Holiday Cards Issue
Guest Column Inside
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Opera Birmingham’s holiday concert returns Sunday PAGE 4
REDUCING THE RISK
One Woman Battles to Increase HPV Vaccine Rates PAGE 10
‘GIVE IT MY ALL’ Vestavia Man Pivots From Constructing Buildings to Reconstructing Lives PAGE 10
WWII
Both Near Century Mark PAGE 12
Raise your hand if you enjoy flying. There’s no need to put your hand down. Nobody raised one.
The first plane trip I remember was when I was around 9. The five of us in my family flew to Florida from Michigan to escape winter for a week or so. I had to get dressed up for the event. I recall our seats facing each other. The stewardesses (the term at the time) took great care of us. I may have been given wings. Fast forward a few decades.
Flying High
I recently did a weekend in Orlando. I flew direct (!) from Birmingham, which I’ll admit was a rare treat. Other than feeling like a bovine lining up for hay during the boarding process, Southwest did a good job. By that I mean we had the same number of takeoffs as landings. I had a middle seat because I always have a middle seat. I refuse to pay more for an aisle or window, especially for a short flight. I can hold my pee for a long time when necessary. No food, but the coffee was free.
opted for budget tattoos instead of premium. Big mistake. Too tight yoga pants? I blush.
I would estimate that 80% of the people walking around the airport were on their phone. Two things wrong here. First, we are addicted to our phones. A two-hour flight without use of your phone can apparently produce cold sweats and shaking. Second, can you watch where you are going? I mentioned the Costco problem a few weeks ago that people do not “stay in their lane” when pushing a shopping cart. Airport people are even worse as they look down at their screens. One man I saw ran into a trash receptacle. No damage to either party.
10
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With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter. Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area.
To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JO U RNA L December 12, 2024
Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald
Copy Editor: Virginia Martin
Features Writer: Donna Cornelius
Staff Writers: June Mathews, Anne Ruisi
Photographer: Jordan Wald
Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant
Contributors: Evelyn Byrne, Ana Good, Solomon Crenshaw Jr., Lee Hurley, Madoline Markham Koonce, Susan Swagler
Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Gail Kidd ABOUT TOWN 3
Vol. 34, No. 10
Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2024 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal is not responsible for return of photos,
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.
The most interesting part of my flying experience was not the plane. It was the Orlando airport. Over the intercom the mayor of Orlando informed us in a recorded voice that 70 million people come to his fine city every year. I’m assuming a vast majority are there to see Mickey and friends. I was there to see friends, but none of them looked like Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. OK, one person may have had a slight resemblance to that last one. I had several hours to kill before I could check in at my hotel, so I decided to record my observations of this very busy airport.
Where to start? The McDonald’s in the expansive food court. I got up at 4:30 a.m. and needed sustenance. The food court seated a few hundred and had a pantheon of food options. That Grand Rapids, Michigan, airport I took off from as a kid had one restaurant. Orlando has dozens and Atlanta has hundreds. Nowadays you can get a Brooks Brothers suit to go with your Egg McMuffin. I opted for only the latter. Mickey D’s got my order right and it was even hot. I did not get a 5-minute massage nor did I need to use the lactation pod, thank goodness.
Most people I saw appeared a bit weary. Some looked frustrated and a few were dashing down the ramp to hopefully catch their flight. The kid next to me in the food court, Hudson, had a Happy Meal and seemed relatively happy. Maybe more people should have ordered what he got.
As aforementioned, we dressed up to fly way back when. People now run the gamut from business casual to way too casual. I don’t want to see that much skin, especially on people in my age bracket. You can also see where some people
Holiday Cards
COVER CARDS: Top row, from left: Lucy Boney, 4th, Edgewood Elementary; Graham LaGroue, 4th, Vestavia Hills East Elementary; Drennan Bell, 5th, Gwin Elementary; Viviana Morgan, 2nd; Green Valley Elementary. Second row: Nick Weinert, 3rd, Advent; Nolan Triola, 5th, VH Dolly Ridge Elementary; Bibb Girvin, 4th, Cherokee Bend Elementary; William Austin, 5th, Mountain Brook Elementary. Third row: Susie Hocutt, 3rd, N.E. Miles Jewish Day School; Sloane Greenhalgh, 4th, Brookwood Forest Elementary; Miho Kano, 5th, Vestavia Hills Liberty Park Elementary; Mateo Calderon, 2nd, Shades Mountain Elementary. Fourth row: Cecilia Cain, 3rd, Southminster Day School; Watts Stewart, 4th, Crestline Elementary; Caroline Reid, 5th, Briarwood Christian School. Bottom row, far right: Avery Kennedy, 5th, Vestavia Hills West Elementary; Devansh Sukate, 1st, Vestavia Hills Cahaba Heights Elementary. For more Season Greetings from OTM students turn to page 22.
For those who read business news like the Wall Street Journal, you might know that Starbucks has had a rough go for some time now. There is talk of poor leadership, poor training, shifts that are too long and sluggish sales. Well, the Orlando airport Starbucks did not have sluggish sales when I came through. Neither did the Birmingham airport when I flew out that morning. The line at Starbucks is the real reason we have to arrive two hours early for our flights.
Disney made bank on one family I came across. Mom, dad, 6-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter all looked worn out. The daughter was in a Minnie Mouse sweatshirt with Minnie sweat pants, Disney princess Crocs and a suitcase from Frozen. The son had Baby Yoda luggage and a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt. Dad was carrying two duffel bags with mouse ears all over them. Nothing at Disney is “on the Mouse.”
OK, maybe the Birmingham airport only has 3 million people pass through a year instead of 70 million. But, we can park close at reasonable rates, it is easy to drop off and pick up people and the longest you will wait at security is maybe 20 minutes. It’s often 10 or less. Since the upgrade and remodel a few years ago it is also attractive and very easy to navigate. No trains, trams or tunnels. I do not, however, understand why the word “international” is used in the name. Flying to Atlanta is not exactly going across the Atlantic Ocean.
I suppose Orlando is nice enough. Almost 3 million people live there. They call themselves Orlandoans. No, I didn’t make that up. Orlando is flat. Like a pancake or a sheet of paper. To find a hill you have to drive on a freeway overpass.
I’ll take Birmingham.
P.S. To be honest, my wife and I did have one over-the-top flight experience. We flew first class to Vietnam on Qatar Airline a few years ago. It was a hotel and restaurant in the sky.
BEYOND
Veterans Honored for Military Service as
RANDY ADAMY
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Thurs., Dec . 12
English Village Holiday Open House
Celebrate the festive spirit of the season at the English Village Holiday Open House. When: Varies by store Where: English Village, Mountain Brook
Dec. 12 – Jan. 20, 2025
Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo
The family-favorite animal lantern feast for the eyes is back for the holidays! Walk through the stunning displays, enjoy the zoo’s restaurants and for the adults, try special version of hot chocolate! When: Evenings until 9 p.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo
Dec. 12-21
Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story
Based on the story by Charles Dickens, this is a captivating holiday production! Filled with festive music and spirited performances, this adaptation brings Dickens’ classic tale to life in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages. Enjoy a special Cookies & Cocoa Night on Dec. 20. Recommended for ages 6 and older. When: Saturdays at 11 a.m., Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. Where: Birmingham Children’s Theatre
Fri., Dec. 13
Creole Christmas with Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Celebrate the holidays with Preservation Hall Jazz Band! Preservation Hall, operating as a cherished family business, played a crucial role in preserving the rich culture of traditional jazz in New Orleans. When: 7 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center
Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 18-23
The Nutcracker
Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies globally licensed by the Balanchine Trust to perform George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. The beloved holiday favorite will be staged at the BJCC Concert Hall, where Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and youngat-heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers, and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. When: Various showtimes Where: BJCC Concert Hall
Dec. 13-22
Alabama Theatre Holiday Film Series
Nothing says Christmas like watching a holiday classic on the big screen at the Alabama Theatre and a belting out seasonal songs accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer organ before each show. “Elf,” “A Christmas Story,”
“White Christmas” and other beloved films, including “Die Hard” (yes, it’s a holiday tradition to many) will be screened. For a complete list, go to alabamatheatre.com/events. When: Various showtimes Where: Alabama Theatre
Sat., Dec. 14
Breakfast with Santa Pancakes are on the menu and the guest of honor is the Jolly Old Elf when the city of Vestavia Hills presents Breakfast with Santa! This free, family-friendly event is a great way to enjoy the holiday season with St. Nick before his big run on Christmas Eve. When: 7:30-10 a.m. Where: Vestavia Civic Center
Gingerbread Jam
Showcase your house at the 2024 Gingerbread Jam. This unique holiday event is currently the only Gingerbread House Competition in the Birmingham Area. Kid friendly with lots of holiday cheer for everyone. All proceeds from this event will go to the Megan Montgomery Foundation to Prevent Domestic Violence, Inc.
