Mountain Brook Magazine, Fall 2023

PHOTO BY KELSEA SCHAFER

arts & culture

13 Mallory Lane’s Leap of Faith: Changing Careers to Pursue her Passion

22 Read this Book: Anthony Vacca’s Best Spooky Reads in Time for Halloween

schools & sports

23 Failing Forward: Learning Life Lessons by Building Robots

30 Five Questions For: Sophia Li, A U.S. Presidential Scholar

food & drink

31 Daniel George Restaurant: A Legacy Spanning Two Decades

40 Five Questions For: Harriet Despinakis Heffner, Co-Owner of Melt Lane Parke

home & style

41 Shook Hill Chateau: Homebuilders Ann Marie and Brian James’

Latest Transformation

PHOTO BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

MOUNTAIN BROOK

MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL

Lizzie Bowen

Robbie Hess

Anna Grace Moore

Barton Perkins

Andrew Simonson

Noah Wortham

CONTRIBUTORS

James Culver

Rachel Culver

Christiana Roussel

Kelsea Schafer

Untold Imagery

Anthony Vacca

DESIGN

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING

Octavia Campbell

Evann Campbell

Jessica Caudill

Kari George

Michaela Hancock

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Lauren Morris

Viridiana Romero

Tori Montjoy Smith

ADMINISTRATION

Alec Etheredge

Mary Jo Eskridge

Madison King

Stacey Meadows

Tim Prince

Brittany Schofield

Savana Tarwater

Anna Willis

James Culver, Photographer

James lives in the Birmingham area with his wife, Rachel, a native of Homewood, and their three children, Callie, James III and John Michael. James is a graduate of Auburn University and spent years in Atlanta working as a graphic designer, creative director and photographer. He specializes in event, real estate and portrait photography, and he can be found on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @jculvercreative and at jculver.com

Daniel Dennis, Photographer

Daniel is the co-founder and co-owner of Untold Imagery. He’s been practicing photography for many years, but he started pursuing it professionally in 2020. Daniel enjoys being able to compose an image in his mind and seeing it come to fruition through perfect lighting and composition. His primary focuses with photography are travel, food and branding. To learn more about Untold Imagery, follow the business on Instagram at @untold_imagery or visit untoldimagery.com.

Christiana Roussel, Writer

Where should we have dinner? Where should we go on our next family vacation or couple’s getaway? What kind of shotgun should I buy? These are all queries writer Christiana Roussel has answered in recent months. While food writing is her original passion, she has really enjoyed expanding her repertoire to include travel and sporting activities that might involve an upland adventure. And no, it is not just because there might be a need for new clothes for the expedition.

Kelsea Schafer, Photographer

Kelsea is a student at Hoover High School. She lives in Hoover with her family and two dogs, Fendi and Riley. When not in class, she is behind the camera, shooting sports, events or senior portraits wherever possible while running Kelsea Schafer Photography. During her free time, she is often at Lewis Smith Lake, enjoying all things sun, boating and wake surfing with her family and friends.

Delectable Cuisine

Daniel George Restaurant is celebrating its 23rd anniversary in Mountain Brook Village.

WWhat does it mean to fail forward, exactly? At 17 years old competing for a full-ride speech scholarship to the University of Alabama, I couldn’t tell you. My senior year of high school, I competed in original oratory and impromptu speaking, placing in every single competition but one–the one that mattered most to me.

During the preliminary round, I had just come off a high, having earned great scores from all of my judges in original oratory thus far; that is, until I had one judge who didn’t just hate my act, but also seemed quite embarrassed to witness my speech.

I sat down in a nervous wreck. I thought I had performed well, but obviously, I’d missed out on the secret to winning–by a landslide. It didn’t help that when practicing my speech, I’d retreated to what I thought was the women’s restroom before my event for some solace to ease my anxiety.

A guy on crutches stumbled in, immediately apologized and as he awkwardly tried to hobble away, re-read the sign on the door, saying very conspicuously, “Men’s.” I was in the wrong restroom.

The “cripple” as I would later refer to him jokingly hobbled in just after my flop, and of course, performed with flying colors. The judge loved him, and after his performance, offered a few tips to just me in front of the other contestants in the room.

My point in this painful retelling of “the scholarship that got away?” I did not understand the positivity in failing.

Mountain Brook City Schools’ former robotics teams coordinator James Salvant, thankfully, teaches his students a very different version of “failure.” He believes without the ability to make mistakes, no one would learn anything.

Mountain Brook Schools’ robotics teams are all student-led, meaning through trial and error, the students are learning how to handle rejection because often, they see rejection several times before they witness success.

Seven years later, here’s what I’ve come to learn: I probably was not as good as I thought I was, and I needed to learn to walk in humility.

To the robotics students I had the pleasure of featuring in this issue, I’d like to say thank you for this sweet reminder that accepting failure does not mean accepting defeat; rather, it is an opportunity to grow and learn life lessons such as, living humbly.

Happy building, folks!

Photo by Untold Imagery Design by Rowan Futrell

@MountainBrookMag

Tag us in your Mountain Brook photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.

@charlie_the_ minigoldendoodle

Happily fur-ever after.

@drrohner_kiddmd

Favorite part of summer!? Beach ball prizes!!!

@garden_and_grace

@hollandwilliamsphotography

I’ve been meaning to share some exciting news with all of you… but these days, when I’m not with clients I am MOMING-so-HARD. Y’all. I cannot thank you enough for voting me: BEST PHOTOGRAPHER in Mountain Brook! I am so honored - thankful for each and every one of you. I love my job and I have the best clients in the world. Thank you so very much!

Southern Charm | blooming hydrangeas, generous ferns and a rocking chair front porch Photo: @jallsopp Landscape Design: @falkner_gardens

What are your top movie selections others should watch this fall?

Everything Everywhere All At Once was so wacky but definitely a must watch! Bullet Train was also really good!

-Alyson Gulledge

Back to the Future, Kingsman and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

-Barton Perkins

Pulp Fiction. GWTW. The Godfather.

-Buddy Floyd

The Sound of Music, Babe and Indiana Jones

-Drusilla Gassenheimer

Bull Durham, Perfect Storm and The Guardian.

-Josh Burback

Edge of Tomorrow, Arrival and Identity

-Melissa Garrard Sanders

Everything Everywhere All At Once

-Michael Ruffino

Avatar Way of Water, Woodlawn and any Indiana Jones - to prep for the new one released at the end of June!

-Paula Dickson Lambeth

THE MYSTICS OF MOUNTAIN BROOK PARADE

OCT. 31

4 P.M. Crestline Village

What started more than a decade ago as a way to incorporate a little bit of Mardi Gras into Mountain Brook is now one of the city’s most beloved traditions. Trent Wright and his sister Casey Wright Horn started this tradition to pay homage to their roots, and now, thousands of spectators line the streets in Crestline Village every Halloween, eager to view the parade. Parents, be advised to bring bags or buckets for children’s candy and arrive early! Stay updated on this event at facebook.com/ mysticsofmountainbrook.

THE GUIDE

Photo by Harry Long, 81 Shop

AUG. 12

Crestline Tent Sale

Crestline Village

Join the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce for this annual shopping extravaganza! Businesses will set up shop in front of their storefronts for this tent sale, offering special discounts for the back-to-school season. To stay updated on this event, visit business. mountainbrookchamber.org/events and click on the “Crestline Tent Sale” tab.

Pink Up the Pace 5k & Fun Run

1 P.M.-5 P.M. CRESTLINE FIELD AT CRESTLINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Hosted by the Junior Board of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, Benton Nissan and ABC 33/40, the sixth annual Pink Up the Pace 5K & Fun Run is back! The race includes a 5K and a “Dolly Dash,” which is a

one-mile fun run for children. Kids are welcome to run, walk, bike or “scoot” to the finish line, according to this event’s sponsors. Whether you run or you walk, all are invited to sign up and raise awareness for breast cancer research. After the races conclude, participants are invited to join in on the event’s sponsored refreshments,

live music, face painting, petting zoo and inflatable obstacle course. Registration fees are $35 for adults, $25 for children ages 4-12 and free for kids ages 3 and under. Check in begins at 1 p.m.; whereas, the races begin at 2 p.m. For more information or to register, visit bcrfa.org/ events/putp.

