2.11.16

Otmj over the mountain journal u otmj.com

social

sports

Thursday, February 11, 2016

A Whole New World Queen Carolyn McCalley Reigns Supreme

G

Photos special to the Journal by Hank Spener

uests were transported to an Arabian night in Agrabah at the 49th annual Beaux Arts Krewe Ball.

The Aladdin-themed event was held Feb. 5 at Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium and benefitted the Birmingham Museum of Art. This year, 30 young women were presented, escorted by their fathers and members of the Krewe.

Though they didn’t arrive on a magic carpet, King Thomas Gilbert Amason Jr. and Queen Carolyn Davis McCalley made a grand entrance fit for a sultan.

social Page 18

inside a Family Affair Marathon runner goes the distance to honor superhero daughter. about town Page 8

Digital Dishing Cooking Light editor is among speakers at Food Media South event. food Page 24

A Focused Lens Shades Valley Camera Club holds contests and workshops for hobbyists. People Page 10

2 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

Opinion/Contents

Adults Only

murphy’s law

Woo at the Zoo Feb. 13

Children and adults come from all over the state to enjoy the Birmingham Zoo’s holiday events such as Boo at the Zoo and Zoolights. But visitors will need to leave the kids at home for the Valentine’s Day-themed Woo at the Zoo event Feb. 13.

This will be the third year for the event. Zoo Marketing Coordinator Kiki Nolen-Schmidt said the event will feel like an unusual date night.

“There will be wine and dessert and mingling, but then zookeepers will talk and bring out some animals,” she said.

The Birmingham Zoo has more than 100 animals, large and small, but a large focus of the evening will be on creatures not on exhibit at the zoo, or anywhere for that matter.

Paleontologist Chris Delorey (also known as “Dr. Dino”) will be speaking at Woo at the Zoo for the first time.

His program, “Rex Sex – When the Earth Really Moved,” will intrigue attendees and answer questions they may have asked since learning about dinosaurs in junior high.

In addition to “Dr. Dino,” zookeepers will teach attendees about animal courtship and love in the wild.

“It is a fun night out but it also ‘...the swans of fulfills our mission, especially the education component,” Nolen-Schmidt said. course remind While this event is for people 21 and people of love older, the zoo has many animal families and examples of species that mate for life. since they “We have the growing family of debrazza mate for life.’ monkeys, the swans of course remind people of love since they mate for life.”

Nolen-Schmidt said tickets will be sold at the door but space is limited. To purchase tickets in advance, visit birminghamzoo.com. ❖

in this issue About Town 3 people 8 life 12 news 16 social 18

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

weddings 23 food 24 27 schools sports 32

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 February 11, 2016 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Sarah Kuper, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Interns: Rae Patterson, Briana Robertson Vol. 26, No. 11

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

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

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

The Carpool Conundrum

priate third tier slot at our appointed A few weeks ago, my Florida time. I breathed a sigh of relief. daughter had to be away for a few days Not so fast. As the cars began to and Harold and I were called in to babmove, Harold’s eyes narrowed. “That ysit. We arrived ready for a fun-filled woman is a 2:35 person.” Her visor weekend, happy meals and happy times sign gave her away. “Watch her. She’ll – if only we could get through Friday nonchalantly move up to a tier one slot afternoon carpool. and gum up the works.” And that’s There were two stops involved, my exactly what happened. Harold sneered, grandson’s parochial school and my “Look, she won’t make eye contact granddaughter’s Mother’s Day Out. I with anyone else. She knows what she assured my daughter that we’d leave did.” early and be in carpool line in plenty The bigger problem was that the of time, but she shook her head. That car ahead of us, our tier three leader, wasn’t how things were done. was missing. The car was completely You had to arrive at your preempty. “We’re behind a dud!” Harold assigned time: kindergarten parents at Sue Murphy shouted. I tried to calm his nerves, sug2:30, first-grade parents not until 2:35. gesting that perhaps the person had, If you arrived too early, you’d be I don’t know, gone into the church to booted back to the end of the line, pray, but Harold was not appeased. and the carpool monitors had proved As the 2:30 positions “They’re gumming up the works!” to be a harsh, unforgiving lot. were vacated, they Harold does not like gum in his Earlier in the year, a first-grade would be filled with 2:35 works. parent had been summarily waved When our time came, Harold off. “It’s 2:35!” the mother procars. It sounded like a looked around to see if the cartested, pointing to her dashboard D-Day invasion, but we pool monitors were watching, then clock. “What does your phone were in an approprijumped ranks to a tier two spot. say?” the carpool monitor coun(Forgive us. There was no other tered. “2:34.” The mother turned and ate third tier slot at At last, we made it to the executed the drive of shame. our appointed time. I choice.) front of the school, where our grandThis made me a little nervous, breathed a sigh of relief. son was waiting. He looked worried, so Harold did a Thursday ride-along but Harold had seen that look before. with my daughter so he’d know how “He doesn’t like it when the carpool to proceed. lady buckles him in. She does it Friday at T minus 10 minutes (we too tight.” So, as soon as the door checked our phones) we positioned opened, my grandson reached for the ourselves in a makeshift staging buckle and shouted “I’ve got it!” We slammed the door area in the Publix parking lot across the street. Our time and we were off. arrived (hack) and we pulled into the school parking lot.

The Mother’s Day Out maneuver was easy. We went Harold explained the upcoming procedure: There were inside, checked my granddaughter out at the desk and three horizontal tiers of cars positioned one behind the collected her fistful of art projects, many still wet. other. When carpool was initiated, the first tier would When we got back in the car, Harold and I sat in move left to right, the second would follow right to left, stunned silence. Then, in an act of heroic recovery, he and the third left to right again. As the 2:30 positions grabbed the steering wheel and shouted, “And now, were vacated, they would be filled with 2:35 cars. It sounded like a D-Day invasion, but we were in an appro- donuts!” ❖

over the Mountain Views

What’s the most unique date you’ve been on together?

“Once my husband and I drove to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and had dinner at Delta Point Restaurant that looks out over the Mississippi River. We watched the sunset there.

Very romantic.”

“My sister gave us a box of 12 enveloped, pre-planned dates and a bag of marshmallows inside. The first date was a gift card for Red Lobster and ‘10 Reasons I’m Thankful for You’ cards to fill out and share at dinner.”

“While living in Haiti, Clark took me to a new restaurant.

We knew we had a couple of hours while they prepared the food. Clark surprised me by taking me to the rose garden on the roof and proposing to me there.”

Amy and Johnny Carr Hoover

Hannah and Sam Kawell Homewood

Liz and Clark McNutt Hoover

“For our first date we went rock climbing at First Avenue Rocks. That was kinda different and really fun ... We climbed a bunch of different smaller walls without a harness.”

Bekah Ray and Caleb Punt Homewood

Feb. 11-24 Thurs., Feb. 11 HOOVER

Hoover Service Club Meeting Hoover Country Club The Hoover Service Club will host a meeting featuring Barbara Randle, designer and author of “Crazy Quilting.”

The doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 11 a.m.

Lunch is available for $18 following the meeting. For more information, visit www.hooverserviceclub.com.

Fri., Feb. 12

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 3

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

plants from winter to spring and the traditional uses of herbs to boost energy. The program is $20 for nonmembers. For more information, visit www.bbgardens.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Cornapalooza Good People Brewing Company The Homewood Athletic Foundation will host its inaugural fundraiser from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The festivities will include a cornhole tournament with a cash prize of $500, food, local beverages and appearances by former Homewood athletes. Tickets are $30 and include two drink tickets. For more information, visit www.homewoodaf.org.

Sun., Feb. 14 HOOVER

Choral Concert Bluff Park UMC The church will host the 8th annual Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music installment “Consolation and Hope” at 4 p.m. This event is free. For more information, visit www. otmfestivals.org.

Mon., Feb. 15 HOOVER

Dr. Milburn Price, Festival ’16 guest clinician

Neuroscience Cafe Hoover Library Dr. Rachal Fargason and Dr. Karen Gamble will present a program entitled “Light Therapy for Adults with ADHD” at 6:30 p.m. in meeting rooms A, B and C. This event is free. For more information, visit www.hooverlibrary.com.

Thurs., Feb. 18 HOMEWOOD

Fairy Tale Ball

Homewood Library The library will host its second annual ball from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The theme this year will be Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Guests are invited to dress up as their favorite fairy tale characters.

This event is free. For more information, visit www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Journey Into Dyslexia BBVA Compass The Literacy Coucil will host an informational presentation from 5:307:30 p.m. on the 19th floor of BBVA’s 20th Street South location. This month’s featured speakers are Ben Foss and Joe Stutts. Both Foss, a successful

YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR GRAND OPEN HOUSE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2016 5:30-7:30PM MOUNTAIN BROOK

Meet the Artist Grand Bohemian Gallery The gallery will host an artist reception for Italian wildlife realist Stefano Cecchini at 6 p.m. A private dinner will follow at 7:30 p.m. The reception is open to the public and reservations are required to dine.

For more information, visit www. grandbohemiangallery.com or call 2034714.

Register to win valuable door prizes.* Silent Auction benefiting Mitchell’s Place.

Elegant hors d’oeuvres, complimentary spirits, and live entertainment.

Flashing Bubble Ring Raffle - Purchase a light up ring for a chance to win a $750 Gift Card from Diamonds Direct.

Vestavia Hills

Adult Trivia Night Library in the Forest The library will host an Oscarsthemed night of trivia from 7-9 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded to trivia winners and the best dressed. Guests must be ages 21 and older to attend. For more information, visit www.vestavialibrary. org.

BIRMINGHAM

Mardi Gras Masquerade Rogue Tavern Krewe of Vulcan will host a blacktie optional event benefitting Kid One Transport, a transportation service to health care facilities for children and expectant mothers in need. The event will begin at 9 p.m. and tickets are $30.

For more information, visit www.kidone. org.

Sat., Feb. 13 HOOVER

Spain Park Relay for Life 5K Spain Park High School The high school will host a 5K run/ walk and 1 mile fun run beginning at 8 a.m. to benefit the high school’s Relay for Life fundraiser. Registration is $35 for the 5K or $25 for the fun run. For more information, visit the Relay Racers’ 5k Run page at www.runsignup.com.

BIRMINGHAM

Spring Cleansing Birmingham Botanical Gardens Instructors Antonia Viteri and Cameron Strouss will present a program from 10 a.m.-noon. The program will include information on transitioning

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4 • Thursday, February 11, 2016 author and inventor, and Stutts, a disabilities rights activist, have been diagnosed with dyslexia. Reservations can be made by contacting Steve Hannum at shannum@literacy-coucil. org or call 203-4652.

lighting on linden

Handcrafted copper ligHting

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

BIRMINGHAM

works created by up-and-coming choreographers from around the country. The choreographer with the most audience votes will receive a contract to create a spring 2017 show. Showtimes are Feb. 19-20 from 7:30-9 p.m. and Feb. 21 from 2:304 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance.

For more information, visit www. arovacontemporaryballet.org.

The Lovelady Gala The Club Author Sherri Burgess, below, will be the honoree at this year’s event, benefitting the Lovelady Center. The gala will begin at 5:30 p.m. and includes a live auction, dinner and music. Tickets are $125 per person. For more information, visit www.loveladycenter.org.

Sun., Feb. 21 BIRMINGHAM

Ovarian Cancer Cycle LJCC The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation will host a 3-hour stationary cycle ride from 9 a.m.-noon.

Participants can “virtually” ride anywhere from one to three hours. Registration is $25 for ages 12-25 or $50 for ages 26 and older and every dollar raised will fund ovarian cancer research. For more information, visit www.nlovca.org.

Feb. 18-21 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Friends of Emmet O’Neal Book Sale Emmet O’Neal Library The Friends of Emmet O’Neal will host a gently-used book sale fundraiser for the library. A preview party will be held Feb. 18 from 6-8 p.m. Tickets to the event are $25. The official sale will be open to the public Feb. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Feb. 21 from 1-4 p.m. For more information, visit www.eolibrary.org

HOMEWOOD

Don Quixote Alabama Ballet Samford University The Alabama Ballet will perform 17th century comedic ballet Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 20 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m. in the Wright Center. For more information, visit www.alabamaballet.org. ❖

Tues., Feb. 23 HOOVER

BIRMINGHAM

Next to Normal RMTC Cabaret Theatre The Red Mountain Theatre Company will perform the eleven-time Tony award nominated musical in the Cabaret Theatre. Showtimes are each evening at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $30. For more information, visit www. redmountaintheatre.org.

To: From: Date:

Mike Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Feb. 2016

Fri., Feb. 19 HOOVER

Hearts and Harmony Gala Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel The Hoover Service Club will host its annual gala beginning at 6:30.

The event includes a silent and live auction, a steak dinner, dancing and music provided by the First Edition jazz ensemble from Hoover High School.

Tickets are $100 and proceeds benefit the Hoover Service Clubs charity efforts, as well as college scholarships.

For more information, visit www. hooverserviceclub.com.

will host a casino tournament from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include $500 “cash” to use at the tables and two drink tickets. For more information, visit www. allacesforja.com.

BIRMINGHAM

Ham Heroes Black Market Bar The Summit Program, an organization that provides counseling and treatment to the homeless male population of Birmingham, will host a fundraiser from 7-11 p.m. The event will include a silent auction, a costume contest and music by the Sky Dogs.

Admission is $10. For more information, visit www.thesummitprogram.com.

BIRMINGHAM

All Aces Casino Night Good People Brewing Company The Junior Board of Junior Achievement of Alabama, an This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the that offers K-12th grade organization programs with foster work-readiness, Feb. 11, 2016 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. entrepreneurship and financial literacy,

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

Feb. 19-21 HOMEWOOD

Choreographer’s Showcase The Dance Foundation AROVA Contemporary Ballet will perform a collection of dance

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.

S

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Horizons Luncheon Hoover Senior Center The Hoover Senior Center will host a luncheon at 11 a.m. The event will feature the Birmingham Heritage Band. For more information, visit www. hooveral.org.

Wed., Feb. 24 HOMEWOOD

Stem Lab Homewood Library The library will host a “bouncing baby bots” construction course at 4 p.m. where children and teens can construct their own robots. This event is free, but registration is required.

For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Save The date Fri., Feb. 26 HOMEWOOD

Paranormal Investigations Homewood Library Authors and paranormal investigators Kim Johnston and Shane Busby of Spirit Communications and Research of Alabama will host a ghost hunt at the library. Guests will learn about past paranormal experiences at the library and listen to the latest communication.

Tickets are $30. For more information, visit www.scareofal.com.

Feb. 26-27 HOMEWOOD

Lil’ Lambs Trinity UMC - Oxmoor Campus Trinity will host its annual consignment sale in the gym Feb. 26 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Feb. 27 from 9 a.m.-noon. The sale will feature gently used clothing, furniture and toys at reasonable prices. For more information, visit www.trinitybirmingham.com. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

About Town

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 5

6 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

About Town

Step Right Up

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

By Emily Williams From the outside, Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center looks much like a summer camp. The area is littered with small log cabins and a log fence running along the road.

From the inside, Glenwood is a powerhouse of community service, providing community and outpatient programs that reach about 8,600 individuals a year.

The organization serves adults and children on the autism spectrum and their families on-site and through community outreach programs.

Alongside a board of directors, Glenwood’s Junior Board, a group of young professionals, volunteer their time to help raise funds to support the center and the clients it serves.

During its 12-year existence, the board has perfected its process of fundraising.

“We’re a well-oiled machine by now,” Noah Oliphant said.

Oliphant, whose career is centered on serving the software and infrastructural needs of charitable organizations, joined the board five years ago.

“I was looking for something local and something that was very tangible.

Something that I can see and experience,” Oliphant said.

He chose to give back to the com-

$

419 per month for 36 months

munity through Glenwood because it offers the ability to directly see the results of the junior board’s efforts, but also for a personal reason. One of his closest friends has a child who is on the autism spectrum.

“Being able to come to Glenwood and to have experiences with the clients here – the adults and the children – was very meaningful for me,” he said.

One of his peers on the board, Stacey Summerville, is in her third year of service but has been closely involved with the organization for more than seven years, since a close friend began working for Glenwood. One of her first experiences was attending the junior board’s ”A Night Under the Big Top” event, it’s largest fundraiser of the year.

“It’s really been a lot of fun to see how far it has come since that fifth event up until now,” Summerville said.

“The cause, the reason why we are all doing this, is so visible. To be able to come and interact with the clients, to go bowling with the kids and the adults – you see that you’re not just sponsoring a party or signing a check. You’re making a direct difference in people’s lives.”

Some of Oliphant and Summerville’s favorite Glenwood memories involve interacting directly with Glenwood’s clients at the junior board’s annual bowling night.

Photo special to the Journal

Glenwood Junior Board Members Reflect on Call to Serve as Fundraiser Nears

Glenwood Junior Board members, from left: Glenn Drennan, D.G. Pantazis, Erin Clark, Andy Parker, Colin Read, Anna Lacy McMains, Richard Danner, Will Thuston, Noah Oliphant, Steven Mote, Wes Quattlebaum, Stewart Jones, Stacey Summerville, John Goldasich and Sarah Gieger.

“It’s a really fun event for the junior board to meet with some of the adults and get creamed,” Oliphant laughed.

Though he has not yet experienced a bowling night or black-tie fundraiser, Mike Girouard has spent his four-week membership listening to stories and getting amped up for his first junior board event.

“I love the passion of the people that volunteer their time towards this cause,” Girouard said. His involvement began through his career with TekLinks, which will serve as the title sponsor for “A Night Under the Big Top.” With the help of fellow communications company Cisco, Birminghamborn IT solutions company TekLinks has recently doubled in size due to the recent purchase of a Nashville-based

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“With that growth, we had to redefine what we are about and what our culture was going to be,” Girouard said.

“We knew we wanted to give back to Alabama, because this is where we were founded – out of the basement of our former owner’s home.”

This year, the board’s goal is to raise $225,000 at “A Night Under the Big Top.” “There is this incredible need for services,” said Communications Coordinator Bradley Trammell. “We can, unfortunately, only serve a fairly small percentage of people. Every dollar we get is another bed, it’s someone else in the community that we can serve.”

The event will feature a silent auc-

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tion, casino games, live music, a VIP lounge with bourbon tastings and – for the second year – a silent disco. Each participant dons headphones and dances to the music.

According to Oliphant, the disco was slow to start last year. “I was out there encouraging people and dancing by myself,” he said. “Unfortunately, a number of my friends have commented on that. By the end of the night, the scene was absolutely remarkable. The tent was full and there were no more headphones.”

The 12th annual “A Night Under the Big Top” event will be held at The Club Feb. 19 from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Tickets to the event are $60 in advance.

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

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About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Spain Rehab’s Women’s Committee Hosts Annual Dinner

By Emily Williams The Women’s Committee of UAB’s Spain Rehabilitation Center is planning its annual Firefly dinner to raise money to fund projects for the center and the patients who seek treatment there.

This year’s dinner will be held Feb. 13 at The Florentine in downtown Birmingham.

University of Alabama at Birmingham officials estimate they treat more than 1,100 stroke victims each year in their recently certified Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Strokes, the fifth-leading cause of death for adults in the U.S., can leave patients with paralysis, unable sometimes to even swallow or talk.

But many patients have the opportunity to regain most of the mobility they have lost through rehabilitation, and some of those patients pursue their recovery at Spain Rehabilitation Center.

“I would say that patients most often arrive after an accident or a stroke,” Women’s Committee President Glenna Brown said.

“Strokes are terrifying and it can be very frightening to look at the recovery process.”

The committee for 30 years has raised funds to support the faculty and staff at the Spain center as well as the patients.

“We have one major fundraising event each year and we try to pick one area to focus on,” Brown said.

“This year we have three projects.”

With money raised through Firefly and donations accepted throughout the year, the committee hopes to buy a bladder scanner that would non-invasively assess bladder

This year’s Firefly dinner will honor two former patients, Kelly Garner and Ryan Robinett, from left.

function at a patient’s bedside.

The second project is to buy a touch-screen tool called a bioness integrated therapy system, which can help patients improve hand-eye coordination, balance and endurance.

Finally, the committee hopes to supply the center with a PCR system, which would aid researchers in developing genetically personalized treatments for patients.

“Knowing that we have been able

to provide a little bit extra for the patients and faculty and that we can contribute to this exciting research makes it all worthwhile,” Brown said.

Brown said the committee’s largest project over the years was to fund an endowed chair position in rehabilitation research on spinal cord injuries. The recipient of the endowment, Dr. Candace Floyd, continues to receive support from the committee in her position as director of research for UAB’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

This year’s Firefly dinner will honor two former patients, Kelly Garner and Ryan Robinett. Garner, of Vestavia Hills, received rehabilitation treatment at Spain after suffering injuries from a 40-foot fall and hypoglycemia during the January 2014 snowstorm. Garner was told he may never walk again, but he beat the odds and went on to author “The Night That Changed Our Lives.”

Robinett, of Mountain Brook, received treatment at Spain after suffering a sudden onset of neurologic issues in 2014 that significantly affected his ability to walk. Through treatment, he has since made a full recovery and is an advocate for innovative rehabilitation methods.

The Firefly event begins with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner, speeches by Robinett and Garner, and then music and dancing.

For more information on the Women’s Committee of Spain Rehabilitation Center or inquiries about donations, visit the group’s Facebook page or call 523-2993. ❖

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 7

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photo special to the Journal

8 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

Will, Francis and Anna Ruth McCalley dressed as super heroes at the 2013 Mercedes Marathon.

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A Family Affair

Marathon Runner Goes the Distance to Honor Superhero Daughter

By Sarah Kuper It’s a big month in the McCalley household.

Every February for the past 12 years, Will McCalley has run the Mercedes Marathon benefiting the Bell Center.

At first, Will ran the race because he loved running. It is how he met his wife and it has been his hobby since his early 30s.

But for the past five years, being a BellRunner has been indicative of another significant part of his life.

“I never imagined I would be running for my own daughter,” Will said.

Will and his wife, Anna Ruth, adopted their daughter, Francis, as a newborn. She has Down syndrome, which they knew before they adopted her.

At the time, Anna Ruth was working at the Bell Center. She called her husband when she learned about the baby who is now their 5-year-old daughter.

“I thought she was just telling me a hardship story about special needs adoption. Then she said, ‘It’s a girl,’ and I knew how badly she wanted a girl. At that moment I was scared to be driving. I really think God was sitting next to me and punched me in the arm saying, ‘That’s your daughter!’”

Through a private adoption, Francis came into the McCalley’s lives a few days after the 2011 Mercedes Marathon.

That next year, Will ran in support of Francis, who was attending the Bell Center.

Now, Francis has graduated from the programs at the center, but Will will run in honor of another child – Kayleigh.

“I’m crazy about the Bell Center and everything they do – I always want to be connected in some way.”

Anna Ruth has participated in every other Mercedes Marathon, but

she will be sitting this one out.

After years of trying and waiting, Will and Anna Ruth are expecting a baby. Francis is thrilled that she

He said that when he gets tired and discouraged, he imagines the smiling faces of the children at the Bell Center and it puts a pep in his step. will have a baby brother or sister in August.

“We’ve been looking for this reason for (Anna Ruth) not (to) run the marathon for a while now. We are happy about it!” Will said.

Will said he has run more than 30 marathons and he knows he is slowing down.

“I think I’m down to one marathon a year,” he said. ”It hurts and I’m tired but I’m running for them.”

He said that when he gets tired and discouraged, he imagines the smiling faces of the children at the Bell Center and it puts a pep in his step.

“They are the only reason I sign up. I could easily not run, but I do because of them,” he said.

Anna Ruth and Will aren’t the only runners in the family. Francis is training for her part in the Mercedes Marathon as well.

In a home video posted on the family’s YouTube channel, Francis dresses in exercise gear and sneakers, and stretches and hydrates like a pro athlete.

Will said Anna Ruth and Francis have a lot of fun making videos and he replays them in his head as he is running.

A video of Francis’ training was once featured on the news in a segment on the Mercedes Marathon.

While she doesn’t run the 26.2 miles that her dad does – she’s with him every step.

“She’s very inspiring. Every day I look at her and say, ‘I’m doing this for you,’” he said.

Will said he never knew he was cut out to have a child with special needs and he sometimes has a hard time even remembering that Francis is adopted.

“She could not be any more our child,” he said. “I’m just wild about her. She’s my best friend.”

The marathon is Feb. 14, but Will said there is still time to make a donation through his or other runners’ fundraising sites.

For more information or to make a donation to Will’s run, visit give. everydayhero.com/us/will-mccalley ❖

File photo

Vestavia’s Premiere Green Home Community

The BellRunner program is designed to motivate and support runners or walkers who agree to raise $100/mile for The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs.

The program pairs a Mercedes Marathon participant with a Bell Center child, and the runner or walker will train and raise funds in the name of that child.

For more information, visit: thebellcenter.org ❖

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 9

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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10 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

New shipment of Karen Adams note cards and enclosure cards - always perfect for giving...or using!

Ken Gables enjoys photographing nature scenes with running water like the stream in this self-portrait.

A Focused Lens

celebrating the everyday

Shades Valley Camera Club Holds Contests and Workshops for Hobbyists

By Sarah Kuper

What started as a night school class became a lifelong hobby for amateur photographer Ken Gables.

Now president of the Shades Valley Camera Club, Gables says photography gives him a creative outlet he 2406 Canterbury road Mtn. brook Village 879.2730 doesn’t get from his day job as a physical therapist.

The Shades Valley Camera Club isn’t just a casual meetup of photography enthusiasts. The club was established in 1954 and met twice a month at the Homewood Public Library until recently, when the club switched to gathering at the Vestavia Hills Public Library.

“We started to need more electronics and equipment as photography changed. The Vestavia library is just a little newer,” he said.

Gables emphasizes that the camera club is open to anyone, at any skill level. arguerite “It’s a hobbyist club – not a professional guild. We are ver the Mountain Journal learners.”

3-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax Currently, the club has 114 members. The first meeting b 2016 of the month is always a contest of some kind.

Gables said people submit their photos in a series of catad proof for feb. 11, 2016 OTMJ Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or egories and the club brings in a professional to judge. make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Winners get exposure through the club’s website and they may go on to enter other area contests.

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

Categories include color, black and white, scenic prints and artistic prints.

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

“The photography style is pretty conservative, nothing too edgy. I’d say we are ‘family friendly,’” Gables said.

For his work, Gables enjoys landscape photography.

“I especially like scenes with some sort of moving water,” he said.

Gables has entered his work in contests and exhibited in small venues. He has taken his photographs to art shows and fairs in the area.

The Shades Valley Camera Club usually brings a speaker or hosts a workshop during its second meeting of the month.

On Feb. 18, internationally known wildlife and nature photographer Tom Ulrich will be speaking at the Library in the Forest in Vestavia Hills.

Gables said it isn’t the first time Ulrich has spoken to the group.

“He is a friend of one of our members and he is kind enough to come talk with us about once a year,” Gables said.

Though the club is open to anyone, Gables does say there seems to be a “type” when it comes to the Shades Valley Camera Club.

“You might think that it is a 50-70 year-olds man club.

But it is just that young people have more diverse priorities.

As people approach retirement, they are looking for a latein-life outlet for travels and creativity,” he said.

For more information on the Shades Valley Camera Club, visit shadesvalleycameraclub.com. ❖

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, your ad will run as is.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

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

student at Berry Middle School. She is a peer helper, a member of the school’s tennis team and captain of BMS’ cheerleading squad.

She is the daughter of Julianne and Kevin Hanna of Greystone.

Hoover’s Hanna Named Miss Alabama Jr. High

Alison Hanna of Hoover was crowned Miss Alabama Junior High America 2016 at a statewide pageant in Tuscaloosa Jan. 9.

The pageant is one of the top 10 national pageants with a national platform of Brave, which stands for building respect and value for everyone.

Hanna will advance to the national competition July 15-16 in San Antonio, Texas, where she will represent the state of Alabama.

According to Hanna, she is looking forward to the weeklong events that will take place at the national competition and getting the opportunity to meet girls from every state. While in Texas, the contestants will visit SeaWorld, a dude ranch, the Alamo, the city’s River Walk

Hoover’s Agsalud Receives Appointment at West Point

Alison Hanna and more.

Hanna is a seventh-grade honor roll

Jason Agsalud of Hoover recently received his appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point as a member of the Class of 2020. He will be reporting to West Point June 27 for his basic training.

Agsalud graduated from Hoover High School in 2015 with honors as a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and National

High School Honor Society. He played baseball for the Bucs for four years and received the Larry Giangrosso Coaches award and the Shades Mountain Park President’s award for outstanding performance in sports and academics.

Jason Agsalud He currently attends the Marion Military Institute in its Service Academy program.

Upon his graduation from the academy, Agsalud will be commissioned as an officer in the United States Army.

Agsalud is the son of Butch and Andrea Agsalud of Hoover and brother to Brandon and Sean Agsalud.

Troop 1 Holds Court of Honor for Eagle Scouts Boy Scout Troop 1, chartered by Southminster Presbyterian Church in Vestavia Hills, held an Eagle Scout court of honor Jan.10 recognizing three young men who have earned Scouting’s highest rank – Brandon Bogard, Richard Fu and Patrick Rhodes.

The ceremony was held in the sanctuary at Brandon Bogard Southminster.

Bogard is the son of Mimi and Howard Bogard of Vestavia Hills. He joined Troop 1 in 2009 after crossing over from Cub Scout Pack 1, where he earned his Arrow of Light award. Bogard served in several positions of responsibility in the troop, including troop guide, scribe and bugler. He is an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow and was a part of the troop’s contingents to Northern Tier in 2012 and 2015 and to Seabase in 2013.

Bogard earned 24 merit badges and completed his Eagle rank June 11.

Bogard’s Eagle leadership project was to build a horseshoe pitching court at the St. Martin’s in the Pines retirement home. The facility wanted the court as a recreation option for its residents. Brandon led a team of workers over several weekends to build the pits, backstops, benches and scoreboard.

Bogard is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School and is active in the school’s band and theater programs.

Fu is the son of Hongwei Qin and Jianjun “J.J.” Fu of Vestavia Hills. He joined Troop 1 in 2011 after crossing over from Cub Scout Pack 235, where he earned his Arrow of Light award.

Fu served in several positions of responsibility in the troop, including assistant senior patrol leader. He is an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow. Fu earned 27 merit badges and completed his Eagle rank Dec. 10.

Fu’s Eagle leadership project was to build an outdoor chapel at Bluff Park Baptist Church. The chapel is on a hillside next to the church and features a cross, speaker platform and benches.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 11

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Fu led a team of troop members and others over several weekends to build the chapel.

