Aug. 8, 2013 by Over the Mountain Journal

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

inside

JOU RNAL otmj.com

ursd ay, august 8, 2013

V ol . 22 #15

The Face Is Familiar

Theatre LJCC to present “The Marvelous Wonderettes”

about town page 5

New Mountain Brook High Principal Has Ties to System

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

manda Hood isn’t wasting any time diving into her duties as the new principal at Mountain Brook High School. Just eight days after the Mountain Brook Board of Education approved Superintendent Dickey Barlow’s recommendation to appoint Hood as the new principal at Mountain Brook High School in July, the 36-year-old was having back2school lunch with the school’s 2013-14 custodial staff and gearing up for a new school year at a familiar place. Hood replaces Vic Wilson, who took a job in early July as Hartselle city schools superintendent. Hood served as principal at Mountain Brook Junior High during the 2012-2013 school year, but her connections to the school community run deeper than that. Hood worked at the high school as the assistant of curriculum and instruction during the 2011-2012 school year and said being back on campus is a bit of a homecoming for her. “That’s what I love about this school and this See hood, page 27

Amanda Hood is the new principal at Mountain Brook High School. She previously served as the principal at Mountain Brook Junior High. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

Literacy Council honors New York Times bestselling author Daniel Wallace

social page 12

Boots and Beaus Bash fetes Poinsettia Debs VHHS Principal Wes Gordon Wants to Balance Tradition with Innovation page 26

Busy Summer for OTM Teachers, Students

Homewood High Chef Beth Leon Moves from Restaurant to Classroom page 26

social page 13

Stories begin on page 26

New Name for Trinity Unveiled By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Wayne T. Smith, left, chairman, president and CEO of Community Health Systems, Trinity’s parent company, and Gov. Robert Bentley spoke at the unveiling of the hospital’s new name and logo. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

Trinity Medical Center’s new hospital on U.S. 280 will be known as Grandview Medical Center. The new name was unveiled last week on the site of the unfinished HealthSouth hospital on Grandview Parkway. Representatives from Community Health Systems, Trinity’s parent company, joined officials from Trinity Medical Center and Gov. Robert Bentley to announce the new name of the one millionsquare-foot hospital to a large crowd of local elected officials, business leaders and area residents. “The new hospital deserves a name that captures the optimism See grandview, page 10

Heavy into metal: Red Mountain Ironworks revives ancient craft

home page 21

Hope Gala p. 4 • a hero’s welcome p. 5 • distinguished women p. 8 • hwy 280 changes p. 10 • sip and sob p. 18 • rocking the pool p. 22

2 • Thursday, August 8, 2013

Opinion/Contents

Hanging up His Scissors A retirement party was held at Treadwell’s Barber Shop in Mountain Brook Village on July 24 to recognize J.T. Treadwell’s 52-year run at the shop. “I’ve loved it--loved the people, loved watching them come in as little kids and get their hair cut and then, after they’re grown, bringing in their own kids. It’s been a great trip,” Treadwell said. See the story on page 6.

murphy’s law

J.T. Treadwell receives a plaque from Treadwell’s Barber Shop owner Steve Bishop at Treadwell’s retirement party last month.

On otmj.com There’s so much happening in the Over the Mountain area, we can’t fit it all in the paper! Visit www. otmj.com for more stories and photos.

Coming Aug. 22

Get the details on players, coaches, schedules and more with the ultimate guide to Over the Mountain high school football in our 24-page High School Football special section!

in this issue About Town 3 People 6 NEWS 10 Social 12

Weddings 20 Home 21 Schools 25 Sports 32

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

August 8, 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., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Jessica Jones Vol. 22, No. 15

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.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Spider Mom

since they’re bent on staying in my t’s just not working out, guys. interior neighborhood, but that makes I’m sorry, but you’ll have to me worry even more. Exactly how go. many tiny consumable critters live in I like spiders. I know some people my house? are afraid of them, but I truly admire No, that’s it. They all have to go. the little guys. They are slight of body I’ve tried to be gentle in my relocation but big on ingenuity and patience, qualefforts, plopping a wide-mouth juice ities I struggle with myself. Their webs glass over the top of them, sliding a are beautiful creations, brilliant, even thin cardboard subscription renewal when they fall short of the “Charlotte’s magazine insert under their excitable Web” “Some pig” variety of practical little legs and carrying them outside to genius. the deck. When I lift the lid, I someWeaving skillfully in and out, spider times have to encourage the spiders to webs are purely works of art, but just jump out, but I understand that, too. It’s like some other art forms, while I may a whole new world out there, smellbe able to appreciate their scope and Sue Murphy ing of topsoil and gardenia blossoms content, I do not want them hanging instead of coffee and Lemon Pledge. over my couch…or in this case, under They’ll have to start all over, make it. I don’t want spider webs tucked new friends and discover an all-new under my table legs or cascading ...spider webs are fly-by cuisine, but change can be a from the crown molding in my dinpurely works of art, good thing. ing room. Ready or not, I shoo them toward My spiders try to be inconspicubut just like some the stairs and wish them well, which ous. They do. Why, just last year, other art forms, is more than I can say for the invathey deposited their egg sacs within the lining of my living room drapes, while I may be able sive six-legged types that keep trying to breach my doorway perimeter. and while I had to give them points to appreciate their I’m an animal lover at heart, but I for covert strategy, I swept them away just the same. scope and content, consider ants and roaches a threat to my homeland security. As soon as Which brings me back to my I do not want them I detect them in my territory, I bust point: The webs have to go, guys, out my big insecticide guns and send every last one of them, and because hanging over my them to their maker or at least back you remain so singularly focused couch… outside, where they can compare (Swept away? Rebuild. Swept away? notes with the spiders if they want Rebuild) you have to go, too. to. I can’t stop them. My spiders haven’t been terribly cooperative so far, Yes, I play pest-control favorites, but I’m not apolojumping and hiding and dragging their little feet (all gizing and I’m not likely to change, which is why I’m eight of them) until they are forcibly removed, but who sending this message out to all of my spider friends: I can blame them? Their webs are not just intriguing love you guys, but you really have to go. Conversely, pieces of art, they’re part of the intrigue of their food ants and roaches (and you know who you are), enter my chain. Instead of galumphing through the house hunting home at your own peril. I may not be big, but I’m quick and gathering, my spiders sit atop their gossamer sticky structures and wait for unsuspecting but delicious insects on the aerosol draw. Go ahead. Make my day. ❖ to wander by. This system must be working for them

over the Mountain Views

What’s the best part about going back to school?

“The best will be seeing my friends and getting new dresses to wear to school.” Kinsley Cummings North Shelby

“I’m excited about meeting my new teacher, and I can’t wait to see my friends again.” Adah Schilleci Mountain Brook

“I’ll be glad that sports will start back again. I play football, baseball and basketball.” Charles Law Schilleci Mountain Brook

“I teach third grade at Briarwood, and I’m looking forward to being with the kids again. I’ve missed them over the summer.” Lacey Briggs Homewood

Save the Date Vestavia Hills

Summer Reading Picnic and Party Finale Aug. 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest The Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest will host a picnic and party as the finale to its summer reading program on Aug. 8. The fun begins at 11 a.m. with entertainment from drummer Mark Seymour. A hotdog picnic will be served on the patio, and Emmy Awardwinning recording artist Farmer Jason will perform at 1 p.m. The event is free; all ages are welcome. The library is at 1221 Montgomery Highway. For more information, visit vestavialibrary.org or call 978-3158. Birmingham

hopelodgebirminghamal. That is also the website to visit for more information on donating or starting a team for the event. Homewood

The Art of Movement Aug. 8, 6:15-7:30 p.m. Homewood Public Library Get the whole family rocking and rolling with movement and dance at the Art of Movement event at the Homewood Public Library. The free event for all ages is from 6:15-7:30 p.m. on Aug. 8. The library is at 1721 Oxmoor Road. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org or call 332-6619. Hoover

Relay for Life of Hope Lodge Aug. 8, 5-10 p.m. American Cancer Society Hope Lodge The first-ever Relay for Life of Hope Lodge will be from 5-10 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the American Cancer Society Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge, located at 1104 Ireland Way, Birmingham. The Hope Lodge is a facility that gives 33 cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay while they are in town undergoing cancer treatment. The event will include laps walked for survivors and caregivers and luminaria and lantern lift ceremonies. Luminaria and sky lanterns can be purchased in honor or memory of a loved one on the American Cancer Society’s website at www.relayforlife.org/

Thursday, August 8, 2013 • 3

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention Seminar Aug. 9, noon Hoover Senior Center The Hoover Senior Center will host an elder abuse and fraud prevention seminar on Aug. 9. The open forum discussion will include Neal Morrison, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Senior Services, and Joe Borg, director of the Alabama Securities Commission. Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, will be moderator of the event, which will focus on helping area seniors learn simple steps to protect themselves. Robert’s Discount Pharmacy of Hoover will provide a free lunch for those attending. Doors open at noon, and the program begins at 12:15 p.m. For more information, contact

Dana Stewart, Hoover Senior Center operations supervisor, at stewartd@ ci.hoover.al.us or at 444-7884.

song and dance Birmingham

“The Marvelous Wonderettes” Aug. 15-25 Levite Jewish Community Center Theatre LJCC will present “The Marvelous Wonderettes” Aug. 15-25. The smash off-Broadway musical takes audiences back to 1958 and includes classic hits like “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover” and more. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children. Show times are Aug. 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 17 and 24 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.bhamjcc. org or call 879-0411.

Birmingham

Art on the Rocks Aug. 9, 7-11 p.m. Birmingham Museum of Art The last Art on the Rocks event of 2013 will be Aug. 9 from 7-11 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The event will feature art performances, food and drinks and musical guest Man or AstroMan? For more information, visit www. artsbma.org or call 254-2565. Homewood

Rolling Back to School Aug. 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Homewood Public Library The Homewood Public Library will hold the Rolling Back to School event on Aug. 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to get ready for the school year. The free event will feature the Carter Yahoo Band and several food trucks. Those attending are invited to bring blankets and chairs, purchase dinner and hear music with family and friends. The library is at 1721 Oxmoor Road. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org or call 332-6619. Birmingham

Fun Days at the Zoo Aug. 10-11, 17-18 Birmingham Zoo Visit the Birmingham Zoo Aug. 10-11 and 17-18 for $5 Fun Days. On these days, admission is $5. Get up close with the elephants, experience the Predator

Cast members clockwise from the top left: Francesca Scalici, Rache VanNortwick Barlotta, Megan Lucas and Kim Posey. Photo special to The Journal

Zone and be surrounded by butterflies in Granny’s Butterfly Garden. Visitors can also see animal demonstrations and feedings, chat with zookeepers and more. For more information, visit www. birminghamzoo.com or call 879-0409. Birmingham

Party on the Patio Aug. 10, 7-11 p.m. The Arbor Party on the Patio on Aug. 10 at The Arbor in Birmingham will give those attending the chance to celebrate the end of the summer and raise money for the American Cancer Society. The

event will be from 7-11 p.m. at 3401 Fifth Avenue South and is being hosted by 14 couples from the Homewood area who are passionate about fighting cancer and giving back. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $40 per person and include dinner, drinks and dancing. Carter Laney and the Yahoos will be the band for the evening. For more information, contact Kristin Berney at Kristin.Berney@cancer.org or at 9308896. Shelby County

Honor Flight Birmingham Reunion / Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive Program

Lakeshore Foundation and Regions Financial cordially invite you to

A HERO’S WELCOME SALUTING OUR NATION’S INJURED MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013 LAKESHORE FOUNDATION

4000 Ridgeway Drive Ȋ Birmingham, Alabama Doors Open at 5:30 p.m.

Dinner at 6:30 p.m.

ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ęȱ ǰȱ Ǳ Kristen Evans at 205.313.7482 or kristene@lakeshore.org.

4 • Thursday, August 8, 2013

About Town

By Keysha Drexel

Journal editor

hen the children of the late Charles and Mary Sue Beard accept an honor on their family’s behalf at the American Cancer Society’s 33rd annual Hope Gala on Aug. 24, they said it will be an important opportunity to bring attention to the millions of families just like theirs that have been touched by cancer. The couple and their children—John Beard, Gary Beard, Peggy Williams, Susan Brouillette and the late Chuck Beard—have been named the honorees of this year’s Hope Gala, the single largest fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in the Birmingham area. The Hope Gala benefits the American Cancer Society’s research and patient support programs throughout the Birmingham metro community, including Road to Recovery, Reach to Recovery, the Hope Lodge and Look Good…Feel Better. Last year’s event raised more than $310,000. “We are so humbled to have this opportunity to support the important work that the American Cancer Society does in the Birmingham area every single day,” John Beard said. “My mother had a bout with colon cancer before she died and my father died of liver cancer, so we’ve had that personal experience with what so many families go through and how organizations like the ACS can help.” Through their roles in the family business their father founded 43 years ago, Beard and his sister, Susan Brouillette , have also had a chance to see the impact fighting cancer can have not only on patients but on their caregivers. Beard is the chairman and president and Brouillette is the chief executive officer of Alacare Home Health & Hospice, the state’s oldest and largest privately-owned, Medicarecertified home health agency. Charlie Beard founded the company in 1970 as Alabama Home Health Care, Inc. with about 20 employees. Today, the company has a team of 850-900 nurses, home care aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speechlanguage pathologists, medical social workers, medical nutritionists and chaplains serving more than 5,000 patients. Headquartered on John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover, the company has 23 branch offices covering almost every county in the state.

A Bow to the Beards

Hope Gala Will Honor Alacare Founder and Family called my father “This company into his office and started with an asked him what he idea that my father was doing there, had based on his why he was a stuown experiences dent in the school of dealing with his of business. My elderly parents. father told him he His mother had was there to get been in a nursing a business degree home, and I don’t so he could make think that ever sat a lot of money,” well with him,” Beard said. “The Brouillette said. dean told him that To see where that was really his father came not the purpose up with the idea and that he should to address the be there to get an healthcare needs education.” of patients in their What the dean homes and theresaid next was fore keep them something Beard living indepensaid his father dently in their own would recount homes longer and John Beard, left, and Susan Brouillette and their numerous times. provide respite for family are the honorees of the American Cancer “He told my family caregivers, Society’s 33rd annual Hope Gala, which will be held in Birmingham on Aug. 24. Photo special to The Journal father that either you have to go you can choose back to World War the superior or you can choose the inferior II, when Charlie Beard discovered his passion throughout your life, and that really stuck with for aviation, his son said. my father,” Beard said. “My grandfather was a plumber, and my In 1948, Charlie Beard married Mary Sue father knew that was not the career path he and went back into the Air Force as an active wanted,” Beard said. “He got bit by the flying reservist, serving until 1964. bug when he was a teenager and joined the Charlie Beard was in his early 40s when he Army Air Corps when he was 18. He started retired from the military and was ready for a out as a mechanic but went to flight school and second career, his son said. ended up being a co-pilot on a B-17 that flew He flew chartered flights out of the bombing missions over Germany.” Birmingham airport, worked in used car sales His father’s plane was shot down over for a bit and then got involved in an oil and Belgium in March of 1944, but the young natural gas business that had him flying well soldier managed to evade capture and spent developers all over the Southeast. months fighting alongside the underground That job put Charlie Beard in contact with resistance forces in Belgium. He was listed as a lot of physicians, and from there, he started missing in action and presumed dead and was selling ventures in the oil and natural gas busifinally reunited with the Allied Forces after ness. D-Day, Beard said. “While he was out selling to the doctors, After the war, Charlie Beard came home he would sit in their waiting rooms and read and started attending business classes at the magazines, including Medical Economics. University of Alabama. One of the articles about home healthcare “One day the dean of the business school

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

caught his eye because of what he was going through trying to find someone to help him take care of his aging mother,” Beard said. At that time, Beard said, there really weren’t any resources for help with home healthcare, unless it was a charity program. “As he read that article, he thought about his mother and other older family members and thought that it would be great to have more services for home healthcare in this area. He went to the hospitals, to the VA, to the health department, but no one was interested in starting the kind of service he envisioned,” Beard said. “So he just decided to organize and start that kind of agency himself.” While he didn’t have a medical background, his father knew to hire the best nurses and medical staff, Beard said. “People would ask him why in the world he was getting involved in healthcare when he didn’t know a thing about it, and he would

ACS Hope Gala

When: Aug. 24, 6:30 p.m. Where: Private Club Details: The Hope Gala is the ACS’s single largest fundraiser in the Birmingham area. The black-tie event begins with a reception that includes a silent auction followed by an elegant dinner and performances by The Undergrounders. More info: hopegalabirmingham. org or call 930-8883. always tell them that his role was to get the right resources in place so that people could get the care they needed in their homes,” Beard said. His children say Charlie Beard, who passed away in 2001, would have been “amazed and humbled” at being named an honoree of the Hope Gala. “He would have been very honored. He wasn’t the kind of person who liked to have the spotlight on him, but he would have been glad to be able to help the American Cancer Society,” Brouillette said. This year’s black-tie gala will be held at a private club in Birmingham and will include a reception and silent auction followed by an elegant dinner and live music. There will also be a live auction. For more information, visit hopegalabirmingham.org or call 930-8883. ❖

Save the Date Cont. Aug. 10, 4-7:30 p.m. American Village The Honor Flight Birmingham Reunion will be Aug. 10 at American Village in Montevallo. The event runs from 4-5:15 p.m. at the barn, 3727 Alabama 119. A wreath dedication in memory of Honor Flight World War II veterans is at 4:30 p.m. A light sandwich meal will be available. At 6:30 p.m., the Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive ceremony will begin at the Alabama National Veterans Cemetery next to American Village, 3133 Alabama 119 in Montevallo. The special tribute will recognize and celebrate members of the “Greatest Generation.” For more information, email honorflightbham.com. North Shelby

Characters for a Cure Breakfast Aug. 10, 8 and 10 a.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen St. Vincent’s One Nineteen will host the Characters for a Cure Breakfast at 8 and 10 a.m. on Aug. 10. Those attending can have an all-you-caneat pancake breakfast with some of

their favorite characters. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. A minimum donation of $15 per person is required. For tickets, contact Kristin Berney at Kristen.Berney@cancer.org or 930-8986. Jefferson County

