping our stock fresh and new,” she said. McDavid and Ammons said starting their own business has been a dream come true. “We’ve been friends for over 25 years and have always talked about starting a business together,” Ammons said.”With our love of art, travel, auctions, estate sales and creating things, starting a business that incorporated all of these

seemed like a natural fit.” Upcoming Tables & Contents monthly markets are slated for April 10-12 and May 8-10 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, visit tablesandcontents.com or call 585-7838.

Eunie McDavid and Joyce Ammons will feature an ever-changing market for three days each month at Tables & Contents at 1712 28th Ave. South across from Watkins Cleaners.

Tables & Contents Market Open in Homewood Two longtime friends have launched a unique monthly furnishings market in Homewood. Eunie McDavid and Joyce Ammons will feature an ever-changing market for three days each month at Tables & Contents at 1712 28th Ave. South across from Watkins Cleaners. The market will be open the second Thursday through Saturday of each month and will carry a broad variety of home furnishings and accessories. “We travel a lot, going to flea markets,

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home

34 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

2014 parade of Homes

The kitchen in the Logan design has a center island with a sink and plenty of dining space. The kitchen design includes white subway tile on the backsplash, maple cabinets and an adjacent butler’s pantry. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

By Keysha Drexel Journal Editor

Dressing up the Ranch

n architectural style that reached its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s is making a comeback as more and more people crave the practicality of one-story living. Liberty Park Joint Venture LLP will showcase its modern take on the classic American ranch with its Logan design at 4751 Liberty Park Lane during the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders 2014 Parade of Homes this month. But this is not your grandmother’s ranch house, said Josh Sexton, senior builder. “It’s really a new product in the Birmingham area that is inspired by those classic ranch-style houses of the ’50s and ’60s,” Sexton said. “But this isn’t the boxy interior that we remember from our grandparents’ ranchers. We’ve updated it to fit how people live today.” Sexton said homebuyers are thinking in more practical terms when it comes to new home construction. “People really want to get away from that McMansion feel, and they are thinking about the long term,” he said. “It’s less about a starter home and more about a home that you can live in for a long time.” And while one-level living is obviously appealing to senior citi-

Classic Home Style Makes Comeback in Logan Design

See ranch, page 40

‘...this isn’t the boxy interior that we remember from our grandparents’ ranchers. We’ve updated it to fit how people live today.’

inside

Function Comes First: Builder Puts Priority on User-friendly Houses Page 36

Parade’s Ideal Home Shows off Trends, Technology Page 38

Josh Sexton, Parade Home builder

Visit all 16 Parade homes in OTM area Page 42

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

home

SPRING INTO STYLE

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 35

D E C O R AT E D S H O W H O M E AND 20 EXCITING NEW PLANS NOW READY FOR YOU!

From the newest designs in comfortable, single-level living to the latest styles in spacious family homes, our Liberty Park 2014 Spring Showcase of Homes is now in full bloom. See the latest trends in classic architecture, innovative new floor plans, fresh ideas in interior design and a wide choice of luxurious features. All designed to give you beautiful homes built for easy elegance. Don’t miss this special spring showing. Come visit today and see what everyone will be talking about tomorrow. • New Decorated Show Home – showcasing the best in single-level living • Four New Neighborhoods now opening for pre-sales • Great Location – just 15 miles from Birmingham’s Airport

Beautiful New Neighborhoods are Now Open. Welcome Center open daily. Homes from the high $300s to $600s plus. Home to the highly-rated Vestavia Hills Elementary and Middle Schools at Liberty Park. All information contained herein is deemed accurate but not warranted. Neither Liberty Park nor its builders and agents are responsible for errors or omissions Plan information subject to change without notice.

(205) 945-6401

libertypark.com

36 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

1. A monochromatic master bathroom offers a spa-like getaway at home. White marble was used for the floors, countertops and roomy shower. 2. The open kitchen has a marble-topped center island with a wooden base. The marble countertops offer plenty of prep space, and stainless steel appliances tie in with the door pulls and knobs on the cabinets. Pendant lights reflect off the warm yellow walls. 3. Mike Wedgworth of Wedgworth Construction Company. The homebuilder’s house at 2101 Shades Crest Road in Vestavia Hills will be open to the public during this year’s Parade of Homes April 5-6 and April 12-13. 4. The great room features a vaulted ceiling, fireplace, built-in bookcases and floor-to-ceiling windows.

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

ike Wedgworth said he used the same “form follows function” design principle his company is known for to create his latest entry in the Greater Birmingham Home Builder’s Association 2014 Parade of Homes. Wedgworth Construction Company’s house at 2101 Shades Crest Road in Vestavia Hills will be open to the public during this year’s Parade of Homes April 5-6 and April 12-13. “We approach the design of new home construction by letting function lead form,” Wedgworth said. “That means we concentrate on making sure the house reflects how people will use the interior space instead of starting with how everything will look on the exterior first. Simply put, our homes are made to live in and give you the best value.” That inside-out approach means the houses built by Wedgworth’s company don’t have spaces that the homeowners won’t use or that don’t fit their lifestyles, he said. “We start by asking our clients how they will use each room and then we talk about a budget and then we make it all fit together,” he said. To get a look at the results of Wedgworth’s function-over-form design approach, Parade-goers can visit the 3,800-square-foot, one and half story home on Shades Crest Road. The house boasts four bedrooms and three and half bathrooms, sits on a level shaded lot with a wooden fence enclosing the backyard and has a two-car garage. It is listed for $825,000. Wedgworth said the house has a transitional design that bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary styles. It features an expansive great room area with 16-foot vaulted ceilings that include stained wood beams with a painted V-joint ceiling. The great room is open to the kitchen, which has a large center island, copious cabinet and storage space, a subway tile backsplash and stainless steel Bosch appliances. The entire main level area is tied together with oak flooring, giving the

Photos special to the Journal

2014 parade of Homes

Function Comes First Builder Puts Priority on User-friendly Houses

interior a seamless quality. “That’s the big theme now. People want something with cleaner lines, more neutrals and natural materials,” he said. “In the Birmingham area, we’re not quite ready to embrace a full-on contemporary home design, but this transitional design adds a bit of those crisp, clean lines.” That contemporary edge is best reflected in the home’s master bathroom, a monochromatic spa-like retreat. White marble is used on the master bathroom’s floors, on the vanity countertops and in the roomy shower with multiple shower heads and enclosed with frameless glass doors. “You have the traditional marble used in a very sleek way in the master

bathroom,” Wedgworth said. The master bathroom features a double vanity and plenty of cabinets and drawers so the homeowners can tuck away cosmetics, toiletries and styling tools to keep the room’s sleek look intact. The master bathroom is illuminated by recessed light fixtures in the ceiling, sconces on either side of the large mirrors and windows near the ceiling that allow natural light to supplement the artificial light. And it’s not just any kind of artificial light brightening the home’s master bathroom. Like all Wedgworth houses, the Shades Crest Road home is equipped with Energy Star-rated light fixtures, LED bulbs in the recessed fixtures 4

and compact fluorescent bulbs. Wedgworth, who has been in the home development and building business since 1979, has been building energy-efficient homes since 2008. “We saw the need for green building back in 2008, and that’s when we retooled our whole operation. That’s what homebuyers are looking for now. They want to save energy and they want to save money,” he said. All Wedgworth homes are tested and certified by a third party to be at least 15 percent more energy efficient than a home built to standard codes. “That means that in a 3,500-square-foot home, our tight building practices mean that the house can be heated and cooled for less than $3,000 a year, and that’s a real advantage for homeowners,” Wedgworth said. Some of the key features of Wedgworth’s green building design include engineered heating, venting and air conditioning systems with sealed ductwork, Low E windows and insulated doors and an extensive attic, floor and wall insulation system. “The point is that you have comfortable air throughout the entire house,” Wedgworth said. “There are no pockets of cold or hot air, and all of the rooms stay the same temperature.” That comfortable indoor air is also clean air, thanks to vapor barriers, options for outside air intakes and filters, low VOC paints and formaldehyde-free MDF trim. Additionally, the homes feature Energy Star-rated appliances, including energy-efficient natural gas for