When: 8 a.m. - noon Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center
Through Dec. 15
Truman Capote’s
A Christmas Memory
Taken directly from the Truman Capote short story, this will be a version of the classic tale you have
Sounds of the Season
Opera Birmingham is presenting its annual holiday concert, Sounds of the Season, Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Samford University’s Brock Recital Hall.
Sacred and secular favorites will be performed by a lineup of soloists and the Opera Birmingham Chorus.
Opera Birmingham’s Holiday Concert Returns Sunday Won Cho
This year, Opera Birmingham is partnering with Grace Klein Community, a nonprofit organization that provides relief to disadvantaged individuals and families in the Birmingham area. Audience members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to drop off in the collection barrel in the lobby, which Grace Klein will use to support families in need this holiday season.
be joined by DeLee Benton, Lauren Tinsley and Caitlyn Walters. Benton and Tinsley are graduates of the Opera Birmingham Studio at Samford and Walters is the artist in residence. The Opera Birmingham Chamber Choir will fill out the roster of singers. John Robertson is directing and providing accompaniment on piano. Tickets for Sounds of the Season are on sale at operabirmingham.org/ sounds-of-the-season or by calling 205-322-6737.
“This partnership is a perfect way to bring the community together to celebrate the season while giving back,” said Lynne Hutton, managing director of Opera Birmingham.
The concert will feature bass Won Cho, soprano Meg Jackson and soprano Allison Sanders. They will
Opera Birmingham’s performances are made possible, in part, by grants from Alabama Power Foundation, The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, The Daniel Foundation of Alabama and Hugh Kaul Foundation, and by support from Alabama Media Group. Student tickets are supported by The Caring Foundation. Walters is sponsored by Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman. Robertson is sponsored by Mary K. “Mimi” Jackson.
Meg Jackson
Allison Sanders
WISDOM
The Best Gift You Can Give
THIS BOOK is a collection of short essays on practical wisdom. You will find that there is insight in each essay that can easily be applied to your life. My hope is this book serves as a guide to help you walk in wisdom on your journey toward a healthy and meaningful life.
—RICHARD E. SIMMONS III
“I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to excel in life.”
—MILLER GORRIE, Founder and Chairman of Brasfield and Gorrie
“The root of human flourishing is wisdom, and Richard E. Simmons provides dozens of relatable examples of how each of us can pursue success and happiness by practicing wisdom in all areas of life.”
—Dr. BECK A. TAYLOR, President, Samford University
“Richard Simmons’ Practical Wisdom is an insightful and transformative guide, blending timeless principles with practical advice for navigating life’s challenges. His profound wisdom and compassionate approach offer readers a clear path to personal growth.”
—LEE STYSLINGER, Co-chairman, Altec
“Richard Simmons’ new book, Practical Wisdom, demonstrates that “practical” can also be deeply thoughtful and profoundly meaningful. There is much to learn and embrace from this collection of short essays.”
—Dr. ROB PEARIGEN, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of the South
“In Practical Wisdom, Richard E. Simmons’ masterfully provides guidance for a life well-lived. The valuable lessons learned from this book are applicable to each of us and I highly recommend anyone striving for a life of fulfillment to read it.”
—CRAFT O’NEAL, Chairman and CEO O’Neal Industries
MAR 16 ANDY GRAMMER MONSTER TOUR
It’s Show Time
League, IPC and Fresh Air Home Tours this Week
Legacy League Dec. 12
This year’s Samford Legacy League Christmas Home Tour on Dec. 12 will feature five homes of differing architectural styles, design concepts and décor.
In addition to a variety of homes, the tour includes a selection of popup shops, live music and holiday refreshments at the Samford President’s Home.
Tour proceeds go toward scholarships for students from challenging circumstances, such as homelessness, inner-city violence, disability or death of a parent or sibling, foster care, parental job loss, abandonment, parental incarceration and parents in full-time ministry.
Homes featured in this year’s tour are:
• Amy and Matt Kelly, 318 La Prado Circle, Homewood.
• Mary Catherine and Scott Laney, 504 Dexter Ave., Mountain Brook.
• Nancy and Ron Rowell, 2421 Chestnut Road, Vestavia Hills.
• Marianne and Patrick Strong, 503 Eastwood Place, Vestavia Hills.
• Julie and Beck Taylor, Samford President’s Home, 1994 Shades Crest Road, Vestavia Hills.
Homes will be open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Tickets are $45 Dec. 1-10; advance purchase is required. For tickets and more information, visit samford.edu/legacyleague.
IPC Holiday House Tour Dec. 14
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Independent Presbyterian Church’s Holiday House Tour, to be held Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets, $40 each for adults and $20 for kids, cover entrance to tour three homes decorated for the season as well as the church’s sanctuary and dollhouses. This year’s featured homes are the Kennamer and Bruno Home in Forest Park, Dumas Home in Mountain Brook, and Henderson Home in Mountain Brook.
You also can buy joint tickets for the tour and a seated afternoon tea to be held 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the IPC Great Hall for $75. For the tea, scones, biscuits, finger sandwiches and sweets from the church’s Holiday House Cookbook will be served.
Throughout its 75 years, the tour has raised funds for programs that benefit women and children in need.
Net proceeds from this year’s event will go to IPC Food Ministries, First Light Women’s Shelter, Children’s Fresh Air Farm/Summer Learning Program and Presbyterian Home for Children.
Tickets can be purchased at ipcholidayhouse.com, during daily office hours at IPC’s 3100 Highland Ave. address, on Sundays in the IPC Parlor and at each home on the day of the tour.
Wacky Tacky Kicks Off Wacky Tacky Light Tour highlights the best of the worst holiday lights in Birmingham.
The tours will be given on the nights of Dec. 12, 17 and 19 and begin at Ironwood Kitchen and Cocktails in Homewood’s Valley Hotel. Tours leave every 10 minutes starting at 6 p.m., with the last tour starting at 7:30 p.m. Houses on the tour include Gigantus, Peanuts Skate Park, Dueling Neighbors, Santa’s Trailer Park, Bowling for Penguins and Star Wars Christmas, because nothing says Merry Christmas more than Darth Vader. One house gives a nod to one of Alabama’s major religions: college football.
A 14-foot menorah and spinning dreidel are highlights at the Hanukkah House, which has gotten national and even international attention for battling anti-Semitism and giving people a positive experience in a Jewish connotation.
Proceeds benefit Fresh Air Family offers more than 400 outdoor educational activities for families throughout the state, including fossil hunts, school field trips and weekend family adventures in addition to its acclaimed Gross Out Camp. Reservations are required for the Wacky Tacky tour. Tickets are $49 per person, and private buses are available for groups. Tickets are available at freshairfamily.org/wackytacky.
