SPORTS
OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
SPORTS
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
Golden Years
Photos by Hank Spencer, Image Arts
Krewe Ball Marks 50th by Celebrating Themes of the Past
Above, serving as the 50th monarch of the Beaux Arts Krewe was William Alfred Bowron. Queen of this year’s ball was Mary Virginia Adams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Seth Adams. Royal Pages, left, at the event that benefits the Birmingham Museum of Art. See Social, page 14.
FINDING OUT MY HEART AGE COULD END UP SAVING MY LIFE. Grandview Medical Center’s 5-minute Heart Risk Assessment will calculate your Heart Age – and your risk for heart disease. It will also offer advice on how to maintain or improve your heart health. Visit GrandviewHeartCare.com to take the assessment.
Look Forward. 93946_GRAN_HRA_Hiker_10_375x2_25c.indd 1
12/22/16 4:00 PM
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
OPINION/CONTENTS
IN THIS ISSUE
MURPHY’S LAW
I SURVIVAL THROUGH SUPPORT ABOUT TOWN PAGE 6
‘WE HAVE A PLAN’ NEWS PAGE 8
STANDING TOGETHER AT THE LJCC LIFE PAGE 10
REAL ESTATE TRENDS HOME PAGE 26
CORRECTION: The Alabama Museum of Natural History: Museum Expedition 39 is an in-residence program, not a day camp, as the Over the Mountain Journal reported in the Feb. 23 edition. For more information, visit almnh.ua.edu.
IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN 3 NEWS 8 LIFE 10 SOCIAL 14 WEDDINGS 22
FOOD 24 HOME 26 SCHOOLS 34 FASHIONS 36 SPORTS 40
Come Back, Little Columbine
t’s been a long winter for my little hostas and columbines and other perennials sleeping under the soil that not-quite-acre. First, we had the might yet stick their green noses up drought, then a few snippets of through the mulch, but even with the sub-freeze and thaw. There was a possibility of such staunch returnees, it round of evergreen fungus, a little root was obvious that the yard needed some rot and ravages of the little critters help. I placed a call to my new landwho were just trying to nibble their scape professionals and we paced the way through to spring. perimeter together, noting all the carAlso, after calling, coaxing, pleadnage, and it soon became clear that the ing with several groups to come and project was going to involve less trowfix our fake pond, we gave up and had the whole thing dug out and filled in, el and more backhoe. which has been an adjustment for The landscape team spent three full days hauling off the old and planting everyone. I was sad when the crew started digging until one particularly in the new. They’re not quite done, but shaken workman knocked on the door already I am breathing a little easier. I Sue Murphy to warn me about five venomous didn’t realize it at the time, but looking snakes that had slithered out from out at dead leaves and tree stumps I placed a call to was affecting my mojo, or harshing under the surrounding rocks. No my mellow, or whatever it is that snakes going forward made me feel my new landscape you to binge watch “Diners, a whole lot better. professionals and we causes Drive-ins and Dives” without once The birds and squirrels, however, getting the urge to drive anywhere were less enthusiastic. Poor babies, paced the perimeter dine on anything. they flitted from one branch to together, noting all the andEvery time I pulled into my another, cocking their little heads, thinking, “I could have sworn there carnage, and it soon driveway, I’d think, “I need to do something about that,” and it was was water here.” I didn’t know how became clear that the making me cranky. Now I have to explain the transition to them, so in a gesture of goodwill, I scattered project was going to (Good girl, Susan), or rather someone else has and I will be writing Tupperware containers of water involve less trowel and them a check, which is OK with around the yard until we could come up with a more permanent me. I’m perfectly willing to let more backhoe. solution. It clearly wasn’t the same, someone else be one with the soil. although I did see one gleeful squirI’ll be one with the view from my rel cavorting in the cracker-keeper. window. My yard was no longer a good home for my little The instant landscaping feels a bit like cheating, critters. Some of their favorite bushes had turned brown kind of like skipping to the end of a book (Once upon a and brittle, others were spindly and clearly on their last time…and they lived happily ever after), but I’m going limb. The little grass we had in the back yard had to let that go, too. I’ll keep an eye out for my hostas reverted to mud. The place looked like a scene out of a and columbines, though. They’re going to be surprised Twilight movie. when they see their new neighbors. And then, then, the daffodils, God love them, came In the meantime, I’ll be on the lookout for a lowup right on schedule and their cheerful yellow faces maintenance birdbath/squirrel refreshment station. The gave me hope that all was not lost. I knew there were cracker-keeper isn’t going to keep. ❖
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.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
March 9, 2017 JOU RNAL Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Sarah Kuper, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Jordan Wald, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Annie Howard Vol. 27, No. 14
Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2017 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS
If you could go anywhere for Spring Break where would it be?
“Mountains, different from usual norm that we have around here - not just getting sunburned! Bryson City, North Carolina.” Kim Waller Hoover
“Lake Logan Martin, we have a family lake house and I grew up going down there.” Preston Watts Hoover
“Gatlinburg, we went a lot when I was younger with family and church - good memories and a romantic escape.” Hope Levio Hoover
“Panama City Beach, I grew up there, spending time with friends and family. Eat at Capt. Anderson’s” Michelle Kusibab Hoover
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 3
ABOUT TOWN
MARCH 9 - 22
Fri., March 10 BIRMINGHAM
Thurs., March 9
John Pizzarelli Alys Stephens Center World-renowned jazz guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli will perform at 8 p.m., featuring classic standards and late-night ballads. The performance will take place in the center’s Jemison Concert Hall. Tickets begin at $32. For more information, visit alysstephens.org. ❖
HOOVER
Easter Basket Community Service Hoover Country Club The Hoover Service Club will hold a community service project beginning at 11 a.m. to prepare baskets for the Green Valley United Way Food Bank. Lunch is available following the meeting for $18. Reservations are required. To register, contact Winnie Cooper at 979-5699. For more information, visit hooverserviceclub.com. MOUNTAIN BROOK
Speaker Spotlight 2017 Samford University The Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation will host a presentation from 6:30-8 p.m. by Sir Ken Robinson, internationally acclaimed expert on creativity and innovation. Robinson will present “The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything.” For more information, visit welcometomountainbrook.com.
2017 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
SET YOURSELF APART
VESTAVIA HILLS
Laura Story in Concert Shades Mountain Baptist Church Samford’s Legacy League will presents Grammy, Billboard and Dove-award winning Christian artist Laura Story in concert at 7 p.m. VIP seating is $75 and includes premium concert seating and a 5:30 p.m. preconcert reception and photo with Story. Standard seating begins at $15. For more information, visit samford.edu/ legacyleague/events/laura-story.
March 9-12 BIRMINGHAM
Alice in Wonderland Jr. Virginia Samford Theatre Virginia Samford’s STARS presents Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. Travel down the rabbit hole and join Alice, one of literature’s most beloved heroines, in her madcap adventures. Showtimes are Fri. at 7:30 p.m. and Sat. and Sun. at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit virginiasamfordtheatre. org.
March 9-25 BIRMINGHAM
Sincerely, Sugar Bear Fifth Avenue Antiques Theatre Downtown presents an evening of short plays featuring six original works by local playwright, Daniel Martin, and directed by up and coming directors. Showtimes will be March 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25 from 8-10 p.m. Admission is $18 adults and $12 students. For more information, visit theatredowntown.org.
With a powerful and athletic stance, tapered roof and striking design, the 2017 Range Rover Evoque is instantly recognizable. Visit Land Rover Birmingham during the Own the Adventure Sales Event and enjoy exclusive offers on the Range Rover Evoque. Offer ends March 31, 2017. Schedule your test drive today.
Fri., March 10 BIRMINGHAM
Opera Gala The Florentine Opera Birmingham will host its annual gala celebrating 62 years of Grand Opera in Birmingham beginning at 6 p.m. The event will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, a seated dinner and a concert of opera favorites featuring the
Land Rover Birmingham 3000 Tom Williams Way, Birmingham, AL 35210 205 397 0610 LandRoverBirmingham.com
cast of “The Elixir of Love.” The event is black tie optional with complimentary valet parking. Tickets are $200 per person. For more information, visit operabirmingham.org BIRMINGHAM
Schoolhouse Rock Iron City The Cornerstone School will host its 12th annual fundraiser, from 7-11 p.m. This adults-only evening will include music by the Billy Gant Band, a live and silent auction, event giveaways and heavy hors d’ouvres. Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. VIP tickets are $90 and include access to a VIP section with a separate bar
4 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Sat., March 18
VESTAVIA HILLS
VHHS Purple People Run Vestavia Hills High School Vestavia Hills High School students will be hosting the Purple People Color Run 5K from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. All proceeds from the event will benefit ACS’s Relay for Life. For more information, visit vestaviahills.org. ❖
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.
and food area, sawg and signature cocktails. All proceeds will directly benefit the students who attend the school. For more information, visit csalabama.org. BIRMINGHAM
McWane After Dark: Speakeasy Science McWane After Dark is a new series of themed evenings exclusively for adults ages 21+ from 7-11 p.m. These events will be combining unique themes, live performances, activities and bar service—all with a splash of science. Speakeasy Science will transport back to the Roaring 20s with live music, beer tastings, swing dance lessons, a Gatsby-style costume contest and more. Guests are invited to take part in speakeasy science games, a vote for the favorite beer, cash bars, and time to explore the museum’s Adventure Halls. Admission is $20 or $50 for a season pass to all three events. For more information, visit mcwane.org.
Sat., March 11
www.wedgworth.net (205) 365-4344
HOMEWOOD
Birmingham Wine 10K Patriot Park The National Center for Sports Safety will present its second annual Birmingham Wine 10K. Participants can run alongside 2016 olympic bronze medalist Emma Coburn on a course from Patriot Park to Lakeshore Park Plaza. Hydration stops will provide water and Gatorade. Post-race mimosas will be handed out. For more information, visit wine10K.com. HOMEWOOD
Perseverance 5K Dawson Memorial Baptist Church The 27th annual 5k and one-mile fun run benefits Kids Connection. The course runs through the residential areas of Homewood. The race begins at 8 a.m. Refreshments will
be provided at the start and finish of the race. For more information, visit birminghamtrackclub.com. BIRMINGHAM
SpringFest Hand in Hand Early Learning Program Facility United Ability, formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, will host its annual family-friendly event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. featuring games activities, food and a silent auction. Admission is free with food and tickets for games available at the event. For more information, visit unitedability.org. BIRMINGHAM
Beat Beethoven 5k Red Mountain Park Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform at this 5k and one-mile fun run at 9 a.m. All proceeds benefit the students of the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra in the form of scholarships for the 17-18 season. Admission is $35 for the 5k and $30 for the fun run. For more information, visit the “Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra” Facebook page. BIRMINGHAM
Holi Festival Birmingham Museum of Art The Indian Culture Society will host a festival celebrating Holi, the Indian celebration of color, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event will include Indian and Bollywood style dancing, music, food, storytelling and art. Guests are encouraged to wear clothing that can be washed. Theis event is free. For more information, visit artsbma.org.
March 12 and 19 HOMEWOOD
Harlem Globetrotters Samford University This exhibition basketball team will hit the court on March 12 and 19 at 3 p.m.
in the Pete Hanna Center. The team will stay after the game for autographs and photos. Admission is $22-95. For more information, visit harlemglobetrotters. com.
Tues., March 14 MOUNTAIN BROOK
Family Night Emmet O’Neal Library The Library will host an All Hands Production of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff & Other Stuff,” a family-friendly puppet show. There will be a dinner at 5:30 p.m and the show starts at 6 p.m. For more information, visit eolib.org.
Thurs., March 16 HOMEWOOD
Planning for the Perfect Disney Vacation Homewood Public Library Lisa Cross, a Birmingham travel consultant specializing in Disney travel, will share her experience and expertise on planning a Disney vacation. The program will be held from 6:307:30 p.m. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
March 16-18 MOUNTAIN BROOK
English Village Tent Sale English Village The English Village Tent Sale will kick off Thursday night with Jazz with Civitas from 6-9 p.m. and feature a kick-off party and silent auction at Gallery Bar benefiting the Cahaba River Society, hosted by Tonya Jones SalonSpa. For more information, visit welcometomountainbrook.com.
Sat., March 18 HOMEWOOD
Mt. Brook Pancake Day The Exceptional Foundation
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
The Kiwanis Club will host a community fundraising event from 7 a.m.-12 p.m. The event will feature clowns, crafts, music door prizes and a silent auction. Tickets are $5 for breakfast. For more information, visit “Kiwanis of Homewood/Mt. Brook Annual Pancake Day” Facebook page. BIRMINGHAM
Cherry Blossom Festival Botanical Gardens The Japan-American Society of Alabama will host a celebration in the Japanese Gardens from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This annual event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit “Cherry Blossom Festival” Facebook page.
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 5
ABOUT TOWN Sat., March 25 BIRMINGHAM
Rumpshaker 5k Regions Field Rumpshaker will host its annual 5k run/walk at 8 a.m. and one-mile fun run at 9 a.m. The event benefits the organization’s mission to raise colorectal cancer awareness and raise funds to fight and treat it, and provide hope for colorectal cancer survivors and those fighting the disease. Registration for the 5k is $25 for individuals $18 for the fun run. The prices will increase after March 11. For more information, visit rumpshaker5k. com.
BIRMINGHAM
Magic City Cycliad Railroad Park The Deep South Cancer Foundation will host a bike ride with various length options from 6 a.m.- 3 p.m. The foundation works at the local-level in an effort to remove barriers created by cancer, such as transportation, food and lodging. Free of barriers, individuals battling cancer can concentrate on their health and recovery. This event is free and open to the public. Participants who wish to ride will pay a $40 entry fee that will benefit the Deep South Cancer Foundation. For more information, visit impact. deepsouthcancer.org. ❖
Wed., April 26 BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham Revealed: Alvin Vogtle Escapes Birmingham Botanical Gardens This cultural series will present “Alvin Vogtle Escapes,” the newest one-man play commissioned by Vulcan Park and Museum. Written and directed by Lee Shackleford, the one-act drama highlights the adventurous life of Birmingham resident, Alvin Vogtle, whose story influenced the 1963 film “The Great Escape” starring Steve McQueen. The performance, originally scheduled for March 21 and was moved from Vulcan Park to BBG to accomodate demand, begins at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $8 for members and $10 for non-members. For more information, visit visitvulcan.com. ❖
Tues., March 21 BIRMINGHAM
MahJong Tournament The Club The New Neighbors League Club of Birmingham, a service and social club, will host its second annual tournament beginning with registration at 9:30 a.m. This year, the club will donate tournament proceeds will benefit ALS research, a neurological disorder also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Registration is $40. To register, email mjtourny@ gmail.com. For more information, visit newneighborsbirmingham.com. MOUNTAIN BROOK
Spring Soiree Mountain Brook Village Merchants of the village will host this annual sale until 7:30 p.m., offering door prizes, trunk shows and more. A portion of the sales will go to benefit Open Hands Open Hearts. For more information, visit welcometomountainbrook.com.
D E N Y D O U B T. Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy. And that’s when you need a teammate like Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. Because our experts aggressively pursue victory over every injury.
SAVE THE DATE Thurs., March 23 BIRMINGHAM
Party Like It’s 1969 The Pizitz Building The Birmingham Association of Realtors will host a costumed affair asking guests to dress up in 1969 attire from 6-10 p.m. The event will include the annual RPCA Auction which will include both a silent and live auction to benefit REALTORS and are used for political and advocacy purposes. Registration is $35. For more information, visit “Party Like it’s 1969 RPCA Auction” Facebook page.
March 24 and 26 HOMEWOOD
The Elixir of Love Samford University’s Wright Center Donizetti’s perennial hit comedy returns to Opera Birmingham’s stage for the first time in over a decade featuring a cast of Alabama-based artists. Conductor Tyson Deaton will lead the musicians of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Opera Birmingham Chorus. Showtimes are Fri. at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20-90. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit operabirmingham.org/.
Go to AndrewsSportsMedicine.com to start making your comeback.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Survival Through Support
Cheryl Bourn and her husband, Mark, at Taste of Teal last year. The casinothemed event this year is March 11 at the The Hyatt Regency Birmingham Wynfrey Hotel.
Taste of Teal Gala Honoree Uses Experience to Encourage Others By Sarah Kuper Just because Cheryl Bourn beat ovarian cancer 11 years ago, that doesn’t mean she stopped fighting. Only now, she is advocating on behalf of others battling gynecologi-
cal cancers. Bourn’s work with the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation and the CanSurvive support group is what made organizers of this year’s Taste of Teal Gala choose her as their Legacy of Laura Survivor honoree.
