OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023
We Gather TOGETHER By Susan Swagler
T
HANKSGIVING DINNER IS A BELOVED TRADITION, but –
Photo courtesy Stone Hollow Farmstead
let’s face it – it can be quite stressful. If you’re the one hosting this meal, that means days and days of work. But what if you begin to gather before actually gathering with your family and friends? What if you gathered every aspect of your dinner – from appetizers to sides to turkey to dessert – from local restaurants and caterers, bakers and makers? It’s not hard to outsource the entire meal, especially since we’ve done the sourcing for you. And it’s a perfectly delicious way to support local, women-owned businesses! See, WE GATHER, page 32
This holiday season, Stone Hollow Farmstread is offering Thanksgiving Community Supported Agriculture Farm Boxes featuring heirloom turkeys. Details page 32
Encore Mary Badham Returns to Her Hometown for Role in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’
M
By Donna Cornelius
ost audience members who see the stage version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” will recognize the man playing the role of lawyer Atticus Finch: the Emmy Award-winning Richard Thomas, who’s probably best known as John-Boy on the TV series “The Waltons.” But when the play comes to Birmingham this month, there’s another cast member who likely will be even more familiar to locals. She’s hometown girl Mary Badham, who was Scout Finch in the movie version Birmingham native Mary of Harper Badham, pictured in 2022, Lee’s famous turned in such a memorable novel and is now taking on performance in “To Kill a the part of Mrs. Mockingbird” that at age Henry Dubose, 10, she became the youngest person to be nominated for the Finches’ elderly, unlov- an Academy Award for a supporting role. able neighbor. The American Theatre Guild is presenting Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s new play, which is part of the 2023-2024 Broadway in Birmingham series. It will run at the BJCC Concert Hall Nov. 14 to 19. Lee’s novel, which came out in 1960, won the Pulitzer Prize the following year. Set in fictional Maycomb, Alabama – which mirrored Lee’s hometown of Monroeville – “To Kill a See ENCORE, page 8
Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
SOCIAL
SPORTS
2 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
OPINION/CONTENTS
Inside
Guest Column
S WHAT A RELIEF! Retailers relax as road reopens, even though it changes party plans PAGE 6
LOOK FOR THE GOOD IN THE DAY Reed Foundation puts the fun in fundraising with casino party PAGE 9
COMFORTABLE, STYLISH HOSPITALITY The Kelly Birmingham owner assembles unique furnishings to make her home playful and elegant PAGE 18
HERE COME THE HOLIDAYS Over the Mountain communities set to welcome the holiday season PAGE 26
ABOUT TOWN NEWS LIFE SOCIAL
4 HOME 6 FOOD 8 SPORTS 12
18 32 36
otmj.com 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 JOURNAL
Watch What You Say
everal months ago, I found a letter this one, but it isn’t hard once you know from my mother that had been the rule. You really just need to rememwritten in the early 1990’s. She ber that farther measures physical dispassed away in 2003. tance. Would you like me to discuss this I thought my 29-year-old daughter issue with you further or farther? Would might like to read the letter as a trip you like to crumple up this article and down memory lane. I told her who it throw it farther or further? was from and handed it to her. She took #4. Effect vs. Affect. Effect is a noun one look at it and said, “I can’t read usually meaning how something was this. It is written in cursive.” changed. What effect did that prescripThat got me up on my verbal and tion have on your pain? Affect is usualwritten skills soapbox, which is now spillly a verb. How did that drug affect your RANDY ADAMY ing onto the page of this fine publication. pain? Is reading this affecting the way you I should share that my mother, born in will use these words in the future? 1924, was a speech major in college. My I think it was fifth grade when my I fully realize the best friend and I were learning how to brother, sister and I were in for a lifetime of using the English language correctly. diagram sentences. Me and him (you grammar police We also had to know how to set a table caught this, right?) would slouch in our may scrutinize every seats when the teacher asked someone to perfectly, serve from the left and clear from the right and empty ashtrays when identify a dangling participle in a sensentence written my parents held dinner parties. I’ll save tence. To this day I’m not sure what a herein. those tidbits for another time. participle is, let alone one that dangles. My wife and I actually have two The teacher would go on to ask what the 29-year-old daughters who are fraternal twins. Our home object of the preposition was. My object in class was Carol was a gathering place for the girls and their friends all the Samuelson, for whom I had a proposition, not a preposiway through high school. In fact, it continues today as we tion. My teacher would not have found this amusing. host showers and birthday parties where their millennial I will dangle one more “mom” item before you in closminions are in attendance. ing. She made all three of us take two years of Latin in Allow me to get up on that aforementioned soapbox for high school. Latin is a dead language. Well, kind of dead. a moment in memory of my mother as I regurgitate (sorry) It is still the official language of the Roman Catholic some observations of the next generations’ use of our lanChurch. What we kids found out was that Latin was the guage. root language of all the Romance languages. From that #1. Me and him. Me and her. Me and them. The “Me point on, I could deduce the meanings of words not often ands” drive me nuts. Since when do we put ourselves first used in daily language but frequently used in books and in a sentence? “She and I” works. “He and I” works. “Me articles. I aced every vocabulary test henceforth. and she” does not! Just because we love ourselves most I fully realize the grammar police may scrutinize every does not justify putting oneself first in sentences. sentence written herein. I am exonerated of guilt since the #2. Adverbs. “He was hurt bad.” No, he wasn’t! He editorial staff of the OTMJ have given their blessing (and was hurt badLY. Verbs (hurt) are described by adverbs, corrections) before publication. Don’t get your colons and which almost always end in LY. You need to take this serisemicolons all twisted up looking for errors. ous! Really? Wouldn’t you rather have me take it seriousP.S. Cursive writing was an art form for hundreds of LY? years. It is now being buried as each member of the Baby #3. Further vs. Farther. OK, I don’t get so upset about Boomers is boxed and lowered. Rest in peace.
Over the Mountain Views
J O U R N A L November 2, 2023 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Ana Good, June Mathews, Anne Ruisi Photographer: Jordan Wald Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Emil Wald, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd Vol. 33, No. 7
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 2023 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.
ANOTHER WILD RIDE! The 11th Annual Homewood Witches Ride and Fall Festival was held Oct. 29 at Homewood’s Central Park. The witches rode their brooms (aka bikes) along a 2.5-mile route, throwing candy to children gathered along the way. The ride was held in conjunction with the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Care Center, with money going directly to rare cancer research. Look for more photos in our Nov. 16th issue.
CORRECTION: In our October 19th issue we ran a story about The UAB School of Nursing’s No Show Ball on Nov. 5. The event will be honoring the Fay B. Ireland family. The cutline for the photo we ran was incorrect, it should have been: From left, Sarah Peinhardt, Molly Elliott, and Joy Cornay. For more information about the ball, visit: uab.edu/noshowball
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 3
4 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
Thurs., Nov. 2 Sips for Sound
Enjoy live music, food, and “sips” to support the Woolley Institute for Spoken-Language Education, which is dedicated to teaching hearingimpaired children to speak. When: 6-9 p.m. Where: Ferus Artisan Ales
Fall Extravaganza Luncheon, Fashion Show & Silent Auction
The Ballet Women’s Committee will hold this benefit for the Alabama Ballet. This an invitational volunteer organization that raises funding for the Alabama Ballet and is the presenter of the Poinsettia Debutante Ball. When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Vestavia Country Club
Sat., Nov. 4 Pig Run 5k and Fun Run
The Mountain Brook Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 78’s annual Pig Run 5k and Fun Run is presented by
Piggly Wiggly. The run raises funds for the Fraternal Order of Police to make donations to local charities. The primary beneficiary will be The Prescott House Child Advocacy Center. When: 8 a.m. Where: Crestline Elementary School Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
NOV. 2 - NOV. 16
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Walk to End Epilepsy
The Epilepsy Foundation Alabama will host a walk to raise awareness and funds to end epilepsy and support the 54,000 people who have epilepsy in Alabama. When: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Where: Railroad Park Katie Moulder, Victoria Wicks and Kallee Taulbee at last year’s Holiday Open House in Homewood. This year’s popular event is Nov. 2
S T H HEIG shop local
ARTS CRAFT POP UP SHOPS starting at 10am
Enjoy Complimentary
FOOD
ACTIVITIES TROLLEYS
11/11 2-7pm
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Homewood’s Holiday Open House Offers Shopping, Drinks and a Trolley Ride
Downtown Homewood will be turned into a “Christmas Shopping Village” Thursday, Nov. 2, as the Homewood Chamber of Commerce sponsors its 25th Annual Holiday Open House. Shops in the area will be offering complimentary food and beverages in addition to sales and discounts. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. A free trolley will be riding on a loop around the downtown area throughout the event. Find out what other OTM communites and merchants have planned in our Holiday Special Section beginning on page 24.
Walking to Remember (Nov. 4)
Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama will host a remembrance walk. ACA’s programs and services currently serve over 300 individuals living with Alzheimer’s each month. When: 10 a.m. Where: Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama parking lot.
Nov. 4-5 Moss Rock Festival
This annual festival’s 18th anniversary eco-creative outdoor festival will feature artists, a smart living market, design artisans, nature exhibitors, food, beer garden and more. MRF is taking inspiration from Alabama Tourism’s “Year of Alabama Birding” with special features, exhibitions, partnerships, workshops, school outreach, and a bird-inspired art poster. When: Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov. 5. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Hoover Met.
Sun., Nov. 5 Out of Darkness Walk
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Alabama chapter will host the Birmingham walk to raise funds and awareness for the organization’s mission to invest in lifesaving research, education, advocacy and support for those impacted by suicide. When: Pre-walk 1 p.m., opening ceremonies begin at 2:30 p.m. Where: Veterans Park.
Step Stone Dedication and Tribute to Veterans
The Smocking Bird • Meld Financial • FoodBar Chick-Fil-A • Troup’s • Manhattan South • Little Soles Doodle’s • Champion Tree • Ashley Mac’s • UPS Store
Alabama Veterans Memorial Park will hold its annual tribute to veterans and a step stone dedication ceremony at 1:30 p.m. For information, visit alabamaveterans.org.
Salute to Veterans
The city of Vestavia Hills will host a family-friendly Veterans Day
celebration honoring veterans from all service branches. Light refreshments, entertainment and programming with a patriotic theme. When: 2 - 4 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center
Nov. 11 & 12 Alabama Designer and Craftsmen Show and Sale The Alabama Craft Guild’s 50th annual art show will be selling their work for your holiday shopping pleasure indoors at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. When: Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Sat., Nov. 11 National Veterans Day Parade
The National Veterans Day Parade marks its 76th anniversary in downtown Birmingham. The parade, the country’s oldest National Veterans Day Parade, is a major (rain or shine) event in the region. When: 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Veterans Day Program at the Southern Museum of Flight
The Southern Museum of Flight will hold its 17th annual Veterans Day program The Birmingham Heritage Band will perform at the event. The museum preserves and presents aircraft and memorabilia from the history of powered flight. When: from 5:30 - 8 p.m. Where: Southern Museum of Flight
Sun., Nov. 12, Birmingham’s Next Hot Dog
The Animal League of Birmingham will host a contest to crown Birmingham’s “hot” dog. Festivities will include a performance by Magic City Disco. When: Noon - 3:30 p.m. Where: Avondale Brewing Company
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Hope for the Holidays
Community Grief Support Offers Programs to Help Cope With Loss During the Holiday Season Community Grief Support will be offering its annual Hope for the Holidays community education programs in November to help people coping with the first holiday season after the loss of a loved one. That first holiday season after a loss can bring on a great deal of stress, anxiety, depression, anger and sadness, according to a statement from CGS. The group will be offering three free workshops to help: • Nov. 5, 9 to 11:30 a.m. – Southminster Presbyterian Church, 1124 Montgomery Highway, 35216. • Nov. 5, 9 to 11:30 a.m. – Virtual online workshop. • Nov. 12, 9 to 11:30 a.m. – Guiding Light Church, 1800 John Rogers Drive, Irondale, 35210. A continental breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. each of those days,
with the program starting at 9:30 a.m. Steve Sweatt – LPC-S/LMFT, CGS clinical director and grief counselor – will lead the workshops. Jan Owen will provide the online program. Also, a panel of loss survivors will share how they have and continue to deal with their own personal holiday grief, such as spousal loss, adult-child loss and parental or other family loss. CGS has offered free counseling for individuals, couples and families in the greater Birmingham area for almost 30 years, with more than 20 loss-specific grief support groups each year. To register for the Hope for the Holidays workshops, go to communitygriefsupport.org/programs/hope-forthe-holidays, or contact Steve Sweatt at 205-870-8667 or ssweatt@communitygriefsupport.org for more information.