TUESDAYS THROUGHOUT THE FALL

Taijiquan: Beginner Yoga Series

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

TUESDAYS THROUGHOUT THE FALL

Terroir Tuesdays

Golden Age Wine

WEDNESDAYS THROUGHOUT THE FALL Bingo

Craft’s on Church Street

FRIDAYS THROUGHOUT THE FALL

Storytime at the Gardens

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

SATURDAYS THROUGHOUT THE FALL

The Market at Brock’s Gap Brock’s Gap Brewing Company

AUG. 3

Business After Hours: School Supply Drive Little Professor

AUG. 12

Fairytales and Frogs Day

The Birmingham Zoo

AUG. 12

Gavin Degraw

Presented by Iron City Bham

AUG. 19

Boiling N’ Bragging Fundraiser Otey’s Tavern

AUG. 29

Coco Jones: What I Didn’t Tell You Tour

Presented by Iron City Bham

SEPT. 9

Sweet Baby James: The Number One James Taylor Tribute Red Mountain Theatre

SEPT. 9

Birds on the Boardwalk

Oak Mountain State Park

SEPT. 16

Nickelback: Get Rollin’ Tour

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

SEPT. 22-24

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Oak Mountain State Park

SEPT. 28-30

Vintage Market Days of Birmingham

The Finley Center

OCT. 4

Janelle Monae: The Age of Pleasure Tour

Presented by Avondale Brewing Company

OCT. 12-15

Stomp Muni Fest 2023

Oak Mountain State Park

OCT. 15

John Crist: The Emotional Support Tour

Presented by The Alabama Theatre

OCT. 16-27

Kenya Unmatched Safari Tour

Presented by The Birmingham Zoo

OCT. 23

Oktoberfest

The Birmingham Zoo

NOV. 5

Lil Uzi Vert

Presented by Avondale Brewing Company

NOV. 8

Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Luncheon

11 A.M.-12:30 P.M. THE COUNTRY CLUB OF BIRMINGHAM

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly luncheon is the perfect time to network with like-minded business professionals. Networking begins at 11 a.m., and lunch and the program will follow at 11:30 a.m. Admission is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Register at business. mountainbrookchamber.org/events.

NOV. 16

Crestline Holiday Open House

The shops of Crestline Village will host their annual holiday open house and will be staying open after hours to welcome shoppers for light refreshments, holiday discounts and festive camaraderie to last the

evening. Stay tuned for more information about this event by following the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and Instagram or by visiting business. mountainbrookchamber.org/events.

ARTS CULTURE&

TALK ARTSY TO ME

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but Mallory Lane’s art makes the message obvious.

BY ASHLEY WHITTLE TIEDT

PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER

MMore of a Hobby

Mallory was born in Indiana and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, where she graduated from Brentwood High School. She left Nashville and moved to Tuscaloosa to study Management Information Systems. As she had done in high school, Mallory continued to take art classes at Alabama when they fit into her schedule.

“It was relaxing,” Mallory says. “I would get together with my other creative friends and we would just paint. My major was very intensive, especially the last year or two. That is a way to unwind a little.”

Upon graduation, Mallory’s art was relegated to the weekend as a hobby. Soon, Mallory’s career took her to New York City, where she spent her days working for Microsoft and her nights and weekends visiting art galleries around the city.

“That was kind of my informal art education because my friends and I made a point of going to

shows,” she says. “I got to learn a lot about some of the artists that you would learn about in art history. I also learned a lot about post-modern pop culture artists. I love contemporary. I love funky!”

Working for Microsoft is where Mallory fell in love with PowerPoint. Creating art is how she processes her emotions, pouring her whole self into the canvas meant to be displayed in someone else’s space.

“PowerPoint is Microsoft’s best product,” she explains. “When I worked at Microsoft, I loved to design decks. Now, I actually design my pieces on PowerPoint instead of sketching.”

Covid Changes Everything

In 2020, like the rest of the world, Mallory found herself isolated at home.

“Covid was very hard for a lot of people,” Mallory notes. “There were a lot of restrictions in New York. I lived alone and found myself doing more and

more art to pass the time.”

During lockdowns, Mallory started “The Artist Way,” which is a 12-week program that is built to help artists dig deeper and connect more with their creativity. It was therapeutic in a way, providing an outlet for the anxiety and loneliness of the time.

She would spend the day working remotely for Microsoft and her evenings perfecting her craft. She also began commissioning work during that time, selling the majority of her work save for a few pieces.

“The Artist Way” program, the pandemic and the

commissioning and selling of her artwork had started to make Mallory think about what a change could mean for her life.

“I started evaluating and thinking about what I am most proud of that I’ve done in the last few years,” Mallory says. “So that analysis is something that really made me think more seriously about doing it full-time.”

The Leap of Faith

The decision to leave Microsoft was not an easy one for Mallory.

“I love the company, I love everyone I worked with,” she explains. “I truly have nothing bad to say about it. I just thought if I were to reach my career aspirations at Microsoft, I would never feel as proud as if I were to build an art career or build a small business on my own.”

For the next six months, Mallory wrestled with whether to leave New York. Eventually, she moved back to Nashville and started the process of determining where to start her art career. Mallory’s husband, best friend, sister and brother-in-law all decided to move to Birmingham, so Mallory decided it was time to move there as well.

Mallory began looking all over the Birmingham

I spend time in prayer, just asking for creative guidance. I want to make sure that it’s something that’s really special.

-Mallory Lane

area to find the perfect place to live and finally stumbled upon Mountain Brook.

New Beginnings

Mallory believes that anything you take in comes back out of you. The beauty and charm of Mountain Brook shines through her artwork. While Mallory creates art to sell at shows, most of her work is commissioned.

To begin the process, Mallory sets up an hourlong interview with her clients to learn more about the art she’ll be creating, asking questions about their lives and passions.

“I think of a theme based on the interview,” she says. “I spend time in prayer, just asking for creative guidance. I want to make sure that it’s something that’s really special. During that time, I determine what stamp will be used on the piece. So my faith definitely impacts my work a lot.”

Mallory will listen to sermons and Christian books while she works. She doesn’t just create the art, she custom-builds the canvas before she begins to paint. They are built in unconventional shapes that will fit together on the buyer’s wall. She uses acrylic paint for the color blocking and then creates custom stamps for the text on each piece.

“I really like that process,” Mallory explains. “A lot of times, the text is what really resonates with someone and makes them feel like the piece speaks to them. It’s also something I want to embody or that sets the tone for a space.”

The space is also special to the process. To truly customize the experience, Mallory needs to get an accurate representation of being in the space. If one is local to Birmingham, she wants to be in the space and embrace it. If one isn’t, a virtual tour of the space will do.

The most interesting part of Mallory’s process brings her back to her Microsoft roots.

“I build the art in PowerPoint first,” she explains. “It helps me to design it in that way first before I begin to create.”

She won’t always show the client the PowerPoint design first, but building it in that way allows Mallory to brainstorm and design, while allowing her to see the design before it is on the canvas. Inspiration is everywhere for Mallory Lane; from Microsoft to Mountain Brook, she’s talking art everywhere she goes.

Those interested in commissions can visit mallorylanecreative.com or follow her on Instagram at @mallorylane.creative.

Best Spooky Reads

An Arabian Nightmare (1983)

By Robert Irwin | Thriller/Suspense

Anthony Vacca is a librarian with 15 years of experience. It’s his firm belief that for every promising new book released, there are a hundred older books even better. He is the host of the O’Neal Library’s ongoing series, Under the Mountain, a monthly celebration of all things spooky in books, movies, music, even comics. Here, Anthony offers his five best “spooky” reads in time for Halloween.

Acclaimed scholar of Arabic literature Robert Irwin understands that the history of storytelling has always been informed by a relish for the strange and terrible. Set in 15th century Cairo, this vibrant fantasy follows a smug English spy who becomes afflicted with the titular disease, which infects its victim’s dreams before bleeding into and then replacing reality. Eerie, exotic, perverse: bad dreams have never been so delicious.

Aura (1982)

By Carlos Fuentes | Thriller/Suspense

Unable to resist an unusual job listing, a young historian is hired by an ailing widow to edit the memoir her husband left unpublished, with the caveat that he must stay in her house for the duration of the assignment. Naturally, the reader won’t be surprised that nothing good awaits our hero: inexplicable nightmares, waking phantasms and a mysterious ingenue, who is more sinister than she seems.

The Driver’s Seat (1970)

By Muriel Spark | Psychological Fiction

Muriel Spark wrote lean, often off-kilter novels, and she did so with fearlessness and a ruthless sense of humor. Notably unnerving is “The Driver’s Seat,” a steely account of a woman’s final holiday abroad. It’s not so much what this woman does that makes this book so alarming; rather, it’s that Spark’s writing is so sharp that the reader is led haplessly from the unassuming into horror. This isn’t a book that seeks to comfort, but there is always a morbid wit at work, and the clear-eyed understanding of the hurt that is to be human.

Ill Will (2017)

By Dan Chaon | Horror/Crime Fiction

A grief-stricken psychologist loses himself in a patient’s investigation of an online conspiracy involving drowned young men; concurrently, his guilt-ridden teenage son fumbles his own attempts at locating his drug-addled best friend. These narrative threads converge as the reader uncovers their family’s connection to a quadruple murder during the Satanic Panic of the 1980s. With “Ill Will,” Dan Chaon demonstrates the horror genre’s indelible influence on the contemporary thriller, delivering an elusive mystery that oozes with menace. Not for the faint of heart, but never without a world-weary sense of humanity, this novel is a mature work of cosmic dread.

