All Ashore

ABOUT TOWN 4

NEWS 6

LIFE 8

PEOPLE 9

SOCIAL 10

PAGE 29

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 February 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

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

Vol. 33, No. 14

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.

Our fearsome threesome is positively giddy to once again be joining a couple thousand similarly motived people on the high seas, where we hope to eat fine foods, be regaled with world-class entertainment, (at least the part of the world that is willing to share inside cabins in between shows), and generally frolic as much as our stamina and knee braces will allow.

The ship is a wonderland in itself and a body could do worse to just bob around for a few days on the ocean until they plunked us back where we started. Most days, however, our ship will pull into a port, allowing us additional adventures. Amazingly thin ropes pull us alongside and the gangplank is lowered, allowing a good portion of the sailing thousands to stream onto the shore. Properly sorted and stickered, we scurry (toddle) to our assigned buses where a local guide takes charge of the day’s entertainment. We will learn history. We will see landmarks. There will be corny jokes. It’s all great fun.

The excursions are pretty wide-ranging, but my little crew does not range very far. Our booking rules include no submarines (that was mine), no helicopters (my sis-

Over the Mountain Views

RISE Up

ter’s), and no encounters with oversized birds. That last rule was implemented after our Canadian “Fun with Falcons” excursion where we lined up with chunks of raw meat on our sleeves to entice a large hawk to land on our arms. I’ll admit, it was fun, but once is enough. We don’t sign up for kayaking or rock climbing or anything that involves upper body strength. Actually, anything that involves strength at all. Not only are we ill-equipped in that arena, we are on vacation. We set out to make it ALEAP situation (as little effort as possible). If the tour description says “strenuous,” it is right out. Sometimes, “moderate” puts us over the edge. We will venture off the bus, but not into anything that involves exertion.

Whether our excursion takes us inland or simply onto another boat, it is expected that someone will give us food of some kind. Given that we will have been eating up until the moment we disembarked the ship, you would think this would be unnecessary, which of course, it is, but you’d have a hard time convincing my fellow passengers. I guarantee that there are people on the phone right now wailing about the plantation lunch/snack swap. On some excursions, eating is the whole point. If we are docked in Maine, everyone will want a lobster roll. If a town has a famous doughnut shop, we must come out with one in each hand. I’ve tried mead and goat cheese on Prince Edward Island and had homemade oat cakes served to me by nice church ladies in Nova Scotia while a kilted trio played Scottish folk songs. The songs might have been enough, but the oatcakes were a nice touch. The plantation lunch/swap snack will be fine. We’ll live through it. I’ll just throw a granola bar in my purse.

RISE, Vestavia High School’s semester-long student service project, is holding the annual races to benefit the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at UAB on Sat., March 4 at the high school. The Superhero Fun Run, begins at 8:30 a.m. The Rebel 5K, race begins at 10 a.m. Fun Run starts at Vestavia High Football Stadium, Rebel 5K at the high school’s front parking lot. Below, Superheros Anne Lauren Ingram and Jack Talley and left color run participants, at last year’s RISE event.

file photo by Jordan Wald

Through April

Lenten Lunch Series

6

Cathedral Church of the Advent in downtown Birmingham holds its annual series of Lenten Lunches featuring guest speakers who offer a short service, followed by lunch. When: 12:05 p.m. Where: Cathedral Church of the Advent

Thurs., Feb. 23

An Evening With Josh Blue

The comedian, who has cerebral palsy, will perform at this benefit for disability rights and resources, which wants to establish its first fully equipped ADA resource center, The Next Step Resource Center. When: reception at 5:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Where: Red Mountain Theatre

Restoring Hope Gala

This fundraiser for Blanket Fort Hope, a nonprofit Christian organization to help children who have survived sex trafficking, will feature meteorologist James Spann as special guest emcee. Live and silent auctions and games will be part of activities for the evening. When: 6 - 9 p.m. Where: The Club

Feb. 24-26

O’Neal Library Book Sale

The Friends of the O’Neal Library will hold its annual book sale with proceeds to support the library’s teen and adult programs. When: Feb. 24-25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Feb. 26, 2-5 p.m. Where: O’Neal Library, Mountain Brook

A Chorus Line

The Alabama School of Fine Arts Theatre presents the legendary Broadway musical, “A Chorus Line.”