Comfort in A Bowl
Community Grief Support Offers Comfort Through Mac + Cheese Festival
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
For many, macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. So, it’s no wonder that Community Grief Support would focus its annual fundraiser on the gooey, chewy dish. The group’s 6th Annual “Magic City Mac + Cheese Festival,” hosted by the group’s junior The Mac + Cheese Festival is a family- and pet-friendly board, will be Nov. event. Sydney Haas, Bentley Rosser and Griz at the 12, from 1 p.m. to 2021 Mac + Cheese Festival. 4 p.m. at Back Forty Beer Company. the death of a loved one, we decided More than 3,500 participants are that nothing could translate ‘comfort’ expected to taste Mac + Cheese dishes better than what Mac + Cheese brings.” from Birmingham’s favorite restauFor the first time, commemorative rants, food trucks, caterers, eateries, Mac + Cheese forks will be available corporate teams and home chefs. for purchase this year. Emceed by Janice Rogers, Fox 6’s 2023 Mac + Cheese Festival venGood Day Alabama co-anchor, the dors include: Alabama Ali, Battle Mac + Cheese Festival is a family- and Axe’s Feast, Fultondale Fire pet-friendly event, with live music by Department’s Chief Grilldaddy & the Southern Choice, a kids’ zone, balloon Old Guys, Birmingham Zoo, Katie’s artists, face painting and crafts, among Plates, Lil Bougie Foodie LLC, Porky’s other activities. Pride, Urban Cookhouse and 1918 There also will be local celebrity Catering. and kid judges to decide the overall Proceeds from the festival benefit Mac + Cheese winner. free grief services and programs to “The Mac + Cheese Festival has individuals and families in need. become quite an anticipated and wellTickets may be purchased at comattended community event and a tradimunitygriefsupport.org/macfest. They tion for the past six years,” Catherine are $20 if bought before the event and Pittman Smith, administrative director $25 if bought the day of the festival. of Community Grief support, said in a Tickets for children 6-12 are $5, and statement. “When one thinks of comchildren 5 and younger can attend for fort food, mac ‘n’ cheese is always a free. favorite. With the ‘comfort’ Interested vendors or sponsors may Community Grief Support brings to contact Smith at cpsmith@communiloss survivors who are grieving after tygriefsupport.org or 205.870.8667.
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 5
ABOUT TOWN Mon., Nov. 13 Alabama Veteran Golf Tournament The Robert Trent Jones Oxmoor Valley golf course is the site of this year’s Alabama Veteran War on the Greens golf event in honor of fallen service members from Alabama. By partnering a veteran with others, it fosters an environment of understanding of their military experiences. Each year the tournament is named in honor of one Gold Star family to ensure they know their fallen will never be
forgotten. During the week of Veterans Day, Birmingham-area volunteer veterans will visit veterans in hospice care to present them with pins and certificates.
Nov. 15-18 Market Noel
The Junior League of Birmingham presents its Christmas market with vendors galore for those who want to get a jump on their holiday shopping. Ticket info: marketnoel.net. When: Nov. 15 preview from 7-10 p.m.; Nov. 16
from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Nov. 17 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Nov. 18 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: The Finley Center, Hoover.
Nov. 17 - Jan. 15 Glow Wild 2023: An Animal Lantern Celebration
Watch the zoo come alive with larger-than-life, jaw-dropping wild animal and sea life lantern creations brilliantly lighting up the night! When: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. throughout November, December and January. Where: Birmingham Zoo
NEWS
6 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
What a Relief!
Retailers Relax as Road Reopens, Even Though It Changes Party Plans By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. Shop owners in Mountain Brook Village planned to turn lemons into lemonade with a Blocked Off Block Party. Jefferson County sewer work on Montevallo Road and Petticoat Lane made traveling those streets impossible. Nearly impossible was the task of doing business when patrons had a much harder time reaching stores.
Birmingham Jewish Federation Raising Funds for Israel
Journal photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.
By Rubin E. Grant
Paige Albright, right, of Paige Albright Orientals visits with Mary Michael Bowman during last week’s Blocked Off Block Party in Mountain Brook Village.
spot. Their plan was to take advantage of the blocked road and basically have a party in the street. But the blocked streets were unblocked earlier in the day.
Journal photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
“We pretty much said, ‘Let’s do something that can uplift the people in the area,’” said Brittney Clark, brand manager of Ishi? Women’s Boutique. “There are a lot of people who are sad about their sales dropping. We all thought about, ‘Let’s do something together that brings out the community because the community, they love events.’” Merchants rallied to plan an event that would breathe renewed life into the historic shopping
“That’s so ironic,” said Jon Sparks, who had 2½-year-old daughter Ruby in his arms. “It’s funny. They were hoping it’d be like more of a block party, but it’s great because of traffic. I know everybody’s happy for this, that there’s through traffic and foot traffic. And there’s great support through the city supporting it. It’s a great turnout.” The event went from being a block party to a series of house parties. Nearly every shop had
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Brian “Bronco” Redahan set the atmosphere as he sang and played his guitar.
The event went from being a block party to a series of house parties. Nearly every shop had hors d’oeuvres for their returning customers.
The event went from being a block party to a series of house parties. Nearly every shop had hors d’oeuvres for their returning customers.
hors d’oeuvres for their returning customers. Sparks invited his buddy Brian “Bronco” Redahan to set the atmosphere as he sang and played his guitar. Sparks’ wife, Meredith, owns Eleven Eleven Clothiers. “We’re just so pleased that (the streets are) open,” she said. “It’s just more of a celebration to have the road back.”
Shoppers Back to Favored Stores
Scarlett Simmons said Mountain Brook Village is her favorite stretch of shops in Mountain Brook. She said the blocked roads made shopping difficult. “I tried to come in here and was stopped by the police. They made me go around another way,” Simmons said. “It really did affect coming over here because I come through this route like maybe 10 times a day. “But if you really know these shops and you really love these shops, I guess you would try to park farther away, but you have to have a lot of time to do that.” Jennifer Chandler Stevenson strolled down Petticoat Lane with her friend Anne Heppenstall. “To be part of this Blocked Off Block Party tonight is the best thing I can think of because these folks are so wonderful,” Stevenson said. “The businesses down here are great. My friend Anne and I wanted to come down tonight and support them. This is an absolutely great idea. There’s no other place like Mountain Brook.” Marianne Gilchrist told the owner of Melanie Pounds Interior Design that her 7-year-old daughter, Annie, loves going there. “We love the village,” the mother said. “We’ve had Canterbury and Petticoat closed since the summer,” Pounds said. “To have traffic, cars and people coming through and life back in our villages has been wonderful.” Paige Albright of Paige Albright Orientals said she’s missed her customers but admitted she missed the sales those customers brought with them, too. “It’s always fun to see our clients and have them enjoy our things and shop,” she said. “It goes hand in hand.”
As Florina Newcomb watched the news reports of Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, the Jewish holiday Shemini Atzeret, she was alarmed. “I’m terrified when I see children killed — I have two children myself — and see what was done in the kibbutzim with people being raped, killed and tortured,” said Newcomb, assistant executive director of the Birmingham Jewish Federation. “I am absolutely terrified. It could have been me or my own children.” In the aftermath of the unprecedented attack, the Birmingham Jewish Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund is raising resources to support people in Israel. The fund will support basic needs, evacuation, housing, respite and support for frontline communities. It also will support victims of terror, with
‘We take care of one another, our brothers and sisters in Israel, people who have been traumatized by people being extremely inhumane.’ trauma relief and psychological care, emergency medical services and health care; vulnerable populations; and local efforts and volunteers. “We take care of one another, our brothers and sisters in Israel, people who have been traumatized by people being extremely inhumane,” Newcomb said. “We want all the Jewish community and the community at large to support this.” The Birmingham Jewish Federation is the Jewish community’s central fundraising, community relations and community development agency. The BJF is in close contact with its partners on the ground in Israel, including the Jewish Agency for Israel, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and the Israel Trauma Coalition, as they prepare to provide the critical care and support to those affected. “We’re looking to raise $1.4 million,” Newcomb said. “We started two weeks ago and are hoping to do this for another two weeks. 100% of all dollars are going to social services in Israel.” For Newcomb, what happened and is happening in Israel’s war with Hamas, is personal. “My family is from the former Soviet Union and were Holocaust survivors and moved to Birmingham when I was 6,” she said. “I have a lot of family and friends living in Israel and also some living in Birmingham. “Every day we hear more about the hostages. I think there are now 26 children among the 200 hostages. I think about it every single day, what if it was my kids and what kind of support would I want.” To make a donation to the BJF’s emergency fund visit bjf.org/israel-emergency-fund. For more questions, visit bjf.org.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
It’s Done!
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 7
ABOUT TOWN
Join us for
Lane Parke Grand Opening!
Lane Parke Celebrating Official Grand Opening With Live Music, Specials and Activities for Kids
Thurs., Nov. 9th Enter to win a $250 gift certificate and take 30% off one item of your choice. Live music, food and fun! 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
271 Rele Street • Lane Parke Mountain Brook • 205-871-1965 www.shopbprince.com
To: From: Date:
New Store. New Presence.
Bezshan Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646 330 Rele St., June This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN Lane JOURNAL Parke for the Nov. 2, 2023 issue.
Join us during
Restaurants and shops have been opening in the popular Lane Parke in Mountain Brook since 2016, but the development is finally done and a grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 9. “We are so excited to celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of Lane Parke,” Tori Krupa, marketing associate for Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors, said in a statement. “Phase I opened seven years ago, in 2016, and now that Phase II is complete, we are ready to officially welcome all of our new restaurants and retailers!” One of the first businesses to move into Lane Parke The family-friendly event will be was B. Prince, an upscale apparel, shoe, and accesfrom 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will sory boutique. Below, Lane Parke opened in 2016. be a bounce house on the green and live music on the patio, and the restaurants will be serving special to-go drinks for those Village and the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain attending. Brook. Shoppers can stop at the Lane Parke tent to “Lane Parke being complete allows us to conpick up a “Parke Pass,” which will open access to nect more with the Mountain Brook community deals and discounts throughout the development. and continue to provide a premium shopping and Shoppers who mark off each store on the pass dining experience.” Krupa said. will be entered to win a giveaway. For more information about Lane Parke, Lane Parke is between Mountain Brook visit laneparke.com or facebook.com/laneparke.
Please make sure all information is correct, Lane Parke's Including address and phone number! Grand Openning event on Nov. 9th
Thank you for your prompt attention. 205.871.7060 | bartonclay.com
The Perfect Gift Join us Nov. 9th for the Lane Parke Grand Opening Celebration!
LIFE
8 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
Encore
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
defended; and Alice Ghostley, later a recurring character on TV’s “Bewitched,” who took the role of neighborhood gossip Stephanie Crawford. After “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Badham acted in other movies and TV shows. She and her husband, Dick, both went to the University
From Page One
Mockingbird” is both a coming-of-age story and a hard look at prejudice and the coexistence of good and evil in a small Southern town. On the play’s national tour, Badham is getting used to life on the road. She was a bit sleepdeprived and in between doing loads of laundry but still, just like any properly brought-up Southerner, good-natured and pleasant when she talked about her experiences from Dayton, Ohio, the play’s recent stop. “I grew up in Southside above the steel mills,” she said. “My grandmother’s house and our house, which sadly is no longer standing, were as you came up 33rd Street.” Nearby was Independent Presbyterian Church, which her family attended. She went to kindergarten at a school in English Village. Later, she was a student at the Brooke Hill School, which merged with Birmingham University School in 1975 to become The Altamont School.
‘The best memories I have of that time are of the friends I made both behind and in front of the camera. Everyone was so sweet. Our student welfare worker guarded me with her life.’ MARY BADHAM, ON CO-STARING IN “TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD”
As a child, Badham had no ambition to become an actress, but other family members made their marks on stage and screen. Her mother, also named Mary, acted in Town & Gown Theatre productions, appeared in operas and had her own radio show. Her brother, John Badham, went on to direct movies including “Saturday Night Fever” and “War Games.” It was longtime Town & Gown director James Hatcher who suggested young Mary try out for the role of Scout, Atticus’ daughter, whose perspective on the story is foremost as the tale unfolds. “James Hatcher let the movie people use the theater for auditions when they were in town,” Badham said. “He told my mother about the auditions, and she said that I didn’t know anything about acting.” Badham’s father, Henry, wasn’t enthusiastic about the plan. “He said no at first, but my mother said, ‘What are the chances that the child will actually get the part?’” Badham said, laughing. She not only was chosen to play Scout but turned in such a memorable performance that at age 10, she became the youngest person to be nominated for an Academy Award for a supporting role. While Badham said she didn’t know much about “To Kill of Mockingbird” before getting the role, she could identify with the character. “Our lives were similar,” she said. In Sorkin’s play, Badham plays a character very different from Scout. The book version of Mrs. Dubose is an unlikeable old lady who’s addicted to morphine due to illness but wants to break the addiction before she dies. In the
Five to Be Inducted Into Vestavia Schools Hall of Fame The Vestavia Hills City Schools Hall of Fame will induct five new educators this year, ranging from teachers to administrators to a member of the board of education. The Class of 2023 will be the fourth
Photo by Leo Fuchs/Getty Images
Family Trait
Mary Badham, right, formed a lifelong friendship with Gregory Peck, her onscreen father. Badham and co-star Phillip Alford, left, both from Birmingham, played the Finch children, Scout and Jem. Badham is now taking on the part of Mrs. Henry Dubose, the Finches’ elderly, unlovable neighbor in the stage version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” coming to Birmingham this month.
movie, she’s seen on her front porch haranguing Scout before gallant Atticus comes along and smooths things over by complimenting her garden. In the play, Mrs. Dubose’s lines include some offensive words, which Badham struggled with at first. “Ruth White, who played Mrs. Dubose in the movie, was always in costume when I saw her,” Badham said. “I wouldn’t have recognized her if I’d seen her off the set.”
