2.23.17

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

SPORTS

2017 OTMJ SUMMER CAMP GUIDE — SPECIAL EDITION —

Find Your Camp WONDERING HOW TO FILL YOUR KIDS’ SUMMER IN FUN BUT PRODUCTIVE WAYS? CHECK OUT OUR BIGGEST CAMP GUIDE EVER, BEGINNING ON PAGE 23!

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2 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

MURPHY’S LAW

W BLUE HAWAII IN BHAM ABOUT TOWN PAGE 6

JLB STEPS UP NEWS PAGE 10

HUMILITY, CLARITY, COURAGE LIFE PAGE 14

ALTMONT TO BROADWAY SCHOOL PAGE 35

ABOUT TOWN 3 NEWS 10 LIFE 12 SOCIAL 16 WEDDINGS 22

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

CAMP GUIDE 23 SCHOOL 35 BUSINESS 36 SPORTS 40

NEXT ISSUE:

SPRING FASHION FORECAST

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 23, 2017 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, Jordan Wald, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Annie Howard Vol. 27, No. 13

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

Copyright 2017 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.

Bye-bye Bigtop

ell, that’s it. I’ll never ever be A lot of non-circus people will be able to run away and join the affected, too – purveyors of sawdust, sequin manufacturers, the people who circus. make those must-have light-up wands The circus is shutting down. It’s that your mother puts in “time out” true. The Ringling Brothers, Mr. Barnum immediately after you get home because and Mr. Bailey, all the circus grand its only post-circus function is to bop pooh-bahs, got together and decided to pack up their tents for good. The last of your brother on the head. The fallout the Greatest Shows on Earth will be from the Greatest Closing on Earth is May 21 in Uniondale, New York. It going to trickle right down to the people doesn’t seem possible. who swept up the peanut shells after the I should have seen it coming. After a crowds went home. lot of pressure from animal rights orgaMaybe, after a nice long vacation, nizations, the Greatest Show retired the the circus folks will change their minds.

Maybe a year from now they’ll send out Greatest Elephants. I understand that. a Facebook shout-out to the old big top Big animals, small cages. It wasn’t Sue Murphy gang to meet up at the Circus Museum fair. Besides, there’s only so long you in Baraboo, Wisconsin, where they’ll can hold onto your neighbor’s tail and Big animals, small decide to get the show back on the walk around in a circle before you road. It could happen. I mean, UAB start to wonder if there isn’t more to cages. It wasn’t getting their football program back, life. I don’t know where the elephants fair. Besides, there’s only isright? There’s are going now, but I hope it’s to an been no kickoff yet but elephant retirement community where so long you can hold that’s what I heard. they can walk wherever they please. legal reasons, the group might onto your neighbor’s needFora new Of course, after renegotiating the elename, like “So You Think phant contract, it would only be a tail and walk around in You’ve Seen Everything” or “Hold matter of time before the horses and Onto Your Hats, Hoboken.” My mona circle before you start ey’s on “The Greatest Show on Earth: seals and jewel-bedecked poodles unionized and demanded equal treatto wonder if there isn’t Part Deux.” After a bit of negotiating, the elephants and seals and ponies ment. The traveling circus was more to life. will be allowed to make up their own doomed.

I’m glad someone was looking out acts. They’ll get the tiaras, and the for the animals. Now, we just have to find someone to bareback riders will prance along beside them. The cannons will fire non-toxic Nerf balls, the trapeze artists will look out for the human circus performers. The cotton candy and taffy apple people can filter off to carnivals and be wearing OSHA-approved harnesses, and the head-bopping wands will be made out of biodegradable state fairs. The ringmaster can audition for a spot on “Iron plastic.

Chef” or “Dancing with the Stars.” The guys who drove The Revenge of the motorcycles around inside the giant cage of death might Greatest Show on Earth. I do well on the X Games circuit, but where do you find love it, and I’ll be right employment if you’ve spent the past 10 years riding barethere in the front row with back with an ostrich feather sticking out of your tiara?

What’s your next move if your last job was swinging from my popcorn on opening night. The only problem a trapeze? If the career history blank on your resume says, “being shot out of a cannon,” what will the unemployment is … where am I going to run away to until then? ❖ counselor suggest?

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What do you think about Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus’ recent decision to shut down?

“Brought a lot of good memories to a lot of people, so kind of sad. But good for the animals fee.”

Emilie Paterson Homewood

“Not upset about it, same thing every year.”

Tiffany Hall Birmingham

“Sad for little children.”

Christy Nation Birmingham

“Kind of sad, went to it some growing up.”

Becky Rieniets Decatur

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

FEB. 23 - MARCH 9

and old) to help children with pediatric cancer and to spread the word about aTeam’s ministry. The cost is $20 and includes a tournament t-shirt. To register or for more information, visit ateamministries.org.

BIRMINGAHM

Art Bash 2017 Thomas Jefferson Tower Magic City Art will host a fundraiser from 7-10 p.m. benefitting the organization’s mission to provide free children’s art programming to the city’s elementary students. Festivities include an art salon, guest portraits, interactive installations, music and more. Tickets range from $30-200. For more

Thurs., Feb. 23 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Gallery Reception Grand Bohemian Gallery The gallery is partnering with Studio By the Tracks to exhibit student artwork, created by children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other mental illness. The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. For more information, call 203-4714. ❖

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 3

ABOUT TOWN information, visit magiccityart.com.

BIRMINGHAM

Dinner & Diamonds Regions Field Vestavia City Schools Foundation presents Dinner & Diamonds from 7-11 p.m. This event includes dinner, music by Vestavia’s BHP’s, silent and live auctions and complimentary valet parking. Tickets are $80 per person. For more information, visit vestaviafoundation.org or call 978-8808.

tulip festival, featuring a field of more than 700,000 tulips of various colors.

Guests can pick flowers for $1.50 each, bulb included, and purchase professional photography packages.

MONTEVALLO

Festival of Tulips American Village The village will host the region’s only

2017 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

SET YOURSELF APART

Feb. 24 -25 HOMEWOOD

Lil’ Lambs Trinity UMC - Oxmoor Campus Trinity will host its annual consignment sale in the gym Feb. 24 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Feb. 25 from 9 a.m.- noon (many items half-price). The sale will feature gently used clothing, furniture and toys at reasonable prices. For more information, visit trinitybirmingham.com/kids/lil-lambs/.

HOOVER

Giggles and Grace Asbury UMC The annual consignment sale will take place on Fri. from 8 a.m.6 p.m. and Sat. from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Proceeds from the sale are used to pay consigners and remaining funds are given to Asbury Children’s Ministry and mission projects. For more information, visit asburyonline.org/gigglesandgrace/.

Sat., Feb. 25 BIRMINGHAM

Red Nose Ball Sheraton Birmingham Hotel The 25th Red Nose Ball, presented

by Cellular Sales/Verizon Wireless, and hosted by Wendy Garner will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a seated dinner, program and live auction. The evening will conclude with dancing and live music by the schmohawks. for more information, visit campsam.org.

With a powerful and athletic stance, tapered roof and striking design, the 2017 Range Rover Evoque is instantly recognizable.

Visit Land Rover Birmingham during the Own the Adventure Sales Event and enjoy exclusive offers on the Range Rover Evoque. Offer ends March 31, 2017. Schedule your test drive today.

VESTAVIA HILLS

Kick Out Cancer Vestavia Hills Elementary Central aTeam Ministries’ 2nd annual tournament will be held in the lower fields from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Teams of all ages are encouraged to register to compete in age brackets for bragging rights of kickball champions. The tournament is a fun way for kids (young

Land Rover Birmingham 3000 Tom Williams Way, Birmingham, AL 35210 205 397 0610 LandRoverBirmingham.com

The festival will run through April. Hours are weekdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun. from noon-4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $9 for seniors and youth. For more information, visit americanvillage.org.

HOMEWOOD

SuperPops! Series Samford University’s Wright Center Bernadette Peters, Broadway and film star, will bring her incomparable voice and signature wit to the Wright Center for one night only at 8 p.m.

Christopher Confessor and Marvin Laird will conduct. Tickets are $17-$32. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit alabamasymphony.org.

4 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

HOOVER

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Gluten Free is Good For Me 5k Veterans Park The Alabama Gluten Free Celiac Community will host its sixth annual 5k and one mile fun run at 8:30 a.m.

Registrationis $30 for adults. For more information, visit localraces.com.

Sun., Feb. 26 Hope Huck Tournament D1 Sports Birmingham Grace Klein Community will hold its first ultimate frisbee double elimination tournament fundraiser from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m at the indoor football stadium at D1 Sports. Team registration is $400 (10 player teams) and $30 for each additional player with a max of 10 additional players per team. Lunch and snacks will be provided for all participants. Admission for spectators is free. Food will be available for purchase at the tournament. For more information, contact Scott Elliott at 910-2222 or scott@gracekleincommunity.com or visit vestaviahills.org.

March 3 and 4 BIRMINGHAM

Senior Dance Composition Showcase Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre Alabama School of Fine Arts dance seniors will choreograph, produce and direct this annual show performed by students. Showtimes are Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, visit djdtheater.org.

Sat., March 4 NORTH SHELBY

Polar Plunge Oak Mountain State Park Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will present a Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics.

Come dressed in costume for a chance to win the coveted Best Costume plaque, prior to the plunge. Enjoy hot treats on the beach, music by iHeart Radio, a roaring bon fire and drinks from Pepsi. Tickets are $25 per plunger.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with a costume contest at 9:30 a.m. and the

information, visit vestaviahills.org.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

HOMEWOOD

Adam Miller

March 6-10 BIRMINGHAM

Feb. 23-26 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Friends Book Sale Emmet O’Neal Library The Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library will host its annual book sale,

beginning with a member’s-only preview party on Thurs. from 6-8 p.m. featuring wine and cheese. The book sale is open to the public on Fri. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. from 1-4 p.m. For more information, visit eolib. org. ❖

plunge at 10 a.m. For more information, visit “Oak Mountain State Park Polar Plunge for Special Oympics” Facebook page.

overall winners, with other awards for the top age group winners. For more information, visit runsignup.com.

