att Crane is officially in his Christmas dad era, and it’s a season his family, friends and Mountain Brook neighborhood are embracing.
“I think at the root of it, I just get to be a kid again, and my love runs deep for the Christmas holiday,” Crane said.
“I used to be the guy before having kids where I was completely minimalistic with Christmas lights. I was the person with clear light strands all in a perfectly straight line, and I would kind of outwardly scoff at inflatables. I now have two boys who are
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
The traffic island along Stoneridge Drive and Dunbrooke Drive in the Dunbarton neighborhood in Mountain Brook. Staff photo.
Reflections on Happiness in a broken and chaotic world
Reflections on Happiness in a Broken and Chaotic World, a new book by Richard E. Simmons III, explores the true meaning of happiness and why so many people today struggle to find it. We live in such prosperity, in a country where we are free to pursue our dreams. Yet, disappointment and despair surround us as we continue down the wrong path. It is a great paradox. Richard E. Simmons reveals how our culture’s pursuit of happiness often misses the mark.
Through thoughtful reflection and practical insight, Reflections on Happiness, introduces seven foundational areas—relationships, character, work and identity, purpose, health, depression, and mortality—that shape our sense of joy and fulfillment. Rooted in timeless principles, this book invites readers to discover how living in harmony with God’s design leads not only to happiness, but to true inner peace.
Available December 5, 2025 at Amazon and richardesimmons3.com, and locally at Seibels, Little Professor and Church Street Coffee & Books.
THURSDAY; DEC 4th
Trunk Shows & Exclusives
Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley
If you’ve read this paper for any length of time, you’ve likely noticed that my work appears primarily in the sports section. I’ve served as the sports editor here at Starnes Media for 10 years this month. While I will continue in that role, I am excited to step into the managing editor’s seat for Village Living as well.
The hope is that you won’t really notice anything different as our team continues to produce high-quality content each month.
It’s the holiday season, so it’s time to get into the spirit. I hope you will take
the time this month to end the year on the right foot. Spend time with the people who mean the most to you and remember the reason for the season.
If you have any story ideas or feedback, I’m all ears. Feel free to email me at kparmley@starnesmedia. com. Thanks for reading!
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CITY
Brookwood Village redevelopment begins, but questions remain
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
Mountain Brook Mayor Graham Smith said residents aren’t talking much about the former Brookwood Village shopping mall, despite the fact that it is one of the more prominent properties partly in her city.
“I think that the majority of our residents don’t really see that as affecting their day-to-day life,” Smith said. “I’m sure they want it developed and want it to be a successful property and a successful development and bring tax revenue.
“But we don’t get as many questions as you would think,” she continued. “I get more trash questions and more just individual residential concerns than I do about Brookwood.”
For years, Homewood and Mountain Brook have shared more than just a border. The south Birmingham suburbs — and Jefferson County — have shared a shopping mall.
Brookwood Village drew its name from the municipalities that border it to the east and the west. Since its completion in 1973, the mall served as a central spot for area residents to shop, dine and gather for community events and holidays.
But those scenes live only in memories. The effects of changing retail trends and the COVID19 pandemic ultimately led to the closing of Brookwood Village.
A question posed to leaders of those cities is, what will happen to the former shopping center?
A partial answer came in early November when the Fairway Investments and Pope & Land Real Estate development team announced the sale of the former Belk department store at Brookwood Village to Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center.
The 135,000-square-foot building will be transformed into a state-of-the-art medical office on the 57-acre Brookwood Village property.
Homewood Mayor Jennifer Andress said the facility, which will feature about 18 operating rooms, should make Homewood residents confident that the rest of the Brookwood Village development could also come together.
“I think it’s exciting,” the new Homewood mayor said. “Anytime we can see some action happening, I think those of us who live over in this area especially are really looking forward to it. I was with my friend this afternoon, Graham Smith. … We were both really excited to hear about this.”
Smith said that prior to the announcement about Andrews Sports Medicine, she had not received an update from developers.
“I wish I could tell you more definitively,”
she said. “I have not heard anything formal from the developers. I wish I had good information to give you, but I haven’t heard anything.”
While Homewood and Mountain Brook are the most obvious parties in the development, a small portion of the property is in unincorporated Jefferson County.
“It’s fascinating,” Smith said. “I’m ready to dig in and start working on it. To be honest, I’m ready for this to come to the table and get moving and start talking about it and meeting with the other [entities] and hashing it out and hearing about what the proposed plans are and making modifications. I just haven’t heard anything.”
The Brookwood Village property sits on 57 acres between Shades Mountain and Shades
Celebrate the season: shop, dine and gather in Mountain Brook
Mayor’s Minute
By Graham Smith
The holiday season is upon us, and our city is already sparkling with festive spirit. As your mayor, I want to encourage everyone to make this season about connection: with one another, with our community and with the local businesses that make Mountain Brook so special.
Graham Smith
When you shop and dine locally, you’re not just crossing items off your gift list; you’re investing in the very heart of our city. Every purchase, every meal and every moment spent in our villages help keep Mountain Brook thriving. It’s how we preserve the charm and vitality that makes our community unlike any other.
This year, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the holidays right here at home. Mark your calendars for these community traditions:
► Mountain Brook Village Holiday Open House: Thursday, Dec. 4
► English Village Holiday Open House: Thursday, Dec. 11
► Mountain Brook Holiday Parade: Sunday, Dec. 7
Each event offers a chance to enjoy our
beautifully decorated villages, discover unique local shops and share the joy of the season with family and friends. When you shop locally this season, you’re doing more than finding that perfect gift:
You’re supporting your neighbors. Our shop owners and restaurateurs live here, raise families here and contribute daily to our community’s success.
You’re strengthening our economy. Healthy local businesses help maintain the vibrancy and character of our villages, and they keep storefronts full rather than empty.
You’re investing in our future. Local sales taxes directly fund vital services like police and fire protection, road improvements, parks and city maintenance.
And while you’re out shopping, don’t forget to take a break and enjoy one of our wonderful local restaurants. Create your own holiday challenge to find every restaurant with a fireplace (I can think of three, offhand), find every restaurant serving eggnog or hot cider, or simply set a goal to try two new restaurants in December.
So, as you make your list and check it twice, remember that the most meaningful gifts often come from just around the corner. Let’s come together to celebrate the season, support our local businesses and keep the spirit of Mountain Brook shining bright. From my family to yours — happy holidays!
SCHOOLHOUSE
Alabama’s FOCUS Act in effect
Statewide law aims to curb classroom distractions
By APRIL COFFEY
On the first day of school, the usual shuffle of backpacks and binders came with a new ritual at Mountain Brook High: students lining up to drop their phones into zippered pouches before the first bell rang. For senior Callie Springer, it felt like “locking away a piece of your brain.”
The Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act, signed by Gov. Kay Ivey in May, applies to all public K-12 schools in Alabama. Effective beginning with the 202526 school year, its goal is to reduce distractions, improve safety and refocus classroom time by eliminating personal device use during the school day. In Mountain Brook — where phone restrictions were already in place for younger students — the biggest shift is happening in high schools, where students, teachers and parents are adjusting to the new rhythm.
STATEWIDE MANDATE, LOCAL IMPACT
The law bans smartphones, earbuds and smartwatches during school hours unless they’re used for educational purposes or emergencies. It also provides funding for schools to adopt digital tools and online learning platforms aimed at creating more dynamic instruction.
Gov. Ivey framed the law as a response to parent and educator concerns.
“These often-disruptive devices have no place in our classrooms during the school day except for educational purposes or during an emergency,” she said in a May statement. “The FOCUS Act will enable students to ‘focus’ on learning while in school rather than on their phones.”
Classroom distraction was a driving concern behind the law. In a 2024 Pew Research survey, 72% of U.S. high school teachers said that cellphone use was a major problem in their classrooms. Academic research has echoed those concerns — a Rutgers University study found that students in device-friendly classrooms scored an average of 5% lower on final exams than students in phone-free classes. The FOCUS Act’s supporters believe limiting phone use will improve student engagement and overall outcomes, though some experts caution that device bans alone aren’t a cure-all.
Another provision of the law requires school districts to implement internet safety education and adopt local policies for student use of school-owned devices. Mountain Brook City Schools already had a technology use policy in place. It covers email, social media and digital images and is designed to support learning and communication both on and off campus.
FROM DISTRACTION TO ENGAGEMENT
For many Mountain Brook educators, the impact was immediate.
“Banning cell phones during school creates a calmer, more focused learning environment by removing constant distractions from texts and social media,” French teacher Courtney Capocci said. “Students stay more engaged and participate more in class.”
Springer agrees. “Last year, in some classes, I would not be paying attention because I would
be thinking about what I wanted to do on my phone. Now, I know that I cannot have my phone all day, so I am focusing much better and not even thinking about it.”
Spanish teacher
Tommy Marlowe, who teaches at Mountain Brook Junior High, has seen the same shift.
“I can see more socialization between the students, and I have a closer relationship with my students, as a teacher, due to the absence of these devices,” he said. “I’m happy to see the relationships that are being formed from genuine, personal interactions.”
Lunch and downtime between classes have changed, too.
“Instead of looking at my phone during lunch or between classes,” Springer said, “I am talking to my friends. It’s a different experience than I had earlier in high school.”
Parent Andrea Dapkus has also noticed a shift — not just in academic focus, but in emotional development.
“Increased connection, social skills practice, emotional resilience and creativity are born in being a little bored,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see what happens when they’re not constantly on a screen.”
COMMUNICATION AND MENTAL HEALTH
Still, not everyone is completely at ease with the change. Some parents worry about reaching their children in emergencies or coordinating last-minute changes during the day.
“It’s much harder to contact my mom if something changes during the day that I need to tell her,” Springer said. “For example, I had my phone out to tell my mom about an appointment that I had immediately after school. The teachers are very understanding because it’s new for all of us.”
Dapkus sees that challenge as part of the learning process. “It will help both my girls to be more responsible — to have everything they need and to make their plans ahead of time.”
Mountain Brook City Schools, like many districts, encourages parents to use platforms such as ParentSquare for non-emergency communication.
What to know about the FOCUS Act
► Full name: Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act (FOCUS Act)
► Applies to: All public K-12 schools in Alabama, effective 2025-26 school year
► What’s banned: Use, operation or display of phones, earbuds, smartwatches and other wireless devices during the school day
► Exceptions: Medical needs, emergencies, IEP/504 accommodation and teacher-directed instructional use
► Local responsibility: Every school board must adopt compliant wireless device and internet safety policies
► Required curriculum: Students must complete a state-approved course on social media risks and online safety before eighth grade
► Legislative support: Passed Alabama House 79-15; supported by Alabama Department of Education
SOURCES: ALABAMA LEGISLATURE (HB166), ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (FOCUS ACT MEMO, JULY 2025), GOVTECH REPORTING
For students who rely on their phones for emotional comfort, the transition has brought anxiety. Organizations like College Admissions Made Possible are trying to help. The nonprofit, which operates the Alabama Virtual Institute for more than 3,000 students each afternoon, has incorporated a “Brains and Screens” curriculum into its social-emotional learning time.
“[It] uses SEL time to retrain the brain for focus, calm and connection in a screen-saturated world,” said Michelle Hayes, executive director of CAMP.
WHO’S FEELING THE CHANGE?
While the FOCUS Act standardizes expectations statewide, its impact varies by age group. For younger students in Mountain Brook’s elementary and junior high schools, phone restrictions have been in place for years. The
What research says about phones and learning
► 72% of U.S. high school teachers say phones are a major distraction in class
► A Rutgers University study concluded allowing devices in class led to ~5% lower final exam scores compared to phone-free classrooms
► A meta-analysis of 39 studies found consistent negative links between smartphone use and academic performance
► Over half of school leaders report cellphones negatively impact learning outcomes
► Some research cautions that bans alone may not improve grades or well-being — other supports are often needed
SOURCES: PEW RESEARCH CENTER (2024), RUTGERS UNIVERSITY (2018), EDUCATION SCIENCES META-ANALYSIS (2024), NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS (2025), UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (2025)
biggest adjustment has come at the high school level.
“In my three years at MBJHS,” Marlowe said, “I have had very few issues with cell phones.”
For high schoolers, enforcement has gone smoothly.
“Mountain Brook High has a consistent policy in place that has been made very clear to students,” Springer said. “We all know the consequences of having our phones out when we are not supposed to, and I really have not seen students disobeying the rules.”
Marlowe echoed that sentiment: “My students do a great job of making sure that their phones and other prohibited devices are off and put away. This eighth grade group that I currently teach has really bought into the rules, and I’m very appreciative of that.”
The FOCUS Act represents one of Alabama’s most significant statewide education shifts in recent years. Its success will depend on how it evolves — and how schools balance the benefits of fewer distractions with the practical needs of students and families.
Marlowe
Capocci
Peace on Earth
SCHOOLHOUSE
Mountain Brook students lead again on state and national tests
By TIM STEPHENS
As Mountain Brook students enter the second quarter of the 2025-26 school year, new data confirms a strong foundation built last year — continuing the district’s tradition of academic excellence across grade levels and exam types.
Students posted standout results on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program, ACT, PSAT and Advanced Placement exams. From early benchmarks in reading and math to college-level test scores, Mountain Brook students outperformed state and national averages in nearly every category.
“We don’t hang our hat on test scores each year; however, we are pleased with the results from our students and their ability to take their classroom learning and succeed in a testing environment,” Superintendent Dicky Barlow said. “We want to ensure that each one of our students has access and opportunity to do his or her best in every aspect of every day.”
STRENGTH IN ACAP PERFORMANCE
Each spring, students in grades two through eight take the ACAP in reading and math, with additional science testing in grades four, six and eight. In 2025, Mountain Brook students exceeded the state average by at least 40 percentage points in English language arts across all grade levels. Fifth-grade scores led
the way, with 98 percent meeting the benchmark and 74 percent exceeding it.
Math scores remained strong, with 82 percent of students across all grades meeting the benchmark and 35 percent exceeding it. Among second graders, 88 percent met the standard and 44 percent exceeded it — one of the highest rates exceeding the benchmark in the state.
Science scores told a similar story. In eighth grade, 85 percent of students met the benchmark, compared to just 41 percent statewide. Across core subjects, Mountain
Brook’s test results have shown steady growth since 2023. In English language arts, for example, fifthgrade scores rose from 91 percent meeting the benchmark in 2023 to 98 percent in 2025 — with more than double the number of students exceeding expectations over that span.
COLLEGE READINESS METRICS
At the high school level, sophomores scored an average of 21.7 on the PreACT, significantly ahead of the national average of 17.0.
Mountain Brook High School’s 10 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists in 2025. Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook High School.
Mountain Brook’s PreACT scores have also remained consistent, with 10th-grade students averaging between 21.7 and 22.1 over the past five years — nearly five points above national averages each year.
Juniors who took the ACT with Writing averaged 25.1 — outperforming both the state average (18.0) and national average (19.6). Mountain Brook students often take the ACT multiple times before graduation, and the average score per graduating class typically exceeds even this already-strong benchmark.
Since 2020, Mountain Brook’s
ACT scores have remained stable, ranging between 24.5 and 25.3 — even as national and state averages have steadily declined. The national average dropped from 20.8 to 19.6 during that period, while the state average fell from 19.1 to 18.0.
NATIONAL MERIT HONORS
Ten Mountain Brook High School students were named National Merit Semifinalists in 2025 — a recognition based on top performance on the PSAT. These academically talented seniors scored between 1400 and 1520, placing them among the top students nationwide.
This year’s honorees are: Sisi Holden, Emmy Grace Cribbs, Polly Allbritton, Eleanor Couch, Ada Dapkus, Jeb Blair, Leo Eriksson, Max Benton, Harrison Dobbins and Zach Hendrickson.
Mountain Brook’s average PSAT score was 1086, compared to the national average of 949.
AP RESULTS SET NEW HIGH
Mountain Brook High School administered 1,212 AP exams across 27 different courses. Of those, 91 percent scored a 3 or higher — the highest rate for MBHS in the past four years. The global average was 73 percent.
Of the 1,212 AP exams taken, 294 students earned the highest score of 5, while another 505 scored a 4 — meaning nearly two-thirds of all test-takers reached the top two levels.
November
In the Classroom
GET TO KNOW
Callie Springer, Mountain Brook High School senior
By APRIL COFFEY
Q: Tell our readers a little about yourself.
A: My name is Callie Springer and I am 18 years old and a senior at Mountain Brook High. I don't have any siblings, but I have two cats and two dogs. I enjoy spending time with my family and I love to learn about new things and try different things.
Springer
Q: What do you like most about attending Mountain Brook High School?
A: My favorite part about attending MBHS is the endless resources we have. Our school has been blessed by so many helpful and kind people. At Mountain Brook, we have a math lab and a writing lab. The math lab is open all hours of the day for anyone who needs help answering any questions about math. It has been a huge help for my grade over the past four years. The writing lab is very similar, as you can get help on things like essays, grammar or any English questions that you are struggling with. In our library, we have
many stationary areas for any of your needs. Our library has multiple shelves with any supplies you may need such as glue, paper, pencils, scissors, rulers and much more. I never feel like I am lost or cannot get help from someone. Teachers are willing to be by your side when you need it.
Q: What extracurricular activities do you participate in?
A: I am a hostess and a server at The Pita Stop Express in Cahaba Heights. I work two or three days a week depending on my testing schedule at school. On the days I don’t work, I like to work out with my friends or babysit.
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: My role model has always been both of my parents. Both of my parents strive to succeed and have always gone above and beyond to be honest, hard and consistent workers. They both have worked very hard to own their own companies to give me the best life. It truly amazes me watching them wake up every day and work tirelessly, just to do it all over again. I hope to be exactly like my parents some day.
By APRIL COFFEY
As one of the more than 50 Belmont University orchestra students and members of the student performance group Chorale, Caleb Flores experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Oct. 16 — performing alongside world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville. Flores is originally from Mountain Brook. The students accompanied Bocelli and an all-star lineup of guest artists, including Trisha Yearwood, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans, during a special concert celebrating the launch of Belmont’s historic
$700 million Hope Transforms campaign.
“This was a truly transformative experience for our students,” said Dr. Christopher Fashun, Belmont’s director of orchestras. “There are very few schools that provide this kind of access to undergrads. You just don’t see students — sometimes even in their first or second year — getting to collaborate with professionals at this level. That’s just not normal.” For many students, the evening marked the most significant performance of their careers so far — a testament to Belmont’s distinct opportunities for real-world experience and collaboration at the highest level of artistry.
Belmont University orchestra in Nashville performs with Andrea Bocelli at the Oct. 16 concert, “An Evening of Hope.” Photo courtesy of Belmont University.
Iconic David Webb Diamond Chevron Bracelet with carved Onyx and Diamonds
Business Buzz
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
range from ice cream flavors like affogato drowned in espresso to pecan pie with fior di latte ice cream. The drink menu includes beer, wine and curated cocktails served in an upscale, nostalgic yet laid-back atmosphere. slimspizzeria.com, 205-848-2706
Mountain Brook native James Elledge has launched Juniper & James, a golf apparel brand focused on premium gear for hot climates — designed for golfers who want both quality and style in southern heat. Elledge now lives in Texas Hill Country with his wife and toddler twins, Juniper and James, and still visits family in Alabama. The debut collection includes performance polos, golf shorts and pants, belts and hats. The line features brrr° proprietary jersey fabric, which is scientifically proven to keep skin up to five degrees cooler. The performance polos have an athletic fit and offer lightweight stretch that maintains structure. Garment patterns and organic colors draw inspiration from natural elements — coastal courses, marshes, redfish tails and deep clay soil among them. Elledge has also helped build lifestyle brands Deep Eddy Vodka, Epic Western and King Ranch. juniperjamesgolf.com
ANNIVERSARIES
Slim’s, a pizzeria and neighborhood bar at 65 Church St. in Crestline Village, is beginning its fourth year serving New York-style pizza — from classics to exotics like braised duck with mushrooms and pancetta or lobster with basil pesto and Calabrian chiles. Desserts
Who
Maro, an Asian fusion and poke fast-casual restaurant at 361 Rele St. in Lane Parke, is celebrating two years in business. Owner and chef Abhi Sainju puts a fresh spin on Asian flavors, including Korean, Vietnamese and Hawaiian influences. marobham.com, 205-238-5360
Crestline Village Dentistry, at 244 Country Club Park, is beginning its 18th year in business. Dr. M. Clark Dunn and his team offer preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. They also focus on reducing dental anxiety. crestlinedentistry.com, 205-870-5700
Taco Mama is celebrating 15 years in business. The fast-casual Tex-Mex chain, with its vibrant, kitschy at-
mosphere, began in Crestline Village in 2011. The concept was inspired by hole-in-the-wall burrito restaurants founder Will Haver visited while traveling in California. The restaurant offers a build-your-own taco bar, signature margaritas, fresh and whole ingredients and menu items for a range of dietary needs. tacomamaonline.com, 205-414-9314
The Fitness Center, at 3900 Montclair Road, Suite 210, is marking 32 years of helping clients improve their health. Personal trainers offer customized coaching to help clients meet their goals. Owners Vic and Beth Nigri focus on results-oriented coaching tailored to individual goals. thefitnesscenter.org, 205-870-1121
Elledge
GET TO KNOW
Andy Findlay of Mountain Brook Creamery
By STAFF
Andy Findlay is the area manager of Mountain Brook Creamery, located at 2715 Cahaba Road.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working in Mountain Brook?
A: The community. Everybody kind of knows everybody. It’s like a small-town feel. It’s a lot of fun. I’ve been here forever. It’s very nostalgic.
Q: How long have you been here?
A: About 10 years.
Q: How many flavors of ice cream do you guys carry at one time?
A: We have 44 out at one time. We rotate about 75.
Q: What’s your favorite flavor?
A: Stellar Coffee. It’s a coffee-based ice cream with chocolate — everything good.
Q: What’s your most popular flavor?
A: Cookies and Cream right now.
Q: What do you think is the reason that people keep coming back?
A: Probably the nostalgia. We know a lot of customers’ names. We know their orders. They come in here, they unwind, sit down and talk.
Q: How does Mountain Brook Creamery fit into the community?
A: If you’ve won a game, you’ve lost a game — it’s just a good place to come celebrate. Ice cream makes you happy. You go to the doctor, and you bribe your child with ice cream. They go out to eat, and they want to come in here. It’s just kind of one of those things.
Q: Is it the nostalgia that made you want to work here?
A: I think so. Also, you’re selling ice cream. Sad people come through the door, and they’re leaving happy. It’s just a good culture.
Craft’s latest location turns up the flavor on 280
By JORDYN DAVIS
This summer, Birmingham’s go-to chicken spot announced its third location — now open in Mountain Brook Plaza. What used to be Miss Dot’s, a former fried chicken joint, is now Craft’s, a family-owned restaurant known for high-quality ingredients and bold flavor combinations.
The name “Craft’s” comes straight from its owner and founder, Craft O’Neal Sr., and his son, Craft O’Neal Jr. The father-son duo are no strangers to the restaurant world — the family is a proud third generation of business owners, with their grandparents having started Zoe’s Kitchen.
“I’ve learned that success in the restaurant industry comes down to consistency and people,” Craft O’Neal said. “From our kitchen to our front-of-house team, every person plays a role in shaping the guest experience, and it’s been a privilege to watch the team grow and excel.”
Craft’s menu includes everything from crispy chicken plates to classic wraps and an array of sides, desserts and specialty sauces. Customers can also choose from a lineup of drinks, including frozen cocktails.
“Our chicken tenders and classic sides are
always the standout — they’re hand-breaded, cooked to order and paired with our signature sauces,” O’Neal said. “Customers love that mix of comfort food and quality you can taste. It’s that perfect mix of Southern comfort and quality that keeps guests coming back. Our frozen cocktails are a favorite as well.”
Craft’s is open on Church Street and Downtown, with the new Mountain Brook Plaza location now added to the list. For updates, follow Craft’s on Instagram and Facebook.
Craft’s on Church Street in Crestline Village. Staff photo.
Findlay
Recently sold homes in Mountain Brook
EVENTS
A very Mountain Brook Christmas
Mountain
By EMILY REED
Mountain Brook is lighting up for the holidays with beloved traditions, sparkling displays and festive events for all ages. From the towering, 30-foot Bromberg’s Christmas tree and its annual photo contest to the city’s holiday parade, there’s no shortage of seasonal magic to enjoy throughout the city this year.
BROMBERG’S TREE AND PHOTO CONTEST
Bromberg’s follows a longtime annual tradition of placing a live tree outside its Mountain Brook location.
“It is usually about 30 feet tall, and we have people working on it when it arrives to add the combination of lights,” Benney said.
The tree will have roughly 30,000 white and colored lights and will stay lit through New Year’s Eve.
Bromberg’s invites anyone coming to see the tree to take a photo of themselves with it and post the photos on Facebook, Instagram or X and to use #brombergstree. From everyone who posts a photo using the hashtag, one winner will be selected to win a $500 Bromberg’s gift certificate.
“We will select a winner on Christmas Eve, and they [will] win $500, so it is always really fun to see each year,” Benney said. “We encourage anyone uploading to make sure they use the hashtag so we can view the photos.”
Bromberg’s is located at 2800 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook.
CHRISTMAS PARADE
The annual Mountain Brook Holiday Parade will be held Sunday, Dec. 7 beginning at 3 p.m. The parade will begin at the Mountain Brook Office Park and travel down Cahaba Road.
This year’s parade is presented by Birmingham Mosquito and Pest Control. The parade features school groups and local businesses and will conclude with the arrival of Santa Claus atop a Mountain Brook Fire Department truck. There will be opportunities for photos with Santa and activities in the Children’s Village near the parade stage.
VILLAGE OPEN HOUSES
There are several open houses offered this year throughout Mountain Brook. The first is Dec. 4 with Mountain Brook Village and Lane Parke. This event will feature an open house with merchants welcoming guests into their holiday-adorned stores for shopping, refreshments and special guests.
On Dec. 11, English Village will host their annual holiday open house amid the twinkling lights. There will be live music with retailers opening their doors for sales, specials and
holiday treats. For more information, visit mtnbrookchamber.org.
GLOW WILD
Birmingham Zoo’s annual Glow Wild will be held this year from Nov. 22, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026. Its animal lanterns will be set up throughout the zoo, allowing visitors to stroll through trails that twinkle from the glow of more than one million lights. Of the roughly 100 lanterns that will be featured, Director of Marketing and Events Bill Lang said more than 60 percent will be new this year.
Also new to this year’s Glow Wild will be a Holiday Village, which will have gingerbread house lanterns, Christmas trees and a menorah.
“The menorah is 6-and-a-half feet tall and was supported by Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood,” Lang said. “We will have the menorah lit each night of Hannukah.”
Yet another new addition will be the predator
area’s “nautical” theme, which will allow visitors to walk through a massive angler fish and under a sparkling underwater scene.
“We are also adding an Adult’s Only Night on Dec. 4,” Lang said. “We love our younger friends that come to the zoo, but we also wanted to offer something if you wanted to bring a date or if you are a college student and maybe wanting a quieter experience. So, for those 18 and over, it is a great time to come and enjoy the event. We will also have fun music and some extra bars throughout the zoo.”
The zoo will offer Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 13, with seatings at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
For more information about this year’s holiday events at the zoo, visit birminghamzoo.com.
LIVE NATIVITY
Mountain Brook Baptist Church will host its annual family-oriented Living Nativity, showcasing the story of Jesus’ birth, from Dec. 20-22. There will be two showings each night: one at 6:30 p.m. and one at 7:30 p.m. The church has been hosting this community event for 53 years and has used the same narration each year — recorded by Dr. Dotson Nelson, the pastor of MBBC when the event began.
“People just really love coming out for this,” said Amy Hirsch from MBBC. “We have several hundred people come out for each show.”
Hirsch said many of the church children and teens play the parts in the Nativity and visitors can pet live animals in between each showing.
“We will have hot chocolate and cookies and fellowship before and after each showing,” Hirsch said. “It is always a great time.”
The program will take place in the lower parking lot on the Overbrook Road side of the church. Visitors are encouraged to arrive a bit early for the best viewing experience. For more information, visit mbbc.org.
Save the Date
BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN ALUMNI CHOIR’S CAROL SERVICE
► When: Live on Friday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m., then rebroadcast Monday, Dec. 22 at 9 p.m. on Alabama Public Television
► Where: Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road
► Details: Celebrate the annual Christmas Carol Service by the Alumni Choir of Birmingham-Southern College. Join director James Bagwell and organist Richard Charles Phillips, along with the singers, for a beautiful selection of favorite music chosen from previous carol services at Forward, Ever – Always: BSC’s 89th Service of Lessons and Carols.
► Cost: Free
SOLO PERFORMANCE OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL
► When: Friday, Dec. 19, 7:30-9 p.m.
► Where: Steeple Arts Academy, 36 Church St.
► Details: Charles Dickens’ holiday ghost story classic is presented as a one-man show by Mark Cabus at Central Alabama Theater, with support from The RPM Group of Merrill Lynch. Audience members will be encouraged to engage imagination with the crowd and experience an age-old tradition made new and fresh.
► Cost: From $23.18
► Web: cat-christmascarol2025. eventbrite.com
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! (1966)
► When: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m.
► Where: O’Neal Public Library, 50 Oak St.
► Details: Mark your calendar for Family Night at the library, featuring the beloved animated classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” This 1966 holiday TV special is about a green grump who plots to steal Christmas from the town of Whoville. It’s followed by a surprise visit from Mrs. Claus. Guests are encouraged to arrive a little early for a light, complimentary dinner at 5:15 p.m., making it an easy and fun outing for all ages.
► Cost: Free
CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS CHILI COOKOFF
► When: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5:30-7 p.m.
► Where: Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road
► Details: Taste, vote or enter your best pot of chili to compete for fun prizes. Enjoy chili, grilled cheese, games and Christmas cheer, all while supporting the Jackson Olin High School feeding program.
► Cost: $10 adults, $7 kids and youth, $30 family max. To enter your chili in the cookoff, a $20 registration fee is due by Dec. 10.
► Where: Various homes, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills
► Details: Samford University Legacy League hosts its 15th annual holiday tour of homes. Proceeds will provide scholarships for students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances.
► Cost: $40-$50. Advance tickets required.
► Web: www2.samford.edu/homeTour
CAR PARADE AND MENORAH LIGHTING
► When: Sunday, Dec. 21. Line-up at 4 p.m. for a 4:45 p.m. departure.
► Where: Starts at Chabad of Alabama, 3040 Overton Road and ends at Vestavia Hills City Hall
► Details: Chabad of Alabama in Mountain Brook is hosting a car menorah parade. Vehicles topped with glowing menorahs will make their way to Vestavia Hills City Hall for a public menorah lighting. Each vehicle will receive a magnetic car menorah or Chanukah flag.
► Cost: Suggested donation $25 per vehicle
► Web: Registration required, chabadofalabama.com
O’NEAL LIBRARY
► Dec. 1: Mahjong Meet Up, 10 a.m.noon.
► Dec. 2: Gentle Yoga with Marie Blair, 10-11 a.m.
► Dec. 2: Writing Workshop with Miriam Calleja, 5:30-7 p.m. Includes writing prompts.
► Dec. 6: Jane Austen Matinee, “You Have Bewitched Me, Body and Soul,” 3-5:30 p.m.
► Dec. 8: Mahjong Meet Up, 10 a.m.noon.
► Dec. 9: The Bookies discuss “The Antidote” by Karen Russell, 10-11:30 a.m. Book group meeting the second Tuesday of each month in the library conference room. Visitors and new members are always welcome.
► Dec. 9: Gentle Yoga with Marie Blair, 10-11 a.m.
► Dec. 10: Winecraft: Embossed Foil Ornaments with Dabble Arts Studio, 6-8 p.m.
► Dec. 11: Writing Workshop with Miriam Calleja, 5:30-7 p.m. Includes writing prompts.
► Dec. 15: Mahjong Meet Up, 10 a.m.noon.
► Dec. 15: Exam breaks, 3-6 p.m. Teens can study and get through finals week while enjoying free snacks, extra tables and more.
► Dec. 16: Gentle Yoga with Marie Blair, 10-11 a.m.
► Dec. 16-18: Exam breaks, 10 a.m.6 p.m. Teens can study and get through finals week while enjoying free snacks, extra tables and more.
► Dec. 24-25: Library closed for Christmas
► Dec. 29: Mahjong Meet Up, 10 a.m.noon.
► Dec. 30: Books & Beyond Club, 6:30-8 p.m. Book clubbing outside the box.
SPORTS
Spartans hungry to rebound
By KYLE PARMLEY
Mountain Brook High School’s boys basketball team is not hitting reset this winter. The Spartans are entering the new season with an experienced group that still feels the sting of last year’s postseason exit.
Head coach Tyler Davis brought senior guards Trey Davis and Parker Wright to the inaugural Under the Lights Basketball Media Day before the season, and it was easy to see why.
“These two guys were huge for us last year. Between the two of them, they hit over 140 3[-pointers]. Both shot over 40% from the 3, they’re hard workers, gym rats and we expect them to have huge years for us,” the head coach said.
Mountain Brook posted a 26-6 record last season and reached the Class 6A Northeast Regional before falling to Oxford. For a program used to playing deep into February, the early exit was a jolt.
“I would just say it kind of just leaves a terrible taste in your mouth,” Wright said. “The legacy that we have going on here, going to state championships, just letting those guys down before us is terrible. That’s kind of what we’re striving to get back to this year.”
“It’s getting 1 percent better [each day], and making sure that doesn’t happen again,” Trey Davis added.
The roster is built to make a push. Mountain Brook carries 15 players, including 10 seniors. Ten players return overall, giving the Spartans
Mountain Brook’s Parker Wright is one of the team’s top returning players and shot over 40% from 3-point range last season. Staff photo.
plenty of continuity.
“There’s a lot of experience there with that,” Tyler Davis said. “A lot of these guys, especially in the senior group, have won on all levels they’ve been in from junior high up, and so they understand the winning mindset and being successful.”
That competitive edge shows up even when
the lights are off.
“Definitely really competitive. It’s been intense,” Trey Davis said of offseason pickup games. “You’ve got to win every play and can’t give up on anything.”
“Coaches are really hard on us, and none of our guys like to lose,” Wright added. “It’s just that bad taste in your mouth after losing each
game. It’s terrible.”
Davis expects this group to evolve stylistically. Senior Hill McCluney will step into the starting center role, and his versatility allows the Spartans to lean further into five-guard concepts within their dribble-drive attack.
“We will go to a little bit more five out,” Tyler Davis said. “We want to shoot the 3, but we don’t want to live and die by it.”
Trey Davis and Wright have focused on expanding their games accordingly.
“I’ve gained some weight, and that helps me get to the paint more,” Trey Davis said. “I felt like I was strictly a 3-point shooter last year, so I’m working on getting in the paint and getting to the free throw line.”
There is depth behind them, too. They have seen steady growth from John Stephenson, Drew Johnson and Porter Perry, players who had smaller roles a year ago but are now ready to shoulder more.
The roster also features seniors Rocco Gray, Braden Little, River Parant, Maddox Brown and Miller Lee, along with juniors John Colvin, Griffin Allen, Frank Druhan and JD Oliphant.
At this point, the standard doesn’t need much explaining.
Mountain Brook faces Pelham, Homewood, Clay-Chalkville, Chelsea, Tuscaloosa Academy and Madison Academy before closing the calendar year in Pensacola. In January, the schedule features more tough teams like Bob Jones, Vestavia Hills, McAdory and others, in addition to area foes Huffman and Woodlawn.
Lady Spartans not resting on laurels of last year’s success
By KYLE PARMLEY
Last winter marked a breakthrough for the Mountain Brook High School girls basketball program. The Lady Spartans reached the state final for the first time in school history, a milestone that reset expectations and proved that the climb under head coach Sara Price is real.
As the 2025-26 season gets underway, the Lady Spartans are no longer the up-and-coming story. Now they are the team trying to make sure the final four run was more than a one-hit wonder.
Price brought junior Maddie Walter, senior Clarkie Wilkinson and sophomore Avery Davis to the preseason Under the Lights Basketball Media Day — not because they’re the biggest scorers but because of how the team responds to them.
“The team and us coaches value them as leaders,” Price said. “What they’ve done this preseason and what they’ve done in summer has proven they can step up and be the face of the program.” Walter, Wilkinson and Davis were at the center of last year’s run, and each is embracing what comes next. Walter called the experience “super exciting.” Wilkinson said feeling the community’s support only raised the group’s motivation. Wilkinson steps into her senior season as the team’s vocal anchor, something both she and her teammates acknowledge. She said her goal is “just making sure we’re all under one voice, like all on the same page.” Price added that Wilkinson “does a lot of the little junk work that we ask of her,” the kind of behind-the-scenes impact that doesn’t show up in a box score.
The Lady Spartans return a strong core of seven from last year’s rotation and add five freshmen who Price believes can help right away. Junior Lindsey Dean is coming off a strong summer. Senior post player Annabelle Avery is expected to play a major role inside. Junior guard Kate Bakken, who provided key minutes off the bench a season ago, is poised for a larger role. Kate Garrett and Avery enter the year healthier after battling injuries in the preseason.
The freshman class features point guard Alexa
“And our incoming freshmen … are just going to step in and be great role players for us.”
want to be heavy on the defensive end and get a lot out of our defense.”
The players point to consistency as the key to another deep run.
“We had a lot of highs and lows,” Walter said of last season’s lessons.
Davis added that giving “100% energy in every game” will matter just as much as anything tactical.
After that taste of success last winter, the Lady Spartans are eager to make another postseason push this year.
“We’re going to work to get back there,” Wilkinson said.
In December, Mountain Brook will play the likes of Pelham, Homewood, Clay-Chalkville, Chelsea, Tuscaloosa Academy and Madison Academy before heading to the beach to round out the calendar year.
“Our solid crew that is returning has enough experience to make a statement,”
Stylistically, the identity remains the same: fast, aggressive, defense-driven basketball.
“We still want to be fast,” Price said. “We
The Lady Spartans continue challenging themselves with non-area games against Bob Jones, Vestavia Hills, Calera, Pelham, Northridge, Clay-Chalkville and Vestavia Hills. They compete in an area with Huffman and Woodlawn.
Nelson, shooter Karma Kilgore, post presence Lily Henderson and versatile newcomers Merritt Estes and Olivia Craig.
Price said.
Above left: Maddie Walter (15).
Above right: Avery Davis (3).
Left: Clarkie Wilkinson (1). Staff photos.
GIVE THE GIFT OF TOTAL FITNESS
At Total Fitness Consultants, located in Mountain Brook, founder David Thomas and his highly skilled trainers offer clients personalized, one-on-one work-outs in an inspiring, motivating atmosphere.
“Each person is unique and it’s our goal to design a program to fit the lifestyle, needs and goals of each client,” says Thomas, an industry veteran for 25 years and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Everyone is welcome at Total Fitness, including busy professionals, seniors, people who are exercising seriously for the first time in years and athletes who are seeking to rehab an injury or improve their performance.
And the holidays are a perfect time to start a fitness program at Total Fitness Consultants or to give the gift of fitness to a loved one.
“We offer gift cards year round, so folks can come in and grab one as a Christmas gift for a family member — a spouse, a son, a daughter,” Thomas said.
Joining Total Fitness Consultants is also a great way to fulfill that New Year’s resolution to get in better shape — a resolution so many of us make each year.
“New Year’s resolutions often fail, because somebody joins a big gym but they’re intimidated and don’t know what to do,” Thomas says.
That’s not a problem at Total Fitness Consultants, where each client works out regularly with the same excellent trainer.
“You develop a great rapport and strong relationship with your trainer, and they build a
fitness program individualized just for you,” Thomas says.
Working with the same trainer also helps clients stick to their program. “You’re meeting one person as opposed to a group class,” Thomas says. “It keeps you on track and builds accountability.”
The facility’s well-rounded program touches all aspects of fitness, including flexibility, balance, strength and cardiovascular health, and uses a wide range of equipment, including free weights and machines.
This will be a special year for
• CALL: 205-871-7744
• ONLINE: totalfit.org and @TotalFitnessConsultants on Facebook and Instagram
• MOUNTAIN BROOK: 2833 Culver Road
• CRESTLINE: 204 Country Club Park
Total Fitness Consultants. The facility will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Mountain Brook in June 2026.
And Total Fitness Consultants remains focused on its mission.
“We take a lot of gratification when people tell us how much better they feel and look and how they enjoy exercise and how it helps them in daily life or in their sport,” Thomas says.
COMMUNITY
Mountain Brook Baptist celebrates 75th anniversary of chapel
By LAUREN H. DOWDLE
Gas was 27 cents a gallon, the Peanuts comic strip debuted and a growing congregation in Mountain Brook held its first service in a newly constructed chapel. The year was 1950.
As the oldest continuously used worship building in Mountain Brook, the chapel at Mountain Brook Baptist Church will celebrate its 75th anniversary during this year’s Christmas Eve service, said Wayne Splawn, senior minister at the church.
“It’s a wonderful chance to remember the faith of those first members who purchased the land here and had their first service on Christmas Eve in the chapel,” Splawn said.
In 1946, the members bought 3.46 acres at the church’s current location on Montevallo Road and began construction on the chapel with the help of architect George P. Turner. The building was designed to have auditorium seating for 165 and Sunday School seating for 250.
On Christmas Eve in 1950, the church held its first service in the chapel. The members and community came together for a time of singing, worship and festive celebration — as the church still does 75 years later.
Mountain Brook Baptist will have three Christmas Eve services this year: one at 3 p.m., geared toward families, and two more traditional services at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. From observing the Lord’s Supper to singing by candlelight, the services are a highlight of the season for members, their extended families and the community, Splawn said. The church will also host a living nativity Dec. 20-22 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., which has become a tradition for many.
“The season of Christmas is a really meaningful time here for us to impact both our members and the people across our community,” Splawn said. “My favorite part is at the
end of the service when we take fire from the Christ candle and distribute it to the deacons and throughout the sanctuary. It’s just a beautiful display of the love of Christ for us and also us bearing witness to that light in our lives.”
While the chapel stopped serving as the church’s primary worship space in 1961, it’s still used for choir rehearsals, small weddings, funerals and services during Holy Week. It has also undergone renovations through the years, most recently as part of the church’s recent $20 million renewal project. They added wood floors, replaced the pews with chairs, updated the ceiling and refreshed the space.
“We tried to retain all of the original
architectural elements that make the chapel so beautiful and meaningful to people,” Splawn said. “We updated the space for future generations to appreciate, as well.”
While the building holds three quarters of a century of history within its stained-glass walls, it’s the inviting people who have a heart for others and the Lord who make it a church — both in the past and now.
“I think it’s a good reminder of the bold faith of the people who came before us,” Splawn said.
“Every generation can look back and say we were grateful for those people and the reminder that the Lord has been faithful to us faithful to us during this 75th anniversary.”
“It’s a wonderful chance to remember the faith of those first members who purchased the land here and had their first service on Christmas Eve in the chapel.
WAYNE SPLAWN
Above: Mountain Brook Baptist Church has been operating since 1950.
Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook Baptist Church.
Left: Mountain Brook Baptist will have three Christmas Eve services this year: one at 3 p.m., geared toward families, and two more traditional services at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Staff photo.
he American population is aging rapidly, with more people living longer and seeking ways to maintain their health and independence. One thing is certain — regular exercise is essential for aging gracefully, preserving mobility, and maintaining a high quality of life.
That’s where Graceful Aging in Mountain Brook continues to make a difference.
“Our slogan is ‘Age with grace. Move with confidence,’” says Sarah Brumfield, a Certified Fitness Trainer, Functional Aging Specialist and licensed Physical Therapist Assistant who founded Graceful Aging. “We help mature adults stay active, independent and confident through safe, individualized fitness programs.”
Graceful Aging provides top-quality, in-home training to improve strength, balance and flexibility, thereby reducing fall risk and promoting longevity.
Serving Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Hoover, the Graceful Aging team creates customized programs based on each client’s health history, current functional status and personal goals.
“Following a personalized fitness program is essential for living a happy and healthy life,” Brumfield says. “Routine exercise improves mood and cognitive function and reduces the onset or frequency of conditions like cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.”
FUNCTIONAL AGING EXPERTISE
Graceful Aging’s team continues to expand their knowledge to maintain expertise in their field. Brumfield and her team are now certified Functional Aging Specialists through the Functional Aging Institute, bringing evidencebased strategies to help mature
adults move better, feel stronger and live longer.
“As Functional Aging Specialists, we model clinical excellence by not settling for less than what each client is capable of,” Brumfield says. “We focus on helping each person reach their highest potential — not just physically, but in overall function and confidence.”
The Graceful Aging team has also grown, welcoming Kailey Staggs, a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and Functional Aging Specialist. Staggs brings a strong background in therapeutic exercise and mature adult wellness, further enhancing the program’s commitment to quality and individualized care.
For more information, call 601-597-2442 or visit our website at gracefulaging birmingham.com
A
LIFESTYLE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
A lifestyle that includes routine exercise can be extremely influential in preventing physical decline and disease. Studies continue to show that those who exercise routinely — at any age — experience lower risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes, vascular disease, metabolic syndrome, chronic pain and Alzheimer’s disease.
“Don’t wait until you have a decline in function or a fall to make health your priority,” Brumfield advises seniors. “Preventative wellness is one of the most powerful ways to preserve independence.”
Graceful Aging offers one-on-one 50-minute sessions, hybrid monthly fitness programs, assisted stretching and mobility sessions, and in-home assessments. All equipment is provided.
Life in Mountain Brook
BACK WHEN Lane Parke’s long road to opening
By TIM STEPHENS
Lane Parke, the newest addition to Mountain Brook Village, took nearly 20 years to open its doors.
Plans for the mixed-use development date back to 2004, when it was proposed as the replacement for the aging Mountain Brook Shopping Center.
The first phase, opened in 2016, brought the Grand Bohemian Hotel, 257 apartments and 67,000 square feet of retail. Early tenants included MidiCi, Tulipano and Annabelle’s.
Lane Parke Apartments, under construction here, opened their Phase 1 in June 2014 as part of the early stages of the multi-use complex. Staff photo.
The turning point came in 2018, when the old shopping center was finally demolished and crews began laying utilities for Phase 2.
Developer John Evans promised the 18 new spaces would be delivered as “warm boxes,” ready for boutique shops and restaurants to customize. Road realignments and a new Regions Bank were part of the plan.
By 2019, Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors took over leasing, adding tenants like ABC Select Spirits, the U.S. Post Office and Sol Y Luna. “The whole village is our
canvas,” CEO Sam Heide said at the time.
“Lane Parke can fill in some gaps.”
Momentum carried into 2022 and 2023 with new-to-Alabama brands like Ladybird Taco, tasc Performance and Little Buckhead Blue.
On Nov. 9, 2023, Lane Parke celebrated its grand opening with live music, family activities and dozens of shops and restaurants.
Crumbl Cookies and Little Betty Steak Bar were among the final tenants to open — a fitting capstone to a project that was, for years, all about waiting.
GET TO KNOW
Jefferson County Schools Federal Programs
Assistant Director Blake Frazier
By APRIL COFFEY
Q: Please tell our readers about yourself.
A: My wife and I moved to the Birmingham area shortly after being married in 2003. We have two children. Ellie graduated from Mountain Brook High School last year and is currently a freshman at Mississippi State University. Nolan is currently a freshman at MBJH. I’m the Assistant Director of the Federal Programs department for the Jefferson County school district. I’ve served in this department for the past 15 years. What I enjoy most is spending time with my family and cheering on my kids in all of their activities. I enjoy being active, too. I am all in on the pickleball craze and like to get in nature to walk/jog.
Q: What is the most rewarding thing for you about working in education?
A: People who know me know that I love an underdog, so what is most rewarding to me is truly seeing how education changes lives. A quality education is important for everyone, but it is exciting to see how it can change the trajectory of someone’s life. There are so many
incredible success stories to share, from students who are the first to graduate in their family to students who enter college with a semester of year’s worth of credit already behind them. All of these stories are so meaningful. In the Federal Programs department, we always say our role is to remove or reduce barriers for students so they have the best chance possible to be successful. We strive to do that every day.
Q: Why did you and your family decide to live in Mountain Brook? What is the best part of living in Mountain Brook for you?
A: At first, it was primarily just proximity to both of our work locations. We got tired of the commute and were just ready for a change. The school system was also a huge factor in our decision. We knew that our kids (fourth grade and kindergarten at the time) would receive a quality education and be prepared for what is next in life. To me, the best part of Mountain Brook is the landscape. It’s just a beautiful area and offers so much to people who enjoy being outdoors.
On the Mainstage
SPOTLIGHT
Glow Wild returns to the Zoo
By APRIL COFFEY
The Birmingham Zoo is set to sparkle once again with the return of its beloved holiday spectacle, Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration, illuminating select nights from Nov. 22 through Jan. 4. Presented by CHASE with support from Alabama Power and UAB Callahan Eye, the festival promises a breathtaking blend of art, light and seasonal cheer for guests of all ages.
Back by popular demand, Glow Wild 2025 will feature more than one million lights and hundreds of handcrafted lanterns depicting animals from across the globe. Visitors will embark on a mile-long outdoor journey through glowing displays that celebrate the beauty and diversity of nature — from luminous jellyfish and fluttering butterflies to majestic elephants and soaring birds. Each turn along the trail will offer a new discovery, blending artistry with wonder in a celebration of wildlife and winter magic.
The experience will extend far beyond the lanterns themselves. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in festive treats such as churros, s’mores, apple cider and rich hot cocoa — with a spiked option available for adults. The Holiday Village on Henley Lawn will be a hub of merriment, complete with visits from Santa, cheerful carolers and picture-perfect photo opportunities under twinkling lights. For families, friends and
couples alike, the atmosphere will capture the heart of the holiday season.
Adding to the enchantment, visitors will be able to climb aboard the Red Diamond Express Train for a sparkling ride through the zoo or dive into the interactive “Elf Power, Inc.” virtual reality adventure at the Wild Explorer VR Experience. Special event nights will include a Zoo Member Preview Night on Nov. 21, Opening Night Celebration on Nov. 22, Coca-Cola Caravan Night on Nov. 23 and an adults-only evening for guests 18 and older — Adult Night at Glow Wild — on Dec. 4.
Glow Wild will run from 5-9 p.m. on select nights from Nov. 22, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026.
Tickets and schedules are available at BirminghamZoo.com. Don’t miss Birmingham’s brightest holiday tradition!
GET TO KNOW
Birmingham Girls Choir Director Margaret Heron
By APRIL COFFEY
Since its founding in 2001, the Birmingham Girls Choir has nurtured the voices of young singers across the metro area.
Executive Director Margaret Heron has helped guide the nonprofit’s post-pandemic resurgence, leading it from just four returning choristers to more than 130 girls in grades K-12.
Q: Please tell our readers about the Birmingham Girls Choir. When and how was it founded?
A: In its beginning, BGC was started as the “Birmingham Children’s Choir” in 2001 by a professor at the University of Alabama, with funding from a grant. Over a decade later, when Amanda Klimko, long-time Birmingham music educator, became the executive director, the choir was changed to the “Birmingham Girls Choir.” During the pandemic, BGC was forced to shut down. Upon reopening, I took on the role of executive director, and BGC had four remaining girls to start our post-pandemic season. So, the current BGC launched then and now has over 130 girls enrolled, grades K-12.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being the director of the Birmingham Girls Choir?
A: I absolutely love growing girls in musical excellence and witnessing each of our choristers
Birmingham Girls Choir Director Margaret Heron leads a rehearsal with choristers. The nonprofit serves more than 130 girls across the metro area through performance and music education. Photo courtesy of Birmingham Girls Choir.
build confidence, poise and independence as they learn accountability in the community that choir provides.
Q: What is the mission of Birmingham Girls Choir?
A: BGC is a nonprofit organization that instills excellence in young girls through the study and performance of choral music. Our motto is the “3Cs” — committed to excellence, considerate of others, composed in behavior and learning.
Q: Do you have any special events or concerts coming up?
A: BGC is growing so quickly, our performance calendar continues to expand. Here are some of our upcoming events: Nov. 20 — Fall concert, Vestavia Methodist Church, 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 5 — Carols at the Birmingham Zoo, 6 p.m.; Dec. 14 — Collaboration with Opera Birmingham, Holiday Concert, 2:30 p.m., Samford University.
Glow Wild lanterns at the Birmingham Zoo in 2021. Photo courtesy of the Birmingham Zoo.
2025 was a big year for Mountain Brook. Change is happening all around the city, from government and education to business and personal achievements. Before we leap into the new year, let’s look back at some of the impactful moments from this year.
Graham Smith announced her bid for Mayor in early April, following Mayor Stewart Welch’s retirement announcement. Smith’s bid was uncontested, and she assumed office in November. Photo courtesy of Graham Smith.
Mountain Brook High School’s girls indoor track and field team earned the Class 6A state runner-up trophy at the state meet Jan. 31. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
From left, Ivey Patton, Easton Spotswood and Oliver Clark serve customers out of the Who’s Hungry Food Truck. Oliver and his father, Will Clark, started the food truck with the mission of giving anyone who needs a free meal the opportunity to choose their meal.
Photo courtesy of the Clarks.
Former Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch wishes the city a Happy New Year. Welch, who has served as mayor since November 2016, announced in April that he would not be seeking re-election. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
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Lawson McKnight finds the hole during Mountain Brook’s 42-14 win at Oxford on Sept. 19.
Photo by Alex Millender.
The auditoriums at Mountain Brook Elementary and Cherokee Bend were updated with new sound, lighting and finishes over the summer ahead of the 2025-26 school year Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook Schools.
Members of the Mountain Brook High School marching band work on their 2025 halftime show. The summer work helps build camaraderie, pride and spirit and is essential to delivering top performances on the field. Photo by Tosha Gaines.
Carlee Petro at Pine Tree Country Club in Birmingham. Petro was hired as Mountain Brook High School boys and girls tennis coach, taking the place of the retired Susan Farlow.
Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Mountain Brook High School’s girls basketball team achieved a first, winning the Class 6A Northeast Regional and going all the way to the state championship game in early March.
Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Lulu Gribbin with her family on the set of “Good Morning America” with co-host Michael Strahan on Sept. 17 Gribbin was invited on the program to discuss the shark attack that changed her life and how it is motivating her to advocate for investing in prosthetic technology and making accessibility innovations more affordable. Photo by ABC News.
Wunderfan app founder Blake Patterson shows off the app’s features. Wunderfan turns fan engagement into a game.
points
scores, making predictions, even cheering.
loyalty translates into rewards: team merchandise, discounts, VIP experiences.
Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
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Crane has not only brought them to his yard; he has multiplied them rapidly each year to a collection of roughly 250 — give or take a few — with a yard display named “Candy Crane Lane.”
“When my kids came along, we would be driving around looking at Christmas lights, and they would truly light up and go crazy when they would see a yard with inflatables,” Crane said. “I was like, ‘OK, you guys love inflatables; we should add some to our yard.’ That was the point it all started, and I haven’t looked back since.”
When his family moved into their Locksley Drive home in 2021, Crane put up roughly five or six inflatables to decorate.
“It kind of only grew from there,” Crane said. “I am the type of guy that I am either zero or 100. I don’t do anything halfway.”
With each subsequent year, Crane has purchased new inflatables for his yard while also learning the art of buying them at clearance prices during after-Christmas sales.
“I now have this pretty large menagerie of unique and interesting inflatables to put up throughout the yard, and visually, it gives people something different to look at each year,” Crane said. “I think the more unique inflatables are actually kind of fun. Each year there is always something new.”
Although each inflatable brings joy to Crane, he said he is a bit partial to his Grinch collection — a special section of his yard specifically devoted to the many Grinches he has purchased over time.
Not only does Crane put up his large collection of inflatables, but he also adds lights across his yard, including his roof this year that will be entirely covered with Christmas lights.
“Oh, the inflatables get all of the glory, but the lights are really the most time consuming,” Crane said. “If I can put a light on it, I pretty much do. The tree limbs, the yard — you name it, it has a light on it.”
When the calendar hits late August, Crane knows it’s time to start prepping his yard. He works steadily and efficiently during September and October to get everything ready for mid-November, when Christmas is in full swing.
“We do have a few Halloween inflatables in our yard just to be festive for that, but when Nov. 1 hits, it is showtime over here for Christmas,” Crane said. “If I am going to put that much time into something, I want to have ample time to enjoy it, so we have everything ready to go by mid-November.”
The decor stays up until about the second week of January, when it is all taken down and stored away in Crane’s garage.
Over the years, some of the decorating highlights for Crane and his family have been interacting with people who drive by or hearing that neighbors enjoy the display.
Crane sometimes dresses up as Santa or the Elf and blends in with the decor.
“I get a kick out of popping up and
“running around when people think I am just a prop in the yard,” Crane said. “We really love it when people come by. We just get a lot of happiness out of seeing everyone enjoy it, especially the kids. We have buses come. The nearby nursing homes bring some of the elderly by. It is just a joy-filled thing to do for people, and each year we love it that much more.”
Crane said the decorations and Christmas joy become more and more nostalgic for him each year as he recalls his grandmother’s love for the Christmas holiday.
“I think my love for it started when I had kids,” Crane said. “But I also remember, growing up, my grandmother going all out at her house. She had Christmas toilet paper, Christmas potholders, a million Santas — and so each year a lot of those memories come back. My kids love to help me put things up. They spend time with me out getting everything ready, and it just creates a whole new set of memories for me.”
Crane said he thought about traffic flow with intention when he started putting up his decorations, wanting to avoid a traffic
We really love it when people come by. We just get a lot of happiness out of seeing everyone enjoy it, especially the kids. … It is just a joy-filled thing to do for people, and each year we love it that much more.
MATT CRANE
jam of onlookers.
“The way everything is set up is that people can drive by and keep cruising,” Crane said. “We also try to be respectful of the neighbors and turn the lights off around 9 p.m. during the week.”
Even with all the joy the display brings, there’s one part of the process Crane admits he doesn’t look forward to.
“Probably the saddest part is putting them all away for the season,” Crane said. “But it just means it is time to start planning for next year.”
The Cranes’ display is on view now through the end of the year at 3628 Locksley Drive in Mountain Brook.
Starting with just a handful of inflatables in 2021 when his family moved into their Locksley Drive home, Crane has grown his collection to nearly 250 inflatables illuminated by a variety of festive lights. Photos courtesy of Matt Crane.
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“Where the roads intersect, they don’t make a perfect T,” Williams said. “It kind of Ys off, and then there’s a triangle right there.”
Most of the popular traffic islands are in culde-sacs. Williams said there’s a grassy island right in the middle where drivers make the loop around.
“The policy allows residents to make requests to make improvements on those islands,” Williams said. “We’ll go in and plant a tree or some nice bushes. Some of them have had little rock patios, and then the neighbors will add Adirondack chairs to them. It just makes a nice community space for them.”
The city had allotted money for upgrades to traffic islands, depending on the size of the island. Those allotments had been $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000.
“Here recently, especially in the last five years, $1,000 isn’t going very far for some of the smaller islands,” Williams said. “I think 3,000 square feet is the cut off for $1,000.”
Williams requested and the council approved increasing those allotments by $500, making them $1,500, $2,500 and $3,500.
New City Council President Billy Pritchard opened the meeting with proclamations honoring retiring City Manager Sam Gaston and retiring Council President Virginia Smith, for whom the pre-council meeting room has been named. Retiring Mayor Stewart Welch III received the first proclamation from new Mayor Graham Smith, who called Welch “someone I truly think the world of.”
During the meeting, the council also:
► Reappointed Scott Boomhover to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
► Approved the sale or disposal of certain surplus property.
► Authorized the purchase of Ford F-350 truck for the fire department.
► Appointed Maretta Ashford to fill the remaining two years of Mayor Graham Smith’s term as the Place 1 member of the city council.
Following the meeting, a large crowd assembled in the council chamber to honor Gaston, for whom that chamber is named.
“It’s bittersweet,” he said. “I have just thoroughly enjoyed working for this great
community and with such great people. The mayor and council have been very generous to me and the staff and our employees, and I will always remember that.”
While Gaston has retired as Mountain Brook’s city manager, he hasn’t stepped away from the profession. He’s a senior advisor for International City/County Management Association.
“It sounds more important than it is,” the retiree said. “It’s really an unpaid volunteer role where I mentor other managers or help cities find a city manager or city administrator. Right now, I am actually helping or talking with three different cities in some capacity, helping them in some way as they’re transitioning for new people coming in — new mayors, new managers.”
Cars approach the traffic island along Stoneridge Drive and Dunbrooke Drive in the Dunbarton neighborhood. At the Nov. 10 meeting, city council members allotted money for upgrades to traffic islands around Mountain Brook. Staff photo.
