OTMJ 4.6.23

Walking the Way of the Cross this Good Friday

THE WAY OF THE CROSS, the traditional Good Friday procession of Homewood’s Christian churches commemorating Jesus as he carried the cross to his crucifixion on Calvary, will be held April 7, beginning at Central Park.

The one-hour solemn procession will begin at 2 p.m. and end about an hour later at Edgewood Presbyterian Church, said Amy DeWitte, associate pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church. A wooden cross symbolizing the one Jesus carried through the streets of Jerusalem to his execution and died upon will be carried during the procession.

“It’s a joint effort on behalf of the clergy in Homewood,” DeWitte said. “It’s open to anyone who wants to participate.”

People often join the procession as it progresses through Homewood, she said.

The route travels to Manhattan Street, with stops at Trinity UMC, Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, All Saints Episcopal Church and at intersections until it reaches Edgewood Presbyterian. At this church, there will be prayer and a final hymn in the sanctuary, DeWitte said.

At each stop there will be a scripture reading reflecting on the last days in the life of Jesus, DeWitte said. Hymns will be sung and a bagpiper will perform hymns. At some points on the journey, participants will walk in silence.

—Anne Ruisi

SUPPORT FAMILIES For the second consecutive year, Shades Mountain Baptist Church is holding an Easter Egg Hunt for people with disabilities. The event, on April 8 from 9:30 a.m.-noon, is open to children and adults of all ages. See story on page 11

The Rev. Brad Landry of All Saints Episcopal Church in Homewood during last year’s Way of the Cross ceremony on the Christian holy day of Good Friday marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Shades Mountain Baptist Church

ABOUT TOWN 4

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

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

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

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JO U RNA L April 6, 2022

Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald

Copy Editor: Virginia Martin

Features Writer: Donna Cornelius

Staff Writer: Anne Ruisi

Photographer: Jordan Wald

Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant

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

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

Vol. 33, No. 17

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

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

Murphy’s Law

When I happily deck my halls with Christmas decorations, I put away the things that normally stand in their places. It’s like the regular house goes on pause for a few weeks. In January, I am usually equally happy to swap things out again, but this year, I was not. Some things were OK, but others just seemed to sit there like tired old lumps. Or maybe it was me. I was tired of looking at them. The bookends on the entry table, the vase down below, the little grouping of Henry David Thoreau books on the piano – not a thing wrong with them, but none of them reclaimed their original places. In a bold move, I boxed up everything I was tired of looking at and put it in Goodwill limbo in the garage.

It was like a breath of fresh air for the first 30 seconds, and then I looked at those empty spaces and realized that I would like to have something sitting there. I didn’t know exactly what, just not what was there before.

Not That

The bottle of duck sauce had not reached expiration status, but every time I looked at it, it seemed to be berating me for my culinary cowardice, so into the bin it went. The refrigerator was full of usable dabs of this and that, but I boldly threw them all away. I had to close the trash can quickly because that was a rough one.

You think I’d be positively giddy, but I didn’t feel good about my purge. It smacked of ingratitude, but I reasoned that buying a box of fun rotini instead of my regular elbow pasta was a gift I might reasonably give myself.

I asked my son-in-law to uproot the spindly evergreens that had been living a tortured existence on my front porch for many years. In their place, he put some colorful full sun flowers, and it’s given my front porch a whole new lease on life.

I had a similar experience with my closet. (I’m sensing a theme here) There were shirts that were perfectly serviceable, ones I had worn on many occasions, but I decided that thenceforth I wanted them to service someone else.

I didn’t make any no-turning-back moves to the dumpster, mind you. I just declared a trial separation.

Not so with my refrigerator. I am one of those people who dutifully tries to “eat up” whatever is in the frig, even on days when every fiber in my body would like something fresh and new. On a decorating/closet high, I fearlessly culled both my refrigerator and pantry.

Over the Mountain Views

I had rid the rest of the outdoor pots of last year’s flowers months ago. Now, if we can ever be rid of this unseasonable (unreasonable) cold, I can go to the garden center and pick out something new and different, or maybe the same as last year, just a new same.

Back to my empty entryway. … I bought a fake plant to serve as a place holder. It won’t be permanent, but it will do for now. I added a few books to the shelf below that I had actually read as opposed to the showoff ones I had in place before. That felt good. And dear old Thoreau came back intact. I found I missed just having the guy around.

I hope my Not That snit is over, but the elections are coming up so I’m not making any promises. Every once in a while, it is good to be ready to move on even if you don’t know exactly where you’re going.

Spring Bake Fun

Homewood Girl Uses Passion for Baking to Benefit Library

Vera Browder just loves the Homewood Public Library. Her family goes every day, Library Director Judith Wright said. One of her favorite events is the Bake and Make series, Wright said. Children can pick up kits with the ingredients to make a recipe, and they meet on Zoom with Cristina Castor, head of children’s services, to make the recipes together.

“It’s pretty adorable,” Wright said.

“She decided to put her love of baking to good use over spring break,” her mother said. “She baked scones to sell to the neighbors and friends and is giving the proceeds to benefit the Bake and Make cooking class at (the Homewood library) – over $80 so far!”

She thanked the library for fostering her daughter’s passions. “It is so wonderful to see a bright young girl who wants to give back to her community,” Wright said.

Sue Murphy

I hope my ‘Not That’ snit is over, but the elections are coming up so I’m not making any promises.

1REBEL 1FUTURE

Superintendent explains purpose of proposed Vestavia Hills’ property tax increase PAGE 8

A BIRMINGHAM-BRED STORYTELLER IN BROOKLYN Filmmaker mixes horror, comedy in new movie; Hopes to film at home PAGE 10

BRING ON THE BRISKET Jewish Community Food and Culture Fest includes crowd pleasing dish PAGE 28

EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

Feng Shui expert helps clients find Love, declutter their mind PAGE 22

Michelle

APRIL 6 - APRIL 20

20th Annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival

April 21 & 22, 10am to 9pm Free Admission

Fri., April 7

Friday and Saturday, April 13 & 14 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Easter Eggstravganza

St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church

836 8th Street So., Birmingham (Between University Blvd. and 10th Ave. So)

FOOD: including Rolled Grape Leaves, Spinach

Pies, Baked Kibbee and Falafel Sandwiches, Tabouleh (Lebanese Salad), Grilled Lebanese Lemon Chicken, Loobia (Green Beans), Rice, Homous and Pita Bread. Desserts include a variety of Baklawa, Kaak (Lebanese Sugar Cookie), Lebanese Ice Cream.

LEBANESE DELICACIES INCLUDING: Baked Kibbee, Lemon Grilled Chicken, Grape Leaves, Tabouleh, Homous, Spinach Pies and Desserts like Baklawa, Zlaybah and Ice Cream.

5K RUN: Saint Elias Cedar

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

11 a.m.Where: Wald

Established 1999

A TV screen from Backyard Jumbotron will play The Masters Tournament at this free and family2-6:30 p.m. Where: Vestavia City Center

CORNHOLE CLASSIC | SAT., APRIL 15

This fundraiser for the Bell Center is a roundrobin tournament that promises plenty of fun competition for a good cause. When: Noon

St. Elias Cedar Run 5K and Cedar Shake Fun Run Silent Auction · Music & Dancing · Free Shuttle Parking

Sat., April 8

Easter Egg Roll

5K Run on April 14 at 8 a.m., followed by Cedar Shake Fun Run at 9 a.m. Benefits The Exceptional Foundation, an organization established to provide social and recreational activities for individuals with special needs. For route and registration, visit www.cedarrun5k.com

SILENT AUCTION: Features catered Lebanese dinners, vacation packages, collector items, gift certificates to restaurants and events in the Birmingham area. Closes 8 p.m. on April 14.

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

25% of all festival proceeds go to local and national charities.

Where: Good People Brewing

Easter Bunny. When: Noon Where: Overton Park

Mt. Laurel Spring Festival

Abby Burton, Brittany Wagner and Kristen Silverstein at last year’s Cornhole Classic.

April 13-23

Steel Magnolias

DANCING: Traditional dances by youth of the church on indoor stage starting 6 p.m. Friday and 12:30 p.m. Saturday. New York-based Amin Sultan Lebanese Band performing under outdoor tent from 6 to 9:30 p.m. nightly.

Easter Egg Hunt

Off Shoots Garden Club present their annual Easter Egg Hunt with face painting, a balloon twister, ice cream truck, a fire truck, barbecue and the

For More Information Visit www.stelias.org

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Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! Thank you for your prompt attention.

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The Town of Mt. Laurel will hold its Spring Festival featuring a craft fair, kid’s zone, food trucks and inflatables. When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Mt. Laurel Town Center

Griffin Creek Cleanup

Homewood Beautification Board is holding a cleanup on Griffin Creek. When: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Where: 1040 Broadway St.

Magic Moments Masters Golf Drawing

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

12-6pm Where: Otey’s Tavern

Blippi – The Wonderful World Tour Global sensation Blippi is coming to Birmingham in a live show sure to delight the young ones. When: 2 p.m.

Where: Alabama Theatre

Battle of the Bands

The 4th annual Battle of the Bands competition features bands from area middle and high schools competing for a total of $2,000 in prize money.

When: 5-9 p.m. Where: Rocky Ridge Plaza

Thurs., April 13

Congressional Update

Congressman Gary Palmer will provide an update on the issues facing the 118th Congress this year at a luncheon event organized by area chambers of commerce. When: 11:30 a.m.-1p.m. Where: The Grand Bohemian Hotel

Robert Harling’s 1987 play is about the bond a group of women share in a small-town Southern community, and how they cope with the death of one of their own. When: Hours vary Where: Virginia Samford Theatre

Fri., April 14

Coffee Concert

Conductor Carlos Izcaray leads the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Brahms’ Fourth Symphony. When: 11 a.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center

Art After 5

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

April 14-15

BBG Spring Plant Sale

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

Botanical Gardens

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

developmental disabilities. When: 6-9:00 p.m. Where: Renaissance Ross Bridge

Mon., April 17

Vestavia Hills Historical Society

A presentation on Shades Mountain Baptist Church will feature the history of the church and its current community involvement initiatives, and a performance by the church’s Jubilee Singers. When: 2 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills City Hall

DOGWOOD FESTIVAL PRAYER BREAKFAST | TUES., APRIL 18

Lindy Cleveland, above, executive director of Unless U, will be the guest speaker. When: 7-9 a.m. Where: Vestavia Country Club

April 14-16

Alabama Ballet “Ovation”

Ovation is a mixed repertory performance featuring works by legendary British choreographer Christopher Bruce. “Sergeant Early’s Dream” is a about migration from the Old World to the New World set to American, English and Irish folk music and “Rooster” is an edgy contemporary ballet set to music by The Rolling Stones. When: Hours vary Where: Dorothy Jemison Day Theater

Sat., April 15

Vestavia Hills Garden Club

Yard Sale

Proceeds will go to the Sybil Temple Foundation to continue maintaining the landmark. When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rain date is April 22. Where: Scout Square, Hwy 31

Red Shoe Run

The Red Shoe Run Rockin’ 5KRun/ Walk is an event to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. When: 8 a.m. Where: Ronald McDonald House Charities, 1700 Fourth Ave. South

Kick Up for Down Syndrome

Family-friendly kickball event. Supporters can invite their coworkers and friends to form a team or sponsor a field for a day of kickball and fellowship beniffiting Down Syndrome

Alabama When: noon-4 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hill’s Wald Park

Vestavia RISE Day 2023

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

BeYOUtiful BHM Fashion Show

This one-of-a-kind fashion show is an opportunity to redefine beauty so it is inclusive, and to celebrate every person’s right to define it for themselves. All proceeds go to support the Arc of Central Alabama and services it provides to children and adults with intellectual and

Youth and Technology Conference

All In Mountain Brook presents a conference featuring topics affecting youth in the community, such as “Establishing Family Principles for Social Media,” “How-To Tips on Technology Safety Features” and “Social Media and Mental Health.”