Grand Haul Casting Call Aug. 10 and 17, 1-4 p.m. Grand Plaza The Outlet Shops of Grand River is holding its first casting call in search of the Grand Haul Star on Aug. 10 and Aug. 17 from 1-4 p.m. in the Grand Plaza. The shopping center is looking for four people to win the titles of Grand River Girl, Grand River Guy, Grand River Mom and Grand River Professional. The four winners will receive $600 each for a shopping spree to use at The Outlet Shops of Grand River and will have a chance to shoot a haul video showing their purchases. A selection committee will review the auditions and the finalists’ videos will be posted on Facebook for a public vote Aug. 20-24. Winners will be announced

Aug. 26. For more information, visit www.shopsofgrandriver.com. Vestavia Hills

Magic City Nutcracker Auditions Aug. 10, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Vestavia Hills UMC-Lighthouse Community auditions for the 2013 Magic City Nutcracker production will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Aug. 10 at Vestavia Hills United Methodist ChurchLighthouse. Ages 5-7 will audition from 9-10 a.m., ages 6-12 will audition from 10-11 a.m., ages 12 and older will audition from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and adults interested in performance opportunities and theatre-based roles will audition from 12:30-1 p.m. For more information, contact Stephanie Thompson at 904-874-2763 or at magiccitynutcracker@gmail.com. Homewood

Art Exhibit Opening Reception Aug. 11, 1-3 p.m. Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian The Joy Gallery at Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church

will have an opening reception for an art exhibit by Kay Vinson from 1-3 p.m. on Aug. 11. Vinson’s work will be on display at the gallery through Sept. 29. The Kay Vinson church is at 513 Columbiana Road. The gallery is open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday or by appointment. For more information, call 942-3051. Birmingham

Meet the Alabama Republican Party Aug. 12, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Cliff Sims, founder of Yellowhammer Politics will be the guest speaker at the Aug. 12 Meet the Republican Party event at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the program is from noon-1 p.m. Lunch

is $20 with reservations or $25 without reservations. For more information, send an email to Bgarner@algop.org. Homewood

Night Farmers Market Aug. 14, 6-9 p.m. West Homewood Farmers Market The West Homewood Night Farmers Market will be open from 6-9 p.m. on Aug. 14. The event will offer locally grown food, including meat, eggs, dairy products and pasta along with arts and crafts, local entertainers, food and drink and information from nonprofit groups. Night Markets will also be held on Sept. 19 and Oct. 17. The West Homewood Farmers Market is at 160 Oxmoor Road. For more information, visit www. westhomewood.com or call 427-5665. Birmingham

Vino & Van Gogh Aug. 15, 6-10 p.m. B&A Warehouse The United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham Junior Board will host an event for wine and art lovers on Aug.

heroes salute

Commerce in the “I Love America” Summer Celebration Series will begin at 6 p.m. on Aug. 16 at Wald Park. There will be free swimming, children’s activities, music and a family-friendly movie that will begin at dusk, around 8 p.m. For more information, visit www. vestaviahills.org or call 823-5011. North Shelby

U.S. Army Sgt. (Ret.) Noah Galloway will emcee A Hero’s Welcome.

Thursday, August 8, 2013 • 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Lake Trail Walk Aug. 17, 10 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park Head out to Oak Mountain State Park on Aug. 17 for a two-mile walk around the Lake Trail. The group will meet at the marina parking lot on Terrace Drive. Dress for the weather and bring

water. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome. The hike is free after park admission, which ranges from $1-$3. The park is at 200 Terrace Drive in Pelham. For more information, call 6202520. Birmingham

Babypalooza Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. BJCC East Exhibit Hall Children’s of Alabama will present the eighth annual Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Babypalooza baby and maternity fair on Aug. 17 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The event will include almost 100 exhibitors of health, childcare and

maternity goods and services. It starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. in the East Exhibit Hall. For more information, visit babypaloozatour.com. Homewood

Birmingham Record Collectors Show Aug. 17-18 The Cedars Club The Birmingham Record Collectors will present a show at the Cedars Club in Homewood Aug. 17-18. The show runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Aug. 17 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Aug. 18. Admission is $3. For more information, visit www.birminghamrecord.com/home or call 681-9448.

15 with the 2013 Vino & Van Gogh fundraiser. The event will be from 6-10 p.m. at B&A Warehouse in Birmingham. The event will include live music from Just a Few Cats, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, art from local vendors and a wine tasting from 7-9 p.m. All proceeds will benefit UCP of Greater Birmingham. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door. For tickets or for more information, visit www.ucpbham.com. Homewood

Book Talk and Book Signing Aug. 15, 6 p.m. Homewood Public Library Author Avery Yearby will discuss his memoir about his life with myasthenia gravis at the Homewood Public Library on Aug. 15. The book talk and book signing will be at 6 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. The Myasthenia Gravis Society will receive 20 percent of the proceeds from book sales to use for patient support and education. Books will be available for purchase. The library is at 1721 Oxmoor Road. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org or call 332-6600. Vestavia Hills

“I Love America” Summer Celebration Series Aug. 16, 6 p.m. Wald Park The second event in the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Department and the Vestavia Hills Chamber of

Summer Concert Series with Foxxy Fatts & Company Aug. 22, 6-8 p.m. Aldridge Gardens The Summer Concert Series at Aldridge Gardens continues on Aug. 22 with performances by Foxxy Fatts & Company. The event starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for members and $20 for non-members.❖

Send About Town news to: editorial@otmj.com

To know more visit uabmedicine.org

Homewood

A Hero’s Welcome Aug. 22, 5:30 p.m. Lakeshore Foundation The Lakeshore Foundation in Homewood will honor the nation’s injured service members at A Hero’s Welcome Aug. 22. The keynote speaker for the 5:30 p.m. event will be USO President Sloan Gibson. Special guests will be U.S. Army Officer (Ret.) and U.S. paratriathlete Melissa Stockwell, U.S. Navy Lt. (Ret.) and paralympic swimming gold medalist Brad Snyder and U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) James E. Livingston, a Medal of Honor recipient. Admission is $150. The Lakeshore Foundation is at 4000 Ridgeway Drive in Homewood. For more information, visit www. lakeshore.org or call 313-7482.

Hoover

Knowledge. / iÀi >Ài > Þ Ì Ã v À w } Ì } ` Ãi>Ãi° None more powerful than knowledge.

Whenever the world of medicine is changed, it is changed with knowledge. Knowledge based on evidence of a new and better way. It creates treatments and saves lives. It offers hope and help. When you have questions about your health, there is one place where knowledge abounds.

6 • Thursday, August 8, 2013

Making the Cut

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

J.T. Treadwell, center, who has cut hair in Mountain Brook Village since 1961, retired last month. He’s congratulated on his retirement by longtime customers, Joe Wallace, left, and Don Menedez, right.

Barber Says Goodbye to 52 Years in Mountain Brook By Keysha Drexel

Journal editor

barber in Mountain Brook hung up his scissors late last month after more than half a century of cutting hair, and his customers, some of them lifelong clients, gave him a proper sendoff. A retirement party was held at Treadwell’s Barber Shop on July 24 to recognize J.T. Treadwell’s retirement after 52 years in the business at the Mountain Brook Village shop. “I’ve loved it--loved the people, loved watching them come in as little kids to get their hair cut and then, after they’re grown, bringing in their own kids. It’s been a great trip,” Treadwell said. Treadwell said he got into the barber business out of necessity. He grew up on a farm in Shelby County in a family full of boys. “My daddy was always fussing about cutting our hair because he said we wouldn’t sit still,” Treadwell said. “So one day, I got the scissors and told my daddy to let me give it a try. I’ve

been cutting hair ever since.” When he was 18 years old, Treadwell joined the U.S. Navy. “This was during World War II and when I went in, they asked me what I could do, and I told them I could farm and I could cut hair. The old boy that was signing me up told me there was one more job opening cutting hair, and I got it,” he said. During his time in the military, Treadwell was assigned to the Pacific theater. “I cut hair all the way to Tokyo and back,” he said. After the war, Treadwell came back to Alabama and settled down to raise a family. “Cutting hair was really the only thing I had ever been good at, so I opened the barbershop in Mountain Brook in 1961,” he said. Since then, Treadwell has cut generations of hair at the Mountain Brook Village landmark. At his retirement party, those generations came out to honor Treadwell. He was presented with a plaque of appreciation, and the barbershop was full of those who came out to wish

Journal photo by Maury Wald

him well in retirement. “I was really touched to see everybody there. It meant a lot,” he said. The plan was for Treadwell’s son to take over the business initially, he said. “But then my son met a little old gal out there in Albuquerque and married her, and so he sold the business to Steve (Bishop, in 1998),” he said. Bishop will continue to run the business as Treadwell heads into retirement.

Treadwell said he’s looking forward to traveling with his wife to visit her family in Tennessee and elsewhere. “We’re just going to enjoy living,” he said of his retirement plans. Treadwell said he feels lucky to have had so many people sit in his barber’s chair throughout his more than five decades in the business. “It has been good to me,” he said. “It really has been the opportunity of a lifetime.” ❖

People Notes Spain Park Grad Named Spelman Salutatorian Shay Johnson, a graduate of Spain Park High School, was salutatorian for the 2013 Spelman College class at its 126th commencement on May 19. With more than 500 graduates, the commencement exercises were held at

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Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta. U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin M.D. was the commencement speaker. Johnson graduated with a 3.94 grade point average and a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in Spanish. She plans to attend Harvard Law School this fall to study international law. She said in the future she hopes to Shay Johnson develop policy focusing on human rights and corporate social responsibility and eventually obtain a policy-making position with the United Nations or another international government agency. Johnson was a presidential scholar and honor student during her four years at Spelman. Her love for traveling pushed her to participate in the School for International Training’s multi-lateral diplomacy and international studies program in Switzerland during the fall of 2011. While studying abroad, she completed a research project that involved the geo-political analysis of human trafficking in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. She completed more research projects on human rights and human trafficking, including an oral presentation that scrutinized human rights violations against women in Morocco and India, which earned her first place at Spellman’s annual Research Day. Johnson’s time at Spelman was also personally and spiritually enriching, she said. “You come into yourself and the type of woman you want to be,” she said. “The rigor of academics [at Spelman] helped prepare me for Harvard. Johnson is a member of Phi Beta

Kappa and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “Knowing my personal potential has prepared me for Harvard. And the confidence bestowed upon me as an African-American female, that I am empowered and can do whatever I want to do, has prepared me for Harvard and a career after law school,” she said.

Hoover Grad Wins Music Award for Vocals Hoover High School graduate Victoria Pinkerton was recently awarded the Music Education Award, presented by the Alabama Vocal Association. To win the award, Pinkerton competed and won at the district level. She then represented District 3 and won at the state level. Pinkerton also was Victoria Pinkerton awarded a scholarship and acknowledgement at the AMEA conference and the All State Choral Music Festival. She graduated from Hoover High in May and will attend Mississippi State University this fall. She said she plans to major in choral music education.

Hoover Resident Inducted Into Honor Society Kaci Lauren Brasher of Hoover was inducted May 7 into Sigma Delta Pi, Wofford College’s chapter of the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society. Brasher is a member of Wofford’s 2013 class. She is the daughter of Larry and Kaye Brasher. Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., was established in 1854 as an

independent liberal arts college. It has about 1,600 students and ranks fourth nationally in the percentage of undergraduate students earning credit for study abroad.

Vestavia Graduate Wins 2013 Art Award Kathryn Rose Payne is the 2013 Vestavia Hills Art Association’s Art Achievement Award recipient. The 2013 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School is the daughter of Stuart and Bekki Payne of Vestavia Hills. Payne was chosen by professional artists and art educators of the Vestavia Hills Art Association’s Scholarship Committee. Bill Brown of Pinson is president of the group. Committee members viewed Payne’s artwork at the Vestavia Hills High School’s Student Art Show. Members said they were captivated by Payne’s distinctive drawing ability and creativity as well as her attention to social issues. They said they were especially impressed by her collage compositions and the overall quality and volume of her work. The VHAA Art Achievement Award is presented annually in the amount of $200 on the basis of the student’s visual artistic talent, academic standing and plans for applying the award. This year the award included an extra $50 gift certificate from Alabama Art Supply Inc. and a $50 gift certificate from Forstall Art Center. Graduating seniors who will continue their education in the visual arts, art education or a related field are eligible for the award. Payne will attend the Savannah College of Art and Design this fall to major in animation and minor in sequential arts.

UAB Professor Promoted at Glenwood Associate professor Laura Stoppelbein has been named division

director of outpatient services at Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center. Stoppelbein teaches for the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s department of psychology. Glenwood offers clinical services to children and adolescents affected by a wide range of mental health issues, including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression and oppositional behaviors. Stoppelbein’s new role as division director includes supervising and coordinating outpatient clinical services performed by psychologists and psychiatrists as well as speech and occupational therapists at Glenwood. Stoppelbein will continue to supervise graduate and undergraduate students in clinical and research practice at UAB while supervising Glenwood’s research activities through a joint faculty partnership between UAB and Glenwood.

Vestavia Resident Honored at Ole Miss Vestavia Hills resident Merrill Lee Giradeau has earned a Taylor Medal, the University of Mississippi’s highest honor. Giradeau was praised for achievements in academic performance in English during the Ole Miss Honors Day Convocation Merrill Giradeau held on the Oxford campus in May. The Marcus Taylor Memorial Medal is given to no more than one percent of graduating seniors. A student eligible for the award is nominated by a faculty member and has a GPA of at least 3.90. Giradeau, who is also a Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honor College

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

scholar, graduated summa cum laude from Ole Miss this spring. She is a member of Chi Omega sorority and several academic honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Delta Kappa. Giradeau graduated from Briarwood Christian High School in 2009. She is the daughter of Bob and Kathy Giradeau of Vestavia Hills. Her plans for the future focus on completing postgraduate studies and a career in creative writing.

Ludwig Honored for Community Service Mary Sue Ludwig was recently honored with the Hoover Service Club’s Flora Mae Pike Community Service Award. The annual award honors a Hoover Mary Sue Ludwig resident who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service to the community. The award is named in the honor of the founder of the service organization.

Mountain Brook Alum Finishes at West Point A 2009 Mountain Brook High School graduate recently graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. William Peary Adnan Cox graduated

on May 25. While at West Point, he concentrated his studies on Arabic and international law and made the Dean’s List for three years. He was commissioned William Cox as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the Armor branch and will report to Fort Bragg, N.C., for his first assignment with the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Cox of Mountain Brook.

Konigsburg Named Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth-El Rabbi Randall Konigsburg has joined Birmingham’s Temple Beth-El as senior rabbi. Konigsburg comes to Birmingham from Palm Beach County, Fla., where he most recently served as chaplain for Hospice of Palm Beach County. He previously served as rabbi for synagogues in Delray Beach, Fla., St. Paul, Minn., and Hollywood, Fla. Konisgburg and his wife, Michelle, a Jewish educator and administrator, said they are excited to join the Birmingham community. “I am looking forward to being a part of the Beth-El family and to joining the community in Birmingham,” he said. “I have long believed that the light of a city burns brightest when we all share

our faith, hopes and dreams with each other. Birmingham is a small city with a big heart, and we are excited about making Birmingham our home.” Konigsburg recently served as president of the Delray Beach Interfaith Clergy Association and previously as president of the Interfaith Council of Hollywood, Fla. He said he looks forward to working with the greater Birmingham community and “working with the Jewish community and the larger community of faith to make Birmingham a place where justice, responsibility, faith and love will guide our actions always. “My wife and I are looking forward to meeting all of our new neighbors,” he said. Konigsburg was chosen as senior rabbi following a sixmonth national search. He replaces Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith, Randall Konigsburg who has taken a position in Herndon, Va. “Rabbi Konigsburg’s passion and experience were apparent. Those who met him found him to be engaging, approachable, warm and strong,” said Steven Corenblum, search committee chairman. Temple Beth-El was founded in Birmingham in 1907.

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Students Take Part in Distinguished Young Woman Program

wenty-one girls representing nine schools in the Jefferson County area participated in this year’s Jefferson County Distinguished Young Woman Program.

The event was held at the Leslie Wright Performing Arts Center at Samford University July 19 and 20. The scholarship program is based on interview, talent, scholarship, self-expression and fitness. The judges

selected finalists in each of these categories, along with two alternates and the winner. The young women competed for $10,000 in scholarships. ❖

Nadia Armbrester, daughter of Carleton and Ursula Armbrester, Spain Park High School.

Allie David, daughter of Lisa David and Larry David, John Carroll Catholic High School.

Danielle Dean, daughter of Denise and Tommy Dean, Hoover High School.

Stephanie Feng, daughter of Kevin and Jun Liu, Vestavia Hills High School.

Anabeth Friday, daughter of Alan and Shea Friday, Hewitt-Trussville High School.

Amber Gibson, daugh- Kierra Goins, daughter ter of Marla and of Kimberly Goins-Ford, Wendell Gibson, HewittVestavia Hills High Trussville High School. School.

Elizabeth Hale, daughter of Nancy and Max Hale, Homewood High School.

Judith Hornsby, daughter of Clay and Nancy Hornsby, Vestavia Hills High School.

Cailyn Levant, daughter of Bill and Elizabeth Levant, Vestavia Hills High School.

Sarah Grace McDuff, daughter of Jodi and Laurence McDuff, Homewood High School.

Taylor McLean, daughter of Jeff and Michelle McLean, HewittTrussville High School.

Olivia Mims, daughter of Ronald and Beverly Mims, Vestavia Hills High School.

Elizabeth Grace Pike, daughter of John and Heather Pike, Vestavia Hills High School.

Emily Polhill, daughter of Sherry and Rutherford Polhill, The Altamont School.

Sera Powers, daughter of Jeff and Jhan Powers, Oak Grove High School.

Morgan Quisenberry, daughter of Brian and Jessica Quisenberry, Homewood High School.

Jaleah Rutledge, daughter of Sedrick and Jangrumetta Rutledge, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School.

Rachael Snow, daughter of Ruth and David Snow, Vestavia Hills High School.

Jane Whitaker, daughter of Warren and Candy Whitaker, Vestavia Hills High School.