The Shops of Canterbury Road
Hospitality and unique gifts found in the local shops of Canterbury Road in Mountain Brook Village
Exploring these unique shops along Canterbury Road, conveniently located in the heart of Mountain Brook Village, is a great way to spend the day holiday shopping for everyone on your list!
Gift set includes an 18" necklace and 8" bracelet featuring our forever finish, and natural freshwater pearls. The necklace and bracelet both fasten with our exclusive toggle. Connect the toggles of the necklace and bracelet and create a 26" necklace, $249.
Dragonfly diffusers and candles Bella Collection. Intricately cut glass with gold details, hand poured with premium wax and fine fragrance oils.
By Solomon CrenShaw Jr.
Jim McFarland is a little like Old Testament Jonah, except it didn’t take a ride in the belly of a fish for him to do what God wanted him to do.
The Vestavia Hills resident was hesitant but ultimately stepped away from the contracting company he had formed to accept the mission to which he was being called – to “love on” persons living on the street.
“I think it was the Lord leading me down a path and I’m a little stubborn,” the 61-year-old said. “I kind of was in this battle with the Lord for 2½, three months. My wife (Karen) was praying for me. She and I were the only ones that knew about it.
“Finally, I said I’m just gonna do it. I’m gonna give it my all. I’m gonna do the best I can and that’s what I did,” McFarland said.
Then he created Urban Purpose, a Christ-centered ministry whose aim is to empower homeless and hurting individuals to reach their full potential by offering life-changing relationships and services.
“I can’t take credit. It’s not me,” the executive director said. “It’s what the Lord’s doing through me and through our volunteers and through relationships.”
McFarland began his mission journey by venturing to the Interstate 65 overpass at First Avenue in downtown Birmingham.
“I would just do simple things for the guys,” he said. “It was very obvious. They are sleeping outside and they have nowhere to sleep. They needed a source of wood so they could have a fire. We did that as long as we could, until the police came under there.”
Since then, McFarland and his crew of volunteers have done other things for homeless persons, including passing out coats, sleeping bags, hand warmers and blankets, as
‘Give It My All’
Vestavia Man Pivots From Constructing Buildings to Reconstructing Lives
McFarland largely operated Urban Impact out of his Vestavia Hills home.
“We kept going back to provide firewood, meet basic physical needs, and even share meals with the folks we’d met,” the Urban Impact website reads. “In the midst of laughing over jokes and swapping stories about hard stuff, we saw that all the resources in the world are meaningless if they aren’t offered alongside true friendship. As these relationships deepened, we also became increasingly aware of the complexity of what our friends on the streets
struggled to overcome.”
Those struggles included abuses of drugs and alcohol and issues with mental health.
So, Urban Impact established The Compound, a center on Second Avenue North near 14th Street. The Compound is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. The aim is to add Wednesdays.
McFarland said the facility serves 40 to 50 people a day. Nearly 100 persons attended the 2023 Christmas dinner and 75 to 80 were at the recent Thanksgiving dinner.
Reducing the Risk
One Woman Battles to Increase HPV Vaccine Rates
By June mathewS
Barbara Schuler is a cancer survivor whose determination to win the battle saw her through. That same determination later motivated her to fight for cancer prevention on behalf of others.
When she learned that the human papillomavirus vaccine, which has proven effective in preventing six kinds of cancers, was widely available but that vaccination rates were low, Schuler set out to change that.
That’s when she became founder and CEO of
Urban Impact hosted a Seat At The Table event in October.
Homeless persons shared sponsored meals with other individuals at Birmingham’s Railroad Park. The organization recently hosted a Boston Butt fundraising event in the pavilion at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, where the McFarlands are members.
“Our goal is to get them in transitional homes so they have a roof over their head,” the executive director said. “That’s what we try to get them into.”
Vax 2 Stop Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing cancer by expanding the use of the HPV vaccine through education, public awareness and advocacy.
“Most people think HPV can cause only cervical cancer, but it can also cause oropharyngeal, vaginal, vulvar, penile and anal cancers,” said Schuler, who holds a master’s degree in public health. “But we have an FDA-approved vaccine that can prevent over 90 percent of these cancers, which is equivalent to 33,000 cases yearly in the U.S. alone.”
Following in the Footsteps
McFarland has been married to his second wife for 28 years, living nearly all of that in Vestavia Hills. He has two sons from his first marriage and five grandchildren – four boys and a girl.
Inspired by his grandfather Virgil
‘You
can’t serve two masters. I just walked away and I went full bore into working with the guys on the streets.’
Handy, a CEO at Hoar Construction, he studied building science at Auburn University. He worked for years with Hoar Construction before founding Vestavia Builders Inc., which he shut down to create Urban Purpose.
“You can’t serve two masters,” McFarland said. “I just walked away and I went full bore into working with the guys on the streets.”
The former contractor has transitioned from constructing buildings to rebuilding the lives of homeless persons. Which task is tougher?
“I think people are definitely harder, without question, but I love the people part of it,” he said. “If you had talked to me when I was coming out of college, I might not have said that because you’re focused on your career and you’re doing this … making money … providing for my family.”
McFarland sometimes wonders why the Lord put him in construction. He realizes now that was part of his preparation for the task at hand, allowing him to engage with people of all sorts.
“I wonder why I was in construction, typically a little rougher, a little harder (environment) versus being an accountant or attorney,” he said. “You do what the Lord leads you to do.”
most parents aren’t prepared to consider in relation to their children.
Since 2020, Vax 2 Stop Cancer has trained 410 providers and staff at 98 practices in 34 Alabama counties to increase their HPV vaccination rates.
One big problem with the low vaccination rates, she learned, is persuading parents to have their children vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered between the ages of 9 and 13 and is approved up to age 45. But HPV is associated with sexual contact, a subject
“If we had a vaccine for anything that didn’t have to do with the genital area and mouth cancers, parents would have their children lined up around the block,” Schuler said. “But parents tend to think their child doesn’t need the HPV vaccine because their child isn’t going to have any kind of intimate contact before they’re married. And that may be true, but even then, HPV is so common that the odds of their spouse having it are high.”
Statistics show that 80 million people in the U.S. are currently infected with at least one strain of HPV, making it more prevalent than the common cold but without symptoms. Experts estimate that 85% of women and 90% of men will be infected
See HPV, page 11
Journal photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.
Vestavia Hills resident Jim McFarland, pictured above at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, began his mission journey by venturing to the Interstate 65 overpass at First Avenue in downtown Birmingham to help the homeless.
Barbara Schuler founder and CEO of Vax 2 Stop Cancer.
with at least one strain of the virus in their lifetimes.
“Pretty much, if you’re ever sexually active, you’re going to have the virus,” said Schuler. “Most people will be rid of it within two years, but some infections are persistent and can lead to multiple types of cancer.”
Vax 2 Stop Cancer provides two education programs. One is for training pediatricians and family practice physicians to help increase HPV vaccination rates across the state. Training takes place in private practices, in health departments and at federally qualified health centers. The second program is an online and ondemand program for dentists, hygienists and pediatric dentists.
“Our goal going forward is to have an OB/GYN program and to work with ENTs and pharmacists. There are many providers that can work with us on this,” Schuler said.
Aiming to Save 4 Million
Since 2020, Vax 2 Stop Cancer has trained 410 providers and staff at 98 practices in 34 Alabama counties to increase their HPV vaccination rates.
“Because Alabama has low vaccination rates, we have high cancer rates,” Schuler said. “We’re second in the nation for cervical cancer mortality, fifth for cervical cancer incidence, sixth for oral pharyngeal cancer mortality and twenty-second for oral pha-
ryngeal cancer incidence.”
Thus, Vax 2 Stop Cancer’s goal is to prevent more than 4 million cancer deaths by 2047 and improve the experience of people who are touched by cancer. In the meantime, Schuler will keep finding ways to inform parents about the dangers the HPV viruses pose and encourage them to get their children vaccinated.
