12.17.2015

Otmj Thursday, December 17, 2015

over the mountain journal â?– otmj.com

It’s that time of year when Over the Mountain students create beautiful works of art to wish you the very best of the season! Our biggest collection ever begins on page 29. Enjoy!

Our cover card is by Mario Levins, a fifth-grader at Rocky Ridge Elementary.

2 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

Opinion/Contents

We Wish You A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy and Safe New Year!

We’ll return in 2016 with our first issue of new year on Jan. 14.

murphy’s law

The Gift and the Giver

Card is by Aaron King, fourth-grader, Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights.

in this issue

Spirited Revival news Page 8

child’s Play life Page 10

Elegant evening social Page 18

Wildlife art Business Page 26

About Town 4 news 8 life 10 14 people social 18

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

weddings 25 Business 26 schools 28 holiday cards 29 sports 40

On otmj.com

There’s so much happening in the Over the Mountain area, we can’t fit it all in the paper! Visit www.otmj.com for more stories and photos.

good and right but, despite all of our It wasn’t an easy book to read. In positive pushback, we feel powerless, fact, there are parts of me that wish hemmed in with fear and dread.

I had never read it because it left me We want to get to Christmas. We with a few painful images I would need it. rather erase. Still, I continued reading Imagine. Wouldn’t it be wonderbecause, amidst the horror, the author ful to just forget about everything for included short, powerful moments of a day, a season, to simply close our hope. Good plan. How else could the eyes and sing so loudly that the drumhero have continued? beats disappeared? Of course, and we The book was “The Giver.” Cold, can do that, but the effect won’t last institutionalized inhumanity was all for long. As soon as the tree comes around him, although he came to see down, so will we. that only gradually. Hope arrived It may help to remember that the in fleeting moments – light, colfirst Christmas came in the middle of ors, human connection and, finally, an enemy occupation. Powerlessness the image of Christmas, although Sue Murphy was part of the landscape there, too.

Christmas was never really named.

Even as the star appeared, there There was a vision of a house, a were forces unleashing unspeakbrightly lit tree, and somehow the For Christmas to be able cruelty on the innocents. And hero knew that if he could just get real, it has to be a yet, despite all that would make it there, he would be safe.

In one way or another, I think game changer, and so seem impossible, there appeared a light that gently overcame we’re all trying to get to Christmas.

I am hoping this year joy, the darkness and quietly gave us a We know Christmas exists. Like that we pour out com- road map for finding our way back. our hero, we’ve seen it, felt it, Funny thing, the map said nothhowever fleetingly, and every year passion along with our ing about tinsel. Eggnog, reindeer, we try desperately to find our way eggnog, lift our hearts gingerbread houses, while those back. We spend weeks constructalong with our songs, things are fun (and what could they ing it, brick by laborious brick, shopping and mailing, baking and be a giver and a gift at hurt?), we all know they can’t actually get us to Christmas. watching Hallmark movies, hoping the very same time.

No matter how much easier it that, if we can just put together the would make it for us, Christmas right pieces, Christmas will reapis not a kit. My guess is it’s less pear and we will have arrived at a about doing new things than about seeing the same old place of much needed peace. things in a different way, looking at cold reality with Just like in “The Giver,” there is darkness around a little warmth, applying kindness and forgiveness to us. Listen to the news, speaking of images you’d people who frankly do not deserve it…but then again, rather not have in your long-term storage. Every when we’re really being honest, do we? day brings a new unfathomable headline. Bombs For Christmas to be real, it has to be a game and beheadings, plane crashes and people who fire changer, and so I am hoping this year that we pour machine guns into unarmed crowds because...who out compassion along with our eggnog, lift our hearts could ever understand this? Our days are lived to a along with our songs, be a giver and a gift at the very soundtrack of senselessness. For us, inhumanity is same time. How else can we continue? ❖ center stage. We go to work and do what we think is

over the Mountain Views

What’s Your Favorite Holiday Movie?

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L December 17, 2015 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Kaitlin Candelaria, Emily Williams 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 Vol. 25, No. 24

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 2015 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.

“‘White Christmas’ from 1954. It feels like an alltime classic movie. My mom and I have watched it together every year since I was little.”

Sydney Wright Hoover

“I haven’t seen a lot of Christmas movies, but ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ is my favorite!”

Phoebe Hurst Homewood

“I have lots! ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Home Alone 2’ are my favorites but I also love ‘White Christmas’ for a good classic!

Courtney Carson Vestavia Hills

“‘The Santa Clause’ with Tim Allen. It puts Christmas into perspective from a child’s point of view.”

Stefan Gilbert Birmingham

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

About Town

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 3

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4 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

About Town

Prayers, Hopes and Wishes Area Residents Pin New Year’s Hopes to Homewood Tree

By Kaitlin Candelaria

dec. 17-Dec. 31

HOMEWOOD

The Nutcracker Alabama Ballet

Thurs., Dec. 17 HOMEWOOD

Darla Hall Book Signing Books-a-Million Brookwood Author Darla Hall, known for her NFL and MLB licensed children’s books, will host an event from 5-8 p.m. during which she will discuss her books, the importance of giving back and will sign copies. Guests can purchase select books to donate to Children’s of Alabama during the event. For more information, call 870-0213.

In the midst of a difficult holiday season, Kristen Morrow was struck with inspiration.

Last year, Morrow saw a news story on a neighborhood tradition in San Francisco called the “Wishing Tree.” Members of the community came together each year and decorated a tree, writing prayers, hopes and wishes and attaching them to the tree.

‘... great opportunity for us to gather and leave well wishes for the new year.’

Dec. 17-19 HOMEWOOD

Photo special to the Journal

“One of my coworkers had been involved in a terrible hit and run accident, leaving her hospitalized for days,” Morrow said. “Our community also had a beloved school teacher facing a battle with cancer. I immediately thought that would a be a wonderful thing to bring to Homewood and a great opportunity for us to gather and leave well wishes for the new year.”

Morrow shared the story on her Facebook page, where it caught the eye of former City Council member Heather Reid, who immediately began working with the city to gain permission to do a similar project in downtown Homewood.

“Another friend, and very active advocate of all things positive,

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The Wishing Tree will be set up on 18th Street in Homewood from Dec. 26 to Jan. 16.

offered to donate some strings of lights,” Morrow said. “We met on the curb in Homewood on Dec. 26 with lights, a ladder, lots of pre-strung tags and Sharpies, and so began the Homewood Wishing Tree.”

The project was such a hit with the community that it will be back again this year Dec. 26. You have until midJanuary to pin your wishes to the tree,

which is located on 18th Street in the downtown area of Homewood in front of Trak Shak.

Tags and markers will be provided at the tree, but well-wishers are welcome to bring their own, as well.

For more information on the Wishing Tree or to share your visit, visit the Homewood Wishing Tree Facebook page. ❖

Holiday Art Show Brookwood Village The Mountain Brook Art Association will finish up its annual two-week art show inside the lower level of the mall from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. The show features paintings of all sizes and price ranges. For more information, visit www. mountainbrookartassociation.com.

Dec. 17-20 BIRMINGHAM

Holiday Spectacular RMTC Cabaret Theatre Red Mountain Theatre Company Conservatory students will perform a holiday music program alongside professional actors. Tickets for the event are $30. Showtimes will be at 7:30 p.m.

The Alabama Ballet will hold its annual performances, Dec. 17-20 at the Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center.

The company is one of only seven in the world granted the right to perform the ballet by the Balanchine Trust. Tickets start at $20. For more information, visit www.alabamaballet. org. ❖ Thursday-Saturday and matinees will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit www. redmountaintheatre.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Holiday Seasonings Virginia Samford Theatre The Theatre will host its annual holiday program Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets begin at $25. The performance will feature Lee Ann Brown, Bill Bugg,

Thank you to our

2015 Corporate Friends JOE LEE GRIFFIN Foundation

Herman and Emmie Bolden Foundation Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation

$25. The run will include gift bags, prizes, food and an awards ceremony.

For more information, visit www. meadowbrookruns.org.

Kristi Higginbotham, Jan Hunter, Lucas Pepke, Kristin Staskowski, the Birmingham Sugar Babies, VST STARS performers and the barbershop quarter from the VST production of “The Music Man.” For more information, visit www. virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

HOMEWOOD

Defensive Driving Class Homewood Library The library will host a training associates defensive driving course from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Room 101. For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Dec. 17-31 BIRMINGHAM

Zoolight Safari The Birmingham Zoo New to this annual event are the Glacier Glide ice skating rink in the Trails of Africa and the 100-foot Yuletide Slide near the primate building. This year’s remaining dates include Dec. 17-23 and 26-31 from 5-9 p.m. each night. Tickets are $8 and do not include special attractions. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. birminghamzoo.com.

Fri., Dec. 18 VESTAVIA HILLS

Holiday Luncheon Library in the Forest The Friends of the Library will host its annual luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the community room. For more information, visit www.vestavialibrary. org.

HOOVER

Color and Chill Hoover Library Adults and teens are invited to join in on the latest trend: adult coloring.

Guests can drop by the library from 9

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

BIRMINGHAM

vestavia Hills

“Joy, An Irish Christmas” Briarwood Presbyterian Church Keith and Kristyn Getty will be joined by an orchestra and the 100voice Briarwood Chancel Choir for a holiday concert. The free concert Dec. 20, will begin at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www. briarwood.org. ❖ a.m.-5:30 p.m. and choose a picture page to fill in as they unwind. For more information, visit www.hooverlibrary.org.

Sat., Dec. 19 NORTH SHELBY

Meadow Brook Runs Aliant Bank The annual 5K and fun run will begin with registration from 7:30-8:45 a.m.

Entry fees are voluntary contributions with a minimum suggestion of $15-

Dear Santa Birmingham Children’s Theatre The theatre will present a show about a tired Santa, who is ready to retire, and his North Pole friends who hope to convince him to stay. Tickets are $9 for children and $11 for adults. There will be both a 10 a.m. and noon showing. For more information, visit www.bct123.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Santa Breakfast Birmingham Zoo Breakfast with Santa will be served at 8 and 10 a.m. in the Kudzoo Cafe.

Reservation are required and tickets to the event are $25 for adults and $20 for children. Each child will receive a special treat upon arrival. For more information, visit www.birminghamzoo. com.

BESSEMER

Dash Away 5K Camp Fletcher Camp Fire Alabama will host a 5K and family fun event beginning at 8 a.m. Registration for the 5K is $35 and the fun run is $25. Non-runners can

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6 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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From left: Magic Moments Special Events and Outreach Coordinator Anna Martin, Circus Chair Ashley Wood, founder Shelley Clark, Associate Executive Director Courtney Carson and board member David Smith.

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Bigtop Fun

Annual Night at the Circus to Benefit Magic Moments The circus is rolling into town and, with it, the chance to help sick children in the community.

Magic Moments will host its largest annual fundraiser, Magic Moments Night at the Circus, on Jan. 29. The Birmingham-based nonprofit is the only wish-granting organization dedicated to fulfilling wishes for chronically ill children who live in Alabama.

The Magic Moments Night at the Circus is an almost 30-year tradition consisting of a pre-party before the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey cirenjoy ticketed events such as the Jingle Bell Junction, a pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Miyazaki Marathon

O’Neal Library This is your ad proof from the over the mountain JournalEmmet for the The Library will host a Miyazaki dec. 17, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

movie marathon from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for children grades 7-12. Popular Miyazaki movies include “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Ponyo” and the Academy Awardwinning “Spirited Away.” For more information, visit www.eolib.org.

please make sure 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, BIRMINGHAM your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

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Avondale Brewery Renegade Marketing and Just Happy Hounds have teamed up for a holiday event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m benefitting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Guests are invited to bring their pets dressed in their tackiest Christmas outfits to enter in the Tacky Sweather contest. Vendors will provide food and Avondale will be serving brews in the Beer Garden. Admission is free. For more information, visit www. justhappyhounds.com.

Mon., Dec. 21 HOOVER

Monday at the Movies Hoover Library The Library will host a showing of the movie “Christmas with the Kranks” in the Library Theatre at 2 and 6:30

cus performance.

The pre-party is a familyfriendly event, including all of a child’s favorite foods – hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken fingers, chips, cookies, ice cream, candy and more – as well as circusthemed entertainment such as jugglers, magicians and circus performers. A special kid’s area will feature inflatables, face painting, balloon animals and more.

At the conclusion of the party, attendees will walk together from the East Exhibition Hall in the BJCC to the arena, where they will take their seats and enjoy the show. This will be the 145th edition of the “Greatest Show on Earth” in Birmingham.

Tickets vary in price. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.magicmoments.org or call 638-9372. ❖

p.m. For more information, visit www. hooverlibrary.org.

HOMEWOOD

Monday Movie Homewood Library The Library will host a showing of “The Polar Express” from 3:305 p.m in the round auditorium. The event will include milk and cookies.

For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Dec. 21-30 BIRMINGHAM

SnowFari Blast The Birmingham Zoo The Zoo will host a winter break camp for children who want to explore the zoo during winter and find out what the staff does to help animals through the cold. Explorations, winter crafts and animal encounters will keep kids busy during the winter hibernation. For more information, visit www.birminghamzoo. com.

Tues., Dec. 22 HOMEWOOD

Gingerbread Baby Homewood Library Guests are invited to the Round Auditorium from 10 a.m.-noon for a crafting event complete with snacks based on holiday books.

For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Save The date

Wed., Dec. 23 HOMEWOOD

Rudolph’s Reindeer Games Homewood Library Guests are invited to drop by the library from 10 a.m.-noon to take part in a morning filled with crafts and snacks based on classic holiday books. For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Dec. 25

Merry Christmas!

BIRMINGHAM

New Year’s Eve Alabama Theatre The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will host “A Viennese Celebration,” Dec. 31, at 6 p.m. ringing in the new year with waltzes, operatic selections and champagne. Tickets begin at $35.

For more information, visit www. alabamasymphony.org. ❖

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

This Santa Carries a Tune Pennington Brings Christmas Joy to Brookwood Village

Steve Pennington has been in the music business his entire life. When he isn’t teaching voice, he’s producing music.

However, you may notice a change in the Birmingham-based musician’s appearance starting about the middle of summer each year.

“I don’t do any trimming to my beard after July 1,” Pennington said.

“That’s the pattern I’ve kept for the past 10 years. I cut my beard back to what I call a business professional length in January and try to live six months of my life as a music producer and music executive-type person.”

After July 1, he begins his transformation into the Singing Santa.

Pennington said he started dressing as Santa more than 30 years ago.

With his musical background, he said the marriage between St. Nicholas and music was an easy one to make.

He began his Christmas career working at churches, schools and corporate holiday events.

“Some of my most astounding events have been at elementary schools,” he said. “They’ll bring a keyboard or a piano out into the middle of a gymnasium and I’ll have 400500 kids singing along to Christmas carols with me.”

He said that he grew out his beard

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

By Kaitlin Candelaria

for the role for the first time in 1999, which coincided with his first appearances in the mall circuit as Singing Santa.

“My favorite part about being Santa is just the reactions of everyone to seeing Santa doing something other than sitting in a chair and talking to kids,” he said. “I have such exposure to it doing my corporate work prior to this, so I knew that it would translate to this venue effectively.”

Singing Santa does, indeed, sing Christmas music. He also dances and sings other music such as football fight songs and fight songs for branches of the military, just depend-

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 7

ing on who’s there to see him. And of course, he’s always open to requests.

This year, Singing Santa is at Brookwood Village, but you may recognize him from other years at the Riverchase Galleria as well as the Summit. However, he takes his disguise pretty seriously.