Hayden Yendle, daughter of Simon and Karen Yendle, Vestavia Hills High School.

People Notes Vestavia Resident Elected to International Post A Vestavia Hills resident is the president-elect of the International Association of Defense Counsel for the 2013-14 term. Tripp Haston, a partner with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, was elected in July at the annual meeting held at Grand Wailea in Maui, Hawaii. The IADC is an invitation-only Tripp Haston global legal organization with approximately 2,500 members whose practice concerns the representation of corporate and insurance interests. Members are from

each of the 50 states and some 40 other countries. Haston co-chairs the Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Life Sciences Industry Team and represents multinational corporations on regional, national and international engagements. He has actively handled matters for clients in more than 30 U.S. states as well as counseled clients on legal matters in Europe and Asia. He has been recognized in many leading attorney directories in which attorneys are ranked by clients and peers, including Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation and the International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers. In June, the International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers recognized Haston as one of the 10 most highly regarded products liability defense attorneys in the world. He is an active member of the British Institute of International and

Comparative Law, a member of Auburn University’s Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Liberal Arts and the past chair of both the Alabama State Bar’s Leadership Forum and the Birmingham Bar Association’s Future Leaders’ Forum. He is also past president of the Young Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar Association. Haston earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a juris doctorate degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. Prior to joining Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Haston served a judicial clerkship with Judge Emmett R. Cox of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. Haston will assume the position of IADC president in July 2014 at the organization’s annual meeting in Vienna, Austria. Haston and his wife, Cara, live in Vestavia Hills. He is a past vice

president of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation, and his wife is the treasurer of the Vestavia Hills High School Parent Teacher Organization.

Aiken Awarded Amos Drumline Scholarship Cole Aiken, a 2013 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, was recently awarded the Clark Amos “Spirit of the Drumline” scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a senior member of the drumline at Vestavia Hills Cole Aiken High School. It is given in remembrance of Clark Amos, a Vestavia Hills graduate and former

drumline member. Aiken is the son of Janet and Scot Aiken of Vestavia Hills. He plans to attend the University of Alabama in the fall.

OTMers Honored at UA The University of Alabama chapter of Order of Omega awarded many Birmingham area residents at its recent annual banquet in Tuscaloosa. The Order of Omega is the national honorary group for fraternity and sorority members. Birmingham area residents among the awardees include: Outstanding Freshman Award: Walker Tingen Philips of Birmingham (Phi Gamma Delta) and Mary Virginia Ricketts of Birmingham (Alpha Gamma Delta). Outstanding Sophomore Award: Cole Taylor Adams of Vestavia Hills (Beta Theta Pi); Jordan Alexandra David of

Birmingham (Alpha Gamma Delta); Danielle Dubose of Birmingham (Alpha Chi Omega); and Hannah McBrayer of Hoover (Phi Mu). Outstanding Junior Award: Davis Hill of Birmingham (Alpha Tau Omega). Outstanding Sorority President Award: Lissa Handley Tyson of Birmingham (Alpha Gamma Delta). Richard B. Funk Award: Olivia Hunnicut of Birmingham (Delta Delta Delta).

Adair Named New AWC Executive Director A Birmingham attorney has been named the new executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Center. Douglas C. Adair, a Shelby County resident, replaces the former executive director, Carol Argo, who retired on June 30. The Alabama Wildlife Center, located at Oak Mountain State Park in North Shelby, is the state’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation and education center. “Mr. Adair brings a wide range of management experience and a passion for Alabama’s native wildlife to AWC, and we are excited that he will

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lead our organization into the future,” said Michael S. Player, president of the Alabama Wildlife Center board of directors. “We are confident that Mr. Adair is the right person to expand the vital work of the center as we continue to provide medical and rehabilitative care for Alabama’s injured and orphaned birds and educate people of all ages about the necessity of protecting our wildlife and resources.” Adair is a Birmingham native with more than 20 years of experience in management, public affairs, civil litigation and governmental affairs. He served as the director of the Office of Public Liaison at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, associate director of the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs and deputy director of public affairs and deputy press secretary at the USDA. “I believe the rehabilitation and educational programs of the Alabama Wildlife Center are absolutely critical in fostering an awareness and appreciation of our unique and precious natural resources and in protecting and preserving Alabama’s native bird population for future generations,” Adair said. “I am looking forward to working with the dedicated volunteers and staff of the center to increase awareness and

funding, increase our membership and accomplish our mission.” The Alabama Wildlife Center operates statewide as a leader in the care and rehabilitation of wild birds, caring for almost 2,000 native birds spanning more than 100 species each year. The center is also dedicated to educating the public and creating awareness of and concern for Alabama’s native wildlife. The center and its Treetop Nature Trail are open to the public and receive more than 15,000 visitors each year. For more information, visit www.awrc. org.

Hoover Resident Chosen for Leadership Program Hoover resident Jillian Cowart, a student at the University of Mississippi, was chosen to be one of 33 participants for Mississippi’s first NEW Leadership Program. Eligible participants are undergraduate women from a wide range of socioeconomic, ethnic, racial and educational backgrounds, including nontraditional college students, women of color and students majoring in fields outside of political science. The program took place on May 20-24 and was sponsored by Mississippi

University for Women and the Stennis Center for Public Service. The five-day residential institute seeks to educate Mississippi women in college about the vital role of politics in their lives and encourage the women to become active leaders locally and nationally. The NEW Leadership program is nationwide and bipartisan. It was created by Rutgers University to highlight the under-representation of women in American politics and civic leadership. ❖

Send people news to: editorial@otmj.com

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Douglas Adair, left, was recently named the new executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Center. Adair is holding one of the raptors from the center. Photo special to The Journal

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10 • Thursday, August 8, 2013

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Pamphlets Prep Drivers for U.S. 280 Changes Last week Over the Mountain residents began receiving pamphlets in their mailboxes from the state Department of Transportation preparing them for the traffic changes on U.S. 280. The first segment of U.S. 280’s altered traffic design was scheduled to go into effect by Aug. 5. The new modified lane design affects seven intersections between Hollywood Boulevard and Green Valley Road, according to ALDOT officials. The modified lane designs feature indirect turns where drivers entering the busy thoroughfare must first turn right to go left. Additional lanes, U-turns and new turn lanes are also part of u Vestavia Hills

Police Launch New Health Programs The Vestavia Hills Police Department recently adopted a set of health initiatives designed to help Alzheimer’s patients and prevent accidental overdoses. The department has launched Operation Outlook, which encourages caregivers to go online and register important information about their loved ones or those under their care. Police will use that information if a person with Alzheimer’s, dementia or another mental condition wanders off and gets lost. “This information could be easily disseminated to our patrol units, saving valuable time and increasing the chances of safe recovery,” Vestavia Hills police say in a statement on the department’s Facebook page. The information will be stored in a secured database, police say. The program is being modeled after a similar one used by the Helena Police Department.

the project. The indirect turns affect traffic from Brook Manor Drive at Mountain Brook Plaza. To go east there, drivers will turn right and make a U-turn at Hollywood Boulevard. Traffic from Office Park Drive will turn right, make a U-turn at Lakeshore Parkway to go west and at Hollywood Boulevard to go east. From Cherokee Road, drivers will turn right, then make a U-turn at Overton Road to go west and at Lakeshore Parkway to go east. The project included removing traffic signals on the eastbound through lanes at Cherokee Bend and adding guardrails in the median between

According to officials with Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, the program is sorely needed. Nearly 60 percent of the patients who have Alzheimer’s will wander away from home, the organization says. Alabama has nearly 93,000 residents with Alzheimer’s. The police department has also established a drop box for outdated medical prescriptions. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse,” police said. “Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.” The police department’s drop box-an old mailbox--is located in the department’s foyer at 513 Montgomery Highway in the city’s municipal complex. Police ask that those depositing outdated medicine not put any syringes in the box and ask that any liquid medicine be tightly capped and double sealed in zipper storage bags. For more information about either initiative, contact Vestavia Police Lt.

grandview, From page one

and perspective of the world-class teams that will deliver care here and honors the progress and distinction they’ve achieved,” said Wayne T. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Community Health Systems. A four-year court battle over the move ended in May when the Alabama Supreme Court refused to hear arguments from Brookwood Medical Center and St. Vincent’s Health Systems on why Trinity shouldn’t be allowed to move to the unfinished digital hospital off U.S. 280 near Interstate 459. Brookwood and St. Vincent’s had sued Trinity to prevent the move, saying Trinity’s relocation would cost them millions of dollars. Both appealed an Alabama Court of Civil Appeals ruling in November which backed Trinity’s efforts to move. “I’m so sorry that it has taken so long,” Bentley said. “But this is going to be worth waiting for.” Keith Granger, Trinity Medical Center president and CEO, said the new hospital represents a pivotal point in healthcare in the region. “I know lives will be saved, and we can build something here that we are proud of for years to come,” he said.

Cherokee and Overton roads. ALDOT is making changes at more than 20 intersections along the nine-mile stretch of U.S. 280 between Hollywood Boulevard and Doug Baker Boulevard in hopes of easing traffic congestion and delay that have plagued the corridor for years.

Brian Gilham at 978-0194 or by email at bgilham@ci.vestaviahills.al.us. --William C. Singleton III

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Police Officers Promoted Three Homewood police officers were recognized last week for their exemplary service and promoted to the rank of sergeant. The promotion ceremony was held Aug. 2 at the Homewood Police Department’s training center. The officers promoted were Cpl. Stuart Shoupe, Cpl. Jeff Harris and Officer Jeremiah Mote. Shoupe is a 24-year veteran of the Homewood Police Department. He started as a patrol officer at the Montgomery Police Department in 1984 and then became a detective in 1987. He was hired in Homewood in 1989. During his service at the Homewood department, Shoupe has been a member of the tactical team, a hostage negotiator, narcotics investigator and general investigator.

The 65-acre campus where the hospital is located has long been identified as Grandview, and several corporate headquarters, including those of developer Daniel Corp., are located in the Grandview Plaza office park onsite. Daniel Corp. bought the unfinished hospital from HealthSouth after that company’s billiondollar accounting scandal came to light and in June sold it to Trinity for $37.6 million. With the hospital’s completion planned,

Keith Granger, left, president and CEO of Trinity Medical Center, talks with Jeff Stone of Brasfield & Gorrie at the event on July 31. Brasfield & Gorrie is one of the companies that will manage the construction of the Grandview Medical Center off U.S. 280. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

In the pamphlets mailed out to residents, ALDOT officials urged motorists to be patient as everyone adjusts to the modifications. “We know it will take a little while to adjust to the new changes. Once you know where the new U-turn lanes are positioned and how they work, you should get used to them fairly quickly,” the pamphlet reads. “Plan for the fact that other motorists will be maneuvering left toward the inner lanes to take advantage of U-turn opportunities. Allow them to merge. With a little patience and politeness we’re sure that the new 280 will be a smoother, safer, quicker and friendlier driving experience for everyone.” ❖

ALDOT is making changes at more than 20 intersections along the nine-mile stretch of U.S. 280 between Hollywood Boulevard and Doug Baker Boulevard

Shoupe

Harris

He was promoted to corporal in 2012 and was assigned to supervise the K-9 unit, the School Resource Officers unit and animal control, among other Mote duties. He is married to Kate Peterson Shoupe and has two children. Harris is also an alum of the Montgomery Police Department, where

several additional projects are anticipated on the campus, such as physician office buildings and other healthcare spaces, along with hotels, office buildings, parking decks and retail businesses, according to Charlie Tickle, CEO of Daniel Corp. “This is a very big deal on several fronts,” Tickle said. “This is going to transform a bad part of our city’s legacy into something that is going to help so many people.” The entire development is expected to take 1-5 years to complete. Once finished, it is expected to create more than 9,000 jobs and add $405 million annually to the region. The first year of construction alone is expected to create 4,000 jobs, generate more than $125 million in job earnings and produce more than $3.1 million in city and county tax revenue. Trinity officials expect to spend about $300 million to finish the hospital and install equipment. Construction, which is being managed by Brasfield & Gorrie and A.G. Gaston Construction Co., should take between 18 and 24 months to complete. Granger said Trinity will continue under its existing name as long as it operates on the Montclair Road campus. “Our people, our quality of care and most importantly our commitment will remain the same when we relocate,” Granger said. “But our physical surroundings will change dramatically

he served for four years and worked with the K-9 unit. He has been with the Homewood Police Department for 14 years. Harris has worked with the K-9 unit in Homewood and has been a corporal since the unit started. He is married to Rebekah Harris and has two children. Mote began his career as a police officer in Homewood in 2002 and spent five years working on patrol. During that time, he was named Officer of the Year. Mote also worked for four years on the department’s tactical team before taking a position as a motor scout, a position he held for five years. In 2012, Mote was selected as one of the department’s two K-9 officers and helped organize the program. Mote was recently named the Officer of the Year by the Over the Mountain Optimist Club. He is married to Cindy Mote and has two children. --Keysha Drexel

as we build out one of the most advanced hospitals in the country.” Other speakers at the event included James Spann, chairman of the Trinity Medical Center Board of Trustees; Miller Gorrie, chairman of Brasfield & Gorrie, and Walter Howlett, president of A.G. Gaston Construction Co. Birmingham Mayor William Bell was scheduled to speak at the event but was in Washington, D.C., at the time addressing Congress on the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. In a prepared statement, Bell predicted that Grandview Medical Center will have a massive economic impact for the city and the region. Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza attended the event and said he thinks the new hospital and other developments planned on the campus will be good for Over the Mountain cities. “This is going to help meet the healthcare needs of our citizens and help create jobs,” he said. “It will have a good impact on us because we have 32 acres off Cahaba River Road that we are planning to develop, and maybe these developments will spur other things along.” What’s good for the Birmingham region, Zaragoza said, is also good for Over the Mountain communities. For more information on Grandview Medical Center, visit www.GrandviewHealth.com. ❖

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DeMarco Honored for Helping Victims The Alabama Crime Victims’ Compensation Commission recently recognized state Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, for his dedication to assisting crime victims and his support of the ACVCC and its mission of providing financial assistance to Alabama’s victims of violent crime. Phillip Brown, ACVCC chairman, presented DeMarco with a commendation for “his commitment to improving the plight of Alabama’s victims of violent crime” and for

“opposing legislation that would greatly diminish the financial assistance the Commission provides to Alabama’s victims of violent crime.” The Alabama Crime Victims’ Compensation Commission was created in 1984 by the Alabama Legislature to assist victims of violent crime with qualified, actual expenses. The ACVCC provides assistance for funeral, medical, counseling and moving expenses and for lost wages. The ACVCC is funded entirely

by fines, fees and restitution paid by criminal offenders in Alabama and the federal court system. In the 29 years that the ACVCC has been in existence, it has processed more than 52,000 compensation claims and provided more than $93 million in compensation benefits to assist the state’s victims of violent crime. For more information, visit www. acvcc.alabama.gov or call 800-5419388. ❖

From left: Commissioner Ray Norris, Rep. Paul DeMarco, Commissioner Phillip Brown and Commissioner Miriam Shehane. Photo special to The Journal

u Hoover

Forum on Bus Service Set for Aug. 8 By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

The Hoover Board of Education and Superintendent Andy Craig are holding a public forum on Aug. 8 to give residents the chance to express their thoughts on the school system’s plan to eliminate bus service for most students in the 2014-15 school year. The forum will be at 7 p.m. in the theater of Spain Park High School, 4700 Jaguar Drive just off Valleydale Road. The Hoover school board voted in July to eliminate bus service to its schools for the 2014-15 school year. The board said the move was necessary to free up about $2.5 million annually that can go to the classroom. However, the move has angered many parents and will likely mean 140-150 school drivers and other employees connected to the system’s transportation department may ‘With such a lose their wide variety jobs. of viewpoints Board on this issue, members and Craig it is important defended that Hoover the decicitizens are well sion, sayinformed of the ing school revenue has facts ...’ declined over the years as student enrollment has increased. But parents immediately sprang into action after the announcement in July and have since organized Facebook pages and held meetings to oppose the bus service cuts. In a statement announcing the Aug. 8 forum, school officials said they appreciated members of the Hoover community stepping forward to share their concerns. “With such a wide variety of viewpoints on this issue, it is important that Hoover citizens are well informed of the facts and have an opportunity to provide feedback,” the statement said. For more information on the forum, visit www.hoovercityschools. net. ❖

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Literacy Council Honors Wallace T

New York Times Bestselling Author Shares Stories and Anecdotes of His Adventures in Publishing

he Literacy Council recently held its second Signature Series of the 2013 season honoring author Daniel Wallace. Held at the Forest Park home of Courtney and Jay Pigford, the event celebrated the release of Wallace’s new book, “The Kings and Queens of Roam.” Best known for his New York Times bestseller “Big Fish,” Wallace delighted the crowd with stories and anecdotes of his adventures as an author. Those in attendance included Cathy and Tom Adams, Alan Zeigler, Darby and Susan Henley and Bobby and Elaine Hughes. Others spotted at the event were Christy Gravitt, Ellen Walker, Elna Brendel, Chandler and Jane Paris Smith, Jennifer Buettner and Ernest Bates, Kathryn Harbert, Kimberly Moore, Lynn Bradford and Martha and Ron Council. Also attending were Max Berueffy, Polly and John Ohlson, Richard Tubb, Danny Weaver, Larry and Rima Deep, Stella Grenier, Steven Rowlett, Susan Elliot, Susan more photos at Livingston and Virginia Patterson. Entering its 15th year, the Signature Series brings three nationally prominent writers to Birmingham each year for three parties. Each event is hosted in a private home by a literacy patron and features food, drinks and the opportunity for literature lovers to meet and mingle with authors. Signature Series guests leave each party with a signed first edition copy of the author’s latest work. Literacy Council officials said they are indebted to Jake Reiss and the Alabama Booksmith for sponsoring this event for the past 15 years. The final Signature Series of 2013 is tentatively scheduled for December. For more information, call the Literacy Council at 326-1925 or visit literacy-council.org. ❖

From left: Courtney and Jay Pigford, Daniel Wallace, Jake Reiss and Beth Wilder. Photos special to The Journal

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Lisa Ramsey and Polly Ohlson.