heating, water heating and cooking, 1.6-gallon flush toilets, water-saving faucets and tankless natural gas water heaters. Wedgworth uses bricks which are made in Bessemer and smart framing systems that minimize lumber waste. “The real nucleus of our green building approach is that the home is modeled to fit the lot, and we use a live computer model of how the house will function as a building system,” Wedgworth said. That means Wedgworth homes are designed to fit the land and to function well on each particular lot, he said. “Each home’s design is based on how it will best work on that particular lot. We don’t do a lot of grading and scraping away of the land to make the house fit the lot,” Wedgworth said. Another thing that sets Wedgworth homes apart is its “one-stop shopping” services, he said. “Instead of outsourcing a designer and a plumber and a landscape architect, we offer a design build package and put you in touch with a whole team of people that will be working on the same vision to give people the home of their dreams,” he said. All of the team members on the design and construction project can communicate with the homeowners and each other using a Cloud-based interactive website. “It’s about getting everyone in on the same conversation and getting input from the clients throughout the entire process,” he said. “It’s about having all these professionals working together for a more personalized, turnkey experience for the clients.” Wedgworth said the house offers a rare opportunity to own a new home in “old Vestavia,” minutes from Vestavia Country Club and Vestavia Hills Elementary East. For more information on the house at 2101 Shades Crest Road or other Wedgworth properties, visit www. wedgworth.net. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 37

38 • Thursday, April 3, 2014 1

home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

2014 parade of Homes

A Houseful of Ideas Parade’s Ideal Home Shows off Trends, Technology

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

yle Murphy, president of Murphy Home Builders, said building any home from the ground up in just five months is a daunting task in and of itself. “A house like this would normally take at least nine months to build, so we’ve definitely had to speed things up on this build,” Murphy said. Adding to Murphy’s challenge is the fact that the house he is building will be visited by thousands during the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders 2014 Parade of Homes this month. The house in Hoover’s Ross Bridge community is this year’s Ideal Home and is meant to showcase the latest trends in smart-home technology and construction trends. And to that end, the house doesn’t disappoint, Murphy said. “The Ideal Home will offer everything a family could long to have in their dream home,” he said. “From the commercial-grade kitchen to the inviting outdoor living space, the house will offer plenty of ideas and inspiration.” This is the third year the Parade of Homes has included an Ideal Home. The 2012 Ideal Home attracted more than 5,000 visitors during the two-weekend event and was under contract the first day of the Parade of Homes. Last year’s Ideal Home, built in The Preserve by Byrom Building Corp., went under contract weeks before the 2013 Parade of Homes, even before it was completely finished. The Murphy home even beat that impressive record. “The house sold even before construction started,” said Jim O’Hanlon, operations manager for Murphy Home Builders and Kyle Murphy’s

1. Jim O’Hanlon and Kyle Murphy of Murphy Home Builders stand in the kitchen of the Ideal Home. 2. Commercial-grade appliances, two islands and plenty of cabinets make the kitchen of the Ideal Home the perfect place to entertain a crowd or whip up a quick meal. 3. The 2014 Parade of Homes Ideal Home is at 4245 Glasscott Crossings in Hoover’s Ross Bridge community. 4. Kyle Murphy wanted to add interesting architectural details to the Ideal Home, so he came up with what he calls the Murphy ceiling for a downstairs bedroom. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

uncle. But before the new owners move in, visitors will be able to take a tour of the 4,700-square-foot house at 4245 Glasscott Crossings. The five bedroom, five and half bath house was getting its finishing touches when Murphy and O’Hanlon

gave the Over the Mountain Journal a sneak peek at what Parade-goers will see on the weekends of April 5-6 and April 12-13. At first glance, the house looks like a traditional, Craftsman-style design with a wood-moulded brick exterior accented by cedar shakes. Visitors enter through an elegant foyer that opens into a vast great room featuring exposed cedar rafter beams which continue the Craftsmanstyle touches to the home’s interior. The great room has a large fireplace with a cedar mantle that was built on site. Built-in bookcases on one side of the fireplace offer the perfect place for displaying family photos and treasured mementoes. The fireplace is made of limestone from an Alabama quarry, Murphy said. “We tried to use as many local resources as possible, like the Alabama limestone for the fireplace and the moss rock outside from Alabama. The brick for the house was also made in Alabama,” he said. French doors in the great room lead to an outdoor living space that features a patio with a brick enclosure, detailed arches, a coffered ceiling, a stamped concrete floor and for those crisp fall evenings outdoors, a wood-burning Isokern fireplace. The outdoor space also includes a grilling area on the side of the patio that is covered by an arbor. The stamped concrete design on the patio is echoed in the walkway leading to the driveway. Back inside, the great room opens to an airy kitchen that is perfect for entertaining a crowd or for an intimate family dinner. The spacious area features Sub-Zero and Wolf commercial-grade appliances, Silestone quartz countertops and a cast iron farmhouse sink. The kitchen has two islands, one of which includes a built-in wine refrigerator. A walk-in pantry is dis-

guised behind what looks like large cabinet doors that match the rest of the kitchen’s Shaker-style cabinets by Wellborn Forest. The second island has a prep sink and plenty of room for all the cooks in the family to lend a hand. Each island also has extra outlets for today’s plugged-in families, Murphy said. “People always need a place to plug in their cellphones or their tablets and we all tend to gather in the kitchen, so I wanted to make sure we paid attention to little details like that,” he said. Those details for how modern families live in their homes also led Murphy to incorporate other techsavvy features in the house. Everything from the blinds for the kitchen windows to the air conditioner to the entertainment center can be controlled by a smartphone or tablet. The home even has its own “command center”--a small closet-like room just off the great room that hides all the wireless servers, routers and other gizmos needed to let the homeowners change the lighting, temperature or even music with just the touch of a button. “You won’t see a DVD player or a stereo system or a bunch of wires out in the great room or anywhere in the house,” Murphy said. “This tech area lets you keep all that out of way.” But don’t think all that technology means the house isn’t energy efficient, Murphy said. The home features energy-efficient windows, a tankless water heater, energy-efficient light bulbs throughout and a radiant barrier on the roof that blocks up to 85 percent of the radiant heat coming into the house, Murphy said. “We have proven that you can do an energy-efficient design on a budget. I like to figure out ways to get the best out of every dollar,” he said. A full butler’s pantry separates the great room and kitchen areas from a formal dining room. Also on the first level is the master bedroom suite, which features an interesting architectural detail on the ceiling that Murphy came up with himself. “I call it a Murphy ceiling. It’s kind of a combination of a vaulted ceiling with a small coffer at the top of it,” he said. “The wood has a distressed, whitewashed look, and we put it in going in different directions just to mix things up a little bit.” The master bedroom’s drama doesn’t end with the Murphy ceiling. The bedroom includes expansive his and hers walk-in closets with built-in wooden shelves and cabinets. The master bathroom offers an elegant, spa-like retreat with a glassenclosed shower with multiple shower heads, a freestanding tub, white

