OTMJ 3.23.23

STAYCATION IDEAS

Families spending spring break at home have lots of great options for fun adventures close by. From outdoor activities at the zoo, the gardens, Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain Park; to fun science activities at McWane Center, and educational outings at the Musuem of Art, Sloss Furnaces and Vulcan Park, there is something on our list for everyone.

Birmingham

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

Nestled in Birmingham’s Uptown District and attached to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is a draw for anyone who’s interested in Alabama sports history. There are more than 6,000 pieces of sports memorabilia in the 33,000-square-foot museum, which makes it one of the largest sports halls of fame in the country.

Aldridge Gardens

While it’s known for its beautiful hydrangeas, Aldridge Gardens’ 30-acre campus offers several opportunities for a pleasant outing. Walking dogs on a leash and fishing in the lake are allowed Monday to Thursday, and there’s the new Meyer Bonsai Terrace to explore. Storywalk, sponsored by the Hoover Public Library, is a delight for younger children who can read a book on 18 panels as they walk through the gardens.

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Spring Break ADVENTURES Spring Break ADVENTURES

See ADVENTURES, page 8

Mad for motorsports? Then you’ll want to visit the Barber Vintage Enthusiasm for the potential of the area along Highway 31 helped spur larger discussions.

Amanda Paul and her daughter Agnes check out the king of the jungle at the Birmingham Zoo recently. The zoo is set to open two new animal exhibits in time for spring break. See story on page 8.

‘Historic Opportunity for

Improvement’

Redevelopment Talks for Old Days Inn Property Promise

New Gateway to Vestavia Hills

By AnA Good

The southernmost gateway into the city of Vestavia Hills is on its way to receiving a major facelift.

Vestavia Hills residents, elected officials and prospective developers gathered at the Civic Center last Thursday for a recap of a multiday planning session centered on the redevelopment of the former Days Inn property at 1485

Montgomery Highway.

For now, official redevelopment plans include only about 3.5 acres of city-owned land. Enthusiasm for the potential of the area along U.S. 31, however, helped spur larger discussions. What began as discussions about proposed changes to the Days Inn property grew over the course of the week to encompass a much larger area, Assistant City Manager Cinnamon McCulley said.

See VESTAVIA, page 6

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

ABOUT TOWN 3

NEWS 6

LIFE 8 SOCIAL 11

otmj.com

Murphy’s Law

Ihave not been rafting on the Amazon. I have not been on a photo safari, and certainly not the other kind. I imagine the guides on these trips prep for the day by loading the weapons (defensive), making sure the water canisters are filled and reminding everyone to slather on the mosquito repellant.

The tour guides I have encountered needed other skills. They had to be part historian and part actor, and they had to have a knowledge of and access to a reliable stream of acceptable restrooms.

The more pedestrian walking tour guide must know how to troubleshoot their group’s tangle of headsets. They will be walking confidently forward, finishing up a brilliant, well-rehearsed monologue about the exploits of Andrew Jackson, when one of their troop will holler out, “Ken, are we supposed to be on channel 6 or 7?”

Guide Me On

SCHOOLS 17

SENIORS 18

SPORTS 24

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

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

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

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JO U RNA L March 23, 2023

Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald

Copy Editor: Virginia Martin

Features Writer: Donna Cornelius

Staff Writer: Anne Ruisi

Photographer: Jordan Wald

Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant

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

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

Vol. 33, No. 16

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com.

Copyright 2022 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.

It is not easy to keep such a group in tow. They will park themselves on a bench. They will wander off looking for shade. They will step off course because the shop across the street is selling gelato. The good (?) news is that the walking tour can only last as long as the knee brace of the group’s weakest link.

The leader of the day trip bus tour must contend with charges who will set up ownership of their little corner. Everyone wants to be at the front of the bus. Everyone wants to sit by a window. The tour guide must, in the cheeriest voice possible, convince his charges that it will be considered bad form to try and ace out a neighbor after a restroom stop. And while we’re at it, yes, there is a restroom on the bus. It should

Over the Mountain Views

be used only in emergencies. Sadly, there will always be one. Each time the bus stops, it will eventually need to get going again, and hopefully in a timely fashion. Specific return times (10:25) will be established, set forth, I’m sure, with full knowledge that someone will be at least a smidge late. They saved up going to the restroom until the last minute. There was the cutest pair of earrings in the gift shop and the line was long. The coffee shop had gelato. Multiply this frustration by seven and you have the life of the week-long bus tour guide. Now, there are nightly hotel rooms to assign (Mrs. Phillips says her room has a sea view. Why can’t I have a sea view?). The brochure suggested one suitcase per person. They will each have two, which must be loaded at 7 a.m. in order to make the necessary 7:30 departure. For a 25-person bus group, 23 people will arrive on time and sit in their assigned seats, which now rotate each day so everyone will eventually get a window and a space at the front. One couple will be just a smidge late. They will continue this daily practice despite the glares from their fellow bus mates. Finally, the group is off to see wonders they have never encountered, at least 90 minutes worth of them, until they reach the first restroom stop.

This has to be exhausting – frustrating as all get out. But I’m glad there are still sturdy people out there who want to take on such a job. At least they do not have to wrestle an anaconda or ward off a deadly swarm of tse tse flies. They just have to contend with Mrs. Phillips, who is once again five minutes late because she has wandered off for gelato.

Puppy Palooza!

Families and their four-legged, tailwagging pets enjoyed a fun day on March 18 at Lane Parke’s new signature event, Puppy Palooza. Live music, a puppy photo booth, face painting and more familyfriendly activities drew a crowd to celebrate their pups. The event was held in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, which brought several dogs available for adoption. Clockwise, from left: Kayla Heindi with Hero; Madeline DeBuys, Isabelle DeBuys and friends; Dylan Pausic, Oscar, Nick and Katelyn Cowie; and Crystal Force with Darbi.

Sue Murphy

The good (?) news is that the walking tour can only last as long as the knee brace of the group’s weakest link.

VULCAN PARK TO GET NEW LEADER

As Negrotto steps down, Cardona to move from museum operations to president and CEO

FOREWARNED

Homewood doctor gives tips to prevent injuries on the slopes during a ski trip

9

NATIONAL RECOGNITION

OTM high schoolers named National Merit Finalists PAGE 17

GIVING BACK After retirement, the law remains in former federal judge’s wheelhouse PAGE 18

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Sat., March 25

Ales and Tails

This fundraiser for Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama is a crawfish boil that promises a great time for a great purpose. It’s organized by the nonprofit’s Junior Board. When: 12-3 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Company

15h Annual Rumpshaker

5K & Fun Run

Rumpshaker Inc., a nonprofit organization formed by friends and family in memory of Lisa Martz, raises money to raise colorectal cancer awareness and help patients fight it and treat it. When: 5K begins at 8 a.m., Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. Where: Regions Field

ETC Vulcan’s Underpants

ETC improv comedy troupe is back for the show, “Vulcan’s Underpants!” Their show is kind of like that old TV show, “Whose Line is it Anyway,” where they take ideas from the audience and create hilarious sketches on the spot. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Theatre

SuperPOPS! Fire & Rain Folk

Anthem of the ‘70s Fire & Rain is a collection of classics by James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, America and more

Kelli joining the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for a performance of your favorite 70’s tunes. When: 8 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center

March 25 and April 15

Miss Fancy: Elephant Queen of the Zoo

The world premiere of a play by G. Riley Mills based on the story of the popular pachyderm of early Birmingham. Great for ages 6 and up.

COME SING WITH US!

COME SING WITH US!

COME SING WITH US!

Children’s Theatre

March 27-31

Animal Heroes Camp

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society will hold this new event where participants get the chance to meet animal heroes and their handlers while learning more about their amazing work. When: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Where: Greater Birmingham Humane Society

COME SING WITH

COME SING WITH US!

COME SING WITH US!

US!

For over fifty years, the Birmingham Boys Choir (BBC) has served the Birmingham community offering the clear choral sound only created by young boys’ voices. The BBC is a non-profit, civic organization built with the purpose of allowing talented boys in the greater Birmingham area an opportunity to more fully develop their gifts through concen trated study and practice.

For over fifty years, the Birmingham Boys Choir (BBC) has served the Birmingham community offering the clear choral sound only created by young boys’ voices. The BBC is a non-profit, civic organization built the purpose of allowing talented boys in the greater Birmingham area an opportunity to more fully develop their gifts through concentrated study and practice.

Click

For over fifty years, the Birmingham Boys Choir (BBC) has served the Birmingham community offering the clear choral sound only created by young boys’ voices. The BBC is a non-profit, civic organization built with the purpose of allowing talented boys in the greater Birmingham area an opportunity to more fully develop their gifts through concentrated study and practice.

For over fifty years, the Birmingham Boys Choir (BBC) has served the Birmingham community offering the clear choral sound only created by young boys’ voices. The BBC is a non-profit, civic organization built with the purpose of allowing talented boys in the greater Birmingham area an opportunity to more fully develop their gifts through concentrated study and practice.

For over fifty years, the Birmingham Boys Choir (BBC) has served the Birmingham community offering the clear choral sound only created by young boys’ voices. The BBC is a non-profit, civic organization built with the purpose of allowing talented boys in the greater Birmingham area an opportunity to more fully develop their gifts through concentrated study and practice.

For over fifty years, the Birmingham Boys Choir (BBC) has served the Birmingham community offering the clear choral sound only created by young boys’ voices. The BBC is a non-profit, civic organization built with the purpose of allowing talented boys in the greater Birmingham area an opportunity to more fully develop their gifts through concentrated study and practice.

For over fifty years, the Birmingham Boys Choir (BBC) has served the Birmingham community offering the clear choral sound only created by young boys’ voices. The BBC is a non-profit, civic organization built with the purpose of allowing talented boys in the greater Birmingham area an opportunity to more fully develop their gifts through concentrated study and practice.

Click

Click

visit www.birminghamboyschoir.org

It’s more than music; it’s training for life!

It’s more than music; it’s training for life!

It’s more than music; it’s training for life!

It’s more than music; it’s training for life!

It’s more than music; it’s training for life!

It’s more than music; it’s training for life!

Membership in the BBC is open to boys between the ages of 8 – 18. Auditions are year round and are made by appointment. No prior musical training is necessary, but a certain level of musical ability must be evident for membership. Our concert choristers attend summer camp each year to learn a new season of music.

Membership in the BBC is open to boys between the ages of 8 – 18. Auditions are year round and are made by appointment. No prior musical training is necessary,

Membership in the BBC is open to boys between the ages of 8 – 18. Auditions are year round and are made by appointment. No prior musical training is necessary, but a certain level of musical ability must be evident for membership. Our concert choristers attend summer camp each year to learn a new season of music.

Membership in the BBC is open to boys between the ages of 8 – 18.

Auditions are year round and are made by appointment. No prior musical training is necessary, but a certain level of musical ability must be evident for membership. Our concert choristers attend summer camp each year to learn a new season of music.