The former officers of the Speech Arts Club were honored at the group’s annual open meeting. From left: Beverly Brasell, Debi Strevy, Jan Hunter and Nancy Whitt.

New officers of the club are: Cathy Gilmore, Ginger Sharbel, Peggy Carlisle and Beth Ensey.

Hugo and Lanier Isom, Susan Elliot and Ellen Walker.

Talking Points

Speech Arts Club Holds Annual Open Meeting One of the Birmingham area’s oldest women’s clubs recently held its annual open meeting at the Virginia Samford Theatre. Jan Hunter performed a number of comic songs, accompanied on the piano by Debbie Mielke, at the Speech Arts Club event. The Speech Arts Club was founded in 1925. According to its preamble and bylaws, members believe that in any civilization, the study of the art of speech becomes increasingly necessary as that civilization becomes more complex. Members said it is especially important that the art of speech communication is developed in this age of texting, emails and vanishing face-to-face conversations. At each meeting a member presents a program about great or popular literature, poetry, drama or other literary topics. The Speech Arts Club is organized to provide members with the opportunity to study and enjoy various aspects of speech arts. The active membership

of the club is 38 women. At the annual open meeting, guests were invited to assist the members in honoring their outgoing and incoming officers. To be admitted as a member, a woman must have had a minimum of three years’ study in an accredited department of speech and drama or be recognized in the community as among those who have excelled in the field of oral communication, including public speaking, performing arts, public relations and mass media. Officers for the 2012-13 club year were Jan Hunter, president; Kimberly Kirklin, first vice president; Lisa Paden Gaines, second vice president; Beverly Brasell, third vice president; Nancy Witt, secretary, and Debi Strevy, treasurer. New officers for the 2013-14 club year are Ginger Sharbel, president; Bethe Ensey, first vice president; Sue Ellen Gerrells, second vice president; Cathy Rye Gilmore, third vice president; Peggy Carlisle, secretary, and Debi Strevy, treasurer. ❖

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Garner Stone Co. Excellence in Stone Since 1927

From left, front: Rebecca Bell, Laura Krannich, Kirsten Julain, Catherine Cullen, Hannah Kahn, Abigail Rose and Brantley Petty. Back: Ally Jennings, Leah Beard, Katie Gould, Mary Kathryn Fletcher, Meredith Botes, Emily Carlton and Megan Early. Photo special to The Journal

Boots and Beaus Bash Country-style Party Honors Poinsettia Debs

The 2013 Poinsettia debutantes gathered recently for a down-home get together. The Boots and Beaus party was hosted by seven of this year’s debutantes on July 20 at the Park Crest premier event facility. The party included country decor and food catered by Erin Castillo. Hostesses of the party were Ally Jennings, Emily Carlton, Katie Gould, Leah Beard, Mary Kathryn Fletcher, Megan Early and Meredith Botes. The hostesses dressed for the occasion in white sundresses and boots of every shape, size and color. Those attending danced to the music of The Cowboy

Down Band. The 2013 Poinsettia debutantes attending the party included Rebecca Bell, Laura Krannich, Kirsten Julain, Catherine Cullen, Hannah Kahn, Abigail Rose and Brantley Petty, Ally Jennings, Leah Beard, Katie Gould, Mary Kathryn Fletcher, Meredith Botes, Emily Carlton and Megan Early. During the event, the debutantes thanked their mothers for helping make the Boots and Beaus party possible. The mothers attending and helping with the event included Kelly Beard, Kaye Botes, Christy Fletcher, Deborah Early, Rachel Gould, Kelly Carlton and Sally Jennings. ❖

From left: John Jones, Fred Spicer, Robert Martin and John Floyd.

Photos special to The Journal

Arbor Dedicated at The Gardens

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens honored a longtime Southern Living editor recently. On June 4, the recently completed Sara Askew Jones Arbor was dedicated at the entrance of the Hess Camellia Garden. Named for the magazine’s longtime healthy living editor, the arbor was installed by Robinson Iron Inc. and volunteer John Jones.

The arbor was made possible through generous donations by the Jones family, friends, former coworkers at Southern Living, the Lucille S. Beeson Charitable Trust, Rebar Express and Ready Mix U.S.A., along with inkind services from the City of Birmingham. The arbor was designed by former Southern Living architecture editor Robert Martin.

Martin, a 1992 graduate of Auburn University’s School of Architecture, began his career as a field architectural draftsman for the Historic American Engineering Record before becoming the architecture editor for Southern Living. A native of Hartselle, Martin now lives in Birmingham. For more information on The Gardens or the Sara Askew Jones Arbor, visit www.bbgardens.org. ❖

Free Design 205-951-2974

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Super Estate Sale! 3321 Eaton Rd Birmingham, AL 35223 August 7-10, 2013 Wed. to Sat.: 8am to 4pm

3 Cars: Mercedes Benz, 2 Oldsmobile, Antiques: Sideboard, Dining Table and Chairs, Many Clocks Oriental rugs; Sterling Silver, China, Crystal, Lamps, Books, Bedroom Suits, Sofas, Glass Front Antique Bookshelf, Patio Furniture, Highboy, Desks, Fireplace Tools, Home Décor and Accessories, Costume Jewelry, Typewriters, Dressers, Coffee Table, Lawn mowers, Tools, House/Garage Full!!! Don’t Miss!!! From left: Gene and Jan McElroy and Marilyn and Michael Gross.

Sprig O’Holly Garden Club Hosts Midsummer Party

Lora Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax August 2013

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the st 8, 2013 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to prove your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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Birmingham Ballet Academy Official School of the Birmingham Ballet

Director, Cindy Free

Gina Maiola & Michelle Luo BBA Alumnae

Ballet Pre-Ballet Jazz

Beginner - Advanced 3 years old - Adult

Photos special to The Journal

The Redmont Park home of Lovie and John Montgomery was the setting for Sprig O’Holly Garden Club’s midsummer get-together on July 12. Members, husbands and escorts gathered on the Montgomerys’ deck overlooking Birmingham. In the dining room, heavy hors d’oeuvres offered a treat for every palate. Among those enjoying the fun were newly-elected officers Adrienne O’Brien, president; Joan Hinkle, vice president; Janis Zeanah, secretary; and Elaine Wood, immediate past president and parliamentarian. The club’s new treasurer is Tallulah Hargrove. Others attending the summer festivities were Anne Michaels, Wally Hinkle, Janet Thomas and Red Riddick, Virginia Chappelle, Martha and Paul Chism, Marilyn and Michael Gross, Fay Hart, Jan and Gene McElroy, more photos at Nancy and Bob Jones, Helen Smalley, Cille Spader and Betty Weeks. Sprig O’Holly was organized in the mid-1950s to promote gardening. The club’s programs now includes topics of general interest at its monthly luncheon meetings, held September through May. ❖

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ABOVE: Lovie and John Montgomery, Fay Hart and Anne Michaels. Left: Janet Thomas and Betty Weeks.

Princely Donation The Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association recently held a baby shower in honor of Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The baby clothing and items collected by the group were donated to the Vestavia Pregnancy Center. The TBPA sent a letter and photos of the donations to the royal couple. From left: Irene Lanca, Karen Keeling, Natasha Yoder, Andrea Johnson, Veronica Nelson, Chris Ramsey, Fiona Watts, Hilary Amaro and Heather Clemmett. ❖

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sored by Milo’s Tea Company. Prizes were awarded to the top three teams and low gross team compliments of

Footjoy. Before leaving the club, each golfer received afternoon players’ gifts compliments of Willow House.❖

Front, from left: Anne-Michelle Barnett, Jody Joiner, Joy Jennings, Carol Pinkerton and Jill Crawford. Back: Janet L. Fritz, Debbie Butterworth and Rosalind Griffin. Photos special to The Journal

Pirate Party

Caribbean Casino Night, Golf Outing Benefits Cancer Research Those attending a fundraiser to help breast cancer research had to walk the plank for a good cause. The fifth annual Pink Palace Casino “Goes to the Caribbean” fundraiser, presented by Tameron Automotive and Docupak, was held May 18 at Ted’s Garage in downtown Birmingham. The pirate-themed event was held in conjunction with the 10th annual Drive Out Breast Cancer LPGA ProAm Golf Tournament. The events raised almost $236,000 to help the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. Co-chairmen for the casino event were Rosalind Griffin, Jody Joiner, Gay Roberts, Anne-Michelle Barnett, Jill Crawford, Carol Pinkerton, Joy Jennings, Debbie Butterworth, Janet Fritz and Emily Bates. Throughout the night, donations were made for a glass of Moet champagne, and one lucky guest won a white gold and diamond pendant necklace compliments of Diamonds Direct. All were forced to “walk the plank” to the Pirates’ Hangout for professional Las Vegas-style casino gaming such as blackjack, poker,

craps, roulette and slot machines. Capt. Jack himself was in the Treasure Island Room tattooing those who dared. Guests could grab their spyglasses and take a look at the treasure chest prizes and silent auction items. The event also included live entertainment and dancing to music by Goodfellas and select specialty beverages compliments of United Johnson Brothers, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and AlaBev. Kathy G. & Company prepared food in the ship’s galley. Friends and loved ones were honored with personalized framed art with purchased honorariums on the Honor Wall. Guests moved from the salty seas to the fairway breeze for the 18th annual Drive Out Breast Cancer LPGA Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Old Overton Club on May 20. The BCRFA hosted 25 LPGA pros paired with amateur foursomes in a scramble format with tee off at 9:30 a.m. Amateur golfers began their day with breakfast in the clubhouse. Each golfer received a morning bag filled with items sponsored by the Welden Family, Belk, the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and Merrill Lynch.

Golfers then hit the fairway at the Old Overton golf course designed by Jerry Pate and Tom Fazio. Throughout the course, stations were available with complimentary beverages by Coca Cola Bottling Co., Milo’s Tea Company and AlaBev. Prepared boxed lunches sponsored by Balch & Bingham were delivered to each team that afternoon. After a day of golf with the pros, golfers were invited to the awards party with a full buffet lunch spon-

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ADA Honors Fathers of the Year Three Birmingham area men were recently honored by the American Diabetes Association for their commitment to help stop diabetes. The Father’s Day Council of Birmingham and the ADA honored the men at the annual Father of the Year Awards event on May 29 at The Club in Homewood. The recipients of the 2013 Father of the Year Awards were Joe Dean Jr., Dr. George T. French Jr. and Mark Midyette. These fathers were selected based on their ability to balance their personal and professional lives and to serve as role models for their children while making a positive difference in their communities. “We are proud of these exceptional fathers who joined the movement to stop diabetes,” said Aimee Johnson, executive director of Alabama ADA. The Birmingham chapter of the National Father’s Day Council is a volunteer organization that annually honors individuals who exemplify outstanding commitment to children, family and community. The National Father’s Day Council holds Father of the Year awards events in 36 U.S. cities. National honorees have included John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Colin Powell, Jack Lemmon, George Foreman and Wolf Blitzer. All proceeds from the annual event will support the ADA and its mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes. Before the awards ceremony, guests dined on heirloom tomato salad, short ribs and snapper, chocolate hazelnut tarts and polenta cake with strawberries. Those attending the event included

Food and Fundraising

Second Annual Chefs for a Cure a Success The second annual Chefs for the Cure event June 20 at The Club drew 240 guests. Hosted by the North Central Alabama Affiliate of Susan G. Komen and the Birmingham Originals, the event raised nearly $17,000 for the local Komen affiliate to continue to help Alabama women and their families who are affected by breast cancer. “It was a wonderful evening, the chefs were delightful, the food was great and the band was hopping,” said Mandy Heard, development and communications manager of the North Central Alabama Affiliate of Susan G. Komen. Guests enjoyed gourmet food from 10 Birmingham chefs: George Reis from Ocean, Tasos Touloupis from Ted’s Restaurant, Antony Osborne from The Culinard, Chris Zapalowski from Homewood Gourmet, Haller Magee from Satterfield’s, Clif Holt

From left: Joe Dean Jr., Dr. George T. French Jr. and Mark Midyette. Photos special to The Journal

Taylor and Adam Spratt.

Ursula and Mike Kemp.

Ellen, Scott and Kathryn Dean; Joyce, George and Jasmine French; and Paula, Claire and Matthew Midyette. Also attending the awards ceremony were Mr. and Dr. Marlon Barmore, Sara and Paul Litten, Gene Norman, Jay Hall, Edward and Christie Butler, Mike and

Ursula Kemp, Chris Womack, Bobby Key, Rossi Morris, Lawrence Key, Anna Scharf, Susan and Billy Key, Lindsey Page, Claire O’Rear, Sam Eisa and Rhett McCreight. For more information on the American Diabetes Association, visit www.diabetes.org or call 800-4322383. ❖

from Little Savannah, Charles Nichols from The J. Clyde, Shannon Gober from John’s City Diner, Chris Kennedy from The Club and Alex Castro from Sol Y Luna. “The event is such a tremendous example of folks coming together for an important cause, and the Birmingham Originals are honored to have been a part of it. Not only is giving back to the community a critical component of our organization’s mission, but it’s also great to see the camaraderie among the chefs and patrons—just an all-around terrific evening,” said Antony Osborne,

Birmingham Originals president. Guests indulged on dishes such as Clif Holt’s frog legs and Shannon Gober’s pork belly over corn grits while bidding on silent auction items like tickets to the University of Alabama football team’s season opener in Atlanta, a Destin beach vacation and a night out at Satterfield’s and stay at Ross Bridge. A highlight of the evening was the ice sculpture by Nick Hartmann with Ice By Design. Hartmann created the sculpture to accommodate Cat Head Vodka’s specialty cocktail. The sculpture doubled as a centerpiece, and the cocktails were served in glasses made of the ice sculpture. Guests enjoyed dancing to the music of jazz band One for the Road. For more information on Susan G. Komen and the North Central Alabama Affiliate, visit www.komencalabama.org or call 263-1700. ❖

From left: Gary Kamenicky, George Reis and Tasos Touloupis.

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From left: Grace Pate, Kathy Fullan, Caroline Bolvig, Kathryn Delk and Fontaine Pope.

Kappa Kappa Gammas Reunite

Kappa Kappa Gamma alumni recently reunited with a wine and cheese event. The event was held in June at the home of Dana Wolter. Those attending included Caroline Bailey, Edie Barnes, Eloise Bennett and Caroline Bolvig. Others enjoying the chance to catch up were Susan Boyd, Laurie Bramblett, Heather Brock, Heather Champagne, Lauren Conner and Katherine Cox. Also spotted at the reunion event were Jane Huston Crommelin, Missy Cunningham, Kathryn Delk, Henrietta Emack, Tracy Field, Cathy Fullman, Betsy Gresham, Andrea Hawkins and Mary Margaret Hendry. Other Kappa Kappa Gamma alumni attending included Dee Holcombe, Sara Holt, Lynn Huddle, Susan Hutto, Carla Johnson, Lillian Laughlin, Angie Letzer, Audrey Lindquist, Merrill McWhorter and Leslie Naff. Julie Nesbitt, Grace Pate, Mary Margaret Phillips, Fontaine Pope, Kate Ray, Susan Reeves, Marcie Rodriques, Jody Sparks, Michele Smith, Kim Tew, Laurie Thompson, Dana Wolter, Candace Wason and Diane Weatherford also attended the wine and cheese event. ❖

Tracy Field, Lauren Conner, Leslie Naff and Susan Hutto.

Photos special to The Journal

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Thursday, August 8, 2013 • 17

Laurie Bramblett, Andrea Hawkins, Kate Ray, Audrey Lindquist, Michele Smith and Dee Holcombe.

Prints

New Shipment

Gifst

Frames

Accessories

Sip and Sob

Books

Mirrors From left: Kennon Walthall, Joanna Hufham, Nancy Skinner, Ann Walthall, Charlotte Walthall and David Hufham. Photos special to The Journal

Summer Sale Continues 20% off everything

Parents Gather for Annual Camp Drop-off Party

Lamp Shades

Chandeliers

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Lamps

Date:

Furniture

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To: From:

18 • Thursday, August 8, 2013

Tables

The Mentone cabin of Kathy and Jay Skinner was the setting for the ninth annual Camp Drop-off Sip and Sob party. Parents and siblings of third ses1829 29th Ave. So. • Homewood • 870-8110 sion campers came by for visiting and refreshments after getting campers settled at Camp Laney and Camp Skyline on Lookout Mountain. Kathy’s mother, Becky Couvillion of Huntsville, and her mother-in-law, Nancy Skinner, helped get things set up and greeted guests. On the menu were sausage balls, Mary Glen pigs in blankets, donuts, pastries and Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 ice cold beverages. FAX: 205-824-1246 Guests came and went throughout July 2013 the morning. Those in attendance included Lisa and Mason Cross, This is your ad proof from the over the mountain JournalSally for the Morano with her son James, aug. 8, 2013 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Frank and Christy Cater with their son Hill, Lolita and Tom Owen of Huntsville with their son, Suzan please make sure all information is correct, Smith-Doidge and her husband Neil, including address and phone number! Theresa and Max Pulliam, Ann and Kennon Walthall with daughter

Furniture

Accessories

Prints

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Above: Rosemary Gillespy, Kathy Skinner, Lisa Bowling and Lori Tucker. right: Mason and Lisa Cross.

Charlotte, Joy McPherson, and Stacey and Howard Torch with their daughter Samantha. Others spotted at the annual Sip and Sob party were Rosemary and Gerald Gillespy, with daughter Anna Catherine, Lisa and Mike Bolling, Lori and Craig Tucker, Joanna and David Hufham with their daughter Anna and Betsy Reynolds. Also visiting on the mountain and attending the party were Kathy’s

nieces, Lily Grace and Claire Couvillon. ❖

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.