Bourn said that, after going through cancer, she couldn’t help but be passionate about support, awareness and research. “I believe it is a spiritual gift of mine to be a conduit, to connect people and resources. I know what it is
“Kathy Filyaw went above and beyond our expectations.” When Beth and Phillip Zaricor planned to relocate to Birmingham for a career opportunity, the first stop in their home search was an Open House in Mount Laurel. They fell in love with the community. “Kathy Filyaw was the agent on duty and she was so personable. Within just a few minutes we could tell we would enjoy working with her,” says Beth. “She had a good feel for what we were looking for in a new home.” Kathy encouraged the Zaricors to visit other communities but she ultimately sold them another home in Mount Laurel. “Without question, we are comfortable recommending her to anyone looking to buy or sell a home,” says Phillip. Kathy says being part of ARC Realty and helping people like the Zaricors navigate the home buying and selling process is a privilege. “I am blessed to work with great people,” says Filyaw. To learn more about working with Kathy and to see all of ARC Realty’s listing, visit www.arcrealtyco.com.
A Relationship Company 4274 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35243 • 205.969.8910 www.arcrealtyco.com Kathy Filyaw • 205-999-5939 kfilyaw@arcrealtyco.com
like to talk with someone who has been through it while you are going through it,” she said. Diagnosed at 51, Bourn said she knows well the importance of having a strong support system when undergoing treatment. But she said support for a cancer patient looks different than many people think. “We had so much support but we had to tell people to stop bringing food. I didn’t feel like eating. It is hard to understand,” Bourn said. At first, Bourn said she felt so terrible from six rounds of chemotherapy that she didn’t feel like going to the support groups she heard about from friends. Eventually, she attended CanSurvive. In 2008, she became the president of the group and CanSurvive soon began its collaboration with the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation. “The support group is mainly a chance to meet with women and allay fears because they don’t know what will happen next. We have topics and those are good but it is also good to just have fun,” Bourn said. More than a weekly meeting or fundraising organization, Bourn said
CanSurvive and the LCBF fulfill their mission through education programs for medical students, gift bags for patients during the holidays and research advocacy. “It seems everyone who has experienced this cancer wants to work in awareness,” she said. Awareness is particularly close to Bourn’s heart. “At the time, I knew something was wrong with my body but the symptoms were so vague,” she said. Because ovarian cancer is often misdiagnosed, Bourn said she knows she is fortunate her cancer is gone. “I know what it is like to face my own mortality. And since I’ve had it, I’ve known 30 women who died that I knew personally,” she said. Bourn said she is overwhelmed by the honor but feels she is just using her God-given abilities to help others. Taste of Teal is the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation’s annual gala celebrating volunteers and raising funds for research and support. The casino-themed event is March 11 at the The Hyatt Regency Birmingham - Wynfrey Hotel. Tickets are available on the foundation’s website, thinkoflaura.org. ❖
Temple Emanu-El Event Celebrates Women and Promotes Unity
By Sarah Kuper
As the Jewish holiday of Passover approaches, one Over the Mountain congregation is seeking to help others engage in a dialogue about the value of women and tolerance. Temple Emanu-El’s Sisterhood will host its seventh interfaith, communitywide, women’s Passover Seder on March 19. Sylvia Wright, committee chairwoman, said the gathering is an opportunity for women of all faiths and cultures to celebrate each other and the role of women in Jewish history. “Inviting women throughout our community helps to unite us. We learn there is more that binds us than divides us,” she said. Organizers said recent events such as bomb threats at Jewish community centers, threats to deport Hispanics and Muslims and the Black Lives Matter movement have made this event more important than ever. It’s estimated 200 women will attend, giving the event a cross section of the community’s female clergy, along with women of many faiths, cultures, ages and backgrounds. In the tradition of Tikun Olam, the Jewish concept of repairing the world, guests may donate toiletry items, to be given to the United Way program Pathways, which supports homeless women and children. For more information, visit ourtemple.org. ❖
Photo special to the Journal
6 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
In the Home Stretch
By Annie Howard
UAB’s Alys Stephens Center presents the
2017 VIVA HEALTH STARLIGHT GALA
Itzhak Perlman
MARCH 11
MAY
21
NEW 10K ROUTE REGISTER AT WWW.VILLAGE2VILLAGE10K.COM
CHANGES COMING
featuring
MARCH 11
residents along the race route are being asked to dress up their yards and their selves and cheer runners on. Dana Travis is nearing the finish Mystery runners will judge the yards, line. and the family with the most spirited On Village 2 Village day, March yard will win a pizza party. 11, she’ll put her hard work to the Race Village has been revamped, test. as well. Before the race, runners can Now that she’s in the home get coffee and take part in a pre-race stretch, Travis sees just how far she’s warm-up. come since she started preparing for Runners will cross the finish line the race in January, a journey docuto be greeted with chocolate-dipped mented by the Over the Mountain strawberries and mimosas. The treats Journal. and other food that will be available It was “tough to run just 30 secare being supplied by onds” back then, she local businesses. said, or at least without Mason Music will feeling like she was provide on-stage entergoing to die. Now, she’s tainment for the Race got a 5K under her belt. After Party, which is Running can be a slated to take place from tough teacher, but Travis 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. has learned a lot in the There will be an past two months as she’s inflatable, face painting trained at Resolute and games for the kids. Running Training Schaeffer Eye Center Center. is bringing in a charita“When you set your ble component of the mind to something, you event, the Village 2 can overcome what your More info at body thinks it can’t do,” village2village10K.com. Village 4 Vision. On behalf of V2V regisshe said. trants, Schaeffer Eye Center will She can now say she enjoys, even donate eye exams and free glasses to looks forward to, her runs. “Training with the Resolute coach- at-risk youth. V2V day will be a big event, Travis es, Lisa and Jennifer, has been so said, and she is “looking forward to much more than I thought it would that adrenaline-filled day.” be,” she said. She’ll have people rooting for her, On Feb. 11, she put the Superhero 5K in her rear-view mirror. At half the that’s for sure. “I know Jonathan (Travis’ husband) length of V2V, that one was “a confiand our kids will cheer me on, just as dence-booster,” she said. they have since January 5th, when I She’s determined, something that started training,” she said. will help get her through a recent setback – a strained knee. Bursitis has kept her off the track for more than a The event, for the first week. “My spirits are bruised,” she said. time, has added a Spirit “Having to rest, ice and repeat, Competition, in which instead of run to keep my endurance mileage up, is discouraging.” residents along the race But she isn’t letting one bum knee route are being asked to stop her. Despite the roadblock, she still plans to run the 10K. dress up their yards and
From left, Jacqueline Upp, Lisa Booker, Jessica Jones, Dana Travis, Jennifer Andress and Cindy Cutchen. Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Novice Runner Feeling Ready as V2V Day Approaches, (Except for That Strained Knee)
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 7
ABOUT TOWN
V2V is being sponsored by Schaeffer Eye Center, along with Grandview Medical Center, MDVIP, Southern States Bank, McGowinKing, and Over the Mountain Dentistry. The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual run as a fundraiser and an opportunity to showcase the city. The run will begin March 11 at 7:30 a.m. Among several changes this year, the race will start and end at The Lane Parke Development. The steep, up-hill portion of Cahaba Road, which many previous runners have complained about, has been eliminated in favor of a milder course layout. There also will be a 7.5K option for those who are not up for the full course or for walkers who want to finish in the allotted time, according to a statement from the chamber. The event, for the first time, has added a Spirit Competition, in which
Sun / 6p
Tickets are $150 and include a preperformance cocktail reception. To purchase, visit AlysStephens.org. VIP Dinner Packages are also available. For details, contact the Center at 205 975 4012.
their selves and cheer runners on.
She hopes to celebrate her first 10K finish with no knee pain or injury, especially since the celebration is continuing into the night. V2V day is also her brother’s 40th birthday. “For those that know our family, we only know how to celebrate big!” she said. She’s planning on a great night with “family and friends, the most cherished people in my life.” Travis can now see herself continuing to run even after the V2V, something she never thought she’d want. Her mom always taught her that “when you put yourself in other’s shoes, what you learn is invaluable,” she said. “And it turns out,” she said, “running shoes feel good.” ❖
Join us for an extraordinary evening when violinist Itzhak Perlman returns to the Alys Stephens Center stage. Perlman’s artistry is unmatched, and he is adored by audiences around the world. Honorary Chairs Gillian and Mike Goodrich 2017 Viva Health Starlight Gala Co-Chairs Elizabeth and Mike Goodrich Braxton Goodrich / Ali and Charles Goodrich / Gracie Goodrich
AlysStephens.org
OTMJ Gala 2017 Ad.indd 1
2/16/17 11:11 AM
NEWS
8 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
‘We Have a Plan’ By William C. Singleton III U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer took the opportunity during a recent Eggs and Issues breakfast to discuss meat and potato topics such as reforming health care, curbing government waste and cutting back on government regulation. The Republican legislator from Alabama’s 6th Congressional District
‘Anything you do, there are going to be some cracks in the wall, and we will work that out as we go along.’ addressed more than 100 people attending a breakfast sponsored by a coalition of Over the Mountain chambers of commerce, including chambers of Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Greater Shelby, South Shelby and Montevallo. It was part of his recess tour of his district, which includes the southern parts of Jefferson County, Shelby, Bibb, Blount, Chilton and Coosa counties. At the breakfast, Palmer told audience members he didn’t go to Washington, D.C., to socialize, but to work. His time as a member of the House Budget Committee has shown him that government wastes a lot of money and doesn’t collect nearly its fair share, he said. Palmer said nearly $145 billion is wasted in improper payments to Medicare, Medicaid and other government programs, and more
than $400 billion in taxes go uncollected. “I asked how is it we leave $400 billion uncollected?” he said. “The answer was that some people just don’t file, (some is the result of) mistakes, and the cost of litigating and trying to recover that money would be more than what we’d have to recover. … For me that screams a flat tax or a fair tax.” Palmer said he hopes to stop the cycle of improper payments. “I just want to stop it from going out,” he said. Republicans have vowed to repeal or change the Affordable Care Act, which Palmer said is “collapsing under its own weight.” But he added the fix won’t come quickly, in part because Republicans must decide on a plan and in part because Democrats are blocking Trump’s nominees, which he said had bogged down the process of getting started on health care. “Contrary to what a lot of people are being told, we have a plan. The problem is we’ve got multiple plans,” he said. “But rather than rush through this, we need to pull our folks together, get around the table and figure out how we do this incrementally.” Palmer said that, whatever the new plan is, “We have zero intentions to leave anybody uninsured.” Elements of the new health care plan would include health savings accounts, which would give young adults incentive to invest in their health care; the ability to maintain the same health care plan when leaving a place of employment; and the ability to pick the hospital, doctor and provider of your choice, Palmer said. Palmer took questions from the audience after his congressional update. Questions centered on health care, Trump’s refusal to reveal his tax returns, school vouchers and concerns about Republicans loosening regulations on business and industry. An audience member who described herself as retired with health conditions said she was concerned about repealing the health care
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer, the Republican legislator from Alabama’s 6th Congressional District, addressed more than 100 people attending a breakfast sponsored by a coalition of Over the Mountain chambers of commerce.
Journal photos by William C. Singleton III
Palmer Faces Constituents With Talk of Health Care Revisions and a Desire To Stop Wrongful Spending
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
plan. She said that, on a limited budget, a health savings plan would not be practical for her. “And I don’t make so little money that I qualify for subsidies,” she said. “I’m very fearful for people like me, caught in the middle, not wishing to return to the work world, two aging
parents and grandchildren. … Without access to health care that includes pre-existing and some minimum standards, it leaves me very fearful.” Palmer said his objective would be to work through these issues. “Anything you do, there are going to be some cracks in the wall, and we
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will work that out as we go along,” he said. Wain Shaw, co-owner of Magic City Sweet Ice with her husband, asked Palmer if he would urge Trump to reveal his tax returns. “We have a president who has not paid his fair share of taxes,” she said. “Are you going to push for him to show his tax return to show how much he is paying in taxes?” Palmer said Trump is under an audit but added he’s not concerned about Trump’s taxes. “I’m not going to push. That’s not a big issue,” he said. “I think he’s taken advantage of the tax code, and that code needs to be revised.” A Chelsea resident said she was concerned about the school voucher issue and how it might affect Shelby County and other school systems throughout Alabama. Palmer said he supports efforts to help parents and children escape failing schools. “How many Ben Carsons have been lost to a failed education system?” he asked. Another resident from the 6th District said she is concerned about air quality and asked how the state can continue to improve its air quality if there is less regulation. Palmer said it’s not just a matter of less regulation but “sensible regulation.” In a question about Trump issuing a string of executive orders, Palmer said, “You cannot have a president, Republican or Democrat, that thinks they can issue executive orders and make law and bypass Congress.” Palmer also held a town hall meeting at Hoover City Hall on Feb. 25. Hoover residents arrived as early as 5 a.m. to ensure they’d have a seat and to pepper Palmer with questions. By the start of the 9 a.m. meeting, a crowd of people was outside city hall unable to enter because the room was full. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 9
NEWS
Mountain Brook Says Goodbye to Retiring Library Director achieved superior excellence in service,” Welch said. After wishing DeBrecht well, Welch introduced the new library
said. During her time as director, Welch noted that the library received several accolades. He said it is the only fourstar library in Jefferson County. “As a result of her leadership, on May 8, 2008, the Legislature of the
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
During her time as director, Mayor Stewart Welch noted that the library received several accolades. He said it is the only four-star library in Jefferson County.
Ask how your business can be made in the Alabama Sun
state of Alabama commended the Emmet O’Neal Library upon it’s receiving the Blue Ribbon level award, which was conveyed to public libraries in the state that have Retiring Emmet O’Neal Library Director Sue DeBrecht, left, with new library director, Lindsey Gardner at a Mountain Brook City Council meeting Feb. 27.
By Emily Williams At a Mountain Brook City Council meeting Feb. 27, officials recognized retiring Library Director Sue DeBrecht for her contributions to the community. Mayor Stewart Welch said a few words about DeBrecht before sending her off, discussing her career at Emmet O’Neal Library, which
spanned from January 1985 to February 2017. A retirement party will be held in her honor at the library March 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. “It is the desire of the residents of Mountain Brook to express their appreciation to Susan J. DeBrecht and recognize her outstanding and unparalleled service to our library and the residents of this community and her commitment to public service,” Welch
To: From: Date:
director, Lindsey Gardner. Gardner is a native of Alabama and returns to the state from a director position at a library in Lancaster, Virginia. ❖
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LIFE
10 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Standing Together
Birmingham Shows Support for LJCC During Staff Appreciation Day By Emily Williams
‘We continue every day to work towards our mission of educating our students with both Jewish and American values.’
Top, from left, Hand in Paw volunteers Carol Bennett and Hamilton with LJCC Grants and Research Director Ruth Nomberg and Alley Bulka. Left, Volunteers perform classical music in the lobby of the LJCC during the March 6 Staff Appreciation Day to provide a calming tone as guests enter the building. Below, LJCC Marketing Associate Stephanie Salvago gives a special visitor from the Birmingham Barons, Babe Ruff, a high-five. On page 2, LJCC employees Monika Singletary and Kathy Norris with Hand in Paw volunteer Simon.