HOOVER

Alabama Parkinson’s Fighter Walk Samford University Join the Parkinson’s community at Samford University’s track next to Homewood High school for a 1 mile walk to raise money for Parkinson’s research. The walk will be at 9 a.m.

If you do not pre-register, you may register at the event from 8-8:45 a.m. There will be door prizes, a silent auction (cash or check only) and snacks at the event for all participants.

Registration is $30 and all of the proceeds benefit UAB Parkinson’s research. For more information, visit parkinsonalabama.com/2017-alabamaparkinsons-fighter-walk/.

Arbor Day Celebration Aldridge Gardens The Hoover Beautification Board will host the city of Hoover’s 19 annual Arbor Day celebration from 9:30-11:30 a.m. This event includes free trees for Hoover residents, a formal Arbor Day ceremony, recognition of Hoover Schools’ 4th grade Arbor Day Essay Contest winners and a ceremonial tree planting. Roots Gift Shop will open at 9:30 a.m. with plenty of food and drinks available from local sponsors. For more information, visit aldridgegardens.com.

BIRMINGHAM

Judy M. Merritt Memorial Run and Walk Jefferson State Shelby-Hoover Campus Support Jefferson State Community College by running or walking in this annual 5k and One Mile Fun Run and Family Day at 8 a.m. Awards will be given to the top six male and female

HOMEWOOD

Sun., March 5 BIRMINGHAM

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

Some of the volunteers getting ready for this weekend’s annual book sale includ, from left, Christiana Rowsel, Tamara Sansbury, Vicki Daniels, Margaret Troiano and Ginger Ballard.

Participants can register for 1, 2 or 3 hours in any combination of the following: walk or run, ride or compete in a personal training challenge.

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 nlovca.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Grey Ghost Gala Gabrella Manor The Weimaraner Rescue of the South will host its annual fundraiser From 3-6 p.m. The event features music, heavy appetizers, beer, wine and an auction.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit weimrescue.com.

Mon., March 6 VESTAVIA HILLS

Folksinger Adam Miller Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest World-renowned folksinger Adam Miller will perform his “Old Songs for Young Folks” concert from 6:30-8 p.m.

Admission is free. This show is perfect for music lovers of all ages. For more

Festival of 10-Minute Plays Alys Stephens Center This marks Theatre UAB’s 14th year of original plays written, directed and acted by students, staff and faculty within in the Department of Theatre. This annual festival features new super-short plays that are smart, edgy, shrewd, shocking and often hilarious. Plays contain strong adult languages and themes. Tickets are $5.

Showtimes are 7:30-8:30 p.m. in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Odess Theatre. For more information, visit uab.edu.

Thurs., March 9 HOMEWOOD

Taste of Homewood Rosewood Hall The Homewood Chamber of Commerce will host its 16th annual Taste of Homewood to benefit the Chamber’s scholarships for local students and economic development efforts in the community. Sample food and beverages from 30 of Homewood’s restaurants and eateries and enjoy live music. Tickets are $30 in advance, and $40 the day of the event. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit homewoodchamber.chambermaster. com.

HOOVER

Easter Basket Community Service Hoover Country Club The Hoover Service Club will hold a community service project beginning at 11 a.m. Guests will be preparing baskets for the Green Valley United Way Food Bank. Lunch is available following the meeting for $18.

Fri., March 10 Schoolhouse Rock Iron City The Cornerstone Elementary School will host its 12th annual fundraiser, from 7-11 p.m. This adults only evening will include music by the Billy Gant Band, a live and silent auction, event giveaways and heavy hors d’ouvres. Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. VIP tickets are $90 and include access to a VIP section with a separate bar and food area, sawg and signature cocktails. All proceeds will directly benefit the students who attend the school. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit csalabama. org. ❖ Schoolhouse Rock is hosted by the Cornerstone Jr. Board, right.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

BIRMINGHAM

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Reservations are required to attend the presentation. To register, contact Winnie Cooper at 979-5699. For more information, visit hooverserviceclub. com.

picturesque villages as well as food, a kids zone, and more fun at Race Village. To register or for more information, visit Village2Village10k. com.

HOMEWOOD

Laura Story VESTAVIA HILLS

Laura Story in Concert Shades Mountain Baptist Church Legacy League presents Grammy, Billboard and Dove-award winning Christian artist and songwriter Laura Story in concert at 7 p.m. Story, whose hits include “Blessings” and Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable,” sings and writes of her own faith journey which has been deeply impacted by her husband’s brain tumor and resulting disabilities. VIP seating is $75 and includes premium concert seating and a 5:30 p.m. pre-concert reception and photo with Laura. Standard seating is $15 -$30. For more information, visit samford.edu/legacyleague/events/ laura-story.

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 5

ABOUT TOWN

Birmingham Wine 10K Patriot Park National Center for Sports Safety is proud to present the second annual Birmingham Wine 10K. Run along side 2016 olympic bronze medalist Emma Coburn in this unique, point-topoint 10K. It is chip timed and takes runners through the heart of Homewood as they make their way from Patriot Park to Lakeshore Park Plaza. This

is a USAT&F certified event with a post-race experience that is second to none. Hydration stops along the course will provide water and Gatorade only as provided by sponsor, Buffalo Rock.

Enjoy Mimosas post-race. To register or for more information, visit wine10K.com.

HOMEWOOD

Perseverance 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run Dawson Memorial Baptist Chruch The 27th annual Perseverance 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run benefits Kids Connection and takes place on the flat, fast course through the residential areas of Homewood. The race begins and finishes at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church beginning at 8 a.m.

Refreshments will be provided at the start and finish of the race. For more information, visit birminghamtrackclub. com.

BIRMINGHAM

SpringFest United Ability Hand in Hand Early Learning Facility United Ability, formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, presents this family friendly event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. featuring games activities, food and a silent auction.

Admission is free with food and tickets for games available at the event. For more information, visit ucpbham.com.

Sat., March 11 HOOVER

Taste of Teal Gala The Hyatt Regency - Wynfrey Hotel The Laura Crandall Brown Foundation will host a seated dinner with drinks, live and silent auctions, casino games and music at 6 p.m.

The organization will also present its “Legacy of Laura” awards to four community members. Tickets are $125 and include dinner, drinks and casino money. For more information, visit thinkoflaura.org. ❖ Send About Town news to: editorial@otmj.com

DE NY DOUBT. Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy.

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

Fri., March 10 BIRMINGHAM

Opera Gala The Florentine Opera Birmingham will host its annual gala celebrating 62 years of Grand Opera in Birmingham beginning at 6 p.m. The event will feature

Opera Gala will include a concert of opera favorites featuring the cast of “The Elixir of Love,” including Alicia Gianni, above, who plays Adina. cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, a seated dinner and a concert of opera favorites featuring the cast of “The Elixir of Love.” Complimentary valet parking will be available. Tickets are $200 per person. Reservations must be made by March 3 by calling 322-6737. For more information visit operabirmingham.org

Sat., March 11 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Village 2 Village 10K The Villages of Mountain Brook Schaeffer Eye Center presents the Annual Village 2 Village 10k on Saturday, March 11th at 7:30 a.m. Put on by the Mountain Brook Chamber and Resolute Running, this event will feature a new and improved race route throughout Mountain Brooks

Go to AndrewsSportsMedicine.com to start making your comeback.

6 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Chili, Beer and Kids’ Games Highlight Exceptional Foundation Fundraiser

Baby It’s the Next Best Thing Photo special to the Journal

The Chilli Cook-Off showcases 120 teams competing for prizes such as People’s Choice, Most Team Spirit and Best Chili. The event has outgrown its old location in the Belk parking lot and is moving to the Macy’s end of Colonial Brookwood Village this year.

Photo special to the Journal

If you consider yourself a chili aficionado, mark your calendar for March 4 and get your taste buds ready for the 13th Annual Chili Cook-Off to benefit the Exceptional Foundation.

The event showcases 120 teams competing for prizes such as People’s Choice, Most Team Spirit and Best Chili. The public is invited to taste the samplings and then vote for their favorites.

The event, which generally draws more than 10,000 people, has outgrown its old location in the Belk parking lot and is moving to the Macy’s end of Colonial Brookwood Village this year.

Last year’s event raised $355,000 for the Exceptional Foundation, which provides social and recreational activities for individuals with special needs.

Northwestern Mutual is title sponsor of the event again this year and is fielding a team to compete to recapture its 2013 Best Chili trophy. Good People Brewing Co. is providing beer during the event. The Bradley Arant Boult Cummings KidZone will feature a moonwalk, face painting and other activities for the kids. Rob Conrad of Magic 96 will emcee between music sets as 52 dignitaries taste chili and decide on the winners in the Adamson Ford judges’ room.

Other top sponsors include Special Events, a Game Day Tents Co., Brasfield & Gorrie, Alagasco, Charter Spectrum, Regions, Protective, Surgical Care Affiliates, Bellhops, Johnson + Sterling, Jemison Investment Co., Raymond James and Waste Management.

The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate, with no charge for children under 12. Tickets can be bought from the foundation’s website, exceptionalfoundation.org, under the Fundraiser tab. ❖

David Lee perfomed at last year’s Elvis Ball, a major fundraiser for Creative Montessori school located in Homewood.

This year the Blue Hawaii-themed Elvis Ball will be at WorkPlay on March 4.

By Annie Howard David Lee travels all over the country and even beyond the borders imitating Elvis for the crowds.

But next month he gets the chance to come home to perform and raise money for the Creative Montessori School.

Lee, an award-winning Elvis tribute artist, will be performing at the Blue Hawaii-themed Elvis Ball at WorkPlay on March 4. A Tarrant resident, he’s looking forward to being in town again.