When: 5:45-8 p.m. Where: Mountain Brook Junior High

Thurs., April 20

Samford Legacy League

Scholarship Celebration

Tony Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Liz Callaway will perform a 90-minute concert at Samford Legacy League’s 13th annual Scholarship Celebration. Guests will enjoy a reception, dinner, program and concert. When: 5:30-9 p.m. Where: Covenant Presbyterian Church

Fri., April 21

Dogwood Festival Concert

Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair

to hear Mountain Grass Unit and Will Stewart perform at this free, familyfriendly concert sponsored by the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.

When: 7 p.m. Where: Wald Park’s Grand Lawn

Hansel and Gretel

Opera Birmingham presents Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera about two lost children who must escape from a wicked witch’s candy house. When: 7:30 p.m. on April 21, 2:30 p.m. on April 23 Where: Dorothy Jemison Day Theater.

MEET MIKE & HAYDEN WALD. With two generations, three decades of experience, and 1,200 happy clients, they have a proven track record of success in Real Estate. That’s because The Wald Group are dedicated to providing exceptional service to each and every one of their clients.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a property, you can rely on The Wald Group to provide you with exceptional service, expert advice, and a deep understanding of your neighborhood’s real estate market. Call any of our team members today if you’d like to discuss how to acheive your real estate goals.

Hayden & Mike

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Apr il 1 3 –15

AT B IRMINGHAM B OTANICAL G ARDENS

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

Membe r Priority Shopping: Thursda y, April 13

Open to the Public: Frida y, April 14

Saturda y, A pril 1 5

bbgardens.org/spring

Sat., April 22

Stop the Violence 5K and Fun Run

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

Wing Ding

A day of fun competition for local chefs is part of the Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival. Presented by Leadership Vestavia Hills, it will feature chicken wings, live music and a children’s area full of games and activities. Free for children 10 and under. When: 4-7 p.m. Where: Vestavia City Hall

Birmingham Heart Ball

Randy and Kelly Owen are the honorees for the Birmingham Heart Ball, a fundraiser for local research, advocacy and community education efforts to fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke. When: 6 p.m. Where: Barber Motorsports Museum

Tues., April 25

Prescott House 35th Anniverary

Live music, silent and live auctions are among the features at this fundraiser recognizing the 35th anniversary of Prescott House child advocacy center. When: 6 p.m.

Where: Grand Bohemian Hotel Grand Ballroom

April 27-29

Aldridge Gardens Spring Plant Sale

The annual spring plant sale is your opportunity to find the perfect plants for your container or garden spot. Volunteers and gardeners will be on hand to help with selections and give advice about placement, care and maintenance. When: Hours vary Where: Aldridge Gardens

Thurs., April 27

Birmingham Boys Choir Celebration

Richard Simmons, founding director of the Center for Executive Leadership, will be the featured speaker of a dinner event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Boys Choir. When: 6 p.m. Where: Birmingham Country Club

Fri., April 28

Denim and Dining

The seventh annual fundraising event for the Hoover City Schools Foundation will feature a reception, silent and live auctions, a Jim n’ Nicks barbecue dinner and live music.

When: 6-10 p.m. Where: Aldridge Gardens

Weekend of Diverse Jewish Music Set for Temple Beth-El

An Artist-in-Residence Weekend at Temple Beth-El will feature Tsvey Brider, or Two Brothers, who will present a weekend of diverse Jewish music April 21-23 at Temple Beth-El.

Tsvey Brider members (above) Anthony Russell and Dmitri Gaskin’s works include combinations of African American spirituals, the music of Jewish Eastern Europe and tunes from the vibrant world of Yiddish culture, according to their website, tsveybrider.com. This led the duo to write, arrange and perform in a diverse array of styles and genres, including contemporary classical, cabaret, blues and pop.

All events are at Temple Beth-El. Registration is required for the con-

cert and the workshop. While the workshop is free, tickets must be purchased for the reception and concert. To register and buy tickets, go to meetyouatbethel.shulcloud.com/form/ tsvey-brider.

Here’s the weekend’s schedule:

April 21 – Kabbalat Shabbat and Oneg at 5:45 p.m.

April 22 – Shabbat Morning Services at 9:45 a.m., followed by a luncheon. A reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be at 7:30 p.m., with the concert featuring Tsvey Brider at 8 p.m.

April 23 – Workshop, “A Stranger in a Strange Land: The Possibilities of African American Music in Jewish Prayer Spaces at 1 p.m.

He’s Got a Hold on Us

Smokey Robinson Brings Motown to Birmingham in Alys Stephens Concert

Legendary Motown artist Smokey Robinson will perform live April 21 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.

The singer-songwriter’s career spans decades, and he is one of the music industry’s most influential contributors, racking up more than 4,000 songs to his credit. Bob Dylan once pronounced him America’s “greatest living poet.”

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson founded The Miracles while still in high school. Their single of Robinson’s “Shop Around” became Motown’s first No. 1 hit on the R&B singles chart.

cookmuseum.org

In the years following, Robinson continued to pen hits for the group, including “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Going to a Go-Go,” “More Love,” “Tears of a Clown” (co-written with Stevie Wonder) and “I Second That Emotion.”

The Miracles dominated the R&B scene throughout the 1960s and early ’70s, and Robinson became vice president of Motown Records, serving as in-house producer, talent scout and songwriter. He also wrote and produced hits for other Motown greats and later had a solo career.

Robinson’s many awards include a Grammy Living Legend Award, NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts Award from the president of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.

Tickets to the 8 p.m. performance are $125, $150 and $175. The Alys Stephens Center will host a Motown lobby dance party for ticketholders at 6 p.m. with a DJ, cash bars and a food truck on-site. The concert is sponsored in part by Regions.

For tickets, call 205-975-2787 or visit AlysStephens.org.

Smokey Robinson

Tsvey Brider Facebook

To Lift Up the Feminine

ASO Performs Two Izcaray Works Dedicated to Women in His Life

Alabama Symphony Orchestra Music Director Carlos Izcaray has composed two new works, both of which will be performed during April.

Both his new works –“Requiem” and “88, for Piano and Orchestra” – explore the life and death of two foundational women in Izcaray’s life, according to a statement from the ASO.

In addition to the new works, the ASO will perform works by Debussy, Fauré and other composers.

April 14 and 15 the orchestra and the ASO Chorus will premiere Izcaray’s “Requiem” alongside Brahms’ Fourth Symphony and Fauré’s “Pavane.”

“With this requiem I pay tribute to my dear wife, Yolanda Serafimov, mother of my children, and my best friend,” Izcaray said in the statement. “She lived courageously with grace and was a shining star in our human constellation. Yolanda loved and cherished the ASO family, and they loved her back. I thank them for the opportunity to commemorate her in Alabama, her final resting place.”

Izcaray’s “Requiem” doesn’t only touch on personal loss, but death and loss in regions ravaged by war.

“Each movement focuses on a different perspective on death, inspired mainly by the outpouring of love that was received by my family in our

darkest hour,” he said. “As this project evolved, a horrendous war started across the oceans. This requiem’s introduction thus also calls on the listener to set a small prayer or personal thought on behalf of victims of war who couldn’t meet their creator with a dignified end.”

On April 27th, the ASO will present a memorial concert celebrating the life and advocacy of Gloria Narramore Moody. Proceeds from this concert, featuring Music Director Laureate Justin Brown and Izcaray’s other new work, “88, for Piano and Orchestra,” will be added to a bequest

from Gloria Moody’s estate to endow the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Flute Chair, currently held by Lisa Wienhold.

Izcaray says his new work is a tribute to Moody, who was his friend and whose vibrant spirit and generosity benefited the ASO and the community at large. The title is a nod to the piano and its 88 keys, as well as a tribute to her 88 years of life.

For information on these and other concerts on the calendar for May, visit alsymphony.org/events for tickets and information or contact the box office at 205-975-2787.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra Music Director Carlos Izcaray

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

1Rebel 1Future

Superintendent Explains Purpose of Proposed Vestavia Hills’ Property Tax Increase

By AnA Good

Vestavia Hills residents are one step closer to heading to the polls May 9 to vote on a proposed tax increase aimed at funding area school improvements.

The Alabama Senate on March 23 voted in favor of Senate Bill 63, which would authorize the city of Vestavia Hills to hold a special election on a 9.8-mill property tax increase. SB63 is now with the Alabama House.

Vestavia Hills Superintendent Todd Freeman, who proposed the increase, said he is hopeful the bill will be passed shortly after spring break.

Freeman proposed the plan, which is known as 1Rebel 1Future, in the summer after nearly two years of planning with several design teams composed of teachers, parents, students, school administrators, chamber members and financial advisers. The millage increase would mean an additional $8.2 million annually for the school system, which Freeman said is necessary to accomplish the plans’ objectives.

“The plan has two priorities,” he said. “The priorities are that we would focus on profound learning experiences for our students and that we would do that in vibrant facilities.”

Broken down, the plan would be spent the following: 44% for improving and renovating existing facilities, 22% for new academic programs, 17% for new and renovated arts and athletics spaces, and the remaining 17% for

school operations.

In describing plans to expand learning experiences, Freeman explained two electives would be added at the city’s elementary schools – one would be a STEM-focused class and the other would be a world languages experience class. These additions would complement the art, music and library electives already in place, he said, so that students in elementary school would receive instruction in five total elective areas.

“We think that is really important to give them a more well-rounded, enrichment experience in the sciences and math,” Freeman said, “and in the humanities and the arts.”

If residents vote to approve the increase, Freeman said, the elective changes would be in place at the start of the new academic year in August.

Additionally, Freeman said this first priority of the 1Rebel plan is to improve counseling support resources for students and implement instructional coaches at each school. Freeman clarified that the instructional coaches are not administrators but are “exceptional instructional leaders” that would help ramp up already strong programs in the schools.

Aging Infrastructure

Speaking on the second priority, which focuses on vibrant facilities, Freeman emphasized that the age of the school facilities is beginning to show.

“The reality for us is that our facilities on average are 49 years old,” he said. “We have a very large school plan that we have to maintain, so much of this has to do with focusing on our existing facilities in four primary areas.”

Those areas, he said, include safety and security, accessibility, healthfulness and comparability. Some of these improvements would cost money on the front end but are geared toward improving the overall energy efficiency of the schools. Freeman said the system spends about $3.2 million a year on energy costs.

Across the schools, Freeman said, roughly 239,000 square feet of roofing needs to be replaced, along with 330 heating and air conditioning units. The lighting systems in all the schools, he said, also need to be replaced.

A big component of the plan is ensuring the schools have comparable facilities, Freeman said.

Other renovations would include typical bathroom improvements as well as painting and science lab upgrades.

“All of our schools have unique characteristics — which we love about them and which makes them different in a good way — but there are some comparable things we want to take care of,” he said.