“Of the most studied vaccines, the HPV vaccine is extremely safe,” she said. “The side effects are like any other vaccine, including headache, redness and swelling at the site, and/or mild fever. There are myths, however, that the HPV vaccine causes cancer. It doesn’t. Or that it causes women to be infertile, which it doesn’t. What can make women infertile is if they have to be treated for cervical cancer.”
Schuler hopes that Vax 2 Stop Cancer is soon able to take its message into schools and reach more parents. She also would like to see Alabama make the HPV vaccine mandatory.
“I don’t know that it ever will be,” she said. “Vaccines have become so politicized, and some parents have lost their faith in them. Either they don’t think they’re necessary or they don’t know what to believe, so we just keep fighting. That’s all we can do.”
Vax 2 Stop Cancer partners with organizations locally, nationally and internationally. It continues to work with the HPV Coalition, a nationwide advocacy group working with the White House on Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative. The goal of this
initiative is to prevent more than 4 million cancer deaths by 2027 and improve the experience of people who are touched by cancer.
Trying to work side-by-side with the Cancer Moonshot goal, Schuler will keep finding ways to inform parents about the dangers HPV poses and encourage them to get their children vaccinated.
For more information, visit vax2stopcancer.org or find the organization’s Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov
Acrylic by Maya Eventov
By Anne Ruisi
World War II veterans William Jackson Lee and James Oliver Richards were among the countless vets across the country honored Nov. 11 for their military service.
As family and friends attended the Veterans Day program at their senior living center,
In January 1945, the last year of the war, Lee was shipped out to the western Pacific Ocean to an island that was little-known at the time, Tinian.
Danberry at Inverness, and paid tribute to the men, they also knew that before the end of the year, they’d be helping them celebrate a major milestone – their 100th birthdays.
Richards, who retired as a lieutenant colonel from a career as an Air Force pilot, marked his 100th birthday on Nov. 22. Lee, who served as a corporal in the Marine Corps, will reach the century mark Dec. 20.
When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Richards was 18 years old. Lee was 17 and less than two weeks away from his 18th birthday. The war would have a profound effect on both.
Richards was inducted into the Army Air Forces in 1943, having learned to fly before he graduated from high school in New Mexico. He was sent to study at the University of Denver, to California and then to Roswell, New Mexico, to learn how to fly B-29s, the heavy bomber nicknamed the Superfortress.
Early one morning while it was still dark, the
Beyond WWII
Veterans Honored for Military Service as Both Near Century Mark
sky suddenly turned bright from a flash of brilliant light. He and others who witnessed this were told an ammunition depot at Alamogordo had exploded, but it was actually the detonation of the first atomic explosive developed at Los Alamos, according to a PowerPoint presentation prepared by Lee’s son-in-law, Dr. James Fisk.
The war ended shortly after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In the years following, Richards worked as a civilian flight instructor, earned degrees at the University of Colorado–Boulder and at the University of Denver, and joined the Colorado Air National Guard.
Richards was called back to active duty in what was now called the Air Force when the Korean War broke out. It was the early 1950s, and he flew 50 missions over North Korea in a B-26 airplane.
After the conflict, he was sent to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and eventually worked at the Pentagon. His work there remains classified. He served a year in Thailand as a forward air controller during the Vietnam War and retired from the Air Force in 1970 as a lieutenant colonel.
Among the 12 medals and citations he earned
You’re Invited!
Join us for the 2025 Spring Showcase of Greater Birmingham’s OLLI chapter. Learn more about our lifelong learning program and hear from guest speaker Greg Canfield, former Alabama Secretary of Commerce. Canfield will share “Tricks, Traps and Trends of Alabama Economic Development.”
Greater Birmingham’s OLLI Spring Showcase
Monday, Jan. 13 – 11 a.m.
Riverchase United Methodist Church
OLLI at UA offers enriching courses, social events and travel opportunities for adults 50+ who love to learn, connect, and explore. Courses are held at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center, Riverchase United Methodist Church, the Hoover Chamber of Commerce and North Shelby Library. Online courses are also available.
Scan below to discover the joy of learning with OLLI at UA.
during his 20 years of service are the Bronze Star, which is earned for extraordinary action and service performed in an armed conflict.
“I’m proud of my service,” Richards said.
As a civilian, Richards worked as a commercial pilot, flying charter flights between numerous Alabama locations, and he worked in investment management.
He and his wife, Gypsy Anne, had been mar-
Richards was inducted into the Army Air Forces in 1943, having learned to fly before he graduated from high school in New Mexico.
ried for 46 years when she died in 2015. He has two children, two grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.
Lee Was Stationed on Tinian
Lee, known as Jack, had completed high school and one year at Mercer University before he was drafted and joined the Marine Corps. After boot camp and rifle training in San Diego, he was sent to Camp LeJeune in North Carolina for radar school training and did so well he was promoted to radar school instructor.
While there, he learned his brother, Powell, a P-47 pilot, had been shot down and killed over France two days after D-Day in June 1944, according to Fisk’s presentation.
In January 1945, the last year of the war, Lee was shipped out to the western Pacific Ocean to an island that was little-known at the time, Tinian. His assignment was to keep new radar installations up and running.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
WWII veterans William Jackson Lee and James Oliver Richards, from left, were recently honored at a Veterans Day ceremony at their senior living center, Danberry at Inverness.
New Books Share Stories of Growing up Southern
It’s said storytelling is a natural art form for those raised in the South, and two new books by Over the Mountain authors validate that claim.
In “You’ve Been Drinking Muddy Water and Other Southern Tales,” Alison Large Ketcham recounts treasured memories of family and friends with warm humor and at times touching poignancy.
There are tales from her youth, such as the time that Ziggy Stardust, a goat “borrowed” by friends from Mother Angelica’s EWTN Irondale campus somehow got stashed in her family’s backyard. Or the time her father and a couple of his friends unknowingly left one of their fishing buddies at a South Alabama service station when they stopped for a Coke on their way back from the Gulf.
“You’ve Been Drinking Muddy Water” is available at Amazon for $19.99 in paperback or
VETS
He was on Tinian when the USS Indianapolis arrived to deliver the first atomic bomb, “Little Boy,” and the B-29 named the Enola Gay carrying that bomb to Hiroshima began its flight from the island. No one knew what was on board either craft.
“Planes would come and go all the time,” so it wasn’t noteworthy when the Enola Gay lifted off from the runway, Lee said. “It wasn’t until a few days later that we found out about it.”
After his discharge from the Marines in 1946, Lee earned a degree in electrical engineer-
$9.99 for Amazon Kindle.
David Thomas Cade shares decades of memories and anecdotes in “Stinkin’ Miss Doo Doo: 80 Years of Comedy and Adventure from Birmingham, Alabama.”
The main title, “Stinkin’ Miss Doo Doo” was inspired by what Cade jokingly calls, “my first crime, committed at age 3. I called my godmother that when she refused to give me another cookie.”
What follows is a stream of stories ranging from boyhood adventures such as holding up the train at the Birmingham Zoo and pelting the passengers with water balloons, to memorable events as an adult, including skydiving for the first time.
“Stinkin’ Miss Doo Doo” is available in print for $12.95 at Amazon or directly from the author at cadeshomes@gmail.com, or it can be downloaded for $7.95 in Amazon’s Kindle format.
ing from Auburn University and worked in Baltimore, Birmingham and Montgomery. He married, and he and his wife, Sarah, had five children, including a set of triplets. They had been married for 71 years when she died in 2021.
“She was a darling,” Lee said.
Both men use motorized wheelchairs to move around the Danberry at Inverness, but Richards still drives and Lee enjoys playing pool volleyball a few days a week and playing poker with friends there every Friday afternoon.
“We play for nickels and dimes,” he said of the men-only games on a recent Friday afternoon, adding with a big grin, “the gods were with me today.”
