OTMJ 12.15.22

OTMJ

OTMJ

ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 8 LIFE 10 SOCIAL 14

HOLIDAY CARDS 26 SENIORS 35 SCHOOLS 40 SPORTS 44

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 December 15, 2022

Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald

Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writer: Anne Ruisi

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

Murphy’s Law

Vol. 33, No. 10

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.

A Christmas Snuggle

Agroup of sloths is called a snuggle. Did you know that? I didn’t.

I’m sure the animals themselves don’t worry about such labels. They don’t look around and count to see if they’ve reached an official snuggle quorum. I’m not sure why we worry about the names either, but somebody somewhere went to the trouble to come up with one for a lot of these gatherings. A prickle of porcupines? A smack of jellyfish? A knot of toads? The guy must have had a ball.

Few of us will ever come upon a prickle of porcupines, but we might land smack dab in the middle of a holiday gathering of people who can sling barbs with the best of them.

There will be Uncle Jim, who knows everything (just ask him), refuses to relinquish the only recliner and insists on holding forth like a parliament of owls. (And just for the record, “Who cares?” would not be a kind response.) Everyone knows that Aunt Ida and Aunt Grace have been circling each other for years and will seize this opportunity to not-so-subtly say things like the ham looks a bit skimpy for the number of people gathered, or the mashed potatoes might have been creamier if someone had used whole milk, and if you had let her host like she wanted, at least all of the dinner plates would have matched.

Admittedly, it’s a lot, and you may grow weary of running interference. That’s fair, but being the designated family peacemaker, you need to at least try. If you start to falter, let your sister tag in for a while and take a few moments to step outside. I don’t care if it’s below freezing. Breathe in the crisp night air, look up at the stars, and remind yourself why you’re there in the first

Over the Mountain Views

place. You love these people. They love you. They’re not really a murder of crows or a quiver of cobras … very often. They’re just family, and whether you feel like it right now or not, you’re blessed to have them in your life. People are complicated creatures. They’ve come to this place carrying their successes and failures, their gifts and their wounds. They’ve held on through an entire year of unseen chaos and struggle and doubt in order to make it to this place in this moment. Why? To celebrate a love that transcends all that noise and disappointment, a moment in a faraway time that changed every moment going forward. They might not think about it during the family throw-down Scrabble game, but it’s the truth.

So, take one more deep breath, turn around and go back inside. Listen to Uncle Jim’s stories. Throw in a “No kidding!” every once in a while to show you’re paying attention. Compliment the cook. All of them. Say you really shouldn’t, but you’re just going to have to have a small slice of everything. It will make them smile. And while you’re at it, you should smile, too, and laugh every time you get the chance. Laughter is good for what ails everyone.

After dinner, well fed and well loved, you might gather around Uncle Jim in the living room to form a bloat like the hippos. That’s OK. You can deal with the fallout in your New Year’s resolutions.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I do. With good food and good company and good memories made. And while a snuggle of sloths sounds wonderful, I hope your holiday is as much fun as a barrel full of monkeys.

Sue Murphy

They’re not really a murder of crows or a quiver of cobras … very often. They’re just family ... you’re blessed to have them in your life.

HOLIDAY PARADES

Mountain Brook and Homewood celebrate the season with annual parades PAGES 12-13

THE LAST LEG

Charities brace as the Mercedes Marathon prepares for its final run PAGE 10

SPARTANS LEAD THE WAY

The 2022 OTMJ All-Over the Mountain High School Football Team PAGE 44

WORKING LATE Singing Santa brings 40 years of joy to children PAGE 35

The Shops of Canterbury Road

Hospitality and unique gifts found in the local shops of Canterbury Road in Mountain Brook Village

Antique English Boxesvarious styles and sizes to choose from. Antiquities, 205-870-1030.

Stackable diamond bangles designed by Mother Daughter Designers! Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers, 205-982-4888.

Exploring these unique shops along Canterbury Road, conveniently located in the heart of Mountain Brook Village, is a great way to spend the day holiday shopping for everyone on your list!

The Classic Set includes 18” Classic Pearl Necklace & Pearl Drop Earrings, $208. ExVoto, 205-538-7301

Kelim trucker hats, no two are alike! $54 each Paige Albright Orientals, 205-877-3232.

Sparking Everyone’s Fire. Artful Living and Home Decor. Patina, 205-802-9805.

Christine’s on Canterbury, 205-871-8297

Ten inch glass tree with gold glittered ornaments. Luxurious bath bombs dissolve in a warm bath and treasures are revealed!

Marguerite’s Conceits, 205-879-2730.

Keep toes cozy with Barefoot Dreams supremely soft socks, crafted from heathered Cozy Chic fabric. The Village Poodle, 205-423-5443.

PREMIUM ALABAMA

PREMIUM ALABAMA

KILN-DRIED

KILN-DRIED FIREWOOD LIGHTS EASILY (205) 825-FIRE CAMPFIREWOODFUEL.COM

Another Wacky Tacky Christmas

LESS SMOKE

NO BUGS, MOLD, OR MUSHROOMS LESS SMOKE

NO BUGS, MOLD, OR MUSHROOMS LESS SMOKE

PREMIUM ALABAMA KILN-DRIED FIREWOOD LIGHTS EASILY (205) 825-FIRE CAMPFIREWOODFUEL.COM

Load Into Buses and Tour the Town’s Themed, Outrageous Light Displays

Some of the wackiest, tackiest Christmas lights in town will shine in all their electric glory during the Wacky Tacky Christmas Lights Tour fundraiser for Fresh Air Family this month.

The two-hour bus tours on Dec. 13, 15, 20 and 22 take riders on a guided excursion of the best of the area’s tackiest themed holiday displays – think Santa’s Trailer Park, Dueling Neighbors, Star Wars Christmas, Hanukkah House, the Auburn House and two new houses, Saddle Up Santa and Xmas on a Limb. There will be about a dozen large displays and several smaller ones on view.

“The magic of it is you sit on the bus and we drive,” said Verna Gates, Fresh Air Family’s founder and executive director, noting that families,

sororities and Sunday school groups are among those who’ve taken the tour.

The tour, now in its 13th year, is festive, with a lot of laughs, and riders really get into the spirit of the occasion by wearing their tackiest holiday sweaters and outfits. It’s a large event, with nine buses running on tour nights and about 1,500 people expected to participate over the four evenings, Gates said.

The buses will make a stop at Soho Social in Homewood about halfway through the tour, where riders can take a short break and order hot cocoa and other drinks, Gates said.

Buses, provided by Rare Transportation, will run every 15 minutes from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., starting at Cahaba Brewing Company.

Tickets are $45 each and are available online at freshairfamily.org/ wacky-tacky. Buses are available for private group tours.

Fresh Air Family is a nonprofit that offers about 400 outdoor activities to reach more than 10,000 people. Among the programs are family outings, summer and holiday camps, school field trips, hiking, canoeing, birding, star gazing, fossil hunting and orienteering.

Last year’s event raised close to $25,000 in financial aid awarded to more than 150 children who attended camp. In the past three years, Fresh Air Family has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate.

—Anne Ruisi

DEC 15 - DEC 31

Thru. Jan. 16

Birmingham Zoo Glow Wild Watch the Zoo come alive with all new larger-than-life, jaw-dropping wild animal and sea life lantern creations brilliantly lighting up the night! When: Select nights, 5 - 9 p.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo

Thru Dec. 18

Red Mountain Theatre Holiday Spectacular

Cozy up to RMT’s annual Holiday Spectacular – a gift of your favorite music of the season, performed by Birmingham’s best talent and RMT’s Youth Ensembles. It will leave your heart glowing and set the stage for a magical holiday season. When: Showtimes vary

Fri., Dec. 16

UGLY SWEATER HOLIDAY PARTY

Celebrate Ugly Holiday Sweater Day at the Hoover Public Library at an adults-only party. When: 7 p.m. Where: Hoover Library Plaza Wing.

Thru Dec., 19

Alabama Theatre

Christmas Movie Series

Alabama Theatre’s Christmas Movie Series continues with night time and matinee showings of Holiday classics including: “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “A Christmas Story”, a Cartoon feature that will include “Merry Christmas Charlie Brown”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, “White Christmas”, I”t’s a Wonderful Life”, and “Elf”. Children ages two and younger are free of charge. Doors open 1 hour before showtime, and each screening will begin with a singalong accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Where: The Alabama Theatre When: Showtimes vary, check website for details.

Courtesy

It’s gonna be LIT.

Experience the breathtaking animal lantern creations of Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo November 16 –January 16. Every ticket purchased goes directly to supporting the Zoo and the animals so get yours today at birminghamzoo.com.

Presented by

It’s

Dec. 15 - 31

A Wonderful Wonderful Life

Be a member of the studio audience as this Ravenswood Radio Theatre

Production takes you back in time to the 1946 radio broadcast of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with a stellar cast of six, an original musical underscore and live foley sound effects that bring the entire town of Bedford Falls to life. When: Showtimes vary Where: Homewood Theatre

Dec. 16 & 17

care to the state’s injured and orphaned native birds and to raise awareness and appreciation of the state’s native wildlife. When: 9 a.m.2 p.m. Where: Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham

Handel’s Messiah

“The

Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”

Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”. When: Fri., Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 17, 11 a.m.

Where: Birmingham Children’s Theatre

Dec. 16 - 23

Vulcan Park Magical Nights Holiday Experience

Vulcan Park and Museum has been transformed into a delightful wonderland filled with holiday lights, holiday music, special guest appearances, and Santa. The Anvil and Museum will have extended hours until 8 p.m. There will also be food, hot chocolate, wine and beer available for additional purchase. When: 6-8 p.m. Where: Vulcan Park and Museum

MAGIC OF MODEL TRAINS | THROUGH DEC. 31

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra Masterworks series continues with the orchestra’s most beloved holiday tradition. For the first time in several seasons, the production will include almost every movement of the original work. The performance will feature conductor Jason Max Ferdinand, soprano Helen Huang, mezzo-soprano Ann McMahon Quintero, tenor David Tayloe, bassbaritone Frank B. Mitchell, III and the orchestra chorus under the direction of Dr. Philip L. Copeland. When: 7 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall

Dec. 17-18

Photos with Santa

Dec. 16-18, 21-23

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

The Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world licensed by The Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday masterpiece. Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and young at heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. When: showtimes vary Where: BJCC Concert Hall

Sat., Dec. 17

Pure Fitness - Reindeer Dash Ready, Set, Dash! Pure Fitness’s 6th

Annual 5k and 1 mile fun run. Dress up as your favorite holiday character for a morning of family fun. When: 7:30-10 a.m. Where: Pure Fitness 1425 Montgomery Highway

Meadow Brook Run

The 28th anniversary of “Birmingham’s most beautiful course”. Christmas holiday T-shirts, gift bags, awards, and great food. Prizes for overall winners. Love Birds release. Benefits “The Jesus Video Project of Alabama” When: 9 a.m. Where: Valley Bank, Hwy 280

Alabama Wildlife Center

Holiday Craft & Bake Sale

This fundraiser craft and bake sale will benefit the center’s dual mission to provide medical and rehabilitative

Santa returns for your family photos at Sims Garden in Homewood. Includes 10 minutes with Santa, refreshments and a gift. For more details or to make appointment email to sims-garden.square.site When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Where: Sims Garden

Sun., Dec. 18

Sounds of the Season

Celebrate the holidays with Opera Birmingham’s annual concert of holiday songs, featuring both sacred and secular tunes. Featured performers include Birmingham natives Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk, soprano, and Emily Jaworski Koriath, mezzo-soprano, joined by artists of the Opera Birmingham Studio at Samford University and the Opera Birmingham Chamber Choir. When: 2:30 p.m. Where: Brock Recital Hall, Samford University

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

GRAND MENORAH LIGHTING | SUN., DEC. 18

The Festival of Lights begins this day and the Summit is celebrating with a Grand Menorah Lighting. Music, latkes and donuts, juggler, snow, baloon twister and more. This event is a collaborative project of the LJCC, Chabad of Alabama, the Birmingham Jewish Foundation - Karl and Gladys LJCC Fund, and the Birmingham Jewish Federation. When: 4:30 p.m. Where: Saks Plaza, the Summit.

Levi and Mushka Weinbaum with their children, from left, Shaena, Mimi, Menny, Zira and Tzvika at last year’s Grand Menorah Lighting.