Membership in the BBC is open to boys between the ages of 8 – 18. Auditions are year round and are made by appointment. No prior musical training is necessary, but a certain level of musical ability must be evident for membership. Our concert choristers attend summer camp each year to learn a new season of music.

Membership in the BBC is open to boys between the ages of 8 – 18. Auditions are year round and are made by appointment. No prior musical training is necessary, but a certain level of musical ability must be evident for membership. Our concert choristers attend summer camp each year to learn a new season of music.

Our choristers rehearse weekly at the following satellite locations: Our Savior Lutheran Church Monday; Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, Tuesday; and Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Thursday.

Our choristers rehearse weekly at the following satellite locations: Our Savior Lutheran Church Monday; Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, Tuesday; and Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Thursday.

Our choristers rehearse weekly at the following satellite locations: Our Savior Lutheran Church Monday; Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, Tuesday; and Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Thursday.

Our choristers rehearse weekly at the following satellite locations: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Monday; Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, Tuesday; and Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Thursday.

Our choristers rehearse weekly at the following satellite locations: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Monday; Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, Tuesday; and Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Thursday.

Membership in the BBC is open to boys between the ages of 8 – 18. Auditions are year round and are made by appointment. No prior musical training is necessary, but a certain level of musical ability must be evident for membership. Our concert choristers attend summer camp each year to learn a new season of music. Our choristers rehearse weekly at the following satellite locations: , Monday; Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church,

photo by Jordan Wald

IS NOW A PART OF Same Physicians.

David P. Adkison, MD Knee and Shoulder

James R. Bowman III, MD, PHD Hip & Knee Adult Joint Reconstruction, and General Orthopaedics

Jeffrey R. Cusmariu, MD Sports Medicine, General Orthopedics and Orthopaedic Surgery

Edward U. Kissel III, MD Shoulder, Hip, Knee, and General Orthopaedics

Sophia Lal, DO Non-Surgical Sports Medicine

Adam M. Lukasiewicz, MD, MSc Foot & Ankle

James V. Worthen, MD Shoulder, Knee, Sports Medicine, and General Orthopaedics

March 31-April 16

Bright Star

Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s with a Grammy nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. When: Showtimes vary Where: Red Mountain Theatre

Sat., April 1

Easter Egg-Sperience

Hop on over to Birmingham’s biggest Easter Egg Hunt at the Birmingham Zoo! More than 10,000 eggs will be hidden in Henley Park. There will be four different hunts by age offered, and children can collect 10 eggs and receive a plush bunny toy! When: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo

Homewood Easter Egg Hunt

Participants will hunt for eggs with children of their own age group. In addition to the hunt there will be games, prizes, and the Easter Bunny will make a visit for pictures. For toddlers and kids up to 10 years of age. When: Ages 0-2 years: 10 a.m.; Ages 3-4 years: 10 a.m.; Ages 5-7 years: 11 a.m.; Ages 8-10 years: 11a.m. Where: Homewood Senior Center

Jane Austen Ball-Regency Ball

The Jane Austen Society of North America-Alabama Region invites you dance like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy at a Jane Austen Regency Ball. When: 3:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Library, large auditorium

Tues., April 4

Dogwood Luncheon

A silent auction and guest speaker Heidi Elnora, an Alabama-based entrepreneur, will be featured at the event.When: at 10:30 a.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Country Club,

Wed., April 5

Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon Meghann Bridgeman, president and CEO, Create Birmingham & Film Birmingham, will speak on the film economy in Birmingham at the chamber’s quarterly luncheon. When: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Where: The Country Club of Birmingham

Fri., April 7

Easter Eggstravganza

Children ages 6 and under can enjoy a baby animal petting zoo, make a craft, visit the Easter Bunny and find a prize egg at this non-competitive relaxed egg hunt. The event is part of the Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival. When: 11 a.m.-noon Where: Wald Park

Sat., April 8

Easter Egg Roll

This family-friendly event organized by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce promises lots of fun for the little ones. When: 10-11 a.m. Where: O’Neal Library lawn

Masters Golf Drawing

Join Magic Moments Birmingham’s Junior Board at Otey’s Tavern in Mountain Brook as they bring more fun to Masters weekend this year! Purchase tickets for a chance to win items such as golf gear and a liquor stocked Yeti soft cooler. When: 12-6pm Where: Otey’s Tavern

Battle of the Bands

The 4th annual Battle of the Bands competition features bands from area middle and high schools competing for a total of $2,000 in prize money. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: Rocky Ridge Plaza

Tues., April 11

Fork & Cork Chef’s Dinner

Rob McDaniel of Helen restaurant and Adam Evans of Automatic Seafood will be the chefs preparing the signature dinner at the Fork & Cork Chef’s Dinner in support of the Harbor Family Center in Birmingham. When: 6 p.m. Where: Historic Kress Building

April 14-15

BBG Spring Plant Sale

The nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens annual spring plant sale will feature hundreds of plants available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale will support the Friends of the BBG’s mission. When: Members Early-Bird shopping will take place Thursday April 13, from 1 - 5:30 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Fri., April 14

Art After 5 Page Cher or Dionne and get down to the BMA for this 90s throwback Art After 5! Bib and Tucker Sew-Op will feature upcycled fashion at this evening of art, music, and maker activities where art and pop culture collide. When: 5-9 p.m. Where: Birmingham Museum of Art

Sat., April 15

Vestavia RISE Day 2023

The community-wide festival with food, games, a luminary ceremony and great music is geared to all ages. When: 4-10 p.m. Where: Vestavia High fields

Vestavia Hills Garden Club Yard Sale Proceeds will go to the Sybil Temple Foundation to continue maintaining the landmark. When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rain date is April 22. Where: Scout Square, Hwy 31 No.

Walk This Way

Birmingham Autism Walk Returns to Avondale Park

Autism Support of Alabama has set its Birmingham Autism Walk — complete with music, face painting and a fair to connect people with service providers — for April 15 at Avondale Park.

“We’re so excited about our walk this year. This is the first time in two years we’ll gather in-person in support of autism,” Anna Maple, ASA’s walk coordinator, said in a statement. “Participants can learn about service providers at the resource fair, listen to music, get their faces painted and enjoy light refreshments. But the highlight will be taking positive steps as a community to increase awareness and acceptance.”

The walk will be 9-11 a.m. and registration is $25, which includes a T-shirt. at walkforautismal.com.

Resource Fair service providers on hand will include Birmingham Fire and Rescue, Milestones Behavioral Group Inc., ADRS, United Ability, Triumph Services, Puzzle Piece Therapy, UAB Sparks Civitan, Regional Autism NetworkBirmingham, Full Life Ahead, Hannah Creel Music Intervention, Dance Without Limits, Studio By the Tracks and others.

To sign up as an individual walker or a team captain, or to donate, visit www.walkforautismal.com.

Sat., April 22

Stop the Violence 5K and Fun Run

The American Legion 21st District will hold a Stop the Violence 5K and Fun Run to raise awareness of gun violence in Birmingham and our communities. When: Registration begins at 9 a.m., race at 11 a.m. Where: 17th Street Plaza at Railroad Park, Birmingham

Mutt Strut

Hand in Paw’s 13th Annual Mutt Strut: Dog-Friendly 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run will take place at Homewood Central Park. When: 9 a.m. Where: Homewood Central Park

Fri., April 28

Hoover Schools Denim and Dining

The seventh annual fundraising event for the Hoover City Schools Foundation will feature a reception, silent and live auctions, a Jim n’ Nicks barbecue dinner and live music. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: Aldridge Gardens

Courtesy Samford Legacy League

Members of the 2023 Scholarship Celebration Committee are, front, from left: Paula Gossett, Kristen Comer, Wendy Cook, Rhonda Cantelow; middle, Claire Gwaltney, Rhonda Orr (chair), Karen Carlisle, Shea Williams; back, Marilyn Henry, Amy Duffey, Sherri Foyt, Sharon Smith; not pictured, Julie Cundiff, Rohaun Green, Robin Greer, Julie Taylor and Julia Vasquez.

sionate ballad, and “A Thousand Years,” a modern song reinvented as a classical cohesion of vocals and instrumentation.

The annual Scholarship Celebration will include a sponsor reception, a celebratory dinner and an intimate concert.

Proceeds from the event will support the new Legacy League Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing Centennial Scholarship to benefit students who have faced challenges including homelessness, inner-city violence, abandonment and the death or disability of a parent.

The sponsor reception and dinner are presented by Samford Dining by Aramark, and the Sons of Serendip concert is presented by Vulcan Materials Company. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., the dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the concert at 8 p.m.

Apr il 1 3 –15

AT B IRMINGHAM B OTANICAL G ARDENS

Sons of Serendip – a classical cross over group, Billboard-charting quartet and America’s Got Talent finalist –will perform during the Samford Legacy League’s 14th annual Scholarship Celebration on April 20. A harpist, a cellist, a pianist and a lead vocalist make up the group, whose sound was described by The New York Times as “alive with detail but silky beyond reason.”

Dog-Friendly 5k & Fun Run

Companies also sponsoring the event are: Gold Sponsors, Baptist Health System, Hoar Construction and Ronnie Watkins Ford; Silver Sponsors, Altec, John 3:16, Marathon Electrical Contractors, Medical Properties Trust, Regions Bank and RJ Mechanical Inc.; Bronze Sponsors, Brasfield & Gorrie, Carpet Specialties Inc., Craftsman Printing and Standard Commercial Roofing & Envelope Solutions.

The event, which is open to the public, will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Reservations are required and cost $125 per person, of which $55 is tax deductible. Find more information and make online reserva tions at samford.edu/legacyleague.

Our annual Spring Plant Sale is back at the Gardens. Get ready for spring planting by shopping hard-tofind plants specially selected for our region by expert volunteer growers. Bring a folding cart or wagon.

Membe r Priority Shopping: Thursda y, April 13

Open to the Public: Frida y, April 14

Saturda y, A pril 1 5

A facility of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the result of a public/private partnership between the City of Birmingham and the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a mission-driven membership organization that seeks to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of the Gardens.

Sons of Serendip

Vulcan Park to Get New Leader

As Negrotto Steps Down, Cardona to Move From Museum Operations to President and CEO

The president and chief executive officer of Vulcan Park Foundation, Darlene Negrotto, is retiring at the end of the month.

The foundation board of directors has appointed Cynthia Cardona, currently director of museum operations, to succeed her as president and chief executive officer as of April 1, according to a statement from the foundation. She also will join the board, which oversees Vulcan Park & Museum.

“On behalf of the board of directors, the VPF staff, we want to thank Darlene for her leadership and impact for nearly two decades with the organization,” Martha Raber, Vulcan Park Foundation board chair, said in the statement.