The two oldest campuses, East and West, are in need of larger gyms, meeting spaces and classrooms because of their size. Dolly Ridge, he said, needs a kitchen addition, and Liberty Park Middle needs a new auxiliary multipurpose gym to ensure it remains comparable to Pizitz Middle.

“At the high school, we would be addressing some inadequacies with space in the arts and athletics areas,” Freeman said.

Many of the facilities at the high school are more than 50 years old, he said, and the school’s population has surpassed the allotted space. The band room, for example, was built to accommodate roughly 100 students, but the marching band now has more than 280 students participating. The same is true of the wrestling team’s facilities, Freeman said, which were built to accommodate 30 to 40 wrestlers. Today, however, the state champion team is composed of nearly 100 wrestlers.

If the tax increase is approved, physical space improvements would begin in the winter of the 2023-24 school year at East, West and Dolly Ridge campuses. Collectively, the projected time period for completion is approximately four years.

“The whole idea is to protect the legacy of excellence in our schools,” Freeman said, “it is about building

upon the success, the legacy of excellence in our school system that we’ve had for 53 years.”

How Much?

Asked to address concerns some residents may have about the proposed millage increase, Freeman said the questions are justified.

“The first thing I would say is to be fully informed when making a decision,” he said.

Numbers provided by the school system project that a resident with a house appraised for $300,000 would see an increase of approximately $24.38 per month in property taxes. A home with a value of $500,000 – about the average price of a home in the city – would cost homeowners an additional $40.63 a month.

“Naturally, there are going to be questions asked when a school system says we need additional funding,” Freeman said. “Those are questions that ought to be asked. We have tried to, in our messaging, demonstrate the financial need. The reality is that 82% of our budget is spent on people. We invest in people, which we think is the best way to help our students be successful.”

Freeman went on to say the needs of Vestavia Hills students continue to evolve, and he believes the school system must meet those needs to ensure students are well prepared when they graduate.

“The idea is that this is an investment,” Freeman said. “For those who are concerned about it, my perspective is that the school system is intricately linked to quality of life, economic vitality and property values. The success of the school system equals the success of all those things.”

Mountain Brook Named First Bee City USA Affiliate in Alabama

By Anne Ruisi

The city of Mountain Brook is the first municipal Bee City USA affiliate in Alabama, joining the two Bee Campus USA affiliates in the state, Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“The city of Mountain Brook is enthusiastic about our affiliation with Bee City USA,” said Dana Hazen, Mountain Brook’s director of planning, building and sustainability. “It is our hope that other Alabama municipalities will join us in acknowledging the importance of pollinators by developing their own pollinator-friendly policies and by promoting community advocacy and awareness.”

Thinking globally and acting locally, Bee City USA provides a framework for communities to work together to conserve native pollinators by increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites and reducing the use of pesticides. Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA are initiatives of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

“We’re new to this,” and it will take some time to get the program going, Hazen said.

A native plant list and directions on how to raise awareness and implement the program are

being developed, with several ideas already being talked about that focus on native plants and native pollinators, including native bee species.

This doesn’t include honeybees, which are native to Europe and were first brought to America in the 1600s.

Why are native plants important to pol lination? Because many pollinators, like bees, pollinate certain types of plants. Monarch bees, for example, only alight on milkweed, Hazen said.

Without pollination, plants aren’t fertilized and they won’t produce flowers or fruit and vegetables. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website notes there are over 100 crops grown in the U.S. that depend on pollination.

However, research has shown significant declines in native pollinator population sizes and ranges globally, with up to 40% of pollinator species on earth at risk of extinction in the coming years as a result of habitat loss, the use of harmful pesticides and climate change.

“The program aspires to make people more pollinator conscious,” said Scott Hoffman Black, Xerces’ executive director. “If lots of individuals and communities begin planting

native, pesticide-free flowering trees, shrubs and perennials, it will create large-scale change for many, many species of pollinators.”

As a Bee City USA affiliate, Mountain Brook will appoint members to the Bee City Committee it is putting together and is seeking “Pollenteers” to volunteer, Hazen said.

There is a two-pronged approach Mountain Brook will implement, with the focus on native solitary bees. These are bees that don’t live in hives and some, like the docile miner bees found in our area, live in the ground.

One approach is to change the way the city handles its public areas, such as ensuring they are pollinator-friendly.

That can include planting native plants and installing bee hotels, which simulate a nesting habitat to support the pollinators.

The other approach is to engage people, Hazen said. Educating the public is important and the city’s website, mtnbrook.org, has information available.

Hazen noted her department will have information about Mountain Brook’s affiliation with Bee City USA at a display that will be set up on Citizen Appreciation Day on April 29.

Native Bee-Friendly Flowers, Shrubs and Trees

Pollinator plants that bees native to the Southeastern region need include two dozen flowers, shrubs and trees, according to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, which oversees Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA.

The experts at the Xerces Society say choosing a variety of plants with overlapping and sequential bloom periods will provide food for pollinators throughout the seasons.

Among the flowering plants that support native bees are Golden Alexanders, white wild indigo, butterfly milkweed, clasping coneflower, Eastern smooth penstemon, lanceleaf coreopsis, blackeyed Susan, rattlesnake master, wild bergamot, Eastern rose mallow, Joe Pye weed and March blazing star, narrowleaf mountain mint, New York ironweed, wingstem, narrowleaf sunflower and wrinkleleaf goldenrod.

Shrubs and trees on the list include cockspur hawthorn, Eastern redbud, highbush blueberry, New Jersey tea, pasture rose, buttonbush and purple passionflower, also known as maypop.

For more information, check out the society’s website at beecityusa.org.

Vestavia Hills Superintendent Todd Freeman said this first priority of the 1Rebel plan is to improve counseling support resources for students and implement instructional coaches at each school.

Vestavia Hills City Schools

A BirminghamBred Storyteller in Brooklyn

By SuSan Swagler

Birmingham filmmakers continue to capture the public’s attention and win awards.

Alabama native Davis Browne is celebrating accolades for his new film, “Capsules.” Browne, who grew up in Mountain Brook and attended The Altamont School, co-wrote and starred in the indie film that is now streaming on Apple TV+. The film premiered at The Philip K. Dick Science Fiction Film Festival in December 2022 in midtown Manhattan and won Best Feature.

This comes in the wake of the phenomenal success of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” from director Daniel Scheinert and film editor Paul Rogers, both of whom grew up in the Birmingham area, too.

“Capsules” is a mix of genres including horror and comedy.

“It’s a sci-fi coming-of-age thriller

about these four college kids who, though they are very book smart, they are also pretty naive at the same time,” Browne said.

During an intoxicated study session ahead of a chemistry test, they decide to take some pills they found on the street – pills, it turns out, that are filled with an unknown substance.

“They experiment with the pills, and they quickly realize that if they don’t keep taking them, they’ll die,” Browne said. “And they encounter a series of increasingly morally challenging dilemmas as they try to figure out how the pills work.”

Browne co-wrote the film with Luke Momo, a fellow filmmaker from Fordham University. Momo directed the film, and Browne stars in it alongside fellow Fordham graduates Caroline Potter Shriver and Ben Strate. Other Fordham alumni worked with them on sound effects, costumes, makeup, music and other elements.

Except for a character named “the

old man,” everyone in the cast was under age 25 when they made this film.

Browne and Momo previously worked together on a short film called “The Stamp Collector,” which played at Sidewalk Film Festival in 2021. They got together a few years ago at a New Jersey pizza shop to talk about making a feature-length version of “The Stamp Collector,” but then the idea for “Capsules” came up. They developed the plot over the next two days. Two weeks later, they had a first draft and began editing.

Filming started in late January 2022 and took a mere eight days. By December, “Capsules” was on the big screen. Then they landed an Oscarnominated distributer, Good Deed Entertainment.

“Capsules” is intense. Browne said they filled two theaters during the premiere. The audience laughed in all the right places and were stunned to silence at times, and one viewer even threw up.

Filming on a Cell Phone

Browne, who just turned 26, has been making films since he was in elementary school at Crestline in Mountain Brook. One of the first, he said, was “The Teleporting Man,” which he made with a few classmates.

“We were about 9 years old, and I had a cell phone because my parents both worked. … The cell phone had a recording function. This was before touch screens and everything. It had a full keyboard, and you could record – I want to say, three-minute-long videos. Something like that.” You press record and three minutes later it would just stop, he said.

“But instead of stopping and creating a new clip, it would just stop in the middle of that same video. So, you could just pause what you’re recording and then go and record something else, but … it’s all on the same video file.” Rehearsals were a must.

This stop-and-start situation lent itself nicely to “The Teleporting Man” who was always teleporting in and out of scenes – and trouble.

They filmed the first one and kept going.

Davis Browne, who grew up in Mountain Brook and attended The Altamont School, co-wrote and starred in the indie film “Capsules” that is now streaming on Apple TV+.

you’ll see that in ‘Capsules.’ … I just met so many great people in Birmingham, and I really cherish the friendships and the relationships I made there.”

Drawn to Birmingham

Browne lives in Brooklyn now, but Birmingham still draws him home.

“We had a whole series of them,” Browne said. “We had ‘The Teleporting Man Gets a Girlfriend’ and ‘The Teleporting Man has a Family Reunion,’ where everybody else is teleporting, too.”

A few years later, Browne and this group of friends were making videos on his Mac computer.

“We used my room as a soundstage. We’d just set up different props and do a talk show or something. Just make little videos, whatever we could do but filming within the scope of the computer, so it was kind of stationary. But we liked that we could go in and edit on iMovie, where you can add music. You could add a Kanye song; you could add a title sequence.”

Once he got to high school, Browne had access to actual cameras, and he entered one of his high school films in the student competition at Sidewalk Film Festival.

“It’s kind of cool to see how the technology has grown,” he said “A 9-year-old right now making a movie … they can make a 4K movie on their phone and edit on TikTok and it will look and sound great. But the first things we were making, if you watch them now, they probably look like it was filmed on a potato.”

Browne said that what he really enjoys – what captured his interest from a very young age – is the storytelling aspect of making a film.

“At the heart of it, it’s just telling stories. I’ve always loved telling stories, even in a social capacity,” he said. “Just being in a group of people and being able to make somebody laugh or being able to keep people on edge. I just think there’s something about telling stories and the way that you can do it in film that is really powerful.”

Making films, however, was more of a leap of faith.

“Growing up in Birmingham, I couldn’t tell that making movies was a real job. It seemed so far away; it seemed like it was just this magical land, this kind of mythical Hollywood,” he continued. “I was really inspired by the friendships that I had. Most of my stories revolve around friendships, and

“There’s something about the city, too, that’s always inspired me. We have so many great locations, and I love the architecture there. One of my dreams is to actually make a movie in Birmingham – and not just make a movie in Birmingham but have it be based in Birmingham. It’s amazing how much they’re filming in Birmingham now. But I think most of them, within the film, it doesn’t take place in Birmingham. It’s just shooting in Birmingham. … I want to make a movie in Birmingham that takes place in Birmingham.”

Another incentive besides the desire to tell a Birmingham story is the state’s film tax credits. The rebates to production companies spending more than $500,000 is 25% for expenditures incurred in Alabama and 35% of payroll paid to Alabama residents.

“It’s one of the best in any state,” Browne said. He recently talked to a colleague about filming in Birmingham instead of in Kentucky.

Browne’s advice to aspiring filmmakers is to have patience and persistence.

