Vestavia Voice February 2017

love

Volume 4 | Issue 10 | February 2017

TOUGH

PAYS OFF

Vestavia Hills City Center is populated mostly by franchise and chain businesses.

Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

Becoming the store next door City examines challenges for local small businesses looking to set up shop

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

That’s the kind of love that pushed Marco Johnson to pursue a goal that, at one time, he thought he’d never attain: finally getting his high school equivalency diploma.

“For so long, I really regretted it,” Johnson said of dropping out of Jess Lanier High School, now Bessemer City High School,

Emily and Blake Hamachek knew they wanted to relocate their coffee roasting company to their own community of Cahaba Heights.

“It was kind of the vibe we wanted,” Emily Hamachek said.

What she didn’t expect was a five-month search to find a place that fit their needs and their budget for Higher Ground Roasters.

“We could not find anything in Cahaba Heights. The real estate’s extremely expensive [in Vestavia Hills], and there wasn’t a lot to choose from,” Hamachek said.

Vestavia Hills has seen increasing sales tax revenue during the past several years as more businesses recognize the potential in the city.

See TOUGH LOVE | page A24

See BUSINESSES | page A26

Demarcos “Marco” Johnson, center, surrounded by Pizitz staff members, from left: Kathie Knickrehm, Angela Pope, Tom Callahan, Donna Watkins, Kathy Rogers, Dena Moncrief and Amber Payne. Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

After many years and hardships, Pizitz staff member earns GED

By EMILY FEATHERSTON

T

Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Tupelo, MS Permit #54

here are many kinds of love.

There’s the kind written about in romance novels and portrayed on the movie screen and the kind hallmarked in family paintings and holiday celebrations.

And then there’s the kind that’s tough — that pushes forward, no matter the challenges or circumstances.

INSIDE

Sponsors .............. A4 News...................... A6

Chamber............... A11 Business .............. A12

Sports ................... B4 Gift Guide ............ B10

School House ...... B11 Events .................. B17

Real Estate......... B25 Calendar ............. B26 facebook.com/vestaviavoice

The Roller Girls Two Vestavia Hills women discover new dynamics of a decades-old sport with Tragic City Rollers.

See page A22

Swing for the Fences The quest to get back to the highest stage in the state has begun for the Vestavia Hills High School softball team.

See page B4

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Vestavia Voice

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A4 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

About Us Editor’s Note By Sydney Cromwell Valentine’s Day has never topped the list of important holidays for me, but I think that’s going to have to change this year. After nearly seven years together, my fiancé and I have decided to get married Feb. 11, 2017.

When you choose your wedding date about five weeks before it happens, you’re going to get some surprised responses from friends and family. And it’s true — my wedding won’t have a lot of the traditional elements that are expected. But it has touched me to see the people in my life offer an outpouring of support without hesitation.

In the past few weeks, I’ve been the recipient of advice from friends who have already tied the knot, dress shopping suggestions and simple reassurances when I start wondering whether five weeks is enough time to plan

anything. These things are like wedding gifts to me: given from the heart from people who care about my fiancé and me.

A wedding is about celebrating two people, but behind them there is always a community of support and love that

helped bring the couple to their wedding day. I don’t believe I could have made it to Feb. 11 in one piece without that community.

With so much going on in work and in life, I’m often guilty of not appreciating people enough. So I’m taking this moment to say it in writing. Thank you, to my friends and my family and my co-workers and the many wonderful strangers I have met through this job. Thank you for your love and kindness and patience, for laughter and long nights together and good memories.

I’m a very lucky person, indeed.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH Vestavia’s Colin Scollard moves in for a layup as Hoover’s Ellis Conwell follows closely during a basketball game Jan. 17. Despite falling to the Buccaneers in the final quarter, the Rebels held a solid lead for the first three quarters to make for an exciting match. Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

Correction

Publisher: Managing Editor: Design Editor: Director of Digital Media: Director of Photography: Sports Editor: Digital Editor: Page Designers: Community Editor: Community Reporters:

Staff Writer: Copy Editor:

In our January issue, the “Look Ahead” article incorrectly listed the total to fund the city’s Community

Dan Starnes Sydney Cromwell Kristin Williams Heather VacLav-Hooper Sarah Finnegan Kyle Parmley Alyx Chandler Cameron Tipton Emily VanderMey Erica Techo Emily Featherston Jon Anderson Jesse Chambers Lexi Coon Sam Chandler Louisa Jeffries

Contributing Writers: Sarah Cook Leah Ingram Eagle Grace Thornton Sarah Tuttle

Spaces plan at $69 million. The correct figu e is $49 million. We regret the error.

Advertising Manager: Matthew Allen Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Brittany Joffrion Rhonda Smith James Plunkett Jon Harrison Gail King Eric Clements

For advertising contact: dan@starnespublishing.com Contact Information: Vestavia Voice PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@starnespublishing.com

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

Published by: Starnes Publishing LLC Legals: The Vestavia Voice is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Vestavia Voice is designed to inform the Vestavia community of area school, family and community events. Information in The Vestavia Voice is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of The Vestavia Voice. 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) 313-1780 or by email.

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VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • A5

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Vestavia Voice

City Mayor’s Minute

By Ashley Curry

Nominations for the next class of Leadership Vestavia Hills will be accepted in March. Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

Leadership Vestavia Hills accepting nominations

By EMILY FEATHERSTON Though the 2016-17 class is still working on its project, the time has come to begin finding the next class of Leadership Vestavia Hills.

Leadership Vestavia Hills is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of community members.

“It provides an opportunity for the citizens of Vestavia to become involved with the community in which we reside and make it an even better place for everyone,” said Shera Grant, LVH selection committee chairwoman.

“You really become the change that

you want to see.”

The goal is to educate potential city and community leaders on how to best maximize their skills, resources and connections, she said.

In addition to honing their own personal skills, each class of Leadership Vestavia Hills works on a class project to better the community. In the past, these projects have included the creation of the annual Wing Ding festival, alcohol and drug abuse prevention, traffic studies and mitigation, improvement of the gateway at Interstate 65 and U.S. 31 and many more.

Nominations for candidates are open for the 2017-18 class, and applications

from those nominated will be accepted between March 1-31.

After applications are submitted, the selection committee will choose about 20 applicants to be reviewed by the board of directors.

All chosen new members are expected to attend the scheduled class meetings between September 2017 and April 2018, as well as participate in the class project.

To nominate a potential new member, community members and groups can fill out the form at leadershipvestaviahills. com/join-lvh/nomination-form.

For more information, contact Grant at shera.grant@alacourt.gov.

I hope that everyone had a happy New Year, and I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2017.

There is much to be excited about this coming year. Our Community Spaces Committee is addressing what is potentially the largest building project the city has ever undertaken. If you attended any of the town hall discussions presented by the committee, you are aware of the vast improvements proposed for our parks and other recreation facilities. Infrastructure issues such as traffic, sidewalks and road paving will also be addressed this year.

I would also like to share some “State of the City” topics with you as well. First and foremost, our city is in good financial standing. In reviewing the sales tax revenue from 2016, we are 2 percent ahead of what was projected for the year. Our ad valorem tax revenues are about 3 percent ahead of projections.

Our city has also been rated Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service, which places us as the second highest rated city in the state of Alabama.

Our public safety departments are operating exceptionally well.

Our Police Department is doing well, as evidenced by the low crime rate within our city. Our Fire Department was recognized by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) with a Public Protection Classification 2, which places us in the 99th percentile of fire departments throughout the United States. Both of these departments received high marks from the annual Citizen Survey.

We are continuing to see growth in construction of both residential and commercial properties. We also continue to see increases in business licenses for new businesses in our city.

The addition of Patchwork Farms will provide revenues that have not yet been realized.

All in all, Vestavia Hills has a promising year ahead.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • A7

Survey aims to give residents a say in parks, green spaces

By SARAH COOK Vestavia Hills residents have the opportunity to give specific input on the future of their city green spaces thanks to an initiative led by Leadership Vestavia Hills.

Andrew Patterson, member of the 20-person Leadership Vestavia Hills team, said residents can participate in an online survey until Feb. 28 that gives residents the chance to give input on how city green spaces could be expanded and improved.

Patterson said this is a grassroots effort, which will be carried out through social media, schools and one-on-one visits within the community.

“I think right now we’re just trying to understand what the residents want to see,” Patterson said. “The goal of the survey isn’t to program any kind of specific infrastructure, but to just see what Vestavia is looking for in their green spaces.”

Green spaces, Patterson noted, include more than just the city’s four parks — McCallum Park, Shallowford Park, Byrd Park and Wald Park. Green spaces are any area where residents frequently walk, or simply enjoy the outdoors, he said.

And although Patterson stressed that the Leadership team has no concrete plans to present to the city, there has been talk of bringing new amenities to the city’s recreational areas.

Tommy Dazzio, parks and recreation board member and committee chair, presented an in-depth conceptual plan for potential upgrades within the city’s community spaces at a Nov. 15 town hall meeting. Some of those potential plans include expansions to Wald Park and a new multipurpose recreational facility for the city.

By giving residents the ability to give some specific input through a citywide survey, which will have 30 questions that address wants and needs in city recreational areas, before any plans are drafted and

Siblings Gabe Norris, 2, and Elena Norris, 11, enjoy playground equipment at Wald Park, one of the city’s four parks. Photo by Sarah Cook.

presented, Patterson said he hopes to give residents a greater voice when it comes to what they want to see in their parks and green spaces.

“I don’t see any clear needs per se,” Patterson said. “But I know residents have said they would like better accessibility — whether that be sidewalks, trails and other connectivity (features) throughout the city.”

After the survey closes on Feb. 28, Patterson said Leadership’s next step will be to analyze survey results and draft a report. From there, Patterson said they intend to finalize the report

by April 1 and then deliver it to the city for consideration.

“We will take the data and analyze it and create a report to present to the city that they will hopefully use in developing their master

plan,” Patterson said, noting that the Leadership team hopes to get at least 1,000 survey responses. “We’re really just trying to get the word out to get people to take the survey.”

Patterson said the survey serves as one of several projects meant to better the community that the group launches yearly.

To take the survey, go to leadershipvestaviahills.com.

A8 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

U.S. 31 lighting project delayed

Council votes to continue support for pedestrian bridge

By EMILY FEATHERSTON The Vestavia Hills City Council met at its final 2016 meeting to discuss multiple items of business before the new year.

Before the Dec. 28 business got underway, City Manager Jeff Downes explained two items of business were to be withdrawn from the agenda.

The first, Resolution 4906, which would authorize the city to enter an agreement with LED solutions for new white-way lighting along U.S. 31, was withdrawn because of extenuating circumstances with ALDOT. Downes said when the city began the Request For Proposal process, both respondents submitted plans with a particular light fixture that would need to be approved by ALDOT. After some back-and-forth and a request for written confirmation that the fixtures would be approved, Downes said the ALDOT regional office responded that the proposed fixtures

Councilors hear information about the rezoning and proposed use of lots on Pine Tree Drive. Photo by Emily Featherston.

require additional testing, and there are only two currently approved options.

Downes said in light of the response from ALDOT, the city would like to go back through the RFP process and allow current and additional respondents to submit proposals in light of there being only two approved options.

Redoing the process, Downes said, would push back the project by 30 to 60 days.

Additionally, a rezoning request on the corner of Cahaba Heights Road and Pipeline Road that would have allowed for the construction of a wrestling facility was withdrawn by the applicant. Downes said because of unforeseen site work that would be required, the applicant opted to forego the project and withdrew the rezoning request.

The rezoning request for lots 38 and 39 of Pine Tree Drive was approved, with the condition that the design of the development remain

consistent with the drawing submitted to the council.

The lots at 3118 Pine Tree Drive were rezoned from Vestavia Hills R-1 residential district to Vestavia Hills O-1 office district.

The offices are expected to be occupied by two medical practices: a psychiatrist’s office and an ENT practice.

The council also voted on a measure that would formally turn consideration for a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31 over to ALDOT for approval. After receiving final confirmation on the federal funds and additional funds for the project, Downes said the measure would finally move the city into an agreement with ALDOT. The next step, he said, will be to wait for engineering approval from the state.

Other council business included: ► Mayor Ashley Curry reminded the

audience that the area is still in a Stage 4 drought emergency, and that watering restrictions are still in effect. ► The lot at 2053 Columbiana Road was rezoned to Institutional District and will be used by Shades Mountain Baptist Church as a green space. ► The Serra automotive sales and service location at 1476 Montgomery Highway was given an 18-month extension on its conditional use approval to allow the business to continue pursuits of reopening after a flood in 2014. ► The former Berry High School property was formally and completely annexed with the 90-day process. ► A fire department utility trailer was declared surplus and approved for sale. ► Downes encouraged residents to vote on playground equipment to be used at Meadowlawn Park.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • A9

Michael Enervold of TrailVisions and Brian Davis of the public works department explain the proposed biking trail to the council. Photo by Emily Featherston.

Council approves mountain bike trail at McCallum Park Willoughby Road sidewalk project also passes

By EMILY FEATHERSTON At its first meeting of 2017, the Vestavia Hills City Council voted to approve a new mountain biking trail at McCallum Park.

Public Works Director Brian Davis explained to the council that in the fall of 2015, the mountain biking club at Vestavia Hills High School approached the city about finding a place to practice within city limits.

At the time, the team was practicing at Oak Mountain State Park, but the driving distance and limited daylight hours were becoming an issue for the team hoping to grow.

In 2015, when the city acquired the former Altadena Valley Country Club, Davis said it was suggested that the team make use of that property.

While he said the team has been appreciative of that opportunity, the terrain of the property isn’t exactly what the team needs.

Davis said it was then discussed to build a trail at McCallum Park.

The 1-mile trail, Davis said, would be “extreme terrain” to be utilized by mountain bikers and active hikers, rather than a casual walker or jogger.

The resolution approved by the city on Jan. 9 named TrailVisions, LLC as the company that would construct the trail.

Davis said the trail’s design would force users to slow down around curves and would be designed to mitigate major falls.

The total cost of the project was set at $20,300.

Michael Enervold of TrailVisions said that the trail would be “just like Oak Mountain, but on a micro scale.”

Place 2 Councilor Kimberly Cook asked Davis if any grant funding had been considered for the project, and how it compared to a similar project undertaken recently in Gardendale.

Davis said the Parks and Recreation Foundation had declined to provide funding for the project, and that while they have reached out to the Freshwater Land Trust, whose land the trail would partially cross, nothing has been set in stone.

Enervold said the Gardendale project, which was around three miles, cost just under $50,000.

Davis said if any funding were to come in from the Freshwater Land Trust or other source, it would be taken off the total project cost to the city, but that the project would be capped at $20,300.

The council also voted to accept a bid for the Willoughby Road sidewalk project, awarding the bid to Walker Patton Co. After negotiations, City Manager Jeff

Downes said, the project will total $266,000.

Of that total, $180,000 will come from the sidewalk capital fund, depleting the amount.

The other $86,000, Downes said, would need to come from the capital reserve fund, the provision for which was outlined in the resolution.

Downes stressed, after inquiry from the council, that just because the sidewalk fund was emptied, the city would not be hindered in the future from completing additional sidewalk projects. In fact, he said, the ongoing design work for Green Valley Road would continue as planned.

He said that once the project gets underway, it would be a 90-day completion project.

Eventually, Downes said, the idea with the Willoughby Road project is a cog in the wheel of the central-Vestavia connectivity plan. The Willoughby project will provide access to Vestavia Hills Elementary Central, and should the pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31 be completed, there would be full connectivity from Wald Park to the school.

Upon prompting from a question by Place 4 Councilor George Pierce, Downes explained that all of the new sidewalks would adhere to ADA requirements, and that the city is working with a consulting firm to ensure that the requirements are met.

Other council business included: ► Approved an economic development agreement with Armstrong Development Group, LLC for a development in Cahaba Heights. The commercial development, which would include a Martin’s BBQ restaurant, will split the accrued sales tax 50/50 with the city for the first 10 years, or until the maximum of $575,000 is reached. The agreement, Downes explained, is made possible by a state amendment allowing cities to provide incentives for developments that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive. ► Downes thanked all of the city’s first responders and public works facilities, specifically Police Chief Dan Rary, for their service during the Jan. 6-7 ice storm. ► Downes reported that the city received a call from Superintendent Sheila Phillips about constructing a temporary, gravel parking lot at the Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights ball fields to account for the increased traffic during baseball season. Parking has been a concern due to continuing construction at the school, Downes said. ► Mayor Ashley Curry reminded citizens that the drought ordinance was still in effect, and would continue until the Birmingham Water Works Board reduced the drought level to Stage 2.

A10 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Mayor looks to mitigate future drought problems

By EMILY FEATHERSTON

Evidence of the recent drought could be seen on waterways throughout the areas, including the Cahaba River, pictured here in late November. Photo by Emily Featherston.

Mayor Ashley Curry said he knows residents are tired of talking about the drought and having to conserve water, but just because the area has gotten some rain, he doesn’t want Vestavians to be less vigilant.

As of press time, the greater Birmingham area was still in a Stage 4 Drought Emergency, according to the Birmingham Water Works Board, and would remain at that level until water levels at Lake Purdy reached a certain threshold.

Lake levels can be seen on the BWWB website, and were hovering just below 50 percent in mid January.

With that in mind, Curry said he wanted to keep working to make sure Vestavia Hills was doing its part in drought management.

“I didn’t want this to go away just because we’ve suddenly had some rain,” Curry said.

He reiterated that the city would continue enforcing its watering restrictions until the area drought level is reduced to below Stage 3.

However, he said that simply managing the current drought wasn’t his main goal.

Over the last month or so, Curry said he has been investigating, both on his own and through his connections in the community, what options the over-the-mountain communities have to avoid being in such a dire situation in the future.

He said that in the closing weeks of 2016 he heard rumors that in 2007, when the last major drought held the area, the over-the-mountain communities looked into finding an additional source of water to take some of the strain off of Lake Purdy.

“It was during that particular drought that mayors of cities, primarily over the mountain that got their water from Lake Purdy, approached Birmingham Water Works Board,” he said.

Curry said he recruited community member and friend Ken Scarborough to meet with representatives from the BWWB to find out

what was discussed at that time, and see if there are any ongoing plans.

What he discovered, he said, was the ongoing water pipeline project, nicknamed the Carson Loop, that would bring water from north Jefferson County Curry to some of the over-themountain communities, including Liberty Park and the U.S. 280 area.

“It might alleviate this situation in the future,” he said.

Anitra Hendrix, executive assistant to the general manager at BWWB, said that the Carson Loop has been under construction for a number of years, but currently doesn’t have a completion date.

“It’s a big project, and it does take time,” she said. Continuation of the project, she said, relies on funding and weather conditions.

She confirmed Curry’s thoughts that the pipeline would help areas over the mountain and around U.S. 280, which were the hardest hit during the current drought.

While the project is still ongoing, Curry said he thinks it’s important to pursue, especially given the recent and projected growth in Vestavia, especially in Liberty Park.

“We’re growing,” he said. “By the time the next drought rolls around, we could be in far worse shape we were this time.”

He said that he thinks that even though the area is moving out of the current drought, it is important for the city to have a “drought plan” in the same way it has plans for other natural disasters and emergencies.

“You should always have plans in place for contingencies,” he said. “I just feel we’d be remiss if we don’t consider droughts.”

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • A11

Chamber

City Manager Jeff Downes swears in the new and returning chamber board directors and committee chairs. Photo by Emily Featherston.

Award winners honored, new leadership welcomed

By EMILY FEATHERSTON “Volunteerism is the civic rent we pay here on earth.”

That is the proverb outgoing Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce board Chair James Robinson shared at the first chamber luncheon of 2017.

The Jan. 10 meeting was a time of celebrating the hard work of 2016, as well as the new beginnings of 2017.

After recognizing the 2016 committee chairs and board directors, several members were given awards for their commitment, leadership and service over the last year: ► Board Member of the Year: Gary Jordan ► Member of the Year: Abby McManus ► Dr. Charles A. “Scotty” McCallum Leadership Award: Clabe Dobbs ► Business of the Year: Retail: Fancy Goods Variety ► Business of the Year: Service: Southmont Development/Morgan Properties ► Ambassador of the Year: Betsy Frazer ► Chair’s Choice: Ben Chambliss and Mark Macoy Robinson himself was awarded the President’s Choice Award, because, as chamber president Karen Odle said, he was willing to go above and beyond his duties to make sure the employees of the chamber had the resources and manpower to make Vestavia a better place to do business.

While he may not be able to make as many jokes about Alagasco now that he moves into the immediate-past chair role, Odle said she knows Robinson’s time serving the chamber and the community is not over.

Awards from Viva Vestavia, which took place in October, were also announced, including Best Presentation, awarded to Snapper Grabbers, and Best Food, which was a tie between Grille 29 and Samurai Japan.

Odle thanked all of the members, ambassadors, board directors and chairs for their hard work in 2016, and congratulated the award winners on their accomplishments.

Preview of

February Luncheon

The February Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon will host ABC 33/40 meteorologist James Spann as its speaker.

Spann is one of the most recognized meteorologists in the country and has been in the industry nearly 40 years.

In addition to ABC 33/40, he is the founder of The Weather Factory and host of the Weather Brains podcast.

The luncheon will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Vestavia Country Club. Tickets are $20 up to the Friday before the luncheon, with late registration at $25. Register online at vestaviahills. org or call 823-5011.

“They were very well deserved,” she said.

In addition to the awards, the 2017 board directors and chairs were recognized and were then sworn in by City Manager Jeff Downes.

2017 board chair Roger Steur gave brief remarks after taking the oath, thanking Robinson for leaving the chamber in such good condition, as well as thanking Odle and the chamber staff for the constant work they do, and his family and work family for their support.

He also said he is looking forward to the year to come and the many things the chamber will do in 2017.

Steur closed the meeting by, as he said he’d seen done at a Johns Hopkins University commencement, taking a panorama photo of the crowd with his BlackBerry.

A12 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

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VestaviaVoice.com

Now Open Brookwood Baptist Primary Care is now open at 200 Montgomery Highway, Suite 225.

871-7746, bbhcarenetwork.com

1

2

Taco Tech is now open in the Dolly Ridge shopping center, 2409 Acton Road.

518-5999, tacotechs.com

News and Accomplishments eMeals, headquartered at 2806 Devereaux Circle, has announced a nationwide partnership with grocery delivery service Instacart. eMeals users will be able to view recipes with ingredient lists, which will

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February 2017 • A13 be integrated with Instacart’s system and allow users to have them delivered via Instacart. emeals.com

Hirings and Promotions Issis & Sons Furniture Gallery at Greenbrier, 1493 Montgomery Highway S., has hired Nell Rose Brackett, designer, Allied ASID, to join their team. She has more than 30 years of experience and was previously employed by Don’s Carpet One. 874-9586, issisandsons.com

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Elements Float Spa, 4851 Cahaba River Road, has closed.

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If you are in a brick and mortar business in Homewood and want to share your event with the community, let us know.

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Email matthew@starnespublishing.com.

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A14 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Starting fresh (brewed)

Altadena couple embrace new lease on life after launching Innova Coffee

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE On Saturday mornings in January, Tyler and Anna Nash had their home filled with people, some family, some friends and some strangers. All were there to support their new business: Innova Coffee.

Instead of waiting to move into a permanent space, they decided to host gatherings in their Altadena home to get the word out and create a following in their new coffee business before they grow into a permanent space.

“When you feel greatly supported with what we had envisioned, and to see it happening when we don’t even have space yet is very exciting,” Tyler Nash said.

After spending 14 years in a corporate job, Tyler Nash inherited money and became an investor, or so he thought.

“I spent about 10 years doing investing,” Tyler Nash said.

“Honestly, probably by year five, I knew I wasn’t an investor, but could not say I had failed. I kept pushing and finally by year 10, we were just at the end financially. We had built a beautiful home, sold it, and began a process starting over at age 50.”

While looking for a fresh start, Tyler Nash heard about a coffee shop opening nearby and decided to apply for a job. He asked them to overlook his gray hair and consider him a college student with as many hours as they could give him.

Tyler Nash described this as an extremely humbling experience, especially after putting up an image of success for the past several years.

“The Neighborhood Brew was in an area where we knew a lot of people,” he said. ”I had to tell people hundreds of times that the shop wasn’t mine, that I just worked there.

It was good for me to break down that facade of success. In that process two things happened: One was being

Altadena residents Tyler and Anna Nash say “Innova,” which means “renewal” in Latin, helps describe the story of their life. Photos by Erica Techo.

broken. The other was discovering that I loved this. The space, the creating, the environment and staff.”

Tyler Nash said there was a lack of life in him when he started working there, and his outlook was pretty dark. It wasn’t easy for him to start over, punching the clock at age 50.

He said his wife, Anna, inspired him, and her constant encouragement and optimism made the process easier.

While working as a barista, Tyler

Nash said he realized his love for craft coffee and serving people.

“If your passion really is to take care of people, it translates into what you serve and how you serve. That’s a natural tendency of mine, to want to take care of people,” he said.

Tyler Nash decided it was time to turn his passion into reality. After three years working at The Brew, he and Anna Nash made the decision to launch their own coffee company.

While this pursuit may be meant for young entrepreneurs, Tyler Nash said he isn’t worried about what he should be doing or look like at his age.

The couple describe their approach as a grassroots launch that involves connecting with people before they have a space. They update through their website, blog and social media.

They chose the name Innova, which means “renewal” in Latin, because they believe coffee is more

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February 2017 • A15

Tyler Nash, left, and Giorgio Fareira serve Innova coffee at the Nash’s home. Innova uses beans from Seeds Coffee Company in Homewood. They serve two flavors, Guatemala and Sumatra, but they said they will introduce new flavors as the seasons change.

than just a drink, but an experience.

The Nashes want their customers to experience a sense of renewal every time they have their coffee.

“Innova gets back to our passion, what we want to create for people.

Renewal is what we want people to experience by what we serve them, by our environment, the atmosphere we create and our staff,” Tyler Nash said.

Anna Nash said the word Innova is the story of their life.

“We’ve been renewed through this personally,” she said. “I love that it’s in another language. What happens is, people ask what the name means, and that paves the way for us to tell the story. Curiosity gives us the opportunity to speak about it.”

Innova uses beans from Seeds

Coffee Company in Homewood.

They serve two flavors, Guatemala and Sumatra, but they said they will introduce new flavors as the seasons change.

“Seeds’ passion is also about people, whether the farmer, staff or their guests,” Tyler Nash said.

“That’s what drove them to start their company. They are excellent at what

they do. They study the coffee and the regions. They have a passion for people and excellence in their work.

In craft coffee, you’re preserving the soil climate in which it’s created.”

Tyler Nash said he loves to talk about the coffee and experience it.

“It’s natural to find and partner with them. They also want to help me find equipment and help us get set

up (at our future location),” he said.

Innova is offering samples with both varieties of coffee, as well as selling mugs and stickers with their logo.

Anna Nash describes the process starting out as gradual and slow, and now they’re on the fast track.

“It’s moving so fast we can’t even hold on,” she said. “It’s definitely been a roller coaster emotionally. So many people have walked with us, from graphic designers, videographers, everyone wants to do something. We don’t want it to be about us. We want everyone to be a part of this story.”

The Nashes want their focus to be in the Altadena area, where they live.

Their goal is to nail down a space soon for their brick-and-mortar location. In the meantime, they will continue to grow their following and choose a property as soon as possible.

Until then, they will continue to host local gatherings and do pop-ups at coffee shops, including Sprout and Pour in Homewood.

To keep up with Innova, Anna Nash handles the social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Tyler Nash also blogs every other week as things progress and develop on their website at innovacoffee.com.

Anna Nash said they want to be an inspiration to others, and that can be as simple as a cup of coffee.

“We stumbled on the quote to ‘do what you have with what you have where you are,’ and that’s what we’re about,” she said.

Tyler Nash said there was a time in the past when they had the money and could have gone out and built a shop, but at that time, did not have the vision or passion.

“The idea birthed in us, and so the question was: What can we do right now?” he said. “This is what we can do. We can do what we love.”

A16 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Program keeping Vestavia seniors out and about

By EMILY FEATHERSTON Grace Schulte, 98, may not be as spry as she once was, but that doesn’t stop her from living a full life.

Every Wednesday, Schulte, or “Ms. Grace” as she is known by most, gets her hair done at Silver Scissors hair salon.

Then, she does her weekly grocery shopping at Publix, and sometimes she goes to the bank. On Fridays, she and her grandson go to the library, and often come home with armfuls of books.

Schulte, who quit driving several years ago, is able to live the life she wants thanks to the Vestavia Hills Senior Transportation Program.

“I would just be stuck if it weren’t for them,” she said.

The program began in 1985, when thenmayor Sara Wuska realized that the city’s large senior population had a serious need when it came to getting around town.

Whether it was a doctor’s appointment across town or just a trip to the grocery store or post office, program coordinator Gayle England said Wuska saw that many seniors had to decide between using expensive transportation methods like taxis or simply giving up their lifestyle.

“Back then, we had a large population of seniors that were very involved in the community,” she said.

That included the Vestavia Hills Lions Club, which had an annual onion sale on Scout Square.

One year, Wuska was able to convince the club to use the proceeds to pay for a vehicle that could be used for a transportation program.

Once the vehicle was obtained, England said the mayor was able to get the City Council to designate funding and turn the program into a city function.

Then, England said, the organizers turned to individuals who had recently retired or were looking for ways to volunteer, and recruited them as drivers.

“Once they got the drivers in place, then [they] started getting the riders,” she said.

Bob Holbrook drives Grace Schulte on her weekly errands, and the duo have been at it for quite a while. Photo by Emily Featherston.

England herself was a volunteer driver before she ran for City Council.

At one point, England said, the program had 22 regular drivers and 200 seniors on the list using the service.

Now, she said, many of those who volunteered to be drivers are getting to the point that they need the service themselves, including Wuska.

“I was so thrilled that the service is still in existence for her to use it,” England said, but added that now it’s sometimes difficult to make sure there is a driver for every day of the program, though in recent months she has had some younger volunteers sign up.

“We’re wanting to get more actively involved,” she said.

Right now, there are about 100 riders on

the program’s list, and Schulte is one of the 25 to 35 senior adults who regularly use the program each week. She uses the service on “errand days,” Wednesday and Friday, when the service takes seniors around the city, but the service is also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those needing transportation to medical and dental appointments.

Bob Holbrook has been a driver for four years, starting just after he retired, and he takes Schulte on her outings each week.

“Both for drivers and riders, it’s a great experience,” he said.

Holbrook said he can see how much the seniors appreciate the ability to remain independent, and said that he truly enjoys the few hours a week he gets to spend with them.

And it’s not just running errands.

“It gets me out, and I get to meet a lot of people,” Schulte said. “We have a good time.”

Schulte moved to Vestavia in the 1990s after living a life full of travel and serving as a schoolteacher in Ensley. Now, she lives in an apartment in her daughter’s house, but thanks to the senior transportation program, she said she still has her own independence and friends.

“I have met some awfully nice people this way,” she said, after greeting a few friends in front of the grocery store.

England said she and the volunteers hope to grow the program by both recruiting more drivers and reaching out to more community members who could benefit from the service.

She said that anyone interested is welcome to go along with her on a day she drives to see what it’s like.

“That way they get to see how it works,” she said.

Those who decide to volunteer should contact the Civic Center, she said. The process is simple, she said, the only major requirement being a consent form for the city to check the individual’s driving record.

Any residents or family members of residents who could benefit from the service are also encouraged to call the Civic Center for an application. The application provides the program with an emergency contact as well as any health or mobility information that may be important.

While a trip to the grocery store or hair salon may not be as exciting as some of the other things Schulte said she has done in her life ― including living in New Orleans, where she never missed a Mardi Gras parade ― she said that knowing she has the ability to keep going places keeps her in good spirits.

“It’s all just kind of fun,” she said.

For more information or to inquire about becoming a driver or getting on the transportation list, the Civic Center can be reached at 978-0166.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • A17

After a “soft” rollout, the library now is offering U.S. passport application services to Vestavia Hills residents. Photo by Emily Featherston.

Library in the Forest now offering passport applications

By EMILY FEATHERSTON For those planning a big trip, the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest is hoping to make at least one step a little bit easier.

After a “soft” rollout, the library now is offering U.S. passport application services to Vestavia Hills residents.

The service is open to first-time applicants for a passport only, and appointments, which must be made in advance, are available from 1 to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

The state department charges $110 for an adult passport and $80 for a minor passport if the minor is under 16 years of age.

Library marketing manager Holly Turner said there is a $25 execution fee

per application, as well as an additional $25 fee if the applicant would like a photo taken at the library. Applicants can bring their own passport photo, as long as it adheres to federal regulations.

When applying, applicants must bring an official proof of citizenship document, such as a birth certificate, as well as a government-issued form of identification, such as a driver’s license. Applicants must also bring a completed DS-11 form, a photo if not using the library’s photo service and a form of payment.

The DS-11 form is on the library’s website, vestavialibrary.org/passport, as well as on the U.S. State Department’s website, pptform.state.gov.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact the library at 9783683 during business hours.

A18 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Keeping lives in motion

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VHUMC program helps keep Vestavians on the road

By EMILY FEATHERSTON

A team of volunteers at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church helps provide cars to those in need in the Vestavia community, like JoAnna Sasnett, above. Photos courtesy of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church.

In Vestavia Hills, as well as most of Birmingham, the availability of public transportation is varied. For those without a car, getting around town or to a job can be particularly challenging.

For Mayor Ashley Curry, that came into perfect focus when he met a young man walking in the rain, trying to get to work.

After giving the man a ride and connecting him with transportation a while later, Curry said he began to think about those trying to better their lives, but who were stuck due to lack of transportation.

“That stays in my mind, that if we can help these people, they’ll be helping themselves,” he said.

And while he doesn’t attribute it to himself, thanks to Curry’s actions and idea, a group of members at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church is working to make the lives of those in need a little easier.

VHUMC provides cars or repairs the cars of people whose lives would be significantly improved by owning a vehicle, but who, for various reasons, have either lost their car or cannot afford to fix their own or purchase a new one.

This program does a really good job of vetting it and putting the cars exactly where they’re needed.

”

TIMMY COLLINS

“In a sense, the car ministry helps those who are trying to help themselves,” said Rachael Hayes, VHUMC missions coordinator.

Hayes said in the ministry’s vetting process, they ask candidates why they need a car, and the answer is almost always to be able to get to work.

“That opens up their possibilities,” she said.

In 2016, the ministry placed 38 cars with people in need, the most in its history, and over the five years the program has been operating, the team has placed dozens more.

Hayes said applications often come in after the church receives a call about another

VestaviaVoice.com ministry and realizes the person could benefit from having reliable transportation.

After receiving the application, Hayes said the candidate is interviewed by a group of ministry team members who ask the candidate questions about his or her background, needs and other things.

Once a car is available, and Hayes said the interviews generally happen close to the time a car is about to become available, the candidate is called to the church to receive the vehicle.

At that point, she said the church makes sure the recipient has insurance and knows how to care for the car, and they commemorate the event with a photo.

That, she said, is really when the best part of the ministry begins.

Hayes said they have received countless stories from recipients, not only thanking the team for placing them with a car, but showing the ways the car has improved their lives.

She said they’ve seen recipients be able to connect with family members, get a job or get a better job and even go back to school. “[It’s] life changing,” she said. “In so many ways.”

But she and VHUMC communications director Timmy Collins said it’s not just life changing for the recipient.

About half of the cars donated are from VHUMC members, Hayes said. The other half are purchased through donations made to the ministry.

“I think a lot of members, they want to be able to give and do these things, but they want to go through a vetted program,” Collins said.

He said that for some, it’s hard to give to programs where either you don’t know where the money is going, or you feel it may not make an impact in a tangible way.

“This program does a really good job of vetting it and putting the cars exactly where they’re needed,” he said, but added the cars also all stay in the Vestavia community.

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February 2017 • A19

That stays in my mind, that if we can help these people, they’ll be helping themselves.

”

MAYOR ASHLEY CURRY

More than providing a reputable program to donate to, Hayes said the relationships formed between the donor and the recipient give her chills.

“There’s been a lot of little things that have happened,” she said. “It’s a ministry that connects two parties that would have never met.”

Collins agreed.

“It’s so powerful to be able to watch,” he said. “It is really unique in a sense that you get to see the change happen.”

Collins added that he thinks the VHUMC congregation has connected with that idea.

And Hayes and Curry both said they hope the greater Vestavia community will recognize the power the ministry has to change lives.

“I would hope people would be aware that these types of programs are out there, and it’s very easy to be involved,” Curry said.

Hayes had a more tangible hope.

“I would love to see us not have a waiting list,” she said.

Right now, candidates wait an average of six to nine months for a car, and Hayes said she would love to have a surplus of cars, so that whenever someone applies, they get the car almost right away.

Hayes and Collins said those interested in donating a car or helping the ministry financially can contact the church.

“The need is here,” Collins said. “The needs are in Vestavia.”

Jannice McCullough is pictured with the car she received from VHUMC’s car ministry.

A20 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Above: Finlay and Yvonne Johnson take the dance floor at Vestavia Hills’ Monday night senior dance group. Left: A live band provides music each Monday night for the senior dance group that meets at the Vestavia Hills Senior Lodge. This month, the Monday night dancers will have a Valentine’s Day dance Feb. 13, which will include food, decorations and selection of the night’s best dancer. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.

Several Valentine’s events scheduled for Vestavia seniors

By GRACE THORNTON Zella Listerman says this Valentine’s Day, her dance class will be celebrating a lot of meaningful relationships.

“We have some couples who are very happily married, and they are in their 90s. One couple, she is 93 and he celebrates his 90th birthday on Feb. 4,” she said.

It’s people like that who inspire Listerman and keep her leading the Monday evening dance gathering, where she serves as chairwoman.

She’s been there nine years at the group, which has been going for 30. They meet at the Vestavia Hills Senior Lodge every week and dance to a live band.

“Ballroom, line dancing — we’re very informal,” Listerman said. “We’re open to all kinds of dancing other than square dancing.”

And for Valentine’s, they’ll hold a dressy dinner party Feb. 13 with a covered-dish, seated dinner. Anyone who wants to come can bring food, gather at 5:30, eat at 6 and move the tables to dance at 7, she said.

“We will have a really good time,” she said, noting that some will dress in long gowns for the event.

AN EDUCATIONAL GATHERING

On the following day — Feb. 14 — a group will gather at Vestavia City Hall as part of the University of Alabama’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of the Greater Birmingham area.

Former Gov. Albert Brewer was slated to speak that night, but in light of his death at the beginning of January, friends of his will speak and tell stories about the former governor, said

Julie Harper, civic activities coordinator for Vestavia Hills.

“It should be really, really interesting,” she said.

The group will meet Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. and would also be a good introduction to OLLI for anyone who is interested in becoming part of the program. Those involved in OLLI study everything from flower arranging to learning to write from the heart to historical lessons on the Holocaust.

A few examples of upcoming programs are the study of the history of Birmingham architecture in February, Alabama history through the words of Alabama authors in March and foods from chefs of other nations in May. “It is intellectual stimulation for mature adults, and there are a plethora of things to choose from,” Harper said. “It’s our third

year with OLLI, and it has been a tremendous success.”

BINGO, CUPCAKES, SING-ALONG

For senior adults interested in participating in a Valentine’s party the weekend before, Vestavia’s New Merkle House will be holding a celebration Feb. 10 with activities starting at 10:30 a.m. and lunch being served at 11:45.

“It will be fun and fellowship,” said Melanie Perry, manager of the New Merkle House, which plays host to the city’s senior lunch program.

The party will include bingo, cupcakes and other desserts, piano music and a sing-along.

“And of course there will be sweet sweets for all the sweets,” Perry said. “Anyone is welcome to come join us.”

The New Merkle House is at 4405 Dolly Ridge Road.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • A21

Above: Caroline Lollar brings presents to King’s Home. Right: Lollar watches children at King’s Home pick out toys from the presents she brought for them. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.

Child’s acts of love not bound by holiday

By SYDNEY CROMWELL The Lollar family was driving home from Kampfire for the King, an annual November event in support of King’s Home, when 7-yearold Caroline piped up from the back seat. Her birthday was coming up, and meeting the children who live at King’s Home gave her an idea: Instead of getting gifts on her birthday, Caroline wanted to give them.

“We were a little bit shocked that a 7-yearold came up with this, to be honest,” said Caroline’s father, Chris Lollar.

King’s Home is an organization that takes in mothers and children suffering from abuse, neglect or abandonment. Their youth and women’s campuses in Shelby County provide

counseling, education, spiritual assistance, help in finding a new path for their lives and a safe place to live while they do it.

Chris Lollar and his wife, Holly, have been involved with King’s Home for several years, and Chris Lollar is on the board of directors, but he said it wasn’t his idea. It was all Caroline.

When asked why she wanted to do this, Caroline said she wanted “to show the love of Jesus” to the children she had met on the hayride at Kampfire for the King.

“Daddy almost cried. It was really sweet and she really did think of this on her own,” Chris Lollar said.

Caroline, who lives in the Altadena area and is a first-grader at Briarwood Christian School, stayed true to her plan. Everyone invited to her

birthday party was requested to bring a gift for children ages 10 and younger who are staying with their mothers at King’s Home. Caroline collected about 25 presents, including books, toy trucks, stuffed animals and more.

Valerie Goodman, who works in the marketing department at King’s Home, said the mothers and children Caroline chose to donate to are most often fleeing domestic abuse or homelessness situations. They come to King’s Home seeking protection, financial support and guidance to put their lives back together, often with “just the clothes on their back and a bag — and sometimes it’s just a trash bag.”

While King’s Home relies in part on the donations and volunteer work of adults in the community, Goodman said it’s much more rare

to see the same generosity from young children.

“It’s an incredible story of a child realizing that they are blessed and wanting to give back,” Goodman said.

A few days after her Dec. 15 birthday, Caroline showed up at King’s Home with her father, sister Lily and bags of toys in tow. She had been eagerly anticipating the chance to deliver the toys “because I’ve been waiting for I don’t know how long,” Caroline said.

Caroline was grinning from ear to ear as she placed the presents under the King’s Home Christmas tree and watched the children start playing with the toys she had brought them.

“I think it’s great for the community to see that, because generosity begets generosity,” Goodman said.

A22 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

ROLLER GIRLS 2 Vestavia Hills women discover new dynamics of decades-old sport

By LEXI COON

P Members of the Tragic City Rollers begin skating drills at a January practice. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.

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ainbow Dash and Lattitude Problem: They sound like they could be professional wrestlers or hard-rock bands, but they’re not. Those two names belong to Tragic City Rollers and Vestavia residents Elizabeth Maples and Hannah Faulkner.

The Tragic City Rollers are a team of tough roller derby women who are quick on their feet and quicker on their skates. Established in 2005, the team of more than 20 competes in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, or WFTDA, against other teams across the Southeast.

Faulkner is one of the newer members of the team after entering the world of roller derby last year.

“The sport was interesting to me for, I don’t know, for the last five years or so … and there was a team in my college town,” she said. “It was just something I said I was going to do for a long time.”

Shortly after moving to Vestavia two and a half years ago, Faulkner’s fiancé noticed a flier advertising the team and told her, “Here it is, do it now.”

Although she hadn’t skated since she was in her early teens, she went to the biweekly practices and scheduled an extra day for herself

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • A23

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Above left: Practice gets physical during a scrimmage. Above right: Tragic City Rollers roller derby team members Elizabeth Maples and Hannah Faulkner.

to work on the technical skills.

“The initial skating is kind of like riding a bike. But the new skills, the technical skills and things like that, that was a bit tougher,” she said, mentioning that she played mostly on the B-team last year.

Maples, on the other hand, said skating had been a constant in her life since she was a child.

“I was always at the skating rink as a kid, so I just figured this was the perfect thing to get into as far as staying active as an adult and you know, finding some kind of community to be involved in,” she said. “Before I joined, I’d never hear much about it, but now I’m a part of it and seeing the fans that we have are really passionate about it.”

It’s understandable why the fans are so passionate about their local roller derby teams.

While there isn’t as much physicality that typically comes to mind when someone thinks about derby, it still provides a nerve-wracking and exhilarating experience on and off the track.

In a typical bout between two derby teams, there are five skaters from each team on the floor at a time. A team is composed of blockers, a pivot and a jammer, all of whom work together to help

”

It makes me feel really strong and sturdy and powerful.

the jammer score points by passing through the wall of blockers and passing sequential opposing team members legally.

Blockers are responsible for both offensive and defensive maneuvers, such as helping their own jammer and blocking the opposing jammer by knocking them off course or to the ground, and pivots are special blockers who are able to transition into the jammer position under certain circumstances. All of this is done within two 30-minute periods, which are divided up into jams that last a maximum of 2 minutes.

Maples and Faulkner are both blockers for the Tragic City Rollers.

“It’s scary,” Maples said. “You’re rolling; you’re not sure what’s going to happen. You gotta buck it up and try it out.”

Faulkner agreed, saying there’s a certain mentality going in to a hard practice or bout.

ELIZABETH MAPLES

“If you’re running into people, you want to be in the right mindset,” she said.

Thankfully, team members are outfitted with helmets, elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards for their protection, and Faulkner said veteran skaters teach the newcomers how to fall correctly, so they won’t hurt themselves too much. But that doesn’t stop people from assuming roller derby is only throwing elbows and hitting your opponents. “[My parents’ generation], they’re like, ‘I used to watch that on Saturday mornings, do they still elbow people?’ They always want to know, is it the same physicality?” Faulkner said. “I tell them no; it’s changed a lot. There’s a lot more legitimacy to the sport.”

The legitimacy has added to the skaters’ experiences, making it a safe sport while still being full-contact and enjoyable.

“I feel really strong. It makes me feel really strong and sturdy and powerful,” Maples said.

“I’m athletic in a lot of ways that I used to not be,” Faulkner said.

The two have experienced the sport’s effects off the court, too, mentioning there’s a tight community they are a part of and that it’s helped their overall mentality. “[It’s added] confidence, definitely the main thing, you know?” Maples said. “It’s given me the goals that I want to accomplish and that I have accomplished, and that’s been extremely important.”

While derby is mostly a year-round sport for the Tragic City Rollers — they only took off recently for the holidays — Maples, Faulkner and their teammates compete from February to August in different bouts.

The team is hosting their first bout Feb. 18 as a double header at their home court, the Zamora Shrine Temple at 3521 Ratliff Road. Starting at 6 p.m., the Tragic City Rollers will compete against the Chattanooga Rollergirls and the Hot Quads will compete against the Rollsheviks.

For more information, go to tragiccityrollers. com.

A24 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Demarcos “Marco” Johnson shows off his high school equivalency diploma, left, after recently receiving it in a special ceremony at Pizitz Middle School. He and his supporters also marked the occasion with a celebratory breakfast, right. Photos courtesy of Kathy Rogers.

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It serves as an example to kids and adults alike that no object can’t be overcome, no obstacles can’t be overcome, and some things in life, a lot of things in life, you really have to work hard for. And [Marco] has.

TOUGH LOVE

CONTINUED from page A1 at age 17. “It was always a burden. It was something that I never finished.”

Demarcos “Marco” Johnson, a custodial staff member at Pizitz Middle School, grew up in Bessemer with four other siblings, but his adolescence was far from easy.

Johnson said he dropped out when he was a junior, about a year after his mother died.

“Before she passed, I told her I would be the one to graduate, and I didn’t,” he said.

He said his sister had made it to the 12th grade, but she was critically injured and paralyzed in an accident, preventing her from

finishing. His three brothers also dropped out because of run-ins with the law and other circumstances.

When Johnson was in high school, Alabama students were required to wait until at least their sophomore year to take the state exit exam, a requirement for graduation that was removed in 2013.

“There was always so much hype around it,” he said.

Like all 10th-grade students, he said, he was anxious to take the exam to see where he stood to graduate one day. The night before, he said, he could hardly sleep. He made sure he put his school shirt in the wash so he would be crisp and professional to take the test.

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PIZITZ PRINCIPAL TOM CALLAHAN

The morning of the exam, as he was taking his shirt out of the dryer to get ready for school, police knocked on the door, bringing the news about his mother.

Though he said he tried to go to school and take the exam, the impact of his mother’s death was more than he could handle.

“At 16 I thought I was a pretty sharp young man, but looking back on it, I was pretty inexperienced in a lot of areas, and dealing with that was one of them,” he said.

Johnson said he stayed in school long enough to attempt to take the exit exam the next year, but he eventually lost motivation.

“You kind of sink into your own world, so it took some time climbing up out of that and wanting to grow again,” he said.

During the next nine years, Johnson said he tried multiple times to pick his education back up, but that often, life would get in the way.

Then, he came to Pizitz.

“Everybody took an instant liking to him, because he’s just got a huge personality,” Pizitz Principal Tom Callahan said.

In the early summer of 2015, Callahan said the school found itself needing a custodial substitute, a need that can often be difficult to fill.

Through the school’s substitute supplier, Kelly Services, Callahan said Johnson came in and got to work, and after a couple months as a sub, the school offered him a position as a 12-month employee.

When he came on staff, Johnson said he

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • A25

“

Johnson goes in for a group hug with Donna Watkins and Kathy Rogers as they celebrate his acquisition of the high school equivalency diploma. Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

began to form relationships with the teachers in the area where he would clean rooms and do maintenance.

“We kind of connected,” he said. “I was open with them, and I told them it was something I was really looking forward to getting back to pursuing.”

He said that not only did the teachers he grew close to help him by offering a little tutoring or computer use, but also by keeping him accountable and checking in on his progress.

After losing his mom, he said that even though he has his sister and loving grandmother, there was always a void for that motherly figure, and that he thinks he gained some of that support when he got to know the teachers.

“It’s things like that that kept me in a progressive state of mind,” he said.

Kathy Rogers, who teaches German and coding at Pizitz, is one of those teachers with whom Johnson has formed a relationship.

She said that getting to know Johnson and his story, and helping him along the way, has not just enriched her life as a teacher — she has gained a friend.

“To say that I am proud to know him is an understatement,” she said.

And everyone at Pizitz, it seems, shares Rogers’ sentiment.

“No job is beneath him,” Callahan said, noting that being a custodial staff member is not the most glamorous position, but that Johnson puts just as much of himself into the work as anyone else at the school.

And that, Callahan said, has value that is hard to express.

“Every person who works in this school is a teacher in my eyes,” he said. “Whether they are serving French fries or cleaning a classroom or holding a megaphone or standing in front of 30 kids.”

And Johnson’s kind spirit, as well as his commitment to getting his GED, is something Callahan thinks speaks volumes to those at Pizitz about the importance of character and hard work.

“It serves as an example to kids and adults alike that no object can’t be overcome, no obstacles can’t be overcome, and some things in life, a lot of things in life, you really have to work hard for. And he has,” Callahan said.

But that doesn’t mean Johnson is at the end of his journey.

Johnson said that, although he has to pinch himself that he actually has his diploma, he wants to continue to pursue his education, and is looking into possibly taking a few college courses.

Callahan said he has tried to remind Johnson that what he has accomplished is major

If you value the way you carry yourself or the way you see yourself, then accountability is everything. You don’t need to broadcast it to the world, but find omeone.

”

MARCO JOHNSON

and should be celebrated, but he added he is helping him consider his higher education options. But Johnson said he also has one more goal: to finally purchase a headstone for his mother’s grave.

“We really couldn’t afford to bury her, let alone get her a headstone,” he said, and said that this gesture and his diploma are things he would really like to accomplish this year.

Looking back on his journey, Johnson said he sees two major things he would stress to anyone looking to accomplish a goal or feeling discouraged: Be committed, and tell a friend.

“The No. 1 thing I would say is, making

sure you’re committed,” he said. “Not just committed enough to start something, but enough to pick yourself up each day and make it happen”.

And to keep yourself accountable, he said, finding someone to walk alongside your journey is equally important.

“If you value the way you carry yourself or the way you see yourself, then accountability is everything,” he said. You don’t need to broadcast it to the world, but find someone.

It’s that support, he said, that he is so appreciative of.

“My situation was a lot different, being that I had so much support,” he said, and thanked not only the teachers, but the principals and counselor at Pizitz, as well.

“He’s got a lot of people rooting for him and encouraging him,” Callahan said.

As if the family dynamic at the school needed proof, in early December, just days after Johnson got his diploma, the teachers threw him a surprise graduation ceremony, complete with cap and gown, “Pomp and Circumstance” and a visit from Mayor Ashley Curry, which Johnson said was especially exciting.

“He needs to be honored for the work that he did,” Callahan said. “He had folks encouraging him, no doubt, but this is something that he did.”

A26 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

BUSINESSES

CONTINUED from page A1 John Hardin, vice president of office sales and leasing at J.H. Berry & Gilbert, said Vestavia has “great demographics” among residents and shoppers to attract new businesses.

“What drives tenants is demographics.

People and money; people who spend money,” Hardin said.

But many of the new signs that pop up around the city display the names of regional or national brands rather than locally owned shops.

IronStone Pizzaworks is a new addition to Vestavia’s business world, but its owners’ background in other successful ventures gives the restaurant additional security in its early months.

Photos by Sarah Finnegan.

LOCAL BUSINESSES’ CHALLENGES

For businesses like Higher Ground Roasters, several obstacles stand in the way of being open for business in Vestavia Hills. One of the biggest is that, particularly in new developments, commercial developers and real estate leasing companies prefer the security that a national chain brings.

“Typically, a big new development wants a chain because it has better credit and raises the value of the property,” Hardin said. “Locals [businesses] don’t tend to go in the big, shiny, new developments.”

With the expense of developing and maintaining a new property, City Manager Jeff Downes said “credit-worthy tenants” can look appealing to property owners who want to be sure rent is paid on time.

One example is the recently opened Publix in Patchwork Farms. Blackwater Resources senior leasing representative Miller Terry said leasing companies frequently target companies such as Publix that they know will be a success in particular developments based on the surrounding communities’ needs and existing businesses.

Some tenants, like hair and nail salons, tend to follow in the wake of anchor companies such as Walmart or Publix.

Downes pointed out the Sprouts supermarket on U.S. 31 as another example, which was joined by franchises such as Papa Murphy’s and Chipotle but no local businesses.

While Terry said Blackwater is working on a few more Patchwork leases, he said nationally known names tend to have an edge,

particularly for high-value real estate such as the area near the U.S. 280 corridor.

“There’s a good, and there’s a bad thing with building new development,” Terry said.

And even if developers do want locally owned shops in their developments, most small business owners are priced out of new developments.

“In general, new construction spaces are a little higher rent than existing shopping spaces,” Terry said.

IronStone Pizza, another recent addition to the Vestavia Hills market, was able to secure a spot on U.S. 31 near the Carmike movie theater and other fast casual restaurants. Director of Operations Jim Walsh said the location is great from a visibility and demographics standpoint, and the rent there is reasonable for what they get.

While IronStone is a new business, Walsh said the store’s owners have a background in successful convenience stores and fast food restaurants. That gives them starting capital to build on and a cushion to weather the initial slow months of starting a business, which other new businesses might not have.

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“If you weren’t properly funded, you could be put in a bind,” Walsh said.

Hamachek said she looked at properties in the U.S. 31 area but found Cahaba Heights to be more affordable than the rest of Vestavia. Resident Lane Brown said she also has heard about cost being a limiting factor for local businesses.

“I do think that it is more challenging for small businesses to find a home in Vestavia than it is for larger chains. I’m not sure if it’s because big chain stores know how to request incentives from the city so they can build what they want, or if it is just harder for smaller businesses to find a storefront that they can afford,” Brown said.

Older developments can be more accessible to small businesses since property owners don’t have to worry about paying off upfront costs. Downes pointed to businesses such as Mark’s Outdoors, Mia Moda, Diplomat Deli and Steed’s Jewelers in the south U.S. 31 area as examples of local entrepreneurs carving out a spot in Vestavia.

But since older developments are, by definition, a limited resource, new business owners can hit a wall again as most of the leasable

storefronts already are taken by established shops.

Hardin said since Vestavia is landlocked by surrounding cities, it also lacks the large stretches of vacant land that could draw manufacturing or other companies that require more room.

“In Vestavia, there’s not a lot of that. You can’t go find a raw piece of land on a corner that’s going to work for you,” Hardin said.

“Thus, Hoover always has all these new retailers because they have a ton of people in Hoover and a bunch of land.”

Without the name recognition of national brands, local businesses also rely more heavily on walk-in traffic from interested passersby.

This has worked successfully in places such as Homewood’s 18th Street South and Mountain Brook’s villages, both of which are dominated by local retailers.

“When you think about the commercial areas of Homewood and Mountain Brook (like Edgewood, Crestline, Mountain Brook Village, etc.), you think of all the locally owned businesses,” Brown said.

But with Vestavia’s developments organized

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • A27

Older shopping centers in Vestavia Hills are more likely to host local businesses, as they can afford cheaper rents without worrying about repaying initial development costs.

around commercial strips on major highways, Vestavia businesses are less likely to get the casual shopper.

“It’s going to be hard to create a village, pedestrian-oriented shopping center on a major highway,” Downes said.

Vestavia businesses have to work around hilly topography, major highways and a lack of sidewalks, Downes said, which complicates pedestrian and casual foot traffic in stores.

These problems have been thrown into sharper relief in recent years as business activity picks up. Katherine McRee, a Vestavia Hills resident who opened the Lili Pad with her sister in 2004, said when she opened the store they had no trouble finding a suitable location.

City Council member George Pierce, who is now in his third term on the council, said the push for new businesses really started about 2000, when council members realized their budget was too dependent on residential

property tax revenue. Since then, sales tax revenue has increased and allowed the city to pay for more sidewalks, road repair and other quality-of-life projects.

“There’s some favorable projects looking at our city,” Pierce said. “They used to say we’re a diamond in the rough. I think that diamond is gleaming now.”

PLUGGING THE LEAKS

The city’s efforts since 2000 are part of a concerted effort to stop “leakage,” when Vestavia Hills shoppers leave the city to do their shopping in neighboring municipalities.

Downes said he believes Vestavia has the lowest per capita general fund revenue in the Birmingham area — about $1,000 per resident — so keeping sales tax dollars in the city is critical to the city’s budget.

In 2014, Vestavia Hills performed a gap analysis study to look at economic shortcomings in the city. The analysis showed a total estimated

gap of $193.7 million being spent in other cities instead of Vestavia Hills.

The study’s suggestion to fill in the gaps included the addition of four general merchandise or department stores, four clothing stores, five restaurants, two building materials stores, two sporting goods or hobby stores, two electronic appliance stores, two shoe stores, one home furnishing store, one office supply store and one jewelry store.

Downes said bringing Chick-fil-A to the city was one recent example of plugging a leak for the city, as is the Cahaba Heights Winn-Dixie, so neighborhood residents don’t have to shop in Mountain Brook for groceries.

McRee and Vestavia Hills resident Katherine Manush agreed they feel the city could use a sporting goods store and more clothing and shoe options.

Terry said the Patchwork Farms Publix also made it more likely for residents to shop local now that they can avoid getting on the highway or going to Hoover to get groceries.

“There’s a lot of needs for people who live out here who don’t necessarily want to get out on 280, if they don’t have to get on 280,” Terry said.

With the gap study in hand, Downes said the city continues to encourage business growth and look for ways to plug its gaps. While the city can’t directly control which businesses enter the market, Downes said, they can offer incentives to businesses that would be good for the city but need help overcoming a hurdle between them and being open for business.

If a business owner can demonstrate their investment to the city and won’t cannibalize existing Vestavia shops’ sales, Downes said the city is prepared to provide land clearing, tax abatements, new sidewalks or other projects to help bring more business into the city.

That short-term investment by the city can lead to long-term payoffs.

“It’s amazing, when sales tax revenue is up, the things we can do,” Pierce said.

BUY LOCAL?

Once a local business does find a home in Vestavia, it then relies on steady business from local customers — and frequently has to compete against lower prices, wider selection and

name recognition — to succeed.

“Shop local” movements have picked up in popularity across the country, encouraging shoppers to put their dollars in their neighbors’ cash registers rather than in nationwide companies. The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce has its own “Shop, Dine, Play” initiative that encourages shopping within city limits, though it does not single out locally owned businesses.

It’s a complex topic for consumers. Cahaba Heights resident Abby Brady said she supports local restaurants and specialty stores but prefers chain stores for her groceries.

Resident Celia Anthony agreed that she’s a regular shopper at Vestavia specialty stores and tends to frequent Western Supermarket for groceries, but national chains can be more cost effective and offer larger quantities of products.

More awareness of the impact of supporting local businesses has led to more support. Brown said in the recent Cahaba Heights community charrette, there was a strong desire from residents for local businesses and a shopping village similar to the Rocky Ridge area.

“I feel the culture is changing, and more residents see the need to eat and shop locally,” Anthony said.

At the Lili Pad, McRee said she’s not sure awareness of shopping local has reached the strength it needs. More of her shoppers come from Mountain Brook than from central Vestavia Hills. Part of the problem, McRee said, is a “lack of connectivity” between the different sections of the city.

“Keeping it local for many reasons is extremely important because the big chain stores don’t necessarily support their communities,” McRee said. “I think if people would [shop local], then Vestavia almost has everything that we need.”

Brown echoed McRee on the potential benefits that shopping local could provide to Vestavia business owners, residents and municipal government.

“I find that I often have to leave Vestavia in order to ‘shop local.’ I think it would be a huge asset to our community if we could find ways to pull more locally owned businesses inside our city limits,” Brown said.

SECTION

B FEBRUARY 2016

Sports B4 Gift Guide B10 School House B11 Real Estate B25 Calendar B26

Heeding all the right signs Birmingham Community Deaf Church fostering fellowship for all for 60 years

By SYDNEY CROMWELL People of all hearing levels are welcome at the Birmingham Community Deaf Church’s weekly Bible studies and worship services.

Though most speak in sign language, the services include an interpreter for the “sign-impaired” who join them.

The Birmingham Community Deaf Church has been an institution in the Birmingham area for nearly 60 years, said member Cherybe Thornton, and has been in many different churches, including the Church at Brook Hills and its home for the past two years at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Thornton said what’s unique about the deaf church is they aren’t led by a hearing pastor who is helped by an interpreter. Their pastor, Cromwell Josey, has been deaf since childhood.

“We encourage and support ministry led by the deaf,” Thornton said.

One important part of that, Josey said, is that he preaches only in American Sign Language rather than speaking English and doing a wordfor-word sign translation. ASL is distinct from English and has its own accents, slang and shorthand.

For lifelong signers, hearing the sermon in

See CHURCH | page B24

Birmingham Community Deaf Church members Samantha Godbey, Cromwell Josey and Cherybe Thornton. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

B2 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B3

B4 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Sports

SWINGING FOR THE FENCES VHHS softball team aiming to repeat 2016’s successful season

By KYLE PARMLEY

Jessica Perley returns as one of Vestavia’s top pitchers, looking to build on last year’s state tournament run. Photos by Kyle Parmley.

The quest to get back to that stage has begun for the Vestavia Hills High School softball team.

Last season was one for the ages for the Rebels, as they advanced to the state tournament and went home with a third-place finish in a competitive Class 7A. The story of the season was one of ups and downs, with a strong peak toward the end. The Rebels dug deep time and again, showing a resiliency and never-say-die attitude, staving off elimination twice in a week’s time just to get to the state tournament.

Once they got to the state tournament, the Rebels were not just content to show up, even though their win-loss record paled in comparison to much of the competition. They run-ruled defending state champion Baker and knocked off No. 1 James Clemens in the first day of the tournament.

“It was unexpected, but it was a blast,” said shortstop Merritt Cahoon of last year’s state run. “It was kind of hectic, but once we got there, I feel like there wasn’t any pressure. We were just playing to play. It was the greatest experience we’ve had.”

The team may not have fully anticipated making it that far, but those wins over Baker

VestaviaVoice.com and James Clemens left an enormous impression on the Rebels.

“We run-ruled [Baker], and we were like, ‘Hey, we know we belong here. No pressure,’” said left fielder Ashley Dieguez, now one of the Rebels’ seven seniors.

Head coach Lissa Walker noticed the same thing in her team at the time.

“That’s huge, especially for a young team who is inexperienced at the state tournament,” she said following the state tournament last May. The road there was a roller coaster. A Senior Night victory over Spain Park catapulted the Rebels into a tie for the lead in the area. A dramatic 12-11 win over Hewitt-Trussville sent them to regionals. At regionals, the lights went out multiple times in one game, and another game had to be stopped because it was too late to continue.

In the end, it was worth it.

“They had a taste of what this is like, and they had a taste of why we work the way we work and why we do what we do,” Walker said.

The hope now is those lessons will translate into a season full of success for the Rebels, who have all but two players back from a season ago. Taylor Coe played center field and hit leadoff and will be a rather large void to replace.

“Taylor was definitely a big leader on this team,” Dieguez said. “And I think we have a lot of strong underclassmen who can fill her spot, too, so I’m pretty excited.”

One of the themes that allowed the Rebels so much success last year was the team’s cohesion and chemistry as a group. It was clearly not lip service to those who saw the team progress throughout the season, and with so many key pieces back, that bond should continue to strengthen.

“It really is like a softball family,” Cahoon said. “We’ve all been with each other for 12 years. We all know each other perfectly. All of our seniors want to get to state again. The leadership is there.”

Speaking strictly of starters at season’s end, Mary Sanders James and Dieguez were bookends to Coe in the outfield. RaeAnn King, Cahoon, Kate Meloun and Hannah Grace Roden ate up innings around the infield. Audrey

February 2017 • B5 Left: The Rebels made a surprising run to the state tournament last year, and are back for more this season.

Below: Head coach Lissa Walker saw her team evolve and learn throughout last season, and hopes those lessons bear fruit this year.

Meloun is back behind the plate, as are pitchers Jessica Perley and Kate Nash.

Six of those eight are seniors, along with Savannah Hayes, who also plays a key role for the Rebels. That familiarity on and off the field can only help.

“A lot of us have been playing together [for a long time], and we just know how we work,”

Kate Meloun said.

Four of those seniors already have signed to play softball collegiately. The Meloun sisters are heading to West Liberty University in Wheeling, West Virginia. Perley has signed with Birmingham-Southern, while King is going to Southern Union.

With Perley and Nash back inside the

circle, the Rebels feel they have quite the advantage against any opponent. Perley attacks hitters with consistent power, while Nash is a literal changeup, as she features a nasty drop ball. The two are capable of pitching complete games on their own, but featuring both in the same game gives hitters headaches.

“You try to make adjustments from your last at-bat, then they throw something different at you,” Dieguez said.

When asked to single specific players out as having shown tremendous work ethic in the offseason, Cahoon, Dieguez and Kate Meloun each ran through a list of different names that nearly encompassed the entire team.

The hunger is still there, according to the three, and the opportunity to come into the 2017 season with inflated egos is nonexistent, because the Rebels’ regular season record was simply modest.

“Last year helped with that, because we didn’t just beat everyone,” Kate Meloun said.

“It was back and forth. That really helps. We know we’re going to have to fight again. We know we have the talent to get there. Now we know what to expect once we get there.”

B6 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

New batch of seniors nothing new for Rebels Christian Cusimano, other returners to fill big roles this spring

By KYLE PARMLEY Jamie Harris has noticed something unique about the Vestavia Hills High School baseball team, both as a player for the Rebels and now entering his second season as the head coach.

“Vestavia has always been a very seniorheavy team,” Harris said. “I know when I played here and since I’ve been back, every year we lose a large portion of our lineup. I’m OK with that.”

Guys like ace pitcher Sonny Potter — who has moved on to the University of Alabama — Michael Gurosky, Parker Hershey, Nathan Hospes, Brett Jones, Sam Lawson and the rest of the 17-man senior class helped guide the Rebels to one of their most successful seasons in recent memory in 2016, a 29-6 mark and a seat atop the Class 7A rankings for much of the season.

However, Vestavia Hills fell to Oak Mountain in the first round of the state playoffs.

While the result at the end did not wind up to the Rebels’ liking, Harris’ team achieved plenty in year one.

“Our big goal last year was to establish the culture that we wanted, as far as how we wanted things done on a daily basis, whether it be practice, school, how they act,” Harris said.

“We didn’t always get it right. There were certainly mistakes, and those are the things you learn from. We had a terrific season.”

There are still plenty of seniors on this team, and more than a handful who could not crack the lineup a season ago will be asked to fill big roles this spring.

On the mound, Caden Lemons was the perfect complement to Potter, and he was dominant for much of the season. Notably, he hurled a no-hitter against Spain Park and already has signed to play at Ole Miss.

Behind Lemons, guys like Josh Stevens, Brett Brooks, Jack Brittle and Caleb Roberson are names to watch to log crucial innings.

“We’ve got a number of senior pitchers that all are going to get a chance to contribute,” Harris said.

Another college signee, Christian Cusimano (who will play at Louisiana-Lafayette), is a key returnee who played outfield and shortstop for the Rebels last year while hitting in the No. 3 spot in the batting order.

Luke Whitaker is another middle-of-thelineup bat who will be back for Vestavia Hills.

The third baseman led Vestavia in batting average a season ago. Ross Covington also should see time in the infield, and he boasts some pop in his bat as well.

As far as outfielders go, DJ Steele stepped up in center field last year after an injury forced him into the lineup regularly. Drew Stockton was used as a pinch runner last season, and his speed from the left-hand side of the plate will continue to wreak havoc on the bases. Manning Owen and Eli Shunnarah are two others to watch out there.

Vestavia Hills managed to win one of the toughest areas in the state last season but is now in Class 7A, Area 5, along with Hoover, Thompson and Tuscaloosa County. None of those programs is a slouch, leaving the Rebels with another difficult road ahead.

“There are no layups in 7A baseball,” Harris said. “You play good, or you get beat. It’s that easy. We did not play as good as we could have in the playoffs, and we got beat. What we try to focus on instead of how good our competition is, we just focus on us. It’s either going to be good enough, or it won’t.”

Above: Christian Cusimano has signed with LouisianaLafayette and is a key part of the Rebels’ lineup. Left: Jamie Harris is entering his second year as head coach of the Rebels.

Photos by Kyle Parmley.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B7

Vestavia Hills High School junior James Sweeney, seen running at the JV Invite Jan. 10 at the Birmingham CrossPlex, has emerged as one of Alabama’s top distance runners.

Photo

by Sam Chandler.

Sweeney goes all in

“

Distance runner proves he’s one of the elite

By SAM CHANDLER James Sweeney knew it was time to go.

His legs were tightening, his lungs were burning, and there were only 400 meters remaining in the boys 1,600-meter race at this midseason indoor track meet.

The top four runners already had begun to separate themselves, and Sweeney was trying to make up ground.

The clock was ticking.

“I just turned it on and hoped for the best,” he recalled.

As he pushed through the discomfort, the gap between him and the front-running contingent started to shrink.

He latched onto the pack with around 200 meters go. His move paid off.

When Sweeney crossed the finish line half a minute later, the neon blue scoreboard displayed his time.

It read: 4 minutes, 25.72 seconds.

The marquee race, in which he set an 11-second indoor personal best, is representative of Sweeney’s recent metamorphosis into one of Alabama’s top high school distance runners.

In only a matter of months, he has transformed from one of the state’s emerging elite into one of its elite. Period.

“I don’t know if I would have exactly imagined coming this far,” said Sweeney, a Vestavia Hills High School junior. “This is pretty crazy how I’ve improved so quickly and jumped times as much as I have.”

There are a number of possible explanations for Sweeney’s newfound success.

Perhaps the most logical one is his ramped-up training regimen. Under the guidance of longtime Vestavia assistant coach Tom Jennings, Sweeney has increased his overall mileage and the intensity of his workouts.

At his peak, he’s been running 55 to 60 miles per week while completing rigorous interval sessions aimed at sharpening his speed and endurance.

“He’s a hard worker. Basically, that’s what it amounts to,” Jennings said. “He listens to instructions and tries to do what you say.”

Almost all of Sweeney’s runs are done alongside his training partner, sophomore Bryce Hutchinson, whose near-constant presence could also help explain Sweeney’s improvement.

The two help push each other in workouts and races, and Sweeney described their mutual bond as brotherly.

God can kind of take it away like that, and it’s pretty crazy how He can also put you back in it as quick as He did for me. He’s doing good work now, for sure.

”

JAMES SWEENEY

“We just feed off each other really well, and we race really well together,” Sweeney said.

Hutchinson is an elite runner in his own right. In the same race that Sweeney ran 4:25, Hutchinson ran 4:28. He said Sweeney’s close proximity on the track can be a boon to both of their performances.

“Even if you feel like you can’t do it, you always know you can because the other person’s always there with you,” Hutchinson said.

Or perhaps Sweeney’s rise can be attributed to a renewed perspective. In early August, Sweeney contracted a case of mononucleosis, which sidelined him for four weeks and delayed the start of his cross-country season.

The fact that he already had invested hours of sweat into what had been his best summer of training only accentuated the shock of the illness.

The overwhelming feeling of drowsiness hit him like a train on a Monday morning. The day before, he had completed a quality 13-mile long run.

“It kind of tore me up,” he said.

But it also gave Sweeney a different vantage point. Instead of lining up with his teammates to kick off the season, he walked and jogged around the course yelling words of encouragement to them.

“I was screaming at them,” he said, “but it was hard for me because I wanted to be out there running with them, too.”

Sweeney said he hasn’t taken any races for granted since he made his cross-country debut in mid-September. Every time he steps on the line, he said he gives it his all.

“God can kind of take it away like that, and it’s pretty crazy how He can also put you back in it as quick as He did for me,” Sweeney said.

“He’s doing good work now, for sure.”

B8 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

LET’S GO!

VHHS cheerleaders prep for a different type of game day

By EMILY FEATHERSTON

All members of the VHHS competition cheerleading team practice the routine and stunts for the competition in Orlando in order for alternates to be substituted in if someone gets injured. Photos by Emily Featherston.

For those who don’t consider cheerleading a sport, try telling that to the 30 girls who will soon compete in front of thousands for a national title.

This month, the Vestavia Hills High School competition cheerleading team will travel to Orlando, Florida, for the National High School Cheerleading Championship.

From perfectly timed cheers and pyramids to aerial stunts and high-level tumbling, the NHSCC is a far cry from just standing on the sidelines at a football game.

The team will travel to Disney World and compete Feb. 11-12, and cheerleading program sponsor Melissa Caffey said the team is hoping to improve on last year’s fourth-place finish.

“It’s really hard work, and you have to be dedicated,” she said.

VHHS has sent a team to the competition for the last 16 years, and 15 of those years the team made the finals.

To qualify, teams have to make their way through a series of tournaments. VHHS competes at the state level, and on Dec. 9 placed first in the Universal Cheerleading Association Southern Regional Championship.

In their national championship appearances, VHHS has placed in the top five seven times, with two second-place finishes, and took the national title in 2010.

The NHSCC competition is comprised of multiple elements, including tumbling, stunts and cheering.

Unlike all-star cheerleading, where teams use a spring floor and the focus is on the “show” quality, Caffey said the NHSCC is focused on making the competition actually look like high school.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B9

VHHS competition cheerleaders, seen above and below, are practicing almost every day in order to prepare for the national competition. The judges at the national competition evaluate the teams on stunts and tumbling as well as cheering and the overall skill and execution of the routine.

“It’s a mixture of performance and game day,” she said.

There are multiple coaches who assist the competition team in preparation, including Ryan Martin.

Some with knowledge of the cheerleading world may know Martin from Lifetime’s early-2000s show “Cheerleader Nation,” which profiled Martin — then Ryan Dunbar — and her team.

In addition to coaching in Vestavia, Martin is also the spirit coordinator for the UAB cheerleading team.

To prepare, the team added additional practices to their regular twice-a-week schedule that began in the fall, and Caffey said many of the girls attend additional tumbling programs outside of school practice. While only 30 of the girls will be in the final performance when competition day arrives, all 48 train and prepare and will travel to Orlando.

Through practicing under Martin and at their respective tumbling programs, several on the VHHS team have even mastered a standing

back tuck, a skill that while appearing simple, actually requires significant technique and practice.

“The level just keeps getting higher and higher,” she said.

Team captain Sarah Haynes said that the team enjoys having the chance to represent Vestavia on the national stage, but that they recognize it doesn’t happen on their work alone.

“This year we have a great team and the cheerleaders, coaches and sponsors have all worked hard to get where we are,” she said.

Fellow senior Abby Mashburn agreed.

“This year we have such a great group of motivated and talented girls,” Mashburn said, adding that she is excited to be able to lead the team this year as they represent in Orlando.

Caffey echoed the girls in saying that nothing about being on the team is individual.

“It cannot be an individual sport at all,” she said. “You’ve all got to be on your game.”

In addition to teamwork and representing the school, Caffey said they try to use the national championship as a way to teach the girls how to

work toward a goal.

To pay for the competition and trip, she said that while many families are able to pay for it, the girls are required to “work” at the team’s annual Little Rebel Cheerleading event, host the concessions stand at a UCA youth competition the school hosts, sell T-shirts in the community and even bag groceries at the Western supermarket off of Rocky Ridge Road.

“It creates more teamwork,” she said.

The team will leave on Thursday, Feb. 9, with travel taking up most of that day, Caffey said. On Friday, the team will gather at a local gym in Orlando to get in a few more hours of practice and fine-tuning of their routine.

Competition begins early Saturday morning, Caffey said, and should the team make it to

the finals, the competition will go through late Sunday evening.

The NHSCC begins with a preliminary competition. If teams rank in the top “A” or “B” groups, they are immediately placed in the finals. The next several teams go through a semifinal process.

“You’re only guaranteed one shot when you go,” Caffey said.

B10 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

valentine’s day gift guide

For the

SWEET ONE Mini Valentine Cake $12.99 This half cake, half ice cream treat is perfect for anyone.

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 1008 Vestavia Parkway 978-2347

For the

DECORATOR Baccarat Crystal Oval Eye Vase $510 This vase features a wavelike design that creates a dazzling visual effect.

Bromberg’s 2800 Cahaba Road 871-3276

For the

LOOK OF LOVE

For the

STYLISH VALENTINE

OYOBox $135 to $300 Mini (up to 4 frames) or maxi (up to 8 frames). Store and organize eyeware in this luxury box.

Krewe “Orleans” Rose Gold Sunglasses $295 Let your valentine see la vie en rose.

Schaeffer Eye Center 2000 Cahaba Road, Suite 100; and 2737 U.S. 280 870-3937; and 802-2020

JJ Eyes 2814 18th St. S. 703-8596

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B11

School House VHHS SGA selling cupcakes for a cause

By LEXI COON Almost everyone loves cupcakes, so why not buy cupcakes and support a good cause?

Through the beginning of February, the Vestavia Hills High School Student Government Association, or SGA, will be hosting its annual cupcake sale as a fundraiser.

This year, VHHS teacher Shawn Woodham said the proceeds will be going to the 2017 fall charity, which is chosen by the SGA each year, and to Open Hands, Overflowing Hearts, an organization that raises money for pediatric cancer.

The Vestavia Hills High School SGA will be selling Gigi’s Cupcakes for $5, and proceeds will go to Open Hands, Overflowing Hearts and next year’s fall charity. Photo by Lexi Coon.

Formed by Auburn student Kayla Perry, the group works to educate others about cancer in young individuals and to raise funds for pediatric cancer research.

Orders for the cupcakes, which are $5 each and made by Gigi’s Cupcakes, will be from Jan. 19 to Feb. 3.

To submit an order, contact an SGA representative. Distribution will be Feb. 14.

“This is a fun opportunity to fundraise for a great cause,” Woodham said. “The students love to receive a cupcake on Valentine’s, whether it’s from a friend or parent.

It really does brighten your day.”

Camp tuitions, memberships, passes among items on Bids & Bites auction block On Feb. 3, the 12th annual live and silent auction benefiting Vestavia Hills Elementary West will be open to anyone looking for amazing deals on fitness memberships, jewelry, artwork and dozens of other fabulous items.

VHEW’s Bids & Bites fundraiser will be from 6-9 p.m. at the Senior Lodge, located across from the Wald Park playground. Admission to the event is free.

Everyone in the community is encouraged to book a babysitter and bring a date to this fun event.

Bidders can enjoy delicious food and drinks

while they browse, but the main attraction will be the phenomenal assortment of items and

services going to the highest bidders.

Among the auction items are a beach condo stay, legal services, home accessories and an Orca backpack cooler. Parents may also be interested in bidding on orthodontic gift certificates and camp tuitions, as well as passes to Urban Air and Pump It Up. Gift certificates for restaurants and retail shops, Lifetime Fitness and Iron Tribe memberships, paintings from local artists and boutique jewelry are also on the auction block.

Bidders can name their price for a Birmingham Zoo family membership, as well as an

ENO DoubleNest hammock.

VHEW families may also like to bid on first-in-line carpool passes, early-entry passes to Meet the Teacher Day, front row musical passes and the always-fabulous “themed” baskets.

For more information, contact auction co-chair Rebecca Hartsough at rebeccahartsough@gmail.com or (404) 680-7470; co-chair Karen Hoar at hoarkaren@gmail.com or (914) 512-1981; or co-chair Ashley Gentry at ashleyehunt@gmail.com or 706-0232.

– Submitted by Alice Elmore.

B12 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Left: VHHS student Christofer Miller thanked VHHS Band Director Jerell Horton for his support in preparing him for the parade. Above: The music the band performed at the parade was written especially for the parade by the band’s music arrangers Thom Hannum and Michael Klesch. Photos courtesy of Cathy Miller.

VHHS’ Christofer Miller plays in Rose Parade

By EMILY FEATHERSTON On the morning of Jan. 2, while most of the country was still asleep, Christofer Miller was loading his tuba onto a bus in Southern California.

At 3 a.m. Pacific time, Miller, a Vestavia Hills High School junior, said the members of the Bands of America Honor Band ate a quick breakfast, loaded onto buses and headed over to the parade staging parking lot to get everything together.

After unloading, the band gathered in the closed-off street to practice one more time

before lining up for the 2017 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

Miller said that it rained throughout the morning, and the parade was a long one, at five and a half miles, but that he would participate in the parade again in a heartbeat.

“It was an honor to be selected,” he said. “It was so much fun.”

To prepare for the parade, Miller said the band members were asked to memorize the music in advance, and the band practiced in California for about six hours a day for five days to perfect it.

The Bands of America Honor Band has

performed in the Rose Parade multiple times, most recently in 2013, and is made up of students from all 50 states chosen based on high levels of performance and skill.

The music the band performed at the parade was written especially for the parade by the band’s music arrangers Thom Hannum and Michael Klesch.

While he has participated in large parades before, including in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this past November, he said the Rose Parade was fun, but challenging.

“I think people don’t understand that it can be very hard,” he said. “Just watching it on TV,

it doesn’t look like it would be challenging, but once it gets really long like this parade does, it is.”

But more than the challenge, Miller said, he will always remember the lessons he learned from the parade staff and directors, and also the many friends he made along the way.

Miller also said he wanted to thank his family and friends for their support and encouragement of his pursuit of music, as well as VHHS Band Director Jerell Horton.

“They’ve been a big influence on everything,” he said.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B13

Beginning on Feb. 1, VHEC will celebrate the month of love with a month of kindness, which is loosely based off a Pizitz service club. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Elementary Central.

Spreading the love VHEC students embrace acts of kindness

By LEXI COON Kindness is contagious, and it’s spreading at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central.

Beginning on Feb. 1, VHEC will celebrate the month of love with a month of kindness, which is loosely based off the service club at Pizitz Middle School.

“It’s harder to do a club [at VHEC],” VHEC counselor Kellie Knight said, because elementary students don’t usually stay after school as often as the middle-schoolers. Knight previously worked at Pizitz Middle School and has helped coordinate this month’s plans for the school. “It’s not just random acts of kindness,” she said. “We wanted to have all month.”

Throughout the month, each class at VHEC will choose an activity that gives back to their community and work together to create it. Knight said some of the activities include putting together gift baskets, visiting nursing homes and creating thank-you cards for nearby Vestavia Police Department and the Vestavia Fire Departments and asking them to visit to say thank-you in person. Some classes may also choose to collect socks, gloves and personal hygiene items for Jessie’s Place and First Light Homeless Shelter in downtown Birmingham.

“We do a lot around the holidays … but we want you guys [the students] to get in that mindset and go even outside of February,” Knight said. “As we talk about homeless shelters who need donations throughout the year … maybe they’ll want to go with their family to visit.”

Once their project is complete, some classes

may be able to deliver their gifts personally, which Knight said is a rewarding moment in itself.

“I think that [delivering the gifts] just bridges a connection between the community,” she said. “There’s a reward in serving other people that’s right there, and that can be just as fun as some of those extracurricular [activities] that they choose to do.”

The students also will participate in the nationwide Random Acts of Kindness Week, from Feb. 12-18. It encourages students to experience kindness in the classroom.

“We want to get them [the students] excited about what they’re doing,” Knight said. The school will keep the kindness spirit alive by sharing classroom projects during the morning announcements, which are run by the students, and by incorporating the theme into the monthly lessons that the counselors teach each class.

“When the counselors go in, they will talk about service and kindness and take a pay-itforward approach,” she said.

While this is only the first year for the event, Knight said she is hoping the students’ experiences stay with them far beyond the classroom walls and the month of February.

“I hope that they’ll ask their parents, ‘Do you think we can go and visit the nursing home?’ or ‘Could we as a family do something like this?’” Knight said. “Hopefully, they’ll take the initiative. That’s the ultimate goal of this: is that they’ll see these needs and start to do them on their own.”

German teacher named Alabama World Language Teacher of Year Vestavia Hills High School German teacher Laura Buder has been named Alabama World Languages Teacher of the Year by the Alabama World Languages Association.

She qualified for the award after being named Alabama German Teacher of the Year in 2016 by the state chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German.

Teacher of the Year awardees are chosen by demonstrating excellence in world language education and evidence of promotion of world language teaching and learning, according to AWLA. As Teacher of the Year, Buder will travel in March to the Southern Conference on Language Teaching and be placed in the running for regional Teacher of the Year honors.

“I was honored and humbled to receive this award because I know how hard world language

Laura Buder. Photo courtesy of VHCS.

teachers work around our state,” Buder said Wednesday. “I think it shows that our world language program at Vestavia Hills High School is really doing a lot of good things.”

Buder, who has spent her entire teaching career at VHHS, earned national recognition in 2016 after receiving the Teacher of Excellence Award from the German Embassy in Washington. Just three teachers nationwide were selected for that award.

– Submitted by Vestavia Hills City Schools.

B14 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Schaeffer Eye Center partners with city schools foundation

By EMILY FEATHERSTON Even with the 2016-17 school year more than half gone, many parents are already thinking about preparing for next year.

Whether it’s getting ready for kindergarten enrollment or the first year of high school, Schaeffer Eye Center is hoping parents will add an additional item to their school readiness to-do list: eye exams.

In its children’s eye care campaign, Schaeffer states that about 80 percent of classroom learning is visual, meaning children with undiagnosed vision needs may be missing out on learning opportunities. Additionally, those with vision problems also may have related behavioral and attention problems due to poor visual skills.

Keeping kids’ eyes healthy is important, and to “sweeten the deal,” Schaeffer created the Schaeffer Eyes on Education program, which will financially support the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation in 2017.

“As with vision, schools are the cornerstone of a child’s learning and development,” said Schaeffer

president and CEO Dr. Jack Schaeffer. “The Schaeffer Eyes on Education program allows us to fulfill our goals of supporting the community while treating visual issues early, ensuring Vestavia Hills children reach their full potential in learning and in life.”

According to the American Optometric Association, school-age children should receive an eye exam before entering kindergarten, and then once every two years if they do not need vision correction, or annually if they do need vision correction.

For every Vestavia student who gets an eye exam in 2017, Schaeffer Eye Center will donate $10 to the foundation. For those who begin more advanced treatment, such as treatment for myopia control or types of vision therapy, the company will donate $50.

At the end of 2017, Schaeffer said he hopes his company will be able to donate a significant amount of funding to the foundation.

“We are so pleased that Schaeffer Eye Center has chosen to support VHCSF through this initiative,” said

Eye care professionals recommend school-age children receive eye exams at least every two years. Photo illustration by Emily Featherston.

foundation board chairwoman Janet Ball.

The funds, like all funds donated to the foundation or raised through the foundation’s efforts, will go toward the “extras” the school benefits from, but that aren’t necessarily part of the regular budget, such as professional

development for faculty and staff, electronics and technology upgrades and classroom enhancements to improve the learning environment.

To participate in the campaign, parents should make an appointment at any of the Birmingham Schaeffer Eye Center locations throughout the

greater Birmingham area, including at the Colonnade off U.S. 280, and just across city limits in Hoover on U.S. 31.

For more information, to make an appointment or learn more about pediatric eye needs, go to schaeffereyecenter.com.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B15

Above left: Unless U students, many of whom attended VHHS, performed a “Mini Hairspray” before their school was presented with the proceeds of VHHS fall fundraising. Above right: Members of VHHS SGA present Lindy Cleveland with a check for $50,100. Photos by Emily Featherston.

VHHS donates record $50,100 after fall fundraising

By EMILY FEATHERSTON Vestavia Hills High School principal Tyler Burgess said he is always proud of students when they do their best during the fall philanthropy drive, but this year, he had even more to be proud of.

On Jan. 12, after a fall semester of raising funds through homecoming, T-shirt sales, powder-puff football and more, the VHHS SGA presented a $50,100 check to Unless U, an organization that provides continuing education to those with intellectual disabilities.

Unless U was founded in November 2014 by VHHS graduate Lindy Cleveland and operates out of Shades Mountain Baptist Church.

Cleveland, who graduated in 2010 and went on to study at Samford University, said the inspiration behind Unless U came when she

watched her own brother with a disability struggle to understand why he couldn’t go to college like his siblings.

The program’s name comes from a Dr. Seuss quote from “The Lorax”: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Cleveland said when her family was looking for the next step for her brother after he aged out of high school, they found there weren’t any local options for those with intellectual disabilities to continue education.

Unless U provides those adults a college-like atmosphere with an ability-sensitive environment. There are 40 students and seven staff members.

“We’re in the process of trying to secure another location,” Cleveland said, but she said finding the right fit has been difficult with the

organization’s specific needs.

“This money gives us more room to get what we need, which is incredible,” she said.

When the donation figure was announced, there was an audible gasp from both Cleveland and many in the crowd, as this year’s total is double what the school raised last year during its fall fund raising activities.

“I have never been more proud to be a Rebel,” Cleveland told the assembly.

Superintendent Sheila Phillips, who pointed out she typically doesn’t speak at the annual assembly, said she was too overcome with emotion not to comment.

“I couldn’t be more proud,” she said, after explaining her history in working with students with disabilities.

SGA President Millie Cadden said that she thinks the outpouring of support came from

Unless U’s ties to VHHS and the students themselves.

“I think it just hit so close to home,” she said.

“Their roots are here.”

Cleveland said she appreciated the support the students showed, even if they didn’t know about her cause before.

“How incredible it has been for them to just rally around this cause. These students, especially on SGA, are so incredible, and passionate,” she said.

“I think that millennials in general are a pretty compassionate, caring, giving generation, so it’s been really cool to see how these kids have just supported something that they really didn’t know much about. They just showed up.”

For more information about Unless U, go to unlessu.org.

B16 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Students dressed in immigrant costumes from their native countries and shared music with their friends and families. Photo by Shelley Stevens, courtesy of Alice Elmore.

VHEW students celebrate immigration with music Second-graders at Vestavia Hills Elementary West celebrated immigration from the countries of their ancestors with a musical performance entitled America: Songs of Freedom. In early November, second-grade classes treated classmates as well as family members to such musical selections as “This Land is Your Land,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” under the direction of West’s music teacher, Trudye Confessore.

The children sang of making a new home in America, and also honored veterans and the nation’s flag with moving tributes to both.

During each performance, veterans in attendance were asked to stand and be recognized

in appreciation of their service. The students also incorporated various percussion instruments and sign language as well as dance movements.

Serving as the backdrop for the program was the large American flag created by West students soon after the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Prior to the performances, the students researched their ancestry, determining the countries from which their ancestors emigrated. They selected a country and crafted costumes for the musical performances based on the clothing their relatives may have worn when coming to America.

– Submitted by Alice Elmore.

Students performed with tubano drums and auxiliary percussion with “Chrismus a Come,” a traditional Christmas song from Jamaica. Photo courtesy of Alice Elmore.

3rd-graders hold music program Holiday songs about snow may be favorites, but third-graders at Vestavia Hills Elementary West recently entertained family, friends and fellow students with a Christmas program about all the warm places that don’t have snow for the season.

The themed music rang through the packedout gym Dec. 8-9 as the classes, under the direction of West’s music teacher Trudye Confessore, performed songs both new and familiar.

The program incorporated music from different time periods and parts of the world, including “Chrismus a Come” from Jamaica.

The students who sang the traditional Jamaican tune were accompanied by tubano drums and other auxiliary percussion instruments.

A new rendition of “Silent Night” was complemented by lyrics presented in American Sign Language. Several classes performed dance routines to “Santa Fever” and “Reindeer Twist.”

At the close of the program, the third-grade students concluded with a sing-along, inviting the audience to join them for a few lines of “Deck the Halls” as the students sang a partner song.

– Submitted by Alice Elmore.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B17

Events Dinner and Diamonds fundraiser for city schools foundation set for Feb. 25

By SARAH TUTTLE The Dinner and Diamonds fundraiser will be at Regions Field on Feb. 25 from 7-11 p.m. It will benefit the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation and celebrate the foundation’s 21 years of financial support to the Vestavia Hills City Schools system.

This event, the foundation’s central fundraiser, will celebrate its accomplishments as well as fund the operating budget, which ensures the foundation has resources to support Vestavia schools and teachers.

Dinner and Diamonds will include dinner, music by Vestavia’s own BHP’s, a silent and live auction and complimentary valet at the event. The cost is $80 per person.

“The excellence of Vestavia Hills schools continues

to define our community,” said Elaine Yancey, executive director of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation. “Your support is critical to our future success and is deeply appreciated by the citizens of Vestavia Hills.”

There are sponsorship opportunities available for this event and to help support the schools. Sponsors will receive website, email and Facebook recognition, mention on the Foundation’s Twitter and Instagram, signs at the event as well as a listing in each of the school’s newsletters.

The different sponsorship opportunities include the Diamond Sponsors for $5,000, Emerald Sponsors for $2,500, Sapphire Sponsors for $1,500, Ruby Sponsors for $750 and Friends of the Foundation for $500.

For more information, go to vestaviafoundation.org.

This year’s Dinner and Diamonds fundraiser to benefit the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation includes dinner, live music, a silent and live auction, and complimentary valet services. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation.

aTeam Ministries’ Kick Out Cancer kickball tournament returns for 2nd year The second annual Kick Out Cancer tournament is scheduled for Feb. 25 at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central’s lower fields.

Staff photo.

By SARAH TUTTLE The aTeam Ministries team is holding its second annual Kick Out Cancer Kickball Tournament. The ministry supports children and their families throughout Alabama who are coping with pediatric cancer.

The tournament is Feb. 25 at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central’s lower fields.

The tournament is for teams of all ages competing in different brackets.

The tournament’s purpose is to benefit children with cancer and spreads the word about aTeam’s ministry.

“We want the community to come out and rally this event for kids to support kids,” said Event Coordinator Kristin Tunnell. “This is for adults, too, but children have the opportunity

to have fun and help kids who are fighting cancer.”

For teams to register for the Kickball

tournament, the cost is $20 per person, which includes a tournament T-shirt.

There are also several sponsorship

opportunities for this event. There is the Grand Slam (title sponsorship) for $1,000, Home Run for $500, Triple Play for $250 and Line Drive sponsorship for $100. Sponsorship and registration information is available at ateamministries.org.

“With this event, we are hoping to grow and continue exposure for aTeam ministries and the mission behind it,” Tunnell said.

ATeam ministries is also hosting its seventh annual Heart 2 HeART Event on Feb. 11. The Heart 2 HeART event pairs children with pediatric cancer with professional artists in an effort to celebrate them.

Both February events support the pediatric cancer community.

For more information, go to ateamministries. org or call 401-8232.

B18 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Dolores Hydock will perform in her special program, “Fools for Love,” at the Vestavia Hills Library.

Photo courtesy of Dana Smithburg.

The Fire and Ice Challenge on Feb. 4 will raise money for muscular dystrophy research by participants paying to take part in a boot camp-style workout. Photo courtesy of the Vestavia Hills Fire Department.

Fire Department hosting workout challenge for MS

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

Storyteller Dolores Hydock coming to Vestavia Hills Library on Feb. 23

By LEXI COON Love stories often can stand the test of time, even if they are from the 18th century.

They are stories people can become absorbed in and relate to.

And on Feb. 23, actress and storyteller Dolores Hydock will bring them to life.

In her special program, “Fools for Love,” Hydock will perform the tales of people doing anything for love during the Regency period in England, which spanned the late 1700s and early 1800s.

As a storyteller, Hydock uses letters, photographs, diary excerpts and paintings to share stories that are part romance, part historical fun facts, part art appreciation and part

royal scandal. As an actress, she performs.

“Those that know of her work can’t wait to hear her next story and watch all her expressions and how she uses such descriptive words to make you feel you are in the story,” said Diane Zaragoza, program director for the Friends of the Library.

Hydock has been a guest at the library before and has been a yearly guest at the Senior Luncheon in Vestavia.

“New guests will love it, especially if they like hearing stories they can relate to,” Zaragoza said.

Guests are encouraged to come and see Hydock’s 90-minute show at the Vestavia Hills Library Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. To learn more about Hydock, go to storypower.org.

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department has supported the Muscular Dystrophy Association for years.

But instead of asking for “Fill the Boot” donations outside grocery stores as in years past, the department decided to try something new this year.

The Fire and Ice Challenge on Feb. 4 will raise money for muscular dystrophy research by participants paying to take part in a boot camp-style workout. The athletes will also participate in the Firefighter Experience Challenge, where they can put on VHFD equipment and try their hand at some of a firefighter’s duties, VHFD firefighter Chad Crowe said.

Kids also can try out a Kids Firefighter Challenge for free. The top athletes in the workout competition and

Firefighter Challenge will receive door prizes.

Event organizer Adrian Millican said there also will be door prizes, and athletes can try out cryotherapy and recovery treatments from the Tri One Cryotherapy office after they compete.

“This year we are trying something new that will be fun and hopefully reach more people and raise more money,” Crowe said.

The Fire and Ice Challenge is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with heats running every 20 minutes. Crowe said athletes can sign up at the event and make their $20 donation to MDA. The challenge will be at D1 Sports Training and Therapy, 1651 Independence Court in Homewood.

For more information, go to the Fire and Ice Challenge Facebook page or call 703-8878.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B19

Community

On Feb. 26, Grace Klein Community will hold its Ultimate Frisbee tournament fundraiser at the indoor football stadium at D1 Sports. Photo courtesy of Grace Klein Community.

Disc tournament to benefit nonprofit Some of the Assistance League of Birmingham’s past presidents who attended the November Little Black Dress Luncheon include: Mary Ann Wade, Yvonne Pope, Noma Jeanne Crews, Elaine Hornberger, Connie Williams, Rochelle Simms, Sandy Ridgeway, June Pryor, Jan Scarborough, Molly Bee Bloetscher, Liz Warren, Jan Service, Diana Meinberg and Barb Kelley. Photo courtesy of Jan Service.

Assistance League of Birmingham celebrates its 40th anniversary Assistance League of Birmingham celebrated its 40th anniversary of serving the greater Birmingham area at its annual Little Black Dress Luncheon.

Chairman Melinda Thornbury said past presidents were recognized and received a beautiful red rose.

The event was held in early November at a private club in Vestavia and featured a delicious lunch, fashion show and holiday shopping.

Assistance League of Birmingham’s three philanthropic programs are PrimeTime Treasures, which is located in Homewood and sells handcrafted items made by Alabama seniors; Operation School Bell, which clothes 1,600 elementary school children in new school clothes each year; and Operation Literary, which tutors children in reading.

– Submitted by Jan Service.

“Huck” is giving our best “toss” to bring hope to families in Greater Birmingham through a box of food.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran Ultimate Frisbee player preparing for summer leagues or you’ve never heard of the growing sport of Ultimate, Grace Klein Community and D1 Sports Birmingham are partnering to bring you an exciting opportunity to grab a disc, get your friends together, and support a local cause through a brand-new tournament in Birmingham.

On Feb. 26, Grace Klein Community will hold its first Ultimate Frisbee tournament fundraiser at the indoor football stadium at D1 Sports, 1651 Independence Court. Team registration fees and other proceeds will help Grace Klein Community in a variety of ways, allowing them to serve the local Birmingham community by bringing more than 200 families in need monthly food boxes containing everything from meat and produce to breads and staple goods.

Currently, Grace Klein Community

provides food, on a monthly basis, to over 200 families as well as building relationships to go through tough times with them. Grace Klein Community believes that meaningful, longterm relationships are a key factor in alleviating poverty.

The goal for the event is to field eight teams of 10 players, with registration for each team costing a minimum of $400. Teams are allowed to add additional players, at $30 per player, with a limit of 10 additional players per team.

However, the competition won’t only be in Ultimate. Both the team that wins the tournament and the team that raises the most money for the cause will be rewarded. Lunch will be provided for all participants, and an indoor, climate-controlled field means there’s no need to worry about the weather.

Register and start fundraising efforts at gracekleincommunity.com/ultimate.

For further information, contact Scott Elliott via 910-2222 or scott@gracekleincommunity.com.

– Submitted by Grace Klein Community.

B20 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

February will bring multiple consignment sales to the Vestavia Hills area, including Market on the Mountain, above, Whale of a Sale, left, and Butterflies and Bowties. Photos courtesy of Mindy Strevy.

Winter consignment sales return later this month

By EMILY FEATHERSTON Little ones grow quickly, and for those parents looking to find new outfits for their children — and maybe unload clothes that are too small — there are three big consignment sales this month.

MARKET ON THE MOUNTAIN

Market on the Mountain returns to Mountaintop Community Church on Feb. 17-18.

Sale coordinator and assistant director of Mountaintots Christian Day School Mindy Stevy said organizers are excited to see regular consignors return, as well as meet new

community members as they shop and sell.

Those who participate as consignors not only get to keep 70 percent of the sale price of their items but also are able to shop at an exclusive presale Feb. 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Volunteers at the event who work two shifts can begin shopping at 5 p.m., and those serving one shift can begin at 6.

Consigning and volunteering are not the only ways to shop early, though, Stevy said.

Last year, the Market began a new “paid preview” sale, where customers could pay to shop before the general public.

This year, Stevy said there will be two tiers of presale admission Feb. 16. Those who pay

$10 can shop at 5 p.m., and those who pay $5 can begin at 6:30 p.m.

Of course, the general sale will be free to the public Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, go to marketon themountain.com.

WHALE OF A SALE

Whale of a Sale, hosted at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, is scheduled for Feb. 23-24.

The sale will be open Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., but no kids or strollers are allowed. On Friday, everyone is welcome from 9 a.m. to 2

p.m., with many items marked down to half off starting at noon.

Volunteers and consignors also are able to shop early the afternoon before the Thursday evening sale, which can help those shoppers beat the crowds of the public sale times.

Whale of a Sale consignors also receive 70 percent of the sale price with the other 30 percent donated to Vestavia Day School, which provides after-school, preschool and other childcare services.

Those interested in selling should have between 25 and 200 items.

For more information, go to thewhaleofasale. com.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B21

‘Let’s Hear it for Education’ program to benefit VHCSF Sonology Hearing Aid Clinic, a division of McCool and Bhuta, ENT, is pleased to announce the launch of the “Let’s Hear it for Education” program benefiting the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation (VHCSF).

Through this program, VHCSF will receive a donation of $50 for every hearing aid purchased when the patient says, “Let’s hear it for education in Vestavia Hills.”

“Dr. [Tarika] Bhuta and I are excited to partner with the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation for the ‘Let’s Hear it for Education’ campaign,” Dr. Brian McCool said. “We value excellence in education and in providing the very best health care for hearing loss.

We hope the Vestavia Hills community will reach out to family and friends and encourage them to visit Sonology. After all, the greater the participation, the greater the reward for the schools.”

VHCSF Board President Janet Ball added: “We are so pleased to be working with Dr. Bhuta and Dr. McCool on this program. Partnerships such as this are critical to our ability to grow the endowment and increase support for our schools.”

McCool was born and raised in Huntsville.

He is a 1992 graduate of Vanderbilt University and received his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1998.

McCool completed his general surgery internship and the first year of his otolaryngology (ENT) residency at the University of Texas - Houston. He completed his training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at West Virginia University in 2003.

McCool is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and is a fellow and member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

He has practiced medical and surgical ENT in Birmingham since 2003. His practice interests include pediatric ENT, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, facial reconstructive

Drs. Brian McCool and Tarika Bhuta, through a division of McCool and Bhuta, ENT, have launched “Let’s Hear it for Education,” a program that will benefit the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation. Photos courtesy of Elaine Yancey.

surgery and sinus surgery.

Bhuta graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill in 1994 and received her medical degree with Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honors from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1998.

She then went on to complete her general surgery internship and first year of otolaryngology

(ENT) training at the University of Cincinnati.

She completed her training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at West Virginia University in 2003.

Bhuta is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

She is a fellow and member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical

Honor Society.

Bhuta has practiced medical and surgical ENT, as well as allergy, in Birmingham since 2003. She is one of two practicing female otolaryngologists in the Birmingham area. She focuses her practice on snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, facial reconstruction/rejuvenation, pediatric ENT and thyroid surgery.

– Submitted by Elaine Yancey.

B22 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Hardy family recognized at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church As part of its emphasis on missions, Vestavia Hills Baptist Church’s missions committee recognized Mavis and Bob Hardy, church members who spent four decades as missionaries in Japan.

The Hardys, who are Hoover residents, met in Japan in 1953 when Bob, a Kentucky native, was on a military assignment, and Mavis, a native of Frisco City, was working as a missionary with the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

After returning to the States, Bob wrote letters to his future wife, who would anticipate the squeak of the mailman’s bicycle that often preceded a letter from her love, according to Mike McBrayer, the church’s minister of discipleship and missions who led a time of recognition of the Hardys.

Following Bob’s seminary training, the couple, who married in 1957, returned to Japan as missionaries where they served in various cities helping the young Japanese church, discipling Japanese Christians and introducing many to Jesus.

Bob served as chaplain at the Japan Baptist Hospital for many years. While there, the couple raised their three daughters, June, Joy and Cathy, served local churches and opened their home for Bible studies, English classes and hospitality ministry.

Following their years of service that included ministries in Kyoto, Niiagata, Kobe, Taiwan and Hong Kong, the Hardys retired from the mission board in 1994 and moved to Birmingham.

Their work, however, continues, including involvement with International Friends language

William Wertheimer earned an Eagle Scout ranking in September.

He built a message board and landscaped The Red Barn for his leadership project.

Photo courtesy of Dan Wertheimer.

Mavis and Bob Hardy were recently recognized by Vestavia Hills Baptist Church for their lifelong missionary service. Photo courtesy of Betsy Lowery.

ministry, which they began at the church in August 2001.

“They carry on, day after day, in chosen avoidance of the spotlight, with great love for all people,” said the church’s pastor, Gary A. Furr.

“They love the whole of humanity, whatever your nationality, language, race or history. They reach out with the authentic love of God.” Honoring the couple was an aspect of Vestavia Hills Baptist Church’s ongoing attention to missions, which includes working with the Lovelady Center (for Bible study and worship), International Friends (teaching English and sharing Bible verses), Firehouse Shelter (helping with meals at a men’s downtown homeless shelter), Weekenders Backpack Program delivery and Food Bank packing.

– Submitted by Betsy Lowery.

Vestavia freshman Wertheimer receives Eagle Scout award William Wertheimer of Vestavia Hills was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on Sept. 8.

As a member of Troop 76 at Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church, he earned 23 merit badges, served in several leadership positions and participated in many service projects.

Even after his Eagle Scout, Wertheimer continues to be an active part of his troop.

For his Eagle Scout leadership project, Wertheimer built a message board and landscaped at The Red Barn, which provides programs for children and veterans. The project took 194 hours to

complete and used a total of 32 workers.

He raised more funds than were needed for his project and was able to make a platinum donation of the excess to The Red Barn.

Wertheimer is a freshman at Vestavia Hills High School, where he participates in Habitat for Humanity and Latin Club.

He is a member of Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church and participates in the high school youth group there.

He is the son of Carrie and Dan Wertheimer and has two siblings, Drew and Grace.

– Submitted by Dan Wertheimer.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B23

Boy Scout Troop 4, chartered through Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, announced that Alec Albright, Stephen Mims, Connor Ridgway and Thomas Sturdivant have earned the rank of Eagle. Photo courtesy of Thomas Little.

Troop 4 Eagle Scouts named Boy Scout Troop 4, chartered through Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, announced that Alec Albright, Stephen Mims, Connor Ridgway and Thomas Sturdivant have earned the rank of Eagle.

The troop celebrated their achievement at a Court of Honor on Jan. 22.

Alec Albright is the son of Jeff and Donna Albright and is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School. Alec’s Eagle project was developed in response to a request to replace the three worn down picnic tables at Scout Square in Vestavia Hills with newly constructed wooden tables.

Alec plans to attend Mississippi State University or the University of Alabama at Birmingham and plans to major in marketing.

Stephen Mims is the son of David and Holly Mims and is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School. For his Eagle project, he coordinated the building of an outdoor stage and benches to serve Cornerstone Christian School as a Performing Arts Center and outdoor classroom.

Stephen plans to attend the University of Alabama after graduation, where he will study management information systems.

Connor Ridgway is the son of Chris and Amy Ridgway and is a junior at Vestavia Hills High School. For his Eagle project, he chose to fulfill a need at Regency Retirement Village in Homewood, where he built elevated flower beds for the residents to enjoy. Connor plans to attend the University of Alabama after graduation.

Thomas Sturdivant is the son of Jim and Susan Sturdivant and is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School. Thomas’ Eagle project was performed for Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, where he constructed and installed a large, heavy-duty storage unit and bench in the church’s fitness room. Thomas will attend Auburn University or Birmingham-Southern College in the fall, where he plans to major in media studies.

– Submitted by Thomas Little.

The Junior League of Birmingham scholarships begin at $1,000. Photo courtesy of the Junior League of Birmingham.

Junior League of Birmingham scholarships available for local women in Vestavia Hills The Junior League of Birmingham will grant several one-year college and graduate school scholarships to qualified female applicants, and residents of Vestavia Hills are encouraged to apply. The scholarships will be awarded in the minimum amount of $1,000 each.

The Academic Scholarship program was originally established in the 1950s to open the doors of opportunity for teachers in the area of speech and language development, and hopefully provide future leaders for the Junior League School of Speech Correction.

Through the years this program has expanded, providing scholarships to women in all areas of study, both in undergraduate and graduate studies.

Scholarships will be announced at the Junior League of Birmingham’s Community Circle breakfast on March 22, 2017, and will be awarded to qualified women who demonstrate a true willingness to better themselves and their community.

“The Junior League of Birmingham believes that strong women lift each other up. As leaders, we are proud to invest in creating the future female leaders of our community,” said Lauren Roberts, president, Junior League of Birmingham.

“As the females in our area seek an opportunity to further their education, we are excited

to support them in their endeavors. Our dream would be that wherever these women choose to pursue their degree, they will want to return to Birmingham with their newly acquired skills and education. Hopefully we are building the future of our city as we support these young women.”

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must enroll as a full or part-time student in any private or public accredited two-year or four-year undergraduate or graduate college or vocational-technical school for the 20172018 school year.

Scholarships are restricted to eligible women who fall into one of the following categories: ► Graduating high school seniors ► Currently enrolled college and graduate students ► Graduating college seniors ► Non-traditional students The completed application form and supporting documents must be submitted online at jlbonline.com no later than Wednesday, March 1, 2017.

For more information about the Junior League of Birmingham’s Academic Scholarship program, visit jlbonline.com/scholarships or call 879-9861.

– Submitted by Junior League of Birmingham.

B24 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice The Birmingham Community Deaf Church has about 25 to 30 regular members, with more coming for special events. They include not only the deaf, but also their hearing family members, students learning American Sign Language, deaf education teachers and others. Photo

by Sydney Cromwell.

CHURCH

CONTINUED from page B1 ASL is a more natural and full experience.

A worship service at the deaf church might be a little quieter than a regular service at Briarwood, but Thornton said the elements are the same. There is worship music, and those who can’t hear the music can still feel its rhythm.

The sermon and prayer are delivered in sign language, with the help of an interpreter for the hearing.

And in conversations, those who are able to will speak and sign at the same time, so no one is left out of the discussion.

“A deaf worship service is the same as a hearing service except everything is done in sign,” Thornton said.

The Community Deaf Church has about 25 to 30 regular members, with more coming for special events. They include not only the deaf, but also their hearing family members, students learning American Sign Language, deaf education teachers and others.

Each has a different path that led them to joining the church. Josey grew up in Georgiana and went to a school for the deaf as well as Gallaudet University, the only U.S. university specifically for the deaf. He had been involved in ministry for many years before moving to Birmingham in 2010.

Samantha Godbey grew up in a regular church and had a hard time hearing the pastor or regular conversations. Her hearing loss has progressed over the years, though she still is able to use hearing aids, but she heard about the Community Deaf Church before she learned American Sign Language. Godbey is now not only fluent in ASL, but also is heavily involved in the church and the Alabama Baptist Conference of the Deaf along with Josey.

“I felt the Lord tell me that this was the right church,” Godbey said of her first time visiting the Community Deaf Church.

Thornton can hear but grew up with deaf parents and has always been a part of the community and has served as an interpreter.

“A deaf church has always been my home,” Thornton said. “When you grow up in the deaf community, you are family.”

The church is not just a place for faith, Thornton said. The deaf live in a world where most people cannot speak their language, so the Community Deaf Church offers a place to see friends and communicate easily with everyone in the room. In her parents’ time, Thornton said, the deaf tended to live near one another and build pockets of community. While the internet has made communication without hearing even easier, there are no longer these localized deaf communities.

“We’re all just a family. The deaf are scattered,” Josey said.

“Any time they have a chance to get together, they just fellowship,” Thornton said.

The Community Deaf Church also provides ASL classes. Some of its members are regular teachers at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega, and the group raises funds for a summer camp for deaf children.

“

A deaf church has always been my home.

When you grow up in the deaf community, you are family.

”

CHERYBE THORNTON

Loneliness can be even harder for deaf children since, in some cases, their own families don’t even know sign language, Thornton said.

As part of Briarwood Presbyterian, the Community Deaf Church also participates in frequent service work such as knitting or

crocheting scarves and hats for the Lovelady Center. Thornton said the Christian Deaf Fellowship in Hoover works with the Community Deaf Church and other groups to provide scholarships for deaf men and women who want to enter ministry.

All of these efforts build connections for Birmingham’s deaf population and also gives them the opportunity to learn about the Christian message in their own language.

“We have a burden to reach the deaf for Christ,” Thornton said.

The Birmingham Community Deaf Church meets at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in the Mountain View building on Sundays for fellowship at 9:45 a.m. and the deaf service at 11 a.m., as well as Bible study at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays. Briarwood also has an 8 a.m. service on Sundays with an ASL interpreter. Find them on Facebook.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B25

Vestavia Hills Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

769289

35216

1204 Cove Lane

New

$749,000

771000

35216

2613 Vestavia Forest Terrace

New

$386,000

770828

35216

2971 Wisteria Drive

New

$469,900

770809

35216

2673 Southbury Circle #2673

New

$84,900

770491

35216

1717 Crosswood Lane

New

$449,900

770477

35216

1877 Kentucky Ave., #1877

New

$209,000

770039

35216

3038 Massey Road #A308

New

$214,900

769940

35216

2449 Fresno Drive

New

$305,000

769841

35216

2661 Southbury Circle #2661

New

$64,998

769578

35216

3732 Stone Ridge Terrace

New

$147,000

769448

35216

2882 Wisteria Drive

New

$189,899

769410

35216

2136 Vestavia Lake Drive

New

$479,900

769602

35216

3225 Altaloma Drive

New

$299,000

769352

35216

2112 Vestridge Drive

New

$412,000

769048

35216

721 Park Ridge Circle

New

$579,900

769048

35216

721 Park Ridge Circle

New

$579,900

768496

35216

2036 Hickory Road

New

$425,000

768311

35216

1836 Old Creek Trail

New

$339,900

767787

35216

3451 Loch Ridge Trail

New

$189,900

767352

35216

211 Monterey Place

New

$499,500

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on Jan. 16.

Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

1204 Cove Lane

3225 Altaloma Drive

B26 • February 2017

Vestavia Voice

Calendar Vestavia Events Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22: The Plays and Films of William Inge. 1:30 p.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Presented by OLLI of Greater Birmingham. Free. Visit olli.ua.edu.

Feb. 3: Artists Incorporated, First Friday Reception. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Artists Incorporated. Wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music. Visit artistsincorporated.com.

Vestavia Hills Athletics Feb. 2: Girls varsity basketball vs.

Hewitt-Trussville. 6 p.m.

Feb. 2: Boys varsity basketball vs.

Hewitt-Trussville. 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 3: Boys varsity basketball @ Homewood. 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 4: Girls varsity basketball @

Feb. 6: What Archaeology Teaches Us About Our Religions and Ourselves. 1:30 p.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Presented by OLLI of Greater Birmingham. Free.

Visit olli.ua.edu.

Feb. 7, 21 and 28: A History of Birmingham Architecture. 10:30 a.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Presented

by OLLI of Greater Birmingham. Free. Visit olli.ua.edu.

Feb. 8: “What to do Financially When You Lose a Spouse.” 6:30 p.m. Mountaintop Church. Presented by Philip Wilson of Wilson Financial Group. Sign up at churchrsvp.com.

Feb. 14: “Conversation About a Great Statesman: Gov. Albert Brewer.” 10:30 a.m. Vestavia Hills City Hall, Council Chamber. Professor Howard Walthall of Samford University and Dr. Gerald Johnson of Auburn University will discuss the life and accomplishments of former Alabama Governor Albert Brewer, who passed away in January 2017. Included will be special readings and a proclamation from the Alabama Legislature. Presented by OLLI of Greater Birmingham. Free. Visit olli.ua.edu.

Feb. 14: Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. Vestavia Country Club.

Visit vestaviahills.org.

Feb. 16 & 23: Cybersecurity. 3:30 p.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Learn how security breaches can affect you and more. Presented by OLLI of Greater Birmingham. Free. Visit olli. ua.edu.

Oxford. 6 p.m.

Feb. 14: Girls varsity soccer vs.

John Carroll. 6 p.m.

Feb. 17: Girls varsity soccer vs.

Gadsden City. 7 p.m.

Feb. 20: Boys varsity baseball vs.

Athens. 5 p.m.

Feb. 21: Girls varsity soccer @ Bob Jones. 6 p.m.

Feb. 23: Girls varsity soccer @ Tuscaloosa County. 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 24-28: Boys varsity baseball @ Birmingham/Huntsville Challenge. TBA.

Vestavia Hills Library Events Children Mondays: Maker Mondays. 6 p.m.

Something for everyone, but adults must accompany children.

Tuesdays: Together with Twos.

10:30 a.m. Community Room. Toddler time of stories, songs, finger plays and movement.

Ages 18-36 months.

Tuesdays: PJ Storytime. 6:30 p.m.

Children’s Program Room. (except the third Tuesday, which is Family Night).

Wednesdays: Story Friends. 10:30 a.m. Children’s Program Room. Join Mrs. Lisa for stories and songs. Ages 5 and under.

Children’s Programming Room. Special play equipment in the program room for preschoolers and their caregivers.

Thursdays: Book Babies. 10 a.m.

Treehouse. Ms. Lisa’s story time for babies up to 18 mos. Registration required.

Feb. 4 & 18: Family Yoga. 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Program Room. Class for the whole family.

Feb. 6-9: Make Valentines for Children’s Hospital. Children’s Department To be delivered to the hospital on Valentine’s Day.

Wednesdays: This & That. 3:30 p.m.

Children’s Program Room. All about comics.

Grades 3-6.

Feb. 6: Intro to 3-D printing. 4-5:30 p.m. Electronic Classroom. Learn how the MakerBot works as well as the basics of finding and preparing models to print. Registration required.

Thursdays: L.I.F.T. (Library in the Forest Time). 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Feb. 9: 3-D Printing Open Lab. 4-6 p.m. Creative Café. See the 3-D printers

in action and get your printing questions answered. The open lab will also offer tips for best practices to achieve a successful print from your model.

Feb. 11: Small Fry Gym. 9 a.m to noon. Children’s Program Room. Teach healthy exercise habits with our child-sized exercise equipment designed to keep little ones engaged! For kids 6 and younger.

Feb. 21: Schaeffer Eye Center Family Night: Ventriloquist Cliff Patton. 6 p.m. (meal) and 6:30 p.m. (show).

Community Room.

Feb. 25: Lego Wars. 11 a.m. Children’s Program Room. Create a Lego masterpiece that could win a prize! First grade and up.

Feb. 27: Promethean Board Basics. 4-5:30 p.m. Electronic Classroom.

Learn how to use an interactive whiteboard for teaching or presentations. Registration required.

Let us help spread the news! Email sydney@starnespublishing.com to submit your announcement.

VestaviaVoice.com

February 2017 • B27

Library Events (cont.)

Teens

free workshop.

Fridays: Open Gaming. 4-5:30 p.m. Community Room. Video games on the Wii U, PS4, board games to play with fellow teens. Snacks served.

Feb. 8: ABCs of Medicare. 1 p.m. Treehouse. Independent Benefits Adviser Karen Haiflich provides simple and straightforward answers to all your Medicare questions. Free.

Feb. 1: Teen Art Group. 4 p.m. Historical Room. Drawing, sketching and doodling. Snacks served. For grades 6-12.

Feb. 14: Cartoon Celebration. 4-6 p.m.

Community Room. Come screen a variety of American-made cartoons. Snacks served.

Feb. 15: Cookie Wars. 4-5:30 p.m. Treehouse. Decorate treats. For grades 6-12.

Feb. 21: Otaku Time. 4:30 p.m. Historical Room. Read, discuss and exchange manga. Snacks served.

Feb. 22: Writing Group. 4 p.m. Historical Room. Build writing skills and receive feedback on work.

Feb. 24: VR Tournament. 4-5:30 p.m.

Community Room. First virtual reality tournament!

Show your gaming domination and you could win a GameStop gift card. Snacks served. For grades 6-12.

Feb. 28: Anime Night/Candy Sushi. 4-6 p.m. Community Room. Bring your appetite and creativity as we make candy sushi and watch anime.

For grades 6-12.

Adults Feb. 1: One-on-One Tutorial: Basic Internet. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Electronic Classroom.

Sign up for a one-on-one tutorial to ask questions and learn the common needs for using the internet.

Feb. 2: Microsoft Excel. 6-7:30 p.m. Electronic Classroom. Gain practical knowledge using Microsoft Excel to design spreadsheets. Registration required.

Feb. 2: Read and Feed Book Group.

6:30 p.m. Taziki’s Café, Overton Road. Discussing “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance. Free.

Feb. 3: First Friday Fiber Arts. 10 a.m. to noon. Treehouse. Knit, crochet, cross-stitch, crewel, embroidery and smocking. All skill levels welcome.

Feb. 6: Meditation 101. 2 p.m. Community Room. Relax and learn the art of inner peace at this

Feb. 9 & 23: Adult Tai Chi Classes. 2 p.m. Community Room. Biweekly class taught by a certified instructor. No registration for this free class.

Ages 18 and older.

Feb. 10: Upcycle City: Not-So-Basic Brown Paper Crafts. 7 p.m. Light snacks and wine provided. Materials provided. 21 and older. Free.

Feb. 13: Meditation 101 Workshop. 2 p.m. Community Room.

Feb. 14: Apple Mobile Devices with Tech Ease. 2 p.m. Children’s Program Room. A Certified Apple Consultant answers your questions about Apple mobile products including iPhones, iPads and Macbooks.

Feb. 15: One-on-one Tutorial: Resume Help. 9:30-11:30. Electronic Classroom. Get help creating a professional resume or polish your existing one. Registration required.

Feb. 16: iMac 101. 6-7:30 p.m. Do you need to learn the basics of an iMac? Learn how to personalize the computer, use the finder, change system preferences and more. Registration required.

Feb. 20: Simply Circuits. 3:30-5 p.m.

Creative Café. Learn about electricity and circuits as you experiment with conductive ink, Little Bits and Snap Circuit kits. Registration required.

Feb. 21: Microsoft PowerPoint. 1011:30 a.m. Electronic Classroom. Learn how to create a dynamic slideshow with photos, videos, songs, transitions and animations. Registration required.

Feb. 21: Lunch and Learn Health Matters Series: Dealing with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Noon. Community Room. Discussion with UAB expert followed by Q&A session.

Feb. 22: Page Turners in the Treehouse Book Group. 2 p.m. Treehouse. Discussing “Girl Waits with Gun” by Amy Steward.

Feb. 23: Friends of the Library: Dolores Hydock. 10 a.m. Community Room. Discussing all the crazy things people will do for love.

Area Events Feb. 2-5, 9-10: Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash. Virginia Samford Theatre. $15-$35. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Feb. 3: Dancing with the Stars: Live!

BJCC Concert Hall. $49-$75. Visit dwtstour.com.

Feb. 4: Southeastern Outings Dayhike. Three-mile hike along the Locust Fork River from Swann Covered Bridge to Powell Falls.

Meet at 9 a.m. Kmart Greensprings or 10 a.m. at Cleveland Chevron. Contact Francis Rushton at 290-5557.

Feb. 4 and 11: Einstein is a Dummy.

2:30 p.m. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. $15 children, $20 adults. Visit bct123.org.

Feb. 4: Birmingham Winter Beer Festival. 3 p.m. BJCC Exhibition Halls. $40-$85. Visit bhambeerfest.com.

Feb. 9-11: The Miss Firecracker Contest. 8 p.m. Theatre Downtown. $12-$18. Visit theatredowntown.org.

Feb. 10: Alabama Symphony Orchestra Sound Edge Festival. 7:30 p.m. Iron City Birmingham. $16. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

Feb. 10-12: O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels. BJCC Exhibition Halls. 3-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday. $18 adult, $5 ages 6-11, 5 and younger: free. Visit worldofwheels.net.

Feb. 11: Alabama Wildlife Center’s Wild About Chocolate. The Harbert Center.

6 p.m.13th annual Valentine gala benefiting the Alabama Wildlife Center. Live music and live and silent auctions. $75/person in advance, $100 at door. Visit awrc.org.

Feb. 11-12: Mercedes Marathon. 9 a.m.

Saturday, Regions Superhero 5K, 10 a.m. The Bell Center EIP Children’s Run, 11 a.m. Kids Marathon.

Sunday, 7:03 a.m. Marathon, half marathon and marathon relay begin. Visit mercedesmarathon.com.

Feb. 16 and 18: Alabama Symphony Orchestra Sound Edge Festival. 7:30 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. $16. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

Feb. 21-22: STOMP. 7:30 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. $30-$60. Visit theatreleague.com/Birmingham.

Feb. 22-26 Theatre UAB presents “The Real Inspector Hound.” Alys Stephens Center. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $12-$15, $6 students, $10 UAB employees and senior citizens. Visit alysstephens.org.

Feb. 24-26: Birmingham RV Super Show.

BJCC Exhibition Halls. Friday, Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $10, children 2 and under, free. Visit bkproductions.biz.

Feb. 25: Alabama Symphony Orchestra Red Diamond SuperPops! Series. 8 p.m.

Alys Stephens Center. $23-$48. Visit alabamasymphony.org.