Over the Mountain Journal Jan. 26, 2012 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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2012

VOL. 21 #2

LOGANʼS RUN

Hand In Paw is one of the many charities taking part in the Alabama Gives Day

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 5

Blue bows strengthen, support young cancer patient

LIFE PAGE 10

20 young ladies presented at Redstone Club Christmas Ball

SOCIAL PAGE 12 After busy years in New York as Time Inc.ʼs CEO, Don Logan returned to Birmingham – but not to retire. Heʼs bought two companies and relocated them to the Magic City and is moving his Birmingham Barons to a brand-new stadium downtown, with groundbreaking scheduled for Feb. 2. Logan recently moved Journal photo by Emil Wald into his new office at B.A.S.S, LLC headquarters, above.

There’s No Slowing Down for this Businessman, Sports Lover

BY DONNA CORNELIUS

JOURNAL FEATURES WRITER

f he wanted to, Don Logan could cover his office walls with awards, certificates and photos. His career as chairman and chief executive officer at Southern Progress Corp. and at Time Inc. led to a lengthy list of honors, including the Henry Johnson Fisher award, the magazine industry’s highest tribute, and induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor. Logan was the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s 2011 Distinguished American Sportsman. Auburn University, his alma mater, gave Logan its Alumni Association National Achievement Award, while the University of Alabama named him to

MOUNTAIN BROOK

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Listen to Logan

Don Logan is the guest speaker at the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Chamber Luncheon When: Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. at The Club. Register: Call 871-3779 or visit www.welcometomountainbrook. com for more information and to register.

its College of Communication and Information Sciences Hall of Fame. Auburn, Clemson University and UAB presented him with honorary doctorates. During his years with Time, he had the opportunity to go to the Olympics, to attend 10 NCAA Final Four events and to rub shoulders with entertainment stars and business moguls. And that’s just the short list. In Logan’s office at Seek Publishing in downtown Birmingham, two framed magazine covers — one of Bassmaster and the other of Field and Stream — catch visitors’ eyes. Both reflect one of Logan’s passions. “I get calls all the time to invest in things,” said Logan. “If it doesn’t fit my passion, I’m not See LOGAN, page 11

The Adams home is even better than before the tragic April 2011 tornado

HOME PAGE 22

BALLERINA MAKING HER POINTE P. 4 • WILDER CROWNED MISS BLACK ALABAMA P. 8 • HOOVER TEEN NOMINATED FOR PUSHCART PRIZE P. 27

2 • Thursday, January 26, 2012

OPINION/CONTENTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MURPHY’S LAW

COMING FEB. 9

The Birmingham Museum of Art will feature a unique exhibit, “Look of Love,” from the Skier Collection just in time for Valentine’s Day. Get tips on how to stay heart healthy for Heart Month and beyond. Plus, Camp-Smile-A-Mile will celebrate 20 years this year and also will say goodbye to one of its longtime leaders.

ON OTMJ.COM View more pictures from the area’s biggest and best parties. Join the conversation. Register on our website to comment on stories, pictures, parties and more. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for updates on what’s happening at the Journal.

IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE LIFE SOCIAL

4 8 10 12

WEDDINGS HOMES SCHOOLS SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

21 22 27 32

January 26, 2012

I held my breath during a lot of hen I had my eyes checked football games this season, mostly due a few weeks ago, the news to the goal line stands but also because was relatively good. The of extra info thrown up on the screen. lowest line of letters I could read was Even during the biggest games of the not any larger than it was last time, year (the Hurly-Burly in Gurley, the and I did not crack under the pressure Rope-a-Dope in Fairhope), scores of the “Which is better, one or two? A from all the other sports leagues slid in or B?” barrage. When the dilation suband out in quick succession below the sided, I was once again able to enjoy 50-yard line. I’d see a score of 100 to my books, newspapers and computer 97 and have to wait for the posting to time. come around again to see if it was for Now if I could only watch TV. basketball (about par), football (both The problem is that TV is no longer defenses were really, really bad) or socan A or B, one or two, proposition. It’s cer (triple quadruple overtime with a both, simultaneously, with a possible C, flash mob riot in the stands). D and E thrown in for good measure. I Sue Murphy Meanwhile, an adjacent band of like seeing the extra time and temperascrolling minstrels was telling me ture icons and the little sideline map I held my breath who’d been injured, who’d been of counties under severe weather and who’d been hauled off to warnings, but now while the news during a lot of foot- fired jail on drug charges. I felt like someanchor is reading his copy, an entireball games this sea- one was throwing Nerf balls at my ly different story is scrolling across the bottom of the screen, and I’m son, mostly due to head.Not Harold. He loves all that having difficulty processing more than one disaster at a time. the goal line stands flippy, slippy, slidey stuff. He has a picture-in-a-picture mind, and The “fun” shows are no better. but also because of true the more arcane information he can Regular comedy and drama series are now regularly interrupted with extra info thrown up gather, the better. Of course, the man spends hours pop-up ads reminding me about on the screen. every weekday training with those what’s coming on next or even next financial shows, the absolute worst week, like a tiny little shooting galof the bunch. Every single minute, lery of things to think about. two bands scroll the bottom of the screen at slightly Show transitions are quicker, too. As the last scripted different speeds carrying stock names and prices and word leaves the character’s mouth, the end credits spin arrows that also go up and down. There are wildly erratic wildly on the left side of the screen while the next show stock graphs on the right, flipping bands of stock index begins on the right. There’s not even time to go to the numbers across the top and subtitles highlighting a bathroom. completely different diatribe being given by the fired-up Some shows encourage viewers to tweet each other commentator squished in what’s left of the middle, yellwhile the show is still on the air. What could these peoing at the top of his lungs. ple possibly be saying? “I love Penny’s new haircut” or There’s an eye test for you. Maybe that’s the future of “Why did Gibbs do that?” Well, if they’d put down the optometry, not A or B but A and B and C and D, not just small screen and watch the big one, I’m guessing they’d peripheral vision, but peremptory, perfunctory, perpetual find out. Come on, people, hold your breath in anticipa... boy, I hope not. I’ll need a guide dog then for sure. ❖ tion like the rest of us.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What makes your house a home?

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Laura McAlister Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Bones Long, Cary Estes, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Vol. 21, No. 2

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 2012 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.

Scrolling into Madness

“My kitchen island, from Tricia’s Treasures.” Andrew Maneza Vestavia Hills

“My collection of paintings. I’d be lost without them. I have around 75 or 80.” Donald Myers Homewood

“My dogs.” Jean Redinger Homewood

“The shower curtain that my husband made for me.” Kim Williford Crestwood

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

About Town

Get in Gear to Stop Diabetes Tour de Cure kickoff and benefit Thursday, February 9th, 5:30-7:30pm Make an appointment to test drive the all new Porsche 911. Now in stock. Register to win valuable door prizes. Silent Auction benefiting the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure Main Auction Item: A Porsche Sport Driving School One-Day Precision Driving Course* Refreshments and live entertainment provided METRO

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This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Jan. 26, 2012 ssue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Making Her Pointe

Ballerina’s Dream Comes True with ‘Swan Lake’ Production

By Laura McAlister

Journal Editor

ver since Samantha Hope Galler saw “Swan Lake” when she was 10 years old, she’s wanted to be a part of the production. Soon, the 22-year-old ballerina will have that chance. Samantha, a native of a Boston suburb and now a Mountain Brook resident, is the understudy for the lead role of Odette/Odile in the Alabama Ballet’s spring production of “Swan Lake.” Performances won’t start until late February, but preparation and rehearsals have already begun. During the weeks leading up to the performances of “Swan Lake,” the Alabama Ballet Company practices Save the Dates daily. Residents can get a Pointe Ball 2012 sneak peek of what to When: 6:30 p.m. Jan. expect from the perfor28 mance while also helpWhere: Saks Fifth ing raise money for the Avenue at The Summit company’s education Tickets: $500 a couple; and outreach programs $350 for individuals at this year’s Pointe Information: Call Dale Ball. The black-tie Gann at 322-4300 ext. 31 event will be Jan. 28 at Saks Fifth Avenue at Swan Lake The Summit. When: Feb. 24-26 This year’s theme Where: Wright Center, is “Black Swan,” and Samford University guests are asked to Tickets: Call 975dress in black and 2787 or visit www. white. Michael Dyer alabamaballet.org from Uncut Flowers will provide the decor. In addition to cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a formal seated dinner by Kathy G, dancers will present a vignette performance from “Swan Lake.” Whether it’s the dancing at the Pointe Ball or the dancing on stage, Samantha said “Swan Lake” is one performance people won’t want to miss. “I first saw ‘Swan Lake’ when I was 10. I saw the American Ballet Theatre do it, and oh, my gosh,” she said. “I’m just so excited to be getting to learn the lead and getting to be in those rehearsals. Just the opportunity to learn it is really, really, really great.” As the understudy, Samantha will step into the lead role in case of emergencies.

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

ve 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. Birmingham

International Bazaar Jan. 25, 11 a.m. UAB Hill University Center Great Hall Experience tastes, sounds and wares of countries from around the world at UAB’s 11th annual International Bazaar. Presented by the Interculture Committee, the free event will feature food, vendors and performances 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event is part of UAB Community Week. For more information, call 934-8225. Birmingham

It Could Be Harvard: Managing Your 529 College Investment Account Jan. 25, Noon Birmingham Public Library BPL’s Brown Bag Lunch program continues with “It Could Be Harvard: Managing Your 529 College Investment Account.” Merrill Lynch financial advisor Ricky Bruni will discuss 529 college investment accounts and how to save

Samantha Hope Galler of Mountain Brook is the understudy of the lead role for the Alabama Ballet’s production Photo special to the Journal of “Swan Lake.”

Samantha joined the Alabama Ballet in 2009 as an apprentice and a year later was hired as a professional with the company. “Entering a company is kind of like when you really become an adult as a dancer,” she said. “It means you’re ready to stand alone. I really love company life. This is what I’ve waited for going on 17 years.” Samantha started dancing when she was 5 years old. She was taking a little bit of everything at first. At age 9, her focus narrowed to ballet. Until she was 18, she trained as a pre-professional at the Boston Ballet School. She was a trainee in Cincinnati before joining the Alabama Ballet Company. To Samantha, the best part about being a professional ballerina is being on stage. “When I’m on stage, everything completely wrong in the world disappears,” she said. “When I come off that stage, I start thinking about things I could have done better or that I did do better in rehearsal. That’s the worst part.” ❖

Upcoming for a child’s or grandchild’s college education. Visit www.bham.lib.al.us for more information. Birmingham

Loudon Wainwright and Punch Brothers Jan. 28, 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center UAB’s Alys Stephens Center will present two generations of music in one night with a double-bill show featuring Loudon Wainwright III and Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile. Both will perform their own sets for the show. Tickets are $49.50, $42.50 and $29.50; student tickets are $20. The show is an ASC Junior Patrons Event; Junior Patrons can purchase tickets for $20. Call 975-2787 or visit www. AlysStephens.org. Vestavia Hills

Youth Service Day and Kyle Matthews Concert Jan. 28, 6 p.m.

Lakeside Baptist Church Lakeside Baptist will host a free concert featuring Kyle Matthews and youth choirs from the Birmingham area to benefit M-Power Education Center, a certified Christian Women’s Job Corps and Christian Men’s Job Corps site. For more information, visit www.wmu.com or www.lakesidebaptist.com. Birmingham

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. Virginia Samford Theatre The Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El will present a one-night-only special performance of Virginia Samford Theatre’s “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” with a dessert reception after the show. All proceeds will benefit the Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El, which supports many temple educational programs, youth programming and youth scholarship funds. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.

Prmrs_67429_- Ad #2163 - Opn Hs_THIS AD CAN NOT Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 5 BE EDITED--- 4.06 x 6.25

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Giving back

Di Alabama

Lilianna Thompson, greets Hand In Paw dog Dixie and volunteer Joy Dorn. Hand In Paw is one Photo special to the Journal of the many charities taking part in the Alabama Gives Day. templebeth-el.net or call the Temple Beth-El office at 933-2740. Mountain Brook

Smart Investing Jan. 28, 2 p.m. Emmet O’Neal Library Emmet O’Neal Library’s series on Smart investing @your library continues Jan. 28 as it hosts a panel of experts who will cover tips on couponing, buy one get one free bargains, e-mail marketing deals, local consignment sales and menu planning on a budget. Speakers include Christie Dedman,

Birmingham Bargain Mom; Patrick Noles, owner of www.thesuperdeal.com; Trish Bogdanchick, co-founder of www. birminghammommy.com; and Holly Syx, founder of www.iGoBOGO.com. For more information about this free seminar or the series, visit www.eolib.org or call 205-445-1118. Birmingham

Birmingham Genealogical Society Meeting Jan. 28, 1:30 p.m. Birmingham Public Library The Birmingham Genealogical

Alabama Gives Day Feb. 2 Statewide Alabamians will come together for 24 hours of giving with a collective goal to raise a record amount of money for hundreds of participating nonprofits statewide. Individuals may choose from a list of participating nonprofits to benefit from their online gift. For more information and a list of charities, visit www.algives.razoo. com.

Society’s next meeting will be in the Story Castle room in the library annex. Parking will be available in the secured lot behind the main library. Oak Mountain

Freezin for a Reason Jan. 29, 8 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park At this fundraiser, participants will jump in the lake at Oak Mountain State Park and then have a pancake breakfast. Teams or individuals can participate. Proceeds go toward Knesseth Israel Congregation operating

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6 • Thursday, January 26, 2012

About Town

Save

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Have a Bash

Birmingham

20-40%

White Sale bed, bath & table linens

Now through Feb. 2nd

Beaker Bash committee members include, from left: Kate Mather, Thames Shoenvoegel, Shannon Holt, Laura Taafe, Amy Benson, Stacey Morales, Susan Dumas, Kelly Higgins Photo special to the Journal and Kirstie Ivey. HOOVER

expenses and the Tornado Relief fund. Visit www.kicong.org for more information. Hoover

American Pen Women Art Exhibit Jan. 29, 2 p.m. Soon Bok Sellers Gallery The National League of American Pen Women Birmingham Branch will have its annual Art Exhibit Opening Reception in the Soon Bok Sellers Gallery, formerly Bluff Park Elementary School. For more information, call 4392860.

Accordionists Association Concert Feb. 4, 1 p.m. Bluff Park United Methodist Church The Alabama Accordionists Association Orchestra will host a benefit concert featuring performances from the AAA Orchestra and the Alla Melnik Trio. General admission tickets are $15, senior citizens’ tickets are $10 and children under 12 are admitted free. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Jim Wadowick at (334) 566-1664 or wadowick@troycable.net or Craig Funderburg at 317-8663 or csfunder@gmail.com.

TWO BIG SEPTEMBER EVENTS 2415 Montevallo Road . Mountain Brook Village . 414-6001

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Wildlife Photographer Feb. 3, 7 p.m. Birmingham Zoo Tom Ulrich, a well-known wildlife photographer from Montana, will present, “Living Wild with Tom Ulrich” To: Jean at the Birmingham Zoo auditorium. From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., The program, presented by the Shades Valley Camera Club, is free 205-824-1246, fax and open to the public. It will highlight Date: Jan. 2012 Ulrich’s world travels in 2011. Ulrich has covered JOurnal the world capturing This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain for the wildlife on film with more than 600,000 Jan. 26, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. photos, many used in publications. For more information, call 249-7154.

MonograMs Plus Presents The

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

Hoover

Riverchase Loves Artists Feb. 4, 10 a.m. Riverchase Country Club The Riverchase Loves Artists sixth annual charity art show will feature more than 50 Alabama artists who have been selected for their unique and outstanding art. The indoor show is free and open to the public. It benefits Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, the Amelia Center and the Exceptional Foundation. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase in the downstairs cafe. For more information, contact Susan Atwood at 639-7900.

Beaker Bash Feb. 4, 5 p.m. McWane Science Center Families are invited to McWane Science Center’s Beaker Bash presented by Wells Fargo. This expedition through the land of dinosaurs, deep under the ocean, into the thick of the jungle and to galaxies far away supports McWane’s educational mission and programs. Tickets are $30 for children, $50 for adults or $150 for a family of four. Explorer Packages are $500 and include six tickets and admission to the VIP lounge. Visit www.mcwane. org or call 714-8414 to buy tickets.

Hoover

How to Start a Business in Hoover Feb. 7, 9:15 a.m. Hoover Public Library Business consultant Joseph Primm will share information for new business owners. The program is free and open to the public. For reservations, call 4447816. Birmingham

James Bond Gala Feb. 11, 5 p.m. The Club The women of ROAR (Regional Oncology Active Research), the fundraising arm of the Southeast Cancer Foundation, will host the second annual James Bond Gala, “The Spy Who Cured Me.” This year’s gala and live auction will honor special guest survivor Barbara Dooley, wife of former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley. Proceeds will advance personalized treatment options for cancer patients. Tickets are $150; call 967-9488. Birmingham

62nd Annual Camellia Show Feb. 11-12 BBG Auditorium The public is invited to view breathtaking camellia blooms when growers from across the South

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.