“This year, we mark the 19th anniversary of Vulcan Park’s reopening, and she has been instrumental in helping Vulcan Park & Museum fulfill its

From Page One

Property owners of sites adjacent to the former hotel said they, too, are open to working with potential developers to redevelop the area, McCulley said, meaning as many as 10 acres along U.S. 31 may eventually be redeveloped. The expanded scope spans from the current gateway near the Issis and Sons property north to the site of the former Motor Lodge property now owned by Ward Neely. Neely bought the site last year and is working with local developer John Michael Bodnar to redevelop it, McCulley said. Thursday’s session capped two days of community talks and private stakeholder meetings. Hydrologists, traffic consultants, commercial property developers and government agencies also were involved.

The multi-day event to consult with as many stakeholders as possible, called a charrette, followed a March 13 City Council vote to approve a bid by Complete Demolition Services LLC for environmental remediation and demolition on the property.

“As we enter an agreement with a contractor to demolish the old Days Inn property, the city of Vestavia Hills does not just want to remove this blemish from our largest business corridor, but we also want to engage our residents, property owners and prospective development community to determine the most appropriate redevelopment use that will serve as a catalyst for refreshing the entire south end of Highway 31,” City Manager Jeff Downes said in a statement provided to Over the Mountain Journal.

The kick-off session, held March 14, invited the public to comment on the project area, which McCulley described as a “historic opportunity for improvement.”

Williams Blackstock Architects provided site plan renderings envisioning potential changes to the area. Residents were shown a series of area plans and pictures and asked to indicate what they wished to see created at the location, as well as what they disliked.

Community members also took part in a visu-

Residents

tion since 2004 and has made many lasting contributions to the area’s hospitality and tourism industry, according to the statement.

mission to preserve and promote Vulcan as the symbol for the Birmingham region, advance knowledge and understanding of Birmingham’s diverse history and culture, and encourage exploration of the region,” she continued. “The board is sincerely grateful to Darlene for her dedication and wishes her nothing but the best as she starts this next chapter in her life.

“With our experienced leadership team, Vulcan Park & Museum is poised for success through this leadership transition.”

Raber said Cardona brings to the foundation experience and knowledge acquired in more than two decades of varied museum work, during which she held roles focusing on collections management, visitor engagement, operations and administration.

Negrotto has been with the founda-

al preference survey, in which they were presented with a series of mocked-up images and asked to vote for the ideal gateway element, beautification plan, retail use and design, among other elements.

According to the results of the survey, residents who took part indicated a preference for the site to incorporate a village-like combined retail and hospitality space. Participants also said they would like to see community gathering areas and greenspaces incorporated, as well as pedestrian and vehicle connections between mixed-use concepts.

Downes said the meeting served “as a turning of the next chapter of Vestavia Hill’s commercial renaissance.”

The city purchased the Days Inn property in August 2022 for $3.6 million from RAM Hospitality following a unanimous vote by the City Council.

The property sits at the southernmost gateway to the city, near the intersection of Interstate 65

She was named the Birmingham Business Journal’s Non-Profit CEO of the Year in 2011 as well as receiving the 2011 Best Minority Business Award for Non-Profit Leadership.

“As I move on from the role I have been honored to have held since 2004,

I am profoundly grateful to the City of Birmingham, each of the supporters, the staff members, volunteers and board members whose contributions, efforts, expertise and enthusiasm have fulfilled our mission beyond expectations,” Negrotto said. “And to the many institutions and individuals with whom we have partnered or collaborated, or who have so willingly shared insights, I thank each of you and wish you continued success.”

Cardona said as she prepares to take on the role, “I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with our talented team, the board and with the Birmingham community.”

and U.S. 31. It initially opened as a Howard Johnson’s in 1974 before being rebranded several times over the years.

“We are excited to share the illustrations and development principles that will result from the charrette,” Downs said. “This will serve as a launchpad to identifying a private sector partner who shares our vision of community betterment.”

Funds for the project, including for the purchase and demolition of the property, come from money the city received as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. McCulley said demolition of the Days Inn property could begin by the end of March and is the first step in the redevelopment process. The city, according to the March 16 presentation, then plans to solicit further public comment about the work-in-progress plan before making a final decision.

Full implementation is projected to take between 24 months and 36 months.

All presentations, as well as video recordings of the public meetings, will be available on the city website vhal.org/economy/private-development-projects. Those who were unable to attend the charrette are invited to comment via the

President and chief executive officer of Vulcan Park Foundation, Darlene Negrotto, left, will be retiring at the end of the month. Cynthia Cardona, right, currently director of museum operations, will take over the top spot.

Courtesy Vulcan Park & Museum

were shown a series of area plans and pictures and asked to indicate what they wished to see recreated at the location, as well as what they disliked. What began as discussions about proposed changes to the Days Inn property grew to encompass a much larger area.

Courtesy City of Vestavai Hills Williams Blackstock Architects

Red Diamond Head Leading the National Tea Association

Red Diamond Coffee and Tea President and CEO Bill Bowron has been elected to serve as chairman of the Tea Association of the United States for the 2022-2024 term.

Bowron, of Mountain Brook, previously served the association twice as chairman (1999-2000 and 2014–2017), according to a statement from Red Diamond. He has served as a board member for a total of 18 years and was twice editor of the association’s Recommendations for the Preparation of Iced and Hot Tea, jointly issued by the association and the National Restaurant Association.

“I am honored to be asked once again to help lead our industry in these challenging times,” Bowron said in the statement. “Next to water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, and I look forward to being a part of the industry’s growth in the coming years.”

Red Diamond was founded in 1906, and Bowron is a member of the founding family’s fourth generation. His father, William A. Bowron Sr.,

also served the Tea Association as a board member.

Bowron is a University of Virginia graduate and holds a graduate degree in banking from the Stonier School of Banking. He has worked at Red Diamond since 1991 and has been president since 1992, CEO since 2006 and chairman of the board since 2008.

Bill Bowron

By Anne Ruisi

Big Mama, a greater sulphur-crested cockatoo who’s an animal ambassador of sorts, may rule the roost at the Birmingham Zoo, but she’s ready to welcome the animals in two new exhibits making their debut just in time for spring break.

De Brazza’s monkeys will be featured in the Barbara Ingalls Shook Foundation Primate Trek and Eastern black rhinoceroses in the new Daniel Foundation Alabama Rhino Habitat, both open to the public for the first time on March 25, said Chris Pfefferkorn, the zoo’s president and CEO.

“We want people to know they are welcome to come out and enjoy their zoo,” Pfefferkorn said. “We’d love for them to come out and see everything.”

While it’s hard to say how many people will be at the zoo during spring break, 4,000-plus visitors a day is a good turnout, Pfefferkorn said. How busy it is depends on a couple of factors, such as the weather and whether visitors choose to go to other venues.

“We hope they’ll choose us and come out and enjoy the sunshine,” he added.

That the zoo is excited about the opening of the two new exhibits is an understatement.

The Daniel Foundation Alabama Rhino Habitat is now home to two Eastern black rhinoceroses, Moyo, a male who is almost 6, and Kesi, a 6-year-old female.

“Moyo means ‘heart’ in Swahili, and he has certainly stolen ours,” said Annie Kaspar, zoo manager of Trails of Africa. “He really enjoys his training sessions and interacting with his keepers. He also loves wallowing in the mud in his habitat and eating all kinds of vegetation, especially browsing on larger branches full of leaves.”

Kesi, Kaspar added, “loves splashing in the water, eating willow branches and spending time being brushed by her keepers.”

The pair, who are almost old enough for breeding, are part of a species reaching the critical endangered state, Pfefferkorn said. There are only 5,500 Eastern black rhinos in the wild, and

New Animals in Town

Birmingham Zoo Opens Two New Exhibits in Time for Spring Break

their presence at the Birmingham Zoo is part of the Black Rhino Species Survival Plan. This involves other participating zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

It is hoped that Moyo and Kesi eventually will become parents, but right now, the two are not only new to the zoo but new to each other and their environment. Moyo came from the St. Louis Zoo and Kesi from the Pittsburgh Zoo. It’s likely visitors will see the rhinos living separately most of the time, but the zoo hopes to introduce them for breeding in the near future.

“We are excited for everyone to visit both Moyo and Kesi here in their new zoo home,” said Hollie Colahan, the zoo’s deputy director.

Monkey Around

Spring break visitors to the zoo can be among the first to visit the Barbara Ingalls Shook Foundation Primate Trek.

This new addition to the South America/ Primates Building provides the zoo’s resident De Brazza’s monkeys access to a new outdoor habitat that stands free of the main building. In addition to more space for the animals, this new habitat has increased access for animal care professionals to interact with them, providing feeding and training opportunities that guests will be able to see for the first time.

“The open-air habitat allows the De Brazza’s monkeys to have a whole new view of the zoo and its visitors as they move around the

viewing path. They will also get a visual perspective of the other animals adjacent to them that they have never had, which will be very visually enriching every day,” said Danielle Williams, zoological manager of South America/ Primates.

The habitat has been designed for flexibility and with future expansion in mind, with overhead tunnels that can connect to the other indoor

The Daniel Foundation

Alabama Rhino Habitat is now home to two Eastern black rhinoceroses, Moyo, a male who is almost 6, and Kesi, a 6-year-old female.

habitats. This would allow for other species to use this space or even add additional outdoor habitats in the future.

“We could not be more thankful for the generous donation by the Shook Foundation and their continued support of your zoo,” Colahan said. “Work on this project began before the pandemic, so we are thrilled to have a new habitat to share with our guests and see our primates enjoying this new outdoor space.”

The Shook Foundation has been a long-time supporter the zoo, including providing funding for the Barbara Ingalls Shook Foundation North American Black Bear habitat.

The zoo, normally open Wednesday-Sunday, will be open every day from March 22-April 2, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. with plenty of animal experiences. That schedule will be announced soon.

Visitors can enjoy the 550 animals representing 180 species on exhibit, such as African elephants, lions, flamingos, sea lions, zebras, red pandas, a variety of snakes, birds and tortoises, American alligators and the North American black bear.

The Protective Carousel will be open and the Red Diamond Express Train will be ready for boarding. The zoo’s restaurants, Wild Burger and Nourish 205, also will be open.

From Page One

Motorsports Museum, which containsns the world’s largest motorcycle collection, the world’s most extensive collection of Lotus cars and an assortment of other rare and unusual cars. It also features a professional car and motorcycle racecourse.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Described on its website as a cherished place of respite and inspiration since 1962, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens encompasses 67 acres of serene beauty. More than two dozen garden spaces reflect the region’s terrain and showcase many plants that thrive in Southern gardens. There’s also a glass conservatory with many species of plants. The gardens are open seven days a week. Admission is free.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is part of the Birmingham

Civil Rights National Monument and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian. It’s a cultural and educational research center that promotes a comprehensive understanding of the significance of civil rights developments in Birmingham.

Birmingham Museum of Art

Help your family explore and appreciate the world of art with a visit to the Birmingham Museum of Art. There’s a diverse collection of more than 27,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts and an outdoor sculpture garden. Visitors can take part in their own scavenger hunts through the museum’s galleries; information is available at both entrances.