Fu is a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School and is member of the Richard Fu VHHS Math Team, Scholar’s Bowl, Mock Trial and Science Olympiad. He also participates in Teen Court and plays saxophone in the Shades Mountain Baptist Church orchestra.

Rhodes is the son of Laura and John Rhodes of Vestavia Hills. He joined Troop 1 in 2009 after crossing over from Cub Scout Pack 1, where he earned his Arrow of Light award.

He served in several positions of responsibility in the troop, including patrol leader and Patrick Rhodes quartermaster, and completed National Youth Leadership Training.

Rhodes is an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow and completed the Triple Crown of High Adventure by going to Northern Tier in 2012, Seabase in 2013 and Philmont in 2014. He earned 24 merit badges and completed his Eagle rank on July 9.

Rhodes’ Eagle leadership project was to add a floor and benches to a shelter at a community garden in the Thomas area of northwest Birmingham. The project was sponsored by the Christian Service Mission. Rhodes designed the floor layout and led a crew of workers from the troop over several weekends to install the floor and build the benches.

Rhodes is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School and is active in the St. Mark UMC youth group.

Hill Earns Eagle Scout Rank with Troop 4 Robert Oates Hill of Vestavia Hills earned the highest rank in Boy Scouts with Troop 4, which meets at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church and is under the leadership of Scoutmaster Thomas Little.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Hill installed 23 new flag sleeves and filled 17 old flag sleeve holes in the median Robert Oates Hill along U.S. 31 and Columbiana Road, which benefitted the Vestavia Hills Avenue of Flags Foundation. He also designed and built a wooden bench for Scout Square in honor of the VHAFF’s president, Jim Sharp.

Hill devoted 156 hours of service and coordinated volunteer efforts from the city’s Public Services Department, the Police Department, scouts and friends.

As a result of his fundraising efforts, Hill

was able to donate the remaining funds of $785 to VHAFF for future repairs.

In addition to serving as senior patrol leader and librarian for his troop, Hill earned 29 merit badges. He completed National Youth Leadership Training at Camp Westmoreland in 2012 and was elected to the Order of the Arrow, completing his OA ordeal at Camp Jackson in 2013. Hill participated in two high adventure trips: Northern Tier, where his troop canoed 40 miles in the boundary lakes area between Minnesota and

Canada; and Philmont in Cimmaron, New Mexico, where he was trail crew leader and hiked 67 miles for 10 days.

Hill is a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School, where he is on the varsity tennis team and is a member of the German Honor Society and Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills program. He is the son of Jim and Stacey Hill. He is the grandson of Dr. Roger Tutton and the late Kathryn S. Tutton of New Orleans and Jim Hill and the late Diana O. Hill of Spanish Fort. ❖

OUR 118 YEAR TH

BIRMINGHAM TRUNK

Luggage Business Cases Leather goods gifts

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

” Stacy Flippen found our perfect empty nest.”

To: From: Date:

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

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAi Jan. 15, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or chan

Please make sure all information is correct, including

Please initial and fax back within 24

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad

Thank you for your prompt atte

When Sally and Ben May decided to buy a new home for their next phase of life as empty-nesters, they turned to Realtor Stacy Flippen with ARC Realty to guide the process.

“Stacy brought energy, persistence, and professionalism to our search for a home in Homewood,” says Sally. “Not only did she deliver the desired result, she became a friend and neighbor along the way.” Stacy’s knowledge of the area and connections with other Realtors were keys to the May’s success. “We couldn’t keep up with the pace of houses being bought and sold in Homewood,” says Ben. “Stacy’s tenacity and determination led us quickly to the house we now happily call home.”

Stacy says being a part of ARC Realty also gives her a distinct advantage. “ARC is a Birmingham-based company. Our leadership team understands this community and is committed to providing the best customer experience.”

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

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12 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Heart Healthy Resolve Tenet Health CEO Honored at American Heart Association Heart Ball

Alabama ranks No. 2 in the nation for the number of deaths related to cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.

But this year’s Heart Ball honoree, Garry Gause, said he firmly believes the work the association is doing locally can help Alabamians improve their heart health.

“The education the association has done

Thirty percent of all deaths in the state are attributed to heart disease and stroke, but the American Heart Association has made it a goal to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease by 20 percent by 2020. throughout the decades is making all the difference. Things people thought were innocent are contributing to heart disease and early death.

They are spreading awareness.”

Gause is the CEO of Tenet Health’s Southern Region. He has been involved with the local American Heart Association since he came to Birmingham in the early ‘90s.

Gause has played many parts in the organization, including Heart Walk chair in 2002. That year, Gause helped raise more than half a mil-

lion dollars in corporate donations.

American Heart Association officials said Gause has always used his health care leadership position to support the mission.

Gause was chosen as this year’s honoree through a peer election process incorporating past honorees, executive leadership and volunteers.

Originally from Tennessee, Gause moved to the Liberty Park area more than 20 years ago.

He said he considers himself an Alabamian.

One of the Heart Ball’s themes this year is “Why?” The association is asking people to express why they care about cardiovascular disease.

Gause said his answer is easy – his family.

“We all have a connection to someone who has had a heart attack or stroke. My kids are the reason I’m involved. I want them to have a full life and for there to be research and solutions there if they ever are affected by heart disease.”

Gause said he is passionate about making sure Alabamians understand that 80 percent of cardiovascular episodes are preventable.

“It would be a great day in health care if we didn’t have anyone come into the hospital. We want to work on preventing the disease,” he said.

The American Heart Association has been instrumental in training and equipping workplaces with defibrillators and educating employees in proper CPR techniques.

The association recently changed its mission to include strokes – a relatively misunderstood

cardiac event.

Though Gause is the Heart Ball honoree, he said the event is really about celebrating anyone who has helped spread awareness, generate donations and otherwise lead the charge.

“The money raised here stays here. There have been so many medical breakthroughs and surgical developments due to support for the American Heart Association. They are lengthening and improving the quality of Alabama lives.”

Thirty percent of all deaths in the state are attributed to heart disease and stroke, but the American Heart Association has made it a goal to reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease by 20 percent by 2020.

Leadership hopes this year’s Heart Ball will raise $1.3 million. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

By Sarah Kuper

Garry Gause is the CEO of Tenet Health’s Southern Region. He has been involved with the local American Heart Association since he came to Birmingham in the early ‘90s.

The ball will be March 5, 6-10 p.m., at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Seating is limited but tickets are still available online at birminghamheartball.heart.org.

Funding the Fight

ArtBlink Raises Money for Cancer Care and Research at Home

Photo special to the Journal

By Emily Williams

UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Dr. Edward Partridge knows where each dollar of philanthropic funding to his organization is going.

Picture it. You write a check for a charity, stick it in the envelope and send it off in the mail, never to be seen again. Do you know how your dollar is being used?

UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Dr. Edward Partridge knows where each dollar of philanthropic funding to his organization is going.

As the center’s Advisory Board prepares for its annual ArtBlink gala, Partridge and the center are preparing a plan for using the funds it generates.

“This is an incredibly important event for us because it raises a lot of money,” Partridge said.

“Philanthropic dollars are very important to the cancer center because they are our only flexible dollars.”

Over the past 10 years, Partridge said, funding from the National Cancer Institute has been steady, but inflation whittles away at what can be accomplished with the funds. Luckily, money makes money, and every dollar the center brings in through public donations results in $14 from foundations or other grants.

How? Donated dollars support preliminary research that has to be done before researchers can apply for the big bucks from national foundations and the government.

“When a young investigator gets faculty status, they have gone through the process of finishing their master’s, getting a Ph.D. and completing their post doctoral training before getting a job as an assistant professor,” Partridge said. By this time, the researcher is usually in their mid-30s with a family.

“The only way they can support themselves is through being successful in getting grants and contracts from the federal government or big foundations,” Partridge said. “So, one of the things we do with the philanthropic dollars is we provide pilot funding of $30,000 to $50,000 to a young new investigator who has a great idea to, again, show that the idea has merit.”

By supporting researchers and getting grants, the center is able to fund the research and development of new and exciting cancer treatments.

“We are working on a Vitamin A derivative, that was actually discovered here in our chemistry department, that has great potential as a chemo-preventative agent in breast cancer,” Partridge said.

The treatment is moving through clinical trials as a preventative measure for high-risk patients or breast cancer survivors to reduce the risk of relapsing or developing cancer in the opposite breast.

Partridge said he is also particularly excited about a potential treatment plan for brain cancer

patients that utilizes a specialized form of the herpes virus Artists, such as Amy Collins to carry drugs (example of her work, above) and isotopes will create a work of art in 90 into the brain minutes while guests bid on the art in a silent auction. to help fight cancerous cells.

“On the other side of the spectrum, we’ve in the last couple of years created a project where we have recruited and trained lay navigators – non-social workers and non-nurses – to help Medicare patients with cancer navigate their treatment, survivorship and any end of life issues.”

Every dollar that is donated to the center through ArtBlink and other fundraising efforts stays in Birmingham.

The advisory board’s annual gala will take place Feb. 20 at UAB’s Kirklin Clinic. During the event, 20 artists will create a work of art in 90 minutes while guests bid on the art in a silent auction. Dinner and drinks will be served throughout the evening and the Rock Candy Band will provide music for the dance floor following the auction.

Tickets are $150 and can be purchased at www.uab.edu/artblink. ❖

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 13

I Do With a View

Photo special to the Journal

Couple Plans No-Fuss Valentine’s Day Wedding at Vulcan Park

Jana Baker and Jason Lett are one of four couples who will be tying the knot over a gorgeous view of the city.

By Rae Patterson Jana Baker and Jason Lett were engaged at Vulcan Park in December and will be getting married on the same spot on Valentine’s Day as a part of the park’s I Do With a View event.

The couple met because Jason was working with Jana’s mother, Lisa, selling hospital supplies and technology. Both were recently single, and Jana’s mother was determined for them to meet. As might be expected, each was resistant to be set up by their mother or coworker.

“I had been working for this company for about two years now. I was not going to date Lisa’s daughter. That absolutely was not going to happen,” said Jason.

However, Jana consented when she learned that Jason drove her favorite car and was an Auburn fan, like her.

“We kind of wanted to go for drinks, but then drinks turned into a dinner. … And then we haven’t been apart since,” Jana said.

The couple said their meeting was serendipity. At first, Jana said, “Neither one of us wanted it, and I think that kind of helped it. There was no expectation going in.”

Jana and Jason are both from Alabama and moved to the Birmingham area about eight months ago for Jason’s job with Ideacom of the Gulf Coast. In another stroke of fortune, Jana received a promotion with BBVA Compass when she relocated to Birmingham.

Jason said he chose to propose at Vulcan Park because he “wanted it to be kind of an iconic area that anybody and everybody would know where that was.”

Jana fondly remembered Jason telling her that their engagement location was “overlooking their new home.”

The couple wanted to find a location for a simple ceremony without the usual wedding hassle. They wanted to do something that felt more spontaneous, Jana said.

Jana found Vulcan Park’s I Do With a View Valentine’s Day wedding package online by chance while searching for a concert for Jason’s

birthday. The package offered by Vulcan Park and coordinated by GoPro Event Solutions includes everything from a licensed officiate and professional photographs to the bridal bouquet, cake and champagne for $500.

Jana told Jason about her discovery, and they booked the ceremony the next day. Jana said the package was perfect for her and Jason. It let them have a “small, simple wedding” that their families, which both live in Alabama, can attend. Jason agreed and added, “We don’t have to plan anything. Even better!”

With less than two months before the wedding date, the couple was especially glad to only have to select a dress and tuxedo.

Jana and Jason are one of four couples who will be tying the knot over a gorgeous view of the city. They look forward not only to a romantic day, but to happy years ahead in their home Over the Mountain.

To learn more about the I Do With a View event, visit visitvulcan.com/ events. ❖

We’ll always have The Alabama Theatre Catch “Casablanca” at the “Showplace of the South,” on Sat., Feb. 13.

Still looking for something memorable to do this weekend? A few suggestions:

Feb. 11

BIRMINGHAM

Brian McKnight Alys Stephens Center The ASC will offer a Valentine’s Dinner Night in the Odessa Theatre beginning at 5:30 p.m. The evening will include cocktails and dinner before, as well as premium seating for the Brian McKnight concert at 7 p.m. The evening will conclude with a meet and greet

See valentine’s day, page 15

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

14 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

be mine!

2016 Valentine’s day gift guide

Stackables slection by Lauren G Adams, $49.99.

Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060.

Baccarat crystal heart pendant with sterling silver bale. $150.

Bromberg’s, 871-3276 or 969-1776.

Alabama Charm Bracelet Sold Exclusively at Alabama Goods (Charms and bracelet sold separately)

2933 18th Street South Homewood, AL 35209 Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM 205-803-3900 www.alabamagoods.com

A trifecta of technique combining European cut diamonds, enamel work and round brilliant cut diamonds in this hand made piece.

Avani Rupa, 982-4888.

Art Nouveau 9kt yellow gold and opal cross necklace.

One of a kind $395.

Levy’s Fine Jewelers, 251-3381.

Art Deco ring circa 1930, price upon request.

John-William Jeweller, 870-4367.

Magnetic scarf holder, handmade by Vestavia Hills artist Andi Preston. Several selections in the store - $34-$38.

Fancy Goods Variety, 978-1451.

Fancy Goods Variety

La Bella Donna mineral lipstick.

From left: Charisma, Hot Pepper, Blossom, and Mindful Red. Total Skin and Beauty Dermatology Center, 933-0987.

Iconic iced cookies from Savage’s. Special Valentine’s gift bags start at $4.25.

Savage’s Bakery & Deli, 871-4901.

Vanelli Shoes in a variety of styles and colors.

Marmi Shoes, 298-7633.

Handmade baroque pearl pendant enhancers. Clip on any chain, strand of beads or pearls. $49.50.

Jewels by Rose, 979-5611.

Gifts from the Heart

The Grillbot, is the world’s first automatic grill cleaning robot!

Alabama Gaslight & Grill, 870-4060.

Miriam Haskell pearls, price upon request.

Jezebel’s Jewels, 502-7669.

978-1451

2512 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 102, Vestavia Hills

Moet & Chandon Champagne.

Special Valentines price, $39.99.

Piggly Wiggly, Homewood, 879-0884, Bluff Park, 822-5361, River Run, 776-8755.

14 carat diamond and amethyst earrings, $1750.

Hanna Antiques, 323-6036.

Custom-heated seats.

Alabama Auto Top, 251-0684.

The Alabama Charm bracelet, made

by Sarah Morgan, exclusively at Alabama Goods! Choose from 17 unique Alabama charms cast in Argentine silver, $50 each. The 8 inch sterling bracelet is sold separately, $60 each.

Alabama Goods, 803-3900.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Fudge enrobed in chocolate, starting at $22.95.

Christine’s on Canterbury, 871-8297.

Rings with assorted stones.

Southeastern Jewelers, 980-9030.

Mention the Over the Mountain Journal and receive 10% off the gift of a cleaner and healthier home, $150-$300.

The Maids, 871-9338.

valentine’s day, From page 13

and photo opportunity with McKnight.

For more information, visit www. alysstephens.org.

Feb. 12-13 HOMEWOOD

Valentine’s for Children’s Hospital Over the Mountain area children have the opportunity to visit the Homewood Library to make valentines for patients at Children’s Hospital.

Homewood children’s librarian Mary Eller estimates that the library has collected more than 200 valentines so far.