Life on the Set
Badham traveled to California for the movie’s filming, which took about five months. Maycomb was brought to life on a Universal Studios set in Hollywood. “The best memories I have of that time are of the friends I made both behind and in front of the camera,” she said. “Everyone was so sweet. Our student welfare worker guarded me with her life.” One particular scene that she remembers
group of educators inducted into the VHCS Hall of Fame. Members of this years’ class are: • Beverly Brasell, English, speech and drama teacher at Vestavia Hills High School from 1974 to 2007. • William T. “Bill” Clark, first superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, who served from 1970 to 1979 and will be inducted posthumously. • Jennifer Greer, special education
fondly is of Atticus reading to Scout at bedtime. “It was such a sweet scene,” she said. She said Philip Alford, who played Scout’s older brother, Jem, was another Birmingham resident. The two didn’t know each other before TKAM, but Alford “lived right down the street from Town & Gown,” Badham said. John Megna, who played the Finch children’s friend, Dill, was from New York . “He was actually actress Connie Stevens’ half-brother, and she was instrumental in taking care of him,” Badham said. The young actress from Alabama formed a strong bond with Gregory Peck, who won the Best Actor Academy Award for his role as Atticus, and his family. Their friendship lasted until Peck’s death in 2003. Other notable cast members in the movie were Robert Duvall, who made his screen debut as the mysterious Boo Radley; character actor William Windom, who played the prosecutor in the trial of Tom Robinson, whom Atticus
teacher at Louis Pizitz Middle School and Vestavia Hills High School from 1996 to 2021. • Kym Prewitt, who served in various school system roles from 1987 to 2023, including as an English and youth leadership teacher at Vestavia Hills High School and as a Board of Education member. • Jim Williams, principal of Vestavia Hills Elementary East from 1981 to
of Arizona. Today, they live on a farm in Virginia and have two children and three grandchildren. “I’ve done a number of films and just finished one called ‘Was Once a Hero,’” Badham said. “But this is my first stage role. I had to learn about theater, because it’s so different from film. Now I’ve totally adapted to the gypsy life.” She’s promoted TKAM’s message about social injustice across the U.S. for the National Endowment of the Arts and in two White House appearances. She received a U.S. Speaker and Specialist Grant to participate in programs about “To Kill a Mockingbird” in Russia. Most of her family now lives in Huntsville, rather than Birmingham, but she said she still has “dear friends” in the Magic City. Badham said she hopes those who come to see the play when it’s in town – as well as audiences across the country – will take the story’s message to heart. “The beauty of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is also the sad part of it,” she said. “These issues that it discusses are still so relevant today: single parenting, mental illness, racial issues, addiction. This is a tiny little book with all the life lessons we still haven’t learned. “I hope people will look at these different issues and try to make things better. The purpose of the play isn’t just to entertain but to educate.” Tickets to Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” are available for purchase at BroadwayInBirmingham.com, Ticketmaster.com and the BJCC Central Ticket Office. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14, 15 and 16; 2 p.m. on Nov. 18; 8 p.m. on Nov. 17 and 18; and 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Nov. 19. For more information about the play, visit tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com or follow the production on social media.
1999. This year’s inductees were chosen from a field of nominees submitted earlier this year by alumni, current and former school employees, and people in the community. More than 140 nominations have been received since the Hall of Fame began. “The Class of 2023 continues the remarkable legacy of influence that is characteristic of the previous inductees
into the VHCS Hall of Fame. They each exemplified a model of excellence that is the standard for educators in Vestavia Hills,” said Vestavia school Superintendent Todd Freeman. This year’s inductees will be honored Jan 29 during a public ceremony. A full list of previous inductees along with nomination information is available at vhcs.us/halloffame.
By June Mathews Margaret Newton was living her best life. Her two married daughters had recently given her a grandchild apiece, one named after her. She felt fine. She was working. She loved her job. “Everything was going great,” she said. “I thought I was at a new stage in my life. I was going to be a working grandmother who babysat on the weekends, and we were all excited.” Then on her way to work one morning, Newton glanced in the rearview mirror and noticed her eyes looked yellow. As the day wore on, she noticed her fingernails were yellow, and her skin was taking on a yellowish hue. That afternoon, she headed to the emergency room to find out what was going on. Two days later, she learned she had pancreatic cancer. After 10 months of chemo, Newton is reclaiming her life and going about the business of providing an example for her daughters. “It’s always been very important during this that I model for my daughters dignity, grace, a fighting spirit, my ferocious nature,” she said. “I can get through this. I’m not going to make people around me sad.”
The Mental Factor
“There’s not really cancer in my family,” said Mike Rutledge. “There wasn’t a big history of it, but I’ve got a gene that caused the (stomach) cancer.”
LIFE
Look for the Good in the Day Reed Foundation Puts the Fun in Fundraising With Casino Party
Photos by Harry Long
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
After 10 months of chemo, Margaret Newton, left, is reclaiming her life and going about the business of providing an example for her daughters. At the beginning of Mike Rutledge’s bout with cancer, a nurse named Karen advised him that probably 95% of his battle would be mental.
At the beginning of his bout with cancer, a nurse named Karen advised him that probably 95% of his battle would be mental. “If you can beat the mental part of it, you’ve got a better chance to beat cancer,” she told him.” And Rutledge took those words to heart. So instead of looking for the bad, he finds the good in each day and does his best to share it. “And once you find the good in it, you just feel so much better,” he said. “You can win if you keep a positive attitude. I enjoy every day. I don’t let the day drive me. I drive the day. It’s just like a second chance at life. You do life differently. You don’t take any-
thing for granted.” Rutledge is on a clinical trial drug and is hopeful about the future. “I still feel good,” he said. “I’m still just as active as I was a year ago.”
Faces of GI Cancer
Newton and Rutledge are the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation’s 2023 Faces of GI Cancer, a video series featuring individuals dealing with GI cancer. The two will be honored at the organization’s annual fundraising event, Iron Bowl Kickoff Casino Party, on Nov. 16 at The Club. Other honorees include Melinda and Randall Curtis, longtime support-
ers of the Reed Foundation, and Dany Hollingsworth, whose husband, Jamey, passed away last year after a 10-month battle with colorectal cancer. Formed in 2002 while its namesake was battling pancreatic cancer, the Reed Foundation works to raise awareness of and understanding about gastrointestinal cancers. Over the past 21 years, the foundation has contributed more than $1.8 million to GI cancer research and patient care initiatives. GI cancers are common and usually treatable with early detection. A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of GI cancers, which include bile duct cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, gallbladder cancer, liver cancer,
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 9
pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer. “When I started with the foundation, I wasn’t even sure what all the GI cancers were,” said Hannon Davidson, executive director of the Reed Foundation. “So, with Faces of GI Cancer, we’re trying to put more awareness behind the different types.” The patients who provide the faces for the video series are recommended and initially contacted on behalf of the Reed Foundation by their physicians. “We try to choose patients with different GI cancers,” said Davidson. “The stories can be bittersweet, but it’s a chance for the people who participate to tell their stories, and in the process, they promote awareness. Maybe somebody who sees one of the videos will be encouraged to go get screened or see a doctor.” Awareness is also a key component of the casino party, as is fun. The event will feature 12 casino tables, live music, complimentary open bar and cocktail buffet, the Denny Chimes Wine Pull, the Toomer’s Corner Liquor Toss, and the Women’s Committee Silent Auction. Attire is jackets, no ties. The pre-party, which is included in some tickets, begins at 6 p.m.; the party begins at 7 p.m. For more information on the Reed Foundation or to view Faces of GI Cancer videos, visit reedgifoundation. com. Click on the Events tab for more information or to purchase tickets for the party. Also check out the Instagram and Facebook pages @ Reedgifoundation.
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LIFE
‘On a Whim’
Vestavia Hills Author Writes and Releases Humorous Children’s Book in a Week By Rubin E. Grant
The Club
The Club HONORING MELINDA AND RANDALL CURTIS AND THE LIFE OF JAMEY HOLLINGSWORTH REEDGIFOUNDATION.COM
While sitting on his couch watching football on a Sunday afternoon in September, Vestavia Hills author Maury Levine had a crazy idea: write a children’s book and release it in a week’s time. And that’s what he did. Levine’s second humorous book, a picture e-book for kids called “Oliver’s AI Generated Silly Picture Book” (pictured) was published Sept. 11 and is available as a Kindle Edition exclusively on Amazon for download for 99 cents. “I did it on a whim,” Levine said, or as he writes on Amazon, “One night after eating a large Mexican dinner (seventeen soft tacos with extra cheese), a peculiar author had a peculiar idea: He decided to put silliness, weirdness, chewy candy and question marks into a massive AI Children’s Book Generator.” The book was like a mad scientist’s experiment. “In the back of (my) mind, I always wanted to do a children’s book,” Levine said. “I wanted to see how fast I could put it all together. It was very much experimental writing. “I managed to write and release it in a week. I needed to do it on Amazon
I ’ M L E AV I N G A
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE, ONE LEGACY AT A TIME Guin Robinson wants to make an investment in the future of Birmingham that also pays tribute to the influence of earlier generations. That's why he has specified in his will that a legacy gift be made to the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. "My family has always had a deep-rooted belief in giving back to the community, and I want to honor their values," says Guin. "As an only child with no children of my own, leaving a gift to the Community Foundation ensures that my family's legacy will be honored for years to come." Guin trusts the Foundation to manage his gift and honor his family's legacy based on our history, transformational work, and proactive approach to community challenges and crises. Visit cfbham.org/legacy and learn how you can join Guin in creating your legacy.
on Kindle otherwise it would have taken months or a year.” Levine’s first book, “Shopping Bagged,” a humorous mystery about a shopping center developer who buries a body under a fountain in the food court of one of his malls, came out in 2013. “Oliver’s AI Generated Silly Picture Book,” named for his 4-year-old grandson, is a satire of a traditional picture book. From the questionable cover, to the wrong rhymes, to the puzzling pictures, Levine expects the book to lead to plenty of questions and plenty of fun for new readers. “I came up with the most ridiculous phrases possible, then used AI to create the pictures,” Levine said. “Kids will find that everything in the book is just a little bit off and they might acciden-
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
tally learn about animals, foods and colors. “My grandson called it ‘very silly.’ It’s a perfect endorsement from him.” Levine used AI for the illustrations because he can’t draw. “I have no art skills whatsoever and I couldn’t afford to pay someone to illustrate it,” Levine said. “I already had my silly rhyme phrases that I wanted to use. I put them in AI, but I had to tweak it to make it work with the right rhyme. I had to learn how to talk to AI to get what I wanted.” Another challenge was formatting it for Kindle, since Levine also lacked technical skills. “I am not really tech savvy, so that was difficult,” he said. “But once I was able to format it right with the pictures, it worked well.” Levine is a contributor to comedy websites, including The Broadway Beat, End of the Bench, The Spoof, Glossy News, Points in Case, Robot Butt and Little Old Lady Comedy, and he had a riff used in an episode of Mystery Science Theatre 3000. He is also a drummer. “Oliver’s AI Generated Silly Picture Book” is 26 pages long and was written for children 2-8 years old. “The book is like one of those popup shops at the mall or a kiosk,” Levine said. “Traditional publishing you would have a lead up to the release date months in advance and schedule book signings, so I’m almost doing it backwards. I’m just now doing the marketing part of it because the product came out so quickly.”