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 39

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

marble floors, polished porcelain tiles and Silestone quartz on the double vanities. And the home’s tech-savvy style isn’t shut out of the master bathroom. “The mirror above the sinks is actually a two-way mirror that doubles as a television, so you can soak in the tub and watch television and then when you turn it off, it just looks like a mirror,” O’Hanlon said. Upstairs is a 24-foot by 16-foot media room. “It’s a very versatile space and doesn’t have to be used as a media room. It could be a kids’ playroom, but it’s already completely wired with hidden speakers in the ceiling, a projection TV and everything you would need for the ultimate movie night at home,” Murphy said. There’s also plenty of space on the home’s basement level for a media room or movie area, Murphy said. The 1,100-square-foot basement includes a kitchen with a full bar area and even a place to discreetly tuck away a beer keg. There’s also a living area in the basement with an LED fireplace. Off the garage is a feature of the Ideal Home Murphy said he put in place to make sure the homeowners always feel safe in their new home. “We know how important it is to have a safe place to go during bad weather, so we included a tornado room, a kind of safe room just off of the garage on the basement level,” he said. “It has concrete floors, concrete ceilings and steel doors. It can really give you peace of mind to know that this room is down here if you need it.” Murphy said the home’s location was a major selling point for the family who bought it even before it was built. Ross Bridge was voted the Best Community in America in 2011 by the National Association of Home Builders. “Ross Bridge has so many perks. There are great schools, great neighborhood parks, easy access to shopping and entertainment, and if you have guests coming in from out of town, they can stay nearby at a world-class golf resort,” he said. “They might like it so much that they move here. That’s what my uncle Jim (O’Hanlon) did.” O’Hanlon joined his nephew’s business shortly after moving from his native Canada in 2006 with his wife and three children. “I was tired of being cold, so I decided to move down here,” O’Hanlon said. Murphy, too, got his start in the home construction business through a family connection. “About 15 years ago, I started working for my brother-in-law, who is also a homebuilder. I started out as

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low as you can get, just cleaning up home construction sites, and then I taught myself the business and then founded my own company,” he said. Murphy said he enjoys the creative challenge of coming up with different home designs and said his favorite part of his job is working with his clients. “I’m always open to suggestions. I’ve gotten a lot of ideas from homeowners. It’s very satisfying to see people get excited about a new home,” the 38-year-old said.

Murphy said his company has participated in the Parade of Homes for the last five years. “I always wanted to do the Ideal Home, so I was very excited to do it this year for the Parade of Homes,” he said. “It’s been a challenge, but it’s the kind of challenge that I enjoy.” O’Hanlon said that the company is accepting only a small fee for the sale of the Ideal Home and that the rest of the proceeds will go back to the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

“Kyle really wants to support the association, and this was his way to give back,” O’Hanlon said. Murphy said there are several reasons why he thinks it’s important to support the efforts of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. “It’s not just about helping the homebuilders, it’s also about supporting what the association tries to do to protect customers, too,” he said. For more information, visit www. murphyhomebuilders.com. ❖

See the latest in design trends and building products. Check out the hottest new technology trends and stateof-the-art theater room. See whats new in floor plan design including open rooms, raised ceilings, beams, natural stone and outdoor living and grilling areas.

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40 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

home

ranch,

From page 34

zens and others with mobility issues, Sexton said he’s found that more young families are attracted to the convenience of the ranch-style floor plan. “A lot of people who are interested in these homes are young parents who want their children on the same level as them and don’t want to have to run up and down the stairs to keep up

with them,” he said. What Sexton has noticed in the new home construction market is a trend that first started in 2011, according to U.S. Census Bureau information. In 1973, one-story homes made up 67 percent of new home construction, but that had dropped to 43 percent by 2006. In 2011, that number rose to 46 percent. But just because more people are increasingly interested in doing all their living on one floor doesn’t mean they don’t want modern amenities, Sexton said. “They want a simpler, more casual living environment, but they still want all the classic elegance,” he said. The four-sided brick home features architectural roof shingles, a three-car garage, cedar mailbox and two floodlights. The 3,000-square-foot house appeals to a family’s desire for open spaces to gather, play and relax and at the same time offers ample room for both formal and casual entertaining, Sexton said. The home has a nine-foot vaulted ceiling in the living room, which is flooded with natural light from large windows and has a direct vent fireplace. The living area connects to the open kitchen, which Sexton calls a

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

1. The living room in the house at 4751 Liberty Park Lane features a vaulted ceiling and a direct vent fireplace. 2. Josh Sexton is a senior builder at Liberty Park Joint Venture. 3. A stainless steel drop-in gas range and other high-quality appliances come standard in the Logan house. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

cookery. “We call it a cookery just to be a little different and to get people to ask why we call it a cookery,” Sexton

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said. The cookery features a large center island with a sink, double ovens

and stainless steel appliances, including a convection microwave. There’s plenty of storage space in the kitchen’s maple cabinets. The room’s luxury touches include granite countertops, Delta plumbing fixtures and a subway tile backsplash, all standard in the Logan design, Sexton said. 3 Oak flooring ties the foyer, kitchen, dining room, powder room, living room and hallways together with a classic

tain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246

r AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the ch 6, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. To: Tricia ACME Brick and Tile From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 ease make sure all information is correct, Date: April including address and phone number! This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOurnAl for the April 3, 2014 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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and timeless look. On the other side of the living room/kitchen area, French doors lead to a large 12-foot by 12-foot wooden deck. “We can either do the wooden deck or a patio, depending on what the homeowners want,” Sexton said. The home lots include four sides of sod with irrigation, two outside water faucets and double-hung energy efficient windows. The windows aren’t the only energy efficient features in the Logan, Sexton said. The home features programmable thermostats and an indoor air cleaning system, all of which come standard, he said. Sexton said an energy efficient package available in the home design includes tankless water heaters and solar roof panels. “With a minimum cost upfront, homeowners will easily get their money back with the energy efficient upgrades,” he said. The standard Logan plan has four bedrooms and three and half bathrooms. The master bedroom suite is called the owner’s suite and features his and hers walk-in closets with wire shelving and an expansive master bathroom with double vanities, an iron spa tub, a large tiled shower and 54-inch mirrors. The shower has frameless glass doors and a built-in bench. The granite countertops in the bathroom tie into the materials used in the rest of the house. Just off the owner’s suite is a large laundry room with a sink and plenty of cabinets. “We try to make sure the laundry rooms are always close to the owner’s suites because that makes sense for how most people live,” Sexton said. Sexton said the Logan’s design plans also strategically place another clean-up area that more and more families want in their new homes. “There’s a mudroom/drop zone right next to the garage and the

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 41

home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

laundry room,” Sexton said. “It’s the perfect place to drop muddy sports uniforms, shoes, all that stuff that usually just gets dumped by the back door.” Two roomy bedrooms are ideal for kids’ rooms or to use as a bedroom and home office, Sexton said. The fourth bedroom is in the front of the house and is a little larger than the kids’ bedrooms, he said. “This is an area that would be perfect for an in-law suite or guest room,” Sexton said. “It is kind of separated from the rest of the house and has a private bathroom with a shower.” Those who choose the Logan design can also opt for a basement, Sexton said. “But instead of a basement we call it a terrace,” he said. “Right off the living area, we have what we call the atrium with these huge windows that bring in a lot of natural light. The staircase in the atrium leads to the terrace downstairs.” And what Parade of Home visitors will see when they go down to the terrace will be all about the possibilities of the Logan design, Sexton said. “We wanted to give people an idea of the range of ways they could use this space downstairs, so we created the Imagination Room,” he said. The Imagination Room features vignettes showing how homeowners could use the space to up the home’s square footage to about 6,000 square feet, Sexton said. Ideas pitched in the Imagination Room range from a home theater to a home spa, complete with a sauna. Parade of Homes visitors to the Logan won’t have to use their imaginations to consider how at least part of the optional basement area could be used. The home at 4751 Liberty Park Lane is already outfitted with a downstairs kitchen and a large living area that could be used as a media room or kids’ playroom.

