12 | Alexander Dentistry Welcomes Dr. Gordon Henry
13 | Twisters Dance Club GIVING TREE
14 | Amanda Owens creates an organization to enable independent living for adults with cognitive disabilities.
ESTATE
18 | Everything you always wanted to know about OTM real estate but were afraid to ask.
TOWN 23 | Things to do, people to see and hear
24 | Abbie Stockard reigns as Miss America.
26 | Students at Edgewood Elementary share their Spring Break plans.
27 | Mountain Brook’s Caleb Barnett’s passion for baseball makes him a ‘Dynamic Player.’ 27 | Vestavia Hills Rebelettes
28 | Mountain Brook girls basketball team reaches state tournament for the first time.
Growing up, I was not exactly what you’d call a “pageant girl.” I preferred playing football in the backyard with my neighborhood full of boys. But I had friends who competed in pageants, and I think I was secretly envious of them getting to dress up in gorgeous gowns and put on makeup (and learn the art of confidently walking in heels, which is still a struggle for me even today!). Hearing about why and how Miss America Abbie Stockard, a Vestavia Hills native, got involved in pageants made me realize there’s no such thing as a “pageant girl.” Abbie is smart, confident, and passionate about her role as Miss America and her Cystic Fibrosis platform. Oh, and it goes without saying that she’s stunningly beautiful! She is representing our area and our state with grace and gives all of us over-the-mountain folks a reason to be proud. Miss America— long may she reign!
–BARRY WISE SMITH
Publisher & Executive Editor: Lee Hurley Editor: Barry Wise Smith
Designer: Claire Cormany
Photographer: Jordan Wald
Contributors: Rubin Grant, Anne Ruisi, Tally Reynolds Detling
King John Snow Jemison, Jr. and Gillian Comer White (Goodrich) were the very first King and Queen of the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball in 1968.
CORRECTION
In the Feb. 20th issue, Logan Cornutt took the picture of the Homewood boys’ indoor track state champions on page 28, and OTMJ photographer Jordan Wald took the photo of the Mountain Brook wrestling team champs on page 27.
COMMUNITY
It’s A Family Tradition
Teen pilot Perry Stringfellow takes to the air
BY ANNE RUISI PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE STRINGFELLOW FAMILY
Not too long ago, Allen Stringfellow watched his teenage son, Perry, guide a green and white Cessna 172 in for a landing at the Shelby County Airport. The 16-year-old’s flight instructor standing next to him quipped, “I wouldn’t trust most 16-year-olds with a weed whacker, much less an airplane.”
While most teens Perry’s age are getting their driver’s licenses or their first cars, he made his first solo flight from the Shelby airport on Jan. 29. Now he’s preparing to get his private pilot’s license in early summer, when he reaches the
minimum required age, 17, on June 12. He’s also working to achieve an instrument rating, a skill far beyond the visual flight rules every pilot learns.
“Everything about it is really fun,” Perry says. “It’s a lot of adrenaline, because you’re flying in the air…it’s thrilling, even though it’s safe.”
A love for aviation is deeply embedded in the Mountain Brook youth, as Perry represents the fifth generation of Stringfellows who’ve answered the inner call to take to the skies. His father, Allen,
“Everything about it is really fun. It’s a lot of adrenaline, because you’re flying in the air…it’s thrilling, even though it’s safe.”
– perry stringfellow
is a licensed pilot, as are his grandfather Edward LaVerne Stringfellow III, and greatgrandfather, Edward LaVerne Stringfellow Jr., now 96, who was a flight instructor until he was 88. His late great-great grandfather Edward LaVerne Stringfellow Sr. was the first pilot in the family. “I think it’s a gift that he has,” Perry’s mother, Amanda Stringfellow, says of her son. “It is something that came very naturally to him.” Her husband agrees.
“As my granddad said, he took to it like a duck to water,” Allen says.
MOVING ON UP
While Perry started formal flight instruction at a Shelby County flight school in early December, he’s been accustomed to flying in a private plane since he was a child. On one such flight with a family friend when he was 10, the pilot let the boy take the yoke
Four generations of pilots from left: Edward L Stringfellow III, Robert Allen Stringfellow, Edward L Stringfellow Jr., and Robert Perry Stringfellow.
left: The family’s newest pilot Perry in front of the family owned 1946 Piper J-3 Cub. Perry is currently training to get his tailwheel endorsement.
CAMP MAC
We are fortunate to have an amazing facility in a beautiful location! But Camp Mac is nothing more than the sum of all those who have passed our way since 1948!
Social media is about likes. But life is about love. Other people decide how many likes we get, but only we can decide how much love we give! The connections we make at camp don’t go on a post. The connections we make go on forever.
When we find ourselves in the right place at the right time, that place becomes part of who we are, and we become part of that place.
If Camp Mac sounds like it’s the right place at the right time for you, we’d love to have you join us here this summer Among the Pines!
DATES: Adventure Camp (7th - 8th): June 2-12; 6 Day Mini Terms (1st - 3rd): June 2-7, June 15-20, July 13-18; 11 Day
Junior Terms (2nd - 5th): June 2-12, June 15-25, July 13-23; Senior Terms (3rd - 8th): June 15 - July 10, July 13 - Aug 2.
After a pilot’s first solo flight, it’s a tradition to cut off the
These two belong to Perry and his dad.
and “steer” the plane. That was an experience that added fuel to his desire to learn to fly. “I always knew I would be allowed to fly if I wanted to,” Perry says.
Flight training is intensive and very involved. Students learn not only about the airplane and the mechanics of flight, but maneuvers, such as different types of turns, landings and take-offs. “I kind of moved through that pretty quickly,” Perry says. “And then you have slow flight, so you can get used to…the airplane’s controls.”
They also learn how to communicate with the tower and other planes. As at any school, there are written and oral exams a student must pass, along with a certain number of hours in the air to practice what you’ve learned, including what to do in a myriad of emergency situations. “It’s all about learning to be safe in the plane,” Perry says.
While he completed his solo flight and can fly alone for practice and training, Perry can’t carry passengers in the air—yet. He’ll be able to do so once he earns his private pilot’s license. And he won’t be able to fly in the clouds until he earns his instrument certification. He’s aiming to hit both targets for his birthday in June.
Quoting Edward Jr., Allen says the steps marking advancement in aviation are like an academic track. “My granddad said, ‘When you solo, that’s like graduating high school. When you get your private license, that’s like graduating college. When you get an instrument rating, that’s like having a master’s degree,’ and becoming a certified flight instructor is ‘like having a PhD in airplanes.’”
A FAMILY AFFAIR
The family tradition in aviation began when Allen Stringfellow’s great-grandfather
bought an airplane in between World War I and World War II. “He wanted something to do with his son,” Allen says. “And so, he said, ‘Come on, let’s learn to fly together.’”
That father and son (Edward LaVerne Stringfellow Jr.)—who was 16 at the time— took flying lessons at the Birmingham airport. The younger Edward made a career out of what started as a hobby and became a corporate pilot and U.S. Air Force civilian flight instructor, Allen says. “He was teaching pilots to fly right after World War II,” Allen says, noting his grandfather wanted to go into the Air Force but couldn’t because he didn’t meet the vision requirements.
The yearning to fly was inherited by succeeding generations in the family. “We all grew up around airplanes, and he taught every one of his children, my dad, my aunt, my great aunt. My brother. We’re all pilots,” Allen says.
Unfortunately, Perry was too young to take flying lessons from his great-grandfather, who stopped formal instruction at 88 years old, eight years ago, when Perry was eight.