When: Feb. 24-25 at 7 p.m., Feb. 26 t 2:30 p.m. Where: Alabama School of Fine Arts

Sun., March 5

Brunch with the Bachelors

The zoo’s pachyderm party is an exclusive event with your favorite bachelors: Bulwagi, Luti, and Gadze. Participants will enjoy brunch at Safari Peak while the elephants roam close by, followed by a special elephant interaction. p.m. Where:

Southern Voices 2023

The acclaimed literary festival celebrating Southern authors is back with lectures, workshops and performances. When: Times vary Where: Hoover Library

Fri., Feb. 24

Glenwood Big Top Gala

Glenwood Junior Board is hosting this event to support services for children with autism. Live music, a casino, a silent auction and a silent disco where guests can dance the night away. When: 8 p.m. Where: Haven in Birmingham’s Lakeview District

Sat. Feb. 25

Hoover Arbor Day Celebration

The city of Hoover celebrates its 24th annual Arbor Day celebration hosted by the Hoover Beautification Board will feature free trees while supplies last, a fourth grade Arbor Day essay and poster contest, food trucks and other activities. When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Aldridge Gardens

Unless U Got Talent Fundraiser

The most entertaining night of the year as students from Unless U partner with local volunteers as they compete for the title of Unless U Got Talent Champions. Some of this year’s acts include a game show, body building, square dancing, and a gospel choir. When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Lyric Theatre

Dogwood Dink Pickleball Tournament

The Dogwood Dink brings pickleball enthusiasts together for a day of fun and enthusiastic game play!

Registration closed Feb. 14. When: 9 a.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center

Birmingham Does Broadway: ICONS

Christopher Confessore and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra will showcase music from Les Miserables, Evita, West Side Story, The Music Man, and many more in this yearly crowd-favorite performance.

Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center When: 7 p.m.

Dinner & Diamonds

This benefit for the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation will include dinner, entertainment, and silent and live auctions.

When: 7-11 p.m. Where: Vestavia Country Club

Tues., Feb. 28

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Association teaches why Alzheimer’s Disease is not a normal part of aging. When: 6

Where: Hoover Library

Junior Board Leader Volunteering at Cornerstone Schools is Family Tradition

Allie Elliott, center, with her parents

Judy and Craig Beatty support Cornerstone schools.

Cornerstone grade levels range from pre-kindergarten to high school, and the school provides an affordable alternative to public school, according to the schools’ website. While it’s a private school, every student receives tuition assistance and Cornerstone is “committed to providing each child with solid academics, character development and an opportunity for a deeper faith,” the website adds.

Volunteering at Cornerstone is meaningful, Elliott said. Her time mentoring the teenager “was really just a blessing” because she got to know the girl and help her. And she said she enjoys maintaining her family connection.

By Anne Ruisi

Allie Elliott’s support for Cornerstone Schools of Alabama goes back to her childhood, when her parents were early supporters of the private Christian schools in Woodlawn and Roebuck.

She said her parents had talked about Cornerstone since she was very young.

“We’ve always been involved as a family, and then when I got to be an adult, I decided to join the junior board.”

She’s now president of the junior board, which is organizing the 18th annual Schoolhouse Rock fundraiser on March 10 at Regions Field. It’s a popular event that is expected to draw about 500 guests.

The Mountain Brook resident is in her second year as president of the school’s junior board, which is one of three service corps that work to support Cornerstone. The others are the Women’s Service board and the board of directors. Elliott said she’s been on

March 3-4

Concert: The Planets

Gustav Holst’s The Planets anchors a program that includes works by Claude Debussy and Avnar Dorman, performed by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. When: 7 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall

Exceptional Foundation

Chili Cookoff

The foundation’s 19th annual Chili Cookoff is a family-friendly event featuring live music, a kid zone, beverages and all the chili you can eat. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s programs for adults and youth with intellectual disabilities. When: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Brookwood Village

St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser the junior board since 2014.

