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Homes on the tour include Mary Catherine and Scott Laney’s in Mountain Brook.

Samford Style

14th Annual Christmas Home Tour to Feature Renos and Rebuilds

By Sharon Smith

Attracting an average of 11 million viewers each month, HGTV has offered decorating tips, inspiration and ideas for 30 years. Move over, HGTV. On Dec. 12, there’s an even better destination for inspiration and ideas right here in Birmingham – and it’s one that changes lives, too. Wondering what that may be? The answer, of course, is Samford University Legacy League’s annual Christmas Home Tour.

Now in its 14th year, this beloved yuletide event is a community favorite. Since its inception, the tour has fea-

See SAMFORD STYLE, page 16

HOMES for the HOLIDAYS

More than 100 birds are perched on the naturalthemed Christmas tree in Mark Kennamer and John Paul Bruno’s kitchen. They sit amongst dried hydrangeas, pinecone and mushroom ornaments, and ornate ribbon that deck the tree.

1924 Glamour

By madoline markham koonce

Walking into interior designer Mark Kennamer’s Forest Park Colonial feels like Christmas morning came a little early this year, as it is decked with live greenery, florals and family ornament collections all curated with his eye for design.

You can see it for yourself on the 75th anniversary of the IPC Holiday House Tour to be held Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Along with Kennamer’s home, featured homes in this year’s tour are the Dumas Home in Mountain Brook and Henderson Home in Mountain Brook.

After running out of decorating projects to do in a two-bedroom condo in Highland Park he’d lived in for 13 years, Kennamer found the 1924 Forest Park white Colonial seven years ago and made it his home.

“I’m very symmetrical as far as my aesthetic goes, so it checked all the boxes for me,” Kennamer said.

Although the house is 100 years old, Kennamer and his husband of two years, John Paul Bruno, are only the fourth owners to live in it, and they inherited a lush landscaping job from the previous

See IPC, page 18

Journal photo by Maury Wald

SO BAD THEY’RE GOOD

Wacky Tacky Light Tour visits the best of the worst holiday displays PAGE 4

COMMUNITY HOLIDAY EVENTS

Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia all have lots of ways to celebrate the season PAGE 22

TOWN 4

8

MAKING THE HOLIDAYS BRIGHTER

New President-elect of state psychologists’ group shares tips for a less stressful season PAGE 8

Over The Mountain Journal staff share family holiday recipes PAGE 28

TCounting My Blessings

hanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love getting together with family, enjoying a home-cooked feast (I also enjoy cooking for the holidays) and reflecting on my many blessings.

This Thanksgiving season, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how thankful I am that I’ve been able to spend the last 34 years publishing Over The Mountain Journal. Since we started the paper in 1990, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of wonderful people, including a long list of tremendously talented journalists, advertising salespeople, photographers, office workers and newspaper carriers. Their contributions have made the Journal great and helped it survive for almost 35 years in a tough industry, and they’ve made my job easier.

This Thanksgiving season, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how thankful I am that I’ve been able to spend the last 34 years publishing Over The Mountain Journal

It’s also been fun that over the years every member of my family has worked for and contributed to the success of this organization. I’m thankful for our readers and advertisers who have supported us. Working with and getting to know local advertisers and helping them grow has been very rewarding. Hearing a client say, “The phone’s been ringing ever since the paper came out!” or getting a call from a reader to say how much they enjoyed a story or that they always look forward to getting the paper makes it all worthwhile.

Here’s a few more reasons for me to be thankful:

• My father, Maurice Wald, who paved the way for me in the advertising business and who also invested in the paper with his time and money, and my mother, Virginia, for her unconditional support and encouragement during the early days, too.

• Our community’s brick and mortar stores (especially the ones that advertise with us) and the consumers who support them.

• All the people who have said a kind word to me about the Journal over the years and even those that have offered some constructive criticism.

Owning and operating Over The Mountain Journal has been living the American dream. While not every day was easy, every day was rewarding because I was doing something I loved and believed in. I wouldn’t change the chance to live and work in our vibrant, big-hearted and fascinating community for anything.

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. otmj.com

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, Solomon Crenshaw Jr., Ana Good, Lee Hurley, Madoline Markham Koonce, Susan Swagler

Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Gail Kidd

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.

• My wife, Christy, who supported me in my decision to start a business when I was 30 years old and who has been my closest adviser for the last 34 years. And my children, Tommy, Jordan and Eve, who have all worked at the Journal doing various jobs, including advertising sales, graphic design, photography, proofreading, delivering papers and more.

• My original partners: my good friend and college fraternity brother, E.J. Marino Jr., and his father, Edward, and brother, Tony. Their commitment and support in the early days was invaluable.

Over the Mountain Views

The Holiday Cards Issue

OTMJ Dec. 12!

One of our favorite holiday traditions is going through all the great holiday cards OTM area students create for us to share with you. We’re excited about this year’s submissions including the one at right by Addie Lynn, a fourth grader at Vestavia Hills Elementary East. More to come!

In our very first issue, which appeared on Aug. 2, 1990, there’s a statement that has remained uppermost in my mind: “We believe a newspaper at its best must be more than a recorder of the day’s events. It must have a brain, a soul and a heart.” I like to think that OTMJ has been all of that and more. It’s with a full heart that I write these next words: I’ll be turning 65 in January, and while it’s been a wonderful ride, I’m ready to step down and enjoy spending more time with my family. I recently sold OTMJ to Lee Hurley, a Birmingham native with lots of magazine experience in this market. I’m confident Lee will do a great job as he continues our mission and injects his own creativity and ideas. I look forward to seeing what comes next for the newspaper that has been such a big part of my life.

Thank you for 34-plus wonderful years of allowing us to highlight the great things going on in the Over the Mountain area. Here’s to the next 34!

Happy Thanksgiving!

STAFF PICKS

MAURY WALD

So Bad They’re Good

Wacky Tacky Light Tour Visits the Best of the Worst Holiday Displays

Fresh Air Family’s Wacky Tacky Light Tour is back to show you the best of the worst holiday lights in Birmingham.

“There are a lot of tacky people, and I am proud to be one of them,” said Verna Gates, the original wacky tackier and executive director of Fresh Air Family.

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, according to a statement from Fresh Air Family. Tours leave every 10 minutes starting at 6 p.m., with the last tour starting at 7:30 p.m.

“I personally curate the route. My standards are low and hard to meet,”

Gates said in the statement. 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.

This is the 14th year for the popular event. Last year, more than 1,200 people attended. Proceeds provided $62,000 in financial aid to more than

800 summer campers who could not have otherwise attended Gross Out Camp, an award-winning science camp. Sixty-eight camps were based in 26 locations across Alabama.

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. For more information, email Events@ FreshAirFamily.org or call 205-5406642.

Thurs., Nov. 28

Sam Lapidus Montclair Run

The 48th Sam Lapidus Montclair Run is a Thanksgiving tradition that celebrates the life of Sam Lapidus while raising funds for the Levite Jewish Community Center and the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. When: 5K & 10K races start at 8:30 a.m., 1-Mile Fun Run starts at 10 a.m. Where: Levite Jewish Community Center

Sun., Dec. 1

Holiday Shopping at Birmingham Museum of Art

Head over to the Birmingham Museum of Art for holiday shopping with an artistic bent. A number of talented artists and vendors will be on hand, including jewelry designer Yogi Dada, artist Vero VanBlaere and stationary by Mawu Greetings. When: Noon-5 p.m. Where: Birmingham Museum of Art

Blind Boys of Alabama

The Grammy-winning group presents a Christmas show that mixes holiday standards with selections from their Grammy-winning holiday classic album, “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and the spirited “Talkin’ Christmas” album. Blind Boys will have everyone in the audience singing and clapping along to spread

the joy of the season! When: 8 p.m. Where: Lyric Theatre

Mon., Dec. 2

Rick Bragg & Roy Wood Jr.: In Conversation

Part of the 2024 Alabama Colloquium series, this event features an in-depth conversation between author Rick Bragg and humorist Roy Wood Jr. The duo will be recognized as Alabama Humanities Fellows for how they use the humanities – and their Alabama roots – to tell stories that challenge us to think, to empathize, and explore what makes us human. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center

Dec. 3-4

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays

Celebrate the holidays at “The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays,” a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: BJCC Concert Hall.

Thurs., Dec. 5

Bach and Nabors

Join the ASO at the Avon Theater in Lakeview for a more intimate concert experience you can’t get anywhere else! The ASO will perform Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto, Respighi’s

Ancient Airs and Dances and the world premiere of a new work by Alabama native Brian Nabors. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Avondale Theatre

Dec. 5-6

Ella

In this tribute, world-renowned trumpet virtuoso and vocalist Longineu Parsons joins forces with Tina Fabrique, known for her awardwinning portrayal of Ella Fitzgerald in “Ella”, as well as the beloved voice of the original theme for Reading Rainbow. Backed by a worldclass band, they perform holiday favorites celebrating one of music’s greatest partnerships between Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. When: 7 p.m. Where: Hoover Library Theatre

Dec. 5-15

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 never seen. It takes the short story and brings it to life for a special Christmas present for all of us.

When: Various showtimes Where: Homewood Theatre

Little Women, The Musical

Based on the beloved novel by Louisa May Alcott, this musical version of “Little Women” follows the story of the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy – as they navigate growing up amid the Civil War. When: Various showtimes Where: Virginia Samford Theatre

Dec. 5-22

Holiday Spectacular

Usher in the holiday season with music, merriment, and togetherness! With showstopping dance numbers and beautiful solo moments alike, all the different facets of this time of year get their moment in the spotlight, presented by a cast of over 75 performers. When: Various showtimes Where: Red Mountain Theatre

Fri., Dec. 6

It’s A Holiday Feeling with the ASO & Friends

Classic holiday tunes will fill the BJCC Concert Hall in this concert featuring guest soloist Sadie Goodman of Birmingham and pianist Rich Ridenour and electric violinist Bethany Borg. Santa will stop by and there will be holiday drinks and treats to enjoy.

When: 7 p.m. Where: BJCC Concert Hall

Dec. 6-8

Magic City Nutcracker

Magic City Performing Arts presents the classic Christmas ballet with a cast of 250 dancers and actors from the community, along with guest principal artists. Visit lyricbham.com to learn more. When: Various showtimes Where: Lyric Theatre

page 22 for Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia holiday events calendar.

