2025 VOTER GUIDE
Turning point
Mountain Brook prepares for significant leadership transition in municipal election
By SARAH OWENS
T
he 2025 municipal election marks a historic period of transition for the city of Mountain Brook, with long-serving city leaders stepping down and a new generation preparing to take the reins. Voters will cast their ballots on Aug. 26 for two contested City Council seats, while the city’s next mayor and city manager have already been confirmed and are set to take office in November.
On the Ballot: Meet the candidates running to serve as the next mayor or City Council members. See page 26
Mayor Stewart Welch is retiring after two terms in office and will be replaced by Graham Smith, who was certified as the city’s next mayor on July 14. Longtime City Council President Virginia Smith will also step down after 25 years of service. Adding to the changing of the guard, City Manager Sam Gaston will retire after 32 years leading day-to-day operations for the city.
See VOTE | page 24
Ask the Candidates: Candidates for mayor and council share their views on key issues facing the city.
See page 28
Follow us for more: Stay up to date with election news by connecting with us online.
By EMILY REED
When Mountain Brook students return to class Aug. 11, they’ll step into refreshed spaces, meet new leaders and benefit from a community that continues to invest in its schools. From upgraded facilities and nationally recognized school resource officers to a record-setting $5.5 million foundation campaign fueling innovation, the 2025–26 school year promises to keep Mountain Brook at the head of the class — with Spartan teams like cross country and wrestling looking to defend state titles, and the famous Dorians dance team chasing a third consecutive national championship.
Just months after 316 graduates from the Class of 2025
departed for 46 colleges across 21 states — with Auburn, Alabama and Ole Miss topping the list — the district now turns to another year of academic and extracurricular achievement.
FACILITIES Over the summer, construction and maintenance crews completed upgrades and renovations across the district:
The library at Mountain Brook Elementary received a total renovation.
The playground at Brookwood Forest was expanded.
Workers have been busy putting the finishing touches on facility upgrades before students return to Mountain Brook Schools for the 2025-26 academic year. Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook Schools.
Editor’s Note By Sarah Owens
August brings high stakes and new beginnings across Mountain Brook — in classrooms, at city hall and under the stadium lights.
This month’s issue features our comprehensive voter guide ahead of key local elections. Graham Smith will take the helm in November, as she was unopposed in the mayoral race, and two City Council seats are up for grabs. We’ve compiled candidate bios, Q&As and side-by-side comparisons to help you cast an informed vote.
Emily Reed leads our back-to-school coverage with a look inside Mountain Brook High School, while Kyle Parmley gets you ready for kickoff with a football preview for the Spartans. Also inside: a look back at high school
from 1969, an event preview for Boiling N’ Bragging, and features on one local teen’s journey to the Girl Scout Gold Award and the legacy of Holli Simon. Later this month, don’t miss Under the Lights — our annual football preview magazine, free at sponsor locations around town.
From elections to rivalries, August sets the tone. Be informed. Be present. Vote. And we’ll see you under the lights.
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Village Living named most improved by Alabama Press Association
By STAFF
Village Living was recognized as the state’s most improved newspaper in its division at the Alabama Press Association’s annual convention at the Perdido Beach Resort in late June.
Village Living Community Editor Sarah Owens, who earlier this year was named the state’s Emerging Journalist of the Year by the APA, accepted the award and was also recognized for her first-place finish in the Best News Feature category, a story about Mountain Brook teen Lulu Gribbin’s road to recovery after surviving a shark attack while vacationing in Florida.
Owens, who also serves as community editor for the Homewood Star, earned multiple victories with that publication as well.
Owens also played a key role in a first-place award for Best Public Service for her lead article in a multi-story package titled “The power to save: Why talking about mental health matters.” The entry was credited to Hoover Sun and shared with collaborators Jon Anderson and Taylor Bright.
Village Living also scored in the visual categories. A sideline shot of tiny dancing queen Mae Schofield at a Mountain Brook High School football game won second place for Best Feature Photo. A photo of Mountain Brook firefighter Brooke Burback won second place for Best News Photo. Both were taken by multimedia journalist Savannah Schmidt, who also won second place for Best Feature Story for her frontpage profile of Burback’s successful attempt to become the city’s first female firefighter in a decade.
Schmidt won eight APA awards for her work across Starnes Media’s publications, including a first-place award for Best Spot News for a story she wrote for The Homewood Star titled
“I survived the Lakeshore Owl.”
Village Living’s contest success added to the overall tally for Starnes Media, led by the Hoover Sun, which posted 30 total awards across editorial and advertising. Those included the high-school sports coverage by sports editor Kyle Parmley for Under the Lights, the magazine and podcast shared across all Starnes markets. The preseason magazine was named Best Niche Publication for both its editorial and advertising content, a sweep, and the podcast earned first place for Best Podcast.
Parmley also won first place for Best Local Sports Column, which was entered under the Hoover Sun but also appeared in Village Living. Hoover Sun was the overall winner for General Excellence in Division E.
Another Starnes Media publication, 280 Living, won first place in the FOI-First Amendment category for its coverage of leadership and policy changes at the North Shelby Library.
This year, 53 publications submitted 1,725 entries in the annual contest. The Michigan Press Association membership judged the entries.
From left, Starnes Media’s Jon Anderson, Tim Stephens and Sarah Owens with some of the company’s awards at the 2025 Alabama Press Association convention in Orange Beach. Photo by Wendi Cambron.
CITY
New fire station improves conditions for firefighters, boosts public safety
By SARAH OWENS
Mountain Brook firefighters are settling into a facility designed not just for rapid response, but also for long-term health and professional excellence.
The city’s newly completed Fire Station No. 2 brings a major upgrade from the aging facility it replaces — offering better living conditions, expanded training capacity, and a workspace designed with firefighter wellness in mind. While daily emergency response remains swift and consistent, the new station’s impact is already being felt behind the scenes.
“This is our second home. We live here,” said Lt. Josh Belcher, an engine company officer who works the C shift out of the new station. “It’s so much different than just an office space where you just show up and you do your eight hours and go home. We eat here and sleep here and all that. So it’s great to have someplace of this quality.”
Completed earlier this year, the $11 million fire station is designed to reduce cancer risk and support firefighter wellness by separating hazardous materials from living areas. Gear and equipment are housed on the building’s “dirty” side, which includes showers, a sauna, and a self-contained workout room. The bay has its own dedicated air purification system to prevent carcinogens from entering the space, and the living space also has a separate HVAC system.
From a training standpoint, the new station has increased capacity and flexibility.
“Our ability to train more at this station — that’s going to prepare us better for the responses,” Belcher said.
“Really, we provided a high level [of service] from our other station, it’s just that that place was kind of falling apart.”
Although the station’s location hasn’t changed significantly — it moved just down the street — the environment now better supports the firefighters’ performance and morale.
“The city really takes care of us,” Belcher said. “Chief Mullins is great to us. One of the things is, Mountain Brook is really where a lot of people want to come and work. Because of stuff like this, we’re able to draw in quality people.”
That draw has direct implications for the community, Belcher added. “We’re not just hiring anybody that’s certified. We’re hiring people that we want to work here, that we know have a good track record… That absolutely equates to better service for the citizens.”
Beyond training and equipment, the station’s role in retaining and recruiting top-tier personnel may be its most enduring asset. With improved facilities and a culture of care, Mountain Brook’s fire department continues to raise the standard of public service — starting from the inside out.
VOTE AUGUST 26TH
PLACE 4
The city of Mountain Brook opened its new Fire Station No. 2 in May. The station was built to accommodate the growth and needs of the Fire Department and improve quality of life, health and safety for the city's firefighters, including a slide, sauna and larger gear room Photos by Sarah Owens.
Home Instead leads the way
Home Instead is a long-established, locally owned business that offers the finest, most compassionate non-medical, in-home care services for seniors and their families in the Birmingham area.
Owner Dan Pahos was inspired to open Home Instead by his personal experience – caring for his own aging parents in Minnesota. He quit his job selling industrial supplies and opened the Birmingham franchise of Home Instead – the first in Alabama – in 1997.
His driving purpose in running the business hasn’t changed in 28 years.
“Our mission is to enhance the lives of seniors and those who love them,” Pahos said. “We give families a way to allow an aging loved one to age in place, in the comfort of their own home, wherever that may be.”
Based in Vestavia Hills, Home Instead stands apart from its competition, in part due to its extensive employee training. “Each CAREGiver receives a two-day, in-person, instructor-led training on all the equipment used in a home, and we know of no other non-medical agency in town that provides that level of initial training, as well as ongoing training,” Pahos said.
