Vl vol 4 iss 6 september 2013 all by Starnes Media

VillageLivingOnline.com

September 2013

Village Living Volume 4 | Issue 6 | September 2013

Training ground

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neighborly news & entertainment for Mountain Brook

A beam to remember Ceremony to mark the 12th anniversary of Sept. 11

The success of the MBJH track program is connected to Coach Mike Abercrombie, his philosophy and a hill in Crestline Village.

Sports page B5

Summer fun Firefighters, military service persons, civilians and police offers will be part of the dedication of the beam from the World Trade Center towers in front of the Municipal Complex on Sept. 11. Lt. Jeff Crab, Sergeant First Class and Firefighter Cornelius “Tony” Ratcliff, Terry Chapman and Officer Lance Ziska are pictured to the right of the beam memorial. Photo by Madoline Markham.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

The freedom of summer may have been lost to fall routines, but take one grand look back with our Summer Fun Photo Contest. See the winners inside.

Community page B9

INSIDE Sponsors ......... A8 City ................... A6 Business .......... A8 Celebrations .. A9 Food ................. A11 Community ..... A12 School House.. A20 Sports ............. B3 Faith ................ B12 Calendar ........ B14

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At the first of March, construction crews were hard at work to complete the Mountain Brook Municipal Complex by its mid-April deadline. But at one moment that day, they stopped. A beam unlike any other in the structure had arrived, and workers started coming down from ladders and out of the building to see it.

As craftsmen prepared to erect it at the corner of Hoyt Lane and Oak Street, everyone started touching the beam and telling stories about where they had been on Sept. 11, 2001. It was the day the World Trade Center towers holding this beam had fallen so fatefully, the day America said goodbye to 2,753 of its own, altering its trajectory forever. “Three-hundred, forty-four fire

service persons lost lives that day, and the [fire] department has always felt connected to them,” Fire Chief Robert Ezekiel said. “But [seeing how everyone came out that day] pointed out to me how important it is to everyone. It’s one of those moments that everyone remembers.” Ezekiel hopes the 1,305-pound

See 911 | page A23

A beam from the World Trade Center towers is now erected as a memorial in front of the new Municipal Complex in Crestline Village. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Team doc Lyle Cain reﬂects on spending Saturdays on the sidelines at Bryant-Denny By WILL HIGHTOWER Most Alabama fans would give just about anything to stand on the sidelines and meet with Nick Saban after each game. For Mountain Brook resident Lyle Cain, this is just a normal Saturday. This fall will be Cain’s 13th as the Crimson Tide’s team doctor. Along with Cain’s duties in Tuscaloosa, the orthopedic surgeon is also Mountain Brook High School’s team doctor, making for an incredibly busy fall

full of evaluating injuries and performing operations in high-stress situations. “The reason I got into this is because I’m a sports fanatic,” Cain said. “I’ll watch

See TEAM DOC | page A22

Lyle Cain, team doctor for the The University of Alabama’s football team, celebrates a national championship win with his family. Photo courtesy of the Cain family.

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Village Living

“They Laughed and Said, ‘Dude, You’re Fat.’ “But Then I Looked in The Mirror…”

“Iron Tribe got me off the couch -- and into shape!” –Jason The mirror was right. My friends were, too. I was fat. What a humiliating difference a few years Jason Before Iron Tribe

can make … You see, 15 years ago, I was in great shape. Even played sports in college. But after an injury, I stopped exercising. I got lazy and my body went downhill. Then, I married a marathon runner. She was in great shape and I had to catch up -- fast. That’s when I found Iron Tribe Fitness. I started with their 101 Intro Program, which was a huge help for me. I was so out of shape, I couldn’t even do a pull-up. But the 101 helped me get my confidence back. I saw changes in my body, too -- in only 30 days. After graduating from 101, I was nervous to start the regular classes. But my coaches were there for me. They helped me learn the moves and get better. Then, one day … BOOM. I had a great

Jason is down 60lbs and loving life!

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September 2013

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Village Living

About Us Photo of the Month

MBJH eighth graders recently sold cookies and lemonade at the Crestline Piggly Wiggly to raise funds for multiple sclerosis. The group participated in a Kick MS kickball tournament in August. Members of the Super Great 8 team are: Front row: Carter Emack, Meme Everette, Margaret Dodson and Anne Clayton Cole. Back row: Walter Morris, Wilson Higgins, Chris Harmon and Clay Stearns. Photo courtesy of Kaye Emack.

Editor’s Note By Jennifer Gray This month, our city has an opportunity to show off. The first-ever Crestline Rocks will take place in the heart of Crestline. This event is a great opportunity to show people from all over Birmingham the wonderful shops, restaurants and people of Mountain Brook along with our own local bands and headliner Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Also this month, Mountain Brook will host 9/11 remembrance ceremonies. City officials from Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia along with residents will commemorate the anniversary at the new Municipal Complex in Crestline. If you haven’t

walked by the new fire station, make time to do so. You will want to see the steel beam from the Twin Towers that is mounted on the corner of Hoyt Lane and Oak Street. In early October, Mountain Brook has yet another opportunity to showcase our city. The USGA Mid-Amateur Championship will take place at the Country Club of Birmingham. The winner of this event is invited to play the Masters tournament in April. The tournament will be covered by the Golf Channel and local media, and we are sure to see many new faces enjoying our villages during the event.

If you are looking for a little bit of the arts in your September, don’t miss the annual Symphony 30 Picnic in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform a family-friendly concert with food provided by Jim ‘N Nick’s. Kids can enjoy crafts, run around and play tag in the grass as the symphony plays. So with all of these amazing events taking place, it’s not hard to see that Mountain Brook is the place to be.

Village Living Publisher : Creative Director : Editor : Managing Editor : Executive Editor: Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution :

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Jennifer Gray Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Keith Richardson Contributing Writers : Kari Kampakis Dale Wisely Lisa Milberger Moore Interns : Chandler Jones Intisar Seraaj-Sabree Will Hightower Published by : Village Living LLC

School House Contributors : Catherine Bodnar- Cherokee Bend, Britt Redden- Crestline, Alison Taylor- Brookwood Forest, Suzanne Milligan- Mountain Brook High School, Hilary Ross- Mountain Brook Elem. , Elizabeth FarrarMountain Brook Jr. High Contributing Photographer: Image Arts Contact Information: Village Living #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@VillageLivingOnline.com

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

For advertising contact: dan@VillageLivingOnline.com

Legals: Village Living is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. Village Living is designed to inform the Mountain Brook community of area school, faith, family and community events. Information in Village Living is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Village Living. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 370-0732 or by email.

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Please Support our Community Partners Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (A16) Alabama Power (A13) Allstate Insurance -Jay Barker Agency (A23) Always There, Inc (A8) Amy Smith (A19) Angel Hair Salon (A14) Bariatrics of Alabama (A10) Bedzzz Express (B16) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (B6) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (A18) Bongiorno Italian Restaurant (B8) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (B14) Brookwood Live (A6) Brookwood Medical Center (B1) Cafe Iz (B14) California Closets (B10) Canterbury Gardens (A23) Children’s of Alabama (A21l) Christopher Glenn (B7) D1 Sports (B6) Dominique V. Backus, D.D.S (A17) Eich Plastic Surgery (A12) Embody Manual & Movement Therapy (A19) Four Corners Custom Framing (B5) Hair By Farrah & Micah (B9) Hufham Orthodontics (B2) Irene Thames Gardner Photography (B12) Iron Tribe (A2) Isbell Jewelers (A15) Issis & Sons (B11) Jacqueline DeMarco (A22) Kings House Oriental Rugs (B5) Kirkwood by the River (B9) Lamb’s Ears Ltd (A13) Lane Parke - Evson Inc. (A9) Marguerite’s Conceits (B12) Mobley & Sons (A11) Monkee’s of Mountain Brook (A19) Mosquito Squad of Birmingham (B2) Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church (B8) One Man’s Trash Antiques (B9) Otey’s (B12) Please Reply (B13) RealtySouth (A24) Red Mountain Theatre Company (B4)) Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (A5, B2) Renasant Bank (A3) Savages Bakery (B4) Sew Sheri Designs (B10) Snoozy’s Kids (A20) Swoop (A22) Taco Mama (A16) John-William Jeweller (A11) The Lingerie Shoppe (A17) The Maids (A1) Town and Country (A15) Tracy’s Restaurant (A23) Turning the Tables Room Renovations (A19) Tutoring Club Cahaba Heights (A20) UAB Medicine (B15) United Way (B7) Village Dermatology (A7) Village Park Builders (A17) Vulcan Park and Museum (A22, B12)

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September 2013

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Village Living

City City appoints new parks and recreation superintendent Mountain Brook will have a new parks/recreation superintendent come Oct. 1. Shanda Williams will replace Lyman Tidwell, who has served in this role for the past 25 years. Williams has served as the horticulture maintenance supervisor for the City of Center Point since 2006. From 1999 to 2006, she worked as a gardener with

the City of Birmingham’s Horticulture Division. She holds a degree in horticulture from Auburn University and was the recipient of the first annual Center Point Employee of the Year Award in 2010. Williams currently serves as the president of the Birmingham Area Municipal Administrators Association.

Visitors to Crestline Village can now get free WiFi on mobile phones and laptops. As of Aug. 13, the Crestline WiFi service area includes the Tot Lot, the Crestline Elementary School playground and adjacent playing field, and the outdoor areas of Crestline Village. This is the second area in Mountain Brook to have wireless services installed. In July Overton Park’s service went live. Other areas scheduled for public WiFi installations in fiscal year 2014 include the high school athletic complex, Mountain Brook Village, Overton Village and English Village. Wireless devices should now detect a “City

Crime Report Week of July 18-25 Unlawful Breaking / Entering of a Vehicle: A UBEV case occurred in the 4100 block of Stone River Road on July 21. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle. No property was reported stolen.

Shanda Williams

WiFi now in Crestline Village By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Crime report

WiFi” network in Overton Park, City IT Director Steve O’Dell said. Once selected, users will see a Mountain Brook splash page come up and be able to accept terms and conditions. Any time the network is accessed after that, no login will be necessary. The City installed a router and firewall for limited control of site access and viruses. “We are excited to offer wireless for the community,” O’Dell said. “We can already see people using it at Overton.” For Crestline, the equipment and one-time installation costs totaled $2,300. The recurring costs are estimated to be $1,200 annually for the Internet connection, firewall and content filtering service.

Week of July 26-Aug. 1 Unlawful Breaking / Entering of a Vehicle: A UBEV case occurred in the 2600 block of Cherokee Road between July 26-27. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole electronics. Suspects related to this case have been identified. A UBEV case occurred in the 3300 block of Dell Road between July 28-29. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole a briefcase and a firearm. Suspects related to this case have been identified. A UBEV case occurred in the 4000 block of Montevallo Road between July 31- Aug. 1. Unknown suspect(s) broke a window, entered the vehicle and stole the victim’s purse. Theft / Motor Vehicle: A vehicle was stolen from the 3900 block of Montevallo Road between July 31- Aug. 1. Burglary / Residential: A residential burglary occurred in the 3900 block of Forest Glen Drive between July 28-29. Unknown suspect(s) entered the garage and stole electronics from

inside a vehicle. Property was stolen from two additional vehicles parked in the driveway. Suspects related to this case have been identified. A residential burglary occurred in the 3700 block of Montevallo Road on Aug. 1. Unknown suspect(s) forced open a window at the rear of the residence and entered the residence. At the time of the report, there was no property reported stolen. A residential burglary occurred in the 3300 block of Montrose Road on Aug. 1. Unknown suspect(s) forced open a window at the rear of the residence, entered the residence and stole jewelry. Week of Aug. 2-8 Unlawful Breaking / Entering of a Vehicle: A UBEV case occurred in the 3100 block of Pine Ridge Road between Aug. 1-2. Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole electronics, a firearm and a camera. Burglary / Residential: A residential burglary occurred in the 20 block of Pinecrest Road between July 31- Aug. 1. Unknown suspect(s) entered the residence through a rear window. Jewelry was stolen. Case Investigation / Update: On Feb. 5, a residential burglary was reported in the 3400 block of Westbury Road. On April 16, a residential burglary was reported in the 3300 block of Westbury Road. Suspects have been identified that are related to both of these cases. Property has been recovered. -Submitted by Mountain Brook Police Department

VillageLivingOnline.com

September 2013

Fashions for the Foundation

Participating Retailers Harrison Ltd. Laura Kathryn Lingerie Shoppe Macy’s Marella Mobley & Sons Monkee’s of Mountain Brook Mountain Brook Sporting Goods Mountain High Outﬁtters Pants Store Snap Kids Snoozy’s Kids The Pink Tulip Town and Country Village Sportswear

Fashion show to support Mountain Brook Schools Foundation

Pictured are Fashions for the Foundation sponsors and organizers Dr. Jenny Sobera of Village Dermatology, Dr. Susan Salter of St. Vincent’s Bruno Cancer Center, Anne Womack of Mountain Brook Schools Foundation, Dr. Craig Martin of Liberty Animal Clinic and Kaye Emack of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. Not pictured: Dr. Brooke Schaeffer Kaplan of Schaeffer Eye Center.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM The latest in fall fashions around Mountain Brook will meet the runway this month for the Schaeffer Eye Center Fashions for the Foundation. The event, held by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 11:30 a.m. at The Club. “We hope to see everyone at

the fashion show and expect a big crowd because it’s a win-win for the community,” said Anne Womack, executive director of the Mountain Brook Schools Foundation. “This is a great way to see everything your favorite Mountain Brook merchants have to offer for the upcoming fall season, as well support the Foundation and our schools.” All proceeds from the event benefit the Mountain Brook City

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Mountain Brook merchants show off their latest designs in a previous Chamber fashion show event at Parke Lane. This year’s event will be held Sept. 10 at The Club.

