HOOVER, TRUSSVILLE, VESTAVIA HILLS AND THE 280 CORRIDOR
Missing millions
Mountain Brook joins lawsuit over online sales tax losses
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
Mountain Brook leaders say residents are paying millions in online sales taxes that never make it back to their community. Now the city has joined a lawsuit arguing the state’s distribution formula is outdated, unfair and draining money from schools, roads and public safety.
The Simplified Sellers Use Tax, or SSUT, was created in 2015 to capture revenue from online purchases.
The law imposes a flat 8% tax, with half of the proceeds going to state funds and the other half distributed to cities and counties based on population. What matters to cities like Mountain Brook is what the formula leaves out — purchases are not credited to the places where they actually occur.
“The state of Alabama does not have a clear way to say this amount is coming from Mountain Brook, this amount is coming from Vestavia, this amount is coming from Birmingham,” said Ashley Oliver, Mountain Brook’s revenue examiner. “Everything is just being thrown into one pot, and then it’s dispersed based on population alone. That’s something we would want, just a little bit more clarity.”
Mountain Brook thinks it’s missing some money — perhaps more than $1 million, and it’s hoping it can get the state of Alabama to agree.
This is about fairness. Cities like Mountain Brook should receive a more equitable portion of the revenue generated by their own citizens.
MAYOR STEWART WELCH ON THE CITY’S REASON FOR SUING THE STATE
Running
By KYLE PARMLEY
Stuart Andrews probably thought, “This is too easy.”
The Mountain Brook High School running back rushed into the game with starter Cole Gamble needing a bit of a breather. Gamble had already rushed for 200 yards in the game, but the Spartans were down big, and the backup got his chance.
Andrews, a sophomore at the time, took his first ever varsity carry into the end zone, giving Mountain Brook its only touchdown in a 35-10 loss to Vestavia Hills in the
2023 season opener. Granted, not every carry has resulted in a touchdown like that, but Andrews has had plenty of success in his varsity career. He backed up Gamble two years ago, watching Gamble put together an unbelievable season. Gamble rushed for 2,000 yards and scored 30 touchdowns, earning Under the Lights All-South Metro Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Mountain Brook’s Stuart Andrews (10) on the run against Hueytown Sept. 5 at Spartan Stadium.
Photo by Lindsay Handey.
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Editor’s Note By Tim Stephens
What happens to tax dollars when people make online purchases from Mountain Brook stores? That’s a question officials are asking the courts to decide. In our cover story, Missing Millions, Solomon Crenshaw Jr. examines the city’s decision to join Tuscaloosa in a lawsuit against the state over the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT).
The city claims tax distribution under the current law robs communities like Mountain Brook of money they could use for schools, infrastructure and services. We examine the gap between what Mountain Brook stores collect and what the city receives back — and explore how revenue gains could directly impact
Published by: Village Living LLC P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 villagelivingonline.com
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local priorities. Football season is going strong, and the Spartans are in the hunt for the playoffs. Kyle Parmley profiles one big reason: senior running back Stuart Andrews, among the top players in the metro area. And, of course, October means Halloween. Jordyn Davis has your guide to costumes, traditions and can’t-miss spooky fun. Thanks for reading. Legals:
Alabama Power Company (7)
Ambrose Kitchen & Bath (9)
Amy Smith Gardner, State Farm (16)
Aqua Systems of Birmingham (29)
ARC Realty Mt Laurel (5)
Art of Drawers (21)
Bromberg’s (12, 31)
Budget Blinds (19)
Children’s of Alabama (12)
CommerceOne Bank (32)
Cummings Jewelry Design (1)
ENT Associates of Alabama (30)
Etc. (5)
Gardner Landscaping (3, 18)
Guin Service (1)
Gunn Dermatology (14)
Harbin Pharmacy (30)
Contributing Writers:
Dan Starnes
Tim Stephens
Melanie Viering
Ted Perry Kelli S. Hewett
April Coffey
Henhouse Antiques (22)
Home Instead Senior Care (13)
Honeybee Fine Jewelry (15)
Horton Enterprise Studios (26)
Ingram and Associates (25)
Issis & Sons (29)
Jefferson County Department of Health (8)
Katie Crommelin, Ray & Poynor (6)
KEYSYS (25)
Leavell Investment Management (27)
Linscomb Wealth (20)
Little Hardware, Inc (8)
Moss Rock Festival (16, 28)
Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce (11)
One Man & A Toolbox (22)
Production Assistant:
Simeon Delante
Sarah Villar
Warren Caldwell
Client
Parrot Structural Services
LLC (9)
Piggly Wiggly (23)
Ray & Poynor (23)
Ritch’s Pharmacy (26)
South Dallas Turf Farm, Inc. (17)
Southern Home Structural
Repair Specialists (11)
SouthState Bank (15)
Space Cadets (21)
The Altamont School (13)
TherapySouth (2)
Till, Hester, Eyer & Brown (4)
TrustMark Bank (10)
United Way of Central Alabama (6)
Whitaker Roofing Company (4)
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Till, Hester, Eyer & Brown proudly celebrates Partner Glenn F. Till, Jr.’s 50th anniversary in the accounting profession.
From his start in 1975 to his role today as Managing Partner, Glenn has set the standard for integrity, professionalism, and client service across five decades.
We are grateful for his leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on our firm and community.
Congratulations, Glenn!
— The Partners & Team at Till, Hester, Eyer & Brown, P.C. Trusted Accounting & Advisory Services for 62 Years
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SATURDAY / OCT. 25 10AM - 3PM
CITY
Hoover CFO Cornett coming to Mountain Brook
By JON ANDERSON
The city of Hoover’s chief financial officer Jennifer Cornett is leaving Hoover to take a job as assistant city manager and finance director for the city of Mountain Brook.
Cornett, who lives in Mountain Brook, will be filling the shoes of Steve Boone, who has been Mountain Brook’s assistant city manager and finance director for 29 years. He is moving up to become the city manager in December.
Her last day with the city of Hoover is Oct. 1, and she is scheduled to start in Mountain Brook on Oct. 14.
Boone said he wanted to bring Cornett to Mountain Brook because she has a proven record of leadership and financial stewardship. She also has extensive experience in education and a demonstrated commitment to public service of the kind of quality that Mountain Brook is seeking, he said.
Cornett has been with the city of Hoover since the end of 2023. Before going to Hoover she spent 10 years as a full-time lecturer for the Auburn University School of Accountancy. She also served eight years before that as a part-time recruiting and student activities coordinator and a year as a part-time instructor.
Cornett spent two years as a staff accountant at the Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith accounting firm and 12 years in commercial lending for ITT Commercial Finance, Deutsche Bank and Green Tree Financial, according to her LinkedIn page. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kennesaw State University and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Alabama.
“Jennifer is going to be joining a team of dedicated staff and we have focused plans on preparing the organization for significant transitions that we expect in both elected and appointed officials,” Boone said. “We’ve got a lot of people that will be turning over
in the coming years. We think that her expertise and collaborative leadership will strengthen our organization and we’re looking forward to having her be a part of this transition.”
While Boone provides some stability for the city for a time, “my days are numbered, so we need to prepare for the next generation of leaders here,” he said.
Cornett said the move to Mountain Brook is a good opportunity for her because it allows her a chance to serve in the city where she lives and gives her an opportunity to work with and learn from Boone, whom she said is “one of the best of the best.”
Plus, there’s a lot of stability in the leadership in Mountain Brook, and this also gives her a chance to stretch her management skills as an assistant city manager, she said.