“When my son was six years old, I had just started playing Santa and I went to his school and played the piano in front of him and he didn’t recognize me,” he said.

Pennington said he collects Santa outfits from all over the world and has more than 30 in his collection.

He has everything from camo-themed Santa outfits to full-length velvet capes as well as the classic Santa uniform in many different colors.

“I decided if I was going to do the Santa sing-alongs, I was going to be the best-dressed Santa anywhere,” he said.

Pennington said this year’s hot Christmas wish list items are iPads, tablets, Zoomer Kitties, Xbox Ones, Star Wars Lego kits and Shopkins for the smaller children.

“I constantly stay in touch with the real Santa,” he said, laughing. “Thank goodness for social media and email.

It lets us keep up with the lists and keep the toy orders up to date and make sure all the elves are delivered on time after Thanksgiving.”

Singing Santa will be at Brookwood Village for photos each day through Christmas Eve. For more information on photo pricing and hours, visit www.shopbrookwoodvillage.com. ❖

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News

8 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

Spirited Revival

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u birmingham

The revival of downtown Birmingham continues with the grand re-opening of the Lyric Theatre in mid-January.

The Lyric Theatre, which is more than 100 years old, sits at 1800 Third Ave. North and will officially re-open its doors Jan. 14 after an $11.5 million renovation.

Opening weekend will include three nights of modern vaudeville and a performance of Romeo and Juliet by the State Ballet of Russia.

A list of concerts scheduled for the spring was released recently and includes names such as Drive-by Truckers, Mavis Staples, Sam Bush and Randy Newman.

Brant Beene, executive director of Birmingham Landmarks, said it’s hard to discuss the revitalization of the Lyric without mentioning other signs of progress in the city, such as Regions Field and Railroad Park.

“As things happened, we had a great fundraising campaign here in downtown Birmingham that brought Railroad Park in and the city agreed to help build Regions Field, and those two things were sort of the beginning of the downtown resurgence,” he said.

“Momentum really started to shift back toward the downtown area around 2003 or 2004. Finally, when Railroad Park and Regions Field came along, we felt like we had the momentum and the time was right for us to have a fundraising campaign to rebuild the Lyric.”

Beene isn’t a Birmingham native but has called the city home for almost 40 years. He said he was attracted to his role with Birmingham Landmarks, the company that owns both the Alabama Theatre and the Lyric Theatre, because of his love for entertainment.

“All us children of the ‘60s love music,” he said, laughing. “But I also loved the historic nature of it. The Lyric has been here since 1914 and the Alabama has been here since 1927, so you have to think of the people who have been through those buildings and what they have meant to the historic fabric of Birmingham.”

Beene came on board at Birmingham Landmarks in 2009 to

raise money to rebuild the Lyric. The family that owned the theater sold it to Birmingham Landmarks in the early 90’s for only $10 with the intent that it be revitalized.

However, plans for the Lyric were put on hold when Birmingham Landmarks co-founder Cecil Whitmire passed away in 2010. In 2013, Beene brought Tom Cosby on board as the campaign manager for the “Light Up the Lyric” fundraising campaign, and the restoration of the Lyric finally was underway.

“We’re lucky that Tom decided he wanted to retire, but also that he wanted to work on a project that he had great passion for,” Beene said. “He’s worked on projects like Rickwood Field, the Vulcan and he’s very excited about the Lyric. In the space of eight or nine months, Tom was able to help us raise about $8.1 million for the Lyric.”

After the successful fundraising campaign, renovations began in 2014.

“The great thing about this project has been the variety and the number of people we have had who have contributed great sums of money – sacrificial gifts,” Beene said. “We’ve had great help from the city government, from the state, the arts council, the federal government, from foundations, from businesses and from individuals, all of whom have made tremendous contributions.”

Beene said that, for now, the Lyric will focus on performances like the vaudeville show during the opening weekend and musical performances.

In the future, they may consider opening for weddings as well, he said.

“I love the fact that we have the Alabama and the Lyric and Vulcan and Rickwood Field and other places that you can’t find anywhere else in the world,” he said. “They’re ours and they make us what we are and I think that sense of place is a very important thing to a city. Having these theaters and those attractions really gives Birmingham a sense of place.

It’s very satisfying to me to help continue the legacy that the Alabama and the Lyric has and to hand it to the next generation in better shape than I found it.” ❖

Brant Beene, executive director of Birmingham Landmarks, is busy at work preparing for the Jan. 14 opening of the newly-renovated Lyric Theatre.

Theatre Ready for Its Close-up The Alabama Outfitted for the Holidays by NYC Designer

In honor of the holiday season, the lobby of the Alabama Theatre has been transformed with holiday decor.

Interior designer Glen Kinnaird, of NYC Modern Home and an Alabama native, traveled from his home in New York to spread a little cheer and cloak the historic lobby with Christmas decorations.

“The Alabama Theatre has been freshly dressed for the holiday season,” said Brant Beene, executive director. “(Kinnaird) put together a Hollywood movie theme for the 20-foot tree that stands in the lobby and has added new wreaths, lights and other decorations.”

In addition to donating his time, Kinnaird matched the funds the theater budgeted for the decorations to create a holiday wonderland. Flowers were

‘There are very few places that feel as warm and welcoming as the Alabama Theatre during the holidays.’ donated by Hall’s Wholesale Florist and Northlight Seasonal.

“There are very few places that feel as warm and welcoming as the

Alabama Theatre during the holidays,” Beene said. “Many families have made a visit to the Alabama an annual tradition.”

To put the decor to good use, the Alabama Theatre will continue its annual holiday film series through Dec. 22, showing classic family-friendly holiday movies.

“We’ll be showing classics such as ‘White Christmas,’ ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’ ‘A Christmas Story’ and others,” Beene said. “Cousin Eddies by the dozens will come in costume, as will people in rabbit footie pajamas.”

All tickets are $8 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. ❖

Photo by Butch Oglesby

By Kaitlin Candelaria

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

The Renovated Lyric Will Open Jan. 14

Alabama native and New York City interior designer Glen Kinnaird has filled the lobby of the historic Alabama Theatre with holiday decorations.

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 9

news

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u Vestavia Hills

Chick-fil-A to Build on Site of Old City Hall

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

Chick-fil-A is a step closer to making its home on the site of the old Vestavia Hills City Hall.

City Manager Jeff Downes said the city closed last month on the sale of the old city hall, at 513 Montgomery Highway. The final sale price was about $1.2 million, he said.

Chick-fil-A plans to tear down the old

Campaign Co-chair Brook Coleman, Mayor Scott McBrayer, Creative Montessori School Director Greg Smith and school founder Barbara Spitzer.

‘It’s been a long journey, but we’re glad that they’re moving forward.’

City Manager Jeff Downes

city hall on Jan. 4 to build a restaurant on the property. Downes said the restaurant should open June 2.

“It’s been a long journey, but we’re glad that they’re moving forward,” Downes said.

The old city hall has been vacant since city officials moved into the new facility in October. The new municipal center is at 1032 Montgomery Highway, adjacent to the Vestavia Plaza Shopping Center.

– William C. Singleton III

” Michelle Creamer made us feel like we were her only customers.”

u homewood

Creative Montessori Breaks Ground on New Campus

By Kaitlin Candelaria

The Creative Montessori School recently broke ground on the new Barbara R. Spitzer campus in Homewood.

After months of deliberations, school officials decided to stay in Homewood to build their new campus.

The new buildings will be added behind and beside the existing classrooms.

“The city of Homewood has always attracted good quality people,” Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer said at a groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 3.

“When you attract good quality people, you attract good quality developments.

We’re so excited that the school has chosen to stay in Homewood. Groups like you can go anywhere; any city would be pleased to have you. Thank you for making Homewood your home.”

The campus, which will be named for the school’s founder, Barbara R. Spitzer, is the result of a year-long fundraising campaign that generated more than $2 million for construction.

The campaign included more than 200 donors and several grants from chari-

table foundations.

“All of these people, like the city of Homewood, realize how important it is

‘When you attract good quality people, you attract good quality developments. We’re so excited that the school has chosen to stay in Homewood.’

Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer

to have a really high-quality Montessori school in the city of Birmingham,” said Brooke Coleman, campaign co-chair and CMS parent. “It’s an educational method that’s known all over the world and people move here expecting to find a high-quality school.”

In addition to the donors, the students at the school took it upon themselves to raise money, contributing more than $1,000 to the campaign.

The new campus will feature new preschool classrooms that incorporate Montessori styles, which include open spaces and lots of natural light. ❖

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life

10 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Special Kind of Child’s Play Kids Learn to Have Fun on Updated Mitchell’s Place Playground

Generous Gift

By Donna Cornelius

Homewood Fourth-Grader Gives Birthday Money to Mitchell’s Place

Mitchell’s Place occupational therapist Becca Wood and Executive Director Sandy Naramore pose with students on the new Spinner, one of several new items purchased for the playground.

looks like fun.’ She could look at the socialization and sensory issues.”

Naramore said two of the three new pieces address the students’ sensory needs for body awareness and balance. A spinner, a large round contraption, has seats for riders; other children can easily push it to make it turn around and around. A low-to-the-ground zip line has a bucket seat for little ones and a disk for older kids to ride on.

“We’re the only playground in Alabama with a zip line,” Naramore said.

A lime green dome that resembles a fanciful igloo encourages socialization, she said. During a recent morning break, two children played together inside the dome while another climbed on top.

“The children are having fun, and they’re interacting,” Naramore said.

The grant had rigorous requirements, including enlisting volunteers to help with the project, she said.

“We couldn’t have done this without Lowe’s Heroes,” she said. The Lowe’s Home Improvement volunteer program is made up of employees who adopt projects with nonprofits in their communities.

“Lowe’s Heroes approached us about helping,” Naramore said. “These men and women came and worked Monday through Friday.

Lowe’s also donated mulch and new fencing with a gate.”

Parents Catey and Cody Hall also were instrumental, she said.

“Cody got a Bobcat for us to use,” Naramore said. “Their twins are here at Mitchell’s Place.”

The new equipment went up in one week.

“Oct. 26-30 was Build Week, and Oct. 28

was our actual Build Day,” she said.

Mitchell’s Place celebrated its new play space with a schoolwide festival and ribboncutting on Halloween.

The actual cost of the project was $26,000, so the school had to raise the additional money.

Donations came in all sizes. The Nick’s Kids Foundation, the official charity of University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban and his family, contributed – and so did younger supporters.

“When Arden Pike, one of our 5-year-olds, heard we’d won, he went to his room and brought out his piggy bank,” Naramore said.

Hartwell Higgins, whose twin brother is a Mitchell’s Place graduate, donated her birthday money to the project, she said.

Mitchell’s Place offers several different programs. Its preschool for ages 2 to 6 incorporates children with autism and their typically developing peers. Teach Me is a one-on-one program for ages 2 to 6.

“Our outpatient program is for anyone up to age 18 who needs services like speech, occupational therapy, psychology, psychiatry and ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis,” Naramore said.

“We also have after-school programs for ages 6 to 18, summer camp and diagnostic services.”

Naramore was the assistant principal at Greystone Elementary when she was approached by Nancy and Allen Meisler about becoming executive director at Mitchell’s Place.

She’s loved her job ever since, she said, and seeing happy children at play is especially rewarding.

“One child was so hesitant about trying out the zip line,” she said. “But once we got him on there, we couldn’t get him off.” ❖

This time last year, 10-year-old Brown Chesser of Homewood was living in a much colder climate. His dad’s job took the family to Canada for three years, and they lived in chilly Calgary, Alberta.

Back home in Alabama, Brown warmed hearts at Mitchell’s Place last month when he donated his birthday money to the center for children with autism and other developmental disorders.

A former classmate with autism inspired Brown to contribute, said his mother, Maggie Chesser.

“He came up with the idea, and we researched places that benefit autistic children,” Maggie said. “He’s always had neat interests.

He asks questions and really is interested in kids with special needs.”

Brown, a fourth-grader at Edgewood Elementary School, said he was in second and third grade with his friend Japal, who has autism spectrum disorder.

“It was hard for him to talk with other kids,” Brown said. “I played with him and enjoyed talking to him. I thought of Japal when I donated the money.”

Maggie said she was proud of her son’s generosity and big heart.

“In Canada, his teacher told me that Brown had come to her and said he thought that if the other kids understood what was going on with Japal, they’d be friendlier to him,” Maggie said.

Children with autism can have difficulty with social interaction and communication.

The teacher asked Japal’s parents to visit the school and talk to Japal’s classmates about his behavior, Maggie said.

“They explained what was going on with Japal and why he acted the way he did,” she said.

Brown and his mother visited Mitchell’s Place to present the donation to Sandy Naramore, the school’s executive director.

Brown, whose birthday was Nov. 29, said he’s into soccer and recently got interested in lacrosse. He’s looking forward to another new activity next summer.

“He’s been invited to come and help out at Mitchell’s Place’s summer camp,” Maggie said.

“It’s definitely something he’d like to do.”

— Donna Cornelius

Photo special to the Journal

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

When Mitchell’s Place was being built more than 10 years ago, Sandy Naramore often would drive by to check out the progress.

Naramore, who was a special education teacher at EPIC School, Cahaba Heights Elementary and Crestline Elementary, was excited to see the innovative facility on Overton Road take shape.

She had a connection with Mitchell Meisler, for whom the comprehensive center for kids with autism and other disabilities is named.

Mitchell’s parents, Nancy and Allen Meisler, founded the school in 2005 after their son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

“I worked with Mitchell when he was a young boy,” Naramore said.

Recently, Naramore got to watch more construction at the school – a playground project.

She had a better vantage point this time; she’s been the executive director of Mitchell’s Place for eight years, and her office windows look out onto the playground.

The school recently won a $20,000 grant for new play equipment through a video contest hosted by the Dr Pepper Snapple Group in conjunction with KaBoom!, a national nonprofit organization.

Mitchell’s Place was among nonprofits from across the United States that submitted videos for the Let’s Play Video Contest. The videos had to show the entrants’ need for an updated play space. Mitchell’s Place and four other nonprofits were chosen as finalists and won the grants.

“Emily Peterson, our grant writer, submitted the grant application on May 7,” Naramore said.

“After we were selected as a finalist, the contest went to Facebook voting. We were notified we had won by email, but we’d also followed the voting on Facebook.”

Mitchell’s Place learned about the contest through a chance encounter, Naramore said.

“Our development team, Caroline Hubbard and Libby Matthews, were selling coupon books to benefit Mitchell’s Place outside WinnDixie,” she said. “Max Maxwell, who worked for Playscapes at the time, approached them and told them about the contest. We ended up using that company.”

Kit Clark, who’s with Birmingham marketing firm blr | further, headed up the video production, Naramore said.

Clark and others from the company “came out and donated their time and the production,” she said “The video showed the importance of play for meeting our children’s sensory needs. I credit the video with our win.”

Naramore said that the three pieces of playground equipment purchased with the grant money are for more than just having fun.

Because autism impairs children’s ability to communicate and interact, playing may not come naturally for them.

“People assume that children know how to play,” Naramore said. “We have to teach our children.”

Becca Wood, the school’s occupational therapist, was “our go-to person” in choosing the new equipment, Naramore said.

“I depended on Becca,” she said “The rest of us could look at equipment, and say, ‘Wow, that

Brown Chesser visited Mitchell’s Place to present the donation to Sandy Naramore, the school’s executive director.

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

CTrinity

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 11

Photo special to the Journal

hristmas at

Patient Presents Wall’s Winners Give Christmas Gifts to Children’s Patients

“Wall’s Winners,” students in the third-grade class of Vestavia Hills Elementary East teacher Cathy Wall, continued her tradition of giving back to the community each year by buying Christmas presents for patients at Children’s of Alabama.

