Nov. 15, 2012 OTMJ issue

INSIDE

The Suburban Newspaper for Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

Homewood Police introduce Shiloh

NEWS PAGE 11

JOU RNAL OTMJ.COM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2012

VOL. 22 #22

LJCC prepares for 36th Sam Lapidus Montclair Run

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 8

Community Builders, Spains contributions recognized

SOCIAL PAGE 14

HOMESPUN HISTORY Pam Smith receives Milken Family Foundation Award

SCHOOLS PAGE 41 28 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

HOLIDAY GIFTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

holiday gifts OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

CHILDREN OFTEN SHIVER WITH ANTICIPATION AS CHRISTMAS APPROACHES. ADULTS MAY SHIVER, TOO – AT THE THOUGHT OF SHOPPING FOR GIFTS. OH, THE CHALLENGES OF GIFT-GIVING DURING THIS JOYOUS SEASON! THERE’S YOUR SPOUSE, WHO’S EXPECTING SOMETHING REALLY SPECTACULAR (READ: EXPENSIVE). THE VEGAN COUSIN. THE FASHION-CONSCIOUS DAUGHTER. THAT GEEKY GUY IN YOUR OFFICE WHO GAVE YOU SOMETHING LAST YEAR, MUCH TO YOUR SURPRISE. THE TEACHER WHO MANAGED TO GET YOUR SON THROUGH CALCULUS. GOD BLESS THEM, EVERY ONE. BEFORE YOU MORPH INTO A SCROOGE THIS SEASON, TAKE YOUR GIFT LIST TO SOME OF OUR FAVORITE LOCAL SHOPS. WE THINK YOU’LL BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED BY THE WIDE SELECTION OF CHOICES, EVEN FOR THE PICKIEST OF YOUR PRESENT RECIPIENTS. CHECK OUT THIS YEAR’S GIFT GUIDE FOR EVERYTHING FROM TINY TREASURES AND STOCKING STUFFERS TO THOSE SPECTACULAR “WOW! YOU’RE THE BEST!” ITEMS.



Her eyes will light up at the sight of this Michael Kors Hamilton Artisan handbag in dark walnut, sure to complete any holiday ensemble. $358. Private Gallery, The Summit, 969-1559

TOYS

SOMEONE SPECIAL





S

JOURNAL INTERN

chool certainly was different 300 years ago.

Besides the basic reading, writing and arithmetic, students also learned how to churn butter, make candles and quilts and carve soap.

Those are some of the things Hannah Peters and Mary Attar’s fifth graders learned to do dur-

Students Explore Colonial Days at Cherokee Bend Fair ing the second annual Colonial Fair at Cherokee Bend Elementary School. During the fair, students

dressed up in colonial attire and spent the day experiencing what it was like on a typical day in a colony.

“We were set in colonial times, saw what their life was like and got to do what they did,” said fifth grader Austin King.

The students were split into families, and each See COLONIAL DAYS, page 14

FESTIVE

She will love you for these Platinum Estate Diamond

$69.99.

Snoozy’s Kids, 871-2662

BY BEN JOHNSON

HOME



Is it a suitcase or a scooter? It’s both... it’s a Scootcase!

Great for the toddler on the go. Also available in pink.

Clockwise from top right: Lucy Bowling, Mary Ward, Maxie Sansom and Sibley Powell show off their colonial costumes. Austin King, Bert Davis and Harrison Ware carve soap. Katherine Watson and Maggie Logan at the corn station with their teachers, Hannah Peters and Meredith Attar. Bo Liscomb Photos by Daniel Taylor Photography shucks an ear of freshly roasted corn. Sydney Hannon sewing at the quilt station. Jack Irby enjoys corn on the cobb.



Your house will be the envy of all the neighbors with an ivy wreath, $39.99; an ivy slender cone, $46.99; or an ivy topiary, starting at $39.99. There are lots of sizes and shapes to choose from.

Andy’s, 824-0233, 402-2639

Lionel’s Penn Flyer set with an engine that smokes and whistles. For a classic Christmas morning set it up under the tree. $249.99 Homewood Toy & Hobby, 879-3986

and Sapphire Earrings. They’re the accessory that never goes out of style. Price upon request. Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 251-3381



Make this holiday season unforgettable with this 44mm steel Baume & Mercier Capeland chronograph. $4,350.

Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060

 Kickin’ Putt won the Astra Best Toy award for its fun and familyfriendly qualities. It’s a combination of soccer and golf. $29.99.

Homewood Toy and Hobby, 879-3986

Magformers, magnetized colorful shapes that you can stick together to make whatever your creativity allows. $14.99-$99.99 Homewood Toy & Hobby, 879-3986 Smith’s Variety, 871-0841



 Get a head! The Nest has taxidermy and other finds, including a large elk’s head. $1695.

The Nest, 870-1264



This wonderful hand-crafted curly-bearded Santa is perfect for hanging in a home, office or dorm and is sure to bring a smile this holiday season. $30.

The Shops of the Assistance League/ Prime Time Treasures, 870-5555



The gardener on your list will love the added ambiance offered by classic porcelain garden stools. Use them indoors or out. They are great for extra seating during busy holiday parties or make great accent pieces. $299. Greenbrier Furniture, 822-7456





Every girl loves something a little sparkly under the tree, and this 18k diamond and emerald bow pin with a knot of pave’ diamonds and six cabochon emeralds will surely be her favorite. Price upon request.

AMW, Inc., 870-3588





Add special holiday charm to your home with a variety of vintage glass Christmas ornaments sure to make your holidays sparkle. $1.99-$6.99.

Elizabeth’s Antiques, 977-3355

How do you chill your favorite spirits just a touch without diluting their perfectly balanced flavors?

Whiskey stones made in Vermont are nonporous and will impart neither flavor nor odor. $23 for a boxed set of 9.

Table Matters, 879-0125

 An 11 x 17 charcoal portrait by artist Michael Swann, drawn from a photo, is a gift sure to be cherished for a lifetime. $200.

Arceneaux Gallery 802-5800

Treat yourself to a little holiday happiness this year. Lease the 2013 smart fortwo pure coupe for $99 per month. For details visit CrownAutomobile.com.

Crown Automobile, 985-4200



Show your birds you care this Christmas season with treats they’ll enjoy. Preston the Penguin and Buttons the Snowman, exclusively at Wild Birds Unlimited, will add festive cheer to your backyard. $14.99.

Wild Birds Unlimited, 823-6500

 



A fully-furnished dollhouse that’s more like a townhouse has a European flair. It’s pink and blue with painted-on ivy and topiaries. $189 Snoozy’s Kids, 871-2662

Lily & Laura glass beaded bracelets are the perfect accessory for the girl, teen or mom who has everything.

Stack multiples together or wear with other jewelry for a fresh, updated look.

Available in a rainbow of colors. $14 each or 3 for $40.

Snap Kids, 834-8038

Beautiful Turkish pillows in all sizes and decorative colors are the “in” thing this year and are perfect gifts for the decorator on Santa’s list. Starting at $75. Olde World Acquisitions, 970-6996



These ornaments are beautiful and meaningful as well as a gift that gives back. The Children’s of Alabama Christopher Radko ornament benefits Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Program. $45. Bromberg’s, Mountain Brook, 871-3276; The Summit, 969-1776

OTMJ HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE BEGINS ON PAGE 26

ARTIST BOB MOODYʼS BRUSH WITH HISTORY P. 4 •MOON TAXI ROLLS INTO TOWN P. 6 • NEW FORM OF CITY GOVERNMENT BEGINS IN VESTAVIA P. 10

2 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

OPINION/CONTENTS

MURPHY’S LAW

ON THE MOVE Tony Falletta and his son Tony Falletta Jr. have brought their family’s beloved recipes to a new location.

Tony’s Spaghetti House, the same restaurant that was known as Leonardo’s in Vestavia Hills, is now open on U.S. 280. Learn more about the restaurant’s move in our business section, starting on page 34.

Also in the business section, find out the latest on the new locations of Cookies By Design, Fleet Feet, Collage and Mancha Hardscapes. Meet the owner of Southern Fireplaces and see what’s new for the holidays at Fancy Goods Variety.

ON OTMJ.COM Browse through more pictures from the area’s biggest and best parties. Check out the good news from our schools.

Find out about upcoming events and share your own news.

COMING NOV. 29

In our next issue, part two of our holiday gift guide, plus our annual look at this year’s Independent Presbyterian Home Tour and we’ll have tips on decorating your home this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving!

IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN NEWS PEOPLE LIFE SOCIAL

4 10 12 14 16

WEDDINGS NEW BUSINESS SCHOOLS SPORTS

25 34 41 48

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L November 15, 2012

I

Vol. 22, No. 22

Shopping-Pong

for people to toss them into their carts. am thankful for many things If you hit the stores early enough, this year -- food and family you could get a great deal ... I think ... and the fact that dark chocolate on an Intimidator Tactical Paint Ball was found to be beneficial to your Mask, a Primos TRUTH Cam 35 (no health. I am also thankful that I idea what that is at all) and a Taurus PT will not be going shopping on the 22 SS/Raspberry hand gun. The handle day after Thanksgiving. was actually pink, in case you wanted I love to shop, but I’ve discovered your concealed weapon to match your that no matter what kind of super Super hair scrunchie. Something for everyone, SUPER deals the stores have going, I that’s for sure. no longer possess the energy stores and My favorite ad, however, was the upper body strength required to procure one from a pet store chain that adverthem. My family members, however, tised 50 percent off on all Chinese are primed and ready to carry on withwater dragons, bearded dragons and out me, loaded for retail bear. ball pythons. Discount reptiles. What Not that you could actually buy a Sue Murphy were the odds? bear, at least not the big and growly It was all kind of odd, but oddly kind, but there certainly will be a It was all kind of entertaining, like you’d stumbled wide range of other things available. a storage facility belonging to Last year, while the Macy’s odd, but oddly enter- upon a person who’d fallen asleep with Thanksgiving Day Parade was maktaining, like you’d the QVC remote in her hand. ing its way to Times Square, my I sent my kids out into this daughters and their hubbies were salistumbled upon holiday jumble with my blessings vating, not over the turkey already in (go boldly, young shoppers!) and the oven (they were painfully familiar a storage facility equally strong warning against with my cooking), but the three-foot belonging to a person an bringing home anything that stack of store flyers plunked on our doorstep before breakfast. who’d fallen asleep required care and feeding, especially the live mouse variety. Then I Over their pumpkin pie (store with the QVC remote of toddled off to bed. bought), they plotted their strategy, About two in the morning, I planning to set out to grab some in her hand. heard a ruckus coming from the seasonal kickoff deals even as I was garage. Harold padded out to invesheading off for my first seasonal sugtigate and returned bleary-eyed, sayarplum sleep. ing only, “I’ll tell you about it in the morning.”

The ads were intriguing. I’ll give you that. Along He didn’t need to. When I opened the door to retrieve with the usual sweaters and watches and luggage and the morning paper, there sat a ping pong table. Let me boots, there were kayaks and rubber boot-foot chesttake that back -- a partially assembled ping pong table. waders, hair curlers and hair straighteners, circular saws Full size. and pillow top mattresses.

My first thought was, “Oh boy ...” Actually, that Given enough credit card clearance, you could come wasn’t my first thought, but this is a family publication. home with socket sets and surge protectors, air compresStill, the table turned out to be a fun addition to our sors and a 25-cubic foot refrigerator if you were planning post-turkey festivities. We ping-ponged all day, our stray on sticking one of those under the tree. shots banking off the workbench and spidery places Rechargeable toothbrushes, gun safes, a deluxe kids’ beyond. ❖ recliner -- they were all there in full color, just waiting

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What are you thankful for this year?

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Keysha Drexel Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Interns: Margaret Frymire, Ben Johnson 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 ads@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com.

Copyright 2012 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.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

“Today, I am thankful to be able to vote in a democratic country. I think it’s a blessing.”

“I’m thankful to be living in a free country where people have a right to work for what they think is important.”

“I would say I am most thankful for my family, especially my grandchildren.”

“I am thankful for being a Christian because it gives me total assurance.”

Brandi Jones Cahaba Heights

Lloyd Friedly Inverness

Maureen Lynn North Shelby

Miriam Cox North Shelby

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 3

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

20th Annual

PL AY DAY!

LET'S PLAY!

20th Annual

PL AY DAY!

PLAY DAY IN MOUNTAIN BROOK This Saturday! • November 17th • 9:00-4:00 Meet the reps and play with the toys. There will be toy manufacturers and representatives available to answer questions and to demonstrate products.

FREE PRODUCTS given to a limited number of children.

Drawings and giveaways from your favorite companies.

Come meet BQ Dog, Little Critter, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Santa!

HOLIDAY HOURS

Mountain Brook Village 2715 Culver Rd. 871-0841

20th Annual

PLAY DAY!

Nov. 23rd thru December 23rd Mon.-Sat. 8:30-7:00 Sun. 12-5

Since 1950 Follow us on

20th Annual

PLAY DAY!

4 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Brush with History

Bob Moody Captures Memorable Events on Canvas

Poinsettia's Will Arrive Nov. 16th!

We Deliver!

By Keysha Drexel

I

Journal Editor

n his 81 years, Bob Moody of Mountain Brook says he has done a little bit of everything.

Through it all, he has always considered himself first and foremost a painter.

Bob has worked as a graphic designer, an architect, an artist 2912 6th Ave. So • 324.0566 for NASA and has served on the Mon-Sat 8:30-5:30 • Sun. 1-5 Mountain Brook City Council, but he said watercolor painting is still his libbysplantodyssey.com true passion.

“Every day, I still feel the desire to create, and when I sit down with the watercolors, I still get that rush of adrenaline,” he said.

Bob will be the featured artist on Nov. 19 at the Mountain Brook To: 324-9194 Art Association’s holiday art show From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., at Brookwood Mall. The show runs 205-824-1246, fax through Dec. 1, with a different artist featured each day.

Date: Nov. Bob said his path to being a feaThis is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the tured artist in the show started out in Nov. 15, 2012 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve 4208 Dolly Ridge Road an unlikely place. your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Next door to Murphrees Market “I grew up in Boaz, and it was a and Garden Center very rural area back then. I grew up Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! on the farm, picking cotton and never 20% OFF Holiday Items • Gift Certificate dreaming I would earn a living in Drawings • Storewide Savings art,” he said. and fax back within 24 hours.

Great Food andPlease Drink initial • Complimentary If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, Bob said he started sketching Gift Wrap • See You There! your ad will run as is. when he was in high school as “an to get out of going to church” Thank you for your prompt attention. excuse and said he was blessed with supportive parents.

“Both of my parents were very supportive and encouraged me to pursue art. They didn’t try to dissuade me or talk me into doing something just for money. They both wanted me to follow my passion,” he said.

To: Elizabeth So Bob graduated from high From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., school and set off for Auburn 205-824-1246, fax Antiques & Home Accessories Gifts, University to study architecture.

Date: Nov. “Here I was, this kid from the This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the country who had never had a formal Nov. 15, 2012 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve art class in his life, and I was down at your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Auburn with all these kids who had taken tons of arts classes. It was a Please make sure all information is correct, little overwhelming,” he said. including address and phone number!

But Bob continued to follow his artistic passions and graduated from Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Auburn with a degree in architecture, If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, specializing in interior design. your ad will run as is.

After graduating, Bob said he Thank you for your prompt attention. went into commercial art to support his young family and worked for R.G. LeTourneau in Dallas.

From there, Bob found himself taking part in history as an artist for

Please join us for our Christmas Open House Saturday, November 17th From 4:00 - 8:00

He Sees You When You're

Sparkling

seven years working at an architectural firm in Birmingham.

After that, Bob opened his own architectural firm, Moody and Associates, in the building that today is the home of Highlands Bar and Grill.

Bob retired from his firm in 2002 but said he has never really retired from art.

“I didn’t really retire, I just came here to my home studio and started working again,” he said. “My wife and I did a couple of watercolor books. One was on churches in Alabama, and then we did one on English churches.”

The book on the English churches, “The Church Triumphant,” found a royal audience when Bob was asked Bob Moody will be a featured artto personally present it to Queen ist during the Mountain Brook Art Elizabeth and the Archbishop of Association’s Holiday Art Show.

Canterbury at the 50th celebration of Photo special to The Journal the Historic Churches Preservation Trust at St. Bartholomew’s Church in NASA in the late 1950s and early 2003.

1960s.

Bob said he had been painting and “I worked on what was called exhibiting watercolors for 60 years future projects. I was working with when he decided to participate in an all these artists from Disney to illusearly Mountain Brook Art Association trate the Apollo flight. We also illusshow. trated the moon flight and landing “It’s a great organization with with 65 slides that were presented in hardworking people,” he said.

Washington (D.C.),” he said.

Bob left NASA in 1965, and by the time the moon landing took place in 1969, the event was somewhat Holiday Art Show anticlimactic for him, he said. When: Nov. 16-Dec. 1.

“We had illustrated that moon trip Where: Brookwood Mall scenario so many times before the Details: Holiday shoppers landing that I felt like I’d been to the can buy paitings of all sizes moon and back 1,000 times. Looking and styles from top local back, I realize I was a part of history, artists. but at the time I didn’t think anyFor more thing about it. Now, my children and information: Visit www. grandchildren think it’s pretty neat,” MountainBrookArtAssociation. he said. com.

Bob’s work for NASA was published in Time, Life and Paris Match.

Bob said the holiday art show is a He also had a chance to work with great way for people to support local Wernher von Braun, the Germanartists.

American rocket scientist who was “Artists need people to see their the director of the Marshall Space work. It’s about more than money, it’s Flight Center and the chief architect about an affirmation of your work,” of the Saturn V, which propelled the he said.

Apollo spacecraft to the moon.

Bob said he feels blessed that he “He was one of the most gracious has been able to get affirmation for people I’ve ever met,” Bob said. “If his work and continue to create. you stayed up all night working on a “It’s still a lot of fun for me, and presentation for him, he would write sometimes I wonder how a man at you a thank-you note.” my age can still get so excited about After seven years at NASA, Bob said he decided it was time to work in pigment floating around in water,” he his field of training. He spent the next said.❖

Save the Date Homewood

The Joy Gallery, Opening Reception Nov. 15-Dec. 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church An exhibit featuring Pam Truitt and Mary Margaret Binkley is now open and will close Dec. 30. The Joy Gallery is part of the church’s outreach program and features Birmingham artists. Tom Dameron, Maud Coirier-Belser and Kay Williams will manage the gallery. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday or by appointment. Call 942-3051 for more information.

Birmingham

Art Exhibit Opening Nov. 15-December, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Library Join the Library at the Gardens as it opens its November and December exhibit. The work of local artists Tom Dameron and Maud Coirier-Belser will be on display. Dameron lives and maintains a studio in Homewood.

Coirier-Belser’s home and art studio are in Mountain Brook. For more information, call 414-3931.

Fri., Sept. 7th & Sat., Sept. 8th

Holiday Open House Featuring Mary Louise Design Trunk Show Friday November 16th & November 17th Mon - Fri, 10am - 5:00pm • Sat 10am - 4:00pm 3138 Cahaba Heights Road • 205.969.3138 www.ChickadeeBirmingham.com

Cary Calhoun Jewelry Trunk Show Fri., Sept. 7th 11am-4pm Register for Door Prizes

Tom Dameron

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 5

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Save the Date to reserve a spot at the dinner, call 664-9313 or email Angie at aclark@ thearcofshelby.

at Birmingham, will be the judge for the show, which will feature works by artists from the Birmingham-Hoover metro area and by other regional artists. Monetary awards totaling $3,500 will be given to works judged the best in the show. First, second and third place awards will be given out in each category along with the Best in Show awards. The show’s gallery will be open Nov. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.birminghamartassociation.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Garth Potts

HOMEWOOD

Eisenhower Dance Ensemble Nov. 16, 8 p.m.

Samford University The Eisenhower Dance Ensemble will kick off Samford University’s Wright Center Presents Series Nov. 16. This acclaimed modern dance troupe will present “NewDANCEfest,” a collection of dances by five respected choreographers. As part of the ensemble’s residency, a group of Birmingham dance students will study with the company throughout the week and perform with the company for a portion of the concert. This year’s series will also include performances by Emmy Award winner Ed Asner, noted humorist Garrison Keillor, Tony Award winner Linda Eder and Grammy Award winner Neil Sedaka. The season will also feature theater, dance and music performances. For more information on all events, directions, parking information and online links to tickets, visit www.samford.edu/wrightcenter.

HOMEWOOD

Nov. 15-30 Art Show LJCC The Levite Jewish Community Center’s November Art Show will feature the work of Garth Potts, including his “Drawings of the Lower East Side.” Potts has been the LJCC’s executive director for more than 20 years and plans to retire in January. His artwork includes cartoons, illustrations, paintings, portraits and calligraphy. For more information, call 879-0411 or visit www.bhamjcc.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham Art Association Juried Art Show Nov. 15-17 Christopher House Antiques The Birmingham Art Association’s 2012 Juried Art Show will open with a reception Nov. 15 from 5-8 p.m. at Christopher House Antiques. Gary Chapman, a professor of painting and drawing at the University of Alabama

ARTreach Nov. 15-30 Four Seasons Gallery Four Seasons Gallery in Homewood and Birmingham AIDS Outreach are teaming up to feature artists Lorrie Lane and Jayne Harrison at the ARTreach events that kick off Nov. 15. The event will also feature music by Frazer Steindorff and complimentary wine and light hors d’oeuvres provided by Piggly Wiggly and Urban Cookhouse. From Nov. 15-Nov. 30, 10 percent of sales will be donated to BAO. NORTH SHELBY

Community Awards Dinner Nov. 15, 6-8 p.m.

Heardmont Park The Arc of Shelby’s annual meeting and Community Awards Dinner will be Nov. 15 from 6-8 p.m. at Heardmont Park. Awards will be presented for Employer of the Year, Supported Employee of the Year, Family of the Year, Community Partner of the Year and more. For more information and

731 Broadway St. Homewood, AL 35209 205 . 870 . 1161 Tues - Sat 10:00 am - 5:00pm

BIRMINGHAM

Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra Fall Concert Nov. 17, 3 p.m.

Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center The Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform a fall concert under the direction of new ASYO music director and principal conductor

T is’

www.noordermeerantiques.com

Savor every moving moment.

Infiniti QX. Modern luxury, powerfully crafted.

2012 Infiniti QX56 with Theater and Navigation Package

MSRP: $64,725

56,995

$

*

Crown Infiniti 1800 Montgomery Highway, Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 985-4200 CrownAutomobile.com/Infiniti

*Two or more vehicles available at this price.

ason to buy u niqu the se e

Be sure to like us on facebook!

6 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Moon Taxi on Road to Success, Makes Stop at Home

By Ben Johnson

W

Journal Intern

hile music lovers might have heard of Moon Taxi, fans and those less familiar with the band’s high energy, eclectic tunes might not realize its members honed their skills right here in the Over the Mountain area.

The band has grown in popularity over the past year, playing at musical festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza and also touring with Matisyahu and Dirty Heads.

Moon Taxi came back to the area to play a concert at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa Oct. 31 and will headline a Nov. 23 show at Workplay in Birmingham.

Lead singer Trevor Terndrup and bassist Tom Putnam played together while they were students at Vestavia Hills High School. Drummer Tyler Ritter is also a Vestavia Hills High alum.

As students at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., they teamed up with guitarist Spencer Thomson and keyboard player Wes Bailey to form Moon Taxi.

Tom and Trevor recently talked to The Journal about the group’s past, present and future.

OTMJ: How was Moon Taxi formed?

Tom: When we went to school in Nashville where we met everyone else.

It took about three years to get everyone together.

Trevor: We went to high school with Tyler, but we didn’t know Tyler until he moved to Belmont.

OTMJ: How long has the band been together?

Tom: We put out our first record in 2007. That’s when we got our keyboard player, Wes, and when our first album was released.

OTMJ: What do you feel about the

Trussville O BIG SEPTEMBER EVENTS Antiques & Interiors 147 North Chalkville Road Trussville

From I-59 North take Exit 141 turn right, we're 1.5 miles on the left

205-661-9805 Open Mon. - Sat. 10 - 6, Sun. Noon - 5

FABULOUS MONOGRAM NECKLACES

To: From: Date:

tam147@centurytel.net Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Nov. 2012

Moon Taxi played Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza this year. From left: Wes Bailey, Trevor Terndrup, Tommy Putnam, Spencer Thomson and Tyler Ritter.

Photo special to the Journal

band’s growing popularity?

Tom: It’s been a really big year for us. We’ve done more this year than we’ve ever done. We played in Lollapalooza, put out a record. It’s funny how it works. It all just culminated and all the hard work started paying off.

OTMJ: When did you know you wanted to be in a band?

Trevor: I started out playing trumpet in elementary school. The first song I was ever a part of was Beethoven’s Fifth. It was overwhelming and made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than I could ever be. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to play music.

Tom: I guess I was in the sixth grade and got the itch to do it. And once I got the itch to do it, that’s all I wanted. I played in talent shows in middle school and in high school.

OTMJ: What are the band’s influences?

Trevor: We have a very diverse foundation. We don’t discriminate musically, only sonically. Our influences can be heard on our records and in live performances.

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Nov. 15, issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

IN2012 SILVER

,

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

reSPeCT - digniTY - reSULTS

DEADLINE TO ORDER FOR CHRISTMAS IS NOV. 23!

MONOGRAMS PLUS 1360 Montgomery Hwy • (205) 822-3353 Monday-Friday 10-6pm • Saturday 10-4pm shopmonogramsplus.com

Stop the Rehab Cycle. Size Matters.

We’re small and personal, like home away from home.

Only six clients at a time means true individualized drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Our home-like environment and holistic approach includes dry sauna to cleanse the body, LMHC counseling, Life skills coaching, cognitive behavior therapy and much more.

24/7care. State licensed and qualifies for court referrals.

www.bayshoreretreat.com

Call 1-850- 687- 6831 Located in Destin, FL. All contact and consultations are confidential.

OTMJ: What’s next for Moon Taxi?

Trevor: We are working on new material. It is a very exciting time as our creative juices are flowing profusely.

Tom: We’ve gotten a lot of popularity on the East Coast, so we want to spread that on the West Coast. I’d like to see us get some attention on the East Coast and in Europe. We have our own record label as well, so I’d like to see us keep growing as a record label.