“It’s kind of like a perfect situation, if there is one,” Cornett said. “I am really excited about this opportunity. … It’s an opportunity for me to really grow.”
At Hoover, Cornett inherited a Finance Department with a multitude of problems, including unbalanced transactions, unreconciled accounts, delayed financial reports, IRS penalties and missing financial records. She recommended the city hire an outside company called Kroll to do a forensic investigation, and that company said it found no evidence of fraud, malfeasance or asset misappropriation but documented the other problems.
The City Council approved the hiring of additional staff, and Cornett led the department through changes and training. Now, every single problem identified in the Kroll report has been addressed and rectified, and she feels the city is in a good position to turn over the finances to someone else’s control, she said.
Boone said he doesn’t know all the details of the situation at Hoover but to him, it seems she did what she thought was the right thing to do and was instrumental in turning things around.
Jennifer Cornett, the chief financial officer for the city of Hoover, Alabama, talks to the Hoover City Council about her Oct. 1 departure from the city on Monday Aug. 8, 2025, at Hoover City Hall. Photo by Frank Couch.
In the Classroom
GET TO KNOW
Lisa Loyd, MBJH Spanish teacher
By APRIL COFFEY
Q: Tell our readers about yourself
A: I grew up in Naperville, Ill., near Chicago, where my journey with Spanish began. After my family relocated to Alabama, I continued studies at Jacksonville State University, the University of Alabama and Auburn University’s study abroad program in Mexico. I completed AP training in Spain, and a career highlight was leading two student tours across Spain, Italy and France.
professor’s passion for students and discussions that can challenge thoughts and change hearts made a deep impact. I switched from communication to teaching and transferred to North Central College in Naperville. I never looked back.
Q: Did you have a favorite teacher or mentor?
ACCOLADES
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Cherokee Bend honors longtime teacher with classroom dedication
By APRIL COFFEY
Cherokee Bend Elementary recently reopened its renovated outdoor learning space — now known as the Rick Hedrick Outdoor Classroom — in honor of the late Rick Hedrick, who taught at the school for nearly three decades.
Q: How long have you been teaching Spanish? What encouraged you?
A: I’ve been teaching Spanish for 26 years. My high school classes were positive experiences. I became inspired during a college choir tour to Mexico. Everyone was hospitable and the culture was vibrant. I knew I wanted to teach and help students feel this same connection.
Q: What inspired you to be an educator?
A: I was inspired through my college newspaper. I was writing for the Judson College paper in Elgin, Ill., my freshman year. When I interviewed professors, my English
A: My favorite was Mr. Pierce, my high school choir teacher. He pushed me to see strengths and weaknesses. He was strict. We wrote character analyses to learn productions. When he graded mine, he encouraged me to express thoughts more meaningfully. To this day, I encourage students to reflect on their talents and how they wish to use them.
Q: What does it mean to teach Spanish at the junior high level?
A: Teaching junior high means everything because younger students are more open to learning. They have more time to digest culture and language before high school distractions. Building a base is instrumental during formative years. I am impressed with how much my students know by ninth grade. My colleagues give them a beautiful head start. High school is rough enough without adding a completely new, complex subject.
Hedrick led the school’s Fair Oaks Adventure Curriculum program from its inception in 1996. He was known for his work in helping students build confidence, communication and trust through hands-on outdoor learning.
The classroom renovation included updates to the FOAC area, a central space where Hedrick taught more than 3,000 students, parents and faculty during his tenure. A video tribute produced by the school system remains available on the Mountain Brook Schools website.
Mountain Brook Schools referred to Hedrick as “the father of Cherokee Bend.” He passed away Jan. 25.
MBHS RANKED NO. 4
TEACHER NIGHT AT MBHS
Mountain Brook High School’s varsity volleyball team hosted its annual Teacher Appreciation Night on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Student-athletes recognized their selected educators during a pregame ceremony.
PE DAY AT MBE
Mountain Brook Elementary recently held its “Bring Your Parent to PE Day,” an annual event where families join students for physical education activities during school hours. It gives parents a chance to engage in the curriculum and model active lifestyles.
Mountain Brook High School was ranked No. 4 in Alabama in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings. The report scored 386 schools across Alabama based on AP course participation, state assessment performance, graduation rates and college readiness. MBHS received a score of 97.18 out of 100.
Power is more than electricity – it keeps life moving. From big celebrations to small moments, we’re here to keep your connections strong. Whether volunteering, sharing energy tips or weathering the storms together, Alabama Power helps move communities forward.
Lisa Loyd teaches Spanish at Mountain Brook Junior High School.
Rick Hedrick taught the Fair Oaks Adventure Curriculum at Cherokee Bend Elementary for 28 years. Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook Schools
Lisa Loyd
Business Buzz
SPOTLIGHT GET TO KNOW
By JORDYN DAVIS
Matt Crane — along with Mike Smith and Scott Cannon — is the co-owner of Meta Fitness, located at 3150 Overton Road in Mountain Brook.
Q: What made you decide to open a fitness studio in Mountain Brook?
A: My business partners and I trained in the area for several years prior to opening Meta. We had built longstanding relationships with clients and their families and loved the community. We saw an opportunity to build on those relationships and serve more people in this great city.
Q: How do you help people increase their confidence?
A: It's interesting. Some of the "fittest" people you see have the least amount of confidence. For us, instilling confidence is multifaceted and begins internally. Developing healthy and sustainable habits, feeling strong and accomplished, developing a positive image of yourself and learning what "healthy" actually looks like are all things we focus on far more
than external aesthetics. Sure, building muscle and "looking better" builds confidence, but it's the non-scale victories that truly matter most.
Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?
A: Easy. It's the people. We are fortunate to work with some of the kindest, most generous and truly amazing people. Without them, we wouldn't exist and we are so incredibly grateful for everyone in the Meta Family. When we say "family," we mean it. We have clients who have been with some of our trainers for 20-plus years. We've walked alongside them through a large portion of their lives — experiencing this rollercoaster ride of life with them.
‘round,
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A’mano Gifts brings joy and colorful gifts to Lane Parke
By JORDYN DAVIS
Nestled in Lane Parke, A’mano Gifts lives on the corner of Rele Street. The boutique specializes in abstract home decor, jewelry and gifts for the whole family. Opened in 1998, A’mano has been owned and operated by Lynn Ritchie, who has a knack for all things design, while also hosting fun community events for longtime lovers of the shop.
“Owning A’mano really allows me to use my creative talents. I also enjoy all of the customer interaction. Each day is different and it is always a joy when something that I found for the store is well received. I also really love my team. We have so much fun,” Ritchie said. Ritchie is looking forward to a busy fall and holiday season, with some special events.
“We have an upcoming Book Signing on October 15th for local designer Dana Wolter,” she said. “We also will host our annual holiday
A’mano owner Lynn Ritchie with her dog, Oakley, at the store in Lane Parke. Photo courtesy of Lynn Ritchie.
Matt Crane, far left, with the team at Meta Fitness in Mountain Brook. Photo courtesy of Meta Fitness.
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.
Chef Kyle Biddy of Little Betty Steak Bar: ‘Food should be therapeutic’
By KELLI S. HEWETT
You can thank Chef Kyle Biddy’s daddy, Tim, for bringing Kyle’s culinary talents from Aspen to Little Betty Steak Bar in Mountain Brook.
Kyle was living a pretty fabulous chef’s life in Aspen, Colorado, snowboarding before work and cooking at the celebrated Catch Steak, when he got a call from his carpenter father, Tim. The elder Biddy overheard one of his Atlanta carpentry clients lamenting a stalled search for the perfect chef to open a new, upscale restaurant.
Tim pitched his son like only a devoted father could. Long story short, Little Betty opened in January 2024 with Chef Kyle at the helm.
“My dad came out of left field with this, just out of nowhere,” said Kyle, 39, who hails from Marietta, Ga. “It changed everything for me.”
The Southern-raised chef with a largely un-Southern approach to cuisine delivers an elegant yet unpretentious take on what’s dubbed a “playful Italian steakhouse.” Grounded in years of experience at acclaimed restaurants across the country, the Johnson & Wales culinary school alum sharpened his skills at the Omni Hotel in Charlotte and the Michelin-recommended Guard and Grace in Denver before planting roots here.
"I want people to be stuck in a moment when they have a bite of food,” Chef Kyle said. "It can silence the world around you and make time stop while you're enjoying this food."
One of his customers’ favorite time-stopping moments is the restaurant’s most popular pasta dish, the hand-cut pappardelle with truffle. Other must-trys include any of the Texas HeartBrand Akaushi Wagyu beef steaks, the signature Pugliese burrata with pistachio pesto and truffle honey, the new crab and artichoke pinwheel lasagne and the bananas foster cheesecake.
Chef Kyle, who developed the menu himself along with his team, is particularly proud of those dishes, emphasizing the creativity, technique and emotional experience they provide to diners. Exploring that creativity is a highlight of the job for him.
"Creativity is a muscle, just like anything else,” he said.
Along the way, he added a few carefully curated Southern elements to the Little Betty menu, from caviar and cornbread to a spin on his late grandmother Ruth’s carrot cake. It’s now reinterpreted as a nod to a hummingbird cake, with pineapple and coconut. It was such a hit, when the dessert cycled off the seasonal menu, customers lobbied to bring it back.
The servers tell each table that the creation is inspired by the chef’s very own grandmother. And despite banning most everyone from her kitchen, Chef Kyle says Ruth taught everyone in his family how to put heart and soul into each meal.
“They say Ruth’s name at the table — that's how we honor her,” Chef Kyle said. “I
Chef Kyle Biddy stands outside his restaurant at Parke Lane, Little Betty Steak House. The restaurant opened in 2024, with an emphasis on culinary creativity and a bit of inspiration from Biddy’s grandmother, Ruth. Photos by Kelli S. Hewett.
absolutely love that. A younger me never would have thought of doing something like that. It's so nice to be able to honor her memory in that way, because she really taught us all how to love food and how to love one another.”
Chef Kyle traces his early influences to one of TV’s first celebrity chefs of the 1990s, Emeril Lagasse of New Orleans.
"I'm sitting in this chair because of Emeril Lagasse,” Chef Kyle said. “I don't think he has enough credit for what he did with food TV. It’s his undeniable energy. You gravitate towards him. He's so cool to talk to. He's kind, he's exciting. He keeps you engaged with food."
A young Kyle Biddy had one of his first upscale, fine-dining experiences at Emeril’s Atlanta restaurant — an 18th birthday gift from a former girlfriend. “It just blew my mind," he said.
Those who know Chef Kyle see a familiar kindness and energy in his approach to sharing his passion for food and for creating unforgettable dining experiences for people. Dine at Little Betty’s and you can get to know the chef through his artistic creations.
Chef Kyle Biddy is all smiles in the dining room at Little Betty Steak House in Mountain Brook. The chef says he tries to bring kindness and energy into his passion for food and for creating unforgettable dining experiences for patrons.
Little Betty’s chef de cuisine, Britton Crotta, is Chef Kyle’s long-time partner — both in and out of the kitchen. He recruited her from Aspen to help launch the Mountain Brook steak bar.
“I think Kyle is a natural nurturer; it’s just in the fabric of his being,” Crotta said. “It’s crazy how much of his heart and soul is this restaurant. He pushes the boundaries but in comfortable, familiar ways everyone likes. This place is warm and inviting. It’s kind of like a hug.”
During their limited time off, where do chefs go for a memorable meal? Kyle and Britton currently frequent two downtown Birmingham area restaurants: The Essential, a trendy American cafe, and Wooden City, specializing in American comfort food. “There are a lot of great restaurants, but those are the favorites right now,” he said.
Chef Kyle believes great food has incredible powers on the human psyche.
"Food should be therapeutic,” Chef Kyle said. “If you can come and sit down and have a meal, and if that food in front of you can make you forget about a bad day you're having, that’s a job well done."
REAL ESTATE
Recently sold homes in Mountain Brook
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► ADDRESS: 3242 Country Club Road
► BED/BATH: 4/4.5
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FOOTAGE:
► ADDRESS: 3417 Stoneridge Drive
► ADDRESS: 3833 Cromwell Drive
► ADDRESS: 2502 Mountain Brook Circle Unit D
► BED/BATH: 2/1
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 950 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Mountain Brook Village
► LIST PRICE: $395,000
► SALE PRICE: $375,000
SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
Home Instead delivers expert, compassionate in-home senior care
Home Instead is a locally owned business that provides the finest, most compassionate home health care services for seniors in the area. Owner Dan Pahos opened the Birmingham franchise of Home Instead in 1997 after caring for his aging parents in Minnesota, and his driving purpose in running the company remains.
“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.”
Based in Vestavia Hills, Home Instead is distinguished by its extensive employee training.
“Each CAREGiver receives a two-day, in-person, instructor-led training on all the equipment used in a home,” Pahos said.
Condoleezza Bell, who works in Home Instead human resources and trains new employees, said she’s “very proud” of the company’s training.
“I’ve worked for other agencies that don’t offer two days of training at all. A caregiver may be lucky to get three hours of training.”
It’s important that caregivers learn “how to give the best care possible no matter what the illness is, so we stick to Home Instead training standards,” Bell said. “We want our caregivers to be
mind going that extra mile for additional training for those that need it.”
Bell has worked for Home Instead since 2012 and is proud of the long tenures of many of the company’s employees.
“What makes Home Instead special is that we have caregivers that have been with our company for 10-plus years,” she said. “They are loyal, dedicated and still love working for Home Instead.”
Pahos said he’s fortunate to have such “loyal, dedicated employees,” including both caregivers and administrative personnel.
“We have the expertise and
experience to help you deal with your eldercare situation, be it short or long term,” he said.
“Working for Home Instead is very gratifying,” Bell said. “As a caregiver, I had the privilege of helping someone remain in their home, and to be able to honor that wish made me feel that I made a difference in someone’s life.”
Home Instead also offers excellent customer service, with highly trained client service managers who develop detailed care plans and provide ongoing case management.
“This is included for free in our hourly rates,” Pahos said.
• 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.
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.
“It’s a privilege to be able to help seniors and their families with our seasoned, responsive staff that’s available 24/7, 365 days a year,” Pahos said.
“It’s so rewarding to know we can make a difference for seniors and help them age in place in their home,” said Director of Operations Andrea Martin.
Home Instead was recently listed at No. 5 in Alabama in Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers by State 2025.”
Halloween in Mountain Brook
Fall festivities you won’t want to miss this season
BY JORDYN DAVIS
Mountain Brook’s green scenery will soon change to warm hues of scarlet, and the town will be decorated with jack-o'-lanterns. Make the most of this fall season by bringing the family to local trunk-or-treats, fall festivals and the best places to load up on candy.
► Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade: This annual Mardi Gras-themed parade has turned into a beloved tradition for Mountain Brook locals. The dynamic duo and sibling combination Trent Wright and Casey Wright Horn began this tradition to honor their Cajun roots by hosting a community-wide parade. The parade is set for Halloween evening at 4 p.m.
► Mountain Brook Community Church Fall Festival: Take the family out and enjoy sweet treats and fellowship at Mountain Brook Community Church’s Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Families can expect live music, inflatables, food trucks and more.
► Harvest on Hoyt: Back for its second year, Harvest on Hoyt, presented by Finch’s Fine Wines, returns to Mountain Brook on Sunday, Oct. 19. This year, attendees can expect an unforgettable dining experience crafted by Dyron’s Lowcountry. All proceeds from this year’s Harvest on Hoyt will help fund future student-led projects that support the Mountain Brook community.
TRICK OR TREAT HEADQUARTERS
► Crestline Village is a great area to fill up
on candy and is also known to go all-out for Halloween with spooky decorations covering the street.
► Cherokee Bend is known for being family-friendly, with lots of houses close together, making it the perfect spot to bring the kids, load up and build a serious Halloween stash.
► Brookwood Forest is another great option and has good lighting and sidewalks for latenight trick-or-treating.
► O’Neal Library has two fun events scheduled for kids: On Oct. 28, the Cosplay Runway Teen Halloween Party is set for 4:30-6 p.m. And on Halloween, there will be all day trickor-treating for kids of all ages.
BEYOND THE BLOCK
► Old Baker Farm, located in Shelby County, has become a family tradition for those in the Hoover/280 area. The farm has more than 200 years of experience and remains a traditional family-run farm with their annual seasonal events enjoyed by many. The pumpkin patch will open Sunday, Sept. 28, and will host a Festival Weekend on Oct. 25 with vendors, live music and an 1800s-inspired carnival. Learn more at oldbakerfarm.com/pages/ upcoming-events.
► Atrox Factory in Leeds is a popular haunted house attraction, known for being
the “largest indoor haunted attraction in the Southeast.” The haunted walkthrough opens on Friday, Oct. 3, and tickets begin at $30.
► Conjure Haunted Attraction is Birmingham’s newest haunted house, located downtown. Along with a frightful walk-through, the warehouse also features a Halloween supply shop and monthly rave events.
► The Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden will be open through Nov. 2. Families can enjoy hayrides, inflatables, a petting zoo, live entertainment and a variety of food and crafts.
► Helena Hollow runs Oct. 3-31 and offers more than 25 farm activities along with six acres of pumpkin picking.
Thousands of people lined Church Street in Crestline Village in October 2024 for the 22nd annual Mystics of Mountain Brook parade. Staff photo.
Honeybee Fine Jewelry offers timeless, curated elegance in style
Ashley Shook, the owner and curator of Honeybee Fine Jewelry in Mountain Brook, developed a passion for fine jewelry — especially estate and estate-inspired pieces — while working for fashionable retailers in New York and Atlanta. She left traditional retail to raise her children, but Ashley never lost her love for jewelry.
She began dreaming of offering women a one-stop shop for classic, estate-inspired pieces with a modern twist, including rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. This was the origin of Ashley’s Honeybee Collection, which she named to symbolize light, joy, and natural beauty — the characteristics of the fine jewelry that she cherishes.
“Beautiful jewelry to me is timeless jewelry,” Ashley says. “Certain aspects I look for in jewelry are craftsmanship, design and the emotional ‘pull.’ I look for pieces that will last generations.”
Ashley launched Honeybee Collection as an online store in 2007, and in 2024 she opened Honeybee Fine Jewelry as a brick-and-mortar to showcase her Honeybee Collection as well as a wide variety of other fine jewelry.
“We designed the space to be cozy and inviting,” she says. “It’s like a little jewel box in Mountain Brook Village.”
Ashley’s shop is a unique retailer in the Birmingham area, in part because
she carefully curates the selection. “I handpick every piece in my shop,” she says. “I offer a wide range of fine jewelry and services to appeal to all types of customers’ jewelry needs.
From custom designing and building a customer’s engagement ring or updating an inherited piece of jewelry to offering a wide range of fine jewelry pieces and price points. We are excited to be carrying a collection of estate pieces as well.”
Honeybee Fine Jewelry also carries well-known jewelry designers, including Devon Woodhill, Vice Versa, Lauren Rubinski, and Campbell & Charlotte. “Stay tuned for more designers becoming a part of the Honeybee family,” Ashley says.
The Honeybee Collection is
designed to accentuate the wardrobe of today’s woman with pieces that are classic and timeless, not trendy. The pieces blend platinum and gold with a mix of diamonds, precious stones, and semi-precious stones.
The collection simplifies accessorizing your everyday wardrobe with pieces that make you feel beautiful and confident. They are understated and versatile, and are meant to be enjoyed and worn every day. No more hiding away your fine jewelry in anticipation of a special occasion.
Ashley is also available to meet with customers looking to have custom pieces made. They can walk in or make an appointment. Whether your vision begins with an existing piece of
jewelry you wish to revive or from an original idea, she will bring your custom design to life.
Ashley will briefly educate you about precious metals and stones, and about gemstone sourcing, so that you’re able to participate in the design process and leave your personal touch on the final product.
Honeybee Fine Jewelry
• 2401 Montevallo Road
• 404-915-2738
• honeybeecollection.com
• @honeybeecollection on Instagram
Save the Date
TAPAS & TAPS
► Where: Ignite Cycle, 1091 Jemison Lane, Mountain Brook
► When: Thursday, Oct. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
► Details: Tapas & Taps is a unique evening fundraiser supporting Libby’s Friends, featuring small plates from local restaurants, live music, pop-up vendors, raffle items and drinks in the Lane Parke lot near Ignite Cycle. Tickets cost $10 for children and $20 for adults, plus fees. Each ticket includes unlimited food samples, two drink tickets and one raffle ticket. All proceeds benefit Libby’s Friends.
HARVEST ON HOYT
► Where: 101 Hoyt Lane, Mountain Brook
► When: Sunday, Oct. 19, 4-8 p.m.
► Details: Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour from 4-5 p.m. followed by a family-style supper from 5-8 p.m., prepared by Dyron’s Lowcountry. This outdoor dinner celebrates conversation, connection and the spirit of Mountain Brook, with proceeds funding future student-led projects that benefit the community. Tickets are $200 each or $1,600 for a table. Sponsored by Finch Fine Wines, Bryant Bank, Pinnacle Bank and Cahaba Village.
► Website: mtnbrookchamber.org
BOLT FOR BREAST CANCER 5K & FUN RUN
► Where: Crestline Field, Mountain Brook
► When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2-5 p.m. (onsite registration opens 12:30 p.m.)
► Cost: $35 adults (ages 13+); $25 children (ages 4-12); free for ages 3 and under
► Details: Participants can run, walk, bike or scoot to the finish line, then enjoy refreshments, music, face painting and an inflatable obstacle course. Proceeds fund lifesaving breast cancer research in Alabama. Registration includes an event T-shirt while supplies last.
► Website: boltforbreastcancer.com
TRADITIONAL MUSIC OF SCOTLAND WITH JIM MALCOLM
► Where: O’Neal Library, Community Meeting Room, 50 Oak Street, Mountain Brook
► When: Friday, Oct. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
► Details: Join the O’Neal Library and the St. Andrews Society for an evening of traditional Scottish folk music with renowned troubadour Jim Malcolm. Known for his masterful interpretations of Robert Burns and authentic songwriting, Malcolm brings Scottish culture to life with guitar, harmonica and storytelling. Open to adults. Registration encouraged.
