May 2, 2013 Full Issue by Over the Mountain Journal

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL otmj.com

ursd ay, may 2, 2013

V ol . 22 #9

inside

Family teams up to fight diabetes

about town page 4

Mother’s Day 2013

Mountain Brook Author Writes Story of MotherDaughter Reunion

Finding Family Through Facebook

By Margaret Frymire Journal Staff Writer

Patti Callahan Henry’s most recent novel “And Then I Found You” tells the story of an adopted girl and her journey in finding her birth mother, inspired by events in Henry’s own life. Photo special to The Journal

hree years ago this past April, Patti Callahan Henry received a Facebook friend request from a girl named Catherine Barbee. Patti, a Mountain Brook author, said she had no idea how that social media interaction would alter her life. The request came from Patti’s biological niece and would serve as the inspiWith the two ration for her latest novel, “And Then I names in hand, she Found You.” searched for Patti Years ago, on Facebook and Patti’s sister Barbi Burris placed her sent friend requests daughter for adopto both her aunt tion using a closed and her mom. process and anonymous paperwork. Twenty years later, Catherine began searching for her mother online. She found her on the dedication pages of Patti’s books. With the two names in hand, she searched for Patti on Facebook and sent friend requests to both her aunt and her mom. Patti said the novel began the moment she got the friend request. “I mentally started writing it right that minute, but I didn’t sit down to start writing it until three months out,” she said. Patti began the story as a nonfiction account of Barbi and Catherine’s journey, but she soon realized she needed to take a different direction.

Hoover mom’s family and faith help her battle cancer

Life page 14

10th Annual Motherwalk 5K is in Crestline Village

About Town page 4

YWCA Mother’s Day Flower Sale helps fund a childcare program for area homeless children

About town page 5

See family, page 15

Protective Life Food Truck Roundup event benefits PreSchool Partners

About Town page 6

Fertility doctor likes the buzz about beekeeping

people page 12

Cornerstone Junior Board hosts Schoolhouse Rock

social page 18

Mother’s Day Gift Guide Page 14

The past is present in Cathy Adams’ Redmont garden

HOME page 30

New municipal complex opens p. 10 • otm students recognized by u.s. dept. of education p. 27 • rebels, lions win state tennis titles p. 36

2 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

Opinion/Contents

Diversity Training

BBG Director Fills His Home Garden with Wide Variety of Plants The executive director of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens doesn’t hang up his gardening gloves when he comes home from work. Instead, Fred Spicer spends his free time tending to the hundreds of different kinds of plants he has Fred Spicer amassed in the garden of his 1940s Cape Cod-style home in Cahaba Heights. The New Jersey native says he’ll never run out of things to grow in Alabama. For a look at Fred’s garden, see our Home section on page 30.

On otmj.com See more photos from the best parties and browse a list of upcoming events.

Coming May 16

The weather is heating up and that means it’s time to take a look at the hottest summer fashions.

in this issue About Town 4 NEWS 10 People 12 LIFE 14

SOCIAL 18 Weddings 25 Schools 27 Sports 36

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

May 2, 2013

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., Margaret Frymire, Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Ivanna Ellis Vol. 22, No. 9

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 2013 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.

murphy’s law

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

MSAT

has not been left on the top shelf of the his year’s senior class has closet.) been tested and tested and 2. Wool sweaters should be: tested again. a) washed in hot water Fill in the circle, fill in the blank, b) dry cleaned give us 500 words comparing the rise c) left at home until such time as and fall of the Roman Empire with the you can read a care label current state of Facebook. The educa3. Basic shampoo can be procured: tion system has made its tabulations a) at a drug store and determined that the group is now b) at a chi-chi designer salon ready to move on to an institution of c) only by your mother who must higher learning. ship it to you at $15 a pop Maybe. As a mom, I’m going to 4. In 50 words or less, describe the need a little more information. process for setting the alarm clock funcBaby Dumpling may know how to tion on your smartphone. unravel the underlying theme of “War 5. You should use your smartphone and Peace,” but does he know how to Sue Murphy to call home: shovel out the dust bunnies lying under a) daily his dorm room bed? If not, I think he b) weekly needs more training. If we send our young c) when you have a problem There are so many areas to people out into the d) all of the above (I’d vote for consider in the away-from-home “d”) universe: nutrition, hygiene, the care world unprepared, and feeding of clothing. If we send they might come limpWhich items go in the microour young people out into the world wave, how to operate a washing unprepared, they might come limping back with rickmachine…the test could go on for ing back with rickets and ringworm, ets and ringworm, days. It could also include space for wearing a tiny wool hat that used to be a sweater. wearing a tiny wool parents to add personal concerns, such as sleep hours, study hours, We want our dear children to hat that used to be a hours it will take for you to procure succeed, to stay in school, because enough funds to bail them out of jail we want them to have a rich and sweater. if they were to have a serious lapse successful future, but also because in judgment, followed immediately we don’t want them to boomerang by the curfew hours that will be back to our basements where they imposed when you haul them back spend their days rejecting online job home. applications because they’re waiting for a place in manThe test is years away from full production, so feel agement. free to borrow the Beta version for your Baby Dumpling Really, just like Dr. Seuss’ Marvin K. Mooney, it’s who stands poised on the edge (precipice) of his future. time for these kids to go, but you want them to keep going, so let’s just take a minute to make sure they move Number two pencil, computer keystroke, it really doesn’t matter how it’s completed, although if all Junior can find in the right direction. is a crayon, I think you have more work to do. To aid in this discernment, I’m working on the In any case, you’ll know, which is better than getMSAT--a mom version of the college admission hurdle ting that mid-September phone call saying, “Now Mom, that will contain questions like: 1. Leftover pizza can safely be consumed _____ days don’t get mad, but…” when mad won’t begin to cover it. ❖ after its original delivery. (This is assuming the pizza

over the Mountain Views

What’s the best advice you’ve received from your Mom?

“There’s been so much, so I don’t know how to pick the best. Marry well, possibly, would be the best. Thankfully, I took her advice.”” Jason Tucker Hoover

“My mom has given me so much great advice, but probably the best is to always seek the Lord’s will for your life. She gave me a lot of good advice, but you really can’t get better advice than that.” Karyn McCormick Hoover

“Most of the advice she gave me was good advice. She always told me to be patient, and I still have to be reminded to listen to that advice.” Kenny Hanks Hoover

“My mom always said to look to the Lord for answers, whether that’s reading the Word or praying. And she continues to echo that advice today even though I’m 38 years old.” Jason Horne Vestavia Hills

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 3

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

After 57 years of serving the good people of Alabama, we have one final thing to say...

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Over the Mountain Journal - Full Page (10.375 x 12.5)

4 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Night of Hope for a Cure

Chelsey LaRussa Dreams of a Future without Diabetes By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

regular sodas in the house and made sure Chelsey had the healthy foods she needed. Appropriate snacks, blood sugar monitors and insulin had to be packed for even short trips away from home, Lynn said. “But really, we were very lucky, because Chelsey was always very responsible and had self-control and was very diligent about her care even as a young girl,” Lynn said. Chelsey said she developed that

she said. And as she gets ready to graduate from college on May 18, the same day she will celebrate her 22nd birthday, Chelsey is looking down the road and hoping her children never have to deal with that daily burden of living with Type 1 diabetes. “I want to see a cure not just in my lifetime but before I get to that next stage in my life where I’m having children of my own,” she said. “And I think it’s possible if we keep raising money through events like the Gala. We’ve already come so far.” In 2012, A Night of Hope raised $400,000, said Sara Hood, JDRF Alabama development manager. The event has raised more than $5 million for Type 1 diabetes research since its inception 12 years ago. New to the event this year will be the Fund the Cure program, where those attending can raise their auction paddles to give money directly to a research project focusing on creating an artificial pancreas, Lynn said. “That’s really exciting because an artificial pancreas could help sustain a good quality of life for those with diabetes while we find a cure,” Lynn said. The event will also include the presentation of the Living and Giving Award to the Dove Family Foundation. The gala will include cocktails and a silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, a live auction and dancing. The event’s committee chairmen are Lynn and Margaret Head, who got help planning it from Pam Strickland, Shannon Smith and Susan Silverstein. For more information, visit www. jdrfalabama.org or call Shannon Turner at 421-9964. ❖

While she is years away from becoming a mother, Chelsey LaRussa is already thinking about what she does and does not want for her children. The 21-year-old Mountain Brook resident said her dream is that events like the one being chaired by her stepmother, Lynn LaRussa, on May 11 will help fund research that will find a cure for Type 1 diabetes before she starts her own family. “Even at my young age, I think about that a lot and about how I don’t want that for my children. I want them to be able to live a life free of worrying about diabetes,” Chelsey said. “That’s why things like the Night of Hope Gala are so important.” The Alabama Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will host its annual Lynn and Chelsey LaRussa. Photo special to The Journal A Night of Hope Gala on May diligence because she wanted to 11 at the Cahaba Grand Conference make sure she was as healthy as posCenter. sible and didn’t miss out on anything The event raises money to pay because of diabetes. for research into Type 1 diabetes, “You’re a little girl and you want also known as juvenile diabetes even to go to spend-the-night parties with though the disease is also showing up your friends and play soccer and just in adults now. be as normal as you can be,” she said. Chelsey was about five or six “My parents and Lynn were all very when she was diagnosed with Type involved in making sure I knew how 1 diabetes, and it is a moment that to handle it and could be a regular stands out clearly in her mind. kid.” “I don’t think most of us can But just because her childhood remember a lot of things about being ended doesn’t mean her days of dealthat young, but I definitely remember that. It is something that I have a very ing with diabetes are over, Chelsey said. strong memory of to this day,” she “I never complain to my parents said. and I don’t talk about it unless they Chelsey said she had lost a lot of weight and was constantly thirsty ask about it, but they don’t really when her parents took her to the have to deal with it every day now. doctor. Her mother, Marie Wright, But for me, it’s still a daily burden,” had just read an article on diabetes and recognized the symptoms in her daughter, Chelsey said. Give Mom Flowers, Help A Child “They immediately sent us to Children’s Hospital. You hear a lot of tragic stories where kids get really, really sick before they are diagnosed, so I feel like I was lucky because we caught it fairly early,” Chelsey said. At that young age, Chelsey said, she had no idea what the diagnosis would mean for her. “At that time, I really didn’t have an understanding that this was something that would affect me day in and day out for the rest of my life,” she said. But with the support of her family and friends, Chelsey said, she learned what she needed to do to control the From left: Meaghan Ryan, Rachel Fry, Tracy Sproule, Anne Gauld and Mary disease and not let it take over her Goodrich. Photo special to The Journal life. Mountain Brook All proceeds benefit the YWCA’s Chelsey’s father, Bennie, married childcare program for area homeless Mother’s Day Flower Sale Lynn when Chelsey was about 9 years children. There will be tents at Mountain May 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. old, and Lynn said she quickly got an Brook Village in the Ray & Poyner Mountain Brook Village education on Type 1 diabetes. parking lot, downtown at Regions The YWCA Mother’s Day Flower “I was like most people and didn’t Plaza, at Children’s of Alabama and at Sale on May 10 will include a wide know the difference between Type 1 Brookwood Medical Center. selection of roses, calla lilies, daisies, and Type 2 diabetes then,” she said. For more information, call 322-9922. hydrangeas and more. Lynn said the family never kept



About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Will and Bella Bourland show support for their mother and others fighting ovarian cancer. For the Bourland family’s story, see page 14.

a walk for mom Mountain Brook

10th Annual Motherwalk 5K May 10-11 Crestline Village The 10th annual Motherwalk 5K will be held in Crestline Village on May 11 at 9 a.m. The event aims to promote awareness about ovarian cancer and raise money for research. There will be a pre-event celebration on May 10 from 4-7:30 p.m. on the lawn across from the Emmet O’Neal Library. Motherwalk participants can pick up their event packets, visit the merchandise expo and enjoy food from Otey’s, live music and children’s activities. T-shirts and swag bags will be given away to the first 500 registrants. To register or for more information, visit www.motherwalk. com.

Photo special to The Journal

Save the Date Homewood

Book Talk with Rosalie Turner May 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Homewood Public Library Birmingham author Rosalie Turner will give a book talk and sign copies of her novel “Walk with Me” at the Homewood Public Library on May 2. The event will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Children’s March during the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham. Rosalie Turner The library is at 1721 Oxmoor Road. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org or call 332-6600. Birmingham

Salsa de Mayo May 2, 6-9 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Junior Board of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens will present Salsa de Mayo on May 2 from 6-9 p.m. Master salsa maker and TV cooking personality Lori Sours, “The Salsa Señorita,” will present a cooking class just in time for Cinco de Mayo. The cost is $20. For more information, visit www.bbgardens. org.

Day will be at Patriot Park May 4 starting with the Spirit Scamper 5K at 7:30 a.m. and ending with a street dance that will last until 9:30 p.m. The event will include an arts and crafts vendors expo, bake sale, rides and games, live entertainment, a parade at 6 p.m. and barbecue fundraiser for the West Homewood Lions Club. A $15 wristband will provide unlimited access to rides and individual ride tickets will be 50 cents each. For more information visit homewoodparks.com or call the Homewood Parks and Recreation office at 332-6700. Homewood

Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival May 4, 8 a.m. Patriot Park The Homewood Rotary Club will sponsor the 2013 Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival in Patriot Park in Homewood on May 4. Chalk artists of all ages will compete in this annual event presented in conjunction with We Love Homewood Day. Artists may begin drawing at 8 a.m. Cash prizes will be awarded. Spaces are available to companies, organizations or individuals for a $100 donation. All proceeds support

the Homewood Rotary Education Foundation. For more information, contact Sandy Nelson at 871-6314 or snelson@masoncorp.com. Hoover

Celebrate Hoover Day May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Veterans Park The annual Celebrate Hoover Day will return on May 4. The free familyfriendly event will have activities for all ages at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road. The event will feature a Veterans Memorial Paver Dedication, an exhibitor pavilion, car show and live entertainment. There will also be kids’ activities and a giant apple pie and Blue Bell ice cream. Kids can also visit a petting zoo and ride carnival rides. Festivities run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Complimentary shuttles to the park will be provided from Spain Park High School. Rain date is May 5 from 1:305:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.hooveral.org. Birmingham

Creating a Mother’s Day Herb Garden May 4, 1-2 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Learn to create an herb garden just in

North Shelby

Inverness Member-Guest Tennis Tournament May 3-4 Inverness Racquet Club The 18th annual Inverness MemberGuest Tennis Tournament will be May 3-4 at the Inverness Racquet Club. Hosted by the club and Jerry Nixon, tennis professional, the annual event benefits the Alabama Head Injury Foundation. Tennis play begins May 3 followed by a reception at the club. Men’s and women’s doubles will be on May 3 with lunch at the club. The tournament ends May 4 with cocktails, dinner and a silent auction. Goodfellas will provide live music for the silent auction, which will include the Barber’s Porsche Experience and more. For more information, call the Alabama Head Injury Foundation at 823-3818. Homewood

We Love Homewood Day May 4, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m Patriot Park The annual We Love Homewood

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Over the Mountain Office 1220 Alford Avenue • 205.281.4731

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 5

6 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Fundraiser on Wheels

OUR 116TH YEAR

Food Truck Event To Raise Money For PreSchool Partners

BIRMINGHAM TRUNK

By Keysha Drexel

Mountain preschools as well as 18 slots for children from PreSchool Partners,” Journal editor she said. Registration information for We welcome you to our newest showroom featuring ood truck owners are getting Kindergarten Boot Camp will be availready to fire up their enginesluggage, business cases, leather goods and gifts. able at the Food Truck Roundup and is -and their grills--for a good available at preschool-partners.org. cause. Last year, the roundup raised The 2013 Protective Life Food (1 block North of Soho) $62,000 for PreSchool Partners. The Truck Roundup benefiting PreSchool goal is to raise even more this Partners will roll into the upper year, Hamiter said. parking lot of Macy’s at Colonial Monday-Friday: 10AM - 6PM This year’s participatBrookwood Village on May 4. Saturday: 10AM - 5PM ing food trucks will include The event will raise money Shindigs, Dreamcakes, Sunday: Noon - 5PM for PreSchool Partners, a nonSpoonfed Grill and Off the profit preschool for at-risk 3 and Free gift wrapping & personalization Hook. Melt and Mellow 4-year-olds. The program works Mushroom will also offer culito prepare at-risk preschool nary treats at the event. children and their parents for New food trucks parkindergarten in Birmingham City ticipating include Avalanche Schools. Delights, Fresh off the Bun, Money raised on May 4 Full Moon BBQ, Nola Ice, will go directly to help the 70 Repicci’s Italian Ice and Slice. parents and 70 children enrolled Beverages will be provided in the program and help reach by Good People Brewery, those who are not currently Supreme Beverage and Cocaenrolled, said Lella Carl Hamiter, From left: Javian Washington, Keundra Scroggins Cola. and Zania Barnes are ready for the 2013 Food Truck executive director of PreSchool The event will also include Roundup to benefit PreSchool Partners. This year’s Partners. event will be at Brookwood Village on May 4. fun activities for all ages. Dos “Our program was founded Photo special to The Journal Hermanos will provide live on the belief that every child music, clowns will entertain kids by ratio will be no greater than six to one, deserves a quality preschool education, making balloon art and representatives Hamiter said. whether his family can afford to pay for from Magic City Art will be on hand “There will be no more than 12 it or not,” Hamiter said. for face painting. children per classroom. This will ensure PreSchool Partners was founded Ken Rosenberger There will also be a bounce house that each child receives a great deal of 17 years ago and has a proven track Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., and other children’s activities at the attention,” she said. record, Hamiter said. event. 205-824-1246, fax Hamiter said another goal of “Our graduates consistently make Tickets to the 2013 Food Truck the camp is to bring students in the May 2013 the A-B honor roll, win spelling bees Roundup are $20 in advance or $25 on Birmingham and Over the Mountain and math derbies and perform above This is your aD pROOF from the OveR The MOunTain JOuRnal for the the day of the event. Children 10 and grade level,” Hamiter said. communities together. younger are admitted free. Each ticket May 2, 2013 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. The Food Truck Roundup will “One of the unique features of Pure Sanctuary by Tyler, LLC exclusively at Beverly Ruff comes with four tokens to redeem in also help raise awareness for a new our Kindergarten Boot Camp is that the food lots. Additional tokens are $2 PreSchool Partners program called we will be enrolling a diverse group 2417 Canterbury Road • Mountain Brook Village • Tues. Sat. please make sure all information is -correct, Kindergarten Boot Camp, Hamiter said. of children,” she said. “We are offereach. 871-7872 including address and phone number! The camp will be an intense threeFor more information, email Allene. ing 18 slots to families enrolled in St. week session focusing on the skills neighbors@gmail.com. ❖ Luke’s Day School and other Over the

SO-HOMEWOOD

2712 19th Street South

870-0971

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

To: From: Date:

Save the Date Con’t time for Mother’s Day at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on May 4. As part of the Get into The Gardens demonstrative series, there will be a session on easy container gardening and planting an herb garden. The event is free. For more information, visit www.bbgardens. org.

to help homeless, abused, neglected and abandoned animals. The event includes drinks and dinner. Ken Jackson will be the auctioneer. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at www. barkandwine.eventbrite.com. For more information, visit www.shelbyhumane. org.

North Shelby

Hoover

Photography Hike May 4, 10 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park Come out to Oak Mountain State Park for a photography hike on May 4. Bring your camera to capture the Beverly sights Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, faxon the hike through the woods. The hike begins at 10 a.m. at the old April 2012 tennis courts on Terrace Drive. Parking is available at park’s beach parking This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOurnAl forthethe lot. Park admission is $1-$3. For more May 3rd, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. information, call 620-2520.

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone North Shelby Bark and Wine number! May 4, 6 p.m.

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.Pelham Civic Complex if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run is. WeHumane print theSociety’s paper fourth TheasShelby Monday. annual Bark and Wine with live and silent auctions will be at the Pelham Civic Complex at 6 p.m. on May 4. The 2415 Montevallo Road . Mountain Brook Village . 871-8297 event supports the organization’s efforts

+ bagatelle christine's Thank you for your prompt attention.