OTMJ: How does it feel to be playing where you grew up?

Trevor: For me, it always feels great to play in good old Alabama.

T-Town in particular has seen quite a few crazy Moon Taxi shows.

Tom: I love doing it. There are so many people I don’t see very often.

My parents don’t live there anymore.

I can come down and hang out with people I haven’t seen in years. It’s great to see that we’re doing well and have a base of fans that can follow us. ❖

Save the Date Continued

Roderick Cox. The ASYO wwill perform Beethoven’s Overture “Leonore No. 3,” Copland’s Billy the Kid (Orchestral Suite) and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8.

Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door and $7 for children 12 and under.

Call 975-2787 for more information.

Birmingham

Nov. 16-18 Soul of November Alabama School of Fine Arts The Alabama School of Fine Arts Fall Dance performance of “Souls of November” will show for three days in the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater.

Show times are 6:30 p.m. Nov. 16-17 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 18. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call 252-9241 or visit www. asfa.k12.al.us.

Homewood

Holiday Table Etiquette Class Nov. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Ruth’s Chris Birmingham Etiquette and Protocol will have a holiday table etiquette and dining skills class for children ages 6-12.

The seminar will be taught by Beverly Carrooway. The cost is $70 per child and includes a three-course lunch, skill practice exercises, an illustrated etiquette workbook and a certificate of achievement. There will also be a class

BIRMINGHAM

Nov. 17-18 Seussical the Musical LJCC Theatre LJCC will present “Seussical,” a fun show for all ages. The musical highlights favorite Dr. Seuss characters in an adult performance, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and Jojo, a little boy with a big imagination. The colorful characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. Music ranges from Latin to pop, swing to gospel and R&B to funk. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 2 p.m.

Nov. 18. For more information, visit

www.bhamjcc.org.

HOOVER

Nov. 17, 8 a.m.-noon St. Jude Give Thanks Walk Veterans Park Join St. Jude supporters in Hoover to participate in the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk at Veterans Park Nov. 17.

Hoover is one of 90 cities nationwide participating in the fundraising event.

The walk will raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, which helps children battling cancer and other diseases. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m. at the park. Registration is free. To register, visit http://fundraising.stjude.org.

PELHAM

A Southern Christmas Bazaar Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Pelham Civic Complex The Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club

Dirt Dash Nov. 17, 8 a.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Run or walk the trails in The Gardens to support one of Alabama’s free attractions. The 5K fun run starts at 8 a.m. The 1-mile family walk begins at 9 a.m. Registration is $20 for adults, $15 for ages 7-17 and free for children 6 and younger. Registration on race day is $30 and will begin in The Gardens parking lot at 6:30 a.m. The awards presentation will begin at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.bbgardens. org/funrun. will present a Southern Christmas Bazaar Nov. 17. More than 50 merchants from Alabama and surrounding states will participate in the shopping event, which includes Christmas items, clothing, food, collectibles, decorations and more. The event raises money for Rotary Club projects. For more information, visit www.rotarysouthernchristmas.com, email info@rotarysouthernchristmas. com or call 414-3672.

HOMEWOOD

Community Thanksgiving Service Nov. 18, 6 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church Trinity UMC will host a Homewood Community Thanksgiving Service Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. For more information, call 879-9709 or visit www. trinitybirmingham.com

To: From: Date:

h liday TREE LIGHTING



CHANDELIER AND SCONCES •

Christopher Glenn, Inc.

Antiques, Gardens & Giving

Storewide Sale

2713 19th Street South • Homewood 205-870-1236

Hours: 10:00 - 5:00 • Mon. - Sat. UPS/Gift Wrap

www.christopherglenninc.com



BRONZES • LAMPS • TERRA COTTA

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Oct. 20st issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

I-20Please East, Exit 140and | Just minutes Birmingham initial fax 20 back withinfrom 24 hours.

If we have not heardshopsofgrandriver.com from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

UPCOMING EVENTS

HOSTED BY ROB AND JEANNINE FROM THE MAGIC 96.5 MORNING SHOW LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BY THE ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CHORUS AND THE RED MOUNTAIN THEATER COMPANY

MOONLIGHT MADNESS SALE

DOORS OPEN AT 10PM ON THANKSGIVING

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES INCLUDING COOKIE DECORATING, FACE PAINTING AND FREE FAMILY PHOTOS WITH SANTA

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 3-14

CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF GIVING BY BRINGING AN UNWRAPPED CHILDREN’S TOY FOR CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA’S SUGAR PLUM SHOP.

Sugar P um Shop



870-1260, christopherglenn@mindspring.com Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Oct.

NOVEMBER 15 | 6:30PM

ENJOY A MAGICAL EVENING AS WE LIGHT OUR 23’ HOLIDAY TREE.

 FURNITURE • URNS • PLANTERS • FOUNTAINS

Organizers gear up for Dirt Dash at The Gardens. From left: Ashley Archer Photo special to The Journal Jones, Robert MacArthur and Katy Eldridge.

more about town at otmj.com

BIRMINGHAM

• STATUARY • FURNITURE • URNS • PLANTERS

DIRT DASH AT THE GARDENS

from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Dec. 1. For more information, call 999-1616 or visit www. bhametiquette.com.

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 7

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

8 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal Birmingham

turkey day run

Nov. 22 Montclair Run LJCC The 36th annual Sam Lapidus Montclair Run will be on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Levite Jewish Community Center.

The 10K starts at 8:30 a.m. Online registration is $30; paper registration is $36. The deadline for registration is Nov. 16. The 1-mile fun run begins at 10 a.m. and costs $18 per person.

Proceeds will benefit the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama and the LJCC Fitness Program. The 10K run is a USATF Certified Course and uses AMB chip timing. All runners will get a long-sleeved T-shirt. Awards and prizes will be given to the top runners.

For more information, call 879-0411 or visit www.bhamjcc.org.

Teams are ready to trot in the Montclair Run. From left: Kreston Collins, Dr. Billy Lapidus, Sam Lapidus, Robin Smith and Dan Tourtellotte.

Photo special to The Journal Hoover

Marvel Superhero Movie Weekend Nov. 16-17 Hoover Public Library This event at the Hoover library will feature screenings of five superhero films based on Marvel characters.

Admission is free; refreshments will be served. “Captain America” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16. On Saturday, the movie marathon kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with a screening of “Iron Man” followed by “Iron Man 2” at 1 p.m., “Thor” at 4 p.m. and “The Avengers” at 7 p.m. For more information, call 4447820 or visit www.hooverlibrary.org.

www.csmission.org/initiatives/bok or call 397-9999.

Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club Nov. 20 and 27. On Nov. 20, Stewart will speak on “Bidding: Proactive Questions.” On Nov. 27, he will talk about “Problem-solving as Declarer.”

Those attending will also have a chance to play bridge with Stewart through a player raffle. The cost is $10 per session and includes tea and dessert at the lecture; participants should bring a brown-bag lunch. The Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club’s new location is 144 Business Center Drive just off Valleydale Road. For more information, call the club at 560-0706.

Birmingham

UAB Gospel Choir Fall Concert Nov. 19, 7 p.m.

Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center The UAB Gospel Choir will present a fall concert Nov. 19 celebrating its 17th anniversary with a live recording for a CD. Pre-order forms for the CD will be included in the concert’s printed program. The CD will also serve as the national debut of the UAB Youth Gospel Choir, which will perform on “Amen.” General admission tickets are $8, $7 for UAB students and employees with a valid school ID and $6 with a group discount of 25 or more. Advance purchase is required for group tickets.

For tickets, call the UAB Ticket Office at 934-8006 or the Alys Stephens Center Box Office at 975-2787.

It’s a truckload of stuff!

Birmingham

Baskets of Kindness Volunteer Opportunity Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Christian Service Mission The Christian Service Mission needs volunteers to help pack and assemble holiday dinner baskets for those in need.

Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Nov. 17. Sponsors are also needed for the food baskets. Sponsorships are $25 per basket. Volunteers can register to help on Nov. 16 or simply arrive during the designated time at 3600 Third Ave. South in Birmingham.

For more information or to register, visit

Hoover

Handel’s “Messiah” by the Alabama Civic Chorale Nov. 18, 3 p.m.

Riverchase United Methodist Church The Alabama Civic Chorale will present Handel’s “Messiah” Nov. 18 at Riverchase UMC in Hoover. This is the 65th annual presentation by the chorus of 90-100 singers from all over the state.

Members of the Alabama Symphony and organist Walt Rogers will accompany the chorale. Bebe Clark Kok is chorale conductor. The presentation is free. For more information, call 9143524.

North Shelby

Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club Brown Bag Lectures Nov. 20 and 27, noon.

Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club Frank Stewart, author and nationallysyndicated newspaper bridge columnist, will give lectures on bridge at the

SHOW YOUR

Huge Inventory pits!

Reduction Sale

LAST FIRE PIT YOU'LL EVER BUY! 30 TO 48 INCHES HEAVY DUTY, INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH

READY TO GO, STAND INCLUDED LIMITED QUANTITY STARTING AT $325

20%-60% OFF

ALL MERCHANDISE (excluding tops)

THREE DAYS ONLY!

Jan. 20-22 Fri & Sat 10-6 & Sun 12-5

3022 3rd Ave. So. 320-1900 • Open Mon.- Sat. • 10 - 5:30 www.fronterairon.com • 3988 Old Mont. Hwy 987-2633 COLORFUL POTTERY • CHIMINEAS CREATIVE GIFTS • DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES AWESOME IRON FURNITURE

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL MOUNTAIN BROOK

Documentaries After Dark Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m.

Emmet O’Neal Library In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, the Emmet O’Neal Library is partnering with St. Martin’s at Home, an outreach department of St. Martin’s in the Pines, to recognize people who fulfill vital roles in care teams. The library will screen a documentary on a family of nomadic herders in the Gobi Desert. The film is not rated but is intended for adult audiences. Admission is free; light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Holley Wesley at 445-1117 or hwesley@bham.lib.al.us.

HOMEWOOD

Nov. 27, 5:30 p.m.

Lighting of the Star 18th Street Homewood The City of Homewood, the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, LAH Real Estate Company and O’Henry’s Coffee will host the annual “Lighting of the Star” at the top of 18th Street in downtown Homewood at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 27. O’Henry’s will introduce its latest coffee, which will be served at the event. Homewood High School band members will perform Christmas carols.

Mayor Scott McBrayer and Chamber President Stephen D. Preston will welcome visitors. The public is invited to attend the free event. For more information, call 871-5631. ❖

BIZARRE BAZAAR IN HOMEWOOD HOMEWOOD

Nov. 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Bizarre Bazaar Homewood Public Library The Wayfarers, an alumnae organization, will hold the Bizarre Bazaar Nov. 27. The event will include one-of-a-kind gift ideas, including artisan and heirloom gifts and holiday decorations, apparel, jewelry, accessories, pet items, toys, home décor, vintage items, re-giftables, Girl Scout memorabilia and baked, canned, and preserved foods. This year’s “Green and Funky” theme inspired many gifts made from recycled materials. The charity bazaar will benefit the Girl Scouts. Several items can be previewed at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bizarre-BazaarNovember-27-2012. For more information on the bazaar, call 661-6229.

Ginny Kerns, a member of the wayfarers, prepares for the Bizarre Bazaar at the Homewood Public Library.

Photo special to The Journal

Let our team of LIFESTYLE designers

Flu!!

YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS! We decorate inside and out, wrap presents,

plan parties and shop for corporate gifts.... whatever your holiday needs!

205-914-2400 or 310-617-1889 www.fluffdesigners.blogspot.com

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 9

News

10 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Officials Give State of the City Address u mountain Brook

By William C. Singleton III

M

Journal Contributor

ountain Brook elected officials told a group of about 100 attending a Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week that the city is sound financially and is doing what it can to grow economically despite being virtually landlocked.

The city council and mayor gave a rosy picture of Mountain Brook during their state of the city address.

They were asked a series of questions about municipal affairs by state Rep. Paul DeMarco, a Republican who represents Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills.

DeMarco was moderator for the panel.

“We are in financially sound shape,” said Council President Virginia Smith. “We are continuing our sidewalk projects and looking forward to the development of Lane Parke and looking toward the completion of the municipal complex.”

City, state and chamber officials were on hand for the update. From left: Chamber President Amy Jackson, Councilman Billy Pritchard, Councilman Jesse Vogtle, Councilwoman Amy Carter, Councilman Jack Carl, Mayor Terry Oden, Council President Virginia Smith and Rep. Paul DeMarco. Photo special to The Journal elementary schools.

City officials have built other sidewalks as part of Mountain Brook’s master plan to connect neighborhoods, parks and schools.

Mountain Brook officials also anticipate the completion of the $130

million-plus Lane Parke development, which will include retail, office and residential space and replace the 63,000-square foot Mountain Brook Shopping Center built in 1948.

The council also awaits the completion of its $18 million municipal u vestavia hills

Transportation officials estimate it takes between 20 to 25 minutes to travel U.S. 280 from Hollywood Boulevard in Homewood to Doug Baker Boulevard. That 14-mile stretch of U.S. 280 handles nearly 84,000 vehicles daily, according to

state highway officials.

Improvements to U.S. 280 have been a concern to motorists who travel the busy highway during morning and afternoon rush hour traffic but also to elected officials in Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Birmingham who expressed strong reservations about an earlier proposal

by ALDOT to build an elevated toll road to alleviate traffic congestion.

Municipal officials had concerns about whether the state could pay for and maintain an elevated toll road – which earlier estimates put at $800 million to build – as well as misgivings about the environmental and economic impact constructing a toll road would have on their communities.

Taylor said the newly proposed improvements to U.S. 280 don’t mean the proposed elevated toll road is off the table.

“The elevated toll is a very longterm fix,” he said. “These are all interim improvements to try to help traffic as much as we can.”

Taylor said ALDOT estimates proposed road improvements to be discussed at the Nov. 19 meeting could cost between $12 million and $15 million.

ALDOT hopes to bid the project out by April 2013 and complete it by November 2013, he said. ❖

tower.

Hoover officials were on hand at the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony just outside of Fire Station 2 on Chapel Road.

The president of the Hoover Historical Society said the restored fire tower cab is a piece of history that everyone can now admire.

“It just feels like a piece of history has been resurrected and put back here.

That’s why it’s so important,” Delores Wilkinson said.

The tower was originally known as the Hale Springs Lookout Tower and was later renamed for George Gordon Crawford, who was the president of Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Co. Last year, a Hoover Historical Society committee headed by Jim Lyons decided to pursue the restoration of the deteriorated cab to preserve its history.❖

In June, city officials learned the federal government had awarded Mountain Brook $990,000 through a Safe Routes to School grant. The city must match the grant 20 percent but plans to build two miles of sidewalk to its Mountain Brook and Crestline

u over the mountain

U.S. 280 Public Meeting Set

By William C. Singleton III

T

Journal Contributor

he Alabama Department of Transportation is sponsoring a public involvement meeting on proposed road improvements to U.S. 280, but those potential upgrades don’t involve an elevated toll road.

The meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center, 3660 Grandview Parkway.

The department has recommended recalibrating even more traffic lights to accommodate traffic flow along U.S. 280 and adding turn lanes and other road improvements.

There are about 25 traffic lights along U.S. 280 from Hollywood Boulevard near the Elton B. Stephens Expressway to Doug Baker Boulevard in North Shelby County.

ALDOT has already begun recalibrating signal lights to help speed up traffic flow along U.S. 280, said Lance Taylor, preconstruction engineer with ALDOT’s u Hoover

Hoover Historical Society Dedicates Fire Tower Cab The Hoover Historical Society dThe Hoover Historical Society dedicated the Crawford Fire Tower Cab on Oct. 31.

Erected in 1939, the cab was used to locate wildfires in the area. A cab is a small lookout room at the top of a fire

Birmingham division.

“We might still modify some more signals,” he said regarding improvements to be discussed at the Nov. 19 meeting.

“We may do further corrections and further improvements beyond what that adaptive signal system is. This is going to be more roadway-type improvements that will help, like possibly adding a turn lane instead of having a single turn lane. We hope to do some things that help traffic move a little faster along the corridor,” Taylor said.

“The elevated toll is a very long-term fix.” preconstruction engineer Lance Taylor

complex, which will put city hall and the fire and police offices under one roof.

Currently, the city rents space at Office Park until the work is finished sometime in April 2013.

“The city is in good shape. We all as a city council enjoy working together, and we rely on our mayor for leadership and he gives us good leadership,” Smith said.

She also noted the city operates within a balanced budget and has money with its capital fund budget to support construction projects.

“Every year we come under our budget, so we’re able to move more funds to the capital side,” she said. The city has about $20 million in its capital fund, Mountain Brook Finance Director Steve Boone said.

Mayor Terry Oden said Mountain Brook has had to focus on growing internally because it can’t really grow its boundaries.

“We want to improve from within because we can’t get any bigger,” he said.

Oden said he hopes Office Park becomes available for sale in the future, which would help the city in its efforts to increase commercial development.

Office Park sits off U.S. 280 and is owned by a private company. ❖

New Form of City Government Begins

By William C. Singleton III

L

Journal contributor

ike so many other municipal officials elected in August or October of this year, Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza was sworn in Nov. 5 to start a second term.

And though his title is the same, Zaragoza now occupies a different seat. Instead of being seated at a table that sits lower than the council dais, Zaragoza sat in the middle of the council and served as council president.

Vestavia Hills has officially started its new form of government with its mayor seated among the council and a city manager replacing the mayor’s duty as the chief administrator.

If the change was barely noticeable, that may have been because city officials started planning for it a year ago.

After Vestavia Hills residents voted to change from a mayor-council form of government to a managercouncil structure, city officials began searching for a city manager to bring in early enough to learn the ropes before Nov. 5’s transition date.

The city hired Randy Robertson as its city manager in September 2011.

Robertson has been on the job since January 2012 working with the mayor and acting as the city’s chief executive. So far the transition was been smooth, both Robertson and Zaragoza said.

“It has been a very smooth transition,” Robertson said. “I would say the city has been in great hands

with the leadership it has with both the council and, specifically, Mr. Zaragoza. He has made the transition smooth.”

Zaragoza said he didn’t have a big adjustment in terms of his presence during city council meetings.

Zaragoza said he is accustomed to speaking at city meetings, both as a mayor and now as a council president who has a vote with his other four Vestavia Hills Mayor colleagues.

Alberto “Butch” “It’s a Zaragoza little different handling the agenda up there,” he said. But all in all, the first meeting concluded without a hitch, the mayor said.

Though Mountain Brook has a city manager, its government structure is slightly different. Its mayor, Terry Oden, does not have a vote on the council. The Mountain Brook City Council has five members, including a council president.

Homewood elects a mayor who serves as the city’s chief executive officer. Homewood has 11 city council members--one who runs at-large as council president and the others who run in specific wards.

The City of Hoover elects a mayor and five city council members. The Hoover City Council members run atlarge for the offices. ❖

NEWS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

◆ HOMEWOOD

Patrol Pooch To Visit Library

BY KEYSHA DREXEL

H

JOURNAL EDITOR

omewood Public Library patrons will have a chance to meet the city’s fourlegged crime fighter when the Homewood Police Department's K9 unit makes an appearance at the library at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 15.

Officer Keith Smith will bring Shiloh, a German shepherd who has been on the force since April, to greet visitors at the library.

“People just love him, and it gives us a positive interaction with the community ...”

OFFICER KEITH SMITH “It’s part of our community policing efforts,” Smith said. “We want to get out there and tell people what we are doing for the city and give them a chance to meet us and to meet Shiloh.”

The department started with two police dogs in April, but during the 13-month intensive training the dogs go through, one of them fell ill, Smith said.

“Justice got sick and had to be taken off duty. We have another dog

Officer Keith Smith will bring Shiloh to the Homewood Public Library tonight to meet the community.

Photo special to The Journal

in training in Huntsville now and hope to have him on the streets by February,” Smith said.

Thursday, November 15, 2012• 11

Smith said Justice now lives with a veterinarian and helps the vet with obedience classes.

The new dog, Draco, will be the partner of Officer Jeremiah Mote.

The dogs are what Smith called “dual purpose police dogs” and are trained to smell narcotics, work patrol, search for missing persons and apprehend fleeing or hidden suspects.

Smith said his new partner has been an effective “ice-breaker” in his community policing efforts.

“People just love him, and it gives us a positive interaction with the community so that we all know each other and can work together to keep our neighborhoods safe,” Smith said.

Smith said he volunteered to be a part of the city's first K9 unit.

“I have two dogs of my own, and I thought this would be a great new opportunity,” he said.

Shiloh now lives with Smith and his family at his home. When Draco is finished with his training, he will live at the Motes' home. The city built kennels for the police dogs at the officers’ homes.

“It’s all part of the bonding that we have to do with the dogs as our partners. We spend a lot of time with them working and training,” Smith said.

Smith said he and Shiloh train together at least eight hours a week.

Shiloh is certified by the United States Police Canine Association, Smith said, and Draco will also be certified once he completes his training in Huntsville. ❖

You can’t fight it alone.

Alzheimers is relentless. You need an ally.

Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen understands what Alzheimer’s does to families. That’s why we apply the Best Friends™ Approach to care, built on the elements of friendship, to promote choice, preserve dignity and enable meaningful relationships. Our professionals possess the insight and sensitivity to help create a better experience for the memory-challenged.

For more about our memory care program, now accepting direct admission at affordable rates, call us at 1-800-994-4669 today.

200 One Nineteen Blvd. | Hoover, AL 35242 1-800-994-4669 | www.SomerbyatStVincents.com

12 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

People

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

New Miss Samford Crowned

By Margaret Frymire

L

Journal Intern

S

CI PE

ALIZING

IN

Convertible Tops Sunroofs Leather Interiors facebook.com/AlabamaAutoTop

1201 3RD AVENUE SOUTH . BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 PHONE: 205-251-0684 . WWW.ALABAMAAUTOTOP.COM

auren Hunt was named Miss Samford University 2013 Oct. 19 at the university’s Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center.

The 19-year-old sophomore from Dothan also won the lifestyle and fitness portion of the competition.

Lauren, a journalism and mass communications and public administration double major, has been competing in pageants since she was in ninth grade. She said she became interested in pageants during her freshman year of high school when she saw senior girls that she admired participating in Distinguished Young Women, formerly Junior Miss.

Since then, Lauren, daughter of Lewis and Lisa Hunt, has competed in a number of pageants beginning with Teen Miss Houston County.

Before becoming Miss Samford, she held the Miss DeKalb-Jackson title, another Miss Alabama preliminary.

Lauren said she spends hours practicing the piano, exercising and reading the news to prepare for each pageant. She played Grieg’s Piano Concerto for the competition’s talent portion.

Lauren’s favorite part of the pag-

eant was the interview, she said.

“I like to sit and talk with the judges about what I’m passionate about,” she said.

Lauren also said parLauren Hunt ticipating in pageants has boosted her confidence and improved her speaking skills.

One of the advantages of competing in pageants is that it gives young women the confidence and the poise to walk into a room and present themselves well, she said.

Each contestant in the Miss America system supports a platform.

Lauren’s platform is Swim Safe and the American Red Cross.

Seven years ago, Lauren lost her younger brother to a drowning accident during a pool party at her house.

In response to the tragedy, she began researching drowning accidents and discovered that they are the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in children.

Wanting to spread awareness about water safety, Lauren began working with the Red Cross in

Birmingham last year teaching water safety classes at elementary schools in Jefferson and Shelby counties. In each class, Lauren teaches general tips and precautions to children as well as how to behave during a water emergency such as drowning.

During the summers, she is also a lifeguard and swim instructor.

As the new Miss Samford, Lauren said she plans to work closely with the Samford Athletic Department and Student Activities Council.

“This year I’m really hoping to get involved in the Homewood community and the city of Birmingham,” she said.

Lauren said she hopes to make more city appearances and help make Miss Samford and the university more integrated in the community.

Lauren is an active student at Samford. She is involved in Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Student Government Association, Model UN Team and the National Broadcast Society, in addition to her studies.

This June, Lauren will head to the Miss Alabama contest once again, this time as Miss Samford.

“I’m excited about having more time to prepare for it this year,” she said. “I’m glad I’m getting to represent my school when I go this year. I think that’s really exciting.❖

People Notes Troop 63’s Doss Earns Eagle Scout Rank Wirth Wellington Doss, a member of Troop 63 at Canterbury United Methodist Church, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in a Court of Honor Park South Plaza • 1425 Montgomery Hwy., Suite 111 ceremony Oct. 14. next to Diplomat Deli in Vestavia Hills For his Eagle Scout leadership Mon.-Fri. 9:30 - 5:30 • Sat. 10-3 • (205) 822-9173 project, Doss designed and built three large picnic tables and three painted bookcases for the residents at Changed Lives Christian Center in north Birmingham.

Changed Lives, which opened in September 2010, is a faithbased ministry that offers transitional To: 822-9163 From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 housing for men who are Date: Oct. 2012 on their way Wirth Doss recovering This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAINtoJOURNAL for the from homelessness.

Oct. 18, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

In addition to the funds required to carry out the project, Doss raised more than $2,000 to donate to Changed Lives.

As a member of Troop 63, Doss earned 22 merit badges and served Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. as patrol leader, quartermaster and If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, librarian. He was also inducted into the your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Order of the Arrow.

Thank you for your prompt attention.He participated twice in Troop 63’s leadership training weekend at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn.

Proud to be your local, family-owned business He also attended the Florida National with over 30 years expertise in custom storage solutions.

High Adventure Sea Base in the Florida Call us today for a complimentary in-home design consultation.

Keys in 2010.

The Mountain Brook High School junior plays on the varsity football team and is a member of the varsity lacrosse BIRMINGHAM 709 Third Ave. N. 800.448.1915 CaliforniaClosets.com team. He is also a charter member of ©2012 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Franchises independently owned and operated.

Designs for every room.

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

the Mountain Brook Bass Fishing team.

He is the son of Kathleen and Edmund Doss. He is the grandson of Elise and Harold Doss of Mountain Brook and of Sharon and Edward Sprouse of Columbus, Ga. and the great-grandson of Dorothea Dow of Athens, Ga.

Eagle Scout Helps Exceptional Foundation For his Eagle Scout leadership project, John Forrester DeBuys IV, a member of Troop 63 at Canterbury United Methodist Church, helped the Exceptional Foundation and the Junior League of Birmingham.

DeBuys organized and implemented a double elimination basketball tournament at the foundation called “Hoops for Halloween.”

He was awarded the rank of Eagle Forrester DeBuys Scout in a Court of Honor ceremony Oct. 14.

DeBuys also worked with the Junior League of Birmingham, which sponsored a Halloween dinner and dance the night before the tournament.

DeBuys raised more than $2,000 for his project and made a donation of more than $500 to the Exceptional Foundation with the excess funds.

As a member of Troop 63, he earned 21 merit badges. He was a member of the Cobra Patrol and served as its assistant patrol leader and patrol leader twice. He also served as quartermaster.

He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow and participated twice in Troop 63’s leadership training weekend at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn.

He also attended the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in the Florida Keys in 2010.

The Mountain Brook High School junior plays on the varsity football team and is a member of the baseball team.

He is a class representative of the Student Government Association and is a member of the Interact Club and the Latin Honor Society.

He is the son of Katherine and Forrest DeBuys. He is the grandson of Raleigh Kent of Mountain Brook, John and Martha DeBuys of Mountain Brook and Maida Burrow and Jerry Bush of Grand Junction, Colo. He is the greatgrandson of Patricia Burrow of Grand Junction and Minnie Rast of Mountain Brook.

Hoover Service Club Names Officers The Hoover Service Club has named its new executive board officers for 2012-13.

The club was formed in 1975 and is made up of civic-minded women who give their time and talents to help meet the needs of the community.

The main goals of the organization are to give aid to the needy in the community, to further education through scholarships and to recognize outstanding volunteer service in the community.

The new executive board officers are: President Barbara Henry, First Vice President of Programs Judy Holcombe, Second Vice President of Membership Nance Kohnen, Third Vice

People

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

President of Yearbook Pam Crider, Recording Secretary Frances Wheeler, Corresponding Secretary Paula Campbell, Treasurer Carol Freeze, Parliamentarian Mary Sue Ludwig, Historian Martha Veazey and Chaplain Jo Ann Powell.

Membership dues for the Hoover Service Club are $20 per year. Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. at the Hoover Country Club.

To join or for more information, call Jennifer Caton at 978-7056.

Red Mountain Thearter Director To Serve on National Board Keith Cromwell, executive director of the Red Mountain Theatre Company, has been selected to serve on a national theater board.

Cromwell has been asked to serve a three-year term on the Keith Cromwell National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Board of Directors.

His term will begin in May. Cromwell is a recent recipient of the Alabama State Council on the Arts Administration Fellowship Award. He is a nominee for the 2012 Childcare Resources Child Advocate Award, a Birmingham Business Journal’s CEO Awards 2011 finalist and one of Birmingham Magazine’s “365 People

You Should Know in Birmingham.”

As an active member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatres, Cromwell regularly dedicates his time to national panel discussions and recently served on both the New Works Selection Committee and the 2011 NAMT Spring Conference Committee.

He also participates on the Granting Review Panel for the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington D.C., and the Visiting Allocation Teams for the United Way. Locally, he has served on the boards of Partners in Education and the Family Involvement Programs for the Birmingham City Schools and on the granting review board for the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Cromwell has participated on the planning committee for the 2011 Conference on Law Enforcement and Civil Rights sponsored by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Birmingham Division, and on the Cultural Alliance Review Board, the Newcomen Society, Leadership Birmingham, Leadership Alabama, the Cultural Arts Committee for Birmingham City Schools and the Youth Leadership Forum.

His 20-year directing and performing career includes numerous awards and involvement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, American Guild of Variety Artists and Screen Actors Guild.

As a performer, Cromwell has been in productions that have been awarded Drama Desk, Obie, Outer Critics Circle and American Theatre Wing awards.

As a director, he received the Backstage West Garland Award and seven Alamo Arts Council Awards. ❖

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 13

14 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

colonial days from cover

family went to different stations to learn how colonists lived.

“Each station had a different activity to do,” said Austin. “We got to go around with our families and see how much chores kids had to do back in colonial times.”

Stations offered activities like carving soap, churning butter and making and playing games. There was even one station headed by the National Quilting Association to teach the kids how to make quilts.

Each station was designed to teach

cover story day in the life of a child from colonial times was an eye-opening experience.

“It was a lot different than playing Xbox,” said Cate Jones.

The experience gave Whatley Thompson a new appreciation for his modern lifestyle.

“Nowadays, you just go to Wal-Mart when you want a new game,” Whatley said. “But back then you actually had to sit down and make it. It was a lot harder to do, and you didn’t have nearly as complicated games to play like you do with video games today.”

Students discovered that life in colonial times was a lot harder for kids, but they also talked about how each station showed them how knowledgeable colo-

the students about colonial life and how different things were for children then.

“We wanted to show the students what a colony was like,” Hannah Peters said. “We had just finished studying about colonial times and spent a lot of time talking about its economy and what everyday life was like. I wanted them to see it and compare it to today.”

As each group moved around the stations, they saw how much work a typical day involved for a child in colonial times.

“It was cool to experience what their daily life was like,” said Audrey Osborne. “They made a lot of stuff, even their games.”

For some students, learning about a

FOR ALL YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING NEEDS

NOVEMBER 14 -17, 2012

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

nial children were.

“Back then, children had different jobs that mattered,” said Cate. “They were counted on by their families and needed to do their jobs in order to help out.”

Audrey said she could see positives and negatives in the lifestyles of colonial-era children.

“They were a lot more self-sufficient,” said Audrey. “I think that’s both good and bad, because on one hand they didn’t have a lot of time to have fun with their friends, but they also knew how to do a lot more and take care of themselves.”

The students said they also learned that making things doesn’t have to be tedious but can be fun and interesting.

“I really liked quilting,” said Whatley. “I had never quilted before, I didn’t even know what quilting was.

The people from the National Quilting

Association came and taught us how to make a heart. I even went home and kept working on it.”

Austin said he liked learning to make something useful.

“I really enjoyed making candles,” said Austin. “It was really weird and you could make your candles wavy, but then afterwards it would harden and you could actually use it for light.”

Audrey said she the students’ hard work paid off at the butter-making station.

“I liked making the butter,” said Audrey. “It was a lot of hard work, but it was also kind of fun. Also, after you made it you got to try it on corn, cornmeal and popcorn. It was really fun and neat to make something that you were eating.”

Hannah said she and Mary started the fair at the school so students could better understand history.

Cate Jones, Rosemary Lee, Kate Amberson and Will Yarboro carve soap.

CAHABA GRAND CONFERENCE CENTER U.S. Hwy. 280

SNEAK PEEK PARTY

Wednesday, November 14 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Free Parking

MARTIE & THE MARKET Thursday, November 15 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

SNAPS WITH SANTA Saturday, November 17 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

TICKETS

Enjoy brunch with Alabama’s own Martie Duncan, “Food Network Star” finalist & party planning guru.

$12 General Admission $36 Sneak Peek Party $24 Martie & The Market $10 Group Ticket * $24 3-Day Must Have Pass All events open to the public.

Join Santa & Mrs. Claus for Snaps with Santa on Saturday morning - free with a general admission ticket.

Strollers welcome Thursday & Friday after 2:00 p.m. and all day Saturday. Stroller-Free Thursday & Friday until 2:00 p.m. *Groups of 10 or more may purchase General Admission tickets to The Market for $10 per ticket.

Not valid on JLB member quota tickets.

Thursday, November 15 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday, November 16 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 17 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

“I think we need a new tree this year.”

Arnold McRae of Leon Loard Circa Marketing Changing Spaces Movers Jernigan Foundation Mauldin Jenkins Millie Rays rolls For more information or to purchase tickets: www.juniorleaguemarket.com All proceeds benefit the mission and community projects of the Junior League of Birmingham

Holiday vacations to the Caribbean and Mexico.

Champagne Flights take you nonstop to exclusive destinations.

You’ve never had a holiday like this!

ADVENTURE TRAVEL service nonstop

SM

Call Today! 205-380-5500

www.adventuretravel.com

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 15

cover story

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

clicks with them that this actually happened.”

Hannah said she hoped the experience also taught her students about being good citizens.

“Our goal is to teach these students how to be upstanding citizens. We want them to see where they came from and to form connections with this country’s history. We believe that by learning about our history, they will see what it means to be an American and how they should act,” she said.

While this is only the second year of the Colonial Fair, Hannah said she hopes it becomes a tradition at the school. Her students said they hope so, too.

Charlie Gault enjoys the colonial games station.

“The Colonial Fair was a great day that left me wanting to explore more,” said Whatley. “That’s something I’m

glad I got to do and definitely will remember.” ❖

Tessa Allen, Audrey Osborne, Jack Irby and Bo Liscomb make lanterns.

Photos by Daniel Taylor Photography

“In fifth grade we study pre-history all the way through the Civil War, so that’s a lot of material to grasp,” she said. “We started the Colonial Fair so that students would see what a colony is like.

“It’s much easier for students to learn things if they are able to get their hands on things, and we wanted the students to see stuff and compare it to today.”

Hannah said she hopes the event helps students feel connected to history.

“We wanted the students to see the cause-and-effect relationship of things that happened back then and how they affect things today,” she said.

That lesson seemed not to be lost on the students. Many students said the colonial living experience was more meaningful to them than learning about

history in books.

“When you’re in a classroom, you don’t know the life behind what you’re learning,” said Cate. “It doesn’t seem real to you when you’re sitting in class.”

Not only did the kids learn more about colonial life but said they also learned how self-sufficient the colonists were.

“I can’t build my own stuff,” said Audrey. “I don’t know how to make a video game or a doll. They could do a lot more than we could today. It makes you see that we really have lost some skills along the way.”

Hannah said she thinks the fair is something the kids will not forget.

“They get the lesson from acting it out,” she said. “They see the history of our country as something real, and it

productions presents

december 6–23 thursday – saturday at 7:30 pm sunday at 2:30 pm tickets: $30 center, $25 r & l vst mainstage directed by jack mann

for tickets: Call 205-251-1206 or go to www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org

vst productions

directed by norton dill choreographed by carl dean

january 25 – february 10 thursday – saturday at 7:30 pm sunday at 2:30 pm

16 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

2012 Heritage Ball D ebutantes to be Presented at Heritage Ball The Birmingham Debutante Club has announced members of the 2012 Debutante Club. The 32 young women will be presented at the annual Heritage Ball Nov. 23 at the

Country Club of Birmingham.

The ball is a longtime holiday tradition in Birmingham. Debutantes have been feted over the Thanksgiving weekend since the Debutante Club was founded in 1929.

Elizabeth Ann Bean, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Straub Bean.

Kaylee Marie Beauchamp, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Davidson Slaughter and Mr. Robert Mason Beauchamp.

Abigail Elizabeth Lisette Bromberg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Brooks Bromberg.

Elizabeth Bentley Bruhn, daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Bentley Bruhn and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hansel Peacock Bruhn.

Mary Henderson Cole, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Long Cole Jr.

Kathryn Quinn Corey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Rushton Corey.

Sarah Bunnell Corosier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ray Crosier of Atlanta.

Emily Kent Donovan, daughter of Mrs. Jackie Drake Donovan and the late Mr. Kent St. Clair Donovan.

Evelyn Adams Drennen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hagood Drennen.

Emily Oliver Eagan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Christopher Eagan and Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Ramsay Hansen.

Campbell Swann Estes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Hugh Estes IV.

Laura Elizabeth Ezell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Edward Ezell.

Ann Marie Gieger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Norman Gieger.

Madelyn Fletcher Hereford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Schley Hereford.

Mary Elizabeth Scott Hodges, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Robert Hodges.

Lauren Alexandra Jenkins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Felix Jenkins III of Lawrenceville, Ga.

Rose Caldwell McCraney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Robert McCraney.

Virginia deVilliers Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boyd Miller of Daphne.

Mary Jordan Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John David Moore.

Elizabeth Lee Morris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Trammell Morris.

Lynn Otey Priester, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Louis Priester.

Margaret Tutwiler Priester, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Louis Priester.

Mary Emmalyn Reich, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Raymond Reich.

Tullia Price Rushton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William James Rushton IV.

(Not Pictured) Anne Hayden Bromberg, daughter of Ms. Anne McMillan Bromberg and Mr. Frank Hardy Bromberg III.

Hope White Simpson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hatcher Simpson.

Collier Dickinson Tynes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ingram Dickinson Tynes.

Elizabeth Parker Wade, daughter of Mrs. Walter Bellingraph Sandlin Wade and the late Mr. Wade.

Roxanne O’Neal Walker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Orr Walker Jr. and Ms. Joni Brown Walker.

Rushton Elizabeth WoodThuston, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dixon Thuston.

Kathryn Kaul Yates, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Earle Yates.

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

From left: Milton Bresler, Tom Huey, Phil Mulkey and Bruce Denson.

Photos special to The Journal by Sandra Lynn

Hames’ Life Celebrated at Publication Party Guests Share Favorite Stories And Memories

M

ore than 300 guests gathered at the Altamont School Nov. 2 to celebrate the publication of “Larger Than Life: Memories of Carl Martin Hames” and to honor the life of former Altamont headmaster, famed educator, Birmingham personality, art connoisseur, actor and poet Martin Hames.

As they entered Altamont, friends, colleagues and students from around the country were greeted by a more photos at re-creation of Martin’s living room, complete with family portraits and pieces from his personal collection.

Guests filled the Hames Gallery, the Cabaniss Fine Arts Center and the Kaul Academic Building, where they enjoyed live music, scenes from “Stay Hungry,” impersonations, poetry readings, Martin’s favorite foods and a photo booth with a life-size cut-out of the man of honor.

Guests shared their favorite stories and memories, reminisced over Martin’s class notes and travel journals and pored over the book.

Two copies of the book autographed by all of the authors were auctioned to the highest bidders.

Celebrating “Larger Than Life” were Will and Carolyn Ratliff,

Peggy Balliet and Charly Lynn.

who directed the project; art director and designer Scott Fuller and wife Jan; editor Susan Emack Alison; transcriber Elizabeth Coleman with husband Gordy; Penny and Sarah Whiteside, Altamont Head of School; and Altamont Alumni Association President Jay Pigford with wife Courtney.

Others at the event were: Michael and Peggy Balliet, Chris and Katherine Berdy, Ken and Nina Botsford, David and Susan Boyd, James and Lyn Bradford, Winston and Melissa Bradley, Patrick Brannon, Milton Bresler, Pete and Derry Bunting, Keith and Cyndy Cantley, Bill and Lynn Carter, Joan Clark, Houston and Sheri Cook, Francis and Paula Crockard, Buck and Catherine Crowe, Marilyn Dixon, Burton Dunn, Jay and Melanie Grinney, Terry Hamilton, Sam Haskell, David Hezlep, Cathy Sloss Jones; Lynn Joseph, Steve and Leslie Kelly, Mark and Margaret King, Warren Kinney, Jim and Katie Lasker, Colin and Ashley Luke, Charly and Sandra Lynn and John and Verna Lyons.

Mike McCraney with daughter Laura, John and Martha Morrow, William Morrow, Chris Nicholson, Michael and Mary Jim Quillen, Thomas and Jennie Rains, Michael and Julie Rediker, Robert Ricky and Nancy Bromberg and Brantley Fry. Robinson, Stuart and

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 17

Barbara Royal; Jimmy and Patty Rudulph, Brian and Jennifer Rushing, Edmund and Beth Seibels, Babbie Shelton, Al and Betsy Simmons, Donald and Carolyn Smallwood, Jimmy and Ashley Snow, Cynnie Sproull, Eleanor Gage Streit, Janie Stump, Marliese Thomas, Bill and Mimi Tynes, Frank and Claire Tynes, Paul and Winnie Vahle, George and Frances Estate Jewelry Wheelock, Margaret Whiteside; Estate Silver Michael and Michele Wilensky, Fine Photographs John Wilson and Brantley Fry, Cherie Woods and Philip and Patti Woods.

Authors in attendance included: Mary Adams Building • 1829 29th Avenue South, Homewood Anne Bailey, Bill Balance, Jim Barton with Anne, Graham Beene, (205) 870-3588 Mon-Fri 10-5 Ricky Bromberg with Nancy, Bill and Catherine Cabaniss, Jeanne Classé with John, Angela Comfort, Kim Crockard, Bruce Denson with Sarah, Thomas Goldsmith, The 2013 smarts have arrived Roy Green, Marty Hames, Mike Hart with Mari; J.P. Hemingway, at Crown Automobile.

Tom Huey with Wanda, William 870-3589 Keith, Jake Linder with Ashley To: From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Davenport, Margaret Livingston, FAX: 205-824-1246 Emily McGehee with Robert, Phil Mulkey, Jim Palmer with Date: Sept.

Jocelyn, Cameron Gaede with Andy This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL f Pollard, Webb Robertson with Oct. 6, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Mae, Carolyn Satterfield with Bill; David Silverstein with Susan, Leigh Sloss-Corra with Stan Bosich, Chris Please make sure all information is correc Thomas, Brunson White with Dell including address and phone number! and Jimmy Wiygul with Margaret.

Copies of “Larger Than Life” Starting at $12,490. are available for purchase at www.

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. martinhames.com and at Alabama If we have not heard from you by 5 pm CrownAutomobile of the Friday before the press date, Crown Automobile Booksmith, Little Professor and your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

CrownAutomobile.com smartcenterbham Church Street Coffee and Books. ❖ Thank you for your prompt attention.

OTMJ.COM

Ready for Holiday Entertaining?

We Are!!!!

2406 CANTERBURY ROAD MTN. BROOK VILLAGE 879.2730 To:

18 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Gus Mayer Goes Pink to Fight Breast Cancer

Whether it’s dinner with the family at La Paz, or drinks and cigars with the guys...

CF $0.'035"#-& BOE $00-

From left: Jen Whitley, Julie Whitley, Paget Pizitz, Nancy Nagrodzki, Michael Pizitz, Carole Pizitz, Deanna Adams and Jeff Pizitz. Photos special to The Journal

Find yourself in a pair of Heritage Collection boots from Red Wing, available locally exclusively at Red Wing Shoes of Birmingham.

Act now and Get $25 OFF any pair of Heritage boots offer expires 11/24/12

PELHAM t

TRUSSVILLE t

MOUNTAIN BROOK ART ASSOCIATION

redwingshoes_villageliving_nov12_[A]_D43_V1 Size: 4.92� x 7.5�

12 Oct 2012_vysh

HOLIDAY ART SHOW Find a truly unique gift this year.

Buy direct from the region’s best artists!

NOV 16 DEC 1

Shop Daily 10-8PM

Lower Level proceeds to benefit

Cathy Friedman, Deanna Adams and Sarah Shotts.

G

uests at the third annual Gus Mayer Goes Pink event saw fashions from New York while raising money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama.

Throughout October, Gus Mayer sold special merchandise, designer Gus Mayer Goes Pink T-shirts from

Cocina Superior and Brio Tuscan Grille

Three Dots and Gus Mayer gift cards, donating a portion of the sales to breast cancer research.

On Oct. 29, Gus Mayer hosted a fashion runway show featuring New York designer Misha Nonoo presented

by Regions Bank. Tickets sales and pre-orders from Nonoo’s Spring

Voted Best Antiques Store Again!

HANNA

ANTIQUES

Call us “Hanna Claus�

MALL

Santa has a sleigh full of surprises.

Our one-of -a kind collection of rugs, silver, jewelry, furniture, glassware, and more qualify us as an official Santa’s Helper. Rooms and rooms of antiques, curiosities and fun.

Be Unique, Give an Antique.

2424 7th Ave. So. Major credit cards accepted

hosted by:

Herman Heinle, Janice Elliot and Ann Simmons.

Mon-Sat 10-5

323-6036

2013 collection were donated to the BCRFA. Carole Pizitz welcomed friends, family and patrons of Gus Mayer as she told her story of breast cancer survival and the importance of research.

Birmingham Fashion Week models took center stage with soft braids

by Joelle Salon. The runway show featured Nonoo’s flowing fabrics and bright colors that graced the runway in Paris earlier this year.

Whole Foods Mountain Brook provided hors d’ouevres, while United Johnson Brothers provided pink cocktails and Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company provided other beverages as guests enjoyed the music of DJ Coco.

A tower of special breast cancer awareness baby bites from Pastry Arts was a huge hit among attendees.

Events and Rentals Unlimited set the stage with pink lighting.

Guests included Michael and Carole Pizitz, Dick and Joan Pizitz, Richard and Carrie Pizitz, Nancy Nagrodzki, Julie Whitley, Jen Whitley Paget Pizitz, Jeff Pizitz, Deanna Adams, Cathy Friedman, Dolly O’Neal, Dian Diamond, Callie Gartrell Mauldin, Stephanie Willis, Ann Rich, Danielle Yancey, Ann Simmons, Herman and Jess Heinle, Janice Elliot, Rick and Eve Hirsch, Krista Conlin, Maree Jones and Alicia Rohan.

The Gus Mayer Goes Pink campaign was originally launched in September 2010 to benefit BCRFA. Gus Mayer and the Pizitz family have raised more than $80,000 for the foundation since 2010. �

From left: Brian Keith, Anna Keith, Roy Evans and Shirley Evans.

Photos special to The Journal

Coronets Cut a Rug at Fall Dance

T

he Coronets Dance Club held its fall black-tie dinner and dance last month at Vestavia Country Club.

Redonda Broom, Marti Buck and Dianne Horn orchestrated the event with the theme “New York, New York.” Decorations were by Robert Logan.

The seated dinner included beef tenderloin with au poivre sauce paired with jumbo crab-stuffed gulf shrimp, parmesan whipped potatoes and steamed baby green beans followed by pumpkin spice crème brulee garnished with a molasses cookie.

President Shirley Evans and her husband, Roy, greeted those who attended.

Dancing to music by the Checkmates were Carolyn and Arthur Edge, Sue and Dave Belcher, Ann and Ken Nelson, Sue

Thursday, November 15, 2012• 19

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Jerry South, Jean and David Hendrickson, Fay Hart and Jim Hawk and Frank Buck.

Also at the dinner and dance were Nelle and Clyde Freeman, Corinne Greer, and Betty and Les Longshore, Cele and Gus Miller, Sally and Bob Stanley, Richard Horn, Evelyn and Bill Ringler, Lynne and Mark Cohen, Joan Clark and Norman Glass and Una Ray and John Barnett.

Others enjoying the evening were Lowell Broom, Lynell and Joe Bolen, Clarice and Sydney Gibbs, Dot Crook and John Creel, Claire and George Gomperts, Jennie and Jim Lewis, Louise and Carlton Pinkerton, Betty and Malcolm Miller, Vera Shirley and J.B. Davis, Jackie and Rex Webb, Glenda and Roy Etheredge, Betty Tucker and George Miller and Margaret and William Howell. ❖

Sue and Preston Trammell.

and Preston Trammell, Liz and Mike Slive, Cathy and Anthony Crapet, Carolyn and Jim Delk, Linda and Mike Gooldrup, Anna and Brian Keith, Marian and John Lewis, Betty and Paul Meeks, Susan and Jerry Stofel, Edna and Ken Alderman, Pat and Rick Garlikov, Nell and Al Larson, Gloria Hudson and Dick Paxton, Rusty and Don Kirkpatrick, Joanne and Art McConnell, Shirley and Howard Palmes, Ming and

Sepia watercolor 15x22 $150.00

Arceneaux Gallery 802-5800 • Tues. - Sat. 10-5 SoHo Square Homewood

great gift idea

20 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

80%

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Co-chairmen and ISS parents at the Music 101 event. From left: David Szasz, Alina Voicu, Kiki Scalise and Pierre Scalise.

of dieters regain the weight.*

Photos special to The Journal

more photos at

OTMJ.COM

T

2018 Brookwood Medical Center Dr. Suite 106A | Birmingham, AL 35209

Music 101 Hits High Note for Indian Springs School

he Indian Springs School Parent Association hit just the right note at its Oct. 13 Music 101 fundraiser.

The event raised approximately $60,000 for the school and gave guests the chance to take music-related classes from ISS faculty and alumni and enjoy live music, food and beverages.

The event began with drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres by the school’s lake, accompanied by the sounds of a brass quintet of musicians from the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

A performance by Sursum Corda, a Birmingham-based, 12-member vocal ensemble under the direction of Birmingham-Southern College Music Department chairman and ISS alumnus Lester Seigel, followed.

Performing with the ensemble were ASO Concertmaster Daniel Szasz, violin; Zak Enekeev, viola; and Ken Watson, piano. Seigel accompanied the group on the piano.

Music included selections by Louis Spohr, Daniel Charney, George Gershwin, Eric Whitacre, Phillip Rhodes and David Bloom, an ISS graduate and director of Contemporaneous, a New York-based ensemble of young musicians dedicated to performing new music.

The approximately 140 guests then took two music-related classes offered

by Bloom, American Music Scholar

Catherine and Emmett McLean.

and fellow alumnus Neely Bruce and Springs faculty members Tom Barr, Bob Cooper, Jonathan Horn, Clint Jacobs, Mike Lantrip, Richard Neely, David Noone, Douglas Ray, Michael Sheehan and Alina Voicu.

Classes covered such topics as “Marian Anderson, Eleanor Roosevelt and the Daughters of the American Revolution” and “Keep the Beat: Music of Protest.”

Accompanied by desserts and cof-

Hand-crafted jewelry by American artisans

2411 Montevallo Rd. • Mountain Brook Village • 871-8297

fee, a silent auction featured items such as vacation homes, artwork and musical instruments. Guests also enjoyed purchasing Mystery Music CDs (wrapped to conceal their identity) and underwriting supplies needed by Springs students and teachers this academic year.

As guests left, they filled out and paid for “P(l)ay Lists” of the items they bought during the evening.

This is the fourth installment of the school’s 101 fundraisers, which began in 2009 with a Wine 101 event and continued with 2010’s Film 101 and last year’s Food 101. The 101 events benefit the ISS Annual Fund, which supports need-based scholarships, student activities, faculty salaries and updates to campus facilities.

“The event was an incredible success, and we are grateful to our sponsors, teachers, musicians, alumni and parent volunteers and guests who made it a reality,” said Alina Voicu, an ISS parent and the school’s director of instrumental music.

She chaired the event with husband Szasz and fellow parents Kiki and Pierre Scalise.

“We, along with countless other ISS parents, appreciate the education our children receive at Springs, and we were delighted to help the school in this way,” Voicu said.

Others who served on the Music 101 Committee were Amy Barr, Marie Baxley, Nancy Baxley, Clara Chung Fleisig, Bev Marson, Beth Price, LeeAnn Ramey, Sabrina Phillips, Holly Ellis Whatley, Lesli Wright and ISS staff members Wendy Bowman, Kathryn D’Arcy, Melanie Kieve, Monecia Miller and Beth Mulvey.

Sponsors for the event included Presto Appassionato Level Sponsors Sidney and Michael McCullers, Vivace Molto Level Sponsors Kiki and Pierre Scalise, Allegro Affettuoso Level Sponsors Birmingham Allergy & Asthma Specialists PC, Mindy and Dylan Black, Theresa and James Bruno, Ginny and Joe Farley, Melinda and Joseph Guillaume, the ISS Korean Parents Association, Jung-Mee Kwon and Sung-Jin Kim, Janis and Sean O’Malley, Pelham Eye Care, Sharon and Frank Samford, Alina Voicu and Daniel Szasz and Dorrie Fuchs and Gareth Vaughan; and Allegretto Grazioso Level Sponsors Lisa and Rob Balazs, Yu Jeong Kim and Hyunjoon Jin, Sefi and Olu Ransome-Kuti and Fergus Tuohy/Ameriprise. ❖

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 21

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Happy Holidays

From left: Dan Drennen, Cameron Vowell, Community Foundation President Kate Nielsen, Susan Walley and Ann Haas.

Special Holiday Events

Photo special to The Journal

Community Builders, Spains Honored at Sunset Event

A

1972 bequest from the estate of Margaret and Frank Spain is more than just a memory for the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

That gift, celebrated at a special event Oct. 9 at the home of the Spains’ granddaughter Cameron Vowell and her husband Scott, has generated more than $32 million in grants from a Community Fund created by the Spains.

The occasion also was special for many people who plan to benefit the Community Foundation through their wills.

“We honor these generous and forward-thinking individuals as our Community Builders, as members of this Legacy Society that is so important to the future of Greater Birmingham,” said Kate Nielsen, foundation president.

The original bequest from the Spains was $3 million. The total now held in the Frank E. and Margaret Cameron Spain Fund of the Community Foundation has grown to more than $20 million.

The fund has awarded grants totaling $32 million over the past 40 years.

“That is the power of endowment,” Nielsen said. “We continue to grow the original gift while making grants that drive positive change and really improve the life of our region.”

In addition to hosts Cameron and Scott Vowell, Kate Nielsen and Community Foundation Chairman Gillian Goodrich greeted guests at the sunset event.

Board members and Community Builders Larry Thornton, Lloyd Wilson and Bill Smith with Becky were also on hand, along with former board members Eddie Friend, Tom Lowder, Jeffrey Cohn with Rebecca and Margaret Porter with Kip. Also enjoying the gathering were many of the Community Builders honored for their future gifts to the Community Foundation, including Richard Dabney, Philip Morris, Guin Robinson, Tom West, Torrey and Armand DeKeyser, Betty Goldstein, Ken Jackson, Joyce and Jerry Lanning, Ruth and Robert

Wright, Judy and Bill Lewis, Kay and Eddie Aldridge, Judith Crittenden and Philippe Lathrop.

Also there were Community Foundation donors and friends, including Dan Drennen, Sallie Aman, Carlos White, Robert Taylor, Mary Louise Hodges, Cris Stone, Cathy and Tom Adams, Bill Cather, Harriet and Hampton McFadden, Nancy and Glenn Goedecke, Charles Collat, Mark Wilson, Walker and Bill Jones, Ann and Troy Haas, Susan Walley, Rick Kilgore and Pam Weed. ❖

November 27th………………………………………………………..……….Wish List Night November 29……………………..…………..Leigh Ann Hurst Jewelry Trunk Show rd th December 3 to 14 ……………………………………………….12 Days of Christmas th December 6 ……………………..…………...Sherri Fairbairn Jewelry Trunk Show th th December 11 and 18 …………………………………………..…….Men’s Night Out th December 13 ………………...…………..….…..Shalla Wista Jewelry Trunk Show

LAMB’S EARS, LTD.

205.802.5700 www.LambsEarsLtd.com LambsEarsLtd@gmail.com

70 Church Street Crestline Village Mountain Brook, AL 35213

To: From: Date:

Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Nov. 2012

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL fo Nov.15 2012 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possib your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-12

drapery • upholstry • nursery dorm • outdoor Tues.- Fri. 10AM - 5PM • Sat. 10AM - 2PM

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

264.1136 • Inside Trussville Antiques & Interiors 147 North Chalkville Rd. Trussville

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press d your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

To: From: Date:

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Bradley Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Aug. 2012

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Aug. 23, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone Mr. Jack William number!

Miss Abbye Reece

Miss Ida Claire Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

“Short Stories” by Trés Taylor Come read about each character’s unique southern story. 4 1/2” x 16” limited edition prints mounted on wood and ready to hang, $35.

Full collection available only at Art Alley.

109 Broadway Street Homewood

(205)879-1105

22 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

Accessories

Prints

Tables

1829 29th Ave. So. • Homewood • 870-8110

Furniture

Accessories

Lamp Shades

Chandeliers

Mirrors

Books

Lamps

Gifst

Frames

Frames

Furniture

SOCIAL

Prints

To: From:

+=4$H4A6$*18:C7?$;4;15:4A$ 754$6=4$;1;426A$B4$A=754$B:6=$>7;:8?$72C$>5:42CAI$$ Mary Glen J=754$7$>7;:8?$>7@15:64$B:6=$6=1A4$?1K$81@4I Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646

Date:

FAX: 205-824-1246 Nov. 2012

A

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Tastes of the Stage Celebrates National Opera Week

s part of National Opera Week, Amici--Young Friends of Opera Birmingham--hosted “Tastes of the Stage” Oct. 30 at the Hill Opera Center.

The open house event, planned by Amici officers Erin Moore, Abbott Jones, Lee Ann Petty and Karyn Uptain, featured food truck refreshments from Cantina on Wheels, beer

by Cahaba Brewing Company and music by Jarrett Smith and Derek Sellers.

The family-friendly event was open to those interested in learning more about Amici and Opera more photos at Birmingham.

The event attracted several new members and helped raise funds for other events supporting Opera Birmingham.

“Tastes of the Stage” welcomed new and returning Amici members to help kick off Opera Birmingham’s 2012-13 season and celebrate National Opera Week.

At the party were Amy and Scott Meyer, Brent Uptain, Matthew Moore, Dr. Andrew Duxbury, Opera Birmingham Board President Dorinda Smith and Dr. John Smith.

Russell Cunningham and Lee Ann Petty.

Others at the event included Kathy Emison, Brad Siegal, Valerie Ponder, Elizabeth Sullivan, Anna Childers, Amy Johnson, Ashley Saway, Stephen Hudgens, Melissa

OTMJ.COM

!"#$%

Thank you for your prompt attention.

!!"#$%&'%()&

From left: Max Garcia, Nicolosi, Jane Paris Smith and Dr. Chandler Smith.

Photo special to The Journal

The stamp and envelope were unveiled at the Harwell G. Davis Library on the Samford University campus in conjunction with other activities and events on campus Oct. 20 to mark the anniversary of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book.

ONE FOR YOU. ONE FOR ME.

9$/:5;:2<=7;$>7;:8?$>7@15:64$6=76$ :A$78B7?A$>54A=$72C$4D3:6:2<.

!"#$EFG /0##$#123456$*788

$M154$:2>1S$@:A:6$BBBIH:5;:2<=7;H78846I31;

Grober-Marrow, M.J. Schindler and Bradley Reed.

Also enjoying the evening were Halee and T.J. Wilson, Russell Cunningham, Dewin Tibbs, Lesli Morrow, Rodney Davidson, Burton Dunn, Zane Rhoades, Robert Raiford, John D. Jones and Eleanor Parker.

Amici, the Italian word for “friend,” is a young patrons group whose mission is supporting and promoting Opera Birmingham.

All opera lovers between the ages of 21-45 are invited to join Amici. A one-year membership is $25.

Membership benefits include special deals on ticket purchases, special seating with other Amici members at performances and invitations to social events throughout the season.

For more information on Amici, visit facebook.com/AmiciBirmingham and follow twitter.com/ AmiciBirmingham. ❖

T

$,)

!"#$%&'($#)*+"#,$#&-.% +:3L46M7A645I31; NFEOOF%PQFROOO

Photos special to The Journal

Nicolosi Honored at Vestavia Hills Reception

he Vestavia Hills home of Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith $,) was the setting for a reception honoring This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the world-renowned artist Nicolosi. !"#$%&'$()('*&#(+$$,(#(-./#0$.1($$2'(3.('$ nov. 15, 2012,/'4/#0134$5"43#($6&7/(.* issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.Nicolosi, of Chicago, was in the Birmingham area for a screening of his documentary “Song of the please make sure all information is correct, Mockingbird: Monroeville Memories.” including address and phone number!The documentary is an encore to the &'"$'()*+$&',-. commemorative envelope and cancel/0##$#123456$*788 lation stamp he was commissioned to please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,design for the U.S. Postal Service to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “To your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.

!!!*#$$+%&'%()&

From left: Erin Moore, Elizabeth Sullivan and Anna Saway.

gifts GALORE! 2841 Cahaba Road • 879-5277 Mon-Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-4 www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com

A private screening of the documentary also took place at Samford University Oct. 20 in Brock Recital Hall. The documentary was filmed at the Monroeville courthouse, a central location in Lee’s classic book.

After the screening, Nicolosi and Professor Nancy Grisham Anderson had a “talk back” with the audience, discussing the lessons learned from the documentary and book.

Also honored at the reception in Vestavia Hills was Max Garcia, a local artisan who created a replica of the Monroe County Courthouse dome.

Guests attending the reception included John and Harriett Maloof, Jim and Judy Carns, Binnie Myles, Dr. James Sanderson, Dr. Nancy Grisham Anderson, Paul DeMarco, Percy Badham, William Gann, Alberto “Butch” and Diane Zaragoza, Terry and Sandra Oden, Sharon Blackburn, Dottie Haynes, Armand and Torrey DeKeyser, John and Linda Rochester, Paul Lawson, Thomas Bryant and David Swindal. ❖

Yard Sale Raises Money for Research

C

arole Pitard of Mountain Brook recently organized the fourth annual Secondhand Sale to benefit the UAB TS Clinic and tuberous sclerosis research.

The event was held at iStore Self Storage off Montclair Road. The three-day sale was well stocked with donations from the community and TS families with help from iStore.

The sale raised more than $6,500. With funds from the “Unlock the Cure” Challenge Grant from the Harold Simmons Foundation, the total amount raised was $10,000. More than $30,000 has been raised for TB research over the past four years with the Secondhand Sale.

Tuberous sclerosis is a rare, multisystem genetic disease that causes benign tumors to form in a number of vital organs – primarily the brain, eyes, heart, kidney, skin and lungs. It

Cindy June and Carole Pitard.

commonly affects the central nervous system, with symptoms that include seizures, developmental delays, behavioral problems, skin abnormalities and kidney disease. There is no cure.

The UAB TS Clinic serves patients from throughout the Southeast.

Volunteering at the sale were Lauren Bailey, Dabney Blum, Lisa Bush, Melinda Chapman, Terri Colbert, Gary Fanucchi, Michelle Fanucchi, Luann Heer, Shirley McAfee, Jill McBride, John

Carousels Dance Club Kicks up Heels, Kicks off Season

T

he Carousels Dance Club had its fall luncheon Sept. 27 at the Vestavia Hills Country Club.

President Patsy Norton welcomed new member Theo Greene. Judy Russell, another new club member, couldn’t attend the luncheon but was recognized.

Joyce Lott, co-chairman with Valerie Pankey of the club’s annual spring dance, talked about plans for the event, which will be held in March.

Others enjoying the fall luncheon were Terry Adams, Lynn Ault, Barbara Baird, Sara Jane Ball, Patsy Beaird, Mary Bledsoe,

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 23

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

McBride, Riley Ann McBride, Ann McCallum, Catherine Meehan, Allie Norse, Joe Pitard, Lynda Reynolds and Stuart Summers.

Junior volunteers were Bella Fanucchi, Sandro Fanucchi, Jenny McBride, Catie Pitard, James Pitard and Kayla Smith.

Volunteers from the Mountain Brook Junior High Students for Organized Service Club were Regan Clark and Sarah Gladney.

Other volunteers were Brad Gannon and Fred Otieno of Valet Moving.

The iStore property managers Cindy and Franz June and assistant manager Bo Reynolds also volunteered their time and resources. ❖

Dee Dee Bloom, Mary Alice Carmichael, Martha Cheney, Nina Crumbaugh, Tina Darnall, Melanie Gardner, Ann Garrett, Fay Hall, Mary Ruth Ingram, Jessie Key, Jerry Mills, Martha Norville, Betty Nunis, Suzanne Parsons, Ruth Pitts, Paula Pointer, Lee Scott, Carolyn Smallwood, Marybeth Smith, Virginia Lavallet, Gretchen Small, Frances Vestandig, Betty Wagstaff, Ann Waudby and Margie Williams. ❖

Christian Lady available to iron in your home.

To: From: Date:

Table Matters Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Nov. 2012

Christmas Trees Arriving Friday, Nov. 23rd!

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Nov. 15, 20112 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

References furnished

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

Call Edna 205-461-5155

soldes!

(Sale!)

To: From:

nadinefrost60@gmail.com Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Nov. 2012

BetSy Prince Fall 2012 clearance Sale Date:

Begins Monday, november 19th

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the

Nov. 15, 20112 Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Monday - Friday 10amissue.

- 7pm • Saturday 10am - 6pm *Special Holiday hours open Sundays - 5pm beginning Dec. 2nd Please make sure1pm all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt Lower LeveL Brookwood viLLage • 205-871-1965 betsyprinceboutique.com

Greenery Wreaths

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

attention.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

We deliver and set up Christmas trees.

Fresh wreaths made daily on site.

Custom mailbox arrangements.

Trees displayed in water for freshness

Andy’s

Farm Market and Garden Center 824-0233 • Morgan Drive Vestavia 402-2639 • Hwy 150 Hoover Mon-Sat 8-5 • Sun 12-5

www.AndysGardenCenter.com

24 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Jennifer Lyles, Michelle Harper, Amanda Saint, Elizabeth Lyman, Alissa Padgett, Amy Mayer and Beth Sasser. Photos special to The Journal

Sip and Savor Kicks Off Shopping Event

M

ore than 250 guests kicked off the Shop Save & Share fundraiser at the Sip and Savor event hosted by the Outlet Shops of Grand River Oct. 25.

Denise Koch Events coordinated the party.

Guests were entertained by the music of Todd Coder and Greg Staggs.

B&A Warehouse provided hors d’ouevres, including an oriental noodle bar, a sampling of dips and spreads, fruits and vegetables and desserts.

Pinkberry provided yogurt.

A selection of wine was compliments of Western Wine Shop. Back Forty Brewing more photos at Company provided samples of some their products, including Truck Stop Honey, Naked Pig and Freckled Belly.

Diane Olexa of Olexa’s Catering demonstrated fall cake decorating.

Randall Baldwin of Dyron’s Low Country in Mountain Brook cooked up Low Country treats. Ben Kirk showed off the culinary stylings of Avo in Mountain Brook Village.

Junior League members, their husbands and children modeled the latest

OTMJ.COM

Emily Roberts, Amanda Saint and Valerie Ramsbacher.

fall and holiday fashions from a variety of stores at the Outlet Shops of Grand River.

Hair and makeup was provided by Tonya Jones Salon. Tracy James of Chic Made Simple hosted the fashion show.

Flower arrangements with a mix of roses and hydrangeas in dress forms were provided by Dorothy McDaniel.

Fashion lounges with comfortable seating and modern décor were provided by IO Metro.

Jamm Entertainment provided a photo booth for guests to capture the fun of the night and a “text to win”

board.

Door prizes included gift cards to the Outlet Shops of Grand River, a one-night stay at Aloft Hotel, Olexa’s Scarecrow Cake and a limited edition Fashion Rules game.

Those attending included Cates Lyman, Lilli Myers, Jamie Holmes, Ivy Cardwell, Jennifer Lyles, Michelle Harper, Amanda Saint, Elizabeth Lyman, Alissa Padgett, Beth Sasser, Amy Mayer, Valerie Ramsbacher, Emily Roberts, Kate Thompson, Samantha Starks, Gina and Chloe Sheffield and Cecil Parker. ❖

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Kraselsky-Cohen

Lauren Renee Kraselsky and Gregory Phillip Cohen were married Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry at Puritan Mill in Atlanta. Rabbi Jonathan Miller and Cantor Jessica Roskin of Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr.

Bryan-Boyken

Katherine Lee Bryan and Dr. Scott Coleman Boyken were married May 5 at Reid Chapel, Samford University in Birmingham. Dr. Gary Furr officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Daily and Mr. Tom Bryan, all of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Boyken of Alabaster.

Mayer-Andino

Jane Carlisle Mayer and Jorge Enrique Andino II, both of Santa Monica, Calif., were married Oct. 13 at the Ahmanson Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains near Calabasas, Calif. The late afternoon wedding was followed by dinner and dancing.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Charles Mayer III of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Ms. Eva Leivas-Andino of Miami

and Mrs. David Gary Kraselsky of Mountain Brook. The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Hagedorn Cohen of St. Louis.

The bride was given in marriage by her mother and father. Kathryn Kraselsky Held of Birmingham was her sister’s matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Mary Bradley Hosch Anderson of Birmingham; Leslie Edwards Higgins of Portland, Ore.; Lucy King Stanley of Memphis, Tenn.; Randi Sharon Sandler and Jessica Helen Mesh of New York City; Amy Elizabeth Krost and Erin Ziff Slosburg of Houston; Dana Crespi Kaplan of Chevy Chase, Md.; and Lindsay Michelle Roberts and Lauren Sack Gruenhut of Atlanta. Scott Andrew Cohen, brother of the groom, of Chicago was the best man. Groomsmen were Brian Herbert Held, brother-inlaw of the bride, of Birmingham; Ryan Edward Lumsden of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Raymond Pearson Davidson and Steven Julius Kofkoff of New York City; Thomas Earl Dupree III of Nashville, Tenn.; and Philip Scott Krieger and Michael Scott Sharkey of Atlanta.

After a honeymoon in Anguilla and St. Barth, the couple live in Atlanta.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a custom Augusta Jones gown from Carriage House Weddings. Her ivory silk taffeta gown had a sweetheart neckline and ruched bodice with delicate pick-ups on the A-line skirt that flowed into a full chapel-length train. Her diamond beaded belt was accented with a wide satin cafe color sash fitted at the waist. She wore her mother’s veil, a cathedral-length cascading silk tulle veil with delicately scattered Swarovski crystals.

Her matron of honor was Mandy Byers. Bridesmaids were Jennifer Miller Reynolds, Jill Stanton, Molly Owens Smith and Kim Tabet.

Caroline Misner and Sarah Kate Misner, nieces of the bride, were flower girls.

The father of the groom was best man. Groomsmen were Troy Lugo; T. J. Bryan, brother of the bride; Dr. Matt Satcher; and Dr. Brent Ballerd.

Ushers were Chris Payne, David Glenn Payne and Jason Payne, cousins of the groom.

After a honeymoon trip to St. Lucia, the couple live in Tuscaloosa. and Mr. Jorge Enrique Andino of Key Biscayne, Fla. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown designed exclusively from English heirloom rose lace. The gown’s trumpet silhouette was accented with a lacescalloped sweetheart neckline and delicate cap sleeves, and the keyhole back was adorned with silk buttons.

Her ballet-length veil and blusher were accented with French lace trim.

She wore a pair of heirloom diamond earrings which have been worn by four generations of brides in the Andino family and a bracelet and necklace belonging to her mother.

Tied with twine, the rustic bridal bouquet featured rosette succulents, scabiosa pods, majolica roses, spray roses, coffee bean, seeded eucalyptus and bleached peacock feathers.

The bride chose her sister, Katherine Walker Mayer, of Santa Monica as her maid of honor. Paolo Javier Andino, brother of the groom, of Los Angeles served as best man.

Following a trip to Princeville on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, the couple live in Santa Monica.

Henderson-Schuster

Ivy Margaret Henderson and Josef Earle Schuster were married Oct. 6 at Swann Lake Stables in Birmingham.

Pastor Adam Young officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Poole Henderson of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Ferdinand Wittichen of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Hiliary Herbert Henderson Jr. of Birmingham.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michiel Stephen Schuster of Birmingham. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Othmar Michiel Schuster of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Willard Earle Osterheld of Athens.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a duchess satin gown with antique lace overlay custom designed by Olia Zavozina.

She was attended by Jeanna Chiles Thomas as matron of honor.

Bridesmaids were Sloan Elizabeth Bashinsky, Sarah Martin Butler, Kelly Goodwin Homan, Ann Summerall Holley Phillips and Katherine Holman Sukiennik.

David Michiel Schuster, brother of the groom, was best man.

Groomsmen were Paul John Aguirre, Brandon Dee Gardner, Mitchell James Holland and Michael Brett Morrison. Honorary groomsman was David Poole Henderson Jr. Program attendants were Emily Claire Henderson, Tara Brooke Henderson, Andrew Thomas Schuster, Caleb Michiel Schuster and Lydia Anne Schuster.

After a honeymoon trip to Kauai, Hawaii, the couple live in Birmingham.

Recently engaged or married?

Let us help you spread the word of your good news. Send your announcement to editorial@otmj.com or visit www.otmj.com and fill out the form under the “Forms, Issue and Info.”

Thursday, November 15, 2012• 25

26 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

S

TOY STORY

ors, Julie said, including the Mensa Select award.

It’s like dominos, but you match up colorful, swirly patterns, not dots. Younger children can just put the patterns together; older kids and adults can use strategy. For ages 6 and up. $19.99.

Skippity by Mindware is like checkers, but game pieces are in four different colors. You try to capture the colors you need while craftily stopping your opponent from doing the same thing. For ages 5 and up. $24.99.

o many toys. So little time. And so many TV tie-ins and technologically-savvy contraptions to choose from.

It’s enough to make a parent – and especially a grandparent – wonder where to start when shopping for children’s

Christmas gifts.

Sometimes, it’s best to go back to the basics.

“Don’t underestimate the power of a ball,” said George Smith, owner of Snoozy’s Kids in Crestline Village.

Of course, these days, balls can be more than plain old orbs.

“You can get balls that light up or tactile models with bumps,” George said.

That’s an example of what you’re likely to find at Over the Mountain toy stores: updated old favorites but the best of new products from the toy world, too. Store owners try to choose their merchandise carefully – not just because it’s trendy.

Steve Sudduth of Smith’s Variety in Mountain Brook Village said the store has always carried children’s books.

“But this year, we’ve added a lot more,” Steve said.

The selections at Smith’s are another way local stores mix the best of old and new. Laughing Elephant books use beautiful vintage illustrations to retell favorite stories like “Red Riding Hood,” “The Cats’ Pajamas” and “The Betty Fairy Book,” which was first published in 1915.

Next to these classics though, is “Safari: A Photicular Book,” that lets young reader see cheetahs bound and gazelles leap in 3D style.

When it comes to the basics, few products are as down-to-earth as good old duct tape. But at Homewood Toy and Hobby in downtown Homewood, the utilitarian household staple goes glam.

“The All Duct Out kit is big,” said Julie Marix.

“It’s a craft kit with decorative duct tape. You can decorate shoes and other items or make your own purse, jewelry and chains.” For ages 7 and up, it’s $24.99.

Learning Express in Cahaba Heights is into this fashion phenomenon, too, said owner Melissa McCollum. Duct Tape Art Accessory Kits by Alex are $14.99 to $24.99. Four different kits, also for ages 7 and up, are available, including a Learning Express exclusive kit, Duct Tape Jewelry.

Legos are a longtime fixture at Snoozy’s, but most kids who love these toys always have room for more.

“We have a big Lego sale at the end of August to have room for the newest sets,” George said.

“We try to stay current.”

With dog show and Cinderella’s carriage sets, Lego’s new Friends line appeals to girls as well as boys, he said. Sets start at $17.99.

Smith’s offers a similar product, Steve said, with its Bricktek line.

“Brictek fits with Lego but is about half the cost,” he said. “It’s very nicely done.”

Larger sets include Sea Strength for $89.99 and the Aerobus for $79.99. The company is Canadian, so an eatery set ($10.99) is called the Noshery.

And it’s 119 Firemen – not 911.

A Tiny Kingdom in Mountain Brook Village has the Brictek Remote Control Car with fullyfunctioning pieces so you can build your own RC vehicle. For ages 6-12, it’s $34.99.

What better way to rev up your child’s engine on Christmas morning than with another old favorite, the train set?

At Homewood Toy and Hobby, “Brio is making a big comeback,” Julie said. “Its Figure 8 starter set won a 2012 Astra Best Toy award. It’s compatible with Thomas, Melissa and Doug and other train sets.”

The starter set, for ages 2 and up, is $49.99.

Bigger sets sell for up to $299.99.

Julie also recommends Lionel’s Penn Flyer set with an engine that smokes and whistles.

“It’s all you need to get started with electric trains,” she said. “It looks really impressive chug-

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

REMOTE CONTROL CHOICES

“Remote control vehicles are really big,” George said. “We test them, we drop them, we kick them and we run them into walls. It’s a global trend, but parents want quality – not something that will be damaged by Christmas night.”

At Snoozy’s, the Cybercycle is for ages 5 and up. This cool motorcycle suitable for younger children comes in red or silver and costs $39.99.

Julie said the Blade Scout CX ($49.99) is “a great remote control helicopter.”

“Many other RC copters are geared to adults,” she said. “This one is child-friendly.”

Homewood Toy and Hobby stocks replacement parts if crashes do happen. Spare propellers are just a couple of dollars.

The store also offers Kid Galaxy’s 1:10 scale Baja Racer with a couple of different body styles, Julie said. It has a rechargeable battery and is good for beginners. Cars operate on different frequencies, so more than one child can run theirs together. For ages 8 and up. $59.99.

EXPERT ADVICE: Clockwise from above: George Jones, owner of Snoozyʼs Kids rides the awardwinning Rockboard scooter. Smithʼs Variety owner Mary Anne Glazner with two popular toys for the holiday season: CyberFire and Mega Bloks.

At Homewood Toy & Hobby, owner Tricia McCain and her son Trip demonstrate how to play the best-selling game Tenzi. Brannon Bruno owner of A Tiny Kingdom says the Brictek Remote Control Car is a great choice this year and Melissa McCollum owner of Learning Express in Cahaba Heights likes the fashion phenomenon “All Duct Out” kit.

ANIMAL MAGNETISM

Toy Stories

How to Make a Play for the Perfect Present Story by Donna Cornelius and Margaret Frymire

ging around the tree on Christmas morning. It’s the most popular starter set.”

The Lionel set, for ages 8 and up (adults, too), is $249.99.

Smith’s offers Big Jigs, said Steve. These Thomas the Tank Engine- or Brio-type train sets range from $49.99-$199.99. The company hasn’t forgotten girls, either, with its Fairy Figure of Eight set.

Steve said the company provided Smith’s with a train table to donate to Children’s of Alabama.

The Chuggington trains at Snoozy’s are compatible with Thomas the Tank Engine sets, said George, and are gaining ground on Thomas thanks to an animated kids’ TV show. Sets start at $9.99.

Also on track for the younger crowd are the Melissa and Doug starter sets ($29.99), which include a train, track and bridge.

Here are some other ideas when you’re making your list and checking it twice.

IT’S ALL IN THE GAMES

George, Julie and Steve are all enthusiastic about Tenzi, a $14.99 game for all ages.

“This is one of the best-selling games I’ve ever had,” George said.

Each game comes with four sets of 10 dice, each set in a different color. There are several ways to play, but the most popular is for each player to try to roll the dice until they all have the same number.

“You don’t take turns, which means it’s fast and fun,” Julie said. “It’s for ages 7 and up, but

you can adapt the rules for younger children.”

Snoozy’s and Smith’s both have Spot It! It’s a new game with rounds cards covered with pictures. Each player flips over a card and tries to be the first to spot the one picture each card has in common. For all ages. $9.99.

At Smith’s, you can’t beat the old-fashioned electric football game from Tudor for $49.99. For ages 8 and up -- and yes, that means dads, too.

Also at Smith’s: “Every year, we carry brain teasers,” Steve said. Recent Toys makes three-packs called Brain Strings. The challenge is to untie the knot in the middle of these clear orbs. For ages 8-9 and up, the three-pack is $29.99. Individual toys are $20.

Board games go techno with iPad air hockey, fishing and Snakes and Ladders games to download. These can be real lifesavers on those long holiday car trips to grandma’s house. For ages 3 and up. $12.99.

“Easy rules, tricky play” describes Hiccups, a game that requires players to pass a clear plastic ball from cup to cup without – you guessed it – a hiccup. It has eight levels of play. For ages 6 and up. $14.99.

For tiny tots, the Roll and Play is a big cloth cube that allows little ones to play simple games.

You roll the “dice,” pick a card and follow the instructions (with a little prompting from mom or dad): moo like a cow, clap your hands, wave byebye. $19.99.

At Homewood Toy and Hobby: Dizios is brand new and has won tons of hon-

Plush toys – or, as they used to be called, stuffed animals – are always a hit. Steve loves Smith’s Aurora line, with red foxes, polar bears, tigers and more that you have to see to appreciate. $24.99 and up.

Has Santa been firmly told not to leave a real live dog or cat under the tree? BB Kidoo Pets are a great substitute. These plush animals talk, eat and purr. Grab the tiger by the tail, and he growls (understandably so). You can even “feed” them, but a litter box is thankfully unnecessary. At Smith’s and Snoozy’s. $19.99 and $29.99 If there’s a little one on your gift list, the Twilight Turtle is a comforting bedtime companion. It shines light patterns on the ceiling and plays soothing sounds like cricket chirps or the gentle splash of waves – and it cuts off in 24 minutes.

Other animals are available, too. At Snoozy’s. $32.99. … AND PLAIN OLD MAGNETISM

Magna-Tiles are magnetic building blocks (magnets are inside). They come in clear colors and paneled shapes; use Some toys in this story them to build may be available at more than one store.

3D creations. At For more information Homewood Toy please call: and Hobby. For ages 3 and up.

A TINY KINGDOM, $54.99.

802-TINY A similar choice: Magformers, mag- HOMEWOOD TOY & netized colorful HOBBY, 870-3986 shapes that you can stick together LEARNING EXPRESS, to make – well, 970-9710 whatever your creativity allows.

SMITHʼS VARIETY, At Homewood 871-0841 Toy and Hobby and Smith’s. For SNOOZYʼS KIDS, ages 5 and up.

871-2662 $14.99-$99.99.

Also at Homewood Toy and Hobby, Melissa and Doug puts a fresh spin on magnetic toys with the Switch and Spin Magnetic Gear Board. Choose one of 10 pictures and add the gears in color-coded spaces.

When the gears are in place, they spin. For ages 2 and up. $19.99

TOY STORY

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

For older children, the iSpeaker is compact and magnetic. Attach it to your shirt, plug it into your iPad and you’ve got a portable speaker. At Snoozy’s. $19.99.

UP AND ABOUT

These toys will tempt kids away from TVs and computers – and give mom and dad a breather, too: Need a gift for a child who’s on fire for football? With the Nerf Sports Firevision Football, two players each have illuminated glasses which make the ball look like it’s lit from within. At Snoozy’s. $30.

Another option: Cyber Fire Football

by Play Visions is an illuminated set with a football with special reflective fabric that appears to be on fire only when players view it with their special LED glasses. At Learning Express.

Ages 5 and up. $19.99.

With the GoGo Pogo, kids can do more than just bounce around aimlessly.

The electronic toy has five games – and a stable base, which makes it fun for ages 5 and up. At Snoozy’s. $60.

The Rockboard scooter won a 2012 Toy of the Year award. Instead of pedaling or kicking to make this vehicle move, you rock back and forth. For ages 5 and up, it comes in pink or blue.

At Snoozy’s. $159.

The Wobble Deck Extreme is an electronic balance board with four games that challenge little ones physically and mentally. Mom and dad may want a turn, too. At Snoozy’s. $39.99.

Remember playing on the old playground seesaws and enduring that pesky fanny-hitting-the-ground bump?

The German-made parallel seesaw has bars on the bottom to eliminate that problem. You can go up and down or around. It’s a smart gift for families with more than one child. At Snoozy’s.

For ages 3 and up. $159.99.

To get the full effect of Astrojax, check out videos of this toy on YouTube. A long string has two balls at each end and one movable ball in the center. You can juggle, yo-yo and do other neat tricks, which get even neater with the light-up version. At Smith’s.

For ages 8 and up. $19.99.

To operate Sky Scrapers, pull the trigger to make disks fly and spin like tops. The toy with three disks is $8.99; buy a pack of six extra glow-in-the-dark disks for $4.99. At Smith’s. For ages 7 and up.

The Air Power Soccer Disk lights up and can be kicked on smooth surfaces, working somewhat like air table hockey. At Smith’s. For ages 4 and up. $19.99.

Kickin’ Putt won the Astra Best Toy award for its fun and family-friendly qualities. It’s a combination of soccer and golf; you set up your ball on a tee, and the other player tries to knock your ball off. At Homewood Toy and Hobby.

For ages 3 and up. $29.99.

Ring Stix glow in the dark and come with a carry bag. Each player has two sticks; one puts the rings on his or her sticks and crosses them over to shoot the rings off. The other player tries to catch them. At Homewood Toy and Hobby. For ages 10 and up. $29.99.

The OgoDisk RAQ puts a new twist on paddle ball. The paddles have trampoline-like material so you can keep the ball bouncing on your own or play with a partner. At Homewood Toy and Hobby. For ages 5 and up. $34.99.

If this winter’s weather forecast includes snow, kids will want to have the Flexible Flyer disk-shaped sled on hand. When the sun is shining, the sleds are fun for grassy slopes, too. At Homewood Toy and Hobby. $9.99.

The Shoot Again basketball game can be attached to a cabinet or door.

Make a shot, and the ball comes back to you. For ages 7 and up. $55.99 CARS AND TRUCKS AND THINGS THAT GO

Melissa and Doug’s Big Rig Building Set has tools and screws you can use to attach blocks, panels and more pieces to a truck. At Homewood Toy and Hobby. For ages 3 and up. $29.99.

The German-made Bruder line has Tonka-like trucks made of durable plastic. Now you can add people and other accessories. Sets are $19.99-$140, while accessory packages are from $11.99$19.99. At Smith’s.

Parents who shy away from car sets because of the “Agh! We’re missing part of the track!” factor should try the Build-A-Road X-Track. The track is made of flexible parts that can’t be taken apart; you just change the shape.

It comes with two battery-powered cars.

At Snoozy’s. For ages 3 and up. $30.

The Jump Rocket is a mini-version of the Stomp Rocket and safe to use indoors as well as outside. Jump on it and let it fly. At Homewood Toy and Hobby. For ages 3 and up. $9.99.

John Deere toys have been around for a while but are in no danger of losing ground. Choose from tools like chainsaws and weed-trimmers or rideon vehicles. At Snoozy’s. $11.99 and up.

GIRL TALK

Check out Smith’s “girly aisle,” with dress-up stuff, Bead Bazaar sets, secret journals, fancy nail sets, lava lamps and much more. Sassafras baking sets have almost everything budding chefs need to make zebra or princess cupcakes or flower cakes. For ages 5 and up. $14.99.

Girl Nation brand items include brightly-colored iPad holders, purses and accessories. Great for daughters, granddaughters, nieces, sisters and BFFs. At A Tiny Kingdom. For tweens and teens. $10.99-$24.99.

Last year, said Steve, Smith’s sold out in three days of the B. (say “Beedot”) Pop-Arty beads, which pop together to make cool jewelry. Girls as young as 4 can have fun with this crafty and colorful set. $29.99.

Watch out, Ken: Barbie now has her own remote control car ($44.99).

And you may not know that Mattel has a specialty store division that offers Barbies in, shall we say, more modest versions, like ballerinas and mermaids.

At Snoozy’s.

The Charming Chandelier by Sticky Mosaics is easy to decorate with charms and “jewels.” You just match the stickers to the numbers – kind of a stylish version of the old “paint by numbers” kits. You can hang the finished product in a place of honor. At Homewood Toy and Hobby and Smith’s. For ages 5 and up. $19.99.

A frothy net concoction with a satin ribbon is a versatile dress-up outfit.

Little ones can wear it as a dress; loosen the ribbon, and voila! It’s a tutu. At Snoozy’s. $50.

For the girl who never wants a bad hair day, Braun’s hairstyle kits ($25$45) range from tabletop sets to hairstylists’ belts. At Snoozy’s.

A fully-furnished dollhouse that’s more like a townhouse has a European flair. It’s pink and blue with painted-on ivy and topiaries, and it’s hard to say whether mother or daughter will like this best. At Snoozy’s. For ages 3 and up. $189.

Corolle’s “Calin” baby doll is flexible and machine-washable; just put her in a pillowcase and wash in Woolite. “I like to sell a doll you can play with,” George said. At Smith’s. Under $30.

Adora dolls are so realistic looking it’s hard to resist picking them up and giving them a squeeze – even for adults, when no one’s looking. The Adora Giggle Time Baby with a carrier and pacifier comes in boy and girl models with different hair and eye colors.

Squeeze them and they giggle. Adora dolls are at Homewood Toy and Hobby and Snoozy’s. For ages 2 and up. Prices start at $39.99.

Lee Middleton dolls are beautiful lifelike dolls that look and feel like the real thing. At A Tiny Kingdom. For ages 3 and up. $89.99.

Take those dolls for a spin in snazzy pink polka dot strollers. The pram is $59.99, while a three-seater model (for triplet dolls, of course) is $45.99. At Smith’s.

GRAB BAG

“Here’s a blast from the past,” Steve at Smith’s said. “As a kid, I wanted the Demolition Derby set.” Today, he’d likely ask Santa for Demolition Smash Cars. They’re today’s version of the old crash-and-repeat toy. This is for the kid who destroys everything. The cars break apart, and you can put them back together again. If only life was so simple. For ages 6 and up. $39.99.

For art lovers, easels are big, said Julie at Homewood Toy and Hobby.

Children will feel like budding Picassos -- if they know who Picasso is.

Otherwise, they can just have fun painting their little hearts out. For ages 3-7. $79.99-$139.99.

The Boogie Board isn’t for surfers.

It’s a paperless LCD writing tablet; use the stylus or your fingers to take notes, draw or just doodle. Press a button, and you’ve got a clean slate. At Learning Express and Snoozy’s. Ages 3 and up. $29.

Every year for the past few years, Smith’s has carried classic Fisher-Price toys like the Pull-a-Tune Xylophone, Music Box Teaching Clock and Change a Tune Piano. Prices vary.

Extra-special gifts for tiny tots are keepsake-worthy Belgian-made plates and bowls painted with princesses, knights and French words. At Snoozy’s. $12.99 and $14.99.

The Q-BA-MAZE is a marble maze that’s also a construction toy. Most sets like this come apart; these stack up.

Children can make geometric shapes, animals or anything their imaginations allow. Smith’s has two different sets, one for $24.99 with three colors and one for $49.99 with four colors. For ages 6-7 and up.

Tide and Tiger fans of all ages will cheer for autographed Alabama and Auburn memorabilia – trading cards, posters, mini-helmets, footballs and jerseys. At A Tiny Kingdom. $10 and up. ❖

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 27

Please join us for a fabulous

Christmas OpenHouse celebrating friends, family and all of our blessings this year with

3930 Crosshaven Drive Half a mile behind the Summit

Tuesday, November 27th 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Enjoy refreshments and give-a-ways!

28 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

HOLIDAY GIFTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

holiday gifts OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

CHILDREN OFTEN SHIVER WITH ANTICIPATION AS CHRISTMAS APPROACHES. ADULTS MAY SHIVER, TOO – AT THE THOUGHT OF SHOPPING FOR GIFTS. OH, THE CHALLENGES OF GIFT-GIVING DURING THIS JOYOUS SEASON! THERE’S YOUR SPOUSE, WHO’S EXPECTING SOMETHING REALLY SPECTACULAR (READ: EXPENSIVE). THE VEGAN COUSIN. THE FASHION-CONSCIOUS DAUGHTER. THAT GEEKY GUY IN YOUR OFFICE WHO GAVE YOU SOMETHING LAST YEAR, MUCH TO YOUR SURPRISE. THE TEACHER WHO MANAGED TO GET YOUR SON THROUGH CALCULUS. GOD BLESS THEM, EVERY ONE. BEFORE YOU MORPH INTO A SCROOGE THIS SEASON, TAKE YOUR GIFT LIST TO SOME OF OUR FAVORITE LOCAL SHOPS. WE THINK YOU’LL BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED BY THE WIDE SELECTION OF CHOICES, EVEN FOR THE PICKIEST OF YOUR PRESENT RECIPIENTS. CHECK OUT THIS YEAR’S GIFT GUIDE FOR EVERYTHING FROM TINY TREASURES AND STOCKING STUFFERS TO THOSE SPECTACULAR “WOW! YOU’RE THE BEST!” ITEMS.



Her eyes will light up at the sight of this Michael Kors Hamilton Artisan handbag in dark walnut, sure to complete any holiday ensemble. $358. Private Gallery, The Summit, 969-1559

TOYS

SOMEONE SPECIAL



 Your house will be the envy of all the neighbors with an ivy wreath, $39.99; an ivy slender cone, $46.99; or an ivy topiary, starting at $39.99. There are lots of sizes and shapes to choose from.

Andy’s, 824-0233, 402-2639

HOME

FESTIVE



Is it a suitcase or a scooter? It’s both... it’s a Scootcase!

Great for the toddler on the go. Also available in pink. $69.99.

Snoozy’s Kids, 871-2662



Lionel’s Penn Flyer set with an engine that smokes and whistles. For a classic Christmas morning set it up under the tree. $249.99 Homewood Toy & Hobby, 879-3986

She will love you for these Platinum Estate Diamond and Sapphire Earrings. They’re the accessory that never goes out of style. Price upon request. Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 251-3381



 The gardener on your list will love the added ambiance offered by classic porcelain garden stools. Use them indoors or out. They are great for extra seating during busy holiday parties or make great accent pieces. $299. Greenbrier Furniture, 822-7456

How do you chill your favorite spirits just a touch without diluting their perfectly balanced flavors?

Whiskey stones made in Vermont are nonporous and will impart neither flavor nor odor. $23 for a boxed set of 9.

Table Matters, 879-0125

Every girl loves something a little sparkly under the tree, and this 18k diamond and emerald bow pin with a knot of pave’ diamonds and six cabochon emeralds will surely be her favorite. Price upon request.

AMW, Inc., 870-3588





This wonderful hand-crafted curly-bearded Santa is perfect for hanging in a home, office or dorm and is sure to bring a smile this holiday season. $30.

The Shops of the Assistance League/ Prime Time Treasures, 870-5555





Magformers, magnetized colorful shapes that you can stick together to make whatever your creativity allows. $14.99-$99.99 Homewood Toy & Hobby, 879-3986 Smith’s Variety, 871-0841



Add special holiday charm to your home with a variety of vintage glass Christmas ornaments sure to make your holidays sparkle. $1.99-$6.99.

Elizabeth’s Antiques, 977-3355

 Make this holiday season unforgettable with this 44mm steel Baume & Mercier Capeland chronograph. $4,350.

Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060

 Kickin’ Putt won the Astra Best Toy award for its fun and familyfriendly qualities. It’s a combination of soccer and golf. $29.99.

Homewood Toy and Hobby, 879-3986

 Get a head! The Nest has taxidermy and other finds, including a large elk’s head. $1695.

The Nest, 870-1264

 An 11 x 17 charcoal portrait by artist Michael Swann, drawn from a photo, is a gift sure to be cherished for a lifetime. $200.

Arceneaux Gallery 802-5800

Treat yourself to a little holiday happiness this year. Lease the 2013 smart fortwo pure coupe for $99 per month. For details visit CrownAutomobile.com.

Crown Automobile, 985-4200



Show your birds you care this Christmas season with treats they’ll enjoy. Preston the Penguin and Buttons the Snowman, exclusively at Wild Birds Unlimited, will add festive cheer to your backyard. $14.99.

Wild Birds Unlimited, 823-6500







A fully-furnished dollhouse that’s more like a townhouse has a European flair. It’s pink and blue with painted-on ivy and topiaries. $189 Snoozy’s Kids, 871-2662

Lily & Laura glass beaded bracelets are the perfect accessory for the girl, teen or mom who has everything.

Stack multiples together or wear with other jewelry for a fresh, updated look.

Available in a rainbow of colors. $14 each or 3 for $40.

Snap Kids, 834-8038

Beautiful Turkish pillows in all sizes and decorative colors are the “in” thing this year and are perfect gifts for the decorator on Santa’s list. Starting at $75. Olde World Acquisitions, 970-6996



These ornaments are beautiful and meaningful as well as a gift that gives back. The Children’s of Alabama Christopher Radko ornament benefits zthe hospital’s Child Life Program. $45.

Bromberg’s, Mountain Brook, 871-3276; The Summit, 969-1776



Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 29

HOLIDAY GIFTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

FESTIVE

SOMEONE SPECIAL 

Show your holiday cheer with these cute door hangers, Santa and Snowman by Mudpie. $38. Crestline Pharmacy, 871-0317

It’s a bounty of bangles for the holidays. These stunning bracelets from Spartina range from $34.50-$49.50.

Jewels by Rose, 979-5611





Winter evenings will be much cozier with a MacKenzie-Childs Candle, poured into a mercury glass container with festive trim and a delightful woodland fragrance. $62.

Christine’s, 871-8297

A great $10 gift is Marguerite’s Conceits signature bubbling magnolia milk bath, a customer favorite for 19 years.

Marguerite’s Conceits, 879-2730.

For over 90 years, Levy’s has been Birmingham's Specialist in Antique and Estate Jewelry as well as Fine Diamonds, Art and Antiques.

 Snuggle up comfy and cozy in these Michael Stars fun pajamas and robes, sized small, medium and large. Pink pajamas, $88; shorty pajamas, $68; and robes, $128. Betsy Prince, 871-1965



Stockings made from antique kilims make such beautiful holiday décor. Santa will love filling them. $150. Paige Albright Orientals, 877-3232

 For the tennis player on Santa’s list, the new 2013 Babolat Aero Pro Drive racquet will be a hit. Pre-sale begins Friday, Nov. 23, for December delivery. $189-$199. The new 25th Anniversary Edition Head Prestige MP is pre-selling now, $199.

Players Choice Tennis, 985-4989

 For your holiday entertaining, the Juliska Country Estate Holiday Party Plate Set of 4 will make your table elegant, festive and inviting. $95.

Chickadee, 969-3138

2116 2nd Avenue North • (205) 251-3381 www.levysfinejewelry.com

To: From: Date:



 Ne’Qwa distinctive reverse handpainted ornaments will be cherished for a lifetime. Available in both limited and open editions, each item is hand-painted by a centuries-old process on the inside of the glass and signed by the artist. Starting at $25.

Insky’s Thomas Kinkade Gallery, 733-4893 Santa will chuckle when he finds these cupcakes, made from scratch, with European buttercream icing on a plate just for him. $3.25 each.

Gia Cakes, 802-8895

The Outlet Shops of Grand River has gifts from clothing to shoes to kitchen items for him, her and the kids.

If you can’t decide what to get, choose a gift card from the shopping center.

The Outlet Shops of Grand River, 699-3700



Jennifer Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Nov. 2012

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN J Nov. 15, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes

Please make sure all information is correct, includin number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 ho

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will r

 Keep loved ones warm and comfy with these Fuzzy Footies, $9.99. Don’t know their size? No problem! One size fits all. Flip Flops & What Nots, 967-7429

Christmas is the perfect time to start a new tradition, and the Candy Cottage, a reusable hard plastic gingerbread house, is the perfect family activity. All you have to do is decorate with your own icing and candy. $36.

The Briarcliff Shop, 870-8110



 Ask Santa for Smathers and Branson collegiate tote bags. The men in your life will love them. $145.

Remon’s, 977-5512

HOLIDAY GIFTS CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE 

2830 18th Street South • Homewood, AL 35209 879-3986 Open 9:30-5:30 Daily

30 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

HOLIDAY GIFTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOME 

If Old World charm is what you’re looking for, a handcrafted early American folk art eagle, popular in the 1900s, is the perfect gift. 55” x 20” tall. Price upon request.

Noordermeer Antiques, 870-1161



With Nest Candles’ Holiday Collection, the aroma of a sparkling holiday season is created by blending pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber. Starting at $20.

Mantooth Interiors, 879-5474

Solar Tea Lanterns soak up sunlight all day and turn on at dusk.

They shed soft light on the night garden and are the perfect addition for holiday décor. $24.99.

Colliers Nursery, 822-3133

  This custom-built iron swinging bed is the perfect holiday gift for your home or lake house. Twiggy Vines can custom design and fabricate it with your input and ideas. The swing comes in easily transportable sections and can be shipped anywhere. Price upon request. Twiggy Vines, 769-6326

 The entertainer in your life will love this Evo flat top grill. It can be used indoors or out and as a griddle or grill in gas or electric. Exclusive to AllSouth. $3,446.

AllSouth, 795-7077

 Exotic orchids make every home look beautiful. These orchids have open flowers with lots of buds that will last through January. Starting at $30.

Plant Odyssey, 324-0566

Treat guests to flavored oils and bread on these beautiful maple boards with colorful dipping bowls.

Single servers, $30, double servers, $42.

A Little Something, 970-2077

 For that person on your list who enjoys being outside under the stars on a cool night by the warm glow of a fire, this “industrial strength” fire pit will last forever and comes in a variety of sizes (stand included). Prices start at $325.

Frontera, Downtown, 320-1900, and Hoover, 987-2633





For holiday parties or all year long, Sparq Wine Pearls keep cold drinks cold. Place the pearls in your freezer for two hours or more, then add two or more to your drink and enjoy. They retain temperature for about one hour and are non-porous, odorless and tasteless. $25.50.

The Cook Store, 879-5277 For the gift of holiday spirits, these decanters in all sizes, shapes and prices make lovely gifts. $59-$150. Tricia’s Treasures, 871-9779

Now is the time to get the sewing machine of your dreams!

Monogram Wizard Plus with extended features.

199

$$

55 Fonts 4 150 Motifs 4 Endless Possibilities

Christmas Sewing Machine

SALE

November 26th - December 1st The Smocking Bird is pleased to meet all your sewing, embroidery and monogramming machine needs!

2831 Linden Ave 4 879-SMOC (7662) 4 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 4 Sat 10am-2pm

www.thesmockingbird.com



 It’s the little things that light up the holiday season like candles from the ALABAMA Candle Company.

Available in numerous scents including our favorite “Kudzu”. $15.99.

Homewood Antiques & Marketplace, 414-9945

 Custom art or a portrait by Judy Butler will bring joy into your home for generations.

Hand-drawn portraits are in your choice of media: charcoal, pencil, pastels, watercolor, oil or acrylic. Prices upon request. www.jbutlerart.com.

Judy Butler Portraits, 907-0700

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 31

HOLIDAY GIFTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOME

FESTIVE  Add to festive holiday fun with double old fashioned glasses designed

by Peán Doubulyu Glass. $48.50.

Wallace Burke Fine Jewelry & Collectibles, 874-1044

The Perfect Gift.



A Tropical Holiday Tree will bring sunshine to the beach lover on your list. This unique Christmas tree, handmade from driftwood, can be enjoyed year-round. $275.

Trussville Antiques & Interiors, 661-9805

Make it personal... a custom portrait or painting

by Judy Butler Hand drawn and/or painted from photographs in your choice of media,charcoal, pencil, pastels, watercolor or oil/acrylic.

www.jbutlerart.com or call 205-907-0700 e-mail butlers101@aol.com

 What could be better than sending a dog to his forever home for the holidays? Shelby Humane Society is selling ornaments with a photo of a dog eligible for transport to New England via its Shelter Partners program. It costs approximately $50 per dog, so customers buy the ornament for this amount and then take it home to display on their tree.

Shelby Humane Society, 669-3916

Furniture

Accessories 

Beautifully embroidered holiday hand towels add elegance to any holiday party. Prices range from $14-$34.