Journal photo by Emily Williams
It’s safe to say that the Levite Jewish Community Center staff has had a rough couple of months, but a Staff Appreciation Day held March 6 showed that it’s easy to lift spirits with a little bit of love and support. On Feb. 27, the Levite Jewish Community Center and the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School followed protocol for the third bomb threat of the year. The LJCC facility received similar threats on Jan. 18 and Feb. 20. The threats against Jewish institutions have been chronicled by national news outlets as the LJCC joins more than 50 centers across the country that have received bomb threats this year. Though the air at the facility seems thick with stress, the surrounding community has banded together to provide support. “The staff are the ones that are having to handle all of this,” LJCC board President Allison Weil said. Weil has seen firsthand the outpouring of support to organize an appreciation day for the LJCC staff using items donated by the community to create gift baskets and provide stress-relieving activities. “This is the happiest thing I’ve done in a long time,” Weil said. With the relaxing sounds of classical music played by soloists in the lobby, Monika Singletary, director of membership, outreach, retention and engagement for the LJCC, said Monday marked one of the most positive and uplifting days she has experienced in a while. “I’ve got a massage at 2:30 p.m., I pet some dogs, I had cookie cake, I had coffee cake,” Singletary said. “This is just such a special and unique experience. It’s nice to be encouraged and to break away for a few minutes – and for such a great reason.” The LJCC community itself is one of diversity; one of its purposes is to act as a bridge between the Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Even so, Weil said that the majority of donations and supportive responses are from individuals who probably have never stepped foot in the building. “These are those people who saw what was happening and said, ‘I’m outraged. What can I do to help?’” she said. During a board conference call last week, Weil and her fellow board members buckled down to find ways to lend their support to the LJCC community. “We found out that there is a National Staff Appreciation Day,” Weil said. “I didn’t even know that it was a holiday. So, we thought maybe we could help with some sort of stress relief.” As fate would have it, the staff appreciation day was set for March 3. The board decided to recognize the holiday March 6. Weil began organizing the event by sending out an email. “I just wrote a couple of paragraphs about what we were planning to do and why,” she said. Having sent it to a few handfuls of contacts, none of whom were affiliated with the LJCC, she was floored by the response. Within a few days, Weil’s email had garnered more than 50 responses. When she shared her results with the LJCC’s executive director Betzy Lynch, Weil said Lynch broke down in tears.
easy access to the staff appreciation festivities. “I am so very proud to say that when our school community was faced with these latest threats, we were prepared, followed protocol and acted professionally with love and care,” Abolfia said. During each of the evacuations, the students and faculty worked very much together, taking care of each other. Older students helped the younger students, keeping them distracted with songs and games and even offering their jackets to
SCHOOL RESPONSE
When Weil shared her email responses with N.E. Miles, she received a similar reaction. “Our primary goal is always our students’ wellbeing and safety,” said Head of School Debra
Abolfia. Though N.E. Miles and the LJCC are two separate operations, they share a space on the map as well as facilities. The N.E. Miles preschool is located in the community center, giving its staff
some of the colder kids. “Our upper school students even completed morning prayers that had just begun before evacuation, when they arrived at their ‘safe place,’” Abolfia said. Much like the outpouring that the LJCC has experienced, N.E. Miles has met with more support than opposition. “Our parents have been nothing but supportive and confident in our ability to handle these situations and there has been an outpouring of support from the larger Birmingham community,” Abolfia said. “We continue every day to work towards our mission of educating our students with both Jewish and American values.” VALUE IN COMMUNITY
Throughout last week and over the weekend, Weil turned her home into a storage facility and gift basket-making operation. Donations rolled in her door from community members and local merchants and were used in the gift baskets presented to staff. In addition, local businesses and organizations provided stress-relieving activities, including massages, facials and interactions with Hand in Paw’s therapy dogs. “I’ve worked here for five years and this has been one of the best days we’ve had,” said marketing associate Stephanie Salvago. Salvago added that it is always the staff’s job to make sure every member who walks in the door feels “the love” of the LJCC community, which has been a constant through this rough patch, so the show of support from Birmingham was appreciated. When she heard about the staff appreciation day and that many of the contributors were not LJCC members, Salvago said she burst into tears. “We don’t continue to do this because we have to, we do it because we love it here,” Salvago said. “All of this today lets us know that people in the community, they see it.” Hand in Paw volunteer Catherine Gregory remembers her days as a member of the LJCC and said she was “blown away” by the threats the staff has had to face. She said she was happy to have an opportunity to bring her therapy dog to the center and help the staff feel supported by the community. “The kindness has been so overwhelming. … It’s amazing to see just how much people want to help and to see the entire community stand with the JCC,” Weil said. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Face the Five
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 11
LIFE
Samford Students Put Focus on Mental Health With Awareness Campaign
Yes... This is
Five Samford University students are facing down the culture of silence surrounding mental health. As part of a spring semester program, the students, who are in Samford’s public relations department, were assigned the Campaign to Change Direction as a client. To promote the campaign’s message of mental health awareness, they created a campaign of their own, called Face the Five. The Campaign to Change Direction put together five signs that may indicate someone is in a tough place: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care and hopelessness. The aim of Face the Five is to familiarize people with those signs. “It’s an awareness campaign,” said Liann Cates, a Samford senior and member of Face the Five. “If someone is exhibiting these five signs, it might indicate emotional suffering.” Throughout Face the Five’s 30-day stretch, which started Feb. 15, the students will visit areas around Samford and Birmingham. From campus to churches and senior citizen homes, they’ll drop in and, in five to 10 minutes, break down the five signs of emotional suffering. They hope to also break down the barriers to discussing emotional pain. During that time, they stress the importance of men-
Journal photo by Annie Howard
By Annie Howard
The Face the Five group, from left, Lindsey Anderson, Savannah Holaday, Liann Cates, Courtney Bobo and Sarah Tuttle are raising mental health awareness with a high-five pledge. Cates holds a proclamation from Mayor William Bell declaring March 5 as Birmingham’s Mental Health Awareness Day.
tal health resources and direct people to services such as Samford Counseling. At each site, they’re asking people to pledge with a high five. “We’re going to have people just put their hand up as if they’re high-fiving someone saying ‘I’m pledging to know the five signs,’” Cates said. They want people then to snap a picture and post the high-five on social media as a visual reminder that those suffering aren’t alone. The group also is gathering testimonies, both in-person and by email. “We’re hoping, at Samford and in general, to have people that want to come forward and say, ‘This is how
I’ve struggled,’” said Cates. She wants to humanize their message, using real stories to show people that mental health is a real issue. Face the Five is reaching beyond campus in a big way. Mayor William Bell recently recognized the campaign, declaring March 5 as Birmingham’s Mental Health Awareness Day. The group picked up its proclamation Feb. 29. Face the Five is welcoming testimony submissions to facethefivecampaign@gmail.com. They also invite anyone to share their own high-five pledge on social media and tag it #changementalhealth. ❖
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LIFE
Eat, Drink and Be Green “In order to help us with diagnosis, we are the only endodontic practice in Birmingham with an onsite dental CT machine.” James A. Smith, Jr., D.M.D.
Sat., March 18 BIRMINGHAM
“I think what sets our practice apart is twofold: Cutting edge technology and the amount of time we spend with our patients”, says James A. Smith, Jr., D.M.D., (above) of Advanced Endodontics, P.C. on Southside in Birmingham. “My dental specialty is Endodontics; I am a root canal specialist. When the pulp (which includes the nerve) inside the tooth becomes diseased, it must be treated or the surrounding bone will become infected and the tooth could be lost. An endodontist deals with what is going on inside the tooth by removing the diseased pulp, then disinfecting and sealing the inside of the root to prevent further infection. I know that the word ‘root canal’ sounds ominous to some, but today’s endodontic treatment treatment procedure is essentially ‘pain free’.” “We also retreat teeth that have become infected despite having had previous root canal therapy and we perform periradicular microsurgery if there is an infection in the bone that cannot be resolved with conventional root canal therapy.” “Many times the diagnostic aspect of my specialty is the most difficult. Patients may have pain or a chronic infection and the exact origin is not clear. My staff and I will take as much time as needed with each patient to reach a definitive diagnosis, before recommending a course of treatment.” “In order to help us with diagnosis, we are the only endodontic practice in Birmingham with an onsite dental CT machine. This technology allows us to get a 3D view of a patient’s jaw and tooth, and most of the time will give us a clear diagnosis of the patient’s problem. The radiation exposure to the patient for a focused field dental CT scan is about the same as 2 or 3 standard digital dental radiographs (very low), yet it gives us exponentially much more information.” “Because of our technology and successful treatment methods, we see patients from all over the state, many of whom have teeth with failing root canal therapy.” Dr. Smith has been practicing endodontics for nearly 35 years and is a part time faculty member at UAB School of Dentistry. He graduated with a B.S. from the University of Alabama in 1976, where he was a walk on player for Coach Paul Bryant. He then graduated from The University of Alabama School of Dentistry in 1980 and finished his Endodontic specialty training in 1982. He and his wife of 41 years, Lisa, live in Vestavia Hills where they raised their three children, Fuller, Morgan and Sidney. He enjoys hunting, exercising, college football and baseball, and traveling with Lisa to visit their children and grandchildren. Advanced Endodontics, P.C. is located at 1500 20th Street So., and their phone number is (205)933-8544. Visit smithrootcanal.com for more information.
Photo special to the Journal
World-class Dental Technology
REV Helps Expand Annual Five Points St. Patrick’s Day Celebration By Emily Williams
kick off the St. Pat’s celebration in according to REV district manager Birmingham at 5:30 p.m. James Little. The flag will be raised at the flag “As a district manager but also a What started in 1981 as a simple pole at the Five Points Chick-Fil-A, member of the society, what I’ve dinner celebrating Ireland has and the ceremony will include a pipe seen change is the crowd. Along become To: a nine-day Dr.celebration Smith in and drum performance, a perforwith thatPHONE: we continue to add more Birmingham’s Points From: Five Over TheSouth. Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 mance by the University of Alabama elements,” he said. The Birmingham Irish Cultural FAX: 205-824-1246 at Birmingham ROTC and an Irish Last year, Little said that REV Society is toasting St. Patrick’s Day Date: March blessing from members of and the society coordinated a pilot this year with its traditional dinner Birmingham’s Irish This program, of sorts, to introduce and parade through downtown along This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE one MOUNTAIN JOURNAL forcommunity. the year’s parade marshal also will be of those new elements: an Irish flag with a new flag-raising event. March 9 th issue. Please email approval or changes to 824-1246. revealed. raising and toast. In its 33rd year, the annual St. “Once the ceremony is done, For its first official year, the Patrick’s Day Parade has grown Please make sure information is correct, everyone will go across the street to March 9 Irish Flagall Raising and The exponentially, due in part to a partBuck Mulligans for a traditional Great Birmingham Irish Toast will nership with REV Birmingham,Including address and phone number! Irish toast,” Little said. Traditional means guests will ceremonially toast the holiday with Guinness beer and Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey and words from Birmingham Irish Cultural Society President Marty Connors. In an effort to expand the St. Pat’s celebrations, Little noted that REV has looked at celebrations in comparable cities, such as Columbia, South Carolina, to get more ideas. “In addition to the flag raising, something new this year will be a VIP viewing area at the parade hosted by our REV Young Pioneers,” Little said. Every effort to expand the celebration supports the mission of REV Birmingham, Little said, as the parade day marks one of the most profitable days of the year for Five Points businesses. “The majority of businesses mark their profits at an 80 percent increase comparable to a normal Saturday,” Little said. He noted that REV can cite this percentage through the data collected from these businesses. Embracing the profitable holiday, many of the restaurants in the Five Points area will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in their own ways, such as by creating specials and festive menus for the holiday. Little particularly noted the Five Point Public House’s St. Patrick’s menu, a personal favorite of his. With the Irish Cultural Society, REV Birmingham and the local businesses all working together to pro2916 18th St S • Homewood • 871-4901 mote the holiday, Little said the savagesbakery.com result is exactly what REV sets out
Tour de Brewers Tin Roof The ninth annual St. Patricks Day 10k run and ride will begin at 11 a.m. and explores Birmingham’s breweries. Stops include Good People, Avondale Brewing, Cahaba Brewing, Trim Tab Brewing, Ghost Train Brewing and Hop City Birmingham. There will be a post-run/ride party with live music, food and drink specials and prizes. Tickets are $35. For more information, visit runsignup. com/Race/AL/Birmingham/ TourdeBrewers10StPatricksDay2017.
March 17-18 HOOVER
Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration Beef’s at the Grove Beef O’ Brady’s restaurant will host its seventh annual St. Patrick’s Day event featuring Irish food, Irish dancers, bagpipes and live music. Performances will include Sassy Brown, Outshine, Mother May I, Hooley, Robert Abernathy and Bad Brad and The Sipsey Slims. The event will begin at 5 p.m. For more information, visit “Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Seventh Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration” Facebook page.
THIS TH
Sat., March 18 BIRMINGHAM
Shamrock Shindig Iron City The Arc of Jefferson County Junior Board will host its fifth annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple and support the Arc’s mission to provide for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The purchase of a ticket includes one drink, a wristband for hors d’oeuvres and the chance to win a $1,000 pot of gold. For more information, visit arcofjeff.org. ❖
to create: revitalization and growth. While the Five Points area already is a culinary destination in its own right, with award-winning restaurants to draw in the public, it isn’t without its vacant spaces. Little said REV hopes to fill those vacancies. “Celebrations like this help create vibrant areas while also growing sustainable businesses,” Little said. “We’re all pushing and promoting the celebration and asking everyone to come out and ‘Eat, drink and be green.’” For a full list of St. Patrick’s Day events, visit stpatsfivepoints.com.❖
LIFE
An Exceptional Day for Chili
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 13
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Photo special to the Journal
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
The team from Brasfield & Gorrie, from left, Brad Hamilton, Jesse Creech, Leigh Bailey, Joey Vandergrift, Chuck Danford, Zach Sims, Dylan Brown and Matthew Pack. As pots of chili simmered, the competition heated up at the Exceptional Foundation’s 13th annual Northwestern Mutual Chili Cook-Off. The annual event was held March 4 in the Brookwood Village parking lot outside Macy’s Department store. The participating 120 teams fired up chili recipes for a large and lively crowd to taste as they enjoyed live music, games of corn hole, Steel City Pops, beer and other beverages. A kids’ zone provided children with arts and crafts, a bouncy house and more. —Emily Williams
Brett and Jake Cole with Dixie.
The team from Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell with their second runner-up trophy, from left, Fred Clarke, Leah Downer, Rebecca Beers and Scott Williams.
Above, Kimberly Verchot and Matt Hunt. Left, the team from CBRE, Inc., Cliff Bell, Nathan Herum, Alex Holt, Jessica Christian, Grant Estess and Walt Reed.
Misty Wood, center, with Brooklyn and Landon Knight.
SOCIAL
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Photo by Hank Spencer, Image Arts
Photos special to the Journal
14 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
Above, Royal Page, Libby Clegg, Lady in Waiting Turner Hull, and her father, Hewes Hull. Left, Queen Mary Virginia Adams and Princess Elizabeth Harris Forsyth Donald.
The King’s Trainbearers included Emily Browning Amason, Martha Bickley Bowron, Richard Rhoads Bowron, William Ransom Johnson Hoyt, Virginia Pendleton Slaughter, James Stephen Spann III, Laura Elizabeth Spann, Mary Beverley Spann, Robin Adair Wade IV and Ashley Elliott Tynes.
A Tip of the Hat to History Krewe Ball Marks 50 Years by Celebrating Themes of the Past
T
Tillman Drew of Mountain Brook served as the Queen’s Royal Escort. The King’s Dukes included Thomas Gilbert Amason Jr., Thomas Ashford Broughton III, John Frederick Carter, Arthur C. Parker Henley, Charles Phillip McWane, David McCoy Millhouse, Bayard Shields Tynes Jr. and Jesse Stringer Vogtle Jr. The Queen’s Guards included Thomas Gilbert Amason III, Charles Laurence de Berniere Crommelin III, William David Sellers Crommelin, Henry Claiborne Crommelin, Robert Sommerville Wilkerson Given, William Schley Hereford, Donald White Patton and Roy William Robertson. The King’s Trainbearers included Emily Browning Amason, Martha Bickley Bowron, Richard Rhoads Bowron, William Ransom Johnson Hoyt, Virginia Pendleton Slaughter, James Stephen Spann III, Laura Elizabeth Spann, Mary Beverley Spann, Robin Adair Wade IV and Ashley Elliott Tynes.
he Beaux Arts Krewe celebrated its 50th annual ball and the themes of years past at Boutwell Auditorium on Feb. 24. King Bill with Proceeds from the annual affair benefit the Birmingham Dr. Tommy Museum of Art. This year’s ball was dedicated to Mrs. Amason. Winston Martin Carl, the longtime corresponding secretary for the ball who retired this year. Past themes celebrated at this year’s ball included China, Aladdin, Mardi Gras, Queen of Hearts and Under the Big Top. An aerial dancer performed an acrobatic routine on silk runners. Visiting from other krewes were a member of Mobile’s Striker’s Independent Society and three members of the Rex Organization of New Orleans. Serving as the 50th monarch of the ball was William Alfred Bowron, who is chairman, CEO and president of Red Diamond. Queen of this year’s ball was Mary Virginia Adams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Seth Adams. David
Photo special to the Journal
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SOCIAL
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 15
Let's get together for Easter!
Photos special to the Journal
WE CREATE (EASTER BUNNY APPROVED) ONE-OF- A-KIND EASTER BASKETS
Forrest DeBuys and Captain of the Krewe, Jay Skinner.
David Crommelin, Claiborne Crommelin and Charles Crommelin.
The Queen’s Trainbearers included Harriet Huntress Crommelin Adams, Juliette Perry Cook, Arthur Philip Cook IV, Henry Tucker Crommelin, Richard Gunter Crommelin IV, Mary Richard Elkus, Carl Hulsey Evans and Marella Stewart Hudson. ❖
Photo by Hank Spencer, Image Arts
Phillip McWane and Bayard Tynes.