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T
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
BEAUTY AND BRAINS Linly Heflin Unit Fashion Show Raises Funds for Scholarships
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
he latest fashions were showcased during the annual Linly Heflin Scholarship Fashion Show at The Club on Oct. 18. The event, presented by Gus Meyer, featured designs by fashion house Lafayette 148 New York. The evening began with a cocktail supper followed by the fashion show. The Linly Heflin Unit has sponsored the fashion show for decades, with money raised used to provide partial scholarships for women attending Alabama colleges and universities. The unit was founded in 1919 as a women’s service organization. ❖
Amy Littleton, Katherine Galloway, Laura Hydinger, Katherine DeBuys, Anna Carson, Sally Boyd, Trent Hull, Mary Ann Grmmas
Peggy Rafield, Kendall Egan
Anne Elise Cooper, Wendy Morris, Francie Deaton
Lynn Cassady, Emily Curran, Claire Vaughn
Bama Hager, Paulette Pearson
Liz Pharo, Emily Hubbard, Irene Gardner, Alene Cater, Carolyn Featerhingill
Liz Cooney, Virginia Dansby
Eve Hirsch, Vicki Denaburg
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SOCIAL
Carla Roberson, Katherine DeBuys, Jeff and Deanna Pizitz
Faith Couvillon, Kathy Skinner, Susan Nasca
Bentley Danello, Olivia Shull
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 13
14 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
SOCIAL
Waltzing Into Society
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32 Young Women to Be Presented in Annual Poinsettia Ball
T
he Poinsettia Men’s Club and Ballet Women’s Committee will host the 56th Annual Poinsettia Ball on Dec. 19 at Vestavia Hills Country Club. Thirty-two young women will be presented by their families. After their presentation, the debutantes will continue the evening with the traditional father-daughter waltz, followed by music and a reception. Twenty-three junior debutantes will be introduced to the ballroom before the debutantes’ entrance. Each young lady will be introduced on her father’s arm and
then seated. The Men’s Club president is Charlie D. Stewart Jr., and the Ballet Women’s Committee president is Melissa McMurray. Liz Guest is the ball board president. Kelly Troiano and Stephanie Whisenhunt serve as debutante social co-chairs and coordinate all debutante activities. The benefactors benefit chair is Jayna Southerland. Erin Burton and Angie Saia serve as junior debutante social co-chairs. Tammy Townes serves as liaison
to the Alabama Ballet. Stacey Gregory is publicity chair. The Ballet Women’s Committee board includes Sarah Bryan, Erin Burton, Jennifer Culbertson, Diane Early, Liz Guest, Lianne Hand, Sharon Maddox, Melissa McMurray, Kelly Troiano, Tammy Townes, Stephanie Whisenhunt and Alissa Padgett. The Ballet Women’s Committee was founded in 1960 to foster and promote fine arts in the greater Birmingham area. All proceeds from the Poinsettia Ball support the Alabama Ballet. ❖
Abigail Kathryn Mason daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Adams Mason
Abigail Neville Stockard daughter of Ms. Kimberly Tucker Stockard and Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Evans Stockard
Addie Simms Roberson daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John Louis Roberson, Jr.
Alison Mugnier Hanna daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Kevin Hanna
Allison Sage Dunlap daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Richardson Dunlap IV
Alyssa Renee Bell daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul James Bell
Anna Carlisle Worrell daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Alan Worrell, Jr.
Anna Catherine Bochnak daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John William Bochnak
Anna Grace Gibbons daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rush Gibbons
Anne Neal Moore daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Barton Moore
Annie Katherine Parks daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Matthew Parks
Caitlyn Ann Burrus daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Wayne Burrus
Catherine Anne Gray daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Grafton Gray
Diane Claire Westhoven daughter of Mr. David Anthony Westhoven and Dr. Gail Smith Westhoven
Ella Virginia Sweeney daughter of Reverend and Mrs. John Bryant Sweeney
Emma Rose Blackmon daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Blackmon
Gracie Katherine Yates daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Frank Yates
Greer Elizabeth Boland daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Shelton Boland, Sr.
Hallie Elizabeth Azar daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Wayne Azar
Hannah Tate Hollis daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Holland Hucks Buchanan
Julia Romero Altamirano daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Norman Altamirano
Katherine Anne Rohner daughter of Mr. Mark Douglas and Dr. Angelica Robinson Rohner
Lucy Bowen Evans daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bowen Evans
Macie Reinhart Scaini daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Guido Scaini
Madeline Grace Hagler daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Marshall Hallman, Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clayton Hagler
Margaret Ann Green daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Corey Green
Maria Kathleen Elliott daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Stanford Elliott
Mary Carlisle Barranco daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Brent Norris Barranco
Mary Vann Elizabeth Reilly Wilkerson Collins daughter of Forbes daughter of Ms. Meredith Maxwell Mr. and Mrs. William Collins Mr. and Mrs. Keister Forbes, Jr. Walter Brady Collins
Sarah Katherine Sullivan daughter of Ms. Stacey Brown Sullivan and Mr. Kevin Michael Sullivan
Wesley Kellam Williamson daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Robert Williamson, Jr.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Supporting Missions
SOCIAL
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 15
The Hoover Service Club Monthly Luncheon Meeting was Oct. 12 at the Hoover Country Club with a business meeting, speaker and collection for Oak Mountain Missions. Austin Hardison, executive director of Red Mountain Grace, was the speaker for the group. Red Mountain Grace’s mission is to provide housing for patients and their families from out of town who are being treated with long-term care at area hospitals. Hoover Service Club members and guests brought canned food items or donated to Oak Mountain Missions as part of the club’s October community service project. For lunch, members and guests were served garden salad followed by a bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with parmesan polenta, sugar-snap peas and tomato butter sauce, and then a Ghirardelli brownie with whipped cream and caramel sauce for dessert. ❖
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Hoover Service Club’s Monthly Luncheon Focuses on Good Deeds
Above, Elaine Thompson, Caarolyn Battle, Carol Monroe Below, Mary Sue Ludwig, Heather Pierce and Vicki Nutter Below left, Deborah Weyandt and Susette Clark-Walker
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Welcoming the Fall Season
Pickwick Dance Club Gathered to Kick Off Its 50th Year
SOCIAL More than a hundred members and guests gathered as Pickwick Dance Club began its 50th year with an outdoor fall party. The party was at The Hideout, compliments of members Marsha and Owen Vickers. Whiskers catered a menu of barbecue, smoked chicken, potato salad and baked beans, along with an array of cheesecake and cookies. Blair Cox provided the music. The party was planned by Tricia Ford, Jeanne Adair, Dana Norton and Jean Woodward. ❖
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16 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
Pete and Kathy Pearson, Debbie McCorquodale, Ann and George Morris
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An Enchanted Evening
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Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 17
Birmingham Children’s Theatre recently celebrated 75 years of providing professional theater for young audiences with its annual fundraising gala, An Enchanted Evening, at The Fennec. Paul P. Bolus and Jean Pierce were celebrated during the gala, on Oct. 19. Bolus was honored for his continued leadership contributions as a former board president, community advocate and fundraiser. Pierce was recognized for her artistic contributions; she has written more than two dozen plays for BCT. Attendees were transported to Neverland with Peter, Wendy, the Lost Boys, mermaids, pirates and more characters. Proceeds from the gala go directly to BCT’s onstage productions. ❖
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Fantastical Characters Entertained Guests at Birmingham Children’s Theatre Gala
Mike Boody, Jessica Clark, Gary and JoAnn Weatherly, Jay Tumminello
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18 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
Comfortable, Stylish
HOSPITALITY The Kelly Birmingham Owner Assembles Unique Furnishings to Make Her Home Playful and Elegant
By Susan Swagler
K
elly Lewis knows what she likes. When it comes to decorating the home she and her husband, Jim, own in Mountain Brook, she knows how to source the fabrics and rugs and art and furnishings to make the place uniquely their own. Anyone can walk into The Kelly hotel in downtown Birmingham to get a sense of Kelly Lewis’ style. She was instrumental in decorating The Kelly
Birmingham, which she calls “the bad little sister” to the more traditional Redmont. The Kelly, she explains, has more “life and verve and energy.” She and her husband own this hotel, which is part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, along with the Redmont Hotel down the street, which is part of Hilton’s Curio collection, and the St. James Hotel in Selma, also part of the Tapestry Collection. While Lewis had to work within Hilton’s corporate parameters at The Kelly, she left her own impression on the place with vibrant yet elegant
Kelly Lewis and her husband, Jim, like to welcome visitors to the Mountain Brook home they bought in 2021.
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Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 19
HOME
Journal photos by Maury Wald
Marble on the kitchen counters and full-height backsplash, sourced through Alabama Stone Works Inc., at first appears black and white but features interesting bits of green and pink, too. Her love of fashion is evident, as well, in the luxurious fabrics on windows and floors and furniture. She helped design some of her custom rugs with Angie Burge, who owns English Village Lane. She worked with Rollins Drapery Service on her lux window treatments. Two fashion-themed paintings –
one featuring a Karl Lagerfeld Chanel design, the other Dior – hang in the living room. Take a close look at the books in her office/library and you’ll see “House Dressing” by Janie Molster, Nina Campbell’s “Interior Decoration,” and “Glamorous Rooms” by Jan Showers. She’s dressed several of her walls and a hallway’s high barrel ceiling in textured wallpapers that look a lot like fabric. And visitors cannot help but notice the cats. The stairs off the foyer are covered
in black and white leopard print. There’s a large ceramic leopard on a mid-century console in the den; it once stalked the pool area of a home in Palm Beach. There are other smaller cat figures here and there, the subtle hint of a cat in the pattern of a rug. She even manages to merge her love of felines and fashion. There’s a pink Gucci cat pillow in the Champagne Room, but the pièce de résistance is the Gucci tiger face wallpaper in the powder room. The fierce felines snarl stylishly from every wall, and their See HOSPITALITY, page 20
Marble on the kitchen counters and full-height backsplash, sourced through Alabama Stone Works Inc., at first appears black and white but features interesting bits of green and pink, too. Below, Two fashion-themed paintings – one featuring a Karl Lagerfeld Chanel design, the other Dior – hang in the living room.
touches everywhere. Her inspiration was Annabel’s, a private club in London. The Kelly has since won several design awards. In her home, of course, she could do exactly what she wanted. Lewis has refined her sense of style for years, and it continues to evolve. “I read every design magazine just about,” she says. “My mom and aunt were both super into home stuff and were constantly doing and redoing. They had very different aesthetics but liked to keep it ‘fresh.’” Lewis’ style is classy as well as classic. It’s also exciting and elegant, punchy and playful. And it’s highly personal. There are countless hints to things Lewis likes in details large and small. For instance, in addition to being an attorney, Lewis is a certified gemologist, so there are minerals and splendid stone surfaces throughout
Come Home to Beautiful Chester Court in Mountain Brook Village her home. A huge amethyst crystal sits on a mirrored table in the Champagne Room. A honed marble table in the dining room contrasts with gold-colored mid-century chairs she got from an antiques dealer in South Florida. The desk in her office is a large, glowing slab of white onyx.
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TruBlue’s Mission to Serve Seniors And Busy Families
The owners of Trublue of Birmingham started their company with a mission. “Provide premium handyman services that make it easier for homeowners!” “There are two generations of people that we serve the most” said Roxanne Batson, one of the 3 owners of Trublue. “We have many senior clients who want to live in their home for the rest of their lives. For them installing things that make life easier such as grab bars, handrails, lower thresholds and step in bath tubs can be a tremendous help. As seniors ourselves, we know that we don’t need to take the risk of climbing ladders, lifting heavy objects and trying to do all the repairs ourselves! Why not use a handyman to do the work instead?” Partner Mur Feldman added “The other
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HOME
side of that is our adult children who don’t have time to work, take care of their family and maintain their home at the same time. We provide the skilled labor for small repairs and regular maintenance without them having to wait months for service. ” The company is dedicated to helping both generations. “We got into this business because we saw how difficult it was for our parents to get help just to fix the little things but we’ve found that just about everyone who owns a home needs a handyman at times who have the skills and ability to help.” added owner Rick Batson.
Journal photos by Maury Wald
20 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
The living room is divided into two areas. There’s a lively, fun side anchored by an Italian wet bar from the 1950s, below right; an antique game table in the corner cleverly opens up to a variety of diversions. Checkers. Roulette. Backgammon. Cards, below left. On the other side of the large room is a more traditional arrangement in front of a lovely fireplace, above.
For more information on how Trublue can help please call for information or a free estimate. 205-870-5219
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colors are echoed in the pieced marble tiles on the floor. Lewis and her husband bought this house in 2021; it was built in 1990. She said they imme-
offers this advice: “You’ve got to do it all. We started out piecemeal.” They did the bathroom. They painted. They worked on the kitchen some. “So, it was a much more painful, longer, probably more expensive process than if we had gone in and said, ‘Here’s everything I want to do.’ You just have to bite the bullet.”
‘This is my house. It should look like what I like.’ But she’s always open to inspiration. ‘I guess that’s how you know you’re old. I used to go to Dead shows, now I go to antique shows.’ KELLY LEWIS
diately loved the openness of it. They ended up gutting the bathroom to make it what they wanted. It’s a gem of a sanctuary with a gold-clad soaking tub, striking black and white marble tiles and a vibrant rug with red dragons to anchor the space in a dramatic way.
Dive Into the Deep End
When it comes to renovations, she adamantly
Lewis is her own interior designer. “This is my house,” she said. “It should look like what I like.” But she’s always open to inspiration. “I guess that’s how you know you’re old,” she said. “I used to go to Dead shows, now I go to antique shows.” She follows Instagram influencers and incorporates what catches her eye. “I try to go to any of the decorator show-
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 21
HOME houses in Atlanta, New York, wherever for inspiration and (to see) how other people put stuff together –especially when they can go over the top. There’s nothing new under the sun, as they say, so a lot of it is just mimicry but putting a personal twist on it.” She sources from close to home and around the world. She shops Trisha’s Treasures in Homewood and Design Supply at Pepper Place. She peruses 1stDibs online and scouts Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta.
“I travel a lot for work and fun,” she said, “so that gives the opportunity to find unique pieces.” The mirror in the dining room is from the Paris flea market. The Murano glass vase in the foyer is from a recent trip to Italy. She also loves mixing old things with new. The Paris flea market mirror reflects family heirlooms – a table, some gleaming old silver pieces – and the crystal chandelier original to the house.
