October 30, 2014 by Over the Mountain Journal

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

inside

JOU RNAL otmj.com

ursd ay, Oct ober 30, 2014

V ol . 23 #20

A Life in

Samford Son: Emmy winner to be honored at alma mater

Service

about town page 3

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor Photos special to the Journal

For retired Navy Rear Adm. Jack

‘It’s honorable to serve your country but you should also serve your community. I firmly believe that every citizen should do something which betters the community, that betters the country and the world around them.’ retired Navy Rear Adm. Jack Natter

Natter, Veterans Day is more than just one day out of the year to thank military veterans for their service to the country. “Sometimes saying thank you can be kind of shallow,” the 75-year-old Hoover City Councilman and former deputy commander of the U.S. Navy forces, said. “Do you really mean it when you thank a vet? Do you understand your role in supporting them in their mission to support our freedoms?” Those questions are something the former deputy director of the U.S. Navy Reserve says more U.S. citizens should be asking themselves this Veterans Day–and every day. “Veterans Day is a great way to reflect on how our military has defended our freedoms,” Natter said. “But there’s an old adage saying you should reflect on the past but you shouldn’t stare at it. By See service, page 8

Hope Gala Honoree: ACS event pays tribute to Birmingham artist

Social page 18

A graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School, Jack Natter joined the U.S. Navy in 1962. The retired Navy Rear Adm. was first appointed to the Hoover City Council in 2011.

Parade Highlights Home of America’s First Veterans Day Page 8 Updated Southern Charm: Inspiration Home opens Nov. 13 at The Preserve

A Dog’s Best Friend

Home page 36

By Cathy Adams

Journal contributor

A Vestavia Hills resident is being honored for her devotion to the four-legged residents of the Over the Mountain area. Ruth Henry was recently named the Adopt-a-Golden Birmingham’s 2014 Volunteer of the Year. “I joke that I left a job working 10-15 hours a week making pretty good money, for a job working 10-15 hours a day earning nothing but a happy heart,” Henry said. The Golden Retriever rescue group, which has found homes for 300 dogs since its founding in the spring of 2012, is an

all-volunteer army of around 90 members, 30 of whom are most actively involved in monthly “Meet and Greets,” foster care, transport, communications and fund raising. As Adoption Coordinator, Henry is hands-on with every adoption, devoting a minimum of six hours a day, six to seven days a week to her volunteer work. Retired after 30 years as a professor of dance at Birmingham-Southern College, Henry first learned about AGB from a 2012 newspaper article announcing the group’s formation by Lorraine Donald and John Sellers. Henry said she saw Adopt-a-Golden as the perfect opportunity to spend time with the full-blooded and Golden mixes for

See Henry, page 13

Photo special to the Journal

Ruth Henry Named Volunteer of the Year

Setting the Stage for Scares: Spain Park senior specializes in gruesome makeup

schools page 42

3still looking for fun stuff to do this Halloween? p. 9 • Homewood to kick off the Holidays p. 26 • The urban & Ingle show p. 43

2 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

Opinion/Contents

Lights, Camera, Transaction

murphy’s law

T Film crews from a MSNBC business show interviewed shop owners in Mountain Brook recently for an upcoming episode aimed at giving other communities ideas about how to best encourage “shop local” initiatives. See story on page 40.

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 Nov. 13

We’ll have Thanksgiving tips and ideas and our annual holiday Gift Guide in the next issue.

in this issue About Town 3 People 11 news 14 Social 18 Weddings 35

home 36 business 40 schools 42 Sports 48

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

October 30, 2014

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Keysha Drexel Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Interns: Milan Ballard, Jacob Fuqua, Mary Varnell, Emily Williams Vol. 23, No. 20

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at ads@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2014 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Choosing Sides

day before Thanksgiving and naively ell the truth. Right now, pull into the grocery parking lot, long you’re up to your elbows list in hand. Poor, sad Pilgrims, by the in candy wrappers and are time they make it back to their cars a wondering if there are enough good share of their thankfulness will vegetables in the universe to counbe gone. Going to the grocery store the teract all of the sugar your family day before Thanksgiving is like trying will ingest over the next 72 hours. to score that advertised $200, 52-foot But do not despair. The next holiflat-screen TV the day after. It’s joustday on the horizon is a veritable ing with shopping carts. Even kind, vegetable-palooza. gentle souls could end up wrestling Oh sure, Norman Rockwell put the over the last can of pumpkin knowing Thanksgiving turkey front and center, full well that the loser will be forced but you and I both know that the stars to buy a fresh pumpkin and spend the of the feast are the sides. Thanksgiving next several hours peeling and chopis the time when meat and three ping and cooking it down, and after becomes meat and four or five or six, a Sue Murphy all that work, their family had better harvest of greens and oranges and golds enjoy every last bit of that pie with all on the table at the same time, all It’s my position that big smiles, and I mean big smiles on officially good for you. faces. Happy holiday! Or, good-ish. I mean, when you even when you slather theirMe? I would have to wave my smother green beans in rich cream yams with marshmal- white flag and put out a nice plate soup and top them with French-fried Little Debbie Pumpkin Cakes if onions, the vitamins might technilows, the beta carotene of I could still find them. Like I said, cally be outnumbered, but I prefer to think not. It’s my position that still shines through. it’s better to hit the stores early when side time is on your side. Canned even when you slather yams with Let’s go with that. things, boxed things, things from the marshmallows, the beta carotene still frozen food section–all of these can shines through. Let’s go with that. be gathered into the barn weeks ahead. You’ll still have Side dishes are family-specific, part of your feasting to buy a few last-minute fresh items, but if you do not folklore passed down through generations, even if they require a shopping cart you can run through the crowds come from a box. Sara Lee had a family, I’m guessing. like a well-trained running back and score a checkout Pepperidge Farm was probably a tree-lined homestead. before fights break out in the deli. I’m just claiming my right as one of their semi-homeSpeaking of running backs, when the meal is over made cousins. you’ll be choosing up different sorts of sides–one And cousins, I come to you today with an urgent that bellies up to the sink to do the dishes and holiday warning: Gather ye cranberries while ye may. one that carries their bellies down to the den Yes, I know that you still have a jack-o-lantern on and plops themselves down in front of the the front porch, and the calendar says you have TV to watch football. many, many days left to prepare, but The following day, there will two Thanksgiving dinner requires a heap sides for sure– Alabama and Auburn. of ingredients, and every day the Football and leftovers. Sounds like feasting frenzy increases. a holiday to me.❖ Some people wait until the

over the Mountain Views

Where do you get inspiration for your home?

“I love to go to At Home in Homewood. I go there on Saturdays. I just got married in March, so it’s fun to look around for ideas for my new home.” Abbey McManus Homewood

“I love to watch HGTV for ideas. I like ‘Property Brothers’ and ‘Love It or List It’ the best.” Klaudia Thomas Hoover

“I love to shop in Mountain Brook for inspiration for my home–A’mano, Lamb’s Ears–there are so many great shops here.” Kaye Emack Mountain Brook

“I have good friends– Rebecca Hawkins and Missie Crawford–who are stylists and designers, and I’m always asking them for advice.” Libba Vaughan Mountain Brook

By Keysha Drexel

Journal editor

efore he was an Emmy Awardwinning actor known for creating unforgettable roles on critically-acclaimed television shows, Tony Hale was a young man from Tallahassee, Fla., trying to figure out how he would fit into the real world as he walked the tree-lined campus of Samford University in Homewood. Hale, who won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance as Gary Walsh in the HBO comedy “VEEP,” will return to his alma mater this weekend to talk to students about how his time in the Over the Mountain area led him to Hollywood. The 1992 Samford graduate, who first gained widespread acclaim for his role as Buster Bluth on the Fox comedy “Arrested Development,” will be inducted into the university’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Wall of Fame as part of several homecoming-related events Nov. 1. Hale said he still keeps in touch with about 10 people he went to college with at Samford. He said besides pie from Johnny Ray’s, the thing he misses the most about being in the Over the Mountain area is the people. “It was so long ago, but the relationships and friendships I formed there are still important,” the 44-year-old said in a telephone interview from Beverly Hills last week. “I love coming back and walking the campus with my old friends. I’m pretty nostalgic that way.”

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 3

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Tony Hale, a 1992 graduate of Samford University, will talk about his roles on “Arrested Development” and “VEEP” and about his new children’s book during events on campus this weekend. Photo special to the Journal

Samford Son Emmy-winning Actor Will Return to Alma Mater Nov. 1

And while he likes to reminisce about some of the times he spent here, Hale said there are others he’d just soon forget. “I worked at Grady’s restaurant in the Galleria for about six months. It was a nightmare,” Hale said. “I couldn’t believe people could get so pissed off about food.” But even that experience, Hale said, helped him make the decision to seriously pursue his first love–acting. “I was pretty involved in theater in high school but I didn’t think I could really make a living doing that, and I had always enjoyed writing–more the advertising side of writing–and all of that led me to major in journalism at

Samford,” he said. While he was a student at Samford, Hale interned at an advertising agency. He liked writing but knew it wasn’t the right job for him, he said. After graduating from Samford, Hale returned home to Florida before deciding to move to New York City to make a vocation out of what until that point had been just a hobby. “When I look back on it now, I kind of marvel at the abnormal amount of ambition it took to do that,” Hale said. Hale’s first performance in the Big Apple was in the parking lot in the East Village. He landed roles in several advertisements and paid his dues waiting tables before landing

the role of Buster Bluth in “Arrested Development.” Hale was nominated again this year for an Emmy for his portrayal on “VEEP” as the loyal aide to Julia LouisDreyfus’ President Selina Meyer. From time to time, Hale said, he hears from people in politics who seem to like how the show depicts politicians. “The people I hear from really seem to like it, and I think the reason is because politicians, in general, have to put out a pretty picture for the public all the time, and you just know that they freak out sometimes behind the scenes,” Hale said. “We kind of take the camera behind the scenes to show that these are just human beings who live in a pressure cooker.” Hale, who is married to Anniston native and Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Martel Thompson, is also a published author. His children’s book, “Archibald’s Next Big Thing,” was released in August. The book tells the adventures of an unfocused young chicken who learns the value of mindfulness. Hale said he got help on the book from his 8-year-old daughter, Loy. When Loy gets ready to go to college, Hale said, he will tell her just what he plans to tell the Samford students he meets this weekend. “One big thing I want to share is that you shouldn’t beat yourself up if you don’t know exactly what you want to do with your life when you’re in college,” he said. “It’s natural to experience a lot of uncertainty at that time, and it’s important to remember that everyone else is just trying to figure it

all out, too.” Hale, who came from a military family, said Samford University gave him an ideal place to make the transition from being a child living at home to being an adult, ready to take on the world. “Samford provided the perfect balance, because it was still kind of structured and safe but at the same time offered an atmosphere that encouraged me and helped me move into the real world,” he said. Hale will be the guest of honor at a VIP reception at 6 p.m. Nov. 1 at Samford. He will talk about his new book at a program at 7:30 p.m. on campus. Both events are open to the public. “It’s always a blast returning to Samford and seeing old friends,” Hale said. “I’m really looking forward to sharing some of my experiences as well as my new book. It’s been quite a journey.” For more information or to purchase tickets, www.samford.edu. ❖

To: From: Date:

Oct. 16th - Nov. 2nd

Lee Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax October This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MO Oct. 16 & 30 2014 issue. please fax approval

please make sure all informa including address and pho

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if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Frida your ad will run as is. We print the pap

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4 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

About Town

Heather Skaggs

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Catherine Pittman Smith

Rebecca Walden

Hometown Historians Authors to Sign Books on Over the Mountain Cities

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Mike Hale. Your Sheriff. When I was elected Sheriff of Jefferson County, I made one basic promise: to keep your neighborhoods and schools safe. I am doing that. You can be proud of the job your Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office is doing for you. General Election Nov. 4th

Paid for by Mike Hale for Sheriff • Post Office Box 269 • Trussville, Alabama 35173

hree Over the Mountain authors will hold book signings next month for books they have written on the histories of their hometowns. Hoover native Heather Skaggs, Mountain Brook native Catherine Pittman Smith and Vestavia Hills native Rebecca Walden are the newest authors in Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series, which chronicles the history of cities and towns across the nation through pictures. The books are “warmly embraced” by the communities they feature across the nation and the Over the Mountain books should be no exception, said Lydia Rollins, publishing editor for Arcadia Publishing. “Our authors have put tougher loving tributes to their communities,” Rollins said. “Our books are a special way of preserving not just history but stories. They’re a way of connecting locals to their communities.” And Rollins said the publishing company has learned that the best way to connect locals to their communities through the books is to have those books written by locals. “It’s wonderful to see cities like Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills get so excited about their history,” Rollins said. “I think a lot of that has to do with having a local author.” Local authors like Skaggs, Smith and Walden know their communities, Rollins said, and that makes their work resonate with people familiar with the communities featured in the books. This is the second book Skaggs, a Hoover High School graduate, has written about her hometown. Her first book in the “Images of America” series was a book on Bluff Park published last year. In “Hoover,” Skaggs celebrates the beginnings of the young city, which was incorporated in 1967, through photos of its communities as they grew. Skaggs, 35, is a freelance writer and lifelong resident of Bluff Park but said doing research and gathering photos for both books taught her something about her hometown. “I knew most of Hoover’s history but I did not realize the location of the first (Hoover) City Hall was still standing,” Skaggs said. Skaggs said the most difficult part of writing the book on Hoover was

gathering the many photos needed to tell the history of the city. “Gathering historical photos is like herding cats,” Skaggs said. “Getting everybody on the same page with what I needed was a challenge but it turned out great in the end. I had many sources for photographs and I enjoyed working with each one of them.” Skaggs said she hopes the book teachers readers more about William H. Hoover, a businessman who moved his insurance company to the area from Birmingham in the 1950s. “I hope (the book) is seen as a tribute to the man William Hoover was and the city he wanted to build,” Skaggs said. Skaggs said she also hopes looking through the pictorial history of the city will inspire current Hoover to consider how their own photos might someday figure into the history of the city. “I hope that the book inspires others to dig through old family photos and (to) take a second look at modern photos and think to themselves, ‘Will this photography be important in telling a story in the future?’” Skaggs said. Smith’s book on Mountain Brook will officially go on sale on Nov. 3. “I am so excited to share my love, enthusiasm and appreciation for Mountain Brook with the old and young alike,” Smith said. In more than 200 vintage images, “Mountain Brook” explores the city’s growth, leisure and vision, Smith said. Smith grew up on Dexter Avenue and later, Montevallo Road in Mountain Brook. She has a studio in Crestline Village where she works as a photographer and storyteller. “Having grown up here, I have been a part of this community for almost 50 years and have loved the intimacy, the loyalty, the natural beauty, a strong sense of history and the traditions,” Smith said. The most rewarding part of putting the book together, Smith said, was reconnecting with old friends, the parents of old friends and meeting new people who had photos to share and stories to tell. “I have loved learning what was here before and driving around with my daughter and sharing with her the story of how Mountain Brook began, how it’s changed and grown,” Smith said. The book takes readers through the history of the elite suburb, which was the brainchild of Robert Jemison

Jr.

“The neighborhoods were designed to be anchored by villages as community centers for residents within walking distance,” Smith said. Mountain Brook native and author Patti Callahan Henry said Smith’s book “reveals the layers of history that influence and shape this forested cathedral.” “If I thought I loved Mountain Brook before, that feeling doesn’t compare to the deep admiration and respect I have for our city after reading the Mountain Brook book,” Henry said. For Vestavia Hills High grad Walden, a newspaper columnist, writing a book about Vestavia Hills was a way of finding out about parts of the city’s history that often can’t be found on the public record. “So much of the city’s ethos is wrapped up in stories one will never find looking through board meeting, city council and other organizational minutes,” Walden said. “It’s captured in the memories of people who were born and raised here, those who open and operate family businesses here, those who worship, coach and volunteer here.” Many of the nearly 200 vintage images in “Vestavia Hills” came from the private collections of residents, Walden said. “Without this book project, local residents’ stories, which reveal much about the city’s earliest character and its identity today, might never be shared outside their immediate families,” Walden said. Walden said before doing research for the book, most of her knowledge on Vestavia Hills was based solely on her own experiences growing up in the city. Walden said learning about the contributions of early movers and shakers in the area reaffirmed what she loves about Vestavia Hills. She said she hopes readers will find the city’s history as intriguing as she does. “But most of all, I hope they are reminded why they chose to call this place home,” she said. The authors will hold joint book signing events at Books-A-Million on U.S. 280 from 1-3 p.m. on Nov. 16, at Barnes & Noble at Patton Creek in Hoover from 1-3 p.m. on Nov. 22 and at Barnes & Noble at The Summit from 1-3 p.m. on Nov. 23. For more information on the books and the authors, visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.❖

Thursday, October 30, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

ď&#x20AC;´ready to raise the roof

Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center Oct. 30. Cho, bass, and Kasman, pianist, will perform at 7 p.m. at 1200 10th Ave. S, Birmingham. This is a free event. For more information, visit www. uab.edu/cas/music at 934-7376.

Galleria in Hoover. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The three-mile walk begins at 8:30 a.m. The family-friendly event offers participants the opportunity to form teams and raise money in honor or memory of loved ones. The walk will start in the Galleriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food court area. For registration information, call 871-7970 or email Vance Holder at vholder@alzca.org. For more information on the event, visit www. alzca.org.

Birmingham

The Bateh family is making plans for the third annual Raise the Roof for Rett fundraiser on Nov. 1. From left: Suki, Abbie, Marie, Anna, Elizabeth, Brian and Julia Bateh.

Raise the Roof for Rett Nov. 1, 6-10 p.m. Photo special to the Journal LincPoint The Suki Foundation and Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Alabama will host the third annual Raise the Roof for Rett. The Suki Foundation was created by Marie and Brian Bateh to honor their daughter, Sarah Katherine, who was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at the age of 2. Proceeds from the event will be used locally to support Dr. Alan Percyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rett Clinic, educate medical professionals, support families and fund research for a cure. Tickets are $50 and include a dinner buffet, drinks, homemade desserts, live music, a silent auction and a live auction by Ken Jackson. The event will be held at LincPoint on the campus of UCP at 100 Oslo Circle in Birmingham. For more information, visit www. smartparty.org/curerett or call 638-9956.â?&#x2013;

North Shelby

Medicare Benefits Check-Up Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-noon North Shelby Library The State Health Insurance Assistance Program at the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging will hold a free Medicare Benefits Check-up program at the North Shelby Library from 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 30. Open to the public, the event will provide information about the 2015 Medicare changes and assist individuals one-onone with finding the best plan to fit their healthcare needs. Those interested

in one-on-one counseling need to bring a list of their current prescription medications. This will determine which plans will be best when comparing insurance companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; benefits. For more information, call Andrea Carter, SHIP coordinator, at 670-5770. Birmingham

UAB Faculty Recital Oct. 30, 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center University of Alabama at Birmingham faculty members Won Cho and Yakov Kasman will be featured in a recital at Reynolds-Kirchbaum Recital Hall at the

Cathedral Choir Concert Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. Cathedral Church of the Advent The Cathedral Choir will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the church at 2017 Sixth Ave. N., Birmingham. The free event will feature the auditioned, semiprofessional ensemble performing Gabriel FaurĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Requiemâ&#x20AC;? and other choral works, with an orchestra, under the direction of Frederick Teardo. For more information, visit adventbirmingham.org.

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Hoover

Walking to Remember Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. Riverchase Galleria Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Central Alabama will host the annual Walking to Remember fundraiser Nov. 1 at the Riverchase

Oct. 16th - Nov. 2nd

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Lee Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 October This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnaL for the Oct. 16 & 30 2014 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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6 • Thursday, October 30, 2014 Birmingham

Walk to Stop Diabetes Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m. UAB Campus Green The American Diabetes Association will host the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Nov. 1 on the Campus Green at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The walk starts at 9:30 a.m. All proceeds benefit the ADA’s education, research, advocacy and programs. Participants can register as individuals or as a team at diabetes. org/stepoutbirmingham or call 1-888-DIABETES. For more information and updates, visit facebook.com/ stepoutbirmingham. Homewood

AARP Smart Driver Course Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m. Homewood Public Library The Homewood Public Library will host the AARP Smart Driver Course with Anne Walker at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 1 in the library’s boardroom. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. To register, call Anne Walker at 637-6100. Hoover

Moss Rock Festival Nov. 1-2 The Preserve Guests at the ninth annual Moss Rock Festival at The Preserve in Hoover will have a chance to explore nature, eco-ideas and art and design in a neighborhood setting adjacent to the 350-acre Moss Rock Preserve. The festival will have 100 exhibiting artists inspired by nature; an ecodistrict featuring green living ideas,

About Town products, services and organizations; live music; a Sweets Expo; a craft beer tasting; WonderKid Studios; guided hikes; a SmartLIVING market; +Design features; Eco:Drive exhibitions; popular local food trucks and other festival favorites; live demos; fun giveaways; and more. Admission is free. The festival runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 1 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 2. Parking, shuttle service and collections for electronics recycling will take place at the Hoover Met. For more information, visit mossrockfestival.com or call 595-6306. Homewood

Opening Reception Nov. 2, 1-3 p.m. The Joy Gallery The Joy Gallery at Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church will host an opening reception for an exhibit featuring the works of Cumbee Tyndal, Wilson Tyndal and Charles Tyndal. The reception will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Nov. 2 at 513 Columbiana Rd. The exhibit will be featured at the gallery through Dec. 1. The Joy Gallery is open from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m., MondayFriday, or by appointment. For more information, call 942-3051. North Shelby

Out of Darkness Walk Nov. 2, 2:30 p.m. Heardmont Park The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host the Out of Darkness Walk starting at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 at Heardmont Park, 5452 Cahaba Valley Rd. The ninth annual event is aimed at raising awareness about depression and suicide, honoring loved loves and

raising money for research, education and support groups. Registration opens at 1 p.m. There is no registration fee. Complimentary refreshments will be served. The event will end by 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 613-6630.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Bankston bash bound

Birmingham

Casino for a Cause Nov. 5, 6-9 p.m. Regions Field The Alabama/NW Florida Chapter of of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America will host Casino for a Cause from 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 5 at Regions Field in Birmingham. Proceeds from Casino for Cause will support CCFA mission critical research initiatives, education programs, Camp Oasis and additional support services for Alabamians living with Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.casinoforacause.com. Birmingham

Taste of Triumph Nov. 6, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Iron City Birmingham The 2014 Taste of Triumph will be held at Iron City Birmingham from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Nov. 6. The beer and wine tasting event will benefit adults with developmental disabilities and will feature live and silent auctions, heavy hors d’oeuvres and live music by the Jimmy and Laine Band. For ticket information, visit www.triumphservices. org or call 581-1000. Homewood

Birmingham

Members of the Autism Society of Alabama Junior Board are making plans for the inaugural Bankston Bash, which is slated for Nov. 8 at Good People Brewing Company in Birmingham. Front, from left: Shannon Adams, Shelby Kimerling, Grace Francez, Lauren Elliot, Ashley Waring and Katie Kimbrough. Back: Clay McDowell, Carter Adams, Joel Kimerling and Trey Fulmer. Photo special to the Journal

Bankston Bash Nov. 8, 1-7 p.m. Good People Brewing Company The Autism Society of Alabama Junior board will present the inaugural Bankston Bash from 1-7 p.m. on Nov. 8 at Good People Brewing Company in Birmingham. The event will honor and celebrate the life of the Autism Society’s late friend and former Junior Board President David Bankston. The event will raise awareness and money for Autism Spectrum Disorders. There is no entry fee for the event but there is a $20 fee to enter the cornhole tournament. The event will be immediately followed by a live performance by Belle Adair at 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.autism-alabama.org.❖

be a one-mile Fun Run with a fee of $22.50. The Fun Run will start at 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit www. birminghamtrackclub.com.