Schools Foundation. Its projects include iPad pilots; a model interactive classroom at Mountain Brook Junior High School; new books, magazines, software and supplies in all six school libraries; a summer learning conference hosted at the high school open to all system faculty and administrators; and salaries for two math coaches who serve the four elementary schools.

Mountain Brook merchants’ apparel exclusively will be featured in the show. The show will be produced by Haute Pink and presented by Schaeffer Eye Center. Village Dermatology is the gold sponsor, and Liberty Animal Hospital, P.C. is the silver sponsor. Tickets are $50 or $800 for a table of eight. For more visit mountainbrookchamber.com.

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Village Living Now Open

Mountain Brook Business Happenings ir R

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SMART Massage, 9 Office Park Circle, Suite 110, offers cupping massage, pre/post natal massage, medical massage, coconut oil massage and other custom services. 388-4272. bhamrealmassage.com.

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John-William Jeweller, a store specializing in designer and antique jewelry, will be opening at 81 Church Street this fall. John and Billy Bromberg, former owners of The Diamond Dealer in Homewood, will own and run the business. 870-4367.

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News and Accomplishments

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Crestline Bagel, 66-B Church Street, is now selling its bagels and more in Piggly Wiggly stores. Other products for sale in the stores include bagel chips, loaf breads, granola and whole459 wheat chocolate chip cookies. 871-4583. crestlinebagel.com.

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Montrose Rd

MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE

Iz Café is planning to open this month at 2037 Cahaba Road in English Village. Iz features sandwiches, salads, breakfast items, bakery items, to-go dinners and more. 414-0080. Everythingiz.info.

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Coming Soon

Overbrook Rd

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Anniversaries

Marguerite’s Conceits, 2406 Canterbury Road, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sept. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. The store will offer 20 percent off and a free gift with all purchases. There will be sweets and champagne available during the anniversary celebration. 879-2730.

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VillageLivingOnline.com

September 2013

Celebrations Thomas-Brown

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Michael Thomas of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Lane Ellen, to Graham Ronald Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Anthony Brown of Goose Creek, S.C. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Frances Manly Ferrell of Birmingham and the late Harold Cleveland Manly Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. L.S. Thomas Jr. of Birmingham. Miss Thomas is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Auburn University,

where she earned a bachelor of science in communication disorders and a minor in psychology. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority and an AU Student Recruiter. In 2009, she received a master of science in communication sciences and disorders from Radford University, where she was a resident director. She was presented at the 2005 Poinsettia Debutante Ball. Miss Thomas is a speech-language pathologist at Pitts & Associates, Inc. in Birmingham. Mr. Brown is the grandson of Mr. Joseph Armistead Neff of Charleston and the late Mrs. Geraldine Ott Neff and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Herbert Brown of Cheshire, England. Mr. Brown is a graduate of Herndon High School in Herndon, Va., and Radford University, where he earned a bachelor of science in criminal justice. While at Radford, Mr. Brown was also a resident director. He is a graduate of the Alabama Fire College and is currently a firefighter with the City of Vestavia Hills. The wedding is planned for August 24, 2013 at Canterbury United Methodist Church.

McElroy-Wall

Mary Ellen McElroy and Kevin Lee Wall married Aug. 3 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. The 6 p.m. ceremony was officiated by Reverend Michael Holly and Reverend Wayne Splawn. A reception followed at the historic Rucker Place. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Andrew Harper McElroy III of Tallahassee and the late

Mrs. Elizabeth V. McElroy. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Ralph Wall of Birmingham. The bride’s father gave her in marriage. Her sister, Katharine Elise McElroy, and Mary Haley Byrne served as maids of honor. Bridesmaids were Catherine Suzanne Diamond, Reed Lawley Ellis, Marissa Noel Fernandez, Alexandra Dwyer French, Winifred Taylor Patterson, Rebecca Brennen Riddle, Kelly LuAnne Wall and Ashley Virginia Williams. Terry Ralph Wall, father of the groom, was the best man. Benjamin Andrew Bush, Miles Thompson Duncan, Patrick Taylor Hill, Carter Wayne Hutchison, Ethan Thomas Ott, William Devlin Shatlock, Christopher James Steinkampf, Kyle Lawrence Wall and John David Williams served as groomsmen. Robert Patterson Plott and Thomas Snow Plott served as ring bearers. Andrew Scott Williams served as crucifer, and Mr. and Mrs. James Tyler Williams served as acolytes. Following a honeymoon trip to Jamaica, the couple lives in Birmingham.

Dugger-Wendorf

Katherine Camille Dugger and Marc Pfeffer Wendorf married December 29, 2012 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. Reverend Michael Holley presided over the ceremony. A reception following was held at Mountain Brook Country Club. The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. E. Scott Elledge of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. John William Dugger ofAndalusia. The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Joseph Wendorf of Birmingham. The bride is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s of science in nursing. She works in the regional neonatal intensive care

unit at UAB Hospital. The groom is also a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in building science. He works for Brasfield and Gorrie as an assistant project manager. The bride was given in marriage by her father. She chose a formal gown designed by Amsale. The strapless silk faille gown featured a handdraped bodice with a custom lace belt designed at The White Room. The bride’s chapel length lace veil was made to match the belt on her dress. Her twin sister Emily Dugger served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Mallie Drew, Grace Elledge, Stacey Greene, Anna Henderson, Linley Roberts, Merrye Summers Stradtman and Caroline Taylor. The two junior bridesmaids included Ingram Dugger and Emma Hallman. The groom’s best friend Patrick Greene served as best man. Groomsmen were Tyler DeStefano, James Elledge, Whitaker Elledge, John Godwin, Brady Hughes, Van Jones and Joshua Teal. Adam Jones served as an usher, with Elizabeth Terrell as flower girl and Richard Terrell as ring bearer. After a honeymoon trip to the Dominican Republic, the couple lives in Birmingham.

Have an engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement? Email jennifer@villagelivingonline.com to have it included in an upcoming issue!

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Village Living

Lane Park Rd

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Business Spotlight

Read past Business Spotlights at villagelivingonline.com

Mason Music

MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE

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2903 Cahaba Road Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 908-7059 masonmusicstudios.com

BY INTISAR SERAAJ-SABREE “Do not forget where you came from,” the saying goes. And Will Mason, co-owner of Mason Music, did not. Mason, former guitarist for the band Moses Mayfield, grew up in Mountain Brook where he attended high school with Matthew Mayfield, the lead composer for their band. Signed with Epic Records, the band toured nationally for about four or five years. But Mason gave up the fame for family in 2007 when he married Sarah Mason, co-owner of Mason Music. However, Will did not lay down the guitar pic. In 2008, he began teaching music lessons from his home with Sarah. And their clientele has continued growing since then. In 2010, the couple added a recording studio to their home where they expanded their lessons. And in April 2012, they opened their first commercial location of Mason Music in Cahaba Heights. With approximately 300 students, a waiting list and those yet to come, the couple opened its second location early this month in Mountain Brook Village. Because the majority of their clients live in Mountain Brook, the couple said it was the best place for a second location. The new location is the same size as the original at 200,000 square-

Sarah and Will Mason opened a Mountain Brook studio last month.

feet, but he said space is more efficiently used. The new location features wood fixtures, exposed beams and eight classrooms. With about 14 instructors, the company offers lessons in violin, guitar, voice, piano, drums and music theory. “Private lessons are best for learning the basics, but group lessons put it in practice,” Will said, citing how participants to get to know each other, and the group dynamic makes learning more fun and more practical. Private and group lessons start with individuals as young as age three.

The instrument selection connects to who they are; hence, there are no lessons in flute, Will joked. Will instructs students in guitar, and Sarah teaches piano and voice. Some of the featured group lessons include band camp, beginner’s music camp, American Idol (emphasizing auditioning and singing), rock band and Munchkin Music (for preschoolaged participants). The couple plans to incorporate choral and acapella groups in the future. Families are also welcomed to take group lessons. Some families

have told Will that the experience has united their family in unique ways. “It’s a team activity that teaches [people] how to interact with each other and how to take direction from peers,” Will said. “There are a lot of life skills developed by playing on a team.” Both Masons attest to music also having the ability to take a person to a completely different place through emotion and memories, and to increase wellness, confidence and self-esteem. Although both have played piano

since the age of 6, they have learned more playing techniques through teaching others. Mason Music teachers focus on teaching students something that they can take with them as they grow. Sarah believes participants will remember how to play basic chords rather than remembering how to read notes. “With classical music, it’s just playing what’s on the page,” Sarah said. “You can’t jam to Mozart, but you can get your friends together and play basic chords to any song you hear on the radio.”

VillageLivingOnline.com

September 2013

Restaurant Showcase

Read past Restaurant Showcases at villagelivingonline.com

ENGLISH VILLAGE

Iz Café

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By MADOLINE MARKHAM A quick look around Iz Café reveals that you could literally eat Iz for every meal of the week – and still have plenty of variety in your diet. And this month, Mountain Brook residents will be able to do just that. The Vestavia Hills business is scheduled to open a new location of the café in the former Joe Muggs and Yogurt Mountain space in English Village in early September. Banana-Walnut Bread loaves, small or medium, along with specially packaged all-natural Iz granola line shelves that lead to the counter . A refrigerated case filled with container after container of chicken salad — and to-go meals with chicken salad, greens, fruit and pumpkin bread— testify to the popularity of the concoction. To-go fried chicken and turkey meatloaf dinners sit in the case as well, ready to take home and heat to eat. And then there’s the pastry case. Almond slices encase an almond cake with fluffy white frosting. A mountain of whipped cream tops lemon cream inside a super-thick graham cracker pie crust. Four layers of carrot cake stack nearly 10 feet tall, or so it seems. Vanilla cream is rolled up in chocolate cake and drizzled with chocolate sauce (roulade is

Iz’s Chicken Salad Plate and Carrot Cake are customer favorites. Photos by Madoline Markham. Iz Café is scheduled to open in the former Joe Muggs and Yogurt Mountain in English Village this month.

pronounced “roulage” in the South, Reed notes). Decadent bronzecolored frosting is molded around a caramel cake and sprinkled with pecans. Both the Turtle Cheesecake and Peanut Butter pie are covered in a layer of fudge-looking spread with respective toppings. And it doesn’t stop there. Strawberry Cake, Banana Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Mousse Bombs and Lemon Squares are also favorites at the café. “We are always testing new ideas in our kitchen, so customers love

coming in and finding something new to try,” owner and founder Kay Bruno Reed said. “Delicious options are always available for pick-up.” Cream Cheese Pound Cakes are individually wrapped and ready to serve. Some of the signature desserts are packaged in bite sizes and sold by the dozen. And there are cookies. “The men seem to enjoy our oldfashioned Pot Roast Sandwich, Southwest Chipotle Wrap and Thai Chicken Wrap,” Reed said. “The ladies love our Seasonal Trio Salads and Tomato Basil Soup. Everyone

Coming Soon!

Van Cleef & Arpels

Church Street at Euclid Avenue Crestline Village John Bromberg

205-870-4367

William Bromberg

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loves our chicken salad.” Any good Iz meal comes with a side of their crisp house-made sweet potato chips or a slice of pumpkin bread that tastes like fall (but is a treat all year). And of course both are available prepackaged to take home. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, customers can order and pick up hot family meals at dinner time. The café posts a new calendar each month with the menu for each day. “It is an easy dinner option,” Reed said. “You may order a single meal or a family meal, which serves four.”