She’s not afraid to go bold, either. Consider the textured gold range hood in her own kitchen and the very idea of a Champagne Room and, of course, the cat power in her powder room. For all these flourishes, the Lewis home is open and inviting in a way that makes guests feel special. Little wonder that Kelly’s favorite room is the living room, which is perfect for entertaining. See HOSPITALITY, page 22
Journal photos by Maury Wald
Jim and Kelly Lewis gutted the bathroom to make it what they wanted. It’s a gem of a sanctuary with a gold-clad soaking tub, striking black and white marble tiles and a vibrant rug with red dragons to anchor the space in a dramatic way. The mirror in the dining room, below, is from The Paris flea market.
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game table in the corner clevHOSPITALITY antique erly opens up to a variety of diverFrom page 21
It’s divided into two areas. There’s a lively, fun side anchored by an Italian wet bar from the 1950s; an
sions. Checkers. Roulette. Backgammon. Cards. A huge ottoman made of folded banana leaf fibers offers interesting seating for several. On the other side of the large room
LUCY SAYS STOP!
Journal photos by Maury Wald
The holidays are just around the corner, stop by and see what we have for all your entertainment needs!
2841 Cahaba Road | Mtn. Brook Village 205-879-5277 | M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-4 www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com There’s a large ceramic leopard on a mid-century console in the den; it once stalked the pool area of a home in Palm Beach, above. Below, the Champagne Room upstairs is one of Kelly’s favorite rooms.
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is a more traditional arrangement in front of a lovely fireplace. Her other favorite room is the Champagne Room upstairs with its huge mirrored bar, bright fuchsia drapes, pink rug and pink ceiling, comfortable sofas and a beautiful antique chair covered with a green reptile-print fabric. A sterling Buccellati champagne bucket is a party-perfect accessory. While this home was meant to be a placeholder of sorts – the Lewis’ had planned to move into The Kelly – she said they are happy here. “It’s a great house for entertaining, which I love,” Lewis said.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 23
HOME
KELLY LEWIS’ ENTERTAINING TIPS
Jim and Kelly Lewis
Journal photos by Maury Wald
• I have finally learned not to stress too much about what might be unfinished in the house or wrong, etc. Literally no one else will notice that if you have good food and drinks. Music and candles never hurt either. Don’t feel like your house has to be “done;” your friends will appreciate the final product more if they see the full evolution. • Invest the money to have help so you can enjoy the party. What’s the point if you are stressed, running around refilling platters, etc. The host should get to have fun, too, and not face cleaning up after or asking guests to help. If the host is relaxed and enjoying the party, so will the guests, and they will feel comfortable staying longer. For a larger party, if possible, have passed apps and bartenders refilling drinks so guests don’t have to interrupt their conversations for another drink or a bite to eat. • Cast a wide and diverse net with your guest list. It makes it way more fun with people of different interests and backgrounds, and it’s always surprising seeing who connects. • Pull out the good stuff, the China, crystal, linens and such. It was meant to be used, and your house is not a museum. So what if it gets broken? Probably means it was a fun party. And you have an excuse to buy new ones then. • When in doubt – or in a pinch – go for a Chick-fil-A party platter! They always get devoured!
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24 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
HOMEWOOD FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Applause Dancewear Applause Dancewear has been known as “Your One Stop For All Of Your Dancing Needs” since it was opened by Buddy and Cindy Wade in 1981. Their daughter, Katie Wade Faught, above with Cindy, has continued that strong tradition and consistent answer to an ever changing and exponentially growing dance market since her ownership in 1992. “As a family that has grown up in dance and that has a love and true passion for this art form, it comes as second nature and makes it an absolute joy to come to work everyday,” said Faught, above. “In these critical times, as our world changes around us, we are striving to keep as much normalcy in the community of dance as we can.
For our customers and our little dancers that are here to buy their first pair of dance shoes, whether they be the first ballet or tap shoe for a toddler or the first pointe shoe for a teen, we want it to be a very special moment!” “We also want to remind everyone that our entire staff is fully trained in fitting pointe shoes. We offer group appointments for studio fittings in our store and offer the ability for individuals to come in for pointe shoe fittings without having to make an appointment. Please give us a call or come by to see the extensive inventory and sizes available for all of our dancers!!” Applause Dancewear is located at 1629 Oxmoor Road in Homewood, 205-871-7837.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Homewood Toy & Hobby Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop is celebrating its 73rd year in business, making it the oldest toy store and hobby shop in the Birmingham area. “We are family-owned and operated since 1950 with a focus on classic toys for the child inside of everyone,” said owner Tricia McCain, above left, with store manager Julie Marix. “We carry a wide variety of brands including, but not limited to Corolle Dolls, Lego, Mattel, Fat Brain Toys, Lionel Trains and Traxxas Remote Control. “Whether you are looking for a new toy for a
newborn baby, a birthday gift for your child’s classmate or even a new hobby for Dad, our experienced staff can help you decide on the best item,” Tricia said. “We carry the largest selection of remote controlled toys in Birmingham. We are proud to have 70 years of business in the hobby industry. “If you are looking for a particular toy, don’t hesitate to give us a call. If we don’t stock it, we can often special order it for you.” Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop is located at 2830 18th Street S., 205-879-3986.
‘IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PARTICULAR TOY, DON’T HESITATE TO GIVE US A CALL. IF WE DON’T STOCK IT, WE CAN OFTEN SPECIAL ORDER IT FOR YOU.’
GREAT GIFT ITEMS FOR ALL OF THE DANCERS IN YOUR LIFE!!
Dancewear 1629 Oxmoor Road Homewood 205-871-STEP (7837) Like us on Facebook
Celebrating 42 Years In Business - Family Owned & Operated
Making Christmas Magic for 70 Years 2830 18TH STREET SOUTH • HOMEWOOD • 879-3986 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Mantooth Interiors Since 1973, three generations of the Mantooth family have brought you the most rare and evolving collection of the very best in home furnishings. Led by a mother and son team, Lynette and Josh Mantooth, along with a very talented design team, (pictured above, from left, Danielle Palladino, Beth Jackson, Josh Mantooth, Lynette Mantooth and Lori Twitty) they can bring your interior dreams to a reality. Mantooth Interiors is known for their incredible selection of luxurious bed linens, exquisite upholstery fabrics, art, lighting, case goods, beds, custom window treatments, and Hunter Douglas products. A commitment to quality and service is the foundation on which the Mantooth family
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 25
HOMEWOOD FOR THE HOLIDAYS
built their business. This foundation has allowed them to build relationships with clients that last from one generation to the next. “Our designers have the talent, creativity, and most importantly, the passion to create the perfect atmosphere for the perfect home,” Lynette said. Mantooth Interiors is ready to help you transition your home for the Holiday Season. “We carry a huge variety on Nest products including all holiday fragrances,” Josh said. “Come in and let the Mantooth Interiors team assist you in being ‘HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’” Mantooth Interiors is located at 2813 18th Street So., (205) 879-5474.
Diversification Continues to Be the Key to Wallace-Burke’s Success “Our mainstay here at Wallace-Burke will always be creating fine jewelry,” said David Burke Hezlep who co-owns the business with Preston Wallace Foy. “As an in-house manufacturing jeweler, we can produce just about anything a person can imagine. The most budget friendly thing you can do is come to Wallace-Burke for your jewelry needs. Just imagine repurposing the old jewelry in your jewelry box into something spectacular without spending a fortune,” David said. Simply come in and meet with our resident, independent and award winning jewelry designer Patrick Conway. Patrick brings to Wallace-Burke over forty years of creating spectacular and precious heirloom jewelry. The transformation is truly
breath taking. “We have also expanded to include state wide, ‘Alabama Only’ artists; always keeping an eye on affordability,” Preston said. Preston’s life-long hobby of furniture restoration and repair has become just another way for Wallace-Burke to reach out to neighbors in the surrounding communities. “We had no idea there would be such a demand for quality furniture restoration. The response continues to be incredible,” Preston said. Please stop by our gallery and enjoy all of our beautiful jewelry, art and craftsmanship. Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry - Art - Furniture Restoration & Repair is located at 1811 29th Ave. So., (205) 874-1044.
HATS OFF FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Celebrating 50 Years
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MERRY & BRIGHT
Holidays in the Villages
Mountain Brook’s Villages to Hold Open Houses for Families and Shoppers
C
ommunity events are scheduled throughout Mountain Brook during the holidays offering shopping, entertainment, a parade and visits with Santa. Crestline Village leads the way with its Holiday Open House on Nov. 16, with retailers and restaurants offering sales and special events. Patrons can go to the lawn of Mountain Brook City Hall for a hot
coca bar and a life-sized snow globe. On Nov. 30, merchants in Mountain Brook Village and Lane Parke will be inviting shoppers in for holiday shopping, refreshments and special guests, including Santa Claus. English Village follows Dec. 7 with its open house. Live music will be playing as retailers open their doors for sales, specials and holiday trees.
mtnbrookchamber.org
The Mountain Brook Holiday Parade will take place Dec. 3 at 3 p.m., beginning at Mountain Brook Office Park, traveling down Cahaba Road and concluding with the arrival of Santa Claus atop a Mountain Brook Fire Department truck. Famed runaway goat Billy the Kid will be grand marshal. Visit mtnbrookchamber.org for more information
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
2022 HOLIDAY MEMORIES The annual Mountain Brook Holiday Parade will take palce on Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. in Mountain Brook Village.
Journal file photos by Jordan Wald
26 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
MERRY & BRIGHT
Image Arts Hank Spencer started Image Arts 21 years ago after a successful career in the software business that took him all over the country. As printing and photography moved from film to digital, his new business thrived due to
frames for those special Holiday gifts! “If you have a wedding, special trip, or memory book you want us to lay out for a gift… come on by,” Hank said. Christmas and Custom Holiday cards are a specialty at Image Arts. “We can do it all, from collages to full-service addressing and mailing to your list of family and friends. Update your family and friends with a Christmas Card… before or after New Years! “Come by and speak with Rachel, Kelly, or me and we will get the job done for you,” Hank said.
Custom Christmas and Holiday Cards!!!
‘IF YOU HAVE A WEDDING, SPECIAL TRIP OR MEMORY BOOK YOU WANT US TO LAYOUT FOR A GIFT ....COME ON BY.’
his expertise in computer technology, digital photography, custom printing and framing as well as the design of personalized photobooks. Customers love the custom framing projects the team at Image Arts does in-store. They also have a tremendous selection of ready-made
Image Arts is located at 213 Country Club Park, in Crestline, 205-870-0178.
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 27
Town & Country Clothes
“We have been in business since 1943, making us one of the oldest businesses in Mountain Brook,” said store owner Laurel Bassett, pictured. “Town & Country’s top priority is personal service, tailored to each customer’s style and fit considerations,” said Laurel. “We focus on fabrics that are easy to care for, silhouettes that fit a flatter real women’s bodies, and styles that accommodate our customers’ lifestyles and travel.” “This holiday season is already gearing up to be a busy one! Our customers are already looking for outfits for parties coming up this season, and we are ready for them, with hand-dyed silk tops, velvet scarves and tops, cashmere ponchos and wraps, and beautiful dressy jackets in rich textures for the holidays. We also have handmade jewelry and scarves that you won’t find anywhere else.” Pictured are Laurel Bassett hand dyed velvet wrap, $148; Iskin Sisters handmade necklace, $144; CoFi Leathers convertible clutch, $98.
“We’ll be kicking off the holiday season with sales throughout the week, and will stay open til 7 p.m. the night of the Crestline Open House on Nov. 16, with sips, treats and giveaways. “Our handmade scarves and jewelry are always some of our most popular gift items, and we have new batches of handmade jewelry from Iskin Sisters, Sea Lily, Marion Wilson, and Laurel Bassett. CoFi Leathers is a new line for us this year, with beautiful European-style imprinted leather clutches and crossbody purses. “In Cashmere is always a customer favorite during the holidays, with fringes edge scarves, solid or cable ponchos and fur trimmed cardigans. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest arrivals and sale announcements!” Town & Country Clothes is located at 74 Church Street in Crestline Village, 205-8717909.
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74 Church Street • Crestline Village • 205.871.7909 Mon.-Fri. 10-5 & Sat. 10-4 • townandcountryclothes.com
28 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal file photos by Jordan Wald
HOLIDAY IN THE HILLS
All Around Vestavia Hills
2022 HOLIDAY MEMORIES Clockwise from left, Brad, Genevieve, Louise and Leann Green; Jacob Williams with Santa Claus; Sophie Rose Morros, Elin Mason, Anna Mason, Belle Murphree, Addison Mann
City Plans Season of Festivals for the Holidays
A
series of holiday events set in Vestavia Hills this year includes two tree lightings, a menorah lighting, visits with Santa and a parade. The festive events start with Deck the Heights on Nov. 11, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., in Cahaba Heights. It includes shopping and refreshments and pop-up shops throughout the heights. On Nov. 28 during a festival beginning at 6 p.m., the tree at Vestavia Hills City Hall will be lit and Santa will be visiting, along with performances by Vestavia Hills City Schools choirs and dancers, merchant booths
and giveaways. The tree at Vestavia City Center will be lit during the All is Bright festival. Set to begin Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m., the festival will include music, photos with Santa and kids’ activities. The city’s Holiday Parade and Party in the Park will be the following day, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at Liberty Park. Breakfast with Santa will be Dec. 9 at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center, and the city’s Menorah Lighting will follow Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at city hall. Visit vestaviahills.org for more information.