Tues., Dec. 20

Menorah Lighting

Enjoy refreshments and activities at the Vestavia Hills Menorah Lighting!

When: 6:00 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills City Center

Wed., Dec 21

Samford String Quartet

Celebrate the season with a holiday concert with the Samford University String Quartet. Light refreshments. When: 11 a.m. Where: O’Neal Library

Sun., Dec. 25

Merry Christmas!

Sat., Dec. 31

Noon Years Eve

What: Enjoy spectacular science demonstrations all day long, but be ready to celebrate with the McWane team from 11:30 to noon for an explosive program filled with science, learning, and a lot of fun. When: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Where: McWane Science Center Website: mcwane.org

Alys Stephen’s Center New Year’s Eve: A Viennese Celebration Toast the end of 2022 with a nod to the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Day performances and a glass of bubbly. Maestro Carlos Izcaray will take the podium to lead the ASO in a selection of Strauss family favorites and more. When: 6 p.m. Where: Jemison Concert Hall

NYE at the BMA

An evening of the unimaginable. Reflect on the year while immersing yourself in the culture, excitement, and surprises that accompany a never-before-seen countdown to a new year. When: 8 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Where: Birmingham Museum of Art

Sun., Jan. 1

Happy New Year!

Come see us in Lane Parke!

TREADWELL BARBER SHOP

has temporarily relocated across the parking lot to:

330 Rele Street, Lane Parke, Mountain Brook 205-870-9210

Tues. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Sat., 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

By RuBin E. GRant

J Whitson was not looking to do a documentary about civil rights leader and minister the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth when he shot an interview of him in 2007.

The interview was going to be part of a documentary about sculptor Tina Allen, who created the bust of Frederick Douglass on display at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

The documentary about Allen didn’t come to fruition, so the threehour interview with Shuttlesworth was never used.

A few years ago, Whitson decided to unearth the interview and use it as part of a full-length documentary about Shuttlesworth, who was a graduate of Rosedale High School and died in 2011 at the age of 89.

Whitson, a documentary production specialist for Alabama Public Television, enlisted his brother, Matt Whitson, a video editor and audio engineer for APT, to help with the project.

The brothers are graduates of Homewood High School, with J Whitson the older of the two by 2½ years, attending Montevallo and Matt attending UAB after high school. They have been working at APT since 2004.

“We’re kind of responsible for each other being at APT,” Matt Whitson said. “I had been working freelance at APT as an audio guy and postproduction assistant. They were looking for an associate producer and I knew J knew what he was doing and was a smart guy, so I suggested him. They had a couple of candidates for the job and ended up hiring J. I told him if something else opened up, to get me in.”

J Whitson went to work for APT in May 2004 and in the fall of that year, Matt joined him there.

A First

“Shuttlesworth” is the first featurelength documentary J Whitson has produced, a job that took three years.

Collaborators

Shuttlesworth Documentary a Major Production for Brothers From Homewood

For the Shuttlesworth documentary, which includes never-before-seen footage of the civil rights pioneer, J Whitson brought in T. Marie King. She is a community organizer and activist who travels to cities across the nation, leading social justice and equity projects in a number of sectors including the arts.

In Birmingham, her film work includes designing the short film and Black Lens programs for the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. This year, King also curated the nonprofit’s inaugural Black Lens Film week, a series of films produced and directed by Black filmmakers.

“T. Marie knows anybody and everybody in Birmingham, so many of the major players in the city,” J Whitson said. “She knows my wife. She helped shape the story and coordinated a lot of the interviews.”

King was overjoyed to be a part of the documentary.

APT will host a premiere screening of “Shuttlesworth” Dec. 15 at the recently renovated Carver Theatre in Birmingham. Attendance is free for the event, which includes a reception at 6 p.m.

The film screening will start at 7 p.m., followed by a question-andanswer session with J Whitson and co-producer T. Marie King as well as honored guests. APT will air the hourlong documentary Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.

“Rev. Shuttlesworth is known in Birmingham, but what has been forgotten or perhaps even never known is he was one of the most heroic figures in the history of Birmingham,” J Whitson said. “He stood up to iconic villain Bull Connor (Birmingham Commissioner of Public Safety), making Birmingham the turning point in the Civil Rights Movement and energizing it.”

Shuttlesworth also was co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and instrumental in the 1963 Birmingham Campaign.

“Rev. Shuttlesworth sometimes gets overshadowed by Martin Luther

Breast Cancer Group Funding $1.27 Million in Research Grants

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has announced grants totaling $1,275,000 to fund Alabama-based breast cancer research in 2022.

Grants will fund 24 research projects at seven institutions across the state: the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, CerFlux in Birmingham, the Mitchell Cancer Institute at the University of South Alabama, Tuskegee University, the University of Alabama and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville.

This year’s grant awards, announced Dec. 2, increase the BCRFA’s lifetime investment total to nearly $14 million since its founding in 1996. All funds raised stay in Alabama.

“With this year’s historic investment in research, the BCRFA is proud to continue our legacy of driving breast cancer breakthroughs across Alabama,” said Beth Davis, the foundation’s president and CEO. “From advances in early detection to treatment options, BCRFA-funded research is giving hope to the countless individuals touched by breast cancer – and ultimately saving lives.”

King Jr., but his story is an inspiring story, a Birmingham story, a national story and a worldwide story,” J Whitson said.

Working Together

“Shuttlesworth” isn’t the first time the Whitson brothers have joined forces on an APT project.

They co-created the series “We Have Signal,” a statewide concert program that was filmed at Bottletree Café from 2008 to 2015, and “Subcarrier,” a live music program filmed in Avondale at Saturn Birmingham. They also were credited on the APT original program “Quilts of Gee’s Bend.”

In 2009, “We Have Signal” won a regional Emmy award for “Outstanding Achievement in Audio, Recorded in Live- and Postproduction” and three Telly Awards in the entertainment, sound/ sound design and videography/cinematography categories.

“We’ve been working together for 18 years,” J Whitson said. “It’s got it ups and downs. On the one hand, it’s

good because you get to work with your brother and your best friend, and you have some of the same interests. But at the same time, it can be difficult because it’s family and there can be disagreements, and you have to agree to disagree.”

Matt Whitson, who plays bass guitar, also works on making arts-related documentaries, a music series and other projects for APT education department. He is one of the filmmakers of the 2022 PBS Short Film Festival’s Celestia Morgan, which features Birmingham-based conceptual photographer Celestia Morgan using images to exercise and amplify her voice.

“Shuttlesworth” has taken their collaboration to another level.

“It’s been interesting,” Matt Whitson said. “It’s the biggest project we’ve worked on together. It’s gotten a little dicey at times because we’ve had some impasses in making decisions and we’ve had to learn conflict resolution. But it’s been really rewarding, working through them together.”

“It’s an opportunity to highlight somebody who was so overlooked but made major contributions, being a civil rights activist in Birmingham,” King said. “Whose story is better to tell? It’s a reminder to some of what one person, taking on a role, can do to make a difference.”

“Shuttlesworth” features interviews with a wide range of authors, experts and community and political leaders, including former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington Jr., Dr. Martha Bouyer, former U.S. District Court Judge U.W. Clemon, Dr. Robert Corley, Dr. Andrew M. Manis, Diane McWhorter, Janice Kelsey, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Bishop Calvin Woods, and Odessa Woolfolk, emeritus director of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

“It’s been really intense working on it and kind of nerve-wracking,” Matt Whitson said. “It might be the most important story in Birmingham, so you (have) to show how important it is. It’s been a pleasure and honor working on it, but a big responsibility.”

multimillion-dollar national grants from the National Institute of Health and others.

“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has made remarkable investments in cancer research in our state, in particular by funding investigators and projects with significant potential to improve cancer outcomes,” said Dr. Barry P. Sleckman, director of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. “The BCRFA has been an incredible partner, and we are grateful for their support.”

tional data needed to attract major national funding. Many BCRFAfunded projects have later received

The foundation’s funding is made possible with support from corporate and community partners; local, state and federal funders; event patrons; individual donors; and sales of the Breast Cancer Research specialty license plate.

Courtesy

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

The brothers are graduates of Homewood High School, with J Whitson, right, the older of the two by 2½ years, attending Montevallo and Matt, left, attending UAB after high school. They have been working at APT since 2004.

BCRFA dollars function as seed funding for early-stage studies, allowing researchers to generate the addi-

Laura Hinton, BCRFA board chair and Beth Davis, BCRFA president and CEO with a large check to fund Alabama-based breast cancer research in 2022.

RECOGNIZED AS LEADERS, INNOVATORS, AND THE NO. 5 OB/GYN PROGRAM IN THE COUNTRY

U.S. News & World Report recently ranked UAB Medicine’s Obstetrics and Gynecology program No. 5 in the country, due to our number of complex cases, survival rates, overall patient experience, and advanced technology. We are at the forefront of women’s care, offering full comprehensive services for women at every stage of life. Although we receive the recognition, it’s our patients who reap the rewards.

The Last Leg

Charities Brace as the Mercedes Marathon Prepares for Its Final Run

By Anne Ruisi

The head of The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, the nonprofit children’s organization that is the primary beneficiary of the Mercedes-Benz Marathon, said that, while the organization will miss the annual event after its last run in February, her group has lined up events and other ways to raise financial support.

“It’s a loss but we will be fine,” said Jeannie Colquett, The Bell Center’s executive director. “We’re very sad to see the Mercedes Marathon events ending, but we do have a lot of events” during the year to support the organization.

The marathon event raised $175,000 in 2022 and more than $3 million in its history for The Bell Center, according to an event press release.

While The Bell Center has been the main charity beneficiary of the marathon, it’s not the only one. Individuals and nonprofits also register and use their participation in the marathon to raise money for their charity interests, event founder Valerie Cuddy said.

The Mercedes Marathon began in 2001 as a vehicle to raise money for charity. Over the years, the races have attracted more than 200,000 runners, have helped local charities raise in excess of $5 million and have provided more than $60 million in direct economic impact for the Greater Birmingham region, according to the press release.

The marathon has been a Boston Marathon qualifying race and one of few qualifying marathons in the Southeast, making it a major event on the regional running calendar. It also previously hosted U.S. Olympic Men’s Marathon Trials.

But event production costs have increased, and financial and other

resource support have declined, leading Birmingham Marathon Inc. officials to make the decision to close the marathon after the 2023 run. Now they are considering new events and avenues to support local beneficiaries.

“I’m sad about, it but it’s one of those things. It’s time to move on,”

Cuddy said. “It’s been a great event for the city, for the runners.”

Cuddy said she’s grateful for all the support the marathon has received over the years.

“With this being the finale of the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend of Events, we want to say

how tremendously thankful we are of all the support we have received from Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, the community and countless sponsors throughout our more than two decades in existence,” Cuddy said.

The Last of the Marathons

The last Mercedes-Benz Marathon in Birmingham will be run Feb. 10-12. Events will include the marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, kids marathon, Superhero 5K and The Bell Center Children’s Run. Each race begins and ends at Linn Park in downtown Birmingham.

Then there is The Bell Center Children’s Run, a special event that will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 11. The center’s children participate in the last 50 feet of the race route and cross the official finish line, Colquett said. Some will run, some will walk, others will be in strollers pushed by a parent.

The race’s BellRunner program is designed to motivate and support par-

ticipants who agree to raise $100 per mile for The Bell Center when they run any of the adult races, Colquett said. The program pairs a participant with a child who is receiving lifechanging early intervention therapies at The Bell Center, and the runner/ walker will train and raise funds in the name of that child.

“It’s a fun way to participate in the last Mercedes Marathon,” Colquett said, adding that each BellRunner will get to wear a photo of The Bell Center child.

The Bell Center, which was founded in 1984, offers programs for children from birth to age 3 who are diagnosed with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, brain injuries, blindness or more than 100 other genetic diagnoses or delays.

Colquett said that, over the years, the organization has developed other events and ways to fund its early intervention services. These include seasonal events such as the Tailgate Challenge in August, and cornhole and golf tournaments and a gala in the spring.

For more information about the marathon, visit mercedesmarathon. com.

Vestavia Hills Civic Center Opens With Fitness Center, Meeting Areas

By Anne Ruisi

The long-anticipated Vestavia Hills Civic Center is open and welcoming residents and others who want to use the facilities.