Crestline Village / 871.2662
King Bill and Max Rogers, of the Strikers’ Independent Society, who came to congratulate the Krewe on their 50th Anniversary.
English Village
Tent Sale
SALES, TRUNK SHOWS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
MARCH 16-18
Now Open and Ready to Serve You! Paul Petznick, DMD, FAGD, who has practiced dentistry in Birmingham for 27 years, is pleased to announce the opening of his new office in the Brookwood Dental Arts Building. • ADVANCED DENTAL TECHNOLOGY • FRIENDLY, SKILLED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS • CONVENIENT LOCATION NEAR BROOKWOOD HOSPITAL
Call 205-326-7444 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Petznick 2045 Brookwood Medical Center Dr., Suite 6 www.petznickdental.com
16 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Photos special to the Journal
SOCIAL
From left, Rick and Susan Swagler with Dr. Ed and Barbara Partridge.
Painted to Perfection UAB Cancer Center Hosts Annual ArtBLINK Gala
Joan Curtis.
TRUNK SHOW Thursday, March 16th through Saturday, March 18th
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ArtBLINK, the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s annual gala, took place Feb. 18 at The Kirklin Clinic. As more than 900 guests mingled, 17 artists worked with a variety of media to create on-the-spot masterpieces that were sold in a silent auction. The event also included an Artists Gallery, where guests could buy additional works by ArtBLINK artists. The event was organized by the Comprehensive Cancer Center’s advisory board, with this year’s Director’s Circle honoring advisory board founding President Lella Bromberg. Guests were treated to decor by AG Lighting and Design, an internationally inspired buffet by Iz Catering and live music by the Rock Candy Band. Presented by AutoTec and Regions, ArtBLINK supports the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s highest research priorities, including seed funding for new projects and additional funds to move new treatments quickly and safely from the laboratory to the patient. ArtBLINK also supports services for patients receiving cancer care at UAB and their families, as well as outreach efforts in communities across Alabama and the Southeast. Guests attending the event included: Cancer Center Director Dr. Edward Partridge with wife, Barbara Partridge; advisory board President Rick Swagler with wife, Susan Swagler; event honorees Frank and Lella Bromberg; Robert and Lessley Hynson; Richard Adams; Charlie Adams; Daniel and Cori Dillon; Joan Rasberry Caldwell; Cathy Marks; Dr. Marty and Amy Heslin; Suzanne and Mike Wald; Jeanie and Bob MacKenzie; Dr. James and Patrice Bonner; and Dr. Herb and Harriet Chen. ❖
Frank and Lella Bromberg.
Mitzi and Richard Davis.
Mitzi and Richard Davis.
Dr. Burt and Mary Louise Nabors.
David and Jodi Benck.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 17
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
SOCIAL
From left, Jessica Chanel and Brooke Myles Schwartz.
A Visual Feast
Magic City Art Connection Celebrates Decadence at Art Bash The Magic City Art Connection hosted its annual Art Bash fundraiser Feb. 25 in the Thomas Jefferson Tower Ballroom. This year’s theme was Decadence, and the bash raised money for the organization’s annual contemporary art festival, to be held April 28-30 in Linn Park. Guests were treated to door prizes, food, beverages, dance performances, interactive installations and an art salon featuring works by the 2017 art shows exhibiting artists. Culinary bites were provided by Kathy G and Company, Cantina,
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The Cross Creek home of Kathy and Ted Miller in Mountain Brook was the setting for Ballerina Club’s winter coffee Feb. 16. The event was an opportunity for Ballerinas to welcome new members and make reservations for the club’s 71st annual ball. Organized in 1946, the Ballerina Club is one of Birmingham’s first dance clubs. The theme for the March 4 ball was “Some Enchanted Evening.” It offered cocktails, dinner and dancing with music from Just Friends. Save up to $1000! Call for Details 205-909-6585 Co-chairs for the event, held at The Country Club of Birmingham, were Olivia Alison and Renee Blalock. Spring was in the air on the morning of the mid-winter coffee as meme Dress Shop on Linden bers reconnected for the club’s first er The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 party in the new year. The dining arch room table was laden with a variety This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for theof treats that included cookies, date nut bread, sandwiches, brownies, March 9 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. cheese wafers, smoked salmon spread crackers, candies and a tray full Please make sure all information is correct, with of delectable fruits. including address and phone number! Centering the table were three Eiffel Tower vases tied with pink silk ribbon and holding Stargazer lilies Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. that carried out the pink and ivory 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. party decor. On a side table, a silver trumpet vase held pink carnations, Assisted Living Thank you for your prompt attention.
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and the table where guests registered was decorated with a bouquet of pink and ivory alstroemeria. Ballerina President Anne Lamkin welcomed guests. Hospitality Chairman Jean Liles assisted the hostess with party arrangements, and several members contributed refreshments. Past President Sue Parker Trammel assisted in serving. Second Vice President Nancy Walburn also assisted with the club’s social events. Among members enjoying the gettogether were Elouise Williams, Carmen Morrow, Nell Williams, Renee Blalock, Susan Dobbs, Carolyn King, Olivia Alison, Julie Crocker, Pat Grant, Marquita Self, Sahra Lee, Peggy Coleman, Martha Reeves, Barbara Jones, Rebecca Mason, Bonnie Cicio and Ginger Ballard. Lou Lanier is membership chairman. The 18 new Ballerinas are: Susan Williams, Sally Bluhm, Nancy Bush, Bonnie Cicio, Leigh Collins, Julie Crocker, Mitzi Davis, Marlea Foster, Pat Grant, Vera Kee, Vickie Kirkpatrick, Rebecca Mason, Susan Peddy, Kathy Ramsey, Donna Sanford, Melinda Smith, Ginger Ballard and Vicki Smith. ❖
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Silhouettes Dance Club hosted a formal gathering Feb. 11 at the Country Club of Birmingham. Red cloths covered each table topped with mirrors with red hearts scattered over them. Red heart balloons floated around the ballroom as members and guests danced to the music of the Classics. After the social hour, everyone enjoyed a wonderful dinner of Caesar salad, fillet mignon and chicken francese served with roasted asparagus and cheese soufflé potatoes ending with assorted desserts and coffee. In charge of the event were chairman Patsy Norton with Ann Harvey and Roseanne Kendrick as co-chairmen. President Barbara Klyce welcomed everyone to the event. Seen in the crowd were Patsy Norton with Jim, Ann Harvey with Fletcher, June Eagan with John, Sue Kreider and Sharon Vines, Bede Donnell with Sam, Roseanne and Rod Kendrick, Jerry Mills with Pat, Fay Hall with David Parker, Kathleen Petznick with George, Martha Fuller with Bill, Nita Collinsworth with Coy, Pat Robinson with Tom, Betsy Caldwell with Roy, Pat Miller with Bill, Eleanor Cheatham with guests Kathy Gray, Mike Wheeler and Ann Mims, Susan Lewis with Ricky, guests Starr Clem with Martin, Martha Miklic and Pat Coshatt. Seen on the dance floor were Connie Hinkle and Bob Hilley, Margaret and Bill Whitaker, Sharon and Grady Burrow, Karen and Keith Lloyd, Barbara and Don Cook, Barbara and Robert Klyce, Deb and John Sellers, Susan and John Kidd, Becky and Grey Keyes, Suzanne and Henry Taliaferro, Candy Hacker and Jim Downey, Stephanie and Mike Moorefield, guests Karen and Fred Capp and Jane and Chandler Smith. Also attending were Glenda and Jim Sparacio, Nancy and Ed Jones, Margaret and Tommy Tucker, Sandra and Elam Holley, Ginger Sharbel, Jan Collins and Andrew Edge, Sara and Jamie Collins, Nancy and Don Stroup, Forrest Ann and David Cahoon, Patsy Porter, Libby Spain, Laurie and Charlie Binion, Tricia and Charlie Brown, Ken Little and Joanne Englebert, Margaret Langston, Susan L. Morris, and Mariellen and William Morris. ❖
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18 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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Members of Pickwick Dance Club recently held a luncheon for their annual membership meeting. Allison Morgan, assisted by Donna Jernigan, welcomed 60 women into the Morgan home to enjoy a camaraderie built through lifelong friendships. Jean Woodward, president, conducted the meeting with the assistance of Ann Morris, treasurer, who conveyed good news for financing future events. Romona Shannon, secretary, recorded the minutes, and Trissy Hollaway and Tricia Ford, vice presidents in charge of the spring party, shared details on the upcoming party. Enjoying the beautiful weather outside by the pool and in the courtyard were Dottie Kent, Jane Gribbin, Molly Bradley, Dana Norton, Julianne Buckley, Bimi Cox, Yorke Williams, Pat Houseal, Susan Kidd, Peggy Lee and Sallie Johnson. Other guests in attendance included: Kathryn Porter, Ann Vrocher, Nancy Bagby, Catherine Ann Schilleci, Garnett Baker, Lucy Underwood, Linda Turner, Jane Shalloop, Patsy Dreher, Lind Burks, Patty Baker, Jan Shannon, Linda Turner, Charlotte Kearney, Cathy Echols, Grace Whatley, Bootsie
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 19
SOCIAL
Let Us Turn Old & Broken into Beautiful & Renewed Front, from left: Allison Morgan and Donna Jernigan. Back: Lindsay Cook, Trissy Holladay and Peggy Lee.
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Moore Baldwin, Ratty Ringland, Elaine Morgan, Martha Hudson, Caroline Daniel, Dale Prosch, Darleen Mears, Debbie McCullough, Diane Kent Hinkle and Fran Glendining. ❖
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20 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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BRIDAL MATTERS Journal photos by Jordan Wald
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Annual Vestavia Hills School Fundraiser Held at Regions Field The Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation invited guests to dine, dance and bid at the annual Dinner and Diamonds Fundraiser, held Feb. 25 at Regions Field. The event included live and silent auctions that featured big ticket items such as a cooking class with Hot and Hot Fish Club’s Sedesh Boodram, beach vacations, a Jones is Thirsty wine class, diamond earrings, parking at Vestavia Hills High School, reserved VHHS graduation seating and an Iron Bowl football experience. The event was organized by Dinner and Diamonds Chair Tracie Dugas, along with a committee. ❖
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 21
Photos by Shelley Stevens
SOCIAL
Auctioneer Scott Barnes with Leann Turner and Rebecca Hartsough.
School’s Out
VHEW Raises Big Bucks at Annual Bids and Bites Fundraiser On Feb. 3, Vestavia Hills Elementary West hosted its 12th annual auction fundraiser at the Lodge at Wald Park, raising more than $23,000 for the school. Bids & Bites drew a crowd ready to bid on more than 225 items, including vacations, furniture, jewelry and artwork at the annual live and silent auction. “Our annual Bids & Bites auction is one of our most favorite fundraisers,” said principal Kim Hauser. “Parents enjoy a night out socializing and having the opportunity to bid and buy some really cool services and items, all benefitting our sweet school. PTO does a remarkable job coordinating this event each year. Thanks to everyone organizing and participating.” Auction co-chair Rebecca Hartsough added, “Bids & Bites was a success thanks to all the generous donations from the business community and the volunteer efforts of West’s parents. We are grateful and excited that our wonderful school will benefit from this event.” While bidders browsed, they also enjoyed live music by Sam Shober of Meteorite and complimentary food from Chris Z’s Catering and Krispy Kreme. Auctioneer Scott Barnes kept the live auction moving along smoothly. The funds raised will go toward a number of instructional items benefiting students at West. ❖
CLEAR EYES FULL HEARTS CAN’T LOSE
To:the Leaf and Petal Above, winner of the Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 From: coveted Head March of Date: the Line carpool This is your pass celebrates AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the March 9, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. her top bid. Left, from left, VHEW assistant principal Susan McCall and VHEW principal Kim Hauser.
Please make sure all information is correct, Including address and phone number!
Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. SUNDAYS & 10:45 AMof the Friday before the press date, If we haveAT not 8:15 heard from you by 5 pm your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
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22 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SOCIAL/WEDDINGS
Serving in Harmony
Hoover Service Club Hosts Annual Gala Fundraiser
Shannon-Graham
From left, Ryan and Kim Allen with Jim and Rhonda Purcell.
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Ward Shannon of Chesapeake, Virginia, announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelsey Preston Shannon, to Henry Michael Graham Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Michael Graham of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Klinker of Santa Barbara, California, and Mrs. Paul Shannon
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
More than $40,000 was raised at the Hoover Service Club’s fifth annual Hearts and Harmony Gala, held Feb. 10 at the Park Crest Event Facility. Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships the club provides to students in Hoover City Schools, as well as a variety of community charities that the organization supports. Festivities began with a cocktail reception, featuring a silent auction as well as a Chinese auction. Cocktails were followed by a dinner featuring the Park Crest house salad, a rosemary roasted prime rib served over winter succotash and twice-baked potatoes with smoked Gouda and apple-smoked bacon. The meal was finished with a mint chocolate chip mousse with spiced rum caramel and candied spearmint. Hoover Councilman John Lyda and former Mrs. Alabama Jamie Nutter served as auctioneers. Big ticket items up for auction included an SEC Baseball package, Disney World Park Hopper passes, vacation packages, art and jewelry. Music for the evening was provided by Councilman Mike Shaw, with Dianne Shaw on the piano, as well as Hoover High School’s First Edition jazz combo. The event was coordinated by gala chairwoman Betty Daigle, accompanied by a committee that included Paula Campbell, Carol Clark, Jennifer Gregory, Lynda Holliman, Mary Howard, Mary Sue Ludwig, Vicki Nutter, Nicole Swiney, Lois Taylor, Diane Thomas, Lynda Wasden and Martha Yielding. Decor was organized by Barbara Henry, Elaine Thompson, Denise Gaylor and Vicki Nutter. Other committee heads included Liesa Pitts and Donna Bishop, hospitality/teen volunteers; Kay Franklin, programs; Martha
Beauchaine-Wilson
Above, Rachel Lebo, Connelley Erwin and Mackenzie O’Mara. Caroline Holt and Grace Erwin, right.
Mr. and Mrs. David Ironside Beauchaine of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Caroline, to Ryan Lee Wilson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Ray Wilson of Vestavia Hills. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Edward Brock of Camden and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Perry Beauchaine of Bloomington, Minnesota. Miss Beauchaine is a 2012 graduate of Oak Mountain High School and a summa cum laude graduate of
Veazey, reservations; Lori Callahan, treasurer; and Jan Ingle, venue/entertainment. Hoover Service Club officers are Pam Edwards, president; Paula Campbell, first vice-president; Elaine Thompson, second vice-president; Judy McDaniel, third vicepresident; Jill Erwin, recording secretary; Vicki Nutter, corresponding secretary; and Lori Callahan, treasurer. ❖
and the late Mr. Paul Shannon of Waynesboro, Virginia. Miss Shannon is a 2005 graduate of Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake and a 2009 graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in civil engineering in 2011. The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry V. Graham of Birmingham and Mrs. Joseph Eugene Weatherford Sr., and the late Mr. Joseph Eugene Weatherford Sr. of Twin City, Georgia. Mr. Graham is a 2003 graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a 2007 summa cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He received a master’s degree in business administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Palmer Scholar in 2014. The wedding will be in Hope Town, Abaco, Bahamas in April, 2017. Auburn University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She served as president of Alpha Gamma Delta social sorority and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and the Cater Society. Miss Beauchaine was presented at the Poinsettia Ball. She is employed as development coordinator at Mitchell’s Place. Mr. Wilson is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lawson Hayes of Birmingham and Mrs. Simuel Ray Wilson and the late Mr. Simuel Ray Wilson of Montgomery. The prospective groom is a 2010 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University’s Honors College, where he received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in accounting. Mr. Wilson was a member of Phi Gamma Delta social fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa honorary. He also served as president of the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen. Mr. Wilson is a certified public accountant and is employed with Ernst and Young in Birmingham. The wedding is planned for May 13 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Birmingham.
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Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 23
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FOOD
24 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Feeding the Family
Two new Over the Mountain-based companies try to make parents’ lives easier with homemade food delivered to your door.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
‘When you’re tired, you find yourself ordering at the drive-through a lot. And you can’t feed kids pizza for every meal.’
Becoming a mom gave Emily Forsythe a new outlook on cooking. Forsythe said she thinks most parents want to give their children healthy starts diet-wise. That’s why she launched Dixie Fresh, a homemade baby food delivery company, a few weeks ago.
In January, Rick and Kathy Claypoole launched a food delivery company that aims to help families serve healthy and delicious dinners with a minimum of time and effort. Birmingham Eats offers meals that just need to be heated up before they hit the table.
