06.04.2015

Otmj Thursday, June 4, 2015

social

over the mountain journal â?– otmj.com

sports

Summer Fun Our Annual Guide to Cool Things to Do Around Town and Beyond LIFE PAGE 10

go for it!

Think this photo captures the spirit of summer? If so, you’re not alone. Jones Soda Company chose a similar fun-filled image captured by Vestavia Hills photographer Heather Durham of her kids, Olivia and Luke enjoying a classic summertime tradition as artwork for its bottle labels. See the photo and story on page 8.

inside

An Amazing Event Lakeshore race builds awareness about physical disabilities. about town Page 3

The Music Mann Birmingham actor directs new production of favorite musical life Page 12

Heading for the Hills Cashiers is popular place for mountain getaways. home Page 23

2 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

Opinion/Contents

O’Neal Leaves Legacy for Breast Cancer Research Mother, grandmother and philanthropist Dolly O’Neal passed away on May 18 after a lengthy and courageous battle with breast cancer.

After her initial diagnosis and treatment in 1994, O’Neal cofounded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama specifically to fund research at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. From its humble beginnings, the BCRFA has grown into a dynamic and robust organization that has, to date, given more than $5 million to UAB for breast cancer research.

“O’Neal took cancer, the worst thing that had happened to her, and made it into the most positive thing she could,” said Josh Till, editor in communications and public relations for the Dolly O’Neal Cancer Center.

Till began working closely with O’Neal in 2003 when he first began working for the Cancer Center.

“I had not met her during my interview process,” Till said. “I only heard about, ‘Dolly,’ this powerful, somewhat mysterious and largerthan-life presence who raised money for the center.”

Till said that O’Neal often referred to herself as “the poster girl for cancer research,” and that was ‘O’Neal took cancer, never more true than in 2009 when was diagnosed with a recurthe worst thing that she rence and received a drug that was had happened to her, developed with funds raised by the and made it into the BCRFA. That drug extended her life by six years, during which she was most positive thing able to witness her children’s marriages and the births of all six of her she could.’ Josh Till grandchildren.

O’Neal’s work with the BCRFA, as well as the Cancer Center where she served as development director from 2002 to 2007, has impacted the lives of countless women not just in Birmingham, but across the world. ❖

in this issue

social 16 About Town 3 weddings 21 people 6 home 22 SUMMER fun 10 business 26 life 12 schools 28 news 14 sports 32

murphy’s law

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Dream On

house and I don’t have a dog, and Well, once again I did not win the even if I did, it seems unfair to haul HGTV Dream Home. I wasn’t offithe poor thing back and forth from cially called or e-mailed or tweeted.

Birmingham.

No one pulled up in my driveway with I guess that was the kicker: I wasn’t a giant check. going to live there. I loved the house, I shouldn’t be surprised. I didn’t but not in a for-better-or-worse kind of enter every day like I could have. The way. I wasn’t ready to see it through question is…why? The Dream Home hurricanes and burst pipes and peelwas perfect, a three-bedroom Cape ing paint. Substitute tornadoes for Cod decorated in laid-back style. It hurricanes, and I have all that here in was everything I always said I wanted, Birmingham. with vaulted ceilings, a fireplace in the Even as a getaway, Martha’s bedroom, a window seat in the giant Vineyard wasn’t perfect. I’m fickle. master closet. The house was even in When I want to get away, it’s not Martha’s Vineyard, a place I’ve fanalways to the same place. I love loungtasized about ever since watching my Sue Murphy ing at the beach, but I wouldn’t want first episode of “Murder She Wrote.” to do that every week. I love the Yes, I know Jessica Fletcher lived but there’s only so much in Cabot Cove, Maine, but Martha’s Biking into town for a mountains, climbing a person can do. I love the Vineyard sounds like a place where bran muffin will have to desert…actually, no, I don’t. Brown a person could wear a cardigan sweater in her golden years and wait. I want to watch and brown and more brown. Still, I like to visit there. bike into town for a bran muffin Old Faithful, ride a train would I guess that’s the point. There’s in between writing chapters for through the Canadian too much left to see. I’ve expeher bestselling books. Like I said, perfect.

Rockies, take a boat ride rienced Ellis Island, the Grand Canyon and Walden Pond. I enjoyed In the Dream House premiere on the Seine in Paris Asheville and New Orleans and show, I got to see the whole town, (France, not Texas. I’ve Ogunquit, Maine. I’ve been lucky a storybook mishmash of cutesy enough to visit Mykonos and the boutiques and cafes. Again, perfect. been there).

Sydney Opera House and toss a I could shop, I could nosh, all while coin over my shoulder into Trevi breathing in the crisp, salt air. There was even a place where the locals congregate late in the Fountain. I’ve kissed the Blarney Stone.

Biking into town for a bran muffin will have to wait. evening to buy donuts hot off the donut press. Martha’s I want to watch Old Faithful, ride a train through the Vineyard looked made-to-order, and part of me was Canadian Rockies, take a boat ride on the Seine in Paris planning my future there.

(France, not Texas. I’ve been there).

The trouble was, another part wasn’t. A different Anyway, it turns out my dream home is really a side of me was looking at the house and thinking… tassels on the chandelier in the bedroom? I’m not really hotel room. Yes, I know the money will be spent and I’ll have no bricks and mortar at the end of the day, but a tassels kind of gal. The copper downspouts seemed you can’t take it with you anyway, right? Go and do impractical and the weathervane…OK, I loved the and be. weathervane, but the prize package included a giant No Dream Home may actually be my dream come car, and I have enough trouble parking the smaller true. Isn’t life great? ❖ one I already have. The property also included a dog-

On otmj.com

There’s so much happening in the Over the Mountain area, we can’t fit it all in the paper! Visit www.otmj.com for more stories and photos.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

June 4, 2015

Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Features Writer & Copy Editor Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Kaitlin Candelaria, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch, Liz Ellaby Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Tyler Waldrep Vol. 25, No. 11

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at ads@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com.

Copyright 2015 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.

over the Mountain Views

Where is your favorite place to take out of town guests?

“A lot of people I’ve brought from out of town want to know about the history so we go to the Civil Rights Institute and Railroad Park.”

“I always go to Good People Brewing Co. I’ll take them to the Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan, Saw’s BBQ and I love Carrigan’s.”

Regis Johnson Timmons Homewood

Caitlin Wittkop Birmingham

“I like to take my friends to AirWalk, Edgewood Creamery, Pastry Art Bake Shoppe and New York Pizza.”

“A Baron’s Game, Good People Brewery and Avondale because there’s so much going with the local restaurants.”

Debra Bendion Homewood

Julie Marix Homewood

Photo special to the Journal

Participants in Lakeshore’s Amazing Race will compete in different activities that highlight living life with disabilities. One of last year’s events included a wheelchair relay race.

An Amazing Event Lakeshore Race Builds Awareness about Physical Disabilities

By Kaitlin Candelaria Matt Nelson started working at the Lakeshore Foundation as a high school student in 2005 to earn some extra gas money. He has stayed involved over the last decade while he was an undergraduate at Auburn University, while

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 3

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

he earned his MBA and even as he procured a law degree.

Now a member of Lakeshore’s junior board, Nelson said it’s hard to sum up what the facility means to him.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, he has used the facility as a frequent resource.

“They helped me with my own fit-

ness level,” he said. “It’s helped me be more independent. Before, I couldn’t go run around different cities and travel and do the things that I do. In law school, I did an internship in D.C. where I ran all over the city. When you see things like that, it’s hard to sum up.”

Nelson uses facilities at Lakeshore to maintain his fitness levels so he can maintain his mobility. His favorite activity? Swimming.

“Cerebral palsy doesn’t get worse or get better, but to be able to adapt to it is something that Lakeshore has helped me do,” Nelson said. “Not only does it help me with the swimming pool and working out when I’m able to, but I’m able to see the opportunities they’ve created for people with disabilities and people without them such as family members or some of the senior citizens.”

The junior board is gearing up for the annual Lakeshore’s Amazing Race fundraiser June 13.

According to facility officials, the Amazing Race will give teams of four the opportunity to compete in interactive challenges. The challenges are designed specifically to build awareness of the capabilities of people with physical disabilities and to promote programs and resources available to community members at Lakeshore.

In past years, activities have included kayaking in a pool with one hand and arm immobilized or running down a track while blindfolded, using only a small tether as a guide.

This will be the seventh year that the junior board has hosted this event.

Last year, the race raised over $50,000

To: From: Date:

for the foundation.

“The goal is to raise funding, but another main point is for the community to just come and see the facility,” Nelson said. “At the Amazing Race, they make people do activities that involve daily living with a disability.

You’ve got people coming in trying

wheelchair activities, and just seeing people look at life with a different vantage point is fun to watch.”

The Amazing Race will begin at 9 a.m. Awards will be presented at noon.

The cost for each participant is $75.

For more information, visit www.lakeshore.org. ❖

1520 pavillion drive

3 Acres in the Heart of Hoover!

Beautiful land at the end of private cul de sac waiting for you to build your dream home! Great Opportunity!

For more information go to JamesHarwell.com

James Harwell 2011 Sales Associate of the Year

Over the Mountain Office 1220 Alford Avenue • 205.281.4731

James Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax June

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the June 4, 2015 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

4 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

About Town

June 4 - 20 June 4 BIRMINGHAM

Art Card 2015 Oasis Counseling for Women and Children The Oasis Junior Board will hold its annual fundraiser from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The evening includes live music, complimentary food and drink, and local artists’ works for sale. Admission is $30.

For more information, call 933-0338 or visit www.oasiscounseling.org.

June 5

VESTAVIA HILLS

First Friday Reception Artists Incorporated This free event includes wine, hors d’oeuvres, music and a chance to meet this month’s featured artists: Doris Coley, Rick McCary, Barbara Prior and Lowell Vann. For more information, visit www.artistsincorporated.com or call 979-8990.

June 6

HOOVER

Hydrangeas Under the Stars

Aldridge Gardens Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey and Carolyn Ivey will host the Gardens’ premiere fundraiser and gala. A reception and silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and a live auction at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $200.

Table options are available. For more information and tickets, visit www. aldridgegardens.com.

NORTH SHELBY

Hoofin’ It Trail Run Indian Springs School This 5K/10K race benefits Special Equestrians, an organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding to people with disabilities. The race begins at 8 a.m. Registration is $30. The rate will increase on race day. To register, visit www.specialequest.org.

BIRMINGHAM

G.R.E.A.T. Scholarship Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show The Harbert Center The Metro-Birmingham Professional Women’s Association will host its annual scholarship luncheon and fashion show from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include lunch, door prizes, a fashion show and the awarding of the 2015 G.R.E.A.T. scholarship. To purchase tickets, call Linda Pullum-Johnson at 664-2636.

June 7 BIRMINGHAM

Viva Health Starlight Gala Alys Stephens Center Comedian and TV host Jay Leno is the star of the biggest fundraiser of the year for UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Leno will perform an evening of comedy at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $125. VIP packages are also available. For more information, call 975-4012.

BIRMINGHAM

PrideFest 2015 Sloss Furnace This all-day outdoor music/food festival hosted by Central Alabama Pride Inc. will begin at 10 a.m.

Headlining this year’s event will be Deborah Cox, a Grammy-nominated recording artist. The event is free.

Parking will be available on site. For more information, call 834-0130 or visit www.centralalabamapride.org.

June 8

HOOVER

Helping Hands Hoover Library Participants will visit the vault programming room from 3-8:30 p.m. and help make newspaper rolls for a local humane society. The event is free. For more information, visit www. hooverlibrary.org or call 444-7800.

June 9

MT LAUREL

NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED!

Treasure Salvage Mt Laurel Library Don Cables will present a program at 6:30 p.m. on the where, what, when, who and how of locating and salvaging sunken treasure. For more information, call the library at 991-1660.

June 10

HOOVER

Hot Rod Power Tour Hoover Met Hot rod enthusiasts can see cars or display their own. Parking for this free event will be at Hoover High School with a shuttle to the Hoover Met. For more information, visit www.hotrod.com.

4 DAYS ONLY! Thursday, June 4th thru Sunday, June 7th

YOU SET THE PRICE!!

EVERYTHING

MUST GO!!

FINAL DAY, JUNE 7th

619 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 www.JEWELSBYROSE.net SALE HOURS:

Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

June 11

BIRMINGHAM

Vulcan’s Birthday Bash Vulcan Park June 7 The outdoor festival will begin at noon and feature music, games and birthday refreshments. Families can enjoy a performance by Birmingham Children’s Theatre, an archeology dig, a rock climbing wall, Alabama animals from the Birmingham Zoo, face painting and more. Parking for guests is limited, but a free shuttle will be available. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at www.visitvulcan.com. at 6 p.m. For more information, call 4395512 or email nsyouth@shelbycountyal.org.

June 12

NORTH SHELBY

Fear Factor Food Challenge North Shelby Public Library Teens are invited to the eighth annual Fear Factor Food Challenge, where they can test new and unique food combinations. Those who aren’t interested in scary food can sample interesting sodas. The challenge begins

5/19/15 9:29 AM

June 13

BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham’s Early Theater Days Class LJCC A class called “Railroad Lanterns, Cholera and a Sinking Ship: Theatre in Birmingham in the 19th Century” will examine Birmingham’s early theater days. The class is from 10:30 a.m.noon. UAB theater professor Ward Haarbauer will lead the discussion. To register or purchase tickets, visit www. bhamjcc.org.

NORTH SHELBY

Teen Summer Reading Movie Lee Branch Carmike Theater Teens can attend a free showing of “Jurassic Park” at 6:30 p.m. courtesy of the Teen Summer Reading Program.

Parents and siblings can attend for an additional $9 each. Participants must register before June 12. For more information, email nsyouth@ shelbycounty-al.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Black Out Cancer Iron City The American Cancer Society Junior Executive Board will host a black-tie optional event from 8 p.m.-midnight.

BIRMINGHAM

Glow on the Green Highland Park Golf Course Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham’s Youth Advisory Board presents its first night golf tournament.

Registration begins at 5 p.m. The tournament will start at 7 p.m.

Registration is $75 per golfer. For more information and registration, call 9395590.

Guests are encouraged to wear all black clothing. Tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple. For more information, call 918-3220 or email Julie Coop at julie.coop@cancer.org

HOOVER

Lake Crest Community Garage Sale Lake Crest This community garage sale will be held from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Approximately 50 families will participate. Red balloons and signs will be on display at each participating home and at three neighborhood entrance locations.

VESTAVIA HILLS

ROI Professional Networking Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce This free monthly networking meeting is on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30-8:30 a.m. For more information, email Betsy Frazer at betsyfrombham@gmail.com.

VESTAVIA HILLS

AARP Smart Driver Course Library in the Forest Anne Walker will lead a refresher course designed for older drivers in the library’s boardroom from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Those who complete the course may be eligible for an automobile insurance discount for up to three years.

Registration is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. For more information, call Walker at 637-6100.

BIRMINGHAM

NORTH SHELBY

Bark and Wine Inverness Country Club June 13 This dressy-casual fundraiser benefits the Shelby Humane Society. The event will last from 6-9 p.m. and includes a silent and live auction. Admission is $150. For more information, call 669-3916 or visit www.shelbyhumane.org.

Hats and Heels Tea Vulcan Park Girls Redefining Our Worth, a youth enrichment program for girls in grades 6-12, will host its summer tea fundraiser from 1-3 p.m. Hats are encouraged.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for ages 14 and under. All proceeds benefit the organization’s first youth conference in August. For more information, email growgirlss@gmail.com or call Autumn Cohn at 323-470-2293.

June 14

BIRMINGHAM

Art From the Heart B&A Warehouse The 26th annual benefit will raise funding for Studio by the Tracks. A live

auction will begin at 6 p.m. follow by a silent auction. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

June 13-14

HOOVER

information, call 268-3727 or email Sarah.Slay@protective.com.

June 18-20

NORTH SHELBY

Art in the Gardens Aldridge Gardens Some 60 local artisans will compete for in this juried open-air show. Entries include paintings, mixed media, jewelry, woodworking and more. The event is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, visit www.aldridgegardens. com.

National Sacred Harp Singing Convention First Christian Church This 36th annual convention will consist of shape note singing from the Sacred Harp Hymnal, originally published in 1844, from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. each day. A covered dish lunch will be included. The event is free. For more information, call 879-1909.

BIRMINGHAM

NORTH SHELBY

June 18

Real Estate Professionals for a Cause World of Beer Birmingham Real Estate Professionals will be the celebrity bartenders at this charitable networking event presented by Brides Against Breast Cancer. Proceeds will benefit the Health Support Network, which provides free cancer support services. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. For more information, call 941-921-5539.

June 19-20

walkabouts, train rides and more. All proceeds will benefit the zoo’s animals and educational programming. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 2-12. To purchase tickets, visit www.birminghamzoo.com/events/. ❖

Send About Town information to: editorial@otmj.com

COLLIER’S Nursery

It's tIme to

QuiltFest Oak Mountain Middle School The Birmingham Quilters Guild’s biennial event will feature a raffle, free demonstrations and more from 10 a.m.5 p.m. both days. Proceeds will benefit the Lakeshore Foundation Lima Foxtrot project. Admission is $7 for both days.

For more information, email Becky Blair at beckyblair53@yahoo.com.