The 100,000-square-foot building is separated into two sections, said Sandi Wilson, a program superintendent with the city of Vestavia Hills, with one side dedicated to the gymnasium and fitness center and offices, and the other set aside for meeting rooms and offices for the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce.

In the center is “hangout space,” with a seating area in an atrium-like setting and stairs that lead to the second floor. Recreational and fitness features at the

civic center include:

• A gymnasium with two full-size courts striped for basketball, volleyball and pickleball

• A three-lane walking track that is 1/10 of a mile around

• Workout equipment in a fitness area featuring weight training machines, and fitness and cardio equipment

• Multipurpose spaces for dance, exercise and fitness classes

Memberships are on sale now for individuals, families and adults over 55 who want to use the fitness facilities.

Costs vary, with individual memberships

for the civic center at $15 a month or $135 annually; add an aquatic complex membership and the total is $210 a year.

Family memberships are $35 a month, $300 annually and $500 a year for the aquatic complex/civic center combo. For adults 55 and older, the cost is $10 a month, $100 a year and $125 for the combo.

Track passes are $25 a year and $12 annually for adults 55 and older.

You can sign up online at vhrecreation. activityreg.com.

Civic center hours are Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Courtesy

Race events will include the marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, kids marathon, Superhero 5K and The Bell Center Children’s Run.

Mountain Brook Chamber Sets Luncheon, Award Presentations and Celebration of the City

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce will host its annual luncheon Jan. 25 at 11 a.m.

The event will include lunch, networking and a celebration of the city of Mountain Brook. This year, the chamber will honor the Jemison Visionary Award Winner, former City Councilor Alice Womack of Oakworth Bank. The O’Neal Library will present the Tynes Award to the Friends of the Library, and the city will recognize the Co-City Employees of the Year, Janet

Forbes and Heather Richards.

This is the first time there was a tie for the honor, City Manager Sam Gaston said.

This event also celebrates the accomplishments of the chamber during the year, in addition to recognizing outgoing board President Walter Crye.

“The city of Mountain Brook has always had a close relationship and partnership with our Chamber of Commerce,” said City Manager Sam Gaston. “We work closely together to

promote our business community and special events to enhance the quality of life. This has been true since the chamber was formed in 1998 as a result of a strategic planning initiative by the city,”

For more information about the luncheon or to register, visit mtnbrookchamber.org. Additional inquiries can be directed to Emily Jensen, Mountain Brook chamber executive director.

—Anne Ruisi

Focus Birmingham

From left: Mountain Brook Chamber Board President Walter Crye, Jemison Visionary Award Recipient Alice Womack, and Mountain Brook Chamber Executive Director, Emily Jensen.

STRUTTING INTO THE SEASON

Performers March Through Mountain

During Parade

Crowds lined the streets of Mountain Brook Village on Dec. 4 to celebrate the season at the Mountain Brook Holiday Parade. Floats were part of the parade, and performances by Mountain Brook City Schools cheerleaders, dance teams and bands livened the event, with the Jolly Old Elf himself waving to the crowds.

—Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Floats,

Brook

THE STAR’S ALIGHT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Homewood Celebrates With Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting and Star Lighting

In celebration of the season, the 2022 Lighting of the Star and Homewood Christmas Parade, along with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, was held Dec. 6 in downtown Homewood.

Events began with the traditional Homewood Christmas Parade, which started at the Homewood Library and made its way to downtown. At the top of 18th Street, the parade officially began as it paused for the lighting of the historic Homewood Star by

(pictured top left) in celebration of the Pig’s expansion news. The Parade continued to City Hall, where it culminated with the lighting of the Christmas tree. —Journal photos by

Mayor Patrick McClusky with special guest Piggly Wiggly owner Stanley Virciglio

Jordan Wald

SOCIAL

Stars Fell on Alabama

The Debutante Club of Birmingham Presents New Members During Black and White Ball

In the Black and White Ball, set for Dec. 29, the Debutante Club of Birmingham will honor 21 young ladies.

The presentation continues a 93-year tradition, which began in 1929.

This year’s ball will

the theme “Stars Fell on Alabama,” referencing the 1833 meteor event during which it appeared stars were falling across Alabama and inspired the 1934 iconic song. ❖

Grace Shepard Hull, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hewes Turner Hull

Eleanor Lillian Kerr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davidson Kerr

Anna Elizabeth Bromberg Byrne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Russell Byrne

Emma Elizabeth Blakely, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Martin Blakely, Jr.

Melanie McCaa Bradford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wade Bradford

Emilie Anne Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Randolph Brown

Margaret Whitton Bumgarner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen James Bumgarner

Anna Beverley Hoyt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Wills Hoyt

Isabelle Virginia DeBuys, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Forrester DeBuys III

Hannah Grace Doss, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Coates Doss

Laura Lacy Gardner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Terrell Gardner

Elizabeth Halsey Hamilton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Buckner Woodford Hamilton III

Mary Ann Carmichael, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Beatty Payseur Carmichael

Mary Mozelle Davis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Donald Davis

follow

Anna Ingalls Spencer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Morris Spencer

Virginia Tynes Wahlheim, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bernhart Wahlheim, Jr.

Lillian Evelyn Perkins, daughter of Mr. Charles Belgrave Perkins and Ms. Laura Evelyn Beers

Valerie Bennett Lightfoot, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Bricken Lightfoot, Jr.

Caroline Scott Monaghan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Jackson Monaghan, Jr.

Mary Kathryn Rainer, daughter of Mr. James Walton Rainer IV and Ms. Julie Shipp Rainer

Mary Jane Elizabeth Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Andrew Rose

Photos by Dee Moore

Paint the Town Red

Members and guests of Gaieties Dance Club were invited to “Paint the Town Red” at the club’s annual Christmas dance, held Dec. 2 at the Birmingham Country Club.

Dance chairman Leah Hazzard greeted guests with husband Robby and Santa. Seated at tables swathed in red, guests dined on spinach salad with fruit and feta cheese, beef tenderloin, truffle risotto and grilled broccolini, with chocolate lava cake for dessert.

Before opening the dance floor to the sounds of Alan Brooks’ 5 of a Kind Band, club President Jennifer Ard, with husband Jimmy, introduced new members and their escorts: Leslie Matheson with Jack, Jenny Reed with Randy, Ellen Melville with Greg, Robin Reed with Scott, Jane Huston Crommelin with Claiborne, Katherine Cox with Bill, Wesley Lassen with Hal, Tookie Hazelrig with Keith, Martha Haley with Robert and Ginny Farley with Joe.

The crowded dance floor then became a swirl of red with the women dressed in everything from a touch of red to red ball gowns and the men sporting red and candy-striped ties. ❖

Leah Hazzard, John McNeil, Katie Lasker, Beverly McNeil, Pete and Kelley Gage, Santa, Jack and Cathy Echols, Barbara and Richard Thompson

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Santa with Leslie and John Moore

Jennifer Ard and Carolyn Featheringill

Cece Hartley, Sonny and Glynis Jones

Robert and Barbara Klyce and Helen Pittman

JImmy and Jennifer Ard, Leah Hazzard and Jenny and Randy Reed

Leslie and Jack Matheson

Axel and Lori Bolvig Ginny and Joe Farley

The Women’s Committee of 100 held its annual fall meeting and luncheon at the Birmingham Country Club on Oct. 25.

President Amy Scofield welcomed the group, Donna Dukes led the Pledge of Allegiance and

of educators discussed the impact COVID-19 has had on Alabama students.

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Women’s

Marshall, principal of Lipscomb Elementary School; Corinn O’Brien, vice president of policy for A+ Education Partnership and Courtney Nelson of the state Department of Education. ❖

A

WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE’LL SEE YOU AGAIN ON JAN. 12!! OTMJ

The Junior League of Birmingham celebrated its 100th anniversary Dec. 10 at its Centennial Gala at Haven.

A cocktail hour kicked off the glittering black-tie-preferred event, followed by a seated dinner, reception, live music by Brother 2 Brother and dancing.

The Junior League of Birmingham began in 1922 with about 100 members after the merger of two women’s service groups. Today it is one of the city’s premier community service volunteer organizations.

Its approximately 2,000 members are committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Those volunteers collectively donate more than 55,000 hours in direct community service each year. The Junior League’s community impact reaches across projects that include economic security and financial stability, health and wellness, education and culture, and safety and crisis.

Black-Tie Gala

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Bill and Kristin Ritter, Stacey and Patrick Ramsay

Haley Scallions, Meg Lovett and Audrey Panell

Meagan Tally, Tyler Pilz and Cristina Casanova Might

Cameron and Ashley Paisley

Toni Leeth and Amy Jackson

Corey and Martina Winston

Kala and Bart Blakely

Sounds of the Season

ASO Performs Holiday Music During RISE Event

A performance of holiday music

by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 9 capped an evening fundraiser to support the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The event at the new Vestavia Hills Civic Center was hosted by RISE, a semester-long service-learning project sponsored by Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills for students at Vestavia Hills High School and was presented by The Prewitt Group.

Before the performance, the crowd was treated to a silent auction and dessert. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

cookmuseum.org

Mark Patrick, Chris Confessore, Johnny Prewitt, Abby Robischeaux, Mary Hogan Glenn and Lucy Rumbley

Vinnie and Julie Pappalardo and Sherri and Jim Foyt

Cathy and Curt Miller

Ellie and Erica Glenn Grady and Jane Moore

Walter Costilow and Ashley Curry

Sam, Liby and Amy Duffey

Miller Murray, Joe Eschleman and Livi Cate Osborne

Reception for Honorees

The advisory board of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB will host its 38th annual ArtBlink Gala at the Kirklin Clinic, marking the board’s first in-person gala since 2020.

Twenty local artists will create unique pieces in the blink of an eye before the pieces are sold in a silent auction at the event.

ArtBlink will be held Feb. 4 and will celebrate Gray and Lee Thuston, the 2023 Director’s Circle honorees, for their long-standing commitment to the cancer center and Birmingham at large.

Members of the Director’s Circle hosted a reception for the Thuston family on Dec. 1. Remarks were made by center Director Dr. Barry Sleckman, advisory board President Charlie Perry and honoree Lee Thuston.

“Our advisory board and community members provide incredible support for ArtBlink and for cancer research,” Sleckman said. “We are honored to celebrate two of our most committed supporters, Gray and Lee Thuston. We appreciate their years of dedication to making our vision of life without cancer a possibility.”

Lee Thuston is the former chairman and managing partner at Burr & Forman and has been with the law firm for more than 27 years. Friends at Burr & Forman honored the couple this year with a gift to the cancer center and were on hand to celebrate the Thustons at the reception.

The ArtBlink Gala raises funds for the O’Neal Fund for Excellence, which promotes broad areas of basic, translational and population science research relevant to cancer and helps the cancer center further its mission of advancing the understanding of cancer to improve prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship.

For more information, visit artblink.org or contact Mary Jane Gibson at maryjgibson@uabmc.edu. ❖

Rehab Reality...

by Judy Butler

Resolve to Be A Better You

As we move through the holidays we also begin to look toward the New Year and begin to think of how we will make it better than the last one. New Year’s resolutions such as better health, better habits, better relationships with family, work, finances and so on. Without strong determination we fall short within a few weeks. Many of our clients and those from other rehabs start out strong after leaving, but after a few weeks or months they fall back into the old routines. Just a little wine here, a night out with friends, “what’s it going to hurt?”

Many times we’re asked “what is your success rate?” That’s impossible to answer honestly by us or any rehab. One thing that’s true with Bayshore Retreat is the low numbers (only 6 clients at a time) we are more in touch with our previous clients and they are with us. It is because of this that we believe our success rate is higher than most. True we’ve had repeats and those who have returned have been alcohol related, not drugs, which brings the conclusion that with drugs success is very good - alcohol is more difficult.

Those who have returned admitted that they thought they could drink socially. It’s easy to fall back into old habits and hard to maintain a new life. When making New Year’s resolutions, try this. Or make it a New Week’s resolution. Baby steps are easier to make than giant leaps. Have a safe happy holiday and call me if you or someone you love needs help with resolutions for 2023.