Home Instead offers the best customer service, with highly trained client service managers, including a social worker, who develop detailed care plans and provide ongoing case management. “This is all included for free in our hourly rates,” Pahos said.
Home Instead also has loyal, dedicated employees.
“Our administrative staff have an average tenure of 11 years, and several have been with me for 20 years,” Pahos said. “Many of our CAREGivers stay with us for 10 or even 15 years. We have the expertise and experience to help you deal with your eldercare situation, be it short or long term.”
“We have the best staff,” said Director of Operations Andrea Martin, who joined Home Instead in 2009. “We wouldn’t be able to run an effective, caring business without them. Each staff member matters and is so vital to the success we have with each client.”
Home Instead offers a wide range of services for seniors, including personal care, home helper, transportation and companionship services, as well as hospice support. The company also cares for seniors with dementia, chronic illnesses, arthritis and diabetes.
For nearly three decades, Pahos has found great satisfaction in his work at Home Instead.
“I've met so many of our wonderful elderly clients who still have so much to offer but just need a little help, as well as their families,” he said. “We feel it’s truly a privilege and an honor to be able to help families who desire for their loved one to age in place
• Where: 2059 Columbiana Road, Vestavia Hills
• Call: 205-822-1915
• Web: homeinstead.com/bham
Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation to help you decide the best care plan for your family.
with our seasoned, responsive staff that is available 24/7, 365 days a year,” he said.
“It’s so rewarding to know we can make a difference for seniors and help them age in place in their home,” Martin said.
Home Instead in Birmingham won the Caring Star Award for excellence in home care in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022.
Back When: MBHS Class of 1969
By SARAH OWENS
Mountain Brook High School was founded in 1966, and one of its first yearbooks gives us a glimpse into the life of the class of 1969.
The school’s 1969 yearbook memorializes one of the first years of education at MBHS in photos, capturing the school’s first homecoming, football and basketball games, the Dorians, homecoming queen, class representatives and more.
The hallways come to life on the pages, but you don’t have to look beyond the first few pages to get a feel for what the school was all about.
“We spend our lives in crowds, seldom coming face to face with our own selves,” reads an inscription. “A time comes, though, when each person has to answer the question, ‘Who am I?’
“How do we find our identity? We discover ourselves…
“By a strange paradox we are brought back to the beginning — to the crowds — yet now we realize that the people are not simply crowds, but individuals. Thus this annual is dedicated to the entire student body of Mountain Brook and to the spirit of each individual.”
Say goodbye to long wait times, rushed visits
Experience personalized, compassionate care at Cahaba Concierge Medicine
Many hospitals and medical clinics are owned by big companies who put profits ahead of patients, so it’s not surprising that many Americans are seeking out high-quality, patient-centered alternatives to corporate care. In many cases, they’re turning to smaller boutique or concierge medical practices like Cahaba Concierge Medicine in Vestavia Hills, a personalized alternative to traditional medicine founded by Dr. Katie Moore.
“We’re a concierge practice for the entire family, and with our faith-based, membership model, we’re able to provide compassionate, customized and efficient care,” Dr. Moore says. “Patients are tired of 15-minute visits with their provider in which only one problem can be addressed. Having a personalized health plan with a trusted provider is craved more today than ever.”
In addition, CCM is a one-stop shop with family care for all ages, meaning there's no need for patients to seek out separate clinics or providers.
A Mississippi native, Dr. Moore earned her medical degree at The University of Mississippi, completed a residency at St. Vincent’s East and worked at Trinity Family Medicine — now Grandview Medical Center — for 12 years before growing tired of insurance companies and corporate restraints. She opened CCC in 2021.
CCM doesn’t accept insurance. “By removing this third party, we’re able to concentrate on patient care instead of insurance barriers,” Dr. Moore says. Instead, patients pay membership fees that give them
easy, direct access to Dr. Moore and her staff with no appointment co-pays.
As CCM, patients enjoy same-day and next-day appointments and can contact Dr. Moore and her staff via cell, text, email or the patient portal. This is in contrast to the corporate clinics that force doctors to schedule as many patients each day as possible to maximize profits.
”Any patient who has spent 40-plus minutes in a waiting room, on an extended hold, or has had unanswered messages, will understand the value of accessibility,” Dr. Moore says. “We rarely have any
Cahaba Concierge Medicine
• Where: 8011 Liberty Parkway, Suite 101, Vestavia Hills
• Call: 205-255-4024
• Web: cahabaconcierge.com
waiting time, and calls and messages are answered promptly.”
CCM also avoids corporate red tape. ”Traditional medicine has become convoluted by insurance and corporate demands which interfere in the doctor-patient relationship,” says Dr. Elizabeth Carstensen, the other physician at CCM. “A concierge physician is the modernized country doctor. She knows you well and has the time and resources to provide excellent care that is customized to you.”
There’s a warm, welcoming atmosphere at CCM. ”Everyone in our clinic genuinely cares for our patients,” Dr. Moore. “Our smaller number of patients allow for closer relationships than is possible in a traditional medical practice.”
A Birmingham native, Dr. Carstensen graduated from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, completed a residency at The University of Virginia and has known since childhood she wanted to be a doctor. She finds her work with patients to be very gratifying. ”It’s an incredible feeling to be trusted, and it’s so rewarding when I can help improve their daily lives,” she says.
To learn more about CCM, you can schedule a free 10-minute consultation. “We welcome anyone to schedule a visit with Dr. Carstensen, who will answer your questions and show you our clinic,” Dr. Moore says.
This
SPONSORED CONTENT
Katie Moore, M.D. and Lizzy Carstensen, M.D.
Business Buzz
NOW OPEN
Los-Angeles based Johnnie-O recently opened a new location in Mountain Brook’s Lane Parke. Located at 2711 Lane Park Road, Suite D12, the new shop is the brand’s 12th retail store. Johnnie-O offers a selection of apparel and accessories for men and women. The store is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
205-326-7462, johnnie-o.com
NEW OWNERSHIP
Tommy and Lizzie Hiltz officially became the new owners of Mountain Brook's beloved Crestline Bagel chain in April. Crestline Bagel specializes in handmade bagels and other baked goods. The chain has three locations: Crestline Village, Cahaba Heights and Downtown Birmingham. They are open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 205-871-4583, crestlinebagel.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce has released the official tourism video for the city of Mountain Brook. The video aims to embody the culture and lifestyle of the city while highlighting small businesses and the people behind them. mtnbrookchamber.org
The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham has named five people to the 27th class of the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame. The club celebrates five business leaders who have helped shape the city and build a stronger community. This year’s honorees are Horace Corbin Day of Jemison Investment Co. John Holcomb III of National Bank of Commerce, Don James of Vulcan Materials Co. John Johns of Protective Life Corp. and Charles McCrary of Alabama Power Co. The 27th Birmingham Business Hall of Fame event will be at the Harbert Center on Tuesday, Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to induct honorees.
Fred Elliott has been named Birmingham regional president and an executive vice president of Russellville-based CB&S Bank. He will be based at the bank’s Mountain Brook branch, which is located at 7 Office Park Circle and opened in 2023. 205-831-8300, cbsbank.com
Dawn Bulgarella, CEO of the UAB Health System, and Thibaut van Marcke, senior vice president of Orlando Health and Alabama Region president, have been named to the Alabama Hospital Association board of trustees, representing the Birmingham Regional Council.
ANNIVERSARIES
Bryant Bank is celebrating 20 years of business. The bank has a location in Crestline Village at 117 Euclid Avenue. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to p.m. MondayThursday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Drive-thru hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The bank is closed Saturday and Sunday. 205-802-6280, bryantbank.com
Village Press, 2710 Cahaba Road, is celebrating 60 years of business. The store specializes in high-end stationary from national companies, as well as custom-created invitations and stationary for life’s special moments. The
Do you have news to share about a business in Mountain Brook or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
Village Living is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight
store is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 205-871-5498, villagepressusa.com
Scale Watchers Rx is celebrating one year of business in Mountain Brook. The medical weight loss clinic is supervised by doctors or nurse practitioners and tailored to each client’s weight loss goals. Clients are seen by appointment, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205-773-5673, scalewatchersrx.com
Deliciously is celebrating their first anniversary in Mountain Brook Village at 2822 Petticoat Lane, Suite B. The snack shop sells gourmet marshmallows made from clean ingredients, along with a selection of healthy snacks and drinks. The “S’morefront” also offers customers artisan roasted s’mores made to order. Customers can stop by Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. deliciouslymarket.com
COMING SOON
Locanda Brasato, a fresh new Italian dining concept from the team behind Birmingham’s acclaimed Le Fresca, is set to open in Lane Parke this fall. The new restaurant will occupy the space formerly home to Post Office Pies at the intersection of Rele Street and Jemison Lane.
If
GET TO KNOW
Susan Worthington, Onward Reserve
By STAFF
Susan Worthington is the store manager of Onward Reserve in Lane Parke.
Q: Tell us briefly about your business.
A: Onward Reserve was founded in 2012 by TJ Callaway. Onward is his vision for an authentic brand — one that is laid back but unwavering in quality. We dress men for life’s great moments. Days in the field or on the golf course with friends, football games, engagements, we want to create memories with you.
Q: How did you get involved with the business?
A: I have been managing our Mountain Brook store for the past year. My background is actually in physical therapy, but I was a stay-at-home mom for many years. I was considering going back to work while my kids were in college when the opportunity to manage the Onward Reserve in Mountain Brook came along. I’m so glad that I said yes because I love it!
Q: Give us your 30-second elevator pitch.
A: What makes Onward Reserve so special to me is that anyone can walk into our store and get all they need for a classy and casual men’s wardrobe. We offer high-quality staples for any social engagement, from the lake to the golf course to the boardroom. Once men discover our pants and our great selection of seasonal shirts, sport coats, outerwear and shoes, they quickly realize that they can get all they need in one stop. The men in my life all wear Onward exclusively and they love it, which makes things easy for me as the family buyer.
Q: What sets you apart from your competitors?
A: Our founder and CEO is from the same small town in south Georgia where I grew up. The southern charm and small-town hospitality of Thomasville, Georgia, is the inspiration for a lot of our brand. TJ has crafted that classic southern gentleman style into a brand that is both sophisticated and accessible. Onward Reserve provides an opportunity for people to experience what is so great about authentic southern hospitality in our stores every day.
Q: What would your customers say they like about you?
A: I think my customers know how much I care about them. My main goal is to help everyone find what they need to look great, and I try to make that process as seamless and easy as possible. I have loved getting to know all my customers and I hope they know how much I genuinely value them and enjoy seeing them when they come into the store.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: We are also a wonderful place to shop for gifts! For the fan in your life, we offer a variety of collegiate polos, T-shirts and accessories for their favorite college or major league team. Or you can score major points with the gift of a Turtlebox, Smathers and Branson belts, Rugged Road coolers, Smithey cookware, and more! Come check us out the next time you are in Lane Parke!
Susan Worthington is the store manager of Onward Reserve in Lane Parke.
Photo by Sarah Owens.
Mountain
The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce is utilizing artificial intelligence to determine target markets for the city’s new commercial.
Brook Chamber of Commerce unveils new tourism video celebrating village charm
By SARAH OWENS
The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce has released a new tourism video showcasing the community’s distinctive charm, walkable village centers and vibrant local businesses.
The video offers a heartfelt glimpse into the city’s identity. More than a commercial, the project reflects the pride and character that unite the area’s interconnected villages.
Produced in partnership with the MAK Media team, the video highlights local boutiques, restaurants and beloved gathering spots. Every frame was selected to emphasize the welcoming spirit of Mountain Brook and the people who help it thrive.
“This isn’t just a promotional piece — it’s a reflection of who we are,” the chamber said in a statement. “From our small businesses to our strong sense of community, it’s a celebration of what makes Mountain Brook special.”
For residents, the video serves as a reminder of why they call the area home. For visitors, it’s an invitation to explore, shop, dine and stay
in a place where tradition and charm go hand in hand.
The chamber recently purchased Placer.ai, an artificial intelligence program that allows users to track visitation trends and determine where visitors are from. This will allow the chamber to choose target areas and placement for the commercial.
Lizzie Maymon, executive director of the chamber, said they are still analyzing the best placement options.
The video can be viewed on the chamber’s official social media channels. With its warm visuals and community-focused message, it’s designed to draw new attention to one of the state’s most unique boutique shopping districts.
To watch the Chamber of Commerce’s new tourism video, scan the QR code.
Screenshot by Sarah Owens.
►
► ADDRESS: 4308 Montevallo Road
► BED/BATH: 2/1 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 971 sq. ft.
► LIST PRICE: $389,900 ► SALE PRICE: $380,000
SOURCE:
Save the Date
MITCHELL’S PLACE DRAGON BOAT RACE & FESTIVAL
► Where: East Lake Park
► When: Saturday, Aug. 9, time TBD
► Web: mpdragonboats.swell.gives
► Cost: Sponsorship opportunities starting at $50
► Details: The 5th annual Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race & Festival brings together hundreds of people to compete in Dragon Boat racing, which legend says originated more than 2,300 years ago in China. Local corporate and community teams of 20 paddlers will race while raising funds for Mitchell’s Place, which specializes in improving the lives of children affected by autism and other developmental disabilities.
FIRST FOOTBALL GAME OF THE SEASON
► Where: Spartan Stadium
► When: Friday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.
► Web: gofan.co/app/school/AL1582
► Details: Mountain Brook High School’s varsity football team will kick off its 2025 season at home against Demopolis. The matchup marks the Spartans’ first game of the year and sets the tone for the upcoming season.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
► Where: Mountain Brook Schools
► When: Monday, Aug. 11
► Call: 205-871-4608
► Web: mtnbrook.k12.al.us
► Details: Students in Mountain Brook City Schools will begin the 202526 academic year on Aug. 11. The district, recognized for its dedication to providing an effective, challenging and engaging education, serves approximately 4,400 students across six schools: four elementary schools, one junior high and one high school. From kindergartners stepping into classrooms for the first time to seniors at Mountain Brook High School embarking on their final year, students and staff are preparing for a year focused on academic excellence, innovation and community engagement.
ELECTION DAY
► Where: Mountain Brook polling locations
► When: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
► Web: mtnbrook.org/cmo/page/ city-election-calendar-2025
► Details: Mountain Brook residents will head to the polls on Aug. 26 to elect two new City Council representatives. Graham Smith is unopposed in the mayor’s race. Elected candidates will take office Nov. 3.
► For more events news, connect with Village Living online by scanning the QR code.
► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Sarah Owens at sowens@starnesmedia.com.
Crestline
tent sale
Saturday, August 16th, 2025 mtnbrookchamber.org
CRESTLINE TENT SALE
► Where: Crestline Village
► When: Saturday, Aug. 16, all day
► Call: 205-871-3779
► Web: business.mtnbrookchamber. org/events
► Cost: Free
► Details: This all-day shopping event in Crestline Village is perfectly timed for the back-to-school season. The annual sale features special promotions and discounted merchandise from local merchants. In addition to in-store deals, many businesses will set up tents and displays outside, creating a festive sidewalk sale atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to support local retailers and find unique deals in a fun, community-focused setting.
CITY MEETINGS
Aug. 4: Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m., City Hall
Aug. 5: Board of Landscape Design, 5:30 p.m., City Hall
Aug. 11: Board of Education, 3:30 p.m., call BOE for location
Aug. 11 & 25: City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall
Aug. 12: Park Board, 5 p.m., Council Chamber, City Hall
LIBRARY EVENTS
Tuesdays: Gentle Yoga With Marie Blair, 10-11 a.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays: Open Maker Lab, Creation Station – Rainbow Suncatchers, 2-5 p.m.
Aug. 4: Sustainable Style Bandana Necklaces with Dabble Arts Studio, 10-11:30 a.m.
SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL
► Where: Downtown Birmingham Historic Theatre District
► When: Aug. 18-24
► Web: sidewalkfest.com/festival/sidewalk-film-festival
► Tickets: Prices range from $10 for a festival weekend general admission ticket to $300 for a VIP Pass
► Details: Celebrating independent cinema, the weeklong event features narrative films, documentaries, shorts and animated works from local, national and international filmmakers. Hosted by the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, the festival includes screenings, panel discussions and social events.
Aug. 6: Niki Sepsas presents Ancient Greece: Crossroads of Gods & Heroes, 2-3 p.m.
Aug. 9: Crafterday Meetup (bring your own craft), 10 a.m.-noon
Aug. 11: Great Short Stories Book Club – “A Reputation” by Richard Edward Connell, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aug. 12: Bookies Book Club (title TBD), 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 12 & 19: Writing Workshop with Miriam Calleja, 5:30-7 p.m.
Aug. 16 & 27: Medicare Made Clear, 10:30 a.m.noon and 10-11:30 a.m.
Aug. 19: O’Neal Library Board Meeting, 8-10:30 a.m.
Aug. 26: Books & Beyond Book Club – fiction in translation by women, 6:30-8 p.m.
Aug. 26-28: Snacks & Library FAQs for Teens (all day)
EVENTS
Boiling N’ Bragging returns to Crestline
By SARAH OWENS
Now in its 16th year, Boiling N’ Bragging is back to kick off football season with food, music and a mission that hits close to home. The tailgate-style fundraiser will take place Friday, Aug. 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the grassy area across from the O’Neal Library in Crestline Village.
The event raises money for the Critical Care Transport team at Children’s of Alabama. It’s presented by Rotary District 6860 in partnership with Children’s and is expected to draw hundreds of community members, football fans and families.
“It started 16 years ago, obviously, with Rotary District 6860. They have been our longtime partner on this event,” said Kate Willingham, community development coordinator at Children’s of Alabama. “Each club raises a significant amount of money, and we have a committee that has Rotary Club members, and they’re just very motivated and love raising money for Children’s. We’re very lucky to have them as a partner.”
The event features a traditional tailgate atmosphere with food, activities and a Southeastern Conference football vibe.
“Boiling N’ Bragging is a tailgate to kick off football season. We have a shrimp boil. We have hot dogs and hamburgers. We have a kids zone with a bounce house, a face painter. There’s tables that you can come sit and eat at,” Willingham said. “Then we also have team tents from a bunch
of colleges throughout the Southeast and also throughout Alabama as well… We’ll have some live music.
There’ll be some giveaways from each of the team tents, but just a really good family experience.”
The location changed in 2023 from the Crestline Village parking lot to its current green space, and organizers are happy with the shift.
“It’s down in that grassy area across from the O’Neal Library, which we
thought was an amazing change last year,” Willingham said. “We can fit more people. It just feels better. It’s not as hot down there.”
Entertainment will be provided by Lance and Rockstar from The Next Round Live. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door. Children 10 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased at boilingandbragging. org.
“This event raises money for the
Critical Care Transport team here at Children’s of Alabama,” Willingham said. “Rotary, throughout its years of service and raising money for the Critical Care Transport team, they’ve been able to help fund one of our new ambulances that goes on transports, as well as help for supplies that go in our helicopter.”
Boiling N’ Bragging
► When: Friday, Aug. 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
► Where: In the grassy area across from the O’Neal Library in Crestline Village.
► Tickets: $30 in advance or $40 at the door. Children 10 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
► Web: boilingnbragging. org
► Details: A community tailgate with food, activities, live music and more with the goal of raising money for the critical care transport team at Children’s of Alabama.
Because of the funds, the team is able to better serve the community and afford necessary resources for treatment.
“Supporting Children’s of Alabama, at any event, just benefits the entire community — Mountain Brook, all the Birmingham surrounding areas and Alabama as a whole,” Willingham added. “Philanthropy does so much for the hospital and helps us stand out and be able to give our patients great care.”
MBS Career and Technical Education Course Offerings 2025-26
Mountain Brook High School offers several Career and Technical courses in the areas business administration, finance and marketing. The courses include: Accounting, Business Software Applications, Career Focus, Digital Marketing, INCubatoredu/Entrepreneurship, Foundations of Business Leadership, Business and Legal Concepts, Leadership Mountain Brook, Personal Finance, Work-based Learning, and Workforce Essentials.
Mountain Brook Junior High offers Project Lead the Way courses as semester and year-long electives for seventh and eighth grade
Child Find Notice
Special education services for children with disabilities are provided in accordance with the Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, Amendments of 2004 and Alabama Act 106. Child Find is an attempt to locate and provide appropriate educational and related services to all children with disabilities between the ages of birth to 21.
If you are the parent of a child with disabilities who is not receiving services, or if you would like more information, please contact Dr. Missy Brooks at the Mountain Brook Board of Education, Special Education Department, 205-414-3836.
students. These courses include the following: Automation and Robotics, Robotics Team, Design and Modeling, App Creators, Computer Science for Innovators and Makers, Energy in the Environment. MBJH offers Engineering, Robotics, and Computer Science courses as semester and year-long electives for ninth grade students. These courses include the following: Robotics Team, Introduction to Robotics, Application of Engineering and Technology, Foundations of Engineering, Computer Science, App Creators, and Innovators and Makers.
Gifted Find Notice
Intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform at or have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.
Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities may refer a student to the Student Support Team for consideration for placement in the enrichment program. Additionally, all second grade students are observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist and referred to the Student Support Team as appropriate.
For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of aptitude, characteristics, and performance. This information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for the enrichment program.
To make a referral, contact your child’s classroom teacher.
Children’s of Alabama hosts their annual Boiling n Bragging tailgate event in Crestline Village to kick off football season and raise money for their Critical Care Transport Team. Photo courtesy of Children’s of Alabama.
SPORTS
UNDER THE LIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Powerful bond pushing Spartans to consistent success
By KYLE PARMLEY
A nine-year playoff streak doesn’t simply happen. It’s not like Mountain Brook has an overwhelming talent advantage, plays inferior competition or plays in a weak region from year to year.
Chris Yeager is entering his 20th year as the head coach at Mountain Brook and has led the Spartans to the playoffs in 15 of those 19 previous seasons.
At Mountain Brook, the winning starts long before the opening kickoff on a given Friday night. It starts in the offseason, in the preseason and in the moments during the week leading up to gameday.
“It starts in the locker room before you see anything on the field, and what you see on Friday nights on the scoreboard, it’s like stepping on a scale,” Yeager said.
Yeager believes the 2025 Spartans have the potential to carry on that tradition of success due to what he’s already observed.
“I think it’s an unusually close group,” he said. “The thing that I’ve sort of picked up with this group is it appears that they’re close to everyone. There’s just this magnetic thing that just pulls the team close together.”
The Spartans begin the season at home against Demopolis before heading to Parker. Mountain Brook also plays at Homewood in non-region action.
In Class 6A, Region 6, Mountain Brook has home games against Hueytown, ClayChalkville, Huffman and Shades Valley. The Spartans hit the road to face Pell City, Oxford and Pinson Valley.
OFFENSE
Cayden Hofbauer had a successful 2024 season, commanding the Spartans’ successful offensive attack. But his head coach and offensive coordinator believe there is much more that he is capable of producing. His running ability makes him a true dual-threat quarterback.
Hofbauer also has All-South Metro Offensive Player of the Year Stuart Andrews returning alongside him in the backfield. Andrews had over 1,800 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns last fall and the Spartans are hoping for much of the same this season. Mountain Brook is working on creating some depth behind Andrews to alleviate some of the wear and tear. Ryder McMakin is a tall, fast back attempting to take hold of the backup role.
Much of last year’s receiving group returns, led by Sam Smith. Trey Vinson is one of the fastest players on the team, and the Spartans are eager to get him back after he missed much of
last year with an injury. Archie Andrews, John Colvin and Gabe Smith are back as well.
Bennett Jordan and Wallace Hunter give the Spartans two new tight ends to work with in a position crucial to the team’s offensive attack. Both have pass-catching ability and are big enough to block.
The offensive line is an interesting position group. Four linemen return with experience, but they haven’t played together much. Rocco Gray leads the charge on the line, with Rob Schoenvogel back at left tackle as well.
Pierson Avery was injured last year and replaced by Schoenvogel. Henry Gimenez is back on the offensive line for the first time since his sophomore year as well. William Tabb is slightly undersized but offers leadership and grit at left tackle.
DEFENSE
Mountain Brook’s defense has performed at an elite level for several years now, and the 2025 unit appears to have the makings of
continuing that trend. Along the defensive line, Boyd Cooper is a standout player coming back. Meagher Teague is back from injury and will be a big contributor, while Billy Pharro is moving down to the line.
Mason Baynes, Will Ellis, John Thompson, Graydon Griffin and Tate Davis are other names to watch up front.
Miller Lee will be one of the unquestioned leaders of the defense, as he now plays the rover spot for the Spartans, in a hybrid role. He is called the “queen of the chess board” for the defense, a hybrid role capable of taking on any key responsibility.
Luke Waldrop, Graham Smith and Miller Crumpton are in the mix in the other linebacker spots.