Choral Vespers Series Nov. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Samford University The Samford University School of Arts will present a performance by the a cappella choir on Nov. 7 from 5:307:30 p.m. as part of the Choral Vespers Series. The concert will be held in Hodges Chapel. Inspired by the ancient practice of monastic prayer, the series is an opportunity to experience exceptional choral music through contemplative worship. All Choral Vespers Series events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 726-2011.

Vestavia Hills

Birmingham

Wine and Cheese Hike Nov. 8. 4-7 p.m. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve will host its November Wine and Cheese Hike from 4-7 p.m. on Nov. 8. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on the day of the event or in advance at ruffnermountain.org/programs/calendar/. In the event of inclement weather, tickets may be refunded or transferred to a future wine and cheese hike. For more information, contact Mitchell Nash at mitchell@ruffnermountain.org or call 833-8264, ext. 17.

Disability Ministry Conference Nov. 7-8 Briarwood Presbyterian Church Emily Colson and Stephanie Hubach will be the keynote speakers at the Accessible Kingdom Disability Ministry Conference at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on Nov. 7-8. There will be a pre-conference for pastors and disability leaders with lunch and workshops from noon-3 p.m. on Nov. 7. Tickets to the pre-conference are $25 each. The conference will be from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Nov. 8. Tickets for the Nov. 8 events are $75 each through Oct. 31 and $95 after that. Group rates are available. Students get in for $50. For more information, contact Cheryl Erb at 678-346-8684 or Martie Kwasny at 601519-8423. Birmingham

Vulcan Run 10K Nov. 8, 8 a.m. Linn Park The Birmingham Track Club will host the 40th annual Vulcan Run 10K starting at 8 a.m. on Nov. 8 at Linn Park. Registration is $35 through Nov. 5 and $40 through Nov. 8. There will also

Holiday Market Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Town Village Town Village Vestavia Hills Retirement Community is hosting a holiday market on Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. at 2385 Dolly Ridge Road. Several vendors will be on hand to offer a selection of holiday gift items for purchase. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit vestaviahillsact@islllc. com or call 979-2702. Birmingham

Birmingham

American Legacy Tour Nov. 8, 8:30 p.m. Workplay Horizons Financial Insurance Group LLC and the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will host the American Legacy Tour 2014 at Workplay on Nov. 8. There will be live performances by country, Southern Rock and gospel musicians. Tickets are $25 each, with $5 from each ticket going to the Greater Shelby County Community Foundation. For more information, visit www.workplay.com.

Birmingham

Fine Crafts Show Nov. 8-9 Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Alabama Designer Craftsmen’s Annual Fine Arts Craft Show will be Nov. 8-9 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The show will feature handmade jewelry, ceramics, textiles, iron work, blown glass, copper and wood. Admission is $3. Children 12 and younger get in free. The event will run from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Nov. 8 and from noon through 5 p.m. on Nov. 9. For more information, call 602-1256. Homewood

Kristallnacht Program Nov. 9, 3 p.m. Homewood Public Library In a partnership with the Homewood Public Library, the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center will host a free educational program called “Kristallnacht–What Did We Know? What Did We Do?” at 3 p.m. on Nov. 9. The program featuring Alabama Holocaust Commission members Maury Shevin and Dr. Dan Puckett will explore what the Birmingham community knew about events in Nazi Germany in 1938 and how the local community responded. Following the program, Puckett will sign copies of his new book on Alabama Jews during World War II and the Holocaust. The program is free and open to the public. Birmingham

Magic City Toastmasters Open House Nov. 10, 6 p.m. Trinity Medical Center Those looking to improve their communication and leadership skills can get information about the state’s oldest Toastmasters Club when Magic City Toastmasters hosts an open house event Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at Trinity Medical Center, 820 Montclair Road. For more information, visit toastmastersclub. org or call 913-8303.

Homewood

New Orleans Legends Concert Nov. 10, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Wright Fine Arts Center Allen Toussaint and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will perform at the Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center on the campus of Samford University in Homewood from 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Nov. 10. Tickets are $18-$30. For more information, call 726-2853. Hoover

Service Club Fashion Show Nov. 13, 11 a.m. Hoover Country Club The Hoover Service Club will host its annual fashion show starting at 11 a.m. on Nov. 13 at the Hoover Country Club. The theme of this year’s show is Simple Elegance: A Touch of Audrey Hepburn. For more information, contact Rhonda Boyd at boydrhonda@bellsouth.net. Homewood

Dance for Downs Nov. 13, 6-8 p.m. Bashinsky Gymnasium Lindy Williamson and the Samford University Office of Student Leadership and Community Engagement will present the fourth annual Dance for Downs fundraiser on Nov. 13 from 6-8 p.m. in Bashinksy Gymnasium on the campus of Samford University. The community-wide dance and charity event aims to foster inclusion of individuals with developmental delays and to provide education and awareness through support of Unless U, a nonprofit serving adults with developmental delays. For more information, visit www.events.samford. edu.

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 7

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Womanless Beauty Pageant benefitting Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. with networking, drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres. The pageant will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Rittenhouse Senior Living, 570 Southland Drive, Hoover. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For tickets or more information, contact Vicki Mullins at mullins@rittenhousesl.com or 823-2393 or Stephanie Sansing at stephanie. sansing@vitas.com or 789-2649. Birmingham

Blue Jeans & Baskets Bash Nov. 13, 6:30-9 p.m. B&A Warehouse In celebration of its 31st anniversary, The Firehouse Shelter is hosting its annual year end fundraiser on Nov. 13 from 6:30-9 p.m. at B&A Warehouse. Individual tickets are $50. Corporate sponsorships also are available. This year’s event is called the “Blue Jeans & Baskets Bash” and features a much more relaxed dress code and atmosphere. All those purchasing tickets are encouraged to bring a pair of blue jeans to the event as a donation to The Firehouse Shelter’s Clothes Closet. The event will also include a raffle of more than 50 holiday baskets. There will be live music by Seventh Avenue South and Bob Straka will be the auctioneer for a live auction. For more information, visit www.firehouseshelter.com. ❖

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8 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

veteran’s day

service,

that, I mean we have to do something not just on Veterans Day but throughout the year to make sure the men and women coming back home have jobs and are able to get back to being productive members of the society here.” A graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School, Natter said that getting “back to being productive members of society” philosophy is not only a call to action for non-active military veterans but also for regular citizens everywhere. “It’s honorable to serve your country but you should also serve your community,” Natter said. “I firmly believe that every citizen should do something which betters the community, that betters the country and the world around them.” That principle of service to others is something that was deeply ingrained in Natter and each of his eight siblings by their father, the Trussville and Homewood native said. Natter, who was born in Schenectadny, N.Y. on Aug. 14, 1939, said he and his family lived in Trussville from roughly 1942-1955 and then moved to Homewood. “There are seven boys in our family and every single one of us at one time or another was commissioned in the military,” Natter said. “My dad had a couple of requirements–one was that we get an education and the second was that we serve our country.” Five of Natter’s brothers were also in the Navy and another brother served in the U.S. Air Force. After graduating from John Carroll Catholic High School, Natter attended St. Bernard Community College in Cullman on a baseball scholarship. After that, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1962. During his six years of active duty

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From page one

Natter and his wife Nancy have lived in Hoover since 1967. This photo shows the Natter family at Christmas a few years ago. From left: Jacqueline Natter, Nathan Etzel, Marianne Etzel, Matthew Etzel, Karl Etzel, Nancy Natter, Jack Natter, Beth Keown, Jake Keown, Andrew Keown and Kris Keown.

in the Navy, Natter served aboard destroyers, amphibious ships and special warcraft, mainly in the Western Pacific and off the coast of Vietnam. He was awarded the Legion of Merit four times, the Naval Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, four Vietnam Service medals and several other awards. In 1965, while stationed in San Diego, Natter met Nancy C. Sheetz. “She could probably tell you the exact day we met but at least I remember the year,” Natter said. The couple married in July 1966 and a year later, moved to Alabama to a small community that at the time, was “the middle of nowhere,” Natter said. “I have to give credit to my dad for having the vision of what Hoover would become,” Natter said. “He was in real estate at that time and told me that I needed to come out an look at the Hoover area.” The City of Hoover was incorporated the same year Natter and his new bride settled there.

“At that time, it was just a few square blocks,” he said. “It’s been incredible to watch the city grow and prosper. It really is a great place to live.” In Hoover, Natter and his wife raised three daughters–Marianne Etzel, Jacqueline Natter and Beth Keowan– each of whom dedicate their lives in some way to the service of others. Jacqueline, a Lt. Commander in the Navy, was serving aboard the USS Kennedy aircraft carrier on Sept. 11, 2011, which flew aircraft over New York City after the terrorist attacks. Marianne, a government employee, responded to emergencies in a law enforcement command center for four straight days after the terrorist attacks. Beth, a pediatric nurse practitioner with the U.S. Navy Reserve, was serving at a Navy Hospital on Sept. 11, 2011. “Of course, I was worried about my children but I knew they had the training they needed and in fact, they were where they were because of the training that they had,” Natter said. Natter spoke about the tragic events of that day and about his daughters and other family members and friends who were on the front lines following the terrorist attacks during this year’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Hoover. Natter also talked about his friend, retired Admiral Bud Flagg, who lost his life on Sept. 11, 2011 when the hijacked plane he was aboard crashed into the Pentagon. “His wife, Darlene, was on the plane, too. Nancy and I had known them for a long time,” Natter said. “It was a very difficult time.” After his active duty in the Navy ended, Natter remained in the Naval Reserve and started pursuing a law degree at the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. “I became interested in the law when I was working in real estate,” Natter said. “I took a real estate law course and loved it.” Natter earned his law degree in 1973 and practiced law until 1992, when he was recalled to active duty to serve as the deputy director of the Naval Reserve. The job took the Natters to Washington, D.C. until 1995. Back home in Alabama, Natter continued his law practice as a partner with Natter & Fulmer, P.C.–specializing in business law, real estate, probate and litigation–and continued to serve his local community. He has served as president of the John Carroll Catholic High School

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Parent Teacher Organization, chairman of the board of directors of the John Carroll Educational Foundation, board member of the Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross and as chairman of Operation Birmingham. Natter served on the Hoover’s Veterans Committee for the first seven years of its existence. “My nephew, Michael Natter was on the (Hoover) City Council when the Veterans Committee was being formed and he asked me if I wanted to be a part of it and I was glad to have the opportunity to serve my city in that way,” he said. In the fall of 2011, Natter was asked to take an even larger role in serving Hoover. In September 2011, then-Mayor Tony Petelos resigned from his post with Hoover to become Jefferson County’s first professional county manager and the Hoover City Council appointed Council President Gary Ivey as the new mayor, leaving a vacant seat on the dais. “When Ivey called and asked if I’d like to be considered for the council seat, I think I told him that he was crazy,” Natter said. “And not because I was opposed to serving but serving in that capacity was the farthest thing from my thoughts. I talked to my wife about it and she said she thought I should do it.” Natter was sworn into office on Oct. 17, 2011 and served out the remainder of Ivey’s council term, which ended in November 2012. Natter won the Place 4 seat on the council in the November 2012 election. Natter said he likes serving as the Place 4 representative “because the council is very conservative and very much open to constructive criticism and to new ideas for furthering the city and making it a better place for all citizens.” Natter said Hoover has a lot to be proud of but what impresses him most is the long tenure of its loyal city employees. “What impresses me the most is the very low turnover among the city’s employees,” Natter said. “It shows that people really care about the city and about each other. When we do have a rare vacancy, we have from 30-100 applications from people who want to work here.” But working for the city or being a city official is not the only way Natter said residents can show pride in their community. “Whether it’s volunteering in your neighborhood, with your church, at your child’s school, there are a million ways to help out in some capacity every single day,” Natter said. Natter said whether it’s on the front lines of a war on foreign soil or the trenches of municipal government back home, he hopes more people will think about serving their country, in some way, big or small, this Veterans Day. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my life is that your success really depends on the success of the people around you,” he said. “If you do everything you can to help the people around you be successful, you will be successful.” “If you think of others and not of yourself by serving your community and your country in some way, everything else will take care of itself.” ❖

Veteran’s Day Events The observance of Veterans Day has a long history in the Birmingham area and several events are planned for this year’s holiday. Local events will kick off on Nov. 9 with a Veterans Day Tribute at the Alabama Veterans Memorial in Vestavia Hills. Starting at 1 p.m., veterans will line the park trail and talk about their experiences. A program will follow at 1:45 p.m. in the Memorial Plaza and will feature an inspirational speaker and a performance by the Birmingham Boys Choir. At 3 p.m., a StepStone dedication ceremony will be held in Flag Plaza at the park, located at 100 Overton Access Road. Other Veterans Day events will include a memorial service on Nov. 10 at 4:30 p.m. at Linn Park in Birmingham to honor the late Raymond Weeks, a Birmingham native who is often called the Father of Veterans Day. Weeks, who’s daughter Babara Minor lives in Vestavia Hills, established the first Veterans Day celebration in Birmingham in 1947. He lobbied for a national holiday to honor veterans until it was established in 1954. The National Veterans Award Dinner and Dance will start at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 at Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom and will honor former Sen. Bob Dole with the 2014 National Veterans Day Award. Tickets to the event are $30 each. Veterans Day observances on Nov. 11 will begin with the Veterans Memorial Service at 8:30 a.m. at Cathedral Church of the Advent, located at 2017 Sixth Ave. N. in Birmingham. Veterans Day events will continue on Nov. 11 with the World Peace Luncheon starting at 10:30 a.m. at Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom. Tickets to the luncheon are $25 each. The National Veterans Day Parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at 18th Street and Eighth Ave. N. in Birmingham. Good People Brewing Company will host the inaugural “Got Your Six” Gala starting at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 to benefit the Alabama-based Wounded Warrior Family Foundation. Birmingham Mayor William Bell will give the invocation and Kip Trayler will perform at the event. Tickets are $25 each with all proceeds going to help wounded veterans and their families. For more information on the Wounded Warrior Family Foundation, visit woundedwarriorfoundation.org. For more information on Birmingham area Veterans Day events, visit nationalveteransday. org. ❖

Halloween Happenings Fall Festivities Birmingham

Hunting for a haunted house? Searching for a seasonal outing? There’s more than a ghost of a chance that you’ll find lots of Halloween and fall-themed events in the Over the Mountain area.

Boo at the Zoo Oct. 30-Nov. 1 Birmingham Zoo Guests can wear their favorite family-friendly costumes and see the Birmingham Zoo transform into a destination of spooky attractions, trickor-treating, themed rides and games for 16 nights at Wells Fargo Boo at the Zoo. Guests can experience the thrill of the all-new Monster Slide. The event will also include the Creepy Carnival and a hayride. The Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo

Vestavia Hills

Pumpkins for Missions Oct. 30-31 Saint Mark United Methodist Church Saint Mark United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Pumpkins for Missions fundraiser through Oct. 31. All proceeds benefit the Mexico Mission Team’s efforts to build houses and teach Bible study in Rio Bravo, Mexico. The church’s pumpkin patch is at 2901 Columbiana Road. For more information, visit www.saintmarkumc.org or call 822-5980. “Young Frankenstein” Oct. 30-Nov. 4 Red Mountain Theatre Red Mountain Theatre will present “Young Frankenstein” through Nov. 4. The musical comedy is a re-imagined version of the Frankenstein movie. Shows are 7:30-9:30 p.m. and are rated PG-13. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased online. For more information, visit www.redmountaintheatre.org or call 324-2424. Birmingham

Fall into Science Oct. 30-Nov. 19 McWane Science Center McWane Science Center will have fall activities and events Nov. 19. There will be a corny maze, science jokes, corn hole games and a giant slide. Tickets are free for museum members, $13 for adult nonmembers and $9 for kids ages 2-12. A combo ticket that includes museum admission and IMAX film will be $18 for adults and $13 for children. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 12-6 p.m. on Sundays. Visit www.mcwane.org for more information. Mountain Brook

Annual Pumpkin Patch Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mountain Brook Baptist Church The Mountain Brook Baptist Church pumpkin patch will run through Oct. 30. It will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. MondaySaturday and 1-6 p.m. on Sundays. Pumpkins can be purchased from 50 cents to $20. Visit www.mbbc.org or call 871-0331 for more information. Pelham

Warehouse 31 Haunted House Oct. 30-Nov. 1 Warehouse 31 Warehouse 31 will turn into a haunted house through Nov. 1. Customers can choose between a traditional ticket and a combo ticket that includes a 3D Nightmare. There will be scary movies shown. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. This event is sponsored by Schaeffer Eye Center and CocaCola. Visit www.warehouse31.com or call 378-9760 for more information.

The Musical” at the College Theatre/ Mainstage Oct. 30-Nov. 2. The musical is based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel, with a book by Lawrence Cohen, screenwriter of the classic film; lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford; and music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore. The BSC production will feature a cast of 13 students as well as local singer Kristi Tingle Higginbotham as Margaret White. Due

to adult language, children younger than 6 are not allowed. Ticket prices are $20; student tickets are $10 regardless of which school students attend. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30, 31 and Nov. 1 and at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 2. For more information, visit www.bsc.edu/ academics/theatre. Homewood

Oct. 16th - Nov. 2nd

Homewood Witches Ride Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m. Linden Avenue The second annual Homewood

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Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 9

fall fun

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, November 13th 4-7PM Barn will be open for up-close and personal animal interactions. The zoo will close at 4 p.m. on each day of the event. Boo at the Zoo will be from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 and from 5-10 p.m. Oct. 31. Tickets are $8 plus tax. Some attractions will require ride tickets, which are $3.50 each. Unlimited attraction wristbands are available for $12. For more information, visit www. birminghamzoo.com.

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Howl’oween Spooktacular Oct. 30, 6-10 p.m. Avondale Brewing Co. The third annual Howl’oween Spooktacular benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society will be from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 30 at Avondale Brewing Co. in Birmingham. The dogfriendly event will feature a costume contest for the best-dressed pets and people. The event is open to the public for a $12 donation in advance at www. gbhs.org or a $15 donation at the door. Admission includes a free Avondale beer and live music by the Beaver Brothers Band. For more information, visit www.gbhs.org. Birmingham

“Dracula” Oct. 30-Nov. 2 Alabama Ballet Alabama Ballet presents “Dracula” from Oct. 30-Nov. 2. This classic show will combine power, love and horror. Tickets range from $25-45. Visit www.alabamaballet. org for more information. Birmingham

“Carrie: The Musical” Oct. 30-Nov. 2 Birmingham-Southern College The Birmingham-Southern College Theatre Department will open its 2014-15 fine arts season with “Carrie:

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Mad Monster Mash Oct. 30, 7 p.m. B&A Warehouse Central Alabama Theater will transform B&A Warehouse into the coolest and ghoulish Halloween party place this side of Transylvania at the Mad Monster Mash at 7 p.m. Oct. 30. The event will include live music, a costume contest, pumpkin bowling, duck pickup, black and white silent movie screenings, a fortune teller and a special Witches Brew cocktail

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

contest, “Walking Dead” show trivia, wine and beer. Patrons must be 21 to attend. For more information, call 9784678 or visit vestavialibrary.org.

Witches Ride on Oct. 30 will raise money for the American Cancer Society and honor Paula Stringfellow Ford, who lost her life to lung cancer in 2013. There will be family-friendly activities and a silent auction. Food trucks will be on hand to sell food starting at 5 p.m. Participants can put on their witches’ costumes, deck out their bikes and meet at The Studio on Linden at 5:30 p.m. to start the ride. The $10 registration fee will go directly to ACS. For more information and updates, visit www. facebook.com/homewoodwitchesride.

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Homewood Witches Ride Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m. Linden Avenue sponsored by Cathead Vodka. General admissions tickets are $25. VIP tickets are $40. Tickets are on sale at madmonstermash.eventbrite.com. Mountain Brook

Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade Oct. 31, 4 p.m. Crestline Village A Halloween parade with the feel of Mardi Gras. Parade participants pass out Mystics of Mountain Brook t-shirts, beads, stuffed animals and footballs to the huge crowd that lines the streets of Crestline Village. The parade has over 23 floats, the high school cheerleaders, a roller derby, and Mayor Terry Oden driving his antique fire truck. The parade route starts by the Emmet O’Neal Library, goes to the Tot Lot, turns left on Church Street and then left on Euclid and ends back at the Library. Vestavia Hills

Walking Dead in the Forest Oct. 31, 8-10 p.m. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Carl from “The Walking Dead” might just be at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. The library’s adult services department will host the Walking Dead in the Forest: Halloween Blowout from 8-10 p.m. Oct. 31. The event will feature music, dancing, a zombie costume

The Black Jacket Symphony: “Thriller” Oct. 31, 8 p.m. Alabama Theatre The Black Jacket Symphony will perform Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” on Oct. 31 starting at 8 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre. The group will recreate the classic album as a live performance. The first set will feature the album recreated as a true symphonic piece. The second set features a collection of the artist’s greatest hits. Tickets are $51.70 each. For more information, visit alabamatheatre.com. Birmingham

BOO Halloween Party Oct. 31, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. B&A Warehouse B&A Warehouse is hosting its 19th annual BOO Halloween Party Oct. 31 from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. There will be live music, karaoke, photo booths with free pictures and a movie lounge. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes. There will be a contest with a $1,000 cash prize for the winner. The party benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Alabama. Guests must be 21 years old or older. The first 500 guests will receive a free T-shirt. Call 516-8445 or visit www.boohalloweenparty.com for more information. Homewood

Trick or Treat with Homewood Police Department Oct 31, 5:30- 8 p.m. Homewood Police Department Trick or treat with the Homewood Police Department Oct. 31 from 5:308 p.m. Kids can sit on police officers’ motorcycles while getting free candy and treats. There will also be games for the children. This free event is sponsored by Homewood Citizen’s Police Academy. Children of all ages are welcome. Visit www.homewoodpd.org or call 332-6204 for more information. Birmingham

Organ Spooktacular Oct. 31, 9-10 p.m. Birmingham-Southern College Birmingham-Southern College will host the annual Organ Spooktacular at Hill Recital Hall from 9-10 p.m. on Oct. 31. The annual event billed as “organists behaving badly” celebrates the long association of the kings of instruments with the spooky and fun. The event features performances by Birmingham-Southern faculty, alumni and students, including a sing-a-long of “Pumpkin Carols.” Costumes are encouraged and the public is invited to the free and family-friendly event at 900 Arkadelphia Road. For more information, call 226-4957. Birmingham

for more information please Call mike wedgworth: 205.365.4344

Faces in the Forest: Zombie Edition Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve will present Faces in the Forest: Zombie Edition at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center at 1214 18th St. S. in Birmingham on Nov. 1. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m., zombies will take over Ruffner as guests are encouraged to come in their

best zombie makeup and costumes. Tickets are $22 for zombies and survivors and $12-$15 for spectators. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at the center. For more information, contact Mitchell Nash at mitchell@ruffnermountain.org or 8338264, ext. 17. Birmingham

Puppaween Nov. 1, 1-4 p.m. Dogs Days of Birmingham Bama Bully Rescue and Dogs Days of Birmingham will host Puppaween, a Halloweenthemed carnival for dogs, kids and adults from 1-4 p.m. on Nov. 1. The event will be held at Dog Days of Birmingham and will feature a costume contest, a moonwalk, carnival games for kids and dogs, raffles and more. Admission is free. Tickets for activities are $1 each. Friendly, leashed dogs of all breeds are welcome. For more information, call 568-2660. Birmingham

Day of the Dead Festival Nov. 2, 4-11 p.m. Bare Hands Inc. Bare Hands Inc. will present the 12th annual Day of the Dead Festival, or Dia de los Muertos numero doce, on Nov. 2 this year from 4-11 p.m. at 2115 First Ave. S. in Birmingham. The event will include a Memorial Roll Call, a jazz parade, dance performances and other activities. Food trucks will be on hand for the event. Guests are asked not to bring pets, coolers or picnic baskets to the festival. Tickets are $10 for those 13 and older, $3 for ages 7-12 and children 7 and younger get in free. For more information, visit www. barehandsinc.org. Hoover

