10.6.16

Otmj over the mountain journal u otmj.com

social

sports

Thursday, october 6, 2016

Homecoming Celebrations

Journal file photo

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Mystical parades

Hello wild rides

Fall

Photo by Beth Hontzas

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Pumpkin picks

In an emergency, it’s about time.

GrandviewHealth.com The E.R. team will work to have you initially seen by a medical professional within 30 minutes of your arrival in the Emergency Room.

91174_GRAN_ERpldg_10_375x2_25c.indd 1

look forward 4/13/16 2:50 PM

2 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

Opinion/Contents

HelloFall on the cover Homecoming Celebrations: Spain Park Homecoming Queen Sarah Lynn Sharpton (see page 34); Mystical Parades: Mystics of Mountain Brook parade from 2015 (see page 8); Wild Rides: Homewood witches, Kristy York and Brooke Gillis at last year’s Homewood Witches Ride (see page 8); Pumpkin Picks: Foster Colvert and his mom, Christen search for the perfect pumkin at the Alpine Farms Pumkin Sale & Fall Bazaar in Vestavia Hills last Friday.

in this issue

sunday in the park about town Page 4

lane parke legacy news Page 14

women’s health life Page 16

hoppy in homewood food Page 30

About Town 3 people 10 news 14 life 16 social 20

weddings 27 schools 28 food 30 sports 36

murphy’s law

T

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

On A Run

around the track looked positively hat’s it. After watching 72 freeing, like opening up your winhours of gut-wrenching televidows on a blustery day and letting sion, I have decided to run. the wind blow all the dust off the Not for President. Goodness, coffee table. no. I would have had to go through I may not reach dust-busting the primaries and attend a bunch speed right away. The last time I of fundraising dinners and appear ran was in high school, and that was on “Meet the Press” to say, “My only because the homeowner’s porch esteemed opponent is a cracklight came on when my friends and pot.” No, I’m talking about actual I were clandestinely TP-ing their running, you know, putting one foot house. I wish I hadn’t done that, by in front of the other, which I’ve been the way. The TP-ing, not the rundoing for a long time but now I’d ning. It was wrong and I’m sorry. I like to do it a little bit faster. can only hope that after 40 years all I watched a lot of the Olympic is forgiven.

Games on television – swimming Sue Murphy My new running venture won’t be and pole vaulting and badminton – done at the same fear-driven pace, and most of the sports required some kind of equipment or worse, I want to see what it feels and since I’m just starting out, I think I’ll keep my garb low-key, skill. While professional running like to have the wind no bling or long painted fingeris a practiced art, garden-variety rushing through my hair nails, even though they made the running seems open to everyone who has shoes. There are people – as long as the rushing Olympic runners look fierce and same time. who run barefoot, but since I doesn’t end with me fall- flirtyI’datbethehappy to take up their already have a trusty pair of ing headlong onto my pre-run carbo-loading, though. Not sneakers, I think I’ll put them into to brag or anything, but I’ve been play. Technically, they’re labeled neighbor’s driveway. a champion carbo-loader for years. “walkers” but I don’t think an It’s part of the reason I want to alarm will sound if I break into a start running, to unload some of those carbs. More trot.

I don’t want to run competitively, although appar- than that, though, I want to see what it feels like to have the wind rushing through my hair – as long as ently I could. Earlier this year, at the tender age of the rushing doesn’t end with me falling headlong 100, Ms. Ida Keeling ran the 100-meter dash in 1 onto my neighbor’s driveway. I can see it now, the minute, 17 seconds, which was quite an accomplishscraped knees, the knot on my head, the EMTs lifting ment. Yet, while the media was still singing her me onto a stretcher shaking their heads, “Her shoes praises, Ms. Ella Mae Colbert of Chesnee, South did say ‘walkers.’”

Carolina, herself 100-plus, ran the same distance in 46 seconds. Of course, she did. No matter how old you are, no matter what you accomplish, there will P. S. After this writing, I did run for seven be someone out there bent on doing you one better. days. But while my mind said, “Wow!” and my shoes I don’t need that kind of pressure, so my running held out just fine, my knees kept saying, “I don’t will be strictly for my own enjoyment. Actually, think so, old woman,” so I am back to walking.

I don’t know if I will enjoy running at all, but the (Sigh) Perhaps I needed the bling after all. ❖ sight of those Olympic athletes going full steam

On otmj.com

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

October 6, 2016 JOU RNAL Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Sarah Kuper, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch, Jordan Wald Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Vol. 27, No. 5

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 2016 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

over the Mountain Views

What are you planning to be for Halloween?

“Batman!”

William Marshall

“I’m planning to dress up as a fairy.”

“This year I’m going to be a shark.”

Mary Martha Athanas

Paxton Simmons

“A lobster.”

Finley Simmons (with mom, Melissa)

Brookwood Village Caesar Chess will host a charity tournament at 8 a.m. benefitting Children’s of Alabama. Participants will be broken into age groups from kindergarten to 12th grade. Entry is $20 in advance and $30 at the event. For more information, email caesarchess@ gmail.com or visit alabamachess.org.

BIRMINGHAM

BankstonBash Good People Brewing Co. The Autism Society of Alabama’s Junior Board will host an event from noon-2 p.m. to celebrate the life of the late David Bankston and to raise support and awareness for Alabamians

BIRMINGHAM

Antiques at The Gardens, Oct. 7-9 Birmingham Botanical Gardens Antiques at The Gardens will feature regionally and nationally known architects, interior designers and landscape designers, each curating themed areas with the goods from Birmingham and around the country, including Gen and Ben Sohor, above. The show will feature antique dealers presenting antiques, furniture, porcelain, fine art, silver, garden accessories and jewelry.

Public show hours are Fri. from 10 a.m.-7p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission is $15 per person and parking is free. For more information, visit bbgardens.org. ❖

affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This event will include a Cornhole Tournament hosted by Alabama Cornhole. Registration is $40 per team in advance and general admission is free.

Sun., Oct. 9

Birmingham

Vulcan Aftertunes Big Sam’s Funky Nation The museum’s music series will feature Big Sam’s Funky Nation with Tragic City. Gates open at 1 p.m.

Tickets begin at $8. visitvulcan.com.

Tues., Oct. 11 VESTAVIA HILLS

High Notes: Vestavia Hills Community Night Out Vestavia Hills City Hall The Vestavia Hills Police and Fire Departments will host the annual High Notes concert, featuring the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, from 5:30-8 p.m.

This event is free and will kick off Project 365 with free food, kids activities, local vendors and live music.T-shirts and blue lights will be available for purchase.

Seniors can reserve special seating by calling 978-0100. For more information, visit vhal.org/high-notes.

DENY DOUBT. Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy.

And that’s when you need a teammate like Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. Because our experts aggressively pursue victory over every injury.

Thurs., Oct 6 VESTAVIA HILLS

Legacy League Fall Luncheon A Private Club in Vestavia Hills Samford University’s Legacy League will kick off a new year with its annual luncheon at 11:30 a.m. The event is open to the public and will feature a performance by the Birmingham Boys Choir, directed by Choirmaster Ken Berg. For more information, visit samford.edu/legacyleague.

HOOVER

Traditional Instruments Reimagined: Matt Bryant and Holland Hopson Hoover Library, The Plaza UAB professor Matt Bryant, on the ukulele, and UA professor Holland Hopson, on the banjo, will perform a free concert beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit hooverlibrary.org.

Oct. 7-9 LEEDS

Barber Vintage Festival Barber Mororsports Park Triumph Dealers of North America will present one of the world’s largest motorcycle collections. Admission begins at $25. Activities include road racing, stunt shows, a swap meet and more. For more information, visit barbermotorsports.com.

Sat., Oct. 8 HOMEWOOD

National Chess Day Scholastic

Go to AndrewsSportsMedicine.com to start making your comeback.

Journal file photo

Oct. 6 - Oct. 20

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 3

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

4 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal MOUNTAIN BROOK

Jill Lindsey, left and Valerie Holley are sisters who organize and participate in the Handmade Art Show.

UAB’s Alys Stephens Center

Family Night Magic Show Emmet O’Neal Library Magician Arthur Atsma presents a magic show for people of all ages.

Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. For more information, visit eolib.org.

PRESENTS OCT

BIRMINGHAM

David Bowie

The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars

45 50

$

Sunday in the Park

OCT

23 David Sedaris 48 - $68

$

OCT

28

Del McCoury Band with David Grisman 48 - $67

$

NOV

Estampas Porteñas

06

Argentine Tango

28 - $45

$

Jemison Investment Co., Inc.

NOV

13

Two Events Join for Arts and Music Festival Two arts events are joining together this year for one big Sunday in the Park event that will showcase handmade art and local musicians.

Handmade Art Show and Pickin’ in the Park will be held together Oct. 16 in Homewood’s Central Park. Food trucks also will be at the event, which is sponsored by the Homewood Arts Council, and picnicking is encouraged.

Among the musicians who will be playing are: Anthony Sutton, Bob Tedrow & Friends, Foggy Hollow Review, Nitrate City and Steel City Jug Slammers.

Guests also are invited to bring their own instruments and jam with the professionals.

A variety of handmade art will be on display and for sale, including paintings and mixed media artworks, pottery, decorator items, jewelry, clothing and food.

Jill Lindsey and Valerie Holley are sisters who organize and participate in the Handmade Art Show. They are both potters who hand build their pieces from the slab technique, though each has her own style. Their pieces will be available at the art show.

“We love being a part of the local art scene. Art shows are so much fun to go to and see what all the artists have been working on lately. They are all so talented,” Lindsey said. “This year we have Pickin’ in the Park music event joining us. What could be a better way to spend the day, having art and music together in one setting?”

Holley said she was wearing a necklace by Ellen Moran and earrings by Leah Dodd. “Both artists are participating in Handmade,” she said. “I love knowing the artists that make my favorite pieces of jewelry, as well as the other art I collect.”

For more information, visit the Homewood Arts Council’s Facebook page and the Handmade Facebook page, or contact Diane Litsey, chair of the Homewood Arts Council, at 213-7866 or diane@thedancefoundation.org, Bob Tedrow of Homewood Music at 910-8262, or Jill Lindsey at handmadehomewood@gmail.com. ❖

trunk show

BASETRACK Live

Thursday, OcTOber 27, 2016 10:00 aM - 5:30 PM Wine and hors d'oeuvres

An intimate portrait of military families

28

$

AlysStephens.org

2701 cahaba rOad MOunTain brOOk Village 871-7060

OTMJ Oct 2016.indd 1

Journal photo by Maury Wald

Black Jacket Symphony

14

Thurs., Oct 13

9/16/16 2:20 PM

Barktoberfest Cahaba Brewing Company Hand in Paw will host an Oktoberfest style benefit from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and include one beer ticket, entry into the pet costume contest and the stein hoist contest, one raffle ticket, one novelty keepsake and various prizes awarded during the night. Two food trucks will be present. For more information, visit handinpaw.org.

HOMEWOOD

Spirit of Recovery Luncheon The Club FOCUS On Recovery, an organization that provides women with a clean and sober living environment during recovery from addiction, will host a 15th anniversary luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Actor Michael O’Neill will serve as keynote speaker with Art Franklin serving as emcee. Individual tickets are $75. For more information, visit focuson-recovery.org.

Homewood

Alzheimer’s in Alabama: A Caregiver Conference Rosewood Hall Annual conference for caregivers from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The event will conclude with a candle lighting service, followed by a wine and cheese reception to celebrate ACA’s 25th year.

For more information visit alzca.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Autumn Celebration Benefit Avondale Brewing Company Regions Bank, Trinity’s junior board and a host committee will hold the fourth annual fall event from 6–8 p.m., benefitting Trinity’s ministry to continue to provide mental health services to

annual concert at 2:30 p.m. in the Brock Recital Hall, featuring Alex DeSocio, winner of the 2016 Opera Birmingham Vocal Competition. Tickets begin at $20. For more information, visit operabirmingham.org.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

NORTH SHELBY

Mt Laurel Fall Festival, Sat., Oct. 15 Mt Laurel The community’s annual fall festival will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. alongside the GBAHB Fall Community and Home Tour from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The event will feature vendors, music, inflatables, a petting zoo and more.

A canine costume contest will benefit the Shelby County Humane Society.

The 50th Anniversary Southern Living Idea House will be open for tours with an admission of $15, benefitting the Mt Laurel Public Library and Children’s of Alabama. For more information, visit mtlaurel.com. ❖ the community. The event includes bluegrass entertainment by The Yahoos String Band, a silent auction and food catered by Taziki’s. For more information, visit trinitycounselingbham. org.

Oct. 13-14 Hoover

Marc Cohn Hoover Library Theatre The theatre will open its 25th season with performances by this Grammy Award-winner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit hooverlibrary.org.

Fri., Oct 14 Birmingham

Black Jacket Symphony UAB Alys Stephens Center The band will perform David Bowie’s “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” at 8 p.m.

Tickets begin at $45.50. For more information, visit alysstephens.org.

Homewood

Tim Hawkins Samford University The Wright Center will open its Signature Series with a 7 p.m. concert featuring Tim Hawkins, above, a Christian comedian/musician. Tickets begin at $25. For more information, visit samford.edu.

Sun., Oct. 16 HOMEWOOD

Catch a Rising Star Samford University Opera Birmingham will host its

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

“Life is a Gift” Book Signing Mtn. Brook Baptist Church Authors Carolyn Sloss Ratliff, right, and Rowan Claypool will host a signing and panel discussion for the book “LIfe is Gift, Remembrances of John Rowan Claypool

IV” at 10 a.m. during the morning services at the church. A second signing will be hosted Oct. 23.

HOOVER

Alabama NF Walk Veterans Park The third annual walk will begin at 1 p.m. and is presented by the Alabama chapter of the Ciildren’s Tumor Foundation, an organization which strives to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and families affected by neurofibromatoses. The event includes face painting, food, carnival games, live music and more. For more information, visit visitctf.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Marty’s Hike Ruffler Mountain Nature Preserve Ruffler Mountain will host a hike to honor Marty Schulman, a long-time champion for the preserve, with a wine and cheese hike beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Schulman will be present to lead the hike and possibly share a story or two.

Spots are limited. To reserve a space, visit ruffnermountain.org.

Mon., Oct. 17 HOOVER

Hoover Cup Inverness Country Club

The Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation hosts its annual fundraising golf tournament with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Player registration is $125 per person or $500 for a team of four.

Registration includes a continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf with a cart, drinks on the course and lunch after the round. For more information, visit hooveral.org.

Tues., Oct. 18 Birmingham

Harvest of Hope Regions Field The 13th annual fundraiser, benefiting

6 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

About Town

Upcoming Events

the students of Cornerstone Schools of Alabama, is from 5:30-8 p.m. and includes a seated dinner, auction items artwork from students and professional artist, jewelry, gift cards and more.

Tickets are $100. For more information, visit csalabama.org.

Wed., Oct. 19

years

Serving, Learning, Caring — Since 1991

Walking to Remember 2016 Alzheimer’s in Alabama Annual Conference October 13, 2016 presented by

Mountain Brook

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Seasoned Performers The performers will recount Washington Irving’s supernatural tale at 12:30 p.m. at Emmet O’Neal Library. For more information, visit seasonedperformers.org.

Thurs., Oct. 20 BIRMINGHAM

8:30 to 4:30 followed by a Wine and Cheese Celebration of ACA’s 25th anniversary Globe symbol

AT&T logotype

Rosewood Hall (inside Homewood City Hall at SoHo Square) $20 for family caregivers $40 for professionals needing CEU’s Registration and agenda online

“Crossing the Horizon” Book Signing Southern Museum of Flight The museum will host a signing of Laurie Notaro’s book “Crossing the Horizon” at 6 p.m. The book introduces three female pilots who attempted transatlantic journeys before Amelia Earhart. The families of pilot Ruth Elder and her instructor George Haldeman will be present at the signing. For more information, visit southernmuseumofflight.org.

Save The date Oct. 21-22 HOMEWOOD

Saturday, November 5 inside the Riverchase Galleria, 8 a.m.

Walk in honor or memory of someone with Alzheimer’s Serving 21 counties in central Alabama since 1991, ACA uses $0.89 of every dollar directly to help patients and caregivers.

Your Support helps us provide: • Support groups, telephone helpline, education and advocacy • Scholarships to attend adult day care • Scholarships for continence products • Funding for research at Alabama Universities

(205) 871-7970 or (866) 806-7255

www.alzca.org

Photo special to the Journal

25 celebrating

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Mystery Dinner Theatre: Design for Murder by Geroge Batson Homewood Public Library South City Theatre presents “Design for Murder,” a whodunit written by George Batson. Showtimes begin with a buffet starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for the buffet and show. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary. com.

Oct. 22-23 BIRMINGHAM

Fall Plant Sale Birmingham Botanical Gardens The annual fall sale will be held in Blount Plaza Sat. from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. from noon-4 p.m. Plants for purchase will include herbs, sustainable trees, fall annuals, shrubs, natives, perennials and more. For more information, visit bbgardens.org.

Fri., Oct. 28 BIRMINGHAM

Raise the Roof for Rett Haven The fifth annual event will be held from 6-10 p.m. and benefits the Suki Foundation for Rett Syndrome, created in honor of 7-year-old Sarah Katherine “Suki” Bateh of Hoover, and patients with Rett Syndrome at Children’s of Alabama. The event will feature live music and a dinner buffet, as well as silent and live auctions. Tickets are $65 per person or $120 for a couple.

To register for the event or make a donation, visit sukifoundation.org. ❖

From left: Alice Jackson, committee chair; Mindy Rohr, marketing manager at The Summit; Cindy Bryan, chair elect; Amy Allen, retail committee member; and Lauren Holmes, assistant manager at The Summit and finance chair, announce plans for the Shop Save & Share Kickoff Party Oct. 19.

JLB Gears Up For Annual Shop, Save And Share

For the eleventh year in a row, the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) will hold its Shop Save & Share fundraiser in late October, kicking off the event with a party Oct. 19 from 6-8 p.m. at the Summit.

The event will be held in the alcove near Anthropologie and includes drinks, light appetizers, music and 20% off at many of The Summit’s retailers.

Through the ongoing fundraiser from Oct. 19-30, participants can purchase Shop, Save and Share cards for $40, which will garner a 20 percent discount on merchandise and food at more than 500 participating stores and restaurants.

According to program officials, this initiative supports the League’s more than 30 community projects while at the same time driving customers to local retailers and restaurants. Since its inception, the fundraiser has raised

more than $475,000.

The purchase of each card will provide eight meals through Meals on Wheels in Jefferson County; provides one week of snacks, magazines and books to mothers restricted to bed rest in the UAB NICU; provide one child, suffering from “under nutrition,” with food for the weekends for an entire school year through the Backpack Buddies program; and provides 1.5 children one book per month for five years through Better Basics & JLB Imagination Library.