This year the class sold sweet treats on Halloween to raise funds to buy presents for patients in the hospital’s pulmonary unit. Students gathered on Rocky Ridge Road early Halloween morning to sell “donuts for donations.”

“It’s a great way for us to show how much we care about other children and it’s a lot of fun,” said James Harden, one of Wall’s students.

Students met their goal to sell 120 dozen doughnuts, raising more than $1,000. With the proceeds, they bought items from a Christmas wish list to be given to children in the pulmonary unit.

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per month for 36 months

Wall said she used the shopping trip as a math lesson to teach her students about budgeting and shopping effectively.

“The project is a blessing that continues to multiply, and it makes my heart so happy to see the students so eager to do something so generous for other children,” Wall said. She said everyone wins when you help others – one of the lessons she teaches her class.

Joy Hardy, a certified child life specialist from Children’s, visited the school to receive the gifts and told the class about the children in the pulmonary unit, as well as talking about her role at the hospital.

“The donations from Ms. Wall’s class will not only bring smiles to the faces of our patients but will provide a sense of normalcy for the hospital environment and a way of coping with long hospitalizations,” Hardy said. She will present the gifts to the children at Christmas along with cards that were handcrafted by Wall’s class.

“Character education is an essential part of what we do at East,” Principal Mark Richardson said. “Wall’s project with her class is a perfect example of how to combine excellent teaching with helping others. It really is a life lesson that pays dividends in character and academic development.” ❖

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12 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

life

Iron Mike

By Lee Davis

Former Auburn, Dolphin Star Always Put Faith First

Photos special to the Journal

Mike Kolen saw a lot of success on the football field. He played on bowl teams at Auburn University and has two Super Bowl championship rings.

But football was never the most important thing in his life.

As much as he enjoyed playing the game, his faith in God meant much more.

“The Lord has been so good to me, but earthly rewards don’t mean anything compared to having a relationship with Jesus Christ,” Kolen said.

Throughout his life, Kolen has combined faith and football to a positive result.

After a stellar career at Berry High School, Kolen was recruited

by Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee in addition to Auburn. Although his football hero was former Crimson Tide All-American Lee Roy Jordan, Kolen chose the Tigers and their legendary coach, Ralph “Shug” Jordan. It proved to be a good decision.

“All four schools that recruited me were great, but I had some family ties to Auburn so it was the place for me,” Kolen recalled. “That’s where I met the Lord and my wife, Nancy.”

Kolen found his faith during his freshman year on the Plains.

“I had always gone to church and done all the right things, but I really didn’t have God in my heart,” Kolen said. “One night I went to see a film by the evangelist Billy Gray. I went back to my dorm room and got on my knees by my bed and accepted Jesus as my personal savior. The decision revolutionized my life and gave me a

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Mike Kolen is also an author. He just released a motivational book, “The Greatest Team: A Playbook for Champions.”

by earning a starting spot at linebacker.

The pundits predicted a losing season for the Tigers in 1967, but Auburn surprised the experts by posting a 6-3 record entering its traditional season finale against Alabama.

Legion Field was a rain-soaked, muddy mess as Auburn held a 3-0 lead in the fourth quarter. The tide turned when quarterback Ken Stabler’s 47-yard touchdown run gave Alabama a 7-3 victory.

The defeat was a bitter disappointment, but Kolen said the lessons learned helped in the long run.

“As much as losing to Alabama hurt, I really think that game helped us mature as a young team,” Kolen explained. “We learned what it took to win a really big game.”

Auburn came back strong the next year, posting a 7-4 record that included a rout of Arizona in the Sun Bowl.

The Tigers’ best outing came in a 31-6 win over highly regarded Miami.

Auburn’s defense held the 10th-ranked Hurricanes to minus-85 yards rushing. “If Mike Kolen wasn’t an AllAmerican today, I’ve never seen one,” said Jordan.

“I think we intercepted seven or eight passes in that game,” Kolen said. “(Tiger linebacker) Sonny Ferguson intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown and that play really got us going. It was a great day for Auburn.”

More great days were ahead in Kolen’s senior season of 1969. The addition of two outstanding sophomores – quarterback Pat Sullivan and wide receiver Terry Beasley – had Tiger fans excited. “There was definitely a feeling of optimism and excitement when the season began,” Kolen said. “There was a feeling that we could be something special.”

With Sullivan and Beasley living up to their buildup and the Auburn defense playing at a high level, the Tigers entered the Alabama game with a 7-2 record. For Kolen and his fellow seniors, it was their last chance to defeat the Tide.

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Soon afterward, Kolen became involved in Auburn’s chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “It was great,” he said. “Our FCA was led by coaches and athletes from all sports and was a great way to grow our faith with others.”

As Kolen’s spiritual life developed, his star on the football field was rising, too. Freshmen were ineligible for varsity play in the 1960s, but he made an immediate impression as a sophomore

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intimidated.”

Kolen may have played his greatest game as a Tiger. His jarring tackle of Tide quarterback Scott Hunter forced a fumble that led to an Auburn touchdown. The game was close at halftime before Auburn put together a strong fourth quarter push to win 49-26.

“It was the greatest thing in the world,” Kolen said. “We knew before the game it was the biggest game we’d ever played in our lives. We didn’t even think about not winning. We knew we were going to do it.”

Kolen earned All-American and All-Southeastern Conference honors and gave much of the credit to Jordan.

“Coach Jordan cared for his player and would do anything to help them,” Kolen said. “He was the epitome of a players’ coach. He also had a brilliant knowledge of the game and wasn’t afraid to surround himself with good people.”

Professional football soon knocked on Kolen’s door as he was drafted in the 12th round by the Miami Dolphins.

Miami had been a perennial loser in its early days, but Don Shula was brought in from the Baltimore Colts to rebuild the franchise in Kolen’s rookie season.

“Coach Shula was very similar to Coach Jordan in his insistence on discipline and his understanding of the game,” Kolen said. “He was younger than Coach Jordan, so you might say he was a little more feisty. Coach Shula knew how to put pressure on us and rally the troops so we would be ready for a tough situation in a game.

Both Coach Shula and Coach Jordan would have been very successful as CEOs for a business.”

Kolen vividly remembers the first team meeting with Shula.

“He came in without saying a

word,” Kolen said. “He went straight to the blackboard and wrote two words: World Champions. Before Coach Shula came, winning four or five games was considered a pretty good year for the Dolphins. He made it clear that the new expectations were going to be high.”

The first training camp was brutal.

“We practiced four times a day for five weeks,” Kolen said. We started at 6:30 in the morning and went until 11 at night. Coach Shula made it clear where he wanted to take us.”

Shula’s approach worked quickly.

Miami posted a 10-4 record and reached the playoffs for the first time in 1970. The new coach’s emphasis on having a strong defense was a major reason for the turnaround. A year later, the Dolphins were even better, reaching the Super Bowl. The defensive unit was among the best in the league, despite the fact it had few big name stars. Soon a nickname was born.

“We were playing the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl in New Orleans and (Cowboy coach) Tom Landry was having a press conference,” Kolen said. “He was asked a question about our defense and he admitted he couldn’t think of any of our names. After that we were known as the No Name Defense.”

The Cowboys defeated Miami 24-3, but the Dolphins established themselves as a legitimate league powerhouse. In 1972, Kolen would be a part of perhaps the greatest season in NFL history.

“We thought we’d be good, but I don’t think anybody imagined we’d be the first NFL team ever to go undefeated,” Kolen said. “Nobody had an ego and everyone worked together for the good of the team. What truly made that group special was the concept of TEAM – Trust, Enthusiasm, Attitude and Motivation.”

Miami had a few close games in the regular season but completed the schedule with a 14-0 mark. The Dolphins then defeated Cleveland and Pittsburgh in the playoffs and climaxed the season for the ages with a 14-7 win over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. The Dolphins won the Super Bowl again the next season with a victory over the Minnesota Vikings. “We probably had a better team but we didn’t go undefeated,” Kolen said.

“That shows why it’s so hard to go undefeated at that level. It hasn’t happened since.”

Kolen continued to be one of the NFL’s best linebackers until his retirement after the 1977 season.

In the years that followed, Kolen came back to the Birmingham area, where he was successful in business and became a popular speaker, giving his Christian testimony. He also has worked to help establish FCA chapters at junior high schools and high schools throughout the state.

Kolen is also an author. He just released a motivational book, “The Greatest Team: A Playbook for Champions.” It’s available at local bookstores and online.

“I’ve been very blessed,” Kolen said. “I’ve had the opportunity to be around great people.”

Mike Kolen has been blessed, but with his impact on his community he has also been a blessing. ❖

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 13

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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14 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

life

Sims Garden Celebrates New Growth Phase The Friends of Sims Garden held a cocktail party Nov. 15 to thank those who helped cultivate the public facility at 908 Highland Road in Homewood.

Thunderstorms on Nov. 1 pushed the event to its rain date which, falling after the end of daylight saving time, made it a fire-lit outdoor gathering.

Wishing you all the joys

The event also was held to draw attention to the garden’s latest growth phase and thank sponsors and friends for donating to the annual fundraiser for the Southern Environmental Center, an organization affiliated with Birmingham-Southern College that manages the gardens and 11 other ecoscapes across Birmingham.

Sipping cocktails from Little

of the holiday season!

Left: Photos of the late Catherine Sims were on display at the event. The garden was created from property she willed to Homewood for public use.

Below: Nora Krall, Mary Ellen Snell, Allyn Holladay, Kimberly Sharkins and Jonah Sharkins.

Photos courtesy of Catherine Pittman Smith Photography

Fireside Foliage

Donkey were the restaurant’s owner, Josh Gentry, and his wife, Julie, who led development of the Homewood Schools’ community garden.

Other guests included Walter Jones, Michael Hallman, Allyn Holladay, J.J. Bischoff, Roald Hazelhoff and his son, Ian, and Kimberly Sharken.

The Homewood Environmental Commission was on-hand, selling native tree seedlings grown from Homewood stock.

The Sims Garden is the only Over the Mountain ecoscape so far. It was created from the property of the late Catherine Sims, who willed it to Homewood for public use.

The garden is made up of a house and five residential lots that were planted by Sims over the years.

Following her death, the property became overgrown, until the Southern Environmental Center began managing it.

The space now features greenhouses, a brick patio, a “green” roof and rainwater collection system, a bioswale for slowing storm water runoff, bees and an orchard of edible plants. The city allots $3,000 for yearly maintenance, but this year the Friends group was established, winning the gardens a one-time $5,000 grant from the City Council to use as seed money.

—Liz Ellaby

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Decorate and Donate

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If you’re a holiday-decorating enthusiast and eager to support a good cause, the Deck the ‘Ham contest might be for you.

The American Cancer Society is sponsoring the contest for the first time this year. Homeowners can register by uploading photos or a video of their exterior holiday displays to the contest website. Then, their families, friends or anyone interested can “vote” for the best decorations by making donations to the society.

Donations should be made by the end of the year, and prizes will be awarded for the Best Decked Home on Jan. 8. The top fundraiser will win a private event for 30 guests at B&A Warehouse, including food and a full bar up to a $3,000 value.

The society has set a goal of raising $35,000 for its research and patient care programs, according to Ginny Tucker, senior director of community engagement for the society’s Mid-South Division.

To enter, visit www.DeckTheHam. org. ❖

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 15

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photos special to the Journal

Homewood Resident Receives Fulbright Award

Amanda Claire Grayson, third from left, with members of her team won the Ames Moot Court Competition at Harvard Law School Nov. 16.

Mountain Brook Resident Competes in Harvard Law Courtroom Competition A team that included three Alabama students, one of whom is from the Birmingham area, won the Ames Moot Court Competition at Harvard Law School on Nov. 16.

The Hon. Robert Smith Vance Memorial team included Amanda Claire Grayson of Mountain Brook. Grayson’s team was named in honor of the former federal judge of Birmingham who served on the 5th and later the 11th Circuit Courts of Appeals before his death.

The case, Abrams v. Vita Inc., involved an employee who suffered a disability as the result of a car accident and sought workplace accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Grayson’s team won best overall

and team member Charlotte Lawson won best oralist. This year was the first year that all four oralists were women.

The Ames Moot Court Competition is considered one of the most prestigious competitions for appellate advocacy in the country. After a qualifying round and semi-final, the remaining two teams argue in the final round before a panel that typically consists of a U.S. Supreme Court justice and two federal appellate judges.

This year, the team argued before Justice Elena Kagan of the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Debra Ann Livingston of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit and Judge Robert L. Wilkins of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

For more information about the competition, visit www.orgs.law.harvard. edu/bsa/.

Molly Williams of Homewood has been offered a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant to Malaysia, where she will enter into an English teaching assistantship.

According to a press release, Williams is one of more than 1,900 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad for the 2015-2016 academic year through the Fulbright student program.

Recipients are chosen based on academic and Molly Williams professional achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.

The program is a flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. The purpose of the program is to create an increased mutual understanding between U.S. citizens and people of other countries. The primary source of funding for the scholarship is Congress, as well as the Department of State and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

After attending Homewood High School, Williams went on to graduate with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in public policy and sociology.

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16 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

Attic Antiques

people

Mary Charles’ Doll House

Hoover’s Branin Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Jake Branin of Hoover earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, Aug. 13.

New, Collectible To achieve the award, a scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, Antique Dolls exhibit strong leadership in 2820 Petticoat Lane his troop and Tue.-Sat. 10-4:30 Mtn. Brook Village 5620 Cahaba Valley Road coordinate 870-5544 and execute 991-6887 a community Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm service project.

Branin has earned 36 merit badges in his Travel accessories and duffle scouting career. bags by mb greene. sTop by As his Eagle To see The enTire collecTion! price range from $18- $84. service project, Jake Branin To: Mary Charles Robbins he removed approximately 17 feet of gravel walkway From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., and replaced it with brick pavers at the 205-824-1246, fax Alabama Veterans Memorial at Liberty Date: May 2010 Park. Not only was the gravel removed, but the base had to be prepared before This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the laying the pavers. This project provided a more and stable walkway for June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval orsolid changes to 824-1246. people visiting the memorial.

Branin is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Branin. He is a member of ABS Troop 21 and a sophomore at Spain Park High School.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Local Authors Release History of Homewood

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Morris Recognized as Eagle Scout

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

Come See Us For Great Gifts!

Authors Martha Wurtele and Jake Collins, above, celebrated the release of their book “Homewood (Images of America)” with a book-signing at Homewood Antiques Dec. 10. Wurtele has been working on gathering information, photos and anecdotes about Homewood for more than thirty years. She was contacted by Collins, a history teacher at Homewood Middle School, three years ago and they worked together to finally release the book on Nov. 30. The book, which includes over 200 pages of photos and historical information about the city, can be purchased at Little Professor, Alabama Booksmith and Seibel’s. ❖

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.

William Noble Morris was presented

with his Eagle Scout certification during a court of honor ceremony Dec. 13.

2406 Canterbury road Mtn. brook Village 879.2730 Morris is a member of Troop 86 of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church under tain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Scoutmaster David Millhouse. As a 1246 Scout, he completed the Northern Tier’s Okpik winter camping excursion, where he camped in sub-zero temperatures : Marguerite and completed a snowshoe trek, This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the om: Over the Mountain Journal participated in cross-country skiing and Nov. 19, 2015 issue. fax Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

823-9646 ph, 824-1246 drove a dogsled team. He earned 22 ate: Dec 2015 merit badges during his time as a Scout.