Candy Buy Back for Troops Nov. 3, 3-5:30 p.m.. Office of Anglin and Nelson Hoover dentists Michael Anglin and Erin Nelson will give trick-or-treaters a way to ditch their unopened Halloween candy and bring a smile to a soldier’s face with the Candy Buy Back for Troops event on Nov. 3. From 3-5:30 p.m., participants will receive $1 for every pound they bring into the office at 3825 Lorna Road. Through Operation Gratitude, the candy will be shipped in care packages to U.S. military personnel. Participants will also have a chance to win an electric toothbrush. Participants are also encouraged to include a note or drawing for the soldiers. For more information, call 9889800. Birmingham

Fall Festival and Silent Auction Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Episcopal Place Episcopal Place will host its fall festival and silent auction Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This family-friendly event will have more than 32 one-of-a-kind items to bid on. Items include jewelry, gift certificates, precious stones, leather and much more. This event is open to the public, and admission is free. Donations will benefit quality of life activities. For more information, call 822-7871. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Burton Named Citizen of the Year by March of Dimes

deserving to receive this distinguished A Mountain Brook resident will be award this year than our chosen recipihonored in November as the March of ent.” Dimes 2014 Alabama Citizen of the Under Burton’s leadership, Hoar Year. Construction and Hoar Program Rob Burton, president of Hoar Management have contributed more Construction, LLC will be honored than $67,000 to the March of Dimes with the award at the 20th annual Alabama Chapter. In March of Dimes addition, Burton has Alabama Citizen of been actively involved in the Year Testimonial the community through Reception on Nov. his work with the 11 at The Club in Birmingham Business Homewood. Alliance, the Birmingham The March of Zoo, Lakeshore Dimes Alabama Foundation, Kiwanis Citizen of the Year Club of Birmingham, honors an outstanding the MS Society and community partner in the Monday Morning Alabama whose disQuarterback Club. tinguished leadership Burton serves on the and devoted service to board of directors for the community have Rob Burton, president of Regions Bank, Protective contributed greatly Hoar Construction, LLC Life and the American to the quality of life will be honored with the Contractors Insurance for Alabama and its award at the 20th annual people. The recipient March of Dimes Alabama Group. As the son of one of is a person who, in the Citizen of the Year Hoar Construction’s honTestimonial Reception. victory of achieving Photo special to the Journal ors, Burton said he took success and acclaim, advantage of the handshas given back generon training available to him growing ously to others. up and learned not only skills, but also “We truly feel that Rob Burton and a love of building things. the relationship the March of Dimes After graduating from Auburn shares with Hoar Construction is University with a degree in building something to be honored,” said State Sen. J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner, R-Vestavia science, he joined the firm and began Hills and March of Dimes board mem- to successfully take on more responsibilities. ber. “We can think of no one more

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 11

people In 1996, he was named the company’s president. Burton joins a distinguished list of past March of Dimes Alabama Citizen of the Year honorees, including Samford University President Andrew Westmoreland, who won the award last year. Other recent honorees include James C. Lee III, chairman and chief executive officer of Buffalo Rock; Manolo Sanchez, country president of BBVA; Terry Kellogg, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama; and Garry L. Gause, president and chief executive officer of Brookwood Medical Center. Since its inception, Alabama Citizen of the Year has raised more than $2 million for the March of Dimes Alabama Chapter. This year’s Alabama Citizen of the Year reception will be presented by Hoar Construction. Corporate “mission” sponsorships begin at $2,500 and go up to $25,000. Guests at the reception on Nov. 11 will enjoy specially-prepared heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine and first-class networking with Birmingham’s best throughout the evening, event organizers said. All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes. For tickets, sponsorship, or more information on the event, contact Ashley Wheeler, March of Dimes Division executive director, at 5880505 or by e-mail awheeler@marchofdimes.com. For more information on the March of Dimes Alabama Chapter, visit marchofdimes.com/Alabama. ❖

People Notes Geiss Earns Eagle Scout Award A Mountain Brook resident has earned the highest rank in Boy Scouts. Charles Joseph Geiss has achieved the Eagle Scout rank as a member of Troop 320. He was recognized at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church Sept. 12. Boy Scout Troop 320 is led Charles Joseph Geiss by Scoutmaster Frank Tynes. For his Eagle Scout project, Geiss worked to improve the Wayside Trail at Camp Winnataska by creating a muchneeded trail head, planting trees along the trail and marking areas for future plantings. Wayside Trail leads to Camp Winnataska’s outdoor chapel, which is used by campers year-round. Geiss has been attending Camp Winnataska, a Christian camp for children ages 6-15, since he was 6 years old. He volunteers as a counselor there during the summers and works with young campers to help them enjoy their outdoor experiences and deepen their faith in God. Geiss began his career in scouting as

a Tiger Cub and completed Cub Scouts, earning the Arrow of Light. While in Troop 320, he held many leadership positions, including being elected by his peers to the Order of the Arrow. He was also elected the troop’s senior patrol leader. He earned 27 merit badges, enough to earn his first Palm in addition to his Eagle rank. Geiss is a junior at Mountain Brook High School, where he is a member of the marching and symphonic bands and is active in the theater department. He is the son of Linda Geiss and the late Chuck Geiss, who was an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 320 until his untimely death last year. Geiss is the grandson of Joseph G. Smith and the late Jewelene T. Smith of Atlanta and the late Albert E. and Virginia H. Geiss of Mountain Brook.

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Lee Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 2 October This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOu Oct. 16 & 30 2014 issue. please fax approval o

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Troop 53 Members Become Eagle Scouts Two Mountain Brook residents completed the requirements for the highest rank in Boy Scouts earlier this month. Keller Mason Briley and John Merritt Briley, both members of Boy Scout Troop 53, will be recognized for achieving the Eagle Scout rank at a Court of Honor ceremony at St. Peter’s Anglican Church. Boy Scout Troop 53 is led by George

people Elliott. Keller Briley’s Eagle project included replacing decking, rebuilding a covering, building a picnic table and bench, and painting John Merritt Briley and sealing decking on a section of the playground

at the Lovelady Center. He also raised donations to support the center. As part of his requirements to become an Eagle Scout, Keller Briley Keller Mason Briley earned 23 merit badges, served as patrol leader and

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

completed many hours of community service. He also attended Philmont Adventure Camp and other Boy Scout camps at Sequoyah and Comer. For his Eagle Scout project, John Merritt Briley re-mulched, pressure washed and created a seating area on a steep bank at the Lovelady Center. He also replaced swings on the playground and collected donations for the center. He earned 22 merit badges on his way to achieving the Eagle Scout rank. He served as patrol leader, completed

many hours of community service and attended Sequoyah, Comer and Philmont scout camps. Keller and John Merritt Briley are the sons of Heather and Kit White and the late Ross Briley.

Jayne Morgan, center, helps Seth Bokatzian, left, and Ben Sanford with their art projects at the Exceptional Foundation in Homewood. Photo special to the Journal

Exceptional Foundation Has New Art Director A Hoover resident has joined the staff at the Exceptional Foundation in Homewood. Jayne Morgan, an artist and teacher in Bluff Park, is the Exceptional Foundation’s new art director. Morgan served as a volunteer over the summer with the nonprofit organization that provides social and recreational activities for individuals over age 21 with special needs. A 2010 graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting, Morgan exhibits at art festivals and galleries throughout the Southeast. She is the owner of Jayne Morgan Oil and Acrylic Painting.

Trinity United Methodist Church Names New Children’s Ministers Trinity United Methodist Church recently named Jeanne Baswell as the church’s new director of preschool ministry and Eleanor Christiansen as the new director of elementary children and families. The two women succeed Linda Whatley, who retired after serving 17 years as the church’s director of children’s Jeanne Baswell ministry. A native of Southside, Baswell graduated from Birmingham-Southern College, where she worked in youth ministry at the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church before serving for six years as Whatley’s assistant director at Trinity. Also a graduate of BirminghamSouthern, Christiansen came to Trinity after serving as director of children’s and family ministries at Lake Harriet UMC in Minneapolis. She earned her master of divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, a United Methodist Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.❖

henry,

From page one

whom the group finds forever homes. “I retired from BSC in 2010 after having both hips replaced,” she said. “I could not lift more than 35 pounds, and when my 80-pound Golden, who was suffering from cancer, collapsed while my husband was out of town I knew that our days of having dogs that large were over.” Henry and her husband Tom, a corporate pilot, found their personal “Golden bandaids” as parents to two Golden Doodles, half Golden/half poodles Pepper and Coco. Many of the dogs surrendered to the program or found as strays arrive at intake with medical issues. About 50 percent require treatment for heartworms, a preventable condition. Henry said her training and career in ballet would prove invaluable background for her work with rescue. Henry has committed hundreds of hours to AGB, including a lot of time devoted to physical and emotional therapy with orphans Coosa and Periwinkle, both of whom arrived at AGB with serious orthopedic conditions. On Memorial Day weekend of 2013, Coosa was thrown, with a broken leg, from a boat into the river of the same name and rescued by a Good Samaritan. While generous strangers followed Coosa’s saga on Facebook and contributed funds toward her surgery, Henry fostered the young dog for the six weeks that she was in a cast and for weeks after

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 13

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

in a grueling rain-or-shine rehab regimen. The South Alabama couple that ultimately adopted Coosa christened their new pet Coosa Ruth in honor of Henry’s devotion to her rehabilitation. Equal praise comes from the young Atlanta man who now shares his life with Periwinkle. Surrendered by owners who were unable to provide the extensive surgical repairs necessary after she suffered two broken legs when hit by a car, the young man said his dog, Miss Winkles, also benefitted from Henry’s expertise. Henry said finding dogs like Coosa and Periwinkle the forever homes they need is the most rewarding part of her work with AGBB. “The most rewarding moments of my work involve watching the great matches, seeing families with tears in their eyes the day that the adoption of a dog becomes official,” Henry said. “This is particularly true with senior and special needs dogs. Good and kind people are willing to give love to aging dogs and to those with long term health issues.” Henry said she was honored by the Volunteer of the Year award but said all the organizations’ volunteers are equally deserving of the recognition. “AGB volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and represent the greatest bunch of giving people I’ve ever met,” she said. Henry received her award at AGB’s third annual “Night of Golden Opportunities” fundraising auction held in September. The event raised $40,000 for the group that has yearly

funding needs of more than $100,000. The nonprofit rescue group was also recently honored with a grant from Ken Jackson’s Remy Foundation through the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. While her role at AGB means she occasionally witnesses “some really heartbreaking situation,” Henry said that for the most part, her work has joyous endings. “Often when walking away with their new forever families, the dogs turn and come back to me as if they are saying thank you,” she said. “Goldens are so expressive. We routinely receive adoption applications stating the wish to be a family to a breed described as happy and smiling. Goldens are not only beautiful, they stay child like for their entire lives. People tell us that they just want that ‘Golden fix.’” For more information on AGB or to fill out an adoption or volunteer application visit www.adoptagoldenbirmingham.com. ❖

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Oct. 16th - Nov. 2nd

Lee Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 October This is your aD prOOF the Over The MOunTain JOurnaL for the Lesliefrom J. Crawford, Oct. 16 & 30 2014 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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News

14 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

Candidates Likely Won’t Debate before Election u Over the Mountain

By William C. Singleton III Republican Gary Palmer and Democrat Mark Lester will face off in the Nov. 4 general election to determine who will replace retiring U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus as representative of the Sixth Congressional District. But they likely won’t be facing off before then. A debate between Palmer and Lester seems unlikely at this point, Palmer said. The Junior League of Birmingham tried to set up an Oct. 23 debate between Palmer and Lester. But Palmer said he hadn’t heard directly from the organization and found out about the Junior League event after reading a press release from Lester’s campaign indicating he had agreed to the debate. Palmer said he already had a scheduled forum for that night. He doesn’t see any room in his schedule for a debate, he said. “When you’re running a campaign, you don’t sit around and wait for someone to call you and schedule something,” Palmer said. “You’re scheduling things and staying out in front of as many people as you can. We’re booked. You don’t wait until the last four weeks (or) last 30 days to do this.” Palmer is considered the favorite in the heavily conservative district, which encompasses suburban areas outside of Birmingham, the southwestern portions of Jefferson County, and all of Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Coosa and Shelby counties. Lester, a latecomer to the race after former Democratic nominee Avery Vise withdrew in August, has been trying to get Palmer to debate him but with little success, Lester said. Lester acknowledged he’s had to come up to speed quickly since he entered the race. But he said he doesn’t see why a debate can’t still happen. “I thought that’s what running for office was all about– that you debate your opponent and talk about the issues,” he said. “I’m going to keep saying I’ll debate him any time, any place. I don’t know whether he’ll ever agree.” Palmer said he’s running as if he’s behind in the polls. He said he’s been out connecting with voters and elected officials he plans to work with as a congressman. “I’m getting out and talking to people and making myself available to people. I don’t take anything for granted,” he said. Palmer is the founder of the conservative think-tank Alabama Policy Institute. He has a bachelor’s degree in Operations Management

Gary Palmer

County Residents Can Apply for New Tags, Licenses at Met Beginning Nov. 3, Hoover and other Jefferson County residents will be able to apply for new car tags and other vehicle licenses at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey and Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens announced at a recent City Council meeting the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium will operate as a full-service satellite courthouse. That means county residents will be able to apply for new car tags,

Mark Lester

from the University of Alabama and an honorary doctorate from the University of Mobile. He supports public policy that emphasizes limited government, free market principles, the right to life and congressional term limits and opposes the Affordable Care Act. Palmer emerged from a seven-candidate Republican primary as the second-highest vote-getter to challenge State Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood. Palmer defeated DeMarco in the July 15 runoff. Lester, though a political newcomer, comes to the race with a high academic and professional pedigree. He is a Birmingham-Southern College history professor. Lester was an Assistant United States Attorney and started a law firm which specialized in commercial litigation. Lester received his undergraduate degree at Rhodes College, a master’s degree in Middle Eastern studies from Harvard University and a law degree from the University of Virginia. He earned a doctorate in Modern British Economic History from the University of Oxford. He describes himself as a strong proponent of healthcare reform and education programs which give all children the best chance to succeed in life. Lester said he’s been reaching out to voters in the district, particularly moderate voters, in the days leading up to the Nov. 4 general election. “I’ve had a lot of moderate Republicans come to me and say, ‘We appreciate you stepping into the race because you are a moderate.’ I am moderate in my views, but my opponent is a Tea Party extremist, and I think the reason I’m going to win is that I’m not the extremist candidate,” Lester said. “I’m really the centrist candidate in this race.” Palmer said he disagrees. “I’m not ashamed of the Tea Party supporting me. I’m not ashamed of the Business Council of Alabama supporting me. I’m not ashamed that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is supporting me,” Palmer said. “I think you look at who has gotten behind my campaign, and it’s very evident that people see me not as some extremist but as somebody with ideas and a vision and who knows what to do.” ❖

u hoover

Journal contributor

u mountain brook

Womack, Shelton Will Join City Council By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Journal contributor

By William C. Singleton III

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

motorcycle licenses, boating licenses and vehicle tags. The city currently operates an office at the Met which handles only vehicle tag renewals. The service is currently only available to Hoover residents. City officials opened that office in August, although they said their plans were to open a full-service satellite office when they found a permanent location. Stephens said the county is in a much better financial position to move forward with the satellite office, which will relieve the burden on other satellite courthouses inundated with

residents seeking to renew or purchase new tags. Currently, the county services vehicle registration matters from its courthouses in Birmingham and Bessemer and a satellite office in Center Point. Ivey said Hoover is looking for a bigger location to accommodate more services. Residents won’t be able to obtain driver’s license photos at the Hoover Met, but a new location could be outfitted with additional cameras, Stephens said. Vestavia Hills and Hoover are the only two Jefferson County cities offering car tag renewal services. A bill passed in the State Legislature earlier this year gave Jefferson County municipalities the opportunity to establish car tag renewal services. Other cities are contemplating offering similar services for their residents. ❖

Two new faces will be on the Mountain Brook City Council dais next week. Alice B. Womack and Lloyd C. Shelton will take office as the newest Mountain Brook City Council members Nov. 3. Womack is the new Place 1 representative. Shelton represents Place 5. The city cancelled the municipal election scheduled for Aug. 26 after Womack and Shelton were the only candidates to qualify for the open city Alice Womack council seats before the July 15 qualifying deadline. Wo m a c k and Shelton replace Amy Carter and Jesse Vogtle, who both stepped down from the city Lloyd Shelton council. The Place 3 city council seat was also open this year, but no one stepped up to challenge incumbent William S. (Billy) Pritchard III. Pritchard will

now serve another four-year term on the Mountain Brook City Council. Womack is vice president of private client groups for First Commercial Bank and has lived in Mountain Brook since 2000. She is on the board of the Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation. She and her husband, Lowell Womack Jr., have two children. Shelton also has longstanding ties to the community. A 1980 graduate of Mountain Brook High School, he is the president of the Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation and serves alongside Womack on the city’s finance committee. An accountant with Lovoy, Summerville and Shelton LLC, Shelton is chairman of the Mountain Brook Sports Corp. He is also involved with the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce and the Sunrise Rotary Club of Birmingham. Mountain Brook City Council representatives are elected at-large and are not compensated for their service. Mountain Brook staggers its election cycle every two years so it can maintain experience on the council, city officials said. The terms of Mayor Terry Oden, Place 2 representative Jack Carl and Place 4 representative Virginia Smith will end in 2016. The city also cancelled its municipal election in 2012 because incumbents Carl, Oden and Smith were unopposed. Mountain Brook city officials said avoiding an election saves the city between $25,000 and $27,000. ❖

u vestavia hills

Tunnel Will Link Complexes By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

Vestavia Hills city officials are moving forward with a plan to build a tunnel that will link the Liberty Park Sports Complex with the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex. The city recently received a federal grant through the Alabama Department of Transportation to build the tunnel, which is expected to cost $473,708. The grant is an 80/20 match, so the federal government will cover $378,966 and the city of Vestavia Hills will pay $94,742. The winding Sicard Hollow Road separates the Liberty Park Sports Complex from the recently-built Sicard Hollow Sports Complex. A tunnel will allow children, adults and those with disabilities to cross from one park to the next without having to navigate street traffic, city officials say. The tunnel will run under Sicard Hollow Road, said City Manager Jeff

Downes. “The Sicard Hollow Road Tunnel Safe Route will provide a much needed pedestrian connection between the two parks and between the community and schools on the Liberty Park side to the recreational opportunities at Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex,” Downes wrote on the city’s Facebook page. The city will seek a design firm for the project, he said. “There’s a strong desire that this project could be done in a shorter time frame that some are suggesting might being a year,” Downes said. Councilman Jim Sharp said the grant represents the hope officials had when they first purchased the Sicard Hollow property for athletic fields. The Sicard Hollow Sports Complex officially opened May 22, 2011 and features four synthetic turf fields used by the city’s football, lacrosse and soccer youth programs. “We were hoping that we would have some way to connect those two areas,” Sharp said. ❖

u homewood

Exceptional Foundation Expansion Gets Council’s OK By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

The Homewood City Council gave the go-ahead for the Exceptional Foundation to add more parking and expand its facilities. The Council at a meeting on Oct. 16 approved an Estoppel Certificate and a landlord’s agreement with the foundation. The agreements are necessary because the foundation sits on city property and can’t borrow money to renovate its facility without city approval, Councilman Britt Thames said. The city also gave its blessing to the foundation’s plans to build about 15 additional parking spaces it will share with the nearby Homewood Parks and Recreation Community Center.

Foundation and parks and recreation officials were expected to sign off on the agreement after the meeting. In April, the Council voted to rezone two lots at 1610 and 1612 Oxmoor Road from Neighborhood Preservation District to institutional zoning. The rezoning will allow the foundation to expand its facility. The foundation, located at 1616 Oxmoor Road, plans to add 13,500 square feet to its existing facility to serve its current clients. The foundation has served mentally challenged youth and adults from its present facilities in Homewood since 1999. Tricia Kirk, Exceptional Foundation director, said the expanded facility will allow foundation workers to accommodate much smaller groups than they presently serve. Currently,

u mountain brook

Village Place Will Have Energy-efficient Houses The Mountain Brook Zoning Board recently approved a measure that paves the way for new custom homes to be built in the city. The board has approved a name change for the Pilgrim Place community on Montclair Road, which is being developed as Village Place. Wedgworth Construction will redevelop the property to offer 13 energy-efficient custom homes ranging in price from $850,000 to $1 million. The gated community features culde-sac lots that are close to schools, shopping and Crestline Village, said Mike Wedgworth, president of the company. Wedgworth, who has been in the home development and building

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 15

news

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

business since 1979, said his plans for the neighborhood include an updated entrance and landscaping along Montclair Road. “It will create a sense of place for this highly-visible community,” he said. “We’re excited to have this venue to showcase our work.” Because the community is so close to Crestline Village, Mountain Brook Village and English Village, Village Place was the ideal name, said Tracy Patton, a Ray & Poyner Properties realtor who is marketing the project. Patton said “the timing is right” for the redevelopment of the community. For more information, visit www. wedgworth.net. For more on Village Place, call Patton at 563-9096. ❖

the foundation has to accommodate about 40 people per group. The foundation would like to reduce that to 15-20 per group. At a March council meeting, Kirk said the proposed new facility “gives us the opportunity not to increase the number of people that we serve. It is so we can enhance the programs and maintain the quality that the rest of the nation knows we’re doing in Homewood.” The foundation has launched a capital campaign to raise the money. According to its website, it will take about $3 million to acquire the two lots and build onto its existing facility. One concern neighbors had about the project–voiced at the March council meeting–involved an additional access road foundation officials had purposed to accommodate traffic into the facility. Initial plans called for another entrance from Oxmoor Road into the property. Neighbors expressed concern that an additional entrance would funnel more traffic onto neighborhood

streets. That proposal has been eliminated, Thames said. The only road into the facility will be the existing one at Bridge Lane. The plans also call for a 15-foot buffer between the facility and the neighborhood. Neighbors also complained about having to see an institutional building as opposed to homes, which now occupy the two lots. Thames said the current changes seem to have satisfied neighbors. ❖

Oct. 16th - Nov. 2nd

Help for the divorced and separated during the holidays

Surviving the Holidays If you’re separated or divorced, the holidays can be a lonely, stressful and depressing time. But there’s hope. Join us for an encouraging seminar to discover how to enjoy the holidays again.

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When Jim and Kortni Duff decided to relocate from Charlotte to Birmingham, shopping for a home 400 miles away meant spending time on the Internet. “We found Christina Rickey with ARC Realty online, and she made our search fun,” says Jim. “I interviewed her over the phone and she went to work for us immediately.” Christina used technology to take the Duffs on virtual tours of homes with her tablet, which helped narrow the search when they came to Birmingham. “We wound up in a home we love,” says Kortni. “Christina handled everything very professionally, and she was patient and pleasant with us, too.” Christina says, “That’s what I love about my job and working with ARC Realty: helping people like the Duffs find a home, and making them my new friends.”