There is a bit of experience returning in the secondary, with guys like corner Hayes Windle and safety Mac Mandell back. Hosford Roberts, Alex Long, and Pearson Trammell are looking to contribute. LG Williams has come out for football after excelling in both basketball and
baseball at Mountain Brook, while Lawson McKnight has moved back over to defense after playing running back last year. Luke Carroll is a former quarterback now excelling at corner.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Spartans return Anderson Roberts for one more year, as he can handle all the kicking and punting duties.
Mountain Brook should have a reliable deep snapper in Patrick Crye, which gives the coaching staff added confidence.
Looking for more Under the Lights? Scan the QR code (or go to qrco. de/under-the-lights) to follow us on social media, subscribe to the newsletter and listen to the podcast.
Cayden Hofbauer (11). Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
Stuart Andrews (10). Photo by Richard Force.
Hayes Windle (18)
In memory of mom, Mountain Brook grad rises to top of class
By SARAH OWENS
Sarah Simon, a rising senior at the University of Mississippi and Mountain Brook native, was inducted this spring into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the liberal arts. The recognition marks a major milestone in her academic journey — one made even more extraordinary by the personal challenges she has faced.
Simon, a biological sciences major and member of the Class of 2026, was selected for induction as a junior — an honor reserved for the top echelon of students. Fewer than 10% of each graduating class earns the distinction, and most are chosen during their senior year. Her early induction underscores a level of academic performance that stands out even at a top-tier university.
But behind the GPA and accolades is a story of deep personal resilience. In September 2023, just one day before her 20th birthday, Sarah lost her mother, Holli Hoelscher Simon, to complications from breast cancer. Holli was a familiar figure in the Mountain Brook community — a respected accounting executive, a devoted wife and mother, and a steady source of support for others facing similar diagnoses.
“She was very giving and had many friends,” said Jonathan Simon, Sarah’s father and Holli’s husband. “And even to the very end, even though she was sick, she was still helping people. She had it for five years. She was first diagnosed in 2018, and around the community when anybody got it during that time period, everybody was like, ‘Call Holli.’ It doesn’t come with a travel brochure, you know? So she would take them under their wing, coach them mentally a little bit about what to expect.”
A native of Germantown, Tennessee, Holli was a National Honor Society member and
cheerleader at Germantown High School. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama in 1995 with a degree in accounting, earned her master’s, and was inducted into Beta Alpha Psi. She went on to spend more than two decades in Human Resources at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she was widely known as “the consummate professional.”
After Holli’s passing, Sarah took a brief leave from school, then returned to class to regain a sense of focus and stability.
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“Even though I still missed her incredibly, and was so incredibly sad, it was my way of keeping things going,” Sarah said. “I knew that’s what she would have wanted, for me to keep things going, not to be too upset for too long.”
She remains determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Aiming for medical school, Sarah plans to take the MCAT this winter. She’s considering UAB, the University of South Alabama, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
“
Even though I still missed her incredibly, and was so incredibly sad, it was my way of keeping things going.
SARAH SIMON
”
“She didn’t crawl in a hole of self-pity,” Jonathan said of Sarah’s resilience following her mother’s passing. “She kept going. That’s Holli in her.”
Sarah credits her mother’s influence for much of her academic and personal motivation.
“I feel like, growing up, she was very smart herself, so she always pushed me and my sister in school,” Sarah said. “I feel like after she passed, seeing the impact she left on everyone, I really wanted to be half the woman she was.”
Jonathan and Holli were married for 23 years and raised their daughters, Sarah and Ann Everett, in Mountain Brook. Holli founded Collegiate Concierge for Samford University students, volunteered with the Dorians dance team, and was known as “the ultimate sports fan wife” — cheering for Alabama and, later, Ole Miss.
To honor Holli’s legacy, the family raises money for breast cancer patients. In 2023, they brought in more than $50,000 for Metavivor, a nonprofit supporting those living with metastatic breast cancer, by selling buttons ahead of the Alabama vs. Tennessee football game. The fundraiser is set to return this October when Tennessee plays in Tuscaloosa.
Left: From left, Jonathan, Ann Everett, Holli and Sarah Simon. The Simon family enjoy beach time together before Holli’s passing. Right: Sarah Simon is a rising senior at the University of Mississippi. Photos courtesy of Simon Family.
New ramp, lasting lesson at the Girl Scout House
Mountain Brook student earns Gold Award for accessibility project
By SARAH OWENS
Beth Owens, an upcoming senior at Mountain Brook High School, is set to earn the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award — the organization’s highest honor — for a service project that combines accessibility, leadership and community impact.
Owens, a longtime member of Girl Scout Troop 310, led the demolition and reconstruction of an accessibility ramp at the Mountain Brook Girl Scout House. The existing ramp had fallen into disrepair, and according to Owens, “it had holes in it and it was not really usable.” Recognizing the building’s frequent use for Bible studies, art classes and community meetings, Owens took on the challenge to ensure older residents and those with mobility limitations could safely enter.
“There were a lot of people that used the house that were older people who couldn’t get up the stairs very easily,” Owens said. “They couldn’t get into the house really.”
The project was a team effort involving her father, Dean Owens, her brother, Zach, and several friends. “We had a few weekends where we just went out there with hammers and crowbars and stuff and just ripped up the old ramp,” she said. They then rebuilt it using composite materials — a mix of plastic and sawdust — chosen for their durability and resistance to
weather damage.
Before the build began, Owens submitted a detailed plan to the Girl Scout Council for approval. “We had to fill out a form and fill out why am I doing this? What am I helping? What am I teaching people?” she said. The proposal required revisions and a Zoom meeting with council representatives before receiving the green light. A city permit, which was provided free under a nonprofit designation, was also required.
Owens’s Gold Award follows a Silver Award project she contributed to in earlier years, helping organize a museum in the Scout House with historical uniforms, badges, books and even a
Girl Scout Barbie. Both projects reflect a strong connection to Girl Scout history and values.
“She’s certainly grown in her confidence,” said her mother, Powell Owens. “She used to be kind of shy and afraid of a lot of things… but learning that she could do things and being with her friends helped.”
The friendships formed in Troop 310 have endured since second grade, supported by longtime troop leader Judy Cullinan. Owens credits those relationships, along with the program’s structure, for helping her grow. “I’ve learned how to communicate with people better. I’m just better at reaching out to people and communicating with them, rather than just kind of
hoping they would reach out first,” Beth said. “It’s also helped with what [my mom] said, confidence and stuff.”
Owens has also earned badges during Girl Scout trips to Savannah, Alaska and Seattle, and traveled to London this summer to participate in the international program at Pax Lodge. After graduation, she hopes to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah to study production design.
With just a few formalities left before her Gold Award is official, Owens is set to complete her Girl Scout journey next spring — leaving behind a physical structure and a legacy of leadership.
Beth Owens, a rising senior at Mountain Brook High School, stands on the new ramp she built at the Mountain Brook Girl Scout House as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Photo by Sarah Owens.
By TIM STEPHENS
So I didn’t lose all the weight. But I lost a lot of things that were heavier.
Fifty-six pounds became 56 truths I’ve learned along the way.
1. There was a time I thought I could outwork anything.
2. Deadlines. Emotions. My own wiring.
3. I set a goal: 56 pounds by 56 years old.
4. But somewhere along the way, I realized this wasn’t just about weight.
5. I’ve done this before. Over and over. Lose big, gain big. Burn bright, then burn out.
6. Not from lack of willpower, but because I was undiagnosed, misunderstood, and praised for the mask.
7. I was praised for doing the work of five people. But no one ever asked why I did it.
8. Turns out, I’m not lazy, or flaky or inconsistent.
9. I’m neurodivergent. ADHD. RSD. CPTSD. Possibly undiagnosed autism. Definitely high-functioning masking.
10. I used to think the crash was a failure. Now I know it was the only honest response.
11. I don’t hate the grind. I’m built for it. But I can’t stay in that gear forever.
12. My brain is a supercomputer with no cooling system.
13. It can do six months of work in six hours, then lock up for six days.
14. I didn’t miss my goal because I gave up.
15. I missed it because I finally stopped abusing myself in the name of performance.
16. I still love intensity. But now I know sustainability is the harder discipline.
The finish line … or
17. I thought I was disciplined. But I only knew extremes — all in or burned out.
18. I haven’t found the middle. I’m just learning to name the pattern before it owns me.
19. I didn’t run out of motivation. I ran out of mask fuel.
20. I was never too much. I was never broken. I just didn’t know the name for what I was fighting.
21. Every setback wasn't a weakness. It was my nervous system screaming for help.
22. I wasn’t falling behind. I was breaking cycles.
23. Rest isn’t quitting. Silence isn’t failure. Stillness isn’t laziness.
24. I finally know what real self-care looks like. And it’s not a massage or a cheat day.
25. It’s saying no without guilt.
26. It’s asking for help before the crash.
27. It’s not explaining your boundaries.
28. I don’t owe access to everyone who remembers a different version of me.
29. I’m not who I used to be. And I’m not sorry for that.
30. I don’t have to give more of my time or myself than I have capacity to give.
31. I don’t have to burn out to be worthy.
32. Success is not a sprint. Healing is not linear.
33. I don’t want applause. I want peace.
34. This journey wasn’t about pounds. It was about patterns.
35. But I earned every single one of them.
36. This wasn’t just a weight loss goal. It was a reckoning.
37. I did lose weight – 35 pounds – just
not all of it.
38. I lost the shame.
39. I lost the guilt and pain of things that were not mine to own.
40. I lost the story that said I had to earn rest.
41. I lost the mask.
42. And I found the truth.
43. The truth is: knowing what you're facing doesn't make it easier to face.
44. ADHD isn’t a quirk. It’s not a superpower. Not knowing until my middle 50s cost me more than most people will ever know.
45. Knowing now gives me the chance to be authentically me — maybe for the first time.
46. Trauma isn't a weakness. It's a memory
stored in the body.
47. High performance isn't always high health.
48. Most people see the output. Few ask about the cost.
49. I don't want to be admired. I want to be understood.
50. I don't want to impress. I want to feel.
51. My worth is not my productivity.
52. My peace is not a reward. It is a right.
53. My truth is not always easy. But it's mine now.
54. This wasn't a failure. It was a reveal.
55. So no, this isn’t the finish line.
56. I’m 56 years old. I know who I am. And I’m finally free to be me.
Starnes Media General Manager Tim Stephens and Hotworx’s Danica Kempinski celebrate his progress on his 56-for-56 journey. Staff photo.
Back to School Means Back to Healthy Habits
As Mountain Brook families gear up for Back to School, there’s no better time to reset routines and refocus on health—and that’s where Total Fitness Consultants (TFC) comes in. For 24 years, TFC has been a trusted part of the community, offering a unique, customized approach to exercise from its two convenient locations in Crestline Village and Mountain Brook Village.
As schedules shift and the school year begins, TFC provides a perfect opportunity for parents, students, and professionals alike to carve out time for their health and wellness. Whether you’re a high school athlete looking to stay competitive this season or a busy parent ready to reclaim time for personal goals, TFC’s flexible and personalized programs are designed to meet you where you are.
Fitness for the Whole Family
TFC isn’t just for star athletes—its client base includes every age and background, from teenagers and college-bound students to professionals, older adults, and homemakers. The diversity of its members reflects TFC’s core belief: everyone deserves a fitness program that fits their lifestyle.
“Our mission is to provide a functional, healthy, safe, and convenient training environment for every client,” says founder and consultant director David Thomas. “At the start of a new school year, it’s especially important to help people establish routines that keep them active and motivated.”
A Personalized Experience
Unlike traditional gyms that become packed in the fall rush, TFC operates on scheduled appointments, ensuring a calm and private training environment. Each client works with a dedicated personal trainer—someone who not only knows your goals, but helps you stay accountable through the busy school year.
New clients begin with a one-on-one consultation to develop a program that suits their strengths, needs, and fitness objectives. This highly personalized model is ideal for anyone juggling school pickups, extracurriculars, or demanding work schedules.
A Community-Centered Approach
With over 30 years of training experience, David Thomas, along with partner Haley Bagnall at the Mountain Brook Village location, remains committed to the community. “We’re not a franchise; we’re completely local,” says Thomas. “We understand the rhythm of life here, especially during back-to-school season, and we tailor our programs to work within it.”
If you’re looking to make health a priority this fall, now is the perfect time to get started with Total Fitness Consultants—where personal attention, proven experience, and community spirit combine to support your fitness goals.
VOTER GUIDE
Finance Director and Assistant City Manager
Steve Boone has been named as Gaston’s successor and will step into the city manager role later this year.
NEW MAYOR CONFIRMED
City Councilor Graham Smith will become Mountain Brook’s next mayor after running unopposed for the office. Smith was confirmed as the next mayor at a July 14 council meeting and will be sworn in this November.
Smith joined the City Council in 2022 and brings a deep background in public service, including her time as legislative director for U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby. A Mountain Brook resident for the past 14 years, Smith has served in leadership roles with the Jefferson County City Councilors Coalition, the Friends of Jemison Park and the Mountain Brook PTO Council. She holds a journalism degree from Washington and Lee University and an MBA from the University of Alabama. As mayor, she plans to focus on public safety, economic vitality and fiscal responsibility.
PLACE 2 COUNCIL RACE: GARNER VS. SILVERSTEIN
In the race for Place 2 on the Mountain Brook City Council, incumbent Gerald Garner is facing a challenge from David Silverstein.
Garner, who was elected to the council in 2020, has a long track record of civic involvement, including 11 years on the Parks and Recreation Board and service on the Board of Zoning Adjustment. A financial services professional and University of Alabama graduate, Garner emphasizes community-focused leadership rooted in public service.
Silverstein, a Mountain Brook native and founder of The FiveStone Group, brings decades of experience in commercial real
estate and civic leadership. His platform includes expanding sidewalks, supporting local businesses, and enhancing city connectivity with projects such as a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 280.
PLACE 4 COUNCIL RACE: HOLT VS. SANDNER
The Place 4 seat is open following the retirement of Virginia Smith, and two candidates — Becky Holt and Joe Sandner IV — are vying to fill it.
Holt, executive director of All In Mountain Brook, is a longtime nonprofit leader focused on youth mental health, safety and community well-being. She currently serves on the city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment
and has held numerous civic leadership roles. Endorsed by Smith, Holt is campaigning on public safety, family-friendly community spaces and support for strong schools.
Sandner, president and COO of Colliers Alabama, brings a business-focused platform with an emphasis on financial sustainability and support for local businesses. A CPA with 20 years in commercial real estate, Sandner has served with several civic and charitable organizations and stresses the importance of schools, infrastructure and efficient city operations.
With major leadership changes ahead, the 2025 election represents a pivotal moment for Mountain Brook as it balances tradition with the need to plan for the future. VOTE CONTINUED from page 1
How to vote
► Election Day: Tuesday, Aug. 26
► Poll hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
► Runoff (if needed): Tuesday, Sept. 23
RACES AND CANDIDATES
► Mayor: Graham Smith
► City Council Place 2: Gerald Garner, David Silverstein
► City Council Place 4: Becky Holt, Joe Sandner IV
POLLING LOCATIONS
► Mountain Brook City Hall
► Saint Luke's Episcopal Church
► Brookwood Baptist Church
► Mountain Brook Community Church
► Canterbury United Methodist Church
To find your polling location go to mtnbrook.org/cmo/page/ polling-districts.
VOTER REGISTRATION
Voters must be registered at least 14 days before the election. The registration deadline is Aug. 12. Register or update your information at alabamavotes.gov or in person at City Hall, any courthouse or a state-aid agency.
ABSENTEE VOTING
Voters who cannot vote in person may request an absentee ballot application from the city clerk. For more information on this go to mtnbrook.org/cmo/ page/absentee-voting.
Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School is pleased to offer three outstanding classes as part of our Lay Academy offerings this fall! Our courses are designed for interested laity as well as ministers desiring continuing education. Courses include “Life in the Psalms,” led by Mark Gignilliat, “Christology of the New Testament,” led by Osvaldo Padilla and “Spiritual Formation with the Early Church,” led by Stefana Dan Laing. Register today!
samford.edu/beeson-divinity/lay-academy
Mountain Brook voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 26. Staff photo.
STEFANA DAN LAING
MARK GIGNILLIAT
Building
VOTER GUIDE MEET THE CANDIDATES
On the Ballot
MAYOR
Graham Smith
Graham Smith, the unopposed candidate for mayor of Mountain Brook, has served on the City Council since 2022. A former legislative director for U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, Smith brings extensive experience in civic and governmental leadership. She grew up in Long Island and met her husband, Harrison — a Mountain Brook native — while attending Washington and Lee University. They returned to his hometown 14 years ago. Smith has served as president of the Jefferson County City Councilors Coalition, PTO president at Cherokee Bend Elementary, and a board member for the Friends of Jemison Park, Alabama Trails Foundation and Mountain Brook PTO Council. She holds a journalism degree and an MBA from the University of Alabama. As mayor, she plans to prioritize public safety, economic vitality and responsible budgeting.
CITY COUNCIL - PLACE 2
Gerald Garner
Gerald Garner, a candidate for the Place 2 seat on Mountain Brook City Council, has long been committed to public service — beginning as an Alabama Senate page. A University of Alabama graduate, Garner built a career in financial services and married his wife, Sally, a Mountain Brook High School alumna. The couple chose to raise their family in Mountain Brook and have two daughters. Garner joined the Parks and Recreation Board out of a desire to support the community his daughters call home. After 11 years of service, he was appointed to the Board of Zoning Adjustment. He was elected to the City Council on Nov. 2, 2020, where he continues his commitment to thoughtful, community-focused leadership.
David Silverstein
David Silverstein, a candidate for the Place 2 seat on Mountain Brook City Council, is the founder of Birmingham-based real estate firm The FiveStone Group and brings decades of experience leading complex development projects. A Mountain Brook native, Silverstein and his wife, Susan, raised their five children in the city and now have 14 grandchildren — 11 of whom are current or future Mountain Brook students. He previously spent more than 20 years as a principal at Bayer Properties, helping lead projects like Cahaba Village, which generates about $1.6 million in annual sales tax revenue for the city. Silverstein’s platform focuses on expanding sidewalks, improving connectivity with a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 280, and preserving Mountain Brook’s character through responsible growth.
Editor’s
CITY COUNCIL - PLACE 4
Becky Holt
Becky Holt, a longtime community servant and nonprofit executive, is running for Place 4 on Mountain Brook City Council to fill the seat held by retiring Council President Virginia Smith, who has endorsed her candidacy. Holt serves as executive director of All In Mountain Brook, a nonprofit focused on youth mental health, safety and well-being. She also serves on the city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment and has held leadership roles with the O’Neal Library Board, Junior League of Birmingham and other local organizations. A former speech-language pathologist, she spent nearly two decades in clinical and health system leadership roles. Her campaign focuses on public safety, youth/family spaces and strong schools.
Joe Sandner IV, a Mountain Brook native and fourth-generation resident, is a candidate for Place 4 on the Mountain Brook City Council. Graduates of Mountain Brook High School, Sandner and his wife chose to raise their two daughters, who are students in the Mountain Brook school system, in their hometown. Sandner is president and COO of Colliers Alabama and brings 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, along with a background as a CPA. His campaign focuses on maintaining financial sustainability, supporting local businesses, and preserving Mountain Brook’s quality of life. Sandner serves as board president of the City Action Partnership and holds leadership roles with Oasis Counseling for Women and Children, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham and other civic organizations.
Joe Sandner IV
VOTER GUIDE ASK THE CANDIDATES
Editor’s Note: Submissions have been edited for length and clarity. To read the full version, go to VillageLivingOnlin.com
Gerald Garner for City Council - Place 2
David Silverstein for City Council - Place 2
What inspired you to run for office in Mountain Brook’s 2025 municipal election?
We have incredible things — from our villages to our public spaces to our people and schools — and I want it to be even better. You have to want that from your heart. You don’t do it for business-motivated reasons. You don’t do it to be famous. You certainly don’t do it to make a fortune. We’re volunteers, really — not politicians. That’s why I wanted to do it.
What are your priorities for managing stormwater and mitigating flooding concerns in the city?
How do you intend to guide Mountain Brook’s development and growth in a way that aligns with community values?
We’ve tried to work through this. We’ve tried to do a lot of improvements, especially by the junior high school—because that’s where floods hit — and they really affected the church. But a lot of times you need cooperation, too, and sometimes you get it, sometimes you don’t get it. So I think we’ve done a lot of looking, and we have a lot of engineers that are constantly looking at ways that we can improve.
Retail is unique to Mountain Brook. I think we have the opportunity to have the greatest retail areas out there. Our villages are so unique compared to every other city that you definitely want to see businesses continue to come in and open up, and it’s small businesses. That’s the backbone of the U.S. in my opinion. Whether it’s a restaurant or it’s a retail outlet— you want to encourage them to come when there’s space available.
What is your approach to supporting Mountain Brook Schools?
How would you address public safety and maintain community trust?
Our main job is to appoint Board of Education members. That’s a big job, because you want to appoint people who care. You want to appoint people who care and who have a résumé that has the merits. I try to appoint people who bring extra experience or talents — whether that’s classroom experience or knowledge of education policy. That’s how we support the system. You need thoughtful people who put the schools, the students and parents first.
It starts with relationships. I’ve built strong relationships with our first responders and Public Works. Just recently, those crews were out in the early morning hours, in bad weather, cutting trees out of the roads so ambulances and police could get through. Magical fairies don’t do that — Public Works does that. That’s how I support public safety: I back those guys. I make sure they have everything they need to do their jobs well.
Mountain Brook has been home to my family for four generations, and I feel a deep responsibility to give back through service. With my background in law, business and civic leadership, I know how to bring people together, solve complex problems and get things done. I’m running because I love this city and want to help it remain strong, well-managed and prepared for the future.
We need to invest in smart, resilient infrastructure that protects homes and public spaces from increasing stormwater risks. That includes maintaining and upgrading drainage systems and taking a longrange approach to land use and planning. As someone who’s navigated zoning, landscaping and infrastructure planning at a high level, I’ll bring the attention to detail and strategic thinking this issue requires.
Growth should never come at the expense of what makes Mountain Brook special. I support a balanced, thoughtful approach to development that protects our neighborhoods, honors our architectural and environmental standards, and reflects the community’s voice every step of the way. With decades of experience working through zoning, traffic and planning challenges, I know how to guide development without losing our identity.
While the school system is independently governed, the council plays a critical role in creating the conditions for excellence, from budgeting to infrastructure to collaboration. As the grandfather of eleven current or future students in MBS and a member of the Grandparents Committee of the Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation, I care deeply about supporting their success. I’ll work closely with school leadership to ensure our decisions as a city strengthen and reflect the val-
ues of our school system. Public safety begins with trust, transparency and a commitment to excellence in policing and emergency response. I believe in providing our public safety departments with the tools and resources they need, while ensuring they remain responsive and rooted in community relationships. As a councilor, I’ll prioritize both safety and accountability to keep Mountain Brook one of the most secure and welcoming cities in Alabama.
I’m stepping forward because I believe in service that strengthens Mountain Brook. I’ve spent years working alongside residents, schools, and city leaders through ALL IN Mountain Brook, building relationships and helping lead projects that support youth and seniors. As our city enters a new chapter with new leadership, we need steady, experienced voices at the table. I’m ready to bring my perspective, passion and deep commitment to the council and the community I love.
Stormwater/flooding impact our quality of life and property values. As our city continues to age and grow, we need a long-term, solutions-focused approach. I believe in open communication, listening to residents and experts, and defining city responsibilities versus private ones. Not every issue can be solved by the city, but we can improve infrastructure, support homeowners and plan responsibly. I will be a steady voice for transparency, coordination and progress.
Mountain Brook’s charm lives in its neighborhoods and its villages. As we grow, we must protect what makes it feel like home, including walkable streets, small businesses, parks, schools and community connection. I support responsible growth that respects neighborhood character, supports a mix of businesses and does not overwhelm city services. If elected, I will listen to residents, lead with care and ensure growth is guided by thoughtful planning that protects the heart of our city.
As a mother with students in the MBS system, I understand the importance of strong schools. My service and leadership in the PTO and ALL IN Mountain Brook has given me firsthand experience working with families, educators and city leaders to support students. Thoughtful appointment of BOE members is vital. I support transparency, community input and collaboration through shared services and partnerships that strengthen safety, mental health and educational excellence.
Keeping our neighborhoods and residents safe is a top priority. Over the past nine years with ALL IN and statewide coalitions, I’ve followed trends that affect our community. I’ve seen our public safety teams provide valuable training on emergency preparedness, scams, sextortion and drug awareness alongside the MBPD and MBFD. I will continue to prioritize collaboration, transparency and community engagement to strengthen trust and keep Mountain Brook safe.
I am a fourth-generation Mountain Brook resident, and I’ve always admired city leaders like Virginia Smith, Stewart Welch and many, many others who volunteer their time to serve our city. It’s a hard job, and it’s never easy putting your name on a ballot, but I feel a strong calling to contribute and preserve what makes our city such a special place and believe that my business experience will help our City Council make wise decisions for Mountain Brook.
Stormwater management is an increasing concern. This is a critical issue for some of our residents and businesses. First, we must ensure our stormwater regulations are followed to prevent worsening conditions. Second, we should foster strong relationships with neighboring cities to encourage shared responsibility. Collaboration and proper enforcement are key to minimizing flooding risks and protecting both public and private property throughout Mountain Brook.
Growth doesn’t always mean new development or redevelopment — it can come from supporting existing businesses. That is why relationships with the Chamber and local businesses are so important. Vibrant, thriving villages increase our tax revenue and enhance resident experiences. My goal is to preserve what makes Mountain Brook special, not change it, and I’m deeply committed to protecting our unique character and maintaining our community’s exceptional quality of life.
Our schools top priority, and providing a premier education to students is essential to Mountain Brook’s success. As a MBHS graduate and parent of three children, I know its importance. We must support the schools through city resources and community engagement. Encouraging all residents — including those without schoolage children — to support our schools helps maintain educational excellence and protects home values, fostering continued investment in our future.
Public safety is foundational. Nothing else matters if our families don’t feel safe at school, in their neighborhoods and in our villages. Our Police and Fire departments are outstanding, and we must continue to provide them with the training and tools they need to be the best. The cost of doing so is only increasing, which is why we need to grow our revenue and implement smart fiscal strategies to support these services over the long term.
Joe Sandner IV for City Council - Place 4
Becky Holt for City Council - Place 4
ASK THE CANDIDATES VOTER GUIDE
Graham
Smith
Mayor (unopposed)
What inspired you to run for office in Mountain Brook’s 2025 municipal election?
What are your priorities for managing stormwater and mitigating flooding concerns in the city?
How closely should Mountain Brook collaborate with neighboring cities on issues like infrastructure and economic development?
What is your approach to supporting Mountain Brook Schools?
Serving as president of the Jefferson County City Councilors Coalition showed me just how much can be accomplished when local leaders work together. In that role, I saw how collaboration happens behind the scenes between local and regional leaders — far more than most people realize. Strong relationships across city lines are essential to addressing shared challenges and creating real opportunities.
My hope to mitigate runoff and flooding is to prioritize responsible stormwater management by exploring the creation of a comprehensive master plan focused on low-impact design (LID) solutions. This plan would identify and target critical basin areas across Mountain Brook, implementing sustainable infrastructure — such as rain gardens, bioswales and permeable surfaces — to reduce runoff, protect property and preserve our natural waterways.
When appropriate, strong collaboration with neighboring municipalities and the county is absolutely critical to ensure the long-term success of the entire region. Through collaboration with the members of the Mayor’s Association, I will work to strengthen existing relationships and further opportunities for economic growth.
How would you address public safety and maintain community trust?
I am committed to protecting and strengthening our schools. While the school board operates independently, the council should continue to appoint qualified, community-minded individuals who prioritize educational excellence. We will maintain strong partnerships with the BOE, especially through co-investment in athletic and infrastructure projects that enhance student experience and community pride. Together, we will ensure MBS remains among the very best in the nation.
I will continue to collaborate and discuss our city’s safety needs with our Police Chief, Thomas Boulware. Over the years, we have made gains in public safety by focusing on the following five areas: a highly motivated/skilled police force, advanced training, sophisticated technology, well-maintained infrastructure, and strong resident involvement in crime abatement. Many of these goals are not costly to implement. Public safety is one of our city’s top priorities.
BACK TO SCHOOL
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► Sixth grade classrooms at Brookwood Forest underwent mechanical enhancements.
► The auditoriums at Mountain Brook Elementary and Cherokee Bend were updated with new sound, lighting and finishes.
► HVAC work was completed at Mountain Brook Elementary and Mountain Brook Junior High.
NEW HONORS
Mountain Brook’s tradition of excellence extends well beyond the classroom — and students and staff are already focused on building on last year’s successes. The district’s school resource officer team enters the year as a Model Agency, recognized by the National Association of School Resource Officers — one of just eight in the nation — while Officer Richard Knecht brings his Safe Schools Leadership Award experience to campus safety efforts.
On the fields and courts, Spartan teams are ready to defend their titles: boys and girls cross-country look to extend their dominance, the Dorians aim for a third straight national championship, and the boys and girls tennis teams will try to stretch their streaks — three consecutive for the boys and eight straight for the girls. Those teams’ performances last year helped Mountain Brook surpass 200 total state titles in AHSAA-sanctioned varsity sports, with more milestones in sight.
NEW LEADERS
The front office at Mountain Brook Junior High will look a little different this school year, with a few personnel moves and new faces.
Derek Kennedy took over as the school’s principal last month after former principal Donald Clayton was approved to be the new Director of Administrative Services and Assistant Director of Personnel for Mountain Brook Schools.
“Mountain Brook Junior High is a special place and I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing that here as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and now am excited to further lead as this school’s principal,” Kennedy said. “Donald (Clayton) has done a tremendous job over the past 13 years transforming the junior high culture and experience for all of our stakeholders and I’m eager to continue that work.”
Kennedy takes on this role after having served as assistant principal at MBJH since 2019. Before that, he received several awards in the classroom as a junior high history teacher and on the court as a coach. He holds his education specialist degree in instructional leadership as well as his educational leadership certification, master’s degree in education and bachelor’s degree in social science, all from the University of Montevallo.
“I am confident Derek is the right person to lead our exemplary staff at MBJH to new heights,” MBS Superintendent Dicky Barlow said.
Preston Sanford was selected to fill Kennedy’s assistant principal role, coming to the school after spending the last nine years as a teacher and coach in several local high schools.
“I am extremely excited for this opportunity,” Sanford said. “I quickly learned through the interview process that Mountain Brook is filled with great people and I look forward to meeting and working with them at the junior high. My goal is to do everything I can to support the students, the faculty and anyone I encounter on a day-to-day basis.”
He holds his bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University and his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from West Alabama.
“Preston comes to us highly recommended and his leadership skills paired with his passion for people will elevate our school culture at MBJH,” Kennedy said.
Sanford and his wife, Hannah, live in the Birmingham area with their two daughters, Mae (2) and Lucy (1).
Adam Craiger has also been brought on as the school’s new bookkeeper, and Brook Gibbons serves as the school’s other assistant principal. Connie Porter is the office manager. Mountain Brook Junior High serves over
1,000 students in 7th-9th grade. The school employs over 170 faculty and staff. Learn more at mbjh.mtnbrook.k12.al.us.
NEW FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation enters the year having already raised more than $5.5 million in its “Fund Our Future: Endowing Student Success” campaign, surpassing its $5 million goal and moving closer to its vision of granting $1 million annually to the schools.
Board president Kristin Ritter said the Foundation’s mission remains urgent. “The sooner we can get the million dollars to the
school system, the better,” she said. Foundation funding this year will support professional development stipends, phonics training for elementary teachers, math coaches at every elementary school and innovative tools like Magic School (artificial intelligence) for teachers and Prisms (virtual reality) software for immersive learning. Funds also helped support the annual summer learning conference in June.
Teachers say the support makes a real difference. “I will shout from the rooftops how grateful I am for the Foundation,” said Mountain Brook High School teacher Morgan Chatham. “To know that they listened to my idea, thought it was valuable, and trusted me to run with it — that is just an incredible indication of support.”
Foundation co-chair Mary Catherine Pritchett said the generosity of the community has been inspiring. “We just live in such a generous community,” she said. “People here understand the value of having the private school standard in a public school.”
NEW CELL PHONE RULES
Gov. Kay Ivey signed a new state law that took effect July 1, requiring students to keep their cellphones and other devices turned off during the school day. The Mountain Brook Board of Education is reviewing the law’s details and will communicate any district-specific policies to families before school begins. With a new year ahead and a proud tradition behind them, Mountain Brook’s students, staff and families are ready once again to carry the community’s standard of excellence — and to keep raising the bar. But maybe not take quite as many selfies.
Above: Workers have been busy putting the finishing touches on facility upgrades before students return to Mountain Brook Schools for the 2025-26 academic year.
Left: Brookwood Forest Elementary expands their playground ahead of the 2025-26 school year. Photos courtesy of Mountain Brook Schools.
Adam Craiger is the new bookkeeper at Mountain Brook Junior High.
Derek Kennedy is the new principal of Mountain Brook Junior High. Photos courtesy of Mountain Brook Schools.
Preston Sanford is the new assistant principal at Mountain Brook Junior High School.