Immerse yourself in an engaging community infused with Southern hospitality. At The Crossings at Riverchase, everyday life becomes exceptional with meaningful friendships, gourmet dining, wellness-focused programming and much more. You’ll find bright, well-appointed spaces around every corner, including a fitness center, creative arts studio, patio, pub and theater. Just a short drive to nearby medical facilities, shopping and eateries that provide abundant choices to your everyday routine, you’ll feel instantly connected, comfortable and carefree.
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Katherine Wade Bradford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wade Bradford
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Auld Lang Syne
Debutante Club Celebrates 95 Years With New Year’s Eve Ball
The Debutante Club of Birmingham will present 18 young new members at a Black and White Ball on New Year’s Eve, continuing a 95-year tradition that began when the club was founded in 1929. ❖
Millie Martin Dorman, daughter of Mr. Evan Cliffard Dorman and Mrs. Walker White Dorman
Mary Douglass Evans, daughter of Mr. Jonathan Scott Evans and Mrs. Mary Simmons Evans
Payton Elizabeth Flynn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hayes Flynn
Introducing the beautiful collection from our newest jewelry designer
Martha Camille Fowler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Samuel Fowler
Mary Winston Parker Hendry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Parker Hendry
Anne Pearce LaRussa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Gregory LaRussa
Katharine Allan Howell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Allan Howell
Sarah McCarty Huddle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Christian Huddle
Mary Carlisle Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Haskins Williams Jones
Mary Caroline Kracke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Lee Kracke, Jr.
Jessica Lee Randolph, daughter of Mr. Richard Rutherford Randolph IV and Mrs. Patricia Ann Farmer Randolph
Olivia Kerr Robinson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lee Robinson, Jr.
Isabel Ray Swoger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Dempsey Swoger
Emma Kathryn Williams, daughter of Mr. Thomas Craig Williams and Mrs. Melanie Buttram Williams
Frances Carlisle Wilson, daughter of Mr. John Golightly Wilson and Mrs. Anna Brantley Fry
Salute to LaFayette
American Revolutionary War Hero Is Topic of November DAR Meeting
The Old Elyton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met Nov. 19 at the Country Club of Birmingham.
Margaret Smith introduced the speaker, Bill Daniel, who is a past president of the Alabama Sons of the American Revolution. Daniel’s presentation was “The Formative Years of Marquis de LaFayette.”
LaFayette, a French aristocrat, led troops at the Siege of Yorktown, where the last major battle of the revolution earned the Americans independence. The marquis was known as a hero in the United States and France. ❖
Above, Stephanie Byrne, Bill Daniel, Sally Daniel. Right, Evelyn Tipton, Rosemary Gillespy, Margaret Ann Webb and Carmine Jordan.
Members in black tie and evening wear celebrated the 75th anniversary of The Gaieties Club on Dec. 6 with a Christmas Ball at the Country Club of Birmingham.
Past President Barbara Stone presented a brief history of the club during the Diamond Anniversary event.
Sparkling decorations in the spirit of the anniversary and the holiday season included silver trees, silver wreaths on the tables and clear helium balloons with lights inside and trailing down each balloon’s ribbons. Partygoers were served dinner and an anniversary cake and danced to the sounds of Just Friends.
Helen Pardue chaired the event. Hannon Davidson is the club’s president. ❖
Gaieties Club Celebrates 75th in Christmas Ball
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Hampton and Harriet McFadden, Patrick and Donne Toomey
Leah Hazzard, Hannon Davidson
Becky and Daivd Bates
Jerry and Sarah Hodge
Bobby and Katie Howard, Helen Pardue
Forest and Katherine DeBuys
Leah and Robby Hazzard
Peggy and Lawayne Trasher
Left, Robert and Barbara Klyce. Right, Lucy and Dan Allison.
Susan and Charles Dasher
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The highlight of the event was the presentation of a check for $45,000 to King’s Home
The Gift of Home
Kings Home Shelby Auxiliary Presents Latest Donation
The King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary held its annual Christmas Luncheon at the home of Jenna Kapral on Dec. 3. Guests were encouraged to wear their quirkiest Christmas sweater for festive fun.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a check for $45,000 to King’s Home Shelby’s president, Lew Burdette. The auxiliary is a nonprofit organization that supports King’s Home Shelby, which serves women and children who have been victims of domestic abuse, drug abuse or other violence.
The auxiliary raises funding through two large events each year, Tablescapes in the spring and Give & Gather in the fall. This year, the organization donated a total of $110,000 to King’s Home Shelby. Ranea Breen, who has been the auxiliary’s president for the past five years, was recognized at the luncheon. Bobbie Breeding will succeed Breen in January. ❖
To: Baret
From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph.,
Date: Nov.
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Nov. 14, 2024 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes.
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Journal
photos by Jordan Wald
Shelby’s president, Lew Burdette.
Jenna Kapral, Tammy Lucas, Allison Milam Cheka, Rachel Hoagland
Melanie Claussen, Terry Crutchfield
Madison Smith, Leah Dowling Gina Harris, Kathy Sexton
The Hoover Service Club held its monthly luncheon Nov. 14 at the Hoover Country Club.
Carolyn Murray from Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that builds beds and collects bedding to meet the needs of children in the community, was the guest speaker. The organization’s slogan is “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”
Members were served turkey and all the trimmings at lunch. They collected donations and brought food, personal and cleaning items for their Acts of Service Project for November, which was Three Hots and a Cot, an organization that assists homeless veterans. ❖
Turkey and a Nap
Hoover Service Club Hears From Group that Collects
Bedding
for Kids
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Rhonda Boyd, Elaine Thompson, Carolyn Battle, Kim Allen
Heather Pierce, April Bucki
Phyllis Stone, Liz Elliott Ann Cook, Roberta Atkinson
Vestavia Hills kicked off the holiday season with a Tree Lighting Festival at City Hall and the Vestavia Hills Civic Center on Dec. 3.
The city and the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce presented the event. It was part of Holiday in the Hills, a series of events in November and December designed to celebrate the holiday season as a community
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Anna Squires, Sophie Milling, Madison Mercier, Mary Hanlon Hunton
Mary Lou and Stephanie Balzli
Ansley Padgett, Mary Brandt Sizemore
Katherine and McKenzie Stone
Jack F. Granger, #873 CAI
Seasons Greetings!
It has been our joy to share the art of talented Over the Mountain students in our annual Holiday Cards Issue for more than 30 years. The toughest job we have every year is selecting from the hundreds of cards submitted.
All the schools in our area were invited to participate and on these pages and the cover more than 200 cards are presented from all the schools that submitted.
We hope you enjoy this year’s collection and from all of us at Over The Mountain Journal, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Homewood Schools, EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY: Adelaide Hornady, 1st; Jay Thomas Hall, 4th. SECOND ROW: Francie Harris, 4th; Jack Hale, 4th; Harper McEwen, 4th; Lilly Sajjadieh, 4th; Evie Nash, 4th. THIRD ROW: Welden Gamble, 4th; Harrison Carroll, 4th; Anthony Santillan, 4th; Emily Lane, 4th. Hoover Schools, DEER VALLEY ELEMENTARY: FOURTH ROW: Anika Khera, 5th; Axel Santos-Martinez,1st; Zuri Gibson, 4th. FIFTH ROW: Everett LeSourd, 2nd; Lainey Collier, 4th; Jordyn Denson, 3rd. BELOW: Naya Salameh, 4th;
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Hoover Schools, GREEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY: Corinne Turberville, 5th; Evie Stowe, 3rd; Jules Domnanovich, 4th; Mario Rodriguez Alas, 3rd; Norah Miller, 3rd. SECOND ROW: Walter Metrock, 3rd; Evie Waugh, 3rd; Zuhour Saeed, 2nd; Ruthie Metrock, 2nd. GWIN ELEMENTARY: Azariah Heflin, 4th; THIRD ROW: Maggie Wallace, 5th; Sophia Collins, 5th; Harper Weselius, 3rd; Marion Chuz, 5th; Mela Bullen, 3rd. FOURTH ROW: Mina Al-Kahlout, 4th; Serena Evick, 3rd. SHADES MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY: Amyra Gir, 3rd; Heather Massey Shivers, 5th; Lindsey Turner, 5th. Holiday cards continues on page 24.