Homewood Mom Starts Baby Food Business
Hoover Couple Simplifies Dinner
Dixie Fresh
By Donna Cornelius As the owner of a Hoover bakery, Emily Forsythe provides treats for weddings, birthdays and other parties. “I love being part of people’s special occasions,” the Homewood mom said. She bought Louise’s Cakes N Things, a fullservice bakery, caterer and cake decorating supply shop, in 2011. “We closed on the business the same day we found out we were pregnant with our first child,” Forsythe said. She and her husband, Jeremy, now have two sons. John Michael is 4½, and William is 1. Becoming a mom gave her a new outlook on cooking, she said. “Baking at home transformed into making healthy, farm-fresh things I wanted to make every day,” she said. Forsythe said she thinks most parents want to give their children healthy starts diet-wise. That’s why she launched Dixie Fresh, a homemade baby food delivery company, a few weeks ago. “The huge difference is that we bake or steam fresh fruits and vegetables, mix the food and immediately freeze it,” she said. “That way, our food retains the nutrients and the color. There are no added preservatives or flavors.” There are 16 1-ounce cubes in a bag. “You just take out the number of cubes you need – you can pull one at a time for babies and maybe three to four at a time for older children – and either thaw them overnight in the fridge
or put them in the microwave,” Forsythe said. The Pell City native majored in business at the University of Alabama, where she and Jeremy met, and worked in finance for several years. She bought Louise’s Cakes N Things for two reasons. “I’ve always loved cooking and baking, and I wanted to have my own business,” she said. Starting Dixie Fresh wasn’t a sudden decision. “It was a process,” Forsythe said. “We came up with the plan right after our second son was born.” She said that because Dixie Fresh is the first baby food producer in Alabama, working through health department and Food and Drug Administration regulations was tough. “There was a lot of learning and talking with the Jefferson County Health Department and the FDA,” she said. “We had to come up with the safest ways to make, freeze and package the food. Our No. 1 concern is safety. It took about eight or nine months to iron everything out. We took our time.” Forsythe said she didn’t mind the onerous start-up process. “Babies and pregnant women are the most at-risk groups in terms of food, and the health department is looking out for the consumer,” she said. Dixie Fresh’s food is made in her bakery’s commercial kitchen. “Louise’s is open five days a week, so we See DIXIE FRESH, page 25
Birmingham Eats
By Donna Cornelius Rick and Kathy Claypoole believe most parents want to feed their families well-balanced, tasty meals. They also know this plan often makes a detour – right through the drive-through lane at the nearest fast-food joint. In January, the Hoover couple launched a food delivery company that aims to help families serve healthy and delicious dinners with a minimum of time and effort. Birmingham Eats offers meals that just need to be heated up before they hit the table. The Claypooles moved to Hoover from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago, when Rick Claypoole went to work for a bank. “I was a corporate muckety-muck and traveled a lot,” he said. “We have three kids, and life was exhausting. We’re just like any other family with children – getting them to honors band, dance and piano lessons. When you’re tired, you find yourself ordering at the drivethrough a lot. And you can’t feed kids pizza for every meal.” He and his wife first got into cooking for others through a food ministry at their church, Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover. The ministry supported those with new babies and people with health issues or financial difficulties. “With three kids, Kathy has a special place in her heart for new moms,” Claypoole said. That experience led the couple to start preparing a week’s worth of meals for their own family in one big cooking session. “We started cooking together for the week on Sunday afternoons,” Claypoole said. “That meant dinner was a reheat, not one that had to
be made from scratch. We’d put on music, open a bottle of wine. I’d make lunches, too, for me to take to work. That eliminated a lot of temptation – we were saving time and money and eating right.” The Claypooles started Birmingham Eats because they figured there were plenty of other families “just like us,” Claypoole said. Birmingham Eats’ menu, posted on the company’s website, has four new dinner options each week. Recent selections included pasta primavera, which came with salad and bread, and chicken alfredo with linguini and steamed green beans. An “Always On” section offers staple items such as chicken tetrazzini, lasagna roll-ups, chimichangas and meatloaf with steamed corn. “We use some family recipes and some that are more modern,” Claypoole said. “This isn’t a health food company – but our food is healthy and delicious. It’s protein rich with no frying and fresh ingredients.” Once you sign up with Birmingham Eats, you’ll get a weekly reminder to check the menu. “You can place orders each week through Friday,” he said. “We cook on Sunday and deliver everything on Monday. Most people do three meals per week.” Birmingham EATS will bring the food to your home or office; there’s no delivery charge. High-quality thermal bags ensure that the food stays fresh until you’re ready to serve it, Claypoole said. The couple’s experience with their church’s food ministry led them to offer another Birmingham Eats option – Meals for a Friend. You can order food for someone else or give
See BIRMINGHAM EATS, page 25
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
BIRMINGHAM EATS, From page 24
them a gift voucher. “A lot of older couples need this kind of service,” Claypoole said. “For example, you might know a couple in their 70s, and Mrs. Smith gets sick and Mr. Smith has never cooked a meal in his life.” The company also offers fundraisers. “Instead of selling coupon books, we sell pasta dinners,” Claypoole said. “The proceeds go back to the organization. Nonprofits get money, and families get food.” Kimberly Descher of Hoover said she signed up for Birmingham Eats right after the company started. She and her husband have full-time jobs – and three children ages 7, 4 and 2. “This lets us avoid the, ‘What’s for dinner?’ question,” Descher said.
finalists and semifinalists before but haven’t yet won the top Beard award in their categories. Highlands’ Frank Stitt Tim Hontzas of won Best Johnny’s Restaurant in Chef in the Homewood is making Southeast in his debut on the pres2001. tigious James Beard Other Awards list. He’s a semifinalist in the Best Alabama Chef in the South divichefs sion. who are semifinalists this year are David Bancroft of Acre in Auburn, Bill Briand of Fisher’s Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, and Rob McDaniel of SpringHouse in Alexander City. Five finalists from each category will be announced March 15. Winners will be announced May 1 at the annual James Beard Foundation Awards ceremony in Chicago. For a complete list of semifinalists, visit jamesbeard.org. Photo special to the Journal
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Includes Dinner Birmingham’s celebration of St. Patrick’s Day features a parade, flagraising ceremony – and a dinner on March 10. The 37th annual St. Patrick’s Dinner starts at 7 p.m. at Pine Tree Country Club, 5100 Pine Whispers Drive, Birmingham. Presented by the Birmingham Irish Cultural Society, the event includes traditional Irish food, dancing and music. Tickets are $75. Tables for eight are $600. For more information about the dinner and other St. Patrick’s Day events, visit fivepointsbham.com.
Photo special to the Journal
Taste of Homewood Returns for 16th Year The 16th annual Taste of Homewood, set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. March 9, will feature more than 25 restaurants, caterers, bakeries, coffee shops and beverage merchants. The event is at Rosewood Hall in City Hall at SoHo Square. The Homewood Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event to showcase its growing number of restaurant and other food-based business members. Taste of Homewood participants this year include Brio Tuscan Grille, Buffalo Rock, Chick-Fil-A, Costco, Gianmarco’s Restaurant, Homewood Gourmet, Jackson’s Bar and Bistro, Jojo’s on Broadway, Lunchbox Express, Magic City Sweet Ice, Michael’s Restaurant, Nabeel’s Cafe and Market, Pastry Art Bake Shoppe, Savage’s Bakery, Shrimp Basket, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, The Happy Catering Company, Your Pie and Zoe’s Kitchen. Alabev, Birmingham Budweiser and Piggly Wiggly will provide craft beer and wine. Tickets, which Your Pie franchise include owner Lloyd Peeples unlimited will join more than 25 samples of restaurants, caterers, bakeries, coffee shops food, wine and beverage merand beer, chants at the 16th annuare $30 al Taste of Homewood. through March 8 and $40 at the door. You can buy tickets online at homewoodchamber.org. For more information, call the chamber office at 871-5631 or visit the chamber’s Facebook page. Proceeds go to the chamber’s scholarship fund for Homewood students and help support economic development in the Homewood community.
Going Green
Journal file photo by Lee Walls Jr.
Sampling the City
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 25
FOOD
Beard Awards
Inspiring Meals
“I’d come home from work and try to cook. But the kids want your attention, and they’re starving, too, after being at daycare. “With Birmingham Eats, the food is on the table in minutes, and there’s very little cleanup. We get to spend our time playing with our kids. It’s been life-changing for us at this stage of our lives. Moms, whether they work outside the home or not, are always busy. I told some of my friends that this is the best money I spend every week.” She said the service also has eliminated many after-work trips to the grocery store. “We try to get at least one family-style dinner every week,” Descher said. “There are lots of kidfriendly options, but this also helps our children try new things.” Claypoole said he thinks kids may be more likely to give unfamiliar foods a shot “if somebody else is making them.” “People tell us, ‘My children are
eating your asparagus,’” he said. “We get good reviews on our veggies. We’re not just heating up carrots; we’re using spices and seasonings to make things taste good.” Claypoole said his wife has been cooking since she was 8 or 9 years old. “She’s the boss in the kitchen,” he said. “I’m a business person. But I’m a little more patient when it comes to cooking. I don’t mind standing over the heat when something needs to cook for a while.” Although the Claypooles are hoping their business will change mealtimes for busy families, their new venture also has changed their lives. “I’ve traveled my entire career, and now, we get to spend time together,” Claypoole said. “We’re trying to feed families who are on the go. We get it – we’re parents.” For more information, visit www. bhameats.biz or follow the company on Facebook. ❖
Birmingham Chefs, Restaurant Are Semifinalists Two Birmingham chefs and one restaurant are semifinalists for the 2017 James Beard Foundation’s culinary awards. Timothy Hontzas of Johnny’s Restaurant in Homewood is making his debut on the prestigious list. He’s a semifinalist in the Best Chef in the South division. Hontzas’ popular restaurant opened in 2012. Johnny’s made the national spotlight when it was featured in an April 2016 Wall Street Journal article, “The Meat-and-Three Makeover: Southern Cooking Rethought.” Highlands Bar and Grill is a semifinalist in the Most Outstanding Restaurant category. Its pastry chef, Dolester Miles, is in the running for Most Outstanding Pastry Chef. Both the restaurant and Miles have been
Birmingham Church Hosts Annual Lenten Lunches Cathedral Church of the Advent’s Lenten Lunches are in progress and will be served through April 13. The downtown Birmingham church has hosted its Lenten Preaching Series and Lenten Lunches for more than a century. Different meals, prepared by parishioners, are offered each weekday during Lent. There’s also an express line for quick service. Full-service meals are served from 12:05 to 1 p.m. The express line is open from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Proceeds this year will support disadvantaged women and children at Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and the Anglican Church’s Diocese of Rwanda. For a menu and more information, visit adventbirmingham.org. The church is at 2017 Sixth Ave. N. ❖
DIXIE FRESH, From page 24
had two days that the kitchen wasn’t being used,” Forsythe said. “We have a great staff there, and my head baker is working with me on Dixie Fresh.” The company’s purees come in three categories: single-ingredient foods called First Tastes, Playful Pairings that are blends of two or more ingredients, and Tot Applesauce. “I wanted to have foods that are good for introducing babies to solids,” Forsythe said. “That’s why we have single ingredients: sweet potatoes, apples and butternut squash. They’re milder and easier to digest.” The foods have playful names such as Butter Me Up for the butternut squash puree and Sweet Spuds for the sweet potatoes. “We also wanted to have flavors that will grow with the child,” Forsythe said. “Our Hulk Applesauce has broccoli and spinach as well as apples. Applesauce is something most kids are used to. This is an easy way to sneak veggies in. It’s my 4-year-old’s favorite.” Dixie Fresh also has Power Bites – snacks made with oat and flax, with moms in mind. Forsythe said she wants to add jugs of fresh juice to her menu in the future. All the purees start with fresh, organic, non-GMO fruits and veggies, she said, and they have no added preservatives or flavors. A look at the expiration dates on some jarred baby foods tells consumers that these products have to have preservatives added, Forsythe said. She thinks there’s another benefit to homemade baby foods. “The more diversity of flavors you can introduce early on, the better palate you’re helping your child
develop,” Forsythe said. She’s not alone in that thinking. Reuters Health recently wrote an article about a recent study by the Research Institute at McGill University Health Centre and the Montreal Children’s Hospital. The article said the study seems to suggest babies who eat homemade food may learn to like a wider variety of
‘I wanted to have foods that are good for introducing babies to solids. That’s why we have single ingredients: sweet potatoes, apples and butternut squash. They’re milder and easier to digest.”’ food types and be leaner than infants who eat store-bought products. Dixie Fresh wants to make it easy for parents to give their children homemade food, Forsythe said. “You just go to our website and pick your delivery day,” she said. “We’ll work with parents on delivery times. Our first deliveries of the day are at 7 a.m.” There’s no charge for deliveries for orders of $20 or more. For orders of less than $20, there’s a $5 delivery charge. “Parenting is so hectic already,” Forsythe said. “This takes one thing off the to-do list for parents. This is wholesome, real food.” For more information, visit dixiefreshbhm.com or follow the company on their Facebook page and Instagram. ❖
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THIS MUST BE THE PLACE
The spring house hunting season is upon us and in this special section we’ve asked local real estate professionals to share with us real estate trends for 2017. We’ve also asked chamber of commerce officials from Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills what makes living in their particular part of the Over the Mountain area such an easy sell.
REAL ESTATE TRENDS MECHELLE WILDER
Wilder is Partner/Associate Broker with ARC Realty and has been in the real estate business since 2001. She is a lifetime member of The Club of Excellence and was named the Birmingham Association of Realtors’ 2016 Residential Sales Associate of the Year. What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
The market appears to be staying pretty steady with continued appreciation similar to 2016. There is still a need for marketMechelle Wilder ready homes between the price range of $250,000 to $450,000 in this area. What are some things at the top of the list for home buyers in our area this year?
Updated bathrooms and kitchens are still at the top of the list. Additionally, an outdoor entertainment area is a bonus for many buyers. From your perspective, what are the three most important things in current real estate environment (after location)?
Price, updates and amenities.
STEPHANIE ROBINSON
Robinson is with RealtySouth and has been a Realtor since 1991. She has been RealtySouth’s Top Producer for the past 10 years and was named one of America’s top 1,000 real estate agents in the nation in 2014 by the Wall Street Journal. What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
It has already started off to be a great year! I think it is going to be the best year ever! I am very optimistic!
Stephanie Robinson
COMMUNITY CHEER
What are some things at the top of the list for homebuyers in our area this year?
They want move-in ready houses with good outdoor living spaces such as a porch with a fireplace. From your perspective, what are the three most important things in current real estate environment?
Of course, location is always #1. (Otherwise) 1) Condition of the house and property, 2) Open floor plan for everyday living, and 3) Kitchens and bathrooms are always key and spacious walk-in closets in the master. More and more purchasers want the master to be on the main level. DELLA PENDER
Pender is a Real Estate Broker at Mt Laurel and has been in the real estate business since 2003 and in 2016 was named AL.com’s Best of Birmingham award winner for real estate. What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
According to a report from the Alabama Center for Real Estate, our market has experienced growth for the sixth year in a row in 2016. We believe that we will experience another solid year for local home sales and new construction in Mt Laurel. What are some things at the top of the list for homebuyers in our area this year?