McWane Science Center

Spring break day camps for preschool to kindergarten-aged children and for older kids in grades one to six will be held, but the science center also will be open to visitors. Popular hands-on permanent exhibits include the Shark and Ray Touch Tank and the Bubble Room. Fossils of dinosaurs

that once roamed the state are in the Alabama Dinosaurs exhibit, and The Explore! Lab is devoted to hands-on exploration of geology, paleontology, anthropology and zoology.

Negro Southern League Museum

Before Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, black players had their own leagues. The Negro Southern League Museum tells the story of African American baseball in America through the eyes of Birmingham, with the largest collection of original Negro League baseball artifacts in the country.

Red Mountain Park

Hike the trails of the 1,500 acres in Red Mountain Park in southwestern Birmingham, once the site of extensive iron ore mining – one of the industries that helped build the Magic City. While the iron mines closed decades ago, this urban park is a recreational venue that offers 16 miles of trails accessible to hikers and bike riders. There are three tree houses and a 6-acre off-leash dog park. Your pups are welcome on the

trails with you, as long as they’re on a leash.

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

Another former mining center turned urban park is Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve in northeastern Birmingham. There are 1,038 acres of biodiverse urban forest that connects East Lake, Irondale, Roebuck Springs and greater Birmingham via 14 miles of trails. The preserve, pavilion and trails are open Tuesday through Saturday, and the Nature Center is open Thursday through Sunday.

Southern Museum of Flight

One of the largest aviation museums in the Southeast is right here in Birmingham near BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport. More than 100 aircraft are housed in the 75,000-square-foot facility, along with engines, models, artifacts and paintings to present civilian, military and experimental aircraft and memorabilia from the earliest history of powered flight. It’s also home to the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame, with more than

70 biographical plaques highlighting individuals important to Alabama aviation history.

Vulcan Park and Museum

The original iron man, a 56-foot-tall statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, towers over Vulcan Park. A 10-acre park is spread out atop Red Mountain, and visitors can enjoy an observation tower, a museum and the view of the city in the wide section below the ridge.

Montevallo American Village

The Spirit of ’76 is alive and well at American Village in Montevallo, which celebrates and brings to life the country’s stories of liberty and sacrifice set in a sprawling Revolutionary War-era village. The Patriot Sampler program held Monday to Friday offers a variety of activities, including playing Colonial games, meeting famous patriots like John Adams and viewing the film, “Choosing to be an American People,” in the West Wing of Independence Hall.

Chris Pfefferkorn, the zoo’s president and CEO and Big Mama, a greater sulfur crested cockatoo, are ready to welcome spring break visitors and new animals to the zoo.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

By RuBin E. GRant

Dr. Aaron Casp didn’t see himself becoming an economist, although he has a degree in economics from Princeton.

He was more interested in sports medicine, considering he had been around athletics most of his life and wrestled at Princeton. He witnessed firsthand how trainers and doctors helped athletes return to action following an injury.

So, after earning his undergraduate degree, Casp decided to go to medical school at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He was born and raised in a small town in western North Carolina.

“I guess I wasn’t paying too much attention in my economic classes,” Casp said jokingly, “so I decided to go to medical school and work with athletes, treating them so they would be able to get back from injuries.”

Casp completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Virginia and while there he cared for athletes at local high schools as well as Virginia and James Madison University.

Following residency, Casp completed a sports medicine fellowship at the world-renowned Steadman Clinic

Five new Eagle Scouts in Homewood were presented with their awards Feb. 19 at a Court of Honor.

The Eagles who earned Scouting’s highest rank are members of Troop 97 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood.

Gavin McAbee

Gavin’s Eagle project, benefiting the Homewood Parks and Recreation Department, was the construction and installation of two bicycle repair stands on the Lakeshore Trail, Scoutmaster Grant Mullins stated in a written summary.

These highquality stands will provide cyclists along the trail easy access to the workspace and tools necessary to handle repairs and maintenance in

Goodson Brothers Earn

Eagle Scout Rank

Brothers Carter Goodson and Hews Goodson were awarded Scouting’s highest honor of Eagle Scout in September and December, respectively. They were honored March 5 with an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony.

Both are members of Troop 320, which is affiliated with Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church.

Carter has held many leadership positions in Troop 320, including as patrol leader four times, quartermaster, instructor and Order of the Arrow representative. While a Scout, Carter camped 46 nights, hiked 100 miles and

CASP

From page 9

and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. While there, he became a team doctor for the United States Alpine Ski Team, traveling to Austria to provide medical care for the U.S. Ski Team athletes. He also was responsible for the care of athletes from all over the world at the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships in Aspen, Colorado.

In August 2021, Casp, a resident of Homewood, moved to Birmingham, becoming an assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a

Court of Honor Celebrates Five New Eagle Scouts in Homewood

the field.

Gavin told the Eagle Scout board of review that the idea for this project originated from personal experience when he and his friends routinely biked along the trail before they got their driver’s licenses, and one of his friends had an issue that would have benefited from such a device.

Gavin is the son of Mike and Kristie McAbee.

Ben Gosdin

Ben’s Eagle project was the design, building and installation of six benches to be used by students, teachers and parents at the Alabama Waldorf School.

The board was impressed with the

backpacked 20 miles. He was elected by his peers for the Order of the Arrow.

Hews has held several leadership positions in Troop 320, including patrol leader twice, chaplain’s aide and Order of Arrow representative, and he led the organization of a supply drive for First Light Women and Children’s Shelter.

While a Scout, Hews camped 25

physician with UAB Medicine’s Sports and Exercise Medicine clinic. He also became a team physician for UAB athletics, Birmingham Legion FC, Birmingham Bulls hockey and the USFL.

Casp continues to travel internationally to tend to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team each year.

Casp himself skis, a skill that helps him in his medical care for the ski team.

“Fortunately or unfortunately, you have to be on the snow,” he said. “The slopes are a little steeper and icier, so it’s not as leisurely.”

With spring break season arriving for Alabamians and a ski or snowboard trip just a few hours away, Casp has some recommendations for staying safe on the slopes and mak-

Bluff Park WindoW Works

craftsmanship and design of the benches and spent a nice portion of the time talking through the various leadership skills that the project required of Ben, Mullins said.

Ben is the son of Brian Gosdin and Leigh Leatham.

Gilder Johnson

Gilder’s project was the clearing and rehabilitation of an overgrown area at Avondale Park for the creation of a nature trail. On this trail, he installed a series of tree identification tags highlighting the diversity of tree species in the park near the old zoo portion, Mullins said in his summary. He spoke to the Eagle Scout board

nights, hiked 22 miles and backpacked 20 miles. He also was elected by his peers for the Order of the Arrow.

The brothers chose Eagle projects that benefit their church, Mountain Brook Baptist Church. Senior pastor Wayne Splawn asked if they could build stairs and a pathway to the Early Learning Center playground, which is in the backyard of the missionary house next to the church.

Many children and youth travel to the backyard for activities, so the pathway and steps were needed. Several other Eagle projects also have transformed the area, such as a hammock hangout, a fire pit area and an outdoor worship space.

ing sure a ski vacation remains fun and injury-free.

“I’m always hearing about people coming back with a lot of injuries that could have been avoided with

Casp’s Recommendations

Have the Right Equipment

“Ice and snow are obviously slippery, and you can fall at any time,” Casp said. “An appropriately fitted helmet can protect the most important part of your body. Ski boots, skis and bindings that fit and are wellmaintained will ensure they release and not overly torque your knee when you fall.”

Get Your Body Ready

Casp says, while mimicking the demands of skiing and snowboarding is not easy here in Alabama, being in “ski shape” can be accomplished with some at-home workouts.

“The most important muscles that get fatigued during snow sports include your quadriceps, hip abductors and glutes,” he said.

of review board about the highs and lows of his project, and they spent a good bit of the time discussing project management and the leadership required to lead a group of boys in such an endeavor.

Gilder is the son of Brandon Johnson and Christie Gilder Johnson.

Andrew Laird

Andrew’s Eagle project was to build 16 benches for the Trinity United Methodist Church West Campus.

The board was impressed with the number of benches and how Andrew set up bench kits for the teams of helpers to assemble.

Andrew reflected on his trip to Swamp Base High Adventure and

The brothers researched ideas and made many visits to Woerner Landscape and Classic Iron Works to develop their plans, set their budgets and execute their projects. They were even able to add a butterfly garden and donate left over money to the church.

Carter is a senior at Mountain Brook High School. At school, he is involved in the school’ Broadcast

some extra forewarning,” Casp said. “Having worked out in Colorado, I’ve seen all the injuries that occur. Some of the most common injuries in skiing are knee ligament injuries,

“There are a number of ski preparation workouts on the internet, and they usually involve some combination of squats, lunges and plyometrics. This should start several weeks before your trip and can significantly decrease your risk of a knee injury if your legs begin to fatigue.”

Ski to Your Level

“When you get to the mountain, make sure you are aware of your abilities, and stick to terrain that is appropriate for your level,” Casp said. “If this is your first time, I highly recommend a professional lesson or ski school. This will make sure you understand the basics and are safe and will make the rest of the trip much more enjoyable if you aren’t spending all your energy getting up from a tumble.”

Traffic on the Mountain

Casp notes that more and more people are making ski trips, so the bigger resorts are getting more

Wilderness Survival campouts. Andrew is the son of Andy and Audrey Laird.

Connor Robinson

Connor’s Eagle project was a redesign and replacement of the fruit and vegetable washing station at the Jones Valley Teaching Farm in downtown Birmingham.

Connor’s updated station has given the students and volunteers at the farm an efficient place to clean the garden’s harvest but also a much-needed shaded area to escape the full sun and heat at the farm. Mullins said he anticipates that his project will be used by countless students and volunteers for years to come.

Connor is the son of Drew Robinson and Cheri Allen Elliott.

Team, where he is the technical director. He was selected as an ambassador and is a member of Key Club, BigTime Ministry, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Art Honor Society.

He volunteers as a youth and children’s Bible Study leader at his church. Carter enjoys tennis and works at Birmingham Tennis Academy.

Hews is a sophomore at Hilton Head Preparatory School, where he is a member of the varsity tennis team and National Honor Society. He enjoys playing tennis and trains with the Van der Meer Tennis Academy. They are the sons of Rebecca and Davis Goodson.

shin-bone fractures and shoulder/collarbone injuries. We see the same injuries in snowboarding, but we frequently see wrist injuries or wrist fractures as well.

crowded. Collisions happen and can result in significant injury. He recommends always trying to move predictably down the hill. Do not stop in the middle of the trail to wait for people, and never stop where uphill skiers and snowboarders cannot see you, such as just downhill of a roller. If trails are merging, always yield to the uphill traffic coming down the hill.

Stay Safe at Altitude

The altitude of mountains in Western states is high, and the air is very dry, quite different from the Alabama climate, Casp said.