Sat., Dec. 7

Christmas at Arlington Step into the festive past with Christmas at Arlington. The 1800s home of the Mudd Family will be decorated for the holidays and filled with music. Miss Alabama Tiara Pennington and Santa will join the fun, and docents will be in each room to share details. When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Arlington House, 331 Cotton Ave. S.W.

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Dec.

7-8

Yuletide in Dogtown

The dogs are back in town for this favorite holiday production! Join Spike, Fifi, Scotty, and Beauregard on this interactive musical adventure created by local playwright Jerry Sims, as his Dogtown pups learn the true meaning of the holidays. It’s a great performance for everyone –especially kids. Be sure to arrive early for our pre-show activities. When: Various showtimes Where: Alys Stephens Center

Dec. 7-21

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

Sun., Dec. 8

Sounds of the Season

Kick off the holidays with Sounds of the Season, a concert of favorites both sacred and secular. Drawing on the talent of members of the Opera Birmingham Studio at Samford University and the Opera Birmingham Chorus, this family-friendly concert is an audience favorite, jam packed with classic Christmas carols and beloved holiday songs! When: 2:30 p.m. Where: Brock Recital Hall, Samford University

CREOLE CHRISTMAS WITH PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND FRI., DEC. 13

Celebrate the holidays with the 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

Birmingham Boys 47th Annual Choir Christmas Concert

The choir performs your holiday favorites to get you in the spirit of Christmas at Samford University’s Leslie Wright Center. When: 2:30 p.m. Where: Samford University’s Leslie Wright Center.

Merry and Bright!

The Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra performs holiday favorites at the Riverchase Galleria in this free show. When: 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. Where: Near the carousel at the Food Court.

Mon., Dec. 9

A Celtic Christmas

A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music & Dance Sensation, presents its holiday spectacular, A Celtic Christmas. Prepare to be enchanted with some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, in a show that will make you laugh, cry, and sing into the night. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Alabama Theatre

Tues., Dec. 10

Viennese Kaleidoscope

Experience an intimate evening of classical chamber music by Hayden, Mozart and Beethoven as Alabama Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Daniel Szasz and select musicians present a captivating performance in the Concertmaster & Friends Series. Known for its personal, close-knit atmosphere, this series offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class music in a more relaxed, recital-style setting. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Samford University’s Brock Recital Hall

Dec. 13-14

Open House at Studio By the Tracks

The art center for people on the autism spectrum is holding a holiday open house at their Irondale studio. Admission is $25 on Dec. 13 and

free on Dec. 14. More information is available at studiobythetracks.org.

When: 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 14 Where: Studio By the Tracks

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

Dec. 14-15

The Grinch’s Jingle Bell Party McWane Science Center is proud to present an afternoon with the Grinch! Join us for hot chocolate, cookies, crafts, a dance party and a photo opportunity with the Grinch! Tickets are for timed entry. Visit mcwane.org/ events/grinch-jingle-bell-party to learn more. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: McWane Center

Dec. 19-29

It’s a Wonderful Life Ravenswood Radio Theatre returns with their immersive holiday experience – a step back in time to the 1944 radio broadcast of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The show comes together with six in the cast, a vintage musical underscore and live sound effects that bring Bedford Falls to life. When: Various showtimes Where: Virginia Samford Theatre

Fri., Dec. 20

Taylor Hicks

Hoover’s Taylor Hicks, an American Idol winner, performs songs by Rod

Alys Stephens Center

Alabama

ABOUT TOWN

Stewart and Christmas classics on an evening that’s sure to entertain and lift your holiday spirit. When: 8 p.m. Where: Lyric Theatre

Dec. 20-21

Handel’s Messiah

The glory of Handel’s Messiah will resonate as the Alabama Symphony Orchestra presents the beloved holiday tradition. Leading the orchestra will be special guest conductor James M. Meaders, founder and artistic director of Vox

Anima London. When: Various showtimes Where: Alys Stephens Center

Tues., Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve: A Viennese Celebration

Toast the end of 2024 with a glass of bubbly and experience the ASO’s effervescent performance of the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Day tradition. When: 6 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center 4.5

Making the Holidays Brighter

New President-elect of State Psychologists’ Group Shares Tips for a Less Stressful Season

By AnA Good

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, warmth and celebration. But for many, it can also bring an avalanche of stress. From juggling holiday gatherings to navigating the pressures of gift-giving and shopping, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Susan Rathmell, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist with 17 years of experience in Alabama, offers a calming presence during this chaotic time. In her practice, Upward Behavioral Health in Vestavia Hills, Rathmell specializes in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, depression and PTSD, as well as adult ADHD evaluation and treatment.

As president-elect of the Alabama Psychological Association, she’s also focused on improving mental health access statewide.

“There’s a big mental health need in Alabama,” she said, citing the state’s high rates of mental health issues paired with limited access to care. This issue, she explained, is particularly pronounced in rural areas of the state, where mental health providers are in short supply.

“The waitlists are long, and that’s stressful for people,” Rathmell acknowledged. “As for the future of the field, I hope it includes methods to improve access, because that’s what people really need — they need improved access so that the people who know they need mental health care can access that care without a prolonged wait.”

The combination of holiday stress and inadequate mental health care can be toxic. So, this holiday season, Rathmell is offering expert advice to make the festivities less stressful. Boiled down, her message is simple yet powerful: Take time to savor the moments of joy and gratitude, ask for help and make a plan

Rathmell’s Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

1. Set Realistic Goals and Plan Ahead

Rathmell emphasizes the importance of setting achievable goals during the holiday season.

“I always say when I’m approaching any prospective activity, that the things fall into three categories; things that I have to do, things that I want to do, and things that other people want me to do,” she said. “Categorizing possible goals that you could set, possible activities in which you could engage into those areas, and then making your choices is a good place to start.”

She encourages making plans well in advance and putting them on your calendar to avoid last-minute stress.

2. Lean on Your Support System

The holidays often require a lot of logistical work, particularly for parents and caregivers. Rathmell recommends finding ways to share the load.

“Look for ways that you can get help so that it’s not all falling on just you. What can your partner, if you have one, be in control of?” she said. “How can you lean on your village to maybe carpool or share the load of getting the children to their rehearsals or to their afterschool activities, so that everyone has as much

time as they possibly can while still meeting their obligations?”

Asking for help is key to maintaining balance and reducing unnecessary stress, she said.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

Rathmell stresses the importance of self care, particularly during busy times.

“Making sure you’re sleeping, making sure you’re exercising, making sure you’re making your best food choices, engaging in stress management, like breathing or whatever is helpful to you,” she said, “whether that’s having time to read a book because you like that, or watch a TV show with your child, but things that help you feel more relaxed and more centered.”

4. Practice Joy and Gratefulness

Rathmell recommends incorporating mindfulness practices into your holiday routine.

“This is one I’ve really been emphasizing with clients a lot lately, and that is intentional joy and gratefulness,” she said. “There’s a lot of apps out there that can teach you mindfulness. I do a lot of mindfulness practice with my clients. Practicing that and then using that skill, intentionally reminding yourself to practice it when the joy is happening around you.”

She said that, in moments of stress, it’s important to stop and savor the present moment. “I have to be intentional about reminding myself, ‘Stop for just a second. Smell everything that’s going on in this kitchen, isn’t it wonderful?’ Look at all of the people who are in this house that you don’t get to see enough — they’re all here.”

Mindfulness, according to Rathmell, helps us reconnect with the simple joys of the season, which often get drowned out by stress.

5. Reframe Perspective on Tasks

The hustle and bustle of gift-buying, meal prepping and hosting family gatherings can feel overwhelming. Rathmell advises that reframing tasks as opportunities for connection or gratitude can help reduce stress.

“Another thing that can stress out a lot of us is getting all the gifts wrapped,” she said.

“Reminding yourself to be grateful that you are able to provide them, that can get lost if we are not intentional. It doesn’t come to us naturally, at least not most of us. We have to remind ourselves not to forget it, and to really take it in and savor it or else the stress is louder, its voice is louder than the joy.”

By shifting our mindset and focusing on the positive aspects of holiday tasks, Rathmell said we can approach them with a greater sense of peace and contentment.

A Career Inspired by Family

Rathmell’s path to psychology began with a powerful source of inspiration — her mother.

“I have to give credit to my mom for my career in psychology,” she said. Her mother, a school psychologist, would often leave psychology textbooks on the bookshelf in their den, sparking a fascination in young Susan.

“They looked so impressive and like something that a really smart person would use,” she reminisced. “She would let me play with them. Once I was old enough to begin to grasp what I was reading, it was love at first sight. I always

knew that I would go on to work in mental health.”

Her passion for mental health only deepened during her time at the VA Medical Center in Birmingham.

“I was very fortunate to be offered an internship at the VA Medical Center here in Birmingham for a clinical psychologist,” she said.

“The VA is one of the top-notch trainers in health care, whether it’s mental health or any other area of health care,” she said. “It was really fortuitous for me, and my time with the VA allowed me access to gold-standard training, specifically in evidence-based therapy. That is where I fell in love with evidence-based therapy.

It is not enough to come up with a treatment idea, start using it and find that it works with a few clients, Rathmell explained.

Evidence-based therapy protocols, she said, have been subjected to repeated quality research and have years of data backing through numerous studies.

improve if they commit to the process.

A typical client, she said, referred to her for insomnia, for example, will remain in care with her for an average of 12 weeks, as most evidence-based psychotherapy protocols are built around that timeframe.

Successful completion of treatment means clients see a way forward without her.

“I always say, I think I may have the only job in the world where my goal is to be fired,” she said with a laugh.

Making a Difference in Alabama

As a native of Alabama, Rathmell feels connected to the people she serves.

“Since I am native to the state and have spent so much time with Alabamians, it’s easy for me to speak what I call ‘Southernese,’” she said. “I speak the language of my clients.” Rathmell believes that this connection is vital for successful therapy, especially when clients are at a low point.

“Generally, if you’re meeting with me, things are not going great,” she said. “I am meeting people when they are at a low point, and that nervousness, that apprehension is to be expected.”

As the newly elected president-elect of the Alabama Psychological Association, Rathmell’s said she is eager to get to work.

“I want to make sure that we are serving our state’s psychologists. There are not nearly enough of us in the state, and I want our psychologists to have engaging opportunities to get together and strengthen our relationships,” she said.

The position is a six-year commitment, Rathmell said, and she’s committed to offering programming and advocacy throughout Alabama and across various types of practices.

This includes addressing provider burnout, which is a growing concern in the mental health field.