To:

Jean

children need for a successful start in kindergarten, Hamiter said. The curriculum will focus on number, letter, shape and color recognition as well as classroom behavior and social skills, she said. A qualified teacher will lead the classroom instruction with the support of assistants, and the student/teacher

Edwin McCain Performance May 4, 8 p.m. Hoover Public Library With a sound that blends bluesy adult contemporary with a gritty Southern edge, Edwin McCain will bring his show to the Library Theatre at the Hoover Public Library on May 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit thelibrarytheatre.com or call 4447888. Homewood

Sweet Home Alabama Symphony May 4, 8-10 p.m. Wright Fine Arts Center Guest conductor Jeffrey Reed will take the Alabama Symphony Orchestra on a trip through the best of Southern and classic rock, from the Allman Brothers to Led Zeppelin and more at the Red Diamond SuperPOPS!: Sweet

Home Alabama Symphony performance on May 4 at the Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center at Samford University. Special guests are The Rewinders. Tickets are $19-$49; student tickets are $12. For more information, www. samford.edu/wrightcenter. Hoover

Hail to the Hydrangea! May 4, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aldridge Gardens Instructor David Doggett, a master gardener and hydrangea propagator, will present and explain the different types of hydrangeas and provide guidance on growing them at Aldridge Botanical Gardens on May 4. The session is $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, visit aldridgegardens.com or call 682-8019. Birmingham

Ballet, Bourbon & Bowties May 4, 4-8 p.m. Alabama Ballet Center for Dance The Alabama Ballet Junior Board will present Ballet, Bourbon & Bowties on May 4 from 4-8 p.m. at the Alabama Ballet Center for Dance, 2726 First Ave. South, Birmingham. The event will

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 7

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Tails In the Trails

Birmingham

Tails in the Trails May 9, 5:30-9 p.m. Birmingham Zoo The Birmingham Zoo is holding its annual spring fundraising event, Tails in the Trails, on May 9 from 5:30-9 p.m. in the Children’s Zoo.

This event, sponsored by O’Neal Industries, will feature live entertainment, food catered by Southern Foods Management and a cash bar with beers from Cahaba Brewing Company. Guests will have unlimited access to the new Dino

raise money for the Alabama Ballet’s CityDance program. The event will focus on the Kentucky Derby, with fabulous hats, seersucker suits and mint juleps. There will an open bar, food, door prizes, pony rides, big screen viewings of the races and children’s activities. Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple. To buy tickets online, visit http:// www.alabamaballet.org/afterhourspointeball.shtml. For more information, call 322-4300. Birmingham

Swing Into Spring May 4, 8 p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center The Original Sultans of Swing Band, a Glenn Miller tribute band with vocals by Kristy White, will perform at the Swing Into Spring event at the Levite Jewish Community Center at 8 p.m. on May 4. The event will support Theatre LJCC. The evening will include dancing, refreshments, wine, beer, a Jitterbug contest and more. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more information, visit www.bhamjcc.org or call 879-0411. Birmingham

“In Her Own Fashion” May 5, 2 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ spring edition of Southern Tales will feature actress and storyteller Dolores Hydock as she presents the one-woman

Ninette Griffin, left, is the subject of a one-woman play starring Dolores Hydock, right. The show will be May 5 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Photo special to The Journal

Discovery exhibit. Tickets are available online until May 8 at www. birminghamzoo.com for $10 and are $15 at the event. All proceeds will support the Junior Board’s Feathers and Fur Fund to help the zoo animals.

play “In Her Own Fashion.” The play is based on the true story of Ninette Griffin, a sassy, stylish independent woman who was the fashion coordinator for Loveman’s department stores in the 1950s and 1960s. General admission tickets are $20. For more information, visit www.bbgardens.org. Birmingham

Tony Bice Memorial Golf Tournament May 6, 8 a.m. Pine Tree Country Club The 20th annual Tony Bice Memorial Gold Tournament, hosted by the Alabama Fire Sprinkler Association, will be May 6 at Pine Tree Country Club, 5100 Pine Whispers Drive in Irondale. The golf tournament is open to the public and will benefit several burn centers around the state, including the Children’s of Alabama Burn Center, UAB Burn Center and University of South Alabama Regional Burn Center. Event packages for golfers are $200 each and include green and cart fees, lunch, dinner, a tournament golf shirt, goody bag and five mulligans. A package for non-golfers includes dinner, auction attendance and the awards ceremony with the golfers. Shotgun starts are at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. This year’s tournament is dedicated to the memory of Tony Bice’s mother, Billie Jean Bice. For more information, call 587-7246 or email kellyseewald@hotmail.com.

Members of the Birmingham Zoo’s Junior Board are getting ready for the annual spring fundraiser on May 9. Photo special to The Journal

Hoover

Origami Event May 9, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Hoover Public Library Make an origami crane to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing at the Hoover Public Library from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on May 9. The cranes will be donated to a local art project. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 444-7840.

Buy mom something To: Alison 'Fancy' this year From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph.,

Date:

FANCY GOODS VARIETY

This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOur May 2, 2013 issue. please fax approval or changes to 82

please make sure all information is co including address and phone numb please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Hoover

Hoover Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast May 7, 7:30 a.m. Wynfrey Hotel The 31st annual Hoover Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be May 7 at the Wynfrey Hotel. The event is planned each year by the Hoover Beautification Board. This year’s speaker will be Mike Kolen, a former Berry High School, Auburn University and Miami Dolphins player who is now a financial planner and Vestavia Hills resident. Doors will open at 7 a.m. The program begins at 7:30 a.m. Tickets, $20 per person or $200 for a table of 10, will be on sale through April 26. Tickets are available at the front desk of Hoover City Hall on Municipal Lane.

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8 • Thursday, May 2, 2013 Birmingham

About Town

Palettes of Spring Art Show May 10-11 Mountain Brook Spring Valley School will host an art show featuring some of the state’s best artists. Palettes of Spring will be May 10 and 11 at the Mountain Brook home of Dr. Billy and Elizabeth Cornay. Works by Nall, Thomas Andrew, Melanie Morris, Tena Payne and more will be showcased at the event. The May 10 festivities will feature the wine of Le Chanceux of Napa Valley. Owner Sue McNerney will attend to discuss her award-winning wine. The art show will be from 7-9 p.m. on May 10 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on May 11.

Tickets are $35 for Friday and $10 for Saturday. For more information, call Tery Young at 423-8660 or visit www. springvalleyschool.org. Homewood

May 10, 3-6 p.m. Maine Lobster Sale Assistance League of Birmingham For the fifth year, the Assistance League of Birmingham will sell freshlysteamed Maine lobsters to benefit its three philanthropic programs: PrimeTime Treasures, Operation School Bell and Operation Literacy. The lobsters are $25 each. Drive-through pickup is from 3-6 p.m. on May 10 at the Assistance League offices, 1755

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Oxmoor Road. To place an order or for more information, call 960-1040.

visit www.briarwoodchristianschool.org or call 776-5900.

North Shelby

Birmingham

“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” May 10-11 Briarwood High School Briarwood Ballet will present “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” on May 10 and 11 at the Barbara B. Barker Fine Arts Center on the Briarwood High School campus, 6255 Cahaba Valley Road. Special guest David Kiyak of the Orlando Ballet will perform in the show. Show times are 7 p.m. on May 10 and 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on May 11. Admission is free. For more information,

Girls on the Run 5K May 11, 8 a.m. Marconi Park

Girls on the Run Birmingham Metro

will host its second annual 5K run on May 11 at 8 a.m. at Marconi Park in downtown Birmingham. Girls on the Run is an afterschool character development program. All levels of walkers and runners are invited to participate. Those participating can do so in honor of a strong woman or girl in their lives and

cakes on the griddle Boy Scout Troop 97 will host a pancake breakfast and a garage sale on May 11. From left: Chuck Tuggle and Michael Loyd are brushing up on their pancake flipping skills. Photo special to The Journal

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Homewood

Troop 97 Pancake Breakfast May 11, 7 a.m.-noon Trinity United Methodist Church Boy Scout Troop 97 will host its annual pancake breakfast on May 11 from 7 a.m.-noon at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1400 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. The event will also include a silent auction and garage sale. The event will be held in the Fellowship Hall and church gym. The garage sale will feature clothing,

household items, toys, crafts, books, sporting equipment, appliances and furniture. Tickets to the all-you-caneat pancake breakfast are $5 and include pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice, all with tableside service from Boy Scouts. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Bids will be taken on silent auction items until noon. The troop needs donations for the event. For more information, call Bert Allen at 5405343 or email bertjudy@hotmail.com.

GREATER BIRMINGHAM H U M A N E

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HELP US SAVE MORE LIVES & WIN THE $100K CHALLENGE. Join the Greater Birmingham Humane Society for the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge Kick-off Weekend on Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Bring the family for a fun day with food trucks, face painting and more! The ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge is a national competition, created to help inspire shelters to increase the number of pet adoptions from the previous year. The GBHS is one of 50 shelters across the country to be competing.

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receive a certificate to present to them on Mother’s Day. For more information and to register for the race, visit girlsontherunbham.org. Birmingham

Birmingham Rose Society Annual Show May 11-12 Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Birmingham Rose Society

will present its annual Rose Show on Mother’s Day weekend at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This is one of the largest horticultural shows in the Southeast, typically showcasing 400 roses on display along with artistic arrangements and photography featuring roses. Entries will be accepted from 6-10:30 a.m. on May 11; judging begins at 10:30 a.m. There will be a seminar on growing roses from 3-4 p.m.

Geaux Boil some crawfish

The Birmingham LSU Alumni Chapter gets ready for its annual Crawfish Boil on May 18. From left: Carla Carruth, Christi Demontluzin, Mark Crain, Greg Crain, Bob Sulfstede, Robyn Sulfstede, Davind Leong, Maria Luft, Keith Stagni and Rajiv Hargunani. Photo special to The Journal North Shelby

LSU Alumni Crawfish Boil May 18, noon- 3 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park The Birmingham LSU Alumni Association will hold its annual Crawfish Bowl on May 18 from noon- 3 p.m. in the White Oak Pavilion of Oak Mountain State Park. The event features all-you-

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 9

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

can-eat crawfish, potatoes, corn, dessert and beverages. A raffle and silent auction will raise money for scholarships for Birmingham-area students enrolling at LSU. There will be activities for the kids, including a piñata. Visit www.lsubirmingham.org for more information. Reservations will be accepted through May 15.

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on Saturday. The show will be open to the public from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit bbgardens.com. Hoover

Southeastern Outings Day Hike May 12, 2 p.m. Moss Rock Preserve Explore the wilder side of Hoover on a moderate two to four-mile hike on Shades Mountain. The hike will include a look at the area’s natural features, including longleaf pine forests, boulders, streams, grassy areas and, depending on recent rainfall amounts, a few waterfalls. Participants should bring water to drink. Well-behaved, properly

supervised children ages 7 and older are welcome. The group will depart at 2 p.m. from the Moss Rock Preserve parking lot on Patton Chapel Road. For more information, call Ted Owen at 987-7997. Homewood

Severe Weather Safety May 13, 11 a.m.-noon Homewood Public Library Meteorologist James Spann will present a program on severe weather safety tips at the Homewood Public Library on May 13 from 11 a.m.-noon. Spann will talk about how to make a severe weather safety plan for the family. The event is free and open to

the public. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org or call 3326600. Hoover

“Freedom Riders” Screening May 14, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Hoover Public Library The Hoover Public Library will show the PBS documentary “Freedom Riders” at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on May 14 in the Library Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 444-7840.

Send photos and information on upcoming events to Keysha Drexel at kdrexel@otmj.com.

News

10 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

u Mountain Brook

New Municipal Complex Open By William C. Singleton III

u VEstavia hills

Lifelong Learning Session May 9 at Library By Donna Cornelius

Journal contributor

fter nearly two years of operating city business from temporary facilities, Mountain Brook city police and fire officials are finally back in one spot. City officials started moving into the new 53,000 square-foot municipal complex April 24, although at press time Brasfield & Gorrie, the chief contractor for the project, was applying the finishing touches to the Church Street building. Robert McElroy, senior project manager for Brasfield & Gorrie, said last week that construction is pretty finished except for the front of the municipal building, which will include a fountain and large chessboard and pieces cast in different color stones. The chess pieces will stand three feet tall, he said. The rest of the building won’t be finished until the end of May, McElroy said. For the past two years, the city’s administrative offices occupied rented space off Montclair Road. The police and fire departments set up temporary offices at Office Park Circle off U.S. 280. The project was initially projected to be completed by February 2012. City officials said they were glad to finally see light at the end of the tunnel on the project. “We’ve been looking forward to getting the city employees back into a really fabulous facility and getting all this construction out of the middle of Crestline and getting the employees cars parked underneath the building,” said Council President Virginia Smith. “It will free up a lot of parking around the village.” The municipal complex has separate buildings for the police and fire departments, including bays for fire vehicles. The Mountain Brook Fire Department has a two-level station at the rear of the complex facing Oak Street. The fire department facility includes 10 dorm rooms for firefighters, a training room and a full kitchen. There is also a day room and a small library in the fire department. A bridge over the underground parking area separates the police and fire departments. The Mountain Brook Police Department occupies a facility facing Tibbett Street. The city jail, administrative and dispatch offices are on the ground floor and the offices of police officials and investigators are upstairs. The new police department features an armory, evidence lockers, heavy metal doors and bullet and bombproof windows. The complex comes with an underground parking deck to accommodate more than 60 spots for employees, which is expected to ease

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Journal Features Writer

above: City Manager Sam Gaston stands outside the new Mountain Brook City Council chambers. Left: A statue outside the police department at the new Mountain Brook municipal complex honors police officers who have died in the line of duty. Journal photo by William C. Sngleton III

traffic congestion in Crestline Village. “That will get most of our employee parking underneath and off the street,” said City Manager Sam Gaston. “The layout of the building will make it more functional and convenient for our staff as well as the public as they do business with the city.” The $15.3 million building’s design boasts several elegant details, including a stone floor in the lobby and a monumental staircase leading to the second floor. The building includes polished oak finishes throughout and arched doorways on opposite ends of the mall service area, which will be where residents can pay traffic tickets, apply for building permits or take care of other city business. The Mountain Brook City Council also has a stylish new place to conduct city business, including a stonetopped dais in the council chambers. The council area includes a formal meeting room with the raised dais and an adjacent meeting room. The mayor’s office opens to an outdoor deck.

The elegant design continues on the building’s exterior. “The front part of this building has a lot of beautiful trim to signify the quality of this community,” McElroy said. The council president said that the city accomplished its goals within its budget. “We really didn’t go all out,” Smith said. “We have a great deal more space. And the public space looks very nice. But when you get behind the public space, the area is very industrial. It’s very serviceable and terrific, but it’s not fancy.” The mayor said he’s pleased with how the new municipal complex turned out, both aesthetically and financially. “We wanted to make it look nice,” Oden said. “And the architects we had were able to do that at a reasonable cost. A lot of it we couldn’t believe it either. But they did it. And the nice thing about it is that it’s paid for.” William Blackstock Architects designed the complex with the aim to compliment the surrounding village architecture, with red brick, Tudor-style details and a sloping roof line. The company also designed the Vestavia Hills Civic Center. The city’s former municipal complex had about 28,000 square feet of space and was built nearly 45 years ago. The 1967 City Hall was demolished in 2010. A grand opening for the new municipal complex will be held later this year, city officials said. ❖

Vestavia Hills residents can learn about an educational program with no tests and no homework—and hear a little history, too. Representatives from the University of Alabama’s Osher Lifelong Learning Center will be at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest May 9 at 2 p.m., said Francine Marasco, president of UA’s OLLI chapter. “We’ll be discussing the possibility of starting a chapter in partnership with the Library in the Forest this fall,” Marasco said. OLLI offers noncredit classes and activities to adult learners. Members plan and manage its programs. Instructors volunteer their time to teach courses on a wide variety of topics, from bridge and line dancing to history and science. At the Vestavia event, Richard Rhone, a retired principal, will give a short presentation on George Washington called “His Excellency Saves the Revolution.” Rhone will talk about Washington’s crucial role from 17811783, after Yorktown, the last significant battle of the Revolutionary War, but before the peace treaty ending the war was signed, he said. “Everybody knew that the war was over, but the politicians hadn’t signed the treaty yet. The army officers were about to revolt, and there was a danger of having a dictatorship or having the British coming back in,” Rhone said. For his presentations about Washington, Rhone dresses in costume as Major Thomas Melvill, an actual historical figure who was one of the Sons of Liberty. This spring, he also taught an OLLI class about u Hoover

New Georgetown Lake Park Playground To Open By the middle of this month, children of all abilities will have a new place to play in Hoover. The city is replacing all of the playground equipment at Georgetown Lake Park to create a handicappedaccessible playground, said Mayor Gary Ivey. The project includes removing a swing set, slide, climbing apparatus and other equipment at the park that is located just off Lorna Road and replacing it with new equipment. The playground area will also be revamped with a “poured in place” rubberized safety surface. The rubberized surface is used in playgrounds because it allows those in wheelchairs or walkers to play on it safely.

the Old West. His talk about Washington will give those who attend the May 9 information session a taste of what OLLI programs are like, he said. Community members can decide if they’d like to form an OLLI chapter and if so, what classes and programs they want to offer, Rhone said. “Then we’ll help them put it together,” he said. Marasco said the Vestavia program will also include information on OLLI’s summer sessions on the UA campus. Some of the summer courses are Women of the Bible, Sitting Up with the Dead: Cemetery Research and Funeral Practices of the 19th Century South and Media Matters, a discussion of recent news stories. Photography, woodworking and computer classes are among the choices, too. Membership for this summer’s programs is free, said Jennifer Anderson, UA’s OLLI liaison and assistant director of the university’s Bryant Conference Center, where many of the program’s classes meet. “Usually the membership fee is $50,” Anderson said. Both Anderson and Marasco said OLLI provides not only intellectual stimulation but social interaction. The group takes several field trips each semester and also hosts parties for members. Marasco encouraged Vestavia residents to “bring as many friends as you want” to the information session. There’s no charge to attend, she said, and refreshments will be served. “Everyone’s invited,” Marasco said. “You don’t need a college degree to participate.” ❖ The project is costing the city $117,400, Ivey said. It is the latest in a series of projects by the city to add play areas that are accessible to handicapped children. Last year, the city build a new playground at Loch Haven Park. It was the city’s fifth handicapped-accessible playground. The others are at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road, Sertoma Park behind Green Valley Elementary School and at a play area near Shades Mountain Elementary School. Ivey said the work at the Georgetown Lake Park and at the city’s other parks is all part of Hoover’s commitment to provide its residents with plenty of green spaces to get out and enjoy nature. “It’s part of our plan to not only continue to add green spaces but to take care of the beautiful parks and play areas that we already have in Hoover,” he said. “We want to give our

kids plenty of great places to play.” Ivey said construction at the park should be complete and it should be open by May 15. The park also has a three-acre lake surrounded by a lighted track made up of a wooden walkway and asphalt. It also includes gazebos which offer a shady place to fish or watch the ducks and turtles that call the lake home.

u Mountain brook

Superintendent to Speak at Chamber Luncheon The superintendent of the Mountain Brook school system will be the guest speaker at the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce event on May 9. Dickey Barlow will present a Dickey Barlow program called “What’s Right With Our Schools” at the event at Park Lane in English Village. The doors open at 11 a.m. and the luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. and will end at 1 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations can be made at welcometomountainbrook.com or by calling the Chamber office at 871-3779. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Sponsor tables are available for $250.

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 11

News

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u Vestavia Hills

City Hosting Health and Wellness Fair on May 4 The City of Vestavia Hills is hoping to help its citizens get healthy with an upcoming event at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center gym. The city’s first community-wide health and wellness fair will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 4. “This is going to be a great opportunity for our citizens to become more aware of available health and wellness resources,” said Vestavia Hills Fire Chief and Interim City Manager Jim St. John. The event will include health and wellness providers conducting information sessions. There will also be cooking demonstrations and free massages. The free event will include door prizes and children’s activities. For more information, visit vestaviahills.net.