“It is much easier to get dehydrated, so make sure to drink lots of water, bring Chapstick and hand lotion. Also, alcohol can affect you considerably more at high altitude and cause faster dehydration. This can impair your judgment and make for dangerous skiing – not to mention the nasty hangover you will feel the next day.”

Ben Gosdin

Connor Robinson

Andrew Laird

Gavin McAbee Gilder Johnson

Carter Goodson

Hews Goodson

f Wood window restoration and repair

f Sash replacement, rot repair

f Replace broken and fogged glass

f Wood insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes

Be Young ...

Pickwick Dance Club Looks Back Through the Oldies During Spring Dance

Swinging to the sounds of The Tams, members of the Pickwick Dance Club and their guests had a memorable evening at their annual spring dance on March 10.

The Vestavia Country Club provided the backdrop for the event for the group, which has been partying for the past 49 years, according to the dance club’s Jean Reese Woodward

This year’s party planners were Jeanne Adair, Kathy Peerson and Cathy Echols. The evening began with a members-only cocktail hour as longtime friends and college buddies got together, then moved to the ballroom, where they were joined by their invited guests.

During dinner, the backup band set the tone for the party, and soon The Tams began their show with their great dance moves and familiar tunes. For almost three hours that night the music transported the audience back to their high school and college years, Woodward said. “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” was one of the songs that got the crowd on its feet and on the dance floor. ❖

DAR Learns About Echota Tribe

Old Elyton Chapter Members Hear From Speaker About Alabama Tribe

Members of the Old Elyton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met Feb. 21 at The Country Club of Birmingham under the direction of Regent Stephanie Byrne to better understand the Echota Cherokee Tribe living in Southeast Alabama.

Old Elyton members and their guests welcomed guest speaker Sharon Keith, of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama. Members of the Echota Tribe are the descendants of Indians who escaped the Trail of Tears by hiding out in the mountainous backwoods and lowlands of the Southeast. They kept to themselves, did not speak their language and did not teach it to their children for fear of being caught. As much as possible, they assimilated into the population.

There are seven clans within the tribe, which is dedicated to the preservation of their heritage, education, job training, health and to “walk in harmony and balance on Mother Earth by protecting the environment.” ❖

Alan and Gail Howle, Courtney and Philip Brown

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Sam and Heidi Yates

Joe and Jane Gribbin

Martha and Hartwell Davis

Richard and Marsha Duell, Vicki and Mike Drummond

Pete and Kelley Gage, Caroline and Robert Daniel

Mary Bernard and Barbara Thompson

Lind Burks and Bill Arant Betty McKewen and Laurie Allen

Honey Taylor, Sharon Keith and Trent Hull

Mary Charles’ Doll House

Shine A Light

Pointe Ball Honors Board Member Ray Jordan and Raises Funds for the Ballet

The Rolling Stones-themed night featured design elements of rock and roll with an “edgy formal” dress code.

The annual fundraiser benefits Alabama Ballet and helps to support the four major productions the professional ballet company stages each season. Event sponsors were McKinney Capital, Protective and Regions Bank. ❖

Valentine Party Featured Pianist and Traditional Carousel Horse

Carousels celebrated Valentine’s at The Country Club of Birmingham with well-known pianist Jon Michael Ogletree entertaining the crowd.

Before the dinner, members gathered in the living room to drink cocktails and socialize.

The antique musical Carousel horse that has been a focal point at Carousels’ parties through the years again was made part of the festive decorations.

Tables in the dining room were decorated with white cloths and vibrant pink napkins and centered with sparkling lighted trees and hearts. Party chairman Pattie Perry Finney along with her daughter, Margaret Billingsley, an event plan-

ner from Atlanta, provided the decorations.

For dinner, guests had a garden salad topped with sugared pecans and bacon, followed by filet, chicken Marsala, asparagus and small heartshaped roasted potatoes. Dessert was a medley of chocolate and lemon delicacies. Upon leaving, each member was given a Valentine gift bag of chocolates.

Those at the party included, Lynn Ault, Mary Alice and Don Carmichael, Martha Cheney, Adele and Chuck Colvin, Bebe and Roy Costner, Sarah Creveling, Charlotte Donald and Bobby Boisky, Pattie Perry Finney, Augusta and Bill Forbes, Joanne and Nick Gaede,

Alabama Ballet Board President Lindsey Druhan, center, with Maggie O’Connor and Jessica Lane, from left.

Pattie Perry Finney, Bill and Augusta Forbes, Sarah Creveling, Charlotte Donald and Bobby Boisky.

Virginia Gross, Fay Hall, Ann and Carl Jones, Sahra and Roland Lee, Joyce Lott, Peggy Marshall, Patsy

Bartley Statham, Carol and David Sullivan, and Anne and Bob Waudby. ❖

Around the Carousels

Alabama Ballet’s 2023 Pointe Ball was held March 10 at The Club, where patrons, donors, sponsors, dancers and friends of the ballet gathered to honor board member Ray Jordan of Flowerbuds.

Photos by Eric Lucky Photography

The Rolling Stones-themed night featured design elements of rock and roll with an “edgy formal” dress code.

Honoree Ray Jordan of Flowerbuds

Alabama Ballet Company dancers Caitlin and Daniel Hardman

Jane Emanuelson, Meredith Reyher, and Becca Hemrick

Courtesy

The Irish Influence

Homewood Rotary Raises Money for Scholarships with St. Patty’s Party

The rhythms of Irish music set the tone for the Homewood Rotary Club’s St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser at the Valley Hotel on March 4.

Celtic band Hooley provided the music of the Emerald Isle, and a buffet dinner inspired by the tastes of Ireland provided a hearty meal. Bidding during the live and silent auctions offered more fun.

Proceeds will be used to support scholarships for deserving Homewood High School seniors through the club’s education foundation. ❖

Shamrock Shindig

ARC of Central Alabama Put on the Green for Fundraiser

No Bunny does Easter Bunny

Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than at the Shamrock Shindig fundraiser March 11 at Haven.

The ARC of Central Alabama’s junior board started the holiday a bit early with its event to raise money for

the organization. Partygoers were treated to food, drinks, live music, a photo booth and other activities at the Irish-themed evening. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Carol Chestnutt, Rachael Dollins, Sandy Nelson, Jennifer Kyle and Greg Wadsworth

Greg Powell and Paul Chandler Jeff and Melinda Underwood

Sheila and David Snoddy

Jeff and Lindley Salmon, Jimmy and Vanessa Williams

Amy and Brooks Greene

Stephen Walley, Madeline and Sterling Thompson, Morgan and Brian Plott

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Others First

Henry Given Hoover Service Club’s Community Service Award

Barbara Henry was honored with the Flora Mae Pike Hoover Community Service Award at the Hoover Service Club’s monthly meeting and luncheon on March 9.

Henry serves on the club’s 2022-2023 board of directors and is co-chair of the 2022-2023 Scholarship and Ways and Means Fundraising committees. She is described as someone who is always giving back and thinking of others.

The award is given to a person who exemplifies the club’s mission of serving others. It’s named for the club’s founder, Flora Mae Pike. Members and guests were encouraged to wear red, Pike’s favorite color.

More than 60 club members and guests assembled almost 100 Easter baskets for the group’s monthly community service project. The baskets were distributed to children served by the Green Valley Food Bank and Oak Mountain Mission. ❖

Vintage Interiors

Vintage Interiors

Antiques

Rock Around the School

Tonight Cornerstone Schools Rock Out During Fundraiser

Supporters of Cornerstone Schools of Alabama headed to Regions Field on March 10 for the 18th annual Schoolhouse Rock fundraiser.

Live music from Just a Few Cats set the tone of the rockin’ event, along with games such as a wine toss and a diamond drop. Guests also placed bids during a silent auction while sipping wine and beer and noshing on heavy hors d’oeuvres. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Debbie Rutherford, Barbara Henry and Jean Ingram Erinn Fain and Khristi Driver

Brady and Allison McGee, Jessica and Matt Jones

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Kevin and Lacy Abney, Jordan and Taylor Fowler, Keith and Lydia Abney

Zachary Robertson and Laurie Rapier Bo and Jill Garrett Helen McDougald and Jeff Miller

One Starry Night

Heidi Elnora Honored During Assistance League Gala

The Club was the setting for Assistance League of Birmingham’s annual fundraising gala, One Starry Night, on March 9.

Heidi Elnora, the Alabama wedding dress designer and television personality who is owner of Heidi Elnora Atelier, was the honoree for the evening.

The theme for the evening was “The Brightest Stars are Those Who Serve Others,” said Jan Service, a member of the league. Funds raised from the event’s live and silent auctions helps senior citizens and provides new clothing, a hygiene kit and a book for underserved elementary school children in the greater Birmingham area through Operation School Bell.

Many of those in attendance also directly donated money to Operation School Bell, and it will be used to buy more clothes for children. ❖

Orion Recke, Jeff Baker, Heidi Elnora and Jeremy Stephens

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Alice Jordan Pulliam, Abby Choate and Darien Roche Victoria Burst and Amy Burst

Taste of

Teal Heroes Honored During Gala for Ovarian and GYN Cancer Battle

Teal isn’t just a lovely greenish-blue hue, it’s the color associated with the fight against ovarian and gynecological cancers.

The Laura Crandall Brown Foundation held its Taste of Teal Gala at the Wynfrey Hotel ballroom on March 4 to help raise funds for

research and to support patients affected by these cancers, as well as their families.

Each year, Taste of Teal recognizes four Legacy of Laura honorees through

videos to celebrate the hope, compassion, positivity and strength through

action that they have brought to the lives of Gyn cancer patients and survi-

Hit the Jackpot Pink Palace Casino Night Raises Money to Fight Breast Cancer

Vegas-style games for a good cause, live music and good food were in store for those at the 14th annual Pink Palace Casino Night on March

11.

The event at Soiree Event Gallery in Hoover raised $115,235 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, said Wright Rouse, the foundation’s communications and marketing director.

All proceeds support the BCRFA’s mission to find a cure for

vors. This year’s honorees are:

breast cancer by funding innovative research, including at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, CerFlux and Southern Research.

Kathy G. and Co. catered the event, which also included a silent auction with more than 80 items provided by local businesses. ❖

Corporate Honoree Highland Park Golf, Healthcare Hero Dr. Warner K. Huh, Caregiver Clay Cook and Survivor Violet Chaffinch. ❖

Babs and Bob Barrett

Betsy Fetner, Ramona and Andy Graffeo and Janice Rogers

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov

Acrylic by Maya Eventov

Mimi Smith and Warner Huh

Wendy and Clay Cook

Cyndi and Rusty Poore

Mary Kate and Ben Craukamp

Ryan Grainger, Laura Hinton, Beth Davis and J.T. Nyselander

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Gloria H. Buie and Kathy G Mezrano Chris and Caroline Cusimano Jason Tucker and Jen Glenn

Jill Carter and Chris Watson

OTM High Schoolers Named National Merit Finalists

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. recently announced the names of finalists in the 68th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program, including a plethora from Over the Mountain.