ArtBlink Honors Thuston Family During Gala

The Thuston family: Will and Ginger Thuston, Gray and Lee Thuston, and Thames and Robert Schoenvogel

Courtesy UAB

Richard Davis, Helen Crabtree, Mitzi Davis and Scott Williams

Mitzi Davis, Lee and Gray Thuston, Laura McDonald, Jay Ezelle, Charlie and Sheri Perry, Gaines Livingston, Charlie Adams and Tommy Brigham

Ed Christian, Jono Mason, Emily Christian, April Mason, Gray and Lee Thuston, Gary London, Sonja Rieger, Jim Lowery and Denise Lowery

Lee Edwards and Kitty Robinson

Dr. Barry Sleckman and Dana Davis

A rainy evening didn’t deter the huge crowd joining the fun at the Vestavia Hills Tree Lighting Festival on Nov. 29 at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center.

The event, which featured an open house at the new civic center, was done in conjunction with Holliday in the Hills, a series of

events in November and December by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and the city of Vestavia Hills designed to celebrate the holiday season and encourage people to shop in the city.

Treats and holiday music were featured during the event, and those in attendance could have their picture taken with Santa. ❖

Sophie Rose Morros, Elin Mason, Anna Mason, Belle Murphree and Addison Mann

Trey Thomason, Santa and Sullivan Hollinhead

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Brad, Genevieve, Louise and Leann Green

Chloe Campbell, Sloane Smith and Adelyn Pate

Emma DelBalle, Blakely Hosmer and Brooke Hosmer

Kylee, Stephanie and Daniel Poage

Zoey Harris and Callie Wilson

Ho Ho Hoover-Randle

Holiday Party Shows Off Christmas Décor, Brings in Santa

A festive feeling was in the air as the Hoover-Randle Home in Bluff Park held its annual holiday event, Ho Ho Hoover-Randle, on Dec. 4. There were refreshments, performances and tours of the historic home, which was decked out in Christmas décor, including several Christmas trees. Santa Claus held court from his white and red throne and listened as little ones told him their Christmas wishes.

100 YEARS OF Service

Legal Notice

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given Amason & Associates, Inc. Contractor has completed the Construction of Vestavia Hills Community Center, 1090 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 for the City of Vestavia Hills, 1032 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify William Blackstock Architects; 2204 1st Avenue South, Suite 200; Birmingham, AL 35209 Amason & Associates. P. O. Box 1729 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35403

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BIRMINGHAM (JLB) celebrated its Centennial year by honoring its history and forging its future. The JLB started out the year doing what it does best—serving the community. Through 100 Acts of Service, the JLB partnered with local organizations to show its love for Birmingham in honor of the JLB’s 100 years of service. The Junior League’s Centennial gift of $1.25 million was given to One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center toward a permanent home for the organization.

The JLB is committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The JLB’s impact includes more than 2,000 members serving a total of 45,000 volunteer hours each year, equaling labor worth $1.2 million. The JLB is the eighth largest League in the world, and its members come from 30 different municipalities across Jefferson and Shelby counties, and is one of the largest service organizations in Alabama. As the JLB moves into its next century of service, you’ll continue to find them with their sleeves rolled up doing the work and building a better Birmingham.

Karen Dillard, Santa Claus and Michelle Hagler

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Above, Donna and Greg Bishop Left, Anna, Amelia, Andy, Lucy and Violet Jones

Brian and Karen Dillard and Brandi Marcrum

Hoover Belles Kate Ryan Black and Sophia Skellie with Mayor Frank Brocato

Debbie Rutherford, Susette ClarkWalker and Elaine Thompson

Merry Christmas!

For close to 30 years, we’ve enjoyed sharing the art of talented Over the Mountain students in our annual Holiday Cards Issue. The toughest job we have every year is selecting from the hundreds of cards submitted.

All the schools in our area were invited to participate and on the following nine pages more than 200 cards are presented.

We hope you enjoy this year’s collection and from all of us at Over The Mountain Journal, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

HOMEWOOD TOY & HOBBY SALUTES ARTISTIC STUDENTS EVERYWHERE

Making Christmas Magic

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Homewood Schools, EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY: Annabelle Holley, 2nd; Ellie Holm, 4th; SECOND ROW: Nealy Brown, 4th; MJ Knight, Kindergarten; Myla Grant Powers, 5th; Andrew Cox, 5th; THIRD ROW: Bea Minton, 4th; Lida McWilliams, 3rd; Sharmila Ray, 3rd; Claira Williams, 5th; Lelghna Chappelle, 3rd; FOURTH ROW: Will Hardison, 4th; June Humphries, 3rd; Emma Woods, 4th; Norah Dumas, 3rd; Hoover Schools, DEER VALLEY: Aayush Dewani, 5th; FIFTH ROW: Brooklyn Hall, 4th; Alexa Jett, 5th; Presley Brewer, 5th; Avery Nicol, 3rd.

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Hoover Schools, DEER VALLEY: Lucy Davis, 2nd; Sydney Harbin, 5th; Abigail Rosner, 5th; William Azok, 2nd; SECOND ROW: Addie Rive, 3rd; GREEN VALLEY: Aiden Pengel, 3rd; Corinne Turberville, 3rd; Ella Rae Flynt, 4th; Lily Mathew, 4th; THIRD ROW: Isabelle Orton, 5th; Victoria Powell, 2nd; Briza Lopez, 3rd; Scout Graddy, 4th; Denia Martinez, 5th; FOURTH ROW: GWIN: Angelina Nguyen, 4th; Kaylee Liu Berryhill, 5th; Marilyn Gomez, 4th; Marley Goss, 4th; FIFTH ROW: Claire Tate, 3rd; Libby Naile, 5th; Jessie Mills, 4th; Henry Smith, 2nd; Ginger Bischoff, 4th; SIXTH ROW: Luke Wingard, 3rd; Livi Rae Smith, 3rd.

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Hoover Schools, TRACE CROSSINGS: Kendra Steele, 4th; Tansley Gibson, 5th; Porter May, 1st; Mountain Brook Schools, BROOKWOOD FOREST: Anabell Dye, 5th; Charlie Anderson, 4th; SECOND ROW: Anne Reed Greenhalgh, 4th; Lucy Lester, 3rd; Evie Beth Crossley, 3rd; Piper Benton, 4th; THIRD ROW: Webber Moss, 5th; Zoey Arnell, 2nd; Carolyn Roberts, 3rd; Lindsey Hodges, 2nd; FOURTH ROW: CHEROKEE BEND: Sophia Toumey, 1st; Connor Patterson, 1st; Charlotte Paisley, 2nd; Mallory Morris, 4th; Henry Menendez, 2nd; FIFTH ROW: Alistair Zajac, 2nd; Camille Rediker, 1st; Bennett Sharpe, 2nd; Nabers Walters, 4th; SIXTH ROW: Mary Barrett Fron, 2nd; Evalee Pinnick, 4th; Harry Debray, 2nd.

TOP ROW, FROM

2nd; Harrison Steineker, 4th; CRESTLINE: Annie

3rd; Carlisle Johnson, 1st;

Sullivan, 4th; SECOND ROW: Elizabeth Flurry, 5th; George Clements, 3rd; Elizabeth Marshall, 4th; Lottie Badham, 3rd; Katherine Chkheidze, 4th; THIRD ROW: Murray Claire Choate, 5th; Jules Little, 3rd; Collier Williams, 5th; Mae Haralson, 3rd; FOURTH ROW: Parker Williams, 4th; Whitt Blackman, 4th; Cooper Rutledge, 5th; Lottie Fipps, 5th; Olivia Hamer, 3rd; FIFTH ROW: Annie Angelillo, Kindergarten; Becket Hey, 4th.

LEFT: Mountain Brook Schools, CHEROKEE BEND: Harper Petty,

Israel,

Charlie

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Mountain Brook Schools, CRESTLINE: Alice Wells Johnson, 4th; Fleming Haughton, 1st; MOUNTAIN BROOK: Vivi Bailey, 2nd; Louise Yeilding, 2nd; John Bethay, 2nd; SECOND ROW: Brooklyn Seligson, 5th; Carlisle Hemrick, 3rd; Jemison Darden, 5th; Lilly Hudson, 5th; James Blackmon, 2nd; THIRD ROW: Megan Nasca, 5th; Roman Neel, 2nd; Charlotte Chambliss, 5th; Shelby County Schools, INVERNESS: Lydia Agostini, 1st; Knox Tankersly, Kindergarten; FOURTH ROW: Mae Kelly, 1st; Mary Elle Thrasher, 3rd; OAK MOUNTAIN: Mia Turner, 2nd; Amelia Aitken, 2nd; Diego Jimenez Davallos, Kindergarten; FIFTH ROW: Rylan Edwards, 2nd; Ashton Rainey, 3rd; Ellanor Phillips, 3rd; Anne Harper Peterson, Kindergarten.

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Shelby County Schools, OAK MOUNTAIN: Mary Claire Moreland, 3rd; Emma Wheeler, 1st; Vestavia Hills Schools, CAHABA HEIGHTS: Angela Chen, 1st; Addy Stewart, 2nd; Mason Augustine, 4th; SECOND ROW: Lucas Dille, 3rd; Kate Coleman, 1st; Lucy Polson, 5th; Margot Batson, 1st; Cadence Maldonado, 2nd; THIRD ROW: Lola Vargas, 5th; Annabelle Goss, 3rd; Reina Yamomoto, 2nd; DOLLY RIDGE: Raemi Thompson, 2nd; Finley Walker, 1st; FOURTH ROW: Katherine Howell, 5th; Marcia Madden, 1st; Emily Morrisey, 1st; Evans Gibson, 1st; Abby Walace, 3rd.

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Vestavia Hills Schools, DOLLY RIDGE: Mae Baldwin, 1st; EAST: Anderson Radford, 1st; Eliza Soyars, 1st; John Wesley Pruitt, 3rd; Emmeline Tother, 5th; SECOND ROW: Hays Gordon, 3rd; Hawkins McCain, 3rd; Mary Helen Pierce, 3rd; Marren McCain, 5th; Isabella Stuenkel, 5th; THIRD ROW: Charlotte Wells, 5th; Reed Jones, 5th; Owen Dueffer, 3rd; Anne Parrish Pierce, 1st; Caroline Patterson, 5th; FOURTH ROW: LIBERTY PARK: Nolan Sills, 5th; Leland Brown, 5th; Chandler Dew, 4th; Mahathi Ravikumar, 5th; WEST: Ivy Comfort, 5th; FIFTH ROW: Caroline Nelson, 3rd; Blake Vinson, 5th; Kolton Davis, 5th; Evelyn Martin, 5th; Marci Norris, 4th.

TOP

FIFTH ROW: Grace Williams, 5th; Lou Tyre, 3rd; Marilee Martin, 3rd; Josie Rogers, 6th; SIXTH ROW: Ayla Kirkland, 2nd; HIGHLANDS: Emory Carter, 5th.

ROW, FROM LEFT: Vestavia Hills Schools, WEST: Caleb Williams, 4th; Madalynn Trippe, 2nd; Lottie Sissoh, 4th; Mia Brewster, 5th; Bebe Joy Welbourne, 2nd; SECOND ROW: Elise Keet, 1st; Vivian Garlington, 4th; Isla Rubio, 1st; Abigail Brown, 5th; THIRD ROW: Addison Graves, 2nd; Peyton Giardina, 3rd; Soobin Yang, 3rd Private Schools, ADVENT: Maya Cooper, 5th; Martina Rueda, 5th; FOURTH ROW: Rylan Okelo, 4th; Emma Bains, 3rd; Camille Brown, 5th; Maya Jackson, 4th; CREATIVE MONTESSORI: Zayne Sentissi, 6th;

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Private Schools, HIGHLANDS: Charlotte Ryan, 4th; Owen Gutierrez, 4th; Emma Jayne, 4th; Reem Conroy, 5th; N.E. MILES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL: Daniel Mintsin, 1st; SECOND ROW: Emmy Cornutt, 2nd; Menny Weinbaum, 2nd; Miriam Holder, 2nd; OUR LADY OF SORROWS: Audrey Motyka, 3rd; Adelaide Carter, 2nd; THIRD ROW: Lane Warren, 3rd; Gracie Wos, 4th; Brooks Rossell, 3rd; SOUTHMINSTER: Macon Bradley, 4th; FOURTH ROW: Olivia Clark, 4th; Sara Vega, 4th; Emma Langston, 4th; Katelin Holmes, 2nd; Zoe Bryant, 4th; FIFTH ROW: Destiny Rop, 2nd; SPRING VALLEY: Aniyah Simpson, 4th; Amelia Edmondson, 4th; Annie Wearren, 2nd; Sarah Grace, 3rd.