Highway, in the overflow parking lot directly across from the church on Carl Raines Lake Road and ride the shuttle to Chadwick Square. No parking is allowed at the Bryant Home. ShowHouse visitors can have lunch for $13 at the Margaret Alford Tea Room from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. through Saturday. Bailey’s Sweet Shop will be open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. through Saturday and from 2-5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Symphony Shop will be stocked with handmade items, artwork, antiques and more. No children younger than 8 are admitted, and no backpacks, umbrellas, large tote bags and purses or cameras are allowed in the house. For more information, visit www. symphonyvolunteercouncil.org or call 987-9520. ❖

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u Hoover

Decorators’ ShowHouse Open Through May 5 The 2013 Decorators’ ShowHouse hosted by the Symphony Volunteer Council in Hoover’s Riverchase neighborhood will be open May 2-5. Hours for touring the Bryant Home are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 2-6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $20 at the door. Those who want to see the Charleston-style house should park at nearby Riverchase United Methodist Church, 1953 Old Montgomery

The 2013 Decorators’ ShowHouse will be open in Hoover’s Riverchase community May 2-5. The tour of the Charleston-style Bryant Home is being hosted by the Symphony Volunteer Council.Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

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12 â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, May 2, 2013

A Honey of a Hobby

People

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Mountain Brook Doctor Likes the Buzz about Beekeeping By Keysha Drexel

Journal Editor

s a fertility specialist, Michael Steinkampf knows a lot about the birds and the bees, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Mountain Brook physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;beesâ&#x20AC;? part of that old adage that is creating buzz. Steinkampf, who is director of Alabama Fertility Specialists, is also an avid beekeeper who is working under a research grant from the National Honey Board to find out more about the health of honey bees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I suppose it is kind of funny that the birds and the bees are my day job and then I come home to tend to the bees, but there is actually an interesting dovetail between the two because both have a lot to do with reproductive issues,â&#x20AC;? he said. Steinkampf said it makes sense that his hobby would be as entrenched in science as his day job. A native of Louisiana, Steinkampf said he originally trained to be a chemist before receiving his medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and his specialty training in obstetrics-gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; function is a lot about reproduction and chemistry, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of a fun fact that in humans, the female makes all the eggs she will ever have before sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s born and the male makes sperm throughout his adult life,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But in honey bees, it is just the opposite. The queen bee continues to make eggs all her life and the drones make all their sperm before theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re adults. The drones mate once--in midair--and they die,â&#x20AC;? he said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bees are just like the rest of us, they want to be able to reproduce and survive the weather.â&#x20AC;? Michael Steinkampf, fertility specialist and avid beekeeper Before he became a beekeeper, Steinkampf said he knew little about bees or how to raise them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was pretty clueless about beekeeping, but once I got into it, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been into it full-blast ever since,â&#x20AC;? he said. Steinkampf was introduced to beekeeping in 2009 by his mentor,

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John Hurst. Hurst is a Birmingham gynecologist and has been an avid beekeeper for more than 30 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One day we were in the break room, and John showed me some pictures of his hives. I guess it was few days later and I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop thinking about it. Something just clicked, so I went to him after a staff meeting at work one day and asked him if heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be my beekeeping mentor. He suggested that I go to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and take a beekeeping class and then think about ordering some bees,â&#x20AC;? he said. But typical of his jump-in-withboth-feet nature, Steinkampf said he was one step ahead of his mentor on the plan to start beekeeping. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told him that actually, I had already built a hive and ordered my bees and that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be here within the next week,â&#x20AC;? he said, laughing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I ended up taking the course at the Gardens when it was offered about 10 months after I got started.â&#x20AC;? By the time he enrolled in the beekeeping course at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Steinkampf already had two hives set up in the backyard of his Mountain Brook home. Steinkampf said he was immediately immersed in his new hobby and learned as much as he could about how honey bee colonies operate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beekeeping can be a very timeconsuming hobby or it can go the other way. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an interesting practice thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flexible enough to let you invest the time and effort into it that you can. You can have 200 hives or just one hive, and it would be just as rewarding,â&#x20AC;? he said. From his first two hives in 2009, Steinkampfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home apiary has grown to about 20 hives. Steinkampf and Hurst also maintain an innovative observation hive they created to help visitors to the Birmingham Zoo learn more about honey bees. The observation hive design won Steinkampf the Best in Show award in 2011 at the Young Harris College/University of Georgia Beekeeping Institute. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We built the hive in my workshop and raised the queen and continued to maintain the hive at the zoo for about a year or so,â&#x20AC;? he said. Steinkampf said watching children and others visiting the hive at the zoo has been one of the most rewarding parts of beekeeping so far. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love to watch people visiting the hive because they get a kick out of being that close to something that could sting them, and I hope it helps people look at bees a little closer and think about their role in our environment,â&#x20AC;? he said. Beekeepers across the country for several years have been dealing with Colony Collapse Disorder, a phenomenon in which worker bees abruptly disappear. Colony collapse can be significant because many agricultural crops are pollinated by honey bees and in recent years, some U.S. farmers have had to rent bees for pollina-

Dr. Michael Steinkampf shows off some of the honeybees he keeps at his Mountain Brook home. Steinkampf also created an observation hive that is used at the Birmingham Zoo. He collects about 50 pounds of honey from his hives a year, though not all of his hives are managed for honey. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

tion services. Steinkampf said colony collapse illustrates how much bees enrich our daily lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, we wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t starve, but our diets would be less enriched without honey bees,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The staples of our diet--wheat, corn, rice--are not dependent on honey bees for pollination. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the vegetables and the fruits that we need help from the honey bees to grow. And yeah, those are kind of important,â&#x20AC;? he said. Steinkampf completed the threeyear rigorous training and certification process at the Young Harris College/University of Georgia Beekeeping Institute, where he learned about everything from integrated pest management to honey bee genetics to how to make mead. He passed all of his tests and is now a certified master beekeeper. In 2011, he won a research grant from the National Honey Board to find ways to improve honey bee health and honey production by changing hive designs. Steinkampf also works to educate people about honey bees by writing articles for Bee Culture magazine, giving presentations on the medical aspects of beekeeping and documenting his beekeeping adventures on an educational blog at www.sandhurstbees.com. He has also mentored a Boy Scout on an Eagle Service project that involved beekeeping. One of the sweetest rewards of

Steinkampfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hobby is, of course, the honey. Steinkampf sells some honey and gives some away and said his bees have been big honey producers since the very beginning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first hive did so well that the colony divided and took up residence in my neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. Getting bees out of a house can be a challenging enterprise, because if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remove it properly, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re left with wax and honey in a cavity in a house where it can ferment and ultimately leak through the walls,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fortunately, it only required the removal of a single board under one of my neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s windows.â&#x20AC;? To this day, that gracious neighbor gets the first honey of the season, Steinkampf said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The neighbors have been great. As most beekeepers do, I have my apiary shielded by hedges to minimize the beesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wandering into the neighborsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; yards,â&#x20AC;? he said. This is prime honey season, Steinkampf said. He said he recently put two hives on the scales, and they are gaining about five to eight pounds a day, which means the honey production is really ramping up for the year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this part of the country, most of the honey is made within a threemonth period,â&#x20AC;? he said. Steinkampf said his hives usually produce about 50 pounds of honey each year. Not all of his hives are managed for honey, Steinkampf said.

See beekeeper, following page

The Auburn Tiger Paws Dance Squad has several members from the Over the Mountain area. Front, from left: Hannah Moss, Elizabeth Drake, Caitlin McCallum and Lauren Reeder. Back: Susanna Bagwell, Chandler Kitchens, Haley Evans, Chandler Rodgers, Anne Grace Schmidtke and Anna Donzel. Photo special to The Journal

OTM Residents Selected to AU Dance Team Several OTM residents have been selected for the 2013-14 Auburn University Tiger Paws Dance Squad. They are Susanna Bagwell, Chandler Kitchens, Haley Evans, Chandler Rodgers, Anne Grace Schmidtke, Anna Donze, Hannah Moss, Elizabeth Drake, Caitlin McCallum and Lauren Reeder. The Tiger Paws group performs at Auburn sports events and SGA pep rallies. They also participate in community activities, such as visiting elementary schools and retirement homes.

Vestavia PR Student Shows Crisis Skills Frances Allison of Vestavia Hills won first place in a competition at the Southeastern Journalism Conference on Feb. 22. She and a team of two other public relations students Frances Allison from the Meek School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi had to respond to a proposed hostage situation by producing an effective

beekeeper, from previous page

Some are used for research or to get beeswax. “Another fun fact about bees, they maintain a colony during the winter. Other insects will hibernate, but bees huddle up and shiver and generate heat and eat the honey they’ve stored up in better times,” he said. “As beekeepers, we take advantage of that urge to stay active and we give them space to keep doing what they’re doing. With that method, you can make up to 200 or 300 pounds of honey a year.” Beekeeping has made him especially attuned to the weather and cycles of nature, Steinkampf said, and he knows that if the weather is unseasonable, it can affect the bees. “Bees are just like the rest of us, they want to be able to reproduce and survive the weather,” he said. Steinkampf’s wife of more than 30 years, Stephanie, has been supportive

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 13

People

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

crisis communications plan to solve the problem. Allison’s team included Jane Lloyd Brown of Baton Rouge, La., and Alyssa Randolph of Knoxville, Tenn. During the competition, the teams were given details of a hypothetical scenario and had an hour and a half to react.

Black Earns Top Scout Rank in Troop 69

great-grandfather, Harry Toothaker, and grandfather, Frank Toothaker, who served on Montgomery’s Tukabatchee Area Council boards. Black started in scouting in 2000 as a Tiger Cub in Den 6 of Pack 351 and earned Cub Scouting’s highest award, the Arrow of Light. He is a skillful marksman and enjoys climbing, shotgun and sporting clay shooting. He has earned 33 merit badges Graham Black as well as the National Outdoor Award for Camping, gold device. Black has traveled extensively throughout the South, camping in places like Cumberland Island and the Silver Comet Trail in Georgia; the Walls of Jericho, the Chief Ladiga Trail and Camp Horne; Raccoon Mountain and Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee; and Gulf Islands National Seashore and Blackwater River in Florida. To earn the Eagle Scout ranking, Black organized volunteers to assist in his project. He managed a demolition and revamping of an outdoor classroom at Vestavia Hills Elementary-Cahaba Heights School. Black is a member of Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church’s Troop 69, Vulcan District, Greater Birmingham Council, which is led by Scoutmasters Wally Shaw, George Earhardt and Joel Black.

Hoover Resident Wins Music Award

Vestavia Hills High School senior Graham Black has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Black is the son of Joel and Tammie Black of Vestavia Hills, the nephew of Amy Toothaker and the grandson of Robert and Anne Norman, Philip Black and the late Dorothy Black. Black follows in the footsteps of his

Several University of Montevallo music students recently auditioned for the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Hoover resident and UM student Garrett Lenzie placed as a semifinalist in the Second Year College Men division of the association. ❖

of his beekeeping hobby, he said, even if she’s a little leery of the bees. “My wife’s okay as long as the bees don’t chase her,” said. The couple have five children, one of whom still lives at home. “He’ll put the whole protective suit on and mow the grass near the hives for me, so that’s his way of being supportive of dad’s hobby,” Steinkampf said, laughing. His daughter makes labels for the honey jars Steinkampf uses to store and sell the honey from his hives. “My family supports my beekeeping activities from what you would call a very safe distance,” he said. Steinkampf sometimes dons a safety suit when tending to his bees but said he hasn’t escaped the stinging wrath of his tiny charges. “I get stung every week. The suit protects me, but I don’t always wear it,” he said. Not only is it painful physically when the bees sting, but Steinkampf said it also makes him a little sad.

“The bees ultimately end up dying after they sting, so that makes it a sad occasion because you never want to lose a bee,” he said. Steinkampf said his ultimate goal is to use his knowledge of reproductive biology and chemistry to become a better beekeeper. He said the image of beekeeping is changing. “The Jefferson County Beekeeping Association has an informative course every spring and it has been filling up faster every year and they are having to turn people away, so I definitely think more people are looking into it because again, it can mean as much work or as little as you want,” he said. Steinkampf said he advises wouldbe beekeepers to take a course and find a mentor by contacting local beekeeping clubs. “It’s fun and you’re learning,” he said. “Plus, you get all that sweet honey.” ❖

To: From:

Let us help you have the best backyard bird feeding experience possible. We'll show you how to turn your yard into a bird feeding habitat that not only brings song, color and life to your home, but also benefits wild birds and the environment.

Joe Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646

14 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

Life

For Mothers and Others Annual Walk Aids Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

By Keysha Drexel

tor, and she didn’t have an appointment until Monday. This was on a Thursday. I told my husband that I had to go to the ER. I had to find out what was wrong,” fter her mother died from she said. ovarian cancer 22 years ago, An hour into her visit to the emerLori Livingston Techarukpong gency room, a scan showed that Ginny’s found out that there were a lot of abdomen was filled with fluid, something women like Norma Livingston who that could point to ovarian cancer. were diagnosed too late, when the “The doctor was doing his ‘medical chances of surviving the disease are speak,’ but I stopped him when he said slim. the word I knew meant cancer,” she said. That’s why the former Crestline resi“My first thought was about my children. dent has spent the last 10 years trying They were 2 and 5 at the time. My son to raise awareness about ovarian cancer was three weeks away from starting kinthrough the Norma Livingston Ovarian dergarten,” she said. Cancer Foundation’s Motherwalk. The Ginny stayed in the hospital for further 10th annual event will be May 11 in tests that confirmed she had late-stage Crestline Village. ovarian cancer. “When my mom was diagnosed with “It was a 22-hour whirlwind to get the ovarian cancer, there were hardly any diagnosis, but I think it was a lot easier organizations and very little support or than going back and forth for tests and information available,” she said. “I knew waiting for weeks for the results. It was I had to do something to educate women kind of a relief to get some kind of diagand help fight this battle.” nosis so that I could put together a battle Norma was a healthy, active 65-yearplan and fight,” she said. old woman who rarely got sick and was Ginny said during the first few days very proactive about her health, Lori said. after her diagnosis, she spent as much She visited the doctor about some time as possible with her family and her weight gain and abdominal discomfort. friends at Dawson Memorial Baptist When a diagnosis was finally made, Church. Norma had stage 4 ovarian cancer, Lori “I took my daughter for her first pedisaid. cure. I went to church and people were Thirteen months later, after nine hours Ginny Bourland, left, of Hoover and her family will particisaying they couldn’t believe I was there, of surgery, countless rounds of chemopate in the 10th annual Motherwalk in Crestline Village on but I remember thinking, ‘Where else May 11. Ginny wants to raise awareness and help others therapy and experimental drugs, Norma would I be?’ I knew my faith would have battling ovarian cancer. From left: Ginny, Will, Shea and passed away, leaving three daughters to be strong to fight this,” she said. Bella Bourland. Photo special to The Journal by Margaret Lee behind. Three days after her visit to the emer“It took me 11 years to move on after lives,” Lori said. gency room, Ginny had a hysterectomy. Soon my mom’s death, and when the time was right, Lori said since there’s currently no early after, she started what would turn out to be 66 I knew I had to do something to honor my mom detection tool for ovarian cancer, women must weeks of chemotherapy and other treatments, and stop this silent cancer,” Lori said. be proactive and know the signs and symptoms including a drug study at the University of The first year, the event was called “Walk the and get regular medical exams. Alabama at Birmingham. Walk, Shop the Shops” and was in Crestline and But even women who get regular medical The treatments seemed to be working, and Mountain Brook Villages, Lori said. exams often find themselves facing a disease in May of last year, Ginny received a clear scan. “Shops supported us, and walkers got a they know little about until they get a diagnosis. In September, lab results showed changes in her stamp for each store they stopped in along the That was the case for 39-year-old Ginny blood work, and in December, she got word that route. Then we hired Davis Denny Advertising Bourland of Hoover. the cancer was back. She started another round of Agency, and they came up with the Motherwalk In July 2011, the mother of two was diagchemotherapy in February. theme. We wanted the name to reflect our moth- nosed with ovarian cancer after dismissing “Overall, I feel good. The chemo puts me ers and wanted to hold the event on Mother’s reports from her doctors that showed she was down for about five days,” she said. Day weekend in our mothperfectly healthy. Ginny said she and her family will participate ers’ honor,” she said. Ginny experienced 10th Annual in Motherwalk again this year. With the help of Dr. the bloating and abdomi“I’ve had six friends lose the battle against Mack Barnes and Michelle nal pain associated with Motherwalk 5K Albritton, the Norma this disease just in the last year, and we want to ovarian cancer, but her When: May 11, 9 a.m. Livingston Ovarian Cancer do everything we can to raise awareness, because obstetrician-gynecologist Where: Crestline Village in Foundation was formed in so many women are just like I was before I was didn’t offer her any tests for Mountain Brook 2004. ovarian cancer. diagnosed and don’t know the signs and sympDetails: The event will “My mom is smiling “I was getting a Pap toms,” she said. raise money ovarian cancer down on me, and she knows smear every year. I was Ginny said she is optimistic about the future research. There will be a prethis was my destiny--to help eating right and exercising and has a peace about her diagnosis. event celebration on the lawn others,” Lori said. and doing all the things I “I still feel that my age is a huge advantage across from the Emmet O’Neal Lori said her mother’s I was supposed thought for me, and I have a wonderful support group Library on May 10, 4-7:30 p.m. last words to her give speto do to stay healthy. I that removes the worries so that I can focus on More info: Visit www. cial meaning to Motherwalk breastfed my two children, my health. Ultimately, I know this is out of my motherwalk.com being held on Mother’s Day and that’s one of the things hands, and because I’m a Christian, I know that weekend each year. that is supposed to reduce no matter the outcome, I’m victorious. You hear “Her parting words were ‘The three best your risk of ovarian cancer. I would have never the statistics that 90 percent of women with ovarthings in my life were my three daughters,’” guessed that was what was going on,” she said. ian cancer don’t make it five years past their Lori said. After seeing her ob-gyn, Ginny said she diagnosis, but if anyone can beat this, I’m going Lori said events like Motherwalk are crucial couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to,” she said. to fighting ovarian cancer and saving more going on with her health than what her doctor For more information on the 10th annual mothers. thought. Motherwalk, visit www.motherwalk.com. For “When I didn’t get the answer that satisfied more information on the Norma Livingston “Early detection is the key to survival. Ovarian Cancer Foundation, visit http://nlovca. Awareness is a major factor, and if we can make me, I didn’t let go. I trusted my intuition that something was wrong. I called my general docorg. ❖ women aware of this cancer, it could save their

Journal editor

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

mother’s day

gift guide

Over The Mountain Journal advertisers provided us several suggestions that are sure to make the mom in your life feel extra special on her special day.

2 2.

4. 1. Asian-inspired filigree lanterns with hurricane glass insert. Indoors or out. $44-$114. Collier’s Nursery, 822-3133. 2. Beautiful Firefly Designs are lovingly handcrafted in Guatemala using Swarovski elements. Priced at $30 and up, it’s the ideal gift for any mother. Large bib necklace, $210. Jewels by Rose, 9795611. 3. Whether picnicking in the park or carrying her lunch to work, mom will love this insulated zebra print lunch tote, $20. Personalize it with adhesive initials, sold separately, $2.99, $3.99 or $4.99. Fancy Goods, 978-1451. 4. Mom will look smart and feel so special wearing this women’s awning stripe dress in Vineyard Navy, $178. Vineyard Vines, 970-9758.

Gift Guide continues on page 16

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Birmingham as a setting. I think in hindsight what happened was From page 1 I was writing this book during a huge upheaval in my family’s life, and setting the fictional story in “It wasn’t working because it Birmingham was sort of like setting wasn’t my story to tell,” Patti said. “It myself in Birmingham, settling us in was my sister’s story to tell.” Birmingham,” Patti said. Patti said she and her sister have She said that writing about the very different personalities. town and city she lived in planted “I couldn’t become my sister to both herself and the story in write this book. I couldn’t get inside Birmingham. her head,” she said. “I’m glad I did it,” she said. “It She said that her office started to worked well for the story, and it defifeel really crowded because she was nitely worked well for me.” so concerned about her family. The other location for the “I was worrying about everyaction in the story is Bluffton, one in my family and whether I S.C., where Patti and her famwas portraying them correctly,” ily spend their summers. Patti said. “And Then I Found You” Patti said she thought it would is Patti’s ninth novel. She be easier to write with the basis began writing seriously in of a story in nonfiction. But in 1999, she said, when her three reality, she said, she found it children were all under the harder. She ended up making her age of 5. characters too lovely and good, “I decided I was going to she said. So Patti abandoned the stop dreaming about it and nonfiction route and fictionalized do something about it,” Patti the entire account. said. The novel contains a few She started taking classes, details of actual events, but Patti reading more, and writing said the most similarities were in every day. the emotions of the two stories. She recently finished a “I used a lot of the emotional draft of her 10th novel–a story truths–the waiting and the won- From left: Barbi Burris, Henry’s sister; Catherine dering and the unknowing and the Barbee, Henry’s biological niece; and Patti Callahan about a woman trying to discern truth between two differtrying to love again,” Patti said. Henry. Photos special to The Journal ent versions of an event. The “I changed a lot of things, but I novel is tentatively set to debut in the how that bond never leaves you even kept the emotional truths, for what spring of 2014. if you’ve only been mother for 30 that story felt like for us, the same.” Patti is now touring the country Everyone told Patti that she had to minutes. It’s always there,” she said, to promote her latest book. For more Patti also said she thinks the most write the book about her family story, information on Patti and her books, important thing about being a mom is but it was a long process in realizavisit www.patticallahanhenry.com. ❖ loving your kids unconditionally. tion, she said. “I believe so strongly that whether “It was messy,” Patti said. “It was it’s an adopted child or a biological back and forth.” child that everything stems out of that All three women talked about love for who they are, not exactly writing the story from the beginning– as a memoir, as nonfiction, as a novel. who you want them to be,” she said. Patti said it makes such an impact They talked about each doing differwhen you love your kids for who they ent chapters of one book. Patti said they finally each realized are and don’t have these huge expectations for who they should be or will they had to do their own thing with it be. Love makes a bigger impact than because each had a different part of anything you could do or buy for the story to tell. Barbi is currently working on writ- them, she said. One of the things Patti learned ing a memoir. Catherine does a lot of through the process of writing the interviews to tell her side of the story novel is how important your family and wrote a blog telling the actual and personal story are, she said. events of finding and meeting her “Kids, children, people in general birth mother. Patti said her way to tell love to know their story,” Patti said. the story was through her fictional“One of the things that I talk about in ized novel. the novel is that one thing that helps Throughout the whole process, adopted children so much is to know Catherine has been very involved, their story, like who were their birth Patti said. “I wouldn’t have written the novel parents? Why were they placed for adoption?” without her permission, her knowlYou feel more secure when you edge, and her understanding,” Patti know your family history, your backsaid. In order for Patti to write the book, ground, Patti said. “Talk about their family and their she had to have very open conversastory with your kids,” Patti said. “It tions with Catherine. makes them feel part of something “We’re all very close,” Patti said. bigger.” “Catherine has different relationships Two years ago, Patti moved to with each of us. She talks to each of Mountain Brook, and part of her us about different things. It’s evolvnovel takes place in Birmingham. ing. It’s only been three years.” Her character Jack lives there with Patti said Barbi and Catherine are close and talk a lot, but she made sure his son, and Kate visits him in his Birmingham home. Readers familiar to note that it is clear that Catherine’s with Mountain Brook will notice adoptive mother is her mom. 18,000 sq. feet, actual Mountain Brook details and “The woman that raises you is over 90 Dealers! locations referenced in the book. your mom. Anybody will tell you It was not part of Patti’s original that. The woman who raised you is 3411 old Columbiana road, plan to use Birmingham as part of the your mom,” Patti said. Hoover novel. Patti said she didn’t start writing 822-9500 “I didn’t purposely use her novel with a particular mother-

Henry,

daughter theme in mind but that her novel ended up showing how much of an impact the bond between mother and daughter has, even when the two aren’t physically together. “I think the novel ended up giving a redefinition of what the word ‘mom’ means. I address that in the end of one of the chapters. The mom even says the word ‘mother’ is going to be given to someone else. When she placed her baby for adoption, she passed the title ‘mother’ to someone else. But also I think the novel shows

Hoover Antique GAllery

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 15

16 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

gift guide

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

mother's day is may 12th

Deco Mother of Pearl Earrings $965

Shortboard Turquoise Earrings $495

11.