Satan in Goray (1933)

By Isaac Bashevis Singer | Historical Fiction

The early Yiddish short stories of Isaac Bashevis Singer are overrun with wisecracking demons, grotesque depictions of bodily possession and the downfalls of prestigious men of faith who mistake madness for a kind of holy foolery. Nowhere do these elements run as rampant as in his wonderfully macabre first novel, “Satan in Goray,” a madcap chronicle of a 17th century Jewish community that succumbs to deviltry and renounces devout living for ribald excess. Singer’s enthusiasm for the sinister side of the supernatural, along with his Earthy and erudite language, make this a dizzying mixture of historical research, profane humor and genuine spookiness.

Recommendations from Anthony Vacca Library Assistant II Circulation at the O’Neal Library

SCHOOL SPORTS&

THE POWER OF STEM

Mountain Brook Schools’ robotics programs have become world-renowned for student-led innovation.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOLS & CONTRIBUTED

FFrom April 25-May 4, 2023, nine robotics teams from Mountain Brook Junior High, Brookwood Forest Elementary and Crestline Elementary together competed at the VEX Robotics World Championship IQ Challenge, which was held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

Brought to competitors by the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation, the VEX IQ Robotics Competition involves student-led robotics teams who design, build and compete their robots in challenge demonstrations. This year, the competition’s challenge, Slapshot, featured students having to design and build a robot that could tilt, push and spin discs underneath a bar into different scoring zones for points.

As the students progress throughout the school year, so do their robots. While the challenge remains the same, the students will through trial and error advance their robots to overcome obstacles and

improve in efficiency as they compete against other teams.

Robotics teams in Alabama will compete in local tournaments, and if they win in their divisions, they will advance to the state tournament which is held each year in Auburn. If teams qualify for advancement at the state level, they will go on to compete at the world championship, which is quite exclusive.

This world-wide competition is composed of more than 40 different countries’ teams. Crestline Elementary STEM teacher Amy Anderson says that each year, around 8,000 robotics teams from around the world will register for qualifying tournaments, but only 800 teams advance to go to the world championship. The top one percent will place and win awards.

Mountain Brook City Schools is the gold standard for robotics teams in Alabama, according to James Salvant, who was hired by the school district to

jumpstart the robotics programs more than 10 years ago.

“We started with 20 kids across the district, and when I left, we had almost 200 students involved in all five schools,” James says.

Mountain Brook wasn’t always the leading school system for robotics programs. In fact, the program started because one mother offered her basement for a handful of James’ students to meet after school and work on their robotics projects.

As time went on, James began taking students to competitions and helping them navigate the road to success. Soon, James was taking those same teams of students to other schools to teach others how to develop and implement STEM and robotics programs into school curriculums.

Mountain Brook City Schools slowly gained

world-wide recognition for the district’s growing robotics programs, which is unique in that students as young as 5 and 6 years old are getting hands-on experience with VEX products.

“We chose VEX because of its continuum,” Amy says. “In kindergarten and first grade at Crestline, we use these very simple robots that help teach kids how to give step-by-step directions.”

These young students are learning how to tell robots directions such as left from right, which helps them develop a sense of direction for themselves. The school system has also embedded a language arts curriculum with robots, where students will drive robots to pick out certain letters in sequence frequencies to spell basic words. Not only are these students enjoying playing with robots, but they are also learning how to spell,

kinesthetically.

VEX products range from elementary-age to college-level designs, meaning these curriculums can be taught at any age level.

“Computer coding is a language,” Amy says. “Just having the kids learn another way to communicate broadens their thinking. That takes a lot of problemsolving skills. That’s one reason we feel STEM at the elementary level is so important.”

Teaching STEM at a young age has proven to help students excel later on in life.

“I’ve had students go to [Ivy League schools] and get in just based on what they learned in robotics,” James says. “One young lady wrote her essay on how robotics changed her life and what it meant to her.”

Mountain Brook today has 40 different robotics

teams and hundreds of students competing across the district.

Two Brookwood Forest Elementary teachers, Sharon Mumm and Jennifer Jinnette, got to witness three of their teams qualify for the world competition this year.

“One of our teams, “Banana Juice,” was a firstyear team, and they made it to the division finals,” Sharon says. “Another team of all girls, ‘Omni Girls,’ did really well. They did a poster design, and their design won for the entire world competition.”

One Brookwood Forest student, Evalee McClellan, helped design the poster for her team last year, and her team won first place. She helped her team win in the design competition this year, too.

“Our third team, ‘Blue Wolves,’ started in their

happens Amazing

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries taking place today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures – benefitting not only our patients and families, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

fourth-grade year during Covid,” Sharon says.

The Blue Wolves actually began practicing robotics in one of their homes since in-person teams were not yet allowed to compete. Everything they built, they competed with virtually. The team ended up winning first place at the state level that year.

During another competition, the Blue Wolves faced a difficult challenge when one of their robot’s pieces snapped in two. With only minutes to recover, the team problem-solved and rebuilt the robot on the spot.

“They ended up getting third in their division,” Sharon says. “We are really proud of them.”

Jennifer says that every robotics team in Mountain Brook City Schools has one common thread: that is, they demand a standard of excellence achieved through having a good attitude, communicating and above all, working together as a team.

Referring to the Blue Wolves, Jennifer says, “They are a great example of what robotics can do for children.”

Robotics is a global phenomenon. At the world competition alone, 45 states and more than 40 countries were represented.

“We had kids competing with kids from China, Indonesia, Paraguay, Australia, New Zealand–all over the world,” Amy says.

When asked how Mountain Brook has earned such a credible reputation, Jennifer was quick to credit James for the program’s success.

“He has been so instrumental in making this program so good,” she says. “He is phenomenal with children. Robotics is authentic learning, and it’s really great to see.”

Amy and Sharon agree that James spearheaded this mission more than a decade ago, and the program would not be where it is today without him.

“He’s done a great job of mentoring us to keep the program going,” Sharon says of James’ work.

While James has relocated to work in another school district, he says his heart for serving students through skills-based robotics programs hasn’t faltered. He believes these skill sets students learn will translate into any career path they might choose.

One of his favorite sayings in robotics is, “We’re all failures here, and that’s okay.”

His belief is that robotics teaches the “fail forward” method, meaning overcoming rejection first begins with accepting failure but never defeat.

“If we’re not failing, we’re not innovating,” James says. “Nobody comes in here and is an expert on day one. I want students to be open to failing. It builds confidence.”

It’s beliefs like these that make James stand out as an educator, and Mountain Brook City Schools will forever be thankful for the lessons he taught to students throughout his career.

If a legacy is built through failing forward, James Salvant is the model example for all students to follow.

Sophia Li Yale University Student

Mountain Brook High School graduate Sophia Li was recently selected by a committee appointed by President Biden to receive a 2023 United States Presidential Scholars Award. The award was given to only two students in Alabama and 161 distinguished seniors from a pool of 3.7 million graduating high school students across the country. The selection criteria were based on many factors, namely, academic achievement, leadership and impact on the local community. Here, Sophia offers her thoughts and gratitude on being selected for this prestigious award.

What was your reaction to winning?

I was very surprised, but there was also a wave of gratitude that rushed through me. I remember being in my English class and packing up because the bell was about to ring. But when I grabbed my phone, I saw a notification from the Department of Education congratulating me. My instant reaction was to instantly jump out of my chair in shock and cover my mouth. I think my classmates probably thought I was crazy, but they were very happy for me after learning the reason behind that abrupt action.

What are your plans after high school?

I plan to go to Yale University where I will explore my interests through the university’s liberal arts education. Because I want to make the most of my academics, I intend to double major in Ethics, Politics and Economics (an interdisciplinary major only offered at Yale) and another subject I am interested in. Outside academics, I hope to continue my public speaking organization (msha.ke/genspeak) by

helping students in New Haven schools learn skills needed for life outside school.

What activities were you involved with in high school, and what do you hope to become involved with in college?

In high school, I was heavily involved in my speech and debate team, as well as the Justice Club and Heritage Panel. To me, my greatest achievement was being able to impact the community around me by creating free resources and conferences around public speaking, financial readiness and more that reached thousands of students worldwide. At Yale, I plan to join Dwight Hall, which is one of the only volunteering hubs that is entirely run by students. There, I will be able to help underserved communities in New Haven and do it with students from diverse backgrounds.

How do you want to give back to the community who has supported you?

This community has given me the love and support I needed to implement my projects successfully and thrive. I hope to continue the work I have done in order to

give this community the attention it deserves. Despite going up north for college, I plan to volunteer locally when I return and expand my organization to make an everlasting impact. Above all, I hope to be a role model for youths in the area and someone who they can come to.

What advice would you like to give to other young professionals such as yourself?