“I literally travel all over now doing shows,” he said, “so when I do get to do a local show it’s always great because, as they say, there’s no place like home!”

Like many kids, Lee first encountered Elvis at the age of 3 or 4 through the song “Hound Dog,” but it didn’t stick. At 21, he was on track for a retail management career.

He has Kevin Muir, a former retail coworker, to thank for his change of plans.

“Elvis was all he listened to. I must admit, at first I thought that was a little strange,” Lee said.

But gradually, Lee found himself listening, too. Then he caught himself singing along in the car. Soon enough,

See the Bones of the ShowHouse during the Empty House Party

Paul Meyer Foundation Recruits Teams for Annual Golf Tournament

As the Paul Meyer Foundation begins planning its fifth annual Golf Tournament, set for April 8, planning officials are opening team registrations.

Through the month of February, the foundation will offer an “Early Birdie” special registration fee of $400, as opposed to the full registration price of $600.

The annual tournament includes a putting contest, dinner and silent

auction. The first nine holes of the tournament are played in the late afternoon and the second are played on a “glow-in-the-dark” course once the sun sets.

Proceeds from the tournament and auction will benefit the foundation’s mission to fund causes that provide support and medical treatment to underprivileged people, safety and rehabilitation to victims of human trafficking, and heart disease education and screenings for underprivileged people.

For more information, visit paulmeyersfoundation.com. ❖

Hundreds of people flock to the Decorators’ ShowHouse every year, but your chance to avoid the crowds and see the house before the decorators take it over is coming up March 16.

The 2017 Decorators’ ShowHouse Empty House Party, benefiting the Alabama Symphony, will give fans a chance to tour the Johnstone-Clark Estate in Mountain Brook. They’ll also be entertained with music of the Goodfellas and feast on heavy hors d’oeuvres by Christain Catering as they tour the empty house.

The event is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and parking will be at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church, at 3405

he was off and running in a new direction, with his own Presley suit and a few shows under his belt. In 2001, he went into Elvis entertainment full time.

Lee’s been a tribute artist for 23 years now. It’s an unusual job with unusual challenges. For example, he has to try to keep himself separate from the role. He never “becomes” Elvis; even onstage, he’s always just David Lee from Birmingham.

“One of the biggest challenges I face is having other people in public know that,” Lee said, “which is hard to do when you have the big sideburns 24/7. All they see is Elvis, even when I have a ball cap on!”

He also continues to learn little things along the way. He’s still refining that signature Elvis croon, learning new breathing techniques, reaching higher notes. Reading the crowd has gotten easier with time, too. He can spot their mood and adapt, becoming “playful or more serious if need be.”

All in all, he likens his job to playing billiards. “You can become very, very good, but I don’t think you can ever master it where you don’t still make a mistake or two,” he said.

That may be, but it’s clear he’s “mastered it” pretty well. During his

two-decade stint as a tribute artist, he’s traveled to 46 states, Canada and Mexico. He’s won multiple awards, taking first place in both the 2004 Memphis World Championship and the 2012 Tupelo Elvis Festival. In 2015, he was crowned the “Ultimate”

by Elvis Presley Enterprises; that’s the Super Bowl for Elvis tribute artists.

He’ll be applying all that expertise when he takes the stage for Creative Montessori’s Elvis Ball. The event, a major fundraiser for the school, will feature casino gaming, hula dancers, live and silent auctions, a photo booth and, of course, David Lee. Guests can munch on food from Rojo, Urban Cookhouse and the J. Clyde, as well as enjoy complimentary wine and beer from Cahaba Brewing Company and the J. Clyde.

Creative Montessori serves children from across the area.

“We try to keep a really diverse population so we try to keep the tuition affordable,” said Natalie Garcia, the school’s communications and development director. Proceeds will go toward offsetting costs, keeping tuition affordable for all Creative Montessori students.

The event will be held at WorkPlay downtown on March 4. To reserve a ticket, visit cmskids.org. ❖

Brookwood Road. Shuttles will run regularly throughout the evening.

Tickets for the event are $50 per person. To buy tickets, mail your check to Skip Wadhams, 2001 Watermill Lane, Birmingham, 35242. For more

information, call 437-0013 or email rwadco@charter.net.

The 41st Decorators’ ShowHouse, a project of the Symphony Volunteer Council, will be open April 29 through May 14. ❖

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Photo special to the Journal

Award-Winning Elvis Tribute Artist Comes Home to Help Raise Money for Creative Montessori

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 7

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Photo special to the Journal

8 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

Preparing for upcoming ‘Starry Night’ are, from left, Cindy Wade; Darwin Metcalf, event honoree and president and COO of Western Markets; Scott McBrayer, mayor of Homewood; and John Krontiras, owner of Nabeel’s.

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

www.wedgworth.net (205) 365-4344

Assistance League Preps for a Starry Night

The Assistance League of Birmingham recently announced plans for a spring fundraiser, One Starry Night, on April 27.

The honoree for the evening will be Darwin Metcalf, president and COO of Western Supermarkets. Metcalf serves on the Assistance League of Birmingham’s advisory board.

According to a press release, the organization will honor Metcalf not only for his support for the league, but also his support of many philanthropic causes throughout

Mountain Brook Schools Foundation Hosts Acclaimed Author for New Speaker Series

The Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation will host the first in a new series of Speaker Spotlight events March 9 at Samford University’s Wright Center.

Serving as keynote speaker for the event will be Sir Ken Robinson, an internationally acclaimed expert on Sir Ken Robinson, is an internationally creativity and innovation and acclaimed expert on creativity and an author. innovation and an In his work author. as an expert on creativity, Robinson works with governments in Europe, Asia and the United States, international agencies, Fortune 500 companies and cultural organizations.

In 2003, Robinson received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the arts.

His books “The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything” and “Finding Your Element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life” are both New York Times best-sellers. His 2011 classic work “Out of Our Minds: Learning to Be Creative” was published as a 10th anniversary edition. His latest book “Creative Schools: The Grassroots

the Birmingham community.

The event will take place April 27 at The Club and will benefit the organization’s three philanthropic programs: Operation School Bell, Operation Literacy and PrimeTime Treasures.

Festivities will include dinner, music by Total Assets, a silent auction and a live auction led by Jack Granger of Granger Thagard Associates Inc. For more information, visit assistanceleaguebhm.org/ fundraising/gala/. ❖

Revolution That’s Transforming Education” was published by Viking in 2015.

In addition to his writing and government work, Robinson’s TED Conference talks have become the most viewed in the history of the TED organization. They have been seen by about 300 million people across the world.

The spotlight event will begin with a VIP meet-and-greet session from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Robinson will then deliver his presentation “The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything,” at 6:30 p.m. The event will conclude with a question and answer session.

VIP Meet and Greet tickets are $200, VIP seating is $100, general admission is $25 and educator/student tickets are $15.

For more information, visit mtnbrookschoolsfoundation.com.

Church of the Advent Prepares for Annual Lenten Lunch Series

This spring, the Cathedral Church of the Advent will celebrate its 109th annual Lenten Preaching Series.

The series will feature 25-minute services by preachers from all over the world.

The services will be held at 12:05 p.m. from Ash Wednesday, on March 1, until Good Friday, on April 14.

Services are immediately followed

by Advent’s Lenten Lunches, served at a modest price. Last year, more than 4,000 lunches were served, raising more than $52,000 for the church’s local and global mission work.

Proceeds from this year will benefit

the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, as well as The Anglican Church’s Shyira Diocese in Rwanda.

This year’s Bishop Kee Sloan schedule will of the Diocese of begin with Alabama is scheduled to preach on Bishop Kee March 1.

Sloan of the Diocese of Alabama on March 1; Mark Gignilliat, canon theologian at Advent and associate professor for Samford’s Beeson Divinity School, on March 2; and Will Willimon, professor of practice of Christian ministry at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina, on March 3.

For a full schedule and lunch menus, visit adventbirmingham.org/ministries/ lenten-preaching-and-lunches/.

Bluff Park UMC to Open New Community Garden

Bluff Park United Methodist Church on March 11 will open its new community gardens, a project that has been in the works for three years.

Garden beds are open to all community members and can be recnted for $20 a year. The spaces must be reserved by March 3 and will be equipped with all of the basic needs of a gardener.

To celebrate opening day, gardening professionals will be on hand from 8 a.m. until noon to provide advice. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Determined: Local Teacher and Holocaust Survivor Publish Book of Joint Testimony

CLEAR EYES FULL HEARTS CAN’T LOSE

By Emily Williams

SUNDAYS AT 8:15 & 10:45 AM

Photos special to the Journal

The Birmingham Holocaust Education Center will host a book signing Feb. 26 for “Determined to Survive: A Story of Survival and One Teacher’s Passion to Bring That Story to Life.”

The book is written by author Amy McDonald about local Holocaust survivor Max Steinmetz.

McDonald, a teacher at Shades Valley High School, met Steinmetz in 2013, when he was invited to visit her Holocaust studies class to be interviewed by students.

McDonald said the experience changed her forever and led her to have a bracelet engraved with Stenmetz’s camp ID number to remind her daily to share his story.

According to the center, Steinmetz has dedicated his life to sharing his experience during the Holocaust by visiting schools and community groups, but he had not found the right person to pen his story until he met McDonald.

While writing the book, McDonald spent time researching every aspect of Steinmetz’s accounts of his experience and travelled to Europe twice.

At the signing, McDonald will share her experience in writing the book as well as the impact it has had on her teaching. Steinmetz will speak about his journal during the Holocaust

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 9

ABOUT TOWN

“Determined to Survive: A Story of Survival and One Teacher’s Passion to Bring That Story to Life,” is written by author Amy McDonald about Holocaust survivor Max Steinmetz.

and how the book has helped create a legacy to complement his life’s work of educating students.