The basement area is not the only way designers can alter the Logan design to fit customers’ needs, Sexton said. “It can be reconfigured to feature up to six bedrooms,” he said. Sexton said he thinks those visiting the Logan on the Parade of Homes will be impressed not only with the home’s design but also with its location. “Liberty Park has so many wonderful things going for it--great schools, playgrounds and walking trails,” he said. “Plus there’s easy

access to almost anywhere. You’re 17 minutes from the airport.” Sexton has been in the residential construction business for about 13 years. An Atlanta native and graduate of Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Ga., Sexton started out in the business as an estimator and then worked as a building project manager for 11 years before moving to Alabama. He lives with his wife, Casey, and their children, 5-year-old Hannah and 21-month-old Jacob, in Birmingham.

Vestavia Hills from the $450’s. Only a few left!

Sexton said his favorite part of his job is helping people find just the right home. “I like that every day is different and that you get to meet different people all the time,” he said. “But the most enjoyable part is helping to make it easy and enjoyable for people to get the home they want. It’s not just a house we’re designing and building, it’s a home.” For more on the Logan and other homes of Liberty Park Joint Venture LLP, visit libertypark.com or call the sales office at 945-6401. ❖

Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills from the $600's.

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Connecting Community & History

This is your ad proof from the over The mounTain Journal for the april 3, 2014 ssue. 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.

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William Edwards saw an ARC Realty advertisement featuring a group shot of agents, and was intrigued by the diversity and happy faces in the image. When it came time to list his mother’s historic College Hills home, he called ARC. “I immediately connected with Mary who answered the phone and put me in touch with Brenda Herron. I have been impressed with her commitment and this company. She explained that founder Tommy Brigham is dedicated to building relationship bridges throughout Birmingham, and I like partnering with a company like that.” – William Edwards, Retired United States Marshal of the Northern District of Alabama

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42 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

home

parade,

From page one

annual tradition for a lot of families. And with new homes to see in every size and price range, people often

discover exactly the home they’d like to own next.” And with new home sales on the rise, Morrow said the 58th annual Parade of Homes provides an opportunity for builders to put their best foot forward as they connect with

Designs for every room.

prospective homebuyers. Among the 75 new homes highlighted on the 2014 Parade, about 20 villages will be featured across the greater Birmingham area. Parade villages are new home communities with at least one home entered in the Parade. These villages will offer a special opportunity to learn about the features and amenities of the communities in which Parade homes are located, officials said. The villages on this year’s Parade include Ballantrae in Pelham, Chelsea Park in Chelsea, Hillsboro in Helena, Kelham Grove in Mt Laurel, Longmeadow in Trussville, Meadow Lake in Bessemer, North Ridge in Hoover, Nottingham in Calera, Provence in Liberty Park, Ross Bridge in Hoover, Rosser Farms in McCalla, Spring Valley in Leeds, Stockton

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

in Trussville, Southhampton in Hoover, The Preserve in Hoover, The View in Hoover, Trussville Springs in Trussville, Viridian in Vestavia Hills and Wisteria in Alabaster. Homes on the tour range from 1,000 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet and provide something for all potential homebuyers, whether they are looking for luxury in a move-up, scaling down or looking for a remodeling contractor. A featured attraction of the 2014 Parade of Homes will be the third annual GBAHB Ideal Home, a showcase house displaying the latest in home design, décor, technology and sustainability. The 2014 Ideal Home is in the Glasscott community of Ross Bridge, which was voted the Best Community in America in 2011 by the National Association of

16 OTM Homes on this Year’s Parade 1455 Scout Ridge Drive

The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders 2014 Parade of Homes will feature 75 new homes, including 16 in the Over the Mountain area. They are:

Hoover, 35244 by RidgeCrest Properties LLC 5142 Park Side Circle

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Hoover, 35226 by Murphy Home Builders 894 Vestlake Ridge Drive

Vestavia, 35242 by Liberty Park Joint Venture 4751 Liberty Park Lane

Vestavia, 35242 by Liberty Park Joint Venture 4881 Provence Drive

Vestavia, 35242 by Signature Homes 1509 Pumphouse Court

Vestavia, 35243 by KADCO Homes 2101 Shades Crest Road

Vestavia, 35216 by Wedgworth Construction Company

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Home Builders. “The GBAHB Ideal Home will be built by Murphy Home Builders,” said Rusty Fowler of Fowler Custom Homes, the 2014 Parade of Homes chairman. “It will feature exciting new home technology and automation, beautiful furnishings, top-of-the-line appliances, an outdoor living space and more.” Those attending this year’s event can plot their maps to the Parade homes and villages with the help of online resources. Parade maps, previews of some of the homes and villages on the tour, information on the Ideal Home and details on other special events are at birminghambuilder.com. The 2014 Parade of Homes is free and will run from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 5 and April 12 and from 1-6 p.m. April 6 and April 13. ❖

5179 Park Side Circle,

Hoover, 35244 by Signature Homes

5167 Overton Cove,

Vestavia, 35223 by KADCO Homes 961 Viridian Way

Vestavia, 35226 by Wedgworth Construction Company 4180 Memorial Park Circle

2276 Southampton Drive,

Hoover, 35226 by Signature Homes

6756 Chestnut Park Lane

Hoover, 35226 by Byrom Building Company. Marty and Colt Byrom, below.

Hoover, 35226 by Harris Doyle Homes 4216 Memorial Drive

Hoover, 35226 by RidgeCrest Properties LLC 4491 Heritage Park Drive

Hoover, 35226 by Fowler Custom Homes

for more information please Call mike wedgworth: 205.365.4344

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Green Achievement

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 43

Schools

Members of the Garden Club at Homewood Middle School celebrate the school’s Green Ribbon School designation. From left: Malik Powell, Christina Chappell, Molly Crawford, Gabby Ochoa, Briana Morton, Ashley Westfield, Izzy Knudsen, Molly Knudsen, and Andrew McKibbon.

OTM Schools Earn State Green Ribbon Awards The Alabama State Department of Education recently recognized two Over the Mountain Schools for reducing environmental impact, promoting health and ensuring a high-quality environmental and outdoor education. Homewood Middle School in Homewood and Brock’s Gap Intermediate School in Hoover have been named the state’s 2014 Green Ribbon Schools. Both schools are now in the running for the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon School Program. National honorees will be announced on April 22. Over the Mountain schools account for two of the three schools honored by the state this year. The third school named a state Green Ribbon School is F. E. Burleson Elementary School in Hartselle. All of the schools will receive recognition from the Alabama Board of Education at its May 14 meeting. “These Alabama schools have been nominated and chosen based on

their dedication to environmentally sustainable and innovative practices. They are a model for our state. We are very proud to see new schools join the Green Ribbon Schools honorees this year,” said Dr. Tommy Bice, state superintendent of education. Homewood Middle School was the only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver-certified middle school in the nation in 2008 and the first LEED-certified building in Alabama. In February 2012, a team of teachers organized a school-wide recycling program that taught important skills to students with special needs. The students advertise the recycling program, work to make the program more efficient and manage the materials that are recycled. The middle and high school recycling programs have worked with local nonprofits to ensure the continuing success of the program. Homewood Middle School has a community garden aimed at helping

Students at Brock’s Gap Intermediate School in Hoover celebrate the school being named one of the state’s Green Ribbon Schools. From left: Ramisha Ali, Kevin Shih, Nathan Johnson, Caroline McCaleb, Lauren McEwan and Victory Ware. Photo special to the Journal by Traci Ingleright