For his Eagle Scout project, Morris his is your ad proof for thePlease OTMJinitial for the 17 2015 issue.

Please contact your sales representative soon as possible to and andDec. fax back within 24 hours. created aas friendlier trail for visitors approve your or before make You may or changes if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of thead Friday thechanges. press date, your ad will run fax as is. approval We print the paper Monday. to 824-1246. veterans with mobility issues at Alabama Veteran’snumber!

Memorial Park. He and for your prompt attention.including address and phone Please makeThank sure you all information is correct, many volunteers, including fellow troop members, logged hours laying brick Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. pavers.

!

en p O

ow N ase make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, your ad will run as is.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John N. Morris II of Mountain Brook and the grandson of Mrs. Jane Morris and the late Mr. John N. Morris and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Farley. He is a student at the Arlington School, where he is a member William Noble of the Youth Morris Leadership Development Program. Outside of school, Morris plays on the Alabama Yankees travel baseball team as a catcher. He was selected for the Perfect

ho ho ho!

Sweetspire Gardens Annuals-Perennials-Vegetables Mulches-Ornamentals-Pottery Potting Soil-House Plants Fresh Flowers-“Grab and Go” Gifts Garden Design and Consulting

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Game’s All-Tournament team for catching and hitting.

Morris also has logged service hours working with organizations such as the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Beads for Life, Renew Our Rivers and Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center.

Morris is a member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent, where he has served as an acolyte.

Homewood Filmmaker Awarded at Film Festival Homewood resident Jessica Chriesman recently won Best Music Composition for her film “Self Portrait” at the Artlightenment 2015 Art and Film Festival in Nashville, Tennessee.

The film, which also was nominated for best documentary, Jessica Chriesman is based on reflections on the different influences that affect individuals’ lives.

Chriesman is a Homewood High School graduate. After high school, she earned her bachelor’s degree in filmmaking and psychology at UAB. ❖

Merry Christmas and Happy new year from your Friends at

Park South Plaza • 1425 Montgomery Hwy., Suite 111 next to Diplomat Deli in Vestavia Hills Mon.-Fri. 9:30 - 5:30 • Sat. 10-3 • (205) 822-9173

Over the Mountain Journal! Look for Our next issue Jan. 14.

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 17

Vestavia Hills

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Greenhalgh Insurance Agency

Heights Dermatology & Aesthetics In business for 26 years, Heights Dermatology & Aesthetics, formerly Montclair Dermatology, is a medical and cosmetic dermatology practice offering Botox, Facial Fillers, Body Contouring, Laser Skin resurfacing, and Aesthetician services such as facials, peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, brow sculpting and much more!

“Visit our retail store for an in depth skin analysis with our reveal camera featuring medical grade skin care and cosmetics for all ages and skin types,” said owner, Dr. Retna Billano, pictured above center.

“Tour our new facility and pamper your loved ones by giving the gift of beauty and relaxation. Enjoy special pricing on procedures, ‘Dr. Billano is a Platinum Plus injector with Botox cosmetic and Allergan fillers. This is awarded to the top 5% of physicians in the country.’

skin care and aesthetician services. Gift certificates are available. Look your best this holiday season.

“We’re so excited about our new state of the art facility conveniently located in Cahaba Heights. Our office hours are Monday Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.

- 1 p.m.”

Heights Dermatology & Aesthetics is located at 4325 Dolly Ridge Road, 591-2169.

Greenhalgh Insurance Agency was established in 1937 by its founder, Ted Greenhalgh. Ted was a respected member of the Birmingham community, who made sure customers were treated fairly and with respect.

The Agency grew through its reputation and relationships.

‘We are in the business of helping people keep order in their lives after a loss or catastrophe...’

In 1977, Russell Greenhalgh joined his father in the business and helped shape the agency into what it is today. Russell, joined by his wife, Marcia, and his son, Adam, continues to uphold Ted’s founding values and principles.

Russell and Marcia’s other children, son Eddie and daughter Ellen have also worked in the

family business. Eddie now has a successful career in commercial real estate while Ellen retired to raise her two children.

“In order to provide our clients with the most competitive products, we represent many of the nation’s top-rated insurance carriers,” said Russell Greenhalgh with son Adam, above.

“We offer full service personal insurance, commercial insurance, and surety services.

“We are in the business of helping people keep order in their lives after a loss or catastrophe to include helping businesses protect their assets and grow their business though risk management and insurance programs.”

“Our friendly staff will work with you to determine your specific needs,” said Adam.

Greenhalgh Insurance Agency is located at 3144 Cahaba Heights Rd., and their phone number is 967-8800.

Greenhalgh Insurance Agency has been proudly serving the Birmingham area since 1937. As one of Birmingham's oldest and most trusted independent insurance agencies, we are able to provide quality personal and commercial products and services for our clients' insurance needs. Our excellent service and relationships come from the years of dedication spent protecting our clients' assets.

Retna A. Billano, M.D. (Formerly Montclair Dermatology)

4325 Dolly Ridge Road • Cahaba Heights • 591-2169 www.heightsdermatology.org

3144 Cahaba Heights Road ~ 967.8800 www.greenhalghinsurance.com

18 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Elegant in Black and White

Photos special to the Journal by Dee Moore

Sixteen Debutantes Presented at Annual Event

From left: Kaki Simpson, Elizabeth Coleman, Adelaide King and Caroline Sparrow.

Anne Galloway, Virginia Grisham, Brownlee Smith and Julie Bryant.

Virginia Drennen, Catherine Smith, Caroline Gray and Lalie Given.

Florence Poyner, Libby Hobbs, Ann Ashton and Virginia Smith.

T

he Birmingham Debutante Club honored 16 young women at its 2015 Black and White Ball on Nov. 27 at the Country Club of Birmingham.

The event has been known as the Heritage Ball, but the club this year used the name of the first ball, held in 1929 – The Black and White Ball. In keeping with the original theme, the presentees wore white while their guests wore black.

Buffy Hargett Flowers created an elegant white décor with black accents in the East Room of Birmingham Country Club. Floral arrangements and garlands of white roses, peonies, tulips and hydrangeas were punctuated by a large orchid tree under a canopy of white lights and sheer draping.

Tabletops were dressed with graceful black runners layered over crisp white linens and topped with masses of votive candles. The sophisticated theme was accentuated by the debutantes’ traditional white gowns and elbow-length gloves, their escorts’ black-and-white-striped tuxedo bow ties, and hundreds of guests in formal attire. The debutantes were presented by their fathers. After a traditional waltz with their fathers and escorts, the presentees and their guests enjoyed an evening of dancing to the music of Bobby and the Aristocats.

The 2015 debutantes and their escorts included Ann Ashton and Jacques Larochelle; Julie Bryant and Jordan Giddens; Elizabeth Coleman and Charles Setzer; Virginia Drennen and Wade Bramlett; Anne Galloway and Mark Rector; Lalie Given and Malcolm McRae; Caroline Gray and Jonathan Jetmundsen; Virginia Grisham and Parker Alison; Libby Hobbs and John Harris Britton; Adelaide King and Carter Ball; Florence Poynor and Pearce Mulkin; Kaki Simpson and Sellers Boudreau; Brownlee Smith and Peyton Thetford; Catherine Smith and Andrew Fix; Virginia Smith and Lee Cotton; and Cece Sprarrow and Harrison Fields. ❖

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Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 19

Photos special to the Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Above: From left: Mary Amanda Hall, Allison Pounds, Paige Burleson, Mary Frances Yeilding, Susanna Bagwell and Tammy Towns. below: Donna Bagwell, Debra Pounds, Stacy Hall, Tammy Towns and Mary Margaret Yeilding.

Puttin’ on the Waltz Poinsettia Debs Attend Dance Lessons

Ten Poinsettia debutantes and their fathers met to fine-tune their waltz skills before being presented at the 48th annual Poinsettia Debutante Ball on Dec. 29.

The party was held Nov. 22 at Jackie O’Neal Dance Studio in Vestavia Hills and the father-daughter couples received waltz instruction by owner Tammy Towns.

Guests received monogrammed commemorative plates and a ball gown cookie. Poinsettia Ball Board members attending were Mary Angelo and Lianne Hand. The party was hosted by Donna Bagwell, Joanna Burleson, Stacy Hall, Debra Pounds and Mary Margaret Yeilding.

After whirling around the dance floor, the debs and their fathers enjoyed refreshments and décor reflecting the style of the 1920s.

Debutantes and their fathers attending the event included Susanna Bagwell and her father, Terry Bagwell; Katherine Brightbill and her father, Todd Brightbill; Paige Burleson and her father, Jeffrey Burleson; Mary Amanda Hall and her father, David Hall; Kathryn Lundberg and her father, Mark Lundberg; Mary Katherine Manakides and her father, Nikolaos Manakides; Catherine Masingill and her father, Jimmy Masingill; Joan Leslie McGill and her father, Bradley McGill; Allison Pounds and her father, James Pounds; and Mary Frances Yeilding and her father, John Yeilding. ❖

Vestavia’s Premiere Green Home Community Viridian offers all the charm of a vintage neighborhood with the latest energy-efficient green homebuilding technologies. These authentic, one-of-a-kind homes are tucked in the woods in a unique gated community off Tyler Road, with prices starting in the $600s. Two lush parks and an abundance of green space provide privacy and a sense of history for this significant property.

www.wedgworth.net (205) 365-4344

20 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photos special to the Journal

Shrimp Brooch 18k, Diamonds and Emeralds

Mary Adams Building • 1829 29th Avenue South, Homewood (205) 870-3588 • Mon.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. in December

Thank You

For Your Support For 31 Years!

From left: Enid Dean, Barclay Darden, Deanna David, Loretta Hood, Anne Dawson and Becky Rollins.

Fall Soiree

New Members Greeted at Charades Dance Club’s Fall Event

The Charades Dance Club held a fall social and dinner buffet Oct. 18 at the Mountain Brook Country Club.

As they arrived, new members Mary Michael Bowman, Cathy Rye Gilmore with her husband, Vic, and Nancy Gaskin with Tom were greeted by hosts Becky and Doug Rollins as well as by President Judy Bewley Mary Adams Building • 1829 29th Avenue South, Homewood and her husband, Adrian.

(205) 870-3588 • Mon.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. in December Party Chairman Loretta Hood, along with her committee, planned the affair. Help was provided by Linda Daniel, Lyndra Daniel, LET'S GET ORGANIZED INC. Barclay Darden, Deanna Davis, Anne Dawson, Enid Dean, Sara Lynn DeFuniak, Betsy Dumas and Sallie White.

Attending the party with the committee members were Hugh Hood, Dick Darden, Timothy Davis, Ken Dawson, Bill Dean, Fox DeFuniak and Carlos White.

To: 870-3589 Pianist Ray Reach provided music during From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 the cocktail hour as well as during dinner.

FAX: 205-824-1246 The delicious buffet included Caesar salad, Date: Dec. fried chicken and beef short ribs, sweet potato souffle, squash casserole, chocolate roulage This is your ad proof from the over the mountainand Journal for the banana pudding. Pewter containers filled dec. 11, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changeswith to 824-1246. white hydrangeas, set atop round mirrors and surrounded by votive candles provided centerpieces for the dining tables. please make sure all information is correct, To: Emily Guests in attendance included Margaret From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., including address and phone number! and Eason Balch, Evelyn and Steve Bradley, 205-824-1246, fax Patsy and Stan Burns, Anne Carey, Judy Date: December and Jim Carns, Mary and Bobby Cobb, please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Jerry Corvin, Carole and Charles If from we have not heard you by 5Journal pm of the Friday pressand date, This is your ad proof the over thefrom mountain for the before theCarol willrepresentative run as is. We print the as paper Monday. december 17, 2015 issue. Please contactyour yourad sales as soon possible to Crabbe, Ellen and Russell Cunningham, approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Naomi and Kirk Cunningham, Katie and Thank you for your prompt attention.

Brad Dunn, Louise and Durham Ellis, Anne Please make sure all information is correct, and Rick Finch, Laurie Hayworth and Roger Indulge family friends this holiday seasonFeed at Habitat Feed & Social Indulgewith with familywith andfriends friendsand this holiday season atHabitat Habitat Feed Social Indulge family and this holiday season atphone &&Social including address and number!

Mills, Beth and Rich Henry, Mary Ann and featuring fresh, progressive cuisine includingSpiced Bohemian Spiced Prime Rib, Turkey featuringfresh, fresh, progressive cuisineincluding including Bohemian SpicedPrime Prime Rib,Turkey Turkey featuring progressive cuisine Bohemian Rib, Bill Jones, Anne and Tom Lamkin, Verna Supreme with Sage Gravy, Crab Cakes, savory desserts and so much more.

Supremewith with SageGravy, Gravy, Crab Cakes, savory desserts and much more.

Supreme Sage Crab Cakes, savory desserts and sosomuch more. please initial and fax back within 24 hours. and John Lyons, Pat and Wimberly Miree, If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Josephine and Paul Pankey, George Ann and Come gather at our table for your Festive Holiday Feasts.

Comegather gather our table for your Festive Holiday Feasts.

Come atat our table for your Festive Holiday Feasts. your ad will run as is.

We print the paper Monday.

Alton Parker, Susan Pitts, Mary and David Thank you for your prompt attention.

Putman, Susan and Lee Reeves, Helen and THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFETS, 11 AM 2 PM THANKSGIVING&&CHRISTMAS CHRISTMASDAY DAYBUFFETS, BUFFETS,1111AM AM- 2- 2PM PM THANKSGIVING Ty Robin, Martha and Tom Roberts, Sara NEW YEAR’S EVEFOUR PRE FIXE FOURDINNER, COURSE 5PM PM - 10 PM NEWYEAR’S YEAR’S EVE PREFIXE FIXE FOUR COURSE DINNER,5DINNER, 5PM PM- 10 - 10PM NEW EVE PRE COURSE and Eladio Ruiz de Molina, Madelon and After dinner, ringYear in the New Year with music atathe bar and aatcountdown at Afterdinner, dinner, ringin inthe theNew New Year with live music thebar barand and acountdown countdown at After ring with live music atatlive the Fred Rushing, Carolyn and Bill Satterfield, midnight on the terrace. midnightononthe theterrace. terrace. midnight Emily and Tom Scarbrough, Alice and Bob RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION: RESERVATIONS ANDINFORMATION: INFORMATION: RESERVATIONS AND Schleusner, Katy and Rick Sexton, Lynn 205.414.0505 OR GRANDBOHEMIANMOUNTAINBROOK.COM 205.414.0505 ORGRANDBOHEMIANMOUNTAINBROOK.COM GRANDBOHEMIANMOUNTAINBROOK.COM 205.414.0505 OR and Wheeler Smith, Rita and Cliff Spencer, Patsy and Bob Straka, Marsha and Eddie Terrell, Lana and Harry Thompson, Janie and Bud Trammell, Rae and Steve Trimmier, Karen and Charlie Watkins, and Kathleen and Ray Watkins. ❖

Above: Tom and Martha Roberts, Vic and Cathy Gilmore. below: Fred and Madelon Rushing, Ed and Marsha Terrell.

Holiday Decadence!

Holiday Decadence!

Holiday Decadence!