SENIORS

Working Late

Singing Santa Brings 40 Years of Joy to Children

By Anne Ruisi

The anticipation is high among the young children whispering to each other as Steve Pennington, dressed in a dark green and brown velvet Santa suit trimmed in gold, talks with a visitor at Circa Antiques in Mountain Brook Village. It’s almost as if you can hear them ask, “Is that really Santa?”

It is indeed, and within minutes, he’s sitting on a high-backed chair upholstered in dark gold, holding youngsters on his lap while their mothers take pictures with their cell phones.

“This is the chicest Santa in town,” said one of those moms, Mary Hayward Eudailey of Mountain Brook, here with her children, Edie, 7, Ashton, 5, and Robert, 2. “I like a non-traditional Santa.”

Pennington, 70, not only is wearing an outfit unlike what he calls a traditional red “Coca-Cola” Santa suit, but he also is working what amounts to full time between his job as a music teacher and his seasonal sideline as the Singing Santa.

He’s had stints as Santa at Mountain Brook Village since 2011, was the first Santa for The Summit when it opened in 1999 and has been a Santa at the Bass Pro Shop in Hoover and at the Riverchase Galleria.

More than 30 years ago, in 1988 or 1989, Pennington said, he was the last white Santa at Western Hills Mall in Fairfield, back when the mall featured a white and a Black Santa.

“My Santa brother was from Trinidad. We shared the chair” with hours posted for each Santa, he said.

That was the first year he grew a real beard, which now is luxuriantly white. In his younger days, he had to bleach the beard for the holidays.

Pennington had a theatrical background when he began portraying the Jolly Old Elf. He’d studied music education at Samford University and the University of South Alabama,

worked for years as a music teacher and had been a church music and choir director. He still teaches music as an independent commercial voice instructor in all genres but opera and choir.

His first gig as Santa came in western Birmingham, where the owner of a private school asked him to don their Santa Claus suit and visit the children.

“I enjoyed it. I love seeing the delight of the children,” Pennington said, adding that his late son, Carl, who was about 5 or 6 at the time, didn’t recognize him.

Pennington played the piano and sang Christmas songs.

“I was a hit,” he said.

A promoter he knew in Birmingham started booking him for corporate events, where he played the piano and sang, and a seasonal career and his business, SantaSingalong, was born. Eventually, he left corporate work behind and moved into bookings in retail shops, schools and at community activities, with a number of regular clients in private homes. He also set up a presence on the internet at MyPerfectSanta.com and facebook.com/ locatesanta.

Recently he made an appearance at Bluff Park Elementary School, where the children joined him in singing Christmas songs.

Steve Pennington had a theatrical background when he began portraying the Jolly Old Elf. He’d studied music education at Samford University and the University of South Alabama. Inset, Santa with one of his younger fans in English Village recently.

white Santa suit popular in the U.S. to suits in pure white, sapphire blue and even hunter’s camouflage. He even has a magnificent red cape that adds a dash of Old World elegance to his Santa persona.

Decorations on the outfits can be embroidery or appliques. One red suit is trimmed in white musical notes and treble clefs, a nod to Pennington’s musical background.

Pennington, 70, not only is wearing an outfit unlike what he calls a traditional red “Coca-Cola” Santa suit, but he also is working what amounts to full time between his job as a music teacher and his seasonal sideline as the Singing Santa.

His personal favorite is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” which was his theme song when he was Santa at Brookwood Village. Other favorites are “Christmas in Dixie” a big hit for country music group Alabama, and “I Believe in Santa Claus.”

Over the years, he’s collected 28 Santa Claus outfits in an array of styles and colors, ranging from the traditional red and

“They say clothes make the man, and in my Santa Claus, I think it does,” he said, adding that many of his outfits were made in Ukraine.

While many of his contemporaries are relaxing during this time of year, Pennington is busy teaching and putting in one Santa appearance after another. He appeared at 19 events during the first two weeks of November and by Dec. 6 had 54 more to go until the end of the season. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he’d do 90 to 100 events, he said.

Portraying Santa Claus “keeps me alive,” said Pennington, who through the years has seen many of the same children over and over until they start bringing their own kids to him when it’s time to visit Santa.

The years have caught up with him a bit and he deals with what he calls “every old man disease you can have,” but Pennington said he has no plans to retire. He recalled his personal voice teacher, who died 18 or 19 years ago, worked into his 80s.

“I think everything I do disqualifies me as a ‘senior,’” he said.

For more information on Santa-Singalong, go to MyPerfectSanta.com and facebook.com/locatesanta

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

The Need for Homecare for Seniors Is Growing

One of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is that we have seen many of our healthcare and long-term care systems have been overwhelmed and under-staffed. Across the U.S., healthcare systems had only a limited supply of ventilators, pulse oximeters and intensive care units. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare and other essential workers was in short supply. The importance and value of care in the home, especially for older adults who are at risk due to declining physical health and social isolation, have come into focus.

Personal Care

Homecare, often referred to as personal care, helps older adults maintain healthy, active lifestyles for as long as possible in the comfort of their own homes. Today, homecare is seen to be a valuable solution to fill gaps created by traditional care models, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health care. Homecare workers – also known as professional caregivers, personal care aides or direct care workers – who work for agencies receive professional training to enable them to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, eating, transportation, running errands,

and light housework. Most importantly, these caregivers provide vital companionship and mental stimulation by engaging their clients in conversation and other activities.

Homecare workers serve as an additional set of “eyes and ears” for families, helping to ensure older adults’ safety by recognizing and alerting family members and health care professionals to potential signs of

declining health.

MANY FAMILY CAREGIVERS ARE UNDER SEVERE STRESS – ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE “SANDWICH GENERATION” WHO MUST BALANCE THE DEMANDS OF RAISING CHILDREN AND CARING FOR AGING LOVED ONES.

Someone turning 65 today has nearly a 70 percent chance of needing long-term care and support, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. One out of five will need care for more than five years. The need for care increases with age.

America’s new age dynamics show a surging need among older adults for the highest-

quality care. If most get their preference, that care will happen primarily in their own homes. With aging comes an increase in chronic conditions, but with proper treatment, prevention and care, these conditions need not be inevitable as one grows old Roughly six in 10 Americans aged 65 and up have at least one chronic condition, such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension. About 40 percent have two or more. There is also a growing wave of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Already, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. Absent a medical breakthrough, that could hit 14 million by 2050. According to the Homecare Association of America (HCAOA), three quarters of people living with Alzheimer’s require assistance to handle the tasks of daily living.

Age at Home

The vast majority of older Americans want to age at home for as long as possible. However, just 59 percent believe they will actually be able to stay local either at home (46 percent) or elsewhere in their community (13 percent). Traditionally, older adults have relied on family members for help in dealing with the challenges of aging. This requires a

safety net of a family caregiver living nearby. Most seniors don’t have that safety net. Many family caregivers are under severe stress – especially those in the “sandwich generation” who must balance the demands of raising children and caring for aging loved ones. The COVID-19 pandemic has only deepened that stress. By 2040, nearly 81 million people in the U.S. will be 65 years older, compared with 77 million under the age of 18. This means that America will soon consist of more old than young. Through modern medicine and healthier lifestyles, average U.S. life expectancy has increased from 68 years in 1950 to 78.6 years in 2017.

The holidays are time for getting together with family.

For more information on the subject of homecare, email jmancuso@ abc-seniors.com or call Always Best Care at 205-874-9730. We are available for you and your moved ones 24 hours a day!

If you notice that someone in your family needs some extra care and attention, give us a call at Always Best Care.

If you notice that someone in your family needs some extra care and attention, give us a call at Always Best Care.

The

If you notice that someone in your family needs some extra care and attention, give us a call at Always Best Care.

If you notice that someone in your family needs some extra care and attention, give us a call at Always Best Care.

As the only home healthcare company in the state of Alabama to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) and the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), Always Best Care has served hundreds of seniors and disabled individuals in Birmingham. Services provided by Certified Nurse Aides (CNA’s) include personal care, transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders and companionship.

As the only home healthcare company in the state of Alabama to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) and the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), Always Best Care has served hundreds of seniors and disabled individuals in Birmingham. Services provided by Certified Nurse Aides (CNA’s) include personal care, transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders and companionship.

As the only home healthcare company in the state of Alabama to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) and the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), Always Best Care has served hundreds of seniors and disabled individuals in Birmingham. Services provided by Certified Nurse Aides (CNA’s) include personal care, transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders and companionship.

As the only home healthcare company in the state of Alabama to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) and the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), Always Best Care has served hundreds of seniors and disabled individuals in Birmingham. Services provided by Certified Nurse Aides (CNA’s) include personal care, transportation, meal preparation, medication reminders and companionship.

Always Best Care combines high touch and high tech through frequent in-home checkups, free balance testing, as well as 7x24 smart technology monitoring.

Always Best Care combines high touch and high tech through frequent in-home checkups, free balance testing, as well as 7x24 smart technology monitoring.

Always Best Care combines high touch and high tech through frequent in-home checkups, free balance testing, as well as 7x24 smart technology monitoring.

Always Best Care combines high touch and high tech through frequent in-home checkups, free balance testing, as well as 7x24 smart technology monitoring.

Here is what one of our client’s family member had to say about Always Best Care:

Here is what one of our client’s family member had to say about Always Best Care: “I would like to express my appreciation for the in-home care you provided to us after my wife’s surgery. We were very pleased with the caregivers from Always Best Care. They were very helpful during a difficult time. It was comforting to know that all of the caregivers were Certified Nurse Aides. We would recommend your services to anyone in search of quality care for their loved ones. Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.” – B.M

“I would like to express my appreciation for the in-home care you provided to us after my wife’s surgery. We were very pleased with the caregivers from Always Best Care. They were very helpful during a difficult time. It was comforting to know that all of the caregivers were Certified Nurse Aides. We would recommend your services to anyone in search of quality care for their loved ones. Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.” – B.M

Here is what one of our client’s family member had to say about Always Best Care: “I would like to express my appreciation for the in-home care you provided to us after my wife’s surgery. We were very pleased with the caregivers from Always Best Care. They were very helpful during a difficult time. It was comforting to know that all of the caregivers were Certified Nurse Aides. We would recommend your services to anyone in search of quality care for their loved ones. Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.” – B.M

Here is what one of our client’s family member had to say about Always Best Care: “I would like to express my appreciation for the in-home care you provided to us after my wife’s surgery. We were very pleased with the caregivers from Always Best Care. They were very helpful during a difficult time. It was comforting to know that all of the caregivers were Certified Nurse Aides. We would recommend your services to anyone in search of quality care for their loved ones. Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.” – B.M

Always Best Care, 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, 205-874-9730, jmancuso@abc-seniors.com

Always Best Care, 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, 205-874-9730, jmancuso@abc-seniors.com

Always

The holidays are time for getting together with family.

The holidays are time for getting together with family.

holidays are time for getting together with family.

Danberry at Inverness

The Unique Choice in Senior Living

In the past, seniors seeking a retirement community had few options. Often, it was either an uninspiring urban high-rise with few outside amenities or an upscale development built around a golf-course or waterfront with few personal services.

But today’s retirees and tomorrow’s retiring baby boomers increasingly demand an environment that not only is carefree, but also offers them ample opportunities to remain mentally and physically active in a soothing natural setting.

In other words, they want an address that redefines retirement.

Danberry at Inverness senior living community, located at 235 Inverness Center Drive in Hoover, just off US 280 and Valleydale Road, is an example of an inspiring approach to retirement living that feels unique from the moment one enters its atrium lobby. Stained-glass windows and a cascading waterfall set the mood for a retirement lifestyle that emphasizes natural beauty, vitality and personal fulfillment. Residents can choose from comfortable one-, two- or three-bedroom luxury apartment homes which are appointed with upscale features such as ceramic tile floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. English gardens and flowering landscapes complete these picture-perfect residences.

Comprehensive health and wellness services for independent living, assisted living and memory care lifestyles are available at Danberry at Inverness, and they are offered in meticulously designed environments that invite nature indoors. For example, throughout the Danberry at Inverness Clubhouse, nature seamlessly blends both indoors and out with fireplaces, the atrium lobby, English tea gardens and waterfalls. Here, residents can take care of everyday details and enjoy a range of first-class amenities (movie theater, creative art studio, bridge and card rooms) and services (library, mail/communications room). Dining is available in the formal dining room and al fresco on the garden terrace.

