Vestavia voice vol 02 iss 1 may 2014

StopBloodCancer.com

May 2014 • 1

Celebrating one year of neighborly news Volume 2 | Issue 1 | May 2014

Fashion forward

Smooth ride ahead

Seven Vestavia Hills students were among 40 finalists in a fashion competition at the Birmingham Museum of Art in April. Read more inside.

See page 22

A family tradition

U.S. 31 resurfacing project expected to be complete by end of year

By KATIE TURPEN

Inside, read about the first father and son to win wrestling state championships at VHHS.

Drivers along U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills could see road improvements as early as this fall.

During an April meeting, the Vestavia Hills City Council authorized an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation to repair

This stretch of U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills between Walmart and the Library in the Forest is included in the Alabama Department of Transportation’s upcoming paving project. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

and resurface U.S. 31.

ALDOT Division 3 Engineer Brian Davis said the project extends down U.S. 31 from the intersection of Columbiana Road to just north of Shades Crest Road, near the Sybil Temple on top of the hill.

“There is a joint up there from where we

resurfaced that portion of U.S. 31 through Homewood last year,” Davis said.

The project will include resurfacing and widening roads, reworking traffic signals, repairing loop detectors and placing permanent traffic

See RESURFACING | page 28

See page 17

INSIDE City ..................... 5 Food ................... 6 Business ............ 7 Who’s Who ........ 10

Community ...... 15 Sports ............... 16 School House....18 Calendar ........... 25

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A mother’s mission Vestavia residents fight genetic disorder through community

By REBECCA WALDEN When a lump appeared on her son’s neck, Renie Moss didn’t know what to think.

Philip had just turned 5, and he appeared healthy. He was making new friends at Vestavia Hills Elementary West and settling in for a bright year, his family’s first in the city after moving from Homewood.

The lump scared Renie, so she had Philip tested. Everything came back normal, but over the next year it continued to grow.

Around his sixth birthday, Renie and Philip tried a new doctor — pediatric ENT Audie Woolley of Vestavia Hills.

“I remember [after the test] Dr. Woolley told me I would receive a call from a UAB geneticist by the end of the day, and that he did not want me looking up anything on Philip’s

See MISSION | page 28

The Moss family, Renie, Philip Sr., Helen (age 6) and Philip Jr. (age 8), are working to raise awareness and community support for families in the Birmingham area affected by neurofibromatosis. Photo by Heather Campbell.

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2 • May 2014

Vestavia Voice

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May 2014 • 3

4 • May 2014

Vestavia Voice

About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Sponsors A Little Something (14) The Hot Dish Club, started

by Vestavia Hills resident Pat Richburg, recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary at Bistro V. Photo

by Katie Turpen.

Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (10) Alabama Outdoors (6) Alabama Symphony Orchestra (21) ARC Realty (27) Bedzzz Express (28) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (7) Bistro V (16) Bruster’s Real Ice Cream (23)

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden This month, while famhalls of Pizitz Middle School, ilies are focused on the or to the Vestavia Hills Public matriarchs in their lives Library, or frankly anywhere in celebration of Mothany type of ID with surer’s Day, I will pay tribname was involved, without ute to my Dad. On May people putting two and two 15, after delivering nearly together): 4,500 babies, spending “He is so patient.”

962 weekends on call, Yes, he is. Unfailingly so. and managing 37 years of Even to this day when I am practice, Dr. Richard S. at my wit’s end after a trying Cybulsky, OB/Gyn, will day with my own children, I Walden close the doors of Brookoften envy him this quality.

I asked him recently about the secret wood Hospital’s Premier Women’s Care and delve headfirst into retirement. mojo of his bottomless patience. His As anyone who has experienced child- answer was astonishingly simple. birth can attest, those first few moments “You cannot learn anything if your between mother and child are among the hand is on the doorknob,” he said.

Of course. most precious we ever will experience in our worldly lives. For nearly four It’s as true in an examination room as decades, this has been his life’s work. it is in a preschooler’s bedroom, during When new daddies with shaking the bedtime tug of war that happens in hands went to cut the umbilical cord, my house more often than I’d like to he was there. When seconds-old babies admit. made their triumphant first cries of life, “I bet I would spend no more time he was there. In that first visible moment with my patients [than a doctor standing when women became mothers, men up], but I certainly learned a lot more became fathers, and couples became by sitting down,” he said. “Your eyes families, he was there. can see what a person’s words don’t In September 1977, Dad opened his necessarily convey. Facial expression first practice on 11 Avenue South, a is so meaningful; without it, you cannot stone’s throw from Southside. He was 28 provide the best possible care.” years old. Three months later, he became And he always did. As a doctor, and a daddy for the first time himself when I as a daddy. arrived on December 22.

Even now, at age 36, I swell with pride Balancing the demands of a new baby when a family stops us while we are out, and a new practice, Dad began to per- only to introduce their teenage son or fect the trademark quality I’ve heard daughter to Dad, telling their child, “He attributed to him over the years more was there when you were born.” times than I can count. (My maiden Occasionally we run into patients name ensured I could not walk down the who themselves were once upon a time

Case Remodeling (8) Chickadee (23)

babies he delivered, and are now having babies of their own - what Dad refers to as his first grandfather experience.

“That makes you very reflective,” he said. “To think you have been in this business long enough that enough time has passed for such a thing to occur, it’s surreal. It also carries a sense of accomplishment because you have engendered enough faith and trust in your ability that these children would seek you out.”

Were it not for shows like Ben Casey or Dr. Kildare, they might not have had the chance.

Leading a successful career as a physician in Birmingham was certainly an unlikely calling for a farm boy from Lockport, Manitoba. But he did it. Exposure to family members who married physicians, a bit of black-and-white TV medical drama, and an aptitude for math and science in grade school were all the indicators Dad needed to articulate and achieve his dream.

It’s an awesome lift-yourself-up by -the-bootstraps legacy, and one that always will influence my own choices.

We Cybulskys like to shake things up a bit. We thrive on rising above what others think we ought to do.

And I am fiercely proud to be my father’s daughter.

Congratulations, Daddy. I love you!

Children’s of Alabama (5) Classic Gardens (10) Conour Insurance Inc. (24) Construx (11) Fancy Goods Variety (22) Fi-Plan Partners (13) Fred Smith Group (25) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (12) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (26) Issis & Sons / O Advertising (8) Jack Williams Campaign (7) Jordan Alexander Jewelry (14) Klinglers Cafe & Catering (9) Merle Norman - Vestavia (16) Moran’s Rocky Ridge Hardware (23) Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese (24) Nailtique (19) Olio Oils and Balsamics (22) Pappas’ Grill (16) Philly Connection (25) RealtySouth Marketing (9) Remax Southern Homes - Becky Hicks (18) Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (3) Royal Automotive (2) Samford Summer Camp (21)

Dan Starnes Jeff Thompson Keith McCoy Rebecca Walden Madoline Markham Katie Turpen Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Nathan Pearman Copy Editor: Louisa Jeffries Interns : Sydney Cromwell Rachael Headley Emily VanderMey Published by : Vestavia Voice LLC

Publisher : Executive Editor : Creative Director : Editor : Managing Editor : Staff Writer : Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution :

Contact Information: Vestavia Voice #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@vestaviavoice.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Rebecca@vestaviavoice.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

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torial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Vestavia Voice is designed to inform the Vestavia community of area school, family and community events. Information in the Vestavia Voice is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of the Vestavia Voice. We reserve the right to edit articles/ photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

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The Maids (1) The Pit Crew (23) Tutoring Club Cahaba Heights (18) UAB Medicine (17) Vestavia Hills Soccer Club (24) Vision Gymnastics (21) Vitalogy Wellness Center (15) Wolf Camera (1)

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May 2014 • 5

City Mayor’s Minute

By Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza As families turn their attention to the end of the school year and summer break, the City is hard at work on a number of initiatives.

In anticipation of the start of the 2014-15 school year, the City is working with Dr. Jeff Dugas and others on a new Drug Task Force Program. The effort will work in conjunction with the Leadership Vestavia Hills Class where the idea originated, to educate the children and parents in our community about the issues we face related to alcohol and drugs. There will be much more information in the coming months, with an intensive program slated to launch at the start of the new school year.

In other news, we are in the early stages of demolition work for the new City Hall site.

We also continue to move forward with the construction of the parking facility adjacent to the Library in the Forest; we expect to see construction commence here in June. And of course, many rejoiced in April when demolition of the Vestavia Motor Lodge began. We are working with the property owners and a few developers as we examine the best possible future use of this property.

The rebranding effort with the City of Vestavia Hills and the Chamber of Commerce is continuing to move forward; hopefully by early June residents will see signage up

designating our various business districts. The first district to receive signage will be Rocky Ridge, and we will expand from there.

As we enter the month of May, residents are encouraged to remember that we are now in tornado season. We encourage everyone to be prepared at your home with extra supplies and a weather alert radio that is tuned in to our region so that you can get early warnings and not depend on the external sirens that we have in our community.

Lastly, I want to congratulate the Class of 2014 on their achievements to date, especially their upcoming high school graduation. You have received a wonderful foundation here in Vestavia Hills. We are very proud of you, and we have no doubt your brightest years are still ahead.

Your Mayor,

Alberto C. “Butch” Zaragoza

Art in the Hills

Vestavia City School students hold up their winning artwork at the 2014 Art in the Hills.

Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Beautification Board.

The Pizitz Middle School band provided part of the entertainment at Art in the Hills.

Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Beautification Board.

The 2014 Art in The Hills took place on Saturday, April 19 at the Vestavia Hills City Center. The event is a celebration of art and the beauty of spring in Vestavia Hills and features professional and amateur artists and artisans from Alabama and the Southeast. Presented by the Vestavia Hills Beatification Board, Art in The Hills benefits the Vestavia Hills community as part of the Dogwood Festival.

Art Show winners Elementary Division Grades K-4 1st place: Elizabeth E. VHEC. 2nd place: Maleah B. VHEC. 3rd place: Kate H. VHELP. Middle School Division Grades 5-8 1st place: Arias Clair K. Pizitz.

2nd place: Suzanne N. Pizitz.

3rd place: Drew U. VHEC. Art in The Hills Chair’s Choice winners Elementary: Emily X. VHECH. Middle School: Jules F. Pizitz.

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Vestavia Voice

Restaurant Showcase 31

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Moe’s Original Bar B Que

Read past Restaurant Showcases at VestaviaVoice.com

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Sunday-11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. moesoriginalbbq.com

By GREG HEYMAN Eric Witherington wants diners at Moe’s Original Bar B Que to know they can expect the barbecue and Southern sides they love at the restaurant’s new location across the street from its old spot.

Witherington, who co-owns the restaurant with his brother Kevin, said smoking the restaurant’s meat twice each day before lunch and dinner makes a difference customers appreciate.

“We have nothing that is pre-made. Everything is made fresh to order,” he said.

In addition to the pulled pork, hungry diners can choose from other savory entrees including ribs, smoked chicken, smoked turkey, fried catfish, a shrimp “Moe” boy and smoked wings.

Daily sides include baked beans, marinated slaw, potato salad, banana pudding and chips, along with daily specials such as collard greens, macaroni and cheese, squash casserole, black -eyed peas and others. Diners are sure to find just the right meal for their tastes.

The restaurant also serves a vegetable plate, salads, and cornbread made from scratch. Witherington said customers visit Moe’s because they want to enjoy food that is fresh.

“People know the difference between vegetables you pop out of a can or a pan that you really put some love into,” he said.

Relocating in the building that once housed Leonardo’s Italian Restaurant allows the brothers to serve food in a locale that is more relaxing.

“Our facilities are better,” Kevin Witherington

The Redneck Nachos are a Moe’s special.

Photos by Katie Turpen.

The Pulled Pork Sandwich with a side of macaroni and cheese and marinated slaw.

said. “Across the street, it was more of a dine and dash type thing. Over here, I think you’ve got a little more atmosphere.”

Moving the Vestavia Hills restaurant is the latest progression for the Witheringtons, who formerly operated Lakeview Oyster House where one of their four Birmingham-area Moe’s restaurants is now located. Along with Vestavia and the Lakeview District, they co-own restaurants

in Hoover and Trussville.

Eric Witherington said the restaurant business is all he’s ever known professionally after working as a dishwasher, bartender, waiter or cook at numerous restaurants. It was during a trip to Colorado that Kevin Witherington met the chain’s founders, who sold him on the idea of bringing Moe’s Original Bar B Que to this area.

Changes at the new location include seating

in a patio area, the return of a full bar and a drive-through, along with better parking. Eric Witherington said live music may also be offered outside at the new location.

Like the Trussville restaurant, which is also owned by the Witheringtons and includes a drive-through, the new location will also offer a “traveling light” special that includes a sandwich, chips and drink.

Witherington said he has affection for the former location that was opened in September 2007, noting it was the first Moe’s location he and his brother started in Birmingham.

“I think we just outgrew it,” he said.

He estimates the restaurant has seen a 40 percent increase in business at its new location.

“The old location was built to be a gas station,” Eric Witherington said. “This building was built to be a restaurant.”

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May 2014 • 7

Business Spotlight ana mbi Colu Rd

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1360 Montgomery Highway South, Suite 122 822-3353 Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Saturday-10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

By RACHAEL HEADLEY Tealla Stewart and her husband were on a business trip in Houston when they found the business investment they had been looking for: personalization.

Stewart, a former teacher at Vestavia Hills High School, had been brainstorming for months about what kind of business she wanted to open. She visited options like a potential doughnut shop, but nothing seemed right until she discovered the concept of a gift store with personalization options.

Stewart first opened Monograms Plus in Century Plaza Mall 23 years ago, and it has since changed location twice more: first to the Galleria and then to its current location of 10 years in Vestavia. When Stewart decided to move her business permanently to Vestavia, she had the close proximity to her home in mind and also her desire to invest in the community that she had come to love over the years.

“I’ve done business and lived in this city a long time,” Stewart said. “It was like coming home.”

Despite the store’s name, monograms are not the only service Stewart and her staff offer.

In addition to traditional monogramming, they also offer vinyl monograms, engraving and embossing. All of their services are performed in-house and have a short turnaround time of about three days, depending on the season.

The products carried at Monograms Plus are not limited to personalized items. The store also offers everything from candles to pottery to books.

Monograms Plus is Birmingham’s most trusted monogramming store because of the many years of experience they have, Stewart said. The staff is often trusted with monogramming things as delicate as heirloom baby clothes, christening gowns, wedding dresses and wedding veils.

“I love seeing the community come in and shop for gifts and be so excited because they are going to be proud to give them,” Stewart said. “They are giving a quality gift, and the recipient will love it.”

April and May begin one of the busiest seasons of the year for the personalization industry because of Easter, Mother’s Day and graduation, Stewart said.

Purchasing for Mother’s Day can be stressful with all of the options out there, but Stewart says the best way to say “I love you” is with gift items such as jewelry, perfume, robes and Vera Bradley items.

When graduation invitations are flooding into mailboxes, it can be tough to figure out what to get each graduate for the next big step in their life. Giving something useful while still remaining personal can be a daunting task, but Stewart says that easy options such as shower wraps, gentlemen’s trays, luggage and laundry bags are always pleasing to graduates.

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Monograms Plus

Read past Business Spotlights at VestaviaVoice.com

Tealla Stewart has owned Monograms Plus for 23 years and has been at the Vestavia Hills location for 10 years. Photo by Rachael Headley.

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Now Open Nailtique, 3171 Green Valley Road, is now open. Its hours are Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

977-7374.

1

Coming Soon Summit Express Urgent Care, 1360 Montgomery Highway, Suite 114, will be opening soon.

978-7550. summitexpress.net.

2

BAM Sports Grill, 3144 Heights Village, is scheduled to open this summer. The restaurant will be located where Yankee Pizzeria was previously. bamsportsgrill.com.

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Hirings and Promotions Vestavia Title, LLC, 701 Chestnut Street, has hired Regina Stewart as an account representative. The company offers title insurance services for residential and commercial real estate transactions.

536-6999. vestaviatitle.com.

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RealtySouth, 2409 Acton Road, Suite 137, has hired Lisa Reuter as a Realtor for its Over the Mountain - Acton Road office.

978-9000. realtysouth.com.

5

Closings After 32 years of business, David and Linda Wheeler of David’s Arts & Frames, 3920 Crosshaven Drive, are retiring. They will be hosting a retirement sale, and the tentative retirement date is June 13.

267-0480.

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Vestavia Voice

WHO’S WHO o f V E S TAV I A H I L L S

Best School Coach Buddy Anderson Buddy has been the head football coach at Vestavia Hills High School since 1980 and this past September, he reached his 300th career win. In 2002, the VHHS football field was renamed Buddy Anderson Field and in 2003, Buddy was elected to the Alabama High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

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May 2014 • 11

WHO’S WHO o f V E S TAV I A H I L L S

Best Youth League Coach Colter Bean Colter Bean is a former Major League Baseball player and coaches youth basketball.

“I nominated him because he is knowledgeable about the games he coaches. He teaches the kids skills, sportsmanship, and most of all to have fun. He doesn’t just play to win. Colter is a man of character and an awesome encourager to all the kids he coaches.”

Photo by Brian Wallace.

12 • May 2014

Vestavia Voice

WHO’S WHO o f V E S TAV I A H I L L S

Most Likely to be Seen at Wald Park Stan and Andrew Manush Father and son Andrew and Stan enjoy playing sports together.

“Andrew has been going to Wald Park since he was four months old and had older brothers playing baseball. I’ve laughed before that Wald Park plays a large part in our social life during spring and summer.

You can find Stan and Andrew up there more often than not.”

–Katherine Manush Photo by Brian Wallace.

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May 2014 • 13

WHO’S WHO o f V E S TAV I A H I L L S

Most Charitable Dr. Charles “Scotty” A. McCallum In 1967, Dr. Charles “Scotty” A. McCallum moved to Vestavia Hills to raise his family. In 2000, he became mayor.

This past March, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Vestavia Hills Citizens of the Year banquet.

“I selected Vestavia Hills because of the wonderful schools and the people,” McCallum said. “I feel very lucky. It’s such a beautiful place.”

Photo by Jeff Thompson.

14 • May 2014

WHO’S WHO

Vestavia Voice

o f V E S TAV I A H I L L S

Mr. Vestavia Hills Greg Canfield “Greg is currently the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

He is also a former Vestavia Hills City Council and Chamber of Commerce President. Greg enjoys family travel, scuba diving with his son, playing golf and spending time on Smith Lake.”

Photo courtesy of the office of Greg Canfield.

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May 2014 • 15

Community The Vestavia News Network tours local newsroom

The 2013-2014 Vestavia News Network (VNN) broadcasting staff, Zoe Allen, Gabby Pettway, Joanna Gaylard, Mary Smyth, Caroline Christie, Deana Goodwine, Paris Malensek and Andrew Abele joined Mickey Ferguson, anchor and lead forecaster, and Janice Rogers, anchor and producer, at FOX6 WBRC-TV. They watched a live broadcast, toured the studio and observed the staff and crew behind the scenes

Vestavia’s Boy Scout Troop 4 scores a triple-play

during the production of the news. The VNN Staff produce the broadcast show each day at Vestavia Hills High School on closed-circuit TV. Each VNN student has duties that include anchor, camera, director, teleprompter, sound and graphics/video to inform the students and staff of the morning announcements. Deana Goodwine is the Faculty Coordinator for VNN.

VHEW student wins chess tournament VHEW student Sarvagna Velidandla played in the Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship in March at the University of Montevallo. She won all five games to become Alabama State Scholastic Chess co-champion in the primary section (K-3).

She also won first place in the Susan Polgar National Open chess tournament in New Orleans.

She received the trophy from Susan Polgar who is a four time women’s world chess champion.

Velidandla will travel to the annual Susan Polgar Girls’ Invitational in St. Louis in July.

Boys Scout Troop 4’s Trey Turner, Matthew Perley and Rob White all have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

VHEW student Sarvagna Velidandla was named the Alabama State Scholastic Chess co-champion. Photo courtesy of Uma Mudunuru.

Three Troop 4 Boy Scouts will be recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout at the Court of Honor on Sunday, May 4 at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church.

The three scouts to receive scouting’s highest honor at this ceremony will be Matthew David Perley, the son of David and Sharon Perley, Gordon (Trey) Gerald Turner, III, the son of Bo and Jamie Turner and Robin (Rob) McClain White, the son of Brunson and Dell White. All are members of Troop 4’s “Dragon” patrol and are pleased to call Vestavia Hills their home.

At minimum, the rank of Eagle Scout

requires 21 different merit badges. Some are required and others can be chosen by the individual scouts based on their individual interests. To reach the rank of Eagle Scout, these young men also must complete a significant community service project. For his project, Perley built tables to be used at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. Turner built a Gaga Pit, which will be used as a dodge ball court at the Vestavia Hills YMCA. White constructed a storage building at Lakeshore Foundation to serve the Foundation’s Lima Foxtrot program for injured veterans.

16 • May 2014

Vestavia Voice

Sports

Youth recreational football registration opens in May

By REBECCA WALDEN When his second child, Harry, started showing interest in football, Vestavia Hills father of four Hopson Nance discovered something that surprised him. Vestavia Hills had no recreational youth football league.

In 2011, Harry – then a fifth-grader – joined about 15 other Vestavia kids in the Over the Mountain league, based in Hoover.

At that time, the Over the Mountain league was attracting more than 15 Vestavia families of kids who wanted an outlet to play ball on a limited, short season schedule and to play locally.

“That was some of the genesis of what started the Vestavia Hills Recreational Football League,” said Nance, who serves as president of the league. The League limits itself to an eight-game season and only plays in Hoover and Vestavia. “There was a need here in town for kids who wanted something different and for parents to expose their kids to the game while enjoying a short season and hyper-local schedule.”

After Nance sought and received permission from the Vestavia Hills Youth Football group, he began the Rec League. This fall, Vestavia Hills Recreational Football League will begin its fourth season. The league is open to boys who will be in third through sixth grades during the 2014-15 school year.

With his youngest child, Henry, soon to age out of the program, Nance is making the 2014 season his last. This year, he will train and eventually transition the Rec League leadership to

This fall, Vestavia Hills Recreational Football League will begin its fourth season. The Rec League is open to boys who will be in third through sixth grades during the 2014-15 school year. Photos courtesy of Cinnamon McCulley.

Kirk McCulley.

“This program has been great for my family,” said McCulley. “By giving all players the opportunity to play for at least half of every game, the League offers each child the chance to develop their football skills and build their confidence in

a competitive environment.”

Nance concurred. A native of Clarksdale, Miss., he played at the high school level in the positions of center and linebacker, and he still remembers some of the life lessons it taught him.

“It has taught my boys to work hard, and to

work well with others,” said Nance. “And it’s always helpful when your children are in an environment where they are pushed and where someone besides you, the parent, is encouraging them.”

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May 2014 • 17

A family tradition Father and son share wrestling state titles

By GREG HEYMAN Morgan Paugh didn’t have to win a state wrestling championship to make his parents proud.

There’s a special satisfaction, however, in the Vestavia Hills High School junior taking the same title as his father, Dean, who was a state wrestling champion at Vestavia Hills 38 years ago in 1976.

Morgan, 17, won the title in the 152-pound weight division Feb. 15, defeating Davis Perry from Hewitt-Trussville High School.

For years, photographs of the school’s state wrestling champions have hung on a wall in the wrestling room at Vestavia Hills High School. There has never been a father and son on the wall since the school was founded in 1970 – until now.

“It’s a big honor, because no one has done it before at Vestavia Hills High School,” Morgan said.

The excitement Dean Paugh experienced seeing his oldest son achieve a goal he achieved is almost beyond description.

“It’s pride on a lot of different levels,” Dean

Paugh said. “I take great pride in knowing how hard he’s worked to get there. I know firsthand what it takes to make that commitment. When your kids succeed, it’s great. But when they succeed at something that you did, it means that much more.”

Morgan said the solo nature of wrestling is something that has always drawn him to the sport.

“I like the individual aspect of it,” Morgan Paugh said. “In baseball or football, if one of your teammates messes up, you lose a game.”

With wrestling, Morgan knows his success or failure rests with only one competitor.

“If you lose, it’s your fault,” he said. “Or if you win, all the credit goes to you.”

Ironically, Morgan initially rejected the idea of wrestling even though his father encouraged him to try the sport. His younger brother, Matthew, embraced wrestling when he was young and was already competing in the sport when he was in first grade.

Morgan remembers that seeing his brother practice changed his perspective.

“I was thinking, ‘This is actually kind of cool, I might try it,’” Morgan said. “I started

Dean and Morgan Paugh are the only father and son to have won wrestling state championships at Vestavia Hills High School. Photo courtesy of Dean Paugh.

in third grade and stuck with it.”

Vestavia Hills wrestling coach Steve Gaydosh said Morgan’s years of training reflect his wrestling ability. He added Morgan’s calm nature may cause opponents to underestimate him.

“He’s so laid back,” Gaydosh said. “You can’t tell he’s fired up, even though he is.”

Dean Paugh and his wife, Lynn, have worked hard to instill values in their sons, and he believes wrestling has helped those efforts.

“I’ve always believed that my wrestling career and the lessons I learned had a lot to do with my other successes in life,” Dean Paugh said. “I feel like Morgan’s learned those same lessons, and it gives me great comfort. He’ll actually have the opportunity to win two state championships, which is something I didn’t have a chance to do because I was a senior when I won.”

And with Matthew, 14, already wrestling for Vestavia Hills, there may eventually be a third Paugh winning a championship for the school.

18 • May 2014

Vestavia Voice

School House Liberty Park Middle hosts Lancer Court of Honor

Eighth-grade winners were Kanely Lemke, Alayna Priebe, Harrison Wood and John Marshall Williams. Seventh-grade winners were Nikki Coalburn, Megan Lawley, Jonathan Hand and Cameron Monistere. Sixth-grade winners were Grace McCarty, Arden Young, Clayton Rassmusen and Leondre Shaw. Photo courtesy of Linda Rummell.

Liberty Park Middle School recently held the 2013-2014 third nine weeks Lancer Court of Honor. Two boys and two girls are selected each nine weeks from each grade level based on leadership, citizenship and conduct.

Colter Bean, a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher, was the guest speaker. Bean attended Vestavia Hills High School and Auburn University. He played in the College World Series and was named All-SEC second team in 2000. Bean still holds the Auburn team record with 108 games pitched and 106 games relieved.

Bean made his major league debut with the Yankees in 2005. In 2006, Bean started the season on the Columbus Clippers. He tied the Clippers’ team record for career games pitched, when he made his 212th career appearance for Columbus as the starter in a 2-1 win. He signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta

Braves organization in 2008.

In his speech to the students, he explained what it takes to make it to the major league and how to be successful in life. He said his father told him that luck is hard work and preparation. He added that people can be physically gifted in a sport but if they don’t have drive they are not going to make it.

Two to three months into his career, Bean wondered if he would last. He explained that being around hardworking major league players helped him. He said when he stopped having doubts about himself he was able to have the drive and the mental strength to succeed. At the end of his speech, he said that when you are experiencing hardships in life you are building character and if you don’t like how things are going then you have to step up and change your life.

-Submitted by Linda Rummel

Pizitz wins Best School at High School German Day Pizitz Middle school’s Level 1 German students earned top honors in March at the 19th annual “High School German Day.” This is a competition for Levels 1-4 German students from schools across the state and Pizitz was the only middle school competing. Pizitz students swept several categories, winning first, second and third place in both the Group Skit and Group Poetry events.

Thirty-one Pizitz seventh- and eighthgraders competed, and every student earned an award in at least one event. One student, seventh-grader Chris Novellino, was named Overall Outstanding Level One Student, and Pizitz was named Best School.

German at Pizitz is a unique program

that allows students to begin their study of German in the seventh grade and achieve Level 1 proficiency at the end of eighth grade. This approach gives students a head start at meeting the requirements for VHHS’s Advanced Academic Diploma which requires two levels of consecutive language study. Historically, students who begin their study of German with Frau Rogers at Pizitz are successful in Level 2 classes at the high school, and many continue on to higher levels of German study.

-Submitted by Cathy Horton and Kathy Rogers

Pizitz Middle School victorious at 2014 State Scholars’ Bowl Championship The Pizitz Middle School Scholars’ Bowl team competed at Hoover High School in the 2014 Middle School State Scholars’ Bowl Tournament in February. The team emerged victorious as the state champions. The Pizitz team was awarded a $750 cash prize as well as a trophy. The tournament is an academic quiz bowl for sixth-, seventh- and eighthgraders and is sponsored by the Alabama Scholastic Challenge.

Team members were: Walter Zhang

(captain), Alex Lloyd, Lyra Bailey, Nicholas Castellanos, William Zhang and Lauren Nelson. In addition, Walter Zhang earned top honors by conquering 431 competitors to earn the distinction of All-State MVP with a points-per-game average of 83. Heather and Stratton Brock are the team faculty sponsors.

-Submitted by Cathy Horton, Pizitz Middle School

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May 2014 • 19

VHEW takes part in Kids Mercedes Marathon

Smart Kid.

Smart Parent.

VHEW students Clara Williams, Audrey Trimm and Mary Katherine Meeks enjoy the Kids Mercedes Marathon. Photo courtesy of Alice Elmore.

Vestavia Hills Elementary West was well represented in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Mercedes Marathon in February. The Kids Mercedes Marathon is a fivemonth endurance building running/walking program designed for kindergarteners through fifth-graders. All students at VHEW began logging their miles soon after school began in

August, taking part in “Monday Run Day” each week during their P.E. classes. Many of them chose to run the last mile of the marathon by participating in the Kids Mercedes Marathon.

Each student completing the final mile received a Marathon Finisher’s Medal.

-Submitted by Alice Elmore

Pizitz Mathcounts team wins state competition The Pizitz Mathcounts team won first place in the state competition in Montgomery on March 15. William Zhang won second place and Antony Zhou won third place. These two students will travel to Orlando to visit Disney World in May. They will compete at the national Mathcounts competition at the Swan and Dolphin Resort. Vicki Cato will be the state coach traveling with them.

Mathcounts is a competition program with

events in all 50 states, U.S. territories and in schools worldwide with the U.S. Department of Defense and State Department. The program is open to students enrolled in sixth, seventh or eighth grade taking middle school mathematics classes and is for those who enjoy the challenge of math programs and a rapid “beestyle” contest.

-Submitted by Cathy Horton

Learning Greek at LPMS

Liberty Park students dressed as their favorite Greek god, goddess, monster or hero during the school’s annual Greek Day festivities. Photo courtesy of Linda Rummell.

Sixth-grade students and teachers at Liberty Park Middle School recently participated in the school’s annual Greek Day festivities.

To prepare for the day, students created movies based on research about their favorite Greek god, goddess, monster or hero.

In math classes, students learned about surface area and then created Greek temples using cardboard, paper towel rolls and paint.

On the day of the event, sixth grade teachers

and students dressed as Greek characters, and students presented their creations to their parents.

Students also learned more about Greek culture by participating in different activities including sampling traditional Greek food and learning about Greek architecture and present day Greece.

– Submitted by Linda Rummell

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20 • May 2014

Vestavia Voice

June 3 Republican Primary Candidate Guide

U.S. House of Representatives - Alabama District 6 Will Brooke 1. What is your background?

I grew up here and attended The University of Alabama where I received degrees in business and law. I have spent my entire career in Birmingham and am a businessman. I have worked at Harbert Management Corporation for nearly 25 years and am chairman of our real estate services group and managing partner of our

Paul DeMarco 1. What is your background?

My wife, Jacqueline, and I live in Homewood. I am a two-term state representative of House District 46, which includes portions of Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills. I was born and raised in Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District. Jacqueline and I work here. We will raise our family here.

venture capital funds. I like solving problems and have created hundreds of jobs in the Sixth District. My wife, Maggie, and I have been married for 34 years and have three adult children. We love our state and have been active in our church and other charitable and civic activities, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, United Way and McWane Center.

2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?

Why aren’t there any construction cranes on Birmingham’s skyline?

Economic development is essential to creating jobs and building a strong future for our city and state.

That’s where I would focus.

2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?

Washington is broken. Washington’s problems threaten the future of each person in Alabama and the Sixth District. Out-of-control deficit spending, the damage done to families and employers by Obamacare and federal regulations that threaten small and big business alike must all be addressed. As your state representative, I have always

worked to support our schools.

I have worked with city leaders to improve infrastructure needs.

That will continue when I go to Washington.

factory as my father to pay for that education. Hard work and sacrifice enabled me to earn my version of the American dream, but that dream is no longer attainable for many Alabamians.

2/3. What is the biggest issue facing our state/Vestavia Hills in the upcoming year?

For the first time in a long time, the biggest issue facing our nation is the biggest issue we face here in both Alabama and in Vestavia Hills. The ill effects of Obamacare are no longer reserved to an evening newscast or the headlines of a newspaper, but in fact are something affecting our families, friends and neighbors on a daily

There are two huge issues: the impact of Obamacare on businesses and continued high unemployment.

Congress must repeal Obamacare and replace it with a patientcentered, market-based plan that puts people in charge of their health care decisions, establishes a national insurance pool for people who can’t get insurance or can’t afford it, and that eliminates the economic uncertainties faced by businesses.

With 1 of 6 men age 25-54

unemployed, Congress should utilize our vast God-given energy resources to create jobs and stimulate the economy. In one shale formation out West alone there are 3 trillion barrels of recoverable oil — three times what the entire world has used in 100 years — and the federal government owns almost 80 percent of it. The abundance of natural gas has resulted in cheaper energy that is driving a manufacturing boom that is benefiting Alabama.

pastor of Shades Mountain Independent Church in Hoover.

I also learned from him the value of hard work and commitment.

Two years after marrying my wife Ginger, we started our own business in Pelham, Royal Bedding Manufacturing, Inc., in August of 1987. Since that time, I have

mastered the bedding industry and learned the challenges of owning a small business. For 26 years, I have had to balance a budget and make hard decisions on spending priorities. I also know what it’s like to face federal regulations on a daily basis. As a small business owner, it hasn’t always been easy, but the

3. What is the biggest issue facing Vestavia Hills in the

3. What is the biggest issue facing Vestavia Hills in the upcoming year?

I have been proud to represent the people of Vestavia Hills in the state legislature. The people of Vestavia

upcoming year?

This community is part of a special area, and has much in common with the other communities around us. We should work together to reduce costs, improve services and connectivity, and solve shared problems. I would work with our mayors and councils to find solutions and resources and move the ball forward.

Hills, like every other community, want to continue to prosper. As your congressman, I will fight to protect small businesses from overreaching regulations that threaten jobs. I will support a balanced budget amendment. I will work to repeal Obamacare. We must focus on a limited government that helps rather than hinders the people.

Chad Mathis 1. What is your background?

I’m a doctor and small business owner here in Birmingham. I’m typically asked on the campaign trail, “Why would a surgeon want to run for Congress?”, and I tell them it’s because I’m worried we are losing the American dream. I was the first in my family to graduate college and worked in the same

Gary Palmer 1. What is your background?

I’ve worked for small business, two major engineering companies and, for the last 24 years, led the Alabama Policy Institute, a public policy think tank ranked as Alabama’s most influential conservative group.

2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?

basis. That’s why I have developed a 12-point plan to repeal and replace Obamacare with patient-centered, market-driven reforms. I hope you will join me in this fight to give healthcare back to the patient, opportunity back to small business, and help keep that American dream alive for hardworking Alabamians.

3. What is the biggest issue facing Vestavia Hills in the upcoming year?

In the context of federal issues, the impact of Obamacare on Vestavia Hills-based medical practices and businesses and the stagnant economy. Repeal and replace Obamacare and open up federal energy resources.

Tom Vigneulle 1. What is your background?

I come from a background of service. My father was Dr. Richard (Dick) Vigneulle. He was the executive vice president of City Federal Savings & Loan and president of Service Corporation.

He later answered the call to the ministry, becoming the founding

values my father instilled me have allowed us to persevere and live out the American dream. And it’s that dream that I feel is under attack and is the reason I am running.

My wife and I also own a family cattle farm in Wilsonville and are members of the Cattlemen’s Association of Alabama.

*Requests to Scott Beason and Robert Shattuck for question responses were not received by deadline.

District 47 Representative David Wheeler

1. What is your background?

I’m a retired businessman, having worked for a large corporation and a family-owned business. I have been active in the Republican Party as chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party as well as serving on the State Committee. My wife, Diane, and I live in Vestavia Hills and attend All Saints Episcopal Church .

2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?

I believe the biggest problem facing the state is responsible budgeting and eliminating corruption in the state House. When the Republicans took the majority in 2010, we expected them to be different than the Democrats and stop promoting special interests and lining their own pockets.

We have seen little difference. That is why I support term limits for elected officials.

I recommend a “buy and shop Vestavia” theme to encourage citizens to shop locally. We need to create tax incentives to bring more jobs and commercial development to Vestavia.

With more jobs and successful businesses, our tax base will expand and provide needed revenue for education, transportation, and capital improvements.

3. What is the biggest issue facing Homewood?

The biggest issue facing Vestavia Hills is the under-utilization of the Highway 31 corridor. There are too many vacant storefronts and unoccupied commercial space. *Requests to Jack Williams and Salvatore Bambinelli for question responses were not received by deadline.

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May 2014 • 21

22 • May 2014

Vestavia Voice

Young artists named finalists in fashion competition

Pizitz eighth-grader Ella Kate Dewees lined a shower curtain bodice on her design with paper drink umbrellas covered in an acrylic sealant. She hand-painted the skirt, which is made of paper tablecloth and balsa wood, and created a petticoat of colored tissue paper underneath. Photos by Madoline Markham.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Bradford Billingsley started sketching Egyptian designs at age 4. At 9, he met Taylor Swift and gave her a booklet of 67 fashions he had designed specifically for her.

These days, Bradford said he designs or is reading fashion magazines 24/7 and dreams of going to design school in London and starting his own line. He said he can point out a designer like Valentino’s garment from across a store.

The Pizitz Middle School seventh-grader said his experience in Birmingham Fashion Week’s Rising

Design Star competition last year felt like cloud nine. The competition charges high school and middle school students with designing and creating garments out of unconventional materials.

His hand-painted hummingbird design on a dress made of roof tarping and sheet rock tape won third place.

“This year I wanted to do outdo myself from last year,” he said. “I wanted to make a couture-looking dress out of something unconventional.”

To do so, he crafted a gown out of porch screen and glued paper, handcut into floral shapes, on top to look

Brooke Lindsey drew ideas for her design from a 1950s drive-in movie theater.

like lace. Some pieces are embellished with rice to look like beading. The top of the one-shouldered dress is lined with ruffles made from the screen, and everything is spray-painted red, a color he calls powerful and edgy.

During the month it took Bradford

Bradford Billingsly crafted a couture-style gown from porch screening.

to create his design, several of his classmates were creating their own.

Six others were among 40 finalists for the competition who displayed their anything-but-cloth garments at the Birmingham Museum of Art in April. Thirty semifinalists’ designs

were modeled on the runway during Birmingham Fashion Week at the end of the month.

Vestavia Hills High School ninthgrader Brooke Lindsey drew her inspiration from a 1950s drive-in movie theater and listening to her grandfather

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May 2014 • 23

Taking inspiration from bubble wrap around one of her dad’s paintings, Annegret Tarrasch used clear, green and blue bubble wrap to create a layered dress with a pattered duct tape belt and bubble wrap flower.

Vestavia Hills High School senior Morgan Taylor created her garment out of various parts of fans, along with black ribbon and duct tape. She studded the back of the bodice and front of the skirt with broken CD pieces.

sing Elvis songs.

“It’s like a flashback,” she said.

The skirt is made of bottle caps, while the bodice is a papier-mâché base lined with assorted bottle caps. Ruffles at the top and waist were

made of colored duct tape, and a bow made of tickets accents the top of the single strap.

“My friends said it’s the perfect picture of my fun personality,” she said.

If Brooke’s design moves onto the runway,

Pizitz eighth-grader Brooke Tarrant found her inspiration in a butterfly made of newspaper she saw in a gift shop. Just as she believes the butterfly represents freedom and flight, her design of tissue paper, newspaper and duct tape boasts a theme of “freedom of the press.”

she plans to model it herself, complete with a pair of blue suede shoes.

For more information on Birmingham Fashion Week, visit bhamfashionweek.com.

24 • May 2014

Vestavia Voice

RESURFACING

MISSION

from page 1

from page 1

diagnosis on the Internet,” Renie said. “But like any good mama would, that is exactly what I did.

And what I saw was very scary.”

Although it was classified as non-cancerous, the bump on her son’s neck was a tumor caused by neurofibromatosis (NF). NF is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to grow on nerves, the National Institute of Health reports. Usually, the tumors are benign, but sometimes they can become cancerous. There is no treatment, nor is there a cure.

Two years later, the Moss family learned Philip wasn’t its only carrier. Their daughter, Helen, also had NF. Renie said NF causes symptoms that vary from person to person, and these will affect her children for the rest of their lives. In school, it could manifest with learning disabilities ranging from dyslexia to attention-deficit disorder.

Asperger’s syndrome also shows a close link with NF. In puberty, NF can lead to tumors that cover the skin.

“Not everyone ends up looking like that,” Renie said. “But for those who have to deal with it, you can imagine the self-confidence and self-esteem issues.”

In dealing with this new part of their lives, the Moss family learned quickly that little awareness and support existed locally for those impacted by NF. At first, she was frustrated. But that frustration soon evolved into advocacy.

Through word of mouth and social media, Renie connected with families in Vestavia Hills and others in the area who are dealing with NF, and together they formed the Alabama Chapter of the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

The Foundation is an international nonprofit that seeks treatments for the disorder. According to the its website, ctf.org, NF affects one in every 3,000 people — more than cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease combined.

“They say it is the most common genetic disease you have never heard of,” Renie said.

Her work with the organization has since made her a point of reference for others in the area, like Vestavia residents Wes and Stephanie

Waldrop. They reached out to Renie when their daughter, 2-year-old Ellie, was diagnosed.

“About a once a month, I’ll get a message from people, often from individuals I don’t already know, who are reaching out because they’ve received a new diagnosis and they are scared half to death,” Renie said. “As we are coping with this as a family, I have also found myself in the position of helping others not be afraid.”

On May 10, the Foundation will host the inaugural Birmingham NF Walk at Railroad Park.

Renie said the event will feature a carnival atmosphere, complete with face painting, food, prizes and live music.

The Alabama Chapter initially accepted a challenge to raise $20,000 prior to the event, and Team Moss set its goal for half of that. As of the end of April, the walk had raised more than $30,000.

“This event really is about raising the profile of NF and thanking UAB and all the specialists who have helped us and provided some support when there wasn’t any,” Moss said.

In the months following the race, Foundation leaders also are working to implement standing support meetings and contact information so that area families living with NF can reach out to someone local who can relate and provide helpful counsel.

As for Philip, the tumor on his neck continues to grow. In the two and a half years since his diagnosis, it’s enlarged from 2 centimeters up to 9 centimeters. The growth is beginning to crowd his airway and has displaced his carotid artery.

“They can’t figure out how to make it stop,” Renie said. “That is our main concern right now.”

While she prays and endures specialist after specialist visit with her son, Renie is pouring all her energy into awareness and building a supportive NF community so that no one facing NF has to shoulder that burden alone.

“Not everyone approaches things the way we do,” Renie said. “This is certainly not what I expected or what I had asked for, but our faith has been strengthened, and that is what leads us through this.”

Drivers on U.S. 31 in Vestavia should notice road improvements by Thanksgiving.

Photo by Jeff Thompson.

stripes and guardrail end anchors.

On the southern side, ALDOT will begin resurfacing and widening U.S. 31 through Hoover in May. This project will extend north from the Cahaba River, cross under I-65 and connect with the Vestavia Hills resurfacing.

Davis said the projected timeline is to get bids in June and begin construction in late summer or early fall. He said ALDOT intends to complete the project before Thanksgiving.

City Manager Jeff Downes said the project will be fully ALDOT funded. During the April meeting, the Council noted the project’s success in surrounding communities.

“They did a really good job with this

project in Homewood, so we’re excited ALDOT is doing this here in Vestavia,” Councilman Jim Sharp said.

In addition to the road improvements, Mayor Butch Zaragoza noted the city is looking to improve its entrances.

He said current gateways such as the Sibyl Temple help make a great first impression for visitors; however, the intersection of Interstate 65 and U.S. 31 could be visually enhanced.

The city has hired engineering firm Goodwyn Mills & Cawood to redesign the space with landscaping expected to be completed by the end of 2014. These gateway designs are part of a larger city rebranding effort in Vestavia Hills.

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Calendar

May 2014 • 25

Library in the Forest Events Contact Eden Pfaff at epfaff@bham.lib.al.us or 978-4678 or visit vestavialibrary.org

Children/Teens Children’s programs: April Moon, 978-0158 Teen programs: Daniel Tackett, 978-3683 Mondays: Kick-start your Manic Monday. 3-p.m. Join us in the program room for time with other school-age friends. Do your homework on comfy pillows, eat a snack, watch some TV, play a game. Every week is different and based on what the crowd for that week wants to do. Most weeks, homework help will be available. Grades 1-6.

Tuesdays: Together with Twos. 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Storytime for children 24 months and under and a caregiver. This storytime is age-appropriate for toddlers with short stories, songs and lots of movement.

Wednesdays: Story Friends. 10:30 a.m.

Storytime for preschoolers 5 years and under and a caregiver. This storytime has longer stories, interspersed with songs and movement activities.

Wednesdays: Skit-torytime. 3:30 p.m. A story-based program for kindergarten and up with a mixture of stories, audience participation, crafts, songs and activities. An after-school snack and short cartoon round out the end of this 45-minute program.

No toddlers for this program, please.

Thursdays: L.I.F.T. Every first and second Thursday. 9:30 a.m. Come for social playtime in our Children’s Program room with our special play equipment. Stay as little or as long as you like. All preschool age children and caregivers welcome.

Thursdays: Fun and Fit in the Forest.

Every first and second Thursday. 9:30 a.m. Join us for a fitness program for caregivers

and their babies and preschoolers. This 30-minute program is a fun way to teach good health habits by integrating exercise into your daily routine in a fun and entertaining way.

partment is offering 30-minute study breaks for teens to take a load off after some last-minute cramming.

Come eat snacks and play games before getting back to the grind.

Fridays: Open Gaming. 4 p.m. Come to the library and enjoy awesome video games on the Wii and Xbox 360. We will also have board games to play with fellow teens. Snacks served.

May 23: Super Smash Bros. Tournament. 4-5:30 p.m. Who will reign supreme in this battle royal of epic proportions? Come dominate the competition and fight to win a Gamestop gift card.

Snacks served.

Saturdays: Lego Wars. Every fourth Saturday.

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Come with friends and create Lego masterpieces and win prizes. Second grade and up.

May 7: Teen Advisory Board. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Make your voice known by helping the library decide what books, movies, music and video games the Teen Department should buy and making short videos to promote the programs we offer. Snacks served.

May 9: The Alan Tolbert Unit bluegrass band. 6:30 p.m. Join us as we kick off our outdoor amphitheater music season with bluegrass music.

Feel free to bring blankets or folding chairs. The whole family will love this event.

May 10: Minecraft in the Forest. 1-3 p.m.

Create, build and dominate in the sensational game that has taken the Internet by storm. Register by contacting Daniel at 978-3683.

May 14: Writing Group. 4-5:30 p.m. Like to write? Looking for an audience with which to share your work? The Teen Department is offering a writing group where teens can build writing skills and provide feedback to one another. Snacks served.

May 15, 19-21: Exam Study Breaks. 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Need a break from studying? The Teen De-

May 28: Writing Group. 4-5:30 p.m. Come to this month’s second meeting of the Teen Writing Group to build writing skills and receive feedback on your work. Snacks served.

June 1: Summer Reading Kick-Off with Roger Day. 2 p.m. Fizz! Boom! READ! Begins with everyone’s favorite performer, Roger Day. Bounce houses, ice cream, science fun and other surprises will fill out the day. First chance to sign up for a fabulous summer reading program, as well. Don’t miss the fun for all ages.

Adults Adult programs: Terri Leslie, 978-4678 May 1: OLLI Presents: Computer Privacy and Security Topics. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Joe Myers and Ken Bishop will cover the best practices to protect your computer from attack, and the tools and steps to take when it has been infected. Learn what degree of privacy you have on the Internet and steps to take to maximize your privacy to the greatest extent possible.

May 1: The Art of the Margarita. 6:30-7:30 p.m. We’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo the best way possible: with the experts from Cantina on Pepper

Place. Learn all about the different types of tequilas and margaritas, and enjoy a free tasting or two. Must be 21 or older to attend, ID required.

May 1: Microsoft Excel Part 1. 10 a.m.

Beginners training.

May 1: Microsoft Excel Part 2. 1 p.m.

Advanced training.

May 2: Friends of the Library Presents: Mutual Appreciation Luncheon. 11:3012:30 p.m. Join us for our Friends’ Mutual Appreciation Luncheon and Installation of Officers.

May 10: Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint. 10 a.m.

May 10: Introduction to Microsoft Publisher. 11:30 a.m.

May 10: Windows 8. 3 p.m. Learn your way around the Microsoft Windows 8 operating system.

May 12: Resume 101. 4 p.m. Learn how to properly format a job résumé.

May 12: Introduction to the Computer. 6 p.m. For beginners.

May 13: Miss Olivia’s Evening Reads.

6:30-7:30 p.m. The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg. Mrs. Sookie Poole of Point Clear, Ala. discovers a shocking secret about her mother’s past that knocks her for a loop and calls into question everything she thought she knew about herself, her family and her future.

Continued on pg 30

26 • May 2014

Vestavia Voice

Calendar Library in the Forest Events

Vestavia Hills Events Mondays: Vulcan Voices Toastmasters. 6-7:30 p.m.

Upper level, Vestavia Board of Education. For more, call 529-6200.

May 8: Spring football game vs. Chelsea. 7 p.m.

VHHS.

May 13: Microsoft Excel Part 1. 5 p.m. Beginners training.

May 1: Kindergarten Orientation. 1 p.m. VHEE.

May 14: Microsoft Excel Part 2. 5 p.m. Advanced training.

May 2: Volunteer Appreciation Coffee. 8-10 a.m.

VHEE.

May 11: Youth Sunday. 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Southminster Presbyterian Church.

(Continued)

May 15: OLLI Presents: Spring Social and Garden Party. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Grab a friend and come see why they call us the Library in the Forest! Discuss upcoming OLLI events, meet current and prospective OLLI members, and enjoy music and refreshments in the library’s gorgeous Outdoor Amphitheater.

May 19: Microsoft Word Part 1. 5 p.m. Beginners training.

May 20: Microsoft Word Part 2. 5 p.m. Advanced training.

May 22: Internet 101. 4 p.m. Basic Internet training for beginners.

May 29: Windows 8. 5 p.m. Learn your way around the Windows 8 operating system.

City Events

May 2: First Friday Reception. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Artists Incorporated. Wine, food and live music. Meet this month’s featured artists.

May 3: Lucy and Ruby’s Brainy Day. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

New Merkle Community Center. A Saturday of fun and fundraising benefiting brain cancer research and patient support services. Visit facebook.com/LucyandRubysBrainyDay. May 3: Second annual Vestavia Hills Health & Wellness Fair. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center.

Activities include a Family Run/Walk Fundraiser, coordinated by the City’s Fire Department, as well as National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, coordinated by the Vestavia Hills Police Department. Free admission. For more, contact Scott Ferrell at sferrell@vhal.us.

May 6: Spring Band Concert. 7 p.m. VHHS.

May 12: Pizitz Spring Choral Concert. 7 p.m. Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

May 13: Pizitz Spring Band Concert. 7 p.m. Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

May 16: May Day Play Day. VHEW & VHECH. May 16: Central Day. VHEC. May 20: VHHS Graduation. 7 p.m. Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

May 21: May Day Play Day. VHEE. May 22: Library Friends & Staff Mutual Appreciation Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.

May 8: Planning and Zoning Commission. 6-7 p.m. Council Chambers. Call 978-0184.

May 12: City Council. 5 p.m. Council Chambers.

May 12: Senior Citizens Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Dogwood Room. Vestavia Hills Civic Center.

May 13: Chamber Luncheon. 11:30 a.m-1 p.m. Vestavia Country Club. Call 823-5011 or visit vestaviahills.org.

May 15: Board of Zoning Adjustment. 6-7 p.m. Council Chambers. Call 978-0184.

May 20: Parks and Recreation Board. 7-8:30 a.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Call 978-0166.

May 26: City Council. 5 p.m. Council Chambers.

Area Events Feb. 22-May 18: Delacroix and the Matter of Finish. Birmingham Museum of Art. The first Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863) exhibition in the United States in more than a decade features the work of the leader of the French Romantic Movement, who was often heralded as the “father of impressionism.” Call 2542565 or visit artsbma.org.

May 1: ArtPlay Parlor Series: Ji on Piano. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Ticket price includes beverages, hors d’oeuvres and performance by Ji. Visit alysstephens.org or call 975-2787.

May 1: Salsa de Mayo presented by the Gardens’ Junior Board. 6-8 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Ticket price includes beverages and chips while you learn to make your own gourmet salsa. Visit bbgardens.org or call 414-3950.

May 1: First Thursdays/After Hours. 5-9 p.m. Birmingham Museum of Art. Admission is free, tapas at Oscar’s are $12, and there will be a cash bar. Visit artsbma.org or call 254-2565.

May 2: Bards and Brews. 6:30-9 p.m. Birmingham Botan-

StopBloodCancer.com

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Calendar Area Events ical Gardens. Presented by the Birmingham Public Library, Bards and Brews is a poetry performance and beer-tasting series held on the first Friday of every month. Must be at least 18 to attend. Call 226-3670.

May 2: Tails in the Trails. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Birmingham Zoo. This event, presented by the Birmingham Zoo’s Junior Board, is a day of cocktails, live music and entertainment. $20 at the door, ages 21 and up. Visit birminghamzoo.com or call 879-0409.

May 2: Eric Clapton. 7:30 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Visit amphitheatrepelham.com.

May 2-3: ASO Regions Masterworks Series: Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Visit alysstephens.org or call 975-2787.

May 3: Elements. 7:30 p.m. The Alabama Theatre. Dances inspired by the wonder in the world around us and the world within us, performed by Children’s Dance Foundation’s Upper School students. Free. Visit childrensdancefoundation.org.

May 3: Mid Alabama Corvette Club Vette Spectacular. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Zamora Shrine Temple. This annual event benefits Magic Moments of Alabama. $5 per car load. Visit midalcorvette.com or call 541-8681.

May 6: Sidewalk Film Festival Event. 6 p.m. Rojo. Networking event for filmmakers and film fans. Complimentary salsa and queso from Rojo.

Admission is free. Call 324-0888.

May 6: Brit Floyd. 8 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. Music from all 14 Pink Floyd studio albums with a laser and light show. Visit britfloyd.com or call 1-800-745-3000.

May 8: 6th Annual Hands Up Together. 7

p.m. Alabama School of Fine Arts Day Theater. Mary Fisher, an activist, author and survivor, will speak. The Collat Jewish Family Services event benefits senior adults and will honor Dr. Michael Saag. Visit cjfsbham.org.

May 9-11: The Beatles 50th Anniversary Celebration. 7 p.m. Workplay. Black Jacket Symphony will perform “Rubber Soul” on May 9 and “Revolver” on May 10. The band will perform both “Rubber Soul” and “Revolver” on May 11. Visit workplay.com or call 879-4773.

May 9-10: Jason Aldean: Burn It Down Tour. 7:30 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Visit ampitheatrepelham.com.

May 9-10: Mamma Mia! May 9 at 8 p.m., May 10 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall.

Musical of a young woman’s quest to discover the identity of her father on the eve of her wedding. Visit bjcc.org or call 1-800-745-3000.

May 10: Girls on the Run 5K. 8 a.m.

Marconi Park. Annual fundraiser and culmination of 10-week running program for girls. Open to the public. Visit girlsontherunbham.org.

May 10: Birmingham NF Walk. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Railroad Park. Alabama’s chapter of the Children’s Tumor Foundation presents a walk to end neurofibromatosis. Visit ctf.org or call 936-9447.

May 10: ASO Red Diamond SuperPops!

Series: Disney in Concert. 8 p.m. Samford University’s Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center.

Multimedia performance of Disney’s new and classic songs. Visit alabamasymphony.org or call 975-2787.

May 10: Margaritaham. 12-6 p.m. Iron Horse.

In conjunction with Iron Horse’s BBQ lunch benefiting Children’s Hospital. Music, silent auction and raffles are included with a $5 donation. Visit mcphc.org or

call 914-7953.

May 11: SuperJazz Concert. 3-4:35 p.m.

Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. Big Band concert featuring five saxophones, trombones, trumpets and a rhythm section. Visit superjazzbirmingham. wordpress.com or call 335-2961.

May 15: Bite Presented by CM Foodservice. 6-8 p.m. Rosewood Hall, SoHo Square. Live music and samplings from restaurants like La Paz, Golden Rule Bar-B-Q, Ezell’s Fish Camp, G-Dogs and Michael’s Restaurant. Visit cmfoodservicellc.biz or call 322-6119.

May 16-17: ASO Regions Masterworks Series: Mozart’s Requiem. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Visit alabamasymphony.org or call 975-2787.

May 16: Back Forty Beer Company Presents Beer on the Back Porch Music Series. 6-10 p.m. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center.

Music, dinner and three drink tokens are included with the purchase of a $25 ticket. Visit ruffnermountain.org or call 833-8264.

May 17: Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss. 7 p.m. BJCC Arena and Exhibition Halls.

Visit bjcc.com or call 1-800-745-3000.

May 17: Do Dah Day. 11 a.m. Caldwell and Rhodes Parks. Parade and day at the park with friends, pets, crafts, food, beverages and music.

All proceeds benefit local animal charities. Visit dodahday.org.

May 17: Zoo Run. 9 a.m. Birmingham Zoo. Run through the zoo to raise money for African Painted Dogs. Visit birminghamzoo.com or call 879-0409.

May 18: Birmingham Boys Choir 36th

Annual Spring Concert. 4 p.m. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 65 Old Montgomery Highway.

Visit birminghamboyschoir.com.

May 20: ASO Concertmaster and Friends: Baroque Trumpet. 7 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. Visit alabamasymphony. org or call 975-2787.

May 20-25: SEC Baseball Tournament.

Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Visit secdigitalnetwork.com or call 1-800-732-4849.

May 22: Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing. 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall.

Visit bjcc.org.

May 23: Dave Matthews Band. 7 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Visit amphitheatrepelham.com.

May 24: Happenin Fest. 3 p.m. Good People Brewery. Daylong celebration designed to feature local and touring artists from across the southeast.

Ages 21 and up. Visit happeninrecords.com.

May 25: 8th Annual Preserve Jazz Festival. 2 p.m. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Call 390-3800.

May 27: Journey and Steve Miller Band.

6:45 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Visit amphitheatrepelham.com or call 985-0703.

May 30: ASO Coffee Concert: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. 11 a.m.

Alys Stephens Center. Visit alabamasymphony.org or call 975-2787.

May 31: 5th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival. 12 to 9 p.m. DeBardeleben Park.

Live blues music and Bob Sykes BBQ. Visit bobsykesblues.com or call 426-1400.

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Vestavia Voice