12.03.2015

Otmj Thursday, December 3, 2015

over the mountain journal ❖ otmj.com

social

sports

Journal photo by Emil Wald

Holiday Hospitality: Four Houses, Church Will Open Their Doors for IPC’s Annual Tour

a house of note

Letter Led to Thomsons’ Purchase of Mountain Brook Home Featured on IPC Tour home Page 26

inside performer’s best friend Birmingham Ballet sends tails wagging with local pooches. about town Page 4

they have doughnuts Four friends cook up a business based on their favorite food. food Page 42

living faith Independent Presbyterian Church reflects on a century of service. Life Page 10

2 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

Opinion/Contents

Fighting MS Efforts of Alabama and Mississippi Residents Highlighted in Meeting The Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society celebrated this year’s achievements and leaders at the 2015 annual meeting held Nov. 12 at The Club.

Keynote speaker Christian Gonzalez, a 15-year-old MS researcher at Vanderbilt University, shared his research progress and plans for the future.

Gonzalez, a Huntsville high school student, is a registered activist for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and a passionate advocate of MS awareness. His accomplishments range from finishing in second place nationally in the 2015 Design a Brain Experiment Competition to conducting research at the Li Laboratory at Vanderbilt University about diagnosing and monitoring MS. In addition, the chapter recognized its corporate and community partners as well as individuals and families who supported the chapter in 2015. This year’s recipients included Burt Chandler, Volunteer of the Year; Hafiz Chandiwala, Board Leadership Award; and the Riser Family, All-In Family of the Year. All-In Family awards also were given to the Graphos family, the McDade family, the Powers family and the White family.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Lee Weathers.

Weathers has served on the chapter’s board of trustees since 1990 and aided in the creation of the chapter’s annual wine auction “Evening of Wines” in 1985. Since then, the auction has raised more than $2.9 million to fund programs, services and research to find the cause and cure for multiple sclerosis.

“We are so thankful for another year in which thousands of individuals across Alabama and Mississippi came together to fight MS,” said Chapter President Andrew Bell. “It is because of our extraordinary supporters that we are moving closer to a world free of MS.” The meeting provided volunteers, clients, fundraisers, board members, sponsors and community partners from throughout Alabama and Mississippi a chance to celebrate the chapter’s 2015 accomplishments and look ahead to the upcoming year. ❖

in this issue About Town 4 life 10 people 14 news 16 social 18 weddings 25

home 26 schools 34 38 gift guide food 42 sports 48

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

J O U R N A L December 3, 2015 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Kaitlin Candelaria, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Vol. 25, No. 23

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

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

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

murphy’s law

T

Up On The Housetop … Not

of a tiptoe stretch, but I’m guessing he elves at our house are getting that if I opted to put the angel at eye older. level later on, it would be beautiful, Years ago, my husband, too, just in a shorter sort of way.

Harold, and I would hang a six-foot This half-mast decorating is fine Christmas wreath in the window above because most of my family is short our front door. The maneuver required anyway. Sure, we added a six-foot an extension ladder and a good bit of son-in-law a few years back, but he arm and leg extension even then. The knew about our height challenges same shaky gyrations were required to when he signed on. take the wreath down again, and while Actually, when available, both the wreath was beautiful to see, the son-in-laws have become an integral hanging process began to look more part of the holiday decorating process. and more like a precursor to a trip to (Again, it was implied in the initial the emergency room. So, when the contract.) While we’ve eliminated wreath began to look tired, I retired it most of the ladders, there are still a lot and set out to find a less worrisome Sue Murphy of heavy ornament boxes to contend way to display our Christmas spirit.

One of these years, I’ll get It was the same story with the Step stool decorating: with. smart, stack them in one corner of outdoor lights. We never went Clark It’s an idea whose time the living room and build a closet Griswold crazy, but there was a time when we strung lights up and has come, at least at my around them, but for now they have be hauled down from the attic down a giant fir tree in our front house, where the stock- to one by one. Left on my own, I can yard. It was only a medium-sized ings will be hung by the manage it, slide the big tree box ladder production. Harold climbed and I steadied and everything went chimney with care … down the stairs and sensibly portion the others (divide and conquer; fine until we decided that even a because I can reach that. out lift with your legs) but when sonmedium-sized fall could land us in-law help is available, I take it, in traction and, even if it was only promising wassail and cocktail medium-sized traction, there would smokies when the job is finished. be nothing festive about that.

Step stool decorating: It’s an idea whose time has This year, the lights will be tucked into the front come, at least at my house, where the stockings will be shrubs, an activity that does not require a ladder at hung by the chimney with care … because I can reach all. Our light-up plastic snowman will not be perched that. Tabletops? Yes. precariously on the roof a la the Kranks, but will take Up on the housetops? his place on the back porch, where he can smile at us No. through the kitchen window. We’ll hang pre-lit garland I enjoy decking around the front door and bows on the coach lamps that the halls. I just like I can reach from the top step. Our Charlie Brown display will be positioned in the yard out front, spotlighted to deck them from by a single extension cord deftly placed to preclude any a safe elevation.

Christmas without tripping. (Whew!) urgent care co-pays, There will be no mistletoe hung from our entry free of a full-body chandelier, no 10-foot tree by the staircase, just our traditional seven-footer in the family room that I can tinsel cast, seems pretty holly-jolly to me. ❖ with a self-grounding step stool. The angel will be a bit

over the Mountain Views On Dec. 7, Singing Santa at Brookwood Mall will be taking pet photos from 6-8 p.m.

We asked some of our furry friends at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (all indicated they would like to be photographed with Santa this year) ...

otm students have been hard at work on our Holiday Cards issue dec. 17!

What are you asking Santa for this year?

“I’m just a puppy, so I’m going to ask Santa for a family with a lot of energy who loves to play!”

Chauncey

“I’m going to ask Santa for a family that likes catnaps and warm milk.”

Waldo

“All I really want for Christmas is a family with a big heart and an even bigger back yard so I can bury my bones.”

“I’m a little older, so I think I’ll ask Santa for an easy-going family with a sunroom and lots of window sills.”

Kloe

Taylor

For more information about these pets and others please contact the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, 942-1211.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Located on Hwy 280, east of I-459

About Town

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 3

GrandviewHealth.com

4 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Carl Dean as Drosselmeyer with Sleet the Afghan Angel in a recent production of Muttcracker. The fourth annual Mutt-cracker is a one-night-only performance, Dec. 11, featuring dogs in appropriate roles.

Performer’s Best Friend

Dec. 3-17 Thurs., Dec. 3 VESTAVIA HILLS

Holiday Breakfast Vestavia Hills UMC The Crisis Center will host its annual holiday breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Attendees will enjoy a breakfast and learn more about the mission of the Crisis Center. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 458-8995 or visit www. crisiscenterbham.com.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Holiday Open House Mountain Brook Village Holiday shoppers can enjoy a complete range of holiday shopping and dining during this annual event beginning at 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www. welcometomountainbrook.com.

Birmingham Ballet Sends Tails Wagging in Christmas Production

Photos special to the Journal

HOMEWOOD

By Kaitlin Candelaria The Birmingham Ballet is putting a fun twist on a classic tale – by adding in a few tails of its own this holiday season.

The fourth annual Mutt-cracker is a one-night-only performance featuring dogs in appropriate roles. Cindy Free, director of the Birmingham Ballet, says that audience members can expect to see furry friends of all sizes.

“They’re all shapes and sizes of dogs,” she said. “We have everything from a two-pound chihuahua to a great Dane. We have dogs that jump through hoops and hop on their hind

legs and spin like a ballerina. It’s just a really fun show.”

This year, Pig the Unusual Dog, a local dog born with birth defects who has gained fame through social media, will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy’s dog.

“Pig is quite famous,” Free said.

“She loves her pink tutu. This is the first time we’ve had a dog to be the Sugar Plum Fairy’s dog and Pig is a very appropriate and dainty little thing.”

Dogs from all over the country auditioned to be a part of this year’s show and some will be driving from as far away as New Jersey for the Dec. 11 performance. More dogs

have also been added to the lineup, with more than 30 performing this year. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket for the event will be donated to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

“The show flows very similar to the Nutcracker but something special is brought to it by the dogs,” Free said. “They have so much fun up there and add personality and character all their own. We never quite know what they’ll do.”

Free said they have a few tricks up their sleeves for handling the pooches during the show. The dog trainer behind the show, Anne Marie Mitchell, will dress up as characters

to help corral the dogs or clean up after them in case of accidents. Free said occasionally some of the dogs will suffer from stage fright when performing in front of the large crowd.

“They’re like little people,” she said. “They have to rehearse and they have to get comfortable. Of course, the dogs who have done it for more than one year know their music and know their choreography.”

Tickets to the show range from $25 to $45 and can be purchased online at www.birminghamballet. com. The show will take place at the BJCC Concert Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. ❖

Jingle All the Way Homewood Public Library Storyteller Dolores Hydock and musical master Bobby Horton (above) will mix traditional carols, jolly songs and holiday stories, Fri., Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the large auditorium. The show will include light hors d’oevres.

Tickets are $25. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org. ❖ MOUNTAIN BROOK

Smart Directions Emmet O’Neal Library This seminar-style program will begin at 6 p.m. in the Library Meeting Room. Dr. Andreas Rauterkus, an associate professor at UAB, will present a program on investing in the stock market. For more information, visit www. eolib.org.

Dec. 3-Dec. 5 HOOVER

Scrooge! The Musical Hoover Public Library This classic Christmas musical will be directed by Jack Mann and presented in the the Library Theatre. It will show each night beginning at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $25 each. For more information, visit www.hooverlibrary.org.

Dec. 3-20

BIRMINGHAM

From left: Eva as the Russian dog with Carl Dean as Drosselmeyer; Birmingham Ballet dog trainer, Anne-Marie Mitchel is dressed as a Baker and Erin Lutomski as Clara with Scout the 2014 Gingersnap dog; Elizabeth Lindsey as Marzipan with Cissy the Marzipan dog in 2012.

Holiday Spectacular RMTC Cabaret Theatre Red Mountain Theatre Company Conservatory students will perform a holiday music program alongside professional actors. Tickets for the event are $30. Showtimes will be at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday and matinees will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit www. redmountaintheatre.org.

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Dec. 4-Dec. 6 Vestavia

The Magic City Nutcracker Tyson Theatre - Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Featuring guest artists from the Arova Contemporary Ballet Victoria Bennett, Jamie Kilgore Foust and Jamorris Rivers. Shows will be held Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., Dec. 5 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets begin at $15. For more information visit www. magiccitynutcracker.org BIRMINGHAM

Photos special to the Journal

Christmas at Arlington Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens Guests can tour the house, gardens and old kitchen adorned with holiday decorations. The event includes refreshments, entertainment, cookies with Santa and children’s activities.

Friday night’s activities begin at 6 p.m. and will include a $20 admission fee. Saturday and Sunday admission prices are for donations only. For more information including times, call 4580360.

HOMEWOOD

Front, from left: Terri Jones with her dog Abby and Beth Leonard with her dog Bella. Back: Show Chairman Janet Sanders and President Mary Wier.

MBAA Holiday Art Show Brookwood Village The Mountain Brook Art Association will host a two-week art show, Dec. 4-19, featuring holiday gifts in the former space of Gus Mayer. An opening reception will be held Fri., Dec. 4 from 6-8 p.m. at Brio Tuscan Grille. This event is free and purchases will support Birmingham’s Hand in Paw’s animal-assisted therapy. For more information, visit www.mountainbrookartassociation.com. ❖

Saturday, December 5th Wreaths & Swags of Freshly Cut Greenery, Berries and Cones

Beautiful Poinsettias for Long-Lasting Color

Lush, Fragrant Garland

Dec. 4-Dec. 31

by the Foot or Roll

BIRMINGHAM

Zoolight Safari The Birmingham Zoo New to this annual event are the Glacier Glide ice skating rink in the Trails of Africa and the 100-foot Yuletide Slide near the primate building. This year’s dates include Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 17-23 and 26-31 from 5-9 p.m. each

To: From: Date:

Collier Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Dec. 2015

This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for t Dec. 15, 2015 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.

Monday-Friday 9:30-6:30 • Saturday 9:30-5:30 • Sunday 12:00-5:00 in November & December 2830 18th Street South • Homewood, AL 35209 • 205.879.3986. • HomewoodToy-Hobby.com

6 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

PrescriPtion Aesthetics And Wellness sPA Join Us in Celebrating Our 9th Annual Holiday Open House

Spectacular Holiday Event december 3rd, 5-8 P.m.

Food, music and many amazing specials.

Door prizes Include: Coolsculpting, Dysport, Restalyne, Radiesse, Skinceuticles, Revisions valued over $6,000.

Savings through December 7 in house and online at RX2fit.com

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Christmas Concert Canterbury UMC The Birmingham Boys Choir will hold its 38th annual night. Tickets are $8 and do not include special attractions. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. birminghamzoo.com.

Sat., Dec. 5 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Book Signing Little Hardware Irene Thames Gardner will present and sign her newest book “Mug Shots” from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The book includes mugshots of misbehaving pets and lists their crimes. For more information, visit www.irenethamesgardner.com.

: Tammie om: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax te: Nov. 2015

Greg

About Town

BIRMINGHAM

The Great Amazing Race Red Mountain Park The National Adventure Race Series obstacle-course race, supporting cancer,for will the begin at 1:15 p.m.

This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOuNTaiNpediatric JOurNal with check-ins.

For more information, Dec. 3, 2015 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. visit www.greatamazingrace.com/ birmingham.

please make sure all information is correct, Great Selection of Quality Merchandise 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.

holiday concert, Tues., Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Directed by Ken Berg, this year’s show will feature alumni and fathers along with the choir, culminating in 170 voices. For more information, visit www.birminghamboyschoir.com. ❖

BIRMINGHAM

Holiday Faire Alabama Waldorf School The school will hold its 28th annual holiday shopping event from 10 a.m.3 p.m. The free event will include an international lunch buffet and bake sale, student performances, pony rides, a drum circle with John Scalici, a climbing wall and music by Taylor Hollingsworth, The Joiners and Rachel Roberts.

For more information, visit www. alabamawaldorf.org.

HOOVER

Pete the Cat’s Groovy Christmas Hoover Public Library This children’s event will include holiday merriment presented by “the world’s most easy-going feline fella.”

The holiday program begins at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit www. hooverlibrary.org.

Santa will host a breakfast beginning at 8:30 a.m. including holiday crafts and admission to the Winter Wonderland exhibit. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.mcwane.org.

Dec. 5, 12 and 19 BIRMINGHAM

Dear Santa Birmingham Children’s Theatre The theatre will present a show about a tired Santa, who is ready to retire, and his North Pole friends who hope to convince him to stay. Tickets are $9 for children and $11 for adults. There will be a 10 a.m. and noon showing each day. For more information, visit www. bct123.org.

Sun., Dec. 6 BIRMINGHAM

Dec. 5 & 12

Child Safety Awareness Birmingham Zoo The Zoo will host a free children’s event from noon-4 p.m. sponsored by the Klaas Kids Foundation, a non-profit

BIRMINGHAM

Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop McWane Science Center

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make newspaper rolls at 3 p.m. for a local humane society. For more information, visit www.hooverlibrary.org.

HOMEWOOD

Makers and Bakers Homewood Library Guests are invited to make their own cookie creations and compete for the prize of “best holiday cookie.�

The event will be held from 3:304:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium.

For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Holiday Parade Mountain Brook Village The annual Holiday Parade, Dec. 6, will begin at 3 p.m.and includes Santa, holiday floats, marching bands, music, elves and live entertainment from the center stage in Mountain Brook Village. For more information, visit www.welcometomountainbrook. com. � organization dedicated to children’s safety. Founder Mark Klaas will serve as keynote speaker and parents will go home with fingerprints, photographs of their child and a free DNA kit. For more information, visit www.birminghamzoo. com.

Mon., Dec. 7 HOOVER

Helping Hands Hoover Library Guests are invited to drop by and

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 7

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Wed., Dec. 9 HOMEWOOD/MOUNTAIN BROOK

“The Juggler of Notre Dame�

Shades Valley Presbyterian Church Dolores Hydock will present a free program from 6:30-7:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. A casual supper will precede the event beginning at 5:30 p.m. The meal requires a reservation and a small charge. For more information, call 8717309.

Thurs., Dec. 10 BIRMINGHAM

Feed the Need Spring Valley School Participants will work together to pack and box 10,000 meals for children in the Birmingham area and those residing in a third-world country (to-beannounced). Packing will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and donations will be accepted to help support Spring Valley programs and ship the meals.

For more information, visit www. springvalleyschool.org.

Happy Holidays!

BIRMINGHAM

Chopped/Chanukah Games LJCC The center will celebrate the fifth night of Chanukah with a “Chopped�-style

For over 90 years, Levy’s has been Birmingham's Specialist in Antique and Estate Jewelry as well as Fine Diamonds, Art and Antiques.

Dec. 9-10 HOOVER

Walk Through Nativity Briarwood Presbyterian Church Each night from 6:45-8:45 p.m. over 850 church members will participate in a thirteen scene production of the birth and life of Jesus. The event will include a children’s petting zoo and refreshments. This event is free. For more information, visit www.briarwood. org/wtn.

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To: From:

Jennifer Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Nov. 2015

Date:

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOu Dec. 3, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to

To: Floyd Berman $ ' ' # " % !" " From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Please make sure all information is correct, including ad 205-824-1246, fax ' # ' # ' " " Please initial and fax back within 24 ho Date:

Nov. 2015 if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will ru This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOuNTaiN JOurNal for the Thank you for your prompt attentio Dec. 3, 2015 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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8 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Jingle Bell Run/Walk

Arthritis Foundation Hosts Annual HolidayThemed Race

By Emily Williams The Arthritis Foundations of Alabama and Mississippi will host the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Dec. 12 at Railroad Park.

Mississippi’s Chloe Vizier will be the event honoree. After initial misdiagnosis, she traveled to Birmingham and was diagnosed with systemic juvenile arthritis in 2011. Chloe said she is excited to be named honoree for her third Jingle Bell run.

“My favorite part is crossing the finish line because I know I did it, even though it hurts my ankles and knees,” Chloe said. “It feels good to know I did it.” Her mother, Amanda, agreed that the finish line is the best part of the race.

“The JBR is a fun/festive event that, while it may be freezing cold, will warm your heart,” Amanda said. “Seeing kids with arthritis run in pain and cross the finish line is a true inspiration.”

The annual run will be chaired latke cook-off from 5:30-7 p.m. Dinner will be served and includes vegetarian chili, salad, latkes, dessert and a drink.

Plates are $10 per person or $35 for a family of four. For more information, visit www.bhamjcc.org.

HOMEWOOD

Christmas Around the World Homewood Library Niki Sepsas will share a program that details Christmas customs from around the world at 6:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. This event is free.

For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

HOOVER

Harmony Hills Chorus Hoover Library The Birmingham-based women’s barbershop chorus will perform holiday music at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.hooverlibrary.org.

Fri., Dec. 11 BIRMINGHAM

Chanukah Celebration Temple Emanu-El Guests are invited to bring their menorah at 5:40 p.m. to light up the bima. The event will include the Temple’s worship band and the holiday gift program. For more information, visit www.ourtemple.org.

Sat., Dec. 12 HOOVER

Santa’s Storybook Brunch Hoover Library Guests are invited to join Santa for a story reading and breakfast snacks at 10:30 a.m. in the children’s programming room. For more information, visit www.hooverlibrary.org.

MB Art

Mississippi’s Chloe Vizier will be the event honoree.

by Helen Swanson, general manager of WIAT 42. This year’s medical honoree will be Dr. Darin Tessier of the Brookwood Orthopedic Sports Medicine Institute at Brookwood Medical Center. He specializes in treatments for shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle disorders.

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Arthritis Foundation programs and research to find a cure for arthritis.

BIRMINGHAM

Latkes and L’Chaims Aloft Hotel Chabad of Alabama’s celebration will begin at 7 p.m. The event will include an open bar, latkes, donuts and dairy hors d’oeuvres in the hotel’s WXYZ Bar. Tickets are $18 per person or $30 per couple. To RSVP, contact office@ ChabadofAlabama.com.

Sun., Dec. 13 VESTAVIA HILLS

Christmas Parade Liberty Park The parade will begin at 2 p.m. at the Liberty Parkway and will continue through the Alston Meadows neighborhood, ending at Alston Meadows Park. Following the parade will be a celebration event including inflatables, music, business booths and visits with Santa. For more information, visit www.vestaviahills.org.

Tues., Dec. 15 HOOVER

Wake Up Santa!

Hoover Library The library staff will star in a holiday program at 6:30 p.m. A meet and greet with Santa and a Season’s Eatings event will follow the production.

For more information, visit www. hooverlibrary.org.

Dec. 15-16 BIRMINGHAM

Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour Avondale Brewery Buses will run every 20 minutes from 5-8 p.m. taking guests on a tour of the most outrageous light displays

“The foundation served as my lifeline during the early years of Chloe’s diagnosis,” Amanda said.

“They were a shoulder to cry on, a place to get information and a light at the end of the tunnel. Today they provide me with the knowledge and confidence to advocate at a national level for Chloe and all of those suffering with arthritis.”

Chloe regularly attends the foundation’s summer camp, Camp MASH, for free and connects with other kids her age who suffer from JA. “Arthritis hurts, but the many new friends I’ve made and things I’ve gotten to do because I have arthritis has been the highlight,” Chloe said.

Activities will begin at 8 a.m. and the race will begin at 9 a.m.

Runners are invited to wear a holiday-themed costume and tie jingle bells to their shoelaces as they race and raise funds to find a cure for arthritis.

Registration for the 5K begins at $35. Other options include a 1-mile fun run for $35, a $30 fundraising option for guests who cannot attend and a $25 fee for a Santa Chase for children ages 8 and under.

For more information, visit www.jbr.org. ❖ in Birmingham. The two-hour tour will include a mid-tour break at La Paz in Crestline Village. Family-friendly buses will run until 8:30. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. For more information, visit www.avondalebrewing. com.

Wed., Dec. 16 HOMEWOOD/MOUNTAIN BROOK

“A Christmas Keyboard” Shades Valley Presbyterian Church Ty Thornton, organist for the church, will present a free 10th anniversary concert at 6:30 p.m. A casual dinner will precede the event at a nominal charge at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 871-7309.

Thurs., Dec. 17 HOMEWOOD

Darla Hall Book Signing Books-a-Million Brookwood Author Darla Hall, known for her NFL and MLB licensed children’s books, will host an event from 5-8 p.m. during which she will discuss her books, the importance of giving back and will sign copies. Guests can purchase select books to donate to Children’s Hospital during the event. For more information, call 870-0213.

Fri., Dec. 18 VESTAVIA HILLS

Holiday Luncheon Library in the Forest The Friends of the Library will host its annual luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the community room. For more information, visit www.vestavialibrary. org. ❖

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 9

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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life

10 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Living Faith IPC Reflects on a Century of Service

Photo by Virginia Jones

When Dr. Henry Edmonds walked across the street from South Highland Presbyterian Church Oct. 24, 1915, and was offered a space to worship with his followers at Temple Emanu-El, he began a church that has stood the test of time.

Independent Presbyterian Church is recognizing its centennial this year, a milestone officials attribute to the importance the church places on social action and support of the Birmingham community.

The church’s resident “chief elf,” Cathy Adams, who literally wrote the book on IPC in the publication “Forward in Faith,” said the beauty of the church is that it has changed with the times while still holding fast to its original message, which stresses the importance of community outreach.

“Our primary goal through our local missions is to be in relationships in the community with people in need, but in an empowering way,” said the Rev. Susan Clayton, director of community ministries.

Adams and Clayton agreed that the congregation’s close-knit, family feel serves to reinforce the drive to help the community outside of the church.

Ruth Lukens Potter, daughter of the Rev. Dr. John Lukens, who served as pastor of IPC from 1948 to 1966, said the sense of family was apparent even before her family moved to Birmingham.

“We moved here in February of 1948,” Potter said. “I had just turned 12 the week before. So, I grew up in this church. I loved it from the day we got here and so did my parents.

My mother was just in ecstasy.”

When they arrived at their house, supplied by the church, a group known as The Women

In July, Bill Carl assumed the role as IPC pastor, making him the last IPC pastor of the church’s first century but the first pastor for its second century.

Photo courtesy of Birmingham, Alabama Public Library Archives

By Emily Williams

According to IPC’s resident historian Cathy Adams, long-time member Mrs. Beatty was known for her service to the church including gifting a bus, (see cover photo) slinging waffles downtown for a waffle kitchen fundraiser and more.

In the early years of the Fresh Air Farm, a regular activity for the children was gardening.

of IPC filled their pantry with food to make them feel welcome. She attended Avondale Elementary School her first year in the city, but when the Brook Hill School – now The Altamont School – opened its doors to women, she was the first female recipient of a scholarship. Potter said the church has a strong connection with the school, without which she does not believe she would have had that opportunity.

Potter recalled having supper at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm, IPC’s oldest outreach program. The farm was started by The Women of IPC and Edmonds in 1923 and has seen a fair amount of changes throughout its life.

It began as a summer camp for underprivileged white children, offering them a place during the summer to nurture their minds and stomachs. Over time it was integrated and added programming to make it more beneficial to the needs of the children throughout the years.

Clayton said that an educational summer learning program was added more than five years ago to help keep underprivileged students on track with their education during the summer.

“One of the greatest things about a kid being able to come to the summer learning program is that, in addition to the academics and recreation, you’re getting breakfast, lunch and a snack before you go home,” Adams said.

Historically, the congregation has supported the Fresh Air Farm, among IPC’s many other outreach programs. Adams recalled an early churchgoer, Mary Alice Beatty, who consistently gave her time and wealth to the church. She even gave a secret gift of a bus to IPC to shuttle children to and from the farm. Adams said Beatty put a bow on the bus and hid when it was presented, wishing to give it anonymously.

“There were people of means in this congregation who always saw it as a part of their calling to – we are overall a congregation of people who have ample material resources,” Adams said. “There has always been a sense that, with

that blessing, you are to be a blessing to other people who are not as fortunate.”

During her time at the church, Beatty also ran a waffle kitchen downtown with The Women of IPC to raise funds for a church organ.

Adams said that during her research for her book, she ran across a quote from one of the diners that read, “Well, the waffles were okay, but the women were so darn pretty.”

“For the people of this church whose fami-

‘There were people of means in this congregation who always saw it as a part of their calling to – we are overall a congregation of people who have ample material resources. There has always been a sense that, with that blessing, you are to be a blessing to other people who are not as fortunate.’ Cathy Adams lies have been members for generations, there is a legacy that this is what we do,” Adams said, referring to the church’s century-long legacy of community service.

Clayton said the constant for the church is the idea that members should live out their faith as the Bible states Jesus did, reaching out into the margins of society and clothing the naked, feeding the hungry and caring for the poor.

“The spirit of Henry Edmonds and the people who began this church and the ministers who have continued it all of these years was a spirit of believing in the faith was not just about believing doctrine,” Clayton said.

After a church fire in 1992 that destroyed

most of the church, save the chapel and sanctuary, Adams said the church could have died out.

Mainline Christian churches are seeing a decline in membership, Clayton added.

“I think the growing edge for us now as a congregation, like it is for so many churches, is in how you reach out to millennials, to younger people,” Clayton said.

Clayton said the plan for the second century is to delve even further into community outreach. The church plans to open a community resource center that will provide services and programming for people of all ages who are in need in the hope the opportunity will provide participants with a chance to move beyond poverty.

From Last to First

On the brink of its centennial, IPC welcomed the Rev. Dr. William “Bill” J. Carl III to its pulpit to serve as pastor this year.

“I am the last pastor of the first century and the first pastor of the second century, so it’s kind of amazing to be a part of that transitional moment,” Carl said.

Carl, along with the congregation, celebrated the beginning of the second century of IPC with a Second Century Service at the Alabama Theatre on Oct. 25. The event was attended by more than 1,000 people and included a service led by Carl, performances by the church’s children and adult choirs and the IPC’s organist Jim McClellan playing “Big Bertha,” the Alabama Theatre’s famous red organ. The program included recognizing the church’s members of 50, 60, and 70 years or more. One member who could not attend joined the church when he was 12 years old and has been a member for 85 years, according to Carl.

“We had a big blowout and it was so much fun,” Carl said. “We don’t usually have everyone together. Our sanctuary only holds about 600 and we have two different services on Sundays and a contemporary service at night.”

After serving as head pastor of a large min-

Photos special to the Journal

Above: In 1994, IPC member Annette Ireland asked her husband to fund the construction of a swimming pool for the farm as a Christmas gift to her. below: Since its inception in 1923, the Children’s Fresh Air Farm has grown in attendance as well as amenities with the addition of a Summer Learning Program in 2010.

istry in Dallas for 22 years and president of the Presbyterian Seminary in Pittsburgh for 10 years, Carl said, what drew him to accept a position at IPC was the church’s history of community service. He serves under the belief that a civilization is only as

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 11

Life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

strong as its weakest link.

“When you lift those who are at the bottom and help them – not just a hand out but a step up in order to get on their own and make it – it helps the whole society,” Carl said. “For a hundred years this church has always

understood that.”

With a new century comes rebranding, said Carl, and IPC’s new tagline will read “IPC: Joining God in the World, Welcoming Our Neighbors.” He said the theme behind the statement is to not only worship in the sanctuary, but to worship through the act of helping others.

“For me, the front line of ministry is not the church building,” Carl said.

“It’s where lay-people live and work trying to follow Jesus.” Through the new tagline and the growing social ministry, Carl said he hopes church officials are equipping people with the tools to help everyone in the community, not just themselves and their peers at IPC. “While the mainline churches are declining, this is a church that’s actually growing and it’s going against the curve,” Carl said. “To grow in the 21st century, you have to be doing evangelism and social justice.”

The future of ministry, according to Carl, lies in the changing values of the millennial generation, who seek a form of spirituality that not only changes their lives, but the lives of others.

Carl said he invites new members to join not just to be entertained by the grandeur of “high church” in a sanctuary with beautiful music and a sermon, but to pair that experience with the spirituality that comes with working directly with those in need in the Birmingham community.

For more information on IPC and its centennial events, visit www.ipcusa.org. ❖

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12 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Sparking Celebration

Summit and LJCC Host Area’s First Public Menorah Lighting

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The Summit and the Levite Jewish Community Center are partnering to host the first public menorah lighting in Birmingham.

The lighting will take place on Dec. 6 by Saks Fifth Avenue.

The menorah lighting is a key part of launching the Hanukkah holiday in Jewish culture. Hanukkah, which also is known as the festival of lights, commemorates the victory of the ancient Israelites over the Syrian Greek army.

The historical holiday is celebrated by lighting the menorah for eight nights. According to Jewish culture, when their ancestors were repairing the Holy Temple during the battle, they had enough oil to burn for only one night. But through divine intervention, the oil lasted for eight nights, allowing them enough light to complete their tasks.

“There are two symbols called the menorah,” said Betzy Lynch, executive director of the LJCC. “There’s a seven branch menorah that is a symbol of the state of Israel and then there is a hanukiah, which is designed for the holiday and has nine branches instead of seven. Eight of the branches represent the eight nights the oil burned and the ninth candle, or the Shamash, is used to light the other candles.”

Lynch said public menorah lighting is important not only for Birmingham’s Jewish community, but

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

By Kaitlin Candelaria

The LJCC and The Summit are partnering to host Birmingham’s first public Menorah lighting on Dec. 6

by Saks Fifth Avenue.

for the community as a whole.

“It’s important because any time we can share a positive Jewish experience is good,” she said. “For the most part, Birmingham is a religious community and all Judeo-Christian religions have roots in the Old Testament. Understanding Jewish tradition and the way that people respect it in turn feeds their own respect and integrity of their own beliefs.”

She said it’s also important in light of many events going on in the world today.

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By Kaitlin Candelaria The Hoover Service Club is celebrating 40 years of improving the community.

Started by Flora Mae Pike in May 1975, the club is dedicated to working tirelessly to raise money for others in the Hoover community. Throughout its 40 years of volunteering and fundraising, the group has been able to contribute more than $484,000 in donations and awards.

Recipients of the group’s kindness include families with special needs children, Hoover City Schools, Hoover Fire and Rescue, and the Hoover Police Department. The club also has contributed to scholarship programs for students in the city.

In 2014, the club was able to contribute more than $23,000 to the community while simultaneously granting more than $16,000 in scholarships to students at Spain Park and Hoover high schools. There also is a Flora Mae Pike Community Service Award, which is awarded each year to an outstanding Hoover volunteer.

The Hoover City Council and Mayor Gary Ivey recognized the club for its service at a meeting in September.

“The Hoover Service club members

are civic-minded women who give their time and talents to help meet the needs in the community,” said Jennifer Gregory, publicity chair.

The club also recently hosted its annual fashion show. On Nov. 12, members of the club partnered with Steinmart representatives Debbie Rogers and Darlene Real to create fashionable looks that they then modeled for audience members at their lunch meeting at the Hoover Country Club.

The club also was able to present a check to “Hoover Helps,” a local organization created by Hoover residents

Greg and Donna Bishop to provide food over the weekends to Hoover city schools students who are living with food insecurity. For more information on Hoover Helps, visit www. hooverhelps.org.

The club is also gearing up for its annual gala. The Hearts and Harmony gala will take place Feb. 19 at the Hyatt Regency-The Wynfrey Hotel.

In addition to its regularly scheduled events and fundraisers, the Hoover Service Club also regularly collects canned goods for charities and food banks.

For more information on the Hoover Service Club, visit www. hooverserviceclub.com. ❖

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

DEC

Hoover Service Club Celebrates 40 Years

“Unfortunately, given the world climate, a positive Jewish experience and seeing Jewish life in a positive way is important,” she said. “Jews all over Europe and Jews in the United States are having a difficult time in terms of anti-semitism. The more we can do to educate people and help them feel comfortable with what Jewish life is about, the stronger our relationships become with the broader community and this is the perfect opportunity for us to be a part of this amazing holiday season.”

During the lighting ceremony, the 12-foot menorah will be backlit with boxes inscribed with information about Hanukkah and the Jewish culture.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell will be on hand to light the Shamash. In addition, families can enjoy a small village with traditional Hanukkah foods such as potato latkes and doughnuts, hot chocolate and Hanukkah music and videos. Barnes and Noble will sponsor a small gift village and have books and educational materials on hand about Hanukkah.

Families will receive hanukiah candles and traditional prayers for the holiday. In addition, “The Dreidel Man” will be on site for photos.

Dreidel is a traditional game played during Hanukkah.

“The stores and the vendors have all been so willing to help make the ambiance what we want it to be and I’m so thankful they’ve all bought into it this way,” Lynch said. ❖

Hoover Service Club members Pam Edwards, Donna Bishop and Donna Vickery.

The Club presented Bishop with a check for her organization, “Hoover Helps.”

Toy Story

Sugar Plum Shop at Children’s Brings Joy at Christmas

By Lee Davis The magic of Christmas can come in all sorts of ways.

At Children’s of Alabama, it’s something as simple as the Sugar Plum Shop.

Established six years ago, the shop was created for patients and their families who must spend the holidays at the hospital. A toy store is built and operat-

There are also parents who, because of the financial burden of medical expenses, couldn’t afford to provide Christmas gifts for their children.

ed within the hospital’s walls for a few days before Christmas, giving parents the opportunity to Christmas-shop for their hospitalized children and siblings totally free of charge.

The shop, presented by Regions Bank, is operated by hospital staff, corporate partners and community volunteers and is funded by donations of toys and money.

“Once again we are being blessed by the community,” said Jennifer Deneke, director of family services at Children’s. “This is a great way to empower families to be able to provide Christmas gifts for our in-hospital

patients that otherwise might not be able to do so.”

The idea for the Sugar Plum Shop came from a Children’s staff member, according to Deneke. “One person came up with the idea, and from there it spread to the blessing the shop has become,” she said.

Deneke said each child receives at least five gifts in addition to a book, a stuffed animal and a family board game. More than 500 children have benefited from the Sugar Plum Shop each year.

The shop is made up of three rooms. The first is the Toy Store, where toys are placed in sections by age-appropriateness and where parents can shop. A second room is the Red Ribbon Wrapping Room, where volunteers wrap the gifts.

“Parents can choose which gifts they would like to have wrapped and which ones can be unwrapped gifts from Santa Claus,” Deneke said.

A third room is the Candy Cane Café, where parents can enjoy a snack and take a respite from their daily routine.

The stories of parents who were able to provide Christmas gifts to their children because of the Sugar Plum Shop are endless, Deneke said.

“There (was) a dad who had prepared his children for the possibility that Santa might not be able to come

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 13

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

on Christmas Day and would have to come later,” she recalled. “The man was in tears when he learned that because of the Sugar Plum Shop, his children would have gifts to open on Christmas.”

There are also parents who, because of the financial burden of medical expenses, couldn’t afford to provide Christmas gifts for their children.

“We couldn’t do it without the support of the community,” Deneke said.

“Not just from the Birmingham area, but from the entire state.”

Deneke said Children’s has a special relationship with the people of Alabama. “Obviously nobody wants to have their child come to Children’s, but they appreciate the fact that it’s there if they need it,” she explained.

“And because of their generosity, we have been able to do some good things.”

Popular items on the shop’s wish list include arts and crafts supplies, infant and toddler items, electronic toys, action figures, dolls, train sets, building blocks and many more, including wrapping supplies. For more ideas on gifts, go to www.foundation. childrensal.org/wishlist.

Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.

-9:30 p.m. and on holidays and weekends from 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. in the Children’s of Alabama lobby, at 1600 7th Ave. South. All donations should be received by Dec. 18.

The Christmas season can be a sad time for a child in the hospital. But thanks to the Sugar Plum Shop and its supporters, there truly is a Santa Claus. ❖

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14 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

life/people

Hope for the Holidays

By Emily Williams While bells ring throughout the community, ushering in holiday cheer, those who aren’t feeling so merry and bright may find it hard to join in on the fun.

Community Grief Support’s clinical director, Steve Sweatt, said those grieving a loss should make a plan for dealing with their emotions on a holiday, whether they choose to follow the traditions of the past or make a radical change to their routines.

From the Community Grief Support offices in Homewood, Sweatt regularly counsels adult individuals and groups on dealing with grief in a healthy way. Sweatt is a licensed professional counselor, as well as an ordained Baptist minister, who was led to grief support through his own experiences with the struggle.

“For me, I think it was the death of my father, my Army sergeant major father, who died of a heart attack when he was 46 years,” Sweatt said. He was 11 at the time of his father’s death, and he said his efforts to heal himself propelled him to ministry, followed by hospital chaplaincy and finally mental health counseling.

“It is very commonplace when an individual is experiencing bereavement to have multiple secondary losses,” Sweatt said. “For instance, the spouse who loses her husband is not only los-

ing a lover and companion, but also maybe a source of income. Maybe there’s a drop in social status, she loses her identity as a married person and maybe her social circle.”

According to Sweatt, there are multiple layers of loss that must be recognized. The first is grief – how we react to a loss of any kind, whether that be emotionally, socially or spiritually.

“Grief is not just an emotional experience,” he said. “It affects us on multiple domains of being.”

The next element is mourning – each person’s unique way of giving expression to their grief. Sweatt said everyone is different and there is no one way that grief manifests itself.

Last is the element of coping – how we calm and soothe ourselves in times of stress.

“When they bump up against reminders of their loved one, that can really lead to a resurgence of grief and an exacerbation of mourning,” Sweatt said. “The holidays are a natural time for that because it’s a time for family, a festive time, a time when family connection is most keenly felt.”

Because the holidays are a time for communal celebration, Sweatt said, many people who have experienced a loss should keep a few things in mind so they can best enjoy the season.

Number one on his list is to have some awareness of your typical response to feelings of grief.

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Local Grief Counselor Shares Tips for Coping During the Holidays

Steve Sweatt, clinical director of Community Grief Support in Homewood, recently spoke at the “Hope for the Holidays” event, providing information and tips on coping with grief during the holiday season.

“We find that survivors typically move in one of several directions,” he said. “One would be – especially after a sudden traumatic or violent loss – they may make a radical departure from tradition. It’s just too painful to stay in town or to celebrate the holiday.” He suggests that people entertain the idea of going to the beach or out of state.

On the opposite end, there are those who lean into tradition during times of bereavement because it is comforting and feels familiar. In such situations, Sweatt suggests modifying the tradition to avoid any major triggers. Do less of one aspect of celebration if you think you cannot get into the spirit of it, but don’t cut out all of the tradition if you need something to lighten the atmosphere or brighten your mood.

For those who choose to stick to tradition, Sweatt said it is important to prepare for a sudden onset of grief.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

“We encourage people to think of a plan and allow that to be flexible and to share that plan with people in their family and friendship circles,” he said.

“What might be the potential triggers for causing the survivor a lot of upset?

What would you like to do and what don’t you want to do?”

He suggests relaying this plan to the person whom you would turn to first in a time of crisis and tell them what you need to calm and soothe yourself.

“If you have a strong grief reaction, which is perfectly normal, we encourage survivors to prepare for that and allow some space for the emergence of grief,” he said. “Some people are naturally more feeling and expressive; they need to talk, share, connect and release. Others are quieter; they seek out involvement in activity to give expression to their grief. Some are both.”

These are just a few steps that can aide a person grieving during the holidays. For continued support, Sweatt suggests attending a support group or meeting with a grief counselor. “(Support groups) can expand their sense of community,” Sweatt said.

“Grief can be incredibly isolating and the survivor is very focused on his or her own pain. That has the unintentional effect of shutting people out.

Maybe a survivor withdraws because people aren’t responding appropriately or helpfully.”

Support groups are often attended by volunteers who have been through the program and return to help those in need. Sweatt said the social interaction with a group can be helpful, particularly for those who have withdrawn from or lost social contact because of a loss.

“Programs can also reduce a survivor’s sense of feeling abnormal,” he said. “Knowing that other people are experiencing similar reactions could be comforting.”

For more information on adult grief support, visit www.communitygriefsupport.org. For information on adolescent grief support, Sweatt suggests visiting www.ameliacenter.org. ❖

Girl Scouts Welcomes Peterlin as CEO Karen Peterlin, former director of development for Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham, was recently named chief executive officer for the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.

She joined the council Nov. 16.

Following a successful career with the U.S. Army, Peterlin served in multiple leadership capacities for the Girl Scouts of North Alabama Inc., one of four legacy councils that merged to create Girl Scouts of North-Central Karen Peterlin Alabama.

“My vision for GSNCA is to utilize the collaborative work of the board, staff and volunteers to develop and implement strategic and sustainable programs that will result in an increase in membership and public support that will ensure the financial stability of the council,” Peterlin said.

Before her position with Habitat for Humanity, Peterlin served as executive director of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and CEO/president of Kid One Transport.

“I am very pleased to welcome Karen Peterlin aboard,” said GSNCA Board President Pam Copeland. “I look forward to working hand-in-hand with her to create great partnerships between the membership, staff and the community.”

Peterlin has more than 40 years of service to Girl Scouts, ranging from being a member as a girl to volunteering as an adult and finally working on the professional staff. As a child, she was a member of Girl Scouts in Pennsylvania.

“The opportunity to become a leader again in the Girl Scouts is truly exciting,” Peterlin said. “I strongly believe in the mission of the organization, the values and the life lessons that the Girl Scout Leadership Experience instills in girls.”

John Thomas Darby, a member of Boy Scout Troop 63 at Canterbury United Methodist Church, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In his scouting career, Darby has earned 26 merit John Thomas Darby badges and was inducted as a member of the Order of the Arrow National Honor Society.

For his Eagle service project, he designed and built a system of storage shelving for the Old Firehouse Shelter in downtown Birmingham. The shelving units are modular and can be moved and used by the shelter for different purposes. Darby installed the shelves in the facility’s basement for homeless men to store their personal effects.

Darby is a junior at Mountain Brook High School, where he plays on the varsity tennis team.

He is the son of Caroline and Patrick Darby.

is a member of Order of the Arrow and earned 21 merit badges over the course of his years as a scout.

Williams’ Eagle Scout project was to replace a privacy fence for two adults with autism spectrum disorder who live in a house managed by Glenwood in Birmingham’s Southside. In taking down the Ford Williams old, dilapidated fence and constructing a new one, Williams was able to provide a safe and private environment for the two residents who live independently with the help of Triumph Services.

Williams is a junior at Mountain Brook High School, where he plays on the varsity football team and is a member of the Key Club and Junior Civitan Club. He is also an acolyte at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Williams is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Turner B. Williams. He is the grandson of Mrs. James J. Bushnell and the late Dr. Bushnell and of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ernest G. Williams of Tuscaloosa.

Williams Recognized as Eagle Scout

Collier Receives Eagle Scout Honor

Mountain Brook’s Darby Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 15

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Ford Williams, a member of Boy James Benton Collier III, a member Scout Troop 53 at St. Peter’s Anglican of Boy Scout Troop 28, has earned the Church, earned the rank of Eagle rank of Eagle Scout. During his scouting Scout and was recognized at a Court of career, Collier earned 27 merit badges, BV OTMJ Magical 10.375x6.25 FIN.qxp_Layout 1 11/23/15 12:02 PM Page 1 Honor ceremony in October. Williams served in various leadership roles and

logged 41 camping nights and more than 100 hours of service. He was also awarded the Order of the Arrow and God and Country designations.

For his project, Collier turned an underused area on the Westover campus of King’s Home of Alabama into a recreational area with picnic tables, mulch and trees. He James Collier donated the leftover funds to the organization’s general fund.

Collier is a sophomore at Mountain Brook High School, where he is a member of the junior varsity basketball team. He is an active member of St. Indulge family this holiday seasonFeed at Habitat Feed & Social Indulgewith with familywith andfriends friendsand thisfriends holiday season Habitat Feed Social Indulge family and this holiday season atatHabitat &&Social Luke’s Episcopal Church. featuring fresh, progressive cuisine includingSpiced Bohemian Spiced Prime Rib, Turkey featuringfresh, fresh, progressive cuisineincluding including Bohemian SpicedPrime Prime Rib,Turkey Turkey featuring progressive cuisine Bohemian Rib, Collier is the son of Allison and Jimmy Supreme Supreme with Sage Gravy, Crab Cakes, savory desserts and so much more.

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To: Melody From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: NOv. This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOuNTaiN JOurNal for the Dec. 3, 2015 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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u Over the Mountain

Retail Centers Ready for Holiday Shopping Season While children are tucked in dreaming of sugar plums and Xboxes and their parents lie awake thinking of massive shopping lists and entertainment plans, retailers in the Over the Mountain area have been working to satisfy both their expectations with care.

They’ve strung millions of lights, booked times on Santa’s busy schedule, arranged special services for frazzled shoppers, and set up extra security in preparation for what they expect to be a busy holiday shopping season.

“People always come out for the sales and offers that we have and we love to give them incentives to come out and shop,” said Angela Jacks, marketing manager for the Riverchase Galleria. “Physical stores still account for 90 percent of retail activity, so we’re expecting people to come out and shop.”

The Summit of Birmingham kicked off the holiday season in November with a parade and fireworks show.

The event included lighting the more than a million bulbs that decorate The Summit for the holiday season, performances from the Birmingham Boys Choir and the Red Mountain Theatre company, family and kid-friendly activities and Santa himself, who came in on an antique firetruck.

Throughout the holiday season, Assistant General Manager Ed Collari said, shoppers can expect to see extra security to keep them safe and assist with parking.

“One of the newer challenges that we’ll have here is the opening of Trader Joe’s,” he said. “It’s obviously a very popular retail destination.

Especially during the holiday season,

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

By Kaitlin Candelaria

Brookwood Village is undergoing renovations slated to be complete in early 2016, and Glenn Miller, portfolio marketing director for Cypress Equities, said shoppers will be able to see the new flooring on display in the upper level.

our goal is to make sure there are no issues and everything goes smoothly and that we focus on parking and security. Our main goal is to make sure that the customer experience is on an elevated level, whether they’re familiar or a unique customer that’s coming from out of town.”

Throughout the season, customers can take advantage of the holiday concierge area, dubbed The North Pole.

The Junior League and Exceptional Foundation will be at the North Pole to provide assistance with gift wrap-

ping. Hot chocolate and coffee also will be available as well as remote gift card sales.

In addition to their holiday parade, The Summit will be hosting the first public menorah lighting by Saks Fifth Avenue on Dec. 6. You can read more about the event on page 12.

Brookwood Village introduced their singing Santa last month in an official kick-off party, during which children had the chance to enjoy entertainment, meet snow fairies, have their faces painted and do holiday crafts.

He’ll be at the mall every day through Christmas Eve sharing his vocal talents and posing for pictures with good little boys and girls.

On Dec. 7, pets can get in on the action with special photo sessions with Santa from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cats and dogs must be on leashes or in carriers to participate.

Brookwood is undergoing renovations slated to be complete in early 2016, and Glenn Miller, portfolio marketing director for Cypress Equities, said shoppers will be able to see the

new flooring on display in the upper level.

“The team at Brookwood Village is projecting an awesome holiday shopping season,” he said. “Not only are guests eager to view the exciting renovation updates and shop a number of stores and restaurants that are unique to the market, but Brookwood Village hosts the most unique and exciting Santa experience available in Greater Birmingham.”

Miller said shoppers also can look forward to shopping spree giveaways throughout the season. For more information about how to enter, visit the shopping center’s Facebook page.

At the Galleria, many stores are now focusing on integrating e-commerce with their in-store shopping by offering services such as ordering online and picking up in store, Jacks said.

She said shoppers at the Galleria can take advantage of bag storage at Guest Services when their arms get too full but they haven’t checked everything off their lists. Representatives also will be on hand to guide shoppers to stores and assist them with gift card services.

“There will be a lot of people here, so we hope everyone comes with their Christmas spirit,” Jacks said, laughing.

“Remember, it’s going to be busy, so arrive early and be patient.”

On Dec. 12, shoppers can enjoy a holiday showcase and fashion shows from stores around the Galleria periodically throughout the afternoon. On Dec. 13, the Birmingham Children’s Youth Orchestra will perform at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.riverchasegalleria.com. ❖

u over the mountain

Instagift Launches Group Gift Cards for Homewood, Crestline Areas

Journal file photo

By Kaitlin Candelaria

Alabama Goods, owned by Beth Staula and Sherry Hartley, from left, is one of over forty redemption locations featured on the Instagift Homewood Group Gift Card.

Gift cards are taking on a new look this holiday season thanks to Instagift, a Birmingham-based business founded on the premise of buying and selling egift cards and mobile gift cards on the internet.

Instagift is housed in Innovation Depot in downtown Birmingham. It serves more than 1,000 clients across the country with a heavy emphasis on the Birmingham area.

Sales Director Brooke Gillis said the idea for Instagift was born after CEO Nate Schmidt noticed a trend. Local businesses would get hit up for donations for local events constantly, but people would buy Amazon gift cards when it came time to exchange gifts.

“We want to focus on how to keep our money local,” Gillis said. “The biggest thing is that we really focus on local businesses and buying local.”

About 80 of their clients are based in the Birmingham community, she said.

The gift “cards” may be for individual merchants or groups of merchants. Gift givers can email them to recipients or print a receipt to give them, and cardholders can manage and redeem their cards from an Instagift app on their phones.

Instagift’s latest innovation is gift cards aimed toward the Crestline and Homewood communities.

“We launched the Crestline card at the end of October and sold $10,000 within the first week,” she said. “We love Crestline and we have a lot of great clients there. It’s been an easy card to launch because people are very loyal to them.”

Businesses in Crestline that accept the gift cards include Basil Gourmet Pizza and Bar, Bongiomo, Catherine Pittman Smith Photography, Crestline Bagel Company, Dish’n It Out, Elle,

‘We want to focus on how to keep our money local.

The biggest thing is that we really focus on local businesses and buying local.’ Brooke Gillis, Instagift Gus’s Hot Dogs, La Paz, Mafiozas, Mountain Brook Sporting Goods, Neighborhood Hops and Vine, Otey’s, Smart Skin Day Spa, Sugar, Surin of Thailand, Taco Mama, The Pantry, The Pants Store, Tracy’s and Urban Cookhouse.

“They hold value just like a plastic card,” she said. “For example, one may choose to eat lunch at La Paz and then go shop at the Pants Store all on the same card. We strongly believe in shopping and dining local and we look forward to our group gift cards making a huge impact in Birmingham. They make great

gifts for everyone on your list this holiday season.”

Also recently launched is the Homewood card, which includes more than 40 redemption locations, including Dream Cakes, Homewood Toy and Hobby, Homewood Sporting Goods, Jackson’s, Trak Shak and Homewood Gourmet.

“We worked on getting a mix of retail and dining so that it can cater to a lot of different people,” Gillis said.

Because of the success of the two cards thus far, Gillis said customers can expect to see group gift cards for Mountain Brook, Mountain Brook Village and English Village in 2016.

Instagift also will be running many holiday promotions during the month of December, all of which will be posted on its website.

For more information on Instagift or to purchase a card, visit www.bhamgiftcards.com ❖

u Vestavia hills

Stock

Jones Tells Chamber of 16th Street Bombing Case

u mountain Brook

City Welcomes Ridesharing Programs Ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft were given a green light to operate in Mountain Brook as of Nov. 28.

The Mountain Brook City Council in a Nov. 23 meeting unanimously approved an ordinance allowing ride-sharing businesses to operate in the city. The companies will be charged $500 and must adhere to requirements such as background checks, insurance and audits.

“The City Council is pleased that we were able to come together unanimously to provide another transportation option for our constituents, in this case one that they have been asking for and one that embraces progress,” said Virgina Smith, Mountain Brook City Council President.

“We hope to have Uber or other TNCs operating in our city soon.”

The vote came a day before Birmingham’s City Council was scheduled to consider allowing ridesharing businesses to operate. That vote was delayed when the City Council’s meeting was canceled for lack of a quorum.

– Emily Williams

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 17

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Birmingham lawyer Doug Jones spoke during the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon Nov. 10, sharing his personal story and the story of those affected by the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963 and a trial that followed much later.

Under his leadership as U.S. attorney, prosecutors sought to re-open the cold case in 1997 and secure convictions for Doug Jones two of the four members of the Ku Klux Klan who aided in making, securing and detonating the bomb that killed four young girls and injured another Sept. 15, 1963.

“What was happening in September of 1963 was the desegregation of the Birmingham City Schools for the first time,” Jones said.

He set the scene for the bombing, recounting the historical dates and events of the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham, including the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education court ruling and George Wallace’s staged stand in the schoolhouse door, an attack on the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and his wife in 1957 and the Freedom Rides in 1961.

Jones said many of the acts of

hate in Alabama during that time were centered on children and their growing rights as desegregation came to fruition.

The surviving victim, Sarah Collins, served as the last witness in the trial of Thomas Blanton and Bobby Cherry.

Jones said her testimony ended the trial on a high note and was the reason a conclusion to the case was reached quickly and the two Klansmen were sentenced to life in prison.

Jones showed a photograph taken of Collins before the bombing in which she was smiling with her favorite doll in hand, and he said it was the photograph that captures the message of the Civil Rights movement – the hope of those fighting segregation that their children would one day be acknowledged members of society.

“At the end of the day, this is a photograph of hope: a young black girl holding her best friend, a white Chatty Cathy doll,” Jones said.

Jones said he and his colleagues see a push-back occurring around the nation through violent acts such as those in Charleston, South Carolina, and Missouri, and in recent debates over the use of the Confederate flag.

“There are times that we have got to stop and think about what happened and the messages and what was learned right here in Birmingham,” Jones said. He recalled a time when Birmingham was the leader in the Civil Rights movement, how far we have come since 1963 and how far we can go in the future.

“We are better than (racism) and that is the lesson of the 16th Street Baptist Church,” Jones said.