WILL THE
CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN
When Perry completed his first solo flight in January, the back of his shirt was cut off, a tradition among pilots to mark the milestone. On it, handwritten in thick black ink, are Perry’s name, the date, the tail number of the plane and the type of aircraft he flew, a single-engine Cessna 172.
His parents will have it framed, to go along with Allen’s framed memento from his own first solo flight on Jan. 10, 1998, Amanda says.
It’s likely Perry won’t be the last of the Stringfellows to fly. Younger brother Robert, 13, is interested but has a few years to go before he’s old enough to solo. The boys’ oldest brother, William, 19, who is studying aerospace engineering at the University of Alabama at Huntsville, took 10 or 12 hours of instruction but prefers the mechanics of flight more than flying himself.
But aviation isn’t Perry’s only interest. He loves the outdoors, is on his school’s club cycling team and rides with a national-level team. He’s an honor student at Mountain Brook High School, where he’s a junior, and he works part-time at Bike Link in Hoover. Perry says his dream is to receive an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. If he’s admitted, his goal will be to navigate the requirements to graduate as a pilot for the service. OTMJ
back of their shirt.
Edward L. Stringfellow, Jr.’s plaque in the Southern Museum of Flight Aviation Hall of Fame.
It’s A Family Tradition,
King McWane and Queen Amason Reign at 58th Annual Beaux Arts Krewe Ball
Royalty reigned over Boutwell Auditorium on February 28th as the Beaux Arts Krewe celebrated its 58th Krewe Ball. Guests were transported to East Asia with scenes of Oriental grandeur, while dancing pages in Chinese costumes joined in the merriment. The event benefits the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Krewe Acquisition Fund.
Reigning over the ball was King Charles Phillip McWane, joined by his wife Heather, and Queen Emily Browning Amason, a student at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. The queen’s royal escort was Alexander Shipley Abele.
The ladies-in-waiting were Julia Fletcher Abele, with trainbearer Laurie Price Ray, and Harriet Huntress Crommelin Adams, with trainbearer Virginia Louise Norwood.
Princesses presented at the ball were Anna Caroline Bates, Eloise Katherine Berte, Hagen McKenzie Blackwell, Evelyn Islay Brady, Mary Isabella St. John Butler, Alice Caldwell Byars, Olivia Ann Clegg, Sarah Welles Edwards, Ann Sutherland Elliott, Lauren Catherine Grubbs, Welden Williams Holman, Emma Elizabeth Hughey, Mary Lawson Jolly, Margaret Cater Kracke, Ellison Bay Matthews, Katherine Walker Methvin, Madeline McRae Mitchell, Sadie Ann Patton, Beverly Head Perkins, Margaret Louise Rainer, Mary Lucy Redden, Olivia Joan Ritchie, Jane Morgan Knight Sauls, Madeline Fay Stephens, Juliet Emmaline Stewart, Lillian Tanner Still, Ann Derby Welden and Lois Corinne Whiting.
Serving as the king’s dukes were Willis Cobb Hagan III, Christopher Wills Hoyt, Dr. Raleigh Barbee Kent III, David Michael Smith, Dr. James Stephen Spann, Edward Franklin Thomas, Jr., Michael Dewitt Thompson and William Burr Weatherly.
The king’s trainbearers were Ada Kathryn Gaston, Charles Greer Gaston, Margaret Carolyn Gaston, Anna Clark Kincaid, Anna Elizabeth McWane, Mark Brooks McWane and Margaret Ann Spann.
The queen’s guards were Michael Seth Adams, Frederick Haring Belden III, William Alfred Bowron, Jr., Joseph Henry Brady III, Stephen Ewing Faust, James Thomas Holloway, Andrew Wade Loveman and Marion Jefferson Starling III.
The queen’s trainbearers were Angelia Jane Brady, Charles Bishop Brady, Joseph Henry Brady IV, Camille Fraser Rediker, John Reid Rediker, Lorol Elizabeth Rediker, Pamela Grace Rediker and Vivien Roden Rediker.
Those serving as pages for the festivities were Ann Evans Allen, Kathryn Pritchard Allen, Mary Carolyn Wittichen Anderson, Cecelia Milligan Badham, Charlotte Rodgers Badham, Violet Dumas Bond, Hattie Elizabeth Buck, Elizabeth Florence Clinton, Katherine McDowell Clinton, Clara Jane Coble, Evelyn Palmer Davis, Livia Rast DeBuys, Marion Elizabeth DeBuys, Lenora Spencer Drennen, Juliet Hamilton Girvin, Margaret Bibb Girvin, Jane Briggs Harrell, Jane Ellis Karpeles and Lacy Kay Karpeles, Katherine Kettig Lary, Juliana Elizabeth Little, Virginia Wallace McCoin, Mary Elizabeth McNair, Eleanor Gresham Nelson, Emily Hughston Nichols, Carolyn Hill Noble, Julia Katherine Parsons, Meredith Joan Porter, Barbara Wallace Rich, Charles Stewart Robinson, Phoebe-Grey Crist Robinson, Catherine Forman Samuels, Emma Catherine Sullivan, Sarah Frances Sullivan, Emily Hartman Tomlinson, Harper Bell Trimmer, Tynes Marie White, Catherine Sullins Whatley and Dupree Ella Williams.
King Charles Phillip McWane and Queen Emmie Browning Amason with the court.
PHOTOS BY HANK SPENCER
Ed and Ann Derby Welden Colin, Emmaline and Julie Stewart
Britt, Lucy and Chuck Redden
Susan, Bay and Dean Matthews
Will, Heather, King Phillip and Laura McWane and Katie Gaston
Forsyth, Harriet and Seth Adams
Alex, Ginger, Julia and Fletcher Abele
Gilbert, Bert, Queen Emily Browning, Virginia and Edith Amason
Burr and Sid Weatherly
Krewe Ball Pages
GLENWOOD BIG TOP
Glenwood’s signature annual fundraiser, Big Top, drew friends and supporters to The Fennec on Feb. 21 and raised over $400,000!!
The circus-inspired event benefits Glenwood, the nonprofit agency dedicated to serving children, adolescents and adults with autism and other behavioral health needs. Proceeds from Big Top directly fund Glenwood’s programs, providing essential behavior management training, communication tools, social skills development and daily living support.
Guests enjoyed an evening of entertainment that featured circus performers, gourmet food, live music, a silent disco, casino games and a silent auction.
and
Coronets Dance Club
Cindy
The Coronets Dance Club recently celebrated its 70th anniversary with a luncheon and business meeting at the Vestavia Country Club.
The guest speaker was local history buff Alan Coshatt, who shared 70 years of photos and information on the city and the country club’s early years of development.
Carolyn Delk, Linda Gooldrup and Jean Hendrickson coordinated the lunch of encrusted chicken over mixed greens and decorated the tables with silver vases containing blue hydrangeas, white roses, snapdragons and ivy, topped with the number 70. Members at the event included club president Cathie Amos, Edna Alderman, Cathie Amos, Linda Bachus, Cindy Bartlett, Nancy Becker, Redonda Broom, Marti Buck, Ashley Carmichael, PA Carmichael, Bettie Davenport, Sharon Ellis, Pat Garlikov, Marsha Hire, Nell Larson, Marsha McCarty, Lynne Nicholson, Carol Powell, Lorrin Sheperd, Joyce Talbot, Phyllis Tinsley, and Shelley Watkins. OTMJ
Britney and Chris Crawford
Kate McCombs and Spencer Lunghino
Will and Georgia Pearson
Gambling
John and Ashley Turner and Claire and Bo Johnson
Ashley Gooler, Carter Burwell, Andy Vance, Nonie Brown, Alicia Tibbs and Emily Frazier
Hannah Olive and Margaret Dwyer
Mary Anne Smith and Sara Newman
Zach
Jessica Caldwell
Ashley Carmichael, President Cathie Amos, Edna Alderman, Pat Garlikov, PA Carmichael
Bartlett, Cathy Amos, New Member - Lorrin Shepherd
OTMJ
Rich spices scented the festive air at Cahaba Brewing Company on Feb. 22 as cooking teams competed at the 19th annual Gumbo Gala to benefit Episcopal Place.