The Homewood Rotary Club presents an evening of entertainment, with a buffet dinner inspired by the tastes of Ireland, music by Celtic band Hooley, live and silent auctions and more. Proceeds support scholarships for deserving Homewood High School seniors through the club’s education foundation. When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Valley Hotel Homewood.

Her involvement began before that. When she was growing up, the family attended school events, such as sports matches and graduation ceremonies, and showed their support at fundraisers and public service projects, such as the Angel Tree at Christmas.

“My parents have such a love for the school,” she said, noting her father, Craig Beatty, is on the school’s executive committee and board of directors.

Elliot said she continued to volunteer at Cornerstone after she grew up, including as a mentor to a teen girl.

Now, as president of the junior board, her primary function is planning the Schoolhouse Rock fundraiser, but it’s not a job she does alone, she said. Junior board members and the teachers and staff members help them, including Sami DeShazo, the school’s volunteer and special events coordinator, Elliott said.

“It’s definitely a team effort,” she said.

Cornerstone’s mission is to inspire and develop critically thinking and compassionate young people in a Christ-centered learning community that is committed to academic excellence and character development.

Elliott’s near future includes finishing her second year as the junior board’s president. Next year she’ll will serve as past president.

Elliott is a civil engineer who recently took a break from her job to stay home with her 15-month-old son.

“He’s just changing all the time and it is so much fun,” to be with him, Elliott said.

If You Go

The 18th annual Schoolhouse Rock fundraiser is March 10 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Regions Field.

The event promises a night of rockin’ fun, with live music by Just a Few Cats, dancing and games such as a wine toss and diamond drop. There’s also a silent auction with items up for bid. Complimentary beer, wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Tickets are $60 in advance and $65 at the door.

Joyful and Whimsical Linda Ellen Price’s Paintings on Display in One Woman Show at Beverly McNeil Gallery

Beverly McNeil Gallery is presenting a one woman show created from the art of Linda Ellen Price. The show will run from March 9 through April 15.

The gallery director in a statement described Price’s art as “joyful and full of whimsy” and said each one tells a story.

“Her colorful palette and feminine subjects are signature to her work and you can feel the delight with which she paints,” said Director Brittany Barnes.

Price’s work is highly collected now. But her career almost didn’t happen at all.

Price, who lives in northeast Alabama, on her website said she was discouraged from art as a child.

“ An event in my life as a fifth grader almost made me abandon art forever. My teacher had me destroy my Christmas project due to it being crudely original as compared to the other children’s commercially made, beautiful displays,” Price said. “I decided I would be a nurse.”

She did become a nurse, and after that she enrolled in an art class with Birmingham artist Barbara Evans, who encouraged her painting. She went on to study with other artists and in workshops.

On March 9, a reception will honor her and mark the beginning of her show at Beverly McNeil Gallery. The reception will be 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and feature live music from jazz duo Choko Aiken & Abe Becker. The works featured in this show can be viewed at beverlymcneilgallery. com/exhibitions.

MARCH 3-5

Cinderella Alabama Ballet

The timeless tale of Cinderella is transfigured through classical ballet with elegant dancing, spectacular costumes, and stunning scenery.

When: Performance times vary

Where: BJCC Concert Hall

Shamrock Shindig

This St. Patrick’s Day-themed fundraiser for ARC of Central Alabama hosted by the nonprofit’s Junior Board will feature food, drinks, live music, a photo booth and other activities.

When: 6 p.m. Where: Haven

Under the Stars Spring Gala

This benefit for the Alabama Waldorf School will feature dinner, dancing

Sat., March 18

Kids Day

This annual fundraiser for the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at UAB will feature a parking lot full of trucks, including emergency vehicles and construction equipment, plus 80 superhero and Disney characters for youngsters to meet.

When: 9-11 a.m. Where: Vestavia Hills