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Hoover Schools, SHADES MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY: Eli Truss, 5th; Beau McDonald,1st; Gwynnie Chambers, 5th; Hannah Jo Davis, 1st; Mountain Brook Schools, BROOKWOOD FOREST ELEMENTARY: Betsy Flynn, 4th. SECOND ROW: Brooks Key, 3rd; Elizabeth Parker, 2nd; William Luke, 3rd; Reese Roberts, 4th. THIRD ROW: Evvie Pearce, 5th; Landry Sawyer, 2nd; Henny Averyt, Kindergarten; Madeline Mota, 5th. FOURTH ROW: John William Davis, 4th; Taylor Benefield, 2nd; Tatum Marshall, 3rd; CHEROKEE BEND ELEMENTARY: Alice Elliott, 5th; Olivia Galgano, 3rd. FIFTH ROW: Ruth CaJacob, 5th; Barrett Crawford, 4th; Martin Hightower, 1st; Nathaniel Cade, 5th; Clark Bell, 3rd. SIXTH ROW: Alys Farlow, 4th; Everly Worley, 4th; Mary Barrett Fron, 4th.
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Mountain Brook Schools CRESTLINE ELEMENTARY: Dixon Douglas, 3rd; David Vidline, 5th; Margaret Sutlive, 4th; Wilson Lenneman, 5th; Oliver Brock, 3rd. SECOND ROW: Mae Haralson, 5th; Katherine Gaskin, 2nd; Phia Buechler, 4th; Margaret Fox, 5th; Elle Marris, 5th. THIRD ROW: Ford Rollins, 1st; Josie Dunbar, Kindergarten; Mary Wells Cannada, 5th; Margaret Ragland, 3rd; Susie Wykle, 4th. FOURTH ROW: Liv Brady, 4th; Wells Cooper, 5th; Margaret Reed Williams, 4th; Mountain Brook Schools MOUNTAIN BROOK ELEMENTARY: Alice Thomson, 1st; Mary Gray Darden, 5th. FIFTH ROW: Arden Price, 5th; Betsy Blair, 2nd; Grace Kiser, 5th; Leo Burton, 1st; Sara Han, 5th. Holiday cards continues on page 26
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Mountain Brook Schools MOUNTAIN BROOK ELEMENTARY: Maddox Mitchell, 1st; Sadie Blackman, 5th; Weathers Turner, 1st; Vestavia Hills Schools VH CAHABA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY: Mikaela Chen, 4th; Ellie Grace Slappey, Kindergarten. SECOND ROW: Ava Alexander, 5th; Hadley Wald, 2nd; Julia Wang, 3rd; Elise Terry, 1st; Lilly Scott, 4th. THIRD ROW: Simone Vega, 1st; Billie Rose Lodewyck, Kindergarten; Everly Yielding, 5th; Georgia Bradley, Kindergarten. FOURTH ROW: Penelope Henry, 5th; Harshali Sukate, 3rd; Molly Faith Sheperd, 2nd; VH DOLLY RIDGE ELEMENTARY: Mary Rose D’Amico, 3rd. FIFTH ROW: Abby Moser, 4th; Logan Walden, 3rd; Avett Adams, 2nd; Anna Johnson, 3rd; Audrey Prater, 2nd;
The Vestavia Hills Rotary Club
Would like to thank the VHCS PTO; Hike the Hill partners, sponsors, and participants. Proceeds benefited Vestavia Hills Schools student programs and scholarships and Alabama Veterans Memorial Park.
2024 Hike the Hill Partners
2024 Hike the Hill Sponsors
18th Street Orientals • AAA Environmental
Bradley Arant • Davenport’s Pizza Palace
Dev Clarity • Donato’s Pizza • El Pablano
Graham & Co • Greenhalgh Insurance
Longleaf Liberty Park • Meld Financial
Millennial Bank • Neal Carroll
Raymond James / Dean Paugh
Red Rock Realty • Sarver Orthodontics
Strong Law Firm• Taco Mama
Taylor Burton • John Henley State Farm
VHHS Math Team • VHHS Debate Team
VHHS Robotics Team • Wildbirds Unlimited
John Wright
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Vestavia Hills Schools VH DOLLY RIDGE ELEMENTARY: Alexia Elley, 4th; Grayson Tangerman, 3rd; Marcia Madden Ashley, 3rd. SECOND ROW: James Allen Thompson, 3rd; Charlotte Wheat, 1st; Cambria Palamara, 4th; THIRD ROW: VH EAST ELEMENTARY: Ann Burgin Cesnick, 2nd; Hays Chappell, Kindergarten; Kinleigh Van Elkin, 1st. FOURTH ROW: Hampton Neely, 3rd; Maggie Jacobs, 2nd; Mary Blake Isbell, 1st. FIFTH ROW: Sophia Crews, 1st; Mary Helen Pierce, 5th; Niam Thaker, 4th. Holiday cards continues on page 28
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Vestavia Hills Schools VH EAST ELEMENTARY: Brooks Lee, 4th; Norah Glaze, 3rd; Mae Magley, 4th; Evelyne Anderson, 3rd. SECOND ROW: VH LIBERTY PARK ELEMENTARY: Collier Grace Estes, 4th; Tessa Richardson, 4th; Lauren Cannizzaro, 5th; Meeghan Moore, 4th; Ella Kate Williams, 5th. THIRD ROW: Livey Rambo, 4th; Margaret LaFon, 3rd; Madelyn Eichelberger, 4th; Helen Claire McLean, 5th. FOURTH ROW: VH WEST ELEMENTARY: Beckett Williams, 3rd; Stella Clements, 4th; Camille Anderson, 5th; Britton Howell, 5th; Eva Grace Poe, 3rd. FIFTH ROW: Lanbon Corbin, 5th; Lauren Caponetto, 4th; Samuel Thompson, 5th; Rosemary Tallo, 4th; Garrett Williams, 4th. SIXTH ROW: Sanjana Clayton, 2nd; Libby Lucas, 3rd;
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Private Schools ADVENT: Bri Cuellar Perry, 4th; Amelia Rivers, 5th; Anais Zimmerman, 5th; Marley Renfroe, 3rd. SECOND ROW: Emarie Bell, 5th; BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN: Ann Bradley, 4th; Caroline Tidmore, 4th; Eddie Pearson, 4th. THIRD ROW: Eva Kowalski, 4th; Evelyn Mathews, 3rd; N.E. MILES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL: Magnolia Brasovan, 3rd; Frances Michael, 4th; FOURTH ROW: SOUTHMINSTER DAY SCHOOL: Bryn Ritchie, 5th; Abby White, 5th; Hank Kessler, 5th; Finn Ward, 5th. FIFTH ROW: Abigail Phillips, 5th; Bauel Gale, 4th; SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL: Elaina Solomon, 5th; Lilly Russell, 5th; Amelia McDaniel, 1st. SIXTH ROW: Isabella Beras, 5th.
Spain Park Falls to Nation’s No. 1 Team in Flag Football Championship Game
By Josh Bean
Central-Phenix City – the nation’s top-ranked girls flag football team, according to USA Today – scored three touchdowns in the final 4:05 of the first half and intercepted five passes in a 55-7 victory over Spain Park in the Class 6A-7A championship game Dec. 4.
Central (19-0) completed a perfect season and won its 36th consecutive game in the matchup at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.