Selection of finalists is based on their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards.

About 1.5 million high school students enter the highly competitive program each year. About 15,000 semifinalists have been named. Of these, 7,250 finalists will be selected to receive Merit Scholarship awards. These include $2,500 individual National Merit Scholarships or corporate and college-sponsored scholar-

ships.

This year’s National Merit finalists in the Over the Mountain area are:

Homewood – J.W. Bird, Brandon Collins, Lily Giffin, Nathan Jones, Kiran McCool and Richard Reed.

Hoover – Hoover High School: Jari Chen, Lukas Fu, Kashvi Gaddam, Lauren Geisler, Thomas Gullahorn, Dylan Haigler. Thomas Hao, Matthew Harden, Eshika Kudaravalli, Dominic Renda, Hannah Reynolds, Midhun Sadanand, Matthew Shen, Jacob Upton, Rati Venkatesan and Liz Wang.

Spain Park High School: David Collins, Zachary Lin, Benjamin Roberts, Fiona Selle and Nicholas Stefanov.

Mountain Brook – Virginia Averyt, Will Decker, Howie Eldridge, Vaughn Frost, Nate Holden, Davis Lee, Lilly Odom, Jackson Perkins, Caley

Record, Carson Rehder and Libby Turner.

Vestavia Hills – James Anthony, Jamie Casey, Haojun Chen, Arman Dolatabadi, Malaika Dsa, Jaxon

Dunlevy, Zain Farooqui, Isabella Gentry, Jonathan Gidley, Kate Kaiser, Rebecca Maddox, Mary Katherine Meeks, Philip Mitchell, Susan Baskar Raj, Alice Sun, Graham Uldrich, Amith Varambally, Erin Visser, Hannah Wright and Dylan Zhao. Oak Mountain – Kyle Noah Hiers, Justin Carter Ferreiro, Benjamin Paul Dyer and Emily Beth Lunsford.

Altamont – Sid Doppalapudi, Pranav Goli, Lila Mitchell and Wesley Sudarshan.

Briarwood – Sam Olsen.

Indian Springs – Star Cheng, Gus Colvin, Vickie Kim, William Kong, Cynthia Li, Mayu Nakano, Yuji Nakano, Nour Shoreibah and Enoch Xiao.

John Carroll Catholic – Lily Watts and Adeline Jehu.

Homewood High School National Merit finalists, from left: Thomas Reed, Nathan Jones, Brandon Collins, Lily Giffin, Kiran McCool and JW Bird.

Jari Chen

Mountain Brook High School National Merit finalists, front, from left: Libby Turner, Virginia Averyt and Caley Record. Middle: Vaughn Frost, Howie Eldridge, Lilly Odom and Will Decker. Back: Carson Rehder, Jackson Perkins, Nate Holden and Davis Lee.

Vestavia Hills High School National Merit finalists, front, from left: Mary Katherine Meeks, Alice Sun, Malaika Dsa, Jamie Casey, Isabella Gentry, Rebecca Maddox, Susan Baskar Raj, and Dylan Zhao. Back: Kate Kaiser, Philip Mitchell, James Anthony, Amith Varambally, Graham Uldrich, Jaxon Dunlevy, Erin Visser, Haojun Chen, National Merit Semifinalist Aarya Aluri, Zain Farooqui, and Arman Dolatabadi. Not pictured: Jonathan Gidley, Hannah Wright

Kashvi Gaddam Lauren Geisler Thomas Gullahorn

Dylan Haigler

Thomas Hao Matthew Harden

Eshika Kudaravalli

Lukas Fu Dominic Renda Hannah Reynolds Midhun Sadanand Matthew Shen Jacob Upton Rati Venkatesan Liz Wang

Benjamin Dyer

Kyle Hiers

Justin Ferreiro Emily Lunsford

Oak Mountain High School

Lila Mitchell Wesley Sudarshan

Pranav Goli Pranav Goli

Altamont School

Adeline Jehu

Lily Watts

John Carroll Catholic

Star Cheng Gus Colvin Vickie Kim

Mayu Nakano Yuji Nakano

Indian Springs School

Nour Shoreibah Enoch Xiao

William Kong Cynthia Li Sam Olsen

Briarwood Christian

SENIORS GIVING BACK

After Retirement, the Law Remains in Former Federal Judge’s Wheelhouse

By Anne Ruisi

Retired U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge John E. Ott last week found himself on jury duty in Jefferson County Circuit Court for the first time.

“It’s nice to be on the other side of the rail for a change,” said Ott, 67, who hadn’t been called for jury duty in years. The last time he reported for jury duty he was excused because he was a federal prosecutor at the time.

Ott, who served on the bench in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama from 1998 until he retired about three years ago, remains involved in federal

Staying fit is also important. In his younger days Ott participated in triathlons and still enjoys its components of running, biking and swimming.

legal cases on a recall basis.

“It basically means I can do whatever I choose to do,” the Vestavia Hills resident said. “They’ll call and say, do you want to do this?”

Since he gets to pick and choose what he wants to work on, he can work as much or as little as he wants. Ott said recall cases or pro bono mediations average about one day a week, although sometimes it’s two.

“I’m a very fortunate individual who had a wonderful career,” and his goal in retirement is to give something back, Ott said.

Ott’s pro bono work is one way he achieves this.

Ott’s cases usually involve complex litigation, he said. Employment disputes, business disputes, class actions and civil rights litiga-

Over the Mountain Band Headliner at Hoover New Horizons Monthly Meeting

Over the Mountain band, formed in 2012, plays a diverse genre of music, including oldies, country light rock, bluegrass and gospel. The upbeat Birmingham-based music group is the featured monthly event at the Hoover Senior Center on Tues., March 28

The 11:30 a.m. event is just about at capacity and registration ended March 22. Due to building occupation limits, the facility will not be able to accommodate walk-ins to the event, said Dana Henson, manager of the Hoover Senior Center.

Over the Mountain band has performed extensively at a variety of venues, such as churches and festivals.

Ott,

tion are among the types of cases he’ll work on, Ott said.

Since he was a prosecutor in the federal court system before he became a federal

judge, Ott’s background is strong in federal litigation.

“So, I stay in that world for the most part” in Birmingham or Montgomery, he said, add-

ing that occasionally he’ll do some work for state court judges.

Ott remains an active member of the Birmingham Bar Association, where he is a member of several committees and boards. He’s also involved in the bar association’s charitable arm, the Birmingham Bar Foundation.

The foundation and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, where Ott received his legal education and was an adjunct faculty member, regularly hosted the Alabama Supreme Court for oral arguments once a year until COVID hit. The justices returned to Samford’s campus in November to resume hearing live oral arguments. Law students and interested high schoolers are among those who attend. About 800 to 1,000 on average have attended each event, he said.

Ott just finished compiling an updated listing of about 200 of the most significant published opinions from the past year in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. The court’s jurisdiction covers Alabama, Georgia and Florida. The information was presented to solo practitioners and small law firms in Birmingham.

Outside the Federal Life

Ott’s life in retirement isn’t monopolized by the legal world. It also affords him and his wife, Karen, a nurse, the opportunity to volunteer a few times a year through their church to assist at a mobile dental clinic in west Montgomery. It’s organized by Send Relief, a Southern Baptist compassion ministry, and Strong Tower Church at Washington Park in Montgomery.

Staying fit is also important. In his younger days Ott participated in triathlons and still enjoys its components of running, biking and swimming.

“I just don’t do it all on the same day anymore,” he chuckled.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Friends of Homewood Library Seeks Volunteers

The Friends of the Homewood Library is seeking volunteers to join the organization, library officials said. The group offers support for the library, such as supporting the library’s annual book sale. Membership dues to join the group are $10 for an individual and $15 for a family. Membership dues and sales from the Friends Bookstore fund library programs and projects.

If you are interested in becoming a member and volunteering in the bookstore, you can find the application form at homewoodpubliclibrary.org/folmembership.

who served on the bench in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama from 1998 until he retired about three years ago, remains involved in federal legal cases on a recall basis.

Over the Mountain band members are: Dwayne Tew, Mike Smitherman, Mike Hipp and Tom Chiles.

Clare Bridge Crossings at Brookdale Coming Soon

Specifically developed to help persons with early-stage dementia, our Clare Bridge Crossings program builds on the growing body of aging research that shows well-designed programs can help sustain mental functions often impacted in the early to early-middle stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

This specialized programming preserves selfesteem and enables persons living with early dementia to remain engaged with peers when they might otherwise struggle socially—and be more susceptible to depression— in a traditional personal care setting.

As a proactive discipline the Clare Bridge Crossings program may benefit individuals whose symptoms are just starting to result in the need for additional cueing and care. The Crossings’ daily path of activities features mind-and-body enhancing, socially-engaging programs such as: art expressions, vigorous mental workouts utlizing the latest technology, activities that recognize prior occupational skills and interests, outings which encourage learning and new knowledge.

The Clare Bridge Crossings program offers private suites in comfortable neighborhood environments. Unique building features, such as an exercise room, art gallery and resident-use kitchen help residents stay engaged and socially active.

The Clare Bridge Crossings program is, by design, a stepping stone in the Clare Bridge continuum of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care provided by Brookdale. As such it is most beneficial for those in the early stages of these conditions.

It all comes together at Brookdale. See how our blend of hospitality, service and care help loved ones continue their story in a place they’ll feel comfortable calling home.

The Clare Bridge Crossings program is a stepping stone between Assisted Living and Memory Care and is designed to support those living with early-stage

A Vacation Lifestyle with Southern Charm

You’re looking for more than just a community that checks off most of your boxes. You’re looking for the right fit, a community of friends that feels like your tribe. Come find out if Brookdale University Park in Birmingham, Alabama, is for you. We are a continuing care retirement community, or CCRC, which means you have independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation all on one campus.

As a resident, you have the freedom to experiment with new hobbies, reignite your sense of purpose and enjoy new experiences and connections with interesting new friends. Maybe you want to take a painting class or check out a tech class and learn about podcasts. Here you can. And with a selection of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom pet-friendly apartments, you can find just the home that fits your style. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing our staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to be alerted to an emergency.

dementia. Clare Bridge Crossings offers cognitive workouts, regular and varied physical exercise and increased social interaction to slow the decline of

those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

When Should you consider early-stage dementia care? Consider care when you or someone in your care: needs a bit of help with planning day-today activities; doing well with reminders, reassurance and social interactions with others but may be struggling with initiation; getting around without a lot of assistance; mostly managing bathroom needs and personal care with only occasional support.

What can you expect from the Clare Bridge Crossings program? Innovative engagement. Engagement provides an opportunity to ‘stretch to improve’ cognitive skills, and a daily routine of programs, including a specially designed exercise program, helps residents stay socially connected, engaged and more confident in their abilities. We like to call our daily path of engagement ‘kicked up a notch’.

Dining Options

Dining in the Crossings encourages resident choice and participation to build self-esteem and help maintain autonomy.