“I think it’s very easy, especially if any young artists are out there reading this, to just be really impatient with what you’re doing. It’s so hard to do at first, and you just have to keep doing it. Know that what you’re going to write is going to be so much worse than what you want it to be. But eventually, if you keep working, your skill will meet up with your taste. I think that patience –patience with yourself – is key.”

Cultivating and nurturing “a kind of grace that you have with yourself and your work” is the lesson Browne said he’s most proud to have learned.

“You never know where the process is going to take you. You’ve got to know that every bit of work you’re putting in will be somewhere, even if it doesn’t lead to what you think it’s going to,” he said.

“Anybody can make a movie, and I think, growing up in Birmingham, I didn’t really realize that. It just felt so far away. I’m glad that Daniel and Paul have had the success they’ve had. It’s amazing, and hopefully that brings more attention to what you can do. For people who maybe want to get in that industry in Birmingham but also, even on an independent scale, anybody can make a movie. It’s so worth your time to just go out and try to make something.”

Shades Mountain Baptist Church to Hold Egg Hunt for Disabled

By Anne Ruisi

For the second consecutive year, Shades Mountain Baptist Church is holding an Easter Egg Hunt for people with disabilities.

The event, on April 8 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, is open to children and adults of all ages, said Amy Kirby, the church’s special needs minister.

“We try to support families and make their lives easier and fun,” Kirby said.

The event is unusual in that many egg hunts aren’t geared for people with disabilities. People who use wheelchairs, for example, might not be able to maneuver on grass in a park. The church’s event will be held inside its facility and opens a door to accessible activities they can enjoy with their families. Disabled adults also may participate in the event, Kirby said.

The big draw, the egg hunt, will feature plastic eggs with a coupon that participants can trade in for a bag of candy or trinkets.

None of the eggs has candy or treats inside, as organizers wanted to be sensitive to people with allergies or

dietary restrictions. So those who can eat candy can opt for that, and others who need to be food conscious can get the trinkets.

ing in its special needs program, last year it wanted to do something more for the larger community. For the first larger-scale egg hunt last year, 80 families participated, with 250 to 300 people, she said. Of those, 50 families had never been to Shades Mountain Baptist.

The church has run a ministry for the disabled for the past 23 years, com prising about 70 families. Twenty to 30 of those fam ilies are not church mem bers, but they come for support, Kirby said. Participants now are aged 2 to 54.

“The thoughtfulness of something just for them, designed for their child,” touched parents, Kirby said.

The whole church gets involved with organizing and presenting the event, with volunteers helping out in different aspects of the occasion.

Two egg hunts based on age will be held, Kirby said. The first is at 10 a.m., which is for kids who are pre-kindergarten age to fourth grade. At 11 a.m., the second egg hunt will be for people ranging from fifth grade to adults.

The event is free and registration is not required; participants can just show up, Kirby said.

While the church had done smaller Easter egg hunts for people participat-

Besides the egg hunt, there will be games to play, crafts to make and door prizes to be won.

“We welcome anyone to come,” Kirby said.

While water will be available, the church won’t be serving food. There will be treats for sale, Kirby said. Hero Doughnuts & Buns will have a dessert truck on hand and Unless U will be scooping ice cream from the organization’s ice cream cart.

Shades Mountain Baptist Church

Claire Gibney and her mom Natalie search for eggs at last year’s Easter Egg Hunt at Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

Stress Reducer

Spontaneous Smiles Mean Hand in Paw is There

By Anne Ruisi

Macey the golden retriever stretched out on the wide carpet in an office corridor at UAB Hospital and immediately perked up as nurse Paige Batson and office worker Megan Padilla arrived and started petting her.

“It’s probably one of the best things UAB provides for us,” Batson said. “Sometimes you come into work automatically stressed and this is a moment of reprieve.”

Lovingly described by her owner, Paul Chin-Lai, as “spoiled rotten,” Macey, who is 5 years old, is more than just a beloved pet. She’s one half of a Hand in Paw therapy team that regularly visits UAB Hospital to offer respite to employees.

“Even walking through the hospital, you see the look on people’s faces, the smiles on their faces when we walk by,” said Chin-Lai, 60, a Hoover resident who started volunteering with the nonprofit organization after he retired from a career in IT in 2020.

Hand in Paw, which is holding the fundraiser Mutt Strut, a dog-friendly 5K and Fun Run on April 22 in Homewood Park, seeks to improve people’s health and well-being through animal-assisted therapy. Teams like Macey and Chin-Lai visit hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities in Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa,

where their presence can lift the spirits of patients and staff alike.

Animal therapy teams, which consist of mostly dogs and their human handlers, now include a few cats, said Brittany Filby, Hand in Paw’s communications director.

Chin-Lai and his wife, Linh, got Macey when she was just a puppy after their two daughters had grown up and moved out.

“Macey is our empty nest dog,” he said.

“It’s such a blessing to come out with a dog and cheer up people,” said Turner, who has retired after working at UAB as a dialysis technician. He noted that Bama alternates visits with his other dog, a chocolate lab named Bear.

Turner handed out his dogs’ Hand in Paw business cards designed with their color photos. These cards and others are tacked up in their office, and staff are so eager to interact with the animals that they mark their calendars for when Hand in Paw will be visiting, Padilla said.

“I think it’s great. You get to take 10-15 minutes to de-stress,” she said after rubbing Bama’s belly. “They volunteer experience, including being

Macey and Chin-Lai’s visits to UAB Hospital are always with staff. Usually the pair will go into a confer ence room and staff will come in and pet Macey and any other dog that might be present.

On a recent weekday, Boyce Turner of Gardendale and his 10-year-old yel low lab, Bama, were present.

Hand in Paw is holding the fundraiser Mutt Strut, a dog-friendly 5K and Fun Run on April 22 in Homewood Park. Hanging out at last year’s event were Tito and Ross Peterson.

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Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Hand in Paw volunteer Paul Chin-Lai and his therapy dog Macey on a recent visit with UAB Hospital staffers Megan Padilla and Paige Batson.

‘It’s probably one of the best things UAB provides for us. Sometimes you come into work automatically stressed and this is a moment of reprieve.’

PAIGE BATSON

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Shamrockin’ the Night Away” was the theme for the Vanities Dance Club’s annual ball on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

About 150 members and guests danced the night away to the sounds of SK5 in the East Room of the Birmingham Country Club.

They were greeted under a rainbow by club President Carolyn Featheringill with Ivan Rich and ball chairman Janie Trammell with Bud Other ball committee members among those wearing the green were Diane Weatherford with Allen, Leigh Whatley with Forest and Amy Rainer with Jay.

New members introduced to the club included Katherine Galloway with Trip, Mary Virginia Gardner, Kate Gillespie with Hunt, Catherine Loveman with Andrew, and Katherine Trammell with Buddy.

Hosting its first dance in 1929, the Vanities Dance Club is believed to be the oldest continuously active dance club in the community. ❖

Luck of the Irish

Vanities Dance Club Celebrates St. Paddy’s Day

Anne Liles, Janis Clements, Meredith Satterfield

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Durham Ellis, Madelon Rushing, Becky Rollins

Elisabeth Branch, Martha DeBuys, Katherine BeBuys

Ivan Rich, Carolyn Featherengill, Janie and Bud Trammell

Marie and Ron Baynes, Jean Morrison, Donnie Ellis

Tom Roberts, Weesa Matthews Pam and Andy Autrey

Josh Garrett, Martha Reeves Cook

TumTum Tree Foundation

Raucous Fun and Run

Rooted at O’Neal Library

Family-friendly fun outside the O’Neal Library in Mountain Brook capped off the TumTum Tree Foundation’s 10K/5K/1 Mile Fun Run on March 19.

The event began with the races, followed by a post-race after party with live music, inflatables, face painting and food for a memorable day.

The TumTum Tree Foundation seeks to enrich the lives of Alabama children who face life-altering and life-threatening illnesses. ❖

Rebecca Blackmon, Yejung Shin, Lisa Carroll and Peppermint Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Alex, Alfie and Grace Gray

Melissa and John Wells White

Tenley Armstrong, Kristin and Jason Bains, Martha Griffin

Tues.-Sat.

5620

Hearts in Harmony

Award, Auction and Appetizers Amuse Guests at Hoover Service Club Gala

Hearts in Harmony, the 11th annual Hoover Service Club Gala, was held at the Hoover Country Club on March 18.

The evening’s theme was “Gathering to Give,” and this year’s honoree was Tynette Lynch, director of hospitality and tourism for the city of Hoover.

Guests started the evening with a silent auction, appetizers and a cash bar, followed by dinner and then a live auction featuring auctioneer John Lyda. The emcee for the evening was Will Lochamy.

Funds raised from the gala support the club’s many missions, including need-based college scholarships for Hoover and Spain Park high school seniors, food banks and other charitable organizations throughout the area. ❖

PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the 2023 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Frank and Frances Brocato, Beth and John Lyda

Courtesy

CAG officers are, from the left, Jessica Coleman, auction co-chair; Lauren Ledbetter, decorations cochair; Margaret Gaddy, president; Elizabeth Lindsey, fundraising chair; Peyton Russell, fashion show chair; Mary Evelyn O’Neil, decorations cochair; and Caroline Benefield, auction cochair.

Miniature Models

Children’s Arts Guild Fashion Show Raises Funds for Dance Foundation

CAG member Haley Yearout served as this year’s emcee, introducing 75 children modeling kids’ fashions. The show kicked off with models Virginia Gaddy and Drennan Fountain sporting classic heirloom dresses. The event was organized by guild President Margaret Gaddy, Vice President Sissy King; fashion show chair Peyton Russell and co-chair Lisha Graham, auction co-chairs Jessica Coleman and Caroline Benefield, fundraising chair Elizabeth Lindsey, and decorations co-chairs Lauren Ledbetter and Mary Evelyn O’Neil. ❖

Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov

Acrylic by Maya Eventov

Chris Cerniglia, Tynette Lynch

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Tracy and Susette Clark-Walker and Travis and Debbie Rutherford

Will and Danielle Lochamy Shelley and Mike Shaw

About 200 guests attended this year’s Children’s Arts Guild Fashion Show at the Country Club of Birmingham on March 7, raising more than $40,000 for The Dance Foundation.

Plenty of crawfish and beer were on hand March 25 at the Ales (& Tails) fundraiser for Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama.

Presented by the nonprofit’s junior board at Cahaba Brewing Company, the event benefited the Lindy Harrell Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program in Alzheimer’s Research at UAB.

Crawfish and Beer

Ales (& Tails) Raises Cash for Alzheimer’s Cause

Hope lives

Our dedicated doctors, nurses, researchers and staff are committed to finding a cure, so kids like Adrian can live their healthiest life – cancer free. We never give up hope of a world without childhood cancer and blood disorders, and that’s why we are here.

Peyton Bailey, Lindi Deboer

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Miller Piggot, Katie Cochran, Kim Smith, Karole Dale and Vance Holder

Matthew and Holly Shafer

Feast for Hope

Gala Raises Money to Address Hunger in Central Alabama

The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama and Les Dames

d’Escoffier International Birmingham

Chapter hosted the second annual Feast for Hope Gala on March 4.

The event, held at the food bank’s warehouse on Walter Davis Drive, featured creative cuisine from members of Les Dames. Each dish was prepared by members of the group, a diverse professional organization of women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality whose mission is education, advocacy, mentoring and philanthropy.