2023
Mark your calendar for this year’s Holiday in the Hills events!
November 11
November 28
December 2
Deck the Heights
Tree Lighting Festival
All is Bright
2:00-7:00 pm Cahaba Heights
6:00 pm Vestavia Hills City Hall & Civic Center
5:30-7:30 pm Vestavia City Center
December 3
December 9
December 14
Holiday Parade & Party in the Park
Breakfast with Santa
Menorah Lighting
2:00 pm Liberty Park
7:30-10:00 am Vestavia Hills Civic Center
5:30 pm Vestavia Hills City Hall
*Rain Date: December 10
Presented by the City of Vestavia Hills and Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Visit www.vestaviahills.org for more information.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Sexton’s Seafood Jason and Lee Schroeder (above), owners of Sexton’s Seafood Market, bring in over 60 tons of Gulf fresh seafood to Birmingham each year! They have 30 years of experience in the seafood business and are ready to make your next dining experience DELICIOUS. You can expect fresh seafood, from friendly people who are excited to assist you with your dinner, special occasion, holiday party, office party, birthday or “Fish on Friday” to make it the best in Birmingham. Ask the team at Sexton’s about fresh clams, tuna, red snapper, shrimp, salmon, octopus, alligator, boudin sausage and gumbo or crab cakes. “Our team is ready to help you with your planning for upcoming holiday dinners and
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 29
HOLIDAY IN THE HILLS
Second Hand Rose
parties,” Jason said. “Are you planning on fresh oysters, fish or shrimp for a party? Let us help you estimate your needs and get the order in fresh for your next event,” Lee said. “We carry over 20 varieties of Fresh Fish and lobsters, shrimp, shellfish, crabmeat, oysters and prepared foods like crabcakes! Order ahead to assure we have your favorite seafood in stock, call or come by and let’s get the party started at Sexton’s.’ “Remember ‘Fresh tastes BEST at Sexton’s Birmingham’ Call for ideas.” Sexton’s Seafood of Birmingham is located at 3164 Heights Village in Cahaba Heights, 205967-3437.
Second Hand Rose is the oldest ladies consignment boutique in the state of Alabama, established in 1984 and features upscale luxury dresses, shoes, handbags, jeans, tops, skirts, pants and accessories. Sizes range from xxs-xxl and priced up to 80% off of retail. The store sells local consignment pieces along with new merchandise from specialty boutiques and market. “Around 50 percent of the merchandise at Second Hand Rose is brand new merchandise with the original tags,” said owner Gina Saab. “The store carries local consignment along with merchandise brought in from boutiques from around the state and other areas. “The greatest thing about our store is we have a lot of different labels all under one roof,” Gina said.
“Some of our best selling brands are Louis Vuitton, Chanel , Gucci, Prada, Tory Burch , Eileen Fisher and also fabulous boutique brands. Second Hand Rose is a great place to find everything you need! The best part is you can find it all under one roof! If you have not been in you are definitely missing out!” Gina said Second Hand Rose is a great place to find unique, special gifts for the people on your holiday list. The shop also offers gift certificates so that the recipient can enjoy the experience of finding their own one-ofa-kind gift for that perfect occasion. Store hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Second Hand Rose is located at 4200 Oakview Lane in Cahaba Heights, 205-970-7997.
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Fresh Seafood for
Sexton's carries a variety of over 20 fish daily, and a huge variety of Shellfish, Shrimp, Crabmeat and Lobster. Prepared foods such as West Indies Crab Salad, Tuna Dip and Crabcakes are available daily. WE have suggestions on how to prepare your seafood. Just ASK! Holiday Special-Buy 10lbs of any size shrimp and get a $1.00 off per pound! Taking orders for Thanksgiving starting Nov. 1st
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CAHABA HEIGHTS 4200 Oakview Lane 970-7997 3164 HEIGHTS VILLAGE | CAHABA HEIGHTS | (205) 967-3437
30 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
HERE COME THE HOLIDAYS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Family Owned & Operated Since 1964
Davenport’s Pizza Palace
Hayden Wald (with his family above) and his father Mike Wald specialize in helping Over the Mountain families purchase and sell their homes.
The Wald Group
In Vestavia, even with interest rates hitting 20-year highs, there’s no better time to sell your house. While overall sales volume has dipped by about 19% compared to last year, sales prices have held steady at 2022 levels. Notably, homes continue to fly off the market within just a couple of days, often fetching prices higher than their list value. This unmistakably signals a seller’s market. However, a recent shift has seen inventory on the rise, offering more opportunities for buyers. The month’s supply of inventory has grown by about 34%. In 2023, Mike and Hayden’s innovative marketing strategies continued to set them apart. Their over-the-mountain listings have been averaging about $21,000 above the list price, hitting a remarkable 103.4% of the list price. This is nearly three times higher than the average over-the-moun-
tain sold listing, proving that effective marketing makes a significant impact. With a combined experience spanning over three decades, the father-son team has earned the trust of countless over-the-mountain families over the past two decades. They’ve successfully guided more than 1,200 clients through the buying and selling process. In a shifting market, this is experience and integrity you can depend on. For the best results in selling your home, choose the seasoned experts. For more information, visit FindthePerfectHouse.com or call Mike and Hayden at the numbers below. They are more than happy to provide their expert evaluation of your home’s current market value. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to maximize your real estate investment with the best in the business.
Davenport’s Pizza Palace was started in Mountain Brook Village in 1964 by Rex and Ardyce Hollis. They operated a second location in Vestavia Hills in the 1970’s for about 15 years. The new Vestavia location recently celebrated its one year anniversary, and the Mountain Brook location recently celebrated its 59th! Davenport’s Pizza is now operated by the family’s third generation, Amanda Thames and Yates Norris. Their one-of-a-kind dough and sauce is made from scratch in their own kitchen using the same recipes since 1964. “We are honored to continue our grandparents’ legacy and are grateful for our loyal customers. We’re looking forward to the holiday season and would love to host your family and friends,” says Amanda. “Pizza makes a great gift! Stop by either location or visit DavenportsPizza.com to purchase a gift card for a holiday gift or stocking stuffer.” Davenport’s Pizza Palace, 700 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 193 in the Vestavia Hills City Center and 2837 Cahaba Rd. in Mountain Brook Village
TWO LOCATIONS VESTAVIA HILLS CITY CENTER Seated Bar with TVs Happy Hour Specials Game Room for Special Events Outdoor Seating Open for Sunday Lunch
MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE
@DavenportsPizza
The Vestavia Market is Still Strong! SOLD 107% of list
To: From:
SOLD 105% of list
Date:
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Save the Date CHRISTMAS PARADE AND LIGHTING OF THE STAR
The
Wald
Group
MIKE WALD
205.541.0940
HAYDEN WALD
205.919. 5535
STACY MITCHELL
205.994.5903
Homewood for the Holidays events include the annual Lighting of the Star, which will be held Dec. 5 at the top of the 18th Street hill in downtown Homewood. Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky will light the star at 6:30 p.m. This also marks the official start of the Homewood Christmas Parade. Visit homewoodparks.com for more information.
HOOVER ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Hoover’s official start of their holiday season takes place on Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. at Hoover City Hall main parking lot and includes Hoover City School band and choir performances, the lighting of the tree by a Hoover student and Santa’s grand entrance on a fire truck, ready for pictures.
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 31
PILLAR CHIROPRACTIC AND REHAB
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
TWO EXCELLENT PRACTICES
ONE NEW NAME Dr. Brad Russell of Hug Chiropractic and Dr. Rod Sones of ProHealth Chiropractic and Rehab are proud to announce the formation of Pillar Chiropractic and Rehab, a multi-site chiropractic group devoted to the delivery of the highest level of evidence-based, non-invasive, conser vative care for neuromuscular pain.
OFFICE HOURS: Mon., Wed., & Fri., 7:30 am -5 pm: Tues., & Thurs., 7:30 am -12 pm
205-53SPINE | pillarchiropractic.com
Pillar Chiropractic and Rehab A Proven Path Forward
In the spring of 2023, Dr. Brad Russell and Dr. Rod Sones began the process of bringing together their practices, Hug Chiropractic Clinic and ProHealth Hoover Chiropractic and Rehab, under the name, Pillar Chiropractic and Rehab. Now complete, this merger unites more than 60 years of combined experience in delivering exceptional, evidence-based, non-invasive care to Greater Birmingham communities. More importantly, it represents our commitment to the highest standards of chiropractic medicine and allows us to extend our practice under this philosophy into other communities. Pillar Chiropractic’s co-founder, Dr. Brad Russell, is proud to expand on the legacy of Dr. Reg Hug (Hug Chiropractic Clinic) – a practice trusted by patients, other healthcare providers, and insurers alike – by providing consistent, conservative chiropractic care to a wider range of patients. Pillar is a chiropractic and rehab practice that strictly focuses on the management of neuro-musculo-skeletal (NMS) based conditions, which are problems related to bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. Pillar helps patients chart a treatment
path toward pain relief that starts with the most conservative treatment methodologies so that they can feel confident about both chiropractic and their options for successful outcomes. Pillar Chiropractic and Rehab uses scientific evi-
Pillar Chiropractic and Rehab uses scientific evidence, the knowledge and experience of our physicians, and the needs of our patients to determine the best plan of care. dence, the knowledge and experience of our physicians, and the needs of our patients to determine the best plan of care. “We see each location, as a pillar based on a foundation of evidence-informed care,” said Dr. Rod Sones, Pillar Chiropractic’s co-founder. “By practic-
ing a higher level of conservative care, we are promoting and rebuilding the chiropractic tradition.” Four Pillar locations are conveniently located throughout the Greater Birmingham area. Brad Russell, DC, FICC, Erika Carter, DC, Lake Franklin, DC. practice in the Vestavia/Cahaba Heights location, Rod Sones, DC, Ted Dower DC practice in the Hoover location, Bill Elliott DC practices in the Clay Chalkville location, and Loran Meadows, DC practices in the Gardendale facility. The group has plans to expand into additional communities as early as January 2024.
FOOD
32 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
From Page One
We Gather
Homewood Gourmet
2703 Mamie L. Foster, 18th Place, Homewood homewoodgourmet.com
Laura Zapalowski, who owns Homewood Gourmet along with her husband, Chris, said, “We want our customers to enjoy spending Thanksgiving with family and friends. Our hope is that our fresh, scratch-made sides and casseroles take the work and stress out of the holiday meal. We provide everything but the turkey. We also have a few extras like appetizers and breakfast items for out-of-town guests. Our pie crusts are made by hand, and the pecan-oatmeal pie is a recipe I developed for Cooking Light based on my grandmother’s recipe. Our Baby Blue Salad is also a favorite to serve at holiday tables.” Everything here is à la carte. Appetizers include their famous spiced pecans ($14/pint), boudin balls ($24/dozen), spinach and artichoke dip ($35, serves 10), and chicken and sausage gumbo ($18/quart). The beloved Baby Blue Salad is $30 (serves 10). Honey balsamic vinaigrette is $8 for 8 oz., $14 for 16 oz. Fresh cranberry sauce is $12 for a pint, homemade turkey gravy is $10 per pint. Casseroles include praline sweet potatoes, traditional cornbread dressing, green bean casserole with bacon and onion topping and buttermilk mashed potatoes, among others. A large casserole is $40 (serves 10-12) and a small is $30 (serves 6-8).
served homemade, never frozen, healthy meals to generations of fans. “My family loves our cornbread dressing and gravy,” she said. “The thing that makes our dishes special is they are fresh not frozen. Your
whole house can smell like Thanksgiving without the mess and fuss. Just bake and serve.” IZ can make your entire meal, or you can buy just what you want; everything is à la carte. Turkey choices include a deep-fried whole turkey with Cajun spices ($99, 10-12 pounds average) or an oven-roasted, butter-basted turkey breast ($99, 9 pounds average) as well as delicious pan gravy ($17.50). Casseroles and sides ($55 each, all serve 10-12 people) include IZ holiday salad with mixed greens, cranberries, feta, candied walnuts and Sicilian lemon white balsamic dressing; traditional cornbread dressing; praline sweet potato casserole; macaroni and cheese bake; and classic green bean casserole. Cranberry chutney ($8.50) is made with fresh and dried cranberries, Granny Smith apples, pecans and orange zest. Homemade desserts – all IZ favorites – include caramel cake, chocolate roulade and carrot cake with cream cheese icing ($49.50 each). Orders must be placed by Nov. 18. Orders may be picked up Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photos courtesy Homewood Gourmet; Cafe Iz; Stone Hollow Farmstead
Satterfield’s Restaurant Homewood Gourmet offers homemade boudin sausage, which is great for stuffing turkeys, as well as cornbread muffins and dinner rolls. Cinnamon-pecan coffeecake ($14, serves 6-8) is great to have on hand for houseguests. There’s pumpkin pie, chocolate chess pie and pecan-oatmeal pie ($18 each) and pumpkin bread pudding with bourbon caramel ($25). homewoodgourmet@me.com or call 205871-1620. Orders must be placed no later than Friday, Nov. 17. Orders can be picked up Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 20-22.