A Dynamic Approach to Wellness

Danberry at Inverness retirement community has been chosen as one of the nation’s top communities in 2013 on SeniorAdvisor.com, the premier online ratings and reviews site for senior living communities nationwide.

The SeniorAdvisor 2013 Excellence Award recognizes senior living communities that receive consistently high ratings and positive reviews from residents, families, and visitors. “Receiving this des ignation places Danberry in the top one percent of all retirement communities nationwide,” said Danberry at Inverness marketing director, Lori Krueger. “We are so proud that so many—especially our residents— consider us to be one of the best of the best.”

The award-winning Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture and natural surroundings only add to the peaceful, stress-reducing environment.

“We believe that Danberry at Inverness offers people over 55 independent living unlike anywhere else - one that encourages growth, learning and discovery of new things about yourself and your environment,” said Danberry at Inverness Marketing Director Lori Krueger.

The advantages of living in one of today’s wellnessoriented retirement communities are many: ample opportunities to stay as strong and independent as possible, staying in the mainstream of activities and events and keeping a healthy outlook on life. Danberry at Inverness offers exceptional fitness opportunities all under one roof, such as “senior-friendly” spa services, a fully equipped fitness center, classes including Tai Chi, aerobics, water yoga and Pilates, a private seniorfriendly heated indoor, resort-style saltwater pool and a wellness clinic.

The Clare Bridge Crossings Difference

more

Located in Inverness on Lake Heather, Danberry at Inverness is a senior living community for adults 55 and older with every convenience and amenity imaginable, including a clubhouse with card rooms, a ballroom, indoor swimming pool, creative art studio, salon/ spa, theater, fitness studio, innovative wellness programs and much more. Residents enjoy chef-prepared menus and dining with friends in the casual bistro or more formal dining room. Services include scheduled transportation, concierge and weekly housekeeping. For those in need of a helping hand, 24-hour licensed professional nursing is available on-site in Assisted Living at Danberry, which offers a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. On-site physical and occupational therapy also are available.

“We make sure our residents have every opportuni ty to learn, explore and savor life in a whole new way,” said Krueger. “In other words, we help them design a future filled with fun!”

lori Krueger, marketing director, Danberry at Inverness.

“Our residents will tell you that they wish they’d moved here sooner. They love the carefree, fun-filled and rewarding retirement lifestyle they find at Danberry,” said Krueger. “And we love serving them!”

Danberry is the flagship senior housing development for the Daniel Corporation and is managed by CRSA®, an LCS® company.

Danberry at Inverness is located on Lake Heather just off U.S. 280 and Valleydale Road in Hoover, 443-9500.

The Clare Bridge Crossings program is a stepping stone between home or before Assisted Living and Clare Bridge to support those living with early-stage dementia. Our Crossings program has as its foundation a growing body of research that shows that a structured program of cognitive workouts, regular and varied physical exercise and increased social interaction may help to slow the decline of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Brookdale University Park IL/AL/MC (AL)

Independent Living | Assisted Living Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care | Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing

400 University Park Drive Birmingham, AL 35209

Residents enjoy:

•Flexible dining options •Transportation •Housekeeping

Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 13

ABOVE: Residents

spending time

Top: The atrium at Danberry is the center of the clubhouse that connects the common areas, providing a place residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner.

life Congress is in session –ARE YOUR VETERANS BENEFITS SAFE? Veterans benefits have been available since WWII... yet there are some in Congress who want to significantly curtail your benefits. If you are a Veteran or the widow of a Veteran, or if you might become a caregiver for a Veteran, please join us for an informative and timely (and free!) presentation on “The Future of Your VA Benefits” Our speaker is William G. Nolan, an accredited attorney with the VA and a local Elder Law attorney with the firm Nolan Stewart, PC. Mr. Nolan has written articles about and is a frequent speaker on the subject of Veterans benefits. You will also learn more about services provided to qualified Veterans exclusively by Always Best Care. The Future of Your VA Benefits Tuesday, April 8 OR Thursday, April 10, 2014 • 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Refreshments and Door Prizes 235 Inverness Center Drive • Hoover, AL The changes that Congress proposes are not yet law but their intent is clear – they want to make it much harder for Veterans and widows to obtain their pensions. Consider applying for your pension now, before it becomes more difficult! RSVP to (205)

443-9500. Limited Seating. In accordance with Alabama Bar requirements, no representation is made that the quality of legal services is greater than the legal services performed by other lawyers. ARPC 7.2(e)

lefT: Waterfall at the entrance to Danberry.

Above: lori Krueger, left, marketing director and Jaclyn Gardner, executive director of Danberry at Inverness.

“Our residents will tell you that they wish they’d moved here sooner. They love the carefree, fun-filled and rewarding retirement lifestyle they find at Danberry. And we love serving them!”

together at Danberry at Inverness. LEFT: The atrium at Danberry at Inverness is the center of the clubhouse. It connects the common areas and provides a place where residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner.

Fulfill your vision of a more connected, wellness-focused retirement lifestyle

Centered around an active, fulfilling senior lifestyle, The Crossings at Riverchase offers everything you want and more – flexible living options, contemporary amenities and convenient services. Every day at this new community presents a vibrant array of experiences and activities to help seniors “live inspired.”

All-day dining at The Crossings means residents have convenient access to delicious chefprepared menus featuring fresh, seasonal selections. And each day through our own holistic wellness program, Masterful Moments™, residents are provided with their choice of various events and activities, all focused on the four components of successful aging: social, spiritual, intellectual and physical.

The community’s spacious independent living apartments offer detailed finishes and helpful services to make life more enjoyable and hasslefree – while its fitness center, creative arts studio, movie theater and other amenities encourage a

connected, wellness-focused retirement lifestyle. Plus, Independent Living residents have priority access to high-quality, long-term care if ever needed.

Assisted Living at The Crossings gives residents the opportunity to live as independently as possible with the support of trained care associates 24 hours per day/7 days a week. And when it comes to Memory Care, the community’s caregivers are always on hand to address residents’ individual needs and promote a sense of belonging – providing families with the peace of mind that comes from compassionate, specialized care.

Managed locally by a trusted senior living expert with decades of experience, The Crossings at Riverchase has been designed for outstanding experiences and exceptionally comfortable living. Call (205) 210-8969 to learn more about the wellness-based lifestyle at this new, maintenancefree Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care community.

TruBlue Partners with CleanCut Bath

TruBlue has announced a partnership with CleanCut, the manufacturer of a product that converts bathtubs to showers.

TruBlue is a national franchise that has made it a mission to provide handyman specialize services for seniors to help them “age-inplace”. The company feels it can help people live longer in their own home by making it safer and easier to live there.

To convert a bathtub into a shower involves demolition and can cost as much as $8,000$12,000. Using the CleanCut system, costs can drop as much as 80%.

“Now, we have a way to change a tub into a shower at a much lower cost than traditional methods.” said Rick Batson, architect and one of the owners of TruBlue of Birmingham. “Not only does it make it easier to do the job, it’s also a great money saver for our clients.”

TruBlue of Birmingham, owned by Rick Batson, Mur Feldman and Roxanne Batson, was founded on the principal that people deserved professional help, even if their project took as little as 2-5

hours. These are jobs that contractors don’t want to do.

Advance training such as the most recent one on installing grab bars the right way for those who need the help and converting tubs to showers enables TruBlue technicians to provide specialized service.

TruBlue of Birmingham also installs superpoles (a specialized grab bar that can be placed anywhere such as next to an easy chair) ramps, rails and other safety modifications.

Call TruBlue of Birmingham at 205-8393818 for more information.

Hoover’s newest senior living community is welcoming new residents! You’ll be greeted with fresh, exciting experiences around every corner, not to mention all-day dining with your choice of chef-prepared, seasonal menu items and a full calendar of activities, live entertainment and guest speakers. Discover a vibrant community created for you and your lifestyle — and a future full of ways to live inspired at The Crossings at Riverchase.

Come see our beautiful community for yourself. Call 205-210-8969 or visit TheCrossingsAtRiverchase.com to schedule an appointment. BE

“NOW, WE HAVE A WAY TO CHANGE A TUB INTO A SHOWER AT A MUCH LOWER COST THAN TRADITIONAL METHODS.”

Medicare Doesn’t

Stressful — Let Medicare Advisors of Alabama Help You

Who is Medicare Advisors of Alabama?

We are a locally-owned insurance agency that specializes in helping Alabamians better understand Medicare. Medicare is overwhelming, but once someone with patience and knowledge teaches you the questions to ask and then guides you through the process, the whole thing becomes much less stressful. That’s what we provide: a stressfree Medicare experience.

What does your service cost?

Our service is absolutely free. We’re only paid by insurance companies if we help you enroll in a plan. Our reputation has been built on word of mouth and living the Golden Rule. Let us prove it to you.

Why does someone need a broker/ adviser?

There are so many advertisements and plans available that it’s becoming almost impossible to sort everything out on your own. A good broker will help you see the positives and negatives of the plans and will work to find the best solution for their client

and not the insurance company.

When does someone need to help me with Medicare?

If you’re turning 65, you have a sevenmonth window to enroll in Medicare. It’s also when our team can really help you understand your options. However, if you are still working, you may not want or need to enroll. Deciding when to enroll and what to enroll in are our two most asked questions, and our team can help you make an informed decision.

What if I keep working past age 65? Many people think they’ll face penalties if they don’t sign up for Medicare at 65. That can be true, but not always. You can postpone enrollment beyond age 65 if you or your spouse are still working and you have health insurance under an employer plan.

The Annual Enrollment Period ended Dec. 7. Is it too late to make changes? There are several different enrollment

periods throughout the year. One overlooked enrollment period (Open Enrollment Period) runs from Jan. 1 through March 31. This period is for someone who needs to change their Medicare Advantage Plan or someone on a Medicare Advantage Plan but would like to return to Original Medicare. There are also many Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) throughout the year as well.

Where can I get help with Medicare? You can schedule a consultation with someone on our team. We can talk over the phone, meet virtually via Zoom, in person at our local office, at your home, at your business, or even out at a coffee shop. Once a month, we teach a class called “Prepare for Medicare” at our local office. We have lots of fun, and it is very educational. No specific products are discussed, but it’s a great way to learn the basics of Medicare and get your questions answered.

Medicare Advisors of Alabama is located at 2116 Columbiana Road in Vestavia Hills, 205-704-9020 medicareadvice.org

Adcock-Lynch

Margaret Grace Adcock and William Marshall Lynch exchanged vows Nov. 12, 2022, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Homewood. The Rev. Matthew Patrick officiated, and the bride was given in marriage by her father. A reception followed at the Vestavia Country Club.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Jon Michael Adcock of Vestavia Hills. The groom’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. James David Lynch of Matthews, North Carolina.

The maid of honor was the bride’s twin sister, Sarah Helen Adcock of Birmingham. Bridesmaids were the bride’s sisters, Kate Adcock of Birmingham and Libby Adcock of Auburn; the groom’s sisters, Margaret Brown of Austin, Texas, and Laura Beth Lynch of Waco, Texas; the bride’s childhood friends, Katie Green of Nashville, Tennessee, and Katie Mier of Birmingham; and her college friends Mary Helen Garrett of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Carolyn Albritton and Ranna Harley of Charleston, South Carolina.

The flower girl was Abigail Nass. The best man was the groom’s brother, James David Lynch of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Groomsmen were the groom’s brother-in-law, Charlie Brown of Austin, Texas; the groom’s childhood friend Baylor Molnar of Waco, Texas; and the groom’s college friends Mark Tigges, of Enterprise, William Moore of Atlanta, George Devaney of College Station, Texas, Rik Ujaan of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gage Stepien of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Chandler Huskey of Columbia, South Carolina, and Ike Ducas of Lexington, Kentucky. The couple will live in Enterprise, where the groom will complete U.S. Army Aviation Training.

Indian Springs School commemorated the completion of the KayserSamford Community Commons project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 9.

Representatives from Lake Flato Architects of San Antonio, Architecture Works, BL Harbert International and Indian Springs Village were part of the dedication, according to a statement from the school

The Kayser-Samford Community Commons will serve as the school’s new social hub and dining hall. It is on the site of the school’s original dining hall, overlooking the campus lake.

The facility provides indoor and outdoor seating for the school’s 325

The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators recognized Riverchase Elementary School Principal Alice Turney as its District IV National Distinguished Principal nominee for 2023.