The food bank’s mission is to feed those facing food insecurity and to collaborate on solutions to end hunger in central Alabama. ❖

Blair and Jamie Sandford

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Jason Mezrano, Kathy G Mezrano, Jane and Gary Youngblood

Brad Jones, David Williams, Tom Clark

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Community Action Pays Off

Six Inducted Into Rotaract of Birmingham’s Hall of Fame

Six people were inducted recently into the Rotaract Club of Birmingham’s Hall of Fame in recognition of their years of service.

The induction took place during the organization’s Feb. 25 Black and White Foundation Ball.

Honored were Brass Bralley and Patrick Talley, Rotaract Club of Birmingham; Judy Crittenden and John Smola, Rotary Club of Birmingham; Caleb Rotton, Sunset Rotary Club; and Carol Argo, Rotary District 6860 governor.

Proceeds from the ball benefit Rotaract’s main signature service projects, which include two projects for Birmingham City Schools, the Ready2Suceed mentorship program and Ready2Read, which provides a library to second-grade classrooms. ❖

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Strut the Season

Dogwood Festival Fashion Show Supports RISE

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Models took to the runway at the Vestavia Hills Dogwood Fashion Show on March 9.

Spring fashions inspired by Easter, spring break, bridal events and baby showers were paraded on the runway at the city’s Civic Center in an event to benefit Vestavia Hills High School’s RISE program, which is centered on community service. ❖

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Everything In Its Place

Feng Shui Expert Helps Clients Find Love, Declutter Their Minds

By AnA Good

Local feng shui expert Katie Rogers said she discovered the ancient practice almost by accident.

Rogers was living in Austin, Texas, at the time as an editor for a publishing company. She felt flooded, drowning in what she described as a “sea of gray cubicles under fluorescent lights.”

Rogers said she did what she could to liven up her own cubicle, and over lunch with colleagues one day, she shared her ideas about improving the interior design of businesses to help boost employee morale.

“If you make it pretty, make it functional and happier,” Rogers remembers telling her colleagues while pitching the new business idea, “it will help everyone working there feel happier and that will help the bottom line of the company because it will make them more productive.”

Intent on further exploring what she thought at the time was an original idea, Rogers set out to browse through the interior design books at a bookstore in Austin that very weekend. It was there she

See ROGERS, page 23

Katie Rogers is scheduled to give an “Intro to Feng Shui” presentation at the O’Neal Library on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. There, she will share what she’s learned about the practice since incorporating it into her life 25 years ago.

“One of the main features of feng shui is the front entrance of the home. A key word with feng shui is ‘inviting.’”

ROGERS

From page 22

first stumbled upon a feng shui book.

“I picked it up, went to a chair in a corner of the store, sat down and read for at least an hour,” Rogers said.

She slowly began incorporating feng shui practices in her own home and eventually into those of her friends, who would let her come over and rearrange their furniture. Rogers said that soon afterward, remarkable things began to happen, beginning with a promotion at work.

“I thought, ‘Can it be this powerful?’ I got hooked, I got obsessed, and I made it a career,” she said.

Rogers is scheduled to give an “Intro to Feng Shui” presentation at the O’Neal Library on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. There, she will share what she’s learned about the practice since incorporating it into her life 25 years ago.

“I’m excited because a lot of peo ple in this region don’t even know what it is,” she said.

Rogers, who grew up in Mobile and attended Vanderbilt University, received her certification in feng shui in 2004 through the Feng Shui Training Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

What is Feng Shui?

Asked to define feng shui in her own words, Rogers explained the art form centers on the notion that space has a powerful effect on people.

“Therefore, if you make changes in a space, it can be a way to create a better life,” she said.

Rogers said that over the years, she has seen countless examples of the ways feng shui has influenced her clients’ lives. Because the practice is steeped in symbolism, Rogers said she often employs another of her interests – psychology – when working with a client.

“If say, a young woman comes to me and wants to get married, but says she’s not having any luck with dating,” Rogers said, “I’m first like a detective who goes into their space to look for clues on their psychology around that. It’s uncanny how this can show up in a space. Feng shui is really steeped in symbolism.”

One of her favorite examples of the power of symbolism happened when a friend of hers in California asked for her help.

“She told me she was dating all the wrong guys, so I said, ‘OK, let’s go look at your bedroom because the bedroom symbolizes intimate relationships,’” Rogers said.

When she looked in her closet, Rogers said her friend had 10 bouquets of dried roses from ex-boyfriends on a shelf.

“It’s like you don’t know what you’re living in until it’s pointed out,” Rogers said. “I told her, ‘This is symbolizing you living in the past and holding onto these past relationships. It is not creating space for a new relationship.’”

Rogers said her friend was quick to act.

“She ran to the kitchen to get a garbage bag,” Rogers said with a laugh. “When we took those dead flowers out of that space, she had to sit down on the bed because you could feel the shift in the energy of the space.”

The changes for her friend also came quickly, Rogers said.

“She did get a boyfriend like a

month later,” she said. “It happened fast.”

Rogers said one’s space can reveal what is going on in their psychology, which could be representing blocks in various parts of one’s life.

“You can use feng shui for anything you want to have happen in your life,” she said. “If you’re looking for a new job, or you are having

financial problems, there is symbolism in that.”

“When I start with a client, the first thing I ask is, ‘What are three things you want to improve in your life?’ I ask that even before I ask about their space so that we can have a guide as we go through their space.”

When she works with clients to improve the feng shui in their homes,

Rogers often identifies what she calls “feng shui no-nos,” such as having only one nightstand.

“I’ll usually say, ‘Now, tell me about this,’ and we can have a conversation about it,” she said, “and then I’ll give a suggestion of how to fix it.”

See ROGERS, page 25

“every home is unique because every client is unique.”

Success Written in Design

By AnA Good

Local lawyer Wendy PadillaMadden credits much of her success to incorporating the art of feng shui in her everyday life.

When she started working with Crestline-based feng shui expert Katie Rogers, Padilla-Madden said, everything changed.

“The magic that began happening in my life was instantaneous and it was such a fun journey,” she said.

At the time, Padilla-Madden said she felt somewhat “stuck” professionally and was wanting to change things up. She watched as many of her attorney colleagues landed of-counsel jobs at major companies rather than at law firms and hoped for a similar opportunity.

According to her website, PadillaMadden specializes in aspects of business immigration and global mobility, which meant her niche practice area required the right opportunity.

“I start working with Katie and suddenly the opportunity to work for Elon Musk of Tesla opens up,” Padilla-Madden said. “Sure enough, the right person is already working for Elon in a different role, and he knows me, and that opened the opportunity. Not even a few months later, I’m working for Elon.”

Padilla-Madden worked at Tesla as managing counsel for global immigration from 2016-2017 and transitioned to outside counsel for the company in 2018. From there, she said, she was able to open her own law firm – a dream she’d always had.

“Now I have my own firm, but I still represent big companies and get to work and play in the big leagues, so my cases are really interesting and are very diverse,” she said.

Padilla-Madden said she was first introduced to feng shui when her sister built a house that incorporated elements of the practice. The effects she saw were “incredible” and she set out to find a consultant to also work with.

“She’s very, very easy to work with,” Padilla-Madden said of Rogers. “Especially, I would say, because she’s very respectful of your beliefs. She helps you find solutions to your space so that the energy flows better in ways that resonate with you.”

Padilla-Madden said Rogers first worked with her in her home and, eventually, in her office, as well. Though her colleagues did not necessarily understand the feng shui work

the real meaning, which was they loved the energy.”

Padilla-Madden said she worked with Rogers to create various sections throughout her home and office that help her manifest her desires.

“If I would say, ‘I want to travel more, we would work on the travel section and we started putting pictures of different cities there. One of the cities that we put in was San Francisco, which is where I landed at Tesla.”

Feng Shui at Santos Coffee

Apart from her work as an attorney, Padilla-Madden co-owns Santos Coffee with her sister, Katie. Padilla-Madden said she and her sister inherited the family coffee farms in Guatemala and were going to sell them until they discovered their history.

“We discovered that our grand-

that had gone into decorating the office, she said they often commented on how they felt in the space.

“The response from all of my colleagues was always, ‘Your office is so cool. It feels so wonderful in here. It’s so inviting here. I love the colors.’ They were explaining it in words that made sense to them. But I understood

mothers had rescued the farms from foreclosure in the 1930s and they had become the first female coffee farm owners in our region of Guatemala,” she said.

Padilla-Madden said she and her sister, who is a successful pilot who has also studied architecture, realized their own success and education positioned them to continue their family’s legacy.

“All of that energy, in my mind, has flowed in such a way because of feng shui and because of how I’ve worked with (Rogers) over the years,” PadillaMadden said.

Each of the Santos Coffee locations – in Hoover, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Birmingham –incorporated feng shui. Padilla-Madden said she worked with Rogers to design the first Santos location.

After she became certified as a feng shui consultant through Rogers’ Wind Horse School of Feng Shui, PadillaMadden was able to incorporate everything she’d learned into designing the other locations.

Padilla-Madden said she still regularly keeps in touch with Rogers and seeks her advice on all things feng shui. Recently, she sought her advice when she wanted to incorporate a cure for the money section of her home. Working with Rogers, they came up with the idea to use an antique wire hen she had found at an antique store and fill it with golden eggs as a form of symbolism.

“What I realized is that I can play with feng shui and also with design to make a space harmonious,” PadillaMadden said.

Journal phtoo by Jordan Wald

From

No-No to Clutter

One of the big “no-nos” of feng shui is clutter, Rogers said, which can be a real block for people as an excuse not to move forward in life or represent a lack mentality.

Still, Rogers said it is important to not be too extreme in the de-cluttering and stumble into another “no-no,” which is to render one’s home void of personal touches and looking too much like a museum.

“One of the main features of feng shui is the front entrance of the home,” she said. “A key word with feng shui is ‘inviting.’ I’ve gone up to clients’ houses, for example, where I was wearing wedges or something similar and they had pavers where you feel like you are going to break your ankle. That is symbolically not very inviting. In our language we say, ‘It will turn the chi away from your home.’”

To invite good energy into one’s home, Rogers said, it is important to have for example, a doorbell that works and numbers that are clear on the outside of the house, as well as a little bit of color near one’s front door.

“Basically, if FedEx can’t find you, chi probably can’t find you,” Rogers said.

Having a leak in one’s home is another “no-no.”

“That represents a leak either in their energy, meaning their health could

be being affected, or their money. The idea is to go fix the leak, spend the money to hire a plumber and that represents taking care of their finances.”

Another time, while working remotely with a woman from Florida, Rogers noticed that the woman had many tangled-up bushes and trees on the edge of her property near the street.

“I said to her, ‘tell me about these. When I look at them, I feel like I can’t breathe,” Rogers said.

The client’s response, according to Rogers was, “Well, I do have asthma.”

many instances of red and busy Star Wars posters. “The bedroom needs to be a quieter space.”

Some of the changes, which she referred to as “fixes,” are common sense to an extent. But in other instances, people can’t immediately see what should be changed.

“People just don’t know the impact an image or a color can have on them,” she said.

Along with completing a questionnaire that details what clients want from their sessions, Rogers asks them to send her a floorplan of their home to help guide her suggestions. Though she no longer offers one-on-one de-cluttering with her clients, she does host a virtual group de-cluttering session every January.

Even when she works with clients who hire her for interior design suggestions, she still incorporates feng shui elements.

Rogers said she told the client to get the area trimmed up. After she did, she told Rogers she felt better and reported less frequent asthma attacks.

Rogers said she especially likes instances like these where she has been able to help people in areas involving their health.