Healthy and delicious meals featuring optional Optimum Life brain-healthy menu help increase our residents’ nutritional health and decrease their risk for weight loss.

Purpose-built and Designed Environments

Intentionally designed program spaces encourage continued learning and help our residents maintain connections with opportunities, such as: Art and music workshops, live and active garden spaces as well as fitness areas that exercise the mind and body. Outings that include learning opportunities, local interests, and culture.

Come home to Clare Bridge Crossings for a different approach to early stage Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

Brookdale University Park IL/AL/MC (AL)

Independent Living | Assisted Living

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care | Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing

400 University Park Drive Birmingham, AL 35209

When Roxanne Batson, Rick Batson and Mur Feldman opened Trublue of Birmingham they weren’t thinking so much about senior living as they were about helping homeowners to maintain their home.

“Finding a contractor to do small projects was so difficult that we started our own handyman service to solve the issue.” said Roxanne.

Trublue began to focus on helping people ‘Age-in-Place’ after they kept getting calls for repairs and maintenance from people who could no longer do it themselves or needed to make it easier to navigate at home after an injury.

Each year approximately 25% of people over 65 experience a fall due to balance and slower response issues. A third of those are injured enough to go to the hospital and face long term rehabilitation.

That’s why the company began working

toward helping clients prevent accidents before a fall occurs.

“Nobody wants to live out their life in assisted living or nursing care, if they can stay in their home instead.” Said Mur. “And it’s much easier and cheaper to prevent a fall before it happens than do a major renovation afterward.”

Trublue offers preventative repairs, installations and maintenance to help people stay in their homes as long as possible. Projects include ‘tub cut-outs” to convert old bathtubs into showers, grab bar installation, lowering shelves for easy access, motion sensor lighting, rotten wood replacement and moving furnishings to prevent trip hazards.

If you’d like to know more call Trublue at 205-839-3818 to talk to one of their certified Senior Home Safety Specialists. Estimates are free.

Tips for Talking About Aging In Place with Seniors

BY DALE ANDERSON

It’s a scenario that happens in many families, and when it does, it’s often one of the most painful journeys a family must take together: a senior is experiencing health issues and needs caregiving, and decisions must be made as to how that is accomplished. Most seniors say that they are happier when they are cared for at home, yet the decisions leading up to making this a reality require a lot of thought and discussion. The most important aspects to deciding on arrangements for a senior are this:

What is best for them?

To what extent are they able to take care of themselves?

What will guarantee their health and safety?

Here are helpful suggestions on how to approach this difficult topic.

• Don’t wait until it’s too late. These are the topics of necessary conversations: finances, legal issues, estate planning, caregiving, safety and even driving. Discuss these topics frequently with your senior and your family. If you have discussed and made plans, when the time does come to make decisions, the more

prepared you will be. Nothing can be more stressful when a crisis occurs, and everyone is unprepared. The future is unpredictable; a senior’s wishes that were established years ago may not be feasible due to changes in health or finances.

• Be objective and observe before taking any actions so you can be prepared to have a conversation. Nobody likes to be blindsided with a discussion on their caregiving needs without a balanced dialogue. When it is time to do this, your senior might be defensive or even frightened at even the slightest suggestion that they need assistance. Take time to be with your senior so you can discuss specific observations, such as a defi-

nite decline in their driving skills. There might be noticeable things around the house that compromise their safety, such as the ability to navigate stairs, preparation of meals, taking a shower/bath. Be sure to notice if their mail is piling up and if they are easily forgetting simple details of everyday life. Do not confront them with these things. Have a conversation that is loving and reassuring.

• In all dialogue, show that you care and support your senior. Seniors need to be assured that their wellbeing is paramount in making decisions about their care. Reassure them that the goal is to let them maintain as much independence as possible.

Often, seniors worry about their future and being placed in a facility that will separate them from family and friends. They can become defensive about the need for lifestyle changes. Reassure them you are serving in a supportive role and not from a position of authority to overtake their lives. It’s only in cases where a senior has become seriously impaired that decisions must be made regarding their care without their consent. If possible, seniors need to be reassured they are involved in the decisions being made.

• When you think it is time to seriously address the issue, your words are important in your approach to a senior’s caregiving needs. It’s a dialogue that should involve you and the senior, so that they do not feel overwhelmed with fear if change is needed for their well-being. It might be wise to approach them by asking how they feel about the future and ask them if they want to discuss anything that is overwhelming them, such as care of their house and yard, or driving. Reassure them you can arrange help to relieve them of some of the stressors that may have risen in their lives. Often, feeling validated is the opening of a door to receptivity.

• The right word from another party, such as a physician, might be what clears the way to a calm transition for the senior. It may be frustrating because you feel you’ve failed, but sometimes the advice of another person might be the key to opening the door with your senior. Maybe it will be through a conversation with a doctor, or a lawyer, or someone in their church who can sit down to discuss options for their needs. Seniors need to feel involved and not powerless. Who isn’t afraid of losing control of their lives? The vital factor in making decisions for a senior’s care is that they are made to feel as much a part of the process as possible. It’s important for you to remain open to all possibilities. The advice from someone else might be wiser than your initial thoughts on the subject, and the senior might be more inclined to listen to the other person. You want what is best for the senior to ensure their health and safety.

— Dale Anderson is Director of Communications, Always Best Care For more information about senior care, please contact Always Best Care us at 205-874-9730 or e-mail us at jmancuso@abc-seniors. com

Strikingly Good Strikingly Good

By RuBin E. GRant

Bowling wasn’t on Michael Kimble’s radar a few years ago. He wanted to play basketball at Spain Park, but when the Jaguars held tryouts during the spring of Kimble’s eighth grade year at Berry Middle School, he didn’t make the cut.

His friend Luke Eaton suggested Kimble try bowling, something Kimble had never done. So, he joined the Jags’ middle school bowling team. The initial results were predictable.

“I wasn’t that good,” Kimble said.

That’s when Kimble’s dad stepped in. With students at home and learning virtually in the spring of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kimble’s dad took him to Oak Mountain Lanes, one of the few things open for business, almost daily to teach his son the fundamentals.

Kimble didn’t only learn the fundamentals, he became strikingly good. Spain Park volunteer bowling coach Lillian Singleton took notice.

“Coach Singleton said, ‘What happened to him? You’ve got a darn bowler,’ and she just walked off,”

KELLY

From page 24

ration. She scored 23 points, grabbed eight rebounds and handed out five assists to lead Alabama to an 88-74 victory in the AlabamaMississippi Girls Classic at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama. She was named the Alabama All-Stars MVP.

Kelly handled her coach’s assessment of her being the GOAT just as smoothly as she does one of her pull-up jumpers off a cross-over dribble.

“I believe her,” Kelly said. “I’ve had a lot of success in this program to verify it. I’m very confident in myself and I think the work I’ve put in shows I’m the greatest.”

Over the Mountain basketball coaches didn’t dispute that, making Kelly the unanimous choice as the 2023 OTM Girls Basketball Player of the Year. It’s the second consecutive year she’s been chosen for the honor.

“I’m blessed,” Kelly said. “I think it shows the consistency I’ve had for five years.” Johnson had little to add.

“There’s not much more for me to say,” Johnson said. “Her resume speaks for itself.”

Kelly, a North Carolina signee, averaged 15.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.4 steals this season. She also became Hoover’s all-time leading scorer, finishing with 2,272 career points. In her five seasons on the varsity, Hoover posted a 168-10 record.

Kelly also has been named the Gatorade 2023 Alabama Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

“Reniya is elite,” Vestavia Hills coach John Smelser said in a Gatorade press release. “She is looking to create for teammates, but she is also capable of getting a bucket whenever she wants. It is no fun trying to gameplan to stop her because she can do so much more than score.”

Kelly was one of four Hoover players voted to the 2023 All-OTM team, joining senior forwards Kristen McMillian (6.8 average points per game and 5.5 rebounds) and Alanah Pooler (7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds), and senior guard Layla Etchison (12.5 points).

Kimble’s mother, Sandy Kimble, said with a laugh.

“We were just coming up to Spain Park for ninth grade tryouts and he had changed so dramatically,” Sandy Kimble added.

Since then, Michael Kimble has developed into one of the top high school bowlers in the state. In 2022, he helped Spain Park win the Class 6A-7A state championship and in February he helped the Jags to a runner-up finish to Sparkman.

Kimble recently was selected the Alabama High School Athletic Association 2023 Boys Bowler of the Year by AHSAA bowling coaches.

“It was a surprise,” Kimble said upon learning he had been chosen. “I feel proud, but I feel it’s a team award as well as an individual award.”

Kimble, a junior, finished second to teammate Ethan Lee with 606 pins over three games at the Class 6A-7A state bowling tournament in February. Lee, a senior, had 615 pins.

For the season, Kimble had the highest scoring average on the Jags’ team with a 211 total.

Spain Park coach Stephen Hobbs raves about Kimble’s development.

OTMJ’s 2023 High School Basketball All-OTM Teams

2023 ALL-OTM GIRLS TEAM

Reniya Kelly, Hoover, Sr., 5-8 G

Kristen McMillan, Hoover, Sr., 6-1, F

Raegan Whitaker, Oak Mountain, Jr., 5-9 G

Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills, So., 5-11 F

Anna Towry, Vestavia Hills, Sr., 5-7 G

Emma Stearns, Mountain Brook, Jr., 5-6 G

Kayla Warren, Homewood, Jr., 5-6 G

Alanah Pooler, Hoover, Sr., 6-1 F

Mary Beth Dicen, Briarwood, Jr., 5-5, G

Layla Etchison, Hoover, Sr., 5-6 G

Jill Gaylard, Vestavia Hills, So., 5-2 G

Player of the Year: Reniya Kelly, Hoover Coach of the Year: Krystle Johnson

Vestavia Hills landed three players on the team, sophomore forward Sarah Gordon (17.0 points, 5.8 rebounds), sophomore guard Jill Gaylard (7.4 points, 2.9 assists) and senior guard Anna Lowry (13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists).

Rounding out the team are Oak Mountain junior guard Raegan Whitaker (18.0 points, 9.8 rebounds), Mountain Brook junior guard Emma Stearns (10.1 points), Homewood junior guard Kayla Warren (9.0 points) and Briarwood junior guard Mary Beth Dicen (7.6 points, 3.5 assists).

Coach of the Year

Johnson was voted 2023 Coach of the Year after leading Hoover to a 35-1 record and the three-peat. She also surpassed 300 victories for her coaching career.

“I’m shocked,” Johnson said. “I don’t think I’ve won it but once before. Because we’re Hoover and we have a lot of talent, people assume that we’re going to win and don’t give us credit for keeping our program at the top.

“Me and my coaching staff work day in and day out to help our players be successful not just on the court but off. It’s a collaboration. I get the awards, but everybody plays a part, including the players.”

2023 ALL-OTM BOYS TEAM

Win Miller, Vestavia Hills, Sr., 6-3 G

Matt Heiberger, Oak Mountain, Sr., 6-3 G

Ty Davis, Mountain Brook, Jr., 6-5 G

DeWayne Brown, Hoover, So., 6-9 C

Salim London, Hoover, So., 6-4 G

Sam Wright, Spain Park, Sr., 6-9 C

Zach Gray, Spain Park, Sr., 6-7 G

Julius Clark, Mountain Brook, Sr., 6-6 F

Jackson Weaver, Vestavia Hills, Jr., 6-2 G

Canon Armstead, Homewood, Sr., 6-2 G

Player of the Year: Win Miller, Vestavia Hills

Coach of the Year: Scott Ware, Hoover

MILLER

From page 24

He also became the Rebels’ all-time leading scorer with 2,011 career points.

For his performance, Over the Mountain basketball coaches voted Miller the 2023 OTM Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

“That’s pretty awesome,” Miller said. “Being a senior and playing the way we did as a team, that’s pretty cool.

“I wouldn’t trade this season for anything, playing with my teammates and playing for ourselves and coaches. We weren’t expected to do as well as we did. We were one of the best teams in the state throughout the year.”

Miller was a major reason for that, displaying a tireless work ethic that led to the player of the year honor.

“I think the honor is definitely characterized as a testament of his commitment to work,” Vestavia Hills coach Patrick Davis said. “I’ve been coaching for almost 20 years and I’ve coached good players and good kids, but Win is cut from a different cloth with the way he’s always working beyond what’s required, and we require a lot.

“No. 1, he loves the sport of bowling,” Hobbs said. “He lives, eats and breathes it. He works hard every day. He wants to continually get better.

“He throws plenty of strikes, but what he does best is he constantly makes spares. It’s rare when he leaves an open frame. He has a very high conversion rate.”

All-State Teams

The AHSAA bowling coaches selected All-State teams for the first time since the sport was restarted in 2015-16 after being discontinued for 37 years. The coaches selected eight top bowlers for the first and second team All-State squads.

Kimble, Eaton and Lee, who has signed with Spring Hill College in Mobile, were selected first team, and teammates Liam Hilson and Luke Mitchell were selected second team.

Vestavia Hills’ Michael Brewer also was selected first team and his Rebels’ teammate Chandler Long was chosen second team.

Oak Mountain’s Emma Hawkins was named to the girls first team AllState squad and her teammate Grace Smith was named second team.

“He just wants to maximize his God-given talent. He was so driven to not only make himself better but also make this program better.”

Miller will continue his career at the next level, playing college ball at Belmont in Nashville.

“I’m excited about it,” Miller said. “My goal is to help Belmont become a part of March Madness again.”

Miller heads up the 2023 All-OTM boys team that also includes his Rebels teammate Jackson Weaver, a junior guard who averaged 14.6 points per game.

Hoover, the Class 7A state champions, landed two players on the team, sophomore center DeWayne Brown (average 14.4 points per game, 10.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks) and sophomore guard Salim London (14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists).

Mountain Brook, the Class 6A runner-up, also had two players voted to the team, junior guard Ty Davis (18.2 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists) and senior forward Julius Clark (12.3 points, 6.1 rebounds).

Spain Park, which reached the Class 7A semifinals, had two players selected, senior center Sam Wright (16.4 points, 6.9 rebounds) and senior guard Zach Gray (16.0 points, 3,9 rebounds).

Rounding out the team are Oak Mountain senior guard Matt Heiberger (21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 2.2 assists) and Homewood senior guard Canon Armstead (9.0 points, 42% 3-point shooting, 90% free-throw shooting).

Coach of the Year

Hoover’s Scott Ware was voted the 2023 OTM Boys Coach of the Year after leading the Bucs to a 31-4 record and their first state title since 2015.

“That’s a great honor because there are lot of great coaches around here, and for them to think of me in that way is humbling,” Ware said. “But it’s not anything I do but the players and my assistant coaches.

“It was an incredible season from start to finish. The kids stayed connected and locked in all year, and they didn’t worry about who would get credit. Whatever five guys were on the floor, they were willing to do whatever was needed to help us win.”

Spain Park’s Michael Kimble Named Boys Bowler of the Year

Best Foot Forward

Vestavia Hills’ Softball Team Hoping to Peak at the Right Time

By RuBin E. GRant

John Simmons’ second season as head softball coach of the Vestavia Hills Rebels couldn’t be going any better.

Last weekend, Vestavia Hills was 3-0 in the Buccaneer Round Robin tournament at the Hoover Met with wins against Jasper 13-2, Mortimer Jordan 3-2, and Sparkman 8-4 to improve to 23-4 on the season. Earlier in the season, the Rebels put together a 13-game winning streak.

But Simmons isn’t ready to do any celebrating a month into the season, especially after the disappointing finish to his first season, in 2022.

“Last year we had a fantastic year as far as wins and losses,” Simmons said, referring to the Rebels’ 32-16 record. “But we had so many injuries. We had seven varsity starters who dealt with injuries that hurt us and we didn’t make it out of area.

“I feel if we can stay healthy this season, we’ll have a chance to make it out of area.”

The Rebels have changed areas this season. Last year, they competed in Class 7A, Area 6 with Spain Park, Oak Mountain and Hewitt-Trussville. This season, Vestavia Hills is competing in Area 5 with Hoover, Thompson and Tuscaloosa County.

Simmons, who notched his 700th career coaching victory earlier this season, believes it will be a challenge to make it out of area even if the Rebels are healthy.

“I think we’re in the toughest area in the state,” he said. “When the first Class 7A rankings came out last week, the No. 1 team (Thompson), No. 5 team (Hoover), No. 7 team (Vestavia Hills) and No. 8 team (Tuscaloosa County) were from our area. Two of us won’t get in (the regionals).”

The Rebels opened area play last week and split two games, losing to Hoover 7-1 on Tuesday and beating Thompson 9-4 on Thursday.

Simmons likes the competitive spirit of his team.

“We’ve shown a lot of tenacity with an ability to come from behind and put runs on the board,” Simmons

said. “At Thompson, we were behind 3-2 and just kept fighting.”

The Rebels have six seniors, including two who have signed college scholarships. Pitcher-first baseman Miah Simmons, the coach’s daughter, signed with the University

of Mobile, and middle infielder Kayla Franklin signed with Chipola College in Florida.

The other seniors are twins Ella Gallaspy and Abby Gallaspy, both outfielders, catcher M.K. Meeks and infielder Catherine Cassimus.

Junior Tait Davidson, a UAB commit, teams with Miah Simmons to give the Rebels a formidable duo in the pitching circle. In the victory against Jasper in the Buccaneer Round Robin, Davidson threw four innings with eight strikeouts. She wound up pitching 14 2/3 innings with 26 strikeouts and no earned runs allowed in the tournament.

The Rebels have some other experienced juniors, including Lucy Spisto, who plays center field and in the middle infield, and Laura Faith Beard, an outfielder. Two other juniors, third baseman Reese Johnson and outfielder Evelyn Splawn, also have contributed to the Rebels’ success.

Sophomore E.J. Bragan has been doing the bulk of the catching.

The Rebels have been getting offensive contributions throughout their lineup. In the victory over Thompson, the Gallaspy twins combined for five hits and three RBI. Beard had two hits. In the tournament at Hoover, Spisto batted .375, Simmons also hit .375 with five runs batted in, and Beard batted .333, as did Abby Gallaspy. Franklin had a home run and three RBI.

“They just keep battling and have a better mental approach at the plate,” Simmons said.

Simmons hopes the Rebels will continue to be consistent and peak at the right time.

“We want to keep putting our best foot forward and come April we want to be playing our best ball,” he said.

A signature dinner with Adam Evans - Automatic Seafood and Rob McDaniel - Helen to support the Harbor Family Center in Birmingham.

‘We’ve shown a lot of tenacity with an ability to come from behind and put runs on the board.’

Vestavia junior Tait Davidson, a UAB commit.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Best Foot Forward: Vestavia Hills’ Softball Team Hoping to Peak at the Right Time Page 23

SPORTS

Thursday, March 23, 2023 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Strikingly Good: Spain Park’s Kimble Named Boys Bowler of the Year Page 22

OTMJ’S 2023 ALL-OTM HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAMS

The GOAT

Hoover’s Kelly Earns All-OTM Girls Player of the Year Honor Again

By RuBin E. GRant

Reniya Kelly was sitting next to Hoover girls basketball coach Krystle Johnson when Johnson proclaimed her the GOAT of the Lady Bucs.

“She’s the best player in Hoover High School history,” Johnson said. “She’s the best basketball player in the state and has been for the last three years.”

Johnson made her pronouncement during the post-game media session after the 5-foot-8 senior guard had just led Hoover to its third consecutive Class 7A state championship and the fourth of Kelly’s career.

Kelly scored 25 points, collected six rebounds and made three steals to earn MVP honors, leading Hoover to a 55-44 victory against Sparkman in the championship game at BJCC’s Legacy Arena.

A week later, Kelly added an exclamation point to Johnson’s decla-

See KELLY, page 22

BOYS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Driven

Miller’s Work Ethic Produces OTM Boys

Basketball Player of the Year Honor

By RuBin E. GRant

It’s going to be a long time before Win Miller puts the final game of his high school career out of his mind. Perhaps he never will.

For a guy known for scoring, Miller had a miserable shooting performance in the Class 7A Northwest Regional final against rival Hoover. He scored only four points on 2 of 12 shooting from the field and missed all six 3-pointers he attempted in a disheartening 58-26 loss.

“That’s something I will always remember,” Miller said somewhat somberly a few weeks afterward.

His final game notwithstanding, Miller had a brilliant senior season. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 21.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists, leading Vestavia Hills to a No. 1 ranking in Class 7A at the end of the regular season and a 25-5 overall record.

See MILLER, page 22

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Members of the 2023 All-Over the Mountain Girls Basketball Team, front, from left: Mary Beth Dicen, Briarwood; Anna Towry, Vestavia Hills; Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills; Jill Gaylard, Vestavia Hills, and Kayla Warren, Homewood. Back: Layla Etchison, Hoover; Kristen McMillan, Hoover; Alanah Pooler, Hoover; Reniya Kelly, Hoover and Coach of the Year: Krystle Johnson, Hoover. Not pictured: Emma Stearns, Mountain Brook and Raegan Whitaker, Oak Mountain.

Members of the 2023 All-Over the Mountain Boys Basketball Team, front, from left: Julius Clark, Mountain Brook; Ty Davis, Mountain Brook; Jackson Weaver, Vestavia Hills, and Win Miller, Vestavia Hills. Back: Zach Gray, Spain Park; Sam Wright, Spain Park; Dewayne Brown, Hoover; Salim London, Hoover and Coach of the Year: Scott Ware, Hoover. Not pictured: Matt Heiberger, Oak Mountain and Canon Armstead, Homewood.

GIRLS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Journal photo by Jordan Wald