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16 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

Holiday in the Hills

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

vestavia hills

City and Chamber Team up for Holiday in the Hills The city of Vestavia Hills and the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce are teaming up again this year to help residents get in the holiday spirit. The fourth annual Holiday in the Hills Festival will kick off next month and continue through the holiday season in an effort to encourage shoppers to support local businesses, Karen Odle, the chamber’s executive director said. This year, “shop local” supporters will be given booklets to take to participating merchants during the holiday in the Hills Festival to have them stamped. In order to get a stamp in their booklets, shoppers have to join the search for Jingle Bell, a toy reindeer that will be hidden in stores throughout Vestavia Hills. When shoppers find Jingle Bell in their favorite Vestavia store, they get a stamp from the store and 10 stamps will get them entered into a drawing for a $25 Chamber GiftCheck. Participating merchants include AC Financial Partners, Achieve Clinical Research, Advocare Independent Distributor Dave Quinn, Alliance Publishing Group-Vestavia Hills Living, America’s First Federal Credit Union,

The city of Vestavia and the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce will host the fourth annual Holiday in the Hills Festival starting next month. From left: Allison Naylor, Lisa Christopher, Katie Woodruff and Karen Odle. Photos special to the Journal

Annabelle’s/Vestavia Apothecary, BB&T, Birmingham Speech & Hearing Associates, Bradford Health Services, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Cellular Sales of Verizon Wireless, Charter Business, Charter Media, Chickadee, Collage Designer Consignment, Comfort Keepers, e3 Partners, Fancy Goods Variety, First Partners Bank, GameTruck Alabama, Greater Birmingham AMBUCS, Human Performance & Rehabilitation Center, IberiaBank, Interiors & Antiques Market, Jackson, Howard & Whatley CPAs, JAMM Entertainment, Jimmie Hale Mission, John Henley State Farm Insurance, Kidz Closet & More, Liberty Park Joint Venture, Mary Kay CosmeticsSusie Serio, Newk’s Eatery, OnTime Service, Regions Bank, Renasant Bank Mortgage Lending, Serendipity Sweets, Snapper Grabbers, Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, Stephanie Steinmetz

Pediatric Dentistry, Summit Express Urgent Care, Tutoring Club, Two Men and a Truck, Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, Wild Birds Unlimited and Xceligent. The holiday revelry continues on Dec. 9 with the Tree Lighting Festival at Vestavia Hills City Center. Starting at 6 p.m., visitors can come to the City Center at 700 Montgomery Highway for live entertainment, merchant give-aways and a visit with Santa. The Tree Lighting event will also include the Snow Ball Drop where participating merchants will drop ping pong balls offering discounts on their wares. If the kids miss Santa’s appearance at the Tree Lighting Festival, they’ll have a chance to see the Jolly Old Elf again at the Breakfast with Santa event on Dec. 13 at Vestavia Hills Civic Center.

Vestavia Hills residents of all ages are ready to usher in the holidays at the annual Holiday in the Hills Festival. From left: Luke, Levi and Hunter Higginbotham. The Holiday in the Hills Festival will also include a ceremony to light the city’s Christmas tree at the Vestavia Hills City Center on Dec. 9. From 7:30-11 a.m., guests can enjoy a pancake breakfast for a suggested $1 donation at 1975 Merryvale Road. On Dec. 14, the city’s Christmas Parade and Celebration will be held from 2-4 p.m. starting at the Liberty Park Sports Complex. The parade route will follow Liberty Parkway to Alston Meadows. Following the parade, the Liberty Park Christmas Celebration will feature children’s activities, refreshments, live entertainment and pictures with Santa. For more information, visit www. vestaviahills.org. ❖

Calendar of Events Search for Jingle Bell November 13-December 15 Jingle Bell the Reindeer is hiding in stores all over Vestavia Hills. Print the list of stores from www.vestaviahills.org and go look for him! When you find Jingle Bell in a store, have the store stamp your sheet. When you have 10 stamps, turn it in to the Chamber of Commerce office for a surprise and to be entered in a drawing for a $25 Chamber GiftCheck.

Breakfast with Santa December 13 Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 7:30-10:00 am 1975 Merryvale Road Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa. $1 Suggested Donation

Liberty Park Christmas Parade & Celebration December 14

Tree Lighting Festival December 9 Vestavia Hills City Center, 6:00 pm 700 Montgomery Highway Enjoy entertainment, merchant give-aways and the lighting of the tree. Visit with Santa and play in the snow! Don’t miss the Snow Ball Drop-we’ll be dropping ping pong balls with discounts from our participating merchants!

Liberty Park Sports Complex to Alston Meadows, 2:00-4:00 pm Enjoy the city’s official parade followed by the Liberty Park Christmas Celebration with children’s activities, refreshments, live entertainment, visit with Santa & more!

Visit www.vestaviahills.org for an extended list of events Presented by the City of Vestavia Hills & the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Holiday in the Hills

AC Financial Partners Achieve Clinical Research Advocare Independent Distributor Dave Quinn Alliance Publishing Group-Vestavia Hills Living America’s First Federal Credit Union Annabelle’s/Vestavia Apothecary Arbors Cahaba River BB&T Birmingham Speech & Hearing Associates Bradford Health Services Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Cellular Sales of Verizon Wireless Charter Business Charter Media Chickadee Collage Designer Consignment Comfort Keepers Don’s Carpet One e3 Partners Fancy Goods Variety First Partners Bank GameTruck Alabama Greater Birmingham AMBUCS Hollywood Pools Human Performance & Rehabilitation Centers

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 17

Iberia Bank Interiors & Antiques Market Jackson, Howard & Whatley, CPAs JAMM Entertainment Jimmie Hale Mission John Henley State Farm Insurance Kidz Closet & More Liberty Park Joint Venture Mary Kay Cosmetics-Susie Serio Newk’s Eatery OnTime Service Regions Bank Renasant Bank Mortgage Lending Rocky Ridge Hardware Serendipity Sweets Snapper Grabbers Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Stephanie Steinmetz Pediatric Dentistry Summit Express Urgent Care Tutoring Club TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Wild Birds Unlimited Xceligent

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Hope Gala Honoree ACS Event Pays Tribute to Birmingham Artist

he American Cancer Society of Birmingham’s largest fundraising event of the year honored the life of a Birmingham artist. The late Toni Tully was the honoree at this year’s Hope Gala, hosted by the American Cancer Society in late August at a private club. More than 500 guests attended the 34th annual Hope Gala to raise money for cancer research and to honor Tully. The wife, mother, grandmother and prominent contemporary artist lost her battle to cancer in 2010. Tully contributed to the community through her artwork and her involvement with the Birmingham Art Association, the Birmingham Museum of Art’s Collector’s Circle and the Women’s Club of Birmingham. Her creations helped her gain a reputation as one of the pioneers of Birmingham contemporary art. She was best known for her painted fabric installations. Three of her paintings, donated by the Tully family, were up for auction at the Hope Gala. Over the past 19 years, the Hope Gala has raised more $4.7 million to support the ACS’s mission to eliminate cancer and diminish patient suffering through research, education, advocacy and service. Money raised by the event will contribute to ACS cancer research and patient support programs throughout the Birmingham metro area, including Road to Recovery, Look Good Feel Better, and the Joe Lee Griffin more photos at Hope Lodge. The Hope Lodge, a 33-room facility that grants free lodging to cancer patients and caregivers, depends on donations to provide highquality service to its residents. Through donations and fundraising events, including the Hope Gala, the American Cancer Society is able to provide free housing, transportation and many cancer support groups for all who stay at the lodge. This year’s Hope Gala was hosted by Lois Bradford and Pratt Austin-Trucks. The event included a silent auction followed by a seated dinner. After dinner, a live auction offered merchandise ranging from jewelry to vacation packages. Featured items up for auction included original artwork by Arthur Price, Carolyn Goldsmith and Julie Wray Maiolio; transportation to and from dinner in New Orleans on a private plane; and vacations to such locations as St. Lucia, Antigua, Panama and Barbados. A Call-to-Action table was set up during the event to collect donations. At 9 p.m., the event transformed into the “late party,” featuring music by the Maleman Showcase Band. Those attending this year’s event included Laura McDonald, Sam and Emily Deide, Carmen and Randall Morrow, Ben and Rebecca Fulmer, Shirlee Tully, Amy and Scott Tully, Laylee and Alan Palmer, Chris and Anthony Grant, Steven Hydinger and Susan Salter. ❖

OTMJ.COM

From left: Ben and Rebecca Fulmer, Shirlee Tully and Amy and Scott Tully.

Photos special to the Journal

Steven Hydinger and Susan Salter.

Chris and Anthony Grant.

Lois Bradford, Laura McDonald and Pratt Austin-Trucks.

Carmen and Randall Morrow.

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Treats at The Club

Charades Members Gather for Wine and Cheese Party Clockwise from right: From left: Judy Daniel, Karen Sanders, Lou Ann Sherling, Naomi Cunningham and Pat Miree. Sara Ruiz de Molina, Carol Corvin, Madelon Rushing and Diane Weatherford. Dale Holditch, Betsy Dumas, Warren Cain and Diana Turnipseed. Photos special to the Journal

Charades Dance Club members attended a fall wine and cheese party on the afternoon of Sept. 15 in the Gold Room at The Club in Homewood. George Ann Parker, president of the club, hosted the party. Others responsible for planning the event were Katy Sexton, Madelon Rushing, Sara Ruiz de Molina, Carolyn Satterfield and Sallie Aman White. Caprese salad bites, brie with fruit, prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe, brownies and lemon squares were served along with a variety of wines. Among members socializing at the party were Margaret Balch, Susan Bowman, Patsy Burns, Camille Butrus, Warren Cain, Anne Carey, Martha Cobb Roberts, Carole Crabbe, Ellen Cunningham, Naomi Cunningham, Judy Daniel, Anne Dawson, Enid Dean, Sara Lynn DeFuniak, Betsy Dumas, Katie Dunn, Anne Finch, Toni Hartley, Laurie Haworth, Beth Henry, Dale Holditch and Loretta Hood. Admiring the view of the city were Verna Lyons, Pat Miree, Susan Pitts, Becky Powell, Mary Putman, Susan Reeves, Helen Robin, Karen Sanders, Emily Scarbrough, Alice Schleusner, Lou Ann Sherling, Lynn Smith, Rita Spencer, Nancy Stetler, Susan Strickland, Marsha Terrell, Lana Thompson, Janie Trammell, Rae Trimmier, Diana Turnipseed, Karen Watkins, Diane Weatherford and Kathleen Watkins. ❖

13th

Mountain Brook village • 2707 Culver road • 871.9093

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Best Selection for Fall in Stock Now!

From left: LaVonda Keel, Cindy Crowther, Kathy Hoskins, Mitzi Davis and Susan Williams.

Festive Fall Party GoGo Dance Club Members Dine at Dyron’s

74 Church Street • Crestline Village Mon.-Fri. 10-5 & Sat. 10-4 871-7909 www.townandcountryclothes.com

Laurel Over the Mountain Journal 823-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax Oct. 2013

is your aD prOOF FOr Over The MOunTain JOurnaL for the Oct. 30, 2013 issue. please contact sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or Kathy Duggan, Suzanne Wald and Anne Garrett. changes to 824-1246.

ease make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Members of the GoGo Dance Club

gathered in Mountain Brook recently for an annual get-together. if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, your ad will run as The is. club’s Fall Party was held at Dyron’s Lowcountry in Crestline Thank you for your prompt attention. Village earlier this month. Members and their guests were served appetizers created by Chef Alan Martin, including beef tenderExpires November 15, 2014 Expires November 15, 2014 loin, twice-baked new potatoes and cheese-stuffed Conecuh sausage. Those attending the fall soiree included Nancy and Ricky Bromberg, Carrie and Buzz Coons, Mitzi and Richard Davis, Trisha and Billy Dodson, Cathy and Mel ANY ACCESSORY OR ANY OIL CHANGE Duggan and Anne and Tom Garrett. OVER THE COUNTER SALE Also enjoying the fellowship and food on the porch at the Crestline Village restaurant were LaVonda Expires November 15, 2014 and Perry Keel, Tricia and Chick Preston, Murray and Jim Priester, Anna Marie and Danny Taylor, Jean and Scott Smallwood, Suzanne and Mike Wald, Susan and Scott Williams and Debra and Charles Windham. ❖ ANY SERVICE OR REPAIR

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Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 21

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Estate Jewelry Estate Silver Fine Photographs

Mary Adams Building • 1829 29th Avenue South, Homewood

(205) 870-3588

Jonnie Venglik and Phyllis Davis.

From left: Jane Paris Smith, Zane Rhoades and Liz Warren.

Photos special to the Journal

To: From:

Musical Meeting

Date:

Smiths Host Symphony Volunteer Council Party Dr. Chandler Smith and Jane Paris Smith hosted the Symphony Volunteer Council’s kickoff Membership Party at their Vestavia home Sept. 30. As a special treat for the SVC members and their guests, the Smiths invited Chris Griffin, pianist at The Club, to play throughout the party. President Mike Griggs welcomed members and their guests and introduced Curt Long, Alabama Symphonic Association executive director, who spoke to the group about the ongoing search for a conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. A highlight of the evening was a performance by double bassist Caleb Edwards, a student at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, accompanied by Dr. Lucy De Sa.

Edwards, who placed second in the string section of the 2014 Lois Pickard Scholarship Competition, was awarded one of the first Lois Pickard Summer Scholarships. Guests enjoyed a cocktail buffet provided by the SVC executive board under the direction of Vice Presidents of Hospitality Jonnie and Rich Venglik and Phyllis and Tom Davis. Several SVC members and their guests also took Jane Paris Smith’s guided tour of her garden. Martha and Bob Black and Bob and Shirley Brown were spotted in the dining room sampling dessert offerings. Also enjoying the food and fellowship were Charlotte and Steve Clarkson, Jody Weston, Debbie Reid, Cheree and Eric Carleton, Liz and Tom Warren,

Mon-Fri 10-5

870-3589 Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Sept.

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL Oct. 6, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-124 Lynne Meeks and Shirley Brown.

Janis Zeanah, Tallulah Hargrove, Linda and Mike Griggs, Janet Lauer, Gerda Carmichael, Olivia and Gene Weingarten, Diane Ray, Roberta and Jim Atkinson, Kathie and Pringle Ramsey and June Bulow. Others at the event were Edith and Bob Bauman, Susan Putnam, Katy Smith, Dave and Beverly Lisenby, Linda Rhoades, Robert Raiford and Zane Rhoades, Sandra Annonio, Mary Helen and Ralph Crowe, Belle Davenport, Lin and Jim Musgrove, Emily Omura, Nan Teninbaum, Diane and Neil Davis, Lynne Meeks, Verna Gales and Anthony and Stacey Edwards. ❖

Please make sure all information is corre including address and phone number! Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

22 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

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First-time Fundraiser Wine Showcase Benefits The Daniel Project

Tuesday, November 11 2014 Veterans Day - No School

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An inaugural event in Vestavia Hills Oct. 1 raised more than $30,000 for a project honoring a Spain Park High School graduate who passed away at age 21. Piggly Wiggly hosted its first Wine Showcase to benefit the Daniel Project, a mission of the Paul Meyers Foundation. The project honors Daniel Naim Ajlouny, who died from a heart condition in October 2007. Guests at the event at the Vestavia Country Club could sample more than 100 fine wines and local craft beers. The beverages were paired with farmfresh appetizers prepared by local vendors. Music for the event was provided by the Mark Kimerell Engine band, which serenaded the crowd with jazz favorites. The Daniel Project was started by Daniel’s parents, Pamela and Basim Ajlouny, to further educate physicians on the heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Money raised at the wine showcase event will help fund a private luncheon for the Birmingham medical community on Nov. 7. Those attending included Chris Ajlouny, Issa Ajlouny, Naseem Ajlouny, Norma Ajlouny, Pamela Ajlouny, Victor Ajlouny, Samar Bahna, Chris Baroody, Sharon Baroody, Stephen Barth, Coker Barton, Brian Bateh, Tod Bigelow, Stephen Bottoms, Michael Bruno, David Bullard, Danelle Cash, Kyle Chambers, Aravind Chodavarapu, Sandy Clark and Kari Clements. Also spotted at the fundraiser were Wes Cline, John Comer, Ronald Cook, Judy Craft, James Cunningham, Alan Curtis, Joan Curtis, Rima Deep, Kim Dewan, Jerry Dichiara, Peter Dichiara, Kurt Dinga, Robert Dod, Bruce Downs, George Duren, Christina Duval, Janan Farhat, John Fortenberry, Preston Fussell, Patti Giambrone, Doris Gibson, Walt Graham, Cathie Groover, David Gulledge, Rachael Haddad, Peter Harb, Connie Harrell, Fred and Ann Hassan, Brian Herr, David Hopper, Dan Hudson, Debra Hughes, Joe Hynes and Regina Jones. Others mingling at the Vestavia Country Club during the event were Steven Kabase, Connie Kanakis, Katherine Kendrick, Jenny Kirby, Nancy Klopman, Mary Laird, Jenifer Lakotich, Blaise Lanzi, Chris Lewis, Chris Lovelady, Anju Lynn, Milton Magnus, Ronald Marshall, Bob Mathews, Charles McCallum, Kimberly McGowan, Joe Medori, Dawn Metcalf, Mark Mizerany, Charles Morris, Keith Morris, Rusty and Anne Moulton, Meredith Nichols, Charles Noto, Louise Noto, Jacque Oswell and Brian Pflaum. Guests attending the inaugural fundraiser also included Anupama Piduru, Joseph Pizzitola, Mary Pizzitola, Seth Poole, David Quinn, Betsy Richardson, Phyllis Ripple, Joseph Ritchey, Mary Jo Ritchey,

The Ajlouny family at the Piggly Wiggly Wine Showcase fundraiser. Photos special to the Journal

From left: Matthew Michael, Gayle Meyers, Julia Meyers and Jeff Gentry.

Don and Edie Romano and Naeem and Norma Ajlouny.

Nicholas Ritchey, Jason Russell, Betsy and Charlie Saab, Norman Saia, Paul Saia, George Salem, Rose Sarris, Russell Selevan, Lana Shoultz, Tanya Shunnarah, Abraham Shunnarah, David Shunnarah, Kenny Shunnarah, Victoria Shunnarah, Phyllis Simpson, Kerry Sims, Mary Sims, Denise Slupe, Milton Smith, Alan Spain, M.P. Spina and Ron Stanfa. Other guests included John Stanton, Gary Stidham, Leeba Strong, Anne Strozier, Patrick Sullivan, Melanie Thomas, Deedra Thornton, Terrance Troup, Chris Vacarella, Andrew Virciglio, Stanley Virciglio, Tina Visintainer, Wa Visintainer, Steve Voorhees, Jan Walsh, Jennifer Weigant, David Whatley, Bonnie Williams, Miller Williams, Cynthia Wood, Karen Wood, Larry Woodward and Charles Yeates. For more information on the Daniel Project or the Paul Meyers Foundation, visit www.paulmeyersfoundation.com. ❖

Chris and Debra Vacarella.

more photos at

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Sisterly Social

From left: Judith Hayes Hand, DeDe McDanal Moore, Amy Nichols McCain and Nancy Runyan Gaston. Photo

Alpha Gams Gather for Meeting Members of the Greater Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta got together recently to celebrate fall. The group’s fall meeting was held at the Mountain Brook home of Katherine McDavid Allen. President Elizabeth Estess Wilson thanked Vice President Emily Putnam Fulton for coordinating the event. Chairman Nancy Runyan Gaston announced recruitment results at the University of Alabama Psi chapter. Juliet Vascocu Stewart and Hayley Wammack Young gave the report for the Auburn University Gamma Delta chapter. Permanent Secretary Judith Hayes Hand presented the results for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Gamma Omega chapter. Secretary Betsy Weese Hoffman listed the University of Montevallo Gamma Upsilon chapter’s new members. With the pledges at chapters at Auburn University in Montgomery, Troy University, the University of North Alabama and the University of South Alabama, the total new members of Alpha Gamma Delta in the state this fall is 387. A special Lighting of the Tapers ceremony was held to present an Arc of Epsilon Phi for outstanding

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

special to the Journal

alumnae service to former officer DeDe McDanal Moore. Moore was announced as the honoree at the sorority’s International Convention in Indianapolis in July. Hand, Gaston, Amy Nichols McCain and Elizabeth Wilson participated in the ceremony. Others attending the fall meeting in Mountain Brook included Laura Gray Barron, Kristi Huff Crossland, Elizabeth Hamiter Ferguson, Rosemary Buntin Gillespy, Diane Smith Godber, Kim Rains Hardwick, Kimberly Dunkin Kinsaul, Amy Owen Lawson, Laura Taylor Millsap, Susan Stewart Murdock, Terri Langford Odum, Mary Ponder Wilson Porter, Kris Magee Redden, Jennifer Wynn Regan, Jan Roberts, Amy Snyder, Marjorie Holmes Tranum and Gail Smith Westhoven. Members were invited to attend the annual Iron Bowl Party in November and the Holiday Rosebud Legacy Tea in December. Alpha Gamma Delta alumnae may contact any officer for information. ❖

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24 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

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Benefiting Briarwood Christian High School ptf

Fine Gifts & Treasures • Recognized Merchants • Talented Artisans • Delicious Foods & Door Prizes

Friday, November 14th, 9am-6pm Saturday, November 15th, 9am-4pm

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Email: briarwoodglorycottage@gmail.com • Facebook: Glory Cottage

From left: Lucas Hayes, Kayla Fields, Rachel Brown, Matt Brown, Lindsay Dring and Austin Brooks.

Photos special to the Journal

Throwback to the ’20s

Night at Gatsby’s Event Supports Fight Against Cancer

Greystone Antiques & Marketplace

More than 100 guests recently got decked out in their Roaring ’20s best to help raise money for the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of To: Lena Alabama. From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., The nonprofit group No White 205-824-1246, fax Flags for Cancer hosted A Night at Date: Sept 2014 Gatsby’s Sept. 27 at WorkPlay in Birmingham. This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the november 14 2014 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to No White Flags for Cancer is a approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246. nonprofit organization established in 2013 by the family of Tyler Metzler, Please make sure all information is correct, who at age 16 was diagnosed with including address and phone number! acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Metzler’s family said his immediate reaction was to fight it, launching please initial and fax back within 24 hours. the slogan of the organization, “NVR If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, SURRENDER.” your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. The primary goal of the organiza5475 280 attention. Thank you forHighway your prompt tion is to help families who have been Birmingham, Al 35242 affected by cancer and encourage them to never give up the fight. 205.995.4773 No White Flags for Cancer raises money for families who have been touched by the disease through donations, fundraising events and volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit www. nowhiteflagsforcancer.org. A Night at Gatsby’s included music by The Negotiators Band, Cindy dinner by Imperial Catering and a : Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 silent auction featuring items such as FAX: 205-824-1246 Bromberg’s jewelry, Disney tickets, a October Kendra Scott Gatsby-themed necklace s is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the octoberand 30,Carrie Beth art. Those attending included Colleen 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Davis, Jamie Lumberson, Stephanie Metzler, Lesley Lumberson, Shari please make sure all information is correct, including Lumberson, Bly Gravlee, Matt Young, Jane Smith, Hilary Young address and phone number! and Stuart Young. Also enjoying A Night at please initial and fax back within 24 hours. Gatsby’s were Justin Missanelli, If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Richard Danner, Megan Goodman, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. Stacy Manasco, Lee Watts, Thank you for your prompt attention. Brenda Bedenk, Austin Brooks, Lindsey Dring, Tison Barganier, Stephanie Vaught, Leslie Pittman, Coleman Upchurch, Rebecca Wright, Ollie Newton and Megan Lee. ❖

Holiday Open House Thursday, November 6

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Clockwise from left: Bly Gravlee, Rebecca Wright and Oliver Newton. Jamie Lumberson and Meagan Lee. Heather Lebensburger and Dr. Kimberly Whelan. Ryan Zarzour and Anne and Hayden Bromberg.

door prizes. Golfer Tim Meehan won the driver. Karon Brooks-Harris and Mary Bess Price volunteered to help register players and sell mulligans. Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama is a local organization helping local families. For 22 years ACA has offered scholarships for patients to attend adult daycare or receive continence products, offered support groups and other educational services to caregivers, and assisted professionals in 21 central Alabama counties.

From left: Charlie Polmatier, Allen Baynes and Jim Walker.