Backyard and professional chefs participated in the friendly contest and cooked big pots of thick, savory stew. Competitors created a variety of gumbos that featured meats such as chicken, sausage, seafood and alligator, and partygoers got to sample the results. Music was provided by The Swamp Poppas.
Episcopal Place offers affordable housing for lowincome seniors and adults with disabilities. OTMJ
GUMBO GALA
Alexander Dentistry Welcomes Dr. Gordon Henry
The dental team at Alexander Dentistry opened its practice on Church Street in Crestline Feb 20th from 4 to 6 p.m. to celebrate the partnership of Dr. Gordon Henry with Dr. Kevin Alexander. Nearly 50 patrons, patients and friends came to welcome Dr. Henry as a full-time member of the practice. Pick up foods, cold beverages and desserts were enjoyed by all. Who knew you could have this much fun at the dentist? OTMJ
Sherry and Thomas Grier
Paul Acker, Laura Pollard, Zoe Coker, and Andrew Acker
Winners; Ronzell Weldon, Mike Fields and Tron Robinson
JD and Ingrid Finley
Adam McLemore and Jill Hancock
Lora Vaughn and Meredith Kahl Eliza, Isabelle, Kayla and Eric Chester
Sam Donnell and Drew Gearhart
Ed Pascoe and Glenda McPherson
Piper Davis and Izzy Diguglielmo
Brittany Henry, Paula Henry and John Breckenridge
Summer Wikle, Michael Odom and Karen Bee
Drs. Gorden Henry and Kevin Alexander
Twisters Dance Club Valentine’s Party
Love was in the air at the 2nd Annual Twisters Dance Club Valentine’s Party, held Friday, Feb. 14th. Around 150 members and spouses were in attendance, and the event was held at Robin and Brad Kidd’s beautiful home. Dinner, drinks and dancing galore with wonderful entertainment by The Hams’. Twisters Officers: President, Katherine Cox, Treasurer, Cindy Daily, and perfect party planners Steva Austill and Anna Cooper. OTMJ
Terri Bundy and Miriam Morris
Cindy Daily and Mary Ann Shows
Steve Suggs and Jim Andrews
Katherine Cox and Robin Kidd
GIVING TREE
Home Sweet ourHome!
Amanda Owens creates an organization to enable independent living for adults with cognitive disabilities.
BY BARRY WISE SMITH PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD AND COURTESY OF OUR HOME
Growing up, Amanda Owens did not enjoy sharing a bathroom with her younger brother Chris Clark. But as Chris, who has cognitive disabilities, got older, Owens worried if he could ever expect to have his own bathroom.
Chris was fortunate to live with his parents, and his sister when it became necessary—in fact 80 percent of adults with cognitive disabilities live with a family caregiver—but Owens wondered, “what are people like Chris doing” without family support. What she found was disheartening—approximately 1,000 Alabamians with cognitive disabilities are on waitlists for home and community-based services; some housing providers have waitlists of more than a decade; and rents for available options are higher than Alabama’s median family income. And in Alabama, with 600,000
to 750,000 adults with cognitive disabilities, the situation is expected to worsen with a projected 50-percent increase in demand for affordable and accessible housing for these people over the next 20 years.
“Everyone deserves their own toilet and sink,” became Owens’ mantra, and that mantra became her mission, leading her to form her nonprofit ourHome in 2023. The goal of ourHome is to enable independent living for adults with cognitive disabilities at a price that the average Alabamian can afford. And while her brother was her motivation, Owens wants her organization’s reach to be far broader than just one person.
STARTING AT HOME
Like all good ideas, Owens decided to start where she lived, making Homewood the starting point for ourHome. When Owens
married and started her family, she purposefully moved to Homewood because of the city’s walkability and emphasis on inclusion for people with disabilities. “When we chose Homewood, we knew Chris would be with us one day, and we knew Homewood would be so walkable for him,” Owens says. Owens believes Homewood will offer the same opportunities to other ourHome participants.
Serving as ourHome’s Executive Director, Owens has built a board that includes professionals in the disability field. Dr. Mary Rose Sallese is an expert in special education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Dr. Laura Fiveash is the Head of School at Spring Valley School, a private school for students with diagnosed learning differences. “These professionals are helping us to come up with policies and procedures to provide the safest, best practices to our participants,” Owens says.
In February 2024, an anonymous donor helped Owens purchase her first property—a duplex in Homewood that is within walking distance of the Exceptional Foundation and Bitty & Beau’s coffee shop, which employs adults with cognitive disabilities. Once renovations are complete, Owens anticipates housing four adults (two in each unit) in the duplex, with residents having their own bathrooms. Owens turned her fundraising focus to raising the $225,000 needed to make the duplex
Chris Clark, Sam Sullivan and Owens’ son, Jackson Owens.
left: Amanda Owens below, left to right: Board member Hank Powers, Owens and her youngest daughter Evie, ourHome’s Samford intern Kaziah Williams and ourHOME member Lars Olsson.
renovations, including adaptive technologies to help the residents live successfully. With anticipated completion is in Summer 2025, Owens is excited about putting her first residents in place. “There is dignity in taking the risks inherent in living independently,” Owens says. “Adults with cognitive disabilities experience belonging and dignity when they live independently in a community setting personalized to their needs. Residents discover capabilities and develop new skills, which changes how they see themselves and improves their self-esteem.”
Using grant funds and donations, Owens started by making over the duplex’s back yard, and in Summer 2024, launched
I’ve had nothing but kindness and support.” Neighbors and friends have joined in on the social outings, and Jane Fowlkes, a junior at Homewood High School, became interested in raising money for ourHome. She set up a lemonade stand with all proceeds going to help with the duplex’s yard renovations. What started as a simple lemonade stand, has grown to 94 students at the high school starting a club called ourHome Team. The group meets Tuesday mornings before school and acts as ambassadors for ourHome and assists with social outings. “It gives these kids the chance to learn and interact with people with disabilities,” Owens says.
“These folks can live independently with a little support. They get to have their own lives, and that’s what we all want for our children.”
–amanda owens
ourHome Social to provide social outings and opportunities for her members (her term for participants in the program). What started out as a group of 10 people quickly grew to over 50 people in Fall 2024 at back yard parties, bowling and Super Bowl outings and holiday and birthday celebrations. “From the parents of our participants, what we hear is, ‘You have no idea what this means to us,’” Owens says. “With ourHome, everyone is loved and accepted for what they bring to the table.” Owens has felt an outpouring of support from the Homewood community for her efforts. “Sometimes when you have an idea like this, you have naysayers,” Owens says. “But from the start, I haven’t experienced that.
As for Chris, he currently lives independently in Homewood, not far from Owens, rides his bike around town and works at Publix. But he is anxiously awaiting the day ourHome’s first home is ready for occupancy. “He asks me probably five times a day, ‘Manda when will it be ready?’” Owens laughs.
And Chris will likely be one of Owens first residents. “These folks can live independently with a little support,” she says. “They get to have their own lives, and that’s what we all want for our children.” OTMJ
For more information on ourHome or to contribute, visit ourhomealabama.org.
ourHOME social bowling event at Vestavia Bowl for members and families.
THE STATE of REAL ESTATE
Is it Déjà vu all over again?