Hope Star Turquoise Bracelet $875

John K. Bromberg & William G. Bromberg II

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1. Give mom a gift from Thymes. You can choose from one of the fresh and clean fragrances we have available. Bath and body

From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 products and home fragrances range in price from $15 - $28. Mom will love you for this gift! The Briarcliff Shop, 870-8110. 2. Delight CUSTOMERS TRUST CUSTOMERS TRUST AND AND RECOMMEND. RECOMMEND. Date: April

her with the soft, pleasant fragrances of the Irene Hirose sachet collection. Made with vintage flowers and ribbons, some are made to Prices from about $25-$33. Christine’s + Bagatelle, 871-8297. 3. The item is a glass terrarium with misc green plants. The terrariums May 2nd 2013 issue. please fax approval or range changes to 824-1246. alone start at $89.99 and the terrariums with garden included start at $139.99. Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market, 871-0092. 4. Pie plates are great for pies and hot dips, or add a bowl and you have a chips and dip server. Hint: I heard mom say she would love this for Mother’s Day! The pie plate by local potter, Wade Oliver, is found exclusively at The Cook Store, $40. The Cook Store, 879-5277. 5. Make mom the envy of all with Bryn earrings from Karen Sugarman, azurite geodes and turquoise drops. Mom will love you forever! $385. The Diamond Dealer, 870-4367. The Diamond Dealer, 870-4367. 6. Candles are always a hit with mom! LAFCO candles are natural soy-based candle in a beautiful art glass vessel for your home. They burn for up to 90 hours and are available in several please initial and fax back withinadifferent 24 hours. $59. Leaf and Petal, Botanical Gardens, 877-3030, Mtn. Brook, 871-3832 and The Summit, 967-3232. 7. if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before fragrances, the press date, For a special and personal gift, celebrate mom with a gold monogram initial necklace, $15. Earrings also available, $12. Wrapsody, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. 989-7277. 8. Spruce up mom’s car this Mother’s Day with $100 towards a new convertible top replacement. Alabama Auto Tops, Thank you for your prompt 251-0684. attention. 9. Mom will look good and feel great carrying this Healthy Back Bag by Ameri Bag. Whoever she is, wherever she goes and whatever she does, she will love you for the fusion of style and function. It’s the most comfortable bag she will ever carry. Available in black, taupe and in leather. Starting at $72. Rosenberger’s, 870-0971. 10. Any busy mom would love a Cinda B Bag. They are perfect for hauling mom’s everyday needs and are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Starting at $20. Blue Willow, 968-0909. 11. Indulge your mother this Mother’s Day with treats as sweet as she is. Savage’s Bakery, 871-4901. 12. Give her one-of-a-kind rose cut diamond rings as unique and beautiful as she is. Mom will love you for it! Price upon request. Wallace-Burke Fine Gifts and Collectibles, 874-1044. 13. Thirty days of fitness for mom! Includes a free assessment and consultation, personal training and group classes. $59, Drake Fitness, 298-1001. 14. A variety of nature gifts for that very important mother on your list. Our decorative planters are great for your home, office or garden. Prices start at $29.99. Wild Birds Unlimited, 823-6500. 15. Give mom a gift of ambiance with an assortment of Lux Candles. Large size, $36, and small $15. Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060. 16. Whether strolling through her garden or gazing at it through a window, a ceramic birdbath is a great addition to mom’s garden, adding just the right splash of color to the landscape. Available in iron red, blue, jade green, moss beige and creamy white. 19” x 16”, $34.99. Classic Gardens & Landscape Inc., 854-4005. 17. The favorite Mother’s Day gift she ever received was you. Make this her second. Platinum Call now to receive a free, sapphire and diamond ring, price upon request. Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 251-3381. 18. For the mom who likes to play tennis, nothing no-obligation estimate says love like tennis jewelry. Starting at $18. Player’s Choice Tennis, 985-4989. 19. Mom will look her best in this flirty little coral top with 3/4-length tiered bell sleeves featuring lace around the neck and shoulders. It’s perfect for the ballpark, the ballet or a night out with dad. Also available in turquoise, $62. The Pink Tulip, Homewood, 870-7258 and Cahaba Village, Mt. Brook, 637-5390. 20. Any mom who likes to sew will be thrilled with a new pair of Gingher Designer Series scissors, $44.99. Give her some Floriani thread www.MAIDS.com Referred for a reason. to go with the scissors, $4.99 for a spool of 1,100 yards. The Smocking Bird, 879-7662. place on coat hangers, others are designed as shoe stuffers and all of them are good for drawers or just setting out to admire. Proudly makingThis homes healthier sincefrom 1987.the Over The MOunTAin is your AD prOOF JOurnAl for the

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Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 17

gift guide

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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1. Help mom feel as special as she really is with this new Citizens Drive Watch line. Available in stainless, rose and yellow. Under $300. Shay’s Jewelers, 978-5880. 2. Custom or ready-made containers make the perfect gift for mom. Come by and let us make your mom happy with a beautiful container of flowers and plants. Containers $24.99 and up. Andy’s, Vestavia Hills, 824-0233, Hwy. 150, 402-2639. 3. Any mom with a great sense of humor will love this “My Mom Likes Me the Best” hand-painted sign. It’s the perfect Mother’s Day gift and sure to put a smile on her face, $34. a.k.a. Girl Stuff, 802-7735. 4. Delight mom this Mother’s Day with a fabulous aqua chalcedony ring by Roost. The facets reveal the beauty of the stones while the metalsmith’s art is revealed in the details. Faceted aqua chalcedony stones will compliment any outfit. Stone is 1/2-inch square. Sizes 6,7 and 8, $55. Vermieil gold, $65.Urban Cottage, 595-8067. 5. For the mom who loves to spend time in the kitchen, a Le Jacquard Francais Tea Towel,Botte Fleurie 28 x 20 at $18 is the perfect gift. The pattern is a new introduction for Spring 2013 and features a fanciful garden ‘wellie’ filled with a blooming bouquet. Table Matters, 879-0125. 6. Handcrafted one-of-a-kind jewelry made by Beverly Ruff are the perfect gift for that special mom. Starting at $45. A fabulous fashion statement! Beverly Ruff, 871-7872. 7. Nothing says I love you like a rose--every time it blooms, year after year. Get 25 percent off a rose bush and pair of long and short gardening gloves for mom. Bellingham Gloves, long, $29.99. Hanna’s Gardens, 991-2939. 8. Your mother will think of you well past Mother’s Day with one of these beautiful Sennod jewelry pieces, exclusive to Mulberry Heights. Fabulous chains in various lengths and interchangeable vignettes to collect - from antique coins to crosses, lockets and semi-precious stones. Chains $178 and up. Vignettes $148 and up. Mulberry Heights Antiques, 870-1300. 9. Mom will be the envy of all of her friends when you remember her with a Slane “Bee” Ring in an assortment of mixed metals, $390 to $1150. Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060. 10. The entertaining mom on your list will love Moser Optic Double Old Fashions, $60 each. An optical ribbing technique imparts the Optic pattern with playful texture and subtle depth. Great as a stemless wine or a cocktail glass. Available in eight playful colors. Table Matters, 879-0125. 11. We love this Herend birdhouse and your mother will too! $295. Bromberg’s Mountain Brook, 871-3276. 12. If tennis is mom’s game, get her Love All burnout cotton T-shirts with tennis designs and slogans, $45. Player’s Choice Tennis, 985-4989. 13. The techie, stylish mom on your list will love this iPad cover by Spartina, $49. Blue Willow, 968-0909. 14. Mom’s eyes will sparkle at the sight of these Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger-designed large “Olive” earrings, cobalt blue enamel on 18-karat gold, $1,150. The Diamond Dealer, 870-4367. 15. Mom will look as good as she feels in this sheer turquoise chevron print top with elastic sleeves, neck and hemline. A great modern look, available in small, medium and large, $52. The Pink Tulip, Homewood, 870-7258 and Cahaba Village, Mt. Brook, 637-5390. 16. Any mother would feel pampered with the gift of a clean house. Give THE MAIDS Healthy Touch Deep Cleaning service. THE MAIDS, 871-9338. ❖

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Paul Meyers Memorial Golf Tourney Funds Mission Trips

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Roy Ennis, Gayle Meyers, Julia Meyers, Laura Ann Meyers Daly, Stephen Prevatte and Margie Meyers Davidson.

Jackson. Second place went to the team of Don he inaugural Paul Meyers Memorial Golf Morrison, Rick Ebben, Dale Barr and Steve Tournament surpassed its fundraising goal. Denson. The April 6 event at Highland Golf Joseph Bolen and Jacob Eward won the lonCourse raised $17,000 to help fund medical misgest drive contest. Davey Jones won the closest sion trips to Haiti. Event organizers had set a goal to raise $11,378 in honor of Paul Meyers’ birthday, to the pin contest, and Ryan Quinn was farthest from the pin. Jonathan Gordon and Jeff Gentry Nov. 3, 1978. were named the best dressed team. The event included a game of night golf, a After the winners were announced, the Buddy silent auction and live entertainment. Love Band took the stage and played until midNon-golfers joined the celebration during the night. first round, enjoying barbecue by Saw’s and enterComplimentary wine and beer were provided tainment by Sean “Rockstar” Heninger of WJOX by Supreme Beverage, Good People and Cupcake 94.5. Winery. When golfers hit the glow-in-the-dark course At the end of the night, Stephen Prevatte profor the second nine holes of the tournament, there vided a touching surprise tribute to Paul Meyers was a silent auction and music by David Dutton by lighting and launching 42 lanterns. and Brandon Robinson. Paul’s high school basketball jersey Popular silent auction items more photos at number was 42. included accessories from Tory Those attending the event included Burch, Juicy Couture, Milly and George Hatchett, Gayle Meyers, Rebecca Minkoff, along with folk art Roy Ennis, Julia Meyers, Laura from Lamar Sorrento and sculptures Ann Meyers Daly, Stephen Prevatte, Margie from Jerry Brown. Meyers Davidson, Joseph Bolen, Davey Jones, Members of the steering committee were Wade Warren, Ryan Quinn, Jacob Eward, David Dutton, Jeff Gentry, Jonathan Gordon, Jonathan Gordon, Jeff Gentry, Johnna and Jeff Ginger Lightburn, Matthew Michael, Lyndsey Buerelein of Jackson, Tenn., Andrew Kopecky, Mooney, Michael Wade, Jen and Todd Wood David Dutton, Casey Neal, Ryan Roddam, John and Julia Vines. Lipsey, Gene Wood, Matthew Michael, Michael First place went to the team of Joshua Elam, Davidson and Van Allen Davidson. ❖ Blake Gilchrist, Erick Anderton and Jarrod

Photos special to The Journal

Above: George Hatchett and Gayle Meyers. Right: Johnna and Jeff Buerelein. Below: Andrew Kopecky, David Dutton and Wade Warren.

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Cornerstone Junior Board Hosts Schoolhouse Rock

ornerstone Schools of Alabama’s Junior Board hosted the eighth annual Schoolhouse Rock fundraiser benefiting Cornerstone School. Held at B&A Warehouse March 8, the event included live music, live and silent auctions, hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth and event give-a-ways. Cornerstone Schools of Alabama was founded in 1993 by the late C. Molton Williams along with area business and community leaders. The school was established in the Woodlawn neighborhood in an effort to end the cycle of poverty perpetuated by a lack of access to quality education. The school provides students in kindergarten through the eight grades with a challenging

From left: Katie Parker, Ellen Davis, Kallie Ernest, Emily Hart and Susan Spielberger.

Cooper Bennett, Matthew Mayfield and Kali Bennett.

Photos special to The Journal

curriculum within the context of biblicallycentered spiritual formation in order to prepare them for excellence in high school and college. On May 13, the school will host its annual Swing for Kids golf and tennis tournament at a

club in Vestavia Hills. The day of golf and tennis will conclude with a poolside social hosted by Cherry and Bart Starr. Lunch and registration for the golf tourna-

ment begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. To become a tournament sponsor, to participate or for more information, visit www. csalabama.org or call 591-7600. ❖

Thursday, May 2, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ 19

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Emily Helveston, Allison Rohrer, Lauren Ferguson, Jenna Foyt and Haley Helveston. Mary Margaret Barr is not pictured. Photos special to The Journal

From left: New York Times bestselling author Andrea Wulf, Olivia Alison and Sue Ellen Lucas. Photos special to The Journal

Wulf, Page Headline Spencer Lecture Series

A New York Times bestselling author and an architect were the speakers at the 15th annual Spencer Lecture at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on March 7. Andrea Wulf, author of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chasing Venus: The Race to Measure the Heavens,â&#x20AC;? presented an illustrated talk on her book. Wulf greeted guests with a light reception prior to the program. She also signed copies of her book, available for purchase at Leaf & Petal at The Gardens. Architect Ben Page took the stage at 6:30 p.m. for his talk, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Traditions and Transitions.â&#x20AC;? Pageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lecture wove

together some historical threads-going back as far as ancient Rome-with the history of Belle Meade, the area of Nashville, Tenn., where Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art is located. Page talked about the influence of landscape architect Bryant Fleming and his personal approach to garden design. Page greeted guests at a reception before his program. The Spencer Lecture is made possible by an endowment established by Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens with funds from the estate of William Micajah (Bill) Spencer III. â?&#x2013;

Debs Create Mexican Masterpieces Poinsettia Debutantes enjoyed spicy food and hot art during a special event in their honor in December. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Masterpieces and Mexicanâ&#x20AC;? event was held at Sips N Strokes. Under the artistic direction of Angie McDearis,

the girls created holiday paintings on canvas. They also enjoyed a Mexican buffet catered by El Poblano restaurant. Honorees at the event were Mary Margaret Barr, Lauren Ferguson, Jenna Foyt, Emily Helveston, Haley Helveston and Allison Rohrer.â?&#x2013;

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Front, from left: Alice Bradford, Frances Carson, Murray Manley and Caroline Leak. Back: Mary Virginia Adams, Louise Pewitt, Turner Hull, Courtenay Pyburn and Anna Kate Healey. Photos special to The Journal by Dee Moore

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The Birmingham Belles 45th annual Garden Party Presentation was held April 7 at Arlington Historical House and Gardens. A reception followed in Boxwood Garden. The Birmingham Belles is a service organization which aims to give senior high school girls the opportunity and experience of volunteerism and civic responsibility as they gain knowledge about their community. The young women presented will attend city functions throughout the year. This past year, the Birmingham Belles served more than 650 hours. Their volunteer opportunities include helping with Arlington summer luncheons, delivering cookies baked from Belle recipes to assisted living homes and helping at the Birmingham Museum of Art, Christmas at Arlington, the Decorators’ ShowHouse and the Exceptional Foundation. They also appear at the We Love Homewood Day parade, the Mountain Brook Mystics Halloween parade, Mountain Brook Art Association art show, Mountain Brook Christmas parade, the Birmingham Zoo and the Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel. This year, Rebecca Anne Riley was the recipient of the 2013 Scholarship Fund, established to honor Birmingham Belle founder

Mrs. James Mallory Kidd Jr. The Belles presented for 20132014 were Mary Virginia Adams, Helen Lane Allen, Catherine McMasters Armstrong, Anne Peyton Baker, Mary Stewart Beasley, Madelyn Haynes Beatty, Margaret Claire Benner, Adair Elizabeth Blomeley, Alice Elisabeth Martin Bradford, Laurie Caroline Bramlett, Alice Adelaide Bromberg, Maddison Grace Bassette Bromberg, Hannah Elizabeth Brown, Caraway Mims Bruhn, Olivia Hansen Burton, Sarah Elizabeth Cain, Caroline Blythe Carlisle, Frances Elizabeth Carson, Ella Carson Carter, Caroline Frances Clark, Adelaide Clara Cochran, Mary Maude Crenshaw, Lillian Eleanor Curran, Elizabeth Everette Dawkins, Elizabeth Harris Forsyth Donald, Frances Adelaide Dunn, Elizabeth Baylee Edwards, Elizabeth Drake Faulconer, Katherine Elizabeth Francis, Sara Alan Friday, Margaret Sanford Fullan, Sarah Challis Gamble, Josephine Hamilton Gauldin, Bailey Elizabeth Gibbons, Katherine Lupton Godwin, Makenzie Elizabeth Grant, Magdalene Mitchell Greene, Mary Martha Grizzle, Nancy Elizabeth Hale; Katherine Grace Hall, Mary Hannah Hall, Caroline Copeland Harris, Emily Catherine Harrison, Graham Hammond Harsh, Virginia

Ballet Guild Raises Money for Scholarships

The gift was in addition to the $75,000 donation the guild presented to the Alabama Ballet board of trustees earlier this season. The additional funds were raised through the Ballet Guild’s annual activities and the 2012 Ball of Roses. Barrow Kettig, 2012 Ball of Roses chairman, and Caroline Woods, 2012 president of the Ballet Guild of Birmingham, presented the check to Alabama Ballet Executive Director Megan R. Cottle. For more information on the Alabama Ballet, visit www.alabamaballet.org or call 322-4300. ❖

Lindsey Druhan, 2013 Ballet Guild of Birmingham president, recently announced that the guild has been able to donate more money to the Alabama Ballet to help fund scholarships. The guild presented a check March 7 for $20,000 to the Alabama Ballet to support education scholarships at the Alabama Ballet School.

Sterling Hayley, Peggy Elizabeth Haynes, Anna Katherine Healey, Mary Judith Hill, Elizabeth Grace Hornady, Mary Shelton Hornsby, Olivia Patterson Howe, Turner Nicholson Hull, Elizabeth Hope Hymer, Sherry Alexander Jackson, Virginia Gaskell Jordan, Beatrice Baker Kalish, Frances Elizabeth Kenan, Catherine Alexandra Kinney, Anna Frances Laws, Caroline Frances Leak, Alexandra Suzanne LeJeune, Elizabeth Anderson Letzer, Mary Nelson Little, Catherine Elizabeth Luke, Allison Murray Manley, Carlisle Suttle McCullough, Argie Neil McDonald, Marjie Lee McKelvey, Annie Stewart Miles, Piper Margaret Miles, Margaret Morgan Miller, Caroline O’Neill Milligan, Lyndsey Marie Morgan, Amanda Grace Morrissette; Georgia Ann Muir-Taylor, Abigail Sellers Mulvaney, Mary Chapman Nabors, Rhea Fonde Nathan, Lucy Elizabeth Neal, Elise Faircloth Nesbitt, Collier Morris Ogilvie, Sarah Sims Parker, Eva Louise Pewitt, Mary Katherine Pinson, Margaret Fischer Pitman, Mary Genevieve Pittman, Courtenay Harrison Pyburn, Sarah McKinnon Riley, Erin Elise Roberts, Abbie Porter Rodgers, Jacqueline Claire Schaffers, Lara Kathleen Screven, Katherine Marie Seeger, Virginia Walker Delony Sewell, Courtney Elizabeth Shea, Anna Claire Sheffield, Madeline Lynne Sheffield, Lynda Chamblee Shufflebarger; Annabelle Austin Sims, Adele Oliver Smith, Anna Redding Smith, Camille Elise Smith, Laura Eustis Stagno, Holly Mayfield Struthers, Hallie Virginia Tarpley, Herron Elizabeth Taylor, Lottice Howell Taylor, Mary Helen Poole Terry, Margaret Meador Troiano, Samantha Anderson Turner, Mae Rose Tyson, Hallie Elizabeth West, Mary Parker Wetzler, Olivia Baggett Whatley, Mary Elizabeth Whorton, Virginia Lee Wilson, Marion Francis Wright and Morgan Riordan Wyatt. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 21

Front, from left: Diane Hill, Betty Lenoir, Doris Ruffino and Gale Melton. Back: Liz Crotwell, Jean Shaw, Kathy Babin, Jan Akin, Carolyn Horton, Anne Long, Ilean Taylor and Bess Owen.