Photos special to the Journal

Glowing for a Good Cause Golf Tourney Raises Money for Alzheimer’s Research Highland Park Golf Course was all aglow recently for an annual event to raise money for Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. The Glow for a Cure golf tournament fundraiser was held Sept. 11 to benefit the research program of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. The third annual event teed off at 4:30 p.m. with the first nine holes played in the daytime and under a few

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threatening clouds. A barbecue dinner was served after sunset. At about 7 p.m., golfers were called to their carts and given instructions for the night golf portion of the event. Cart paths were illuminated with glow sticks and glowing golf balls. Among those at the event were Nick Beckham, Sam Lorino, Mark Garlington, Keith Hill, Mel York, Jamie Cato, Dave Sander, John Marcus, Gary Gause, Allen Baynes, Charlie Collat, Jarrod Walls and Beau Green. ACA board member Doug DeMedicis donated two golf clubs as

From left: Chad Hughey, J. Roger Ball Jr., David L. Williamson, R. Brandon Holley and Adam Pierce. Photo special to the Journal

Award-winning Chapter Ducks Unlimited Group Honored at Conventions

The Birmingham Chapter of Ducks Unlimited received several awards for the 2013 fundraising year at the Ducks Unlimited Alabama State Convention. The Birmingham group was recognized with awards for Largest Chapter and Largest Single Event. The chapter also was recognized for receiving the President’s Elite Chapter status at the Ducks Unlimited National Convention. Out of the more than 4,000 fundraising events across the nation, the Birmingham chapter was one of only 84 chapters that raised more than $100,000 to support Ducks Unlimited habitat conservation work. Representatives on hand for the awards ceremony included Chad Hughey, outgoing Alabama chairman; J. Roger Ball Jr. and David L. Williamson, Birmingham chapter co-chairmen; R. Brandon Holley, Birmingham chapter treasurer; and Adam Pierce, incoming Alabama chairman. The chapter will host a banquet Nov. 6 at Rosewood Hall in the SoHo complex in Homewood. Doors open at 5:30. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door. ❖

Jamie and Catherine Cato.

Since 2001, ACA has funded 20 research grants at the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Auburn University. Walking to Remember is Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama next big event this weekend. The walk will take place inside the Riverchase Galleria at 8 a.m. Nov. 1. Walkers raising a minimum of $50 will receive a tie-dyed Peace, Love Walk T-shirt. For more information, call 8717970 or visit www.alzca.org. ❖

26 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

homewood for the Holidays

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Businesses’ Open House Nov. 6 Starts Holiday Season

Here Come the Holidays in Homewood

usinesses in downtown Homewood will usher in the holiday season with the 13th annual Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Open House Nov. 6. The event will feature a Facebook page for chamber member businesses to post their in-store events occurring all day. From 5:30-8:30 p.m., the stores will welcome visitors to an evening of shopping for holiday gifts. Refreshments will be served. More than 2,000 people attended the 2013 Holiday Open House. The annual event attracts not only Homewood shoppers but gift hunters from other Over the Mountain communities and beyond, chamber officials said. Shoppers will have access to plenty of free parking, and a holiday trolley will make stops all over the downtown area. Maps for the trolley routes areas are available at local businesses and at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce office at 1720 Oxmoor Road. For gift certificates or more information, visit www.homewoodchamber.org or call 871-5631.

Homewood merchants–including the ones pictured here–are ready to showcase their wares and usher in a season of holiday shopping at the 13th annual Homewood Chamber of Commerce Holiday Open House Nov. 6.

From left: Beverly Maples, Alabama Goods; Anna Cobb, NeedCo, Inc.; Preston Foy, Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry and Collectibles; Morgan Cornelius, Pure Barre; and Linda Rodgers, Collage Designer Consignment.

From left: Laura Wilson, Four Seasons Antiques and Art; Jessica Parris, Swaddle; Cindy Weninger, Jack N’ Jill Shop; and Sandra Bagley, Sike’s Children’s Shoes.

Also in this section find out what some of your favorite Homewood shops have in store for the holiday season! Applause Dancewear s At Home furnishings s Homewood Toy & Hobby s Mantooth Interiors s NeedCo, Inc. s The Pink Tulip s Savages Bakery & Deli s Three Sheets s Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry & Collectibles s Vitalogy Wellness Center s Roman Brantley Arts & Antiques s Collage Designer Consignment s Habitation s Jezebel’s s Rosenberger’s Birmingham Trunk s Tricia’S Treasures

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

homewood for the Holidays

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presents

Thursday, November 6 Downtown Homewood Be sure to like the Homewood Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page for more information leading up to the event!

28 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

Applause Dancewear Applause Dancewear has been the go-to dancewear store in Alabama since it opened in 1981. “We strive to be the store that everyone automatically considers when they are deciding where to go to buy what they need for dance,” says Katie Wade Faught, above. “Everyone that works in our store is a dancer. This insures the customer they are receiving advice from a staff that is passionate and knowledgeable about what they are selling,” Katie says. Buddy and Cindy Wade opened Applause when Cindy was the choreographer and creator of The Start Spangled Girls at Homewood High School. Their daughter, Katie eventually took over ownership after completing her marketing

homewood for the Holidays

degree at UAB. Even though Katie took on all of the major business dealings, Buddy visited almost every day to lend a hand and to visit with his daughter, the staff and the customers. “He would help us stock shelves and take out trash, but the best part of his visit was his smile and a great big hug for each one of us to start our day,” says Erica Thomason, manager of Applause. “Until his unexpected and sudden death on May 8, you would see him here at some point during the day.” “We have just finished our first fall without him and it has not been easy. Every time the door opens I expect him to come in and show me that smile. We will just continue to push forward and remember the amazing things he did for all of us,” says Katie. Applause Dancewear is located at 1629 Oxmoor Road, 871-7837.

Great Gift items for all of the dancers in your life!!

At Home Furnishings At Home Furnishings is a unique, privately- owned store in historic downtown Homewood that has been in business for 24 years. “Our wares are hand-picked by the owner, Babbie Styslinger and staff to ensure that everyone’s tastes are satisfied,” says Paige Rouss, manager, pictured above, center, with store employees Jackie Almeida, left, and Rebekah Cowart. “The flea market style makes the shop charming and inviting. Our incredible inventory from around the world changes daily. Many people come in on their lunch breaks just to see what’s new,” says Paige.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

“With over 400 vendors, we are dedicated to bringing quality products and competitive prices to our customers. “Among other attributes, we are proud to be Vietri’s Best for the past 11 years, which acknowledges the company’s highest-selling retailers,” says Paige. “At Home is also recognized as the most successful Rowe Furniture dealer in Alabama. “Our greatest pleasure, though, is to help people make their spaces feel comfortable and inviting, no matter what their style may be. “We make every effort to ensure that our prices and quality of product are far and away the best our customers can find,” says Paige. “We want our customers’ experiences at the store to be something that they look back on with extreme satisfaction.” At Home Furnishings is located at 2921 18th St. S., Homewood, 879-3510.

wonderful hand-picked wares for every taste…

new arrivals daily!

Dancewear 1629 Oxmoor Road Homewood 871-STEP (7837) like us on Facebook

Celebrating 33 Years In Business - Family Owned & Operated

2921 18th St. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-879-3510 • www.athome-furnishings.com

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop is the oldest toy store and hobby shop in the Birmingham area. “We are family-owned and operated since 1950 with a focus on classic toys for the child inside of everyone,” says Tricia McCain, owner. “We carry a wide variety of brands including, but not limited to Corolle Dolls, Lego, Playmobil, Melissa & Doug, Lionel Trains and Traxxas Remote Control.” Pictured above, Cade Cooley, 5, is enjoying playing with some of the most popular items on the kids’ Christmas lists. “Whether you are looking for a new toy for a newborn baby, a birthday gift for your

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 29

homewood for the Holidays

child’s classmate or even a new hobby for dad, our experienced staff can help you decide on the best item. We carry the largest selection of remote controlled toys in Birmingham. We are We carry a wide variety of brands including, but not limited to Corolle Dolls, Lego, Playmobil, Melissa & Doug, Lionel Trains and Traxxas Remote Control.

proud to have over 60 years of business in the hobby industry. “If you are looking for a particular toy, don’t hesitate to give us a call. If we don’t stock it, we can often special order it for you,” Tricia says. Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop is located at 2830 18th Street S., 879-3986.

Mantooth Interiors Since 1973, the Mantooth family has brought a rare and ever-evolving collection of the very best in home furnishings to Birmingham. “Now in 2014, we have merged the Curtain Exchange into our current showroom offering a complete floor to ceiling design experience,” Our design team is committed to distinction, elegance and luxury.

said Lynette Mantooth, who owns the shop with her husband Larry. “We are fully staffed by interior designers who have the talent, creativity and–most importantly–the passion to create the perfect atmo-

sphere for the perfect home. Our design team, (pictured above, from left: Sue Selby, Caroline Hutchinson, Lori Jack, Lynette Mantooth, Danielle Brown and Brenda Hillman), is committed to distinction, elegance and luxury,” Lynette said. “Our wide selection of luxurious linens range from Italian hand-loomed tapestries to pure charmeuse silks and of course the classic look of linen and cotton. Our designers come to your home and creatively ‘dress’ your concept with imagination and knowledge. “At Mantooth’s we believe in the substance of beautiful things, the magnitude of finer details and that a little indulgence is good for the soul. “Experience it for yourself and you will see why we say ‘It’s good to be home.’” Mantooth Interiors is located at 2813 18th Street S., 879-5474.

Beauty unfolds...

Distinct Furnishings Divine Bedding

2813 18th street south • homewood (205) 879-5474 mantoothinteriors.com

30 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

homewood for the Holidays

NeedCo, Inc. – The Cabinet Company NeedCo, Inc. - The Cabinet Company is a full service cabinet company that has a complete remodel division as well as an in-house plumbing staff. “We offer custom cabinetry that we make at our Bessemer location,” says David Harrison, owner. “We provide a design layout with 3D drawings for kitchens and bathrooms. In our remodel division we offer a wide range of remodeling services. “I created NeedCo, Inc. – The Cabinet Company in 2000. I have been in the construction industry for 30-plus years. After selling my heating/air and plumbing company in 1997, I decided to turn my hobby of woodworking into

the The Cabinet Company. The company is still growing today and we are adding different divisions. “I like what I do. At NeedCo we all take pride and ownership in what we create and that, coupled with satisfied customers, makes it very rewarding for me as a business owner. We will be on hand at our Holiday Open House to discuss remodeling do’s and don’ts and answer general questions about what services we offer. We will have food and things for the kids to do while their parents look around our kitchen and bath showroom. We have several new displays and kitchen accessories.” In the NeedCo showroom pictured above are designers Patsy Gissendanner, left and Melanie Mendonca. NeedCo, Inc. - The Cabinet Company is located at 2901 18th Street S. in Homewood, 871-2066.

The Pink Tulip The Pink Tulip is a boutique offering flattering styles for all figures and ages. “When you walk into our store we want you to feel right at home, surrounded by friendly salespeople eager to help you with your fashion The Tulip carries trendy clothing that is in style but conservative.

needs,” says Letty Algren, owner. The Tulip carries trendy clothing that is in style but conservative. You can find your favorite boho clothing styles, classic and fashionable linen clothing and everything in between. “Our customer service is as individual as you are. Let us assist you in defining a style that

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is all your own, helping you make your decisions easy and your shopping fun! We invite you to come into one of our three locations–in Homewood, Cahaba Village on 280 or Patton Creek in Hoover–and take a look, we receive new things daily! “Having been in business for 30 years, we pride ourselves on great customer service, fabulous holiday gift ideas and wardrobe consultants always eager to help with your fashion needs. “We will be celebrating the Open House with homemade refreshments, and FAB discounts that will be good for that night only! During the holidays we will provide free gift wrap as well as a personalized shopping experience.” Pictured above are Laura O’Connor, left, the Homewood store manager, and Chelsea Cornelius, social media photographer. The Pink Tulip, 2848 18th Street S., Homewood, 870-7258.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Savage’s Bakery & Deli Savage’s Bakery & Deli has been a Birmingham landmark for 75 years. It was first opened in 1939 by Mr. and Mrs. William Savage on Highland Avenue and later moved to it’s current location in downtown Homewood on 18th Street S. When Savage’s Bakery came up for sale in 1978, Van Scott Jr., a Birmingham native, seized an opportunity to own one of the city’s finest bakeries. Van, above with his daughter, Margaret, who works at the bakery, followed through with his passion for baking and his goal to one day own his own business. “Savage’s Bakery & Deli has expanded over the years and has a variety of different products. We’ve always been known for our meltways,

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homewood for the Holidays

iced smiley face cookies, butterflake rolls, and of course the cakes!” said Margaret. “We continue to use the original recipes, which take some time, but it makes all the difference when it comes to taste.” With the holidays approaching, Savage’s will start baking a variety of pies, including apple, cherry, pumpkin, sweetpotato and of course, pecan. Savage’s also offers their famous butterflake, Brookhouse and Parkerhouse rolls. “We are baking pumpkin spice bread and pumpkin spice muffins again this year for the holiday season. Iced turkey cookies for Thanksgiving are an annual favorite and starting in December, the Christmas bells, stars and tree cookies will be available. Special orders can be made to ensure every customer’s holiday season will be one to remember,” said Margaret. Savages Bakery & Deli is located at 2916 18th Street S., 871-4901.

Three Sheets Located in the heart of historic Homewood since 1995, Three Sheets offers a sophisticated mix of both the luxurious and the casual, including linens to suit any age, simply elegant accessories and beautifully hand-crafted furniture. Every mother-to-be will love the store’s sweet, unusual selection of baby linens, beds and clothing, said Caitlin Ogren, store manager. “Three Sheets is Birmingham’s choice for the latest luxury bed linens, bath accessories and home furnishings,” Caitlin said. “We carry bed linens by leading brands such as Leitner, Peacock Alley, Legacy, Pom Pom, Bella Notte and Pine Cone Hill. Stop in today for a fabulous shopping experience.” Everyone at Three Sheets, including employees Lane Jenks, left, and Mash Powell, pictured above, loves the holiday season, Caitlin said, and looks

forward to helping shoppers check items off their wish lists. The holiday season kicks off at Three Sheets with the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s annual Open House. “The Holiday Open House event on Nov. 6 is the perfect way to start the season,” Caitlin said. “The store is filled with Christmas items and we are stocked up on our favorite gifts, including PJ Harlow pajamas and Legna sheets.” Three Sheets has several traditions in place for the annual Holiday Open House event, Caitlin said. “We always have holiday-themed cookies and cheese wafters from Icing on the Cookie. It’s a great night for people to get out and mingle with friends while getting some early Christmas shopping done.” Three Sheets is located at 2904 18th Street S., Homewood, 871-2337.

fine linens, furnishings, bath & great gifts!

2904 18th St. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-871-2337 • threesheetslinen.com

homewood for the Holidays

32 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Vitalogy Wellness Center Dr. Farah Sultan, founder and medical director of Vitalogy Wellness Center, is Birmingham’s only expert in optimized living. Her breakthrough rejuvenation system provides the path to overcome diminished health and attain vitality, which can be reclaimed by just about any person at any age with support and guidance. Dr. Sultan, pictured at right, a renowned speaker, lifestyle mentor and wellness coach, is passionate about all areas of wellness, and she Our physician-led facility understands the importance of each client’s desires and believes in their capacity to better themselves

Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry & Collectibles After seven years in SoHo Square, WallaceBurke Fine Jewelry & Collectibles has moved into the former Monty Stabler Art Gallery location across from SoHo. Owners David Burke Hezlep and Preston Wallace Foy have not only expanded the selection of gifts offered, they have doubled the store’s size. Pictured above are, from left: David Hezlep, Shannon Neil and Preston Foy. The store’s giftware has always been unique, one-of-a-kind items such as handcrafted wooden boxes from an artisan in Queens, N.Y., art glass from Rhode Island as well as jewelry designs

from Anne Proctor, a local Birmingham artist. Wallace-Burke continues to provide professional expertise in gemology and fine jewelry design and now has created a “Men’s Department” consisting of handmade knives from Oklahoma, Bellroy wallets from Australia and Muhle razors and shaving essentials from Germany. “As an added reflection of manliness, we have a fully functional 1959 Paidar barber chair we restored ourselves,” said Preston. “At Wallace-Burke you can rest assured that you will find a diverse atmosphere that almost anyone can make a connection with. “This holiday season, remember WallaceBurke for interesting giftware and fine jewelry that will fit anyone’s budget.” Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry & Collectibles is located at 1811 29th Avenue S., Suite 100, 874-1044.

Shave

also loves to teach and mentor. Vitalogy Wellness is committed to building a relationship between its client and providers, recognizing each individuals’ view of personal wellness with the goal of assisting them to look and feel their best. “Our physician-led facility understands the importance of each client’s desires and believes in their capacity to better themselves. We support living longer and healthier lives by providing education, fitness, cosmetic, and medical services in an upscale and inviting atmosphere,” said Dr. Sultan. “I grew up in India where I was surrounded by Eastern medicine involving ayurvedic, herbal, acupuncture, complimentary and alternative medicines. My goal is to incorporate proactive care in place of crisis management. Relax, restore and rejuvenate in our state-of-the-art wellness center and medical spa.

Perfecting the

WALLACE -BURKE

Fine Jewelry & Collectibles

1811 29th Ave. South | Downtown Homewood, AL 35209 | 205.874.1044 | wallace-burke.com

2704 20th St So homewood

“We offer lifestyle programs, medical weight management, fitness, hormone pellet therapy for men and women, spa manicures and pedicures, microdermabrasion, massages, chemical peels, Protégé skin tightening, injectables, platelet-rich plasma therapy, treatments for hormonal imbalance and anti-aging.” Vitalogy Wellness Center, 2704 20th Street S., Homewood, 413-8599.

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homewood for the Holidays

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Roman Brantley Arts & Antiques

Collage Designer Consignment

Roman Brantley Arts & Antiques is Homewood’s newest specialty shop offering a collection of old and new, vintage and antique, fine art and furniture. “The pieces that I acquire are timeless and traditional yet very individual,” says Linda Brantley, owner, pictured above. “This is a second career but my life’s pasI’ve been planning the business for over a year but collecting for a lifetime

sion. I worked 24 years as a physician’s assistant in cardiac surgery. I’ve been planning this business for over a year but collecting for a lifetime. I have a close friend and mentor who has been in the antique business for years. Her ability to transform houses into homes and create friendships that can last a lifetime has been my inspiration to take the plunge, and Homewood is the perfect location. “We will be open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. through the new year and Tuesday through Saturday after the holidays.” Roman Brantley Arts & Antiques is located at 2790 Montgomery Street, 460-1224.

Located ‘On the Curve’ in downtown Homewood and at the Vestavia City Center, Collage is known for being exceptionally selective in the items accepted to sell on consignment. Clients include news anchors, government officials, pageant winners, actresses, professionals and soccer moms. They all know they can find anything from boutique brands to high-end designer labels, from GAP to Gucci, with all the benefits of a cozy and friendly full-service boutique–all at prices less than wholesale. “Once people discover our gorgeous stores, cordial staff and the savings on really high-end items at Collage, they become fiercely loyal and recommend us to their friends,” says Tracy True Dismukes, owner, above. Collage offers deals year-round on designer handbags, shoes, jewelry, formal wear and apparel for both men and women. The men’s department is located at the Vestavia Collage. “Collage has been voted Best Consignment Shop and Best Women’s Boutique in Birmingham Magazine and The Birmingham News and was awarded Retailer of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association.” Collage Designer Consignment is located “on the curve” in Homewood at 1802 29th Avenue So., 879-6163.

Habitation

Habitation is an interior design boutique. In addition to custom bedding and window coverings, Habitation carries 10,000 special order fabrics. The store offers reupholstery services as well, including pick-up and delivery of furniture. Habitation also carries unique gifts and home accessories. “The holiday season finds the store snow-covered with a theme of snowmen,” says designer Bill Aroosian, pictured above. “Snowmen of all shapes, sizes and guises adorn the store. Add to your holiday collection or find a single specimen as a focal point to your holiday décor.” Find other fantastic and whimsical gifts and ideas throughout the store, including great holiday nightlights and vintage-inspired music boxes that look like no other music boxes you have seen before. Browse French milled soaps, luxe candles and one-of-a-kind gifts for friends, family or to simply treat yourself. While you are in the shop, ask about our workshop series for holiday decorating. Space is limited in each class, so make your reservations! Habitation is located at 2856 18th Street S. in Homewood, 879-5558.

Homewood's Newest Destination Shop!

Join us for Nov. 6th Open House

Holiday Hours: Tues, Fri & Sat - 10:30-5:30 Also by Appointment

Jezebel’s

Jezebel’s offers a curated collection of vintage designer costume and one-of-a-kind contemporary jewelry, complimented by a unique selection of art, accessories and antiques. “We’ve searched the globe to find unique treasures for the elegant woman who appreciates beauty and glamour,” says owner Gloria White, pictured above. “Come spend some time with us in our warm and inviting boutique.” On Oct. 30, the store will have a ribbon cutting with the Homewood Chamber of Commerce at noon and will also be participating in the Chamber’s Holiday Open House from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 6. “For the holidays, the store will be decorated in a vintage style featuring our signature turquoise and hot pink colors. We will also serve refreshments,” White said. Jezebel’s is also participating in the Homewood Loves Art Night events, which are held on the third Friday of each month. The store will be open late for Homewood Loves Art events on Nov. 21 and Dec. 19. In November, Friday the 21st and in December, Friday the 19th. Jezebel’s is located at 2827 18th Street S. in Homewood, 502-7669.

Habitation

D E C O R A T I N G

Y O U R

L I F E

custom bedding & window coverings • interior design • holiday • gifts 2856 18th Street, South • Homewood, AL 35209 • 205.879.5558

2790 BM Montgomery Street (Behind Iron Tribe) • 205.460.1224

Our Jewels are fit for a Queen

To: From:

Linda Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: October This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the october 30, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,

Vintage & Designer Jewelry Gifts, Art, Accessories & Jewelry from Homewood's own Camany & Company

birmingham

www.Jezebelsbhm.com

2827 18th St. So., Homewood, 205.502.7669

homewood for the Holidays

34 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

OUR 117TH YEAR BIRMINGHAM TRUNK

Rosenberger’s Birmingham Trunk

Rosenberger’s Birmingham Trunk is proud to be celebrating and serving the Birmingham area for its 117th holiday season. Rosenberger’s invites you to visit its Homewood location, conveniently located at 2712 19th Street S. Browse through the extensive collection of luggage in a variety of price ranges. They also carry a wide selection of business cases, leather goods for men and ladies, unique gifts and a large variety of travel items. The shop strives to bring its customers the best quality merchandise at the fairest of prices from around the world. Gift wrapping is always free and all allowable merchandise is personalized at no extra charge. Let Ann and Ken Rosenberger, along with their expert professional staff, assist you with your travel and holiday needs. The store thanks its customers for their patronage and wishes everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season. Rosenberger’s Birmingham Trunk is located at 2712 19th Street S. in Homewood, 870-0971.

To: From: Date:

Tricia’s Treasures

Homewood • 2712 19tH Street SoutH • 870-0971 Monday-Friday: 10AM - 6PM • Saturday: 10AM - 5PM

Giving Thanks For All God’s Blessings, Including You!

Antiques and Accessories

2700 19th Place South • homewood • 871-9779 tue.-Fri. 10:30-5:30 • Sat. 11:00-4:30

Tricia’s Treasures is a combination of antiques, accessories, food, tomfoolery and in general, a happy and warm gathering place where selling is almost second place to the rest. “This year makes 33 years in the antique business and what a long, short, fun, tiring, fulfilling, happy journey it has been,” says Tricia Thomas, owner, pictured above. “The stories that have come through our doors over the years are too many to be told! And the laughs we’ve shared have made all these lines in my face! “We have a sign in our shop that says ‘The only thing more overrated than natural childbirth is the joy of owning your own business.’ Well, that is close to true--I just never tried the first. We have the best staff ever. “There is a treasure for you at Tricia’s Treasures, no matter the season, so please join us for our fall and winter seasons and make your home warm and beautiful. We are open Tuesday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and from 11 a.m.until 4 p.m. on Saturday.” Tricia’s Treasures is located at 19th Place S., Homewood, 871-9779.

presents

Ken Rosenberger Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax October

This is your aD pROOF from the OveR The MOunTain JOuRnal for the To: TriciaOct. 30th 2014 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: Oct 2014please make sure all information is correct, This is including your aD prOOF from the and Over phone The MOunTain JOurnal for the address number! Oct. 30, 2014 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

please initialsure and fax within 24 hours. please make allback information is correct, if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad willaddress run as is. We print the paper Monday. including and phone number!