BY LEE HURLEY
The question remains, will 2025 bring joy and relief to our residential real estate market or will it be a mirror image of 2024? You can ask ChatGPT, but the answer sounds like the eight ball we used to shake for advice: “Conditions remain hopeful.” Our local experts seem to agree there is reason for tempered optimism, so lets see what they have to say.
FOLLOW THE MONEY
While President Trump may be calling for lower interest rates, Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell is not so sure. It was last year that Wilmer Poynor of Ray & Poynor said he believed that the days of two-percent mortgages are gone. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation officer Clint Thompson agrees.
Do you feel like mortgage rates of two to three percent will ever come back? What is the new normal in your opinion?
I do not feel that rates will be as low as three percent again. The new norm is in the five- to seven-percent range. The average 30-year mortgage rate for the past 50 years is in the mid severn percents.
What are the rates as of now, and do you expect them to stay the same for a while?
The “average” 30-year rate is approximately seven percent with no origination fee or discount points. I do agree with the consensus that we should see rates improve over time. The bottom line is, if we see a 10-year treasury yield in the mid to upper three percents we should expect a 30-year mortgage rate to be in the upper five percents to low six percents, in the next 12 to 24 months.
What are young folks doing these days to buy houses?
While nationally cash buyers accounted for 29 percent of all sales in January, there are ways to compete with all cash offers. We want our clients to not just be “pre-approved” but fully approved, prior to making an offer. This entails the client providing all income and asset documentation, to be reviewed by our underwriting team prior to making an offer. Once approved, this potentially eliminates making an offer contingent on financing. Moreover, we can back up the offer with a guarantee.
How is the loan process compared with 2024 or 2023? More strict? The same? Less?
Basically the same…however in some instances, variable income (self-employed, non-salary, hourly, commission, bonus, overtime, etc.) can be even more strict.
If you were a first-time home buyer hoping to live over the mountain either now or down the road, would you recommend trying to rent now or buyas soon as possible?
I’m never an advocate of kicking the can down the road as it relates to home ownership. The benefits far exceed the “cost of waiting” especially in the context of building housing wealth.
Do you expect demand to be strong in 2025?
Improving. Due to expected home price appreciation four to to four and a half percent (housing wealth), 30-year mortgage rate from 5.75 to six percent and continued increase in household formations.
Has the election caused anything to change in rates or availability of money?
Rates will continue to react more to the inflation and jobs data.” OTMJ
POPULATION
22,461 8,365 NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
MEDIAN INCOME
$191,228
41 MEDIAN AGE OF RESIDENTS
the Numbers
$882,000 MEDIAN HOME PRICE
MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOL SYSTEM
Alabama School Report Card
Overall Grade—A
Average number of days homes are on the market
31
44% 33% 22% of homes sold in January 2025 were sold within 30 days of homes sold in January 2025 were sold within 30-90 days of homes sold in January 2025 were sold over 90 days (as of January 2025)
Mountain Brook has been plagued by low inventory. Demand exceeds supply, and there seems to be an unlimited amount of money out there to pay over the asking price. Sometimes way over. The days of five and six-million-dollar homes are here to stay evidently.
Stephanie Robinson, RealtySouth
$78,536,394
Brooke Wahl, ARC Realty $30,815,200
Jane Huston Crommelin, Ray & Poynor $29,357,250
Mimi Nolen, RealtySouth $26,883,324
Brian Boehm, RealtySouth $26,883,324
Katie Crommelin, Ray & Poynor $17,299,062
Hilary Weiss, LAH Sotheby’s International
$15,994,000
Helen Drennen, RealtySouth $15,411,919
Heather Anthony, ARC Realty $14,538,500
Lynlee Hughes, ARC Realty $11,798,249
Fred Smith, RealtySouth $10,825,661 Betsy Dreher, Ray & Poynor $10,456,250
Robin began her career in real estate in 1994 with Wilmer Poynor at Poynor Properties.
You have been at this for a while?
Well, I’ve been married to [husband) Brad for 32 years, and that’s only one year longer than I have worked for Wilmer (Poynor of Ray & Poynor). It’s been amazing watching his progress through the years.
Has 30 years given you some perspective? We were just laughing one day at how far we have come. We’re like, ‘okay, we’re in our 60s now.’ We look around at these young agents in the office. That’s a great thing. Our young agents help represent the growth of the company.
“I have a survey I send my out-of-town clients asking about their interests. Who will be moving with them? Why are they moving here? What kind of home do they live in now? That can help tell a whole lot about what area they may want to live in.”
–robin brotherton kidd
Lots of change going on?
We have gone through two significant changes in the last couple of years, one of which was our building burning to the ground. We had to figure out how to function without a place to go. And then prior to that, we went through Covid. So for a lot of people, that changed their work patterns. I‘m sitting here at my desk at home right now, which is fantastic, however I do go in the office at least once a day and spend time there because I get a lot of valuable information from people.
Can you say in a general way some of the things that have changed in 31 years? Obviously technology has caused the most changes. At some point last year I was trying to consolidate files, and I found what we called a Map book. We used to keep those in our car to look up addresses. We didn’t have cell phones, and we didn’t have navigation.
We didn’t even have laptops. We had fax machines, but someone had to make sure they were turned on.
What about using the internet to look at homes and that part of technology? You know, nowadays when somebody actually makes an appointment, they have already gone through the house online so they probably have a pretty strong interest if they’re making an appointment to go see a house. Today there’s so much involved in the way we present or stage a home. We will
recommend removing personal items so buyers can imagine their own things in the home. Sometimes we bring in brand new furniture. It can be accessories, it can be pictures, it can be mirrors, it can be chairs and sofas. It’s kind of limitless.
What are your thoughts now on young people trying to get in Mountain Brook? I work with a lot of young homebuyers, because those are the ages of my kids, so I’m lucky that I’m able to help them list and sell their homes, but it is difficult. We just do
not have the inventory. I showed an out-oftown client six houses last week in Vestavia, Homewood and Mountain Brook. Three of them were under contract by the time I’d made the appointment.
Any areas you are suggesting right now? For younger people, I’m suggesting Brookwood Forest. That area has the most opportunity to build equity. Other neighborhoods in Mountain Brook are getting so high that even if they sell in two years their margin is not going to be as great. OTMJ
HOMEWOOD
By the Numbers
POPULATION
27,879
$557,450 MEDIAN HOME PRICE
9,708 NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
$97,366 MEDIAN INCOME
29 MEDIAN AGE OF RESIDENTS HOMEWOOD CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM
Alabama School Report Card Overall Grade—A
Average number of days homes are on the market 75% 13% 13% of homes sold in January 2025 were sold within 30 days of homes sold in January 2025 were sold within 30-90 days of homes sold in January 2025 were sold over 90 days (as of January 2025)
29
TOP 20 2024 HOMEWOOD HOME SALES BY AGENT, VOLUME, AND AGENCY*
Brent Griffis, LIST Birmingham
$10,309, 515
Melvin Upchurch, LIST Birmingham
$8,012,250
Jamie Goff, ARC Realty
$7,472,650
Charles Perlis, LAH Sotheby’s International
$7,337,200
Ashley Brigham, ARC Realty
$6,543, 515
Guy Bradley, LAH Sotheby’s International
$6,119,950
Stacy Flippin, ARC Realty
$6,033,473
Joe Falconer, Realty South $5,674,300
Lynlee Hughes, ARC Realty
$5,184,500
Johnny Montgomery, ERA King $5,174,190
Mary Harmon Muir-Taylor, Ray & Poynor
$4,535,219
Misty Joseph, ARC Realty
$4,481,650
Brian Boehm, RealtySouth $4,274,500
Brooke Wahl, ARC Realty $4,179, 500
Katherine Alison, RealtySouth $3,974,900
Fred Smith, RealtySouth $3,705,262
Mimi Nolen, RealtySouth $3,494,500
Kete Cannon, ARC Realty $3,226,700
Barbara Lummis, ARC Realty $3,167,500
Roxanne Hale, Realty South $2,937,580
*Source: MLS
Anna Frances and Guy Bradley
LAH Sotheby’s
International Realty
Anna Frances and Guy Bradley are part of the Bradley Perlis Group of LAH Sotheby’s International Realty with Charles Perlis, Katy Pulvere and Allen Baynes.