Don’t underestimate your potential, fail forward and give gratitude. My road to becoming the person I am today isn’t really conventional. My parents, having nothing, immigrated here from China in order to give their future family the life they never got to have. I couldn’t have asked for a better family growing up because they let me have control over what I do as long as I am “happy with my life.” Being independent allowed me to attempt many endeavors and subsequently fail, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to try in the first place without my parents’ decision to immigrate or the opportunities presented by my community.

FOOD DRINK&

DELECTABLE CUISINE

Daniel Briggs thanks Mountain Brook patrons for Daniel George Restaurant’s 23 years of business.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY UNTOLD IMAGERY

MMountain Brook residents have enjoyed upscale dining in an unpretentious environment at Daniel George “dg” Restaurant ever since owner Daniel Briggs and his then business partner George McMillan III opened their doors in August 2000.

“Daniel George was conceived by George and me during our down times as private chefs,” Daniel says. “There was plenty of spare time and desire for new restaurants in our city. We had trained hard and learned a lot from our jobs before, and along with our different styles, it was an opportune time and recipe for a new spot.”

Daniel and George both grew up in Mountain Brook as did Daniel’s longtime friend and general manager, Debbie McKinstry. Daniel and Debbie both graduated from Mountain Brook High School, and their children have grown up together, too.

“I have always been in the restaurant industry,” Debbie says. “I started working at a place that’s not in existence anymore called Bombay Cafe. It was

down in the Lakeview district. I worked there for years while I was in college up until I had my first child.”

Debbie says she first began working at dg when the restaurant opened nearly 23 years ago, and she chooses to stay because of the tight-knit friendships she has made with the staff that make her career so enjoyable.

“It’s a very laid-back place to work,” Debbie says. “Daniel is very easy-going. We’ve got a great kitchen staff. They all work really hard and make everything happen. Not very much of the staff turns over, especially the server positions. I would say most of the servers have been here seven or eight years.”

Daniel and George worked together to create dg’s reputation for fine dining and quality customer service until 2010. George sold his shares to Daniel and later went on to open FoodBar in Cahaba Heights. At this time, Debbie was promoted to general manager.

“George decided to do something different, but they had a lot of different ideas that really complemented each other,” Debbie says of Daniel and George’s working relationship.

Having weathered a global pandemic and recession, in July 2021, dg Restaurant underwent a radical transformation complete with new flooring, paint, lighting, artwork and more–compliments of designer Pam Evans of Maison.

“Thankfully, dg has evolved over the years to become a relaxed neighborhood restaurant,” Daniel says. “Our initial push for a fancy fine dining experience has been tempered and refined to be

more than a once-a-year destination. We have moved to a much more casual approach to the food (but not for service).”

Debbie agrees that while the restaurant is fronting its new look, the quality of food and exceptional service remains top priority. Serving becomes easy when the customers are always so kind, she says.

“The restaurant business is a hard one to keep going, so we’re really grateful to all of our patrons,” Debbie says. “We have a lot of repeat customers, even people that live right down the street. Sometimes, they walk here. The community is really supportive.”

Daniel says the growing community of friends from all over Mountain Brook makes dg a great place to work.

“Daniel George has always provided a lot of inspiration and affirmation,” Daniel says. “I love the hospitality and industry in general. Our goal is to make people comfortable and happy. Our guests have become our friends, and my staff has become part of my family. It is an immersive, interesting and satisfying job.”

When asked about the best cuisine on the menu, Daniel says he could eat fresh snapper and grouper every day, happily.

Other fan favorites on the menu include the pan-

Our guests have become our friends, and my staff has become part of my family. It is an immersive, interesting and satisfying job.

-Daniel Briggs

seared gulf white fish, which is paired with rock shrimp, spring lady pea and bacon succotash and basil aioli, and the roasted rack of lamb, which includes roasted pepper mashed potatoes, baby carrots, spinach and pistachio tapenade.

Debbie recommends newcomers peruse the cocktail menu and not forget dessert, too. Dessert specialties include a variety of pastries and chocolate-filled dishes, but the vanilla bean creme brulee and apple empanadas are some of the most popular.

The menu changes periodically as well. Daniel is always trying new things, eager to scratch his creative itch to make both aesthetically pleasing and delicious dishes to the community that has invested so much into him.

“Very simply, we are only here because of our customers,” Daniel says. “We are so thankful and ready to listen to their wants and needs.”

Debbie agrees that with wonderful customers, camaraderie between the staff and an inventive and encouraging boss, working at dg has been one of the best decisions she has made.

Daniel George Restaurant is located at 2837 Culver Road. It is open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-9:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Visit danielgeorgerestaurant.com for a full menu.

Food for thought

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Lunch Dinner

CORNMEAL CRUSTED OYSTERS with spicy remoulade

PAPPARDELLE BOLOGNESE

Beef, pork, caramelized onions, shiitakes, roasted tomatoes and parmesan

Dessert

WARM CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE with chocolate ice cream

2700 HWY 280, STE 300 WEST BIRMINGHAM, AL 35223

(205)930-9595

drrrousso.com

THE FACE OF EXCELLENCE

Dr. Daniel Rousso and Dr. Austin Adams operate daily on patients who are preparing for weddings, summer vacations, reunions, and other special occasions. The most popular surgeries this season continue to be Facelift, Rhinoplasty, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Blepharoplasty, Buccal Fat Removal, and Hair Restoration.

Our aesthetic services also include Filler, Botox, Radio Frequency Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Dermalinfusion Facials, Lip Blushing, Laser Hair Removal, Chemical Peels, BBL Hero/IPL Laser Treatment, Microblading, and much more. Visit www.drrousso.com to learn more!

This beautiful 67-year-old patient wanted to look as young as she feels She went to Dr Adams to receive a Facelift, Endoscopic Browlift, and SMAS to the nasolabial folds and lips to create a naturally lifted and refreshed appearance

This gorgeous 27-year-old patient went to Dr. Rousso for a Cosmetic Rhinoplasty to refine her dorsal hump and bulbous tip for a more balanced profile

Austin S. Adams, MD

Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons

COUNTY WALTON

BEYOND THE BEACH

While the sugar-white sand is certainly a signature of Walton County, unlimited sights and activities add true depth to its personality. These unique neighborhoods are intertwined by the colorful local culture, as well as the surrounding waters – from the Gulf to the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Antique shops and stylish boutiques. Worldwide cuisine and Gulf-to-table fare. Championship golf courses and a thriving arts scene. The wide variety ensures that every day offers a completely new experience.

UNEXPECTED SURPRISES

Head north of the Bay to discover Freeport, DeFuniak Springs and Paxton – equally steeped in rich history and pristine natural beauty.

Surrounding Lake DeFuniak, Circle Drive was once home to the vibrant local Chautauqua Assembly. Visitors can tour the classic architecture of nearly 200 homes and buildings, about 40 of which are noted in the National Register of Historic Places.

Morrison Springs is a 161-acre park highlighted by a crystal-clear, spring-fed pool 250 feet in diameter. Dive enthusiasts flock here to explore the deep underwater cavities, but it is equally attractive to casual swimmers and eco-tourists as well.

Nestled within the expansive Nokuse Plantation preserve, the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is a great home base for exploring the longleaf pine ecosystem. This hidden gem welcomes budding naturalists of all ages to learn more about the power of biodiversity.

5 FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

The beloved sandwich and burger joint, Melt, first began as a food truck in 2011, and the owners, Harriet Despinakis Heffner and Paget Pizitz Taylor, opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Avondale in June 2014. On Thursday, Jan. 12, Harriet and Paget relocated their Avondale location to Lane Parke. Today, Melt has two franchises: Hoover and Huntsville with one on the horizon in Auburn scheduled for an early 2024 opening. Here, Harriet offers her thoughts on relocating to Mountain Brook and the support from the community.

What is your favorite menu item?

I have several favorites! Some of these include the honey baked goat cheese appetizer. It’s a unique treat that is sweet and savory, served with locally baked sourdough. Another favorite are our hand-breaded fried pickles with our house made jalapeno ranch. These are unique because the cut of pickle is a whole sliced pickle, not a wedge or pickle chip. Finally, my favorite sandwich is The Ole Smokey. This has been on the menu since the food truck days. It encompasses all the great things of Melt’s signature sandwiches. It has high quality smoked turkey and bacon, melted cheddar, fresh lettuce and tomato, house-made smoked mayo all on locallybaked bread. It is named after Paget’s Dad!

What do you recommend newcomers try?

That is a tough question to answer as we have something for everyone including vegan cheese, gluten-free bread, salads and sandwiches. However, I typically

recommend our classic grilled cheese and our tomato basil soup to someone who has not eaten at Melt.

Tell us about the camaraderie between the customers and staff.

Our Lane Parke customers enjoy the interaction with our wonderful service staff. We have board games that customers take to their tables, and the atmosphere is whimsical and fun. We have repeat guests that ask for their favorite server or sit at the bar with their favorite bartender.

What beverages does Melt serve, and which do you recommend?

The Matilda loaded is our signature cocktail named after our beloved first food truck. It has Absolut citron vodka and blackberry basil lemonade. At Lane Parke, we also have adult “capri” suns. We custom-make them, and some options are pina colada or bushwhacker. They are very fun and delicious! We have a fabulous

happy hour Tuesday-Friday from 2-6 p.m.

Out of all the spots to go into business, why Lane Parke? Tell us about the community’s support.

Lane Parke was on our radar pre-Covid. We did not make the move then due to Covid, but the opportunity came back to us in early 2021. We loved the location and neighborhood. The community has been fantastic! The Mountain Brook Chamber, the residents and other businesses have been extremely supportive. I was born and raised in Mountain Brook and still reside here, too. For us, seeing our neighbors as well as new and repeat guests is one of the most rewarding parts of running this business. We appreciate everyone who visits Melt Lane Parke, so come see us!

Melt Lane Parke is located at 1011 Jemison Lane and is open TuesdaySaturday from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Visit ilovemelt.com for a full menu.

Harriet Despinakis Heffner

Co-Owner of Melt Lane Parke

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

HOME STYLE&

RESTORING GLORY

Revitalizing a house’s history by preserving details often overlooked by the naked eye.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

Neighboring chateaus line Shook Hill Parkway, creating both a quiet and quite distinguished locality for those who love Southern architectural charm. Built in 1987 by Anne Bruno LaRussa and Benny LaRussa, this 11,205-square-foot home sits on 3.47 acres and houses seven bedrooms and bathrooms. This “self-contained resort” also hides a lovely pool paired with a separate guest house and tennis court in the private quarters behind the home.

Thirty-five years after its erection, this residential beauty had seen better days and was in dire need of a makeover. Enter stage right, real estate developers Ann Marie and Brian James. Upon first meeting the aging mansion, Ann Marie saw potential where others saw disaster.

“We probably see 100 prospective houses a year,” Ann Marie says. “We might buy two or three out of 100. We’ve done almost 400 houses. [Brian] knew I was going to buy this house when we walked in.”

The dynamic duo purchased the home in 2022. At this point, the house had been sold several times with Ann Marie and Brian being its latest owners. The Jameses spent six months renovating the home, getting it ready for its future owners.

“Everything you see has been touched,” Ann Marie says.

Notably, the Jameses are also the founders and owners of White House Interiors, which is a onestop-shop for furniture and home decor that first opened in September 2017 and later moved in 2019 to its Brook Highland location. The second White House Interiors location also just opened in Hoover in October 2022.

When asked how they manage a growing furniture retail business and have time to build and renovate

multiple houses a year, Ann Marie credits her employees, her husband and her faith for their collective success.

“We’re blessed to have the most loyal, talented, hard-working team,” Ann Marie says. “I wouldn’t do what I do everyday if I didn’t love the people that we work with.”

The people who work at White House are different because they enjoy what they do and are loyal to the company, Ann Marie explains. She believes that her and Brian’s business is much like a family in that it takes a village to keep things running.

Brian, too, is the backbone of the business, according to Ann Marie. While neither she nor Brian came from architectural or interior design backgrounds, Ann Marie says she and Brian met later in life, joined their blended families and decided to take a leap of faith and invest in their first property. While she became ridden with anxiety, Brian remained a beacon of strength, assuring her that the Lord would walk them through their newfound journey.

Today, Ann Marie says she and Brian have thoroughly enjoyed 17 years of joyful union together, even while moving 14 times. Brian jokes he does not recommend living in “construction zones,” although he and Ann Marie are hands-on with every project, designing the floorplans and overseeing construction themselves.

Above all, Ann Marie and Brian both agree that they strive to live as authentically as they can, trying to reflect the Lord’s blessings by creating homes worthy of artistic praise and for those who need them most. For this Shook Hill chateau, they hope their touch in preserving this house blesses the family who will one day call it home.

The Face of the Home

Entryway

Guests are greeted with a stunning view of of a crystal chandelier from Fine Art Lighting, adorning the 20-foot ceiling when they first enter the chateau.

Lounge

Ann Marie chose a palette of neutral colors mixed with different textiles to create a subtle yet sophisticated allure to this room.

Fireplace

This two-story, custom-made fireplace is made of limestone and serves as an authentic reflection of raw talent, compliments of a local artisan.

Study

A unique choice, the study’s walls are paneled with wood in a coffered design–a stylistic choice first popularized in ancient Rome. A Civil War portrait of J.E.B. Stuart, who was a confederate general, hangs fittingly in the study among the plethora of history on the wooden shelves.

Kitchen

The kitchen was the longest renovation out of any other room, Ann Marie says. The couple opted for a more avant-garde style, painting an egg shell white hue over Brazilian cherry wood cabinets. They utilized Calacatta quartz countertops and gold finishes to set the mood for the stately room.

Living Room

This sitting area adjacent to the kitchen serves as a site of fellowship during the James’ many gatherings.

Dining Room

Playing to traditional Southern couture, Ann Marie incorporated a 12-foot mahogany dining room table that seats 14 into this room, which overlooks the front lawn. Along with this gorgeous hanging candelabra, a quite grandiose China cabinet fits nicely into the room against the dexter wall.

Master Bedroom

Every piece of furniture, throw, pillow and artifact decorating this room and many others in the house are all from White House Interiors. Ann Marie is a mom to four and understands the burden of the “washer always running,” so she uniquely included the washer and dryer into the walk-closet adjacent to the master bedroom to be closer to where “all the laundry lives.” Now, homeowners can wash, dry, iron and fold or hang up all of their laundry without leaving the room. Brian says Ann Marie truly does think of everything.

A Milestone in the Making

Town and Country Clothes owner Laurel Bassett reflects on the business celebrating its 80th anniversary in Crestline.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER

Crestline Village is one of Mountain Brook’s staple communities. The quaint, family-owned shops line the streets, providing customers a plethora of Southern hospitality within every door they enter.

Customers have easy, walkable access to amenities such as the Mountain Brook Police and Fire Departments, the O’Neal Library and the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, as well as many local restaurants such as Porch and Otey’s Tavern that fill up with patrons every weekend.

Life moves more slowly here. People don’t rush; they peruse through the streets, taking their time and taking in the beautiful brick-and-mortar scenery that is Crestline Village.

One such business, Town and Country Clothes, has a story that predates the end of WWII back in 1943. The founder, Margaret Bowron, first developed the company out of a house in Crestline.

She sold women’s clothing, jewelry and more in the laid-back atmosphere of the home.

If women were going to shop for laid-back, comfortable clothes, the space where they shop should reflect this mood, too, current owner Laurel Bassett says. Even when Margaret relocated the business to its current spot on Church Street, the calming atmosphere the staff creates for the customers never changes.

“It’s a great place to be,” owner Laurel Bassett says. “The villages are very unique and walkable. I like being able to visit the other small stores in the village. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Laurel first started working for Town and Country Clothes when she was 17 years old. As a student at Mountain Brook High School, Laurel would co-op, getting off early in the afternoons to go to work.

She continued working for the business when she graduated and pursued her art education and

painting degree from Birmingham-Southern College, where she met her husband. Some of the staff have been at Town and Country long enough to see Laurel graduate from high school and college, get married and have her two children.

One employee, Marsha Meadows, has worked for Town and Country Clothes for 30 years, and to this day, still loves what she does.

“It’s just nice that everybody gets along,” Laurel says. “Everyone looks forward to coming to work. Nobody really works here because they have to. They work here because they want to. It’s great to have a small business where I can bring in my daughters

and everyone is super nice to them. One of them said, ‘Mom, why is there no stranger danger here?’”

While Town and Country maintains close-knit relationships between the staff members, they also know every repeat customer’s name by heart. Sylvia Goldberg, a long-time customer and friend, purchases gift certificates for all of her friends and always brings gifts for Laurel’s daughters whenever she stops by.

“Even though I think all of the small businesses in the area have much better customer service than generally some larger stores do, I would say ours still sets us apart because we really prioritize

having such personal relationships with customers,” Laurel says. “Since our employees value those relationships, they’re very focused on helping people really find the best outfits for them.”

Laurel says some customers will learn Marsha’s schedule, making sure to shop when she will be in store. It’s these kinds of relationships, she says, that have helped the business thrive over the last 80 years.

On Thursday, March 2, the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, commemorating Town and Country’s 80th anniversary. Laurel says it was the chamber’s most well-attended ribbon-cutting ceremony to date.

More than a hundred people came out to shop, and even more wished us well in person and online, Laurel says. This support from the community is amazing, she says, and even more so when she’s allowed to create in a fun environment.

Laurel has since utilized her background in art to make jewelry from precious metals and also dyed fabrics to make blouses and scarves to sell in store. She studied under local artist Toni Tully for a year before branching out and incorporating her own art business into Town and Country’s apparel line.

Laurel also took a six-hour metal smithing course at Studio by the Tracks. The rest of her talent, she

says, is self-taught.

“It’s nice to be able to make custom pieces that work into our product mix,” Laurel says. “I really like putting my art on other people and having them wear it as a form of their selfexpression. It’s nice to find one-of-a-kind pieces a good home.”

Even Laurel’s husband and daughters have scratched their creative itch, trying their own hands at creating custom, wearable garments.

“I’m most proud of these cuffs,” Laurel says, pointing to her jewelry. “I mainly just played around with it on my own. I started making some bead and wire bracelets and selling them through the store in college. That’s when the previous owners let me go to Market with them because they felt like I had an eye for it.”

Laurel’s eye for eclectic design and her work ethic helped her become a managing partner in 2007 and two years later, Laurel assumed full ownership of the business, having worked there 12 years.

A decade later, Laurel and her husband still love to go to Market, especially in New York to find the small vendors that often have one-of-a-kind products.

“With the increase of market costs in New York, some of the smaller vendors we’ve seen in the past haven’t been able to go post-pandemic,” Laurel says. “There’s one that has a store in Laguna Beach, so we made a trip there for spring break and got to pick out all of these one-of-a-kind pieces.”

This dedication to finding only the best of the best products is one reason customers continue to shop at Town and Country, Laurel says.

“Our focus is really on clothes women are going to want to wear everyday,” Laurel says. “We do have some special occasion clothes, but Renuar and Habitat in particular make clothes that people want to wear over and over. Easy fit, eastto-care-for fabrics, pretty colors. In recent years, I feel like we

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in the South got back out there more quickly. [Our vendors] have been good at listening to our customers’ needs.”

Laurel doesn’t just appeal to her customers. She has also expanded Town and Country’s impact by partnering with nonprofit organizations such as the Assistance League of Birmingham and the Arc of Central Alabama in their annual fashion shows.

This summer, the Arc of Central Alabama held its annual fashion show at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Hotel and Spa in Hoover, Alabama, and Laurel dressed a model and provided the commentary for the show. She helped raise money and awareness about the Arc’s programs.

Laurel says she looks forward to these events because they showcase some of the brightest young professionals in the community, looking to make their mark on the world.

With as supportive of customers as Town and Country has had over the years, Laurel says she feels grateful to use her business to invest in the lives of others, too. Thank you, she says, to everyone who has made this milestone of 80 years become a reality.

Town and Country Clothes is located at 74 Church Street. It is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Customers can visit townandcountryclothes.com for more information.

Mountain Brook Magazine

COMMUNITY INFLUENCERS 2023

It’s the people who make Mountain Brook the community that it is! Here we recognize some of those making an impact on others around them through their businesses.

owner Dr. Holly Gunn

GUIN SERVICE

10 55th St S • Birmingham, AL 35212 205-825-8996 • guinservice.com

Guin Service, LLC is a family-owned heating, air conditioning, plumbing and generator business that has served Mountain Brook and surrounding areas since 1958. Joseph Braswell, the current owner, is the grandson of the original owner, Bill Guin, and he lives in Mountain Brook. Guin is involved in the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce and many local charities. Guin feels blessed to have so many loyal customers in the Mountain Brook area and is proud to be able to give back to the community that has allowed them to be successful over the last 60-plus years.

2023

WOODHOUSE SPA

125 Summit Blvd • Birmingham, AL 35243 205-905-7676 • woodhousespas.com

Taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Woodhouse Spa focuses on healing both the body and the mind by offering therapeutic treatments in a calming and relaxing environment. They believe each spa visit should be a complete experience. Each guest should depart as a better person, both physically and mentally. Woodhouse Spa strives to give back to the community that supports them because after all, charity and good deeds are also therapeutic. Come and visit Woodhouse Spa soon!

Hither & Yon

By Christiana Roussel | Photos Contributed

Go farther afield this fall with trips to some spots that might not have been on your radar before. When you’ve done the mountains, beach and lake year-in-and-year-out, it might be fun to change course and discover some place altogether new.

Photo courtesy of Thomasville Center for the Arts

Thomasville, Georgia

Fall is a phenomenal time to head south for this small-butsophisticated town. Pass through pecan groves and cotton fields, over red clay roads and under canopies of live oaks before reaching the storied bricks of downtown Broad Street. Known as The Quail Capital of the World, the season opens in early November and draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe. A conservationist’s dream, this Red Hills Region, with its hills of rolling wiregrass and longleaf pine, is a biodiverse wonderland. But whether you come for the bobwhites or just a long weekend away in a vibrant and charming town, Thomasville hits all the right notes.

Photo courtesy of Thomasville Center for the Arts

Photo courtesy of Thomasville Center for the Arts

What to Do

This region has a rich and storied history that is centered upon the land. After the Civil War, many northern industrialists came to the area and purchased large parcels, building magnificent plantation-style homes. The vast majority of these are still privately held, but visit a site such as Pebble Hill Plantation to learn more—explore the grounds, take in the museum, attend an on-site art show or event. pebblehill.com

Whether you grew up shooting or are new to the sport of upland hunting, there is no finer place to chase quail than in the Red Hills. The lucky few lock down their invitations to private plantations when offered, while others book spots at places such as Pine Hill Plantation in nearby Donalsonville or Rio Piedra Plantation in Camilla or Orchard Pond Estate in Tallahassee (just 30 miles south).

If you just want to get a taste of the sporting lifestyle and history, attend Kevin’s Southern Game Fair (Nov. 9-11). This annual event kicks off the season and serves as a fundraiser for Tall Timbers, a non-profit organization dedicated to land stewardship and conservation. kevinscatalog.com

If quail is king in these parts, then the arts are queen. Philanthropy runs deep in the Red Hills and a robust arts scene is one of those beneficiaries. The Thomasville Center for the Arts (TCA) was founded more than 30 years ago as a creative hub for the community. TCA hosts exhibits and performances and offers a wide range of after-school classes (dance, drama, visual arts and design) to more than 300 students daily. The annual Wildlife Arts Festival (Nov. 9-19) is a 10-day celebration and fundraiser that spotlights the best of the region with events such as the Red Hills Rover Rally, Whiskey in the Woods, Fine Art Show, Artisan Market, lectures and workshops. thomasvillearts.org

Where to Stay

The Courtyard by Marriott is ideally situated at one edge of downtown, making it a walkable location to great restaurants ( Liam’s, Jonah’s, Sweetgrass Dairy, Grassroots Coffee, Hubs & Hops ) and shopping ( Kevin’s, Sensoree, C.H. Whitney, ABODE, Firefly, Relish, The Hare & The Hart ) Pebble Hill Plantation—Immerse yourself in the genteel surroundings of this estate, with a room in the Overflow Cottage or The Firehouse Apartment.

Staying for longer than a weekend? Book a VRBO or AirBnB.

Of note: Lagniappe Artistry Afield offers curated sporting, outdoor and cultural experiences around the world. This fall, they will partner with legendary gunmaker, Holland & Holland, to offer a three-day, two-night South Georgia plantation hunt boutique experience. One-on-one shooting instruction, bobwhite quail hunts from mule-drawn wagons and world-class dining are all included. Secure your spot at artistryafield. com.

Photo Courtesy of the City of Thomasville Office of Downtown & Tourism Development

Photo courtesy of Thomasville Center for the Arts

What to Expect

Even if you don’t know a hind-end from a muzzle, there is so much to enjoy at this ultra-luxe 300-acre property, where no detail has been overlooked: the soaring 20foot high marble-clad lobby, adorned with oil paintings of beloved canines and horses; the English-saddle-festooned Yellow Pony Pub ; the Hermès-inspired carpets that line the guest hallways; the sweeping floor-to-ceiling views of the Grand Arena from your suite.

What to Do

During eventing season, dine al fresco and watch world-class horses compete for $100k+ purses. Book treatments at the hotel’s 7,000-foot Calluna Spa . Shop for your next bauble at Lugano Diamonds or put the Master Sommelier to the test with wine pairings at Stirrups Restaurant . Or maybe you caught pastry chef Yohann LeBescond on Food Network’s “Summer Baking Championship,” and you’re dying to try his confections.

Of Note: Nov. 3-5, The Equestrian Hotel plays host to the Ocala Food & Wine Festival , where their chefs go head-to-head with celebrity chefs all weekend long. Bourbon, BBQ and Blues are the theme for Friday night. Breakout classes and Taste of Ocala take place during the day on Saturday, while that night, the chefs vie for guests’ tastebuds, as each prepares a different course for the grand dinner.

The Equestrian Hotel

Ocala, Florida

Horses may not be the first thing you think of when considering a Florida vacation, but hear us out: this is a destination like none other.