When another client, whose son had been diagnosed with ADD, asked for her help, Rogers encouraged her to rethink her child’s bedroom.

“There was just a lot of energy going on,” she said, referencing too

Rogers said she moved back to the Birmingham area in 2010 and always knew she wanted to educate people in Alabama about feng shui. At first, the thought seemed a little daunting. Compared to California, where feng shui is a household term, Rogers found many in Alabama knew little of the practice. Yet, she found success.

“It’s been very well received,” she said. “There are enough people that are receptive to feng shui that I could build a career. It’s a great life, a fun career, certainly out of the box.”

For more information about Rogers and her feng shui business, visit katierogersfengshui.com.

‘There are enough people that are receptive to feng shui that I could build a career. It’s a great life, a fun career, certainly out of the box.’

90

Interior Design Q & A

Nancy Gowens has spent the last 14 years serving as the Operations manager/decorator of the Issis & Sons Furniture Gallery location in Pelham. Gowens and the team at Issis & Sons have been closely involved with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Decorators’ ShowHouse over the last several years, as well as participating in The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders Parade of Homes event with award winning results.

What inspired you to become an interior decorator?

Starting out in the flooring industry more than 38 years ago, then moving to window fashions, seemed natural to me. My experience kept me moving forward to new construction, working with home builders and future homeowners. From flooring, cabinets, lighting, furniture, even roofing and brick. Now most of my time is spent helping clients with their furniture, window and flooring needs at Issis & Sons. I have been truly blessed be part of the Issis & Sons team for approximately 24 years.

What upcoming home trends excite you?

Design is moving into new frontiers, with color making a huge splash in the forefront. Performance Fabrics are where it is! They allow you to live in a beautiful useable home. Gold metals are strong using a softer shade of gold. You will also see the blending of metals.

What is your favorite home design style?

It depends on the client, as a decorator – I believe it is important to fea-

ture the clients personality in their home (not mine). Whether it is vintage French, contemporary, traditional or a diverse range of styles, a good decorator will help the client to narrow down choices to find their personal style or mix.

Where do you get your best design ideas?

The best design ideas come from “the Project” questions to ask the client—what is the purpose of the area? What pieces of furniture have significant meaning, or it could be a piece of art.

What are some do’s and don’ts for DIY home decorating enthusiasts?

A word of caution ... Just because you see it on Pinterest does not mean it will work for your home. Talk over the concepts with a professional designer/ decorator and be realistic about your skill set, then full steam ahead!

Nancy Gowens and the team at Issis & Sons have been closely involved with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Decorators’ ShowHouse, including last year’s at Hallmark Farm.

What’s the best interior decorating advice you ever received?

Choose classic basics that withstand the test of time. Whether it’s a pillow, art, accessories or the main pieces. When it comes to choosing a sofa, chair, dresser, etc. purchase quality.

Final thoughts?

It is important that every time you enter your home joy is felt. Your home reflects the people who live there.

Shop local, I believe in working with local businesses to help the community and to have a face to communicate with, that personal touch.

BEAUTIFUL GARAGE INTERIORS

BRING on the BRISKET

Jewish Community Food and Culture Fest Includes “The Brisket Queen’s” Crowd Pleasing Dish

By Anne Ruisi

The delicious aroma of tomatoes, onion, garlic and Mediterranean spices wafts in the air just outside the kosher kitchen at the Levite Jewish Community Center on a recent weekday morning.

Inside, it’s a busy scene as half a dozen volunteers chop small mountains of raw onions and garlic cloves for the beef brisket being prepared for the center’s Jewish Food and Culture Fest on April 30.

About 2,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., said Katie Hausman, who is in charge of cooking for the fest. Tables will be set up for diners to eat their meal.

“We want everyone to stay and enjoy the day,” Hausman said, noting that admission is free, with food and beverages for sale.

Volunteers are central to the weeks of preparation needed to organize the event and cook the wide variety of Jewish delicacies that will be served. It takes four to six weeks to prepare the foods that will be served, Hausman said, noting that the group does not cook every day.

Last week, volunteers made 500 cabbage rolls and 25 pans of kugel, Hausman said. Kugel is a beloved traditional baked casserole usually made from egg noodles or potato and it can be sweet or savory.

Also on the menu are matzo ball soup, white-

Beard-Recognized Chefs Cooking for Fork and Cork

An inaugural fundraiser dinner to benefit Children’s Harbor Family Center in Birmingham will be held April 11.

The Fork and Cork Chef’s Dinner, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the historic Kress Building, 301 19th St. North, will feature dishes from the culinary talents of James Beard Award winner Adam Evans of Automatic Seafood and Oysters and five-time semifinalist Rob McDaniel of Helen Restaurant.

Children’s Harbor’s mission is to strengthen families of seriously ill children through refuge, respite and resources. The no-cost services are offered at the Harbor Family Center at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham and the Lake Martin retreat facility in Eclectic. Children’s Harbor has been in service since 1989.

Spinach Pies, Tabouleh and Zlaybeh Just Part of Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival

Mark April 21-22 on your calendars. The ever-popular Lebanese Food and

fish salad, bagels, falafels and corned beef sandwiches.

“It can be quite a challenge to get it all out,” said David Gonnerman, the LJCC’s communications manager.

Brisket is one of the most popular traditional main dishes served on Jewish holidays, such as Passover, and on Shabbat, the day of rest.

This day in the LJCC’s kitchen, not only are volunteers chopping onions and garlic, they’re opening giant cans of tomatoes and tomato sauce and prepping other ingredients. Once mixed together, the mixture is poured over briskets that are slow roasted at a low oven temperature for four hours.

Hausman said it takes three days to roast the 462 pounds – that’s nearly a quarter ton – of beef brisket that will be served at the fest.

All About the Brisket

The recipe to make the brisket comes from Sherron Goldstein, who is affectionately known as “The Brisket Queen,” Hausman said.

“It’s a crowd pleaser,” said Goldstein, who noted the recipe is one she developed and is in the cookbook she wrote, “Fresh Fields: A Celebration of Good Food.”

Brisket is one of the most flavorful cuts of beef, but it’s tough and needs tenderizing. Her recipe is kosher but a bit different from the way many Jewish cooks prepare it.

“This one roasts in a wonderful tomato sauce,”

Cultural Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church on Birmingham’s Southside.

Homemade Lebanese food will include baked kibbee, grilled lemon chicken, rolled grape leaves, spinach pies, meat pies, falafel sandwiches, tabouleh, Lebanese style green beans called loobia, rice, hummus and pita bread.

Make sure you leave room for dessert, which will include baklava, Lebanese ice cream and the tasty Lebanese donuts known as zlaybeh.

Entertainment will be provided by Amin Sultan Lebanese Band out of New York and the church’s youth will demonstrate traditional Lebanese dances.

Church tours and a silent auction are among the other activities during the festival.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.

While the festival helps support the church, 25% of all proceeds from the event go to charities other than St. Elias.

To date, more than $653,000 has been donated to local and national charities

she said. “It starts with a Jewish influence and ends with a Southern glow.”

Goldstein said that on the day of the fest, she’ll be out there serving brisket. “I’m always standing there with the brisket meat,” she said.

Josh Haynes, owner and chef at Alloy Thai in Birmingham, will be running the kitchen on the day of the fest. All the food that has been cooked and stored will be refreshed for serving, Hausman said.

The event is not only a celebration of Jewish food and culture, it’s a celebration of Israel’s 75th anniversary, Gonnerman noted. There will be a demonstration of Israeli dancing and krav maga, an Israeli martial art.

There also will be another Israeli-inspired feature, a small shuk, or open-air market, where goods such as dried fruit and spices will be available.

Israeli music will be played during the day and there will be children’s activities, Gonnerman said.

“We want to be a bridge between the Jewish community and the (wider) community,” Gonnerman said. “The fest is our gift to the community.”

Sherron Goldstein’s Roasted Brisket Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 large brisket, 12-14 pounds

3 cups chopped onion

3 tablespoons chopped garlic

3/4 cup brown sugar

1-1/2 cups ketchup

1-1/2 cups tomato sauce

2 cups diced tomatoes

1-1/2 cups water

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

1-1/2 teaspoons ground pepper

1-3/4 teaspoons Cavender’s Seasoning*

2 cups red wine

DIRECTIONS

Set the brisket in a large baking pan. Mix the remaining ingredients together and pour it over the meat. Bake at 325 degrees for four hours.

*In place of Cavender’s seasoning, you can use Greek seasoning or a blend, to taste, of oregano, parsley, basil and rosemary.

Ezell’s Fish Camp Serving for Autism Benefit

The 13th annual Funky Fish Fry to benefit children and adults with autism spectrum disorder will be April 15 at Avondale Brewing Co.

Autism Support of Alabama and Mitchell’s Place are joining together for the fish fry, which will be from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Autism Support

of Alabama’s junior board is hosting the event.

Ezell’s Fish Camp will cook up some of Alabama’s best fried catfish and sides while guests listen to the tunes of the Drennen Brothers, Automatic Slim, Murph and Live Wire. For the young ones, there will be a kids zone where they can play and have a good time.

Tickets are available online and at the gate for $25 or $40 for two, $15 for a to-go ticket or child’s plate, $10 for general admission. The event is free for children under 12, with food not included. For more information or to buy a ticket, go to funkyfishfry.com, email info@autism-alabama.org or call 205-951-1364.

CahabaQue Pits Barbecuers Against Each Other in CookOff Benefitting BCRF

A day of BBQ, beer and bragging rights is ahead for those attending the Spring CahabaQue BBQ CookOff on April 15 at Cahaba Brewing Co.

This semiannual BBQ cook-off to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama features teams of backyard grillers and professionals. Guests can try all-you-can-eat samples from each team’s BBQ offerings and vote for their favorite while enjoying craft beer and live music.

The gates open at noon for VIP guests and 1 p.m. for general admission guests. The event ends at 4 p.m. or when the barbecue runs out.

Enjoying the family friendly Funky Fish Fry in 2022 were Bess Troiano and Charlie Johnson.

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Billy Greene and other volunteers were busy in the kitchen last week roasting beef brisket.

FOODIE NEWS

Longtime Spartan Stepping Down

Mountain Brook High Principal Holley to Retire

By Anne Ruisi

You could say Mountain Brook High School Principal Philip Holley has spent much of his life in Mountain Brook City Schools.

He grew up in the city, attended Mountain Brook Elementary and the junior and senior high schools and spent 19 years teaching there before moving into administration in 2016.

Now, Holley is retiring at the end of this school year.

“I could not be more thankful to the community of Mountain Brook along with the students, teachers and staff members I’ve been blessed to be around for the majority of my career in education,” Holley said.

Holley has been the high school’s principal since 2018. He was the school’s assistant principal from 2016 to 2018 and taught biology at Mountain Brook Junior High for 11 years before moving into administration.

During his time at the high school, the school has been continuously rated as the top public high school in the state of Alabama and among the top 1% of public high schools in the country. Holley has also helped oversee the two-

phase renovation project of Mountain Brook High School from 2021 through 2023. This undertaking added 43 classrooms, a band room, a counseling suite and a dance studio, among other improvements.

“The first thing people notice about Philip Holley is his kindness and his love for Mountain Brook and its school system,” Mountain Brook Superintendent Dicky Barlow said.

“Philip’s story consists of a student, a teacher, and then the principal at MBHS. His insight and understanding of all things Mountain Brook helped us grow as a community. I will always be grateful to Philip for his commitment and concern for the students, staff and the community of Mountain Brook.”

