12.17.2015

We Wish You A Ver Y Merr Y Chr ist MA s A nd A hA pp Y A nd sA fe n e W Ye A r!

We’ll return in 2016 with our first issue of new year on Jan. 14.

Card is by Aaron King, fourth-grader, Vestavia

murphy’s law

The Gift and the Giver

It wasn’t an easy book to read. In fact, there are parts of me that wish I had never read it because it left me with a few painful images I would rather erase. Still, I continued reading because, amidst the horror, the author included short, powerful moments of hope. Good plan. How else could the hero have continued?

The book was “The Giver.” Cold, institutionalized inhumanity was all around him, although he came to see that only gradually. Hope arrived in fleeting moments – light, colors, human connection and, finally, the image of Christmas, although Christmas was never really named. There was a vision of a house, a brightly lit tree, and somehow the hero knew that if he could just get there, he would be safe.

In one way or another, I think we’re all trying to get to Christmas. We know Christmas exists. Like our hero, we’ve seen it, felt it, however fleetingly, and every year we try desperately to find our way back. We spend weeks constructing it, brick by laborious brick, shopping and mailing, baking and watching Hallmark movies, hoping that, if we can just put together the right pieces, Christmas will reappear and we will have arrived at a place of much needed peace.

Sue Murphy

For Christmas to be real, it has to be a game changer, and so I am hoping this year that we pour out compassion along with our eggnog, lift our hearts along with our songs, be a giver and a gift at the very same time.

Just like in “The Giver,” there is darkness around us. Listen to the news, speaking of images you’d rather not have in your long-term storage. Every day brings a new unfathomable headline. Bombs and beheadings, plane crashes and people who fire machine guns into unarmed crowds because...who could ever understand this? Our days are lived to a soundtrack of senselessness. For us, inhumanity is center stage. We go to work and do what we think is

good and right but, despite all of our positive pushback, we feel powerless, hemmed in with fear and dread. We want to get to Christmas. We need it.

Imagine. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to just forget about everything for a day, a season, to simply close our eyes and sing so loudly that the drumbeats disappeared? Of course, and we can do that, but the effect won’t last for long. As soon as the tree comes down, so will we.

It may help to remember that the first Christmas came in the middle of an enemy occupation. Powerlessness was part of the landscape there, too. Even as the star appeared, there were forces unleashing unspeakable cruelty on the innocents. And yet, despite all that would make it seem impossible, there appeared joy, a light that gently overcame the darkness and quietly gave us a road map for finding our way back. Funny thing, the map said nothing about tinsel. Eggnog, reindeer, gingerbread houses, while those things are fun (and what could they hurt?), we all know they can’t actually get us to Christmas. No matter how much easier it would make it for us, Christmas is not a kit. My guess is it’s less about doing new things than about seeing the same old things in a different way, looking at cold reality with a little warmth, applying kindness and forgiveness to people who frankly do not deserve it…but then again, when we’re really being honest, do we?

For Christmas to be real, it has to be a game changer, and so I am hoping this year that we pour out compassion along with our eggnog, lift our hearts along with our songs, be a giver and a gift at the very same time. How else can we continue? ❖

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.

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

over the Mountain views

What’s Your Favorite Holiday Movie?

“‘White Christmas’ from 1954. It feels like an alltime classic movie. My mom and I have watched it together every year since I was little.”

Sydney Wright Hoover

“I haven’t seen a lot of Christmas movies, but ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ is my favorite!”

“I have lots! ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Home Alone

2’ are my favorites but I also love ‘White Christmas’ for a good classic!

Courtney Carson Vestavia Hills

“‘The

It puts Christmas into perspective from a child’s point of view.”

Stefan Gilbert Birmingham

Santa Clause’ with Tim Allen.

Phoebe Hurst Homewood

Spirited revival news Page 8 child’s Play life Page 10

elegant evening social Page 18 Wildlife art Business Page 26

Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights.

Supplier Pricing on New 2015 Tahoes and Suburbans and Select 2015-2016 Silverado Crew Cab Pickups. Just Announced: 0% APR for 72 months on 2015 Tahoes and Suburbans.

For every vehicle we sell until 12/22/15, we will be donating a bicycle to The Sugar Plum Shop at Children's Hospital of Alabama

Prayers, Hopes and Wishes

By Kaitlin Candelaria

In the midst of a difficult holiday season, Kristen Morrow was struck with inspiration.

Last year, Morrow saw a news story on a neighborhood tradition in San Francisco called the “Wishing Tree.” Members of the community came together each year and decorated a tree, writing prayers, hopes and wishes and attaching them to the tree.

“One of my coworkers had been involved in a terrible hit and run accident, leaving her hospitalized for days,” Morrow said. “Our community also had a beloved school teacher facing a battle with cancer. I immediately thought that would a be a wonderful thing to bring to Homewood and a great opportunity for us to gather and leave well wishes for the new year.”

Morrow shared the story on her Facebook page, where it caught the eye of former City Council member Heather Reid, who immediately began working with the city to gain permission to do a similar project in downtown Homewood.

“Another friend, and very active advocate of all things positive,

offered to donate some strings of lights,” Morrow said. “We met on the curb in Homewood on Dec. 26 with lights, a ladder, lots of pre-strung tags and Sharpies, and so began the Homewood Wishing Tree.”

The project was such a hit with the community that it will be back again this year Dec. 26. You have until midJanuary to pin your wishes to the tree,

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 of Alabama during the event. For more information, call 870-0213.

Dec. 17-19

HOMEWOOD

Holiday Art Show

Brookwood Village

The Mountain Brook Art Association will finish up its annual two-week art show inside the lower level of the mall from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. The show features paintings of all sizes and price ranges. For more information, visit www. mountainbrookartassociation.com.

Dec. 17-20

which is located on 18th Street in the downtown area of Homewood in front of Trak Shak.

Tags and markers will be provided at the tree, but well-wishers are welcome to bring their own, as well.

For more information on the Wishing Tree or to share your visit, visit the Homewood Wishing Tree Facebook page. ❖

BIRMINGHAM

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.

BIRMINGHAM Holiday Seasonings

Virginia Samford Theatre

The Theatre will host its annual holiday program Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets begin at $25. The performance will feature Lee Ann Brown, Bill Bugg,

Corporate Friends

Kristi Higginbotham, Jan Hunter, Lucas Pepke, Kristin Staskowski, the Birmingham Sugar Babies, VST STARS performers and the barbershop quarter from the VST production of “The Music Man.” For more information, visit www. virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Dec. 17-31

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 remaining dates include Dec. 17-23 and 26-31 from 5-9 p.m. each night. Tickets are $8 and do not include special attractions. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. birminghamzoo.com

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.

HOOVER

Color and Chill

Hoover Library

Adults and teens are invited to join in on the latest trend: adult coloring. Guests can drop by the library from 9

VESTAVIA HILLS

“Joy, An Irish Christmas” Briarwood Presbyterian Church Keith and Kristyn Getty will be joined by an orchestra and the 100voice Briarwood Chancel Choir for a holiday concert. The free concert Dec. 20, will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www. briarwood.org. ❖

a.m.-5:30 p.m. and choose a picture page to fill in as they unwind. For more information, visit www.hooverlibrary.org.

Sat., Dec. 19

NORTH SHELBY Meadow Brook Runs Aliant Bank

The annual 5K and fun run will begin with registration from 7:30-8:45 a.m. Entry fees are voluntary contributions with a minimum suggestion of $15-

$25. The run will include gift bags, prizes, food and an awards ceremony. For more information, visit www. meadowbrookruns.org.

HOMEWOOD

Defensive Driving Class

Homewood Library

The library will host a training associates defensive driving course from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Room 101. For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

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 both a 10 a.m. and noon showing. For more information, visit www.bct123.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Santa Breakfast

Birmingham Zoo

Breakfast with Santa will be served at 8 and 10 a.m. in the Kudzoo Cafe. Reservation are required and tickets to the event are $25 for adults and $20 for children. Each child will receive a special treat upon arrival. For more information, visit www.birminghamzoo. com.

BESSEMER

Dash Away 5K

Camp Fletcher

Camp Fire Alabama will host a 5K and family fun event beginning at 8 a.m. Registration for the 5K is $35 and the fun run is $25. Non-runners can

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Bigtop Fun

Annual Night at the Circus to Benefit Magic Moments

The circus is rolling into town and, with it, the chance to help sick children in the community.

Magic Moments will host its largest annual fundraiser, Magic Moments Night at the Circus, on Jan. 29. The Birmingham-based nonprofit is the only wish-granting organization dedicated to fulfilling wishes for chronically ill children who live in Alabama.

The Magic Moments Night at the Circus is an almost 30-year tradition consisting of a pre-party before the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey circus performance.

The pre-party is a familyfriendly event, including all of a child’s favorite foods – hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken fingers, chips, cookies, ice cream, candy and more – as well as circusthemed entertainment such as jugglers, magicians and circus performers. A special kid’s area will feature inflatables, face painting, balloon animals and more.

At the conclusion of the party, attendees will walk together from the East Exhibition Hall in the BJCC to the arena, where they will take their seats and enjoy the show. This will be the 145th edition of the “Greatest Show on Earth” in Birmingham. Tickets vary in price. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.magicmoments.org or call 638-9372. ❖

To: Larry, 879-3388

From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax

Date: Dec. 2015

enjoy ticketed events such as the Jingle Bell Junction, a pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Miyazaki Marathon

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the dec. 17, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Emmet O’Neal Library

The Library will host a Miyazaki movie marathon from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for children grades 7-12. Popular Miyazaki movies include “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Ponyo” and the Academy Awardwinning “Spirited Away.” For more information, visit www.eolib.org.

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.

BIRMINGHAM

Tacky Paws for Claus Avondale Brewery

Made by hand. Given from the heart. Meisterstück Platinum Line Classique Rollerball And Black Pocket Holder.

Renegade Marketing and Just Happy Hounds have teamed up for a holiday event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m benefitting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Guests are invited to bring their pets dressed in their tackiest Christmas outfits to enter in the Tacky Sweather contest. Vendors will provide food and Avondale will be serving brews in the Beer Garden. Admission is free. For more information, visit www. justhappyhounds.com.

Mon., Dec. 21

HOOVER

Monday at the Movies

Hoover Library

The Library will host a showing of the movie “Christmas with the Kranks” in the Library Theatre at 2 and 6:30

p.m. For more information, visit www. hooverlibrary.org.

HOMEWOOD

Monday Movie Homewood Library

The Library will host a showing of “The Polar Express” from 3:305 p.m in the round auditorium. The event will include milk and cookies. For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Dec. 21-30

BIRMINGHAM

SnowFari Blast

The Birmingham Zoo

The Zoo will host a winter break camp for children who want to explore the zoo during winter and find out what the staff does to help animals through the cold. Explorations, winter crafts and animal encounters will keep kids busy during the winter hibernation. For more information, visit www.birminghamzoo. com.

Tues., Dec. 22

HOMEWOOD Gingerbread Baby Homewood Library

Guests are invited to the Round Auditorium from 10 a.m.-noon for a crafting event complete with snacks based on holiday books. For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Wed., Dec. 23

HOMEWOOD

Rudolph’s Reindeer Games Homewood Library

Guests are invited to drop by the library from 10 a.m.-noon to take part in a morning filled with crafts and snacks based on classic holiday books. For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Dec. 25

Merry Christmas !

BIRMINGHAM

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will host “A Viennese Celebration,” Dec. 31, at 6 p.m. ringing in the new year with waltzes, operatic selections and champagne. Tickets begin at $35. For more information, visit www. alabamasymphony.org. ❖

From left: Magic Moments Special Events and Outreach Coordinator Anna Martin, Circus Chair Ashley Wood, founder Shelley Clark, Associate Executive Director Courtney Carson and board member David Smith.

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

This Santa Carries a Tune

By Kaitlin Candelaria

Steve Pennington has been in the music business his entire life. When he isn’t teaching voice, he’s producing music.

However, you may notice a change in the Birmingham-based musician’s appearance starting about the middle of summer each year.

“I don’t do any trimming to my beard after July 1,” Pennington said. “That’s the pattern I’ve kept for the past 10 years. I cut my beard back to what I call a business professional length in January and try to live six months of my life as a music producer and music executive-type person.”

After July 1, he begins his transformation into the Singing Santa.

Pennington said he started dressing as Santa more than 30 years ago. With his musical background, he said the marriage between St. Nicholas and music was an easy one to make. He began his Christmas career working at churches, schools and corporate holiday events.

“Some of my most astounding events have been at elementary schools,” he said. “They’ll bring a keyboard or a piano out into the middle of a gymnasium and I’ll have 400500 kids singing along to Christmas carols with me.”

He said that he grew out his beard

for the role for the first time in 1999, which coincided with his first appearances in the mall circuit as Singing Santa.

“My favorite part about being Santa is just the reactions of everyone to seeing Santa doing something other than sitting in a chair and talking to kids,” he said. “I have such exposure to it doing my corporate work prior to this, so I knew that it would translate to this venue effectively.”

Singing Santa does, indeed, sing Christmas music. He also dances and sings other music such as football fight songs and fight songs for branches of the military, just depend-

ing on who’s there to see him. And of course, he’s always open to requests.

This year, Singing Santa is at Brookwood Village, but you may recognize him from other years at the Riverchase Galleria as well as the Summit. However, he takes his disguise pretty seriously.

“When my son was six years old, I had just started playing Santa and I went to his school and played the piano in front of him and he didn’t recognize me,” he said.

Pennington said he collects Santa outfits from all over the world and has more than 30 in his collection. He has everything from camo-themed Santa outfits to full-length velvet capes as well as the classic Santa uniform in many different colors.

“I decided if I was going to do the Santa sing-alongs, I was going to be the best-dressed Santa anywhere,” he said.

Pennington said this year’s hot Christmas wish list items are iPads, tablets, Zoomer Kitties, Xbox Ones, Star Wars Lego kits and Shopkins for the smaller children.

“I constantly stay in touch with the real Santa,” he said, laughing. “Thank goodness for social media and email. It lets us keep up with the lists and keep the toy orders up to date and make sure all the elves are delivered on time after Thanksgiving.”

Singing Santa will be at Brookwood Village for photos each day through Christmas Eve. For more information on photo pricing and hours, visit www.shopbrookwoodvillage.com. ❖

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Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

Spirited Revival

The Renovated Lyric Will Open Jan. 14

By Kaitlin Candelaria

The revival of downtown Birmingham continues with the grand re-opening of the Lyric Theatre in mid-January.

The Lyric Theatre, which is more than 100 years old, sits at 1800 Third Ave. North and will officially re-open its doors Jan. 14 after an $11.5 million renovation. Opening weekend will include three nights of modern vaudeville and a performance of Romeo and Juliet by the State Ballet of Russia.

raise money to rebuild the Lyric. The family that owned the theater sold it to Birmingham Landmarks in the early 90’s for only $10 with the intent that it be revitalized.

A list of concerts scheduled for the spring was released recently and includes names such as Drive-by Truckers, Mavis Staples, Sam Bush and Randy Newman.

Brant Beene, executive director of Birmingham Landmarks, said it’s hard to discuss the revitalization of the Lyric without mentioning other signs of progress in the city, such as Regions Field and Railroad Park.

“As things happened, we had a great fundraising campaign here in downtown Birmingham that brought Railroad Park in and the city agreed to help build Regions Field, and those two things were sort of the beginning of the downtown resurgence,” he said. “Momentum really started to shift back toward the downtown area around 2003 or 2004. Finally, when Railroad Park and Regions Field came along, we felt like we had the momentum and the time was right for us to have a fundraising campaign to rebuild the Lyric.”

Beene isn’t a Birmingham native but has called the city home for almost 40 years. He said he was attracted to his role with Birmingham Landmarks, the company that owns both the Alabama Theatre and the Lyric Theatre, because of his love for entertainment.

“All us children of the ‘60s love music,” he said, laughing. “But I also loved the historic nature of it. The Lyric has been here since 1914 and the Alabama has been here since 1927, so you have to think of the people who have been through those buildings and what they have meant to the historic fabric of Birmingham.”

Beene came on board at Birmingham Landmarks in 2009 to

However, plans for the Lyric were put on hold when Birmingham Landmarks co-founder Cecil Whitmire passed away in 2010. In 2013, Beene brought Tom Cosby on board as the campaign manager for the “Light Up the Lyric” fundraising campaign, and the restoration of the Lyric finally was underway. “We’re lucky that Tom decided he wanted to retire, but also that he wanted to work on a project that he had great passion for,” Beene said. “He’s worked on projects like Rickwood Field, the Vulcan and he’s very excited about the Lyric. In the space of eight or nine months, Tom was able to help us raise about $8.1 million for the Lyric.”

After the successful fundraising campaign, renovations began in 2014.

“The great thing about this project has been the variety and the number of people we have had who have contributed great sums of money – sacrificial gifts,” Beene said. “We’ve had great help from the city government, from the state, the arts council, the federal government, from foundations, from businesses and from individuals, all of whom have made tremendous contributions.”

Beene said that, for now, the Lyric will focus on performances like the vaudeville show during the opening weekend and musical performances. In the future, they may consider opening for weddings as well, he said.

“I love the fact that we have the Alabama and the Lyric and Vulcan and Rickwood Field and other places that you can’t find anywhere else in the world,” he said. “They’re ours and they make us what we are and I think that sense of place is a very important thing to a city. Having these theaters and those attractions really gives Birmingham a sense of place. It’s very satisfying to me to help continue the legacy that the Alabama and the Lyric has and to hand it to the next generation in better shape than I found it.” ❖

Theatre Ready for Its Close-up

The Alabama Outfitted for the Holidays by NYC Designer

In honor of the holiday season, the lobby of the Alabama Theatre has been transformed with holiday decor.

Interior designer Glen Kinnaird, of NYC Modern Home and an Alabama native, traveled from his home in New York to spread a little cheer and cloak the historic lobby with Christmas decorations.

“The Alabama Theatre has been freshly dressed for the holiday season,” said Brant Beene, executive director. “(Kinnaird) put together a Hollywood movie theme for the 20-foot tree that stands in the lobby and has added new wreaths, lights and other decorations.”

In addition to donating his time, Kinnaird matched the funds the theater budgeted for the decorations to create a holiday wonderland. Flowers were

‘There are very few places that feel as warm and welcoming as the Alabama Theatre during the holidays.’

donated by Hall’s Wholesale Florist and Northlight Seasonal.

“There are very few places that feel as warm and welcoming as the

Alabama Theatre during the holidays,” Beene said. “Many families have made a visit to the Alabama an annual tradition.”

To put the decor to good use, the Alabama Theatre will continue its annual holiday film series through Dec. 22, showing classic family-friendly holiday movies.

“We’ll be showing classics such as ‘White Christmas,’ ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’ ‘A Christmas Story’ and others,” Beene said. “Cousin Eddies by the dozens will come in costume, as will people in rabbit footie pajamas.”

All tickets are $8 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. ❖

Brant Beene, executive director of Birmingham Landmarks, is busy at work preparing for the Jan. 14 opening of the newly-renovated Lyric Theatre.

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

Alabama native and New York City interior designer Glen Kinnaird has filled the lobby of the historic Alabama Theatre with holiday decorations.

Photo by Butch Oglesby

Creative Montessori Breaks Ground on New Campus

By Kaitlin Candelaria

The Creative Montessori School recently broke ground on the new Barbara R. Spitzer campus in Homewood.

After months of deliberations, school officials decided to stay in Homewood to build their new campus. The new buildings will be added behind and beside the existing classrooms.

“The city of Homewood has always attracted good quality people,” Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer said at a groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 3. “When you attract good quality people, you attract good quality developments. We’re so excited that the school has chosen to stay in Homewood. Groups like you can go anywhere; any city would be pleased to have you. Thank you for making Homewood your home.”

The campus, which will be named for the school’s founder, Barbara R. Spitzer, is the result of a year-long fundraising campaign that generated more than $2 million for construction. The campaign included more than 200 donors and several grants from chari-

table foundations.

“All of these people, like the city of Homewood, realize how important it is

u VestaVia Hills

Chick-fil-A to Build on Site of Old City Hall

Chick-fil-A is a step closer to making its home on the site of the old Vestavia Hills City Hall.

City Manager Jeff Downes said the city closed last month on the sale of the old city hall, at 513 Montgomery Highway. The final sale price was about $1.2 million, he said.

Chick-fil-A plans to tear down the old

‘It’s

Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer

to have a really high-quality Montessori school in the city of Birmingham,” said Brooke Coleman, campaign co-chair and CMS parent. “It’s an educational method that’s known all over the world and people move here expecting to find a high-quality school.”

In addition to the donors, the students at the school took it upon themselves to raise money, contributing more than $1,000 to the campaign.

The new campus will feature new preschool classrooms that incorporate Montessori styles, which include open spaces and lots of natural light. ❖

City Manager Jeff Downes

city hall on Jan. 4 to build a restaurant on the property. Downes said the restaurant should open June 2.

“It’s been a long journey, but we’re glad that they’re moving forward,” Downes said.

The old city hall has been vacant since city officials moved into the new facility in October. The new municipal center is at 1032 Montgomery Highway, adjacent to the Vestavia Plaza Shopping Center.

– William C. Singleton III

Regina and Curtis Peacock found the process of looking for a home overwhelming at times, but thankfully, they had Realtor Michelle Creamer to guide them through the process.  “She must have shown us a hundred houses,” says Curtis, “but she never sounded frustrated or impatient.  She made us feel important, like finding our home really mattered.”  Regina says Michelle was always available to answer questions.  “We consider her a friend and highly recommend her to anyone shopping for a home.  You will not be disappointed!”

Michelle says being part of the ARC Realty Company team is a great fit for her.  “This company has visionary leaders who care about their agents and about Birmingham.”

u Homewood

Campaign Co-chair Brook Coleman, Mayor Scott McBrayer, Creative Montessori School Director Greg Smith and school founder Barbara Spitzer.

Journal

photo by Kaitlin

Candelaria

A Special Kind of Child’s Play

Kids Learn to Have Fun on Updated Mitchell’s Place Playground

By Donna Cornelius

When Mitchell’s Place was being built more than 10 years ago, Sandy Naramore often would drive by to check out the progress.

Naramore, who was a special education teacher at EPIC School, Cahaba Heights Elementary and Crestline Elementary, was excited to see the innovative facility on Overton Road take shape.

She had a connection with Mitchell Meisler, for whom the comprehensive center for kids with autism and other disabilities is named. Mitchell’s parents, Nancy and Allen Meisler, founded the school in 2005 after their son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

“I worked with Mitchell when he was a young boy,” Naramore said.

Recently, Naramore got to watch more construction at the school – a playground project. She had a better vantage point this time; she’s been the executive director of Mitchell’s Place for eight years, and her office windows look out onto the playground.

The school recently won a $20,000 grant for new play equipment through a video contest hosted by the Dr Pepper Snapple Group in conjunction with KaBoom!, a national nonprofit organization.

Mitchell’s Place was among nonprofits from across the United States that submitted videos for the Let’s Play Video Contest. The videos had to show the entrants’ need for an updated play space. Mitchell’s Place and four other nonprofits were chosen as finalists and won the grants.

“Emily Peterson, our grant writer, submitted the grant application on May 7,” Naramore said. “After we were selected as a finalist, the contest went to Facebook voting. We were notified we had won by email, but we’d also followed the voting on Facebook.”

Mitchell’s Place learned about the contest through a chance encounter, Naramore said.

“Our development team, Caroline Hubbard and Libby Matthews, were selling coupon books to benefit Mitchell’s Place outside WinnDixie,” she said. “Max Maxwell, who worked for Playscapes at the time, approached them and told them about the contest. We ended up using that company.”

Kit Clark, who’s with Birmingham marketing firm blr | further, headed up the video production, Naramore said.

Clark and others from the company “came out and donated their time and the production,” she said “The video showed the importance of play for meeting our children’s sensory needs. I credit the video with our win.”

Naramore said that the three pieces of playground equipment purchased with the grant money are for more than just having fun. Because autism impairs children’s ability to communicate and interact, playing may not come naturally for them.

“People assume that children know how to play,” Naramore said. “We have to teach our children.”

Becca Wood, the school’s occupational therapist, was “our go-to person” in choosing the new equipment, Naramore said.

“I depended on Becca,” she said “The rest of us could look at equipment, and say, ‘Wow, that

looks like fun.’ She could look at the socialization and sensory issues.”

Naramore said two of the three new pieces address the students’ sensory needs for body awareness and balance. A spinner, a large round contraption, has seats for riders; other children can easily push it to make it turn around and around. A low-to-the-ground zip line has a bucket seat for little ones and a disk for older kids to ride on.

“We’re the only playground in Alabama with a zip line,” Naramore said.

A lime green dome that resembles a fanciful igloo encourages socialization, she said. During a recent morning break, two children played together inside the dome while another climbed on top.

“The children are having fun, and they’re interacting,” Naramore said.

The grant had rigorous requirements, including enlisting volunteers to help with the project, she said.

“We couldn’t have done this without Lowe’s Heroes,” she said. The Lowe’s Home Improvement volunteer program is made up of employees who adopt projects with nonprofits in their communities.

“Lowe’s Heroes approached us about helping,” Naramore said. “These men and women came and worked Monday through Friday. Lowe’s also donated mulch and new fencing with a gate.”

Parents Catey and Cody Hall also were instrumental, she said.

“Cody got a Bobcat for us to use,” Naramore said. “Their twins are here at Mitchell’s Place.”

The new equipment went up in one week.

“Oct. 26-30 was Build Week, and Oct. 28

was our actual Build Day,” she said.

Mitchell’s Place celebrated its new play space with a schoolwide festival and ribboncutting on Halloween.

The actual cost of the project was $26,000, so the school had to raise the additional money. Donations came in all sizes. The Nick’s Kids Foundation, the official charity of University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban and his family, contributed – and so did younger supporters.

“When Arden Pike, one of our 5-year-olds, heard we’d won, he went to his room and brought out his piggy bank,” Naramore said.

Hartwell Higgins, whose twin brother is a Mitchell’s Place graduate, donated her birthday money to the project, she said.

Mitchell’s Place offers several different programs. Its preschool for ages 2 to 6 incorporates children with autism and their typically developing peers. Teach Me is a one-on-one program for ages 2 to 6.

“Our outpatient program is for anyone up to age 18 who needs services like speech, occupational therapy, psychology, psychiatry and ABA – Applied Behavior Analysis,” Naramore said. “We also have after-school programs for ages 6 to 18, summer camp and diagnostic services.”

Naramore was the assistant principal at Greystone Elementary when she was approached by Nancy and Allen Meisler about becoming executive director at Mitchell’s Place. She’s loved her job ever since, she said, and seeing happy children at play is especially rewarding.

“One child was so hesitant about trying out the zip line,” she said. “But once we got him on there, we couldn’t get him off.” ❖

Generous Gift

Homewood Fourth-Grader Gives Birthday Money to Mitchell’s Place

This time last year, 10-year-old Brown Chesser of Homewood was living in a much colder climate. His dad’s job took the family to Canada for three years, and they lived in chilly Calgary, Alberta.

Back home in Alabama, Brown warmed hearts at Mitchell’s Place last month when he donated his birthday money to the center for children with autism and other developmental disorders.

A former classmate with autism inspired Brown to contribute, said his mother, Maggie Chesser.

“He came up with the idea, and we researched places that benefit autistic children,” Maggie said. “He’s always had neat interests. He asks questions and really is interested in kids with special needs.”

Brown, a fourth-grader at Edgewood Elementary School, said he was in second and third grade with his friend Japal, who has autism spectrum disorder.

“It was hard for him to talk with other kids,” Brown said. “I played with him and enjoyed talking to him. I thought of Japal when I donated the money.”

Maggie said she was proud of her son’s generosity and big heart.

“In Canada, his teacher told me that Brown had come to her and said he thought that if the other kids understood what was going on with Japal, they’d be friendlier to him,” Maggie said.

Children with autism can have difficulty with social interaction and communication.

The teacher asked Japal’s parents to visit the school and talk to Japal’s classmates about his behavior, Maggie said.

“They explained what was going on with Japal and why he acted the way he did,” she said.

Brown and his mother visited Mitchell’s Place to present the donation to Sandy Naramore, the school’s executive director.

Brown, whose birthday was Nov. 29, said he’s into soccer and recently got interested in lacrosse. He’s looking forward to another new activity next summer.

“He’s been invited to come and help out at Mitchell’s Place’s summer camp,” Maggie said. “It’s definitely something he’d like to do.”

— Donna Cornelius

Brown Chesser visited Mitchell’s Place to present the donation to Sandy Naramore, the school’s executive director.

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

Mitchell’s Place occupational therapist Becca Wood and Executive Director Sandy Naramore pose with students on the new Spinner, one of several new items purchased for the playground.

Photo special to the Journal

Wall said she used the shopping trip as a math lesson to teach her students about budgeting and shopping effectively.

“The project is a blessing that continues to multiply, and it makes my heart so happy to see the students so eager to do something so generous for other children,” Wall said. She said everyone wins when you help others –one of the lessons she teaches her class.

“Wall’s Winners,” students in the third-grade class of Vestavia Hills Elementary East teacher Cathy Wall, continued her tradition of giving back to the community each year by buying Christmas presents for patients at Children’s of Alabama.

This year the class sold sweet treats on Halloween to raise funds to buy presents for patients in the hospital’s pulmonary unit. Students gathered on Rocky Ridge Road early Halloween morning to sell “donuts for donations.”

“It’s a great way for us to show how much we care about other children and it’s a lot of fun,” said James Harden, one of Wall’s students.

Students met their goal to sell 120 dozen doughnuts, raising more than $1,000. With the proceeds, they bought items from a Christmas wish list to be given to children in the pulmonary unit.

Joy Hardy, a certified child life specialist from Children’s, visited the school to receive the gifts and told the class about the children in the pulmonary unit, as well as talking about her role at the hospital.

“The donations from Ms. Wall’s class will not only bring smiles to the faces of our patients but will provide a sense of normalcy for the hospital environment and a way of coping with long hospitalizations,” Hardy said. She will present the gifts to the children at Christmas along with cards that were handcrafted by Wall’s class.

“Character education is an essential part of what we do at East,” Principal Mark Richardson said. “Wall’s project with her class is a perfect example of how to combine excellent teaching with helping others. It really is a life lesson that pays dividends in character and academic development.” ❖

By Lee Davis

Mike Kolen saw a lot of success on the football field. He played on bowl teams at Auburn University and has two Super Bowl championship rings.

But football was never the most important thing in his life.

As much as he enjoyed playing the game, his faith in God meant much more.

“The Lord has been so good to me, but earthly rewards don’t mean anything compared to having a relationship with Jesus Christ,” Kolen said.

Throughout his life, Kolen has combined faith and football to a positive result.

After a stellar career at Berry High School, Kolen was recruited by Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee in addition to Auburn. Although his football hero was former Crimson Tide All-American Lee Roy Jordan, Kolen chose the Tigers and their legendary coach, Ralph “Shug” Jordan. It proved to be a good decision.

“All four schools that recruited me were great, but I had some family ties to Auburn so it was the place for me,” Kolen recalled. “That’s where I met the Lord and my wife, Nancy.”

Kolen found his faith during his freshman year on the Plains.

“I had always gone to church and done all the right things, but I really didn’t have God in my heart,” Kolen said. “One night I went to see a film by the evangelist Billy Gray. I went back to my dorm room and got on my knees by my bed and accepted Jesus as my personal savior. The decision revolutionized my life and gave me a

Iron MIke

Former Auburn, Dolphin Star Always Put Faith First

Mike Kolen is also an author. He just released a motivational book, “The Greatest Team: A Playbook for Champions.”

sense of joy and purpose that I hadn’t had before.”

Soon afterward, Kolen became involved in Auburn’s chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “It was great,” he said. “Our FCA was led by coaches and athletes from all sports and was a great way to grow our faith with others.”

As Kolen’s spiritual life developed, his star on the football field was rising, too. Freshmen were ineligible for varsity play in the 1960s, but he made an immediate impression as a sophomore

by earning a starting spot at linebacker.

The pundits predicted a losing season for the Tigers in 1967, but Auburn surprised the experts by posting a 6-3 record entering its traditional season finale against Alabama.

Legion Field was a rain-soaked, muddy mess as Auburn held a 3-0 lead in the fourth quarter. The tide turned when quarterback Ken Stabler’s 47-yard touchdown run gave Alabama a 7-3 victory.

The defeat was a bitter disappointment, but Kolen said the lessons learned helped in the long run.

“As much as losing to Alabama hurt, I really think that game helped us mature as a young team,” Kolen explained. “We learned what it took to win a really big game.”

Auburn came back strong the next year, posting a 7-4 record that included a rout of Arizona in the Sun Bowl. The Tigers’ best outing came in a 31-6 win over highly regarded Miami. Auburn’s defense held the 10th-ranked Hurricanes to minus-85 yards rushing. “If Mike Kolen wasn’t an AllAmerican today, I’ve never seen one,” said Jordan.

“I think we intercepted seven or eight passes in that game,” Kolen said. “(Tiger linebacker) Sonny Ferguson intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown and that play really got us going. It was a great day for Auburn.”

More great days were ahead in Kolen’s senior season of 1969. The addition of two outstanding sophomores – quarterback Pat Sullivan and wide receiver Terry Beasley –had Tiger fans excited. “There was definitely a feeling of optimism and excitement when the season began,” Kolen said. “There was a feeling that we could be something special.”

With Sullivan and Beasley living up to their buildup and the Auburn defense playing at a high level, the Tigers entered the Alabama game with a 7-2 record. For Kolen and his fellow seniors, it was their last chance to defeat the Tide.

“Before the game, we asked Coach Jordan if all the seniors could go out for the coin toss as captains,” Kolen said. “He was all for it. I think it showed Alabama that we weren’t

word,” Kolen said. “He went straight to the blackboard and wrote two words: World Champions. Before Coach Shula came, winning four or five games was considered a pretty good year for the Dolphins. He made it clear that the new expectations were going to be high.”

The first training camp was brutal. “We practiced four times a day for five weeks,” Kolen said. We started at 6:30 in the morning and went until 11 at night. Coach Shula made it clear where he wanted to take us.”

Shula’s approach worked quickly. Miami posted a 10-4 record and reached the playoffs for the first time in 1970. The new coach’s emphasis on having a strong defense was a major reason for the turnaround. A year later, the Dolphins were even better, reaching the Super Bowl. The defensive unit was among the best in the league, despite the fact it had few big name stars. Soon a nickname was born.

intimidated.”

Kolen’s new book explains the concept of TEAM: Trust, Enthusiasm, Attitude, and Motivation™.

Kolen may have played his greatest game as a Tiger. His jarring tackle of Tide quarterback Scott Hunter forced a fumble that led to an Auburn touchdown. The game was close at halftime before Auburn put together a strong fourth quarter push to win 49-26.

“It was the greatest thing in the world,” Kolen said. “We knew before the game it was the biggest game we’d ever played in our lives. We didn’t even think about not winning. We knew we were going to do it.”

Kolen earned All-American and All-Southeastern Conference honors and gave much of the credit to Jordan.

“Coach Jordan cared for his player and would do anything to help them,” Kolen said. “He was the epitome of a players’ coach. He also had a brilliant knowledge of the game and wasn’t afraid to surround himself with good people.”

Professional football soon knocked on Kolen’s door as he was drafted in the 12th round by the Miami Dolphins. Miami had been a perennial loser in its early days, but Don Shula was brought in from the Baltimore Colts to rebuild the franchise in Kolen’s rookie season.

“Coach Shula was very similar to Coach Jordan in his insistence on discipline and his understanding of the game,” Kolen said. “He was younger than Coach Jordan, so you might say he was a little more feisty. Coach Shula knew how to put pressure on us and rally the troops so we would be ready for a tough situation in a game. Both Coach Shula and Coach Jordan would have been very successful as CEOs for a business.”

Kolen vividly remembers the first team meeting with Shula.

“He came in without saying a

“We were playing the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl in New Orleans and (Cowboy coach) Tom Landry was having a press conference,” Kolen said. “He was asked a question about our defense and he admitted he couldn’t think of any of our names. After that we were known as the No Name Defense.”

The Cowboys defeated Miami 24-3, but the Dolphins established themselves as a legitimate league powerhouse. In 1972, Kolen would be a part of perhaps the greatest season in NFL history.

“We thought we’d be good, but I don’t think anybody imagined we’d be the first NFL team ever to go undefeated,” Kolen said. “Nobody had an ego and everyone worked together for the good of the team. What truly made that group special was the concept of TEAM – Trust, Enthusiasm, Attitude and Motivation.”

Miami had a few close games in the regular season but completed the schedule with a 14-0 mark. The Dolphins then defeated Cleveland and Pittsburgh in the playoffs and climaxed the season for the ages with a 14-7 win over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII.

The Dolphins won the Super Bowl again the next season with a victory over the Minnesota Vikings. “We probably had a better team but we didn’t go undefeated,” Kolen said. “That shows why it’s so hard to go undefeated at that level. It hasn’t happened since.”

Kolen continued to be one of the NFL’s best linebackers until his retirement after the 1977 season.

In the years that followed, Kolen came back to the Birmingham area, where he was successful in business and became a popular speaker, giving his Christian testimony. He also has worked to help establish FCA chapters at junior high schools and high schools throughout the state.

Kolen is also an author. He just released a motivational book, “The Greatest Team: A Playbook for Champions.” It’s available at local bookstores and online.

“I’ve been very blessed,” Kolen said. “I’ve had the opportunity to be around great people.”

Mike Kolen has been blessed, but with his impact on his community he has also been a blessing. ❖

Photos special to the Journal

Fireside Foliage

The Friends of Sims Garden held a cocktail party Nov. 15 to thank those who helped cultivate the public facility at 908 Highland Road in Homewood.

Thunderstorms on Nov. 1 pushed the event to its rain date which, falling after the end of daylight saving time, made it a fire-lit outdoor gathering.

The event also was held to draw attention to the garden’s latest growth phase and thank sponsors and friends for donating to the annual fundraiser for the Southern Environmental Center, an organization affiliated with Birmingham-Southern College that manages the gardens and 11 other ecoscapes across Birmingham.

Sipping cocktails from Little

Donkey were the restaurant’s owner, Josh Gentry, and his wife, Julie, who led development of the Homewood Schools’ community garden.

Other guests included Walter Jones, Michael Hallman, Allyn Holladay, J.J. Bischoff, Roald Hazelhoff and his son, Ian, and Kimberly Sharken.

The Homewood Environmental Commission was on-hand, selling native tree seedlings grown from Homewood stock.

The Sims Garden is the only Over the Mountain ecoscape so far. It was created from the property of the late Catherine Sims, who willed it to Homewood for public use.

The garden is made up of a house and five residential lots that were planted by Sims over the years. Following her death, the property became overgrown, until the Southern Environmental Center began managing it.

The space now features greenhouses, a brick patio, a “green” roof and rainwater collection system, a bioswale for slowing storm water runoff, bees and an orchard of edible plants. The city allots $3,000 for yearly maintenance, but this year the Friends group was established, winning the gardens a one-time $5,000 grant from the City Council to use as seed money. —Liz Ellaby

Decorate and Donate

Deck the ‘Ham Shows off Holiday Décor and Raises Funds for Cancer Society

If you’re a holiday-decorating enthusiast and eager to support a good cause, the Deck the ‘Ham contest might be for you.

The American Cancer Society is sponsoring the contest for the first time this year. Homeowners can register by uploading photos or a video of their exterior holiday displays to the contest website. Then, their families, friends or anyone interested can “vote” for the best decorations by making donations to the society.

Donations should be made by the end of the year, and prizes will be awarded for the Best Decked Home on Jan. 8. The top fundraiser will win a private event for 30 guests at B&A Warehouse, including food and a full bar up to a $3,000 value.

The society has set a goal of raising $35,000 for its research and patient care programs, according to Ginny Tucker, senior director of community engagement for the society’s Mid-South Division.

To enter, visit www.DeckTheHam. org. ❖

This home in Vestavia Hills looks like a

Photos courtesy of Catherine Pittman Smith Photography Journal photo by Maury Wald

Left: Photos of the late Catherine Sims were on display at the event. The garden was created from property she willed to Homewood for public use. BeLow: Nora Krall, Mary Ellen Snell, Allyn Holladay, Kimberly Sharkins and Jonah Sharkins.

Mountain Brook Resident Competes in Harvard Law Courtroom Competition

A team that included three Alabama students, one of whom is from the Birmingham area, won the Ames Moot Court Competition at Harvard Law School on Nov. 16.

The Hon. Robert Smith Vance Memorial team included Amanda Claire Grayson of Mountain Brook. Grayson’s team was named in honor of the former federal judge of Birmingham who served on the 5th and later the 11th Circuit Courts of Appeals before his death.

The case, Abrams v. Vita Inc., involved an employee who suffered a disability as the result of a car accident and sought workplace accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Grayson’s team won best overall

and team member Charlotte Lawson won best oralist. This year was the first year that all four oralists were women.

The Ames Moot Court Competition is considered one of the most prestigious competitions for appellate advocacy in the country. After a qualifying round and semi-final, the remaining two teams argue in the final round before a panel that typically consists of a U.S. Supreme Court justice and two federal appellate judges.

This year, the team argued before Justice Elena Kagan of the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Debra Ann Livingston of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit and Judge Robert L. Wilkins of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

For more information about the competition, visit www.orgs.law.harvard. edu/bsa/.

Homewood Resident Receives Fulbright Award

Molly Williams of Homewood has been offered a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant to Malaysia, where she will enter into an English teaching assistantship.

According to a press release, Williams is one of more than 1,900 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad for the 2015-2016 academic year through the Fulbright student program. Recipients are chosen based on academic and professional achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.

The program is a flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. The purpose of the program is to create an increased mutual understanding between U.S. citizens and people of other countries. The primary source of funding for the scholarship is Congress, as well as the Department of State and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

After attending Homewood High School, Williams went on to graduate with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in public policy and sociology.

Amanda Claire Grayson, third from left, with members of her team won the Ames Moot Court Competition at Harvard Law School Nov. 16.

Molly Williams

Attic Antiques

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Hoover’s Branin Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Jake Branin of Hoover earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, Aug. 13.

To achieve the award, a scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, exhibit strong leadership in his troop and coordinate and execute a community service project.

Branin has earned 36 merit badges in his scouting career.

As his Eagle service project, he removed approximately 17 feet of gravel walkway and replaced it with brick pavers at the Alabama Veterans Memorial at Liberty Park. Not only was the gravel removed, but the base had to be prepared before laying the pavers. This project provided a more solid and stable walkway for people visiting the memorial.

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Branin is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Branin. He is a member of ABS Troop 21 and a sophomore at Spain Park High School.

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.

Morris Recognized as Eagle Scout

Thank you for your prompt attention.

William Noble Morris was presented with his Eagle Scout certification during a court of honor ceremony Dec. 13.

Morris is a member of Troop 86 of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church under Scoutmaster David Millhouse. As a Scout, he completed the Northern Tier’s Okpik winter camping excursion, where he camped in sub-zero temperatures and completed a snowshoe trek, participated in cross-country skiing and drove a dogsled team. He earned 22 merit badges during his time as a Scout.

For his Eagle Scout project, Morris created a friendlier trail for visitors and veterans with mobility issues at Alabama Veteran’s Memorial Park. He and many volunteers, including fellow troop members, logged hours laying brick pavers.

Authors Martha Wurtele and Jake Collins, above, celebrated the release of their book “Homewood (Images of America)” with a book-signing at Homewood Antiques Dec. 10. Wurtele has been working on gathering information, photos and anecdotes about Homewood for more than thirty years. She was contacted by Collins, a history teacher at Homewood Middle School, three years ago and they worked together to finally release the book on Nov. 30. The book, which includes over 200 pages of photos and historical information about the city, can be purchased at Little Professor, Alabama Booksmith and Seibel’s. ❖ Local Authors Release History

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He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John N. Morris II of Mountain Brook and the grandson of Mrs. Jane Morris and the late Mr. John N. Morris and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Farley. He is a student at the Arlington School, where he is a member of the Youth Leadership Development Program. Outside of school, Morris plays on the Alabama Yankees travel baseball team as a catcher. He was selected for the Perfect

Game’s All-Tournament team for catching and hitting.

Morris also has logged service hours working with organizations such as the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Beads for Life, Renew Our Rivers and Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center.

Morris is a member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent, where he has served as an acolyte.

Homewood Filmmaker Awarded at Film Festival

Homewood resident Jessica Chriesman recently won Best Music Composition for her film “Self Portrait” at the Artlightenment 2015 Art and Film Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. The film, which also was nominated for best documentary, is based on reflections on the different influences that affect individuals’ lives.

Chriesman is a Homewood High School graduate. After high school, she earned her bachelor’s degree in filmmaking and psychology at UAB. ❖

Merry CHrISTMAS AND HAPPy NeW yeAr froM your frIeNDS AT over THe MouNTAIN JourNAL! Look for our NexT ISSue JAN 14.

Jessica Chriesman

William Noble Morris

Journal photo by Kaitlin Candelaria

Jake Branin

Heights Dermatology & Aesthetics

In business for 26 years, Heights Dermatology & Aesthetics, formerly Montclair Dermatology, is a medical and cosmetic dermatology practice offering Botox, Facial Fillers, Body Contouring, Laser Skin resurfacing, and Aesthetician services such as facials, peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, brow sculpting and much more!

“Visit our retail store for an in depth skin analysis with our reveal camera featuring medical grade skin care and cosmetics for all ages and skin types,” said owner, Dr. Retna Billano, pictured above center.

Greenhalgh Insurance Agency

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“Tour our new facility and pamper your loved ones by giving the gift of beauty and relaxation. Enjoy special pricing on procedures, skin care and aesthetician services. Gift certificates are available. Look your best this holiday season.

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Heights Dermatology & Aesthetics is located at 4325 Dolly Ridge Road, 591-2169.

Insurance Agency was established in 1937 by its founder, Ted Greenhalgh. Ted was a respected member of the Birmingham community, who made sure customers were treated fairly and with respect. The Agency grew through its reputation and relationships.

‘We are in the business of helping people keep order in their lives after a loss or catastrophe...’

In 1977, Russell Greenhalgh joined his father in the business and helped shape the agency into what it is today. Russell, joined by his wife, Marcia, and his son, Adam, continues to uphold Ted’s founding values and principles. Russell and Marcia’s other children, son Eddie and daughter Ellen have also worked in the

retired to raise her two children.

“In order to provide our clients with the most competitive products, we represent many of the nation’s top-rated insurance carriers,” said Russell Greenhalgh with son Adam, above.

“We offer full service personal insurance, commercial insurance, and surety services.

“We are in the business of helping people keep order in their lives after a loss or catastrophe to include helping businesses protect their assets and grow their business though risk management and insurance programs.”

“Our friendly staff will work with you to determine your specific needs,” said Adam. Greenhalgh Insurance Agency is located at 3144 Cahaba Heights Rd., and their phone number is 967-8800.

Greenhalgh Insurance Agency has been proudly serving the Birmingham area since 1937. As one of Birmingham's oldest and most trusted independent insurance agencies, we are able to provide quality personal and commercial products and services for our clients' insurance needs. Our excellent service and relationships come from the years of dedication spent protecting our clients' assets.

Greenhalgh

family business. Eddie now has a successful career in commercial real estate while Ellen

Elegant in Black and White

Sixteen Debutantes Presented at Annual Event

Lalie

The Birmingham Debutante Club honored 16 young women at its 2015 Black and White Ball on Nov. 27 at the Country Club of Birmingham.

The event has been known as the Heritage Ball, but the club this year used the name of the first ball, held in 1929 – The Black and White Ball. In keeping with the original theme, the presentees wore white while their guests wore black.

Buffy Hargett Flowers created an elegant white décor with black accents in the East Room of Birmingham Country Club. Floral arrangements and garlands of white roses, peonies, tulips and hydrangeas were punctuated by a large orchid tree under a canopy of white lights and sheer draping.

Tabletops were dressed with graceful black runners layered over crisp white linens and topped with masses of votive candles. The sophisticated theme was accentuated by the debutantes’ traditional white gowns and elbow-length gloves, their escorts’ black-and-white-striped tuxedo bow ties, and hundreds of guests in formal attire. The debutantes were presented by their fathers. After a traditional waltz with their fathers and escorts, the presentees and their guests enjoyed an evening of dancing to the music of Bobby and the Aristocats.

The 2015 debutantes and their escorts included Ann Ashton and Jacques Larochelle; Julie Bryant and Jordan Giddens; Elizabeth Coleman and Charles Setzer; Virginia Drennen and Wade Bramlett; Anne Galloway and Mark Rector; Lalie Given and Malcolm McRae; Caroline Gray and Jonathan Jetmundsen; Virginia Grisham and Parker Alison; Libby Hobbs and John Harris Britton; Adelaide King and Carter Ball; Florence Poynor and Pearce Mulkin; Kaki Simpson and Sellers Boudreau; Brownlee Smith and Peyton Thetford; Catherine Smith and Andrew Fix; Virginia Smith and Lee Cotton; and Cece Sprarrow and Harrison Fields. ❖

From left: Kaki Simpson, Elizabeth Coleman, Adelaide King and Caroline Sparrow. Photos

by Dee Moore

Anne Galloway, Virginia Grisham, Brownlee Smith and Julie Bryant.

Virginia Drennen, Catherine Smith, Caroline Gray and

Given.

Florence Poyner, Libby Hobbs, Ann Ashton and Virginia Smith.

Puttin’ on the Waltz

Poinsettia Debs Attend Dance Lessons

Ten Poinsettia debutantes and their fathers met to fine-tune their waltz skills before being presented at the 48th annual Poinsettia Debutante Ball on Dec. 29.

The party was held Nov. 22 at Jackie O’Neal Dance Studio in Vestavia Hills and the father-daughter couples received waltz instruction by owner Tammy Towns.

Guests received monogrammed commemorative plates and a ball gown cookie. Poinsettia Ball Board members attending were Mary Angelo and Lianne Hand. The party was hosted by Donna Bagwell, Joanna Burleson, Stacy Hall, Debra Pounds and Mary Margaret Yeilding.

After whirling around the dance floor, the debs and their fathers enjoyed refreshments and décor reflecting the style of the 1920s.

Debutantes and their fathers attending the event included Susanna Bagwell and her father, Terry Bagwell; Katherine Brightbill and her father, Todd Brightbill; Paige Burleson and her father, Jeffrey Burleson; Mary Amanda Hall and her father, David Hall; Kathryn Lundberg and her father, Mark Lundberg; Mary Katherine Manakides and her father, Nikolaos Manakides; Catherine Masingill and her father, Jimmy Masingill; Joan Leslie McGill and her father, Bradley McGill; Allison Pounds and her father, James Pounds; and Mary Frances Yeilding and her father, John Yeilding. ❖

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

Above: From left: Mary Amanda Hall, Allison Pounds, Paige Burleson, Mary Frances Yeilding, Susanna Bagwell and Tammy Towns. below: Donna Bagwell, Debra Pounds, Stacy Hall, Tammy Towns and Mary Margaret Yeilding.

Thank You For Your Support For 31 Years!

Fall Soiree

The Charades Dance Club held a fall social and dinner buffet Oct. 18 at the Mountain Brook Country Club.

As they arrived, new members Mary Michael Bowman, Cathy Rye Gilmore with her husband, Vic, and Nancy Gaskin with Tom were greeted by hosts Becky and Doug Rollins as well as by President Judy Bewley and her husband, Adrian.

Party Chairman Loretta Hood, along with her committee, planned the affair. Help was provided by Linda Daniel, Lyndra Daniel, Barclay Darden, Deanna Davis, Anne Dawson, Enid Dean, Sara Lynn DeFuniak, Betsy Dumas and Sallie White.

Attending the party with the committee members were Hugh Hood, Dick Darden, Timothy Davis, Ken Dawson, Bill Dean, Fox DeFuniak and Carlos White.

Pianist Ray Reach provided music during the cocktail hour as well as during dinner.

The delicious buffet included Caesar salad, fried chicken and beef short ribs, sweet potato souffle, squash casserole, chocolate roulage and banana pudding. Pewter containers filled with white hydrangeas, set atop round mirrors and surrounded by votive candles provided centerpieces for the dining tables.

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Guests in attendance included Margaret and Eason Balch, Evelyn and Steve Bradley, Patsy and Stan Burns, Anne Carey, Judy and Jim Carns, Mary and Bobby Cobb, Carol and Jerry Corvin, Carole and Charles Crabbe, Ellen and Russell Cunningham, Naomi and Kirk Cunningham, Katie and Brad Dunn, Louise and Durham Ellis, Anne and Rick Finch, Laurie Hayworth and Roger Mills, Beth and Rich Henry, Mary Ann and Bill Jones, Anne and Tom Lamkin, Verna and John Lyons, Pat and Wimberly Miree, Josephine and Paul Pankey, George Ann and Alton Parker, Susan Pitts, Mary and David Putman, Susan and Lee Reeves, Helen and Ty Robin, Martha and Tom Roberts, Sara and Eladio Ruiz de Molina, Madelon and Fred Rushing, Carolyn and Bill Satterfield, Emily and Tom Scarbrough, Alice and Bob Schleusner, Katy and Rick Sexton, Lynn and Wheeler Smith, Rita and Cliff Spencer, Patsy and Bob Straka, Marsha and Eddie Terrell, Lana and Harry Thompson, Janie and Bud Trammell, Rae and Steve Trimmier, Karen and Charlie Watkins, and Kathleen and Ray Watkins. ❖

From left: Enid Dean, Barclay Darden, Deanna David, Loretta Hood, Anne Dawson and Becky Rollins.

Above: Tom and Martha Roberts, Vic and Cathy Gilmore. below: Fred and Madelon Rushing, Ed and Marsha Terrell.

Shrimp Brooch 18k, Diamonds and Emeralds

Charles and Carole Crabbe, Adrian and Judy Bewley, Lynn and Wheeler Smith.

Caputo, Janice Anthony, Marian Washburn, Susan Williams, Susan Martin, Libby Ward, Cindy Ivy, Lynette Horton, Kelly McCallum, Suzanne Milligan, DeLene Stutts, Cindy Doody, Jane Bochnak, Beth Rose, Susie Walker, Trish Hand, Bonnie Church, Judy McRae, Harriet Williams, Dena Bowden, Janet Crowder, Mary Winkler, Marsha Grady, Dana Levering, Tricia Irby, Heather White, Dena Prince, Ann Sanders and Emily Hamilton. ❖ Bama in Birmingham

Alpha Chis Host Alumnae Luncheon

The Epsilon Omega Epsilon alumnae group of the Alpha Chi Omega chapter at the University of Alabama hosted its annual Fall Luncheon on Nov. 18 at The Club. Rebecca Goodson, president of the alumnae group, recognized members who had achieved anniversary milestones, including Libby Ward, who celebrated her 56th anniversary as an initiated member of Alpha Chi Omega. Guest speakers from the Tuscaloosa chapter included Dena Prince, recruitment adviser, and Janet Crowder, house corporation president. In addition, Marsha Grady and Mary Winkler from the National Alpha Chi Omega organization spoke on the leadership opportunities for

collegians and the support of the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation.

Alpha Chis attending the luncheon were Rebecca Goodson, Andrea Parker, Amy Roberts, Nancy Lard, Holli Simon, Carla Nesbitt, Karen

From left: Amy Roberts, Rebecca Goodson, Karen Caputo and Andrea Parker.

Susan Williams and Janet Crowder.

Carla Nesbitt and Marian Washburn.

Please

The Finer Things

On Nov. 5 at B&A Warehouse, some of the Birmingham community’s outstanding young professionals gathered with 400 friends for the grand finale of a 12-week campaign to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cystic fibrosis.

Birmingham’s Finest, now in its fifth year, honored 18 up-and-coming professionals who stand out not only in their careers, but in what they do to make a difference in their community and for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“These outstanding honorees are given the opportunity to not only advocate and raise money for a very worthwhile cause, they get the firsthand experience to learn about the disease through family partners – the children and adults that battle it every day,” said Hillary Carnel, chair of this year’s event. “If they didn’t have a connection to cystic fibrosis at the start of this event, they have one now.”

Guests enjoyed food and refreshments from B&A, E&J Gallo wine, Avondale Brewery, Back Forty Brewery and Birmingham Bud. Floral arrangements by Stems and Styles adorned the tables and created a centerpiece for the honorees’ recognition and Bid for a Cure table.

Music by the BHP Band, a silent auction, a photo booth and a wine pull kept guests entertained. Three outstanding Birmingham’s Finest alumni – Hillary Carnel, chief of ceremonies; Brad Martenson, event auctioneer; and Tucker Groves, Bid for a Cure accountant – served as emcees.

Birmingham’s Finest raised more than $85,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The mission of the CF Foundation is to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment and ensuring access to specialized care.

The event culminated with Hillary’s announcement of Birmingham’s Finest winner John Perry, who raised more $11,000 for the cause.

The 2015 Finest honorees also include Katelyn Armstrong, Bob Blackburn, Claire Davis, Brad Hawley, Steven Johnson, Kyle Keith, Rachel Kelly, Carter

Lachney, Jenny Lessman, Ashley Lord, Chris McCauley, Luke Meadows, David Morris, John Perry, Krystal Pino, Elaine Prince, Joshua Wrady and Lauren Yelverton.

Hawley was inducted as a member of the “Ten Grand Club” – a distinction earned by a select few in each year’s class of honorees.❖

Above: From left: Chris McCauley, Hannah Gentry, Paige McCauley, Yvonne McCauley and Joe Harper. below: Ashley Groves, Hannah and David Morris and Tucker Groves.

Photos special to the Journal

Parterre Presentation

Camellia Garden Club

Hosts November Meeting

The Camellia Garden Club held its monthly meeting at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Nov. 9. The program was organized by Linda Corliss, club vice president, and was conducted by Club President Delores Wilkinson.

Members shared refreshments and social time followed by a program by Troy Rhone, landscape architect of Troy Rhone Garden Designs.

Rhone presented slides showcasing a Mountain Brook home that is set for a

Reception Honors Nancy Goedecke, First Female Chair of UWCA Campaign

On Nov. 19, professional women from around the city gathered at Hatton Smith’s home to honor Nancy Goedecke, this year’s chair for the United Way of Central Alabama giving campaign.

Goedecke is the first female chair of the campaign. She was honored by a group of hostesses that included Margaret Brooke, Paige Casey, Meg Cherry, Bebe Goodrich, Catherine Long, Lauren Pearson, Liz Pharo, Tanya Shunnara, Elizabeth Stewart and Gage Smith.

redesign and new gardens. His plans for gardens surrounding the home feature a parterre of boxwoods, accent pots and awnings.

Rhone concluded his presentation, inviting club members to watch the progress at the home as he incorporates the new plantings. ❖

Guests enjoyed cranberry-flavored cocktails and hors d’oeuvres catered by The Pantry while listening to Goedecke speak, followed by Alexis Barton, who gave her own personal story and connection the United Way.

The United Way wrapped up its annual fundraising campaign on Dec. 8, raising $38,801,031, surpassing the goal of $38,755,000 to support programs throughout the central Alabama area.

United Way of Central Alabama serves Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Blount and St. Clair counties.

Contributions are still being accepted. For more information go to www.uwca.org ❖

From left: Dolores Wilkinson, Linda Corliss and Troy Rhone.

Photo special to the Journal

From left: Margaret Brooke, Hatton Smith, Nancy Goedecke and Lauren Pearson.

Journal photo by Kaitlin

Candelaria

Star Turn for Lobby

The historic Virginia Samford Theatre celebrated the opening of the lobby atrium Sept. 24 with a reception sponsored by IberiaBank and a musical stage performance.

The glass addition was made possible by contributions from Birmingham businessman Gene Robinson and other major theater patrons and foundations. Built in 1927, the Virginia Samford Theatre’s lobby had remained the same size since its original opening. The addition expands the area by more than 70 percent.

The architectural design for the addition was by KPS and construction by BL Harbert Construction.

Attending the grand opening of the atrium were: Gene Robinson and Cindy Bankston, Garland and Lathrop Smith, Lyndra and Bill Daniel, Betty and John McMahon, Louise and John Beard, Donnie and Lynne Dobbins, Dr. Dow Briggs, Helen Mills and Walter Gay Pittman, Elna Riley Brendel, Ann and George McMillan, Mena Robinson, John and Kathy English, Julie and Greg Foster, Betsy and Phil Henle, Jan and Tom Elliot, Libby Suttle, Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith, Patty McDonald, Jeffrey Kliner, Susan and Michael Han, John and Claire Hanson, Michael and Mary Ann Freeman, Kay Kelly, Councillor Valerie Abbott, Carole Maxwell, Fred and Cathy Schafer, Steve and Michelle Mote, Chuck and Leslie Kramer, Brit and Sheree McCall, John and Monica Drake, Ricky and Marjean Brooks, Jack and Suzanne Mann, Steven and Katie Mote, Jan D. Hunter, Ray Jordan, Tracey Bell, Martha Chitwood, Kay Brooks, Ronnie Collis, Mary Gayle Davidson, Sara Lynn and Fox DeFuniak, Alan Watson, Dane

Peterson, Margie Bolding, Connie Frazier, Joyce Lott, Diana Plosser, Cheryl and Lee Robinson, Cathy Strong, Mary Ann Wade, Susan

Zuber, Cathy and Victor Gilmore, Lucas and Talia Pepke, Don and Mary Sue Thornburgh and Jason and Jenny Waters. ❖

From left: John and Louise Beard and Cathy Gilmore.

Diana Plosser, Alan Watson and Garland Smith.

Cindy Bankston, Gene Robinson and Cathy Gilmore.

Photos special to the Jouranl by Wynter Byrd

Bendig-Ledet

Megan Elizabeth Bendig of Vestavia Hills and Todd Brennan Ledet of Abbeville, Louisiana, were married Aug. 15 at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

The groom’s uncle, the Rev.

Collins-Muse

Caroline Mills Collins and Seth Ian Muse were married Aug. 8 in Charleston, South Carolina. The Rev. John Zahl officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr and Mrs. Kevin Eugene Collins of Mountain Brook and the late Mrs. Claire Markham Collins.

The groom is the son of Mr and Mrs. James Robert Muse of Birmingham and Mrs. Lisa Harlan Belcher of Birmingham.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by her sisters, Charlotte Clark Collins and Kathleen Markham Collins, as maids of honor. Bridesmaids were Bade Scruggs Schnurr, Calhoun Koepsel Kaufmann, Emily Bradford Sherrod, Susan Huntley Chapman, Elizabeth Kehoe Pruitt, Katherine Margaret Jones, Meredith Christians Parker, Lindsey Katherine Donaldson and Emma Lauren Belcher. Flower girls were Clark Elizabeth Russell and Collins McGuire Cullum.

The father of the groom was the best man. Groomsmen were Andrew Louis Pizitz, Al Foster Teel, Amil Imran Bokhari, William Clay Collins, Wyatt Perry Montgomery, Vishal H. Shah, Joseph Jay Siegelman and Brandon Irvin Weil.

After a honeymoon trip to Southeast Asia, the couple live in Mountain Brook.

Monsignor Harry Greig of Lake Charles, Louisiana, officiated the ceremony. Immediately afterward a New Orleans-style brass band led the newly married couple, followed by guests and well-wishers, in a Second Line parade to the reception at the Riverview Room.

The bride is the daughter of Mr and Mrs. Steve Bendig of Vestavia Hills. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ledet of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jackson of Montgomery.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a Monique Lhuillier lace, strapless ivory gown with blush undertones, a sweetheart neckline and a tulle, horsehair mermaid skirt. She carried a bouquet of pink and white peonies and roses with lace from her late grandmother’s veil attached to the base.

Kathleen Benak Flickinger of Birmingham attended the bride as

Eddings-Garber

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen John Henninger of Vestavia Hills and Mr. William Miller Eddings of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Amy Elizabeth Eddings, to Michael Stephen Garber Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stephen Garber Sr. of Huntsville.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Gene G. Hurst and the late Mr. Hurst of Trussville, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Sidney McCall Eddings of Birmingham.

Miss Eddings attended Auburn University, where she was a member of Phi Mu sorority. She is a graduate of the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University, where she received her doctor of pharmacy.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Harry Walker Garber and the late Mr. Garber of Huntsville and the late Mr. and Mrs. Flavio Pous of Veracruz, Mexico.

Mr. Garber graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in building science.

The couple live in Vestavia Hills and are employed locally.

The wedding will be Jan. 23 at Reid Chapel on the campus of Samford University.

matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Jenna Christina Bee of Hoboken, New Jersey; Paige Brannon Harris of Houston; and Kimberly Chapman Ledet of Atlanta. The bridesmaids wore gold and champagne gowns of their own choosing and carried bouquets of purple, lilac and pink flowers. Emma Claire Ledet, niece of the groom, of Atlanta was the flower girl.

Judd Francis Ledet of Atlanta, brother of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Matthew Stephen Bendig, brother of the bride; Brent Hamilton Harris of Houston; Brian Harlan Casner and Greg Peter Conway of Atlanta; Jabe Lowry Curly of New Orleans; Patrick Jude Duhon of Lafayette; Robyn Moffett Harris of Montgomery; and Andrew Hartselle Mears of Birmingham.

After a wedding trip to the British Virgin Islands, the couple live in Houston.

Fallon-Apollo

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Fallon announce the engagement of their daughter, Greer Gilmore Fallon, to Jeremy Charles Apollo, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Apollo of Hoover.

The bride-elect is a 2009 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a 2013 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She is employed at a local bank as a human resource representative.

The prospective groom is a 2009 graduate of Hoover High School and a 2014 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he received a bachelor ’s degree in criminal justice. He is employed with a local law enforcement department in Jefferson County.

A June wedding is planned. After a honeymoon trip in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the couple will live in Birmingham.

business

A Hunting She Will Go

Local Artist’s Wildlife Painting Used as Pattern for Commemorative Scarf

By Emily Williams

Sue Key has always been an artist, but it took an empty nest to push her to create a career in painting.

The move has led her to many achievements. Most recently, one of her paintings was printed on a commemorative scarf for the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival in Thomasville, Georgia.

“I’ve always done something,” she said. “I started with photography a good bit. I think that really plays into my painting now, because that’s where you learn about composition.”

She said the lessons she learned

‘I

was doing it because I love it, but there is a big part of me that wanted to sell some stuff.’

Sue Key

about manipulating aperture settings on a camera show up in her work frequently. She will focus her painting on one subject, keeping it sharp while the back group fades out around it.

Outside of painting she has tried her hand at graphic design, technical manuals for restaurants, jewelry, lamps, faux finishing and children’s portraits.

“I was doing it because I love it, but there is a big part of me that wanted to sell some stuff,” said Key, formerly of Mountain Brook and now of Birmingham.

With a head for marketing and her two kids in college, she decided it was time to start making a name for herself.

“I started messing around with painting and then really tried to focus in on something and stick with it,” she said. With no formal art education, she looked for a subject she could focus on. About six years ago, she found her niche.

“I saw a huge goose,” Key said. “It was about a seven- or eight-foot canvas of a goose painted and I just said, “Now, I like that.’”

After playing around with birds and big canvases, Key refined her theme to wildlife painting with a focus on the sporting aspect. She regularly uses ducks, quail, turkey and even birddogs as the subjects for her paintings.

With her subject in focus, she began showing with the Mountain Brook Art Association. Her first show was the annual art show in Crestline.

“They were one of the first to give me some awards,” she said. “So, I’m always indebted to them. The first

right-hand man when she is trying to decide on a photograph to paint.

Mountain Brook Resident Receives Crawford T. Johnson Award

Lee Ann Petty of Mountain Brook recently received the United Way of Central Alabama’s Crawford T. Johnson Award in honor of her assistance with the organization’s 2015 fundraising campaign.

The award was presented to her by Williams Jemison Jones, the greatgreat-grandson of the UWCA’s first board chairman and award namesake, Crawford T. Johnson.

Petty is the assistant vice president and litigation support group manager for Regions Bank and was one of 50 loan executives for the recent campaign. According to organization officials, Petty was responsible for opening six new accounts, had 20 campaign increases on assigned accounts and was recognized as a team player throughout the fundraising process.

Local artist Sue Key hasn’t been in the art business for long, but for six years she has been raking in accolades – most recently, one of her paintings was printed by a London-based clothier on a commemorative scarf honoring the 20th anniversary of The Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival in Thomasville, Georgia. At right, “Morning Run” and “Twosome” by Sue Key.

time I exhibited I won emerging artist and the second year I won the whole thing.”

For a time, Key said, she was showing frequently. But nowadays she mainly paints on commission and for the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival.

“Thomasville is a really diverse, culturally rich small community,” Key said. “They have an art center there that promotes drama, music, fine arts and literary things.”

She stumbled upon the show after taking part in the Southeastern Wildlife Expo, a massive show in Charleston, South Carolina, where she was able to forge relationships with other artists who had similar focuses on sporting wildlife. While there, a fellow artist told her to look into the Thomasville show, thinking its small size would be a good fit for her. The show hosts about 60 artists.

“It is juried, so you have to be accepted,” Key said. “That’s a show

that truly has some of the country’s finest sporting artists. So, I’m in high cotton. I’m in a good place to be there.”

Since her induction into the show in 2012, Key said she has met many artists who have helped her turn her hobby into a real career. She is currently represented in galleries in Orange Beach, Birmingham and Charleston while tackling commission work on a regular basis.

“I’m doing some commission work for a guy who has a farm out in Pell City,” Key said. “We rode around in his ranger on a Saturday – he and his wife, children and dog. We got out in the mud and took photographs of his swamp. I’m going to have to make up the ducks flying into it, but I’ve got his swamp and the meadow where the deer come out at dusk.”

All of Key’s paintings come from either photographs she has taken or images she has bought. Her husband, Jim, an avid hunter, is always her

As for her recent success, Key is all smiles. She received a letter from the Plantation Wildlife Arts Foundation in February announcing that there would be a commemorative scarf printed in honor of the show’s 20th anniversary. The scarf was printed by Holland and Holland, an exclusive outdoor brand based in London.

Key submitted eight images of her paintings for consideration, and in spring she received notice that one of her paintings had been selected – an image of two quail surrounded by wildflowers. It was a painting that showed her first year at the arts festival.

“I took it to that show and it sold to Thomas County Federal, one of the banks down there,” Key said. “The original is probably 40x40 inches. The photograph was a copyright-free and I have actually seen it print since then.”

Twenty-seven scarves were printed and shown at a Holland and Holland fashion show during the 20th anniversary celebration. Guests of the fashion show were entered in a lottery for a chance to buy one of the scarves.

Key said she won one of the chances and was able to buy a scarf, a keepsake that serves as a reminder of one of her many successes in the art world.

For more information on Sue Key, visit www.suekeyart.com. ❖

“I am honored to win this award and grateful for the opportunity to represent Regions in our community while raising funds for the United Way,” Petty said. “Serving as a loan executive has been an eye-opening and life-changing experience, and it has made me proud to live in such a generous community.”

Faulkner Given Business Champion Award

Alabama Rep. David L. Faulkner Jr. has been awarded the Business Champion Award by the Business Council of Alabama, Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and Birmingham Business Alliance for his support of the manufacturing industry.

Faulkner, a Mountain Brook Republican, supported a bill approved by the Legislature this year that abolished the “innovator liability” concept in state product-liability law.

The state Supreme Court had held that a drug manufacturer could be held liable for damage caused by a generic version of its drug that it had not produced. The new law passed this year states that plaintiffs must show that the defendant designed, manufactured, sold or leased the particular product they are alleging caused them harm. Businesses

Journal photo by Emily Williams

Williams Jemison Jones and Lee Ann Petty.

Photo special to the Journal