Youth Ballet Company Helps Kids’ Charity Students in the Alabama Youth Ballet Company recently went shopping for a good cause. The ballet students, along with Stevan and Deborah Grebel, attended the Brighton Loves Kids Charity Party event at The Summit to support three local nonprofit organizations, including their own ballet company. A portion of the proceeds from the sale went to the Alabama Youth Ballet Company, the Music Opportunity Program and Studio by the Tracks. Throughout the summer, those who purchase the “Americana” bracelet can designate a portion of the proceeds to go to either of the three nonprofits. ❖

From left: Stevan Grebel, Deborah Grebel, Rebecca Roy, Mykell Prince, Nikolas Korcz and Joseph Roy. Photo special to The Journal

Thursday, August 8, 2013 • 19

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The Wisdom of Oz

RESPECT - DIGNITY - RESULTS

Newsome Gives Inspirational Message at Shelter Luncheon his college degree, coach college footThe general manager of the 2013 ball and serve others. Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Shelter Executive Director Steve Ravens and former University of Freeman, Development Director Doug Alabama football standout gave a Kovash and Victor Smith, board moving and inspirational message president, each shared a message about about servant leadership at a recent the Firehouse Shelter’s impact on the event at the Harbert Center in downlives of homeless people in the seventown Birmingham. county metro area. Ozzie Newsome spoke to about Several former Alabama and 250 luncheon guests on June 21 and Auburn football greats were present raised almost $47,000 to benefit the and autographed footballs that were Firehouse Shelter. The shelter has used to raise nearly $5,000 as people seven housing programs and serves bid to win the football placed at their more than 210 homeless men every table. night. Alabama alumni attending the Newsome’s message encouraged event included Ray Bolden, Wesley listeners to look for opportunities to do Britt, Darryl Fuhrman, Victor Horn, what the Firehouse Shelter does every Bobby Humphrey, Kermit Kendrick, day--lift up others and encourage the Josh Niblett, Major Ogilvie, Thomas broken, the hurting and the lost. Rayam, Cory Reamer, LaMonde Though his primary responsibility Ozzie Newsome and Cindy Russell and Chris Underwood. is to win championships, Newsome with an autographed footAuburn alumni in attendance were told the luncheon crowd that he spends Blackwell ball signed by former Alabama footDon Dyer, Mike Kolen and Adlai quite a bit of time serving players as a ball players. Bidders raised nearly Trone. life coach and mentor. $5,000 to win the football placed at their table. Photo special to The Journal Jeh Jeh Pruitt of Fox 6 sports was Michael Fantroy, a former shelter emcee. Chuck Watkins of New Leaf guest, gave a heart-touching testimony Design videotaped the event and will post highlights on about how the Firehouse Shelter “saved his life” and built the Firehouse Shelter’s YouTube channel. ❖ a firm foundation that has allowed him to pursue finishing

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From left: Jean Butterworth, Betty Bagby, Anita Dillon, Jim Lyons, Debbie Burnett, Carolyn Kolar, Pam Thompson and Inez McCollum. Photo special to The Journal

Historical Society Celebrates Armed Forces Day

The Hoover Historical Society celebrated Armed Forces Day with patriotic music performed by Lindsey Murdock, trumpet player. The red, white and blue festivities also included the installation of new

officers for the 2013-14 club year. The new president of the Hoover Historical Society is Barbara Lyons. Pam Thompson is first vice president of programs, and Carolyn Kolar is second vice president of membership.

The recording secretary is Debbie Burtnett, and Jim Lyons is corresponding secretary. Anita Dillon is treasurer, Betty Bagby is assistant treasurer and Jean Butterworth is parliamentarian. ❖

Serving commercial businesses in Central and North Alabama Contact us: 205.943.5252 / www.ucpbham.com To: From:

Jennifer Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: Oct.. 2012 This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Jo nov.1You , 2012 Please faxstudy approval or changes to Exercise often improves mayissue. qualify for this if you:

Looking for Women With History of Breast Cancer

the health and well-being • are a woman between the ages of of women after breast 19 and 70. cancer. Women with breast cancer frequently • have a history of stage I, II or IIIA breast cancer. exercise less after their cancer diagnosis. Inves- • are please initial and fax back not currently receiving (nor within 24 hour tigators at the UniversityIf we have fromduring you by 5the pmstudy) of the Friday before the pr plannot to heard receive of Alabama at Birmingyour ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. chemotherapy or radiation therapy. ham are addressing this Thank you for your prompt attention decline in physical activ- • do not have metastasis. ity through a research • speak English. study that evaluates • have not been exercising greater the effectiveness of an than 60 minutes per week for the exercise program spepast 6 months. cifically designed to help breast cancer survivors • do not have physical or psychosocial constraints to exercising. exercise regularly.

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Bailey-Maas

Mr. and Mrs. Tim Christopher Bailey of Homewood announce the engagement of their daughter, Courtney Blythe Bailey, to Erik Michael Maas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Michael Maas of Pittsburgh. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Capt. Max Powell Bailey Jr., USN Retired of Birmingham and the

Adair-Goldasich

Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Dodd Adair of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren Elsa, to Dennis Eugene Goldasich Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Eugene Goldasich Sr. of Albertville. Miss Adair is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Scott Gardner of Warrenton, N.C., the late Mrs. Elsa McCall England of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and the late Mr. Forrest Adair III of St. Simons

Hogan-Carmody

Clare Hogan and Brennan Michael Carmody were married May 26 at the Inn at Biltmore Estate in Asheville,

Weddings & Engagements late Mrs. Norine Skidmore Bailey and the late Mrs. Louise Lambert Harrison and the late Mr. Andrew Eli Harrison Jr. of Monroe County. Miss Bailey is a graduate of Homewood High School, Birmingham-Southern College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. She is employed at Princeton Baptist Medical Center as a CICU charge nurse and the Alabama Vascular and Vein Center in Vestavia Hills. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Snyder of Luckey, Ohio and the late Mr. and Mrs. Urban Maas of Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Maas is a graduate of Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse, Ohio and Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla., where he was a member of the baseball team. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Montevallo, where he is employed as associate head baseball coach. The wedding will be Aug. 10. Island, Ga. Miss Adair is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in education. She was chosen to be a member of Freshman Forum and was also a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Miss Adair is a fitness professional and nutrition coach in Birmingham. Mr. Goldasich is the grandson of Mr. Schumann Arden Brewer and the late Mrs. Schumann Arden Brewer of Franklin, Tenn., and Mrs. Paul James Goldasich and the late Mr. Paul James Goldasich of Greeneville, Tenn. Mr. Goldasich is a magna cum laude graduate of Lipscomb University, where he was an Academic All-American golfer. He is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law and a Hugo Black Scholar. He is on the board of governors for the Alabama Trial Lawyers Association, a member of the Litigation Counsel of America and a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. Mr. Goldasich is the managing partner of Goldasich and Associates in Birmingham. The wedding will be Aug. 17.

N.C. Pastor Caleb Kurbis officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. R. Ben Hogan III of Birmingham and Mrs. Carolyn Hogan of Paramus, N.J. The groom is the son of Mr. William Carmody of Pittsburgh and Mrs. Lisa Carmody of Bristol, Tenn. Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by Sumerlin Brandon as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Meghan Dougherty, Alexandra Flynn, Ellie Conser, Logan Carmody, Kelly Thomas and Lauren Hall. The groom’s father was best man. Groomsmen were Ryan Dougherty, Jamin Hogan, Ryan Ingraham, Rob McColl, Brendan Hogan and David Harris. After a honeymoon trip to the Florida Keys, the couple live in Arlington, Va.

Denney-Brasovan

Shannon Elizabeth Denney and Peter Alexander Brasovan were married May 18 at 7 p.m. at Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham. Rabbi Jonathan Miller of Temple Emanu-El officiated the ceremony. Parents of the bride are Drs. David and Nancy Denney of Mountain

Crow-Conrad

Elisabeth Whitney Crow and David Druid Conrad III were mar-

Walden-Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allen Walden of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Caley

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Brook. Grandparents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Lazarus of Vestavia Hills and the late Mrs. Sonia Rosen Lazarus and Dr. and Mrs. Calvin Denney of Dothan. Parents of the groom are Dr. Srbislav Brasovan and Ms. Laura Jean Brasovan, both of Crown Point, Ind. The groom is the grandson of Ms. Betty Peters, also of Crown Point. Given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore a gown created by Israeli designer Pnina Tornai exclusively for Kleinfeld’s in New York City. The sheath gown was made of charmeuse fabric and detailed with re-embroidered lace and small Swarovski crystals, with bias seam detailing. The bride wore a cathedrallength veil also designed by Pnina Tornai, accented with a jeweled headpiece. Maid of honor was Carrie Zosack of Pittsburgh, and man of honor was Bryan Matechen of New York City. The bridal party also included Dr.

Ashley Dahl Denney, sister-in-law of the bride, and Alie B. Gorrie of Birmingham; Lexie Dorsett, Kate Michalski and Sam Doblick of New York City; Jordan Scher and Jon Sloven of Chicago; and Meritt Ertel, Christy Snyder and Megan Thomas, all of Indianapolis. Flower girls were Alethea Brasovan, niece of the groom, of Conway, Ark., and Noemi Cantrell of Indianapolis. The groom chose Jared Cantrell and Greg Pottorff, both of Indianapolis, as best men. Groomsmen included Dr. Nick Brasovan of Conway and Philip Brasovan of Chicago, brothers of the groom; Dr. Brad Denney of Birmingham and Dr. Josh Denney of Cincinnati, brothers of the bride; Martin Cole of Indianapolis; Adrian Conrad of Goshen, Ind., and Drew Lear of Chicago. The couple will honeymoon in Hawaii later this year. They live in Indianapolis.

ried June 15 at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. The 6 p.m. ceremony was officiated by Dr. John Douglas Dortch. A reception followed at the Country Club of Birmingham. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Baker Crow IV of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Druid Conrad Jr. of Troy. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Her sister, Caroline Milliken Crow, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Katherine Grayson Baugh, Mary Kathryn Harbert Bryant, Caroline Webb Clark, Caroline Catherine Davis, Whitney Adams Jamison, Elizabeth Arrington McDonald, Elizabeth Riley McDuff, Virginia Garland Quinn, Blakely Bowron Taylor and Marissa Fleming

Thetford. Program attendants were Jane Elisabeth Branch, cousin of the bride, and Sarah Adalyn Hutcheson, cousin of the groom. The groom’s father and brother, Liston Hutcheson Conrad, served as best men. Groomsmen were John Frederick Carter Jr.; William Hare Conrad Jr., cousin of the groom; John Baker Crow, brother of the bride; Michael Louis DiChiara; Tanner Johnson Harbin; John Michael Hawley; William Raymond Hudson II; Steven Layton Sanders; and Thomas Eugene Schmaeling II. Jonathan Rhett Wieland Jr., cousin of the bride, served as ring bearer. After a honeymoon trip to the British Virgin Islands, the couple will live in Troy.

Margaret Walden, to James Edward Miller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hodo Miller of Vestavia Hills. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Herbert C. Kinzey of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Foy T. Walden of Headland. Miss Walden is a 2007 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a 2012 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She was the first student athlete to be accepted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing while actively playing a sport. She was a four-year starter on the University of Alabama at Birmingham softball team, a 2011 inductee to the Central Alabama Softball Hall of Fame and secretary of the Student

Athlete Advisory Committee. She was presented at the 42nd Poinsettia Debutante Ball in 2009. Miss Walden is employed at UAB Hospital as a labor and delivery nurse. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Mary Willingham West of Vestavia Hills and the late Mr. Austin Walker West and Mrs. Jean Hodo Miller and the late Mr. Jesse Edward Miller of Mountain Brook. Mr. Miller is a 2007 graduate of Briarwood Christian School and a 2011 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He is an active mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He is employed with Miller Wealth Management in Birmingham. The wedding will be Aug. 17.

Recently engaged, married or celebrating an anniversary? Let us help spread the word of your good news.

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Thursday, August 8, 2013 • 21

Also in this section

Garner Stone GM Ross Huffstutler

Local Color Garner Stone Crafts Materials from Close-toHome Sources Page 22 ABOVE: Lee McKee, a blacksmith with Red Mountain Ironworks, shapes a piece of hot iron in the company’s Birmingham workshop. The iron will eventually be a part of a new gate at Oak Hill Cemetery. BELOW: Joseph Harris uses an anvil to sculpt intricate scrollwork while the iron is still glowing.

Heavy into Metal Red Mountain Ironworks Revives Time-honored Craft

Story by Keysha Drexel • Photos by Lee Walls Jr.

n a workshop on First Avenue South in Birmingham near Sloss Furnaces, where the rise of the Magic City was forged, a group of blacksmiths is creating functional pieces of art through a centuries-old craft.

The staff at Red Mountain Ironworks, a blacksmith and ornamental iron shop headed up by Nolen Graves of Homewood, focuses on creating original, inspired and functional pieces for homes and businesses using the tools and techniques honed by craftsmen for hundreds of years. Graves, who also owns and operates Frontera Iron Furniture Store, said he has always done custom iron and metal work but about two years ago had the opportunity to expand that side of his business. “We’ve always done some custom work but just not on this scale. I had an equity partner that helped with the iron works side of it, and we had about a 2,000-square foot shop,” he said. “We started doing more custom work, and he started an iron business and then I purchased his assets and we expanded to this workshop, which is about 15,000 square feet.” From the design through the installation, the craftsmen at Red Mountain Ironworks work with clients to create one-of-a-kind pieces in iron, steel, bronze, aluminum and a variety of other metals. The Red Mountain Ironworks staff includes Steve Ledford, who has been a blacksmith for more than 30 years. “Steve’s a legend. I absolutely consider what he and the other guys do a form of art. It’s not just a craft they’ve perfected, it’s an art,” Graves said.

Ledford said the art of blacksmithing almost died out in this country but saw a revival in the 1960s. He said that luckily, good quality work never goes out of style, and he’s happy to see more customers choosing iron and metal pieces for their homes and businesses. These days, however, the number of young people interested in learning the craft is dwindling, Ledford said. “If it doesn’t get carried to the next generation, it will disappear. It makes me feel better that we have some young guys around here who are interested in learning and carrying it forward,” he said. Brady Jackson, the shop manager, is one of those young guys at the helm of introducing a whole new generation to the art of metalwork. “We want to continue to use traditional methods to make things that are lasting, things that will be in your life for a long time and the kind of things that you can’t get anywhere else,” Jackson said. But just because Jackson uses traditional methods doesn’t mean the guys at Red Mountain Ironworks are stuck in the past. The company has a computer-controlled plasma cutter that it uses in addition to the time-tested metalworking methods that have been passed down through the years. The company aims to be involved in the kinds of projects that

See Heavy into Metal, page 25

Betty and Jody Saia’s pool deck.

Rocking the Pool Saias Revamp Outdoor Living Space with Bluestone, Limestone Page 22

Anne Couch

Custom Creation Mountain Brook House’s Three-Year Renovation Was Worth the Wait Page 24

22 • Thursday, August 8, 2013

Rocking the Pool

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Saias Revamp Outdoor Living Space with Bluestone, Limestone By Keysha Drexel

Journal editor

hen Betty and Jody Saia built their Mountain Brook home in 1995, adding a pool and outdoor living area was a must. The couple knew their three children, who were young at that time, would get countless hours of enjoyment swimming, diving and hanging out by the pool in the backyard of the Brooke Mountain Lane home. But what they didn’t count on was how quickly their outdoor oasis would lose its shine. “We had a pool at our last house, so we knew it would be used and enjoyed, and so when we built this house in 1995, we knew we wanted one here, too,” Betty Saia said. “What we didn’t realize was that 18 years later, we’d end up with a shattered pool deck that was completely unacceptable.” After almost two decades of family get-togethers, birthday and anniversary parties and Scout meetings, the pressed concrete blocks in the Saias’ pool area started to crumble. “When they initially installed the pressed concrete blocks, they didn’t install them with expansion joints, so over the years they buckled and contracted and the whole outdoor area was a mess,” Betty said. And while the couple’s children are now grown and have homes of their own, Betty said improving the pool area was still a priority. “I’m a sun worshipper, and one

of my favorite things in the world is to sun myself by the pool. What used to be my backyard sanctuary had turned into a situation that just left me stressed out,” she said. Over the years, Betty said, the pool has required a lot of upkeep, but the family was always committed to preserving the pool area because it represented happy memories already made and happy times in the future. “You get really tired of taking care of the pool, but it’s worth it when you see people enjoying it,” she said. The couple even went to great lengths a few years ago to make sure they could keep the cool water flowing in their pool despite pricey water bills. “We were getting these horrendous water bills of $500 a month in the summer, so we had a well dug. The well produced a lot of water, but what we didn’t count on was that a few months later, the pool started turning red. The well water had a really high iron content, and the water stained the pool and we had to have it acid washed twice,” she said. “Now, we’re back to using city water.” And while the pool has required a lot of upkeep over the years, Jody said he has advice for anyone looking to build a pool at home. “If the husband wants a pool, then he has to get his wife to commit to taking care of it,” he said, laughing. But although Betty had become an expert on maintaining the pool over the years, the couple knew they would need professional help replacing the

Betty and Jody Saia enjoy relaxing in the renovated pool area of their Mountain Brook home with their two dogs. The renovation of the Saias’ pool included adding limestone steps. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr

broken concrete blocks around it. “We knew it was going to be a major renovation and something that we wanted done the right way,” Jody said. When it came time to give the pool area and outdoor living area a revamp, the couple said they didn’t have to look very far for design inspiration. “We had a small courtyard with bluestone, and we liked the look of it so much that we decided to do the whole pool area in bluestone,” Betty said. “Instead of just replacing the

By Keysha Drexel

Local Color

Journal editor

While building trends come and go, one local company has proven that using some of the most basic building materials in the world in creative ways will never go out of style. For more than 75 years, Garner Stone has worked with locally-sourced limestone and other natural materials to beautify and fortify both private residences and public buildings across the Birmingham metro area. The limestone construction and fabrication company’s portfolio includes everything from the stately Birmingham Federal Reserve Building downtown to the new amphitheater at Birmingham-Southern College to the bull-nosed limestone steps at the Mountain Brook home of Betty and Jody Saia, (see story above) said Joey Dobbs, Garner Stone chairman. “Whether you see a bridge abutment or cap of a column on one of these classic buildings around Birmingham, chances are that work was done by Garner Stone,” he said. Dobbs said he thinks the company has been able to weather the ups and downs of the construction business because there has always been an emphasis on the quality of work done at Garner Stone. “The longevity comes down to the quality

pressed concrete blocks by the pool, we installed bluestone over an area that goes from the pool to the house and wraps around the house.” Jody said the couple chose bluestone because its neutral shades complemented the traditional style of their two-story, French Normandystyle house. “The bluestone has different shades in it and looks really natural, and I think it goes along with the traditional look of the house. It also fits