Despite the loss, Spain Park coach Carmen Starr said advancing to the championship game showcased the program’s rapid development.
“I would never back down from playing the No. 1 team in the country,” Starr said, “because I know my team is going to only improve and get better from that experience. … That team is a great team – well-deserved No. 1 rank-
ing.”
Starr recalled having just 14 players in the program’s first season four years ago. The Jaguars went 7-4 in each of the first two seasons, improved to 12-2 in 2023, finished 14-6-1 and advanced to the championship game for the first time this season.
This year’s squad included seven returnees and 20 newcomers.
“I’m just really proud of where our program has come in four years, for sure,” Starr said.
But the Jaguars were overmatched against the Red Devils. Central-Phenix City quarterback Gerritt Griggs completed 14 of 19 passes for 253 yards and six touchdowns. She accounted for all three touchdowns during the final 4:05 of the second half – a 17-yard pass to Mariah Harrison, a 7-yard TD run and a 19-yard pass to Savannah Sevier.
Griggs was named the game’s
MVP as she accounted for seven touchdowns.
Colby Cook paced the Central defense with three of the team’s six interceptions.
Starr and the two players selected to participate in the AHSAA’s formal post-game interview session – Amber Mangina and quarterback Jenna Kate Hutchison – said they appreciated the opportunity to represent their school at the Super 7 championships.
“It was really awesome. I definitely gave it my all,” said Mangina, who intercepted a pass and scored on a 32-yard catch from Hutchison. “I tried my best to keep my head up and keep everyone’s mindset in the best place.”
Added Hutchison, “I think we went in with the right mindset because we knew we were going to give it our all.”
Mangina also had six tackles and caught two passes for 40 yards and the Jags’ only score. Spain Park’s Rory Payton contributed five catches for 40 yards, Alise Caputo had four catches for 27 yards, and Chennelle Hunter added three catches for 29 yards.
Hutchison finished 14 of 33 passing for 136 yards, but she threw five interceptions and was sacked five times.
The AHSAA added flag football as an emerging sport three years ago, and it was elevated to an official championship sport for 2024. Game officials noted the Alabama Community College Conference announced last month that it plans to add flag football as a collegiate sport in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Starr said flag football will continue to grow, especially as more girls learn they can continue playing in college.
“It’s really going to be substantial across the country now,” she said.
‘In
Shock’
ple legally.”
This fall, Hanna did a lot of hitting. He recorded 88 tackles, including 50 solo, and five tackles for losses. He also had a sack and forced a fumble as the Rebels reached the second round of the Class 7A playoffs and finished with a 6-6 record.
For his performance, Hanna was voted the 2024 OTM Defensive Football Player of the Year in balloting of Over the Mountain coaches.
“I’m definitely honored and super grateful,” Hanna said. “There are a bunch of good players in our area. Our coaches put me in a good spot to make plays.”
Evans said Hanna is well deserving of the honor.
“Spence is the epitome of what a Vestavia player should be,” Evans said. “He was our best defensive player. He played with a significant foot injury throughout the season and just gutted it out.”
Hanna moved to free safety as a sophomore after playing linebacker his entire life. But he still found him-
self in the so-called box near the line of scrimmage most of the time, especially in certain run situations.
“I played like a linebacker,” Hanna said. “That was a big part of my success. I’d line up on the ball a lot against the run and I also covered a lot on passes.”
Evans compares Hanna to former Hoover defensive back Ben Abercrombie, who went to Harvard but was paralyzed while making a tackle in his first game.
“He’s the spitting image of Ben Abercrombie,” Evans said. “I think Spence can be a Navy Seal one day or a Fortune 500 company CEO.”
Hanna, who scored 30 on the ACT and has a 4.24 grade-point average, is being recruited by a few Ivy League schools, including Harvard, Cornell, Columbia and Brown.
“If I don’t go to an Ivy League school, I’ll go to Auburn and just be a student and study finance,” Hanna said. “I am definitely interested in investment banking.”
Hanna heads up the 2024 AllOTM Football Team defense. He is
Ethan Strand has etched his name into the NCAA record book.
The former Vestavia Hills star distant runner, now a junior at North Carolina, shattered the NCAA indoor 3,000-meter record with a speedy performance Dec. 7 in the Boston University Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener.
Strand clocked 7:30.15, eclipsing the previous record by six seconds while finishing just ahead of his Tar Heels teammate Parker Wolfe (7:30.23), whose second-place finish also broke the prior record.
During the final lap of the race at the 7:02 time marker, the two Tar Heels separated from the pack and battled for the top spot in NCAA history. Strand used a last stretch move to pull ahead of Wolfe by .8 seconds. Strand ran an incredible 26.47-second closing lap.
“I knew the collegiate record was in danger, but when I looked up at the clock and saw 7:30, I was kind of in shock,” Strand said. “The World Indoor standards came out and the 3K was 7:31. I’m like, ‘That’s ridiculous.
joined in the secondary by Hoover’s Jamar Moultrie, Mountain Brook’s Harris Crumpton, Spain Park’s Joe Cross, Homewood’s Malik Smiley and John Carroll Catholic’s Braydon Lowery.
Moultrie, who signed with the University of Louisiana Monroe, recorded 40 tackles, including three for losses. Crumpton had 90 tackles, three tackles for losses, four pass break-ups, and he returned a fumble for a touchdown. Cross had five interceptions and Smiley had 63 tackles and three interceptions.
The defensive linemen are Hoover’s Tyson Bacon and Palanding Drammeh, Homewood’s Will Ray, Mountain Brook’s Boyd Cooper and Briarwood’s Garrett Witherington.
Bacon recorded 40 tackles, two sacks and had nine quarterback hurries; and Drammeh, who signed with Tulane, had 58 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Ray had 63 tackles, nine tackles for losses and six sacks; Cooper had 47 tackles, two tackles for losses, three forced fumbles, three sacks and 11 quarterback pressures; and
I’m not running that. I thought realistically we would run 7:34/7:35.’”
But Strand did beat that record in what was described as one of the best races for men’s collegiate track and field in recent years, as the top four finishers in the race all ran times under the previous collegiate record.
Strand’s finish is the second fastest all-time by an American, trailing only Yared Nuguse, who set the American record (7:28.23) on the same track a little less than a year ago. Strand also is currently No. 14 on the all-time world indoor 3,000-meter list.
North Carolina coach Chris Miltenberg was ecstatic about the performances of Strand and Wolfe.
“That was awesome,” Miltenberg said. “There have been a handful of times where even I’ve been really surprised. I thought they might run 7:35 or 7:34. That just shows you how powerful they are working together and pushing each other. That was really fun.
“Ethan has had a great fall, really, really great consistency.”
— Rubin E. Grant
Witherington had 55 tackles, 3.5 sacks and five tackles for losses.
The linebackers are Hoover’s Cam Torbor, Spain Park’s E.J. Kerley, Homewood’s Trust Darnell, Vestavia Hills’ Grayson Bruno, Briarwood’s Rylan Hamm, Oak Mountain’s Colton Moore and Mountain Brook’s Hampton King and Miller Lee.
King had 66 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, three sacks and four pass break-ups. Lee had 82 tackles, two tackles for losses, two interceptions, four sacks and two pass break-ups.
Torbor recorded 102 tackles, eight tackles for losses, eight sacks and an interception. Kerley had 140 sacks; Darnell had 96 tackles, 12.5 tackles for losses and four sacks; Bruno led the Rebels with 89; Hamm had 77 tackles, 12 tackles for losses, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions; and Moore had 96 tackles, 12 tackles for losses and two sacks.
Vestavia Hills’ Owen Simpson is the punter. He averaged 45.5 yards per punt on 33 punts and gave up no return yards.
Wald
Ethan Strand Shatters 3K NCAA Indoor Record
Photo by Reily Rogers, UNC athletics
Spain Park’s only touchdown came on this pass play from quarterback Jenna Kate Hutchison to Amber Mangina.
