OTMJ 1.12.23

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2023

SPORTS

WEDDINGS | SPECIAL SECTION

See stories beginning on page 20

This Light Still Shines

T

Journal photo by Maury Wald

Rethinking Wedding Photographs Wedding Flowers Are Timeless Treasures in Resin Art

Courtesy Kelli & Daniel Taylor Photography

here’s an artfilled – and heartfelt – celebration of life happening at The Joy Gallery in Homewood. A colorful, vibrant show honoring the life and the art of the late Robin Nance Metz is on dis- Artist Robin Nance Metz, above, lost her battle with play until March 12, 2023. cancer in 2022. More Metz’s vivid, whimsical than 20 of her suns were paintings, some of her early featured on CBS Sunday work as a graphic artist and Morning—the first one, top, the clay sculptures she did later in life are on display in on Mother’s Day in 2020. the gallery along with a portrait of Metz painted by gallery curator Tom Dameron and some moving and meaningful bronze sculptures by her husband, Ted Metz. The two men curated this show together.

It’s a show that Robin Metz agreed to do months ago, but she died before it could happen. Robin, who lived in See ROBIN, page 8

Photo courtesy Ted Metz

By Susan Swagler

2 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

OPINION/CONTENTS

Inside

Murphy’s Law

W A NEW PATH Jemison Trail to get $2.7 million in updates PAGE 6

ROAR THE CURE James Bond Gala to honor Marilyn Waggoner PAGE 10

HOME MADE Family-Tested menu drives diners to Helen P AGE 24

TEACHER OF THE YEAR OTM schools announce top teachers PAGE 25

ABOUT TOWN NEWS LIFE SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

4 6 8 12

WEDDINGS FOOD SCHOOLS SPORTS

ell, I did it again. I bought a the broccoli-and-brown-rice routine for package of rice cakes. They so long, and then an alarm goes off caught me in a weak (or somewhere deep in my system and I possibly strong) moment when my start whining for a piece of chocolate psyche thought it was entirely possible cake. It rises from my core like a legitthat I would eat them, and not only eat imate bodily need, right up there with them, but eat them instead of a chocoair and water, and no matter how much late chip granola bar. So far, that my logical self tries to deny it, the hasn’t happened. “need” keeps raising its very persuaThat’s the power of the new year. sive voice.

When we’re in the middle of our holiIt’s not always chocolate cake, of day revelry, we placate ourselves by course. Sometimes, my body insists on saying that “after the new year,” we mashed potatoes, but the process is the Sue Murphy will emerge as stronger, more orgasame. I need them. I really, really need nized human beings. In my case, that them. This voice does not care that I was not so. It never is, and after had mashed potatoes yesterday, or having gone through so many new that I know I am going to have To keep mental years, you think I’d know that. mashed potatoes tomorrow. It does peace, I try to give On a particularly upbeat day, I not care that I do not have the makcan talk myself into doing the recings for mashed potatoes in the into the chocolate ommended sit-ups. I can clean out house. It does not care if a trip to cake/mashed potato the grocery store would involve getthe kitchen junk drawer. But I cannot always make myself eat things I ting out in rush hour traffic or in the voices when the do not want to eat. middle of a thunderstorm. The voice detour won’t cause For me, eating is multi-faceted. wants what it wants.

First and foremost, it is sustenance.

I suppose I should be thankful too much harm.

I know that my body needs a reathat the voices in my head are just sonable number of calories to keep craving chocolate cake or mashed moving. I also know that my body potatoes and do not demand that I will function better if I eat more healthy foods than throw things into a suitcase and drive to the Florida junk. This is textbook. panhandle to sit in the sun. After enduring the For this reason, when I am being sensible, I Birmingham Christmas freeze, however, I can feel the approach eating prescriptively. I had both fruit and sun-siren bubbling up in my chest. If you do not hear juice for breakfast, so I do not need to add fruit at from me for a while, you’ll know why. lunch. I had pasta for dinner last night, so it would To keep mental peace, I try to give into the chocobehoove me to have some kind of fish for dinner late cake/mashed potato voices when the detour won’t tonight. When I add a green vegetable, I feel particular- cause too much harm. Preemptively, I’ll have one of ly virtuous. my Aunt Dot’s chocolate peppermint patties after a The problem with that approach is that nowhere in “good girl” lunch. I will whole grain and fiber and dark any health prescription does it say “chocolate cake.” leafy green myself as much as humanly possible, but I That’s where the emotional side of eating comes in. If I will not, will not eat those rice cakes. am honest with myself, I know that I can only maintain So there.

20 24 25 28

otmj.com With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter.

Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area.

To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.

Over the Mountain Views

Pictures and Pancakes

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L January 12, 2023 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writer: Anne Ruisi Photographer: Jordan Wald Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd

Santa Joins OTM Families for Breakfast Before His Annual Duty

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Vol. 33, 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 mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com.

Copyright 2022 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.

Prescription: Chocolate Cake

Delivering all those gifts surely works up Santa’s appetite, especially when he has to bulk up on carbs before his epic Christmas Eve run!

To get ready, Santa ate pancakes with Over the Mountain families on Dec. 10 at the new Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the city of Vestavia Hills, delighted the Jolly Old Elf’s fans, young and old, as they whispered Christmas wishes into Santa’s ear.

Cameras and cell phones were out as parents snapped photos of Santa with their young ones.

Left, Ellis, Jones and Jared Stricklen visit with Santa.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 3

RECOGNIZED AS LEADERS, INNOVATORS, AND THE NO. 5 OB/GYN PROGRAM IN THE COUNTRY U.S. News & World Report recently ranked UAB Medicine’s Obstetrics and Gynecology program No. 5 in the country, due to our number of complex cases, survival rates, overall patient experience, and advanced technology. We are at the forefront of women’s care, offering full comprehensive services for women at every stage of life. Although we receive the recognition, it’s our patients who reap the rewards.

WOMEN & INFANTS SERVICES

uabmedicine.org/women

UAB-No5Ranking-OBGYN-Print-10.375x12.68-Final.indd 1

11/17/22 1:33 PM

4 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

JAN 12 - JAN 26

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

This event will feature Mayor Frank Brocato’s update on the City of Hoover. When: 11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Hyatt Regency - The Wynfrey Hotel

Jan. 21 - 22 MAGICIAN DAVID GARRARD

As seen on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!” world class magician David Garrard brings his special brand of magic to Birmingham’s Historic Lyric Theatre. The Magic Show also features an appearance by David’s friend and fellow magician, Tommy Ellison. When: 2-5 p.m.

Where: The Lyric Theatre

Mon., Jan. 23 International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Americans, Hitler, and the Holocaust

Through Jan. 16 GLOW WILD: AN ANIMAL LANTERN CELEBRATION

Experience an animal-based light show this winter. Purchase tickets for the animal lantern light exhibit online, or at the ticket office. Where: Birmingham Zoo When: 5-9 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 13 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration

Wed., Jan. 25 Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon

The Chamber will be hosting its annual luncheon, with lunch and networking opportunities. The Chamber will honor Jemison Visionary Award winner Alice Womack Bank, associate managing director of Oak Worth Capital. Where: Country Club of Birmingham When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday. The event will offer free admission. Keynote speaker Dr. Paulette Dilworth, vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UAB, will touch on the importance of Dr. King and her thoughts about this year’s theme: “Together We Can Be THE Dream.” Where: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute When: 11:30 a.m.

– 1 p.m.

Friends of Shades Creek return with first non-virtual event since 2020. The event will feature activities, live music and refreshments. When: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Where: Homewood High School gym

Jan. 13-14

Sat., Jan. 28

ASO Presents Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony

Set in four movements, Prokofiev’s heroic work culminates with a poignant question, after war, what comes after victory? Principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, Anthony McGill, showcase his artistry in two works, Racine’s “Concertino” and the world premiere of a new clarinet concerto composed by ASO Music Director Carlos Izcaray. When: 7 p.m. Where: Jemison Hall, Alys Stephens Center.

Sat., Jan. 14 MLK Day 5K Drum Run

The 6th Annual MLK Day 5K Drum Run is back. The 5K will have an 8 a.m. start time, and the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk for youth ages 12 and under will begin at 9 a.m. When: 7 a.m.

Where: Historic 4th Avenue Business District, Birmingham

Wed., Jan. 18 Hoover State of the City Luncheon

Courtesy

Journal photo by Maury Wald

Join the Alabama Holocaust Center in commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a lecture by award-winning journalist and author Andrew Nagorski.

There will be a reception with hors d’oeuvres. When: 5:30 p.m. Where: UAB National Alumni Society House

Sat., Jan. 28 Homewood Salamander Festival

Burns Night Celebration

Music, food and drink from Scotland (including haggis) and poetry readings will mark Burns Night at the O’Neal Library in Mountain Brook.

The evening celebrates Scottish poet and novelist Robert Burns. Register at oneallibrary.org/event/7563644.

When: 6-8 p.m. Where: O’Neal Library.

Thurs., Feb. 2 Grief Recovery Program

Registration is open now for GriefShare, a 14-week program starting Feb. 2 to help people who’ve lost a close family member. More information is at griefshare.org/ groups/159460. When: Thursdays from 7-8:45 p.m. Where: Faith Church, 4601 Valleydale Road.

Feb. 3-19 Dreamgirls

Enjoy “Dreamgirls” coming to Red Mountain Theatre. It’s a story infused with the spirit of Motown and the R&B

legends of the ‘60s and ‘70s. When: Showtimes vary Where: Red Mountain Theatre

Feb. 4 Jazz Cat Ball

Every year, in conjunction with Mardi Gras, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary Board hosts the Jazz Cat Ball. The ball is one of the largest animal rescue fundraisers in the South, including a black-tie gala, seated dinner, live music by Revel Radio, casino, and huge online and live auctions! This year’s Jazz Cat Ball is presented

by Regions Bank and the Jefferson County Commission. When: 6 p.m.

Where: Sheraton Birmingham Hotel Ballroom

Feb. 9 - 26 Escape to Margaritaville

Musical comedy featuring Jimmy Buffet’s hit songs and a book by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia and Emmy nominee Mike O’Malley. A part-time bartender, part-time singer and full-time charmer thinks he’s got life all figured out until a beautiful career-minded tourist steals his heart and makes him question everything.

When: Showtimes vary Where: Virginia Samford Theatre

Sat., Feb. 11 Easterseals Mardi Gras on the Mountain

Complete with a nine-piece live band and a New Orleans-inspired buffet dinner, beer and wine, you will feel like you have stepped into Mardi Gras. Live Auction hosted by Diamonds Direct, along with a silent auction. Each guest will receive a Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktail when you arrive! When: 6pm – VIP Cocktail Hour for Sponsors 7pm – Doors open for the main event Black tie optional Where: The Club

Spring Into Winter

GirlSpring Winter Party Raises Funds for Girls’ and Young Women’s Programs The GirlSpring 2023 Winter Party, a fundraiser for GirlSpring.com, the nonprofit online community created by girls for girls, is set for Jan. 26 at the home of Anna and Jason Comer.

Tommie G. Cummings, CPA, director of the Business Services Group at Kassouf & Co., is the event’s honoree.

The Winter Party begins at 6 p.m. and will feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $125 each and are available at gsfoundersparty.swell. gives/menu.

GirlSpring’s mission is to provide access to reliable information, inspiring events and positive role models so girls ages 9 to 18 are empowered to reach their full potential. The site launched in 2016 and reaches an average of 13,000 girls per month in Birmingham and across the globe through its digital platform, programs, camps and educational opportunities.

Samford Scholarships

Author Susan Alexander Yates Speaks at Legacy League Events Christian author Susan Alexander God” is the theme of Yates’ message Yates will be the guest speaker for the for the luncheon, which will be held at Legacy League’s annual Scholarship a country club in Vestavia Hills.

Luncheon and a casual supper, both on Premium sponsors are Brookdale Feb. 9.

University Park and Wells Yates will share timely, Fargo Advisors. life-shaping messages releDoors will open at 10:45 vant for all ages and stages a.m. for a silent auction and of life, according to a statethe program will begin at ment from the league.

11:30 a.m. Reservations are Among her books, Yates required and cost $55, $26 wrote “Risky Faith: of which is a tax-deductible Becoming Brave Enough to donation.

Trust the God who is Bigger “Trusting God in Life’s Than Your World” and Transitions” will be Yate’s Susan Alexander topic for the supper, to be “Cousin Camp.”

Yates Barbara and Dennis held on Samford’s campus.

Rainey, co-founders of Reservations are required Family Life, a website that caters to and cost $20. To buy tickets for either families and couples, said Yates gives of the events, go to samford.edu/legacpractical encouragement and hope to yleague. those who want to know God more Yates lives in Falls Church, deeply.

Virginia, where her husband, John, Proceeds from the events will propastored a church for 40 years. She vide scholarships to students with sigfrequently speaks on topics of faith, nificant financial need and challenging scripture and amily. circumstances to go to Samford The Legacy League has nearly 800 University. members and has awarded more than “Discovering an Infinite, Intimate $1.3 million in scholarships.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

TNT Wakes Up From Pandemic

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 5

Terrific New Theatre will be performing the Obie Award-winning play “Circle Mirror Transformation” Jan. 5-8 and 12-15 at The Dance Foundation in Homewood.

The play, written by Annie Baker, is told from the setting of an adult creative drama class in Shirley, Vermont. Four people start the sixweek class as strangers, and through their teacher’s efforts and willingness to be open, they come to realizations about their own lives.

“TNT is thrilled to be back … after nearly three years in hibernation,” said Tam DeBolt, executive director of TNT. “We are also thrilled about starting 2023 with ‘Circle Mirror Transformation.’ … The audience will see how vulnerability uncovers the complex emotions that often surface when we are encouraged to be creative and open.”

David Strickland is directing the

Photo by Stewart Edmonds

Circle Mirror Transformation Will Be First Play Since March 2020

play for TNT, a nonprofit dedicated to high-quality, cutting-edge theater. The play will be performed Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. during its run.

‘Elvis People’

Play at the Homewood Library Explores the King’s Effect on People Through the Decades South City Theatre is presenting the play “Elvis People,” by Doug Grissom, Feb. 17-18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Homewood Public Library’s Large Auditorium.

The comedic play spans decades to explore the King’s impact on American culture through the eyes of the disparate people he affected during and beyond his life.

Follow TNT on Facebook and Instagram for more updates as the show draws near. Tickets may be bought for $25 at terrificnewtheatre. com.

Although Elvis is not a character in the play, his spirit runs through it as the play explores his effect on millions of people.

The event begins with a buffet dinner starting at 6:30 p.m., and the show follows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 for the buffet and show. Buy tickets before Feb. 15 at homewoodpubliclibrary.org/vdt or at the Adult Services Desk in the library.

cookmuseum.org

MARCH 10 DJD THEATER

PILOBOLUS: BIG FIVE OH!

America’s most innovative dance company for 50 years!

“Truly original, awesome and inspiring performance!

I’ve never seen anything like this before.” - Goldstar Patron

NEWS

6 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

A New Path

By Anne Ruisi Improvements are coming to Jemison Trail, including replacing the concrete walkways with asphalt, widening those paths and rerouting sections of the walkway along Shades Creek that tend to flood, a city official said.

Cost of the $2.7 million project is being shared by the city of Mountain Brook and the Friends of Jemison Park, said Shanda Williams, superintendent of parks and recreation for the city of Mountain Brook. The city is allocating $1.4 million over the next three years, and fundraising by the Friends has netted $1.2 million of its $1.4 million goal to match the city’s contribution, she said.

The 54-acre linear park is a greenway along Shades Creek used for walking, jogging, reading, bird watching and picnicking, according to the city’s website. Owls, hawks, raccoons and fox are among the ani-

mals in the area, as are abundant native plant species.

