She doesn’t claim to be a “bee charmer,” but after nearly 25 years of tending honey bee hives, enduring stings and losing colonies, Mountain Brook beekeeper Ginger Clark still can’t imagine life without the low, thrumming chorus of her bees.
And as the weather warms up, so does local bee season.
Clark’s journey began when she transformed an old backyard tennis court into a lush vegetable and fruit garden, determined to boost pollination. A beekeeping course at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens led to her first hive — and a series of hard, often comical lessons that taught her just how much care goes into keeping bees alive. Today, her small business, fittingly named We Bees Working, has grown to eight hives and a devoted following that believes her bees produce honey as nuanced as a fine wine.
The height of success
Mountain Brook Community Church pianist balances life and faith as a CFO and the world’s smallest professional piano player
By KELLI S. HEWETT
not a little person who just happens to be good at the piano,” said Ogletree, 41. “I am a skilled pianist who just happens to be a little person. I don’t feel 3 foot 8 inches.”
At 3’8”, Jon Michael Ogletree is known as a the world’s smallest professional piano player. Photo by Kelli S. Hewett.
Beekeeper Ginger Clark of Mountain Brook bottles home-grown honey through her business We Bees Working. Photo by Kelli S. Hewett.
Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley
We’re officially “marching” into the third month of the year (I’ll see myself out now).
Terrible jokes aside, our country is set to correct one of its most egregious flaws this month. On Sunday, March 8, we will return to daylight saving time, as opposed to the nonsense that is standard time.
I know, I know, there are valid reasons for why we change the clock back in November for the winter months, but the sun setting at 4:30 p.m. in those dead months of November, December and January is just the worst.
We’ve heard about it forever, when politicians will grandstand about potentially moving things to daylight saving time permanently, but I’ve come to
accept that it will never happen.
Unlike politicians who will say things and never act, I hope to be the type of person whose words have action behind them. When I give my word to someone, I want them to have the confidence that I mean what I say and will follow through.
That’s one thing I’m striving for these days. What about you? As always, thank you for reading this publication and reach out to me at kparmley@starnesmedia.com with any ideas!
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Alabama Pediatric Dentistry (B4)
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Aqua Systems of Birmingham (A6)
ARC Realty Mt Laurel (A14)
Art of Drawers (B6)
Bromberg’s (B14)
Budget Blinds (A15)
Charles Schwab Matthew Bungo (B11)
Children’s of Alabama (B11)
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Crestline Pet Care (B2)
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Gaynell Hendricks - Tax Assessor (B12)
Guin Service (A1)
Gunn Dermatology (B1)
Harbin Pharmacy (B13)
Ingram and Associates (A13)
Issis & Sons (A7)
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department (B7)
Katie Crommelin, Ray & Poynor (A12)
Leavell Investment Management (B7)
LifeCare for Seniors (A10)
Little Hardware, Inc (A9)
Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce (B3)
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Emily Reed
Stephen Baroody
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Till, Hester, Eyer & Brown (B15)
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John Ambrose has a ‘passion’ for building great kitchens and baths
John Ambrose is a Birmingham cabinet expert with years of experience in top-quality remodels and new construction. In this Q&A, John discusses what sets Ambrose Kitchen & Bath apart.
Why do you focus on kitchens and baths? Having worked on ground-up construction and full home remodels, I realized that kitchens and bathrooms are my passion. These are the most used and most challenging design features of the home—and as the youngest of four brothers, I like nothing more than to win a challenge! Getting the lighting, plumbing, tile, countertops, cabinets, hardware, appliances and paint to work together is like conducting a symphony. Every element has to be in harmony to achieve our clients’ vision.
Do you have a showroom to visit? Absolutely. In our showroom clients can get a hands-on look at working kitchens showcasing two of our top cabinet brands, Kith Kitchens and Mouser Custom Cabinetry. We also have lots of other samples to show. We see clients by appointment only because we believe that each client deserves our undivided attention.
What sets Ambrose Kitchen & Bath apart? We are committed to listening and collaborating with our clients to build spaces that work for them. Most customers come to us to solve problems in their existing space. We listen and create designs that ensure their new kitchen or bath will work for the way they live. We’re also a tight team of highly skilled professionals who have a passion for design and an eye toward the tiniest detail. We think through every aspect of our clients’ space and plan each component in advance.
Can you accommodate my busy schedule? Of course! Whether you’re a busy working parent, constantly on the road or retired and living your best life, we can work with you. We understand that not everyone can get to the design table during retail hours. In fact, we schedule most of our appointments after 4 p.m. on weekdays or on weekends.
What if I’ve never remodeled before and I’m feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. We’ll walk you through your entire project hand-in-hand. Before we ever started focusing solely on kitchens and baths, we did full remodels and built homes from the ground up. We understand every stage of the remodeling process and how to staff it, so we can guide you and answer all your questions. We’ll help make sure your project goes smoothly from rough-in to fluff-out.
I have no idea what a kitchen costs these days. What if my budget and dreams don’t align? We get it. We can break down costs in an easy-to-understand way and work with you to design the ideal kitchen or bath for your budget. We’ve hand-picked beautiful cabinet lines at every price point. Come take a look!
For more information, call us at 205-510-6961 or visit AmbroseKitchenandBath.com.
Scan the QR code (or go to qrco.de/ villageliving) to read the latest news on our website, find where to pick up the latest print issue, follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER
Decision to end livestream discussed at council meeting
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
A pair of Crestline residents asked the Mountain Brook City Council Feb. 9 about the decision to cease livestreaming council meetings. Each asked the council to discuss the matter in a public forum.
Council President Billy Pritchard announced at the end of the Jan. 27 meeting that future council meetings would not be hybrid with online access via YouTube.
Joe Sandner asked if the decision was made in either of the past two pre-council meetings or the past two council meetings. Pritchard said the matter was discussed informally prior to those gatherings, adding that participation in online meetings was minimal.
“The overwhelming majority was probably Heather [Richards, the city clerk] and her husband,” Pritchard said. “It was kind of a carryover from COVID. It was problematic in certain ways with us [not] being able to technologically have it work as it should every time.”
Sandner said there is a lot of public good from the livestream, noting that he didn’t see where the matter was discussed publicly in council minutes.
“I guess I’d ask the City Council to consider putting it on a future agenda,” Sandner said, “talking about the pros and cons publicly and giving the residents the opportunity to voice their opinion on it.”
Michael Crump made the same
request. A technologist by trade, he said he had two issues with discontinuing the livestream.
“It’s probably cost effective to cut the stream. I would not argue against that,” he said. “I would also argue that AI might interfere with the stream, with unregulated bots or people coming into the stream and not knowing if this is real or not real, a patron of Mountain Brook or citizen or whatever.
“But I also recognize … about having public access, no matter if it’s in person or not in person,” Crump
said. “If I were to take a vacation or a trip or a missionary location, I would want to see a city council meeting even if it’s the only [council meeting] I attend the whole year. I would rather have this option open in case I do need to use it and I’m out of town.”
Pritchard reminded the audience that everything to be discussed is included in the agenda that is posted the Friday before each meeting. He added that minutes are available after they have been reviewed and approved.
“You’re more than welcome to
ask us anything and call us about any issue that is a concern of yours,” the council president said.
“It’s not the same as real-time livestream where you can ask real-time questions,” Crump said.
Pritchard countered that YouTube livestream does not permit direct remote verbal interaction with those in the meeting.
The council president said he is worried about the potential of someone altering the livestream.
“In the world in which we live, we see from time to time on YouTube or
the internet [that] there are opportunities for things to be manipulated or taken out of context and used in certain ways,” Pritchard said. “I’ve talked to several IT experts who say that’s something that you cannot really guard against. That was a concern of mine.”
Pritchard said the council will take the residents’ comments under advisement. During the meeting, Mayor Graham Smith appointed Ellen Hawley, Janine McCall and Jeff Lisenby to the city’s Environmental Sustainability Committee.
The council:
► Gave permission for the nonprofit Embrace Alabama Kids to restore the long-faded mural along U.S. 280.
► Approved a memorandum of understanding with One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center.
► Authorized the sale or disposal of certain surplus property.
► Executed an agreement with Cardinal Technology Consulting Services of Alabama with respect to issues related to AT&T.
► Approved a work authorization agreement with Sain Associates for the Public Works Crew Facility addition.
► Executed an agreement with United Ability — doing business as Gone for Good — for a community document destruction and e-waste recycling event on April 18, 2026.
The City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
Humanity drives us. Preparation defines us.
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Skilled Alabama divorce attorneys will protect your rights, guide you through the complex legal process, and advocate for the best possible outcome for you and your children. Your life isn’t just about legal paperwork; it’s about reclaiming control, finding peace of mind, and setting yourself up for success as you move forward and away from conflict.
Summit Family Law can help you achieve these things – you have options, our family law firm knows them.
Charlotte Christian, Founder
Billy Pritchard speaks to a resident at the Feb. 9, 2026, Mountain Brook City Council meeting. Photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.
The time is right: Nonprofit restores longtime mural along US 280
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
You could be forgiven if you didn’t notice the mural along U.S. 280 near the water treatment plant.
“You have to look carefully,” Mountain Brook Mayor Graham Smith said. “But if you’ve driven down 280 in the past, you’ll see there’s an old, faded mural there. You can see the outline of an old mural. You kind of have to look for it, but it’s been in disrepair.
“I think it was painted 20-plus years ago, 30-plus years ago,” Smith continued. “We’ve received a number of residential complaints.”
Those complaints will soon turn — if they have not already turned — to praise as a nonprofit received permission from the Mountain Brook City Council to restore the decades-old mural.
“It actually has a picture of the old mill,” Smith said. “Then it has Jemison Trail and then it has a little bit of Gilchrist Corner. It’s Mountain Brook-specific. Really, they just wanted to donate it to the city to enhance the environment. We will obviously give them credit for a tremendous donation.”
Rebecca Morris has been with Embrace Alabama Kids and Embrace Florida Kids for 13 years.
“We were formerly the United Methodist Children’s Home,” she said. “We are working hard at bringing our brand and our ministry and nonprofit to communities. Possibly they’ve heard about us, but we really want to give back to the community and partner and collaborate and get our ministry name out to a broader community in different ways.
“We’ve been around for 130 years taking care of Alabama’s kids,” Morris said. “We’ve just been a ministry [where] we don’t necessarily have to be in the forefront. But we’ve been
decades-old mural along U.S. 280 in
giving back to our state for so long and want to continue that in communities. We just thought this would be a different way to bring light to what we’re doing.”
Restoration of the mural, which was set for completion during the final week of February, is being done as the Alabama Department of
is currently being restored through a
Transportation is performing major renovations to U.S. 280.
“It was fortuitous because of the fact that ALDOT has the barricades up right now,” Smith said following the Feb. 9 meeting of the City Council. “It’s perfect timing for us to do something because it allows the painters to be safe.”
Embrace Alabama Kids will be displayed on the completed mural. The project is led by Shawn Fitzwater of Fitz Signs & Murals. Fitzwater turned heads in 2020 with his unsolicited, uplifting message on the Battle Republic building in downtown Homewood.
A
Mountain Brook
donation from Embrace Alabama Kids, featuring scenes of the old mill, Jemison Trail and Gilchrist Corner. The project, led by artist Shawn Fitzwater, is underway as ALDOT conducts renovations along the busy corridor. Photo by Ted Perry.
Mayor’s Minute
By Graham Smith
From my first day of matriculation at Washington and Lee University, one expectation was made immediately and unmistakably clear: You speak. You greet one another. You acknowledge the humanity of the person passing you on the Colonnade or along your campus path. A nod of the head, a “good morning,” a quick “hey.” It was neither optional nor performative. It was an imperative.
At first, it felt awkward. Like many teenagers arriving on campus, I wondered whether such intentional friendliness was forced or artificial. But something remarkable happened over time. Initial discomfort became habit, and what became habit slowly transformed into something deeper: a genuine sense of belonging. The simple act of speaking created connection, and connection created community.
The Washington and Lee Speaking Tradition dates back well over a century. It’s rooted in the belief that every person is worthy of acknowledgement and respect. It reflects a profound truth: Community is not built only through grand gestures but through the smallest, most consistent acts of recognition. A greeting says, “I see you. You matter.” In a world in which people so often rush past one another with eyes down and headphones in, that message carries extraordinary weight.
The need for human connection has never been greater. Face-to-face interaction, however brief, anchors us. It reminds us that we are not alone. I have recently had multiple meetings
Smith
with young professionals who admit they are struggling with ways to find connection. One of the great beauties of Mountain Brook is that we excel at connection. It is woven into our daily fabric of life. Many of you already embody this spirit every day.
I’m asking that we become even more intentional about it. Imagine Mountain Brook known as the city where you are always greeted! Where a walk down the street comes with a smile and a word of acknowledgment. Like the Speaking Tradition, it costs nothing yet yields immeasurable returns. However, connection also means being there for one another when it matters most. In that spirit, I want to highlight an important and free community resource. Should you or someone you know be struggling in any way, Mountain Brook Schools, in partnership with ALL IN Mountain Brook and the City of Mountain Brook, provide a local crisis line for our students and residents.
Individuals can receive support any time by calling or texting 205-92-SAVES (205-927-2837). Trained crisis counselors are available to support, de-escalate and connect callers with local resources — and in moments of imminent danger, they can coordinate with local dispatch for potentially life-saving wellness checks.
Connection begins with a greeting, but it does not end there. Together, we will continue to cultivate a city where every person is seen, supported and spoken to.
Graham
Business Happenings
OPENINGS
Locanda Brasato, a new Italian restaurant from Duaine Clements and Marco Butturini, recently opened in the former Post Office Pies space at 270 Rele St. Clements and Butturini are also co-owners of downtown Birmingham’s Lé Fresca. The new restaurant focuses on “the art of slow cooking” with traditional Italian techniques and quality ingredients. Menu offerings include antipasti, pizza, mafalde, short rib ravioli, duck breast, halibut and a selection of Italian-inspired desserts. locandabrasato.com, 205-747-0013
JPMorgan Chase Bank celebrated the opening of its new Mountain Brook branch with a ribbon cutting at 2629 Cahaba Road in the Lane Park development. The event, hosted by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, marked the official launch of Chase’s newest location as part of the company’s broader expansion across Alabama. Chase opened its first Alabama branch five years ago near Auburn University and announced plans last year to triple its number of branches statewide and hire an additional 170 bankers by 2030 to expand access to financial services.
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook recently honored six members for decades of service to the organization. Recognized for 25 years of service
LLC and Glenn Davis. Kelly and Davis both previously served as club president. Sam Gaston, recently retired as Mountain Brook city manager, was also recognized for his leadership, having served as president of three Kiwanis clubs and currently serving as lieutenant governor. Tim Chandler, Leland Keller, and Tom Donaldson were honored for 40 years of service. “These outstanding members exemplify the mission and values of Kiwanis,” club member Judith Wright said. “Their years of service have strengthened not only our club but also the children we serve.” The Kiwanis Club is a global volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. Members conduct extensive service projects each year — such as building playgrounds, stocking food pantries and mentoring youth — while raising money for local communities and international initiatives.
Capstone Development Partners, a student housing developer headquartered at 402 Office Park Drive, Suite 150, has been acquired by Lincoln Property Company, a global real estate firm based in Dallas. Through the acquisition, which includes Capstone Management Partners, the company will continue to operate as Capstone Development Partners, powered by Lincoln, expanding its national reach in higher education housing and university-affiliated development. Capstone specializes in public-private partnership projects and has worked with more than 70 colleges and universities nationwide, delivering more than 50,000 on-campus and university-affiliated student housing beds since 1997. Company leaders Jeff Jones and Bruce McKee will remain in their roles, with William Davis stepping into the position of managing principal. The partnership strengthens Capstone’s ability to serve universities while maintaining its local presence. capdevpartners.com, lpc.com
PERSONNEL MOVES
Trey Lemak and Whitney DePalma have joined the RealtySouth office at 2807 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook. realtysouth.com, Lemak: 205-917-7605; DePalma: 404-840-5526
ANNIVERSARIES
Ladybird Taco, located at 300 Rele St., is celebrating four years in business. The restaurant, which opened in 2022, is modeled after the taco scene in Austin. It specializes in breakfast and lunch tacos, serving housemade tortillas, salsa, salads, queso, breakfast tacos and full barista coffee service. ladybirdtaco.com, 205-382-8871
PreSchool Partners, located at 4447 Montevallo Road, is celebrating its 32nd anniversary. The organization provides an inclusive and diverse learning environment designed to prepare preschool children and their families for success through high-quality curriculum, nurturing educators, parental engagement and community collaboration. preschool-partners.org, 205-951-5151
TherapySouth is celebrating 18 years of serving Mountain Brook and surrounding areas. The clinic provides orthopedic physical therapy, hand therapy, wellness programs and other services. TherapySouth has Mountain Brook locations at 205 Country Club Park and 3800 River Run Drive, Suite 102. therapysouth.com, 205-871-0777 or 205-970-2350
Marguerite’s Conceits, located at 2406 Canterbury Road, is celebrating 33 years in business. The gift shop opened its doors in 1993 and offers a selection of luxury linens, candles, bath and body products, pajamas, and other home and personal items.
margueritesconceits.com, 205-879-2730
CLOSINGS
Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit will close its Birmingham store at the end of April. Parent company Saks Global Enterprises filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring in January, listing greater competition and growing debts after the acquisition of Neiman Marcus more than a year ago. In a statement, the company described the decision as a broader evaluation of its store footprint. In a notice to customers, the retailer said it has made the “difficult decision” to close its only Alabama location, which is at 129 Summit Blvd. A total of eight Saks locations are set to close, including stores in Louisiana and Virginia. The company said additional details about closing sales and customer programs will be shared during the remaining months of operation. Customers may continue shopping through the online storefront at Saks.com or contact digitalstylist@saks. com for personalized service inquiries. The Saks headquarters were located in Birmingham in the late 1990s through the mid-2000s but then moved to New York in 2007.
Sol Y Luna Tapas and Tequilas, a Mexican-style restaurant at 920 Lane Parke Court, closed at the end of January after six years at its current location. Sol Y Luna originally opened in the Lakeview district in 1998 before closing in 2013 to seek a new location. In a social media post, the owners invited patrons to visit before the closing, encouraging guests to “come see us, share a toast and help us close this chapter with love.” No specific reason for the closure was given.
were Chuck Kelly of Kelly Landscaping Architects
spring ready with Stihl products.
Little Hardware offers in-store specials on Stihl chainsaws, trimmers, blowers and more. Get hands-on experience with our knowledgable staff, rest-assured you are getting the best deal on a trusted brand.
Little Hardware carries the best brands including Stihl, Big Green Egg, Weber and MHP, as well as trusted names like Yeti and Benjamin Moore.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
At LifeCare for Seniors, care management
‘is
La calling, not a job’
ifeCare for Seniors is the leading Care Management Organization in Birmingham. Our Care Management services are designed to ease burden and help families make informed decisions through a holistic, client-centered approach while preserving dignity and independence for the person receiving care.
“Our mission is to support, educate and provide on-going expertise and resources to our clients and their families through compassion, guidance and understanding,” says Christy Baynes, the firm’s Founder and CEO. “We are committed to helping our clients achieve their best quality of life while living with a chronic illness.”
“Working with families, our expertise provides the answers at a time of uncertainty,” says Taylor Crane, the vicepresident of operations for LifeCare for Seniors. “We guide our families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress and time off of work for family caregivers.”
The caring, well-trained staff at LifeCare for Seniors can assess the client’s current needs and help the client and the client's family create a plan for current needs or a plan for the future.
They can also help educate caregivers, help clients and families plan for crisis care, and connect families with other resources;, including help with care related services, home safety equipment, legal and financial matters and much more.
LifeCare for Seniors is also a proud woman-owned business, and nearly 90% of the staff members are women.
“All of the wonderful women on our staff have servant’s hearts and use their expertise as well as compassion to guide our clients and their families towards a solution,” Crane says. “To our team, it’s personal!”
Baynes started the company when her professional and personal experience showed her the need for true continuity of care focused on the whole person, because care doesn’t stop when a patient walks out of the hospital.
"Care is our calling, not our job," Baynes says. "Our own families and loved ones have endured many of the same hardships and challenges that our clients face.
"We choose team members with the right educational background, years of expertise in the industry, personal experience and – most importantly – the heart and passion to serve our clients and their families," she says.
Our care managers are skilled, experienced professionals with backgrounds in nursing, social work, gerontology, rehabilitation, and other related fields who share a passion for improving quality of life and reducing stress for families caring for older or medically complex adults. Our Care Management and Clinical team have over 300 years of combined experience working with older adults and persons
facing complex care challenges. Our team offers a multidisciplinary approach to meeting our clients’ on-going care needs.
“Our expertise includes dementia care, in-home care, home health, adult day care, support groups, assisted living and memory care assisted living, skilled nursing, and palliative and hospice care.” Says Taylor Crane
The work the staff does at LifeCare for Seniors is very gratifying.
"The majority of the time, our clients or their families come to us lost, overwhelmed or in crisis because the healthcare industry is so complicated, lacks unified communication, or there are just too many choices," Crane says.
'On top of all of that, caring for a loved one is emotional. We get to meet our clients at whatever stage they are at in their care and relieve them of their stress and burden so they can be family. To do what we do, you have to have a bleeding heart, but being able to see the relief that our service brings to our clients and their families is reward enough."
LifeCare for Seniors offers Concierge Care Management in Central Alabama and the Auburn/Opelika area.
LifeCare for Seniors has also recently been approved to provide free Dementia Care Services through Medicare’s new program, The Guide Model. The Guide Model offers care coordination and management,
► WHERE: 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 216, Birmingham
► CALL: (205) 848-8400
► WEBSITE: www.lifecarefor seniors.com
caregiver education and support, and respite services. GUIDE is available at no out-of-pocket cost to patients with traditional Medicare. LifeCare for Seniors services the entire state of Alabama for The Guide Model. Call us to see if you or a loved one is eligible! LifeCare for Seniors has tremendous expertise in caring for patients with dementia.
“Dementia care and support have always been at the forefront of our company’s focus," Crane says. “Most of our care managers have worked decades with persons living with dementia.”
In fact, the firm is the first Teepa Snow PAC® (Positive Approach to Care®) Designated Organization in the state.
“Our organization incorporates PAC®’s training and techniques in our staff training, family education and community outreach," Crane says.
For more information about LifeCare for Seniors, call 205-848-8400 or go to www.lifecareforseniors.com.
The compassionate, highly trained team at LifeCare for Seniors brings decades of experience to guiding families through complex care decisions with dignity, understanding and expertise.
LifeCare for Seniors leadership team, from left: V.P. of Operations Taylor Crane, CFO Allen Baynes, Chief Clinical Officer Chaeli Lawson and Founder and CEO Christy Baynes.
CHAMPIONS ARE MADE IN MOUNTAIN BROOK
For more than 30 years, the Spartan Athletic Foundation has been significantly involved in supporting junior high and high school athletes in Mountain Brook to have the tools they need to win at the highest levels of competition.
Through community support, the Spartan Athletic Foundation supplements funding for junior high and high school student athletic programs.
MEMBERS
Averyt, Mark & Anna
Borland, Billy & Shannon
Chopin, Brian & Kristi
Cloud, Brandy & Brian
Comer, Robert & Laura
Crumpton, Robb & Libby
Crye, Walter & Krisalyn
Druhan, Patrick
Gamble, Robert & Beth
Garner, Gerald & Sally
Gregory, Mark & Theresa
Hicks, Jim & Jill
Hill, Hunter & Kaylea
Holloway, Josh
Juliano, Paul & Katie
Keller, Richard & Betsy
Lell, Paul & Mary Beyer
Little, Mark & Caroline
Little, Philip & Leigh
Lloyd, Jeffrey & Katherine
McIlvaine, Chris & Stephanie
Moffatt, Brad & Kelly
Neel, Preston & Erica
Nelson, Aaron & Elisa
Newel, Kyle & Kirby
Nuendorf, Mike & Amanda
Pharo, Elizabeth
Phillips, William & Meagan
Polson, Whitney & Ruth
Pritchett, Travis &
Mary Catherine
Robicheaux, Grant & Kelly
Schneider, Joe
Scott, Bernard & Lacey
Smith, Harrison & Graham
Spitler, Clay
Straughn, Michael & Heidi
Strickland, Tracy
Thompson, Lee & Kelly
Vickers, Owen & Marsha
Waldrop, Norman & Meredith
Wallerstein, Ben & Sarah
White, Ann Bailey
Wright, Trent & Lelie
Young, John-Thomas & Lydia
Dear Spartans, There has never been a better time than now to help our Spartan studentathletes! We need everyone in our community to get involved, because when we all do a little, our athletes gain a lot.
Your $250 annual membership is 100% taxdeductible and goes directly toward the general fund. Any additional funds provided will go directly to the sport or sports of your choice.
Lets help our Spartans, Shields UP!
Trent Wright
Confidence in housing market on the rise
By LAUREN H. DOWDLE
Only a few months into the year, Mountain Brook has seen a strong start to its real estate market. There’s already been an increase in the inventory hitting the market, and buyers have seemed eager to know what’s coming, said Katie Crommelin, Realtor at Ray & Poynor.
There have also been more buyers entering the market and more calls from clients asking about the first steps to take before looking at homes, Crommelin said. Having rates at their lowest point in several years is helping to drive these trends.
“Buyers are savvy and recognize this opportunity to buy at a reduced rate and ultimately have more buying power than they did in the last year or two,” Crommelin said.
Overall, the state has seen a 4% increase in home sales in 2025, with the median sales price increasing 10% to about $234,000, according to the Annual Alabama Economic and Real Estate Report released by the Alabama Association of Realtors.
Before jumping into the real estate market this spring, it’s important for buyers and sellers to get prepared, Crommelin said. That will help the process go more smoothly and reduce stress along the way.
“Make sure your lender is up to date with your current documents and they know that you are actively looking,” Crommelin said. “If you have a home to sell, do a pre-listing walk through with your agent so you can be working on any projects that need addressing so you are market ready.”
While spring is an especially busy time for real estate, the housing market in Mountain Brook continues to remain healthy and steady throughout the year.
“Thankfully, our communities see home sales all year long, but spring is definitely a very active time,” Crommelin said. “Many buyers want to make a move and be settled before summer schedules start.”
Homes that recently went on the market and are reasonably priced are receiving multiple offers, said Margi Ingram, owner of Ingram and Associates.
“It’s still one of the greatest places to live with great schools, parks, restaurants and city services,” Ingram said.
If you ’ re dreaming of war mer days, flowers blooming and a new
time
Overall, it’s a healthy and more balanced market compared to the past three to four years, said Carrie Lusk, a real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty-Birmingham.
“While home prices and values have continued to rise overall, they are stable,” Lusk said.
“Buyers now are realizing that mortgage rates may not drop significantly, and they are now the lowest they have been in the last three years.”
Before walking into their first home showing, buyers should get prequalified and preapproved with a local lender who knows the market.
Accurately pricing a home is also important before putting it on the market to ensure it’s appropriate for the comps in the community.
“For a faster sale, consider pricing it slightly under comps to attract multiple showings and have the potential for more than one great offer,” Lusk said. “You have the first 14 days on the market to have the most online eyes on your property, so you must make the most of that opportunity. Then when a buyer walks into your home, they make decisions within seven to 10 seconds to keep looking and buy — or not.”
Stock photo.
How to prep a home before putting it on the market
By LAUREN H. DOWDLE
As the real estate market continues to improve across Mountain Brook, more homeowners are focusing on staging and preparing their homes before listing them to get the highest return on investment.
With several staging companies to choose from in the area, Katie Crommelin, Realtor at Ray & Poynor, said they are worth the investment.
“The national statistics continue to show using a stager increases your return while decreasing time on the market,” Crommelin said. “Utilizing a stager can range from having them come through and tell you what to put away and any furniture that needs to be moved around to a full stage with furniture brought in for the listing.
This is such a valuable service that really can make a difference.”
Well-staged homes also tend to photograph better, which can generate more interest, more showings and stronger offers, said Dina Hendrix, Realtor at ARC Realty. That preparation process should include decluttering and deep cleaning the home, as well.
“A clean, simplified space photographs larger, brighter and more inviting, which makes a stronger first impression online and draws buyers in for a showing,” Hendrix said. “I think what sellers sometimes don’t understand is that photography captures clutter more harshly than the naked eye. The camera flattens a space, exaggerates visual noise and picks up small details your eye naturally filters out, so extra furniture, personal items, patterned pillows, blankets, or
tabletop and countertop clutter all tend to look more obvious and distracting in photos. That’s why decluttering and staging matter so much.”
If a home isn’t in pristine condition, homeowners should be willing to do some work or turn to a professional, said Carrie Lusk, a real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty-Birmingham.
“Hire an experienced Realtor who knows your local market and neighborhoods, be realistic on pricing based on comps that have sold recently in your same neighborhood and get your home in the absolute best condition if you want to get top dollar for your property,” Lusk said.
At minimum, Lusk said homeowners should deep clean their homes, declutter as much as possible, address any repairs and service major systems like the HVAC before listing their homes. To improve curb appeal, they can clean
the windows, add fresh pine straw or mulch, have the gutters cleaned and maintain the landscape.
For help with preparing their homes, homeowners should turn to a trusted real estate agent to utilize their experience, Crommelin said. The agent can help point out areas that will make the biggest impacts and any changes they should make to the home.
“It’s important to view your home through the eyes of a buyer who isn’t attached to your home. This is your chance to address any repairs needed, clean out closets and simplify decor,” Crommelin said. “There is a fine line between uncluttered and sterile, and your Realtor can help with achieving the right look. The more you do ahead, the less stress you’ll feel when it’s time for the sign to go in the yard.”
• Four bedrooms & two ensuite bathrooms on the
• Second level includes two spacious bedrooms & den.
• Beautiful courtyard & two-car garage
10AM–4PM
Closed (Except by Appointment)
10 AM–4PM
Stock photos.
Recently sold homes in Mountain Brook
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He became known as the world’s smallest professional piano player after seeking out the Guinness Book of World Records to see if he was a potential title holder. While another title holder who is no longer alive holds the official record in their specific category, it was determined that Ogletree is the smallest living professional pianist.
Height is only part of Ogletree’s story. He doesn’t hear music the way most people do. He sees it.
A rare form of synesthesia allows him to experience music as numbers — the same language that guides his work as a CPA and chief financial officer for a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama subsidiary.
“I see piano notes and numbers associated with those notes, or it’s a numerical sequence that would not make any sense outside of a piano,” he said. “It’s kind of like my own translation of a song.”
Ogletree is incapable of playing any song exactly the same way twice. He likens it to a form of jazz improvisation.
“The physical way that I play the piano stylistically I’ve never seen replicated,” he said. “It’s not something anybody taught me. It’s something I’ve developed over the years because physically, I have to make adaptations for everything. It’s almost like I’m playing a completely different instrument than a regular piano.”
Behind the keys, Ogletree offers an experience that’s creatively captivating with an artistic, emotional athleticism that defies thorough description. The result is an emotional fluency that flows through music rather than words.
His performances also include segments in which he takes a list of audience requests, then seamlessly blends them into a medley that sometimes surprises even himself as it emerges through his fingertips.
“From just a few notes, you can tell it’s Jon Michael because of his touch and stylistic choices,” said Drew Kearney, worship pastor at Mountain Brook Community Church, where Ogletree is also a pianist. “His style is as unique as his fingerprint, but at the same time there is a warmth to it that draws you in immediately.”
Living as a little person has required constant adaptation, including at the piano. Ogletree uses a pedal extension, first built for him in the mid-1990s. He also supplements his reach by crossing his leg to steady himself as he reaches each end of the keys, and he relies on hand-eye coordination he’s developed over decades.
In his personal life, Ogletree drives an adapted car and sometimes uses a scooter to get around. His house includes minimal modifications. He splits household duties with his roommates, who are also longtime friends. When he travels for work or pleasure, he usually goes with friends or enlists a relative as a travel partner.
Adaptations have never been a source of bitterness for Ogletree. He sees his visibility not as a burden but as an opening.
“I am created differently for a purpose,” he said. “That purpose is to glorify God.”
His belief shapes how he approaches performance. He has never avoided a venue or an audience. Instead, he sees music as a way to meet people where they are.
“I’m all for going out into the world and using music as ministry,” said Ogletree, a graduate of Briarwood Christian School and Samford University, where he is an adjunct professor in personal finance. “People who want to find out about me will then go on my YouTube channel and find out about Jesus.”
Before Ogletree could even walk, music seemed to be a force within him.
“What I’ve been told is, again, I could not even walk at the age of 3, but I would find my way into the room that had our piano,” Ogletree said. “I could reach, but I couldn’t see the keys.”
One day, his brother lifted him onto the piano bench.
“I just sat there and figured it out, I suppose — trial and error,” Ogletree said. “By the end, I was playing chords.”
Ogletree booked his first wedding at age 7,
earning $100 to play “Jesus Loves Me” for a friend of the family at Riverchase Baptist Church. By 18, he was playing professionally at an Italian restaurant in Vestavia Hills.
While he took piano lessons as a youngster and learned to read music, his gift flourished most when he was freed from the constraints of conventional piano playing. Now, when he’s not managing a team of 20 as a CFO or teaching personal finance classes, he travels for
concerts, performances and public speaking.
Because Ogletree’s perception of music as numbers and segments never fully turns off, ironically he doesn’t listen to music for relaxation or enjoyment. But when he sits at the piano, all the “noise” of the numbers fades.
“By the time I’m playing it, that synesthesia gift has done its part,” he said. “I’m releasing what I know how to play. I’m just grateful that what comes out is something people enjoy
Follow Online
For more on Jon Michael Ogletree, you can find him online:
► jmopiano.com
► @jmopiano on YouTube
► facebook.com/LPpianist
► @jmopiano on Instagram
► Jon Michael Ogletree on Spotify
because it would have to come out.”
Musically, Ogletree gravitates toward challenge. One of his favorite artists is Stevie Wonder because of the musical complexity of Wonder’s compositions, especially the 1985 hit “Overjoyed.”
“Everything from rhythms, chord progressions, notes that shouldn’t fit together that somehow do when [Wonder] plays,” Ogletree said. “He has such a mature understanding of music that most people don’t.”
Ogletree’s favorite song to play is Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” which reflects some of Ogletree’s personal journey. Among his most popular performances on Spotify and the livestreaming platform Twitch is “Georgia on My Mind,” a 1930 song made famous by Ray Charles in 1960.
For Ogletree, music, faith and purpose are inseparable. The same mind that translates melodies into numbers and patterns also guides his work in boardrooms and music venues. At the piano, that intention becomes visible — not as notes on a page but as numbers, patterns and a lifetime of meaning released one song at a time.
“What strikes me most about his playing is I can hear his story through the music that he composes,” Kearney said. “His struggles, his joys, his heroes and his whole journey spills out on the piano when he sits down to play. It’s almost like his own language that he uses to speak to those within earshot of the keys. There will never be another Jon Michael Ogletree. In my book, he’s a living legend.”
Above: Ogletree regularly performs on Explora Journeys cruises all over the world, including this voyage to Italy. Photo courtesy of Jon Michael Ogletree.
Left: Ogletree, also a CPA, plays in an improvisational style without reading music. He never plays a song the same way twice Photo by Kelli S. Hewett.
CONTINUED from page A1
From the beginning, Clark understood the stakes. “If we do not have bees, we do not have food,” she said simply.
That belief has carried her through steep learning curves — like the day she tried installing a new queen and a basket of bees in less-than-sturdy
Her process evolved from straining comb over a bucket to using a professional electric extractor and carefully pouring honey into four-, eight- and 16-ounce jars, plus old vintage bottles and jars sealed in wax she renders herself.
“I have a good problem in that I run out of honey every year,” she said.
Clark’s affection for her bees extends well beyond the honey. She
in some ways, practicing the old European tradition of “telling the bees” about big life events.
“If there’s a wedding in the family, you’re supposed to tell them about it,” Clark said. “If there’s a death in the family, or a birthday, I go out and talk to them.”
Mike Soike, president of the Jefferson County Beekeepers’ Association, said local hives are far from a rarity in the Birmingham metro area.
Ginger Clark says she wants to pass on her love of beekeeping to younger generations. Clark handles most every aspect of her beekeeping herself, from beekeeping to extraction to bottling and adding wax seals. Photos courtesy of Ginger Clark.
amalgamation of people.”
Jesse “Butch” Glass, another Mountain Brook area beekeeper, of Mr. B’s Neighborhood Honey, also shares a love of bees.
beekeepers actually assist them very much.”
For Clark, the work is as much about legacy as honey. Now she teaches grandchildren and young
SOUTHVIEW MEDICAL GROUP IS NOW PART OF UAB MEDICINE.
One of the largest and most trusted physician practices in Central Alabama, Southview Medical Group has been serving patients for over a century and shares UAB Medicine’s mission to provide life-changing care.
•Primary and specialty care
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•No referral required for primary care
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•Two convenient locations (downtown & Greystone)
We’re proud to welcome the physicians and staff of Southview Medical Group to the growing UAB Medicine family.
southviewmed.com • uabmedicine.org
Spartans girls win state indoor
By KYLE PARMLEY
The Mountain Brook High School girls indoor track and field team won the Class 6A state meet Jan. 30 at the Birmingham CrossPlex, running away from the competition to claim the program’s third state title in the last four years.
Mountain Brook scored 91 points in the team competition, well clear of second-place Pelham, which scored 61 points. Homewood, Saraland and Fort Payne rounded out the top five.
Mountain Brook’s boys finished fourth in 6A, totaling 38.5 points. Northridge won state with 60 points, with Homewood finishing second and Hazel Green placing third.
Emelia White led the Spartans individually, posting a win in the 3,200-meter run while finishing second in the 800 and 1,600.
Anna Erdberg placed third in the 1,600 and 3,200, while Sydney Martin won the pole vault competition.
The top performer on the boys side was Joseph Spencer, who placed fifth in the 1,600
The Mountain Brook High School girls indoor track and field team won the Class 6A state tournament on Jan. 30, 2026, at the Birmingham CrossPlex Photos by Minh Lam.
Emelia White Anna Erdberg
Crestline Pet Care offers after-hours urgent care, emergency services
At Crestline Pet Care, we know and love pets — and their people. We’ll be here for your pet’s entire life journey, and we offer full-service veterinary care with a personal touch.
With our wide range of medical and surgical services, we help you protect and enhance your pet’s health and happiness.
In addition, Crestline Pet Care now provides urgentcare services after hours at our Crestline Village office to make life easier for pet owners. Dr. Scott Upton, a recent addition to our staff, offers urgent-care and emergency services until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“We felt there was a need in our community,” Dr. Craig Martin says. “Many times our clients come home from work and find that their pet is sick or has a medical need,” Dr. Martin says.
Crestline Pet Care can cover most of those needs by extending its hours to 10 p.m., Dr. Martin says. “We may extend into the weekend at a later time should there be a demand,” he says.
Crestline Pet Care also hopes to provide urgent-care services “faster and at a slightly lower cost” than other emergency veterinary clinics in Birmingham, Dr. Martin says.
Dr. Upton has great experience in providing veterinary urgent care. A Birmingham native and Auburn University graduate, Dr. Upton earned his degree in veterinary medicine at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee in 2022. He then worked in urgent care for almost three years in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I worked urgent-care hours, including overnight emergency and surgery, at a highvolume practice,” he says. “When I moved back
• Where: 253 Country Club Parkway, Mountain Brook
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home in 2025, I saw the need for a veterinarian in the evening hours when most people return home from work.”
Dr. Martin believes the clients at Crestline Pet Care will have greater peace of mind knowing they can bring their pets for treatment after hours. “I think our clients will appreciate our doctors being available for them,” he says.
And as always, Crestline Pet Care offers a wide range of regular services, such as wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, microchipping and grooming.
We offer surgery, spay/neuter services and cutting-edge technologies — therapeutic laser, Platelet Rich Plasma treatments. In-house digital radiology and ultrasonography.
Dr. Martin expresses a great affection for Mountain Brook. “We love what we do, and we love the people in our community and their pets,” Dr. Martin says. “After practicing for 35 years, I’ve befriended so many people. I’m blessed to have developed those relationships and helped them with their vet needs.”
Crestline Pet Care
Dr. Scott Upton
Dr. Craig Martin
Mountain Brook Easter Egg Roll
Saturday, April 4th | 10 a.m.
Grassy Field by the O’Neal Library
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SCHOOLHOUSE
Three-peat triumph: Dorians claim historic third consecutive national high kick title
By APRIL COFFEY
Trilogy. Three years. Three championships. Three times the roar of victory. The Mountain Brook High School Dorians dance team has done what few high school dance teams ever accomplish: they secured their third consecutive national championship in Division II high kick in Orlando, Florida, on Feb.1, solidifying a legacy of excellence that will echo far beyond the dance floor.
For head coach Anna Scofield, who has guided the Dorians for four years, the win is a culmination of sweat, heart and unshakable trust. “This team’s perseverance and their love and trust of each other is amazing and so very special,” Scofield said. “There was tremendous growth within the team. Truly coachable. They never backed down.”
High kick is a discipline defined by precision, stamina and synchronicity. Every kick must be perfect, every formation flawless, every step executed with unrelenting focus. But what sets the Dorians apart is something beyond technique: a unity and resilience that turns a team into a family.
“This is a privilege,” Scofield reflected. “To guide these young women, to watch them grow, to witness their trust and dedication … this is what makes them champions.”
The journey to a third consecutive championship has been rigorous, a test of both discipline and character. Long hours of practice, grueling rehearsals and high-pressure competitions are all part of life for a Dorian. Injuries, fatigue and the mental demands of elite dance could have slowed them, but they persevered, driven by a shared goal and unyielding support for one another.
Behind every extraordinary team is a foundation of support. Faculty sponsor Karen Svetlay poured countless hours into mentoring,
organizing and cheering the girls on at every competition. “I am truly thankful to Karen for all the time and effort she pours into the team,” Scofield said. Parents, too, have been steadfast pillars, driving to early morning practices, fundraising and cheering in the stands, their encouragement fueling the Dorians’ journey.
For Scofield, a Mountain Brook High School graduate and former Dorian herself, the triumph is also personal. “I’m extremely grateful to my mom, who saw potential in me at two years old, poured into my passion and continued to support me,” she said. “And to my coach and sponsor when I was a Dorian, who taught me how to care for and teach high school girls.”
The Dorian dancers have risen to every challenge with poise, precision and passion.
“All my admiration to these girls.. They’re it.” Scofield exclaimed. Every kick, every leap, every formation was executed with the kind of precision and energy that leaves audiences breathless and judges awarding top scores without hesitation.
This third championship is more than a trophy — it is a statement. It tells a story of perseverance, discipline and the extraordinary results of teamwork. It sets a standard for Mountain Brook High School and for high school dance programs nationwide: excellence is not a single performance. It is a culture — built step by step, year by year.
When the confetti fell at the championship, the Dorians stood together, ecstatic that their hard work was evident to the judges and the
audience. Their smiles, their embraces and the pride radiating from each dancer told the story more vividly than any headline could ever: this was a moment earned with grit, grace, trust and unwavering camaraderie.
And while the team celebrates this historic milestone, the fire is already lit for what comes next. With skill, heart and an unbreakable bond, the Dorians are poised to continue shaping the future of high kick, proving that greatness is not fleeting — it is built, nurtured, shared and enduring.
For Mountain Brook, the Dorians’ three-peat is more than a victory. It is a legacy. It is an inspiration. Most of all, it is a reminder that passion, perseverance, poise and teamwork can turn the extraordinary into reality.
The Mountain Brook High School
Dorians won a third straight national championship Feb. 1. Photos courtesy of Mountain Brook High School.
SCHOOLHOUSE
GET TO KNOW
Mountain Brook Elementary principal Dr. Heather Mays
By APRIL COFFEY
Q: Please tell our readers about yourself.
A: Over my 29 years as an educator, I have loved every job I have ever had … but this one has been my favorite. Serving as the principal of Mountain Brook Elementary feels like a dream come true after decades of doing lots of different things as an educator. … [But] my favorite title has been “mama.” … I count down the days until we are all together again to play games, host taco party game nights for our friends and escape to the lake with our family.
Q: How would you describe the mission and culture of Mountain Brook Elementary School to someone new to the community?
A: MBE has a rich and storied tradition as one of the oldest schools in the area and the oldest school in the Mountain Brook district.
… The purpose of Mountain Brook Schools permeates every campus — to provide “an effective, challenging and engaging education for every one of our students.” We do this by focusing on delivering the highest-quality instructional experiences, steeping ourselves in best practices and focusing relentlessly on building a positive school culture.
Q: What do you see as the school’s biggest strengths right now, both academically and socially?
A: Several years ago, a team of teachers and school leaders explored the idea of “Houses.”
… Each adult and student is “sorted” into a House in kindergarten (or whenever they join us), and we do all kinds of fun things together in our Houses. Students earn points for their House by going above and beyond in the areas of our core values: kindness, respect,
responsibility, perseverance and curiosity.
Our teachers, staff and students … work incredibly hard to provide engaging work that captures students’ imaginations and hearts. It is our goal that every student would experience success academically, that we would intervene early and often if they are struggling in any way and that we would challenge students that need an extra push.
Q: How does the school engage families and the broader community in students’ education?
A: We annually host parents and the community for House events, the Lancer Loop Fun Run, Lancers on the Lawn, Boo Bash (everyone’s favorite.), Veterans Day, GrandFriends
Day, GrandLancer Breakfast, grade-level musicals and performances, Bring Your Parents to PE Day, Field Day (the best MBE tradition.) and our final Sixth Grade Honors Day and Lancer Walk.
Q: How do you ensure that all students feel included, supported and valued?
A: One of the core tenets of MBE is a commitment to “morning meetings.” This is an opportunity for every student to start their day checking in with their teacher and classmates, playing games to build teamwork and group dynamics, discussing social-emotional learning goals and hosting older students to do mini lessons on our core values. … This year, Mr. Bill Andrews also began our Roots and Wings program, which provides character education through outdoor adventure experiences.
Q: What message would you like to share with parents and community members about the importance of elementary education?
A: At MBE, we believe that these seven years create a foundation for learning and relationships for the remainder of a student’s childhood and adolescent school years. … Each May, our MBHS seniors come back to their elementary schools to walk their elementary halls, and it is one of the highlights of our year to welcome them back. It is our hope that one day at their final Lancer Walk, it will be the sweetest moment — an opportunity to reflect on their memories of MBE and all of the people who invested in them and loved them. As we like to remind all of our students, “Once a Lancer, always a Lancer.”
Read the full Q&A at villagelivingonline. com.”
Photo courtesy of Heather Mays.
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
Explore local camps where kids can make friends, try new activities and build new skills all summer long
Find your groove with The Dance Foundation
For 50 years and counting, The Dance Foundation is more than just a place to dance — we’re a place to grow, connect, and celebrate movement in all its forms. Our creative and welcoming approach to teaching dance honors the art form as well as the individual — inspiring joy, confidence, and community. Through our programs, we widen the circle, expanding ideas about what dance is and who is a dancer so students and audiences can explore and belong.
Dance PARTNERS takes dance into schools and community organizations to engage and impact students who are very young, have disabilities or learning differences, or need academic support.
Space RENTAL makes studio space available for artists to teach, rehearse, and perform, reaching their own constituents with the benefits of dance.
Studio CLASSES inspire dancers of all ages and abilities, meeting each one where they are and encouraging lifelong exploration and study of dance. Live
music is an essential component to classes for young children through first grade. Our state-of-the-art facility is located in downtown Homewood and includes five studios, all with observation windows. Visit our website to learn more, to give, to find a class, or to host an event.
Explore, create and connect at UAB ArtPlay
Arts training greatly benefits children and teens, experts say. For example, theatre helps kids build confidence, making art teaches them how to innovate and writing lets them share their own stories.
Plus arts classes are fun — especially during summer.
UAB ArtPlay
Community Education is again offering cool summer camps for kids and teens in 2026, and registration is now open. The camps are all in June or July, and they’re daytime, typically 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
ArtPlay offers immersive, award-winning musical theater camps. Kids ages 7-12 can take part in “Matilda the Musical Jr.” (June 8-26). Teens ages 13-18 can join a production of Disney’s “Newsies Jr” (July 6-24), and teens who love theater but prefer to be backstage can work on “Newsies Jr.” through the new Stagecraft and Production Camp. The lineup includes visual arts: Eco Art Exploration (June 1-5), kids ages 6-12 make art from everyday stuff; Watercolor and Pastels (June 29-July 1), ages 13-18. There’s a creative writing studio (June
Visual Arts Camp: Eco-Art Exploration
Dates: June 1-June 5
Ages: 6-12
Musical Theatre Camp: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, Jr.
Dates: June 8 -June 26
Ages: 7-12
NEW * Visual Arts
Studio Camp*
Dates: June 29 -July 1
Ages: 13-18
NEW *Creative Writing
Studio Camp*
Dates: June 29 -July 1
Ages: 13-18
WHERE: UAB Center for the Arts, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham
WHEN: June 1-July 24
AGES: 6-18
WEB: alysstephens.org/connect/ summer-camps
29-July 1) where authors ages 13-18 create work and share it at a presentation
Early registration is encouraged. Spaces fill up fast. There’s early-bird pricing until March 15, and a UAB employee discount. For details, including times and fees, go to alysstephens.org/connect/summer-camps.
Musical Theatre Camp: Disney's Newsies, Jr.
Dates: July 6 -July 24
Ages: 13-18
NEW *Stagecraft & Production Camp: Disney’s Newsies Jr.*
Dates: July 6 -July 24 Ages: 13 -18
Creative kids shine at Virginia Samford Theatre summer camp
Virginia Samford Theatre introduces kids and teens to the joys of creating musical theater at its long-popular summer theatre experience, Camp VST, which returns this June.
Camp VST allows beginning and intermediate performers ages 7-15 to work with experienced theatre professionals and explore all aspects of live theater, including dance, voice, acting, playwriting, design and Shakespeare.
At the end of each camp, students will have the opportunity to perform the things they’ve learned in a live showcase.
“They’ll share their favorite scenes, dances and songs with parents and friends on Friday afternoon,” says Jenna Bellamy, director of the STARS youth theatre program at Virginia Samford Theatre.
Camp VST offers participants “a joyful week of creativity, collaboration, learning and making new friends,” Bellamy says.
The camps will be held for the third year at the beautiful Mountain Brook High School Performing Arts Center at 3650 Bethune Drive. “It’s a wonderful facility to work and learn in,” Bellamy says.
There will be two one-week sessions of Camp VST — Monday-Friday, June 1-5 and June 8-12, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuition is $300 for the week and Virginia Samford Theatre offers scholarships and sibling discounts. Register today at virginiasamfordtheatre.org/ vststars/camp-vst.
WHERE: Mountain Brook High School Performing Arts Center, 3650 Bethune Drive
WHEN: Monday-Friday, June 1-5 and June 8-12, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Mountain Brook High School baseball has built a reputation for consistency.
The Spartans are rarely far from the conversation in Class 6A, and as the 2026 season begins, they once again return a roster with experience, depth and arms on the mound.
“We got some key pieces to our team back from last year’s team, which is a good thing,” head coach Lee Gann said. “Provided everybody stays healthy, we’re looking forward to a good year.”
Mountain Brook returns several foundational pieces. Luke Houser is back behind the plate, while Paul Barnett returns at shortstop after starting there since his freshman season. The Spartans also bring back multiple outfielders, including Hunter Davis, Jack Houser and Noah McCauley.
At first base, three-year starter Sam Estes provides experience in the infield. Nolan Shotts and Andrew Hobbs give the Spartans additional flexibility, while LG Williams adds depth as both an infielder and a pitcher.
“I think offensively, we’ve got a chance to be better than we were last year just because we’re a year older,” Gann said.
On the mound, Mountain Brook brings back two of its top three starters from last season. Bryant Diddell and Jude Davidson headline the rotation, giving the Spartans proven arms with another year of experience.
Davidson also provides versatility, contributing at third base and potentially at first. Mason Baynes, who handled significant relief and closing duties last year, returns with valuable experience in high-leverage situations. Gann said Baynes and McCauley were key late-inning arms a year ago, and Barnett could see more time on the mound this season after focusing primarily
on shortstop last spring.
Behind the returning starters is a large senior class looking to carve out roles. Gann said several seniors are competing for regular spots in the lineup for the first time, creating internal competition and depth.
“We’ve got quite a few seniors that are trying to get in the lineup for the first time,” he said. “There’s a lot of time for a lot of folks on the field this year.”
As always, senior leadership will be central to Mountain Brook’s success.
“We want our seniors to lead,” Gann said. “We’re only as good as our seniors as far as their leadership abilities.”
The Spartans have also put together a demanding schedule designed to prepare them for postseason play. Mountain Brook will participate in the Perfect Game High School Showdown, travel to Biloxi, Mississippi, for a competitive tournament and head to the Gulf Coast Classic in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach over spring break.
“We try to schedule as tough as we can outside area play just to prepare us as much as we can,” Gann said.
As Gann enters his 24th season at Mountain Brook, the focus remains simple.
“We’ve had a good offseason, good preseason,” he said. “I think our guys are ready to start playing somebody else.”
Mountain Brook will also play state runner-up Chelsea, 7A power Hewitt-Trussville and Gardendale among the regular season games on their schedule. The Spartans are the favorite to win their area, which includes Huffman and Woodlawn.
Spartans to continue growing in Vintson’s second year
By KYLE PARMLEY
Mountain Brook High School softball coach
Brittany Vintson knew last season was about laying the foundation.
Now, as the Spartans head into 2026, she feels like the culture is in place and the next step is turning that into a program that can win consistently.
“Last year, it was more of just establishing everything,” Vintson said. “This year has been more of, ‘We’ve established our culture, so now let’s build a program.’”
The theme for that push is simple and direct. Vintson got a little inspiration from an offseason interview and knew immediately what she was going to implement with her team this spring: an edge.
The message to do just that has centered on effort, discipline, grit and energy. The Spartans have never lacked enthusiasm, but Vintson said the difference now is focusing on the details that turn close games into wins.
The Spartans competed well in several games last year, but one mistake snowballed into a bad inning, dooming their chances to win. Vintson is hoping to reverse that trend as the program continues to move in a positive direction.
Mountain Brook remains young, with plenty of seventh and eighth graders on the roster alongside a large group of sophomores. That makes senior leadership even more important, and Vintson said her three seniors have set the tone in a way that fits the team’s unique dynamic: Anna Kate Shea, Reagan Rape and Marianna Murray have been part of the Mountain Brook softball fabric for many years and are looking to make the most of their final season.
“They lead by example on and off the field,” Vintson said. “It comes from a place of love, but they hold [their teammates] accountable and push them to be the best.”
Those seniors will also be featured in key spots. Murray is back at third base, Rape will patrol center field and Shea will likely play left field. Junior catcher Anne Turner Goldman is a solid catcher at one of the most important positions on the field. Freshman Molly Shea is
looking to control things in the middle infield.
In the circle, Vintson said the staff is deeper than it was a year ago. Mackenzie Wedell and Rape return, and Charlotte Kearse is expected to be a key piece after being brought up at the end of last year. Vintson added that Molly Shea and Emma Durr will be counted on for innings, as well. Vinston added former Spain Park High star Annabelle Widra to the coaching staff, and her presence is expected to bolster the
Spartans’ pitching.
Around the diamond, Morgan Minich returns at first base, and Vintson expects younger players like Addison Webb and Mary B. Arendall to step into bigger roles as well.
Mountain Brook posted a record of 16-30 last year, qualifying for the regional tournament and winning two games there. Vintson has posted a goal of at least 20 wins and believes her team is more than ready to reach that mark.
Above: Pitcher, Bryant Diddell (11), catcher Luke Houser (2, top right) and Head Coach Lee Gann (bottom right) during a game between Mountain Brook and Gardendale High Schools in May 2025 at Gardendale High School Baseball Field. Photos by James Nicholas.
Above: Mountain Brook’s Marianna Murray (11) readies during a game against Mountain Brook and Hoover in April 2025 at Jim Brown Field in Hoover. Right: Mountain Brook’s Reagan Rape (22) prepares to hit. Photos by Kyle Parmley.
AHSAA announces public-private school split
By KYLE PARMLEY
The landscape is changing in Alabama high school athletics — in a significant manner.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association and its Central Board of Control announced its new classification system for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years in a press conference Jan. 23, and the changes include a “restructuring” of the championship program.
No longer will public and private schools compete for the same trophies in AHSAA competition.
AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon said that public schools will now be divided amongst six classifications, while private schools will be split up in two classes.
“The landscape of education-based athletics in Alabama is changing, and the AHSAA must continue to adapt,” Harmon said. “After careful review and after listening to our public and private school members, the Central Board determined that now is the appropriate time to restructure championship play.
“This will result in restructured championships for public and private schools.”
Public and private schools have been combined and split into seven classifications since 2014, when 7A was added to the AHSAA classification system. The news marks the first time in AHSAA history that public and private schools will be split into separate championship programs.
There will now be six public school classifications, with the new 6A following the same model 7A has been following for the last 12 years, housing the 32 largest schools in Alabama. Classes 1A through 5A have anywhere from 64 to 69 schools in each. Private schools will be divided into two classes, one for the 17
largest schools and another for the remaining schools.
Mountain Brook will now be a 5A school, playing football in Region 4 along with Calera, Chelsea, Chilton County, Helena, Homewood, Pelham and Ramsay. The Spartans’ new volleyball area will include Parker, Homewood and Ramsay in Area 10.
Harmon emphasized that this new format will be implemented for the next two years, with the potential for reevaluation at the next reclassification cycle in two years. The new private school championships will be added
to the current championship competitions at existing venues.
“Its purpose is to expand opportunity and strengthen the overall championship experience for student athletes across Alabama,” Harmon said. “All championships will be played together, both public and private, in our championship venues.”
On Feb. 6, the AHSAA also approved a new playoff format for the largest football classification. In Class 6A, 24 teams will now make the playoffs, with the No. 5 and 6 seeds qualifying for the postseason, as well.
There will also be a different playoff setup for volleyball, with a sub-regional round being added following the area tournaments to reduce the number of teams at the regional tournaments. The regional tournaments have endured overcrowding and game schedules that have become inevitably backlogged and delayed.
Alignments for winter and spring sports for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years will be released later, in accordance with a similar timeline toward the end of those seasons this school year.
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AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon announces the public-private school split during a press conference Jan. 23 at the AHSAA offices in Montgomery.
Photo by Kyle Parmley.
EVENTS
Save the Date
BRUNCH WITH THE BACHELORS
► Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road
► When: Saturday, March 7, 9:30 a.m. to noon
► Cost: Members $320 per table up to four guests; non-members $360 per table up to four guests; additional guests $80 members, $90 non-members. Tickets are nonrefundable.
► Details: Enjoy a brunch buffet with a waffle bar before going behind the scenes at the Birmingham Zoo for a tour of the elephant barn and a training session with animal care professionals in the BOMA yard. This event is for guests ages 5 and older. Closed-toed shoes are required. The event will be held rain or shine.
A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS: AN EVENING IN CASABLANCA
► Where: The Country Club of Birmingham, 3325 Country Club Road
► When: Saturday, March 14, 6-9 p.m.
► Cost: From $225 for individual tickets
► Register: mitchellsplace.ejoinme. org/2026
► Details: Medical Properties Trust presents A Night at the Oscars: An Evening in Casablanca to benefit Mitchell’s Place, which offers services for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Guests will enjoy dancing and live music from Rock Candy Band, followed by a gourmet plated dinner, a program, a silent auction and a live auction.
SHE’S IN BUSINESS AT CRESTLINE CORNERS
► Where: The Bottle Shop, 81 Church St., Suite 102
► When: Thursday, March 12, 5-7 p.m.
► Cost: $20; chamber members only
► Details: She’s in Business at Crestline Corners is a networking evening designed to allow chamber members to sip, stroll and celebrate women in business in the heart of Crestline Village. Guests will enjoy curated wine tastings in participating shops, light bites and opportunities to connect. Attendees can collect stamps throughout the evening for a chance to win more than $2,500 in prizes while supporting local Mountain Brook businesses.
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
► Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Road, Lawler Gate
► When: Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
► Cost: Free
► Details: Join the Japan-America Society of Alabama and the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens in celebrating the 19th annual Cherry Blossom Festival. This family-friendly event will feature cultural exhibits and activities for all ages. Explore Japanese culture through activities, food, music and martial arts demonstrations. Parking is limited. Carpool or ridesharing is encouraged. A shuttle will be provided from the Mountain Brook Office Park to the Lawler Gate.
KIWANIS CLUB OF HOMEWOODMOUNTAIN BROOK PANCAKE BREAKFAST
► Where: Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Road
► When: Saturday, March 14, 7-11 a.m.
► Cost: $8; children 5 and under are free. Tickets are available at the door.
► Details: The Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook is hosting its annual pancake breakfast to raise funds for organizations that support children in the community. The event will include all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and beverages, as well as activities for kids. Proceeds benefit the Homewood Public Library and other area organizations focused on serving children.