– Emily Williams

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Scholarship Support

Annual Dinner Raises Funds for Local Parkinson’s Disease Research

Photos special to the Journal

T

he fifth annual Parkinson Association of Alabama cocktail dinner was held Nov. 12 at the home of Carol and Rusty Stewart to raise funds for the 2016 PAA Pre-Doctoral Scholarship. The scholarship was created to fund the research of an outstanding PhD/MD candidate who is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

The dinner was hosted by Mary Katherine and Gerry Cabaniss, Alice and Wam Major, Leslie and Elton Stephens, Carol and Rusty Stewart, Carey and Dan Thomasson, and Sherry and Lloyd Wilson.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and a seated dinner catered by Imperial Catering. Tables were decorated by Carol Stewart and Alice Major.

Before the event, Dr. David Standaert, chairman of the Department of Neurology at UAB, identified Rachael Underwood as the recipient of the 2016 scholarship. Underwood was in attendance at the dinner, as was the 2015 PAA scholar, Lindsay Stoyka.

Much like Stoyka, Underwood will use the PAA Scholarship to

Rusty Stewart, Carey Thomasson, Alice Major and Elton Stephens.

From left: Rosemary Gillespy, Rachel Underwood and Lindsay Stoyka.

fund her research efforts at UAB’s Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics laboratory working under Dr. Talene Yacoubian, one of the nation’s leading Parkinson’s experts and the first PAA pre-doctoral scholar.

Other guests in attendance included Robert Coker, Anna and Robby Colvin, Rosemary

and Gerald Gillespy, Alpha and Hubert Goings, Jamie Laney, George Lynn, Mary T. Miller, Sybil and George Newton, Brian Corbett and Anastasia Payne, Stephanie and Gordie Robinson, Janet Standaert, Kate Tully, Dr. Bill Viar, Judge Scott Vowell and Cameron Vowell, and Marie and Bill Wright. ❖

Sherry Wilson, Alpha and Hubert Goings and Lloyd Wilson.

Fiesta in Fall

Pickwick Dance Club’s annual fall membership party was a fun fall fiesta. The weather was perfect for an outdoor and poolside gathering. Allison Morgan hosted the event at her beautiful home, filled with bright flowers, candlelit lanterns and colorful serapes.

President Helen and Richard Pardue were there to greet members at the door, along with Lindsay Cook, Jean and Robert Woodward, Kelley and Pete Gage, and Bimi and Blair Cox. Guests enjoying music, provided by Blair Cox, included Mims and Carl Adams, Margaret and Bobby Agnew, Debbie McCorquodale and Billy Angel, Diane Hinkle, Bootsie and Lowell Garrett, Fran and Rob Glendinning, and Sarah and Jerry Hodge. Gathered poolside were Tricia and Jim Ford, Courtney and Phil Brown, Anna and Hugh Gainer, Mallory Gray and Paul Samuelson, Dottie Miller, Linda and George Hiller, Chris and Alston Ray and Laura and Erskine Ramsay.

Also enjoying the weather were Linda and Bobby Vann, Trissy Holladay, Pat and Tom Hinton, Marion and Robby Nichols, Ann and George Morris, Jane Van Eaton and Ben Smith, Kathy and Pete Peerson, Kathryn Porter, Leila Anne Rowan, Molly Bradley, Molly Bradley, Leila Kathryn Porter and Robbie Rowan.

Anne and Robbie Rowan, Lind Burks and Bob Hunter, Kathy and George Andrews, Patsy and Alan Dreher, Julianne and Joe Cleage, Lucy and Les Underwood, Garnett and Jim Baker, Kathy and Frank Anderson, and Lisa and Charlie Venable. ❖

Photos special to the Journal

Dance Club Hosts Annual Party Poolside

From left: Diane Hinkle, Lowell Garrett, Bootsie Garrett, Debbie McCorquodale and Billy Angel.

Les and Lucy Underwood, Garnett and Jimmy Baker.

chairs Amy McCain and Jennifer Cope.

Also spotted were House Chairs Georgia Miller, Wendy Simmons and Beth Adams as well as IPC ministers Bill Carl, Elizabeth Goodrich and Susan Clayton.

Church members in attendance

Homes for the Holidays

included Susan and Bob Barrett, Cathy and Barry Delozier, Wendy and Paul Simmons, Laurie and Jeff Grantham, and Betsy and David Middlebrooks.

For more on the tour, see stories on page 26. ❖

Photos special to the Journal

IPC Gears Up for Annual House Tour

A reception honoring the owners of the homes featured on the 66th annual Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour was held Nov. 12 at Full Circle’s event space on Clairmont Avenue.

Committee members Paige Albright and Robert Hill created an elegant atmosphere complete with greenery, furniture and artwork supplied by Hill and numerous rugs from Albright’s nearby shop, Paige Albright Orientals. Full Circle owners Heather McWane and Anna Grace Donovan and IPC member Mimi Bittick, owner of The Main Event party planning, donated the perfect venue to welcome guests, including committee members, former and current tour homeowners, architects, designers and decorators.

Guests enjoyed food prepared

by Kim Martin of the IPC kitchen.

Desserts, savory appetizers and fruits hand-dipped in chocolate were presented on silver trays. Greenery complementing the colors of fall was on the dining table and mantels throughout the home.

Homeowners for this year’s tour include Kathy and Tommy Thomson, Kathleen and David Roth, Mary Beth and Rob Howland, and Mary Elaine and Robert Jolly.

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 19

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Bill Carl and Charles and Mimi Bittick.

Kathleen and David Roth.

Spotted at the reception were Margaret Shuttlesworth, 2014 tour chairman; Sarah Duggan, 2015 tour

Paige Albright and Kathy Thomson.

chairman, and her husband, Charley; Anne Walthall, 2015 co-chair, and her husband, Kennan and former tour

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20 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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

Photos special to the Journal

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To: thecookstore@msn.com From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: December

The Schaeffer Eye Center’s Fashions for the Foundation 2015 was held Nov. 9 at the newly opened Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook.

More than 300 guests gathered in the elegant Grand Ballroom to see models sporting clothing and acces-

Alice Womack, Gai Gherardi and Dr. Jack Schaeffer.

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Foundation as it works to mobilize community support and resources for the academic enhancement of the school system. Funds raised become part of a permanent endowment.

Since its founding in 1992, the foundation has awarded more than $5.9 million to the school system, helping every student, school and teacher, every year. ❖

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This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the 12-3-15 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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sories from 16 local merchants and eyewear from Schaeffer Eye Center. l.a. Eyeworks designer Gai Gherardi was in attendance.

Stylebriefs.com’s Caroline Gidiere and Martha Thompson served as emcees for the show, sharing interesting facts about each of the models and their outfits. Local models included Sara Evans, Dr. Dicky Barlow, Mike Thompson and many other members of the Mountain Brook Schools community. Hair and makeup services were donated by Tonya Jones Salon.

Proceeds from the show of about $25,000 will directly benefit the Mountain Brook City Schools

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statuary • furniture • urns • planters

Photos special to the Journal

Y

Above: Dot McClurg, Claire Williams and Beth Clarke. below: Gwen Belle-Isle, Connie Williams and Melinda Thornbury.

For more information about Assistance League of Birmingham, visit the organization’s Facebook page or www.assistanceleaguebhm.org. ❖

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Clarke, Angela Hoskins, Glenda Ganshaw, Tamika Hinton, Sandy Ridgeway and Kylie Wade modeled the clothes.

Guest models included Dr. Deidre Downs Gunn, Miss Alabama 2004 and Miss America 2005, and Kate Kiefer, president of the board of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Y

furniture • urns • planters • fountains

Ladies of the Assistance League Walk in Annual Fashion Show

Assistance League of Birmingham hosted its Little Black Dress Luncheon and fashion show Nov. 4 at Vestavia Country Club. The annual affair, co-chaired by Gwen Belle-Isle and Melinda Thornbury, benefits the three nonprofit programs of Assistance League: PrimeTime Treasures, Operation School Bell and Operation Literacy.

League President Connie Williams welcomed guests, thanking everyone for supporting the work of Assistance League, and Reba Williams offered the blessing.

Audra Nichols and Elizabeth Walker from White House Black Market showcased new and exciting fall and winter fashions.

Assistance League members Beth

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 21

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Hours: 10:00 - 5:00 • Tue. - Sat. UPS/Gift Wrap

www.christopherglenninc.com bronzes • lamps • terra cotta

Y

of Alabama. Judy Bates, who regularly appears on Fox 6, modeled clothes from the Assistance League thrift shop, Encore. Cindy’s Cakes, Jewelry by Sandra Sweat, Monograms Plus and Sublime Creations provided a wide array of gifts so attendees could get a head start on their holiday shopping. PrimeTime Treasures also To: 870-1260, christopherglenn@mindspring.com

kkkk kkkk From: Date:

Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 November This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the november 19, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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22 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Photos special to the Journal

Estate Jewelry Estate Silver Fine Photographs

From left: Liz Pharo, Allison Black Gregg, Sally Mackin, Elizabeth Hughey Brantley, Anne Copeland, Anu Rao, Michelle Bearman-Wolnek, Myla Calhoun, Cynthia Lamar-Hart and Lara Embry.

Smart Crowd

Women’s Fund Honors 10 of Birmingham’s Smartest Women The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham hosted the fourth annual Smart Party presented

by Regions Oct. 29 at Iron City. Smart Party honors 10 of Birmingham’s smartest women To: while raising funds and awareness to move From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 women beyond poverty.

FAX: 205-824-1246 If you or someone you love has a problem The event raised more than $205,000 that Date: Sept. will be used to fund programs connecting lowwith drugs or alcohol, why not give the gift income mothers and their children to supports This is your PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL of aAD new way of living this year. they needfor to the become economically secure, Oct. 6, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. including post-secondary education, job skills training, quality childcare and safe housing.

Co-chairs for this year’s event were Meredith Shah, Graham Smith and Hampton Stephens.

The 2015 Smart Honorees are Michelle Bearman-Wolnek, and execuPlease initial and fax back within 24 hours. tive director of Heartfounder Gallery of Alabama; If we have not heard from by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Wake Up toyouThis Elizabeth Hughey Brantley, founder of your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Desert Island Supply Co.; Myla Calhoun, Thank you for your prompt attention.Birmingham Business Alliance; Anne Copeland, Regions Financial; Dr. Lara Embry, executive director of Living in Limbo, author and clinical psychologist; Dr. Allison 850-687-6831 Black Gregg, neonatalogist with UAB, Shelby www.bayshoreretreat.com Baptist Medical Center and Trinity Medical Drug & Alcohol Treatment in Destin, FL Licensed & court approved Center; Cynthia Lamar-Hart, Maynard Cooper Gale; Sally Mackin, executive director of Woodlawn Foundation; Liz Pharo, chair of Momentum Telecom; and Dr. Anuradha “Anu” Rao, CardioVascular Associates of the Southeast. ❖

Wishing You and Yours a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

870-3589

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

Holiday Open House

December 4th & 5th

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Above: Ann Forney, Kay Kornmeier, Marcia Hart, Emily Schultz and Meredith Shah. below: Lara Embry (center) and friends.

Sonoma Service

Time for chrisTmas!

Photos special to the Journal

Hilltop Hosts Fundraiser for Construction Project Hilltop Montessori School celebrated the groundbreaking of its new $3.4 million construction project with a fundraiser Nov. 12 at Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club.

The theme of the evening was “Hilltop on the Green,” chaired

by Jenn Sides Stephens, Michele Wilensky and Melanie Morrison.

The event included a seated dinner of red snapper and beef tenderloin served on specialty “green” plates brought in for the occasion. Guests enjoyed hearing the beautiful music of Alabama Jazz legend Cleve Eaton while browsing through the silent and live auction items.

Jack Granger and Brent McCulloch of Granger, Thagard & Associates put on an entertaining live auction that included trips to Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, the beach and Canada as well as a diamond necklace and earrings.

The event raised more than $116,000 to be used for the new construction project at the school. ❖

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 23

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Heather Burns, Amy Huddleston and Rachel Buechler.

Matt and Brooke Rodgers.

Chris Akins and Avery Rhodes.

Now Open:

To: Ryan From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: Nov. 2015

an exciting new approach to memory care.

This is your aD pROOF from the OveR The MOuNTaiN JOuR Dec. 3, 2015 issue. please fax approval or changes to 82

The Garden AT DANBERRY MEMORY CARE. please make sure all information is co

including address and phone numb

Imagine memory care that weaves details from each person’s life story into please andand fax back within 24 hours. personalized daily activities, creating a unique sense ofinitial purpose if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the pres your adwhere will run everything as is. We print the paper Monday. satisfaction. Now add an inspiring and beautiful setting our residents do is embraced and celebrated. Thank you for your prompt attention.

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24 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

social

Swingin’ Salute

Retirement Sale Only Days Left!

The Vestavia Hills Senior Citizen Monday Night Dancers met at the Vestavia Hills Senior Citizen's Lodge Nov. 9 for a patriotic program honoring veterans.

The group regularly meets on Mondays from 7-9 p.m., with an average attendance of 70 people dancing in all styles to music from a live band and heavy snacks and drinks.

The veteran’s program included an appearance by Mayor Alberto Zaragoza, who shared a special message for the 38 club members who collectively represent all branches of the military.

Uncle Sam, played by Dick Payton, led a Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag following a “parade

To: From: Date:

IN

Convertible Tops Sunroofs Emily Leather Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph.,Interiors 205-824-1246, fax November

facebook.com/AlabamaAutoTop

. BIRMINGHAM, This is your ad proof from SOUTH the over the mountain Journal the 1201 3RD AVENUE AL for 35233 . WWW.ALABAMAAUTOTOP.COM december 3, 2015 205-251-0684 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to PHONE: approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Roy and Mela Clinton.

Milton Wright, Lola Borden, Willie Larsen, Marilyn Kelley, Jean Morton, Sal Theriot, Yvonne Trero, Findlay Johnson, Tony and Mary Koski, Judy Talley, Harold Thompson, Rita and Al Huggins, Sherry Hartman, John Basshart, Martha Vick, Jane Weamer, and Bill and Terri Shepherd. ❖

of flags” composed of attending veterans.

The dances are put on and funded by volunteers and are a minimal cost to attendants, according to dance chair Zella Listerman. Any seniors who are interested in dancing for fun and friendship are welcome to join.

Guests in attendance included

Brews for Bankston

Autism Society Junior Board Hosts Game-Day Event More than 200 supporters turned out to Good People Brewing Company Nov. 14 for the annual Bankston Bash.

The event featured a cornhole tournament, football squares and great food from The Pig and Good People brews. It benefitted the Autism Society of Alabama and Ady’s Army, a non-profit organization that supports individual families in need of support for their autistic children.

The event honors the late David Bankston, former junior board presi-

Photo special to the Journal

S

ALIZING

Photo special to the Journal

Monday Night Dancers Cut a Rug While Honoring Vets

LET'S GET ORGANIZED INC.

CI PE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Chris Bankston and Pam Bankston.

dent for ASA. “When David unexpectedly passed away, the junior board wanted to remember him for his service with an event he would have enjoyed attending,” said Clay McDowell, now president of the ASA junior board. The Bankston Bash event is in

its second year and growing.

Guests enjoyed football on the big screens and had the opportunity to win prizes, including a $500 gift card to Bromberg’s, Yeti products, food from Chick-fil-A for a year, services from Elements Float Spa and numerous other gift cards to local restaurants and businesses.

“The ASA junior board is a wonderful group of young professionals who want to make a difference in their community,” said ASA Executive Director Melanie Jones.

“With 30 individuals now serving on the board, some have family members on the spectrum and others have friends on the spectrum and they all know how rapidly the incidence of autism is occurring. A new preliminary statistic is 1 in 45, which the CDC is expected to announce in spring 2016.”

For more information on this year’s event, visit www.bankstonbash.com. ❖

for more information please Call mike wedgworth: 205.365.4344

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

Lindsey Rogers Cook and Kevin Robert Sipe were married Nov. 7 at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris, Georgia. The sunset ceremony was officiated by Philip Bray, who founded a ministry for the

homeless in Atlanta, where Lindsey’s family has volunteered for many years.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Sidney Cook of Duluth, Georgia. The groom is the son of Mr. Robert Sipe and Dr. Sandra Sipe of Vestavia Hills.

The wedding was literary-themed, reflecting the bride and groom’s mutual love of reading. All of the tables were decorated with vintage books and silver tea sets. The ceremony included Biblical as well as literary passages. The invitations resembled a vintage book and the save the dates looked like library cards.

Breanna Crowell served the bride as maid of honor. Bridesmaids and men were Meredith Attaway, Julia Carpenter, Alex Laughlin, Whitney Wyszynski, Grant Robison and Davis Cook, brother of the bride. Sara Hays Grote and Reese Smith were the flower girls.

The groom’s best man was his father. Groomsmen were Justin Fountain, Ross Pearlman, William Parker, Edward Wells, Regan Williams and Patrick Sipe, brother of the groom. Sawyer Smith was the ring bearer.

The bride is the data editor at U.S. News & World Report and is pursuing a master of science in computer science degree at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She also is an adjunct professor at American University.

The groom is a second-year law student at George Washington University and plans to go into corporate law after graduation in 2017.

The couple met at the University of Georgia, where the bride studied journalism and computer science and the groom studied political science and history. After graduating in 2014, they moved to Washington, D.C., with their cat, Harper. They will honeymoon in St. Lucia in December.

Broughton-Clapp

Mrs. Nan Chandler Broughton and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ashford Broughton III of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Lee Ashford Broughton, to Brandon Justin Clapp, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Joseph Clapp of Bristol, Tennessee.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. John David Chandler Sr. of Gilbertsville, Kentucky, and the late Mrs. Josephine Bush Chandler of Shreveport, Louisiana, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ashford Broughton Jr. of Andalusia.

Miss Broughton is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Texas at Austin. She is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and

was presented at the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball and the Ball of Roses. Miss Broughton is a second-year business student at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Pernell Jackson Hailey of Drakes Branch, Virginia, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cardwell of Saltville, Virginia.

Mr. Clapp is a graduate of Bristol Tennessee High School, HampdenSydney College, and Cumberland School of Law. He is a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He is employed at Whitaker, Mudd, Luke & Wells LLC. The wedding will be Dec. 19.

Cook-Sipe

Cooper-Lewis

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 25

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Sarah Louise Cooper and James Whittier Lewis III were married Oct. 10 at Vulcan Park and Museum Overlook. The Rev. Terri Ann Heiman officiated the ceremony. A reception followed at IZ The Place.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Cooper of Vestavia Hills. The groom is the son of Mr. James Lewis Jr. of Mountain Brook and Ms. Beth Lewis of Saint Pete Beach, Florida.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory lace over light gold gown by Maggie Sottero.

She was attended by Beth Cuchens Marlowe of Chelsea as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Amy Marie Snyder of Vestavia Hills; Whitney

Leigh Knight of Montgomery; and Rebecca Norris Green of Auburn.

Richard Lewis, brother of the groom, of St. Pete Beach was the best man. Groomsmen were C.R. Lewis, cousin of the groom, of Fairfax, Virginia; Jack Hansen, cousin of the groom, of Cary, Illinois; and Josh Russell of Tampa, Florida.

Mrs. Lewis is a 2006 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School. Mr. Lewis is a 2010 graduate of the University of Tampa. He owns a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchise in St. Petersburg, Florida.

After a wedding trip to St. Augustine, Florida, Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina, the couple live in Tampa.

Marsh-Whitson

an elongated beaded Chantilly lace bodice over a skirt of cascading silk organza ruffles extending to a chapellength train.

The bride was attended by Eleanor Parker Walter as matron of honor.

Bridesmaids were Mary Laura Day, Mary Katherine McCormack, Lee Ann Petty and Lindsay Smith Puckett.

Douglas MacArthur Whitson II, brother of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were John Warren Marsh, bother of the bride, Ted Kemp Ellis II, Lee Wallace Handley and Luke Larson Millard.

After a honeymoon trip to St. Lucia, the couple live in Birmingham.

Katherine Camille Marsh and David Markham Whitson were married Sept. 12 at First Baptist Church of Enterprise. The ceremony was officiated by retired Chaplain Col. Sonny Moore.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Dale Marsh of Enterprise. The groom is the son of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Whitson and the late Mr. Douglas MacArthur Whitson of Trussville.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a fit-and-flare strapless gown by designer Anne Barge, featuring

Jordan-Echols

Virginia “Gin” Jordan Graham and Gregory Alan Echols were married Oct. 11 in the Hill Garden of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The Rev. Dusty Davis officiated the 4 p.m. ceremony. A wedding supper immediately followed.

Reitz-Streich

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Reitz of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Nicole Elizabeth Reitz, to Andrew Alan Streich, son of Mr. Charles A. Streich

The bride grew up in Mountain Brook and lived around the United States. She returned to Birmingham in July 2014. The groom is the recently retired coach of cross country/track and field in the Mountain Brook School System, where he worked for the past 38 years.

The bride wore a white and gold Diane von Furstenberg formal gown with a handkerchief hem. Her granddaughters, Kennady Virginia Baxter and Colbie Elizabeth Baxter, of Birmingham attended the bride as flower girls.

Guests included four of the couple’s six sons as well as close family and friends. Dr. Clark Simpson provided music for the ceremony accompanied by the groom’s younger son, James Tanner Echols.

A celebration honoring the bride and groom was held Oct. 16 in the John Hand Club of the Hand Building in downtown Birmingham.

The couple live in Birmingham. of Birmingham and Mrs. Mary Louise Lackey of Birmingham.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Shirley N. Schirmer and the late Mr. Dale A. Schirmer of Minneapolis, as well as the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Reitz of Bradenton, Florida.

Miss Reitz is a graduate of Auburn University, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She is divisional sales manager at Stanley Black & Decker in Seattle.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. John F. Metzner and the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard Streich, all of Mishawaka, Indiana.

Mr. Streich is a graduate of Auburn University, where he was a member of FarmHouse fraternity. He is senior account manager at Amazon in Seattle.

The wedding will be April 2.

Recently engaged or married?

Let us help you spread the word of your good news!

Send your announcement to:

editorial@otmj.com or visit

www.otmj.com and fill out the form under

“Forms, Issue and Info” or call 823-9646.

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26 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour Over the master bedroom fireplace is a painting by well-known Mississippi artist Richard Kelso. The living room still has its distinctive plaster moldings and fireplace.

Journal photos by Emil Wald

Kathy Thomson was so taken with the house that she eventually left a note in the owners’ mailbox saying she loved their home and asking them to call her if they ever wanted to sell.

A House of Note Letter Led to Thomsons’ Purchase of Mountain Brook Dream Home

By Donna Cornelius There was something about the house at 3121

Brookwood Road that drew Kathy Thomson’s eye every time she drove past it.

“The house just seemed so cozy and warm,” said Kathy, who as a teenager often passed the Mountain Brook house on her way to school. “I loved the big front porch.”

She was so taken with the house that she eventually left a note in the owners’ mailbox saying she loved their home and asking them to call her if they ever wanted to sell. Ann and Hugh Morgan owned the house at the time.

Kathy said Ann Morgan called to thank her for the note

but said they weren’t interested in selling the house.

The Morgans also weren’t selling when the Thomsons were in the market for a house several years later, but in 2013, Kathy got the call she had been waiting for; the Morgans were moving to North Carolina to be closer to their children.

After a long love affair with the house, the Thomsons at last had the chance to make the relationship permanent.

They bought the house in September 2013 and spent about seven months renovating it, Tommy Thomson said.

The Thomsons’ house will be one of the stops on this year’s Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour, set for Dec. 12 and 13.

The Thomsons’ architect was Debbie Simmons, a

fellow IPC member. The original architect of the house, built in 1959, was the Birmingham firm of Warren, Knight and Davis, which also designed Independent Presbyterian Church. The Victor Hansen family built the house and lived there for about 10 years.

The Thomsons kept the traditional house’s most appealing features but updated and expanded it. They created a larger kitchen, dining area and family room by building on to the back of the house and built an upstairs playroom in a space that “was just air” before, Kathy said.

The couple refinished the original parquet floors in the foyer, where large closets are almost hidden in the wood See thomson, page 32

Holiday Hospitality

Four Houses, Church Open Doors for IPC’s Annual Tour

Photo special to the Journal

By Donna Cornelius

Looking forward to this year’s Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour are, from left: Ann Walthall, tour co-chairman; Paige Albright, committee chairman; Sarah Duggan, tour chairman; and Jennifer Cope, publicity chairman.

The Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour is always a high point of the Christmas season for church members and tour-goers.

The 2015 edition of the event ends the year on an especially festive note. The tour, along with the church’s Christmas Eve services, marks the culmination of IPC’s year-long Centennial Celebration.

The church began hosting special events in January and has held them every month to

celebrate IPC’s 100th anniversary. (See story on page 10).

While the holiday tour isn’t quite as old as the church, it’s got a long history, too. This is the 66th year IPC has hosted the event.

Four houses and the church will be open for the Dec. 12 and 13 tour. Tour hours are 10 a.m.4 p.m. on Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are $30. You can buy them through the church website, www.ipc-usa.org, or stop by the reception desk at the church at 3100 Highland Ave., Birmingham. Proceeds from

See ipc tour, page 30

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 27

28 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photos special to the Journal

Samford Legacy League’s 2015 Christmas Home Tour

Nearly lifesize, the Leath’s outdoor nativity scene, left, highlights the story of the first Christmas. Tricia and Mark Drew’s children, Tillman, Caroline, Mark and Mallie, above, model matching PJs, a Drew family holiday tradition.

Decorating Influences Samford Legacy League’s Home Tour Showcases Christmas Décor

fireplace,” said Dimity. “Christ and Christ alone is the focus of our celebration. As a family, we rejoice in the hope that is secured for us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the overwhelming love and grace of our Father.”

Ornaments from Italy, Zimbabwe, Israel, San Francisco, Mexico, China and other spots across the globe grace the limbs of the Leaths’ Christmas tree.

“Home schooling our children afforded us wonderful opportunities as a family to travel,” explained Dimity. “Along the way, we collected Christmas ornaments from our travels representing and reminding us of the places we have visited. Each year when decorating the tree, we remember where we have been and look forward to the next adventure.”

Christmas decorations take center stage in the Samford Legacy League’s 2015 Christmas Home Tour, with arrangements ranging from heirloom tree ornaments to ornaments collected from exotic locales, and from traditional religious symbols to a vast array of Santa Clauses.

Visitors will get to see four homes in Mountain Brook and the Samford President’s Home in Vestavia Hills as part of the fifth annual holiday tour, a fundraiser to support scholarships for students with significant financial need. The tour will be Dec. 10.

Homeowners opening their houses to the tour are Mark and Tricia Drew, 4105 Kennesaw Drive; Dimity and Alex Leath, 4405 Old Brook Run; Shannon and Richard Riley, 3505 Brookwood Road; Lynn and Duane Randleman, 2717 Old Trace; and Samford President Andy Westmoreland and his wife, Jeanna, 1994 Shades Crest Road.

The Riley Home

The Drew Home

Mark and Tricia Drew’s home is adorned with Christmas decorations for the yuletide season, including one Christmas tree that is bedecked with heirloom ornaments they have collected over decades.

Their great room is the setting for their family Christmas celebration. “One of our big traditions is wearing matching Christmas PJs,” Tricia laughed. “We do it every year – even with grown children – and take lots of silly pictures.”

The inspiration for the Drews’ Cherokee Bend home was the English Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, according to architect Jeremy Erdreich.

“In part a reactionary movement to the Industrial Revolution, proponents of Arts and Crafts looked back to a simpler, rural English past and emphasized simple, honest materials and traditional cottage forms,” he explained.

“Stucco, stone, forged iron and wood beams and paneling were commonly found in these houses.”

Erdreich noted that specialty Arts and Craftsstyle tile is used as a decorative element inside and outside the house. “These hand-crafted tiles have been produced in Pennsylvania since 1898 and can be found in Birmingham on various houses and public spaces in Highland Park, Redmont and other neighborhoods developed in the first part of the 20th century,” Erdreich said.

Above: The Samford President’s Home serves as the anchor for Legacy League’s annual Christmas Home Tour. below: Dimity and Alex Leath’s Mountain Brook home reflects the contemporary influence of Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Leath Home

While the Drews’ floor plan is modeled after houses from more than a century ago, Dimity and Alex Leath’s Mountain Brook home reflects the more modern influence of Frank Lloyd Wright. An indoor fountain and a huge expanse of windows exhibit the owners’ desire to bring

the outside into their home.

The Leaths completed an extensive renovation in 2012 after the April 27 tornado destroyed half the house and leveled 174 trees.

When the Leaths decorate for Christmas, “The constant is the evergreen cross with the crown wreath that hangs each year above the

At Shannon and Richard Riley’s Brookwood Road home, Christmas tree ornaments also conjure up memories.

“Each year the grandparents give every child in our family an ornament as a memento of a big event or trip from the past year. For example, one year our youngest son caught a huge bass, and he got a bass fish ornament,” said Shannon.

“We also have a gingerbread cookie tree in our kitchen,” continued Shannon, who fondly remembers spending special time in the kitchen with her family at Christmas. “For years we’ve had cookie parties, so a tree dedicated to Christmas goodies keeps those special memories alive.”

The Rileys also display a vast array of Santa Clauses throughout their house. Richard’s parents started the extensive collection for Richard when he was a child and later expanded the tradition by beginning a collection for each grandson. Reagan, the Rileys’ only daughter, has an annually increasing assortment of angels, which adorn a special Christmas tree in her room.

The President’s Home

Collections of holiday decorations bedeck all 14 rooms of the Samford President’s Home, the residence of Andy and Jeanna Westmoreland.

Numerous nativity scenes from a variety of countries and different materials are displayed throughout the house, which sits atop Shades

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 29

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Mountain.

The Westmorelands’ nutcrackers, ranging from a few inches to a few feet tall, now number more than 100, and the collection grows each year.

Guests who visit during the holidays also will see an extensive assortment of festive holiday plates, platters and cookie jars.

The Westmorelands dedicate one tree to Chrismons, ornaments made in the shapes of Christian symbols. First crafted by Frances Kipps Spencer at the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia, Chrismons traditionally are white and gold.

!

w No

en p O

The Randleman Home

Designers Richard Tubb and Gary Olivieri describe Lynn and Duane Randleman’s house as “a large home with the feeling of a cottage.”

“Walking through their home during the holidays is like going through a beautiful forest in the wintertime,” Tubb said. “Everything is very natural and either is or has been alive. It’s a very soothing home, a home filled with warmth and love, a place you’d want to come home to.”

Alabama artists are featured throughout the New England-style residence. “In the foyer is a beautiful Alexandra Walker pottery of a southern Magnolia,” said Tubb. “A Ben Carlisle acrylic landscape hangs over the fireplace in the living room, and two Carol Misner botanicals add to the beauty of an intimate sitting room.”

Each of Duane and Lynn’s four children “got to insert his or her personality in their bedroom,” Tubb

Christmas Home Tour and Holiday Gift Market committee members are, from left, front: Lisbeth Cease, Terre Currey, Vicki Everett and Kathryn Woodruff.

Second row: Kathleen Busbee, Jeanna Westmoreland and Ginger Brown. Third row: Phyllis Crocker and Lynn Parrish. Fourth row: Paige Acker and Sharon Smith. Not pictured: Pam Matthews, Suzanne Page and Allison Strickland.

explained. “One wanted a New York loft, another wanted an Aspen retreat and another a sophisticated flat.” The fourth, he said, is “every girl’s dream room – ‘pretty in pink.’”

The League’s tour will be 10 a.m.2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Dec. 10, and the houses may be toured in any order.

The Holiday Gift Market, sponsored by Event Rentals Unlimited, is a new addition to the annual event. At the Samford President’s Home, tour guests will be able to peruse a selection of jewelry, art, children’s items, clothing, food, accessories and home items from a dozen merchants.

Festive hors d’oeuvres and holiday

treats also will be available at the President’s Home.

Proceeds from Legacy League’s Christmas Home Tour and Holiday Gift Market will help provide lifechanging scholarships for students with significant financial needs and challenging circumstances, including homelessness, inner-city violence and the disability or death of a parent.

Tickets are $25 through Dec. 8 or $30 the day of the tour. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.samford.edu/legacyleague or at the door of featured homes during tour hours.

More information is also available on the website or by calling 726-2247. ❖

Sweetspire Gardens Annuals-Perennials-Vegetables Mulches-Ornamentals-Pottery Potting Soil-House Plants Fresh Flowers-“Grab and Go” Gifts Garden Design and Consulting

2146 Tyler Road Bluff Park Village Center 205-968-1391

www.sweetspiregardens.com

30 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

From page 26

ticket sales will help fund the summer learning program at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm, an IPC mission since the farm opened in 1923.

The summer learning program tries to meet challenges faced by disadvantaged children, including summer learning loss and nutritional deficiencies. About 80 campers participate in the program, which offers academics, enrichment, physical education and spiritual development.

“The children we are serving, all living in poverty, are at a very real risk of losing grade-level skills during the summer, such that by the time they get to high school, they could be three grade levels behind,” said Gini Williams, Children’s Fresh Air Farm director. “Standardized tests from our program show that the average gain was one month progress in grade level skills in reading and one month in math in 2015. Considering that typical summer learning loss is two to three months, these students entered the fall term far ahead of where they would have been without the program.”

Homeowners opening their houses for the tour are Mr. and Mrs. Rob Howland, 2801 Shook Hill Circle; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jolly, 2805 Shook Hill Circle; Mr. and Mrs. David Roth, 3241 Dell Road; and Dr. and Mrs. Tommy Thomson, 3121 Brookwood Road.

Independent Presbyterian Church

Founded in 1915, the church was designed by Warren, Knight and Davis architect William Warren. IPC members will decorate the sanctuary and parlor. Christmas tea will be available for ticket holders both days of the tour in the church’s Great Hall.

The Howland Home

This Mediterranean-style house is home to Rob and Mary Beth Howland and their three children, ages 10 to 15.

While the house has some formal elements – French limestone and walnut flooring, vaulted ceilings and deep moldings – the Howlands emphasize family living and casual entertaining.

The house in Shook Hill Estates was built in 1998. The Howlands, its third owners, renovated the kitchen, adding an island and hood made from pecky cypress and a Calcutta marble and mother of pearl backsplash.

The house’s former living room now is an office/study.

The Howlands replaced most of the house’s lighting fixtures. There is an unusual Baker “bracelet” chandelier in the foyer and a gilt silver and platinum chandelier in the dining room.

Designer Lisa Flake helped Mary Beth Howland add personal style through wall coverings.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The spacious family room on the lower level of the main house offers a venue for watching football and movies or for gathering with relatives and friends.

Upstairs, each of the bedrooms reflects the personality of the child who lives there with playfulness and color. There’s also a den for teen girls and a “guy room” for 10-year-old Lewis Howland.

The main living spaces open onto a loggia, pool and formal gardens.

Adjacent to the main house is a guest house, which provides another spot for entertaining.

Iipc Holiday House Tour

Independent Presbyterian Church

The Jolly Home

Also in Shook Hill Estates is the Jolly home, designed by Bruce McLeod and built in 2006.

The house is an example of refined French architecture. Its interior was designed by Tricia Willis of Place Inc. Landscape architect David Brush created the design for the grounds surrounding the home.

Mary Elaine Jolly grew up in the Florida panhandle, and her casual elegant coastal style is reflected throughout her home in the subtle nod to shell motifs seen in her antique furniture.

The house includes distinctive details, including antique glass pocket doors separating the dining room from the kitchen.

The master bath showcases custom cabinetry hand painted to look like an antique armoire.

Mary Elaine lives in the house with her husband, Robert, and three children.

The Howland Home

The Roth Home

The Roths’ home is on a quiet, private lot with sweeping views on Dell Road. It was built in 1942-43 by Jean Erskine Ramsay LaClair and Houston Lincoln LaClair on a tract of land originally owned by Jean’s uncle, Erskine Ramsay. The LaClairs lived there until 1985, when Barbara and Robin Harbin bought the house.

During the Harbins’ almost 30 years in the home, Barbara Harbin captured several generations of children with her signature black-and-white and hand-tinted portrait photography. The Harbins remodeled the kitchen, designed by Cyndy Cantley, in 2004.

The Roths bought the house in 2013. They worked with landscape designer Hilary Ross to simplify the front landscaping and added potted boxwoods on either side of the newly renovated front porch.

The studio space formerly used by Barbara Harbin was reconfigured to accommodate Kathleen Roth’s letterpress studio.

Designed by architect Taylor Davis, the former in-law suite was transformed into a sunny contemporary and creative space with new steel joists to support a 1,200-pound press.

The Roths added paneling in the foyer and stairwell, updated a guest bathroom and converted a formal living room into a library for David Roth. ❖

The Jolly Home

Photos special to the Journal

ipc Tour,

home

We pride ourselves in being unlike other communities, especially when others agree.

Mt Laurel is honored to be recognized as a Southern Living Inspired Community. From the beginning, our town has reflected many of the same timeless virtues long championed by Southern Living. To be selected as the only Birmingham community for this title reaffirms our distinctive vision of what is possible. From our tree-lined streets to our distinctive homes and relaxed atmosphere, we hope you will visit and discover the unique experience of what it means to be a Southern Living Inspired Community.

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The Roth Home

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 31

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Vestavia Family Spins Tradition, Celebrates with the 12 Trees of Christmas youngest son’s tree incorporates ornaments from the Christmas Vacation movies, Scooby Doo and sports, while her older son’s tree is an homage to the University of Alabama football team and the Atlanta Braves. Several of her trees also rotate and feature lights that change colors.

Her husband also participates in the fun. An avid Alabama fan, he has his

own tree in his downstairs den decorated with stuffed elephants, houndstooth bows and even the “A” gloves, made famous by Mark Ingram during the 2009 football season. In addition to the “Alabama” tree in his football den, he has a sports tree featuring players from all different teams and sports.

The Thackersons have lived in Vestavia for more than 20 years. ❖

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

including Disney, Peanuts, Winnie the Pooh, the Island of Misfit Toys and the Grinch.

“For Christmas, everybody started giving me stuff for my trees,” she said.

“We decorate some for other holidays, but none to this extreme.”

Each of her children has trees in their room, which reflect different elements of their personalities. Her

Michelle and Steve Thackerson and their three children celebrate Christmas with 12 trees. Each tree has a different theme, including Disney, Peanuts, Winnie the Pooh, the Island of Misfit Toys and the Grinch.

By Kaitlin Candelaria The Thackerson family of Vestavia Hills has put a whole new twist on the holiday season. While some families celebrate with 12 days of Christmas, Michelle, Steve and their three children instead celebrate with 12 trees.

“Every year, we add different things,” Michelle said. “We incorporate all kinds of different things like puzzles, books, videos and stuffed animals.” She said that, throughout the years, she has incorporated many of her children’s toys into the trees, giving each one a unique and fun look.

Michelle said she always loved decorating for Christmas but especially got into it once her children were born. Her daughter graduated from Vestavia Hills High School and is now a student at the University of Alabama. One of her sons is a junior at the high school and the other is a student at Pizitz Middle School.

Thackerson said it’s a family tradition to pull all the decorations out and decorate each year. This year, they got an early head start and decorated the day after Halloween. Steve said it’s easier to get all of the decorations up now that they start earlier.

Each tree has a different theme,

6,400 SF office building/27,400 SF lot •Brand new carpet and paint 10 private office with 3 executive suites • Fully-wired for high speed internet and security cameras • 18kW generator for backup power 6 independent HVAC units • 5 bathrooms • Full kitchen For more information or to schedule a tour please contact Joseph Sedita I jsedita@southpace.com I 205.271.7246

To: From: Date:

Joseph Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Oct. 2015 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Nov. 5, 2015 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.

32 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

roman brantley art & antiques

Holiday open House December 4th 10:30-7 December 5th 10:30-5

Journal photos by Emil Wald

Hors d'oeuvres & Refreshments.

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From page 26

paneling of the walls. The living room still has its distinctive plaster moldings and fireplace.

The house was built with his-andher master bathrooms. The Thomsons kept them, rebuilding them with the same layout as the originals. Sconces in Kathy’s bathroom also are original and just had to be rewired, Kathy : Linda said. om: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 An apartment over the garage was FAX: 205-824-1246 once a servant’s room and now gives ate: Nov guests their own private quarters.

Buttons that were used to call workers This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the nov. 3 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. still can be seen throughout the main house.

One of the family’s favorite spots please make sure all information is correct, including is the sunroom, which has new windows. address and phone number!

“It used to have jalousie windows, which I thought were cool, but apparplease initial and fax back within 24 hours. ently I was the only one,” Tommy If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, said, laughing. ad will run is. We print the paper Monday.

1831 29th Ave. S. • your Homewood, ALas 35209 Throughout the house are paint205-871-9880 • Kathy Owens, CKD, Thank you forPresident your prompt attention. ings and other artwork that are special to the Thomsons such as photos and portraits of their children. Their Reflect Your Own Personal Style daughter, Ellie, is a sophomore at the College of Charleston. Their son, Matt, is a sophomore at Mountain Brook High School, where he plays football and lacrosse.

Over the master bedroom fireplace is a painting by well-known

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‘The house just seemed so cozy and warm.

I loved the big front porch.’

The Thomsons kept the traditional house’s most appealing features but updated and expanded it. They created a larger kitchen, dining area and family room by building on to the back of the house

Mississippi artist Richard Kelso. The artist captured one of Kathy’s favorite childhood spots, her grandparents’ farm near Arcola, Mississippi, in the Mississippi Delta.

“I made photos with my iPhone during a rice harvest there,” she said. “He painted the picture from a photo.”

Another Mississippi artist, John

Armistead, painted the picture in the study of a lonely Union County, Mississippi, farmhouse. Armistead is a Presbyterian minister, Kathy said.

Tommy brought back paintings and carvings from IPC mission trips to Zambia and Kenya. They’re displayed in the study and playroom.

In the guest bedroom, two angel-themed paintings are by Petru

3003 6th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 320-2696 Now open in the heart of Lakeview.

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 33

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

“This house is so cottagey, so New England,” Robin said. “You want to see wreaths with red bows outside.

We’ll have gold and greens in the

everything to be fresh and bright.

“To me, this is where I’d want to come home for Christmas. It’s homey, cozy and welcoming – it’s a fun

‘I was the co-chairman of the tour the year before last, and I said, if I ever had a house that they wanted for the tour, I’d do it.’ living room and try to bring out gold and greens in the dining room with lemons and greenery. The family room will be red and white. We want

house to decorate.”

The Thomsons said they’re happy to open their home for this year’s IPC holiday tour. They’ve been active

church members for many years, they said.

Kathy is an attorney who does probate work, and Tommy is an emergency room physician at St. Vincent’s Hospital. They got married at IPC, Tommy said.

“We wanted to participate in the tour because it supports children’s ministries,” Kathy said.

“I was the co-chairman of the tour the year before last, and I said, if I ever had a house that they wanted for the tour, I’d do it.” ❖

Mississippi artist John Armistead, painted the picture in the study of a lonely Union County, Miss., farmhouse. Below, the couple refinished the original parquet floors in the foyer.

Botezatu, a Romanian-born artist who also painted the murals in Samford University’s Andrew Gerow Hodges Chapel. The bed came from one of Kathy’s grandmothers, and the quilt was made by her other grandmother.

Her grandfather’s pocket watches

are on the living room coffee table next to a family Bible from 1885.

The Thomsons’ interior designer was Robin Donahue of Donahue Interiors. She shares with Kathy not only an appreciation for traditional architecture, but for the Brookwood Road house itself.

“I also used to drive by this house and loved it,” Robin said.

She said when Kathy first contacted her about decorating the house, she looked at a map to find out where the house was.

“I thought, oh, my goodness.

Is that going to be that house?”

Robin said. “I couldn’t wait to see it. It’s one of my favorite houses in Mountain Brook.”

Robin will help the Thomsons decorate for Christmas, Kathy said.

“Our son’s Boy Scout troop at IPC sells wreaths and garlands, so we’ll be getting those from them,” Kathy said.

The house’s holiday finery will include trees in the living room and family room.

” Working with ARC Realty, we found a great home for our family.”

When Jenna and Craig Stephens decided to sell their home and buy another one in the Brookwood Forest area of Mountain Brook, they turned to friend Susan Fitzgibbon for help. “We listed our home with Susan because we were impressed with her knowledge and experience,” says Jenna, “but also because everyone we met at ARC Realty was so professional and helpful.” Another ARC agent quickly found a buyer for the Stephen’s home while Susan helped navigate their search for a new one. “This house is ideally suited to our family,” says Craig. “Our twin daughters are in first grade, so we have an active lifestyle. Being close to work and school is a real plus.”

Susan says being a part of the ARC team is fun. “ARC Realty is a family-focused business, which certainly complements my efforts in helping friends find new homes.”

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34 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Jaguars Get Judicial Photos special to the Journal

Spain Park Law Academy Competes Internationally

By Kaitlin Candelaria The football team isn’t the only group at Spain Park High School with an impressive record this year.

Students from the high school’s Law Academy recently competed at the YMCA Youth Judicial Mock Trial Tournament in Montgomery to defend their three-year streak as the best overall team in competition. Although they didn’t leave with a fourth victory in that division, the team excelled, leaving with an overall second-place rating. It placed first in best prosecution in the major league awards, and it placed third in best defense in the premiere, or first-time competitors, league awards.

But according to directors Craig Thompson and Libby Day, the program is about much more than winning – although they’re pretty good at that too.

“It’s not necessarily about ending up in law school,” Day said. “We teach them a lot of life skills like reading, writing and public speaking and how to apply those things in everyday life.”

The state competition also came on the heels of the Empire Mock Trial competition in New York in October. The competition is one of three hosted throughout the United States.

To be chosen to compete, Day and Thompson, along with their other faculty member, Phillip Pate, must fill out applications and submit essays. Those documents, in conjunction with essays completed by their students and the academy’s past competition history and placement, form the basis for how teams are chosen.

“New York is considered the World Championship,” Day said. “The Atlanta and San Francisco competitions are less competitive but with the same case materials. Their goal is to provide more students with the opportunity to compete on a national level.” Only 40 groups from around the world are invited each year.

This was Spain Park’s fifth year competing.

The students are given a case that usually reflects a contemporary issue – this year’s case involved a police shooting of an AfricanAmerican student – and are given three months

Bailey Whetter

Jim Schillaci

to sift through 150 pages of documents and information to build a case.

“One of the most important things (mock trial) does for people is that it allows them to see both sides,” said Mahaa Mahmood, a senior in the program. She said that going into the case for this year’s Empire Mock Trial competition, she thought she knew exactly which side she would be on. However, after she was placed on the defense instead of the prosecution, she was forced to look at things in a different light.

“Before I started this case, I didn’t even care to look at the other side,” she said. “I can now look at both sides without feeling the need to choose one or the other.”

From Philosophy to Prosecution

Day, Thompson and Pate begin recruiting students for the program while they’re still in middle school. The program, which is similar to a four-year-long elective class, first starts students in Thompson’s philosophy and ethics course. The students then move on to Pate’s American jurisprudence class in their sophomore year. In this class, the students take an in-depth look at the documents that form the basis for the society, government and legal documents for the U.S.

After completing Pate’s class, students then move on to Day’s classes, which include civil and criminal law for the junior class, and practicum, which is described as an interactive law experience, for the senior class.

Thompson started the program in 2007 and all three say they have seen massive growth in the program.

“They told us vaguely at the beginning that it was supposed to be like a school within a school, so we’ve tried to do that,” Thompson said. “It’s like a family. They’re spending four years competing together, traveling together and the nature of the class is very discussion-oriented, so it’s a good vehicle to express ideas and opinions. It’s interesting to see their personal growth and how their ideas grow and evolve.”

Some students, like Mahmood, say they were drawn to the academy because they had an interest in law. Others chose it based on advice from upperclassmen.

“I was really intrigued by the idea of mock trial,” junior Skyhler Schaffer said. “I talked to some upper classman and they really helped me and gave me an idea of what it would be like to join this program and I’m happy I did. I’m not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but there

Front, from left: Claire Jones, Katie White, Olivia Pride, Skyhler Schaffer, Maha Ahmed, Olivia Stevens and Bebe Wheeles. Back: Jim Schillaci, Brandon Toups, Tiffany Huseman, Christina McLaughlin, Bailey Whetter, Tommy Kulkis and Grace Friedman.

are a lot of professions where I’ll need things I’ve learned here like knowing how to speak your opinion.”

Senior Bailey Whetter, who was one of 10 students chosen as an outstanding attorney at the Empire Mock Trial competition, said she’s learned that it’s OK to disagree.

“It’s helped me to not only speak my opinion, but to respect the opinions of other people,” she said. “You can agree to disagree but still be able to voice your opinion in a polite way.”

Thompson said that the students at Spain Park are fortunate to have the law academy offered as a class program, because many other schools treat it as a club.

“They have to do it outside of school hours, so we’re very fortunate,” he said. “A lot of what we’re teaching fits in the curriculum stuff the schools want to do. The students have to collaborate on written stuff, they learn the ability to work on a team with people who aren’t necessarily your friends, to deal with adversity and think on their feet.”

The academy doesn’t just focus on mock trial.

The students also learn about and compete in model legislature and mock congressional hearings. They’ve won numerous awards and honors across all three topics. Some of the students have even gone on to become lawyers in their professional lives.

“When it first started, the idea behind it was teaching critical thinking,” Thompson said. “Now, we’ve added to that with public speaking and writing, which we feel are definitely skills that are useful in the field of law, but are skills that aren’t only useful in the skill of law. They’re transferrable everywhere.” ❖

The Homewood Middle School robotics team recently brought home first place following the Blazer Best Robotics competition, hosted by UAB in October.

The team brought home first place in the game division of the competition and now advances to the regional competition, hosted in Auburn in December.

Eighth-grader Syndey Cross also won the Top Gun award for obtaining the most points in a single round using a robot named Dopey.

The group, which is advised by Mary Binkley and Dr. David Gauntt, meets after school in the summer and fall. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

Homewood Middle Robotics Brings Home First Place

From left: Ahmari Burrell, sixth grade; Aiden Wright, seventh grade; William Jackson, sixth grade; Dr. David Gauntt; John Washington, sixth grade; Jonathan Paris, seventh grade; and DeMarcus McNeilly, eighth grade, after their victory.

Schools

Photos special to the Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 35

Marissa Latham took on the role of Ane Frank in John Carroll’s production of “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

Mountain Brook Band to Perform at Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary Ceremony The Mountain Brook High School Band has accepted an invitation to participate in the 75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Mass Band on Dec. 7 in Hawaii.

Band members will perform at Pearl Harbor on the pier at the U.S.S. Battleship Missouri with other musicians from around the United States and Japan in a worldwide live webcast “Gift of Music” concert.

World-renowned composer and conductor Robert W. Smith surprised band members with an

announcement at a recent concert honoring Veterans Day. Smith, the producer and composer for the 75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Mass Band event, described the opportunity to perform with the mass band as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to honor both the American and Japanese.

“This is a special chance to be a part of history, something to tell your own children about,” Smith said.

MBHS Band members will leave Dec. 4 and return Dec. 9. The trip will include visits to many cultural and historical aspects of Hawaii,

including trips to Diamond Head volcano, a Polynesian village, the Dole Plantation and a tour of eastern Oahu. Students will also participate in activities in Honolulu and at the Pearl Harbor Historic Site.

“Our students will perform on the deck of the Missouri, overlooking the Arizona Memorial,” said MBHS Director of Bands Jason Smith. “What an amazing opportunity to be a part of the historic celebration to honor the veterans of one of the most influential events in American and Japanese history.” ❖

From left: Sarah Margaret Currie, Matt Holloway, Lev Berman, Evelyn King, John Curtis Gray, Calvin Wilbanks, Michael Brogan, Caldwell Flake, Leila Horsley, Kamp McMinn, Charles Crommelin and James Noles.

Mountain Brook Junior High Students Kick MS with Kickball Tournament More than 250 Mountain Brook Junior High School students participated in Kick MS, a bi-annual fundraiser to benefit the MS Society of Alabama and Mississippi, on Nov. 1.

Led by students from the MBJH Spartan Council, the seventh- and

eighth-grade Kick MS event raised more than $22,700 to fight multiple sclerosis.

Coupled with the money raised in the school’s August tournament, which was hosted by ninth-graders, students at MBJH raised more than $41,300

in 2015 to fight MS. The “No MS’ing Around” team raised the most money in eighth grade and “Team USA” raised the most money and won the kickball tournament for the seventh grade. The eighth-grade tournament winner was the “Straight Outta Recess” team. ❖

VHEW Third Grade Girls Run for A Cause A group of third-grade girls from Vestavia Hills Elementary West took part this fall in Girls on the Run, a non-profit program which inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident, while also teaching life skills through interactive lessons and running games.

This year was the school’s third year to participate.

VHEW’s team met twice a week for over an hour. The meetings included a lesson, strengthening and stretching exercises and a running workout. Lessons inspired the girls to stay true to themselves, embrace the power within them and honor their bodies.

The semester-long session culminated in a celebratory 5K run at the Magic City Half Marathon Nov. 22.

Team members invited other West students to participate in “Dress Like a Superhero” day Nov. 13, during which each

student donated at least $1 for the chance to wear their favorite superhero accessories. The money raised will be donated to UNICEF. ❖

Holocaust Survivor Aids in John Carroll Theater Production To help the actors connect emotionally to their characters in “The Diary of Anne Frank,” John Carroll theater director Joey Plaia invited Max Herzel, a Holocaust survivor, to speak with the students.

“Theater is a slice of life, and this play happens to be a small, but very important, slice of one of the most tragic and horrifying times in the history of mankind,” Plaia said. “This play is important because we always need to be reminded of what human beings are capable of, both good and bad.”

When choosing to tackle the production, Plaia said he knew it would be a challenging story to tell. For many of the student actors, it was their first time playing roles based on actual people. Hearing real stories helped make the play real for the actors, and they were honored to have someone who has been through so much speak with them, Plaia said.

“We cannot allow ourselves and our neighbors to repeat the atrocities of the past,” Plaia said. “But, at the same time, it is nice to know that, no matter how bad things get, there are people out there like Miep Gies and Mr. Kraler, who risked so much to do what is right.” ❖

36 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

Holiday in The hills

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Presented by the City of Vestavia Hills & the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Breakfast with Santa December 12 Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 7:30-10:00 am 1975 Merryvale Road Join us for a pancake breakfast and a visit with Santa! $1 Suggested Donation

Vestavia Hills Christmas Parade & Celebration December 13 Liberty Park Sports Complex to Alston Meadows, 2:00-4:00 pm Enjoy the city’s official parade followed by the Liberty Park Christmas Celebration with children’s activities, refreshments, music, pictures with Santa and more!

Visit www.vestaviahills.org for an extended list of events

Alabama Real Estate Investors Association Alliance Publishing Group-Vestavia Hills Living America’s First Federal Credit Union Annabelle’s/Vestavia Apothecary Artists Incorporated Gallery Ascend Web Development BB&T Birmingham School of Music Bradford Health Services Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Butler Snow Cahaba Fitness Cellular Sales of Verizon Wireless Collage Designer Consignment CORE, A Pilates & Cycling Studio First Partners Bank Gold’s Gym Jackson, Howard & Whatley, CPAs

Jimmie Hale Mission John Henley State Farm Insurance Liberty Park Joint Venture Mary Kay Cosmetics-Susie Serio Oliver Square OnTime Service Promotional Creations RE/MAX Southern Homes-Manda Luccasen Regions Bank Snapper Grabbers Spectrum Reach Spirit of Math Stein Mart Stephanie Steinmetz Pediatric Dentistry Summit Express Urgent Care Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Vestavia Voice Xceligent

Interiors & Antiques Interiors & Antiques is comprised of a diverse group of dealers with a wide variety of merchandise including fine antiques, currently trending home decor and repurposed furniture, as well as several artists with their original creations, expanded jewelry and accessories section and new to the store are ladies clothing and shoes.

“This time of year, our dealer ‘White Christmas’ is especially popular with her white clay nativities, angels, and crosses,” new owner Pam Pinckney, said.

With this year’s change in ownership and the help of employee Angela Whaley, pictured above right, Interiors & Antiques has launched a new website that enables customers to shop the store from home.

“The website is now live and items are being added weekly so please check back often,” Pinckney said. “Also, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.”

Randy Johnson, pictured above left, is a cer-

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 37

Holiday in The hills

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

tified designer, and available to help customers find the perfect pieces for their homes.

“Whether it is something from the store’s in stock selections or custom orders from their many resources, Randy can guide those who need a helping hand decorating their nest,” she said. “Randy is also available for in home consultations.

“Our new design room offers a selection of rug samples, shutters and blind service, lamp shades and upholstery fabrics for sofas and chairs.

“We would like to invite the many talented designers and decorators to utilize this room to work with their clients and their specific needs.

“I & A is a great place for someone to have a small business but still have the freedom to do other things. We are always looking for talented dealers who want to have a small business while still having the flexibility to do the other things they enjoy. Please contact us if you or someone you know is interested in joining our team.”

Interior and Antiques is located at 1069 Montgomery Highway, in Vestavia Hills, 8229922.

Player’s Choice Tennis Player’s Choice Tennis is a full service tennis specialty shop. “Racquets, stringing, shoes clothing and bags… if you need it for tennis, odds are we have it,” said owner, Deborah “2015 marks our 22nd year in business. This November we marked a new milestone. We moved to Vestavia Hills by the new city hall.

This move gives us more square footage and great parking.”

Deborah Standifer, owner

Standifer, pictured above with Blake Blanton Reed and Hayden Clowers.

The staff has helped all types of tennis players, from beginners to members of the Swiss Davis Cup team.

“2015 marks our 22nd year in business. This

November, we marked another new milestone.

We moved to Vestavia Hills by the new city hall. This move gives us more square footage and great parking.

“Several big racquet launches are set for the 2015 Holiday, like Babolet Pure Aero Head Radicals and Prestiges, just to name a few.

“We offer gift cards, free gift wrap, holiday wish lists and extended and Sunday hours closer to Christmas. Our hours are Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and December Sundays noon-4 p.m.

“Our knowledge and selection of racquets, strings, bags, shoes and clothing is unsurpassed in Alabama. If the item you want isn’t in stock, we will gladly order it at no additional charge.

“Always support local business when you can. The Internet doesn’t care about our great city but your local business owner’s do!”

Player’s Choice Tennis is located at 1074 Montgomery Highway, in Vestavia Hills, 9854989.

We Have Moved! New Location!

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1069 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5:30 • Sunday 12-5

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985-4989 Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-4 Open Sundays in December 12-4pm Nike • Adidas • Prince • Wilson • Head • Babolat • Maui Jim • Fila • Volkl • Bolle • Lucky in Love • Maggie Mathers Bags • Tail • Lija • New Balance • feetures • Thorlos • Life is Tennis and Cinda B. Tennis Bags • Maxx Sunglasses and much more!

over the mountain journal • Thursday, december 3, 2015 • page 38

holiday gift guide II

Draw string PJ pants with a cell phone pocket

by Lazy One, $29. a.k.a. Girl Stuff, 802-7735.

Nina Nguyen Opal Cuff.

Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 251-3381.

Sweet treats for the holiday season, one size fits all.

Savage’s Bakery, 871-4901.

White lacquer box with pink Agate, from $45-$139. Kellum and Company, 874-9530.

Set of six Majolica Oyster Plates from the south of France, Circa 1950’s, $575.

Lolo French Antiuqes et More, 323-6033.

Stackable engraved brass cuff bracelet, $58 and Girlfriend bracelet, $49. ExVoto Vintage Jewelry, 538-7301.

Soft Ugg throw, $98, and cozy crew socks, $29.50.

The Lingerie Shop, 871-8994.

Men’s Round Hill 1/4 Zip sweater with elbowpatches, $185. Layered with a Classic Fit Tucker Shirt in Oakhurst Plaid, $98.50. Vineyard Vines at The Summit, 970-9758.

Crabtree & Evelyn nail polish.

No formaldehyde, camphor, dibutyl phthalates. Many color choices. $8. Christines on Canterbury, 871-8297.

A steel and round 43mm moon phase watch for men, the Clifton 10055.

Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871 7060

Gold chain necklace with pearl by jewelry artist, Carol Workinger, $456.

Jezebel’s Jewels, 502-7669.

Cowhide clutches, $119.

Snoozy’s Kids, 871-2662.

Lafco Candles, Golden Chestnut, Berry and Tree, $60. Mulberry Heights Antiques, 870-1300.

Half Moon Cookie Tins are made from scratch daily, delivered for $21.99.

Online at FullMoonBBQ.com.

Sunglasses by OGI-USA “speak their own language.”

Eyeglasses by Fredric Beausoleil-France “focus on traditional modern” $270 and $490. iiis. an optical shop, 930-9394.

Scout cooler offered with a free personalized tag, $39.95.

Annabelle’s, 979-4444.

Agraria floral diffuser, bitter orange, lemon verbena, balsam, lavender and rosemary, set of 4, $175, $55 each.

Roman Brantley Antiques, 460-1224.

Chroma Camera Drone by Blade, fly, stream and record, $1049. - $1199. Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop, 879-3986.

Purse N, for travel, jewelry organizers and toiletry bags, from $24-$110. Marguerite’s Conceits, 879-2730.

Two’s Co. Luxe throw. $89.99.

Smith’s Variety, 871-0841.

Imoji change purses, $48.

Betsy Prince, 871-1965.

Holiday bags by Mary Frances. Holiday in Bloom, $318. Marmi Shoes, 298-7633.

Clarisonic SMART Profile Sonic Cleansing device: four speeds of SMART technology with intuitive user interface and enhanced battery life, $265. Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center, 380-6123.

Set of 2 Happy Hanukkah dish towels, $12.

The Cook Store, 879-5277.

Holiday special, purchase four or more concerts and get 15% off. www.alabamasymphony.org.

Veggie Chopper handforged in Athens, AL, by Pequea Valley Forge, $34.

Alabama Goods, 803-3900.

American-made quality birdhouses, $28.99 $142.99. Wild Birds Unlimited, 823-6500.

Felt wine toppers, $9.

Christopher Glenn, 870-1236.

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 39

gift guide

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Now opeN iN

Mountain Brook Village

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Gift Guide

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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food They Have Doughnuts 42 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

Photo special to the Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Four Friends Cook up a Business Based on Their Favorite Food

Big Spoon Creamery owners Ryan and GeriMartha O’Hara are looking forward to openning in Avondale.

By Donna Cornelius

Journal photos by Kaitlin Candelaria

That thing you have for doughnuts? It’s in your genes.

At least, that’s what Phil Amthor believes.

“Everybody has a love for doughnuts within them from birth,” said Amthor, who started Birmingham’s We Have Doughnuts with his wife, Sara. The company just helps reawaken that primal connection, he said.

The small batch, made-from-scratch doughnuts are sold at a stand that’s open TuesdayFriday in the vestibule at the old Birmingham Savings & Trust building in downtown Birmingham. Other owners are Matt Churnock and Graham Yelton, who’s also the company’s brand manager. Sandy MacKay is the kitchen manager.

“My childhood love of doughnuts started a network of people,” said Amthor, who grew up in Hoover. “In 2013, we started talking about this. We started with four people – it was finding the right time to do it and the right recipe.”

He and Sara, a Culinard graduate, spent months working on recipes.

“My background is in city planning, and making good doughnuts is making the city better,” Amthor said with a smile.

Nashville native Yelton said she and her husband, Jay, met Amthor in a way unconnected to doughnuts.

“Phil was the architect for our house,” said Yelton, who lives in west Homewood.

Yelton, a graphic designer and photographer, said she told Amthor that if he ever got a doughnut business going, she’d be happy help with branding and design work. He did, and she was.

“It took about a year or so for us to develop

Building on Box Row: Big Spoon, We Have Doughnuts Will Open First Stores

The small batch, made-from-scratch doughnuts are sold at a stand that’s open Tuesday-Friday in the vestibule at the old Birmingham Savings & Trust building in downtown Birmingham. Co-owner Graham Yelton, above, helps a customer make a difficult decision on which doughnut to try.

Box Row development. Read more in Foodie News nearby.

The company makes two kinds of doughnuts: old-fashioned, which are cake style, and raised, made with yeast.

Some of the doughnut flavors are inspired by seasonal and local products, Yelton said. “One of the first flavors we did was the blueberry lemon. I actually went out to a farm and picked the blueberries.”

Another inspiration is from a more sophisticated source – cocktails.

“Both Phil and I are bourbon drinkers, so we make an Old-Fashioned Old-Fashioned,” Yelton said. “We also did a Coke, peanut and whiskey doughnut based on a cocktail at Ollie Irene.”

A hot buttered rum flavor is in the works for the winter, she said.

recipes that were worthy of sharing,” Yelton said. “Phil had the idea to have a test group.

We’d drop the doughnuts off around town for people to taste test. That turned into a doughnut delivery service.”

The business was nameless for a while before its owners settled on We Have Doughnuts, Yelton said. A few months after the enterprise started, it briefly went dark to rework and strengthen its game plan.

“We took a hiatus over the summer to get the kitchen in order and the right people in it,” Yelton said.

Folks already addicted to the doughnuts were relieved when the company re-launched a few months ago. In addition to its downtown Birmingham stand and delivery and catering services, We Have Doughnuts will open its first brick-and-mortar store next fall in Avondale’s

See doughnuts, page 45

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Fans of We Have Doughnuts and Big Spoon Creamery will have permanent places to find their favorite sweet treats next fall.

Both businesses will open their first brick and mortar stores at Box Row Avondale, a Blue Oaks Development that will be built out of shipping containers.

Culinary “Most of our team lives in Community Avondale and Crestwood, so News and we really wanted to be there,” Events said Graham Yelton of We Have Doughnuts.

The doughnut store will have a full-blown commercial kitchen, she said.

“We’ll move our full operation to Avondale,” Yelton said. “Now, we make all our doughnuts in the morning. It’ll be nice to be able to make them throughout the day and to offer warm doughnuts.

We’re also looking to include a quality coffee menu.”

While We Have Doughnuts sells its products at a downtown stand and via delivery, Big Spoon Creamery’s ice cream cart is a fixture at Birmingham’s Pepper Place farmers market and at pop-up sites around the city.

“We knew ideally we wanted to open a storefront next year, and with this development, it all fell into place,” said Ryan O’Hara, who owns the company with his wife, Vestavia Hills High School graduate Geri-Martha O’Hara. “We love Avondale.”

Now, Big Spoon has an ice cream club, which offers monthly home delivery of two flavors of its handcrafted ice cream, and sells mostly ice cream sandwiches from its cart.

Although the club likely will be discontinued once the store opens, Big Spoon will add additional products, O’Hara said.

“We’ll be able to have scoops, handmade cones, shakes and floats,” he said.

O’Hara said the company soon will have another venue for sales – an ice cream truck.

“It’s at the paint shop now and should be ready to hit the streets by spring,” he said.

For the holidays this year, the company is offering ice cream cakes and pies, O’Hara said. Email bigspoonbham@gmail.com or call 5688856 to order.

Construction on the 14,400-squarefoot Box Row development is expected to begin early next year.

According to Box Row’s Facebook page, Continental Bakery, Steel City Pops and Greg’s Hot Dogs also will be tenants. Also on board is Hotbox at Parkside, which will open a taqueria.

The development will include retail stores and offices.

Yelton said she thinks it would be fun to collaborate with their Box Row neighbors on new culinary creations.

“We’d love to do a doughnut ice cream sandwich with Big Spoon,” she said.

Holiday Spice: HICA Will Sell Tamales Through Dec. 11

If you tire of turkey and dressing during the holidays, spice up your menu with a traditional Hispanic treat.

You can order tamales from the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 43

Food

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

until Dec. 11. Pickup is from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the HICA office,117 Southcrest Drive, Birmingham.

HICA began the sale in 2003 as a way to share Hispanic customs with Birmingham and to raise money for its social programs, organization officials said.

Although the group took a break from the sale last year, more than 70,000 tamales have been sold since it started several years ago.

A tamale is a traditional Latin American dish made out of masa (cornbased dough) with a filling, typically of beef, pork or peppers, and steamed in cornhusks or plantain leaf wrappers.

The preparation takes an entire day and thus is often reserved for special occasions.

HICA tamale filling options include chicken with green sauce, pork with red sauce, or pepper and cheese.

Tamales can be ordered by the dozen or half dozen. This year, there’s an additional option, All That and a Bag of Chips. It’s a “unique gift you can give to celebrate the season,” said Holly Hilton, the organization’s development director. The meal comes with two half-dozen orders of tamales with your choice of two fillings, a jar of Salsa Señorita and tortilla chips, all packaged in a decorative gift bag.

Prices are $18 for half a dozen tamales with one filling and $30 for a dozen tamales with one filling. All That and a Bag of Chips is $45.

The tamales are made by Hacienda Mexican Grill in Gardendale and Mi Pueblo Supermarket in Birmingham.

Visit www.hispanicinterest.org to place orders or for more information.

Five Days of Feasting: Rucker Place Hosts Christmas Lunches

Historic Rucker Place again is offering Christmas luncheons featuring a festive menu.

Christmas at Rucker lunches are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14-18 at the event venue, 1804 12th Ave. S., Birmingham. The cost is $25.

The first course of the three-course meal is pan-fried fontina with salad greens and green apples. Main course options include roast turkey with cornbread dressing, Gulf Coast crab cake, and a Southern vegetable plate.

Each selection comes with side dishes and cranberry-yogurt drop biscuits.

Dessert is biscuit tortoni ice cream topped with crumbled macaroons.

For more information or to make reservations, call 558-2485 or visit www. ruckerplace.com.

Presidential Affair: Former White House Chef Comes to American Village

Former White House Chef Roland Mesnier will return to the American Village in Montevallo on Dec. 5 for the White House Christmas Coffee and Dessert Brunch.

Those who attend can meet Mesnier, who served five U.S. presidents, and sample food made from eight White House recipes.

Tickets are $100. Call 877-8111776, extension 1031, or email christmas@americanvillage.org for ticket information. ❖

Rolling on the River: Demopolis Celebration Includes BBQ Contest

Christmas on the River, an annual holiday celebration in Demopolis, is set this year for Dec. 2-6.

The event, which has been featured on Food Network and HGTV, includes the Alabama State Barbeque Cook-off.

The contest usually attracts teams from nine states.

Christmas on the River also has candlelit tours of historic homes, the Fair in the Square arts and crafts show, a day parade, and a nautical night parade and fireworks show.

For more information, visit www. demopolisal.gov.

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Food

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Shell Game

Chef Jeremy Downey Wins Two Awards at Oyster Cook-off

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When Jeremy Downey eats an oyster, the taste takes him back to his childhood.

Downey, the owner and chef of Bistro V in Vestavia Hills, grew up in Bayou La Batre on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

“Our next door neighbor was an oyster guy, and he’d bring us a big old sack and say, ‘Here’s 50 pounds of oysters,’” Downey said.

“Sometimes he’d just drop them on our doorstep. My dad would open them with his knife. I’d eat them right out of the shell.”

Downey’s still an oyster lover.

“You taste that saltwater in your mouth, and it brings you home,” he said. “I love that briny taste, that taste of the sea.”

Downey served oysters to a crowd of fellow fans at The Hangout Oyster Cook-off and Craft Beer Weekend in Gulf Shores Nov. 6-7. This was the eighth year for the event, which featured an oyster cooking competition with more than 40 restaurants, demonstrations by Food Network stars and other chefs, craft beer tastings and music.

Downey was competing at the festival for the third time, he said.

“I wanted to be a part of it since it’s in my neck of the woods,” he said. “My mom, dad and grandma still live in that area.”

His first experience at the cook-off left him a bit shell-shocked, he said.

“It was a learning experience,” he said. “I didn’t realize the labor involved. I manned the grill for eight hours. After that, I started to figure it out – what works, what doesn’t. I do most of the prep work at the restaurant; my dad does some at his house.

“I pack everything up and go to meet my family. My dad brings his grill. You have to be ready, to prepare.

We do about 13 cases of oysters, each about 50 pounds.”

Cook-off entrants have to offer three different oyster concoctions for ticket holders to sample. Downey said the categories are the same every year: raw, Oysters Rockefeller and Cajun.

His raw entry was West Indies style with Zing Zang granita. His take

Photo special to the Journal

By Donna Cornelius

Jeremy Downey, right, owner and chef of Bistro V in Vestavia Hills, with Roy Pedroso participating in The Hangout Oyster Cook-off and Craft Beer Weekend in Gulf Shores Nov. 6-7.

on Oysters Rockefeller included pork belly, herbed Cajun butter and spicy potato chip breadcrumbs. His Cajun creation was made with Conecuh tomato puree, Crazy Cajun Butter – which has bacon, lemon juice, spinach, garlic and oregano – and pecorino cheese.

When the awards were handed out on Saturday night, Bistro V won fourth place in the raw category and eighth place for its Cajun oysters.

‘I wanted to be a part of it since it’s in my neck of the woods. My mom, dad and grandma still live in that area.’ Chef Jeremy Downey Downey said he takes care not to “overpower the oysters” with other ingredients.

“I like the raw category best,” he said. “I’m into a little hot sauce and eating them straight out of the shell. I don’t even want lemons.”

Oysters aren’t the only seafood that Downey loves to cook.

“I’m a huge seafood person,” he said. “You’ll always find it on our menu at Bistro V. My strengths are seafood and vegetables.”

When buying oysters and other seafood, you have to be selective, he said.

“You can’t go to the average grocery store,” Downey said. “You have to know the people and the sources, or it can be tricky. Using a good product is huge. It’s like having a Mercedes or BMW – it’s going to handle better.”

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Martie Duncan, a Food Network Star finalist and Banks High School graduate, emceed cooking demonstrations. She also teamed with Jim Smith, chairman of the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission and head chef at the Alabama Governor’s Mansion, for a demo on how to make a biscuit-topped oyster stew.

Brews from Avondale Brewing Co., Cahaba Brewing Co. and Good People Brewing Co. were among craft beer samples on Friday night.

Birmingham’s Carla Jean Whitley, author of “Birmingham Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Magic City,” was the moderator for the Alabama Brewing Panel, which featured words of wisdom from several craft beer gurus.

The Birmingham-based Black Jacket Symphony entertained the crowd on both days of the festival.

Among festival headliners were Food Network chefs Anne Burrell, who hosts “Worst Cooks in America,” and Marc Murphy, a regular judge on “Chopped.” Both said they were making their first-ever visits to Alabama.

In addition to the cook-off, the festival had oyster-shucking and Bloody Mary-making contests.

The Hangout made sure to have big-screen TVs around so football fans could keep up with the games on Saturday. Downey, who was a member of the University of Alabama’s 1992 national championship team, had his own plans for watching Bama and LSU duke it out.

“I went back to our condo and watched the game with my 90-yearold grandmother,” he said.

Think you might like to attend next year’s mollusk mash-up?

For more information about The Hangout Oyster Cook-off and Craft Brew Weekend, visit www.hangoutcookoff.com or follow the festival on Facebook or on Instagram and Twitter @hangoutcookoff.com. ❖

Chandler’s Giving Back Former Eagle to Host Soccer Camp

By Lee Davis If you’re looking for someone who is living their dream, former Oak Mountain soccer star Chandler Hoffman is a good choice. Hoffman, a former Over The Mountain Journal Athlete of the Year, earned all-state honors as an Eagle before moving on to play at UCLA. After being named to All-American and all-conference teams as a Bruin, Hoffman was taken by the Philadelphia Union in the first round of the Major League Soccer Draft. A year later Hoffman was traded to the Los Angeles Galaxy, where he led the team to the MLS Cup, which is the league’s version of the Super Bowl. Hoffman currently plays for the

Dynasty, From page 48

Now that the Bucs have been dethroned – at least temporarily – that excellence is not likely to change.

Hoover still has the same resources it has enjoyed for the past 15 years: great facilities, supportive parents and, most of all, an abundance of quality athletes.

Niblett is one of the best coaches in Alabama, and if anything, this season’s failure to produce another champion may make him and his staff more focused than ever.

There is one thing that may have changed: the quality of the Bucs’ opponents, and even that may be considered a tribute to the wide-ranging influence

doughnuts, From page 42

We Have Doughnuts’ kitchen is closed Christmas day. But if you want to give someone a sweet surprise or serve your own family a festive holiday breakfast, the company is taking preorders Christmas week with several pickup locations.

While the menu changes, Yelton said chocolate doughnuts – sometimes in old-fashioned style and sometimes in raised – are always on offer.

“People also like our vanilla raised and our buttermilk old-fashioned, which is a basic glazed doughnut,” she said. “Our brown butter old-fashioned, which was also one of our first flavors, developed a cult following.

We realized that one wasn’t going away.”

For those who want the food at their parties or special events to be a showstopper, We Have Doughnuts has a “doughnut wall.” The treats are hung on specially made pegboards, and guests can pluck off their favorites.

Yelton said the doughnut wall was the brainchild of Carrie Montgomery, development events manager at the Birmingham Museum of Art. “Everybody that knows Carrie knows her love for doughnuts,” Yelton said. “She organizes Art on The Rocks at the museum, and she’d been after us for two years to partici-

Houston Dynamo.

“I’ve been very blessed to be able to make a living doing something I love,” Hoffman said in a recent interview.

And now Hoffman is giving back to the community where it all began for him. He’s hosting a series of camps for young soccer players at SportsBlast in mid-December. The boys camp for ages 8-16 will be held Dec. 21 from 9-11 a.m. The girls camp will be the next day at the same time. Cost for the camp is $50 per entrant.

Hoffman said interest in soccer has grown leaps and bounds since he was playing at the youth level in the 1990s.

“It’s growing massively not just as far as kids playing the game but also of the Hoover program. Rival teams, who understandably got tired of losing to the Bucs more often than not, upgraded their programs to become more competitive.

It’s become almost a cliché to say that no team in Class 7A will ever dominate the way Hoover has, and that may be true. But it would also be premature to say that the program is backsliding in any significant way. If someone started an office pool on which team will win the 2016 Class 7A football championship, who would be disappointed to draw Hoover’s name out of the hat?

Nobody. That’s because one year of falling short doesn’t foretell the demise of a program. Just because the opposition is stronger doesn’t mean Hoover won’t get stronger, too. ❖ pate. She had the idea for a doughnut wall.

“We did it last August – it was like a light bulb went off. We kept the panels; you can rent them out. We did eight dozen doughnuts on a wall recently at Trim Tab for an album release party.”

The company now is offering punch cards for customers. If you buy 12 half-dozen orders, you get a free half dozen. If you buy 12 individual doughnuts, you get another single doughnut for free.

Like Amthor, Yelton has her own doughnut memories.

“There was a doughnut place next to my high school, and I loved to go there,” she said. “Now, we want to be that go-to doughnut place and help people make new memories.”

The We Have Doughnuts stand is open from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. TuesdayFriday at 112 20th St. North. in downtown Birmingham. Handy hint: Get there early or risk leaving doughnut-less; the stand closes once it’s sold out. It’s closed on Saturdays, but preorders and deliveries are still available at several pickup locations.

You also can get their doughnuts at Revelator Coffee, Satellite Coffee Bar and Seeds Coffee. For more information and to place orders, visit www.wehavedoughnuts.com or follow the company on Facebook and on Instagram and Twitter @ WeHaveDoughnuts. ❖

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 45

food/sports as a spectator sport,” he said. “When major events have been played in Birmingham, they’ve drawn some of the most views of any city in the country. That says a lot about how far it has come.”

While Hoffman said the main goal for the camps is for the participants to have fun, he hopes they draw some inspiration, as well.

“The fact that I was the first player from Alabama to play at UCLA and that I was fortunate enough to be able to play at the professional level will hopefully show the kids that, if they are willing to work hard at something, their dreams can come true,” he said.

Actor Caleb Castille, who was in the movie “Woodlawn,” and former Miss Alabama Chandler Champion also will speak to the campers. For more information about the camp, go to www.ChandlerHoffman.com. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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46 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Early to Rise

By Lee Davis Although it’s been more than four years since Jessica Compton played in her first varsity basketball game at Vestavia Hills, the senior guard remembers the event as if it were yesterday.

“We were playing Homewood and when we went out for warm-ups, I had never been so nervous in my life,” she recalled. “I was so nervous, I was nearly in tears. Once the game started, I was able to control myself and help my teammates. I scored a few points and we won the game.”

What happened after the game is what really sticks in Compton’s memory.

“When it was over, Coach (Fran) Braasch came up to me and said, ‘You look like Jane, but you play like Tarzan.’ I’ll never forget that. Those words meant so much to me. Over the years, Coach Braasch and I have become friends.”

The compliment from Braasch, Vestavia’s legendary former coach, proved to be a premonition. Compton has been a standout for the Lady Rebels, and she earned All Over the Mountain honors in 2014-15. Her senior year may be the best of all as Vestavia’s strong early start against one of the state’s toughest schedules may portend a strong post-season run.

Going into the Thanksgiving break, Vestavia had posted a 3-1 regular season mark with a 1-2 record in tournament play.

“The biggest thing about this team is that we all get along so well,” Compton said. “We’re all really good friends on and off the court and there’s no tension between us. We’ve always helped one another out, and nobody has a big ego.”

Lady Rebel coach Laura Casey shares Compton’s enthusiasm about this team. “This is a group that from the very beginning has understood what we preach about the importance of commitment,” Casey said. “We have five words that we emphasize to our players every day: appreciation,

accountability, toughness, enthusiasm and commitment. Those are our core values that have sustained this program through the years. Our team is playing together with a purpose and that gets me excited.”

Casey has more tangible reasons to be excited as well, including a strong senior class that includes Renesha Evans, Maddie Vernon, Katelyn Pickard and Samantha Salmon in addition to Compton. A talented group of sophomores – Maggie Mince, Taylor Wilson, Merritt Cahoon and Sarah Cain – also give their coach a reason to smile. Juniors McKenzie Jackson and Jasmyn White and freshman Courtney Milner are also solid contributors.

“All of our seniors have been terrific,” Casey said. “They all completed a leadership course that was strictly voluntary. They’ve been very unselfish in helping and coaching our younger girls. Any coach will tell you that they love to have seniors who are similar to coaches on the floor. We’re blessed to have that.”

Compton swings from the point guard to the two-guard position and said she enjoys playing both slots. “I really like shooting, which I get to do when I play the two-guard,” she admitted, laughing. “But there’s something special about playing the point. You get to see the entire floor and set up shots for your teammates to score. I see both positions as an opportunity to help the team.”

The numbers show that Compton is helping her team in multiple ways. She is averaging nearly 16 points a game, while shooting 39 percent from the three-point line and an impressive 78 percent from the charity stripe. Evans is Vestavia’s top rebounder, snatching 10 rebounds per game while averaging eight points per contest and shooting 40 percent from the floor. Cahoon averages seven points and shoots from the free throw line at a 70 percent clip.

But Casey – as is the case with most coaches – puts a heavy emphasis on defense, and so far the Lady Rebels are buying into it. They are averaging 11 steals and forcing nearly a dozen

turnovers per game. “My favorite statistics are the defensive ones,” Casey said.

Compton said her success at the free throw line is a matter of concentration and routine.

“The free throw is the easiest shot in basketball because there’s no one guarding you. But so many teams lose games because they don’t connect on them in crucial situations, so it’s important to practice them and have a ritual when you go to the line.”

What is Compton’s ritual?

“It’s really pretty simple,” she explained. “I walk to the line and the referee hands me the ball. I flip it once. Then I take one dribble, and flip it again. Then I grab the ball and shoot.

Everyone may have their own ritual, but this one works for me.”

Compton said the transition to her senior season wasn’t difficult from a leadership standpoint.

“I know more is expected because we’re seniors, but I think we’ve always tried to lead and help the girls with less experience. What kind of teammates would we be if we didn’t have that attitude from the beginning?”

While Compton would like to improve her shooting from the field, there is a team goal that overrides all personal objectives.

“We’d really like to make it to Jacksonville State and play in the state regionals,” she said. “We talked about that before the season and decided that needed to be our goal. Doing that would be one of the best ways we could make the statement that Vestavia girls basketball is getting back to where it used to be.”

Tradition is important to the Lady Rebel program. Braasch led Vestavia to many area and regional titles, Final Four appearances and the state crown in 1987. The Rebel gym’s walls are lined with championship team photos.

And nobody understands the program’s legacy better than Casey, a former Vestavia player.

“One thing that’s unique about Vestavia girls basketball is that it’s like a family,” Casey said. “Coach Braasch

Journal photo by Hal Yeager

Compton and Lady Rebels off to Strong Start

The numbers show that Compton is helping her team in multiple ways. She is averaging nearly 16 points a game, while shooting 39 percent from the threepoint line and an impressive 78 percent from the charity stripe.

comes around as much as she can, and she’s always welcomed. We don’t live in the past but our girls understand that this program is about the ones that came before them and what they accomplished. This team understands and appreciates that and is proud to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

Compton was born in Tuscaloosa and moved with her family to Vestavia while in kindergarten. She touched her first basketball in third grade, when her parents signed her up for a youth recreational league. Although Compton was only eight years old, it was love at first dribble.

“Both my parents had played basketball in high school, so I guess it was in my blood,” she recalled. “All I know is I absolutely enjoyed playing from the first day.”

This season will be Compton’s final year of organized competition.

“I plan to attend the University of Alabama and study nursing,” she said.

That fact makes Compton all the more determined to conclude her senior season with a bang. “I hope I can use my four years of experience to

see the floor better and help our team any way possible,” she said. “And if we reach our goal of going to the regionals at Jacksonville State there’s no telling how far we could go after that.”

A Final Four appearance would be the next step, but Casey sounds like a well-known football coach when she describes her coaching philosophy.

“We just want to improve every aspect of our game every day,” she said. “We want to do our jobs every time. Then we’ll look up and see what the scoreboard says. If we feel like we gave it our best shot, we can live with whatever the final score reads.”

If Compton has her way, the final numbers on the scoreboard will bring far more smiles than frowns. “I love playing with these girls,” she said.

“There’s really no drama with them.

We’re just working to get better and reach our goals.”

Jessica Compton may be too young to name a single actor who ever played Tarzan in the movies, but ever since Fran Braasch cast her in that role for Vestavia, she’s more than lived up to it. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

Hoover Soccer Club’s Lady Phantoms 98 Win U18G AL State Championship

From left, front: Coach Tomas Fox, Lauren Laney, Treasure Adams, Payton Bisso, Lily Rogers, Catherine Spence, Georgia Hontzas, Sabrina Knight and Amari Graber. Back: Haley Stone, Hunter Tilashalski, Audrey Halpin, Maria Buitrago, Briana Morris, Camille Shepherd, Hannah Amidon and Coach Paul Welch.

The Lady Phantoms 98 defeated Birmingham United Soccer Association 98 Elite 1-0 after 90 minutes of regulation play and 20 minutes of overtime to claim the Alabama Soccer Association’s Division 1 U18G State Cup title on Nov. 15.

After 110 minutes of play, the score was level at 0-0 and the final match came down to a penalty shootout. Penalty kicks were scored by Payton Bisso, Hannah Amidon, and Hunter Tilashalski.

Goalkeeper Treasure Adams stopped 3 of 4 attempts by BUSA 98 and the Lady Phantoms 98 won the 2015 Alabama Soccer D1 U18G State

Championships.

Hoover Soccer Club’s Lady Phantoms 98 defeated Vestavia Hills Soccer Club Attack 98 Black in the semi finals 2-1 after 90 minutes of regulation play and 20 minutes of overtime. After 110 minutes of play, the score was level at 1-1 and the semi-final match came down to a penalty shootout.

Penalty kicks where scored by Payton Bisso, Hannah Amidon, Hunter Tilashalski, and Georgia Hontzas. Goalkeeper Treasure Adams stopped 2 of 4 attempts by VHSC to win the match and advance the team to the finals. ❖

jags,

From page 48

Shave

championship.

“Our players have been steady and focused all year,” Spain Park coach Shawn Raney said. “They know that we still have one more game before our goal has been reached. Nobody has worked any harder than our guys.”

For Spain Park fans, the football program’s ascent toward the mountain top has been especially sweet. For most years following the school’s establishment in 2001, the Jaguars labored in Hoover’s shadow, losing their first game to the Bucs by a margin of 61-7.

The program had the normal ups and downs along the way, but by its second decade it had become a perennial top 10 and playoff contender. But nobody could have guessed Spain Park’s rapid rise from a rollercoaster 6-4 season last year to a 12-1 mark and reaching the state finals in 2015.

“We’re not little brother anymore,” Beatty said. “Spain Park has made its own way. I think the program has grown up.”

Beatty grew up in a small suburb of Houston, Texas, before moving with his family to Hoover and entering the ninth grade. Having played the quarterback position since the third grade, he has a strong sense of the importance of football in both states.

“Football is big in Alabama, but it’s even bigger in Texas,” Beatty said. “In Texas, it’s hard to go a whole day without someone wanting to talk about it.”

1811|29th Ave. South I Downtown Homewood, AL 35209 | 205.874.1044 | wallace-burke.com 1811 29th Ave. South Downtown Homewood, AL 35209 205.874.1044 I wallace-burke.com Maybe so, but for now plenty of people want to spend the day talking 10% of all sales Dec. 2nD - Dec. 4th will be DonateD to the exceptional founDation. about Spain Park football. ❖

Perfecting the

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

Gray’s extra point gave the hosts a one-point advantage.

“The play didn’t really work out as it was drawn up,” Beatty said.

“One of their guys was really coming in hard. I threw the ball to Parker and had faith that he would come down with it, and he did.”

Kelly said the playbook called for him to perform two roles. “It was a trick play,” he said. “I was supposed to block and then go downfield. When Joey went to the left everyone went with him. The defender tipped the ball and I was able to catch it.”

Spain Park held off one last Hoover charge. Buc quarterback Chris Vacarella completed a 31-yard pass to Shedrick Jackson at the Jaguar 27-yard line. Four seconds remained on the clock. Hoover couldn’t get the kicking team on the field for Pickering to attempt a game-winning field goal as time ran out.

The loss was a bitter pill for the Buccaneer Nation to swallow.

Pickering’s previous two field goals had been from 43 and 37 yards, respectively, so a third attempt from 44 yards would have seemed makeable. But it didn’t happen.

“This hurts,” Hoover coach Josh Niblett said. “It’s supposed to hurt.

At Hoover, we are all about winning championships so when we fall short, it’s disappointing. But we’ll be back.”

If history is an indicator, Niblett is correct. This year’s Class 7A championship game will be only the

Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 47

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Bridge Suber looks for running room in the Jaguars 7-6 semi-final win over Hoover.

second big-school title clash that the Bucs haven’t played in since the 2000 season, when their incredible run of dominance began. In the other season when Hoover missed the championship game, 2007, Spain Park fell to Prattville 14-0 for the state title.

Now the moment belongs to Spain Park. “What we’ve done really hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s kind of surreal,” Beatty said. “I was always very confident in our offense and our defense,” Beatty said. “We believed we could beat Hoover, and we could also win the state championship. This is a dream come true, and it came through hard work.”

The Jags will have a week to settle down before meeting McGill for the

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Sports

Early to Rise: Compton and Lady Rebels off to strong Start Page 46 Spain Park took the lead on this play when quarterback Joey Beatty overcame heavy pressure to complete a nine-yard touchdown strike to Parker Kelly with 2:33 remaining on the clock. Crosby Gray’s extra point gave the hosts a one-point advantage. Jaguar Grey Best, below, shows off semi-final winner plaque.

More photos at www.otmjsports.com

lee davis

Dynasty Denied?

Hoover Loss Doesn’t Mean End of Dominance

Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

Crowning Achievement Jags End Hoover Streak, Head to Championship Game

By Lee Davis There will be a Class 7A state champion football team in 2015.

It just won’t be the Hoover Buccaneers. The new trophy holder may be living a short ways down the road.

Hoover’s bid for a fourth consecutive crown ended Nov. 20, when cross-town rival Spain Park upended the Bucs 7-6 in the semi-finals.

The Jaguars move on to meet McGill-Toolen of

Mobile at the University of Alabama’s BryantDenny Stadium on Dec. 2 to battle for the Class 7A crown.

The Bucs didn’t relinquish their crown without a battle. They led 6-0 late in the game, thanks to a pair of field goals by Barret Pickering. Spain Park took the lead when quarterback Joey Beatty overcame heavy pressure to complete a nine-yard touchdown strike to Parker Kelly with 2:33 remaining on the clock. Crosby See jags, page 47

MONDAY–SATURDAY 10AM–9PM

For Hoover fans, the Bucs’ 7-6 loss to Spain Park in the Class 7A football playoffs Nov. 20 came down to a good news/bad news scenario.

The bad news is that Hoover will not be the 2015 Big-School Class football champion for the fourth consecutive year. The good news is that the streak had to end sometime, and the Bucs are far from finished.

Admittedly, it wasn’t the greatest year in Hoover football history. The Bucs finished “only” 10-3, lost twice to cross-town rival Spain Park, was beaten by arch-foe Vestavia Hills and missed the state championship game for only the second time since 1999.

To get an idea of the narrow width between victory and defeat, remember that if Hoover had been able to kick a last-second field goal against the Jaguars, I wouldn’t be writing about this topic.

Of course, the only reason 2015 is considered a down year is because of the incredible standard set in the Rush Propst and Josh Niblett eras. The numbers are mind-boggling. Since the turn of the century, Hoover has played in the championship final 14 times and claimed nine titles. In many of the other years, the Bucs were only a play or two away from claiming more championships. Throughout the tenure of two coaches and the off-the-field issues identified with the latter part of the Propst era, Hoover maintained an uninterrupted run of excellence on the field.

See davis, page 45

SUNDAY 12–6PM