Hoover Ladies Golf Association Kicks Off Season The Hoover Country Club Ladies Golf Association kicked off its 2013 season in March. The group named new officers and committee members. Officers are Betty Lenoir, chairman; Diane Hill, chairman-elect; Doris Ruffino, treasurer and Gale Melton, secretary. Committee chairmen are Liz Crotwell, Jean Shaw. Kathy Babin, Jan Akin, Carolyn Horton, Anne Long, Ilean Taylor and Bess Owen. ❖

Ballerina Club Goes Hollywood with Red Carpet Ball

The Ballerina Club held its 67th annual ball at the Birmingham Country Club on Feb. 15. Janie and Jimbo Henderson hosted the Hollywood-themed Red Carpet Ball. Guests walked a red carpet into the ballroom glamorously transformed by Robert Logan of Backstage Floral with memorabilia from iconic Hollywood movies. A lighted replica of the famous Hollywood sign, jumbo filmstrips and oversized silver stars created a glitzy atmosphere. Dinner tables, decorated with red cloths and black overlays, featured tall illuminated glass vases topped with roses, greenery, glittered stars and a decorative Oscar statuette. A rotating crystal ball created a starry atmosphere over the dance floor. Before dinner, Ball Chairman Patsy Straka introduced the Ball Committee, including Marie Carlisle, Judy Long, Barbara Morgan, Mary Jim Quillen, Drucilla Rochester and Nancy Stetler. After dinner, Ballerina Club President Angie Wittich invited new members and their spouses or guests to the dance floor to join her and husband Don and Patsy and Bob Straka

Lady Legacy Foundation Offers Golf Grants

The Lady Legacy Scholarship Foundation wants to help more middle and high school girls in the Over the Mountain area be able to tee off and play on golf teams. The foundation, an extension of the Ladies Birmingham Golf Association and a project of the Hoover Ladies Golf Association, has grants available for middle and high school girls’ golf teams. The foundation is also actively recruiting scholarship recipients among Birmingham metro area college-bound young women with an interest in playing golf and attending an Alabama college. To recommend candidates for either program, call Kathy Rabin, Hoover Country Club Ladies Golf Association Lady Legacy representative, at 822-0647. ❖ for the first dance. Dancing to the music of the Edd Jones Orchestra were Dianne and Gerald Burnett, Peggi and Jim Davis, Iris and Sam Hodulich, Merry and Eugene Lewis, Connie and Bill Mills, Deb Peeples and Rinsel McIntosh. Others spotted at the Red Carpet Ball were Sharron and Jim Thomas, Judy and Bruce Matthews, Robert and Jan Posey, Patricia and Cal Clark, Sue and Preston Trammel, Renee Blaylock and Richard Shoemaker, Judy and Bruce Matthews, Becky and David Bates,

Vicki and George Daniels, Ginny and Bob Baxley and Nell and Samuel Williams. Also taking their turn on the red carpet were Virginia Cobb and John Golightly, Vicki and Mat Lukens, Lenora Pate and Steve Brickman, Barb and Cliff Lynch, Barbara and George Eisenhart, Connie Bishop and Charlie Bearden, Mary Wills and Tom LeCroy, Carolyn and Richard Waguespack, Jean and Curtis Liles, Tricia Domit Mitchell and Mike Kulovitz, Martha and Paul Chism, Jean and Bill Land and Sue and Don Fisher. ❖

Don and Dr. Rusty Kirkpatrick

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22 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Above: From left: Lori Barber, Mary Ann Grammas, Cynthia Shearer, Francie Deaton, Anna Carson and Leigh Bromberg. Below: Hallie Rawls and Laurel and Joe Bassett. Photos special to The Journal

KD Alum Hosts Fiesta For CHIPS

Members of an alumni association got into the spirit of giving with a fiesta-themed event in March. The Kappa Delta Alumni Association along with their husbands and dates, gathered on March 29 at the home of Laura and Colby Clark for their annual Shamrock party, organized by Leigh Bromberg and Katie Patrick. This Mexican themed soiree included a silent auction and raffle to raise money for their local philanthropic cause which supports the Children’s Hospital Intervention and Preventions Services Center (CHIPS). CHIPS mission is to aid with sexually or physically abused children. Proceeds also benefited their national goal which is to prevent child abuse. Collecting the items raffled were Lelie MacLeod and Wendy Morris. Those attending the party included Sue and Bob Barrett, Lori and Dan Barber, Laurel and Joe Bassett, Shasta and Tom Brander and Leigh and Gene Bromberg. Others enjoying the annual event were Mary Ruth and Gene Caldwell, Anna and Chris Carson, Luanne and Jay Chapman, Laura

and Colby Clark and Dana and Tony Davis. Others pitching in to help raise money for CHIPS included Francie Deaton, Jennifer and Marcel DeBruge, John and Martha Debuys, Evie Depiano, Emily Dunn, more photos Susan Ellard, Janie and Wally Evans, Mary Ann Grammas, Betsy and Jim Harmon, CeCe and Kenny Hartley and Lucie and Brad Haynes. Also spotted at the party were Betsy and Arthur Henley, Suzanne and Dennis Hughes, Carol and Rob Hunter, Melissa and Jim Kenan, Paula and Tom Kennedy, Nancy and Jack Kimberly, Sally and Will Legg, Leslie McLeod, Lelie and

Amulets Dance Night Away at Evening in Paris Event

Cheree and Eric Carlton, Cathy Crapet, Aletha Watley, Dot Crook and John Creel, Sally and Jeff Fried, Virginia and John Golightly, Ann and Sonny Harris, Fay Hart, Bernice Hill, Margaret and Bill Howell and Beverly and George Jackson. Others enjoying the City of Lights-themed evening were Barbara

Everything was coming up roses for the Amulet Club’s spring dinnerdance on April 12 at Vestavia Country Club. Event co-chairmen Bernice Hill and Connie Bishop carried out the annual event’s “ Evening in Paris” theme by having The Classics play songs with a French flair, such as “La Vie en Rose.” Emily Herring was the vocalist. Posters depicting scenes from Paris were displayed on easels throughout the ballroom. Round tables for dining were centered with silver vases filled with red roses, orchids, fern and goldenrod. Amulet President Barbara Jones welcomed guests and recognized Ann Harris as incoming president of the club, now in its 57th year. Among those at the event were

David Macleod, Wendy and Ed Morris, Katie and Ben Patrick, and Hallie and Bruce Rawls. Other guests enjoying the fiesta atmosphere were Jean Reed, Ellen and Warren Rhett, Laura Susan and Tommy Roberts, Tempie and Todd Sharley, Cynthia and John Shearer, Chase and William Silsbee, Nancy and Bill Stetler, Mary Frances and Pat Thetford, Linda and Ken Thompson, Ann and Kennon Walthall, Laura Dee and Bill Woods, Kitty White, Janie and John Williams and Yorke and Martin Williams. ❖

OTMJ.COM

and Bobby Jones, Elizabeth Judd, Nell and Al Larson, Jennie and Jim Lewis, Sue Patrick, Kathie and Pringle Ramsey, Evelyn and Bill Ringler, Ginger and Art Sharbel and Donna and Tom Talbot. Also spotted were Janet Thomas and Red Riddick, Phyllis and Roye Tinsley, Sue and Preston Trammel and Janis Zeanah. ❖

From left: Bill and Evelyn Ringer with Aletha Watley and Cathy Crapet. Photo special to The Journal

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 23

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and Rex McDonald, Tommy Thompson, Andrew Duxbury, Jennifer Helenius and Andreas Liz Richardson, Carolyn Kezar, Rauterkus. Whitney Yarborough, Alexis Pigott, Kimberly Tatum, Conrhonda Baker and Madeline Adams. General Director John D. Jones, When “The Magic Flute” was Board President Dorinda Smith and performed at Samford University’s John Smith, Dustin Cañez, Ray Wright Center, patrons clad in 1960s Chenez and Paul Houghtaling were attire joined in the fun among those celebrating with a costume contest. night. more photos at opening Grand prizes, includFestivities ended ing season ticket packwith a farewell party at ages and dinners for two, the downtown loft of were awarded at each Andrew Collins, where performance to winners Andreas Christina Villaverde provided a Rauterkus, Jennifer Helenius, Judy homemade Cuban meal for her felOsmer and Justin H. Bradford, low cast mates and their guests. with honorable mention going to Those at the party included Rachel Quiller and Kay Koch. Perry Davis Harper, Daniel and Celebrations continued at Cantina Jennifer Siegel, Brian Denton,To: Tortilla Grill, where Amici members Robert Robinson and CharlesFrom: B. hosted an opening night cast party. Rountree. ❖

Tables

Opera Birmingham Annual Gala Celebrates Mozart

Mirrors

From left: Betsy Pate, Melissa Grober-Morrow, Shelly Ann Edge McDonald, Anne Epstein and Abbott Jones.

Opera Birmingham recently presented Mozart’s masterpiece “The Magic Flute,” which put a retro 1960s spin on the familiar classic with a five-star performance. Festivities celebrating the performance began with “An Evening of Magic,” Opera Birmingham’s annual gala fundraiser, at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The following week began with singers treating students to a playful performance and opera lesson at Roebuck Elementary School. Corey Trahan had students in stitches with his rendition of “Alles Fühlt Der Liebe Freuden” from “The Magic Flute,” and Kori Jennings performed “Mon coeur s’ouvre a ta voix,” from “Samson and Delilah,” to shouts of “encore” from her young audience. The Birmingham Opera Guild luncheon was held at the Vestavia Country Club, where guild members were treated to a preview of the upcoming performance’s talent. Among those at the luncheon were President Jane Paris Smith and Chandler Smith, Ann Carey, Jane and Bob Hinds, Sue Watkins, Fay Hart, Flora Richardson, Emily Omura, Pam DiPiazza, Tallulah Hargrove, Joyce Heslip, Robert Rieves, Janis Zeanah, Louise Schrimsher, Gerry Dunham, Melva Jones, Nita Cox, Martha Pezrow, Diane Rossmeisel, Toni Bone, Mimi Jackson, Wilda Richie and Barbara Shepherd. The Birmingham Museum of Art was the setting for the second annual Art & Arias cohosted by Amici (Young Friends of Opera Birmingham) and the Junior Patrons of the Museum of Art. Principal singers of Opera Birmingham’s “Magic Flute” provided entertainment. Jeannine O’Grody led a tour of the museum’s collection of European art. On the scene were Amici President Erin Moore, Junior Patron President Lochrane Smith, Karyn Uptain, LeeAnn Petty, Abbott Jones, Eleanor Parker, Carrie Montgomery, V.J. Graffeo, Lindsay and Will Aycock, Abby Hathorn, Carla Jean Whitley, Put Ketchum, Shelley Ann Edge

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Mary Glen Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 April 2013 This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for may 2 2013 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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

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24 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Muses’ Party Has April in Paris Theme

Rose Gold Rush FoR MoM

The Muses’ spring party had a Parisian flair as the club celebrated with an April in Paris theme at its recent meeting. The April 14 meeting was held at the Mountain Brook Club. The dress code for the event was “Paris casual.” Members arrived in their finest French-style apparel. Photos of Paris were displayed throughout the venue. Cornelia and Art Malone brought the photos back from a recent trip to France. Each guest was invited to have a passport photo taken in front of an Eiffel Tower replica as they arrived. Bartenders and wait staff wore brightly colored berets. Each table had an Eiffel Tower replica in the center of blue overlays, accented by red and white napkins. Mannequins dressed as French dancing girls stood at the entrance of the dining room. Red, white and blue balloons rounded out the French theme. A pianist entertained more photos at guests during a cocktail hour. The evening’s French menu included green salad, coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, green beans amandine, bruinoise tomatoes, French bread and petit pains de mais. Dessert was crème brûlée topped with a macaroon. Sarah Creveling, Carolyn Long and Cornelia Malone planned the French-themed soiree. The Muses’ Club officers were on hand for the festivities. President Brownie Evans attended with Barry. Vice President Janie Henderson was there with Jimbo. Secretary Bette

Above: From left: Dan and Lucy Allison, Helen and Jim Simmons and Katie Howard. Left: Marie and Ronnie Baynes. Photos special to The Journal

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Owen attended with Crawford. Treasurer Celeta Manly was at the event with Duncan. Cookie Keith, who brought a beautiful French-style portrait of her granddaughter to share at the event, was accompanied to the party by her daughter, Caroline. Others attending were Pinkie and Gene Ashley, Peggy and Buck Barnhart, Marie and Ronnie

Symphony Volunteer Council Fetes Members at March Party Members of the Symphony Volunteer Council took a break from preparations for the annual Decorators ShowHouse fundraiser, set for April 20-May 5, to host its evening membership party at Robert Hill Antiques on March 5. Tall crystal vases held forsythia branches, and smaller vases held yellow tulips. The party room featured sparkling white lights hung overhead and votive candles encircling the fountain in the middle of the room.

Décor was courtesy of Hill Antiques. SVC President Kathie Ramsey welcomed guests. Hospitality Vice Presidents Martha Black and Shirley Brown coordinated the hors d’oeuvres. Their husbands, Bob Black and Bob Brown, were the volunteer bartenders. Alabama Symphony Orchestra violinist Roger James entertained the group with several classical selections. He joined the ASO in 1985 and talked about the origins of his 1927

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Baynes, Ann and Luke Bloodworth, Bebe and Charlie Bugg, Helen and Jim Simmons, Sarah Creveling with Bobby, Bobbie Ann and Vann Goodner, Harriet and Larry Hawkins, Katie and Bobby Howard and Mary Ruth and Fred Ingram. Others enjoying the party were Mary Elizabeth and Bill Patterson, Kay and Tommy Payne, Tempie and Todd Sharley, Doris and Jim Wilson, Betty and Albert Tully and Louise and Durham Ellis. Also spotted at the event were Jean Morrison and Donnie Ellis, Lucy and Dan Allison, Sandra and Corky Rushin, Marianne and Paul Sharbel, Robin and Jim Sulzby, Allison and Fred Murray, Mary Anne and Frank Kohn, Kay and Harry Littleton, Jackie and Bruce MacClary and Norma Jean and Tony Bueschen from Atlanta. ❖ violin, which was expertly crafted in America. Those attending the membership party included Sue Watkins, Darlene Gray, Faye Fulmer, Debby Kristofco, Jack Standridge, Mark Hill of Dallas, Tonie and Gene Bone, Jane Williams, Edith and Bob Bauman, Gerda Carmichael, Charlotte and Steve Clarkson, Ginny Cockrell, Janet Lauer, Debbie Reid, Lynne and Michael Meeks, Cheree and Eric Carlton, Linda and Mike Griggs, Sara Sommers, Christie Arp, Skip and Bob Wadhams, Nan Teninbaum, Louise Mango, Pat Daughety, Deb and John Sellers and Shirl and Ron Ward. Others spotted at the event were Tora Johnson, Mimi Jackson, Jody Weston, Diane and Herb Rossmeisl, Janis Zeanah, Corinne Greer, Tallulah Hargrove, Clairee Clarke, Roma Bounds, Liz and Tom Warren, Alison Fletcher of Washington, D.C., Pringle Ramsey, Roberta and Jim Atkinson, Nancy Van Wanderham, Joyce and Ebbie Jones, Diane Ray, Linda Barwick, Betty Healey, Olivia and Gene Weingarten, Gerry Dunham, Linda James, Deborah Stone and Lin and Jim Musgrove. ❖

Crow-Conrad

Mr. and Mrs. Warren Baker Crow IV of Birmingham, announce the engagement of their daughter, Elisabeth Whitney, to David Druid Conrad III, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Druid Conrad Jr. of Troy. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Warren Baker Crow III and the late Warren Baker Crow III of Birmingham and Mrs. John Mottley

Moore-Meadows

Dr. and Mrs. Douglas O. Moore of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Audrey Moore, to Wilson Meadows, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Meadows of Franklin, Tenn. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Carper of Birmingham and the late Mr. Donald Moore and Ms. Linda Moore of

Stinson-Carter

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher David Stinson of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Meredith Grace Stinson, to Jack Ballard Carter III, son of Mr.

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 25

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Milliken and the late John Mottley Milliken of Bowling Green, Ky. Miss Crow is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Alabama, where she received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She was presented at the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball and the Ball of Roses and is a member of the Junior League of Birmingham and the Ballet Guild. She is employed by Iberia Bank. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. David Druid Conrad Sr. and the late David Druid Conrad Sr. of Troy and Mrs. Max Wayne Hutcheson and the late Max Wayne Hutcheson of Evergreen. Mr. Conrad is a graduate of Pike Liberal Arts and the University of Alabama where he received a bachelor’s degree and master’s of finance. He was a member of Kappa Alpha order and is employed as an agent by New York Life Insurance. The wedding is planned for June 15 at Mountain Brook Baptist Church in Birmingham. Hanceville. Miss Moore is a graduate of Spain Park High School and a magna cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and a minor in human development and family studies. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and was Miss Alabama USA 2010. Miss Moore was presented at the 2010 Poinsettia Ball. She attends graduate school at the University of Montevallo for speech-language pathology. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Wallace Wilson of Huntsville and the late Mr. and Mrs. James Meadows of Lakeland, Fla. Mr. Meadows is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was a member of Spade Honorary Society and Sigma Chi fraternity. He received his master’s of accountancy degree from the University of Mississippi and is employed at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Birmingham. The wedding will be May 11. and Mrs. Jack Ballard Carter II of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Karow Wilson Jr. of Vestavia Hills and the late Mr. Richard M. Stinson of Vestavia Hills and Ms. Sue Stinson of Vestavia Hills. Miss Stinson is a graduate of Homewood High School and Auburn University, where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She is employed with St. Vincent’s East. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jack Ballard Carter of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Cottingham of Bay Point, Fla. Mr. Carter is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and Auburn University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He is employed with Powermotion, Inc. The wedding will be June 29.

of the groom, all of Atlanta; Rita Axelroth Hodges of Philadelphia, Pa.; and Jessica Nasta Mahony of Mountain Lakes, N.J. The flower girl was Lydia Jane Mayo, niece of the bride, of Madison, Miss. Dr. Thomson served as his son’s best man. Groomsmen were Hunter Dillard Allen; Joseph Bryan Boudreaux;

James Scott Boudreaux; Jesse Jackson Payne and Jonathan Mason Payne, brothers of the bride; Buyisani Lindani Tabengwa and Benjamin Dawson Walker, all of Birmingham. Ring bearer was Robert Mason Mayo, nephew of the bride, of Madison, Miss. After a wedding trip to the British Virgin Islands, Dr. and Mrs. Thomson live in Birmingham.