The book signing will be held at 2 p.m. in Temple Emanu-El’s Abroms Hall. Books cost $16.50 and will remain available for purchase through the BHEC following the event.

For more information, visit bhamholocausteducation.org ❖

OAK MOUNTAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5080 Cahaba Valley Trace • Birmingham, AL 35242 #wheregraceabounds

Free Lunch and Learn Seminar:

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), from Diagnosis to Treatment Friday, March 10 • Noon -1 p.m.

Joaquin Arciniegas, M.D. Board-Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology

Jose Osorio, M.D. Board-Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

Anil Rajendra, M.D. Board-Certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

Grandview Conference Rooms inside Grandview Medical Center 3690 Grandview Parkway Lunch will be provided at 11:30 a.m.

Seating is limited and registration is required.

Call 205-971-7474.

LET’S HAVE A HEART-TO-HEART. Join us at Grandview Medical Center for a free Lunch and Learn presented by Joaquin Arciniegas, M.D., Jose Osorio, M.D., and Anil Rajendra, M.D. Find out about the diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular, often rapid, heart rate that commonly causes poor blood flow.

Members of the Medical Staff at Grandview Medical Center

Look Forward.

95272_GRAN_L&L10Mar_10_375x6_25c.indd 1

2/9/17 3:25 PM

NEWS

10 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

JLB Announces Centennial Gift of More Than $1 Million The Junior League of Birmingham has announced plans to raise $1.25 million over the next five years to help One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center buy and remodel a permanent space for operations.

The league is celebrating its 95th anniversary and plans to fulfill its donation pledges as its 100th anniversary approaches.

“If we have learned anything during our past 95 years of service, it is that when the Junior League of Birmingham combines our talents and passions with the collaboration of partners, donors and advocates, we can affect real change in our community,” said Lauren Roberts, league president.

One Place is a new center that provides services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The center works with a team of agency professionals representing the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, YWCA of Central Alabama, the Crisis Center’s Rape Response Program and the Birmingham Police Department.

“By investing in One Place, the JLB is enhancing the way that victims access existing services in our community,” said Allison Dearing, executive director of One Place. “We know that,

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

By Emily Williams

From left: Leigh Haver, JLB past-president; Lauren Roberts, JLB president; Julie Wall, One Place board member; Brandon Falls, former Jeff. County District Attorney; Allison Dearing, executive director of One Place; and Jennifer B. Caraway, director of domestic violence services for the YWCA of Greater Birmingham.

for many whom we serve, the clock is ticking. As we have learned, sometimes it is literally a life or death situation. If a victim or survivor has only one chance to get one place for safety and support, there must be as many necessary resources on hand in one location for support. With this gift, the Junior League is making that possible.”

To raise the funds, 20 individual fundraisers, known as Torchbearers,

have committed to raising a minimum of $10,000 each. Torchbearers will then pass their duties to a new set of individuals each year leading up to the centennial.

“Our vision at the Junior League of Birmingham is building partnerships for a better Birmingham. Over the past 95 years, we have helped to create bright successes that continue to change lives: The Birmingham Children’s Theatre,

Fair Warning

Voices for Alabama Children, the Literacy Council of Central Alabama and the Junior League of BirminghamHugh Kaul Children’s Zoo,” said Roberts. “With this $1.25 million centennial gift to provide a permanent home for One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center, we are continuing to build a Community of Lights and improve the lives of women and children for many years to come.” ❖

Gulf Coast Police Departments Take Zero Tolerance Stance for Spring Break Mayhem

By Emily Williams As students throughout the Over the Mountain area look forward to their annual Spring Break vacations this March, coastal police departments are prepping for the annual pilgrimage to the Gulf Coast by enacting stricter policies to combat the spring vacation’s wild and rulefree stigma.

Officers representing police departments along the Gulf Coast have announced that from March 1 through April 18, spring break drinking laws set zero tolerance policies for minors.

Representatives of the Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Panama City Beach departments as well as the Walton County Sheriff’s Office participated in panel discussions with local parents Jan. 30-31. The meetings were organized by the Mountain Brook Police Department and All In Mountain Brook, an organization that works to enhance and protect the lives of the community’s youth.

Each of the represented cities and counties will be doubling efforts against underage alcohol and illegal substance consumption. According to the officers, the minor-in-possession offense is a misdemeanor crime that normally would result in a fine without jail time.

But under the zero tolerance policy, if an officer catches a minor consuming or in possession of alcohol or illegal substances, they will be arrested, representatives of each city and county in attendance said.

In Walton County, holding zones will be set up to accommodate the influx of arrests and buses will take those under arrest to the police station.

Panama City and Walton County representatives noted that availability of drugs and alcohol has been a growing problem on the beaches.

Sgt. Tommy Thillet of Walton County recalled catching a collegeage girl on the beach last year who was selling narcotics out of a fanny pack. He said easy access to drugs makes it easier for children to decide to try them, especially if they’ve had a few beers.

“In short, we are taking a zero tolerance policy this year,” Thillet said. “If we see a minor in possession or consuming alcohol, we will be making an arrest.”

He added that, even if a parent were to give their minor a beer while under their supervision on the beach, both the parents and child would be held accountable and charged.

Gulf Shores police added that, on much of the Alabama coast, minors will not be allowed to take back-

packs on the beach. If they do and alcohol is found by an officer, they will be charged.

Panama City’s Lt. J.R. Talamantez noted that he handled 15 sexual assault and battery cases last year, which he said is a slow spring break compared to years past.

every spring break.

Panama City Beach representatives also noted that the crowded “superclubs” on the beach, such as Club La Villa and Spinnaker’s, are breeding grounds for predators.

“Don’t let your children go to the superclubs,” Talamantez said.

‘Little or nothing good comes from a mixed group of kids from multiple areas hanging out on the beach at night. It becomes a competition to see who can be dumber.’

SGT. TOMMY THILLET, WALTON COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

According to Panama City Beach Police Department Deputy Chief Chad Lindsey and Talamantez, efforts to get control of the intense spike in crime that floods the Gulf Coast during the month of spring break turned a corner in 2015, when officials began enacting the zero tolerance ordinances.

The representatives agreed that, as each jurisdiction adopted stricter laws, the rowdier crowds moved on to the next city over.

Lindsey and Talamantez added that the overall outcome they are hoping for is not to lock up minors, but to keep minors safe from the criminals who systematically appear

“Even if it’s a teen night at the club, just stay at your resort. There is no reason for kids to leave the resort.”

Walton County representatives will be strictly enforcing a rule that requires that no minors under the age of 21 be out without an adult after 8 p.m.

“We want the kids to have a good time, but we want them to behave and be safe,” Thillet said.

“Little or nothing good comes from a mixed group of kids from multiple areas hanging out on the beach at night. It becomes a competition to see who can be dumber.”

Though he said the 8 p.m. rule is not a curfew – children can be out

Emmet O’Neal Library Hires New Director

Mountain Brook’s Emmet O’Neal Library recently hired Lindsy Gardner for the position of executive director.

Gardner will take on the position at the end of this month as current Director Sue DeBrecht retires.

For the past 10 years, Gardner has served as the library director for the Lancaster Community Library in Kilmarnock, Virginia.

While at Lancaster, she designed and led a capital campaign to expand the library. Her work on the capital campaign in addition to her community involvement recently earned her the 2016 Business Person of the Year award by the Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Gardner’s new position at Emmet O’Neal marks a return to Birmingham. She spent two years as a children’s librarian for the Birmingham Public Library before taking a position as director of the Demopolis Public Library, which she held for seven years.

An Alabama native hailing from Linden, Gardner attended school at the University of Alabama before receiving her master’s in information and library science at the University of Maryland College Park.

—Emily Williams

and about if they are with their parents or alternative adults – Thillet noted that the rule isn’t just to keep the kids safe from predators, but also to keep the neighborhoods safe.

Vandalism has become an issue when children are out at night with not much to keep them occupied but alcohol.

Walton County police officers said cars parked in condo or resort lots also should be locked. Thillet estimated his department had 100 car break-ins a night, 98 percent of which involved unlocked cars.

Mountain Brook Police Chief Ted Cook also reminded vacationers to lock any cars left at home and make sure their houses are secured.

“It’s not like it used to be when I was younger, where people committed crimes in their own neighborhoods,” he said. “We have become an easy target. People will come over here when it’s dark and can hit 30 to 40 cars a night because they aren’t locked.”

SPRING BREAK SCHEDULE

The Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills School Systems will take their Spring Break March 27-31. The dates coincide with the breaks for Birmingham area schools, Baldwin County, Louisiana schools, Huntingdon College, Faulkner State, the University of Arkansas, the University of Missouri and Tulane University.

For more information on each Gulf Coast county and community’s specific spring break rules, contact the local police departments and neighborhood security offices. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 11

NEWS UCP Unveils New Name to Fit Its Future

In celebration of 70 years of service to the community, guests gathered at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham on Feb. 14 to celebrate the organization’s new identity.

The organization is changing its name to United Ability, which encompasses its growing causes and programs.

“With this name change, we remain true to our longstanding mission and

we convey our work helping people with all types of disabilities throughout their lifetimes. This support from birth throughout life makes United Ability unique,” said Dr. Gary Edwards.

The name change was necessary, according to staff, because the organization has grown to support children and adults with a variety of special needs beyond cerebral palsy.

“We dedicate our new name to every individual who is touched by our work. … We want to show our community and our nation that, here

Photo special to the Journal

Balancing Act

From left: Carol Myers, BCRFA board president; Dr. Edward Partridge, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center director; and Kate Kiefer, BCRFA board member.

in Birmingham, we offer hope as we unite people with unique abilities and help unite them with the community in the future,” Edwards said.

Along with the name change, United Ability has created a new website and an updated organizational identity and logo.

The former UCP website will now automatically redirect to unitedability. org. In addition, all corporate emails will automatically redirect to the new email system.

—Emily Williams

ARC Realty agents Vicki and Robert Warner are teaming up to bring the highest levels of customer service to Birmingham home shoppers.