“Health care, particularly mental health care, has a very high burnout rate,” Rathmell said. “It makes sense when you consider how stressful it can be, how many challenges there are. But evidence has shown that one of the best ways to prevent burnout is for providers to feel like they are making a difference.”

‘I want to make sure that we are serving our state’s psychologists. There are not nearly enough of us in the state, and I want our psychologist to have engaging opportunities to get together and strengthen our relationships.’

SUSAN RATHMELL, PH.D. PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE ALABAMA PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

Some examples of evidence-based therapy protocols include cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, dialectical behavioral therapy, and Interpersonal psychotherapy.

“Evidence-based therapies generally have been around for years, often many years, and have amassed considerable, robust research basis that prove that these approaches work,” Rathmell said.

The data backing helps offer her clients hope, she said, hope that their mental health can

As Rathmell looks to the future of mental health care, she is optimistic.

“While stigma is still a concern, I see it trending in the right direction,” she said. “I think more and more people are getting comfortable discussing mental health, how it relates to their life and their family’s life.”

For Rathmell, this is not just a career — it’s a calling.

“I think I would be hard pressed to name a better feeling than seeing someone improve their life,” she said. “It’s definitely why I love this job. “It is a fantastic, wonderful, affirming feeling.”

Whether through her work with clients, her leadership in the state association or her commitment to improving mental health care, she is dedicated to helping others find healing and hope, especially during a season that can so easily become overwhelmed by stress.

Courtesy

Susan Rathmell’s path to psychology began with a powerful source of inspiration — her mother. Her passion for mental health only deepened during her time at the VA Medical Center in Birmingham.

Su CASA

Court-Appointed Advocates Discuss Helping Kids in Luncheon

The Friends of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jefferson County held a luncheon to support the program at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Oct. 29.

The program, known as CASA, supports court-appointed volunteer advocacy with the aim of making sure every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in Jefferson County has a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to thrive. CASA recruits and trains community volunteers to be advocates for children who have been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect.

Speakers at the event included Presiding Family Court Judge Janine Hunt Hilliard, current volunteer and former board member Katy Ottensmeyer and Camarrius Johnson, a former child served by CASA who shared his first-hand experience with the organization.

Photos by Mary-Gates Kennedy

Jennifer Hunt, Ashley Essig, Marisa Donovan, Becky Holt, Ellanor Dukes, Ashley Jones, Emily Miller

Feeling cozy and chic in cashmere.

Above, Jan Chatham, Dena Tumlin, Darrin Chatham, Darlene Guthrie, Kerry Chatham. Below, Junior League Birmingham Volunteer Corps Members Madelaine Howard, Martin Smith, Ayla Russell, Aneidre Amerson-Allman.

TWO IN ONE

Iron Bowl, Casino Party Brings Together Supporters of Reed Foundation

Supporters of the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation were treated to a combo Iron Bowl pregame event and country casino night in a fundraiser Nov. 21 at The Club.

The Iron Bowl Casino Kickoff Party to Finish the Fight Against GI Cancer included casino games, live music, a silent auction, an open bar and cocktail buffet. Auburn and Alabama-themed games to win prizes were highlights of the event, such as the Denny Chimes Wine Pull and Toomer’s Corner Liquor Toss.

The foundation works to raise awareness and financial support for GI cancer research and for patient care. Since it was founded in 2002, it has contributed more than $1.9 million to support these aims. ❖

Greg Melville, Joseph Davidson, Rodney Kimbrell, Tempie Sharley, Hannon Davidson, Todd Sharley, Ellen Melville

Journal

photos by Jordan Wald

Amy and Marty Heslin

Emma Preston, Emily Dunn

Debra Baxter Cooper, Kathy Polk

Dixie Curtis, Allie Rutherford

Jay and Kathy Skinner, Argie McDonald, Rosemary and Gerald Gillespy

Caroline Mauro, Marilyn Joyce, Elizabeth Conner, Anna Lauren Summers and Anne Vandevelde

Valerie Lightfoot, Scott and Robin Reed

Jeff and Ivey Brown, Leigh Anne and Mark Haas

Hannon Tatarek, Lesley Chapman Morgan Russell, Gigi Azar

Sips for Sound

Music and Libations Support Deaf Children’s Education in Spoken Language

Supporters of the Woolley Institute for Spoken-Language Education gathered at Sips for Sound at the Back Forty Beer Company on Nov. 10. Food, drinks and live music were on hand as partygoers raised funds to support the institute and its mission to empower children who are deaf or hard of hearing to learn to speak. It also provides support to their families.

The institute is a statewide, family-focused program that works in collaboration with Alabama’s Early Intervention System, local school systems and private and public entities that advance the education of deaf children who use listening technology and spoken language. ❖

Emme Woolley, Ross Richesin

Caroline Leak, Leigh Leak, Melissa Romeo

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Cameron Bishop, Alan Tidwell, John Henley, Audie Woolley, Nancy Gregg

Jimmy Sims and Kalin Sims, Wade and Lynn Hancock

Jennifer Pslobensky, Sue and Don Decouders

Tammi Dahle, Steve Hill, Leigh Leak, Marcia Hay-McCutcheon, Caludia Hardy

Mario and Teagan Neavez, Tami Hallman

Katharine Henley, Lily Henley

Rachel Bailey, Megan Cookllman

To: Earthborn Pottery

Date: Novmber

The South’s Only Discount Art Show!

Save the Date: Always the Second Weekend of December to 4 Sunday 11AM to 4PM

This unique indoor event embraces the imperfect or flawed ‘seconds’

Hosted by Earthborn Studios 7575 Parkway Drive Leeds, Alabama 35094 earthbornpottery.net facebook.com/earthbornstudios facebook.com/bluelightspecialartshow

From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL ART SHOW BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL ART SHOW

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the November 28, 2024 issue.

Heights

Great weather signaled the start of the holiday shopping season in Cahaba Heights Nov. 16 at Deck the Heights.

The popular family-friendly event is an annual tradition in the Heights, with a variety of activities offered to shoppers as they check out the stores for Christmas gifts.

WALLACE

-BURKE

1811 29th. Avenue S. Homewood wallace-burke.com 205-874-1044

The fun included face painting, a mechanical bull, a trolley, inflatables, food, beverages, strolling violinists, face painting, the Grinch and other activities. Santa even made a quick trip from the North Pole to Cahaba Heights, delighting children of all ages.

Journal

photos by Jordan Wald

Jennifer Burnaman, Michelle Tubinis Anna and Corbett Ann Brannon

Sullivan, MacKenzie and Merritt Smith

Mallory, Mattie Frances and Chad Clark

Austin and Kate Rosser,– Katie Morgan

Samford Style

From Page One

tured 55 homes and attracted nearly 7,000 guests, including visitors from multiple states.

“We are thankful that the Christmas Home Tour, now a Birmingham holiday tradition, provides financial support to deserving young students while being a blessing for guests, students and volunteers,” said Chair Jan Service. “The tour’s impact has been enormous – over $425,000 raised for scholarships so far.”

As always, the slate of homes includes a variety of ages, architectural styles and design concepts. This year’s event includes three Vestavia Hills homes and one each in Homewood and Mountain Brook. But while each of the homes’ décor is unique, the five being featured this year share a common factor – all have either undergone extensive renovations or been rebuilt from the ground up.

Tickets to the event cover a tour through the personal dwelling of a nationally recognized interior designer; a panoramic golf course view in Vestavia Hills; pop-up shops, treats and antiques in the president’s home; a reimagined 1950s era Hollywood home; and a Crestline residence described as a ”French Normandy chateau.”

Continuing its support for the ninth year, ARC Realty is the Presenting Sponsor for the Christmas Home Tour.

“ARC is a relationship company,” said Beau Bevis, president and CEO. “We value our relationship with Samford and the Legacy League and the work they do in our community. We are always grateful to be part of this wonderful event, knowing that it helps young people who could otherwise not afford a university education.”

Premium Sponsors are AllSouth Appliance, Community Bank and Shunnarah Flooring.

This not-to-miss event is an “all hands on deck” endeavor for the Legacy League – involving more than 200 volunteers serving as home hosts and helping with food, logistics and publicity.

The Legacy League overall has awarded more than $1.8 million in scholarships, helping more than 200 students experience a Samford education. Legacy League scholarship recipients have endured obstacles including homelessness, innercity violence, death or disability of a parent, foster care, abandonment, parental addiction or incarceration, and the sacrifices of full-time ministry.

In addition to receiving scholarships, students in the Legacy League cohort benefit from caring relationships, campus connections and practical assistance, including book stipends and food pantry access.

Houses on the tour will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests will drive to each home; carpooling is highly recommended.

Tickets must be purchased in advance; there will be no ticket sales at the door. They are available at samford.edu/legacyleague for $40 through Nov. 30, then $45 through Dec. 10. Guests select their start time and first home dur-

ing ticket purchase. They may tour the remainder of the homes in any order.

Homes on the Tour

• 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

Amy and Matt Kelly, 318 La Prado Circle, Homewood

Built in 1955, Amy and Matt Kelly’s inviting Homewood residence has little resemblance to the original dwelling on the lot. Previous owners added a second story to the bungalow at the start of the millennium.

The Kellys have given it a “top to bottom renovation over the past four years, covering the full interior and exterior,” Amy Kelly said.

“Prior to moving in,” she said, “we updated the floor plan to improve sightlines downstairs where there were previously several smaller rooms. Upstairs, we closed and moved doorways and walls to create a better flow. After moving in, we worked our way through the kitchen, bathrooms and exterior. At this point, almost every surface has received a refresh.”

This completely renovated home on a quiet Hollywood street boasts several interesting features – a cozy screened porch with tall accordion doors, a 1,000-bottle temperaturecontrolled wine cellar, and an updated outdoor kitchen, to name a few.

The yuletide décor includes a ceramic Christmas tree stand made by Matt Kelly’s great-grandfather, who also made the molds for the decorative top of the Wrigley Building in Chicago.

Julie and Beck Taylor, Samford President’s Home,1994 Shades Crest Road, Vestavia Hills

Nancy and Ron Rowell, 2421 Chestnut Road, Vestavia Hills

Catherine and Scott Laney, 504

Ave., Mountain Brook Arab natives and high school sweethearts

Mary Catherine and Scott Laney love the walkable community of Crestline, where they’ve lived in their French Normandy-inspired chateau since 2020.

Simultaneously classic but artful, comfortable yet elegant, their custom-built home includes countless notable features. Numerous roof peaks, tall corner windows and a porte-

cochere add interest to the white brick exterior, while the grand chandelier and angled staircase distinguish the two-story foyer.