Café IZ
To be picked up at Iz the Place, 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza, Suite 100, Vestavia Hills everythingiz.com/café
Executive chef Kay Reed started her IZ enterprises – a neighborhood café and full-service catering company – in 1999. Since then, she’s
3161 Cahaba Heights Road, Vestavia Hills satterfieldsrestaurant.com
Satterfield’s Restaurant, which specializes in global dining with a Southern twist, is a place where the family dinner table meets fine dining. Its Thanksgiving meal to go lets you create that same special feeling at home. Classic sides in half pans ($38.95, serves 12-14) and whole pans ($68.95, serves 24-28) include green bean casserole with crispy onion topping, classic squash casserole, creamed corn, Southern-style collards, mac and cheese, and buttermilk mashed potatoes. A large roast turkey breast with gravy ($100 serves 18-22 people) is available along with gravy by the pint ($8) or quart ($16), Parker House rolls ($8 a dozen), whipped Alabama honey butter, Jack Daniel’s pecan pie ($45), and chocolate flourless torte ($65). Call 205-969-9690 to order, and place that order at least four days before you want to pick it up.
Stone Hollow Farmstead
2825 2nd Ave. S. at Pepper Place stonehollowfarmstead.com
This farm-to-your-table operation and nationally known lifestyle brand is run by the mother and daughter team of Deborah Stone and Alexandra Stone Flowers. The farm is known for its community-supported agriculture boxes, dahlias and other flowers, homemade jams and vinegars and even a boutique skincare line called Botanikō Skin. This holiday season, it is offering Thanksgiving CSA Farm Boxes featuring heirloom turkeys you cook yourself. “Our Thanksgiving CSA program is a curated blend of locally sourced ingredients paired with unique recipes, offering a fresh twist to the traditional Thanksgiving meal, all while supporting your local agricultural community!” Alexandra Stone said. Options for these Thanksgiving exclusives include the Harvest Deluxe Box ($335) with a Joyce Farms Heritage Black Turkey (12-14 pounds), Stone Hollow’s secret-recipe poultry brine, cranberry conserve, drunken pears, homemade buttermilk, farm-fresh cow’s milk (with cream on top) and two dozen rainbow eggs. Additionally, there are curated partner items: 1 pound Amish country butter, 10 pounds Delta
sweet potatoes and a 2-pound bag of McEwen & Sons cornmeal. The Farmstead Favorites box ($250) includes a Joyce Farms naked turkey (10-14 pounds) along with the Thanksgiving staples found in the Harvest Deluxe box. You also can buy just the Joyce Farms naked turkey – 10-12 pounds or 12-14 pounds – from $89. Order online at stonehollowfarmstead.com/ pages/thanksgiving-farm-box and pick up from the FarmStand at Pepper Place.
Bistro V
521 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills bistro-v.com
Emily Tuttle-Shell owns Bistro V in Vestavia Hills with executive chef Jeremy Downey, and this neighborhood eatery serves elevated Southern favorites such as shrimp and grits, Gulf-fresh fish po’boys, fried okra salad and fried oysters in addition to beautifully crafted cocktails. For the holiday, Tuttle-Shell said, “We are offering the Thanksgiving sides and desserts that have been most popular over the past 13 years.” These traditional sides include cornbread dressing, squash casserole, sweet potato casserole with pecans, gourmet mac and cheese, and sauteed green beans, ($38 each, serves 6-8).
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
BONUS:
Here’s an Over the Mountain Journal Fall Playlist you can listen to in the car while you gather your dinner. It’s nice background music for your guests on Thanksgiving Day. Just scan with your phone’s camera.
Oyster dressing is $50 and serves 6-8. Giblet gravy is $20, and fresh cranberry sauce is $15. Desserts include chocolate chip bread pudding ($50, serves 8-10), pumpkin cheesecake ($65, serves 12), spiced apple pecan cobbler ($50, serves 8-10), and flourless chocolate torte ($60, serves 12). Call 205-823-1505 to order. Orders must be placed by Friday, Nov. 17. Order pick-up will be during regular business hours Wednesday, Nov. 22.
Dreamland Bar-B-Que
Dreamland Catering, 1427 14th Ave. S., Birmingham dreamlandbbq.com/catering
For 65 years, Dreamland Bar-B-Que has been a favorite place for meats cooked low and slow over a hickory wood-fired pit. Holiday catering goes way beyond the ribs and white bread this beloved barbecue institution will always be known for serving, although there’s much more on the regular menu these days. The special holiday menu includes smoked turkey breast, spiral-cut ham, classic sweet potato casserole, Italian green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, Sister Schubert’s yeast rolls and Big Daddy’s iced tea. It’s $10 to $12 a person, with a 15-person minimum order. “We want to offer our guests the convenience, so they are able to spend more time with family and leave the stress of preparing the meal to us,” Dreamland CEO Betsy McAtee said. Orders must be made 48 hours in advance. There is a 15-person minimum. Call 205-3299322 or go to dreamlandbbq.com/catering.
Ashley Mac’s
Five locations in the metro area, including in Homewood, Cahaba Heights, Riverchase, Inverness and downtown Birmingham. ashleymacs.com
Ashley Mac’s has been doing family-friendly, fast-casual, gourmet-to-go for nearly 20 years. Owner Ashley McMakin even has an entire chapter in her new cookbook, “Ashley Mac’s Kitchen,” devoted to Friendsgiving. Her stores are offering “Holiday Bundles” that make putting a meal together easier than ever. The Turkey Bundle ($125, serves 6-8) includes Boar’s Head turkey breast with homemade gravy, cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole and sour cream biscuits. The Ham Bundle ($115, serves 6-8) has Boar’s Head ham with brown sugar glaze, brown sugar green beans, twice-baked mashed potatoes and sour cream biscuits. A Breakfast Bundle ($65, serves 6-8) features a breakfast casserole, baked cheese grits
See GATHER, page 33
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
As for the Leftovers …
Even if you gather all the ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner and don’t cook a thing, you could easily make this soup from chef Becky Satterfield from your “leftovers.” My family loves it. I start this soup the morning after Thanksgiving and let it cook while I swap out my fall décor for holiday decorations. – Susan Swagler
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Soup
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes (prep time: 30 minutes, cook time: 2 hours) Yield: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS:
8 cups chicken broth (fresh or boxed) 1 turkey carcass, all meat removed 1 carrot, washed, peeled and halved lengthwise 1 whole stalk celery, washed, halved lengthwise 1 medium onion, peeled and halved 2 bay leaves 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
DIRECTIONS:
• Put everything into a large stockpot. Bring to a boil, and then simmer while covered, about 1½ hours, then strain. • When you strain the broth, remove the large bones and carcass with tongs. Strain the broth through a sieve covered with wet cheesecloth. Discard the solids. Add strained broth back into the stockpot. While your stock is boiling/simmering, prepare: 1 whole carrot, washed, small dice
GATHER From page 32
and sour cream biscuits. All the traditional trimmings are available separately to serve 4-5 or
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 33
FOOD 1 whole stalk celery, washed, small dice 1 medium onion, peeled, cut in small dice 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped roughly 1 bunch rough-chopped, blanched and shocked parsley 3 cups leftover Thanksgiving Day vegetables, such as green beans, Brussels sprouts and squash 3 cups leftover turkey meat, white and dark, diced into pieces no larger than a soupspoon. • In a separate skillet or pot, heat the garlic in the olive oil over medium heat. Allow to brown slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the diced carrots, diced celery and diced onions. Sweat over medium-low heat until softened, 7 or 8 minutes. Set aside until broth has been strained. • After broth has been strained and added back to the stockpot, add these sweated vegetables from the pan into the stockpot containing the strained broth along with a medium bunch of rough-chopped, fresh blanched and shocked parsley. Also, add 1 cup leftover green beans cut in 2-inch segments, 1 cup leftover Brussels sprouts cut in fourths, 1 cup leftover yellow sautéed squash cut in fourths, 3 cups leftover turkey meat light and dark (and turkey neck meat, if on hand). The turkey meat should be diced into pieces no larger than the size of a soupspoon. • Continue to simmer covered for 25 minutes and then serve 6-8 people with sweet potato biscuits on the side. (See recipe at otmj.com) Store leftover soup in an airtight container after completely cooling in an ice bath. It should be good for a couple of days. Chef Becky Satterfield, owner, Satterfield’s Restaurant and El ZunZún
8-10. Everything also can be ordered a la carte along with white chocolate bread pudding, pumpkin cheesecake pie, Ethel’s Pecan Pie, red velvet cake and cupcakes, and pumpkin snickerdoodle MAC cookies. All bundles
Amazing happens
come in an insulated AMK tote. The ordering deadline is Nov. 19 for Thanksgiving or Dec. 19 for Christmas. Choose the store where you’d like to pick up.
cookmuseum.org
Happy Thanksgiving!
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11/28/22 2:49 PM
34 • Thursday, November 2, 2023
SPORTS
Skipper Named 2023 Sports Artist of the Year
ANALYTICS From page 36
of professional sports franchises, including the Houston Texans, Portland Trailblazers, Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Rays. This fall, White has dipped into the high school ranks, assigning an intern to work with Vestavia Hills’ football team. White’s interest in analytics began ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that JD Morris Construction Co., Inc. Contractor, has completed the Contract for drainage improvements of Mountain Brook Jr High School Drainage Improvements on Overbrook Road for the State of Alabama and the City of Mountain Brook, Owners, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claims for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Schoel Engineering of Birmingham Alabama. J. D. Morris Construction Co., Inc. 5645 Myron Clark Road PO Box 70 McCalla, AL 35111
THIS WEEK’S GAMES
Spain Park 42, Oak Mountain 17 Thompson 21, Hoover 11 Vestavia Hills 45, Tuscaloosa Cty 0 Briarwood Christian 20, Homewood 13 Mountain Brook 56, Gardendale 42 John Carroll Catholic 49, Wenonah 35
Briarwood Christian at Fairhope Jasper at Homewood Maplesville at John Carroll Catholic Baker at Mountain Brook (Nov. 2) Pelham at Spain Park (Nov. 2) Helena at Vestavia (Nov. 2)
when he was a student and standout soccer player at Vestavia Hills. He graduated in 1985. “It goes back to my math teacher, Kay Tipton,” White said. “She sparked my love for mathematics.” Tipton, who retired in 2007 after more than 40 years teaching at Vestavia Hills, founded the school’s math team and guided it to 15 math team national championships in a 20-year span. White went on have a successful playing and coaching career in soccer. While working as a professor at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, he helped start the men’s soccer program and led the team to the 2003 National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship. He was inducted into Union’s Sports Hall of Fame in April. “My time coaching and teaching at Union laid the foundation for our Center for Sports Analytics at Samford and the success we have experienced over the last decade because it gave me the credibility to have a trusted voice within the sports industry,” White said.
Rebels Connection
White is enjoying the analytical connection he’s made with his high school alma mater. “It’s going pretty good,” he said, “but this is just the first year. Any
ing, his skill, his inspiration and grace that led him to this day are why I can’t wait to meet Steve Skipper and share his art with others.” The United States Sports Academy is an independent, nonprofit, accredited, special mission sports university created to serve the nation and world with programs in instruction, research and service. The role of the academy is to prepare men and women for careers in sports. Founded in 1984, ASAMA is dedicated to the preservation of sports art, history and literature. The ASAMA collection is composed of more than 1,800 works of sport art across a variety of media, including paintings, sculptures, assemblages, prints and photographs. The museum is open free to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. For more information, go to www.asama.org. time you have an engagement with a team, you have to find out what the coaches’ philosophy is on offense and defense and what they’re trying to do. “There’s not one solution and it’s very sport dependent. There’s a completely different kind of analytics for different sports. We’re trying to figure out what’s best for them and
‘We also do scouting analytics for upcoming opponents, transfer portal/recruiting analytics, self-scouting analytics prior to the playoffs, etc.’ DR. DARIN WHITE
what they’re trying to accomplish.” With that in mind, White is employing what Bill Connelly of SB Nation theorizes in his football study hall as the five factors in winning football games: explosiveness, efficiency, field position, finishing drives and turnovers. “We have developed a methodology to grade the team on those five variables each week,” White said. For Samford’s football team,
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Artist Steve Skipper has received his share of recognition for his work, but his latest honor ranks near the top. Skipper, a native of Homewood, has been named the United States Sports Academy’s 2023 Sport Artist of the Year “because of his fine attention to detail, super realistic style and inspirational story,” the organization announced. Skipper will receive the award Nov. 9 on the USSA campus in Daphne at a special event beginning at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. “This is official recognition as one of the best in the world, among the very best,” Skipper said. “Plus, I am the first African American in the state to receive the award and one of only three from Alabama. “It is my distinct honor to accept this award. I’m not an ordinary artist. My knowledge and instruction comes directly from my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. There has never been or will never be a better source of teaching creativity than the creator himself.” With no formal art training, Skipper’s inspirational story is one of an ex-gang member and drug addict who found hope and became an artist of international respect. He specializes in oils, pastels, acrylics and pencil mediums. Skipper is the first African American artist to complete art pieces
sanctioned by NASCAR, the University of Alabama, Auburn University, the Dallas Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers, the Professional Bull Riders Association and the Professional Golfers’ Association. On Oct. 19, Skipper’s “Class Personified,” chronicling the career of Sylvester Croom, the first African American head football coach in the Southeastern Conference, was unveiled at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. “I think my painting will keep his legacy alive and inspire generations to come,” Skipper said. Nancy Raia, USSA’s artist in residence, looks forward to adding some of Skipper’s work to the art collection at USSA as part of the American Sport Art Museum and Archives on campus. Several Skipper pieces will become part of the permanent collection at ASAMA. “His art skill is amazing, and the scenes he captures are very moving and grab at your heart,” Raia said. “It makes you stop and consider all that went into making the piece. His think-
WEEK 9 SCOREBOARD
Courtesy
By Rubin E. Grant
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Hoover senior running back Kamal Amerson fights for yardage in the Buc’s 21-11 loss to Thompson Friday.