Grill!

spring A SEASON FOR DIGGING, PLANTING AND

blooming

SAVE THE DATE

HOOVER

Protective Life IT Charity Golf Tournament Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley The tournament will begin at 1 p.m. and benefits First Light and the Firehouse Shelter. A putting contest will take place from 10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Admission begins at $85. For more

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

June 20 BIRMINGHAM

Zoo Brews and Full Moon Bar-B-Que Birmingham Zoo The zoo will host an event featuring music by The Whigs, food from Full Moon Bar-B-Que, beer, animal

e n j o y 11/ 2 w e l l - o r g a n i z e d a c r e s o f s h r u b s , trees, groundcovers, vines, herbs, veggies, perennials, and annuals as well as a knowledgeable, helpful staff

822 . 3133 M ON – S AT 9 - 5:30 . S UN 1 - 5 . 2904 O LD R OCKY R IDGE R D .

THINK OF IT AS

CRAFT BANKING

usameribank.com

ALIANT BANK IS NOW USAMERIBANK.

To: From:

The dependable bankers who proudly carried on Aliant Bank’s 115-year heritage of expert customer service are still here. Now, we offer the Date: added financial strength and convenient banking tools of USAmeriBank.

We’ve always been known for having the kind of passion for our profession and insistence on quality that you also see at your favorite custom tailor, artisan bakery, or craft brewery. It’s something we call craft banking: working harder to create handcrafted banking solutions that perfectly suit both your personal and professional goals.

USAmeriBank business banker Chase Hardy (pictured right) crafted a custom solution for retailer Kinnucan’s Specialty Outfitter. Now, KSO President Bobby Lake has a line of credit to acquire new inventory for three new retail locations.

Crestline 92 Euclid Avenue 205-408-2090

Mike Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 June 2014 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the June 12, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Meadowbrook/Hwy. 280 1100 Corporate Parkway 205-408-2000 Member FDIC

6 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Going the Distance

On a typical weekend, you can find Andy Martin tooling around on his silver Cannondale bicycle. He has a 17-mile route through his Greystone neighborhood and other routes he likes near McCalla. On a good week, Martin said, he rides between 70 and 100 miles.

But going for a ride on his bike isn’t all fun and games.

Martin, president of First Protective, a wholly owned subsidiary of Protective Life, bicycles to help manage his type 2 diabetes.

Four years ago, Martin was diagnosed with the disease, which runs in his family. His mother, father and brother have all been diagnosed with diabetes. Family history is one of the biggest risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

“I should have expected it,” Martin said. “My doctor was a little too nice. He kept saying I was doing OK, but I just needed to lose a little weight. What he should have said was I was doing OK for someone with pre-diabetes.”

Once diagnosed, Martin was determined to keep the disease from ruling his life, he said. Along with his family, he made changes to his diet.

“We’re very carb conscious,” Martin said. “We avoid processed foods. We eat a lot of whole foods and no sugars.”

High fructose corn syrup and refined flour have also been eliminated from his diet, he said.

Martin lost 20 to 30 pounds, limited his alcohol intake and ratcheted up his cardiovascular exercise, including cycling. He now tries to log four to five rides each week.

“The tour is a very encouraging event for riders of all levels,” Martin said. “It is a fun way to support a great cause and promote diabetes awareness in our community.”

Martin now is training for the Tour de Cure, set for June 13 in Montevallo. The ride is held by the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness and money towards a cure for the disease. All of the money raised by the Alabama Tour de Cure stays in Alabama in the form of research grants to UAB and Auburn University.

Registration is $25, and the fundraising minimum is $200.

For more information and registration, visit www.diabetes.org/touralabama. ❖

SHE SUCCESSFULLY PLAYED THE SAME PRANK ON HER MOTHER THREE TIMES IN A SINGLE DAY AND REMAINS CONFIDENT SHE COULD DO IT AGAIN.

and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

Photos special to the Journal

Greystone Man Rides to Help Manage His Diabetes

Andy Martin, who is in training for the June 13 Tour de Cure, uses cycling as a method to manage his type 2 diabetes.

From left, front: Carlton Posey Fountain, Emily Eddleman Saunders, Miller Beale Girvin and Ashley Andrews Jackson. Back: Sarah Norville Peinhardt, Madison Whatley Merrill, Mary Cox Brown, Beverly Long Crawford and Rebecca Morris Wise.

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

Photos special to the Journal

C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

Ballet Guild Honors Leaders, Installs New Officers The Ballet Guild of Birmingham recently honored its 2014-15 officers.

The outgoing officers were thanked for their work on the Ball of Roses, which was held May 30. The event supports the Alabama Ballet.

Outgoing officers include Rebecca Morris Wise, president; Miller Beale Girvin, executive vice president; Sarah Norville Peinhardt, ball chairman and vice president; Mary Cox Brown, ball co-chairman and vice president; Sims OTMJ_COA_HeadlineAd_prank.indd 1

4/23/15 12:27 PM

Garcia Norman, recording secretary; Taylor Cooper, corresponding secretary; Emily Murdoch Menendez, guild treasurer; Ashley Andrews Jackson, ball treasurer; Elizabeth Welden Winger, committee secretary; and Grace Long Kipp, parliamentarian.

The Guild also elected its 2015-2016 officers.

Incoming officers include Miller Beale Girvin, president; Ashley Andrews Jackson, executive vice president;

Carlton Posey Fountain, committee secretary; Emily Eddleman Saunders, guild treasurer; Sarah Norville Peinhardt, member-at-large; Madison Whatley Merrill, recording secretary; Mary Cox Brown, ball chairman and vice president; Beverly Long Crawford, ball co-chairman and vice president; Rebecca Morris Wise, parliamentarian; Taylor Cooper, ball treasurer; and Mary Frances McDougald Somerall, corresponding secretary. ❖

Photos special to the Journal

Cohen Named Canterbury UMC Senior Minister

From left, front: Ryan Guillory, Andrew Hare and Frank Cattlelane. Back: Ricky DeFilippo, William Fieno and Hampton Irvine.

Hoover Cub Scouts Mark End of Busy Year Cub Pack 326 members and their families celebrated the culmination of an adventurous and informative scout year May 3, with 100 percent advancement of all scouts to their next rank.

Bear Scout Hampton Irvine advanced to Webelos-1. Wolf Scout Ricky DeFilippo advanced to Bear.

Tiger Scouts Frank Cattlelane, William Fieno, Ryan Guillory and Andrew Hare advanced to Wolf.

Webelos-2 Scouts Sanchez Hines and Christopher Karg were advanced to Boy Scout and moved up to Scout Troop 226.

Throughout the school year, the scouts learned about and put to use family and community service values; natural resources conservation; personal health, fitness and safety skills and scientific achievements.

They also completed more than 43 specialized academic, athletic and scientific achievements.

Pack 326 scouts participated in overnight camping, community cleanup and outreach projects, river rafting on the Hiwassee River, a fishing rodeo, a Cub Scout safari at the Birmingham Zoo and a weekend Scout Fest camporee at Camp Mallard.

They also marched in the Birmingham Veterans Day parade; received a special behind-the-scenes tour of Alabama 13, the McWane Center and Hoover fire station; had one-onone time with the Harlem Globetrotters; slept overnight on the USS Alabama BB-60; and attended several recognition ceremonies.

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 7

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

presented DeRamus with the award at the Buddy Walk on Washington conference April 14 and 15 in Washington, D.C. More than 150 people from across the country gathered for the event to advocate for legislative priorities that will positively impact the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families.

Ashley DeRamus DeRamus, who has Down syndrome, also operates Ashley by Design, a clothing line tailored to fit women of many body types, including those with Down syndrome. The clothing is available online at www. ashleybydesign.com and at select retail locations.

For the first time in 12 years, Canterbury United Methodist Church has a new senior minister.

The North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church has announced the appointment of Rev. Dale Cohen as senior minister of the Mountain Brook church.

Cohen brings more than 32 years of experience to the position, having served in the UMC’s North Alabama Conference since June 1983.

He will officially begin his assignment at Canterbury June 10. His first sermon series, “The Road Ahead,” will begin June 14.

Cohen was the churchplanting founder and pastor of Discovery United Methodist Church in Hoover during Dale Cohen the 1990s.

He also was an associate minister at Trinity United Methodist in Homewood.

For the past five years, Cohen has been district superintendent in the UMC’s Northeast District in the Huntsville area.

“There is something different about what I call ‘the rhythm of day-to-day life in a congregation,’” Cohen said.

“I’ve missed that, and I’m really looking forward to getting back to that rhythm, and to do that at a great church like Canterbury is an honor.”

Cohen said he is looking forward to working with the staff and lay leadership of Canterbury.

“My primary responsibility as a pastor is to help everyone around me to grow in their relationship with God and in their ability to contribute to the

kingdom of God,” he said. “I like to inspire and challenge people to do great things -- and specifically to do the great things that God is calling them to do.”

Canterbury’s immediate past senior minister will join the North Alabama

Cabinet as the district superintendent of the South Central District, which counts Canterbury among its 52 churches. ❖

JUNE

20 2015

DeRamus Receives Champion of Change National Award Hoover resident Ashley DeRamus, founder of the Ashley DeRamus Foundation, is the recipient of the National Down Syndrome Society’s Self-Advocate of the Year Champion of Change Award.

The Ashley DeRamus Foundation is a Birmingham-based charity founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality lifestyle of children and adults with Down syndrome.

U.S. Rep. Dr. Dan Benishek

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Photos special to the Journal

8 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

From left: Margery Whatley, Chapter T STAR scholarship chairman; Deborah Van Camp; and Jennifer Kopf, Chapter T president.

Can You Find Local Photographer’s Work on Bottle?

Vestavia Senior Wins STAR Scholarship

By Lee Davis

it all the time,” she said. “It seems that a lot of people are looking for (the labeled bottles).

The main thing is that it’s just a lot of fun.”

So how do Durham’s children – now 12 and 9 – feel about the Jones Bottle craze?

“They think it’s pretty cool,” Durham said.

“They were so young when the photo was taken. I think it’s a good memory for them.”

Durham had established herself as a topnotch pro photographer long before ever contacting Jones Soda Company. She had worked in the fashion industry and was an art director for a magazine publisher before launching her own photography business 12 years ago.

Since then, she has been published in Birmingham Magazine, Alabama Weddings, the Huffington Post and many other websites and publications. Her top clients include

‘The picture was pure summer joy. The kids had their mouths open and were laughing. It embodied everything that kids and summer are supposed to be about.’

Children’s of Alabama, the Bruno Event Team and the Southeastern Conference. She recently shot the Regions Tradition Golf Tournament and a press conference featuring World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Deontay Wilder.

She also specializes in engagement, wedding and family photography.

“All those years of working with images for catalogs and editorial layouts, I became amazed at the power of an image to tell a story,” Durham said. “So I began taking classes and working with other photographers to learn the skill.”

Durham has developed her photography skills so well that bottles carrying the photo of her kids may be the most sought-after product locally since Cabbage Patch Kids. ❖

Aviation Artist’s Work Chosen for International Exhibit Vestavia Hills artist Walt Costilow, a member of the American Society of Aviation Artists, has been honored with the acceptance of his work in the ASAA 2015 International Aerospace Art Exhibition.

The exhibition is at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force gallery in Savannah, Ga. Costilow was one of 32 artists from around the world whose work was selected from over 100 entries.

The display opened May 12 and runs through Aug. 28. His work, “Showtime,” depicts World War II Navy SNJ (T-6) training aircraft.

American Society of Aviation Artists members are selected by a group of their peers on the basis of their demonstrated abilities and experience.

Costilow has been an ASAA member since 2003.

Heather Durham

Photos courtesy Heather Durham

Local consumers of the popular Jones Cola brand now have yet another reason to purchase their favorite beverage.

There might be someone they know on the bottle.

The story began more than a year ago when Heather Durham, a professional photographer from Vestavia Hills, submitted a photo for use by the Jones Soda Company, which produces a line of specialty soft drinks, non-carbonated beverages and other flavored drinks. The company has a long-standing tradition of choosing a small selection of candid black and white photographs submitted from around the world to feature in promotions and to use on labels of the product containers themselves.

Durham thought she had a photo that would be perfect for Jones Soda. Several years earlier, she had taken a picture of her children, Olivia and Luke, who were ages 6 and 3 respectively at the time, playing on a Slip ’N Slide in the family front yard.

“The picture was pure summer joy,” Durham said. “The kids had their mouths open and were laughing. It embodied everything that kids and summer are supposed to be about.

“I decided to send it in and see what happened.”

As good as the photo was, the odds of it being selected seemed small since thousands of images are submitted annually. A short time later, Durham’s photographer’s intuition proved correct. The soda company contacted her to say that the photo was to be used for a promotional advertisement.

That was impressive enough, but Durham got even better news a few weeks ago. Labels bearing the photo would be featured on random Jones Soda bottles and six packs that are for sale at retail outlets.

“They sent me a letter along with some sample labels in the mail,” Durham said. “It was so exciting, knowing that out of all the submissions, the photo of my kids was going to be on some of the bottles.”

Ever the entrepreneur, Durham came up with a unique way to use the bottles to promote her photography business.

“The first person to find the bottles with the photo in the stores and bring me a six pack will get a free mini-photo session within metro Birmingham,” she said.

Durham said interest in the bottles and labels has been overwhelming.

“I’m getting texts, calls and emails about

The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was recently presented to Deborah Van Camp, a senior at Vestavia Hills High School.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood is an international philanthropic and educational organization which promotes increased educational opportunities for women.

The STAR scholarship is open to young women.

The recipient is selected based on excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, academics and the potential for future success.

Van Camp was recommended for the scholarship by P.E.O. Chapter T of Birmingham.

She will attend the University of Florida in the fall where she plans to study animal sciences with a focus on equine studies.

She is the daughter of Steven and Julia Van Camp.

A World War II Navy aircraft, painted by Walt Costilow.

Send people news to editorial@otmj.com

Supporting Safe Swimming Leadership Vestavia, YMCA Team up to Offer Free Lessons

By Emily Williams According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury fatalities in the United States. And of the 10 people who die every day from unintentional drowning, two are children ages 14 and younger.

To combat these statistics, Leadership Vestavia Hills collaborated with the Vestavia Hills YMCA to create a weeklong swim safety program.

The event was from April 13-17 and provided community children with free 30-minute swim lessons with professional instructors.

Andy Gray, aquatics and childcare director for the Vestavia Hills facility, said that at the height of program attendance, they saw close to 90 children receiving free lessons from some 12 instructors.

Gray -- along with Susan Becker, Vestavia YMCA branch director; Michelle Varnell, Mountain Brook YMCA childcare director; and Jennifer Dave of the Pelham YMCA -- worked closely with a Leadership Vestavia

‘These days, there are pools everywhere.

Everyone goes to the lake. Everyone goes to the beach. It doesn’t matter what your income is or where you live, you’re going to be around water.’ Andy Gray Hills team headed by Brooks Harris to develop and advertise the program.

“It was exciting,” Gray said. “This was the first time we’ve ever done anything like this in the Vestavia community.”

Gray said that following the weeklong program, the YMCA team met with the Leadership Vestavia team for a debrief. As they reviewed the registration forms, they noticed that the program had reached children outside of the Vestavia Hills community, he said.

“The majority of the people did come from Vestavia, but we did have one person coming all the way from the area out by the airport,” Gray said.

“We also had a handful of people coming from the Hoover area.”

The downtown Birmingham YMCA holds a similar program every summer, serving over 500 children with its Learn to Swim program. But because the Vestavia branch is smaller and unable to accommodate a larger crowd, Gray said the focus of its program was on Vestavia area children.

“You’ve got to think, out of those 90 children we taught how to swim - especially during the summer when we serve over 500 children - we saved at least one of them from drowning,” Gray said.

Gray said that, depending on each child’s skill level and willingness to learn how to swim, private swimming

lessons can end up costing hundreds of dollars. The high cost is one of the many factors, Gray said, that deter parents from obtaining swimming lessons for their children.

“You can read the statistics,” Gray said. “It’s shocking how many kids don’t know how to swim. It’s not only kids but parents.”

In order to get more parents involved in swim safety, the Greater Birmingham YMCA will be offering a Learn to Swim program specifically for adults June 22-26, Gray said. It’s just as important for adults to learn how to swim because the activity is so common, he said.

“These days, there are pools everywhere,” Gray said. “Everyone goes to the lake. Everyone goes to the beach.

It doesn’t matter what your income is or where you live, you’re going to be around water.”

Especially during the summer, when temperatures are rising and people are traveling, drowning is always a concern and very often goes unnoticed, making it a silent killer, Gray said.

“It’s not like in the movies where children are raising their hands and screaming for help,” he said. “They go under, and they go under quick.”

Many private swimming pools and apartment complex facilities don’t have lifeguards on duty at all times, so it’s important for parents and children to be aware of the dangers of the water.

“A lot of the time, parents are right there,” Gray said. “They could be reading a magazine, talking or just do not realize that the child is drowning.”

Because parents can’t keep their eyes on their children 24 hours a day, teaching a child to swim -- or even teaching them to be less afraid -- will ultimately make the pool environment a safer place, he said.

“Our primary focus, before we even get into working on technique and all of that, is to teach kids how to float on their back,” Gray said. “So if they fall in, they can just float on their back.”

During swim lessons, Gray said, instructors frequently come into contact with children who are terrified of the water, which causes them to panic and inhibits their ability to stay afloat.