► Website: oneallibrary.org
Plan for tomorrow with life insurance
Talking about life insurance can be intimidating. That’s where I come in. I can help you determine how life insurance will best fit your individual needs, and there’s no guesswork with policy type, amount or budget. Contact me today.
Amy Smith Gardner, Agent
3900 Montclair Road Ste 350, Mountain Brook, AL 35213-2430 Bus: 205-870-8820 www.amysmithgardner.com
► For more events news, connect with Village Living online by scanning the QR code.
► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Tim Stephens at tstephens@starnesmedia.com.
ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GOES WILD
► Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham
► When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 5-7:30 p.m.
► Details: Gates open at 5 p.m. with access to ambassador animals, the Reptile Exhibit, Alabama Wilds barn, face painting and an instrument petting zoo. General admission tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children 2-18 and free for kids under 2. VIP options include reserved seating and pre-concert receptions with ASO musicians. Food and drinks will be available throughout the event, with optional preordered meals from Nourish 205.
► Website: alabamasymphony.org
OFFICIAL MEETINGS
Oct. 6: Mountain Brook Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m., Council Chamber, City Hall
Oct. 13 and 27: Mountain Brook City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall
Oct. 20: Mountain Brook Board of Zoning Adjustment, 5 p.m., City Hall
O’NEAL LIBRARY
ADULTS
Tuesdays: Gentle Yoga with Marie Blair, 10 a.m.
Oct. 6: Mahjong Introduction and Meetup, 10 a.m.
Oct. 7: Sustainable Style Clothing Swap, 6 p.m., (teens and adults)
Oct. 9: Writing Workshop with Miriam Calleja — Goodbyes, 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 14: Bookies Book Club — The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong, 10 a.m.
Oct. 22: Nightmare on Oak Street Horror Movie & Craft, 5:30 p.m., (Ages 18+, registration required)
MOVIES ON THE MOUNTAIN: “HOCUS POCUS”
► Where: Vulcan Park & Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham
► When: Friday, Oct. 10, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (showtime 6:45 p.m.)
► Cost: $10 adults and children; $8 for Vulcan members
► Details: Hosted by Vulcan’s Junior Board, this fall favorite invites families to enjoy spooky fun with scenic views, lawn seating and classic movie snacks. Local food vendors will be on-site, along with beer and wine for adults. Don’t miss a photo with mascot V and a chance to soak up one last picture-perfect night on the mountain.
► Website: visitvulcan.com
Oct. 24: Traditional Music of Scotland with Jim Malcolm, 6:30 p.m. TEENS
Oct. 3: Game On, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 8: Crafternoon Crochet Circle, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 23: BiblioTherapy Book Club, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 28: Cosplay Runway Teen Halloween Party, 4:30 p.m.
CHILDREN
Tuesdays: Patty Cake Storytime, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., (0-18 months)
Thursdays: All Together Storytime, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., (all ages)
Oct. 14: Family Night with Arthur Atsma, 5:30 p.m., (all ages)
Oct. 17: A Night Dark and Grim — Family Fairy Tale Carnival (all ages), evening
Oct. 31: Trick-or-Treat at the Library, all day, (all ages)
FEATURED ARTIST: Inés Orihuela
Home & Garden Fall Guide
Discover local businesses that specialize in keeping your home and garden at their best
There’s lots of landscapers in business, but few measure up to Gardner Landscaping in Birmingham.
The company’s experts, all licensed and insured, have provided top-quality residential and commercial service since 2006.
“We have the people and resources to get your project done in a timely manner,” owner Grant Gardner said.
The fall is a great time for Gardner Landscaping to install more shade trees in your yard.
Adding shade trees offers greater privacy and lovely fall colors, as well as allowing greater energy conservation in homes and requiring less irrigation to retain ground moisture.
Gardner Landscaping can also plant beautiful hedges along your lot lines to cancel road noise, provide privacy year round and hold moisture. The hedges clearly mark the lot lines and provide a better solution than wooden fences, which don’t last as long.
The creative use of trees and shrubs — as well as plants and flowers — will enhance the beauty and value of any property.
Gardner Landscaping will create a customized plan for your yard based on your preferences, as well as sun exposure, soil type and landscape slope.
In addition, the company is “very good at building outdoor play and entertainment areas,” Grant says.
The team stays abreast of the latest
Experience outstanding service and custom window coverings at Budget Blinds
Our communities benefit greatly when residents shop local as much as they can and support their small businesses. This is especially true when a business is family-owned and based in rocksolid values, like Budget Blinds of Birmingham, which is located in Vestavia Hills.
BUDGET BLINDS ► 2130 Columbiana Road ► 205-824-3300 ► budgetblinds.com/birmingham
Shutters, solar shades and woven wood products are among the top sellers at Budget Blinds. You can now take advantage of a new energy tax credit applicable to the purchase of plantation shutters where you can file for 30% off on your income taxes (up to $1,200).
Steve and Michelle Thackerson own and operate Budget Blinds. A married couple who live and work in Vestavia Hills, they have been serving their customers faithfully for over 30 years.
An unwavering commitment to delivering the finest customer service is at the heart of the Thackersons’ business philosophy. “We wouldn’t sell anything to you that we wouldn’t put into our own homes,” Steve says.
The couple’s family-oriented approach extends to their employees, all of whom have worked at the shop at least 12 years.
At Budget Blinds, which offers all types of custom window coverings, the caring, highly trained personnel take the time to understand their customers and to provide them with top-quality products that fit their lifestyles.
And when you call the Budget Blinds location in Vestavia Hills to get information or to schedule an appointment, you speak to someone in the local office – not a person in a faraway call center.
Large chain stores simply can’t replicate that sort of personalized service and customer experience.
In addition, all window coverings are custom made to fit each home, and the local employees of Budget Blinds do all of the in-home measuring and installation. “Anything that’s purchased from us, we’ll custom measure your windows and professionally install them,” Steve says.
Motorization and cordless options for window coverings also remain popular. Motorized options allow you to control blinds, shutters, solar shades and draperies from anywhere, and can be used with your home’s automation system. “We can usually tie our product into any system you might have,” Steve says.
Customers also benefit from the buying power of Budget Blinds, the world’s largest retailer of custom window coverings.
“Budget Blinds has huge national volume, so we get exclusive warranties that no one else can offer,” Steve says. “We get the same products as our competitors, but we get better pricing and warranties because we’re the world’s largest retailer of custom window coverings.
Budget Blinds has exclusive warranties given by the manufacturers to Budget Blinds customers only.
“Our prices are competitive, and we offer a onetime free replacement on all products for five years, and on select products for a lifetime,” Steve says. “That’s just an unheard-of warranty in any industry.”
Budget Blinds is more than just a business for the Thackersons. It’s a reflection of who they are – a family that works together, cares about their community and strives to provide the best service possible.
Request a free in-home consultation or visit the Budget Blinds showroom Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
HOME & GARDEN
The well-organized home: Year-end financial decluttering
Just as you wouldn’t let clutter accumulate in your carefully designed Mountain Brook home, your financial life deserves the same thoughtful organization. With the holidays approaching and yearend deadlines looming, creating systems that make financial planning feel as effortless as your seasonal entertaining can transform how you approach wealth management.