COMMUNITY EASTER EGG ROLL
► Where: Grassy field across from the O’Neal Library, 50 Oak St.
► When: Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to noon
► Cost: Free
► Details: The Mountain Brook Chamber will host its annual community Easter Egg Roll on the grassy field across from the O’Neal Library. This longtime Mountain Brook tradition draws families from across the area, with children bringing baskets to collect eggs and enjoy the festivities. Attendees can also have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny, making it a festive spring morning for the whole family.
OFFICIAL LUCKY’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY BAR CRAWL – BHM
► Details: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an evening bar crawl featuring drink specials and themed giveaways. Check-in will be held from 4-6 p.m., with crawl locations open from 4-10 p.m., followed by a mid party and after party. Tickets include select drinks or shots, a stadium cup and access to exclusive specials.
O’NEAL LIBRARY
ADULTS
Tuesdays: Gentle Yoga with Marie Blair, 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Open Maker Lab, 2-5 p.m.
Mondays: Mahjong Meet Up, 10 a.m. to noon TEENS
March 6: Game On, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
March 11: Crafternoon, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
March 17: DIY Yums, 4-5 p.m. KIDS
Tuesdays: Patty Cake Storytime, 9:30-9:50 a.m. and 10:30-10:50 a.m.
Wednesdays: Movers and Makers, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Thursdays: All Together Storytime, 9:30-10 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m.
Thursdays: SNaP, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Village2Village Run set for March 7
By STAFF
The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce will host the Grand Bohemian Village2Village 10K/7.5K Run on Saturday, March 7, at 7:30 a.m. with the race kicking off at 8 a.m.
The event will start in Lane Parke by the Grand Bohemian Hotel. The race course winds through the charming streets of Mountain Brook and around the Birmingham Country Club, finishing in Lane Parke for an exciting afterparty. The race is presented by the Grand Bohemian and Habitat Feed and Social.
Each race finisher will receive a custom-logoed metal bottle opener. Village Gold awards will be given to the top 10K finishers in various age groups. The 7.5K run will be timed but without any overall or age group awards. The awards ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Race Village.
After the race, people can enjoy a Race Village afterparty in Lane Parke sponsored by Stretch Zone. The party will include everything from mimosas to a balloon artist. Community members and runners can enjoy food and drink vendors, live music and a kids zone.
The chamber partners with The Trak Shak to put on the event. Our starting line sponsor, Therapy South, will be doing a warmup before the race. Village sponsors who make up the vendor booths are Birmingham Pest & Mosquito Control, Exec Hub, Bryant Bank, FirstBank, Hollingsworth Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Weissman Orthodontics and X4 FIT.
To learn more and register, go online to village2village10k.com. Additional inquiries can be directed to chamber@mtnbrook chamber.org.
– Submitted by Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.
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The annual Village2Village Run will be run on Saturday, March 7.The race will start at Lane Parke and wind through Mountain Brook. Photos courtesy of Village2Village Run.
Bigtime Ministries celebrates 20 years since ministry founded in Mountain Brook
By EMILY REED
Bigtime Ministries will celebrate 20 years this March 15 at Iron City with an opportunity for people connected with the ministry, and those interested in learning more, to come together and hear about the last 20 years.
“We are excited to see what the Lord will do for the next 20 years,” said Executive Director and Founder of Bigtime Ministries Zach Skipper. “We have had thousands of students come through our ministry over the years. We are a community ministry where young men and young women gather for Bible studies and retreats.”
In 2005, Skipper and Bill Garner, along with a local youth minister, were leading several community Bible studies for students in Mountain Brook when they had the idea to lead a community-wide retreat.
The idea then grew toward a ministry to help junior high and high school students grow their relationships with Jesus Christ and minister to their own communities.
Bigtime Ministries became a reality in November 2006 and began reaching an even wider audience when it expanded to Chelsea and Oak Mountain in recent years.
“We have been so thankful that over the years we have seen many students come to faith in Christ and also grow their faith, and we have been able to expand out of Mountain Brook, which is where the ministry originally started,” Skipper said.
When the ministry first began in 2006, the idea was to just focus on boys, but in 2011, Janie Roper was hired to oversee a new girls’ ministry.
Now Roper, Garner and Skipper are still working with the ministry, helping it become firmly rooted after 20 years.
“I think in many ways we ask ourselves, how has it already been 20 years?” Skipper said. “The Lord has come alongside us and sustained the
ministry, and we are so thankful.”
Skipper said that over the years, he has found that many students particularly enjoy attending the Bible studies to be with their friends from school.
“For many students, they like to be together
with their friends, and if they know their friends are going to be at something, they will go,” Skipper said. “There is strength in numbers, and we see that many of the students are excited to walk into a room with 50 of their peers.”
The Bible studies are separated by grades and genders.
“Because we have been doing this ministry for a while now, we have young adults that have gone off to college and moved back to town and want to come back and invest in this next generation,” Skipper said. “We have been very thankful for that aspect of the ministry, as well.”
Skipper said the beauty of what Bigtime has to offer is that Christians have the opportunity to come together and unite instead of fracturing over various issues and beliefs.
The ministry seeks to partner with, not replace, local churches, reaching students before they transition to adulthood.
Some current challenges the ministry faces are shifts in technology, the impact of social media and the mental health struggles that many students face, Skipper said.
“I think when we look at the next 20 years, we want to really focus on more of the value of face-to-face interactions,” Skipper said. “We also want to continue relationships with churches and parents. I think over the next phase of the ministry, we will likely have more of the same that we offer, which is, how do we reach the most amount of students with the truth and love them well in this increasingly difficult culture we find ourselves in?”
For more information about Bigtime Ministries or ways to connect or become involved, visit bigtimeministries.com.
Bigtime Ministries will celebrate 20 years in existence March 15 at Iron City with an opportunity for people connected with the ministry, and those interested in learning more, to come together and hear how the last 20 years has gone. Photo courtesy of Bigtime Ministries.
YouthServe: Shaping a generation of empathetic leaders
By APRIL COFFEY
On a Saturday morning, while many teens are still asleep, others are hard at work — sorting clothing donations, packaging diapers or cleaning debris from a local riverbank.
For students involved in the YouthServe program, service is not just an extracurricular activity. It’s a lens through which they view their local communities and the larger world.
Founded in 1998, the Birmingham-based nonprofit empowers young people throughout the metro area, including Homewood, to engage directly with their communities through service-learning projects, hands-on work and reflection.
Since its founding, more than 35,000 students have participated in YouthServe programs designed not only to encourage volunteerism but also to deepen understanding of the social issues affecting their neighbors and surrounding areas.
“YouthServe is unique because we do not design the projects for our students; they design and execute the projects on their own with support from us,” YouthServe Executive Director Crystal Jones said.
“That student-driven approach helps students understand the impact they can have right now,” Jones said.
Flagship YouthServe programs include the Youth Action Council, a leadership program where students meet monthly to plan service projects and build civic skills, and the Youth Philanthropy Council, which guides teens through the grantmaking process, allocating $20,000 annually to other local nonprofits.
Community service days provide volunteer opportunities for youth ages 12-18, including river cleanups with Cahaba Riverkeeper, diaper packaging with Bundles of Hope and donation organizing at the Full Circle thrift store.
Participants only need a positive attitude, a desire to collaborate and a willingness to make a difference.
YouthServe also partners with schools through Service Education, a discussion-based curriculum that develops critical thinking, communication and leadership skills, and Changemaker Councils, student-led groups that meet bimonthly to identify community needs and implement projects.
For Hoover High student Harrison Morton, the experience has been transformative.
“YouthServe exposes me beyond the city I live in,” Morton said. “I learn about what is happening within and outside of the city of Birmingham and the hardships that people face, including those within my community.”
That exposure — both geographically and
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emotionally — is central to the organization’s mission. Service projects often tackle issues such as food insecurity, housing instability and educational inequity — concerns that feel abstract until students meet the people most affected.
In Birmingham, a city with a rich history and complex social landscape, that awareness fosters informed, compassionate citizens who understand both the “what” and the “why” of community challenges.
Briana Morton, a member of the YouthServe board of directors, a lifelong educator and Harrison’s mother, reflected on the program’s impact: “I am in awe of these students. They truly are changing the world,” she said.
Jones said that while students in YouthServe come from all over the Birmingham area and have different backgrounds, “When we get
them together, they often realize how similar they are.”
Participants are encouraged to identify their own strengths — whether in communication, organization, creativity or problem solving — and apply them in meaningful ways. The result is growth that extends far beyond resume lines or required service hours.
For many teens, adolescence is a time of self-discovery. YouthServe adds another dimension: discovering a responsibility to others.
“The students that we work with in YouthServe are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today,” Jones said.
Through YouthServe, service becomes more than an activity. The goal is for it to become a foundation, shaping young people who are aware, empathetic and ready to lead.
YouthServe students participate in a variety of activities in their communities. Photos courtesy of YouthServe.