When did you decide to join forces, and why real estate?
We started dating in the spring of 2006. Guy was selling houses at the beach, and I’d been at LAH since 1999. It just made sense to start our life together in Birmingham and work as a team.
Is it hard working with your spouse? In the beginning, it was hard for me because I had to change the way I was used to doing things. Guy has taught me SO much about work ethic and commitment, and I’ve taught him a little about time management, ha ha.
Are there areas left in Homewood that still offer hope for starter homes? That depends on how you define “starter home.” If you mean, “starter home prices,” then yes— the Huntington Glen/Camden and Forest Brook neighborhoods are affordable. If you are referring to “starter home size,” then generally, no. The city was developed in the 1930s and 1940s
when houses were typically built under 2,000 square feet. Those streets were and still are very near parks and retail, and within the last couple of decades, the importance of walkability to those places has risen, which created a rise in value for those lots.
What do your clients tend to like the most about living in Homewood?
Walkability, proximity to thoroughfares and downtown Birmingham, the school system and diversity.
How long have y’all been doing this?
Almost 25 years for me, and 20 for Guy.
Are your clients mostly moving laterally or coming from outside Homewood? If outside where?
“So far, we’re seeing a repeat of last year— very low inventory and lots of buyers. ”
–anna frances and guy bradley
Probably 70 percent within the metro area, and 30 percent from places like Nashville, Coastal California, Charlotte and the Midwest.
How do you position Homewood when someone is considering Vestavia or Mountain Brook?
I hope this doesn’t read rude because I don’t mean it that way. But we rarely have to position Homewood over other towns…but I used to mention that our diversity sets us apart from other areas, and that is important to the most recent generation of buyers.
Does Homewood have any lots for sale? YES! In fact, we have a beautiful and private wooded lot listed for only $274,900! There are a handful more in less walkable areas of Homewood. OTMJ
VESTAVIA
By the Numbers
POPULATION
38,704
14,116 NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
$129,171 MEDIAN INCOME
42 MEDIAN AGE OF RESIDENTS
$550,000 MEDIAN HOME PRICE
VESTAVIA HILLS SCHOOL SYSTEM Alabama School Report Card Overall Grade—A (as of January 2025)
43 Average number of days homes are on the market 7O% 11% 19% of homes sold in January 2025 were sold within 30 days of homes sold in January 2025 were sold within 30 days of homes sold in January 2025 were sold within 30 days
TOP 20 VESTAVIA HOME SALES BY AGENT, VOLUME, AND AGENCY*
Mike and Hayden Wald are a father-son duo bringing 45 years of experience in the business. Together they have sold over 1,200 homes.
When did you two decide to join forces, and why?
Hayden got his real estate license soon after graduating from Birmingham-Southern in 2010. He started working with me right away. I tried to recruit each of our three kids to come to work with me as they were graduating from college. Peggy wanted to pursue nursing, and Mason is in medical
“One key factor is that demand for homes continues to outpace supply. Although buyers may not be thrilled with rising prices, they remain willing to pay, which reflects the strong demand. ”
–mike and hayden wald
sales. They’re both doing well and enjoy what they do. Thankfully, Hayden was excited about real estate. He also has the temperament to be able to work with his dad. I believe he can get along with just about anybody!
What does Hayden bring to the real estate world that helps you Mike?
Residential real estate is a demanding business. To be an effective agent requires dedication, hard work and a commitment to being available when your clients need you. Hayden was a great athlete growing up, which taught him important lessons about work ethic and being a team player. There’s no question that Hayden and I can deliver a higher level of service to our clients working together as a team than if we worked alone. It’s great having a partner who is knowledgeable and trustworthy.
Mike, last year, when you were interviewed, you felt like buying was getting a little easier. Do you still feel that way?
Someone entering the market for the first time probably isn’t going to say it’s easy to compete for the perfect house. But compared with a few years ago, it is a little easier. It’s still necessary for buyers to have an effective strategy to be competitive. Fewer over-the-mountain listings get five-plus offers. However, most listings priced appropriately receive two or more
offers within a few days of hitting the market. So, buyers need to work with an agent who understands pricing in the neighborhoods where they want to live so they can confidently and decisively make competitive offers.
We know the school system is a major draw to Vestavia?
That’s correct, The schools in Vestavia are the main draw, along with home prices that, on average, are lower than in Mountain Brook and Homewood. Like Homewood and Mountain Brook, there are more opportunities to buy older homes that have been completely remodeled. Liberty Park in Vestavia is building out its last few neighborhoods.
What else are you seeing?
We’re seeing an interesting trend in over-the-mountain markets. Empty-nesters are winning a higher percentage of the time when listings that offer main-level living receive multiple offers. We believe this to be the case for a couple of reasons— they’re often paying cash, so they’re not as sensitive to the currently higher mortgage rates. Additionally, we’ve noticed that our more seasoned clients are confident about what they want in their next house and are happy to pay a little more to ensure their offer is successful. OTMJ
Stephanie
Robinson and Melissa Robinson Riser RealtySouth
Stephanie has been selling real estate for 34 years, and for most of them she has been at the top of the charts in sales volume. Melissa joined her mother in 2017, and the two together sold over $80,000,000 last year.
When did you two decide to join forces and why?
When Melissa finished Teach For America, she came to work with me at RealtySouth for the summer, and we haven’t looked back! We sell on our own and sometimes together too, which is always fun!
Has partnering up made life less hectic?
Melissa runs my social media, which has been super helpful for me as the process of marketing homes and listings has turned more digital in the last few years.
“We are so fortunate that Birminghamhas so many fantastic areas!”
–stephanie robinson
Are you all surprised at the price of many of these homes are today?
We’re not surprised because the lack of inventory has been pretty consistent within the desirable neighborhoods, which has continued to cause a supply-and-demand challenge for both buyers and sellers.
Stephanie, what year did you start as an agent, and what was considered a very expensive home back then?
I took my real estate exam in 1991. Back then, $1,000,000 was definitely upper bracket, and real estate deals at every price moved much slower than they do today.
Are you seeing folks decide to move outside of Mountain Brook who might have moved there before?
Many MB alums have chosen to move to Homewood, which has exploded, so much going on communitywise with restaurants, shops, community pool, etc. New construction in Vestavia has been very exciting for a lot of purchasers in different price ranges as well. We are seeing buyers as a whole really looking at all Birmingham communities and picking ones that match their lifestyle and price range. We are so fortunate that Birmingham has so many fantastic areas!
Do you think 2025 will be a better year for real estate than 2024?
The inventory remains low, which is always a challenge, but we are very optimistic that 2025 will be a positive market for both buyers and sellers! OTMJ
Margi Ingram
Margi Ingram, like Stephanie Robinson, has reached legendary status in the Birmingham real estate milieu. She started Ingram and Associates in 1977, and after fits and starts, began to market repositioned condominiums and later single-family home communities from Birmingham to Point Clear becoming in her words a “specialist in repositioning properties,”—an understatement if there ever was one.