Holley said what he has most appreciated about his career as an educator has been the ability to influence the

lives of countless students.

“The thousands of students I’ve been able to teach, lead and even learn from have been such a blessing in my life. I will always value my time in education and am especially thankful for my career in Mountain Brook,” he said.

That the high school is so great is due to the students, teachers and community as a whole, Holley said.

“I’ve made so many amazing

friendships and worked with great people,” he said.

“To be principal and to lead my former high school has been a lot of fun,” Holley added.

Among the personal highlights of his career was presenting high school diplomas to two of his three children with his wife, Jennifer. His daughter, Ryann, received her diploma in his first year as principal and his son, Harrison, graduated last year. His youngest child, Meg, is a fourth grader at Brookwood Forest Elementary.

Holley took his first job in education in 1995, when he taught at Erwin High School. He stayed there for four years, then he taught at Shades Valley High School for another four years, then moved to Mountain Brook Junior High School, where he taught for 11 years. He worked as assistant principal at Riverchase Elementary in Hoover for one year and then Vestavia Hills High School for a year as assistant principal. Then he went to Mountain Brook High when an assistant principal’s job came open.

Holley, an Auburn graduate with master’s degrees in secondary education and educational leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, will be 53 this summer. He said he’s not exactly sure what he’ll do in the future.

“I’m excited for whatever comes next,” he said.

Hoover Schools’ 2023 Finley Character Award Winners Honored

Two high school students and one teacher from Hoover City Schools are the winners of the 2023 Finley Character Award.

Green Valley Elementary School kindergarten teacher Jenny Smith, Hoover High School senior Kenneth “K.J.” Law Jr. and Spain Park High School senior Rayshod Burts are this year’s award recipients, according to a press release from the school system.

They were honored at the 28th annual Finley Awards recognition program on March 23 at the Finley Center. All nominees and grade-level winners throughout the Hoover system were also recognized.

Smith has taught kindergarten at Green Valley Elementary for 16 years. The Finley Committee received several nominations for Smith, including one from her colleague of eight years, Katelyn Schillaci. She said Smith is dedicated not only to her students and parents but also to her kindergarten team at the school. She’s known for putting others before herself and is always willing to help someone in any way – inside and outside of the school.

Officials with Hoover City Schools and the Finley Committee surprised Smith on Feb. 24 with the news that she was a Finley Award recipient for this year.

“It’s such a huge honor,” Smith said. “I’ve been here for 16 years and seen all of the students and staff members who have won the Finley Award over those years and have been impressed by their stories and character traits, so I know what a huge honor it is for this

school district.”

Kenneth “K.J.” Law Jr. Law, the Hoover High senior, was described in his recommendation letters as a well-rounded student whom everyone loves and looks up to in many ways.

His business teacher, Becca Mercer, said she credits much of the classroom environment to Law’s positive example in how he leads his classmates to act considerately and respectfully.

Law was one of 35 seniors nominated for the award at Hoover High.

Teachers and coaches who nominated him say he is not the average student. Like the late coach Bob Finley, for whom the award is named, Law is dedicated to Hoover and exemplifies everything great about high school studentathletes, they said. He is a multisport student-athlete, and his teammates turn to him for guidance and leadership. His teachers said he has succeeded because of his impeccable character, integrity, maturity, humility and work ethic.

Law played football and baseball all four years at Hoover High and has participated in the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Hoover’s Business Academy and the National Business Honor Society. He is also an active member of the Youth Usher Board at New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bessemer.

Upon graduation, Law plans to attend Tuskegee University to major in business administration while playing football for the Golden Tigers.

“This means a lot to me,” Law said

of the award. “I was shocked because there are a lot of great people here, my peers, who have great character. So, I was definitely surprised, but I’m very excited to be selected.”

Rayshod Burts

Burts, who was one of 28 Spain Park seniors nominated for the award, was described in his recommendation letters as a selfless servant leader with a big heart and the perfect example of what a student leader should be. He is described as an individual who embodies exceptional character, discipline and integrity. His coaches said Burts has a smile on his face every day, a great work ethic and a humble attitude. His teachers say he acts with generosity and compassion and is well-respected by his peers and teachers. Those who nominated Burts say he is consid-

ered the ideal candidate for the Finley Award because he embodies the spirit of what the award represents as a student-athlete and in the community.

As a Spain Park High School varsity football team member, he mentored young athletes and developed bigbrother relationships with aspiring players. Burts is known to take time to listen to the young athletes and give advice about overcoming challenges. His coaches say he demonstrates high standards on and off the field and takes pride in helping others raise their level of effort to meet expectations. He has a quiet leadership style that inspires others to be better.

Burts also is a 7A state champion wrestler for Spain Park and a member of the Fire and Emergency Services Academy at the Riverchase Career Connection Center. Head wrestling

coach Ryan Thompson said Burts loves people, as well as his teammates, and is always supportive. He added Burts can sense when people need help.

“I knew I positively impacted people, but I didn’t think I would win the Finley Award because there are so many in our class with great character,” Burts said. “It feels good to get this award that represents coach Finley. The past four years at Spain Park High School have been a journey, and I’ve grown and learned so much. It’s all about being humble. Pray, stay positive and have a good attitude. There’s no need to be negative.”

Burts is still deciding his plans after graduation. He says he’ll either attend Jefferson State Community College in the fall to study for an associate of science in emergency medical technicianparamedic and then become a firefighter or attend college to continue wrestling.

The award honors Finley, whose legacy of exemplary character lives on in Hoover City Schools for young men and women to emulate. Finley was an educator and coach at W.A. Berry High School from 1963 to 1994, one who endeared himself to the community as a gentleman with a genuine concern for others, was well-respected and was committed to his faith, family and professional calling.

The Finley Committee created the Finley Award program in 1996 to pay tribute to Finley’s character and legacy and to recognize outstanding character found within Hoover City Schools.

Finley Committee members Ray Hardman and Mark Edwards, far left and far right, with 2023 Finley Character Award winners Rayshod Burts, Kenneth “K.J.” Law, center from left.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Courtesy Mountain Brook City Schools

Phillip Holley grew up in the city, attended Mountain Brook Elementary and the junior and senior high schools and spent 19 years teaching there before moving into administration in 2016.

Like Father, Like Son

Vestavia Hills’ Jackson Harris and His Dad Bring Competitive Spirit to the Diamond

By RuBin E. GRant

Jackson Harris doesn’t mind that he can’t escape his father’s shadow. He prefers it that way.

Harris, a senior first baseman/ pitcher, plays on the Vestavia Hills baseball team that his dad, Jamie Harris, coaches.

“I love it,” Jackson Harris said. “I know some people see it as a challenge, but I can’t imagine playing for anybody else, especially in high school. He’s hard on me, but he just wants me to get better.”

Jamie Harris admits it’s challenging to coach his son, especially since they have similar personalities.

“It’s been the best and hardest thing I’ve ever done,” coach Harris said. “He’s just like me. We look alike and we dress alike. We’re both hardheaded and competitive.

“I try to let one of my assistants coach him ‘cause I just want to be his dad. It’s hard to look at him as a coach ‘cause I am his dad. We’ve found a pretty good balance. We don’t take a lot of it home.”

Still, there are father-son clashes.

“Neither one of us likes to lose,” Jackson Harris said. “Neither one of us thinks we’re ever wrong.”

Somehow, they have made it work for a number of years, considering Jackson Harris has been playing base-

ball practically his entire life.

“He’s one of those kids who wanted to play from the time he could walk,” coach Harris said. “He was walking and running at 9 months old, and he had a ball and bat in his hands soon after that. It’s all he’s ever wanted to do. We had a wall in our den where he could throw a tennis ball off it, and he did that day and night. He loved the sport from Day 1.”

Even so, there was a little bit of a father-son disagreement when Jackson Harris began playing competitively.

“He wanted me to be right-handed, but I did everything left-handed,” Jackson Harris said. “He wanted me to be a shortstop because he was a middle infielder.”

Instead, Jackson Harris developed into a two-way player, splitting time on the mound and at first base.

“I’ve always pitched,” Jackson Harris said. “I love pitching. It’s a different mindset. I don’t like to talk on the days I’m pitching. I focus on getting in the strike zone.”

Jackson Harris mixes an 83-85 mph fastball with a curveball and change-up.

“He’s one of those lefties who throws three pitches for strikes,” coach Harris said. “He works fast and he throws strikes. He’s not afraid of pitching to contact.”

Jackson Harris has a 3-0 record

Winning Team

OTM Miracle League Celebrates 10 Years of Bringing Smiles to Children and Adults Alike

By RuBin E. GRant

Shay Hammonds wanted her sons to learn the value of volunteering while they were growing up, so she tried to become involved with the Moody Miracle League near Leeds.

But whenever Hammonds contacted the Moody league about her and her boys volunteering, she was told they already had enough volunteers.

So Hammonds decided to form a Miracle League in Hoover, where she lives.

“I didn’t want to give up,” she said.

It took three years of fundraising and organizing for the Over the Mountain Miracle League to come to fruition. Now it’s celebrating 10 years as a league, playing on a specialized field at the Hoover Sports Park East to accommodate children and adults with mental or physical challenges.

The OTM Miracle League baseball field has a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices.

The league’s inaugural season was

the spring of 2014 with Hammonds and her sons as volunteers.

“It’s so hard to believe it’s been 10 years,” said Hammonds, who is treasurer of the league. “It’s still a lot of fun. Each year we’ve been watching it grow. I can’t believe how big it’s gotten. I love it.”

Miracle League was founded in 1998 to provide children with mental and/or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league.

The first Miracle League field opened in Conyers, Georgia, in April 2000. There are presently 240-plus Miracle League organizations across the country and in Puerto Rico and Canada, serving 200,000-plus children and adults.

Matt Bearden, president of the OTM Miracle League, estimates 140 to 150 children and adults participate in the spring and somewhat fewer in fall.

The spring league began March 4 and will run through April 22.

“Our league has three playing groups and is available for anyone 5

Heading into last weekend, Harris was batting .458 with an .607 on-base percentage and 1.421 on base-plus slugging percentage.

this season, but it’s at the plate where he really excels. He has led the Rebels in hitting the past two seasons.

This season, heading into last weekend, Harris was batting .458 with an .607 on-base percentage and 1.421 on base-plus slugging percentage. Of his 27 hits, 14 had gone for extra bases, two doubles, three triples and two home runs. He had drawn 13 walks and been hit by pitches 11 times. He also had 22 runs batted in and scored 19 runs.

“I’m a line drive hitter,” Jackson Harris said. “Power is not my thing.”

Perhaps, that will change as Harris becomes more muscular. He’s 5-foot10, 185 pounds.

“He was always on the smaller side growing up,” coach Harris said. “He’s put in a lot of hard work and changed his body. Pound for pound he’s one of the strongest guys on the

Still Following Dad’s Footsteps

Jackson Harris will have someone else in his ear next season, but his dad won’t be far away. Jackson Harris has signed with Samford.

“My dad played at Samford and I thought it was cool to follow in his footsteps, and Samford is close to home,” Jackson Harris said.

Jackson Harris is hoping to help bring his dad a state championship before he heads to college.

years and up,” Bearden said.

“Sometimes, we have players on the field who are 5 with players in their 50s. We also have a group from Glenwood that comes over.”

Glenwood is a nonprofit agency dedicated to serving children, adolescents and adults with autism and other behavioral health needs.