The center of the residence includes a living room with exposed beams and a gorgeous white kitchen with double islands. Each of the home’s four bedrooms is appointed, thanks to interior decorator Lisbeth Cease, to fit its resident’s interests and personality.

Leon the Elf ushers in the yuletide season for the Laneys, presenting their three children with

Mary

Dexter

Photos Courtesy Samford Legacy League

coordinating Christmas pajamas.

A wonderland at Christmas, the home displays 10 trees, including a 10-foot Fraser fir dressed in Old World and other mercury glass ornaments. Sentimental ornaments and a Christmas train adorn the playroom tree, while the whimsical upstairs den tree provides a backdrop for Santa’s mailbox. The outdoor sitting area boasts three nested trees by the bed swing, the suspending ropes of which are wrapped with lighted pine garland.

Nancy and Ron Rowell, 2421 Chestnut Road, Vestavia Hills

After 43 years in the same house, Nancy and Ron Rowell “decided it was time for a change. Instead of downsizing,” Nancy Rowell said, “we upsized.”

Overlooking Vestavia Country Club’s 12th green, the Rowells’ custom-built residence has all the features they wanted.

They spent more than a year in the planning stages. Five years after building their “forever special home,” Nancy Rowell said, there is nothing they would change.

The stately painted brick house has large arched windows, a balcony and limestone accents. Inside, the limestone makes a starring appearance in the majestic staircase and large fireplace.

The kitchens’ twin islands, another focal point, offer space for entertaining family and friends. Across the back, the large open-air porch with remote-controlled motorized screens provides tranquility and gorgeous views.

Seasonal decorating starts before Thanksgiving for the Rowells, who adorn their home with multiple Christmas trees inside and out. The living room’s 12-foot flocked tree reaches nearly to the top of the second-floor balcony railing, which is dressed in complementary wreaths.

Silver-trimmed stockings coordinate with festive pillows on the room’s club chairs. The steps of the foyer staircase provide the stage for nativity characters on their journey to Bethlehem.

Marianne and Patrick Strong, 503 Eastwood Place, Vestavia Hills

The Strongs have lived in two houses on the same Vestavia Hills lot – the first they bought and the second they built seven years later because they didn’t want to leave their neighborhood.

Building a home “from the ground up” was familiar territory for Marianne Strong, a nationally recognized Birmingham interior designer.

With hopes that visitors “would want to stay awhile,” the Strongs built a cozy yet spacious brick home with a fresh, eclectic style and a commitment to function.

The kitchen, outfitted by AllSouth Appliance, features a large four-seat island with a built-in bookcase for cookbooks. It’s topped with a boldly veined stone Marianne Strong found years ago that also is used on the countertops and backsplash. Custom steel windows above the sink and in the breakfast nook maximize natural light and views of the park behind the house.

The home’s art and holiday décor harken back to family memories. Every ornament on their downstairs Christmas tree tells a story, and framed Christmas cards in the stairwell memorialize passing years.

Marianne Strong’s Chilean heritage is evident on the “sailboat wall,” while other pieces give nods to Nashville and Mississippi. The family’s talent is revealed in moon views Marianne Strong painted and lots of the Strong boys’ artwork.

Julie and Beck Taylor, Samford President’s Home,1994 Shades Crest Road, Vestavia Hills

On the ridge of Shades Mountain overlooking Samford’s campus sits the Samford’s President’s Home, a replica of Monteigne, a mid-18th century neoclassical house in Natchez, Mississippi.

The four-story house is a busy university event space and the dwelling place of President Beck A.Taylor; his wife, Julie, the university’s first lady and Legacy League’s executive direc-

See SAMFORD, page 20

Mary Catherine and Scott Laney, 504 Dexter Ave., Mountain Brook

IPC Holiday House Tour Returns for the 75th Year

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.

Interior designer Mark Kennamer and his husband, John Paul Bruno, will open the doors of their 1924 Forest Park home for this year’s IPC Holiday House Tour.

the house was rewired by Trestle Construction.

From Page One

owners that they have maintained.

While the home’s original bones still shine, Kennamer has gradually been taking on projects to both update it and restore it to its original style.

“The house feels like it should be,” Kennamer said. “I feel like we have been putting it back together in a way that works for us and that is also true to the house.”

Five years ago, he had the upstairs bathrooms updated, and then earlier this year the kitchen was renovated, an entertaining room was added and

all the windows and over the front door.

Over the kitchen window, Kennamer is planning to hang a large live wreath that he’ll make extra festive by adding dried oranges to it.

Live garland will deck the foyer staircase bannister and hang over the master bedroom bed. Red berries and blue spruce greenery will dress up the fireplace mantle, roses and berries will spruce up the bar and amaryllis the breakfast table.

In the dining room, Kennamer will set a festive table with their Christmas china, Bernardaud Grenadiers with a toy soldier pattern, with a floral centerpiece featuring red roses, berries and tulips in the middle.

A live Christmas tree in the living room will display a collection of Christopher Radko ornaments that Kennamer’s mom has given him over the years as well as bright and color-

ful ornaments from Bruno’s grandmother’s collection. Kennamer also likes to set out his great-aunt’s ornaments and to decorate with her vintage reindeer covered in gold mesh on tables, and he uses a few ornaments from his own grandmother, which reminds him of decorating her home with her in years past.

A second tree in the kitchen will take on a more natural style by contrast. About 100 cardinals, sparrows and other birds will be nestled among metallic pine cone and mushroom ornaments, along with champagne and brown satin ribbons and hydrangeas Kennamer dried from their yard this year.

Amid the greenery on the white brick fireplace mantel, you’ll see stockings that Kennamer and Bruno selected for their first Christmas together. There’s one for each of them as well as their Australian shepherd,

Throughout the home, you’ll see Kennamer’s personal style, which he describes as “traditional with a little bit of eclectic mixed in,” on display.

“I love modern art and modern lighting but beautiful antiques and classic furniture lines,” he said.

When it comes to working with clients, he works with each of their aesthetics and family needs so no one’s house looks the same, and no house looks quite like his own.

He also likes to buy furniture from local shops such as Circa, Henhouse Antiques, Design Supply and The Nest.

Decked Halls

For the IPC tour, the Kennamer and Bruno home will be decked in live greenery and florals crafted by Kennamer. Live wreaths will hang in

Rocko, and three cats, RayJ, Whitney and Posey. Over the mantle hangs a landscape from the early 1900s that Kennamer found at Henhouse.

“I grew up on a lake, so I love anything with water,” he said. “It’s peaceful.”

The couple won’t forget the presents, either. Beneath the trees, they’ll have packages wrapped for their nieces and nephew tied up with red, green or gold satin ribbon. Each child’s presents are wrapped with a different paper so there’s no confusion about who gets what.

Evolution of Decor

In addition to Christmas decorations, tour guests will get to see Kennamer’s style on display in the decor that lives there year-round.

It particularly shines in the entertainment room they created in a former porch off the living room. The cozy space features a muted bluegreen wall and cabinet paint (Benjamin Moore Stratton Blue) accented by a Chinese mural-style wallpaper by Iksel.

The original porch space had been closed in at some point but had a large plate glass window that needed to be replaced, prompting Kennamer to rethink the whole room.

To start with, he decided to move an original kitchen window that didn’t allow enough light into the cooking space to the new entertaining room and create a bar with a wine refrigerator and storage for glasses.

The plan for the room evolved from there, with updated bookshelves that hold Kennamer’s design books and magazines and a new seating area.

“One of my favorite things is to pour a glass of wine and sit in there and go through books and get new inspiration,” Kennamer said.

The home’s newly renovated kitchen also shows off Kennamer’s style and dedication to keeping it in line with the original design of the

“It lets in twice as much light as the other window,” Kennamer said. “Because they are new windows they can open them, whereas the other originals were painted shut.”

The final project Kennamer got in before the tour was one he’d envisioned since buying the house: wallpapering the foyer. He had a blue and white print from Inchyra, a Scottish designer, installed by Coverwalls in November.

Originally he had picked out a

Brunshwig & Fils wallpaper for this space, but earlier this fall he and Bruno took a trip to New York City and stopped by the New York Design Center only for Kennamer to set his eyes on a new pattern.

“I saw it and thought, ‘This is it,’” he recalls. “The background almost looks like a textured fabric.”

home.

The kitchen was gutted in renovations, and while they talked about moving it to a different location and adding a large island, they wanted to keep it within the footprint of the original kitchen and keep the layout as original as possible. They did update the 1990s renovation with black granite countertops.

Working with Cindy Cantley with Cantley & Company, they refined the layout to best function for cooking and to have the symmetry that Kennamer loves. Bruno, who likes to cook, researched appliances.

When it came to finishes for the kitchen, Kennamer picked out marble for the countertops and a 2-by-8-inch white backsplash tile – “The way the light hits it is really pretty,” he said –to coordinate with a darker neutral cabinet color – Farrow & Ball London Stone – and brass hardware. The crown decorative jewel in the space is a rug from Paige Albright Orientals that brings in more color.

One of the biggest differences after the renovation is the light that shines in from a large window as well as small recessed lights and sconces on the walls on either side of the bar.

Now that design will greet visitors to the tour and be their first taste of all the decorative touches on display in the rest of the home. Extending your living space outdoors creates the perfect entertainment spot and can increase the value of your home. As Birmingham’s leading experts tile design for 90+ years, our showrooms are curated to offer the best and most exclusive outdoor tile collections in Alabama. Set up an appointment and make a plan with our designers.

Because after all, tile is what we do.

Journal photos by Maury Wald

tor; their youngest daughter, Chloe; and their goldendoodle, Peanut. Furnished with a beautifully integrat-

ed collection of university-owned antiques and Taylor family pieces and collections, the majestic residence welcomes thousands of visitors annually. More than 1,800 books fill its plentiful bookcases. The president’s home has

anchored the Christmas Home Tour since its inception 13 years ago.

Its yuletide attire includes themed Christmas trees, many yards of lighted garland and festive ribbon and special pieces the family has collected over the years. A snowy Christmas village depicts Victorian England and scenes from Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

Guests can view the home’s gorgeous décor and seasonal flair and then experience live holiday music, treats and pop-up shops in the ballroom. A percentage of all purchases supports the Legacy League Scholarship Fund.

Sharon Smith is managing director of the Samford University Legacy League.

Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov

Acrylic by Maya Eventov

Amy and Matt Kelly, 318 La Prado Circle, Homewood

Marianne and Patrick Strong, 503 Eastwood Place, Vestavia Hills

Aging in place—staying in your home as you grow older—requires ensuring your space is safe, accessi ble, and comfortable. Simple adjustments like installing grab bars in bath rooms, replacing doorknobs with lever handles, and improving lighting can make daily life easier and safer.

Routine maintenance is equally important. Tasks like changing air filters, checking smoke detectors, and fixing minor plumbing or electrical issues can pre vent small problems from becoming costly repairs.

“Staying in the home you love doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” says Benny Wink, owner of TruBlue. “A little proactive maintenance and the right upgrades can make a big difference in safety and comfort for seniors and their families.”

Aging in Place

For those with changing mobility needs, consider updates like non-slip floor ing, wider doorways, or ramps. With the help of a trusted handyman, you can stay in your home and enjoy peace of mind, knowing it’s prepared to meet your needs.

Sun., Dec. 1

Light Up Vestavia Hills!

This holiday season, the Vestavia Hills Beautification Board encourages all Vestavia Hills residents to place a tree featuring white lights, a menorah or any seasonal symbol in the yard, visible from the street.

Tues., Dec. 3

Hoover Christmas Tree Lighting

Watch Santa arrive on a Hoover Fire Department truck for the city’s Tree Lighting while enjoying band and choir performances by city school students. Parking will be available at the Hoover Library, with golf cart shuttles to the event. When: 6 p.m. Where: Hoover City Hall main parking lot

Vestavia Hills Tree Lighting Festival

Enjoy entertainment, merchant giveaways, a visit with Santa and the lighting of the tree at the city’s annual Tree Lighting Festival. When: 6 pm. Where: Vestavia Hills City Hall & Civic Center

Thurs., Dec. 5

Mountain Brook Village Holiday Open House

Join the fun and work on your holiday gift list when Mountain Brook Village holds an Open House. When: During regular store hours, some stores will be open later. Where: Mountain Brook Village

All is Bright

Enjoy a festive evening featuring a screening of the “The Grinch” along with complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn. (Movie begins at 6:30 p.m.)

Santa and The Grinch will be on-site for fun photo ops, and there will be a photo booth, free activities for kids including balloon twisting, a bounce house and more! When: 6-8pm Where: Vestavia City Center

Sat., Dec. 7

Breakfast with Santa

Join the Homewood Chamber of Commerce and Samford University for a very merry breakfast with Santa! Included in your ticket price, you will enjoy breakfast buffett, activities, and a complimentary photo with the jolly man himself- Santa! When: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Where: Samford University Rotunda Club

Sun., Dec. 8

Mountain Brook Holiday Parade

Santa (pictured at last year’s parade) will be in the spotlight for an afternoon of fun when Mountain Brook celebrates the season at the holiday parade! When: 3-5 p.m. Where: Mountain Brook Village

Merry and Bright OTM Communities Have

Fun Holiday Events Planned

Tues., Dec. 10

Homewood Christmas Parade

The City of Homewood will hold its annual Christmas parade and lighting of the Homewood Star and Christmas tree. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Homewood

Family Night with Santa Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s making a stop at the Library in the Forest! When: 6 p.m. enjoy a meal, then stay and spend some

quality time with the man of the hour. All are welcome. Where: Library in the Forest

Thurs., Dec . 12

English Village Holiday Open House

Celebrate the festive spirit of the season at the English Village Holiday Open House. When: During regular store hours Where: English Village, Mountain Brook

Sat., Dec.14

Breakfast with Santa Bring the whole family for a free pancake breakfast with Santa! No reservations needed. When: 7:3010 a.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center

Thurs., Dec. 19

Gingerbread House Contest

Decorate and celebrate as you compete to see who can build the ultimate edible edifice! Teens, grades 6-12: When: 4 p.m. Where: Library in the Forest

Sat., Dec. 21

Reindeer Dash 5k & Fun Run

Get ready to sprint into the holiday spirit with an adrenaline-pumping 5k and 1-mile fun run! Wear your favorite holiday costume and dash into the holidays! Bring the entire family, even the little ones in strollers, to start your day with laughter, energy and community cheer. When: 7:30 a.m. Where: Olde Towne Plaza

Mon., Dec. 30

Menorah Lighting

This celebration kicks off with a menorah parade to Vestavia Hills City Hall. All are invited to enjoy refreshments, cultural foods and fun activities for children! When: 5:30 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills City Hall

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

“Continuing a cherished tradition, we are looking forward to the lighting of our Bromberg’s Village Christmas Tree,” said Ricky Bromberg, President of Bromberg’s. This year’s tree has arrived and will be lit the day after Thanksgiving, November 29th.

Bromberg’s

Standing an impressive 26 feet tall, our Fraser Fir is brought down annually from North Carolina just before Thanksgiving. If you’ve driven through the Village recently, you may have caught a glimpse of the crane lifting the tree into place on the lawn in front of our Mountain Brook store. Adorning the tree with its dazzling array of approximately 30,000 white and colored lights takes about three days to complete. The tree will remain lit through New Year’s Eve.

“We have enjoyed watching families, couples, and friends take photos in front of the Bromberg’s Village Christmas Tree and share them on social media,” said Bromberg. “Capturing memories with the tree has become a holiday tradition for the community.”

This year, we’re excited to continue our annual #BrombergsTree photo contest! To participate, post a picture or video with our tree on social media using the hashtag #BrombergsTree and tag us: @ Brombergs on Instagram or @ BrombergsJeweler on Facebook. Entries can also be submitted via email by sending a photo to contact@brombergs.com with “Bromberg’s Tree” in the subject line. All submissions will be entered into a drawing for a

$500 Bromberg’s gift certificate, and the winner will be awarded on Christmas Eve. Last year’s winner, Leigh Ellen Herring, shared a sweet photo of her daughters pointing up at the tree— an image we felt captured the magic of the holiday season!

Bromberg’s Mountain Brook is located at 2800 Cahaba Rd., 205-871-3276. The Summit location is at 131 Summit Blvd., 205-969-1776. You can also shop online at brombergs.com. We hope you’ll visit the tree and make it a part of your holiday celebration!

Christines on Canterbury

Christine’s on Canterbury, nestled just behind Gilchrist on Canterbury Road, is filled with new gift selections.

Christine’s takes on a very European look with ornaments from England, Germany, Poland, and Italy.

After shopping Europe’s large markets, Christine’s is introducing the charm and artistry of handmade ornaments. Add to your collection or start a tradition for

someone on your gift list.

Chocolates, popcorn, candles, fragrances, and frames are year round staples for gift giving, but for the Christmas season the selection expands exponentially.

After shopping Europe’s large markets, Christine’s is introducing the charm and artistry of handmade ornaments.

Gift wrap is always free at Christine’s.

The Holiday Open House is Dec. 5, from 4-8 p.m. Christine’s on Canterbury is located at 2404 Canterbury Rd., 205-871-8297.

The Cook Store

The Cook Store is a kitchen specialty shop featuring functional pottery, pots, pans and gadgets for cooking and entertaining.

“The Cook Store has been a fixture in Mountain Brook since 1975,” said owner Wesley Lassen, with shop dog Lucy, pictured.

The Cook Store exclusively carries pottery skillets and sauce pans from The Pottery Works that are stovetop safe on both gas or electric cooktops. The store also offers kitchen linens, bakeware, cookware and more.

“You can choose from Le Creuset non-stick cookware, USA Pan bakeware, Wusthof knives and pottery from local potters Tena Payne of

Earthborn Studios and Gidge Black,” she said.

“We are looking forward to a crazy holiday season of selling, selling, selling and wrapping, wrapping and more wrapping. We have lots of great gift ideas for the person who has everything and the person who doesn’t have enough. Come check out our pottery, great gadgets, wood, holiday towels, melamine serving pieces and dishes and lots more gift items. Our Holiday Open House is Dec. 5th, 4-6 p.m. Visit us at thecookstoremtnbrook.com and be sure to check out our Instagram at thecookstore.”

The Cook Store is located at 2841 Cahaba Rd. in Mountain Brook Village, 205-879-5277.

Born from a deep love of sport and an authentic drive to do what’s right, the family-run Tasc Performance company maintains one goal: to create the best activewear in the world, for the world.

After a successful second year of Tasc in Mountain Brook, we are excited for future seasons and the expansion of our brand.

Tasc is unlike your ordinary workout brand. With “their natural fabrics and a combination of unique blends and fibers,” says Mary Glen Carlton, store manager, Tasc will surely become your new favorite store. Tasc takes pride in using “organic cotton or merino wool with vis cose from bamboo” to create fabric that “feels amazing, is durable, and performs better than

the common synthetic fabrics.”

Tasc proudly offers full lines of both Men’s and Women’s stylish and comfortable activewear. With the seasons changing and Christmas quickly approaching, stop in to find our new styles and gifts for everyone on your list. Our brand new holiday favorites, Sherpa Jackets, hybrid vest, and fleece for both men and women.

Get into the Holiday spirit with Tasc’s Holiday Happy Hour on December 5th! Come enjoy some refreshments while getting a head start on Christmas shopping! We’ll see you Tasc Performance is located at 370 Rele St.,

Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques

Located in charming English Village for over 25 years, Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques offers beautiful, unique pieces personally selected by owners Libby Hill McGowan and Laura Ashford Gessert, pictured from left.

From the traditional to the unexpected, Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques offers a fresh approach to decorating. The team expertly mixes English with French, 18th century with 21st century, and primitive with formal.

Customers will enjoy repeatedly visiting Henhouse Antiques as its offerings are constantly changing and evolving.

“We hope you will join us for our Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec., 12 from 5-7:00 p.m.” said Laura.

Ashford Hill for Henhouse Antiques is located at 1900 Cahaba Rd., 205-918-0505.

B. Prince

Bezshan Dolatabadi, right, is the owner of B. Prince in Lane Parke. “Being in Lane Parke is wonderful and we love being a part of the Mountain Brook shopping experience,” Bezshan said.

B. Prince is a relationship-built boutique catering to people with unique taste. “We consider our customers family and close friends and we dress and accessorize them for all of their important events as well as everyday life!”

Bezshan said.

Bezshan travels all over the world to find fashion that captures current trends and fits in with client’s tastes and lifestyle. He just returned from Paris and the store is full of all kinds of Paris “finds”.

“On Nov 29th, join us for our Black Friday, ‘Breakfast in Paris’ with early opening at 9 a.m. Enjoy food and drink and shop our Fall sale!”