Beverly Ruff, 871-7872

 Hand-decorated with sweet icing, these traditional Christmas icons are sure to delight all — especially those who get a taste. $74.99 Cookies By Design, 803-1054, 979-1004



Prints

Patience Brewster designs charismatic and whimsical pieces with exquisite detail. Her heirloomquality 28-piece Nativity Scene displays her vision of the first Christmas. Lamb’s Ears also has Brewster’s 12 Days of Christmas and Dashaway Reindeer collections. Prices upon request.

Lamb’s Ears LTD, 802-5700

HOLIDAY GIFTS CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE 

Don't forget to put us under your tree.

OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 29TH 5-7:30 P.M.

3168 Heights Village

Next door to Cummings Jewelry

Monday - Saturday 9:30-5:30

970-2077

To: From: Date:

Melissa Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Nov. 2012

Everybody’s Favorite

Christmas please make sure all information is correct, Shop! including address and phone number!

NOW OPEN!

This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOuNTaiN JOurNal for the Nov. 15, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Join us for Elf Thank Magicyou for your prompt attention.

Story Time

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

1829 29th Ave. So. • Homewood • 870-8110

Furniture

To: From: Date:

Accessories

Prints

Carole Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Nov. 2012 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Nov. 15, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Sunday, Nov. 18 3:00-4:00 pm

Crestline Pharmacy Christmas Shoppe Located behind Crestline Pharmacy

on Hoyt Lane across from Mountain Brook City Complex

Mon.- Sat. 10am - 4pm

32 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

HOLIDAY GIFTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOMEONE SPECIAL 

Cotton V-neck sweaters are available in peony, goldfish, sunray, lily pad, dragon fruit, Jake blue, light heather and moonshine. They’re light and easy to throw on for cool nights. $98.50 Vineyard Vines, 970-9758

 Hand-dyed silk Lilabeth bracelets from Grace George come in a choice of colors and wrap three times around the wrist with a choice of a silver or gold exclusive hand-cast cross. $53.

Chloe’s, 874-6430

She’ll be the envy of all her friends in this cross and globe necklace by local designer Laura Gaines of Shalla Wista jewelry. Gaines works largely in semiprecious stones, like rock crystal, labradorite and moonstone. She incorporates vintage pendants, chains and finds from around the world. $395. Steed’s Jewelers, 822-9173





Support your team in comfort with Alabama or Auburn Hanky Panky Boyshorts. They’re super comfy and super fun.

Sizes XS-L, $36.

The Lingerie Shoppe, 871-8994

 She’ll be so smart and stylish in the Purse N Ilumin, the first purse organizer with an LED light. It organizes and illuminates your handbags. $85.

Rosenbergers, 969-3506

 Use old credit cards to make guitar picks with Pick Punch. It’s the perfect gift for the music lover who has everything. $30.

A’Mano, 871-9093

 Give the gift of a cleaner and healthier home.

The Maids’ three- to four-person team will provide a 22-Step Healthy Touch Deep Cleaning, which makes each home a healthier place to live. $150-$300. Mention the OTMJ and receive 10 percent off. The Maids, 871-9338



Alabama and Auburn game day scarves, so perfect for Saturdays in the fall, make great gifts for the holidays. Tide and Tiger fans love to show their colors all year. $10 each.

Fancy Goods Variety, 978-1451



Drive in comfort year round with Alabama Auto Top custom heated seats and convertibles. $75 off. Alabama Auto Top, 251-4391

“Miss Me” Jeans will be such a hit under the tree Christmas morning. They’re the must-have jeans for tweens in denim and great fall colors. $89.

Gigi’s, 298-1811

Every girl needs a little black case full of Tiffany’s Tools. The stylish set includes a utility knife, pliers, wrench, hammer, wire cutters, measuring tape and dual head screwdriver, all in a black patent case and ready to help with her decorating needs, $110. a.k.a. Girl Stuff,  802-7735

For those toasty holiday beverages, a Words with Friends coffee mug is a great gift, $8.99.

Collage Designer Consignment, 879-6163, 822-3991





 She’ll look sharp and stylish in these gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry by Sennod of New Orleans. Several different styles and chain lengths are available along with vintage vignettes to add to her collection. $150-$298.

Mulberry Heights Antiques, 870-1300

 Haul Couture Totes are the “haul it all” bags that are insulated and perfect for tailgating parties, transporting foods or just everyday “toting.” Two sizes are available. $79-$175 depending on size and fabric choice. The Blue Willow, 968-0909

 A distinctive gift, these faux leather, colorful cuff bracelets will add just the right pop of color to that special outfit and make a chic Christmas goodie. $23. Chic Boutique, 980-2272

Interiors by

Kathy Harris

 Keep his feet warm, cozy and fashionable in these leather pull-on work boots. They’re a great gift for the man on the go. $214.99.

Red Wing Shoes, 655-9288, 444-0360

 The Mark Edge Vintage Czech yellow bead necklace will make a bold statement and add an air of sophistication to that perfect ensemble. $149. Eco vintage jewelry creations are one-of-a-kind and modern with an eye on fashion. Second Hand Rose, 987-7027, 970-7997



Please join us for our Holiday Open House Friday, November 16th, 10-6 Saturday, November 17th 10-4 Sunday, November 18th 1-4 Refreshments Will be Served

interiorkh@att.net

3949 Cypress Drive, Cahaba Heights

970-4161

Long Sleeve Pocket Tees in assorted colors are a great gift for anyone on your list, $34.95.

Mustard Seeds, 879-7091

Instead of cookies this year, Santa would love to find Murphree’s jams, jellies and preserves by the fireplace. Gift boxes are available. Three 5-oz. jars are $10; four 10-oz. jars are $20.

Murphree’s Market and Garden Center, 967-8590



Thursday, November 15, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 33

HOLIDAY GIFTS

OVER THE MOUNT MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOMEONE SPECIAL ď Ś

Add warmth and charm to blustery holiday evenings with a flameless pillar candle. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;flame,â&#x20AC;? which waves to simulate a flickering motion, is on a timer. They come in three sizes and are fantastic with a vinyl monogram on them. Small, $26.50; medium, $33.50; large, $41.50.

Monograms Plus, 822-3353

ď §

easy, one stop

ď ¨

Light as air but full Little ones will be so cute waiting for of style, the Felt Mini Santa and on all occasions in their Messenger Bag is Kidz Books to Bed PJs designed from chilClosetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular drenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite bedtime books such as bag of 2012. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Goodnight Moon,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guess How Much perfect size for running I Love You,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rainbow Fish,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;How do around town or travelDinosaurs Say Goodnightâ&#x20AC;? and many ing abroad. $32.99. The more. PJs and book, $49.

Madeline tote, from the The Lili Pad, 298-1811 shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Faux Felt collection, has two inside pockets. $36.99.

Kidz Closet, ď § 979-0707 Level 99 skinny jeans offer a clean, ď Š dressy look with the added luxury of Tencel, an all-natural wicking fabric.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re available in several colors in sizes 25-30. $99.

Rogers Trading Company, 408-9378

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look and feel special in a monogramed necklace in sterling silver, white gold or yellow gold.

Prices start at $199.

Bracelets, earrings and rings are also available.

Allow two weeks for custom orders.

Shayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewelers, 978-5880

ď ¨ Handmade 100 percent hand-felted wool stockings are the perfect keepsake for your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday decorating. $52.80 Interiors by Kathy Harris, 970-4161

ď Ś

A great gift for the woman on the go is the Amy Head makeup bag.

It keeps cosmetics organized and is great for travel. $48.

Amy Head, 802-7810

ď § â&#x20AC;&#x153;Short Storiesâ&#x20AC;? by Tres Taylor. Come read about each characterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique Southern story. Many to choose from. 4 1/2â&#x20AC;? x 16â&#x20AC;? limited edition prints mounted on wood, $35.

Art Alley, 879-1105

I SHOP therefore

I AM

holiday shopping

Crestline â&#x20AC;˘ 871-2662 Mon. - Fri. 9-6 â&#x20AC;˘ Sat. 10-5

Power Cuffs.

Mary Charlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Doll House New, Collectible Antique Dolls

ď ¨ A silver sixpence for the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoe is a thoughtful gift for the bride-to-be. Genuine English sixpences range from Elizabeth I to Elizabeth II. Most are $20.

Charlotte Woodson Antiques, 871-3314

To: George Jones, 933-2229 From: Over the Mountain Journal 823-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax Date: Oct. 2012

2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544 Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm

This is your ad proof for OTMJ for the Nov. 15, 2012 issue. Please contact your sales re approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or chang

Please make sure all information is correct, including address 4 & $ $VGnJOLT

No one should go hungry especially on Thanksgiving To: From: Date:

Please initial and fax back within 24 hour

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date

Thank you for your prompt attentio

Mary Charles Robbins Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax May 2010 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Jimmie Hale Mission

Please make sure all information is correct, Your $1.95 will provide a meal for including address and phone number! a hungry man, woman or child.

3301 Lorna Road, Suite 1

jimmiehalemission.com Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

978-5880

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, P.O. Box 10472, Birmingham, AL 35202 www.shaysjewelers.com your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

WALLACE -BURKE

Fine Jewelry & Collectibles

4PIP 4RVBSF 4VJUF t UI "WFOVF 4PVUI )PNFXPPE "- t XXX XBMMBDF CVSLF DPN Exquisite and unique jewelry, antiques, and giftware from around the globe.

34 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

New Business

Fancy Fun on Rocky Ridge

Store Offers Shopping Experience from Another Era

By Keysha Drexel

T

Journal Editor

he owners of Fancy Goods Variety in Vestavia Hills said they opened the store earlier this year because they wanted to give the community something it did not have.

The store at 2512 Rocky Ridge Road offers customers a little bit of everything—from unique toys and gift items to the latest in Alabama and Auburn apparel and accessories. And that, said owner Diane Clowers, is the point.

“We wanted to do something in our neighborhood that would benefit the community by giving people something in a store that we didn’t have around here,” Diane said.

Diane runs the store with her daughter, Leslie Self.

“We really thought it would be neat to give people a store that reminded them of the old five and 10-cent stores,” Diane said. “We wanted a place that would offer something for everyone at affordable prices.”

The store offers items ranging from 50 cents to $58, Leslie said.

“We thought it was important to offer items in every price range and to listen to what the customers wanted and respond to that,” she said.

Diane and Leslie got into the retail business after Leslie decided to retire from her more than 25-year career in real estate.

“I knew I wanted to do something different with the next chapter of my life, and my mother and I had talked about owning our own business before, so the time seemed right,” Leslie said.

Running Fancy Goods Variety is

The staff at Fancy Goods Variety gets ready for holiday shoppers. From left: Photo special to the Journal Leslie Self, Diane Clowers and Carmen Clower.

truly a family affair, Leslie said.

“My sister-in-law works here, the grandkids work here, my father works with us and the whole family really pitches in,” she said.

Diane said she considers it a true gift to be able to work with her family every day.

“We have fun every single day together,” she said. “To be able to come to work and be with your family and see your old friends and meet new friends, it is the best way to spend your days.”

For the holiday shopping season, the store offers several unique items, Leslie said.

Fancy Goods Variety is one of only two Alabama stores that carry the plush toys called Plumpee Buggies, Leslie said.

“They are little chubby stuffed animals that have a carrying case,” Leslie said.

Plumpees make great gifts for children under the age of 6, Leslie said. The plush characters are highly collectible, she said.

“The kids just love them,” she said.

The store also is one of a handful

that carries the Amazing World characters, Leslie said.

“These are little plush, plastic and clay items that are tied to a video game and TV show. They are appropriate for kids 6 and up,” she said.

Fancy Goods Variety is also the perfect place to find unique stocking stuffers, Leslie said.

“We have everything from kaleidoscopes, toy soldiers and other dollar items to the Naked Bee skincare line, which is an organic line that only sells to small retailers,” she said.

The store also has a station where girls can make their own bracelets by selecting band colors and charms.

“Each of those components is only a dollar, and it gives the kids a chance to be creative and make their own one-of-a-kind bracelet,” Leslie said.

Diane said a lot of the store’s merchandise reflects what she and Leslie set out to do when they opened Fancy Goods Variety.

“We want to take people back to that era when a good variety store had just about anything you would need for any occasion and where that store was a real fixture in the community,” she said. ❖

Falletta Brings Italian Fare to 280 Corridor

By Keysha Drexel

O

Journal Editor

n Oct. 29, devoted fans of Leonardo’s in Vestavia Hills got good news when Tony Falletta opened the restaurant under a new name in a new location.

Falletta, or “Big” Tony, and his son, “Little” Tony, have brought their authentic Italian fare to the U.S. 280 corridor, opening Tony’s Spaghetti House in the same shopping center as Books-a-Million and Lowe’s.

“We have a little more room out here and thought we could get more exposure,” Falletta said.

Falletta and his son Tony Jr. run the restaurant, which features the same recipes diners came to love during the 13 years Leonardo’s was open in Vestavia Hills.

Tony Falletta Jr. and Tony Falletta of Tony’s Spaghetti House offer their old family recipes at a new location.

“Our recipes are 100 years old and come from our family’s Sicilian recipes,” Falletta said. Tony’s Spaghetti House was the name of the first restaurant the family opened in the Birmingham area back in 1975, Falletta said.

“Back then, the kitchen was run by my grandmother, Josephine Cefalu, and we called her Big Mama. My wife, Connie Falletta, also ran the kitchen, and we called her Little Mama,” Falletta said.

The restaurant’s menu includes both Sicilian recipes and recipes from Northern Italy, Falletta said.

“Most Italian people in the Birmingham area are Sicilian, and there’s a marked difference in those recipes and the recipes from other places in Italy. We do both,” he said.

Falletta said the secret to his family’s long success in the restaurant business comes down to customer service.

“You have to get to know the customers personally and let them know how much you appreciate their business,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite things about the restaurant--getting to know people and their families.”

Falletta said he is happy to keep the business in the family and hopes it is around for future generations.

“My son graduated with a degree in graphic design from Auburn University, but he’s a natural leader in the kitchen, so I was really glad when he decided to run the kitchen and keep the traditions of our family alive for the future,” he said.

Tony’s Spaghetti House is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. The hours are from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch and 5-10 p.m. for dinner. Lunch is served on Sundays, but the restaurant is closed for dinner on Sundays. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

BUSINESS BRIEFS always wanted to do,” John said.

Southern Fireplaces Mancha Hardscapes offers Debuts in Homewood services ranging from pool design

Residents in Over the Mountain communities have a new place to find what they need to stay cozy this season.

Southern Fireplaces is now open in Homewood, with a showroom full of fireplace displays to warm cold hands.

The business offers fireplaces for any situation and can create custom fireplaces and fire pits, according to owner Brandon Dill.

“The fireplaces I sell and install are direct vent,” Brandon said. “It’s not a new technology, but it is one that isn’t commonly used.”

Brandon said his goal is to help people design and create fireplaces they will actually use.

“So many people have these wonderful million-dollar homes and they have these $100,000 fireplaces in them that they never use,” he said. “I can give them something that is functional and actually heats the house efficiently and looks great, too.”

Brandon, 27, said his decision to open the business in Homewood all came down to family matters.

His parents Brandon Dill run a similar business in Ethelsville, Ala., near Columbus, Miss. He has been working in the business since he was a student.

“I decided to stick with what I know, “ he said.

Southern Fireplaces can also warm up seasonal outdoor activities with its line of outdoor heating options for both residential and commercial use, Brandon said.

For a twist on holiday meals, Brandon said his businesses can help local cooks take their work outdoors with custom outdoor kitchens, gas lights and high quality grills. The company can also create custom outdoor waterfalls.

For more information on Southern Fireplaces, visit www. homewoodfireplace.com or call 9018292.

Mancha Hardscapes Branches Out in Vestavia Hills Mancha Hardscapes is branching out and has chosen to open its second office in Vestavia Hills.

The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Rocky Ridge Plaza location Nov. 8.

Mancha Hardscapes has been in business in Birmingham for 12 years, said owner John Mancha.

“Opening a second office with a showroom is something we’ve

and construction to irrigation and lighting, John said.

“We’re really a one-stop store now.

We can help create a private John Mancha oasis for homeowners right in their own backyards,” he said.

John said the business started when he began doing small maintenance work but rapidly expanded.

“If it has anything to do with outdoor living, we can tackle it,” John said.

For more information, visit wwwmanchahardscapes.com or call 849-9117.

BAM Opens Revamped Kids’ Department Books-A-Million has introduced a completely re-designed Kids-AMillion specialty department at its flagship store at Colonial Brookwood Village.

The Nov. 10 grand opening of the new 8,000-square-foot department included kids’ activities, games and giveaways.

The entire second floor of the approximately 23,000-square-foot Brookwood Village store has been restructured as a dedicated kidsonly retail destination, with space to hold about 12,000 children’s books along with an expansive inventory of toys, games, gifts and tech.

“We hope our new Kids-AMillion will help inspire the next generation create, play and learn,” said Terrance G. Finley, CEO and president.

Bright kid-friendly fixtures, paint accents and kid-sized seating fill the new space as well as special displays for popular brands such as Lego, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, American Girl, Skip Hop, Star Wars, The Elf on a Shelf, Disney Junior, Angry Birds, Thomas & Friends and Dr. Seuss.

The new Kids-A-Million also has an increased inventory of learning tools and educational resources from LeapFrog, Brain Quest, Spectrum Workbooks and NatGeo journals and literature.

The new space will host several events with a community ambassador who will engage young readers at special events, birthday parties and regular story times on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m.

For more information about BooksA-Million at Colonial Brookwood Village, call the store at 870-0213.

New Business/marketplace

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Cookies By Design Brings Sweets to Mountain Brook The newest place to get a sweet treat in Mountain Brook has a familiar name.

Cookies By Design has moved from Vestavia Hills to 2812 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook Village between Bromberg’s and Ousler’s.

Stacy Lang, the owner of Cookies By Design, said the impetus behind the location change is an effort to make the business what she envisioned when she took over its ownership in Stacy Lang December 2011.

For more information, visit www. cookiesbydesign.com or call 803-1054 or 9791004.

Fleet Feet Finds Fit at Heights Village Fleet Feet Sports, formerly in Cahaba Village, opened the doors of its new location Nov. 1 in Heights Village.

The athletic footwear, apparel and accessories retailer is settling into its new 3,628-square foot store, said Megyn and Andy Avedisian co-owners Megyn and Andy Avedisian.

“We made the move to Heights Village in Cahaba Heights because it is an ideal location to reach our customer base,” Andy said. “This high-traffic area is perfectly convenient and gives

us the ability to better serve our existing and new customers.”

At Fleet Feet Sports, runners and walkers of all abilities are fitted with the proper footwear and technical apparel to meet their individual needs, Andy said. He said being personally fit for footwear can help prevent injury and enhance the fitness experience.

For more information, visit www. fleetfeetbirmingham.com or call 970-6620.

Collage Marks 20th Anniversary, Moves to City Center Collage Designer Consignment recently celebrated two important milestones. Owner Tracy True Dismukes celebrated the 20th anniversary of the business and also opened in a new location.

Collage Designer Consignment and Collage Plus Sizes have moved from their locations in the Vestavia Hills Plaza and are now under one roof in the Vestavia City Center. The new location is at 700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 106.

From left: Emily Hull, Dalton Dismukes and Jill Estes.

The store had a ribbon cutting and 20th anniversary party at its new home, welcoming new and longtime customers to celebrate, Tracy said.

Tracy said the new store gives Collage more room to offer the variety of quality items customers have grown to expect over the last 20 years.

Tracy said she still loves to come to work each day.

For more information, visit www.shopcollage. com or call 822-3991. ❖

OTM Chamber Events Over the Mountain area chambers of commerce are offering several networking opportunities. Here are some of the upcoming events.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the city’s annual holiday parade Dec. 2. This year, the parade will take a longer route through Mountain Brook Village as merchants open their doors from 2-5 p.m. for the event. The parade festivities kick off at 3 p.m. with live entertainment from the center stage in Mountain Brook Village. Mayor Terry Oden will arrive on a fire truck to join marching bands, holiday floats and Santa and his elves in the parade. The parade will follow a route through historic Mountain Brook Village on Cahaba Road, Culver Road and Petticoat Lane.

Vestavia Hills

The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce will usher in the holiday season with the Holiday in the Hills kickoff Nov. 15 at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. The 3-5 p.m. event will feature cookie decorating and other children’s activities, along with a visit from one of Santa’s elves. The first 150 people attending will receive a goodie bag with coupons and promotions from merchants participating in Holiday in the Hills.

The chamber is also finalizing plans for the Dec. 9 Vestavia Hills Holiday Parade. The deadline to sign up to participate in the parade is Dec. 1.

For more information on the parade, call Paige Hockman at 296-5008. For more information on Holiday in the Hills and a parade registration form, visit www.vestaviahills.org. homewood

The Homewood Chamber of Commerce

will have its Thanksgiving luncheon featuring guest speaker Tony Cooper Nov. 20. Cooper is the executive director of the Jimmie Hale Mission, which has a Mission Possible Bargain Center in Homewood. Cooper will talk about his childhood and why he dedicated his life to helping people in need. He will also speak on his work as a teenager with a rescue mission.

Nabeel’s will cater the luncheon. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. with the luncheon starting at noon. The event will end by 1 p.m. Tickets are $17. The luncheon will be held at the Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Road, in the large auditorium on the second floor. For more information, call 871-5631 or visit www. homewoodchamber.org.

Thursday, November 15, 2012• 35

Hoover Antique Gallery Hoover Antique Gallery is a large antiques mall in Hoover featuring more than 80 independent dealers who provide a wide variety of vintage home décor, antiques, jewelry and collectibles.

I pretty much opened this store out of love for the business and for the friends I’ve made an continue to make.

“I opened Hoover Antique Gallery in 2006,” says Chris Feagin, owner. “I’ve been buying, selling, restoring and collecting antiques for 25 years. I pretty much opened this store out of love for the business and for the friends I’ve made an continue to make.

“Having my own business is rewarding when customers enjoy shopping with us. It is a constant challenge to provide great merchandise. I opened a second antiques mall, Urban Suburban Antiques in 2010 in the Crestwood Shopping Center. It has been well received by customers and antique dealers.

“Besides special deals on the merchandise during the holidays, we will be featuring our holiday open house at both Hoover Antique Gallery

and Urban Suburban on Saturday, November 17 from 10-5:30, with homemade goodies and refreshments provided by our dealers.”

Hoover Antique Gallery is located at 3411 Old Columbiana Road, 822-9500 and Urban Suburban is located at 5514 Crestwood Blvd., 592-0777

Hoover Antique Gallery

HOOVER

The Hoover City Schools Employee of the Year Award will be presented at the Nov. 15 Hoover Chamber of Commerce meeting.

The award, which has been presented to an outstanding employee of the Hoover school system since 1996, is sponsored this year by Hoar Construction Co. and Hoar Program Management. The award focuses on administrative and support personnel throughout the school system. Because they have their own statewide recognition system, teachers are not included in this program. Andy Craig, superintendent of Hoover City Schools, will be the featured speaker and will give an update on Hoover schools. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. with the meeting starting at noon. Advance tickets are $17; tickets at the door will be $20.

The meeting and awards ceremony will be at the Hoover Country Club, 3140 Country Club Drive.

For more information, call 988-5672 or visit www.hooverchamber.org.❖

Birmingham’s exclusive dealer for CeCe Caldwell’s naturally green chalk and clay paints and waxes.

Check us out over 80+ dealers.

3411 Old Columbiana Rd. (Hwy 31 @ Patton Chapel Rd.) 822-9500 • www.hooverantiquegallery.com See our Facebook page for more info

36 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

Vestavia Special Section

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Visit these merchants this season for great deals and holiday fun!

AC Financial Partners Advanced Veterinary Care of Vestavia* Alfano Computer Solutions* The Amandas* Annabelle’s/Vestavia Hills Apothecary* Artists Incorporated* Balance Chiropractic* Baymont Inn & Suites* Birmingham Ballet* Birmingham School of Music* Birmingham Speech & Hearing Associates The Blue Willow* Bruster's Real Ice Cream* Cameras Brookwood* Chickadee* Chloe’s* Collage Designer Consignment* Contri Bros. Gift Basket Crabtree Computer Services* Cross Construction Donatos* El Poblano* Fancy Goods Variety* Farmers Insurance-Mary Jo Johnson Agency* Hilton Garden Inn-Liberty Park*

Iz Café* Jewels by Rose* The Jimmie Hale Mission Joelle Salon* Karen’s Hallmark* Kidz Closet* Learning Rx* Mary Kay Cosmetics-Susie Serio Mia Moda* Mobility Central* Monograms Plus* Newk's Eatery-Vestavia Hills* Nuyella* Pearly White Dentistry* Rocky Ridge Hardware* Second Hand Rose* SouthStar Properties* State Farm Insurance-John Henley Agency* Steed's Jewelers* Town Village Vestavia Hills* VHUMC “Night in Bethlehem” Webster Electric* Wee Flip* Wild Birds Unlimited Wood & Spooner Cosmetic Dentistry*

Stop by the Business Expo at the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4!

Visit www.vestaviahills.org for the most current list.

Vestavia Special Section

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 37

3UL]H 3DVVSRUW Pick up a Prize Passport from the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce office or from any of the merchants listed on the opposite page with a star (*) by their name. Then collect stamps from 3 different business districts listed in the passport. Each district has a different stamp.

Once your passport is complete, turn it in at the Chamber Office (1975 Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills, 35216) by December 7, or at the Tree Lighting Festival on December 4.

We will have a drawing on December 8 at 9:00 am at the Breakfast with Santa for an iPad3, a Regions Bank bicycle, Panera Bread Bagels for a Year, and a $100 Chamber gift check.

No purchase necessary to receive stamps. One entry per person.

Calendar of Events Nov. 15 Holiday in the Hills Kick-Off Party

Dec. 8 Breakfast with Santa

3:00-5:00 pm, Vestavia Hills Library Hosted by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce to kick-off the holiday shopping season.

Enjoy gingerbread cookies, children’s activities and visit with one of Santa’s elves. The first 150 attendees will receive a goody bag with coupons and promotions from our merchants.

7:30-10:00 am, Senior Citizens’ Lodge at Wald Park Bring the whole family to enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa. $1 Suggested Donation

Travel around the city to see the best holiday light displays. Check www.vestaviahills.org for a list of addresses. Submit an address to chamber@vestaviahills.org.