5 PA 5 RLRK AKNRE PAD,D, R KMMR OA M IN BAR ROA OA NTA TA NBUBRNROTA OOOK K, ,A 3 L 35223 2 26 65 5 5L LAAN2NE6EPA OO UUND, I NIO L LO 3 35O52K2,23A

Charles and Carole Crabbe, Adrian and Judy Bewley, Lynn and Wheeler Smith.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 21

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Photos special to the Journal

Caputo, Janice Anthony, Marian Washburn, Susan Williams, Susan Martin, Libby Ward, Cindy Ivy, Lynette Horton, Kelly McCallum, Suzanne Milligan, DeLene Stutts, Cindy Doody, Jane Bochnak, Beth Rose, Susie Walker, Trish Hand, Bonnie Church, Judy McRae, Harriet Williams, Dena Bowden, Janet Crowder, Mary Winkler, Marsha Grady, Dana Levering, Tricia Irby, Heather White, Dena Prince, Ann Sanders and Emily Hamilton. ❖

Carla Nesbitt and Marian Washburn.

From left: Amy Roberts, Rebecca Goodson, Karen Caputo and Andrea Parker.

Bama in Birmingham

Alpha Chis Host Alumnae Luncheon The Epsilon Omega Epsilon alumnae group of the Alpha Chi Omega chapter at the University of Alabama hosted its annual Fall Luncheon on Nov. 18 at The Club.

Rebecca Goodson, president of the alumnae group, recognized members who had achieved anniversary milestones, including Libby Ward, who celebrated her 56th anniversary as an initiated member of Alpha Chi Omega. Guest speakers from the Tuscaloosa chap- Susan Williams and Janet Crowder. ter included Dena Prince, collegians and the support of the recruitment adviser, and Alpha Chi Omega Foundation.

Janet Crowder, house corporation Alpha Chis attending the luncheon president. In addition, Marsha Grady and Mary Winkler from the National were Rebecca Goodson, Andrea Parker, Amy Roberts, Nancy Lard, Alpha Chi Omega organization spoke Holli Simon, Carla Nesbitt, Karen on the leadership opportunities for

Hanna

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|

4816 SHARPSBURG CIRCLE | BIRMINGHAM, AL 35213

22 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

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The Weather May Be Frightful, But In ....

The Finer Things

Merry Christmas!

©2015 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Franchises independently owned and operated.

n r The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 : 205-824-1246 . 2015

Photos special to the Journal

Young Birmingham Professionals Raise Funds for CF Foundation

On Nov. 5 at B&A Warehouse, some of the Birmingham community’s outstanding young professionals gathered with 400 friends for the grand finale of a 12-week campaign to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cystic fibrosis.

Birmingham’s Finest, now in its fifth year, honored 18 up-and-coming professionals who stand out not only in their careers, but in what they do to make a difference in their community and for the Cystic Fibrosis — Foundation.

2700 19th Place South • Homewood • 871-9779 “These outstanding honorees are Tue.-Fri. 10:30-5:30 • Sat. 11:00-4:30 given the opportunity to not only advocate and raise money for a very worthwhile cause, they get the firsthand experience to learn about the One size disease through family partners – the may not children and adults that battle it every day,” said Hillary Carnel, chair of fit all... this year’s event. “If they didn’t have a connection to cystic fibrosis at the start of this event, they have one now.”

Guests enjoyed food and refreshments from B&A, E&J Gallo wine, Avondale Brewery, Back Forty Brewery and Birmingham Bud. Floral arrangements by Stems and Styles adorned the tables and created a centerpiece for the honorees’ recognition and Bid for a Cure table.

To: Tricia Music by the BHP Band, a silent From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 auction, a photo booth and a wine pull We'll make sure her jewelry is ready to wear on Christmas morning!

FAX: 205-824-1246 kept guests entertained. Three outDate: December standing Birmingham’s Finest alumni – Hillary Carnel, chief of ceremonies; This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl forMartenson, the Brad event auctioneer; December 17, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. and Tucker Groves, Bid for a Cure accountant – served as emcees.

Please make sure all information is correct, Birmingham’s Finest raised more than $85,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis including address and phone number!

619 MontgoMery Hwy, VestaVia Hills • 205-769-6930 Foundation. The mission of the CF Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Foundation is to provide all people 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. with the disease the opportunity to Thank you for your prompt attention. lead productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment and ensuring access to specialized care.

It’s So Delightful

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Above: From left: Chris McCauley, Hannah Gentry, Paige McCauley, Yvonne McCauley and Joe Harper. Below: Ashley Groves, Hannah and David Morris and Tucker Groves.

The event culminated with Hillary’s announcement of Birmingham’s Finest winner John Perry, who raised more $11,000 for the cause.

The 2015 Finest honorees also include Katelyn Armstrong, Bob Blackburn, Claire Davis, Brad Hawley, Steven Johnson, Kyle Keith, Rachel Kelly, Carter

Lachney, Jenny Lessman, Ashley Lord, Chris McCauley, Luke Meadows, David Morris, John Perry, Krystal Pino, Elaine Prince, Joshua Wrady and Lauren Yelverton.

Hawley was inducted as a member of the “Ten Grand Club” – a distinction earned by a select few in each year’s class of honorees.❖

DECEMBER 26-31

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Dec. 17, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

10:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.

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

stoREwiDE 20% oFF HoliDAy 50-75% oFF

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.

Thankoryou prompttoattention.

Call today visitfor ouryour showroom arrange for your complimentary design consultation.

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709 Third Avenue North, Birmingham

205.581.1677 californiaclosets.com AL056_OverMtnJourn_4x5_cmy_0915.indd 1

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Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 23

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Parterre Presentation

The Camellia Garden Club held its monthly meeting at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Nov. 9. The program was organized by Linda Corliss, club vice president, and was conducted by Club President Delores Wilkinson.

Members shared refreshments and social time followed by a program

by Troy Rhone, landscape architect of Troy Rhone Garden Designs.

Rhone presented slides showcasing a Mountain Brook home that is set for a

Photo special to the Journal

Camellia Garden Club Hosts November Meeting

From left: Dolores Wilkinson, Linda Corliss and Troy Rhone.

redesign and new gardens. His plans for gardens surrounding the home feature a parterre of boxwoods, accent pots and awnings.

Rhone concluded his presentation, inviting club members to watch the progress at the home as he incorporates the new plantings. ❖

First for United Way

Reception Honors Nancy Goedecke, First Female Chair of UWCA Campaign

5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 980-9030 southeasternjewelers.net (1/4 mile off 280)

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

On Nov. 19, professional women from around the city gathered at Hatton Smith’s home to honor Nancy Goedecke, this year’s chair for the United Way of Central Alabama giving campaign.

Goedecke is the first female chair of the campaign. She was honored by a group of hostesses that included Margaret Brooke, Paige Casey, Meg Cherry, Bebe Goodrich, Catherine Long, Lauren Pearson, Liz Pharo, Tanya Shunnara, Elizabeth Stewart and Gage Smith.

Guests enjoyed cranberry-flavored cocktails and hors d’oeuvres catered

by The Pantry while listening to Goedecke speak, followed by Alexis

From left: Margaret Brooke, Hatton Smith, Nancy Goedecke and Lauren To: Pearson.

Barton, who gave her own personal story and connection the United Way. The United Way wrapped up its annual fundraising campaign on Dec. 8, raising $38,801,031, surpassing the goal of $38,755,000 to support programs throughout the central Alabama

From:

NEW THIS YEAR

Membership Drive going on now until December 31!

Renee Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax October

area.

United Way of Central Alabama Date: serves Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the Blount and St. Clair counties.

Contributions are still being november 5, 2015 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to accepted. For more information go toapprove your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246. www.uwca.org ❖ Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

SEMI-ANNUAL CLEARANCE SALE

40% OFF! ALL FALL AND WINTER MERCHANDISE GOING ON NOW!

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.

The only place in Birmingham where it snows every night!

December 5-7, 12-14, 18-23 and 26-31 • 5–9pm Members FREE • Non-members $8* Individual Attractions $3.50* • Unlimited Attraction Wristband $10*–Best Value! *Plus tax

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❆ Up-close interactions with Children’s Zoo barn animals

❆ NEW: See and listen to the amazing 12 Days of Christmas musical light show displays, towering up to 10 feet tall.

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social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photos special to the Jouranl by Wynter Byrd

24 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

From left: John and Louise Beard and Cathy Gilmore.

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Star Turn for Lobby Virginia Samford Theatre Celebrates New Atrium Addition

The historic Virginia Samford Theatre celebrated the opening of the lobby atrium Sept. 24 with a reception sponsored by IberiaBank and a musical stage performance.

The glass addition was made possible by contributions from Birmingham businessman Gene Robinson and other major theater patrons and foundations. Built in 1927, the Virginia Samford Theatre’s lobby had remained the same size since its original opening. The addition expands the area by more than 70 percent.

The architectural design for the addition was by KPS and construction by BL Harbert Construction.

Attending the grand opening of the atrium were: Gene Robinson and Cindy Bankston, Garland and Lathrop Smith, Lyndra and Bill Daniel, Betty and John McMahon, Louise and John Beard, Donnie and Lynne Dobbins, Dr. Dow Briggs, Helen Mills and Walter Gay Pittman, Elna Riley Brendel, Ann and George McMillan, Mena Robinson, John and Kathy English, Julie and Greg Foster, Betsy and Phil Henle, Jan and Tom Elliot, Libby Suttle, Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith, Patty McDonald, Jeffrey Kliner, Susan and Michael Han, John and Claire Hanson, Michael and Mary Ann Freeman, Kay Kelly, Councillor Valerie Abbott, Carole Maxwell, Fred and Cathy Schafer, Steve and Michelle Mote, Chuck and Leslie Kramer, Brit and Sheree McCall, John and Monica Drake, Ricky and Marjean Brooks, Jack and Suzanne Mann, Steven and Katie Mote, Jan D. Hunter, Ray Jordan, Tracey Bell, Martha Chitwood, Kay Brooks, Ronnie Collis, Mary Gayle Davidson, Sara Lynn and Fox DeFuniak, Alan Watson, Dane

Diana Plosser, Alan Watson and Garland Smith.

Cindy Bankston, Gene Robinson and Cathy Gilmore.

Peterson, Margie Bolding, Connie Frazier, Joyce Lott, Diana Plosser, Cheryl and Lee Robinson, Cathy Strong, Mary Ann Wade, Susan

Zuber, Cathy and Victor Gilmore, Lucas and Talia Pepke, Don and Mary Sue Thornburgh and Jason and Jenny Waters. ❖

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Bendig-Ledet

Megan Elizabeth Bendig of Vestavia Hills and Todd Brennan Ledet of Abbeville, Louisiana, were married Aug. 15 at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

The groom’s uncle, the Rev.

Collins-Muse

Caroline Mills Collins and Seth Ian Muse were married Aug. 8 in Charleston, South Carolina. The Rev. John Zahl officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Eugene Collins of Mountain Brook and the late Mrs. Claire Markham Collins.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Robert Muse of Birmingham and Mrs. Lisa Harlan Belcher of Birmingham.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by her sisters, Charlotte Clark Collins and Kathleen Markham Collins, as maids of honor.

Bridesmaids were Bade Scruggs Schnurr, Calhoun Koepsel Kaufmann, Emily Bradford Sherrod, Susan Huntley Chapman, Elizabeth Kehoe Pruitt, Katherine Margaret Jones, Meredith Christians Parker, Lindsey Katherine Donaldson and Emma Lauren Belcher. Flower girls were Clark Elizabeth Russell and Collins McGuire Cullum.

The father of the groom was the best man. Groomsmen were Andrew Louis Pizitz, Al Foster Teel, Amil Imran Bokhari, William Clay Collins, Wyatt Perry Montgomery, Vishal H. Shah, Joseph Jay Siegelman and Brandon Irvin Weil.

After a honeymoon trip to Southeast Asia, the couple live in Mountain Brook.

Monsignor Harry Greig of Lake Charles, Louisiana, officiated the ceremony. Immediately afterward a New Orleans-style brass band led the newly married couple, followed by guests and well-wishers, in a Second Line parade to the reception at the Riverview Room.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Bendig of Vestavia Hills. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ledet of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jackson of Montgomery.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a Monique Lhuillier lace, strapless ivory gown with blush undertones, a sweetheart neckline and a tulle, horsehair mermaid skirt.

She carried a bouquet of pink and white peonies and roses with lace from her late grandmother’s veil attached to the base.

Kathleen Benak Flickinger of Birmingham attended the bride as

Eddings-Garber

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen John Henninger of Vestavia Hills and Mr. William Miller Eddings of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Amy Elizabeth Eddings, to Michael Stephen Garber Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stephen Garber Sr. of Huntsville.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Gene G. Hurst and the late Mr. Hurst of Trussville, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Sidney McCall Eddings of Birmingham.

Miss Eddings attended Auburn University, where she was a member of Phi Mu sorority. She is a graduate of the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University, where she received her doctor of pharmacy.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Harry Walker Garber and the late Mr. Garber of Huntsville and the late Mr. and Mrs. Flavio Pous of Veracruz, Mexico.

Mr. Garber graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in building science.

The couple live in Vestavia Hills and are employed locally.

The wedding will be Jan. 23 at Reid Chapel on the campus of Samford University.

matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Jenna Christina Bee of Hoboken, New Jersey; Paige Brannon Harris of Houston; and Kimberly Chapman Ledet of Atlanta. The bridesmaids wore gold and champagne gowns of their own choosing and carried bouquets of purple, lilac and pink flowers. Emma Claire Ledet, niece of the groom, of Atlanta was the flower girl.

Judd Francis Ledet of Atlanta, brother of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Matthew Stephen Bendig, brother of the bride; Brent Hamilton Harris of Houston; Brian Harlan Casner and Greg Peter Conway of Atlanta; Jabe Lowry Curly of New Orleans; Patrick Jude Duhon of Lafayette; Robyn Moffett Harris of Montgomery; and Andrew Hartselle Mears of Birmingham.

After a wedding trip to the British Virgin Islands, the couple live in Houston.

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 25

Recently engaged or married?

Fallon-Apollo

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Fallon announce the engagement of their daughter, Greer Gilmore Fallon, to Jeremy Charles Apollo, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Apollo of Hoover.

The bride-elect is a 2009 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a 2013 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She is employed at a local bank as a human resource representative.

The prospective groom is a 2009 graduate of Hoover High School and a 2014 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is employed with a local law enforcement department in Jefferson County.

A June wedding is planned. After a honeymoon trip in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the couple will live in Birmingham.

Let us help you spread the word of your good news!

email announcement

editorial@otmj.com or visit

www.otmj.com and fill out the form under

“Issues, Forms and Info” or call Stacie

823-9646

business

26 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

A Hunting She Will Go

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

business briefs

Photo special to the Journal

Local Artist’s Wildlife Painting Used as Pattern for Commemorative Scarf

By Emily Williams Sue Key has always been an artist, but it took an empty nest to push her to create a career in painting.

The move has led her to many achievements. Most recently, one of her paintings was printed on a commemorative scarf for the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival in Thomasville, Georgia.

“I’ve always done something,” she said. “I started with photography a good bit. I think that really plays into my painting now, because that’s where you learn about composition.”

She said the lessons she learned

Williams Jemison Jones and Lee Ann Petty.

Mountain Brook Resident Receives Crawford T. Johnson Award

‘I was doing it because I love it, but there is a big part of me that wanted to sell some stuff.’ about manipulating aperture settings on a camera show up in her work frequently. She will focus her painting on one subject, keeping it sharp while the back group fades out around it.

Outside of painting she has tried her hand at graphic design, technical manuals for restaurants, jewelry, lamps, faux finishing and children’s portraits.

“I was doing it because I love it, but there is a big part of me that wanted to sell some stuff,” said Key, formerly of Mountain Brook and now of Birmingham.

With a head for marketing and her two kids in college, she decided it was time to start making a name for herself.