BCRFA Presents Largest Donation on Record

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama presented its largest donation ever, $875,000, to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center on Feb. 7.

This year’s contribution brings the Birmingham-based organization’s total donations for research at UAB to more than $6.75 million.

More than half of the recent donation was raised through the BCRFA specialty car tag sales. Available across the state, the Breast Cancer

Research tag is the ninth most popular specialty tag in Alabama, with more than 11,500 vehicles sporting the tag.

Community support during 2016 included 25 Alabama fire departments that participated in the Pink Ribbon Project, selling T-shirts during October to raise funds and awareness, along with dozens of other businesses, schools and churches that used grassroots fundraising to raise money for breast cancer research. ❖

Big Brothers Big Sisters Program is Seeking Couples to Mentor At-Risk Youth

By Sarah Kuper February is a month full of hearts, flowers and candy as couples celebrate Valentine’s Day. Now, one area program is hoping couples will share the love by becom-

Many will recognize the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, but now the Over the Mountain area has a Big Couples program, in which couples spend time mentoring children. ing mentors to at-risk children and teens.

Many will recognize the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, but now the Over the Mountain area has a Big Couples program, in which couples spend time mentoring children.

According to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham, the program targets the children who need mentoring most, including those living in single-parent homes, grow-

ing up in poverty and coping with parental incarceration.

Once a couple expresses interest in participating in the program, Big Brothers Big Sisters will match them with a child. The organization takes care to ensure the couple is a good fit through background checks and interviews. They are then matched based on location, personality and preference.

Going to get ice cream, seeing a movie or playing catch are examples of what a couple might do with their “little.”

So far, the Birmingham Big Couples program has only one participating couple, in Fultondale.

With their little brother, they have been to Cirque du Soleil and Barons games, and they’ve spent time just hanging out.

Organizers say getting together doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive. All they want is for the child to get to spend quality time with caring and supportive adults who are invested in making a difference.

To get involved, attend a volunteer information session. They are held each Thursday at noon or 6 p.m. at the BBBS office in downtown Birmingham, at 1901 14th Ave. South. ❖

Married to their Work

Vicki and Robert Warner have always shared a passion for work, pursuing adventurous careers in education, design, and sales management. Though they’ve partnered in home sales for years, Robert recently decided to leave a corporate position to focus exclusively on their growing real estate business.

“There’s momentum in home sales right now and positive things happening in Birmingham, so the time felt right,” says Robert.

Having grown up on a farm, Robert’s interests gravitate to land development. “Seeing a piece of dirt evolve from an empty field into a thriving neighborhood never gets dull.”

The couple’s enthusiasm for real estate sales has earned a high referral rate and repeat business from clients. Beau Bevis, president and CEO of ARC Realty, has a unique view of the dynamics of this husband and wife team. “Vicki and Robert have complementary skills and interests,” says Beau. “A lot of husbands and wives look forward to going to work to have separate identities from their spouse, but the Warners share a passion for real estate. They would be successful at anything they set out to do. We’re very lucky to have them on the ARC Realty team.”

“Joining the ARC Realty team is one of the best decisions we ever made,” says Vicki.

Vicki’s experience as a teacher and interior Her full-time commitment put her near the decorator equipped her to guide clients top of ARC Sales in 2016, with more than through the steps of buying or selling a home. $13 million in closings. With Robert’s recent “I love every aspect of this business,” says move, there’s opportunity for friendly comVicki. “The school teacher in me loves workpetition between business and life partners. ing with first-time homebuyers, educating “Being in control of your life, making things them on how to approach the process. The happen doing the kind of work you love, decorator in me loves helping someone visuthat’s what I’m excited about,” says Robert. alize the potential in a home. It’s so much “It’s a privilege to help people buy or sell a fun, I have a hard time making myself stop home, and I get to work with a great partner.” wanting to work all the time.”

For more information on Vicki and Robert Warner’s listings, visit vickipwarner.com or call Vicki at (205) 789-5114 or Robert at (205) 789-9123.

LIFE

LIVE LIKE THY NEIGHBOR Three Local Churches Team up for Alabama Possible Poverty Simulation

North Avondale and Kingston,” Clayton said.

Through the church’s Stair and Summer Learning Program, church volunteers interact regularly with children of poverty who attend Hayes K-8 School, helping them reach educational goals. In addition, the church’s newest ministry, The Open Door, puts IPC staff and

Photos special to the Journal

‘We read the Gospel and serve others and can connect those two things well. The poverty simulation allows, however briefly, a tiny window into a life that many of us have never lived – one that involves lack of transportation, long lines, scarcity that directly affects our children.’

RACHEL ESTES, DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH CANTERBURY UNITED METHODIST

During the typical two-hour simulation, participants are given identities of impoverished people with a variety of struggles that they must role play. Each 15-minute session represents a week in which the participants have a limited budget that they must stick to while interacting with human service agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, bill collectors, job interviewers, police officers and others.

By Emily Williams Three local churches are teaming up with Alabama Possible, a statewide organization that works to help impoverished members of the community succeed, to participate in a Community Action Poverty Simulation.

Independent Presbyterian Church will host a simulation that educates participants on the struggles people living below the poverty line face every day. Canterbury United Methodist Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church are participating in the March 4 event.

According to Alabama Possible’s data, Alabama is the fourth-poorest state in the nation.

Heading up organization of the event, IPC’s Susan Clayton sees the simulation as an opportunity for members of the church congregation to develop a deeper understanding of the people who struggle with poverty.

“We are so grateful to Alabama Possible for providing us with the opportunity to ‘live into’ the experience of navigating the many obstacles faced by our neighbors who experience the reality of poverty on a daily basis,” she said.

During the typical two-hour simulation, participants are given identities of impoverished people with a variety of struggles that they must role play. Each 15-minute session represents a week in which the participants have a limited budget that they must stick to while interacting with human service agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, bill collectors, job

interviewers, police officers and others.

The simulation was designed by Alabama Possible to generate an awareness in participants of the realities that impoverished people face. The hope is that participants walk away understanding not only the financial struggles of poverty, but its emotional effects as well as the work it takes to escape the cycle of poverty.

“We walk alongside those living in neighborhoods of poverty, but we do not understand what it is like to live with these struggles and obstacles from the inside,” Clayton said.

More than 900,000 people in Birmingham live below the federal poverty line, according to Alabama Possible. At IPC, the congregation has a variety of opportunities to connect with less fortunate members of the community.

“We partner with many people living in two neighborhoods of poverty in Birmingham,

volunteers in the Kingston neighborhood four days a week to teach GED, adult literacy and ESOL courses.

“We walk alongside those living in neighborhoods of poverty, but we do not understand what it is like to live with these struggles and obstacles from the inside,” Clayton said. This simulation will give us the briefest taste of that reality and I hope it will strengthen our resolve individually and as a congregation to do all that we can to make a difference.”

Having coordinated a simulation last year, Canterbury’s director of outreach and missions, Rachel Estes, noted that the lessons learned through the simulation complement what churchgoers learn in church.

“We read the Gospel and serve others and can connect those two things well,” Estes said.

“The poverty simulation allows, however briefly, a tiny window into a life that many of us have never lived – one that involves lack of transportation, long lines, scarcity that directly affects our children.”

As the Alabama Possible website states, “Poverty is not a game. It’s a reality for people in our own backyard.”

Both Clayton and Estes hope their church members who participate in the simulation are able to bridge the gap between recognizing poverty and understanding what it is like to live it.

“To step into those lives for 90 minutes brings an awareness, an understanding and a call to action more than I’ve ever seen,” Estes said. “You can become part of the solution if you have tiptoed in the problem, even temporarily.”

The simulation will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon in IPC’s Highland Hall.

Participation is free and open to all members of the community.

For more information or to register for the simulation, visit alabamapossible.org/events. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Star Light, Star Bright

Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center Chooses Goodrich Family as Gala Chairs

By Sarah Kuper Organizers for the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center at UAB have selected a family to chair this year’s VIVA Health Starlight Gala, rather than one individual or couple.

The seven co-chairs are the children and children-in-law of Mike and Gillian Goodrich.

Elizabeth and Mike, Mary and Braxton, Ali and Charles, and Gracie have received the honor because of their involvement with the performing arts center.

The Goodrich family may be known to some for their benevolence to and involvement with the Birmingham community, especially through the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation.

The foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for residents of the Birmingham metropolitan area, the Black Belt and the state of Alabama.

One of the foundation’s many priorities is partnering with institutions such as the Alabama Symphony Orchestra to bring arts experience to schools.

This year’s gala marks the 20th anniversary of the event.

The featured star is world-renowned violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman.

Perlman was the musician featured at the first Starlight Gala, so organizers thought it a fitting choice for the 20th anniversary.

The gala is May 21 starting at 6 p.m.

Perlman will perform after a cocktail reception.

Proceeds for the event go toward furthering the educational initiatives of the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are on sale now through the ASC website, alysstephens.org. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

12 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

The children and children-in-law of Mike and Gillian Goodrich, above, have been chosen to chair this year’s VIVA Health Starlight Gala.

Elizabeth and Mike, Mary and Braxton, Ali and Charles, and Gracie have received the honor because of their involvement with the performing arts center.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Hoover Girl Inspires UAB Endowed Professorship

Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics have announced the creation of the Sarah Katherine Bateh endowed professorship in Rett syndrome.

The endowment, which is pending approval from the UA System board of trustees, comes as a result of a collaboration with the Bateh family of Hoover in honor of their daughter Sarah Katherine “Suki” Bateh, who has Rett syndrome.

Marie and Brian Bateh raised $500,000 to create the endowed professorship, and the funds have been matched by Children’s and UAB. “Children’s and UAB have a strong mutual interest in making sure that Suki receives the very best clinical care,

while at the same time advancing new knowledge to create a brighter future for all children and families affected by Rett,” said Mike Warren, Children’s CEO and president. “The Batehs’ remarkable gift helped galvanize our collaborative efforts to take this giant leap forward.”