Photo special to the Journal

students make healthy environmental decisions. Special education students harvest herbs and vegetables, English language learners have language lessons in the garden and participate in the environmental club, and gifted and general education students study the complexities of planning and maintaining a garden. The school’s “The Movement” program promotes healthy lifestyles and provides an opportunity for employees to not only improve fitness for themselves but also model wellness for students. The SOS/FIT employee wellness program started five years ago with spin classes available for students during school and for school employees before and after school hours. Brock’s Gap Intermediate School is a relatively new school in the Hoover system, but its building is familiar to many in the community. In an effort to alleviate overcrowding, the city system implemented a building realignment and “recyclabuilding” plan. At the heart of the plan was a new intermediate school that was “recycled” from the old R.F. Bumpus Middle School. Daylighting is an important component of the school’s design. The lunchroom is designed to use natural light to illuminate its space as a way to reduce reliance on electric lighting during the daytime. Students conduct online research,

School Notes Highlands Student Wins Chess Tournament

OLS Seventh-grader Wins District Spelling Bee

A Highlands School student recently won a chess tournament in Montgomery. Fourth-grader Andrew Glassford won first place in the K-8 division at the MLK Classic Chess Tournament in January. Glassford had a perfect score of 5.0 in the tournament. The fourthgrader defeated all five Andrew Glassford opponents he played at the event. The event was a U.S. Chess Federation-rated tournament and a warm-up for the state Scholastic Chess Championship at the University of Montevallo March 15-16.

A seventh-grader from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School won the Homewood district spelling bee in January. Jacob Pugh advanced to the district bee after winning the school-level contest at OLS in Homewood. To win the school title, Pugh completed 25 rounds of competition spelling and clinched the win with the word “isochronous.” The OLS runner-up in the 2014 spelling bee was sixth-grader Frank Perrucci.

create websites, maintain blogs, assemble multimedia presentations, produce videos, use global-positioning-system devices and other nature apps to acquire scientific data and manipulate technological equipment to acquire and record knowledge and understanding. As existing hardware wears out, BGIS is planning to replace its desktop computers with handheld personal devices, which function without hard drives with processing done by servers. These devices use less energy and consequently emit less heat, which, in a room of 30 or more machines, helps lessen air-condition-

ing costs. Despite changing budgets, BGIS has been improving school meals and working to teach students to make healthy choices at school and at home. BGIS is making kid favorites using leaner meats, whole grain ingredients and less sodium or added sugar. All students and grade levels participate in a minimum of 120 minutes of scheduled physical education a week. Future plans for BGIS green technologies include the ability to look at real-time usage of power, water and gas as well as the utilization of energy management software.❖

• Specialized Instruction for Dyslexia, ADD and other Learning Disabilities. • Small Class Sizes with a 9:1 Student Ratio. Frank Perrucci, left, was the runnerup and Jacob Pugh, right, was the winner of the OLS spelling bee. Pugh also won the Homewood district spelling bee. Photo special to the Journal

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• Lower School Through 12th Grade Carlton Smith, Ed. D. Executive Director 205-423-8660

44 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

Schools

Edgewood Elementary School students are making plans for the school’s only fundraiser, the annual Spring Festival on April 26. Photo special to the Journal

Edgewood to Host Spring Festival on April 26 Teachers, students and parents at Edgewood Elementary School in Homewood are busy making plans for the school’s only fundraiser of the year. The school will host its annual Spring Festival from 2-6 p.m. on April 26 on the school grounds. The festival will feature inflatables and carnival rides for all ages, games and prizes and plenty of festival food. A silent auction featuring artwork, trips and packages and merchandise from local businesses will be held in the school gym from 2-5 p.m. A live auction will begin at 5 p.m. New this year, the festival will have a DJ providing music, and there will be a special area just for toddlers and younger children. Tickets and armbands will be available for purchase on the day of the festival. All proceeds from the annual event go directly back to Edgewood Elementary’s classrooms to benefit the students and teachers. For more information, contact Shannon Taylor at taylorshannonb@gmail. com. ❖

Mountain Brook Students Express Themselves in District Show Students in Mountain Brook schools were recently recognized for their creative talents. The winners of the annual Mountain Brook Expressions District Art Show were recognized in February. The winners included Frederic Smith, a second-grader at Crestline Elementary School. Smith won third place in instrumental performance and honorable mention in the photography category for students in kindergarten through second grade. Another Crestline Elementary student, fourth-grader Ann Winston Morano, won honorable mention in the visual arts grades 3-4 division. Emma Fooshee, a fifth-grader at Cherokee Bend Elementary School, won third place in the grades 5-6 visual arts category. Another Cherokee Bend student,

fourth-grader Brynn Hannon, won first place in the photography contest for students in the third and fourth grades. Mary Patton Hand, a Crestline Elementary second-grader, won honorable mention in creative writing in the grades K-2 division. Jared Alon Sedlis, a second-grader at Brookwood Forest Elementary School, won honorable mention in the video production category for grades K-2.

Liberty Park Middle Names Lancer Court Liberty Park Middle School in Vestavia Hills recently recognized students for their leadership, citizenship and conduct. The school’s Lancer Court of Honor for the third nine weeks of the school year honored two boys and two girls from each grade level. Guest speaker for the event was Colter Bean, a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. Bean attended Vestavia Hills High

Some of the district winners of the Mountain Brook Expressions District Art Show were, from left: Frederic Smith, Crestline Elementary; Ann Winston Morano, Crestline Elementary; Emma Fooshee, Cherokee Bend Elementary; Brynn Hannon, Cherokee Bend Elementary; Mary Patton Hand, Crestline Elementary and Jared Alon Sedlis, Brookwood Forest Elementary. Photo special to the Journal

School and Auburn University. He played in the College World Series and was named to the All-SEC second team in 2000. Bean still holds the Auburn team record with 108 games pitched and 106 games relieved. Bean made his major league debut with the Yankees in 2005. In his speech to the students, he explained what it takes to make it to the major league and how to be successful in life. The eighth-graders recognized at the Lancer Court of Honor were Kanely Lemke, Alayna Priebe, Harrison Wood and John Marshall Williams. Seventh-grade winners were Nikki Coalburn, Megan Lawley, Jonathan Hand and Cameron Monistere. Sixth-graders recognized at the event were Grace McCarty, Arden Young, Clayton Rassmusen and Leondre Shaw.

Ladner Wins St. Francis Xavier’s Geography Bee A seventh-grader at St. Francis Xavier School recently won the school’s National Geographic Geography Bee by correctly naming Iceland’s largest city. By correctly identifying Reykjavik, Catherine Ladner won the school competition and a chance to compete at the state bee at Samford University. To make it to the school-wide competition, Ladner joined other students in the fourth through eighth grades in grade-level contests. Two winners from each grade then participated Catherine Ladner in the Jan. 22 school-wide geography bee. Principal Nathan Wright opened the school’s geography bee by explaining to the students that the activity was very appropriate for a school with St. Francis Xavier, the patron for foreign missions, as its patron saint. “St. Francis Xavier took the Gospel to the ends of the earth, and we should follow the example of our patron and learn about all the places that we, too, can take the Gospel,” Wright said. Other participants in the school’s geography bee were J.T. Balducci, Krystal Doan, Patsy Elder, Andrew Jones, Jordan Perez, Jehme Pruitt and Kassidy Schnoer.

Denton Selected for Fellows Program An Altamont School senior was recently selected as a member of the elite University Fellows Program at the University of Alabama. John Denton has been named a member of the University Fellows Experience John Denton housed in the Honors College at UA, said Sarah W. Whiteside, head of the Altamont School. More than 620 students from around

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

the country applied to be a part of the University Fellows Experience, which strives to prepare the most able and dedicated students at the University of Alabama for leadership in and service to their communities, states, nations and world. At Altamont, Denton has been very involved in the school’s community and has demonstrated the ideals set forth in the University Fellows program, Whiteside said. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, lacrosse team, Altamont Musicians’ Society, Altamont Jazz Band, Altamont Music Ensemble and the Public Forum Debate Team. He is a National Merit Semifinalist and recently earned the Eagle Scout rank.