Our home buyers are Della Pender looking for a true community and a walkable neighborhood. Mt Laurel is a place where residents can walk to the shops and restaurants in our Town Center, neighborhood schools or our outdoor amenities. Inside their homes, buyers are wanting open floor plans, an indoor/outdoor lifestyle with spaSee REAL ESTATE, page 29
HOMEWOOD
Homewood Touts Walkability and Distinct Business Areas Among Its Strong Points By Annie Howard Homewood prides itself on its walkability. The city’s designed so that, both in residential and retail areas, people can hit the sidewalk and get from one place to another. “It definitely has a Mayberry feel,” said Meredith Drennen, executive director of Homewood’s Chamber of Commerce. “It’s really interconnected.” Business is another strength. Welcomemat Services in 2016 ranked Homewood eighth among America’s top 25 best neighborhoods for small businesses. From boutiques such as Soca and Ambiance to food joints such as Savages Bakery and Urban Cookhouse, which got its start in Homewood, the city is small-business friendly. “We have a really strong business community in Homewood,” Drennen said. “We don’t have just small businesses and mom and pops, but we also have some major employers as well that are very supportive of the business community overall.” Many of these businesses are located in Homewood’s three distinct shopHOOVER • PAGE 30 MOUNTAIN BROOK • PAGE 32 VESTAVIA HILLS • PAGE 33
ping districts: Edgewood, Downtown and West Homewood. Each district is organic; they weren’t extensively planned before construction, but rather developed naturally. “You get one really good restaurant or one really good bar, and they kind of draw a crowd,” said Drennen. “Homewood has (had) these organic districts for decades; they’re incredi- Meredith Drennen, executive direcbly well-estabtor of Homewood lished.” Chamber of The shopCommerce. ping districts are all walkable. That lends itself to convenience, and fun. “When you can go and park your car once and get all of your errands done, in one area, that’s always pretty helpful,” Drennen said. “But it’s also pretty great when you have an afternoon free and want to go walk and get some ice cream.” Ms. Drennen hopes that a new area will soon draw crowds. A revitalization is in the works for West Homewood; the city recently bought some property adjacent to Patriot Park. The City Council voted in October to sell that property to Gianmarco’s, a local Italian restaurant. “(The city) really wanted something that was going to throw gasoline on the fire, if you will, in an area that’s growing,” Drennen said. She said Gianmarco’s “is investing over half a million into the property, and they’re See HOMEWOOD, page 29
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
Living Small
Exhibit Explores Alternative Urban Living PAGE 28
Open Houses
Decorators’ ShowHouse and Parade of Homes Details PAGE 28
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Living Small Tiny House Exhibit Explores Alternative Urban Living Open Houses Sneek Peek: ShowHouse Empty House Party
Photo special to the Journal
The 2017 Decorators’ ShowHouse Empty House Party on March 16, benefiting the Alabama Symphony, will give fans a chance to tour the Johnstone-Clark Estate in Mountain Brook. They’ll also be entertained with music of the Goodfellas and feast on heavy hors d’oeuvres by Christain Catering as they tour the empty house. The event is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and parking will be at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church, at 3405 Brookwood Road. Shuttles will run regularly throughout the evening. Tickets for the event are $50 per person. To buy tickets, mail your check to Skip Wadhams, 2001 Watermill Lane, Birmingham, 35242. For more information, call 437-0013 or email rwadco@charter.net. The 41st Decorators’ ShowHouse, a project of the Symphony Volunteer Council, will be open April 29 through May 14.
Home Builders’ Parade of Homes Returns in April
This tiny home designed by Jeffrey Dungan Architects and built by Clayton Homes will be part of the exhibit.
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iron City, 513 The Living Small Tiny House 22nd St. South. Tickets are $20 and Exhibit is being held this month to encourage conversation about modern available at squareup.com/store/aiabirmingham. living in the urban environment and The exhibit will be at Alabama showcase tiny house design. Center for Architecture, 109 Richard The event kicks off with a lecture by architect Garrett Reynolds, AIA, of Arrington Jr. Blvd South. A free opening reception will be held March 9, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson in Seattle, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The indoor on the design of microliving spaces. exhibition will remain open to the Reynolds talk will be based on his public through March 31 each research in New York City, fbcalparadeofhomesad.pdf 1 6/5/16 8:40 Monday through Friday from 10 PM a.m. Copenhagen, Stockholm, Seoul and to 4 p.m. Tokyo. The lecture will be March 9,
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Tiny home tours will be conducted through March 17. They will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each weekday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There will be no tours on Sunday. The exhibit is a Design Week Birmingham event, presented by the American Institute of Architects in Birmingham, the Alabama Center for Architecture and the Birmingham Association of Realtors, and sponsored by Alagasco and Clayton Homes. ❖
The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders’ 2017 Parade of Homes and Remodeler’s Tour will take place on two weekends this spring, April 21-23 and April 28-30. The event will include free tours of more than 50 homes and communities throughout the greater Birmingham area. Headlining the event will be this year’s Ideal Home, built by Scotch Homes. Wayne Scotch is a Birmingham native who graduated from Briarwood Christian School. The home is in the company’s Willow Branch community, in Chelsea. Parade hours will be from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. For more information, visit birminghambuilder.com/events/parade-of-homes. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
well built and thoughtfully planned home.
REAL ESTATE, From page 26
CLAY PIERCE, NMLS#594385
cious porches and outdoor rooms, beautiful kitchens that are the heart of the home and elegant master suites on the main level.
Pierce is a Mortgage Loan Officer, FBC Home Loans. He has been a mortgage loan originator for 23 years and has been recognized as part of FBC Mortgage’s Top Producer Club.
From your perspective, what are the three most important things in current real estate environment?
What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
Buyers are clamoring for walkability in a community with loads of outdoor amenities. They’re also looking for friendly neighbors with a convenient access to shops, restaurants, groceries and necessities. They’re looking for a beautiful neighborhood with mature trees and a
Mortgage rates are on the move upward since the November election. The Federal Reserve had already decided to raise rates, which had the major impact on mortgage rates along with the strengthening economy. According to the Alabama Center for Real Estate’s website, the Birmingham Metro area’s demand for
sales is up 8 percent, the inventory of homes is down 7 percent, and the median sales price of homes is currently at 12 percent year over year. These trends Clay Pierce are creating higher sales prices for the buyers in the marketplace.
What are some things at the top of the list for homebuyers in our area?
Several years ago, it seemed like
See REAL ESTATE, page 30
HOMEWOOD,
T h e r e ’s a w o r l d c l a s s g o l f c o u r s e h e r e ,
From page 26
b u t t h a t ’s o n l y t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h e s t o r y. Living here means being surrounded by nearly a thousand unspoiled acres with trails, w e l l - s t o c k e d l a k e s , a n e q u e s t r i a n b o a r d i n g f a c i l i t y, and yes, a world class golf course. Journal photo by Jordan Wald
looking at a fall opening.” Once that spot is up and running, Drennen hopes that it will foster a sense of community in the area. “When folks can walk to a restaurant and it’s a neighborhood watering hole, it’s always a good thing.” Finally, according to Drennen, the community’s schools are regularly among the better ones in the state. That, in turn, raises the value of the rest of the community. “That keeps the home values relatively high as well,” she said. “Then when you also add the walkability, the really, really strong retail area too, it creates an overall high quality of life in the area.” ❖
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 29
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E V E R Y
LiveAtShoalCreek.com
A revitalization is in the works for West Homewood, including a new restaurant by the owners of the popular Italian restaurant Gianmarco’s, this fall.
D A Y
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Hoover, an Athlete’s Playground Hoover has a lot to offer to the athletic and outdoorsy. From the Hoover Met to hiking trails and cross-country courses, the city is home to a variety of athletic facilities. “First of all, we have a big public park called Veterans Park,” said Bill Powell, executive director of Hoover’s chamber of commerce. Veterans Park contains a cross-coun-
try running track that winds through the woods and around the park’s lake. Track meets and bigger events often are held at Veterans Park, as well as it being a favorite of casual joggers. “In January, we hosted the national championship cross-country event for juniors, for all the high school and younger,” Powell said. “I talked to people from Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon and California that had all come to Hoover for that event.”
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Star Lake is one of many popular outdoor spots in Hoover.
Hoover also sits just north of Oak Mountain State Park, which at 10,000 acres is Alabama’s largest park. “That facility hosts national competitions for mountain biking and triathlons,” Powell said. Moss Rock Preserve, in Hoover, is a nature preserve of more than 300 acres. Its trails wind through streams, woods and giant boulders, drawing hikers year-round. Aside from fresh-air facilities, the city boasts Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. “We host the Southeastern Conference baseball tournament there,” Powell said. A new facility will soon open its doors near the Met. “Probably the biggest event going on in Hoover now is the construction
REAL ESTATE, From page 29
many of my buyers were looking for homes to purchase using renovation or construction loans, but lately I have seen a transformation of the buyers looking to purchase existing or new homes ready to be moved into without any repairs or renovation required. Aside from the home itself, I have many clients looking for a close commute to their jobs and a desire to be near the entertainment districts. From your perspective, what are the three most important things in current real estate environment?
First, I recommend that a potential home buyer select a local mortgage lender and a real estate professional that know the local market and who, also, have a vested interest in making the home buying process as seamless as possible. I recommend that one have their mortgage lender and Realtor explain in detail how the sales and mortgage process will work, including realistic time lines in today’s world. Lastly, one should determine what features in a home are most important to one’s family and themselves. MICHAEL MURPHREE
Murphree is an Associate Broker with ARC Realty and has been in the real estate business since 2005.
What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
of the Finley Center,” Powell said. “It’s an athletic conference facility near the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.” The Finley Center should be finished by Bill Powell, execuMay. tive director of the Hoover Chamber of Even Commerce. Hoover’s schools have a strong athletic track record. Hoover High has won the state championship nine times. “They’re always in the running for it,” Powell said. There are two high schools in the
Hoover area: Spain Park and Hoover High. “Collectively, those high schools usually exceed $50 million in scholar-
I believe that interest rates are going to increase. I also believe that the amount of homes for sale – or housing inventory – will remain low and OTM home prices will continue to increase at a higher rate than the previous five years.
very quickly when new listings come on the market, and in many cases, we are seeing multiple offer situations with little to no contingencies. Is this a boom that will lead to another real estate bust? Not in my opinion. The level of inventory will even out in mid- to late spring as more homeowners decide to sell and more product becomes available. We do see homes selling for high values; however, these values should not last long and are only in select neighborhoods. Low, yet rising, interest rates are also driving buyers to move quickly to lock in on the curFred Smith rent low rates.
What are some things Michael Murphree at the top of the list for homebuyers in our area this year?
The same things that are always important to Over the Mountain home buyers: a home in a neighborhood, with play space for a family and updates inside and out. From your perspective, what are the three most important things in current real estate environment?
The correct schools, home value in relation to purchase price and current updates. FRED SMITH
Smith is with The Fred Smith Group, RealtySouth has been in the business since 1995 and is a Lifetime Member of the Club of Excellence.
What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
The OTM area is currently seeing an abundance of activity. Inventory is quite low, causing buyers to move
‘Probably the biggest event going on in Hoover now is the construction of the Finley Center.’ ships for the senior classes, going everywhere from local schools like UAB to the big ivy-league schools,” Powell said. About 3,000 students are enrolled at Hoover and about 2,000 at Spain Park. ❖
What are some things at the top of the list for homebuyers in our area this year?
Buyers are most interested in the updated homes that have white marble or granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, creamy white walls and trim with dark hardwoods. Shiny chrome or dark fixtures are a cool complement as well. An abundance of light makes the home feel bright and clean, which is what buyers are generally looking for. There are a number of purchasers who are looking for fixer uppers and we are seeing an increasing amount of
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
investors flipping houses. Of course, people have different taste so it is never a cookie cutter approach.
From your perspective, what are the three most important things in current real estate environment (after location)?
Aside from location, residential real estate is driven by the quality of schools. We are fortunate to have high-quality public schools and a number of great private school options. Another huge draw to our area is the architectural appeal of so many of the homes in the OTM area. We have some very talented local architects and designers who have created homes for families that are appealing and inviting to friends and family. Safety and security are always at the top of the list when considering an area. Crime can happen anywhere, but raising a family in a calm, peaceful neighborhood is a key factor when considering a particular home to purchase. Finally, price and the opportunity for appreciation are always key factors that weigh heavily on OTM homeowners. MIKE WALD
Wald has been a Realtor with RealtySouth for more than 20 years. He and his son Hayden Wald work together and have sold over $200,000,000 in real estate since 2000.
What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
Inventory is tight in Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia. With ever-increasing demand, combined with the fact that these communities are landlocked (and can’t add significantly to their stock of housing), we can expect 2017 to be another good year for sellers. So, homes that are priced appropriately will sell relatively quickly and often times for
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 31
HOME more than asking price. Prices will likely continue to rise, in spite of gradual increases in mortgage rates.
What are some things at the top of the list for homebuyers in our area this year?
Mike Wald
ers and pay too much. Unfortunately, for buyers, it’s hard to compete for the “perfect” houses if they have to make purchasing contingent on the sale of their current home. For sellers to sell at the highest price, it’s very important to prepare their house inside and out to have the greatest appeal to the market. Lastly, in the digital age, it’s imperative that the house be listed close to it’s market value. Sellers should keep in mind
Over the Mountain homebuyers tend to prefer homes that are updated and move-in-ready. As in years past, the kitchen is still the number one living space. Buyers want updated kitchens that are open to the den and/or the dining room. Being able to entertain family and friends in a beautiful open kitchen is a top priority. The master bath is a close second. Buyers are drawn to baths that feature soaking tubs, glass enclosed frameless showers, and granite countertops. From your perspective what are the three most important things in current real estate environment,
For buyers, it’s important to know the valuations and the subtle characteristics of the neighborhoods where they’d like to live. Second, it’s critical to have a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get caught up in the competition with other buy-
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Jim Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 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.
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Village Living Near the City Gives Mountain Brook Its Own Flair Mountain Brook has a special ambiance. Its three villages – Mountain Brook, English and Crestline villages – were designed to be walkable communities, with tree-lined sidewalks and an assortment of shops, restaurants and businesses. Together, the villages create a community with its own unique Suzan Doidge, flair. executive director “Over 75 of the Mountain years ago, Brook Chamber of Commerce. Robert Jemison developed Mountain Brook,” said Suzan Doidge, executive director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. “It was based on his vision of an upscale community centered around the pedestrian-friendly village and green spaces.” Decades later, Mountain Brook still preserves that vision. “The tree-lined streets and trails that separate each of the villages make Mountain Brook a great place to live, work or visit,” Doidge said. Mountain Brook residents “care for their parks and natural surroundings,” she said.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
By Annie Howard
Residents are just minutes away from walking trails, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, above, and the Birmingham Zoo.
Those carefully preserved green spaces haven’t gone unnoticed. The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Mountain Brook as a Tree City USA for 23 years running. This year, Mountain Brook also was presented with its 15th Growth Award, given for advanced commitment to tree care.
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The Tree City USA designation means Mountain Brook met four core standards. It had: an Arbor Day celebration, a tree board, a community tree ordinance and at least $2 per capita spent on urban forestry. The Growth Award has been given to the city for going above and beyond those standards.
REAL ESTATE, From page 31
that online valuations are unreliable. Recently, Zillow valued one of our listings at $400,000. It sold for $436,000! MICHELLE CREAMER
Creamer has been a licensed Realtor since 2002, currently working with ARC Realty. Her production ranked her in the top 25 ARC Realty agents in both 2014 and 2015. What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
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Forecasts indicate 2017 will be another year of positive growth in our local real estate industry. Available housing inventory remains low in the Over the Mountain area and this is causing prices to continue ris- Michelle Creamer ing. If you are thinking about selling, now may be the perfect time. What are some things at the top of the list for homebuyers in our area this year?
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Homebuyers are looking for open floor plans, neutral colors and updated kitchens with light color schemes and high-end finishes and appliances. Buyers are paying closer attention to
Residents also are “just minutes away from walking trails, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Birmingham Zoo,” Doidge said. Mountain Brook also is known for its strong school system. “Ninety-eight percent of all Mountain Brook graduates continue their education at a four-year college,”
Doidge said. “Also, each school provides advanced programs, such as gifted education, advanced placement and exceptional children programs.” The schools have been ranked in the top 1,000 nationally by Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report, and they consistently score among the best in the state. ❖
creating spaces where they can both live and entertain.
and community amenities like lakes, trails, golf, and swimming. I’d also say an open floor plan, main-level living and sufficient indoor and (private) outdoor living space are top on the priorities for a new home. We have found that a large segment of the the buying population - young and old are looking for homes that meet this criteria. These are the reasons we embarked on our new street at Shoal Creek - Troon. The eight new homes we are building here - built by Francis Bryant and designed by Nequette Architecture - offer the quality of construction and design that you would find in a custom-built home, while also offering the type of living spaces people are seeking.
From your perspective what are the three most important things in current real estate environment?
Buyers are looking for good school systems, amenities which are close by - like shopping and restaurants - and walkability! They love neighborhoods that offer these things for busy families. That’s what makes so many Over the Mountain neighborhoods so desirable to home buyers. CAROLINE LITTLE
Little, President of Shoal Creek Properties, since 2007 has been in the real estate business for 14 years.
What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
So far, 2017 has been all about market confidence and growth. The OTM area is one of the strongest sectors in the state. I expect confidence to remain high in and around the OTM market and for buying conditions to continue to grow through the spring season. What are Caroline Little some things at the top of the list for homebuyers in our area this year?
Location is certainly key, but beyond that I find that homebuyers are looking for quality construction
From your perspective what are the three most important things in current real estate environment?
At Shoal Creek specifically, we find that our home and property buyers are looking for privacy and security combined with a strong sense of community. The natural beauty of our surrounding woods is certainly a driving factor, too. KRISALYN RILEY CRYE
Crye is a Realtor with LAH Real Estate and has been in the industry since 2012.