Dr. Alan Percy, professor and director of UAB’s Rett syndrome clinic at Children’s, is considered one of the world’s leading experts on this developmental disorder that affects one in 10,000 girls born worldwide. Percy diagnosed the first confirmed case of Rett syndrome in 1983. The disorder causes severe cognitive impairment, including loss of communication and motor skills, reduced growth and unusual breathing patterns.

Percy created a clinic to treat Children’s of Alabama patients with Rett syndrome, and is one of just a few Rett clinics in the U.S. Since 2003, Percy has led an NIH-funded natural history study of Rett patients.

The Batehs founded the Suki Foundation and have hosted the popular “Raise the Roof for Rett” event and other events annually to raise funds and awareness for research.

“We have an unprecedented and historic opportunity to fund crucial new research,” said Brian Bateh. “The gene that causes Rett syndrome has been found and a landmark study demonstrated the reversibility of Rett symptoms in mice.”

Bateh said the research is being characterized as a Rosetta Stone to unlock other disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, anxiety and autonomic nervous system disorders.

Photos special to the Journal

Sarah Katherine “Suki” Bateh

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 13

LIFE

Callie Chapman, center, stopped by Children’s of Alabama recently to present a check for $3,500 from proceeds from the sale of her book “Glitter the Unicorn.”

Mountain Brook Student Donates Book Profits to Children’s of Alabama

When Crestline Elementary student Callie Chapman was 6 years old, she wrote a story for the school’s Expression’s Art Contest called “Glitter the Unicorn.” The story has been published as a children’s book, and proceeds from the sales recently were donated to Children’s Hospital.

After a year of book sales, Chapman was able to present her first donation

of $3,500 to Children’s on Feb. 13. As book sales continue, she plans to make further donations.

This spring, Chapman plans to launch her second book “Glitter the Unicorn Goes to the Beach,” and a third installment in the series, “Glitter Goes to the Moon,” will be release this fall.

“Glitter the Unicorn” can be purchased at the Crestline and Homewood locations of Once Upon a Time, online at onceuponatimebaby. com and glittertheunicorn.com. ❖

To: From: Date:

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

Mary Charles Robbins Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax May 2010

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14 • Thursday, February 23, 2017 James A. Smith, Jr., D.M.D., uses a dental operating microscope.

His practice was one of the first in Alabama to use this technology.

LIFE

Humility, Clarity, Courage aTeam Ministries to Receive Leadership Vestavia Hills’ Community Leadership Award

By Emily Williams

“I think what sets our practice apart is twofold: Cutting edge technology and the amount of time we spend with our patients”, says James A. Smith, Jr., D.M.D., (above) of Advanced Endodontics, P.C. on Southside in Birmingham.

“My dental specialty is Endodontics; I am a root canal specialist. When the pulp (which includes the nerve) inside the tooth becomes diseased, it must be treated or the surrounding bone will become infected and the tooth could be lost. An endodontist deals with what is going on inside the tooth by removing the diseased pulp, then disinfecting and sealing the inside of the root to prevent further infection. I know that the word ‘root canal’ sounds ominous to some, but today’s endodontic treatment treatment procedure is essentially ‘pain free’.”

“We also retreat teeth that have become infected despite having had previous root canal therapy and we perform periradicular microsurgery if there is an infection in the bone that cannot be resolved with conventional root canal therapy.”

“Many times the diagnostic aspect of my specialty is the most difficult.

Patients may have pain or a chronic infection and the exact origin is not clear.

My staff and I will take as much time as needed with each patient to reach a definitive diagnosis, before recommending a course of treatment.”

“The technology we employ in our office is world class and we have made a significant investment in this area. Our practice was one of the first two in the state of Alabama to utilize the dental operating microscope to perform root canal procedures and microsurgery.

The enhanced vision afforded by the microscope allows for more precise instrumentation and better treatment outcomes. I was trained by Dr. Gary Carr of San Diego, CA, who is considered to be the ‘father of endodontic microscopy’. Since 1995, we have performed more than 20,000 procedures using the microscope.”

“Because of our technology and successful treatment methods, we see patients from all over the state, many of whom have teeth with failing root canal therapy.”

Dr. Smith has been practicing endodontics for nearly 35 years and is a part time faculty member at UAB School of Dentistry. He graduated with a B.S. from the University of Alabama in 1976, where he was a walk on player for Coach Paul Bryant. He then graduated from The University of Alabama School of Dentistry in 1980 and finished his Endodontic specialty training in 1982. He and his wife of 41 years, Lisa, live in Vestavia Hills where they raised their three children, Fuller, Morgan and Sidney. He enjoys hunting, exercising, college football and baseball, and traveling with Lisa to visit their children and grandchildren.

Advanced Endodontics, P.C. is located at 1500 20th Street So., and their phone number is (205)933-8544. Visit smithrootcanal.com for more information.

Andy and Jan Thrower received news on Jan. 6, 2009, that no parent wants to hear. Their son Anderson had been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Their struggles seeing their son through cancer treatment, along with raising their daughter, led the Throwers to an opportunity to help other families navigate the maze of pediatric cancer. As a result, the Thrower’s began the nonprofit organization aTeam Ministries to provide support to pediatric cancer patients and families.

“Our only focus was to help make a difference – emotionally, spiritually, or financially – in the lives of other patient families who need someone to show them the love of Christ,” Thrower said.

In recognition of their contributions toTo: the community, Leadership Dr. Smith Vestavia Hills will honor the From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Throwers with its 2017 Distinguished Citizen Award onFAX: March205-824-1246 2 during the Date: Feb. annual Community Leadership For Andy and Jan Thrower seeing their son through cancer treatment, along Awards Luncheon. is your AD PROOF from the THE JOURNALtoforhelp theother families with raising theirOVER daughter, ledMOUNTAIN them to an opportunity “It is certainly anThis honor that othnavigate the email maze of pediatricorcancer.

23rd issue.

Please approval changes to 824-1246. ers who serve in a variety Feb. of roles within the community selected and housing and financial assistance proThrower saidall the couple created felt that we were a fit for this award,” make Please sure information is correct, gram into their ministry to provide a aTeam in part because they discovAndy Thrower said. “Anytime you address and phone number! home away from home for patient ered the basic struggles a cancer are selected by your peers, it isIncluding a families who live far from patient’s family faces. very humbling honor that they would Children’s.

“We are not able to talk about select you and recognize the goals of Through their ministry, the every type of cancer, but we had our ministry.”

Throwers said they have learned that, been in the journey and would run SEEING IT FIRSTHAND regardless of the support they prointo children, parents, grandparents, vide patient families, the business The Thrower’s spent the first 10 aunts, uncles every time we went to side of the ministry is always in full days after their sons’ diagnosis in the the hospital for treatment,” he said. hospital as their son had a port “So we knew most of what they were swing.

“We dislike referring to aTeam as implanted and a bone marrow biopsy. going through and it meant a lot to us a business because we are ministryDuring that time, they met the famito have other people ahead of us in minded, but without the accounting, lies of other patients in the hospital. the journey to help us along with marketing, website, and other areas They began to hear and see the needs what Anderson was facing and going running effectively, we would not of other families and realized how through.” have a ministry that could give grants fortunate they were to be surrounded The Throwers said they were forof $25,000 per year for financial by their own support system of famitunate to live only 15 minutes away assistance to patient families or ly and friends. from Children’s ER and doctors. effectively manage two apartments in It was then that the Throwers took “Most of the programs of aTeam Homewood for patient families to the first step toward what eventually were a result of getting to know and stay in throughout the year,” Thrower would become the aTeam. They withear the needs of patient families said. nessed a family from Heflin strugfrom all over Alabama,” he said.

The Throwers had to plan events, gling to find a hospital computer to The benefit of being so close to coordinate donations and advertise finish school work and send family Children’s is the ability to reach their ministry work. Those businessupdates. patient families from across the state oriented aspects of running a non“They were unable to afford a and create programming to support profit organization came as a surprise computer and the four that were on their needs. the oncology floor were checked out “We saw a need in helping patient to the Throwers. To make matters more complicated, Anderson was still by other patients on the floor, so he families who had a child pass away going through treatments for almost was unable to do some school work by providing financial support for the first three years of the Thrower’s and, at that time, connect with famifuneral expenses or headstone lies through Caringbridge. Now most expenses. Therefore, we moved some journey to establish aTeam.

“So, we were balancing treatment everyone uses Facebook,” Thrower financial resources in one program to and getting aTeam off the ground,” said. create room for these new needs,” Andy said.

Through a partnership with Thrower said.

“We did not officially become a Legacy Community Credit Union and To create more family memories, non-profit until December 2009 and I Regions Bank, the Throwers coordiaTeam coordinates Day at the Game nated the purchase of 18 computers outings to bring separated parents did not start full time with aTeam and their children together. until March 2011.” for the oncology rooms and six for “Going to a game allows them to In their respective careers before the bone marrow transplant rooms at go together with children who may aTeam – Andy in telecommunications Children’s. and Jan with an elementary education “This was the beginning of aTeam have been neglected of time because of being and doing so much with background – neither of the Throwers before we realized it and even their sick child,” he said. expected their future careers would thought about forming a non-profit,” The Throwers also incorporated a take them where they are today. he said.

Photo special to the Journal

World-class Dental Technology

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“I think neither of us envisioned running a non-profit,” Thrower said.

“I had worked as a training manager for T-Mobile for eight and a half years and Corr Wireless/CSpire for four and a half years before moving full time to aTeam. Jan had taught school for six years prior to our kids being born. So, we truly started aTeam Ministries from the ground up with virtually no experience in the non-profit world.”

But now the Throwers have developed a non-profit that provides support to cancer patient families through programming geared to support the financial, emotional and spiritual needs of pediatric cancer patient families.