Thank you for your prompt attention.

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Thursday, November 6 Downtown Homewood Be sure to like the Homewood Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page

Peterson-Price

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Joseph Peterson of Homewood announce the engagement of their daughter, Leah Peterson, to Mark Price, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clay Dean Price of Auburn.

Stevenson-Glanton

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Avery Stevenson III of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Rebecca Curry Stevenson, to Thomas Peter Glanton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Miller Glanton of Carrollton, Ga. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Keith Bryant Jr., the late Mr. Edward Avery Stevenson Jr. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cecil Berry, all of Birmingham.

Woodford-Sapp

Kelsey Anne Woodford and Sean Thomas Sapp were married Aug. 9 at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Dr. Kelsey Graham officiated the ceremony. A reception followed at the museum.

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 35

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Betty Linderman Potts and the late Mr. Robert Dixie Potts of Hoover and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Joseph Peterson of Childersburg. Miss Peterson is a graduate of Auburn University, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She is currently in the master’s of accountancy program at Auburn University and will graduate in 2015. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Henderson Foil of Auburn and Mr. and Mrs. Danny Clyde Price of Fayette. Mr. Price is a student at Auburn University. He has been a member of the Auburn University Singers and served as the director of the Beat Bama Food Drive. He will graduate in 2015. The wedding is planned for Nov. 22.

Miss Stevenson is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and was elected to serve as treasurer of the Auburn University Student Government Association. Miss Stevenson was presented at the Poinsettia Ball, the Ball of Roses and the Redstone Club 104th annual Christmas Ball. She is currently employed with Brasfield and Gorrie, LLC. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. Thomas Pettis Glanton of Dallas, Ga., and Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Henry Garrett and Mrs. Bess Zellars Miller, all of Carrollton. Mr. Glanton is a graduate of Carrollton High School. He graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and served as president of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He is currently employed by ExxonMobil Development Co. The wedding is planned for Feb. 28 at the First Baptist Church of Birmingham.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. Gerard A. Woodford and Dr. Lisa M. Guay-Woodford of Garrett Park, Md., formerly of Vestavia Hills. She is a graduate of Duke University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Sex and Power: Gendered Relationships. She is the program manager of Strategic Communication and Research at the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership. Mr. Sapp is the son of Dr. Gary and Mrs. Rebecca Sapp of Vestavia Hills. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he received his bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in philosophy. He is pursuing his doctorate in medieval history at the University of Notre Dame. Following a honeymoon in Negril, Jamaica, the couple live in South Bend, Ind.

Pickens-Alvarez

Suzanne Caroline Pickens and Mitchell Dean Alvarez were married Aug. 16 at Glenn Memorial United

Methodist Church in Atlanta. Pastor Brennan Patrick Strain officiated the ceremony. A reception followed at Druid Hills Golf Club. The bride is the daughter of Ms. Jane Prince Pickens and Dr. Charles Andrew Pickens, both of Spartanburg, S.C. She is director of marketing and culture at Knight Eady Sports Group. The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Ronald David Alvarez of Vestavia Hills. He is a resident in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. Given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore a fitted full lace dress with an embellished waist, a keyhole back and a long veil. She was attended by her sister, Sarah Prince Pickens, as maid of

honor. Bridesmaids were Meredith Leigh Alvarez, Cathleen Culp Beal, Melanie Alvarez Beasley, Mary Scott Bennett, Amy Green Buckner, Brittany Bowman Cook, Mary Margaret Gunn, Kathryn Grace Harris, Jane Blair Myers, Mary Christine Nicholson, Eleanor Anne Nicklas and Caroline Anne Trammell. Catherine Beasley, niece of the bride and groom, was the flower girl. The father of the groom was best man. Groomsmen were Mark Harrison Bain, Alvah Votel Barron IV, Cyrus Garnett Beasley Jr., Grant Kole Brantley, John Harrison Irons, William Henry Izlar, James Ryan McIntire, Jack Parker Morris, Andrew Harris Smith, William Blake Ward and Tyler Stephen Wahl. Following a honeymoon trip to St. Lucia, the couple live in Birmingham.

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

VETERANS FOUGHT FOR OUR WAY OF LIFE. IT’S OUR DUTY TO FIGHT FOR THEIRS. America’s 22 million veterans should get what they were promised. DAV helps veterans of all ages and their families get the health, disability and financial benefits they earned. If you’re a veteran who needs free help, or you’d like to help us keep the promise, visit DAV.org.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Updated Southern Charm

Inspiration Home Opens Nov. 13 at The Preserve By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Visitors to Birmingham Home & Garden magazine’s Inspiration Home Tour this year will not only get a chance to get ideas from some of the Over the Mountain and Birmingham metro areas’ top retailers and manufacturers, they will also be able to do some shopping. The magazine selected a two-story home in The Preserve neighborhood in Hoover as this year’s Inspiration Home. The 5,400-square-foot house is full of furniture, rugs, lamps, accessories and fresh ideas from retailers ranging from Issis & Sons and Swaddle to At Home and Three Sheets. And it’s all for sale, said Walker Sorrell, associate publisher and sales director of Birmingham Home & Garden. Sorrell said visitors to this year’s Inspiration Home can shop the interiors for ways to dress up their own homes. The tour of the house, built by Byrom Building Corp., kicks off Nov. 13 and will run Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 14. This is the fifth Inspiration Home Tour the magazine has hosted, Sorrell said. “The first one we did was back in 2004, and we don’t do one every year,” he said. “It’s a huge project for us, but we think it’s a great way to show the quality of the

The nursery in the 2014 Inspiration Home created by Swaddle in Homewood features neutral colors that would work for a boy or a girl. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

Room to Grow Swaddle’s Nursery Can Change with Child’s Age

hen she and her business partner were approached to design a room for this year’s Inspiration Home Tour, Emily Rhodes said she immediately knew how they would go about putting together a nursery for the Birmingham Home & Garden magazine-hosted event.

“We’ve edited what’s out there in the baby world for safety and Rhodes, who co-owns Swaddle in Homewood with Marisa style.” Mitchell, said she took inspiration from the people who inspire When it came to the style of the nursery in the 2014 what she puts in her shop. Inspiration Home, Rhodes said “When we started planning she and Mitchell, like their clithis, we were really inspired by ents, were drawn to design that our clients,” she said. “That’s would fit either a girl or a boy. where we get all of our best “Our clients have really been ideas.” gravitating toward neutral colors Rhodes and Mitchell opened and clean lines, and they are Swaddle, an infants’ and chilkind of staying away from things dren’s boutique in downtown that are theme-y or scream ‘This Homewood, about five years ago, is a girl’s room’ or ‘This is a shortly after Rhodes and her husboy’s room.’ They want things band, Greg, relocated to Crestline that are more gender-neutral.” from New York. Keeping that in mind, Rhodes “Marisa already had two said she and Mitchell chose a children when we first met and gray shade for the walls of the she struggled to find a place that nursery. Store and marketing offered one-stop shopping and manager Jessica Parris also really good customer service, so helped design the room. we decided to take that philoso“At first, that might seem phy and open Swaddle to help The nursery at the 2014 Inspiration Home was designed like an odd choice for a baby’s parents make the best choices to by the team at Swaddle in Homewood. From left: Emily room, but gray is actually a fit their lifestyles,” Rhodes said. Rhodes, owner; Jessica Parris, manager/marketing director; great color because it offers a Rhodes said she and Mitchell and Marisa Mitchell, owner. Photo special to the Journal lot more longevity than a baby strive to make all the options out pink or a baby blue color would,” she said. “This shade of gray there for babies and young children a little less confusing to paris something that would work for a child all the way through the ents, especially new parents. teen years.” “The choices in that market can be really overwhelming, and That “grow-with-them” philosophy is also at work in the nursif you’re talking about a first-time parent, they have enough on their minds without having to worry if a stroller is safe,” she said. See grow, page 39

Photo special to the Journal

Story by Keysha Drexel

builders and designers we have here in the Birmingham area.” This year, organizers decided to take a different approach to showcasing local builders, retailers and designers, Sorrell said. In the past, one designer was responsible for outfitting the whole house for the tour, he said. “But this year, we are trying a different approach. We have a different local retailer doing different spaces in the house,” Sorrell said. “We wanted to let people create their own space to help show visitors the great things they can find right here in their own backyards.” While different retailers were charged with decorating and furnishing different rooms, Sorrell said tour organizers wanted to make sure the result wasn’t a disjointed design. See inspiration, page 36

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 37

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Guys’ Getaway

Nancy Gowens of Issis & Sons created a home theatre area as part of an upstairs ‘man cave’ in the 2014 Inspiration Home in The Preserve in Hoover.

Inspiration Home’s ‘Man Cave’ Designed with Dad in Mind

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

When Nancy Gowens was charged with creating an in-home getaway for the man of the house in this year’s Inspiration Home, the operations manager at the Pelham Issis & Sons Furniture Gallery said she was faced with a “good” problem. Gowens said the most challenging part of putting together the “man cave” for the Birmingham Home & Garden magazine showhouse was choosing from Issis & Sons’ extensive inventory of home furnishings and accessories. “We can do everything from bedding and rugs to mattresses and chandeliers and everything in between,” she said. “When you have so many wonderful pieces to choose from, it can be difficult to decide between them.” Last year, Issis & Sons opened its newest store in Vestavia Hills. The company, founded by Steve Issis and his father, Odeh, in 1983, now has four locations, with shops on Pelham Parkway, Greystone Boulevard, Cahaba Valley Road and U.S. 31 in

Vestavia Hills. “We’ve gone from that first 1,000-square-foot space to four stores equal to about 200,000 square feet, and we offer everything from carpet and flooring to furniture and accessories,” Steve Issis said. Gowens has been with the company since 1999. She lives outside of Alabaster. “We’ve been very blessed because Steve is an innovative thinker, and through his guidance and expertise and his vision, the business is what it is today,” Gowens said. The room Issis & Sons outfitted is on the second level of the 2014 Inspiration Home, which is in The Preserve community in the heart of Hoover, minutes from churches, schools and shopping venues. Gowens said her aim was to create

a retreat from the hustle and bustle of suburbia for the gentleman of the house. “We’re calling it a man cave, but really, the idea was to create a space just for dad, just for the man of the house–a place where he can go to be alone for some quiet time or a place he can hang out with his friends,” Gowens said. The gentleman’s retreat upstairs is actually two different spaces. The first is a study-like area with a plush, charcoal gray microfiber couch flanked by marble-topped accent tables and a trio of hexagon-shaped marble-topped tables that take the place of a traditional coffee table. The room is carpeted in a low-pile gray carpeting with a subtle pattern of See getaway, page 38

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N o w A c c e p t i n g C o n s i g n m e n t s | C o n t a c t U sFrom: f o r Over a CThe o mMountain p l i m eJournal, ntary C o n s u lph., tation 205-823-9646

E s tat e s A u c t i o n : D e c e m b e r 6 - 7 , 2 0 1 4 This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the october16th, 2014 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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38 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

Inspiration From page 36

“Alison Smith is the designer who coordinated everything to make sure the design flowed from room to room and wasn’t choppy or jarring,” he said. “We wanted it to reflect each individual retailer’s vision, but we also wanted the design to flow throughout the house.” To make sure all the different

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home parts come together into one inspiring vision, Smith–a Birmingham-based designer and head of Alison Smith Interiors–said she worked closely from the very beginning of the project with Marty and Colt Byrom, the father-son building team known as Byrom Building Corp. “I worked with the Byroms every step of the way–from the floors to the doors to the windows to the plumbing fixtures to the lighting,” Smith said. “I wanted to make sure that the colors and finishes complemented the architectural style of the house.” Smith said she would describe the white, painted brick house that features four huge columns framing an expansive front porch and a secondstory balcony as having “Southern charm with modern appeal.” Wrought-iron rocking chairs with comfy-looking cushions beckon visitors to sit a spell on the front porch and watch neighborhood children ride by on their bikes. “We wanted to be sure that each room reflected the overall style of the

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Left: Colt and Marty Byrom of Byrom Building Company built the 5,400-square-foot Inspiration Home in The Preserve in Hoover. right: Designer Alison Smith coordinated the efforts of local retailers and designers at the 2014 Inspiration Home. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

home and that the interior matched the feeling evoked by the exterior,” Smith said. To that end, Smith said, all of the designers stuck with similar color schemes and, for the most part, similar styles. “It’s all about embracing the traditional elements–like the rustic beams, the reclaimed wooden floors throughout the house–and adding a modern twist with crisp elements and clean lines,” Smith said. In keeping with the traditional feel of The Preserve community, the house has a traditional Southern style on the exterior and a welcoming, open floor plan with unique details throughout, Colt Byrom said. Byrom said the design of the house was inspired by one he and his father visited last year on Cherokee Road in Mountain Brook. “That house had great center lines, a good flow with an open and airy floor plan that kind of blurred the lines between inside and outside at some point, and that’s what we wanted to do here,” he said. Just inside the front doors, a grand

hallway leads to an expansive living room and kitchen area, which features a beamed ceiling, built-in banquette and French doors that offer a glimpse of something sparkling and blue. “The lot here overlooking the valley was perfect for a pool, and so we took that into consideration when we were designing the main living area downstairs,” Byrom said. The French doors open to a large, covered outdoor living area, complete with a professional-grade outdoor kitchen, large fireplace, flat-screen TV and long dining table with room for at least eight people. The kitchen has a scullery area that allows hosts to tuck away dirty dishes and keep them out of sight of party guests, Byrom said. There’s also a butler’s pantry, complete with a prep sink and plenty of space to mix up the perfect cocktail, in the kitchen area. Tucked behind the main living area downstairs is an expansive master bedroom with a coffered ceiling, a walk-in closet that would make any cast member of “The Real Housewives” shows proud, and a

luxurious private bathroom. Upstairs, the house has three more bedrooms, including a large suite that has been outfitted as a home theater/ man cave and a roomy nursery with a loft. “It is all coming together beautifully, and I think the tour will offer a lot of great ideas to inspire homeowners and to highlight the talent and resources we have here in our community,” Sorrell said. The Inspiration Home Tour will also give visitors a chance to better the community, Sorrell said. “Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the Junior League of Birmingham this year,” he said. “We try to mix up the charities that benefit from the Inspiration Home each year.” Tickets to the 2014 Inspiration Home Tour are $10 and will be available for purchase online soon. For more information, visit www. birminghamhomeandgarden.com. ❖

getaway,

“It’s a wonderful rug with a graphic design that works well with the neutral colors of the room and pulls together the accent colors used in the accessories,” Gowens said. When choosing decorative items and accessories for the study area, Gowens said she took a “less is more” approach. “Guys don’t like of lot of junk, a lot of things cluttering up a room, but we added masculine touches here and there with items that were interesting,” she said. The wall behind the sofa in the study area is accented with whiteframed geometric prints in vibrant blues, oranges and reds that match the bold colors in the Tibetan rug. Moving deeper into the “man cave,” visitors to the 2014 Inspiration Home will find a room that dad might not be able to keep to himself for very long. The second area in the gentleman’s retreat features a deluxe home theater area, complete with top-grain leather reclining seats with handy built-in cup holders for movie-time beverages. The walls in the home theater area are painted a dark, almost black, color, which Gowens said makes it perfect for home movie screenings. Wall sconces with metal accents provide accent lighting. A framed oversized “Admit One” movie ticket adds a touch of whimsy

to the room, Gowens said, which also features a vintage-style rolling popcorn machine. “This has all the perks of a movie theater, but you never even have to leave your home,” she said. The home theater will comfortably seat 10, Gowens said. “There’s enough space for dad to invite all of his friends over to watch the game on the huge projectionscreen television,” Gowens said. And guests won’t have to go very far to find their very own cinemastyle concessions. The home theater area boasts a kitchenette with a small refrigerator and microwave. In keeping with the styles found throughout the house, the home theater’s kitchenette has highend stone countertops and highlypolished plumbing fixtures. “It’s possible that dad could come up here to his man cave and not be seen or heard from for hours, because he won’t even have to come downstairs to the kitchen to get a snack,” Gowens said. And that’s the whole point behind the room Issis & Sons created at the 2014 Inspiration Home, Gowens said. “In our busy world where we are all rushing around, it is more important than ever that we have personal spaces that invite us to just kick back and relax,” she said. For more information on Issis & Sons, visit issisandsons.com. ❖

From page 37

squares, offering a plush landing for work-weary feet. Floor-to-ceiling gray draperies block out light and offer privacy or can be easily pulled back to flood the room with natural sunlight. Two small white desks with bright orangey-red metal chairs offer places to do paperwork and keep reading materials. “The idea was to give a guy a place for quiet time, like reading, and also a place to play, so to speak,” Gowens said. To that end, the study area is outfitted with a gaming table that would function equally as well for a game of Texas Hold ‘em with the guys or a place to quietly work on a puzzle in solitude, Gowens said. “It’s a great space where the possibilities for relaxing and having fun er The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 are endless,” she said. : 205-824-1246 The color scheme of the study tember 2013 room mostly reflects the neutral tones his is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the found throughout the 5,400-square foot Inspiration Home, designed by oct. 3, 2013 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. architect David Smelcer. Smelcer is a longtime collaborator with Marty and Colt Byrom of Byrom Building Corp., the home’s builders. Kathy’s Designer Kitchens, Inc. The study area of the gentleman’s 1831 29th Ave. S. • Homewood, AL 35209 retreat has gray walls and floors please initial and fax back within 24 hours. accented with vibrant colors found in 205-871-9880 • Kathy Owens, CKD, President If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, a Tibetan rug in front of the sofa.

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

grow,

From page 36

ery’s furniture, Rhodes said. “For example, instead of a traditional changing table, we chose a really great dresser and then put a changing pad on top of that,” she said. “Once the baby is out of diapers, the changing pad can be removed and the dresser will still be functional and useful.” One of Rhodes’ favorite pieces in the Inspiration Home nursery is a glider rocker that sits in one corner of the expansive room. “It’s a timeless shape paired with a contemporary fabric that later on would be just as easily at home in a den or living room,” she said. “It’s a great piece because it can be moved to another room in the house when the child gets older.” As the mother of a 2-year-old named Philip, Rhodes said she knew that providing stylish storage was a must for the Inspiration Home nursery. “There’s a lot of stuff associated with babies, a lot of things you need to have handy–from diapers and wipes to blankets and toys–but you don’t want the room to be taken over by that stuff,” she said. “That’s why we love these soft storage bins we used in the nursery. They’re easily accessible and can be moved anywhere around the room.” The storage containers also offer a fun pop of color to the room, Rhodes said. “They really do double-duty in that room because they are decorative

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 39

home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

‘The whole room is done in such a way that it can easily transition from a nursery to a fun room for a small child to a total retreat for a teenager.’ Emily Rhodes and functional at the same time,” she said. Color is also injected into the room by a pint-sized bright yellow metal table and two tiny matching stools. The yellow accent color also shows up in the bedding on the white crib. A fuzzy white rug covers the reclaimed wooden floors found throughout the Inspiration Home, and a whimsical bookshelf that resembles a tree offers the perfect perch for toys and books. Floating white shelves near the glider and an upholstered ottoman in the corner of the room

hold more fun accents in bold colors. The nursery also features a spiral staircase leading to a loft area that makes an ideal indoor playhouse and keeps the downstairs area of the nursery clutter-free. The nursery has its own private bathroom with gray subway tile in the shower/tub area, a white marble vanity and a large walk-in closet with built-in shelves. “The whole room is done in such a way that it can easily transition from a nursery to a fun room for a small child to a total retreat for a teenager,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes said this is the first time Swaddle has been involved in a show house and said she’s excited about showing tour guests all that her shop and others in the Over the Mountain and Birmingham metro areas have to offer. “I love the idea that you can furnish an entire house with beautiful, quality

pieces that can all be found right here in our area,” she said. “It shows that you can shop locally and support local business owners, which boosts the entire community. We’re really honored to be a part of this project.” Swaddle is at 2825 18th St. S. For more information, visit swaddleonline.com or call 870-3503. ❖

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Janet Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: October This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the october 3 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Wolbach Flooring Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax October

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

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the october16th, 2014 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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

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40 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

business

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

OTM Chambers Plan Luncheons, Special Events Hoover

Chamber Luncheon Is Nov. 20 The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will host its November luncheon meeting Nov. 20 at Hoover Country Club. Networking begins at 11:15 a.m. The luncheon and program will start at noon. Tickets are $20 with reservations or $22 without reservations. Reservations are due by Monday, Nov. 17. Those who make reservations requesting a meal but do not attend will be invoiced without cancellation prior to the event. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.hooverchamber.org, email lisa@hooverchamber. org or call 988-5672. Mountain Brook

Lynn Ritchie, left and below, owner of A’mano in Mountain Brook, is interviewed by David Foster, producer of MSNBC’s “Your Business” for an upcoming episode. Journal photos by Keysha Drexel

Lights, Camera, Transaction Mountain Brook’s ‘Shop Local’ Initiative Gets the Spotlight on MSNBC

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Film crews from a MSNBC business show interviewed shop owners in Mountain Brook recently for an upcoming episode aimed at giving other communities ideas about how to best encourage “shop local” initiatives. The crew from “Your Business”

‘The stars of the show are the business owners. I’m here to tell the story of the people, the small business owners, who are doing this job day in and day out and understand the importance of shopping local.’ David Foster, MSNBC producer started out at Continental Bakery in English Village on the morning of Oct. 18 and wrapped up filming for the episode at The Pants Store in Crestline Village, talking to owners at A’mano, Lamb’s Ears, Ex Voto Vintage and

Olexa’s throughout the day. “The stars of the show are the business owners,” said David Foster, one of the show’s producers. “I’m here to tell the story of the people, the small business owners, who are doing this job day in and day out and understand the importance of shopping local.” Foster worked with Suzan Doidge and Hannon Davidson from the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce to line up the interviews with the Mountain Brook business owners for the episode, which should air sometime in November. The chamber encouraged residents and merchants to wear their “Shop Local” T-shirts while shopping during the TV crew’s visit to the villages. The chamber organizes “Shop Local” events on Saturdays to encourage people to support Mountain Brook stores, Doidge said. “It’s exciting to be able to show the rest of the country what we’ve been doing here in Mountain Brook for a long time,” she said. “We think Mountain Brook does a great job of supporting its small business owners.” Foster said he heard about Mountain Brook from a friend who is from the city. “He suggested I call the chamber, and when I found out about the ‘Shop Local’ initiative, it seemed like a perfect fit for the show,” he said. Foster said he finds it interesting

that in an area that doesn’t have a traditional main street, there is still a concerted effort by residents to shop locally and an effort by the business community to bring people to the villages. “We just want other people out there watching the show to know the kinds of things that are working in communities like Mountain Brook,” he said. The show focuses on issues facing entrepreneurs, Foster said. The Mountain Brook episode will air during the weeks before Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29, he said. “Those weeks leading up to Small Business Saturday and the shopping season right after Thanksgiving is a crucial time for small business owners,” he said. Lynn Ritchie, owner of A’mano, said she was thrilled to have Foster and his crew in town to talk about Mountain Brook’s “Shop Local” initiatives. “I think it shows what a wonderful chamber we have, what wonderful residents we have and how we all work together to support each other, because we all know that we benefit from a strong small business community,” Ritchie said. Look for the Mountain Brook episode of “Your Business” on MSNBC next month. The show airs at 6:30 a.m. on Sundays. ❖

Mystics Parade Combines Mardi Gras, Halloween The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for the annual Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade Oct. 31. The Halloween parade with the feel of Mardi Gras will feature more than 23 floats and Mayor Terry Oden driving his antique fire truck. The parade starts by the Emmet O’Neal Library at 4 p.m., goes to the Tot Lot, turns left on Church Street and then left on Euclid Avenue, ending back at the library. The Mystics parade is a competition. As floats pass the City Hall site, they will be judged and entered for a chance to win gift cards from local restaurants. There are categories for large and small entries; the top two floats in each category will claim the prizes. What started out as a way for Mobile natives to bring a bit of Mardi Gras to Halloween in Mountain Brook has grown into an annual event that attracts thousands and reroutes traffic. The parade was started by Trent Wright and his sister, Casey Horn, 11 years ago. For more information, visit www. welcometomountainbrook.com or call 871-3779. Vestavia Hills

Chamber Event Showcases Local Foods, Drinks Foodies and supporters of Vestavia Hills will have a chance to whet their appetites for a good cause later this month when the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts its 12th annual festival showcasing the local food and beverage scene. Viva Vestavia XII is slated for Oct. 30 at Hollywood Pools, 1441 Montgomery Highway. The event runs from 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $40. Those attending will receive a commemorative etched wine glass and can sample food, wine and beer from several local companies, including Alabama Biscuit Co., Ashley Mac’s, Bistro V, Blackwell’s Neighborhood Pub, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Contri Bros. Gift Basket, El Poblano, FoodBar, Hilton Garden Grill and Jim ‘N Nick’s. Others offering tasting opportunities for Viva Vestavia XII guests include Klingler’s European Bakery & Café, Moe’s Original Barbeque, Mugshots Bar & Grill, Newk’s Eatery, Publix Supermarket, Rx Catering, Seasons 52, Sekisui Vestavia Hills, Serendipity Sweets, Sol Azteca, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, Western Supermarket, Yellow Bicycle Catering Co. and Zoe’s Kitchen. Scott Perry with Contri Bros. Gift Basket is chairing this year’s event. All proceeds from Viva Vestavia XII will be used for the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarship Fund and to help fund the Foundation’s capital fund. Guests must be 21 or older to attend the event. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www. vestaviahills.org or call 823-5011. ❖

business

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

D.I.V.A.S. and Donors Women Attend United Way Event

Jim McCain and Beverly McNeil.