The 1-mile concrete trail along Mountain Brook Parkway connects with the Nature Trail and the Watkins Trace Trail. When finished, it will be 1.5 miles long.

“It’s a popular trail. More people

Owls, hawks, raccoons and fox are among the animals in the area, as are abundant native plant species. are using it since COVID,” because they were isolated at home and wanted to get outdoors when they could, Williams said. So, it needs to be improved to accommodate heavier use.

The asphalt will be friendlier to runners; concrete is a harder surface,

N

By Rubin E. Grant

athan Matteo was thrilled when he found out a new downhill mountain biking park would be opening virtually in his backyard.

Matteo has been an avid mountain biker for five years, and the 14-year-old youngster who lives in Vestavia Hills has ridden trails in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina and has raced on courses at Oak Mountain and Tannehill state parks.

So, when RideBHM, Alabama’s first downhill mountain biking park, was being construct-

Williams said.

Trail width will be expanded from its current 5 feet, but the final width is to be determined. When finished, the trail will be ADA compliant.

Parking areas will be improved, with dedicated paths leading from the lots to the trails. Currently, if it’s been raining, people getting out of their cars have to deal with muddy conditions.

Work should start by summer and wrap up by the end of 2024. It will be done in sections so portions of the trail not under construction can be used, she said.

Meanwhile, the Friends group used some of the money it raised for work underway on the new woodland trail across the creek from Jemison Trail, Williams said. This trail will give people a place to use the park while portions of the Jemison trail are closed for construction. It should be finished in fall 2024.

The 54-acre linear park, a greenway along Shades Creek, is a popular spot for walking, jogging, reading, bird watching and picnicking.

Take a Ride

New Downhill Mountain Biking Park Receiving Rave Reviews

courtesy

‘We saw it in Colorado and also in North Carolina at the Kanuga Bike Park and wanted to have something like that here.’ ed in partnership with Red Mountain Park, Matteo was eager to grab his bike and go there to ride.

“I thought this place would be awesome,” Matteo said. “I was excited for the Birmingham community and the Birmingham mountain bike community. It has been really growing the last few years.”

RideBHM is to the west of Red Mountain Park on land owned by Red Mountain Park.

“We’re kind of like a ski resort on dirt,” said Hobie King, one of the founders of RideBHM. “There are only four others like this in the Southeast, so it’s pretty unique and it’s cool it’s in Birmingham.”

The pay-to-ride course opened in November, just eight months after construction began, with more than 400 mountain bike enthusiasts from 11 states, including as far away as New Jersey, coming to ride.

Journal photo by Maury Wald

Jemison Trail to Get $2.7 Million in Updates

Nathan Matteo, who competes for the Vestavia Hills Mountain Bike team, already has ridden the course five times.

“We’re kind of like a ski resort on dirt,” said Hobie King, one of the founders of RideBHM.

“I really like the convenience, only 15 or 20 minutes away from my house,” Matteo said.

“It’s supereasy to check in.”

RideBHM was the brainchild of King and his partner Emile Hughes, the CEO. Both grew up in Birmingham and are graduates of the Altamont School. They formed Ride Resorts to get the project off the ground.

“Me and the other founder always wanted to

do something cool and interesting after we got into mountain biking, something next level that was not available in Birmingham,” King said.

“We saw it in Colorado and also in North Carolina at the Kanuga Bike Park and wanted to have something like that here.”

King and Hughes began searching for a location and reached out to T.C. McLemore, executive director of Red Mountain Park. The park owned 200 acres just outside the park’s official boundaries and agreed to let RideBHM build its mountain bike part there.

Funding Windfall

In August, King and Hughes won $25,000 through Alabama Launchpad, a statewide startup competition for grants, during the Cycle 2 2022 Finale.

RideBHM was modeled after Kanuga park, with some Kanuga employees coming down to help build some of the RideBHM trails. Dialed Dirt, a trail building company, also helped build some of the trails.

RideBHM features 10 downhill mountain biking trails of varying skill levels. It also includes adaptive trails that can be ridden by persons with disabilities.

One of Alabama’s first benefit corporations, RideBHM also has a mission to increase the access that underprivileged youths have to mountain biking and nature.

The park currently is open to riders seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset.

As of the first week of January, RideBHM had 149 people with memberships, which cost $600 for an adult (18 years and older) and $500 for youth (under 18). They also had sold more than 2,000 day passes, which cost $29 for an adult and $19 for a youth.

Spectators can check out the park for free.

Matteo, who competes for the Vestavia Hills Mountain Bike team, already has ridden the course five times, including New Year’s Day, when he participated in a downhill race.

“This is the most challenging place in Birmingham because of its size and stature,” Matteo said. “Oak Mountain is still challenging, but it doesn’t have as many jumps. RideBHM has some big jumping trails, such as Big Bertha and their signature trail, Berm-ingham.

“I think it’s a park more for intermediate to advanced riders, but they do have some familyfriendly courses, such as Sweet Pea and Tootsie Roll.”

Sunday Driver has very mellow beginner trails.

“There are a range of trails at RideBHM from beginner to expert,” King said. “Regardless of your ability level, we have trails that are suitable for you as long as you can ride a bike.”

For more information about RideBHM visit ridebhm.com.

BIRMINGHAM OWNED AND LOCALLY OPERATED FOR OVER 29 YEARS BIRMINGHAM OWNED OWNED AND OVER 2929 YEARS BIRMINGHAM AND LOCALLY LOCALLYOPERATED OPERATEDFOR FOR OVER YEARS OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 7

NEWS

BIRMINGHAM OWNEDAND AND LOCALLY LOCALLY OPERATED 29 YEARS BIRMINGHAM OWNED OPERATEDFOR FOROVER OVER 29 YEARS

ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY

SAVE $800 SAVE $800 SAVE $800 SAVE $800 SAVE UP $800 TO SAVE $800 Grand Opening Celebration Savings Grand Grand Opening Opening Celebration Celebration Sav Sa Grand Opening Celebration Savings Grand Opening Celebration Savings ning Opening Grand Celebration Celebration Opening Savings Celebration Savings Savings UP TO UP C E L E B R AT I N G 2 9 Y E A R S W I T H TO THE UP UP C E L E B R AT I N G 2 9 Y E A R S W I T H TO THE TO KING FOR QUEEN C E L E B R AT I N G 2 9 Y E A R S W I T H UP THE C E L E B R AT I N G 2 9 Y E A R S W I T H TO THE KING FOR QUEEN

B E ST D E A L S I N O U R H I STO RY B E ST D E A L S I N O U R H I STO RY B E ST D E A L S I N O U R H I STO RY

B E ST D E A L S I N O U R H I STO RY

ELE B R AT I N G 2 9 Y E A R S W I T H T H E B E ST D E A L S I N O U R H I STO RY KING CFOR QUEEN KING FOR QUEEN CAMELLIA

KING

FOR

Medium Feel

QUEEN

CAMELLIA

Gel C E L E B RAT I N G 2 9 Y E A R S W I T H T H E B E ST D E A L S I N O UMemory R HFeel I Foam STOwith RY Medium

CAMELLIA CAMELLIA We’re celebrating our Grand Openings ininGuntersville, We’re We’re celebrating our Grand our Grand Openings Openings in Guntersville, in Guntersville We’re celebrating our Grand Openings Guntersville, We’re celebrating our Grand Openings incelebrating Guntersville, eing celebrating our Grand our Openings Grand We’re Openings in celebrating Guntersville, in Guntersville, our Grand Openings in Guntersville, Medium Feel Medium Feel Inverness and Georgia with prices all our stores.

Inverness Inverness and Columbus, and Columbus, Georgia Georgia with with great great prices prices at allatour allstor ou Inverness and Columbus, Georgia with great prices allstores. our stores.

Inverness and Columbus, Georgia with great prices atgreat all our stores. bus, nd Columbus, Georgia with Inverness Georgia great with and prices Columbus, great atColumbus, all prices our Georgia stores. at all our with stores. great prices at allatat our FOR KING QUEEN CAMELLIA cooling cover that cradles your body, helps you sleep Gel Memory Foam with cool, relieves pressure points, cooling cover that cradles reducing tossing and turning.

Gel Memory Foam with Gel Memory Foam with your body, helps you sleep cooling cover that cradles cooling cover that cradles cool, relieves pressure points, Medium Feel your body, helps youyou sleep your body, helps sleep reducing tossing and turning. ** ** ** ** ** cool, relieves pressure points, cool, relieves pressure points, Gel Memory Foam with tossing andand turning. reducing tossing turning.

Memory Foam Daydream Ellsberg Memory Memory Foam Foam Ellsberg reducing Daydream Daydream Memory Foam Daydream Ellsberg Memory Foam DaydreamEllsberg Daydream Daydream Memory FoamEllsberg Daydream Ellsberg cooling cover that cradles King Mattress Also Available King Mattress Also Available KingKing Mattress King Also Mattress Available Also Available King Mattress Also Available King Mattress Also Available King Also Available King Mattress Also Available King Mattress Also Available Mattress Available King Also Mattress AlsoMattress Available King Mattress Also Mattress Available Also Available Mattress Also Available King Mattress Available KingKing Mattress King Also Mattress Available Also Available King Mattress Also Available King Mattress AlsoKing Available KingAlso Mattress Also Available your body, helps you sleep King or Queen Mattress SAVE $200 SAVE $200 SAVE $200 SAVE $200 SAVE $200 SAVE $200 SAVE $200 SAVE $200 SAVE $200 SAVE $200 points, SAVE $200 SAVE $200 SAVE $200 cool, SAVE $200 SAVE SAVE $200 $200 SAVE $200 SAVE SAVE $200 $200 SAVE $200 relieves pressure reducing and turning.

UP TO SAVE tossing $800

OVER

***

OVER OVER ***

******

QUEEN MATTRESS QUEEN MATTRESS QUEEN MATTRESS

QUEEN MATTRESS

27 27 2727 $$499 $499$499 499 18 18 1818 $999 $999 $999

OVER

A MONTH

A MONTH

OVER ***

MONTHS

MONTHS

OVER

$1199 $1199 $1199 $1199 $1199

2222 $399 $399 1818 $ $

MONTHS

SAVE $200

MONTHS

$200

MONTHS MONTHS

Also Available King Mattress Also Available

A MONTH

A MONTH

y Foam Memory Foam

A MONTH A MONTH

$$22 22 22 $22 $$399 $399$399 399 18 18 1818 $

**

Ellsbe

King MattressKin Als

SAVE $

CAMELLIA

King or Queen Mattress Medium Feel

King or Queen Mattress

UP TO SAVE $800 King or Queen Mattress Gel UP Memory Foam with TO $800 SAVE UP TOthat SAVE $800 cooling cover cradles

***

KING

QUEEN MATTRESS QUEEN MATTRESS

FOR

QUEEN

your helps you sleep King orbody, Queen Mattress

cool, relieves pressure points, FOR KING QUEEN UP TO SAVE $800 FOR QUEEN KING reducing tossing and turning.

2727 $499 $499 1818

KING QUEEN $ $ $ $ $ $ Union Cushion Firm Upbeat Memory Foam Ellsberg EuroTop Union Cushion Union Cushion Firm Firm Upbeat Upbeat Memory Memory Foam Foam EllsbergElls E Union Cushion Firm Upbeat Memory FoamEuroTop Ellsberg EuroTop Cushion Firm Upbeat Memory Foam Ellsberg shion Union Firm Cushion Firm Upbeat Union Memory Upbeat FoamUnion Memory Cushion Foam Ellsberg Firm EuroTop Ellsberg Upbeat EuroTop Memory Foam Ellsberg EuroTop **

A MONTH

**

A MONTH

A MONTH

A MONTH

**

FOR

$1199

******

comfort and sleeps cool. that feeling mattress GeatGeat feeling mattress that Medium Firm offers consistent support and offers consistent support and comfort and sleeps cool.

Geat feeling mattress that comfort and sleeps cool.

QUEEN MATTRESS QUEEN MATTRESS QUEEN MATTRESS 11” HYBRID QUEEN MATTRESS offers consistent support and Medium Firm comfort and sleeps cool.

OVER

OVER ***

MONTHS

***

MONTHS MONTHS

MONTHS

11” HYBRID ***

MONTHS

Medium Firm Firm OVER OVER OVER Medium OVER offers consistent support and

MONTHS

King Mattress Available King Mattress Also Available King Mattress Also Available KingKing Mattress King Also Mattress Available Also Available KingKing Mattress King Also Mattress Available Also Available King Mattress Also Available King Mattress Also Available King Mattress Also Available Available King Mattress AlsoKing Available King Mattress Also Available King MattressKing AlsoMattress AvailableAlso King Mattress KingAlso Mattress Available Also Available KingAlso Mattress Also Available Mattress Also Mattress Available Also Available Mattress Also Available 11” HYBRID SAVE $300 SAVE $300 SAVE $300 SAVE $300 SAVE $300 $300 SAVE $300 SAVE $300 SAVE $300SAVE $300 SAVE SAVE $300 SAVE $300 SAVE $300 SAVE $300 SAVE $300 SAVE SAVE $300 $300 SAVE $300 SAVE SAVE $300 $300 SAVE $300 FOR Medium Firm KING QUEEN 11” HYBRID HYBRID Geat11” feeling mattress that

Also Available King Mattress Also Available

$300

** **

A MONTH A MONTH

**

King MattressKin Als

SAVE $

King or Queen Mattress

***

SAVE UP TO $800

QUEEN MATTRESS QUEEN MATTRESS

Geat feeling mattress that offers consistent support and comfort and cool.

BEDZZZ EXPRESS OUTLETS UP TO BEDZZZ EXPRESS OUTLETS SAVE $800 BEDZZZ EXPRESS OUTLETS King or sleeps Queen Mattress BEDZZZTRUSSVILLE EXPRESS BEDZZZ EXPRESS OUTLETS BEDZZZ EXPRESS OUTLETS ALABASTER GARDENDALE ALABASTER ALABASTER GARDENDALE GARDENDALE ALABASTER GARDENDALE GREYSTONE HOMEWOOD HOOVER MCCALLA PELHAM TRUSSVILLE MTN. BROOK LEEDS HUEYTOWN HOOVER VESTAVIA NOW OPEN! TER GARDENDALE GREYSTONEMTN. GREYSTONE HOMEWOOD HOMEWOOD HOOVER MCCALLA HOOVER MCCALLA PELHAM TRUSSVILLE PELHAM TRUSSVILLE TRUSSVILLE MTN. BROOK MTN. LEEDS BROOK HUEYTOWN LEEDS HUEYTOWN HOOVER HOOVER VESTAVIA VESTAVI NOW GREYSTONE HOMEWOOD HOOVER MCCALLA PELHAM TRUSSVILLE TRUSSVILLE MTN. BROOK LEEDS HUEYTOWN HOOVER VESTAVIA NOW OPEN! ALABASTER GARDENDALE GREYSTONE HOMEWOOD HOOVER MCCALLA PELHAM TRUSSVILLE TRUSSVILLE BROOK LEEDS HUEYTOWN HOOVER VESTAVIA NOW OPEN! INVERNESS D PELHAM HOOVER TRUSSVILLE MCCALLA TRUSSVILLE PELHAM MTN. TRUSSVILLE GREYSTONE BROOK TRUSSVILLE HOMEWOOD LEEDS MTN. HUEYTOWN HOOVER BROOK MCCALLA HOOVER LEEDS HUEYTOWN VESTAVIA PELHAM TRUSSVILLE HOOVER NOW OPEN! TRUSSVILLE VESTAVIA MTN. BROOK NOWOUTLETS OPEN! LEEDS HUEYTOWN HOOVER VESTAVIA NOW OPEN!

$999 $999

King or Queen Mattress

KING FOR QUEEN

King or Queen Mattress

Target Shopping Fieldstown Target Shopping Target Fieldstown Shopping Fieldstown Rd Target Shopping Fieldstown Highway 28th Ave So Hwy 31across Tannehill Pelham Parkway Hwy Shops on InAllison-Bonnett Front of PELHAM Allison-Bonnett 150 across door to pping Fieldstown RdGadsden Highway Highway 28th Ave 280 SoGadsden 28th Ave 31Hwy Tannehill Hwy 31 Pelham Tannehill Parkway Gadsden Parkway Hwyto Gadsden Chalkville Hwy HwyHwy Chalkville Shops onacross Shops InNext Front ondoor of InINVERNESS Front of Allison-Bonnett HwyGREYSTONE 150 across HwyNext 150PELHAM across door to NextINVER door Highway 280Allison-Bonnett 28th Ave So Hwy Hwy 31 Tannehill Pelham Parkway Gadsden Chalkville Shops on In Next Front of Allison-Bonnett 150 to Allison-Bonnett Across 280 from Target Shopping Fieldstown Rd Shops INVERNESS Highway 280Pelham 28th Ave So Hwy 31Rd Tannehill Pelham Parkway Gadsden Chalkville Shops on InHwy Front ofSo Allison-Bonnett Hwy 150 door INVERNESS GREYSTONE PELHAM GREYSTONE PELHAM Pelham Hwy Parkway 31 Tannehill Hwy Chalkville Parkway Gadsden Highway on Hwy 280Rd In Chalkville Front 28th Ave of280So Shops Hwy on 31 In Tannehill Front 150 ofHwyRd Pelham Allison-Bonnett Next Parkway door to280 Hwy Gadsden 150 across Hwy Chalkville Next door to Chalkville Shops on In Front ofacrossPelham Hwy 150 across Next door to Next INVERNESS INVERNESS INVERNESS GREYSTONE PELHAM GREYSTONE GREYSTONE PELHAM Center next to Center Center next to Promenade next to Center next next toTCBY next to TCBY across from across from Mtn. Rd Montevallo Walmart & 3Lowes Memorial Dr. Dr. CarMax Honey Baked Ham Chik-fil-A next to Promenade 663-2337 663-2337 280Dr. from next to next next to to TCBYfrom across nextHwy. to TCBY across Promenade from Promenade across from across Mtn. from Rd Montevallo Mtn. Rd Walmart Montevallo & Doors Lowes Walmart Memorial &Hwy. Lowes Memorial from Dr.280 Honey from CarMax Ham Honey Baked2 Hwy. 280 Next 3 Doors South of ofAcross 663-2337 next to Montevallo next toDr. TCBYWalmart across from Promenade across from Mtn. Rd 280 Montevallo Walmart &Baked Lowes Memorial from CarMax Honey next to Montevallo Across 280 from 663-2337 next to next to TCBY across from Promenade across from Mtn. RdDr. Montevallo Memorial Dr. fromHwy. Honey Ham Walmart &from Lowes Across 280from from Hwy. Next 3Baked Doors South Hwy. Ham 280 Next 3Baked South of 663-2337 663-2337 663-2337 across from acrossCenter from Mtn. Rd across next from toto Walmart Mtn. next &Rd to Lowes Memorial across from Promenade & Lowes Honey Memorial Baked Ham663-2337 from across CarMax from Honey Mtn. Baked Rd Ham Montevallo Walmart &CarMax Lowes Memorial Dr. South from CarMax Honey Baked from CarMax Across 280 Across from Across 280Ham fromAcross 280 Next 3 Doors South of 280 Next Doors of 280 Next 3CarMax Doors South of 621-7010 Auto Zone 621-7010 621-7010 Auto Zone Auto Zone 621-7010 Auto Zone 802-8888 655-6906 956-8033 699-7000 744-4948 982-8006 978-3068 Driver’s Way Cadillac of next to Publix Starbuck’s 10 Cadillac Auto Zone 802-8888 802-8888 655-6906 655-6906 956-8033 956-8033 699-7000 699-7000 744-4948 744-4948 982-8006 982-8006 978-3068 978-3068 from Chik-fil-A Driver’s Way Driver’s Way Cadillac of next Cadillac to Publix of next to Publix Starbuck’s Starbuck’s from C Issis & Sons Wee’s Pawn 802-8888 655-6906 956-8033 744-4948 Driver’s Way 956-8033 Cadillac of next to Publix Starbuck’s Auto Zone 956-8033 Chik-fil-A 802-8888 655-6906 956-8033 699-7000 744-4948 982-8006 978-3068 Driver’s Cadillac of next to Publix Starbuck’s from Chik-fil-A982-8006 to Issis & Pawn SonsPeePee Wee’s Pawn to Issis & Sons978-3068 PeeChik-fil-A Wee’s Pawn from 699-7000 655-6906 802-8888 744-4948 699-7000 982-8006 744-4948 978-3068 982-8006 978-3068 956-8033 699-7000 744-4948 982-8006 978-3068 of next Starbuck’s to621-7010 Publix Way 655-6906 Starbuck’s Driver’s Way Cadillac of next to Publix Starbuck’s from Chik-fil-A655-6906 from Chik-fil-A from to Issis & Sons Pee Wee’s Pawn to Issis & Sons699-7000 Pee Wee’s Pawn to Issis & Sons to Pee Wee’s 739-2339 631-2322 631-2322426-1833 631-2322 631-2322 408-0280 631-2322 426-1833 408-0280 661-6200 408-0280 426-1833 Birmingham 739408-0280 Birmingham Birmingham 426-1833 661-6200 Birmingham 631-2322 661-6200 739-2339 408-0280 426-1833 661-6200 Birmingham 739-2339 408-1250 664-0096 664-0096 408-1250 739-2339 664-0096 739-2339 661-6200 408-0280 426-1833 Birmingham 739-2339661-6200 739-2339 408-1250Birmingham 664-0096426-1833 408-1250 661-6200 664-0096661-6200 408-1250 408-1250 664-0096

SAVE UP TO $800

979-7274

UP TO SAVE $800 King or Queen Mattress 979-7274

979-7274

979-7274 979-7274

979-7274

979-7274

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 10AM - 7PM · SAT 9AM - -MONDAY 6PM SUNDAY 1PM -· 6PM OPEN FRIDAY -SUNDAY FRIDAY - 7PM 10AM SAT - 7PM 9AM· -S6 MONDAY - FRIDAY -OPEN 7PM · 6PM SAT 9AM - 6PM· 1PM · 10AM 1PM - 6PM OPEN -- FRIDAY 10AM -OPEN 7PM ·-SAT - 6PM ·10AM SUNDAY 1PM - 6PM OPEN MONDAY -&FRIDAY OPEN 10AM MONDAY 7PM -bedzzzexpress.com ·FRIDAY SAT 9AM 10AM 6PM - 7PM · SUNDAY · MONDAY SAT 9AM 1PM -6PM 6PM OPEN · bedzzzexpress.com SUNDAY MONDAY 1PM - FRIDAY 6PM9AM 10AM - 7PM · SAT 9AM -MONDAY · SUNDAY - 6PM bedzzzexpress.com bedzzzexpress.com Follow Us Us OnTwitter Facebook, Twitter & Instagram Follow Us -On Follow Facebook, Us On Twitter Facebook, &-Instagram Twitter & Instagram Follow On Facebook, Twitter Instagram Twitter & Us Instagram dzzzexpress.com bedzzzexpress.com bedzzzexpress.com gramFollow Us On Facebook, Facebook, &bedzzzexpress.com Instagram UPOnTO SAVEFollow $800 *Some promotions may be limited to select sets. Not responsible for errors in ad copy. Quantities and selections may vary by location. Mattress images are for illustration purposes only. This information is accurate as of 1/12/2023 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 1/31/2023.

FREE ADJUSTABLE BASE

*Some promotions may beillustration limited to select sets.

Not responsible errors in ad copy.

Quantities and selections may vary by location.

Mattress are for illustration purposes only.

Gifts with purchase (including giftgift cards rebates) are not valid with any(including other promotions except *Some promotions *Some may promotions be limited to may select be limited sets.

Not toselections select responsible sets.

Not for responsible errors inimages ad copy. forare errors Quantities inexcept ad copy. and selections Quantities may and selections vary by location. may vary Mattress by location. images are for illustration images arecards purposes forand illustration only.with Gifts purposes with purchase only.

Gifts with purchase gift cards (including and rebates) gift cards area *Some promotions may beinsets. limited toresponsible select sets.

Not responsible forvary errors in ad copy.

Quantities and may vary byand location.

Mattress images are for other illustration purposes only.

Gifts with purchase (including and rebates) are not valid with any other promotions except romotions mayinbead limited to sets.

Not responsible for ad copy.

Quantities and selections may by location.

Mattress images are for illustration purposes only.

Gifts with purchase (including gift cards and rebates) are not valid with any other promotions except sible es and forselections errors may copy. vary *Some Quantities byselect location. promotions and Mattress selections may be images limited may vary are toerrors for select by location.

Not Mattress purposes images only. for Gifts are errors for with illustration inpurchase adfor copy. purposes (including Quantities only. and gift Gifts cards selections with and purchase rebates) may vary are (including by not location. valid gift with Mattress cards any other rebates) promotions are for images not illustration valid with purposes any only. promotions Gifts with except purchase (including giftMattress cards and rebates) are not valid any other promotions except special forwith 6based or 12 months. for 60 months available with purchases ofmonths. $1999 or over and does not include sales tax. **Monthly payment isand based onnot purchase price alone excluding taxcharges. and delivery charges. purchases subject credit approval.

Other transactions special financing special for 6sales or financing 60% 12 for months.

60 months 0% available fornot 60 months with purchases available with of is $1999 purchases orpayment over ofcredit $1999 or over include andexcluding does sales not tax. include **Monthly sales tax. payment **Monthly is delivery based payment oncharges. purchase isCredit based price onpurchases alone purchase excluding pricetoalone tax and excluding delivery tax charges. and delivery Credit charges. purchasesCred su special financing 6purchases orfortax.

12 months.

0% for 60 months available with purchases offor $1999 or over and does sales tax. **Monthly is does based onalone purchase price alone excluding tax Credit subject toOther credit approval.

Other transactions nancing 6 or months.

0%financing for 60 months of 0% $1999 or alone over and does not include tax. **Monthly payment is based on purchase price alone excluding and delivery charges.

Credit purchases subject toand credit approval.

Other transactions over ableand withfor does purchases not12include ofspecial $1999 sales ortax. over **Monthly and fordoes 6financing oravailable payment not 12 months. include isfor sales 0% on 60 purchase **Monthly months price available payment with excluding is based purchases ontaxpurchase of and $1999 delivery price or12 over charges. alone and excluding does Credit not purchases tax include and delivery sales subject tax. charges. toinclude **Monthly credit Credit approval. payment purchases Other based transactions subject on totax purchase approval. price Other transactions tax and delivery Credit purchases subject to credit approval. transactions King or Queen Mattress may affect the N.A. monthly payment.

Marketing Group credit card iswill issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit.

The special terms APRAPR continue to apply until allapproved qualifying purchases are paid in full.

The may affect the may affect payment. the monthly ***The payment.

Nationwide ***The Marketing Nationwide Group Marketing credit card Group is issued credit by card Wells is issued Fargo Bank, by Wells N.A. Fargo Special Bank, terms N.A. apply Special to qualifying terms apply purchases to qualifying charged purchases withall approved charged credit. with Thequalifying special terms APR special will continue terms to will apply until a may affect the monthly payment.

Nationwide Marketing Group credit card isapply issued by Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply toinall qualifying purchases charged with approved credit.

The special terms will continue to apply until all purchases are paid inAPR full.

Thecontinue ct monthly payment. ***The Nationwide Group credit card***The is***The issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms toBank, qualifying purchases charged with approved credit.

The special terms APR will continue toThe apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full.

The Wells ngthe Group Fargo credit Bank, card N.A.is Special issued may affect by terms Wells theapply monthly Fargo toMarketing qualifying Bank, payment. purchases ***The Special Nationwide terms charged apply with Marketing toNationwide qualifying approved Group credit. purchases credit The card charged special ismonthly issued terms with approved by APR Wells Fargo credit. continue The toWells special N.A. apply Special until terms all terms APR qualifying will apply continue purchases to qualifying to apply are purchases paid until full. qualifying charged The with purchases approved are credit. paid inThe full. special terms APR will continue towill apply until qualifying purchases arecredit. paid inThe full.

The payment for this purchase will be amount that will paypay for the purchase inpayments full intoequal during the promotional (special terms) period.

The APR for Purchases willfee apply to certain such as aas late payment fee orwill iforyou use the cardcard for for other transactions.

Foras new monthly payment monthly for this payment purchase for this be the amount that be the will pay for that the purchase willfee pay for the full purchase in equal payments infees full inThe equal during thePurchases promotional the (special terms) (special period.

The terms) APR period. for The APR for apply Purchases touse certain will apply fees such toother certain asnew a late feespayment such fee a new late or payme if you u monthly payment for this purchase be the amount that will for the inwill full inpurchase equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period.

APR for will apply touse certain fees such atransactions. late payment fee if for you the transactions.

For payment purchase willinbepayment the monthly amount that will pay the purchase inwill full inwill equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period.

The APR for Purchases will apply toFor certain such as apayments late payment or ifpromotional you card for other For new qual ll pay payments forfor thethis purchase during the monthly in promotional full equal (special payments for this terms) during purchase period. thefor will promotional The be the APR amount for (special Purchases thatthe terms) will pay period. apply for the to The purchase certain APR for fees in Purchases full such inpurchase as equal awill late apply payment certain during feepayments orfees the if will you promotional such use as the aamount card late (special payment for other terms) transactions. or period. ifin you The use APR the new card for Purchases for other transactions. will apply to during For certain new fees such as the afees late payment fee or if Purchases you use the card other transactions.

For

LIFE

8 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

Robin

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HEALTH & FITNESS 2023

New Routines, New You

From Page One

Doctor Says Find New Mindset and Routines and Stick With Them for Long-Term Health

By Anne Ruisi

Journal photos by Maury Wald

Montevallo, passed away at the age of 62 on Sept. 23.

Ted said Robin was excited about the show – her third in The Joy Gallery.

“Her plan for this show was to do 20 or 30 small paintings. She knew she didn’t have as much energy,” he said, “she didn’t have as much studio time.”

The 8-by-10 works that she was painting at the end of her life are displayed in the middle of the room. The subjects vary but all are playful, joyful pieces. There’s a photo of Robin painting her final piece. She’s smiling.

Robin was born in Nashville, but she spent much of her adult and professional life in Alabama. She attended Homewood High School, then she studied graphic design and illustration at the University of Montevallo and Auburn University and worked as a commercial artist for 20 years. A portrait of one of her children is what led her to a career in fine art. She showed it to Dameron one day, and he told her: “This is great. You should do more of these.”

So, she did.

“I loved this sweet person and have promoted her art and have collected it over the years,” Dameron said. “She was the first artist to ever show at The Joy Gallery 10 years ago and has always been a favorite.”

The Joy Gallery at Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church curator Tom Dameron, left and Robin’s husband, Ted Metz, right, curated The Life and Art of Robin Nance Metz with Ted Metz, together. Below, Robin’s vivid, whimsical paintings; some of her early work as a graphic artist; and the clay sculptures she did later in life are on display in the gallery through March 12.

The Life and Art of Robin Nance Metz with Ted Metz Where: The Joy Gallery at Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 513 Columbiana Road, Homewood.

When: Mondays to Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or by appointment, through March 12.

Tickets: Show is free and open to the public.

See online: You can view the online presentation of the art show by visiting HomewoodCPC.org or Facebook.com/HomewoodCPC.

Sun Symbol

Robin was a favorite of many.

Even as she was fighting stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Robin brightened the lives of others through her art.

Specifically, her suns – both paintings and sculptures – ended up reaching millions of people.

Ted said Robin was diagnosed in March 2020 and she decided to send some of her work to CBS Sunday Morning, which features sun artwork from artists across the country between segments.

“CBS Sunday Morning was always our favorite thing to do on Sunday morning,” Ted said. “When Robin got cancer she said, ‘You know, what do I have to lose? I’m going to go ahead and write (to the person who selects the artwork) and send in a few suns and see what happens.’”

What happened is that more than 20 of her suns were featured on the show over the past few years. The first one was on Mother’s Day, Ted said.

A few weeks ago, when the program aired a segment on people lost in 2022, they featured Pope Benedict and Queen Elizabeth and Barbara Walters, Ted said, “and Robin was in that, too.”

They featured members of the CBS

Sunday Morning team, he said, and “it was interesting that she led that group.”

Robin spoke with Bham Now in 2021, about a year after her diagnosis and after her seventh sun had been featured on the news show, and she said: “I am so happy that I have been given the opportunity to show people that hope is a good thing and it is real.

You’ve got to focus on the good stuff.

Robin worked with the Alabama Oncology Foundation, creating and selling art to support the co-pay costs of cancer patients in need of assistance.

If you don’t, you’ll miss the sun, the moon, the cup of coffee on the front porch and the laughter of life.”

The show at The Joy Gallery is a room full of good stuff – dazzlingly colorful and wonderfully whimsical

good stuff that spans her career as a commercial artist and then as a creator of fine art. There are cats and fish, moons and suns, a woman wearing a flowerpot as a hat.

Ted said her art is “especially approachable. It makes you smile.”

The three-dimensional pieces – the sculptures she did with him – show she was not afraid to venture out of her comfort zone.

None of the art is for sale. The show is meant as a memorial to Robin – a way to simply celebrate her life and her contributions to the lives of others.

Ted said Robin had plenty of hardship during her life, but she “was able to accept everything thrown at her with such grace and dignity. The woman smiled more than is humanly possible.

She would light up a room.”

“She had the kind of life that would define most people in a negative way, and she rose above it in such an amazing way,” he said. “She was an inspiration to everyone. And the whole point of her work – everything she did – the only thing she wanted to convey in her artwork was she wanted to get people to put a smile on their face. She just wanted people to smile.”

Supporting Others in Need

Robin’s art made people happy, but it also made a tangible difference in the lives of those around her.

She opened her studio to people struggling with grief, and she shared with them the therapeutic relief that creating art had offered her over the years.

Robin also worked with the Alabama Oncology Foundation, creating and selling art to support the co-pay costs of cancer patients in need of assistance.

After overhearing that a fellow patient who was checking in couldn’t afford her co-payment, Ted said, “Robin decided she was going to do an art project and all the proceeds were going to help people with co-payments.”

Then she had an art show at her church in Montevallo that sold out, he said. And half of those proceeds also went to the assistance program she initiated, Help Oncology Patients Excel.

When the show at The Joy Gallery ends March 12, there will be a celebration of Robin’s life in the sanctuary of the Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. All are welcome.

“She was such a bubbly, happy soul,” Dameron said, “even when she was dying. She had a perfectly wonderful disposition.”

Dameron plays in a local band, and it will do six tunes to start the celebration service, he said. They play lots of songs from the 1930s, and he said, “We’re going to play ‘When My Sugar Walks Down the Street (All the Little Birdies Go Tweet-Tweet-Tweet),’ which is what would have happened if she walked down the street. … We’re going to do that to get people in a good mood and then people can come up and talk about her. … She wouldn’t want us to be sad.”

You know the drill; you make a New Year’s resolution to exercise more, lose weight or maybe work on your overall fitness. After a few weeks, you’ve lost the enthusiasm to go to the gym and the tags are still on some of your new workout gear.

So how to you keep those promises you make to achieve better health?

“It’s kind of the number one question,” said Dr. Holly Wyatt, an MD and professor of nutrition sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Health Professions. “How do you make those goals for 2023 stick?”

Uncovering your motivations, changing your mindset and behaviors, and enlisting support are strategies, said Wyatt, who’s been helping people achieve long-term weight loss for most of her career.

“I put all my effort into interventions that help people lose weight and live their best life. It relates to moving more into almost a holistic kind of lifestyle wellness,” she said. “It’s about body, state and lifestyle and how do you have the best body state to support the best life that you want?”

Wyatt co-wrote a book, “State of Slim,” that lays out a plan for longterm weight loss.

“People say, ‘I want to change my body shape, whatever.’ And that’s good.

That’s what fires us up. So I would say, OK, let’s get excited about that. But let’s Holly Wyatt, is a medical doctor and spend just as much time on professor of nutrition why we want sciences at UAB’s School of Health to do it,” she Professions. said.

“It’s … unique to each person, but it’s the power source if you can start to tap into what’s really important to you about changing your diet, or any behavior,” Wyatt said.

It’s also important that the new behaviors become so much a part of your life that they run on autopilot, she said.

See GOALS, page 10

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 9

LIFE

Don’t Rush It

If You’re Trying to Lose Weight, Slow and Steady is the Recipe

By Anne Ruisi The very first thing a person should do when they want to lose weight is set reasonable goals, an expert in nutrition said.

“We all look forward to changing the world tomorrow, but don’t say you’re going to lose 20 pounds by the end of January,” said Wendy DemarkWahnefried, a Wendy professor of nutriDemarkWahnefried, a tion sciences at the University professor of of Alabama at nutrition sciBirmingham. ences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “One pound of weight loss per week is good.”

That adds up to 52 pounds a year – a big deal for someone who needs to lose a large amount of weight.

Taking weight loss slowly also helps protect against losing muscle mass. Muscle mass helps determine how many calories you burn. If you reduce that due to quick weight loss, “you lower your set point and that

sets you up for failure,” Demarkopt for healthier options, such as Wahnefried said. chicken and fish, and to eat whole Exercising and getting your weight grains. General guidelines and infordown if you are overweight are of mation for most people regarding paramount importance and not only healthier eating are available online, for overall fitness and better health. It such as at myplate.gov, the USDA’s will reduce the risk of obesity-related website, Demark-Wahnefried said. cancers, said Demark-Wahnefried, Besides setting reasonable weight who also is an associate director of loss goals, these tips can help you UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive stay on track: Cancer Center.

• Weigh yourself every day.

Thirteen common cancers are “Getting on a scale brings it home on linked to obesity, what your weight is including breast, and helps make you ‘We all look prostate, ovarian, aware of what you’re forward to endometrial, coloeating,” Demarkrectal, pancreatic and Wahnefried said. changing the thyroid, she said.

• Exercise reguworld tomorrow. larly and do it early You don’t have to starve yourself to Don’t say you’re in the day. That way meet your weight you won’t use the going to lose 20 loss goal, Demark“I’m too tired” Wahnefried said. A excuse later in the pounds by the plant-based diet, end of January.’ day.• Stay hydrated which doesn’t necessarily mean vegetariwith water, plain tea an or vegan, is what’s recommended or another non-caloric beverage. by the USDA, the American Cancer • Slow down when eating and Society and the American Institute of don’t be distracted. “It’s easy to go Cancer Research. through a bag of chips when you’re in Americans have long been encour- front of the computer screen or TV, aged to eat less refined and fast foods Demark-Wahnefried said. and to limit or cut alcohol. They’re • Be mindful when you eat. Sit at advised to limit the amount of red and the kitchen table and focus on what processed meats in their diets and to you’re eating and feel satisfied.

Feeling stuck and ready to make a change?

Counseling can help.

Now Accepting New Clients Individual Counseling for: Depression • Anxiety • Stress Difficult Life Transitions • Substance Use

Call: 205-259-6784 Email: twald@apollocounseling.org Visit: apollocounseling.org/tommy-wald

PREPARE FOR

MEDICARE

· Fun and free “Prepare for Medicare” classes · One-on-one Medicare consultations

RIGHT HERE IN YOUR TOWN

· Help people in need apply for nancial assistance

2116 Columbiana Road Birmingham, AL 35216

MedicareAdvice.org 







EDUCATE

ADVISE

ENROLL

SUPPORT

Learn how to make an educated Medicare decision.

Unbiased FREE advice based on years of experience.

Meet with a local licensed agent who can help you enroll.

Ongoing support regardless of enrollment.

VIEW MORE @ MEDICAREADVICE.ORG/SERVICES/PRODUCTS MAA is an insurance agency and not part of the federal government. We do not represent every plan available in Alabama and information provided is limited to the plans we do offer. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-Medicare to get information on all options.

Like Mother, Like Daughter ROAR to Honor Marilyn Waggoner at Gala

By Anne Ruisi Surgery was about the only option available in the 1970s when Marilyn Mitchell Waggoner’s mother was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Initially it was successful. For almost five years the procedure kept the cancer at bay, but it returned and eventually Waggoner’s mother passed away.

“We didn’t then have the benefit of knowledge that we do now” to fight cancer, especially thanks to lifesaving research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said Waggoner, herself a breast cancer survivor who advocates for early detection and finding a cure.

On Jan. 28, she’ll be honored at ROAR’s James Bond Gala at The Club. It will be the nonprofit’s 12th annual gala fundraiser.

“I’m overwhelmed to be asked to be the honoree,” the Vestavia Hills resident said. “I feel in a position to represent people everywhere who’ve gone through this valley to get to the other side.”

ROAR’s mission is to raise money for cancer research programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Radiation Oncology Department. ROAR is an acronym for Radiation Oncology Accelerated Research.

Cancer is a disease pervasive in

ROAR Gala Details

Tickets to ROAR’s James Bond Gala fundraiser at The Club on Jan. 28 are available online.

Each ticket helps fund cancer research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The gala begins at 6 p.m. and the evening includes a reception, dinner and entertainment by the band Total Assets.

A live auction led by auctioneer Granger Thagard will feature an array of experiences, such as a South African hunt and photo safari, a beachfront vacation in Key West and a week’s stay in a villa in Tuscany. A guitar signed by the Rolling Stones, a Jovanni couture gown and a lot called “Shaken Not Stirred” of more than 100 bottles of top shelf spirits and wine also will be auctioned off.

Tickets are $250 per person and are available at Roar2023.givesmart. com.

society, with one in two men and one in three women developing cancer in their lifetimes, according to ROAR’s website, roarthecure.org.

Waggoner’s own cancer journey, which began in early 2013, started like many others, with something unusual detected during a routine doctor’s visit, she said. A mammo-

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LIFE wasn’t as bad as she expected.

Her family and friends were supportive.

“My husband and daughter were there with me every step of the way,” Waggoner said. She is married to Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, and they have a daughter, Lyn Kilpatrick.

Loving gestures from family and friends helped boost her spirits, such as the blanket, snacks and water bottle Marilyn Mitchell Waggoner, with husband Jabo a grandchild gave her to Waggoner, is this year’s Roar Gala honoree. take to treatment sessions. Her sons would call her while she was having an gram, a scan and biopsy followed infusion. and, finally, a startling diagnosis: Waggoner’s been in remission Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer.

“It’s very shocking to hear the big since her treatment ended, 10 years for which she is thankful. In the C word,” she said, even though due time since then, she’s been a support to her family history, she was aware to others on their cancer journey, of cancer screening measures, such especially in a one-on-one capacity. as colonoscopies.

She lent that support to her daughter Waggoner’s treatment course was when Kilpatrick was diagnosed with a lumpectomy, followed by chemocolon cancer. therapy and then radiation.

“They caught it early and she’s The Travails of Treatment in remission, Waggoner said.

During chemo, she was told to She emphasizes early detection expect hair loss. She was in the played a key role in her daughter’s shower after her second round and it treatment and recovery. To catch started to fall out. cancer before it spreads, Waggoner “I just lost it,” Waggoner said. advocates people keep up annual She underwent radiation for six physical exams. to eight weeks, which she said “Cancer doesn’t always present Courtesy

10 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

itself as you might expect” and doctor visits can certainly help.

Waggoner was treated by doctors affiliated with Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham and benefited from medical advances at UAB. She wholeheartedly supports cancer research and lauds the doctors, researchers and scientists who are fighting to stamp out this disease.

“We’re so fortunate to have UAB here,” she said. “Cancer’s been with us for such a long time. It’s time to get rid of it.”

GOALS From page 8

Another strategy for success is eliminating temptations. People say they want to lose weight and keep it off, but “you open the refrigerator and the first thing I see are leftover cookies,” Wyatt said.

For better meals and snacks, put healthy food front and center in the fridge, like pre-cut vegetables or meal ingredients you can prep yourself ahead of time. That way, when you come home from work, you don’t have to run out for fast food because you’re too tired to prepare a meal.

Seemingly small gestures, like putting out your workout clothes at night so they’re ready for you in the morning, can help.

“That’s the routine you get into that makes the behavior easier,” Wyatt said.

Let Us Take Care of Your Loved Ones Call Our Client Team Today (205) 874-9730!

IN-HOME CARE

• bathing • grooming • housekeeping • meal preparation • incontinence care • medical reminders • transportation • skilled nursing services

+ FREE

• routine RN health and wellness visits • routine supervisory visits • regular balance testing

jmancuso@abc-seniors.com | AlwaysBestCare.com/AL/Birmingham | 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315 | Birmingham

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 11

LIFE

Clare Bridge Crossings at Brookdale

Specifically developed to help persons with earlystage dementia, our Clare Bridge Crossings program builds on the growing body of aging research that shows well-designed programs can help sustain mental functions often impacted in the early to early-middle stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

This specialized programming preserves selfesteem and enables persons living with early dementia to remain engaged with peers when they might otherwise struggle socially—and be more susceptible to depression— in a traditional personal care setting.

As a proactive discipline the Clare Bridge Crossings program may benefit individuals whose symptoms are just starting to result in the need for additional cueing and care. The Crossings’ daily path of activities features mind-and-body enhancing, socially-engaging programs such as: art expressions, vigorous mental workouts utlizing the latest technology, activities that recognize prior occupational skills and interests, outings which encourage learning and new knowledge.

The Clare Bridge Crossings program offers private suites in comfortable neighborhood environments. Unique building features, such as an exercise room, art gallery and resident-use kitchen help residents stay engaged and socially active.

The Clare Bridge Crossings program is, by design, a stepping stone in the Clare Bridge continuum of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care provided by Brookdale. As such it is most beneficial for those in the early stages of these conditions.

It all comes together at Brookdale. See how our blend of hospitality, service and care help loved ones continue their story in a place they’ll feel comfortable calling home.

The Clare Bridge Crossings program is a stepping stone between Assisted Living and Memory

Care and is designed to support those living with early-stage dementia. Clare Bridge Crossings has as its foundation a growing body of research that

The Clare Bridge

Crossings

shows that a structured program of cognitive workouts, regular and varied physical exercise and increased social interaction may help to slow the

decline of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

When Should you consider early-stage dementia care? Consider care when you or someone in your care: needs a bit of help with planning day-today activities; doing well with reminders, reassurance and social interactions with others but may be struggling with initiation; getting around without a lot of assistance; mostly managing bathroom needs and personal care with only occasional support.

What can you expect from the Clare Bridge Crossings program? Innovative engagement.

Engagement provides an opportunity to ‘stretch to improve’ cognitive skills, and a daily routine of programs, including a specially designed exercise program, helps residents stay socially connected, engaged and more confident in their abilities. We like to call our daily path of engagement ‘kicked up a notch’.

Dining Options Dining in the Crossings encourages resident choice and participation to build self-esteem and help maintain autonomy.

Healthy and delicious meals featuring optional Optimum Life brain-healthy menu help increase our residents’ nutritional health and decrease their risk for weight loss.

Purpose-built and Designed Environments Intentionally designed program spaces encourage continued learning and help our residents maintain connections with opportunities, such as: Art and music workshops, live and active garden spaces as well as fitness areas that exercise the mind and body.

Outings that include learning opportunities, local interests, and culture.

Come home to Clare Bridge Crossings for a different approach to early stage Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

Clare Bridge Crossings For Early Stage Alzheimers & Dementia Care

Difference

The Clare Bridge Crossings program is a stepping stone between Assisted Living and Memory Care and is designed to support those living with early-stage dementia. Clare Bridge Crossings has as its foundation a growing body of research that shows that a structured program of cognitive workouts, regular and varied physical exercise and increased social interaction may help to slow the decline of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Brookdale University Park IL/AL/MC (AL) Independent Living | Assisted Living Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care | Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing 400 University Park Drive Birmingham, AL 35209

Come home to Clare Bridge Crossings for a different approach to early stage Alzheimer’s and Dementia care.

For more information about our Clare Bridge Crossings program, visit brookdale.com or call

(205)870-0786

SOCIAL

12 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Rockin’ for Christmas

Photos by Dee Moore

17 Young Women Presented at the Redstone Club’s Christmas Ball

T

Ella Caroline Cobbs, Clara Parker Evans ,Hannah Grace Doss, Anna Beverley Hoyt, and Elizabeth Halsey Hamilton

Lucy Claiborne Jones, Margaret Whitton Bumgarner, Virginia Tynes Wahlheim, and Valerie Bennett Lightfoot

Eleanor Elizabeth Edwards, Mary Elizabeth Vaughn, Grace Shepard Hull, and Helen Caroline Abele

Abigail Aydlette Shepherd, Mary Allen Murray, Anna Catherine Sims, and Anna Elizabeth Littleton

he Redstone Club’s 100th Christmas Ball was held Dec. 17 at the Country Club of Birmingham, with more than 150 members attending.

The 17, all college seniors, wore traditional long white dresses with gloves and carried simple flower bouquets, a complement to their chosen escorts in black tuxedo tails.

The Redstone Club’s 121st president, Richard Murray IV, and his wife, Norita, presided over the presentation, receiving curtsies from each of the young women following their walk down the packed ballroom. This year’s ball chairman was Evans Johnson Dunn.

Carole Sullivan installed the Christmas-themed decorations for both the seated dinner before the ball and the room where the presentation was held. A cocktail party also was offered before the ball.

The presentee class of 2022 included Miss Helen Caroline Abele, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Fletcher Abele Jr.; Miss Ella

Caroline Cobbs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Glenn Cobbs; Miss Hannah Grace Doss, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Coates Doss; Miss Clara Parker Evans, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Parker Evans II; Miss Elizabeth Halsey Hamilton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Buckner Woodford Hamilton III; and Miss Grace Shepard Hull, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hewes Turner Hull.

Also presented were Miss Valerie Bennett Lightfoot, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Bricken Lightfoot Jr.; Miss Abigail Aydlette Shepherd, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Wylie Shepherd Jr.; Miss Virginia Tynes Wahlheim, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bernhart Wahlheim Jr.; Miss Margaret Whitton Bumgarner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen James Bumgarner, sponsored by Mr. Warren Bricken Lightfoot Jr.; and Miss Eleanor Elizabeth Edwards, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hugh Edwards, sponsored by Mr. William Mudd Hiden.

2022 Club President; Richard Murray IV, and wife Norita

Other presentees were Miss Anna Beverley Hoyt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Wills Hoyt, sponsored by Mr. James Somerville McLester French; Miss Lucy Claiborne Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Marshall Jones III, sponsored by Mr. David Alan Elliott; Miss Anna Elizabeth Littleton, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael

Byrne Littleton, sponsored by Mr. William Lyle Hinds Jr.; Miss Mary Allen Murray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bradley Murray, sponsored by John Reese Murray III; Miss Anna Catherine Sims, daughter of Mr. George William Sims II and Ms Caroline Coleman Edwards, sponsored by Mr. James Arthur Smith IV; Miss Mary Elizabeth Vaughn, daughter of Mr. Joseph Collin Vaughn; and Ms Elizabeth Seibels Ogletree, sponsored by Mr. Edmund Kelly Seibels.

At a luncheon a day before the presentation, presentees were introduced to the club membership and received background on the long history of the event and the club. Also represented were four members of the 1972 presentee class, whose 50th anniversary was celebrated.

The “golden girls” from 1972 were: Elizabeth Scott Abele, Nancy Ann Adams, Margaret Anne Bowron, Lillian Sibley Browning, Ruth Ann Bullock, Margaret McEwen Estes, Mary Givhan, Eugenia Dorothy

Blount Hofammann, Eva Elizabeth Houseal, Diane Duncan Lyles, Sara St. Clair Maring, Sheard Lovelace Mason, Mary Perry McIntosh, Margaret Moore Parker, Katherine Frances Rudulph, Julie Bargeron Scott, Martha Shorter Stephens, Katherine Lawrence Thomas, Margaret Tutwiler, Sara Brewster West and Julia Carolyn Wittichen.

Music chairman John R. Simpson arranged the evening’s accompaniment. For the cocktail party, the debutante presentation and first dance, the Sonny Harris Trio Band set the musical atmosphere. Following the presentation, the Universal Crush band from Atlanta took the stage, turning the formal setting into a rocking dance hall that kept the presentees and their escorts, along with a few hardy members, dancing late into the evening.

The 2022 Redstone Club officers are: Richard Murray IV, president; William Bernhart Wahlheim Jr., vice president; Robert Murphy Couch, secretary-treasurer; Charles Hatcher Simpson, traditions chairman. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 13

SOCIAL

Sing-Along for the Symphony

Come see us in Lane Parke!

Symphony Volunteer Council Celebrates Christmas With Party in a Cabin

TREADWELL Above, John and Susan Atwood, Molly and Tom Bloetscher Left, Tom Warren and Rich Venglik

TREADWELL BARBER SHOP

New Arrivals are Coming!

Courtesy

A cabin nestled in the woods of Bluff Park, home of Robert Raiford and Zane Rhoades, was the scene of the Symphony Volunteer Council Christmas Party on Dec. 3.

SVC President Michael Meeks played sing-along Christmas carols pitting the women against the men.

Hospitality chair Susan Atwood kept the table full of goodies made by members. Bartenders Tom Warren and Rich Venglik made sure everyone’s glass was full. Executive Director Mark Patrick gave an update on the state of the Alabama Symphony.

Seen in the crowd were Jim and Roberta Atkinson, Jonnie and Rich Venglik, Herb and Diane Rossmeisl, Janet Lauer, John and Susan Atwood, Molly and Tom Bloetscher, Roger and Linda James, Terry and Jack Standridge, Diane Ray, Carolyn and Bob Orchid, Susan Mason and Betsy Cooper.

The Symphony Volunteer Council is a support group for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. For more information, call the symphony office at 205-314-6958. ❖

has temporarily relocated across the parking lot to:

Chirstmas 50% Off

330 Rele Street, Lane Parke, Mountain Brook 205-870-9210

Tues.-Sat. 10-4:00 5620 Cahaba Valley Road

991-6887

To: From: Date:

Tues. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Sat., 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Attic Antiques Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 January This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the January 12, 2022 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.

14 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

Stars Fell on Alabama

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Debutante Club Welcomes Debutantes to Star-Studded Ball Harry Ware, Anna Spencer and Blake Wilkinson, Virginia Wahlheim and Brendan Brogan.

Katie Smith of Please Reply created an elegant black invitation with stars of gold foil. Robert Logan of Backstage Design transformed Mountain Brook Club into a star-filled venue.

Guests arrived to an assortment of stars of glitter and lights within the circle drive of Mountain Brook Club.

A red carpet invited guests to enter under more stars and a replica of the iconic Alabama Theater sign. The Debutante Club of Birmingham’s monogram was arrayed in gold and silver glitter with white lights above the doorway.

A black and gold Birmingham skyline stretched across the room, and other rooms of the clubhouse were arrayed in white lights and more stars of silver and gold. Cocktails and dinner were served before the party. They sat at tables of black and silver sequins with art deco designs around the room and centerpieces of white hydrangea and silver stars. Rhythm Nation, a 10-piece band out of Atlanta, played for the group. ❖

WINTER Linen Sale

20 - 50% OFF ALL BED LINENS Jan. 16-28

2406 CANTERBURY ROAD | MTN. BROOK VILLAGE 205.879.2730

Photos by Dee Moore

“Stars fell on Alabama,” as 21 young ladies were honored Dec. 29 at Mountain Brook Club.

In keeping with tradition of the Debutante Club, a Black and White Ball was held. The debutantes wore white gowns as their guests were attired in black tie and black cocktail dresses.

The 2022 debutantes and their escorts were Emma Blakely and Pierce Rodrigues, Mallie Bradford and Bradley Pinson, Emilie Brown and Phillip Gaut, Whitton Bumgarner and Jarret Harrison, Anna Elizabeth Byrne and Robert Goolsby, Mary Ann Carmichael and Diego Melendez, Mimi Davis and Zach Shunnarah, Isabelle DeBuys and James Burkett, Hannah Doss and Sam Morrow, Laura Lacy Gardner and Chip Porter, Elizabeth Hamilton and Jackson Davis, Anna Hoyt and Sam Somerville, Grace Hull and Patton Browning, Eleanor Kerr and Winston Smith, Vale Lightfoot and Robert Reed, Caroline Monaghan and Liam Powell, Mary Kate Rainer and Blake Roth, Mary Jane Rose and Benton Ladd, Lillian Perkins and

Isabelle DeBuys, Whitton Bumgarner, Virginia Wahlheim, Vale Lightfoot, and Emma Blakely

Elizabeth Hamilton, Mimi Davis, Hannah Doss, Anna Hoyt, and Grace Hull

Anna Spencer, Eleanor Kerr, Mary Jane Rose, Laura Lacy Gardner,and Caroline Monaghan

Lillian Perkins, Emilie Brown, Mallie Bradford, Mary Kate Rainer, Mary Ann Carmichael, and Anna Elizabeth Byrne

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Courtesy

Holiday Kickoff

The Old Mill Garden Club held its Christmas brunch at Gisel Cooper’s home. Mary Donald decorated the home with greenery and arrangements, and Cheryl Fritze organized a festive brunch to welcome neighbors. ❖

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 15

SOCIAL

Holly Robertson, Sumner Reeves, and Cindy Barr

Sandee Taylor, Rosemary Gillespy,Elizabeth Outland , Jennifer DeBruge, Gisel Cooper, Martha Bailey, Cheryl Fritze, and Elizabeth Miller

Imagine your home, totally organized!

Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Office, Pantries, Laundries Wall Beds, Wall Units, Hobby Rooms, Garage Flooring and more...

Cheryl Fritze, Kelly Styslinger, Kelly Aland, Valerie Lightfoot, and Anna Cooper

SPECIAL FINANCING

Gisel Cooper, Lauren Connor, Brooks Sanders, and Helen Catherine Smith

for 18 Months!

With approved credit.

Call or ask your Designer for details.

Sale Ends Tuesday, January 31

It’s Hanna Antique Mall’s biggest sale of the year.

Save

10% to 50%

on our huge selection of furniture, rugs, accessories, glassware, china, jewelry & silver.

2424 7th Avenue South • 323-6036

MON-SAT 10:00-5:00

Major Credit Cards & Layaways Accepted

HANNA ANTIQUE MALL

40% Off

Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate

Plus

Free Installation Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $1000 or more or 30% off any order of $700-$1000 on any complete custom closet, garage, or home office unit. Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $600 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Expires in 30 days. Offer not valid in all regions.

(205) 551-9061 www.closetsbydesign.com

OTMJ

16 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Catherine Grace Couch, Sydney Calamusa, Emily Grace Lemak, and Caroline Gilroy

Poinsettia Pirouette Ball Introduces Debs, Benefits Alabama Ballet

5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 980-9030 southeasternjewelers.net (1/4 mile off 280)

The Ballet Women’s Committee and Poinsettia Men’s Club hosted the 55th annual Poinsettia Ball on Dec. 15 at the Vestavia Country Club.

The committee was founded in 1960 to foster and promote fine arts in the greater Birmingham area. In 1968, the Poinsettia Debutante Ball was created at the proposal of Mrs. John W. Gustafson. The revenue generated from the ball supports the Alabama Ballet. The men’s club was formed in 1969 to support and promote the goals and activities of the Ballet Women’s Committee.

Eighteen debutantes were dressed in white gowns and carried bouquets of red poinsettias. They were present-

ed in the ballroom to a crowd of family and friends. These young ladies were nominated in the spring of their sophomore year in college and presented during their junior year.

The debutantes presented were Anna Grace Brown, Katherine Sydney Calamusa, Blakely Jordan Channell, Claire Campbell Chester, Catherine Grace Couch, Isabel Kate DiGuglielmo, Caroline Wade Gilroy, Lauren Ann Holmes, Ansley Katherine Kirkpatrick, Emily Grace Lemak, Arden Grace McCullough, Audrey Campbell Osborne, Isabella Grace Plaia, Abby Elizabeth Reed, Victoria Ashley Rohner, Emma Frances

Stewart, Emma Grace Stutts and Lillian Foster Troiano.

Seventeen junior debutantes were presented in red gowns and carried bouquets of white poinsettias and fresh greenery. The junior debutantes are seniors in high school.

The junior debutantes were Laura Grace Bullock, Elizabeth Ann Burton, Caroline Marie Chandler, Karrington Reed Channell, Kendall Blaire Channell, Molly Alice Coleman, Nancy Caroline Collums, Kathleen Virginia Culberson, Georgia Campbell Johnston, Ivy Elizabeth Morin, Ella Kathryn Reed, Abigail Catherine Saia, Sylvia Christine Smith, Laura

Renee Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph.,

January

s your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the January 12, 2022 ase 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!

Arden McCullough, Bella Plaia, Lillian Trioano, and Claire Chester

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.

IIIGUINIII 205-595-4846

www.guinservice.com Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Generators

Lauren Ann Holmes, Blakely Channell, Isabel Diguglielmo and Emma Stutts

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Victoria Rohner and Emma Stewart

Cavan Meadows Smith, Lynley Freeman Threadcraft, Emma Grace Walters and Charlotte Tucker Wambsganss.

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 17

SOCIAL The evening began with a private presentation of the Poinsettia debutantes at the Benefactor’s Dinner, sponsored by the Men’s Club. The dinner was coordinated by Stacey Gregory, Benefactor Dinner chairman.

Don Mosley, of Sounds of Birmingham, served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. Each debutante was presented on the arm of her father followed by a traditional waltz. Dance music was provided

by Az Izz. The evening festivities were coordinated by Poinsettia Ball board President Liz Guest with the support of Jayna Southerland, the Poinsettia Ball chairwoman. Sarah Bryan coordinated the event’s ticket

Stephen and Missy Armstrong, Laura and Mike Mitchell

Bo and Jan Kirkpatrick

sales. The Men’s Club president is David Adams Mason. The Ballet Women’s Committee president is Melissa McMurray. Kelly Troiano and Stephanie Whisenhunt are the co-debutante social chairwomen who coordinate all of the debutante activities. Beth Martin is the junior debutante social chairwoman.

Poinsettia Ball board members also include Loren Leigh Baggett, Lianne Hand, Allison Herr, Diane Early, Ashley Stockard, Tammy Towns, Michelle Channel and Angie Saia. ❖

Greg and Beth Martin

Created for YOU. A community designed for comfort, convenience and making connections.

Hoover’s newest senior living community is welcoming

1. Grab a Bag 2. Search the Bins 3. Stuff as much as you can 4. Pay $25 *Buy as many bags as you like, No Limit!*

new residents! You’ll be greeted with fresh, exciting experiences around every corner, not to mention all-day dining with your choice of chef-prepared, seasonal menu items and a full calendar of activities, live entertainment and guest speakers. Discover a vibrant community created for you and your lifestyle — and a future full of ways to live inspired at The Crossings at Riverchase.

Come see our beautiful community for yourself.

Call 205-210-8969 or visit TheCrossingsAtRiverchase.com to schedule an appointment.

Saturday, January 14 - 10 a.m.

BE SURE TO ASK ABOUT OUR MOVE-IN SPECIALS!

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

2171 Parkway Lake Drive | Hoover, Alabama 35244

ALF #D5986 | SCALF #P5928

18 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

SOCIAL

An Aladdin Mardi Gras

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thirty-two young women will be presented at the 56th annual Beaux Arts Krewe Ball on Feb. 17 at Boutwell Auditorium.

Hosted by the Beaux Arts Krewe, the Mardi Gras ball’s theme is “Aladdin.”

On the night of the ball, in traditional Mardi Gras style, a queen and three ladies in waiting will be named from among the young women, and the rest will remain princesses.

Princesses being presented are: Eugenie Joyce Allen, Sara Frances Berte, Susannah Bristow Blount, Guilder Scout Carruthers, Courtney Alice Clark, Anne Carlton Clegg, Elizabeth Patterson Cooper, Sally Grace Cooper, Evelyn Claire Couvillon, Catherine Edith Driscoll, Callie Ryan Dukes, Emily Bricken Evans, Mary Catherine Fowlkes, Barbara Bugg Holloway, Anna Beverley Hoyt, Elizabeth Grace Hulsey and Salter Conary Hydinger.

Also to be presented are Marilyn Douglas Joyce, Adeline Elizabeth Lawson, Rosemary Katherine Lee, Katherine Elisabeth McDonald, Alice Alden Monk, Louisa Eleanor Patrick, Theresa Elizabeth Patton, Caroline Warner Payne, Alexandra Catherine Ritchie, Caroline McClendon Ritchie, Marguerite Alice Sprain, Georgia Ellen Stewart, Virginia Florence Vogtle, Lauren Campbell Walston and Anna Caroline Williamson.

For more than 50 years, the Krewe, which was created to benefit the Birmingham Museum of Art, has been instrumental in supporting the museum and has donated to the Krewe Acquisition Fund. These contributions have allowed the museum to spend more than $1 million to buy important European paintings, sculptures and drawings. ❖

Spring-Summer

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Beaux Arts Krewe Announces 2023 Princesses for Upcoming Ball

Eugenie Allen, Marguerite Sprain, Scout Carruthers, Dede Driscoll, Anna Hoyt, and Katherine McDonald

Lauren Walston, Anna Caroline Williamson, Florie Vogtle, Courtney Clark, and Lizzie Cooper

2023

Preview

January 20th-February 5th

Spring-Summer

All four lines of linens included in sale.

2023 Preview

Private consults available.

Georgia Stewart, Anne Carlton Clegg, Rosemary Lee, Tess Patton, and Sara Frances Berte

New Year New Linens!

CMA Home

ATLANTA GIFT & HOME SHOW JANUARY 10-16, 2023 AmericasMart – Building 1 – Suite 14 A 1-3 240 Peachtree St NW – Atlanta GA 30303 ATLANTA GIFT & HOME SHOW JANUARY 10-16, 2023

COCKTAIL PARTY CMA Please join usHome to celebrate AmericasMart – Building 1 – Suite 14 A 1-3 Thursday, January 12 240 Peachtree St NW – Atlanta GA 30303 4 – 7pm

C hristine’s Canterbury COCKTAIL PARTY

on

RSVP deborah.keating@yvesdelorme.com Please join us to celebrate Tel. 321-282-8657 Thursday, January 12 2404 Canterbury4Road – 7pm • 205-871-8297 RSVP deborah.keating@yvesdelorme.com Tel. 321-282-8657

Mary Katherine Fowlkes, Marilyn Joyce, Sally Cooper, Laouisa Patrick and Alice Monk

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

‘Unimaginable’

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 19

SOCIAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Birmingham Museum of Art Offers Unusual Combinations for NYE Party

Jeremy and Shelby Barron

Eric Jack and Nancy Hendrix

Joe and Joyce Limbaugh

Megan and Barnett Chenoweth

Stefanie and Mark Miller

Audra Seachris and Shandra Bouzman

Aralea Seachris and Joe Goslee

Kathryn Van Arcken, Autumn Harris, and Nichole Golson

WHATEVER IT TAKES.

• • • • • • • •

Coby Kutcher and Andres Carlos

“An Evening of the Unimaginable” captured the attention of partygoers at the Birmingham Museum of Art New Year’s Eve event, NYE at the BMA. The black-tie party at the museum featured unusual tastings and experiences. DJ Gina T provided music, as did To the 9’s, a 12-piece band with a three-piece horn section and five lead singers. There also was a midnight toast to ring in the new year.

Brewer Stella Artois showed off its artsy side with custom onsite glass engraving, along with a pouring and tasting of the Belgian beer. ❖

DON’T STRESS. CALL STANDARD.

AC HEATING CallStandard.com PLUMBING 205•295•6395 GENERATORS EASY PAYMENT PLANS since 1939 24/7 SERVICE AL LIC #83594 RESIDENTIAL & LIGHT COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE PLANS AVAILABLE

$

50 Off

Any Furnace, A/C or Plumbing Repair

Service Call Special!

Valid with repair only during normal business hours. Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Some restrictions apply. Expires 03/15/23

20 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

By Anne Ruisi

Y

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Forever Flowers

Wedding Flowers Are Timeless Treasures in Resin Art

Catherine Romero and Heidi Hallman, from left, started HeidiCat, in August. Left, preserving wedding flowers by encasing them in artistic shapes made of transparent resin is gaining more attention among brides as an alternative to traditional ways of floral preservation.

ends, decorative trays, rectangles, squares, hexagons and other shapes, some in different sizes, to create substantial pieces with weight. Smaller pieces can be made for a jewelry dish, ring holder, ornaments, a cross, and bottle stoppers

and openers. Their website, heidicat.com, showcases the variety of items.

Each piece can take from two to four months to produce. The process begins with a careful preparation of the bouquet or other floral piece,

Romero said. The freshest and best blooms and greenery will be preserved.

The first step in their studio is to dry each bloom in silica gel an average of three weeks to ensure all moisture is removed. The piece is then designed. Once it’s reviewed and approved by the customer, the work to pour multiple layers of resin to preserve the flowers begins. Each layer can take 24 to 48 hours because they have

See HEIDICAT, page 23

Rethinking Wedding Photographs Couple Brings Elegance and Authenticity to Wedding Art but Never Cheese

By Anne Ruisi

Courtesy Kelli & Daniel Taylor Photography

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

our great-grandmother might have saved her wedding bouquet by pressing individual blooms in a book kept wrapped in the attic, but you now have the option to treasure your flowers as an artistic memento of the day you said your vows and display it in your home long after your Golden Anniversary.

Preserving wedding flowers by encasing them in artistic shapes made of transparent resin is gaining more attention among brides as an alternative to traditional ways of floral preservation. HeidiCat, a new business based in Mountain Brook, is helping brides preserve their flowers for a lifetime.

“It’s a unique memory of that day,” said Catherine Romero, who, with her longtime friend Heidi Hallman, started the company in August.

Flowers can be preserved in spheres, book-

WEDDINGS

S

hots of the bridal party, a mother adjusting her daughter’s veil before the ceremony and the happy couple cutting the cake are scenes every wedding photographer captures on the job.

Then there’s the Indian wedding where the groom got bucked off a horse during the baraat, part of an outdoor, prewedding groom’s procession, at an Over the Mountain hotel, photographers Kelli and Daniel Taylor recalled. That mishap wasn’t part of the wedding choreography and, luckily for the groom, a number of doctors were among the guests.

“Of course, he saw stars and they helped him, gave him some water and then things went on,” said Kelli, who, with husband Daniel, runs Kelli & Daniel Taylor Photography.

While that incident is definitely not the norm, it’s one of many memorable experiences the Taylors have encountered since starting to shoot weddings in 2005 as a sideline from their jobs at The Birmingham News, where Kelli was a reporter and Daniel was a photographer for the advertising department. He also was a photographer for Birmingham magazine.

The idea for starting a wedding photography business came about after the couple married in

Above, Kelli and Daniel Taylor began shooting weddings in 2005 as a sideline from their jobs at The Birmingham News. Left, Emily Martin photographed on her wedding day at Vestavia Country Club. She and her husband, Page, live in Brook Highland. Cover photo is of Anna and Robert Crook at the Country Club of Birmingham.

Daniel’s native Australia in 2004. They didn’t like what they saw from most of the mainstream wedding photographers at the time – images that were formulaic and forced. Kelli shared her ideas with their photographer, who was a photography school classmate of Daniel’s. They loved the end result.

“We knew the value of timeless, classic, real

See TAYLOR, page 23

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Birmingham Museum of Art The Birmingham Museum of Art is an elegant and modern venue, suited to host any wedding event, such as engagement parties, bridal luncheons, teas and showers down to the ceremony and or reception.

“If you choose the Museum for your wedding, you can utilize all of our public spaces – Oscars Café, with the dramatic spiral staircase; the Eighth Ave. Lobby, which has the colorful blown glass art created by Dale Chihuly adorning the wall; and the multi-level Charles Ireland Sculpture Garden outside,” said Special Events Manager Jestina Howard, above. “ You can have the Museum art galleries open for your guests to tour and we only book one private event after 5:00pm when we close to the public. So, you and your guests will have the entire Museum to yourselves,” Howard added.

Howard’s Wedding Planning Tips

“One: Consider hiring a wedding planner or

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 21

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

coordinator. They can make the process of planning your wedding stress free. Planners handle all of the details from beginning to end such as logistics, event design, contract negotiations, booking vendors and the day-of execution of your event. Coordinators handle some day-of logistics, but on a shorter timeline. They usually begin helping you prepare a week or month before the wedding and function as your day- of point person.”

“Two: Think about the three most important aspects you want for your special day. Are those aspects the food, specialty drinks, decor or entertainment, etc.? Prioritize the three things and stick to them.”

“Three: Decide on your wedding style/theme - is it traditional, contemporary or rustic? Focus on this so you stay aligned with your complete event vision.”

Birmingham Museum of Art is located at 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., 205-2542681 or email plananevent@artsbma.org

There is an art to creating the perfect wedding.

Let us be your canvas.

artsbma.org · 205.254.2681 plananevent@artsbma.org

Image courtesy Eric & Jamie Photography

Weddings at the Birmingham Museum of Art

Bromberg’s As we welcome 2023, we have much to celebrate, especially the many holiday engagements! At Bromberg’s we enjoy making all our couples feel special, from picking out the engagement ring and wedding bands to creating a wedding registry tailored to each couple’s individual tastes.

If you’re recently engaged, creating a wedding registry at Bromberg’s is a delightful and easy part of wedding planning! While you can create an online wedding registry at virtually any store these days, nothing compares to the helpful and hands-on service you will receive working with our expert bridal consultants.

With the South’s most extensive selection of fine china, casual dinnerware, crystal, silver, and home décor, every couple that registers at Bromberg’s will be guided in setting a beautiful table that will be the focal point of cherished memories for years to come. Additionally, your guests will appreciate the wide variety of in-store gift choices or the

ease of sending a present through our Bromberg’s Gift Letter program.

Our renowned Gift Letter program allows couples to receive a store credit in the amount of each gift purchased from their registry. A beautiful gift letter is sent to the couple that details the gift that has been purchased, along with an enclosure message and the name of the gift-giver. After the wedding, couples can redeem their gift letter credit for anything they want in the store, allowing them to take advantage of special offers and seasonal sales while reducing the amount of returns and duplicate gifts.

Other benefits of registering at Bromberg’s include discounts for attendant and hostess gifts, 20% off wedding bands, and a free place setting with the purchase of seven place settings.

Couples can register at Bromberg’s, located in Mountain Brook Village and The Summit, or online at www.BrombergsBride.com.

22 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

JB & Co.

Private Jeweler, John Bromberg maintains a return to an old-world artisan approach to fine jewelry. In an industry that is increasingly focused on mass production, JB & CO chooses

John Bromberg is a sixthgeneration GIA trained jeweler with memberships in the prestigious Diamond Dealers’ Club of New York and The American Society of Jewelry Historians. to focus on the unique, with specialties that include bridal, custom and estate jewelry.

At a time when individual service and privacy is of the utmost importance, Bromberg personally works with his clients to select or create just the right piece for the occasion, always adhering to their style and budget. Whether it is a diamond engagement ring, a special piece for your day or turning your old jewelry into something current. JB & CO can help you with your jewelry heirloom. His collection of estate jewelry comes from the finest jewelry houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, Verdura, as well as, designers Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany, Ilias Lalounis, Pierre Sterle’, Elizabeth Locke, Katy Briscoe, Chopard and Ippolita. John also has a select collection of coveted watches from Cartier, Patek Philippe and Rolex.

John Bromberg is a sixth-generation GIA trained jeweler with memberships in the prestigious Diamond Dealers’ Club of New York and The American Society of Jewelry Historians.

Kathy G & Company

John’s longstanding relationships offer the unique opportunity for his clients to purchase fine jewelry at an exceptional value. JB & CO was named “The Best Jeweler” in the About Town magazine Readers’ Poll!

For the full JB & CO experience, we recommend making an appointment. “Collect with us,” says Bromberg.

JB & Co. is located at 1 Office Park Circle, Suite 201, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. 205478-0455.

Website: www.JBandCoJewelry.com Instagram: @ JBandCoJewelryMountainBrookAL Facebook: JBandCoJewelry

JohnBromberg@JBandCoJewelry.com 205.478.0455 | JBandCoJewelry.com One Office Park Circle | Suite 201 | Mountain Brook, AL 35223

Kathy G & Company is a well-seasoned and experienced catering and event company. A bride who chooses to work with Kathy G can rest assured that she will meet knowledgeable events coordinators and respected chefs who will strive to execute her vision to the fullest. The Gardens Café by Kathy G at Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the perfect setting for bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners, and wedding receptions.

Kathy G & Company has been working with brides for over 35 years. From small intimate weddings at home to large scale affairs, Kathy G has experience in all situations. “We do travel the state as well,” said Kathy G. Mezrano, president and owner of the business, above. “Every bride is unique and very special to us. We design the menu to reflect the couple’s taste and style.

Our event coordinators are “hands on” from the planning process through the setup and execution of the reception and until we put the “wed-

ding basket” in the going away car, which is complimentary for all of our brides.

“When planning your wedding my best advice is budget. Even an overall idea will be helpful in designing a menu and will save time.We can design a menu to fit any budget and style.

“Consider all the guests attending, family preferences and the bride and groom’s favorites. For example, many brides like to showcase the South when families are coming from other parts the country. Time of day is also important in deciding the menu. Whether it’s an afternoon affair or evening event is part of the planning. Be sure the caterer is aware of any dietary restrictions.

“Check with your caterer about beverage services as well as food service. Cutting the cakes, packing food for family and a going away baskets are some of the services the we include in every wedding.

Kathy G & Company is located at 11 W. Park Cir., Birmingham, 942-4210.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

TAYLOR

couple wants, every big moment of an engagement can be recorded, from the proposal to the rehearsal dinner, to the morning after and wedding brunches at destination weddings.

Personalizing weddings is a trend the Taylors are seeing, including men and women participating in nontraditional bridal party roles. A “bridesman” and “best woman” have stood beside the bride and groom, and pets are getting more involved in weddings.

“It certainly helps the vibe” at the reception, Kelli said.

What’s out these days?

“We’re not seeing as many garter tosses or throwing the bouquet,” she said. Some brides and grooms “think that’s old fashioned.”

The relationship with some clients

lasts beyond the wedding. Some couples ask the Taylors to take Christmas photos, especially after they start having children. “For the first time we are doing a lot of family photos. There have been a lot of pandemic babies,” Kelli noted.

One couple whose wedding was one of the first they shot and who now live in Texas were visiting family in Birmingham for the holidays and asked the Taylors to take photos of them and their four children at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

“We’ve known and have been shooting for some of our clients for a decade,” Kelli said.

One of their memorable weddings involved an older couple who were high school sweethearts in Birmingham and had married but divorced years ago. They eventually remarried and had some of the same guests at their second wedding as they had at their first, including the bridesmaids.

“That was incredible – they even had their first wedding album. We used pictures from the first wedding album to make their second wedding album,” The Taylors have developed a subspecialty in Indian and Pakistani weddings, events they love to shoot.

“It’s festive, it’s colorful, it’s so much fun and the food is amazing,” Kelli said.

Their trip to shoot a wedding in Spain came about because they knew someone who was getting married there and were asked to take the photos. What surprised them the most about the experience , Kelli said, was how late the reception went on.

“Daniel left at 1 a.m. and I made To:it ‘til three, and (the reception) went From: on past sunrise,” she said.

Date:

ness, it took plenty of preparation.

Hallman had worked in advertising and Romero in marketing, and Romero had a background in art and some experience working with resin but not with flowers in resin.

They did their research mostly on their own, with plenty of advice from vendors who sold the materials needed to make the pieces.

Since August, they’ve preserved flowers from about 20 weddings.

Their client base is in Birmingham, or the Jan. 12th issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. and their business is growing, with customers in Huntsville, Mobile, Please make sure all information is correct, Tampa and North Carolina. including address and phone number!

Social media and word of mouth from satisfied customers are the ways most potential clients hear about their Thank you for your prompt attention. service. Romero added that some wedding planners they’ve worked with have helped get the word out.

“We’ve been very blessed,” Hallman said.

Photos Individualized

They coordinate every photo detail to prepare for each wedding, whether it is Over the Mountain or in the mountains of Colorado.

“We come up with the plan, the timeline, how to get there, where to go, what we’re going to do at that time of day,” said Kelli, adding that her background as a journalist is vital help in research and logistics.

It’s not just the big day itself the couple shoot. Depending on what a

HEIDICAT From page 20

to cure before another layer is added.

“We often say we need a degree in chemistry to do this,” Hallman joked, noting that the process isn’t as simple as it sounds and that working with resin can be tricky.

Precision and attention to detail are key. For example, materials used, such as resin, have to be at precise measurements and temperatures when the piece is being created or the work will be ruined. The items also have to be watched for bubbles that might form as each layer is poured.

“We do all we can to minimize them,” Romero said.

Brides are ordering HeidiCat’s pieces not only for themselves but for relatives and the wedding party.

At Christmas, a number of brides ordered ornaments to give as gifts, Hallman and Romero said. And some bridesmaids and groomsmen give the happy couple the company’s service as a wedding gift.

While they both shared a similar interest in art and flowers, home décor and weddings and knew what they wanted to do to open their busi-

Courtesy Kelli & Daniel Taylor Photography

From page 20

and authentic” images, Kelli said.

A year later when they moved to Homewood’s Edgewood neighborhood, some neighbors who saw their wedding photos loved them, and their sister approached the couple to shoot her wedding.

The Taylor’s wedding photography portfolio, which is on their website, kellianddaniel.com, does include the classic set ups, such as of the bride and her mother, the wedding party and the rings, but there is an elegance to the shots in color and black and white.

“You want it to still be a great photo 30 years later,” Daniel said.

Since then, they’ve developed their business into a full-time operation with bookings not only in the Birmingham area but in Atlanta, at weekend homes on Lake Martin, along 30A on the Florida Gulf Coast, New York, Chicago, New Orleans, Colorado and Spain.

The brides and grooms who hire them aren’t the uber rich, Kelli said.

“These are professionals who see this an investment, who put value on the experience,” she said.

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 23

“We knew the value of timeless, classic, real and authentic” images Kelli Taylor said. Above, Kristen and Brandon Thurber, who live in Homewood, at their wedding ceremony at the Grand Bohemian hotel in Mountain Brook.

WEDDING REGISTRY HOME DECOR • CORPORATE GIFTS 2402 MONTEVALLO RD MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE WWW.TABLE-MATTERS.COM

205.879.0125

Patricia Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Jan. This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LUCY WANTS

YOU

TO COME IN AND

REGISTER! 2841 Cahaba Road Mtn. Brook Village • 879-5277 M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-4 www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com

JEWELERS 1678 Montgomery Hwy • Hoover, AL 1678 MONTGOMERY HWY 205.978.5880 • www.shaysjewelers.com HOOVER, AL 35216 205.978.5880 I WWW.SHAYSJEWELERS.COM FOLLOW US ON

FOOD

24 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

By Anne Ruisi

Home Made

O

FOODIE NEWS

Viva Vestavia Food and Wine Tasting Set for Jan. 24 Tickets are on sale now for Viva Vestavia, an annual fundraising event on Jan. 24 that will offer a taste of Vestavia Hills restaurants and fine wines.

The event will be held from 6:30

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Just a Taste

Family-Tested Menu Drives Diners to Helen

Sausage Pinwheels Courtesy of Chef Rob McDaniel of Helen

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound of your favorite breakfast sausage 3 cups White Lilly Self-Rising Flour plus extra for rolling out 1-1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter 1-1/2 cups cold whole-fat buttermilk 1teaspoon kosher salt Non-stick spray

INGREDIENTS:

Photo by Elise Ferrer

pen the menu at Helen, Emily and Rob McDaniel’s downtown Birmingham restaurant, and you’re likely going to see items that are literally family-approved.

Creamer peas and middlins, a type of heirloom rice grown in South Carolina, is a dish he created with help from his staff but tested on his family at their Vestavia Hills home. It’s served with a black walnut, vinegar-like sauce with bay leaf.

McDaniel, Helen’s chef, said his family, which includes the couple’s 5-year-old twin girls, liked it and it’s been popular on the menu since it debuted in September.

Butternut ragu made with dried mushrooms and San Marzano tomatoes is another family favorite. It also came about because of McDaniel’s experiments with his family’s palate.

He put together ingredients in his kitchen.

“I cooked it and it was delicious. I said, alright, we’re gonna put this on the menu,” and it’s been a popular item for two years, McDaniel said.

The in-laws enjoy tasting the dishes, and their feedback has helped determine what ends up on Helen’s menu. McDaniel’s father-in-law usually comes over on Sundays, and on occasion his brother-in-law and sister-in-law and their daughter will drop by and he’ll cook for the whole clan.

Steak is a family favorite. Even the twins, Rosemary and Amelia, love steak.

“We try to get them to eat what we eat,” their father said.

Helen, at 2013 Second Avenue North, is upscale and serves 180 to 250 people a night.

McDaniel described it as a very Southern restaurant, kind of like a meld between a barbecue place and a steakhouse. The kitchen has a smoker and a wood grill, with all the meat cooked over hardwood.

At lunch you’ll find Iceberg and Bacon Salad with pecans, crispy onions and buttermilk basil dressing; blackened catfish; Fripper’s Bologna Sandwich with cheese, pickle, mustard and Duke’s mayonnaise; or smoked chicken thighs.

Dinner will feature steaks, fish, pork chops, chicken and a list of vegetable dishes such as Celery and Blue Cheese Slaw made with crispy potatoes, sweet onion and Gremolata, braised collards and Yukon Gold potatoes.

“It’s all approachable food, things people are familiar with, like butternut squash and collard greens,” he said, adding Helen uses mostly locally sourced ingredients.

That means the restaurant works closely with local and regional farmers, fishermen and meat producers to use the freshest, high-quality ingredients in the kitchen. Helen’s in-house butcher carves the meats into cuts.

Dishes can be tweaked, even daily, to reflect

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Emily and Rob McDaniel, owners of Helen restaurant, like to test new recipes on their family.

seasonal changes, and the restaurant rotates different dishes on the menu. Beef and fish menu items depend on what suppliers have available for delivery.

The Tennessee farmers who supply meat might offer bone-in pork loin and ribeye steaks one week, while the fisherman in Destin sometimes uses traditional fishing techniques but also uses a spear gun while scuba diving. Amberjack, small barracuda and snapper are among the fish harvested.

Vegetables are plentiful, offering vegetarians

and vegans more variety than they might be used to when dining out. A braised button mushroom dish is a steady presence at Helen, which the restaurant’s namesake, McDaniel’s late grandmother, Helen Fruitger of Oneonta, made.

Sometimes Mother Nature drives menu changes. The hard freeze the South experienced just before Christmas ruined the carrots, so the restaurant had to find an alternative source. What they got were multicolored carrots in hues of orange, white, yellow and purple that looked “beautiful on the plate,” McDaniel said.

Mix the flour and salt together in a medium bowl, using a box grater to grate the cold butter into the flour. Using your hands carefully toss the butter in the flour to coat the outside of the butter slivers. This should be done rather quickly, then form a well in the center of the flour and pour in the cold buttermilk.

Using a floured hand and turning the bowl with the other hand, carefully fold the flour into the center of the buttermilk. Once the flour and buttermilk come together, cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and lightly flour the top of the dough then roll out the dough into even squares that are about ¼ inch thick.

Cut two pieces of parchment paper slightly larger than your square of dough. Remove the sausage from the wrapper and place between the two pieces of parchment paper that have been lightly sprayed with non-stick spray. Using a rolling pin roll sausage out into a sheet that’s slightly smaller than your sheet of dough. Remove the top sheet of parchment and place the sausage onto the dough, then remove the remaining sheet of parchment.

Starting with the edges of the dough closest to you, roll the dough and sausage, forming a log. Trim the edges off the log then cut in half. Wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or freeze for up to two days.

To bake, preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Slice the log into ½ inch round pinwheels and place on a cookie sheet. Bake until bottoms start to brown, about 15 minutes, then turn over to brown the other side 5-10 more minutes.

I like to enjoy the pinwheels with yellow mustard or favorite preserves.

And while the menu changes regularly, staple items that customers love – such as warm Angel Biscuits served with whipped butter with cane syrup and sea salt – remain to be ordered time and again. p.m. to 9 p.m. at the new Vestavia Hills Civic Center. Food and wine tastings along with a silent auction will be part of the event.

Proceeds are to benefit the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advance. Participants must be 21 or older. For ticket information, go to business.vestaviahills.org, click on events and then Viva Vestavia XVIII. Viva Vestavia in 2021 drew a large crowd of food and wine enthusiasts.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 25

SCHOOLS

OTM Schools Name Teachers of the Year

Mary Charles' Doll House Mary Charles’ Dolls, Doll Houses and Minatures

Doll House

By Anne Ruisi Over the Mountain public schools have named their Teachers of the Year, who now will represent their school systems in the 2023-2024 Alabama Teacher of the Year competition.

Teachers in Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, north Shelby County and Vestavia Hills were honored as elementary or secondary Teachers of the Year.

The Alabama Teacher of the Year Program honors and recognizes excellence in the teaching profession by identifying outstanding Alabama classroom teachers at local, district and state levels. It works in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year Program, which began in 1952.

Homewood

COME SEE New, Collectible US IN Antique Dolls HOMEWOOD!

1901 Oxmoor Rd. 2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 205-870-5544 870-5544 Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm

Mary Charles’ Doll House

Abigail Marchetti

Becky Morton

Meghan Craig

Kevin Pughsley

Lyndsi Kirk

Legal Notice

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given Amason & Associates, Inc. Contractor has completed theRobbins Construction of Vestavia Hills Community To: Mary Charles Center, 1090 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 Hills, AL 35216 for the City of Vestavia Hills, ph., 1032fax Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, 205-824-1246, 35216, and have made request for final Date: May 2010 AL settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in this project should immediately To: Mary Charles This isconnection your ADwith PROOF from the OVER THE MOU notify William Blackstock Architects; 2204 1st From: Over the Mountain Journal June 3, 2010 Please fax Avenue South, Suiteissue.

200; Birmingham, AL approval or ch 823-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax 35209 Amason & Associates. P. O. Box 1729 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35403 Date: Nov 2018

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

Homewood City Schools named Bryan Rosenstiel Jeff Norris Megan Humphries Amanda Jordan Hall-Kent Elementary kindergarten Please make sure all informati teacher Abigail Marchetti as Elementary Teacher of the Year and Becky Morton, Rosenstiel, who teaches AP chemistry including address and phon This is your ad proof for the OTMJ for the November 15, 2018issue.

Plea an eighth-grade teacher at Homewood and engineering technology at possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax a Middle School, as Secondary Teacher Mountain Brook High School, as the initial and fax backincluding within Please make sure all Please information is correct, of the Year.

Teacher of the Year.

To: MarySecondary Charles Robbins If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., your ad will run as is. We print the paper Hoover Shelby County 205-824-1246, fax Thank you for your prompt If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the In Hoover, Meghan Craig is the Oak Mountain Middle School sixthDate: May 2010 2023-2024 Elementary Teacher of the grade math teacher Jeff Norris was honThank you for your prompt Year, and Kevin Pughsley is the ored by the Shelby County Board of This is your from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Secondary Teacher of the Year. Craig is Education andAD the PROOF Shelby County 3, 2010 issue. Please a first-grade teacher at Bluff Park Schools June Education Foundation as the fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Elementary, and Pughsley is a sixthMiddle School Teacher of the Year.

Please make sure all information is correct, grade earth science teacher at Berry Vestavia Hills Middle School. including address and phone number!

Vestavia Hills Elementary West Mountain Brook third grade teacher Megan Humphries Please of initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Mountain Brook Schools named litis the Elementary Teacher the Year, If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, eracy coach Lyndsi Kirk of Cherokee and Amanda Jordan, a Spanish teacher To: Stacey your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Bend Elementary as the Elementary at Vestavia Hills High School, is the From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Thank you for your prompt attention.

Teacher of the Year and Bryan Secondary Teacher of the Year.

2023 Annual Luncheon January 25, 2023 11 a.m.

Date:

Dec. 2022

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURN for the Dec. 15, 2022 issue.

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

Photos courtesy

Thank you for your prompt attention.

HONORING: Homewood School Counselor Wins State Award

Homewood Middle School counselor AnnaGrace Baldwin, shown with some Homewood Middle School Peer Helpers, received the Alabama Counseling Association’s 2022 Dr. Ervin “Chip” L. Wood Distinguished Professional Service Award. The award is given to recognize outstanding service that reflects a significant contribution to the professional concerns of the Alabama Counseling Association, and it aims to stimulate future service for the wellbeing of the counseling profession.

Bluff Park WindoW Works f f f f

Wood window restoration and repair Sash replacement, rot repair Replace broken and fogged glass Wood insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes

Call 205-542-6094

Alice Womack Jemison Visionary Award

Friends of O'Neal Library The Tynes Award

Janet Forbes & Heather Richards City Employees of the Year

LocaLLy owned and operated

Register today at mtnbrookchamber.org

26 • Thursday, January 12, 2023

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Icebreaker Results

By Rubin E. Grant One week into the new year, the Homewood girls basketball team already had surpassed the number of wins it had in Gavin King’s first season as the Patriots’ head coach.

King guided the Patriots to a 17-13 record last season, but after three blowout wins last week, Homewood’s record stood at 18-4.

“We are definitely improved,” King said. “We are better as a team, but for the second straight year we’re in a tough area. Last year we had Chelsea, Mountain Brook and Briarwood in our area, and this year we’ve got Parker, Minor and JacksonOlin. Jackson-Olin is a little down, but Parker and Minor are really good.

Parker doesn’t have any seniors and Minor has only one. It’s going to be

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

mores Seneca Robinson and Cam Torbor are talented reserves.

Ware likes the way his team has come together.

“The guys have worked hard,” he said. “We had a great offseason and a great summer. The good thing about us is this is a team. The guys are playing for the name on the front of the jersey and it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”

Hoover (19-2) has won 13 consecutive games since a narrow 54-50 setback at crosstown rival Spain Park on Dec. 2. This week the Bucs were scheduled to play two more area games, at home Tuesday against Vestavia Hills and on the road Friday at Tuscaloosa County.

The glossy record hasn’t raised Hoover’s expectations for the rest of the season.

“We have high expectations anyway,” Ware said. “You walk into our gym and you see all the championship banners from different sports.

Our ultimate goal is to play the last game of the season. To get there, we’re going to have take one day at a time and one game at a time.

Basketball is marathon. You can’t just hit little sprints.”

Sophomore guard Laine Litton

tough to get past them for the next two years.”

Homewood doesn’t have any seniors on its roster, but the Patriots have plenty of experience.

“Last year, we got a lot of girls playing time,” King said. “All 12 girls on the varsity got varsity minutes, including the girls off the bench and even the freshman who we called up to the varsity at times.”

The Patriots start three juniors, small forward Kayla Warren, point guard Susie Whitsett and 6-foot-3 center Mira McCool. Sophomore guard Laine Litton and 6-1 freshman forward Ellis McCool, Mira McCool’s younger sister, round out the starting lineup.

The Patriots also have plenty of firepower from their reserves, featuring sophomores Annie McBride, Ella

Hoover Boys Basketball Team Looking to Make a Run at State Title

By Rubin E. Grant

ahead of teammates Daisy Luna (56.87) and McKenzie Blackledge (57.48).

Blackledge won 800 meter run in 2:13.96 with Mountain Brook’s Reagan Riley second (2:14.80). The Bucs’ Bradley Shaw won the boys shot put with a toss of 53-9. Hoover girls won the 4x200 meter relay and the 4x400. The Hoover boys also finished first in both relay races.

Mountain Brook’s Virginia Averyt won the girls girls 3200 with a time of 11:13.58 and Mountain Brook won the girls 4x800. Homewood’s Brooke Walden won the girls pole vault, clearing 12-0.

—Rubin E. Grant

ning to stop a couple of our guys.

One is DeWayne Brown and the other is Salim London. DeWayne has size and great hands and Salim was honorable mention all-state last year as a freshman.”

Brown is averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds, and London is averaging 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

Caicedo, who is a 6-7 transfer from Orlando, Florida, is one of two seniors in the starting lineup. The other is guard Salim London made Elijah Herron. the All OTM basketThe Bucs also ball team and was honorable mention have two seniors coming all-state last year as off the bench, a freshman. forward Jake Hatch and guard Noah McAfee.

“Our seniors are great leaders,” Ware said. “They have pulled together and have pulled this team together.”

Junior Elijah Thomas and sopho-

Hoover’s boys basketball team ended December with an 18-2 record, but third-year Bucs head coach Scott Ware isn’t putting much stock in the mark.

That’s because the Bucs posted a 16-3 record at the turn of the calendar last season but finished 5-7 and was eliminated in the area tournament.

“We’re super happy to be 18-2, but we haven’t won anything,” Ware said a few days before Hoover played its Class 7A, Area 5 opener last Friday at Thompson.

The challenging area also includes Vestavia Hills and Tuscaloosa County.

“7A overall is tough period and our area might be the toughest in 7A with us, Vestavia, Thompson and Tuscaloosa County,” Ware said. “You have to be up and ready to go every night or you will lose.”

The Bucs were up and ready for

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Young Homewood Girls Basketball Team Showing Marked Improvement

Balanced Bucs

Hoover’s Gabrielle Washington won the girls 60 meter dash in 7.65 and the 400 meter dash in 56.44.

Serotsky, Madeline Alford, Savannah McDonald and Hollis Tangye, and freshmen Ryanne Ezekiel and Molly Dorough.

In Homewood’s 64-24 rout of Jackson-Olin last Thursday in the Patriots’ Class 6A, Area 9 opener, Warren had 14 points, six assists and four steals. McBride scored seven points and had three steals, and Dorough grabbed five rebounds to go with six points.

Litton sank five 3-pointers and finished with 15 points, and Ezekiel and Ellis McCool had eight points each in a 58-23 road victory Friday against Columbia in Huntsville. On Saturday at Pinson Valley, Warren had 15 points, five rebounds and five steals and Mira McCool had 14 points, 15 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Patriots to a 49-37 victory.

On the Upswing

Thompson, defeating the Warriors 54-45 while using the balanced attack that has worked so well for them this season.

Sophomore swingman Salim London led Hoover with 15 points and four rebounds. Senior forward Jonathan Caicedo posted a doubledouble with 11 points and 10 rebounds and 6-foot-6 sophomore center DeWayne Brown scored eight points and pulled down nine rebounds. Sophomore guard Jarett Fairley had nine points and three assists.

“We’ve got a good group of guys,” Ware said. “It’s been a different guy every night. We’ve got two or three guys averaging in double figures and some others who are hovering between seven and nine points. When you have multiple guys capable of scoring, the other teams can’t plan for just one or two guys.

“I’m sure some teams go in plan-

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Several Over-the-Mountain schools competed in the 2023 Ice Breaker Invitational indoor track meet Saturday at the Birmningham CrossPlex. The meet was divided into the two parts. Vestavia Hills and John Carroll Catholic had multiple winners in Icebreaker #1 Vestavia Hills’ Max Armstrong won the boys 400 meters in 50.81 and finished second in the 800 behind teammate Alex Leathw, who won with a time of 1:53:34.

Armstrong’s time was 1:56.84. The Rebels won the 4x200 and 4x400 boys relay races. Vestavia Hills’ Kennedy Moreland won the girls pole vault, clearing 11-06.00.

John Carroll’s Arthur Langley won the 1600 meter with a time of 4:26:32 and the Cavaliers’ Carson McFadden won the boys high jump, clearing 6-02.00.

In Icebreaker #2, Hoover’s boys and girls shined. The Bucs’ Collin Pate and Connor White won the boys pole vault, with both clearing 15-6.

Hoover’s Gabrielle Washington won the girls 60 meter dash in 7.65 and the 400 meter dash in 56.44, just

“Everybody plays just about every game,” King said. “We’ve got a lot of speed off the bench and that allows us to change our presses.

“Annie is our leading scorer off the bench and she plays great defense.

She can guard any position on the court. Ryanne plays some at point guard and we use her for ball handling. Madeline plays great defense and Molly is a 5-11 player who is really skilled and good around the basket.”

Whitsett, McBride and Tangye all played for Homewood’s Class 6A championship soccer team last spring.

Ezekiel was on the junior varsity and Warren will suit up in the spring as the goalkeeper.

“They’re good all-around athletes,” King said. “They’re competitive and they know how to win.”

Homewood continues to play an aggressive, up-tempo style, including a relentless front-court pressing defense and firing up 3-point shots at a rapid pace.

“We want to play at a fast pace,” King said. “We like to get down court and get up a shot and not run a set offense. We’ve got great stuff and the girls know how to run it, but that’s not what we want to do.

“The girls are used to the speed of the game. They worked hard during the summer on their ball-handling, shooting and conditioning. Our shooting percentages are up on 3-pointers and free throws.”

The Patriots are scheduled to play two area games this week, hosting Minor on Tuesday and visiting Parker on Friday.

Homewood didn’t advance past the area tournament last year, but King hopes that will change this season.

“Our goal is to get one step farther this year,” he said.

Mountain Brook’s Sam Carroll won with a major dec. over Homewood’s Blas Correa at 170.

From page 28

SARGENT From page 28

look forward to hosting them at Augusta National in April.”

The 87th Masters will be held April 6-9.

“I find it very interesting that when Gordon talked about getting the invitation on Instagram, it was amazing to see his humility coming through,” Lockett said. “He’s so well-grounded.

He’s a special guy.”

Sargent will be playing in the Masters for the first time. He is No. 3 in the current World Amateur Golf Ranking and is the first amateur to accept a special invitation to play in the Masters since Aaron Baddeley in 2000.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

106 – Joseph Marcum (Homewood) pin. Bobby Rutkoff (Mountain Brook)

“There is simply not a greater honor in golf than to be invited to play in the Masters Tournament,” Vanderbilt coach Scott Limbaugh said in a statement released by the school’s athletic department. “I also believe this is a huge day for college and amateur golf as Augusta National Golf Club has extended a special exemption to Gordon to play in this year’s Masters as the reigning NCAA champion.

“We are thrilled for Gordon and especially proud of the way he represents our university and golf program with high character and integrity in everything he does. This is certainly another great opportunity for him to showcase his talents on the grandest of stages.”

Sargent won the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A

boys’ golf individual championship in 2021. He also won the Alabama Golf Association’s state junior championship in 2019 and state amateur championship in 2020.

In his first year at Vanderbilt, Sargent won the Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award and was chosen as a first-team All-American by Golfweek and PING. Sargent will be the first of Lockett’s former players to play in the Masters.

“It’s especially hard to qualify to get in,” Lockett said. “You have to win a tournament on tour or win the U.S. Amateur to qualify or be in the top 50 in the world amateur rankings. I think this is the first special exemption they have offered since 2000.

“I think he’ll hold his own.”

Randall Jaquez 195 – Allen Baker (MB) dec.

Hayden Eldridge 220 – William Courtenay (MB) pin.

Trust Darnell 285 – Bardon King (H) pin. Daniel Ellis

BMW • MINI • MERCEDES • AUDI • BMW • MINI • MERCEDES • AUDI • BMW

BMW•MINI•MERCEDES•AUDI "Amazing place and amazing people."

"Great Team of folks and great service.

I trust them completely!"

See more reviews on our website!

205-403-4626 • MOMENTUMMOTORWORKS.COM 2075 Old Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35244

Riverchase • 1 block from Valleydale • 1 mile from I-65

Expert Service & Repair We Guarantee Your Satisfaction

BMW • MINI • MERCEDES • AUDI • BMW • MINI • MERCEDES • AUDI • BMW • MINI

Homewood 32 Mountain Brook 31

113 – Stephen Springfield (MB) pin. Barrett Bridgmon 120 – Buddy Ketchum (H) major dec. Davis Smith 126 – Moeen Almansoob (H) pin.

Douglas Johnson 132 – Hanif Muhammed (H) major dec. Bill Bradford 138 – Nathan McCain (MB) dec.

Bobby Chamarro 145 – Stuart Andrews (MB) dec.

Jordan Cottrell

152 – Sam Sutton (H) pin.

Coleman Bates 160 – Jude Smith (MB) dec. lanham Boyd 170 – Sam Carroll (MB) major dec. Blas Correa 182 – Jack Windle (MB) dec.

BMW • MINI • MERCEDES • AUDI • BMW • MINI • MERCEDES • AUDI • BMW • MINI

HOMEWOOD Spartans win, they will clash again in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

The Duals semifinals will be held Jan. 17 and the finals Jan. 20 at the Birmingham CrossPlex.

Here are complete results of the Homewood-Mountain Brook match:

Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 27

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

BMW • MINI • MERCEDES • AUDI • BMW • MINI • MERCEDES • AUDI • BMW

SPRING 2023 RECREATIONAL SOCCER

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

SPOTS ARE LIMITED! REGISTER TODAY! TAKE YOUR FUN FACTOR TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

AGES 3-19 BOYS & GIRLS GREAT LOCATIONS CLOSE TO HWY 280 & 31 LIBERTY PARK & HIGHWAY 31 IN VESTAVIA

W W W . V E S T A V I A S O C C E R . C O M

Balanced Bucs: Hoover boys basketball team looking to make a run at state title Page 26

SPORTS

Thursday, January 12, 2023 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

On the Upswing: Young Homewood girls basketball team showing marked improvement Page 26

‘Special Talent’

Sargent Accepts Invitation to Play in the Masters “Gordon has a lot of high expectations, and he seems to be exceeding them all.”

Mountain Brook golf coach Alex Lockett Last year, Sargent became the first freshman once described former Spartans’ golfer Gordon to win the NCAA Division I men’s golf tournaSargent as a “special talent.” ment since 2007. Higa topped the Japan Golf Now, that special talent Tour’s Order of Merit in will get a chance to show2022.

Last year, Sargent case his game on perhaps “The Masters the grandest golf stage in Tournament prioritizes became the first the nation. Sargent, 19, has opportunities to elevate both freshman to win the accepted an invitation to amateur and professional NCAA Division I compete in the 2023 golf around the world,” Masters. said in a statement men’s golf tournament Ridley Fred Ridley, chairman of released by Augusta since 2007.

Augusta National Golf Club, National. “Thus, we have announced last Thursday extended invitations to two that Sargent, now a sensadeserving players not othertional sophomore at Vanderbilt, and Kazuki wise qualified. Whether on the international Higa had accepted invitations extended by the stage or at the elite amateur level, each player tournament. has showcased their talent in the past year. We See SARGENT, page 27 “I think that’s pretty awesome,” Lockett said.

Courtesy of Vanderbilt University

By Rubin E. Grant

Former Mountain Brook High School standout Gordon Sargent is No. 3 in the current World Amateur Golf Ranking and is the first amateur to accept a special invitation to play in the Masters since 2000. In his first year at Vanderbilt, Sargent won the Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award and was chosen as a first-team All-American by Golfweek and PING.

‘BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT’ Homewood Edges Mountain Brook to Claim Regional Duals Title

By Rubin E. Grant

had a number of people there and they were really into it.”

Neither Homewood nor Mountain Brook had any trouble in the early rounds. The Patriots knocked off Minor 82-0, Hueytown 81-0 and Jackson-Olin 70-6, while Mountain Brook defeated Jackson-Olin 78-6, Hueytown 84-0 and Minor 84-0.

Both schools advance to the ASHAA Duals tournament this weekend. Homewood will host Pelham in a preliminary round match Friday, while Mountain Brook visits McAdory. If the Patriots and See HOMEWOOD, page 27

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Since the inception of the Alabama High School Athletic Association wrestling duals in 2017, Homewood had won its regional championship just once. And that was in the first year of the competition.

The Patriots finally secured another regional duals title last Friday, but just barely. Homewood edged Mountain Brook 32-31 in the finals of the Class 6A, Region 4 duals tournament at Homewood.

Second-year Homewood coach

Frankie McKeown described it as a “big accomplishment.”

“Mountain Brook is a really, really good team,” McKeown said. “I’m super proud of our guys. It was a big accomplishment.”

Homewood recorded four pins, Joseph Marcum at 106 pounds, Moeen Almansoob at 126, Sam Sutton at 152 and Bardon King at 285. Mountain Brook had two pins, Stephen Springfield at 113 and William Courtenay at 220.

McKeown liked the enthusiastic atmosphere at the tournament.

“It was really cool,” he said. “We

Homewood’s Sam Sutton pinned Mountain Brook’s Coleman Bates in the 152 pound weight class.

Above, Mountain Brook’s William Courtenay pinned Homewood’s Trust Darnell in the 220 pound weight class. Below, Homewood’s Buddy Ketchum won a major dec. over Mountain Brook’s Davis Smith in 120.