As the Throwers looked forward to the community awards banquet, they reflected on just what makes a leader.

“I don’t think my idea of a leader has changed. I think my platform to show leadership has changed,” Thrower said. “I like the Michael Jordan quote that we all earn our leadership everyday.”

Instead of pursuing every action with a mission to lead, the Throwers let their actions lead others to support their ministry.

“I look at the courage we took, even though God was directing our path, to start aTeam at a critical time in Anderson’s pediatric cancer journey,” Thrower said.” We are so thankful we took that step and hopefully others will see that being a leader requires courage but good things can come from it when it is the right thing to do.”

An important part to leading a non-profit successfully, in Thrower’s opinion, is having humility in service and knowing who is being served and their state of emotion.

Thrower noted that aTeam follows Fuchan Yuan’s three essentials to leadership: humility, clarity and courage.

The family hopes that the recognition Leadership Vestavia Hills is giving them will help spread the word of aTeam. “aTeam is still a young organization and there are many more ways God is going to use the ministry to help existing and new patient families in the future,” Thrower said.

Each year, 150 Alabama children are diagnosed with some form of pediatric cancer, according to aTeam’s data.

“Our family loves living in Vestavia and consider it a blessing to have the opportunity to send our kids to the Vestavia schools, attend Shades Mountain Baptist Church and play sports through the parks and rec department all within this community,” Thrower said.

Leadership Vestavia Hills’ annual Community Leadership Awards Luncheon will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; tickets are $50.

For more information, visit leadershipvestaviahills.com. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The Good Fight

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 15

LIFE

Annual Casino Night Brings Suicide Prevention to the Table

By Emily Williams

More Americans die by suicide each year than are killed in homicides using a firearm.

Something she was surprised to hear is that more Americans die by suicide each year than are killed in homicides using a firearm.

“In our very politically charged world, I think it’s important for the Birmingham community to know that,” Bretz said.

In 2016, AFSP Alabama took a big step forward in reaching its goal to reduce the suicide rate by becoming one of six chapters to help institute a firearm safety pilot program – one of the programs that will benefit from funds raised through Beat the Odds.

“In the US, about half of all suicide deaths are by the use of a firearm. In the state of Alabama that number jumps to about 67 percent,” said Ashley Foster, area director of AFSP Alabama and Mississippi.

With help from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the organization is working to provide firearms retailers and range owners with safer storage options while educating them on ways that they can identify a customer who may be at risk of taking their own life.

In addition to the firearm safety program, Beat the Odds funds will help support AFSP Alabama’s outreach programs “Talk Saves Lives” and the survivor outreach program.

Bretz, being a “survivor” of suicide following the death of a close relative, recently completed her training to become a volunteer for the survivor program and provide support to people coping with the death of a

Alfred Keith and his daughter Margaret Keith of Homewood.

Girl Scouts Host FatherDaughter Dance

Photos special to the Journal

At the Beat the Odds Casino Night fundraiser, as guests bet against the table, they’ll be helping raise money to improve the odds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Alabama’s campaign against suicide.

The foundation has a goal of lowering the suicide rate by 20 percent by 2025. One of the main ways it works toward that goal is by educating the public.

When junior board member Catherine Bretz, a Birmingham resident by way of Mountain Brook, finds herself educating others on suicide prevention, she likes to throw out the statistic that 1 in 4 Americans will experience mental illness over the course of their life. Of that population, the foundation data estimates that 1 in 5 people with a mental illness will seek treatment.

In January, Bretz attended the AFSP Chapter Leadership Conference in California, where she had the opportunity to learn more in-depth information and statistics about depression and suicide.

Members of the Alabama Chapter Junior Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host its third annual Beat the Odds Casino Night at Haven on March 4.

loved one.

Bretz also pointed to the importance of “Talk Saves Lives.” The program consists of trained volunteers who give presentations in classrooms and to community groups to educate people about suicide and mental illness, as well as how to prevent future deaths.

“Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do,” Foster said. “They could talk about being a burden to others, feeling trapped or experiencing unbearable pain.”

Foster noted that, because there isn’t one single cause when it comes to suicide, the warning signs vary.

One of the most noticeable signs of someone who is potentially suicidal is a complete change in behavior. They may act more recklessly or withdraw from their lives, isolating themselves from their friends and their families.

With stigmas surrounding the topic of suicide and depression, Foster said one of the biggest challenges in reaching the organization’s 2025 goal is getting people who are at risk to treat their illnesses.

Shifting the subject from a hushed whisper to an open and educational discussion is one of the methods that molds ASFP programming.

“We need a culture where everyone knows it’s smart to take care of our mental health,” Foster said. “The more comfortable people are talking about mental health, the more likely they are to seek help.”

Foster agreed that using a social environment like a fundraiser is a great way to get people talking about mental illness in a relaxed setting.

“If we can create a fun and inviting atmosphere with games, food and drinks, then we are more likely to reach people who might be closed off to the subject or hesitant to learn more about AFSP,” Bretz said.

The Beat the Odds event will be held March 4 at Haven beginning at 7 p.m. In addition to casino games such as blackjack, Texas Hold’em and rou-

lette, the festivities will include a silent auction, raffle prizes and more.

Tickets begin at $45 with a high roller option available for $65.

For more information, visit afsp. org/chapter/afsp-alabama/. ❖

Girl Scouts from the Mountain Brook and Homewood service units gathered at The McWane Center on Feb. 4 for the annual Sweetheart Dance.

“I think it’s a good chance to hang out with your dad and party,” said Margaret Keith, who attended with her father, Alfred. Keith is in fourth grade at Shades Cahaba Elementary School.

Scouts had the opportunity to bring fathers and father figures to dance and explore the McWane Center exhibits.

Girls in attendance were dressed formally, complete with corsages. ❖

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I Got Sober For This...

I used to facilitate a group at Bayshore Retreat called “I Got Sober For This B.S.?” This was my near constant refrain during my early sobriety. It seemed that everything was arranged as obstacles to me staying clean. From relationship woes to overbearing family members to the weather to tourist traffic…nobody really wanted me to be sober. At least that’s how I framed it in my mind.

What was really going on is that the addict part of my mind was fighting tooth and nail to stay in charge. It was determined to lead me back to that blissful state of being high and drunk. There is a reason that there are so many clichés that describe things as “like a drug.”

It’s a powerful pull.

Just like starting anything new, early sobriety is scary, exciting and fragile. It helps to have as much preparation and tools as you can have before you start. A really awful analogy would be that it’s like riding a bike. You start with a helmet, training wheels and an adult to hold on to the back of the seat.

As you get better, you lose the training wheels and the adult.

If you are smart, you keep your helmet on because something can always wreck you no matter how well you ride.

At Bayshore Retreat, we’ll provide you with the training wheels and the steadying hand.

We’ll also help you find the helmet that fits you when you leave (continuing counseling etc).

Stuff is always going to happen. We will help prepare you to ride right on passed it.

16 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

SOCIAL

On Pointe

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photos special to the Journal

Ballet’s Annual Ball Features Dinner and Dancing

T

From left: Mallie Whatley, Colin Mitchell, Bridget Drennen, Mallie Ireland, Kacy Mitchell, Jane Drennen and Frances Nichols.

he Alabama Ballet hosted its annual Pointe Ball on Feb. 4 at The Club, serving guests a three-course meal and giving them a preview vignette of the ballet “Giselle.”

Master of ceremonies for the event was Rob Conrad of 96.5 iHeart Radio’s Magic Morning Show with Rob and Hillary.

The honorary chair for the evening was Kacy Ireland Mitchell, who has served on the ballet’s board for 25 years, including two terms as chairwoman. The ballet noted that one of her most outstanding accomplishments was promoting Tracey Alvey to the position of artistic director in 2007.

Alvey introduced a performance vignette of the pas de deux from “Giselle: Act I” featuring Luiza Boaventura and Max van der Sterre. The ballet was presented two weeks later.

A seated dinner featured a roasted beet carpaccio with herb goat cheese and a fennel vinaigrette; grilled filet of beef tenderloin and crab with shiitake mushrooms fricassee, spinach, mushroom flan and a demi-glace; and a dessert of blackberry mousse Napoleon with marbled bark and a raspberry coulis.

The evening ended with dancing in the Signature Room to the music of the Celebrity All Star Band.

The event was organized by gala chairs Bridget Drennen and Mallie Whatley. A gala committee included Bethy Allen, Margaret Bond, Kelley Caine, Laura Comer, Jane Drennen, Kat Drennen, Susan Dumas, Carmen Echols, Ellen Faust, Burgin Franks, Caroline Gidiere, Annie Goldberg, Katie Hoffman, Janie Jones, Caroline Little, Laney Maxey, Suzie McCullough, Elizabeth Miles, Dottie Mitchell, Colin Mitchell, Grace Neilsen, Frances Nichols, Kelley Norwood, Lauren Pearson, Mary Catherine Pritchett, Liz Read, Nikki Still, Abbey Sheehan, Jessica Thuston, Dawn Turnbull, Sarah Warburton, Callie Whatley, Hoodie Whatley, Meg Wilson, Jackie Woodall and Caroline Woods.

Heading up the corporate committee was Bill Ireland Jr., supported by Robert Aland, John Carter, Christopher Daniel, Stewart Dansby, Jack Darnall, Jessica Garrison, Krystal Drummond, John Lacey, Guy Mitchell III and Tom Warburton. ❖

Tracey Alvey and Roger Van Fleteren.

Matt and Mandy McDaniel.

Jan Hunter and Ray Jordan.

Kacy Ireland Mitchell with husband, Gary.

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Front, from left: Sue Watkins and Tallulah Hargrove.

Back: Martha Ann Doyal, Nancy Jones and Janis Zeanah.