“I have loved cheering each other on and working together to accomplish a goal,” Eanes said. “I can’t wait to do it again next year.” This was the second time Eanes had participated in the Mercedes Marathon relay event.

Brookwood Forest Celebrates Authors Students at Brookwood Forest Elementary School in Mountain Brook recently heard from four children’s authors during the school’s annual Writers’ Festival. The festival is hosted each year by the elementary schools in Mountain Brook. The four authors visiting students this year were George O’Connor, Barbara McClintock, Kate Fieffer and Heather Montgomery. Students could meet the authors and have books signed. Finley Evans was the event chairman.

Teachers from Oak Mountain Elementary School joined their students in the 2014 Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham in February. Photo special to the Journal

Oak Mountain Teachers Go Running in Marathon Teachers from Oak Mountain Elementary School in North Shelby laced up their sneakers Feb. 15-16 to join their students in running in the Mercedes Marathon in downtown Birmingham. About 100 OMES students ran in the Kids Marathon, and four teacher relay teams from the school raced in the marathon. The Mercedes Marathon helped raise money and awareness for the Bell Center in Birmingham, which provides early intervention services for children with special needs. Students and teachers started preparing for the annual event in the fall. OMES first-grade teacher Cammie Eanes said all of the training time was worth it.

Shades Mountain Christian School teachers Joni Chonoski, left, and Melissa Moore were dressed for the school’s recent Pajama Day event. Photo special to the Journal

Shades Mountain Students Host PJ Day To kick off its Pajama Day celebration, the K3-K5 classes at Shades Mountain Christian School brought their favorite teddy bears to school for a unique sleepover. The students brought their bears from home, and the toys stayed in the classrooms overnight. Principal Brian Willet explained that the teddy bears were expected to be on their best behavior during the sleepover at the school. When the children arrived at school the next morning, they discovered that their teddy bears had apparently behaved badly during the night. Toys were strewn on the floor, chairs were knocked over and bins were overturned. As an illustration of the consequences of bad behavior, “Beary Boss Bear,” a teddy bear that stays in teacher Melissa Moore’ classroom, had to spend the morning in the principal’s office. The students and teachers worked together to restore order to the classrooms and came to school in their comfy clothes for Pajama Day the next morning.

Children’s Author Visits Vestavia Elementary West Students at Vestavia Hills Elementary West recently had a chance to learn about writing from an author of children’s books.

Children’s books author Susan Stevens Crummel recently visited Vestavia Hills Elementary West. Photo special to the Journal

The Vestavia Hills High School Student Government Association presented a $20,000 check to aTeam Ministries at the SGA’s annual charity assembly. From left : Robert Shaffeld, Grace Baker, Lindsey McMahon, Anderson Thrower, Avery Thrower, Mary Jane Young, Patrick Cronin, Grant Logsdon and James Harris. Photo special to the Journal

Vestavia Hills High SGA Makes $20,000 Donation The Vestavia Hills High School Student Government Association recently presented a $20,000 check to a local organization that assists the families of children battling pediatric cancer. The SGA made the presentation to aTeam Ministries at its annual fall charity assembly. Each year, the school’s SGA chooses a charity to support for the year. The group raised money during the first semester of the school year through activities like powder puff football games, the BBQ the Bucs event, Movie Night and the faculty-student basketball game. In addition to helping with aTeam Ministries’ financial needs, the school also helped meet some of the organization’s physical needs. The high school donated school supplies, bed sheets, bath towels, backpacks and more to the organization. Andy Thrower, founder and president of aTeam Ministries, accepted the check and supplies at the charity assembly. ❖ Susan Stevens Crummel visited the school in January to share her insights on writing with the VHEW students. During her visit, the former educator and award-winning author of 17 books gave students the opportunity to act out scenes from “The Little Red Pen,” one of her books. The prop-filled presentation drew a lot of laughs from those attending. The school’s PTO provided lunch for Crummel and a small group of teachers. The teachers talked with the author about her work and how she develops her book ideas. Crummel also works with her sister, co-author and illustrator Janet Stephens. Their award-winning books include “And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon,” “The Great Fuzz Frenzy” and “Help Me, Mr. Mutt!”

For several years, students at the school have participated in a project using Flat Stanley, a children’s book character. The third-graders use the Flat Stanley book as a writing prompt after reading it in class. Students in Chris Baker’s class recently made and decorated their own Flat Stanley drawings. They sent the drawings to people they know and asked them to take photos of Flat Stanley at different spots across the country and world. Rachel Smith sent her Flat Stanley drawing to Jeff Driskel, University of Florida quarterback. He wrote back to tell Smith that he had brought Flat Stanley with him to rehab as he recovered from an injury. Taylor Kittleman, a student in Beth Hankins’ class, received a photo of her Flat Stanley at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. Kittleman’s Flat Stanley was also spotted at Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial and the White House.

Greystone Drama Club Students Stage Play Young actors at Greystone Elementary School in Hoover recently performed “Aladdin” for their classmates, teachers, parents and family members. Rachel Smith, a third-grader at Deer Valley Elementary, holds Flat Stanley in her classroom. Photo special to the Journal

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 45

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Mary Charles’ Doll House

Deer Valley Elementary Students Send Stanley Around the World

New, Collectible Antique Dolls

Students at Deer Valley Elementary School in Hoover have been brushing up on their writing and geography skills through a project that sends their drawings around the world.

2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544 Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm

The fifth-grade Drama Club presented the play Feb. 20 at the school. The students started rehearsing the show in September. In addition to acting, the students also worked as stage crew members, lighting and sound directors and assistant directors. The role of Aladdin was played by Vincent Indovina, and Ashley Spencer played the genie. Other cast members included Lilly Kizzire as Jasmine and Kylee Brown as Iago. Miller Kleckley took the role of Jafar, and Max Vernon played the Sultan. Maci Vernon played the role of the Magic Carpet. Narrators were Katie Mattox, Grayson Schuck, Sabrina Solomons, Camilla Coley and Chandler Young. Other cast members included Duncan Selle, Mary Cate McCurrach, Samantha Gagliano, Emma Grace Wolf, Ella Thomas, Corbett Wade, Mary Allen, Mackenzie Klecha, Lola Waldrop, Gabby White, Whitley Brune, Chloe Annakin, Alison Hanna, Yuuna Miura, Kruthika Dheeravath, Nicholas Zane, Olivia Ray, Reese Kolaczek, Kylie Kendall, Kaitlyn Lopes, Addison Cole and Daci Fuller. The stage crew included Abby Baird, Morgan Whitt, Jackson O’Bryant, Kaleigh Rice, Kiley Shea, Maddie Beaubien, John Evans, Samuel Gray, Tiffani Hoang, Carter Busby, Billy Vercher and Emmy Mader.

The middle school John Carroll Cavalettes won first place in the Hip Hop category at the 2014 UDA National Dance Team Championships. Photo special to the Journal

Howie Berke, Benjamin Deas and Charlie Goodwin were assistant directors. Emily Benoit, Brady Harmon and Jax Hovanec were the lighting and sound crew members.

John Carroll Dance Teams Win at Competition The middle school and varsity dance teams from John Carroll Catholic High School recently brought home several awards from the 2014 UDA National Dance Team Championship in Orlando.