White said, “We also do scouting analytics for upcoming opponents, transfer portal/recruiting analytics, self-scouting analytics prior to the playoffs, etc.” Vestavia Hills secured the No. 3 seed in Class 7A, Region 3 with a 45-0 shutout at Tuscaloosa County last Friday. Senior quarterback John Paul Head led the way with 292 yards total offense, rushing 137 yards and three touchdowns and completing 13 of 18 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown. The Rebels (7-2, 5-2 in Region 3) will close the regular season Friday at home against Helena (8-1). Next week, Vestavia Hills will travel to Decatur to take on Austin (8-2) in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs. Although the Rebels receive reports from the Samford intern, Evans said, “We don’t get a lot of analytics from him.” That’s because the Rebels already had started their season when they began working with Samford analytics. “Dr. White lives right by the high school and he’s fantastic,” Evans said. “He’s got an awesome program at Samford. It provides some value to us, but it’s too late in the season for us to use what he’s giving us.” Evans, however, is all in on analytics. “Football is all analytics with
stats and probability and using things such as down and distance to determine play calls,” Evans said. “It’s all basically just math. There’s probability, angles, blocking schemes and also whether you have enough players on either side of the center to see how the offense and defense is aligning. “That’s what’s called scouting. We go into a game with a value premise and factor in the minimals. Then it goes back to calculated guesses, such as when to try a fake field goal or two-point conversion. “On offense, defense and special teams, we’re looking for an advantage. We study tendencies on how to stop the other team when we’re on defense or exploit them offensively when we have the ball. “Analytics has gotten a heightened awareness the last five years, especially in the pros with decisions about when to go for it on fourth down or go for two. That part fascinates me, but we don’t do as deep a dive into it.” The thing Evans likes most about Samford’s analytics program is the business aspect. “I’m much more interested in the business end, selling our product,” he said. “We not only have our games on NFHS Network but also YouTube Live, trying to increase recognition for our program.”
ELITE EIGHT
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • 35
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Mountain Brook also is looking to ascend to the throne again. The Spartans won Class 6A titles in 2020 and 2021 as part of three consecutive state championships, including the 2019 Class 7A crown. But Mountain Brook lost to Bayside Academy in the 2022 Class 6A semifinals. Bayside went on to earn its 21st consecutive title – won over multiple classifications – and 31st overall, both national records. The teams are on a collision course, provided Mountain Brook beats McAdory and Bayside wins its opening match against Oxford. “I know we’d sure like for there to be a do-over,” Mountain Brook coach Mattie Gardner said. “We’ve got to get through McAdory first, but we’re getting a plan of attack together, too, should we meet Bayside.” The Spartans entered the state tournament after a dominating performance in the North Super Regional. They didn’t drop a set while sweeping Pinson Valley, Hartselle, Oxford and Fort Payne in three games each. “The girls were focused whenever they stepped on the court,” Gardner said. “The good thing is we got to play all our players so they all got to
From page 36
725 assists. Gilbert has 285 kills and 222 digs. The Jags also have received solid contributions from junior middle hitter Alex Benda (149 kills, 53 blocks) and senior libero Grace Devlin (241 digs). “The biggest thing is we’ve had so much fun,” Bowen said. “This team plays with a lot of passion, sometimes too much, but that’s OK.” The Jags won the 2021 Class 7A title but were eliminated in the regional in 2022. With Class 7A defending champion McGill-Toolen and Bob Jones in the Elite Eight field, the Jags enter the state tournament as heavy underdogs. “We know we’re playing with house money,” Bowen said. “People didn’t expect us to be here. I think we all put our shoes on the same way and prepare the same way. It all comes down to how you execute. “Belief is bigger than anything. You have to believe you can do something and have everyone pulling in the right direction. It’s going to be fun.”
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Spartans, Bayside on Collision Course
Mountain Brook (42-5) advanced in Class 6A and was scheduled to play McAdory (23-18) Tuesday afternoon. Mae Mae Lacey and her teammates hope to advance to a do-over with Bayside.
contribute to it. “I feel our team is continuing to get better. So much of the time, teams
plateau and are performing at the same level and that’s a good thing, but our team wants to get a little
‘My Mom Is Stronger Than Your Mom’ Hoover Mother Takes to the Mat as a Coach at Youth Wrestling Club
By Rubin E. Grant
Experience of a Mom
Courtesy
Delicia McCray just wanted to help her son Corey come out of his shell four years ago when she would get on the mat and wrestle with him at the Hoover Skull and Crossbones Youth Wrestling Club. “He was extremely shy and a little timid,” McCray said. “I’m a mom who is very involved in sports but not just in the bleachers. I was watching him at practice and when I would critique him, I started grappling with him, showing him what to do, and I would practice with him at home.” Stewart Holt, co-director of the wrestling club, took note of McCray’s work with her son. He suggested she could work with some of the younger children at the club. “She would be on the mat with Corey and give him positive instruction and get him to believe in himself,” Holt said. “She would encourage him, trying to help him climb out of his shell and not just quit. He started doing well and getting takedowns. “She’s such a competitor herself. She’s a former level 10 competitive gymnast. She started getting better herself, mastering the moves.” Watching McCray planted a vision in Holt’s mind. With high school girls wrestling gaining in popularity in the state, he figured Skull and Crossbones should begin marketing their club to young girls, giving them an alternative to sports such as softball, volleyball and basketball.
the past season, it had 105 participants, including a few girls. “We had four girls come out last year, but only one competed and she finished in first place in the state,” McCray said. “We had four girls registered for the start of this season.”
Delicia McCray with her son Corey.
Holt approached McCray about becoming the club’s first female coach. “We asked her to be a coach ‘cause we thought it would be a key selling point if we had a female coach, so we could market to girls,” Holt said. McCray, a pediatric pathologist with Cunningham Pathology in Birmingham, was thrilled to join the wrestling coaching ranks. “I love wrestling and know more girls will love it, too,” she said. “Growing up, I started with gymnastics, cheerleading and taekwondo, but the competition, skills and concentration in wrestling has been good for me. “Girls who like gymnastics and ballet could find wrestling is good for mental concentration and physical stamina. Seeing the inner strength come to the surface for a shy girl is an amazing transformation. Girls are strong and fierce, but sometimes they
have to prove it to themselves to believe it. “The strength is good for them to learn ‘cause it will help them in selfdefense. I have learned more about self-defense wrestling than I did in self-defense classes.” The club began its season for the fall and winter last week and will continue through early February. During
Being a mom gives McCray an added benefit when it comes to nurturing and giving a little tough love. “The mothers like that a female is here coaching,” McCray said. “I can give kids a hug and encourage them to try harder, but other times I can tell them to suck it up and get back out here.” McCray started training 5- and 6-year-old children three years ago and now is working with some kids in the fifth and sixth grades. “I am about the same size as they are, — 5-foot-2, 115 pounds — so I can show them moves of someone their size,” she said. Holt appreciates the way McCray
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cleaner and play a little tighter. It’s fun to see them wanting to get better.” works with the young wrestlers. “She’s here Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and helps coach tournaments on the weekend,” Holt said. “She does a great job with teaching different moves and has turned into a real asset. “Corey came out of his shell and blossomed, becoming a good wrester and making friends. We want kids to develop, to grow and learn and do something to achieve success.” Corey is 11 now and is a sixth grader at Bumpus Middle School in Hoover. He also is much bigger than he was when his mom used to get on the mat with him. “He’s one of our heavyweights,” McCray said with a laugh. So how does Corey feel about his mom being a wrestling coach? “He enjoys it,” McCray said. “He likes to say, ‘My mom is stronger than your mom.’” ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that JD Morris Construction Co., Inc. Contractor, has completed the Contract for drainage improvements of Northcote Drive Culvert Replacement at Northcote Drive for the State of Alabama and the City of Mountain Brook, Owners, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claims for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Schoel Engineering of Birmingham Alabama. J. D. Morris Construction Co., Inc. 5645 Myron Clark Road PO Box 70 McCalla, AL 35111
Skipper Named 2023 Sports Artist of the Year Page 31
SPORTS
Thursday, November 2, 2023 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
‘Football is all analytics with stats and probability and using things such as down and distance to determine play calls. It’s all basically just math.’
Hoover Mother Takes to the Mat as a Coach at Youth Wrestling Club Page 36
Vestavia Hills secured the No. 3 seed in Class 7A, Region 3 with a 45-0 shutout at Tuscaloosa County last Friday.
VESTAVIA HEAD COACH, ROBERT EVANS
Spain Park Shows ‘Grit’ by Earning Elite Eight Berth Spartans, Bayside on Collision Course
Analytically Speaking Vestavia Hills Football Team Delving Into Analytics Thanks to Alum
D
By Rubin E. Grant r. Darin White is a firm believer in sports analytics, both on and off the field. It’s why White launched Samford’s sports marketing and analytics program in 2012 and added the first-of-its-kind Center for Sports Analytics in 2017. White is executive director of the program, which is considered among the best in the nation by leading sports industry experts and is on the cutting edge of providing opportunities for students beyond college. “It’s a unique program and it’s cool to do it here in Birmingham, especially with Andrews Sports Medicine here,” White said. “It’s helping put Birmingham on the map in another way.”
Samford.edu
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
By Rubin E. Grant
Dr. White’s interest in analytics began when he was a student and standout soccer player at Vestavia Hills. He graduated in 1985.
The program takes a three-pronged approach with sports business analytics, including both a marketing and finance focus, and there’s a play-
er and team performance focus. White and his students work with sports teams and large sports marketing brands to make the best use of the oceans of data that surround them. White also has put together the Sports Marketing & Analytics Advisory Board that recently added Jean Sullivan, widow of Pat Sullivan, who was a Heisman Trophy winner and head football coach at Samford. White and his students currently work with 18 teams, including all the sports teams at Samford, the Birmingham Bulls, Legion FC, Birmingham Squadron, UAB baseball, Birmingham-Southern’s men’s soccer and tennis teams, and two soccer teams in England. Some of the students have gone on to have successful sports business careers with dozens
See ANALYTICS, page 34
Toward the end of the regular season, Spain Park lost five consecutive volleyball matches against stiff in-state competition, including the top-ranked teams in Class 6A (Mountain Brook) and 7A (Bob Jones). The streak caused some doubt about the Jaguars’ postseason chances, with a quick exit in the forecast. The Jags have proven those doubts were unwarranted, earning a spot in this week’s Alabama High School Athletic Association Elite Eight state tournament at the Birmingham Crossplex and Harris Arena. Spain Park (21-20) will play Enterprise (399) in the Class 7A quarterfinals at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Crossplex. The semifinals are scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday and the final at noon Thursday at Harris Arena. “We’ve gone through a lot of adversity against a tough schedule and a lot of growing,” Spain Park coach Kellye Bowen said. “That’s helped us be tougher on the back end of our schedule. At the end of the day, I give God all the glory for reaching these kids in more ways than volleyball.” Hoover also is in the 7A field. The Bucs (3023) will play St. Paul’s Episcopal (41-12) at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Mountain Brook (42-5) advanced in Class 6A and was scheduled to play McAdory (23-18) Tuesday afternoon. The Class 6A semifinals were set for 6 p.m. Tuesday and the final for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Spain Park began the postseason by winning the Class 7A, Area 6 tournament, defeating Chelsea in straight sets, then knocking off regular-season champion Oak Mountain in an epic five-set final, 25-19, 23-25, 25-18, 16-25, 15-12. Then, in the Class 7A North Super Regional Tournament last week at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, the Jags defeated James Clemens 3-2 and Hoover 3-0, before losing to Bob Jones 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-15) in the regional final. Sophomore outside hitter Megan Ingersoll set a school record for a single match with 34 kills against James Clemens, and in the same match sophomore setter Cailyn Kyes set a school record for assists in a single match with 57. “It was awesome,” Bowen said. “The whole team bought in. “The one thing we have talked about is how you have to have grit, not just in volleyball, but as a person. I think that’s what has propelled us in the postseason.” Ingeroll and Kyes have been strong performers throughout the season along with junior outside hitter Reagan Gilbert. Ingersoll has 458 kills and 235 digs for the season and Kyes has See ELITE EIGHT, page 35