Garner Stone Crafts Materials from Close-to-Home Sources

of the work. We could make the most beautiful things in the world, but if we didn’t make them the right way, if we didn’t take pride in our craftsmanship, we wouldn’t have lasted this long,” he said. That commitment to quality craftsman-

ship can be seen in how Garner Stone still uses the same techniques that stoneworkers have used for thousands of years, Dobbs said. “We are one of only a handful of old artisan shops that can still craft our pieces by

the landscape,” he said. The couple said it was important to them to use quality, locally-sourced materials, and they wanted to stay away from synthetic materials like composite decking. “We wanted something that was going to last, that was going to blend well with the house a lot better than those concrete blocks did,” Betty said. Once they had decided what materials to use for their outdoor renovation, Jody said he knew just who to contact to make their ideas for their outdoor living area a reality. “I knew some of the owners of Garner Stone, and they’d done work for a number of our friends. I always knew them to do a good job, so between personal and other referrals, I knew they were right for the job,” Jody said. Garner Stone worked with the couple to design the layout of the bluestone around the pool. “The bluestone that they wanted was a natural fit for the architecture of the house. It wasn’t easy to install, but it was easy on the eyes,” said Joey Dobbs, chairman of Garner Stone. Jody said Garner Stone suggested the couple use limestone on the steps in the pool area to break up the massive amount of bluestone involved in the project. “That turned out so well. The limestone looks really nice and breaks up the bluestone a little bit but still looks very natural,” he said. Dobbs said the solid, bull-nosed limestone steps in the Saia’s pool area were hand-carved. “It takes a long time to create a custom element like that. After the measurements are done, you have to build a template and then do the hand carving. You also have to prep the site See pool, facing page

Ernesto Barragan, Garner Stone’s shop superintendent and lead fabricator, works to carve a limestone piece. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr

hand. We can take limestone, sandstone or marble and shape the natural stone to fit any application. Not a lot of folks can do that anymore,” he said. Ernesto Barragan, the shop superintendent and lead fabricator at Garner Stone, still uses the techniques that have been passed from generation to generation of stoneworkers. The company uses huge stone saws to cut limestone slabs into different sizes for different projects. After the limestone is cut, it is moved to the fabrication tables, where Barragan and other craftsmen shape and fabricate each piece by hand. And what Barragan and the other stoneworkers can create out of natural stone is only limited by the imagination, Dobbs said. “If you bring us a drawing of what you want for your fireplace mantel or something like that, we can hand-carve just about anything you want,” he said. “There really is an art component to what our craftsmen do.” And although modern machines help with some of the heavy lifting and cutting of the stones, the ancient craft is still quite labor-

See stone, facing page

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pool,

From previous page

and make sure it’s ready for the stonework,” he said. Dobbs said that by choosing natural stone for their pool area renovation, the Saias made a smart investment that adds value to their home. “It doesn’t take a trained eye to see the difference between a piece of dyed

Stone,

From previous page

intensive, Dobbs said. “It can take weeks to complete a project like the steps at the Saias’ house. Everything we do, the process comes down to good, solid masonry work. I think people appreciate that,” he said. Dobbs said he thinks more people are appreciating quality stonework these days as the green building movement continues to grow. “Our website says that Garner Stone was green before green was cool, and that’s true,” he said. “Stone has a sense of permanence, of solid social responsibility and of using but not wasting.” The company’s recent project at Birmingham-Southern is just one example of how it is leading the way in environmentally-friendly construction, Dobbs said. “All the natural materials for the walkways and the amphitheater came from less than 200 miles from that

concrete that will surely fade in the sun and a piece of hand-cut limestone,” he said. The Saias said the renovation project turned out even better than they imagined and has inspired them to take on other renovation projects in their home. “To walk out and see this beautiful space is really inspiring,” Jody said. “We’re redoing the kitchen now.” But before they tackle a kitchen

renovation, Betty said she plans to take full advantage of her backyard retreat during the last few weeks of the summer. “It’s one of my favorite things to do--grab my shades, a stack of magazines and the beverage of my choice and just lounge by the pool,” she said. “It’s calming and relaxing and all the better because I’m literally just a few beautiful bluestone and limestone steps away from home.” ❖

building site, which has afforded them a ton of LEED credits,” Dobbs said. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Building projects that satisfy prerequisites earn points, or credits, to achieve different levels of certification. The company was also “buying local” before that became a catch phrase, Dobbs said. “We try to get all of our materials within a 500-mile range of Birmingham,” he said. And that’s not just because it is very expensive to transport tons of limestone from place to place, Dobbs said. “It’s also investing in local suppliers and local craftsmen, and it’s about the aesthetic, too,” he said. “We try to get our stone in North Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas and Georgia because it matches the stone here.” Tyler Price, an architect who has worked with Garner Stone in the past,

said stone’s environmentally-friendly characteristics make it popular with architects, designers and builders. “If you can get something out of the ground here in Alabama rather than hauling a load of bricks from halfway around the world, that’s sustainable in a way that most people don’t think about,” he said. And stone’s connection to the earth, its elemental nature, works in both contemporary and classic designs, Price said. “The possibilities are endless from the design point,” he said. In an increasingly synthetic world, the work done by expert stonemasons like those at Garner Stone is giving a new generation a better appreciation for the timeless quality of stone construction, Price said. “There’s really no older form of architecture in the world. That’s why it’s always applicable. Stone makes a statement, and I think more and more people like that idea,” he said. For more information, visit garnerstone.com. ❖

Thursday, August 8, 2013 • 23

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new owners 22,000 square feet!

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24 • Thursday, August 8, 2013

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Clockwise from above: Natural light floods the breezeway; Anne Couch; The spacious living room, right, used to be the kitchen. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

Custom Creation

Mountain Brook House’s Three-Year Renovation Was Worth the Wait By Keysha Drexel

Journal editor

Kathy’s Designer Kitchens, Inc. 1831 29th Ave. S. • Homewood, AL 35209 205-871-9880 • Kathy Owens, CKD, President

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hen Anne and Rob Couch began renovating their 1940s Mountain Brook home, they knew they wanted to create an updated, user-friendly environment with an aesthetic that you can’t buy in a store. After almost three years of work, the house on Club View Drive has been transformed into just that—an interior that incorporates clean lines and custom touches, blending the old and the new for an approachable, oneof-a-kind look. The parents of two adult children, Anne and Rob began thinking about renovating the house in 2008, shortly after moving back to Mountain Brook from Washington, D.C. They planned for about two years before construction began and the major renovations were completed last fall. Finishing touches are still being added here and there. The couple wasn’t interested in adding square footage to the house, Anne said, but instead wanted to transform the interior to accommodate their changing lifestyle. “We didn’t want a bigger house, we just wanted it to be more usable,” Anne said. “The children were already out of the house by then, and we wanted to reconfigure the space for the future.” That reconfiguration included making the living areas more comfortable for entertaining. The kitchen, which was in the back of the house before the renovation, is now in the middle of the house and is open to both the main living room area and the window-filled entryway. “The kitchen really is the heart of the house. I think that’s true for most houses because like most people, we spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Before, we had a really cozy den, but it wasn’t comfortable when you got more than six people in there, so it was important for us to open up that

space as much as possible,” Anne said. The doorways in the house were also widened during the renovations, she said. “We lost one of the bedrooms but were able to create these two great guest areas,” Anne said. The home’s interior features a neutral color palette, light hardwood floors and modern, frameless doors, all flooded with natural light from large windows that offer views of the manicured yard. “We removed every bit of molding in the house--the base and the crown molding, all of it,” Anne said. “I wanted the focus to be on the views outside so it makes everything seem more open.” The clean lines of the interior are accented by more rustic features, like the cutaway ceilings on the main level that reveal the attic floor boards. “The ceilings were just a happy surprise,” Anne said. “During construction, we had planned on putting up sheetrock ceilings, but when we saw how good the original attic boards looked when they were exposed, we decided to keep it that way.” And while she embraced the happy surprises that revealed themselves during the renovations, she knew exactly what she wanted when it came to adding custom touches to the home’s interior. “The main goal was to pare down everything and put the focus on interesting details,” Anne said. Those interesting details include hand-wrought iron stair railings and custom hardware for the doors and cabinets created by Red Mountain Iron, a blacksmith and ornamental iron shop owned by Nolen Graves of Homewood. (See story, page 21) “When it came time to choose the railings for the staircases, I wasn’t having any luck finding stock pieces that gave me the clean lines I was looking for and at the same time looked handmade,” Anne said. “I had worked with Nolen before and knew

he did great work, so I took my ideas to him.” Graves describes the stair railings and door and cabinet pulls he and his staff at Red Mountain Iron created for the Couch house as both modern and organic. “Anne knew exactly what she wanted, and we were able to come up with a design that fit the clean lines she wanted but has the warmth and character of a custom, handmade piece,” he said. Anne, who has a degree in art and worked as an artist as the co-owner of her own painting company for 25 years, said she enjoyed watching the craftsmen at Red Mountain Iron bring her ideas to life. “I also went to them with my ideas because it’s about artists supporting artists, and what they do at Red Mountain Iron is an art,” she said. “I knew what I wanted, but I was open to their suggestions.” For example, when Red Mountain Iron’s shop manager, Brady Jackson, suggested leaving the rivets exposed on the handrails, Anne immediately embraced that idea. “I wanted the hardware to have that hand-hammered finish, and by leaving the rivets exposed, it just really made the whole piece,” she said. That attention to details fits exactly with the look Anne said she and Rob were going for with their home renovation. “We have all these flat surfaces in the house, so the details become even more important, the craftsmanship becomes even more important,” Anne said. By wiping the slate clean, so to speak, during the renovation of their home, Anne said she and her husband now have a home they can enjoy for years to come. “Hopefully, it will always be a place where our friends can gather and where our children can bring their own children someday, and we’ll have plenty of space for everyone,” she said. ❖

Thursday, August 8, 2013 • 25

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Joseph Harris, Steve Ledford, Lee McKee, Brady Jackson and Nolen Graves.

We Believe

in the substance of beautiful thingsin the magnitude of finer detailsin the fact that good clients inevitably become good friendsin the Joy of Surprisein the fact that Laughter is Essential to a good nights sleepa little indulgence is good for the souland that a “true escape” does not have to involve travel. “It’s Good to be Home”...

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

Heavy into Metal, From page 21

will make spaces special by adding impact, Jackson said. “A huge part of what we do is attention to detail, and people who like that love our work,” he said. Jackson said he’s encouraged by a steady flow of business at Red Mountain Ironworks and hopes that means more people are coming to appreciate the kind of quality the company offers. “The same way people are supporting the local food movement, the local craft beer movement, I think they’re coming to support companies like ours that are taking the materials we have right here and making something that is unique to this area,”

To: From: Date:

he said. The blacksmiths at Red Mountain Ironworks usually receive the raw materials in 20-foot long sticks of steel. Using bandsaws, shears and the computer-controlled plasma cutter, the team cuts the long sticks into the appropriate sizes for each project. From there, any forge work is done. The metal is heated and shaped with hammers and anvils of all

shapes and sizes. Through this violent and often loud process, the blacksmiths shape the metal into shapes and designs ranging from the clean lines of the railings in Anne Couch’s home (see story, page 24) to more intricate designs like the curling, looping scrollwork featured on the team’s furniture pieces. After the forge work is complete, the project is assembled on fabrication tables and then cleaned and finished by hand. Joseph Harris, another blacksmith at Red Mountain Ironworks, said he began learning the craft because it combines two things he really loves-working with the hands and artistic creativity. “It is just like working in clay, in some respects, because when you’re working with metal, the possibilities are endless,” he said. “You have to have ability to see the potential in this piece of raw material.” For more information, visit redmountainiron.com or call 226-9055. ❖

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We're pleased to announce two new designers to our TEAM

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Jim Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 This is your ad proof for the Aug. 8 OTMJ Please contact your sales representative as soon as p Oct. 2010 make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246. This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Please make sure all information is correct, including address and p Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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Bringing His Best

schools

Recipe for Change

New VHHS Principal Wants to Balance Tradition with Innovation

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

As the man who is replacing Cas McWaters as principal at Vestavia Hills High School, Wes Gordon said he knows he has big shoes to fill. But the 42-year-old said he’s more excited than intimidated as he heads into his first year as the school’s new principal. McWaters announced his retirement in February after nearly 30 years of service in various roles in the Vestavia Hills school system. He was also once a student at VHHS. “One of the challenges of leadership is balancing the tradition with innovation. I want to extend the tradition of excellence already established here by Cas McWaters and all the wonderful teachers that have been here for a long time,” he said. “At the same time, I want to inspire everyone to bring their best to the table and incorporate that into the fabric of the school.” While his job title at the school is different, Gordon is not a completely new face at Vestavia Hills High School. Most recently, he served as the K-12 director of curriculum and instruction at the Vestavia Hills Board of Education central office. Before that, Gordon was hired by McWaters to teach AP calculus at the school. “I’m excited about being back in the school,” he said. “I loved my job at the central office because it gave me a chance to get to know all the principals and teachers in the other seven Vestavia Hills schools, so I feel like now I am able to bring my passion for the whole school system to my job here at the high school.” A native of Selma, Gordon earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Alabama but originally didn’t have his sights set on becoming an educator. “Like all boys that are good at math and science, I thought I wanted to be an engineer,” Gordon said. “I followed that path and did all the

things I was told I had to do to work in that field, but then I discovered that I hated it. I couldn’t imagine spending my life working as an engineer.” So Gordon looked for other ways to use his math smarts. “I starting looking at other options, and education seemed like a good choice. I started grad school and immediately fell in love with teaching, with being in the classroom with the kids,” he said. Gordon earned a master’s degree in secondary education and started his first teaching job at Holt High School in Tuscaloosa. “At that point, in my heart of hearts, I thought I would teach ninth-graders math for the rest of my career. But I soon learned that teaching ninth-graders is harder than you would imagine,” he said. From there, he went on to teach at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and then in 2007 came to Vestavia Hills High School, where he taught math for three years. “In the meantime, I earned my education specialist degree from UAB,” he said. Then Gordon got the offer to come work in the school system’s central office as the director of curriculum and instruction. “When I left the classroom to take the job in the central office, it made my heart sad a little to leave the kids,” he said. “That’s why I’m excited about being back in the school.” As the new principal, Gordon said he wants to encourage teachers to bring their personalities to the table and capitalize on the unique gifts they each bring to the classroom. “You have to magnify your personality--whether it’s your sternness, your humor or whatever--so that you can really connect with the kids. It’s about forming those one-on-one relationships with the students so that you can help them achieve their goals,” he said. One goal Gordon has for the new school year is dispelling a myth he thinks exists about most high schools. See Gordon, facing page

Wes Gordon will begin his first year as the principal at Vestavia Hills High School when classes start on Aug. 19. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Chef Beth Leon Moves from Restaurant to Homewood Classroom

Chef Beth Leon gets ready to teach a cooking class at Sur La Table. She’ll also be starting her second year as Homewood High School’s culinary arts instructor when school begins this month. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

By Donna Cornelius

Journal Features Writer

Chefs worth their gourmet sea salt have to be ready to make adjustments when a recipe isn’t working out. Chef Beth Leon had to handle an even more drastic change. Instead of cooking up restaurant food, she’s now whipping up lesson plans. Leon, a 25-year-old Pelham resident and John Carroll Catholic High School graduate, was happily working at Birmingham’s Little Savannah restaurant as the garde manger chef, in charge of appetizers and desserts. But a medical problem made it hard to keep up with the physical demands of her job. “When I was in sixth grade, I dislocated my knee during a school dance,” Leon said. “I kept having problems with it, and I needed to get it fixed.” In January 2012, Leon had knee surgery, which meant a lengthy recuperation period. Little Savannah’s owners, Clif and wife Maureen Holt, were “so understanding,” she said. “They even held my spot for me.” But since chefs have to be on their feet for long hours, Leon decided to explore different options. “I knew it was going to be hard to keep working in a restaurant with the long hours and physical toll,” she said. Leon is a graduate of Jefferson State Community College’s Culinary and Hospitality Management program and contacted Chef Joseph Mitchell, the program director, and other instructors there for advice. “They suggested teaching,” Leon said. Leon found a job at Homewood High School. She started the school’s culinary arts program last year and will begin her second year of teaching at HHS when classes start on Aug. 19. “I didn’t have any teaching experience,” she said. “I did all the lesson plans and do all the grocery shopping for the classes.” The school’s culinary program is the result of student surveys, said Latta Johnson, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction. “Through formal and informal surveys of the students, we ascertained that there was interest among students to start a culinary program,” Johnson said. The decision proved to be a good one: The number of students that requested the course was large its first year and has grown during the second, the assistant principal said. Since Leon is a working chef, that gives her “instant credibility” with her students, according to Johnson. “It lets her stay abreast of current trends,” Johnson said. “It makes the content less theoretical and more practical.” Leon also teaches at Sur La Table at The Summit. The Seattle-based retailer not only sells kitchenware but offers cooking classes ranging from courses like Grilling 101 to Coastal Italian Cuisine. A culinary career became Leon’s goal when she was a high school sophomore, she said. “I decided I didn’t want to do anything else,” she said.