Musical Moment

Thank you for your promptBirmingham attention.

Seven sterling beads to remind you to pray each day

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Rhythm and Muse Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m. Country Club of Birmingham The Guild of the Birmingham Music Club will host its gala, Rhythm and Muse, to raise funds for the prestigious music scholarship program and to support the club’s concert series. The event will be a collaboration of the arts with well-known community artists attending and a live auction. The black tie gala will also include a cocktail reception and gourmet dinner. Tickets start at $150. Corporate tables of eight are available for $2,500 and $5,000. For more information and reservations, call Kathie Ramsay at 970-2133.

Getting ready for the Guild of Birmingham Music Club’s Rhythm and Muse Gala are from left: guild gala committee members Anne Lamkin, Judy Anderson, Ron Photo special to the Journal Bourdage, Lochrane Coleman Smith

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 7

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

FASHION IN THE MAGIC CITY BIRMINGHAM

Come In and Get a Sweetheart of a Deal!

Birmingham Fashion Week Feb. 8-12 Pepper Place This five-day event kicks off at 6 p.m. Wednesday night and ends Sunday morning with the Mercedes Marathon. Weekend passes and individual day passes are available to purchase. VIP passes include complimentary libations, runway seating and access to exclusive after-parties. After-parties will be held each night with a $5 cover charge, drink specials and live entertainment. Visit www. bhamfashionweek.com/ tickets for more information and a schedule of events. Birmingham Fashion Week will kick off Feb. 8 with the winning designer and models Photo special to the Journal being announced Feb. 11. assemble in Birmingham. For the past 61 years, the Birmingham Camellia Show has been recognized for its outstanding display of the state flower. The show is free and will be open from 2-5 p.m. Feb. 11 and 1-4 p.m. Feb. 12. For more information, contact Bill Dodson at 879-2596 or wdodson4311@charter.net. BIRMINGHAM

ACS Winter Cocktail Party Feb. 10, 8 p.m. Steel

The Junior Executive Board of the American Cancer Society will host its fifth annual Winter Cocktail Party with an after party in the Lakeview area. There will be complimentary beer and wine, while dining on appetizers and listening to music by D.J. Vulcan. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door and can be purchased from a Junior Executive Board member or online at www.jebbirmingham. org. For more information contact Mary Frances Colley at 930-8893 or mary.frances.colley@cancer.org.

One Day Only Sale Monday, Feb. 13 Sewing Machine Sale Factory rep will be in the store on the day of the sale

HOOVER

POP Auction and Luau Feb. 11, 6 p.m. Prince of Peace Catholic Church Prince of Peace will host its annual auction and luau. The event includes silent and live auctions, a Port-OfCall dinner theme, cocktails, music and more. Tickets are available in the school office and in the gathering space after all masses. For more information, visit www.popcatholic. org. ❖

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Please make sure all information is correct, including address 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

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Open House

People

Brantley Awarded Rank of Eagle Scout William Henderson Brantley Jr., a member of Troop 4 at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in a Court of Honor in the spring. Brantley has been active in scouting for 12 years. He was a Cub Scout with Pack 352 earning the highest rank in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light award. For his William Henderson Eagle Scout Brantley Jr. project he refurbished the nature trail at Vestavia Hills Elementary East. The project included cutting down trees, clearing the trail and pouring gravel. He is proud to give back to the place where he went to elementary school. Brantley earned 24 merit badges and is a member of the Order of Arrow. He was the crew leader when his troop went to the high adventure camp, Philmont, in New Mexico. Brantley is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School where he played on the football team. He is the son of Mary Jean Brantley and Buck Brantley and attends Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.

Realtors Association Names 2011 Winners

To: From: Date:

The Birmingham Association of Realtors recently honored several members with special awards. Robert Scott of RE/MAX Advantage won the 2011 Tom Rast President’s Donna, 979-5691 Cup. This Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., lifetime 205-824-1246, fax achievement Robert Scott Oct.. 2011 award, named for its first This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the recipient, Oct. 20, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. is awarded Please join us for a fun-filled event with refreshments, annually to generous discounts on all product lines and services, recognize outstanding door prizes & free product samples. Visit with industry leadership and experts, representatives from our skin care lines, service. Please and fax back within 24 hours. our staff andinitial our physicians! Scott served If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, as 2006 your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. president of the Let us show you our state-of-the-art office, phenomenal Thank you for your prompt attention. Birmingham James Harwell skin care products and the services we offer. This will be Association an exciting, fun and informative event! of Realtors and was 2011 president of the Alabama Association of Realtors. He has been 5295 Preserve Parkway Suite 260 a director Hoover, Al. 35244 for both associations. 205-682-8022 He was named Realtor Debbie McCorkle of the Year for the Birmingham association in 2007 and Residential Manager of the Year in

Please be our guest at our first annual Open House Thursday January 26, 2012 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm

2012: A New Year, A New You!

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

January 26, 2012 4:00-6:00 PM

To:

April

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

1992 and 1985. He has chaired many association committees, including Legal Issues, Membership, Education and Public Relations. James Harwell of RealtySouth’s Over the Mountain office was named 2011 Residential Sales Associate of the Year. Nominees for this award must have an excellent record of business accomplishments and service to the association. Harwell is a top producer for his office and for the Birmingham Association of Realtors, achieving Life Member and Vulcan Award status in the Club of Excellence. He is an officer of the Birmingham association, a director for the Alabama and Birmingham associations and has served on the MLS, Legal Issues and Education Committees. Debbie McCorkle, sales representative for Magic City Title, won the 2011 Earline Cummings Affiliate of the Year award. This annual award, named for its first recipient, honors members who demonstrate professionalism and ethics and who have an outstanding record of service as an affiliate member of the Birmingham association. McCorkle serves as a committee member and sponsors many Realtor events each year. Chris Vonderau of RE/MAX Advantage, Kimberley Dials of Royal Realty & Associates, Karen Green of Keller Williams-Birmingham and Donna Farmer of RE/MAX Preferred received the Good Neighbor Award. This award is presented monthly to members who contribute their time and talents helping their communities. Twelve Good Neighbor awards are presented each year.

Wilder Crowned Miss Black Alabama Charis Doris-Amy Wilder, a Spain Park High School graduate and Hoover native, was named the 2012 Miss Black Alabama Nov. 6 at the Alabama Jazz Hall Carver Theatre. She is a 2009 graduate of the University of Alabama, where she received a bachelor’s degree in health care management. She serves as the office manager at Women’s Health Associates in Birmingham. Wilder is working toward an MBA in health administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her platform as Miss Black Alabama seeks to eliminate preventable birth defects in babies by educating mothers on the importance of receiving adequate prenatal care. She demonstrates her pageant platform by educating teens and women on the essentials of living healthy lifestyles. As a student at the University of Alabama, Wilder was a four-year member of the Million Dollar Band. She served as the flute section leader for two of her four years in the band. She also was chaplain of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, president of the International Business Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi for two years and was regularly recognized for her academic achievements. She volunteered as an animal shelter worker, sister-to-sister mentor, Junior Achievement teacher and Save First certified tax assistant. She was selected to the 2006 Avanti Leadership Team.

Spain Park High graduate Charis Doris-Amy Wilder was recently named Miss Black Alabama 2012. Photo special to the Journal

Recently she was recognized as the District Director of the Year for the Central Gulf Region for her leadership of the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi. At Spain Park High School, Wilder played girls’ basketball, served as the school’s first drum major for three years, was a school ambassador and member of the show choir and was voted the most musical female senior for her 2005 graduating class. At speaking engagements and other appearances during her reign, Wilder hopes to educate youth and women about birth defects. She is the daughter of Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Wilder Jr. and Mechelle Sippial Wilder. She has three younger siblings: Gilia, Thomas III and Kendra.

Girl Scouts Earn Silver, Bronze Awards Troop 524 members Carrie Davis of Cherokee Bend Elementary, Lillian Fowler of Mountain Brook Elementary and Becca Gonzalez, Abby Russell, Alex Russell and Elizabeth Walker of Crestline Elementary earned their Girl Scout Bronze Award after giving the Crestline Girl Scout House a muchneeded facelift. To raise money for the project, the troop participated in a charity garage sale benefiting Children’s of Alabama. The girls were able to repair the house’s ceiling, paint the walls and replace broken soap and paper towel dispensers. Each troop that uses the house was given its own wall panel for displaying artwork and projects. Other organizations that also use the house now have individual storage shelves. The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. The award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community. Troop 177 member Laura Craft of Bumpus Middle School earned her Silver Award after establishing an eighth grade volunteer team to help with school registration at Brock’s Gap Elementary School. She was responsible for coordinating volunteers, registration day setup and communicating with the principals and the PTO. The Girl Scout Silver Award is the

highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. It symbolizes a Cadette’s accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she works to better her life and the lives of others.

Sirote’s Neal Is Lawyer of the Year Sirote & Permutt attorney George M. “Jack” Neal Jr. has been named the 2011 Lawyer of the Year by the Birmingham Legal Professional Association. Neal was nominated by Kaye T. Fulbright, his George M. “Jack” Neal Jr. paralegal of more than 30 years, for his civic accomplishments and dedication to his profession and community. At Sirote, Neal regularly serves as mediator and arbitrator in civil cases of all kinds, excluding domestic relations. He is also certified as an appellate mediator and serves on a number of panels of neutrals. Neal has a general civil litigation practice in both state and federal courts. He has represented many individuals and businesses, including banks, lenders and financial institutions. He is past president of the Birmingham Bar Association, on the board of trustees for the Birmingham Business Alliance, a bar commissioner for the 10th Judicial Circuit of the Alabama Bar Association and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, Alabama Law Foundation and Birmingham Bar Foundation. He has been named to Best Lawyers in America in the areas of commercial and civil litigation, creditors’ rights and bankruptcy and alternative dispute resolution. He received an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a reflection of having achieved preeminent status in professional skill and integrity.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 9

People

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Nashville Chamber Honors Beakes Katherine Beakes, Mountain Brook High School graduate and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Spransy of Mountain Brook, recently received one of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville’s Emerging Leader Awards. One winner was chosen to represent each of 14 industry categories. Beakes was the winner Katherine Beakes in the arts, entertainment and music business category. She began her career at Universal Music Groups as a senior accountant and is now director of finance. She took an active role in the 2005 merger of UMG and Dreamworks. Beakes earned a master’s degree in business administration while working full time. She is a member of SOLID,

SOURCE, the Recording Academy, Women’s Music Business Association and the Country Music Association. She volunteers with the Belmont Accounting Advisory Board, Junior League of Nashville, Hands on Nashville, Our Kids and the Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital. Distinct Furnishings Divine Bedding

New Horizons Chooses Board The 2012 members of the Hoover New Horizons board of directors are Ken Sullivan, president; Karl Johnson, vice president; Judy Branin, secretary; Bruce Martin; Earline Dance; Janice Watson; Diane Scripps; and Beverly Sublette. The 24-year-old New Horizons is part of the Hoover Senior Center. The board and its volunteers organize monthly luncheons and speakers, coordinate trips and tours, assist with activities and special events, provide volunteer drivers for the EXPRESS transportation program, volunteer at the senior center and more. To get involved with the group, call Dana Stewart, Hoover Senior Center operations supervisor, at 444-7884. ❖

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10 • Thursday, January 26, 2012

Life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

hometown ties

Blue Bows in Mountain Brook Strengthen, Support Young Cancer Patient

Mary Anne Glazner, owner of Smith’s Variety in Mountain Brook Village, pulls one of the blue bows that she is selling at her store to help with Sean Fredella’s medical expenses. Mary Anne said she’s not putting price on the bows. She just wants people to pay what they would like. She also said she wants everyone to say a prayer for Sean and countless others battling cancer every time they see Journal photo by Laura McAlister one of the blue bows.

By Laura McAlister

Journal Editor

he blue bows on mailboxes in Mountain Brook might not mean much to some, but to Sean Fredella, they represent hope, support and, most importantly to him, prayers. The 11-year-old knows each time he sees one of those bows that someone is praying for him and hoping he overcomes his fourth bout with cancer. “The support we’ve had from the community has been overwhelming,” said Nell Fredella, Sean’s mother. “The blue bow thing was something my friend thought up as a way to welcome him home. His favorite color is blue, and they told him, when you see one of those bows on a mailbox, someone is praying for you.” The idea to place the bows on mailboxes came late last year shortly after Sean was diagnosed with a rare tumor behind his right eye. Sean had been cancer-free for more than three years. He was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2003 when he was two years old. He received treatments, but in November 2005 he had a central nervous system relapse and had to receive two more years of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. They seemed to be working. Sean was “completely asymptomatic,” Nell said, but the doctors said the cancer had returned and Sean would have to have a bone marrow transplant. His brother, Ryan, now 15, stepped up to be his donor. “Sean did very well with that,” Nell said of the transplant. “It was a horrible recovery. It was really rough, but he did recover. We had to feed him with a little medicine dropper like a little baby bird. He was so sick, but he made it through.” By August 2008, Sean was able to return to school at St. Rose Academy and later Mountain Brook Elementary. He was cancer-free for 3 1/2 years when Nell and Todd, Sean’s father, noticed their son had an unusual amount of congestion. “He couldn’t breathe,” Nell said. “Then his eyes started bulging. They did a CT scan and found a rare adult tumor behind his eye.” The medical name of the tumor is esthesioneuroblastoma, and doctors say it was likely caused by all the chemo and radiation treatments Sean has received. With the diagnosis, the family knew they’d once again be traveling back and forth from Birmingham to Houston, where Sean is receiving treatments at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Nell said the treatment will be very aggressive. It will include five rounds of chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove the tumor. Then Sean will have to have another six to eight weeks of radiation therapy. Sean has already started the chemotherapy, but the

family is unsure when he’ll be able to have the surgery. In addition to the treatments taking a toll on the family emotionally, Nell said it’s also been difficult financially. That’s another way the blue bows are helping Sean and his family. At first the bows were placed on mailboxes as a show of support and prayer, but now they are also being sold to help pay some of Sean’s medical expenses. It started with a family the Fredellas know from church, Laura Niemann and her daughter Courtney, who began making and selling the bows. Then Smith’s Variety joined in to help. “I didn’t know them, but I was approached by the Mountain Brook PTO about helping,” said Smith’s owner Mary Anne Glazner. “I thought and prayed, and God said I needed to do this, so that’s what I did.” Mary Anne got her staff to create the bows, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Sean’s medical expenses. She couldn’t Support Sean put a price on Sean, 11, was first diagnosed with the bows, Mary Anne said, so cancer when he was 2 years old. instead she just Since then, he’s had three more asked custombouts with the disease, the most ers to contribrecent being a rare, adult tumor ute what they behind his right eye. could. Blue ribbons on mailboxes in “The first Mountain Brook and the Over the guy who came Mountain area are in support of in asked me Sean. Money raised from them goes to assist his family in medical- how much, and I said, you give related expenses. They can be what you give, purchased at Smith’s Variety I’m not going in Mountain Brook Village and to tell you,” she Scribblers. said. “He gave me $50, and the next person did, too. I had another ask, and I told her the same thing and what the others paid. She said she could top that and gave me three $20s.” The bows are also being sold at Scribblers in Mountain Brook. In all, about $3,500 has been raised since the bows were first sold in December. Nell said she’s overwhelmed with the support, and the financial assistance has also been a blessing. “I have to say with all the plane flights back and forth (from Houston to Birmingham), the money has been so helpful,” she said. “We do a lot of going back and forth, which is fine. I’d spend the last dime I had and the shirt off my back to do whatever it takes to get him better.” Before Sean’s most recent diagnosis, Nell and Todd were active with Children’s of Alabama’s Cancer Hope and Cope fundraiser, which raises money to help families with expenses related to cancer treatment, such as gas, lodging and parking. The couple also is in the process of reaching out to other families dealing with cancer who need financial assistance. “We’re working on setting up a fund at Children’s called ‘Sean Strong’ to help families in need, families that are in financial crisis and are going through any type of cancer,” Nell said. “Until you go through it, you just don’t know. “People have been so great to us, though. We’ve had strangers send checks in the mail to help with airline tickets or just buy Sean a Lego toy. “We’ve been touched by this community. It’s really humbling.” ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