“Be sure to also shop with us online at Shopbprince.com and follow us on Instagram @b.princebham”

B. Prince is located at 271 Rele St., Lane Park, 205-871-1965.

English Village 1900 Cahaba Road 205.918.0505 www.henhouseantiques.com

Little Hardware

“We are a family owned and operated business built on service and selection,” said owner, Frank Davies, above, fourth from the right, with members of the Little Hardware team.

“From garden and pet supplies to BBQ’s and cooking necessities and, of course, all of the hardware, tools and power tools that you can think of, you’re sure to find what you need. Or simply drop in and ask for ideas or advice or just stick around for some friendly chit chat.”

In 1948, Lewis Little opened the doors of Little Hardware in Ensley.

In 1959 an opportunity presented itself to move to the newly built Mountain Brook Shopping Center adjacent to Mountain Brook Village.

Prospective businessman Frank Davies Jr.

bought Little Hardware in 1965 from Mr. Little.

In addition to being a devoted business-man, Frank Davies Jr. was dedicated to his family. He and his wife had three children, all of whom worked in the store at some point in their lives.

His son, Frank Wesley Davies III, permanently joined the team in 1982, which made Little Hardware the family business Mr. Davies Jr. had dreamed about.

In 2014, Little Hardware relocated to English Village in the former Park Lane grocery store location.

“We have lots of great and practical gifts for everyone. We are open from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.”

Little Hardware is located at 2117 Cahaba Rd. in English Village, 205-871-4616.

LITTLE HARDWARE

Stunning 5 carat platinum diamond earrings. Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry, 205-874-1044

What’s better than peanuts? Perfect mailbox gift. Three flavors to choose from including 5 o’clock crunch, $9. The Cook Store, 205-879-5277

Lighted Gingerbread House, $34. Attic Antiques, 205-991-6887

German Carving Board is the perfect multi-purpose cutting board for home cooks of all levels. Tricia’s Treasure, 205-871-9779

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE 2024 PART II

When something works you stick with it! We returned to some of our favorite area merchants for more geat gift ideas to make your holiday shopping a happy holidays experience. Check out these special gifts guaranteed to please the friends and family on your list! e

Bunny Williams Dog Salt & Pepper Cellar, $89. Ballard Designs, 205-829-2915

Rugged Road Cooler: the ultimate lightweight, durable cooler built for any adventure. 20 qt, 45 qt, 65 qt - starting at $199. AllSouth Appliance, 205-942-0408.

Fuzzy Footies - one size fits mostGreat gift if you don’t know here size. Lots of colors to choose from, $14.99. Flip-flops & What Nots, 205-967-7429.

David Yurman Cable Colectibles sterling silver initial pendant necklaces sparkle with a hint of pavé diamonds, $295. Bromberg’s, Mountain Brook, 205-871-3276, The Summit, 205-969-1776

Original oil painting 30”X40” by impressionist master Christian Jereczek (1935-2003) $3,900. Griffith Art Gallery, 205-985-7969

Gift certificates for pottery lessons, birthday parties, girls night out are great stocking stuffers! Earthborn Studios, 205-702-7055.

The GTA 26 is a versatile batterypowered cordless garden pruner that offers high cutting performance, power, and precision in a lightweight handheld tool, $149.99. Little Hardware, (205) 871-4616

An over-the-top wedding, three feuding sisters and a church full of small town eccentrics, “Dearly Beloved” at Homewood Theatre, 205-873-1816.

Large piece of coral on antique fragment. Roman Brantley Art and Antiques, 205-460-1224

and 2-piece

in fun and festive prints. Great for your holiday family photo and opening presents on Christmas morning! From $78$198. Gus Mayer, 205-870-3300

White and Yellow Gold Diamond Huggies, $750- $1,950. JB & Co., 205-478-0455

An assortment of candle trees packaged for grab and go gifts. From $12-$28 Henhouse Antiques, 205-918-0505

Your loved ones will enjoy the gift of art all year with a membership to the Birmingham Museum of Art. Birmingham Museum of Art, 205-254-2565.

Polo Ralph Lauren PJ sets. Cozy single piece

pajamas

These wool wonders are like a warm hug for your hands, featuring delightful floral embroidery that brings a touch of whimsy to any winter outfit, $88. Frances Valentine, 205- 538-5276

Laurel Bassett aqua terra jasper necklace $78 and Laurel Bassett nuno felted silk & wool scarf, $138. Town & Country Clothes, 205-871-7909

The bird lovers on your list can watch birds feeding using their smartphone from anywhere in the world! With BirdReel, you can capture the beauty of bird watching 24x7. Wild Birds Unlimited, 205-823-6500

Handmade vanilla soap, scented in fresh and slightly sweet vanilla bean. Palm-oil free, Zelda’s favorite soap is vegan, and made with organic coconut milk. Vintage Interiors, 205- 620-1900

Spinelli Kilcollin Galaxy Rings available in sterling silver, 14K yellow and rose gold, wit h or without diamonds, starting at $290. Etc...205-871-6747

Iconesse, a unique collection of scented candles inspired by world famous paintings, $44 - $68. The Village Poodle, 205-423-5443

Elevate your everyday wardrobe with the Chamonix Polar fleece jacket. It ’s a refined take on a classic, designed to keep you warm and stylish. Cactus and Aurora Tasc Performance, 659-599-9240

SHOP LOCAL!

from

Goat Poop from Beekman 1802. Great for Dirty Santa. Assorted chocolates. Christine’s on Canterbury, 205-871-8297.

Diamond Hoop Earrings of all sizes. Shay’s Jewelry, 205-978-5880.

Tres bon! Sequin zipper bags

Paris, $24. B.Prince, 205-871-1965

FOOD Every Recipe Tells a Story

OTMJ Writers Share Their Favorite Recipes for the Holidays

Writers for Over The Mountain Journal not only love to share the stories presented in each issue but also enjoy making holiday favorites for our families and friends. Here are some of our can’t miss recipes sure to please your guests. Happy holidays!

ANNE RUISI

Beef Lasagna

My father’s side of the family is Italian-American from New York state and I grew up in a close circle of relatives who loved to cook. For Christmas, we didn’t have the typical platters of ham or roast beef that my non-Italian friends enjoyed. We ate homemade lasagna or manicotti made with loving care by my Aunt Lucy or Aunt Caroline.

This lasagna recipe is likely from Aunt Caroline’s mother, my great-grandmother Palma. She came to America from Sicily in 1906.

Like many recipes from the old country, this one didn’t have specific measurements for the ingredients, but I’ve made this dozens of times over the years and these are the amounts I use. This recipe makes 10-12 servings.

If there is leftover meat and cheese, do like I do and make some extra in a small baking dish. Bake it along with the main pan and you’ll have a nice sample to try before you serve the big dish at your feast.

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or 1 teaspoon each oregano and basil

4 cups ricotta cheese (Polly-O brand recommended)

1 8-ounce package of shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 teaspoons parsley

1 package lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

2 32-ounce jars of spaghetti sauce (Rao’s marinara sauce recommended)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown the ground beef and drain the grease using a colander. Put the beef in a bowl and mix in Italian seasoning or oregano and basil. Set aside.

Mix the ricotta cheese with the Parmesan cheese, egg and parsley well. You can even whip the mixture on low for a few seconds if you want to give it a bit of extra body.

Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a lasagna baking dish or a 9 x 13 baking dish. Place 1 layer of lasagna noodles lengthwise in the baking dish, then drop generous tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto the noodles. Use a rubber spatula to gently spread the cheese on the noodles.

Top with half the ground beef by generous handful, scattering it across the noodles. Ladle a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on top and add

another layer of lasagna noodles. Repeat the cheese, beef and sauce layers, then top with lasagna noodles and spread sauce on top.

Cover with foil and bake 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes to allow it to firm up before cutting into servings. Heat up the extra sauce and serve alongside the lasagna with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.

DONNA CORNELIUS

Hot Chocolate Station

If you’re looking for a fun holiday party treat that involves very little cooking, try a hot chocolate station. Just make your favorite hot chocolate recipe. I go with Ina Garten’s version from the Food Network website. Then set out a variety of toppings and mix-ins, which you can put in Mason jars tied with festive ribbon and string if you don’t have enough fancy containers. Here are some ideas, but you’ll probably enjoy coming up with your own extras. Tip: For an adults-only party, nobody’s going to complain if you set out some bourbon, rum, Baileys or Kahlua.

Mix-Ins:

Mini marshmallows

Toffee bits

Chocolate chips

Caramel syrup

Crushed graham crackers

Toasted coconut

Mini peanut butter cups

M&M’s (the red and green version, of course)

Sprinkles

Sea salt

For Stirring:

Pretzel sticks dipped in chocolate

Peppermint sticks

Cinnamon sticks

Pirouette cookies

Peppermint Whipped Cream

Don’t forget the whipped cream, which is so easy to make and so much better than the grocery store versions. This recipe makes about 4 cups.

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy whipping cream

½ cup powdered sugar

1½ teaspoons peppermint extract

Peppermint bits, optional

Put a metal mixing bowl and metal whisk attachment into your freezer for at least 10 minutes.

Pour the cream into the bowl, then add the sugar and peppermint extract. Beat on low until well mixed.

Increase the speed and beat until stiff peaks form. Sprinkle with peppermint bits if you’d like to.

Cranberry-Jalapeño Salsa

Here’s an easy dish that adds a little spice to the

Ingredients:

12 ounces fresh cranberries

¾ cup sugar (add a little more if you want a sweeter concoction)

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped

½ cup cilantro

3 green onions, cut into pieces

2 tablespoons lime juice

Pinch of salt

2 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese

Place all of the ingredients except the cream cheese in a food processor and pulse until desired consistency. I like mine a little chunky. Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours –preferably overnight. Serve over cream cheese with crackers. You’ll have enough to cover two blocks of cream cheese.

JUNE MATHEWS

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

This appetizer is a longtime favorite at our house because it’s easy to make, easy to serve and looks as festive as it is delicious. Each bite is loaded with the pleasing pungency of chives and garlic, and the combination of toasted pecans and cranberries lends the perfect nutty/ fruity flavor to the mix. Fair warning, though: It’s addictive!

Ingredients:

8 oz. block of cream cheese

1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided

1 cup pecans, chopped, toasted and divided 1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped (plus an additional 2 tablespoons) 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

To toast the pecans, preheat oven to 375F and spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes or until aromatic. Remove from oven and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup toasted pecans, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, the chives or green onion, and garlic powder until well combined. I’ve found

mixing this with my hands to be most effective. Form into a ball shape and place mixture in the center of a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and cover completely. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Just before serving, combine the remaining 1/2 cup pecans, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 2 tablespoons chives on a flat surface or cutting board. Unwrap the ball and roll in cranberrypecan mixture.