Photo special to the Journal

Gallery Gathering

Beverly McNeil Hosts Grand Opening A grand opening celebration was held in September for a new art gallery in the Lakeview area. Beverly McNeil hosted the party at the Beverly McNeil Gallery Sept. 21 at 605 28th St. S. The gallery features some of the original artists who were a part of the Loretta Goodwin Gallery. Those attending the grand opening event had a chance to see the space’s extensive remodeling, including new walls, 20-foot ceilings, stained concrete floors, a renovated kitchen, new bathrooms and a framing room. “Art is essential and enriches our souls for both the artist and the viewer. It speaks to us individually in diverse ways and on different

levels,” McNeil said. “We have carefully selected our talented artists to show their work and teach workshops in the Beverly McNeil Gallery.” A Birmingham native, McNeil serves on the boards of Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama. She was a founding member of Art on the Lake at Lake Martin, created to raise support for Children’s Harbor and the arts. Those attending the event included Jim McCain, Keehn and Bo Berry, Melissa Strange, Linda Ellen Price, Perry Austin, Ellen House, Memorie Mitchell, Garry Brown, Becky Keyes, Annette Cox and Brittany Campbell. ❖

Connell Is New Executive Director at Baptist Health Foundation The Baptist Health Foundation has a new executive director. The Baptist Health System announced earlier this month that Paige Connell has been named to the post. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit executive management and fund development, Connell will “provide great insight to the Foundation, which ensures that BHS has the charitable and community resources necessary to sustain its ministries that enhance the health, dignity and wholeness of those it serves,” according to a release by the health system. Before joining the foundation, Connell was the regional director for the Alabama Kidney Foundation, where she established the Birmingham regional office and increased its funding to meet the critical needs of kidney patients. She also was the first executive director of the Central Alabama Cancer Wellness Foundation, where she firmly established the organization and built a foundation to position it for success by securing funds to meet its future needs. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from Auburn University at Montgomery.

Saban Is New Co-owner of Mercedes Dealership in Hoover Crown Automobile in Hoover has been purchased by University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban and his business partner. The dealership at 1800 Montgomery Highway began

More than 200 philanthropic women attended the United Way of Central Alabama Women’s Leadership Council’s ninth annual D.I.V.A.S. Luncheon at Regions Field recently. D.I.V.A.S., Developing Initiatives and Values Among Sisters, is a group of women from across central Alabama who support the work of United Way with a focus on leadership, resource development and advocacy. The event also promotes philanthropic mentoring by women leadership donors who give $1,000 or more and who invite young professional women as their guests. The D.I.V.A.S. committee is led by chairman Koko Mackin of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. The committee includes a panel of philanthropic women, including Lajuana Bradford, Regions; Ann Florie, executive director of Leadership Birmingham; and Valerie Ramsbacher of Regions, the former president of Junior League of Birmingham.

operating under the new names of Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham and Infiniti of Birmingham Oct. 1. Saban’s business partner in the venture is Joe Agresti, chief executive officer of Dream Motor Group. “I am proud to announce we have acquired Crown Automobile, which will now be named Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham as well as Infiniti of Birmingham,” Agresti said in a press release. “This is an incredible opportunity and one that we have been pursuing for some time. We are extremely excited about the benefits the dealership will bring to Birmingham and the surrounding areas.” Day to day operations for the store are being conducted by new general manager and partner Randy Powell. Powell has 30 years of experience with the Mercedes-Benz brand. “We consider ourselves luxury retailers, and that seemingly subtle difference in how we view ourselves is actually a monumental deviation from the status quo. We intend to delight folks,” Agresti said. “We will improve the customer experience every single day. We are certain our employees and customers will feel Coach Saban’s influence on the company. Our company mantra is: We will trip, fall and skin our knees trying to delight our customers.” Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham, one block south of the Riverchase Galleria, is now open for sales and service.

Brookwood Has New Chief Physician Executive Brookwood Medical Center has a new chief physician executive. The hospital has named Mark S. Williams to the

Bradford, Florie and Ramsbacher were the keynote speakers at this year’s D.I.V.A.S. luncheon. They talked about their finest hours serving the community and United Way and challenged those attending to reflect on serving United Way. Others attending included Drew Langloh, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Central Alabama, and Mark Drew of Cooper & Gale PC, the 2014 United Way Campaign chairman. Tonya Jones, Kimberly Jackson and Keisha Kennedy also attended the event. United Way of Central Alabama, Inc. invests in more than 80 health and human service programs and initiatives in central Alabama and participates in collaborative networks to address issues in education, financial stability, health and access to services that provide solutions for the most important needs in the community. For more information, visit www. uwca.org. ❖ From left: Keisha Kennedy, Alethia House; Jill Deer, Brasfield & Gorrie; Koko Mackin, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama; and Kimberly Jackson, Alabama Power Co.

post and charged him with providing leadership, direction and strategic oversight for a wide variety of clinically-related initiatives at Brookwood. “We are thrilled to have Mark Williams join our leadership team at Brookwood Medical Center,” said Garry Gause, chief executive officer of Brookwood Medical Center and Tenet’s Southern Region. “Mark possesses a unique combination of medical, business and legal skills that contribute to a broad understanding of the healthcare environment and position Brookwood for continued success.” Williams most recently served as the chief medical officer and interim chairman of the leadership team at North Mississippi Health Services, the largest rural health system in the United States. During his six-year tenure, the organization received many quality and safety awards, including the 2012 National Malcolm Baldrige Award for organizational excellence. A board-certified anesthesiologist, Williams received his medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Samford University in 1995 and graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2001. Williams previously served as chief of staff at Carraway Methodist Medical Center, senior vice president and chief medical officer at St. Vincent’s Health System, chairman of the physician informatics council at Ascension Health and board chairman of the Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation. He held a faculty position with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Anesthesiology from 1984 to 1996. Williams is an oral examiner for the American Board of Anesthesiology. ❖

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 41

Rehab Reality by Jeff (Bonzo)

Resolve to do it NOW!

Every year we start fresh with new resolves to improve our life. You know the ones: loose weight, stop smoking, join a gym or exercise more, stop drinking and the list goes on. The last item is harder than some of the others. Addiction to alcohol isn’t just a matter of making the decision to quit. For many it’s become a physical need and simply quitting by one’s self isn’t possible. The underlying reasons are still there. The physical desires are still there. Bayshore Retreat addresses the physical with 30 days of sauna therapy to cleanse the body, thereby eliminating the craving. At the same time over 30 hours of pier and master level counseling combined with Life Skills coaching weekly helps address the psychological reasons. Unlike the ‘big box’ facilities that provide a 3 or 4 day detox and a 12 step program; the homelike environment at Bayshore Retreat with only 6 clients at a time gives one a better chance of healing. Every aspect of the addiction is addressed. Psychology Today lists Bayshore Retreat as one of the Best treatment centers in the USA and we prove it by providing the best care possible.

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42 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Setting the Stage for Scares Spain Park Senior Specializes in Gruesome Makeup

By Keysha Drexel

Journal editor

hile most girls her age would be horrified if their makeup made someone sick to their stomach, 17-year-old Shannon Pitts of Hoover says that is just the reaction she wants. Pitts, a senior at Spain Park High School, is a student makeup artist in the theater department who’s making her mark on the stage in the most gruesome of ways. “I love to create makeup effects that look like real wounds gushing with blood–the more gory it is the better,” she said. “I never want someone to say, ‘Oh, that looks nice,’ because the reaction I’m going for is a big, fat ‘Yuck!’” Pitts’ interest in one of the more gory art forms springs from her interest in horror films. The youngest of six children, Pitts said she has always loved scary movies. “I started watching them when I was pretty young,” she said. “My older siblings would be watching horror movies, and I’d sneak in and watch them, too. My parents hate that I love those kind of movies so much, but now when I watch them, I can tell them I’m doing research.”

And while she’s been a horror movie fan for as long as she can remember, Pitts said her foray into the world of stage makeup began on a lighter note. “Like most girls, I was fascinated with cosmetology and that kind of makeup,” she said. “I was always doing makeovers on my friends.” But it wasn’t until she started taking theater classes during her freshman year at Spain Park that Pitts said she realized she could turn that pas-

While she has no illusions of instant stardom, Pitts said she does have big dreams and big goals for life after high school. When she graduates in May, she plans on attending Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles. sion for makeup into a career outside cosmetology. Pitts’ older sister, Jessie, who incidentally is a contestant on “The Voice,” a reality television singing competition on NBC, was already involved with the theater department at Spain Park High and encouraged

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her younger sister to take some classes. “It was very intimidating at first because I was walking into a class, into a department with so many talented people, and I wasn’t sure how I could use my makeup skills or how I would fit into the whole thing,” Pitts said. But pretty soon, Pitts said, she felt right at home among the young thespians at Spain Park. “The older students really guide the younger students, and they really helped me learn who I was and how to develop my talents,” she said. Pitts said when she first started taking theater classes, her goal was to stay behind the scenes but knew the curriculum would call for her to step out of her comfort zone. “I had absolutely no acting experience, no experience with building sets or making costumes, but I’ve learned all that at the same time I’ve been able to develop my stage makeup skills,” Pitts said. “We get a hands-on education in all aspects of staging a show.” The Spain Park Theatre Department is under the direction of Eric St. John, a graduate of the University of Montevallo. He’s been teaching at the school since 2011. His students affectionately call him “S.J.” “S.J. has been a huge influence on me,” Pitts said. “He’s been a great supporter of my goal to be a makeup artist and has taught me so much about theater.” St. John said he knows Pitts will be successful in the theater world because of her strong work ethic and willingness to learn. “She’s a hard worker, and what that means to me is that she understands that success doesn’t happen overnight and that you have to develop your skills and keep learning,” he said. “And that kind of transcends theater. No matter what my students do next, I try to teach them that if you say you are going to do something, you do it and you do it to the very best of your abilities.” St. John said Pitts is one of those students who steps up and embraces his philosophy as the theater instructor at Spain Park. “I don’t teach high school theater,” he said. “I look at it more as running a theater company. I’m here to direct

Shannon Pitts, a senior at Spain Park High School, creates gory makeup for school productions and for SPFXmakeup, the special effects company she co-founded. Photo special to the Journal

them, but I want them to be in charge of the set designs, to learn how to make the costumes themselves, to learn what it takes to put on a show from the ground up.” To that end, Pitts said, she’s not only become skilled in stage makeup but has gotten pretty handy with a power drill, too. “I think it’s important for us to learn about all aspects of theater, and even though I’m not really good at building sets, I keep trying anyway,” she said. “I know one day those skills will pay off and all the hard work will be worth it.” Her attitude about the necessity of working to find success is another thing that makes Pitts a star student, St. John said. “I’ve actually had kids come in on the first day of their first theater class and ask me how they can be a star,” he said. “It’s funny to me that a lot of kids come in and expect that they can achieve celebrity instantly. The reality is, to succeed in theater–or anything, really--it takes a lot of hard work and usually a lot of time. One of my favorite quotes on that is something to the effect that it takes 15 years to be an overnight sensation.” While she has no illusions of instant stardom, Pitts said she does have big dreams and big goals for life after high school. When she graduates in May, she plans on attending Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles.

“My sister wants to move out there to pursue her singing career, and so it will be cool to live out in California together while we both try to get our careers started,” Pitts said. But before she finishes high school, Pitts said, she has a lot more work to do on her portfolio. Right now, she’s working on creating masks and prosthetics based on “The Hobbit” for the district-level Trumbauer Theatre Festival, which will be held Nov. 1 at Pelham High School. “I kind of taught myself how to do the foam and latex work to create the masks and prosthetics,” Pitts said. “Once I find a technique I want to master, I research it and research it and practice and practice until I perfect it.” Pitts said one way she is getting lots of practice in her stage makeup techniques is through the special effects company she co-founded about a year ago. “It’s called SPFXmakeup, and I started it with a Spain Park graduate, Phoebe Miller, who now works as a makeup artist at UAB Theatre, and Laura Byland, a makeup artist at Samford University,” Pitts said. Pitts, Miller and Byland conduct special effects makeup workshops throughout the Birmingham metro area and have even traveled to Chattanooga to host a workshop for aspiring stage makeup artists. The SPFX crew members also get a lot of practice in gruesome makeup techniques when they work with first responders in Huntsville and Montgomery during training simulations. “The last one we did in Huntsville was at an airport, and the EMTs were training for how to respond to a plane crash, so we had to do makeup for 72 people in about an hour and a half that day,” Pitts said. “I had about two minutes to apply fake wounds to each person, and by the end of the day, I was covered from head to toe in fake blood and flesh. “It was awesome.” And while most self-professed “girlie-girls” would be disgusted by picking fake flesh out of their hair after a long day’s work, Pitts said it’s all part of a process and job she loves. “I love to get dressed up and wear pretty clothes as much as the next girl,” Pitts said. “But what really makes me happy is creating something that just grosses people out because it looks so real.” To see examples of Pitts’ work, visit http://shannon-pitts-pzbe.squarespace.com.❖

School Notes Homewood Teacher Co-authors Book on City An eighth-grade social studies teacher at Homewood Middle School is co-authoring a book on Homewood, and it all began with a class project to help get his students excited about history. Jake Collins said he realized his students are using social media every day and wanted a way to use social media to help engage students in discussions about history.

“In a time where social media, particularly image-related social media, is used for lots of negative things, I came up with the #HomewoodHistoryHunt as a way to not only encourage students to have fun learning about history but to also create a way for them to use social media in a positive, meaningful way,” Collins said. Collins is co-authoring a book on Homewood for Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series with Martha Wurtele.

Hoover Marching Band Competes in Georgia The Hoover High School Marching Band competed in the Bands of America regional competition in Powder Springs, Ga. on Sept. 27. The band placed second in its classification and sixth place overall. The Hoover band is the first high school band in Alabama to compete in the finals at a Bands of America regional event in the last 25 years.

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 43

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The Urban and Ingle Show Hoover Teen Sings with Country Music Star

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Like most teenagers who love to sing, Bailey Ingle thought her dreams of making it big in the music world were just that–dreams. But when a country music star and his manager told her they think she has what it takes to make it in the music business, the 15-year-old said she began to think her dreams could become reality. Ingle, a sophomore at Hoover High School, won a radio contest in late August that gave her the chance to join Keith Urban for a duet during his concert at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Ingle, the daughter of Tim and Teresa Ingle of Hoover, entered the 102.5 The Bull contest just days before it ended in mid-August. “My mom heard about the contest just a few days before the (entry) deadline, so I practiced singing ‘We Were Us’ over and over in my basement, made a video and uploaded it for the contest a couple of days later,” Ingle said. When Urban toured last year with Little Big Town, the country music star said Karen Fairchild

‘He said that my version of that song was one of his favorites, and I just remember thinking, ‘Did Keith Urban just really say that to me?’ would come out on stage each night to perform “We Were Us” with him. The duet was originally recorded by Urban and Miranda Lambert. But this year, Urban and his crew decided to select a different girl in each city on the tour to come up on stage and sing the duet. The radio station picked the top three entries in the contest. Those performers’ videos were sent to Urban and his manager, Ingle said. “I was just so excited to make it to the top three. I mean, it was just incredible to think that Keith Urban would be watching a video of me singing,” Ingle said. Ingle was in class one day shortly after the radio contest ended when her cellphone started “blowing up with text message after text message” from her family, Ingle said.

“At first, I thought something really bad must have happened, because I was getting all these text messages from my family right in the middle of class,” she said. “But when I looked at them, I learned that I had won the contest. It was hard to sit still for the rest of that class.” After she found out she would soon join Urban onstage at his concert in Pelham, Ingle said she practiced as much as she could. “I think I stayed in my basement singing from the time I found out I won until the night before the concert,” she said. “I wanted my performance to be perfect, so I just kept practicing and practicing. People would come over to visit, and I would drag them into the basement to listen to me sing and to offer tips and advice.” Ingle got so wrapped up in making sure her vocal performance was just right that she almost forgot a crucial part of her preparations for her onstage appearance with the country music star. “It wasn’t until the night before the concert that I realized that I had no idea what I was going to wear when I met Keith Urban,” she said. “My friend Julianna Dean wants to be a personal stylist, so she and I hit the mall for two hours before it closed, and I think I tried on a bazillion different outfits.” With her cut-off jean shorts and cowboy boots ready for the show, Ingle said she started to get nervous about meeting Urban in person. But as soon as she met Nicole Kidman’s better half, the crooner instantly put her at ease, Ingle said. “He was the nicest person I’ve ever met and made me feel so relaxed about the whole thing,” she said. Urban also offered Ingle compliments on her singing. “He said that my version of that song was one of his favorites, and I just remember thinking, ‘Did Keith Urban just really say that to me?’ It was an amazing experience just to meet him,” Ingle said. After going through the sound-check process with Urban, Ingle went backstage and waited for him to call her out for the duet. “My whole family came out there to support me, and it was just a great moment to not only be up there on stage with Keith Urban but to also be able to represent Hoover,” Ingle said. Ingle said she can’t remember a time when

Bailey Ingle, right, a sophomore at Hoover High School, sang with country music star Keith Urban during his concert at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre recently. Photo special to the Journal

she didn’t love to sing. She performed in the show choir and the regular choir while she was a student at Bumpus Middle School. But while she loved to perform, Ingle said she never seriously considered pursuing a career in country music. “It’s one of those things where you think that you’re just like every other kid out there dreaming of making it big in Nashville someday, and I didn’t think it was very realistic,” Ingle said. But after she rocked her duet with Urban, the country singer’s manager told her she has star potential. “After the show, his manager pulled my mom and me back into the dressing room and told us that he thinks I have what it takes to make it in the music business,” Ingle said. “As the words were coming out of his mouth, something clicked with me, and I realized that this is something I can really go after, this is something that could actually happen for me.” Since her performance with Urban, Ingle said, she’s been working to improve her voice and has started writing songs and looking for gigs around the Over the Mountain area. “My main goal now is just to sing every chance I get and to introduce myself to as many people as possible,” she said. Ingle said now that she meets the age requirements, she plans to audition for “American Idol”

Gwin Joins International Walk to School Day

Homewood Middle School physical education teachers Myron Powe, left, and Christi Martin, accept a grant awarded to the school by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Photo special to the Journal

Grant Aims to Help Homewood Sixth-graders Live Healthier Lifestyles Homewood Middle School was recently awarded a grant of almost $10,000 to help its sixth-graders live healthier lifestyles. Jeff Adams, a Blue Cross and Blue

Shield of Alabama representative, and local dignitaries presented a check for $9,500 to school officials to implement a fitness-based instruction program for sixth-grade students. The grant was written by Carissa Anthony, the school system’s prevention and development coordinator, and Nivada Spurlock, the wellness coordinator.

Gwin Elementary School in Hoover joined schools around the world in celebrating International Walk to School Day in early October. About 550 students from Gwin Elementary walked to school Oct. 8 with their parents. Bus riders and students in the third through fifth grades arriving at school by car showed up early on International Walk to School Day to walk around the school track. Their parents were invited to join them. Students in kindergarten, first and second grades walked around the track during their physical education classes to mark the occasion. Each student participating in Gwin’s observance of International Walk to School Day received a shoe charm. Walk to School events seek to raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and

or “The Voice.” She recently went to Nashville to check out the music scene there firsthand. “My family and I took a trip to Nashville, and my mom had me go up and just ask people if I could sing with them,” Ingle said. “I’ve always loved to sing, but I’ve never been one to grab the microphone and just start singing or to ask to come up on stage and sing. It was a fear of rejection.” But Ingle overcame her fears on the trip to Nashville and got up to sing with a band in a little club they visited. “I think I was more nervous singing in that small venue than I was in front of the thousands of people at the Keith Urban concert,” Ingle said. But no matter the venue or how nervous she is before she performs, Ingle said she cannot get enough of the feeling of being onstage. “It’s great to be up there and seeing everyone having fun because of something I’m doing and to see them enjoying my music,” she said. “You really can’t beat that feeling.” Ingle is making plans to return to the stage soon and is hoping to perform at a benefit concert for Hoover native Kayla Perry’s organization, Open Hands Overflowing Hearts, which is raising money for pediatric cancer research and awareness efforts. “If I can use my voice to help others, that would just be the icing on the cake of this whole experience,” Ingle said.❖

concern for the environment. The events are also aimed at building connections between families, schools and the community.

ShelCo Coordinator Gets Technology Award The technology coordinator for Shelby County Schools was recently honored by the Alabama Educational Technology Association. Susan Poling was recognized with the 2014 International Susan Poling Society for Technology in Education Making It Happen Award. Making it Happen is an internationally recognized awards program for educators in the field of educational technology integration in K–12 schools. The program identifies and rewards

educational technology leaders around the world for their commitment and innovation. For her achievement, Poling will be able to give a $1,000 scholarship to a deserving student in Shelby County Schools.

Hoover High Students Honor Physics Teacher A physics teacher at Hoover High School was recently honored by her students. Sabrina Stanley was named the school’s first quarter Best B.U.C.S. Teacher award winner for the first nine weeks of the 2014-2015 school year. The award is voted on each quarter by Hoover High School students. In nominating Stanley, her students said she is a great teacher and is always willing to help her students. They said she makes the effort to explain complex physics concepts in as many ways as possible to make sure every student understands. Stanley’s students said she creates lessons that make learning fun.

44 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

schools

OTM Students Win National Merit Achievement Honors

Keenah Mays, a senior at Altamont School was one of several Over the Mountain students named National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalists for the 2015 award year. Photo special to the Journal

Several Over the Mountain students have been honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corp. The students have been named National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalists for the 2015 award year. The Over the Mountain students are among 1,600 semifinalists nationwide who were culled from a list of more than 160,000 students in the program, which honors outstanding black high school students. Semifinalists must show a record of high academic performance, get recommendations from someone at their school, write essays and have high SAT scores to be considered for the award. National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalists from Over the Mountain schools include Colby J. Hollman and Katlin L. Minor, Alabama School of Fine Arts; Keenah Mays, Altamont School; Micah M. Griffin, John Carroll Catholic High School; Tiffany A. Bailey and Carmen D. Stowe, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School; Korie A. Lefore, Hoover High School; Jacqueline I.

McElwain Teacher Receives Riley Scholarship Lucy Bloodworth, a kindergarten teacher at McElwain Christian Academy, was one of six Alabama teachers awarded the Jenice Riley Memorial Scholarship by Alabama Humanities Foundation in a special ceremony Oct. 6. Bloodworth lives in Brook Highland. Named for the late daughter of Gov. Bob Riley and Patsy Riley, the $1,000 scholarships recognize elementary school teachers whose classroom projects enhance the learning experience for their students. Bloodworth’s project is “STATE the Facts,” an innovative way to help students recognize and understand the importance of voting. Because the school houses a polling place on election days, Bloodworth said she is hoping to capitalize on its real-life civics lesson for her students.

Randolph, Spain Park High School; and Victoria F. Morehead, Vestavia Hills High School. The Over the Mountain students will compete for approximately 800 Achievement Scholarships worth more than $2.5 million that will be awarded next spring. The National Merit Achievement Scholarship Semifinalists are the latest Over the Mountain students to be honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. In September, 108 students from Over the Mountain schools were named named 2015 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists, making them among the less than 1 percent of all U.S. high school students to receive the honor. National Merit Scholars are determined by students’ test scores on the Preliminary SAT. Students usually take the test during their junior years of high school. The Alabama School of Fine Arts and Briarwood Christian School each had two students named Merit Scholar Semifinalists. Three students from Spain Park High School, four students from Westminster School at Oak

Mountain and six students from Indian Springs School were also named semifinalists. Altamont School, Homewood High School and Oak Mountain High School each had five students named 2015 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. Mountain Brook High School had nine students make the semifinalists’ list and Jagger Alexander of Mountain Brook, a student at the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School was honored as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist. There were 11 Hoover High School students named semifinalists this year. Vestavia Hills High School had more semifinalists than any other school in the state with 20 seniors making the list of National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. About 15,000 semifinalists are expected to advance to the finalist level in February, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the title of National Merit Scholar, on the basis of their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies. ❖

Firefighters Visit Vestavia Hills Elementary East

Mountain Brook’s Kay Named Emerging Leader The technology leader at Mountain Brook High School was recently honored by the Alabama Educational Technology Association. Joani Kay received the organization’s 2014 Emerging Leader Award, which is designed to honor and recognize emerging stars in school Joani Kay technology. Kay is a longtime member of the Alabama Educational Technology Association and is membership chairman of the state chapter of the Consortium for School Networking. She serves on several of the chapter’s committees, including the emerging technologies committee. Kay also manages the chapter’s Center for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning online preparation course.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Third-grader Drew Sparacio is all smiles as he shows his grandmother his schoolwork during Grandpals Day at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Homewood. Photo special to the Journal

Students at a Vestavia Hills elementary school recently got a hands-on lesson in fire and smoke safety. Firefighters with the Vestavia Hills Fire Department visited kindergarten students at the school Oct. 19 and brought the mobile Smokehouse with them. The Smokehouse lets students experience what it would be like to be in a smoke-filled house and learn what to do if a fire With the scholarship money, she will be able to purchase an iPad, iBooks and other materials aimed at enhancing her students’ understanding of what it means to exercise the right to vote. Patsy Riley said her daughter would

occurs at their homes. Students also learned about smoke alarms, how to dial 911 and how to safely crawl to exits in case of a fire. Students got an up-close look at a fire engine and were given their own firefighters’ hats and coloring books. The firefighters visited the school during National Fire Safety Month.

have loved that she was connected to the projects funded by the AHF scholarships. Riley said the AHF’s role in facilitating the scholarship program was an honor for the family and applauded the organization’s work.

Lucy Bloodworth, center, an Over the Mountain resident and teacher at McElwain Christian Academy, has been awarded a scholarship from the Alabama Humanities Foundation. AHF Executive Director Armand DeKeyser is on the left, and AHF Board Chairman Guin Robinson is on the right. Photo special to the Journal

OLS Welcomes ‘Grandpals’ to School Students at a Homewood school recently welcomed some very special guests to their classrooms. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School students had a chance to show their grandparents their work during the school’s annual Grandpals Day event. The event included a school Mass, a breakfast reception and tours of the OLS classrooms. “The event is a fun and loving gathering for the students and their guests,” OLS Principal Mary Jane Dorn said. “It’s a day the students look forward to every year because their special visitors have the opportunity to be a part of their school day.” OLS Pastor Monsignor Martin Muller celebrated the school liturgy, with the seventh-grade class participating. The eighth-grade School Peer Helpers escorted the grandparents throughout the event. Following Mass, adults were invited

to a breakfast reception and to visit the students’ classrooms. The school’s PTO sponsored the event.

Hoover Elementary P.E. Teacher Wins State Title Beth Uhlman, a physical education teacher at Bluff Park Elementary, has been named Teacher of the Year by the Alabama State Association of Health, Physical Education and Dance, or ASAHPERD. Uhlman advances to the next level of competition against 12 other candidates from neighboring states for the Beth Uhlman title of Southern District Teacher of the Year. ASAHPERD’s mission is to promote and support healthy lifestyles of Alabama citizens through high quality programs in health, physical education, recreation, dance, sport and exercise science by providing opportunities for professional growth and development and developing and evaluating standards and guidelines within the profession.

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 45

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Frogs and toads–and scarecrows Students at Inverness Elementary School used the theme of “Frog and Toad and Friends” to create scarecrows to be displayed at the Birmingham Zoo. First-graders pictured here with their teacher, Kelly Failla, are: Kash Boley, Kaitlyn Tubre, Caroline Whitehurst, James Andrew Pihakis, Joseph AlonsoCardoza, Joshua Moctezuma, Francisco Vazquaz, Hudson Hagood, Anna O’Brien, Camden Schubert, Joaquin Mendoza, Lilly Kerr, La’Kelle Cole, Bennett Haynes, Olivia Schor, Ti’Cariyah Stenson, Brandon Cui and Erin Bennett. Photo special to the Journal

Fifth-graders from Edgewood, Hall-Kent and Shades Cahaba elementary schools in Homewood participated in the Alabama Music Educators Association Music Festival at Samford University on Oct. 3.Photo special to the Journal

Homewood Students Perform in Music Festival Students from all three Homewood elementary schools recently participated in a musical festival at Samford University. Fifth-graders from Edgewood, Hall-Kent and Shades Cahaba elementary schools were among students from across the state at the Alabama Music Educators Association Music Festival Oct. 3. Some 450 students participated in the festival. Due to the increase in the number of young musicians participating this year, festival organizers for the first time assembled two student performing choirs. The featured clinicians for this year’s festival were Birmingham’s Ken Berg, music director of Birmingham Boys Choir, and Mississippi native Michele Champion. The AMEA held a workshop Oct. 4 at Gwin Elementary School in Hoover as part of this year’s festival.

Third-graders in Allison Davis’ class at Crestline Elementary School in Mountain Brook display their paintings at Zoë’s Kitchen. Photo special to the Journal

BLUFF PARK WINDOW WORKS

Crestline Students’ Artwork Is on Display A Crestline Elementary School teacher’s summer trip to France has led to a display of her students’ work at a Mountain Brook restaurant.

Lauren Fowler, the art teacher at Crestline Elementary, met Catalan artist Alexis Lask while Fowler was on a trip funded through a Fund for Teachers fellowship. Fowler helped Crestline Elementary School students create

their own paintings based on Lask’s work, which depicts his city and community. Students were challenged to create paintings of their favorite places around Mountain Brook to be displayed at Zoë’s Kitchen.

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BOE to Meet on Nov. 19 The Vestavia Hills Board of Education will hold a meeting on Nov. 19 at the Board of Education building at 1204 Montgomery Highway. There will be a work session starting at 5 p.m. and a regular board meeting after that. For more information, visit www. vestavia.k12.al.us or call 402-5100.

Hilltop Montessori School Prepares For Expansion

To: From:

Hilltop Montessori School in Mt Laurel will host its annual farm-to-table dinner benefit at Stone’s Throw Bar and Grill Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. Tickets to the event will be $75. The school will unveil the design of the third phase of the planned expansion, which will include a teaching kitchen, additional classroom space, a media center, gymnasium, science lab and community area. A live auction hosted by Jack Granger will feature beach condos and homes, artwork, jewelry, personal chef experiences and a private dinner party for 10. For information about tickets and sponsorships, call the Hilltop Montessori School development office at 437-9343.

Date:

P l eas ej o i n us Jim o v ember 1 ,2 0 1 4 Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: N 205-823-9646 fo rt h eannual FAX: 205-824-1246 Birmingh am S t e pO ut Oct. 2010 at This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for t U AB' sC ampusG re e n Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. R e gis t rat io nO pe nsat7 : 3 0 am ...YOU! Wal ks t art sat9 : 0 0 am including address and phone number!

Please make sure all information is correct, Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

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46 • Thursday, October 30, 2014

sports

Dogers Finish Season with Perfect Record The Mountain Brook 8U Dodgers were undefeated for the Fall 2014 softball season with victories over multiple teams from Vestavia, Homewood and Mountain Brook. Team members are, from left, front: Sarah Malone, Caroline Kelley, Syla Steinman, Rollins Wilkerson and Ashby Russell. Standing: Lola Salter, Mary Katherine Malone, Kelcie Dowling, Emma Lou Giordano, Anne Tillery Moak and Marlea Drinkard. The Dodgers head coach is Noel Dowling and his assistant coaches are David Malone, Lee Wilkerson and Scott Salter. Photo special to the Journal

volleyball, From page 48

are slated to face Fairhope in the opening round on Wednesday. “It was all very exciting,” said senior Lady Spartan setter Julia Smith. “I think the win over a great team like Huntsville gave us momentum for the next two games. Beating Huntsville got us into the Elite Eight, but we knew that the Bob Jones and Hoover games would be very important for our seeding.” Mountain Brook was a confident team going into the tournament, Smith said. “We respected every other team in the tournament,” she said. “But we also believed that if we played at our best, we could win.” Smith said the Lady Spartans will enter the Elite Eight with a slightly different mindset than in 2013. “Last year, people were surprised that we made it to the Elite Eight,” Smith said. “We went in with a big chip on our shoulders and went all the way to the Final Four. This year, more people expected us to get there. But we’ve still got a lot of incentive, and that chip on our shoulder is still there.” There is no question how Smith would like to conclude her final season at Mountain Brook. “It’s been really special, and I’m not ready for it to be finished yet,” she said. “We have to get ready to play our

best again if we want to win a championship.” Despite losing to Mountain Brook, Hoover earned its way to the Elite Eight with a 25-15, 25-15, 25-13 win over Hazel Green in the opening round of the Super Regional. The Lady Bucs reached the Super Regional final with a 25-14, 22-25, 25-17, 26-24 victory over Grissom of Huntsville. Hoover, which ran its record to 36-8, meets Enterprise in the first round of the Elite Eight. “It feels great to be going,” said Lady Buc setter Kathryn Cather, who will play at the University of Mississippi next season. “I’m so excited to get another chance to play for the state championship.”

‘It’s been really special, and I’m not ready for it to be finished yet. We have to get ready to play our best again if we want to win a championship.’ Julia Smith, Lady Spartan setter

Hoover was eliminated in the first round of the Elite Eight a year ago. Cather said that disappointment will be in the back of her mind this time around. “Last year was a tough loss for us, but I know as a team we learned a lot

Mountain Brook’s sweep sent the Lady Spartans to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season. Photos special to the Journal

and have grown,” she said. “I personally will be more motivated because I want to go out on top for my senior year.” Cather said Hoover–much like the case with Mountain Brook–will come to the Elite Eight in a different frame of mind. “Last year was the first time Hoover had ever been to the Elite Eight,” she said. “The atmosphere was intense, and we weren’t prepared for it. I think we know what it’s like to play in the kind of environment where you can’t even hear yourself think over the cheering. We just have to relax and play the best volleyball we can.” While the Lady Bucs may not be the tournament favorite, Cather saw a way to the title. “We have all the skills to get there, but we are going to have to keep our mental errors down,” she said. “We have great hitters, and we’re playing the best defense we ever have. I couldn’t be more excited.” In Class 6A, John Carroll Catholic earned its way to the Elite Eight with an impressive showing in the South Super Regional in Montgomery. The Lady Cavs took the Super Regional crown with a 25-13, 25-19, 20-25, 25-27, 15-12 win over Pelham. John Carroll defeated Spanish Fort 25-12, 25-23, 25-13 in the first round, followed by a 25-12, 25-23, 25-13 victory over Brookwood. John Carroll reached the final with a 25-5, 25-13, 25-13 sweep of Dothan.

Lucy Hart and the Lady Cavaliers earned their way to the Elite Eight with an impressive showing in the South Super Regional in Montgomery.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Week 9 Hoover 42, Vestavia Hills 0

Hoover’s Bradrick Shaw is tackled by Vestavia Hills’ Nolan Turner and Jackson Ewing. Hoover ran for 298 yards in the Class 7A, Region 3 win over Vestavia Hills at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium on Oct. 17.

Above: Hoover’s Micah Bagley puts the pressure on Vestavia Hills’ Brett Jones. Below: Vestavia Hills’ Davis Gurosky knocks the ball from Hoover’s Andrew Hawkins, forcing a turnover.

Journal photos by Marvin Gentry • More photos at otmj.com

Thursday, October 30, 2014 • 47

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Left: A host of Spain Park defenders work to bring down Mountain Brook’s Trey Collat. Above: Spain Park receiver Owen Carr scores on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Mason Duke. Carr caught eight passes for 114 yards. Journal photos by Bryan Bunch

From page 48

virtue of its 64-63 overtime win over the Jaguars on Sept. 19. “All we could do is come over here and get the win,” Spain Park coach Shawn Raney said. “After that, it was in God’s hands.” The Jags aren’t a playoff team, but they sure looked like one against Mountain Brook. The Spain Park defense held the Spartans to a mere 21 yards passing as it earned the shutout. Mountain Brook had only 65 yards of total offense in the first half and got inside the Jaguar 20-yard line only once during the entire game. Hayden Fike’s recovery of a Spartan fumble stopped the advance. “We played a complete game, and this is really the first time all year we’ve done that,” Raney said “Our quarterback did a great job throwing the ball, and our defense was outstanding all night. Mason Duke, the quarterback to whom Raney was referring, completed

echols,

From page 48

your teammates are depending on you.” Echols said success in track and field requires a special kind of athlete. “As a track coach, you’re selling pain,” he said. “The kid knows that he or she is going to run until they are sick at their stomach and have to smile while they are doing it. In cross country running, a runner has to focus on what they are doing for at least 15-20 minutes without a break. That requires a lot of self-discipline and determination.” Echols said he learned much from Jarmon, who coached him at Mountain Brook in the early 1970s. The pair didn’t exactly mesh at the beginning. “In every sport I ever played growing up, I loved to compete but hated to practice,” Echols said. “Coach Jarmon was from the old school. He came in and preached about the importance of hard work.

18 of 21 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown. The visitors took charge in the first quarter after Rondarius Johnson intercepted a Mountain Brook pass to give Spain Park good field position. Facing a fourth-and-11 from the Spartan 27-yard line, Duke passed to Owen Carr for a touchdown. Tyler Sumpter’s conversion gave the Jaguars a 7-0 lead with 5:02 remaining in the period. “That first touchdown turned out to be a huge play and set the tempo,” Duke said. “Our coaches had us ready to play and gave us a great game plan.” Sumpter also helped his team’s cause in the first quarter by launching a 67-yard punt. Spain Park drove into field goal range twice in the second stanza. The first drive stalled at the Mountain Brook six-yard line, where Sumpter booted a 23-yard field goal. The second thrust ended at the Spartan 22-yard line. This time Sumpter connected on a 39-yard attempt to give his team a 13-0 halftime advantage.

Any realistic hopes for a Mountain Brook comeback were dashed in the third period, when Duke passed to Bridge Suber for a 35-yard touchdown with 8:17 on the clock. The extra point failed, but Spain Park had more than enough points to seal the deal. Carr caught eight passes for 114 yards. Wade Streeter paced the Jags’ running game, earning 91 yards on 23 carries. “The coaches made a great call for that first touchdown,” Carr said. “We watched a lot of film this week, and we thought that play would work.” Streeter credited the offensive line for Spain Park’s dominating performance. “They work so hard every day in practice–I totally put my trust in them,” he said. “And what can you say about our defense?” Spain Park rose to 5-4 overall and a final record of 3-4 in region play. It will close its season against Bessemer City. Mountain Brook dropped to 3-6 for the year and ended with a 3-4

region record. The Spartans have been a hard-luck team in 2014, losing three games in the final minute. The loss to Spain Park provided no such drama.

He was a taskmaster. At first I didn’t like that approach. Later I came to appreciate him, and I have a lot of respect for what he did here. His coaching style was different from mine, but I know he cared about the kids.” For all of Mountain Brook’s success in the last 20 years, Echols said no particular championship team stood out in his memory. “They’re all special in their own ways,” he said. “For example, my first boys’ cross country team finished 13th the previous year. We had a junior and four sophomores. They kept saying that they were going to win the state. Nobody believed them, but they did. Their victory started us on a streak of winning four (state championships) in a row.” Echols is hopeful that his teams will be competitive in next month’s state meet. He ranks Auburn as a favorite among the boys and Huntsville as possibly the best girls’ team but added that there are always surprises.

“We’ve had teams that didn’t win a meet the entire season go out and win (the state title),” Echols said. “And we’ve had teams that I thought would blow the field away that didn’t run their best in the state meet. So you never really know for sure.” Echols, who turns 60 this spring, said that as the years go by, winning and losing means less and the relationship aspect of coaching means more. “God uses us all to make a difference,” he said. “There’s a reason why we are put in contact with certain people. If I can make a positive contribution to a kid’s life, that’s important.” For 38 years, Greg Echols has made a difference.

Cam–attended Hoover schools since kindergarten. After Carson graduated from Hoover last spring, the Pruitt family moved from Hoover to Vestavia Hills. So what does that have to do with football? Chance, as a senior, was allowed to finish his final year at Hoover,

briarwood 35 john Carroll 0

Madison Academy

Homewood 30 Tuscaloosa County Jackson olin 0 Blackman (Tenn.) Hoover 38 Hewitt-Trussville 24 Oak Mountain 49 Pell City Thompson 23 Spain Park 19 Mountain Brook 0 Tuscaloosa County 14 Vestavia Hills 7 Talladega Co. Cent. 39 SHADES Mtn CHRISTIAN 6

Brother Act….

The Hoover-Vestavia Hills rivalry has always had some interesting sidebars, but maybe the story of the Pruitt brothers takes the prize. All three of Dr. and Mrs. G. Robin Pruitt’s sons–Carson, Chance and

The Jaguars will be spectators in November, but their impressive showing against Mountain Brook should warm their winter.

Week 10 scores Oct. 31 games

Photo special to the Journal

Spain Park,

at Bessemer City at Huffman at Shades Valley Spring Garden

where he is the starting center for the Bucs. Cam, a sophomore, had to transfer to Vestavia, where he made an immediate impact in the Rebel offensive line. So the Hoover-Vestavia game on Oct. 17 literally pitted brother against brother. Chance earned bragging rights as the Bucs dumped the Rebels 42-0. Of course, Chance and Cam’s unique situation put their parents in a dilemma: for which team did they cheer? “Let’s just say we rooted for our sons,” their father said. The Pruitts’ situation was helped by the fact that since both Chance and Cam play offense, the two brothers were never on the field at the same time. “It was pretty cool and exciting to have boys on opposing teams,” Dr. Pruitt said. “I don’t imagine a situation like that occurs all that often.” The Pruitts’ saga is another example that when Hoover and Vestavia get together, anything can happen.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Sports

Bucs Beat Rebels in Week 9 Matchup Page 46

Lee Davis

Long Run

Echols Hopes to Lead Spartans to Another Title

G Spain Park receiver Trent Harper tries to break away from Spartan defenders Parker Crane (91) and Daniel McCool (92) in the Jaguars’ 19-0 win over Mountain Brook Friday. Journal photo by Bryan Bunch

No Place for Park Jaguars Beat Spartans But Miss Playoffs

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

Spain Park’s visit to Mountain Brook had Class 7A playoff implications, but as the teams kicked off, nobody could know who was going where. Hoover and Oak Mountain had long ago clinched the top two spots in Region 3, leaving the Jaguars, Spartans, Vestavia Hills, Tuscaloosa County and Hewitt-Trussville in a bizarre battle royal for the

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

There will be a different look to the Elite Eight Volleyball Championships this year. Huntsville won’t be there. Mountain Brook ended the Crimson Panthers’ 12-year streak of reaching the Elite Eight with an upset last week in the opening round of the Class 7A North Super Regional at the Von Braun Center in the Rocket City Oct. 23.

final two tickets for post-season play. So thin was the potential margin of difference between the five schools that the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s designated tiebreaker No. 17 was even considered a remote possibility. For those who don’t have an AHSAA handbook available, tiebreaker No. 17 is a coin flip. The question of who could have correctly called heads or tails might have sent one team into the playoffs and the other into off-season workouts.

Thankfully, that didn’t happen. The final two playoff slots were determined on the field. Game of Unfortunately, the the week night’s final outcome Spain Park 19 meant that neither Spain Mountain Brook 0 Park nor Mountain Brook would be playing after October. The Jaguars’ 19-0 conquest of the Spartans may have been Spain Park’s most impressive overall effort of the season, but it wasn’t enough. Tuscaloosa County’s 14-7 win over Vestavia gave the Wildcats the No. 3 playoff slot. Hewitt Trussville–despite losing to Hoover–earned the fourth and final slot by

Spartan Sweep

Mountain Brook Wins Super Regional, Hoover Advances to Elite Eight, Cavs Go to 6A Finals But that wasn’t all. The red-hot and third-ranked Lady Spartans–who defeated Huntsville by scores of 25-20, 25-21, 25-13–used the momentum from that victory to defeat topranked Bob Jones and second-ranked

Hoover in succession to claim the Super Regional title. Mountain Brook’s sweep sent the Lady Spartans to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season, and they may not have seen the last of Bob

See spain park, page 47

Jones and Hoover. The Lady Patriots and Lady Bucs also qualified for the state championship round this week at the Birmingham Sportsplex. The Lady Spartans took a 24-26, 25-22, 25-19, 25-21 win over Bob Jones and a 22-25, 25-23, 25-10, 25-7 triumph over Hoover in the finals on the way to the crown. Mountain Brook ran its record to 44-10 and qualified for the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season after a 15-year drought. The Lady Spartans See Volleyball, page 46

Calling All OTM Student Artists! The holiday season is fast approaching and that means it’s time to get ready for our annual Holiday Card issue. All Over the Mountain elementary school students in grades K-5 are invited to submit original holiday cards for possible publication in the Over The Mountain Journal. All submissions are due Nov. 21 for the Dec. 11 issue. Ask your art teacher for details, or call us at 823-9646.

reg Echols has spent almost his entire life in the Mountain Brook school system. Echols attended Mountain Brook schools, where both his parents were teachers. His first job out of college was at Brookwood Forest Elementary. After three years, he moved on to Mountain Brook Junior High. In 1994, Echols reached the pinnacle when he was named head track and field coach for Mountain Brook High School, one of the state’s most successful track and field programs. He was following the legendary John Jarmon, possibly the single most influential coach in the history of Alabama track. Unlike many coaches with illustrious predecessors, Echols took a great program and made it even better. In the 20 years since Echols took over, his Spartans have won more than 40 state championships, including more than two dozen cross country titles. Both his boys’ and girls’ teams will be among the favorites to claim titles at the state cross country meet in Moulton Nov. 8. “It’s not like I have a magic formula that nobody else knows about,” Echols said. “Our success really tells you about the kind of kids we have here. They are taught to work hard and excel. Our job as coaches is to just get kids to dig a little deeper and keep going.” Another reason for Mountain Brook’s incredible success is its emphasis on track as a team sport as opposed to an individual sport, he said. “It’s easy to give up if you’re just running for yourself,” Echols said. “It’s much harder to quit if you know See echols, page 47