What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
The 2017 Real Estate Market is off to a very fast start. We are already seeing bidding wars and homes selling within just a few days on the marSee REAL ESTATE, page 34
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 33
HOME
VESTAVIA HILLS
Shared Experiences and Sense of Community Bind Vestavia Hills Residents ty.
“Vestavia Hills is a beautiful community, with rolling hills and valleys,” said Odle. “Numerous streams, trees, dogwoods and azaleas add to the beauty of our city.” The city is well-known for its lovely flowering dogwoods, which led to the creation of the spring
Dogwood Festival back in 1964. Vestavia Hills continues to nurture its green spaces. Meadowlawn park, a new space for the Cahaba Heights community, is nearing completion. “That’s close to being finished, probably within the next month or so, I would imagine,” Odle said. The city’s also working on a “real-
ly comprehensive plan to redevelop all of our parks and green spaces in the whole community,” Odle said. On March 14, at the monthly chamber luncheon, city manager Jeff Downs and Parks and Recreation board member Tommy Dazzio will present the plan to the Vestavia Hills business community. ❖ JUST LISTED
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Through Helping Hands in the Hills, held each year in September, residents gather on a Saturday and help others in the community, typically the elderly.
By Annie Howard Vestavia Hills has a powerful sense of community. There’s always something on the calendar; annual events pull residents together. “We have things going on all year round,” said Karen Odle, president of the Vestavia Hills chamber of commerce. Each June toward the end of the month there’s I Love America Day, the
The city’s also working on a ‘really comprehensive plan to redevelop all of our parks and green spaces in the whole community.’ city’s Independence Day celebration. Helping Hands in the Hills is in September, when residents gather on a Saturday and help others in the community, typically the elderly. In October, Viva Vestavia features great food from local restaurants. In the fourth quarter, the city celebrates with its annual Holiday in the Hills festivities.
These events foster a spirit of community, in more ways than one. “These are all staffed by volunteers,” Odle said. The Vestavia Hills chamber is smallstaffed, and, as a result, residents have stepped up to help. From assisting in ribbon-cuttings and on committees to the less glamorous jobs of setting up tables, picking up trash and taking tables down after events, Vestavia Hills volunteers stay engaged and active in their community. Volunteer opportunities also provide residents with a Karen Odle, executive director chance to meet of the Vestavia their neighbors. Hills Chamber of “You really Commerce. get to know people through the volunteer community,” Odle said. “It’s a very giving community,” Odle said, “and when I say that, I don’t mean just financially, residents are very giving of their time.” The city is also full of natural beau-
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REAL ESTATE, From page 32
ket. In the Over the Mountain area I am seeing more buyers versus sellers, so the 2017 spring real estate market may turn into a very strong sellers market. I advise all my buyers to be preapproved with a local mortgage lender and know their maximum family budget Krisalyn Riley Crye prior to looking at homes. What are some things at the top of the list for homebuyers in our area this year?
With so many of us living hectic fast paced lives, more of my buyers are asking for nice outdoor entertainment areas where they can relax on the weekend with family and friends. Firepits, covered decks, screen-in porches and nice landscaped backyards are becoming just as important as the layout of a house to buyers. Updated kitchens and bathrooms have and always will be at the top of most buyers “wish” lists.
From your perspective what are the three most important things in current real estate environment, AGENCY (after location)?
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HOME/SCHOOLS only have found a diamond in the rough but a wonderful investment as well. Truly love the house you pick! I believe finding a home is like finding a spouse or a great friend. Listen to your intuition and if a home speaks to you, then go all in and get what you really want. JOE FALCONER
Falconer is a Realtor with RealtySouth. He is a lifetime member of the Club of Excellence and a Gold Level member of the RealtySouth’s Millennium Circle.
What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
I see a repeat of last year with record sales and increasing prices. It is a sellers market - multiple offers, bidding the price up and a flurry of activity. This is due to a lower than normal inventory. The OTM market is hot. What are some things at the top of the list for homebuyers in our area this year?
Location is the top for buyers. With more sidewalks they are looking for walkable neighborhoods to restaurants, parks and schools. They will pay the price and remodel or tear down just for location. From your perspective what are the three most important things in current real estate environment?
After location we see school system, style of house and then a price point. KIM MANGHAM-BARELARE
Mangham-Barelare is a Realtor with LAH Real Estate and currently serves as the Birmingham Association of Realtors vice president. What do you see happening in the OTM area real estate market in 2017?
It is a hot market – and many of the areas Over the Mountain are still low in inventory. So sellers who have a home that they would like to sell, now would be the best time to get it on the market. A Realtor is a seller’s best friend right now. They can provide them with the most up-to-date comps, look at their home and make recommendations as to what a seller might need to do to put a home in the
very best light for its price range.
What are some things at the top of the list for homebuyers in our area this year?
Some of the items that we are seeing homebuyers looking for in the OTM area right now are deals! We have many young new buyers coming into our market who don’t mind fixing up, updating and redoing. But they want a deal; they want Kim Manghamto know that if Barelare they put money into it they will get it back in the future. We are also seeing those who are downsizing and they want one-level living with pretty much everything finished. Kitchen and baths are still big. Open space or spaces is huge. We are seeing most people moving away from the traditional and going with large family rooms that contain the kitchen, dining and den area. Barn doors, shiplap and rough-hewn wood or reclaimed wood on the walls and ceilings are big. Everyone still wants hardwood floors, but many of the younger buyers are trending toward concrete floors that are or can be stained. Granite and quartz countertops are still big items. Outdoor space ... More and more are wanting to entertain outside their homes and enjoy nature at its best.
From your perspective, what are the three most important things in the current real estate environment (after location)?
1. Price is so very important. Pricing a home right can mean the difference between a week and months of being on the market. 2. Style of home. We are seeing an increased number of buyers who are wanting one-level living with a possible basement to build out or update. 3. Features offered, i.e. how much updating has been done, stainless appliances versus white or black, countertops, etc. ❖
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
The Power of ‘Yet’ Greystone’s Melody Greene Named Hoover Elementary Teacher of the Year
By Emily Williams Melody Greene enters her Greystone Elementary fourth-grade classroom each day with a mission to give her students a positive and inclusive learning experience. Greene, Elementary Teacher of the Year for Hoover City Schools, started life with a positive view of educators. She had her mother and aunt, both musical educators, as role models and said she never heard any negativity from them about education, teaching or their students. “My fifth-grade year was very stressful for me as a student,” she said. “I struggled to live up to the expectations of the teacher and always felt as though I was running a race by myself.” But her sixth-grade year was a different world because of her teacher, Mrs. Christie. “She made me believe that I was amazing and my opportunities were endless,” she said. “The day sixth-grade ended, I knew Melody Greene that I wanted to be a teacher just like Mrs. Christie. I wanted to create a ‘best day ever’ for students just like she had for me.” According to Greene, Mrs. Christie presented an engaging learning experience and left Greene with the belief that every child can learn. To pass that belief on to her students, Greene places a special emphasis on the power of “Yet.” Instead of allowing students to say they cannot do something, she tells them to say they “haven’t gotten it yet.” “The power of a ‘Yet’ gives students a growth mindset. It helps students to truly see their full potential and believe that they can achieve,” she said. Greene backs up the belief with data from professionals such as Howard Gardner, who states in his theory of multiple intelligences that all students are smart in some way. Greene begins her teaching philosophy with this quote from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Throughout the year, she strives to build sincere relationships with her students. “I want students to feel from the first day of school as though our classroom is a second home and the people in it are like family,” she said. Just as she knew Ms. Christie cared, Greene hopes that students
look back on their time with her and know that she cared about them. A BIT OF MAGIC
Her personal teaching philosophy is that teaching must be relational, academic and a bit magical. “Elizabeth Cohen’s theory of cooperative interaction is a truth that permeates my classroom,” she said. “This is the belief that students learn best when encouraged to interact with peers, working together and talking about ideas and concepts.” Fourth grade is a big year for students, when they are challenged to go deeper into familiar subjects such as math and reading. They delve into multiplication, division, fractions, measurement, reading content and writing, among other areas. “I think that fourth grade is an important year for students to realize the power of, ‘I haven’t gotten it yet,’ instead of, ‘I can’t.’ I love to see students grow as they struggle through a new concept in math or another content area,” she said. Her personal favorite is teaching science and social studies. “My favorite part of social studies is taking a tour of the country while exploring themes and culture from each part of our nation,” she said. Another favorite for both Greene and her students is the energy unit, during which students learn about potential and kinetic energy. The students’ favorite energy project involves building and creating electrical connections. “They start with a bulb, battery and wire to make a connection and end with an opportunity to wire a flashlight and learn the difference in parallel and series circuits as they build each one,” she said. “The face of a student when they make an electrical connection is priceless.” Before teaching at the elementary level, Greene spent 10 years as a sixth- grade teacher at Hoover’s Berry Middle School. “Although I love the self-contained nature of a fourth-grade classroom, I always enjoyed getting to know so many students each year through a middle school model,” she said. Working at Greystone Elementary, Greene has the opportunity of teaching at a school both of her daughters attend. “I love teaching in the same school where my kids have friends and do life,” she said. “To watch my children learn, grow and experience the amazing teachers that I love to work with is a gift.” In addition to being on the faculty, having children in the school called her to be more involved in the Greystone community, she said. “I often refer to Greystone as a ‘happy home.’ It truly is,” Greene said. “The families are amazingly supportive and the community embraces our school with amazing support and care.” ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 35
SCHOOLS
Journal photos by Emily Williams
they are fascinated with the facts and the details, but as I watched (Fullerton) share with the students, they were able to connect on an emotional level,” Thomas said. Following the presentation, students expressed their excitement to Thomas, in awe of his stories. After returning to class, Thomas said the kids kept asking questions about Fullerton’s life, hoping
OTMJ AD. 17 col inches. = $510 BW. $575 Color. 38,000 single Homewood Middle School teacher Desiree Thomas and students with her grandfather Don Young and Jim Fullerton, homes. from left. Both men are WWII veterans and spoke to the students last week about their experiences during the war.
War Lessons
WWII Vets Share Stories With Homewood Sixth-Graders By Emily Williams While teaching her sixth-grade classroom at Homewood Middle School about WWII, science/social studies teacher Desiree Thomas left some of the lesson to people who lived through the war. Thomas’ grandfather, Don Young, grew up during WWII with a brother serving in the Navy, and he enlisted toward the end of the war. Growing up, Thomas said she was always fascinated by her grandfather’s stories and read an autobiography he wrote about his early life. “Being able to talk to someone face to face about their accounts from WWII has always continued to fuel my interest in such a huge part of our American and world history,” Thomas said. To provide her students with the same opportunity she had growing up, Thomas coordinated a presentation on March 2 for her class as well as two other sixth-grade classes to hear firsthand accounts of WWII from Birmingham veterans. Thomas worked with Danberry at Inverness, the assisted living facility where her grandfather resides. Through Danberry, she was able to secure a second veteran for the presentation, Jim Fullerton. As she helped Thomas coordinate the presentation with Young and Fullerton, Danberry’s sales and marketing director, Lori Krueger, stumbled on some surprising statistics. Krueger and Danberry Executive Director Jaclyn Gardner found graphs and stats from the National WWII Museum discussing the rapidly diminishing population of WWII veterans. “I had heard about the number of WWII veterans still surviving, but when I saw the graph, I was shocked,” Krueger said. Using data from Veterans Affairs, one graph noted that, of the 16 million
Americans who served in the war, approximately 600,000 are still living. In the state of Alabama, the WWII veteran population rests at around 7,000. “To have two WWII veterans here with us, and both of them with zero dementia, is amazing,” Krueger said. Krueger said she is constantly amazed by Young and Fullerton, adding that she and Young see each other in the workout room at Danberry nearly every morning. She said Danberry may have to organize future presentations at
Jim Fullerton served in the 8th Air Force with the 91st bomb group. His B-17 was shot down and he was captured and taken to a German POW camp.
schools in the Birmingham area after the success of Thomas’. “I always encourage my students to listen to anyone’s experiences in history because you never know when you will get that opportunity again,” Thomas said. “Hearing from a veteran is something that will stick with them for life and the veterans deserve to have their stories told.” Young provided his account of growing up state-side during the war. He was able to join the forces for the last year, serving in Hawaii.
Fullerton, on the other hand, fought overseas in the Air Force and was taken as a prisoner of war by the Germans. He served in the 8th Air Force with the 91st bomb group. In what turned out to be his last flight in the war, his B-17 was shot down over Germany, killing everyone save himself and the flight navigator. Though his right arm was injured “enough to get a Purple Heart,” Fullerton parachuted into a body of water, was picked up by Germans and subsequently taken to a POW camp. Having previously worked for Kodak and nearly finished with his schooling in photography, Fullerton had a camera on his person when he entered Stalag Luft III – which translates to Air Prisoner Camp III. “Living conditions were really what you made of it,” Fullerton said. “There was no sufficient heat and many times there was insufficient food, but, in general, conditions were fair.” Toward the end of the war, the camp was evacuated and he was among a group of POWs who had to hike 36 miles to catch a train to what Fullerton found to be a much less pleasant camp, Stalag Luft VII-A. It was at that camp that he and his fellow POWs were liberated by Gen. George S. Patton. During his time as a POW, he used his camera to covertly take photos of German officers and any unusual happenings in the camp. Many of his photographs were taken or lost, but some of Fullerton’s photographs can be seen in WWII books – one of which he brought to show the students. When students asked him whether he’d ever thought about escaping, Fullerton noted that Stalag Luft III was the site of “The Great Escape.” He was at the camp for the famous escape attempt and watched German officers execute many of the attempted escapees. “When we talk about WWII in class
she had the answers. “I hope one of the things they picked up on was that (Fullerton) was a student just like them once, and his life changed because of difficult circumstances,” Thomas said. “My students may be faced with difficult circumstances one day, or even now, but hopefully they will remember Jim’s story of perseverance and bravery.” ❖
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FASHION
36 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
Claire Haley is wearing an Eileen Fisher white and grey striped tunic, $191, paired with bold grey, white and black print leggings by Porto, $144. Her shoes are stacked wooden heel, navy sandals by Coclico, $419. The look is complete with simple silver hoop earrings, $28, and a faux cow skin cross body bag by Ceinturion, $72. B. Prince, 871-1965.
Mary Grace Pitts is wearing a Bodywrappers Tiler Peck, black long-sleeve leotard, $43, and Anna Katherine Pitts is wearing a Taglia Basilica Fiore fuchsia top, $35, and Lula fuchsia bottom, $27. Both girls are wearing Capezio FootUndeez in nude, $24. Applause Dancewear, 871-7837.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 37
FASHION
It’s All by Design Barton-Clay Craftsman Turns Jewelry Into Art
By Lee Davis Despite not having a single piece of canvas in his studio, Patrick Conway is an artist. Jewelry is his canvas. As the designer/craftsman for Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers in Mountain Brook, Conway crafts custom jewelry to fit a client’s vision – and his own. “I’m in love with making jewelry,” Conway said. “It’s so fun to come up with my own creative
designs and to make things that bring a smile to a client’s face.” Clearly, he’s been successful in that regard. Since starting with Barton-Clay in 2011, Conway has twice earned first place honors in the Alabama Jewelers Association jewelry design competition. The store’s jewelry cases are filled with some of Conway’s most intricate designs, primarily rings and pendants. Crosses and animal likenesses are among the most popular images. A personal favorite of Conway’s
is a pendant of a mother and baby giraffe made of leopard jasper. “I tried to visualize the love of a mother giraffe and her baby and it just came out of that,” he explained. Barton-Clay’s workshop, underneath the store, is where Conway usually performs his craft. He combines time-honored practices with modern technology. Conway uses jewelers’ wax to carve a model in a casting process that began with the ancient Egyptians. Then he transfers the model to a computer flash drive and completes the project with a method known as computer aided design. “It produces a rendering that
shows the customer exactly what their piece will look like,” Conway said. Eric McClain, the owner of Barton-Clay, may be Conway’s biggest fan. “Patrick is truly an artist,” he said. “And as you should with any great artist, we try not to hold him back and let Patrick use all of his creativity to produce great work.” McClain and other representatives of Barton-Clay visit jewelry markets across the country to purchase quality loose gemstones for Conway to perform his handiwork. Conway often crafts jewelry from unconventional products. He has made many one-of-a-kind items such as a guinea fowl brooch fashioned from fossilized bone. He also took a client’s antique Civil War bullet and cut it in half to create custom-made cufflinks. Another unique piece of jewelry that Conway produced was to honor Alabama native Bill “Mac” McDonald, who flew with the legendary Gen. Claire Chennault in the Pacific Theater in World War II. The piece is now displayed in a museum in China. “I’m grateful to work with Eric and Barton-Clay because they allow me to take my ideas and run with them,” Conway said. Conway’s interest in jewelry design began during his teenage years. His parents owned a company that imported gold chains from Italy and sold them to retail stores. “One day when I was about 13, my mother asked me if I wanted to work with jewelry. I told her I did,” he recalled. From there, Conway attended the Holland School of Jewelry in Selma and became proficient in jewelry repair. “Once you learn to repair jewelry, design is the next logical step,” he said. “It’s the perfect segue.” Now 49, Conway also enjoys knife-making, painting and sculpture, but jewelry design will always be his passion. “I love what I do,” Conway said. “I’m fortunate to get to come to work every day and see what I can do next.” Barton-Clay is celebrating 30 years of serving jewelry customers from all over the Southeast. The store moved into its present location, 2701 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook Village, in 1995. ❖
The Itzel is the 'IT' Shoe
Patrick Conway, above left, designer/craftsman for Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, with Eric McClain, store owner. Top, Conway works on a custom Ruby ring.
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Spring Broken
This is the time of the year for new beginnings. This is the time of the year for renewal. This is the time of the year for fresh starts. This is the time of the year that we give away the clothes that are too worn or no longer fit us from our closets. This is the time of the year that we deep clean our homes, when we finally get the cobwebs out of the corners. Y’all see where I’m going with this…right? All of the above is great and fantastic and so refreshing but it’s all for naught if we don’t do the same with ourselves. It’s time to throw away behaviors, habits or even addictions that prematurely age us; that make us feel dead inside; that will kill us if not addressed. Let me be honest. Asking for help sucks. Trust me, I know. Do you want to feel like a failure? Admit that your life is spinning out of control and that you can’t fix it on your own. Yuck. Here’s the ironic twist. You, the train wreck, are the last one to admit that you need help. Your loved ones already know. They are just too scared to confront you because they know how you’ll react. Take the initiative. It’s time for a personal fresh start. It’s time to sweep out your mental cobwebs. It’s time to dust off your flat emotions. It’s time to throw away behaviors that are only harming you. We have been where you are. We understand your fears, shame and self-loathing. We can help you make a fresh start at a life you’ll love. Coming to Bayshore Retreat is a gift not a punishment. Call us today.
38 • Thursday, March 9, 2017
Krystle Vision
SPORTS
Lady Bucs Claim Title Over Spain Park in OT Even if the organizers of the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s basketball finals had drawn it on a blackboard, they couldn’t have envisioned a more ideal Class 7A girls championship game than pitting Spain Park against its crosstown rival Hoover. “Playing for a state championship is always special, but playing Hoover makes it much more so,” said Lady Jag guard Claire Holt, whose two late free throws put her team in the final with a 49-48 upset of McGill in the semi-finals. “This is like a dream come true.” Spain Park wasn’t the only team of dreamers. Lady Buccaneer coach Krystle Johnson led Hoover to the 2001 state championship as a player and was an assistant coach on title teams in 2010 and 2012. Now in her first season as head coach, Johnson had a chance to bring her alma mater yet another crown – against its biggest rival. “Everybody knows I’m a Hoover girl,” Johnson said before the final. “Even when I was at Huntsville (as head coach) I kept up with them. When I took this job, it was a special pride I had to get these girls ready to play for a state championship.” The dream became a reality last Saturday as the Lady Bucs edged the Lady Jags 51-47 in overtime to give Hoover its fifth state championship since 2001. And that wasn’t the only reason the successful title run must have seemed like déjà vu to Johnson. As she sank two late free throws to give her team a championship against Decatur 16 years ago, Joiya Maddox
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
By Lee Davis
In her first season as head coach, Krystle Johnson brings home yet another crown for her alma mater. More photos at otmjsports.com
connected on a late free throw to clinch the latest championship for Hoover. “I told Joiya to forget about the people in the arena,” Johnson said. “It’s just her and the rim.” Spain Park started fast, moving ahead by nine points at one time, with Sarah Ashlee Barker and Holt sparking the offense. The Lady Jaguars didn’t relinquish the lead until junior forward Eboni Williams made a layup that gave Hoover a 30-29 advantage in the third period. The Lady Bucs led 44-41 when Barker hit a three point shot at the buzzer to force the game into overtime. Spain Park’s chances for an upset diminished when Holt fouled out early
in the extra period. She finished the game with 22 points. Williams finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds and was named Tournament MVP. Another heroine for Hoover was junior center Angela Grant, who came off the bench to score 13 points and snatch eight rebounds. “Coach (Johnson) always told me what I needed to work on,” Grant said. “I’m glad I embraced it and helped us get the win. I’m happy now.” Barker had 11 points in the losing cause. Hoover completed its championship season with a 29-7 worksheet; Spain Park finished 22-12. Lady Jag coach Mike Chase became emotional when discussing his team, which had little pre-season fanfare before coming within one overtime period of a state championship. “I couldn’t be prouder of this team,” he said. “We were four points shy after playing 36 minutes of basketball. I’m proud of how they played and what they represented.” Holt said Spain Park’s late season run was unforgettable to her and her teammates. “During the regular season, we didn’t have a lot of supporters at our game,” she said. “But once we got to the Sweet 16 and the kids were getting out of school early, they started showing up. We played a lot of exciting games and now we’ve got a following. We played our hearts out. I’m so proud of what we accomplished.” But proudest of all may have been Hoover’s Johnson, who has now earned a trifecta of state championships – as a player, an assistant and as a head coach. “I’ll always love Hoover,” she said. The Hoover Nation has always loved Krystle Johnson. And now more than ever. ❖
THREE, From page 40
Spain Park’s 49-48 nail-biter over McGill-Toolen in the Class 7A semifinal. Claire Holt’s late free throw made the difference. The Lady Jags used that momentum to nearly knock off Hoover in Saturday’s final. Best Player (Boys): We may have to call it a tie here between Mountain Brook’s Trendon Watford and his teammate Sean Elmore. Watford scored 26 points with 11 rebounds in the final against Auburn, but Elmore’s 17-point effort put a lot of pressure on the Tiger defense. Best Player (Girls): Spain Park’s Holt and Hoover’s Eboni Williams were outstanding, but here’s a slight nod to Homewood’s Ajah Wayne. The junior guard – who suffered a terrible knee injury in last year’s Class 6A final against LeFlore – scored 19 points with 12 rebounds to pace the Lady Patriots to a close win over highly regarded Hazel Green. Best Surprise: Coach Patrick Davis, in his first year at Vestavia
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Homewood Holds off Trojans to Claim Class 6A Title By Lee Davis The Homewood girls basketball team had a unique problem in the 201617 season. With virtually every starter back from a squad that had reached the Class 6A finals the past two seasons, few were concerned about how many games the Lady Patriots would win. The real concern was which game they might lose. Even Homewood coach Kevin Tubbs put his team’s unusual dilemma in perspective: “Some people will say we had a bad season if we don’t win the state championship.” It’s all about the expectation. Two years ago, the Lady Patriots’ star-studded freshman class led Homewood to its first-ever girls state crown. The following season, the Lady Patriots reached the finals again but lost badly to LeFlore. “We’ve been on both sides of it,” Lady Patriot point guard Hannah Barber said. “We know how it feels to win, and we know how it feels to lose.” The Lady Patriots earned their second Class 6A championship with a close 52-49 win over Hazel Green in Saturday’s final at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena. Homewood led from start to finish and held double digit leads for significant portions of the game before holding off a furious Lady Trojan charge at the end. “I was very impressed with the focus and seriousness our team had in the locker room before the game,” Tubbs said. “We were ready to play. It was important that we controlled the tempo. I told our girls that if the score was in the 40s, we’d lose.” But 52 proved to be enough. With juniors Ajah Wayne and Tori Webb dominating the scoring, the Lady Patriots moved to a 26-14 halftime lead, as Homewood’s tenacious defense held Hills, surprised everyone by leading the Rebels to the boys Class 7A Final Four. Davis could have some great things going in the future in Vestavia. Best Homecoming: Krystle Johnson, who led Hoover to the state crown as a player in 2001, returns 16 years later to direct the Lady Bucs to another title in her first year as head coach. We’d have to do some research to know for sure, but Johnson is probably one of the few coaches in modern Alabama history to lead their high school alma maters to state crowns both on the court and from the sidelines. Others may disagree with my choices, and that’s fine. The point is that there were many great basketball moments in 2016-17. JOHNSON MEMORIAL TURNS 11…
The 11th annual Bradley Johnson Memorial Tournament will be held March 13-14 at Greystone Golf and Country Club, Founders Course. The tournament features some of the best high school talent in Alabama and is played in memory of Bradley Johnson, the outstanding
its opponent to a paltry 19 percent shooting percentage from the field. Hazel Green rallied in the second half, using five three-point baskets to cut the margin to 50-49 with 12 seconds to play. As Homewood attempted to run out the clock, the Lady Trojans fouled Wayne, who calmly sank a pair of free throws to seal the score at 52-49. A desperation three-point shot by Hazel Green’s Caitlin Hose missed as the clock ticked toward zero. “I was afraid that if they fouled us, Hazel Green might get another possession,” Barber explained. “So I just threw it as far as I could.” Wayne was outstanding in the victory, scoring 19 points and bagging 12 rebounds. Webb scored 16 points with seven rebounds. Barber finished with eight points and five boards. Kalia Cunningham scored six points, including two crucial free throws in the final minute of play. For the Homewood players, the second blue trophy in three years was at least as precious as the first one. “The first year (Homewood won), it was kind of a shock,” Wayne said. “I didn’t really expect it. This time, it’s really special.” Barber agreed. “When we lost last year, it was a terrible feeling,” she said. “We didn’t ever want to feel that way again. Now we fully understand how great it is to win.” And with only two seniors on the squad, Homewood is almost certain to feel the intense glare of expectations in 2017-18. “It’s sort of wash, rinse and repeat with this group,” Tubbs said. “I don’t think they’ll let the expectations fall.” They probably won’t. With two pieces of championship hardware already in their trophy case, the Lady Patriots have plenty of room for one more. ❖ golfer from Spain Park who was killed in an automobile accident in March 2006. The Bradley Johnson Memorial Foundation was formed to assist young golfers by providing scholarships toward college expenses and helping with the cost of playing junior and amateur tournaments. In the past 10 years, the foundation has disbursed more than $190,000 toward these expenses. Play will begin March 13 with a noon shotgun start at the Founders Course. The second round will conclude the next day with a 9:30 a.m. start. Spectators are welcomed at no charge. Participating schools include Spain Park, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills and Hoover. For more information, call Shari Johnson at 837-9278. CONGRATS…
Congratulations to Hoover’s Austin Carter. The football and wrestling star at Hoover was named the 2016-17 recipient of the Robert O. Finley Award. ❖
Thursday, March 9, 2017 • 39
SPORTS
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.
Believe It! Spartans Take Another 7A Title
One state championship could be called a miracle. Two state championships in a row could be called a very good run. But three state championships in five years? Call it a dynasty, and it lives in a place that no one could have believed even a few short years ago – Mountain Brook. The Spartans placed a third piece of championship hardware into their school’s crowded trophy case Saturday night with a 63-43 win over Auburn at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena in the Class 7A boys championship game. The game was far closer than the final score indicated, but Mountain Brook’s fourth quarter dominance over a talented Tiger team might have been a metaphor for a program that’s only getting better. Sophomore forward Trendon Watford and junior guard Sean Elmore put up the big numbers, but Spartan coach Bucky McMillan saw the victory as a total team effort. “Although we have the two stars up there, the key is the depth of our team,” McMillan said. “All players from number one to 13 were contributing, so in the fourth quarter we were at our strongest.” McMillan truly believes in the team concept, but Mountain Brook probably would not have won without the superb efforts of Watford and Elmore. Watford scored 26 points and bagged 11 rebounds, although Elmore’s second half explosion may have been the thrust that put the Spartans over the top. He totaled 17 points, including 14 in the final two quarters. Elmore connected on five of eight three point attempts for the night. His efforts turned Mountain Brook’s 23-21 halftime lead into a rout.
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
By Lee Davis
Above, Steady senior forward Ben McCool tallied 10 points in the championship game. Top, the celebration. More photos at otmjsports.com
“Great competitors love to compete on great stages in great games,” McMillan said. And as the coach pointed out, the Spartans weren’t a two-man show. Steady senior forward Ben McCool tallied 10 points. Additionally, the play of Mountain Brook’s defense can’t be overlooked. The Spartan defenders held Auburn center Garrison Brooks, who has already signed with Mississippi State, to only 11 points and two rebounds. The Tigers shot an anemic 19 percent from the three-point line for the game. “We didn’t want him (Brooks) to dominate us,” McMillan said.
Mountain Brook dominated the fourth quarter by a score of 25-11, as the Spartans shot a perfect eight for eight from the floor in the final frame. “I just had a feeling,” Elmore, tired but happy, said after the game. “We’ve been working too hard to let it get away. When we got to this game, I felt we had it in our hands. There was nothing that was going to stop us.” Auburn’s defensive strategy may have been to concentrate on stopping Watford and daring another Spartan to pick up the scoring slack. The effort fell short at both ends, as Watford exceeded his average and Elmore produced his second-best scoring night of the season. Another plus for Mountain Brook was the large crowd of neon-clad fans who filled the BJCC much as they had packed Spartan Arena the entire season. McMillan takes pride in the fact that his team’s support not only comes from parents and students, but also alumni and Mountain Brook residents who have no personal connections to the team. “Our support is inspirational,” McMillan said. “People had always believed it was impossible for Mountain Brook to win a state championship in basketball. When we did, people could see that anything was possible and we could apply that to their own lives. It was about more than basketball, it was about inspiring others to pursue their dreams.” The coach gets emotional when he describes the grassroots support basketball now has in his hometown. “I grew up here,” McMillan said. “It means a lot to drive around town and see young boys who are maybe eight or 10 years old wearing neon jerseys and playing basketball in their driveway.” In a few years those young boys might be state champions, too. ❖
Vestavia’s Incredible Tournament Run Ends
Vestavia boys, led by first-year head coach Patrick Davis, came up short in bid to reach the finals, falling to Auburn High School, 44-37. Senior Mac Smith led the Rebels in scoring with 14 points and teammate Scott Morrison added 11. Leading by 1 with 4:31 remaining in the contest, Vestavia shooters went cold, opening the way for an 8-0 run by Auburn to end the Rebels’ hopes of making it to the finals. Senior Mac Smith, pictured, was named to the All-Tourney Team. More photos at otmjsports.com
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
SPORTS
Vestavia’s Incredible Tournament Run Ended With Loss to Auburn PAGE 39
THREE FOR THE TROPHY Area Hoops Dominance Obvious At BJCC
See THREE , page 38
Hannah Barber and Ajah Wayne, on the move, in Homewood’s 52-49 state championship win over Hazel Green last week at the BJCC. See story page 38.
Mountain Brook’s Alex Washington, Ben McCool and Trendon Watford, from left, battle Auburn center Garrison Brooks for the ball in the Spartan’s 63-43 win over the Tigers to claim the Class 7A boys championship. See story page 39.
More Final Four photos at otmjsports.com
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
Just as in the case of football, the strongest area for high school basketball in Alabama has moved in cycles across the LEE DAVIS geographic regions. Decades ago, inner-city Birmingham had the best basketball in the state; it regularly produced state champions and sent scores of players into the college ranks. In more recent times, North Alabama was considered the basketball hotbed. The capital city of Montgomery has had its moments, too. But there’s no doubt where the crown jewels of state basketball reside in 2017. It’s right here in the Over the Mountain area. The proof isn’t in the pudding – it’s in the play. Last week, no fewer than three area teams – Mountain Brook boys, Hoover girls and Homewood girls – claimed state championships in their respective classifications at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena. The Lady Bucs earned their blue trophy with an overtime championship game win over cross-town rival Spain Park girls in Class 7A. Vestavia Hills boys also made the final four and nearly defeated Auburn to create an all-Over the Mountain final in boys Class 7A. In Class 1A girls play, the Westminster Oak Mountain Knights reached the Final Four. If a ball had bounced differently along the way, the Hoover boys team could have easily reached the Final Four as well. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at some of the best moments at the Final Four. Best Game: There are several good choices, but it’s hard to top
Hoover junior forward Eboni Williams looks to drive by Spain Park’s Sarah Barker. The Bucs edged the Jaguars 51-47 in overtime to give Hoover its fifth state championship since 2001. See story page 38.
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