Both teams made it to the final rounds of the competition with the middle school team taking first place in the Hip Hop division and third place in the Jazz competition. The varsity Cavalettes placed 11th in the Hip Hop competition and 17th in the Jazz category. Both teams are also UDA state champions in both the Jazz and Hip Hop categories. The teams received choreography and technique awards throughout the competition season. ❖

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

Richmond Adams Hader Ahmed Hady Ahmed Kord Allen Shalyn Allen Jack Allen Avery Allen Shay Allen Shane Arnold Kaye Arnold Christian Arteaga Selena Arteaga Juan Arteaga Victor Arteaga Kendyl Averhart Jordyn Averhart Bennett Baguley Michael Baguley Caroline Grace Bagwell Eli Baker Amelia Baker Uriah Barginere Eva Barnhart Jonah Baroody Raymon Baroody Shine Barran Rivers Barran Clay Barran Jake Barton Frank Barton Hannah Kate Basquill Addison Basquill Jacob Bass Madeline Bauer Mary Frances Bloodworth Sarah Brabston Campbell Brabston Daniell Burton Zachary Burton Alex Caffey Trey Caffey Arrissa Campbell Olivia Campbell Cynthia Carranza Alexandra Carranza Laney Casey Ben Casey Frankie Catchings Haynes Chalkley LizzieAnn Clemens Korde Cochran Campbell Coggin Kennedy Coggin John Cooper Mary Cooper Sarah Catherine Cooper Eleanor Couch Bradley Cox

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46 • Thursday, April 3, 2014

Bradley Johnson Tournament Slated for This Week By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

For those who loved Bradley Johnson, it seems difficult to believe eight years have passed since he died in a tragic automobile accident. Johnson was a standout golfer and student at Spain Park High School when his life ended, but his legacy lives on through the memorial tournament held annually in his honor. The eighth annual Bradley Johnson Memorial Tournament will be April 2-3 at the Greystone Legacy Course. The tournament will open with a noon shotgun start followed by a banquet at

the Founder’s Clubhouse. The second day of play will begin with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament is hosted by the Bradley Johnson Memorial Foundation and the Spain Park boys’ golf team. In addition to Spain Park, competing schools include Briarwood, Homewood and Hoover as well as Auburn, Athens, Fairhope, Guntersville, McGill-Toolen, Northridge, St. Luke’s, St. James, St. Paul’s and UMS-Wright. For more information about Bradley Johnson and the Bradley Johnson Memorial Tournament, go to www.bjmf.org

Pro Player Will Headline Hoover Softball’s Opening Day National Pro Fastpitch softball player Gionna DiSalvatore will celebrate Opening Day with Hoover Softball Association players April 5. DiSalvatore, the NPF Offensive Player of the Year, will walk with some 300 youth softball players as the grand marshal of the opening day parade and throw the season’s first pitch. Opening day ceremonies at Hoover Central Ballpark, 3468 Chapel Lane, will start at 9 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling the park’s new indoor batting facilities and outdoor pitching lanes. Hoover Softball Association board members will be joined by Hoover city officials for the unveiling. The ribbon cutting will be immediately followed by a parade

through the park. At the end of the parade, the Hoover All Star state championship teams will be recognized, and DiSalvatore will throw out the first pitch. Celebrations will continue throughout the day with softball, bounce houses, music and a piethrowing contest where players can test their skills throwing pies at their favorite coaches. Hoover’s opening day will be a stop on the National Pro Fastpitch Caravan tour. The Caravan will promote the NPF Championship Series that returns to Hoover Aug. 20-23. DiSalvatore will join her team, USSSA Pride, at the event. For more information, visit hooversoftball.com or email Amanda Christian at parkparent@hooversoftball.com.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

John Carroll Soccer Team Wins Shamrock Classic Outscoring its opponents 18-1, winning the final game 7-0, and defeating the defending state champions, Athens High School, the John Carroll Varsity Girls’ Soccer team brought home another championship trophy recently winning the annual Shamrock Classic in Cullman. Leading scorers were soph-

buc classic, From page 48

Spain Park’s record fell to 23-12 for the season. The Jaguars reached the finals with an 11-6 win over Hendersonville, Tenn. Anderson had two hits with three RBIs, and Hunter Dawson belted a homer for the winners. Mason Duke also had two RBIs for Spain Park. Matt Berler earned his second win of the day, pitching five innings with three hits and two strikeouts. A few hours earlier, he pitched two innings in relief to help his team edge Hartselle 10-7. Berler helped his cause against Hendersonville with two hits, including a double. He raised his record to 5-1 for the season. Berler also had two doubles in the win over Hartselle.Tyler Wise also had a pair of doubles and drove in three runs. Parker Hall added two RBIs while

mores, Camryn Lyster with eight and Lindsey Flemming with five. Flemming was selected as the tournament MVP and Lyster was selected for the All-Tournament Team. Members of the John Carroll Catholic High School girls’ varsity soccer team include Kendall Baecher, Nicole Bernarl, Sarah Crowe, Claire

Anderson, Austin Haight and Dalton Brown also knocked in runs for Spain Park. Hoover earned fifth place in the tournament with a 13-5 win over Hartselle. Nick Austin had two hits, including a triple, and added four RBIs. Josh Vines had three hits and three RBIs. Aaron Hill had an RBI and scored three runs. Austin Haight was the winning pitcher, raising his record to 4-1. Earlier, the Bucs fell to Hendersonville 9-5 in a quarterfinal game. Cooper Carden paced Hoover with three hits, including two home runs. Cole Chiselko had three hits for the winning cause. Hoover ended pool play in the tournament with a 12-2 rout of Gadsden City. Carden had two doubles and three RBIs, and Billy Reed had two hits for the Bucs. Brooks Haley added two singles, and Trey Davis scored three runs.

Davies, Lindsey Flemming, Grace Galvin, Nicole Galvin, Maggie Hagelskamp, Alexandra Hall, Mary Kitchens, Stella Knowlton, Camryn Lyster, Shannon Markey, Alexandra Maziarz, Claire McPherson, Jean Moffitt, Abigail Neumann, Mary Rea, Carmen Smith, Julia Terry and Elizabeth Ward.

Vestavia Hills’ pitcher Ryan Denmark on the hill in the Rebels Buc Classic tournament game with Cullman last week. More photos at otmj.com Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

Oak Mountain Girls Win League Championship The Oak Mountain Girls’ Fifth-grade Select team won the Pelham Helena Girls’ basketball league Tournament recently with a 14-11 victory over Alabaster in the championship game. The team finished the season with a 10-1 record. From left, front: Kaitlin Maynard, Emma Grace Phillips, Anna Grace Gibbons and Riley Sullivan. Back: Coach John Phillips, Anna Fleming, Madyson Strength, Emma Grace Wolf, Mar Perez, Julia Tucker and Coach Judd Fleming. Photo special to the Journal

Hoover’s Aaron Hill makes a play at second base in a game against Austin High at the Buccanner Classic.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Berguson King

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Ex-Jaguar Coach Takes Over at Homewood By Lee Davis

Journal Sports writer

Just over a month ago, Ben Berguson probably had feelings of déjà vu. Berguson, an assistant football coach at Homewood High School, learned that head coach Doug Goodwin had been dismissed and that he was going to be named interim coach. Just a few years earlier, Berguson–at the time an assistant at Spain Park–was named interim coach of the Jaguars when head coach David Shores was released just prior to the season. By all accounts Berguson performed well but was passed over when the Hoover school board selected a permanent coach.