“I’m Italian, so food always surrounded everything I did. My mother and grandmother are both great cooks.” Leon’s first job in the food service field was at Edgar’s Bakery in Birmingham. She started working there during her senior year at John Carroll. “It was a good way to get into the industry,” she said. She won a John Carroll scholarship to Jefferson State, she said, and earned a hospitality/food service degree and a pastry/baking certificate. As a Jefferson State student, she did internships at Imperial Catering in Hoover and at the college-run restaurant, Bistro proVare. She credited Mitchell and her instructors there, Glenn Rinsky, Todd Jackson and Jason Bierley, with providing instruction and advice. Leon also managed the café at Organic Harvest in Hoover, she said. At Homewood High School, Leon teaches two classes to students in grades 10-12: a basic course and one that explores classic techniques like knife skills, sanitation and sauce, soup and salad-making. “I’m trying to teach them what I learned in my first year of culinary school,” she said. Her students range from foodies to football players, she said. And these days, you won’t find an uneven balance of the sexes in the school kitchen. “Last year, one of my classes had more girls than boys, and the other had more boys than girls,” she said. Her students’ knowledge about food varies greatly, too, she said. “When we made ratatouille, I brought out the fresh vegetables,” Leon said. “Some of the kids didn’t know what some of the vegetables were. But then I also had a student who had been with her family to places like Highlands Bar and Grill and Chez Fonfon. She knew a lot about food.” Leon has brought in guest speakers like the Holts, her former bosses at Little Savannah, and Carole Griffin, owner of Birmingham’s Continental Bakery, she said. While she loves teaching at Homewood High, she’s also enjoyed her experiences at Sur La Table. “I had looked at their website and saw jobs for a kitchen assistant and instructor,” Leon said. “I applied for the kitchen assistant position, but Nadia Ruiz, the resident chef there, told me to apply to be an instructor.” Leon teaches one to two classes a week at Sur La Table. While some, like Steak Night and Four Classic Desserts Every Cook Should Know, are geared for adults, other classes are for younger would-be chefs. This summer, Leon taught the Science of Cooking for Kids and other classes that focused on foods from around the world. “I love teaching at Sur La Table,” she said. “The people taking the classes are excited to be there, and the store makes it very easy for people to learn.” Although she’s fully recovered from her knee surgery, Leon said she’s enjoying teaching so much that she’s now finishing up her bachelor’s degree in hospitality at the University of Alabama. “Now that I know there’s another side to culinary, I want to teach for a long time,” she said. ❖

John Carroll Welcomes New Assistant Principal John Carroll Catholic High School years at his alma mater, St. Joseph’s Prep, in Philadelphia, Pa. He earned will have a new assistant principal a bachelor’s degree in English from when the 2013-14 school year begins the University of Vermont and a maslater this month. ter’s degree from the University of Brian Connell was named the Georgia. school’s new assistant principal. Originally from the Connell comes from Philadelphia area, Collins Athens, Ga., where he and his wife Kristen have spent the last 10 years come to call the South working at Athens their home. They said they Academy Upper School. are excited to get to know At Athens Academy, he Birmingham with their taught English, moderated two daughters, Beatrice, the newspaper, coached 4, and Simone, almost 1, Mock Trial, produced and to be closer to family the talent show, initiated members who live here. and directed the Kairos At John Carroll, Retreat, led the National Brian Connell Connell will oversee the Honor Society and helped academic profile of the school as relatshape the Disciplinary Committee. ing to admissions, curriculum and Prior to teaching at Athens instruction. ❖ Academy, Connell taught for three

gordon,

From facing page

“You hear a lot that teachers in high schools teach content, not kids. Well, that’s not what we’re going to do here at Vestavia Hills High School,” he said. Gordon said he hopes to inspire his staff and students to think about the big picture. “I want people to realize that this year is going to be somebody’s ‘good old days,’ their big year at Vestavia Hills High School. This is what they will look back and remember, and we want it to be incredible,” he said. Gordon is married and has 13-year-old twins who will be eighth-graders at Liberty Park Middle School when the new school year begins. The family lives in Trussville, but Gordon said he doesn’t mind the daily commute. He officially

began his job as the new principal at Vestavia Hills High School on July 1. “The drive gives me time to unwind, clear my head and be ready to spend time with and focus on my family,” he said. Gordon describes himself as an avid reader and said he likes to read the books his children are reading. “I’ve been reading a lot of adolescent literature, but it’s a lot of fun to read it with my kids and then discuss it,” he said. “Right now we’re reading the ‘Sisters Grimm’ series together.” The twins recently built a fire pit at the family’s home, and Gordon said they are looking forward to cooler nights this fall. “The first time we used it, it was raining, but we still stood out there trying to roast our marshmallows. It will be really nice to use this fall. It’s going to be a great year,” he said. ❖

Thursday, August 8, 2013 • 27

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

hood,

From page 1

school system--there’s a sense of connectedness there, and it really is like a family,” she said. And getting reacquainted with the school family is Hood’s top priority as she gets ready for the new school year, which starts on Aug. 19. “Right now, it’s about reconnecting with the faculty and staff and parents and students,” she said. “Building those relationships is a huge priority for me.” Hood said it’s important that everyone in the school community thinks of themselves as a team as education continues to change. “It takes a village to make it work,” she said. “It takes our teachers, parents, our secretaries and custodians and lunchroom staff and everyone to build a place where anyone can come in and feel like they can grow every day.” That teamwork is even more important now, Hood said, because the approach to educating students is changing. “It used to be that education was more corporate--you had a teacher standing in front of the class lecturing. That’s shifting now.” she said. The approach to education is moving to one that is more focused on individual learning styles, Hood said. “We’re learning that what’s right for one child might not be right for the next student. We’re transitioning to a learning environment that looks at the needs of different people,” she said. That shift means educators have to be vested in really knowing and understanding their students. “As educators, it is so important that we understand our students and know what their goals are and what they need to reach those goals,” she said. As principal, Hood said her main job is the same as that of everyone at the school. “Our job is to do everything we can to build programs that give our

students access to the tools they will need to be successful,” she said. A native of Selma, Hood graduated from Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa and earned a bachelor’s degree from Troy State University. “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I used to play school all the time growing up, and I never really considered doing anything else,” she said. Her first teaching job was at Oak Mountain High School, where she taught math. After earning a master’s

work in the Mountain Brook school system. “You can’t isolate just one thing that makes this a great school system,” she said. “We have great leadership, and they challenge themselves to stay on the cutting edge of education. We have unbelievable parent and community support, and our teachers are on the frontlines of all the good things happening in our schools.” Hood said she hopes to continue to work with everyone in the school community to look forward and to

‘We all have to dream big because we can’t predict what the world is going to look like in 10 years.’ Amanda Hood

degree at the University of Montevallo, Hood worked as the assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Spain Park High School in Hoover. “While I was at Spain Park, I went back to Montevallo and got my educational specialist degree and then started working at Mountain Brook High School,” she said. Hood said she feels blessed to

make sure students are prepared for the future. “We all have to dream big because we can’t predict what the world is going to look like in 10 years. We have to make sure our students are ready for what’s next,” she said. Hood and her husband, Jerry, have four children ranging in age from 8 to 14. The family lives in Inverness. ❖

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VHECH Gets New Reading Area for New School Year

Several students from Over the Mountain schools were awarded scholarships by the Educational Foundation of the Rotary Club of Shades Valley. Photo special to The Journal

Rotary Club Recognizes OTM Students The Educational Foundation of the Rotary Club of Shades Valley awarded scholarships to 14 Over the Mountain area students during a meeting at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This year’s recipients of a $4,000 college scholarship were Marie Kyle, Homewood High School; Tara Runyan and Grace Davis, John Carroll Catholic High School; Micah Myricks and Kaitlyn Ray, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School; James Kent, Mountain Brook High School; and Jahbria Truss, Robbie Gilbert, Alexandra Ibe-Cumba, Kerrigan Mahand, Joshua Taylor, Marcus Williams, Maizonne Fields and Morgan Smith, Shades Valley High School. The total amount of the awards was $56,000. The Educational Foundation of the

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Rotary Club of Shades Valley was established in 1971 by Shades Valley Rotarian Daniel J. McKiever. Since that time, the foundation has awarded more than $2 million in one-year college scholarships. Scholarship applications are available through the college counselors at Homewood High School, Mountain Brook High School, John Carroll Catholic High School, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School and Shades Valley High School. Students attending other schools may apply provided their residence is in the Over the Mountain area of Jefferson County. Applications are accepted beginning Jan. 1 of the student’s senior year, with a deadline of the last day of February. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, scholastic standing, extracurricular activities and financial need. Selected candidates are personally interviewed by a group of Shades Valley Rotary Club members. For more information, visit www. shadesvalleyrotary.org.

Homewood High Teacher Attends D.C. Conference Rhonda Rush, a social studies teacher at Homewood High School, was one of 32 educators from across the nation selected to attend C-SPAN Classroom’s 2013 Educators’ Conference in Washington, D.C., July 11-12. The two-day conference helps educators make social studies content come alive in the classroom. The conference brings together high school teachers who specialize in social studies and/or technology and use C-SPAN in their Rhonda Rush classrooms. Rush competed with applicants from across the country to secure a place at the conference. “Our goal is that after the conference, teachers will return to their communities armed with solid teaching tips, tools and strategies for using C-SPAN’s primary source programming to engage their students in a better understanding of how government works, as well as

how to become informed citizens,” said Joanne Wheeler, C-SPAN vice president of education. During the event, participants learned more about C-SPAN’s Video Library, Congressional Chronicle and other free digital and social media resources that can be implemented in the classroom. Historian and author William Seale spoke at the conference dinner.

Joines Represents Spain Park at Global Summit A Spain Park High School student was selected to represent the Hoover school and the state at the Global Youth Summit on the Future of Medicine in June. Sidney Joines was selected as part of the final delegation for the summit held at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., in June. Those selected to attend the summit were some of the best and brightest students in the nation, according to Andrew Flagel, Sidney Joines senior vice president for students and enrollment at Brandeis. “The delegation comes from across the country. With cumulative un-weighted high school grade point averages of 4.1, I am very proud to be welcoming this incredibly talented, diverse and passionate group of young leaders to Brandeis,” Flagel said. Joines and other delegates gained unique, behind-the-scenes insight into the world of healthcare through experiential learning, guest lectures and networking opportunities with leaders and innovators in the global medical community in order to build on their abilities and chart their paths to becoming leaders in medicine. Delegates heard from prominent Brandeis faculty members who are members of the National Academy of Sciences and Howard Hughes Medical Investigators. The conference keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Jeffrey Flier, dean of the Harvard Faculty of Medicine. Others giving presentations were Dr. Ronald Dunlap, president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and Dr. Elizabeth Phimister, deputy editor of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Students at Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights will start the new school year with a new reading area. The new reading area, located on a large grassy space in front of the school, has been incorporated into the existing landscape so that it sits next to the school’s walking trail and near the Ree Osborn Memorial Butterfly Garden. The area also includes an outdoor classroom with seating and a podium. The new reading area was funded by a grant from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Keats was a well-known children’s author and illustrator whose books incorporated a community theme and were usually set in an inner-city neighborhood. The ideas of community and neighborhoods that were important to Keats are reinforced through grants made by the EJK Foundation. The new reading area at VHECH is open to the community in hopes that families will find time to read there together. The grant was secured by teacher and librarian Leslie E. Sharbel. All the labor was supplied by Reynolds Sorrell, Eagle Scout candidate, and Boy Scout Troop 1, sponsored by Southminster Presbyterian Church.

ASFA Students Perform at Disney World Resort Several student groups from the Alabama School of Fine Arts became stars this summer as part of the Disney Performing Arts Program. The ASFA Choir traveled to the Downtown Disney Marketplace at Disney World Resort to take part in a special presentation. The school’s jazz ensemble and its orchestra were also selected to perform at the event. Dance groups, choirs, ensembles and marching bands from around the world apply to perform each year as part of Disney Performing Arts at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Once selected, they are given the opportunity to perform at the resort for an international audience of theme park guests. Disney Performing Arts offers band, choral, dance and auxiliary performers the opportunity to learn, perform and compete at Disney theme parks.

Hoover Schools Host National Debaters Thousands of student debaters, speech/debate coaches and parents were in Hoover in June for the nation’s largest annual academic competition, the National Forensic League National Speech and Debate Tournament. Several sites across the district hosted speech and debate activities during the four-day event, including Hoover High School, Spain Park High School, Berry Middle School and R.F. Bumpus Middle School. Hoover City Schools debate team sponsors Oliver Parker of Spain Park High School and Kristy Kruse of Hoover High School worked with National Forensic League leaders to plan this year’s tournament. More than 5,000 students from across the country participated in the tournament.

“This is unprecedented that, for the second time in four years, Hoover has landed this prestigious event,” Parker said. “It has taken tremendous coordination among the administrators of our local schools, central office and the National Forensic League to pull this off. Local programs that use HCS buildings during the summer have had to be housed in alternative facilities temporarily while the tournament is going on. HCS has gone to tremendous effort to create this opportunity for our community.” Hoover City Schools last hosted the national tournament in 2009. The tournament moves to a different city every year.

McDuff Represents Homewood at Girls State Sarah Grace McDuff represented Homewood High School at the 2013 session of American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State. The session was held at the University of Alabama this summer. McDuff was selected to attend Girls State on the basis of her leadership at Homewood High School and in her community. She is involved in the Network Show Choir, Key Club, FCA, Student Government Association, Peer Helpers, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and Birmingham Ballet Senior Company. She is the daughter of Jodi and Laurence McDuff and the granddaughter of Bob and Susan Winnop and Anne and Larry McDuff. For one week, McDuff became a citizen in an imaginary state, taking part in the political life of Sarah Grace her community, McDuff primarily through campaigning for and electing city, county and state offices. She learned about the operation of government by participating in party caucuses and through the election process. Well-known speakers and state, county and city officials visited and talked to the young women about their civic responsibilities. McDuff will speak to her sponsoring organization, American Legion Auxiliary of Shades Valley, and to other organizations upon invitation about her experiences at Girls State.

Littlejohn Has New Role at Bluff Park Elementary Crystal Littlejohn will join the Bluff Park Elementary School administrative staff as assistant principal for the 2013-14 school year. Littlejohn replaces Dr. Kara Scholl, Crystal Littlejohn new principal

at South Shades Crest Elementary School. Littlejohn is an Alabama native who holds education degrees from the University of Alabama and the University of Montevallo. She began her career as a classroom teacher in the Shelby County School System. “My goal was to find a career in a school system with high expectations for student learning, which led me to Hoover,” Littlejohn said. “Bluff Park Elementary’s sense of community and strong mission to provide an instructionally-sound environment is outstanding. I look forward to working for the teachers, students and community of Bluff Park Elementary School.” As assistant principal, Littlejohn will work in a support capacity with Principal Dr. David Fancher. She will also help provide teachers and staff with training, resources and motivation to engage student learning and provide a safe, disciplined environment for students.

Inverness Selects New Assistant Principal Jeff Norris has been named the new assistant principal at Inverness Elementary School in North Shelby. Norris was most recently the administrative assistant at Montevallo Elementary School. He has been an educator for eight years in the Shelby County School Jeff Norris System, teaching third grade at Chelsea Park Elementary School, fifth grade at Chelsea Intermediate School and gifted education at Chelsea Intermediate School, Chelsea Middle School and Shelby Elementary School. Norris has an educational specialist degree in teacher leadership and a master’s degree in instructional leadership from the University of Montevallo, a master’s degree in gifted education from the University of South Alabama and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Alabama. He is also a National Board Certified Middle Childhood Generalist. Norris was named Shelby County Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2011-12 and was a Jacksonville State University Teacher Hall of Fame state finalist.

New Assistant Principal Named at Bumpus Bumpus Middle School in Hoover will have a new assistant principal for the 2013-14 school year. Quincy Collins has been named the

Thursday, August 8, 2013 • 29

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

new assistant principal. He most recently served as a 10th, 11th and 12th-grade English/language arts teacher at Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa. He has also held teaching positions in Montgomery and Huntsville. He holds degrees from the University of Montevallo and Alabama A&M University. Quincy Collins “I am extremely elated about joining Hoover City Schools as well as R. F. Bumpus Middle School,” Collins said. “I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve in the capacity of assistant principal. Getting to know the faculty and staff members at Bumpus has been a pleasure. Dr. Maddox often recognizes our school community as the ‘Bumpus Family,’ and without hesitation I have been embraced as its newest family member by students, parents and teachers.” Collins will work closely with RFBMS staff to ensure school-wide and districtwide consistency with curriculum implementation.

Indian Springs’ Parmer Honored at Duke

Cahaba Heights. He is the son of Jeff and Angie Parmer.

OLS Students Recognized By Duke TIP Program Three students from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School were recently recognized in a prestigious ceremony presented by Duke University’s Talent Identification Program. Seventh-grade students Natalie Vizzina, Claire Morel and Christian Fleming were honored at the state level ceremony with commemorative medals. The Alabama recognition ceremony honors students currently in the Seventh Grade Talent Search for receiving high scores in one or more sections of the ACT or SAT. The event was held at the University of Alabama. The Duke TIP Program conducts special ceremonies in 16 states to recognize outstanding students.

Highlands Student Wins Membership to McWane Grant Bend, a seventh-grade student at Highlands School, won second place in the seventh-grade level of a recent essay contest. Bend participated in the AfricanAmerican History in Science, Technology and Math Essay Contest

Nic Parmer, an Indian Springs resident, was honored in the Grand Recognition Ceremony on the campus of Duke University in Durham, N.C. Parmer was recognized as part of the Duke University Talent Identification Program, which honors academically talented seventh-graders for their exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT. The recognition ceremonies honor seventhgraders who earned scores equal to or better than college-bound seniors who took the same tests. This year, Nic Parmer 75,172 students from across the country participated. Of those, 23,379 were invited to attend state recognition ceremonies. Only 1,670 students were invited to the Grand Recognition Ceremony. Parmer has attended Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy and Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School. He will be an eighth-grader at Indian Springs School this year. Parmer plays guitar, soccer and basketball and is a member of the EYC at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in

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From left: Natalie Vizzinia, Duke TIP Representative Andrew Fenton and Claire Morel. Christian Fleming is not pictured. Photo special to The Journal sponsored by the Magic City Housing Development Corporation. As the second-place winner, he received a trophy, a Samsung Google Chromebook and a oneyear family membership to the McWane Science Grant Bend Center. The essay contest was open to

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Twisters Win State Title

Hoover’s 6U All Stars won the Alabama USSSA state championship in June. Front, from left: Lindsey Westhoven, Reagan Barnes, Olivia Guenster, Hannah Giddens, Rachel Cooper and Bella Foran. Middle row: Olivia Giddens, Kate Connell, Jesse Givens, Sydnee Shirley, McKenzie Stribling and Alaysia Mason-Lawson. Back: Head coach Chad Christian and assistant coaches Amanda Christian, Skip Connell, John Foran and Mark Westhoven.