Serve with crackers, pita chips, pretzels, carrots or celery.

SUSAN SWAGLER

Savory Scones

This recipe by Birmingham baker Telia Johnson, of Telia Johnson Cakes, makes beautiful scones that rise like the flakiest biscuits, and a savory scone is an unexpected treat. Plus, you can make them and freeze them to bake later.

My family loves these savory scones during the holidays, and I always keep a dozen or so in the freezer. Frozen, they make great hostess gifts, too!

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon kosher salt (I like Diamond Crystal)

½ cup cold butter, cubed or shredded (I shred it)

¾ cup shredded sharp or extra sharp cheddar

¼ cup chopped green onions

4 slices cooked thick bacon, chopped

1 cup heavy cream (plus a little extra to brush on top before baking)

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Gently stir in butter or use a pastry cutter/dough blender hand tool. Chill or freeze for 15 minutes.

Stir in cheese, green onions and bacon. Stir in cream.

Pat into a round of about 7 inches wide and cut into eight wedges.

Pull apart and brush with a little cream. Bake at 400 degrees for 16-18 minutes. You can make these and freeze them unbaked. Just cut into wedges, place them in a cake pan and cover with plastic wrap. Transfer the fully frozen wedges to a thick plastic bag for

usual holiday appetizer lineup.

easy storage. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 and put the scones in the oven while it is preheating to get the chill off them. Then bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden outside and done inside.

ANA GOOD

Joel Good’s Butternut Squash

Soup

Every holiday season, our family eagerly anticipates my husband’s delicious butternut squash soup. This creamy, rich soup has become a beloved tradition that we look forward to all year long. We always serve it with a warm, toasted baguette perfect for soaking up every last drop. Even our 5-year-old can’t get enough of this cozy, comforting dish! For an extra touch, you can top it with a sprig of fresh thyme before serving. This recipe serves six.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

1 small onion, diced, soaked in cold water for 10 minutes and drained

4 cups cubed butternut squash, fresh

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Dice carrots, celery and onion into similar-sized chunks.

Peel butternut squash and slice the ends off to help stabilize it. Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scrape out and discard the seeds. Cube the remaining squash.

Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery and onion. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables have started to soften and onion is translucent, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add cubed butternut squash, thyme, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until squash is fork-tender, about 30 minutes.

Let the soup cool slightly and puree small batches in an upright blender. Blend until smooth.

MADOLINE MARKHAM KOONCE

Pecan Pie

A college roommate of mine shared this classic recipe with me years ago, and it’s become an annual staple for dessert after my family’s Thanksgiving feast. If there are any leftovers, we eat it with homemade ice cream the next day.

Ingredients:

1 frozen 9-inch deep dish pie crust

3/4 cup light corn syrup

3/4 cup dark corn syrup

1 cup sugar

4 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup butter, melted 1/4 teaspoon salt

1½ teaspoon vanilla 1½ cups pecan halves

In a saucepan, boil sugar and corn syrups together for about 2 minutes, stirring often; set aside to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs with a fork until the yolk and white are well mixed and very slowly pour the syrup mixture into the eggs, stirring constantly. Add melted butter, salt, vanilla and pecans. Pour the entire mixture into the pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until set. Shake the pie for doneness, and the center should move like set gelatin. The pie will “fall” after being removed from the oven. Cool overnight or at least 4 hours to let it set.

and Wright had 384 digs, 59 assists and 26 aces.

Homewood placed three players on the team — right side hitter Mae Noerager, middle hitter Cali Armstead and defensive specialist Emerson Buck. Noerager had a 2.0 serve receive rating, 123 kills, a plus-0.210 hitting percentage, 38 digs and 41 blocks; Armstead had 14 aces, 91 kills, a plus-0.251 hitting percentage, 20 digs, 67 blocks and 11 assists; and Buck had 20 aces, a 2.20 serve receive rating, 35 assists and 225 digs.

Spain Park, Oak Mountain and Briarwood each had two players selected.

Representing Spain Park are middle hitter Alexa Benda and setter Cailyn Kyes. Benda recorded 279 kills, 112 blocks, 28 aces, 72 digs

LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with the Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that CB&A Construction, LLC, has completed the contract for Al Seier Road and Sulphur Springs Road Sidewalk Project, and has made request for final settlement of said contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify City Hall – City of Hoover, 100 Municipal Lane, Hoover, AL 35216. ATTN: City Manager/Purchasing Agent.

and had a .326 hitting percentage.

Kyes had 895 assists, 334 digs, 67 aces, 75 kills and 21 blocks.

Oak Mountain’s players are outside hitter Caroline Whitehurst and middle hitter Aubrie Lay. Whitehurst tallied 391 kills, 322 digs and 61 aces. Lay had 189 kills and 73 blocks.

Briarwood’s representatives are outside hitter Julie Roberts and middle hitter Clara Crawford. Roberts tallied 304 kills, 183 digs, 23 assists, 19 blocks and 87 aces. Crawford had 171 kills, 157 digs and 56 blocks.

Rounding out the team is John Carroll Catholic’s right side hitter Marion Haskell. She recorded 306 kills, 42 blocks and 39 aces.

Coach of the Year

Vestavia Hills’ Ashley Hardee was voted 2024 OTM Volleyball Coach of the Year after leading the Rebels to the Class 7A semifinals and finishing with a 31-15 record.

“That’s definitely an honor,” Hardee said. “There are a lot of good volleyball ball teams and good coaches in the Birmingham area. I enjoy the opportunity to coach against them.

“Making it to the Elite Eight was a goal of ours. I thought we had a good enough team to do that. We played a tough schedule and our kids did a good job and worked hard.

“We wanted to get to the Final Four and play for a championship and fell just short of that, but I’m proud about what we did and what we accomplished.”

I’M LEAVING A

Vestavia Hills Wore Out Shoes, Knee Pads Trying to Win State Volleyball Crown

By Solomon CrenShaw Jr.

Ella Wisdom’s high school volleyball career had just ended, and so, too, had her shoes and knee pads.

Vestavia Hills’ right-side hitter shed tears with her teammates after falling in three sets to Bob Jones in semifinals of the AHSAA state tournament Oct. 29-30.

She then shed her shoes and knee pads and dropped them in a nearby trash can.

Was that a sign of disgust? Anger? Frustration?

“No, no, no,” Rebels coach Ashley Hardee said. “She’s a senior. We’ve got six seniors who played a lot of volleyball. Some of them have holes in their shoes and their knee pads. This being the last game, I think it was just her getting rid of some of those things. I’ve seen my setter have holes on both side of her shoes and she was gluing them together.

“We had been on such a good run. I don’t know if it was luck on our side, but they didn’t want to get new shoes or anything like that. They made it last.”

The Rebels found enough magic in their worn-down apparel to come within one match of playing for the state championship. But tattered shoes and pads weren’t enough to get Vestavia Hills beyond the Patriots.

Bob Jones’ Kennedy Vaughn smashed 14 kills and added eight digs and three blocks to lead the Patriots to a 26-24, 25-19, 25-21 over the Rebels. In the championship match, Bob Jones (52-10) lost to McGill-Toolen Catholic for the second consecutive year.

Vestavia Hills (31-15) swept Fairhope 25-19, 25-18, 25-23 in the quarterfinals behind Millie Burgess’ 15 kills, 12 digs and two blocks, Jordan Madsen’s 12 kills and six digs and Lillie Hill’s 14 digs, three aces and two assists.

ple of games to some teams we shouldn’t have and a couple of our hitters started to get some aches and pains,” Hardee said. “We had to find some rest to be able to make it this far.

“We went on a great run through regionals. We won two out of three in regionals to be able to make it to the Final Four. We hadn’t been here in a while, but I don’t think we’re done yet.

‘We had been on such a good run. I don’t know if it was luck on our side, but they didn’t want to get new shoes or anything like that. They made it last.’

Hardee’s team dreamed of making it to the Birmingham CrossPlex, site of the Elite Eight.

“That was one of our goals,” he said. “We hadn’t advanced to the state tournament since 2020. In that time, we wanted to be able to move through area, get to the state tournament and be able to play in games like this. Yeah, this was definitely one of our goals.”

The Rebels’ season began well, but it wasn’t always rosy.

“About two-thirds of the way through the season, we dropped a cou-

“We’ve got a lot of good kids. Our younger kids are excited about playing volleyball. We’ve got a sophomore out there running around as a libero. She stepped into the libero position halfway through the year. Our attacker (Burgess) who gets the most sets is a junior. She led us in attempts and kills.”

Hardee acknowledged that ending the season with a loss is “a shock to the system” after having gone on a good run. He said the current seniors are the first class he’s had for all four years.

“I’m proud of them for this accomplishment,” he said. “We want to carry this on and go a step farther.”

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE, ONE LEGACY AT A TIME

The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Nov. 14, 2024 issue. Please email approval or changes.

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Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

"My family has always had a deep-rooted belief in giving back to the community, and I want to honor their values," says Guin. "As an only child with no children of my own, leaving a gift to the Community Foundation ensures that my family's legacy will be honored for years to come."

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Guin trusts the Foundation to manage his gift and honor his family's legacy based on our history, transformational work, and proactive approach to community challenges and crises. Visit cfbham.org/legacy and learn how you can join Guin in creating your legacy.

Moving Up

Hoover’s Beason Enjoys High-Level Competition

By RuBin E. GRant

Mac Beason likes a challenge.

Even though he put up big numbers in 2023 — passing for 2,089 yards and 28 touchdowns — while playing quarterback for Class 6A Gardendale, Beason wanted to compete on the highest classification level in the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

So, last spring, Beason transferred to Class 7A Hoover.

‘It was a big decision,” Beason said. “I talked to my parents about it. I loved Gardendale, but I wanted to play against the best in the state. The region Hoover is in is one of the best in the state, so we moved to Hoover.

“It’s been a smooth transition. Hoover accepted me, but I had to battle another player to be the starting quarterback.”

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Beason has had a solid, if unspectacular, season for the Bucs, helping them reach the Class 7A semifinals.

“He’s a savvy football player,” Hoover interim head coach Chip English said. “He is a competitor and gunslinger. He makes big-time plays.”