“Being a part of the community is a large part of our success at The Summit, and partnering with the Junior League of Birmingham is one way we express our support of local nonprofits,” said Mindy Rohr, marketing manager at The Summit, in a released statement.

For more information, visit shopsaveandshare.net. ❖

Party Prep

Experts to Share Tips on Entertaining Bromberg’s in Mountain Brook Village will host a lunch and learn for brides and customers from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 13. “Holiday Traditions Inherited, Invented, Inspired” will include tips on holiday table settings.

Capucine Gooding, Juliska’s founder, right, and creative director, and Annette Joseph, Traditional Home magazine editor and entertaining expert, will demonstrate easy holiday entertaining ideas using elements from Juliska, a leading casual dinnerware line.

Gooding and Joseph will be in the store until 2 p.m. the day of the event.

Stylist Kathy D’Agostino will use Juliska products to create Bromberg windows for the Mountain Brook Village Garden Walk during the week of the event.

Seating for the luncheon is limited.

For reservations, call 380-4325 or 8713276.

Bromberg’s is at 2800 Cahaba Road.

Party Diaries

Leslie Byars Register, below, will sign copies of her new book, “Leslie’s Party Diaries,” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at Table Matters, 2402 Montevallo Road in Mountain Brook Village.

Those who attend can talk with Register about ideas for easy entertaining. The event will include some tastings from the cookbook.

Register was a senior photo stylist at Southern Living for nine years.

Since then, she’s been a freelance stylist for Cooking Light, Oxmoor House Publishing, Cooking with Paula Deen and other publications.

For more information, call 879-0125 or visit table-matters.com. ❖

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 7

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Wine and Good Deeds

TumTum Tree Foundation’s Wine Auction Weekend Set for Nov. 3-5 The TumTum Tree Foundation, which supports children’s charities in Alabama, will hold its 27th annual Charity Wine Auction Weekend Nov. 3-5.

The event will begin with a wine tasting and silent auction at Regions

Since its inception 27 years ago, the foundation has donated more than $10.5 million to Alabama children’s charities.

Field, followed by private winemaker dinners on Thursday, Nov. 3.

A Paulée-style dinner and live auction will be held at The Club on Nov. 4, and the weekend will conclude with a tailgate party in Auburn at the football game against Vanderbilt on Nov. 5.

Proceeds from all events will directly benefit a number of children’s charities in the state, including Magic Moments and Kid One Transport, according to a news release. The honorary chairperson of this year’s event is Dr. Madaiah Revana of Revana Family Vineyard, Alexana Winery, Corazon del Sol and

The honorary chairperson of this year’s event is Dr. Madaiah Revana of Revana Family Vineyard, Alexana Winery, Corazon del Sol and Sitar.

Tom Miller is the executive director of the TumTum Tree Foundation, which supports children’s charities.

Sitar.

“We began this event in 1990 with a dream to help Magic Moments grant wishes to Alabama children who had life-threatening or life-altering diseases,” Tom Miller, executive

director of the foundation, said in the release. “We are very pleased that our auctions over the intervening years have allowed us to expand the scope and number of Alabama children’s charities that we serve.”

In March, the foundation presented checks totaling $461,000 to nine organizations dedicated to improving the lives of Alabama’s children.

Since its inception 27 years ago, the foundation has donated more than $10.5 million to Alabama children’s charities.

Beneficiaries this year include: Magic Moments, Kid One Transport, Mitchell’s Place, The Red Barn, UAB’s Institute for Arts in Medicine, the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center and Angel Pillowcases.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit tumtumtreefoundation. org or contact Tom Miller at 563 -0832. ❖

Insurance appraIsals for Jewelry 619 Montgomery hwy, vestavia hills

To: Leaf and Petal From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: September This is your aD PrOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnaL for the Oct 6, 2016 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.

To: From: Date:

Maury Over The Mountain Journal Oct. 2015 This is your aD prOOF for Over The MOunTain JOurnal for the Oct. 8, 2015 issue. please approve, initial and fax to 824-1246 or contact your sales representative as soon as possible to make changes.

please initial and fax to 824-1246 within 24 hours. if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, your ad must run as is.

fall fun

Photo by Beth Hontzas

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Not Your Average Witch

Homewood Witches Ride Will Take Flight on All Hallows’ Eve-Eve

Oct. 8-9, oct. 14-16, & Oct. 21-31 BIRMINGHAM

BOO at the Zoo The Birmingham Zoo The Zoo’s annual Halloween-themed event will be held each evening from 5-9 p.m. New this year is the Bug-ABOO, an exhibit of animatronic bugs.

Admission begins at $8 for members and $10 for non-members. The event will continue Oct. 14-16 and 21-31.For more information, visit birminghamzoo. com.

Sun., Oct. 9 VESTAVIA HILLS

Fall Kids’ Festival Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church

will be various “candy zones” marked along the way where spectators have the opportunity to catch some candy.

In addition to the parade, there will be a party in Homewood’s Central Park beginning at 4 p.m., featuring music from DJ Sills. A variety of food trucks will also be on hand, including Big Spoon Creamery, Saw’s Street Kitchen and Tot Spot.

To register, visit homewoodwitchesride.org. For more information, visit the “Homewood Witches Ride” Facebook page. ❖

The 15th annual festival for kids in fifth grade and under will be held from 1-3 p.m. Activities include a meet and greet with Mickey and Minnie, the GBHS TARA Mobile Adoption unit, mini race cars and trackless train rides, a hayride, face painting, a cake walk, inflatables and more. For more information, visit mountainchapelumc. org.

HOMEWOOD

Light a Pumpkin for First Light Shades Cahaba Elementary School SCES second-grade teacher Victoria Anderson’s class will host a pumpkin patch from 2:30-6 p.m. with all proceeds benefitting First Light Women’s and Children’s Shelter. For more information, visit the “Light a Pumpkin for First Light” Facebook page.

Photo special to the Journal

Rather than flying through the sky, participants in the fourth annual Homewood Witches Ride will take to their bikes and cycle through downtown Homewood on Oct. 30.

The annual cycling parade and celebration serves as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and honors the memory of Paula Stringfellow Ford, who lost her battle with lung cancer in 2013. Riders can register to participate in the 2-mile ride, dressed in their witches’ costumes, for $20. The money will directly benefit ACS. As the witches take flight on their cycling route, there

sat., Oct. 15 HOMEWOOD

Pumpkin Festival Homewood Central Park Grace House Ministries’ junior board will host its annual pumpkin sale from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Activities include pumpkin picking, (above) decorating stations, inflatables, food trucks, animal shows, lawn games, music, trick-ortreating and more. Admission is free for adults and a $5 kid’s admission includes one pumpkin. For more information, visit grace-house.org.

Mon., Oct. 31 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade Crestline Village The Mystics of Mountain Brook will host its 13th annual Halloween parade through Crestline Village at 4 p.m. The Mardi Gras-style parade will feature floats tossing t-shirts, beads, Families and friends atop participating floats will toss out Mystics of Mountain Brook t-shirts, beads, stuffed animals, footballs and more. The parade route will begin at Emmet O’Neal Library and will end on Vine Street. For more information, visit welcometomountainbrook.com. ❖

Journal file photo

8 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

BIRMINGHAM

Wig and Stache Bash The Florentine Preshcool Partners will host its inaugural Wig & Stache Bash from 6-8:30 p.m. The event will feature a silent auction, live music, cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres. In honor of October and Halloween, guests are encouraged to wear wigs, mustaches and other arrays of disguises. Individual tickets are $65 or $120 per couple.

For more information, visit preschoolpartners.org/events.

Fri., Oct. 21 MOUNTAIN BROOK

A Night Dark and Grim Emmet O’Neal Library The library will host its annual fairy tale-themed family event, with volunteers from the Teen Advisory Board donning popular fairytale character costumes from children’s books and movies. Children are encouraged to dress up and activities include crafts, games, snacks, face painting, balloon animals and more. A singalong movie will be shown on the lawn at the end of the evening.

Sat., Oct. 22 BIRMINGHAM

Trick or Trot 5k Sloss Furnaces The fourth annual costume 5k run will begin at 7 a.m., benefitting Kid One Transport. The event will include a bloody mary bar for adults and postrace music and kids activities. Costume contest awards will be given for a variety of categories. Registration is $30. For more information, visit kid1trickortrot. com.

Mon., Oct. 24 HOOVER

Creepy Crawly Spiders of Alabama Aldridge Gardens Dr. Drew Hataway from the biology department at Samford University will bring some interesting arachnids and discuss his experience with spiders.

This event is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and ends with a search for harmless wolf

are encouraged to dress up as their favorite storybook characters. Guests must register by Oct. 20 at runsignup. com. For more information, visit vestavialibrary.org.

spiders in the gardens. Tickets begin at $12 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, visit aldridgegardens. com.

Thurs., Oct 27

Sat., Oct. 29

HOOVER

HOMEWOOD

Hoover Hayride & Family Night Veterans Park on Valleydale The free family-friendly event will be held from 5-8 p.m., featuring hayrides around the park, candy, food vendors, balloon artists, face painting and giveaways. For more information, visit hooveral.org.

Fall Festival West Homewood Park Homewood’s Parks and Recreation department will host its annual fall festival beginning at 4:30 p.m. Activities will include a variety of games, inflatables, a haunted trail, concessions and candy. For more information, contact David Primus at 332-6182 or david.primus@homewoodal.org.

Fri., Oct. 28 BIRMINGHAM

Howls and Growls Iron City The Greater Birmingham Humane Society will host its second annual Halloween event from 7-11 p.m. Music will be provided by the Molly Ringwalds and a costume contest will feature a variety of prizes. Tickets begin at $50 and benefits the Auburn University Shelter Medicine Program. For more information, visit ironcitybham.com.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

A Relay Freaky 5k Crestline Village Mountain Brook High School’s Relay for Life committee will host a fundraiser for the school’s annual Relay for Life event. The run will begin at 8 a.m. on Jackson Boulevard. Participants of all ages are invited to dress up in their Halloween costumes. Registration is $35 and ends Oct. 25. To register, visit runsignup.com/race/events/al/ birmingham/relayfreaky5k2016.

BIRMINGHAM

Boo 21 B&A Warehouse The annual Halloween party will begin at 8 p.m. and features music by the M-80’s and DJ Mark AD, Scaryoke karaoke and a horror movie lounge. A costume contest will feature more than $1,000 in cash and prizes. The event is for ages 21 and up and tickets are $25.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Alabama. For more information, visit boohalloweenparty.com.

Oct. 28-29 VESTAVIA HILLS

Spooctacular Weekend Library in the Forest The weekend of activities will begin Fri. at 6:30 p.m. with a Halloween storytelling event, complete with themed snacks. spooky stories, creepy crawly snacks and more all around the library. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Sat., the junior board will host its inaugural Storybook 5k and fun-run. Children

S

CI PE

ALIZING

IN

Convertible Tops Sunroofs Leather Interiors facebook.com/AlabamaAutoTop

1201 3RD AVENUE SOUTH . BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 PHONE: 205-251-0684 . WWW.ALABAMAAUTOTOP.COM

Replace missing teeth with

Dental Implants

Benefits of Dental Implants: Replace missing teeth • Stops bone loss Maintains your youthful appearance Restores your natural smile Secures and strengthens denture teeth

free $

85

consultation!

Exam, Consultation, and Panorex X-ray for Implant Treatment Planning ($174 value)

ALABAMA DENTAL IMPLANT CENTER Victor F. Kyatt, III, DMD

Photo by Beth Hontzas

Thurs., Oct. 20

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 9

fall fun

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Full service dental office serving families and all your restorative needs.

Call today to schedule your appointment

(205)

871-1229

Mon.., Oct. 31

Halloween!

Insurance appraIsals for Jewelry To:vestavia Victor 619 Montgomery hwy, hills From: Date:

and Rebecca Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 September This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOuNTAiN JOuRNAl for the September 8th issue. Please email approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

10 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

Hollon Skinner recently was awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award by the Girls Scouts of North-Central Alabama.

For her project, Skinner designed and created a prayer garden on the grounds of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Hollon Skinner where she is a member. She raised funds and coordinated labor for the construction and the installation of benches and a statue for the grounds and landscaped the area.

Skinner is a senior at Mountain Brook High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society and varsity softball team and secretary of the Interact Club.

Skinner is the daughter of Kathy and Jay Skinner of Mountain Brook. She is the granddaughter of Nancy Skinner of Birmingham and Hanson and Rebecca Couvillon of Huntsville.

Blake Randle Achieves Eagle Scout Rank Blake Randle, a member of Troop 538, chartered by Asbury United Methodist Church in Shelby County, recently was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. He will be honored for his accomplishment during a Court of Honor.

Randle’s Eagle Scout Project consisted of rejuvenating Frison Chapel A.M.E. Church cemetery by clearing the grounds of weeds and designing and building park benches.

Randle has earned the Arrow of Light Award, attended Florida National High Adventure Sea Base and Northern Tier National High Adventure Base, and trained for Philmont Scout Ranch. He has held several leadership positions in his troop, including instructor, librarian and assistant senior patrol leader, and he received the Historic Trails Award.

He has completed 26 merit badges,

OUR 118 YEAR TH

BIRMINGHAM TRUNK

Luggage Business Cases Leather goods gifts

Mon.-Sat. 10-5 2712 19th Street South, hoMewood 870-0971

camped 67 nights, hiked 125 miles, canoed 95 miles and volunteered 84.5 hours of service.

Randle is a senior at Oak Mountain High School, where he is Blake Randle a four-year varsity starter for the wrestling team.

He is a three-time AHSAA 7A state qualifier and placed third at the AHSAA State Wrestling Championship last season. Randle also participates in club wrestling with the Alabama Wrestling Club.

“In addition to my academic studies, my dedication to wrestling and Scouts has taught me confidence, mental toughness, leadership skills and what it means to be a good citizen,” Randle said in a statement.

Birmingham Zoo Names New Junior Board Officers and Members The Birmingham Zoo welcomed six new members to its junior board recently and named new officers for the group.

The board’s new members are Louis Anderson, Jayna Goedecke, Meg Ross, Brandon Stewart, Caroline Walker and Cory Wilson.

Junior board officers for 2016-2017 are Amanda Hawkins, president; Tim Hennessy Jr., vice president; J. Chris Mason, secretary/treasurer; and Stephen Armstrong, adviser/past president.

“We are excited to have six new individuals join the junior board and thankful for those who are continuing to serve their terms and those who have stepped into leadership positions,” Dr. William Foster, president and CEO of the zoo said in a press release. “We know that the junior board will do a tremendous job in fundraising towards building a new golden eagle exhibit.”

The junior board has 25 members.

Other members are: Rosemary Alexander, Frank Anderson, Louis Anderson, Turner Burton, Lauren

Attic Antiques Antiques • Vintage Industrial

In Store Sale!

Tue.-Sat. 10-4:30 5620 Cahaba Valley Road

991-6887

Bluff Park WindoW Works f Wood window restoration and repair f Sash replacement, rot repair f Replace broken and fogged glass f Wood insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes

Over 40 Years Barbara & Buzz Manning LocaLLy

Call 205-542-6094

owned and operated

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

DeMoss, Courtney DeShazo, Joey DuMontier, Kathryn Gay, Jayna Goedecke, Joe Gribbin, Jr., Fontaine Haskell, Eve Hennessy, Lexi Holdbrooks, Matt Hottle, Madison Merrill, Meg Ross, Brandon Stewart, Caroline Walker, Drew Weil, Dana N. Williams and Cory Wilson.

UAB Researcher Honored for Contributions to the Contact Lens Industry Jason Nichols, O.D., Ph.D., assistant vice president for industry research development and professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, recently was recognized as one of the 30 top influencers in the contact lens industry by Contact Lens Spectrum.

Contact Lens Spectrum acknowledged Nichols as an “internationally Jason Nichols recognized clinician-scientist whose career has focused on ocular discomfort in both contact lens wearers and dry eye patients,” according to a statement released by UAB. He has served on Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society workshops and as the editor-in-chief of Contact Lens Spectrum and Contact Lenses Today since 2008.

He has written more than 200 articles and lectured internationally in more than 15 countries on the topic of contact lenses or dry eye disease.

“I am so humbled to be honored by my peers in this way” Nichols said.

“Those on this list paved the way for the success of the contact lens industry, and I am truly in debt to these individuals and their accomplishments and mentorship. It is an honor to be included among these recognized leaders.”

Peers nominated Nichols for the honor specifically for his work on the biochemistry and structure of the tear film. A five-year, $1.9 million grant from the National Eye Institute is funding Nichols’ current study on tear film structure and function in meibomian gland dysfunction, one of the most frequent forms of dry eye disease.

“This groundbreaking work will help individuals with dry eye disease, and the many contact lens wearers who suffer from dryness and discomfort,” Nichols said.

Contact Lens Spectrum sought nominations for the top 30 influencers in the contact lens industry to celebrate its 30-year anniversary. The top 30 influencers were selected and ranked based on nominations received by readers and peers.

Photos special to the Journal

Mountain Brook’s Skinner Earns Gold Award

people

Front, from left: Grant Blackwell, Daniel Carmichael, Ethan Gonzalez, Conner Hudson, Stuart Jinnette and Dudley Dickerson. Middle: Joe Hudson, Troy Carmichael, Tony Gonzalez, Beck Corley, Phillip Corley, John Corley, Edward Cobb, Drew Dickerson and Steve Jinnette. Back: Members of the ranch staff.

Troop 63 Completes High Adventure Trip A crew of Boy Scouts from Troop 63 of Canterbury United Methodist Church recently completed an eight-day Philmont Cavalcade trip in Cimarron, New Mexico.

Philmont covers 214 square miles of wilderness with trails that climb from 6,500 to 12,441 feet in elevation.

The scouts rode horses through the rugged mountain wilderness of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at the Philmont Scout Ranch, much like the trappers who first explored the West.

The group carried everything they needed to survive during the excursion on horses while riding for hours each day from camp to camp. During the trek, scouts endured challenges that included riding, hiking, camping in mountain lion and bear territory, making steep climbs and facing inclement weather. The final day featured a competition at an equestrian gymkhana.

The following Scouts successfully completed the Cavalcade: John Corley, crew leader; Grant Blackwell, chaplain’s aide; Daniel Carmichael, wilderness pledge guia; Beck Corley; Edward Cobb; Drew Dickerson; Conner Hudson; Ethan Gonzalez; and Stuart Jinnette.

The scouts were accompanied by adult advisers Dudley Dickerson, Steve Jinnette, Joe Hudson, Troy Carmichael, Tony Gonzalez and Phillip Corley. ❖ the tournament’s creation in 1988, the Leukemia Cup has expanded and is now joined by nearly 50 similar events held throughout North America. Over the years, the tournaments have collectively raised $58 million for LLS. “It all started with our little regatta.

We never could have imagined it growing into what it is today,” said Fred “Bow” Smith. Smith competed with his wife, Mary Carol, and son, Fred, in the inaugural regatta.

“It really makes you feel good to see how it has grown all over,” Mary Carol Smith said. “It is so gratifying to see that over $58 million has been raised since our first event, and the difference the series has made in the

lives of cancer patients.”

The inaugural regatta was hosted by the Pine Harbor Yacht Club, which later was absorbed by the Birmingham Sailing Club.

The club hosted its 28th tournament Sept. 17-18 at Lake Logan Martin.

“With more than 1 million people in North America diagnosed with a blood cancer, The Leukemia Cup Regatta is an important fundraising event that gives participants an opportunity to do something enjoyable while making a critical difference in the lives of patients and their families,” said Regan Goldberg, executive director of the Birmingham Chapter. ❖

Birmingham Sailing Club Receives National Recognition Leukemia and Lymphoma Society National Regatta Chairman Gary Jobson recently presented a citation award to the Birmingham Sailing Club in recognition of the funds raised through the Leukemia Cup Regatta tournament.

According to club officials, since

From left: Julie Moon, Regan Goldberg, Fred “Bow” Smith, Mary Carol Smith, David Reich and Kate Siqueira.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

people

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 11

Assistance League of Birmingham Is Celebrating our 40th Anniversary in 2016

Improving the lives of individuals in our community through volunteerism Named the 2015 Business of the Year by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce.

Aligned with 120 chapters of National Assistance League committing to making a difference in our community.

Operation School Bell® has clothed over 35,000 Birmingham area children in need since 1985.

Operation Literacy tutors children reading below grade level

Primetime Treasures has returned over $4.0 million to Alabama seniors through the sale of their handcrafted items.

Assistance League of Birmingham The Shops of Assistance League - Including Encore Upscale Thrift Shop Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm 1755 Oxmoor Road Homewood, Alabama • 205.870.5555 • www.assistanceleaguebhm.org • Follow us on Facebook

Encore Upscale Thrift Shop sells gently used women’s and children’s clothing, toys, furniture, jewelry, art and home decor.

All proceeds benefit the philanthropic programs of Assistance League of Birmingham. Encore is located inside PrimeTime Treasures.

12 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

An Unconventional Rabbi Interim Rabbi at Temple Beth-El Was Called Back to the Faith

Vestavia’s Premiere Green Home Community Viridian offers all the charm of a vintage neighborhood with the latest energy-efficient green homebuilding technologies. These authentic, one-of-a-kind homes are tucked in the woods in a unique gated community off Tyler Road, with prices starting in the $600s. Two lush parks and an abundance of green space provide privacy and a sense of history for this significant property.

www.wedgworth.net (205) 365-4344

Although he was born into a Jewish background, Barry Leff never had the desire to be a rabbi.

“For some, becoming a rabbi is a lifelong dream – but it wasn’t that way for me,” Leff said.

In fact, after his bar mitzvah as a young man, Leff said he didn’t enter a temple for more than two decades except for family celebrations.

“To me, Judaism was an old man with a long beard sitting up in heaven passing judgment. It didn’t make sense or resonate with me.”

Now, Leff is the interim rabbi at Temple Beth-El in the Highlands.

It was his relationship with his now ex-wife that drew him back to the faith.

“My wife converted and when she began reading and studying, I decided I should start reading what she was reading and I fell in love with the Torah.”

Leff did not turn to Judaism just because it felt familiar. As a young man, he explored Buddhism, meditation and martial arts.

But, ultimately, taking a second look at Judaism changed his life.

Leff left his successful 20-year career as the vice president of marketing for a semiconductor company in California to go back to school and pursue a career as a rabbi.

“Christians talk in terms of a ‘calling’ but Jews don’t. But for me, it did feel sort of like a calling,” he said.

After his rabbinical training, Leff led congregations in Canada and Ohio. In 2007, he and his family moved to Israel, where he returned to the business world while championing human rights and serving as chair of the executive committee for the Schechter Rabbinical School.

Leff moved to Birmingham three months ago and said the Magic City has pleasantly surprised him.

Photo special to the Journal

By Sarah Kuper

Before coming to Birmingham, Rabbi Leff served as rabbi on a cruise ship during high holidays. Venice, Italy was a port of call.

“It’s not that I had low expectations, I just didn’t know what to think.

I wasn’t expecting it to be so hilly and green. I also didn’t expect all the good food around.”

The interim position at Temple Beth-El attracted Leff because he missed the congregational element of being a rabbi but he wasn’t ready to permanently settle back in the U.S. after his time in Israel.

“It’s hard to make a living as a rabbi in Israel. It is different here because the synagogue is a center of the community. It’s often a school and it serves many functions. In Israel, a synagogue is just a place to pray.”

Now, with the Jewish High Holidays happening throughout October, Leff is looking forward to leading his new congregation more than ever.

“Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection. It is the Jewish New Year – a time to step up prayers before Yom

Kippur.”

Yom Kippur happens 10 days after Rosh Hashanah and is also known as the Day of Atonement.

One element of observing Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast from food and drink – even water.

Because services can go on for several hours, Leff said the fast is a challenge.

Leff’s tenure at Temple Beth-El is uncertain. Unlike in other religious congregations, the interim rabbi at a temple almost never becomes the new permanent rabbi.

“It is actually against the rules of the rabbi association,” Leff said.

But, he will be leading the congregation through a visioning process to help leaders identify what needs to come next for the temple.

For more information on Temple Beth-El and High Holiday services, visit templebeth-el.net. ❖

Mountain Brook Doctor Publishes Children’s Book A children’s book released earlier this year by Dr. Jack L. Mauldin of Mountain Brook, “The Christmas Ant,” has been selected to be a holiday feature item by Books-A-Million.

The book follows the adventures of Scout, an ant who creates a friendship with a young boy named Billy on Christmas Eve. “The story teaches lessons of sharing, Jack L. Mauldin friendship and helping others,” said Mauldin.

The inspiration for the story was a single ant that Mauldin and his wife, Nancy, spotted on their kitchen counter while they were making Christmas cookies.

“I write a lot of stories in my mind but rarely put them down on paper,” he said.

“Once in a while, I have a muse and it will come to me as a whole story. ‘The Christmas Ant’ came that way; it just fell out and I embellished it.”

He said inspiration hit at that moment and he pictured an ant carrying a sugar sprinkle back to his ant hill as a holiday surprise.

“Jack is an amazing person to work with,” said illustrator Jana Nielsen. “His descriptive writing made the book fun to illustrate and he has a wonderful personality. Jack would say things like, ‘Can you give Billy a haircut? It’s looking a little long in the back.’”

Mauldin is a gastroenterologist who has been practicing for 40 years and has taught medical students and residents. His experience writing before his children’s book was confined to medical papers and lectures.

Books-A-Million will begin selling the book in stores in November, and the

Let it rain,

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 13

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Brookwood Village location will host a book-signing with Mauldin Nov. 12, 4-6 p.m. The Brook Highland location will hold a signing Nov. 20, 3-5 p.m.

Smith’s Variety in Crestline Village will host an all-day event Nov. 19.

The book is available now on Amazon.com. For more information, visit thechristmasant.com.

POP Church’s Megan Everett Appointed to State Autism Council Megan Everett, formation director for Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover, recently was appointed by Gov. Robert Bentley to a two-year term on the board of directors of the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council.

According to a press release, the council was created to develop Megan Everett a statewide interagency system of care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Top priorities for the council, at present, are obtaining insurance coverage for ASD and funding for autism regional centers.

In her position on the board, Everett will represent parents of children ages 11-17.

At Prince of Peace, Everett created the church’s first special education religious education program, which is the only individualized program of its kind in the Birmingham Diocese. In addition, she manages all faith formation programs offered to children and adults and teaches eighth-grade confirmation class.

Before joining the church staff,

let it rain, let it rain!

Travel and stick umbrellas, including our popular black and white designs which change colors in the rain!

Christine’s Canterbury

on

{ returns to retail• 205-871-8297 } Road 2404 Canterbury 2404 Canterbury Road 205-871-8297

Everett was the assistant principal at Holy Family Cristo Rey High School and previously developed assessment and testing programs for the Indiana Department of Education.

Everett holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s in education from Indiana University, a master’s in pastoral studies from Loyola University and will complete a Master of Divinity at Loyola in 2017.

She lives in Helena with her husband, Ken, and their two children, Bailey and Kenny.

Hoover Belle Spots Open to Local Sophomores The Hoover Belle Committee will be accepting applications Oct. 10 to Nov. 14 from high school sophomores who live in Hoover.

The Hoover Belles are a community service organization, and the young women who are selected serve as hostesses for the city for two-year terms. During that period, each belle must complete a minimum of 30 hours

of community service, and she must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 during the first year.

Belles must also purchase antebellum gowns and pay Belle fees of $230 each.

Applicants will be required to attend interviews on Jan. 21 at Aldridge Gardens.

The application will be available only online, at hooveral.org, and must be returned to the Hoover Chamber of Commerce by Nov. 14 at 3:30 p.m. ❖

“Stacy Flippen sold our house in one day.”

When Sarah and Justin Hefner weighed options between renovating their home or moving to a place with more space for their young boys, they turned to trusted friend and Realtor Stacy Flippen for professional advice. “Stacy knows everybody, and more importantly, she knows this market. Plus, she’s fun to work with,” says Sarah. “We can’t say enough nice things about her.” Justin says Stacy’s energy and enthusiasm paid off for them when she sold their home in one day. “We knew with Homewood’s popularity we may need to act quickly, but we had no idea things would move that fast. We’ re happy to recommend Stacy to anyone buying or selling a home.”

A Relationship Company 4274 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35243 • 205.969.8910 www.arcrealtyco.com Stacy Flippen • (205) 966-8406 • sflippen@arcrealtyco.com

news

14 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u mountain Brook

Grand Opening of Lane Parke Marks New Legacy for Evans Family When the ribbon is cut on Lane Parke retail development Oct. 20, developers Rele Evans and his son, John, will celebrate more than a job well done. They will celebrate the product of a decade worth of work.

Though the buildings across the space are new, the land that rests beneath the Lane Park apartments, the Grand Bohemian Hotel, the retail space and the existing Mountain Brook Shopping Center has been a part of the Evans family since 1947.

Moving forward, the developers’ final phase of their project will involve tearing down the existing Mountain Brook Shopping Center and replacing it with a construction similar to the new retail space.

According to Rele Evans, his father, Aurelius “Rele” Augustus Evans Jr., was a Mobile man who fell in love with Mountain Brook. He bought the land and developed the original Parke Lane apartments to serve a community of people he felt were “extra special and unique.”

“My father loved this city,” Rele said. “He would spend almost every week up here, Sunday through Thursday, and then he would drive back

to Mobile on the weekends. He also played a lot of golf at Birmingham Country Club.”

Keeping in mind his father’s wishes to maintain and improve the quality of life in a town he held in high regard, Rele and John Evans decided to reinvent the use of the land and create a lasting development.

“What we’ve ended up with is a real tribute to our original vision,” John said. “We never wavered from the idea that this would be a legacy project.”

Though he said the process flew by, John noted that presenting, developing and executing the project wasn’t without its road blocks and bumps. He said the city and community were wary of the plan when it originally was presented.

The father and son duo chalked the opposition up to the city not having dealt with a development of this size and nature in about 60 years.

“The city pushed to make sure that the retail space would blend architecturally with the rest of the village,” John said.

Rele and John commended their architects and builders on creating a physical construction that looks almost identical to the Tudor-style image drawn in the original renderings.

Filling the Space

As of last week, all but two of the retail spaces were spoken for, and both of the vacancies are restaurant spaces. As planned, John said the space will feature a mixture of retailers and restaurants that aren’t present in the area now, as well as Western Market and local boutiques A’Mano and

Main Street: Rele and John Evans will celebrate the official opening of the first phase of their Lane Parke retail development Oct. 20 on the street that has been renamed Rele Street, to pay homage to Rele Evans’ father, who bought the land in 1947.

Journal photo by Emily Williams

By Emily Williams

breeze in comparison.

B. Prince.

“At this point, people are able to see and touch the quality of the amenities rather than looking at a picture,” John said. “We expect those two spots to be filled in the next few weeks.”

Moving forward, the developers’ final phase of their project will involve tearing down the existing Mountain Brook Shopping Center and replacing it with a construction similar to the new retail space.

The project will begin once the center’s current leases run out, the longest of which is Rite Aid’s. Before news of a Walgreen’s/Rite-Aid merger, John said the company didn’t care to shorten its existing lease.

But with news of a merger, John said, he has reached out to Walgreen’s officials and presented them with a new offer that he hopes they will sign off on in the coming days.

With the first phase of the retail space finished, John said he expects the second phase will be a

Honoring History

In recognition of the project’s family connection, the city named the street running through the retail development Rele Street.

Beyond being a solid sounding name reminiscent of Nashville’s Beale Street, Rele said, the name has its own history – the history of his father and his grandfather before him.

On Oct. 20, Rele Street will be blocked off to allow the public to join in on an opening celebration. The “hometown party” will feature pumpkin decorating, music by local musicians, craft beer for the adults and some special offers from the surrounding merchants.

The Evans added that the party isn’t just for them, it’s for everyone who waited in anticipation, through the multitude of meetings, and maintained their support. ❖

By Donna Cornelius

u mountain Brook

Western Style

Journal photo by Maury Wald

Loyal customers of Mountain Brook’s Western Market will see some new faces when the company opens its brand-new store in Lane Parke next week.

But that’s not because workers at the old store in the Mountain Brook Shopping Center are being replaced.

“All of our old employees will be here,” said Darwin Metcalf, Western’s president and chief operating officer. “We’ve got some employees who have been with us more than 40 years. But we’ll have some new employees, too, because we’ve got a larger store now.”

Western’s new home has 28,000 square feet – 7,000 more than the former location. It’s also got expanded departments, enough space for 1,000 new grocery items, a huge wine and beer room, and an upstairs.

The store’s grand opening is set for Oct. 13, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. The store manager is Dale Smith, who has been with the company for more than 30 years.

Metcalf said Western has had a store in the Mountain Brook Shopping Center for 54 years.

When company officials learned the center would be torn down to make way for Lane Parke, a luxury mixed-use apartment in Mountain Brook Village, there was never any question that Western would remain in the community, Metcalf said.

“It was always our desire to be part of the new center,” he said.

The Mountain Brook store is one of seven Western stores in the Birmingham area.

Company’s Bigger, Better Store Will Open Next Week new home: Ready to welcome shoppers to the new Western Market in Mountain Brook’s Lane Parke are Ken Hubbard, Western Supermarkets’ owner and CEO, right, and his son, Brett Hubbard, deli, bakery and floral specialist. They’re in the store’s upstairs dining area, where people are welcome to eat, drink and use the free Wi-Fi. The store’s grand opening is set for Oct. 13.

“This is our first project of this size and caliber,” Metcalf said. “It’s been a lot of years since we built a new store – since 1992, in fact, although we’ve of course done some remodeling.”

With its modern design and many innovations,

the new Mountain Brook Western aims to give customers more than just a great shopping experience. A spiral staircase just inside the front doors leads up to the mezzanine, where there’s an attractive dining area with free Wi-Fi.

“You can get your food or drinks downstairs and then take them upstairs to enjoy them,” Metcalf said. “We’ll have warm muffins that we bake fresh at about 6 a.m. O’Henry’s Coffee is our featured coffee; we’ll have anything a coffee shop would typically have. We’ve partnered with the Heavenly Donut Co. and will have their fresh donuts here every morning. There will also be a steam table with a full breakfast. And we’ll have hot chocolate-chip cookies all day.”

In another effort to be user-friendly, the store has placed its ready-to-eat options close to the entrance.

“A lot of big box stores try to make the consumer follow a certain path through the store to get them to buy more,” Metcalf said. “We said, let’s don’t make people go through a maze. We’ve made it easy to get in and out. We think it’s more respectful to our customers.”

Metcalf began his career with Western as a 17-year-old.

“I was a kid working part time for WinnDixie,” he said. “Stanley Virciglio, who was a co-owner and manager of the Highland Avenue Western, saw me there with my mom. He said, ‘I saw you at Winn-Dixie and noticed you were a good worker,’ and he offered me a job.

“I fell in love with the grocery business working for Stanley. (The Virciglio family now owns several Piggly Wiggly’s in the Over the Mountain area). All of a sudden, it was fun and exciting.”

Ken Hubbard, Western Supermarkets’ owner and CEO, also has a long association with the company.

See western, page 15

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 15

news

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u vestavia hills

Vestavia Hills Elementary West Principal Kim Hauser with some of her students, from left, Maddie Karaki, Sophia Humphries, Thomas Dollar and Ben Wallace. The school received word last week it was one of only five schools in Alabama to be named a Blue Ribbon school.

U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. announced Sept. 28 that Vestavia Hills Elementary West has earned the recognition of being a National Blue Ribbon School.

This marks the second time the school has been recognized with the award, last receiving the distinction in 1985.

According to a press release, VHEW was nominated for the Blue Ribbon award by the Alabama State Department of Education as an “Exemplary High Performing” school.

According to the education department, Blue Ribbon schools must maintain state assessment results in

the top 15 percent of schools in their state.

“We could not be more proud of this recognition on behalf of West Elementary and Vestavia Hills City Schools. The faculty and staff are most deserving of this honor,” Vestavia Hills City Schools Superintendent Sheila Phillips said in a released statement. “This award affirms what we know about the level of excellence in education our children receive.”

According to the Department of Education, VHEW is among 329 schools nationwide and five schools in Alabama that were chosen for the

award this year. The school will be honored, along with fellow recipients, in November at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. At the ceremony, the school will receive a plaque and flag.

“I am honored to join the other schools in my district that have received this prestigious award but also feel very blessed to work alongside these administrators and my colleagues,” said VHEW Principal Kim Hauser. “It is a privilege to work in a district that receives such support from its board of education, our superintendent and the central office.

To work in a district where all deci-

western,

rate – and impressive – space, with a tin cove ceiling, 12 growler taps for beer and a wine cave. Lining one long wall are racks with about 2,400 wine selections.

“We have four full-time wine consultants,” Metcalf said. “They can help consumers with the beer and wine for parties and other events.”

One new feature of the department is a wine-by-the-glass machine with 12 selections of wine. “You can buy a glass of wine and drink it up on the mezzanine or while you’re shopping,” Metcalf said.

The store welcomes people for more than just buying groceries.

“Upstairs, we have a meeting room that will be open to the public to reserve for things like a men’s morning Bible study, a bridge club or an offsite business meeting,” Metcalf said. “It can hold about 14 to 16 people.”

Western reaches out to the community in other ways. Proceeds from its annual Wine and Food Festival, held this year on Sept. 30, were donated to four charities: Crestline’s Emmet O’Neal Library, the Birmingham Zoo, Junior League of Birmingham and the East Lake Initiative.

“We have about 600 wines at this event plus locally produced foods,” Metcalf said. “This is our biggest event. We raised about $27,000 last year. We’ve been doing this or a similar event for the last 14 or 15 years.

In fact, our first event was at a customer’s home.”

Both Metcalf and Hubbard are Rotary Club members, Metcalf said, and Hubbard serves on the board of directors for several organizations.

“During the holidays, we sell tickets at the registers for Scan-aMeal, which benefits the Jimmie Hale Mission,” Hubbard said.

The company has been a big supporter of the Birmingham mission for years, he said.

“The kitchen at the Jimmie Hale Mission is named the Western Supermarket Kitchen,” Hubbard said.

He takes pride in his company’s support of small vendors and said Western has “hundreds of items that are local.”

Metcalf said one Birminghambased vendor lives in Homewood’s Hollywood neighborhood.

“She makes this incredible pimento cheese for us,” he said.

Western even helped one big name in the food business launch her products in the retail world.

“The first pack of Sister Schubert’s rolls ever sold in Alabama was sold in Western,” Metcalf said.

From page 14

“I started bagging groceries when I was 16 at the Five Points West store,” he said. “I put myself through school bagging groceries.”

Hubbard graduated in accounting from the University of Alabama.

“I’d accepted a job with a big accounting firm,” he said. “But Inos Heard, who was the Western founder, talked me into going to work for him – at $50 a month less than what Ernst & Ernst was going to pay me. He was a good salesman.”

Hubbard said the grocery store business has become much more competitive over the years.

“If you look at the last 20 years, obviously Wal-Mart Superstores have had a big effect,” he said. “You have the big box stores on one end of the spectrum and specialty stores on the other. But you can’t go to the specialty stores to buy soap powder. Here at Western, you can buy it all.”

Metcalf said the new store will have more organic options in the produce department, an expanded cheese shop with a qualified cheesemonger, and a bakery with custom cakes, house-made fudge and artisan breads.

The Mountain Brook Western will be the first grocery store in Alabama to have a Coca-Cola Freestyle, a touchscreen machine that allows users to dispense more than 100 individual brands, he said.

“We’ve hired an executive chef to develop our salads, which are made fresh daily,” Metcalf said. “And a local guy who has a company called Spoon & Ladle is doing our soups.

His products are so much better than any others we’ve found.

“We’ll have a hot wing bar. And we have our tried-and-true ‘meat and three;’ we’re in Alabama, after all, so you’ve got to have fried chicken and fried pork chops.”

The store’s Chan Irwin is one of the few female meat market managers in Alabama, Metcalf said.

“We offer three grades of beef: choice, 1881 Hereford and prime,” he said. “We’ve enlarged our seafood department, too.”

Longtime Western customers know that the store puts great emphasis on its wine sales and service. That’s evident in the new store, where the wine and beer department has its own sepa-

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

West Named National Blue Ribbon School

sions are based on the best interest of the child is very rewarding. I am grateful.”

Three other Vestavia Hills schools received the blue ribbon award in

previous years: Vestavia Hills High School; Louis Pizitz Middle School; and Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights, when it was Cahaba Heights Community School. ❖

Metcalf said this came about because he and the company’s founder, Patricia Barnes, had a mutual friend.

“He came to me and said, ‘I’m trying to help this lady sell her rolls,’”

Metcalf said. “She’d been catering and selling the rolls from her family’s furniture store. I was the manager of the Mountain Brook store at the time.

I remember Patricia standing on one end of an aisle, selling those rolls.” ❖

life

16 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

women’s health focus

Cured for the Cause Local Breast Cancer Survivor Sees Successful Treatment as a Call to Action

Personalized Medicine UAB Breast Cancer Research Works Toward Focused Treatments

By Emily Williams Over the past 30 years or so, Dr. Andres Forero has developed a “love” for one of the most prevalent forms of cancer.

As more attention has been focused on breast cancer, a vast array of research has been concentrated on the disease, leading to a rapidly growing understanding of the disease and more opportunities to find treatments.

If that wasn’t enough to seal Forero’s affinity for the cancer, it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women.

“Over the last 15 years, our understanding of the biology of the disease has allowed us to find amazing treatments and a better prognosis for patients,” he said.

Upon returning to the University of Alabama at Birmingham after working in Colombia, Forero had the opportunity to continue his breast cancer research, aiding Dr. Albert LoBuglio, whom he identifies as one of the most important researchers for the disease.

His work and the work of others around the world have led to a breast cancer revolution, centered on one simple finding: There are different types of breast cancer.

“Before, we were just treating every breast cancer in the same way,” Forero said. “It was much like pancreatic cancer is right now. Every patient is given the same treatment, because we know very little about the disease.”

Today, when Forero creates a treatment for a patient, he is able to identify whether the tumor is hormone driven, triple-negative and/ or genetic – each with their own subcategories.

Triple-negative breast cancer is the main focus of Forero’s research.

“It is one of the more interesting forms because it is bad,” Forero said. “It makes up about 15 to 20 percent of cases and is more prevalent in underserved populations.

We see it more in AfricanAmerican, Hispanic and younger women.”

‘Over the last 15 The goal years, our underfor Forero’s research is to standing of the work toward a biology of the disfuture, preferably in the next ease has allowed 15 to 20 years, us to find amazing when various subcategories of treatments and a triple-negative better prognosis breast cancer are identified for patients.’ so that patientspecific treatDr. Andres Forero ments can be developed.

“That’s the future of medicine in general, the idea of personalized medicine,” Forero said.

“We want to be able to identify something very

See FORERO, page 19

See cured, page 18

Journal by Emily Williams

Dr. Andres Forero offers encouragement to a breast cancer patient. His work and the work of others around the world have led to a breast cancer revolution, centered on one simple finding: There are different types of breast cancer.

As a breast cancer survivor of 33 years, Carol Cauthen sees her life as a blessing and has spent every year since her recovery trying to “pay it forward” and support breast cancer survivors and research.

When Cauthen received her stage three breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 36, she said she was caught completely off guard.

“I remember getting my biopsy and the doctor telling me that he was almost 100 percent positive that everything was fine,” she said. “So, when I went bee-bopping back into the office to get my results, it wasn’t even a thought in my mind. I didn’t even bring anyone with me.”

If she had received a similar diagnosis today, she would have learned whether her cancer was hormone positive, negative or triple negative. Her guess is the last of the three, because of how aggressive her case was.

Cauthen very soon underwent chemotherapy and “by the grace of God,” made it into remission. A worry ‘It’s a way to minister to people. It’s a way throughout her treatment was that she may become sterile and unable to to tell woman that even though it isn’t have children, but she soon gave birth to her son. going to be a walk in the park, you can Her case was one of success, but get through it.’ Carol Cauthen she was not blind to her surroundings, having lost many friends over the years to the disease. So, she took her triumph as a call to help educate and lend support to other breast cancer patients.

“Just like autism, breast cancer is something that goes beyond the patient and affects family and friends,” she said.

One of her first steps was starting a business in Hoover, Touching You. The store is dedicated to supplying everything a breast cancer patient could possibly need for her personal appearance, including breast forms, wigs, lingerie and swimsuits.

The store gave birth to a support group for breast cancer patients and survivors, Bosom Buddies, but it also led Cauthen to an important discovery.

While in Dallas, Texas, to check out a new breast form for the store, Cauthen was invited to a luncheon held by the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization by its founder, Nancy Brinker.

Her desire to keep “paying forward” led her to help Brinker coordinate a chapter at home.

“Our original board was comprised of only breast cancer survivors and hospital staff,” Cauthen said. “At our first Race for the Cure we had about 100 people involved and the majority of the money we raised was one person who donated $25,000.”

In its beginning, Cauthen described the board as a kind of sorority, hosting yoga classes and lunch and learn sessions.

“It’s a way to minister to people,” she said. “It’s a way to tell woman that even though it isn’t going to be a walk in the park, you can get through it.”

Photo special to the Journal

Photo special to the Journal

By Emily Williams

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 17

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Bedside Manner

Arts Education Extends from the Alys Stephens Center to UAB Hospital

By Emily Williams

‘You can see that our artists in residence love their job and they get a lot of fulfillment out of their interactions with these patients and their families.’

Photo special to the Journal

The arts community has been a home for Kimberly Kirklin, a place of comfort throughout much of her life.

In her position as director of UAB’s Institute for Arts in Medicine, she is working to share that sense of comfort with patients at UAB Hospital.

For nine years, Kirklin served as the director of education and outreach for UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, helping extend the center’s educational programs to underserved schools, communities and seniors throughout the Birmingham area. A major milestone in her career was the creation of ArtPlay which provides free arts classes, workshops and performances for community members of all age groups.

“I really found myself in the arts,” she said. “It’s a place where I gained self-confidence and found a community that has been there for most of my life. So being able to transfer those skills into a more administrative function has been a blessing.”

In 2013, as an outgrowth of ArtPlay, the center partnered with UAB Hospital to create a pilot program that brought similar arts opportunities to patients, their families and hospital staff. With the program in full force, Kirklin added to her responsibilities by taking over direct-

ing the Arts in Medicine program.

Unlike a music therapy program, which is conducted by trained professionals who have set goals for each session, Kirklin describes the Arts in Medicine program as a means to enhance the physical environment a patient is surrounded by in the hospital.

For nine years, Kimberly Kirklin served as the director of education and outreach for UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, helping extend the center’s educational programs to underserved schools, communities and seniors throughout the Birmingham area. In 2013 she helped launch the Arts in Medicine program.

“For all of us, whether we’re artists, writers or musicians, if we aren’t performing then there is that question, ‘What are we going to do?’ and it’s the same for a patient in a hospital,” Kirklin said. “It’s wonderful to see how these programs affect the lives of all of these patients.”

At the end of the pilot, Kirklin said, the hospital’s research showed that about 90 percent of patients who were exposed to the program showed signs of reduced anxiety, among other

October

Make time for your mammogram.

2016 MAMMOTHON • ALL MONTH IN OCTOBER

Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day for your busy schedule. But the last thing that should be neglected is your health.

One in eight women will develop breast cancer, and mammograms are the most effective form of early detection. Make time for your mammogram today.

CALL (877) 909-4233 TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 2006 Brookwood Medical Center Drive Women’s Medical Plaza, 1st Floor Birmingham, AL 35209 Tuesday, October 25th, 6am – 10pm

Princeton Baptist Medical Center Breast Care Center 833 Princeton Avenue SW POB III, 1st Floor Birmingham, Alabama 35211

Diagnostic Center Hoover 5295 Preserve Parkway, Suite 110 Hoover, AL 35244

Shelby Baptist Diagnostic Center 1004 First Street North Alabaster, AL 35007

Call or visit BrookwoodBaptistHealth.com/Mammo for appointments at our other facilities.

See kirklin, page 18

Go from double chin to single chin with

K Y BELLA™.

Now there is a treatment for your double chin! KYBELLA™ injection is the first and only FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment that contours and improves the appearance of submental fullness, sometimes referred to as “double chin.” Submental fullness can affect adult women and men of all ages and weights, and is influenced by multiple factors, including aging and genetics. You and your Skin Wellness doctor will design a customized treatment plan to help you improve your chin profile.

D E R M A T O L O G Y Med ic a l • Ped ia tric • C o s me t i c • For appointments, call 205.871.7332 or visit us at skinwellness.com.

HOMEWOOD 1920 Huntington Road, Homewood, AL 35209 I CHELSEA 398 Chesser Drive, Suite 6, Chelsea, AL 35043

SWC_OTMJhalfpg_kybella.indd 1

2/12/16 12:16 PM

18 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

kirklin,

Smart Honor

From page 17

Healthy Legs are Beautiful Legs Are unsightly, painful spider veins or varicose veins standing between you and the healthy activities you enjoy? You don’t have to live with the embarrassment and discomfort. Trust your veins to the vascular experts at the UAB Vein Clinic.

benefits. Kirklin added that certain patient participants required less pain medication and experienced a faster recovery.

“I was really struck by how impactful it is for, not only the patients, but the artists themselves,” Kirklin said. “You can see that our artists in residence love their job and they get a lot of fulfillment out of their interactions with these patients and their families.”

Over the past 12 months, Kirklin said, the Arts in Medicine program has served 12,000 patients, their family members, staff and visitors at the hospital.

“When I talk to people about the arts in medicine, usually their first question is, ‘What do those two things have in common?’” Kirklin said.

From the first cave paintings and instruments, Kirklin said, the arts have had their place in all aspects of life, often sharing space with healing practices.

“Then, around the turn of the century from the 19th to the 20th, we discovered germs,” she said. “From there hospitals became these cold and austere environments.”

Kirklin’s job as director is to add a bit of vibrance to the sterile environment of a hospital. The program incorporates seven artists in residence: three visual artists, a musician, a dance-movement specialist and two theatre arts professionals. The artists work in various capacities, leading workshops, conducting performances

In recognition of her work as a integral part of the UAB Institute for Arts in Medicine, Kimberly Kirklin has been chosen as one of the ten honorees for this year’s Smart Party. The event will be hosted by the Women’s Fund and serves as a networking event as well as a fundraiser, benefitting the organization’s efforts to supply women with the programs necessary to help them beat poverty.

Kirklin will join other volunteers who, according to the organization, represent ten of Birmingham’s smartest women. Honorees include: Gin Phillips Ashe, Elizabeth BarbareeTasker, Joellyn Beckham, Tosilyn Houston, Natalie Kelly, Dr. Michele Kong, Lucy Thompson Marsh, Jenny McCain and Lauren Schwartz. The event will be held at Iron City on Oct. 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and features heavy hors d’oeuvres, prizes, networking and more. Tickets are $75. For more information, visit womensfund.smartparty.org. ❖

in larger spaces, creating art installations and working with individual patients at their bedside.

One of the program’s regular workshops is a textiles class for highrisk obstetrics patients where they often create things for their babies.

“A lot of these women who are high risk are being monitored for weeks and even months, which leads to a lot of loneliness or boredom,” Kirklin said. “So the class creates a

BI R M I N G HA M

BOTANICAL GARDENS

Fall

Plant Sale on Blou n t Plaza at Bir m in gh am B ota nica l Ga rdens

• Alabama’s premier comprehensive vein center • Physicians specialty trained in vein disease • Minimally invasive and surgical treatments

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TODAY. Located at UAB Hospital-Highlands 800-UAB-8816 • uabmedicine.org/vein

Perfect Tim e t o Plan t Tr ees & S h r u b s • R a in or Shine • Fr ee Admission

Trees & Shrubs • Herbs • Perennials • Camellias • Fall Lettuces • Ferns • Biennials • Natives • Winter Annuals • Irises • Hostas • Bedding Plants • Daylilies

Saturday, October 22 | 9-5 p.m.

Sunday, October 23 | noon-4 p.m.

205.414.3950

bbgardens.org/fallplantsale Vein Clinic ad-OTMJ 4.0625x12.5.indd 1

12/16/14 1:59 PM

kind of informal support group and they learn a skill and they can continue their projects in their beds.”

The program currently serves a variety of departments, including the bone marrow transplant ICU, heart/ lung transplant ICU, hematology/ oncology infusion therapy and longterm adolescent psychiatry. Patients outside of the partnering units have the ability to request an arts in medicine referral, and Kirklin said the program has a great problem in that it is getting more requests than the current staff can handle.

“The artists know that when you enter a patient room, you put your ego at the door,” she said. “Some of these patients spend all day listening to doctors and nurses, so just offering them that moment to be heard is beneficial in itself.” ❖

cured,

From page 16

For the 25 years since the first Race for the Cure, the foundation has grown exponentially and Cauthen expects about 15,000 people to turn up at Linn Park on Oct. 15 for this year’s event. The race’s goal for fundraising this year is $800,000, 75 percent of which will stay in the state.

Looking back on her treatment, Cauthen said that today’s methods of treatment are an entirely different recipe – citing better drugs to combat the effects of chemotherapy and to even replace the need for chemo.

It’s through research that this is possible, she said, and that research is made possible through private funding from organization’s such as Susan G. Komen.

“I strongly believe that if we can find a cure for breast cancer, then we can find a cure for all cancer,” Cauthen said.

She believes that day is in a not so distant future, as long as the research continues to be funded.

“We’ve come a long way and that’s because there are doctors who are dedicated to finding a cure and there are people who are dedicated to making sure that research can continue. All we have to do is keep it going,” Cauthen said.

Folks who wish to help keep that money flowing and programs supporting patients can register to participate in the Race for the Cure on Oct. 15 or simply provide a donation. Registration for the 5K race is $35 for adults and $25 for kids.

The event will begin with a survivor parade at 8 a.m. and will close with an awards ceremony.

For more information, visit komenncalabama.org. ❖

Insurance appraIsals for Jewelry 619 Montgomery hwy, vestavia hills

By June Mathews

forero, From page 16

special in each patient’s case and that will allow us to provide the most effective treatment.”

It’s a future that could not have been imagined 35 to 40 years ago, Forero said, when a breast cancer patient received treatment similar to that any other cancer patient would undergo.

UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center sees roughly 550 to 650 new breast cancer patients a year, a number Forero said is growing to include a wider group of ages. During a regular afternoon of seeing patients on Sept. 29, six of Forero’s new patients were younger than 40 years of age.

Though Gloria Moody’s husband died 24 years ago, his legacy lives on in the Frank M. Moody Music Building at UA, which, at his wife’s strong urging, he was instrumental in building.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Ever since she can remember, music has played a pivotal role in Gloria Moody’s life.

The Tuscaloosa native and Birmingham resident early on exhibited a natural flair for the piano that set her on a lifelong course of supporting and promoting the arts.

As a 4-year-old, she’d sit at the keyboard and play by ear; as a 6-yearold, she started taking lessons. At the ripe old age of 12 or thereabouts, Moody began studying the instrument in earnest, thanks to a chance encounter at summer camp.

“I was at Girl Scout camp between sixth and seventh grade, playing the piano for everybody to sing,” Moody recalled. “A nice man came up and asked my name, and without missing a beat, I told him. Then he asked me how to get in touch with my parents, and I again continued to play as I told him what he wanted to know.”

Turned out, the nice man was Roy McAllister, a longtime, much revered piano instructor at the University of Alabama, and he was mightily impressed with the youngster’s talent.

Not long afterward, the head of the university’s school of music called Moody’s father and suggested that she begin instruction at the university on a more advanced level.

“From there, I became serious as a pianist,” she said.

She went on to earn a Bachelor of Music at UA, as well as complete some graduate studies there. She later did graduate work at The Julliard School in New York.

As her horizons expanded, Moody’s interest in the arts expanded to include more and more related activities.

Over the years, Moody has served as chairman of the board of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and in the same capacity with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. She has also served on the boards of the Alabama State Council of the Arts, NPR’s From the Top, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Red Mountain Theatre, as well as on the advisory board of the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.

Even when she and husband Frank spent some of their summers in Connecticut, her volunteer efforts continued, landing her on the board of the Berkshire Opera Company and

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 19

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Musical Life

Gloria Moody Still on a Lifelong Mission to Promote the Arts on the board of overseers with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at its summer home at Tanglewood.

Though her husband died 24 years ago, his legacy lives on in the Frank M. Moody Music Building at UA, which, at his wife’s strong urging, he was instrumental in building.

“He did it for a good night’s sleep,” she laughed. “I wanted a new music building, and I wasn’t going to let him rest until I got it.”

About to turn 83 in December, Moody, who has six children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, is unable to be as active as she was in her younger days. But she still manages to lead bus trips from her retirement community south of town to Friday morning Coffee Concerts with the Alabama Symphony. These events are in part sponsored by the Gloria Narramore Moody Foundation, an entity established by Moody’s late husband to further the arts “and keep me busy the rest of my life,” she said.

But for all the busyness and joy

the arts continue to bring her, Moody sadly foresees a time when interest could fade away unless schools begin placing more of an emphasis on the arts.

“I can’t imagine life without the arts – beautiful music, beautiful art and wonderful books to read,” she said. “But I believe if we don’t do more arts education in the schools, children won’t have the same opportunities we have today. And the schools can’t afford to do it without the people who love and support the arts.”

In the meantime, Moody plans to keep doing all she can to further the arts locally, which for her is simply a way of life. But having seen arts-related efforts in and around Birmingham bearing so much fruit, she considers the cause more than worthwhile.

“We’re very blessed here,” she said. “Birmingham is the best kept secret in terms of the arts. We have so much.” ❖

“It used to be the case that breast cancer was more a disease of the older ages, in the 50s to 80s, but we are now seeing much younger patients, from the 20s to 40s age group,” Forero said.

of developing breast cancer. Avoid the ever-evolving list of things that claim to cause or prevent cancer. Forero’s recipe for healthy living has only two ingredients: exercise and a healthy diet.

“I dislike the word diet,” Forero said. “It sounds like you are restricting yourself or giving something up.

You should be aware of what you are eating and be sure to consume a healthy variety of foods.”

Number three, keep your family history in mind. A family history doesn’t mean you will or won’t develop breast cancer; in fact, 92 percent of cases aren’t caused by a gene. But, those 7 percent to 8 percent of women with an offending gene should strongly consider participating in a high-risk clinical study, Forero said. ❖

Improving the Odds

Though a bright future of treatment is near, there are a few tried and true tips that Forero said will lead to a better prognosis.

Number one, a woman should always be aware of her own breasts and self-examine two to three times a year. If something feels different or strange, never hesitate to bring it to a doctor’s attention.

Number two, maintain a healthy lifestyle, because women who are overweight have a much higher risk

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

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

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

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

OTMJ_COA_HeadlineAd_prank.indd 1

4/23/15 12:27 PM

20 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

On Pointe

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Ballet Guild Presents Donation at Opening Meeting

C

Photos special to the Journal

ontinuing a tradition, the Ballet Guild of Birmingham presented its annual donation to the Alabama Ballet at its first meeting of the year, Sept. 20.

Representatives from the ballet in attendance to accept the donation were Melanie Mooney, executive director; Tracey Alvey, artistic director; Roger Van Fleteren, associate artistic director and resident choreographer; and Mary Goodrich, chairman of the board.

Miller Girvin, immediate past Ballet Guild president; and Mary Cox Brown, immediate past ball chair; presented the check.

The donation represents the efforts, contributions and fundraising of 2015-2016 Ballet Guild members.

After a presentation by the Alabama Ballet regarding its upcoming season, the guild also welcomed its new 2016-2017 officers: Ashley Jackson, president; Carlton Fountain, executive vice president; Beverly Crawford, Ball of Roses chair; Emory Ratliff, Ball co-chair; Ann Bailey White, committee secretary; Emily Saunders, ball treasurer; Madison Merrill, guild treasurer; Ashley Foster, recording secretary; Rhonda Hennessy, corresponding secretary; Miller Girvin, parliamentarian; and Mary Cox Brown, member-at-large. ❖ Above, Ballet Guild of Birmingham 20162017 officers are, front, from left: Miller Girvin, Beverly Crawford, Ashley Jackson and Rhonda Hennessy. Back: Ashley Foster, Mary Cox Brown, Madison Merrill, Ann Bailey White, Emory Ratliff and Emily Saunders. Not pictured: Carlton Fountain.

Left, at the check presentation are, from left: Melanie Mooney, Roger Van Fleteren, Tracey Alvey, Mary Goodrich, Miller Girvin and Mary Cox Brown.

Under the Tuscan Sun

From left: Kathy G. Mezrano, Jean De Meis, Fran Ross Robertson, Nancy Foreman and Jeanne Bearden.

Photo special to the Journal

OLS Women’s Altar Society Hosts Kathy G. Cooking Demo Kathy G. and Company’s Kathy G. Mezrano took more than 100 women on a culinary adventure Aug. 29 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood.

The event, “Around the Tuscan Table with Kathy G.,” was hosted by the church’s Women’s Altar Society.

The award-winning caterer and author, along with her son and executive chef, Jason Mezrano, treated guests to tablescape and cooking demonstrations inspired by her cookbook “Food, Fun and Fabulous: Southern Caterer Shares Recipes and Entertaining Tips.”

For the table, she created a lush, multi-leveled, Tuscan-inspired setting using giant sunflowers, baskets, pottery, greenery and food.

“You can take this concept to a kitchen island, a kitchen counter, a coffee table, a sideboard,” Mezrano said.

“It’s just something that you can have

that’s like a centerpiece, a focal point, but it’s like you can just nosh all night.

Everybody loves a grazing table.”

Guests feasted on dishes that included pasta, red pepper hummus, pita pocket sandwiches and assorted olives from Mezrano’s cookbook. Additionally, they enjoyed Caesar salad, Prosecco and Italian cookies provided by Altar Sodality members.

In addition to demonstrations, the event highlighted the Altar Sodality and its six guilds, Madonna and Child, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Anne’s, Our Lady of Peace and Our Lady of Grace. Through these guilds and additional efforts, the group serves the OLS parish and the community by cleaning and caring for the sacristy, collecting food and items for the needy, making rosaries and baptismal stoles and cooking meals for shut-ins and the elderly. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Sixteen young women will be presented in the 49th annual Poinsettia Debutante Ball on Dec. 29, hosted by the Ballet Women’s Committee and the Poinsettia Men’s Club.

The ball will be held at a private club in Vestavia Hills and each debutante will be presented by her father. Proceeds from the ball will benefit the Alabama Ballet.

Members of the 2016 Poinsettia Debutante Ball Board include: Mrs. George Francis Bohorfoush IV, BWC president; Mrs. Jeffrey James Burleson, BWC treasurer; Mrs.

social

Proudly Presenting Ballet Women’s Committee Announces 2016 Poinsettia Debutantes

Andrew R. Duckett, ball co-chair; Mrs. John Douglas Guest, ball co-chair; Mrs. Charles Hancel Knox Jr., assistant social chair of

debutantes; Mrs. Joseph Max Lassiter, past ball president; Mrs. William Vincent McAleer Jr., past BWC president; Mrs. Robert Scott

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 21

McCord, past ball co-chair; Mrs. Malcolm Keith Miller, social chair of debutantes; Mrs. Jeffrey Michael Pierce, junior debutante chair; and Mrs. Michael Tab Whisenhunt, ball president.

Members at large include: Mrs. Lawrence Anthony Angelo, Mrs. Thomas Richard Towns, Mrs. Jonathan Russell Hand Sr. and Mrs. James Caswell Kennedy.

Before the ball, Mrs. Kevin O’Brien Tyus will host a mother-daughter tea for the debutantes at her home on Dec. 18. ❖

Virginia Lee Cade, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Detlie Cade Jr.

Maria Shelby Christine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ross DiGiorgio Sr. and Dr. and Mrs. Brian Christine.

Caitlin Brooke Curtis, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John Dorish Curtis Jr.

Lauren Emery Fitch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Samuel Fitch.

Sara Alan Friday, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Alan Friday.

Hannah Annette Kendrick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stovall Kendrick IV.

Sara Douglas Lowrey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Graves Lowrey III.

Paris Mariah Sanson Malensek, daughter of Drs. Frank James Malensek and Gail Natalie SansonMalensek.

Kara Nicole McCord, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Scott McCord.

Katherine Morgan McDaniel, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Glasgow McDaniel Jr.

Katherine Ann Mundy, daughter of Mr. James Robert Mundy III and Ms. Terri Mundy.

Caroline Elizabeth Powell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edward Powell.

Rachael Elizabeth Snow, daughter of Dr. Ruth Darr Snow and Mr. David Mowery Snow.

Olivia Baggett Whatley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Warren Whatley Jr.

Jane Davis Whitaker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Gene Whitaker.

Florence Candler Yeilding, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Foster Fletcher Yeilding.

em

es g

22 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

At Rittenhouse Village At Hoover, our program is designed to rebuild and preserve that which their affliction has taken from them. From quality meals to personalized care and attention, you can rest easy knowing your family members are in the best hands, receiving the best care. You have our word on it.

Schedule your PRIVATE TOUR TODAY! 205.823.2393

From left: Barbara Klyce, Judy Anderson, Marsha Drennen, Judith Sullivan Hicks, Linda Griggs and Becky Keyes.

To a Musical New Year Guild of Birmingham Music Club Kicks off 28th Year

570 Southland Drive Hoover, AL 35226

DISCOVER Confidence, Self-Esteem 205.823.2393 rittenhousevillages.com DISCOVER Dining Delights DISCOVER Fun and Engaging Activities DISCOVER Friendships and Belonging *Prices, plans, programs and specifications subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Void where prohibited by law. ©2016 Discovery Senior Living.

4/16 RVH0018 Managed and Operated by national award winning

Photos special to the Journal

In the Best Hands Receiving the Best Care

FOLLOW

US!

The Guild of the Birmingham Music Club kicked off its 28th year with a Sept. 23 meeting at the Regency Summit residence of Nancy VanWanderham, vice president of programs.

VanWanderham introduced Judith Sullivan Hicks, principal harpist of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, who holds a Master of Music degree from Eastman School of Music. Hicks performed selections composed for the harp by John Thomas, Marcel Grandjany, Alphonse Hasselmans, Carlos Salzedo and Marcel Tournier.

Following the program, Guild President Linda Griggs presided at the business meeting, announcing plans for the year.

Marsha Drennen, projects vice president, said the “Just Let It Go” party would be Sept. 20, 4:30-7 p.m. at the Mountain Brook home of Nancy and Bart Morrow. Items collected at the event will be featured in a silent auction at the annual “Rythym and Muse” fundraiser in January.

Hospitality Chair Judy Anderson announced a charity sales event Oct. 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Summit

Talbot’s, with 10 percent of sales benefiting the guild’s scholarship program. Scholarship recipients for 2017 will perform at the annual spring luncheon, to be held April 14 at the Mountain Brook Club. The spring luncheon will be co-chaired

by Cheree Carlton and Lochrane Coleman Smith in coordination with scholarship Vice Presidents Kim Strickland and Margery Whatley.

On Oct. 20, Cheree Carlton will host a wine and cheese party at her Vestavia Hills home for new Guild members and their sponsors. Debra

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Front: Martha Ann Doyal. Back: Cheree Carlton and Ellen Tucker.

Gilbreath’s home will be the setting for a coffee and membership meeting Nov. 18. The annual “Prelude to the Holidays” party will bring 2016 activities to a close at the Mountain Brook home of Carmen Morrow at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9. The Birmingham Music Club’s 110th year will begin with “Maestro Goes to Broadway” at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Samford University’s Wright Center. Tickets for the hour-long concert are $5 at the door.

Guests in attendance at the Guild’s kick-off meeting were Linda Griggs, Barbara Klyce, Roberta Atkinson, Judy Anderson, Jane Ellis, Marsha Drennen, Janis Zeanah, Becky Keyes, Laura Bryan, Sue Watkins, Mary Frances Bailey, Martha Ann

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 23

Above, Claire Goodhew, Beth Miller, Joy Schuffert and Dr. Marjery Whatley.

Below, Roxanne Given, Robyn Davis, Jeanne Bradford and Jane Ellis.

Bridal Specialists On Site GIA Graduate Gemologist

Smith, Ann Vaughan, Joy Schuffert, Beth Miller, Fay Hart, Roxanne Given, Angie Holder and Elise Warren. ❖

Doyal, Ellen Tucker, Cheree Carlton, Robin Davis, Claire Goodhew, Jeannie Bradford, Kathie Ramsey, Margery Whatley, Lochrane Coleman

Visit the showroom in Mountain Brook Village!

Grand Opening

Live Music: Erath Old, Bailey Ingle Kid’s Zone Craft Beer & Wine Tasting Costumed Characters Pumpkin Art

FREE Admission Thursday, October 20, 2016 3pm until 7pm Rele Street* in Lane Parke Mountain Brook Village

Come Meet Our Merchants

• A’MAno • B. Prince • chArBAr no.7 • GrAnd BoheMiAn hotel • KinnucAn’s sPeciAlty outfitters • lAne PArKe APArtMents

• the locAl tAco • M&s interiors • PlAtinuM PilAtes • revelAtor coffee • Western MArKet

TRADITIONS REMEMBERED

*COOL FACT: Our main street is named for Rele Evans, of family-owned developers, Evson, Inc. His work at NASA helped put astronauts on the Moon.

24 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Come as you are.

You’ll fit right in.

Fine-Tuned

Photo special to the Journal

From left: Miriam McClung, Mildred Allen Taub, Marvin Clemons and Peggy Carlisle.

Birmingham Society of Arts and Letters Makes Plans for 60th Year SUNDAYS AT 8:15 & 10:45 AM

Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace Birmingham, AL 35242

#wheregraceabounds

The Birmingham chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters met Sept. 21 at the Country Club of Birmingham, kicking off its 60th year.

The chapter, founded in 1956, will celebrate the anniversary throughout the year as it recognizes, encourages and assists young artists in art, dance, drama, literature and music through performance opportunities, competitions and scholarships.

This year’s rotating competition will be in classical ballet.

Incoming President Peggy Carlisle recognized outgoing officers Mildred Allen Taub, president; Edie Barnes, vice president; Edith Bauman, historian; Ruth Jenson, treasurer; Nancy Jones, historian; Jeannine McElroy, chaplain; Catherine Rogers,

corresponding secretary; and Nancy Whitt, recording secretary.

Janis Zeanah was honored with the Rosamon Henderson Service Award for her outstanding service and contributions to the chapter.

Vice President Gail Ledbetter introduced Marvin Clemons, speaker and author, who spoke about his new book, “Great Temple of Travel, Birmingham’s Terminal Station.”

Other members and guests in attendance were Patricia Dice, Sai Dong, Leslie Filmer, Judith Hand, Tallulah Hargrove, Fay Hart, Jane Hinds, Melva Jones, Marie Lewis, Miriam McClung, Mary Frances and Robert Reed, Loree Skelton, Sue Watkins and Maxine and Keith Williams. ❖

OCT.19 - OCT. 30 AT OVER 500 BIRMINGHAM RETAILERS All proceeds benefit the mission and projects of the Junior League of Birmingham.

$40 cards help improve the lives of women and children across Birmingham.

ShopSaveandShare.net

*Does not include standard SSS exclusions: sale merchandise, served alcohol, special orders, online purchases, and gift certificates.

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 25

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Christo Rey High School and a leader in the YouthServe Youth Action Council. Hamby, a junior at UAB, was part of the YouthServe program in middle and high school and has since participated as an Urban Service Camp counselor, an AmeriCorps member and head camp counselor.

Speakers included Sojourner Rouco-Crenshaw, an Altamont student and current YouthServe Youth Action Council member, who spoke about her life-changing weeks of Urban Service Camp this summer;

John Mark Edwards, an eighthgrade teacher at Phillips Academy and beneficiary of YouthServe’s Service Education Program; and Toni Webster, YouthServe board member and parent of two YouthServe program graduates.

Jamal McCaskey, chair of the YouthServe board of directors; and Will Ratliff, founding chair of the board; presented service awards to Berliner, Bolvig and Presley.

Additional board members in attendance were Melanie McNary;

Victor Brown; Toni Webster; Todd Fredella with his wife, Nell; and John Saxon.

Staff members attending the event included Meesha Emmett, Daniel Ross, Emily Curran and Jennifer Hatchett.

Other guests in attendance were Anne Warren, Kay Kornmeier, Jim Shepherd, Amber Edwards, Taylor Steele, Joan Witherspoon Norris, Rebecca Harkless, Andrew Colson, Carrie Rouco-Crenshaw and Patrick Bradford. â?–

Photos special to the Journal

Embrace each day with peace of mind.

From left: Emily Shultz, Jennifer Hatchett and Katherine Shepherd.

Recognizing Service YouthServe Board Hosts Annual Reception

The board of directors of YouthServe Inc. held its annual reception and open house Aug. 25 at the Clubhouse on Highland, welcoming new members and recognizing milestones.

The group welcomed new members Katherine Shepherd and Emily Shultz. Additionally, members

Richard Berliner, Caroline Bolvig and Hobby Presley each were honored for more than 10 years of service on the board.

The event was emceed by YouthServe students James Thornton and Shay Hamby.

Thornton is a senior at Holy Family

NOW Â OPEN Ç°BU T UIF CFBVUZ PG MJGF BU 3JWFS )JHIMBOET, a picturesque community offering quality care with utmost warmth, hospitality and security for the future. Newly renovated residences provide privacy and options. Superior services make life easier and more fulfilling. And, residents and staff help loved ones feel right at home. &YQMPSF )PPWFS T Ă­OFTU BTTJTUFE MJWJOH BOE NFNPSZ DBSF MJGFTUZMF UPEBZ

APARTMENTS Â STARTING Â AT Â $2,995 Will Ratliff, Richard Berliner and Jamal McCaskey.

Pride and responsibility drive us to be the best in everything we do.

Joseph Braswell

As a life-long Over-the-Mountain resident and a third generation working at Guin, I feel great pride and responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and hard work that my grandfather began over 55 years ago. Family is very important to us, and we treat our customers with the same care and respect as members of our own family. It would be a privilege to serve you.

Serving the Birmingham Area Since 1958

$BMM PS WJTJU 3JWFS)JHIMBOET DPN GPS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO 1851 Data Drive, Hoover, AL 35244 Memory Care Application & License Pending

AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING • PLUMBING • GENERATORS • SEWER

Member of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce

205-595-4846 • guinservice.com

AL#12175

Mention this ad to receive a free diagnostic service call.

"TTJTUFE -JWJOH t .FNPSZ $BSF t 4IPSU 5FSN 4UBZT

26 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Rehab Reality

by Jeff Butler

850-687-6831

www.bayshoreretreat.com Destin, FL Healing water front setting Licensed & court approved

From left: Art Franklin, Bezshan Dolatabadi, Michael Choy, Chris Lane, Andrew Collins and Wayne Trucks.

Friendly Competition

Real Men Wear Pink Participants Kick off a Month of Fundraising Partygoers donned pink and headed to Carrigan’s Public House on Sept.

22 for the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink kickoff party.

The evening served to introduce this year’s Real Men Wear Pink participants, local men who are prominent figures in the Birmingham community and who will spend October raising money for breast cancer research and promoting awareness.

Susan Sellers, a breast cancer survivor and president of the St. Vincent’s Foundation, emceed the event. She brought with her a selection of pink items that participants could wear, which were modeled by one of this year’s participants, Art Franklin.

Throughout the month, the men will wear something pink every day and are challenged to raise a minimum of $2,500. According to ACS, a few Molly Fielding, Michael Schefano, Meredith and Thomas Hoffman, Meleesa and Jason Jack.

©2015 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Franchises independently owned and operated.

Do you sometimes feel like your best days are behind you? Or do you ever wonder what’s the point in changing who you are at this point in your life? Yeah, me too.

I was in my mid-30s when I finally decided to get clean.

It was the hardest and scariest thing I have ever done (and I jump out of airplanes for fun). I was about to change everything that I thought defined me, that made me who I was. How could I go boating without drinking?

You couldn’t expect me to eat a gourmet meal and not have a bottle of wine also?

Sacrilege! Tailgating sober?

Forget about it!

Guess what? It turns out there was more to me than my habits. I learned more about myself that first year of sobriety than I did in the previous 35 years. I also learned a lot about people.

My drama wasn’t the hottest topic in town much to my chagrin. Nobody really cared whether I was sober or not, as long as I was happy.

It took me 35 years to begin to find peace and happiness.

Every day gets better than the one before. Still! Ten years later!

It’s never too late to start your own “later” - we can help. Reward yourself. Stop beating yourself up. Living in regret will get you no where.

At Bayshore Retreat, we take the fear out of recovery with discovery. Call my mom, Judy, when you are ready for a cleaner healthier life.

Photos special to the Journal

Regret nothing but learn from everything.

Call today or visit our showroom to arrange for your complimentary design consultation.

S E RVI NG ALABAMA AN D TH E FLOR I DA PAN HAN DLE

709 Third Avenue North, Birmingham

205.581.1677 californiaclosets.com AL056_OverMtnJourn_4x5_cmy_0915.indd 1

Lee Edwards and Bob Baker.

Brooke Rodgers and Courtney French.

participants will enter the month having already exceeded that goal.

Surrounded by family and supporters, this year’s participants spent the evening meeting and greeting their fellow “Real Men.” Many of the men engaged in some friendly rivalry, staking their claim on the “Pink Man of

11/10/15 10:16 AM

the Year” distinction. The award will be given to the participant who raises the most money by the end of the campaign.

A wrapup party will be held at the Grand Bohemian on Oct. 27 and a “Pink Man of the Year” will be crowned.

For more information on the campaign, visit cancer.org/realmenbham and click on your favorite Real Man. ❖

Estess-Blackmon

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Elton Estess Jr. of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Claire Estess, to David Kenneth Blackmon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Edwin Blackmon of Birmingham.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Glenn Elton Estess Sr. of

Miller-Ogles

Ashley Marie Miller and Matthew Robert Ogles were married Aug. 27 at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. Terry Newland officiated the ceremony. A reception followed in the Signature Room at The Club.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Miller of Hoover. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James E. Gray of Mountain Brook and the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cox of Hoover.

Mrs. Ogles is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School. She attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Birmingham School of Law. The groom is the son of Mrs.

Birmingham and the late Mr. Estess, the late Mrs. Mary Ann Blanton Barr and the late Mr. James Thomas Tatum Jr., both of Huntsville.

Miss Estess is a 2010 graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a 2014 graduate of Auburn University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She will receive her doctor of pharmacy degree from the Harrison School of Pharmacy at Auburn University in May 2017.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Albert Blackmon of Birmingham and Mr. Thomas Randolph Uzzell Jr. of Birmingham and the late Mrs. Uzzell.

Mr. Blackmon is a 2010 graduate of Briarwood Christian School and a 2014 graduate of Auburn University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and was a member of Farmhouse fraternity. He is employed with KBR, Inc. The wedding will be Jan. 7.

Terry Ogles and the late Mr. Jimmy Ogles of St. Charles, Missouri. He is the grandson of Mrs. Wilma Ogles and the late Mr. Robert Ogles of Cape Gireardeau, Missouri, as well as Mr. Harold Dowers and the late Mrs. Helen Dowers of Springfield, Missouri.

Mr. Ogles is a graduate of Francis Howell Central High School. He attended the University of Missouri and is employed with Coke United.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an A-line, champagne rose-colored gown with a lace bodice, open back and layers of satin and tulle. She wore an elbow-length lace veil with a crystal tiara and her grandmother’s vintage pearls. She carried a bouquet of purple calla lilies with white roses that was adorned with two charms containing photos of her late grandparents.

Randi Irby served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Natalie Jarrar, Christi Lucas and Elizabeth Roan. Flower girls were Avery Lynn Ogles and Caroline Ogles.

Cory Sweetin was the best man.

Groomsmen were Kevin Hughs, Shane Taylor and Paul Sherman.

Ring bearers were Caden Ogles and Chapman Ogles.

After a honeymoon trip to Gros Islet, St. Lucia, the couple live in Hoover.

Planning Ahead

Coronets Announce New Officers for the Year Coronets Dance Club members recently met for their Fall Luncheon at Vestavia Country Club. The luncheon was planned by Dot Renneker and Una Ray Barnett and featured beautiful arrangements of fall flowers on each table.

President Nancy Becker presided at the board meeting and business meeting following the meal, and the new officers for the year were introduced.

Evelyn Ringler read the minutes from the spring meeting and treasurer

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 27

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Shelley Watkins gave her report and introduced assistant treasurer Linda Wood.

Vice President Shirley Palmes introduced this year’s chair for the Fall Dance, Carol Powell. She will be backed by a committee that includes Edna Alderman and Jackie Webb.

Co-chairs for the Spring Dance will be Debbie Visintainer and Patty Echols.

New yearbooks were distributed at the meeting by Joy Wilkes, yearbook

Cofield-Ashurst

Rebecca Patricia Cofield and Jeffrey Nelson Ashurst Jr. were married Aug. 20 at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta. The Rev. Bill Britt and the Rev. Tommy McGregor officiated the 6 p.m. ceremony. A reception followed at The Peachtree Driving Club.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. Ronald Miller Cofield Sr. of

Galloway-Rector

Anne Hutchinson Galloway and Mark Randolph Rector were married Sept. 10 at Mountain Brook Community Church with a reception following at Mountain Brook Club.

The Rev. Timothy G. Kallam and the Rev. Caleb J. Yoder officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Coffey Galloway III

Atlanta, with his wife, Shannon Hodge Cofield, and the late Mrs. Patricia Newell Cofield. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Patton Newell of Birmingham and Mrs. Mary Frances Cofield and the late Mr. Guy Burnard Cofield Sr. of Birmingham.

Mrs. Ashurst is a graduate of Samford University, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Nelson Ashurst Sr. of Montgomery. He is the grandson of Mrs. Peggy Norwood and the late Mr. Charles Green Norwood of Butler and Dr. and Mrs. John Malone Ashurst Jr. of Montgomery.

Mr. Ashurst is a graduate of Samford University, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Kristen Cofield DiCristina of Atlanta was matron of honor.

Bridesmaids were Anna Holt Bostic, Allison Alexander Bond, Lindsey Marie Pearson, Lucy Hanora Breault and Katherine

Lee McDonnell of Birmingham; Corynne Marie Wagener and Hannah Burgin Stefanek of Atlanta; Margaret Allison Ashurst and Lindsey Marie Pearson of Nashville; Julia Jean Buwick of Athens, Gerogia; and Angela Christine Cave of Roanoke, Virginia. Martha Sellers Norwood of Birmingham was flower girl.

The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were Zachary Paul Mardis, William Thomas Davis, John Christian Wilson and Christopher Scott Kudirka of Birmingham; Charles Newell Cofield, Matthew Guy Cofield and James Barrett Atkins of Atlanta; William James Biggio of Montgomery; Evan Douglas Schmidt of Richmond, Virginia; and Ronald Miller Cofield Jr. of Delray Beach, Florida. Graham Thomas Cofield of Atlanta was ring bearer.

Readers were Mark Richard DiCristina and Blair Rumley Cofield of Atlanta.

Following a honeymoon trip to Carmen de Playa, the couple reside in Birmingham.

of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Randolph Rector of Birmingham.

Given in marriage by her father, she wore an Alencon lace gown and a family heirloom cathedral-length veil from Brussels.

Anne Sloan Pell and Allison Leigh Ingram served as maids of honor. Bridesmaids were Sarah Mason Clark, Caroline Elizabeth Clarke, Sarah Elizabeth Dodson, Virginia Hagood Drennen, Eulalie Crommelin Draper Given, Caroline Elizabeth Hawkins, Amanda Nicole Hock, Katherine Jean Henry, Hayden Mensah Mbroh, Erin Suzanne Rector, Ann Elizabeth Stabler, Mary Harmon Bryant Tyson and Emily Fallon Wilson. Junior bridesmaids were Frances Cooper Cashio, Marguerite Louise Cashio, Leigh Taylor Russell, Margaret Louise Russell and Molly McVey Russell, all cousins of the bride. Flower girls were Caroline Leas Russell and Lauren Ashby Russell, cousins of the bride, and Lane Elizabeth Warren and Reese

Rozier Warren, cousins of the groom.

Alfred Thomas Rector, brother of the groom served as best man. Groomsmen were Tyler Anthony Cox, Samuel Joseph Cubeiro, Kyle Patrick Duke, John Walker Galloway, Russell Kirklyn Galloway, William Cooper Galloway, Wehman Albert Hopke, Connor Wilson Herfurth, Robert Marion Knight, James Harvey Nicholson Peacock, Geoffrey Coo Stinebaugh and Coleman Adkerson Warren.

Ushers were John Harris Britton, Jonathan Gordon Jetmundsen, Kenneth Hall Lundberg and Charles Fenwick Morrow. Gregory Richard Cashio III, Julia Bondurant Copeland, Tinsley Hunter Copeland and Denton Richard Russell, cousins of the bride, were program attendants. Ivy Elizabeth Israel was the soloist. Zachary Ross Skipper read scripture.

A honeymoon trip to St. Lucia is planned for December. The couple live in Birmingham.

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

New members announced at the meeting are Cheree Carlton, Patty Clay, Glenda Jones and Dot Wingett.

Guests in attendance included Jean Burnett, Edna Alderman, Una Ray Barnett, Nancy Becker, Sue Belcher, Nancy Boone, Redonda Broom, Marti Buck, Carolyn Delk, Shirley Evans, Nelle Freeman, Pat Garlikov, Jean Hendrickson, Marsha Hire, Margaret Howell, Rusty Kirkpatrick, Nell Larson, Joanne McConnell, Betty Miller, Shirley Palmes, Carol Powell, Dot Renneker, Evelyn Ringler, Karen Tucker, Shelley Watkins, Jackie Webb, Linda Wood and Janis Zeanah. ❖

Send Your Social News to: editorial@otmj.com

28 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

schools

On the Move?

By Mary Ellen Snell

Homewood Discusses Plans to Move Homewood High, Expand Other Schools and Parks

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

It is no secret that Homewood has grown steadily during the past 10 years, and the growth of young families with children means the city urgently needs a comprehensive plan to expand all of its schools and build a new high school, possibly in West Homewood.

According to city officials, an influx of young families into the city has increased school enrollment and demand for Homewood Parks and Recreation sports facilities.

At a recent community meeting hosted at Homewood High School and attended by 300 residents, Homewood City School Superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland outlined 30 percent Homewood student growth since 2000 and presented preliminary proposals to accommodate future student growth.

Cleveland presented the results of a recently completed land use study

by BL Harbert that evaluated the possibility of each of the Homewood schools’ accommodating student growth.

The three elementary schools – Edgewood Elementary, Shades Cahaba Elementary and Hall-Kent Elementary – can be expanded at their current locations at an estimated cost of $29.4 million, according to the study.

There is enough land at the site of Homewood Middle School, which was relocated in 2005, to allow for the expansion of a fifth-grade wing at an estimated cost of almost $13.7 million.

However, the study showed that expansion of the Homewood High School, built in 1973 to accommodate 1,200 students, would be difficult because part of the property is in a flood zone.

Officials at the meeting discussed plans that would move Homewood High School to be near West Homewood Park and expand athletic facilities around the park. The city recently bought 15 acres off West Oxmoor Road for $4.25 million.

Cleveland said moving the High School to that location could provide important benefits to Homewood schools and the parks by sharing resources in West Homewood. If a

Homewood High School was built in 1973 to accommodate 1,200 students.

plan to expand parks also plays out, the new location would position the high school near the stadium, three multi-purpose fields and five sports fields Creating a central campus would increase student proximity to athletic fields, reducing travel back and forth between facilities, and provide more parking, which has been restricted at the high school campus this year, Cleveland said.

Parks and Recreation Director Berkley Squires also during the meeting said use of sports facilities in West Homewood has grown by 30 percent since 2009, with an additional 1,000 children using the facilities.

Chris Meeks, chairman of the city’s Park Board, said an 18-month study indicates that the Parks and Recreation Department must address the need for more facilities soon or limit registration for sports teams.

strategic plan.

Cleveland said the school board would include public comments in its plans for the schools.

Funding also was a key question. City Council President Bruce Limbaugh said the city likely would eventually need to approve a 1 percent increase in sales tax to fund the needs for Homewood schools and parks, upping the city sales tax to 10 percent, which is in line with some other area municipalities.

Mayor Scott McBrayer said Homewood’s average age has been reduced over a 10-year period from 60 years to 29.2 years, forcing a need for the city to invest in schools and parks.

He told residents at the meeting that Homewood’s growth was a “good problem to have” and said he wanted to “go as hard and fast as we can” to pursue that growth. ❖

Included in the preliminary planning is an idea to move the pool from West Homewood Park and establish a new aquatic center and gym in an area around the current Senior Center at Patriot Park.

Other needs for the parks include updating and expanding maintenance and storage facilities and adding parking, bathrooms and concession areas.

There were no cost estimates presented for the preliminary plans to expand the park properties.

At the end of the 1½-hour presentation, some residents expressed concern that moving the high school to West Homewood would place it farther from central neighborhoods and closer to the Industrial area.

Other residents were concerned about not having the public involved in drafting of the plans and asked that residents be including in a long-range

Mitchell’s Place Opens 4,000-Square-Foot Addition Place; Lauren Barrett and Katie Kent, Barrett Architecture Studio;

Ben Nevins; Marty Martin; John Hanson and Dan Olson, BL Harbert

Photo special to the Journal

Mitchell’s Place began the fall session with a new 4,000-square-foot addition, the first expansion for the center that serves children with autism since its opening in 2005.

BL Harbert International and Barrett Architecture Studio worked on the addition, which includes four new classrooms, an Afterschool Social Awareness Program suite, a new teachers’ office space and a medical records room. The ASAP suite includes a full kitchen, laundry room and bedroom to be used to assist with life skills for children ages 6-18 years old.

Guests who attended a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony on the project included: Allen and Nancy Meisler, Mitchell’s Place founders; Jamie Cowin, board president for Mitchell’s

Celebrating Mitchell’s Place recent expansion are, from left: John Hanson, project manager, BL Harbert International; Dan Olson, BL Harbert; Sandy Naramore, executive director Mitchell’s Place; and Lauren Barrett, Barrett Architecture Studio.

International; Tellis Shoemaker, executive director of the Greater Irondale Chamber of Commerce; Irondale Mayor Tommy Alexander; James Stewart, Irondale city clerk; Debby Kristofco, Greater Irondale Chamber of Commerce; Irondale City Councilman Craig Sanderson; Mr. and Mrs. Don Levy, Tom Williams Porsche; past and present Mitchell’s Place families; and Mitchell’s Place staff.

“We are thankful to have Mitchell’s Place serving children here in Birmingham,” said John Hanson, BL Harbert International project manager.

“BL Harbert was honored to play a role in the delivery of this transformative project. This project is truly for the children, and we are privileged to help them carry their mission forward.” ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

VHCSF Welcomes New Executive Director The Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation recently announced that Elaine Yancey has joined the staff as executive director.

“I am proud to be a part of the VHCSF during this important time of our history in celebrating our 20th anniversary and welcoming (Yancey),” said VHCSF board President Janet Ball. “I look forward to working with (Yancey) and seeing the great things the foundation will be doing in the future for Vestavia’s children and our schools.”

For the past 16 years, Yancey has served as vice president of operations and business development for the McWane Science Center. During her tenure with the museum, Yancey was credited as being instrumental in increasing profit from existing sources as well as developing new business enterprises that have continued contributing to the organization’s success.

Yancey is a graduate of Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, where she received a degree in communications.

“As the parent of two children being educated in public schools I know firsthand that there is simply not enough funding to support all of the needs of teachers, administrators and students.

The Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation is a strong organization who has the support of an active board and community. I feel honored to be chosen for this role and look forward to being a part of the future success of the foundation and school system,” Yancey said in a released statement.

VHHS Band Director Announces Fundraiser for Annual Scholarship Dr. Phil Min, former band director for Vestavia Hills High School, is raising funds for the Ted Galloway Scholarship Foundation.

Min plans to participate in the Temple Hill 100-mile Trail Run in Illinois on Nov. 12 and is asking friends of the band and students to make a $1-per-mile contribution, which will directly benefit the scholarship.

The scholarship was created in honor of Dr. Ted Galloway, who served as VHHS band director for 20 years. Upon retirement in 1990, Galloway began the scholarship to provide financial support for students who continue studies or participate in music while in college.

According to a released statement, Min hopes to raise awareness for the scholarship through his campaign.

Min now is training for the 100-mile run, which will begin at 7 a.m. and continue until lunchtime the following day. Min said the run will require a lot of patience along with mental and emotional strength, which he said are qualities Galloway exhibited as band director.

Donations in honor of Min’s campaign can be mailed to Joyce Galloway at 3417 Wisteria Drive, Vestavia, Alabama, 35216. Checks must be made payable to Ted Galloway Scholarship Foundation, Inc. ❖

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 29

Homewood High School: Front, from left: Elijah Bouma Sims, Maddie Bald, Hazl Torres, Emma Grace Doyal and Will Smith. Back: Trey Sims, Chandler Harris, Fischer Hawkins and Maggie Truitt. Not pictured: Emily McGhee.

Hoover High School: Mariam Massoud, Aneesh Pathak, Amy Zhang, Jacob McDowell, Nathan Ng and Evan Chambers.

John Carroll Catholic High School: Noah Smith.

Mountain Brook High School: Front: Laine Alby, Sarah Coleman Causey, Sarah Margaret Corley, Adam Thomas and Chase Robinett. Middle: Laura Breckinridge, Jackson Waldrop, Anna Grace Morgan and Jake Weissman.

Back: Charley Bragg, Ellen Waller, Jack Martin, John Pelham and Ricky Feig.

Not pictured: Jane Perry Starling.

Spain Park High School: Jackson Gutshall, Nate Rogers, Abimanyhu Arora and Margaret Baldwin.

Indian Springs School: Front: Isaac Griffin-Layne and Carol Zhou. Back: Nikki Bogan and Davis TylerDudley.

You’re Invited!

John Carroll Catholic High School

Open HOuSe

Sunday, October 16th from 2-5 pm All prospective students and families are welcome to attend.

Take a tour of the campus, meet the faculty and staff, and learn about our educational and extra curricular activities.

Photo by Emilie Alonso.

Dozens of Over the Mountain students have been named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

The students were chosen from a pool of nearly 1.5 million high school juniors throughout the country who participated in the 2016 Preliminary SAT and represent the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

“The National Merit program provides students with unprecedented college opportunities. These semifinalists will have numerous academic and scholarship offers to consider,” Vestavia Hills High School college counselor Oliver Aaron said. With 17 semifinalists, VHHS has had the highest number of students ranked at semifinalists in the state for the third consecutive year.

According to officials with the National Merit Scholarship Corp., finalists in the program will be named National Merit Scholars, receiving scholarships of varying amounts. The finalists will be announced during April, May, June and July.

The organization released the list of semifinalists Sept. 14. Over the Mountain students named National Merit semifinalists include: Alabama School of Fine Arts: Kayleigh Alexander, Eli Getman, Karthik Sadanand, Hemant Srivastava, Summer Vo and Lindsey Waggoner.

The Altamont School: Afra Ashraf and Arjun Guru.

Homewood High School: Madeline Bald, Elijah Bouma-Sims, Emma Doyal, Chandler Harris, Fischer Hawkins, Emily McGhee, Daniel Sims, Williams Smith, Hazl Faith Torres and Margaret Truitt.

Hoover High School: Evan Chambers, Mariam Massoud, Jacob McDowell, Nathan Ng, Aneesh Pathak and Weijia Zhang.

Indian Springs School: Nicole Bogan, Isaac Griffin-Layne, Davis Tyler-Dudley and Yichun Zhou.

John Carroll Catholic High School: Noah Smith.

Mountain Brook High School: Laine Alby, Charles Bragg, Laura Breckenridge, Sarah Causey, Sarah Corley, Richard Feig, John Martin, Anna Morgan, John Pelham, Chase Robinett, Jane Starling, Adam Thomas, William Waldrop, Ellen Waller and Jacob Weissman.

Oak Mountain High School: Armeen Barghi, Kathryn Holt, William Laycock and Colby Wetzel.

Spain Park High School: Abhimanyu Arora, Margaret Baldwin, Jackson Gutshall and Nate Rogers.

Vestavia Hills High School: Greta Chen, Lana Chen, Allan Feng, Emma Henderson, Edward Huang, Connor Johnston, Pum Koo, Manning Owen, Hannah Precise, Anastasia Sorochinsky, Caroline Stair, Graham Thompson, Charles Trotman, Samantha Warner, Sherry Wu, Keene Zhang and Angela Zhen. ❖

Photos special to the Journal

OTM Students Recognized as National Merit Semifinalists

Vestavia Hills High School: Front: Caroline Stair, Anastasia Sorochinsky, Lana Chen, Angela Zheng, Greta Chen and Samantha Warner. Middle: Edward Huang, Kenne Zhang, Pum Koo, Hannah Precise, Emma Henderson and Sherry Wu. Back: Charles Trotman, Allan Feng, Manning Owen, Connor Johnston and Graham Thompson.

300 Lakeshore Parkway 205-940-2400 jcchs.org

food

30 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photo courtesy Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce

Hoppy in Homewood Red Hills Brings Beer Brewing Over the Mountain

By Donna Cornelius Birmingham is home to quite a few beer breweries, and Joe Pilleteri thinks there’s not a bad one in the batch.

So when he decided to open his own brewery, the Vestavia Hills native looked for a way to set it apart from others in the city, he said.

That’s why he chose to make his Red Hills Brewing Co. the first business of its kind in Homewood.

Enjoying last year’s Viva Vestavia were, from left: Lisa Christopher, Karen Odle, Linda Parker, Katie Woodruff and Katie Geurin.

Scary Good Time: Viva Vestavia Spotlights City’s Restaurants

“I’ve always been interested in craft beers and about six or seven years ago started home brewing,” Pilleteri said. “All these breweries started popping up all over town. I thought, can people make a living doing this? I worked on a business plan and thought, yes, it could work.”

He said the idea to build a brewery in Homewood struck when he and his family were eating at the city’s Little Donkey restaurant on Father’s Day two years ago.

“I looked up and saw this building,” in the Central Avenue shopping center that also houses Little Donkey, Octane Coffee and Steel City Pops, he said. “I talked to the owner. I got investors and got a loan. We started construction Aug. 8, 2015.”

Pilleteri said his investors include Raj Parikh and Monjri Shaw, Anita and Sal Maniscalco, Rick McKibbin, Matt Brewer and Jacqueline Hancock, Holly Richter and C. Bruce Christianson, Vincent Bivins, Rupa and David Kitchens, James Samford, Andrew Strang, Anurag Gandhi, Nicole and Stanford Massie, and Warner Huh. Red Hills Brewing Co., which includes a taproom, opened Sept. 10 at 2823 Central Ave. “Homewood – it’s a cool town,” Pilleteri said. “The people here are very Homewoodcentric and support local businesses. It’s cool to see all the different types of people who come

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

‘A lot of people in Homewood are young to middle-aged professionals with children. We’re working on our own line of sodas for the kids.’

homewood brew: Joe Pilleteri, left, with brewmaster Eric Baumann, opened Red Hills Brewing Co., which includes a taproom, Sept. 10 at 2823 Central Ave. in Homewood.

in.”

Pilleteri is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy in New York.

“I sailed for two years – one year while I was still in college and one year after,” he said.

“I graduated college in 1998 and got married in 1999.”

He and his wife, Kate, have two daughters.

Bella is 11, and Sophie is 7. Since he has children of his own, he wants Red Hills to be a family-friendly place, he said.

“A lot of people in Homewood are young to middle-aged professionals with children,” he said. “We’re working on our own line of sodas for the kids.”

Of course, Red Hills also is working on its beer. Brewmaster Eric Baumann was the assistant brewmaster at Avondale Brewing Co. before joining the Red Hills team, Pilleteri said.

Piggly Wiggly’s third annual Wine and Craft Beer Showcase is set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 6 at a private club in Vestavia Hills.

The showcase benefits The Daniel Project, which was started two years ago by the parents and brother of Daniel Ajlouny, who unexpectedly passed away from undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is an enlarged heart.

Those who attend can get exclusive wine discounts in Piggly Wiggly stores through Nov. 5.

Tickets to the event are $50 and include wines, regional craft beers and unlimited appetizers from Alabama vendors. Tickets are available at Birmingham-area Piggly Wiggly stores or at thedanielajlounyproject.com.

See hoppy, page 33

See food news, page 33

®

piggly wiggly®

on your total purchase of $30.00 or more.

Coupon valid thru 10/15/16

This coupon good only at these fine piggly wiggly stores.

•Homewood •Bluff Park •River Run • Clairmont •Crestline

Wine and Beer Showcase: Piggly Wiggly Event Benefits The Daniel Project

“But he’s (a) chef by trade, and it’s unreal what he can do with flavors,” Pilleteri said.

“Brewing is a lot like cooking but with a more limited group of ingredients. I love to work on recipes with him. Selfishly, I’d love to be involved with everything, but I lean more toward his expertise.

“I look at formulas, he looks at flavors. He’s the other side of my brain.”

On Red Hills’ menu of beers now are A Pound A Brown, a mild brown ale; Homewood Hefeweizen, made in the style of the classic German breakfast ale; Gangsta Rap Friday IPA, a super-hoppy India Pale Ale; and the Tribute Session IPA, named to pay tribute to those who helped Red Hills become a reality.

“Session beers are between 4 or 4½ percent

piggly wiggly www.pigbham.com COUPON $5 OFF

“Eat, drink and be scary” is the theme for Viva Vestavia XIV, an event featuring food from Vestavia Hills restaurants as well as fine wines.

The Oct. 27 party at Hollywood Pools, 1441 Montgomery Highway, starts at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $45 and include a commemorative wine glass.

Culinary Viva Vestavia is presented Community News and by the Vestavia Hills Chamber Events of Commerce Foundation and Vestavia Hills restaurants and other businesses. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s scholarship fund and capital fund.

For tickets or more information, visit vestaviahills. org. Those who attend must be at least 21 years old.

We know quality. That’s why we’re proud to feature Certified Angus Beef® Roasts. Our expert butchers take great pride in serving you the very best and are always available to help answer your questions.

Let us recommend that perfect Roast for your dinner table today!

Farm to Furnace

Annual Breakin’ Bread Brings Together Local Food Community with craft beer and wine.

A kid’s zone occupied children while adults tasted signature dishes

from local restaurants, caterers, vendors and more to the tune of live musical entertainment. ❖

Clockwise from left: Enjoying the local flavor at Breakin’ Bread 2016 are, from left, Leah Payne, Trina Barton and Jennifer Lawley; From Bistro V, Shelby Wright, Roy Pedroso, Carlos Miles and Emily Shell; From JoJo’s On Broadway, Monica Mitchell, Kat Sensabaugh and Erin Blakenship; Amanda Huber from Southern Wine and Spirits.

Insurance appraIsals for Jewelry 619 Montgomery hwy, vestavia hills

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Birmingham Originals hosted the annual Breakin’ Bread food festival Sept. 25 at Sloss Furnaces to benefit the Jones Valley Teaching Farm.

Through the event, the organization was able to donate $8,000 to fund scholarships for urban farm interns.

More than 30 local food establishments turned out to provide unlimited food samplings to event-goers along

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 31

food

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Book Your Holiday Party Today!

Located at the top of ShadeS Mountain on hwy 31, BiStro V offerS one of the fineSt cuLinary experienceS in BirMinghaM!

To:

Maury

From:& Over The Mountain Journal Open Monday-Saturday 11am-2pm 5pm-9pm Date:• (205) Oct. 2015 521 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 823-1505

This is your aD prOOF for Over Oct. 8, 2015 issue. please approve your sales representative as so

please initial and fax to

if we have not heard fro before the press date

Thank you for you

food

Congratulations Hayden Wald, Realtor

Honored as a Rising Star of Real Estate by the Birmingham Business Journal!

Keeping it classy!

CUSTOM MONOGRAMS, ILLUSTRATIONS, PAPER GOODS AND MORE

!

205.870.1097

WEEZIEBDESIGNS.COM

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Whole New Ball Game Vestavia Native Opens Cashio’s Meatball Market in Lakeview

By Donna Cornelius Mary Susan Cashio is having a ball.

The Vestavia Hills native just opened her own restaurant in Birmingham’s Lakeview District. Its main attraction? Meatballs.

Cashio’s Meatball Market, which opened Oct. 3, owes its existence to two very different experiences – family dinners in Birmingham and food expeditions in New York City.

The young restaurateur said some of her favorite childhood memories are of her “Grandma Angel,” Angela Cashio, making meatballs, spaghetti and other Italian dishes for festive family meals.

“My dad is one of seven kids,” Mary Susan Cashio said. “Our family has gotten so big that now these dinners are more of a holiday tradition. Christmas is our big gathering.”

After graduating from Vestavia Hills High School, Cashio earned a bachelor’s degree in consumer affairs from the University of Alabama.

“When I’d come home from college, I’d work at Bromberg’s,” she said.

“They encouraged me to go to the GIA – the Gemological Institute of America – in New York City.”

Cashio moved to New York and decided to take advantage of the city’s many culinary options.

“I was going to be there for only six months, so I ate everything,” she said. “That’s where I began to see some of the restaurant concepts that Birmingham was missing out on.”

After graduating from the GIA, Cashio came home and again worked at Bromberg’s. Then a job with a diamond broker took her back to NYC, which she called “a different world.”

“There’s a different energy there,” she said. “It wears you out, but you come back refreshed.”

Cashio came back home not only refreshed, but with a determination to open her own restaurant. She pulled her father, Richard Cashio, out of retirement to help – which took some convincing, she said.

“My dad did ‘what if’ scenarios and asked me questions,” she said. “After a while, I gave him enough responses to satisfy him, and he said, ‘I’ve got your back.’”

She said her father eventually will bow out of his daughter’s restaurant business. But in the meantime, the venture has given their relationship a new dynamic.

“He told somebody, ‘She only hangs up on me three times a week now,’” she said, laughing. “My mom has stayed out of it. She said, ‘It’s yours and your dad’s thing.’”

Cashio didn’t find it hard to choose a food focus for her restaurant.

“I like Italian. I am Italian,” she said. “Our menu is not strictly Italian but Italian-inspired. I thought: meatballs. We can do something with that.”

Finding the right location was another key component of her business plan.

family food: Mary Susan Cashio said some of her favorite childhood memories are of her grandmother making meatballs, spaghetti and other Italian dishes for festive family meals.

“We chose Lakeview because it’s so up and coming,” Cashio said about the Birmingham hot spot.

“They didn’t have anything like this.

It’s a fun area, and the other business owners have been so welcoming and supportive.”

For the restaurant’s interior design, Cashio worked with Appleseed Workshop, a Birmingham design/build company, to get the look she wanted.

“This is a small space, so I wanted plenty of white and mirrors,” she said.

Cushions on the white chairs and banquette are what Cashio calls “tomato sauce red.” Alabama white marble is from Sylacauga. Light fixtures and other elements are round to match the meatball theme. Television sets are cleverly mounted behind one-way mirrors on one wall; even if you’re sitting opposite the sets, you can see them reflected in the mirror you’re facing.

A graphic artist painted a pastafaced lady on one mirror – she’s been nicknamed “Betty Spaghetti” – and livened up both restrooms. In the men’s room are painted portraits of celebrities such as Diana Ross, Dolly Parton and Madonna. In the women’s room are Frank Sinatra, Prince, Mick Jagger and other smooth operators.

Cashio’s can seat 39 inside and another eight to 12 people outside.

Chef Grayson Taft, an Alabama native who began his culinary education in his high school’s culinary arts program, is a meatball master who also has plenty of experience in pastry-making. He’ll be making not only regular menu items but special meatballs, too.

Cashio explained the ordering process.

“You come in, sit down and mark your menus,” she said. “From then on, it’s full service.”

Customers first choose their meatball – Cashio’s Classic Beef, chicken, Italian sausage, veggie or the special – and then their sauce: Classic Cashio’s Family Recipe, spicy marinara, three cheese, alfredo, mushroom marsala or pesto. Next they can add a side.

Options include several pastas, white

beans, braised greens, smashed potatoes, risotto, broccolini and polenta. All can be served on the side or under the meatballs.

Cashio’s also offers sandwiches – sliders, subs and paninis – and salads.

For starters, you can get buffalo chicken balls, mozzarella balls, bruschetta, antipasta and calamari. A meatball flight features the chef’s choice of five balls and sauces.

For desserts, there’s cannoli, seasonal crème Brulee and tiramisu.

“We have four beers on tap and up to 24 in bottles and cans,” Cashio said.

“We’re keeping a lot of our beers local plus having the staples. We have a lot of wines on the wine list. My mom, Amy, drinks nicer wine than I do, so we have some we’re calling ‘Amy’s Reserve.’

Our cocktail list is more classic.”

Chef Taft and the Cashios are having fun thinking up innovative meatball combinations to offer as specials.

“Grayson did a catfish ball for our opening,” Cashio said. “My dad wants to have boudin balls for Mardi Gras.

For Thanksgiving, we may try to do turkey and dressing balls. My other grandmother, Betty Ferguson, did chicken and dumplings, so we may think about doing something with that.”

Meatballs are so much in Cashio’s mind that she even got an idea while on vacation.

“I was on a girls’ trip to Key West with my mom and thought, maybe we could do a Key lime pie ball,” she said.

Cashio said her “Grandma Angel” inspired some of the restaurant’s dishes.

“Our classic ball and classic sauce are close to recipes from her and from my mom, who learned from her,” she said. “We had my dad’s birthday party in August and turned it into kind of a soft opening. My grandmother gave her blessing to all her recipes that we’re using.”

Cashio’s Meatball Market is at 728 29th St. South in Birmingham’s Lakeview District. It opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner and has brunch on Saturday. For more information, visit cashiosmeatballmarket.com or follow the restaurant on social media. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

32 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

From page 30

Collard Greens Celebration: Urban Ministry Event Includes Cook-off, Expo

Urban Ministry will host the eighth annual Collard Green Cook-Off and Wellness Expo from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 15.

The celebration of food, wellness and community promotes the healthy living programs at Urban Ministry.

Those who attend the free event can tour Urban Ministry’s community gardens, watch cooking demonstrations,

connect with health practitioners and sample healthy collard greens and cornbread.

The event also will feature music and children’s activities.

For more information, send an email to angela@urban-ministry.org. Urban Ministry is at 1229 Cotton Ave. S.W. in Birmingham.

Proceeds from the event, originally set to take place during BRW in August, will benefit the Urban Food Project.

Those who attend can sample food from participating culinary village restaurants.

BRUNCH also will have a mimosa bar, wine tastings from United Johnson Brothers, iced and nitro coffee from Royal Cup, and other refreshments from Buffalo Rock.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door for individuals and $40 in advance and $50 at the door for couples. To buy tickets or for more information, visit www. bhamrestaurantweek.com. ❖

BRW’s Brunch: Rescheduled Event is Oct. 8 in Woodlawn

Birmingham Restaurant Week’s newest event, BRUNCH, is from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 8 at Social Venture, 5529 First Ave. S. in Woodlawn.

beer garden

A craft beer tasting

November 5 - 6, 2016

< 8C

K @>? KF 8

8C

food news,

Red Hills Brewing Co. is at 2823 Central Ave. in Homewood. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays from noon to midnight, and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. For more information, visit redhillsbrewing.net or follow the brewery on social media. ❖

#

to 5 percent alcohol,” Pilleteri said.

“Most people enjoy the effects of alcohol, of course, but if you look at craft beer, you want to taste the nuances of each beer. Most of our year-round beers will be 5 percent alcohol or lower.”

As information on Red Hills’ website says, “By concentrating on session beers, customers will be able to enjoy a pint or two without being, as the British call it, ‘snockered.’”

Red Hills will offer some seasonal brews, too.

“For the fall, we have a rye IPA, and we’ll do a double IPA for winter,” Pilleteri said. “Those will have a higher alcohol content. When you have a bitter or a big roasty beer, you need more alcohol to keep it from being too bitter.”

Pilleteri said construction of the

Some of his first choices for brewery names with an Alabama connection were already taken, he said, so he searched for other ideas.

“I looked at the list of our state symbols,” he said.

He discovered that Alabama’s state fish is a largemouth bass.

“I didn’t think that would make a very good name,” he said, laughing. “But our state amphibian is a Red Hills salamander. I thought that would be such a cool mascot. And Homewood has a salamander festival every year, so that solidified the name for me.”

C<

From page 30

taproom, which can be rented out for events, was a real family-and-friends affair.

“Five of my friends actually built the bar and taproom,” Pilleteri said.

Baumann’s cousin Missy Miles, an artist from Hamilton, did the paintings in the room.

“Right now, we’re doing live music on Friday nights,” Pilleteri said. “We’re trying to stick with local bands. I have great memories of going to places like The Nick, Zydeco and Bottletree and wanted to re-create that here.”

Taproom guests can’t help but notice the friendly salamander painted behind the bar. That’s the brewery’s mascot, “Sal,” and the inspiration for the brewery’s name.

“I love the fact that a lot of breweries pay homage to our state,” Pilleteri said. “You’ve got Red Clay and Yellowhammer, and of course Avondale is named for its neighborhood.”

JKI

Hoppy,

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 33

food

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

?LE

KJ

M@

C

Red Yellow

34 • Thursday, October 6, 2016

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Energizer Lions

By Lee Davis During 26 seasons as head coach at Briarwood, Fred Yancey has seen just about everything, and he’s loving the look of his latest team.

The Lions’ 25-14 win over highly regarded Mortimer Jordan on Sept. 23 ran Briarwood’s record to 4-1 and, more importantly, 4-0 in Class 5A Region Three play. They followed that with a 44-6 rout of St. Clair County last Friday.

The early surge marks an impressive debut for Yancey and his charges in Class 5A, Briarwood’s new alignment following the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s reclassification last year. The Lions had been competitive against much larger schools in Class 6A, but the new grouping has allowed Briarwood to compete against schools with similar size enrollments.

“The biggest difference between Classes 5A and 6A is the matter of platooning,” Yancey said.

“In Class 5A, most of the teams have to rely on some of their best playing both offense and defense. In Class 6A, everyone had two platoons.

We’ve played with two platoons and I think that’s been an advantage. Our coaching staff is also set up to coach that way, and that’s helped too.”

Beyond that, Yancey sees little difference between the two classes. “Both have really good coaches and players,” he said. “The size of the enrollments is the only difference.”

If the opponents are different, Briarwood itself is a bit different from the recent past as well.

“We’ve got a really good group of guys this year,” Yancey said. “And we have more team speed than we’ve had in a while. That may be the biggest improvement of all.”

The Lions opened the season with a loss to

Chelsea of Class 6A and rebounded with an easy win over Region Three rival Moody. A turning point may have come in the season’s third game, when Briarwood overcame a 14-0 halftime deficit to score a dramatic 15-14 win against Wenonah at the Dragons’ home field.

“The biggest thing was that our young men showed that they could compete for four quarters,” Yancey said. “We weren’t happy about being behind by two touchdowns at halftime, but we weren’t discouraged either. We kept fighting and we didn’t wear out at the end of the game.”

A shutout victory over Fairfield followed before Briarwood – perhaps playing its best football on the road – upended highly regarded Mortimer Jordan 23-14.

“Mortimer Jordan was one of the best teams in Class 5A last year and were ranked highly again when we played them,” Yancey said. “Once again we were able to go to a good team’s field and earn a quality region victory.”

A big bright spot for the Lions has been the play of their defense. Briarwood has yielded an average of only 8.5 points per game in their first four region contests. The unit is led by two outstanding linebackers, sophomore Mark Hand and junior Gabe Russell. “Mark can run and has great movement,” Yancey said. “We weren’t necessarily counting on Gabe to have a big year for us, but he’s had a great start.”

Ethan Housel brought more strength to the linebacker corps when he converted to the position after a stint in the secondary. “All three of our linebackers do a good job of tackling,” Yancey said.

“They’ve been greatly responsible for our success so far.”

Other standouts for Briarwood on defense have

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Briarwood off to Big Start in New Class

Senior quarterback William Gray has been a double threat with his arm and his ability to run.

been senior defensive ends Champ Stewart and Jordan Harmon. Senior Bennett Miles and junior Carson Donnelly have been leaders in the secondary. Donnelly had two interceptions in the win over Mortimer Jordan.

The Lions have also shown an impressive offensive punch, averaging 27 points in region play. Junior tackle Garrett Bell – at 6-4, 240 – is a giant in the line along with sophomore Hunter Whatley.

Senior quarterback William Gray has been a double threat with his arm and his ability to run.

Through the first five games, Gray had completed 61 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns and only three interceptions. He also averages 39 yards a kick as the team’s punter.

“William helps us as a passer, runner and punter,” Yancey said. “He’s very consistent with his kicks. If you can get a punter to average 39 yards in high school, you’re doing very well.”

Briarwood’s top rusher in the early season is sophomore J.R. Tran-Reno, who is rapidly developing every week. Also part of the running tandem is senior Wilson Hand. Both create headaches for

opposing defenses.

“Wilson comes in and lights a fire for our offense,” Yancey said. “He really picked us up in the Wenonah game. He provides a nice change of pace for us in the running game.”

The Lions may have some of the best receivers anywhere in Class 5A. Senior Kolby Kwarcinski had two key catches – including a touchdown – in the comeback against Wenonah.

Luke Miskelley, also a senior, has excellent size and speed and already had six scoring receptions in four games.

While Briarwood enjoyed respectable success in Class 6A – the Lions qualified for the playoffs every season they were in the classification – Yancey admitted that the change to Class 5A had energized the program.

“We’re competing with schools our size,” he said.” After the early wins in the region, we feel pretty good about where we are going. I told the players that if we keep improving we can make this a year for which we’ll all be proud.”

After 26 years of success at Briarwood, Yancey knows a good season when he sees one. ❖

school spirit

Journal photo by Tom Neil

During half-time at Vestavia Hills’ Sept.

23 game, Ally Cross, left, was crowned the 2016 Homecoming Queen. Members of the Homecoming Court are Katie Fox, Emma Faulkner, Francis Stewart, Hensley Green, Mary Katherine Smyth, Margaret James Stephens, Lily Beth Ayers, Kendall Carter, Molly Graham, Jordan Barefield, Millie Cadden, Sara Haynes and Hope Henson.

John Carroll Catholic High School crowned Morgan Adamson, right, the 2016 Homecoming Queen Sept. 23. Members of the Homecoming Court include King Jacob Ford, Elisa Reaves, Talia Marotta and Vivian Nquyen.

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Homewood Homecoming Queen Lucy Williams and Mr. Homewood Elliott Yacu, right, were crowned during the Patriot’s Sept.

30 game. Members of the Homecoming Court are Isabell Burgess, Kennedy Crittenden, Leslie Putman, Catherine Pittman, Raneisha Smith, Maggie Truitt, Miss Fire Prevention Sally Smalley and Miss Aerospace Bianca Juarez.

Journal photo by Mark Almond

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Spain Park Homecoming Queen Sarah Lynn Sharpton, left, was crowned at the Jaguar’s Sept. 23 game. Members of the Homecoming Court include Josie Bonamy, Lia Martinez, Christina Smarrelli, Trinity Streeter, Caroline Kendrick, Zara Reeves, Avery Scott, Haley Hickman, Morgan Heath, Caroline Rice, Julia Symonds, Shanise Allen, Hope Dawson, Riley DiClemente, Brooke Gilliam, Iesha Jallow and Lauren Frusterio.

Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 35

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The former Samford University football coach played for the Cavs from 1965 to ‘67, and he was recruited by colleges across the nation before Auburn coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan persuaded him to cast his lot with the Tigers.

Photo special to the Journal

From left: Glenda Boudreaux, Brenda Cohen, Sharon Brown, Linda Metrock, Mindy Long, Barbara Smith, Susan Womack and Kristine Fitts.

Mindy Long, even with several members of the team sidelined by injuries, the tournament proved to be their best.

“It was a true team effort,” Long said. “Everyone made a contribution in attaining our goal. That is what made it so satisfying.”

The team is made up of players from the greater Birmingham area, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa, Hanceville and Jasper who play out of Brook Highland Racquet Club in Hoover.

Team members include Glenda Boudreaux, Sharon Brown, Donna Christie, Brenda Cohen, Kristine Fitts, Donna Gordon, Long, Brenda Martin, Metrock, Stacy Payne, Barbara Smith, Shelia Walker and Susan Womack. ❖

The state’s 4.0 United States Tennis Association Ladies 55 and Over team recently won the Southern Sectionals tournament in Asheville, North Carolina, sealing its spot at the national tournament in Surprise, Arizona, Oct. 21-23.

At sectionals, the women completed the tournament undefeated against nine opposing teams representing Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana.

“The goal of any serious USTA player is to make it to nationals, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity,” said team captain Linda Metrock.

The team has been to the sectional tournament for the past three years, and this year marks the first time they have advanced to nationals. According to teammate

Reilly Oberding, (pictured) a fifth-grader at Cherokee Bend Elementary School, won the state championship for the 11-year old intermediate class in BMX during a race held Sept. 18 at the Circle City BMX track in Dothan.

The win moved Reilly up to the BMX expert class because he has won 10 races as a novice and 20 as an intermediate.

The race in Dothan was the final event in a state championship series. Racers had to participate in three of four qualifying races held around the state this summer.

Reilly has raced BMX since he was 4 years old, according to a released statement, and now races at tracks across the country, including in South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Minnesota and Tennessee. He has qualified to compete in the National BMX Race of Champions to be held in Oklahoma in November. ❖

denkers, From page 36

in one of the best performances of her high school career against Spain Park on Sept. 22. She chalked up 13 kills and three digs in leading Oak Mountain to a 25-22, 25-20 and 25-16 win over the highly ranked Lady Jags.

“It was one of those times where everything worked for us,” Denkers said. “That game would probably rank as one of my biggest thrills since I started playing for Oak Mountain.”

The Eagles’ season has had its share of highlights so far, as the team entered October with a 19-11 record.

Denkers, a junior, likes much of what she sees.

“The goal of this team is to get better every day,” she said. “We’ve learned the hard way that you can’t overlook any opponent. We made that mistake a couple of times earlier in

sullivan, From page 36

Sullivan is a great way to say thanks for the memories. It’s also a great way for all who love high school football to say thanks for the present – and the future.

Jordan wasn’t looked over…

As Pat Sullivan is being honored for his past career, another former Over the Mountain star is being honored for his present. Former Homewood lineman Jordan Sims – now at Ole Miss – was named Southeastern Conference lineman of the week for his efforts in the Rebels’ 45-14 win over Georgia on Sept. 24. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

Mountain Brook Student Takes State Title at BMX Championship

Photo courtesy Auburn University

State USTA Team Advances to National Tournament

the season and it didn’t go well. To (be) the best team possible, we have to play with the same level of focus every night.”

In her personal game, Denkers is trying to improve her timing with Oak Mountain’s setters to be an even more imposing presence on offense.

“It’s all about getting the ball just right,” she explained. “Not too high or too low. I prefer it on the lower side, so I can get into position.

Practice and teamwork is what is needed to get it right.”

Obviously Denkers isn’t a onegirl show. Other contributors include Keller Lovvorn, Kaitlyn Lund, Kathryn Beard, Brianna Palmer, Madeline Moss, Ashley Treace, Lauren Price, Mollie Wade, Makenzie Warren, Kendall Scharbert and Jacoby Sims.

Denkers comes by her athletic talents naturally. Her brother Trevor was a state champion javelin thrower at Spain Park and earned a scholar-

ship to the University of Alabama.

Ironically, volleyball was barely on Torie’s athletic radar until her middle school years.

“I was mainly a softball and basketball girl,” she recalled. “I was determined I was going to be a great softball player. But then I added volleyball and soon it became my favorite.”

With the volleyball post-season just around the corner, Denkers has her mind on being a part of school history. Oak Mountain has never won a state championship in the sport and Denkers wants to bring the big blue trophy to her school’s gleaming hardware case.

“Winning the state is the main thing we’ve been pushing for and is our thoughts as we work so hard in practice and in games,” she said. “We are ready to bring home that trophy.”

If intensity is enough, Torie Denkers and her teammates may well get there. ❖

Drive a LittLe Save a Lot

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Sports

Energizer Lions Briarwood off to Big Start in New Class Page 34

Naming Right

Outside Influence

Carroll Field to be Named for Heisman Trophy Winner Pat Sullivan played running back in his sophomore year at John Carroll before being converted to quarterback before his junior season. In an era when many high school games ended with scores such as 7-6, Sullivan produced more than 4,000 yards and 350 points in his career as a Cavalier.

He also played defensive back and handled the team’s kicking duties.

Denkers Hopes Eagles Can Soar for Playoffs

By Lee Davis Oak Mountain outside hitter Torie Denkers is a study in intensity every time she walks on a volleyball court.

But there’s something about playing archrival Spain Park that brings her to an even higher level.

“My older brother Trevor went there (Spain Park) years ago, so I think there’s the sibling rivalry thing going,” Denkers said last week.

“Whatever it is, I always get pretty jacked up when we play them.”

Indeed, the Lady Eagles and Lady Jaguars have one of the most contested rivalries in all of Over the Mountain volleyball. The two programs have virtually an even split against each other in matches since 2004.

So perhaps it’s no wonder Denkers turned

Pat Sullivan was named Outstanding Player in Jefferson County by the Eastwood Jaycees in 1967.

See denkers, page 35

doors in the fall of 1966. While the Mounties and Buccaneers already had quality programs, it was Sullivan and the Cavs that drew the biggest crowds to their stadium, which was located on Montclair Road at that time.

Media coverage of high school athletics was very different from today. No games were televised and few were broadcast on the radio. There were no recruiting experts to rank the state’s top college prospects. Most teams were fortunate if their Friday night games got a one paragraph write-up in the Saturday edition of the daily newspaper. So news of Sullivan and his on-the-field exploits largely came by word of mouth. Because of Sullivan and outstanding players at other area schools, high school football became a topic of discussion in break rooms and at water coolers of offices in Birmingham and south of the mountain on Monday mornings.

I’ll always believe that was the seed that planted the interest that Over the Mountain football – and high school football in Alabama generally – enjoys today.

John Carroll’s decision to name their stadium after Pat

See sullivan, page 35

Torie Denkers

Journal file photo by Hal Yeager

J

ohn Carroll Catholic football has been on a roll lately.

On Sept. 23, the Cavaliers defeated Moody 13-7 to end a 14-game losing streak. And now one of the great names of the school’s fine football tradition is soon to receive an unprecedented honor.

Former Cav quarterback Pat Sullivan, who went on to fame at Auburn University as an All-American and Heisman Trophy winner, will be the special guest of honor at John Carroll’s game against Springville on Oct. 7, when the football field will be renamed Pat Sullivan Field in his honor.

Sullivan will address the present-day John Carroll team in the dressing room before the lee davis game and be a part of the official dedication ceremony at halftime.

The former Samford University football coach played for the Cavs from 1965 to ‘67, and he was recruited by colleges across the nation before Auburn coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan persuaded him to cast his lot with the Tigers.

Sullivan played running back in his sophomore year at John Carroll before being converted to quarterback before his junior season. In an era when many high school games ended with scores such as 7-6, Sullivan produced more than 4,000 yards and 350 points in his career as a Cavalier. He also played defensive back and handled the team’s kicking duties.

Any doubts that Sullivan might not live up to his high school billing were quickly dispelled in his first year at Auburn.

Freshmen were not eligible for varsity competition in 1968, so Sullivan played on the Tiger freshman team. In the season’s final game, he sparked Auburn in overcoming a 27-0 deficit against the Alabama freshmen to win 36-27. In varsity play, Sullivan led the Tigers to 26 wins and three bowl appearances in three seasons, along with two wins each against traditional Auburn rivals Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.

Sullivan’s senior season ended with a 9-2 record, and he was named the recipient of the 1971 Heisman Memorial Trophy, given annually by the New York Downtown Athletic Club to the nation’s top college football player. He won the award over such luminaries as Cornell’s Ed Marinaro, Oklahoma’s Greg Pruitt, and Alabama’s Johnny Musso. Sullivan did not go on to stardom in the National Football League, but he did have a respectable stint with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins.

Sullivan’s resume is perhaps the most impressive of any football player in Over the Mountain history, but it doesn’t begin to do justice to his influence on this community in the 50 years since he first put on the John Carroll uniform.

At that time, the only other established area schools were Shades Valley and Berry, and Mountain Brook first opened its

The Southern Living Idea House is now our house.

We invite you to see the Town of Mt Laurel’s latest collaboration with Southern Living Magazine.

What began with our recognition as a Southern Living Inspired Community has expanded to include the 2016 Southern Living Idea House. Mt Laurel is proud to have been chosen for this showcase event that also coincides with Southern Living’s 50th anniversary celebration.

The Southern Living Idea House at Mt Laurel is Now Open, Wednesday–Sunday. Tickets $15 at the door.

Experience Mt Laurel at our Annual Fall Festival Saturday, October 15th, 11 am – 4 pm mtlaurel.com

(205) 408-8696