Dec. 8 Seniors with Santa

Visit www.vestaviahills.org for an extended list of events or scan here with your smartphone.

Dec. 4 Holiday Film Festival 12:00-9:00 pm, Vestavia Hills City Center (Suite 138 near Panera Bread) Inaugural Holiday Film Festival featuring family favorites. Bring your own blanket or folding chair. Free admission and popcorn!

Dec. 4 Tree Lighting Festival 6:00 pm, Vestavia Hills City Center Visit with Santa and enjoy performances by the Pizitz Middle School Girls’ Choir, the A2 band and the VHHS Rockettes. Stop by the business expo for coupons and giveaways.

2:00-4:00 pm, New Merkle House Senior citizens are invited to enjoy holiday treats and entertainment. Sponsored by Family Private Care and Town Village Vestavia Hills.

Dec. 9 Vestavia Hills Holiday Parade 2:00 pm, Liberty Park Sports Complex to Alston Meadows The City’s official parade featuring the VHHS Band and Santa, followed by a festival of area merchants. For information on participating, contact Paige Hockman at 296-5008.

Dec 20-22 Cruising the Christmas Lights

Presented by the City of Vestavia Hills & the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce

38 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

Vestavia Special Section

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Chloe’s

Vestavia Hills Apothecary & Annabelle’s Morton and Carol Slaughter, pictured above, are the owners of Vestavia Hills Apothecary and Annabelle’s. Since 1998, with customer service as the hallmark for both stores, the Slaughters and their capable staff have enjoyed a wonderful opportunity to serve the community.

In business for 24 years, Vestavia Hills Apothecary tops the list as a health care provider and remains one of the few independent pharmacies in the area. Count on the pharmacy staff to always take time to answer questions and address your health concerns.

Annabelle’s offers many choices for gifts and

andA

FROM: VESTAVIA HILLS APOTHECARY NNABELLE ’ S

1062 MONTGOMERY HIGHWAY 205.979.4444 WWW.ANNABELLESTOO.COM

stationery. Affordable personalized note pads for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers and teachers are a big hit this year.

Looking for gift wrap? Come to Annabelle’s to find a wonderful selection of ribbon and raffia by the roll to enhance special holiday packages.

For invitations and stationery, Annabelle’s is one-stop with a design staff ready to help commemorate life’s events. From birth announcements and birthdays to graduations and weddings, count on Annabelle’s.

As always, expect complimentary giftwrapping and excellent courteous service at Annabelle’s. Up to the door parking and a helpful friendly staff are attributes of this familyowned store. You will always be welcomed at Vestavia Hills Apothecary and Annabelle’s.

Vestavia Hills Apothecary & Annabelle’s is located at 1062 Montgomery Highway, 9794444.

Chloe’s is a boutique which offers clothing and accessories for ladies of all ages. “Our clothes often can be worn by both moms and their high school or college-age daughters,” says Stephanie Keller Womack, owner, right.

“We are known as a full service boutique without the boutique prices.”

Before moving to it’s currect location, Chloe’s was open as Chloe’s Closet at the Commissary from 20092011.

Stephanie said she was a customer of the Commisssary where she frequently purchased art and furniture for her home. That’s when the owner of the Commissary asked her to open a small boutique in the building.

Stephanie practiced law with a law firm in downtown Birmingham and operated Chloe’s Closet until the Commissary closed in January 2011.

“We opened the current location in May 2011, immediately following the devastating tornado of April 2011.

The store is located in a 1950’sera house which I renovated prior to opening. Chloe’s is the only free-standing ladies boutique in Birmingham. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the boutiques found in New Orleans and Atlanta.

“The driving force behind Chloe’s is that shopping should be fun and stress-free. Our customer service goes beyond any other Birmingham-area clothing store: we allow customers to take clothing home on approval, which lets them see how the clothes fit into their wardrobe; we are always happy to help customers without being overbearing; we really get to know our customers and cherish the friendships

that grow out of the relationships between us and our customers.

“Chloe’s has a wide variety of gifts in every price range. Because we have such a great relationship with our customers, we can help our customers’ friends and loved ones find the perfect gift. Chloe’s keeps on hand a “Wish List” filled out by our customers for the Holidays.

The Wish List includes the items the customers would like for Christmas, as well as the size and color desired. Chloe’s also offers complimentary gift wrapping.”

Chloe’s is located at 3157 Cahaba Heights Road, 874-6430.

Kidz Closet & More “Kidz Closet & More is part Consignment Clothing, specializing in top name brands in an easy to shop atmosphere, AND we are part NEW clothing and gifts,” says Karol Leggett, owner, pictured above.

“We carry clothing for girls and boys from newborn up to size 14. We carry gifts for all ages, toys, Vestavia Rebel apparel and gifts, baby gifts and birthday gifts for all ages. We do monogramming on site and have several custom/personalized items such as: heat press shirts, hand stamped jewelry, drink tumblers, stationary, keychains, bag tags and more.

“We have been in business since 2007.

Owning your own business is a rewarding experience. It has it’s months that are more difficult than others, but being able to listen to what our

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 39

Vestavia Special Section

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

customers needs are and how they change over the years, and satisfying their needs is very rewarding. Being able to support the city of Vestavia Hills and helping the local residents keep business in Vestavia Hills is also a feeling of community.

“We are part consignment and part new clothing and gifts .”

“Kidz Closet & More plans for 12 months for the winter holidays, and our first goal is to offer the community products that are both unique and at a fair price. We look for items that are not in every store, and that a child or adult would be excited to receive as a holiday gift.

We also like to have events that are fun for all of our customers.”

Kidz Closet & More is located at 640 Montgomery Hwy., 979-0707.

Wild Birds Unlimited “Wild Birds Unlimited is a unique specialty shop that brings people and nature together for the purpose of enjoying the hobby of backyard bird feeding,” says Joe Perez, owner, pictured above.

“The store has been in the Hoover area for 20 years. We offer bird feeders, bird baths, nature products, and other unique gifts. Our Certified Bird Feeding Specialists—Barb, Davina, Lisa, Trish, and Vernon are experienced and friendly and willing to help you enjoy nature!

“Our customers enjoy wildlife experts visiting the store and learning about Alabama birds and nature. Alabama Wildlife Center of Oak Mountain State Park recently brought Coosa, the barred owl, to our store. “We stock the best

Holiday Open House!

Thursday, Friday & Saturday Nov. 15-17

and the freshest bird food in town. We have seed blends that are specifically formulated for the local Birmingham area birds. During the Christmas season we feature our Christmas seed blends, suet, cylinders, and seed wreaths!

Preston the Penguin and Buttons the Snowman, found exclusively at WBU, are our newest seed cylinder offerings.

“We have many sizes and colors of handtuned Corinthian Bells wind chimes, decorative bird feeders and bird houses, our WBU exclusive Advanced Pole System, and WBU branded and fully guaranteed tube feeders, hopper feeders, hummingbird feeders, and platform feeders.

Our Eliminator Squirrel Proof feeder is also the best squirrel-proof feeder available, period!

“We offer complimentary gift wrapping for the gifts you purchase for your bird loving enthusiasts!”

Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 1580 Montgomery Highway, 823-6500.

Happy Holidays from

Wild Birds Unlimited

Thurs. from 4:00-7:00 Special Sales & Double Entries to the drawings Fri. from 10:00-12:00 - Christmas Cookies for the little ones Sat. from 10:00-5:00 - Fun Day… Toy Demonstrations, Food & Games

www.kidzclosetonline.com

640 Montgomery Highway Birmingham, Al 205.979.0707

BIRDFOOD • FEEDERS GARDEN ACCENTS UNIQUE GIFTS 1580 Montgomery Hwy Birmingham • 823-6500 www.wbu.com/birmingham Joe Perez • Owner/Operator

40 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

Vestavia Special Section

The Clotheshorse

“The Clotheshorse is a consignment shop for men, women and children, specializing in designer labels,” say owners Tim and Becky Sager, above.

“With 20 appointments a day with consigners, we are able to pull and price the best of the best.

Currently we are closing in on 8,200 consigners which gives us a selection like no other.”

“Currently we are closing in on 8,200 consigners...”

The Clotheshorse has been in business for 20 years, 10 in their current location. Located next to Western Supermarket, right off of Rocky Ridge Road in Vestavia Hills, the business has grown to fill 4,600 square feet of store space.

“For the holidays, The Clotheshorse has a huge selection of great brands at great prices and we currently have our ‘Winter Mark Down Sale’ in progress, with new arrivals daily.

“Come visit during this holiday season and you will find brands like Juicy Couture, Patagonia, Coach, Tory Burch, Vineyard Vines, Antelope, Cordani, Free People, Miss Me Jeans and more, along with tons of hand bags, boots and jewelry.”

The Clotheshorse is located at 3348 Morgan Drive, 823-9144.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Fancy Goods Variety

Fancy Goods Variety is a retail variety store carrying seasonal items, toys, housewares, jewelry, school supplies, helium balloons and more.

“We have been in business for nine months,” say Diane Clower, owner, and daughter Leslie Self, above with Carmen Clower, left.

“For generations, people depended on the local general store or what was later known as the “Five & Dime” store for quality goods at a fair price. The owners of these establishments were members of their communities, friends and neighbors. Fancy Goods Variety is based on this same principle. We make it easy to shop with a central location, plenty of parking, products you need and outstanding customer service.

“Join us November 15-17 at the Holiday in the Hills event and receive a free jewelry item from our mystery grab bag with every purchase.

We will have complimentary snacks and beverages. We are an approved Toys for Tots drop off location and we have a great assortment of value-priced toys. You can purchase a toy for our “Toys for Tots” drop box and shop for unique and reasonably priced gifts. We also have a wide selection of trim for the home, trim for the tree and gift wrapping.”

Fancy Goods Variety is located at 2512 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 102, 978-1451.

FANCY GOODS VARIETY

"A friendly store with a little bit of everything!"

Come Shop With A Friend 10,000 items priced monthly!!

Plumpee Buggies!

Huge Selection Men's, Women's & Children's Name Brand Clothing Patagonia • Tory Burch True Religion • Vineyard Vines Fall/Winter Clothes Arriving Daily We are next to the Western Supermarket in Rocky Ridge.

3348 Morgan Drive Vestavia Hills - 35216 205.823.9144 Monday - Saturday 10-6

$1 Stocking Stuffers!

978-1451

www.fancygoodsvariety.com

2512 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 102, Vestavia Hills

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 41

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Education Oscar Winner Edgewood Teacher Surprised with Award

By Keysha Drexel

P

Journal Editor

am Smith said she was speechless when what was supposed to be a school event on Halloween became an event to award the Edgewood Elementary School teacher one of the most prestigious honors in the academic world.

“It was a complete surprise. I had no idea what was going on,” she said.

Pam was one of only 32 educators across the country this year to be awarded the Milken Family Foundation Award. In the teaching field, the award is often referred to as the “Education Oscar.”

The award came with a check for $25,000 presented to Pam by State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice at the surprise event.

“This recognition of Pam Yau Smith as a Milken Educator is a direct reflection of her unwavering passion to ensure all students have a depth of understanding of math and science and how that understanding applies to real-world problems needing real-world solutions,” Bice

“There’s no other place I’d rather be. The community support is tremendous, the support from the parents and everyone at the school is amazing. I love it.”

Edgewood teacher Pam Smith said. “She is a role model for what rigorous and relevant instruction looks like in action.”

Pam, a Learning Enhancement and Academic Design teacher, gives Edgewood Elementary students in kindergarten through the fifth grade

hands-on math and science lessons in weekly classes.

Last week, second graders in Pam’s class made slime as part of their studies on the state of matter.

“I like to do hands-on activities where the children can actually experience science,” Pam said.

Pam said she strives to make math and science fun for her students and tries to show them how they will use what they are learning outside of the classroom.

“I try to make what they are learning applicable to their lives and applicable to their lives outside of school,” she said. “If you can make that connection and help the students see this is something they will use throughout their lives, then you have succeeded in creating life-long learners.”

Pam’s first graders went on a leaf scavenger hunt last week, and second graders used playground equipment to sharpen their math problemsolving skills, Pam said.

“A lot of the times the children may be asking why you are teaching them something, and that’s something you have to ask yourself in order to be a successful teacher,” she said.

Otherwise, Pam said, students will be learning concepts just long enough to pass a test.

“I think children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and if you teach them in a way that what they’re learning is not isolated to the classroom, they will carry those lessons with them,” she said.

This is Pam’s ninth year in teaching and her ninth year at Edgewood Elementary.

“I did my student teaching here when I was at Samford and then came here to teach after I graduated. This really is my home,” Pam said.

The Memphis native and her husband, Bill, also live in Homewood.

“There’s no other place I’d rather be,” Pam said. “The community support is tremendous, the support from the parents and everyone at the school is amazing. I love it.”

Pam Smith, center, a teacher at Edgewood Elementary School, is surprised with a $25,000 check Photo special to The Journal and the Milken Family Foundation Award.

Pam said she always had a passion for math and science and started her college career thinking she would be a doctor someday.

“Then I dated a doctor and I realized that if I wanted to have a family and be a mother, it would probably be pretty difficult to balance that with being a doctor full time, so I switched to education,” she said.

It was a natural switch, Pam said.

“I grew up one of four sisters and we were always babysitting, and I always worked in the nursery at church and loved to be around children, so being a teacher was a natural choice for me,” she said.

Even though she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to educating children, Pam said the first year on the job in the classroom can be tough.

“There are so many times during that first year that are so difficult that you end up thinking you must be the worst teacher in the world, but it all comes together through practice and reflection,” she said.

And proving that practice makes perfect, the Milken Foundation Award is not Pam's only education accolade.

In a prepared video message played at the Oct. 31 surprise event, Gov. Robert Bentley con-

gratulated Pam on the award and highlighted her many accomplishments.

Since 2007, Smith has served as the lead teacher for the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative as a National Board Certified teacher. She was also among the final four candidates for the 2011-12 Alabama Teacher of the Year award. In the same year, Pam won the Elementary Teacher of the Year Award for the Homewood City School System and was the Edgewood Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Pam said she advises those considering a career in teaching to go into it with an open mind, an open heart and a willingness to constantly improve the craft.

“Reflection is so important. Throughout a lesson, think about how you could do it differently or better next time. Constantly think about what you can do to reach the kids and make the lessons meaningful to them,” she said.

Seeing what she is teaching become meaningful for her students is what keeps Pam inspired, she said.

“My students make this job worthwhile. I get excited to see my kids excited about learning. It doesn’t get better than that,” she said. ❖

School Notes Bluff Park Students Tour Birmingham-Southern

Gwin Students Run for Their School

Students at Hoover’s Bluff Park Elementary School went on a field trip to learn how to be good stewards of the environment.

The students traveled to BirminghamSouthern College’s Environmental Center, where they learned about air pollution, water quality and how they can protect and improve their environments by reducing, reusing and recycling.

The students toured the EcoScape, a four-acre outdoor classroom that includes giant Beneficial Bugs sculptures, fragrance gardens and a two-story tree house. Students learned about medicinal plants, edible landscapes and sustainable landscape practices.

The students also visited the Interactive Museum. They made EcoArt jewelry out of discarded telephone wires, got “flushed” down a giant sewage pipe and tried to lift a week’s worth of garbage. Students were able to visualize the increase in waste production over the decades by seeing the garbage display on the wall.

Students at Gwin Elementary School in Hoover raised more than $42,000 for their school by hitting the track in the fourth annual Eagle Scream Fun Run. The event is the school’s major fundraiser of the year.

Students raise money by getting sponsors to make monetary pledges for each lap they run or walk. Flat donations are also accepted.

Pledge week kicked off this year with a spirit pep rally for PTO parents, teachers, students and their families and friends. Students had one week to collect pledges and donations for the Eagle Scream Fun Run. Students could choose prizes when they turned in pledges or donations each morning during pledge week.

On the day of the event, a disc jockey played music as the students ran their laps on the school track. Several teachers and parents also joined in the fun.

All students who participated received a T-shirt to mark the laps they completed.

The fifth grade student who raised the most money overall received a Nook eReader. Students who collected more than $250 in pledges and donations got

From left: Brooks Grant, Coleman Gray, Jordan Dunn, Julia Clark, Zoleigh Gunter and Alex Lee. Photo special to The Journal

a chance to ride in the Hoover Police Department’s Porsche.

Students who collected more than $100 in pledges and donations were treated to a Magnificent Magician show, and those who collected $50 or more won a Gwin gumball gadget.

The event’s corporate sponsors contributed $5,000 of the total $42,000 raised for the school.

Cherokee Bend Opens Renovated Playground Cherokee Bend Elementary School in Mountain Brook celebrated the renovation of its playground with a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 17.

Several parents joined city and state officials and school board members at the ceremony.

Boosterthon representatives and the entire school population also joined together to mark the official opening of the playground.

Mayfield Ice Cream provided popsicles for those who attended.

Money for the playground was raised from parent donations, city and state funds and other contributors.

Construction began in June and continued throughout the summer.

42 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Altamont Students Bring Comfort to Young Patients

T

wo students at the Altamont School have teamed up to bring year-round comfort to patients at Children’s of Alabama.

Altamont seniors Grace Carroll and Harry Arnold have formed Angel Pillowcases, a volunteer organization to benefit the young patients at Children’s.

A pillowcase is something most of us take for granted each night when we go to bed, Grace and Harry said.

However, for hospitalized children, it can be the difference between feeling uncomfortable in a hospital bed and feeling more at home.

Trying to bring some comfort of home to the hospital was the inspiration for Angel Pillowcases, Grace and Harry said.

As a young girl, Grace made pillowcases as soon as she learned how to sew. She donated the pillowcases to patients at Children’s of Alabama. The pillowcase designs have fun motifs, including bicycles, whales, flowers and cupcakes, all in bright, vivid patterns and colors.

Angel Pillowcases was awarded a $1,000 grant from the Banking on Youth grant competition from PNC Bank to help buy fabric to make the pillowcases.

The pillowcases are exclusively made with Michael Miller Fabrics from New York and are now made through a partnership with local businesswoman Ann Piper and her husband, Doug Carpenter. The Carpenters

PResents

At The Club On February 2, 2013, the Alabama Ballet will host an evening of dinner and dancing at the thirteenth annual Pointe Ball making its debut at The Club.

The night will include: An intimate performance by Alabama Ballet’s professional company members in the Ball Room of The Club. Gourmet dinner with the amazing night views of Birmingham, and music after dinner by the Soul Searchers for guests to enjoy on the dance floor.

To purchase tickets, please call Stacey Turner at 205.322.4300. For sponsorship information, contact Executive Director Megan R. Cottle at 205.322.1259.

Ann Piper

Grace Carroll shows one of the pillowcases she made for patients at Children’s of Alabama.

Photo special to The Journal

learned about the pillowcases and saw a way to help reduce material and production costs while furthering their own initiative to help provide work for women in Haiti.

The Carpenters created Theona’s Girls after discovering Theona on a mission trip to the Caribbean nation.

A seamstress, she worked in Portau-Prince and fled to Terrier Rouge, a small rural town outside of CapHaitien, following the devastating

concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Nov. 15, 20112 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY n Should be urgently assessed medically n Should not be left alone n Should not drive a motor vehicle

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

WhAt to do in CAse of

uspeCted

earthquake in Port-au-Prince in 2010.

Theona decided to teach other young women how to sew and to learn a trade. The women have no electricity and use manually-operated machines.

“Theona’s Girls’ mission is to provide women with hopes and dreams of a better life for themselves and their families with sustainable employment,” Piper said.

The pillowcases not only help children with cancer at Children’s but also provide work for women in Haiti.

Proceeds from each pillowcase go to the SEANStrong Fund at Children’s to provide financial assistance to families who need help when they have a child battling cancer. The fund is known by its blue ribbons as well as its inspiration, Sean Fredella.

The pillowcases are $25 each.

To order a pillowcase or for more information, visit www.angelpillowcases.org or mail a check to: Angel Pillowcases c/o Children’s of Alabama, 1600 Seventh Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35233. ❖

A

Ryan Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Nov. 2012

KnoW s

“Theona’s Girls’ mission is to provide women with hopes and dreams of a better life for themselves and their families with sustainable employment.”

ConCussion CliniC

ConCussion

205.934.1041

in

www.Childrens Al.org/concussion

CAse of mediCAl emergenCy,

CAll 911 or

go direCtly to your loCAl

er

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Mountain Brook Students Team Up with Businesses to Raise Money for United Way Two businesses in Mountain Brook teamed up with students from Crestline Elementary School to raise money for United Way of Central Alabama Oct. 23 in Crestline Village.

The frozen yogurt shop 32 Degrees worked with Steeple Arts Dance Studio and the school to raise more than $300 for United Way, said Jenny Bruha, director of development and marketing for 32 Degrees.

“United Way actually reached out to us to see if we could plan a fundraising event, so we worked very closely with them to organize the event,” Bruha said.

United Way also reached out to Crestline Elementary School, and students were able to bring home information from school to share with their families and friends about the fundraiser.

Steeple Arts Dance Studio is right across the street from the elementary school and half a block away from the frozen yogurt store, Bruha said, so they were natural partners in the event.

“They handed out fliers to all their students and helped us spread the

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 43

Cahaba Heights Students Spruce Up Campus

Students at Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights are having fun while they spruce up their campus.

Members of the Green Team recently had their third “game” of the year as they “tackled” the pansies and trimmed the hedges.

The Green Team is a group of students, parents and community volunteers who serve as the school’s beautification board. The team meets once a month to tend to the school campus and butterfly garden. The group trims bushes, plants trees and seasonal flowers and makes crafts.

Local businesses can help by making donations or coming out to the school to help with team projects.

The Green Team also decorates the school for holidays and events.

Students in the school’s after-school care program also help out with team initiatives.

The Green Team, which started the school’s recycling program, met.

Nov. 10 to decorate for the holidays.

Above, from left: Ellen Duin, Hannah Straughn, Annalie Malone and Ela Weintraub of Crestline Elementary School. Left, Chip Porter, a student at Mountain Brook Elementary, won free yogurt for a year.

Photos special to the Journal

word about the fundraiser,” Bruha said.

The fundraiser ran from 3-10 p.m., Bruha said.

“We had a good afterschool crowd and then a good after-dinner crowd,” she said. “Later in the evening, all of the students came by after their dance classes at Steeple Arts, so it was a pretty busy night.”

Not only did the event raise money for United Way programs but it also gave one lucky student free frozen yogurt from 32 Degrees for the next year.

Chip Porter, a student at Mountain Brook Elementary School, won the free yogurt. ❖

From left: Cameron Howle, Erin Graffeo, Turner Harris, Matthew Jemison, Julia Kozler, Abby Fowler and in back, Andrew Wolfe.

Photo special to The Journal

44 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

Behind the Story

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Hoover Students Meet Author-Illustrator

By Margaret Frymire

T

Journal Intern

en schools in Hoover and Chelsea had the opportunity to host authorillustrator Michelle Nelson-Schmidt thanks to community sponsorship and Usborne Books.

The Atlanta-based writer and artist visited the schools to read her new book, "Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster," share her artwork and encourage the students to follow their dreams.

Michelle visited Deer Valley Elementary, Riverchase Elementary, Trace Crossings Elementary, Mt Laurel Elementary, South Shades Crest Elementary, Green Valley Elementary, Our Lady of the Valley, St. Francis Xavier, Chelsea Park Elementary and Chelsea Park Intermediate between October 22-26.

At her visit to Deer Valley Elementary, Michelle began her presentation with her own story. She said she discovered her love for art at age 4 when she stumbled on a stack of drawing paper as she was sneaking around the house after bedtime. She covered all the paper with her drawings, she said.

Upon seeing Michelle’s artwork and after a bit of chastisement for her mischievous behavior, her mother took her to the art store for supplies to cultivate her talents, Michelle said.

Michelle continued drawing and painting throughout her childhood and into college.

As she told the students about her journey

to becoming an illustrator, she showed them her original paintings. The children gasped in delight when she showed them a giant canvas portrait of a Great Dane she had painted for her mom.

Deer Valley Elementary librarian Raquel Lieber said she was thrilled that Michelle brought her original paintings to the school visit.

“That’s a positive difference. That really sets (Michelle) apart,” she said. “The kids respond so well to art.”

Michelle explained that her books are born from characters she originally paints on canvas.

After sharing her artwork, Michelle read the elementary students her new book, "Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster."

The book tells the story of a little boy who is too afraid to do anything because something scary could happen. Michelle uses the story of Jonathan James to encourage children not to fear the scary “what ifs” but to keep pursuing their goals, hopes and dreams because something good could happen, too.

Kelly Ackers, an independent education team leader at Usborne Books said she likes the message of the book.

"This book sends a great message to kids learning about not to worry about the negative 'what ifs' in life," Kelly said.

Michelle also told the children how several publishers originally turned down her books, but she kept pursuing her dream of becoming a published author-illustrator until she achieved it.

Author-illustrator Michelle Nelson-Schmidt talks with students at Deer Valley Elementary School in Hoover during her visit to the school. The students are. from left: Jordan Rochford, Ella Lazar and Jackilyn Rochford. Journal photo by Margaret Frymire

At the end of her presentation, Michelle had each group of students raise their pinkies and promise to follow their hearts and their dreams even when they seem scary.

The students at Deer Valley spent the week before Michelle’s visit prepping for her arrival.

The kindergartners and first and second graders all did projects in the classroom relating to Michelle’s newest book.

Penni Koch, a library aide at Deer Valley Elementary said the students get excited about the author visits while preparing for the event.

"One of the most exciting things we do is the prep work to get ready for our author visits," she said. "We had the kindergartners make 'what if' monster hats. The first-graders came up with questions to ask. And the second graders drew

pictures. That way, the kids really know what's happening when the author comes."

Between the prep work of the school and Michelle’s engaging speaking style, the students remained attentive to her story. They reacted with great enthusiasm to all her questions, and many told the author-illustrator stories of their own.

The schools were able to host Michelle at no cost because local businesses sponsored the educational event. The Holiday Inn in Hoover provided lodging for Michelle free of charge for the week of her school visits. Vision Gymnastics, the Parent-Teacher Store, Stephanie Fisher Photography, Chelsea Animal Hospital and Rockett’s Bug Juice Garden also sponsored the visits. ❖

School Notes Southminster Day School students take a break during a field trip to Dauphin Island’s Sea Lab.