At one time her company had 100 agents, eventually partnering with Daniel Corporation and another legend, Charlie Tickle. Today our city is dotted with tasteful developments that Margi positioned and sold. It might be easy to think that after 48 years in the business Margi has slowed down, but that would be wrong. Her latest development is called Chester Court, which is easily visible to the eye (for now) from 280 near the overpass that houses Mexico Lindo. The Mountain Brook property (one lot is actually in Homewood) is the site of the former Shades Valley Presbyterian Church that closed its doors after 70 years. With so little land left in Mountain Brook, this development is unique (and not cheap). Starting at $1,050,000, eight of the 14 homes are currently under contract.
According to the inimitable Dorothy Tayloe who works with Margi, “Once a person selects a home site, they then select from one of the home plans provided by Nequette Architecture and Design. The purchaser then has the choice of working with one of the five builders in the Ingram selected builder guild. “After the homes sell, the next phase will include 26 luxury condominiums called The Frederick along with three high-end townhomes called The Warren. OTMJ
PROFILE
Shining Light
Vestavia Hills native Abbie Stockard reigns as Miss America 2025.
BY BARRY WISE SMITH PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOUSTON M PHOTOGRAPHY
Abbie Stockard, a Vestavia Hills native, didn’t grow up dreaming of being Miss America. She was a dancer. “I’ve been dancing since I could walk,” she says. “First and foremost, I’m a dancer and a performer.”
Abbie grew up a student at Birmingham Dance Theatre and served as captain of the Vestavia Hills High School Rebelettes dance team as a senior. When she and her twin brother Bradley graduated in 2021, they went to Auburn with plans to attend nursing school, and Abbie made the Tiger Paws dance team.
One day during her freshman year, as Abbie walked across campus, she saw a poster for the Miss Auburn University pageant that changed her life. At the time, Abbie’s mom Kim, a pharmacist, was working four jobs to
put Abbie and Bradley through school. The poster touted the prize of a full year’s tuition for the winner of the pageant, and Abbie was sold. “I signed up the week before the pageant, and I had never done a pageant before,” Abbie says. “Obviously I didn’t win!”
But she came in as the third runner up, and that was all the motivation Abbie needed to continue. She received a notification about another pageant the following week back home in Birmingham, so she signed up again.
This time, Abbie won the title of Miss Cahaba Valley and went on to compete in the Miss Alabama pageant where she came in as the third runner up. In 2023, she won the title of Miss Trussville and was the fourth runner up in the Miss Alabama pageant. “At that point, I wanted to win the thing,” Abbie says. “I’d fallen in love with the organization and
“Miss America should be able to engage with people no matter their age or background. I want people to feel seen and valued by me.”
– abbie stockard
free from Auburn. I want to shine a light on these life-changing scholarships. It’s such a gift that I can do this for my family.”
all it stands for.” In 2024, Abbie competed and won the title of Miss Hoover. Throughout her pageant journey, Abbie chose to raise awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis community by using it as her service initiative. Inspired by her best friend, Maddie, who has the disease, Abbie wanted to shine a light on Cystic Fibrosis and do what she could to raise money for research. “Maddie and I have been best friends since we were nine years old,” Abbie says. “There’s no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, and I wanted to do what I could to help. It’s my driving fuel.”
After winning the Miss Hoover pageant and before she competed in the Miss Alabama pageant, Abbie put her passion to purpose by organizing a fundraiser to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Alabama. “It was definitely out of my comfort zone,” Abbie says of planning the event. “I’m a dancer, not an event planner.”
But the event—a fundraiser roast of Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, along with live and silent auctions—raised $190,000 for Cystic Fibrosis research. “Nothing will ever be more rewarding than giving that big check to the executive director of the CF Foundation of Alabama, whose child has Cystic Fibrosis, knowing the good that the money would do,” Abbie says.
Abbie went on to win the title of Miss Alabama in 2024 and was crowned Miss America on Jan. 5, 2025. “The scholarships (more than $89,000 to date) have changed my life,” Abbie says. “I’ll be graduating debt
Abbie credits her starter success to determination and authenticity. “I’ve been Abbie all the way through,” she says. “I’ve stayed true to myself no matter what. My goal is to be a source of power and light for people. Miss America should be able to engage with people no matter their age or background. I want people to feel seen and valued by me.”
Abbie also wants to encourage other young women who might think it’s too late to try pageants. “There is a misconception that a late start means you won’t be successful. If you dream it, you can do it!”
Since taking the crown in January, Abbie has been in a whirlwind traveling across the country as an ambassador for Miss America, attending Inaugural balls and Super Bowl events. But a trip to Vail, Colo., for the Celebrity Ski Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser and walking the New York City red carpet for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert top Abbie’s list of experiences. “At the Red Dress Collection Concert, I wore the most beautiful red gown, and Sharon Stone was the host, and I was fangirling out a little,” Abbie says. “But she was so kind and had me come stand next to her. It was surreal.”
When Abbie completes her reign in September, she’ll join her brother in nursing school at Auburn. And she plans to continue her advocacy for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, for which she now serves as a national ambassador. “I want to continue to make an impact,” Abbie says. “Miss America is so much more than wearing a crown and a sash. It’s taking the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world.” OTMJ
Thurs., March 6
MUSIC OF THE BRITISH ISLES
The Alabama Symphony performs a concert featuring music of the British Isles.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Carver Theatre
Fri., March 7
WISH NIGHT
The Make-a-Wish Foundation holds its annual benefit to make wishes come true for critically ill children. Enjoy fine dining, dancing to live music, silent and live auctions and an after party featuring Nacho Daddy.
WHEN: 6 p.m.
WHERE: The Club
March 7-9
PETER PAN
Embark on a magical journey through the night sky to Neverland with Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys with the Alabama Ballet presentation of Christopher Stuart’s Peter Pan
WHEN: Various showtimes
WHERE: BJCC Concert Hall
Sat., March 8
PUBLIX VILLAGE2VILLAGE RUN
The annual 10K and 7.5K races wind through the quaint streets and beautiful landscapes of
Mountain Brook, including around the Birmingham Country Club.
WHEN: 8-11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Races start and finish at the Grand Bohemian Hotel at Lane Parke
Sat., March 8
KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Join Kiwanis of Homewood-Mountain Brook and dig into a stack of fluffy pancakes!
This fundraiser will primarily benefit the Homewood Library.
WHEN: 7-11 a.m.
WHERE: The Exceptional Foundation
March 8, 15, 22, 25 & 26
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
The classic fairytale comes to life in this production for children ages 4-8.
WHEN: 10 a.m.
WHEN: Birmingham Children’s Theatre
Thurs., March 13
TASTE OF HOMEWOOD
Come enjoy samples from over 25 local restaurants at the 21st Annual Taste of Homewood! Ticket prices include unlimited samples of food and beverage, live entertainment and more!
WHEN: 5:30-8 p.m.
WHERE: Soho Square Plaza
March 13-16
GODSPELL JR.
Prepare ye! An all-female cast will explore the themes of leadership, friendship and trust in this musical retelling of the Gospel of Matthew and teach us all to learn our lessons well.
WHEN: Various showtimes
WHERE: Virginia Samford Theatre
March 14-15
ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: STRAUSS+MAHLER
Soprano Mary Wilson joins the Alabama Symphony for a concert featuring works by Strauss and Mahler.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Alys Stephens Center
March 14-16
PERFORMING ENSEMBLES SPRING SHOW
The Spring Show gives RMT’s Performing Ensembles a chance to shine and show off what they do best. Performers are ages 9-18.
WHEN: Various showtimes
WHERE: Red Mountain Theatre
Sat., March 15
A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS GALA
Enjoy an evening of fun for a good cause at A Night at the Oscars Gala benefitting Mitchell’s Place, which provides comprehensive services for children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Cocktails, silent and live auctions and dinner and dancing to the Rock Candy Band will be featured.
WHEN: 6-10 p.m.
WHERE: Country Club of Birmingham
Sat., March 15
HOLI FESTIVAL
Celebrate the 14th annual Holi Festival, a bright and joyous event sponsored by the Indian Cultural Society, with live music, dance performances, art activities and the iconic throwing of colored powders. Learn more at artsbma.org/event/14th-annual-holi-festival.
WHEN: Noon-5 p.m.
WHERE: Birmingham Museum of Art
March 17-21
LENTEN LUNCH SERIES
Cathedral Church of the Advent opens its Lenten Preaching Series on Ash Wednesday, with Bishop Glenda Curry as the first speaker. A lunch menu is available, featuring hot entrées, salads and homemade desserts.
WHEN: Speaker at 12:05 p.m. Lunch served 12:15-1 p.m.
WHERE: Cathedral Church of the Advent
Thurs., March 20
RICHARD GOODE
Pianist Richard Goode has been hailed as one of the leading interpreters of Classical and Romantic music. The Grammy Award winner will be in Birmingham as part of the Birmingham Chamber Music Society’s 2024-2025 concert series.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Brock Recital Hall, Samford University
March 20-21
MÁIRÉAD NESBITT
Grammy and Emmy nominated artist and composer Máiréad Nesbitt has enchanted millions around the world as the featured violinist and founding member of the globetrotting music phenomenon “Celtic Woman.” The artist showcases her skills in this not-to-be-missed performance.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Hoover Library Theatre
Sat., March 22
ARETHA: SONG & SYMPHONY A TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND
Accompanied by a full band with electric guitar, bass, drums, keys and two fabulous guest soloists, Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, the Alabama Symphony will perform some of Aretha Franklin’s greatest hits.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: BJCC Concert Hall
Fri., March 28
BRON-YR-AUR
This fresh tribute to Led Zeppelin is dedicated to recreating the band’s acoustic gems and “acoustifying” interpretations of electric classics.
WHEN: 7:30 a.m.
WHERE: Virginia Samford Theatre OTMJ
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Students in Maggie Haskin’s 2nd Grade class at Edgewood Elementary School share their Spring Break plans with OTMJ.
BY TALLY REYNOLDS DETTLING PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD
What
is your
favorite thing to do on Spring Break?
“I like to play Fortnite, so I can get new people and so I can get the ‘W!!!” [2nd grade lingo for a win!] I am going to the beach, and it’s going to be so fun, and we’re going to my dad’s friend’s house.” —GREY
“My favorite thing to do on Spring Break is to go to Lake Martin to see my grandparents and my cousins. I will make s’mores and rollerblade. I’ll go swimming with my cousins. It will be so fun. I can hang out with my baby cousin.” —TAYLOR
“My favorite thing to do on Spring Break is having sleepovers with my best friend Olivia, and I am excited to go to the jump place with her.”
—MARY KATE
“My favorite thing to do on Spring Break is going to the mountains or beach with my friend, sitting on the couch playing video games and taking long walks with them. And at the beach, I just go swimming.” —TRIPP
“My favorite thing to do on Spring Break is game and rest on the couch with my mom. What I would play on my PS5 is college football 25.” —BENJAMIN
“My favorite thing to do on Spring Break is to go to Lake Martin. At my lake house, I sometimes see my cousins. We play in the lake, watch movies and have yummy dinners. ” —LILA
“I am going to the Smoky Mountains and Dollywood. I’m so excited to ride the rides at Dollywood and go hiking in the Smoky Mountains.” —FRANCES
“I’m excited to hang out at my house and play with friends for Spring Break!” —DYLAN
“My favorite thing is going to my grandma’s house, because I get to have fun with my family and friends! I also get to go spring shopping!” —MARLO
“I love to go crab hunting, and then my mom and dad make crab claws and then we eat.”
—WILSON
“I get to go camping with my aunt in her new-old camper and read books. It is an old-new camper because it has an icebox. It feels so good to come home with some camping memories.” —EMMIE
“My favorite thing to do on Spring Break is to go to the beach. I like to go to the water park and ride on the water slide. I like to eat nachos, chips and cheeseburgers.” —MIKE
“My favorite thing to do on Spring Break is to go see my grandparents. I love to see the Mississippi River. I love to go to the zoo.” —BRADLEY
“My favorite thing to do on Spring Break is to play on my Nintendo with my dad and cousins!!! We are going to my cousins’ house to meet their pets.” —VICTOR
“My favorite thing to do is to take a break and hang out with my family! I am going to play Fortnite! And I’m going to relax on the couch.” —DAVIS
“My favorite thing to do on Spring Break is sleep! And be with my family and see my cousins.” —KARTER
“My favorite thing to do on Spring Break is to explore and relax on my couch. I am excited to go to the beach and swim with my brother. I go exploring on the island.” —BEN
“My favorite thing to do on Spring Break is to go to a beach house with my friends and have a lot of fun.” —LELAND
“I can’t wait to go to Broadway in New York to see Wicked with my mom and dad and brother. I get to go to Times Square and watch fireworks.” —ANNE RUSSELL
For the Love of the Game
Mountain Brook’s Caleb Barnett’s passion for baseball makes him a ‘Dynamic Player.’
BY RUBIN E. GRANT PHOTO BY JORDAN WALD
Caleb Barnett was born in Oxford, England, but he doesn’t remember anything about living there.
His dad, Christopher Barnett, was working on his Doctor of Philosophy in Theology from the University of Oxford at the time, and when he finished, the family moved back to Alabama. Caleb was two.
What Barnett does remember is he fell in love with baseball when he was still a toddler.
A couple of years later, he was playing T-ball and then on the move again to Pennsylvania when his dad landed a job as a professor at Villanova University. During his time in Pennsylvania, Barnett developed into a standout baseball player. And now the 6-foot-6, 220-pound Mountain Brook senior pitcher/third baseman is considered the top player in Alabama.
Barnett joined the Spartans as a sophomore after the family returned to Alabama. His dad played baseball at Homewood in the 1990s. Barnett quickly established himself as a force on the mound and at the plate at Mountain Brook, earning Class 6A first team All-State honors in 2023 and 2024.
This year, he is Alabama’s top-ranked prospect according to Perfect Game USA and Prep Baseball Report and the No. 2 player at his position and 37th-rated overall recruit by PBR. He’s also rated as Perfect Game’s No. 3 third baseman and the No. 24 recruit nationally.
Barnett has been a three-time Perfect Game Underclassmen All-American selection and last year was invited to play in the Perfect Game 2024 All American Classic.
Mountain Brook coach Lee Gann raves about Barnett’s skills. “He’s a great kid, a great kid to coach, a hard worker and dynamic player,” Gann says. “He’s agile and has great feet at third base. Defensively, he starts every day, and he hits in the middle of the lineup and does a fantastic job.”
As a junior, Barnett was 7-0 with a sparkling 1.04 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched. He also hit .383 with eight home runs, 32 RBIs and 28 runs scored, and was 11-for-11 on stolen base attempts. He helped the Spartans win 30 games in 2024 and reach the third round of the Class 6A state playoffs before losing to eventual state champion Oxford in a marathon 12-inning decisive third game.
Barnett is looking for the Spartans to make another deep playoff run this season. “Team-wise, our goal is to win state,” he says. “Individually, I just want to be a good leader for the team.” In his first two starts on the mound this season, Barnett
earned a win and had a no decision while recording 13 strikeouts in seven innings against McAdory and Pelham. “When I’m right, I’m throwing a lot of good curveballs,” Barnett says. “I think my best pitch is my curveball, and I can locate it where I want. My fastball has been clocked as high 93 miles per hour, but sits at 90. As a hitter, I think I have good pop, and I’m consistently making pop, trying to get on base.”