“Mom’s groups come in with their children to make them,” Eller said.

“Last weekend there was a group of girls who sat down and decorated at least 20-30 just themselves.”

Olivia Osbun, age 3, (above) said she was happy to make a valentine for a sick child.

The library provides paper, stickers and crayons, or children may bring in valentines made at home. Valentine cards with candy or glitter will not be accepted.

Several other libraries are participating, including Hoover, North Shelby and the Avondale branch in Birmingham.

The valentine cards will be collected and taken to the Children’s Hospital by Feb. 13.

—Sarah Kuper

Valentines Dinner Theatre Homewood Library The South City Theatre will perform “Steel Magnolias” at 7:30 p.m. in the large auditorium. A buffet dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased by Feb. 9. For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Feb. 13

B-Soft Bamboo jersey nightgowns, $36. (Also available in short sets and pajama sets).

Marguerite’s Conceits, 879-2730.

Local Matters This valentine’s day think before you click.

Shop local. You’ll love it!

BIRMINGHAM

“Casablanca” Alabama Theatre In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Alabama Theatre will show the film “Casablanca.” The doors will open at 7 p.m. followed by live organ music at 7:30 p.m. A sing-along will begin at 8 p.m. and the movie will begin immediately following. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.alabamatheatre.com.

BIRMINGHAM

SuperPops! Series BJCC Concert Hall The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform alongside the Four Tops for a Valentine’s Day concert at 8 p.m. Single tickets begin at $14.

For more information, visit www. alabamasymphony.org.

Feb. 14

BIRMINGHAM

CAT Cabaret The Clubhouse on Highland The Central Alabama Theatre will present a Valentine’s dinner and show.

Birmingham’s Kristin Staskowski will perform comedy and songs, and guests will be served an Italian dinner.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and benefit the theatre.

For more information, visit www. centralalabamatheatre.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Love for Literacy BridgeStreet Gallery Better Basics, a non-profit agency dedicated to improving literacy through learning programs, is hosting a Valentine’s Day event from 7-10 p.m.

The evening will include dinner, drinks and dancing as well as a silent auction and a Diamonds Direct “Bling Ring” giveaway. Tickets are $75 and proceeds benefit the organization’s full range of programs. For more information, visit www.betterbasics.org.

HOMEWOOD

Happy Valentine’s Day Charlie Brown Homewood Library The library will host a screening of the movie from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the round auditorium. Guests will have the opportunity to make Valentine’s cards.

This event is free. For more information, visit www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Valentine’s Mega Zip Red Mountain Park The park will host a Lover’s Leap event at 1 p.m., running every 30 minutes until 8 p.m. featuring a guided hike to a Valentine’s venue, flowers, dinner, a professional photograph and dessert. Tickets are $75 per couple.

Park staff will also provide guided hikes at 5:30, 6:15, 7:00, 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. to the Kaul Adventure Tower for a zip lining experience. Tickets are $35 and include two rides on the Mega Zip. For more information, visit www. redmountainreservations.org. ❖

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 15

News

16 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Freshman No More u Over the Mountain

Rep. David Faulkner Heads Back to Montgomery Hoping for a More Efficient Session The Alabama legislative session started this month and legislators are hopeful it will be more productive and less frustrating than the regular and special sessions in 2015.

Over the Mountain state Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, is headed into his second year in the House.

Representing parts of Homewood, Mountain Brook, Hoover and Vestavia Hills, Faulkner said that, although his freshman year was intense, he was pleasantly surprised by his colleagues.

“The vast majority of people are there for the right reasons. We are just trying to do the right thing and representing our constituency.”

Faulkner is a practicing lawyer with Christian and Small LLP. Though legislative positions in Alabama are considered part time, Faulkner did not find he was working part time.

“It is where God wants me, I really feel that way. But it can be financially hard because I spend a lot of time and attention – it takes a toll on your normal job,” he said.

Unlike federal lawmakers, Alabama state representatives have no support staff to help members digest and examine information. Faulkner said he was surprised at the limited resources available when it came to dissecting the budget and making judgments.

“It was very difficult without all the information. I’m not a forensic accountant. I was counting on having resources,” Faulkner said.

Over the past year, Faulkner spent months in Montgomery in regular and special sessions, but he said he spent nearly as much time meeting with constituents in his Over the Mountain district.

“I keep up with city leaders, school boards, civic groups. They all have my cell phone number,” he said.

Faulkner said his experience meeting with and listening to his electorate has helped him prepare for the 2016 session.

The House Republican caucus proposed a “Right for Alabama” agenda for the 2016 session that includes legislation for a new budgeting system, pension management changes, teacher pay raises, gun rights and small business tax credits.

Plus, the caucus will pursue legislation spurred by current events, including a ban on the sale of fetal tissue, a school security task force and a ban on Syrian refugees.

Republicans will also make a case for a constitutional amendment to strengthen Alabama’s Right to Work laws.

Faulkner said he is pleased with

Journal photo by Sarah Kuper

By Sarah Kuper

State Rep. David Faulkner, representing parts of Homewood, Mountain Brook, Hoover and Vestavia Hills, started his second year in the House last week.

the agenda items, plus he will be bringing a few pieces of legislation himself. minimum wage

Faulkner said he has heard from Over the Mountain businesses and non-profits concerned about the city of Birmingham’s decision to raise the minimum wage to $11.

Faulkner said the business community is worried other cities will follow suit. The result could be that Alabama’s cities could establish different minimum wages all over the state.

“There are over 400 cities in Alabama and we don’t need every city having its finance director deciding on a whim what they are going to have for the city’s minimum wage,” he said.

Faulkner is proposing a uniform minimum wage. He isn’t opposed to raising the minimum wage from the federal wage of $7.35, but he believes any raise should be uniformly applied statewide.

He said he feels this measure would protect workers and stand behind Alabama’s existing Right to Work laws.

“We’ve got an attack by labor unions coming in to states and wanting to use the tactic of getting cities to raise minimum wages,” Faulkner said.

Aside from the concern over labor unions, Faulkner said Alabama will have a hard time recruiting business if there is the possibility that the minimum wage will be raised without state oversight.

“Businesses have a certain labor

cost, they have to work within those means. When we raise the minimum wage, entry level workers will lose those jobs or they will be forced to cut back on hours.”

Faulkner emphasizes this isn’t an attack on the poor, but rather a measure to protect existing minimum wage jobs.

Another bill Faulkner will be bringing with Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, would restrict payday lending.

“In this state, payday lending is out of control and frankly usury. Even the Bible talks about how wrong that is. We’ve allowed it with no regulations and people are getting charged 400 percent annually. We’ve got to have reform,” Faulkner said.

Faulkner said he believes Alabamians are preyed upon by these companies.

“They get in these cycles they can’t get out of,” he said.

Faulkner said he expects the House to see this as a bipartisan issue of simple right and wrong. He isn’t sure what exact changes will be made, but it will start with the exploitive interest rates. budget battle

While Faulkner has high expectations for the Republican agenda and the bills he is backing, he said looming over the session will be another budget battle. One of the main budget headaches is the ever-increasing price of Medicaid.

Faulkner said Medicaid is asking for $165 million more than it received when last year’s budget was finally

resolved.

“People have to understand that we have no money to pay for the growth in Medicaid. We aren’t the ones who choose who gets Medicaid benefits, but we have to figure out how to afford it,” he said.

More than 1 million people in Alabama are receiving Medicaid benefits and the number grows every year.

Last year, the Legislature passed a measure borrowing money from the education fund to supplement the general fund. It then backfilled the education fund with a cigarette tax.

Alabama is one of three states to have two separate budgets. As it stands now, the Alabama general fund is $1.8 billion while the education fund is $6.8 billion.

As part of the general operation of the state, the general fund pays for Medicaid and the prison system. The cost of both increases exponentially every year.

Unfortunately, Faulkner said he thinks there is only so much Alabama can do without federal support and changes.

“No matter where you stand on Obamacare, everyone agrees it has done nothing to control the cost of healthcare.”

Faulkner said Alabama has no appetite for increased taxes and he certainly doesn’t want to raise taxes, but he said he can’t ignore the financial problems that will be hitting soon.

One moneymaker that will be proposed at this session is a state lottery.

Faulkner said a lottery isn’t something Republican representatives will be bringing, but he does expect to see it discussed.

However, the Legislature won’t decide whether to allow a lottery, but rather whether to allow Alabamians to vote on the issue.

Faulkner said he doesn’t personally feel that a lottery will solve Alabama’s problems, but he has heard from many of his constituents and he believes they should have the right to weigh in.

As he heads into his second year, Faulkner said he is ready.

“There is a learning curve and I will be learning during my whole term,” Faulkner said. “I’ve been able to keep my faith and my family. In fact, I probably sought God’s wisdom more in the past year because I was under a lot of pressure. When the session starts it comes at you like a fire hose.”

In addition to his legislation, Faulkner is particularly excited about the education initiatives coming in this session; teacher pay raises, school safety and technology improvements.

He said he is less eager to wade into the budget crisis again. ❖

u hwy 280

Grandview Receives Approval for Free-Standing Cancer Center

By Emily Williams

The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals last month unanimously approved the addition of a freestanding comprehensive cancer center to the Grandview Medical Center.

“We had always contemplated that a comprehensive cancer center would be a part of the long-range plans,” said Grandview President and CEO Keith Granger. “We knew that the current facility would not be the location, but that the center would be built on another part of the campus.”

After facing opposition from Brookwood Medical Center, Grandview was granted a certificate of need for the center in May 2015 with a special recommendation from Administrative Law Judge Jim Ward.

The case was appealed to the Court of Civil Appeals, where it had been pending since June 2015.

Granger said that there is still a chance of more appeals from Brookwood, but his hope is that there will be no further opposition.

“Should they choose to move forward, we remain very confident that the court will rule in our favor,” Granger said. ‘big step’

In the meantime, Grandview is continuing preparations for the new building. Hospital officials are making design and engineering plans for the new facility and are working to map out a preliminary building site.

Granger said their current plan is to place the facility on an upper hillside area off of Grandview Parkway.

The projected final result of the project will be a consolidation of the cancer services provided by the hospital.

The new building will hold a radiation treatment center, as well as physician spaces for the clinic’s hematologists, oncologists, surgeons and other specialists. According to Granger, the concept will benefit patients who are going through treatments by creating a comprehensive team approach so they do not have to traverse the campus to see various specialists.

The groundbreaking of the project depends on the potential for further court proceedings, but Granger is confident the center will begin taking form this year.

“This is just another big step in the completion of the project and we look forward this year to see construction under way,” Granger said. ❖

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 17

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u Homewood

By Emily Williams

The buzzing and whirring emanating from the former Oakmont Methodist Church are the collective sounds of the finishing touches being put on the newly refurbished and renamed Trinity West Homewood campus.

Last year, Trinity United Methodist Church and Oakmont unanimously voted to merge the two congregations and now identify respectively as the Oxmoor campus and Oakmont campus. Oakmont held its last Sunday service Nov. 15 before closing for renovations, and the Rev. Jack Hinnen said he is excited to return to his congregation and begin the church’s new chapter.

“I’m ready to get back,” Hinnen said. “Trying to keep people together – when they don’t get together on a Sunday – on a regular week day is a little difficult. In the meantime I’ve been preaching and doing other things at the Oxmoor Campus.”

Hinnen said he expects that the major aspects of the renovation will be completed when the church resumes worship Feb. 14 and all that will remain are the finishing touches and the congregation.

“Any time you are rearranging a new space you end up with a few walls that need something hanging on them or people don’t know where the bathrooms are. By and large it’s just a lot of small things right now,” Hinnen said over the sound of floors being installed.

The remodel is one of the first major renovations for the 60-yearold building outside of sanctuary upgrades.

“We’ve upgraded all of our child care,” Hinnen said. “Everything is clean. We actually – and this kind of blows my mind because I didn’t grow up in a large church – but we now have a computer sign-in.”

Gone are the days of sending children willy-nilly down the hallways in search of a classroom. Hinnen said that the sign-in will help visitors and staff navigate the church with ease.

“The two primary things that we have renovated are the children’s wing – making it clean and brand spanking new – and also the sanctuary or the worship space,” he said.

The church now has a contemporary feel. Guests will be greeted in the vestibule with vintage pendant lighting from the church’s past, repurposed with exposed Edison bulbs. The sanctuary will boast newly stained wooden beams above as the congregation faces a back wall outfitted with natural wood.

“When you walk in, you won’t see any pews or ornamental fixtures that are normal for more traditional churches,” Hinnen said. “Part of that is because we really want to welcome people who do not feel comfortable

in a church. I feel like we are really trying to reach people who don’t do the whole church-hopping thing. They don’t go to church because what they have experienced hasn’t worked for them.”

Hinnen said that many churches like Oakmont, struggling to grow, have been slow to modernize their places of worship because they lack the funds. With the help of the merger, Trinity West Homewood has overcome that hurdle.

“Our real goal in all of this is to provide a church for people who have no church home and have no relationship with Jesus Christ,” Hinnen said.

“So, we want it to be a welcoming space for people who may not enjoy what a church traditionally feels like.”

When the doors open once more, Hinnen expects to see familiar faces from his previous congregation as well as members of a “seeding team” from Trinity who will help ease the transition.

“At the onset, we will have a lot of people who already know each other and who want to welcome guests from the community,” Hinnen said.

“In the long-term, in my mind, a lot of those people will want to return to the Oxmoor campus.”

Hinnen’s main objective to increase the size of the congregation is to welcome individuals who are new to the practice of worshipping, and he believes their location is ideal for achieving such a goal.

“One of the things I love about this church and this community is that it is smack dab in the middle of all kinds of wonderful parts of Birmingham,” Hinnen said. “You’ve got the city just north of us. You’ve got affluency just east of us. You’ve

Rev. Jack Hinnen said he is excited to return to his congregation and begin the church’s new chapter. Hinnen said he expects that the major aspects of the renovation will be completed when the church resumes worship Feb. 14

got the suburbs just south of us.

You’ve got industry just west of us.

We’re right in the middle of this awesome opportunity to bring all of these people together right here.”

Another way the church hopes to attract new churchgoers is by better positioning itself to reach out to millennials – a generation commonly attributed with a desire to express spirituality through community service. The West Homewood campus is rolling out a new Sunday program called Project Serve, which will take place at 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall during the church’s traditional service. The first project will be creating warming kits to hand out to the homeless community.

“We’re going to be doing little

projects like that so we can connect in the community,” Hinnen said.

“Instead of just worshipping on Sundays, the idea is that we are going to actually be serving.”

In addition, the church plans to continue its successful fall festival, its annual consignment sale and maybe add an Easter egg hunt on the campus’ large back lawn.

“The great part about (this merger) for Oakmont is that the church will

continue and thrive,” Hinnen said.

“More than just getting by, it’s going to be able to be in ministry in the community.

“For Trinity, they were interested in thinking beyond 1400 Oxmoor Road, their address in Homewood.

This is a wonderful way for the Methodist Church to actually show some togetherness.”

For more information, visit www. trinitybirmingham.com. ❖

It’s not what you might think … ©2015 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Oakmont Resumes Services as Trinity West Homewood

Journal photo by Emily Williams

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18 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photos special to the Journal by Hank Spener

Though he didn’t arrive on a magic carpet, King Thomas Gilbert Amason Jr. made a grand entrance fit for a sultan.

Princess Sarah St. Clair Bowron with her uncle, Duke William Alfred Bowron Jr.

A Whole New World

Krewe Ball Queen Carolyn McCalley, King Tommy Amason Reign Supreme

G

uests were transported to an Arabian night in Agrabah at the 49th annual Beaux Arts Krewe Ball.

The Aladdin-themed event was held Feb. 5 at Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium and benefitted the Birmingham Museum of Art. This year, 30 young women were presented, escorted by their fathers and members of the Krewe.

Though they didn’t arrive on a magic carpet, King Dr. Thomas Gilbert Amason Jr. and Queen Carolyn Davis McCalley made a grand entrance fit for a sultan.

McCalley is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Winston Tilley McCalley of Mountain Brook. She is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and is a junior at the College of Charleston, where she is pursuing a major in arts management and a minor in environmental studies.

McCalley said she is delighted to share her reign with King Amason, who is not only a close family friend but was also her pediatrician.

McCalley was escorted by Logan Alexander Morris of Athens, Tennessee.

The Queen’s guards were Nelson Straub Bean, Gene Marshall Bromberg, Glover Mitchell Bruhn, Ogden Shropshire Deaton, William Henry Pitts, Paul Winn Simmons, Ingram Dickinson Tynes and Jesse Stringer Vogtle Jr. Her trainbearers included Stuart Perkins LaGroue Jr., William Walter LaGroue, Jackson Vaughn Skinner, Margaret Ann Skinner, Colton Parker Willmon, Ella Margaret Willmon and Emma Elise Willmon.

Accompanied by his wife, Yates, Dr. Amason was attended by Dukes Thomas Gilbert Amason III, William Alfred Bowron Jr., Joseph Henry Brady Jr., Jack Dabney Carl, Hubert Wesley Goings Jr., John Higgins Martin, James Walton Rainer Jr. and Frederick Weyman Renneker III. His trainbearers were Harriet Huntress Crommelin Adams, Emily Browning Amason, Richard Gunter Crommelin IV, Thomas Coker Foster, John Killebrew Roberts, Albert Flynn Thomasson and Robin Adair Wade IV. Ladies in Waiting included Patricia Elizabeth Livingston, Elizabeth Carter Marks, Margaret Louise Pritchard and Catherine Treadwell Smith.

Princesses were Frances Boston Blount, Sarah St. Clair Bowron, Margaret Russell Bromberg, Sarah Church Cassady, Lee Ellison Chapman, Adrienne Lange Clark, Rebecca Katharine Cooper, Elizabeth Miller Damrich, Mary Eleanor DeRamus, Patricia McGee Dodson, Margaret Stabler Greene, Carolyn Youmans Grenier, Virginia Ann Haas, Caroline Ashcraft Holbrook, Anne Stabler Matthews, Dorothy Nix Moore, Sarah Lawrence Reed, Mallie Moughon Robinson, Emerson Monteray Smith, Cathryn Carter Speck, Claudia Overstreet Styslinger, Ann Ellard Turner, Isabelle O’Neal White and Virginia Carol Wright. ❖

Lady in Waiting Margaret Pritchard with her father Joseph, above. Queen’s Guard Jesse Vogtle and Queen Mum Heather McCalley, left.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 19

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Photos special to the Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Former and current Southern Living staff members and executives.

Down Home

Southern Living Celebrates 50 Years

From left: Robby Melvin, Southern Living Test Kitchen Director; Sid Evans, Southern Living Editor in Chief; John Hall, Post Office Pies; Rob McDaniel, Springhouse; Frank Stitt, Highlands Bar & Grill.

DON QUIXOTE February19-21

Southern Living magazine is spending the year celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Home-town festivities began Jan. 25 at the magazine’s offices in the new Time Inc. Food Studios.

Guests celebrated the new studio as well as a recent move to a new building in the Southern Progress Corporation’s campus.

Southern Living Test Kitchen Director Robby Melvin, joined by chefs from local Birmingham restaurants such as Post Office Pies, Springhouse and Highlands Bar and Grill, prepared tastings for the event.

Editor Sid Evans and Publisher Greg Schumann gave toasts thanking early staff members who helped establish the publication.

Rick Bragg, Tasia Malakasis, Matt Moore and Valerie Luesse were there signing their recent Southern Living books, available for purchase at Alabama Booksmith in Homewood.

Guests in attendance included John Logue, Caleb Pirtle, Gerald Crawford, Zona Dale Taylor, Nez Calhoun, Jean Liles, Barbara Pettway McCalla, Peggy Smith, JJ Richardson, Philip Morris, Charles Beck and Katherine Pearson. ❖

Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University

BUY TICKETS: (205) 202-8142 www.alabamaballet.org

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Beautiful things for your special Valentine!

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

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

Joseph Braswell Hanna Antiques Serving the Birmingham Area Since 1958 205-824-1246 Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: February 2016

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING PLUMBING • GENERATORS • SEWER February 11, 2016 issue.

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Jewelry, Accessories, Apparel, One of a Kind, Just Like Your Valentine Valentine's Day Sale

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2827 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 205.502.7669 • www.jezebelsbhm.com

Classic Christmas

Amulet Club Celebrates 60 Years at Christmas Dinner Amulet Club members dined and danced to music played by The Classics at a Christmas party Dec. 8.

Co-Chairs of the dinner-dance were Olivia Weingarten and Martha Black.

Vestavia Country Club’s ballroom was decorated with two large Christmas trees that reached to the ceiling. Garlands of greenery with white lights and gold ribbon hung over the ballroom’s arched doorways.

Tables for dining were overlaid with white cloths and centered with red poinsettias that contrasted with green napkins.

It was a gala occasion for friends of long-standing and their guests as the club celebrated its 60th year.

Beverly Jackson is the club’s president.

Enjoying the festivities were Martha and Bob Black, Cheree and Eric Carlton, Cathy Carpet, Jane Crouch and Frank Jones, Gerry Dunham and Walt Stone, Virginia

Photo special to the Journal

27,000 square feet of Birmingham antique dealers showcasing

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Bob and Martha Black, George and Beverly Jackson, Olivia and Gene Weingarten.

and John Golightly, Ann and Sonny Harris, Ann and Fletcher Harvey, Margaret and Bill Howell, Beverly and George Jackson, Barbara and Bobby Jones, Elizabeth Judd, Rusty and Don Kirkpatrick, Nell Larson and Russell Kilgore, Lynda Matson and Bob Francis, Joanne and Art McConnell, Kathy and Ed Miller, Anne Nelson and Jesse Stinson, Yvonne Norton and Jack Ferguson, Dena and Wallace Parker, Mary Pate and Dennis Dickie, Kathie

Ramsey, Evelyn Ringler, Donna and Tom Talbot, Phyllis and Roye Tinsley, Sue and Preston Trammel, Jane Weimar, Olivia and Gene Weingarten, Betty and Wally Womack and Janis Zeanah.

Amulets met again Jan. 28 for a bridge luncheon at Birmingham Country Club. Bonnie Ciccio and Peggy Coleman co-chaired this annual event. A wine and cheese party at the Liberty Park home of Kathie Ramsey is planned for March 9. ❖

A Merry Jest The Harlequins Club Hosts Holiday Party

Harlequins Club President Hettie Hall with Howard and Dinner Chairwoman Marjorie Forney greeted guests arriving at the Country Club of Birmingham in December for the club’s annual Christmas party. Joyce Terry played the piano during the cocktail hour.

New members welcomed with their husbands were Virginia and Bobby Shepherd, Betty Ann and Charlton Bargeron, Phillipa and Frank Bainbridge, and Ann Pearce.

Guests dined on seasonal salad, filet mignon, crab cakes, duchess potatoes, asparagus and creme brûlée at holiday tables created by Robert Logan.

Among those attending were Lynn Ault, treasurer, and committee chairwomen Margie Davis with her husband Sid, Molly Cox, Dorothy and Al Naughton and Doris White with Joe McCracken.

Others enjoying the evening were Barbara and Winfield Baird,

Susan and Robert Barrett, Helen Bolvig, Lella and Frank Bromberg, Ann Bunn, Juliet Calvin, Mary Carolyn and Mel Cleveland, Paula and Francis Crockard, Nina Crumbaugh, Eleanor and Gene Cushman, Betty Drennen, Punky and Pete Eastwood, Betsy Elliott, Ann and Marshall Garrett,

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Johnie Gieger, Gerry and James Gillespy, Frances and Miller Gorrie, Liz Hoffman, Joanie and Carey Hollingsworth, Carol and Alex Lacy, Marcia and Kenneth Little, Betsy Marbury, Isabel Maynard and Ivy Jackson, Liz and Charles Miller, Walter and Bee Morris, Dorothy and Al Naughton, Sandra and Terry Oden, Valerie and Tom Pankey, Helen and Walter Gay Pittman, Ruth Pitts, Lois Poe, Patsy Porter, Joyce Ratliff and Bayard Tynes, Elberta Reed, Kitty and Gordon Robinson, Ann and Goodloe Rultland, Carole Sandner, Beverly Silver, Elaine Smith, Astrid and Sid Smyer, Sharon Vines, Mary Ann Weatherly and Janie and Walter Wilson. ❖

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20 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 21

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photos special to the Journal

Front, from left: Yorke Williams, Sandy Eichelberger and Anne Hicks. Middle: Lochrane Smith, Jowane Patton, Dotty Still, Rebecca Mason and Elise Warren. Back: Laura Bryan.

Below: Dotty Still, Kathryn Harwell and Yorke Williams.

Jewelry Designer | GIA Graduate Gemologist | On-Site Appraisals

so much to love THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

Behind the Line

Fandangos Announce February Festivities The Fandango Dance Club met in November at Avo and Dram to discuss plans for the upcoming year.

Officers for 2016 announced during the event were: Dotty Still, president; Jowane Patton, vice president; Sandy Eichelberger, secretary; Elise Warren, treasurer; Rebecca Mason, membership chair; Lochrane Smith, hospitality; Anne Hicks, publicity and photography; Laura Bryan, parliamentarian; and Yorke Williams, publicity.

Fandango has planned a western-themed dance party with the Cha Chas Dance Club. The two dance clubs have organized line dancing lessons at the Champion Latin and Ballroom Dance Studio for their members in February. The class is taught by Sterling Burroughs.

The Western Dance will be held Feb. 12 and the Cha Chas and Fandangos will be swinging to the band Chevy 6. ❖

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22 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

Sweet Treats

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Symphony Volunteer Council Looks to Past and Future The vice presidents of hospitality – Phyllis Davis, Betsy Cooper and Sandra Wilson – presented savory treats in the dining room and a display of desserts in the kitchen.

Tom Davis and Bob Wilson were the bartenders for the evening and Joe Cooper provided shuttle service from

the street.

As always, Martha Black’s eggnog was the star of the culinary delights.

Party guests in attendance included Diane Ray, Roberta and Jim Atkinson, Sue Ann Watkins, Lu Moss, Janis Zeanah, Shirley

Photo special to the Journal

The Symphony Volunteer Council bid a festive farewell to 2015 at its annual Holiday Party on Dec. 6 at the home of Betsy and Joe Cooper.

The mountaintop home near the Cahaba River was filled with holiday décor, an art collection and delicious refreshments.

From left: Sandra Wilson, Betsy Cooper and Liz Warren.

You’ll be sitting in sandY springs but taken to another world.

Don’t miss the AtlAntA Jewish Film FestivAl in sAnDy springs, georgiA This February, see some of the most powerful films from around the world in Sandy Springs at The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, the largest Jewish film festival in the world. It’s just a few miles north of downtown Atlanta. For hotel and restaurant information and for discount tickets go to visitsandysprings.org.

Everything You Love About Greater Atlanta

and Bob Brown, Johnnie and Rich Venglik, Tallulah Hargrove, Terri and Jack Standridge, Debby Kristofco, Diane and Herb Rossmeisl, Janet Lauer, Debbie Reid, Bettie Davenport, Debby Noll, Virginia and Shine Guthrie, Nadine L’Eplattenier, Fay Fulmer, Darlene Gray, Mary Alice Moseley, Skip and Bob Wadhams, Robert Raiford and Zane Rhodes, Roger and Linda James, Debbie McDonald, Lin and Jim Musgrove, Kathie Ramsey, Bonnie and Tony Ciscio, Betty and Wally Womack, Lynne and Michael Meeks, Olivia and Gene Weingarten and Cheree and Eric Carleton.

Other SVC members and their guests included: Jere McDonald and Jack Hall, Marguerite and Harry Handlin, Emily Omura, Katy Smith, Nell Larson and Russell Kilgore, Char and Rick Bonsack, Sally Halsonback, Lucille Dawson, Deb and John Sellers, Carolyn and

Bob Orchard, Deb Gilbreath and Dick Coffer, Nancy Delony, Gerda Carmichael, Nan Teninbaum, Jane Paris and Chandler Smith, and Tom and Liz Warren.

President Cheree Carlton brought the evening to an exciting conclusion by announcing that the 2016 Decorators’ ShowHouse has been chosen and will be announced in February.

Looking to the future, the SVC anticipates a very busy winter and spring and announced some important dates to reserve. The annual Lois Pickard Music Scholarship Luncheon will take place Feb. 18, honoring the winning middle and high school students who competed in piano, strings and brass-woodwinds-percussion at the Lois Pickard Music Scholarship Competition in January.

The Decorator’s Showhouse will take place April 9-24 and tickets will be available in March. ❖

social Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photo special to the Journal

Front, from left: Jeannie Dodson, Laurie Hereford and Carol de la Torre. Back: Chandler Law, Sarah Dodson, Mary Virginia Adams and Madelyn Hereford.

Christmas Tea

Birmingham Tri Deltas Celebrate the Holidays

Photo special to the Journal

The Birmingham chapter of the Delta Delta Delta Fraternity celebrated the holiday season by gathering Dec. 13 for a Christmas Tea. The event was hosted by Cheryl Crane along with her daughters Anna Brook and Ella.

Guests in attendance include Susie Abbott; Peggy Barnhart; Catherine, Louise and Margaret Pewitt; Allison, Anna and Madeline Ingram; Trudy and Grace Lockett; Genie and Emmie Stutts; Martha and Mary Martha Grizzle; Susan and Mary Glenn Waldrop; Leighann and Tricia Davis; Elaine McDonald; Chandler Law; Cathy and Caroline Luckie; Barbara Finch Thompson; Carol de la Torre; Elizabeth Limbaugh; Mae Mae, Caroline and Margaret Kracke; Jennifer Bennett; Anne Spurlock; Kimberly Bean; Julie and Baylee Edwards; Jeannie and Sarah Dodson; Margaret and Baily Martin; Laura Hydinger; Mary Margaret Gullage; Callie Anderson; Oliver Little; Luna Pointer Hollett; Jane Van Eaton and Caroline Milligan. ❖

Angelo-Bullard

Mary Elizabeth Angelo and Edwin Andrew Bullard were married Aug. 22 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Birmingham. The 7 p.m. nuptial Mass was officiated by the Rev. Douglas Vu. The couple was presented with a papal blessing from his Holiness Pope Francis at the conclusion of the ceremony. A reception followed at The Club of Birmingham.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Anthony Angelo of Vestavia Hills. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Joseph John Milazzo and the late Mr. Milazzo of Vestavia Hills and Mrs. Phillip Claude Angelo and the late Mr. Angelo of Vestavia Hills.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Alvin Bullard of Florence.

He is the grandson of Mrs. Walter Clyde Scott and the late Mr. Scott of Opelika and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wallace Hayes of Florence.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory duchess satin couture ball gown purchased at Bridal’s by Lori in Atlanta. The bodice was fitted with a sweetheart neckline and was set with Swarovski crystal jewels and pearl drops extending down the waist and encircling to the deep V-back. The full skirt extended into a

From left: Genoa McPhatter, Maggie Begun and Jason Kirby.

Medicinal Plantings

Camellia Garden Club Hosts Botanical Garden Archivist The Camellia Garden Club met Jan. 19 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to hear a program presented

by Jason Kirby.

Kirby, a BBG archivist, presented a program titled “Kitchen Garden to Flora of the Civil War.” The group learned that many of the members’ favorite herbs were often used as medicines during America’s early history. This information was handed down generation to generation and, according to Kirby, many people today take advantage of these plants and their medicinal uses.

Following the program, the members were entertained with refreshments by hostesses Carolyn Reich, Virginia McDorman, Anita Dillan, Betsy McGrath and Lisa Page. ❖

Kirkpatrick Anniversary

On Dec. 23, Don and Rusty Kirkpatrick of Homewood celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at All Saints Episcopal Church in Homewood.

The Rev. Mike Cleckler officiated the ceremony, with family and the original members of the wedding party attending. After the service, a party given by the children and grandchildren of the couple was held at Vestavia Country Club in the same room in which the wedding reception was held on Dec. 23, 1965.

Joiner-Hails

Mr. and Mrs. John Andrew Joiner of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelley Elizabeth, to Edward Barrett Hails, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Troy Hails Jr. of Montgomery.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas Brassell and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hudson Joiner all of Montgomery.

Miss Joiner is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a cum laude graduate of the University of

cathedral-length train with satin and iridescent button accents. Her cathedral-length veil was designed for her

by Toni Federici. It was made of ivory illusion and scattered with Swarovski crystals and ivory seed pearls. Sewn inside of the bride’s gown were her mother’s bridal garter, her new initials, and a white gold aquamarine and tanzanite pendant. She carried a cascading assorted orchid and rose bouquet.

Sewn into the flowers were her maternal great grandmother’s rosary beads and her maternal grandmother’s wedding handkerchief.

The bride was attended by her sister, Catherine Ann Angelo, as maid of honor. The bridesmaids wore champagne colored, floor-length, one shoulder gowns with beaded illusion on the bodice. They carried bouquets of hydrangeas and roses encircled with crystal bands. The bridesmaids were Kaley Braue; Leslie Bullard, sister of the groom; Elise Carpenter; Julia Curran; Lacey Ezekiel; Karly Gowins; Nicole Hardenkopf; Tiffany Linn; Ashleigh McClenney; Paige Niewerth; Ellen Pantazis; and Elizabeth Perrin, cousin of the bride.

The groom’s father served as best man. The groomsmen were Vincent Angelo, brother of the bride; David Beasely; Bradley Bowling; John Paul Bruno and Joseph Bruno, cousins of the bride; Andrew Cibulas; Caleb Davis; Andrew Downing; Drew Hawk; Zachary Miskel; Mitchell Moorer; and John Tyler Thompson.

At the reception, guests enjoyed dinner, dancing and a fireworks display. Desserts were wedding cakes, cannoli, chocolates, an Italian cookie tree and spun cotton candy. The couple left the ceremony to shakers as the groom was a former football player for the University of Alabama. The guests were treated to a visit by the ice cream truck afterward.

Following a honeymoon trip to Excellence Riviera Maya, the couple live in Greenville, South Carolina.

Alabama, where she received a bachelor’s degree in international finance and Spanish and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She received her juris doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law and her master of laws in international law, foreign trade and international relations from the Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía in Madrid, Spain. She is employed with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. The prospective groom is the grandson of Col. and Mrs. Sam Burge Barrett and the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Troy Hails all of Montgomery.

Mr. Hails is a graduate of the Montgomery Academy and the University of Mississippi, where he graduated magna cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in history and political science and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Alpha Order. He received his juris doctor cum laude from the University of Alabama School of Law and his master of laws in maritime law with merit from the University of Southampton in Southampton, England. He is employed with Phelps Dunbar LLP in Mobile.

The wedding is planned for April 2 at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 23

Rehab Reality

by Jeff (Bonzo)

Everyday is Groundhog Day

We’ve all seen the movie starring Bill Murray. He has to repeat Groundhog Day over and over until he gets it right.

Call me crazy, but I see a lot of that movie in addiction and alcoholism. Murray’s character is a self-centered, sarcastic and arrogant misanthrope.

That might not be true of all addicts or alcoholics, but it’s more accurate than it isn’t.

Drinking and drugging are two of the most selfish things a person can do. I can say this.

I lived it for years.

In the movie, every morning at 6:00 AM, the day repeats.

The same day ... over and over again. Murray’s character has fun with it for a while. He plays tricks on people and manipulates situations, but eventually that gets old. This is what it feels like when you’re in active addiction, no matter the substance. It’s fun at first, but eventually you’re just going through the same motions over and over again.

All the joy and happiness are gone.

Finally, Murray’s character reevaluates himself, changes his behavior and starts engaging in the lives of those around him. Recovery is the same way. You have to get out of yourself. You have to take an honest look at yourself and you have to fix what is broken. What happens to Bill’s character when he finally does these things? The same thing that will happen to you when you seek help... the clock moves forward to a bright and beautiful future.

Call us when you’re read to reset your clock.

850-687-6831

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food Digital Dishing

24 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Cooking Light Editor Is Among Speakers at Food Media South Event

By Donna Cornelius

Photo courtesy of Randy Mayor

Since joining Cooking Light Ann Pittman has won two James Beard awards, one for a feature story and another for a cookbook.

Photo special to the Journal

Some people are enticed into making career changes by fatter paychecks, better working hours or attractive benefits.

Ann Taylor Pittman was lured into a new job by lasagna.

Of course, there’s a little more to the story than that.

Pittman, Cooking Light magazine’s executive food editor, attended Mississippi State University in her home state. She majored in English and taught at MSU for about five years, she said.

“I’ve always been interested in food in general,” Pittman said. “In the mid-1990s, I became very interested in healthy cooking, lighter cooking. There weren’t great resources then. It wasn’t as easy to access great techniques and recipes. Then, a photo of lasagna on the cover of Cooking Light caught my eye.”

Pittman became a fan of the Birminghambased magazine and its healthy but still tasty recipes.

“Cooking Light was my favorite magazine,” she said. “I met with someone there – my parents had moved to Birmingham while I was in college – and asked, ‘If there’s ever an opening, please keep me in mind.’ That was in November 1998.”

She joined the Cooking Light staff and since has won two James Beard awards, one for a feature story and another for a cookbook.

Pittman will be among the featured speakers at Food Media South, set for Feb. 20 at WorkPlay in Birmingham. Hosted by the Southern Foodways Alliance, the event explores storytelling in the digital era. It’s geared for those who tell stories about food, either as editors or content creators.

Other panelists include Birmingham chef Frank Stitt, Eater National critic Bill Addison, Local Palate editor Maggie White, Brett Anderson from the New Orleans TimesPicayune, Corby Kimmer from The Atlantic and Kathleen Purvis from the Charlotte Observer.

Pittman’s topic is “Recipes in a Digital Age.” “I’ll be using some personal and professional experiences to talk about the way recipes are written, distributed and found now,” she said.

“It’s changed so much. At one time, you’d get recipes pretty much in print through magazines

and cookbooks. Then they’d go dormant. Now, they have a long, long life. You might write a recipe for a specific context, but then it can be pulled out and go out on its own.”

While recipes now are readily available via the Internet, many people still use time-honored methods of collecting and sharing recipes, Pittman said.

“Two years ago, our editor launched an ongoing project, Take Me to Your Reader,” she said. “Each staff member called a reader and had a conversation about what we’re doing right, what we’re doing wrong, what we can do

Cooking Light’s Ann Taylor Pittman, top, is a panelist at this year’s Food Media South event, set for Feb. 20 in Birmingham. Other panelists include Birmingham chef Frank Stitt, below.

better.

“From that, we realized that so many people still cut out recipes and put them in binders.

That changed the way we laid out our recipes in the magazine.”

Cooking Light’s food articles are still introduced with big, glossy photos. But the magazine now also includes small photos of each dish next to the instructions to make the recipes more clip-worthy.

Pittman said Cooking Light has found that e-cookbooks are not as successful as those in actual book form.

The conventional form is “a hard tradition to shake,” she said.

Her own cookbook, “The New Way to Cook Light,” won the 2013 James Beard Foundation Cookbook Award. Her new cookbook, “Everyday Whole Grains: 175 New Recipes from Amaranth to Wild Rice,” will be out March 22. Published by Oxmoor House, the book can be pre-ordered now on Amazon.com.

Pittman’s other James Beard award was for an article about a very personal experience.

In “Mississippi Chinese Lady Goes Home to Korea,” she shared the story of her first trip to her mother’s native country. She and her brother spent 10 days in Korea in 2012.

“We asked my mother to join us, but she,

Valentines Day February 14th

Italian Experience Tickets Are on Sale for Feast of Saint Mark Festival

The fifth annual Feast of Saint Mark Italian Festival is still weeks away. But since the event usually is a sell-out, those who want tickets may want to buy them soon.

This year’s festival is April 30 at Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 7340 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham. The event celebrates Italian food and culture with traditional dishes, on-site pizza baking, bocce ball games, an Italian market and entertainment.

Last year, about 3,000 people attended.

Festival hours are 3:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Proceeds

See pittman, page 26

piggly wiggly Prices Good thru 2/16/16

A Birmingham-based bakery got the royal treatment for its version of a Culinary traditional Mardi Gras treat.

Community Edgar’s Bakery made USA News and Today’s list of the country’s Events top king cakes. The list was published Feb. 3.

“Founded in 1998 by Terry and Dottie Smith, Edgar’s Bakery is known for their stunning sweets made from natural ingredients,” the article said. “During Mardi Gras season, the store ships king cakes around the country. Here, the madefrom-scratch cakes are baked daily and start with a cinnamon roll dough that’s braided and topped with a colorful sugar glaze.

There are four different flavors, which include traditional, pecan praline, cream cheese and Edgar’s signature strawberry.”

King cakes usually are ringshaped and sprinkled with sugar in royal colors: purple, green and gold. The three colors pay homage to the three kings who visited the Christ child on Epiphany, the 12th day after Christmas. Hidden in most king cakes is a tiny plastic doll representing the baby Jesus, and the person who finds the doll often gets special privileges.

Edgar’s Bakery has five stores in the Birmingham area and one in Tuscaloosa.

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King of Cakes Edgar’s Bakery Treat Makes USA Today List

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 25

food

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

walk in and get a hug. That spirit is infused into the event.”

Tricia Kirk said her favorite part of the fundraiser is “the buzz of the crowd.”

“It’s great to see so many people in the community coming out and cheering us on,” she said. ❖

Journal photo by Emily Williams

visit www.exceptionalfoundation.org.

Rhoades said the cook-off is “a great family event.”

“It mirrors what’s special about the Exceptional Foundation,” he said.

“Most participants have kept a childlike perspective. This is one of the few places in the city where I can

Cooking up plans for the Exceptional Foundation’s annual chili competition are, from left: Adam Rhoades, Wes Quattlebaum, Margaret Cochran, Dee Grisham, Monica Drake and Joe Medori.

Red Hot Chili Contest Exceptional Foundation Fundraiser Stirs up a Crowd

By Donna Cornelius The Exceptional Foundation has come up with a winning recipe for its biggest fundraiser.

The Homewood-based nonprofit’s Chili Cook-off, which last year attracted more than 11,000 people, is set for March 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The 2015 version of the cook-off drew more than 90 teams and raised more than $294,587. At the first event 12 years ago, 20 teams competed and the event netted about $40,000. The outdoor competition outgrew its original site, the Exceptional Foundation’s parking lot, and is now held in the Brookwood Village parking lot.

There’s another change that may be even more important to chili lovers –the quality of the star attraction.

“The winning chili that first year was Hormel out of a can,” said Dee Grisham, the foundation’s director of development.

That entry had some extra ingredients added in, but even the most creative amped-up version of a canned chili likely wouldn’t make the first cut in the contest these days.

Adam Rhoades said his company, title sponsor Northwest Mutual, is a regular cook-off competitor – and it doesn’t take its chili-making lightly.

“We have pretty much the same team of chefs and collaborators,” said Rhoades, who’s also a member of the foundation’s board of directors. “They start planning about six months in advance.”

The head chef of last year’s winning team, IberiaBank, won’t divulge his blue-ribbon recipe. That’s because the bank’s team cooks up basically the same chili every year – but with improvements.

“We’ve gotten better, I think,” said Wes Quattlebaum, who leads IberiaBank’s team of cooks. “We’re in the tweaking phase now.”

Margaret Cochran, the Exceptional Foundation’s marketing and event manager, said most competitors get an early start on the day of the cook-off.

“Last year, I got there about 3

a.m., and the first team had gotten there at 1 a.m.,” she said.

The chili has to be made on site and be ready by 10:30 a.m.

“That’s when the preliminary judging starts,” Cochran said. “We have 45 judges.”

Seven awards are up for grabs.

Judges select the grand prize winner and the first and second runners-up.

Those who attend can vote for the People’s Choice Award winner, and the Spirit Award goes to the team with the best tent and costumes.

Joe Medori of IberiaBank said his team decided a few years ago to go whole hog in its efforts to win the Spirit Award.

“At that time, we hadn’t always had good chili, and we wanted to win

“Every year, after each cook-off, we have people call and ask, ‘What exactly do you do?’

They say they have a child or a sister or another relative with special needs and want to find out more about our programs.” Tricia Kirk an award,” Medori said. “We figured we could control our theme. We’ve done Mardi Gras, Duck Dynasty – that was our first year to win the Spirit Award – and had ’70s and ’80s themes. When we did Duck Dynasty, even the women wore beards.”

New this year is the Participants’ Award, which will be voted on by participants in Exceptional Foundation programs.

The foundation gives those with special needs a place to participate in social and recreational activities, which often aren’t available to them after they’re past school age. The foundation also provides after-school and summer programs for schoolaged young people.

“Our participants love the chili cook-off,” said Tricia Kirk, the foundation’s executive director. “They know so many people there, and they can get on stage and perform. They’re our morale boosters.”

The event raises not only money LOcATED AT THE TOP OF SHADES MOuNTAIN ON HWy 31, but awareness for the foundation, she NEXT TO VESTAVIA HILLS cITy HALL, BISTrO V OFFErS said.

ONE OF THE FINEST cuLINAry EXPErIENcES IN BIrMINgHAM! “Every year, after each cook-off, Open Monday-Saturday 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm we have people call and ask, ‘What 521 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 • (205) 823-1505 exactly do you do?’” Kirk said. “They say they have a child or a sister or another relative with special needs and want to find out more about our programs.”

Dee Grisham said the cook-off is an essential ingredient in the foundation’s finances.

Jeremy “Only a fourth of our budget is To: From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 covered by participant fees,” she said.

FAX: 205-824-1246 “We offer scholarships. We take our participants out to lunch. We have a Date: July prom. We have a basketball league, This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the Jul a swim team and bowling. This is issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. where they make friends, fall in love – it’s their place.” please make sure all information is correct, inclu Rhoades said he joined the foundation’s board about three years ago. address and phone number!

“Our involvement started with the chili cook-off; we were a sponsor,” please initial and fax back within 24 hours. he said. “This place makes a differIf we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, ence in the fabric of people’s lives. your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

It serves a silent population. There’s Thank you for your prompt attention. often not a path for them after primary school, and many families are affected. Their lives can become a little bit of a prison for them and for their families.”

Rhoades is an enthusiastic supporter of the cook-off – but not as a chef.

“I can’t cook to save my life,” he said. “We’d never win if I cooked.”

IberiaBank’s head chef said the chili-making process is “a feel thing.”

“I don’t have a background in cooking,” Quattlebaum said. “I have a background in eating.”

Each team has to make 10 gallons of chili; tickets include unlimited samples. The event also will have beverage sales from Good People Brewing Co., some food vendors, entertainment and a kids’ zone.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. For more information,

Southern Gourmet at it's Best

26 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

food

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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SOUTHERN CHARM. MODERN VIBE. From left: Lenten Lunch co-Chair Sidney Clapp, the Rev. Canon Deborah Leighton, Lenten Lunch co-Chair Cece Martin and the Rev. Andrew Pearson.

food news, From page 24

help the church and the charities it supports.

Tickets are on sale now at www. feastofstmark.com. There’s a $5 discount on $25 adult tickets before March 15. Tickets are $10 for ages 6-12. There’s no charge for ages 5 and younger.

Follow the Feast of Saint Mark on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Lenten Lunches Church of the Advent Plans Annual Meals, Services Cathedral Church of the Advent will

pittman, From page 24

in her wisdom, said ‘No, this is your trip,’” Pittman said.

As a child, Pittman wasn’t eager to eat the Korean dishes her mother prepared.

“Children don’t want to be different from other kids, so I wasn’t proud of the unusual foods my mother made,” she said. “Now, I am proud of them.”

Korean foods recently have zoomed up the popularity charts, Pittman said.

“Everyone loves kimchi now,” she said.

In Korea, Pittman and her brother met several relatives for the first time.

“My aunt didn’t speak any English,” she said. “But we had a bridge: food. It was fascinating to taste dishes we’d grown up with and to see them as part of the everyday experience there.”

Pittman said her own children have grown up eating healthy food with few complaints. She and her husband, Patrick, have twin sons, Daniel and Connor, who are 10.

serve its annual Lenten Lunches again this year.

Lunches are from 12:05-1 p.m.

Monday through Friday from now through March 24 every day except Good Friday.

The church combines the meals with its Lenten Noonday Preaching Services, which are from 12:05-12:30 p.m.

Last year’s event offered full-service lunches plus express lines for those in a hurry.

Lenten Lunch chairmen are Cece Martin and Sidney Clapp.

For more information, visit www. adventbirmingham.com. The church is at 2017 Sixth Ave. North in downtown Birmingham. ❖

“When my sons were toddlers, their friends’ parents would say, ‘Your children wouldn’t eat canned peas.

They said they’re brown and mushy,’” Pittman said, smiling. “We do try to eat healthy. But that’s not to say we don’t sometimes go out for burgers and fries.”

Speaking of which, there’s one food Pittman would indulge in if it could magically morph into a nutritious and nonfattening form.

“Cheeseburgers and fries are not something I crave often, but when I do, I really want them,” she said.

In addition to its learning sessions, Food Media South will showcase Birmingham food. Participants will get to try breakfast tacos from Taqueria Guzman and coffee from Royal Cup coffee on Saturday morning. For lunch, they’ll be served fried chicken from Little Donkey. And at 6 p.m., Sam’s Super Samwiches will dish up kraut and chili dogs.

Tickets to the conference are $150.

For a full schedule of events and a list of all the speakers, visit www.southernfoodways.org or follow #SFAMEDIA on social media. ❖

|

4816 SHARPSBURG DRIVE | BIRMINGHAM, AL 35213 Professionally Managed by

www.birmingham.archadeck.com

Photo by Whit McGhee

Since 1999, the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation has awarded $783,610 to the city schools and the board of education. Funds raised through the VHCSF’s 2015 fall luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Leigh Anne Tuohy (shown at left with Superintendent Sheila Phillips) as well the Dinner and Diamonds fundraiser on Feb. 27 at Regions Field will result in more than $55,000 donated to the schools this year. The foundation has an endowment of $2.2 million.

Granting Education

Vestavia Hills School Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of School Support

By Emily Williams Rising from humble beginnings, the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation this year is celebrating its 20th anniversary at its annual Dinner and Diamonds fundraiser.

A founder of the original campaign to create the foundation, Sharon Lovell has seen two children and one grandchild through the Vestavia Hills City School System and has two more grandchildren in high school at VHHS. “I’m at a point now and I may want to sell that big house, but I’m not moving out of Vestavia,” Lovell said. “I won’t have any more kids in the system anymore, but I don’t want to live anywhere else. I care that I’ve got good value in that house to sustain me.”

Lovell attributes her sustained property value to the prestige of the city’s school system and the support it receives from the VHCSF. “Look who benefits,” Lovell said. “Not only the school system but the community, the businesses and the real estate. All of those are beneficiaries of how well our school system does.”

She added that, because a good school system attracts more people to the community, businesses and parents in the community seem happy to supply the VHSCF with donations to help provide Vestavia schools with the additional funding they need to support students.

More than four years before the foundation’s official formation in 1996, Lovell and a few of her peers from her Parent Teacher Association joined together to try to form a foundation.

“We looked at other school systems and their foundations,” she said. “It was really an inspiration for us. I think Homewood’s was already in place and they were doing well.”

Lovell said the group began working with a lawyer in the area to try to set up a plan to create a foundation for Vestavia.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 27

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

“The PTA was forever being asked for funds for this project and that,” Lovell explained. “Bottom line is, the PTA didn’t have that much to give and what we did … we had to use to support all of the schools. So, a group of us got together and decided we had to have something else.”

The group sought to answer the un-ending question: how does a school system cope with lack of funds? Lovell’s group saw a need to keep up with the advancement of technology and the ever-changing needs of teachers in order to provide every Vestavia Hills student with the opportunity they needed to succeed.

Like all public schools, government funding is provided, but

‘Bottom line is, the PTA didn’t have that much to give and what we did … we had to use to support all of the schools.

So, a group of us got together and decided we had to have something else.’ Sharon Lovell Lovell said the money was and continues to be inadequate.

It took a few years for the foundation to raise enough funds to grant money back into the system.

In its earliest days, the foundation raised money through grass-roots campaigns, going into the community and networking.

“I remember, in the beginning, when parents went to register their kids for school, there would be a little blurb at the bottom of the page that read, “If you would be interested contributing to the foundation…”

Lovell said. “We’d get a few donations, but nothing substantial.”

It took three years for the foun-

dation to raise enough money to provide its first grant. Since 1999, VHSCF has awarded $783,610 to the city schools and the board of education. This year, the foundation will award 13 grants to Vestavia’s eight schools and the Board of Education, totaling $55,610. The foundation has an endowment of $2.2 million.

The funds provide curriculum enhancements, money to buy technology-related equipment and funds for professional development and technology-training opportunities for teachers.

Lovell said the board of the foundation chooses where to award those funds by listening to the suggestions of the teachers.

“They keep up with what is new and what they need to progress and teach,” she said. “The foundation puts out a questionnaire of sorts and the teachers fill out the applications for the grants and based on the need, the board decides who gets what. You would be surprised how much we can afford to give them and those teachers will tell you that it is a godsend.”

Lovell said that, as long as she is breathing, she will be involved in the VHSCF. As an ex-officio member of the board, she helps the foundation as an ambassador to grandparents in the community.

“You cannot overlook what this does for the children,” Lovell said.

“Vestavia is really very diverse and some of these parents can’t afford to buy extra supplies and laptops and everything they need, so we do it for them.”

Lovell and the VHSCF board are looking forward to celebrating 20 years of supporting Vestavia schools at the Dinner and Diamonds fundraiser Feb. 27 at Regions Field.

The event will include music by the Fountain City Players, a live and silent auction and a selection of diamonds by Paul’s Diamond Center.

Tickets are $80.

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

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28 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Homewood High School Sophomore Queen Hannah Crim, Senior Queen Julianne Nelson, Miss Heritage Laura Mbogo, Junior Queen Sally Smalley and Freshman Queen Sarah Beaube.

Mbogo Takes Miss Heritage Title at Homewood Senior Homewood High School student Laura Mbogo was crowned this year’s Miss Heritage in early December.

Along with the title, Mbogo will receive a $1,000 scholarship along with other gifts worth an additional $1,000.

In addition, senior Julianne Nelson was crowned Senior Queen.

Sally Smalley was crowned Junior Queen, followed by Hannah Crim as Sophomore Queen and Sarah Beaube as Freshman Queen.

Also honored at the event were

Rebecca Felman as Spirit of Heritage winner, Olivia Pierce for best interview and Dina Zaher as fan’s choice.

Proceeds benefitted a local food bank.

Mbogo was crowned by the 2015 Miss Heritage Catherine Pittman.

Homewood High School teachers Scott Thorne and Jason Kennah presented the pageant, which was emceed by three-time Miss Alabama contestant Cassidy Jacks. Zoe Champion, seventh-grader and current Miss Teen Bulldog at Samford University, provided entertainment. ❖

Lil’ Lambs Children’s Spring

Consignment Sale

The Indian Springs School team of Sam Newton and Ulysses Keevan-Lynch claimed first place in the novice division of the public forum debate at Samford University’s 2016 Bishop Guild Debate Tournament Jan. 9-10, winning the final round by a unanimous decision.

“We are extremely proud of Sam and Ulysses, whose diligence and hard work enabled them to claim first place in their division,” said ISS debate teacher and Debate Team faculty adviser Chuck Williams. “In the days leading up to the tournament, they worked with other members of the ISS Debate Team to prepare by running practice rounds, researching, refining and rewriting their cases.

This is truly a victory for all the members of our team.”

Competing against two-member teams from other area high schools, Newton and Keevan-Lynch were undefeated in seven debates during the day-and-a-half-long event, the students’ first-ever debate tournament.

They won five rounds affirming and two rounds negating the topic “Resolved: On balance, economic sanctions are reducing the threat Russia poses to Western interests.”

In addition to winning the first place team award in Novice Public Forum Debate, Newton won the first place speaker award and Keevan-Lynch won second place speaker for the division. ❖

GYM

Sam Newton and Ulysses Keevan-Lynch won first place at Samford University’s 2016 Bishop Guild Debate Tournament.

HHS Student Chosen for State Farm Board Homewood High School senior Kendall Wulbrun has been selected from hundreds of applicants to be a member of the State Farm Advisory Board for 2016.

Thirty-one students from across the United States and Canada make up the State Farm Youth Advisory Kendall Wulbrun Board.

Kendall was one of 15 new members selected this year. They are charged with helping State Farm design and implement a $5 million-a-year signature service-learning initiative to address issues important to State Farm and communities across the United States.

The Youth Advisory Board and State Farm embark on several servicelearning projects each year nationwide.

Liberty Park Students Selected to Participate in All-State Choir

Friday, February 26 • 9am-3pm Saturday, February 27 • 9am-12pm

Photos special to the Journal

ISS Debate Team Wins First at Samford Tourney

Marleigh Hill and Annie Kane, two eighth-grade students at Liberty Park Middle School, were selected by audition to participate in the Alabama All-State Choir, which is held in March at Samford University. According to school officials, this is the highest honor afforded to middle school choral students in the state.

The All-State Choral Festival is a three-day event that culminates in a professionally recorded concert. The

Marleigh Hill and Annie Kane. festival is an opportunity for students with outstanding ability and initiative to receive public recognition, to sing under the direction of nationally recognized choral clinicians and to perform choral literature of the highest quality.

Students are selected by audition to participate in one of five choirs. The audition process includes singing a portion of five to seven predetermined choral selections for a judge.

Cherokee Bend Students Volunteer at Food Bank In mid-December, the sixth-graders at Cherokee Bend spent several mornings volunteering at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. Through programs such as Mobile Pantry, the Food Bank is able to take a hands-on approach to ensure that families have access to food resources they otherwise may not have.

The students packed boxes with a variety of items, including household items, canned vegetables, and fresh meat and produce.

School officials said the volunteer opportunity gave students an insight into

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Principal Betsy Bell lends a hand to Cherokee Bend sixth-graders packing food for the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. the inner workings of Birmingham’s local food bank as well as an opportunity to give back during the holiday season.

Vestavia West Holds PJ Day On Jan. 21, students and teachers at Vestavia Hills Elementary West showed up at school in their pajamas for a good cause.

This year’s Bids and Bites event Feb. 5 was the school’s 11th annual live and silent auction, but it is adults only. PJ Day allowed students to join in on the fun and the fundraising.

Donations given by pajama-clad students and teachers totaled more than $2,500. Together with the funds raised

by Bids and Bites, the money will go directly back into West’s classrooms to buy educational support tools and technology equipment. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

honoring Shaw for his work with youth, and his widow, Jean, accepted a plaque in his honor.

Perhaps Shaw’s most famous player was future University of Alabama star Major Ogilvie, who as a third- and fourth-grader played for the Shades Mountain Comanches.

The Comanches went undefeated and won the first Shug-Bear Bowl at Legion Field during Ogilvie’s time with the team.

“Coach Shaw was the first great

From left: Major Ogilvie, Mark Waggoner, Jean Shaw, Jabo Waggoner and Steve Shaw at a program to honor the late Doyle Shaw, who coached youth league football at Shades Mountain Community Park for many years.

coaches, From page 32

us win,” said Jordan Gann Sterley, who earned all-state honors as a Hoover outfielder in 2004. “There was no wasted time in practice. If we did something, we knew it would help us improve as individual players and as a team.”

Sterley said Brown asked a lot from his players and understood how far he should push.

“But he also knew how to get his point across without yelling all the time,” she explained. “We respected that.”

Like many coaches, Brown had his pre-game rituals, Sterley said.

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

Award-winning photography at otmjsports.com Lee Walls Jr. Marvin Gentry Mark Almond Hal Yeager Bryan Bunch

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 29

Sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

“He always had bubble gum for us before every game,” she recalled.

“Coach kept it in a bucket and was particular about which flavors we had. I think he may have been a little superstitious in that regard.

“Playing for Coach Brown was a great experience,” Sterley said.

Doyle Shaw

Not every coach honored worked at the high school level. Coach Doyle Shaw, who coached youth league football at Shades Mountain Community Park for years, was honored in a special ceremony recently at Hoover Country Club. Shaw died last May. State Sen. J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, sponsored a resolution in the Legislature

coach I had the opportunity to play for,” Ogilvie said. “He did a lot to build character and confidence in the young guys who played for him.”

Ogilvie said that, although Shaw worked full-time as an electrical engineer with Alabama Power Company, he always had time for his players.

“He was the kind of coach who was a great influence on young people,” Ogilvie said. “He was a good friend of Coach (Bob) Finley at

Berry, and they were very similar in a lot ways.”

Shaw’s football legacy continues today. His son Steve is the head of football officials in the Southeastern Conference.

Coaches from the high school level and below are often the most influential adults in a young person’s life – oftentimes even more than parents. It was nice to see three of the best honored by those who grew from their leadership. ❖

30 • Thursday, February 11, 2016

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

After graduating from Furman in 2013, Given joined a professional postgraduate running program – Furman Elite Olympic Development Group – to train with top runners from across the country. Under the direction of Furman coach Robert Gray, Given ran in the Houston Half-Marathon in January 2015. Despite having never run a halfmarathon for time, Given’s completion of the course in 1.03.33 qualified him for the Olympic Marathon trials and a shot at making the Olympic Games in Rio de Janerio this summer.

Given said he would arrive in California two days before the race.

He said he’s gotten great support from friends and family at home.

“Everyone’s been great,” he said.

“There’s no better feeling than knowing that the people back home are rooting for me. I hope I can do them proud.”

Given can relax about that aspect of the race. Regardless of how he finishes, Wilkerson Given has already done the home folks proud. ❖

wilkerson, From page 32

Hannah Barber

By Lee Davis After Homewood’s girls basketball team posted a 30-4 record and streaked to the Class 6A girls basketball championship in 2014-15, it might be safe to assume that the only way for it to go is downhill.

Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.

“I’d say it’s clear that our team is more experienced than last year,” Homewood coach JoVanka Ward said.

“Their awareness has increased as far as the importance of focusing on what needs to be done for us to get better as a team.”

So far, that attitude has reflected itself on the court. Through the first of February, the Patriots posted a 21-6 record and already had clinched their area title.

Homewood’s continued success shouldn’t be a surprise. The Patriots returned virtually their entire roster from last season’s team, including 2015 Final Four co-MVPs Ajah Wayne and Hannah Barber. There are no seniors on the squad and only two juniors – forwards Shelby Hardy and Venice Sanders.

The Lady Patriots have spent the entire season ranked at the top of the Class 6A polls, but Ward said that’s not much of a topic of discussion among coaches and players.

“Being ranked at the top is an honor, but we don’t put much emphasis on it,” she said. “The main thing it means at this point is that everyone we play is going to come after us hard.”

Homewood’s record may be even more impressive than it looks. Among its 20 victories is a 65-60 conquest of Class 7A perennial powerhouse Hoover on Dec. 1, and three of the losses came against highly regarded

Lady Patriots Picking up Where They Left Off

out-of-state rivals.

“We believe in playing a tough schedule,” Ward said. “Our schedule this year is much tougher than the one we played last year. We’ve been humbled in a few of our defeats, but I think that’s important in the process of toughening us up for the postseason.”

The Lady Patriots have dominated their Area Nine opponents by an average score of 67-36 and will host the

‘No matter who we play, we know that team will give us their best effort because we were champs last year.’ circuit’s post-season tournament.

The trigger of the Homewood offense may be Barber, a point guard who was named Over the Mountain Player of the Year as a freshman last season. So far in 2015-16, she is averaging 14 points and five assists per contest.

Wayne – also a sophomore – is a stalwart in the Lady Patriots’ inside game, as are Tori Webb and Hardy.

Webb is the tallest of the three at 6-1.

Wayne and Hardy are 5-10. All are strong rebounders.

Other contributors include sophomores Kalia Cunningham, Kayla Mikula, Sakeria Hollis, Lia Roberson, Alexia Hood and Kassady Crawford, as well as freshmen Maya Maxwell and Makiyah Sills.

As the area tournament draws near, Barber said her team is ready for the challenges of defending a state title. She cited a fourth quarter comeback in a recent win over Ramsay and an impressive showing on the road against area rival John Carroll

Catholic as evidence that Homewood is prepared for the rigors ahead.

“Our goal is to peak at the right time,” she said. “Our chemistry is good and all of our players are confident.”

Barber said that Homewood’s lofty status has changed the mindset of many of its opponents.

“No matter who we play, we know that team will give us their best effort because we were champs last year,” she explained. “Nobody will lay down for us. So we can’t take a night off.”

On the other hand, Barber believes that the Lady Patriots’ championship experience from last season will help this year’s edition.

“Once you get a state championship under your belt, it gives you the feeling of exactly where you need to be at a given point in the season,” Barber said. “It’s not a new situation, so it’s easier to know what to expect.”

Barber said she’s worked to improve her leadership skills by reading and studying a series of motivational and self-help books. Her favorite may have been Jon Gordon’s best-seller, “The Seed.”

“Last season we had three seniors, this season we have none,” she said.

“So I read a ton of books about ways I can help step up and lead.”

While claiming another blue trophy is clearly the team’s goal, Barber said not winning another championship wouldn’t necessarily deem the season a failure.

“At the end of the day we want to win the title,” she said. “But the most important thing will be whether we did everything we could do to make it possible. If we do all that and still fall short, I think we could live with that.”

Maybe so, but Homewood doesn’t appear to be a team that’s likely to fall anytime soon. ❖

indoor Track, From page 32

meter relay.

In Class 7A boys, Mountain Brook’s Drew Williams won the 1,600-meter run, Vestavia Hills’ Carl Nesbitt won the high jump, and Spain Park’s Daniel Nixon took first place in the 800-meter run. The Rebels’ James Henry Barrett won the pole vault event.

Mountain Brook’ boys team won the 4X800-meter relay.

In Class 6A girls, Homewood’s Caroline Lawrence took first place in the high jump and the Patriots’ Elyssa Griffin won the long jump event.

Homewood also won the 4X200-meter relay.

In Class 6A boys, Homewood’s Andy Smith won the 3,200-meter run and the Patriots also took first place in the 4X800-meter relay.

In Class 1A-3A girls, WestminsterOak Mountain won the 4X200-meter relay. One of the biggest winners in all of Class 1A-3A boys competition was Dylan Pausic of Shades Mountain Christian. Pausic won both the 1,600meter and 3,200-meter runs. ❖ Frances Patrick

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Journal photo by Mark Almond

Second Act

“I’m definitely feeling a nervous excitement,” he said last week. “I’ve been training for this so long. My workouts have been good, which helps build confidence and puts my mind at ease. I’ve also managed to stay healthy, which is a big key in any high-mileage run.”

Given’s intense training regimen actually eased up in the week before the race. “I’ve started to taper down gradually from the physical part and concentrate on getting mentally ready to compete,” he said.

At its peak, Given’s running schedule was composed of 10-day cycles, which provided a comprehensive workout in all phases of marathon running.

“Each day has a particular purpose,” he said. “Some days might be longer runs at a faster pace. Other days I might run 10 miles in the morning and five or six miles at night. Sometimes I’ll repeat the 1,000-meter run. It’s all very set for mileage and consistency.”

A marathon runner’s diet isn’t typical either. “I don’t have a particular nutrition plan, it’s just a matter of eating a lot of chicken, turkey, fruits and vegetables,” Given said. “There’s not a lot of room for sweets or desserts.”

The 26-mile, 385-yard marathon will take place in the streets of Los Angeles and pass, among other places, the world-famous LA Coliseum.

“The race is formatted into four, six-mile loops and a two-mile add on, which will be good for the runners,” Given said. “Getting to run the streets with large crowds cheering us will be a great experience and something that I’ll always remember.”

Despite the incredible length of the run, Given doesn’t plan to hold anything back for a late push. “My strategy is going to be to go out with the top group and last as long as I can,” he explained. “It’s the Olympic trials, so there’s no reason to sit back and watch the race go by me. After putting all this work into it, there’s no way I’m going out there with anything less than my best.”

Given said the mental aspect of marathon running is almost as important as the physical factor.

“During an actual race, I’m always thinking about tactics – such as when to pass someone or when to change pace,” he said. “During training, it’s a little different. Then I’m just trying to think of something to make the time go faster – like singing a song in your head – or maybe thinking about a future race.”

The path to the Olympic trials began in eighth grade, when Given first ran track and cross country at Mountain Brook Junior High School.

Upon reaching high school, Given became a star – and his Olympic dream began to kindle. “It was while I was running for Coach (Greg) Echols at Mountain Brook that I decided to see how far I could go,” Given recalled.

“From that point, going to the Olympics became a dream and a goal.”

Given became a star in high school and earned a scholarship to Furman University. While at Furman, he earned All-Southern Conference honors in cross country, indoor and outdoor track.

He also set a Paladin school record for the 3,000-meter run.

More photos at otmjsports.com

By Lee Davis

Right Lanes Spain Park Wins First State Bowling Title

Clockwise from far left, back: Andrew Harris, James Waller, Jalen Johnson, Tucker Contorno, Ryan Caraway, Brady Cooper, Devin Dowdle, Don Charles, Alex Culwell and John Gotham.

Photo special to the Journal

Spain Park added a blue piece of hardware to the school trophy case recently. But it wasn’t just a new trophy – the trophy represented a new sport.

The Jaguar boys bowling team claimed the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s first-ever sanctioned bowling championship Jan. 28. Spain Park out-bowled runnerup Stanhope-Elmore 1,836-1,576 to claim the big blue trophy at Oak Mountain Lanes.

“It was a great effort for all our kids,” Jaguar coach Steve Hobbs said.

“We put together our best effort at the right time. I’m proud of them for what they accomplished.”

Freshman Devin Dowell led Spain Park, rolling a score of 181 in the traditional format. Sophomore Jalen Johnson turned in a total of 179.

In the semi-final match, Spain Park edged Mary Montgomery 1,8311,754. Senior James Waller topped the Jaguars with a 228 total in the traditional game.

Spain Park started the state tournament with early round victories over Fairhope and Benjamin Russell.

Ironically, the school had developed a bit of a bowling tradition even before the sport was sanctioned by the AHSAA. Jaguar bowler Ryan Kendall earned a scholarship to Wichita State University last season and led his club team to a 17-0 record, winning the Thompson Warrior Classic and the Rebel Roll Tournaments.

“We had a lot of kids who enjoyed bowling but there was no state tournament – so no real champion,” Hobbs

Thursday, February 11, 2016 • 31

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

recalled.

That changed when bowling was officially sanctioned by the AHSAA just before the 2015-16 school year.

“Our athletic director told us that they (the AHSAA) were sanctioning bowling as a sport, so we put a call out to get a team organized,” Hobbs said. “We held tryouts and, unfortunately, had to cut some kids because we had so many come out. It was clear that we had some very good bowlers.”

The record proved Hobbs to be correct. Spain Park posted a 20-1 record in dual matches and repeated as champion of the Rebel Roll. Varsity players averaged 172 pins per match for the season. Johnson had the highest average with 186 pins in 27 games and bowled a season high of 254 in a dual match against Stanhope Elmore late last year. He averaged a game of 194 in the state tournament.

Junior Andrew Harris averaged 198 in the state championship

rounds but probably made his biggest contribution earlier at the regional tournament in Foley. He bowled a critical 234 to lift the Jags to a state tournament-qualifying second place position.

While many of the Jags are longtime bowlers, Hobbs said two of his players were relative newcomers to the sport. Waller began playing only two years ago, and John Gotham, also a senior, picked up the game last year and also made a major contri-

bution to the team’s success.

Hobbs minimized his own role in Spain Park’s championship run.

“These guys already know how to bowl,” he said. “I might be able to give them some advice about helping a ball break properly or something like that, but my main job is to know who is hot and who isn’t at a particular time in a match. It’s also important to keep them mentally tough at all times. I guess my job is motivational as much as anything.”

Other members of the team are juniors Ryan Caraway, Dan Charles, Alex Culwell and Andrew Harris; sophomores Brady Cooper; and freshmen Tucker Contorno and Wyatt Lumsden.

“People are already asking if we can win it (the championship) again,” Hobbs said, laughing. “We’re only losing two seniors so we should be very good again next season.”

Hobbs said he was excited about the future of varsity bowling – not just at Spain Park, but across Alabama.

“We’ve already got a nice rivalry with Stanhope Elmore,” Hobbs said.

“That’s part of what makes it fun. I think this sport is going to keep growing and growing.”

No matter how big high school bowling gets, the 2015-16 Spain Park boys team will go down in history as Alabama’s first official state champion. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Second Act Lady Patriots Picking up Where They Left Off Page 30

Sports

Indoor Rule

Celebrations Legendary Coaches Honored Recently

Hoover Wins Girls Meet Again, Many in Area Take Titles

By Lee Davis

Vestavia Hills wrestling coach Steve Gaydosh.

lee davis Whether it was by coincidence or fate, three legendary area coaches in three different sports were honored in the past two weeks.

Last Thursday, long-time Vestavia Hills wrestling coach Steve Gaydosh was honored during the Rebels’ dual meet victory over arch-rival Hoover. Gaydosh is retiring at the end of the season after 34 years at the helm.

He led Vestavia to 12 state championships and eight runner-up finishes and produced more than 80 individual state champions – making him one of the winningest wrestling coaches in Alabama history.

“Coach Gaydosh was successful because he saw the sport of wrestling as a tool to make his athletes better young men. He saw it almost as a ministry,” said Vestavia athletic director Jeff

Photo special to the Journal

Mountain Brook’s Wilkerson Given Goes for Olympic Shot

Segars, who wrestled for Gaydosh in the 1980s.

“He could be tough, but his players knew that he cared deeply about them as individuals.”

Gaydosh is characteristically modest when explaining his long years of success. “It’s really

‘It’s also about training them to be young men who can stand on their own two feet without their parents’ help. That’s more important than championships and trophies.’ Steve Gaydosh all about the guys and the team and seeing them develop into the best wrestlers they can be,” he said. “It’s also about training them to be young men who can stand on their own two feet without their parents’ help. That’s more important than

championships and trophies.”

It’s probably symbolic of Gaydosh’s influence on the entire wrestling community that his son, Josh, is the head coach at Hoover. Vestavia has also named its wrestling practice room after Gaydosh.

Jim Brown

Also honored last week was former Hoover softball coach Jim Brown, who led the Lady Bucs to five state championships and produced dozens of all-state and all-Over the Mountain players.

Brown was honored in a special ceremony Feb. 6 after Hoover’s annual Black vs. Orange scrimmage.

Brown’s meticulous attention to detail was a major reason for his success, according to one of his former players.

“Coach Brown understood every aspect of what it took for player development and to help See coaches, page 29

Trial Run

By Lee Davis

There might be a few television sets in Mountain Brook turned to NBC on Saturday afternoon. And it’s not for any sport that requires a ball.

Wilkerson Given – a 2009 Mountain Brook graduate – will be running in the Olympic

marathon trials to be held in Los Angeles that day.

Given spent much of his time before the event training in Greenville, South Carolina, with a professional group called Furman Elite. He admitted that as the marathon trial grew near, his sense of anticipation became heightened.

See wilkerson, page 30

Dylan Pausic of Shades Mountain Christian won both the 1,600meter and 3,200meter runs.

In boys competition, Auburn won first place with 110.50, and Hoover was in the runner-up spot with 64 points. Mountain Brook was fourth with 52.

In Class 6A girls, Homewood totaled 88 points to finish second behind state champion Pelham’s 98 final. In Class 6A boys, the Patriots finished third with 58 points. Opelika won the crown with 138.50 points and Northridge was second with 62 points.

As usual, many area athletes dominated in individual events.

In Class 7A girls, Mountain Brook’s Frances Patrick took first place in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs. Oak Mountain’s Nichole Payne won the 400-meter dash, narrowly beating out Hoover’s Brittley Humphrey. Humphrey won first place honors in the 60-meter hurdles. The Lady Bucs’ Genesis Jones won the high jump championship. Presley Weems, also from Hoover, won the 800-meter run.

The Hoover girls won the 4X800See Indoor track, page 30

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

One of Alabama’s most impressive sports dynasties continued its winning ways at the Birmingham CrossPlex last weekend.

The Hoover girls track and field team won its third consecutive crown and fourth in five years by totaling 126 points to easily outdistance runner-up James Clemens’ 83 total in Class 7A competition. Mountain Brook was third with 64 points.