RESPECT - DIGNITY - RESULTS

Payne-Thomson

Sarah Suzanne Payne and Dr. Colby Vinton Thomson were married April 27 at Canterbury United Methodist Church with a reception following at The Club of Birmingham. The Rev. Samuel Lee Williamson officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Middleton Payne of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Tracey Vinton Thomson of Birmingham. The bride wore an heirloom wedding gown which was designed and fashioned by her great-grandmother, Nina Bain Mason, for her mother in 1966 and also worn by her sister. The gown, redesigned for the bride by Charlsie Hand, was a sheath of candlelight peau de soie and handbeaded Alencon lace. The bodice was sleeveless with lace overlay and had a portrait neckline. The skirt and cathedral train were embellished with lace medallions and edged in lace. The bride wore her sister’s cathedral veil, which included the fingertip veil worn by her mother, and carried a bouquet of peonies, hydrangeas and stephanotis. Matron of honor was Jennifer Payne Mayo, sister of the bride, of Madison, Miss. Bridesmaids were Kathleen Roche Boudreaux of Birmingham; Amy Studin Glade, Erica Harvey Sheidler and Ashley Hope Thomson, sister

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26 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

Weddings & Engagements

Millhouse-Roeder

Mr. and Mrs. David McCoy Millhouse of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Katherine McTyeire Millhouse, to Dr. Michael Thomas Roeder, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Russell Roeder of Albertville. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. William Walter McTyeire Jr. and the late Mr. McTyeire and

McKibben-McGrath

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dale McKibben of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Margaret McKibben, to Brian Patrick McGrath, son of Mr. Daniel Thomas McGrath of Naperville, Ill., and Mrs. Sharon Ann McGrath of Tinley Park, Ill. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. John William

Mrs. S. Roy Millhouse and the late Mr. Millhous, all of Birmingham. Miss Millhouse is a 2005 graduate of Mountain Brook High School. She was queen of the 2008 Beaux Arts Krewe Ball and was also presented at the Ball of Roses, Heritage Ball and Redstone Ball. She received her undergraduate degree in animal sciences in 2009 and received a second degree in zoology in 2010 from Auburn University. She is enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University and will graduate in May 2014. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Russell Samuel Roeder and the late Mr. Roeder of Pennsylvania and Mrs. Jacobus Nicolaas Pronk and the late Mr. Pronk of Maassluis, The Netherlands. Dr. Roeder is a 2004 graduate of Albertville High School. He received his undergraduate degree in zoology in 2009 and his doctorate of veterinary medicine in May 2012, both from Auburn University. He is practicing veterinary medicine in Boaz. The wedding will be Sept. 7.

Harrell of Camden, Ark., and Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Davis McKibben of Bella Vista, Ark. Miss McKibben is a 2009 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a 2013 graduate of Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and corporate strategy. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and was an executive board member of Vanderbilt’s Alternative Gift Fair. She will be working in Mobile. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. Louis Thomas McDonough and the late Mrs. Geraldine Ann McDonough of Dubuque, Iowa, and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Daniel McGrath of Chicago. Mr. McGrath is a 2013 graduate of Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in public policy and Spanish. He was a member of Beta Upsilon Chi fraternity and Sigma Delta Pi Spanish honor fraternity. He will begin medical school at the University of South Alabama in the fall. The wedding will be June 22.

Recently engaged, married or celebrating an anniversary? Let us help spread the word of your good news. Send your announcement to editorial@otmj.com or visit www.otmj.com for forms and info.

Milling-Poundstone

Haviland Blair Milling and Phillip Paterson Poundstone II were married Jan. 5 at Lakeside Baptist Church with a reception following at Robert Hill Antiques. Mr. Alan Goddard officiated the ceremony.

Simpson-Monaghan

Dr. and Mrs. L. Clark Simpson of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Melissa

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Milling of Hoover. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Poundstone of Panama City Beach, Fla. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory strapless gown from the Marisa Collection. It featured a sweetheart neckline and a fitted ruched bodice which flowed into an asymmetrical dropped waistline. The silk and organza fit and flared gown was worn with a vintage crystal/rhinestone satin belt which tied in the back. The low back was accented with tiny covered buttons and a cathedral train. A two-tier cathedral veil with fine silver rolled edge completed the romantic look. The matron of honor was Kellie Celia Harrington. Bridesmaids were Sara Sanderson Franklin, Allison O’Brien Granger, Jessica Dresher Hall, Lauryn Brittany Jones,

Sarah Louis Molony, Kelly Mayes O’Connor, Rachel Sims Pegues, Margaret Layne Poundstone, Mary Page Poundstone and Ashley Renee Prichard. Adelaide Claire Ellis, cousin of the bride, was flower girl. The father of the groom was best man. Groomsmen were Mark Roberts Chuckney, Jonathan Caughey Hughes, Dylan Hall Marsh, Christopher Howard Milling, Hunter Keith Milling, James Holder Nevins Jr., Taylor Andrew Pippins, John Michael Poundstone Jr., Matthew Christopher Salter and Jacob Alexander Watkins. Scripture readers were Jahnna Hall Cole and Catherine Elizabeth Milling. Vocalists were Sam Heilig and Natalie Moon. Strings were Viktor and Lucy Woodward. After a honeymoon trip to Whistler, B.C., Canada, the couple lives in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

Leigh Simpson, to Adam Douglas Monaghan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas James Monaghan of Mystic, Conn. The bride-elect is the granddaughter or Mr. Adolphus Clark Simpson Jr. of Birmingham and the late Mrs. Dorothy Norment Simpson and the late Mr. and Mrs. Warren Campbell Burson also of Birmingham. Miss Simpson is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a 2006 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia, where she received a bachelor’s degree in international affairs, Spanish and Italian and was a member of Phi Mu sorority. She received a master’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. She

was presented at the Heritage Ball and the Redstone Club Ball. Miss Simpson is an international development consultant in Los Angeles. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Eleanor Barr Monaghan and the late Mr. William Albert Monaghan Jr. of Hawthorne, N.J. and the late Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Michael Burdick of Erie, Pa. Mr. Monaghan is a graduate of Fitch Senior High School in Groton, Conn. and a 2003 graduate of Boston College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in theology. He is pursuing a master’s degree in urban and regional planning at the University of California, Los Angeles. The wedding is planned for July 13 in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

Farlow-Edwards

the Krewe Ball and is employed with Tuscaloosa City Schools. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Edwards and Mrs. Eunice Gay and the late Mr. Wilton P. Gay, all of Tuscaloosa. Mr. Edwards is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He has a master’s degree in sports management and is employed in the athletic department at the University of Alabama. The wedding is planned for June 8 at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook.

McCurdy-Strickler

employed with Murfee Meadows Inc. and lives in Birmingham. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. John Otis Hunter of Houston and the late Dr. and Mrs. Thomas David Strickler of Berea, Ky. He is a 2007 graduate of Spain Park High School and a graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing. He is pursuing his master’s degree in business administration at the University of Alabama. The wedding will be held in Montgomery on Aug. 3 at First United Methodist Church with a reception following at Wynlakes Country Club.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Nance Farlow announce the engagement of their daughter, Doris Ann Farlow, to Riley Dixon Edwards, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Dixon Edwards. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. Rebel Roy Steiner and the late Mrs. Doris Richardson Steiner and the late Mr. and Mrs. Carl Pearson Farlow, all of Birmingham. Miss Farlow is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Alabama, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She was presented at

Mr. and Mrs. George Russell McCurdy Jr. of Montgomery announce the engagement of their daughter, Carrie Redding, to Howard Martin Strickler Jr., son of Dr. and Mrs. Howard Martin Strickler of Hoover. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Voncille Redding and the late Mr. Joseph Albert Redding III of Montgomery and Mr. and Mrs. George Russell McCurdy of Montgomery. She is a 2007 graduate of Saint James School and a graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in English. She is

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

our Over the Mountain students were among the nine Alabama high school students recognized by the U.S. Department of Education recently. The students were named semifinalists in the U.S. Department of Education’s Presidential Scholar competition on April 16. The Over the Mountain students named semifinalists were Rebecca Riley of Homewood High School, Jacob Van Geffen of Oak Mountain High, Kevin Yang of Spain Park High School and Sushmitha Yarrabothula of Hoover High School. The students were among 550 semifinalists named last month. Riley earned a perfect 36 on her ACT and plans to study engineering in college. Yarrabothula also scored a perfect 36 on the ACT and plans to study biomechanical engineering in college. As a junior in 2012, Yang won

Presidential Hopefuls

OTM Students Named Semifinalists by Dept. of Education

Rebecca Riley, Homewood High School

Sushmitha Yarrabothula, Hoover High School

$10,000 and made it to the semifinals in the Jeopardy! Teen Tournament. He is a member of several honor societies and plans to attend the University

Jacob Van Geffen, Oak Mountain High School

of Alabama at Birmingham this fall as part of the early medical school acceptance program. He plans to become a doctor.

Greystone Elementary School held a community service awards ceremony on Mar. 21. The student-led ceremony honored students who completed an individual community service project during the last nine weeks of school. Projects included cleaning out closets, making donations to charity and organizing and running a school-wide food drive. Students who participated in the assembly included Abby Beth Nelson, Addison Goodman, Alicia Walker, Ayden Duran, Grant Gates, Haris Imam, Lily Johnson, Nora Dawson, Teague Broadhead, Hudson James, C.J. Shaw, Anna Kate Eady, Ben Taylor, Mary Abney Orr, Nicholas Gagliano, Cole Richardson, Charlee Bennett, Boaz Kim, Andres Duran, Daci Fuller, Jessica Jacob, Maddy Beaubien, Maggie Stroup, Taylor Harrington, Riley Ford, Nicholas Carlisle, Samantha Gagliano, Danial Imam, Josie Bonamy, Joshua Jacob, Gabby White, Creel Richardson and Wesley Kim. The Vestavia Hills High School varsity Rebelettes won first place at a national competition. Front, from left: Haley Evans, Emma Rohrer, Leah Dennis, Maria Inman, Chandler

Kitchens and Caroline Bottcher. Second row: Anna Scott Welch, Rachel Caskey, Rachael Snow, Jane Thornton and Emily Lytle. Third row: Maria Christine, Allison Howell, Cailyn Levant and Haley Dellacio; Fourth row: Emily Brock, Addie Prewitt, Macy Blackburn, Anna Watts, Hannah Moss and Mary Kate Smith.

Kevin Yang, Spain Park High School

Van Geffen is the captain of the cross country team at Oak Mountain High School and a member of several honor societies. He plans to study

environmental science with a focus on water resources. The Over the Mountain students have one more round of elimination to face before they find out if they will be named Presidential Scholars. Each year, up to 141 students are selected for this designation, considered one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. The U.S. Presidential Scholars program was established in 1964 by executive order of the president to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. ❖

BLUFF PARK WINDOW WORKS

School Notes Greystone Students Honored for Service

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 27

schools

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the challenges of obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, stress, cardiovascular disease and other related illnesses. The Birmingham Business Journal recognized Homewood City Schools as its Healthiest Employer.

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The Movement initiative of Homewood City Schools will present the third annual Spirit Scamper 5K and onemile fun run on May 4 at 7:30 a.m. Homewood High School will host the event, and its drum line will provide music for the runners. Proceeds will support Homewood High’s Patriot Marching Band’s trip to Pasadena, Calif., to march in the 2014 Rose Parade. The Spirit Scamper will launch We Love Homewood Day, which will be celebrated at Homewood Patriot Park from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Daytime activities for the event will include rides, attractions, performances and a business and craft exposition. Homewood City Schools created The Movement to revolutionize the way students and faculty think about health and fitness. Its goal is to meet

Carter Alexander Jacob Allen Stella Alpaugh Sadie Arnold Hundon Arnold Ethan Asmus Blake Asmus Eva Barnhart Casey Bayer Maggie Bearden Blain Bearden Virginia Beasley Will Beasley Hayden Bell Hunter Bell Kimberly Bermudez David Bermudez Lane Berry Evelyn Berry Edward Berry McKenna Bir Angus Black Ian Black Kalie Blalock Hope Blankenship Eliza Blankenship Tony Bonar Joshua Bradley Samuel Bradley Reagan Bridges Mivi Brimley Nathanael Brown Levi Brown Tristan Brown Andrea Burris Reagen Busby Joshua Cantone Fredda Cardwell Henry Cardwell Jake Carver Hudson Carver Henry Case Chloe Chapman Kyle Chapman Lucian Chapman Taylor-Mackenzie Clark JaneEllen Coker Nels Coker Margaret Anne Cooper Jackson Cooper Knox Cooper Marley Craft Harper Craft Arden Craft Amelia Cripps Sam Cripps Brianna Crowe

Students at Greystone Elementary School in Hoover were honored at a ceremony in March for giving back to the community at the school’s Community Service Awards program. Photo special to The Journal

Isabel Cruz Richard Culp Andrew Davis Madison Denham Whitt Dodd Sutton Dodd Ben Dorsey Hannah Doss Wirth Doss To: Louise Doss From: Lily Ann Doss Emma Downing Mary Stewart Drummond Miller Drummond Date: Evans Dudley Riley Edmiston Rory Edwards Avery Edwards Mollie Edwards Lydia Edwards Brock Eisele Gage Elam RL England Harrison England Cameron Estes Ethan Estes Kirsten Estes Alice Estes Sam Estes Crawford Eubanks William Feagin Mary Carlon Feagin Thomas Foster Nicholas Foster Anna Bella Foster Key Foster Reed Foster Mason Foster Christopher Fox Joslyn Freeman Makenzie Fultz Brodie Fultz Ellen Given Zayna Glover Bella Rose Godwin Jackson Goetz Addison Goetz Caden Goodwin Lauren Gordon Julia Grant Emily Grant Ansley Greer Will Greer Langston Gustin Nicholas Gustin Zach Haddock Ariyana Hall

Priscilla Haney DJ Lee Antonio Pantoja Kamron Stanford Brandon Hardy Harper Lee Carly Parrish Kaleb Stanford CJ Harlan Megan Lee Ben Parrott Alex Stanley Joseph Harper Anna James Litty Reagan Parrott Ameera Steward Aubrey Harper Mary Nelson Litty Kaiyleia Peeples Saleema Steward Luke Harper Graham Lockhart Freddi Peeples Cody Stewart Mary Elizabeth Harrell Coleman Lockhart Sarah Peeples Sam Stewart Kamryn Harris Capra Lockridge Tembur Peeples Ryan Sullivan Jacob Harris Erin Long Ruthie Peeples Jackson Sullivan Jim Michael Harrison Owen Long Sophia Pena Henry Tabb Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Philamon Hemstreet Sarah Looney Emily Pena Charlie Tabb Mason Hemstreet Ava Looney Henry Phillips William Tabb FAX: 205-824-1246 Camden Hemstreet Patrick Looney Walker Phillips Qwendolyn Taylor Oct. 2010 Elise Hemstreet Jackson Lowery Cameron Phillips Seth Thompson Rebecca Herring Lilly Lowery Madeline Polzin Jillian Thorson This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL Rachel Herring LJ Mabry Kenlei Pope Holly Tierney Burton Herring Majorissue. Please Annaleise Ben Tierney Nov.Rodney 4 2010 faxPope approval or changes to 824-1246. Coco Herring Jameria Major Aidan Pope Paul Tierney Christina Hosmer Kate Martin Madison Powell George Tims Emily Howell Kayla Martin Kierra Price Garrett Tims Laura Howell Marie Maxwell Jackson Pryor Jordan Todd Cole Huff Grady McClain Billy Radney Logan Tubbs Izzie Huff Melissa McClintock Leila Radney Jackson Waldrop Sam Huff Madison McClintock Star Rearden Graham Waldrop Grayson Hunt Whit McDaniel Jacob Redmond Miles Waldrop Andrew Hunt Connor McMicken Alex Redmond Thomas Walker Morgan Hunter Colin McMicken Robert Reed Elle Waren If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Sydney Hunter Lee Mears Mallie Reed Noah Warren as is. We print thePeggy paper Monday. Rider Ingels John Mears your ad will run Brindon Reed Weaver Norah Ippolito James Mears Olivia Roberts Thomas Webb Cruz Ippolito Bella Mitchell Karyme Robles Ash Wehrenberg Mason Irvin Jackson Mitchell Armando Robles Emmalyn Wehrenberg Carter Jackman Cooper Mollison Thomas Roney Kyler Wehrenberg Hudson Jackman Katie Mollison Brooks Roney Hunter Whitburn Qualan Johnson Alice Monk Jackson Rosenthal Kelsie Whitburn Caroline Johnson Richard Monk Adam Rudulph Bryan White Mary Grace Johnston Ann Caldwell Monk Elizabeth Rylee Jonathan Wiliams Clay Johnston Lilly Moody Gavin Savage Lauren Willetts Ethan Jones Quinton Moore Lexi Savage Reece Willetts Logan Jones Brian Morris Tyler Savage Wilder Williams Adler Jones Mary Ryburn Morris Alana Scott Walker Williams Larson Jones Samuel Morris Lauren Scott Weston Williams Zane Jordan Eric Mussell Ethan Sellers Mason Williams Logan Jordan Tyler Nakayama Eli Sellers Ty Williams Fletcher Keith Emma Nakayama Kathleen Shank Hannah Grace Wolfe Collins Keith Yazan Nasser Ellie Shelfer Sarah Wolnski Jacoby Kelley Wesam Nasser Nikki Sherrod Emily Wolnski Will Kirkpatrick Eva Noojin Blake Shirley Abigail Wolnski David Kirkpatrick Ray Noojin Tate Shuttlesworth Hope Wolnski Sky Kitchens Braden Odom Maggie Shuttlesworth Shaylan Woods Nicholas Knox Beth Olive Emily Sink Shelby Woods Daren Lanier Stephen Owens Mary Carolyn Sink Shayna Woods Catherine Lard Reid Owens Kole Smith Evan Young James Lard Zach Owens Ashley Smith Karli Young Annie Larussa Beth Owens Kenley Smith Hudson Youngblood Anthony Lauriello Andy Pantoja Jayla Smith Bryonna Lee Lulu Pantoja Chloe Kay Speer

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28 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The club members spend a Saturday working on the Guice family’s house. From left: Stacey Reimann, Julia Kimbrough, Mary Jane Young, Caroline Christie, SiSi Zheng, Aaron Clement, Blair Englebert and Mary Frances Yielding. From left: Vestavia Hills High School Habitat for Humanity Club President Caroline Christie joins Venus, Maar’keese and Makayla Guicet at the dedication ceremony for their new home.

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church and Vestavia Hills High School Habitat Club members dedicate the house they sponsored to the Guice family.

Hands-on at Vestavia Hills High Club Helps Build Habitat for Humanity Houses By Margaret Frymire

Journal Staff Writer

or eight years, Vestavia Hills High School has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for those in need and help cultivate a spirit of service in its students. Most recently, Vestavia Hills High and Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church sponsored a home for the Guice family. On April 7, students from the club participated in a dedication service where Venus Guice and her two children, Maar’keese, 17, and Makayla, 6, received the keys to their new home.

Vestavia’s Habitat for Humanity Club started eight years ago when a student and Cynthia McGough of Vestavia Methodist started working together on building projects. With the help of school sponsor and math teacher Karen Wright, the club got its start. Since the club’s foundation, its members have sponsored one house a year, raising more than $40,000 in partnership with Vestavia Methodist each spring to sponsor the construction of a home. The students in the club said they really enjoy getting to know the families they help through their work with Habitat for Humanity.

