Vestavia Hills turns 75 in November, and the city will mark the milestone with a community celebration on Thursday, Oct. 2, at City Hall. The event replaces the usual Public Safety Community Night Out and will feature music, food, games and opportunities for neighbors to connect.
Throughout the year, the Vestavia Voice has highlighted the people, decisions and milestones that helped shape the city’s growth — from its early development on Shades Mountain to the annexations of Liberty Park and Cahaba Heights. That work continues online at vestaviavoice.com.
This month, the series turns to the individuals and groups who brought those moments to life. In this cover story, the Voice honors 75 people and groups who helped shape the city’s identity across generations. It is not a ranking. Presented in alphabetical order, the list spans civic leaders, educators, coaches, business owners, volunteers and others whose work made a lasting impact.
See VESTAVIA | page 30
By JON ANDERSON
From early founders and civic leaders to educators, athletes and volunteers, countless people helped shape the neighborhoods, schools and traditions that make up
Vestavia Hills. Photos courtesy of Vestavia Hills Historical Society and by staff.
Vestavia Hills Fire Station No. 4 in Liberty Park is set for a $5.7 million addition and renovation.
Photo by Jon Anderson.
Editor’s Note By Jon Anderson
A lot can happen in 75 years. Just look around Vestavia Hills. The city has changed greatly from its founding in 1950 as a community of 607 people atop Shades Mountain.
Today, the city has stretched its borders to cover roughly 19 square miles from Hoover to Irondale and is home to nearly 40,000 people.
But all that growth didn’t happen on its own. From the start, it took a lot of people working together to form a town and begin providing services to meet people’s needs. It took a lot of people to create a school system that has become the envy of many in the state. It took a lot of people to band together to get
through difficult storms and challenges and to celebrate the wins.
In this edition, our editor-in-chief and general manager for Starnes Media, Tim Stephens, highlights 75 of the key people and groups who made it all happen.
My challenge to you:
As Vestavia Hills continue to grow, it’s going to take more people to guide the city in a positive direction. Be one of those.
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CITY
CONGRATULATIONS
Till, Hester, Eyer & Brown proudly celebrates Partner Glenn F. Till, Jr.’s 50th anniversary in the accounting profession.
From his start in 1975 to his role today as Managing Partner, Glenn has set the standard for integrity, professionalism, and client service across five decades.
We are grateful for his leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on our firm and community.
Congratulations, Glenn!
— The Partners & Team at Till, Hester, Eyer & Brown, P.C. Trusted Accounting & Advisory Services for 62 Years
HESTER, EYER & BROWN, P.C.
2700 Highway 280 East Suite 400 Birmingham, AL 35223-5408
Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001 at 7:46 a.m. (CST)? That was the question I asked attendees at this year’s annual 9/11 “Day of Remembrance and Patriot Day Ceremony.”
Mayor’s Minute
By Ashley Curry
This ceremony commemorates all the first responders and victims who perished as a result of a terrorist attack on our country. Just like the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, this date will also be a “date that will live in infamy” (President Franklin Roosevelt).
As you may know, 3,000 people died as a result of the attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania. Did you know that since 9/11, over 5,800 first responders have died from illnesses attributed to the inhalation of toxic fumes and carcinogens emitted from the debris at the respective sites?
Think about this: More first responders have died since the attack than on the day of the attack. There will be more who die this year from prevailing illnesses.
At our ceremony on Sept. 11, we paused to remember the brave men and women who rushed into the sites to save innocent victims and, in so doing, made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.
May we never forget them!
On a lighter note, it is fitting that we recognize outgoing council members
George Pierce and Paul Head. The two contributed so much to the success that our city has enjoyed. I have said many times that our “quality of life” in Vestavia Hills is second to none. Be sure to thank them for their service.
We will be welcoming two new members to our City Council. The investiture ceremony will be held in the council chambers on Nov. 3. These new members will be joining a winning team, and we look forward to continued success.
On Oct. 2, our city will celebrate its 75th anniversary. Our city was formed in 1950 when a small group of families living on top of Shades Mountain became Vestavia Hills. From that humble beginning, we have grown to almost 40,000 in population and a geographic area of some 20 square miles. This event will be held at City Hall starting at 5 p.m. Please come and participate in this celebration.
On Nov. 10, we will celebrate Veterans Day. We should remember all our veterans on this occasion and thank them for their service. Check our city website for more information coming in October.
Rising personnel costs push school budget to $128 million
By JON ANDERSON
The Vestavia Hills Board of Education’s budget for fiscal 2026 has grown to $128 million, largely due to increased personnel costs, Chief School Finance Officer Courtney Brown said.
The total number of employees hasn’t grown, but step raises and increased costs for employee benefits and retirement packages have led to an overall 3.2% increase in expenditures from 2025, Brown said.
The $88.4 million budgeted for personnel accounts for 69% of the total proposed expenditures for fiscal 2026 and 80% of expenditures from the general fund, records show.
While Vestavia schools haven’t added personnel as a whole, they have shifted some positions around this year to meet growing needs in certain areas, Brown said.
The budget, approved by the school board on Sept. 8, included money for six new gradelevel teachers (two each at the West and East elementary schools and one each at the elementary schools in Liberty Park and Cahaba Heights), Brown said.
There also is an additional special education teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary West, a half-time English teacher at Vestavia Hills High School, and a half-time English teacher, an interventionist and a guidance counselor at the Vestavia Hills Freshman Campus, Brown said.
Another assistant principal was added at the high school, which allowed the district to move career and technical education coordinator responsibilities from the central office to the high school.
Duties among central office staff were reorganized, allowing for the reduction of one administrative position. The district also added
a board certified behavioral analyst and two student assistance counselors who will serve all schools, Brown said.
The Vestavia Hills school district now has a total of 942 employees, including 526 teachers, Brown said. Of those 526 teachers, 114 are funded with $10.2 million in locally raised revenues, she said.
The school board expects $125.7 million in total revenues in 2026, which is 4.7% higher than budgeted revenues for fiscal 2025.
While the district technically is planning to have more expenditures than revenues in fiscal 2026, that’s mainly because about $5 million in advancement in technology funds from the state was technically received in fiscal 2025 but will roll over to be used in 2026, Brown said.
The school board expects to receive $106.9 million in the district’s general fund and spend $103 million from the general fund in 2026.
At the end of fiscal 2026 — by Sept. 30, 2026 — Brown expects the district will have about 2.2 months’ worth of operational costs in its reserve fund. The district’s goal is to keep at least 2 months’ worth of operational costs in reserves, she said.
The capital projects budget for 2026 includes about $1 million to improve the rigging system in the theater at Vestavia Hills High School, which is a safety issue, Superintendent Todd Freeman said.
The capital budget also includes about $4 million for heating, ventilation and air conditioning and roofing retrofits at Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge, security and technology improvements, and various minor improvements to the conditions of aging facilities.
Several elementary schools need bathroom renovations, and those are expected to start in
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Superintendent Todd Freeman speaks to faculty at a teacher orientation meeting in August. The Vestavia Hills Board of Education has added more than a dozen new employees this year, helping push its 2026 budget to $128 million.
fiscal 2026. They are expensive and won’t all be done in 2026, Freeman said. The average age of Vestavia Hills school facilities is more than 50 years, officials said.
The school district has about $147 million worth of capital project needs for which there is no source of funding yet, according to the long-term capital plan.
School district revenues have been increasing at above-average rates in recent years. The 10-year average growth of local property taxes for Vestavia Hills schools has been about 4%, but expenditures also have been increasing at about 4% per year, Brown said.
The growth in property tax revenue seems to have leveled off somewhat, increasing by only about 1% in fiscal 2025, she said. However, growth in The Bray at Liberty Park should begin to positively impact local revenues at some point in the near future, she said.
Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills City Schools.
Vestavia Hills student joins top anglers on Bassmaster All-State Fishing Team
By JON ANDERSON
Anderson Thrower didn’t start fishing until he was 14 or 15 years old, but now at age 18, the senior from Vestavia Hills High School is among 33 of the top high school anglers in the country, according to Bassmaster, the national bass fishing organization.
Thrower was one of two Alabamians named to the 2025 Bassmaster High School All-State Fishing Team. The other is Thomas Turnbull of Crane Hill.
The students were selected based on their success in bass tournament competition, academic achievement and leadership in conservation and community service.
To be considered for the All-State Fishing Team, a student must have been nominated by a parent, coach, teacher or other school official. Students enrolled in grades 10-12 with a current-year grade point average of 2.5 or higher were eligible.
B.A.S.S. received nearly 200 nominations from across 25 states. From these, judges selected 33 student anglers to make the All-State Fishing Team. Additionally, 31 students received honorable mentions recognizing them for their tournament success as well as community service and academic achievement.
There were four students from Alabama who made the honorable mention list. They were Zac Arnold of Cullman, Mason Martin of Harvest, Brayden Tisdale of Opp and Colton Trotter of Rehobeth.
Anderson Thrower of Vestavia Hills was one of two Alabamians named to the 2025 Bassmaster High School All-State Fishing Team.
Photo courtesy of Andy Thrower.
team, he said. His coaches are his father, Andy Thrower, Ryan McCorkle and Dan Spooner. His fishing partner is Wade Spooner.
“This year, I think we’re expecting a big year and maybe even win,” Anderson Thrower said.
The first tournament is scheduled for Oct. 4. Between now and June, the team will participate in one to two tournaments a month, he said.
Other than Thrower’s grandfather, no one in his family fished, so he didn’t have much exposure to it growing up, he said. A friend, Asid Khan, introduced him to it. “I’ve loved it ever since,” he said.
Thrower won two tournaments last year at Lake Eufaula and Lake Martin. His biggest largemouth bass has been 5.5 pounds, and he has caught a 4-pound smallmouth bass and 4-pound spotted bass, he said.
He got his start fishing in ponds and learned how to fish in lakes by watching YouTube videos and spending time with other fishermen, he said.
“I spent the summer going out three to four times a week, just learning new styles and trying to expand on what I know,” he said. “That’s probably what’s helped me the most is just being on the water.”
“Congratulations to this outstanding group of high school anglers,” said Glenn Cale, the B.A.S.S. tournament manager for the college, high school and junior series. “I am extremely proud of the work you put in not just on the water, but in the classroom and your community as well.”
Thrower said he expects the All-American team will be announced in October. The 12 finalists will be honored at the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic, to be held March 13-15 in Knoxville.
A second panel of judges will review the nominations of the 33 All-State team members and select the 12 members of the 2025 Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team.
Thrower is among about 30 students on the Vestavia Hills High School fishing team, which last year finished fourth in the state tournament. There are a similar number on the middle school
He’s now being recruited for college fishing teams at schools such as the University of North Alabama, University of Montevallo, Campbellsville University in Kentucky and Lander University in South Carolina, he said.
After three years of fishing, “I couldn’t live without it,” Thrower said. “I just love the competition, being able to compete in something that’s fun to do … enjoying nature and God’s creation.”
In the Classroom
GET TO KNOW
Shea Smith, fourth grade teacher, VHEE
By APRIL COFFEY
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching?
A: The thing I love most about teaching is building relationships with my students, watching them grow and achieve during the school year and as they progress through life. But most of all, I love getting to use my creativity to make the things that challenge them fun and interesting.
Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?
A: My parents always said they knew I would be a teacher early on — I came home from school and "played school" constantly. The older I got, the more I realized they were right. The only year I didn’t love school was sixth grade. The transition to middle school, switching classes, and finding my place socially and academically was difficult. That experience drove me to pursue a degree in elementary education at Auburn University and become a sixth grade teacher — to help make that transition better for my students.
I was able to coach cheer and competitive dance while teaching sixth grade for 14 years in Jefferson County and Homewood City Schools. I later moved to Vestavia Hills to teach fourth grade at Central, where my son was enrolled.
Fourth grade became another transition point for students, and it was special to experience it both as a teacher and a parent.
Q: What is one of the most rewarding things about being a teacher?
A: Teaching students that failure and mistakes are part of life — and showing them how to grow from those experiences — is incredibly rewarding. So is running into former students years later, in new chapters of life, and seeing how excited they still are to share their successes.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year?
A: I’m collaborating with Abby Merritt, a former fourth grade teacher in Vestavia Hills who now teaches STEM in Georgia. We’re launching a pen pal program between our fourth grade classes. I’m excited to see our students connect, grow, and learn through writing.
Q: What is something about you that your students may not know?
A: If I hadn’t become a teacher, I would have pursued a career in broadcast journalism — and I’m absolutely terrified of cats!
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: My favorite thing to do is travel and spend time with family and friends.
ACCOLADES
For more education news, connect with Vestavia Voice online: visit our website, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter.
House Day launch at elementary schools
BY APRIL COFFEY
Vestavia Hills elementary schools launched their first House Day of the year on Sept. 5. Kindergartners were assigned to houses on Aug. 15, joining multi-grade groups that promote character building and student connections. The house system, modeled on the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, sorts students into “houses” named for traits such as courage, creativity and selflessness. Rather than physical houses, these groups function like teams — giving students from different grades opportunities to bond and work together on schoolwide activities throughout the year.
REBELS HELPING REBELS
Vestavia Hills City Schools continues to support students in need through Rebels Helping Rebels and Neighborhood Bridges. The grace fund helps cover essential costs such as school fees, supplies and activity expenses for K–12 students. Priority is given to core academic or participation costs, while non-essential expenses are considered as funding allows. Applications and donations can be made through the district’s website.
VHHS RANKED NO. 5
Vestavia Hills High School was ranked No. 5 in Alabama in the 2025 U.S. News & World
Students at Vestavia Hills Elementary East participate in the House Day on Sept. 5. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Elementary East.
Report Best High Schools rankings. The report evaluated 386 schools based on AP course participation, graduation rates, test performance and college readiness. Vestavia Hills scored 96.32% overall.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE FOCUS
Vestavia Hills schools emphasized community-building and student engagement activities during the first month of the 2025–26 school year. Elementary students joined house groups or teams spanning grades, while middle and high school students participated in pep rallies, orientation events and induction activities. The initiatives were designed to foster inclusion and set expectations at the start of the year.
Smith
Business Buzz
BUSINESS HAPPENINGS
NOW OPEN
Big Bad Breakfast opened its new location at 4317 Dolly Ridge Road, Suite 101, in Cahaba Heights in mid-September. The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 205-947-1463, bigbadbreakfast.com/bbb-locations/ cahaba-heights-al
Dr. Savannah Roseberry has opened Align & Thrive Chiropractic at 100 Century Park South, Suite 120. The practice opened July 15, had a ribbon cutting on Sept. 12 and is open 9 a.m.4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Friday and is closed for lunch 1-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Dr. Roseberry has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a doctorate in chiropractic from Sherman College in South Carolina. 205-276-8737, alignandthrivebham.com
Fifth Third Bank plans to build and open a new bank branch at 3178 Rush St. on an outparcel in the Publix shopping center in Liberty Park. 53.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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
Vestavia Voice is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight
The Vestavia Hills City Council on Aug. 25 awarded a bid to Turf Management Systems to cut the grass on certain city rights of way for $91,950 a year for fiscal 2026, 2027 and 2028. The council also awarded a bid to the same company to cut the grass on certain city properties such as Vestavia Hills City Hall, Vestavia Hills Civic Center, Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest and various city parks for $198,031 a year for fiscal 2026, 2027 and 2028.
205-979-8604, 227 Distribution Drive in Homewood
The Vestavia Hills City Council on Aug. 25 gave approval for Bangkok Street Foods at 3735 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 113, in Liberty Park and Big Bad Breakfast at 4317 Dolly Ridge Road, Suite 101, in Cahaba Heights to sell alcoholic beverages.
Stitchwork Design Co., which specializes in supplies for cross stitchers, has opened at 3250 Cahaba Heights Road by Postmark Paris Antiques. The owner is Greta Waldrip, and the store is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 1-7 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The grand opening was July 26. 205-728-4886, stichworkdesignco.com
COMING SOON
Cahaba Heights
residents
Martin and Kayla Briggs plan to open a dog grooming business called Splash and Dash Groomerie and Boutique in The Shoppes at City Hall at 1064 Montgomery Highway, Suite 1,062. The Briggs plan to provide grooming, bathing and general hygiene services for dogs, including ear cleaning, nail trimming and teeth brushing as well as the sale of related retail products, such as grooming supplies and pet wellness merchandise. Service will be provided by appointment only, with no boarding of dogs, city records show. The Vestavia Hills City Council on Aug. 25 gave conditional use approval for operation of the business on Aug. 25. Splash and Dash is a growing national franchise with more than 20 locations across the United States.
Chris and April Edwards, the owners of Rainbow Paint and Decorating at 1450 Montgomery Highway, have started construction for an Ace Hardware store at 680 Old Town Road next to Chuck E. Cheese and plan to relocate their paint and decorating business inside that store. Their goal is to open in the first quarter of 2026, Chris Edwards said. The Ace Hardware store will be about 11,800 square feet, which is almost double the amount of space they have now at Rainbow Paint and Decorating, he said. Rainbow Paint and Decorating has existed at 1450 Montgomery Highway since about 1979 or 1980, Edwards said. He thinks he and his wife are the fourth owners of the business, and they purchased it about four years ago, he said.
205-822-3548, acehardware.com and rainbow-paint.com
Dr. Robert Britt of Britt Animal Hospital on Sept. 4 received approval from the Vestavia Hills Design Review Board to put a pet mural on the exterior of his building at 380 Summit Blvd. in Cahaba Heights.
The Vestavia Hills City Council on Aug. 25 agreed to hire Doster Construction to serve as a construction manager for more than $30 million worth of projects. Most of the projects are slated to take place in Liberty Park over the next two to three years, City Manager Jeff Downes said. That includes the renovation and expansion of Fire Station No. 4, a satellite library facility, police operations center, a new public works and park maintenance building, demolition of the existing park maintenance building at the Liberty Park softball fields, reconfiguration of the back softball park entrance, and construction of an access road to reach the new library, police and park maintenance buildings. But Doster also will oversee the installation of a pool heater at the Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex at Wald Park. The construction projects will be staggered to help the city spread out the costs. The fire station expansion, pool heater and access road are expected to come first in fiscal 2026, while the police facility, satellite library, maintenance building and new back entrance to the softball fields should happen in fiscal 2027, Downes said. Doster was one of six companies interviewed as a potential construction manager, he said. The company will be paid 1.75% of the total construction cost, which is estimated to be about $535,000, plus a minimum of $15,512 a month during the pre-construction phase and the hourly billing rates of supervisory personnel. 205-443-3800
Kanti Sunkavalli on Sept. 4 received approval from the Vestavia Hills Design Review Board to renovate The Local Bourbon House & Eatery restaurant at 633 Montgomery Highway to allow for a patio buildout and new landscape plan. 205-747-0286, localbourbonhouse.com
RELOCATIONS
The White Flowers boutique has relocated its store from The Shops of Grand River in Leeds to the former Starbucks space at 2533 Rocky Ridge Road in Vestavia Hills. Owner Diana Hansen opened the new location across from Publix on Sept. 15. 205-871-4640, whiteflowers.com
The Down Syndrome Alabama nonprofit has relocated its headquarters from 3000 Galleria Circle, Suite 1500, in The Offices at 3000 Riverchase office tower next to the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover to 4553 Pine Tree Circle in Vestavia Hills near The Colonnade. 205-988-0810, downsyndromealabama.org
Lot 22 Media, an advertising and marketing agency founded by Gordon Stewart, has relocated its office from 4129 Crosshaven Lane in Cahaba Heights to 2447 Alton Rd, Unit 109, in Irondale. 205-961-4065, lot22media.com
ANNIVERSARIES
205-266-7173, splashanddashfordogs.com
ITAC Solutions a recruiting company founded by Brian Pitts, in September celebrated its 25th anniversary. The company is in the Vestavia Hills City Center at 700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 148, but also has offices in Huntsville, Mobile and Nashville. 205-326-0004, itacsolutions.com
Roseberry
The Ultimate His & Hers Rides
Matching his and hers GMC Ultimates? Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are living the dream! They came here to the corner of I-65 and Highway 31 in Vestavia and found their perfect new truck and SUV combo: a 2025 Yukon AT4 Ultimate for Ashley and a 2025 Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate for David. Enjoy all that power, you two! For every ride there’s Royal.
first-ever Yukon AT4 Ultimate brings an eye-popping level of luxury to a trail-ready SUV. GMC Super Cruise®1 hands-free driver assistance technology, 16-way power heated and ventilated front seats with
Meanwhile, the 2025 Denali Ultimate brings the power with a Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8, the looks with its Signature Vader Chrome grille, and tailgate-ready tech like a MultiPro Tailgate Audio System by KICKER2 More About the 2025 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate and Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate
GET TO KNOW
Get to Know: Emily Tuttle, Bistro V Sips and Bites
By APRIL COFFEY
As co-owner of Bistro V, located at 521 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills, Emily Tuttle has helped guide the restaurant since its earliest days. She oversees operations and hospitality, working closely with her business partner, Jeremy Downey, to keep the popular local spot running smoothly.
Q: How and when did Bistro V get started?
A: Bistro V opened on June 4, 2010. My business partner, Jeremy, and I had worked together at City Hall Diner. We thought we could continue working in the same spot after City Hall Diner closed. We’ve been open for 15 years now!
Q: What is your favorite thing about owning the restaurant?
A: My favorite thing about owning a restaurant is being a part of people’s lives. Guests come to celebrate birthdays, graduations, new careers. They also come just to enjoy a good meal. We have the opportunity to contribute to good memories. I love that.
Q: Is there a specific moment or incident that sparked your love for food?
A: I’ve always loved food. I love even more the ceremony of gathering with friends or family to enjoy time and food together.
Q: What makes your menu or culinary approach unique?
A: I think we are unique in that we try to
create a space where people can feel very comfortable and come as they are but we offer really good food.
Q: What values are most important in how you run your business?
A: I value treating our staff and guests with consideration and respect.
Q: Is there a customer favorite dish that surprised you?
A: The new surprise customer favorite for me is the Chicken Parmesan. I know it sounds like something that is on so many menus but it really is exceptional. The guests who know, love it.
Q: What’s next for Bistro V?
A: We will continue to offer amazing food and friendly service.
GET TO KNOW
Patrick McCown, Snapper Grabbers Land & Sea
By JORDYN DAVIS
Q: How long have you worked there?
A: I have been with Snapper Grabber’s for 10 years, hired to run their Coastal Kitchen food truck. After two years of serving the surrounding municipalities of Vestavia, our popularity grew and we decided to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant connected to the seafood market. In 2017 we opened Land & Sea Cafe.
Q: What makes Snapper Grabbers unique?
A: Snapper Grabber’s Land & Sea is a unique, multifaceted specialty market offering the freshest variety of seafood, prime cuts of meat, a curated selection of fine wines along with delicious offerings in our Grab-n-Go coolers of dips, spreads and sides. Land & Sea Cafe features a unique array of coastal-inspired culinary delights and carefully crafted sandwiches, gumbo, chowder, salads and more.
Q: What is one menu item that is popular among customers?
A: The Fish Tacos are one of our most popular menu items, featuring grilled Mahi Mahi, cilantro-lime slaw, sriracha crema, queso fresco cheese and fried jalapeños. The fried shrimp, burgers and grilled fish sandwiches are definitely a close second.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job? Why?
A: What I love most about being a part of
Friday, October 17, 2025
Wald Park
Land & Sea markets is our customers. Our daily commitment is to our customers. Our ultimate goal goes beyond a simple purchase; it is about building a sense of community, trust, loyalty, inspiring creativity and developing long-term professional relationships and friendships that have sustained over the years. Vestavia is our home, our customers are our family.
Q: What is your personal favorite off the menu and why?
A: My personal “off-the-menu” favorite would be a crab cake sandwich. Hand-made in house with fresh Alabama blue crab, sautéed in butter, served on a toasted bun with remoulade sauce, spring lettuces and tomato along with a cold beer. Simple, delicious and sublime.
Trick-or-Treat on the Grand Lawn with local businesses & enjoy games & inflatables from 4:30-6:00 pm! Dress in your best family-friendly costume for a Costume Contest. Bring your Carved or Painted Pumpkin to enter in the Pumpkin contest. Contest Winners will be announced at 6:15 pm
Don't Forget a chair or blanket to watch a family Halloween Movie at 6:30 pm.
Presented by
Activate Games * Alabama Power Company * AmFirst * B.L. Harbert International * Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital Birmingham Christian Family * Blue Lake Orthodontics * Brianna Jaudon Agency-Alfa Insurance * Carr, Riggs & Ingram, CPA Children’s of Alabama-Vestavia Pediatrics * Elite Skin * First Horizon Bank * First US Bank * Gina Falletta-State Farm Grandview Medical Center * Harbert Realty Services * homeRN Hoover Vestavia * Jackson, Howard & Whatley, CPAs
John Henley State Farm Insurance * Leaf & Petal * Liberty Park Joint Venture * Mark Yanosky Orthodontics * Medical Properties Trust Next Level AVL/On-Site Productions * Payroll & Benefits Solutions * Regions Bank * Robins & Morton
Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Electrical & Generators * Society Wellness & Skin Spa * Shades Mountain Baptist Church Southern States Bank * SouthPoint Bank * Spire * Taylor Burton Company * TriaVision * UAB St. Vincent’s * United Community Bank Vestavia Dental * Vestavia Hills Magazine * Vestavia Hills Methodist Church * Vestavia Voice
Visit vestaviahills.org for more info.
Emily Tuttle is co-owner of Bistro V in Vestavia Hills. Staff photo.
Chef Patrick McCown, left, with Chef Tim Hughes. Photo courtesy of Snapper Grabbers Land & Sea.
Home & Garden Fall Guide
Discover local businesses that specialize in keeping your home and garden at their best
There’s lots of landscapers in business, but few measure up to Gardner Landscaping in Birmingham.
The company’s experts, all licensed and insured, have provided top-quality residential and commercial service since 2006.
“We have the people and resources to get your project done in a timely manner,” owner Grant Gardner said.
The fall is a great time for Gardner Landscaping to install more shade trees in your yard.
Adding shade trees offers greater privacy and lovely fall colors, as well as allowing greater energy conservation in homes and requiring less irrigation to retain ground moisture.
Gardner Landscaping can also plant beautiful hedges along your lot lines to cancel road noise, provide privacy year round and hold moisture. The hedges clearly mark the lot lines and provide a better solution than wooden fences, which don’t last as long.
The creative use of trees and shrubs — as well as plants and flowers — will enhance the beauty and value of any property.
Gardner Landscaping will create a customized plan for your yard based on your preferences, as well as sun exposure, soil type and landscape slope.
In addition, the company is “very good at building outdoor play and entertainment areas,” Grant says.
The team stays abreast of the latest
HOME & GARDEN
Experience outstanding service and custom window coverings at Budget Blinds
Our communities benefit greatly when residents shop local as much as they can and support their small businesses. This is especially true when a business is family-owned and based in rocksolid values, like Budget Blinds of Birmingham, which is located in Vestavia Hills.
Shutters, solar shades and woven wood products are among the top sellers at Budget Blinds. You can now take advantage of a new energy tax credit applicable to the purchase of plantation shutters where you can file for 30% off on your income taxes (up to $1,200).
Steve and Michelle Thackerson own and operate Budget Blinds. A married couple who live and work in Vestavia Hills, they have been serving their customers faithfully for over 30 years.
An unwavering commitment to delivering the finest customer service is at the heart of the Thackersons’ business philosophy. “We wouldn’t sell anything to you that we wouldn’t put into our own homes,” Steve says.
The couple’s family-oriented approach extends to their employees, all of whom have worked at the shop at least 12 years.
At Budget Blinds, which offers all types of custom window coverings, the caring, highly trained personnel take the time to understand their customers and to provide them with top-quality products that fit their lifestyles.
And when you call the Budget Blinds location in Vestavia Hills to get information or to schedule an appointment, you speak to someone in the local office – not a person in a faraway call center.
Large chain stores simply can’t replicate that sort of personalized service and customer experience.
In addition, all window coverings are custom made to fit each home, and the local employees of Budget Blinds do all of the in-home measuring and installation. “Anything that’s purchased from us, we’ll custom measure your windows and professionally install them,” Steve says.
Motorization and cordless options for window coverings also remain popular. Motorized options allow you to control blinds, shutters, solar shades and draperies from anywhere, and can be used with your home’s automation system. “We can usually tie our product into any system you might have,” Steve says.
Customers also benefit from the buying power of Budget Blinds, the world’s largest retailer of custom window coverings.
“Budget Blinds has huge national volume, so we get exclusive warranties that no one else can offer,” Steve says. “We get the same products as our competitors, but we get better pricing and warranties because we’re the world’s largest retailer of custom window coverings.
Budget Blinds has exclusive warranties given by the manufacturers to Budget Blinds customers only.
“Our prices are competitive, and we offer a onetime free replacement on all products for five years, and on select products for a lifetime,” Steve says. “That’s just an unheard-of warranty in any industry.”
Budget Blinds is more than just a business for the Thackersons. It’s a reflection of who they are – a family that works together, cares about their community and strives to provide the best service possible.
Request a free in-home consultation or visit the Budget Blinds showroom Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Transforming homes with custom storage solutions
Since 1982, Closets by Design has built a reputation for integrity and customer satisfaction. From noobligation in-home consultations to custom designs and quality construction, their products offer value and function.
Closets by Design simplifies life by designing, building and installing custom closets, garage cabinets, home offices, laundries, pantries, wardrobe mirror doors and more — all floor-based and adjustable. With a wide selection of finishes, accessories and hardware, customers get the customized look they’ve always wanted.
They offer three closet system choices, each maximizing space and creating organization for clothes and beyond.
“We build each closet with the customer in mind,” General Manager Tyree Melton said. “We can help customers take their garage a step further and transform it into a workshop, garden center or arts and crafts room, all with plenty of storage.”
Melton said his favorite product is the home office system, “because
that is where you create, work and communicate. In this digital age, your home workspace is fast becoming one more refuge in your home sanctuary.”
For small spaces, Closets by Design offers the foldaway designbed™ system — customizable, multi-functional and ideal for saving space. Pantries are another popular solution, with easy-toreach shelves, long and short storage, and options to complement laundry rooms.
Garage systems cut clutter dramatically, with counter and storage space for hobbies from gardening to woodworking. Mudrooms can also be customized with shelves, drawers, hooks and baskets to help families stay organized.
“I love giving our customers the highest level of service,” Melton said. “Helping them bring their dream closet to life.”
If your home needs routine maintenance or minor repairs, you may think you can do it yourself and save money.
However, even if you believe you have the right skills and tools to do a job, it will likely take you a lot longer than it should, because you don’t do home repairs every day.
Most home projects, even small handyman jobs, are better left to the experienced professionals at One Man & A Toolbox.
One Man & A Toolbox can handle any small project, including minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical fixes. They can also do painting, caulking, shelving and more.
“Any odd jobs around your home, we’ll get them done right the first time,” said owner Jay Moss. Moss and company can also do many other special tasks, like putting up decorations or assembling a swing set.
“No matter how crazy you think the task is, call us and we’ll try to figure it out,” Moss said.
One Man & A Toolbox can also tackle
larger home improvement projects. Moss warns homeowners against calling unlicensed, uninsured repairmen from online. Many will ask for money to buy materials before starting and won’t return or won’t be available for warranty issues that arise after the job.
One Man & A Toolbox has skilled, reliable employees who are licensed, insured and bonded.
Recently sold homes in Vestavia Hills
► ADDRESS: 1825 Cedarwood Road
► BED/BATH: 3/3
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,080 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Vestavia Hills
► LIST PRICE: $465,000
► SALE PRICE: $472,000
► ADDRESS: 2212 Ascot Lane
► BED/BATH: 3/3
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,594 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Steeplechase
► LIST PRICE: $275,000
► SALE PRICE: $275,000
► SALE PRICE: $450,000
► ADDRESS: 122 West Green Unit 122
► BED/BATH: 2/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,152 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Brookwood Green Condos in Cahaba Heights
► LIST PRICE: $265,000
► SALE PRICE: $253,625
SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, founded in 1959, pools financial contributions from individuals, families, and businesses to support nonprofits and improve the quality of life in Blount, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby, and Walker counties.
Donors to the Community Foundation can choose from numerous ways to contribute, including a Legacy Gift, which allows you to support your favorite causes beyond your lifetime.
Among the donors making a Legacy Gift are Bill and Judy Lewis, a retired couple living in Vestavia Hills, who believe strongly in giving back to the community that nurtured them.
“People helped us when we came along, so it’s our turn to pay it forward and help younger people,” Judy says.
“It’s a chance for us to leave a legacy,” Bill says.
The beauty of setting up a Legacy Gift is that you can express your personality and donate to any cause you’re passionate about. For Bill and Judy, that means helping people enjoy adventures that broaden their horizons.
The couple has loved international travel for about 50 years.
“It’s our happy place,” Judy says.
“We also love the outdoors and love nature,” Bill says, citing such activities as golf, hiking, biking, and hot-air ballooning.
“We’re trying to make it possible for people –particularly young people – to enjoy these things,” he says.
To accomplish that, the couple’s Legacy Gift will fund the creation of the Bill and Judy Lewis Scholarship
SPONSORED CONTENT
Make a lasting community impact with ease through personalized Legacy Gifts
Bill and Judy Lewis use their Legacy Gift to give back to the community that shaped them.
“People helped us when we came along, so it’s our turn to pay it forward and help younger people.”
Fund. Their fund will actually include two types of scholarships: one for international study and travel, and one for outdoor experiences.
“Judy and I want to inspire and challenge people to explore and do things they perhaps never thought about,” Bill says. “Outdoor experiences, for example, can build their self-confidence.”
Setting up a Legacy Gift gave the couple a way to realize their vision.
“We knew we wanted to do something, and we knew what our passions are, but we didn’t know how to accomplish it,” Judy says. “The Foundation staff sat down with us and helped us draw up a document that says what we want to do, and they’ll make it happen.”
Creating a Legacy Gift is very simple and is all contained in a single document. The couple said that the foundation staff made it easy to set up the fund.
“Their process is so meticulous and thorough,” Bill says.
A Legacy Fund Agreement can be customized with the foundation’s expert guidance to help you craft
a giving plan that supports specific organizations or responds to changing needs over time. Setting up a fund allows you to bypass the expenses and complexity of establishing a family foundation. Endowed gifts also have lasting power as part of the Community Foundation’s permanent endowment.
Bill and Judy also currently have a Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation that allows them to make donations at any time to any nonprofit they wish, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Birmingham, Red Mountain Theatre, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
To learn more about the many benefits of setting up a Legacy Gift through the foundation, go to cfbham.org/legacy
For more about the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, call 205-327-3800 or go to cfbham.org
EVENTS
Halloween in Vestavia Hills
How and where to find the best fall festivities this year
By JORDYN DAVIS
As the leaves begin to turn shades of scarlet and orange, pumpkins come out, temperatures drop and Halloween looms just around the corner. Vestavia Hills is packed with great fall activities designed to bring families closer with hauntingly good times.
Whether it’s perusing boutiques looking for fall decor or searching the city for the best pumpkin patches, Vestavia Hills offers plenty of options.
SPOOKY FUN
► The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce will host its fourth annual Haunt the Hills trick-or-treat night on Friday, Oct. 17, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Bring your best costume and enjoy trick-or-treating with local businesses. Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs and towels for a special screening of “Hotel Transylvania” showing at 6:30 p.m.
► Trick or Treat with Cahaba Heights businesses will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Families are invited to stop by Heights Village, located at 3138 Heights Village in Cahaba Heights, to enjoy treats from local businesses all day. The Cahaba Heights Witches Ride also returns this year, followed by an after-party at Heights Village from 4 to 7 p.m. It features live music on the patio with local musician Harry Downes.
► Trunk or Treat at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the church parking lot, 2061 Kentucky Ave. Families can enjoy a safe, car-to-car trick-or-treating experience with decorated trunks, candy, spooky decorations and prizes.
► The Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest will have a family night mini-indoor carnival on Oct. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. with hot dogs, carnival games and prizes. Teens can build a “haunted birdhouse” on Oct. 4, paint pumpkins on Oct. 21, watch a scary movie on Oct. 22 or play Halloween trivia on Oct. 28. Kids age 8 and older can make 3-D model jack-o-lanterns in the Makerspace on Oct. 9 and 13. Trick-or-treating for kids is on Oct. 31.
LOCAL GOODIES
► Rolls Bakery, located at 621 Montgomery Highway, is the perfect stop for a hot latte and some fresh cinnamon rolls. Enjoy a wide selection of muffins and cakes, as well as savory items such as pigs-in-a-blanket, sausage balls and more. Rolls Bakery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
► Pop into Peterbrooke Chocolatier, located at 3112 Heights Village for a delectable chocolate selection. Choose from handdipped chocolate treats and delicious gelato. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
► Darnell’s Fun Stuff has been a part of the Vestavia community for more than 30 years. This is a great spot to find fall foliage, decor and personalized gifts. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
► Cala Coffee recently released their fall menu, and pumpkin spice fanatics, this one’s for you. The fall menu includes a s’mores latte, carrot cake chai, brown butter cappuccino, sweet potato cold brew and cereal milk matcha. Cala Coffee is open Monday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
► Minette Boutique just dropped its new fall clothing collection. Located at 3118 Bellwood Drive, Suite 120, this boutique specializes in women’s apparel. They also collaborate with other businesses and members of the community, such as Miss Alabama.
COSTUMES GALORE
Discover the best places to find — or create — the perfect Halloween costume.
► Spirit Halloween is located just down the road in Hoover at 4351 Creekside Ave. in the Patton Creek Shopping Center. The annual pop-up shop has hundreds of costumes, from dead cheerleaders to favorite cartoon characters.
► Looking for quirky additions to your costume? Check out Vapor Thrift Store, located at 1069 Montgomery Highway. Find purses, shoes, tops, jeans and Halloween decor.
► Chain retailers such as Hobby Lobby, Target and Walmart also have costumes at reasonable prices.
TRICK OR TREAT HEADQUARTERS
► Liberty Park in Vestavia Hills is
known for putting on quite the fall show. Take the kids to see fun decorations and enjoy trick-or-treating.
► Cahaba Heights is a picturesque neighborhood featuring plenty of local businesses and Halloween festivities.
BEYOND THE BLOCK
► Head south into Pelham to experience the horrors of Warehouse 31 haunted house at 3150 Lee Street, from Sept. 26 to Nov. 1. Work your way through nearly 30,000 square feet of attractions, including Rigamortis, a longclosed butcher shop that left behind terrors, as well as the 3D Experience that includes 3D artwork and disorienting puzzles. There’s also an escape room.
► Helena Hollow in Helena runs Oct. 3-31 and offers more than 25 farm activities along with six acres of pumpkin picking.
FUN FOR THE KIDDOS
► Hoots and Hallows at the Birmingham Zoo is an annual celebration at the Birmingham Zoo, located in Homewood, on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This daytime event features candy and
magical moments with the beloved wildlife at the zoo.
► Moxi Childcare is hosting a Pumpkin Painting Day on Thursday, Oct. 4. Families can expect a fun-filled day of creativity and Halloween spirit. You can also create your own pumpkin masterpiece. The event will be held at 2805 Montessori Way in Homewood.
OTHER GEMS
► City of Vestavia Hills 75th Anniversary Celebration: This community celebration will take place on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 5 p.m. and will feature live music, entertainment, free food, jump houses, face painting and more. Join Vestavia Hills as they commemorate 75 years of growth and progress within the city.
► Step Up for Down Syndrome: October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Down Syndrome Alabama in Vestavia Hills is hosting a program for the Greater Birmingham area. It includes a month of fundraising, fun activities and celebrations for individuals living with Down syndrome. The Vestavia Hills walk event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Above: The Cahaba Heights Witches Ride returns this year on Saturday, Oct. 25. Photo courtesy of Cahaba Heights Local.
Left: Attendees at the 2024 Haunt the Hills event put by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce at Wald Park in Vestavia Hills in October 2024.
Photo by Jon Anderson
John Ambrose has a ‘passion’ for building great kitchens and baths
John Ambrose is a Birmingham cabinet expert with years of experience in top-quality remodels and new construction. In this Q&A, John discusses what sets Ambrose Kitchen & Bath apart.
Why do you focus on kitchens and baths? Having worked on ground-up construction and full home remodels, I realized that kitchens and bathrooms are my passion. These are the most used and most challenging design features of the home—and as the youngest of four brothers, I like nothing more than to win a challenge! Getting the lighting, plumbing, tile, countertops, cabinets, hardware, appliances and paint to work together is like conducting a symphony. Every element has to be in harmony to achieve our clients’ vision.
Do you have a showroom to visit? Absolutely. In our showroom clients can get a hands-on look at working kitchens showcasing two of our top cabinet brands, Kith Kitchens and Mouser Custom Cabinetry. We also have lots of other samples to show. We see clients by appointment only because we believe that each client deserves our undivided attention.
What sets Ambrose Kitchen & Bath apart? We are committed to listening and collaborating with our clients to build spaces that work for them. Most customers come to us to solve problems in their existing space. We listen and create designs that ensure their new kitchen or bath will work for the way they live. We’re also a tight team of highly skilled professionals who have a passion for design and an eye toward the tiniest detail. We think through every aspect of our clients’ space and plan each component in advance.
Can you accommodate my busy schedule? Of course! Whether you’re a busy working parent, constantly on the road or retired and living your best life, we can work with you. We understand that not everyone can get to the design table during retail hours. In fact, we schedule most of our appointments after 4 p.m. on weekdays or on weekends.
What if I’ve never remodeled before and I’m feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. We’ll walk you through your entire project hand-in-hand. Before we ever started focusing solely on kitchens and baths, we did full remodels and built homes from the ground up. We understand every stage of the remodeling process and how to staff it, so we can guide you and answer all your questions. We’ll help make sure your project goes smoothly from rough-in to fluff-out.
I have no idea what a kitchen costs these days. What if my budget and dreams don’t align? We get it. We can break down costs in an easy-to-understand way and work with you to design the ideal kitchen or bath for your budget. We’ve hand-picked beautiful cabinet lines at every price point. Come take a look!
For more information, call us at 205-510-6961 or visit AmbroseKitchenandBath.com.
EVENTS
Save the Date
STEP UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME
► Where: Wald Park grand lawn, 1973 Merryvale Road
► Cost: $10 for people ages 13 and older; $5 for children 3-12 and free for children 2 and younger and people with Down syndrome.
► Details: Down Syndrome Alabama, a nonprofit that supports people living with Down syndrome and their families, is having its annual Birmingham-area Step Up for Down Syndrome walk. People are encouraged to come show support for individuals living with Down syndrome. The theme is “Stars Fell On Alabama.” It’s also a fundraiser. Walkers also are encouraged to find people to sponsor them in the walk with donations and to form teams to raise money.
COFFEE & CONNECTIONS
► Where: Junior League of Birmingham, 2212 20th Ave. S.
► When: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 7:309:30 a.m.
► Contact: 205-879-9861
► Web: jlbonline.com
► Cost: Free
► Details: The Junior League of Birmingham is bringing together five chambers of commerce for a networking event, including the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham Business Alliance, Homewood Chamber of Commerce, Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce and Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. It will include coffee, conversation and a fall spread of savory bites while connecting with new people and forging relationships in your community.
BELLY DANCE WITH BETHANY
► Where: Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Community Room, 1221 Montgomery Highway
► When: Oct. 13, 20 and 27, 6 p.m.
► Contact: 205-978-0155
► Web: vestavialibrary.org/adults
► Cost: Free
► Details: Adults age 18 and older are invited to come for a belly dancing class with library technology assistant Bethany Mitchell, who learned belly dancing from the Aziza School of Middle Eastern Belly Dance. This family-friendly class focuses on veil dancing, which emphasizes fluidity, connecting with the body, hip isolation and footwork. Suitable for all shapes, sizes and activity levels. Wear comfortable clothing. Showing midriff is not required but allowed. No registration required.
DOLORES HYDOCK: SOLDIERS IN GREASEPAINT
► Where: Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Community Room, 1221 Montgomery Highway
► When: Thursday, Oct. 23, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
► Contact: 205-978-0155
► Web: vestavialibrary.org/adults
► Cost: $20
► Details: Storyteller Dolores Hydock will share stories of some of the 7,000 USO Camp Show performers who brought music, laughs a touch of the familiar to U.S. service members serving far from home during World War II. From Utah Beach to the Philippines, from wrestlers and tap dancers to the biggest names in show business, USO Camp Shows were part of a story of volunteerism and service. This is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Vestavia Library.
► For more events news, connect with the Vestavia Voice online by scanning the QR code.
► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Jon Anderson at janderson@starnesmedia.com.
STATE-OF-THE-CITY SPEECH
► Where: Vestavia Country Club, 400 Beaumont Drive
► When: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
► Contact: 205-823-5011
► Web: business.vestaviahills.org/ events
► Cost: $25 through Oct. 9; $30 after Oct. 9
► Details: Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry is scheduled to give his annual state-of-the-city speech during the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon. Curry said he plans to review the various accomplishments of the city under the direction of the current group of elected officials and give updates on current projects happening, especially in the Liberty Park community, which is experiencing much of the city’s growth.
► Contact: Kay Powell at 205-8358981 or klpowell@alz.org
► Web: act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2025/ AL-Alabama
► Cost: Free but donations sought
► Details: The Alzheimer’s Association holding a Walk to End Alzheimer's to raise money to further the care, support and research efforts. There is no registration fee for the walk. However, the organization asks that every participant make a personal donation and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer's. The goal is to raise $500,000 with this walk. As of Sept. 18, 79 teams with 265 participants had registered and $78,137 had been raised.
MAKERSPACE
Mondays: Open Maker Lab, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursdays: Open Maker Lab, 2-5:30 p.m.
Oct. 2: Intro to CNC Engraving (ages 12 and older), 10-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 9 and 13: 3D modeled Jack-O-Lanterns (ages 8 and older), 10-11:30 a.m.
Oct. 20: Intro to 3D Printing, 4-5:30 p.m.
Oct. 27: 3D Scanning Workshop (ages 10 and older), 4-5:30 p.m.
Oct. 30: 3D Scanning Workshop (ages 10 and older), 10-11:30 a.m.
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
Oct. 2: Vestavia Hills Design Review Board, 6 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Oct. 9: Vestavia Hills Planning and Zoning Commission, 6 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Oct. 13: Vestavia Hills City Council action meeting, 6 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Oct. 16: Vestavia Hills Board of Zoning Adjustment, 6 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Oct. 20: Vestavia Hills City Council work session, 5 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Oct. 21: Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Board: 7:30 a.m., Vestavia Hills Civic Center
Oct. 27: Vestavia Hills Board of Education, 4 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Schools central office
Oct. 27: Vestavia Hills City Council action meeting, 6 p.m., Vestavia Hills City Hall
Vestavia Hills ready for 75th anniversary party
By JON ANDERSON
It’s time for the big 75th anniversary party for Vestavia Hills.
City officials have set aside Thursday, Oct. 2, as the 75th celebration day, with the party happening from 5 to 7 p.m. on the front lawn outside Vestavia Hills City Hall.
The event will take the place of the city’s annual public safety Community Night Out and will be set up in a similar fashion, Assistant City Manager Cinnamon McCulley said. There will be police and fire vehicles on display, free food, a disc jockey playing music and booths with displays by Vestavia Hills businesses and organizations, she said.
At least 30 entities have expressed an interest in participating, including The Vestavia Hills Police Foundation, Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Truist Bank, the Jefferson County Commission, Buffalo Rock, Community Coffee, Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club, Donato’s Pizza and Bruster’s Ice Cream, McCulley said.
Mayor Ashley Curry will make some brief remarks at the beginning of the celebration, and the choir from Vestavia Hills Elementary School East will sing the national anthem, she said. All current city elected officials and previous city elected officials who are still living have been invited to the celebration, though neither of the two previous living mayors — Sara Wuska and Butch Zaragoza — are expected to be able to make it, McCulley said. Wuska is
Vestavia Hills 75th Celebration Day
► Where: On the front lawn outside Vestavia Hills City Hall
► When: Thursday, Oct. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m.
► Details: A free community event celebrating 75 years of Vestavia Hills. Attractions will include music, food, drinks, police and fire vehicle displays and a variety of local business vendor booths.
elderly with limited activity, and Zaragoza now lives in Florida, she said.
Some of the free food expected to be available includes barbecue and hot dogs, McCulley said.
The official anniversary of the city’s incorporation is Nov. 8, but city officials thought the weather would be better for an outdoor celebration in October, McCulley said. Plus, having the event in November could have put it in conflict with Veterans Day or Thanksgiving activities, she said.
Everyone in the city is invited to the free event on Oct. 2..
Above: Vestavia Hills will celebrate its 75 anniversary in 2025, marked by many years of community success, business growth and educational achievements. Staff photo
Below: The event will take the place of the city’s annual public safety Community Night Out and will be set up in a similar fashion. Photo courtesy of Cinnamon McCulley.
Under the Lights
Early-season highlights
Photos by SHAWN BOWLES and DAVID LEONG
Vestavia Hills defense: The Vestavia Hills defense was dominant in the win over Auburn, with Daniel Richardson, Walker Hogue and Parker Simpson contributing to takeaways.
Vestavia Hills LB Grayer Manown: Manown was all over the place in Vestavia Hills’ game against Hewitt-Trussville. He finished with 20 tackles in an impressive performance.
Vestavia Hills RB Carson Purdy: Purdy has been solid for the Rebels so far, rushing for 54 yards and two touchdowns in the game against Hewitt-Trussville.
Vestavia Hills QB Charlie Taaffe: Taaffe has continued his progression in his second year as the starting quarterback for the Rebels. In an impressive win over Auburn, Taaffe threw for 167 yards and ran for 112 yards, with two rushing touchdowns.
Vestavia Hills TE Grayson Harper: Harper has made a big impact on the Rebels offense in the first few games of the season. In the win over Auburn, Harper caught eight passes for 172 yards, and scored a rushing touchdown.
Power is more than electricity – it keeps life moving. From big celebrations to small moments, we’re here to keep your connections strong. Whether volunteering, sharing energy tips or weathering the storms together, Alabama Power helps move communities forward. Doing everything in our power to power everything you do.
SPORTS
Rebels looking to lock up 4th straight playoff berth in October
By KYLE PARMLEY
The second half of the high school football regular season gets crammed into the month of October, with five Fridays on the calendar for teams to jockey for playoff position or play out the string on a disappointing campaign.
Vestavia Hills splits its season in half this year, playing five games ahead of an open date Sept. 26. The five weeks that follow are critical, as the Rebels will look to finish strong in Class 7A, Region 3 play and qualify for the playoffs for the fourth year in a row under head coach Robert Evans.
► Oct. 3 vs. Prattville: For these two proud programs, last year’s meeting was their first ever. Vestavia Hills ran away with a 49-14 victory, as the Rebels rushed for 314 yards and had a 35-0 edge at halftime. This year’s game will likely be much more competitive, as Prattville hired Bobby Carr as the program’s new head coach. Carr is a longtime, highly successful coach in the AISA ranks and put together an impressive season at Carver-Montgomery a season ago. The Lions hope Carr is the man to put the program back in the upper echelon of 7A programs in the state.
► Oct. 10 vs. Oak Mountain: The Rebels host an Oak Mountain program that has struggled in recent years. Vestavia has had no trouble with the Eagles over the last three years, including a 42-14 victory in 2024. In that game, Vestavia rolled up 364 yards on the ground and picked up a key region victory. Oak Mountain jumped from one win in 2023 to four wins last year, and the Eagles are looking for more improvement this fall. Head coach Shane McComb has stated the Eagles are shooting for a playoff berth, but Region 3 is difficult to break through.
► Oct. 17 at Tuscaloosa County: Vestavia Hills has not allowed a point to Tuscaloosa
County in the last two years, winning 45-0 and 42-0. The Rebels will hope to continue that trend against the Wildcats, as Vestavia heads to Northport for its final road game of the regular season. Cris Bell has taken over at Tuscaloosa County, and will presumably bring the option offense that he had so much success with at Oak Mountain from 2012-2020.
► Oct. 24 vs. Hoover: The Rebels get their biggest rival at home this year, as they cap off
the region slate with Hoover. The Bucs ran away with a 38-20 win last season, as things fell apart for Vestavia after taking a 14-10 lead late in the first half. Hoover has owned the series in recent years, winning nine of the last 10 meetings. This game could have a big impact on playoff seeding for both teams.
► Oct. 30 vs. Montgomery Catholic: will be the first meeting between the two pro grams. Once considered a mediocre program,
Montgomery Catholic has risen to prominence in the last decade. The Knights have won state championships the last two years (4A in 2023 and 5A in 2024) in undefeated campaigns. The two years before that, their only loss of the year came in the semifinals. The year before that, they were the state runners-up. But Jonathan Chandler is in his first year at the helm now, so it remains to be seen what Catholic will look like
Vestavia Hills tight end Will Ainsworth (88) and offensive lineman Pearson Tucker (54) celebrate in the end zone during a game against Westside on Aug. 22 at Thompson Reynolds Stadium. Photo by David Leong.
Millie
Burgess
adding her own chapter of Rebels volleyball Making her mark
By KYLE PARMLEY
Being in the gym at Vestavia Hills High School was second nature for Millie Burgess growing up.
Her mom, Mandy, was the head coach at Vestavia Hills for many of Millie’s formative years, coaching the Rebels from 2000-2012, and again from 2016-2019.
Millie doesn’t remember anything different than coming over to the high school in the afternoons and hanging out while her mom’s teams practiced or played.
“I loved it,” Millie said.
There are certainly a few moments from Millie’s younger years that stand out, such as her and her brother drawing the ire of their parents after dropping a volleyball onto the court during an important varsity match.
“It’s one of those moments that’s a funny story to look back on; they were just little,” Mandy Burgess recalled, noting that point had to be replayed.
It would have been natural for Millie to assume that her mom would be her high school volleyball coach one day, but Mandy stepped away from coaching while Millie was in middle school. There is no negativity
in their voices when they agree that it was probably for the best that Millie be able to build her own identity, without dealing with the “coach’s kid” label.
Ashley Hardee has been the Rebels’ head coach for the last five years, and Millie has had a terrific experience playing under his guidance.
“I think the world of Ashley Hardee,” Mandy said. “He has been instrumental significantly, not just for [Millie], but for the program.”
Millie earned a spot on the varsity team during Hardee’s first year, but didn’t become a fixture in the starting lineup until her sophomore season. Hardee had a pretty good idea early on that Millie would become a star.
“She’s turned into that, and beyond,” Hardee said.
Mandy Burgess was known for her intensity on the sidelines as a coach, and Hardee sees some of that in Millie’s game as well. Mandy also notices some similarities from her own playing days with the way Millie plays the game.
The lineage sure hasn’t hurt Millie. Not many players have a mother with the same depth of volleyball knowledge to offer insight and correction.
“She’s always right,” Millie said, with a laugh. “Sometimes, my dad has to remind me of that.”
But make no mistake, Millie has charted her own course. She accepted an offer to play collegiately at Jacksonville State University, because she has turned into an exceptional outside hitter who is recognized as one of the top players in Alabama.
Before that, there is still work to be done. This year’s Vestavia Hills team has the potential to achieve history. Each athletics program at Vestavia Hills has a banner that hangs in the gym — the same one Millie grew up in — to recognize state championships won over the years.
But the volleyball one remains empty. The Rebels have come close,
SEEING CRACKS?
like in 2012 when Mandy led the team to a state runner-up finish. Last year, Millie led her team to the final four. She would love nothing more than to go all the way in her final shot at it.
Millie is not an overly emotional person, but achieving that may elicit a tear or two. The Rebels have a large
roster this year, one that
“I’ve been really proud of us,” Millie said. “We all love each other so much.”
includes a senior group of Claire Ogden, Marley Cowan, Kendall Roberts, Emma Falkner, Hill Hudlow, Ellie Mitchell and Caroline Stricklin.
Mandy and Tyler Burgess cheer for their daughter, Millie, during a match. Photo by David Leong.
Millie Burgess (12) of Vestavia Hills in the match against Mountain Brook High School at Vestavia Hills High School on Sept. 9. Photo by Lindsay Handey.
A new chapter of faith and leadership
Briarwood Presbyterian Church welcomes Scott Redd as lead pastor
By MALIA RIGGS
Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham officially entered a new chapter of leadership on Aug. 10, as Scott Redd Jr. began his role as lead pastor.
Selected after an extensive nationwide search, Redd steps into the pulpit of one of the largest congregations in the Presbyterian Church in America, bringing a unique blend of scholarly expertise and pastoral experience to the Birmingham area.
Redd entered the role following a congregational vote on June 15, which was affirmed by the Evangel Presbytery and followed by a formal installation on Aug. 10, according to a Facebook post. His first sermon as senior pastor took place that same day, marking the beginning of his ministry at Briarwood.
“Our committee believes that he is the man God has called to Briarwood. God has blessed Scott with special gifts and abilities in preaching, teaching, leading and serving. He has a deep love for the church and a commitment to proclaiming the whole counsel of God,” Pulpit Search Committee Chairman Billy Hall said in a recent report to the congregation.
Before joining Briarwood, Redd built an extensive career in theological education and leadership. After teaching and serving as dean
of students at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, he became president and associate professor of Old Testament at RTS Washington, D.C., in 2012. During his tenure, Redd also directed RTS New York and continued teaching at several institutions, including Catholic
University of America and Augustine Theological Institute in Malta, broadening his influence in both pastoral training and biblical scholarship. Redd was raised in a military family and moved often during his childhood before earning his bachelor’s degree in English from the
College of William & Mary, where he met his wife, Jennifer. After working in media consulting in Washington, D.C., Redd followed a call to ministry and earned his Master of Divinity from RTS in Orlando. He went on to complete both a master's and Ph.D. in Semitic and Egyptian languages and literatures at the Catholic University of America.
Briarwood Presbyterian Church began with modest worship services in a Cahaba Heights storefront. The church quickly grew into one of the largest congregations in the Presbyterian Church in America. Under Barker’s nearly four decades of leadership, the church established Briarwood Christian School and Birmingham Theological Seminary. Briarwood also played a pivotal role in the PCA’s formation, hosting the denomination’s first general assembly in December 1973.
After Barker’s retirement in 1999, Harry Reeder III became Briarwood’s second senior pastor, leading the congregation for more than two decades until his unexpected passing in May 2023. By this time, Briarwood had settled into its current campus off Interstate 459 and Acton Road, opened in 1988, and expanded its ministries both locally and globally.
Now settled in Birmingham, Redd brings with him not only a deep love of Scripture, but also a strong commitment to pastoral leadership. He and his wife, Jennifer, are parents to five daughters. Jennifer stated in a recent video addressing the congregation that the family looks forward to becoming part of the Briarwood community. Now, as the church turns the page, Redd steps into his new role combining academic depth with pastoral care.
With Redd’s leadership underway, Briarwood Presbyterian begins a new season rooted in tradition yet looking toward the future.
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Briarwood Presbyterian Church has entered a new chapter of leadership as Scott Redd Jr. officially began his role as lead pastor on Aug. 10. Selected after an extensive nationwide search, Redd steps into the pulpit of one of the largest congregations in the Presbyterian Church in America bringing a unique blend of scholarly expertise and pastoral experience to the Birmingham community. Photo courtesy of Briarwood Presbyterian Church.
Life in Vestavia Hills
BACK WHEN GET TO KNOW
Library in the Forest Director Taneisha Tucker
By JON ANDERSON
Taneisha Tucker has been director of the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest since 2007.
Q: Tell me about your job changes at the library over the years.
A: From 2004 to 2007, I was the adult services librarian, and then in 2007, I was asked by the board to serve as interim director, and in the fall of 2007, I became the director after an intensive search.
Q: What do you love about working in a library?