“I started messing around with painting and then really tried to focus in on something and stick with it,” she said. With no formal art education, she looked for a subject she could focus on. About six years ago, she found her niche.

“I saw a huge goose,” Key said.

“It was about a seven- or eight-foot canvas of a goose painted and I just said, “Now, I like that.’”

After playing around with birds and big canvases, Key refined her theme to wildlife painting with a focus on the sporting aspect. She regularly uses ducks, quail, turkey and even birddogs as the subjects for her paintings.

With her subject in focus, she began showing with the Mountain Brook Art Association. Her first show was the annual art show in Crestline.

“They were one of the first to give me some awards,” she said. “So, I’m always indebted to them. The first

Journal photo by Emily Williams

Sue Key

Local artist Sue Key hasn’t been in the art business for long, but for six years she has been raking in accolades – most recently, one of her paintings was printed by a London-based clothier on a commemorative scarf honoring the 20th anniversary of The Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival in Thomasville, Georgia. At right, “Morning Run” and “Twosome” by Sue Key.

time I exhibited I won emerging artist and the second year I won the whole thing.”

For a time, Key said, she was showing frequently. But nowadays she mainly paints on commission and for the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival.

“Thomasville is a really diverse, culturally rich small community,” Key said. “They have an art center there that promotes drama, music, fine arts and literary things.”

She stumbled upon the show after taking part in the Southeastern Wildlife Expo, a massive show in Charleston, South Carolina, where she was able to forge relationships with other artists who had similar focuses on sporting wildlife. While there, a fellow artist told her to look into the Thomasville show, thinking its small size would be a good fit for her. The show hosts about 60 artists.

“It is juried, so you have to be accepted,” Key said. “That’s a show

that truly has some of the country’s finest sporting artists. So, I’m in high cotton. I’m in a good place to be there.”

Since her induction into the show in 2012, Key said she has met many artists who have helped her turn her hobby into a real career. She is currently represented in galleries in Orange Beach, Birmingham and Charleston while tackling commission work on a regular basis.

“I’m doing some commission work for a guy who has a farm out in Pell City,” Key said. “We rode around in his ranger on a Saturday – he and his wife, children and dog. We got out in the mud and took photographs of his swamp. I’m going to have to make up the ducks flying into it, but I’ve got his swamp and the meadow where the deer come out at dusk.”

All of Key’s paintings come from either photographs she has taken or images she has bought. Her husband, Jim, an avid hunter, is always her

right-hand man when she is trying to decide on a photograph to paint.

As for her recent success, Key is all smiles. She received a letter from the Plantation Wildlife Arts Foundation in February announcing that there would be a commemorative scarf printed in honor of the show’s 20th anniversary. The scarf was printed by Holland and Holland, an exclusive outdoor brand based in London.

Key submitted eight images of her paintings for consideration, and in spring she received notice that one of her paintings had been selected – an image of two quail surrounded by wildflowers. It was a painting that showed her first year at the arts festival.

“I took it to that show and it sold to Thomas County Federal, one of the banks down there,” Key said. “The original is probably 40x40 inches.

The photograph was a copyright-free and I have actually seen it print since then.”

Twenty-seven scarves were printed and shown at a Holland and Holland fashion show during the 20th anniversary celebration. Guests of the fashion show were entered in a lottery for a chance to buy one of the scarves.

Key said she won one of the chances and was able to buy a scarf, a keepsake that serves as a reminder of one of her many successes in the art world.

For more information on Sue Key, visit www.suekeyart.com. ❖

Lee Ann Petty of Mountain Brook recently received the United Way of Central Alabama’s Crawford T. Johnson Award in honor of her assistance with the organization’s 2015 fundraising campaign.

The award was presented to her

by Williams Jemison Jones, the greatgreat-grandson of the UWCA’s first board chairman and award namesake, Crawford T. Johnson.

Petty is the assistant vice president and litigation support group manager for Regions Bank and was one of 50 loan executives for the recent campaign.

According to organization officials, Petty was responsible for opening six new accounts, had 20 campaign increases on assigned accounts and was recognized as a team player throughout the fundraising process.

“I am honored to win this award and grateful for the opportunity to represent Regions in our community while raising funds for the United Way,” Petty said.

“Serving as a loan executive has been an eye-opening and life-changing experience, and it has made me proud to live in such a generous community.”

Faulkner Given Business Champion Award Alabama Rep. David L. Faulkner Jr. has been awarded the Business Champion Award by the Business Council of Alabama, Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and Birmingham Business Alliance for his support of the manufacturing industry.

Faulkner, a Mountain Brook Republican, supported a bill approved by the Legislature this year that abolished the “innovator liability” concept in state product-liability law.

The state Supreme Court had held that a drug manufacturer could be held liable for damage caused by a generic version of its drug that it had not produced. The new law passed this year states that plaintiffs must show that the defendant designed, manufactured, sold or leased the particular product they are alleging caused them harm. Businesses

California, according to a press release.

She joined her mother in the jewelry design business, which was rebranded Avani Rupa and moved to Mountain Brook this fall.

The team specializes in designing jewelry using high-quality diamonds and gemstones, as well as appraising jewelry pieces.

For more information, visit www. avanirupa.com or find the company on Facebook and Instagram.

Behavioral Assessment and Treatment Center Opens in Vestavia

Photo special to the Journal

A new assessment and treatment center for children and adolescents with autism and developmental disabilities opened its doors this month in Vestavia Hills.

Behavioral One is a clinic that offers comprehensive services and supports for children, adolescents and their families.

The clinic provides families

with a team of professionals who offer services such as behavioral, speech and occupational therapy; behavior analysis; individual, family and marriage counseling; academic tutoring; assessments; treatment plans; and behavioral and educational Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers is the mother-daughter venture of Rupa and Avani Patel.

consultations.

The clinical staff includes school psychologists, child psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, licensed counselors, board-certified behavioral analysts, special education teachers and behavior technicians.

“We feel blessed with the opportunity to provide high-quality therapeutic and support services to the children and families of the Vestavia Community,” said Billy Richardson, owner and clinical services. “We look director of

forward to assisting our community in its ability to support all children and families with developmental disabilities by increasing awareness, acceptance and access to affordable and comprehensive services.”

For more information, visit www. behavioralone.com or call 233-1414.

Photo special to the Journal

and people cannot be held liable for harm caused by a product patterned after their innovations.

“Representative Faulkner showed an unwavering commitment to improve the legal climate that, in turn, improves Alabama’s manufacturing climate to the benefit of its citizens,” said BCA President and CEO William J. Canary.

Faulkner was given the award during the BCA’s annual meeting Dec. 4.

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 27

business

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

of dresses bought for dances and rush so that we do not send an abundance of the same dress to an event.”

The Dress Shop carries casual and cocktail dresses and rompers.

In addition, it carries a variety of accessories, ranging from jewelry to lip gloss. Albritton plans to introduce skirts and tops to her inventory this spring.

The store, on Linden Avenue near 18th Street, is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ❖

Vestavia Hills Rotary Club Vestavia Hills Rotary Club

n City Chef Ir Ir n City Chef 2015 Firehouse Edition

2015Firehouse Firehouse Edition Edition 2015 Opens in New Dress Shop and our programs to improve our community and world.

Thanks to our Firehouse Chefs, Community Partners and Corporate Sponsors for supporting Vestavia Hills R Downtown Homewood Firehouse Chefs Thanks to our Firehouse Chefs, Community

Thanks to our Firehouse Chefs, Community Partners and Corporate Sponsors for supporting Vestavia Hills Rotary Club

and our programs to improve our community and world.

The Dress Shop on LindenAlexander Glover/ Homewood l Ed Pegues/ Hoover * l Lee Currie/Mountain Brook l Trey Van Hooser/Vestavia ** officially Partners and Corporate Sponsors for supporting opened its doors Dec. 1, offering *Iron City Chef 2015 Champion ** Iron City Chef People’s Choice Vestavia Hills Rotary Club and our programs dresses and accessories at a new Vestavia Hills Rotary Club Partners to improve our community and world. location in Homewood.

Alexander Glover/ Homewood l Ed Pegues/ Hoover * l Lee Currie/Mountain Brook l Trey Van Hooser/Ve

“We want to give personal service *Iron City Chef 2015 Champion ** Iron City Chef People’s Choice and form relationships with our customers,” said owner Tricia Albritton of Vestavia Hills Rotary Club Vestavia Hills. “We will try to keep track

Firehouse Chefs Partners

Ir n City Chef

Firehouse Chefs Edition 2015 Firehouse

AlexAnder Glover/Homewood Ir n City Chef ed PeGues/Hoover*

Thanks to our Firehouse Chefs, Community Partners and Corporate Sponsors for supporting Vestav

Vestavia Hills Rotary Club and our programs to improve our community and world.

lee Currie/Mountain Brook

OUR 118THFirehouse Chefs YEAR Corporate Sponsors

2015 Firehouse Edition Ir n City Chef Culotta Scroggins Hendricks Gillespie United Johnson Brothers Trey vAn Hooser/vestavia**

Bromberg’s 2015 Firehouse Edition Thanks to our Firehouse Chefs, Community Partners and Corporate Sponsors for supporting Vestavia Hills Rotary Club CPA Grassroots Wine Alexander Glover/ Homewood l Ed Pegues/ Hoover * l Lee Currie/Mountain Brook l Trey Van Ho Highlands Bar and Grill BIRMINGHAM TRUNK Thanks to our Firehouse Chefs, Community Partners and Corporate Sponsors for supporting Vestavia Hills Rotary Club *Iron City Chef 2015 ChampionPaul Zenah and our programs to improve our community and world.

BBVA/Compass Bradley Arant Bolt Cummings *Iron City Chef 2015 Champion ** Iron City Chef People’s Choice and our programs to improve our community and world.

George Langley **Iron City Chef People’s Choice Doodle’s Firehouse Subs Firehouse Chefs Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers recently Firehouse Chefs Beach Shaggers

Partners Dr. Kenneth Olson Champion Cleaners Alexander Glover/ Homewood l Ed Pegues/ Hoover * l Lee Currie/Mountain Brook l Trey Van Hooser/Vestavia ** moved to Mountain Brook Village, Chuck Conyers Bresco

Alexander Glover/ Homewood l Ed Pegues/ Hoover * l Lee Currie/Mountain Brook l Trey Van Hooser/Vestavia ** CRDN Insurance Restoration *Iron City Chef 2015 Champion ** Iron City Chef People’s Choice Corporate Sponsors

offering one-of-a-kind jewelry at its new Greenhalgh Insurance ine eAther BlackRock Funds Culotta Scroggins Hendric MAC Uniform and Equipment *Iron City Chef 2015 Champion ** Iron City Chef People’s Choice United Johnson Brothers Partners store at 2408 Canterbury Road.

Partners First Partners Bromberg’s Café Iz Rocky Ridge Hardware CPA

Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers is the Regions Grassroots Wine State Farm/Stan Faulkner Partners Highlands Bar and Grill uFFles Merrill Lynch mother-daughter venture of Rupa and Paul Zenah Trans America Printing First Partners BBVA/Compass McCain Uniform Avani Patel.

Bradley Arant Bolt Cummings

Sysco Regions George Langley Lakeshore Foundation Rupa Patel began designing jewelry Doodle’s AvAilAble in: 18" - $250 sAle: $149.99 Hot and Hot Fish Club Firehouse Subs Trans America Printing Wild Birds Unlimited / Joe Perez in 2005 and operated Reflections Beach Shaggers

Dr. Kenneth Olson tAn or blAck 21" - $300 sAle: $179.99 Sysco Champion Cleaners Jewelry on U.S. 31 for 10 years.

Mark Yanosky, Orthodontics

Chuck Conyers sAle: $199.99 25" - $335 Bresco Brookwood Hospital Her daughter, Avani Patel, became Colliers Nursery

CRDN Insurance Restoration Corporate Sponsors Greenhalgh Insurance Royal Automotive Culotta Scroggins Hendricks Gillespie interested in the business and after

Hoar Construction BlackRock Funds United Johnson Brothers Bromberg’s Corporate Sponsors MAC Uniform and Equipment

CPA Allstate Insurance Grassroots Wine graduating from Birmingham-Southern Pinnacle Bank Highlands Bar and Grill First Partners Culotta Scroggin United Johnson Brothers Café Iz Homewood • 2712 19th Street South • 870-0971 Paul Zenah

BBVA/Compass Bromberg’s Rocky Ridge Hardware College earned graduate gemology Bradley Arant Bolt Cummings Brazeal Asset Management Sundown Distributors George Langley CPA Regions Monday-Friday: 10AM 6PM • Saturday: 10AM 5PM Doodle’s Grassroots Wine State Farm/Stan Faulkner Scott Flurry Firehouse Subs and jewelry design diplomas from the

Highlands Bar and Grill International Wines & Craft Beer Merrill Lynch Beach Shaggers Dr. Kenneth Olson Paul Zenah Champion Cleaners Trans America Printing BBVA/Compass Gemological Institute of America in First Partners Chuck Conyers Alabama Crown Bradley Arant Bolt Cummings Bresco Corporate Sponsors McCain Uniform CRDN Insurance Restoration Corporate Sponsors

Greenhalgh Insurance Sysco George Langley

BlackRock Funds Doodle’s Culotta Scroggins Hendricks Gillespie Regions MAC Uniform and Equipment United Johnson Brothers Firehouse Subs Lakeshore Foundation First Partners

Bromberg’s Café Iz

Beach Shagger Rocky Ridge Hardware Hot and Hot Fish Club Dr. Kenneth Olson Regions Trans America Printing Grassroots Wine CPA Bromberg’s State Farm/Stan Faulkner BlackRock Funds Champion Cleaners Wild Birds Unlimited / Joe Perez

Merrill Lynch Highlands Bar and Grill Chuck Conyers Paul Zenah First Partners Bresco Highlands Bar and Grill Café IzTrans America Printing McCain Uniform Sysco BBVA/Compass CRDN Insurance Restoration Sysco Bradley Arant Bolt Cummings Mark Yanosky, Orthodontics Regions Lakeshore Foundation Bradley Arant Bolt Cummings State Farm/StanHot and Hot Fish Club Faulkner Greenhalgh Ins George Langley BlackRock Funds Brookwood Hospital Doodle’s Trans America Printing MAC Uniform and Equipment Wild Birds Unlimited / Joe Perez Colliers Nursery Firehouse Subs Firehouse Subs First Partners First Partners Beach Shaggers Sysco Café Iz Mark Yanosky, Orthodontics Dr. Kenneth Olson Royal Automotive Rocky Ridge Hardware Champion Cleaners Brookwood Hospital Regions Hoar Construction Champion Cleaners Regions Colliers Nursery Chuck Conyers State Farm/Stan Faulkner Bresco CRDN Insurance Restoration Trans America Printing Allstate Insurance Royal Automotive Merrill Lynch Hoar Construction CRDN Insurance Restoration Pinnacle Bank Trans America Greenhalgh Insurance Allstate Insurance MAC Uniform and Equipment Sysco First Partners BlackRock Funds Brazeal Asset Management McCain Uniform Pinnacle Bank MAC Uniform and Equipment Sundown Distributors Brazeal Asset Management Sysco Rocky Ridge Hardware Brookwood Hospital Sundown Distributors First Partners Regions Café Iz Scott Flurry Scott Flurry Lakeshore Foundation International Wines & Craft Beer Rocky Ridge Hardware International Wines & Craft Beer Merrill Lynch Royal Automotive Hot and Hot Fi Regions

Trans America Printing Alabama Crown State Farm/Stan Faulkner

Wild Birds Unlimited / Joe Perez McCain Uniform Allstate Insurance Merrill Lynch Alabama Crown

Trans America Printing Sysco Lakeshore Brazeal Asset Management First Partners

Foundation Mark Yanosky, Orthodontics

McCain Uniform

Wild Birds Unlimited /Sysco Joe Perez Scott Flurry Brookwood Hospital

Regions Colliers Nursery

Lakeshore Foundation

Mark Yanosky, Orthodontics Culotta Scroggins Hendricks Hot and Hot Fish Club Royal Automotive Trans America Printing Hoar Construction

Gillespie CPA Colliers Nursery To: Ken Rosenberger Wild Birds Unlimited / Joe Perez Allstate Insurance Paul Zenah Sysco Pinnacle Bank Hoar Construction Mark Yanosky, Orthodontics From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., George Langley Brazeal Asset Management Pinnacle Bank Brookwood Hospital Sundown Distributors 205-824-1246, fax Colliers Nursery Beach Shaggers Sundown Distributors Scott Flurry Royal Automotive International Wines & Craft Beer Date: December 17 Chuck Conyers International Wines & Craft Beer 6,400 SF office building/27,400 Hoar Construction SF lot •Brand new carpet and paint

Allstate Insurance Alabama Crown Greenhalgh Insurance Pinnacle Bank Alabama Crown This 3 is executive your aD pROOF from • theFully-wired OveR The MOunTain 10 private office with suites for high JOuRnal speed for the

Hot and Hot Fish Club Brazeal Asset Management United Johnson Brothers

December 17, 2015 issue. generator please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. internet and security cameras •Sundown Distributors 18kW for backup power Scott Selman

Grassroots Wine Scott Flurry International Wines & Craft Beer 6 independent HVAC units • 5 bathrooms • Full kitchen Tommy Tillman/Southminster BBVA/Compass

please make sure all information is correct, Alabama Crown Dermatology and Skin Care Center Doodle’s of Birmingham

Dr. Kenneth Olson For more information or to schedule a tour please contactnumber! including address and phone Don Wiginton

Bresco Joseph Sedita I jsedita@southpace.com I 205.271.7246

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers Opens in Mountain Brook

F

D

l

Free personalization and gift wrapping

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.