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“We started the build in January, and it was awesome to work alongside Maar’keese on the build because he’s our age,” said Caroline Christie, president of the student club. Vestavia High has a unique structure because clubs are built into the school schedule and curriculum, Wright said. Before homecoming in the fall, each club has a weekly meeting during the regular school day. During the spring, the clubs meet once a month. Each student is required to participate in a club or alternative activity. The Habitat for Humanity Club is one of those clubs and currently has more than 150 members. The students are involved in much more than just sponsoring and building one house a year. Almost every Saturday, they can be found on a build. They don’t sponsor every Habitat house in the area, but throughout the school year, they can be found working on almost all of them, Caroline said. The students said that even those who have never worked with construction tools before have the ability to learn quickly and work on site. “The supervisors make sure you know what you’re doing so you can actually make an impact,” said Stacey Reimann, the boys’ vice president of the club. When they are not helping build houses in the fall, the club members spend their Tuesday nights canvassing neighborhoods--going from door to door in Vestavia Hills to raise money for the Habitat home their club helps sponsor in the spring. “They usually collect their $20,000 in $10s,” said Wright, chuckling. Students said they gained a lot from working with Habitat for Humanity. Aaron Clement, the club’s social coordinator, said he found the club more fulfilling than other options and

Photos special to The Journal

enjoyed feeling productive on his Saturdays. The students said being involved in Habitat for Humanity building projects has changed their perspectives in many ways. “For me, the definition of a home has kind of changed. It’s not just a place you spend the night, but it’s a place where you create a family and where God is, and I think that’s what

“For me, the definition of home has kind of changed. It’s not just a place you spend the night, but it’s a place where you create a family and where God is, and I think that’s what Habitat has shown me.’” Stacey Reimann Habitat has shown me,” Reimann said. Lucas Christian, a junior, said he gained an appreciation for people who were different from him while working with the club. For one student, the club is an example of the generous nature of Americans. “For me, I see different things. Nobody would give you a house in

Colombia. You would live in misery. People in this country are so selfless and give to each other so much. It’s so rich. I was amazed at the house at the dedication,” said Laura Obregón, a senior who moved here from Colombia several years ago. Lauren Livingston is the club’s historian and said being involved with the school’s Habitat for Humanity Club has taught her a lot about herself. “I’ve learned through Habitat how to use my gifts. I’ve been able to use my photography. Using my film and photography skills encourages other people to get involved in builds,” she said. Wright said when the club was first established eight years ago, she thought it would run its course or dwindle in numbers. But interest in the club is just as strong as when it started, she said. “We’re such a big school,” she said. “The clubs are the glue that holds us together.” Lucas said that if he did not attend Vestavia Hills High, he wasn’t sure he would be involved in Habitat for Humanity. Current club officers are Stacey Reimann, boys’ vice president; Blair Engebert, president emeritus; Lauren Livingston, historian; Emma Jackson, hour coordinator; Julia Kimbrough, secretary; Caroline Christie, president; Mary Jane Young, girls’ vice president; Mary Frances Yielding, girls’ vice president; Sisi Zheng, treasurer; and Aaron Clement, social coordinator. ❖

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30 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Diversity Training

BBG Director Fills His Home Garden with Wide Variety of Plants By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Rooted in

History

The Past Is Present in Cathy Adams’ English Village Garden By Keysha Drexel

Journal editor

athy Adams was something of a late-bloomer to the gardening scene, but now that the former journalist, published author and history buff has developed her green thumb, she is determined to plant a legacy for her family and her community through her work at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and at her home in English Village. When Cathy and her husband, Tom, moved into their Aberdeen Road home in 1997, she said the couple knew nothing about gardening or how to manage the out-of-control garden at their historic home. But through a lot of education, hard work and dedication to preserving the past, the Adamses have transformed their unruly grounds into a quiet retreat atop Red Mountain. Cathy is a board member at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and was named the 2012 Birmingham Botanical Gardens Volunteer of the Year, but the former Southern Living editorial staff member said she didn’t know a thing about gardening when she became the owner of the overgrown Aberdeen Road garden. Cathy said she and her husband were overwhelmed at the thought of trying to bring the garden back to its former glory, which boasted a formal design and was featured in a national magazine in the 1920s. Cathy learned about the history of the garden from 91-year-old T.D. Johnson, who grew up in the house. “She’s become a really great friend of mine and tells me these wonderful stories about what the garden used to be like. She’ll point out a flower and tell me that they were planted by her grandmother, and you feel this amazing connection to the history,” she said. T.D.’s family lived in the house and enjoyed the garden for 65 years, Cathy said. “She gave me a photo album of the garden from the 1920s. It was so beautiful, very formal, with gorgeous roses,” Cathy said. “T.D. told me they had two live-in gardeners to keep it up, and I knew there was no way that I could do all of that by myself.” Until they moved, Cathy said the only gardening experience she and her husband had was scheduling lawn maintenance for what she called their “classic 1950s yard with azaleas and boxwoods.” “We had a lawn service to maintain the old yard and had no idea what See Adams, page 32

Cathy Adams and her golden retrievers, Eudora and Sunshine, relax in the garden. Even early in the spring season, the Aberdeen Road home is filled with color. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

When Cathy and her husband, Tom, moved into their Aberdeen Road home in 1997, she said the couple knew nothing about gardening or how to manage the out-ofcontrol garden at their historic home.

An arbor frames a stunning view of the Magic City from Cathy Adams’ English Village home.

Talk about taking your work home with you. As executive director of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Fred Spicer spends his days at work overseeing the 12,000 different plants in the Gardens’ living collections and educating children and adults alike about Alabama’s largest living museum. But Fred doesn’t hang up his garden gloves after hours or and on the weekends. Instead, you can find him tending to the hundreds of different plants he has amassed in the garden of his Cahaba Heights home. “I guess to some people it would seem like just more work to come home to every day,” he said. “But it’s not work when you love it.” Fred and his partner, Kim McBride, bought the 1940s Cape Cod home on White Oak Drive in 2005 and didn’t really have an overarching vision for landscaping the property. “We fell in love with the inside of the house immediately, but we didn’t really know what we wanted to do outside,” Fred said. “The previous owners had done a little work in the garden but not much.” Some of the features of the property put in place by the previous owners were left just as Fred found them, he said. “They had framed the motor court with bricks and had a nice framework of white azaleas. We left those and the beautiful Japanese maples,” he said. While Fred said he didn’t have an immediate idea on how he wanted the garden to look, one thing was certain from the beginning. “For me, it’s all about the diversity. I knew I wanted it to be a collector’s garden and that I wanted it to be a space that would allow me to grow as many different plants as possible,” he said. A native of New Jersey, Fred was named the Gardens’ first paid executive director in 2001. He said after more than a decade in the Deep South, he’s a

Fred Spicer, the executive director of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, enjoys a break in the garden of his Cahaba Heights home. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

is privately financed. It recognizes academically talented black American students and provides scholarships for the most outstanding competitors each year.

Oak Mountain Celebrates Dads With New Event

Cherokee Bend first-graders learn about dental health. Front: Hannah Parant, Ava Lefkovits, Samantha Stewart, Lauren Barksdale, Reese Thompson and Elizabeth Faulkner. Second row: Will Nichols, Tucker Crawford, Charlie Elliott and Camp Forbus. Third row: John Robicheaux, Sam Scofield, Billy Huffman, Drew Bodnar and Watts Alexander. Fourth row, from left: Stephanie Steinmetz, a “Dental Clown” and Jack Steinmetz. Photo special to The Journal

Cherokee Bend Celebrates Dental Health Month Cherokee Bend Elementary School celebrated National Children’s Dental Health Month in February by inviting Dr. Stephanie Steinmetz to teach students about keeping their teeth and mouths healthy. Steinmetz, a pediatric dentist in Vestavia Hills, was accompanied by her Dental Clowns at the Feb. 8 assembly. She told students that forming good dental habits and making regular visits to the dentist will lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Bluff Park Plants Trees Bluff Park Elementary students celebrated Arbor Day on Feb. 22 with a tree planting near the historic track site behind the school. Hoover City Forester Colin Connor planted the tree. Students Caroline Schock and Andrew Pierson read their Arbor Day essays about trees during the program. The Alabama Music Educators Association fifth-grade choir performed the national anthem. Bluff Park Elementary’s track was dedicated on Feb. 22, too. During the ceremony, Hoover Police Sgt. Brian Nelson and Officer Ben Williams rode one lap around the track on their motorcycles. Panther Runners Club members ran a dedication lap behind the officers.

and define what they already know about it, what they want to learn about it and how they plan to go about researching the area. The goal for the project is for each student to gain confidence in learning the work and expressing what they already know. Principal Sue Grogan and Cleveland will be recognized at an awards luncheon this month in Montgomery.

Spain Park Student Wins Achievement Scholarship A Spain Park High School student has won an Honorary Achievement Scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Dion Jared Hagan of Hoover was one of about 800 outstanding black American high school seniors who have won scholarship awards through the National Achievement Scholarship. Hagan said he hopes to pursue a career in medicine. His name was included in a public pronouncement acknowledging exceptional performances in the scholarship competition. The National Achievement Scholarship Program, created in 1964,

Shades Cahaba Wins Banner School Award Homewood’s Shades Cahaba Elementary School was chosen as a Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools Banner School. The school was nominated by Homewood City Schools Superintendent Bill Cleveland. Shades Cahaba created the Academic Expo “I Wonder…” to help meet the need for young employees to enhance their ability to solve problems and have an innovative approach to their jobs. The expo encourages children to identify an area that interests them, create a plan to learn about the area

The first-grade students at Oak Mountain Elementary School celebrated their male role models at the school’s Dads & Doughnuts event. The fathers and father figures enjoyed a coffee house-style poetry reading by the students and breakfast. The students also presented poetry, stories and letters as gifts. Oak Mountain Elementary teachers Nina Butler and Monika Tortorici, who headed the event, wanted to give their students’ dads a program similar to the school’s annual Mother’s Day Tea. Since Father’s Day is in June, the students don’t have the same chance to celebrate the holiday during the school year.

Shades Cahaba Elementary School in Homewood has been selected as an Alabama Banner School. From left: Brisa Adan Roman, Principal Sue Grogan, Tiger Lily Taylor and Grayton Murray. Photo special to The Journal

Scott Austin attends the Dads & Doughnuts event at Oak Mountain Elementary School with his son, Carter, a first-grader at the school. Photo special to The Journal

“I hope this was a day where the dads of our students felt honored and loved. It was a fun way to involve them as we finished our unit on poetry, and I look forward to doing it again next year,” Tortorici said.

John Carroll High School Hosts Catholic Conference John Carroll Catholic High School hosted a conference April 27 addressing traditional Catholic principles in today’s modern society. The conference was called “Catholic Principles in Healthcare: Are They Compatible in a Secular Society?” Featured guest speakers included Brother Ignatius Perkins, who spoke on “Conscience and Healthcare Professionals” and “Dehumanization of the Clinician and the Demise of the Healing Relationship.” Sister Mary Diana Dreger spoke on “The Choice of Life –What is a (Potential) Parent to Do” and “Defining Death–and Why it Matters.” Sister Mary Angelica Neenan presented the topic “The Culture of Death and the Culture of Life: More than an Academic Debate.” Deacon Christopher Rosko spoke on “End of Life: A Catholic Framework for Medical Decisions.” ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

way on the other side of the medallion leads to Fred’s favorite spot in the garden. “With Kim’s design background, she was able to create this little side garden with the table and chairs and make it feel a lot bigger than it is,” he said. “It’s probably my favorite spot

to just sit and look at everything.” Those quiet moments are what gardening is all about, Fred said. “The garden not only connects you to the natural world, the natural cycle of things, but it also makes you very mindful of the present moment,” he said.

In a world of video games, simulated experiences and virtual reality, Fred said, gardening offers something real and tangible. “Plants are these living, very active organisms, and we often don’t take notice of that,” he said. “We

See spicer, page 33

Above: Spicer added circular stonework to create different areas in the garden. Right: With its established elements like this tree and newer plants being added all the time, Spicer’s garden feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city but is actually just minutes from shopping, restaurants and more. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

firmly transplanted Yankee. In a presentation called “Why the Hell I Still Live in Alabama” that he’s given to several botanical and gardening groups, Fred talks about living in the Northeast and having “zone envy” of the Southern states and their plantfriendly climates. “The sheer diversity of the plants that we can grow here continues to fascinate me,” he said. It was the diversity of plants that first drew Fred to study landscape architecture at Rutgers University, he said. “The depth and breadth of the different plants in the world blows me away, and the multitude of patterns and textures and colors in these living organisms is amazing,” he said. After college, Fred owned and operated a landscape design company but wanted to find a way to incorporate his other passion into his day job. “Education has always been a huge component of my life, and I did a little teaching as an undergrad and loved it,” he said. “I have a passion for plants and figured I needed to find a way to combine my passions,” he said. At the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Fred said, he gets to do just that. During his tenure, a new education and sustainability focused master plan has been put into motion, four new gardens have been dedicated, 10 existing gardens have been renovated, 24 garden structures have been rebuilt and more than 7,000 new woody plants have been added to the Gardens’ living collections.

“When you love what you do, it doesn’t seem like work at all,” he said. “And the same thing goes for my garden at home. Yes, I come home and do a lot of weeding and pruning, but I enjoy it and it doesn’t feel like a big job.” Fred said his first job in horticulture was when he was a young child and got paid 5 cents for every dandelion that he pulled from his grandmother’s garden in New Jersey. His grandmother, Fred said, had a green thumb and tended her garden very meticulously. “She would examine the roots of every single dandelion that I pulled out of her garden, and I didn’t get the nickel if I didn’t get all the roots,” he said. That eye for detail that Fred said he inherited from his grandmother is something he uses as he continues to expand and fill out his home garden. Fred said he tries to place plants “that make sense together” in his garden. “It can be very artistic. It’s kind of like micro-compositions where you’re playing this bit of white in a leaf off the white of this flower,” he said. Fred’s partner is an interior designer, and the couple worked together to create the overall layout of the garden. “There’s a strong geometry that holds the garden together, and the plants soften everything,” he said. That geometric design includes circles and half-circles of stonework separating different areas of the garden. A pathway leading to the side garden is centered with a Celticinspired stone medallion. The path-

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32 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

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Adams,

From page 30

to do with this place when we first moved in,” she said. “Nature had taken over the garden. There were vines and kudzu, and it was literally like hacking your way through a jungle to get through the yard.” But Cathy and Tom were not deterred and tried, as many novice gardeners do, to tackle the overgrown garden themselves. “I remember very early on telling this lady I had hired to help me with the jungle that I wanted a red tree, and she couldn’t believe I didn’t know the red tree was a maple. That’s just how much I didn’t know,” Cathy said. It was autumn when the couple moved in, but Tom wanted to take a stab at maintaining his new garden, Cathy said. “He dug up all these weeds, and then he wanted to go to a garden shop and get some plants. Well, when he got to the garden shop and starting looking around, he saw a bunch of those ‘weeds’ that he had been pulling up from the garden. Turns out they were Lenten roses that went for $7.99 apiece. We didn’t know a rose from a weed back then,” she said. So the University of Mississippi Department of Journalism’s Most Outstanding Graduate of 1972 set out to educate herself on everything she could find out about growing plants and flowers in Alabama. She looked around for gardening classes and found herself at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens--a place she thought was way out of her

league as a budding gardener. “Back then, I had the misconception that a lot of people still have-that the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are for people who know everything about gardening. But the Gardens are for everyone, whether you’re just starting out or have been gardening for years. And that’s my favorite part about it--not only is it a beautiful place, but its mission is to educate,” she said. That’s exactly what happened with Cathy. She took some classes at the Gardens and met other gardeners of all skill levels. “One of the things I love most about being at the Gardens is having young couples come in who have just bought a house and want a garden and don’t have a lot of money to make a lot of mistakes. That’s where they can benefit from all the mistakes that the older people like me have made,” she said. Her education at the Gardens, Cathy said, taught her that if she wanted to preserve her garden’s glorious history and not work herself to death, she was going to need help--professional help. So about 10 years ago, Cathy teamed up with Jason Powell of Petals from the Past in Jemison. Jason specializes in vintage plants and old Southern plants, Cathy said, just the kinds of things she wanted to include in her garden’s historical renovation. “Jason has helped me design a garden with plants that would have been here in the 1920s but with easier upkeep that I can handle,” Cathy said. The design is what Cathy calls a

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Above: Cathy worked with Jason Powell from Petals from the Past to fill the garden with vintage plants. Right: The landscape design includes two custom doghouses for Cathy’s beloved golden retrievers, Eudora and Sunshine. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

English cottage garden. The garden is laid out like a series of small areas with stepping stones leading up paths that meander through the property. “It’s kind of chaotic and all over the map. It’s not formal at all. It has lots and lots of roses, and everything in the garden kind of works around the roses,” she said. But the roses in Cathy’s yard are not like hybrid tea roses or other varieties that require a lot of babying and are high-maintenance, Cathy said. “These are what I call the nobrainer kind. The hybrid tea roses are a full-time job. Jason found roses growing by the side of the road, in cemeteries and in other places where they thrived all by themselves. He took cuttings of those and planted them here,” she said. The garden features several varieties of perennials suited to the specific conditions of English Village, Cathy said. “All of the dirt that is up here was brought from somewhere else. If you look at old pictures when this area was first being developed, there was basically no topsoil up here, it was just rock,” she said. “They brought

in good dirt, and it doesn’t have the red clay that you have to deal with in most gardens in the Birmingham area,” she said. “On the other hand, you get kind of a micro-climate up here so things that will come back for other people won’t come back here.” Cathy’s property includes two vacant lots across the street that offer stunning views overlooking Birmingham. She knew she wanted to extend her garden area there, and a trip to Maine provided just the inspiration she needed to transform the lots. “I was on vacation in Maine and saw a border garden with a fence, and it was just beautiful, so I emailed Jason a picture of it as an idea for those two lots,” she said. “He emailed me back and said, ‘You don’t live in Maine.’” But while the area doesn’t get the

freezing temperatures of Maine, it can experience some pretty strong winds, Cathy said. “I get a lot of very cold winter wind sweeping across the mountain, so Jason designed a border garden with prairie plants with things that you’d see in Texas and Kansas or other places that get harsh wind,” she said. The 120-foot border garden frames the sweeping view of the Magic City with salvia, daisies and coneflowers and is centered around an arbor covered with antique roses. Cathy said the border garden is one of her favorite parts of her property. “It’s probably the most rewarding part because it’s on the street where a lot of people walk by, so I get to make a lot of people happy with that border garden,” she said. Cathy’s favorite spot in her backyard garden is a relatively new addition to the space’s design, she said. In 2011, Cathy and Tom were on a trip to Italy, and their daughter was watching the house and the couple’s beloved golden retrievers, Eudora and Sunshine. A tropical storm blew up bad weather in the Birmingham metro area, and Cathy and Tom received a somewhat ominous text message from their daughter. “She just sent a text that said ‘The damage isn’t that bad’ and so we immediately called her and found out the 100-year-old sweet gum tree had been struck by lightning and fallen right in the middle of the backyard ,” she said. The fallen tree left a huge empty space in the garden which Cathy and Jason quickly made plans to transform into a tranquility garden for Tom. “Jason said that Tom was always complaining that the garden was too busy, had too much going on, so we put a bench and fountain out here and created a tranquil little spot for Tom,” she said. “But I don’t think he’s sat on that bench once. He’s convinced Jason engineered that tree coming down so we would have another place

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Spicer,

From page 31

live in an increasingly virtual world, and gardening gives us a chance to explore the real world, the natural world.” And exploring the natural world, Fred said, can make people not only appreciate it more but learn the importance of protecting the environment. “Plants are so closely tied to other creatures, to the birds, to the butterflies and the bees, and you start realizing that and thinking about the importance of preserving as many plant species as possible,” he said. Fred said while he’s not a scientist,

Adams,

From page 30

to plant more stuff.” But the garden bench in the tranquility garden is put to good use, Cathy said. “When I was 8 years old, a friend of mine had a pool put in at her house, and it was the first private pool any of us had ever seen. Well, my friends are all jealous because our friend has a pool, but what I was jealous of was her fountain. It took me 53 years, but I got my own fountain. It’s a little boy with a frog, and the frog’s spitting water at him. I sit out here on the bench with the dogs and look at my fountain. It’s a really quiet spot that I love,” she said. In addition to the pocket garden and its fountain, Cathy said her other favorite parts of the garden are the maple trees she planted in 2011 with her twin granddaughters. Cathy said she got the idea for planting the trees after learning more about the property’s history from T.D. “We have a water oak in the front yard, and it’s probably one of the biggest trees in the neighborhood, and T.D. told me that she can remember planting that tree with her grandmother. She said that she can remember after they planted it her grandmother said, ‘Someday maybe it will give somebody some shade,’ and that was really powerful to me. I knew I wanted to give my granddaughters that same experience. Maybe when they’re 91 years old they’ll remember planting those maple trees with me,”

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 33

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

skilled scientist he studA ladybug ornament adds a can be turned ies the touch of whimsy to the garden. into life-saving science Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr. medicine. People of plants ask why we to underworry about stand plants going them betextinct, and I tell ter and them it’s because said he we don’t know thinks it’s what discoverimportant ies in medicine that more these plants hold, people which ones hold learn a bit the cures and about the which don’t, so we need to save as science part of gardening. many as we can.” “I wish more people understood That commitment to the environhow plants synthesize chemicals that ment was also part of his garden’s are toxins but that in the hands of a she said. The 5-year-old twins live in Denver, Colo., and call her often to ask about their trees, Cathy said. “When they visit, I take a picture of them next to their trees--one’s in

Cathy and her granddaughter, Ashlyn, plant a maple tree in the garden in 2011. Photo special to the Journal

the front yard and one’s in the backyard--and that way I can document how they grow along with the trees,” she said. Cathy said she hopes the experience plants a seed within her grandchildren that grows into a love of nature. “With children today, it is so much about the internet or the video games or the TV and they don’t get out and connect with nature as much, and I think it’s important that they get

design, Fred said. “The functional part of the garden is that we harvest rainwater. We didn’t want to have a huge irrigation system, but we wanted to include plants that need different levels of moisture. “The whole garden is kind of a rain garden in that it’s designed so that the rainwater will flow off the downspouts and form little pools over the rocks.” Creating the water-friendly garden took a lot of elbow grease, Fred said. “We dug out the whole front area so it would be lower than the rest of the

property so the lawn would drain and create these pools that can get up to six inches deep after a good rain,” he said. The plants that need a lot of moisture were planted at a lower elevation than those that don’t require as much water, allowing more space to grow even more plants, Fred said. “The major building part of it is done, but I’m always thinking of new plants to add every year, every season,” he said. “And that’s the most beautiful part of it--I’ll never run out of things to grow in Birmingham.”❖

outside and play and appreciate the simple pleasures of being outside,” she said. Gardening has deepened her own appreciation for nature, Cathy said. “There’s really a spiritual aspect to gardening. Plants are coming back up and trees are growing towards the sky, and it’s like watching tiny miracles every day,” she said. As a board member and volunteer at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Cathy said she tries to take that message of nature’s everyday miracles to as many people as she can. “You hear young people say they can’t garden because they don’t have the time. That’s when I tell them that you can design a whole garden around the idea of being low-maintenance. Then they tell me they can’t garden because they have small children. That’s when I tell them to give the kids a shovel and let them get in there with you and get dirty and learn what it’s all about,” she said. And you don’t have to have a historic garden on top of Red Mountain to develop a green thumb and to reap the rewards of gardening, Cathy said. “My daughter lives in an apartment in New York City, and she has window boxes. It’s not about how much garden you have, it’s about the experience of having the garden,” she said. ❖