A: I’ve done almost every job that you can do in a library. I started as a page in downtown Birmingham, and I’ve worked in so many departments. I’ve been a children’s librarian. I’ve been a circulation manager. I’ve been a literature specialist. I’ve done so many jobs. This one is different in that I am the one who has the 360-degree view. I get to see it from start to finish, top to bottom, inside and out. So whereas the department heads only look at what’s important for their department, I get to look at it all, from the facilities to the grounds to the budget to the staffing to everything. So it’s more of a challenge, but I like doing it.
Q: Is there anything particularly
exciting going on at the library these days?
A: Of course. It’s always something exciting happening. … Our summer reading numbers were up. We’re excited that more adults and children read this year, and … as you already know, the city has tentative plans to build an east-side library, and I am over the moon excited about that.
Q: I understand there has to be some fundraising done for that to be accomplished. Is that true?
A: That is true. We have just hired a fundraising consultant to determine what’s viable for our library foundation, and hopefully we begin pretty soon doing that work. We are confident that we will raise the money.
Q: Getting back to you personally, are you a big reader yourself?
A: I used to be a big reader. These days, I listen more than I read. I listen to a lot of motivational books. I like historical romance. I have a degree in English, so I’ve read the classics, and I appreciate them, but these days, I’d rather listen to and read things that are a little bit less challenging for me. I am also a photographer, so I spend some time listening to books while I edit photographs. I don’t read like most people think librarians do.
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Wald Park’s 2014 reset began with
By TIM STEPHENS
When city leaders revisited Wald Park in 2014, the beloved community space was showing its age. Baseball fields, the civic center, the pool and the Senior’s Lodge all needed attention. Councilman Steve Ammons recalled playing there as a child but acknowledged the reality: “We wanted the highest and best use for Wald Park. There is clearly a need for many types of upgrades. We have an aging civic center, pool and lodge area.”
a look underground
The city created a park committee and launched a three-phase plan. Phase one began with geotechnical testing to examine the ground beneath the park. In July 2014, the council approved $11,500 for Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood to perform subsurface work. Mayor Butch Zaragoza explained why it mattered: “We want to make sure we know what is underneath that ground. We don’t want to build anything on unsuitable soil.”
Phase two called for community input on sports and recreation needs. Phase three
focused on drafting a master plan tied to the U.S. 31 corridor and long-term financing. “We are looking at what could happen on the site to leverage our sports facilities,” City Manager Jeff Downes said.
The careful planning echoed earlier moments in park history. Wald Park opened in 1963, and in 1964 hundreds of students petitioned for indoor recreation, a push that led to the 1969 civic center. Just as residents shaped the park’s early decades, the 2014 reset positioned Wald Park for the changes that followed.
VESTAVIA
(205) 822-7607
1944 Canyon Rd., Ste. 100, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Armin Hornikel, Clinic Director
The original plans for Wald Park as prepared by Rust Engineering for the city of Vestavia Hills. Image courtesy of Vestavia Hills Historical Society.
Tucker
BUDGET
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The station currently has 21 firefighters assigned to it — seven per shift, he said. But with call volumes increasing with growth in Liberty Park, the long-range plan is to add 12 more people there over the three shifts and add another fire engine, he said. The station currently has a rescue unit and quint-ladder truck.
The expansion will likely be gradual, with the first new firefighters likely coming in fiscal 2027 in conjunction with the new space, Green said. Construction likely will begin by the end of this year and take 12-14 months, he said.
City officials still are trying to figure out how to handle temporary quarters during construction, Green said. The goal is to maintain the current level of fire and emergency medical services throughout construction, he said.
The Fire Department plans to go ahead and order the new fire engine, but there currently is a wait time of two to three years for delivery, Green said.
Two other replacement fire engines for Fire Station 1 on U.S. 31 and Fire Station 5 in Cahaba Heights were expected to arrive in September. Those engines were ordered previously and cost about $900,000 each. They will be paid for incrementally through financing, City Manager Jeff Downes said.
The city’s reserves have grown enough to allow city officials to pull from them to pay for the fire station addition, Downes said. From fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2024, the city’s general fund surplus and fund balance have increased 98% from $16 million to $31.7 million, Downes said. An anticipated surplus of $1.75 million for fiscal 2025 should continue this trend and allow for some one-time purchases within the capital fund, he said.
The city will continue to have more than 90 days’ worth of operating expenditures in the reserve fund, he said.
The $123 million spending plan for fiscal
2026 includes all city funds and would be a 6% increase from fiscal 2025, while city officials plan to spend $80.9 million from the city’s general fund in 2026, up 10% from 2025.
Half of the general fund budget is to cover personnel costs of $40.8 million. The budget includes a 2% cost-of-living increase for non-public safety employees and a 3.5% cost-of-living and market-based pay increase for public safety employees, more money for longevity pay and education reimbursements for employees, a $30-per-month reduction in employees’ cost for health insurance and almost $70,000 more to pay for additional highly trained master police officers.
Overall personnel costs are projected to be about $1.26 million higher than in the 2025 budget.
The breakdown of general fund expenses by department includes $27.5 million for citywide expenses, $16.5 million for the Police Department and $14.7 million for the Fire Department, $7.1 million for public services, $5.6 million for parks and leisure services, $3.4 million for the library, $2.5 million for administration, $1 million for information services, $1 million for inspection services, $661,000 for the city clerk’s office, $449,000 for the municipal complex,
$403,000 for human resources and $92,000 for the City Council.
A few other items of note mentioned by department heads in budget hearings included replacing Fire Department thermal imaging cameras and cardiac monitors, replacing the remote library book drop at the Cahaba Heights fire station, adding two more license plate reader cameras, replacing aging drones, replacing more lights in the pool at Wald Park, resurfacing the pickleball courts at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, replacing a concession stand roof at Liberty Park, replacing more park lights and hiring a new public works construction crew member and part-time custodian for the library.
The increase in spending for 2026 should be made possible by a projected 6% growth in revenues. Sales tax revenues, which make up about 41% of the city’s general fund revenues, are projected to grow 9.5% to $32.1 million, while property tax revenues, which represent 33% of general fund revenues, are projected to climb 3.4% to $24.9 million.
Vestavia Hills 2026 Budget
► Overall expenses: $123.3 million (up 6%)
► Overall revenues: $123.7 million (up 6%)
► General fund expenses: $80.9 million (up 10%)
► General fund revenues: $80.9 million (up 10%)
► Capital projects: $22 million (down 7%)
Utility franchise fees — money the city receives from utilities for using city rights of way — are predicted to remain steady at about $3 million.
“The city is in good financial health,” Downes said.
License and permit fees, which represent 12% of the general fund revenues, are expected to decline slightly to $6.9 million. That includes business license fees and building permit fees, and the decline is expected due to a moderation of new construction compared to rapid growth in the previous couple of years, city officials said.
Left: Vestavia Hills firefighters work out at Station 4 in Liberty Park, which is set for expansion and renovation. Photo by Jon Anderson. Right: Sand volleyball courts at Pelham Park in Pelham. There is money in the city’s budget for two sand volleyball courts in Vestavia Hills. Photo courtesy of city of Vestavia Hills
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VESTAVIA
CONTINUED from page 1
This is by no means a definitive list. We could have easily selected 7,500 people, but these are some notables who caught our attention during the year as we researched the city’s history.
Taken together, these short profiles reflect a simple idea — that Vestavia Hills became Vestavia Hills because people showed up, gave back and left it better than they found it.
► Adams, Verner: Founding mayor who helped stand up city government after the 1950 vote.
He guided early ordinances and budgets, built public trust in meetings and minutes and set civic norms that anchored Vestavia’s first decade.
► Anderson, Buddy: Alabama’s winningest high school football coach led Vestavia Hills High for 43 seasons. He built a consistent program, won two state titles, mentored young coaches and turned Friday nights into a unifying civic ritual.
► Ayres, J. H.: First fire chief who organized the city’s initial department from scratch. He recruited and trained early crews, set readiness standards and helped protect new neighborhoods spreading along Shades Mountain’s ridges and valleys.
► Bachus, Spencer III: Sixth District Congressman with Vestavia roots whose committee work elevated regional priorities in banking and infrastructure. His constituent focus connected neighborhood concerns to federal policy during decades of metropolitan growth.
► Baxley, Lucy: Statewide officeholder who called Vestavia home while serving Alabamians. She championed seniors and consumers, kept accessibility at the forefront and showed how Over‑the‑Mountain experience could shape practical statewide policy.
► Belles, Vestavia: Teen ambassadors who welcome visitors, host ceremonies and serve at civic events. The program teaches poise and service, then sends graduates into leadership across schools, neighborhoods and local nonprofits.
► Boone, Pat: Former councilor and longtime city attorney whose steady counsel guided annexations, school system milestones and complex development agreements. His institutional memory helped the city navigate growth without losing its neighborly tone.
► Brasell, Beverly: Vestavia Hills High School theater and speech educator who built a powerhouse program. She staged ambitious shows, coached forensics champions, mentored future artists and turned school productions into community events families planned around.
► Byrd, Charles: Postwar developer who restored George Ward’s estate, reopened the gardens and invested in early shopping centers. His projects seeded a commercial core that sustained residential growth and gave Vestavia a gathering place.
► Cahaba Heights community leaders: Neighborhood advocates who rallied after storms, then worked through annexation. They integrated services, strengthened small business corridors and ensured the area’s identity felt at home inside the city.
► Chamber of Commerce founders: Business organizers who formalized advocacy and recruitment along U.S. 31. They built a durable partnership with schools and City Hall, keeping the local economy resilient through changing retail eras.
► Clark, William: Founding superintendent who launched Vestavia Hills City Schools in 1970. He set academic standards, recruited early principals and created a school culture families moved here to join.
► Cloud, Emmett: Real estate and civic catalyst tied to the pre‑incorporation country club era. His energy connected neighbors, encouraged festivals and reinforced the case for cityhood around shared amenities and gatherings.
► Coggin, Frances: In 1976, Frances Coggin was the first woman elected to serve on the Vestavia Hills City Council. She resigned that role in 1979 to serve as the city’s senior accountant clerk and then later served as the city treasurer.
► Curry, Ashley: Mayor and former FBI agent whose focus on public safety, infrastructure and customer‑service culture steadied City Hall. He has guided reinvestment, supported departmental excellence and emphasized clear communication with residents.
► Downes, Jeff: City manager since 2013 who modernized operations and budgeting. He championed capital projects, strengthened school partnerships and normalized performance metrics that made city services more transparent and accountable.
► Dunn, Sammy: Vestavia Hills High School baseball legend. Over 27 seasons he went 647 146, won nine 6A state titles from 1991 to 2000 including seven straight, and earned 1998 national coach honors — a standard of preparation and pride.
► Educators, Vestavia Hills High School Hall of Fame: Teachers and administrators whose classroom craft and coaching shaped college‑ready graduates. Their daily excellence made Vestavia’s schools the city’s heartbeat and its most enduring brand.
► Franks, Floyd: Professional midfielder and Vestavia Hills High School alum whose career highlighted Vestavia’s deep soccer culture. His youth clinics and outreach helped inspire the next wave of players and coaches.
► Freeman, Todd: Superintendent steering enrollment growth, facilities and instructional innovation. He widened arts and career and technical education options, emphasized student safety and strengthened partnerships among classrooms, families and City Hall.
► Friends of the Library founders: Volunteers who raised funds, recruited members and broadened programs. Their advocacy helped a modest collection mature
into a beloved civic anchor for readers of every age.
► Goodson, Gladys: First Garden Club president who mobilized beautification and civic fundraising. Her organizing energy built volunteer capacity that later made the 1976 temple relocation possible.
► Grace, Jack: Mayor who guided late‑1970s service expansion and amenities. He kept neighborhood quality of life front‑and‑center during steady growth and left durable improvements in everyday city services.
► Guillot, Robert: Second mayor who professionalized operations and broadened the tax base. He supported early park investments that welcomed young families and strengthened the city’s long‑term finances.
► Gwin, Robert: First city attorney appointed at the inaugural council meeting. He drafted ordinances, reviewed contracts and translated civic hopes into legal footing for a functioning municipality.
► Hagedorn, Lucian: Library board chair who helped steer the first major expansion. He widened access to collections and programs and set governance habits that carried the library forward.
► Hammond, Chris: Major League pitcher and Vestavia Hills High School alum whose career spotlighted Vestavia athletics. He returned to support youth camps that emphasized fundamentals, perseverance and hometown pride.
► Hancock, Josh: Big‑league pitcher and Vestavia Hills High School alum whose ascent reflected a nationally respected high school program. His story inspired younger athletes across parks and travel teams.
► Hatchett, George: VHHS basketball coach 35 years, state titles in 1992 and 2009. Retired 2016; AHSAA Hall of Fame 2011; Braasch‑Hatchett Court honors him and longtime girls coach Fran Braasch.
► Haynes, W. O.: Foundational police chief who built the department from a one‑officer operation into a modern force. He set training standards and a community‑trust ethos the city still prizes.
► Humphreys, Tom: Chaired the 1981 committee that launched the Chamber of Commerce. His bridge‑building linked merchants and City Hall and strengthened advocacy for local business corridors.
► I Love America Day volunteers: Community teams who grew a simple celebration into a signature city tradition. Music, flags and fellowship turned July evenings into a Vestavia ritual.
► Kaufman, Smylie: PGA Tour winner and broadcaster — Vestavia Hills High School alum raised in Vestavia Hills. His national profile highlighted the city’s junior golf pipeline and community support for youth sports.
► Kittinger, Jo: Children’s author and literacy advocate. Her books, school visits and civic work amplified reading culture in classrooms and family rooms across the city.
► King, Louise: First town clerk who kept precise minutes and records, stabilized
early operations and gave residents transparent access to their new city government.
► Leadership Vestavia Hills founders: Civic‑training architects who built cohorts in finance, planning and service. The pipeline they created continues to supply prepared volunteers for boards and commissions.
► Liberty Park master planners: Designers, developers and city partners who blended homes, offices and schools into a cohesive district. The project broadened the tax base and expanded Vestavia’s sense of place.
► McCallum, Charles “Scotty”: Two‑term mayor and former university president who advanced sidewalks, parks and civic land acquisitions that residents use daily. He strengthened ties among schools, neighborhoods and capital planning.
► McCauley, Charles: Architect whose early shopping center designs shaped U.S. 31’s look and feel. His work helped establish a recognizable commercial corridor as the city grew.
► Miles, David: Longtime Pizitz principal who championed Living History Day and experiential learning. He connected classrooms to the community and left traditions students remember.
► Mote family: Early Shades Mountain settlers whose homesteads predated incorporation. Their presence anchored community life and church, then gave way to streets and addresses residents still know.
► Orkus, Ashley: Three‑time SEC Goalkeeper of the Year and Vestavia Hills High School alum. Her excellence confirmed Vestavia’s deep girls soccer tradition and a leadership pipeline built through parks and school programs.
► Ostergren, Sylvia: First city librarian, hired in 1969. She launched public library services, built welcoming programs and set a service culture that later flourished at the Library in the Forest.
► Papajohn, Michael: Actor and Vestavia Hills High School alum whose film career and campus visits connected Hollywood grit and hometown mentorship. He encouraged students to pursue creative paths with discipline.
► Pizitz family (Isadore and Hortense): Retail philanthropists whose land gifts enabled school sites. Their legacy lives daily at Pizitz and in the high school campus that anchors community life.
► Reid, Grace: Library director whose long stewardship modernized collections and outreach. She strengthened partnerships and positioned the system for the leap to a forest‑framed, LEED‑gold home.
► Reynolds, C. Pat: Three‑term mayor who expanded services, championed seniors and laid groundwork for successful annexations and chamber partnerships that broadened opportunity citywide.
► Robinson, Leonard: First Library Board chairman who helped open the city’s public library. He set governance habits and volunteer pathways that sustained growth.
► Scates, J. T.: Mayor during crucial transition years who kept the city on a steady course while preparing for the growth spurts that followed.
► School board, founding members: Leaders who established an independent district, negotiated transitions and recruited
Vestavia Garden Club
Walter H. Mote Family
Adams
Coggin
Anderson
Byrd
Clark
Humphreys
principals whose leadership defined campus culture.
► Schools Foundation founders: Parents and partners who created a perma nent endowment for academics and teacher grants. Their fundraising turned community pride into sustained classroom support.
► Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex champions: City and community leaders who realized a multi‑field vision that broad ened youth sports capacity and brought regional tournaments to Vestavia.
► Smyer family: Shades Mountain pioneers — notably Edgar Smyer — whose road building and landholding influenced early neighborhood patterns, place names and access to Ward’s estate.
► Speir, Charles: Early civic hand whose committee work, budgeting chops and consensus building steadied governance as the young city matured.
► Sports volunteers, youth programs: Coaches and commissioners who taught teamwork and citizenship while building a powerhouse recreation culture on diamonds and pitches.
► Terrell family (Leonard and Rosa): Proprietors of the 1926 general store — Rosa ran daily operations. They provided goods, credit and a gathering place that knit early neighbors together.
► Tipton, Kay: Vestavia Hills High School math educator and mentor whose rigorous instruction and encouragement launched thousands of students toward tech nical fields and confident problem solving.
► Todd, community of merchants: Developer Jesse Todd, who developed the retail center, and shopkeepers who sustained Vestavia Village through retail cycles. They kept storefronts active, sponsored teams and maintained a friendly Main Street energy.
► Towns, Margaret Saxon: Volunteer leader across beautification, seniors, hospi tal service and the historical society. Honors like the Golden Eagle Award recognized decades of cheerful, steady citizenship.
► Tucker, Taneisha: Library in the Forest director who stewards a LEED‑gold cultural hub. She expanded outdoor learning and built partnerships that widened access countywide.
► Vance, Robert: Early city attorney who later served as a federal appellate judge. His life and assassination in 1989 left a lasting moral imprint on civic duty here.
► Vestavia Country Club founders: The pre‑incorporation golf and riding com munity that drew families together, justified cityhood and anchored neighborhood iden tity around shared recreation.
► Volker, Joseph: UAB’s first president and regional builder in medical education whose service connected Vestavia to metro politan ambition, innovation and care.
► Waggoner, J. T. “Jabo”: Long‑serv ing state legislator representing Vestavia interests. His committee leader ship has supported infrastructure and education priorities with tangible local dividends.
► Wald sisters: Edna Wald, Mildred Wald and their sister Pearl Marcuse sold family land that became Wald Park.
Opened in 1962, the complex anchored city recreation, the civic center and community traditions.
► Wald Park renewal team: City staff and citizen advisors who executed multi‑phase upgrades — ballfields, aquatics, play — rejuvenating a beloved public space into a modern, inclusive campus.
► Ward, George: Former Birmingham mayor whose hilltop estate and classical temple inspired the city’s name and image. His showman’s vision left Vestavia an enduring landmark.
► Warren, community readers: Board
member Buell Warren and the early library volunteers who shelved books in tight quar ters, ran story hours and helped the system grow into a welcoming civic landmark.
► Weaver, Rusty: Council member and mayor pro tem who married neighborhood coaching roots with City Hall stewardship, emphasizing transparency and teamwork in daily decisions.
► Wheeler, David: State representative from Vestavia whose legislative service and constituent focus connected neighborhood needs to the State House.
► Whiting, Marvin Yeoman: Historian and author of “Vestavia Hills, Alabama: A Place Apart.” His scholarship preserved the city’s memory and gave residents a shared story.
► Williams, Bill G.: Council member for two terms and decades long planning and zoning committee volunteer who helped steer growth. WWII Navy veteran and Auburn alum, he lived in Vestavia for more than 50 years.
► Wuska, Andrew Timothy: Engineer and civic volunteer who supported Friends of the Library and Men’s Garden Club — modeling service and mentorship across decades.
► Wuska, Sara: Council member, founding school board member and Vestavia’s first female mayor. She championed educa tion, senior services and responsive government.
► Zaragoza, Butch: Former fire chief and two‑term mayor who empha sized customer service reforms and infrastructure upgrades. He empowered departments to deliver resident‑first results and helped rebuild trust in City Hall.
Joseph Volker
Emmett Cloud Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Smyre
Leonard and Rosa Terrell
George Ward
Wuska
Photos courtesy of Vestavia Hills Historical Society.