From left, front: Adam Harkins, Nicole Thurmond, Patrick Thurmond, geologist Chris Hooks, Peyton Thurmond and Olivia Clifton.

Photo special to The Journal

Photo special to The Journal

Southminster Students Travel to Sea Lab

Vestavia Students Take Oath of Office

In early October, Southminster Day School students got some hands-on, off-site science lessons.

The school’s fifth grade classes took a field trip to Dauphin Island’s Sea Lab. The three-day trip included excursions in the marches, a fishing trip and several hands-on learning activities with marine animals.

Some of the students making the trip were Cole McGough, Abby Reed, Will Sawyer, Ryan Smith, Kayla Christian, Hayden Garris, Aristotle Tsantes, Kaj Knudsen, McKenzie Hosey, Shelby Walker, Jack Poist, Tanner Tessmann, Sam Kirkpatrick, Irene Chang, Rae Belmont, Gracie Peoples, Aubrey Ramsey, Lauren Scott, Barrett Holston, Leanna Todd, Grace Ahnert, Jon Pickett, Edie Anthony, Hannah Hardin, Claire Patton and Will Meadows.

Members of the Vestavia Hills High School Student Government Association visited Liberty Park Middle School recently to participate in the middle school’s SGA induction ceremony.

The new student officers were sworn into their positions by the high school students.

Each new officer received the book

Marilyn Gray, swears in Britton Copeland, the 2012-13 Liberty Park Middle School SGA president.

Photo special to the Journal

“Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens”

by Sean Covey.

Britton Copeland is the Liberty Park Middle SGA president. Michael Schroeder is boys’ vice president, and Lily Rumbley is girls’ vice president.

Other officers are Olivia Westfall, secretary; Egypt Pettway, treasurer; Carl Nesbitt, parliamentarian; Katie Larson, chaplain; Sophia Rosene, historian; and Daryl Wilson, sergeant-at-arms.

Greystone Elementary Students Learn That Science Rocks Third graders at Greystone Elementary School in Hoover have been learning all about rocks and minerals.

Geologist Chris Hooks and Nicole Thurmond, human resources manager for GeoMet Operating Company, visited the class. They talked to the students about natural gas, coal and how rocks and minerals are excavated from the ground.

Hooks and Thurmond also shared core samples of coal and minerals with the students.

The visit helped the students as they prepare for a field trip to DeSoto Caverns, where they will use what they have learned to explore science.

OTM Teachers Honored at Hall of Fame Teachers from Over the Mountain

schools were among 15 inducted into the Alabama Economic Educators Hall of Fame Oct. 25.

The Alabama Council on Economic Education, headquartered in Birmingham, inducted the inaugural class during its annual meeting at the McWane Center. Former Gov. Bob Riley was keynote speaker at the luncheon event.

Cheryl Morrow of Spain Park High School in Hoover and Jane Schaefer of Vestavia Hills High School were among the teachers honored for their excellence in economic education.

Founded in 1969, the Alabama Council on Economic Education is a nonprofit organization supported and led primarily by the private economic sector of Alabama. The statewide organization aims to provide high-value, high-impact training and economic education and financial literacy curriculum and programs for teachers and students K-12 in public and private schools.

Spain Park Teacher Debuts Book

B

urgin Mathews recently traveled to San Francisco with a group of friends to a wedding. While there, the Spain Park High School English teacher visited the renowned City Lights Bookstore.

Beat poet and publisher Lawrence Ferlinghetti owns the business. In fact, Burgin’s classes have even studied Ferlinghetti’s work. Prominently displayed near the entrance of the bookstore was Burgin’s own recentlypublished book, “Doc: The Story of a Birmingham Jazz Man.” “To see it so far from home and prominently displayed in such a place I consider so significant was a thrill to me,” Burgin said.

“Doc: The Story of a Birmingham Jazz Man” has been out only a few weeks, but the autobiography of Birmingham musician Frank “Doc” Adams, chronicling his contributions to the Magic City’s jazz heritage, has quickly gained ground.

According to Burgin, who collaborated on the book with Adams, response to the book has been great.

John Szwed, a Yale University music

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 45

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

historian, gave the book a favorable review. A North Carolina college professor is reportedly using the book in his class.

Additionally, a request has come in to have the work translated into Italian.

“Hopefully interest is just starting.

We hope it will find a wide audience; it’s certainly a universal story,” Burgin said.

That story traces Doc’s personal adventure through Birmingham’s largely-untold jazz tradition.

An accomplished jazz master and former music director and educator for Birmingham City Schools, Doc apprenticed under John T. “Fess” Whatley and toured with Sun Ra and Duke Ellington.

The book explores Doc’s firsthand experience with the history of Birmingham’s jazz community. Along the way, the book reflects on Doc’s notable family, including his father, Oscar, editor of the Birmingham Reporter and an outspoken civic leader in the African-American community, and Doc’s brother, Oscar Jr., who would become Alabama’s first black Supreme Court justice.

For Burgin, “Doc” is a book not just about music but one that conveys a central theme that “everyone matters.”

Burgin has had an interest in music since his youth. He met Doc years ago at a tour of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

“I imagined the book could be a sort of expansion of those tours,” Burgin said. “Basically a book seemed like a good, and necessary, opportunity to document both the story of Birmingham jazz and the remarkable story and storytelling of this one man.

Once I started interviewing Doc, I felt a real responsibility for doing this right and sharing it.”

So did Mathews get it right? Doc says yes – without a doubt.

“He’s a little genius, always working at stuff. We had a lot of fun [working on this book],” Adams said.

“I started reading it. When you’re involved with a book – it just brings back things so quickly, it’s like a movie. The things that happened in the book, I felt them all over again.”

The “things” in the book required quite a literary endeavor on both

Burgin’s and Doc’s parts.

The Spain Park teacher cites Doc’s story, voice and personality as “great treasures,” having interviewed Doc once a week Burgin Mathews (with few exceptions) for nearly two-and-a-half years. The process involved hours of tape transcription, editing and writing.

The end product was an accomplishment many describe as long overdue.

“Working with Doc in this manner was certainly one of the most satisfying experiences of my life. The whole thing was a lot of fun for both of us,” Burgin said.

“What he (Mathews) did was open up a part of his experiences to me. At my age, I’ve discovered I’m still learning a lot,” Doc said.

In October, the University of Alabama honored Doc as a “Living Legend.” The recognition goes to an Alabama native who has “made a lasting impact on the state and national

cultural heritage.”

“It’s nice to be a living legend – as opposed to a dead one,” Doc said.

“I hope it’s not predicting anything.

Whatever it was, it’s great to be a legend.”

Talk of the book doesn’t come up every day in Burgin’s Spain Park High classroom, as he says he’s pretty “selfconscious” about doing so. But Burgin has had Doc visit his class to speak on literature and music.

The bond between the two men has become quite strong, Burgin said.

“Even more than having a book published, the simple experience of spending so much time with Doc Adams, week after week, was the most rewarding, inspiring, transformative experience I could have hoped for,” Burgin said. “I will always be drawing from the lessons I’ve learned through our friendship and collaboration.

“I also had the opportunity, through this process, to develop relationships with a handful of other new friends, and that has been rewarding.”

The University of Alabama Press published “Doc: The Story of a Birmingham Jazz Man.” The book is available in most bookstores and online at Amazon. ❖

St. Francis Xavier Students Host Fundraiser

Some 200 guests attended. Troop 159 members volunteered as servers for the dinner and cleaned up afterward.

Troop members, all sixth graders at St. Francis Xavier, are Rachel Chapman, Abigail Courtenay, Sarah Jenkins, Patsy Elder, Gabriella Dailey, Jehme Pruitt and Chloe Smith.

The Troop 159 leader is Tony Dailey.

School Notes

Students in Girl Scout Troop 159 at St. Francis Xavier School participated in the 10th annual Fundraising Celebration for the Sav-A-Life Foundation.

The event was Oct. 23 at Mathews Manor in Springville.

The Hoover High School First Edition Jazz Band’s upcoming concert before its trip to the Chicago Midwest Clinic in December. The Hoover group is the only jazz band from Alabama ever selected to perform at the event.

Hoover Band Wins in Contest, Will Perfom at Prestigious Chicago Event The Hoover High School First Edition Jazz Band will give a preview of the music it will perform at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago during a concert at Hunter Street Baptist Church Nov. 15.

The band is the only jazz band and one of only four Alabama bands to receive an invitation to perform at the Midwest Clinic since its inception in 1946.

The Chicago Midwest Clinic is the world’s largest instrumental music education conference, annually

drawing some 15,000 attendees from all 50 states and as many as 40 countries. The Hoover jazz band will perform at the clinic in December.

Under the direction of Sallie Vines White, the band will perform a special concert, “An Evening of Jazz with the Hoover High First Edition Jazz Band,” at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door or through the Hoover Band office.

For more information, call 439-1228 or email rfitchpatrick@hoover.k12.al.us.

Brookwood Forest Students Spend Time With Dads Students at Brookwood Forest Elementary School got to spend some extra time with their fathers and other family members during the school’s annual Doughnuts with Dads event Oct. 19.

The kindergarten students invited their fathers, grandfathers, uncles and others to join them for breakfast in the school’s lunchroom.

They dined on doughnuts and juice and started the day by catching up with each other and enjoying time together.

From left: Rachel Chapman, Abigail Courtenay, Sarah Jenkins, Patsy Elder, Photo special to The Journal Gabriella Dailey, Jehme Pruitt and Chloe Smith.

Open their world to the Arts!

Enroll them in Birmingham-Southern College’s Conservatory of Fine and Performing Arts Lessons are available in piano, voice, violin, guitar, band and much more. Preschool Music Classes are available for 18-month to 5-year-olds.

www.bsc.edu | 205/226-4960

Josh and Hampton Krago.

BSC

Birmingham-Southern College

Truth Wiles and dad, Ford Wiles.

Photos special to The Journal

2011 tenth-page BSC ad_OTMJ.indd 1

7/18/2011 1:26:22 PM

46 • Thursday, November 15, 2012

Sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

dynasty

Homewood boys finished first and the Patriot girls finished second in 5A competition.

from back cover

Ballard was second at 15:44.98. The Spartans’ Nick Halbach finished fourth with 16:05.38. The Rebels’ Peyton Price came in fifth at 16:18.76, and Spain Park’s Jordan Strong finished seventh.

Homewood won the Class 5A boys’ competition for the first time in school history. The Patriots took first place with 49 points, easily passing runner-up Lawrence County’s 67 total.

John Carroll Catholic was third with 92 points, while Briarwood placed 10th with 264 points. The John Carroll duo of Griffin Lee and John Gardner took first and second, respectively, in individual times. Lee finished first with a time of 16:18.37. Gardner was runner-up with 16:29.77.

Homewood’s Alex Ngei was fourth with a time of 16:32.08, and the Patriots’ Mike Rohdy was fifth at 16:43.92. Homewood’s Logan Sadler finished seventh.

In 5A girls’ competition, Scottsboro took first place with 20 points, but three area schools followed closely behind. Homewood was second with 97 points. Briarwood and John Carroll finished third and fourth, respectively.

The Lady Lions totaled 114 points, while the Lady Cavs scored 120.

The Patriots’ Ann Mose Whitsett finished seventh in individual competition, while the Briarwood pair of Becky Thielman and Mallory Mathias took ninth and 10th, respectively.

hoover

from back cover

after the easy win over Shades Valley. “We’re not going to let ourselves focus on anything else.”

There’s a strange paradox in Niblett’s rhetoric. While we’ve all been conditioned by the media to believe that Hoover has won the last 15 state championships in a row, the fact is that the Bucs have claimed only a single crown since 2006. In truth, the state 6A championship has become a source of frustration for Hoover in recent years, as noted by consecutive one-point losses in the big game over the past two seasons.

The phrase “always a bridesmaid, never a bride” is not one most people associate with the Bucs’ football program.

All this is to say that the sum of Hoover’s immediate past is what makes it so formidable this season.

The Bucs are clearly on a mission in 2012, which is part of the reason why an opponent that isn’t much of a challenge doesn’t hold their collective attention very long. It’s almost as if Hoover is saying to the team on the other sideline, “If you can’t compete with us, don’t waste our time.”

Of course, there are teams that will compete with the Bucs in the post-season. Such an opponent is Vestavia Hills, which might be lurking just around the corner. ClayChalkville and Mountain Brook could also be competitive with Hoover at the right time and place.

And should Hoover reach Jordan-Hare Stadium, history indicates that its opponent will play the best game of the season against the Bucs.

Perhaps what separates Hoover from most high school programs is

the Buccaneer Nation’s insistence on near-perfection and the extent to which the players buy into it.

For example, Hoover held Shades Valley to only 184 yards and one touchdown. Were the Bucs satisfied? Do I have to ask?

“The defense could have played a lot better,” said ace defender Devon Earl, who intercepted a Mountie pass that night. “Shades Valley’s speed really affected us.”

Earl may be right. If Hoover’s defense was a little better, the Bucs might be undefeated now.

Newsflash: They are undefeated.

At the end of the day, it’s pretty simple. “It’s all about high expectations,” said Hoover running back Calen Campbell, who had a 53-yard touchdown run against the Mounties.

“That’s what we live off of at Hoover.”

Indeed they do.

Certainly, nobody is claiming that the Bucs are auditioning for a spot in the Southeastern Conference’s Western Division. A few opponents have given Hoover some tense moments in 2012.

For example, in the Class 6A Region 5 championship match, Tuscaloosa County actually led Hoover 10-7 late in the third quarter.

The Bucs promptly answered with a 21-point fourth quarter to win easily.

But that’s what passes for a challenge to Hoover these days.

As the nights grow colder and Hoover’s march to the state title seems unstoppable, Buc fans might take pause to remember that this is not a new position for them. In each of the last two seasons, the Hoover Express was derailed just short of the goal. And that memory alone might make the Bucs’ 2012 championship coronation more likely than ever.

Journal photos by Bryan Bunch

Vestavia boys celebrate their 6A state cross country championship.

Hoover, Spain Park, Mountain Brook, Vestavia and Briarwood Moving on To Second Round Oak Mountain ended its first season under coach Cris Bell with a 7-4 record.

Briarwood 31, Jackson 13 (5A)

Hoover quarterback Connor Short completes a pass in the Bucs’ playoff win over Shades Valley Friday night.

Journal photo by Hal Yeager

Hoover 38, Shades Valley 7 (6A)

The top-ranked Bucs had little trouble dispatching the Mounties.

Hoover quarterback Connor Short passed for 312 yards and three touchdowns as his team rolled to a 24-0 lead in the third quarter.

Short spread around his passes as Alex Elam caught six for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Sterling Thompson caught six for 99 yards and a score, while Michael Powers caught five for 77 yards.

The Bucs now stand at 11-0 for the season.

Spain Park 43 Central-Phenix City 13 (6A)

Otis Harris scored three touchdowns and teammate Jontez Turner scored two as the Jaguars easily defeated the Falcons.

Spain Park quarterback Nick Mullens supplemented the offense by completing 16 of 23 passes for 274 yards. Wade Streeter also earned a touchdown for the winners.

Spain Park improved its record to 9-2 as it heads toward the second round.

Mountain Brook 23 Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 14 (6A)

Linebacker Adam Harvey led the Spartans to an impressive win.

Harvey had 10 tackles, four sacks and returned a fumble 18 yards for a touchdown against the Patriots.

Mountain Brook quarterback Jacob Carroll completed 10 of 18 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown.

Gene Bromberg rushed 33 times for 115 yards and a touchdown in the winning cause.

The Spartans advance to the second round with a 10-1 mark.

Auburn 34, Oak Mountain 10 (6A)

The Eagles ended their season by losing their first post-season playoff game since 2005. Oak Mountain quarterback Jake Adams ran for 60 yards and completed seven of 17 passes for 40 yards.

Most people gave up on the Lions after their 1-4 start, but apparently the Briarwood coaches and players were not among the naysayers. Coach Fred Yancey’s team raced to a 28-0 lead to send the sixth-ranked Aggies home with a loss.

Briarwood quarterback Chandler Wilkins passed to Daniel Robert for two touchdowns. Wilkins also passed to Dylan Harrington for a score.

Ethan Simmons earned a touchdown on a two-yard run.

The Lions raised their record to 5-6 and continue to the second round.

Greenville 27 Homewood 24 (5A)

A late touchdown pass with 11 seconds remaining gave the Tigers a heart-stopping upset of the Patriots.

Kent Riley’s nine-yard scoring strike to Matthew Craig ended Homewood’s season.

The Patriots were led by quarterback Luke Porter, who passed for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Walter Rutledge ran for 103 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.

Homewood completed its season with a 9-2 mark.

This week’s Friday night playoff schedule: Class 6A Foley at Spain Park Pell City at Hoover Vestavia Hills at Huntsville Mountain Brook at Bob Jones Class 5A Vigor at Briarwood

Thursday, November 15, 2012 • 47

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Lady Rebels Fall Against Huntsville in Volleyball Championships

BY LEE DAVIS

V

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

estavia Hills’ finest season in the history of its volleyball program ended in the Class 6A finals at the Elite Eight at the Birmingham Crossplex Nov. 1.

The Lady Rebels were defeated by defending champion Huntsville 25-14, 25-17, 25-13, as the Lady Panthers earned their fourth consecutive state title.

Vestavia had reached the finals with an upset of highly-regarded McGill-Toolen 18-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-13 the previous day.

“I’m not taking anything away from Huntsville, because they are a really fine team, but we just couldn’t quite get in the groove today,” said Lady Rebel coach Mandy Burgess.

Vestavia ended its year with a 32-19 record.

Kate Trankina led Vestavia with eight kills, while Paige Phillips added 17 assists and four digs. Caymen Crowder contributed 11 digs. Phillips was named to the all-tournament team.

Oak Mountain also reached the Elite Eight, defeating Carver of Montgomery before falling to Huntsville.

Vestaviaʼs receiver Oscar Harper makes an acrobatic catch in the Rebels first round playoff Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr. win over Hueytown.

REBELS

from back cover

playoffs began.

Those questions were answered Friday night: When Jordan Johnson is on his game, the Rebels are extremely hard to stop.

The junior running back rushed for 278 yards on 16 carries and five touchdowns to spark Vestavia to a 44-28 triumph over Hueytown in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs at Thompson Reynolds Stadium.

Coach Buddy Anderson’s team advances to Huntsville to play the Crimson Panthers Friday night.

“I would say that’s the best game I’ve ever had,” said Johnson. “I was making good cuts, and the offensive line was really on fire.”

A lot of people would agree.

Johnson set the tone early with a 90-yard scoring dash in the first period and literally never looked back.

The Gophers grabbed the momentum early in the game. Danarrious Miller’s four-yard touchdown run gave the visitors a 7-0 lead with 8:57 remaining in the first period. The Rebels matched the score as Johnson’s long distance sprint and Colin Harper’s conversion tied the game at 7-7.

Hueytown bravely battled back.

Robert Johnson’s two-yard touchdown run put the Gophers back out front 14-7 with 8:18 remaining in the first half.

Vestavia knotted the game again when Johnson scored on a three-yard run three minutes later. Harper’s conversion brought the score to 14-14.

Harper added a 23-yard field goal on the final play of the first half to give the Rebels the lead for the first time at 17-14.

Johnson scored his third touchdown – this time from 36 yards out – with less than eight minutes left in the third period. Harper’s third conversion raised Vestavia’s advantage to 24-14.

Any chance of a Hueytown comeback may have ended on the next series. Rebel defensive end Dalton

“I would say that’s the best game I’ve ever had ... he offensive line was really on fire.”

JORDAN JOHNSON Campbell intercepted a Gopher pass and raced 11 yards for a touchdown.

The conversion lifted Vestavia’s lead to 31-14.

“That interception might have been the biggest play of the game,” Anderson said. “It was definitely huge for us.”

Oak Mountainʼs Hannah Beach sets up a shot in the Lady Eaglesʼ win over Carver in Elite Eight play. More photos at otmj.com

Vestaviaʼs Molly Jo Aiken in the 6A state volleyJournal photos by Marvin Gentry ball tournament.

Although Campbell had to run only 11 yards for the score, he said the distance seemed much longer.

“It felt like it was a million miles away,” he said. “The adrenaline was running.”

Inspired by Campbell’s heroics, the Rebels struck again. Johnson’s four-yard touchdown run with 1:17 left in the third quarter gave Vestavia a commanding 37-17 margin entering the final period.

Hueytown rallied when Robert Johnson passed 20 yards to Mike Simpson for a touchdown as 8:46 remained in the game. The Rebels answered the Gophers’ score when Jordan Johnson raced 40 yards for his final touchdown of the night.

Hueytown scored a late consolation score to bring the final verdict to 44-28.

“I wasn’t really keeping up with my yards, but I was keeping up with my touchdowns,” said Vestavia’s Johnson. “I would have liked one more, but I can’t complain.”

He admitted to a case of butterflies in the stomach before the game.

“I was pretty nervous,” Johnson said. “But my dad says that just means that I’m ready to play. After making that 90-yard touchdown, I felt pretty good.”

Anderson, who saw his team rise to 9-2, was pleased with the overall effort.

“Our kids played really hard,” he said. “Jordan ran extremely well, but the offensive line and wide receivers blocked really well. This was a good night for us.”

The impressive showing against a decent Hueytown team moves the Rebels back in the mix of teams with a shot of reaching the Class 6A championship game in December. If Vestavia can equal that same intensity level in the weeks ahead, the Rebels could be a team of destiny.

And maybe Jordan Johnson might get that six-touchdown game after all.

From left: Coach Charlotte Kelly, Robby Scofield, Carlee Petro, Sam Lidikay, Jacob Weinacker, Will Hargrove, Mary Elizabeth Harmon, Haley Harmon, Ashley Ochsenhirt and coach J.C. Freeman.

Local Tennis Team Places 13th in National Tournament The first team ever from Alabama to represent the Southern Section at USTA Junior Team Tennis Nationals in Cayce, S.C. placed thirteen in the country.

The eight members of the team are

students at Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills High, and Briarwood high schools and competed against the top tennis talent in the country in the tournament. The team is coached by Charlotte Kelly and J.C. Freeman.

www.homewoodfireplace.com 2718 19th Place S. • Homewood 803.1118 • 901.8292

266-6479 For anything that needs to be moved, delivered or transported, call us!

BLUFF PARK WINDOW WORKS

• Wood window restoration and repair • Sash replacement, rot repair • Replace broken and fogged glass • Wood insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes • Locally owned and operated

Call 205-542-6094

To: Brandon From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: Oct. .2012

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for th Nov. 1, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, NOvember 15, 2012

Dynasty of Green and Gold

Sports

Lady Rebels Fall in Volleyball Finals P. 47 Football First Round Wrap up P. 46

Lady Spartans Win 10th Straight Cross Country Crown, Rebel and Patriot Boys Claim First-ever Titles

Lee Davis

November Bold

By Lee Davis

I

Hoover Still Looks Like the Team to Beat

Journal Sports Writer

f you’re looking for great sports dynasties, forget about baseball’s New York Yankees and basketball’s Boston Celtics.

Instead, look right here at home.

The Mountain Brook girls’ cross country team won its 10th consecutive state 6A championship last weekend at Oakville Indian Mounds Park, easily outdistancing runner-up Hoover. The Lady Spartans’ victory also gave them their 13th blue trophy since 1997.

“It’s amazing,” said Mountain Brook coach Greg Echols. “I’m so proud of the effort and attitude of our team. Every year, somebody different steps up. It seems like we always have girls who don’t have much experience come in and do well in the state meet.”

game of the week

air jordan

Johnson’s Five Scores Help Rebels Rip Gophers in First Round Action

By Lee Davis

V

Journal Sports Writer

estavia Hills spent much of the 2012 season as a team that was difficult to figure out.

At times – such as their opening win over Homewood and the late October rout of Mountain Brook – the Rebels looked awesome. They didn’t even look bad in a 35-15 loss to top-ranked Hoover.

But Vestavia’s stunning loss to Florence in the regular season finale raised new questions as the See rebels, page 47

Members of the Lady Spartan cross country team celebrate with their 6A state championship trophy.

Journal photo by Bryan Bunch

The Lady Spartans totaled 28 points, while Hoover finished second with 84. Vestavia Hills finished fifth with 164 points, and Oak Mountain came home in eighth place with 209.

While McGill-Toolen’s Carmen Carlos won her fourth straight individual title with a time of 17:20.34, Mountain Brook’s Jessica Malloy was runner-up in individual competition, completing the course in 17:29.59.

Hoover’s Sydney Steely was fifth with a time of 18:47.97. Lady Spartans Ann Sisson, Parker Cobbs

and Frances Patrick finished sixth, ninth and tenth, respectively.

In boys’ 6A competition, Vestavia Hills claimed its first-ever cross-country championship with a win over runner-up Mountain Brook.

The Rebels totaled 67 points, while the Spartans followed with 77. Hoover claimed fifth with 166 points, and Spain Park finished sixth with 171.

Vestavia’s Mac Macoy won the individual title with a time of 15:37.30. Mountain Brook’s Payton

See Dynasty, page 46 Jordan Johnson cruises to a touchdown. The junior running back rushed for 278 yards on 16 carries and five touchdowns to spark Vestavia to a 44-28 triumph over Hueytown in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs at Thompson Reynolds Stadium.

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

W

hen November arrives, football fans can count on upsets. Whether it’s in the high school, college or professional ranks, the 11th month of the year is when we separate the contenders from the pretenders for the big prize at the end of the season.

And while upsets can and will occur, there is a clear favorite as to who will claim the blue championship trophy at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium in three weeks: the Hoover Buccaneers.

In many ways, the Bucs’ 38-7 lacing of Shades Valley in their opening playoff game was a microcosm of their season to date: Get ahead early, remove all serious doubt about the outcome by halftime and coast the rest of the way. The fact the Mounties held Hoover to only a 17-0 lead after two quarters was a moral victory for the visitors.

Winning has become so commonplace at Hoover that its coaches don’t even talk about merely outscoring a given opponent on a particular Friday night as an objective anymore. Much as Alabama’s Nick Saban talks about “process,” the Bucs’ Josh Niblett uses words such as “mountain” and “greatness” to describe his team’s goals.

“We think about what we have to do to climb that mountain of greatness,” Niblett was quoted as saying See hoover, page 46