Buddy System

To help the athletes, Miracle League uses a buddy system, pairing each player with an able-bodied peer through

team.

“Two years ago, he was mainly a singles hitter, but now he’s hitting doubles, triples and home runs, and he’s throwing harder when he pitches.”

Jackson Harris credits his dad for his development as a hitter.

“I’ve been hitting with my dad day in and day out since I started playing,” he said.

This spring someone else has been throwing batting practice pitches for Jackson Harris. His dad had shoulder surgery for a torn rotator cuff a few months ago.

“He had surgery and can’t throw BP, but he still gives me hitting lessons,” Jackson Harris said. “He’s about a week out from being healthy enough to throw. He has not liked it. He has had to be a vocal leader at practice.”

To help the athletes, Miracle League uses a buddy system, pairing each player with an ablebodied peer through community volunteers who provide assistance and encouragement.

community volunteers who provide assistance and encouragement.

“Our players may not be able to run the bases or hit the ball as well as some of their peers, but they have an equal amount of love and determination to play baseball,” Bearden said. “We want to help them achieve that dream because everyone deserves a chance to play.

“I think what makes it special is the blessing we get from the experience with the players and volunteers. We’ve got a strong core of volunteers, coaches, team moms, snack providers and PA

Vestavia Hills reached the Class 7A semifinals in 2022 and has many of their main players back, including Harris and 14 other seniors. Four of those seniors also have signed college baseball letters-of-intent: outfielder Christopher Johnston, Auburn; pitcher Jable Ramey, Huntingdon College; and pitcher Ryan Vermillion and catcher-outfielder Hudson Walburn, Jacksonville State.

The Rebels have a 21-4 record and are ranked No. 6 in the latest Alabama Sports Writers Association poll. They play in Area 5, arguably the toughest Class 7A area in the state. All four teams are ranked, with Tuscaloosa County (24-3) and Thompson (24-4), ranked Nos. 1 and 2. Hoover (14-9) is ranked No. 7.

Vestavia Hills opened area play Tuesday at Thompson and will host the Warriors in a doubleheader Thursday at Sammy Dunn Field.

Jackson Harris believes the Rebels can make another run at a state title. Vestavia Hills hasn’t won a state championship since 2000.

“I think we can do something special,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of talent. We just have to put it all together at the right time.”

announcers. Since we provide everything, it’s a joy to see the parents just sit and watch their children play.”

Rich Mandes’ son Micah has played in OTM Miracle League since its first season. Micah Mandes, who is autistic, had played in a league in Pensacola, Florida, before the family moved to Hoover in 2009, so he’s been involved for nearly half his life. He’s 34 now.

“He’s always had a love for baseball,” Rich Mandes said. “He watches historical films about the game and he’s a huge (Atlanta) Braves fan.

“The Miracle League is a way for him to participate and be a part of a world that normal kids participate in. He looks forward to it every spring and fall. It’s become a part of his life.”

It also has become a big part of Mandes’ and his wife, Jan’s, lives. Mandes served on the board of the league in Pensacola.

“It’s a huge blessing and fulfillment for both of us,” Mandes said. “It’s a double dose, volunteering and seeing all the smiles of the kids and young adults as well as the buddies and volunteers –and we get a chance to see our son play.

“It’s hard to describe what it’s like when he goes out and hits the baseball and comes back and yells, ‘I did it.’”

For more information about the OTM Miracle League visit: otmmiracleleague.org/new

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Photo courtesy Matt Bearden

WARREN

From

She doesn’t face many shots on goal because of the Patriots’ strong defensive backline that includes, among others, Tangye, sophomore Amelia Blish, junior Caroline Petrella and senior Sunny Ferren, who has signed with Longwood University. Ferren is the lone returning starter defender from last season.

“We graduated four of our five starters on the backline, but the newcomers have jelled well,” McBride said.

They have given Warren a mea-

SPARTANS

From

has committed to Georgetown. He had three goals and an assist in the Spartans’ victory against Father Ryan that secured the Smoky Mountain Cup title. He has 23 goals and eight assists this season.

Another key player returning is senior Vance Phillips, the MVP of the state championship game last year. He has scored 18 goals and has six assists.

And then there’s sophomore defender Jude Smith.

“He has a really interesting story,” Mountain Brook coach Joe Webb said. “He was part of the team last year, starting as a freshman as

sure of comfort.

“Compared to a lot of other teams, we don’t get many shots on goal,” Warren said. “Our defense is pretty good.”

Several Talents

On the basketball court, Warren, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 9.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals this past season and was voted to the All-OTM girls team. Her basketball skills have helped her with being a goalkeeper.

“I’m pretty good with my hands, catching the ball, and I’m pretty agile, good at moving my feet and moving to the ball,” Warren said.

we won the first championship in school history. He was also part of the wrestling team that won its first state title, too.”

In the Class 6A AHSAA Wresting Duals championship match in January, Smith defeated Mortimer Jordan’s Gavin Files at 160 pounds by an 8-2 decision to help the Spartans capture the title by a 32-27 score.

“He’s the first person to win two state championships in two sports in the same calendar year and it happened to be the first championships for the school in both sports,” Webb said.

Webb said the Spartans’ returning players are playing well but have had to shoulder a lot more responsibility this season, despite the presence of

But there’s one skill she didn’t possess.

“I was really bad punting at first,” she said. “I had to learn how to do it because it’s so different from anything I’d done. I’m still learning.”

Soccer and basketball aren’t the only two things Warren does at Homewood. She’s also a member of the drumline on the marching band, playing snare drum.

“I was in the sixth grade when I started doing band,” Warren said. “I chose the drums because it is the best instrument for me, the coolest instrument and the most fun to play.”

11 seniors on the roster.

“We have a lot younger group in terms of experience,” he said. “It’s not just experience but game knowledge. We’ve got some young talent, but it takes a while for them to know what to do.”

Mountain Brook closes the regular season next week with games at Vestavia Hills and at home against Indian Springs. The playoffs are scheduled to begin April 27 and then the Spartans can begin their quest to repeat in earnest.

“We’re going to have to work hard to defend it, but we’re trying,” Webb said. “We have to get healthy. We’ve had a minimum of 2-3 starters out every game. That makes it tough. If we get back healthy we’ve got a chance.”

VHSC PRE-TRYOUT CAMP Boys & Girls: Ages 2016-2005 (U8-U19) Dates: May 8-10

VHSC COMPETITIVE TEAM TRYOUTS Boys & Girls: Ages 2011-2005 (U13-U19) Dates: May 15-16

VHSC U8-U12 TRYOUTS Boys & Girls: Ages 2016-2012 (U8-U12) Dates: May 22-23

All dates open to ALL PLAYERS from ANY CLUB!

This spring her beats are coming on the soccer field as the Patriots try to repeat as Class 6A champions. They are a talented group. In addition to Ferren, they have two other players who have signed to play at the next level. Massie is headed to

Furman and Grace Studinka is headed to Mississippi College.

“I think we have a good chance to repeat,” Warren said. “Some games have been a disappointment, but we believe in ourselves and we have a lot of talent.”

Kayla Warren was recently voted to the All-OTM girls basketball team. Her basketball skills have helped her with being a goalkeeper.

Like Father, Like Son: Vestavia Hills’ Jackson Harris and his dad bring competitive spirit to the diamond. Page 30

SPORTS

Thursday, April 6, 2023 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

By RuBin E. GRant

Spartans in the Homestretch

Health Key to Mountain Brook Boys’ Soccer Team’s Quest to Repeat

Winning Team: OTM Miracle League celebrates 10 years of bringing smiles to children and adults alike. Page 30

As the 2023 high school soccer season enters the homestretch, the Mountain Brook boys team appears poised for a repeat.

The Spartans won the program’s first state championship in 2022, capturing the Class 6A crown in an overtime thriller against Pelham and finishing with a 25-2-2 record.

This season, the Spartans have continued to enjoy success. Before taking off last week for spring break, Mountain Brook won the Smoky Mountain Cup in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, beating Davidson from Mobile 3-1 along with Tennessee teams Fred Page (returning state champion from Franklin) 3-2 and Father Ryan (state runner-up from Nashville) 5-2.

Coach Joe Webb earned career win No. 490 in Tennessee as the Spartans improved to 15-1-4 overall.

Mountain Brook is ranked No. 2 in Class 6A and No. 4 in the Super Poll (all classes). The Spartans have absolutely dominated Area 10 play against Pell City, Shades Valley and Woodlawn, recording five shutouts, four by 10-0 scores. They were scheduled to close area play at Shades Valley Tuesday.

Returning Players

Mountain Brook returned 11 players from last season, including Jack Heaps, a 5-foot-9 senior midfielder, and 6-4, 220-pound senior goalkeeper Reed Harradine, who is headed to

Mountain Brook returned 11 players from last season, including Jack Heaps, a 5-foot9 senior midfielder, above. Vance Phillips, left, the MVP of the state championship game last year has scored 18 goals and has six assists this season.

The Spartans’ only loss was 2-1 to Northridge on Feb. 28. Their four ties came against Northgate from Newnan, Georgia, 1-1, Briarwood 3-3, Fort Payne 3-3 and Homewood 0-0.

‘Natural Athlete’

Patriots’ Warren Takes Her Talents From the Basketball Court to the Soccer Field

By RuBin E. GRant

Kayla Warren was in the weight room with some of her Homewood girls basketball teammates in the fall, working out alongside some members of the Patriots’ girls soccer team.

Maddie Massie, senior captain for the soccer team, approached Warren, a junior team captain on the basketball team, about joining the soccer team, even though Warren hadn’t played the sport in high school. Warren had dabbled in soccer a little when she was in the third grade.

Katie Crim, the Patriots’ standout goalkeeper from their 2022 Class 6A state championship team, had graduated and gone on to play at Oglethorpe University near Atlanta, so Homewood needed a new keeper.

Massie figured Warren was athlet-

ic enough to replace Crim this season.

Warren figured, why not give it a try. She didn’t have anything else going on in the spring except AAU basketball. She went to tryouts and is now the starting goalkeeper for the Class 6A No. 1 ranked Patriots (14-41).

Warren admits she was a little uneasy when the season started.

“I was nervous the first few games,” she said, “but I got a lot of positive reinforcement from my teammates and coaches. The more I practiced with the team, I became pretty confident I could do well.”

Warren has a few of her basketball teammates on the soccer team –junior Susie Whitsett, sophomores Annie McBride and Hollis Tangye, and freshman Ryanne Ezekiel — to make her feel at home.

Alabama to play football as a kicking specialist.

Heaps was the 2022 Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year after scoring a school-record 33 goals. He

See SPARTANS, page 31

One of the main hurdles Warren had to overcome was not being too hard on herself.

“I had to learn that not every goal the other team scored was necessarily my fault, that it’s not on me,” Warren said. “A lot of people have been encouraging me that when a goal is scored to keep looking toward the next play.”

Homewood coach Sean McBride said Warren has made steady improvement throughout the season.

“She’s done well for the first time playing soccer and being put in the position of goalkeeper, a specialized position,” McBride said. “She’s a natural athlete and it’s been a learning process for her, where to position herself in the net, when to come out and when to stay back.

“Her game awareness has improved. Every game she’s gaining more confidence and her teammates are gaining more confidence in her.”

Warren doesn’t remember her first save, except she said, “I was just glad it didn’t go into the net.”

See WARREN, page 31

Journal file photos by Bryan Bunch

Photo by Scott Butler