2037 Cahaba Road 414-0080 everythingiz.info Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

August’s menu included homestyle favorites like turkey meatloaf and chicken pot pie along with fresh takes on salmon, farmer’s market vegetables and spice-rubbed chicken. Dinners are paired with seasonal sides like lime butter grilled corn, corn and tomato sauté or roasted potatoes. The foundation for each Iz meal or snack is Reed’s family tradition of cooking and entertaining. Reed’s upbringing in the food business carries over into the empire of Iz that she has grown to include a private venue, catering business and a product line — all named for Reed’s mother’s maiden name, Izbell, and a friend’s daughter Issabella. “Theresa Bruno, who at the time was a partner with an ad agency, came up with [the name] Café Iz, which was a perfect fit for the bistro atmosphere I was trying to create,” Reed said. Reed is now looking forward to bringing that bistro atmosphere to the new English Village location, which will offer outdoor seating and test new menu items in addition to serving favorites from the original location. “This is a great little community we can become a part of,” she said. “We want to know people by name and find out what they want on the menu for take-home dinners. We operate more like a little family.”

A12 • September 2013

Village Living

Community

Library kicks off Tuesday night family programs

Parenting the teen driver Dr. Dale Wisely will present his popular workshop, “Parenting the Teenage Driver,” on Thursday, Sept. 19. The event will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Charles Mason Board of Education building in Crestline.

Wisely is director of student services at Mountain Brook Schools and has been a child and adolescent psychologist for nearly 30 years. To enroll or for more information, email studentservices@mtnbrook. k12.al.us or call 877-8349.

Crestline to rock on Sept. 7

Storyteller Miss NayNay will lead a pajama storytime for all ages on the first Tuesday of the month starting in September.

The Bama Air Dogs will be at the library on Sept. 10.

Emmet O’Neal Library is kicking off new family programs, Evenings @ EOL, on Tuesdays this month. The weekly programs will begin at 6 p.m. The first Tuesday of each month will feature Miss NayNay, a Mountain Brook storytime institution, doing a pajama storytime for all ages, including sleepy-time stories and bedtime snacks. The second Tuesday will bring patrons the Family Night programming they have come to look forward to, beginning with light dinner at 5:30 p.m. and continuing with a live performance at 6 p.m. Third Tuesdays, library goers can kick back and watch a G-rated family movie with a snack. The first movie night will include an opportunity for kids to decorate a box they bring from home to enjoy the

“drive-in” movie on the lawn in their very own kidsized car. (For patrons who no longer fit inside a box, a lawn chair or blanket will be a good idea.) Fans of chess, board games, and LEGOs will love the last Tuesday of the month, when the library will offer a family game night with, of course, snacks. For more visit eolib.org or call 879-0497.

September Schedule

Sept. 3: PJ Storytime with Miss NayNay Sept. 10: Family Night: Bama Air Dogs on the Lawn Sept. 17: Movie on the Lawn: Cars, a Pixar favorite featuring Mater and Lightning McQueen Sept. 24: Boards and Blocks: Games and LEGOs

Crestline Rocks is bringing live music and special deals from Crestline vendors to Crestline Village on Sept. 7, with Big Head Todd & The Monsters as the headliner. The Mountain Brook Police Department will block off streets in anticipation of a crowd of more than 3,000 people. The event benefits PreSchool Partners, a nonprofit organization that prepares 3- and 4-year-old atrisk children and their families for kindergarten in the Birmingham City School System. IberiaBank is the event’s sponsor. After putting on similar events on a smaller scale like Otey’s Fest, which featured live music in the Otey’s parking lot, Will Haver conceived the idea of putting on a concert right in the middle of Crestline. In addition to the music lineup, Touch-A-Truck will allow children to touch and climb on fire engines, motorcycles, police cars and construction machinery in the Regions Bank parking lot. Ticket tables will be set up at entrances on Dexter and at the intersection of Hoyt and Church Street, and wristbands will be issued

Sept. 7 Crestline Village 1 p.m. Streets blocked off 2-5 p.m. Touch-A-Truck 6 p.m. Mountain Brook Bands 8 p.m. Big Head Todd & The Monsters Tickets $35 in advance Visit crestlinerocks.com at entrances beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $35 in advance at crestlinerocks.com, and they will be $40 at the gate. Children 12 and under get in free. PreSchool Partners was launched 17 years ago by two Mountain Brook residents and continues to retain staff, donors and volunteers from the community. For more, visit preschoolpartners.org or call 951-5151.

VillageLivingOnline.com

September 2013 • A13

Symphony 30 celebrates with 16th annual picnic

Kelly Taylor of Brookwood Medical Center, Symphony 30 Vice President Caroline Reynolds, picnic chair Emily Branum, picnic co-chair Mary Goodrich, and Sarah Johnson of Jim ‘N Nicks. Not pictured: Morgan Cook, president of Symphony 30.

Event to benefit the Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Symphony 30 will host its annual Symphony 30 Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. This year’s family picnic will be held once again at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, with the proceeds benefiting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s education, outreach and children’s programs. Along with dinner provided by Jim ‘N Nick’s, the picnic will include a raffle and children’s activities including an art table where children can make their own musical instruments. The symphony concert features family favorites such as Carmen’s Hoedown and excerpts from Star Trek. Symphony 30 is a nonprofit group comprised of approximately 80 young women who are committed to the legacy and future of the Alabama Symphony

Orchestra. The organization has raised close to $320,000 for education programs at the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Picnic chair Emily Branum, picnic co-chair Mary Goodrich and Symphony 30 President Morgan Cook are planning this year’s event. This year’s title sponsor is Brookwood Medical Center. Local businesses sponsoring the event are Jim ‘N Nick’s, Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation, Leitman, Siegal, Payne & Campbell P.C., CRC Insurance Services, Buffalo Rock, Circa Marketing, Huie, Fernambucq & Stewart, Royal Cup and Tacala LLC . Tickets are $70 per family or $25 for an individual. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit symphony30.org.

A14 • September 2013

Village Living

Alabama wine and dine

Wine stewards educate event attendees as they enjoy sipping a glass of red or white.

Zoo handlers bring around animals to interact with guests in the “animal walk-about.”

Annual Emmet O’Neal Library benefit to feature local foods BY INTISAR SERAAJ-SABREE Western Supermarket, Birmingham’s largest locally owned supermarket chain, is bringing back its annual Fall Wine & Food Festival at the Birmingham Zoo on Friday, Sept. 27 from 6-9 p.m. The festival, which benefits the Emmet O’Neal Library for the tenth year, highlights wine and food grown and/or produced locally or within Alabama. Food selections will include Belle Chevre goat cheese from northern Alabama, Alabama-raised beef, farm-raised shrimp and Mamie’s Cheese Wafers. Restaurants Nabeel’s Café and Market and Fox Valley are partnering for the event as well. In addition to a variety of foods and wines, guests can win door prizes, receive special wine

deals, ride a carousel, and interact with animals and their handlers. Holley Wesley, a reference librarian at Emmet O’Neal Library, said last year Western Supermarket donated more than $21,000 to the library from the event. With these funds, the library was recently able to bring in authors such as Khaled Hosseini and Alexander McCall Smith for book discussions and book signings. “The largest wine department we have is in Mountain Brook,” said Darwin Metcalf, president of Western Supermarket chain. “We’ve been there for 54 years. We decided to donate to the library because we think they do a stellar job.” The wine and food festival itself started more than 20 years ago. Previous beneficiaries included the Community Food Bank of Central

Western’s Fall Wine & Food Festival Guests can enjoy food grown and/or produced locally or in Alabama at the festival.

Beneﬁts Emmet O’Neal Library Sept. 27, 6-9 p.m., The Birmingham Zoo Tickets $50 in advance or $60 at door Available at the library or Western stores

Alabama and Camp Smile-a-Mile. “It’s a great opportunity to mingle with our customers that shop with us all year long,” Metcalf said. Sue DeBrecht, library director at Emmet O’Neal, has never talked to anyone who did not have a good time. She said the staff and wine stewards at Western Supermarket work diligently to create the perfect atmosphere and experience. Last year there were approximately 80 to 90 tables dedicated to food and wine. Two wine consultants will be stationed behind the wine table to educate consumers about the

wines they consume. This year the event will give guests access to about 650 wines. Each guest will receive a reuseable wine tote from Western Supermarket, an informational packet and wine glass. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door and $40 for persons in groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased at the Emmet O’Neal Library or at any Western Supermarket. Festivities will take place in the children’s section of the Birmingham Zoo, located at 2630 Cahaba Road. For more, call 879-1746, email wine07@westernsupermarkets.com, or visit eolib.org or westernsupermarkets.com.

VillageLivingOnline.com

September 2013 • A15

A journey through

“Wonderland” The life of Carol Wier though a writer’s eyes

By LISA MILBERGER MOORE Everyone has a story to tell. And every story is worth telling. As a writer, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing some of those stories, getting to know and appreciate what lies behind a face and life’s complex layers. When writing the memoir “Wonderland” for fellow Mountain Brook resident Carol Wier, I unveiled a deeply passionate, astute woman and her life’s journey to see the world, trusting her own drive and perseverance to find her way. Our interviews took place at her onestory brick home in Crestline. When I arrived for our initial meeting, my eyes first met a tall, patriotic flagpole standing in the front yard. Approaching the front door, neatly manicured bushes and crepe myrtles stood in a perfect line, as if saluting me. Walking into Wier’s home, I felt as though I’d stepped back in time to my own grandmother’s house. Simple, cream-colored walls, heirloom furnishings and family photos embraced the living room. Around the corner was the kitchen, where I spent many hours sitting at her small vintage table, revisiting her past, sharing the occasional

slice of pie and adoring her curious cat, Luke, lovingly named after St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where he was rescued as a stray. Born in 1923 in Austin, Minn., Wier experienced the life of a farm girl during the Great Depression and as a Marine surviving dismal boot camps and the harsh realities of World War II. It was during her time as a Marine in San Francisco that she met Captain James Willis, who she married after the war ended. Wier catered to the responsibilities of being a Southern Bell Telephone Company wife, moving with her husband to Louisville, Charleston, Mobile and, finally, Birmingham. After buying a three-bedroom cottage on Montevallo Lane, Wier served as the Disaster Chairman for the Greater Birmingham Region American Red Cross. Her dedication earned her the Thousand-Hour Citation honor and an Outstanding Service Award for volunteer work connected to blood drives and emergency disaster relief. Wier also powered a passion for politics, joining the Republican Women of the South and working as the staff director of communications covering 11 states for Barry

Goldwater’s presidential campaign. She was selected as an Alabama delegate to attend the National Republican Convention in Miami. Her work for the political party here at home helped build the state’s Republican status, strengthening it as a serious contender for future Republican candidates. After the passing of her husband in 1965, it took time to heal, but she eventually refocused her life, moving to Washington, D.C. Renting a modest one-bedroom apartment across from the highly acclaimed Watergate Hotel, Wier experienced the ups and downs of living in the nation’s political hub. A demanding job placed her reporting directly to Martha Mitchell, later referred to as the “mouth of the South” by President Nixon during the Watergate scandal. She also fell in love. With a marriage proposal from Commander Richard Wier, she happily packed her bags and moved back to her Mountain Brook cottage. Once settled in, she and her husband attended Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church, later joining St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where Wier served as active chairman of the Altar Guild and

Longtime Mountain Brook resident Carol Wier’s memoir was written by fellow resident Lisa Milberger Moore.

eventually as the church’s wedding director for more than ten years. Wier’s lighthearted stories of shoe-flinging flower girls, fainting groomsmen and mother-of-the-bride rescues could be a book all its own. Yet, when asked what she loved most about working as a wedding director, her response was always the same. “My satisfaction wouldn’t come until 10 or 15 years later when a couple would recognize me in the community and recall how I had directed their wedding, the happiest day of their lives,” she said. “That was my reward.” In our journey through “Wonderland,” Wier reminded me of life’s simplest lessons. “Be the first to speak to someone,” Wier says. “You’ll make a lot more friends that way.”

“Also, don’t judge people by something you may have heard or seen,” she adds. “To get along in this harsh world, it helps to accept everyone at face value.” Most of all, I learned that friendship has no generation gap. Wier’s legacy will forever carry on, and I am blessed to have been the one to share her words on paper and am delighted to know that after years of searching, a young girl from Minnesota found her way back home to the welcoming arms of this community. Lisa Milberger Moore is a professional creative writer living in Mountain Brook with her children Katherine Grace and Harrison. Wonderland–A Memoir: The Life of Carol Maxine Hewitt Wier can be found in paperback at Amazon.com.