Hoover (10-2) visited CentralPhenix City (9-2) last Friday with a berth in the AHSAA Super 7 Championships Dec. 4-6 at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium on

the line. The game was played after OTMJ’s press time, as was a matchup between Spain Park and Saraland.

Making a deep playoff run is one of the things that attracted Beason to Hoover and why he’s enjoyed this season so much.

“It’s been great, everything I wanted,” he said. “We’ve played Thompson, Parker, Spain Park, Hewitt-Trussville and Opelika. We’ve faced some adversity, especially with the stuff before the season, but coach English has done a great job keeping our heads lifted up.”

The Bucs reached the semifinals by surviving a three-overtime thriller against Opelika in the second round, prevailing 32-29 after blowing a 16-0 lead.

“We weren’t able to finish the way we wanted,” Beason said. “Opelika was a great team, but we’re a team with tunnel vision. We showed a lot of fight.”

Beason passed for 189 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 54 yards and another score in the victory.

The Bucs entered the game against Central riding a six-game winning streak in which they averaged 30.4 points a game. Beason attributed the success to an offense with plenty of playmakers.

The Bucs featured four backs — Jaccorey Hayes, Keilan Jefferson, Anthony Allen and Jabari Mosley — and a receiving corps headed by versatile Jonah Winston, tight ends Chris Warren and Ar’mari Towns, speedster DeMarion Gardner plus Jeremiah Tabb, Avery Crawford, Reggie Jackson and Hunter Purdue.

“We have a very good offensive line, the best in the state,” he said. “And we have great backs and receivers, even the backups. I love every single one of them.”

When Hoover’s season is done, Beason will have one last high school game to play. He has been selected to play in the AHSAA North-South AllStar game on Dec. 13 at HancockWhitney Stadium in Mobile.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity,” said Beason, who will play for North team. “I’ve never participated in anything like this. I think it will be an enjoyable time, getting around some of the best players in the state for a week and seeing new faces.”

Beason has designs to play on the next level. He’s received offers from Millsap in Jackson, Mississippi, Pikeville in Kentucky, Huntingdon in Montgomery and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

“They’re all smaller schools but have good programs,” Beason said.

JAGS

From page 32

with her husband, Robert, said the difference from the earlier meeting was preparation.

“It was just building some confidence more than anything,” Carmen Starr said. “We were doing some things a little bit better and making things a little bit simpler with a young squad. We’re taking one win at a time and kind of building off of that.”

Spain Park lost seven seniors from last year’s squad, and Starr wasn’t sure how this year’s team would look, “but the stars were building.”

“Our quarterback (Hutchinson) is a junior and she has really, really come along this year,” Starr said. “She’s come a long way. We’ve got some solid receivers across the board and are developing some solid defenders.”

Although she threw three touchdown passes for the Rebels, Rose was frequently harassed when she dropped back to pass.

“They’ve got a great quarterback,” Starr said. “Watching her on film, if you give her time, she’s gonna eat you alive. We wanted to try to make her a little uncomfortable and make her move a little bit so that her line of sight was a little off. Certainly, her weapon is her arm and (we) wanted take that down a little bit.”

Seniors Sydney Baker and Za’niya Mitchell were the primary Spain Park pass rushers.

In four years, the Jags had beaten Vestavia Hills only once. The playoff

victory is a sign that things are looking up for the Spain Park flag football program.

“This is the first time in program history that we’ve made it past the first round (of the playoffs),” Carmen Starr said. “We’re super excited on our program development and where we are in flag football. It’s a sport that we’re passionate about.”

Spain Park (16-1-1) will play HewittTrussville (13-1) in the semifinals this week. The winner will advance to the state championship game on Dec. 4 during the Super 7 Championships at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.

Hewitt advanced with a 27-20 quarterfinal victory over Prattville (15-3). Vestavia Hills, which was ranked 14th nationally in the USA Today poll, finished 21-3.

Meanwhile, John Carroll Catholic (13-5) lost 19-13 in overtime to defending champion Wenonah (23-1) in the Class 1A-5A quarterfinals.

While the Jags celebrated their triumph, across the field, Rogers consoled members of his Rebels’ squad that finished as Class 6A/7A runners-up in 2023.

“We ran into a team that wanted it,” Rogers said. “That’s what I’ve always told them. You’ve got to want it more than the other team and that team wanted it a little bit more than we did. They came out on fire and we got behind. We made mistakes down the road that cost us some big plays that usually we’re making and not the other team.

“We got behind on big plays and they came prepared.”

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Mac Beason

Vestavia Hills wore out shoes, knee pads trying to win state volleyball crown Page 30

Hoover’s Beason enjoys high-level competition Page 31

OF THE 2024 OTMJ ALL-OTM VOLLEYBALL TEAM are, from left, front: Clara Crawford, Briarwood Christian; Olivia Guenster, Hoover; Sydney Durban, Hoover; Emerson Buck, Homewood; and Ella Kate Wright, Mountain Brook. Middle: Julie Roberts, Briarwood Christian; Mae Mae Beatty, Mountain Brook; Grace Stewart, Mountain Brook; Cali Ahmed, Homewood; Aliyah Pooler, Hoover; and Layla Smith, Hoover. Back: Sydnie Broom, Hoover; Aubrie Lay, Oak Mountain; Ava Scott Windham, Vestavia Hills; Jordan Madsen, Vestavia Hills; and Marion Haskell, John Carroll Catholic. Not pictured: Mille Burgess, Vestavia Hills; Caroline Whitehurst, Oak Mountain; Mary Noerager, Homewood; Alexa Benda, Spain Park; Cailyn Kyes, Spain Park

Viva Libero!

Hoover’s Durban Earns OTM Volleyball Player of the Year Honor

By RuBin E. GRant

When it comes to player of the year honors, defensive players usually have to take a backseat to offensive players.

But that wasn’t the case this year. Hoover senior libero Sydney Durban moved to the front seat.

Durban was voted the 2024 OTM Volleyball Player of the Year in balloting of Over the Mountain coaches.

“I’m super grateful because usually these honors go to the hitters, the ones doing the scoring,” Durban said. “So this is a big honor with it going to a libero.”

Durban recorded 870 digs, 124 assists, 37 aces, helping the Bucs reach the Class 7A semifinals and finish with a 40-11 record. She finished her high school career with 1,940 digs.

Hoover coach Amanda Wood was thrilled that Durban’s defensive prowess was recognized.

“I’m very excited that her hard work has been noticed by the other OTM coaches,” Wood said. “Very rarely do defensive players get those type of honors. It’s a huge honor for her.

“She is so gritty. She was very strong in serve receive and an integral part of our defensive success.”

Durban was pleased with her performance

this season, although it didn’t result in a state championship. The Bucs were eliminated in the semifinals 3-1 by eventual champion McGillToolen Catholic, which claimed its third consecutive Class 7A crown.

“I think the season went really well,” Durban said. “We didn’t get the outcome we wanted, but we fought really hard and we improved throughout the season. The girls played for each other. We had great team chemistry.”

“I’m going to miss the girls because I played with most of them for years in several sports.”

‘I’m

super grateful because usually these honors go to the hitters, the ones doing the scoring. So this is a big honor with it going to a libero.’

The 5-foot-6 Durban was one of nine seniors on the Bucs’ roster, but she’s the only one who plans to play in college. She signed with the University of Alabama in Huntsville earlier this month. Her mother, Michelle Durban, and older sister, Aly Durban, also played in college, at Indiana and Samford, respectively.

team, which includes four of her Hoover teammates — outside hitter Layla Smith, right side hitter Aliyah Pooler, middle hitter Sydnie Broom and defensive specialist Olivia Guenster. Smith had 503 kills, 181 digs, 61 assists and 77 blocks; Pooler had 231 kills, 79 blocks and 69 digs; Broom had 180 kills and 153 blocks; and Guenster had 569 digs, 259 kills, 109 aces and 28 blocks.

HOT JAGS

Spain Park Eliminates Nationally Ranked Vestavia Hills in Flag Football Playoffs

By Solomon CREnShaw JR.

On a chilly Nov. 20 night, the Spain Park flag football team got hot en route to beating Vestavia Hills 34-18 in the quarterfinals of the AHSAA Class 6A/7A state flag football playoffs.

The game was just three plays old when eighth grader Chenelle Hunter caught a Jenna Kate Hutchinson pass and scored on a 72-yard play for the Jaguars.

“Their eighth-grader (Hunter), who we’re going to see the next four years, is just ridiculous,” Vestavia Hills coach Doug Rogers said. “She’s such a good athlete. You try to know where she is on the field. She gets one little opening and you saw what she did. The fact that she’s an eighth grader is amazing.”

The visiting Jags jumped out to a 13-0 lead before the Rebels’ Julia Rose hit Callie Davis on an 18-yard scoring toss. But Spain Park answered when Amber Mangina scored on a 20-yard pass from Hutchinson to give the Jags a 20-6 halftime lead.

Vestavia Hills scored early in the third quarter, but the Jags added two more touchdowns before the Rebels scored again.

The playoff game was a major change from earlier in the season when the Rebels routed the Jags 27-6.

“Their quarterback did a much better job than she did earlier in the year,” Rogers said. Hutchinson completed 13 of 17 passes for 253 yards and all five Jaguar touchdowns. Hunter and Mangina scored two touchdowns apiece and Ja’Skylar Simpkins notched the fifth score.

Carmen Starr, who coaches Spain Park along See JAGS, page 31

HOOVER SENIOR SYDNEY DURBAN

Class 7A semifinalist Vestavia Hills landed three players on the team — outside hitter Millie Burgess, right side hitter Jordan Madsen and middle hitter Ava Scott Windham. Burgess had 566 kills, 313 digs, 42 aces and 36 blocks this season; Madsen had 325 kills, 123 digs and 47 blocks; and Windham tallied 107 kills, 51 blocks, 72 digs and 26 aces.

Wood said Durban’s passion for the sport is what she’s going to miss most.

“It’s her work ethic and drive to continue to improve,” Wood said.

Durban heads the 2024 All-OTM Volleyball

Mountain Brook also had three players voted to the team — outside hitter Mae Mae Beatty, setter Grace Stewart and libero Ella Kate Wright. Beatty tallied 462 kills, 281 digs, 61 aces, 23 assists and 20 blocks; Stewart had 847 assists, 214 digs, 68 kills, 48 aces and 30 blocks;

MEMBERS

Spain Park’s Jenna Kate Hutchinson completed 13 of 17 passes for 253 yards and all five Jaguar touchdowns.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald