Vestavia Voice September 2017 by Starnes Media

Volume 5 | Issue 5 | September 2017

moving on

Superintendent retiring to return to teaching

By EMILY FEATHERSTON Superintendent Sheila Phillips never aspired to be superintendent. Rather, she said, she aspired to be a special education teacher — which she was for a number of ears before making her wa to estavia Hills. “That is where my heart is,” she said. “My heart is with children.” hillips announced her retirement from the position of superintendent for estavia ills it chools on ul , effective ept. , and after leaving will take a position with hildren s of labama. In her seven years with Vestavia, Phillips served as assistant principal at the high school, moving to assistant superintendent in 2012 and superintendent beginning the summer of .

See MOVING ON | page A28 Sheila Phillips served as Vestavia Hills superintendent from 2014-17. Phillips plans to return to her roots as an educator and work with children at the Sunshine School, a program that provides continuing education to hospitalized children. Photo courtesy of Whit McGhee.

a i y rien s o inny o r an ontin e fight or gyne o ogi a an er a areness resear h

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

Ginny Bourland, right, at a Head Over Teal run. Photo courtesy of Laura Crandall Brown Foundation.

By EMILY FEATHERSTON This year, more than 22,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. nd in five ears, less than half of those diagnosed in 2017 will still be alive. f the five forms of g necological cancer, ovarian is the most common and the most deadly, mainly because onl percent of cases are found in earl enough stages to be successfull treated.

INSIDE

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

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

School House .....A16 Events ..................A19

nlike other forms of cancer, even other forms of g necological cancer, there is no earl detection screening available for ovarian cancer, and the earl symptoms are easily explained away by other common ailments or conditions. hat s wh inn ourland a nearl lifelong Vestavia Hills resident who lost her battle with ovarian cancer this ear was determined to get bus fighting

See BOURLAND | page A30 School Guide ..... A22 Sports ................... B4

Medical Guide..... B14 Calendar ............. B26 facebook.com/vestaviavoice

Forging Ahead

Pushing the Pace

Vestavia Hills native Elyssa Garfinkle develops career in television production in ‘magical’ New York City.

Rebel boys cross-country team aiming for first state appearance — and more — since 2013.

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About Us Editor’s Note By Sydney Cromwell A new school year is always a time of change: new teachers, new subjects, new friends. This year, Vestavia Hills City Schools will see a little more change than normal, as Superintendent Sheila Phillips retires. We had the chance to sit down with Phillips to talk about what prompted her decision to retire and what’s next for her, which became this month’s cover story. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll also be reporting on the decision process for the person who will fill her shoes, which will be decided by the end of 2017. The man or woman who replaces Phillips will have their own ideas for the future of the school system, just as Phillips did when she accepted the job in 2015. But from the superintendent s office all the wa down to each teacher’s classroom, Vestavia Hills City

Schools will still be guided by the high standards and kids first mentalit that has earned the school system and teachers recognition across the state and the country. While Phillips’ retirement is the big news of the school system this month,

we also have updates on new school programs such as virtual high school and a school spirit app, as well as the Community Spaces Plan. And if you’re ready to cheer on the Rebels from the course to the hardwood court, we have previewed the cross-country and volleyball teams’ seasons to get you up to speed. Finally, be sure to check out the winners of our Summer Fun photo contest for one last reminder of summer’s great memories. K eep an eye out for all the submissions we received to be posted on vestaviavoice.com.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

People take a group photo inside Vestavia Hills lementary iberty Park’s new addition after its debut by the school and Vestavia Hills City Schools on Aug. 9. Photo by Lexi Coon.

Publisher: Managing Editor: Design Editor: Director of Photography: Sports Editor: Assistant Sports Editor: Digital Editor: Page Designer: Community Editor: Community Reporters:

Dan Starnes Sydney Cromwell Kristin Williams Sarah Finnegan Kyle Parmley Sam Chandler Alyx Chandler Melanie Viering Erica Techo Emily Featherston Jon Anderson Jesse Chambers Lexi Coon Copy Editor: Louisa Jeffries

Advertising Manager: Matthew Allen Account Manager: Layton Dudley Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Rhonda Smith James Plunkett Eric Clements Vicky Hager Ellen Skrmetti

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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City Former city councilor Steve Ammons and Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry present a $500 check to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society during the July 24 City Council meeting. Photo by Emily Featherston.

Mayor’s Minute By Ashley Curry

July and August will be remembered as the months that brought more rain in a shorter period of time than Vestavia Hills has ever encountered. This unprecedented weather event resulted in flooding issues and an enormous public safety response from our police, fire and public works departments. I would like to commend these departments for their efforts in addressing these events. It is hard to imagine that just a few months ago, our City Council was having to enact water restriction ordinances in an effort to preserve a dangerously low water level in the main water supply for our city. We have certainly seen the extremes of weather as we progressed from drought to flooding. Also, the recent rainfall and resulting flooding has exposed problems with our city’s aging infrastructure. To date, we have identified over twenty public infrastructure issues that will need to be addressed. In addition to the public issues, there are storm water issues affecting private property in which there may be public concerns. You will be hearing more about these issues and how our city

will attempt to mitigate the storm water issues. As you have seen or heard, our Community Spaces Plan is well underway. Throughout July and August, a series of community meetings were held at City Hall in order to get public input about what our citizens wanted in the use of our community building, our park renovations and new recreational areas. We are anxiously awaiting the report from our program management contractor and we will address that proposal at upcoming council meetings. I think you will be impressed with the offerings for all segments of our citizenry. In continuing our recognition of city volunteers, I would like to recognize the Vestavia Hills Men’s Garden Club. This group of volunteers maintains the garden area located at Shades Crest Road and Highway 31. Founded in 1984 by Henderson Walker and three others, this group works tirelessly to maintain the beauty of the garden. The Men’s Garden Club would welcome new members that share a love for gardening or want to help in other ways. If interested, please call me and I will get you in touch with one of the members.

Emergency funds for stormwater issue approved By EMILY FEATHERSTON The Vestavia Hills City Council approved a resolution on July 24 authorizing emergency funding that, will in, part take care of a stormwater issue on Morgan Drive. After heavy rains the weekend of July 16, City Manager Jeff Downes explained at the council's work session that a faulty stormwater pipe along Morgan Drive had caused a sinkhole in the parking lot of the Western Supermarket. When the issue came up for a vote, City Attorney Pat Boone said it was his legal opinion that the city was within its rights to approve the emergency funding.

At the meeting, the council also welcomed a presentation by former council member Steve Ammons, who is the president of the newly formed Vestavia Hills Police Foundation. Police Chief Dan Rary introduced the foundation to the council by explaining that there are some aspects of a police department that officers struggle to have time or resources to do, including putting up a memorial for fallen officers in front of the department — which Rary said the force has been wanting to do — and “passing the hat” to take care of their own during hard times. To assist with these projects, the

foundation was born, and so far has been a big help, Rary said. “They’ve really helped us out immensely on all the projects we’ve asked them to do,” he said. Ammons said he and the founding board members have been working hard to fulfill the group's mission to support officers, their families and thereby the city. “We don’t want them to have to pass the hat; they’ve got more important things to do,” Ammons said. Additionally, Ammons and the foundation provided $500 to two of the department's causes, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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September 2017 • A7

Council discusses vegetation ordinance violations, proclaims seniors day Senior Citizens accept a proclamation from Mayor Ashley Curry for National Senior Citizens Day. Photo by Emily Featherston.

By EMILY FEATHERSTON The Vestavia Hills City Council discussed several issues at its Aug. 14 meeting, including two instances of properties violating the city’s weed and vegetation ordinance. The ordinance req uires property owners to maintain the grass and vegetation on their property within certain standards. Corporal Jimmy Coleman of the Vestavia Hills Police Department is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the city’s code of ordinances, including the weed and vegetation ordinance, and brought the issues to the council’s attention. Coleman explained he received complaints for both properties — which also happen to be in the same neighborhood — in May, and he went through the process of notifying the property owners by mail and then with posted notices. he first propert , located at ingswood Road, had issues with the height and condition of bushes, Coleman said, and the property owners had begun to work on the issues as of the morning of the meeting. After discussion with the property owners as to their abilit to finish remed ing the situation, the council opted to postpone action on the matter until the Sept. 11 council meeting, with Mayor Ashley Curry strongly advising the property owners to deal with the issue promptly. The second property in q uestion, located at entill rive, had issues with bushes, Coleman said, but also with at least one dead tree and other weeds. The property is also involved in another matter making its way through the court system, he said. lace ouncilor eorge ierce asked if this property had come before the council previously for this kind of issue, and oleman confirmed

that it had. The council voted unanimously to proceed with the abatement process. Before business commenced at the meeting, the council heard an update on the recent flooding along the lower corridor of U .S. 31. City Attorney Pat Boone gave a lengthy explanation on the history of the city’s involvement with property owners in the corridor and dealing with flood issues along atton reek. In 197 7 , Boone explained, Congress enacted the National Flood Insurance Act, which opened the door for propert owners to obtain flood insurance and cities to implement ordinances for flood mitigation. oone explained that in , the cit council voted unanimousl not to pass an ordinance on dealing with flooding in the corridor, effectively removing the city from

the NFIA provisions until two decades later. hen, in , estavia ills, along with the City of Hoover, was sued by several property owners for not controlling runoff that caused atton reek to flood, a case that eventuall went to the Alabama Supreme Court. That court ruled unanimously, Boone explained, that the cities were not legally req uired to maintain drainage on private property, and that the instances where the city had dredged the creek did not oblige them to continue to maintain it. Boone said the court also found that the city did not put any water into the creek that wouldn’t have gone in otherwise. With this precedent in mind, and the knowledge property owners had when building in a floodplain, oone said it was not the cit s place to act unless there is direct evidence that

a private issue is having a public impact. The city was expected to release materials explaining Boone’s opinion in the coming days. O ther council business included: roclaiming ug. as ational enior Citizens Day. pproving annexation for a lot subdivision at hades rest oad. he measure passed , with ouncilor imberl ook voting against. pproving a measure to purchase Merryvale Road, known as the “triangle property” during Community Spaces Plan meetings, for , . pproving the independent audit of the cit s fiscal ear finances. pproving a measure declaring a Dodge Nitro as surplus property.

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Vestavia Voice

Public offers feedback on Community Spaces Plan Consultants to present council with different options By EMILY FEATHERSTON

Audience members expressed concern over lighting, with much of the room The push toward a fulsharing the sentiment that For further coverage ly-formed Community Spaces there should be no lighting at of the Community Spaces Plan marches on as TCU Connight and that the park should Plan and past public fosulting prepares to present a close at sundown. rums, visit vestaviavoice. report to the city council later O thers expressed concern com/topics/community this month. -spaces-plan. for how the park would be Per the contract agreed kept safe, as well as the need upon by the two entities, TCU to make sure any parking or will take data gathered over walking trails are made of the first da s of its engagement and create pervious materials to reduce water runoff. a list of options for the council to consider. Concern was evident again over whether During the closing days of July and early or not the park will include athletic fields, but days of August, TCU and the various subcompchurch said the firm has seen that, so far, mittees met again with community members the desire to keep the park passive was coming and stakeholders to further refine the list of through loud and clear. ideas, concerns, wants and needs for each “There’s nothing off the table, but there’s aspect of the plan. nothing on the table, except for ideas,” he said. At several of the meetings, TCU principal K en U pchurch added that in addition to WALD PARK POOL working with the city’s resources, he and his Discussion about swimming facilities at team are looking for ways to coordinate with Wald Park once again focused on making sure Vestavia’s neighbors and possibly leverage there are facilities to accommodate both comamenities to best suit the entire community. petition swimming and general public use. O ne example, brought up in the community Multiple residents expressed frustration with building discussion, would be to partner with a dichotomy being drawn between competiHoover for use of their senior center, if such tion swimming and communit first, sevan agreement could be reached. eral pointing out that most of those who join “It is just another tool in the toolbox as we Vestavia Swim Association teams are part of gather the data,” U pchurch said. “The more the community. data we get, the better our options will be.” O thers expressed that they desired the pools to be multi-use and not limited to one purpose.

ALTADENA

INSIDE

The meeting with the highest attendance was for ways to use the former Altadena Valley ountr lub, and as with the first meeting discussing the potential park, the crowd was a mix of Vestavia residents and those who live in the unincorporated county areas near the property.

WALD PARK BALLFIELDS

uch of the discussion about the fields at Wald Park focused on whether or not to replace the current natural grass with artificial turf. Audience members expressed concern that turf gets too hot, especially in the early weeks

9-30-2017

en pchurch of C Consulting Services e plains the process behind his firm’s work with the city on the Community Spaces Plan. Photos by Emily Featherston.

of football season. Additionally, Jared Smith with Vestavia Hills Youth Baseball said that if it were up to baseball, he doesn t see the need for turf fields, and that turf req uires just as much maintenance as grass. He said Mike Hill, who currently manages the fields, has done a fantastic ob of maintenance the fields, and that the are envied by those in surrounding areas. City Councilor Paul Head said he recognized the pros and cons of turf, but that ultimately the decision should be based on what surface allows for the best use by the highest number of people. U pchurch said TCU would be working so that the community didn’t feel boxed in to either alternative.

“We see our job as to build you enough options so you’re not forced into a decision you’d prefer not to make,” he said.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

U pchurch said that, in his opinion, the timing of the city buying the property currently rented by Gold’s Gym provides the most options for the community. He said much of the community spaces plan’s future hinges on how the property will be utilized. Conversation in the meeting focused on whether or not a dedicated senior center or area would be appropriate, with those in attendance mixed on their perceptions as to whether the facility would be heavily utilized for that purpose.

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 • A9 erkel ouse revolved around keeping the facility as a central point of community connectivit , while still having a space large enough and accessible enough for both senior services and other communit activities. ommenting on the livestream, it ouncilor imberl ook again suggested having a satellite library located there.

WALD PARK MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING

The public meeting regarding the former Altadena Valley Country Club had the highest attendance of the Community Spaces Plan forums. Audience members expressed concern over lighting, with much of the room sharing the sentiment that there should be no lighting at night and that the park should close at sundown.

WALD PARK GREEN SPACE

Andy Bernard with TCU said strong attention would be paid to the security and lighting of Wald Park. O ther items that had been mentioned as desires for the space include walking trails, an open field, pavilions and at least two playgrounds. Former City Councilor and CSP committee member teve mmons said he wanted to be purposeful in drawing a distinction about the " premier" aspects of the green space — namely the way the topography is integrated into amenity spaces.

LIBERTY PARK BALLFIELDS

uring the second meeting about field facilities at L iberty Park, Bernard went back through the list of items discussed at the previous public meeting, and there being no further suggestions or discussion, the meeting moved directl into the live surve portion of that evening.

CAHABA HEIGHTS BALLFIELDS

iscussion about the ball fields at ahaba eights generall focused on how the fields would be oriented, and whether or not they could be reduced in size. arks and ecreation oard resident avid Myers said that a major concern across the board is the number of rectangle fields available in the cit , and said the plan would have to account for that. ublic orks irector rian avis said as with an field, the plan would need to include batting cages. estavia ills lementar ahaba eights Principal Alicia Hunsberger reiterated her concern that there be sufficient securit , especiall if access to the park is designed to go all the way around the school.

NEW MERKEL HOUSE

Discussion about the future of the New

ernard went back over the list of items from the first public discussion of the space, a list that included significantl more basketball and volle ball courts, ade uate locker room space and sufficient parking. e also went back through the expressed desire to put the needs of community recreation before those of outside tournaments or revenue generation. City Manager Jeff Downes referenced a tour he and others took at oover s inle enter, and suggested that the team consider some of the things at that facility, such as the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. thers suggested having an indoor walking track and ensuring family-friendly locker room and bathroom facilities. ll eight meetings were livestreamed on the cit s acebook page, and surve results posted on the estavia ills istens page, where residents and stakeholders were able to continue giving feedback through ug. .

NEXT STEPS

U pchurch said in the time between the public forums and the Sept. 15 deadline, his team would be going through the gathered data, refining it and figuring out what checkers” the city wants and needs, and where they fit on the proverbial board. owever, he pointed out here are wa more checkers than space on the board.” He told audiences that TCU would put together multiple options, and usually options are not taken wholesale, but rather pieced together to satisfy the largest number of wants and needs. TCU will be meeting with the greater Community Spaces Committee, and U pchurch expected additional public forum meetings about the options in the future.

Online surveys’ results

What is the Community Building’s best proposed use? (total responses: 36) Recreational space: 52.8% Class spaces: 36.1% Entertainment space: 5.6% Athletics: 2.8% Other: 2.8% Should Liberty Park host softball tournaments? (total responses: 22) Yes: 40.9% No: 22.7% Unsure: 36.4% What playing surface do you prefer at Wald Park? (total responses: 22) Artificial turf: 4.5% Grass: 59.1% Both: 36.4% What is the best approach to meet the needs at New Merkel House? (total responses: 15) Build new facility in current location: 7.7% Build new facility in different Cahaba Heights location: 15.4% Renovate existing facility: 30.8% Move functions to new Community Building (Gold’s Gym property): 46.2% Do you believe that a portion of the space at this Altadena Park should be allocated for sports fields? (total responses: 81) Yes: 23.8% No: 66.3% Unsure: 10% For more results, see the online story at vestaviavoice.com

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Vestavia Voice

BOE reviews status of logo licensing and bid timeline By EMILY FEATHERSTON The Vestavia Hills Board of E ducation’s regular July meeting saw a packed house, with many citizens there for one topic: logos. fter seeing significant chatter on acebook, Superintendent Sheila Phillips said the board wanted to have an open discussion about the current status of the school district’s logos and trademarks and a bid that was set to close in late July. Intellectual property attorney Pam Smith, who has been working with the board throughout its recent rebranding process, spoke to the board and audience briefl about the last few years’ efforts and where the board is headed next. Smith said the staff have been working with the labama trademark office to finali e marks for the district’s newest logos, a process similar to what was done with the interlocking “VH” previously. Not only does the process protect the intellectual property the board spent money on during the rebranding process, Smith said, but “it’s also protecting [ the district’s] brand by being sure you’re enforcing the mark and enforcing how it’s used.” At the end of June, the district released an invitation for bid for a contract firm that would handle the licensing and trademark enforcement for the district. While Smith said she could not go into details about the req uest for bids itself, due

Vestavia Hills Board of Education member Steve Bendall, second from right at table, asks intellectual property attorney Pam Smith, standing far right, about how the agreement between the board and a firm to handle trademark control and licensing might work. he issue was a hot topic at the uly 31 meeting. Photo by Emily Featherston.

to state bid law, she said the basic idea was to have a firm handle the administrative tasks associated with branding and trademarks — such as enforcing the marks by issuing ceaseand-desist letters, or doing the legwork for contracts with those wishing to license the marks for commercial use. And though the administrative processes would be taken off the board’s plate, Smith emphasized that the board still had complete control. “At all times, you are going to have control over the licensing process,” she said. “It’s not a situation where you are turning over the ownership of these marks, or you’re turning

over the responsibility for the marks themselves to a vendor.” L ocal business owners, including Dan Moran of Rocky Ridge Hardware, expressed their concern of the breadth of the contract out for bid, and worried that their businesses would be precluded from licensing school logos due to the cost of a license. Phillips said the board was sensitive to those concerns, and that the effort was not aimed at pulling back on local businesses’ ability to license. “It’s intended to protect it, actually,” she said. The language of the bid indicated that the

process going forward could have a proposal in front of the board as early as the end of August, but no discussion occurred on specifically when that would take place. O ther BO E business included: he board accepting a motion to accept Phillips’ notice of retirement, as well as a measure canceling her contract, effective Sept. 1. earing an update on and approving ob description and policy language changes for the VISIO N school. ccepting a bid for at least one, but possibly two new buses. pproving new ibert ark iddle School Principal Tonya Rozell’s contract.

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September 2017 • A11

Chamber

Preview of

Superintendent Sheila Phillips gives final State of the Schools

Luncheon

Superintendent Sheila Phillips listed some of the accomplishments in the school district over the last year in her final State of the Schools speech. Photo by Emily Featherston.

By EMILY FEATHERSTON At the July Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Superintendent Sheila hillips gave her final tate of the chools address. With her retirement imminent, the 29-year veteran of education used her speech to look at the current status of the school district as well as the accomplishments during her tenure at the helm. From 2014 to 2017 , the district went through multiple high-level initiatives, from a strategic planning process and continuous improvement program to overhauling facilities and aligning the middle schools. The district also engaged in enhancing technology across all schools, creating more professional development opportunities for teachers and creating eq uitable learning experiences for all students. “There is always room to grow, always work to be done as education is constantly evolving and changing,” Phillips said. In all things, Phillips said, she and her staff along with the Board of E ducation worked to ensure fiscal responsibilit . Between the eight schools, the district currently has 928 total employees, accounting for roughly 80 percent of the district’s $89.4 million budget. Nearly half that budget, 48.9 percent, comes from local revenue sources. s the fiscal ear wraps up, she said, the district is actually ahead of projected revenue by about $850,000. “When you’re talking about economic growth, and you’re talking about your schools

— those things have to go together,” she said, adding that while there will be growing pains, those growing pains are “a good thing.” And while economic growth allows for such a strong budget, Phillips said the schools would be nothing like they are without additional stakeholders. She thanked the VHCS Foundation for its 15 grants totaling $58,000, and the PTO for its more than $500,000 total investment in technology, arts, classroom enhancement, STE M programming and facilities. Phillips then walked through several of the projects completed over the last year, including the renovation of the parking lot and baseball stadium at Vestavia Hills High School, as well as some of the ongoing projects at the elementary school level. She also spoke to the teaching and learning initiatives the various staffs have undertaken.

“Why we’re really here is to make certain that our children receive the very best education that they can receive.” E xamples of things done over the last year included adding new courses at the high school, district professional development, addressing the world language program, arts achievement, employee evaluation and more. Phillips also explained that over the last year, the district went through a complete technology overhaul, as well as that this year’s senior cohort shone in AP testing, scholarship achievement and college acceptance. Phillips thanked her team and the community for the opportunity to serve as superintendent, and said she is looking forward to the next chapter in her life. “We’ve done it, and we’ve done it together,” she said.

September Pete Blank will be the featured speaker at the September Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Blank, the training manager at the Personnel Board, has been a public speaker and trainer Blank for nearly 20 years. Blank will be speaking on networking skills and company culture. The luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 12. Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the program will start at noon. Reservations must be received by 4 p.m. the Friday before the luncheon and cost $20. Late reservations will cost $25. For more information or to register, visit vestaviahills. org.

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September 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ A13

Now Open C h r o n i c Ta c o s is now open in the Patchwork Farms development, 3066 Healthy Way, Suite 100, next to Publix. The restaurant is open 10: 30 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients and third generation recipes produce an extensive menu such as shrimp or fish tacos, and vegetarian q uesadillas, with pico de gallo and guacamole made fresh as well. 9674 9 0 0 , c h r o n ic t a c o s .c o m /v e s t a v ia - h ills

Relocations and Renovations

Hirings and Promotions So u t h l a n d P r o p e r t i e s , 2534 Rocky Ridge Road, has hired K aren Burns as broker for its real estate division. She has been in real estate for 13 years. 5 6 6 - 1 0 6 5 , s o u t h la n d p r o p e r t ie s .c o m

Anniversaries

P h ys i c a l Th e r a p y has relocated 2 AOC to 1425 Montgomery Highway, Suite 179, in the South Park Plaza shopping center. 537 0 6 6 , a la b a m a o r t h o c e n t e r .c o m Bi r m i n g h a m D a n c e Th e a t r e has relo3 cated to 1694 Montgomery Highway in Hoover, having been previously located at 100 O lde Towne Road in Vestavia Hills. 823 0 1 2 , b d t d a n c e .c o m

News and Accomplishments Be a u Be v i s o f ARC Re a l t y, 427 4 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200, was recognized as the 2017 Residential Broker of

the Year by the Birmingham Association of Realtors. 9 6 9 - 8 9 1 0 , a r c r e a l t yc o . c o m

Ag i l e P h ys i c a l Th e r a p y, 3125 Blue L ake Drive, celebrated its ninth anniversary in August. 9 6 9 - 7 8 8 7 , m ya g i l e p t . c o m

P e t V e t An i m a l Ho s p i t a l , 2021 K entucky Avenue, celebrated its 18th anniversary in August. 8 2 4 - 2 0 7 7 , a lp e t v e t .c o m

Al t a d e n a D e n t a l , 2100 Devereaux Circle, Suite 200, is celebrating its ninth anniversary in September. 9 6 7 - 8 3 3 0 , a l t a d e n a d e n t i s t r y. c o m

C h i c k a d e e , 3138 Cahaba Heights Road, is celebrating its 6th anniversary in September. 9 6 9 - 3 1 3 8 , c h ic k a d e e b ir m in g h a m .c o m

Location not on map

Offer Expires 09/30/17

A14 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

A different spin on fitness

Elle Nelson and Corinne Crowley opened Studio Steel in July at 1401 Montgomery Highway, Space 9. The duo offers classes with a variety of focuses, such as conditioning and leg strength, and they have open gyms for people to practice what they learn in class. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

Texas transplant starts Birmingham journey by opening Studio Steel By SYD NEY C ROMWE

Pole dance may have risq ué origins, but E lle Nelson wants people to know it can also be a fun way to get fit. he compared pole fitness to Pilates or barre classes — only vertical. t s reall tough. ou re supporting your body weight, and it’s just ou and the pole. obod can help ou. hat s one of the things love about it, elson said. Nelson, a transplant from Austin, exas, moved to irmingham in and opened tudio teel, a pole fitness studio, on Montgomery Highwa in ul . he tried her first class in on a dare, and she hasn t looked back since. “I was absolutely hooked from the ver first time grabbed a pole. t was ama ing. was bruised and sore and frustrated, elson said. t s the most empowering, hardest, most beautiful workout in the world, and I think ever one should tr it. aving started pole fitness after age , elson said it s more accessible than people might think. think pole is for ever one. t doesn’t matter your age or your size or your body type, there is a level of pole for ou. ll the moves can be individuali ed or modified, she said. “It’s an individual journey done in a group.

nd when she finall achieves a difficult pose and can see it in the mirror, Nelson said it only becomes more satisf ing. “When you look in the mirror and ou re doing it, it s like am uper oman, elson said. tudio teel is elson s first business venture. hough her background is as a legal assistant, Nelson said she was ready for a change in her life when she moved to irmingham.

“Here at this juncture in my life, rather than get another job, I’m going to do something for myself,” Nelson said. he and instructor orinne rowle are starting slow with tudio teel, but the hope to grow their classes over time. he offer classes with a variety of focuses, such as conditioning and leg strength, and open gyms for people to practice what they learn in class.

rowle has taught pole fitness for three ears and is a certified personal trainer, though she and Nelson do not have pole specific certifications. Nelson said she would like to show people that pole fitness shouldn t have a stigma attached to it. hile it s a little edgier than running or lifting weights and is one-of-a-kind in the area, she said she already has some incipient addicts. t s the same as parallel bar. he

bar runs a different wa , elson said. For those who just aren’t sure about pole fitness, Nelson offers aste of ole classes to introduce them to what it s all about. he said many people will be just like her after her first class ust wanted more and more. tudio teel is located at ontgomer ighwa , pace . isit studiosteel.com for information about classes.

VestaviaVoice.com

his year’s ron City Chef featured a wine pull, wine samples and a silent auction for all guests.

September 2017 • A15

ll of the 2017 ron City Chef participants pose after the event for pictures.

Iron City Chef By ALYX C HAND LER To say that this year's annual Iron City Chef winner was a close call would be an understatement. Iron City Chef winner Sean Butler, who is the executive chef at Revolve K itchen & Brew in Hoover, beat out Ben Vaughn, the executive chef at Inverness Country Club in Hoover, by a mere two points from the judges. The 2017 Iron City Chef competition, hosted by the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club, took place on Saturday, July 22 at the Culinary & Hospitality Institute at Jefferson State Community College. The event is Vestavia Hills Rotary Club's biggest annual fundraiser, and event chair K ent Howard said that this year was no different. The Sean Butler, the 2017 Iron City Chef, works with his student, Khadijah Muhammad, who acted as sous chef for the night during the competition. She was one of the Culinary Hospitality nstitute students helping Butler for the duration of the event.

event brought in over $18,000 for the organization, as well as provided a $1,000 scholarship for culinary school to the winning chef's sous chef. " All the chefs did a great job," Howard said. " I heard all night everybody really enjoyed everything that the chefs created and served up." The other two competing chefs were Brittany arrigus, pastr chef at atterfield's estaurant in Cahaba Heights, and Alan Nelson, executive chef at Nabeel’s Cafe & Market in Homewood. Howard said the event is “all hands on deck” for the Jefferson State culinary program. E ach chef had four to six culinary students that worked with each of the chefs to prepare the food throughout the day and during the event.

Photos by Alyx Chandler. The night ended with a cook-off between the two topvoted chefs, with three judges then deciding who was crowned Iron City Chef.

The four participating chefs served several smaller plates of food so that guests could try all four chef’s dishes.

Students from the Jefferson State culinary program helped Sean Butler prepare his food to serve guests during the event.

Ben Vaughn, the executive chef at Inverness Country Club in Hoover, gets ready to serve his food to the udges.

A16 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

School House

Learning through service City Youth Connection teaching VHHS students about civic engagement By EMILY FEATHERSTON While there is no shortage of clubs or activities for students at Vestavia Hills High School to get involved in, senior K endall Carter said at the end of her sophomore year, she realized there was something missing. “I realized there wasn’t an opportunity for males and females to do something in the community to learn how the city works, and for the city to gain innovative ideas from the students,” she said. O rganizations like the Vestavia Hills Belles and Vestavia Ambassadors provide opportunities for students to get involved, but some don’t provide coed opportunities, and others don’t provide an in-depth look at how different

City Youth Connection members apply temporary tattoos at I Love America Night 2017. The group at Vestavia Hills High School was formed to teach students about how the community works, and to help them get involved with business leaders. Photo by Emily Featherston.

aspects of a city work. And although she was going into the summer before her junior year, Carter said she decided to contact Principal Tyler Burgess and express her desire to start something new. A year and a few months later, Carter is the head of the new City Youth Connection, a group designed to both teach students about city government and professional businesses and provide those students with an outlet for hands-on service. “It’s basically just an organization where students can learn how our community works,” Carter said. The current group, made up of 14 seniors and seven juniors, meets every other Monday, and members are req uired to have a 3.0 GPA or higher to be considered. The group has already had a hand in some of the city’s most popular events, namely Wing Ding, I L ove

America Night and Back 2 School in the Hills. In addition to helping out with events, Carter said students will be attending Chamber of Commerce luncheons, working with local businesses on their social media and continuing to build professional communication skills. The chamber was a large contributor to the group’s formation, Carter said, because one of the groups she modeled hers on — L eadership Mountain Brook — is connected with a chamber. Chamber President K aren O dle said the chamber has been thankful to work with the group of students, and to have their assistance in helping businesses, particularly with social media. " K endall Carter has done an outstanding job as president of this organization in getting it up and running, and I believe it will be a huge

asset to the business community as well as help the students understand the importance of supporting local businesses," O dle said. O dle and former chamber board chair James Robinson visited the group early on, and Carter said that was a moment many group members realized what kind of opportunity they had gotten involved with. t first think ever one was a little unsure of what it was, but they were very open,” she said. oing forward, arter said she is confident that though she will be leaving at the end of the school year to pursue a degree in business, those left behind will carry the group into the future and help it continue to impact both students and the city. “We have wonderful juniors,” she said, “I can see the leadership in them, so I know they’ll take it far.”

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ A17

finds new home for virtual, alternative programs By SYD NEY C ROMWE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

tudents who have difficult learning in a traditional classroom have a few new options this school ear. ver the summer, estavia ills it chools announced that the esting n tudents nterests, pportunities and eeds chool, located near the high school on ime ock oad, is expanding its services in . n addition to the existing alternative school for students who have violated the school code of conduct, now offers a short term program for students who are struggling academicall or have personal or environmental issues getting in the wa of their schoolwork. he focus of this program is to provide a temporar , short term, supportive environment in which students can successfull work towards earning academic credits, a ul release on the estavia board of education website said. rincipal ac ierce said the virtual school program, which began last school ear, will also now be run out of the building. hough virtual students will handle most of their coursework online, the will come to the school once a week to take tests. he virtual school was created in response to a state law re uiring school districts to create a virtual high school option b . ierce said the program uses courses provided b the labama epartment of ducation, which includes roughl courses in math, science, nglish, foreign languages and more. his is a new, exciting component for our school s stem to be able to have a place for students who are taking online courses, ierce said. estavia curriculum and instruction specialist ennifer aile said certified teachers developed the curriculum and work with students in the virtual program, though the are

This is a new, exciting component for our school system to be able to have a place for students who are taking online courses.

VISION Principal Kacy Pierce said the virtual school program uses ACCESS courses provided by the Alabama Department of Education, which includes roughly 50 courses in math, science, English, foreign languages and more. Photo illustration by Sarah Finnegan.

not estavia ills teachers. tudents are recommended for the school s short term program b administrators or teacher problem solving teams s at their base schools. n the other hand, ierce said an estavia high school student can appl to participate in virtual school, but a from their base school will evaluate the student before the re accepted. hile it s open to an student to appl , not ever student would be accepted, ierce said. irtual school students are still considered part of their base school. ierce said the show up to their oned school on the first da of the ear and can still participate in sports, clubs and other school events and extracurriculars. unior indle awrence participated in the virtual program last ear. er mother, athleen awrence, said she was concerned

that the courses wouldn t challenge her daughter but was reall ama ed at how creative some of the activities were. indle was able to set her own schedule to complete her work, and athleen awrence said indle especiall en o ed the chance to focus on one sub ect for hours at a time rather than regular class periods. asicall ou can do it an where there s a i i connection, athleen awrence said. eing able to avoid the distractions and wasted time that comes with a classroom full of kids was a good thing, she said, but it also meant indle had to be accountable and make sure her work wasn t forgotten without the school environment. t s not eas to be disciplined to do it, athleen awrence said. he program does send alerts to administrators if a student hasn t logged

KACY PIERCE

into a course in several da s, she said. ierce said the state program also keeps up with making sure re uirements are met, so virtual students are on par with their classroom counterparts. hough virtual students can participate in regular school activities, athleen awrence said it was eas for her daughter to become isolated. indle chose to return to regular classes this ear, and athleen awrence said she s eager to see if the new testing re uirement at the chool makes it easier for students to sociali e. he would like to see more efforts to incorporate virtual students into the school s stem as the program grows. ierce said potential reasons for choosing online courses could include illness, credit recover , homeschoolers wanting to participate in extracurriculars or students competing at a high level in certain sports, where re uired travel might not fit with a standard school schedule. aile said students can also use the virtual program to add extra courses the couldn t fit into their class schedule, rather than take the class during the summer. o learn more about the program and how to appl , visit vestavia.k .al.us and search virtual school.

A18 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

5th-grader graduates from space camp Cc E arley-Smithson, a fifth-grader at Vestavia Hills E lementary Central, attended space camp this summer at the U .S. Space and ocket enter, arshall pace light enter s fficial isitor enter. he weeklong educational program promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics , while training students and adults with hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and problem solving. E arley-Smithson was part of the Space Camp program designed for trainees who have an interest in space exploration. She spent the week training with a team that flew a simulated space mission to ars. he crew participated in experiments and successfully completed an extra vehicular activit , or spacewalk, and returned to arth in time to graduate with honors. Space camp operates year round in Huntsville and uses astronaut training techniq ues to engage trainees in real-world applications of sub ects. Trainees sleep in q uarters designed to

By EMILY FEATHERSTON

Cc Earley-Smithson at space camp. Photo courtesy of Rusty Smithson.

resemble the International Space Station and train in inspired simulators. — Submitted by Rusty Smithson and U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

Band auxiliary hosting Sparkly School for future Rebels By EMILY FEATHERSTON The members of the Vestavia Hills High chool and uxiliar the ockettes, color guard and ma orettes are once again welcoming the next generation of Rebels for the annual parkl chool da . O n Sept. 9, the auxiliary will welcome children in grades K -5 for a day of learning and fun getting to know the different groups and what they do. ockette sponsor ngie ichardson said the idea of the event is to introduce the kids to the band auxiliary and teach them about how the groups work with the band. “We wanted them to have experience with these other groups, she said, reall ust to

Student life app rolls out for VHHS students

highlight all the aspects of the band auxiliary.” The participants will be able to train for the day with one of the three groups, either dancing with the ockettes, twirling streamers with the color guard or baton with the ma orettes. parkl chool will run from a.m. until p.m. At 1: 30 p.m., the students will showcase their newl learned skills for their parents. he following rida , the parkl chool participants will perform at the varsity football game, with the band accompanying them. Registration is $50 per participant, and includes a shirt and tickets to the football game. or more information, contact ichardson at richardsonaa vestavia.k . al.us or go online to https: / / goo.gl/ forms/ x p w e o .

School spirit? There’s an app for that — and every other part of being a student. This month, Vestavia Hills High School will become the first public school in the country to have its own student life mobile application, a feat that only a handful of private schools have even achieved. chool officials worked with lackboard, the compan that supplies the parent app for Vestavia Hills City Schools, to create a mobile platform for students. The app will give students the ability to view sports scores, check out breakfast and lunch menus, keep up with their grades and more. The idea for the app came from last year’s Youth L eadership Vestavia Hills students, who wanted to encourage increased school spirit in an innovative way. “What really drove this idea This year, students will have a mobile app to keep for us is that we wanted to track of all things student life. Like the parent app come up with some new ideas currently available, seen here, the app will be hosted to improve our community by Blackboard. Photo illustration by Emily Featherston. as youth leaders,” said senior outh eadership student loen ieverink. “It’s really exciting for us because it’s by students, for students. I’m excited to see students helps them have easier access to the informausing it and to hear their ideas for how we can tion they use every day.” improve it.” administrators will work with “We're so glad that we could develop this school clubs, sports teams and other groups app for our students and see their idea become to manage the app and keep it up to date. a reality,” said district technology coordinator The app will be available for both Android an arfinkle. e hope it builds communit and iO S devices through the respective appliamong the students at the high school and cation stores.

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ A19

Events St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church is located at the corner of Crosshaven Drive and Overton Road in Cahaba Heights. Photo by Emily Featherston.

The library in the Forest is located on U.S. Photo by Emily Featherston.

St . St e p h e n â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s p l a n s s e m i n a r o n k in d n e s s in tr o u b le d tim e s

Library in the Forest to welcome fall season with indoor campout

By EMILY FEATHERSTON

By JE SSE C HAMBERS

n a time when uncertaint abounds and discourse easil becomes heated, the ministr team at t. tephen s piscopal hurch in ahaba eights is hoping to provide lessons in understanding one another. ast ear, after a string of shootings and violent acts across the . ., ev. asud bn edullah and ev. arrett ettler of ol ross onaster in de ark, ew ork began wondering how to help people connect even on polari ing issues. heir search transformed into the gents of eace lecture series, which was given in the ortheast last summer and is making its rounds again this ear, including at t. tephen s.

he workshop st le event will be held at t. tephen s rida evening, ept. and during the da aturda , ept. . he goal, explained t. tephen s utreach oordinator arah exton, is to teach people of faith, as well as others, how to have meaningful, constructive discourse on hard issues, rather than fostering toxic conversation and attitudes. articipants will engage in a variet of activities and structured conversations to teach and encourage active listening, rather than simpl listening to respond with an agenda. or more information about the event, visit ssechurch.org or email lectureinfo ssechurch.org. or more on the gents of eace series and edullah and ettler, visit rootsandbranchesprograms.org.

amilies can celebrate the first da of autumn this ear with a festive indoor campout at the estavia ills ibrar in the orest. he amp ead more ndoor amil ampout will take place in the children s department of the librar on rida , ept. , from p.m. dmission is free. ttendees should bring along sheets or blankets in order to create their own famil campsites. he will en o a hot dog supper, take part in a sing along around a campfire and, of course, eat s mores. here will also be some time for famil reading and picture taking. ll activities are indoors, but attendees are asked to bring flashlights.

his is the first ear that the librar has hosted this event, which was developed b children s librarian pril oon and her staff. he event is part of an ongoing effort b the librar to host events and provide programs for families, according to staff. he goal is to make the librar a vibrant, indispensable communit center that enriches the lives of people in all seasons of life, said cit communications specialist innamon c ulle . egistration is re uired and begins ept. . all or come b the librar to sign up. he librar is located at ontgomer ighwa . or more information about librar programs, go to vestavialibrar .org.

A20 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

Helping Hands in the Hills day of service to return Sept. 9 By J ESSE C HAMBERS

A group of volunteers works on landscaping the garden at the Montgomery Highway and Shades Crest Road intersection. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

Vestavia Hills residents will have the opportunity to help out neighbors in need during the third annual Helping Hands in the Hills day of service on Saturday, Sept. 9. The event — sponsored by Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and the city of Vestavia Hills — was created to help city residents, including seniors and those with disabilities who need assistance with home repairs or yard work. Volunteers will meet at Wald Park pool pavilion at 8: 30 a.m. Breakfast will be provided. They will work on projects around the city in the morning, then lunch will be provided. Helping Hands in the Hills drew more than 300 volunteers in 2016, according to the chamber website. Church groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, rossfit udtown, estavia ills lementary Central, Tim’s Plumbing and several other

Patriot Day ceremony to be held at Vestavia Hills City Hall By EMILY FEATHERSTON Vestavia Hills will take its turn this year at the over the mountain tradition of spending the morning of Sept. 11 in solemn remembrance. At 8: 30 a.m. at Vestavia’s City Hall, members of the estavia, ountain rook and omewood communities will gather for a moment of silence, prayer and contemplation of the events 16 years ago. Brig. Gen. David L ing, commander of the Army Reserve Sustainment Command of Birmingham,

will be the featured speaker at the event. L ing was formerly the director for U .S. Forces K orea, which works to maintain military readiness in the region and strengthen the relationship between the U .S. and the Republic of K orea. Just Singin’ from Vestavia Hills High School is scheduled to perform as well. estavia ills it all is located at ontgomery Highway. Parking is available in both the front and rear of the building. For more information, contact Assistant Fire hief arvin reen at mgreen vhal.org.

organizations took part. In addition to home and lawn care, projects included trash pickup and repainting the Dogwood Room at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center. The event will offer shredding and electronics rec cling and, for the first time, disposal of household hazardous waste, including paint, light bulbs, pesticides and household and automotive batteries. Paint and pesticides must be in original containers, and proof of residency is requi red. Residents who want volunteer help at their homes should fill out a e uest a ro ect form and a Homeowner Application and Release. Those interested in volunteering should complete a Register a Team form and a Volunteer Release and Waiver of L iability. These forms are available at vestaviahills.org/ helping-hands-in-the-hills. Those with q uestions can also call 823-5011 or contact chamber@ vestavia hills.org.

Homewood Fire Department member Brian Bowman performs on the bagpipes at the 2016 Patriot Day ceremony. Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 • A21

Scout leaders to present chance for adventure to young men, women By JE SSE C HAMBERS

his year’s hale of a Sale is scheduled for Sept. 14-1 at Vestavia Hills nited Church on entucky venue. Staff photo.

ethodist

2 c o n s ig n m e n t s a le s s c h e d u le d

By JE SSE C HAMBERS Whether you’re a buyer looking for toys, books, baby gear, room dé cor and children’s clothing, or a seller looking to clean out a closet or unload unused clothing items, you might want to check out two large consignment sales being held in Vestavia Hills in September. Mountaintop Community Church and Vestavia Hills U nited Methodist will both host two-day fall and winter sales for gently used consignment children’s goods.

MARKET ON THE MOUNTAIN FALL/WINTER SALE

W h e r e : Mountaintop Community Church, 225 Centerview Drive P u b l i c s al e : Friday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. P r e vi e w s al e ( vol u n t e e r s an d c on s i gn or s ) : Thursday, Sept. 7, 5- 8: 30 p.m. enefits Mountaintots Christian Day School In f o r m a t i o n : 7 7 6-8143; market onthemountain.com; Facebook marketonthe mountain

Photo courtesy of Market on the Mountain.

WHALE OF A SALE

W h e r e : Vestavia Hills U nited Methodist Church, 2061 K entucky Ave. P u b l i c s a l e : Thursday, Sept. 14, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, Sept.15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ( halfprice sale, noon to 2 p.m.) . P r e v i e w s a l e : Sept. 14: volunteers, 1: 30-9 p.m.; sellers, 2: 30-9 p.m.; $5 ticketed shoppers, 4-9 p.m. enefits Vestavia Day School To s e l l or vol u n t e e r : Go to myconsign mentmanager.com/ whaleofasale. In f o r m a t i o n : 822-9631; thewhaleof asale.com; Facebook @ whaleofasale

L ocal Boy Scouts of America leaders will host an open house this month to introduce young men and women ages 14-20 to a uniq ue adventure and leadership activity called Venturing. The event will be held at Mountain Brook Community Church, Sept. 14, 6: 30-7 : 30 p.m., according to organizers. Venturing, a national BSA program, allows students to experience challenging adventures, such as climbing, scuba diving and cycling tours, and pursue hobbies and community service. O rganizers want to spread the word that the Boy Scouts have a year-round program offering the same opportunities to girls and boys. “The Crew is made up of all ages, genders and backgrounds and gives the youth the exposure they need to develop as leaders,” said Robbie Cather, Venturing, a national BS program, allows students to adviser to Crew 1020 of e perience challenging adventures such as climbing, Vestavia Hills, formed in 2015. O pen house attendees will scuba diving and cycling tours, and pursue hobbies and hear from several crews that community service. Photo courtesy of Robbie Cather. meet in Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Homewood and Hoover. Ventur- than they expect, and they can use that coners take ownership of their crews and plan fidence in other parts of their lives, ather their own activities and trips. They have fun said. Boys and girls can join at age 13 if they’ve but also develop planning and leadership completed eighth grade. skills. For details, contact Will McIntyre at 541The demanding outdoor activities “have just enough adversity to show these young 4292 or william.mcintyre@ scouting.org. For people that they can accomplish much more more about Venturing, go to venturing.org.

A22 â&#x20AC;¢ September 2017

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2017

INSIDE Highlands School....... A23 Advent Episcopal School.......................... A24 Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School.......... A24 The Altamont School.......................... A25

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Vestavia Voice

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 • A23

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

HIGHLANDS SCHOOL Founded in 1958 by educator, civic leader and philanthropist, E valina Brown Spencer, Highlands School is an educationally progressive independent 4k-8th grade school and 6 weeks-3-year Family Center. Distinguished by its research-based, contemporary approach to education, Highlands’ faculty and staff partner with students and families throughout their educational trajectory to maximize student learning and wholechild development. U pon graduation from Highlands, students are prepared to thrive academically, professionally and socially in a constantly changing, global world. Highlands’ approach to learning systematically builds one success/ challenge upon another. As students move through our Primary, E lementary, and Middle grades, they are joined on their journey by a partnership of teachers, parents, and administrators working to develop increasing degrees of initiative, integrit , and self confidence. hrough uality time with teachers, open and meaningful dialogue with each student’s parents, robust learning opportunities which include arts appreciation, physical education, character and leadership development, combined with rigorous academic programming creates a special learning environment at a most critical span in a student’s life. We deliver a curriculum from early childhood through the eighth grade that challenges every student to reach his or her potential and prepares them for lifelong success. O ur culture emphasizes academic excellence in a supportive environment. o this end, we see the importance and value of embedding social-emotional learning throughout our school day. Research has been clear that academic learning is impacted by social and emotional competence. E ver mindful of these priorities, our strategic roadmap includes differentiated learning strategies, appropriate and seamless integration of technology, as well as robust global education experiences. Highlands’ faculty and staff are constantly

KEY FACTS • • • •

GRADES: 4K-8 WHERE: 4901 Old Leeds Road CALL: 956-9731 WEB: highlandsschool.org

“ exploring the most effective approaches to education for students. hroughout these endeavors, we believe that the most effective learning occurs when it is relevant and students are focused and engaged. Woven throughout our teaching and learning is a project-based learning approach – one in which students develop skills for living in a knowledge-based, highly technological societ . he activel explore real world problems and authentically engage in content. As project work is cross-curricular, students learn to apply skills, knowledge, and strategies from a variety of content areas and curriculum standards are addressed while developing critical thinking, problem-solving ability, collaboration, communication, and

creativity. O ur graduating 8th graders leave with confidence, are not afraid to take risks, are in charge of their own educational journey and have developed the leadership skills to excel in high school and beyond.

WHY HIGHLANDS

anked on he est chools list of the op rivate lementar chools in the U nited States. ur rd th graders are in the top percent of all independent school students in E RB mathematics test scores and in the top 15 percent of all independent school students in E RB reading comprehension test scores. School-wide curriculum concentrated on. chool wide curriculum concentrated on

Highlands’ education of the whole child is unsurpassed. The in-depth instruction in music, art and foreign language is an uncommon gift to our children. Friends and relatives express amazement at students’ knowledge of subjects such as music theory and history, art history and technique, and three foreign languages.

”

ALUMNUS AND PARENT OF TWO HIGHLANDS STUDENTS

21st century skill include creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking and cooperation. ow tudent eacher ratios allowing for personalized attention guaranteeing individual success for students.

A24 • September 2017

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Vestavia Voice

Advent Episcopal School

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School

Since its establishment in 1950, Advent E piscopal School has built a national reputation for academic excellence. O ffering pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, Advent is a diverse community of bright children who excel in an environment that is safe, stable and enriching. The school provides students with varied opportunities to develop and demonstrate their talents and abilities both inside and outside the classroom and ultimately prepares them for lives of purpose and service. For the second year in a row, Advent has received the P r e s i d e n t ’ s Aw a r d for the top K -8 school in the state from the A l abama I ndependent School A ssociation. As the only PK -8 school in downtown Birmingham, Advent is able to take advantage of the rich and extraordinary educational and cultural opportunities at our doorstep. Meaningful exposure to fine art, music, foreign language and critical thinking spurs intellectual curiosity

O ur L ady of Sorrows Catholic School fosters the religious, academic and social development of every child. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ( SACS) , we take pride in educating young minds in grades 3K -8th. O ur comprehensive, Christ-centered academic curriculum provides a variety of enrichment opportunities for our students. E nhancements include such resources as advanced math, innovative technology, Spanish, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd ( Atrium) , art, music, choir, leadership options, private and group counseling, Resource Center capabilities, an exclusive U ltimate Author Day event, competitive athletics and more. Before and after school care are also available with after school development possibilities. High academic standards allow many of our students to qua lify for the Duke Talent Identification rogram, the unior ational onor ociet and attendance at the unior ational

KEY FACTS • GRADES: PK-8 • WHERE: 2019 6th Ave N. Birmingham, AL 35203 • CALL: 252-2535 • WEB: adventepiscopal school.org

amongst our students. Advent is small by design, even though our students come from 44 different zip codes. E very Advent student is known by name. They are challenged, celebrated, filled with wonder as dvent instills early on a desire to be lifelong learners. If you start here, you can go anywhere!

KEY FACTS • GRADES: 3K-8th grade • WHERE: 1720 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209 • CALL: 879-3237 • WEB: olsschool.com

Young L eaders Conference in Washington, D.C. An online application with detailed information can be found on the school website at olsschool.com. Prospective students in grades 1st through 7t h are welcome to experience Shadow Days. Tuition support is readily available. For more information, please call the school office at . We are growing our children in knowledge and faith ... E x perience the D if f erence!

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL

The mission of The Altamont School is to improve the fabric of society by graduating compassionate, well-educated individuals capable of independent thinking and innovative ideas. To this end, the school attracts, nurtures and challenges students whose commitment to truth, knowledge and honor will prepare them not only for the most rigorous college programs, but also for productive lives. Altamont is a small family of approximately 350 students in grades 5-12 with socio-economic, ethnic and religious diversity. Altamont is a good choice for students who excel in their present school but want greater breadth and challenge in all areas of school life. We combine an intensive, college preparatory academic program with a personalized college search program. At Altamont, there are many opportunities for students to develop multiple talents by participating in arts, foreign language, community service, clubs, class projects, science competitions and athletics. tudents also benefit from unparalleled service leadership opportunities through Altamont’s C. K yser Miree E thical

KEY FACTS • GRADES: 5-12 • WHERE: 4801 Altamont Road S. Birmingham, AL 35222 • CALL: 879-2006 • WEB: altamontschool.org

L eadership Center. Altamont is located five minutes from downtown Birmingham on the crest of Red Mountain in a secluded residential neighborhood. The campus features the Cabaniss-K aul Center for the Arts, the Pharo Art Studio, the L acey-Day Photography Studio, newly renovated athletics spaces, two science wings, a study garden, a 14,000-volume library and much more. E xperience all that Altamont offers for yourself by attending an O pen House or scheduling a campus tour.

September 2017 • A25

Vestavia Voice

A26 • September 2017

WINNERS Vestavia Voice would like to thank all of the community members who participated in this year’s contest. To view all contest submissions, visit vestaviavoice.com.

WINNER

Left: Daughter Libby Soong, wife Amanda Soong and son Oliver have some fun at the beach. Photo courtesy of Peily Soong. Below: Melissa, David and Michael Huddleston enjoying Trail West Young Life Family Camp in Buena Vista, Colorado. Photo courtesy of Melissa Huddleston.

1ST RUNNER-UP 2ND RUNNER-UP

Cameron, effrey and le Smith fishing off the coast of Photo courtesy of Bridget Smith

Cami poses next to a Sea Turtle Nest she found on the beach in Destin, Florida making sure not to disturb the turtles. Photo courtesy of Kathy Wiles.

iami.

HONORABLE MENTION

Travis Willingham splashes around in the kiddie pool at Vestavia Country Club. Photo courtesy of Audra Willingham.

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A28 â&#x20AC;˘ September 2017

Vestavia Voice

MOVING ON

CONTINUED from page A1 And a lot has happened in the three years she has been at the helm.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

hen she first took the role, hillips said she wanted to take a hard look at the s stem s long term planning and improvement goals, which led to the launch of the s stem s first strate gic planning process in a few ears. hillips said it s opportune that her departure is giving the district a chance to reflect. t is time for an evaluation of that strategic plan and where the school district is in meeting the goals and the action steps that were identified as being important, she said, so it s the perfect time to come in and re evaluate where have we been and what has been accomplished. hillips said another ma or goal was to eval uate the district s continuous improvement pro cesses, particularl related to personnel. ver the last three ears, hillips said the district has done a variet of things to provide tools for development and growth for current and future facult and staff. he wa we go about hiring is a big part of that, she said, adding, ou hire well, ou grow well then ou retain well, and that was important to us as a school district as well. pecific steps included creating a teach er leader program, rolling out a new personnel handbook which hadn t been updated in some time and creating meaningful profes sional development opportunities for facult and staff. hose are ke pieces to making certain that the people who are working in our schools and in our school district ever da with our kids are the ver best ualit that we can have, she said. hillips said it s the continuous improvement piece she considers herself the most proud o, because ou push the envelope with people, and the ve risen to the occasion and the ve done incredible work knowing that there s

Sheila Phillips, middle right, stands with BOE president Nancy Corona, former mayor Butch Zaragoza, Mayor Ashley Curry and former BOE president Mark Hogewood at the Vestavia Chamber luncheon on Aug. 8 at Vestavia Hills Country Club. Photos by Sarah Finnegan.

alwa s additional work to be done. ut of both the strategic planning process and continuous improvement efforts came addi tional pro ects that hillips said she and her staff didn t originall anticipate, such as taking a look at how the district utili es technolog , and how e uitable experiences are from school to school. he need to align experiences and efforts both within grades and across grade levels became apparent as earl as and came to a head last ear when parents expressed a more immediate concern about class offer ings, she said. dditionall , hillips said it became clear there was a need to find a solution for the con tinued growth of the s stem through both orga ni ation and capital investment.

eople call the school s stem the crown ewel people do come here for the education, and now we have a foundation that wasn t nec essaril here before, as far as how to deal with the growth, hillips said.

HARD DECISIONS

hillips said it s no secret that in the three ears she has served as superintendent, there have been difficult conversations to be had and painful decisions to be made. e ve made decisions, tough decisions, she said. n time ou compromise, ou ve not made ever bod happ . hether it s regarding economic develop ment and growth or changing the alignment of the middle schools, she said, the communit is passionate and involved.

ike an famil , it can get heated. t can get loud, those that need to share a voice ma choose not to publicl , she said. ut there s enough leadership and strong leadership in the school district b the board and within the communit , that when intent for good for children aligns itself for people, the do the right thing. nd she said she full believes that estavia rises above even its most volatile issues including the mascot rebranding effort. hat know about this communit is that it is able to talk about the work of educating our children be ond a mascot. hat the silent ma orit as the have coined themselves believe in the work that is being done. nd has it gone from ust the work of the school district

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Thoughts from school administrators VHHS Principal Tyler Burgess “Dr. Phillips has been a true leader for Vestavia Hills. She has brought many voices to the table in discussion and planning for how to move our great system forward. Dr. Phillips has done the hard work needed to make positive change for our students, keeping students as the focus through the process. She has not let the politics of the job interfere with the work of the system in providing a vision for our eight schools. This vision encourages our faculty and staff daily in providing the best public educational experience for our students. I will miss working with Dr. Phillips, as she has been a good mentor to me and helped me to be a better educator and school leader. I wish her the very best in the next chapter for her and her family.” Sheila Phillips speaks about her time as Vestavia City Schools Superintendent and future plans for the school system at the Vestavia Chamber luncheon on Aug. 8 at Vestavia Hills Country Club.

to impacting the community — of course it has. But this community knows how to rally around doing what is right,” she said. Phillips said she recognizes that some of the decisions she was tasked with have been unpopular, but that’s just the kind of leader she feels she needs to be. It’s also one of the reasons she said she knows the timing is right for her to leave. “E ven when you do things for the right reasons, and when you know your organization best, even an organization itself can only handle so much disruption,” she said. “And I have recognized I’m the kind of leader who, if there’s an issue, we’re going to deal with it. Whether the outcome is popular or whether it isn’t, we’re still going to deal with it.” Communities have their limits, especially

when it comes to that disruption. And controversial decisions aside, she said, from the strategic plan to the facilities reorganization — the last three years have put the school community through a lot. “E ven when things are done for the right reasons and progress is being made, disruption is just that — and people associate leadership with that,” she said. “I just believe in the work. And the work and the ability to do the work as a community, long term, means more to me than who’s leading it.”

MOVING ON

After 29 years in public education, Phillips said she realized that she still had more to give to her original passion — educating and impacting children with uniq ue circumstances

VHECH Principal Alicia Hunsberger “Dr. Phillips has been an exception-

and needs. She will be taking a position with the Sunshine School at Children’s of Alabama, which serves children undergoing long-term care at the hospital by providing education as well as a liaison with the child’s school. “I have always been in awe of the work that is done there,” she said. “O nce I recognized there’s still a lot of passion in me for education, with the way that this has kind of rolled out organizationally, it’s just something that has always been of interest to me.” For the board of education, faculty and staff she is leaving, Phillips had one central message: Stay the course. “They’ve got a lot of work ahead of them,” she said.

al superintendent for Vestavia Hills. She is a visionary with a heart for students. She has encouraged everyone’s voice to be heard and valued t rou difficult con ersations and decision making. As an administrator, I appreciate her laser focus on learning and meeting the needs of every student that walks into our school. Personally, I have been encouraged by her willingness to accept feedback and encourage open, honest conversations. Dr. Phillips will be missed in Vestavia Hills, but her impact will continue.” VHEE Principal Mark Richardson “One thing that I always noticed about Sheila Phillips was her continual effort to communicate openly with the community. I’ve always known that she would answer the phone or promptly return my calls. This openness was very helpful and appreciated.”

“

I have always been in awe of the work that is done there. Once I recognized there’s still a lot of passion in me for education ... it’s just something that has always been of interest to me.

”

SHEILA PHILLIPS

A30 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice Ginny Bourland and her daughter, Bella, at the 2012 Laura Crandall Brown Foundation yard sale event. Bourland was active with the foundation in its efforts to raise awareness about gynecological cancers. Photo courtesy of the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation.

BOURLAND

CONTINUED from page A1 when she was diagnosed in 2011. Virginia “Ginny” Bourland grew up in Vestavia, attending school from her start at Vestavia Hills E lementary West though Vestavia Hills High School. She was integral in the founding of the girls soccer team, which went on to finish its most recent season ranked o. in the nation, and participated in many other activities. Ginny Bourland attended Auburn U niversity, where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and went on to marry Shea Bourland and have two children: Will, 11, and Bella, 8. She was a Sunday school teacher at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, and an active mom, volunteering at her kids schools and for their sports teams even in the midst of her fight with cancer. don t think she ever, even from da one ever wanted to be treated like a cancer patient, and never acted like one, hea ourland said. In 2010, Ginny Bourland began to notice things about her body and the way she felt she couldn t full explain. Her main symptom was weight gain, but with everything going on in her life, she said in a transcript of one of her many speeches over the last few years, “it was easy to justify.” Shea Bourland said that as a husband who, like an smart man, knows not to uestion his wife about weight gain, he didn t think much of it. t s tough, even missed it or could have said something,” he said. After bouncing from doctor to doctor, Ginny Bourland was admitted to the emergency room in ul , a step that finall led to a h sterectomy and the eventual diagnosis of stage-four ovarian cancer. Around the same time, the L aura Crandall Brown Foundation was just getting beginning its work of raising awareness about ovarian cancer and funds for research. Ginny Bourland got involved almost immediately after her diagnosis, forming a team for the annual Head O ver Teal run.

ar nne ing, executive director for the foundation, said Ginny Bourland recruited nearly 100 individuals to participate in her honor, and her team raised over $5,000 for the foundation s efforts, with eam inn touting slogans including “Get Busy Fighting” and “The world needs more mommas” each year. inn ourland also spoke at multiple events, K ing said, telling her story to as many as she could to make a difference. ven if ou didn t have an intimate friendship with her, she really touched you,” K ing said. hea ourland said it was never his wife s intention to be an advocate, that she really just wanted to be a good wife and mom, but that her strength and positivity was infectious. inn ourland s mother, ndi ammill,

agreed. he would sa can t do a lot, but can be an encourager, ammill said, citing how her daughter would often spend her own infusion treatment sessions as an opportunity to reach out to others. K ing said that encouragement was felt by all who met Ginny Bourland. “She had an incredibly positivity about her through all of the challenges she faced,” K ing said. “She was just inspiring.”

STAYING BUSY FIGHTING

But more than simply encouraging others during treatment, both K ing and Shea Bourland said it was inn ourland s goal that b hearing her stor , other women would know to be

their own advocate. “She wanted other people, especially other women, to recognize the symptoms that she missed, that I missed,” Shea Bourland said. K ing echoed his thoughts. he thing about it that alwa s struck me was just how much she underscored that women should pa attention to their bodies and know what s normal for them, and if ou think something doesn t feel right or is wrong, to be vigilant about going to the doctor,” K ing said. In her own words, Ginny Bourland left behind a strong message to her fellow women about knowing when to push back if a doctor dismisses s mptoms or doesn t full answer a concern. here are alwa s going to be simple explanations for wh things might be occurring, but

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 • A31 8th annual Head Over Teal 5K/10K and Family Fall Festival

Ginny Bourland sports a Bible verse on her T-shirt at the 2016 Head Over Teal run to benefit the aura Crandall Brown Foundation. Bourland fought gynecological cancer for six years. Photo courtesy of the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation.

you are the only one who knows what is normal for your body,” Ginny Bourland said in one of her later speeches. The symptoms for ovarian and other gynecological cancers can easily be missed or explained awa , as man patients find it eas to overlook bloating, abdominal pain or weight gain. “Because the symptoms can be so vague and there is no early detection test, it just doesn’t get found, unfortunately, until it’s in the later stages,” K ing explained. Much of what the L aura Crandall Brown Foundation does, she explains, is to provide seed grants for efforts to figure out earl detection methods for ovarian cancers. “We’re trying to fuel innovative research that’s going to further development of a diagnostic test that will help us identify and detect ovarian cancer in early stages,” K ing said. Hundreds of friends and those impacted by Ginny’s journey attended her funeral in May and have left notes on her CaringBridge page and Facebook over the last months, sharing their fond memories. September is national gynecological and

• WHERE: The Preserve, 601 Preserve Way, Hoover • HOURS: Saturday, Sept. 23, from 8 a.m. to noon • DETAILS: 10K/5K run/walk starts at 8 a.m. • ENTRY FEES: • $40 10K (includes chip timing) by Sept. 10; $45 after Sept. 10. • $35 5K (includes chip timing) by Sept. 10; $40 after Sept. 10. • Child Individual Registration (ages 13 and younger) $20 (includes chip timing) • TEAM PRICE: ini u of fi e team members • $35 10K (includes chip timing) per team member by Sept. 10; $40 after Sept. 10. • $30 (includes chip timing) per team member by Sept. 10; $35 after Sept. 10

ovarian cancer awareness month, and the foundation has several campaigns and events planned to advocate and educate the public about the cause. O n Sept. 23, the L aura Crandall Brown Foundation will host the eighth annual Head O ver Teal 5K and 10K at The Preserve in Hoover. n ovember, the foundation will benefit from the Get Busy Fighting golf tournament, started by Shea Bourland to support the foundation in honor and memory of his wife. But more than getting involved with an event or a cause, Gammill said her daughter left a simple but powerful legacy. “Be your own advocate,” Gammill said. For more information about the L aura Crandall Brown Foundation, its events or gynecological cancers, visit thinkoflaura.org.

Ginny Bourland with a representative of Viva Health at the 2014 Get Busy ighting Gold ournament. Shea Bourland started the tournament to support the aura Crandall Brown oundation in honor of his wife. Photo courtesy of the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation.

SECTION

SEPTEMBER 2017

Sports B4 Community B11 Medical Guide B14 Real Estate B25 Calendar B26

ELYSSA GARFINKLE, TV PRODUCER

FORGING AHEAD

Vestavia Hills native develops career in ‘magical’ New York By JE SSE C HAMBERS MANHATTAN – New York City is America’s biggest and arguably most exciting city. It’s also tough, competitive and very expensive. So what makes it worthwhile to live there? t s magical, said l ssa arfinkle, a estavia ills native and television producer. “I can walk down any street and fall in love with the city every day. There’s something beautiful in every part of the city that you walk to.” nd it s not ust her ob with merica, a network and production compan , that keeps arfinkle in the cit . love New York,” she said. O f course, her job is very cool: working on reality programs, including the popular survival show “Alone.”

Vestavia Hills native lyssa Garfinkle is a producer with

V merica in New York. Photo by Jesse Chambers.

“I’ve been here a year and a half, and everything’s been worth it, arfinkle said. have great friends, a great life. enjoy my work.” arfinkle got her first behind the scenes peek at televi sion production — and fell in love with it — during a visit to ashville when she was . er uncle avid arfinkle, a os ngeles based producer, was shooting a realit show, one Country.” left ashville that weekend knowing production was

exactl what wanted to do, arfinkle said. arfinkle graduated from estavia ills igh chool in and earned a degree in digital media production from Butler niversit in ndianapolis, ndiana, in . he lived in os ngeles for over three ears, working on shows like ead for ove and aked and fraid. he worked in iami, lorida on torage ars. arfinkle then

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B4 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

Sports

Pushing the pace Rebel boys cross-country team aiming for first state appearance — and more — since 2013 By SAM C HAND LER

Vestavia Hills senior ames Sweeney enters the cross-country season as a favorite to capture the Class 7 championship. He ashed his potential when he won the state outdoor 3,200-meter title in May. Photos by Sam Chandler.

Donning white singlets and blue shorts, James Sweeney and Bryce Hutchinson stepped on the starting line at last November’s state cross-country meet as the lone male representatives from Vestavia Hills High School. This season, they’re determined to bring the rest of their fleet footed ebels along for the ride. Sweeney, a senior, and Hutchinson, a junior, headline a Vestavia Hills boys team that enters the fall season seeking its first state meet appearance since placing second in 2013. The ebels haven t managed to advance past the lass , ection ualifier the past three years. “We really have a good team, and I don’t think a lot of people realize it yet,” Sweeney said. “We have a few upcoming freshmen and some guys that have really improved since cross-country last year.” He can count himself among them. Sickness hampered Sweeney’s junior cross-country campaign and put a damper on the season. e finished th at the state meet in a 5K time of 16 minutes, 21 seconds, which he considered a relative letdown after posting a runner up finish at sectionals. But he rebounded throughout the year. Sweeney’s winter and spring track times dropped precipitously, and he capped a shining outdoor season with his first individual state championship. In a memorable race, he outkicked the first and second place finishers

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September 2017 • B5

from the state cross-country meet — Hoover’s Tommy McDonough and Hewitt-Trussville’s John Ngaruiya —- to capture gold in the 3,200 meters with a personal-best time of 9: 27. he breakthrough boosted weene s confidence in his ability. Now, he’s planning to carry it over to the cross-country domain. “Continuity has been his secret,” said VHHS head coach Brett Huber. “He’s a tough kid and he’s disciplined. He’s shown that from last year in all three seasons, so I think the sky’s the limit for him.” weene enters his final prep cross country slate as a favorite to contend for a second individual state title. He’ll be challenged by a number of competitors, including Hutchinson, who as a sophomore ran alongside or closely behind Sweeney most of last year. The two are steadfast training partners, and they have logged numerous miles together over the summer in preparation for the season. By late July, they had increased their weekly load to 55 miles per week. “It’s a lot more than we’ve done in the past,” Sweeney said. “If it worked for us last year, I think it can work for us even more this year.” The hope is for the summer mileage to materialize on both the course and clock. Sweeney and Hutchinson have said the goal for the season is to finish at state and lower their alread uick marks. weene has run utchinson has run . hope we start going consistentl sub [ for 5K ] ,” Hutchinson said. “I don’t know how far we can get under, but it would be good to see how far we can.” Their success will play a large role in deciding their team’s ultimate fate, but the performance of the Rebels’ third, fourth and fifth runners ma be even more critical come November. Advancing past the Section 3 meet, which is widely regarded as the state’s most competitive ualifier, re uires a roster with depth. Joseph Gilroy, a senior, tops a list of candidates to fill one of those crucial positions. e ran last fall. “He’s been right there behind Bryce and James, training every day and showing leadership,” Huber said. “He’s somebody we’re looking to pull the wagon and help his team.”

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Vestavia Hills High School senior Sasha llison is e pected to lead her team in 2017. She finished 23rd at last fall’s state meet.

flurr of other runners, including sophomore John Ingram, should also contribute significantl to a s uad that returns the ma orit of its roster from last season. New additions like freshman E than Strand, a former standout at Pizitz Middle School, also factor to the Rebels’ advantage. O verall, the retention and development have Sweeney convinced that his team has what it takes to punch a ticket to state in mid-November. But he’s shooting even higher. “I think we are going to be a big contender

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for that blue map,” Sweeney said of the state championship trophy. “That’s really our ultimate goal.” The Vestavia Hills girls, on the other hand, will be aiming to make it to state for the first time since . he finished fourth at sectionals last season, but have lost a key piece in Madison Milldrum, who graduated in May. Sasha Allison, a senior, returns as the team’s top runner. he placed rd at the state meet in . “She’s very passionate about what she does,” Huber said. “Whatever amount of energy she

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has, she puts it out there every day and in her races.” uniors ar riffith tle and at eilding also pro ect as big factors for the team s success. Behind them, experience is thin. “The girls team has some good ingredients to get them through the season, but they’re so young,” Huber said. “Some of it we know, and some of it we don’t. We’ll see how they respond this year.” The Vestavia Hills cross-country teams open their campaigns ept. at the hickasaw Trails Invitational in Moulton.

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B6 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

Me r r i t t m a k e s h e r m a r k

“

After All-Star appearance, Cahoon looking to make most of final year at VHHS

When I realized I could keep going with what I love, that’s when I realized to dive in and find so e ere [to play].

By K YLE P ARMLEY Merritt Cahoon has tangible proof that she’s considered one of the top softball players in her class statewide. The Vestavia Hills High School senior earned a spot on the North AllStar team, a team comprised of the best rising seniors from the northern half of the state, to compete against a team from the south on July 18. “It’s pretty validating,” said Cahoon, a shortstop and leadoff hitter for the Rebel softball team. “Working that hard, being able to see it play out and be able to be selected for that was crazy.” Cahoon saw action in both games of the doubleheader. She scored a run in Game 1, a 12-6 win for the North team, and registered a pair of at-bats in a Game 2 loss. Both teams arrived in Montgomery the day before the games and practiced before enjoying the evening at a movie. The next day, the teams held another practice and played the games that evening. Cahoon has played with and against many of the girls on each team throughout the years with travel ball and hopes the experience springboards her into her final ear at Vestavia. The Rebels graduated seven seniors from a team that went to state

”

MERRITT CAHOON

erritt Cahoon is looking to make the most of her final year at Vestavia Hills High School. Photo by Kyle Parmley.

in 2016 and regionals last spring, but Cahoon still showed anticipation for her senior season. “We have a big freshman class coming in, so I’m excited to have them all come in, and I think they’re pretty good,” Cahoon said. “I’m excited to get back with everyone and make the best of it.” She has also checked off a significant box regarding her future in

recent months, as she has committed to play college softball at Samford U niversity. She began going to Samford camps when she was 11 years old, so her relationship with head coach Mandy Burford is a longstanding one. However, she had shoulder surgery a few years ago, and missed a couple of those yearly camps. “Two years later, I came back,”

Cahoon said. “She wasn’t shocked to see me, but I had grown a lot since then and I was almost a different person since she had last seen me.” er unofficial visit was a success, and the decision was simple. “I went with it,” she said. L eading up to her commitment, Cahoon had not long considered the idea that she could actually play softball at the college level. She played

basketball until her junior year and admitted she initially preferred basketball, but softball is where her talent was best suited. “When I realized I could keep going with what I love, that’s when reali ed to dive in and find somewhere [ to play] ,” she said. Cahoon has big plans for her future beyond the conclusion of softball. She’s not exactly sure which route she will go just yet, but she mentioned aerospace engineering and criminolog as two fields that pi ued her interest. As for her final year before embarking on her next adventure, Cahoon is focused on leaving a positive legacy on the Vestavia program, maximizing its present success while passing along some of her knowledge and experience to those younger players. “I just want to make my mark,” she said. “Making my mark and helping the players behind me build back up to what we can do and should do.”

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 • B7 Mary Quinn Carter is one of only three players to return to the Rebels volleyball squad following the 2016-17 season. Photo by Kyle Parmley.

TAKING THE NEXT By K YLE P ARMLEY Mandy Burgess made her return to the Vestavia Hills High School volleyball team last fall, but she’s almost starting from scratch with her varsity program once again. E ight of the 11 players on the 2016 team were seniors, leaving Anna L angley, Hannah Vines and Mary Q uinn Carter as the only returnees for the Rebels. “It’s crazy to come in and graduate eight seniors,” said Burgess, who led the Rebels from 2000-12 before stepping away and returning last fall. t wasn t the first time and it won t be the last time.” O f those eight, only Jenna Hogan pursued a collegiate career with the sport, as she heads to Gadsden State Community College to continue her volleyball journey. s for the girls looking to fill that large void, urgess said she definitel will lean on the three returnees, but the new additions have taken a backseat to no one. “E ven though I am depending on that, the girls who are coming in are very vocal, very competitive and want to be awesome,” Burgess said. “They have come in and jumped right in the flow. t will definitel still be a process, but I’ve been real proud of that, because they’re excited to play with each other.” L angley — one of three seniors — recently committed to the College of Coastal Georgia, and will play a combination of setter and outside hitter for the Rebels. Holly McDaniel and O livia Starnes are the team’s other seniors. McDaniel will play in the middle and Burgess lauded Starnes’ improvement in a short amount of time. Vines and Carter are returning juniors. Vines is a dynamic outside hitter and Carter will be the Rebels’ libero, and Burgess calls her a

STEP

“defensive machine.” “She’s awesome. I’m excited to have her back,” Burgess said. “She’ll bring a lot of energ and consistenc to the floor. L ibby Jackson and Jackie Venable will join McDaniel in the middle, and both can play on the right side when needed. Grace Belcher and E mma Shoffner are both defensive specialists, with the versatility to play on the outside. Annabelle Bridges and E lise Hoppenjans round out the junior class as right sides. Ainsley Schultz is a sophomore who can set, along with L angley and Hoppenjans. Sophomore Maggie Gann will be a defensive specialist, part of a defensive unit that Burgess feels strongly about. Trust, communication and support for one another are components that Burgess emphasizes to her teams in order for them to be successful. “They’re all huge things,” she said. “Volleyball is such a huge mental/ momentum game, that those things contribute so much. You can have the best players in the world, but if it gets all wonk and the chemistr isn t flowing, it doesn’t matter.” L ast year’s team made it to the super regional, and Burgess believes this unit has the capability and willingness to help the program take the next step. “I think they’re a group that if we can just keep chipping away all along and gaining that confidence then we have the potential to do some great things,” Burgess said. L aura L yle and Madison Thompson will assist Burgess on the varsity staff. Jill Blankenship will lead the junior varsity team and Brigid L ittleton will coach the freshman team. The season began Aug. 31, as the Rebels travel to Pelham for a tri-match against Pelham and Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa.

B8 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

ABOVE AND

BEYOND Anna Hogewood departs VHHS with lengthy resume

By K YLE P ARMLEY Anna Hogewood’s resume is already a mile long. Not literally, it just feels that way when she lists all of her awards and honors, leadership experience, athletic achievement, extracurricular activities, volunteer activities, and work experience. O nce typed onto a page, it takes up nearly all the white space on a piece of paper. Front and back. “It’s like she never slept,” said Brigid L ittleton, her soccer coach at Vestavia Hills High School. Hogewood — a 2017 graduate from VHHS — did more than the typical student, even with less time to spare than most. She was a standout on the soccer field as well, and while she only called herself an “average” player, she was good enough to win the Birmingham Metro Player of the Year, as voted on by the coaches. “Winning Metro Player of the Year was awesome,” Hogewood said. “Coach L ittleton knew, and she told my mom, and then when I found out, I was so excited. I had no clue.” Her role wasn’t to score an abundance of goals but rather, as a center defensive midfielder, to stop any attack from the opposition. Her sheepish grin and soft-spoken

personality could fool opponents at times, but certainly not for long. “You look at her and you don’t think she’s going to be as strong and as intense, but when you see how she plays and the decisions she makes, it’s unreal,” L ittleton said. The Rebels won the state championship her junior year with her as a key contributor. “It was so much fun, because the team was like a family,” Hogewood said. They were unable to duplicate the feat in 2017 but still made it back to the final, where a strong c ill Toolen team took home the Class 7 A state title. But Vestavia was able to take down crosstown rival O ak Mountain the day before in the semifinals. Hogewood said, “We had so much fun. Beating O ak Mountain the day before was so awesome. L osing to c ill, the were reall good. n the whole, we had a really good season and there was a lot of growth, and I got to use my leadership skills.” Those leadership skills have been cultivated qui te a bit in the last several years, with Hogewood having a hand in and participating in a number of organizations and events. She was the president of Youth L eadership Vestavia Hills, which

Anna Hogewood (13) balanced playing soccer along with many other accolades and experiences throughout her high school career. Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

trains local students to become leaders and pillars in the community. “Public speaking is one thing I was really bad at and I had to get over that,” Hogewood said with a laugh. “I had to speak in front of all different types of panels.” She was also one of 50 girls nationwide to be an ANNpower Vital Voices fellow in 2016. As part of the fellowship — designed to “train, mentor and inspire” young females — Hogewood spent a week in New York during the summer.

Among other things, she was on the Alabama High School Athletic Association Student L eadership Council and picked up a Thompson Reynolds Scholar Athlete Award, presented to a student-athlete with a exceeding . . Hogewood is heading to Wake Forest U niversity, where her father went to school. She thought for a long time that she would pursue college soccer, but ultimately determined it was more important to get the best education possible.

“I knew that in order to get there, you would have to be well-rounded,” she said. Speaking of that long resume, Hogewood said, “These are all things I’m really passionate about. I feel like they’re all connected in some way. t s not ust like fishing club and random things to fill m resume. She’s someone that L ittleton will use as an example for her future players to strive toward. “I can’t say enough, really,” L ittleton said.

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September 2017 • B9

ANOTHER MOVE, ANOTHER GROOVE VHHS senior Spencer Lawson adapts to life at free safety By SAM C HAND LER E ntering the 2016 football season, Chad Merrill didn’t know how good Spencer L awson could be. Merrill, the Vestavia Hills High School defensive coordinator, had recently switched the junior from wide receiver to outside linebacker. Growing up, L awson had played the position, but not at the varsity level. Merrill tempered his expectations accordingly; L awson surpassed them all. t was a natural kind of fit, errill said. The compatibility was so evident that Merrill has issued L awson a promotion for his senior season. This fall, he’ll serve as the defense’s signal-caller at the free safety position, alongside teammates Jonathan Hess and Cam Blake. “He’s really turned out to be an exceptional gu in our secondar , Merrill said. “He has really great knowledge of the game and sees the ball well. Given his prior experience, L awson labeled the transition from offense to defense a smooth one. Plus, he said, his time spent at wide receiver eq uipped him with the ball

skills he’ll rely on. Throughout the summer, he worked on rewiring his instincts to meet the demands of the new position. He’ll now need to focus more on dropping back in pass coverage than in defending the run. L uckily, he’s had Hess to lean on through his second position change in as many years. The 6-foot-5 inch safety has started since he was a sophomore and committed to O le Miss this summer. “We all help each other out and get each other motivated, awson said. The offseason also has provided L awson time to rehab his body. In last ear s finale against hades Valley, he dislocated his left shoulder while attempting to swim move past a defender. L awson underwent surgery to repair a torn left labrum following the season, then entered physical therapy. Twelve weeks into rehab, he noted substantial improvement. Now? feel percent, he said. That’s right where Merrill needs him. The Rebels’ secondary will be tasked with defending potent offenses on a weekly basis in Class 7 A, Region 3, and full health will be the foremost ingredient for

Vestavia’s Spencer awson 27 moves in to tackle Helena’s uarterback during a game on Sept. 23, 201 , at hompson Reynolds Stadium in Vestavia Hills. Photo by Todd Lester.

finding success. Plus, Hess’ prominence compounds the team’s need for players like L awson and Blake. O pposing coaches will most likely divert their plays away from Hess, and Merrill predicts that will create opportunities for others contributors in the secondary. “He is going to be a guy who’s going to have a chance to make a significant number of pla s, errill said of L awson, “because when

you’ve got a guy like Jonathan Hess on your team — that people are going to look at — they’ve got to go somewhere else. Spencer’s going to be the guy they’re going to have to deal with. o is am lake. L awson said he feels prepared to shoulder the load. His coach exudes e ual confidence. Merrill lauded L awson’s vision, athleticism and on field awareness, along with his work ethic and character. He watched throughout the

summer as L awson helped take the reins as a team leader. If there was a drill, Merrill knew he’d see him up front. Starting Sept. 1, when Vestavia Hills takes on Homewood in its season opener, he’s hoping L awson will establish a similar tone on the field. e sets a great example, errill said. “He is a guy you can constantly count on to be there on time and to certainl give maximum effort.

B10 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

VE STAVIA L E GE NDS K NO CK O FF VE STAVIA VICE

Back row, from left: Cameron McEwen, Blake Mizerany, head coach Lee Rafferty, Tim Smith and Tim Goliday. Middle row, from left: Palmer Rafferty, Landon Page, Asher Weaver, Garrett Wilson and Scott McEwen. Front row from left: Grayson Mizerany, Chase Rafferty, Carter Brast, Justin Miller, Finn Stricklin and Hollis Smith. Photo courtesy of Rhonda Smith.

10U Red Rebels bring home title The Vestavia Red Rebels won the 10U AA championship, finishing the season and defeating ountain rook in the finals.

he team was in the regular season but won all three of its playoff games to capture the title. — Submitted by Rhonda Smith.

The Vestavia Legends 9U AA GBBA baseball team won the championship game over the Vestavia Vice, 14-5, on June 17. The Legends team is shown above. Photo courtesy of Meredy Hogue.

AL L -STAR STATE CHAMPS

The 2017 Vestavia Hills High School girls lacrosse team. Photo courtesy of Lance Lenoir.

Rebels lacrosse wraps up strong season The Vestavia Hills Blue 8U softball team won the United States Specialty Sports Association Rec All-Star State Championship tournament in the Peaches Division, on June 23-26 in Hoover. Back row, from left: Eric Polzin, head coach Kyle Corley, Chad Gay, Brandon Meadows and Amy Sullivan. Front row, from left: Chloe Leahy, Millie Burgess, Ava Scott Gay, Palmer Heilbron, Maddie Polzin, Ashley Heinemann, Julia Rose, Hollon Gay, Bailey Corley, Addison Allen, Pepper Bedford and Sadie Meadows. Photo courtesy of Charlie Rose.

The Vestavia Hills High School girls lacrosse team had a great season, capped by a return to the state championship game for the first time since 2012. Vestavia advanced to the championship but lost to O ak Mountain 9-6. Vestavia ended the season with a record of 13-2. The team graduated nine seniors, and six

players were named to the all-state team. Sara Haynes, Aimie Perino, K atherine L ipford and ophie ames earned first team honors. aura Hatten Rell and Barrett Murphy were named to the second team. Haynes was named an academic All-American for the second consecutive season. — Submitted by D ennis L ipf ord.

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 • B11

Community Members of the Vestavia Hills Fire Department present a check for $2,254 to Children’s of Alabama for childhood cancer research after the department’s 2016 T-shirt campaign. Photo courtesy of Kris Madison.

irefi ters s pport i d ood n er reness it s irts The Vestavia Hills Fire Department will be showing its support for kids with cancer again this year throughout the month of September. September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month, and VHFD and many in the community will be showing support through the department’s awareness T-shirts. Funds raised through selling the shirts will support the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, a department of Children’s of Alabama in downtown

Birmingham. L ast year during the inaugural campaign, the T-shirt effort raised $2,254 for childhood cancer awareness. Pre-orders of the shirts ran through Aug. 22, but throughout the month of September, on dut firefighters in estavia will wear the shirts to continue raising awareness. For more information about VHFD’s September efforts, visit facebook.com/ vhfdcca. – Subm itted by K ris M adison.

B12 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

Tait Stoddard with her husband and children. Photo courtesy of Bert Crenshaw.

Troop 4 Scouts trek through New Mexico wilderness

Schools foundation hires new executive director The Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation recently hired Tait Stoddard as its new executive director. She started June 1. Stoddard has been involved in the Vestavia school system for seven years in a variety of service roles, including room mom, classroom volunteer and as volunteer for school events and fundraisers. She was also a substitute teacher for one year and a para-educator at Pizitz Middle for two years. L earn more about the foundation at vestaviafoundation.org. – Subm itted by B ert Crenshaw .

Three crews of Boy Scouts and their leaders from BSA Troop 4 in Vestavia Hills went on a life changing summer trek through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Philmont covers 214 sq uare miles of vast wilderness with trails that climb from 6,500 feet to as high as 12,441 feet above sea level. During their treks, the crews hiked 80, 65 and 60 miles over 12 days. The Scouts and their advisers carried everything they needed to survive during the trek on their backs while hiking from camp to camp. They participated in backcountry programs along the way, including rock climbing, rifle shooting, fl fishing and gold prospecting. The trek included a conservation pro ect where the scouts learned and participated in the upkeep of Philmont’s ecosystem. Along the trek, scouts endured tough challenges including backpacking

Boy Scouts and their leaders from Vestavia Hills’ roop 4 at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Photo courtesy of Thomas Little.

in bear and mountain lion territory, steep climbs and often inclement weather. Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America’s premier high

adventure camp and the largest youth camp in the world serving nearly one million participants since . – Submitted by T homas L ittl e.

Sight Savers America honors Vestavia Hills resident as 2017 Hero For Sight Sight Savers America held a special luncheon at Regions Field earlier this year to present its fourth annual “Hall W. Thompson Hero For Sight Award” to Doyce Williams, President and CE O of the Alabama E ye Bank. The award is named after Hall Thompson, who was a business leader in Alabama, served on the board of Sight Savers America and had a profound impact on the organization and children’s vision issues in Alabama. Vulcan Value Partners was the presenting sponsor for this year’s event. More than 300 people were in attendance, including a comprehensive representation of Alabama’s eye care community, as well as corporate and community leaders from across the state.

Hayley Barber, Miss Alabama, was a guest speaker at the event and spoke of her work with Sight Savers America as her charity of choice. Williams is a Vestavia Hills resident and has served as president and CE O Williams of the Alabama E ye Bank for 36 years. A charter member of the E ye Bank Association of America, the Alabama E ye Bank is a irmingham based nonprofit whose ob ective

is to obtain qua lity human eye tissue and distribute it to ualified ph sicians around the world. U nder Williams’ leadership, they have been ranked as a top 10 eye bank worldwide for 33 consecutive years. His hard work, vision and creativity are hallmarks of his success as a pacesetter for AE B and the eye banking industry. Sight Savers America commemorated this year’s award through an original painting created by George Mendoza, a nationally known artist from New Mexico who is able to overcome his own severe visual impairment to create brilliant artwork. The Sight Savers America “Hall W.

Thompson Hero for Sight Award” is permanently displayed on a 25-foot-long tribute wall, located on the first floor lobb of the allahan E ye Hospital. The tribute space includes permanent recognition for the award recipients, along with the commemorative artwork. This year’s painting will be displayed for one year to honor Williams. A new painting will then be unveiled and displayed at the hospital for one year to honor next year’s award winner. Sight Savers America is an Alabama-based nonprofit that was founded in whose mission is to identify and secure treatment for unmet vision and health needs. – Subm itted by Sight Sav ers A merica.

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 • B13

NEW YORK

CONTINUED from page B1 went to Canada with ITV to work on “Alone” for the History Channel, and the company offered her a full-time job in Manhattan. “L iving in New York was something I wanted to do for at least a year, and I gave it a shot and fell in love with it,” she said. ntil recentl , arfinkle worked on seven shows at ITV, including “Personal Property” for Bravo, “Forged in Fire” for the History Channel and “Carspotting” for Discovery. She’s currentl working on five shows, including a reboot of “Four Weddings” for TL C. nd arfinkle was recentl promoted from production coordinator to production manager. “It’s a little more responsibility, but I enjoy it,” she said. Her department handles logistics, crew, budgets, travel, permits and rights and clearances. “It’s awesome knowing we’re responsible for taking a show that is just an idea and making it into a show, so we see it from pre-production all the way through post,” she said. orking in television has broadened arfinkle’s horizons. She has made trips to India and Argentina to set up survival shows. In August, she was headed to Mongolia to set up season five of lone. “That’s been a cool learning experience — dealing with people from different countries, the language barrier, the culture differences,” she said. The entertainment business has its drawbacks, of course. t's cut throat, arfinkle said. ou have to be tough and have a thick skin, but at the same time you’re the ultimate controller of your career.” hat control comes from arfinkle s intense work ethic, something she, her sister and her brother learned from their parents, E ddie and an arfinkle. arfinkle also said she has a super competitive streak” taken from her dad, a football coach, and honed as she played high-school and college volleyball. “But as I've gotten older, I've learned that it's mostly me competing against myself and not

lyssa Garfinkle in New York before another busy day at

against others,” she said. “I use it to push me to go the extra mile and make sure I'm extremely organized and detail-oriented, so nothing is missed for any of my shows,“ she added. “That's what's helped me to achieve all that I have at such a young age.” That work ethic is essential in New York. “E veryone is on a mission to get somewhere or do something, arfinkle said. t s all about hard work.”

“

V, where she helps produce reality shows. Photo by Jesse Chambers.

Hard work is also critical for young people seeking to establish themselves in her business, according to arfinkle. “You have to be willing to put in so much work early on to be successful,” she said. But the work has its rewards, including a nice apartment in Hell’s K itchen that allows Garfinkle another great view of the iconic city she loves so much. “I can see the E mpire State Building from where I live,” she said. “It’s beautiful.”

You have to be willing to put in so much work early on to be successful.

”

ELYSSA GARFINKLE

B14 â&#x20AC;˘ September 2017

Vestavia Voice

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ABENOJA ORTHODONTICS 8000 Liberty Parkway

969-1969

Q: With advances in technology, the orthodontic experience has changed recently. Can you share with us some of the new technology available at Abenoja Orthodontics? A: We are so excited about our new Itero Intraoral Scanner! We no longer need to take impressions. We can create highly accurate digital models that are great for both braces and Invisalign. Our scanner has DR. CHRISTINE changed our or o and as really improved our patients' experiences. Q: How has your workflow changed? A: Now we can share our digital scans directly with a lab. They create appliances right on 3D models printed from our scan. This new technology saves our patients and parents valuable time with fewer visits. Q: What part of your job makes you happiest? A: e ond da t is so fun to finis treatment and see the beautiful results and our patients' reactions. We love it!

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ABENOJA Q: You treat patients of all ages. Are you seeing an increase in adult patients? A: efinitel . n isali n and cera ic brackets are both so effective and attractive now that I am treating more and more adults. Q: Are there misconceptions people have about orthodontic treatments? A: Yes, some think you just glue the braces on and 18 months later, voila! There is actually a lot of work that goes into it both for the doctor and the patient. The end result though makes it all worth it.

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MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

September 2017 • B15

THERAPYSOUTH 2823 Greystone Commercial Blvd. 100 Chelsea Corners Way, Suite 100, Chelsea Q: What do physical therapists do, and how can they help with an injury? A: Physical therapists are experts at treating movement disorders, including problems with your muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and/or tendons. After a thorough evaluation, your therapist will decide which exercises and handson techniques are needed to maximize your ability to function normally. Q: What are some common misconceptions about physical therapy? A: Many patients think they can only access their physical therapist by referral from a physician. Based on a state law passed in 2012, patients no longer need a referral to see their physical therapist. Many patients also think therapy only consists of e ercises t at are difficult and painful. pecific e ercises t at address your individual needs are important to your recovery, but good therapy also consists of hands-on techniques including manipulation, mobilization, myofascial release, massage, manual stretching, dry needling, instrument assisted soft tissue massage, therapeutic taping and other skilled techniques. Throughout the course of your care, we will appropriately

advance your exercises as your pain levels allow. We also use modalities such as heat, ice, electrical stimulation, spinal decompression/traction, ultrasound and iontophoresis. Q: How successful is physical therapy in pain management? A: Most of our patients come to us with pain. Unfortunately, many of the dysfunctions we treat start long before the pain shows up. You can even have pain in an area that is removed from the dysfunction (called referred pain). We are experts in helping you manage and overcome pain so you can return to your normal activities. In some cases, pain is a sign of injury or a normal part of the healing process.

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Following your evaluation, your therapist will help explain your pain and show you ways to minimize or eliminate it. Q: Can physical therapy eliminate the need for surgery? A: In some instances, physical therapy can prevent surgery. For example, if a patient has a shoulder that subluxes or has too much movement in the joint, therapy can help by strengthening the rotator cuff and other surrounding muscles to tighten the shoulder joint, preventing the excessive movement. In many cases, therapy prior to surgery or “pre-hab” is also helpful. This allows time for your body to prepare for the surgery and usually results in better outcomes following surgery.

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Q: What are some of the main reasons people need physical therapy? A: Back pain/bulging discs Arthritis Balance problems and/or falls Tendonitis Sports injuries Headaches Plantar fasciitis Muscle strains/ligament sprains Bursitis Car accidents Post-surgical rehab Work-related injuries Work-place injury prevention and testing Ergonomic assessment Education and knowledge about body structure and performance Injury prevention

Dizziness Proper exercises and technique Pelvic pain Breast cancer rehab Parkinson’s disease Q: What sets TherapySouth apart from other physical therapy clinics? A: TherapySouth was founded on a set of core values that guide the way we do business: faith, family, integrity, ser ice co passion fitness perseverance and giving. Our therapists strive to provide a warm, friendly and professional environment to facilitate your recovery. Our 24 convenient clinic locations with more than 60 physical therapists provide you with hands-on care close to home and work.

B16 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JOY O’NEAL

UAB WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH CLINIC The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital For two years, Joy O’Neal complained to her doctor of fatigue, weight gain and difficult reat in . estin didn t point to an o ious cause so er s pto s ere la ed on stress aller ies and enopause. “I just kept pushing through, thinking, is is at nor al enopause is li e ust uit our inin and o e on recalled eal o operates e ed arn in eeds a t erapeutic orse ac riding center for children and adults with disa ilities. er easil could a e een dead it in a atter of ont s. A routine physical for a life insurance polic re ealed an a nor al reading, which led to her diagnosis of con esti e eart failure. urt er testin re ealed t at no loc a e as present so er doctors didn t no at to do. “But I knew what to do, and that was to et to A as soon as could said eal ose condition as i pro ed reatl since recei in care at A edicine s o en s eart ealt linic. o en a e uni ue ris factors and s pto s and a enefit fro cardiac care designed to address their particular needs sa s alp a ou ian . . director of t e o en s eart ealt linic. e clinic is staffed an experienced team of renowned UAB Medicine cardiac experts, including hypertension specialist Suzanne Oparil, . . inter entional cardiolo ist ri itta rott . . and eart failure specialist ndranee a apre ar . . e clinic en o s full access to A Cardiology’s wide range of diagnostic and t erapeutic ser ices. eart disease is t e o. 1 cause of death among women in the United tates. r. a ou ian sa s eepin close ta s on eart ealt is particularl i portant for o en in idlife ecause

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their risks of heart disease and heart attack jump dramatically upon reaching enopause. ne in ei t o en et een t e a es of 45 and 64 has some form of heart disease, and this increases to one in four o en o er t e a e of 5. espite t e fact t at t ere is plent of pu lic infor ation a out eart disease an o en are not recei in t e message that heart disease is still the top cause of deat in t e nited tates r. a ou ian sa s. A lot of o en put off getting the kind of medical care t e need. also elie e t at t ere is still a lack of understanding in the medical community of how heart disease can affect o en. ate er t e reason

dela s in dia nosis i e t e disease ti e to ad ance. e ood ne s is t at 8 percent of eart disease and stro e a e pre ented t rou lifest le c an es education and proper edical care. o in t e interest of spreadin t e ord a out o en s eart ealt r. a ou ian answered a few key questions on the su ect: Q: What are the biggest risk factors for heart disease? A: e i est ris factors are a nor al c olesterol le els especiall i c olesterol and s o in along with other medical conditions and lifest le c oices suc as dia etes o esit poor diet p sical inacti it

e cessi e alco ol use and a fa il istor of cardio ascular disease. Q: What are some of the symptoms of heart failure in women? A: Women typically experience different symptoms than men do durin eart attac s. o on symptoms include sweating, pressure, lightheadedness, nausea, indigestion and pain in t e a nec or upper ac . ese s pto s a e rus ed off as t e u stress or enopause ut en it comes to heart disease, there is no reason to e passi e. Q: What can I do to reduce my risk for heart disease? A: o en can si nificantl reduce t eir ris eatin a eart ealt diet that is low in saturated fat, sugar and salt not s o in ac ie in and aintainin a ealt ei t sta in p sicall acti e and li itin our alco ol consu ption. t s also i portant to note that psychological stress can contri ute to a i er ris for eart disease, so it’s important to seek help for an ental ealt issues ou a a e. Q: If I have a family history of heart disease, what age should I begin getting screened? A: ere are no clear cut uidelines for screenin a person ased strictl on fa il istor . o e er ou s ould a e an on oin dialo ue it our doctor a out reducin our ris and screening for symptoms and risk factors especiall if our fa il e ers de eloped eart disease at a oun a e (age 55 or earlier for men, and age 65 or earlier for o en). e A o en s eart ealt linic accepts referrals from the Birmingham metro area and from outside ir in a if ser ices are not a aila le in our area.

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B18 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

REGENPATH 1849 Data Drive, Suite 1, Hoover Q: What is regenerative medicine? A: Millions of people suffer every day with diseases that cause debilitating pain that steals away their ability to enjoy life. Many of these diseases have traditionally een difficult to treat it con entional medicine, leaving patients frustrated and without hope. Regenerative medicine offers amazing promise and hope for millions of people suffering from these diseases. It is a method of using our body’s own natural healing properties to repair damage to our cells, tissues and organs all without the use of drugs. Q: What types of problems do you treat? A: We treat all types of neuropathy and chronic joint pain; everything from diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapyinduced neuropathy to idiopathic (or unknown origin) neuropathy. We have been successfully treating all these conditions over the last two years, and now, with the addition of stem cells and our unique stem cell signaling capabilities, we are seeing this success in a shorter amount of time. Q: What exactly is neuropathy? A: Neuropathy is a disorder that can be caused by many different disease processes. Its symptoms can be a combination of pain, burning, tingling, pins and needles and numbness. We most often see this nerve damage in the feet, legs and hands, but it can attack other parts of the body. The results of this debilitating disease can be balance issues, which lead to falls and sleep difficulties. e ere cases can even lead to loss of the limb. It winds up affecting the patient’s personality, mood and overall quality of life.

Q: What are stem cells and how do they work? A: te cells are uni ue cells in our bodies that have the ability to change into any healthy cell in our body. Meaning, they can change into skin, nerve, bone, blood, cartilage and muscle cells, just to name a few. te cells a e t e a ilit to i rate to and integrate into the target tissue either in the presence or absence of damage. Once stem cells are delivered to a site of injury, they go to the chemical distress signals and dock onto adjacent

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regenpath.com

cells to commence performing their job of repair. Q: Where do these stem cells come from? A: te cells a e isolated fro several sources, but there are drawbacks to obtaining and using them for therapy, such as surgical procedures for adult tissue and ethical concern in using fetal tissue. At RegenPath, we use donated umbilical cord stem cells. Umbilical cord blood derived from live, healthy baby births. The parents donate the cord to

the tissue bank, and thousands of people enefit fro at ould e ot er ise discarded tissue. These are the most effective cells as well as the most ethical, safest, and least invasive way of collecting. Q: How soon do patients show results after treatment with stem cells? A: We have had reports of improvement within one to four days of injections. The cells are able to divide and replicate so there is continued improvement for up to a year.

VestaviaVoice.com

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JJ LAMB

JJ EYES 2814 18th St. S.

703-8596

Q: What sets your a ar ro o h r r ha ar a y ar ro rs A: JJ Eyes is one of the only eye exam facilities in the region where the patient receives 100 percent of the eye testing from a doctor. We offer a complete eye exam given by our optometrist. The exam involves a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. Q: ha s r s o you o r A: At JJ Eyes, we offer full service eye exams and specialized contact lens fittin s as ell as elp it difficult prescriptions. In addition, we carry a wide variety of designer eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses in our boutique. o find out ore a out oo in an e e e a feel free to call our office ere one of our highly trained staff members will be happy to assist you. Q: ha h oo a a a s o you o r o h ro h s ar A: At JJ Eyes, we not only supply a wide selection of unique designer eyewear, but we also utilize the latest in state-of-the-art technology to provide you with the best and most protective eyewear available. The following are some of the latest technologies available at our eyewear boutique: Ultra-Thin High Index lenses; Progressive lenses; UV protection; antire ecti e coatin s and a ide ariet of other products from both Carl Zeiss and Hoya Labs. Q: ha shou a s k ow or h y o or a a o A: Our complete eye exams generally take about 20 minutes to complete and involve a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and check for eye

jjeyesoptical.com

diseases. Each test during the eye exam evaluates a different aspect of your vision or eye health. We also have parking in the rear of the building, and at JJ Eyes you never have to wait for your appointment. Q: ha s your a or h a s ro h r y h a h A: Scheduling a regular eye exam is essential not only for keeping your eyes at peak performance, but for keeping your whole body healthy and happy. At JJ Eyes, our highly trained optometrist professionals can detect a variety of additional health issues when conducting an eye exam including heart disease and diabetes. That level of importance extends to children, as well. Q: How o s your s a o r u oa r a a r A: Our goal at JJ Eyes is to provide the ultimate customer experience and quality merchandise with state-of-the-art lenses and couture frames. We are a premier optical boutique that carries exclusive top lines found only in the world’s most metropolitan areas. We pride ourselves on our customer service where we take the time to evaluate each client’s face shape, coloring and personalit en fittin for a pair of glasses.

September 2017 • B19

B20 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CARDIOVASCULAR ASSOCIATES 3980 Colonnade Parkway Q: What is congestive heart failure? A: Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is not a disease, but the name used for a syndrome in which the heart isn’t able to meet the needs of the body. Several different heart diseases can result in CHF if not taken care of properly. CHF can range from very mild to life threatening and almost always requires therapy to control and treat. Q: How do I know if I have heart failure? What are the symptoms? A: The most common symptoms of CHF are shortness of breath, swelling and fatigue. These may all be present or any one of them can occur alone. Unfortunately, these symptoms can also come from a number of other problems besides heart failure, so your physician will need to help sort out the possible cause. Q: If I am diagnosed with heart failure, can it be treated? A: Yes! CHF is something that is very common, and there are a number of effective treatments ranging from lifestyle changes to medications and even devices that can be used to help the heart. The right treatment for any particular patient depends on many different factors and will need to be specially adjusted for each individual. With proper treatment, CHF patients can often return to normal activity and have the condition

510-5000

brought under good control. Q: Does heart failure mean my heart is about to stop? A: No. Although some patients with heart failure do have problems with their rhythm, the “failure” just means the heart isn’t keeping up with the needs of the body right now. Treatments are geared toward helping the heart do a better job of meeting those needs. Q: How can I prevent heart failure? A: Because heart failure is most often caused by some other heart related problem, the most important thing for prevention is to prevent, recognize and properly treat other issues such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, valve problems, etc. We also know that early recognition and treatment is important to a successful outcome, so talk with your physician if you have concerns and if appropriate see a cardiologist to evaluate your heart further.

COMMON SIGNS, SYMPTOMS OF HEART FAILURE: Shortness of breath Swelling in the legs Inability to do normal activities without giving out Severe fatigue na ilit to la at in a ed without feeling out of breath udden si nificant ei t ain Filling up quickly when eating

DR. BARRY K. RAYBURN

cvapc.com

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 • B21

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BIRMINGHAM ID & INFUSION 4704 Cahaba River Road, Suite 101-D Q: What can tell us about Birmingham ID & Infusion? A: Birmingham ID & Infusion is an infectious diseases practice and outpatient IV infusion center located in Cahaba Heights. Our three physicians, Dr. William Lapidus, Dr. Eima Zaidi and Dr. Anurag Gandhi see patients at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, Grandview Medical Center, Select Specialty Hospital and HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital in addition to seeing patients in our clinic. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care in an outpatient setting for patients who require IV antibiotics and other IV therapies. Q: How long have you been open? A: Our physicians have been in practice for many years and opened our practice and infusion center on Feb. 8, 2016. Q: What distinguishes us from other specialists? A: We are the only practice in Birmingham that offers IV antibiotic infusions on an outpatient basis. There are only two other IV antibiotic infusion centers in the state of Alabama. Our physicians have extensive training in all kinds of infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Along with this knowledge comes a particular insight into

739-2266

bhminfusion.com

DR. ANURAG GANDHI, DR. EIMA ZAIDI AND DR. WILLIAM LAPIDUS

the use of antibiotics and their potential adverse effects. Q: How does everyone on staff contribute to patient care? A: Each team member plays a part in providing patient care, from our account service

representative at the front desk to our infusion nurses in the infusion center. We work together to ensure patient care is seamless and patients can transition quickly from the hospital to our practice.

Q: Tell us more about your on-site infusion center? A: Our infusion center offers patients the opportunity to receive IV antibiotic therapy without going to the hospital or self-administering at home. Our center is staffed by

experienced infusion nurses and nurse practitioners. We are the only center open seven days a week to provide continuous care for patients in a comfortable environment. We provide daily IV antibiotic therapy and other select infusion services as requested. We are excited to announce that we will be providing infusion services for patients receiving biologics, such as Entyvio and Remicade. Q: How do you create a comfortable environment for your patients? A: Creating a relaxing, inviting environment is our priority. To that end, we made our office and infusion center as close to home as possible, with recliners, artwork on the walls, TVs, books, and complimentary blankets and mugs, as well as providing drinks or snacks. Every patient is on their own journey back to health, but the one thing they don’t have to do when they are here is worry. We take the worry out of receiving infusion therapy. Q: What do the doctors enjoy about what they do? A: Our doctors love practicing in infectious diseases and are passionate about patient care. They work hard to ensure every patient’s medical needs are met and consistently go above and beyond expectations to care for our patients.

B22 • September 2017

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Vestavia Voice

WEIGH TO WELLNESS 4704 Cahaba River Road Q: What is Weigh to Wellness? A: A medically supervised weight loss clinic offering a customized approach with various options including nutritional guidance, protein supplements/meal replacements, prescription medications and injections among many other tools. Our program is uniquely individualized based on your health characteristics, lifestyle and weight loss goals. Whether a patient is looking to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, we have a plan for you! Q: Who is on the Weigh to Wellness staff? A: Owner Leslie Ellison has acquired a wealth of knowledge with over 21 years of experience in the industry. Dr. Timothy H. Real is the medical director and is oard certified t e American Board of Obesity Medicine. We also have fulltime Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists. Our staff is able to recognize many psychological and genetic factors that cause obesity and design processes specific to eac of our patients for the best results. Q: What results do patients typically have? A: Patients typically lose an average of 2-5 pounds weekly. It is inspiring to see how excited our patients get when they see great results. It keeps them motivated and focused! Since opening in

994-2393

DR. TIMOTHY H. REAL AND LESLIE ELLISON

June of 2014 we have celebrated over 15,000 pounds lost! Q: How much does the program cost? A: A medical evaluation which

includes an EKG, lab tests, body composition analysis and a physical with Dr. Real is required to start any program — the fee for the medical evaluation is $130.

aplanforme.com Programs can range from $13-$100 weekly. Costs vary depending on if the patient chooses to use any meal replacements, protein snacks, prescription medication (if applicable) or injections that may enhance weight loss. Everything is a la carte! There are NO CONTRACTS and NO SIGN UP FEES. Q: Does the program have one-on-one counseling that will help develop healthier habits? A: Yes. Patients are typically seen on a weekly or biweekly basis for one-on-one counseling and e a ior odification. Accountability and structure is key to every patient’s success. Q: Do I have to follow a s a a or k a food diary? A: There are many options offered, but the patient picks and chooses the aspects of the pro ra t at est fits t eir lifest le. enefits to eepin a food diary are detecting food intolerance, controlling portion sizes, keeping you mindful of nutrition and often identifying triggers to unhealthy eating. Patients who keep a food journal typically lose twice the amount of weight of those that don’t. Q: Do I have to buy special meals or supplements? A: No, but Weigh to Wellness does offer convenient meal

replacements and protein snacks. Most patients love these healthy options because they are great for grab and go! Q: Does the program provide ways to deal with such issues as social or holiday a ha s o work s h u s a ko o a o and injury or illness? A: Yes. There is no perfect time to diet. Our experienced staff is used to working around any of these issues. We encourage each of our patients to think of it as a lifestyle change, not necessarily a diet! Q: r a work w h my health care provider if needed (for example, if I lose weight and my blood pressure medications need to be adjusted)? A: Absolutely. We are happy to follow up with your primary care doctor or specialist at any time with your consent. Q: Does the program include a a oh k h weight off once I’ve lost weight? A: “I can’t think of one thing I love that I don’t have to maintain — the oil in my car, the grass on my lawn, the paint on my home,” Ellison said. Yes, we offer a FREE lifetime maintenance program and it is the most important part of the program. Patients can continue to come weekly, biweekly or monthly for maintenance and there is no charge!

VestaviaVoice.com

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BALDONE DENTISTRY 511 Brookwood Blvd.

879-6880

baldonedentistry.com

Q: What do you feel sets you apart from other Birmingham area dentists? A: We really want our patients to feel comfortable and at ease with our staff. We want you to see familiar friendly faces when you come to our office. ere as een a trend in dentistry towards corporate, impersonal facilities with revolving door clinical staff changes. ou on t find t at in our office. Q: Do you have any options for your patients who don’t have dental insurance? A: Yes. We offer a VIP e ers ip lan. is plan allows patients to pay an affordable monthly fee and receive no-extra-cost cleanings and deep savings DR. CHARLES BALDONE on most other procedures. Financing options are available for large cosmetic cases. Of course, we also solutions at a pace that is comfortable accept most dental insurances and are to the patient. preferred providers for several dental Q: How has dentistry changed plans. since you opened your practice 25 Q: What are your favorite services years ago? that you provide? A: ec nolo as co e a lon a A: I love planning and performing in 25 years. It has improved not only complex cosmetic and restorative our communication with our patients cases. I enjoy learning from the patients but it has greatly improved the types what they want to change, and what's of treatment we can offer. Advances in important to them. Once I have a good ceramics, digital imaging, anesthesia grasp on what concerns are important and tooth-colored restorations have to a patient, then I can begin to design made dentistry much better than it ever solutions. We then implement those was in the past.

September 2017 • B23

DYSAUTONOMIA - MVP CENTER 2470 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 200

286-3200

www.mvpctr.com

Q: What is Dysautonomia? A: Dysautonomia is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, the part of the nervous system responsible for control of unconscious bodily functions such as breathing, the heartbeat and the digestive processes. is disorder can present with a confusing array of symptoms, including fast heart rate, palpitations, dizziness and even passing out. e results of t e ilt a le test are e to t e diagnosis. In addition, we do echocardiograms and treadmill testing, although dysautonomia is not an ischemic cardiac condition. If it appears that there may be other causes for these DR. SUSAN PHILLIPS symptoms, such as cardiac or neurological sources, e are app to a e t e Dysautonomia is indeed the correct appropriate referral. diagnosis, patients usually respond Q: Why is your clinic unique? well to treatment that includes lifestyle A: ere are er fe clinics (outside changes and, if necessary, appropriate of major hospitals and universities such medication. as Vanderbilt) that diagnose and treat e are often surprised at o dysautonomia. much better they can feel when they My clinic has the staff, experience, understand the underlying mechanism equipment and the concern needed to and the simple changes that can help so a e t e dia nosis and to deter ine much. the appropriate treatment. Q: What is your clinic's top goal? Q: What do patients experience? A: I want to see my patients return A: My patients frequently have to the normal, active and enjoyable had frustrating multiple attempts lifestyle they once had. to diagnose their symptoms. If

B24 â&#x20AC;˘ September 2017

ALTADENA DENTAL

ROCKY RIDGE DRUG COMPANY 3346 Morgan Drive

Vestavia Voice

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY â&#x20AC;˘ SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

259-7100

Q: Could you tell us about some of the specialty products you offer? A: One of our best-selling, and so eti es ard to find products is ure ncapsulations a p ar aceutical rade ita in line ade it pure in redients free fro luten artificial colors and s. e are app to consult it our custo ers an ti e to find t e ri t ita in or supple ent for t e . e also offer t e ississippi iracle la ( ) t e spa ualit s in care line, and the Beehive Bathhouse line as well, made right here in Alabama with natural in redients. Q: Why did you choose to open your pharmacy in the Rocky Ridge area? A: fa il and a e li ed in esta ia ills for ears and oc id e is practicall in our ac ard. t as i portant to us to open our p ar ac ri t ere ere e li e ecause e anted to e a le to support t e health and wellness of our friends

rockyridgedrugco.com

and nei ors as ell as e a part of t e usiness co unit of esta ia. et er it s t rou fillin our prescriptions eepin ou up to date on accines or reco endin an o er t e counter ite e stri e to eep ou and our fa il ell. Q: What are the advantages of using an independent pharmacy? A: en ou call our p ar ac ou et an actual person it out e er a in to press a utton. e uic l and efficientl fill prescriptions ecause e no o alua le our ti e is. Bearing that in mind, we also offer free deli er and a e a dri e t ru for our con enience. e trul care a out eac person s elfare and ta e t e ti e to et to no ou. ou ill ne er feel rus ed and e are app to ans er an uestions ou a a e a out our ealt and edications. At oc id e ru o. ou are not ust anot er custo er to us ou ill al a s et t e personali ed care ou deser e.

2100 Devereux Circle

967-8330

Q: Dr. Trey Rosdick, why is cosmetic dentistry your favorite part of the job? A: os etic dentistr is fa orite part of t e o ecause t e patients can see an i ediate difference. oin a cro n or a fillin on a ac toot is ardl noticea le ut en ou i e so eone t eir s ile ac t e notice i ediatel and are e ond rateful. Q: ha s a as a practice provide to patients over a big one? A: e enefits of a s aller practice are t at can interact and tal it patients and not rus . e seen lar e practices ust et patients in and et t e out and t at s not t e a it s ould e. it a s aller practice t ere is also a lot less ait ti e. f our appoint ent is at 1 a. . t en ou et seen at 1 a. . Q: What is your staff's approach to customer service?

altadenadentistry.com

A: ur approac to custo er ser ice a in t e patient co forta le and a in sure t e are app . an people are afraid of t e dentist and e do our best to ease their fear and show t e t at it s not li e it used to e. ur patients o co e in scared al a s lea e it a s ile. ou a e to s o t e t at ou care. at oes for an patient et er t e are scared or not. Q: What would you like patients to k ow or o o your o for an appointment? A: atients s ould no t at alt ou it is a s all practice it s a er odern practice. e a e a er co forta le reception area it i screen ottled ater and coffee. e patient c airs a e a assa e feature in them, as well as a TV in the iene roo t at patients can atc . i ital fil a e ta in ra s (radio rap s) uic and eas and e ill al a s put t e patient first. is

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ B25

Vestavia Hills Real Estate Listings

2508 Crossgate Place

MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

788574

35216

2508 Crossgate Place

New

$349,900

792164

35216

2225 Chapel Hill Road

New

$159,500

792175

35216

1423 Panorama Drive

New

$760,000

792330

35216

1808 Old Creek Trail

New

$252,000

792432

35216

2628 Southview Circle

New

$300,000

792450

35216

2344 Sumner Lane

New

$274,900

792767

35216

3553 Laurel View Lane

New

$259,900

791864

35216

304 Vesclub Drive

New

$650,000

791858

35216

2926 Smyer Road

New

$999,000

791754

35216

3764 Chestnut Ridge Circle

New

$249,900

791835

35216

1700 Carovel Circle

New

$349,900

791184

35216

253 Big Springs Drive

New

$389,900

780897

35216

1533 Woodridge Place

New

$875,000

791165

35216

3009 Panorama Trail

New

$349,900

791383

35216

1909 Shades Crest Road

New

$899,900

792421

35216

3208 Georgetown Place

New

$184,900

790966

35216

2120 Kelly Lane

New

$139,900

790781

35216

2326 Lime Rock Circle

New

$650,000

790595

35216

1859 Nottingham Drive

New

$299,900

790320

35216

3321 Castle Crest Drive

New

$319,750

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on Aug. 11. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

1533 Woodridge Place

B26 • September 2017

Vestavia Voice

Calendar Vestavia Hills Area Events Sept. 1: Artists Incorporated Opening Reception. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Artists Incorporated. Featured artists- Cary Baker, Mary Anne Kohn, Karen Libecap, Calvin Macon, Tena Payne and Dottie West. Visit artistsincorporated.com.

Sept. 4 & 19: Vestavia Toastmaster Club Meeting. 6 p.m. Vestavia Hills Board of Education, Room 204. Strengthen and improve communication and leadership skills. Visit vestaviahills.org.

Sept. 1: Rocky Ridge First Friday. 6 p.m. Rocky Ridge Business District. Live music, and children’s activities. Free. Visit vestaviahills. org.

Sept. 9: Helping Hands in the Hills. 8:30 a.m. Wald Park. Volunteer to help Vestavia Hills residents in need.

Sept. 4: Vulcan Voices Toastmasters. 6 p.m. Vestavia Hills Board of Education. Learn confidence as a public speaker and strong leader. Visit vestaviahills.org.

Sept. 9: E-Recycle & Shredding Day. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wald Park. Visit vestaviahills.org. Sept. 12: Vestavia Chamber Monthly Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. Vestavia Country Club.

Visit vestaviahills.org. Sept. 19 & 26: Evolution v. Creationism. 2 p.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Presented by OLLI of Greater Birmingham. Visit olli.ua.edu Sept. 20 & 27: Current Politics with a Historical Perspective. 10:30 a.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Presented by OLLI of Greater Birmingham. Visit olli.ua.edu. Sept. 21 & 28. Terrorism. 10:30 a.m. Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Presented by OLLI of Greater Birmingham. Visit olli.ua.edu.

Vestavia Hills Library Events Kids

with fellow teens.

Harper Lee. Community Room. 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 12: Ms. Olivia’s Evening Reads Book Group. 6 p.m. Historical Room.

Sept. 12: Fandom Tuesday. 4 p.m. Movies, crafts and themed foods.

Sept. 22: Family Campout. 6:30 p.m. Indoor campout to celebrate the first day of fall.

Sept. 13: Teen Writing Group. 4 p.m. Historical Room. Build writing skills and provide feedback.

Sept. 11 & 25: Monday Night Tai Chi for Beginners. 6 p.m. Low-impact, slow-motion exercise taught by certified instructor. No registration, free and open to everyone 18 and up.

Teens (Grades 6-12) Friday: Open Gaming. 4 p.m. Sept. 5: Monday Night Playlist. 6 p.m. Search for the best videos on the internet. Snacks served. Sept. 6: Teen Art Group. 4 p.m. Historical Room. Celebrate artistic talents

Sept. 20: Studio 1221. 4 p.m. Treehouse. Make crafts in the teen department. Adults Sept. 1: First Friday Fiber Arts. 10 a.m. Treehouse. Bring your own items to sew. Sept. 7: OLLI Presents Books About

Sept. 13: ABCs of Medicare. 1 p.m. Treehouse. Sept. 14 & 28: Adult Tai Chi. 2 p.m. Low-impact, slow-motion exercise taught by certified instructor. No registration, free and open to everyone 18 and up. Sept 28: Friends of the Library. 10 a.m. Community Room.

Vestavia Hills High School Football Sept. 1: @ Homewood. 7 p.m. Sept. 8: vs. Spain Park. 7 p.m. Sept. 15: vs. Oak Mountain. 7 p.m. Sept. 22: @ Huffman. 7 p.m.. Sept. 29: @ Helena. 7 p.m.

Area Events Sept. 1-2: Anthony Hamilton. 7:30 p.m. Alabama Theatre. With special guest Avery Sunshine. Visit ticketmaster.com. Sept. 1: UAB House Party with Sam Hunt. 7 p.m. Uptown Entertainment District. Free concert to celebrate the return of UAB football. Sold out. Visit uab.edu/events. Sept. 2: Southeastern Outings River Float, Picnic, Swim. 9 a.m. Locust Fork in Blount County. Visit seoutings.org. Sept. 2: UAB football vs. Alabama A&M. 2 p.m. Regions Field. Visit uabsports.com. Sept. 4: 26th Annual Labor Day Celebration and Moon Pie Eatin’ Contest.

VestaviaVoice.com

September 2017 • B27

Area Events (cont.) 9 a.m. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Admission $3-$5. Visit tannehill.org. Sept. 7: Birmingham Art Crawl. 5-9 p.m. 113 22nd St. N. Meet local artists and performers and buy their work. Visit birminghamartcrawl.com. Sept. 7: Lady Antebellum. 7:30 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. With special guests Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young. Tickets $24-$180. Visit livenation.com. Sept. 8-9: Birmingham Artwalk. 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday. Birmingham Historic Loft District. Free. Visit birminghamartwalk.org. Sept. 8-10: Dolores Hydock: The Lady with All the Answers - The Ann Landers Story. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. RMTC Cabaret Theatre. Tickets start at $15. Visit redmountaintheatre.org. Sept. 9: Southeastern Outings Potluck Picnic Lunch. 11:30 a.m. Oak Mountain State ark, loser fishing lake. ollowed by afternoon kayak, canoe paddle or dayhike. Visit seoutings.org.

Visit bhamgreekfestival.com. Sept. 22-24: Homestead Hollow Arts & Crafts Festival. 9 a.m. Homestead Hollow, Springville. Visit homesteadhollow.com. Sept. 22-24: Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart. Legacy Arena at the BJCC. 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday; 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $15. Visit disneyonice.com. Sept. 22: Black Jacket Symphony Presents performs The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” 8 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. Tickets $29-$80. Visit blackjacketsymphony.com. Sept. 23: Southeastern Outings Kayak/Canoe Trip. allapoosa iver, e in. Depart 9 a.m. from Leeds Highway 78 gravel parking lot. Visit seoutings.org. Sept. 23: Oktoberfest Birmingham. 1 p.m. Caldwell Park. Tickets $10 early bird general admission, $45 VIP. Visit birminghamoktoberfest. com.

Sept. 9: Birmingham Southern football vs. Huntingdon. 6 p.m. Krulak Stadium. $10. Kids 18 and under are free. Visit bscsports. net.

Sept. 23: Miles football vs. Tuskegee University. 5 p.m. Miles College. Visit miles goldenbears.com.

Sept. 9: Bill Burr. 8 p.m. Alabama Theatre. Comedian performance. $33-$43. Visit billburr. com.

Sept. 24: Southeastern Outings Dayhike. 2 p.m. Black Creek Trail, Fultondale. Visit seoutings.org.

Sept. 11: BAO Bingo. 7 p.m. Birmingham AIDS Outreach. $15-$25. Visit birminghamaids outreach.org.

Sept. 24: Breakin’ Bread. 1 p.m. Sloss Furances. Food, wine and beer festival with musical entertainment and cooking demonstrations. $35 general admission, $99 VIP. Visit birmingham originals.org.

Sept. 14-16: St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival. 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. St. George Melkite Greek Catholic Church. Visit sainttgeorgeonline.org Sept. 15-17: MotoAmerica Championship of Alabama. Barber Motorsports Park. 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets $10-$60. Visit barberracingevents.com. Sept. 15: Sheila E. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Tickets $39-$59. Visit alysstephens.org. Sept. 15: Tedeschi Trucks Band. 8 p.m. Alabama Theatre. Tickets $39-$160. Visit alabamatheatre.com. Sept. 16: Tannehill Trade Days. 9 a.m. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Admission $3-$5. Visit tannehill.org. Sept. 16: Southeastern Outings Easy River Float 2. 9 a.m. Locust Fork. Picnic, swim, and short dayhike. Depart from Cleveland Chevron at 9 a.m. Visit seoutings.org. Sept. 16: UAB football vs. Coastal Carolina. 2 p.m. Legion Field. Visit uabsports. com. Sept. 16: Chris Stapleton All American Road Show. 7 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Tickets $30-$70. Visit livenation.com. Sept. 17: Trucks by the Tracks. 11 a.m. Railroad Park. Featuring food trucks, musical acts and more. Visit railroadpark.org. Sept. 17: Mary J. Blige: Strength of a Woman Tour. 8 p.m. Legacy Arena at the BJCC. $61.50-$126.50. Visit ticketmaster.com. Sept. 21-23: Greek Festival. 10:30 a.m. Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Featuring Greek food, music, dancing and more. Free admission, food and drinks priced separately.

Sept. 24: Heart of Alabama Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimers. 1:30 p.m. Railroad Park. Two-mile walk begins at 3:15 p.m. Visit act.alz.org. Sept. 24: 26th Annual Magic City AIDS Walk & 5K Run. 4:30 p.m. Railroad Park. Family friendly event featuring walk, music and more. Visit birminghamaidsoutreach.org. Sept. 25: Young the Giant. 8 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. With special guests Cold War Kids and Joywave. $37. Visit youngthegiant.com. Sept. 28: Joey Alexander. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Pianist performance focusing on The Future of Jazz. $40. Visit alysstephenscenter.org. Sept. 28: Live at the Lyric: Ani Difranco. 8 p.m. Lyric Theatre. $32-$55. Visit lyricbham.com. Sept. 30: Southeastern Outings Canoe & Kayak Trip. 9 a.m. Terrapin Creek, Piedmont. Visit seoutings.org. Depart 9 a.m. from Applebee’s, Trussville. Sept. 30: Miles football vs. Albany State University. 6 p.m. Miles College. Visit milesgoldenbears.com. Sept. 30: Birmingham Southern football vs. Trinity. 12 p.m. Krulak Stadium. $10. Kids 18 and under are free. Visit bscsports.net. Sept. 30: Irondale Whistlestop Festival. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Historic Downtown Irondale. Featuring art and food vendors. Free admission. Visit irondalewhistlestopfestival.com. Sept. 30-Oct. 1: Great Southern Gun & Knife Show. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. BJCC Exhibition Halls. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $9. Visit greatsoutherngunshow.com.