Residents are beginning to move into the 450 apartments in The Bray at Liberty Park, marking a major milestone for the 700-acre development.
And talks are actively underway for commercial development in The Bray Town Center, including a higher-end hotel with at least 100 rooms and additional spots for retail, medical or office development.
APARTMENTS
The first building in the Livano Liberty Park apartment complex was scheduled to open May 29 with 111 units with one
As of mid-May, 23 Livano
South Dallas Turf & Supply delivers top-quality sod to Birmingham
South Dallas Turf, founded in Selma in 1990, is a proud, family-owned enterprise that offers a great selection of top-quality sod and turf grass for every possible use – single-family homes, townhouses, apartment complexes, businesses of all sizes, high-end golf courses and athletic fields.
Our commercial clients include Red Diamond Tea, Barber Motorsports Park, Wind Creek Casino and the City of Hoover. We’ve provided the grass for such prestigious golf courses as Shoal Creek Country Club, Bent Brook Golf Course and Greystone Golf & Country Club, as well as three courses on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Our athletic fields include Regions Field in Birmingham, Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, the New Orleans Saints practice facility, and facilities at Auburn University and The University of Alabama.
South Dallas Turf & Supply can handle any job, be it large or small, including your home. We can transform your lawn into the green oasis you’ve always imagined, and our wide range of sod options ensure that you can find the perfect match for your needs.
“We have a true commitment to quality, and we offer exceptional customer service that is unheard of in today's world,” said the company’s co-owner and president, James S. “Tres” Wilkinson III.
In great news for local customers, South Dallas Turf & Supply recently expanded to the Birmingham area. The company first acquired Coshatt Sod & Supply in Hoover, then moved the facility to Irondale in April.
“The new location is much easier to access and much more convenient for our customers, and it allows us to give them even more personal service, Tres said. “We’re able to offer many more products, since we have a bigger location.”
The Irondale facility also allows South Dallas Turf & Supply to be “more centrally located to the new construction in the Birmingham area,” he said.
The company’s portfolio showcases five inspected, registered and certified grass varieties – Emerald Zoysia, Meyer Zoysia, Zeon Zoysia, Tifway 419 Bermuda and TifTuf, All of the sod varieties sold by South Dallas Turf & Supply are free of weeds, insects and disease, and the quality is guaranteed.
“We only produce high-quality, certified varieties,” Tres said.
And the company cultivates its own turf grass at its three well-established farms in Alabama to provide customers with the freshest product possible.
Emerald Zoysia is an ideal lawn grass for showpiece properties, where outstanding appearance and durability are essential. A fine-textured, dense, dark green turf grass, Emerald Zoysia is known as the “Cadillac” of turf and is great for homes, businesses, golf courses and athletic fields. It is an excellent choice for low-maintenance lawns where aesthetics are paramount.
A cold-tolerant grass perfect for Southern winters, Meyer Zoysia spreads to create a dense, beautiful lawn with good traffic control. It’s good for homes, businesses and golf courses. Native to Japan, it features a dark green color with a slightly wider blade than other zoysia species.
Zeon Zoysia is a luxurious grass designed for elite landscapers, commercial installations and golf courses. It’s remarkable shade tolerance and soft texture make it an ideal fine-bladed zoysia grass. The extensive root system produces a thick, compact turf in various soil types. Zeon restricts weed growth and is easy to maintain.
Tifway 419 Bermuda is a dense, durable Bermuda grass with excellent traffic tolerance and quick recovery. It’s a great choice for residential and commercial uses, as well as sports
• Where: 4762 Overton Road, Irondale
• Call: 205-988-3197
• Web: southdallasturfandsupply.com
Reach out to South Dallas Turf & Supply today to arrange for a free estimate.
fields and golf courses.
TifTuf Bermuda is the gold standard for drought-tolerant turfgrass. Its delicate texture and density make it ideal for athletic fields, golf courses and commercial landscapes where durability and wear tolerance are crucial considerations.
TifTuf offers early spring green-up, excellent fall color retention and rapid grow-in.
For commercial applications, the company offers sod and turf grasses that can thrive in full sun or shade and help a business make a great first impression. We offer quick, efficient delivery and installation referrals for busy contractors and property managers. Our experts also have the resources, knowledge and experience to overcome any obstacle to your sod installation, such as challenging terrain or environmentally sensitive areas.
If you’re building or maintaining a golf course, South Dallas Turf & Supply can provide the quality sod and turf grass you need to create a lush, green, beautiful course. The experts at South Dallas Turf & Supply can also help you make sound decisions regarding the design, maintenance and renovation of your tees, bunkers, and fairways.
“We are very proud of the many quality, highend golf courses we supply,” Tres said.
South Dallas Turf & Supply can create top-qual-
ity athletic fields for any sport, including football, baseball and soccer, and at any level, from high school to college to the NFL. We offer customized services to meet the needs of each project, and we use the latest methods to manage your job, be it a tricky renovation or an entire sports complex.
In addition to Auburn and Alabama, we have completed projects for other SEC schools, including the football programs at Ole Miss and Vanderbilt as well as the Mississippi State baseball and football facilities.
Tres, who has been with South Dallas Turf for 23 years, represents the third generation of Wilkinsons to run the company. He follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, company founder James S. Wilkinson Sr., and his father, James S Wilkinson Jr.
“We are very proud of this legacy of generational farming,” Tres said.
In addition, the team at South Dallas Turf & Supply really enjoys what they do, and they work hard to ensure that our customers get precisely what they need at a fair price.
“We take great satisfaction in seeing beautiful completed landscapes,” Tres said.
Reach out to South Dallas Turf & Supply today to arrange for a free estimate.
ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Jon Anderson
It was a strong spring for Vestavia Hills High School sports.
The Rebels picked up numerous state championships this spring, including boys and girls tennis, girls soccer, boys golf and boys track and field. Sports Editor Kyle Parmley gives us the highlights in the sports section of this edition.
In one of our cover stories, Parmley also tells us how changes in college athletics — from the transfer portal to name, image and likeness deals and direct payments from universities to college athletes — are impacting high school students and their recruitment process.
The other cover story details how activity will be picking up in Liberty Park
soon with the opening of two large apartment complexes. The 270 apartments in Livano Liberty Park and 180 apartments in The Filmont will be gradually opening up for people to move in over the summer. We’ve got the details for you in this edition.
Reporter Emily Reed also shares numerous ideas for close-to-home summer activities that won’t break the bank. I hope you all have a wonderful summer!
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The vote that built Vestavia Hills
By TIM STEPHENS
They didn’t call it “the town of Vestavia Hills” yet. But nearly 75 years ago, the people who lived on this rugged ridge knew what they wanted.
On Oct. 24, 1950, just 96 people showed up to vote on whether their scattered mountaintop community — stitched together by new roads, a country club and the first elementary school — should become an incorporated town.
The result was decisive: 88 in favor, eight against. And with that, Vestavia Hills was born.
That history came back to life this spring, as longtime city attorney and former councilman Pat Boone helped walk residents through the city’s early days during a public forum hosted by the Vestavia Hills Historical Society in April. Boone, who has served as both city attorney and attorney for the Vestavia Hills Board of Education across multiple decades, has been in the room for many of the defining decisions that shaped the city’s growth. But this vote, he reminded the crowd, is where it all started.
Boone noted that the town’s footprint at the time was small — about 30 streets, bounded on the north by what is now Vestavia Drive, stretching just past Southwood on the south end and not much farther east than Beaumont. The population stood at 607 people. The vote itself took place at the community’s new elementary school, which had opened just one year earlier on land sold to Jefferson County by real estate developer Charles Byrd. Byrd, a name that would become synonymous with Vestavia’s early development, had helped spark the vision for what this mountain could be.
“We got a rat hole for a school,” Boone told the audience, recalling how local families pushed the county to improve conditions. He described how, after years of frustration, the Jefferson County Board of Education finally bought land from Byrd’s Suburban Land Company and built the new schoolhouse — the one that still stands today as East Elementary
This document certifies the results of the Oct. 24, 1950, referendum to form the town of Vestavia Hills. Voters approved the measure 88-8. Document courtesy of the Vestavia Hills Historical Society from the records of Jefferson County Judge of Probate and Gary H. Dobbs Jr.
“So now we’ve got a new school, and we’ve got a country club,” Boone said. “And Charlie Byrd and his buddies are sitting back and saying, ‘Well, maybe we need a town to go on with these two things.’”
It took 147 residents signing a petition to get the incorporation election on the calendar. When the ballots were counted that October evening, they had their answer.
In the months that followed, the new town elected its first mayor, R.L. Burgess, along with its first council members, setting the foundation for what would become one of Alabama’s most recognized communities.
What followed was rapid change. Just a few years after the vote, the completion of U.S. 31 helped open the ridge to easier access, connecting the new town to Birmingham and beyond. By 1957, Vestavia Hills had passed the 2,000-resident threshold required by Alabama law to automatically shift from a town to a city — a milestone that came not by proclamation, but simply by growth.
As Boone put it plainly at the April forum: “It worked. That’s all I can tell you. It worked.”
opened on Sept. 12, 1949.
That school, alongside the newly developed Vestavia Country Club and Byrd’s early homebuilding efforts, gave residents a reason to believe their mountaintop could be more than a loosely connected patch of subdivisions. It gave them the confidence to take ownership of their future.
Are You Ready to Be One of e
COOL KIDS?
Vestavia Hills will officially mark its 75th anniversary in November with a series of celebrations and public events honoring the journey from that quiet 1950 vote to the thriving city it is today. As part of the milestone, the Vestavia Voice will continue to chronicle that history through its ongoing Vestavia at 75 series, running throughout the remainder of the year. Along the way, we’ll revisit many of the moments, people and decisions that helped shape the identity of this place we call home.
This spring was a busy time with numerous city events, including the Dogwood luncheon, the Dogwood Prayer Breakfast, the First Responders Appreciation Day and the annual Wing Ding Celebration — just to name a few.
I would like to thank the Beautification Board and the Belles for their participation in these and other city events. The Belles, acting as hostesses for city and cultural events, add so much to the pageantry of these occasions.
Mayor’s Minute
By Ashley Curry
We honored the Belles at the annual Belles Presentation held at the Vestavia Hills Country Club. Newly selected Belles from the sophomore class, the current junior class of Belles and the graduating senior Belles were all introduced. I had the honor of personally thanking them for their service.
I attended the Vestavia Hills High School Awards Day on April 30 and participated in the student athletic awards.
As you may recall, three VHHS football coaches were killed in an automobile accident in August 1971. In September 1971, the City Council passed Resolution 332, which honored coaches Thomas Harold Ward, Robert Cooper Ray and Phillip Puccio. These annual awards are given to student athletes as selected by the VHHS Athletic Department.
The resolution reads in part, “In grateful memory and appreciation for the lives and service of these three Vestavia Hills coaches, whose untimely deaths have saddened all of our citizens.”
Recipients of these awards demonstrated the “most outstanding athletic ability, leadership and attributes of character which symbolize the high ideals instilled in our students by the coaches for which the awards were named.”
Congratulations to our graduating senior class. I continue to be impressed by the accomplishments of our students. Vestavia Hills High School has 23 students recognized as National Merit Finalists for 2025 — the most in Alabama.
Many students received scholarship offers. Some received multiple offers and will be deciding where to attend college. The dollar amount of scholarship offers is always impressive. We should be very proud of our students and appreciative of the level of instruction provided by our school system.
Our “I Love America” event will be at Wald Park on Thursday, June 26. This is the most-attended event in our city. Last year, between the pool and the park, there were an estimated 5,000 residents there.
June 15 is Father’s Day. Be sure to remember dads and granddads on this special occasion.
Dads, you need to remember this quote: “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.”
SCHOOLHOUSE
In the Classroom
Rebels announce 2 new coaches
By KYLE PARMLEY
The Vestavia Hills Board of Education has approved two new varsity head coaches for Vestavia Hills High School’s athletics programs.
Alex Carroll is set to take over the girls soccer program following the retirement of Brigid Meadow. Taking over the girls basketball program will be Crosby Morrison, who comes to Vestavia from Pelham.
“These are two great hires for our system and female athletics as a whole,” Vestavia Hills City Schools athletics director Laura Casey said. “We are super excited to get them going and to support them in all the ways we can.”
Carroll and Morrison will take over programs that have experienced great success in recent years.
Meadow capped her career with the girls soccer program with more than 400 wins and six state championships. The Rebels won the Class 7A state title May 10 by knocking off defending champion Auburn in the final.
Carroll is no stranger to the program, having played under Meadow. She was a 2014
graduate of Vestavia Hills, and played soccer at Wofford College. She has been an assistant coach with the soccer and basketball programs for the last seven years as well.
Morrison has been the head coach at Pelham the last seven years, leading the Panthers’ program to heights it had never previously experienced. She took the program to the state final four for the first time ever in 2022.
Prior to Pelham, Morrison was an assistant coach at Oxford and Cleburne County before two years as the head coach at Baldwin County High School. Morrison will also be taking on an athletics administration role at Vestavia.
By JON ANDERSON
Economics students at Vestavia Hills High School have been on a winning streak, capturing three straight state championships in economics and personal finance competitions.
The top 20 high school economics teams in the state competed in the Alabama Economics Challenge state championship in April at the Federal Reserve Bank branch in Birmingham. There were two divisions, one for students in general economics classes and another for students in advanced classes. Teams from Vestavia Hills captured first and second place in both divisions, said Wanda McAbee, executive director for the Alabama Council on Economic Education.
Vestavia’s two first-place teams also in an online test in late April qualified for the national finals in Atlanta on May 28-30.
Students on the first-place teams were Ethan Melevensky, Ben Cusmariu, Andy Sheng and Anjie Deng in the advanced division, and Alan Sheng, Adam Zhao, Dev Patel and Connor Moorhouse in the general economics division.
Students on the second-place teams were Terence Li, Cuewon Kim, Sriram Birur and Parker Liu in the advanced division and Jack Hugunine, Arhaan Lalani, Pratel Danasekar
and Krish Chintareddy in the general economics division.
In the state competition for the National Personal Finance Challenge, the state championship team from Vestavia was comprised of seniors Andy Sheng, Cusmariu, Deng and Melenevsky. The second-place team was comprised of Jeffrey Zhao, Aditya Sheelavant, Justin Zou and Eric Wang. Jeffrey Zhao also was named the competition’s top individual scorer.
The first-place team is slated to compete in a national competition in Atlanta on June 1-2. All the teams are coached by Steven Johnson.
Ethan Melevensky, Ben Cusmariu, Andy Sheng and Anjie Deng stand with their coach Steven Johnson after winning first place in the advanced division of the 2025 Alabama Economics Challenge. Photo courtesy of Steven Johnson.
Vestavia’s Alex Carroll is one of two new head coaches approved by the board of education in May. Photo by Sarah Owens.
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Jack Prewitt with his new 2025 GMC Yukon
Business Buzz
BUSINESS HAPPENINGS
NOW OPEN
Guthrie’s on May 13 opened its new 2,200-square-foot fast-food chicken finger restaurant at 1437 Montgomery Highway. The restaurant was built on the former site of the Hardee’s restaurant between Hollywood Outdoor Living and Vestavia Bowl. The Hardee’s was torn down. The new restaurant will seat about 35 people, the construction superintendent said. This is the 31st Guthrie’s in Alabama. The chain is now in 34 states. 205-739-2193, guthrieschicken.com
Waldo’s Chicken & Beer opened on May 13 at its new location at 1463 Montgomery Highway. The new building has 4,300 square feet of space and can seat about 100 people inside and about 50 in an outdoor seating area, owner Casey Atherton said. The restaurant also has a drive-through. The menu includes fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, rotisserie chicken, salads, biscuits, onion rings, fried pickles, wings and loaded nachos, french fries, potato wedges, macaroni and cheese, white beans, collard greens, cole slaw and tomato cucumber salad. Operating hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Atherton also owns the Waldo’s Chicken & Beer in Cahaba Heights. 205-947-1252, waldoschicken.com/highway-31-al
Big Bad Breakfast opened its third Birmingham-area location at 1467 Montgomery Highway on May 13. The restaurant chain started by James Beard Award-winning chef John Currence serves a full breakfast and lunch menu that includes eggs, bacon, hash browns, grits, biscuits, sausage, country ham, fresh fruit, a “biscuit crumble,” shrimp ‘n’ grits, shrimp po’boy, oyster scramble, oyster po’boy, chicken biscuits, biscuits and gravy, steak, skillet dishes, omelets, pancakes, waffles, french toast, oatmeal, toast, granola, yogurt, burgers, other sandwiches, chicken fingers, french fries, gravy and roasted turkey. Other locations in the metro area include in the Greystone area of Hoover and in Homewood, and other locations in Alabama include Florence, Madison, Mobile and Tuscaloosa. The chain also has 17 other locations in Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Operating hours of the Vestavia Hills location are 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 205-685-2774, bigbadbreakfast.com
Elite Skin has opened a new dermatology office at 1360 Montgomery Highway, Suite 114, in the Vestridge Commons shopping center. The practice includes Dr. Daniel Bergman, who is double board-certified in dermatology and micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology, and Dr. Jo Herzog, who is past president of Alabama Dermatology Society, as well as physician assistant
Payton Patel and certified nurse practitioner Angela Spears. The practice specializes in advanced surgical dermatology that includes skin cancer treatments and reconstructive procedures, with a focus on Mohs micrographic surgery. The practice also provides skin checks and treats sun damage, acne, rosacea, eczema, dandruff and psoriasis. Cosmetic services include chemical peels, neuromodulators (such as Botox), dermal fillers and laser treatments.
205-379-0900, eliteskin.health
Society Wellness and Skin Spa held a grand opening on May 3 at 1401 Montgomery Highway, Suite 101, next to Vicki’s Amish Traditions. The spa offers services in weight loss, skin rejuvenation, body sculpting, dermaplaning exfoliation, customized facial treatments and hair restoration.
205-644-7401, societywellnessandskinspa.com
HomeRN opened in Vestavia Hills in April to serve Vestavia Hills, Hoover and surrounding areas with in-home concierge care. Private-pay services include caregiving, nursing, IV therapy, urgent care and vitamin injections. This location of HomeRN is owned by twin sisters Emily Harmon and Alyssa Weyandt, who were born in Austin, Texas, and raised in Hoover. Harmon earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Auburn University. Her career was dedicated to critical care, and she has spent the past 10 years specializing in hospice and palliative care, including bedside nursing to leadership positions. Weyandt, a Vestavia Hills resident, also obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Auburn. She began her nursing career in cardiology at St. Vincent’s Birmingham, where she worked for seven years before transitioning to a home IV infusion company. Most recently, she cared for patients and their loved ones at Compassus Hospice. During her nine years in hospice, she gained extensive experience caring for people with a variety of diagnoses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke and cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 205-725-9158, homerncare.com/hoovervestavia
Mark’s Mart opened its new Vestavia Hills location at 2501 Rocky Ridge Road in late April. The store is in the former 3,700-square-foot location of the Twisted Root Burger Co. The owner, Brian King, said his family has had a similar store in Selma since 1978 and opened a second store in Northport in 2019. The store specializes in pre-packaged grilled items such as ribs, sirloin, pork chops and chicken swirls but also carries items such as twice-baked potatoes, dips, stuffed mushrooms, homemade cinnamon rolls, honey and candles, King said. Most items are designed for carryout and quick home cooking, but there also are tables for people to eat some items on site such as barbecue sandwiches, he said. The store also sells wine. 205-593-4713, chickenswirl.com
COMING SOON
Feathers Boutique, a women’s clothing boutique, is getting ready to open in the former Mia Moda boutique space at 1425 Montgomery Highway, Suite 105, in the Park South Plaza shopping center, between the Gary Anthony Salon and Diplomat Deli.
RELOCATIONS
River Bank and Trust in May began renovations of the former CVS Pharmacy building at 1100 Montgomery Highway so it can relocate its Birmingham region office from the Park South Plaza in Vestavia Hills to the former CVS site about 1.3 miles to the north. The bank chose the former CVS Pharmacy site because it will allow it to have a drive-through and almost double
Do you have news to share about a business in Vestavia Hills or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
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its space from 5,700 square feet to 11,000 square feet, Birmingham region President Brian Ethridge said. The goal is to be moved into the new building and open in the fourth quarter of this year, he said. Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood handled redesign plans. River Bank and Trust also is looking to add other branches in the Birmingham area, Ethridge said. 205-588-0500, riverbankandtrust.com
PERSONNEL MOVES
The YMCA of Greater Birmingham has named Chad Zaucha its new president and CEO. Zaucha brings more than 20 years of YMCA leadership experience and most recently served as CEO of the YMCA of Muncie, Indiana. He will succeed Dan Pile, who retired earlier this month. 205-324-4563, ymcabham.org
Sharp Wellness has added Dr. Rachel McCullough at its office at 3109 Blue Lake Drive, Suite 205. McCullough works with adults and couples experiencing a wide variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief and loss, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, fertility concerns, pregnancy/ postpartum issues and parenting. She is in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama network of providers. 205-383-6650, sharpwellnessandcounseling.com
Courtney Pittman, a resident of Vestavia Hills for 12 years, has been named the first female president of Davis Architects, Alabama’s oldest continually operating architecture firm. She is replacing Neil Davis, who after 48 years with the firm is transitioning to the role of board chairman. In conjunction with the change, Davis Architects is pursuing certification as a women’s business enterprise, a milestone that is meaningful to Davis because his late mother, Helen Sellers Davis, was Alabama’s first licensed female architect in 1936. . 205-332-7482, dadot.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Drew Richard, a marriage and family therapy counselor at Sharp Wellness at 3109 Blue Lake Drive, Suite 205, has started accepting patients with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama insurance. Richard works with individuals, couples and families to address anxiety, anger, self-esteem and trauma. She also is extensively trained in working with perinatal and postpartum-related mental health issues (anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder), parenting and co-parenting issues and lack of connection due to intimacy issues. 205-383-6650, sharpwellnessandcounseling.com
ANNIVERSARY
The Gameday Men’s Health testosterone replacement therapy clinic at 4505 Pine Tree Circle in Vestavia Hills recently celebrated its first anniversary. Services also include erectile dysfunction treatment, shockwave therapy, testosterone cypionate injections, HGH therapy for men, hormone pellet therapy, vitamin wellness, P shots, GLP-1 medication and weight loss services, and medical weight loss services. 205-382-8843, gamedaymenshealth.com/ vestavia-hills
Bergman Herzog
Pittman
Richard
Diem Tran, manicurist at Nailtique in Cahaba Heights
By JON ANDERSON
Diem Tran recently joined Nailtique in Cahaba Heights after moving to Alabama from Virginia.
Q: How long have you worked here?
A: I just started. I just moved to Alabama from Virginia. I’ve been here since a week before Thanksgiving.
Q: What brought you to Alabama?
A: My dad had a stroke. He’s better now.
Q: What do you like about being a manicurist?
A: Talking to people. It’s rewarding. You make people happy when they leave. Their nails are pretty and shiny like a diamond.
Q: What do you think about Alabama?
A: I like it. It’s very inexpensive. No toll tunnels. No Powerball. No casino with tables. Everybody’s so sweet.
Q: Do you get to have a lot of interesting conversations with customers?
A: Yes, a lot — stuff that I don’t want to know sometimes. It makes you feel like you’re normal because everybody else has problems a lot more than you. So you’re like, “Oh, OK, my life’s not that bad.”
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I like playing with my chickens. I like playing with my goat, my five cats. I like to go to the shooting range, play pool, watch movies.
Q: That’s a lot of cats to take care of.
A: Oh, but they’re so fun. I can’t get no more though. That’s enough. I’d save them all if I could.
Q: If you weren’t doing this, what other type of job might you do?
A: Interior decorating. I’m really good at it. I love it. I love decorating my house.
By CHRISTIANNA HORNIGOLD
AllTech IT Solutions, with offices in Vestavia Hills, Pell City and Dothan, specializes in managed infrastructure, cybersecurity and technology services.
The company’s Vestavia Hills office is located in the Century Park South office park off Tyler Road. It works alongside businesses to protect critical data, optimize systems and address vulnerabilities.
Serving customers across the United States, AllTech relies heavily on its reputation and word-of-mouth referrals.
AllTech’s goal is to help organizations operate securely and efficiently while offering peace of mind through proactive solutions.
At the core of the company’s operations is a 24/7 security operations center, where a dedicated team monitors client environments for anomalies, resolves issues and teaches best practices to prevent future problems.
Allen Norris, senior account executive,
said the biggest mistake organizations can make is thinking they won’t be targeted.
“No company is too small to be targeted, as everything within an organization can hold value to potential attackers,” Norris said.
AllTech places a strong emphasis on educating its clients.
“We’re not just telling you what to do, but teaching you what to do,” Norris said.
The company’s team of ethical hackers identifies vulnerabilities and provides actionable solutions to help strengthen clients’ systems. Norris also stressed the importance of protecting organizations in the Southeast, where older infrastructure can be more susceptible to threats.
AllTech’s upcoming industry engagements include the Healthcare Leaders Association of Alabama conference in March and the Southeast Cybersecurity Summit in April.
For more information, contact Norris by phone at 205-290-0215 or by email at allenn@alltechsolutions.com.
Norris
Diem Tran
EVENTS
Splash into summer
Explore ways to have fun and stay cool in Vestavia Hills
By EMILY REED
Now that school is out and kids are home, the day-to-day question remains: “What are we going to do today?”
Luckily, Vestavia Hills is packed with many low-effort ways to beat the summer lull — no registration, no packed schedule and no long drive required. Whether you are looking to cool off, burn energy or simply leave the house, here are some simple ways to make the most of summer right here in town.
MAKE A WAVE
When the heat settles in for good, nothing saves a summer afternoon faster than water. Whether you're chasing a full pool day or just need 30 minutes of splash time before dinner, these Vestavia spots deliver.
► The splash pad at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex is open 9 a.m. to sunset. There is a community park next to the splash pad, which offers an additional activity after drying off. For more information, visit vhparksandrec.com/locations/splash-pad-park.
► There are several neighborhood pools scattered throughout the city, including Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex (720 Waldridge Road), which offers a pool connected to the splash pad. A membership is required for this pool. For more information, visit vhparksandrec.com/locations.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Vestavia Hills is rich in green spaces that make it easy to stretch your legs, burn off some kid energy or take a morning walk before the heat rolls in.
► Wald Park: Wald Park (1973 Merryvale Road) includes several sports fields, the Civic Center and the town swimming pool. It is also home to a very large playground with equipment that resembles a castle.
► Boulder Canyon Nature Trail: A small trail located in Vestavia. This trail sits hidden off of U.S. Highway 31. There are two entrances, one located behind Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest and the other behind Vestavia Hills Elementary Central. It is a 0.9 mile loop leading to a creek and a waterfall. This trail is not stroller friendly and can be steep at times.
► McCallum Park: McCallum Park offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. Located at 3332 Rosemary Lane in Vestavia, there are picnic pavilions, trails, open green space and a small playground. There is access to Little Shades Creek for those that want to dip their toes in water.
► Red Mountain Park: Red Mountain Park is located near Vestavia Hills with 1,500 acres of land along the Red Mountain Ridge. The land was once the site of extensive iron ore-mining that built Birmingham. Today, more than a generation removed from the closing of the last iron-ore mine on the property, the 1,500-acre park serves as a vital urban green space for a new generation of visitors. The park offers 16 miles of trails featuring two city overlooks, three breathtaking tree houses and a 6-acre off-leash Remy’s Dog Park. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. The park is closed for Christmas but open regular seasonal hours on all other holidays. For more information, visit redmountainpark.org.
► Moss Rock: Moss Rock is a perfect place for the whole family to explore. There are large-sized boulders, trails and a creek with a waterfall. Hiking trails run through a wooded 349-acre nature preserve. Moss Rock is located at 617 Preserve Way in Hoover. For
more information, visit hooveral.gov/214/ moss-rock-preserve.
INDOOR ESCAPES
When the sun gets too strong or the rain rolls in, these air-conditioned spots offer cool relief and easy entertainment.
► Bowling fun: Vestavia Bowl, located at 1429 Montgomery Highway, offers regular specials for those interested in playing. Visit vestaviabowl.com for more information on specific summer activities.
► Activate fun: Activate, located near Vestavia Bowl at 1425 Montgomery Highway, offers an interactive gaming experience with nine kinds of game rooms including lasers and basketballs. Walk-ins are welcomed but it is recommended visitors make a reservation in advance. For more information, visit playactivate.com. Those planning a visit are encouraged to wear “flat-footed” shoes.
► Library time: The Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest always has a fun activity going on. The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program is “Color Our World” with a variety of activities all summer. A weekly story time on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. allows kids ages 18-36 months the opportunity to move, shake, dance and hear a story. The Alabama Wildlife Center will be offering a “Birds of Prey” event for students in grades 2 through 6 on June 3 at 2 p.m. A complete list of activities can be found at vestavialibrary.org.
► Brick by brick: A fun stop for a rainy
day during the summer is Bricks and Minifigs (1056 Montgomery Highway). The location has new and used LEGOs and is described as a “wonderland” for LEGO enthusiasts. For more information about the store visit bricksandminifigs.com.
► Watch a movie: Vestavia’s AMC dine-in theater offers heated recliners, burgers, sides and milkshakes. Check showtimes and select days for discounted rates at amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/birmingham-al/ amc-dine-in-vestavia-hills-10.
The Birmingham Premier LUX Cine GSX and Pizza Pub (501 Lakeshore Parkway) is the perfect place to watch a movie this summer. The cinema offers a “luxury” experience with recliner-style seats. For more information on showtimes, visit pccmovies.com/ movie-theater/birmingham.
TASTY BREAKS
Need an easy win to cool down or sweeten the day? These treats and local stops hit the spot.
► Bendy’s Cookies and Cream: Bendy’s Cookies and Cream (3029 Pump House Road Ste. 109 Vestavia Hills) is a combined effort of husband and wife team Wendy and Ben, who started serving homemade cookies and milk at their wedding in 2014. Since that time, they have expanded the concept of cookies and ice cream to their business Bendy’s Cookies and Cream. Their menu offers freshly baked cookies that sandwich ice cream. They also
offer cookies without ice cream or ice cream without cookies. Either way, it is a fun spot to stop for a treat. For more information about their storefront or to catch them on wheels in their food truck, visit eatbendys.com.
► Doodles Homemade Sorbets and Ices: A staple in Vestavia, this spot has been attracting customers with homemade sorbets and Italian ices for more than 35 years. There are more than 30 sorbet flavors and 16 Italian ice flavors to choose from each day. The sorbets and Italian ice are made with less sugar than traditional desserts and only the freshest fruits and natural ingredients are used. Located at 3236 Cahaba Heights Road, it is a great place for the whole family. Open year-round from noon to 10 p.m. For more information, visit doodlesbham.com.
FARM TO TABLE
Need a place to find fresh produce or goods locally grown? These spots will provide entertainment and offer up things only found in Alabama.
► Andy’s Farm Market (2489 Rocky Ridge Road) offers fresh produce each day with local offerings such as summer blueberries and peaches. Andy’s is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, visit andysgardencenter. com/farm-market.
► Vestavia Hills Farmers Market: This year, Vestavia Hills Farmers Market will be held each Wednesday throughout the summer
Splash around at the Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex at Wald Park. Staff photos.
Hang out at Red Mountain Park.
Play games at Activate.
until Sept. 10. Hours are 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Market this year will be larger with more vendors offering seasonal fruit and vegetables, cakes and pies, snow cones, ice cream and freshly cooked goodies. There will also be artisans, arts and crafts. The Market is held at 2061 Kentucky Ave. For more information, visit Vestavia Hills Farmers Market on Facebook or reach out to jarry@bhmtaylors.com.
TAKE A SWING
Get active at one of Vestavia Hills sporting locations:
► The Vestavia Country Club spans 176 acres and offers an 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole par-3 course. A membership is required. For more details, find out more at vestaviacc. com.
► Not far from Vestavia is the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge. Named one of the top golf resorts in North America, this location offers golfing to the public. For more information, visit rtjgolf.com/rossbridge.
JUST BEYOND
If you've tapped out local options, these nearby spots offer quick-hit day trips.
► Bear Mountain Blueberry Farm: Located near Clay, about 30 minutes away, this pick-your-own farm is open a few mornings a week. Pesticide-free and scenic but cash only — check their website or Facebook page before heading out.
► Lyon Blueberry Farm: About 45 minutes from Vestavia located in Wilsonville, this farm is family friendly with generous hours during peak season. Good for a day trip if you're up for the drive.
► Wadsworth Blueberry Farm: Located in Cropwell on Lake Logan Martin, this farm is scenic and open dawn to dusk daily. Bring cash or check and prepare for a peaceful, offthe-grid feel.
► McWane Science Center: Located in the historic heart of downtown Birmingham, McWane Science Center is the perfect place
for a rainy day activity or when temperatures are too hot to be outside. There is something for all ages to enjoy with the concept of “sparking wonder and curiosity in the community.” For more information on pricing for the day, parking info and hours, visit mcwane.org.
► Birmingham Museum of Art: Just a short drive from Vestavia, this offers a free activity indoors perfect for the whole family. The Birmingham Museum of Art has been deemed one of the finest regional museums in the United States, offering a diverse collection. With more than 29,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts dating from ancient to modern times. The museum has a hands-on gallery for kids, but they request that one adult comes for every four kids. There are also scavenger hunts available at both entrances to the museum which allows kids the ability to search through the Museum’s galleries. Snacks and drinks are allowed in the museum’s lobby areas or the sculpture garden, but any food or drink must be sealed and remain in bags while
visiting the galleries. Restrooms are located on each floor and strollers are allowed. For more information visit artsbma.org.
► Birmingham Rotary Trail: A perfect spot to stretch your legs, get everyone moving and enjoy the outdoors in downtown Birmingham is the Birmingham Rotary Trail. This is a great place for bikes, scooters, skateboards or walking. The Rotary Trail is the heart of the Jones Valley Trail Corridor within the Red Rock Trail System. Access to the trail stretches from 20th Street to 24th Street. Part of the trail ends near Birmingham’s Railroad Park. For more information, visit birminghamrotary.org.
► Peach Park: Peach Park in Clanton is a family-friendly destination for peach ice cream, fried pies, fresh produce and a life-size barn to play inside that is a short drive from Vestavia. This is a perfect spot to eat lunch and kids can enjoy the playground area behind the cafeteria-style restaurant. For more information, visit the business Facebook page at Peach Park Clanton.
Endulge your sweet tooth at Bendy’s Ice Cream.
Pick berries at Lyon Blueberry Farm.
SPORTS
Casey named new Vestavia Hills schools athletics director
By KYLE PARMLEY
Laura Casey has been part of athletics at Vestavia Hills High School nearly all of her life.
That’s not changing any time soon — but she will step into a new role this summer.
Casey was approved by the Vestavia Hills Board of Education as the next Vestavia Hills City Schools athletics director on April 28, taking charge of one of the largest and most successful high school athletics departments in Alabama.
“I’m super grateful for the opportunity,” Casey said.
Casey takes over for Myra Miles, who announced her retirement earlier this spring after four years as athletics director. Casey spent six years as an assistant athletic director before spending this school year as an assistant principal at Vestavia Hills High, focusing on the school’s teaching and learning initiatives.
“Laura Casey is a home run hire as the next AD for the Vestavia Hills school system,” Miles said. “Not only is she deserving and qualified for this position; she is going to excel as the leader of our athletic program, and she will take it to another level.”
Casey brings years of athletics experience, having coached the Lady Rebels basketball team before transitioning into athletic administration. She has also continued to develop her skill set, earning an educational leadership degree from Samford University.
“She has prepared for this opportunity for years,” Vestavia Hills Superintendent Todd Freeman said. “She knows the community well and worked with one of the best athletic directors you’ll find in Myra Miles. I think it was an easy choice, and she’s ready and prepared.”
Casey has worked closely on the academic side of the high school since July 2024 in her assistant principal role and has gained a broader
perspective that she believes will only help her as she moves back to athletics.
“A true visionary and gifted leader, Coach Casey is both perceptive and intelligent,” Vestavia Hills High School Principal Blair Inabinet said. “She shares our deep commitment to elevating the VHHS experience and supporting the incredible people who serve our students and families, and we are thrilled to have her transition into this position.”
Casey had the passionate recommendation
of Miles, who was also the athletic director at Hoover High School from 2007 to 2014 and worked at the University of Tennessee as the executive assistant to former Volunteers head football coach Jeremy Pruitt prior to arriving at Vestavia.
“It’s so flattering and humbling,” Casey said. “She has been so encouraging and has told me to put my stamp on it.”
In her role, Casey said her key tenets will be developing people and connecting students
throughout the school.
She is excited to be back full time in athletics, especially at Vestavia Hills, she said. Casey expressed gratitude to her husband and kids for being supportive in taking on this new challenge. She is also excited to continue working alongside the Vestavia administration.
“This is home, so to be able to do something like this — that you’ve always wanted to do — at home is really special,” she said.
See the full story at vestaviavoice.com.
Laura Casey has been named the new Vestavia Hills City Schools athletics director.
Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills High School.
Thursday, June 26, 2025
6:00 pm at Wald Park
Presented by:
Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce & the City of Vestavia Hills
6:00-8:00 pm
Free Swimming at the Wald Park Aquatic Center Kids' area sponsored by Vestavia Hills Methodist Church Sponsor Booths
Music by Pool Hall Special at 6: 0 pm FIREWORKS SHOW at 8:45 pm
Food rinks available to purchase from concession stand and food trucks. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free shuttles available from nearby parking lots. Visit www.vestaviahills.org for more information.
Many than s to all our Sponsors
Altadena Eye Care * Birmingham Therapy Services * Cookie Fix * Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama
Jimmie Hale Mission * Promotional Creations * Town Village Vestavia Hills
Rebels win 7A boys outdoor track and field title
By KYLE PARMLEY
Vestavia Hills High School’s boys track and field team claimed the Class 7A outdoor state championship May 3 in Gulf Shores, surging past the competition with 109 points to secure the program’s first outdoor state title since 2021. The Rebels knocked off Hoover, which had won the last three boys outdoor titles.
Vestavia's girls finished fourth behind Hoover, Auburn and James Clemens.
Senior Chase Webb was a driving force behind the boys victory, winning the 200meter dash in 21.24 seconds, finishing second in the 100 (10.65) and helping lead the Rebels’ 4x100-meter relay team to a state title in 41.25 seconds. Fellow senior Jack Stubbs was fourth in the 100, sixth in the 200 and won the long jump with a 24-4.5 mark — the top distance in Alabama this season and 16th nationally. Nate Bradshaw finished second in the long jump (239.5) and ran 13th in the 200.
In the hurdles, seniors Graham Gwaltney and Niklas Volkoff finished sixth and seventh in the 110-meter hurdles. Volkoff and Tyler Bradshaw also ran in the prelims. Gwaltney and Bradshaw returned for the 300-meter hurdles, placing 10th and ninth, respectively.
The Rebel relays were crucial in the title chase. The 4x100 team placed first, the 4x800 team finished second (7:51.04) and the 4x400 team was fourth (3:21.06) — all contributing to the championship total.
In the distance events, junior John Hayes placed fourth in the 1,600 (4:15.55) and third in the 3,200 (9:27.89). Sophomore Daniel Johnson finished fifth in the 3,200 and senior Wilson Holt was ninth. In the 800, junior Jackson Mize placed fourth (1:55.05), while classmate Ethan Meadows was eighth and also placed seventh in
the 1,600 (4:18.40).
Sprinters Garrett Jones (11th) and Walker McInnis (21st) competed in the 400 meters, and Vaughn Ranier swept the ambulatory 100, 200 and shot put events — winning all three.
In the field, Stubbs and Bradshaw dominated the long jump, while junior Brady Ferrell took second in the pole vault (14-6). Josh Hahn finished 12th, and Caleb Farrar was a no-height. Seniors Tyler Dressback and Timothy Hollis Smith tied for ninth and 13th in the high jump.
In the throws, senior Drake Renta placed seventh in shot put with a PR of 50-4.5, while Henry Drew was ninth and also finished ninth in discus. Chase Kaiser (11th in shot) and Coleman Chapman (eighth in javelin) scored as well, with
Hicks Johnson (10th) and Riley Garcia (12th) rounding out a strong javelin squad.
The girls team's strong performance was highlighted by a state title in the 4x800-meter relay (9:18.72) and numerous top-eight finishes in distance and field events.
Junior Riley Zeanah led the Rebels with a third-place finish in the 800 (2:15.58) and third in the 1,600 (4:59.02). Teammate Anna James Litty was fourth in the 800 and fifth in the 1,600, while Abby Allen finished fourth in the 800 and 20th in the 400. Senior Claire Spooner placed fourth in the 3,200 and 12th in the 1,600, and Olivia Carroll ran 19th in the 3,200.
In the hurdles, senior Reese Beckner was fourth in the 100 hurdles and 10th in the 300
hurdles. Lyla Lochamy (12th) and Finley Becker (15th) also ran in the 300 hurdles, while Emily Spooner placed 15th in the 100 hurdles.
In field events, senior Barclay Brown placed fourth in the high jump (5-4), with Maddie Crawford taking 15th. In the pole vault, senior Kennedy Moreland placed second (11-6), Krislyn Thomas was fourth and Madelin Davidson was 13th.
In the javelin, Molly Mac Sharp placed fifth (110-10), Emily Spooner was ninth and Emily Jin finished 17th. Senior Addison Armstrong placed 18th in shot put.
The girls 4x400 relay team took ninth (4:04.74), contributing to a total team effort that resulted in a podium finish.
The Vestavia Hills High School track and field team at the Class 7A state outdoor meet on May 3 in Gulf Shores.
Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Athletics.
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A Mississippi native, Dr. Moore earned her medical degree at The University of Mississippi, completed a residency at St. Vincent’s East and worked at Trinity Family Medicine — now Grandview Medical Center — for 12 years before growing tired of insurance companies and corporate restraints. She opened CCC in 2021.
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There’s a warm, welcoming atmosphere at CCM. ”Everyone in our clinic genuinely cares for our patients,” Dr. Moore. “Our smaller number of patients allow for closer relationships than is possible in a traditional medical practice.”
A Birmingham native, Dr. Carstensen graduated from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, completed a residency at The University of Virginia and has known since childhood she wanted to be a doctor. She finds her work with patients to be very gratifying. ”It’s an incredible feeling to be trusted, and it’s so rewarding when I can help improve their daily lives,” she says.
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Rebels take down defending champs, win state title
By KYLE PARMLEY
“Can you believe it?”
That’s the phrase Vestavia Hills High School head coach Brigid Meadow repeated in the aftermath of her girls soccer team winning the Class 7A state championship over Auburn, 3-1, on May 10 afternoon at John Hunt Park in Huntsville.
It was an exclamation of realization that the Rebels had completed the task it set out to achieve all season. The Rebels were consistently viewed as one of the top teams in the state all year, and looked the part as they dethroned the defending state champions.
“This is amazing,” Meadow said following the game. “One of the best seasons I’ve ever coached. We did it. Everybody on the team, every single girl, had a role in our season.”
The Rebels won the program's seventh state championship and first since winning it in 2019.
The three goals in the first half came in rapid succession. In the 10th minute, Auburn’s Claire Nappier gave her team the early lead by converting a penalty kick. The Rebels responded in the 11th minute, as Kelsey Redden scored on a header, with an assist from Betsy Whitson.
Whitson assisted on another goal less than a minute later, as Addison Mizerany’s goal gave the Rebels a 2-1 lead. Whitson capped off an incredible day by scoring on a corner kick in the 62nd minute. She was named tournament MVP for her efforts.
“That’s one of the most deserved MVPs ever,” Meadow said. “The whole season, she’s been our leader on and off the field, her and the seniors. Betsy has such a servant heart.”
Goalkeeper Brianna Tortoricci made four saves in the win.
“They’re more determined than any team I’ve ever coached,” Meadow said. “I’ve had some talented teams before, and this is certainly a talented team, but their work ethic exceeds everyone we play against.”
Vestavia Hills finishes the season with a record of 21-2-4. Emma Listi, Mizerany, Evelyn Hopkins, Whitson and Rosemary Gill were the seniors on this year’s team.
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Meadow made it official after the game that she will retire from coaching at the end of the school year, as she informed her team in the postgame huddle. It puts the bow on an incredible career, with her teams winning over 400 games and six state championships.
“Everything, the smiles, the laughs, the relationships with each one of the girls,” Meadow said of what she will remember most about this
team. “They love each other and I love them as a team, and that’s what’s so special about being able to coach teams is you get to make lasting relationships and memories.”
The Rebels advanced to the final with a thrilling win over James Clemens in the semifinals, winning in a penalty shootout. Vestavia Hills defeated Prattville (10-0) and Thompson (2-0) to reach the final four in Huntsville.
Vestavia Hills girls soccer beat Auburn 3-1 in the 2025 7A Girls soccer state championships on May 10.
Photo by Sarah Owens.
The Vestavia Hills High School boys and girls tennis teams at the state tournament at the Mobile Tennis Center. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Athletics.
Rebels sweep state tennis tournament for 2nd straight year
By KYLE PARMLEY
The Vestavia Hills High School tennis teams made a powerful statement on April 25 at the Mobile Tennis Center — as both the boys and girls tennis teams captured the Class 7A state championships.
It was a sweep for the Rebels for the second straight year. The boys grabbed their fourth straight title, while the girls earned their second consecutive and their third in the last four springs.
The girls scored 57 points to comfortably finish ahead of second-place Huntsville, which had 33 points. Vestavia Hills showed its depth and strength with strong performances across the board in both singles and doubles.
The girls won four singles championships. Kenley Outzen captured the No. 3 title, Caroline Helms won at No. 4, Peyton Standifer claimed No. 5 and Kitty Watts dominated at No. 6. Madison Standifer battled to a runner-up finish at No. 2 singles and Ansley Cox was a semifinalist at No. 1.
Vestavia Hills also swept all three girls doubles titles. Madison Standifer and Cox teamed up to win at No. 1 doubles, Helms and Outzen combined for a victory at No. 2 and Watts partnered with Wynn Strubel to capture No. 3 doubles with a decisive 6-1, 6-1 win.
The Vestavia Hills boys team matched the girls' brilliance, also posting 57 points to easily outpace Montgomery Academy, which finished second with 26 points. Luke Bedwell led the charge by winning the No. 1 singles championship, rolling to a 6-1, 6-3 win in the final. Bedwell and Louis Kolettis then teamed up to claim the No. 1 doubles championship after a tight third-set tiebreak.
Andrew Pipkin earned the No. 2 singles title, Kolettis captured the No. 3 singles crown, Daniel Cather won at No. 5 and Austin Hood was a finalist at No. 4 singles. In doubles, Pipkin and Cather captured the No. 2 championship while Ben Cusmariu and Parker Liu fought through to win at No. 3 after a tiebreaker. Hamp Holbert was a semifinalist at No. 6 singles.
Rebels grab fourth state title in five years
By KYLE PARMLEY
Vestavia Hills High School’s boys golf team put together two rounds of exceptional golf to run away with the Class 7A title at the state tournament May 12–13, finishing at 25 under par with a two-day total of 551 at RTJ Oxmoor Valley’s Ridge Course.
The Rebels set the tone on the first day with a 10 under 278. Clark Browne led the way with a 68, and Gus Darnall and Andrew Davis shot matching rounds of 69. Michael Dillon’s 72 rounded out the team scoring, with Seve Winebrenner’s 75 not counting toward the total. Vestavia used a strong front nine and consistent play throughout the lineup to build an early cushion.
On the second day, the Rebels were even sharper, carding a 273 to cap the tournament with a 15 under performance. Darnall fired a 67 to pace the team, Davis added a 68, and both Dillon and Browne shot 69. Again, Winebrenner contributed a 75 that was not counted in the
official score.
Each of the top four players broke par in both rounds. Darnall finished with a two-day total of 136 to finish second overall individually, while Browne and Davis both closed at 137 to tie for third. The Rebels’ combined total of 25 under was comfortably ahead of runner-up UMSWright at 583 and third-place Hoover at 589.
The state title returns to Vestavia Hills, after the Rebels won three straight from 2021–23. It is the program’s sixth state championship overall.
Head coach Todd Evans said a visit to residents at Morningside of Vestavia Hills, a senior living facility in town, a week before the state tournament helped give his players a fresh perspective heading into the tournament. The Rebels first visited over the Christmas holiday break and were invited back prior to the tournament.
Dillon is the lone Vestavia senior in the starting lineup, as he heads to Central Alabama Community College to continue his golf career.
Vestavia Hills' Steve Winebrenner tees off at the AHSAA Golf State Championship on May 13 at the Oxmoor Valley Golf Course in Birmingham.
Photo by David Leong.
On the Mainstage
GET TO KNOW
By JON ANDERSON
Svetlana Belotserkovskaya is an art instructor at The Art Zone, a studio she owns at 736A Shades Mountain Plaza in Hoover. She also taught for about 17 years at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center and more recently has taught at the Hoover Senior Center, Hoover Recreation Center and Riverchase United Methodist Church.
Q: How long have you been doing art?
A: All my life. I have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Russia, a bachelor’s degree in studio arts from UAB, and a master’s degree in art education from the University of Florida.
Q: What type of art would you say you specialize in?
A: I’m trained academically, so when people come, they can work on anything they want. They can work on drawings, watercolor, acrylic or collages.
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching art?
A: Watching them grow, improve and gain confidence in their abilities brings me great joy. Many of my students have won art competitions, earned scholarships and been accepted into prestigious schools and colleges. In June of this year, one of my high schoolers will have a personal art exhibition at the Vestavia Hills Library. And in August, I will have my children’s student art show at the Vestavia library.
SPOTLIGHT
The Dance Factory aims to
By JON ANDERSON
Genia Waller started dancing when she was 6 years old after begging her mother to let her take dance classes like her sister at a studio in Bluff Park.
By age 13, she was a student teacher. She went on to take dance classes at Birmingham-Southern College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham and worked for another studio for seven years before deciding to launch her own studio called The Dance Factory in Cahaba Heights in June 1987.
Q: Where do your students come from?
A: I have a lot in Vestavia Hills, Hoover and Alabaster. I have some from Trussville and Chelsea. I used to have students from Gardendale and Argo — all around.
be ‘happy place’
Thirty-eight years later, she’s still at it. Her studio has taught thousands of students how to do ballet, tap, jazz, pointe and hip-hop.
“I just love giving the kids joy and confidence in themselves and knowing they can accomplish something,” Waller said.
When Waller started, she had a single studio in a shopping center on Overton Road across from where Publix is today, but she quickly outgrew that space. Three and a half years later, she moved into her current location on Bearden Court about half a mile away.
She now has two studio classrooms in a 3,000-square-foot space and offers about 24 classes a week to 135 students from age 2½ to adults. She and another instructor also teach classes at Hilltop Montessori Academy and preschools at Mountain Brook Community Church and the Chabad of Alabama.
“I love my girls. I feel like they’re mine,” Waller said. “I try to tell the girls to leave all the negative outside and to let this be their happy place.”
For more information, visit thedancefactory. biz or call 205-967-3384.
Svetlana Belotserkovskaya is an artist and art instructor at the Art Zone studio she owns at 736A Shades Mountain Plaza in Hoover. Photo by Jon Anderson.
Genia Waller, left, leads Sophia Chen, Ellie Bird and Bronwyn Hicks in a ballet class at The Dance Factory in the Cahaba Heights community in Vestavia Hills. Photo by Jon Anderson.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Vicki’s Amish Traditions brings handcrafted, heirloom-quality furniture to Birmingham
Are you tired of shopping for furniture at chain and big-box stores and being forced to choose from the same cookie-cutter styles? Fortunately, Birmingham buyers have a great alternative for unique, top-quality items at Vicki’s Amish Traditions in Vestavia Hills.
Vicki Stroup, the founder of Vicki’s Amish Traditions, is a Florida native who discovered the beauty and craftsmanship of Amish furniture while living in Indiana for 18 years. Though she had no prior experience in the furniture business, she was exposed to the incredible quality of Amish-made products, sparking a passion that shaped her career.
While working at a large Amish furniture store, Vicki realized how special the furniture was — not only for its durability but also for its beauty and craftsmanship. She became passionate about offering high-quality, handcrafted furniture to others. “God knew what I needed, and I am so blessed to have this business!” she said.
When Vicki moved to Alabama in 2016, she saw an opportunity to introduce Amish furniture to the region. In fall 2018, she opened the state’s first exclusively Amish furniture store. Her vision was to offer beautiful, handcrafted furniture that could be customized to suit individual needs.
In 2024, after seeing growing demand, Vicki opened a second store in Vestavia Hills to better serve Birmingham-area customers. “We actually have
a lot of customers from this area who drive down to Millbrook to shop with us,” she said.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We have been very well received, even better than I thought,” she said. “People have been super kind. A lot of people have stopped by just to welcome us to the city. People seem excited that there is an actual Amish furniture store in the area.”
CUSTOMIZABLE, HIGH-QUALITY FURNITURE
What sets Vicki’s Amish Traditions apart from other furniture stores is the ability for customers to fully customize their pieces.
Vicki’s Amish Traditions
• Where: 1401 Montgomery Highway, Suite 121, Vestavia Hills
• Call: 334-399-5563
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Web: vickisamishtraditions.com
“You pick the piece you want, and you can also choose the size, the wood species, the color and hardware,” Vicki explained.
This level of personalization ensures that each piece fits perfectly in the customer's home and reflects their unique style. Whether it’s a bedroom set, dining table, living room furniture or office furnishings, Vicki’s Amish Traditions offers handcrafted, made-to-order pieces that bring each customer’s vision to life.
SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR FURNITURE
In addition to traditional indoor furniture, Vicki’s Amish Traditions offers eco-friendly outdoor furniture made from recycled milk jugs. This material is recycled by a company called Tangent, then crafted into furniture by the Amish.
The material comes with a 20-year warranty against chipping, cracking or peeling and is UV-protected to resist fading. It withstands harsh weather conditions, making it a durable and
sustainable outdoor furniture option.
“The Amish commitment to sustainability aligns with my own values,” Vicki said. “I want to offer products that stand the test of time while also supporting environmental responsibility.”
COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
Vicki’s dedication to offering high-quality Amish furniture reflects her belief in supporting American craftsmanship and sustainability.
“I love being able to sell Amish furniture because I know it’s great quality and is made in the U.S., and I know that the builders stand behind their products,” she said.
This integrity and pride in her products have earned Vicki’s Amish Traditions the trust and loyalty of customers.
For Vicki, selling Amish furniture isn’t just about business — it’s about providing heirloom-quality pieces that families can enjoy for generations.
At Vicki’s Amish Traditions, customers not only find durable and beautiful furniture but also experience the satisfaction of knowing their purchases support skilled Amish craftsmen.
Vicki’s passion for Amish furniture and her commitment to quality have made her store a standout in Alabama’s furniture market.
Come visit Vicki’s Amish Traditions at 1401 Montgomery Highway, Suite 121, Vestavia Hills, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also reach the store at 334-399-5563.
56-for-56:
By TIM STEPHENS
Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, I titled this one “Time to sprint, Fatboy.”
Because that’s how I used to motivate myself. Loud. Public. Funny, but not really. I’d manufacture pressure, raise the stakes, light the fuse — and take off.
Scan the QR code to watch episode 4 of 56-for-56: A Transformation Project.
That approach powered big sprints: losing 100 pounds, writing a book in 36 hours, salvaging semesters in a weekend. I’ve always been able to dig deep… until I couldn’t. It was powering me ahead in this goal to lose 56 pounds by my 56th birthday, July 12, until I hit the wall.
This month, I finally recognized why.
It wasn’t just fatigue. It wasn’t just burnout. It was ADHD.
I wasn’t diagnosed until 52. Looking back, it explains why I’ve started and stopped this journey so many times. ADHD is more than distraction; it’s dysregulation. For some of us, it shows up in work. For others, it shows up in our bodies. For me, it was both.
THE CYCLE NO ONE SEES
Here’s how it works for me. I’ll get laser-focused on something — a new goal, a new system, a new challenge — and for a while, it’s like a superpower. I’m locked in. All-in. Getting more done in a week than most people do in a month.
And then… it vanishes.
Not the goal. The interest.
The switch flips, and it’s gone. I lose the routines and the drive. I avoid it — then shame creeps in because I replace that energy with things that are not-so-good, such as stress eating and poor sleep.
Time to sprint, Fatboy
So I start avoiding everything — the scale, the tracker, the gym, the mirror, the questions. Until something painful jolts me back into action. And the cycle starts again.
I’ve lived in this loop for 30 years. Fitness. Projects. Work. Without sustainable structure, the pattern wins.
A NEW WAY TO TRAIN
This month, I got back on track physically. I resumed workouts, sauna, tracking and IV infusions.
But the bigger battle is inside my head.
My ADHD-specialized therapist, Dalila Bass, has helped me recognize the mental cost of sprinting through life. We’re using CBT to reframe goals — not as punishment, but as commitments I can build systems around. Instead of chasing the dopamine of short bursts and the adrenaline of big results, we’re chasing consistency.
One of the biggest shifts is in my self-talk. I’ve always had an internal coach yelling at me to grind harder and suffer more. It worked — until it broke me. Now, we’re replacing that voice with something more sustainable — a voice that pushes without destroying and grants grace.
THE STATS NO ONE TALKS ABOUT
Studies have found that adults with ADHD are nearly twice as likely to be obese as those without it. We’re far more prone to binge eating, inconsistent routines and all-or-nothing spirals. Yet most aren’t diagnosed until their 40s or 50s. They assume they’re broken. Or — and this was me — they mask, building intense routines that quietly drain energy.
It works — until they crash.
PROGRESS WORTH KEEPING
This month: show up anyway. Not chasing perfection — just a pattern I can sustain. I’m working to change patterns.
I’ve dropped 10 pounds. It’s real. I’m behind pace, but it’s still reachable if I stay consistent and manage the dialogue inside my head.
Starnes Media General Manager
Tim Stephens is learning to balance work, life, workouts and a recent diagnosis that he has ADHD on his way to achieving his goal to lose 56 pounds by his 56th birthday. Staff photo.
Dalila said: “It’s about building something that lasts.”
I didn’t choose ADHD, but I’m responsible for managing it. That’s the real transformation.
JOIN THE MISSION
Know someone making an amazing personal transformation? Nominate them for the Transformation Project here: https://forms. gle/6CCxjcv3Rt7bEsvGA
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The Vestavia Hills High School football program has produced several high-profile players over the years, but one stands out above the rest in terms of the recruiting process he faced.
Defensive end Jordan Ross was one of the most highly sought prospects in America before he signed with the University of Tennessee in late 2023. He put together an illustrious career at Vestavia, and with that came plenty of attention.
“His recruitment was eye-opening,” Vestavia Hills football coach Robert Evans said. “He and his family handled the process with much grace.”
While Ross’ recruitment gaining him plenty of attention was nothing abnormal, the type of attention was different than it would have been five or 10 years ago. Top football prospects formerly gained notoriety and hype for National Signing Day decisions. Now, it has more to do with monetary discussions surrounding name, image and likeness.
Elite prospects like Ross aren’t quite as affected by the new landscape of college athletics — one that has seen opportunities for high schoolers diminish over the years. But he is the exception to the new rule.
“We try to have honest discussions about the landscape of recruiting, including how difficult it is for walk-ons to make a roster now,” Evans said. “Players and parents alike both need to have an understanding of how the process has been affected by the portal and NIL, and what the realistic options are …
“From my perspective, recruiting has not changed for the really high-end prospect or the D3 prospect. Everyone in between has been pushed down a level or two. The kid signing with UAB 10 years ago is fortunate to have a D2 offer now.”
Evans knows the territory well. As a twosport star himself at Vestavia, he received interest from schools like Auburn before landing a scholarship to Samford University, where he was a standout in both football and baseball. Today, his options might be limited.
“There are fewer scholarship spots,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “Now instead of divvying up all their scholarships at the high school level, now they’re going to get 12-14 guys out of the portal. The spots have become limited.”
SHIFTING SAND
Coaches are no longer building around potential. They’re buying certainty. Between the rise of the transfer portal, the explosion of name, image and likeness dollars and the impending House v. NCAA court settlement — which could allow direct revenue-sharing paychecks from schools to athletes — the entire scholarship model has changed.
For high school seniors, that means fewer opportunities. Unless you’re elite, the message is clear: wait your turn — or get left behind.
In place of the old system is a new billion-dollar industry in which high school prospects are still commodities — just ones with less value than they held before the money started flowing.
Not all college programs play on the same field. The Power Four conferences — the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC — have TV deals, booster collectives and NIL opportunities. Below them are Group of Five schools like UAB, Jacksonville State or Troy — with fewer scholarships, smaller budgets and less exposure. Then come FCS, D2 and junior colleges, where many now land by necessity.
THE PORTAL JAM
For decades, high school football was the bedrock of college recruiting. Talent rose, coaches scouted, scholarships followed and dreams materialized on National Signing Day. That world is gone.
It started with COVID. In 2020, the NCAA granted all athletes an extra year of eligibility. That decision created a massive traffic jam. Fifth-year seniors stayed. Sixth-year players reclassified. Scholarships that would have gone to high school seniors disappeared. Then came NIL. In July 2021, athletes could finally earn money off their name, image and likeness. But what was meant to reward marketability became a loosely disguised pay-forplay market.
“Monetary compensation is no longer based on results,” Luginbill said. “It’s not about ‘if I produce, schools will want me.’ Now, it’s ‘how much are you going to pay me to play here?’ There’s no accountability from the player’s side, and that’s not what NIL was intended for — certainly not in recruiting.”
At the same time, the transfer portal exploded. The NCAA removed the sit-out rule for first-time transfers, and a flood of player movement followed. A new reality emerged: Why recruit a high school senior you’ll have to develop when you can buy a 22-year-old with experience?
Evans said that is proving true at Vestavia. Despite being a tradition-rich program with a history of sending players to Division I, he said Ross is really the only player he’s had during the NIL era to get much recruiting attention.
“I would be using the portal, too, if I was coaching in college,” he said. “When you are the provider for your family, would you rather play with a 21-year-old man who has played well at a Group of Five school or a high school kid who still needs development? The answer is really easy.”
And that’s where it becomes a numbers game for high school prospects.
“The math doesn’t add up,” Luginbill said. “There just aren’t enough roster spots. There is a false level of value that the kids place on themselves or the people around them place on them. We’re talking about thousands of kids.”
According to On3 Sports, more than 4,000 FBS football players entered the NCAA transfer portal during this cycle, and more than 1,600 are still looking for a home. In men’s basketball, 2,320 players entered the portal this spring, per Verbal Commits — a jump of more than 11 percent from last year and nearly 2.5 times more than five years ago.
This trend extends beyond just football and basketball. Since the NCAA eliminated its oneyear sit-out rule in 2021, tens of thousands of athletes across all sports have entered the portal — many of them two, three or even four times. Each year of the NIL era has accelerated the cycle. In 2024, the NCAA opened the door to unlimited transfers.
Combined with the backlog of COVID-era players, the result is a recruiting funnel that narrows further every season. And it’s about to get even tighter, as schools prepare for revenue sharing and potential roster caps tied to the House settlement.
Coach Trent Dilfer came to UAB with a plan to build his program through high school recruiting, but that vision didn’t hold. He watched promising redshirt freshmen get poached, impact players leave mid-development and recruiting timelines shift beneath him. Now, he’s saving scholarships for older transfers. Like most coaches, he’s frustrated by the chaos and eager for structure.
As a former collegiate athlete himself, Vestavia Hills football coach Robert Evans, above, is trying to help his players navigate recruiting in a rapidly evolving era for college sports shaped by name, image and likeness deals and the transfer portal. Elite prospects such as former Rebels star Jordan Ross, left, now at the University of Tennessee, still command plenty of attention. But that isn’t the case for an increasing number of high school athletes. As college programs load up on experienced transfers, it leaves fewer opportunities for high school recruits. Staff photos.
“All I need is guardrails; all I need is boundaries; all I need is where it is,” Dilfer told Birmingham’s CBS 42. “I don't care where the goal post is; just keep it stationary… Because right now this goal post is going around 360 degrees because there’s zero leadership; there’s zero boundaries; there’s zero guardrails.”
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS
But this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about expectations — and the widening gap between what kids believe they’re walking into and what actually waits.
For years, high school athletes have been surrounded by talk of NIL money, brand building and recruiting leverage. Highlight reels and exposure camps have reinforced a simple message: play well, get noticed, get paid. But most never make it that far.
“High school kids now believe they’re entitled to compensation,” Luginbill said. “But the original intent was that if a college athlete… became a marketable commodity, they could earn income. That’s light years from what we’re doing.”
Even for players who eventually cash in, the road usually starts somewhere less glamorous — a Group of Five school, a redshirt year, a position change, a climb.
“The transfer portal has made it harder for high schoolers to land spots at Power Four programs,” said Jim Cavale, CEO of Athletes.org. “Starting at a Group of Five school and working your way up may be the best path.”
BACK-END FALLOUT
While these dynamics affect every sport, the epicenter is football and men’s basketball — where the bulk of the money flows and the pressure to win immediately is highest.
According to research on signing day trends, once-powerhouse programs are producing fewer high-major signees and more D2, JUCO and NAIA placements. In other sports — baseball, wrestling, lacrosse, even track — the scholarship slots are already shrinking. If roster caps go into effect, they may vanish altogether.
Whatever happens next — roster limits, direct pay, new NIL rules — the path for high school athletes is narrowing fast. And for coaches like Evans, that means more than just navigating offers. It means trying to help his players stay in the game.
That’s why Vestavia Hills hosts two recruiting fairs each season.
“We try to drive interest, not only for our players, but for other high schools as well. There is a shared interest amongst high school coaches to give every opportunity to current players,” Evans said.
Eventually, many on both sides of the recruiting line hope there will be system sanity — or at least clarity. Until then?
“At some point, there will be a riveting
How We Got Here
How the recruiting model unraveled in just four years:
► 2020 – COVID Eligibility Freeze: The NCAA grants every college athlete an extra year of eligibility. Result: Rosters balloon with fifth- and sixth-year players. Scholarships that once went to high school seniors stay tied up.
► 2021 – NIL Goes Live: On July 1, athletes can officially profit from their name, image and likeness. What was meant for endorsements quickly turns into donor-funded, booster-driven pay-for-play — especially in football and men’s basketball.
► 2022–23 – The Portal Opens Wide: Legal pressure erodes transfer restrictions. Athletes can now move freely and play immediately — even multiple times. Coaches pivot from projecting potential to buying production.
► 2023–24 – House v. NCAA Settlement Takes Shape: A $2.8 billion class-action deal looms. Schools would be allowed to directly pay athletes. But in return? Scholarship limits go away — and roster caps come in.
► 2025 – The High School Squeeze: With the portal flooded and roster uncertainty ahead, high school recruits — especially in non-revenue sports — are getting left behind. The system they grew up chasing no longer has as many places for them.
Advice for the Recruits
These are 5 things athletes can still control in a portal-first world.
► Hewitt-Trussville running back Deuce Alston: Be proactive and take ownership of your exposure. Don’t wait around to be discovered — promote yourself through highlights, communication and consistent work.
► Athletes.org CEO Jim Cavale: Prioritize playing time and fit over logos and prestige. With Power Four spots tightening, finding the right place to play early may be the better longterm strategy.
► Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley: If you get a committable offer, take it seriously. Hesitating for a bigger offer could mean missing your window entirely.
► ESPN Recruiting Analyst Tom Luginbill: Be skeptical of hype and inflated value. Don’t assume attention means opportunity — many players are misled about their true market value.
► Mountain Brook baseball player Caleb Barnett: Some of the smartest athletes are starting lower, proving themselves and transferring up. It’s becoming common for talented players to commit “below their level” just to get on the field.
documentary about the last three years of college football,” Evans said. “The only problem is there is too much content to choose from. I don’t even know where you start.”
Look for part two of The New Playbook in next month’s issue: Current college athletes from our communities reflect on navigating NIL transfers and what direct pay from schools could mean next.
LIBERTY PARK
CONTINUED from page 1
The Filmont is scheduled to open July 15 and already had more than a dozen units leased by mid-May, Community Director Angela Hollingsworth said.
Livano Liberty Park has a pool, fire pit, gas grills, gazebo with seating and TV sets, full-service coffee shop, fitness center, game room with foosball, billiards and ping-pong, market, resident lounge, meeting room, pet park, dog day care and on-site veterinary service, and co-working spaces for 10 to 15 people, Slaughter said.
Rental rates at Livano start at $1,699 a month for a one-bedroom unit, $2,150 for two bedrooms and $2,899 for three bedrooms.
Residents of The Filmont will have access to amenities at Livano Liberty Park, plus their own pool and grilling stations, a golf simulator, hair salon, nail salon, art studio, movie theater, putting green, meditation garden and an on-site lifestyle coordinator to plan events and activities, including cooking classes, social hours, fitness classes and a weekly community breakfast, Hollingsworth said.
Rental rates at The Filmont start at $1,955 for a one-bedroom studio apartment, $2,150 for larger one-bedroom apartments and $2,750 for two-bedroom units. Some premium units are priced as high as $4,000 per month, she said.
A lot of the people leasing at The Filmont so far are downsizing and trying to get closer to children and grandchildren and get rid of lawn maintenance responsibilities, Hollingsworth said.
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY
Development also is continuing for the 100acre Bray Town Center. Construction on the planned 2-acre “great lawn” area in front of the apartments should start this summer, said James Parsons, who started as the new president of the Liberty Park Joint Venture in February.
Phase one will include a large grassy area, sidewalks and trees, Parsons said. In the future, more could be added, depending on what other development comes in the commercial sector, he said.
Existing retail in The Marketplace at The Bray includes Publix, ARC Realty, Nail Boutique, Planet Smoothie, Birmingham Martial Arts, HaMi Boutique, Starbucks and South Mountain Dental Care. Parkside Pet Hospital has announced it is coming soon to the same area.
On the other end of the town center sits the Chevron gasoline station and liquor store, Anytime Fitness and On Tap Sports Café.
Looking ahead, one parcel has already been sold to an early education center at the corner of South Liberty Road and Brayfield Lane, and another lot has been sold to a high-end day spa, but Parsons said he was not clear to name them yet.
There are about 5 acres of retail space next to On Tap Sports Café, 2.7 acres between the day spa and gas station, 20,000 to 25,000 square feet of additional retail space east of Starbucks and about 8 acres between Publix and Interstate 459 for another commercial site, Parsons said.
But a big piece of the puzzle is the acreage set aside for a luxury hotel. Parsons said the Liberty Park Joint Venture is in active discussions with developers aligned with major hotel brands about bringing a 100-room hotel to the property. He’s envisioning something comparable to the Valley Hotel in Homewood or Grand Bohemian in Mountain Brook, but he hopes to have more to say on that later this year, he said.
Also still under development across Liberty Parkway is the new headquarters for Medical Properties Trust, which had an initial budget of $150 million and which Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes has described as the most expensive commercial building ever built in Vestavia Hills. Hoar Construction’s goal has been to get that building completed by the end of this year.
OTHER RESIDENTIAL
Other than apartments, The Bray at Liberty Park has about 120 or so homes already built in The Brayfields neighborhood, Parsons said. There have been 46 townhomes sold, and Harris Doyle Homes is continuing work in The Brayfields, which will have about 170 homes at the end of this phase, Parsons said.
Coming next will be cottage-style homes — probably 100 to 150 — on the south side of the apartments before development begins for more traditional single-family homes, he said. In total, there probably are 600 to 800 homes
left to build in The Bray, Parsons said. That depends on the market demand in terms of home size and final layout plans due to the terrain, he said.
Much of the land is hilly and difficult to develop, and there are environmental concerns, he said.
“We’re in a highly sensitive watershed,” Parsons said. “All of this property drains into the surrounding creeks and rivers above the Birmingham Water Works Board intake. And so managing that process and managing our erosion sediment control is a very challenging thing to
do and something that we take very seriously and that the Water Works Board and the state — ADEM — takes very seriously.”
Environmental groups certainly are interested in what the Liberty Park Joint Venture, other developers and home builders are doing in Liberty Park, Parsons said.
“We're trying to respond to that with design of storm water management both for during construction erosion and sediment control and then long term post-construction,” he said.
“We’re paying attention very carefully to how we design those things and how we best
balance the interests and goals of all parties involved through very thoughtful and innovative stormwater management design both during and post construction.”
OTHER FEATURES
The Liberty Park Joint Venture also has plans for a pool and clubhouse facility in The Bray, as well as 15 acres set aside for the Vestavia Hills school system. Whether that land will be used for an elementary or middle school has yet to be determined, but the land is committed, Parsons said.
Also, South Liberty Road, when fully extended, will connect with Sicard Hollow Road about a half-mile away from Blue Lake Drive, Parsons said. That means, when the road network is complete, it should be just a 10-minute drive from The Bray Town Center to U.S. 280, he said.
Overall development of The Bray has progressed slower than initially expected, but “we expect it to pick up,” Parsons said. “I think simply being in the city of Vestavia Hills and having the opportunity for new construction — purchasing and building new construction — puts us in a very unique position here.”
Above: The master plan for The Bray Town Center at Liberty Park. Master plan courtesy of Liberty Park Joint Venture.
Left: The outdoor pool is one of many amenities at the Livano Liberty Park apartments. Photo by Jon Anderson.
The Bray Town Center at Liberty Park in April. The 270-unit Livano at Liberty Park apartment complex and adjacent 180unit The Filmont apartment complex for people ages 55 and older are in the center. The large grassy area at the right of the photo is slated for a hotel with at least 100 rooms.