28 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

schools

Taste Equation

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

For 25 years, the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club has been supporting the math and debate teams – as well as the Interact Club – at Vestavia Hills’ middle and high schools with an annual fundraiser.

Iron City Chef, patterned after the TV show, pits chefs from local restaurants against each other. Chefs in the past have come from restaurants such as Little Savannah, Ross Bridge, Bistro V and Satterfield’s, among others, though the 2015 competition shifted to pit cooks in local firehouses against each other.

“These dollars that we raise through Iron City Chef are put toward our community and around the world,” Iron City Chef Chair Kent Howard said.

The money not only supports Vestavia academic teams, but also the VHHS Interact Club, a culinary/hospitality scholarship for Jefferson State Community College, the Vestavia Hills Rotary Foundation and mission efforts to build schools and wells in Africa.

The original format of the fundraiser was a roast, and not the kind you do to a chicken. The club would pick a notable local figure and roast them Comedy Central-style. Howard

recalled poking fun at Bo Jackson, Paul Finebaum and other local legends.

“The roast kind of phased out and we went on to this format,” Howard said.

Since the change seven years ago, Howard said the event has been a sell-out every year – with help from Western Supermarkets, Jefferson State Community College and WVTM 13 – and consistently has met fundraising goals.

“The math and debate teams are wonderful ambassadors for our Vestavia community,” Howard said.

“They travel around the country representing Vestavia Hills. Wherever they go – whether it’s Cambridge, Massachusetts, or Washington, D.C., – Vestavia Hills is very well represented.”

Members of the club also forge a close personal relationship with the teams. Whenever a tournament is held at the high school, a member of the club is invited to help present awards.

“They invite us to the banquets and we have student representatives come to our meetings once or twice a year,” Howard said. “This is just one more thing that we do in the community.”

Looking forward, Howard said that plans already are being made for

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With funding from the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club and its annual Iron City Chef competition, the Vestavia Hills Math Team is able to travel across the country to compete in tournaments. This year they have traveled to Georgia, Florida and are looking forward to a competition in Houston in January.

next year’s event.

“We had a great response from our local fire departments, so we are looking for some creative ways to pick our chefs for this next year,” Howard said. The club has set the 2016 competition for July 23, although it hasn’t settled on the chefs yet.

Funding Competitions

So, how do the math and debate teams use the money they get from the Rotary Club? According to Vestavia Hills High School Math Team coach Todd Taylor, the bulk of the money doled out to his team goes toward travel expenses and tournament registrations.

“For a trip to Georgia, just the bus might cost $1,000 to $1,500,” Taylor said. “A bus to Florida might cost $3,000 to $5,000, depending on where we’re going. We are going to Houston next month, so that will probably take up all of the money that we have received from the Rotary.”

In addition to booking buses, tournament costs can range from $6 to $10 per participant. For a competition in Georgia that allows 12 team members to compete, that’s not a huge budgetary issue. But for Texas

competitions to which the entire 60-plus student team travels, it gets a bit expensive.

In a regular year, the math team will compete in 12 or so big tournaments. Of those, about two are in state, two are hosted at VHHS and up to seven are out-of-state. Taylor said some out-of-state competitions don’t require travel; students simply take a test and the coach sends them off to the host school to be graded.

On Dec. 5, the team hosted a tournament at VHHS that consisted of 51 teams involving about 1,700 participants.

“We have about that many kids on a regular school day,” Taylor said.

“So it was kind of like hosting a day of school.”

Students on the math team generally have been in training since about the sixth grade.

“Teachers will also try to recruit if they see someone who should be on it but didn’t originally join,” Taylor said. “Sometimes kids blossom later, so maybe in sixth grade they weren’t very impressive but in eighth grade they are beating everybody.”

In addition to regular math class, team members meet twice a day, 45

MBJH Hosts Qualifying for State Robotics Competition Mountain Brook Junior High School’s Robotics club hosted the VEX IQ Robotics tournament Dec. 12. Thirty middle and elementary school teams from around Alabama took part in the tournament, competing for qualifying spots for the state championship, which will be held in March.

Teams began gathering at the school at 7:30 a.m. for robot inspections prior to competing in a skills based event before moving onto the main qualification matches. Teams competed on the stage in the school’s auditorium and competed in small arenas as judges floated the area watching competitions and checking each team’s notebooks and STEM projects.

For the elementary school division, a Brookwood Forest robotics teams took home the Teamwork Champion award which qualifies them for the state competition. The same team was also awarded the Robot Skills Champion award and the Design award.

For the middle school division, both Oak Mountain Middle School and Mountain Brook Junior High School teams will advance to the state tournament. Teams from Oak Mountain were awarded the Excellence award, the Teamwork Champion award, the Programming Skills Champion award, the Robot

minutes in the morning and 20 minutes during the day, to train for competitions. All of that training has led to a year already filled with successes.

In October, the team competed in the Oklahoma state test.

“They changed their format this year, so they didn’t name an overall school champion. But based on the individual results, we would have been second using their old system,” Taylor said.

The team has also traveled to three tournaments in Georgia – with the help of the Rotary donations. There the junior varsity team received two first-place awards and earned second place overall in a competition. The varsity team took second, third and fifth places in one of the tournaments.

Four weeks ago, the team traveled to Tallahassee and won second place overall in a tournament.

“I appreciate the support the Rotary has given us,” Taylor said.

“They’ve been supporting us for over 20 years. They’re always fun to work with and we love going to visit them at their Friday meetings. We hope that more people will come out to the Iron City Chef event to raise more money for our cause.” ❖

Skills Champion award, the Design award and the STEM Research Project award. A team from Mountain Brook Junior High was also awarded the Teamwork Champion award. ❖

Journal photo by Emily Williams

By Emily Williams

Photo special to the Journal

Vestavia Hills Rotary’s Annual Cooking Competition Supports Academic Teams

The auditorium at MBJH became the battle ground for a VEX robotics qualifying tournament Dec. 12, as 30 teams competed for a spot at the state tournament in March.

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • Page 29

Ho Ho Holiday Cards!

For almost 25 years, we’ve enjoyed sharing the art of talented Over the Mountain students in our annual Holiday Cards issue. All of the schools in our area were invited to participate again this year and all of the schools that did are represented in this section.

Top row, from left: Crestline: Mary Frances, 5th; Vestavia Hills elementary Liberty Park: Haruna Nakazawa, 4th; Edgewood elementary: Livy Dunn, 4th; Creative Montessori school: Claudia Williams, 4th; Oak Mountain Elementary: Lily Head, 3rd Second row: Greeen Valley elementary: Parker Crossman, 4th; Mountain Brook Elementary: Anne Lawson Finch, 4th; N.E. Miles jewish day school: Edith Kaplan, 3rd; Vestavia Hills elementary central: Jason Li, 4th; Hall Kent elementary: Isabelle Manzella, 3rd third row: Cherokee Bend elementary: Olivia Short, 1st; Vestavia Hills Cahaba heights elementary: Cecelia Hunter, 4th; Greystone elementary: Mary Grace, 3rd; Brookwood Forest elementary: Ellie Strickland, 4th; VEstavia Hills elementary West: Sara Campbell, 3rd. OTMJ by John Morris Galbraith, 1st, South Shades Crest Elementary.

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30 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

holiday cards

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

top row, from left: Vestavia Hills Elementary West: Ameia Mancha, 3rd; Cherokee Bend Elementary: Austen Ralph, 1st; Caroline Russell, 1st; Madelyn Hyde, 1st; Mason Compton, 2nd; Second row: Jeb Blair, 2nd; Reese Thompson, 4th; Blayne Hannon, 4th; Bethany Yin, 2nd; Tate Barnes, 1st; third row: Creative Montessori school: Sheya Patel, 4th; Avelina Storr, 2nd; Riverchase Elementary: Adeline Baugh, 3rd; Emma Lynch, 4th; Hall Kent Elementary: Lily Stephens, 2nd; Peter Womack, 2nd; fourth row: Shelby Parks, 2nd; Mika Marriott, 4th; Emmy Stewart, 4th; Ashley Morales Martinez, 3rd; Attalie Cortes, 3rd; fifth row: Zoe Eastman, 4th; Morgan Coleman, 3rd; Our Lady of sorrows school: Delaney Sparacio, 1st; Jordan Madison, 3rd; Ava Arteaga, 3rd; sixth row: Olivia Mallery, Kindergarten; Anya Penherski, 1st.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

holiday cards

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 31

top row, from left: N.E. Miles Jewish Day School: Leia Berger, 3rd; Advent Episcopal School: Estelle Petras, 4th; LaResa Gopurala, 4th; Anne Nichols Holley, 1st; Niketa Pati, Pre-Kindergarten Second row: Samuel Slaughter, Kindergarten; Kyrie Reeves, 2nd; Kennedy Doyle, 2nd; Abigail Wurst, 3rd; Shades Mountain Christian school: Lillly Hall, 4th; Duanjhae Stewart, 5th third row: Gwin Elementary: Connor Mcleod, 3rd; Wendy Hernandez, 4th; Muhammed Zeinou, 4th; Ayla Steed, 4th; Inverness Elementary: Brenden Williams, 2nd; fourth row: Emmett Williams, 2nd; Crestline Elementary: Addison Houser, 4th; Ann Elise Leonard, 3rd; Denton Brooks, 1st; fifth row: Ella Hicks, 5th; Adeline Rice, 2nd; Ann Rollins Brown, Kindergarten; Emmy Grace Cribbs, 2nd; Frederic Maldia, 4th; sixth row: Tiley Perrine, 3rd; James Cameron Adams, 4th; Mary Lynne Hennessy, 1st.

32 โ ข Thursday, December 17, 2015

holiday cards

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

top row, from left: Crestline Elementary: Matt Masingill, 5th; Zayna Glover, Kindergarten; Edgewood Elementary: Alina Anderson, 4th; Collman Finley, 2nd; Claire Gray, 4th; Second row: Eva White, 4th; Molly Grill, 4th; Thatcher Firth, 1st; Emma Noble, 5th; Emme Sanders, 4th; third row: Mary Britt Garlington, 5th; Sydney Dobbins, 5th; South Minster Day School: Aerin Briscoe, 2nd; Emily Byrket, 3rd; Logan Herceg, 3rd; Ryder Jack Evers, 1st; fourth row: Margaret Mason Trammell, 5th; Ila Kate Kolb, 1st; Oak Mountain Elementary: Bryleigh Lancaster, 1st; Isla Higgins, 3rd; Kรกelan Burger, 3rd; fifth row: Lily Head, 3rd; Madelyn Hunt, 2nd; our Lady of the Valley: Emily Rhodes, 5th; Briarwood Elementary School: Allison Dietrich, 4th; Katie Headrick, 4th; sixth row: Prince of Peace Catholic School: Annabelle Bodin, 4th; Etta Cate Carter, 1st; Natalie Sandlin, 3rd.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

holiday cards

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 33

top row, from left: prince of peace catholic school: Drea Santagata, 5th; Sarah Claire Sypeck, 5th; Highlands School: David Borasino, Kate Nichols, 4th; Michaelis Mehra, kindergarten; Second row: Rosie Stone, 2nd; Parker Williams, kindergarten; Phoebe Evans, 3rd; Rosa Schwebel, 3rd; Tatum Garrett, 4th; third row: Green Valley Elementary: Ella Jayne, 5th; Houston Hart, 5th; Johnathan Davis, 2nd; Parker Crossman, 4th; Deer Valley: Ava Lee Reyes, 4th; Brooklyn Gernenz, 4th; fourth row: Chalmers Peters, 4th; Jackson Plugge, 4th; South Shades Crest EleMentary: Avery Corder, 2nd; Shades Mountain Elementary: Adie Carter, 5th; fifth row: Libby Baty, 4th; Mountain Brook Elementary: Anne Lawson Finch, 4th; Ann Tillery Moak, 4th; Charlotte Morrow, 2nd; Carter Wilson, 1st; sixth row: Ava Fleming, Kindergarten; Corrine Morrow, 3rd; Hutchins Blomeyer, 3rd.

34 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

holiday cards

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

top row, from left: Mountain Brook Elementary: Ella Scott Crane, 5th; Hammer Strickland, 1st; Collin Webb, 4th; Ladd Bailey, Kindergarten; Lily Close, 3rd; Second row: Mary Harbin Porter, 2nd; Mary Jim Doyle, 3rd; Brannon Volman, 5th; Libby Sims, 5th; Vestavia Hills Elementary Central: Audrey Trimm, 5th; Kate Schmitz, 4th; third row: Madison Hoar, 4th; Cecilia Cantavepre, 4th; Claire Hood, 4th; Claire Willoughby, 4th; Isabella Seymour, 4th; Sims Milsap, 4th; fourth row: Virginia Eickholt, 4th; Rocky Ridge Elementary: Carter Faircloth, 5th; Tyra Tran, 3rd; Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park: Adrian Jurado, 1st; Layne Turner, 3rd; Amber Estes, kindergarten; fifth row: Nayla Howard, 1st; Pearson Cosby, 4th; Emma Price, 2nd; Isabelle Brewer, 2nd; Savannah Grayson, 4th; sixth row: Maddy Pate, 3rd; Andrew Laughlin, 2nd; Ashlyn Kelley, 3rd; Ella Grace White, 4th.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

holiday cards

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 35

top row, from left: Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park: Emma Kate Ashley, 2nd; Zoe Harris, 5th; Sophia Harnett, 3rd; Haruna Nakazawa, 4th; Jackson Wilson, kindergarten; Second row: Ryan McBride, 4th; Mikaela Netherton, 2nd; Brookwood Forest Elementary: Sarah Inskeep, 5th; Thomas Gibbs, 5th; Madeline Freeman, 4th; Abbey Dickey, 3rd; third row: Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights: Avery Grace, 1st; Josue Rosales, 4th; Jessica Jones, 1st; Leonor Villaba, kindergarten; Grace Carney, 4th; fourth row: Olivia Plant, 4th; St. Rose Academy: Citlali Perez, 4th; Gianna Kennedy, 2nd; James Mugavero, 4th; Mary Claire Matthews, 5th; fifth row: Leython-George, 3rd; Westminster School at oak Mountain: Bates Moody, 5th; Virginia Wood, 4th; Gabrielle Pettagrue, 4th; Mary Ellis Alley, 5th; sixth row: Green Valley Elementary: Ava Rodgers, 4th; Nathalie Gonce, 5th; Elizabeth Powell, 5th; Shae McClellan, 5th.