The city of Ocala—situated halfway between Orlando and Gainesville—traces its proud equine history back almost a century when industrialist Carl G. Rose founded Rosemere Farm in 1935, as the country’s first thoroughbred farm. Today, almost 1,000 horse-breeding farms and training facilities pepper the Central Florida region, known for its temperate winters and easy climate. No doubt, Carl G. Rose had visions of what Ocala could become but surely The Equestrian Hotel and The World Equestrian Center (WEC) would be beyond his wildest dreams.

Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography

Photo by Ethan Tweedie

Photo by Maven Photo & Film

Photo by Maven

Photo & Film

Northern Kentucky Bourbon Trail

When most readers think of bourbon, they think of Louisville. But, there is so much more to the brown water scene than just that one locus in lower Kentucky. Head north to the cities of Covington and Newport for a completely different take on the heritage spirit that has shaped this region.

Where to Stay

Downtown Covington is so visually charming that it has been the backdrop for scads of movies filmed in the area. Robert Redford, Zac Efron, Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise and Ryan Gosling have all shot scenes in the area. The Hotel Covington is a boutique hotel in the former Coppin’s Department Store space, very centrally-located. Their brand-new sister property, North by Hotel Covington, is just down the block. As the former YMCA, the hotel boasts design nods to its athletic past while featuring luxury suites and penthouses (for ahem, visiting movie stars perhaps)?

What to Do

Plan a long weekend here to explore the region’s B-Line, Northern Kentucky’s self-guided Bourbon trail. A number of local craft distilleries, bars (all of which have been named to The Best Bourbon Bars in America list) and restaurants have earned coveted spots. Print out your passport before you go or pick one up at any stop along the line.

Stop in to Revival Vintage Spirits where co-owner and curator Brad Bonds shares his passion (and collection) of found spirits. The passage of the 2018 Vintage Spirits Law allowed bars and retail shops to purchase “dusties” from individuals’ collections and Brad’s collection is jaw-dropping. The best part is, these spirits are meant to be opened, tasted and enjoyed. The full bottle might set you back a pretty penny, but Brad is happy to sell individual pours that will knock your socks off.

Prohibition Bourbon Bar (and Newberry Bros. Coffee

Café & Bistro)—Owners Kim and Peter Newberry are as charming as you hope they might be, as stewards of one of the largest collections of bourbon anywhere in the world. Enjoy a pour from any of the thousands available and then come back the next morning for Peter’s hand-turned-out pastries and uber-fine coffee.

New Riff Distilling Company—Take a tour and tasting of this family-owned independent spirit maker where their core Bourbon riffs on the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act, ensuring a consistent and often times exemplary product, are free of artificial flavor enhancements or colorings.

At Second Sights Spirits, two former Cirque du Soleil engineers and prop designers hand-crafted their spirits in a fortune-teller themed venue. Just across the street, in the old Ludlow Theater building, is Bircus Brewing, owned and operated by a former Ringling Bros. circus clown, Paul Miller. Come for the up-and-coming circus acts that regularly perform here, and stay for the pizza.

Where to Eat

Emily Wolff and Paul Weckman are the husband-and-wife team behind several standout eateries in town, namely Frida, Otto’s, The Standard and Larry’s. Their newly opened Mama’s on Main in Mainstrasse Village is classic Italian where red sauce rules and the lively décor emulates their passion for these dishes.

The Baker’s Table and The Baker’s Table Bakery are where Chef David Willocks and designer Wendy Braun create stand-out fare that is both seasonally-sophisticated and approachable in a lovely relaxed atmosphere. Go early, and enjoy a cocktail with house made shrubs.

What the heck is ‘goetta?’ This local staple with German origins is a sausage-like mixture of pork, beef and pinhead oats. Pronounced “get-UH,” you’re likely to see this item on breakfast menus or on pizzas in the region. If you try it and REALLY love it, come back for GoettaFest, held on the banks of the Ohio River with neighboring Cincinnati just across the iconic John A.

Roebling Suspension Bridge.

Photo by Hotel Covington

Photo courtesy of Revival Vintage Spirits

Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce

CONNECTIONS

Ribbon Cuttings

New Member Spotlight

- Alabama Farm Credit

- PreSchool Partners

-Automated Payment Solutions

-Schoel Engineering

-Village Press, Inc.

-Amy Smith, State Farm

-Bridget Sikora

-Ray & Poynor

-Waverly Advisors

-Something You Couture

-Holley Camp Essay Coaching

-Worthington Mortgage

-Moe’s Southwest Grill

-Payroll and Benefit Solutions

-Onward Reserve

-PuroClean of Birmingham

-Handley Breaux Designs

-CB&S Bank

-Graceful Aging

Ladybird Taco, April 11

Marguerite’s Conceits 30th Anniversary, April 27

HUM Concierge , May 1

Welcome Back to the Chamber, Village Press

Christine’s on Canterbury’s 50th Anniversary, April 26

Summer Member Social

Kaitlyn Allemand, Mason Ashford, Mary Cate Cone, Madilyn Crye, Mary Carter Culpepper, Mary Jackson Darnall, Steele Darnall, Ann Wesley Harrison, Conner Hughes, Jessica Long, Lizzie Meadows, Charlotte Monroe, Lilly Nomberg, Carley Northam, Anne Reynolds, Eastin Spotswood, Flynn Thomasson, Lucy Thorstad and Houston Yarbrough

EASTER EGG ROLL

1. Landon Bendall

2. Maeve Lukasik

3. Bradley Dawson

4. Annie Weir

5. Chase, Becky and Milly Charles Tomlin

6. Barrow and Morgan Wade

7. Posing with the Easter Bunny

8. Lane Ross, Mary Kyle, and Lilly

9. Sarah and Harris Centeno

10. Caroline and Reed Muse

11. Brock, Cyrus and Hobbes

12. Annie Weir

13. Hobbes

14. An Easter Egg Collector

PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Easter Egg Roll on Saturday, April 8 at the O’Neal Library.

MOUNTAIN BROOK HIGH SCHOOL’S GRADUATION CEREMONY

1. Denton Russell

2. Moira Dowling

3. Vaughn Frost

4. Sophia Li

5. Henry Boehme

6. Davis Campbell

7. Gri Cashio

8. Patty Ann Frierson

9. Brianna Morris-Finley

10. Carson Rehder

11. New graduates

12. Board Members and Superintendent Dr. Dicky Barlow

13. New graduates

PHOTOS BY MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOLS

On Thursday, May 18 at Samford University’s Pete Hanna Center, the 56th class of Mountain Brook High School graduated! Three hundred and twenty-five students received their diplomas.

THE MOUNTAIN BROOK CHAMBER’S SUMMER SOCIAL

1. Millie Rudder, Katrina Porter, Shelby Weir and Shelia Kent

2. Gina Harris, Tom Nash and Challis Gamble

3. Shelia Kent, Susan Meadows and Gracie Barksdale

4. Aaron Nelson, Emily Jensen and Brent Cotton

5. Steve Noble and James Mounier

6. Lynn Yousif and Ashley FuquaParker

7. Davis and Mallie Rickard

8. Debbie Perkins and Alex McCain

9. Rosemary Weed and Alex McCain

10. Jeff Weissman and Millie Rudder

11. Beth and Vic Nigri

12. Kim McGuire and Alex McCain

13. Sarah Robinson, Lisa Christopher, Sheila Kent and Barbara Lummis

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

On Thursday, June 8, the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce hosted a summer social event to foster fellowship between chamber members.

ZOO BREWS

1. Jazmine Jordan, CJ Duchock, Phillip Thompson, Ashley Mathews with Joe and Joseph Thompson

2. Hannah and Joseph Baker

3. Sallie, Haynes and Les Chalkley

4. Ben and Alexis Lewis

5. Christine Patko and Heather Hurst

6. Leah Clayton and Tanner Botts

7. Kathleen Elebash and Ryan Lutz

8. Ashley and Richard Bates

9. Rebecca and Kevin Anderson

10. Catherine Fought and Will Hardwick

11. Marie and Tony Gibson

12. Tashauna Goldsby and Katrina Harmon

13. Kait and Garrett Sims

14. Ciera and Josh Oldham

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

On Saturday, June 10 at the Birmingham Zoo, Mountain Brook residents and more flocked to Zoo Brews, which featured numerous local breweries on site for attendees to sample as they perused the exhibits.

SUMMER NIGHTS

On Wednesday, June 28 from 6-8 p.m. in

hosted

1. Tori Krupa and Suzanna Edwards

2. Courtney, Connor and Camille Morton with Joan Smith

3. Mallory and Will Mason

4. Tiffany Martin

5. Randi and Charlotte Ann McCoy with Becky and Milly Charles Tomlin

6. Cate Drennen, Victoria Might, Riley Hamner, Jade Schubert and Charlie Young

7. Lindsay Cochran and Millie Tingle

8. Stephen Wilkerson and Anderson Dickey

9. Kurt, Frank, Edie and Callie Funderburg

10. Sydney McKelvaine and Frank Mayo

11. Kathryn Lee

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

Lane Parke, Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors and Lane Parke

“Summer Nights,” which is a free concert series that featured live entertainment and a vendor market.