She received an award for the honor on Nov. 15 during the association’s Fall Instructional Leadership Conference.

The association’s National Distinguished Principal program is the state recognition program of the National Association of Elementary School Principals’ National Distinguished Principal program,

day and boarding students, faculty, staff and guests to gather and eat. New serving stations will feature a variety of meal options prepared in a state-ofthe-art kitchen. The facility also provides a private dining space for meetings and events and a lakeside venue for recreation.

“This is a momentous occasion and an exciting new chapter in the life of the school,” Scott Schamberger, head of Indian Springs School, said in the statement. “This facility will give the

next generation of our students a place to build enduring relationships and develop lifelong friendships.”

Construction of the 12,000-squarefoot building began in November 2021.

The project’s fundraising was led by Indian Springs School alumnus Leo Kayser III alongside Kayser’s late classmate and fellow board member Frank Samford III, for whom the building is named. Nearly 150 other donors have contributed to the

school’s historic capital campaign so far.

“The beautiful new KayserSamford Community Commons is the result of the work and investment of many people from many places and different backgrounds who share the ideal that Indian Springs should be a community that gathers around tables to enjoy and learn from one another,” Elizabeth Goodrich, chair of the Indian Springs School board of governors said.

which recognizes elementary and middle-level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement and character.

“I am honored to represent my colleagues from Hoover and surrounding districts from the AAESA District IV. I am blessed to work with them as they challenge me to be better for the community I serve,” Turney said.

She will now compete against eight other district nominees across the state

for the 2023 National Distinguished Principal for Alabama title. Each finalist will host a site visit of judges, and the winner will be announced in the spring.

Turney also was the 2022 District IV nominee and a top-three finalist for the state award.

“Dr. Turney is an exceptional educational leader and an even better person. Her colleagues made a great choice as the District IV AAESA National Distinguished Principal winner, and she will have a great chance to be selected as one of three finalists in the coming weeks,” said Vic Wilson, executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.

Turney has been an educator for 26 years and spent 18 of them at Riverchase Elementary, first as assistant principal and for the past eight years as principal.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in

early childhood education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Georgia and her specialist and doctorate in educational leadership from Argosy University. She did post-graduate studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and recently earned a certificate in school management and leadership from Harvard Business School Online in conjunction with Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

From left, Jimmy Lewis, Sharon Samford, Elizabeth Goodrich, Leo Kayser, Scott Schamberger and Lucy Craig at the ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 9 for the new Kayser-Samford Community Commons facility at Indian Springs School.

Alice Turney has been an educator for 26 years and spent 18 of them at Riverchase Elementary, first as assistant principal and for the past eight years as principal.

Courtesy Hoover City Schools

Homewood High student Charlotte Lee was crowned Miss Heritage 2023 during a pageant Dec. 3.

This year, 69 girls competed in the Miss Heritage scholarship pageant,

which is open to all Homewood High School girls.

They are judged first on three primary categories: a five-minute private interview with the judges, the open-

ing “Outfit of Choice” number and the evening gown and poise portion of the pageant. For the top 20 finalists, there is an on-stage question.

A queen is named for each class. This year’s winners include:

• Senior: Grace Studinka

• Junior: Libby Dudgeon

• Sophomore: Carmen Klimcak

• Freshman: Merrill Story

• Spirit of Heritage: Sandy Holmes

• Judges’ Interview Award: Martha Ponder

Class queens received a sash, tiara and a $125 gift certificate from The Clothes Tree by Deborah.

The Spirit of Heritage winner is chosen to embody the Five Attributes of the Homewood Spirit and received a $250 scholarship. The Judges’ Interview Award is presented to the girl who gives the best interview, and

she received a $250 scholarship.

Lee, as Miss Heritage, received a $2,000 scholarship, a crown, sash, a $500 gift certificate from The Clothes Tree by Deborah and a rental from Twenty-Twelve Formal Wear for the Holiday Parade.

Homewood High’s show choir teacher, Scott Thorne, coordinated the pageant. The high school’s senior escort volunteers and the Star Spangled Girls assisted with the event.

The Vestavia Hills Rotary Club

would like to thank the VHCS PTO; Hike the Hill partners, sponsors, and participants. Proceeds benefited Vestavia Hills Schools student programing & scholarships, Alabama Veterans Memorial Park, Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation and Unless U.

2022 Hike the Hill Partners

Anna Bella Foster, a senior at Mountain Brook High School, has taken the Miss Olympian 2023 title.

The event, held Nov. 19 in the high school’s Fine Arts Center, featured 15 contestants who danced, sang and performed to try to earn the title, according to the school’s website.

Foster sang an opera piece in Italian as her talent. All contestants performed a talent and were presented in evening wear before the next Miss

Olympian

2022 Miss Olympian, Julianne Abenoja, added to the night’s event. Mary Katherine Malone was named first runner-up while Lula Comer finished as second runnerup.

Additionally, Leo Godwin placed as third runner-up and took home the Betsy Henle Spirit Award.

was crowned. Emcees, entertainment from various high school boys, and a performance from

Homewood High School,

right,

Freshman Queen Merrill Story, Sophomore Queen Carmen Klimcak, Miss Heritage Charlotte Lee, Senior Queen Grace Studinka and Junior Queen Libby Dudgeon.

Courtesy Homewood City Schools

AUBURN – Mountain Brook struggled to contain Saraland sophomore Ryan Williams in the 2022 Class 6A championship football game.

When cornerback Tucker Crawford wrestled Williams out of bounds at the 1-yard line on what appeared to be the final play of the first half, Mountain Brook coaches and players hustled off the field with a surge of optimism.

Saraland coach Jeff Kelly challenged the officials’ ruling, and instant replay showed Williams fell out of bounds with two seconds to play. “I knew we were out of bounds in time,” Kelly said.

Williams, the Saraland star who has already committed to Alabama, took advantage of the extra time. He motioned from his usual receiver spot to quarterback and took a direct snap before scoring on a 1-yard TD run on the final play of the half and increase Saraland’s lead to 28-10.

The record book will show the final score as Saraland 38, Mountain Brook 17 to win the 6A state title at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, behind four touchdowns from Williams – a 61-yard run, 24-yard reception, 58-yard run and 1-yard run.

The cold facts, however, can’t reflect how Mountain Brook (12-3) performed with persistence and determination, especially in the second half to prevent a Saraland (14-1) runaway.

“I remember at halftime just looking at the guys around me and no one really

From page 44

Mountain Brook’s seniors finished with a 44-10 record in their four seasons, reaching the Class 6A semifinals in 2020 and 2021 and the championship game this season.

Wright, who had been on the varsity since he was a freshman, played a starring role this season. He led the Spartans with 167 tackles while tallying 13.5 tackles for losses and 2.5 sacks.

For his performance, Wright was selected the All-OTM Defensive Player of the Year in voting of Over-theMountain coaches.

“It’s a great honor and I love getting

GAMBLE

From page 44

12-3 record.

“You sort of go with the hot hand, and he turned out to be the guy,” Yeager said.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Gamble finished the season as the Spartans’ most prolific running back since Mountain Brook legend Major Ogilvie. Gamble rushed for 2,180 yards, averaging, 8.2 yards per carry, and 39 touchdowns. He had 2,388 allpurpose yards.

For his performance, Gamble was chosen the 2022 All-OTM Offensive Player of the Year in voting by Overthe-Mountain football coaches.

“That’s truly a blessing,” Gamble said. “I really appreciate it because

FUN WHILE IT LASTED

Mountain Brook Proud of the Way It Battled in Championship Game Loss

had their head down,” Crawford said. “It was just like every other play. It didn’t really faze us. Honestly, it picked everyone up, like, ‘Hey, we’re still good. We can keep fighting,’ and that’s exactly what we did. We just didn’t get the break we needed, unfortunately.”

Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager was proud of the way his team continued to battle until the game was over.

“It could have spiraled and it didn’t,” Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager said. “The kids bowed up and showed a lot of guts and grit. That’s one of the things I’m going to remember. That’s probably one of the proudest moments for me, after that how they came out and continued to fight.”

Never Stop Trying

Clark Sanderson’s second-half touchdown catch served as the perfect example for Mountain Brook’s tenacity. He slipped to the turf but popped up to catch the pass from quarterback John Colvin and turned it into a 31-yard touchdown.

Sanderson’s score cut the deficit to 31-17, and Saraland’s subsequent drive went three-and-out. Mountain Brook seemed poised to cut into the lead again, but Saraland’s Isaiah Bowie’s

selected, but the credit goes to all my teammates and coaches and how helpful they were in my success,” Wright said. “Football is a team sport, and one person can’t do it by himself. They did a great job of letting me get in the flow and make plays.”

Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager wasn’t surprised that Wright would credit others because he once described Wright as having a “servant heart.”

“They don’t make many like him,” Yeager said. “He’s a warrior. He’s the ultimate leader. The kids would follow him off a cliff.

“He was the cornerstone of our defense. The thing about him is he was always aware of how the other guys

there are a lot of good backs and good players around. I’m glad they chose me.”

Gamble gave credit to his teammates, including King and Waldrop, and his coaches for his productivity.

“Those are two really good backs,” he said. “If I needed a blow, they could come in. And obviously the offensive line was awesome and our coaches put me in a great position with our game plans. It was just a matter of trusting our schemes, my teammates and the coaches.

“I got better as the season went along, watching film of games and practices and correcting my mistakes.”

Gamble said he became a more decisive runner this season.

“When I saw an opening, I just put my foot in the ground and took off,” he said.

diving interception on a tipped pass essentially ended the Mountain Brook comeback bid.

“This is something I’m proud of: We played better in the second half than we played in the first half,” Yeager said. “That was a very, very physical football game. It was a very physical first half, and I didn’t know how much gas we had in the tank. But I tell you what, the kids gave every ounce they had in the tank. That’s one thing, when we’re on the sideline, we say we’re going to fight

were performing. He was a catalyst for making guys better.”

Not only that, but Wright had a knack for being around the football.

“He’s got an incredibly high football aptitude and he’s an incredible competitor,” Yeager said. “He wills himself to get to the ball.”

Wright won’t be making any tackles at the next level. A versatile baseball player who has played first base, catcher and outfield, Wright signed a baseball scholarship with Pearl River Community College.

“I love both sports, but I think baseball offers a better path for me,” said Wright, who hopes to join the Mountain Brook baseball team during the first month of the season after he

Yeager said Gamble’s ability to run and his 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard is what made him so effective.

“He’s got a burst and he has a knack for taking very small seams and making a lot of out of them. He processes things so fast and then just goes.

“He’s a smooth runner, but he’s not afraid to lower his shoulder and take on guys.”

By the end of the season, most the shiny gold paint on Gamble’s helmet had chipped off.

“I liked that a lot,” Gamble said of his discolored helmet. “It was like battle scars for all my tough runs.”

Gamble was held to only 75 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown in Mountain Brook’s 38-17 loss to Saraland in the Class 6A champion-

to the last man standing, and they did.”

Sanderson finished with 10 catches for 153 yards. Cole Gamble ran for 75 yards and a 1-yard touchdown run. Jack Heaps kicked a 33-yard field goal.

Senior linebacker Vaughn Frost led the defense with 15 tackles and Trent Wright added 10 during the game, the first time Mountain Brook had played in a state championship game since 1996.

The numbers, though, didn’t matter to Yeager and his players. In the post-

recovers from his broken leg.

All-OTM Defense Roster

Wright heads the 2022 All-OTM Defense. Spartans safety Mac Palmer also made the team after recording more than 60 tackles and two interceptions.

Hoover, which reached the Class 7A semifinals, led the defensive team with four players: defensive end Jordan Norman (68 tackles and 10 sacks), defensive tackle Andrew Parrish, linebacker Bradley Shaw (106 tackles with 15 TFLs and five sacks) and safety D.J. Estes (71 tackles, 15 TFLs and six sacks).

Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Oak Mountain all had two players selected.

ship game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn.

Despite the defeat, Gamble was able to hold his head high in the aftermath.

“It’s tough getting there and not winning, but I’m proud of our team,” he said. “It was a special season for sure.”

All-OTM Offense Roster

Gamble heads the 2022 All-OTM Offense. He is joined by three of his Mountain Brook teammates, wide receiver Clark Sanderson (53 receptions for 955 yards and 8 TDs) and linemen Davis Peterson and Mac Smith.

Homewood landed three players on the offense, including senior quarterback Woods Ray. Ray passed for 2,677 yards and 27 touchdowns and

game interview, they spoke powerfully and poignantly about the “journey” of the season and how they “played with joy.”

“We were lucky enough to know this was our last game together,” Frost said, “and we didn’t want to waste it. We didn’t look at the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. We just wanted to enjoy the last minutes together.

“I’ve dreamed about something like this since I was, like, 5 or 6 years old. I got to be like a mini celebrity for a week, which is really cool. I mean I played on Jordan-Hare, which not a lot of people can say. We got beat in the end, but, gosh, it was a lot of fun.”

Mountain Brook fell one win shy of winning its first state title since 1976. Despite the outcome, the players seemed satisfied with their performance.

“Nobody makes you a champion because they put a ring on your finger or a trophy on your shelf,” Yeager said. “A champion is something that occurs as a journey. Part of the heart, it’s a growth process and it’s something that occurs for the rest of your life. It’s trying to become a craftsman in whatever you do as a person. Your character, everything. That’s where the focus came from.

“It wasn’t trying to win, where someone on the outside said, ‘You guys are champions.’ It was what is that person and could we become that. That was our journey.”

Lineman Jordan Ross (two defensive touchdowns and 16 TFLs) and defensive back Grant Downey (8 interceptions) represent the Rebels; linebacker Talton Thomas (130 tackles with 16 TFLs) and defensive back Clay Burdeshaw (108 tackles and 2 interceptions) represent the Patriots; and lineman Emmanuel Waller and linebacker Carter Lehman represent the Eagles.

Rounding out the defense are Spain Park lineman Caldwell Bussey (5.5 sacks and 46 tackles) and John Carroll Catholic defensive back Zach Archer.

Versatile Oak Mountain senior Garrett Murphy was tabbed as the punter after averaging more than 41.0 yards per punt.

rushed for 812 yards and 11 TDs as the Patriots finished 10-3 and reached the Class 6A quarterfinals before losing 57-56 in overtime to Saraland.

The other Patriots on the squad are receiver Jackson Parris (80 receptions for 1,288 yards and 13 TDs) and lineman Jaxon Brooks.

Hoover and Vestavia Hills had two players each voted to the team. Representing the Bucs are running back LaMarion McCammon (858 yards rushing and 11 TDs) and placekicker Peyton Argent (34 of 35 extra points and 8 of 9 field goals).

The Rebels’ representatives are wide receiver Keown Richardson (45 receptions for 602 yards and 5 TDs) and lineman Glen Porter.

Briarwood’s 6-foot-7, 275 junior lineman Luke Schultz rounds out the team.

Clark Sanderson looks for running room in Mountain Brook’s Class 6A championship game against Saraland. Sanderson finished with 10 catches for 153 yards.

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

By RuBin E. GRant

The Hoover Lady Bucs are chasing history this season, but other than their hashtag on Twitter — #Quest2R3PEAT — it’s not a topic of conversation during basketball practice or games.

“In the rich history of the Hoover girls basketball program, there’s never been a three-peat,” coach Krystle Johnson said. “But we’re not talking about three-peating, although our goal is to win another state championship.”

Consequently, Johnson said, the Lady Bucs don’t feel any pressure to three-peat in 2023.

“This a completely new team with their own set of challenges,” Johnson said. “We’re focusing on this team doing their best and getting into position to get to state and winning state. If that happens, it would just happen to be the third in a row.”

Hoover, which has won three of the past four Class 7A titles and four of the past six, is off to a 12-0 start with seven of their victories coming against out-ofstate competition, including a 59-49 win against Germantown, Mississippi., last Saturday in the Tangle on the Trail Showcase in Pontotoc, Mississippi.

The victory was the 300th of Johnson’s coaching career.

“It’s a testament to my players and all the assistant coaches I have had, a lot of people working hard,” Johnson said. “It’s truly a blessing to do it at my alma mater.”

The Lady Bucs have seven seniors to lead their quest for another title. Heading the group are guard Reniya

Chasing History

Hoover Girls Basketball Team on a Quest for a Three-Peat

Kelly, forward Kristen McMillian and guard Layla Etchison, who have signed college scholarships. Kelly, the 2022 OTM Player of the Year and Class 7A MVP in the state tournament, signed with North Carolina, the 6-foot-2 McMillan signed with Central Arkansas and Etchison with Garden City Community College in Kansas.

Kelly also reached a milestone, becoming Hoover’s all-time leading scorer with 1,917 career points, surpassing Lyndsay Harris, who scored 1,879 points playing from 2004 to 2008.

With the graduation of Aniya Hubbard, who’s at Florida Atlantic, Kelly is being asked to be more than just a playmaker this season, although she averaged 14.0 points per game last season as Hoover finished 34-3 and won their second consecutive Class 7A title.

“She’s carrying more of the load scoring since we lost Aniya, but she’s still averaging 6 assists,” Johnson said. “We’re still trying to get her to understand she needs to be more aggressive because she’s not a selfish player.”

McMillan, who has been on the varsity since she was a freshman and was an All-OTM selection last season, is also being asked to elevate her game.

“She’s not being as dominant as she can be, but she’s still making her pres-

Senior guard Reniya Kelly reached a milestone last week becoming Hoover’s all-time leading scorer with 1,917 career points.

ence felt on both ends of the court,” Johnson said. “She’s a very good defensive player.”

Etchison, who came off the bench last season but played starter minutes, has moved into the starting lineup and is averaging in double figures.

Senior Alanah Pooler also starts in

the frontcourt after helping the Lady Bucs’ volleyball team reach the state tournament. The other seniors are guard Kennedi McCray, a transfer from Pleasant Grove, and forwards Jamiyah Hill and Alicia Reyes.

Junior Kamryn Lee, a 5-9 guard-forward, also is a starter, while junior guards Ariana Peagler Jillian ClarkWilliamson and Katie Ridgeway are valuable reserves along with sophomore forward Layla Cannon.

Freshmen Khloe Ford, a 6-3 center, and Aaliyah Blanchard, a 5-7 point guard, also are in the rotation.

‘Athletic and Aggressive’

The Lady Bucs, however, will rely mostly on their seniors.

“We do play our seniors a lot, but our main focus is playing at a high level,” Johnson said. “All the teams we have played are athletic and aggressive and they press a lot, so we can’t take a night off. Coming out of November and December, we want that mindset to be already there when we get to the second half of the season.”

Hoover and Vestavia Hills, the team the Lady Bucs beat in the 2022 championship game, are expected to battle for the top two spots in Class 7A, Area 5, which also includes Thompson and Tuscaloosa County. Vestavia Hills rejoined the area this season.

“We’ll probably have to play each other to get to state, but there’s a lot of competition in our (Northwest) region,” Johnson said. “Bob Jones is very strong and we’ve also got James Clemens, Florence and Austin.”

YEAGER

From page 44

and conditioning coach Kyle Speer, who came from Tulane.

“I have an incredible staff,” Yeager said. “There were no egos, even though some of them have been head coaches and coordinators. They were all about the kids.

“This was the most positive staff I’ve had with the best energy. So, this is a staff award.”

As for his team, Yeager believes his players maximized their potential.

“From where we started to where we finished, I think this team did reach its potential,” he said. “They handled losses better than any team I’ve ever coached and did the things necessary after our losses to keep winning.”

He said the loss in the championship game didn’t diminish what his team accomplished. The Spartans were denied their first state title since winning back-to-back championships in 1975 and 1976.

“It’s been an incredible year,” Yeager said after the game. “I know there are 62 (6A) teams that want to be where we are. It did not turn out like we wanted, but I got to spend 15 weeks with these incredible guys. It has been so fun.”

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Mountain

Page 42

Hoover girls basketball team on a quest for a three-peat. Page 43

THE 2022 OTMJ ALL-OVER THE MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM

‘Hot Hand’

Gamble Pays Off Big as Spartans’ Featured Back

By RuBin E. GRant

Mountain Brook junior running back Cole Gamble began the 2022 high school football season splitting time in the backfield with Jack King and Will Waldrop.

“We hope to keep each of them fresh,” Spartans coach Chris Yeager said before the season. “They allow us to run schemes using two backs at a time or three at a time.”

But midway through the season, Gamble emerged as the Spartans’ primary ballcarrier, becoming a workhorse.

That was never more evident than in the state playoffs when he rushed for 1,031 yards and 18 touchdowns on 121 carries – averaging 8.5 yards per carry – in five games as Mountain Brook finished as Class 6A runners-up with a

‘A Warrior’

Wright’s Leadership Made Him Cornerstone of Mountain Brook’s Defense

By RuBin E. GRant

Late in the fourth quarter of the Class 6A championship football game on Dec. 2, Mountain Brook senior linebacker Trent Wright went down in a pile on the ground at JordanHare Stadium in Auburn.

Wright didn’t get up. He had snapped the fibula in his right leg and torn all the ligaments in his ankle.

“I was running to make a tackle and in the pile somebody fell on it,” Wright said. “I was in a lot of pain.”

It turned out to be the final play of Wright’s high school career and, truly, he had left it all on the field. He recorded 10 tackles while trying to bring Mountain Brook its first state championship since the Spartans won back-to-back titles in 1975 and 1976.

Mountain Brook fell 38-17 to Saraland and the next day Wright had surgery that will require three to six months of recovery and rehab.

The pain from the injury stung more than the championship loss because Wright knew the Spartans had played their hearts out.

“It’s another football disappointment to get through, but when we look back at it and think about the journey of how we got there, we’ll see the bright side of what we accomplished,” Wright said. “We were the winningest seniors in Mountain Brook history.”

By RuBin E. GRant

Even though he led Mountain Brook to its first championship game appearance since 1996, Chris Yeager figured someone else would be the

2022 All-OTM Coach of the Year.

He pointed to his former defensive coordinator Robert Evans, who guided Vestavia Hills to a 7-5 record and a second-round Class 7A playoff appearance in his first season; Wade Waldrop, who led Hoover to an 11-2 record and a Class 7A semifinal trip in his first season; and Ben Berguson, who led Homewood to a 10-3 record and the Class 6A quarterfinals.

But when the votes of Over-the-Mountain football coaches were tallied, Yeager had earned the nod for the second consecutive season.

“I’m a little surprised,” Yeager said. “Rob did a great job and Wade did a great job at Hoover following (former Bucs coach) Josh Niblett, and gosh, Ben Berguson did a great job at Homewood.”

The Spartans swept the 2022 All-OTM awards with junior running back Cole Gamble being voted the Offensive Player of the Year and senior linebacker Trent Wright being selected Defensive Player of the Year.

Mountain Brook finished with a 12-3 record and reached the Class 6A championship before losing 38-17 to Saraland.

Yeager wouldn’t say whether this season was his best coaching job, quickly pivoting to his coaching staff. He praised the work of all his assistants, including Shane Stearns, who was elevated to defensive coordinator after Robert Evans left, co-offensive coordinators Richard Kelley and Brad Easley, new defensive coaches Buddy Pell and Chad Merrill and new strength

Brook proud of the way it battled in championship game loss.

Members of the 2022 All-OTM offensive team are, front, from left: Clark Sanderson, Mountain Brook; Mac Smith, Mountain Brook; Cole Gamble, Mountain Brook; Luke Schultz, Briarwood; and Glen Porter, Vestavia Hills. Back: Woods Ray, Homewood; Jaxon Brooks, Homewood; Jackson Parris, Homewood; Davis Peterson, Mountain Brook and Coach of the Year, Chris Yeager, Mountain Brook. Not picutred: LaMarion McCammon, Hoover; Keown Richardson, Vestavia Hills; and Peyton Argent, Hoover. (Hoover and Spain Park players not pictured because they were attending their football banquets).

Members of the 2022 All-OTM defensive team, front, from left: Clay Burdeshaw, Homewood; Jordan Ross, Vestavia Hills; Trent Wright, Mountain Brook; Mac Palmer, Mountain Brook; and Carter Lehman, Oak Mountain. Back: Grant Downey, Vestavia Hills; Talton Thomas, Homewood; Zach Archer, John Carroll Catholic; and Garrett Murphy, Oak Mountain. Not pictured: Jordan Norman, Hoover; Andrew Parrish, Hoover; Emmanuel Waller, Oak Mountain; Caldwell Bussey, Spain Park; Bradley Shaw, Hoover; and DJ Estes, Hoover.

Journal photos by Maury Wald