(173 of 264) for 2,667 yards and 32 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He also rushed for 119 yards and six touchdowns as Spain Park reached the Class 6A quarterfinals and finished with a 12-1 record.
For his performance, Bradley was voted the 2024 OTM Football Offensive Player of the Year in balloting of Over the Mountain coaches.
“I was very pumped when I found out,” Bradley said. “I appreciate it. I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and the people around me. The guys up front, the receivers and the running backs were great, and we had a special senior class.
“This season was definitely special. We were fortunate to finish the regular season undefeated.”
Vakakes said Bradley was “very deserving” of the honor.
“Last year, we broke the school record for points in a season and we broke it again this year,” Vakakes said. “A lot of that is because we had Brock Bradley behind center. He’s a really talented kid and a student of the game.”
The Jags lost to Class 6A runnerup Saraland 45-19 in the quarterfinals. But right after Thanksgiving, Bradley was already looking forward to 2025, his senior season.
“We got back to work, starting the grind over again,” Bradley said. “We’re going to focus on the little
things and hope to bring home the state championship next year.”
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound QB already has committed to Clemson.
‘Nothing
“I am looking forward to getting up to Death Valley and playing there,”
Bradley said, referring to Clemson’s home stadium.
Bradley heads up the 2024 AllOTM Football Team offense. He is joined by Oak Mountain senior quarterback Will O’Dell, who broke the school’s single-season record for allpurpose and passing yards. O’Dell threw for 1,993 yards and rushed for 1,096, finishing with 3,089 yards total offense, and accounted for 17 touchdowns (9 passing, 8 rushing).
The running backs are Mountain Brook’s Stuart Andrews, Spain Park’s Dakarai Shanks and Homewood’s Evan Ausmer.
Andrews rushed for 1,805 yards and 23 touchdowns on 309 carries. Shanks rushed for 1,292 yards and 11 touchdowns and caught seven passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Ausmer rushed for 884 yards, caught 16 passes for 135 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.
The wide receiver and tight end corps includes Hoover’s Jonah Winston and Chris Warren. Winston had 38 receptions for 542 yards, rushed for 152 yards and scored eight
touchdowns. Warren, a tight end committed to Jacksonville State, caught 19 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns and was a great blocker.
Joining them are Spain Park’s Corey Barber, Homewood’s Kylen Newell, Oak Mountain’s Zack Fitzgerald, Vestavia Hills’ Bruce Littleton and John Carroll Catholic’s Aubrey Walker.
Barber had 74 receptions for 1,429 yards and 17 touchdowns and had a rushing touchdown; Newell had 58 receptions, for 1,020 yards and eight touchdowns; Fitzgerald had 51 catches for 901 yards and six touchdowns; Littleton, a versatile tight end, had more than 1,000 yards total offense with 46 catches for 578 yards and four touchdowns and 86 carries for 492 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.
Up front on the offensive line are Mountain Brook’s Daniel Ellis and Rocco Gray, Vestavia Hills’ J.D. Livingston and Landon Page, Homewood’s Walker Williams, Hoover’s Toby Richard, and Spain Park’s Jackson Bell.
Ellis, who has been chosen to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game, allowed no sacks this season. He had 38 pancake blocks, 62 knockdowns and a 91% blocking efficiency. Gray made all the running game
checks and recorded 24 pancakes, 41 knockdowns and had a 94% blocking efficiency.
Livingston had 91% blocking efficiency and 57 knockdowns, and Page graded out at 92% with 85 knockdowns.
Williams graded 90% for the season and gave up only one sack. Richard graded 83% and Bell graded 84% and did not allow a sack.
The place-kicker is Homewood senior Whit Armistead. He made 47 of 50 extra point attempts and 9 of 11 field goal attempts with a long of 42 yards. He finished the season with 74 points, eclipsing 200 for his career.
Coach of the Year
Vakakes was voted 2024 OTM
Football Coach of the Year. After going 3-7 in his first season and 7-3 in 2023, he led the Jags to their most wins since they finished 12-2 in 2015.
“This is a culmination of a lot of hard work from the parents, to the kids, the coaches, the administration and the community,” Vakakes said. “Everybody was pulling the rope the same way, so this is an award for all of them, not just me.”
Vakakes expected the Jags to have a good season, but they surpassed his expectations.
“I knew we had a chance to be good,” he said. “Our kids believed in what we were doing and never panicked. “Even in the game at Saraland, we kept fighting until the end. We had a good group of senior leaders.”
Spain Park Falls to Nation’s No. 1 Team in Flag Football Title Game PAGE 30
THE 2024 OTMJ ALL-OVER THE MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM
Pro Mindset Earns Spain Park’s Bradley OTM Offensive Player of the Year Honor
By RuBin E. GRant
Brock Bradley is only a high school junior, but the Spain Park quarterback approaches football with the mindset of someone much older.
At least, that’s how Spain Park head football coach Tim Vakakes characterizes Bradley.
“Nothing Brock does surprises me,” Vakakes said. “He has the ultimate drive to be the best. He’s a professional in a high school body.”
Bradley was at his best this fall. He accounted for 2,786 yards total offense and 38 touchdowns while leading the Jaguars to the first undefeated regular season in the 23-year history of the program.
He completed 65.5% of his passes
See OFFENSE, page 31
Vestavia Hills’ Hanna Turns Physicality Into OTM Defensive Player of the Year Honor
By RuBin E. GRant
Spence Hanna loves to hit people.
That’s what makes Vestavia Hills’ senior safety such a physical, dynamic football player.
“He craves contact more than any player I’ve ever coached,” Vestavia Hills coach Robert Evans said. “He’s 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, but he plays like someone 6-2, 215 pounds.
“You usually have to tell players to be more physical, but with Spence you have to tell him there is a certain amount of self-preservation and you can’t go full bore on every play.”
Hanna traces his love for contact to roughhousing with his older brother Pierce. Plus, he said, “Football is the only game where you can hit peo-
See DEFENSE, page 30
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Members of the 2024 OTMJ All-OTM offensive team are, front, from left: Dakarai Shanks, Spain Park; Jackson Bell, Spain Park; Aubrey Walker, John Carroll; Corey Barber, Spain Park; Brock Bradley, Spain Park; Stuart Andrews, Mountain Brook; Kylen Newell, Homewood; Evan Ausmer, Homewood. Middle: Jonah Winston, Hoover; Rocco Gray, Mountain Brook; Zack Fitzgerald, Oak Mountain; JD Livingston, Vestavia Hills; Walker Williams, Homewood; Whit Armistead, Homewood; Landon Page, Vestavia Hills. Back: Chris Warren, Hoover; Daniel Ellis, Mountain Brook; Toby Richard, Hoover; Will O’Dell, Oak Mountain. Not pictured Bruce Littleton, Vestavia Hills.
Journal
photo by Jordan Wald
Members of the 2024 OTMJ All-OTM defensive team are, front, from left: Harris Crumpton, Mountain Brook; Braydon Lowery, John Carroll; Joe Cross, Spain Park; EJ Kerley, Spain Park; Trust Darnell, Homewood; Malik Smiley, Homewood; Hampton King, Mountain Brook. Middle: Colton Moore, Oak Mountain; Owen Simpson, Vestavia Hills; Grayson Bruno, Vestavia Hills; Rylan Hamm, Briarwood; Spence Hanna, Vestavia Hills; Boyd Cooper, Mountain Brook. Back: Tyson Bacon, Hoover; Palanding Drammeh, Hoover; Cam Torbor, Hoover; Garrett Witherington, Briarwood; Miller Lee, Mountain Brook; Will Ray, Homewood; Coach of the Year — Tim Vakakes, Spain Park. Not pictured Jamar Moultrie, Hoover.