36 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

holiday cards

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

top row, from left: CrestLine Elementary: Allie Acken, 3rd; Greystone Elelmentary: Ella Grace Wheeler, 3rd; Maggie Manahan, 3rd; Gwin: Ashley Parra, 5th; Vincent Aspito, 5th; Kubra Sag, 4th; Second row: Highlands School: Leah Shunnarah, 5th; Bart Stephens, 4th; Sawyer Thacker, 3rd; Nandhini Gutti, 2nd; third row: Our Lady of Sorrows school: Adeliz Smith, 3rd; Olivia Le, 3rd; Victoria Ryan, 3rd; Prince of Peace Cathlolic School: Evelyn Topazi, 2nd; Amelia Massa, 5th fourth row: Yeri Maldonado, 2nd; Helen Sasser, 3rd; Hope Lacy, 5th; Rocky Ridge Elementary: Rana Abawi, 5th; fifth row: Lauren Starr, 5th; Chloe Hill, 5th; Easton Steed, 5th; Riverchase Elementary: Stellan Matter, 4th; Gabriel Mooney, 4th; sixth row: Myles Everette, 4th; Jordyn Corey, 3rd; Jordan Moore, 3rd.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

holiday cards

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 37

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Over The Mountain 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 May 2015 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl fo Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

To: From: Date: top row, from left: Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights: Chloe Campbell, Kindergarten; Isabelle Sides, 4th; Lukas Hawkins, 4th; Southminster Day School: Ava Williams, 2nd; Julie Cate Gray, 1st; Ansley Meadows, 5th Second row: Savannah Simmons, 4th; Lilli Ann Holb, 5th; South Shades Crest Elementary: Riley Grady, 2nd; third row: Ava Christiansen, 2nd; Shades Mountain Elementary: Anna Parks, 4th; Josyvan Almazan, 4th; fourth row: Advent episcopal school: Stella Kidd, 2nd; Sophia Selfe, 3rd; Blakely Fry, Kindergarten; Peyton Standifer, Pre-Kindergarten.

Thanks to all participating schools!

Merry Christmas Please make sure all information is correct, including and phone Haveaddress A Ball ! number!

Lynda Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, 205-824-1246, faxyour ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

December 2015

Thank you for your prompt attention.

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal december 17, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824

please make sure all information is corre 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.

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38 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

sports

jaguars, From page 40

Spain Park had staged impressive comebacks to snatch playoff wins over James Clemens and arch-rival Hoover, but a strong effort from McGill running back Terrell Kennedy meant the third time would not be the charm for the Jags. Kennedy rushed for 203 yards on only 22 carries with two touchdowns.

The Yellow Jackets also controlled the game defensively, holding Spain Park to only 178 yards of total offense and just one touchdown.

McGill took the lead early in the first quarter when Kennedy scored on a four-yard run. Charles Green’s extra point gave the Yellow Jackets a 7-0 lead with 8:21 remaining in the period Spain Park answered with Crosby Gray’s 37-yard field goal, which cut the lead to 7-3 as the opening quarter ended.

A key defensive play in the second quarter may have clinched the game for McGill. Spain Park had driven to the Yellow Jacket 36-yard line, where it faced a fourth and five situation. Jaguar quarterback Joey Beatty was sacked for a 10-yard loss. On the next play, Kennedy dashed 54 yards for a touchdown, giving McGill a 14-3 advantage.

Spain Park earned its only touchdown with less than six minutes to play when Beatty scored on a one-yard plunge. A two-point conversion failed, and McGill’s lead was cut to 14-9.

“The fact they stopped us when we went for two was obviously a big play when you consider the fact that we lost by two points,” Jaguar center Gray Best said later.

Moments later, the Jags received a golden opportunity when McGill fumbled at its own 13-yard line,

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

which was recovered by Spain Park’s Markell Clark. The Jags couldn’t get in the end zone and had to settle for a 29-yard field goal by Gray. Spain Park had one more shot before the Jackets put an end to it with 1:24 remaining in the game.

Raney’s team finished the season 12-2 as its quest for the school’s first state championship ended in the finals.

The 2007 edition of the Jags lost to Prattville 14-0 in the Class 6A championship game.

Wade Streeter led the Spain Park ground attack with 103 yards on 26 carries. Beatty completed 12 of 19 passes for 74 yards.

“Of course it’s disappointing to lose but we’re very proud of what we accomplished,” Beatty said. “In sports, you win some and lose some, and it just wasn’t our night.”

Beatty praised McGill’s defensive unit. “They would probably rank among the best we saw all year,” he said.

“Maybe they weren’t the best, but they were one of the best. Their guys were really fast and physical. They reminded me a lot of Hoover and James Clemens.”

Even a week after the loss, Best said the disappointment lingered.

“We accomplished a lot, but losing really hurts,” he admitted. “I’ll always be proud of what we did, but I wanted that ring on my finger. We didn’t get it.”

Best didn’t think his team played its finest game.

“McGill was good but we beat ourselves in a lot of ways,” he said. “We had problems getting in the plays and the line didn’t do as well as we could have. And giving up that touchdown in the second quarter really hurt us.”

Nevertheless, Best was proud of the legacy his senior class will leave.

“We’d like to think we put Spain Park football back on the map,” he said. “Hopefully we left the guys behind us something that they can build on.” ❖

The 130-lb sixth-grade Homewood Patriots team went undefeated in regular season play and went on to beat Pelham and Helena Black in the playoffs. The championship game was held Nov. 2 at Berry Middle School. Homewood beat Cahaba Valley White 28-6 to claim the JSYFL 6A title.

The 2015 Jefferson-Shelby Youth Football League is currently comprised of Cahaba Valley (Briarwood), Chelsea, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Jr Cavs (John Carroll), Oak Mountain, Pelham, Spain Park, Thompson, Trussville and Vestavia Hills parks.

In other grades the champions are: Kindergarten/first-grade-Hoover; second-grade-Spain Park; third-grade-Hoover; fourthgrade-Hoover; fifth-grade-Hoover and sixth-grade 7A-Oak Mountain.

cunningham, From page 40

in soccer, but the decision to pursue swimming has paid off in spades. Her chance introduction into swim became a passion that grew over the years.

Earlier this month, Cunningham added two pieces of hardware to an already crowded personal trophy case. In the Class 7A/6A Swimming and Diving Championships at Auburn University, she won the 200-yard intermediate medley and the 100-yard breaststroke events.

“I really didn’t expect to win either time,” Cunningham said. “It was very exciting to win both races.”

An even bigger thrill came last summer

when Cunningham qualified for next summer’s Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. She swam the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:34.98 to make the cut.

“It’s going to be awesome to be a part of it,” Cunningham said. “I’m going to enjoy the experience of being around some of the greatest swimmers in the entire country. I don’t expect to win, but it will be a great opportunity to improve my times and get better. If I could finish in the top 16 or top eight that would be amazing.”

Cunningham barely missed the cut for the 100-meter breaststroke by .03 of a second, but she had a second chance to quality for the trials in that event at the Junior Nationals in Atlanta last weekend.

As is the case with all championship-level swimmers, Cunningham has a rigorous training

Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

Perfect Season for Patriots: Homewood Sixth-Grade Team Goes Undefeated

clockwise from above: Jonah Tibbs, #94; Joey Beatty; Douglas Henze, #92, and Wade Streeter, #4.

More photos at www.otmjsports.com

regimen. She practices in the pool every day from 3:45 to 6:30 p.m. and does weight training three to four days a week. During the most active periods, there are also morning practices before school, from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. “Those are the toughest ones,” she said, laughing.

Making things all the more difficult is having a home pool, which is the Birmingham Crossplex, about a 40-minute drive from her house. “But it’s worth it,” she said. “It’s really a fantastic facility.” Cunningham also swims at Wald Park pool in Vestavia Hills during the summer.

With her senior year still ahead, Cunningham has high goals for her swimming career. “I’d love the opportunity to swim in college and get my times down as low as possible,” she said.

“It’s a challenge, but if I work hard enough, I can get there.”

Wherever Rac Cunningham’s road to success leads, it all began with a sign – literally.

Other Over the Mountain individual winners in the competition at Auburn included Sandler McKeen of Briarwood in the boys 500-yard free

‘I’m going to enjoy the experience of being around some of the greatest swimmers in the entire country.’

Rac Cunningham on competing in next summer’s Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska.

style; Anna-Julia Kutsch of Altamont in the girls 50-yard free style; and Ann Moers of Vestavia Hills in the girls 100-yard backstroke. ❖

From page 40

addition, she is an honor student and involved in numerous extracurricular activities beyond athletics.

With the basketball season just underway, Carr is off to another impressive start for Mountain Brook.

Who knows what wonders may still await in her senior year?

Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry

Coner in Charge

Last week, Spartan standout Sara Carr, left, was named Gatorade Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Former Vestavia Hills and Samford defensive lineman Jose Casanova led the National team with six tackles in the prestigious FCS All-Star Game in Miami on Dec. 6, left.

coaching from Bearden, former UAB star Archie Johnson and his own former coach at Alabama, Wimp Sanderson.

“But I don’t have any plaid jackets in my closet,” Coner said, referring to the colorful coats Sanderson wore while coaching the Crimson Tide.

On a more serious note, Coner said the culture for basketball in Birmingham has changed since he was a star at Phillips High School in the early 1980s.

“When I was in high school, so many kids played basketball almost all the time,” he recalled. “If they didn’t play on an organized team, you’d see them at the community center or even outside on the playground.

Now, not as many play. Too many of them are into video games and things like that.”

Coner said that four seniors – Cade Hornack, Bennet Murray, Gates Ely and Davis Hornack – anchor the Altamont team.

“We’ve got some good experience,” he said. “Our guys have been playing together for a long time. We had 95 percent participation in offseason voluntary workouts. You don’t see that all the time.”

Juniors on the Altamont roster are Miles Underwood, James Patterson, Sri Ponnazhagen and Will Rosenstiel.

Terry Coner made his mark as a college player in NB:10.194” the 1980s and looks

the campus of Florida International University – gives players in the Football Championship Subdivision the opportunity to showcase their talents before National Football League coaches, scouts and agents.

Casanova led the National team with six tackles.

“The game was a great experience,” Casanova said when contacted last week. “There were so many great players there. It was a good test for everyone.”

Casanova said he is in the process of selecting an agent to negotiate with an NFL team that might be interested in drafting him or signing him to a free agent contract.

“It’s a process,” he said. “To play at the professional level would be a dream come true. I’ll put it in the Lord’s hands and we’ll see what happens.” ❖

Photo special to the Journal

davis,

Many local basketball fans remember Terry Coner as an outstanding guard for the University of Alabama in the 1980s. They may not know that he is now the head basketball coach for The Altamont School’s boys team.

Coner had been a long-time assistant for the Knights and moved up to the top job after the retirement of Barry Bearden. Through last weekend, he had guided Altamont to an 8-0 record. Before coming to Altamont, Coner played professionally overseas for years and coached at Miles College.

The former All-Southeastern Conference performer said that coaching at the high school required a different approach from college.

“The Xs and Os might be the same, but you need to have a bit more patience,” Coner said. “It’s also important to learn the players and understand their capabilities. We have an excellent group of young men who display a great attitude and work hard.”

Coner said he learned much about

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 39

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

well on his way to making a major impression at Altamont, too.

Way, Jose

Former Vestavia Hills and Samford defensive lineman Jose Casanova made his presence felt in the prestigious FCS All-Star Game in Miami on Dec. 6. The game – played at Ocean Bank Stadium on

Merry Christmas and Happy new year from your Friends at Over the Mountain Journal!

Look for Our next issue Jan. 14.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Sports

Sign

Rac Cunningham

Language Random Road Placard Sent Jags’ Cunningham to Swimming Stardom

By Lee Davis

Photo special to the Journal

A random ride along U.S. 280 as a pre-teen may have started Rac, short for Rachel, Cunningham on the path to become one of Alabama’s best high school swimmers.

Cunningham, a junior at Spain Park, remembers the moment as if it had happened yesterday.

“I was about 11 years old and, to be honest, I was a pretty typical lazy kid,” she recalled. “I wasn’t serious about anything. One day my mom was driving me along 280 and she said she thought it would be good for me to get involved in a sport. I saw a sign on the side of the road about a swim team, and I said, ‘OK, I’ll try swimming.’ If the sign had been about a soccer team, I might be playing soccer now.”

We’ll never know whether Cunningham would have been a star

See cunningham, page 38

‘We’d like to think we put Spain Park football back on the map.’

Jaguar QB Joey Beatty

By Lee Davis Spain Park’s patented fourth quarter magic showed up again in the Class 7A football finals against McGill-Toolen.

This time, the ending wasn’t quite what Jaguar fans had seen in the past.

Trailing the Yellow Jackets 14-3 in the fourth quarter, Spain Park rallied for nine points before falling 14-12 on a cool night at Bryant-Denny Stadium on the University of Alabama campus.

“We’ve had so many things happen to us this year that our kids always believed, regardless of what situation we were in,” Jaguar coach Shawn Rainey said. “We’ve done it but came up a little short tonight.”

See Jaguars, page 38

short fall Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

McGill-Toolen 14 Spain Park 12

Late Jaguar Rally Can’t Overcome McGill

Parker Kelly watches the Jaguars’ hopes for a state championship slip away.

Perfect Season: Homewood Sixth-grade team goes undefeated Page 38 lee davis

Carr Title

Spartan Star Repeats As Gatorade winner Nobody will ever accuse Sara Carr of having a senior slump.

Carr had an amazing junior year in 2014-15, helping lead the Mountain Brook volleyball team to the Class 7A championship and being named the Gatorade Player of the Year. On top of that, she averaged more than 20 points a game as a member of the varsity basketball team and was named the Over the Mountain Journal’s Girl Athlete of the Year.

The way things are going, Carr’s senior year might be even better. In October, she led the Lady Spartans to their second consecutive 7A volleyball crown. Last week, she was named Gatorade Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Carr had 656 kills, 581 digs, 116 aces and 55 blocks with a .454 kill percentage and .340 hitting percentage in leading Mountain Brook to a 57-5 record in 2015. She was never better than in the championship final against McGill-Toolen, when she had 13 kills, 12 digs and two aces.

As usual, Carr accepted the honor by tossing credit in other directions.

“Everything we accomplished was because of great teammates and great coaches,” she said. “It all began my sophomore year, when we made it to the Elite Eight and lost. We were all disappointed to have come so far and then lose. From that point on, we played with a chip on our shoulder.

We were determined to become state champions and were able to do it twice in a row.”

Carr is the only Mountain Brook player ever to earn the Gatorade volleyball award and the third player in 20 years to be a repeat winner. In See davis, page 39

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