CLEAR SPACES, CLEAR MINDS
The same design principles that make your home function beautifully apply to organizing your financial life. You designate specific spaces for different activities, and your financial documents need their own dedicated spaces too.
Consider creating a “financial command center” in your home office for investment statements, tax documents, estate planning materials, and children’s education records. When everything has its place, year-end tasks like gathering charitable donation receipts and tax statements become routine rather than overwhelming.
SYSTEMS THAT WORK
The best organization systems accommodate your busy lifestyle. Instead of complex filing systems that gather dust while you’re traveling or managing aging parents, create simple approaches that match how you naturally think about money.
Try the “three-box method”: Active, Review, and Archive. Keep current investment statements and equity compensation documents easily accessible in an “Active” file, designate items for periodic review like insurance policies, and archive older tax returns in
clearly labeled storage.
Digital organization matters equally. Create cloud-based folders accessible whether you’re at the lake house or your main residence. When your CPA requests charitable giving records or your advisor needs updated beneficiary information, you’ll know exactly where to find them.
SEASONAL PLANNING THAT FLOWS NATURALLY
Your home follows seasonal rhythms — lighter entertaining in summer, cozy family gatherings during holidays. Your financial planning can follow similar natural patterns.
Fall becomes a natural time for financial “decluttering.” You’re already preparing your home for winter, so extend that organizational energy to wealth management. Review investment accounts, assess stock option strategies, update estate planning documents, and confirm your children’s education funding is on track.
This seasonal approach means never scrambling at year-end. Instead of dreading tax season, you’ve already organized stock option records and charitable contributions. Rather than worrying about estate plans, you’ve made updates part of your Fall routine.
CREATING CALM DURING BUSY SEASONS
A well-organized home reduces stress during hectic periods. Your financial organization should provide the same calm confidence. When life gets demanding — managing work transitions, planning children’s weddings, or navigating complex family dynamics around wealth — having organized finances can mean one less source of stress.
Your home reflects your values and supports the lifestyle you’ve worked decades to achieve. Your financial organization should do the same.
Does your financial house feel as well-organized as your family home? At Linscomb Wealth, our goal is to help families create comprehensive wealth management systems that bring the same sense of order and confidence to their finances that they’ve created in their living spaces. Contact us at linscomb@ linscombwealth today.
Kim McBrayer founded Space Cadets in 2001 to help customers get organized and find elegant, cost-effective storage solutions for their homes. “My passion for curing clutter led me to share that skill with others,” she says. “It helps you enjoy yourself and have a better quality of life.”
Space Cadets designs and installs built-in closets for renovations and new construction and offers storage solutions for every room in your house, including garages and entertainment centers. The company’s professional organizers will put your home in order. Customers can also browse the Space Cadets retail center for organization products from brands like iDesign, Spectrum, YouCopia, and OXO.
Art of Drawers makes your space work smarter
Kim McBrayer founded Space Cadets in Birmingham to help people get organized and find elegant, affordable storage solutions. She provides topquality custom closets, professional organizing, and accessories.
To complement her offerings at Space Cadets, McBrayer purchased the Birmingham franchise for Art of Drawers, which makes high-quality products to increase storage and accessibility in kitchen, pantry, and bathroom cabinets.
And Space Cadets, formerly located at Brook Highland Plaza, now has not one but two convenient retail locations, both of which offer a fun, boutique-style shopping experience.
“We took our one bigger store and divided it up into two smaller stores so we could cover more territory,” McBrayer says.
One is located in The Mercantile at Brook Highland, a boutique marketplace that McBrayer calls “one of Birmingham’s best places to shop.”
In August, Space Cadets opened a second location in The Hub at Knox
Square, an innovative development in Hoover where people seeking to buy or sell a house can find all the services and vendors they need under one roof.
“We want to service more areas to be closer to everyone, making Space Cadets more convenient and accessible,” McBrayer says. “You can save yourself the 30 minute drive across town, and shop for everything you need to get organized close to home.”
Art of Drawers offers custom, solid-wood drawers with dovetail construction, soft-close functionality, and full-extension glides, as well as dividers and pull-down organizers. “There’s nothing better in the marketplace,” McBrayer says.
In addition, her designers help homeowners find storage solutions tailored to the way they use their kitchens, and they offer expert installation. “We don’t waste space,” McBrayer says. “We go down to the millimeter to exhaust every usable inch of space in your cabinets.”
Art of Drawers products make it easier for people to reach items hidden at the back of their cabinets.
This is especially helpful for seniors, who can access their drawers and cabinets without getting on their hands and knees or risking falls. “Our older clients want to live in their own homes as long as they can, and these products help make their homes safer,” McBrayer says.
Art of Drawers also offers excellent storage options under kitchen and bathroom sinks, which are often a jumbled mess. “People love these solutions,” McBrayer says.
Art of Drawers complements Space Cadets perfectly. “We offer everything you need to get organized,” Kim says.
Art of Drawers products are on display at two Birmingham locations: The Mercantile at Brook Highland and The Hub at Knox Square.
Reliable home repairs and maintenance done right
If your home needs routine maintenance or minor repairs, you may think you can do it yourself and save money.
However, even if you believe you have the right skills and tools to do a job, it will likely take you a lot longer than it should, because you don’t do home repairs every day.
Most home projects, even small handyman jobs, are better left to the experienced professionals at One Man & A Toolbox.
One Man & A Toolbox can handle any small project, including minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical fixes. They can also do painting, caulking, shelving and more.
“Any odd jobs around your home, we’ll get them done right the first time,” said owner Jay Moss.
Moss and company can also do many other special tasks, like putting up decorations or assembling a swing set.
“No matter how crazy you think the task is, call us and we’ll try to figure it out,” Moss said.
One Man & A Toolbox can also tackle
larger home improvement projects. Moss warns homeowners against calling unlicensed, uninsured repairmen from online. Many will ask for money to buy materials before starting and won’t return or won’t be available for warranty issues that arise after the job.
One Man & A Toolbox has skilled, reliable employees who are licensed, insured and bonded.
People collect antiques for many reasons — their uniqueness, their quality, even the stories that come with them. Antiques also allow us to personalize our homes and transform them into warm, inviting sanctuaries.
The owners of Henhouse Antiques in English Village believe in the beauty and power of antiques. This charming shop offers English and French antiques, furniture, mirrors, lighting, art, decor, gifts and accessories.
The store was founded in 1997 by Barbara Ashford and Judy Hill, who personally selected each item in the store. Their daughters, Laura Ashford Gessert and Libby Hill McGowan, took over the shop in 2020. They also curate each piece in the store and have it shipped from abroad.
Laura and Libby continue to love what they do.
“Owning a brick and mortar gives us the opportunity to meet and work with so many wonderful and talented people,” they said.
HENHOUSE ANTIQUES ► 1900 Cahaba Road ► 205-918-0505 ► henhouse-antiques.com
The store’s look is constantly evolving, with Laura and Libby mixing styles — English with French, 18th century with 21st century, and primitive with formal.
Henhouse Antiques is designed around beautiful vignettes so customers can see how the pieces would look in their homes.
Laura and Libby are also excited to receive a new container of items from Europe in October.
Under the Lights
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Early-season highlights
Photos by LINDSAY HANDEY and JAMES NICHOLAS
Mountain Brook K William Russ: William Russ has taken over kickoff duties this season and has made touchbacks routine.
Mountain Brook WR Sam Smith: Sam Smith caught the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime for the win over Hueytown. Smith finished with six catches for 95 yards in the game.
Mountain Brook RB Stuart Andrews: Stuart Andrews is the workhorse running back for the Spartans. In the win over Hueytown, he scored on a 20-yard run and finished with 89 yards on 26 carries.
Mountain Brook LB Boyd Cooper: Boyd Cooper has been a force for the Mountain Brook defense so far this season. In the season-opening win over Demopolis, Cooper had six tackles and a fumble recovery.
Mountain Brook DB Lawson McKnight: Lawson McKnight has moved back over to the defensive side of the ball this fall and made his presence felt immediately. In the Spartans’ game against Parker, McKnight forced and recovered a fumble.
SPORTS
Spartans aim to make playoff push in October
By KYLE PARMLEY
The second half of the high school football regular season gets crammed into the month of October, with five Fridays on the calendar for teams to either jockey for playoff position or play out the string on an ultimately disappointing campaign.
Mountain Brook will look to ensure that the final stretch of regular season games sets up a playoff push. The Spartans have qualified for the playoffs nine straight years and can make it a solid decade with another successful season in Class 6A, Region 6 games.
► Oct. 3 vs. Clay-Chalkville: This could be the game that determines the Region 6 champion, based on the last few years. Mountain Brook has lost to the Cougars by single digits each of the last three times the teams have met, and both programs are attempting to knock Oxford from its throne of region champ a season ago. In last year’s 21-14 Clay win, Mountain Brook had a drive stopped in the final seconds after gaining first and goal.
► Oct. 9 at Pinson Valley: Mountain Brook’s final road game of the regular season is at Pinson Valley on a Thursday night. Last year’s contest was a bit of a shootout, with the Spartans pulling away for a 47-30 win. It was the fourth straight game the Spartans had allowed at least 21 points and, unhappy with the trend, they shut out their next two foes. Pinson Valley has been a struggling program the last few years, having only won 11 total games in the last three seasons after incredible success under Patrick Nix and Sam Shade. James Thompson is now in his second year with the Indians.
► Oct. 17 vs. Huffman: Mountain Brook blew past Huffman 42-0 last fall and the Spartans will be heavy favorites in this matchup
yet again. Rodney Bivens took over a dire situation with the Vikings and, to his credit, has stuck it out and made significant progress. In his first season, the Vikings failed to score a point, much less win a game. Last year, Huffman won a game and actually averaged 12 points per game. The Vikings are looking to win a few more contests this season.
► Oct. 24 vs. Shades Valley: The Spartans capped off the regular season with a 37-0 shutout win over the Mounties last fall and finish off the regular season this fall with a home game in this region matchup. Legendary coach Rueben Nelson retired after last season, and George Bates, a longtime coach in the Birmingham area with a successful
track record, has taken over. Shades Valley is a program looking for its first playoff berth since 2020.
► Oct. 31 - Open: After playing 10 games in 10 weeks, Mountain Brook has its open date on the final week of the regular season. The hope is that it allows the Spartans a refresher before a playoff run.
Mountain Brook linebacker Miller Lee (11) anticipates the snap during a game between Mountain Brook and Demopolis on Aug. 22, at Spartan Stadium. Photo by James Nicholas.
Improving Spartans eager to finish strong
By KYLE PARMLEY
The Mountain Brook High School volleyball team is making steady progress as the season moves forward, blending a fun-loving personality with a drive to compete at a high level.
Coach Mattie Gardner said her players’ chemistry is their greatest strength.
“They are goofy and fun loving and just really fun to be around. They're just genuinely good people, and they care so deeply about how they perform because they want to do so well for their teammates,” Gardner said.
In some ways, that deep bond sometimes works against the players, especially when there is a tough stretch.
“When they're not playing well, they feel like they're letting their team down. And then they can begin to lose some self-confidence, because they just want to do so well for each other.”
Mountain Brook is a team on a mission this fall, determined to reach its potential and make a return to the Class 6A state tournament.
The Spartans are guided by two seniors, Sam Settle and Elizabeth Lell, who set the tone for their teammates.
“They are so good at seeing the value in their teammates,” Gardner said. “We need each one of these players and we need them to be confident in what they can do on the court. I feel like the younger girls feel that from them, and that helps them.”
Another key contributor has been libero Sullivan Lell, who returned to the program this season and recently committed to the University of Southern Mississippi.
“It's been great to have her back in the program,” Gardner said.
The Spartans really challenged themselves in the early portion of the season, playing top-tier competition in the Juanita Boddie Tournament
in Hoover, the Nike Tournament of Champions in Gainesville, Florida, and the Battle by the Bay tournament in Daphne.
One regular season match in particular gave Gardner a glimpse of what the Spartans can become, a four-set win over a strong 7A Hewitt-Trussville team.
“That was when I got my very first glimpse of the potential of this team, because we really stepped up to the plate and really cleaned up our play, and they were able to keep an aggressive
mindset,” she said. “Be the aggressor, be fearless, go for the win — not wait for something to happen to the other team.”
For Gardner, the path to success will be gradual, not sudden. She believes the Spartans will be on a gradual ascent for the entire season.
“We're not going to be a team that's going to spike all of a sudden,” she said. “We will be steadily improving and I think we'll still be on that trajectory by the time the state tournament comes up.”
The goal is clear, and the coach believes in her team’s potential.
“I want us to get there. I think we can,” Gardner said. “I just need them to believe it as much as I do.”
Mountain Brook should win its area tournament and play in the Class 6A North Regional, held at the Finley Center in Hoover, Oct. 23-24. The Spartans will look to advance to the state tournament the following week at the Birmingham CrossPlex.
Mountain Brook’s Sam Settle (5) taps the ball over the net during a matchup between Mountain Brook and Vestavia on Sept. 9 at Braasch-Hatchett Court. Photo by David Leong.
WHAT $100 IN SPENDING MEANS FOR MOUNTAIN BROOK
LOCAL IMPACT
“Basically, we’re looking for reform of how the state is handling the SSU taxes right now,” Oliver said. “Currently, it’s based on population. Regardless of what the taxpayers are spending in each city in the state, if you have a larger population, you get a larger percentage of the SSU taxes.”
Mountain Brook is not a large city, not based on its population. But, Oliver said, there is a lot of spending that takes place within the city limits.
“If you set up a uniform system where it’s only based on population, we may not be getting our fair share,” she said. “I’ve worked with the finance director, Steve Boone. I’ve known him for years, even before I started here. He’s been working on a way to try to find a definitive way to see just how much we’re losing each year.
“We haven’t nailed it down to an exact number, but it’s at least a million dollars or more each year that we’re losing,” the revenue examiner said. “A lot of it is going to larger cities based on population.”
Boone said that while the city can’t determine an exact figure, there is a clear imbalance. “Only about 2% of the 8% online sales tax is distributed to municipalities,” he said. “This means there is a clear shortfall when compared to what those cities would receive if local sales taxes applied to online sales. Municipal budgets rely on predictable and adequate revenue streams. With rising demand for services, tight budgets are a constant challenge, and the current SSUT structure makes it more difficult to meet those demands.”
Oliver acknowledged that the state’s plan for distributing online tax based on population is simple. But smaller cities like Mountain Brook and Tuscaloosa could be spending more online and thus generating more in taxes.
“Inequality comes in if you have a city of a smaller population but the citizens could be spending double what a larger city is spending,” she said. “That tax money is going to the larger city. It’s not coming back to a city of our size. That’s where that inequality kind of comes in.”
THE LAWSUIT
The Mountain Brook City Council voted to join the lawsuit during its Aug. 11 meeting.
City Attorney Ben Presley told the council the suit would challenge the constitutionality of the SSUT and seek injunctive relief from the Alabama Department of Revenue. “The goal is to hopefully be able to capture additional tax revenue that we feel should be going to the cities,” Presley said.
The legal filing argues that the SSUT program was created to address online retailers with no Alabama presence, but has since been applied to companies like Amazon,
SOURCE: MOUNTAIN BROOK FINANCE DIRECTOR STEVE BOONE, CITY OF MOUNTAIN BROOK
Walmart, Target and DoorDash — all of which operate warehouses, storefronts and delivery services in the state. Plaintiffs argue those companies no longer qualify for SSUT treatment and should be required to remit local sales taxes like other in-state retailers. The lawsuit also challenges the law’s “merchant choice” feature, which allows companies to opt into SSUT instead of traditional sales tax, as a violation of the Alabama Constitution.
Tuscaloosa, which filed the suit in August and brought in its school system as a co-plaintiff, claims the formula costs the city nearly $15 million per year. Mountain Brook’s estimate is far smaller, but city officials argue the impact is no less real.
“It is unfairly distributing what should be rightfully our residents’ tax dollars to other parts of the state that aren’t as representative of that income generation as our residents,”
Councilor Gerald Garner said.
Mayor Stewart Welch framed the issue in terms of fairness for residents. “Our residents are already paying this tax, and yet much of it never makes it back to support the services they rely on,” he said in a statement. “This is about fairness. Cities like Mountain Brook should receive a more equitable portion of
the revenue generated by their own citizens.”
Council President Virginia Smith called the lawsuit a necessary step. “We’ve watched this imbalance for years while continuing to invest in public safety, infrastructure and quality of life,” she said in a statement. “Joining this lawsuit is a necessary step to advocate for the fiscal future of our city and ensure our ability to serve the community well.”
WIDER SUPPORT
Other cities have voiced similar concerns. In late August, the mayors of Alabama’s 10 largest cities released a joint statement calling for an overhaul of the Simplified Sellers Use Tax. The group, which includes Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Hoover, said the distribution model is outdated and inequitable, and urged state leaders to revisit how online sales tax revenue is shared among municipalities.
Mountain Brook officials maintain they aren’t seeking to punish the state or dismantle the SSUT program altogether. Instead, they want the state to enforce its own rules — requiring companies with a physical presence in Alabama to pay the same local taxes as other businesses.
Understanding the Online Sales Tax Lawsuit
► What is SSUT? The Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) is a flat 8% tax Alabama collects on most online purchases. Created in 2015, it was originally intended for businesses without a physical presence in the state. The law allows half the revenue to go to the state, and the other half to be split among cities and counties — based only on population, not where the purchase was made.
► Why is there a lawsuit? Mountain Brook and Tuscaloosa argue the law is now outdated and unfair. They claim major companies like Amazon, Walmart and DoorDash still use SSUT to avoid paying local sales taxes — even though they have stores, warehouses and delivery operations in these cities. The lawsuit calls this unconstitutional and says it deprives communities of money that should support schools, roads and public safety.
► What does it mean for Mountain Brook residents? City leaders say residents already pay the tax — but most of that money goes elsewhere. They estimate Mountain Brook could be losing more than $1 million a year under the current system. If the lawsuit succeeds, more of the sales tax from online purchases could stay in Mountain Brook to fund local services and infrastructure.
“As time goes on, if you see something’s not working in the best way,” Oliver said, “you kind of want to reform it and make some adjustments to it.”
Starnes Media’s Tim Stephens contributed to this report.
THE GAP: Mountain Brook loses about $2.84 per $100 purchase when residents shop online instead of in local stores.
Orihuela
Mountain Brook revenue examiner Ashley Oliver says the city wants improvements to the state’s Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT). Mountain Brook has joined a lawsuit against the state initiated by Tuscaloosa, saying the tax unfairly distributes the revenue collected.
Photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.
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Andrews got his chance to take the reins last fall and nearly replicated Gamble’s success. He ran for over 1,800 yards and carried the ball 25 times per game, getting his own All-South Metro Offensive Player of the Year award.
Now in his senior year, Andrews is hoping to back up his standout season with another one. He knows defenses are paying more attention to the Spartans’ running game this year but he’s determined to be part of a successful offense no matter how it looks.
“I do feel like people are keying in a little bit on the run, but that just opens up the pass game,” Andrews said. “Having the ability to pass the ball whenever we want, and Sam Smith and Trey Vinson and all those guys accept that role.”
Mountain Brook head coach Chris Yeager has seen a desire for continual improvement from his running back, a trait that will serve him well as he continues to progress throughout the season.
“Stuart has been very coachable. His best thing has been coming to us and asking, ‘How can I improve and how can I get better?’ If he does that over a long period of time, he’ll get exactly where he wants to be,” Yeager said.
Andrews is the next one in a long list of successful Mountain Brook running backs but he wouldn’t have envisioned that just a few years ago. He wanted to be a safety on the high school football team because of his desire to dish out hits.
But during spring ball leading into his freshman year, Andrews’ coach told him he had to go back to offense at a position he had played his entire life.
“Our coach liked me there, but he was like, ‘Man, you got to get back to running back. I can’t not let you play running back,” Andrews recalled.
That move has worked out for him.
“I’m glad he did. I love where I am,” Andrews said. Andrews credits much of his football success to his time spent on the wrestling mat where he has placed four times at state in high school competition.
“There’s no other sport that gets you more prepared than wrestling does,” he said. “And even if you’re not
the best wrestler and don’t have the best technique, you’re still going to get out on the football field and just feel stronger and more powerful when you run the football.”
Yeager certainly sees those wrestling attributes exhibit themselves but he also sees a different side of his running back.
“He’s sort of a paradox to me. He’s an incredibly gritty young man. He was a state champion finalist in wrestling as a sophomore. He is unbelievably gritty. But sometimes he’s got this free spirit about him. He really enjoys life and the people around him,” Yeager said.
Andrews certainly has a stout offensive line paving the way for him and a great backfield mate in quarterback Cayden Hofbauer. He knows he doesn’t have overwhelming physical traits so attention to detail is something that separates the Spartans offense from the rest.
“Our offense is so complex,” Andrews said. “We’ve been talking all year about how precise we need to be. If we’re precise, we’re going to win football games.”
Yeager calls it the “aggregation of marginal gains” that allows Mountain Brook’s offense to excel.
Andrews hopes the accumulation of those small improvements allows the Spartans to put together another strong season. They are looking to make the playoffs for the 10th straight year and they have advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs the last five years.
“Yes, we want to make it deep in the playoffs, but the reason why I want to do that is not just because of the football part. It’s because we’ll have more weeks to hang out with our guys,” he said.
Andrews also has aspirations of playing college football but is not wishing away his final year in the green and gold. He wants to maximize it in every way.
“I’m not too worried about it, I’m just really worried about the success of the team this year. We’ll figure that out after the season or whenever that comes,” he said.
Yeager said Andrews’ personal motivation is remarkable.
“Incredible personality, but when you peel the layers back, there’s a kid with a lot of desire and a lot of discipline.”
Mountain Brook’s Stuart Andrews, the 2024 Under the Lights All-South Metro Offensive Player of the Year, returns for his senior year. He is shown at a preseason photo shoot at Heardmont Park on July 10. Photo by Todd Lester.