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A16 • September 2013

Village Living

Tastemakers return to

Antiques at The Gardens By JEFF THOMPSON Antiques at The Gardens is taking things further from tradition with its 2013 show. Following last year’s success introducing visitors to “Tastemakers,” The Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ show is refining and advancing the concept. According to event chair Tricia Holbrook, this year’s Antiques at The Gardens will feature more than a dozen themed spaces that have been designed through collaboration between antiques dealers and local architects and designers. “The concept we have here, which I think is still unique in the country, is that these Tastemakers are given a scene or a theme and asked to curate their space in the show around it,” Holbrook said. “So, you get the benefit of having designers sort through a world of goods and edit a selection for you.” Holbrook took over the show prior to last year’s event and helped introduce the concept of Tastemakers. She said it was necessary, as the show had seen declines in attendance and needed to focus on attracting a younger audience. People age 30 to 55 currently dominate the home interiors market, she said, and drawing them out required adding a few big names to the marquee. However, the change worried some antiques dealers. The concept of pairing with a designer he or she had never worked with – or heard of, in some cases – produced a crop of

This year’s Tastemakers Bobby mcAlpine and Cindy Smith – Welcome Home Paul Bates and Jeremy Corkern with Betsy Brown – Well Edited Paige Albright – Return to Mecca Dana Wolter and Jeff Dungan and Louis Nequette of Dungan-Nequette – Fireside Chat iris Thorpe – Weeks to Africa Andrew Brown – A Well-Traveled Life Laura Vogtle and Amanda morrissette – The Gallery mallie ireland – The Jewel Box (featuring Bromberg’s and other fine retailers) Tish Fuller – Defining Home ruth Gay of Chateau Domingue – A Year in Provence mark Kennamer – Southern Comfort Alex and Jeannie Krumdiek with erin Graves – Texture in Time Lydia Pursell and Kitty White – The Winery David and Holley Camp with Helen Harmon – The Artisan Garden

Shoppers socialize with Tastemakers and peruse a hand-picked selection at the 2012 Antiques at the Gardens. Photo courtesy of The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Public Show Hours

Schedule

Oct. 3: Red Diamond Lecture Series. 1:30 p.m. Featuring Bobby McAlpine Oct. 4: Sterne Agee Gala in The Gardens. 7-11 p.m. Black-tie event with private shopping.

skeptical sellers. As the show’s new concept attracted the interest of the press, it was the designers who ended up in the spotlight. “But then, that was what brought people in,” Holbrook said. “So dealers did better than they had done before, simply because we attracted younger people than a traditional antique show.” And this year, everyone is definitely on board. Montgomery architect Bobby McAlpine is anchoring the slate of participating Tastemakers. He

supplements his renowned structural styling with an interior design firm and two lines of handcrafted furniture, and he’s pairing up with North Carolina’s Cindy Smith, owner of Circa Interiors and Antiques. For the 2013 Antiques at The Gardens, the pair will design and present a space with the theme “Welcome Home.” Also pairing up are Birmingham’s Paul Bates and Jeremy Corkern of Bates Corken Studio with Betsy Brown, owner of Betsy Brown Interiors in Mountain Brook Village.

Oct. 3: 1-5 p.m. Oct. 4: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 5: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 6: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tickets

Show: $10 non-members, free to members Sterne Agee Gala in The Gardens: $150 red Diamond Lecture Series: $30 Visit bbgardens.org/antiques or call 414-3950.

In all, 14 themed areas with goods selected from Birmingham and other regions of the country will be on display for the event, and everything will be for sale. “You can go to an interior designer and pay by the hour or by the piece,” Holbrook said. “But in this case you get a feel for each designer or architect as you meet them. So, you can go to any particular space in the show and find things hand-selected by a person you’d normally be paying. You get their good taste for

practically nothing.” The eighth annual Antiques at The Gardens – and second showing of the Tastemakers – is scheduled for Oct. 3-6. The event is sponsored by IBERIABANK and since 2006 has raised more than $2 million for The Gardens’ educational’ programs. For more, contact Shelly McCarty at 414-3965, email smccarty@ bbgardens.org or visit bbgardens.org/ antiques. Tickets can be purchased at bbgardens.org/antiques or by calling 414-3950.

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VillageLivingOnline.com

September 2013 • A17

Art show cultivators

and around Birmingham and all of the South.” The three began seeking out local and regional artists whose bodies of work they felt would speak the most to people and would also highlight the beauties and intricacies found in the Gardens. As a result, The Gallery will feature several artists working in varying mediums. You can expect to see painting and photography, with subjects ranging from still life to landscape all the way to figure studies and cityscapes. “We are working with a diverse group of artists, and they are constantly being inspired to create work for this show— especially with the changing seasons,” Nichols said. Local artists featured will include Meredith Keith, Arthur Price, Rebecca Tully Fulmer, Patty B. Driscoll, Drew Galloway, Lila Graves, Jim Burnett and Ashley Spotswood, as well as Atlanta artist David Kidd Laura Vogtle, Amanda Morrissette and Frances Nichols and Huntsville artists and identical twin sisters Carole Foret and Claire Kyser. Laura Vogtle, owner of Gallery 1930 in “Every day new artists are coming to us English Village, and gallery directors Amanda Morrissette and Frances Nichols are acting as with work that is just too intriguing—we “tastemakers” for The Gallery at Antiques at have to include it in the show,” Morrissette said. “It’s exciting because these artists The Gardens. “At the show in the past, fine art has been are getting a unique opportunity to display more of an afterthought,” Vogtle said. “This their work to the larger community, and it’s year we decided to step it up and present for a great cause.” All paintings will be included in a silent a dynamic and attention-grabbing body of art. We want to do this to not only help raise auction that will run all day Thursday and money for the Gardens with potential sales, Friday and end at the conclusion of the Black but also showcase the amazing art found in Tie Gala on Friday evening.

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A18 • September 2013

Village Living

Air therapy

Mountain Brook businessman to lift more than just the spirits of wounded veterans

By WILL HIGHTOWER In some ways, Stephen Ray is an ordinary guy. He lives in Mountain Brook. He hates traffic. He is involved in the construction business. But in other ways – most, in fact – Ray breaks the norm. He left Mountain Brook for 19 years to serve as a U.S. Marine. His solution to escape traffic is to hop in a plane and fly over it. And his service to this community extends far beyond building houses. Ray, owner of Ray Building Company, is preparing to host an event dubbed Wings for Warriors that will allow wounded veterans and their families to learn about flying planes and ride with flight instructors at the Shelby County Airport. The event, which is scheduled for Sept. 7, is modeled after other Wings for Warriors events across the country. “First and foremost we want to give veterans and their families a recreational outlet,” Ray said. “Get everybody’s mind off the day-to-day grind. We want to increase awareness and break down any stigma over the disabilities.” Ray’s inspiration to help wounded veterans stems from his experiences as a U.S. Marine from 1981-2000, including fighting in Desert Storm. After finishing his career in the military, Ray started working in construction and serving as a part-time flight instructor at the Shelby County Airport. In 2009, Ray came across an ad for Homes for Our Troops in a builder’s magazine he was flipping through. Homes for Our Troops is a nonprofit organization that builds specially adapted homes for severely disabled Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. “When I saw that ad, it sparked deeply buried personal emotions of mine from my experiences in Desert Storm as a Marine Armor Officer,” Ray said. “It spurred me to start looking for

Stephen Ray, left, owner of Ray Building Company in Mountain Brook, is teaming up with Barry Franks of Over the Mountain Aviation to host Wings for Warriors this month. Photo by Will Hightower.

ways to help.” After connecting with Bart Fletcher, a senior officer of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, through their mutual friend Gary Palmer, president of the Alabama Policy Institute, Ray found his way to get involved. Ray’s company became the primary builder for a Trussville couple, veteran Scot Noss and his wife RyAnne. Through Homes for Our Troops, Ray built a house specially designed to ease Noss’ daily struggle with disability. “Building that house for RyAnne and her husband showed me that there are a ton of people here in Birmingham who are willing to give back to our veterans,” Ray said. “Patriotism and Christianity are strong in this area and make it a great place for these kinds of programs to thrive.” The Wings for Warriors program came

about as a result of Ray’s friendship with Barry Franks, who is one of the owners of the Shelby County Airport Flight School. “Steve brought this to my attention a few months ago,” Franks said. “We’re more than happy to accommodate the veterans on that day. We will feed them, orientate them on flying, and then get them in the plane and up in the air.” Franks and Ray anticipate the biggest challenge for the event to be getting the wounded veterans into and out of aircraft, as small aicraft like those at OTM Aviation aren’t designed to be handicapped-accessible. “But we’ve done that before,” Ray said. “One of our flight students was paralyzed from the waist down, and we would hoist him up into the aircraft. We don’t have anything special – it’s just us lifting him. It’s fairly unsophisticated.”

Many local businesses have agreed to pitch in financial support for Ray’s Wings for Warriors event, including some corporate leaders in the areas who are pilots themselves. “We have received tons of support, and they are all silent leaders,” Ray said. “They’re not looking for recognition.” Stephen Ray’s service to the wounded warriors in the Birmingham community is far from normal. As he and others put on Wings for Warriors this fall, he knows that simply providing a memorable afternoon in a plane is a contribution that wounded veterans will greatly appreciate. “I count every day as sensitive and precious to me because I know it’s fleeting,” Ray said. “This event is something that these veterans and their families will be able to remember forever.”

VillageLivingOnline.com

September 2013 • A19

Cahaba Village merchants don pink for last year’s Cahaba Village for the Cure event.

In celebration of a cure Cahaba Village for the Cure set for Sept. 19 Pink will flood Cahaba Village this month for the fourth annual Cahaba Village for the Cure. Cahaba Village merchants and the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce are hosting the event Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6-8 p.m. There will be live entertainment and food offerings. Village merchants will donate a portion of sales to North Central Alabama Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a grass roots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. The North Central Alabama affiliate for Susan G. Komen will provide volunteers and their signature pink tents to promote breast cancer awareness, while signing up participants for the annual Race for the Cure

to be held in Linn Park on Oct. 12. “This is a fantastic way for Cahaba Village to be involved and promote awareness while raising monies for the cause,” said Todd Jackson, owner and operator of Newk’s Eatery. “Too many people have been touched by this disease, and we want to do our part by joining Susan G. Komen in the fight to cure breast cancer.” In addition to participating in September’s Cahaba Village for the Cure, Newk’s will also have a team of employees and their families “Racing for the Cure” on Oct. 12 in Linn Park, as well as donating a portion of their pink Newk’s cups to the Komen foundation. For more visit komenncalabama.org.

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A20 • September 2013

Village Living

School House The Charlotte games

Students represent state at Youth Conference on National Affairs Several Mountain Brook students attended the YMCA’s Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA) at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, N.C. this summer. During the week-long event, almost 600 delegates from more than 30 states debated a wide range of national and international issues. Prior to the conference, each student spent time researching, writing and preparing a proposal to present to the other delegates. Zijie Yin, a 2013 MBHS graduate, was selected as one of six presiding officers for the conference. In 2014 he will preside and serve as a role model for the conference participants. He also served this summer’s conference as a committee chairman. Yin’s proposal to create a drug consumption facility advanced to the Third Committee. He is studying international political economy and minoring in international business diplomacy at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Yin is the son of Dingmin and Li Li. Yin and Ben Jackson were both recognized for their exceptional debating skills along with their poise and tact and were each selected as one of 35 Outstanding Statesmen among the 574 delegates. Jackson, the son of Ben and Susan Jackson and a rising senior at MBHS, also served as a committee clerk and was recognized as having one of 12 Outstanding Proposals at the conference. His proposal to abolish the U.S. Department of Education made it to the conference’s General Assembly, although the body did not pass it. Lewis Fitzpatrick, the son of Kelley and

Laurel Brown, Grace Anne Latimer and Becky Peterson at the Special Olympics in Charlotte.

Special Olympics athlete Laurel Brown and peer partner Grace Anne Latimer, both Mountain Brook High School students, along with mentor Becky Peterson traveled to Charlotte this summer for Special Olympics Project Unify. The education-based project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, uses Special Olympics’ sports and education programs to activate young people across the country. It promotes school communities where all young people are agents of change and foster respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities. Front row: Natalie Jones, Amelia Putnam, Lewis Fitzpatrick, Kelley Jiang, Allison Hanby and Rachel Knowles. Back row: Read Mills, Ben Jackson, Hayden McDaniel, Hannah Mouyal, Jacob Kimes, Zijie Yin and Noah Crawford.

C.T. Fitzpatrick and a junior at MBHS, also wrote one of the 12 proposals selected by a panel of adult resource advisers as the most outstanding at the conference. His proposal encouraging federal investment in port deepening projects advanced to Third Committee. Other Birmingham area delegates, whose proposals advanced to Second Committee, were: ff 2014 Alabama Youth Lt. Gov. Hannah Mouyal, a MBHS senior, sought to limit appeals for death row inmates. She is the daughter of Helen Moore and

Child Find Notice

Gil Mouyal. ff 2014 Alabama Youth Speaker of the House Amelia Putnam, a senior at MBHS, proposed eliminating mandatory minimum sentencing. She is the daughter of Mike and Leigh Putnam. ff Natalie Jones, a junior at MBHS, proposed providing federal funding for research into infectious diseases living in coral reefs. She is the daughter of Angie and Martin Jones. Kelley Jiang, a junior at MBHS and the daughter of Zhiyong Liu and Wei Jiang, also attended the conference.

From Mountain Brook Schools Special education services for children with disabilities are provided in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, Amendments of 2004 and Alabama Act 106. Child Find is an attempt to locate and provide appropriate educational and related services to all children with disabilities between the ages of birth to 21. If you are the parent of a child with disabilities who is not receiving services or if you would like more information, please contact Shannon Mundy at the Mountain Brook Board of Education, Special Education Department, at 414-3836.

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VillageLivingOnline.com

September 2013 • A21

Meet new MBJH Principal Donald Clayton By MADOLINE MARKHAM Donald Clayton began his role as principal of Mountain Brook Junior High just a few weeks before the school year started last month. Clayton served as assistant principal for 2012-2013 at the school under now-MBHS Principal Amanda Hood. Previously he worked for more than 10 years as a teacher, coach, athletic director and assistant principal at Oak Mountain High School. During his tenure as assistant principal at Mountain Brook Junior High, Clayton’s areas of responsibility included all academic matters, professional development, Professional Learning Communities and strategic planning. We asked Clayton about his passions in education and life. What attracted you to come to MBJH, initially as assistant principal? I was initially attracted to Mountain Brook’s reputation as a great place for students. Anyone who has been in the Birmingham area knows that Mountain Brook is known for its school system and overall community feel. I had a desire to be a part of such a place, and now that I am here, it is clear that my thoughts about Mountain Brook were correct. How will your years as a teacher, coach and administrator inform your work as principal? I think my wide range of experiences as a teacher, coach and administrator have helped me be involved in many different aspects of a school. We have an incredible school at MBJH with many opportunities for students, and having so many experiences in my past will certainly help me see the different needs of our students. How can students and parents expect MBJH to change and/or continue on a trajectory

from the past under your leadership? As a school last year, we began a strategic planning process that led us to many different opportunities for our students. So many individuals within our school and community were involved in the process that we will continue on the path we determined as a school. It is a very exciting time for the JH and one that many individuals have had a hand in helping guide. Did you ever envision yourself as a principal when you were in junior high? What would your junior high-aged self have thought of your new role? I definitely did not envision myself as a junior high principal when I was in seventh, eighth and ninth grades. In fact, I am not really sure what I saw myself doing for a career. At that point in my life, I was simply looking forward to the next sporting event. My junior-high-aged self would probably have had his feelings hurt to know that I wasn’t a good enough athlete to play any sport professionally. Tell us a little about your family. I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife, Kelly, who is a stay-at-home mom. We have been married for five years and currently have one son, Carter, who will be two-and-a-half in October. We are also expecting a baby girl in mid-October, and we cannot wait to meet her! We love to do things together as a family, especially outdoors. We like to camp, kayak, hike and take just about any trip that will let us have some fun. What is something people might not know about you? People may not know that I am an avid tennis fan. I play some as well but never as much as I would like. I follow the professional tour pretty closely and hope to visit each Grand Slam one day. I have been to the U.S. Open, but would like to travel to the remaining three.

Aviation training starting young Chandler Vargas and Henry Pelham of Mountain Brook recently attended Aviation Challenge at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home of Space Camp and NASA’s official Visitor Information Center for Marshall Space Flight Center. The weeklong educational program promotes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), while training students and adults with hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and decision-making. Chandler and Henry were was part of Aviation Challenge Mach I, a program specifically designed for trainees who have an interest in

military aviation and the mechanics of flight. They spent the week training with a team that flew a simulated F/A-18 fighter jet. The crew learned critical land and water survival skills and mastered Top Gun flying maneuvers. They returned to land in time to hear retired Space Shuttle astronaut Col. Bob Springer speak at their graduation. Aviation Challenge operates year-round and uses fighter pilot training techniques to engage trainees in real-world applications of STEM subjects. Students sleep in barracks designed to resemble military bays.

MBJH welcomes seventh graders at Spartan Day

Ninth-grade WEB leaders Ansley Gross, Catherine Walthall, Sally Neal, Katherine Sours and Caroline Cross.

By ELIZABETH FARRAR Mountain Brook Junior High welcomed new seventh graders through its Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) program. The program began with Spartan Day in August when the seventh graders entered MBJH through a tunnel of cheering ninthgrade leaders. This orientation day creates excitement and pride among the seventh grade and welcomes them as the class of 2019. It also encourages them to begin developing relationships with other students and learn

strategies that will contribute to their academic and social success. Students spend the day with their ninth-grade leaders touring the school, team building and meeting seventh graders. Ninth-grade WEB leaders served as mentors to guide the seventh graders. WEB leaders are chosen each spring and spend more than 12 hours in training to prepare for Spartan Day. WEB Ambassadors serve throughout the ninthgrade year, helping to plan events such as the seventhgrade tailgate party and seventh grade dance to provide opportunities for seventh graders to interact.

A22 • September 2013

Village Living

TEAM DOC from pg A1

tiddlywinks on ESPN if I have to. I’m not one of those guys sitting back and talking on my phone; I’m usually watching the game pretty closely. And when an injury happens, I’ll usually be able to tell what it is before I even see him.” A typical week in the fall for the 45 year old, who partners with Dr. James Andrews at their practice at St. Vincent’s, is hectic. During the week, Cain sees patients and performs surgery. One night a week, he goes to Tuscaloosa to see any player on any team, not just football, who has an injury. Then, on Friday night, Cain stands on the sideline at Mountain Brook football games ready to evaluate injuries and tell coaches if players can come back in the game or if they need to stay out. “I played football at Mountain Brook and now I’m at the age where a lot of my friends’ kids are on the team and my boys are on the junior high team, so it’s a lot more close than it’s ever been,” Cain said. After the Mountain Brook game, Cain will go to his office that night to host an injury clinic for high school football players around Birmingham who suffered injuries. Besides Mountain Brook, Cain and his partners cover Hoover, Spain Park, Homewood, Oak Grove and Bessemer City as team doctors. At the clinic, Cain and his partners evaluate injuries, perform x-rays, and set up MRIs and other diagnostic tests for the next morning. “In a sports environment, the last thing you want to do is have an injury Friday night and not really know what’s going on until Monday or Tuesday of the next week,” the Alabama graduate said. “Not only for the athlete but also

Dr. Lyle Cain with his sons at a MBHS football game.

for the coaches and the family. The injury clinic is a big outreach program we have.” Fall Saturdays bring even more business for Cain, as he catches up with the Alabama team, home or away, about two hours before the game to evaluate injuries and tell players if they are cleared to play. He also assists the team trainers with getting braces for players that are playing with injuries. Then, during the game, Cain moves to the sideline. Typically, if an injury happens, it is the team trainers who run onto the field, not the doctors. However, if the injury is severe or if the trainers aren’t sure what to do, they will signal for Cain to come and assist. Either way, Cain always evaluates the injury on the

sideline and communicates with Saban and his coaches about how quickly a player can return to action. “We do a lot more than people think,” Cain said. “People watching the game only see an injury here or there because that’s when the TV shows it. But in a typical college football game, there’s about 10 or 12 injuries where the guys will come off and I have to decide what to do with them.” A typical Alabama fan would feel nothing but joy to watch the game on the sideline. But Cain says his responsibilities change how he watches his favorite team play. “I go to the games with a different mentality,” he said. “Instead of just being a fan and enjoying the game,

there’s always butterflies. Every play, rather than worrying about whether we’re going to score or get a first down, I’m hoping no one gets injured because it changes lives. I don’t like big hits like I used to. I don’t like seeing someone come across the middle and get laid out. It makes me sick instead of making me excited.” Cain’s weekend schedule comes to a close with his meeting every Saturday night with Saban. After the coach finishes with his press obligations, the two meet to discuss each injury and the plan of action. “I’ve worked with a lot of coaches over the years, and Coach Saban is actually pretty easy to work with in terms of the medical side,” Cain said. “He doesn’t ever try to micro-manage someone’s care or anything. He doesn’t give me a hard time about anyone’s injuries. Just like any family member, he wants to know how to keep this from happening again and when they can they come back and play without being hurt. He just wants to know the plan to get the guys back on the field.” As his schedule shows, Cain won’t have much free time come fall. Beside his Mountain Brook and Alabama duties, he also serves as Medical Director at the University of West Alabama. He goes there once a month, and if they have a Thursday night game, he’ll be there. “The downside that people don’t see is that it’s a pretty busy, stressful job,” Cain said. “There are certainly more stressful jobs – I don’t deal with life and death on a daily basis but with people’s careers and livelihoods. People are counting on us as surgeons to get them back to a normal life. I work long hours, and I’m not home for dinner every night.” Cain has four children all in the Mountain Brook School System: Sarah, a senior, Virginia, a sophomore, Edward, seventh grade, and George,

fourth grade. After growing up in the community, Cain has been able to keep up with many families and friends through his practice. “I really enjoy being involved in the Mountain Brook community,” Cain said. “One of the things I’ve had the opportunity to do, which is a bit surreal at times, is operating on my principal, my teachers, my friends’ families. I’ve had the ability to keep up with a lot of the people I grew up with and treat a lot of their family members, which has really been gratifying. It’s really unusual to be able to do that in your home community. Mountain Brook is a great place for it.” Cain’s involvement with Mountain Brook – his favorite being Career Day for the sixth graders at Crestline Elementary – makes it easy to forget his practice with Dr. Andrews is the most famous in the world of sports medicine. Not many Mountain Brook dads can drop names like Nick Saban, Adrian Peterson, Derrick Rose and Robert Griffin III with the ease and experience of Cain. Cain and Andrews have treated a high percentage of professional athletes that have had knee or shoulder issues. “Lots of pro and college athletes are just genetically unusual, and they are able to do better with bad injuries than normal people,” Cain said. “I’ve had guys at Alabama come back from devastating injuries like nothing happened. And it had nothing to do with my surgery. They’re just amazing specimen that can heal fast. These NFL guys are like Wolverine or something.” The typical Alabama fan might want Lyle Cain’s access to the program, but not everyone could handle the stress and business of his job. This fall will be another hectic one, as Cain ensures that the players at Spartan Stadium and Bryant-Denny are evaluated by one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the world.

VillageLivingOnline.com

September 2013 • A23

911

from pg A1

Vestavia Hills firefighters participated in last year’s Patriot Day Ceremony when it was held in Homewood. Vestavia Hills last hosted it in 2011. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

Vestavia Hills Fire Chief Jim St. John and Homewood Chief John Bresnan salute during last year’s Patriot Day Ceremony. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

beam will serve as a powerful reminder during a special ceremony in front of it on Patriot Day of this year. “It’s one of the larger pieces I have seen from the collection,” Ezekiel said, recalling the reactions of passersby as they realized its significance. “We are so proud of it.” Following the New York City tragedy 12 years ago, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey had collected pieces of the towers and stored them in an airplane hangar. Eventually, the Mountain Brook Fire Department found that the Port Authority was giving away pieces to be used as memorials, and City Manager Sam Gaston wrote a letter to request one. Once the beam arrived, the City involved the Village Design Review Committee to decide how to display it, and the consensus was to mount it vertically to represent the shape of the tower where it came from. Artist Shea Scully chose to use a different type of metal to mount it. Scully did so to distinguish the original beam from the mounting, and Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors performed the labor to make it happen. Following the ceremony this year, Ezekiel said he intends to send photos to the Port Authority to show how the beam has fulfilled their purpose in shipping it to Alabama. Every couple of months the Fire Department paints the beam with beeswax to keep it from rusting while maintaining its original look. The department intends to lay a wreath around the memorial every Sept. 11 going forward, Ezekiel said. “It’s almost like having a piece of USS Arizona after Pearl Harbor,” Ezekiel said. “It had similar impact on our country, and people will pause and reflect on what they were doing that day. And that’s what it’s all about. We don’t want to forget.”

Patriot Day Ceremony Sept. 11, 8:30 a.m. Crestline Village

The City of Mountain Brook will host the annual Patriot Day ceremony held by the Cities of Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Homewood. Allan Rice, executive director of the Alabama Fire College and a 24-year veteran in the public safety profession, will be the keynote speaker for the ceremony, which begins at 8:30 a.m. and will last about 45 minutes. Abrielle Mullins, a rising country singer and daughter of Mountain Brook EMS Division Director Chris Mullins, will sing the national anthem, and Jacqueline Barnwell will sing “America the Beautiful.” Mayor Terry Oden will also speak, and Vestavia Hills Mayor Butch Zaragoza and Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer will be a part of the event. This year’s ceremony will focus on dedicating the Sept. 11 monument. The program will also recognize city employees who have served in military.

A laying of the wreath and a bell ceremony will be part of the lineup. The ceremony will take place next to the memorial at the intersection of Hoyt Lane and Oak Street by the library and fire department in Crestline Village. “I think [the ceremony] will cause people to pause and will be meaningful to people who are part of the ceremony and those who attend,” Mountain Brook Fire Chief Ezekiel said. Refreshments will be available in the library conference room before the ceremony starting at 7:30 a.m., and JAMM Entertainment will play music as well. Boy Scout Troop 320 will post the colors, and members of the Mountain Brook High School choir will perform with Barnwell as a part of ceremony. “We wanted this year to be different,” Ezekiel said. “[Dedicating the beam] is such a special thing to us.”

A24 â&#x20AC;˘ September 2013

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September 2013 • A25

Ready and waiting The Country Club of Birmingham prepares to host its first national tournament

Sports B3 Summer Fun photos B8 Faith B12 Calendar B14

By JEFF THOMPSON And WILL HIGHTOWER Lee McLemore can’t tell you which course at The Country Club of Birmingham he prefers. After 26 years as director of golf course operations, he knows them better than anyone on the planet – and he’s completely smitten. “That’s like asking me which child I like the most,” he said with a laugh. “They’re both unique and special in their own way.” McLemore is tasked with preparing all 36 holes of the East and West Courses for The Country Club of Birmingham’s first national event – the 2013 United States Mid-Amateur Championship, or Mid-Am as it’s commonly known. Scheduled for an Oct. 5 start, 264 golfers will descend on the course and its city for a shot at prime time play, as the winner receives an automatic invitation to play in the Masters. Typically, a golf course has several years to prepare to host a major tournament like the Mid-Am, and for good reason. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has a list of requirements a course needs to meet. Fairways have to be reshaped, roughs need to be a certain height, and tee boxes must be precisely positioned. But McLemore and the hundreds helping him didn’t have that luxury. For The Country Club of Birmingham, talks with USGA began in early 2011. The Club lined itself up to possibly host the 2015 MidAm, and organizers were thrilled. Then, a few months later, The Club received a call. It was the USGA. “How’s 2013?” they asked.

The first hole at the Country Club of Birmingham awaits golfers participating in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship in October. Photo courtesy of USGA.

With qualifying for the 2013 USGA Mid-Amateur Tournament taking place after deadline, updates on Birmingham-area players will be available on villagelivingonline.com in September. So, for the first time in its 114-year history, The Country Club of Birmingham was about to host a national event, and every moment counted. “We hit the ground running,” McLemore said. “Typically, a course has a little more time, but with about a year and a half, we still had plenty.” Twelve committee members and more than 400 volunteers came together and spent months preparing the course and facilities. McLemore said three tee boxes have been added, the rough is an inch higher than normal for the course, and the

fairways have been reshaped for tournament play. “We’re proud to be able to host it, and it certainly gives our members pride that our courses and facilities are good enough to make us a host for the tournament,” said Richard Anthony, chairman of the steering committee. The tournament was founded in 1981 because young golfers were starting to dominate amateur tournaments. Golfers in college were able to practice more and were probably

See TOURNAMENT | page B8

B2 • September 2013 A26

Village Living

Sports Alabama Steel places second in nation

Col. Irons distance trophy awarded

Ann Sisson and Payton Ballard received the Colonel George V. Irons Distance Trophy this year.

Front row: Peyton Haley of Mountain Brook, Alex Belt of Mountain Brook, Coleman Barranco, Bo Barber of St. Francis Xavier, Dre Falconer. Back row: Coach Justin Strong, Jermaine Harris, Holt Bashinsky of Mountain Brook, Carter Sobera of Mountain Brook, Paulie Stromaglia of Mountain Brook, Erick Taylor, Coach Chris Boehm.

The Alabama Steel finished second nationally in the AAU Division II National Basketball Championship Tournament. The team competed against 55 others from all

over the country and lost in the finals to a team from New York City, with an overall tournament record of 6-2. -Submitted by Scott Sobera

Mountain Brook High School’s most outstanding long-distance track athletes have won the Colonel George V. Irons Distance Trophy presented at the school’s Awards Day in May. William L. Irons, Iron Sr.’s son, presented this year’s trophies to Payton Ballard and Ann Sisson at Mountain Brook High School’s annual awards assembly. The trophy is given in honor of Dr. George V. Irons Sr., who broke

distance records throughout the South as captain of the University of Alabama Distance Team in the 1920s. The Colonel George V. Irons Distance Trophy is awarded to the top distance track athlete who has excelled in scholarship and citizenship. In 1978 Irons was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He is the only University of Alabama track athlete and only distance athlete ever inducted in the hall of fame in its 45year history.

B3 September 2013 • A27

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B4 • September 2013 A28

Village Living

Cheerleaders bring home clinic awards By HILARY ROSS MBHS Varsity and JV cheerleaders won numerous awards at the UCA Cheer Camp at the Beach Club Resort in Gulf Shores this summer. Most notably, the girls won the Leadership Award, which is voted on by all of the other squads attending. They also received first in Overall Game Day Competition and Cheer Competition, second in Sideline Competition and Extreme Routine, and third in the Home Pom Routine. Best of all, the girls took home the coveted, inflatable “Top Banana” Award for having the most spirit at camp. All Star Senior winners were Madelyn Beatty, Maggie Greene, Elizabeth Hymer, Virginia Jordan, Elizabeth Letzer, and Katie Seeger. The MBJH freshman cheerleading squad attended Cheerleading Camp at Mississippi State University. The girls won the Leadership and Traditions Awards, which are the top two awards given out at camp. The squad also won the Spirit

Stick Daily and took home the Top Banana. The squad won first in Cheer and Extreme Routine. Maggie McPherson received the Pin It Forward award, which is earned by cheerleaders who exemplify the sport. Tricia Davis won the jump off and Emma Brown came in second. Ellie Wolter, Maggie McPherson, Allie Sirkin, Virginia Limbaugh, Kathryne Letzer and Sally Neal were selected as All-Americans. Seventh and eighth grade squads attended clinics held at Homewood Middle School. Seventh grade won first for Extreme Routine and second for Home Pom routine. Britt Ware came in first place for the seventh grade jump off, and Mallie Bradford, Catherine Haas and Anna Rose Alexander were named All Americans. The eighth grade squad won first for Extreme Routine and Superior Ribbons in all three categories. Hayden Gandler won the eighth grade jump off, and Abbigail Cooney, Sarah Hydinger, Elizabeth Leitner and Lucy Smith were named All Americans.

MBHS JV and Varsity Cheerleaders Elizabeth Hymer, Madelyn Beatty, Katie Seeger, Mae Rose Tyson, Mims Bruin, Ann Baxley Winn, Virginia Wilson, Virginia Jordan, Elizabeth Letzer, Maggie Greene, Frances Conner, Meme Marshall, Paley Smith, Ellen Coleman Edwards, Catherine Fruin, Mary Katherine Moore, Elizabeth Hamm, Mary Claire Ritchey, Meredith Stringfellow, Ashley Niketas, Emmie Stutts, Kara Gravlee, Lucy Wolter, Mary Seldon Andrews, Lucy Long, Ellison Grey, Alli Walters, Logan Sanderson, Kaylan Greene, Chaise Belt, Mary Farley Stevens, Mary Pat Rodrigues, Lulu Marks and Madeline DeBuys are pictured with Coaches Shane and Holly Martin.

MBJH Ninth Grade Squad members Sally Neal, Ellie Wolter, Peyton Billingsley, Emily Barber, Glenn Haas, Maggie McPherson, El McMillan, Tricia Davis, Frances Gaut, Allie Sirkin, Emma Brown, Caroline Briggs, Gunter Crommelin, Virginia Leak, Celie Harris, Kathryne Letzer and Virginia Limbaugh are pictured with faculty sponsor Helen Pruet.

MBJH Eighth Grade Squad members Katherine Price, Margaret Kennedy, Catherine Conner, Kathleen Beall, Lucy Smith, Elly Curtis, Maggie Mills Rose, Hayden Gandler, Madison Clark, Anne Clayton Cole, Sarah Hydinger, Elizabeth Leitner, Alex Ann Dean, Ellie Toranto, Abbigail Cooney, Mary Alison Turner, Moriah Grace Yoder and Catherine Pugh.

VillageLivingOnline.com

B5 September 2013 • A29

Using a hill to build an empire Success of MBHS track program linked to a coach, his philosophy and a steep slope in Crestline By WILL HIGHTOWER Mike Abercrombie has coached about onethird of the students who currently attend Mountain Brook Junior High and Mountain Brook High School. That’s what happens when you combine successful track and cross country programs with no tryouts and a man passionate about coaching kids. As he enters his 21st year of coaching at MBJH, Abercrombie is preparing for yet another season of trying to keep up with nearly 250 runners, which is more than double any other school in the Birmingham area. “My biggest challenge with the 248 kids we had last year was trying to make every kid feel like they had a spot on the team and that they’re important, because they are,” Abercrombie said. All it takes to be on the MBJH cross country or track team is a commitment to come to practice and a parent’s attendance at the parent meeting. There are no tryouts. However, this team isn’t just a running club. The junior high team forms the foundation for the unprecedented success of the high school varsity teams: the girls have won 16 out of the last 19 cross country state titles, including the last 10, and the boys have won five of the last seven. “Coach Ab,” as everyone calls him, thinks that competitive spirit is a byproduct of Mountain Brook’s culture. “There are a lot of families that are working real hard for their kids to be in this school.

That mentality at home of working hard for what you want comes with the kids to practice. I think that’s been a huge part of our success. The kids see hard work at home so they think that’s the norm.” The culture of MBJH cross country and track not only includes winning races; it also involved a certain hill in Crestline that every Mountain Brook runner has gone up countless times. Hill drills on Memory Court, the massive hill across from the Piggly Wiggly, are one of the unique features of Abercrombie’s program. Coach Greg Echols, the varsity coach, started them in Mountain Brook, and Abercrombie has carried the tradition. “When we started doing that, our success rate got a lot more consistent,” Abercrombie said. “I tell the kids, ‘This is our secret. This is our secret that we do that I don’t know that everybody else does. The kids that buy into it see success. It’s definitely a mental challenge.” Abercrombie was having dinner with legendary University of Arkansas Track Coach John McDonnell, and when asked about the one drill he would have his runners do above anything else, McDonnell answered “hill drills.” Between the mental challenge and the lower physical toll they take on the runners – knees take less pounding when running up a steep hill, and muscles get worked harder – hill drills are an integral part of Abercrombie’s success. Abercrombie is married and has two sons, Blake, who is 8, and Jake, who is 4, and has started working part-time in real estate. But he

The secret to Coach Ab’s success is the slope on Memory Lane in Crestline, which his runners climb as part of their training. Photo by Will Hightower.

isn’t planning on ever leaving Mountain Brook, and retirement still hasn’t been discussed. For now, Abercrombie is still focusing on learning names of his hundreds of runners and helping junior high kids find their place.

“You won’t be sitting on the bench,” Abercrombie said. “Everyone will get out there and see what they can do and find out what they’re made of. And that’s the great part of cross country.”

B6 • September 2013 A30

Village Living

Opening the season with the voices of By TOM WARD Special to Village Living Al Del Greco and Jay Barker join forces each morning with host Tony Kurre on the air for The Opening Drive show on WJOX 94.5 FM. For Village Living, the two personalities give their opinions on the upcoming seasons for the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers.

Jay Barker

Do you think the preseason predictions for Alabama and Auburn have been fairly accurate this year? Jay Barker: I think the predictions on Alabama are fair, given their accomplishments of the last few years. Alabama is the logical team to place at number one. They are just so loaded at so many different positions. It really just comes down to injuries. Now it’s so hard to just win one national championship, much less back-to-back. But to win three in a row...the odds are just so much against them, but I still think the number one ranking is deserved and correct. They are the best team, talent wise and with coaching, in the country right now. Al and I have talked about this many times, and I think Auburn is actually going to be better than most people project them to be, based on the talent they’ve got.

Gus Malzahn has only been away for a year, so it isn’t like he’s brand new and has to become familiar with Auburn or the players. He also has Nick Marshall, who is a very talented junior college quarterback coming into an offense that will allow him to do well. So I think Auburn will be better than most people think. They have some tough games, but it will depend on how quickly they gel. Al Del Greco: Where Auburn is concerned, there are still a lot of questions. How does quarterback Nick Marshall fit in? How does the offensive line come around? How does the defense, with coordinator Ellis Johnson, fit with what Gus Malzahn is doing offensively with the up-tempo offense? And the other thing is, we’ve had all of these great recruiting classes, but how good are these kids? They have been developed well, and they aren’t as good as they could be yet. So how quickly can the

coaching staff get them to where they can compete at a level where the expectations are? So really, we don’t know what Auburn is yet, and probably halfway through the season, we’ll have a good idea of what this team is all about. Where Alabama’s concerned, you certainly can’t deny them the number-one ranking. They’re the defending national champions twice in a row now, and three out of the last four years. The quality of the skill players they have on offense is something that we haven’t seen there in an awfully long time, with that many guys who are playmakers. It used to be all about defense, but I think we’ll talk more about the Alabama offense than the defense.

Complete the sentence: My team will have a great season if... Barker: For Alabama to have a

great season, it’s all about injuries, keeping the depth that they have, and then A.J. McCarron is the key. If Alabama is going to win another national championship, then they need A.J. to stay healthy, and to be out there leading that team. Del Greco: For Auburn to have a great season, they need Nick Marshall to come through at the quarterback position. That’s where we’ve struggled for three out of the last four years. The year we won it all, we had the best player in college football at that position. Nick Marshall doesn’t have to be the best player; he’s just got to know the offense, to run it without making a lot of mistakes, and to let the other parts of the team, the defense and special teams, play them into winning football games. Most notably, they need better play at the quarterback position than they have had the last few years.

Do you see any surprises on the horizon for the 2013 season? Del Greco: I really think the new rule change on targeting, and being able to eject a player immediately and call a 15-yard penalty, then you’ll go back to a review and say, well, we may have made a mistake and he really didn’t target a guy so we’ll let him back in the game and initiate the penalty anyway. That’s going to happen somewhere, and it’s going to occur in a game where somebody gets thrown out and could really affect that game and the national championship picture. Talk about an outcry...it’s coming. Barker: One of the great surprises last year was when Johnny Manziel came on to the scene, and this year I’m looking forward to seeing who that type of

B7 September 2013 • A31

VillageLivingOnline.com

The Opening Drive Jay Barker

led the Alabama Crimson Tide to the 1992 national championship and the SEC championship. The winningest quarterback in Alabama history, Barker was a ﬁnalist for the 1994 Heisman Trophy and the winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Al Del Greco was the star kicker for the SEC champion Auburn

Tigers in 1983. After nailing the game-winning kick in the Sugar Bowl against Michigan, Del Greco went on to star in the NFL for 17 years, leading the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl.

surprise player is. Whether it’s a quarterback or a running back, or just someone who has come out of nowhere and is a fun player to watch. I love those types of stories, and I’m looking forward to seeing the surprise stories of 2013.

take him to adapt to SEC football, because there is a bit of a learning curve, but he’s the one who intrigues me the most because of what we’ve seen leading up to this time. He has one goal in mind, and that’s helping the football team.

Which new player do you see having the biggest impact on the team?

Barker: For me, there are two guys at Alabama, one on offense and one on defense. Derrick Henry on offense is a big running back who had some injuries during spring practice but has come back strong. The coaches have said that he performed really well in scrimmages, and they are excited about his size, his athletic ability, and his enormous potential.

Del Greco: Other than at quarterback, the guy who has intrigued me the most is Carl Lawson. Looking at his recruitment, looking at the work ethic that he puts in, the quotes from him and his dad about what it means to play college football, and talking to some of the coaches who have seen him on campus for a month and a half, I can’t help but be impressed. You’re talking about a kid who has a great motor on him. The question is how long it will

Reuben Foster, on the defensive side of the ball, has the coaches excited this year. He is a big dude, once an Auburn commitment who flipped to Alabama. I think he will make a tremendous impact immediately, especially with Trey DePriest being out. The coaches

hope DePriest will be back for the Texas A&M game, but I think Reuben Foster will make a huge impact this year as a freshman.

What are your own predictions? Del Greco: I’ve said all along that I think Auburn wins 7 or 8 games this year. The four nonconference games are all winnable. I think the games with Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi State and Ole Miss are all very winnable. And I think Auburn could surprise one of the other four teams they play: Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M, and LSU. Again, that is predicated on Nick Marshall or someone running this offense the way Gus Malzahn wants it run. As for Alabama, I agree with Jay that to repeat again would be very difficult. They certainly have the talent to have a shot to do that. I expect them, if they stay

Al Del Greco

healthy, to represent the SEC in the national title game, and it depends on who they face for the championship. Last year, I think everybody knew that Notre Dame wasn’t going to put up much of a fight against them. Barker: For Alabama, the two biggest games are Texas A&M on the road, and then a neutral site for the SEC championship game. After the A&M game, Alabama gets LSU, Tennessee and Ole Miss at home. Auburn is always tough to play down there, no matter what the records are. Those are the games we should worry about, and Tennessee will be much improved with new coach Butch Jones. I think maybe the toughest game of them all could be Georgia in the championship game, because Georgia has a really, really good football team this year. It’s true that they have to replace a lot of defensive players, but those

new guys are talented. They also have the redemption factor they’re striving for, for an entire year, and I really think that matchup will happen again. Georgia got so close last year, to beating Alabama and taking away those dreams. Can Alabama beat them twice in a row? Alabama has a schedule that could allow the three-peat, but it’s just so hard to repeat, much less win three in a row. I think Auburn will definitely get to seven wins and maybe eight. From a scheduling standpoint, I think there are many winnable games, even though many are doubting them right now. If they create a way to stop people on defense, then they will do great because Gus Malzahn’s going to score a lot of points. Along with Nick Marshall’s talent, they’ve got enough players around to score a lot of points.

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Tournament from pg B1

headed to the professional level, giving them a significant advantage over the older contestants. The USGA decided it needed something for golfers who were not practicing every single day but were still serious about the sport. The Mid-Amateur Championship was born. The minimum age to compete is 25, and golfers must have an official handicap of 3.4 or less. Qualifying tournaments took place around the nation in August, including a qualifier at Shoal Creek for the state of Alabama. Around 100 golfers competed for just a few spots in the tournament. Vice Chairs Barney Lanier and Jim Gorrie are helping lead the preparation. Lanier is in charge of the competition, the grounds, the clubhouse and the volunteers, while Gorrie is in charge of hospitality, communication, transportation and finance/administration. “You have to have good facilities and courses for the USGA to give permission and award you with holding a tournament,” Anthony said. “We want everything to run smoothly.” The club will use both of its courses during the tournament. After practice rounds, the first two days of the tournament will feature stroke play from all 264 contestants. Half the field will be on the East Course the first day and on the West Course the second day, vice versa for the other half. The field will then be cut down to 64 for the final two days, which will be match play. Now, with only a month between McLemore and the Mid-Am, he isn’t sweating at all. And he said he’s is ready to show off his manicured stretch of earth to the full field. “I think these newcomers will be as surprised as most people,” he said “Everyone who walks on this property for the first time is really amazed that two golf courses this great are tucked in a little valley just over Red Mountain.”

Royer radio

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Mother-son duo launch Mountain Brook Spartans Radio Network Mountain Brook Spartans Radio Network Friday Nights at 6:30 p.m. 107.3 FM spartanradionetwork.com By MADOLINE MARKHAM At 14, Jack Royer was playing football for MBHS when he got a trial run broadcasting a high school game on 97.7 FM The Peach. He walked up at Spartan Day, provided color commentary in his football pads and walked away with the gig. Needless to say, he chose broadcasting football over playing football. And now, after a one-year hiatus, the MBHS Varsity Football broadcast is returning, this time as a community-based program. It was Jack’s dad NBC 13 reporter Mike Royer’s idea to bring back a MBHS radio cast, but the now-senior and his mom Amy did all the legwork to make it happen. Jack, of course, provides on-air commentary for Mountain Brook Spartans Radio Network broadcast while Amy works behind the scenes as producer, web master, engineer and any other job that needs doing. Earlier this year the Royers, working as

Jack and Amy Royer are running Mountain Brook Spartans Radio Network this fall. Photo courtesy of Jack Royer.

“Royer Productions,” struck a deal with Summit Media to broadcast MBHS games on 107.3 FM, which became Birmingham Mountain Radio earlier this summer. Since then they have busied themselves investing in equipment and learning how to broadcast a radio show from a laptop on their own, both at Spartan Stadium and various away games. “If we can’t do it, we know someone who can,” Amy said of how they have capitalized on the family’s connections in the industry. “We are looking forward to the thrill of the live radio broadcast, especially since it’s community focused.” Although 107.3’s signal reaches throughout the Birmingham area, it was important to the Royers for the show to be broadcast online, too. “Not a lot of people have a radio signal in a house anymore,” Amy said. Jack said most of his work is done in the days leading up to game day. He assists Head Coach

Chris Yeager at football practice and interviews him on Thursdays, often staying later than Yeager after practices to get the job done. Since starting high school, Jack has worked for The Peach broadcast for its two-year tenure, served as a sideline reporter for football games, announced MBHS basketball games, produced shows for Vulcan Media in the summers, and was an education reporter for the Chamber of Commerce’s MBTV program. In addition to Jack’s role, Trip Galloway, a Mountain Brook resident and attorney, is providing color commentary for the broadcast. “He’s an encyclopedia of Mountain Brook history and stats,” Amy said. “He knows the Mountain Brook players through and through.” A number of local businesses are sponsoring the program, Amy and Jack said. “It’s all about Mountain Brook,” Amy said. “It’s been so great how people are coming out of the woodwork and wanting to be part of this.”

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Summer Fun Photo Contest WINNERS

Walton Redden and Parker Redden jump from one to the other while the boat is moving. Photo by Britt Redden.

Find many more great photos by visiting VillageLivingOnline.com

Celie Jackson (age

11), grand daughter of Betty and Cory Photo submitted by Jackson. Cory G. Jackson Sr .

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Kate McKnight enjoya the kayak. Photo by Britt Redden.

Bird of Paradise, Gulf Shores with Peter and Dad. Photo by Terry Pitman.

Hawaiian Night on Siesta Key. Photo by Missy Cleary.

Ann Hollis Burson and Harris Burson enjoy pool time at Rosemary Beach. Photo by Melanie Burson.

Anna Claire Howland, Cami Fowler, Maddie Ross and Caroline Herron pose during Camp Skyline’s fourth session.

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B11 September 2013 • A35

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Baby’s First Slip’n’Slide. Clara Williams, Walker Williams and Caroline Saia. Photo by Sally Williams.

Miss Deanny enjoying a sunny afternoon at Smith lake with her fur babies! Photo by Sanford Hardy.

Wills Black and Mary Hollins Black read Village Living on the beach at Chestnut Ridge, Weiss Lake. Photo by Allie Black.

Circle of friends. Photo by Juli Calron.

Jenna Farley. Photo by Keith Farley.

Beach baby Alaina King. Photo by Jennifer King.

B12 • September 2013 A36

Village Living

Faith Beauty’s in the mind, not the mirror There’s a difference between looking pretty and being pretty. I learned this the year I started college at a major university. From day one on campus, I was blown away by all the beautiful girls. Everywhere I looked there were knockouts, girls to suit any taste or preference: tall, short, curvy, lean, blonde, brunette, glamorous, natural…the list goes on. It was an intimidating situation, especially when I considered that the ratio of boys to girls on campus was 1-to-4. As I thought about the dates I hoped to have and how the odds were against me, I couldn’t help but wonder how I was supposed to compete. Over the next four years, I learned lessons in beauty that changed my outlook. Above

all, I learned that while a girl’s appearance can attract attention, it can’t sustain it because beauty without virtue is a wash. I saw girls fall from a 10 to a 6 on the beauty scale by being mean, vindictive or vain. Likewise, I saw girls shoot up in rank because of character and inner light. Eventually, I realized that pretty girls are a dime a dozen, easy to replace. Unless a girl has something besides looks going for her, she won’t be able to compete because there’s nothing unique to set her apart. There are two kinds of beauty in this world: beauty in the eye and beauty in the mind. While the eye’s opinion matters upfront, when the first impression is made, it’s the mind’s opinion that stands the test of time. In the mind is where

Life Actually

By Kari Kampakis true beauty registers, for it takes into account factors like behavior, attitude, heart and soul. Pretty is as pretty does, after all. For someone young, this may be hard to understand, but as we age, we get it. We realize that the better we know someone, the less their appearance matters. We stop noticing even their most arresting features. Inner beauty brings a person alive, illuminating them like lights on a Christmas tree. Where inner beauty doesn’t exist, there are no lights, just a tree with ornaments. We waste a lot of time in this world being insecure over appearance. I’m as guilty as anyone, and I admit that when I approve of my reflection in the mirror, I want to take the world by the horns. I want to live big. But the danger of chasing the eye’s approval is it holds no long-term value. It’s superficial and shallow, and when it becomes our singular focus, we become superficial and shallow, too. There’s no way around this because what consumes us is who we are. If we really want to be beautiful – to ourselves and others – we should evaluate ourselves as a package. We should see beauty as a running tally, a tally that may gain or lose points with each choice we make. Above all, we should consider how people feel after being in our presence. Do they feel uplifted? Inspired? Warm and refreshed? Or do they

feel indifferent? Down? Inadequate and ashamed because they don’t fit our mold? To me, the epitome of a beautiful person is someone whose company I crave because she touches my soul. It’s someone who is high in authenticity, but not high on herself. A beautiful person represents the truth, and as I see it in her, I search for it in my life. As a man named Frédéric Fekkai says, “Beauty’s in the mind, not the mirror.” Let’s take care of ourselves and make the most of what we have but keep the pursuit in moderation. Looking good can be a full-time job, but even if we achieve perfection, we’d still be lacking because this outer obsession would dim our inner light. Inner light can’t be bought in a bottle or created in surgery. Inner light comes from the joy we add to the world. It radiates from within. Pretty is as pretty does. Appearance is a starting point, an invitation to look closer. Pretty girls are a dime a dozen, but true beauty is priceless. May women of all ages remember this and embrace the freedom that comes when we realize that beauty is not about conforming to a mold but rather breaking it. Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Mountain Brook mom of four with a background in PR, writing and photography. For more inspiration, join her Facebook community at “Kari Kampakis, Writer” or find her on Twitter. Visit her website at karikampakis.com, or contact her at kari@karikampakis.com.

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B13 September 2013 • A37

Summer is for

serving Area churches take mission trips

Canterbury United Methodist Church’s youth group took its annual mission trip to New Orleans, where they worked on houses.

Above: A group from Cathedral Church of the Advent traveled to Memphis, where they refurbished roofs for two elderly widows’ homes. Church members pictured are Douglass Hubbard, Michael Clark, Francis Patrick, Ann Douglass Williams, Turner Hull and Catherine Allen. Left: Brookwood Baptist Church’s youth group visited to Charlotte, N.C., where they worked at various shelters and charities. Front row: Lauren Gilbert, Margaret Dodson, Moriah Grace Yoder, Matthew McCollum. Second row: Rebekah Rush, Emma Reeves, Ann Marie Bonds, Camille Davis, Claire Davis, Lauren Bundrick, Hannah Sellers. Third row: Katherine Thomas, Joanna Little, Annie Hamm, Bethanne Austin, Rachel Pugh, Maggie Hightower, Reese Williams, Will Sexton. Back row: Stephen Causey, James Pugh, Caleb Yoder, Logan Chambers, Philip Reeves, Austin Keim, Keith McLeoud, Ben Parker, Nicholas Barnette, J. Compton.

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Calendar

Mountain Brook Events Sept. 6: Alabama Symphony Orchestra Maestro’s Ball. 6 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Visit alabamasymphony.org. Sept. 6: MBHS Varsity Football vs. Shades Valley. 7 p.m. Spartan Stadium.

org or 879-0411, ext. 224.

5 p.m. MBHS.

Sept. 15. Round Robin Doubles Mixer. 2 p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center. All levels of play invited. No partner necessary. $20 nonmembers, $16 members.

Sept. 27: MBHS Varsity Football vs. Buckhorn. 7 p.m. Spartan Stadium.

Sept. 7: Crestline Rocks. Crestline Village. Benefits PreSchool Partners, a nonprofit organization that prepares 3and 4-year-old at-risk children and their families for kindergarten. $35 in advance or $40 at gate. Free for ages 12 and under. Visit crestlinerocks.com or preschoolpartners.org or call 951-5151.

Sept. 17: MBHS Volleyball vs. Gardendale. 5 p.m. MBHS.

Sept. 8: “Justice Delayed, Not Justice Denied: The Prosecution of the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing Cases.” 4 p.m. Canterbury United Methodist Church. Former Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley and Birmingham attorney and former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones will speak on their involvement to achieve justice. Free. Contact Laura Dabbs at laura.dabbs@ canterburyumc.org or 871-4695.

Sept. 19: Cahaba Village for a Cure. 6-8 p.m. Cahaba Village. Live entertainment, food and an opportunity to sign up for the Race for the Cure to be held Oct. 20. Benefits North Central Alabama Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Visit komenncalabama.org.

Sept. 10: Schaeffer Eye Center Fashions for the Foundation. 11:30 a.m. The Club. Fashions by Mountain Brook merchants. Benefits Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation. $50 per person or $800 for table of eight. Visit mountainbrookchamber.com. Sept. 11: Patriot Day Ceremony. 8:30 a.m. Crestline Village. Annual ceremony jointly held by Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia Hills will dedicate new Sept. 11 memorial. Sept. 12: MBHS Volleyball vs. Vestavia. 5 p.m. MBHS. Sept. 15: Smiles and Strokes Painting. 2 p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center. Grades 4-8. Each participant will paint an autumn landscape. $35, $30 members. Contact Betty Habshey at betty@bhamjcc.

Village Living

Sept. 19: Parenting the Teenage Driver Workshop. 6:30-8 p.m. Charles Mason Board of Education Building, Crestline. Taught by Dale Wisely. Email studentservices@mtnbrook.k12.al.us or call 877-8349.

Sept. 21: ZooGala 2013. 6:30 p.m. The Birmingham Zoo. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, live music and animal walkabouts. All funds raised at ZooGala go toward the Zoo’s operational efforts. Visit birminghamzoo.com or contact Kathy Vaughn at 397-3861 or kvaughn@ birminghamzoo.com. Sept. 22: Sukkot Harvest Festival. 12:30– 3:30 p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center. Family celebration with food trucks, music, and preschool and youth activities. Email Samantha Dubrinsky at samd@bjf.org. Sept. 22: Exercise and the Back. 1 p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center. Interactive class will discuss the anatomy of the spine and the myth of “if you have back pain you need to strengthen your abs.” Email Susan Finley at susanfinleypt@ bellsouth.net. Sept. 24: MBHS Volleyball vs. Woodlawn.

Sept. 27: Western Supermarket Wine & Food Festival. 6-9 p.m. The Birmingham Zoo. The festival, which benefits the Emmet O’Neal Library for the tenth year, highlights wine and food grown and/or produced locally or within Alabama. $50 in advance or $60 at door at library or Western stores. Sept. 29: Symphony 30 Picnic. 4 p.m. doors, 5 p.m. concert. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Annual fundraiser held by Symphony 30 auxiliary to benefit the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and its family and education programs. Tickets TBD. Visit alabamasymphony.org. Oct. 3-6: Antiques at The Gardens. Thursday 1-5 p.m., Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. $10 nonmembers, free for members. Visit bbgardens.org/antiques or call 414-3950. Oct. 3: Red Diamond Lecture Series: Bobby McAlpine. 1:30 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. $30. Visit bbgardens. org/antiques or call 414-3950. Oct. 4: MBHS Homecoming Parade. 2:30 p.m. Oct. 4: MBHS Varsity Football vs. Carver/Homecoming. 7 p.m. Spartan Stadium. Oct. 4: Sterne Agee Gala in The Gardens. 7-11 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. $150. Visit bbgardens.org/ antiques or call 414-3950. Oct. 5-10: 2013 USGA Mid-Am Championship. Country Club of Birmingham, 325 Country Club Road. Visit ccbham.org.

Area Events Sept. 7: R(un) for One. 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. 5K, 8:45 a.m. Fun Run. Veterans Park. Supports (Un)adopted, a division of Lifeline Children Services that works to meet the physical and spiritual needs of orphans who are unlikely to be adopted due to their older age. $30 in advance, $35 race day for 5K. $10 in advance, $15 race day for Fun Run. Visit unadopted.org/run or call 940-4623. Sept. 7: Monkey C Monkey 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. 8 a.m. 5K, 9 a.m. Fun Run. Homewood Central Park. Benefits Camp Smile-A-Mile’s yearround programs for children affected by cancer in Alabama. Register at imathlete.com or Trak Shak Homewood. Email Savannah.Lanier@ campsam.org for more. Sept 14: Head Over Teal 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run and Family Fun Day. 8 a.m. 5K, 9 a.m. Fun Run. The Preserve, 601 Preserve Way, Hoover. Food, live music, and children’s activities begin at 9 a.m. Race benefits the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation. LifeSouth Bloodmobile will be there on race day. $35 adults, $15 children 12 and under. Visit thinkoflaura.org.

jjones@exceptionalfoundation.org. Sept. 19: Eric Essix Concert. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. The Birmingham native and Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame will perform songs from “Evolution,” the artist’s landmark 20th recording. Call 975-2787 or visit alysstephens.org. Sept. 22: Talladega Half Marathon & 5K Lap Around the Track. 7:30 a.m.-noon. Talladega Superspeedway 3366 Speedway Blvd., Talladega. Visit talladegahalf.com. Sept. 21: Yotam Haber’s “A More Convenient Season.” 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Commissioned by the ASC and philanthropist Tom Blount, includes the Alabama Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Morgan, an allfemale choir featuring four young soloists from the area, electronic music by the acclaimed Philip White, a video by Oscar-nominated filmmaker David Petersen and audio recordings from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s Oral History Project. Call 975-2787 or visit alysstephens.org.

Sept. 15: Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963. 3 p.m. Alys Stephen Center’s Sirote Theatre, 1200 10th Ave. South. National staged reading of the play by Christina M. Ham. Tickets $15. Call 975-2787 or visit alysstephens.org.

Sept. 26-28: Greek Food Festival. 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 307 19th Street South, Birmingham. Greek cuisine, music, dancing, marketplace and more. Take-out orders and call-in orders for 10 or more are available by calling 716-3086. Free admission, food items individually priced. Visit birminghamgreekfestival.com.

Sept. 19: Exceptional Foundation Art Show & Auction. 6-9 p.m. The Exceptional Foundation. Art show, music, food, wine and beer, and silent auction. Call 870-0776 or email

Sept. 28: Alabama Symphony Orchestra at Homewood Central Park. 6 p.m. Homewood musical ensemble, 7:30 p.m. symphony. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

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Sept. 28: Hoover/Shelby Art Association Fall Art Show. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. City of Chelsea City Hall. Free. Call 979-5699. Sept. 29-Oct. 25: Watercolor Society of Alabama Members’ Showcase Exhibit. Opening reception Sept. 29, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Birmingham Public Library. Free. Visit wsalabama.org or call 979-5699. Sept. 29: Magic City Mile. 2 p.m. Trak Shak Homewood. All funds raised support the children of The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, and the after-party will include music, activities for children and food from Chuy’s. Register at

B15 September 2013 • A39

imathlete.com, call Kelly Peoples at 879-3417 or visit thebellcenter.org. Sept. 29: Vulcan AfterTunes. 3 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. Live music and kids’ activities. $15 adults, $7.50 Vulcan members, free for ages 12 and under. Visit visitvulcan.com. Oct. 6: Hot Strings Music & Arts Festival. Noon-6 p.m. Colonial Brookwood Village. Artists, kids’ activities and live music. Three on a String, Mandolin Orange, Act of Congress and Matthew Mayfield will perform. Benefits local rescue mission and recovery center The Foundry. $15. Visit HotStrings.org.

Emmet O’Neal Library Call 445-1121 or visit eolib.org for more.

Adults Wednesdays: Brown Bag Lunch Series. Noon doors, 12:30 p.m. program. Wednesdays: Wild West Wednesdays. Film viewing. 6:30 p.m. Sept. 1-2: Library closed for Labor Day. Sept. 9: Great Books, Discussing “The Doctor” by Ann Hood, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10: The Bookies, discussing “The Son” by Philipp Meyer, 10 a.m. Sept. 12: Cities For Life Diabetes & Health Education Lecture, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17: Documentaries After Dark, film about King George VI, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19: Wine Education Lecture with Scott Atkinson, Western Supermarkets Head Wine Steward, ages 21 and up only. Registration required at 445-1118, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21: Knit & Knibble, all crafts and skill levels welcome, 2-3:30 p.m. Sept. 24: Genre Reading Group, discussing classics you’ve read recently, 6:30 p.m. Teens Sept. 4: Teen Advisory Board, 5-6 p.m. Sept. 6: Game On Video Game Tournament, 4:306:30 p.m. Sept. 13: Make & Bake Sculpture, 4-6 p.m.

Children Mondays Toddler Tales Story Time. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays Together Time Story Time. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Library Out Loud Story Time. 3:30 p.m. Evenings @ EOL. 6 p.m. Wednesdays *Mother Goose Story Time. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Thursdays *Patty Cake Story Time. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. SNaP. 3:30 p.m. Saturdays Family Story Time with Mr. Mac. 10:30 a.m. Special Events Sept. 3: Evenings @ EOL: PJ Storytime, 6 p.m. Sept. 10: Family Night: Bama Air Dogs, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17: Evenings @ EOL: Movie on the Lawn: Cars, 6 p.m. Sept. 18: After-School Special: Sing-Along with Jim Aycock, 3:30 p.m. Sept. 24: Evenings @ EOL: Boards and Blocks (Games and LEGOs), 6 p.m. Sept. 26: *Bookmania: Bomb, 6 p.m. *Space is limited; call 879-0497 or visit eolib.org to register.

A40 â&#x20AC;˘ September 2013

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