grammer, From page 48

a tribute to all these players. I always seem to get good players who are also good kids.” Grammer’s resume also includes Class 6A state titles in 1991, 1995 and 2013. The Rebels are among the favorites to claim the title in the new season. Grammer’s span of victories began 11 years before soccer was officially sanctioned as a championship sport by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. While he has seen much in 34 years, he said the biggest change has been the improvement in the overall quality of soccer in the state. “Now with kids playing one sport all year, there’s more specialization and they have more expertise in their particular sport,” he said. “That’s kind of reflected by the fact that you are now seeing players from Alabama get college scholarships for soccer.” Vestavia’s trophy case may be jammed with soccer-related hardware, but Grammer said the most satisfying achievements come in flesh and blood. “I really like it when a former player from two or three or five years ago comes back to see a game and talk,” he said. “It’s great to learn how they are doing and think maybe our program had something to do with getting them prepared for life. That’s what it’s supposed to be all about. It’s really nice when they come and visit.” If Vestavia alumni come back to see the current Rebels play, they are in for a treat. Grammer likes his 2014 team. “When we are clicking on all cylinders, we are a very good group,” he said. “We are certainly beatable. But when we are focused, we have a chance to be a very good high school soccer team.” As much as Grammer would love to add a fourth state championship to his collection in May, he’s not aiming to reach the even more exclusive 700win plateau. “I’m going to retire after next season,” he said. “Thirty-five years is long enough.” The longevity of Grammer’s tenure at Vestavia is a typical example of the continuity that has served the Rebel program so well for decades.

The story was different for Berguson the second time around, as he was named the Patriots’ head coach by the Homewood Board of Education March 18. “The situations were pretty similar,” said Berguson when contacted a few days later. “My experience at Spain Park was very helpful and probably had a role in getting the (head coaching) job in this situation.” The 44-year old coaching veteran said he didn’t know why Goodwin was fired but couldn’t dwell on the past. “I was surprised when they let Doug go,” he said. “We had gone 18-5 the last two years. Now, I have to focus on the future.” Berguson didn’t threaten to leave if he didn’t

Buddy Anderson, the football coach since 1978 and athletic director, has 308 career wins. George Hatchett, the boys’ basketball coach since 1981, has nearly 600 wins to his credit. Add Grammer’s 600 total, and that’s three coaches combining for nearly 1500 wins. Where–at any level–can you find a number like that? Much has been written about why Vestavia has had so much stability and success over the years, and certainly the continuity of coaches and programs has been a tremendous factor. And it’s not just with the head coaches. Grammer has also worked with the Rebel football program since the 1970s, and longtime assistant Peter Braasch has been at Anderson’s side

get the top job. In fact, he did just the opposite. “I think they were afraid I was going to leave at first,” he said. “I was going to stay at Homewood even if I didn’t get the head coaching position. Maybe one reason they elevated me was because I knew the kids, the system and the program.” Berguson coached the offensive line before becoming head coach and said he will continue to work in that capacity in addition to his new duties. “I can’t give it up,” he said. “I just don’t trust anyone else with it. I think probably all offensive line coaches are the same way. I’m also going to be very involved in the overall offense.” Berguson said he believes in the importance of a strong running game but likes the concept of a diversified offense and plans to call the plays. “I’m a multiple spread guy,” he said. “But I’m also old school in the sense that I believe a

keeping first-rate coaches in place for decades than the Rebel brass. And maybe there’s another reason that isn’t so apparent. No coaching staff anywhere works any harder than Vestavia’s, but the coaches, like the athletes, are allowed to have a life outside of sports. During the summer months, for example, Anderson’s football players are excused from offseason work to go on family vacations or church mission trips. Even Grammer, in the wake of his historic victory, took a moment to play movie critic. “Have you seen ‘God Is Not Dead’?” he asked a friend. “It’s a great movie. I highly recommend it. I really enjoy going to the movies–I particu-

The Rebels routed Pelham 6-0 on March 20 to give head coach Rick Grammer his 600th win and a Gatorade shower. Jackson McDaniel, above right, goes up for a header in the win over the Panthers. Nathanael Dauphin, right fights for control of the ball. More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

for every game since 1978. Vestavia’s coaches often talk about the spirit of camaraderie at the school, saying that there is none of the interathletic program infighting that is characteristic of some places. The long answer, however, may be more basic: Vestavia Hills High School is simply a good place to work. The system’s administration, with athletic director Anderson as the point man, creates an atmosphere that’s conducive to success. That winning combination isn’t unique to Vestavia, but nobody does it better in terms of

larly like the true stories or war movies like ‘Band of Brothers,’ ‘The Longest Day,’ ‘Saving Private Ryan’ or ‘The Great Escape.’ But you need to see ‘God Is Not Dead.’ It’s really good.” The fact that one of the nation’s top high school soccer coaches is also an avid movie fan may tell you everything about why Vestavia’s program is so successful. So do you remember what you were doing in the spring of 1980? Rick Grammer surely does. He was doing just what he’s doing now–developing young men and winning.

Thursday, April 3, 2014 • 47

team has to run the football to win consistently. We’re going to try to be balanced.” Berguson takes over a program that already has experience with winning. Homewood returns nine starters from a team that finished 9-2 and won the Class 5A Region 4 championship in 2013. The Patriots will report for spring practice April 28 and close with a jamboree scrimmage against Pell City May 9. Homewood will open the 2014 season with a practice game on the road against Decatur. “People know what I stand for,” Berguson said. “We’re going to do things the right way. We’re going to expect a lot of our kids on the field and in the classroom and develop them to be successful in life. If that wasn’t what this was about, I wouldn’t be here.” After years of paying dues as an assistant and an interim coach, Ben Berguson’s hour has finally come. And he doesn’t seem likely to let the opportunity be wasted.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Sports

Cavalier Girls’ Soccer Team Wins Shamrock Classic P. 46 Ex-Jaguar Coach Takes Over at Homewood P. 47

Cullman Rally Edges Jaguars in Buc Classic

The 600 Grammer’s Record Speaks To His School’s Stability

By Lee Davis

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, Vestavia Hills High School boy’s soccer coach Rick Grammer is one of only 10 boys’ soccer coaches to achieve 600 or more wins.

Journal Sports Writer

A regulation high school baseball game lasts seven innings, but sometimes just one can make a difference. Spain Park learned that fact the hard way last Thursday night. The Jaguars were leading Cullman 4-3 entering the seventh inning of the Buccaneer Classic Tournament at the Hoover Met when disaster struck. Sparked by Cole Collins’ three-run triple, the Bearcats rallied for seven runs to win the tournament with a 10-4 comeback. Owen Lovell added to Cullman’s winning cause with three RBIs. After his triple, Collins scored on an error. Rodney Anderson, the losing pitcher, surrendered only two earned runs. Spain Park hurt itself with three errors. Joe Sumner led the Jaguars with a triple and two RBIs. Dalton Brown had two hits and an RBI. See buc classic page 46

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

W Lee Davis

ho remembers the spring of 1980? Hostages were being held in Iran, Jimmy Carter was in the White House and much of the world couldn’t wait to find out who shot J.R. Ewing. And Rick Grammer won his first game as head coach of the Vestavia Hills High School boys’ soccer team. After 34 years, five U.S. Presidents and a “Dallas” reboot later, Grammer is still guiding the Rebels to victories. He claimed his 600th career win when Vestavia routed Pelham 6-0 on March 20. While Grammer was characteristically modest

and gracious about the achievement, the milestone was probably bigger than he knew: According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, he is one of only 10 boys’ soccer coaches to achieve 600 or more wins. Grammer’s arrival to the summit of 600 victories was greeted with an appropriate celebration after the game, but the veteran coach was eager to toss the credit in other directions. “I’m fortunate to get good players to play for me,” he said. “God has blessed me in so many ways. These wins are not a tribute to me. They are

See grammer, page 47

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Hoover’s Bryant Smith slides safely into home after Austin High catcher drops the ball during the Buccaneer Classic played last week at the Hoover Met. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry