OTMJ 6.1.23

GULF COAST LIVING

Hanson Slaughter, above, attributes his support and commitment to Birmingham Botanical Gardens as inherited passion from his mother and grandmother.

Family Tradition

Antiques at the Gardens

Honoree Hanson Slaughter

Inherited Passion for Gardens

By Wendy Wallace Johnson

By ana Good

As the school year comes to a close, families across the Birmingham area will soon trade backpacks and books for beach totes and towels. Some of these families will head to sec-

ond homes across the state, including along the white powdery sand of the Gulf Coast or along the shorelines of Lake Martin.

Bob Farris, co-founder of Hufham Farris Construction in Birmingham, has helped oversee many of these custom second-home builds. Farris, along with his brother-in-law and co-founder, See COASTAL LIVING, page 18

Central to any nonprofit’s success is the involvement and direction of the members of its board of directors. Hanson Slaughter, this year’s honoree for Antiques at the Gardens, has given many years of leadership to the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, including as chair of the development committee and as board chair in 2014.

However, there was a time that the Birmingham native, who has given so much

See ANTIQUES AT THE GARDENS, page 10

Courtesy Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

OTM residents Nick and Suzanne Pihakis worked with Birmingham-based Hufham Farris in the construction of their custom-built Alys Beach home, above, their second purchase in the 30A neighborhood developed by the Elton B. Stephens family and named for Elton’s wife, Alys.

Photo by Katy Frazer

‘It should not feel like it’s a vacation home that you go to and it feels like you’re at a vacation property. Understand how you live and make it reflect that.’ Nick Pihakis

Murphy’s Law

The time has come,” the walrus said, “to talk of many things … .” Not too many. I mean, I only have 600 words, but I’ll do my best to make them count.

COLLEGE WITH NO REGRETS

Wisdom for the Journey

ABOUT TOWN 4

SUMMER FUN 6

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It’s Been Fun

I have to leave this space. I hate it, I do, and do not admonish me for saying “hate.” I know it’s a strong word, but “dislike” just does not cut it right now. I’m going through some medical challenges and rather than wait until my columns drift off into chemo-brain nonsense, I’ve decided to leave “Murphy’s Law” on a high note. I’m going for a C sharp, but you be the judge.

First of all, I want to thank you, thank you for showing up, thank you for listening, thank you for sending me encouraging words that always hit just when I needed them. You’ve been a friend and a confidant, there when my life was light and funny and when it was not, and I will be forever grateful.

RICHARD E. SIMMONS III

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With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter.

Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area.

To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JO U RNA L June 1, 2023

Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald

Copy Editor: Virginia Martin

Features Writers: Donna Cornelius

Staff Writer: Anne Ruisi, Ana Good

Photographer: Jordan Wald

Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant

Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch

Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd

Vol. 33, No. 21

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 mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com.

Copyright 2022 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.

With my last few words (Yikes, I’m already down to 425), I want to offer you a few nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way.

Sue Murphy

polite.) But, when someone has crossed the line of decency, do not shrink from a curt, “No, absolutely not!” And remember: do not be afraid to be right all by yourself.

Here’s a biggie: Forgive each other. We’re a mess. We’re all a mess, but hanging onto your injuries doesn’t fix any problem and it doesn’t move anyone forward.

Instead, hang onto the things that really matter. We live in a swirl of noise and chaos, so this can be difficult, but it’s absolutely critical that you try. And if you haven’t yet discov ered what really matters, drop everything and attend to that right now.

takes. Everyone does. And when you’re unsure about which way to turn, err on the side of generosity, err on the side of kindness.

Let’s start here: etui, aloe, Utah, Ono. Those are for your crossword puzzles. They won’t fill in the whole grid, but go for words with lots of vowels and you’ll do fine.

If you’re completely stumped on a multiple choice test, pick C. It looks like you at least read the question. However, in the event that you’re offered “all of the above” or “none of the above,” it’s probably one of those. Which one? I don’t know. Sorry about that.

Other answers? Yes. Yes, I can. Yes, I’d love to. Yes, please, with sprinkles. (That is my favorite.)

Sometimes, of course, the better answer is no. No, thank you. No, sorry, I can’t. (It’s always best to be

Over the Mountain Views

yes, absolutely not … Yep, I think that’s all the answers I have. The questions? That’s the kicker. No one knows. They’ll come at you from all angles, every single day, so stay alert, stay strong, stay in the game.

The original Murphy’s Law stated that the worst possible thing will always happen at the worst possible moment. That is true. But parallel to all that pain and frustration lie an equal number of wonderful, amazing things, so keep your eyes open and gather them in with both hands.

And now, like Marvin K. Mooney, it is time for me to go. It’s been fun. It really has. I wish you every good thing, my friends, a heap of love, a heap of laughter, a great big pile of joy.

Well, look at that. I came in at exactly 600 words. Was it a C sharp? I hope so. Love you guys …

It’s Been Grand

On Sept. 13, 1990, Susan Murphy wrote her very first column for the Over The Mountain Journal. (You can read the entire inaugural column at www. otmj.com.) It was our second month in business – and the beginning of a long and happy relationship between not only the OTMJ and Sue but also one that includes you, our readers. And like any bond between friends, the breaking of it is hard.

Over the years, Sue shared her life, her foibles, her adventures, her heart. That’s hard to do even now and then, much less every two weeks. We are deeply grateful to Sue for never letting us – or you – down.

In her final column above, Sue quotes Lewis Carroll’s poem, “The Walrus and the Carpenter.” We’re doing the same with this verse:

The Walrus and the Carpenter

Were walking close at hand:

They wept like anything to see

Such quantities of sand:

“If this were only cleared away,”

They said, “it would be grand.”

In any life, there’s sand – the hard parts that you wish weren’t there, like partings and endings and last times. But even with this particular “sand” – Sue’s final column –we’re happy she shared so much of herself with us. We can truly say: Since Sept. 13, 1990, it’s been grand.

I have to leave this space. I hate it, I do, and do not admonish me for saying “hate.”

I know it’s a strong word, but “dislike” just does not cut it right now.

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THE EXPERTS (left to right)

JUN 1 - JUN 15

June 1-11

Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses

The Lovers’ Landing Beach Hotel, a popular wedding destination, is the setting for this laugh-out loud comedy about a young woman who inherits the hotel. When: Various times

Where: Homewood Theatre

Thurs., June 1

Art After 5 – The Golden Girls

Thank you for being a friend! Join us for a night of nostalgia as we pay tribute to the iconic Golden Girls series during our Art after 5 event. This month, we’re also celebrating Pride Month with a special twist. Art After 5 is an after-hours event where art and pop culture collide. Enjoy an evening of art, music, maker activities, and more! When: 5-9 p.m. Where: Birmingham Museum of Art

June 2 - 4

Alabama Ballet Presents Coppélia

Classical storybook ballet suitable for all ages with comedic and romantic elements. Choreographed by Roger VanFleteren after Arthur Saint-Léon, this family-friendly ballet offers audiences a chance to experience a historically significant ballet through revived choreography, costuming,

ABOUT TOWN

BBQ IN THE PARK: JENNI’S MIXTAPE | SAT., JUNE 17

Celebrate Father’s Day in Vestavia. Jenni’s Mixtape will rock the stage and barbecue will be available at this family-friendly night of fun! When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Wald Park

Sun., 2:30 p.m. Where: The Dorothy Jemison Day Theater

June 2 - 30

Free Friday Flicks

Bring the family out for movies and food and drinks as Free Friday Flicks will return for Friday nights throughout June. This years features are Encanto, Drumline, The Princess & the Frog, Minions: Rise of Guru, and Back to the Future. When: 6:30 Where:

June 2-25

Shrek The Musical

“Shrek the Musical” for a one-ofa-kind, hilarious fairy tale in which curses are reversed, monsters get the girls, donkeys and dragons find love, and princesses are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. When: Various times Where: Red Mountain Theatre

Friday, June 2

on the lawn across from the library with ice pops and snowy surprises. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting drenched and messy! This party is for teens rising to 7-12 grades. When: 4-5:30 p.m. Where: O’Neal Library

Sat., June 3

Funky Food Truck Festival

Numerous food trucks will be on hand at this free event that encourages donations to benefit AIDS Alabama’s mission of helping people with HIV/ AIDS live healthy, independent lives

and to prevent the spread of HIV. When: 1-5 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing parking lot.

Sun., June 4

Vulcan’s 119h Birthday Bash

Enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon with music by DJ Shay, free Blue Bell Ice Cream, and cookies. The ever-popular trackless train will return along with special guest appearances from Princess Tiana, Spiderman, and ‘The Big Guy’ himself. When: Noon – 4 p.m. Where: Vulcan Park and Museum

Our Voices Community Art Showcase

Artworks created during sessions with partners Fire House Shelter, Pathways, Faith Chapel Care Center and The 1920 Center will be on display at InToto Creative Arts. Art will be available for purchase from 4-7 p.m. and live poetry readings, interactive dance and theatre performances will be from 5-6 p.m.

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries taking place today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures – benefitting not only our patients and families, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

See SUMMER FUN calendar, page 6 Courtesy

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL ABOUT TOWN

When: 4-7 p.m. Where: Avenue D, 3008 Fourth Avenue South

June 8 - July 22

Treasure Island

The Robert Louis Stevenson classic is adapted for the stage and will be performed at parks around Birmingham, thanks to Birmingham Children’s Theatre and the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board. For more information go tobct123.org/treasure-island When: Various times Where: Various city park venues

Sat., June 10

Zoo Brews

Experience breweries from all over the Southeast at the Birmingham Zoo! This event is for adults 21 and older who can sample the brews at each brewery booth. As required by state ABC regulations, guests will have to drop a penny in a bucket at each booth to get a sample of the beer. All pennies will be donated to the zoo’s Emergency Animal Fund. Local food truck vendors will be on site and the zoo’s Wild Burger restaurant will be services full-size beer and wine for an additional charge. When: 6-10 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Zoo

Hydrangeas Under the Stars

Aldridge Gardens will hold its premier fundraiser of the year, Hydrangeas Under the Stars, with an evening that includes a reception, dinner and

silent and live auctions. When: 6 p.m.

Where: Aldridge Gardens

Children’s Harbor Live and Silent Auctions

The 17th annual Live and Silent Friends of Children’s Harbor Auction. The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization, which provides support to seriously ill children and their families.When: 6 p.m. Where: Willow Point Golf & Country Club

June 15 – July 2

Peter Pan

“Peter Pan,” the classic, high-flying, Tony Award-winning musical will delight theatregoers young and old as it has for the last 60 years.

When: Various times Where: Virginia Samford Theatre

Sat., June 17

Accordion Concerts

Internationally renowned accordionist Michael Bridge will perform at two free concerts presented by the Alabama Accordion Association. When: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Where: Brookwood Baptist Church

Sun., June 18

Taste of BirminghamBlues & Brews

Taste of Birmingham Food + Vendor event is back at Avondale! This event is for all ages + pup friendly. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: Avondale Brewing

I’M LEAVING A

Company

BOY

June 23 - July 9

Birmingham Festival Theatre presents “BOY,” a play inspired by a true story that explores the tricky terrain of finding love amidst the confusion of sexual identity, and the inextricable bond between a doctor and patient. When: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Where: Birmingham Festival Theatre.

Thurs., June 29

Give Back Night for Mitchell’s Place

Come join us at Cahaba Brewing Company for a benefit night for Mitchell’s Place! A portion of bar sales will be donated back to Mitchell’s Place, . Enjoy music, a great atmosphere, skee ball, video games, and fun. Mitchell’s Place specializes in improving the lives of children affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Company

Thurs., July 27

Lift Your Spirits

An evening of dancing and lawn games with a dinner buffet and delicious drinks will feature at the Lift Your Spirits fundraiser for Community Grief Support. When: 5:30 p.m. Where: Vestavia Country Club

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE, ONE LEGACY AT A TIME

Guin Robinson wants to make an investment in the future of Birmingham that also pays tribute to the influence of earlier generations. That's why he has specified in his will that a legacy gift be made to the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

"My family has always had a deep-rooted belief in giving back to the community, and I want to honor their values," says Guin. "As an only child with no children of my own, leaving a gift to the Community Foundation ensures that my family's legacy will be honored for years to come."

cook

3-4: My Hero Convention

My Hero Convention: Alabama Smash 2023 is a two-day event being held to celebrate anime and manga, focusing on the My Hero Academia fandom, as well as general pop culture and animation, while bringing together a diverse list of guests, vendors, artists, and fan groups, in an affordable, family-friendly environment. It will be held at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. myheroconvention.com

3: Alabaster CityFest

Alabaster CityFest will be celebrating its 21st year in style with a worldclass lineup of musical entertainment

festival will continue to be held on the grounds of Thompson High School and will feature musicians such as Chris Lane, Sister Hazel, Michael Warren and more. alabastercityfest. com.

16-17: Steel City Smooth Jazz Fest

With an emphasis on Smooth Jazz and R&B, artists will provide outstanding performances over the course of two days on the grounds of historic Linn Park in downtown

17-18: Tannehill Trade Days

On the third weekend of each month from March to November, shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing,

treasures. Each trade day features over 350 vendors, and is held rain or shine. tannehillstatepark.org.

22: I Love America Night

I Love America Night in Vestavia Hills’ Wald Park is a fun, family-friendly event to celebrate the independence of our country! Enjoy free swimming at the Aquatic Complex, sponsor booths, children’s activities, a live concert and a spectacular Grand Finale! Shuttles will be available from Walmart Neighborhood Grocery, Southminister Presbyterian Church, the former Sprouts, Library in the Forest and City Hall. facebook.com/ ILoveAmericaNight

23 Grease Alabama Theatre Summer Film Series

Above left, Carson Chandler enjoys a pickle at last year’s I Love America Night in Vestavia Hills. Howard and Kim Boyd above at the Homewood Festival July 4, 2021. Above right, Thunder on the Mountain.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Series opens June 23 with a singalong showing of “Grease,” followed by the rom com “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” on June 25. A slew of films will show in July, with the Brendan Fraser version of “The Mummy” on July 7, “Remember the Titans” on July 9, Whoopi Goldberg’s “Sister Act” on July 21, “Saturday Night Fever” on July 22 and the loveable ogre in “Shrek” on July 23. August will feature “The Goonies” on Aug. 4, and the summer film series will end with Disney’s 1950 classic “Cinderella” on Aug. 6. alabamatheatre.com

JULY

4: OLS 4th Of July Festival

Alabama’s oldest BBQ Festival will continue for its 74th year with food, children’s games, Bingo and the always popular Trash & Treasure rummage sale. Bulk orders available starting on July 3. ourladyofsorrows.com

4: Thunder On The Mountain

For over 70 years a free Magic City Independence Day tradition, Thunder on the Mountain 2023 will illuminate the skies above Birmingham’s iron man starting at 9 p.m.

4: Homewood Festival

Two blocks of downtown Homewood will be blocked for pedestrian traffic to make way for rides and attractions starting at 5 p.m. Inflatables and rides for children of all ages, a DJ will provide music and interactive

activities. Downtown Homewood is one of the best locations in the Birmingham area to view the “Thunder on the Mountain” fireworks show from Vulcan Park. homewoodparks.com/ special-events.

20, 21 & 22: Rock the South

Chris Stapleton, Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, and Riley Green are among the many artists scheduled to perform at “the biggest party in the South.” York Farms, Cullman. rockthesouth.com.

21- Aug. 13: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

End the summer with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Red Mountain Theatre presents the Biblical story of Joseph in vivid life with musical styles spanning country-western to bubblegum pop to rock & roll. redmountaintheatre. org

AUGUST

21-27: Sidewalk Film Festival

Independent filmmakers from across the country will display their work at multiple venues across Birmingham’s Historic District. sidewalkfest.com.

26: Tannehill Volks Jam

Open to all years, types and conditions of Volkswagens, the show terms itself Alabama’s “premiere Volkswagen show.” volksjam.com.

OTM Businesses Nominated for Alabama Retailer of the Year

Twenty-two Over the Mountain businesses and their owners have been nominated for the prestigious Alabama Retailer of the Year Awards by the Alabama Retail Association.

Nominees for the annual award must own, operate or manage a retail business in the state that has been in business for at least five years. A total of 81 retail businesses from throughout the state are among the nominees. Nominations come from customers, vendors and chambers of commerce, said Nancy King Dennis, the association’s director of public relations.

The Alabama Retailer of the Year Awards are in their 23rd year and recognize outstanding retailers who have demonstrated a blend of sound business practices and innovation with commitment to their communities, customers and employees.

Nominees have until June 5 to return entry information to be considered for the 2023 awards, Dennis said. A panel of judges will make the final selection.

Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers Moving to Lane Parke

By Anne Ruisi

Too much space, not the lack of it, is prompting Eric Clay McClain to move his store, Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, a few blocks away later this summer, from Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook Village to 330 Rele Street in Lane Parke.

“We knew we wanted a smaller space so we can serve our customers better,” McClain said. “We’re going to continue doing what we’ve always done.”

The present store is 9,600 square feet, which is too large for the business’ needs, and overhead is expensive to maintain. Air conditioning in summer, for example, can cost about $1,000 a month, McClain said.

The new store at Lane Parke will be 1,700 square feet. Inside, space will be compact and well planned.

At the front will be the Montblanc watch boutique and the watch sales area. The engagement and wedding ring display and jewelry repair have their own sections. There won’t be an office area.

“I can do that at home,” McClain said.

Showcases are being built and pretty much everything in the store will be brand new, McClain said.

“Really, the only thing we’re taking to the new store is the jewelry,” he said, adding that Barton-Clay may add new watch and jewelry lines to the inventory.

Besides selling fine jewelry and

watches, Barton-Clay is well-known for its customer service and jewelry and watch repairs. Those services will continue after the move, McClain said.

A fixture of village shopping since 1987, Barton-Clay moved to its current location in 1995 from its original store on Culver Road. McClain cofounded Barton-Clay with Sperry Snow who passed away in 2011. They built the Cahaba Road building that houses the jewelry store.

It’s a family-run business, with McClain’s wife, Jill McClain, helping with merchandising and buying while their son, Ryan McClain, is in charge of the store’s watch department and Mont Blanc merchandise.

“It’s really a small company so that everybody just kind of does what’s needed,” McClain said.

McClain has sold the building and said the store will move in August or September, with preparations well underway.

McClain is a Birmingham native who spent his childhood in Norwood before his family moved to Huffman when he was in the eighth grade. He graduated from Jacksonville State University and came to the jewelry business by chance when he got a part-time job working with jewelry during Christmas one year.

“I loved kind of what I did and decided to pursue it full time,” he said.

Eric Clay McClain, owner of BartonClay Fine Jewelers, his wife, Jill, and son, Ryan, are moving their store to Lane Parke later this summer.

The nominees are:

• Elizabeth Adams, Ex Voto Vintage, Mountain Brook and Montgomery

• Laurel Bassett, Town and Country Clothes, Mountain Brook

• Keri Bates, Rocky Ridge Drug Co., Vestavia Hills

• Sara Chen, Samurai Japan, Vestavia Hills

• Kate and Ken Delgreco, Urban Home Market, Hoover and Madison

• Laura Ashford Gessert and Libby Hill McGowan, Henhouse Antiques, English Village

• Dr. Corey Hartman, Skin Wellness Dermatology, Homewood and Birmingham

• Christie Howell, Wrapsody, Auburn, Hoover and Trussville

• Bryson Kessler, Clover + Bee, Vestavia Hills

• Leah Knight, Bandwagon Sports, Homewood

• Tina Liollio, Teenie’s TakeHome Market, Mountain Brook

• Kathy Mezrano, Kathy G & Co.,

Birmingham

• Cal and Heather Morris, Church Street Coffee and Books, Mountain Brook

• Shelli Morrow, Cottage Basket, Homewood

• Nick Pihakis, Rodney Scott, Paul Yeck and Rachel Ishee, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, Homewood, Birmingham and Trussville

• Paget Pizitz and Harriet Despinakis-Heffner, MELT, Mountain Brook

• Lynn Ritchie, a’mano, Mountain Brook

• Meg Roebuck, Shoefly Boutique, Homewood

• Tim and Becky Sager, The Clotheshorse, Vestavia Hills

• Tealla Stewart, Monograms Plus, Vestavia Hills

• Babbie Styslinger, Three Sheets, Homewood

• Jennifer Wilson, Saw’s Inc., Homewood, Birmingham, Hoover and Leeds

Down Syndrome Alabama Hires

New Executive Director, Sells Out Annual Tee Up event

Down Syndrome Alabama has hired a 26-year educator to take the helm as its new executive director.

Missy Haughery, of Cahaba Heights, “vigorously advocated for students of all learning abilities and styles,” the announcement stated. “Missy’s educational philosophy includes the belief that an inclusive learning environment provides differentiated instruction with high expectations for all students and that a diverse classroom community promotes acceptance, tolerance, and compassion, vital traits for students to take with them to the real-world.”

along with a check-in infusion bar sponsored by Redmont Vodka, raffles and an auction. But the highlight of the day was the commemorative first tee by Bobby Schilli, who is a 28-year-old Special Olympic golfer with Down syndrome.

Missy Haughery is Down Syndrome Alabama’s new executive director.

“This was our biggest, most successful golf event ever,” Haughery said in a statement. “While our other events tend to cater to our organization’s families by bringing them together, this event aims to not only raise money, but to educate our golfers about Down syndrome in order to become better advocates in their communities.”

“I am truly excited to work with the board and to help grow this organization with clear goals and purpose. I want to see DSA thrive in our state and make a difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome as well as their families and communities.”

Shortly after joining DSA, Haughery presided over the group’s sold-out 16th annual Tee Up for Down Syndrome Golf Tournament, held May 15 at Inverness Country Club and sponsored by The Prewitt Group.

Participants were served lunch by Tazikis and dinner by Taco Mama,

A native of Mobile, Haughery graduated from St. Paul’s Episcopal School, received a Bachelor of Arts in language arts/secondary education from Birmingham-Southern College, and received a Master of Science in educational leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she received a School Superintendents of Alabama Scholarship for outstanding leadership and educational contributions. She and her husband, Mark, have a daughter, Annmarie, and twin sons, Chapman and John. John has Down syndrome.

Laura Ashford Gessert and Libby Hill McGowan, owners of Henhouse Antiques in English Village are among the 22 Over the Mountin businesses nominated for the prestigious Alabama Retailer of the Year Awards.

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‘Changing Lives Through Dance’

New Artistic Dancer Named for Alabama Ballet

Alabama Ballet has chosen Christopher Stuart – seasoned dancer, choreographer and educator – as its new artistic director.

Stuart is replacing former Artistic Director Tracey Alvey, who retired after 16 years with the company.

“Under my stewardship, my hopes and ambitions are to continue implementing our mission of changing lives through dance by promoting and fostering the development of classical and contemporary ballet through highquality performances, dance education, and community outreach,” Stuart said in a press release issued by Alabama Ballet. “It is up to us and as a company to be a driving force with supporting changes in the ballet world. We can show our community that we are transforming ballet for everyone, and we will continue to nourish, educate, and promote new artistic voices.”

Stuart is a Sandy Hook,

Alabama Ballet has chosen Christopher Stuart – seasoned dancer, choreographer and educator – as its new artistic director.

Connecticut, native who graduated in 2002 from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He then joined Nashville Ballet, where he was featured in works by renowned choreographers. In 2018, after 16 years as a principal dancer, he was named resident choreographer of the company. His deep experience as a dancer

ANTIQUES AT THE GARDENS

From page one

back to his hometown, believed that he would never again live in Alabama. After graduating from Indian Springs and the University of Virginia, he had fulfilled his goal, landing a successful job working as an investment banker in New York City. Then one day, while apartment hunting, it hit him: “I wanted to move back to the South,” he recalls. “I missed the South.”

He immediately quit his job, and after a short break in Europe, he moved to Shreveport, where he worked in the oil and gas industry. But he still traveled back-and-forth to New York to see friends and Birmingham native Melissa Clark, whom he had met in New York and who had captured his heart.

“As fate would have it, my now wife of nearly 23 years and I were on the same page. Independently of one another, we decided we wanted to be back in Birmingham.”

Some of their friends in New York thought they were crazy when they told them they wanted to move back home, he said.

“But when they came to the wedding, they wanted to stay. Every time people visit from out of town, they fall in love. Birmingham is an incredible secret of the South. You don’t know it until you come and visit the Gardens, the Museum of Art, the beautiful neighborhoods, see the architecture and the beautiful gardens that people have at their homes. It’s really a unique place,” he said. “It’s

and performer helped him articulate his choreographic voice through improvisation and exploration of different forms of movement, a press release from Alabama Ballet states.

He has created works for Nashville Ballet, Ballet Arkansas, Chattanooga Ballet, National Choreographic Initiative and Charlotte Ballet.

After choreographing a piece for Charlotte Ballet’s Innovative Works repertoire show, he was hired as program director of Charlotte Ballet II, the ballet’s second company, and rehearsal director for the main company, then he was appointed interim artistic director for the Charlotte Ballet. Since May 2022, he had been director of Charlotte Ballet II.

As artistic director of Alabama Ballet, Stuart will curate a diverse repertoire, selecting ballet productions that showcase classical masterpieces and contemporary works, the press release stated.

Best Buddies: State Friendship Walk Raises Money to Support Inclusiveness for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

More than 200 people showed up for the 2nd Annual Statewide Friendship Walk hosted April 22 by Best Buddies in Alabama.

The volunteer group, a chapter of an international nonprofit, works to create friendships, integrated job opportunities, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This year’s walk raised more than $40,000 for Alabama programs.

Special guests included Miss Alabama USA, Miss Teen Alabama USA, Blaze the Dragon from UAB,

and Tonia and Lauren from WBRC. The National Charity League and American Medical Women’s Association helped supplement the cadre of volunteers. Since 2009, more than 150,000 participants in 60 cities have walked in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. If you are interested in getting involved with Best Buddies in Alabama, email alabama@bestbuddies.org.

such an easy place to live.”

Life for Hanson and Melissa snowballed quickly after returning home. They welcomed their son, John (now a sophomore at Princeton), in 2002, followed by their daughter, Virginia (an entering freshman at Skidmore), in 2003.

“On the weekends, we were always looking for things for the kids to do,” Hanson said. “Going to the Gardens with them was great because we could let them be kids while enjoying a space we loved.”

A Family Tradition

A love for gardens runs in the family. His grandmother, Mary Slaughter, was president of her garden club and a boxwood horticulturist. But it is his mother, Diana Slaughter, whom he credits for his love for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

“She has been incredibly involved over the years,” Hanson says. “She co-chaired the fifth Antiques at the Gardens back in 2010. She served on the Board of the Friends for years, volunteered at the plant sales … she has dedicated a lot of her time to the Gardens. For me to step into giving back felt very natural.”

“At the University of Virginia, I would go to the gardens along the lawn to study or even take my exams,” Hanson recalled. “The Gardens here provide that same sense of respite. Even with all the activities going on, with nearly 70

acres, it’s easy to find a quiet space to reflect. That’s an important part of living – connecting with a living space.”

Affording people the opportunity to connect with this living space is what Hanson is passionate about.

“Birmingham is very lucky to have this oasis right in the middle of everything. It is so close to downtown,” he said. “I want to see increased engagement across the broader population. We have this gem that is not evenly enjoyed by the community. Bolstering our educational programming is important. Bringing people through the gates is important.”

This is the purpose of Antiques at the Gardens, he said.

Being a hybrid entity (the partnership between the city and the Friends) makes the Gardens unique, but it also presents a challenge, Hanson said.

Antiques at the Gardens

This year’s Antiques at the Gardens, presented by O’Neal Industries, will be Sept. 28 to Oct. 1. Co-chairs Jennifer Ard, Jeremy Clark and Kirk Forrester invite home and garden enthusiasts, antiques lovers and loyal supporters from across the region to join them in celebrating Hanson Slaughter while benefiting the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Individual and corporate sponsorships are available. Tickets will go on sale in late summer. For more information, visit bbgardens. org/antiques-at-the-gardens.

“We have a lot of work to do to bridge the gap between the limited funding of the city and overall operational and programming needs. I often wonder if enough people realize a portion of the proceeds from Antiques at the Gardens goes towards the educational programs for children who may not otherwise have an opportunity to learn and spend time in green spaces.”

Hanson, who is the managing director of the Birmingham office of 1919 Investment Counsel, said that is why his company has been a longterm gala sponsor.

“1919 in Birmingham was once the trust company of Sterne Agee,” he explained. “When I went to work at Sterne Agee in 2006, we were the title sponsor of the first annual Gala in the Gardens. We have continued this commitment with 1919.”

The Goldilocks Zone

The ticket sales from the gala are important because of what it supports, he said. Gesturing to an old gala photo on his desk, he smiled, “Plus, it’s such a fun party. It’s one of those that Melissa and I always try to attend. You have this great influx of young people in their 20s and 30s, plus all the people who have been involved in the Gardens over the years.”

“The show in its current form has put Birmingham on the map. It’s always been an event that people from Birmingham like to go to, but now we have people from other cities who travel to come to the show,” he said.

“For attendees, our show is more

manageable than some of the other shows. You could say ours is in the ‘Goldilocks’ zone … It’s the perfect size. You feel this intimacy when you go to the speaker events and talk to the dealers. And there is the opportunity to make so many connections.”

Hanson, who also serves on the boards of Indian Springs School, the Jefferson Trust for the University of Virginia, and CommerceOne Bank, says these connections are important at the board level as well.

“I have worked with a lot of nonprofits in a variety of capacities, personally and professionally, and I really do believe that the board of the Friends is among the top five bestrun nonprofits with whom I’ve worked. It is an extraordinary institution.”

The financial success of AATG is at the heart of the Friends’ work.

“Just because you are well run and you are building your endowment, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need funds,” Hanson said.

He looks forward to helping to contribute to the Friends success.

“If there is anything I would love to see this year and future years is spreading the word about the importance of the Gardens to the greater community. I want people to have a better understanding of the mission of the Friends and the Gardens and what they are doing behind the scenes. That’s what I’m passionate about. It’s not just a pretty place to go. It really is valuable to the community. When you look at the number of volunteer hours and the people served … the seeds being sowed here produce multi-generational benefits.”

Photo by Todd Rosenburg

Courtesy

‘College With No Regrets’ Simmons’ Latest Book Offers Advice for Students

By RuBin E. GRant

Richard E. Simmons III had a front-row seat to college life for the past decade as he put three children through school.

What he saw provided the inspiration for his latest book: “College With No Regrets – Wisdom for the Journey.”

“I wit nessed all kinds of issues young people have to deal with that I didn’t have to deal with when I was in col lege,” said Simmons, founder and executive director of The Center for Executive Leadership and a bestsell ing author. “Young Americans are dying at an alarming rate and are struggling with homicides, suicides, drug overdoses and sexuality.

“There is no real how-to manual for going off to college. We have found more and more parents are illequipped in preparing their children for college, so this book is something parents can use for them and their children to walk through.”

The book was released at the end of April and retails for $12 on Amazon and through Simmons’ website: richardesimmons3.com.

“College With No Regrets” targets students from 17 to 25 years old and is divided into six chapters. Each chapter contains three to six short essays. At the end of each essay are questions parents can use to stimulate discussions with their student.

The six chapters of the book are:

• Wisdom for the Journey

• Living an Exceptional Life

• What Is True Freedom?

• Principles to Follow

• Human Sexuality

• Care of the Soul

The book closes with three essays under the heading, “Our Ultimate Good.”

“I believe this is a creative way for parents to deepen their relationship with their children,” Simmons said. “College is one of the most exciting and meaningful times in life. One key thing separates an unfulfilling college experience from a lifechanging one: the choices you make. These choices will ultimately determine whether you thrive in college or it ends up being a major disappoint-

ment.

“It is a wisdom book and we know how important wisdom is because Solomon says in Proverbs it’s more valuable than silver and gold. The

Hebrew word for wisdom is “chokmah” and it means skill or expertise in living. I can’t think of anything a parent would want more for their children.”

Simmons said he has received some positive feedback about the book already, particularly from parents.

“That encourages me,” he said.

“At my church, we gave out copies of it to our graduating seniors. I had an 80-year-old woman come up to me afterward and say, ‘I wish I had read that when I went off to college ‘cause I have a lot of regrets that happened when I was in college.’

“I had a friend tell me that it’s not just a book for kids going off to college, but it’s a book that’s good for any adult.”

one of the most exciting and meaningful times in life.’

Early evening faded into twilight and then night as supporters of the Birmingham Zoo attended the Tails in the Trails event on May 5.

The adults-only party hosted by the zoo’s junior board was held outdoors at the zoo with plenty of music, drinks and foodie favorites from area restaurants.

A silent auction rounded out the evening. ❖

TWILIGHT AT THE ZOO

Supporters Party at the Zoo During Tails in the Trails

Larry and Phyllis Wojciechowski, Teresa and Chris Pfefferkorn

Alisha Jiwani, Will Wright

Stephanie Gillespie, David Lecompte

Scott Wood, Courtney Bolstad

Lindsey and Jason Puckett

Rob and Audrey Slane

Rachel Turner, Mya Montrella

Amanda and Sam Ransom

Taylor Peake, Keith Hamrick, Walter and Marnette Taylor, Dean Taitz

Connor Oberien, Lucy Marks, Brittney Salchart, Elliott Smith

Caureen Schonder, Dustin DePanicis

The Guild of the Birmingham Music Club had its spring meeting May 19 at the home of Beth Adams.

Pat Grant conducted a symphony of job descriptions for each new officer. They are: president, Fran Howard; 1st vice president, fundraising, Cheree Carlton; second vice president, placement, Powell Owens; third vice president, programs, Beth Elliott; fourth vice president, locations, Beth Adams; fifth vice president, membership, Jeanne Bradford; sixth vice president, scholarship, Phyllis Pelham; recording secretary, Debbie Bennett; corresponding secretary, Lochrane Coleman Smith; treasurer, Suzanne Thomas; historian, Marsha Drennen; parliamentarian, Roberta Atkinson; investment trustees,

Tuning Up for a New Year Guild of the

Birmingham Music Club Appoints Officers and Welcomes Members

Miriam Morris, Leslie DeRamus and Mary-Noel Sellers.

Committee chairs also were announced. They are; telephone, Margaret Hubbard; addressing/ mailing, Angie Holder; audit, Linda Griggs; hospitality, Angie Holder, Jocelyn Palmer, Debbie Bennett and Marlene Bodden; marketing communications, Sarah Rich (social media) and Linda Cooper (website/ emails); membership directory, Linda Cooper; music and benevolence, Pat Grant; newsletter, Roberta Atkinson; photography, Angie Holder; spring

luncheon, Cheree Carlton, chair, and Cindy Bowron, assistant chair.

The club welcomed new members Marsha Duell and Stephanie Byrne. New members who were not in attendance are Judy DeWitt, Glenda Sparacio and Victoria Hallman.

Those in attendance were Beth Adams, Jeanne Bradford, Rose Marie Ippolito, Cookie Ferguson, Fran Howard, Pat Grant, Cheree Carlton, Becky Keyes, Mary-Noel Sellers, Eyleen Widjanarko, Martha Lee Culp, Beth Elliott, Stephanie Byrne, Janine Goode,

Linda Griggs, Lochrane Coleman Smith, Debbie Bennett, Marlene Bodden, Angie Holder, Marsha Duell, Jocelyn Palmer, Anna Williams, Elouise Williams, Nancy Morrow, Michelle Smith, Susanne Thomas, Francislee Boulware, Katherine Pittman, Elise Warren, Phyllis Pelham, Elna Brendel and Linda Cooper.

Jeanne Bradford, Susanne Thomas, Beth Elliott, Beth Adams, Cheree Carlton, Fran Howard, Linda Cooper, Lochrane Coleman Smith, Debbie Bennett

Adult Sitter

205-572-2314

25 Years Experience References Available

OUR PLACE TOURS

Amory, MS

Discovering Arkansas

July 25-29

Yellowstone/Glacier National Parks, Mount Rushmore

Aug. 7-23

Canadian Rockies

Aug. 31-Sept. 15

Georgia on My Mind

Oct. 24-27

Branson Christmas

Nov. 14-17

To: Adult Sitter

The club was organized in 1988 to foster appreciation of music and the performing arts. Incorporated on May 13, 2011, the Guild funds and administers an annual music scholarship competition for young musicians who attend an institution of higher learning in the state of Alabama.

Christmas in San Antonio

From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646

Date: June 1, 2023

This year’s fundraiser will be Tablescapes, Oct. 12, at Vestavia Country Club.

Dec. 3-8

For prices and more info: call Alice 662-640-5273, or email ourplacetours@aol.com

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN June 1, 2023 issue. Please email approval or changes.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

To: Alice

From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646

Date: June 1, 2023

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE May 18, 2023 issue. Please email

Please make sure all information including address and phone

Thank you for your prompt

Shades of Camellias

Camellia Court Presents Class of 2023

The third annual Camellia Court presentation was held May 7 at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Presentees were dressed in Kentucky Derby-style hats and the dress of their choice in the camellia colors of white and shades of pink.

The Camellia Court is a service organization that seeks to give 17- and 18-year-old girls experience in civic responsibilities. Through their volunteer efforts, Camellia Court members

will learn about their community and the rewards of volunteering as they give back to their community.

The court will make a donation to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and a camellia tree will be planted in the Camellia Gardens in honor of the Camellia Court of 2023.

The 2023 members are:

Anna Frances Adams, Virginia McChesney Berry Averyt, Evelyn Rose Berry, Mary Hollingsworth

Black, Madeline Rose Butler, Ava Elizabeth Canterbury, Lucy Lanier Clapp, Carole Elizabeth Clegg, Ella McLellan Cobb, Rosemary Bellenger Cooper, Elizabeth Jane Cooper, Kendall Reed Crabtree, Ella Scott Crane, Mary Elizabeth Fooshee, Caroline Jeffers Fowlkes, Sara Adams Garner, Caroline Olivia Gillis.

Madison Alexandria Goodman, Mary Campbell Grant, Julia Hopkins Gresham, Julia Elizabeth Grooms, Jane Scott Haley, Kathryn Grace Halsey, Elizabeth Colton Hawkins, Elise McFadden Hemstreet, Ella Stuart Hicks, Sarah

Catherine Inskeep, Allison Grace

Irby, Sarah Raines Jernigan, Alyson

Kessinger Johnson, Catherine Scott

Johnson, Sophie Christine

Kampakis, Louise Margaret Kerr, Virginia Sims Kilgore, Mary

Margaret Krawczyk, Caroline

Frances Lacy, Mary Jane Cleere

Lassiter.

Julia Gibbs Lawson, Catherine

McNeill Lewis, Alaina Garland

Long, Kerry Elizabeth Lyons, Kate

Adeleine McMillan, Ann Miller

Morton, Olivia Witherspoon Norris, Lillian Amelia Papapietro, Lila Rose

Perry, Margaret Nim Sandner

Phillips, Mary Elizabeth Pitts, Mary

Slayden Polmatier, Gray Margaret Katherine Powell, Kimberly Mills

Prater, Allyson Ashley Prater, Morgan Saylors Pursell, Reagan Elizabeth Riley, Mallie Whittle Robinett, Abigail Catherine Seton, Linley McNeil Simmons, Sawyer Elizabeth Simmons, Sarah Philips Smith, Emily Payne Straughn, Elizabeth Leighton Thompson, Grace Katherine Vaughn, Martha Brannon Volman, Anne McKinley Walker, Grace Elizabeth Walker, Charlotte Goodner Walthall, Reghan Caroline Wilcox, Ally Elizabeth Williams and Mary Ellen Yeager. ❖

Crawfest

Fundraiser Benefits

Coastal Conservation

YOUR PURCHASE OF A NURSES SAVE LIVES CAR TAG GOES DIRECTLY TO:

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND ENDOWMENT FUNDS

To date, ANF has initiated more than $600,000 in nursing student scholarships.

NURSE PRIDE

Nurses are among the most trusted professions for 21 years in a row, according to Gallup. Show your support for friends, family members, and loved ones who are nurses.

NURSES IN NEED

In times of crisis or emergency, ANF provides support for Alabama's nurses in need.

LEADERSHIP GRANTS

Rewarding and investing in innovations of nursing practice.

Bob and Carly Hines, Richard Littrell

Leslie and Jeff Hardwick

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Kathleen Daniel, Debbie Drummond, Frances Lehman, Mary Stewart Drummond, Celeste Case

Stephen and Jeanne Favrot

Jeff Watson, Doug Smith, Russell Cunningham, Peter Nagi

Brandi and Dennis Maddox

David Williamson, Robert Richard Fritze

Brodie Helms, Hannah Smith

The Birmingham Zoo was the site of this year’s Crawfest, a benefit for the Coastal Conservation Association of Alabama. The May 4 event treated guests to a Cajun buffet, boiled crawfish, jambalaya and drinks. Live music, raffles and a silent auction also were on the menu.

Runners Zip Through Homewood

MotherWalk Runs Raise Money to Fight Ovarian Cancer

Supporters in the fight against ovarian cancer came out to participate in the 20th annual MotherWalk 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run on May 13 at Homewood Central Park. The race through Homewood neighborhoods north of Oxmoor Road was a benefit for the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Runners set off early that morning, with an awards ceremony held after the race and fun run were completed.

Introducing the 24/7 Virtual Care Agent

Introducing the 24/7 Virtual Care Agent

Who

Who is Virtual Care Suited For?

Who is Virtual Care Suited For?

· Anyone who wants extra peace of mind and 24/7 support

· Anyone who wants extra peace of mind and 24/7 support

· Those living alone or with family

· Those living alone or with family

· Anyone who wants extra peace of mind and 24/7 support

· Those living alone or with family

· An individual experiencing cognitive decline

· An individual experiencing cognitive decline

· An individual experiencing cognitive decline

· Anyone receiving home healthcare services

· Anyone receiving home healthcare services

Always Best Care is the first in Birmingham to offer a 24/7 Virtual Care Agent to raise our standard of care and ensure the safety and well-being of our clients. Your loved one can now receive the highest quality in-home care services with a 24/7 safety net for aroundthe-clock, comprehensive, affordable care.

care services with a 24/7 safety net for aroundthe-clock, comprehensive, affordable care.

What is Virtual Care?

Always Best Care is the first in Birmingham to offer a hybrid in-home care solution which provides for top quality in-person care with 24/7 virtual remote support. This combination of high touch and high tech raises our standard of care and ensures the continuous safety and well-being of our clients. Your loved one can now receive the highest quality in-home care services with a 24/7 safety net for around the-clock, comprehensive, affordable care.

Always Best Care is the first in Birmingham to offer a 24/7 Virtual Care Agent to raise our standard of care and ensure the safety and well-being of our clients. Your loved one can now receive the highest quality in-home care services with a 24/7 safety net for aroundthe-clock, comprehensive, affordable care.

What is Virtual Care?

What is Virtual Care?

Always Best Care AI is an audio analytics technology that detects health and care

Always Best Care AI is an audio analytics technology that detects health and care anomalies in the home to serve as a 24/7 safety net so that you know, without a doubt, that your loved one is safe and able to remain independent.

What is Virtual Care?

Always Best Care AI is an audio analytics technology that detects health and care anomalies in the home to serve as a 24/7 safety net so that you know, without a doubt, that your loved one is safe and able to remain independent.

What Can We Detect?

Always Best Care AI is an audio analytics technology that detects health and care anomalies in the home to serve as a 24/7 safety net so that you know, without a doubt, that your loved one is safe and able to remain independent.

· Falls or other physical distress

· Falls or other physical distress

Who is Virtual Care Suited For?

· Exceptional care

· Exceptional care

· Calls for help

· Calls for help

· Falls or other physical distress

· Difficulty performing a task

· Exceptional care

· Difficulty performing a task

Who is Virtual Care Suited For? What Can We Detect?

· Calls for help

· Cognitive decline

· Cognitive decline

· Negative communication

· Negative communication

· Difficulty performing a task

· Early signs of infection

· Cognitive decline

· Early signs of infection

· Risk of medication error

· Risk of medication error

· Negative communication

· Anyone who wants extra peace of mind and 24/7 support

· An individual who has experienced falls

· Anyone receiving home healthcare services

· An individual who has experienced falls

· Falls or other physical distress

· Early signs of infection

· Exceptional care

· Risk of medication error

· Those living alone or with family

· An individual who has experienced falls

· An individual experiencing cognitive decline

· Anyone receiving home healthcare services

· An individual who has experienced falls

· Calls for help

· Cognitive decline

· Early signs of infection

· Difficulty performing a task

· Negative communication

· Risk of medication error

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Ellie Hansen, Haley Neal, Laurie Forester, Abby Forester, Alexis Neal

Samuel Black, Lucy Graves

Meg Gore, Emily Coe

Hunter Wade, Becky Birchfield, Nicole Wade Thibedeaux Mary Beth, Nathan Dunn, Dana Peele

Peeks Thibodeaux, Grayson Wade

Dinner on the Grounds

Ascension Church Set Up Food Trucks to Raise Money for Feeding Programs

Thursday night dinner was in the bag for people who attended Food Truck Fest at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension on May 11.

A variety of food trucks were set up at the church, offering tastes to please even the pickiest eaters. A live band composed of members of the congregation performed and there were games for kids.

The annual event served as a fundraiser for Ascension’s feeding ministries, the Weekend Backpack Program at Vestavia Hills schools, The Abbey and First Light. ❖

Allie and Katie Pilkerton

Christopher and Chris Lambert

Sarah Parker, Alex Roberts

photos by Jordan Wald

Ellen, Seth and Mac Knowles

Rachel and Chris Copeland

Liza Lee Horton and Meyers Dillon

Brent, Meyers and Katie Mac Dillon

Jack and Jamie Alvey

Bluff Park WindoW Works

Summer is Here!

Tricia’s Treasures

COASTAL LIVING

From Page One

Coleman Hufham, will soon celebrate 20 years specializing in custom residential and commercial construction across Birmingham, Central Alabama, Fairhope and on Highway 30A along the Florida Panhandle.

Farris said that about 70% of the construction company’s work is in the form of custom-built residential prop-

erties, with a healthy number of those being beach or lake homes. The homeowners Hufham Farris works with typically meet first with architects to design the particulars of the house. When the design is at least 50% complete, the architects will ask Hufham Farris for an estimated cost to help ensure the plans remain in the

homeowner’s budget, Farris said. While work in the construction world often involves a bid process, in which plans are sent to multiple builders for budget estimates and oftentimes the lowest bid is awarded the contract, Farris said the same is not typical in the homes his company works on. The homeowners are often hundreds of miles from the build site, and trust between the homeowner and the builder is very important, Farris said.

Nick Pihakis said he purchased the family’s second property at Alys Beach to

Photo by

“When it comes to second homes, homeowners would rather establish a partnership, find someone they trust, someone who they feel comfortable with, rather than just go with the lowest price,” he said. “We advise people against that. We always advise homeowners to interview the builder, get references and then couple that with their budget when making a decision.”

Farris said it is also important to ensure the builder provides timely updates of the construction progress, including progress pictures. The “nightmare” scenarios occur, Farris said, when a builder is working on a project where tweaks are made along the way and the builder fails to update the homeowner that the budget is being affected.

“It’s in those cases where you hear about the builder coming to the homeowner at the end of the build saying they need an additional $300,000 and it’s the first time the homeowner is hearing about it,” he said.

Farris said Hufham Farris provides updates to homeowners every other Friday, complete with progress photos. A typical Hufham Farris custom-

Many of the homes Hufham Farris builds in Alys Beach are considered “fortified homes,” which means they are built with masonry and concrete rather than with wood framing.

home build takes anywhere between 12 and 24 months, depending on the size and complexity of the project, Farris said.

Life Goes Outdoors

While many of the homes Hufham Farris builds are considered “traditional” or “classical,” Farris said they are beginning to see more contemporary designs requested. Across the board, the most frequent request is an ample outdoor space.

“Outdoor spaces are very popular at second homes,” Farris said. “People want to be outside on the beach or at the lake.”

One of the most popular features these days to help accomplish outdoor living spaces is lift and slide door systems. Farris said, in which a door can slide away into a pocket in the wall to create a 10-foot high by 20-foot-wide opening that transforms an indoor room into an outdoor space overlooking a pool or courtyard at the beach or a deck at the lake.

Other details, though perhaps less exciting, are also crucial in secondhome builds, Farris said. Homes along the beach must be built to hurricane standards, he said, including with high-impact windows. Many of the homes Hufham Farris builds in Alys Beach are considered “fortified homes,” which means they are built

with masonry and concrete rather than with wood framing. These houses typically are a little more expensive, Farris said, and they must be deemed “fortified” by an outside entity following strict building standards.

“That’s a pretty solid house,” Farris said, which he said is particularly important along a coastline that can see several hurricanes and strong storms during a typical season.

No matter where the house is built, another important element to consider is waterproofing, Farris said.

“Water is probably the biggest enemy to houses,” he said.

Many new second-home builds are now being equipped with a water leak detection system, Farris said, which can help detect a leak and shut off the water supply in the event of one.

“You don’t want a leak to go on for a week let alone one to two months in your second home before it is detected,” Farris said.

Going 30A Way

Nick and Suzanne Pihakis of the Birmingham-based Pihakis Restaurant Group worked with Hufham Farris in the construction of their custom-built

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Hayden & Mike

Bob Farris, left, and Coleman Hufham, right, of Hufham Farris Construction will soon celebrate 20 years specializing in custom residential and commercial construction across Birmingham, Central Alabama, Fairhope and on Highway 30A along the Florida Panhandle.

Photos by Katy Frazer

See COASTAL LIVING, page 20

Alys Beach home – their second purchase in the 30A neighborhood.

Nick described the Hufham Farris Construction group as “the most pro-

fessional and welcoming group of people I’ve ever been around.” They were instrumental, he said, in ensur ing their custom build went smoothly.

The Pihakises have been enjoying that home for a little more than a year and a half now, Nick explained, following a three-year process from initial designs to move-in.

The Pihakises said they love the Alys Beach area so much that they ended up purchasing their new property directly across the street from their first one after they realized they

had outgrown the space. Nick said he wanted a large pool in that first build, which left little room for grandkids and pets to run around in after it was complete. After months of staring at the large lot across the way, Nick said he purchased the property and set out to build a home better suited to their family’s preferences. The family worked with Birmingham area architect Gary Justiss to help their vision come alive.

The new property makes special use of the large lot, the Pihakises said,

with particular emphasis on outdoor living.

“Every space is a room,” Nick said he learned from working with architects on the new build. “It doesn’t matter if its outside or inside, you need to design the space as if it’s another room in your home.”

Suzanne explained that her family, including three children and four grandchildren, is not the type to sit around a formal dining room table. Instead, they prefer to gather and sit together in various areas of a space –

Photo by Katy Frazer

including in the multiple outdoor areas with various seating options. As a family who cooks quite a bit, Suzanne said it was also important for the home to feature a large kitchen complete with a scullery – a room adjacent to the kitchen that works for storage and prep – rather than just a pantry. The kitchen also features a large island where the family prepares and enjoys food.

“We love to go down there,” she said. “We all go down there several times a year as a family.”

The home’s five bedrooms provide

ample room for the family, including the pets. Nick said it was important to him that the space feel like a home, rather than just a vacation space. The family worked with interior designer Rachel Halvorson of Rachel Halvorson Designs to ensure the space reflected their taste throughout. Oak floors, real wood beams and purposeful touches complete the space.

“If I could give somebody a piece of advice,” Nick said, “it would be to make that home your home. It should

not feel like it’s a vacation home that you go to and it feels like you’re at a vacation property. Understand how you live and make it reflect that.”

Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov

Acrylic by Maya Eventov

Photo by Katy Frazer

The Pihakises worked with Birmingham area architect Gary Justiss to help their vision come

Stan Sims

By Anne Ruisi

In a sepia-toned photo from his early childhood in Mississippi in the 1930s, Stan Sims smiles at the camera as his hands grip the wheel of what was at that point the best present ever: a shiny red and white Chevrolet pedal car any child would envy.

Ninety years later, the beloved toy holds pride of place in the living room of Sims’ Vestavia Hills home, next to a decorated Christmas tree and surrounded by comfortable furniture and year-round winter seasonal décor.

“It just looks brand spanking new. It really does,” Sims, 93, said. “I had no idea that somebody could actually restore that car.”

The car, which Sims reclaimed years ago and which had deteriorated after sitting in a barn for decades, was restored last year to its original glory. Details include items such as the old-fashioned car horn mounted on the exterior of the driver’s right side that tooted when the black rubber ball was squeezed and the sleek black running boards that curve over the wheels on each side of the car.

Stan Sims received the toy car either for Christmas 1932 or for his birthday in March 1933 from his parents, Vernon and Annie Sims, said his son, Tom Sims. It was likely purchased from either a Montgomery Ward or Sears catalogue and research showed it retailed for $9.95 in Sears Wish Books of the time. That’s $232 in today’s money. Stan Sims said his father had to assemble the original vehicle.

The Sims family was living in Centreville, a small town on the Illinois Central Railroad in

Preserving Childhood Memories

Restored Pedal Car Brings Joy to Owner 9 Decades Later

Southwest Mississippi, when Sims got the car, and it went with them when they moved to a farm west of Centreville a few years later. There were no streets or sidewalks at the new home, so Sims and his younger brother, Bob, drove it indoors until they outgrew it.

The little car remained on the farm after Sims grew up and went to Tulane University to earn a bachelor’s degree in business. He served in the U.S. Navy on the aircraft carrier Essex, where he was the officer in charge of everything related to the electric systems on the ship. The Essex saw action in the Western Pacific off the coast of Korea during the Korean War.

Later, after he left the Navy, Sims pursued a career in the telephone industry while serving in the Naval Reserves until 1999, when he retired as a captain. Telephone company assignments includ-

ed three years working for AT&T in Manhattan, a stint in Jackson, Mississippi, and finally a job that brought him to Birmingham in 1975. He retired from the industry in May 1991.

In the decades after Sims had left Mississippi for college, the little pedal car remained in a barn on the Sims family farm in Mississippi, even after they sold the property to the Reid family in 1973. In 1990, property owner Lorene Reid contacted Sims and asked if he wanted the car before she disposed of it. He did and he took it to Vestavia Hills, where it was stored in his garage for another 30 years.

Every Detail Matters

By this time, the car was dilapidated and covered in rust, a shell of its former self. In 2021, Sims started looking for a restorer and found one

in Dahlonega, Georgia, who specialized in pedal car restoration, James Ladewig. He took the car to Ladewig’s workshop in December 2021. Eight months later, in August 2022, the car was ready.

During restoration, Ladewig had disassembled what was left of the vehicle and repaired and restored it to its original beauty, according to a Shutterfly book Tom Sims gave his father. While the restored car retained most of its original parts, it needed replacement tires, hub caps, windshield, headlights, gear shifter and the horn.

The dashboard’s important details, such as the gas gauge and speedometer, are exactly where they were originally. Custom stencils were prepared to make sure the right and left sides of the car were perfect matches and black accent lines were hand painted in Ladewig’s workshop.

“He did such a superb job of bringing it back to life exactly like I loved it when it was absolutely brand new out of the box,” Sims said.

While Sims and his family are happy with the results, his 3-year-old great-granddaughter, June Gillard, is absolutely enamored. A few weeks ago, the family was in Stan’s basement looking at his model trains – a favorite hobby –when they noticed June was missing. They found her upstairs in the living room, sitting in her great-grandfather’s pedal car, playing behind the wheel.

The finished product is one that more than pleases Sims.

“I’m just thrilled with it,” Sims said. “Sometimes I just sit and look at it and enjoy it,” he said.

Clockwise from above, Stan Sims and his family with the restored pedal car. First row, Stan Sims’ great-grandchildren Adam and June Gillard. Second row, Stan’s granddaughter Laura Gillard, Stan Sims and Stan’s son Tom Sims; Stan Sims about age 4 in his pedal car, circa 1934; The pedal car as it looked before restoration.

Trublue’s Mission to Serve Seniors

Trublue Corporation has a nation-wide goal for its franchisees…”Provide premium handyman services that make it easier for older homeowners to stay in their own home for life!”

The owners of local Trublue of Birmingham have pursued that mission since they opened the doors. “We got into this business because we saw how difficult it was for our parents to get help just to fix the little things.” reported owner Rick Batson.

But, an even bigger problem was identified once they got into the business. After working with a number of seniors the company owners, who are over 60 themselves, realized they needed to focus on Fall Prevention.

As a result, two of the owners, Rick Batson and Mur Feldman, now have their Senior Home Safety Specialist Certification.

According to statistics, more than one out of four people ages 65 and older fall each year. Approximately 30% of those falls result in hospitalization and many never go home again.

Trublue provides services with home maintenance contracts and safety installations such grab bars and ramps, comfort height toilets and other things that make it easier for older homeowners to avoid falls and stay in their home.

One of the most popular services Trublue offers is to convert an old bathtub into a shower for easy access, costing less that $1000 vs the cost of a full renovation. Call Trublue today at 205-839-3818 to schedule service or would like to take advantage of the free home safety inspection and itemized report of recommendations.

Two of Trublue’s owners have their Senior Home Safety Specialist Certification.

FOOD

Family Style

Teenie’s Take-Home Market Delights Customers with Take-and-Bake Specialties

By Anne Ruisi

It’s not surprising that Tina Liollio would make a career in food. Her family roots are in the restaurant business and her own years in the industry made it natural to open a shop of her own.

In May, six months after Teenie’s Take-Home Market opened on Petticoat Lane in Mountain Brook Village, she gained not only a following of loyal customers, but a nomination as Retailer of the Year from the Alabama Retail Association.

“We opened on Nov. 17, and it’s been full blast since then,” Liollio said.

Teenie’s Take-Home Market features scratch-made take-andbake meals that reflect her Greek-Italian heritage. Customers take home ovenready meals that are heat-andeat.

Avgolemono, the fragrant lemon-flavored chicken soup, Greek Chicken and Rice and Meat Lasagna are probably the three most popular dishes and are always available to order Liollio said. The lasagna is available in regular and glutenfree versions. It uses lasagna noodles made from hearts of palm, which are low carb.

The family-style meals are versions of her family’s recipes, tweaked a bit to produce the food in mass quantities, Liollio said.

The family-style meals Tina Liollio serves at Teenie’s Take-Home Market are versions of her family’s recipes, tweaked a bit to produce the food in mass quantities.

Each week, Teenie’s features different items, which are posted on its website, coconut-beige-xjze.squarespace.com. Eggplant Parmesan and Baked Zucchini are recent examples.

There also are bakery and other items supplied by local women-owned businesses, such as gluten-free brownies from BlueRoot Co. and Dryft Coffee, which Teenie’s partners with and promotes.

Little Teenie Cakes, which grew out of an effort to make a treat similar to a glazed snack cake, debuted in December. Liollio asked a friend who is a baker to make such a cake in a Christmas tree shape.

“They were sold out. We couldn’t keep enough in the store. I think we made like 80 dozen,” she said of the treats, which remain popular and now come in different holiday themes and flavors.

Pandemic Response

The seeds for Teenie’s came about during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fasolakia

(Greek Green Beans) Recipe from Tina Liollio

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds fresh green beans, stems cut

½ cup olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 Tbsp dried oregano

2 cups red pasta sauce

½ fresh lemon

½ ounce fresh oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onion. Allow the onion to cook, then add the green beans. Let the beans cook down until desired tenderness.

Add dried oregano, red pasta sauce, salt and pepper, and allow to stew for 15 minutes.

Squeeze juice from ½ lemon on top of the mixture, top with fresh oregano and serve.

Liollio always enjoyed cooking and catering. During the lockdown in 2020, when she couldn’t organize gatherings, she started cooking dishes and asking friends via text message whether they wanted to sample the food.

“It’s how I kept myself going during the pandemic,” she said.

In February 2021, she had to stop cooking because the World Games were coming up and the company she founded in 2019, Local Link Bham, was involved in the event. Local Link Bham is a service that links organizations with members of the hospitality industry to help coordinate food and beverage service for events.

She met BlueRoot owner Jennifer Ryan during the World Games. About the time Liollio was thinking of starting Teenie’s, Ryan was moving BlueRoot from its space on Petticoat Lane to Pepper Place. Liollio said she reached out to Ryan in September or so and moved into BlueRoot’s vacated space just a few months later.

Handed Down in the Family

Her cooking skills began while growing up in the Glen Iris area by “learning to cook right” from her Italian grandmother and great-grandmother. Every Saturday she went to her great-grandmother’s to help her make meatballs and Italian tomato sauce for Sunday dinner.

She learned hospitality at a young age while tagging along as a child at her father’s restaurants in the Florida Panhandle.

In high school and while earning a degree in communications and marketing from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Liollio worked as a restaurant hostess and waitress. After graduation, she was hired by Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ in 2007 as catering manager and then took on a variety of roles, including regional manager and general manager for off-premises sales.

Through Local Link, she’s working with the city of Hoover during the SEC baseball tournament and recently signed on to work with an Italian Festival in Birmingham next year. Local Link also works with area nonprofits such as Children’s Harbor and manages events for the Jones Valley Teaching Farm.

One event coming up that might force Liollio to temporarily close Teenie’s is a public works project on Petticoat Lane that will mean closing parts of the road and cutting off electricity and access to the shop.

Liollio said she’s been told the phase that could affect her business is expected to begin June 12.

“We will likely make the decision to be closed for a couple of weeks while the work is going on,” she said, noting that Teenie’s will reopen as soon as possible.

FOODIE

Farmers Markets Are the Place for Fresh Food, Crafts and Fun

As sure as spring moves into summer, farmers markets thrive, drawing customers looking for farm-fresh produce, bakery goods, artisan crafts and jewelry, and other items.

Here are three farmers markets popular with Over the Mountain shoppers:

The Market at Pepper Place

The place to be on Saturday mornings from 7 a.m. to noon through Dec. 9 is The Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham, with a couple hundred vendors at one time or another during the year offering a wide variety of produce, foods and other goods.

Coffee shops and a few restaurants, such as Seeds Coffee and Homewood Gourmet, sell snacks and breakfast items. Each week there are cooking demonstrations or book signings, live music and a featured nonprofit community partner.

For more information, go to pepperplacemarket.com.

Vestavia Hills Farmers Market

The Vestavia Hills Farmers Market is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug. 30. It’s held at 2061 Kentucky Ave. and benefits the food pantry at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church.

On hand are an assortment of farmers providing seasonal fruit and vegetables, seafood, pastries, cakes and pies, snow cones and ice cream and freshly cooked goodies, along with a good mix of artisans and arts and crafts.

For more information, go to Facebook and search for Vestavia Hills Farmers Market.

West Homewood Farmers Market

Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in June, July and the first Tuesday in August, the West Homewood Farmers Market makes its home at 160 West Oxmoor Road.

Nearly 70 vendors are featured each week, such as food trucks and vendors selling baked goods, produce and other items.

For more information, go to westhomewood. com.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Julian and James Haynes taking in the scene at The Market at Pepper Place last summer.

John Carrol, Mountain Brook Students Named Presidential Scholars

John Carroll Catholic High School’s Stanley Stoutamire Jr. and Mountain Brook High School’s Sophia Li have been named Presidential Scholars by the U.S. Department of Education.

The two are among 161 high school seniors nationwide recognized for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields.

This year’s class of scholars is the 59th in the history of the program. Two students from each state and 20 at-large students are chosen for the honor.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership, according to a news release from the Alabama Department of Education.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 8,000 of the nation’s top-performing students.

The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2023 will be recognized for their achievement this summer with an online recognition program.

Hoover Service Club Hands Out Scholarships and Awards to Students

The Hoover Service Club during its Scholarship and Awards Luncheon honored 17 Hoover students for their exemplary academic performance and citizenship.

The club in its May 13 event presented about $38,000 in scholarships and awards to 11 seniors at Spain Park and Hoover high schools and honored six middle school students. Mayor Frank Brocato and Hoover Schools Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler presented certificates to the students.

Scholarships

The scholarships and awards were made possible through the club’s fundraisers, grants and donations.

Hoover High scholarship winners and the colleges they plan to attend are:

Amaria Guyton – Tuskegee University

Courtney Lassiter – The University of Alabama

Nia Settles – Samford University

Pyper Shepherd – Alcorn State University

Spain Park High scholarship winners and the colleges they plan to attend are:

Rana Abawi – The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Laura Broocks – Belmont University

Lilli Kolb – Scholarship honoring Ardith McMicken, Auburn University

Zachary Lin – Rochester Institute of Technology

Jackson Mitchell – Auburn University

National Merit Scholarship Winners Named

By Anne Ruisi

Fourteen graduating seniors from the Over the Mountain area have won prestigious National Merit Scholarships, joining only 2,500 students nationwide receiving the honor. Statewide, 35 students were granted the scholarships.

The winners are:

Alabama School of Fine Arts –Daniel Zhao

The Altamont School –Wesley V. Sudarshan Homewood High School –John Jones, Lily Giffin

Hoover High School –Jari Chen, Lauren Geisler, Eshika Kudaravalli and Midhun Sadanand

Indian Springs High School –Mayu Nakano, Yukiro Nakano Mountain Brook High School –Vaughn Frost, Caley Record Spain Park High School –Zachary Lin

Vestavia High School –Susan Baskar Raj

The $2,500 scholarships are awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corp. The 2,500 merit scholars nationwide were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Community Service

Evan Houser, a senior at Spain Park, received the Community Service Award honoring former club member Ardith McMicken. Evan heads Clean Hoover with his mission of preserving a safe environment for the future. He volunteered at BioMedical Engineering Research Laboratory at UAB. His school activities include varsity basketball athlete and class president. He aspires to be a physician.

Eshika Kudaravalli received the Community Service Award honoring former club member Margaret Alford. Eshika has accumulated 1,351 community service hours over the past four years. She is founder and co-president of Outstanding Women Leaders in STEM and for the past four years has been a volunteer at McWane Science Center. As president of the Hope for Autumn Foundation, she helped raise $45,000 for childhood cancer. Eshika ranks #1 in her class. Her plans include medical school.

Good Citizenship

The Service Club on May 11 recognized one student for academic excellence and one for outstanding citizenship from each of Hoover’s middle schools.

Berry Middle School – Ejatou Jallow, Academic Award; Solomon Moore, Citizenship Award Bumpus Middle School – Serena Agrawal, Academic Award; Taven Dutson, Citizenship Award

Simmons Middle School – Noah Maldonado, Academic Award; Kristyna Helova, Citizenship Award

Mary Charles’

Doll

House

Scholarship winners are selected from among the finalists in each state who are judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corp.

The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.

The scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by the finalists and their high schools. The information included academic records, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

The National Merit corporation finances most of the single-payment National Merit $2,500 Scholarships. Corporations and company foundations also make awards under the program and help underwrite these scholarships with grants they provide in lieu of paying administrative fees.

Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

The process for selecting this years’ scholars began in October 2021, when high school juniors took the PSAT/NMSQT, which served as an initial screen of program

entrants. This past fall, the highestscoring participants in each state, representing less than 1% of the nation’s high school seniors, were named semifinalists on a state-representational basis. More than 16,000 semifinalists had an opportunity to continue in the competition.

From the semifinalist group, more than 15,000 students met the high academic standards and other requirements to advance to the finalist level.

In total – including finalists named by the National Merit Scholarship Corp., colleges and companies, along with other special scholarships granted through the program – 7,140 finalists made the

cut in 2023 and received a total of nearly $28 million in college scholarships.

Mary Charles' Doll House

Dolls, Doll Houses and Minatures

Mary Charles’ Doll House

COME SEE US IN HOMEWOOD!

New, Collectible Antique Dolls

2820 Petticoat Lane

1901 Oxmoor Rd. 205-870-5544

Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544

Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm

Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm

Sophia Li

Stanley Stoutamire Jr.

Daniel Zhao Wesley V. Sudarshan John Jones

Lily Giffin Jari Chen

Lauren Geisler

Eshika Kudaravalli

Midhun Sadanand Mayu Nakano

Yukiro Nakano Vaughn Frost Caley Record

Zachary Lin Susan Baskar Raj

Rebels Dethrone Spartans to Win State Lacrosse Championship; Mountain Brook Girls 3-Peat

By RuBin E. GRant

The Vestavia Hills boys lacrosse team came up just short against

Mountain Brook in the state finals the past two years.

The Rebels lost by a single goal to the Spartans both times. But those

heartbreaking defeats gave Vestavia Hills invaluable experience.

So, when they met again in the 2023 Alabama Lacrosse Championships final on May 6 at Buccaneer Stadium, that experience paid off in a 13-7 victory, ending the Spartans’ stranglehold on the state title.

Vestavia Hills finished unbeaten with an 18-0 record, including a 13-10 victory against Mountain Brook during the regular season.

“I think a lot of it had to do with us being young last year and now most of the guys on the team are a year older,” Vestavia Hills coach Randy Nace said. “They knew what they were doing.”

Plus, the Rebels drew inspiration from the death of former player Tate Czeschin, who died in January. His younger brother Zane Czeschin was an attacker on the team this spring.

“The team just came together to support Zane and his family,” Nace said. “It’s something the kids bought into and they played for a bigger purpose.”

The Rebels and Spartans were locked in 2-2 tie early on, then Vestavia Hills took control with seven unanswered goals in the first half to take a 9-2 lead. The Rebels held the Spartans at bay in the second half.

Attacker Owen Behr led the Rebels with five goals and two assists with a 71.4 shooting percentage. Midfielder

Owen Scott and attacker Riley Pierce had three goals each and attacker Zane Czeschin had two goals.

The state title was the Rebels’ second. The first one came in 2017. The Spartans had won the previous four titles, excluding the 2020 season that was canceled because of COVID.

Behr, Scott and defender Will Bond were named first team All-State while Pierce and Zane Czeschin and FOGO Brayden Belski were named second team.

Mountain Brook had four players named first-team – attacker Charles Oliver, midfielder William Grier McDuffie, defender Jack Donahue and FOGO Vaughn Frost. Spartans goalie Stutts Everette was second team.

Spartan Girls Knock Off Vestavia in Title Game

Tom Lewis might have been in his first season as Mountain Brook’s girls lacrosse coach, but he was familiar with the players, having coached them in the youth program.

“We have a lot of players who I have been coaching since the third or fourth grade,” Lewis said. “We spent a long time coaching the fundamentals and then it comes to fine tuning what they do.

“These girls have a good lacrosse IQ and have learned the nuances of the game. So many of them can pass, catch, shoot and cradle the ball effectively.”

The Spartans were at their effective best in the finals, defeating Vestavia Hills 8-5 to win their third consecutive state championship.

Sophomore midfielder Grayson Crowe scored four goals to lead Mountain Brook. Sophomore attacker Meghan Donahue had two, and sophomore midfielder Olivia Heaps and sophomore attacker Ruthie Armstrong had one each.

The Spartans’ defense, led by sophomore Ashby Russell, held the Rebels to zero goals in the final 17 minutes of the game.

“Our defense was rock solid,” Lewis said. “Our defensive coach Sharon Acoff does a really good job with them.

“Ashby is really good. She sees things before they happen or when they are about to happen, and that helps us.”

Crowe, Armstrong, Heaps, Russell and goalie Addison Hardy were all named first-team All-State. Donahue was named second team.

Vestavia landed midfielder Alex Rountree on first team and attacker Georgia Rafferty on second team.

The Spartans finished league play 15-0 and were 4-4 against some strong out-of-state teams.

“We only have two seniors graduating and two juniors, and the rest are rising juniors or rising sophomores,” Lewis said. “I’m looking forward to the next couple of years.”

The Spartans finished league play 15-0 and were 4-4 against some strong out-of-state teams.

Vestavia Hills finished unbeaten with an 18-0 record, including a 13-10 victory against Mountain Brook during the regular season.

REBELS

From page 28

since October to have a Jacksonville State pitcher and a Jacksonville State catcher recording the last out of the state championship at Jacksonville State. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

Vermillion was masterful in Game 3, firing a one hitter, striking out six and walking two. The only hit he allowed was a one-out single to Central’s Preston Bedford in the second inning. Bedford stole second and eventually scored the Red Devils only run when Vermillion walked Carson Gilley with the bases loaded to give Central a 1-0 lead.”

After that, Vermillion allowed only three more baserunners. He was named the MVP.

“My whole mentally was to stay calm, have fun and try not to think about anything but one pitch at a time, one batter at a time and one inning at time,” Vermillion said.

Vermillion also pitched the Game 3 clincher in the semifinal series against Thompson and earned a save in Game 2 against the Warriors.

“During the offseason we challenged him to be tougher, to be a competitor, to be a dog,” Vestavia Hills coach Jamie Harris said. “He answered the challenge. He whipped people with his fastball.

“I can’t say enough about how well he pitched. To throw a one-hitter in the state championship game, that’s legendary.”

Winning Series

Vestavia Hills (34-11) went ahead 2-1 with two runs in the bottom of the second. William Tonsmeire and Will Cox both singled and Grant Downey smacked an RBI single. Cox scored the second run on a Central error.

The Rebels added another run in the fourth when Downey, the Rebels’ No. 9 hitter, delivered another RBI hit.

Vestavia Hills scored its final run in the sixth when Auburn signee Chris Johnston doubled and scored on a single by Samford signee Jackson Harris.

The teams split the first two games of the series by identical 5-4 scores. The Rebels won Game 1 on May 17 when Mason Perrigo was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the seventh of a 4-4 ballgame and scored the winning run on Luke Swanzy’s double.

VESTAVIA

From page 28

Opelika.

Vestavia Hills followed their firstround 295 team score with a round of 299 to finish at 594 – 18 strokes above par for the 36-hole tournament. Auburn shot 298-297 for a score of 595. Enterprise (302-298–600) was third and Spain Park (304-297–601) fourth.

The state title was the fifth in Vestavia Hills’ school history

In Game 2, on May 18, the Rebels rallied from a 4-0 deficit in the top of the seventh to tie the score 4-4, but Central’s Hunter Wimpert’s two-out single in the bottom of the inning drove in Chris Kelly with the winning run.

The second game was delayed by weather for three hours, and Game 3 didn’t begin until just after 10 p.m. It didn’t end until after midnight.

Central (34-11) was the defending Class 7A champion.

“The series was everything I thought it’d be,” coach Harris said. “I knew it would be a dogfight against a good team with college players all over the field, and we had to play good defense, pitch tough and have different guys come through on offense as we had all season.

“We didn’t lose two in a row all season. We had a lot of kids who were mentally tough.”

Vermillion had no doubts the Rebels would take the crown.

“We knew this team was special and we knew we could do it,’’ he said.

Number 10

The state title was the Rebels’ 10th in school history. They won nine Class 6A state titles in a 10-year period from 1991-2000 under legendary coach Sammy Dunn. Jamie Harris, who graduated in 1996, played for Dunn as did assistant coaches Wes Kelley and Ryan Halla.

“It’s tough for me to put it into words what this means,” coach Harris said. “It’s an honor and privilege to be the first former player to be head coach at Vestavia with four or five guys on the staff who also played at Vestavia. It’s not a job for us but a passion.

“We love the Vestavia program and to see it get back to the place I think it belongs is special and the fact that my son Jackson was on the team just makes it that much more special.”

“It was really close,” Meadows said. “We have good kids who are great players and they did what they had to do to win.”

Junior Pierce Becker and senior Ward Harris finished in the top 10 among the individuals. Becker shot 71-74 for a 145 to finish tied for sixth and Harris shot 74-74 for a 148 to finish tied for ninth.

Spain Park sophomore Chase Kyes shot a two-day 9-under par 135 to claim low medalist honors. Jack Mitchell of James Clemens was sec-

‘Competitive Drive’

Spain Park’s Kyes Captures Class 7A Golf Title With Dogged Determination

By RuBin E. GRant

Chase Kyes had designs on winning an individual state golf title in each of his four years at Spain Park High School.

“I thought it would be cool,” Kyes said.

But Kyes’ hopes were dashed in 2022 during his freshman year when he finished second in the Class 7A field, three strokes behind Jack Mitchell of James Clemens.

The two dueled again two weeks ago at the 74th AHSAA State Golf Championships at the RTJ Grand National Golf Course in Opelika.

This time, Kyes came out on top. The Spain Park sophomore trailed Mitchell by a stroke after the first day of the tournament, but he followed up his first day 3-under-par 69 with a blistering 6-under 66 to capture the low medalist honors in Class 7A.

Kyes’ two-day 9-under par 135 was the best of all six divisions in the state tournament. Mitchell carded a 71 on the second day to finish with a five-under 139, four shots behind Kyes.

“Last year I lost, and I couldn’t let that happen again,” Kyes said.

Kyes figured the best way to win was to stick to his game plan.

“It was really all about putting the ball in the right spot and not actually letting the ball just fly,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of marsh and bunkers on the course, so it was important to land the ball in the fairway and then attack the pin to give myself the best shot.”

Kyes has been playing for the Jaguars since he was in the seventh grade. He won the first high school tournament he ever played in that year, beating older players, a few who wound up at Alabama and Auburn.

“He’s been our No. 1 since then,” Spain Park golf coach Keat Litton said. “He’s obviously very talented. He hits every shot and he has a very good short game.

“He’s always working on his game. He’s a competitor. Every time he goes out on the course, he expects to win.”

Finding His Love of Golf

Kyes began playing golf when he was 11. He initially was a baseball player, following in the

ond, four shots back at 139. Auburn’s Will Stelt had back-to-back rounds of 71 to finish third with a 2-under 142. Rounding out the Rebels’ group were senior Parker Moellinger (73-77150) tied for 11th, senior Jay Clemmer (77-74-151) tied for 13th and senior Andrew Szymeia (80-79-159) in 22nd place.

The Rebels’ strategy was simply one shot at time.

“The RTJ Grand is such a difficult golf course,” Moellinger said. “You have to stay patient and make a bunch

footsteps of his dad, Ryan Kyes, a 2001 baseball All-American at Ohio University.

“I enjoyed baseball,” Chase Kyes said, “but I got burned out because I was playing it so much. I started playing golf just for fun and then fell in love with it. I like that it’s one-on-one with me versus you instead of a team aspect, and it’s win or lose. You’re also playing against the course and you’re playing against yourself, trying to do better than you did your last time out there.”

His family lives near Greystone Golf and Country Club, so Kyes works tirelessly on his game.

He credits Chip Thomas, his coach at Blackburn Golf Academy at Greystone, for helping him develop his game. “Chip’s a great coach,” Kyes said.

Kyes was listed as the 78th-best golfer in the Rolex American Junior Golf Association Rankings. This summer he plans to compete in a number of tournaments while attempting to qualify for the U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championship and U.S. Amateur Championship. He said he wants to win the USJAGC so his name can be up there with the likes of Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth.

“I try to model my game after Tiger, just because of his competitiveness,” Kyes said. “I don’t think that there’s a lot of people that have the competitive drive that I have.”

of pars. You can’t get ahead of yourself and you have to take it one shot at time.

“Our game plan was to lay up off the tee and hit fairway and go from fairway to green.”

Experience also was a factor since all five Vestavia Hills golfers were part of the past two state championship teams.

“Going in, I felt like we had a good shot to win with all five players back,” Meadows said. “I didn’t think we could just show up and win, but it was

going to be a tough road. I thought if we managed the course and played the best we could, we could do it. The guys did a great job of managing the course and executing the game plan.”

Moellinger and Harris will play golf in college, with Moellinger headed to Richmond and Harris to Chattanooga.

They will have a three-peat to look back on.

“To keep the same starting five and go out with three state championships in a row is super cool,” Moellinger said.

Spain Park’s Chase Kyes’ two-day 9-under par 135 was the best of all six divisions in the state tournament. Kyes’, left, credits Chip Thomas, right, his coach at Blackburn Golf Academy at Greystone, for helping him develop his game.

Ryan Vermillion had envisioned the moment for months: him on the mound, Hudson Walburn behind the plate and a strikeout of the final batter on their future home field to end Vestavia Hills’ 23-year state baseball championship drought. That’s exactly how it unfolded.

Courtesy

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Spain Park’s Kyes captures Class 7A Golf Title with dogged determination

Page 27

SPORTS

Thursday, June 1, 2023 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Back on Top

Rebels dethrone Spartans to win State Lacrosse Championship; Mountain Brook Girls

3-Peat Page 26

At 12:21 a.m. May 19 Vestavia Hills defeated the Central-Phenix City 4-1 in the deciding third game of the AHSAA Class 7A championship series at Jacksonville State University’s Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium.

By RuBin E. GRant

Ryan Vermillion had envisioned the moment for months: him on the

mound, Hudson Walburn behind the plate and a strikeout of the final batter on their future home field to end Vestavia

Members of the Vestavia Hills boys golf team, Parker Moellinger, Wade Harris, assistant coach Todd Evans, head coach Stephanie Meadows, Jay Clemmer, Pierce Becker and Andrew Szymela.

Hills’ 23-year state baseball championship drought.

That’s exactly how it unfolded.

Vermillion struck out Central-Phenix City’s Emory Yohn on his 119th pitch at 12:21 a.m. May 19 as the Rebels defeated the Red Devils 4-1 in the deciding third game of the AHSAA

Class 7A championship series at Jacksonville State University’s Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium.

Both Vermillion, a senior right-hander, and Hudson, a senior catcher, are headed to Jacksonville State to play college baseball.

Hudson raced out to the mound after the

strikeout and Vermillion jumped into his arms in a jubilant celebration of Vestavia Hills’ first title since 2000.

“I threw my last pitch and the umpire called strike three,” Vermillion said. “It was a huge relief and then the hugs. It had been my dream See REBELS, page 27

‘Super Cool’

Experienced Rebels Capture Third Consecutive Boys Golf Title

By RuBin E. GRant

Vestavia Hills golf coach

Stephanie Meadows struggled to find the right words to describe the Rebels’ third consecutive Class 7A AHSAA boys state championship.

“The first one was really awesome and the second one was too. The three-peat is surreal,” Meadows said.

“It’s super exciting to bring home the blue map (championship trophy) again.”

The Rebels earned their three-peat by the narrowest of margins, finishing one stroke ahead of Auburn at the 74th AHSAA State Golf Championships May 15-16 at the RTJ Grand National Golf Course in

See VESTAVIA, page 27