The fourth-grade Twisters recently won the Alabama AAU State Basketball Tournament. They qualified for the National AAU Basketball Tournament in Orlando, Fla. At the national tournament, the Twisters went 6-1, finishing second in the national event.

Photo special to The Journal

Hoover 6U All Stars Are State Champs The Hoover 6 and Under All-Star team won the United States Specialty Sports Association state championship June 29 over West Mobile. The team was undefeated in the USSSA state tournament with a 5-0 record. Hoover beat West Mobile twice in the tournament, 16-10 in the semifinals and 18-9 in the championship game. The title game ended in the top of the fourth inning with two catches by Hoover shortstop Hannah Giddens. First baseman McKenzie Stribling hit a homerun in the third inning. “This entire team is made up of all-stars inside and out,” said Chad Christian, Hoover head coach. “They practiced hard and wanted to win state

with a goal to go to the World Series.” Christian said there were two game-changing plays in the state tournament. The first was when Olivia Giddens batted in her teammate Rachel Cooper to defeat Springville 18-17. The second, Christian said, was when Lindsey Westhoven’s RBI plated Jesse Givens to give Hoover a 16-15 win over North31. “Those two wins made it possible for us to stay in the winner’s bracket for the tournament,” Christian said. Fifteen other Alabama teams played in the tournament. The 6U Hoover All-Star team has a 19-12 record. The team played in three other tournaments in June. They won the Central Area championship by defeat-

ing Alabaster 26-14. “The girls had worked hard during practices, and every tournament they grew as a team. It was exciting to see them win the state tournament,” Assistant Coach John Foran said. By winning the state championship, the Hoover 6U All-Stars earned an invitation to the 2013 World Series July 17-20 in Alpharetta, Ga. However, tournament officials decided not to host teams in that age group since there were not enough participants, according to Amanda Christian, Hoover assistant coach. The Hoover Softball Organization is open to girls ages 4-18. Registration for the fall season opens Aug. 1. For more information, visit hooversoftball. com.

collier,

day, though, you have to grab time to study whenever you can.” The rising senior has spent much of her summer playing in tournaments. Collier finished third in the prestigious Judson Collegiate Invitational in Georgia and made the cut in the Canadian Women’s Amateur. Regardless of how she finished in a particular event, Collier had one goal in mind: Improve her putting. “I’ve got a new putter,” she said. “So much of putting is mental. I’m going to keep trying new putters until I find one that’s right.” Otherwise, Collier is confident in her game as she looks toward her senior season. “I’m striking the ball for distance pretty well,” she said. “If I can get my short game down, I’ll be ready to go.” Collier’s final year will begin on Sept. 9, when Alabama travels to Tulsa Country Club to play in the Dale McNamara Fall Review. As is the case with many seniors, she can’t believe her collegiate life has gone by so quickly. “It seems like it all began just yesterday,” said Collier. “Since it’s my last year, I’d like to see us go out in a big way.” Doing things in a big way is nothing new for Collier, who was a fixture on the local golf scene before she was old enough to get a driver’s license.

Collier excelled in junior golf, claiming two wins and nine top 10 finishes on the American Junior Golf Association circuit. By the time she got to Spain Park, Collier was the top ranked girl golfer in Alabama. Her finest season prior to college may have come in her junior year of 2008-2009, when she won the state 6A individual title while leading the Lady Jaguars to their first state girls’ golf championship. That same season, she was named Metro Birmingham’s High School Golfer of the year and was a finalist for Over the Mountain Girl Athlete of the Year. In 2010, Collier shot a sizzling eight-under-par 64 at venerated old Highlands Golf Club, setting the course’s all-time low score for a woman. But for all the glories of her golfing past, Collier’s focus is on her senior year and beyond. While another national championship would be a great way to conclude her college career, there is one more major goal just over the horizon. “I’ll have my degree, but I’d really love to give professional golf a shot,” she said. “My dream is to play on the LPGA tour. I’ve got to give that a try before moving on to something else.” Based on Hannah Collier’s past, her dream is likely to become a reality.

Fropm back cover

But Collier and her teammates learned last spring that what goes up often eventually comes down. The Crimson Tide put together a fine season, rolling to the SEC Championship. She shot a one-under 71 on the final day to help the Tide clinch the title. Alabama also claimed the East regional championship. In the NCAA finals, however, the Crimson Tide could only finish seventh. That’s a respectable showing for most programs, but disappointing for the defending national champions. “Looking back, it’s difficult to say what went wrong,” Collier said. “The previous year, we didn’t win the SEC or the regional but just had a feeling that we could go all the way. This year, we won both the conference and the region and couldn’t quite get it done in the NCAA. Maybe we peaked too soon.” Collier had one up-side to the spring: A communications major, she qualified for the SEC All-Academic team. “Everybody says this, but keeping up with school is a matter of budgeting your time,” she said. “During the golf season, it’s not uncommon for us to be gone for an entire week. My professors are very understanding, and that helps a lot. At the end of the

Twister team members are, from left, front: Gabby Ramirez, Anna Grace Gibbons, Kate Jeffcoat, Brinley Cassell and Jessica Powell. Middle: Mollie Keller, Lilly Gilbert, Amiya Payne, Raines Manley and assistant coach Jackie Powell. Back: Assistant coach Patrick Powell and head coach Lee Payne.

Ann Sisson, left, is presented with the Colonel George V. Irons Distance Trophy by William L. Irons Sr. at the Awards Day ceremonies at Mountain Brook High School.

William L. Irons, left, presents the Colonel George V. Irons Distance Trophy to Payton Ballard at Mountain Brook High School’s Awards Day ceremonies.

Mountain Brook Students Honored for Going the Distance Two of Mountain Brook High School’s long distance track athletes were honored for their achievements at the school’s Awards Day ceremonies in May. Payton Ballard and Ann Sisson were presented with the 2013 Colonel George V. Irons Distance Trophy. The award is presented each year in memory of Dr. George V. Irons Sr., who broke records throughout the south as captain of the University of Alabama distance running team in the 1920s. In 1978, Irons became the only UA track and field athlete ever inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He also holds the distinction of being the only distance runner into the Sports Hall of Fame in its 35-year history. Irons’ son, William L. Irons, presented the awards to Ballard and Sisson for being top distance athletes who have also excelled in scholarship, citizenship and character.

Don’t miss the 2013 High School Football preview Special section Aug. 22 over the mountain journal

Thursday, August 8, 2013 • 31

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Mountain Brook Green All Stars Show Some Spartan Swagger

Team members include, from left, front: Coach Jeff Rusert, Alastair Harris, Aidan Behr, Will Brooks, Lleyton Hargrove, Avery Crump, Topher Hays, Will Rusert, Wells Watts, Brennan Taylor and Landon Neese. Middle: Coach Mike Coffey and coach Jason Rusert. Back: Head coach Mark Hand, Alex Gilleland, Zac White, Luke Hand, Pierce Dalton, Robert Martin, Durston Snyder, Len Irvine, Marcus Yacu, Luke Maluff, Matt Lippy, Alex Tarassoli, and coach Brad White. Not pictured: Amos Alexander and Micah Moon.

U11 Bamalax Wins Georgia Southern Shootout The U11 Bamalax Select travel lacrosse team won the Georgia Southern Shootout tournament held in Atlanta on July 13-14,, defeating teams from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

The win earned the team an invitation to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions national championship lacrosse tournament in Tampa in December.

davis,

be without an epic Vestavia-Hoover clash? The Rebels visit the Bucs on Sept. 27. Anderson and others rightly believe that those traditional battles are the core–from a financial and community-interest position–of high school football. Students and parents from those neighborhood communities comingle at work, church and the local supermarket. Common sense tells you that more people will go from Vestavia to Spain Park for a game than would go from Wetumpka to Spain Park. And that’s where you’re talking dollars and cents. Hoover may find itself in the oddest arrangement. The Bucs share a league with Bessemer City, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Hueytown, Jackson-

From back cover

aligned with Carver of Birmingham, Gardendale, Hewitt-Trussville, Huffman, Shades Valley and Woodlawn. And while the overall grouping isn’t terrible from a geographic standpoint, a Spartan or Rebel matchup with Spain Park or Oak Mountain would be more attractive from a fan perspective. Vestavia coach Buddy Anderson deserves enormous credit for scheduling two Over the Mountain schools that are not in his region. The Rebels open on the road against Homewood on Aug. 30. And what would high school football

Kaiser,

From back cover

He studied voice in college and later sang tenor in productions of Susanna and The Barber of Seville at Birmingham’s old Temple Theatre. Tenenbaum also became a lover of opera. Wrestling and body building was still his first love. While working out at the downtown YMCA, Tenenbaum made the acquaintance of Joseph (Steel Dawson) Honeycutt, a prominent pro wrestler and promoter. “He thought I’d be a terrific wrestler,” Tenenbaum said. So, in 1968, Tenenbaum had his first match in a one-time movie theatre in Oneonta. He and his partner, Johnny Davilla, faced the popular tag team of Nick Carter and Tarzan White, a former All-American football player at the University of Alabama. The crowd was not friendly. “Nick Carter was very popular in Oneonta. He was like the mayor,” said Tenenbaum. “We didn’t have much of a chance.” Tenenbaum and his partner lost badly, but the night wasn’t a total downer for the first-time wrestler. He got himself a “ring” name. Honeycutt had given Tenenbaum the name “Bob Kaiser” for his match against Carter and White, and later changed it to the “The Great Kaiser.” Tenenbaum continued to be a journeyman on the wrestling circuit until meeting manager/promoter Dr.

‘I met Arnold Schwarzenegger when he was in Birmingham filming the movie Stay Hungry. He suggested that I wear the hooded mask – and it worked.’

Johnny Peebles III. Peebles promoted Tenenbaum as the “Operatic Tenor Who Sings”, and then added another touch shortly thereafter: The Kaiser’s famous mask. “I met Arnold Schwarzenegger when he was in Birmingham filming the movie Stay Hungry,” said Tenenbaum. “He suggested that I wear the hooded mask – and it worked.” So armed with the mysteriouslooking mask and Peebles’ promotional skills, the Great Kaiser’s career skyrocketed. One of his Tenenbaum’s favorite memories was a match in the 1970s against the popular Bearcat Brown. More than 5,000 fans jammed Birmingham’s Municipal Auditorium to watch the 20-minute match, which

The 7U Mountain Brook “Green” All Star Team finished a successful run of games in two local tournaments earlier this summer. In the Homewood Tournament of Stars, Mountain Brook Green secured a #4 seed out of 14 teams. One week later, the boys improved to a #2 seed in the AL Metro Tournament played at Mountain Brook High School.

Team members are, from left, front: Thomas Lambert, George Mange, Tucker Crawford and Connor Hofbauer. Back: Watts Alexander, Thomas Norris, Stewart Griswold, Luke Schwefler, Brad Hart, Luke Johnston, James Graphos and Drew Bodnar. The team was coached by: Trip Griswold (manager), Andy Bodnar, Peter Graphos and Eric Schwefler.

Olin, Minor, Northridge and Tuscaloosa County. On the positive side, the grouping draws teams located generally to the west of metro Birmingham. On the down side, is there really a less appealing 6A matchup than Hoover playing JacksonOlin? The Mustangs haven’t been much of a factor in Alabama football since David Palmer starred there in the early 1990s. Certainly, a Hoover game against Spain Park or Mountain Brook would draw more interest than the Bucs’ almost-certain rout of J-O. And let’s be honest, whatever reasons you might get from the powers-that-be at either school, the fact that Hoover and Spain Park aren’t playing is ridiculous. Two schools in the same classification, and the same city, can’t work their way into each other’s schedule? Seriously? You might as well ask Alabama and Auburn not to play one another anymore. The situation is better in Class 5A, as the three local schools in that classification–Briarwood, John Carroll Catholic and Homewood–are mem-

ended in a draw. The crowd gave both wrestlers a standing ovation when the match ended. The only problem was, the match wasn’t supposed to end the way it did. “I was supposed to lose,” said Tenenbaum, laughing. “Bearcat was supposed to win, but was a total gentleman about it. The promoter of the match wasn’t so happy about it. He really dressed me down when it was over.” Another favorite memory is when the Great Kaiser took on local sportscaster Herb Winches at Boutwell Auditorium drawing almost 6,000 fans to the event. The Great Kaiser’s popularity continued into the 1990s, when he met Bullet Bob Armstrong for the National Wrestling Alliance Southern Heavyweight Championship on a sizzling June afternoon at the Birmingham Race Course. Both wrestlers punished themselves to the limit – and the Great Kaiser emerged as the champion. “I reached the top,” said Tenenbaum. “Of course, it had been pre-planned for me to win, but it was a triumph. It also raised my value on the circuit.” The Kaiser ended his wrestling career in 2003 after a victory over the Destroyer at Boutwell Auditorium. Two years later he was inducted into

bers of Region 4. Homewood, of course, also plays Vestavia. Although the region alignments have greatly reduced local rivalries, there is an upside: More local teams have a shot at qualifying for post-season play. Under the present AHSAA format, the top four teams in each eight-team circuit qualify for the playoffs. So if Hoover, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Spain Park and Oak Mountain were in the same league, at least one of those teams would be sitting at home on the first Friday night in November. With the five schools split among three regions, all of them can be playoff-bound. For those who love those neighborhood border battles, there is good news. The AHSAA will realign the regions again in 2014, and maybe we will see a return to the days when Hoover vs. Vestavia was not only a big game–it was a big game that actually counted in the league standings. And yes, perhaps Hoover and Spain Park could actually play again.

the National Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame. Tenenbaum said professional wrestling in his era is far different from the present-day version of the sport. “There is less pure wrestling today,” he explained. “We used actual holds like the Whole Nelson. The game is much more about acrobatics now. The young fans are looking for soap opera-type entertainment. The wrestlers are like cartoon characters.” Just because Tenenbaum doesn’t wrestle anymore, don’t think he’s gotten out of shape. He is still a regular at the Levite Jewish Community Center gymnasium. Tenenbaum hasn’t

given up on his love of singing either. He regularly participates in services at Temple Emanuel, which is led by his long-time friend Rabbi Jonathan Miller and Cantor Jessica Roskin. He sings the national anthem before local sporting events including the upcoming Ring of Honor Wrestling Event at the Boutwell Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 7 to be televised on Channel 68. “I’ve been very blessed,” said Tenenbaum. In a career that saw him double as an opera-singer and masked worldclass wrestler, you’d have to say that Sam Tenenbaum brought new meaning to the term jack-of-all-trades.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, august 8, 2013

Sports

Hoover 6U All Stars Are State Champs P. 30 Twisters Win State Title P. 30

Kaiser Sam

Sam Tenenbaum – also known as the Great Kaiser – once filled arenas throughout the Southeast as he took on some of the professional wrestling’s biggest names.

Wrestling Legend Lives In Mountain Brook

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

et’s be honest, most people don’t think of Mountain Brook as a haven for professional wrestling. For at least one wrestling legend, however, the City of the Old Mill is home. Sam Tenenbaum – also known as the Great Kaiser – once filled arenas throughout the Southeast as he took on some of the sport’s biggest names. Although he’s not far from his 70th birthday, Tenenbaum looks as if he could still be competitive with men much younger. “It was a great run,” said Tenenbaum, when contacted last week. “There wasn’t the big money in the sport like there is today – but we had some great times – I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Tenenbaum’s interest in wrestling and bodybuilding was practically forced upon him. He was a skinny teenager attending Shades Valley High School, when his parents decided their son needed some toughening up. They sent him to Marion Military Institute, where Tenenbaum received almost an immediate baptism of fire.

Journal photo by Maury Wald

He also became involved in the Marion boxing and wrestling teams. Tenenbaum returned to Birmingham his senior year of high school and attended Phillips High School, where he lettered on the wrestling team and earned top grades. Upon graduation, Tenenbaum went to the University of Montevallo, where he discovered yet another skill: singing.

“The first day at Marion I was unpacking my bags and a guy came up behind me,” Tenenbaum recalled. “He told me I was going to have to shine his shoes and make his bed every day. I realized I had two choices: give in to this guy or do something about it right now.” Tenenbaum punched his tormentor in the face, and knocked him across a bed. “He slowly got up and beat the living you-knowwhat out of me,” said Tenenbaum. “I learned then that I was going to have to get strong in a hurry if I wanted to survive.” The young cadet immediately worked diligently to build up his body, gaining 30 pounds of muscle.

See Kaiser, page 31

Photo courtesy University of Alabama Athletic Department

Final Holes Former Jaguar Looks To Last College Season ‘It’s hard to imagine a greater thrill than winning the NCAA. To be part of that championship team is something that’s going to be hard to top.’

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

In three years of playing varsity golf at the University of Alabama, Hannah Collier has seen it all. After a slow start as a freshman, the Spain Park graduate regained her winning form by mid-season, earning a spot in the Crimson Tide’s starting lineup. Collier propelled herself to stardom as a sophomore, putting together a final-day charge of two-under par 70 to lead Alabama to its first-ever NCAA golf championship. For the year, she finished fifth nationally in sub-par strokes per round. “It’s hard to imagine a greater thrill than winning the NCAA,” said Collier. “To be part of that championship team is something that’s going to be hard to top.” See collier, page 30

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Lee Davis

Regional Bias Second Year of Alignment Means Fewer Area Matchups

Thanks to the Alabama High School Association’s present region alignment for football, here are a few of the games you won’t see in 2013: Hoover vs. Spain Park Mountain Brook vs. Hoover Vestavia Hills vs. Spain Park And that’s just to name three. The second season of the three-year alignment that began in 2012 offers more of the same for Over the Mountain teams: lots of traveling, lower gate revenue from visiting crowds and a shortage of neighborhood rivalries. In the present setup, all teams are aligned in eight-team divisions and play each regional opponent. And some of the regional groupings take gerrymandering to the next level. It’s particularly noticeable in Class 6A, where five area schools are spread across three regions. In Region 4, locals Oak Mountain and Spain Park find themselves encamped with Chelsea, Pelham, Prattville, Stanhope Elmore, Thompson and Wetumpka. Now matching the Eagles and Jaguars with Chelsea, Pelham and Thompson makes geographical sense, but the other three schools would seem more at home in a Montgomery-centered division. In Region 6, longtime rivals Mountain Brook and Vestavia are See Davis, page 30