we were interested in but was a place where you could still get around easily and get to know people.” interested.” Son Jeff graduated from Berry High Logan and wife Sandy lived in School, while Stan is a Mountain Birmingham while sons Jeff and Stan Brook High School graduate. were growing up. In 1992, the Logans Time Inc. bought Southern moved to New York when he became Progress in 1985. Seven years later, Time’s CEO. The couple returned Logan made the move to New York to Birmingham in 2006 – but not so City to head Time. Logan could relax and take it easy. “I had no aspirations to move to “I didn’t want to sit on the front New York or to get into the fast lane,” porch in a rocking chair,” he said. he said. “I wouldn’t have gone there Logan was on the lookout for a when our sons were younger. It was business in which he and both sons just good timing.” could be involved. He decided to buy During their years in New York, a half interest in Seek Publishing, a Logan and his wife maintained homes wholesale gift and greeting card manuin Birmingham. Once their first facturer. Logan later bought the entire grandchild – the couple now has five company and moved its headquarters grandchildren – was born, visits home from Memphis to Birmingham. became more frequent. He also made two moves that “I’d always planned on coming any sportsman might dream of: He back to Birmingham,” Logan said. bought the “I’m just glad Birmingham I was able to Barons, the do it standing “I worked at labor-type Chicago up and not in a White Sox’s jobs – picking cotton, box.” Double-A In addicutting grass, sacking franchise, and tion to Seek B.A.S.S. LLC, Publishing, groceries. My goal was a fishing orgaLogan quickly to someday make $4 to nization owned found new by ESPN. fields to con$5 an hour at the local The three quer by buying plant.” newest venthe Barons and tures are busiBASS. He’s a Don Logan nesses, he said, lifelong basenot hobbies. ball fan with “But it’s fond memories nice when you enjoy something and can of listening to St. Louis Cardinal blend the two together,” Logan said. games on the radio with his father, and While growing up in Hartselle, he’s an avid fisherman. Logan said, his head wasn’t filled with Logan said the recent decision dreams of big city success. He rode the to move the Barons from Regions bus from his home in the country to Field in Hoover to a new stadium in Morgan County High School. downtown Birmingham was based on “I didn’t see myself as much of any- several factors. thing,” he said. “I hadn’t even thought “We’ve had a great run in Hoover, about college until my senior year. and I have deep roots there. The sta“I worked at labor-type jobs – pickdium is well-maintained and in great ing cotton, cutting grass, sacking grocondition, but it’s almost 25 years old. ceries. My goal was to someday make “The trend now is to have stadiums $4 to $5 an hour at the local plant.” downtown,” he said, “and building His decision to go to college was a new facility rejuvenates franchises fueled by two factors, he said. and gives you additional markets. We “Some of my friends were going should be able to attract more people to Florence State Teachers College,” from the business community.” Logan said. “And I’m lazy. I realized I His love for fishing has taken was working very hard but not making him to places like Brazil, Bolivia, a lot of money.” Christmas Island and Alaska. After a year and a half at Florence “I’d like to go to some of the lakes State, now the University of North in Mexico if it wasn’t so dangerous,” Alabama, Logan enrolled in a co-op he said. program offered by Auburn University. It’s hard to imagine that Logan has Participants worked for three months much spare time, but he’s a bookworm and went to school for three months. as well as a businessman. Logan started out working as a math“I love to read,” he said. “I read ematician at the NASA arsenal in 100 books or more a year, plus Huntsville. magazines. Right now, I’m re-reading “I’d never even been on the Auburn ‘Lonesome Dove.’” campus until the first day of class,” he He and Sandy now live in said. Mountain Brook, in a house they’d After graduating from AU, Logan owned in earlier years. went on to earn a master’s degree from Logan’s professional and personal Clemson. He began work on a doctorcontributions to Birmingham make his ate but, since by then he was married love for the city evident. But there’s and had a child, decided to enter the always room for improvement, he working world. said. He went to work for Progressive “Birmingham could use a bump in Farmer magazine in 1970 in data its self-image that needs to come from processing, the first step to Southern the entire region working together,” he Progress’s top spot. said. “It needs a combination of politi“Birmingham was a good place to cal leadership from all the entities in live,” he said. “The kids were involved our region and from the business comin sports, and we were close to our munity.” ❖ families. Birmingham had all the stuff

Logan,

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 11

People

People Notes

from page 1

BBG Announces 2012 Directors Birmingham Botanical Gardens recently announced its 2012 board of directors. Henry Ray will serve the second year of his two-year term as president, while Tricia Noble remains as president-elect. Scott Walton returns as treasurer, and Lou Willie will again serve as secretary.

New officers are Hanson Slaughter, vice president of development, and Brian Barr, vice president of facilities and planning. Barr also is one of seven new board members for 2012. Others are Cathy Adams, former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington, Barbara Burton, Tricia Holbrook, Robert Holmes and Junior Board president Amanda Fleming. Carl Jones and Janet Taylor will

again serve as officers, joined by Elizabeth Broughton, 2011 vice president of development. Four 2011 board members will rotate off: Mena Brock, Louise Wrinkle, Reese Murray III and Thomas G. Amason Jr. Other 2012 board members are Laurie Allen, Shane Boatright, Maggie Brooke, Gary Burley, Margi Ingram, Clarke Gillespy, Sheryl Kimerling, Mike Malone, Fred Murray, Kathryn Porter, Lucy Tutwiler and Mary Williamson. ❖

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12 • Thursday, January 26, 2012

Social

104 Years of Tradition

T Redstone Christmas Ball debutantes include, from left: Hillary Marbury, Maggie Elliott, Photos courtesy Dee Moore Corbett Wicks and Tucker Bolvig.

Presented at the Redstone Club’s 104th Christmas Ball were, from left: Curry Stevenson, Lauryn Simpson, Jemison Matthews and Virginia Weatherly.

This year, Redstone Club Christmas Ball debs included, from left: Katherine Murray, Virginia Rushton, Evelyn Drennen and Bess Ager.

Presented at the 2011 Christmas Ball at the Country Club of Birmingham were, from left: Eliza Fite, Bradshaw Ratcliffe, Walton Newman and Mallie Drew..

Among Christmas Ball debutantes were, from left: Kate Shannon, Sarah Seibels, Elizabeth DeBardeleben and Susan Puffer.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

20 Young Ladies Presented at Annual Redstone Club Christmas Ball

he Redstone Club’s 104th annual Christmas Ball was Dec. 17 at the Country Club of Birmingham President of this year’s ball was Felix M. Drennen III, who attended with his wife, Elizabeth (“Betts”). Ball chairman was James W. Gewin, at the event with his wife, Lee. The floor committee chairman was James M. Dixon, who was at the ball with his wife Marilyn. The decorations for the ball were provided by Sybil Brooke Sylvester of Wildflower Designs. The inspiration for this year’s décor came from the architecture and ambiance of the country club’s East Room, where the presentation of the debutantes and the ball were held. An arched gazebo-styled structure, erected in the center of the ballroom, resembled the columns and arches flanking the sides of the room and was softened with sheer white swagged draperies. Seven additional crystal chandeliers added sparkle. The room’s columns and arches were dressed with holiday greens and fresh holly boughs, red ilex berries, tiny white lights and dangling red Sugar Pine cones. An updated version of an early 1920s decoration from an original Redstone Ball was a new addition to this year’s décor. An image of the Redstone Club’s mascot, known as “The Growler,” was projected by a Lucite disk above the entry point for the presentees, creating the effect of a full moon over the festivities. The evening began with a Member Cocktail Party. The Sonny Harris Trio Band provided music for the members-only party in the East Room. The members then moved into the dining rooms for dinner. On the menu were a bibb and arugula salad with Mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, candied pecans, feta cheese and D’Anjou pear vinaigrette dressing; bacon cheddar corn muffins and lavash; grilled filet mignon with mushroom jus served with caramelized onion and white cheddar galette potatoes and asparagus, baby carrots and sunburst squash medley. For dessert, the chef served key lime tart in short crust shell with traditional key lime filling, mixed berry coulis garnished with a white chocolate decoration and freshly brewed coffee and tea. The Members Only Dinner was filled to capacity. Tables were decorated with platinum pleated satin tablecloths and surrounded with golden wooden chairs throughout the original section of the country club. Mercury glass containers held candles. The center of each table held crystal containers filled with spring blossoms in white and flesh tones. In addition to honoring the 2011 presentees, it is a Redstone tradition to give special recognition to women celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Christmas Ball presentation. Ten of the 1961 presentees attended the luncheon at the Mountain Brook Club Dec. 16: Adele McNeel Bibb (Mrs. Charles Henry Colvin III), Margaret Hail (“Brownie”) Brown (Mrs. E. Barry Evans), Frances Beverley Davies (Mrs. John G. Harrell), Helen Mushat Morris (Ms. Helen Morris Camp), Donie DeBardeleben Neal (Mrs. Sykes Martin), Lucy Melissa Prater (Mrs. William Daniel Allison), Frances Montgomery Schultz (Mrs. Paul M. James), Bonnie Oats Shaw (Mrs. William C. Bailey), Elizabeth Holt Smith (Mrs. Elliotte M. Harold) and Eleanor Elizabeth Turner (Mrs. Jack S. Allison). Mrs. Colvin and Ms. Camp co-chaired the committee responsible for getting the 1961 group together again. At the luncheon, the Redstone member sponsors made a short introduction to the club membership of each young woman to be presented at the ball. Each 2011 presentee received a traditional “Growler”

amethyst and silver bracelet, a time-honored tradition as old as the club itself. Twenty young women were presented at the ball: Bess Bouchelle Ager, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Minor Shepard Ager; Elizabeth Cunningham DeBardeleben, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Whitney DeBardeleben; Evelyn Adams Drennen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hagood Drennen; Hillary Benners Marbury, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Collier Marbury; Julia Jemison Matthews, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. George Wheeler Matthews III; Virginia Pulis Rushton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Deakins Ford Rushton; Sarah Laetitia Seibels, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Goldthwaite Seibels III; Elizabeth Tucker Bolvig, daughter of Mr. Christoffer Peter Bolvig III and Mrs. Caroline Stevens Bolvig, sponsored by Mr. Frank Wilson Tynes; Margaret Alice Drew, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Livingston Drew, sponsored by Mr. Ehney Addison Camp III; Margaret Ann Elliott, daughter of Mr. Edgar Meador Elliott IV and Mrs. Vicki Shotts Elliott, sponsored by Mr. David Alan Elliott; Anne Eliza Fite, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Blackwell Fite, sponsored by Mr. Herbert Cannon Stockham; Katherine Earle Murray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bradley Murray, sponsored by John Reese Murray III; Virginia Walton Newman, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Lucian Newman III, sponsored by Dr. Charles Glenn Cobbs; Susan Gabriella Puffer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John William Puffer, sponsored by William Bew White III; Elizabeth Bradshaw Ratcliffe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lester O’Neal Hamiter, sponsored by Judge Jack D. Carl; Katherine Candler Shannon, daughter of Mr. Michael Sherrod Shannon and Mrs. Winn Cole Shannon, sponsored by Mr. Henley Jordan Smith III; Lauryn Frances Simpson, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd Clark Simpson, sponsored by Mr. Herbert Cannon Stockham; Rebecca Curry Stevenson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Avery Stevenson III, sponsored by Mr. Herbert Cannon Stockham; Virginia Manning Weatherly, daughter of Mr. Robert Stone Weatherly III and Mrs. Mary Frances Young Weatherly, sponsored by Mr. Robert Stone Weatherly Jr.; and Nora Corbett Wicks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Kenneth Wicks, sponsored by Mr. Henry G. Seibels Jr. The 2011 Redstone Club officers, board members and chairmen are: Felix M. Drennen III (wife, Elizabeth “Betts”), president; R. Holman Head (wife, Margaret), vice president; J. Arthur Smith IV (wife, Ashley), secretary-treasurer; board members Gregory S. Curran (wife, Emily), William K. Hancock (wife, Susan), William E. Matthews V (wife, Elizabeth) and J. Bailey Knight III (wife, Margaret); Richard Murray IV (wife, Nora); William O. Byars (wife, Mary Elizabeth “Betsy”), camp chairman; George C. Thompson (wife, Nancy), traditions chairman; J. Reese Murray III (wife, Marilyn), finance chairman; and C. Hartwell Davis Jr. (wife, Martha), past president. Members of the 2011 Dance Committee were: James W. Gewin (wife, Lee), chairman; William K. Hancock (wife, Susan), co-chairman; John R. Simpson (wife, Leslie), music chairman; James M. Dixon (wife, Marilyn), floor committee chairman. Floor Committee members were James Alison, Daniel Coleman, John Scott Doyle, William Spencer Ragland, John Carl Shearer and William Shields Tynes. Ladies Committee members were: Mrs. James H. Emack Jr., Mrs. J. Matthew B. Moor and Mrs. J. Arthur Smith IV. Mrs. Jack D. Carl was in charge of invitations.

Escorts were William H. Morrow and W. Spencer South Redstone members attending were: Francis Minor S. Ager, Law Lamar Ager Jr., James F. Alison III, Edward Smith Allen, Craig Allen Jr., Walter McFarland Beale Jr., Nelson Straub Bean, John Hinkley Beeler Jr.. Peyton Dandridge Bibb Jr., John Jay Blankenship, Axel Bolvig Jr., Kenneth B. Botsford, Merrill N. Bradley Jr., Thomas Hamilton Brinkley, Frank Hardy Bromberg Jr., James David Brown, Charles Edward Bugg, Borden H. Burr II, William Oliver Byars, William Jelks Cabaniss Jr., Ehney Addison Camp III, Jack Dabney Carl, Thomas Neely Carruthers III, Thomas William Christian, Charles T. Clayton Jr., Charles Glenn Cobbs, Daniel Bibb Coleman, John James Coleman Jr., Charles Henry Colvin III, Arthur Philip Cook Jr., John N. Corey III, Robert Murphy Couch, Francis H. (Frank) Crockard III, Paul Porter Crockard, Wm. David S. Crommelin, Gregory Stockton Curran, C. Hartwell Davis Jr., Charles Welch DeBardeleben, Whitney DeBardeleben, William Ernest Dismukes, James Mallory Dixon, Edmund Coates Doss, John Scott Doyle, Felix M. Drennen III, Richard Hagood Drennen, Evans Dunn Jr., Rucker Agee Durkee, David Alan Elliott, James Henry Emack Jr., John Parker Evans II, Joseph M. Farley Jr., James Ross Forman, III, Arthur Key Foster

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 13

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Jr., James S. M. French, James W. Gewin, Clark Houston Gillespy, C. Houston Gillespy Jr., Robert S. W. Given, Alfred Eugene Goings, Hubert Wesley Goings Jr., T. Michael Goodrich, William Walker Goodrich, John Beaulieu Grenier, James Hughes Hancock, James Hughes Hancock Jr., Meredyth R. Hazzard Jr., R. Holman Head, Rest Baker Heppenstall, William Lyle Hinds Jr., David Davies Hood, James F. Hughey Jr., Hewes Turner Hull, William C. Hulsey, C. William (Bill) Jones, Leo Milton Karpeles Jr., Mark S. King, J. Bailey Knight III, William Collins Knight Jr., William Anderson Legg Jr., Warren Bricken Lightfoot Sr., Warren Bricken Lightfoot Jr., Henry (Hank) S. Long Jr., George Gambrill Lynn, Henry S. Lynn Jr., William Alexander Major Jr., John Collier Marbury, Randolph Caldwell Marks, George Wheeler Matthews III, George Wheeler Matthews Jr., William (Will) Matthews V, Lee McGriff III, James Hugh Miller III, Richard Hunley Monk III, J. Matthew B. Moor, M. Eugene Moor Jr., William Tillman Moor, John Calhoun Morrow, John H. Morrow, William Harris Morrow, J. Reese Murray III, Richard Murray IV, Frederick W. Murray Jr., Mark L. Myatt, Alexander M. Nading Jr., Claude Beeland Nielsen, Charles Clapp Osbun, G. Ruffner Page Jr., Leighton C. Parnell III, Charles

D. Perry Jr., William Henry (Bill) Pitts, G. Gray Plosser Jr., Charles (Kip) Kennedy Porter, William Spenceer Ragland, William Everette Richardson, Thomas Atkinson Roberts Jr., Thomas A. Roberts Sr., Stephen Ashford Rowe, William J. Rushton III, William J. (Rusty) Rushton IV, Deakins Ford Rushton, Richard T. Scruggs Jr., Edmund Kelly Seibels, Henry Goldthwaite Seibels III, Henry G. Seibels Jr., John C. Shearer, James Wylie Shepherd Sr., James Wylie Shepherd Jr., John Rembert Simpson, Clinton Hill Smith, David M. Smith, Henley Jordan Smith III, James Arthur Smith IV, Lathrop W. Smith Jr., Murray Wilson Smith, Perry Winston Smith, Joseph C. South III, William Spencer South, Herbert Cannon Stockham, Luther J. Strange III, Donald B. Sweeney Jr., George Thompson, Robert Dixon Thuston, Bayard Shields Tynes Sr., Bayard Shields Tynes Jr., Frank Wilson Tynes, Norman Blair Tynes, William Doric Tynes Jr., William Shields Tynes, Samuel E. Upchurch Jr., Robert D. Vann, William Oliver Vann, William Bernhart Wahlheim Jr., Robert Stone Weatherly Jr., William Burr Weatherly, George F. Wheelock III, W. Bew White, III, Turner Butler Williams, Thomas A.S. Wilson Jr., P. Thacher Worthen Jr., Peter Thacher Worthen Sr. and John N. Wrinkle. ❖

At the Christmas Ball were from left: Redstone Club president Felix Drennen and wife Betts, left, and Jimmy Gewin, ball chairman, with wife Lee.

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14 • Thursday, January 26, 2012

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Oriental Grandeur on a Royal Scale

5th Anniversary

Sale! All month long

The 2012 Beaux Arts Krewe Ball presentees include from left: Kelsie Dodson, Elizabeth Bean, Emily Suggs, Anne Hayden Bromberg and Quinn Corey.

From left: Carolyn Smith, Elizabeth Smith, Margaret Priester, Elisabeth Foster, Molly Stone and Mary Jordan Moore.

From left: Rusthon Wood-Thuston, Lynn Priester, Callie McCraney, Fairfax Davis, Evelyn Drennen and Gage Smith.

From left: Madelyn Hereford, Bentley Bruhn, Elisabeth Welden, Virginia Hazelrig, Sarah Crosier, Roxanne Walker and Lizzy Wade.

From left: Koula Callahan, Lissa Handley Tyson, Lillian Jones and Franny Jones.

From left: Gina Miller, Grier Darnall and Sally Morris.

Alexander Williamson Jones Jr; Rose Caldwell Beaux Arts to To: Krewe hooverantiques@bellsouth.net McCraney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Robert McCraney; Virginia deVilliers Miller, Present 36 From: Young Ladies at Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Over The Mountain daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boyd Miller; Date: Jan. 2012 Oriental-Themed Ball Mary Jordan Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.

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John David This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for the Jan. 26,Moore; 2012 Sarah issue.Walden Morris, daughhe 45th annual Beaux Arts Krewe ball and ter of Mr. and Mrs. James Claiborne Morris; please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. pageant will be held Feb. 17 at Boutwell Mary Ryan Nielsen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Auditorium. The event, which benefits Axel Nielsen; the Birmingham Museum of Art, will mark the Lynn Otey Priester, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. annual coronation of the king and queen of the James Louis Priester; Margaret Tutwiler Priester, Krewe. please initial and fax back within 24 hours. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Louis Priester; Thirty-six young women Birmingham and you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will runMargaret if wefrom have not heard from as is. WeCarson print theScott paperJr.; daughter of Mrs. other cities will be presented. Monday. Melissa Fick Scott and Mr. Drayton Trucks Scott; In the historic tradition of the Beaux Arts Krewe, Thank you for your prompt attention. Barbara Gage Smith, daughter of Mr. Hatton the identities of the queen and her court are kept Coulbourne Valentine Smith and Mrs. Virginia From left: Lucy Walker Gunn and Theresa Sprain. secret until their announcement at the ball. Ellen Jackson; Carolyn Adele Smith, daughter Photos courtesy Hank Spencer/Image Arts The 2012 ball decorations and tableau will recall of Mr. and Mrs. Don Cecil Smith Jr.; Elizabeth scenes of Oriental grandeur, while dancing pages in Mrs. Allen Rushton Corey; Sarah Bunnell Crosier, Marie Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Cecil Chinese costume will join in the merriment with the Smith Jr.; daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ray Crosier; royal court and the members of the Krewe. Katherine Theresa Sprain, daughter of Mr. and Elizabeth Grier Darnall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. The Beaux Arts Krewe is a men’s organization Mrs. Robert Henry Sprain Jr.; Margaret Loyd John Palmar Darnall IV and Mr. and Mrs. Dan which, since its founding in 1967, has served its priStone, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Ira Stone; Hughes Bundy; Margaret Fairfax Davis, daughter mary purpose of supporting the Birmingham Museum of Mr. and Mrs. John Robert Davis; Catherine Emily Elizabeth Suggs, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. of Art with an annual debutante ball. Stephen Patrick Suggs; Collier Dickinson Tynes, Kelsall Dodson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William The presentees of the 2012 Ball are: Elizabeth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ingram Dickinson Tynes; Selden Dodson Jr.; Ann Bean, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Elissa Handley Tyson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Evelyn Adams Drennen, daughter of Mr. Straub Bean; Anne Hayden Bromberg, daughter Marc Bryant Tyson; and Mrs. Richard Hagood Drennen; Elisabeth of Mr. Frank Hardy Bromberg III and Ms. Anne Elizabeth Parker Wade, daughter of Mrs. Gaillard Foster, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John McMillan Bromberg; Elizabeth Bentley Bruhn, Walter Bellingrath Sandlin Wade and the late Caffey Foster; Virginia Lyle Hazelrig, daughter daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hansel Peacock Mr. Wade; Roxanne O’Neal Walker, daughter of of Mr. and Mrs. John Keith Hazelrig; Madelyn Bruhn and Ms. Elizabeth Bentley Bruhn; Koula Mr. and Mrs. James Orr Walker Jr. and Ms Joni Fletcher Hereford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michelle Callahan, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Brown Walker; Elisabeth Smith Welden, daughWilliam Schley Hereford; Frances Elizabeth Michael Alston Callahan; Anna Kathryn Clark, ter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bowen Welden; and Jones, daughter of Mrs. James Stivender Holbrook daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lange Clark; Rushton Elizabeth Wood-Thuston, daughter of Mr. Jr. and Mr. Michael Craig Jones; Kathryn Quinn Corey, daughter of Mr. and and Mrs. Robert Dixon Thuston. ❖ Lillian Halcott Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.

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

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 15

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

For when you’re ready to start a family and your spirit is willing... but your body needs a little help.

Above: Houston and Sheri Cook were among guests at the Altamont Alumni Association’s holiday party. Below: Also attending the Altamont Alumni Association’s Dec. 17 party were Beverly and Thomas Goldsmith. Photo special to the Journal

Altamont Alumni Gather for Holidays

he Altamont Alumni Association hosted its annual Alumni Holiday Party Dec. 17 at the school. Alumni Association board members, parents of alumni, alumni and faculty and staff members mingled

in the Hames Gallery and dined at a soft taco bar. The menu, catered by Jennifer and Leeth Grissom, included pork carnitas, shrimp with a spicy chipotle-tomato sauce, fresh pineapple salad with avocado and jicama and chorizo-date bites. ❖

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The Greater Birmingham Humane Society recently announced its award recipients for 2011 at its annual awards luncheon Dec. 9. Honorees included, from left: Dr. Jodi Turner Bloch, Mason the “Tornado Dog” with Dr. Bill Lamb, Christy Little and Jerett New on behalf of the GBHS staff and volunteers, Dr. Rhonda Parker on behalf of Alabama Voters for Responsible Animal Photo special to the Journal Legislation and Madalyn Clark.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Above: Members of the Glenwood Junior Board gathered over the holidays for a kick off and planning party for the upcoming A Night Under the Big Top. Below left: At the part where from left: Michael Philips, Cathleen and David Ellington, Emily and Dowe Bynum. Below Right: Others there included from Photo special to the Journal left: Andy and Carolyn Parker, Katie and Dusty Gulas.

Getting Ready for a Big Night

Glenwood Junior Board Hosts Pre-Party for Annual Fundraiser SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 5:00 — 8:00 P. M.

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Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC ADVENTURERS

Balch & Bingham, LLP, Burr & Forman, Energen, Jemison Investment Company, Littler Mendelson P.C., Marathon Corporation, Maynard, Cooper & Gale PC, McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc., Medical Properties Trust, Inc., Mitchell Industries, Oakworth Capital Bank, Renasant Bank, Robins & Morton, Vulcan Materials Company PIONEERS

Cobbs, Allen & Hall Inc., Abramson LLC, Altec Inc, Colonial Properties Trust, Computer Technology Solutions, Daxko, Deep South Freight, Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc., Dunn-French Foundation, KPS Group, Inc., Mr. and Mrs. William C. Hulsey, Sterne Agee, The Sexton Family Charitable Foundation, Thornton Homes, Inc., Warren Averett Kimbrough & Marino LLC

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Vuitton bag, Coach products, autographed sport he Glenwood Junior Board met at a memorabilia and art from local artists. Christmas party at the home of Glenwood Glenwood Junior Board officers are vice Board member Tricia and Troy Wallwork president Cathleen Ellington, event chairman to discuss plans for the upcoming eighth annual Katie Gulas, secretary Andy Parker, past presi“A Night Under the Big Top,” presented by dent Dowe Bynum, decorations Iberiabank. chairman Christine Smith, This year’s gala has been public relations chairman Katie moved up a week to Feb. 17, Plan Ahead Stripling, event graphic design providing a date night for chairman Lauren Gualdoni, phoValentine’s weekend. The event What: A Night Under tographer Arden Ward and silent at The Club will include music the Big Top auction co-chairman Erin Clark. by the Undergrounders, casinoWhere: The Club Junior Board members are style games and a silent aucWhen: Feb. 17, 8 p.m. Whit Bird, Russ Chambliss, tion with proceeds benefiting Information: www. Peter Curtin, John Goldasich, Glenwood’s Autism Outpatient glenwood.org Milton Johnson, Reed Services. Lawrence, Elizabeth McCoin, Michael Phillips, Junior Rebecca Moore, Maggie Carter Board president, and event chairmore photos at O’Connor, Noah Oliphant, man Katie Gulas are working Brent Panell, Andy Parker, with the rest of Glenwood’s Adam Robinett, Britney Junior Board to solicit sponsorSummerville, Will Thuston, ships and Friends of Glenwood Patricia Wallwork and associate Sponsors to meet their fundraismember Magen Gamble. ing goal of $175,000. Ticket prices have remained the same for the Support from Birmingham businesses will help past three years. Pre-event tickets are $60 each or Glenwood reach its goal of reducing the diagnos$110 for a pair. tic wait time for children with autism from two A Friend of Glenwood donation – any gift of months to two weeks. $175 or more – will include event recognition and This event and others enabled Glenwood to two tickets for the evening. Tickets purchased at the expand its diagnostic clinic with three additional door will be $75 per person. Ph.D. level psychologists in 2011. For more information, contact Rebecca Sibley The silent auction will have an assortment of at 795-3267 or rsibley@glenwood.org. ❖ items, from hunting trips and vacations to a Louis

OTMJ.COM

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Muses Host Holiday Dance

Above: Muses officers at the club’s annual Christmas party were: treasurer Robin Sulzby and husband Jim, vice president Brownie Evans and Barry, secretary Karen Chapman and president Lucy Allison and Dan. Right: Heading up the Muses’ Christmas dance were, from left: Louise Clayton, Trudy Evans and Lulu Abernathy. Other party chairmen not pictured were Kay Reed Photo special to the Journal and Sue Kreider.

Above: Hostess Zella Listerman dances with 100-year-old Don Dunham at the Vestavia Hills Senior Dancers holiday dinner and dance. Below: Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto Zaragoza Jr., left, presented Don Dunham with a plaque in honor of Dunham’s 100th birthday. Photo special to the Journal

The Vestavia Hills Lodge Monday Night ...

Senior Dancers held their holiday dinner dance Dec. 19 at the Vestavia Senior Citizen Lodge. The party, featuring music from the Tradewinds, drew 130 senior citizens. Don Dunham, the eldest member of the group, was surprised with special recognition. Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto Zaragoza Jr. presented a centennial plague to Don in honor of his 100th birthday. Don dances at least twice weekly in addition to directing the exercise program at his retirement residence. He also enjoys poker. Vestavia Hills Lodge Senior Dancers dance every Monday from 7-9 p.m. except on holidays. ❖

he Muses’ Christmas Dance was Dec. 9 at the Country Club of Birmingham. Tables were covered with green overlays over white cloths. A large ruby red amaryllis in silver with a mirror underneath brightened each table. The entrance to the East Room was decorated with white branches with white lights and amaryllis. Second Chance provided entertainment for the members-only event. Those attending included Carol and Lee Nolen, Eloise and Davis Bennett, Linda and Sam Johnson, Nancy and Hal Whitson, JoAnn and Nick Gaede, Betsy and Bill Gresham, Ann and Gilly Key and Nancy Skinner. Others at the party were Katie and Bobby Howard, Janie and Jimbo Henderson, Mardee Carlen, Dee and Jim King, Mary and Jamie French, Dorothy and Tom Christian, Allison and Fred Murray, Louise and Butch Clayton, Ann and Ed Allen, Judy and Adrian Bewley, Faye and Bill Clark, Bette and Crawford Owen and Cornelia and Art Malone. ❖

18 • Thursday, January 26, 2012

social

Celebrating 80 Years

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Members of the Home Garden Club marked the group’s 1931 founding with a yearlong celebration.

SAT., JAN. 28, 2012 2-3:30PM

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To: Convertible Tops From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Sunroofs FAX: 205-824-1246 Leather Interiors Date: Jan.

Journal photo by Laura McAlister

Home Garden Club Continues to Foster Love of Gardening

he Home Garden Club has just completed a year of celebration of its founding on Jan. 26,

1931. Originally a group of about 20 women from Forest Park, the club now has 45 active members from the Birmingham area. According to a 1991 memoir written by Mildred Bainbridge, the founding purpose of the club was to foster “greater love and understanding of the garden.” Meetings served to instruct and educate fellow members. From the club’s early scrapbooks, now in the archives of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the first dues were 50 cents a year, with a fine of 10 cents for tardiness and 25 cents for an unexplained absence. In the 1940s, membership in the Federation of Garden Clubs required

entries to competitive flower shows and garden pilgrimages, resulting in dozens of blue ribbons for the members. By the 1950s, the Home Garden Club had undertaken an ambitious project to sponsor the beautification of the grounds of the Crippled Children’s Clinic, now Children’s of Alabama. Daughters and granddaughters of the founding members are among the current membership. Two traditions, a Christmas brunch and a spring plant auction, continue from the inaugural group. In a new tradition, members gather for the September meeting at a restored 19th century log cabin in the woods of Shelby County. Outside speakers, presenting a variety of topics, bring a new level of expertise to the meetings. The members’ com-

mitment to cultivating the “home” garden now includes advocating for better landscape design and environmental preservation. Funds raised by the annual plant auction are now donated to projects as near as the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Ruffner Mountain Nature Center and Red Mountain Park and as far away as villages in Malawi, Africa, to help dig fresh water wells. Club officers are Lesley Lloyd, president; Anne Ragsdale and Kelly Echols, first vice presidents; Ann Harrison and Carolyn Ratliff, second vice presidents; Holly Whately, recording secretary; Ellen Perry, corresponding secretary; Cindy Speake, treasurer; Mitzie Hall, membership; Louise McPhillips, parliamentarian and historian; and Nancy Poynor, yearbook. ❖

Symphony Councils Celebrates Holidays

embers of the Symphony

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Council gathered Volunteer Jan. 26, 2012 issue. Pleasefacebook.com/AlabamaAutoTop fax approval or changes to 824-1246.at the home of Jane Paris

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and Dr. Chandler Smith Dec. 4 for

the support group’s annual Christmas Please make sure all information is correct, party. including address and phone number!Guests enjoyed refreshments coor-

dinated by Martha Black and Shirley Brown, hospitality vice presidents. The Smith home was festively decoif we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, rated with a towering Christmas tree in your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. the curve of the foyer’s spiral staircase. Thank you for your prompt attention. Lamp posts along the circular driveway were hung with evergreens tied with red velour bows. Mimi Jackson, membership vice president, played Christmas carols on the piano. SVC President Linda Griggs joined the hosts in welcoming members and guests. Debbie Reid told guests about the upcoming scholarship competition; winIt’s Hanna Antique Mall’s biggest sale ners will perform at the council’s annual of the year. Lois Pickard Luncheon. Roberta Atkinson reminded those who attended that the scholarship fundraiser will be at Vestavia Country Club Feb. 16. A highlight of the Christmas party on our huge selection of was the unveiling of a portrait of Jane Paris with her granddaughter, Lauren furniture, rugs, accessories, glassware, Thackerson. Chandler commissioned New York artist Joseph Nicolosi to china, jewelry & silver. paint the portrait as a Christmas gift for Jane. 2424 7th Avenue South • 323-6036 David Swindal introduced Nicolosi, in Birmingham for the unveiling, as “an MON-SAT artist to the stars.” Nicolosi’s portraits 10:00-5:00 HANNA have included movie stars, prominent ANTIQUE Major Credit Cards & Layaways Accepted MALL political figures, and other notable people.

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Those attending the Symphony Volunteer Council Christmas Party included from left: Jane Paris Smith, Nicolosi Lauren Thackerson and Michelle Photo special to the Journal Thackerson.

Among Alabama Symphony Orchestra supporters enjoying the occasion were Elizabeth and ASO Executive Director Curt Long, former U.S. Sen. Maryon Allen, Nancy and Bart Morrow, Diane and Herb Rossmeisl, Harriet and John Maloof, Kathie and Pringle Ramsey, Barbara and Tony Barnard, Margie and Robert Denton, Elaine and Oliver Clark, Jane Williams, Mary Wimberley, Nan and Phil Teninbaum, Clairee Clarke, Jeanette Humes, Dora Barnes, Tonie and Gene Bone, Halcyann Badham, Charlotte and Steve Clarkson, Jean and David Hendrickson, Tonie and Gene Bone, Betty and Lowell Womack, Pat Penfield, Shelly Terry, Martha Noble, Jody Weston, Angela Asher, Deborah O’Connor, Diane Ray, and Janis Zeanah. Others were Connie Bishop, Don

Burrell, Nancy VanWanderham, Peggy Heaps, Louise Martin, Kay and David Clark, Evelyn Ringler, Emily Omura, Liz and Tom Warren, Olivia and Gene Weingarten, Terry and Jack Standridge, Elaine and Bart Bretz, Tallulah Hargrove, Fay Hart and Virginia and Boyce Guthrie. Also there were Lu and Charles Moss, June Bulow, Bonnie and Anthony Cicio, Jim Atkinson, Bob Black, Bob Brown, Mike Griggs, Chuck Reid, Anna and Bryan Keith, Edith and Bob Bauman, Michelle and Lauren Thackerson, Tora Johnson, Cheree and Eric Carlton, Jean and Davis Hendrickson, Dottie Thompson, Sandra Butler, Pat Nix, Barbara Davis. Ray and Merrily Newton, Ann Green, Jane Pochran, Lin and Jim Musgrove and Darlene and Lanny Gray. ❖

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 19

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

At the Gaieties Club holiday dance, with a “Midnight in Paris” theme, were, from left: Joyce Lott, Janie Wilson, Anne Martin and Janie Photo special to the Journal Henderson.

Oil by Libby Pantazis

Arceneaux Gallery 802-5800 • Tues. - Sat. 10-5

Celebrating the holidays at the Gaieties Club’s annual dance were, from left: Barry and Brownie Evans, president Mary Steiner and Edith and Fred Photo special to the Journal Medley.

SoHo Square Homewood

Gaities Dance Club Parties in ‘Paris’

he Gaieties Club held its annual holiday dance at the Country Club of Birmingham Dec. 2. Robert Logan of Backstage Florists created the decor for an expatriate society party set in Paris in the 1930s. Invitations, designed by member Ann Massey, showcased the theme “Midnight in Paris”. Dance chairman Brownie Evans with husband Barry and president Mary Steiner greeted guests in the upper living room, where cocktails were served in a French bistro setting. Escorts wore black tie, and members and guests arrived in ball gowns with feather boas, long evening dresses and fur scarves, short flapper dresses with ropes of pearls and bejeweled feather ornaments. Guests listened to guitar music from David Beck and Jean Regowski on the piano and Freddie Harris on drums as they walked past miniature Eiffel Towers, sidewalk cafes, art and French dancers. Street lamp posts illuminated white sheers lined with strings of white miniature lights screening a shadowy Eiffel Tower. Guests dined at tables centered with tall crystal

vases filled with glittered peacock and red and white ostrich feathers. The columns in the East Room were hung with paintings of theatre, salon and artwork of the era. The Gaieties Danceurs performed to music by the Classics. Joyce Lott and her troupe of Janie Henderson, Anne Martin and Janie Wilson kicked up their heels to music from the Charleston and Blackbottom era. Even “Marilyn Monroe” appeared, as Brownie Evans serenaded her husband Barry, whose birthday coincided with the date of the dance. Members dined on chicken breast and shrimp, mixed green salad, asparagus and decadent chocolate bombe. After dinner, guests danced to music by the Classics. New members introduced at the dance were Tootie Fash with Ken, Anne Terry Hicks with Barrett, Linda Sue Johnson with Sam, Margaret Ritchie with Tommy, Catherine Smith with Stewart and Valerie Pankey Watson with Robert. Among officers attending were June Eagan with husband Dr. John Eagen, Beverly Goff with John, Sandra Oden with Terry, Cheryl Williams with Shorty, Doris White

with Joe McCracken, Betsy Miller with Harry and Edith Medley, reservations chairman, with Fred. Others at the party were Nita and Coy Collinsworth, Miriam and Frank Davies, Margie and Sid Davis, Lovie Dixon and John Montgomery, June and John Eagan, Brownie and Barry Evans, Tootie and Ken Fash, Marjorie Forney, Louise and Sharp Gillespie, Gerry and Jim Gillespy, Beverly and John Goff, Janie and Jimbo Henderson and June Henderson and Dr. Malta Narramore. Also at the event were Anne and Barrett Hicks, Linda Sue and Sam Johnson, Patricia Johnson and Glenn Slye, Susie and Eddie Kissel, Sue and Bill Kreider, Ann and Jim Lambert, Nancy and Lamar Latimer, Marcia and Ken Little, Joyce and Jim Lott, Jackie and Bruce MacClary, Anne and Wendell Martin, Joy McGruder and Hop Chichester, Janie and Dr. Ed Meadows, Ruth and Tom Mears, Edith and Fred Medley, Betsy and Harry Miller, Peggy Morgan and Ed Thomas, Farrar Murray, Betty and Charlie Northern, Sandra and Terry Oden and Bette and Crawford Owen. ❖

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This is your ad proof from the over The mounTain Journal for the Jan. 26, 2012 ssue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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Introducing Dr. Charles Felgner. Dr. Felgner is please a Birmingham native who 24 has initial and fax back within 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 joined Dr. Darlene Traffanstedt at Hoover Internal Medicine. Same day appointments are available. Call 682-9124 to schedule yours today.

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20 • Thursday, January 26, 2012 Alpha Gamma Delta alumnae at a holiday tea included, from left: Susan Long Womack, Linda Long Stewart and Susan Stewart Murdoch with daughter Stewart Anne. Journal

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Alaph Gamma Delta Hosts Rosebud Tea

Photo special to the

To: From:

SOCIAL

he Greater Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity for Women held its annual Rosebud Holiday Tea Dec. 18 at the home of Elizabeth Harbert Cornay on Woodridge Road in Mountain Brook. Attending were area alumnae and their legacy daughters as well as collegiate members and their mothers. Fifteen chapters were represented, including all eight of the chapters in Alabama. Receiving with the hostess were Amy Nichols McCain, alumnae president, and Judith Hayes Hand, chapter permanent secretary. The Cornay home was decorated with greenery and Christmas trees. Among those at the tea were: Joanie Licari Alfano and Leigh Anne; Mary Kathryn Pitts Allen and Mary Coleman; Kathryn McDavid Allen and Anna Brooks; Leslie Ralls Allen and Leslie; Labella Alvis and Grace; Laura Gray Barron; Sloane Bell; Margaret Hiller Bentley; Greer

What is it that makes us different here?

Wright Bisignani, Kathryn and Madison; Erin Ireland Clark; Dru Johnson Coleman; Margaret Connally and Susan Wilkins; Cathy Williams Culberson; Sara and Paula Davies; Lori Littlepage Eans and Allie; Kelly Kavanaugh Echols; Julie Crutcher Edwards, Catherine and Emily; Elizabeth Wyatt Ellis and Haley; Jill Green Everette; Laura Weatherly Findley; Nancy more photos at Runyan Gaston and Alison; Ann Marie Gieger; Rosemary Buntin Gillespy, Catherine and Elizabeth; Kathy Yates Girardeau; Roxanne Given; Mary Dean Gray; Anna Kilgo Harris and Francie; Mary Emma Hays; Patti Guthrie Hill; Margaret P. Hiller; Eller Hiller Holliday and Kathryn; Tracey Johnson Ireland; Robin Brotherton Kidd and Kaylor; Amy Owen Lawson and Sara Frances; Douglas and Sarah Hayden Logan; Jana Budhoff Maynard; Karen DeVenney McCollum, Karly and Kelly; Caroline Culberson Meyer; Dede McDanal Moore and Anne Neal; Kathryn Morse; Anne Harbert Moulton;

OTMJ.COM

Susan Stewart Murdock and Stewart Anne; Amanda Gullahorn Murphy and Margaret; Callie Stone Nash; Annie, Lucy and Margaret Newton; Dana Anders Norton; Amy Jackson Nunneley and Ella; Linda Winkler Pope and Dealie; Mary Ponder Wilson Porter and Mary Harbin; Caroline Pyburn; Sally Ryan Reiser; Jan Roberts and Julia Leonard; Kimberly Porter Rodgers and Anna Wynn; Michelle Lyons Rushing; Alice Herrin Schleusner; Ashley Scott; Bonnie Scott; Laurin Welch and Elizabeth; Julia and Suzanne Stewart; Julie Vascocu Stewart, Georgia, Emmaline and Mary Collin; Linda Long Stewart; Linda Johnson and Molly; Lissa Handley Tyson, Lissa and Mary Harmon; Katie and Scottie Vickery; Jeanne Rogers Wamack and Catherine; Lauren and Rhonda Wannemuehler; Nancy Kitchings Watson and Ashley Burns; Sharon Bowan Weatherly; Angie Webb; GiniBeth Borden Welch and Sylvia; Paige Whitt; Susan Whitt; Elizabeth Estess Wilson and Mallie; Margaret Alexander Wiygul and Maggie; Susan Long Womack; and Hayley Hammock Young, Lillie and Stella. ❖

Jim Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Oct. 2010 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Having a ball at the Vestavia Ladies Golf Assocationʼs Annual Golf Ball were from left: Sheila Hammett, Debbie Atehley, Deborah Raise, Heather Norris, Photo special to the Journal Marie Roberts and Ann McCullough.

Maybe it’s just knowing when to help. Here in Alabama, some people are having trouble paying their bills. You can help us help them. Just make a small donation to Project SHARE on your next Alabama Power bill. Or give online at AlabamaPower.com/ProjectSHARE. Together with the American Red Cross we can show everyone what makes us different here.

POWI-2601_5.75x8.indd 1

12/19/11 4:15 PM

Vestavia Ladies Golf Association Host Golf Ball

he Vestavia Ladies Golf Association hosted the fourth annual Golf Ball honoring the LBGA Ladies Champions Nov. 4 at the Vestavia Country Club. Club champions honored were Sheila Hammett, Limestone Springs; Debbie Atchley, Ballentrae; Deborah Rouse, Inverness; Heather Norris, Vestavia; Marie Roberts, Timberline; and Ann McCullough, Old Overton. The dinner began with a salad of

autumn field greens, sun-dried cherries, goat cheese, spiced pecans and fig vinaigrette. The entree was rosemary and garlic roasted pork loin with roasted root vegetables and sautéed green beans. Dessert was an apple and honey tarte tatin with crème fraiche. Harvest arrangements with apples, berries, fall foliage and natural fiber fabrics decorated the tables. One hundred guests turned out for food, fun and dancing to the music of Tony Marino and the Checkmates. ❖

Andrews-Sones

Dr. and Mrs. James Rheuben Andrews of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Amber Nicole Andrews, to Rodney Matthew Sones, son of Ms. Didi Sones of Jonesville, La., and Mr. and Mrs. Rodney George Sones of Jonesville. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Rheuben Henry Andrews of Homer, La., and the late Mr. Raymond Alton Idland of Smiths Station and Mrs. Betty Little Idland of Hoover.

Buck-Cotter

Kathryn Diane Buck and Adam Hagan Cotter were married June 25 at 4:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Enterprise. The Rev. Sonny Moore officiated at the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Milton Buck of Enterprise. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Willis Brabston of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Benjamin Buck Jr. of Amelia Island, Fla. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Gene Cotter of Enterprise. He is the grandson of Mrs. Adele Bendikson Styve and the late Mr. Lester Owen Styve of Maumelle, Ariz., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ross Rainer Cotter Sr. of Enterprise.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 21

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Dr. Andrews is a 2004 graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a 2008 graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She received a doctorate of physical therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Physical Therapy in 2011. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She is employed with Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Qulice Fontenot of Harrisonburg, La., and the late Mr. James Matthew Mannon of Jonesville and Mrs. Leona Meeks Mannon of Jonesville. Dr. Sones is a 2004 graduate of Block High School in Jonesville and a 2008 graduate of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., with a bachelor’s degree in health exercise science. He is a 2011 graduate of Parker University in Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in anatomy, a bachelor’s degree in health and wellness and a doctor of chiropractic. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He is employed at the American Back Institute in Metairie, La. The wedding is planned for May 12. The bride was given in marriage by her father. Matron of honor was Katie Britt of Tuscaloosa. Bridesmaids were Lauren Babcock of Fairhope; Ashley Grimes of Nashville, Tenn.; Britany Howell and Annie Spears of Dothan; Lauren Lewey, Christie Trawick, Erin Tullos, sister of the groom, and Ivy Warren, sister of the groom, of Enterprise. Anna Warren, niece of the groom, was flower girl. The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were John Benjamin Buck, brother of the bride, of Phenix City; Russ Coffey of Pensacola, Fla.; Ashley Porter of Cumming, Ga.; Doug Rainer of Niceville, Fla.; Chris Duke, David Keel, Chase Morgan, cousin of the groom, Jonathan Tullos, brotherin-law of the groom, and Harrison Warren, brother-in-law of the groom, of Enterprise. Ushers were Bryan Pittman, cousin of the groom, of Fredericksburg, Va., and Andrew Rose, cousin of the bride, of Birmingham. Sarah Brabston, cousin of the bride, of Huntsville was the guest book attendant. Program attendants were Mary Jane Rose, cousin of the bride, of Birmingham and Lexie Styvie, cousin of the groom, of Maumelle. A reception followed the ceremony at Enterprise Country Club. After a honeymoon in Tahiti, the couple live in Enterprise.

Dambach-Garrett

Mr. and Mrs. Dale Lynn

Dambach of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Dyanna Lynn Dambach, to Dr. Joseph Christopher Garrett, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Garrett of Springville. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Dambach of Montgomery and the late Mr. W. T. Posey of Tuscaloosa, the late Mr. A. A. Malone of Kennedy and the late Mrs. Annie B. Posey Malone of Tuscaloosa. Miss Dambach is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and Birmingham-Southern College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in economics. She studied at the University of Limerick in Ireland and was presented at the Poinsettia

Ball. She is employed with Regions Bank. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Garrett of Pensacola, Fla., Mrs. Jo Ambrose Sander of Pensacola, the late Mr. Andy Ambrose of Pensacola and the late Mr. Reginald Sander of Pensacola. Dr. Garrett is a graduate of Springville High School and a cum laude graduate of University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a doctorate of physical therapy. He is employed with Eskridge and White Physiotherapy. The wedding is planned for April 21.

Wilhelm-Wilder

Dr. and Mrs. David Wilhelm of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Lindsay Wilhelm, to John Wilder, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Wilder of Cumming, Ga. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wilhelm of Florence and Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Heathcock of Laurel, Miss. Miss Wilhelm is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in communication and information sciences. She To: was a member of the University of From: Alabama Resonance Show Choir, University Chorus and Avanti Orientation Team. She is employed Date: with CBS 42 News. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. John Wilder and Mr. and Mrs. William Clinton Ray. Mr. Wilder is a graduate of Jefferson State Community College, Alabama Fire College and Firefighter Recruit Class 903. He is an Alabama Certified Paramedic and is employed with Rural Metro Ambulance. The wedding is planned for May 12.

Share your good news! If your were recently married or engaged publish your annoucement in the Over the Mountain Journal. You can fill out the form online at otmj.com or call 823-9646 or email editorial@otmj.com for more information.

Kelli Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Jan. 2012 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Jan. 26, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

22 • Thursday, January 26, 2012

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Disaster DIY

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Artistic Flair Charlotte Ann is an artist and her work can be seen throughout the Adams home. Whether it’s her actual paintings or table tops she likes to put her creative spin on their home. Below is a sampling of some of Charlotte Ann’s work and style.

Each of the girls’ rooms has a painting by Charlotte Ann using their footprint. She transforms the tiny feet into angels.

Charlotte Ann and Bobby Adams are building their home back after it was damaged in the April 27 tornado that tore through Cahaba Heights.

Cahaba Heights Family Recovers, Remodels After April Tornado

W story by

Laura McAsliter • Photos by Daniel Taylor Photography

When Charlotte Ann and Bobby Adams purchased their Cahaba Heights home, they knew it would be a fixer-upper. Little did they know just how much fixing the house would require.

A couple months after they purchased the house -“literally off the courthouse steps, it was a foreclosure,” Charlotte Ann said – disaster struck. Their home was directly in the path of the early morning tornado that tore through Cahaba Heights April 27. The family of four was lucky. They were unharmed, but the condition of their house and yard was another story. “My girls said, ‘Our house is broken,’” Charlotte Ann said. “We lost all our great big oak trees in our yard. They said there were 70,000 pounds on our kitchen from the trees. If one had fallen about five feet to the right, we would have been crushed in our beds.” Charlotte Ann and Bobby, along with their two daughters woke up before most of the damage was done and headed for safety in a closet in their basement. The falling trees would trap them there for most of the morning, but Charlotte Ann’s brother eventually came to their rescue. When the family finally made it out of the house, it was difficult to assess the damage because the enormous

oak trees uprooted by the storm covered their home. They knew the roof would have to be repaired and ceilings replaced. A chimney near their 5 year old’s bedroom also caved in, damaging a wall in her room. For the most part, the house was structurally sound, but it wasn’t livable. The family moved out and sought shelter at a cousin’s house. “The four of us lived in a bedroom together literally for four and a half months,” Charlotte Ann said. “It was hard. I tried to stay busy, but there was really nothing we could do but just sit and wait.” The Adamses were somewhat fortunate. First, when the family was trapped in the basement after the storm hit, Charlotte Ann was already on her phone looking for a tree removal service. Someone was at their home removing the trees the same day of the tornado. Also, Bobby is a contractor and owner of Adams Building Company, which has its good and bad points, according to Charlotte Ann. “I’m not a paying customer, so sometimes I have to wait,” she laughed.

The coffee table in the kitchen used to be the girls’ toy train table. Charlotte Ann stained it and tiled the top. The carts provide extra storage. Charlotte Ann even made use of the toppled trees from the tornado. The plant container is actually the bark from one of the oak trees that fell in her yard.

Instead of closet doors in their bedrooms, Charlotte Ann hung decorative curtains.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 23

Home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

“My girls said, ‘Our house is broken. We lost all our great big oak trees in our yard. They said there were 70,000 pounds on our kitchen from the trees. If one had fallen about five feet to the right, we would have been crushed in our beds.” Charlotte Ann Adams

The Adams girls both have their own bedrooms now. The family spent more than four months living together in just one bedroom. Photo by Daniel Taylor Photography

Bobby and his crew were able to get the master bedroom in living condition, and the family left their friends’ spare bedroom for their own. Today, the house is what Charlotte likes to call “a work in progress.” The girls each have their own bedroom, decorated with Charlotte Ann’s fun, whimsical style. She’s an artist and owner of An Art Affair, where she teaches lessons and hosts art parties. The kitchen has become the family gathering spot while they complete work on what will become the family room. They’ve also made some changes in the layout of the house that were needed pre-tornado. When they bought the house, the basement was flooded, and they also had termites. “The bones of the house were good, though,” she said.

According to court records, the house was built in 1940, but Charlotte Ann suspects it’s older. That section of Cahaba Heights was once a dairy farm. “Our home inspector thinks it might have been a barn before it was a home,” Charlotte Ann said. When they first moved in, the brick exterior was painted dark gray, which didn’t work for Charlotte Ann. She wanted something light, so they painted it white. She also wanted the inside of the home to be light, with a sort of outdoor feel, so she had the ceilings in the kitchen painted light blue. “It kind of just opens everything up and makes you feel like you’re outside,” she said. The kitchen and master bath were two rooms in the house that didn’t need updating. The kitchen has granite countertops

with stainless steel appliances. The large open space has room for a table as well as a seating area and fireplace where the family gathers to watch television. Charlotte Ann’s love of art is evident throughout the kitchen as well in as the rest of the house. Even her everyday dishes could be considered art. “All my dishes are Good Earth Pottery,” she said. “I love it. My husband always says, ‘We even eat on art.’” Artwork from local artists like Gina Hurry, Dana Smith, Sissy Boone, Daniel Ezekiel and Charlotte Ann’s See DIY, page 26

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To: 323-2103 From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: Jan.

This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurna Jan. 26 2011 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-12

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.

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24 • Thursday, January 26, 2012

Home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Daystar Construction recently remodeled this family room by adding a built-in for the television Photo special to the Journal giving the room a more finished feel while also providing more storage.

Renovation 101

O Kathy’s Designer Kitchens, Inc. 1831 29th Ave. S. • Homewood, AL 35209

205-871-9880 • Kathy Owens, CKD, President

Construction Experts Share Tips for Home Remodeling

ing in? Steve: I really don’t think anything ever takes away, but I think always kitchens and master suites, particularly bathrooms. But everything is predicated on doing the job right. If it’s not thought through, that might not be the case, but if it’s done well and right, those areas certainly pay back. Another thing I also tell clients is, if you think you’ll be there 10 years or more, almost anything will be worth it because it’s a value of living and comfort and enjoyment. Lori: I think it’s important to take the time to think about what it is you really want to do with the space and not just rush into it. By going through that process, you’re going to come out with a better plan. Some homeowners take a year to live in their house before they know what they really want. Often the development and design can take as long as the construction process. OTMJ: What are some of the trends you are seeOTMJ: What Husband and wife team Steve and Lori Dorsky are the owners of ing today? advice would you Daystar construction. The company does anything from major renovaSteve: Since give to someone Journal photo by Laura McAlister tions and new construction to small updates. the economy has who is looking to not been so great, update an older or I think there are historic home? certainly more remodeling additions than new work. Steve: It depends on the stature of the house. If it’s Kitchens are of course always popular, screened porches ... already an awesome house in Mountain Brook or someLori: Screened porches are huge, and so are basements. where like that, we’re going to strongly recommend you OTMJ: What are some of the unexpected things talk to an architect. homeowners need to be aware of when undergoing a I always think that the best way to approach (a remodremodel, especially that of an older home? el) is through an architect, a trained professional. We think Steve: With historic homes, a lot depends on the city. a design from a trained professional is the best way to go. The city of Birmingham definitely has a lot of neighborLori: We do work with people and help them if they hood design committees. They’re trying to respect the don’t have an architect. That’s where our design-to-build neighborhoods and quality, and it can complicate the procomes in. cess as far as construction goes. Steve: Really, it also depends on how big the project Sometimes you also just have to open up an older is. The bigger and more complex projects are when you’re house to know what you’re working with. going to really need to get permits and plans OTMJ: Where do you get the most bang for your buck See Renovation, page 25 when it comes to remodeling? What’s most worth invest-

wners of Daystar Construction Lori and Stephen Dorsky recently shared advice about major home remodels or just a little updating here and there, especially when it comes to older, historic homes in the area. No matter how small or large the project, the husbandwife team said that with proper planning, a remodel of any size is almost always worth it. Steve founded Daystar in 1980, and it was incorporated four years later. The company started out doing smaller jobs like skylights and bathrooms, or “fixing door knobs,” as Lori likes to say. The full-service company handles anything from remodels to new homes. They work with architects and interior decorators to implement plans, and they also do design-to-build projects. Below are some of the tips on remodeling the Dorskys shared recently with Journal editor Laura McAlister.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 25

Home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

renovation, from page 24

Above: This remodeling of a Birmingham area kitchen is one of Steve’s personal favorites. The house was originally built in the 20s. Before, the space was made up of several small rooms. Below: The renovation of the kitchen is the first phase of a project Daystar is working on in Mountain Brook. Photo special to the Journal

Lori: One house comes to mind. It was their structure. The variables were different, and we didn’t know that until the demolition had started. Steve: Sometimes you do have to work through a process and really open it up and see what you find and address it. OTMJ: What are other things homeowners need to consider before undergoing a major renovation? Steve: One question that always comes up if it’s a sizable project is, are the owners going to stay in the house? This one we’re doing now, they want to stay, so we’re doing the construction in phases. Me, I’m my worst client. We did a renovation of our house about 12 years ago with youngish kids, and I hated it. I encourage people to move out during the renovation. Lori: When we go into someone’s home, it is kind of like we’re living with them. We try to be very mindful of the families, and we do pride ourselves on keeping a very clean job site.

OTMJ: What is your favorite type of work when it comes to remodels? Does any particular job come to mind? Steve: For me personally, I love the big, fat, juicy ones that you just really get to sink your teeth into. You really get to create a unique, one-of-a-kind space. It takes a lot of planning with architects, owners, interior designers. It’s the real “meat on the bone” stuff that I like to do. The small projects are important, and we want those too. I think a kitchen remodel we did in the city of Birmingham, in the Clairmont, Essex Road area, was really one of my favorites, and it was just a kitchen, but it was a huge job. It was built in the 1910s or ‘20s. It involved all these old systems. We had to tear out walls from this tiny kitchen and tiny eating area and create this really

awesome kitchen. That’s really one of my favorite rooms. This was actually a design-to-build project where the cabinet maker and I really designed the room. It was a gigantic job that had all the idiosyncrasies of an old house, and we helped it live in the 21st Century. ❖

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To: Tricia From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: Jan. 2012 This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurn Jan. 26, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824

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

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26 • Thursday, January 26, 2012

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

La Tavolo Cooking Classes Offer A Taste of Italy

Mary Jo Gagliano’s Italian heritage began in Ribera, Sicily. The people of Ribera farmed land and were overseen by the Padrone, who accounted to the land owner who was called the Barone. Eventually immigrating to America in the early 1900s, settling in Birmingham, Alabama, Mary Jo’s grandfather, along with his brother and two of their uncles, worked in the coal mines and saved enough money to buy land. They did what they knew best, farming. Mary Jo is the second daughter born to Peitro and Isabelle Tortorigi. She considers herself so blessed to be born of Italian heritage. Mary Jo’s mother was a great cook and inspiration, putting together ingredients she had in the pantry, to create delicious dishes. Mary Jo’s mother taught her to be creative with cooking and that it was just a matter of experimenting, which she teaches in her classes. Mary Jo has more than forty years of cooking, experimenting with ingredients and learning from many mentors. Mary Jo gives credit to her Zia Laboria, her cousin Angela, who grew up in Ribera, Sicily. In the early 1990’s Mary Jo and her husband and children began traveling to Sicily to visit with their families. Mary Jo always returned to Birmingham with some fantastic new recipes. It is during these trips that Mary Jo and her family truly discovered their heritage and its food and culture. All this has led Mary Jo to share her love and knowledge of food in her fun and informative cooking classes. “This is a hands on cooking class for up to six people taught in a setting that will make you feel like you are in the countryside in Sicily,” says Mary Jo. “This is a great girls’ night out or even a date night with your significant other where you will jump right into the mix and create your own Sicilian dish. “Learn how to cook a tantalizing Sicilian delicacy, and enjoy your glass of wine on the loggia overlooking our amazing gardens, pool, Bocce court and lake. “This is an event that will touch all of your senses and leave you wanting more. DELIZIoSo!”

Above: The basement where the family sought shelter in during the tornado is now Charlotte Ann’s art studio. Below left: The Adams’ 3-year-old daughter’s room is decorated with light blue and pink. Charlotte Ann refurbished the chandelier, and her sister painted the striped dresser. Below right: The sitting room in the kitchen has become the family’s Photos by Daniel Taylor Photography gathering place since they are still in the process or updating their den.

“People have really just been so wonderful,” she said. “We probably had about 30 people offer us a place to stay, and Jonathan Burch, he drove by one day and said ‘I want to help share your burden.’ That’s just been such a sweet blessing.” Charlotte Ann

the basement into her art studio, and the closet is used for storage. from page 23 While the inside of the house has grandfather Luther Powell are found come a long way since the storm, To: hooverantiques@bellsouth.net throughout the house. Charlotte Ann Charlotte Ann said the yard would From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 even uses her artistic skills to decorate take more time. The four oak trees Date: Jan. 2012 their living space. She converted a felled by the storm were around five Hydrafacial facial Pottery Barn train table into a coffee feet in diameter. This is your aDHydraprOOFofrom The MOunTain JOurnal for the Jan. 26, 2012 issue. Smart Skin introduces the new ne ythe earOver memberSHiPS table by covering the top with mosaic “They were probably over 150 facial (As seen on The Doctors). The fax approval or changes to 824-1246. $50please once a month Ultimate Trio tile. years,” she said. Hydrafacial is the newest advance in $70 twice a month Ultimate Trio In theirincluding 3 year old’s room, she Without the oak trees, the yard non-laser resurfacing. This is the only please make sure information is correct, address Includes:all Microdermabrasion, procedure that combines cleansing, refurbished an old chandelier and was flat and barren. But thanks to an Ultrasound, Oxygen jet facial, and exfoliation, extractions, hydration and painted it pink to match the rest of unexpected gift, Charlotte Ann said, light hand and facial phone massage andnumber! anti-oxidant protection resulting in custom masque room. A friend painted an old please initial and fax back withinthe24 hours. they have made some progress. clearer more beautiful skin.not Be heard one of from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, if we have yourwith ad will runand as is. We stripes, print the paper “We now have a magnolia, some dresser pink white $120 Dermawave and RFT the first 50 clients and receive your first Monday. and pink curtains cover the closet dogwoods, azaleas and river birches,” Dermawave Aquaphoresis great Hydrafacial for only $75 Charlotte Ann opted for curtains she said. “A complete stranger gave for fine lines,you wrinkles, Thank for shrinking your promptspace. attention. large pores, acne and acne scarring, instead of closet doors in all the bedthem to us through a friend. We $50 illuminize Peel and reducing jawls, tightening neck area, rooms. didn’t pay a dime. They just gave Pro-ligHt tHeraPy and improving overall skin texture. Their oldest daughter’s room is also everything to us.” Brighten, tighten and glow with no RFT (radio frequency technology) pink. Green and pink toile curtains The trees were donated through peeling or downtime with Illuminize Stimulates the collagen, reshapcover her closet space. landscaper Jonathan Burch, owner Peel and reduce redness, irritation and ing and lifting your face for a more The girls share a Jack and Jill bath- of Yard, and Charlotte Ann said rosacea with Pro-Light Therapy. youthful appearance. You can see a room that was a walk-in closet when he and his family continue to offer difference after one treatment! the Adamses purchased the house. The their help, as have others, while the SmootH SHaPeS XV flooring is tiled with 1-inch hexagon Adamses recovered from the storm one year memberSHiP marble tiles and the countertop is damage. Smooth Shapes XV for cellulite and Carrera marble giving the room a clas“People have really just been so skin tightening. Skin tightening for the sic, timeless look. entire body in just 20 min. with no pain wonderful,” she said. “We probably and no down time. Another change the couple made to had about 30 people offer us a place $75 once a month the layout was the addition of a main to stay, and Jonathan Burch, he drove $120 twice a month level laundry room. by one day and said ‘I want to help Jump Start your results $450 for 6 “The laundry room was an old, share your burden.’ That’s just been Smooth Shapes XV three times a week cramped bathroom,” Charlotte Ann such a sweet blessing.” for two weeks and receive Smart Skin’s said. “It was just so small, it really Charlotte Ann has even been able Cellulite Treatment cream as our gift wasn’t functional, so we turned it to turn some of the devastation left to you! into a laundry room. The girls picked behind by the tornado into artwork. the color because it was called She’s saved bark from some of the ‘Enchanted.’ It’s a light purple.” oaks to make bowls or paintings. The old laundry room happened to “We’ve also got the four big 32 ChurCh Street (Next to Steeple ArtS) • 205.871.8707 be in the basement closet that the famstumps in the yard,” she said. “I’m ily was hiding in the day the tornado www.smartskinmedspa.com not sure what we’ll do with those, but hit. Now, Charlotte Ann has converted they’ll be something.” ❖

S m a rt S k i n m e d S pa New Year New More Beautiful You!

S m a rt S k i n m e d S pa

DIY,

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

ISS Senior Nominated for Pushcart Prize Hoover Teen Also Named Finalist for 2012 YoungArts Program

ven before she crosses the stage to receive her high school diploma, Emily Cutler is making a name for herself in the literary

world. The Indian Springs School senior from Hoover has been nominated for the 2012 Pushcart Prize, an American literary prize by Pushcart Press that honors the best poetry, short fiction and essays published in the nation’s small presses during the previous year.

She has been nominated for her fiction work, “Relativity,” in a competition that more commonly includes works written by adults. Published last winter by Able Muse Review, “Relativity” is a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl who discovers the power of forgiveness during a trip to see an old friend. “While the main character is a teenager, the story’s theme applies to everyone, so I am thrilled to have this work exposed to a wider audience,” Cutler said. “It is really exciting to represent the young adult writing community in this competition.” Cutler is also one of only 150 high school seniors nationwide who are finalists for the 2012 YoungArts Program, which identifies outstanding young artists and gives them the opportunity to

interview for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, one of the highest artistic and scholastic honors presented to graduating high school seniors. Selected among 5,000 applicants, Cutler traveled to Miami, Fla., recently to participate in YoungArts Week 2012, a gathering of finalists that gave them the opportunity to learn from master teachers in their chosen fields and interview for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts program. She also read from “Relativity” during a public reading at the Miami Art Museum as part of the week’s activities. After graduating from Indian Springs in May, Cutler plans to enter the University of Pennsylvania in the fall and major in creative writing and foreign languages. ❖

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 27

Emily Cutler

School Notes

Several Shades Cahaba Elementary students won trophies for their perforPhoto special to the Journal mance in the school’s Owl Prowl fun run.

VHEE Third Graders Visit Water Course Kristie Rutherford and Carla Palmer took their Vestavia Hills Elementary East third graders on a field trip Nov. 17 to the Water Course, a project of Alabama Power Co. The educational center in Clanton has interactive exhibits and displays that

teach visitors the importance of water for the state and in daily lives. Students experienced a simulated helicopter flyover of Alabama’s water resources, took a video tour of the Mitchell Dam for a close-up look at how a hydroelectric facility works and participated in the “Water Why” game show to test their water knowledge.

Shades Cahaba Hosts Owl Prowl

OLS Students Serve Community

Shades Cahaba Elementary held its annual Owl Prowl fun run Nov. 6. First through fifth graders ran one mile, while kindergartners ran a halfmile. All students who finished the race received medals. The overall fastest girls and boys received trophies, as did the top three female and male finishers in each grade. The overall fastest female was Lainey Phelps, fourth grade. The overall fastest male was Will Stone, fifth grade. Other top finishers included: Fifth grade girls: Abby Sharff, first; Elizabeth Oliver, second; Zoey Jacks, third. Fifth grade boys: Jack Gray, first; Jordan Davis, second; Larkin Williams, third. Fourth grade girls: Celie Jackson, first; Edie Smith, second; Emmy Cabe, third. Fourth grade boys; Ben Burkhalter, first; Brooks Brannon, second; Michael Doyal, third. Third grade girls: Katie Garvin, first; Reid Catherine Bunn, second; Anna Claire Stone, third. Third grade boys: John Andress, first; James Spencer, second; Will Hardin, third. Second grade girls: Mary Hunter Nelson, first; Tate Dungan, second; Katie Crim, third. Second grade boys: James Spencer, first; Davis Morton, second; Charlie Farrell, third. First grade girls: Sophie Lowery, first; Maddie Massie, second; Suzanne Hardin, third. First grade boys: Ben Murray, first; Sam Gray, second; Will Andress, third. Kindergarten girls: Susie Whitsett, first; Lauren Clark, second; Sarah Lawson Mistrot, third. Kindergarten boys: Arthur Langley, first; Crenshaw Bunn, second; Wells Ely, third.

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School celebrated the holiday season with several different service projects. The school’s Wee-Kindergarten class for three- and four-year-olds donated new toys to underprivileged children through the Catholic Center of Concern, a faith-based organization that works with ecumenical and interfaith networks to help those in need in the Birmingham area. Kindergarten and first grade students collected toiletries for the homeless. The items were donated to the Firehouse Shelter, the largest day shelter for homeless men in Birmingham. Second graders collected socks. They gave them to the school’s eighth graders to deliver to residents at Mount Royal Towers, a senior living community in Birmingham. Third graders collected food for the Comunità Cenacolo America community in Hanceville, part of the international Comunità Cenacolo, Community of the Cenacle that helps men and women trying to rebuild their lives. Fourth graders sold hot cocoa to other OLS students during their lunch periods to raise money for Neverthirst, an organization that provides clean water to the poor through local churches in the Central African Republic, Sudan and India. Poinsettias, church calendars and a visit from OLS fifth graders brightened the Christmas season for residents at Brookdale Place a senior living community in Homewood. Through Hands on Birmingham, an organization that creates opportunities for individuals to volunteer, lead and learn in local communities, sixth and seventh graders helped sort and distribute toys for the U. S. Marine

‘Fancy Nancy’ Inspires Library Event Students in Kristie Rutherford’s class standing in front of a state map that shows the Alabama Power dams are front row from left: Skylar Holladay, Maddie Hagler, Abby Stockard and Claire McPheeters, and in back: John Photo special to the Journal King, James Johnston and Palmer Sparks.

Emmet O’Neal librarians created whimsical holiday up-do’s for more than 50 young patrons at the Emmet O’Neal Splendiferous Holiday Hairdo Hullabaloo. Jane O’Connor’s popular “Fancy Nancy” children’s book series features

Bethany Li Yin models her “fancified” hair at the Emmet O’Neal Splendiferous Holiday Hairdo Hullabaloo. Her father, Dingmin Yin of Mountain Brook, told librarians that Bethany enjoyed her festive hairdo for three days. Photo special to the Journal

a little girl who insists on being her own brand of “splendiferous.” At Christmas, she styles her hair to look like a Christmas tree. Little girls flocked to the library Dec. 17 to have their hair decorated with tinsel, ornaments, ribbons and even green spray. While they waited for their turns, Emmet O’Neal Salon customers made candy necklaces and enjoyed the books, puzzles, computers and interactive games available year-round in the children’s department.

Sixth Graders Have ‘Amazing Math Race’

Sixth graders at Liberty Park Middle School participated in a math scavenger hunt called “The Amazing Math Race.” Students worked in small groups to follow clues that led them to math problems around the school. Once they found a problem and solved it, students followed another clue that led them to a person in the school who held the answer. All clues eventually led the students to the library, where they had to solve a problem that sent them to a particular library book. In the back of the library book was a final clue which led them to their final stop and prize.

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28 • Thursday, January 26, 2012

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

more than $7 million annually in support of educational initiatives in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the U.S. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education.

Megan Miller and Elizabeth Webb happily assist “Santa’s Helpers” from Hands on Birmingham to sort and distribute toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

St. Francis Xavier Offers STEM Class

Photo special to the Journal

Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Eighth graders visited Mt. Royal to deliver poinsettias, calendars and socks collected by the second grade. The students also played games and painted some of the residents’ fingernails. OLS teachers collected new books for Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School to help update its library, which is dependent on book donations.

Alabama School Counselor Association chairman Celeste Neil, left, presents Liberty Park Middle School counselor Stephanie Holcomb with a RAVE award. Photo special to the Journal

LPMS Counselor Wins RAVE Award Stephanie Holcomb, counselor at Liberty Park Middle School, recently received the Recognition of Accountability, Verification and Excellence Award for the third consecutive year. Holcomb received the RAVE award at the Alabama School Counselor Association luncheon in Birmingham. The association recognizes

exemplary school counseling programs that demonstrate successful implementation of the American School Counselor Association National Model. After receiving the award for three years, Holcomb now has the opportunity to judge other schools’ applications in 2012.

Altamont Students Win Siemens Awards The Siemens Foundation and College Board has recognized Altamont seniors Haley Hurowitz and Rakesh Goli as Alabama’s two most outstanding students in science, mathematics and technology. The students are the top male and female scorers on math and Rakesh Goli science APs. Goli has been to the International Science Fair twice, and Hurowitz has spent the past two summers working in the Naval Labs in Washington, D.C. Haley Hurowitz Goli was a class officer in grades 9-11, serves as vice president of the Student Council and is captain of the varsity tennis team. Hurowitz is active in community service and worked on Rep. Terri Sewell’s 2010 election campaign. The Siemens Foundation provides

St. Francis Xavier School has a new class: STEM -- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Each week, half of a grade meets to participate in creative, enriching and problem-solving activities designed to increase students’ love and understanding of the STEM emphasis areas. K’nex, an award-winning model system, is a central part of the curriculum. K’nex enables students to build models based on plans and from free-form design to meet the challenges of a particular problem. It promotes the type of thinking that students will need in real life situations and demonstrates skill sets found in professions founded on the STEM areas. Recently, the school was able to purchase a classroom set with enough pieces for many classes to work on projects at the same time. This year, St. Francis Xavier School will participate in the K’Nexpert Challenge for grades three-six and the Cedar Point Contest for grades seven and eight. The third and fourth grade challenge is to build a vehicle that will securely hold an 18-ounce can of soup and travel down a three-foot long ramp. The fifth and sixth grade challenge is to design a swing ride that will hold 20 riders and determine the cost to build and money earned on the ride operating 12 times an hour. The seventh and eighth grade student challenge is to build an original amusement park ride and write a description of the effects of potential and kinetic energy, speed, acceleration, gravity and rotational motion.

Cherokee Bend Holds Spelling, Geography Bees Twenty-six students from the fourth, fifth and sixth grades at Cherokee Bend Elementary School qualified during preliminary rounds to

St. Francis Xavier eighth graders Carmen Smith, Madi Sinak and Mitchell Photo special to the Journal Smalenski work on a project in the school’s STEM class.

Park 396 Cubmobile racers include, from left: Caleb McGraw, Riley Underwood, Kameron Mathews, James Ramsey, Aleksey Sinelnikov and John Photo special to the Journal Henry Decker. compete in the school’s spelling bee championship. Sixth grader Will Forbus and fifth graders Zachary Shunnarah and Samson Sands were the only students remaining in the ninth round. During that round, Shunnarah won the bee by spelling “Camelot.” Forbus was first runner-up by spelling the word “romaine.” Cherokee Bend fourth, fifth and sixth graders also qualified to participate in the school’s 2011 National Geography Bee. The champion was sixth grader Will Carothers. Will Forbus was second, and John Galloway was third.

Scouts Participate in Cubmobile Race Pack 396’s Bears and Webelos II recently participated in the annual Cubmobile Race at Hunter Street Baptist Church. The scouts built a cubmobile and then raced against other packs. Bear Cub Scouts from Pack 396 placed third overall for speed and received the overall award for Best Engineering among the Bears. Webelos II from Pack 396 placed second for speed and received the overall award for Best Engineering in their division. Racers for the Webelos II include

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Left: Geography Bee winners at Cherokee Bend were from left: Will Forbus; second place; winner Will Carothers; and John Galloway, third place. Right: Cherokee Bend Elementary School spelling bee winners are, from left: Will Forbus, Photo special to the Journal first runner-up; Zachary Shunnarah, winner; and Samson Sands, second runner-up.

especially for students in Sarah Rodas’ fourth grade class. The students worked on handmade fleece lap blankets for Ashton Gables Nursing Home residents. The Riverchase facility specializes in memory care and Alzheimer’s treatment. Each student also wrote and illustrated a “Memory Story Book.” These non-fiction books were based on clear, simple descriptions of a special day. Topics ranged from fishing trips to Christmas morning. The blankets and books were presented to Cheryl Thrasher, director of Ashton Gables, during Christmas week.

The oldest and youngest veterans who attended Gwin Elementary’s Veterans Day celebration and their family members were, front, from left: Addie and Baylee Hackney and Journey Moore. Back: John Hackney, Ernest McMeans, Photo special to the Journal Mitchell June and LaTonya June. Jimmy Ramsey, Kameron Mathews, Riley Underwood, Caleb McGraw, John Henry Decker and Aleksey Sinelnikov.

their family members and students.

Gwin Elementary Honors Veterans

Pizitz Middle School math teams won several awards at the Vestavia Hills High School Tournament Dec. 10. The sixth grade math team placed second. William Zhang won first place, Richard Fu won 11th place and Robert Hill won 14th place. The seventh grade team won first place. Individual winners were Yunchao Zhang, first; Allan Feng, second; and Sherry Wu, 11th. The algebra team won first place. Individual winners were Daesung Cho, second; James Mao, third; Charby Xu, fourth; Nikitha Prattipati, eighth; Will Mathews, 10th; Xialon You, 11th; and Hunter Whitehurst, 15th. Vestavia Hills High School hosted 67 schools from Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida at the tournament. More than 1,400 students took part in the competition. VHHS math team students wrote the exams for the tournament. Awards were presented by Cas McWaters, VHHS principal; Dr. Jamie Blair, Vestavia City Schools superintendent; and Kent Howard, Rotary Club Iron City Chef chairman.

Gwin Elementary invited friends and family members to the school’s annual Veterans Day Program Nov. 10. Veterans received a standing ovation as they entered the gymnasium to marches from U.S. service branches. They were escorted by flag bearers Kathryn Chambers, John Thomas Deery, Colin McNay, Madalyn Minor and Reginald White. Girl Scout Troop 10 posted the colors during the ceremony. Principal Linda Joseph welcomed guests. Students from Robin McMahan and Tammy Propst’s unicycle club rode around the gymnasium while waving American flags to “Stars and Stripes Forever.” The Gwin Ovation chorale group, led by choir director Carlee Means, performed several songs. Veterans were recognized individually for their service, and a video presentation was played. Students from Traci Ingleright’s enrichment class presented Veterans Day facts. The program ended with a moment of silence followed by the song “Thank You, Soldiers.” Girl Scout Troop 10 retired the colors. Gwin’s PTO hosted a reception following the program for the veterans,

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 29

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Pizitz Team Wins at Math Tourney

Riverchase Students Aid Nursing Home The holidays were a season for giving at Riverchase Elementary,

Fourth graders at Riverchase Elementary made blankets for residents at Photo special to the Journal Ashton Gables Nursing Home.

Highlands School Hosts Annual Spelling Bee

OLS School Hosts Parents’ Breakfast “Thank You for Helping Us Grow” was the theme of a fall parents’ appreciation breakfast at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School. Many students and their parents enjoyed an early morning breakfast together in the OLS Church Hall. The event gave the children an opportunity to show their appreciation to their parents at school, just one week before Thanksgiving. The festive setting included a buffet style meal with bagels, pastries, fruit, cereal, coffee, milk and juice. Each table was decorated with colored tablecloths and terra cotta flower pot arrangements. Flowers in the centerpiece arrangements held a picture of OLS students. Maureen Farr and Sheila Carlisle were co-chairmen of the breakfast, an annual PTO event.

Doctor, Patients Collect Box Tops for TornadoDamaged School Local orthodontist Dr. Sherri Weissman and her staff sponsored a contest for their patients to help rebuild Hackleburg High School after it was destroyed by the April tornadoes. In conjunction with patients Connor and Cole Greenway, Dr. Weissman’s office collected more than 6,000 Box Tops for Education. In addition, Dr. Weissman donated matching funds to the school.

Highlands School’s annual school spelling bee, held Dec. 15, lasted 29 rounds. Sixth graders Tate Shuttlesworth, right, and Peter Scalise competed against each another in rounds 13-29. Scalise correctly spelled “alibi” to win the championship. Shuttlesworth was the second place winner. Photo special to the Journal

Gathered for the OLS Parent Teacher Appreciation Breakfast were, from left: students Georgia Thornton, Ruby Thornton, Emma Claire Jordan, Bradley Jordan, Maela Banks, Maggie Banks and Myca Banks, front. Parents attending included, from left: Wendy Thornton, Matt Jordan, Anthony Turkiewicz, Photo special to the Journal Anne Banks and Trey Banks.

Students Learn With iPad2s Kirk Spence, seventh grade social studies teacher at Liberty Park Middle School, recently incorporated iPad2s into his classroom. As part of his social studies unit, “The Individual, the Law and the Internet,” students chose a state and then researched statistics about it. The students were asked to look at DUI statistics, juvenile rehabilitation center statistics, the number of men and women in state prisons, the types of death penalties in their state and the number of inmates on death row. Using the iPads, the students then created a Keynote or Pages presentation to share with the class. The students also used the iPads to learn more about Veterans Day. They researched the meanings of famous U.S. patriotic songs, created a Veterans Day parade float and researched women’s roles in the military or the different branches of the military. ❖

Collecting Box Tops to help Hackleburg High School were from left: Hampton Vinoski, Cole Greenway, Connor Greenway, Paula Greenway, Dr. Sherri Photo special to the Journal Weissman and Brenda Ladun.

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30 • Thursday, January 26, 2012

SPORTS

Members of the Pizitz Middle School wrestling team celebrate their Metro South tournament championship. The Pirates defeated Bumpus and Oak Mountain in the championship round to claim their title.

Pizitz Middle School Wins Metro Tourney

The Pizitz Middle School wrestling team won the Metro South Middle School wrestling tournament sponsored by the Spain Park Jaguar Takedown Club. The tournament was held Friday and Saturday Jan.13 and 14. Pizitz advanced through pool play Friday night defeating Thompson 61-18, Chelsea 54-30, Mountain Brook 60-24 and Riverchase 64-9. In the championship round Saturday the Pirates defeated Bumpus 51-29 and Oak Mountain 39-37. Outstanding wrestlers for Pizitz were Dillon Campbell (155) 5 pins, Jacob Edwards (165) 4 pins, 2 forfeits and James Edwards (175) 4 pins, 1

forfeit.

Spain Park High School Wins Opelika Duals

The Spain Park Jaguars went undefeated at the Opelika Duals on Sat. In the first match the Jags defeated Benjamin Russell 36-31. In the second match Spain Park prevailed over Auburn 66-12. In the third match the Jaguars won over Oxford 36-34. The final match was a family feud between coaching brothers Matt Thompson of Spain Park and Ryan Thompson of Opelika, with Spain Park defeating Opelika 41-28. Undefeated wrestlers for Spain

Park were Tommy Bostany at 120 with two pins, a tech fall, and a forfeit. At 220, Mo Mills won a pin, a decision and two forfeits. Outstanding wrestlers for Spain Park: Elijah Krukowski (106) with two pins, one decision, and one loss; Connor Whatley (126) one pin, two decisions and one loss; Marcus Jackson (145) one pin, two forfeits and one loss; Kevin McClure (160) one pin, two forfeits and one loss; Dillon Osborne (170) one decision, two forfeits and one loss; and Kameron Ricks (195) one major decision, one decision, one forfeit and one loss.

Helping organize the Village to Village Run in Mountain Brook Village Jan. 21 were, from left: Christiana Roussel, Journal photos by Maury Wald Amy Jackson, Steven Hydinger, Beth Nigri and Howard Torch.

VILLAGE TO VILLAGE RUN

400 Runners Brave the Elements to Finish Race

Nearly 1,000 runners hit the streets of Mountain Brook for the annual Village to Village run Jan. 21. As the race got underway severe thunderstorms forced organizers to call off the 10K run. According to Suzan Doige with the Mountain Brook Chamber about 400 “die-hard runners” braved the elements to finish the race. Top male finisher was Will Rogers with a gun time of 34:27, and the top female finisher was Lori VonPingel, right, with a gun time of 42:13. A one-mile Fun Run designed for families with children was called off. This event was to be a fundraiser for the Spartans Helping Spartans tornado relief efforts. The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce has other projects in the works to help Pleasant Grove according to Suzan, and plans are already underway for next year’s race scheduled for Jan. 19th.

Top female finisher in the 10K Village to Village run was Lori VonPingel, above left. The Village to Village Run was presented by Lemak Sports Medicine & Orthopedics, Dr. Lawrence Lemak, above right.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Spain Park players who qualified for the 2011 All-Over the Mountain team above are, from left: defensive lineman Jacob Chaffin, linebacker JeʼNiah Jackson, lineman Ben Tamburello and kicker Jake Hoffman. Below right: defensive back Chris Humes.

OTM TEAM,

from back cover

season with a 13-2 record, falling in the Class 6A finals in a hard-fought 35-34 loss to Prattville. Briarwood went 12-2 and reached Class 5A’s fourth round. In addition, Hoover’s Caleb Sims, a versatile wide receiver/running back/kick returner, shared Player of the Year honors with Vestavia Hills running back Georgie Salem. The Spartans’ Edward Aldag and Ben Craft of Briarwood were named quarterbacks for the AllOver the Mountain team. Joining them in the backfield are Dakota Daniel of Hoover, Mark Rector of Mountain Brook, Bradley Bostick of Oak Mountain, Matthew Futuro of Briarwood and Salem of Vestavia. Bostick and Salem are repeaters from last year’s all-star team. This year’s receiver corps may be one of the best in memory. It includes Gavin Golsan of Mountain Brook, Nyck Young of Homewood and Daniel Robert of Briarwood. No offense, regardless of how talented, can succeed without an outstanding forward wall. Offensive linemen qualifying for the team were Ben Tamburello of Spain Park, Daniel Aust of Hoover, Paul Davis and Walker Byrd of Mountain Brook, Charlie Vines of Vestavia and Nick Maxey and Tim Crenshaw of Briarwood. Coates Doss of Mountain Brook and Canon Smith of Briarwood were both selected at tight end. Jake Hoffman of Spain Park and Trent Marshall of John Carroll Catholic were named the team’s

placekickers. The 2011 All-Over the Mountain defensive team offers a rugged front line. Chosen for the squad were Jeremy Boyd and Trent Dunn of Hoover, Chris Finley of Homewood, Harry Reich of Mountain Brook, Jacob Chaffin of Spain Park and David D’Amico, Vestavia. As always, the Over the Mountain area produced many of metro Birmingham’s best linebackers. Earning places on this year’s AllOver the Mountain team were Aaron Rowell of Homewood, Chris Jones of Oak Mountain, Jeniah Jackson of Spain Park, Win Cowden and Hatton Smith of Mountain Brook and Robert Burgess and Daniel Bostick of John Carroll Catholic. This year’s all-star secondary is fast, rangy and hard-hitting. Defensive backs selected were Devon Earl and Marlon Humphrey of Hoover, Chris Humes and Devon Brown of Spain Park, Zach Gillen of Mountain Brook, Kalen Reed of Briarwood and Jimmy Laughlin of Vestavia. The punter is Ryan Raspino of Vestavia, who also worked as the Rebels’ placekicker.

Hoover players who qualified for the team -- Caleb Sims, Dakota Daniel, Daniel Aust, Trent Dunne, Jeremy Boyd, Marlon Humphrey and Devon Earl -- will be pictured in the next issue of the Over the Mountain Journal. The All-Over the Mountain Coach of the Year is Chris Yeager of Mountain Brook. Vestavia Hills running back Georgie Salem is Co-Player of the Year. Not pictured is Hoover all-purpose player Caleb Sims, Co-Player of the Year.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • 31

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

roundup

Third-Ranked Buccaneers Cruise Past Warriors to Go 22-3 By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

hen third-ranked Hoover met Class 6A Area 10 rival Thompson Friday night, Buccaneer fans didn’t have to worry about their team taking the Warriors lightly. In their previous meeting Jan. 10, Thompson pushed Hoover to the limit before falling 71-68 in overtime. Determined to avoid a similar trap in the second game, the Bucs were determined to get off to a fast start. “We wanted to play with more energy,” said Hoover guard Eric Dansby. “We wanted to get off to a fast start and play our game.” The formula worked. The Bucs outscored the Warriors 16-1 in the first period and moved ahead by 28 in the third quarter before holding on to a 59-54 victory. Thompson battled back to cut the margin to 10 with less than 1:25 to play in the game. Hoover’s DeOntaye Curtis saved the day, however, when he stole a Warrior in-bounds pass. Curtis passed to Dansby, who drew a two-shot foul call. Dansby converted two free throw attempts to raise the Bucs’ lead to 12. The victory raised Hoover’s overall record to 22-3 and 4-0 in area play. Dansby had 15 points, four assists and four steals to pace the winners. Michael Wiesneth added 10 points. Curtis pulled down eight rebounds, and Jerrick Rumph-Henderson added seven. Sam Hutcheson blocked three shots for the Bucs. “We started out great but wound up playing their type of game at the end,” said Dansby. “We didn’t play quite as well as we could have.” In other Friday night games, Vestavia Hills defeated Homewood 53-40. B.J. Houston led the Rebels with 18 points. Anton Cook added 11. The Patriots’ Nyck Young led all scorers with 20 points. Vestavia raised its record to 11-11 overall and 3-1 in Class 6A Area 12 play. Homewood dropped to 0-4 in area competition. Spain Park surprised Mountain Brook 66-56. Blake Dudchock sparked the Jaguars with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Rembert Martin and Robbie Prater totaled 18 and 11 points, respectively, for Spain Park. The Spartans’ Matti Sigurdarson topped all scorers with 20 points. Sean Eaton added 15 for Mountain Brook. The Jaguars ran their record to 16-9 overall and 3-1 in Class 6A Area 12 play.

Davis,

from back cover

They began practicing basketball virtually the day after football season ended. In today’s environment, there are fewer dual-sport athletes. It’s not unusual for a typical basketball player to work on his chosen sport 12 months out of the year, including participation in camps and on travel league teams. Of course, there’s another reason for the rise of basketball’s profile in Alabama and elsewhere over the past decades: It’s the saturation of college basketball on television, particularly on ESPN from December until March. I’m old enough to remember when basketball fans were lucky to find one college game a week on television. Now, you can find a basketball game on a cable broadcast virtually 24

Above: Eric Dansby paced the Bucs with 15 points, four assists and four steals in Hoover’s win over Thompson. Right: Hoover’s Brannon DeFore puts up a shot over a Thompson defender. More photos at otmj.com

Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

Jason Laatsch scored 27 points to help Briarwood to a 60-41 thrashing of Shelby County. Raymond Woods contributed 13 for the Lions. Briarwood raised its record to 13-11 overall and 2-4 in Class 5A Area 8. Shades Mountain Christian overwhelmed Holy Spirit 55-44. Jaylon Sims led the Eagles with 30 points, 15 rebounds and six blocked shots. Kenton Essinger added 11 points as Shades Mountain raised its record to 14-7 overall and 5-2 in Class 1A Area 8 competition. Oak Mountain lost to Pelham 32-31. Justin Whisenant scored 10 points for the Eagles. In girls’ play, Hoover crushed Thompson 59-19. Marqu’es Webb and Breion Allen each

hours a day, seven days a week from Thanksgiving until April. The plethora of televised basketball has become literally a never-ending recruiting, marketing and advertising campaign for the sport at all levels. The influence of television may be a mixed bag, according to Homewood’s Shepler. “The exposure of TV is great for the college game, but it’s a net negative at our level,” he said. “Kids want to do the things that get the college players on SportsCenter. You don’t get on SportsCenter for executing fundamentals.” Ironically, maybe the best thing Over the Mountain basketball has going for it is the strength of area football. Undoubtedly, the success of the autumn sport sets a high bar for all the others – and that’s a good thing. Winning, as is the case with everything else, is contagious. If a school’s

scored 13 points for the Lady Bucs. Webb had nine rebounds, and Allen earned seven steals. Hoover, ranked second in Class 6A, lifted its record to 18-3 overall and 4-0 in Area 10 play. Spain Park beat Mountain Brook 64-56. Whitney Gulledge scored 15 points for the Lady Jaguars, while Jessica Freeman and Ashley Gaston each added 14. The Lady Spartans’ Mary Katherine Pinson led all scorers with 16 points. Ellie Mouyal chipped in 14 for Mountain Brook, and Collier Ogilvie scored 13. Spain Park saw its record rise to 16-10 overall and 3-1 in Class 6A Area 12 competition. The Lady Spartans fell to 18-6 overall and 3-1 in area play.

football team does well, then people expect the basketball team to do well. And if the basketball team wins, then the baseball team is expected to do well – and so it goes. Of course, we haven’t even touched on the strength of girls’ basketball in the area. Hoover has had one of the state’s top programs for decades, while Vestavia, Mountain Brook and others have produced consistent winners. The common denominator again is great athletes, solid coaching and strong support systems. And a school’s tradition of being successful in other sports doesn’t hurt either. The 2011-12 season might be a special one for area basketball as Hoover looks capable of making a championship run in both boys’ and girls’ brackets. Even if they both succeed in bringing home state titles, some people will still insist on calling Hoover a football school.

MacKenzie Garmany connected on a field goal and free throw in the game’s final seconds to give Oak Mountain a dramatic 32-30 win over Pelham. Hannah Griffin led the Lady Eagles with 11 points; Maegen McDanal scored 10. Oak Mountain raised its record to 16-7 overall and 2-2 in Class 6A Area 10 play. In a Saturday boys’ game, Vestavia fell to Chelsea 46-42. B.J. Houston led the Rebel scoring with 18 points. In girls’ play, Vestavia defeated Chelsea 37-29. Sharon Sanders sparked the win with 13 points. The win raised the Lady Rebels’ record to 9-10 for the season.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Sports

Pizitz Middle School Wins Metro South Wrestling Tournament P. 30 Weekend Prep Roundup P. 31

Yeager and Spartans Lead All-OTM Team

Lee Davis

Respect

Over the Mountain Basketball Doesn’t Deserve Stepchild Reputation

T Members of the 2011 All-Over the Mountain defensive team are, from left, front: Coach of the Year Chris Yeager, Mountain Brook; Aaron Rowell, Homewood; Chris Jones, Oak Mountain; David D’Amico, Vestavia Hills; and Robert Burgess, John Carroll Catholic. Second row: Kalen Reed, Briarwood; Keaton Lett, Vestavia Hills, Ryan Raspino, Vestavia Hills; Hatton Smith, Mountain Brook. Back: Chris Finley, Homewood; Harry Reich, Mountain Brook; Jimmy Laughlin, Journal photos by Marvin Gentry Vestavia Hills; Zach Gillen, Mountain Brook; and Win Cowden, Mountain Brook. Not pictured: Daniel Bostick, John Carroll Catholic.

Members of the 2011 All-Over the Mountain offensive team are, from left, front: Georgie Salem, Vestavia Hills; Matthew Furuto, Briarwood; Bradley Bostick, Oak Mountain; Gavin Golsan, Mountain Brook; Nyck Young, Homewood. Second row: Mark Rector, Mountain Brook; Walker Byrd, Mountain Brook; Ed Aldag, Mountain Brook; Coates Doss, Mountain Brook. Back: Paul Davis, Mountain Brook; Daniel Robert, Briarwood; Tim Crenshaw, Briarwood; Ben Craft, Briarwood; and Charlie Vines, Vestavia Hills. Not pictured: Trent Marshall, John Carroll Catholic; Canon Smith, Briarwood.

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

y any measure, 2011 was a season that few Mountain Brook fans will ever forget. Although the Spartans fell short in their pursuit of a Class 6A championship, Coach Chris Yeager’s team accomplished much more than many expected: Mountain Brook ran the table for a perfect 10-0 regular season mark. The Spartans won Class 6A’s Region 6 championship, generally considered to be the toughest big-school league in Alabama. Mountain Brook defeated region rival and

eventual Class 6A runner-up Hoover 17-9 to give the Spartans their first win over the Buccaneers since the 1980s. Yeager’s squad advanced all the way to the third round of the Class 6A playoffs before losing a controversial 35-28 decision to Oxford on the road. With all that in mind, it’s no surprise that Mountain Brook dominates the 2011 All-Over the Mountain team, which is produced by an exclusive Over the Mountain Journal poll of the head football coaches of the eight schools that participate in Class 6A or 5A competition. Ten Spartans were chosen for the team, and Yeager was the choice for 2011 Over the Mountain Coach of the Year. Yeager , who succeeded Joey Jones as the

Mountain Brook coach nearly a decade ago, built the Spartans into one of Alabama’s most consistent football powerhouses. “We are proud to represent Mountain Brook as part of this terrific all-star team,” said Yeager. “What we accomplished this year is a tribute to the hard work our young men put into our season this year. “It also speaks to the support we receive from our school, our administration and the Mountain Brook community as a whole.” Coach Josh Niblett’s Hoover Bucs placed seven players on the elite team, as did Coach Fred Yancey’s Briarwood Lions. The Bucs finished the

See OTM TEAM, page 30

he reputation of Over the Mountain boys’ basketball is in some ways similar to the reputation of men’s basketball in the Southeastern Conference: No matter how strong the caliber of play, it will always – in some people’s minds – be overshadowed by the image of football. It’s an unfair rap, but understandable, especially the way that this area has ruled high school football over the past decades. But a closer look shows that basketball isn’t so far behind. Remember last season? A Vestavia Hills team with an overall losing record got hot in tournament play and reached the Class 6A Final Four. And that was after Homewood, Mountain Brook and Spain Park all spent a considerable amount of time ranked in the state’s top 10. The previous year, the Patriots reached the Class 6A finals. In 200809, a Jordan Swing-led Vestavia team earned the state championship after struggling through a near-disastrous late season slump. Of course, this little summary of the last few years of basketball in the area doesn’t include John Carroll Catholic’s great run of championships in the Ronald Steele era. There are a lot of reasons why area basketball programs are successful – strong support systems, good athletes and supportive parents, among other things – but another big plus is the high quality of coaches. Veteran coaches such as Vestavia’s George Hatchett, Homewood’s Tim Shepler and John Carroll Catholic’s Larry Harbin have literally seen everything in their long years at courtside. Additionally, there are upand-coming young coaches, including Mountain Brook’s Bucky McMillian and Spain Park’s Neal Barker. Another reason is the continuing trend toward specialization that has characterized most high school sports in the last 20 years. There was a time not long ago when the majority of basketball players on most high school teams also played football. See DAVIS, page 31