Barnett’s younger brother, Paul, a sophomore, is the Spartans’ starting shortstop and also pitches. “It’s fun playing with my brother, but it can be annoying at times,” Barnett says with a laugh. Mountain Brook opened the season with three wins in their first four games. “We’re looking good,” Barnett says. “We won 30 games last year, and we’re expecting more, but the main thing is staying healthy and getting locked in. We’re looking to get back in the playoffs and go as far as we can go.”
Barnett has signed with the University of Alabama after committing to the Crimson Tide as a freshman. “I thought it was a fantastic place to go play, and the SEC has the best competition in the country,” he says. “I thought the former coaching staff was great and the new one is just as amazing, if not better. Plus, I had a lot of my family go there.”
Barnett has designs on continuing to pitch and play the infield with the Tide. “It would be cool to be a two-way player in college,” he says. “I love to hit. I’ve been hitting since T-ball. I hit just about every day.”
Barnett, 18, might be taken in the 2025 MLB Draft in July. “There’s the potential for him to be drafted,” Gann says. “He’s still a young looking kid. The biggest thing for him is not to put pressure on himself and just play the game.”
That’s Barnett’s focus. “Sure, it would mean a lot to be drafted, but right now I’m expecting to go to college,” Barnett says. “Scouts are floating around, but right now I’m focusing on my high school season.” OTMJ
SPORTS CORRECTION
In the Feb 20th issue of the paper, we incorrectly listed and left out some very deserving track athletes in Homewood and Mountain Brook. Below is the correct information, and we sincerely apologize for the mistake.
Boys 4x400 Bussey, Isaiah Davis, RJ Teter, and Liam Limbaugh
Boys 4x800 Davis, Charles Stone, Wade Thomas, and RJ Teter
The Spartans dominated the relays, winning four state titles.
The girls 4x400-meter relay team of Lilla Holley, Kennedy Hamilton, Kerr and Ella Trotter claimed gold in 4:03.61.
Rebelettes Win Title
On Valentine’s weekend (Feb. 14, 15 and 16) in Orlando, Fla., the Vestavia Hills High School Junior Varsity Rebelettes dance team took home the national title at the National Dance Alliance National Championships. The team’s 18 dancers competed in the jazz and team performance categories to take the title. “We’ve only been competing with two routines for the last three years,” says the Rebelettes junior varsity coach Sarah Strada. “They competed against some very well-established junior varsity programs. To be able to improve each year and then get this win is phenomenal!”
In the team performance category, the team performs four different dance styles—pom. high kick, jazz and hip hop—with 30 seconds of each style. “The judges give feedback after the first round, and we go back and make adjustments to the routine based on their feedback,” Strada says. “We increased our score by four points for finals after making the adjustments. I was very proud of that.”
But the JV team wasn’t the only one to compete. The Rebelettes 15-member varsity squad competed in the gameday and large team performance categories and came away as the runners up in a very competitive field. The varsity team received the silver medal for their Large Varsity Team Performance routine and placed 11th out of 31 teams in the large varsity gameday division. “There were so many dance teams in the gameday category that there were three days of competition,” Strada says. “Both divisions included awesome teams from around the country,” says Charity Jones, the varsity Rebelettes coach and Associate Director of Dance Education. “We are very proud of our girls and their hard work to continue to excel in the highest level.” OTMJ
VESTAVIA JV REBELETTES
back row, l to r: Julia Parker, Maegan Measel, Ella Booth, Piper Luccasen, Emilyn DeWaard, Ashlen Faust, Ava Ishee, Laney Flannagan, Jennie Kennedy and Sarah Strada (Coach) front row, l to r: Morgan Stephens, Mary Carmen McNeese, Ceile Jordan, Caroline Covington, Lia Kate Giffen, Mallory Ritchie, Katherine Crowe, Mary Nix and Riley Arnold
SPORTS
Thursday, March 6, 2025
HISTORICAL RUN
Mountain Brook girls basketball team reaches state tournament for the first time.
BY RUBIN E. GRANT PHOTOS BY CAMPBELL BREWER
Perhaps no one enjoyed Mountain Brook’s history-making girls basketball season more than Libby Geisler.
Geisler, the Spartans’ lone senior, was elevated to the varsity for the 2020-21 season when she was in the eighth grade. Mountain Brook finished with a 10-16 record that year.
Now, flash forward to this year. The Spartans reached the state tournament for the first time in program history, and Geisler, understandably, was ecstatic.
The Spartans secured their berth in the Final Four with an impressive 52-40 victory against Fort Payne in the Class 6A Northeast Regional championship game on Feb. 20 at Jacksonville State. “It’s an honor and a blessing,” Geisler says. “I always believed in our team and knew we had the potential to do it, but finally being here in the moment and making history, it leaves me speechless. I’m just so proud of everyone on the team for how hard they work and for playing together and executing the game plan.”
Alas, Mountain Brook’s stay in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s 105th State Basketball Championships was short-lived. The
Spartans fell 56-28 to Chelsea in Class 6A semifinals on Feb. 26 at BJCC’s Legacy Arena to finish the season with a 25-7 record.
Mountain Brook had beaten Chelsea 51-49 in early December during the regular season.
Mountain Brook head coach Sara Price, who just finished her fifth season, believed the Spartans could be contenders for a state title at the outset of the season. “We told them early on they were a very special group,” Price says. “We told them if we stick to the little things and do the little things well, we would have a good chance for a special season.”
The victory against Fort Payne confirmed it. The Spartans had played in regional finals only twice before, in 1998 and in 2008. “Huge congrats to these young ladies for believing in themselves and this program, trusting the process and not settling for anything less,” Price says. “They come in and rise to the expectations day in and day out and put in the work. I’m thankful for my coaching staff for their hard work—this does not happen without them. It’s an exciting moment for our school and our girls basketball program.”
Price praised the leadership the Spartans received from Geisler, who has signed with
“I am very proud of them. It’s a testament to the hard work they’ve put in and the type of schedule we’ve played. We told them to enjoy the moment and be in the present, to take it one day at a time and one game at a time.”
–coach sara price
Spring Hill College in Mobile and surpassed 1,000 career points this season. “She’s grown up in our program,” Price says. “She does a great job with the young ones and that goes to team chemistry.”
The Spartans received contributions up and down their roster during their historic run.
In Mountain Brook’s regional 43-30 semifinal victory against Gadsden City, Geisler scored 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, and sophomore Maddie Walter had 17 points and seven rebounds.
In the regional championship game against Fort Payne, freshman sharpshooter Avery Davis scored 25 points, sinking six of eight shots from the field, including four of six from 3-point range, and making nine of 12 free throw attempts. She was named the regional tournament MVP. “She’s a shooterl she can shoot,” Geisler says.
Walters had a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, as well as three steals.
Just as important was the Spartans’ defense, which held Fort Payne to 33 percent shooting from the field (16 of 48). “Defense was definitely the key, and everyone focused on that and it paid off,” Geisler says.
But in the Spartans’ state semifinals loss to Chelsea, Walter was the only one to reach double figures, scoring 12 points and collecting 10 rebounds.
Heading into the state tournament, Price liked her team’s chances. The Spartans came in riding an 11-game winning streak. “I think it’s a huge opportunity for our girls,” she said before the tournament. “I am very proud of them. It’s a testament to the hard work they’ve put in and the type of schedule we’ve played. We told them to enjoy the moment and be in the present, to take it one day at a time and one game at a time.”
But now the Mountain Brook girls will have to wait a while longer before capturing their first state title. OTMJ