MOUNTAIN BROOK MARKET DAY

1. Lindsey King, Tay Tay Helm and Sadie Sturdivant

2. Stephanie Gomez, Emma Watson and Lily Pirkle

3. Madeleine Bria and Amber Prater

4. Phyllis Tinsley and Cheree Carlton

5. Carrie and Wyatt Jane Sullivan

6. Elise Warren and Mary Michael Bowman

7. Liz Coffin, Katie Couture, Zoe Portis, Kathryn Carrabine and Alexis Brinkmeyer

8. Chris, Helen and Hudson Dorough

9. Linda Bennett, Jim Ward and Jessica Schniper

10. Andrew Thomson and Joseph Wolnski

11. Sherah and Davina Nielsen

PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce held its annual shopping extravaganza in Mountain Brook Village and Lane Parke on Saturday, July 16.

THE SHINDIG: OTEY’S FEST 2023

1. Cami Melaro, Abby Levesque and Sarah Bennett

2. Katie Moore and Graham LeJeune

3. Sarah Bragg, Kendall Broom, John Loris and Charlie Flynn

4. Will Stewart, Lisa Cordes, Ross Parker and Tyler McGuire

5. MK Bonamy, Jeordon Dudley, Lauren Black and Nicole Wolkow

6. Trent and Catherine O’Malley

7. Peyton Linville’s Birthday Crew

PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

On Saturday, July 16, Otey’s Fest kicked off, featuring headliner Robert Randolph Band, along with the Will Stewart Band, T.U.B. and Gri Cashio.

Central Alabma Wellness

Mental Health Services

Office locations in Calera, Clanton, Pelham, and 280! 205-651-0077 Visit our website to learn more

Automation Personnel Services Hiring

IMMEDIATELY For:

Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774.

Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007

Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500

•TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). Office

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer

Quantum Logistics

Hiring Class A Driver. Montgomery, AL. Full or part time. $.48-$.55 per mile. Paid weekly. BCBS Insurance. Home weekend EZ Pass and prepass. Safety & Fuel Bonus. Apply online www.qtmlog.com Call (334)288-8106.

Nursing Assistant to help care for an elderly gentleman in Jemison requiring total assistance. PT-FT. To apply, call Ms. Peoples (205)6881992 or (205)447-3005

Security Guard for Gated Community in North Shelby County Full-time or Part-time. Must have pistol permit. Call Brittany 205-991-4653

“NOW HIRING!!! BEST WESTERN PELHAM • FRONT DESK• HOUSEKEEPERS• HANDYMAN “RETIREES ARE WELCOME” CALL OR TEXT 205.908.1305”

BRIAN’S TREE SERVICE•TREES CUT FROM THE TOP DOWN!•SAFE TREE REMOVAL IN CONFINED AREAS!•STUMP

SJ Outdoor Construction

•Bobcat Work •Hauling

•Dump Trailer Rental (will drop off and pick up) •Debris, limbs, tree removal vGravel •Millings

•Demolition TEXT OR CALL BRIAN! 205-260-4122”

Affordable Home Maintenance is looking to fill job openings for Carpenters and helpers. Must have valid drivers license and own means of transportation. Top pay for experienced workers. To inquire, text 205-258-2089 or email markstcyr@att.net. Someone will call you back.

MAKE AN OFFER 20’ & 40’ Used Shipping Containers Toll-Free or Text

1-833-762-7793

Dogwood Plumbing LLC – Master Plumber, Master Gasfitter. Licensed & Insured. Senior Discounts.

Plumbing • Drain • Gas

205-864-2369

Kelly Education • Shelby County Schools • Hiring Substitute Teachers. Limitless opportunities for passionate people! •Free pre-hire training •Paid orientation •Ongoing professional development •Steady, yet flexible, work •Weekly pay •Your preference of schools. Contact Anne Gamble: O: 205.682.7062 M: 205.532.1122 anne.gamble@kellyservices. com

“

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING Production Supervisor $50,000.00$70,000.00/year 10hr shifts Mon-Thurs Oversees production operations. Sets objectives, organizes workflow, prepares schedules, assigns responsibilities, trains employees, ensures safety, schedules maintenance, submits performance reports. Skills:-Automotive Plant Experience -Experience as Production Supervisor or similar role -Experience with manufacturing machinery and tools -Advanced skills in MS Office -High School Diploma; Degree in a technical, engineering or relevant field will be an advantage Benefits: PTO, 401k w/match, Health/ Dental/Vision insurance, employee assistance, referral program, tuition reimbursement 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING 2nd Shift Supervisor $50,000.00$70,000.00 2nd shift 2:30p.m.-1:00a.m. Monday–Thursday Responsibilities: •Be an effective Supervisor in a participative work environment •Ensure all

Finishing Dept. goals and improvement objectives are accomplished per our commitments •Ability to optimize utilization of personnel, equipment, material, and space to meet OMF’s daily, monthly and annual targets. Will be evaluated regularly on ability to continuously improve in all areas of responsibility. 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING Maintenance

Technicians: Friday–Sunday 12 hour shifts 6:00a.m.6:00p.m. Responsible for maintenance of O-Flex facilities & equipment across all lines & departments. Oversight of preventative maintenance programs. Coordinates continuous improvement activities with Maintenance Team Leader. Starting pay $19-$28 BOE 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044”

Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS!

Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

WHATLEY PLUMBING

Locally Owned Residential & Commercial. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Plumbing & Gas. Repairs, Replacements, Installation, Water Heaters. 122 Chilton Place, Clanton. 205-755-8555 dogwoodplumbingllc@ gmail.com

Hiring Experienced Driver Must have Class A CDL, Hazmat, tanker exp. Local deliveries, so you will be home every night. We have new equipment, FT/ PT positions available with excellent hourly pay.

Offering health/dental insurance, paid vacations. Send resumes to: mark@ allenoil.com Call 256-4044143 or come by the Allen’s office at: 1251 Old Bham Hwy in Sylacauga

BAMA CONCRETE

FINISHING •Concrete Replacement and Repair •Bobcat Work and Hauling •Driveways/ Patios/Sidewalks/Building Slabs•Concrete Retainer Walls and Sea walls •Wooden Privacy Fences 31 years experience (205) 901-4112(pls leave voicemail or text me)

Hill Brook Manor Apartments 300 Sumner Dr. Calera, AL 35040 205668-2020 Affordable Living 1 and 2 BR Apartments Available As low as $465 a month

Experienced Termite Technician or someone experienced in routeservice work and wants to learn new profession. Work-vehicle/equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/ pass background/drug test. Training provided. Insurance/401K offered. M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/ month. Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@charter. net

Delivery DriverWhitten

Dental Lab Must have good driving record and valid drivers license. Monday-Thursday average 30 hours/week. $12/ hour. Delivering dental cases to multiple dentist offices. Delivery vehicle provided. Please contact/ send resume: Phillip Whitten whittendental71@gmail.com 205-663-6500

Exciting, entertaining spaces. High-quality music and video in one — or every room. Experience living areas made magical, or a cinema-grade home theater with all the extras to take your breath away. We bring you TVs that display artwork when not in use and speakers that disappear behind walls. Our expertise in technology and design enables us to deliver entertainment to any space, indoors or out. Best of all? These experiences are available when you want them, with a touch. GHT Group elevates all the entertainment. You match it to your mood — and your life.

MY MOUNTAIN BROOK

GEORGE JONES

Founder and Owner of Snoozy’s Kids

Eat Local

La Paz

I absolutely love the California Quesadilla at La Paz. I order it extra crispy. It’s a staple! Also, Jimmy Tracy cooks Wednesday-nightpickup dinner for Saint Luke’s church, and it’s always delicious and perfect for mid week!

Sentimental Spots

Brookwood Forest Elementary School I recently visited Brookwood Forest Elementary–a place I haven’t been back to since I graduated in the 70s! I was totally amazed at the staff, polite children and wonderful renovations.

Get Outdoors

Al Fresco at Vino

You can’t beat dining al fresco at Vino! When the weather is nice, it’s fun to see neighbors and friends walking by.

Being in Business in Mountain Brook

Snoozy’s Kids

This August, Snoozy’s Kids turns 35! Seeing all our neighbors and friends makes it a happy place. We now have second-generation shoppers who can reminisce about toys and experiences they had with us when they were young! Working with my friends and my daughter, Lillian, makes it a joy to come to work every day.

Fellowship in Community Putting Family First

The chamber does a great job of hosting the Easter Egg Roll every year. It’s so fun to see children’s excitement when they see the Easter Bunny. I’ve been lucky enough to be the Master of Ceremony the last few years! The Halloween Parade is also now such a tradition, too! I love seeing friends in such a creative venue. Families will always enjoy being together at the events this city hosts.