A good time to get a child acclimated to the water is during bath time. Gray suggested that parents try to get kids to blow bubbles in the water or float on their backs in the tub.

“A lot of the time, when they get the water in their ears, they aren’t used to that,” Gray said. “So when they lie on their back, as soon as they get their ears wet, they start panicking.”

The more children know about the water, he said, the easier it will be to teach them how to swim.

After the success of the first-ever Leadership Vestavia Hills Swim Safety program, Gray said that Vestavia Hills YMCA is looking forward to the possibility of extending the program.

For more information on the Vestavia Hills YMCA, visit www. ymcabham.org/vestavia. ❖

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 9

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Photos by Lynn Grisard Fullman

10 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

summer fun

Backyard Fun A day of sunshine and a glide across placid waters are all in a summer’s day at Oak Mountain State Park. Below, a bust of our nation’s first president is included in a fascinating collection at the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington in Columbiana.

Look around you and you’ll find museums – to art, to sports greats, to civil rights history, to motorcycles, to exploring science – right in your own backyard.

By Lynn Grisard Fullman Don’t let anyone fool you by calling your town “Boringham” because it just isn’t so.

Look around you, and you’ll find museums – from art to sports greats to Civil Rights history to motorcycles to exploring science – right in your own backyard.

You likely know about the city’s zoo, botanical gardens, towering statue of Vulcan, Railroad Park, ballpark and waterpark – so consider what else may be going on this summer.

Admission is free at the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington located in the Mildred B. Harrison Regional Library in Columbiana.

Showcasing items from the colonial period through 1865, the collection includes paintings, letters, furniture, porcelain, glassware, silver, jewelry, busts, and a favorite, Martha Washington’s prayer book, printed in New York in 1783. Also at the museum are writing instruments and tools from George Washington’s survey case and an original tintype depicting a uniform-wearing Robert E. Lee. The museum is open on weekdays only.

Columbiana has several good restaurants, so plan to make a day of your outing as you remember the nation’s first president and explore one of the state’s best kept secrets.

Details: www.washingtonmuseum.com/ or 669-8767.

Sprawling over almost 10,000 acres, Oak Mountain State Park just south of Birmingham is a playground available for a small park admission price.

In the state’s largest park, you can mountain

bike, hike along some 50 miles of trails, cable ski, rent boats, play basketball, attend nature programs, explore Peavine Falls, golf on an 18-hole course and driving range, bask along a beach, swim, fish, picnic, visit a demonstration farm and go horseback riding.

The park’s Red Trail is included on the International Mountain Biking Association’s list of EPIC rides. The park also features a pump track and BMX course.

Details: www.alapark.com/oak-mountainstate-park Recently opened at McWane Science Center in downtown Birmingham, the $5 million Itty Bitty Magic City learning project includes Main Street with a grocery store, fire station, auto garage, diner, home and more.

The project’s 1,500-square-foot climbing structure is a favorite with children who get to romp and climb at the new exhibit, which officials expect will draw some 70,000 visitors during its first year.

Details: www.mcwane.org In nearby Vance, the Mercedes-Benz auto plant has unveiled a $3 million, newly-redesigned Visitors Center that showcases Mercedes’ 128-year history, which includes the automaker’s two decades in Alabama. On display are everything from vintage cars to the most recent models. Plant tours (age restrictions apply) allow visitors to see autos in the making.

Details: www.mbusi.com/ visitor-center With the third longest golf course in the world, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa has been named the No. 1 Marriott or Renaissance hotel in North America for golf satisfaction. Wow! And that’s right here at home. (Four of the top five-ranked sites are located along the state’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.)

With its challenging play and rolling hills, Ross Bridge draws visitors from around the world; many are drawn to the RTJ Golf Trail that opened 23 years ago and is the largest golf course construction project ever attempted. If you want to play more RTJ-designed courses in Alabama, you’ll find plenty of possibilities as the trail now has 468 championship holes on 26

courses at 11 sites across the state.

Details: .marriott.com/hotels/travel/bhmhvrenaissance-birmingham-ross-bridge-golf-resortand-spa/ Speaking of golf, if you want to make it a getaway right at home, plan to stay overnight at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel, which allows its guests to golf at the nearby Riverchase Country Club, which normally is a members-only club. Hotel guests also have access to the club’s dining options and tennis courts. Rounds of golf are $50 and include cart, tax and transportation to the club. The hotel also offers a Riverchase Golf Escape Package.

Details: www.wynfrey.regency.hyatt.com Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark will be the setting July 18 and 19 for the Sloss Music and Arts Festival that will include a trio of stages accommodating more than 30 acts, including indie and alternative rock, Americana and folk, hip-hop and electronica.

As you might expect in this foodie town, food will abound with upscale options from local award-winning chefs. Also planned are art and artisanal activities and iron-pouring demonstrations from the Sloss Metal Arts Program.

Details: www.slossfest.com Barber Motorsports Park will host the top SuperBike racers in North America June 12-14 during the MotoAmerica (AMA/FIM) SuperBike Challenge.

In addition to two full days of racing for the SuperBike, Superstock 1000, Supersport and Superstock 600 classes, there will be additional races.

Fans can get an up-close look at teams – and request autographs – when the paddock is open.

Vendors and food also are planned for the weekend.

Barber Motorsports Museum will be open throughout the weekend, so plan to explore there as well.

Details: www.barbermotorsports.com Even if you’ve visited in the past, don’t overlook the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (bcri.org/index.html) and adjacent Sixteenth Street Baptist Church (www.cr.nps.gov/nr/ travel/civilrights/al11.htm) where four young girls died in a Sunday morning bombing. A memorial nook at the church remembers the girls and the 1963 bombing. Adjacent to the

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A young visitor looks from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to Sixteenth Street Baptist Church where four young girls died in a bombing.

Institute is Kelly Ingram Park, where protesters once gathered and where statues recall key events of the movement.

On June 6, the Institute will host its 20th annual Juneteenth Culture Festival at the park. The admission-free, family-oriented event, slated for 11 a.m.-8 p.m., will include music, food vendors, contests, free admission to BCRI galleries and other special activities.

The event will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth, which celebrates the ending of slavery.

Birmingham’s celebration focuses on African-American freedom, and liberty and justice for all cultures.

Details: 328-9696 ext. 234 or www.bcri.org.

Now see, Birmingham is anything but boring. You can learn more from the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau: 458-8000 or birminghamal.org/ ❖

Fun in Sweet Home Alabama Oh, the promise of summer: backpacks tossed aside. Year-end class parties over.

Little League sports winding down. And nothing ahead except a stretch of carefree days, full of hope and promise.

As summer begins, thoughts race to how these days might be spent: at the beach. In a hammock. Exploring a museum. Climbing a mountain. Prancing on sandy beaches. Oh, so much to do.

If you’re looking for ways to spend summer days, look no further than sweet home Alabama, where the possibilities are boundless.

As you make plans, consider all that Alabama holds. Below are a few possibilities: SOUTH ALABAMA

Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, The Wharf in Orange Beach plans “100 Days of Summer” with Kids’ Night on Wednesday evenings from 6-10 p.m. The free event will take place in Palm Plaza next to the Ferris wheel. Expect to find such fun as bouncy houses, face painting and hair wraps.

Also at The Wharf, Sunset Fest will be held on Thursdays from 5-10 p.m. with street performers and other activities in Marlin Circle, where live bands will perform beginning at 7 p.m., the same time that Wharf bars and restaurants plan music and food and drink specials.

Details: www.alwharf.com/news.php Don’t expect to be alone, however, when visiting Baldwin County and its beach cities. Last year the area savored another record year for tourism, attracting 5.7 million visitors.

For details on all there is to see and do along Alabama’s coast, visit www. gulfshores.com.

MONTGOMERY

Visitors to the state capital now have a new perspective, thanks to a new bike rental program. Sponsored by Regions Bank, Capital Cool Cruisers offers the use of four bright-green bicycles.

Rent a bike ($14/two hours, $20/four hours, $30/eight hours) and explore downtown’s historic sites, restaurants and other attractions.

Available Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., rentals include a helmet, basket, visibility lights and bike lock. Age restrictions apply.

Other possible ways to explore downtown, short of driving around in your own vehicle, include Blake’s Segway Tours and 90-minute Meet Montgomery Gem Car tours.

Reservations are required; all three begin and end at the Montgomery Visitor Center, 300 Water St. in downtown Montgomery.

Details: visitingmontgomery.com.

AUBURN/OPELIKA

Photos by Lynn Grisard Fullman

If you miss being in Auburn for the fall gridiron clashes, not to worry: You can visit there this summer – and enjoy some family-friendly perks at the Auburn/Opelika Marriott, where Camp Soaring Summer will offer free experiences for hotel guests and diners.

The free program -- which continues through Aug. 30 – includes such options as weekly shows with the Southeastern Raptor Program, pool games, tennis, campfires and live music.

The eagles often seen flying before Auburn football games will soar in person on Thursdays at 4 p.m.

Dive-in movies in the pool area will be shown on Friday and Saturday nights at the property, where guests find world-class golf, tennis, pools and other amenities.

Adult beverage tastings will showcase locally-produced favorites (think John Emerald Distilling, High Ridge Spirits

Alabama’s beaches, which drew record crowds last year, will continue to appeal to travelers seeking fun in the sun.

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 11

summer fun

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

and Red Clay Brewing).

Details on Camp Soaring Summer: 334-741-9292 or www. marriottgrandnational.com. For ideas for other places to visit in Auburn and nearby Opelika, go to www.aotourism. com.

Other attractions worth a visit include Helen Keller’s birthplace, Indian Mound, Pope’s Tavern, the Coon Dog Cemetery and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Rosenbaum House.

Details: Florence/Lauderdale Tourism, www.visitflorenceal.com.

EUFAULA

MOBILE

In Eufaula, you can stroll sidewalklaced streets lined with columned homes and accented with moss-draped trees. The historic downtown area has quaint shops and several eateries.

With a 101-room lodge (which was renovated several years ago), cabins (with two and four bedrooms) and campsites, nearby Lakepoint State Park Resort sprawls along 45,000-acre Lake Eufaula, which has earned a reputation as “the largemouth bass capital of the world.” Sink a line here, and you likely won’t be disappointed. The lake is what summer days were made for.

The 1,220-acre park has appeals for every age -- picnic areas, a swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course, hiking trails, playgrounds and a marina. Be on the lookout and you may spot American alligators, songbirds and raptors, including ospreys, which are common in the park, a stop on Alabama’s Wiregrass Birding Trail.

Details: www.alapark.com/lakepointstate-park

In the state’s oldest city, the nearly 75-year-old Admiral Semmes Hotel in downtown Mobile later this year will have completed a multimillion-dollar remodel that will result in a sophisticated

boutique hotel and a future Curio Collection by Hilton.

The hotel, which already is renting newly-remodeled rooms, expects to open the first of two restaurants, Corner 251, in mid-June 2015. Later this year, the Hilton status should go into effect, so HHonor members could receive Hilton Honors points.

Details: www.admiralsemmeshotel. com/ For suggestions on seeing Mobile’s many attractions, go to http://www. mobile.org/

So many places, so little time – but all accessible in a day’s drive. So what are you waiting for? Gas up and go.

Memories are waiting to be made in your sweet home, Alabama.

For more possibilities for places to explore, visit the Alabama Tourism Department’s website: www.alabama. travel.

Based in Vestavia Hills, Lynn Grisard Fullman is a professional writer who has contributed to newspapers, magazines and blogs. Follow her on Twitter @ lynnfullman.

“We bought a house for our horse.”

NORTH ALABAMA

North Alabama provides enough to keep you there for days. Consider, for instance, visiting the childhood home of Helen Keller or the home of W.C. Handy.

In search of the state’s role in making music, don’t overlook Muscle Shoals, the only Alabama destination in the newly-launched Americana Music Triangle that spans more than 30 communities along the “Gold Record Road” (Natchez Trace Parkway, Interstate 10, U.S. Highway 90, U.S, Highway 61 and Interstate 40).

A collaboration of cultural attractions across the South, the project was three years in the making and included a multi-state team of historians, musicians, tourism professionals and digital media experts. The undertaking hopes to launch a global grassroots movement for American music tourism and build an online community dedicated to the Triangle’s culture and history.

Details: www.americanamusictriangle. com Swampette Trolley Tours focus on the Shoals area’s music heritage venues.

While the trolley tours vary a bit, each includes visits to such sites as the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, FAME Studios and 3614 Jackson Highway, home to Muscle Shoals Sound Studios.

The tours are led by Judy “Swampette” Hood, wife of bass player David Hood, one of the famous Swampers, a group of session musicians who crafted the Muscle Shoals Sound.

Tours – slated for June 6, July 11, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3 and Nov. 7 -begin at the Florence/Lauderdale Visitor Center, 200 Jim Spain Drive. You’ll need reservations (256-740-4141) for the tours, which are $35 per person.

Recently featured in the New York Times, Tom’s Wall is a memorial to Tom Hendrix’s great-great-grandmother, who walked back to Florence after being banished during the Trail of Tears.

Apartment life didn’t work well for Ellie, the eighteen-month-old Great Dane of Jaclyn and Joerdan Simpson. The couple, both from Nashville, met in college at Samford. Their careers took them to Georgia, but an opportunity to move back to Birmingham allowed them to work with Michelle Creamer of ARC Realty to buy their first home. “Both our families came in to town to help shop,” says Jaclyn. “It was a whirlwind. Michelle did an awesome job managing our crowd.” Joerdan says buying a home was a great decision. “We plan to be here awhile, and this process has been a great experience.”

Michelle loves helping families settle in Birmingham. “The Simpsons have made wonderful updates to their first home together. With interest rates at historic lows, this is a great time to buy a house!”

A Relationship Company 4274 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35243 • 205.969.8910

www.arcrealtyco.com Michelle Creamer • (205) 999-8164 • mcreamer@arcrealtyco.com

12 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Fantastic Voyage Vestavia’s Shirley Martin Continues Long Writing Career

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

By Emily Williams

Jack and Suzanne Mann met at the Virginia Samford Theatre over 50 years ago during a production of “The Music Man.” Now, they are both involved in the theater’s latest production of the show.

The Music Mann Birmingham Actor Directs New Production of Favorite Musical

By Kaitlin Candelaria Jack Mann has spent a lifetime developing talent. Retired from Alagasco in an employee devolopment role, he has also spent more than fifty years in local theater acting and directing. He and his wife, Suzanne are well known throughout Birmingham’s fine arts community.

Their love is fitting considering they fell in love on stage during a production of “The Music Man” over 50 years ago.

“When I graduated from BirminghamSouthern, one of my mentors persuaded me against my will to go to Town and Gown Theatre and be in a production of ‘The Music Man’ with him,” Mann said. “I agreed, and during the rehearsal process I met this cute young girl. This past year, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. The two of us have spent 52 years in and out of that theater, which is now called the Virginia Samford Theatre.”

Now 75, Mann is directing the Virginia Samford Theatre’s latest version of “The Music Man,” premiering June 18 and running through July 5. Suzanne will be taking over the role of Mrs. Paroo.

“This is my first time directing (‘The Music Man’), and I’m having a ball,” Mann said. “It’s a huge cast. Suzanne and I are the oldest people in the company. Most of our closest friends are as result of our theater involvement.”

Mann’s interest in the theater began during his middle school years in Mobile. One of his fondest theater memories to this day is landing the starring role of Amahl in “Amahl and the

Night Visitors” in seventh grade, he said.

Although his interest in theater as an extracurricular activity continued throughout high school and college, Mann ultimately found himself majoring in English and landing a teaching job at Phillips High School in Birmingham.

“In the 1970s, Suzanne and I, along with Jim and Cathy Rye Gilmore and Boots Carroll, started a cabaret theater group on Morris Avenue called ‘The Wits’ Other End’ that ran for a number of years,” Mann said. “It was sort of like a Southern ‘Saturday Night Live.’ In the midst of this, all of us had full-time jobs and families. We alternated having babies, going to graduate school and serving in the armed forces, but overall our lives centered around theater.”

“The Music Man” was written by Meredith Wilson and has won five Tony awards.

The show will feature Kyle Holman and Kristi Tingle Higginbotham. Tickets are $30-$35 and can be purchased at www. virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Mann also has been on boards for organizations such as the Birmingham Music Club, Birmingham Boys Choir, Birmingham Festival Theatre, Birmingham Children’s Theatre and more. In addition, he regularly participated in community theater productions not only with the Virginia Samford Theatre but other community theaters in the Over the Mountain area.

He and his wife taught classes in acting and public speaking at universities such as Jefferson State Community College and UAB throughout the years.

“Everything just kept rolling along,” Mann said. “We’re constantly involved in some level in some aspect in theater. Even when we’re taking time off, we’re anticipating being involved in some other theatrical enterprise down the road. It keeps us young.”

Mann is looking forward to this newest rendition of “The Music Man,” he said.

“First of all, it’s got such a broad spectrum of talent,” Mann said. “We have little kids and people who are as old as me. It’s working with people I know and people that I’m getting to know in an artistic enterprise where everyone has an opportunity to have fun and grow.

Theater is far too difficult to do if you can’t have fun and enjoy it, but at the same time you have to temper that with theater discipline.”

Mann said theater along with family is what has kept him active as his age climbs.

“It’s what keeps us interesting,” Mann said.

“The main thing I tell people is to never think about retiring from something, but to instead think of retiring to something.” ❖

Shirley Martin, a resident of Vestavia Hills, began writing in the early 1980s. As she enters her 80s, Martin is continuing her career as an author of romance novels and novellas.

Martin was born near Pittsburgh and attended the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in history and minoring in social studies. After graduating in 1956, Martin taught school for one year before becoming a Miami-based Eastern Airlines flight attendant.

It was in Florida that Martin met and married her husband, raised three sons and began her career as a writer of romance novels.

“I’ve always been very imaginative,” Martin said. “Sometime in the early ’80s, I took a course in creative writing. I started with essays, poems and short stories. One day, I asked the teacher, ‘What would you think if I tried to write a novel?’ and she said, ‘Sure, go ahead.’ So I did.”

Martin said she has always read romance novels and found that through her writing she was able to find an outlet for her creativity.

“When I was much younger, I knew my mother could do so many creative things like sewing, knitting and so on,” Martin said.

“Something about my coordination -- I just couldn’t do it.”

While reading a history of her hometown of Pittsburgh, Martin came up with the idea to make western Pennsylvania the setting for her first novel, “Destined to Love,” she said.

“I read about all of the people who were captured by the Indians during the French and Indian War,” Martin said. “So I had the idea that the heroine was captured by the Indians and taken to live in a native American village.”

Martin has used western Pennsylvania as the setting for a number of her novels and novellas.

“I miss Pittsburgh,” Martin said. “I love the people, and I love the weather. When I grew up there, it was the steel industry. When you were going to Pittsburgh, you could smell it as soon as you got there.”

After successfully completing a few history novels, Martin moved on to paranormal and fantasy fiction writing. She said that history novels, due to the amount of research she had to conduct, would take her more than six months to complete.

“With fantasy, you don’t have to do much research,” Martin said. “You can just let your mind run wild.”

Martin now is finishing a fantasy novella.

With four more chapters left to be written, Martin said, she has a case of writer’s block.

“When I’m stuck, I’ll write down all of the possible things that could happen to the characters,” she said.

If that method doesn’t cure her block, Martin said she usually takes to the streets for motivation.

“It must be something about fresh air to

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 13

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Shirley Martin began writing historical romance novels in the early 1980s and continues to write romantic fantasy novellas from her home in Vestavia Hills.

Kirkwood by the River admissions coordinators from left: Sandi Hall, Marketing Director; Sarah Sexton, Outreach Coordinator and Sara Scott, Admissions Coordinator.

Kirkwood by the River

Journal photo by Emily Williams

Kirkwood by the River is celebrating their 35th Anniversary year in style with beautification projects across the community. From freshening all Independent Living hallways with new paint and carpet to updating the Beeson Chapel, which was dedicated in memory of Mrs. Ralph W. Beeson in 1980, many of the public spaces have been rejuvenated this spring.

In addition to the hallways and Chapel, Kirkwood by the River has chosen select one, two and three bedroom apartments to receive a total renovation by Rives

‘One thing I’ve learned -- and I believe just about all writers do this -- is that you start by making goals, motivation and conflict.

What does your character want? Why does she want it? What’s keeping her from getting it? Once you have answered those questions, you can build around them.’

Construction. These luxury apartments feature an open-concept kitchen and living space with a table-height kitchen bar, high-end appliances, plenty of cabinet space and beautiful granite countertops.

These apartments also include fully remodeled, handicap-accessible bathrooms that offer as much comfort as they do style and appeal.

This summer, Kirkwood will reveal the new spaces with a preview event. If you are interested in more details about Kirkwood by the River and the newly remodeled apartments, please contact Sandi Hall at 205-862-0305 or shall@kirkwoodbytheriver.com.

Coming Summer 2015

In celebration of our 35th Anniversary, Kirkwood by the River will reveal updates throughout the community including select one, two and three bedroom apartments that have received a total renovation!

Shirley Martin

the brain,” said Martin. “But it’s quite often that I’ll take a walk outside and right away I think, ‘That’s it. This is what I have to do.’”

Martin said her best advice for aspiring writers is to keep a tight schedule.

“Set a certain time every day that you are going to write and, unless an emergency comes up, do it,” she said. “Even if you can’t think of anything, just try to write.”

In order to begin writing, Martin said she selects a specific set of questions that must be answered. Martin said she asks herself, “What do you want the reader to know?”

“One thing I’ve learned -- and I believe just about all writers do this -- is that you start by making goals, motivation and conflict,” Martin said. “What does your character want? Why does she want it? What’s keeping her from getting it? Once you have answered those questions, you can build around them.”

Martin also said she finds it important to get feedback on her writing. While living in Miami, Martin belonged to a critique group where she was able to give feedback to others and receive suggestions on her own

writing.

“I knew a woman when I went to a critique group,” Martin said. “She was trying to write four or five different books at the same time, and she didn’t finish any of them.”

Martin said the woman’s experience taught her to stick to one project at a time but also not to spend too much time on the story if it isn’t working. Her rule is to ditch an idea if it cannot be completed within two years.

Martin’s current goal for her writing is to finish the remaining four chapters of her fantasy novella and then move on to the next idea.

“I’ve grown as a writer, but I also don’t think I could write my earlier novels today,” she said. “Now, I would like to write a fantasy novella once every six months.”

Martin’s works - as well as her most recent novel, “Dream Weaver,” published in 2013 - are available for purchase electronically through Amazon. Printed versions of her books are available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. ” ❖

We Welcome you to join our family!

Independent Living • Assisted Living Memory Care Assisted Living Skilled Nursing • Medicare Rehab

A Ministry of Independent Presbyterian Church Birmingham, AL

For more information contact: Sandi Hall 205-862-0305

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14 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u homewood

By Kaitlin Candelaria The Homewood City Council voted at its May 18 meeting to rezone 2814 Linden Ave. to an institutional district despite stringent opposition from business owners in the area.

The 6-3 decision will allow the Cathedral Church of the Advent to create a satellite at the location previously zoned as a central business district property.

According to church officials, the new location will be used mainly before or after regular business hours for activities such as Bible studies.

The main campus of the Cathedral Church of the Advent is in downtown Birmingham, but the church has additional satelite locations in the Five Points area of Birmingham and in

‘Our experience in Mountain Brook has been that it’s brought people to the area who in turn frequent the restaurants and coffee shops and things like that.’ Britt Thames Mountain Brook. The church will not renew its lease in Mountain Brook pending its move to Homewood.

According to Homewood city officials, the church will have at least partial use of 70 parking spaces.

“I voted for it because it fits with the city’s master plan,” said Britt Thames, Ward 1 Place 2 representative. “The entire area is mixed use.

This will bring people into the city at an off-peak hours time, which is ideal.

Our planning commission, which is the recommending body, voted over-

whelmingly to approve it.”

Thames, who is a member of Advent, said he felt the church was the least disruptive fit for the area.

“My wife’s restaurant is currently right around the corner from the Mountain Brook location, and to be honest, we didn’t even know it was there until recently,” Thames said.

Business owners attended both the May 11 and the May 18 council meetings to voice concerns about the impact the satellite church would have on the area, which already has traffic and parking issues.

“As anyone who comes downtown during lunchtime knows, downtown Homewood has a public parking problem,” said Tricia McCain, co-owner of Homewood Toy and Hobby. “It’s not a good idea for the businesses that are already here.”

McCain and her husband, Kevin, presented a petition to the council at the May 11 meeting. The petition had over 100 signatures from business owners and property owners in the area who were opposed to the rezoning.

“I’m really appalled the council rezoned it,” McCain said. “Every person that stood up and spoke at the council meeting who was a property owner was against it. They’re not listening to the businesses.”

Council president Bruce Limbaugh voted against the proposal along with Peter Wright and Michael Hallman.

“We certainly have no issue with the church being added to our community,” Limbaugh said. “I think that the plan itself for the building was good, but the concern of course was the parking. You just don’t know what the unintended consequences of this sort of move will be. It’s passed now, so we’ll move forward, and I have

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

Controversial Rezoning Will Allow Satellite Location

According to Cathedral Church of the Advent church officials, the new location will be used mainly before or after regular business hours for activities such as Bible studies.

faith that the church officials will keep their commitment about having enough parking places.”

Unintended consequences were another popular topic among business owners at the council’s May 11 meeting. It’s still a prevalent concern with the approval of the rezoning.

“If you would have asked me 10 years ago, I would have told you we’d never be open on Sunday, but you know what? Now we’re open on Sundays during Christmastime because we have to be to compete,” McCain said. “So what happens when the church starts to grow?

It’s going to cause a lot of problems.

This is a business district, and we don’t need a church in the middle of it.”

Despite the controversial decision, church officials said they are looking forward to being in the Homewood community.

“We really love being in Mountain Brook Village, but the space we occupy just isn’t conducive to what we’re trying to do,” said Andrew Pearson, dean. “Our move to Homewood isn’t an expansion, it’s just that most of our members live Over the Mountain, and this location

is more convenient for them.”

Thames said he also is looking forward to the church’s presence in Homewood and thinks if anything it will contribute to business in the area.

“Our experience in Mountain Brook has been that it’s brought people to the area who in turn frequent the restaurants and coffee shops and things like that,” Thames said. “The Advent really has an interest in getting involved in the community.

They’re going to reach out to our arts council to see how they can be involved going forward in events.” ❖

u mountain brook

By Emily Williams Crestline merchants on May 29 presented a check for $22,500 to the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama in honor of the Ortis family. Sid Ortis, a student at Mountain Brook Junior High is battling pediatric cancer.

The money was raised through the Crestline Family Night event April 23.

A second check for $54,000 was given by the Mountain Brook Junior High baseball team, which raised the funds through the Strike Out Cancer fundraiser.

Dr. Raymond Watts, director of the center, accepted the checks at Mountain Brook City Hall.

“These are not minor contributions to our work,” Watts said. “These are

major contributions.”

After accepting the checks, Watts introduced Dr. Stuart Cramer. Cramer is an assistant professor of pediatric oncology at UAB and has been working with the Ortis family since Sid Ortis’ diagnosis.

Watts said all of the money donated at the check presentation will be used to fund research that seeks to find new treatments for different forms of cancer on a case-specific level.

“What Dr. Cramer is working on is finding a treatment for each child,” Watts said.

With the money donated at the presentation, Watts said, Cramer will continue to search for a personalized treatment for Sid Ortis through specific tests performed on Ortis’ genes.

Watts said that because this form of testing and treatment is so new, many

Journal photo by Emily Williams

Donations by Athletes, Merchants Honor Sid Ortis

Crestline merchants and the Mountain Brook Junior High baseball team collectively donated $76,500 to Children’s of Alabama in honor of fellow Mountain Brook resident Sid Ortis, who is battling pediatric cancer.

insurance providers will not cover the cost.

“I see the passion in (Dr. Cramer),” Lynn Ortis, Sid’s mother, said. “I know

he will find a cure.”

She thanked the Crestline merchants, the baseball team and the entire Mountain Brook community for their

support.

“I don’t think people understand what we have in our backyard,” Lynn Ortis said. ❖

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

u vestavia hills

Work Is Underway on ‘Major Retail Corridor’ Progress is underway for a building site on U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills (above) as the city announces its vision for new businesses moving into the updated retail area.

The city has announced the addition of a Sprouts Farmers Market, along with 600 square feet of retail space open to new businesses. Currently, leases are being negotiated with businesses that are new to the Vestavia Hills area.

City Manager Jeff Downes said the public can expect the new City Hall building to be open by the fall of this year. A new America’s First Credit Union will open its doors in the winter, and by the spring of 2016, Sprouts will be open. “(U.S. 31) is our major retail corridor for the city,” Downes said. “Sustainability of the area is important to the community’s stability, quality of life and future opportunities.”

Downes said the U.S. 31 area was a retail space that had simply become outdated and could be revamped and made more profitable for Vestavia Hills.

Thus, the city has been pursuing a project to revitalize the area for over three years.

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 15

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

“We are working with these future retail opportunities very carefully in order to partner with businesses that would bring something new and fresh to Vestavia Hills,” Downes said.

He said the idea behind the redevelopment project is to introduce businesses into the area in a concentrated manner that will attract more commerce and revitalize the surrounding area beyond U.S. 31.

“There is a quote that says, ‘A rising tide floats all of the boats,’” Downes said. “If we can get more retail opportunity to the corridor and have the right businesses in place, that will be a shot in the arm for the entire central portion of (U.S. 31).”

Over the coming months, the city will be working hard as it continues to dress up and redefine the area, he said.

—Emily Williams

In a Facebook post dedicated to her constituents, Reid said she and her family will be moving to Corner.

Although it has always been their longterm plan to retire there, Reid said, she and her family have been presented with the opportunity to make the transition sooner than expected and are capitalizing on it.

“My time in Homewood has defined much of who I am, both as a mom and as a community leader, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I have experienced,” Reid said. “It has truly been an honor and a privilege to work with each of you, and I’m so grateful for your allowing me the opportunity to serve you in this

capacity.”

Ward was elected to the council in 2008.

Bruce Limbaugh, council president, commended Reid for putting her family first.

“I think it’s admirable,” Limbaugh said. “We are certainly appreciative of someone who puts family at the forefront like she’s doing. Heather did a lot of things right. She was valuable as a communicator. She had ideas that were really good to inject into various resolutions and ordinances that we have passed in the past two and a half years.

She will be missed.”

The council will conduct interviews during the week of June 8 for those

who apply for the position. To apply, call Linda Cook, city clerk, at 332-6107.

—Kaitlin Candelaria

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u homewood

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16 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photo special to the Journal

Above: Lindsay Moore and Wynn Smiley. below: Hannah Burgess and Lex Gilmore.

From left: John Jansen, Sarah Hull, Jessica Robinson and Jena and Andrew Henderson.

Hitting the Trails Jack Hanna Headlines Zoo Junior Board’s Fundraiser

T

he Birmingham Zoo’s Junior Board hosted its fifth annual Tails in the Trails event April 24.

More than 600 guests were greeted by Jack Hanna, international TV personality and star of the Fox show, “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild.”

Guests were also greeted by an African serval, an Eastern screech owl, a Virginia opossum, a gopher tortoise, a sand boa, a box turtle and a red milk snake in the Junior League of Birmingham-Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo. Those in attendance were then invited to enjoy food from Full Moon Bar-B-Que as well as a cash bar with beer and cocktails by Cahaba Brewing Co. and Cathead Vodka.

Music from Gentleman Zero and the zoo’s Jane H. Brock Soaring Safari Zipline Adventure provided entertainment.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the zoo’s Barbara Ingalls Shook Black Bear Trail, the new black bear exhibit opening this summer.

Guests at the event included Dr. William R. Foster, Julie Herring, Stacey Morales, Lauren DeMoss, Pete and Erin Donohoo, Joey DuMontier, Amanda Hawkins, Matt and Caroline Hottle, Emily Jordan, Madison Merrill, Wally Nall III, Dylan Ferniany, Lexi Holdbrooks, Stephen Armstrong, Bryan Coleman, Frank Anderson, Fontaine Haskell, Tim Hennessy Jr. and Whitney Wright. ❖

Whitney Wright, Jack Hanna and Madison Merrill.

Pete and Erin Donohoo with Jess and Chris Mason.

Laura’s Legacy

Photos courtesy of Lloyd Beard

Taste of Teal Gala Salutes Volunteers

From left: Cathy Moore, Cecilia Crandall and Jim Crandall.

Rachel Sizemore, Rachel LaMonte, Nancy Whitt and Gail McCarrick.

The annual Taste of Teal Gala, benefiting the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation, was held May 2 at the Vestavia Country Club.

The event featured silent and live auctions, a seated dinner, live music and casino games.

The foundation celebrated its first Legacy of Laura honorees, who have volunteered their time and service to the community.

The 2015 Legacy of Laura honorees include Brookwood Medical Center, Dr. Mack Barnes, Cathy Moore and Rachel LaMonte. ❖

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 17

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Photos special to the Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Julia Meyers, Libba Hardwick, Rick Journey and Ginny Tucker.

Salute to Supporters ACS Honors Corporate Friend Donors

The American Cancer Society of Birmingham celebrated its Corporate Friend donors at a cocktail reception April 30 at The Southern Bar and Grill.

Emcee Rick Journey announced the names of companies that contributed to the American Cancer Society in 2014 at the Corporate Friend level of $10,000 and above.

Kelly Doss, Mid-South division executive vice president, thanked all of the donors. Randall Morrow, board chairman, and Sam Heide, chairman-elect, gave each company a commemorative plaque while guests mingled on the rooftop terrace.

Several statewide fundraising campaigns from 2014 also were honored, including those by the Alabama Power Service Organization, Alfa Insurance, Chicken Salad Chick and Hibbett Sports. ❖

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18 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Belles Take a Bow

From left: Jillian Bridges, Lindsey Allred, Jade Ajlouny, Meagan Burgess, Stevie Presley and Haley West.

and Lesley Turner.

In addition to these seniors, high school junior Chase Burton, who plans to attend Auburn University, attended the luncheon with her mother, Heather.

Those at the luncheon who plan to attend the University of Alabama are Cassidy Sims, at the event with her mother, Shawna Hopping; Morgan Pate with her mother, Jenny; Haley West with her mother, Linda; McChale Cooper with her mother, Kimberly; Rebecca Leech with her mother, TyAnn; Sarah Pratt with her mother, Anne; Layne Hoover with her mother, Mary; and Madeline Salathe, with her mother, Pascha Kelley, and her grandmother, Jean Kelley.

Senior Belles who will attend Samford University are Claire Johnson and Kristin Gunderson, there with her mother, Stacey.

Caroline Bearden and Sydney James, at the luncheon with her mother, JoEllen, will attend

Soiree at Sunset

Assistance League Hosts Fundraiser at Kress Building JUNE 7th | 12pm-4pm Admission $5

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop

GameStop Next Generation Game Station

BouncyHouse Clowns

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Cake & Much More

visitvulcan.com

Assistance League of Birmingham presented Sunset and Song April 23.

The fundraising event supported Alabama seniors and young people through the group’s philanthropic programs, including PrimeTime Treasures, Operation School Bell and Operation Literacy.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by Bob Childs of Wiggins, Childs, Pantazis, Fisher and Goldfarb were served in the Kress Building’s rooftop garden and lounge.

Tables were decorated with tulips, and colorful lanterns hung from the ceiling.

Guests placed bids on silent auction items and then moved downstairs to the Red Mountain Cabaret.

Rochelle Simms, Assistance League president, and event co-chairmen Cathy Lynch and Gwen Belle-Isle welcomed guests to the event and thanked them for supporting the Assistance League.

Alli Phelps, a teacher at Shades Cahaba Elementary School in Homewood, spoke about what the new clothes provided by Operation School Bell mean for her students and their families.

Gregg Tatum, assisted by Anthony Underwood, Assistance League advisory member, conducted a live auction. Three houses and a wine party donated by Western Supermarkets were sold to the highest bidders.

Mississippi State University.

McKenzie Paduch will attend the University of Mississippi. Rebekah Odle, with her mother Stephanie, will enter Mississippi College.

Abigail Greer will enter Georgia Southern University. Maggie Ogletree, at the luncheon with her mother, Cathy, will enter Lipscomb University. Rachel Washington will enter Anderson College. Anna Lee Schneider, who attended with her mother, Renee, and her grandmother, Martha Yielding, will go to Wofford College. DeJaNeal Brown will enter Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Paige Pichel, at the luncheon with her mother, Kristin, will attend the University of Michigan. Rebecca Townsend, at the event with her mother, Amy, will attend Brown University.

Others at the event included Hoover Belle Committee members Cathy Connor, Cathy Head, Jan Pruitt, Denise Shepherd, Becky Walker and Kay Witt. ❖

Homewood High School students who volunteered to help with the event included Star Spangled Girls Olivia Harmon, Laine Smith, Lee Ann Huynh, Hannah Beckering and Lauren Simmons and drummers Kameron Mitchell, Ethan Standard, Hogan Bexley, Marquis Hollingsworth, Tate Atha and Scott Williams.

The final event of the evening was a musical performance, “The Music of Our Lives,” by Lonnie Parsons, Kristi Tingle Higginbotham, Jan Hunter and Anthony Hardin. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

VULC N’S BIRTHDAY BASH

Graduating Hoover Belles were honored at a luncheon for their service as hostesses for the city of Hoover.

Members of this year’s class of 38 Belles completed 1,577 hours of community service during the past two years.

Catherine Saab was recognized for completing 208 hours during her term of service and was presented a personalized gift.

Each of the young women received a certificate commemorating her term as a Hoover Belle as well as an engraved keepsake box from Hoover Belle Chairman Sandra Barnett and Senior Luncheon Chairman Jennie Alley.

Belles who will attend Auburn University in the fall include Julianna Dinsmore, who attended the luncheon with her mother, Kellett; Kinsey Varnell, with her mother, Jennifer; Jade Ajlouny, with her mother, Tanya; Catherine Saab with her mother, Susan; Stevie Presley with her mother, Jennifer; Jillian Bridges with her mother, Jacqueline; Hannah Jones with her mother Rebecca; Meagan Burgess, with her mother Cindy; Lindsey Allred, with her grandmother, Emily Armistead; Jordan Cotney with her mother, Jennifer; Leah Byerly with her mother, Lisa; Rachel Ousley with her mother, Dawn; Kate Dease with her mother, Kim; Karley Kent with her mother, Julie; Logan McCabe, who attended with her mom, Missy, and her sister, Caroline;

Photo special to the Journal

Luncheon Honors Hoover Service Group Members

From left: Linda Cahill with Peter and Alli Phelps.

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 19

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Starry Night

Sophomore girls from Mountain Brook were presented at the 2015 Candlelight Ball April 25 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center.

A seated dinner preceded the presentation of the girls with their escorts.

The setting for the ball, staged by Robert Logan, featured touches of glimmering silver throughout. A chandelier lit the stage and framed the night sky backdrop for the presentation.

Emcee for the evening was Zach Skipper.

Following the presentation, the honorees, their dates and guests danced to the music of 24/7 from Atlanta.

Kathy Harris was chairman of this year’s event. Elizabeth Branch, Lynn Creighton and Sumner Starling were co-chairmen. Kathleen Doss, secretary, and Jill Clark, treasurer, also helped with the ball.

Others who headed committees and helped organize the ball were Leigh Ann Haas, Caroline Sirkin, Lee Dawkins, Cary Walheim, Argie McDonald, Leigh Ann Davis, Stacey Torch, Jane Huston Crommelin, Jennifer Childs, Leigh Whatley, Susan Davies, Tricia Pugh, Liz Briggs, Anna Cooper, Dawn Holloway, Sara Schilleci, Kristin Ritter, Lois Bradford, Pam

Photo special to the Journal

Mountain Brook Sophomores Are Presented at Candlelight Ball

Sophomore girls from Mountain Brook presented at the Candlelight Ball include, from left: Jane Perry Starling, Margaret Ann Clark, Celie Harris, Janie Creighton, Janie Branch, Hollon Skinner and Louise Doss.

Billingsley, Adelaide Vandevelde, Katrina Logan, Kathy Skinner, Crawford Bumgarner, Meg Sullivan and Carol de la Torre.

Presented at the Candlelight Ball were Kendall Bernard Alby, Laine Bridges Alby, Rebecca Carter Alexander, Ansley Oxford Balogh, Emily Catherine Barber, Marley McKay Barnett, Virginia Bowron Beasley, Emily Page Berryhill, Caroline Peyton Billingsley, Mary Frances Bloodworth, Isabel Browning Boyd, Anne Coleman Bradford, Mary Johnson Bradford, Jane Elisabeth Branch, Anna Katherine Brian, Caroline Davis Briggs, Jennings Lee Briley, Emma Camille Brown, Frances Murray Brown, Kate McCarroll Bumgarner, Katherine Alatia Butler, Mary Margaret Bromberg Byrne, Madeline Anne Campbell, Virginia Grace Carmichael, Sarah Coleman Causey, Caroline Adele Center, Katherine Elizabeth Childs, Sarah Elizabeth Chitty, Margaret Anne

Clark, Caroline Heacock Clutton, Parker Tulaire Cobbs, Lucille Fitzpatrick Collins, Sarah Brasfield Cooper, Sarah Margaret Corley, Elizabeth Eloise Cotten, Lauren Frances Cotten, Caroline Elizabeth Crafton, Mary Abbott Davis Crain, Jane Anne Creighton, Gunter Moren Crommelin, and Caroline Beck Cross.

Also presented were Hunter Caroline Davies, Patricia Ann Davis, Carlee Amanda Dawkins, Mary Margaret de la Torre, Emily Anne Donahue, Elise Louise Doss, Marion Shook Dukes, Hannah Marie Elliott, Grace Sinclair Evans, Charlotte McCammon Farrar, Virginia Foster Farrar, Catherine Chachere Flake, Katherine Elizabeth Foy, Peggy Claire Friday, Emma Frances Garcia, Frances Elizabeth Gaut, Emmeline Susanna Geurs, Alden Jackson Gibbs, Elizabeth Rose Gillespy, Anne Curtis Giovanelli, Ellen Louise Gorman, Elizabeth Besit Grantham, Grace Caroline

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From Central Avenue in Homewood, turn on to 28th Avenue South.

Take first right on to BM Montgomery Street.

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20 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

New Vestavia Belles Are Announced at Spring Event

Rita Greene, Vestavia Belles chairman, and Anne Boston, Vestavia Hills Beautification Board chairman, welcomed guests to the annual Vestavia Belle presentation April 19 at Vestavia Country Club.

Mistress of ceremonies was As a life-long Over-the-Mountain resident and a third Clare Huddleston from “Good Day generation working at Guin, I feel great pride and Alabama.” responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and Casey O’Dell played the piano as the Belles were introduced and hard work that my grandfather began over 55 years escorted by their fathers. ago. Family is very important to us, and we treat our The new Belles are Hannah To: Linda customers with the same care and respect as members Ayers, Emily Bendall, Madeline From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 of our own family. ItPHONE: would be a privilege to serve you.

Bishop, Rae Brown, Manon Joseph FAX:Braswell 205-824-1246 Burris, Mildred Cadden, Kendall Serving the Birmingham Area Since 1958 Date: June Calamusa, Jessica Compton, This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for June 4th, 2015 Frances Allythe Cross, C.C. Daniels, issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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Emma Grace Kerlin, Mary Grace Lathem, Elizabeth Link, Abigail Mashburn, Madison Milldrum, Katie Grace Nash, Emma Palmer, Grace Powell, Grace Redden, Ashley Relfe, Zoe Tenner and Stephanie Tunnell.

Belles continuing to serve for another year include Emily Anderson, Ellie Barrentine, Hanna Boge, Andrea Burris, Mary Hayden Christie, Sarah Duckworth, Margaret Farris, Caroline Gentle, Samantha Glaze, Jennah Green, Olivia Head, Katharine Henley, Bailey Johnson, Meghan Levant, Ashlyn Lovell, Anna Kate Lucas, Morgan Maddox, Leighton Martin, Chandler Moss, Caroline Ousley, Regan Shaw, Abbie Smoke and Elson Stewart.

Outgoing Belle President Claire

Hand addressed the new and current Belles. Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto C. Zaragoza Jr. presented each senior Belle with a certificate, and every Belle was given a gift from the Beautification Board.

Senior Belles at the event were Emma Ayers, Elizabeth Bennett, Rachel Brooks, Katie Brown, Bradley Copeland, Claire Corcoran, Halely Dellaccio, Hannah Echols, Catherine Faught, Claire Hand, Lucy Hart, Madison Harvey, Amelia Haston, Bailey Holston, Emily Kaiser, Mary Kash, Kathryn Kennedy, Rebekah Kennedy, Claire Kidd, Mary Katherine Leos, Elizabeth Mize, Annelise Morrison, Lowrey Patterson, Isabel Sandoval, Lillie Stephens, Margaret Ann Vice, Hannah Yarmowich and Madeline Zaragoza. ❖

Garden Club Gathering

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

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Sprig O’Holly Installs New Officers

Members of Sprig O’Holly Garden Club met at the Abingdon Trail home of Adrienne O’Brien May 11 for lunch and the installation of its 201516 officers.

Anne Michaels and Cille Spader were co-hostesses.

Actress Beth McCord dressed in costume to present a program on Louise Wooster, a famous Birmingham madam who cared for the sick during the city’s cholera epidemic in 1873.

Photo special to the Journal

From oil changes, alignments, and Alabama inspections to Thank you for your prompt attention. major repairs on your engine and drive train, our technicians will take care of your car, truck or SUV like it was their own.

From left: Tallulah Hargrove, Joan Hinkle, Anne Michaels and Elaine Wood.

New officers are Joan Hinkle, president; Anne Michaels, vice president; Elaine Wood, secretary; and Tallulah Hargrove, treasurer.

The club meets again in September. Programs include topics of general interest as well as garden-

Supporting St. Jude

Emily and Slade Anderson.

SERVICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 7AM-6PM SATURDAY 8AM-5PM (855) 693-9020

Over 310 people were at Birmingham’s Regions Field May 9 for the first St. Jude Field of Dreams event.

The event raised $101,094, which will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Auction items included trips to Seacrest, St. Lucia and St. Thomas. A Beverly Hills experience included a twonight stay at the Hotel Bel-Air and two VIP passes for either a production company tour or the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” TV show.

Guests enjoyed Southern-inspired cuisine and cock-

Photo special to the Journal

Regions Park Party Benefits Children’s Research Hospital

NEW 2015 SILVERADO

ing.

In addition to the hostesses and officers, other members attending were Virginia Chappelle, Martha Chism, Fay Hart, Jan McElroy, Betty Nunis, Helen Smalley, Betty Weeks and Janis Zeanah. ❖

tails, such as the Bottega signature drink Gobe’s Refresher.

Former UAB Football Coach Bill Clark was at the event with his family.

Also there was former University of Alabama quarterback Andrew Zow, now Montevallo High School’s head football coach. ❖

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Brown-Mollere

Kate Minor Brown and Oliver Sosthene Beacham Mollere were married April 11 at Saint Mary’s-onthe-Highlands Episcopal Church. The 6 p.m. ceremony was officiated by the Rev. H. Huey Gardner and the Rev. Jayne Collins Pool. A reception followed at the Country Club of Birmingham.

The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Kate Eustis Brown and Mr. Stephen

Crow-Pullen

Caroline Milliken Crow and Travis Michael Pullen were married March 7 at Mountain Brook Baptist Church.

The 6 p.m. ceremony was officiated

by Dr. John Douglas Dortch. A reception followed at the Country Club of

Perry-Couch

Virginia Ferguson Perry and Chase Stewart Couch were married Nov. 26 at the BoatHouse at WaterColor Inn and Resort in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

Edward Brown of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Eustis of New Orleans and the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ernest Brown of Roanoke.

The groom is the son of Mrs. Barbara Beacham Mollere and Mr. Phillip David Mollere of New Orleans. He is the grandson of the late Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Woodard Beacham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Carl Anthony Mollere, all of New Orleans.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a Lela Rose capsleeved lace gown and her maternal aunt’s lace and pearl-trimmed chapellength veil. She carried a French hand-tied bouquet of white peonies, lilies of the valley, anemones and tulips.

The bride was attended by her sister, Mary Cox Brown, of Birmingham as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Katherine Rogers Brown, sister-inlaw of the bride, of Birmingham; Simone Mollere Burke, sister of the groom, of Covington, La.; Amanda Cropper Ghory of Brooklyn, N.Y.;

and Jill Vincent Rachal of San Antonio. Flower girls were Ella Mollere Burke and Georgia Millikan Burke, nieces of the groom.

Edgar Alexandre Mollere, brother of the groom, of New Orleans was the best man. Groomsmen were William Tucker Brown, brother of the bride, of Birmingham; Curran Millikan Burke of Covington; and William Stewart Steinhardt and Alan Edward Timmcke of New Orleans. The ring bearers were Richmond Rogers Brown and Stephen Davis Brown, nephews of the bride.

Ushers were Andrew Peter Dalvovisio of Chicago, Viresh Yogesh Patel of Houston, Todd Ryan Stichenoth of Athens, Ga., and Joseph Grant Zarzour of Mobile. The readers were Jane Brown Yarbrough, aunt of the bride, and Scott Beacham Schuber, cousin of the groom, of Baton Rouge, La. Lucy Leeds Vaicius, cousin of the bride, of New Orleans was the program attendant.

After a wedding trip to Brazil, the couple will live in New Orleans.

Birmingham.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Baker Crow IV of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Warren Baker Crow III and the late Mr. Crow of Birmingham and Mrs. John Mottley Milliken and the late Mr. Milliken of Bowling Green, Ky. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thomas Pullen of Metropolis, Ill. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Edward Korte of Metropolis, Mr. and Mrs. Max Lee Korte of Crowne Point, Ind., and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lyndell Pullen of Metropolis.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Her sister, Elisabeth Whitney Crow Conrad, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Kristen Elyse McDearmon and Darby Paige Pullen, sisters of the groom; Kathryn Brooke Bates; Sarah Evelyn Callaway; Ann Collins

Joiner; Adeline Black Mancuso; Mary Cypress Howell Metz; Lucy Johnston Sanders; Sarah Gieger Schoel; Elna Catherine Stokes and Elizabeth Ann Wright. The bride’s niece, Caroline Jane Conrad, served as honorary flower girl.

The groom’s cousin, Wilson Eli Korte, served as best man.

Groomsmen were John Baker Crow, brother of the bride; Ryan Lee McDearmon, brother-in-law of the groom; Elijah David Glass; Ryan Lee Havener; Adam Kent Hunerkoch; Mason Ryan Jacobs; Dustin Ryan Korte; Vance Edward Sawyer; Collin Scott Watkins; Calvin Ray Weintjes and John David Williams.

Program attendants were Jane Elisabeth Branch, cousin of the bride, and Emily Kay Pestka, cousin of the groom.

After a honeymoon trip to Playa Mujeres, Mexico the couple will live in Nashville, Tenn.

The 5:30 p.m. ceremony was officiated by Rev. Gary Wingo with music provided by a string ensemble.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Glenn Perry of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hill Ferguson Jr. of Decatur and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Berney Perry of Birmingham.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Lee Couch of Pensacola, Fla. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Couch of Springdale, Ark., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Edwin King Hussey of Memphis, Tenn.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a one-shoulder lace column gown by Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija Couture. A reception followed at the LakeHouse. The bride and groom

departed the reception on decorated bicycles.

The bride is a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in marketing from the Cox School of Business.

She recently completed a certificate in dietetics from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., with plans to become licensed as a registered dietitian nutritionist this summer. She will complete her master’s degree in exercise and nutrition science at Lipscomb University this fall.

The groom is a graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree of science in accounting. He is employed at Ernst & Young LLP in Memphis.

The couple honeymooned in Hawaii.

To have your wedding & engagement forms sent to you, call 823-9646.

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 21

Hutto-Rasberry

Courtney Wright Hutto and Tucker LeGrande Rasberry were married April 25 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood. The 5 p.m. ceremony was officiated by Dr. Andrew R. Wolfe. A reception followed at Bridgestreet Gallery and Loft.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Porter Hutto Jr. of Homewood. She is the granddaughter of Ms. Dorothy Wright of Hoover and Mr. and Mrs. William Porter Hutto of Homewood.

The groom is the son of Ms. Kim Corretti and Mr. Randall Rasberry of Vestavia Hills. He is the grandson of Mr. Johnnie Lee Corretti and the late Mrs. Iva Parsons Corretti of Vestavia Hills.

The bride wore an heirloom bridal veil and sapphire brooch from the groom’s family. She was attended by Casey Lauren Lucas of Birmingham

and Katherine Elizabeth Amos of Huntsville as maids of honor.

Bridesmaids were Kathryn Elizabeth Beam of Atlanta; Victoria Ann Turner of Auburn; Annie Senter Foster of Arlington, Va.; and Allie Carr Looney and Cissy Smith LeMoine, cousin of the groom, of Birmingham. Madilyn Rose Wright and Mallory Emma Wright, cousins of the bride, and Ivy Livingston LeMoine and Reid Blair Smith, cousins of the groom, all of Birmingham, were flower girls.

Milton Marchand Smith, uncle of the groom, and John Taylor Smith, cousin of the groom, of Birmingham were best men. Groomsmen were Samuel Porter Hutto, brother of the bride, of Demopolis; Pete Cooper Smith, cousin of the groom, Matthew Ryan Oberneder and Robert Harrison Bradford II, all of Birmingham; Joshua Daniel Hooper of Atlanta; and Reese Michael Castiglioni of Denver. The ring bearer was Mills Taylor Smith, cousin of the groom, of Birmingham.

Ushers were Michael Heitz of Atlanta and James Herndon Rouse of Birmingham. Elizabeth Aubyn Hutto, cousin of the bride, of Charlotte, N.C., read the scripture. Phylis Corretti Smith, aunt of the groom, of Birmingham gave a prayer.

Music was provided by Theresa McKibben, soprano; Dr. Scott Brooks, tenor; Dr. Anna Underwood, piano; Dr. Leonard Candelaria, trumpet; and Greg Roberson, organ, all of the Birmingham area.

After a honeymoon trip to St. Lucia in the Virgin Islands, the couple will live in Vestavia Hills.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

vacation homes

a move to

Mexico

Former Mountain Brook Resident Rents Luxury Vacation Homes in San Miguel

By Donna Cornelius

Visitors to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, can experience the local lifestyle by renting a house in the historic city. Premier San Miguel, owned by former Mountain Brook resident Katharine Hibberts, rents vacation homes in a range of styles and sizes.

She offers a concierge service, too.

once and then thought, ‘We have to clean up?’”

San Miguel itself is always a pleasant surprise for first-time visitors, Hibberts said. It’s in central Mexico, about three hours north of Mexico City, and has a rich history and cultural heritage.

“Other colonial towns don’t have the caliber and sophistication of San Miguel,” she said. “We have great chefs and restaurants. We also have cobblestone streets, so leave your high heels at home.”

San Miguel is 500 years old, and many houses there are 300 years old, See mexico, page 25

Photos special to the Journal

alabamians who have moved away from their home state sometimes decide to head back to the South.

Katharine Hibberts went a little farther -- to south of the border.

After graduating from Auburn University, the former Mountain Brook resident moved to New York City to work in the fashion industry. But for the past 12 years, she’s lived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and owns an upscale vacation home rental business there.

“After Sept. 11, I decided it was time to move on from New York and go in a different direction,” Hibberts said. “Also, if you’re not making crazy money in New York, it’s expensive to live there. I was close to 30 and was thinking I didn’t want to have to have three roommates.”

While Hibberts was living in New York, her mother, Nancy Howze, had made a major move of her own. Howze was a real estate agent in Birmingham for many years, her daughter said.

“The year I moved to New York, my mom had found out about San Miguel through a friend,” Hibberts said. “She came down for a week and loved it. Six months later, in 1997, she moved here. I thought she’d lost her mind.”

But when Hibberts visited San Miguel, she understood its appeal, she said.

“Once my friends come here, they come back,” she said. “San Miguel has this magic about it. It’s like a little piece of Europe in Mexico.”

Others are taking notice of San Miguel. Hibberts and Howze were featured in a recent Garden and Gun magazine article about the city.

After leaving New York, Hibberts found herself in “this limbo place” career-wise, she said.

“My mom’s friend had a company, and he wanted to keep the real estate part of it but sell the house rental and house management part,” she said. “I had done marketing and sales, so I bought it and changed the name to Premier San Miguel.

The company already had an inventory of homes. I jumped into the fire feet first.”

Hibberts, who’s 40, said she was still learning Spanish when she began her business venture.

“Two employees stayed on, and they taught me about working with the staff,” she said. “It was a crazy year full of challenges.”

The business has changed since Hibberts bought it, she said.

“Then, the rental fees were from $300 a week to $800 a week,” she said. “Now, they’re $1,400 to $17,000 a week. We started with 100 houses but have 50 houses now. I wanted a more boutique type of environment.”

Rental units in Gulf Shores and Destin, Fla., often are investment properties for their owners. That’s not usually the case with Hibberts’ properties, she said.

“These are people’s real second homes,” she said. “They’re not like most condos at the beach. They’re more personal.”

Premier San Miguel properties range from cozy pieds-à-terre to seven-bedroom villas. Some have pools and other amenities.

“All the houses have staff, so you can have a real vacation here,” Hibberts said. “I went to Europe and rented an apartment

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 23

home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

House #1 Or House #2 We have it here just for You! at

Antiques and Accessories 2700 19th Place South Homewood • 871-9779 Tue.-Fri. 10:30-5:30 Sat. 11:00-4:30

In Ed and Lynn Cassady’s High Hampton home in Cashiers, N.C., the walls were painted in a light, offwhite shade in order to showcase the exposed wooden beams and antique wooden floors.

Heading for the Hills Cashiers Is Popular Place for Mountain Getaways

By Emily Williams the ever-popular lake house or beach property, some Over the Mountain area residents are heading for the hills, buying and building beautiful properties in the mountains of North Carolina.

One of the most popular communities in the Cashiers, N.C., area is the neighborhood of High Hampton.

Boasting the amenities of a resortstyle community, High Hampton is home to a golf course, country club and -- at an elevation of 3,864 feet -- views of Rock Mountain and Chimney Top Mountain.

Mountain Brook residents Bob and Jeanie Mackenzie have owned their High Hampton home since 2003.

“We had been coming to Cashiers for several years and staying at the High Hampton Inn,” Mackenzie said.

“High Hampton Inn is a very rustic, family-oriented development.”

Instead of hitting a highbrow resort, Mackenzie said that her family enjoys Cashiers for its low- key quality.

“It is like a trip back in time with the focus on the outdoors and spending time with friends and loved ones,” she said.

Mackenzie’s High Hampton house is one of the four original “golf cottages” built for the community. Built in the 1970s, each cottage has the same general design while varying in size.

“My favorite room is the screened porch,” Mackenzie said. “The weather in Cashiers is so cool during the summer months that the porch is the best spot to enjoy the outdoors, entertain or take a nap.”

She said their porch is a gathering place for friends and family to enjoy being together and to take in the view

To: Tricia From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: June This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal fo June 4, 2015 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Breaking away from

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Kathy’s Designeryour Kitchens, Inc.as is. We print the paper Monday. ad will run

1831 29th Ave. S. • Homewood, 35209your Thank youALfor 205-871-9880 • Kathy Owens, CKD, President

prompt attention.

Photos special to the Journal

Above: Views of the mountains can be seen throughout the kitchen and even from the dining table via a window overlooking the porch. Below: With the house at an elevation of 3,864 feet, the Cassady family’s porch overlooks both Rock Mountain and Chimney Top Mountain.

of the mountains.

Though Mackenzie said she has many good memories attached to her mountain home, by far her favorite is the July 4 parties her family has hosted.

Fellow Mountain Brook residents

Ed and Lynn Cassady also call High Hampton their home away from home.

The Cassadys have owned their property for 10 years but didn’t build their vacation home until the spring of 2014. They collaborated with Jim

See cashiers, page 25

Decorator Fabrics • Hardware • Trim

1820 Greensprings Highway 322-5878 www.kingcottonfabrics.com

24 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Contemporary Design Both Inside and Out Elan Berman, owner of Berman Construction & Development, LLC, has been developing and building in the Over the Mountain area for twenty four years.

Berman follows these three components in his building philosophy: Communication with client from site selection, developing a plan, building, to move in. Quality Construction, especially the parts you don't see. It gives me great pride for a buyer to look at one of my homes in the rough stage and comment on the quality they see.

Management, where I am both the contractor and superintendent striving for a seamless project.

Berman Construction & Development, LLC latest custom home can be found in Vestavia Hills. “We approached this design with a different look than most traditional cabinet designs,” Berman said. “It has contrasting colors such as coffee stained cabinetry with white quartz countertops. Long, sleek stainless steel hardware and rope lighting lend to a more contemporary look.” He added.

“Incorporating the homeowner's ideas into this home was a team effort. All vendors and subcontractors were integral in interpreting the homeowner's ideas. This all came together from sharing pictures and ideas from the homeowners to the decorator, NeedCo Cabinets and myself,” Berman said.

This home has features that are different than other homes such as the steel horizontal cable rail system at the steps and landings. There are three linear fireplaces in the hearth room, living room, and Owner's Retreat by Fireplacextrodinair. Also, there are stained concrete floors in the basement. These items, in addition to the cabinetry and other features, all help to give this home its contemporary feel.

When asked his favorite room he replied, “The hearth room off the kitchen. It has interesting geometrical windows letting in an abundance of natural light. The linear fireplace is surrounded by a wall of slate that extends sixteen feet wide and twenty feet high. A stained wood bench runs the span of the room below the fireplace and massive stained beams align the ceiling.”

“It gives me great pride for a buyer to look at one of my homes in the rough stage and comment on the quality they see,” Berman said.

“Management is also key, where I am both the contractor and superintendent striving for a seamless project,” he added. “I have been working with NeedCo Cabinets for the last several years. I enjoy working with NeedCo Cabinets because not only do they offer beautiful cabinetry but it is convenient for the client as they have a showroom in Homewood. Also, from management (David Harrison) to design (Melanie Mendonca), to installation (Doug Vining) the client and I get a first class team with open lines of communication,” Berman said.

“As far as a trend, I still find most everyone emphasizes the relationship between the kitchen/ nook and keeping room area for the centrality of their home design. Also, I believe that simplistic, maintenance friendly, and timeless homes have been and will continue to be built by my company,” Berman said.

For more information on Berman Construction & Development, LLC, You can contact Elan Berman @ 205.369.8717 or elanberman@msn.com.

Berman Construction & Development, LLC develops and builds new construction, remodels and renovates in the Over the Mountain area.

Custom Cabinetry By: Bessemer Showroom 205-481-1003 Homewood Showroom 205-871-2066 New Showroom Opening in Tuscaloosa Summer of 2015

mexico, From page 22

Hibberts said.

“This is a World UNESCO Heritage Site, so they have very strict architectural guidelines,” she said.

“You can’t add a garage. If the front of your house has one window, you can’t add any more. You can use only certain paint colors. But it helps to preserve San Miguel.”

Most houses don’t have central air or heat – but usually neither is needed, Hibberts said.

“Summer is lovely here,” she said.

“It’s a dry heat, not humid.”

Hibberts’ company provides transportation to and from the airport.

Most Southerners fly from Atlanta or Houston into Leon, Mexico, which is about an hour and 15 minutes away from San Miguel, she said.

Hibberts’ company can help make clients’ vacations more fun, she said.

“We can arrange chefs’ dinners, hot air balloon rides, and tours,” she said.

www.18thstreetorientals.com

From page 23

www.18thstreetorientals.com

mas to accompany players. The High Hampton Inn hosts a group of llamas every summer and offers residents the opportunity to hire a llama as their golf caddy, take a llama on a hike or even lead a llama through obstacle courses during the annual Llama Olympics.

“Whether for golf, fishing, boating, dining, tennis or cards and conversation, Cashiers truly has a lot to offer,” Ed Cassady said. ❖

cashiers, Robinson of Design South Builders, who is currently building four homes for Birmingham families in Cashiers.

Ed Cassady said he found building a home a welcome and thought-provoking process that forced the family to consider what they enjoy in order to create a house that would conform to their way of life. Thus, they built their house with a large, open floor plan and amenities to highlight both nature and family.

“I love the screen porch with a swing bed, fireplace and hidden television and fabulous view,” Lynn Cassady said. “In keeping with the rustic feel of the space, custom wooden doors were built to cover the television when it is not being used.

“You could spend the entire day in this space. Eating breakfast in the morning to the sounds of birds chirping, watching Wimbledon, taking a nap on the swing bed and ending your day sipping wine in front of a roaring fire -- in July.”

Ed Cassady said the comfortable and engaging feel of the porch extends throughout the house, creating a number of spaces suitable for conversation, contemplation or simply enjoying the view, which Lynn Cassady said is the real decoration.

“Everything else is a supporting cast member,” she said. “We chose light walls in order to highlight the beautiful rustic beams on the ceilings and the lovely antique hardwood floors.”

Though they are empty nesters, Ed and Lynn Cassady said their Cashiers home is rarely empty and that the family has enjoyed many vacations and even a birthday celebration there.

“Last summer, my side of the family came to Cashiers for my mom’s 91st birthday,” Lynn Cassady said.

“My brother and his family came from San Francisco, my sister and her family came from Houston, and my mom came from Fort Lauderdale.”

She said all 16 visitors spent their

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 25

home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Attic Antiques Above: The Mackenzie home, purchased in 2003, was one of the four original homes built on the High Hampton property. Below: Originally built in the early 1970s, the Mackenzie home features an open floor plan, perfect for entertaining family and friends, with minimal decor to keep the focus on the nature surrounding the home.

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days spread out all over the house only to convene by midnight on the porch to share stories and enjoy each other’s company.

“It was exactly what I was hoping when designing the house,” she said.

Lynn Cassady and Jeanie Mackenzie both agree the best times of the year to travel to Cashiers are summer and fall.

“There is nothing better than driving up the mountain about a half hour outside of Cashiers and watching the temperature in your car go from 100

To: Paige From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax degrees to 82 degrees,” Cassady Date:LynnApril 23 said. “At the same time, Thanksgiving schedule yourMOunTAin tour of this andJOurnAl other Lake Martin properties! is magical, and it is great pickAD PrOOFContact Thisfun is to your from us thetoOver The for the out your Christmas tree from one of April 23, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Becky Haynie To: farms.”Babara the many Broker / realtor From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 There are plenty of amenities Please make sure all information is correct, (334) 312-0928 205-824-1246 around CashiersFAX: to enjoy the break Becky@HomeonlakeMartin.com including address and phonewww.HoMeonlakeMartin.coM number! from the summerJune heat.

Date: 2014 “We love to shop, eat good food and hike,” Mackenzie said. is yourand AD PrOOF the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the PleaseThis initial faxfrom back within 24 hours.

Both families enjoy playingif we have not heard you by 5 pm of the the press date, Junefrom 26, 2014 issue.

Please faxFriday approvalbefore or changes to 824-1246. golf on the High Hampton courses. your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Mackenzie said she prefers the course Thank you for yourisprompt attention. make sure all information correct, including address and phone number! that allows dogs, childrenPlease and even lla-

She also can set up visits to places like nearby El Santuario de Atotonilco, a church known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas.

“There’s a lot of history here,” she said. “The Mexican Revolution started here. Mexicans know so much about their history and are passionate about it.”

One of the best things about her job is meeting new people, she said.

“We have a lot of clients from Texas and some from California and New York,” she said. “We had an artist from Arkansas. The makeup of our clients has changed. In the past, about 99 percent were from the U.S. Now, we get a lot of Canadians and more Europeans – even some Australians.

And a lot of Mexican nationals are realizing this is a fun place to visit.”

San Miguel also has become a wedding destination, Hibberts said.

“I can put people in touch with a wedding planner,” she said. “I have houses that you can use for weddings with 150 guests.”

Owning a business in Mexico “has

“I had to have a work visa and had to start a corporation,” she said. “The This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the June 4, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. tax laws are daunting; you file every two months. Labor laws are different, too. There was a lot to learn. But I feel Please make sure all information is correct, comfortable now with how things go including address and phone number! here.”

Hibberts often returns to Alabama, she said.

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

“My brother lives in Liberty Park if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, and I have friends in Birmingham, so I your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. visit a lot,” she said.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

She’s happy, however, with her decision to take a risk and move to Mexico, “San Miguel is so beautiful and attracts so many people from all over the world, from CEOs to museum curators,” she said. “I can walk upstairs and look at my calendar, but I never know what the day will bring or who I’ll meet.”

For more information, visit www. premiersanmiguel.com, or call the company’s U.S. phone number, 646536-7634. ❖

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

To: Becky if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 its hoops” to jump through, Hibberts Thank you for your prompt attention. said.

Date: June

business

26 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

Beer Business Craft Craze Comes Over the Mountain

Joe Pilleteri knows his new brewery will give him ulcers. He got one last week after giving notice to his job, a secure gig at the University of Alabama running a department in charge of occupational safety and health training.

On June 15, that ends, and he begins life as an entrepreneur, bringing the trendy craft beer business Over the Mountain to Homewood.

The Vestavia native, 39, is betting nearly $1 million that Red Hills Brewing Co. gets a foothold on Homewood’s rapidly developing Central Avenue, where it holds a 10-year lease on a 10,000-square-foot former A&P grocery.

The property, owned by Ken Williams, attracts crowds of potential tavern customers to Little Donkey, Octane and Steel City Pops.

After suffering a series of financial setbacks, Pilleteri said construction on the brewery will start in the next few weeks, to open in September.

His introductions will be the flagship Red Hills Session IPA, with others to be determined by a brewmaster. Pilleteri said he favors a fruit beer and some darker British-style ales in the mix.

“I’m a home brewer, and all the advice says if you’re a home brewer, don’t open a brewery, because you can’t always make what you like,” he said.

Right now, Pilleteri prefers the sweeter dark beers to the super popular hoppy IPAs around town.

“I know what I like, but if it doesn’t sell I’m not too proud to change it,” he said.

Pilleteri has had to learn a lot about business in the two years since he sat with his wife and two daughters at Little Donkey and envisioned his own brewery in the building next door. He thought he was ready to launch five months ago, when Homewood rezoned the building to allow the bottling operation. But fees charged for outof-state investments cancelled plans to use funds from old friends living up north and off-shore, he said.

That was ulcer No. 1.

He sought new investors in Alabama, funding half the start-up with a Small Business Administration loan through First Partners Bank. He said he’s raised the other half from nine investors, including many local doctors.

“If this doesn’t work,” he said of the business, “I’ll have to go to Atlanta for my healthcare.”

The craft beer craze is a national phenomenon that has taken hold in Birmingham, with four breweries established over the last eight years. Another, Ghost Train Brewing, is being produced initially from a contract brewery in Mississippi and will hit the shelves this summer.

Pilleteri’s will be the sixth and the first Over the Mountain.

Pilleteri had mapped the locations of those breweries from Regions Field east to Avondale Brewing Co.’s location on 41st Street, drawing a two-mile radius around each one to find an open space. He liked a building on Morris Avenue, but at $22 per square foot, it was a budget buster.

“I couldn’t find an affordable place (downtown), and now I’m glad I didn’t,” he said.

Journal photo by Liz Ellaby

By Liz Ellaby

Joe Pilleteri is betting nearly $1 million that Red Hills Brewing Co. gets a foothold on Homewood’s rapidly developing Central Avenue, where it holds a 10-year lease on a 10,000-square-foot former A&P grocery.

“Homewood was really the only place with an established area where businesses were so close together that people walk.”

Craft breweries don’t carry the financial risk of new restaurants, but success demands tap-room sales as well as at local stores. In the 1990s, several Birmingham microbreweries failed because of laws forcing operators to choose between selling products onsite and distributing to store shelves. The 2011 brewery modernization law allowed both, making new ventures possible. The state’s earlier “Free the Hops” legislation had already opened the doors to new craft beer markets by raising the allow-

‘I know what I like, but if it doesn’t sell I’m not too proud to change it.’ Joe Pilleteri able alcohol content from 6 percent to 13.9 percent.

Still, brewing is an art that demands financial precision, and Pilleteri’s small operation must maximize profit from every square inch.

He plans a small performance space and long bar fronting a 20-barrel brew house, with four fermenters producing about 500 barrels a year for the taproom alone, and 1,500 barrels total, including distribution. (A barrel equals 31 gallons).

The process

Beer making is a remarkably simple process of brewing and fermenting that deviates little in basic form across different breweries.

The first step is to steep a mixture of crushed grain -- mainly barley -- in water heated to 148160 degrees. The resulting mixture, or wort, is pumped to a boil kettle for the addition of hops, the flower of a plant that lends beer its characteristic bitterness, flavor and aroma.

“Today we’re all so hops crazy you can even do what’s called a ‘mash hop,’ or add it at the

very beginning,” Pilleteri said.

From the boil kettle, the mixture is centrifuged to remove particles, then cooled to about 70 degrees and pumped to the fermenters, the familiar steel vessels with the cone-shaped bottoms.

Here, yeast is pitched into the wort, where it consumes the sugars and produces alcohol and CO2. The resulting beer is transferred to “bright tanks,” chilled to about 32 degrees, and carbonated.

Low gravity

Pilleteri said he wants to produce loweralcohol “session beers,” so named in England for being safe for workers to drink during work session breaks. With two children, ages 6 and 10, he doesn’t identify with late nights or a hard-drinking bar crowd. He wants to fit into Homewood’s family-oriented setting, he said.

“I don’t think there’s such a thing as a family bar,” he said. “But this could be close.”

Not everyone is enthusiastic about the incoming business. Homewood’s wall-to-wall retail landscape, which first attracted Pilleteri, has created a parking nightmare. Three local businesses filed objections and a petition during rezoning hearings last year. Although the Red Hills Brewing technically has more than the 24 parking spaces zoning requires, a popular tavern will certainly stress that.

And setbacks can still occur. Construction may reveal expensive structural problems; the air handler may fail. Ulcers No. 3 and No. 4.

Some things have worked against those potential ulcers, he said. Pilleteri’s wife, Kate, a teacher at McAdory High School, strongly supports her husband’s mid-life career change.

The other is landlord Ken Williams, who turned away other businesses for more than a year while Pilleteri sought backers.

“It took away one of the ulcers I’m probably going to get knowing I have no problem signing my life away to Mr. Williams,” Pilleteri said. ”He’s a great guy.” ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

business briefs

Moxley Is New Boys & Girls Club Board Chairman Vestavia Hills resident Dr. D. Robert Moxley is the new chairman of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Alabama’s board of directors.

Moxley has served on the board for 33 years.

He succeeds Carl Crosby, executive vice president and executive director of employment services of BBVA Compass Bank. Crosby was chairman for two years and will remain a member of the board.

Moxley is a realtor for the RealtySouth-Over the Mountain Alford Avenue office and has also served with other organizations, including the Vestavia Hills Board of Education, the Birmingham Kiwanis Club and the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce.

“We are very pleased to welcome Rob as our board chairman,” said Tom Cleckler, BGCCA president and CEO. “He has been instrumental in helping to strengthen and move our organization forward so that we can provide developmental, social and recreational services to more children in the greater Birmingham area.”

Hoover Chamber Presents $20,000 in Scholarships The Hoover Chamber of Commerce awarded $20,000 in scholarships to high school and college students at the chamber’s May 21 Luncheon at the Hoover Country Club.

The chamber began awarding Lila Parks Scholarships in 1997 to pay homage to longtime volunteer Lila Parks. Parks is still an active chamber member and ran the Applied Career Education program for high school students for over 10 years.

The scholarships are available to students who live in Hoover and students whose parents are employed by the city of Hoover or are chamber members.

In addition to the $6,000 in scholarship money that is usually available each year, the chamber raised an additional $15,000 at its first Forks and Corks Gala in October.

Companies that donated scholarship money at the event include Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall, Benton Nissan of Hoover, Schaeffer Eye Center, American Family Care, RedShift Creative and Wrapsody.

Over the Mountain winners include Anastasiya Naydonova, a 2013 Hoover High School graduate who is now a student at the University of Alabama, and Joshua Fullenwider, Nina Mascia, Jasmine Fenderson, Kierra Parker and Caroline Patterson, all 2015 graduates of Hoover High School.

2015 Spain Park graduates also were recognized. Daniel Engel, Katelynn Hagerla and Elana Ritchey of Spain Park High School were awarded scholarships.

All of the students were awarded between $1,500 and $2,000.

—Kaitlin Candelaria

Chef George Reis Named Seafood Cook-off Champ Chef George Reis of Ocean was crowned the Alabama Seafood Cook-off Champion by Alabama Gulf Seafood at the organization’s inaugural cookoff at Southern Makers May 1.

Reis’ winning recipe integrated cumin coriander crusted grouper, Alabama shrimp sausage, English pea hummus, Sand Mountain tomato jam, pickled

35th anniversary and to recognize the group’s 2015 Communications Contest winners.

The program began with a video slideshow chronicling the group’s history and including photos of current and former members and the organization’s affiliation with the National Federation of Press Women.

The group also held a candle-lighting ceremony to honor and recognize members who have passed away.

Alabama Media Professionals provides networking, professional development, industry news and job referrals to people in the communications industry.

The group meets on the second Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Homewood Public Library.

Levy’s Steps Up to the Plate

Levy’s Fine Jewelry was the official sponsor of this year’s Rickwood Classic.

This 20th annual event honored the1948 Birmingham Barons, and featured the Barons versus the Jacksonville Suns, with former MLB star Darryl Strawberry as a special guest. At a reception to welcome Strawberry to Birmingham were, from left: Don Leo, Birmingham Barons; Gerald Watkins, Friends of Rickwood; Strawberry and Charles Denaburg, Levy’s Fine Jewelry.

The game is played each year at Rickwood Field, which is considered America’s oldest baseball park. This was Levy’s first time to sponsor the event. carrots and radishes, and preserved lemon oil.

Reis will now represent the state in the 12th annual Great American Seafood Cook-off, which will be held later this year.

“We congratulate Chef Reis on this outstanding career accomplishment and look forward to watching him compete on behalf of our state at GASCO,” said Chef Jim Smith, executive chef for the state of Alabama and chairman of the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission.

Reis, born in the Midwest and raised in upstate New York, moved to Birmingham and opened Ocean in 2002. The restaurant has won several awards, including the AAA Four Diamond Award for 2007-2013 and the Wine Spectator Award for 2004-2012.

Reis recently opened Five Point Public House Oyster Bar in Birmingham.

Botanical Gardens Wins Media Awards For the seventh consecutive year, Birmingham Botanical Gardens has won a Platinum Hermes Creative Award.

The winners of these media awards are chosen from over 4,000 entries based on concept, writing and design.

The 2014 Antiques at The Gardens marketing campaign won the Platinum award. The Gardens also took home Gold awards for the 2014 Antiques at The Gardens Show catalog, branding for the Dirt Dash 5K Fun Run and Family Walk, and the Board of Directors Orientation Manual.

The Hermes Creative Awards program is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and

Communication Professionals.

Morring Is Realtor Group Rookie of the Year The Birmingham Association of Realtors named Erle Morring of RealtySouth its Rookie of the Year.

The award honors a new residential sales associate who is chosen based on the number of residential sales units closed by the sales associate from Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2014.

Morring, a sales associate in RealtySouth’s Crestline office, has been a realtor since September 2013 and closed 39 units in 2014.

The Huntsville native and Auburn University graduate has lived in Birmingham since 1994. Prior to his real estate career, he worked in mental healthcare sales and marketing.

“I attribute much of Erle’s success to the commitment he has for his clients,” said Millie Osborn, Morring’s managing broker. “His work ethic is strong, and he is innovative and totally on top of the real estate market.”

Shaddix Is New GBHS Marketing Director Katie Shaddix of Hoover is the Greater Birmingham Humane Society’s new director of marketing.

Prior to joining GBHS, Shaddix served for nearly eight years as the development and communications coordinator for the Alabama Rivers Alliance.

An active volunteer for animal causes, Shaddix is on the board of Do Dah Day, an annual Birmingham festival that has raised over $1.3 million for homeless animals in Jefferson County. She has also volunteered with numerous animal

rescue organizations and has been a “foster parent” to over 100 cats and dogs in need.

“My professional background is in marketing and communications, and my heart is in my work on behalf of animals,” Shaddix said. “I am thrilled to be in a position that combines both and gives me the opportunity to join the phenomenal team at Greater Birmingham Humane Society.”

Shaddix will oversee the marketing strategy of GBHS. “(Shaddix’s) experience and expertise will be invaluable in helping us let the community know about our organization, its work, and our new expanded range of services,” Executive Director and CEO Allison Black Cornelius said.

OTM Chambers Announce June Luncheons On June 18, the Hoover Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly luncheon at the Hoover Country Club. Spencer Collier, secretary of law enforcement for the state will be speaking. To register, visit www. hooverchamber.org.

Vestavia Hills will host their monthly chamber of commerce meeting June 9 at the Vestavia Country Club at 11:30 a.m. Joe Borg of the security and exchange commission will speak. To register, visit www.vestaviahills.org.

Homewood’s monthly Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be June 16 at 11:30 a.m. at The Club. This month’s featured speaker will be Samford University football coach Chris Hatcher. To register, visit www. homewoodchamber.org.

BB&T Scott & Stringfellow is pleased to announce

Jason Sinclair Assistant Vice President Financial Advisor has joined the firm

AMP Hosts Reunion to Celebrate Anniversary Forty-four members of the Alabama Media Professionals gathered at The Club April 18 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the organization.

This was the first reunion of members from 1980 to the present and was held to celebrate the organization’s

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Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 27

business

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Rehab Reality

by Jeff Bonzo

With Friends Like These...

One of the things I noticed when I got sober was that I didn’t have near as many “friends” as I thought I did.

We’ve all read or heard Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s quote from her poem “Solitude”, “Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone”. Aint that the truth!

I’m not resentful or being disparaging. I get it.

Heck, I acted the same way when I was still in active addiction. The last person I wanted to hang out with was someone sober.

What I realized after some time, though, is a lot of my “friends” were actually more of an audience.

Sure, it hurt... for a while.

Then something happened.

I started reconnecting with people who had neither time nor patience for the addict Bonzo. It turns out there were a lot of people who couldn’t watch me destroy myself and everything around me. They knew I’d either change or I wouldn’t.

Well, I did. Now I have a group of people who love me for who I am and want the best for me and are genuinely glad that I am happy.

Getting sober isn’t always rainbows and sunshine, but it’s truly better than rain.

(Thanks for lettting me mangle your lyric, Warren Haynes).

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28 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

OTM Students Recognized as National Merit Finalists

The 2014-2015 school year concluded with many Over the Mountain students being named as National Merit Scholarship Finalists.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that dates back to 1955. Over 1.5 million students enter each year by taking the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

These students met the requirements to enter the scholarship program and are among 50,000 of the highest-scoring participants.

Students not pictured include Spain Park High School: Sebastian Schormann, Tanya Devani, Veena Krishnan, Jacqueline Randolph, Joshua Taggart and Rebecca Leech and Hoover High School: Danae Argyropoulou, Richard Chen, Tyler Compher, Robert Johns, Alliemarie

Mary Charles’ Doll House New, Collectible Antique Dolls 2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544 Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm

Mountain Brook High School recognized Madeline Mitchell, Ellie Naff, Lindsey Kirk, Casey Fan, Claire Davis, Lewis Fitzpatrick, Richard Rice, Thatcher Rickertsen and Cole Messina as finalists.

Schapp, Marshall Strickland, Rebecca Townsend and Beryl Van Ness.

On May 27, National Merit Scholars were announced. Only 7,600 students are chosen for this honor.

From Mountain Brook High School, Madeline Mitchell and Richard Rice were chosen.

From Homewood High School, Laine Suellen Smith was selected.

From Oak Mountain High School, Sujin Powers and Andrew Winters-Davis were selected.

From Hoover High School, Tyler Compher and Robert D. Johns were recognized as scholars.

From Vestavia Hills High School, Ankit Bansal, Luke Hogewood, Collin McMahon, Isabel Sandoval and Sam Tindall were selected. ❖

Discover the Difference!

Indian Springs High School finalists were (L to R) Eli Cohen, Sebastian Black, Ethan White, Ashley Leader and Tristan Trechsel.

Homewood High school

Katie Gardner

Laine Smith

oak mountain high school

Houston Wingo

Alexander Candelaria-Fouse

Nathan Holt

Sujin Powers

Andrew WintersDavis

vestavia hills high school

Thomas Archibald

Ankit Bansal

Graziella Camata

Lynn Han

Amelia Haston

Kai He

Luke Hogewood

Jason Hsu

Kathryn Jason

Charles Li

Jin Lu

Collin McMahon

Tailin Pan

Mark Philpot

Isabel Sandoval

Sam Tindall

Debbie Van Camp

Philip Wang

Amy Weng

Mary Charles Robbins Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax May 2010

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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vie Please make sure all rinformation is correct, d l o lty W u including iaddress and phone number! l c a a c F Bibl fied i l gy a o l Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. u o Q hnthe press date, If we have not heard h from lyyou by 5 pm of the Friday cMonday.

Tebefore your the paper Hiadgwill run as is. Wesprinton Thank you forayour si prompt attention. h tics p e l m h E At A 1 AA izes S AHS s las C l l Sma

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Shades Mountain Christian School smcs.org 205.978.6001 Call to schedule a tour!

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 29

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Edgewood Fifth-grader Wins ABA Poster Contest

Sansbury Is St. Paul’s Greene Scholar

Ellie Wright, a fifth-grader at Edgewood Elementary, won the Alabama State Bar Association’s statewide student poster competition in the grades 4-6 category.

Wright attended a ceremony at the Supreme Court Ellie Wright of Alabama May 1 and was recognized for her achievement at a Law Day Celebration. She received $175, a certificate and an Olympic-style medallion.

President Dwight Eisenhower established the first Law Day in 1958 to mark the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. Every president since then has issued a Law Day proclamation on May 1 to celebrate the nation’s commitment to the rule of law.

Mabry Sansbury, an eighth-grader from Mountain Brook Junior High School, has been named a Greene Scholar at St. Paul’s School in Concord, N.H., in recognition of her academic promise and leadership potential.

As a Greene Scholar, Sansbury will begin her education at the New England boarding school in September.

Established in 2006, the Greene Scholarship is underwritten by John

K. Greene, an Alabama resident who graduated from St. Paul’s School in 1947.

The scholarship awards full tuition and fees to its scholars, including travel and equipment Mabry Sansbury expenses, as well as college application fees.

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More than 65 former Bluff Park Elementary School students, teachers and parents gathered in April.

Former Students Return to Bluff Park Bluff Park Elementary school hosted its third annual reunion for former fifth-grade students who graduated from high school this year.

More than 65 people, including faculty, staff, parents and high school seniors who attended Bluff Park Elementary in 2008, were invited back to the school April 19.

Out of the 101 students who were attending Bluff Park Elementary in 2008, approximately 75 of them graduated this year from Hoover High School, Spain Park High School or New Horizons.

Food and drinks were provided for students while they gave advice to Bluff Park’s current fifth-graders. The group also planted two hydrangeas in an outside classroom before sharing their future plans.

This annual tradition continues to create a strong community and family feel for the Bluff Park community, school officials said.

Sally Bussian and Samantha Torch.

Date:

Ashley Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 May This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNA June 4, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1

Please make sure all information is corre including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press da your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Crestline Elementary Students Win Top Awards Crestline Elementary recognized two students with two of its most prestigious awards at the Sixth Grade Recognition Program May 22.

The Elizabeth Howard Award went to Samantha Torch, daughter of Stacey and Howard Torch.

Elizabeth Howard was an assistant principal at Crestline and was known for placing special emphasis on citizenship, school officials said.

The award has been granted to one student each year for the past 43 years. Special subject teachers choose the recipient. The nominating teachers select a student based on his or her attitude, school spirit, willingness to help others, cooperation, dependability and persistence.

Sally Bussian, daughter of Anne and Jim Bussian, won the David Key Award.

The school in 2011 added an award in honor of David H. Key’s 40 years of service. School officials said he was a man of exemplary character and that the award recognizes students who show that degree of character.

All sixth-grade teachers nominated and voted on students based on their trustworthiness, integrity, loyalty, fairness and honesty.

To: From:

Thank you for your prompt attention.

• Specialized Instruction for Dyslexia, ADD, Dysgraphia, and other Learning Disabilities.

Vestavia Hills Elementary School West’s Girls on the Run spring team raised funds for UNICEF with a “tacky day.”

VHEW Girls on the Run Lead Service Project Third-graders from Vestavia Hills Elementary School West created the first Vestavia school team for Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run is a nonprofit founded to promote confidence, health and joy in young girls. This is the second year the school has participated.

Teachers Nancy Littleton, Donna Dahl and Abigale Watkins led the VHEW team. Girls on the Run

volunteer Susan Andrae also worked with the teachers to host bi-weekly meetings which focused on a lesson, strengthening and stretching exercises, and a running workout.

To conclude the sessions, the girls celebrated with a 5K run at Veterans Park May 9.

The team also worked together on a service project to benefit survivors of the Nepal earthquake by inviting students to “tacky day” May 8. Students donated at least $1 to wear a silly outfit to school.

The team raised over $1,000 to donate to UNICEF.

• Small Class Sizes with an 8:1 Student Ratio.

• 2nd Grade through 12th Grade Karen Kisor

Executive Director 205-423-8660

30 • Thursday, June 4, 2015

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

baseball,

From page 32

She was also named Player of the Year by the coaches in 2014, making her the first-ever two-time winner of

From left: Mountain Brook’s Jack McPherson, the 2015 Over the Mountain Baseball Player of the Year; Spain Park Coach C.J. Hawkins, the 2015 Over the Mountain Softball Coach of the Year; and Spain Park’s Mary Kathryn Bonamy, the 2015 Over the Mountain Softball Player of the Year. Bonamy is the first athlete to win the Player of the Year award in two consecutive seasons. Not pictured is Vestavia Coach Tommy Walker, the 2015 Over the Mountain Baseball Coach of the Year.

of the Year for this area, because everyone knows the high quality of the baseball that is played here,” McPherson said. “All the teams we face have great players. But just like every other honor, it’s really about the team and not one individual.”

Mountain Brook coach Lee Gann said McPherson has been a major

cog in the Spartans’ recent run of baseball successes.

“Jack had a fantastic year for us both offensively and defensively,” Gann said. “He’s a three-year starter at catcher and was named team Most Valuable Player and permanent team captain in both his junior and senior seasons. We’ll miss him a lot

before resigning as head coach at Vestavia.

next year, but he’s going to do great things at Auburn.”

McPherson’s teammates qualifying for the team are Luke Hartman and Drew Odum. Representing the Rebels are Trey Akins, J.D. Gann, Sam Harvey, Carter Jacobs, Coleman Kitchens and Sonny Potter.

Other members of the team include Harrison Cain, Carson Cupo, Carson Eddy and Pierce Merry, Briarwood; Alex Hammond and Adam Stewart, Homewood; Caleb Gilbert and Aaron Hill, Hoover; Matthew Cerfolio, John Carroll Catholic; Blake Schilleci, Oak Mountain; Harrison Boozer, Shades Mountain Christian; and Rodney Anderson and Mason Duke, Spain Park.

Walker was chosen by his peers as 2015 Coach of the Year shortly

The Rebels’ resurgence is reflected by the 2015 All Over the Mountain baseball team, chosen by an exclusive Over the Mountain Journal poll of the area head baseball coaches. Six Vestavia players qualified for the team.

the coveted title.

In leading Spain Park to a 35-122 record, an area crown, and a berth in the Class 7A regionals, Bonamy batted a sterling .481. She also had 55 RBIs and 12 home runs. Her on-base percentage was .550 with

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

softball,

All Over the Mountain baseball team members from Briarwood are, from left: Carson Eddy, Carson Cupo, Harrison Cain and Pierce Merry.

Journal photo by Maury Wald

Under Coach Tommy Walker, Vestavia posted a 24-12 record and ended the regular season ranked No. 1 in Class 7A. The bid for the blue trophy eventually ended against highly-regarded Thompson in the state semifinals.

The championship run may have fallen short, but the message was clear: Vestavia baseball was back.

The Rebels’ resurgence is reflected by the 2015 All Over the Mountain baseball team, chosen by an exclusive Over the Mountain Journal poll of the area head baseball coaches. Six Vestavia players qualified for the team.

The Mountain Brook Spartans also had a memorable 2015 season, spending most of the year at the top of the Class 7A rankings on the way to a 30-7 record. A major reason for the Spartans’ success was the play of senior catcher Jack McPherson.

McPherson was chosen as the 2015 Over the Mountain Player of the Year.

He batted a hefty .451 with 50 RBIs and eight home runs.

McPherson also participated in all 37 games, despite playing one of the most difficult – and injury prone – positions in all of baseball. He will play for Auburn University next season.

“It’s an honor to be chosen Player

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

From page 32

All Over the Mountain softball team members from Briarwood are, from left: Amelia Moore, Rachel Walz, Anna Donohue, Linley Splawn and Madison Chambers.

a whopping slugging percentage of .842. Bonamy was equally impressive in the field and in the pitching circle.

As impressive as the numbers are, Lady Jaguar coach C.J. Hawkins thinks her star’s greatest strengths can’t be written on paper.

“M.K. is a special athlete who brings the ‘it’ factor to our team,” Hawkins said. “Her leadership qualities and magnetic personality combined with her God-given talent and relentless work ethic make her an incredible teammate and a joy to coach.”

Bonamy – possibly the most honored player Spain Park softball has ever produced – said the award was special.

“It’s quite an honor to be recognized again,” she said. “I was very lucky to be surrounded by such great

teammates. I’ll always be proud to be a Spain Park Jaguar.”

Bonamy will play at the University of Notre Dame next season.

Six of Bonamy’s fellow Lady Jags were chosen for the team, and Hawkins was named 2015 Over the Mountain Coach of the Year.

Spain Park softball was a perennial doormat before Hawkins took over the program nearly a decade ago. Now it ranks among Alabama’s best.

“It was all a matter of getting folks to buy in to what it took to be successful,” Hawkins said. “We’ve had great support from the school, the administration, the parents and most importantly, the girls.”

Other Lady Jaguars making the team are Julianna Cross, Destini England, Mallory McCarty, Jenna

Olszewski, Caroline Parker and Mary Katherine Tedder.

Other members of the team are Madison Chambers, Anna Donahue, Amelia Moore, Linley Splawn and Rachel Walz, Briarwood; Venice Sanders and Morgan Williams, Homewood; Mary Catherine Nichols, Abby Grace Praytor and Abby Tissier, Hoover; Devon Grace Boyd, John Carroll Catholic; Caroline Boone, Mountain Brook; Carmyn Greenwood, Oak Mountain; and Taylor Coe, Caroline Hardy, E.J. Hardy and Jessica Perley, Vestavia Hills.

Vestavia Lacrosse Accepting Board Nominations The Vestavia Lacrosse Organization is now accepting nominations from the community to fill eight vacant board positions.

In order to serve on the board, applicants must be a resident of Vestavia Hills. Each new board member will serve a two year term.

Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be chosen at the organization’s July meeting.

Those interested in applying should call or email Hayes Johnson at 871-7399 or hayeswjmail@gmail.com.

VLO is also in search of boy’s and girl’s coaches, youth through high school age for the 2015-2016 season. For more information, contact Ashley Nance at 516-5783 or ashnance@charter.net.

they do best – and that’s to coach their respective sports. There are ways we can upgrade our technology to make that more possible.”

Jeff Segars clearly bleeds red and blue. Vestavia likely couldn’t have made a better choice to lead its athletic program.

clements, From page 32

competition.

“Of course you have better athletes at the SEC level,” Clements said. “But the main thing is the depth.

We have guys sitting in the dugout here that would be starters at other schools. That’s true all over the conference.”

As Auburn entered the postseason, Clements felt confident the Tigers could make a strong run.

“When you get to the regionals, there are so many good teams, but I think we are playing well enough now to have a chance,” he said.

Segars Takes Over at Vestavia

Longtime Rebel-watchers remember Jeff Segars as a fine player for Coach Buddy Anderson in the mid1980s.

And in some ways, Segars never left the Vestavia Hills school system, having taught and coached both at the high school and middle school almost since his college graduation.

Eventually he became assistant athletic director.

Segars reached a new level last week when the Vestavia board of education approved him as the new athletic director. He replaces Anderson, who will remain as head football coach.

“Vestavia is just a great place to be,” Segars said. “I couldn’t be happier than to receive this incredible opportunity.”

His first day at his new position was May 28.

The Rebel athletic program is known for its comparatively low turnover among coaches, and Segars said that fact is no accident of fate.

“We have great kids who come from families which expect them to work hard and succeed in whatever they attempt,” he said. “At any school, or any job, you have good days and bad days. At Vestavia we try to remember that we are a high school – not a large university -- and try to

Thursday, June 4, 2015 • 31

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Tommy Walks…

As noted previously, coaching turnovers at Vestavia are rare. But one that took place May 22 was a shocker.

Rebel baseball coach Tommy Walker announced his resignation just days after Vestavia lost to Thompson in the Class 7A quarterfinals.

In his three-year tenure, Walker led the Rebels to three state playoff appearances, climaxed by a 24-12 record and No. 1 state ranking at the conclusion of the 2015 regular season.

Walker released a statement to the media regarding his decision but didn’t give a reason for his departure.

In the statement, Walker said he still

owns a home in Spanish Fort, where he led the Toros to three Class 5A state championships before taking the Vestavia job in 2012. Walker also offered praise for Vestavia, its coaches and its athletes.

Tommy Walker has coached at three Over the Mountain high schools -- Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills -- along with a stint as head coach at Samford University.

The question now is where will he go next?

‘Coach Anderson raised me to be the person that I have become. Without his blessing, I would never have taken this position.’

Jeff Segars Vestavia Hills High School Athletic Director

keep athletics in perspective. Our primary task as educators is to enhance our students’ educational experience.

Athletics have a very important role to play, but other things are important, too.”

Segars laughed when reminded that his one-time coach now technically works for him.

“Coach Anderson raised me to be the person that I have become,” he said. “Without his blessing, I would never have taken this position. In so many ways, I will be following what Coach Anderson taught me: The wins and losses will come and go, but if you put the kids first, you will come out ahead in the long run, and that will pay off on the field, too.”

Having good relationships with all the coaches is a top priority for Segars.

“Hopefully this will not be a ‘boss’ relationship,” he said. “I see my role mainly in administration. My goal is to take as much of the administrative paperwork off the coaches as possible, leaving them time to do what

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Adam Moseley

Hoover Baseball Coach Appointed to Task Force Hoover High School baseball coach Adam Moseley has been selected to serve on a task force for the 17U National Team Development Program.

The task force will work in conjunction with the Team USA National Team Championships tournament in Palm Beach County, Fla., in June.

The tournament will draw 48 teams of 15 to 25 players.

As a task force member, Moseley will help select prospects for the 2015 17U National Development Program. Players selected will train and play on the 18U US Nationals Team.

“It’s more a recognition of the great coaching staffs I have been a part of than it is a recognition of me,” Moseley said.

Moseley has been the school’s baseball coach since 2014.

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Thursday, June 4, 2015

Sports

Hoover Baseball Coach Appointed to Task Force Page 31

Rebel Revival

lee davis

Last Pitch

Clements Proud to Help Auburn into NCAA Regionals

By Lee Davis Fifteen seasons have passed since the late Sammy Dunn delivered Vestavia Hills its last baseball state championship.

Since that time, the Rebels usually have had respectable teams but couldn’t quite reach their former position as one of Alabama’s elite powers.

That changed in 2015.

See baseball, page 30

Journal photos by Maury Wald

Vestavia Dominates All-OTM Team, Spartans’ McPherson Named Top Player

Members of the 2015 All Over the Mountain baseball team include, from left, front: Mason Duke, Spain Park; Blake Schilleci, Oak Mountain; Drew Odum, Mountain Brook; Jack McPherson, Mountain Brook; Alex Hammond, Homewood. Second row: Rodney Anderson, Spain Park; Carter Jacobs, Vestavia Hills; Coleman Kitchens, Vestavia Hills; Trey Akins, Vestavia Hills; Sam Harvey, Vestavia Hills. Third row: Caleb Gilbert, Hoover; Aaron Hill, Hoover; Sonny Potter, Vestavia Hills; J.D. Gann, Vestavia Hills; and Harrison Boozer, Shades Mountain Christian. Not pictured: Matthew Cerfolio, John Carroll Catholic; Adam Stewart, Homewood; and Luke Hartman, Mountain Brook.

M.K. Again

Bonamy and Jaguars Lead Way On All-OTM Softball Team

By Lee Davis Mary Kathryn Bonamy didn’t reach her goal of a Class 7A state championship in 2015, but the Spain Park softball standout -- known to her friends as M.K. -- did make a little history in her senior season.

Bonamy, an infielder-pitcher for the Lady Jaguars, was named 2015 Softball Player of the Year in an exclusive Over the Mountain Journal Poll of the area head softball coaches.

See softball, page 30

Members of the 2015 All Over the Mountain softball team include, from left, front: Morgan Williams, Homewood; Destini England, Spain Park; Caroline Parker, Spain Park; Jenna Olszewski, Spain Park; Juliana Cross, Spain Park; Abby Grace Praytor, Hoover; Coach C.J. Hawkins, Spain Park. Second row: Mallory McCarty, Spain Park; Abby Tissier, Hoover; Carmyn Greenwood, Oak Mountain; Mary Kathryn Bonamy, Spain Park; Mary Catherine Nichols, Hoover; Taylor Coe, Vestavia Hills; Mary Katherine Tedder, Spain Park. Third row: Devon Grace Boyd, John Carroll Catholic; Jessica Perley, Vestavia Hills; E.J. Hardy, Vestavia Hills; Caroline Boone, Mountain Brook; and Caroline Hardy, Vestavia Hills. Not pictured: Venice Sanders, Homewood.

Robby Clements has Auburn University baseball in his blood.

His father, Barry, pitched for the Tigers in the early 1980s. So the younger Clements – a senior pitcher -- is proud to be a part of the first Auburn team in five years to qualify for the NCAA Regionals.

“The difference is that this year we just worked together,” Clements said shortly after arriving for the regionals in Tallahassee, Fla., last week. “This season we put a lot more emphasis on team goals rather than the individual.”

Clements, a right-hander who was a standout at Oak Mountain, did his share in helping Auburn to a 35-24 record. Primarily working in a relief role, he pitched 51 innings, with 28 strikeouts on the way to a 5-0 record with an ERA of 3.18.

His best performance may have come in one of his four starts. In a 6-0 win over Kennesaw State in April, Clements pitched seven innings, yielding just three hits with eight strikeouts.

A relief pitcher must bring a special mindset with him into a game, Clements said.

“A lot of times you’ll come into a tough situation,” he said. “But you can’t be thinking about that. All you focus on is throwing strikes and getting the batter you are facing out.

Getting out that first batter you face is very important.”

Clements played at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville before transferring to Auburn prior to his junior season. He said the amount of top quality players is the biggest difference between the two levels of See clements, page 31

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