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34 • Thursday, May 2, 2013

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Photo Finish

Bucs Sweep Track Sectionals

Patriots Slip Past Lions In Classic Series By Lee Davis

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

ade Mullins had a chance to be a hero. His Homewood Patriots had the winning run on third base with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning in the deciding game of a three-game Class 5A playoff series against Briarwood. All he needed was to put the ball in play to give teammate Jack Smalley a chance to get from third to home. Mullins made the most of his opportunity. Facing an 0-1 count, the Patriot junior second baseman launched a fly ball into center field, giving Smalley plenty of time to reach the plate and presenting Homewood with a dramatic 10-9 victory. The Patriots’ victory was even more notable because they overcame three and four-run deficits and committed seven errors on the way to the winner’s circle. “I’ve never seen a team make seven errors in a post-season game and win,” said Homewood coach Doug Gann, who has seen a lot in his long years as a player and coach for the Patriots. “Our guys just kept coming.” Mullins was only the latest of a multitude of heroes from both teams in what will be remembered as a post-season classic. Briarwood jumped to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first before Homewood rallied for four runs at the bottom of the inning. The Patriots added their fifth run in the bottom of the third, when Mason Schoettlin scored from second after Brian Browning’s single. The Lions countered to tie the score at 5-5 on Ethan Simmons’ single, which brought in two runs. Briarwood appeared to take command in the top of the fifth, scoring four runs, largely with help from Homewood errors. But the lead didn’t last long. Smalley’s RBI single cut the margin to 9-6 in the bottom of the inning. Jordan Acton’s epic three-run homer tied the game at 9-9 and set the stage for the Patriots’ final inning heroics. Luke Porter held the Lions scoreless in the sixth and seventh innings to earn the win on the mound. Homewood raised its record to 28-6 and advanced to the Class 5A quarterfinals against Hartselle. Briarwood ends its season at 16-17. Briarwood opened the series with a 5-4 victory on Friday. The Lions used five walks and an error to move to a 4-0 lead in the first two innings. They added a fifth run in the fourth inning as Sam Morris scored on Wes Hardin’s

rebels,

From back cover

In doubles, Wang and Cantrell defeated Weinacker and Lidikay 6-4, 6-2 in No. 1 finals; Morson and Jack Patton of Vestavia defeated Anthony Pellegrini and Jacob Bourland of Hoover in No. 2 finals; Ben Sherer and Patrick Hereford of Mountain Brook defeated Paul Taylor and Garrett Fallon 6-0, 6-3 in the No. 3 finals. In girls’ singles finals, Vestavia took victories in the third, fourth and fifth seeds and picked up one runner-up spot. No. 2 singles saw Priyanka Mitta of Fairhope defeat Avery King of Vestavia 6-2, 6-3. Mary Elizabeth Harmon of Vestavia defeated Elle Salem of McGill-Toolen 6-1, 6-2 in No. 3 finals; Haley Harmon of

Journal Sports Writer

Hoover’s Geoffrey Bramblett pitches in the Bucs shutout of Tuscaloosa County last week. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Bucs, Eagles Sweep Series

Homewood’s Brian Browning advances to third base in the first game of the Patriots series with Briarwood last week. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

sacrifice fly. Homewood rallied with four runs in the fifth inning. After Luke Porter’s single drove in Ben Ferren, Mason Schoettlin doubled to score Connor Rivers and bring Porter to third base. Brian Browning’s single scored Porter and Schoettlin to cut the margin to 5-4. Reliever Jake Bracewell stopped a Patriot rally in the seventh inning. Adam Stewart’s flyout in the seventh inning earned Bracewell the save. In the second game, the Lions moved to a 3-0 lead in the first inning before Homewood responded with three runs in the second inning. When Briarwood broke the tie with three runs in the fifth, the Patriots responded with four runs in the sixth. The go-ahead run came on a wild pitch. Ben Farrin’s double was the big hit of the frame. Briarwood had a shot at tying the score in the bottom of the seventh after Ethan Simmons doubled. He went to third following a wild pitch, but reliever Adam Stewart struck out the final two batters to secure the win for Homewood.

Vestavia Hills whipped Olivia Howe of Mountain Brook 6-3, 6-3 in No. 4 finals; Hannah Nelson of Vestavia Hills defeated Farris Ann Luce of Mountain Brook 0-6, 6-2, 6-4 in No. 5 finals; and Katherine Shunnarah of Vestavia Hills overcame Hope Wills of Florence 6-3, 6-3 in No. 6 finals. In doubles, Harmon and Nelson defeated Sydney Flech and Renee Melerksson of Huntsville 6-4, 6-3 in the No. 2 finals, and Luce and Mary Martha Grizzle of Mountain Brook defeated Anna Beth Greenhill and Alex Aderholt of Florence 7-6, 6-3 in No. 3 doubles. “I’m just so happy for this team,” said Lady Rebels coach Timarie Fisk. “Our players told me before the season they wanted to win the state (championship). They worked long hours. I could not be prouder.”

Hoover made short work of Tuscaloosa County, sweeping the Wildcats 9-0 and 3-0 on Friday. The Bucs, now 39-15 for the season, move on to face Bob Jones of Huntsville. In other Class 6A action, Pelham routed Spain Park 9-1 Saturday to win the third and deciding game of their series. On Friday, Pelham opened with a dramatic 6-5 comeback win. The Panthers rallied from a 5-1 deficit to score five runs in their final at-bat. Grant Veteto sparked Spain Park’s early lead with a two-run homer. “Losses like the first one hurt so bad, they make you question why you’re in the coaching business,” said Spain Park coach Will Smith. The Jaguars evened the series later that night with a 6-3 win. Dalton Brown’s two-run single in the sixth inning padded a 3-2 advantage for Spain Park. Trey Hawker got the victory for the Jaguars, setting the stage for game three. In Class 1A play, Shades Mountain Christian swept Fayetteville with a 6-3 victory in the first game and a 10-5 win in the second contest. The Eagles scored three runs in the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie in the first game. J.P. Curren struck out eight batters and helped his cause with two hits and a run. Mikey Rogers had two hits and two runs. Harrison Boozer’s solo home run in the fifth inning broke a 4-4 deadlock in the second game. He also had two hits and scored another run. Rogers had three hits, an RBI and scored three runs. Shades Mountain ran its record to 16-8. Vestavia was eliminated in Class 6A play by losing to Hewitt-Trussville 5-0 and 7-2. The Rebels finished the season with an 18-19 mark.

Lions,

From back cover

“I’m really proud of our girls,” Laatsch said. “Last year we finished fifth, and this year we set our sights on winning.” Ochsenhirt defeated Sydney McKinney of Muscle Shoals 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 to claim the No. 1 singles prize. “After winning the first set, I was a little down about losing the second one,” Ochsenhirt said. “But when we got into the third set, I felt pretty good about winning.” Tarence defeated Maggie Williams of Homewood 6-3, 6-1

The Hoover Bucs’ track teams swept the boys’ and girls’ titles at the 6A sectionals at Mountain Brook last weekend. For the boys, Marlon Humphrey won the 400-meter dash and the 110-meter hurdles and finished second in the 300-meter hurdles. Jordan Jones won the high jump. Alex May won the triple jump and was runner-up in the high jump. Trey Gooden won the discus throw, and Daniel Fort was second. In girls’ competition, the Bucs’ Brittley Humphrey won the 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles and took runner-up finishes in the long jump and triple jump. Sarah Sanford won the 400-meter run, and Chloe White took first place in the javelin throw. Hoover also won the 4X100 meter relay and the 4X400 meter relay.

OTM Teams Advance in Soccer Playoffs

In the first round of the Class 6A soccer playoffs, the Mountain Brook girls defeated Hoover 1-0. Kayla Dowler’s first half goal made the difference. A.C. Gillespy got the assist. Hoover goalie Treasure Adams had eight saves. In other girls’ Class 6A games, Oak Mountain routed Tuscaloosa County 10-0, and Vestavia edged Spain Park 2-0. In girls’ 1A-4A competition, Indian Springs overwhelmed Elmore County 10-0, and Altamont ripped Oneonta 5-0. In the boys’ 6A soccer playoffs, Hoover doubled Mountain Brook 4-2. Ian McIntosh, Callen Brown, Colin Knight and Dimitri Staursky scored goals for the Bucs. Tucker Martin and Duncan Matthews earned goals for the Spartans. Goalkeeper Matt Moore had six saves for Mountain Brook. Jackson Hoseley had three saves for Hoover. In other boys’ Class 6A playoff games, Oak Mountain whipped Tuscaloosa County 6-0, and Vestavia stopped Spain Park 5-0. In boys’ 1A-4A play, Altamont edged Indian Springs 2-1, and Westminster-Oak Mountain defeated Fultondale 4-0.

to win the No. 2 singles competition. Ochsenhirt and Tarence defeated Cullman 6-4, 6-4 to bring home the No. 1 doubles trophy. Briarwood’s overall score was also helped by three other Lady Lions who reached the finals. Ashton Henderson fell to Seline Morrissette of Spanish Fort 7-6, 6-4 in the No. 3 singles; Ellie Tarence lost to Monnie Slaton of Spanish Fort 6-1, 6-1 in No. 4 singles; and Kateleigh Calloway, was edged by Lexi Dillard of Walker County 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 in No. 5 singles. The winning cause was also helped by Olivia Odom, who

reached the No. 6 singles semifinals, and the duo of Frannie Ware and Henderson, who qualified for the semis in No. 3 doubles. “Having so many girls go so far in the tournament really helped us build up the points we needed,” Laatsch said. Ochsenhirt, who finished the season undefeated, said this year’s championship could be a sign of things to come. “This was a great way to end the school year,” she said. “We want to do it again next year.” The Briarwood boys’ team finished seventh in overall competition and received the Sportsmanship Award in a vote of all competing teams.

Thursday, May 2, 2013 • 35

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The Pizitz Middle School softball team won the Metro South Softball Tournament in a tie-breaker over Simmons Middle School recently. Pizitz went undefeated in the tournament, besting teams from Mountain Brook and Oak Mountain and defeating the Simmons team twice. The team finished the season with an overall record of 24-4 and a 9-1 record in the regular season. Pizitz player EJ Hardy was named

tournament MVP. Jessica Perley and Ashley Dieguez were named to the AllTournament Team. The Simmons team finished second at the end of the tournament after losing 5-4 in extra innings to Pizitz in the championship game. Simmons players Leslie Norris and Jamie Gregg were named to the AllTournament Team and Scout Campbell, Willa Green and Caroline Hart were named All-Metro Players of the Year.

The Bumpus Lady Bucs capped off the 2013 season with a third place finish in the tournament. They had a 20-13 overall record for the season and finished second in the Helena Spring Break Tournament. Bumpus player Katie Manak was named to the All-Metro Tournament Team. Katie Manak, Jenna Olszewski, and Abby Tissier were named AllMetro for the 2013 season. Other OTM players named to the Metro South Tournament’s AllTournament Team were Caroline Parker from Berry Middle; Kristie Looney from Homewood Middle; Audrey Meloun from Liberty Park Middle; Elaine McDonald from Mountain Brook Junior High; and Abby Jones from Oak Mountain Middle. Other OTM Metro Players of the Year were Caroline Parker, Hope Maddox and Casey Kizer of Berry Middle; Venice Sanders, Hannah Crocker and Sarah Bryant of Homewood Middle; Audrey Meloun, Merritt Cahoon and RaeAnn King of Liberty Park Middle; Elaine McDonald. Carlee Dawkins and Caroline Keller of Mountain Brook Junior High; and Abby Jones, Jenna Galloway and Jordie McWilliams of Oak Mountain Middle. Lucy Good, the softball coach at Simmons Middle, was named the Coach of the Year at the Metro South Tournament.

Dunn,

it also means we aren’t likely to see any Vestavia-style dynasties in the future. I’ve always believed that maybe the bravest coach in the history of Over the Mountain athletics was Dal Davis, who took on the unenviable task of following Dunn at Vestavia. Davis–a strong Christian–had enough inner peace not to be fazed by the inevitable comparisons to Dunn that were certain to come from the moment he took the job. Davis had some success at Vestavia but didn’t come close to winning a state title. He resigned after the 2012 season. Walker succeeded Davis after a highly successful run at Class 5A power Spanish Fort. Walker led the Rebels to an 18-19 record in his first campaign, which ended when Vestavia was swept by Hewitt-Trussville in the first round of the playoffs last week. But before critics pound on Walker, they should take a long look at the record of his most famous predecessor. As great as Dunn was, he was the Rebel coach for 13 years before Vestavia claimed its first state baseball

title. In fact, in the 1980s, the Vestavia program had the reputation as something of a bridesmaid: The Rebels were a solid team that was usually beaten out by perennial powers Shades Valley and Berry for area dominance. In many of those years, Vestavia’s post-season destination was the Jefferson County Tournament, which at the time was almost a consolation prize, similar to college basketball’s NIT. Dunn was controversial, too. Some of his hard-nosed coaching tactics were not particularly appreciated by some Vestavia players and their parents at the time. But Dunn grew and matured, and the Vestavia administration had the good sense to know its sometimesbrash baseball coach was something special. This is not to say that Davis or Walker or any other coach at Vestavia or any other school with first-class facilities and topnotch athletes shouldn’t be held to a high standard. They should be.

Pizitz team members are, front, from left: Anna Giardina, Ashley Dieguez (All-Tournament), Kate Nash, Lucy Jones and Jessica Perley (All-Tournament). Middle: Maya Barefield, Lily Henley, Sophie James, Sarah Cain and Megan Callahan. Back: Coach Marrow Gordon, Natalie Headrick, EJ Hardy (MVP), and coach Kent Fullington.

Pizitz Beats Simmons to Win Metro Softball Title

From back cover

ning three in a row. And since that time, only one Over the Mountain school– Hoover in 2008–has brought home the big blue trophy for baseball. That comparison is not to denigrate any of the programs that have enjoyed success since Dunn left the scene. It’s only to illustrate the magnitude of the accomplishments of Dunn, his staff and his players. You don’t have to spend much time on the Vestavia campus to see tangible evidence of Dunn’s legacy. The school’s baseball park is aptly named Sammy Dunn Field. Ten state championship baseball trophies still shine brightly in the school lobby’s trophy case. Current Rebel baseball coach Tommy Walker was Dunn’s close friend and actually coached against him when Walker worked at other Over the Mountain schools. But Dunn’s sphere of influence goes far beyond Vestavia and continues to have a ripple effect across the state and even the nation. Since the 1990s, the overall quality of high school baseball in Alabama has grown by leaps and bounds. Facilities have greatly improved to the degree that some look like minor league professional stadiums. Baseball coaching staffs are larger and more specialized than they were two decades ago. The reasoning was simple. Vestavia’s rivals got tired of losing to the Rebels and realized that in order to be competitive, they were going to have to raise the level of their athletic program’s commitment to baseball. That dedication to baseball is in full bloom now. In any given year, there are at least a dozen programs around the state that might have a legitimate chance at winning the 6A title. Balance like that may be good for the game, but

CI PE

ALIZING

Pizitz Wins Metro Golf Tournament The Pizitz Middle School boys’ golf team won the Metro South Golf Championship at an April 22 tournament at Timberline Golf Club in Calera. Pizitz’s combined team score was 117. Davis Arthur shot a 35, and Jake Awbrey and Jack Strong both shot a 41. Arthur won the overall individual championship in a sudden death playoff hole against Frankie Wade Jr. from Bumpus Middle School. Both golfers had rounds of 35 prior to the playoff hole. Arthur won the playoff by a par on the first hole. Homewood Middle School’s team finished second. Team members are Connor Doyle, Dylan Ford and Jack Poole. The tournament is for middle school golf teams in the Metro South Conference. Teams in the conference are Berry, Bumpus, Clay-Chalkville, Hewitt-Trussville, Homewood, Oak Mountain, Pizitz, Thompson, Simmons, Mountain Brook and Liberty Park. The top three golfers from each participating school competed in the event.

The Pizitz boys’ golf team won the Metro South Golf Championship. From left: Jake Awbrey, Coach Malcolm Prewitt, Davis Arthur and Jack Strong. Photo special to The Journal

The point here is that success is not always instant, and it’s frequently wise to take the long view when measuring success or failure. It’s safe to say, however, that we

will never see a school win seven consecutive Class 6A baseball championships again. Ironically, Dunn’s incredible success may be the biggest single reason why that’s true.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, may 2, 2013

Rebel Doubles

Sports

Patriots slip past Lions in classic series P. 34 Pizitz beats Simmons to win Metro Softball Championship P. 35

Vestavia Sweeps Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tennis Titles By Lee Davis

Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

he state 6A tennis championship was played in Mobile, but it was another city that ruled the day last Friday. Vestavia Hillsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; teams rolled to titles, turning back archrival Mountain Brook in both cases. The Rebel boys earned their third consecutive crown by totaling 71 points, with the Spartans coming in second with 58. Vestaviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girls claimed their title with 59 points as the Lady Spartans followed with 45. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It gets more difficult every year,â&#x20AC;? said Rebels boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; coach Adam Kolasa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve won it before, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to think that we can coast. But the kids understand that

Dunnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legacy Still Shadows Area Baseball

Members of the Vestavia Hillsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tennis teams celebrate with their state championship trophy last Friday. First Row, from left; Coach Timarie Fisk, Mary Elizabeth Harmon, Susan Upton, Bailey Hymer, Hannah Nelson, Mary Coleman Allen, Avery King, Katherine Shunnarah, Sarah Lawson, Rebecca Perlman, Kristen Romano, Stephane Sorrell and Haley Harmon. Back: Hall Cartledge, Garrett Fallon, Ziqi Wang, John Morson, Jack Patton, Cabel Cantrell, Paul Taylor, Will Harper, Jamie Shunnarah, and coach Adam Kolasa. Photo special to The Journal

they have to work hard to win.â&#x20AC;? Vestavia won three singles titles and two doubles spots on the way to grabbing the big blue trophy. Ziqi Wang of Vestavia defeated Jacob Weinacker of Mountain Brook 6-0, 6-1 in No. 1 finals; Cabel

Cantrell of Vestavia whipped Jimmy Todd of Florence 6-2, 6-1 in No. 2 finals; Sam Lidikay of Mountain Brook defeated John Morson of Vestavia 7-5, 7-5 in No. 3 finals; Jack Patton of Vestavia defeated Austin Falloon of Benjamin Russell 6-1,

6-3 in No. 4 finals; Will Hargrove of Mountain Brook defeated Paul Taylor of Vestavia 6-1,6-3 in No. 5 finals; and Yates Jackson of Mountain Brook defeated Will Cook of Hoover 2-6, 6-1, 6-3 in No. 6 finals.

See rebels, page 34

Lion Queens: Briarwood Takes 5A Tennis Title By Lee Davis Journal Sports writer

Sometimes when students transfer from one school to another, they have a little trouble finding their niche. That wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a problem for Ashley Ochsenhirt. Ochsenhirt, who transferred to Briarwood last fall after her freshman year at Oak Mountain, made an immediate impact at her new school by leading the Lady Lions to the Class 5A girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tennis championship at Decatur last week. The sophomore won the No. 1 singles crown

Members of the Briarwood girls tennis team Class 5A champs are, from left: Coach Chris Laatsch, Jud Tarence, Ellie Tarence, Ashton Henderson, Kateleigh Calloway, Olivia Odom, Katherine Collier, Ashley Ochsenhirt, Frannie Ware and Coach Jeremy Mears. Photo special to The Journal

and paired with teammate Jud Tarence to win No. 1 doubles and help claim Briarwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tennis crown since 2001. Coach Chris Laatschâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team scored 65 points

to edge runner-up St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50 total. Cullman came in third with 43 points.

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See lions, page 34

day will come when people will look at the Alabama High School Athletic Association baseball record book and be convinced they have found a serious typographical error. The list of Class 6A state champions from 1994-2000 will repeat the same name: Vestavia Hills. And many wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe there ever was a time where one school could dominate Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest high school classification for so long. That feeling of astonishment will come only for those not familiar with the legacy of the late Rebel coach Sammy Dunn. Those of us fortunate to have lived through it will understand what a special time the Dunn Era was, not just for Vestavia but for baseball in general. For the record, Dunn won nine state titles in 10 years between 19912000 at Vestavia, where he continued to coach until his death from cancer in 2004. He posted an overall mark of 647-164 andâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;much like UCLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s John Wooden did in college basketballâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;set a high bar that likely will never be equaled. Since Vestavia won its last championship 13 years ago, two teams have won back to back titles: Daphne in 2001-2002 and Auburn in 20092010. None have come close to winSee Dunn, page 35