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 17

I Know Birmingham LAH Real Estate’s #1 Agent

Tuning In

Birmingham Music Club Hosts Annual Gala Members of the Birmingham Music Club Guild filled the East Room of Birmingham Country Club on Jan. 21 to celebrate its annual gala fundraiser and this year’s theme, The Sounds of Music.

Funds raised through the event support the Guild’s scholarship program benefiting music students at Alabama colleges and universities.

Margery Whatley introduced event honoree William Taylor Davis, the 2014 scholarship winner and recent graduate of the University of North Alabama. Accompanied by Karen Cantrell on piano, Davis performed on the clarinet selections from Stravinsky, Brahms and Poulenc.

Whatley noted that nearly $600,000 in music scholarships has been awarded over the years by the Guild and Birmingham Music Club, now in its 112th year. The scholarship program was initiated by the BMC and is now administered by the Guild.

The evening’s festivities were organized by a gala committee that included Judy Anderson, Linda Cooper, Martha Ann Doyal, Marsha Drennen, Kay Clark, Linda Griggs, Angie Holder, Anne Lamkin, Nancy Morrow, Lu Moss, Beverly Parks, Kim Strickland and Powell Owens.

Helping Owens checking in guests were Beth Owens, Katherine and Rushton Robinson and Lesley DeRamus.

Guild President Linda Griggs welcomed guests and Lochrane Coleman Smith presided over the solicitation for pledged donations to scholarships.

The Ray Reach Quartet played as guests bid on a variety of silent auction items that included art, food and entertainment, jewelry and travel opportunities.

Food stations around the East Room served shrimp and grits, Cajun fried turkey breast, prime rib, parmesan soufflé potatoes and an assortment of pastries. For dining, guests were seated at round tables covered by white cloths with black overlays.

Centerpieces were white orchids in

Barbara and Bob Klyce.

Emery and Akila Kidd.

Jane and Charles Ellis.

square glass containers surrounded by sparkling “diamonds,” miniature

musical instruments and gifts wrapped in paper with a musical motif.

Among members and guests were Judy and Charles Anderson, Charlann Anderson, Alice Yeates and Paul Angell, Linda and Ross Askins, Roberta and Jim Atkinson, Ron Bourdages, Jeanne and Harry Bradford, Laura and David Bryan, Cornelia Malone, Anne Carey, Cheree and Eric Carlton, Kirke Cater, Elaine and Oliver Clark, Linda Cooper, Naomi and Kirk Cunningham, Judy and Andrew Daniel, Taylor Davis, Lesley and Sterling DeRamus, Martha Ann Doyal, Anne and Miles Easterling, Sandra Eichelberger, Jane and Charles Ellis, Marjorie Forney, Janine and A. D. Goode, Pat and Perry Grant, Linda and Mike Griggs, Tallulah Hargrove, Penny and Roger Hartline, Susan and Wyatt Haskell, Angie and Allen Holder, Sandra Holley, Susan and Douglas Bell, Anne and Barrett Hicks, Fran Howard and Akila and Emery Kidd.

Also in attendance were, Heather and Tim Arceneaux, Patti and Pat Arceneaux, Margaret Hubbard, Robert Janssen, Nancy and Ed Jones, Becky and Greg Keyes, Barbara and Robert Klyce, Anne and Tom Lamkin, Kim and Bob Lepley, Jean and Curtis Liles, JoAnne Long, Terry McBride and Olin Barnes, Beth Miller, Kathie and Ted Miller, Charla and Herschell Mobley, Carmen and Randall Morrow, Grace Norville, Susan Nuckolls, Katy Ottensmeyer, Beverly Parks, Gail Pugh, Caroline and Steve Reich, Joy Schuffert, Babs Simpson and Greg Despenakis, Jane Paris and Chandler Smith, Lochrane and Mell Gage Smith, Steve Taylor, Nan and Phil Teninbaum, Katy and Charles Terry, Judy and Ed Wiggins, Sue Watkins, Margery and Terry Whatley, Elouise Williams, Linda Pope and Janis Zeanah. ❖

SHELLEY WATKINS (o) 205.870.8580 (c) 205.222.1817 ShelleyW@lahrealestate.com

18 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photos special to the Journal

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Amy Templeton, Anna and Dick Shea and Miranda Springer.

Ticket to Ride McWane Science Center Hosted Annual Beaker Bash

Ella and Bowen Thagard.

More than 1,000 guests made their way to McWane Science Center on Feb. 4 to take a trip at the 16th annual Beaker Bash: “Are We There Yet?” Serving as co-chairs for the event were Katie Bee Marshall and Miller Girvin, along with their committee and presenting sponsor, Morris-Shea Bridge Co. During the event, visiting families journeyed through McWane Science Center to explore the science of transportation and the amazing innovations

From left: Katie Bee Marshall and Evan and Maggie Baggett.

Miller Girvin, Miranda Springer and Katie Bee Marshall.

Dierdra and Shaun Martin with daughters, Kylie and Kearson.

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Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 19

SOCIAL

Business Relocation Sale

All Inventory Must be Sold!

We have sold our current building, and although our workshop will remain in business at our new location, we will no longer be carrying inventory for sale.

Angie Cleland and Amy Smith.

Kip Porter, Anna Shea and Margaret Porter.

Louise Walsky and Carla DuMontier.

that help us travel around the planet.

Participants navigated down winding roads, soared through the air, sailed across the seas and rode the rails to experience faraway places.

Guests enjoyed food, beverages and educational demonstrations featuring the newest exhibit, Going Places.

Funds raised at Beaker Bash directly support statewide science education programs and make field trips affordable for thousands of students. ❖

Tyler Novak, Mary Screws and Carolyn and Kate Thagard.

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The Literacy Council recently held a reception at the home of Louise and John Beard to honor members of its Scholarship Society.

The society is a group of supporters who have made a multi-year investment in the future of the community, ensuring the sustainability and growth of adult education programming across Birmingham and the metro area.

Charter members include Cathy and Tom Adams, Louise and John Beard, Elizabeth and Tom Broughton, Bobbie Knight and Gary Burley, Stewart Dansby, James Dixon, Kathryn and Raymond Harbert, Joy and Ed Phillips, Margaret and Kip Porter, Hatton Smith, Steve Spencer, Cameron and Scott Vowell and Tinsley Van Durand.

Among the guests attending were longtime supporters of The Literacy Council Linda and Tommie Blackwell, Latrise and Keith Carter, Patti and Pat Henry, Mallie Ireland, Lanier Isom, Ken Jackson, Mitchie and Les Neel, Jake Reiss, Jane Paris and Chandler Smith, Susan and Rick Swagler, Richard Tubb and Danny Weaver.

The Literacy Council and its supporters work to provide support programs to help community members achieve their maximum literacy potential. ❖

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Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 21

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HONORING

Doctor and Mrs. Derrill and Cameron Crowe HOSTED BY THE HEART GUILD OF BIRMINGHAM

T h a n k y o u t o Dr. a n d M r s . D e r r i l l a n d C a m e ro n C ro we a n d t o a l l sp o n so rs a n d v o l u n t e e r s f o r y o u r s u p p o r t o f t h e A m e r i c a n H e a rt Asso ci a t i o n m i ssi o n .

We appre c i at e al l t hat y o u ’ v e d o n e t o m a k e t h e 3 0 t h A n n i versa ry H ea rt Ba l l a su ccess.

HO N O R EE EM E RI T US Mr. Garry Gause, CEO, Tenet Healthcare-Southern Region HEA R T G U I L D L E A DE RS HI P Mrs. Trinita Ashford, MPH, President Mrs. Karen Schaffers, Chair Mrs. Carrie Langston, Live Auction Co-Chair Mrs. Lisa Lebo, Live Auction Co-Chair Mrs. Tracy Richardson, Live Auction Co-Chair Mrs. Karen Lawrence, Silent Auction Co-Chair Ms. Laura H. Smith, Silent Auction Co-Chair E XECU TI V E L E A DE RS HI P T E A M Mr. Stan Starnes, ProAssurance Corporation, Corporate Co-Chair Mr. Johnny Johns, Protective Life Corporation, Corporate Co-Chair Mr. Michael D. Luce, Harbert Management Corporation, Cor Vitae Chair Mr. Hal Bissell, Air Engineers, LLC Mr. Harry B. Brock, III (Buck), Samford University Mrs. Lisa Jernigan Bruhn, The Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation Mrs. Leigh Collier, Wells Fargo Bank Mr. Tom Curtin, CRC Insurance Services, Inc. Mr. Corbin Day, Jemison Investment Company Dr. James Davies, UAB Medicine Mr. Tony Davis, Starnes Davis Florie LLP Mr. Paul Dreher, Jefferson Iron & Metal Brokerage Mr. Doug Eddleman, Eddleman Properties Mr. Miller Gorrie, Brasfield and Gorrie, LLC Mr. Jeff Grantham, Maynard Cooper & Gale, LLP Dr. Jimmie Harvey, Alabama Oncology Dr. Michael Honan, FACC, Cardiovascular Associates of the Southeast, LLC Mr. Norman Jetmundsen, Jr., Vulcan Materials Company Dr. James K. Kirklin, UAB Medicine Mr. Benny LaRussa, Jr., Sterling Capital Management Mr. Matt Lusco, Regions Bank Mrs. Kellie McDowell, Welch Hornsby, Inc. Mr. Keith Parrott, Brookwood Baptist Health Mr. Gene Price, Burr & Forman, LLP Mr. Quentin Riggins, Alabama Power Company Mr. Wim Schaffers, Ernst & Young Mr. Hatton Smith, Royal Cup Coffee Mr. Jim T. Stephens, EBSCO Industries Mr. Marc Bryant Tyson, Ready Mix USA Mr. Bill Welden, SPM, LLC

S IG N A T U R E S P O N S O R

M IS S IO N C H A M P IO N

D IA M O N D S P O N S O R S

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P L A T IN U M S P O N S O R S Birmingham Heart Clinic Burr & Forman, LLP Jemison Investment Company ServisFirst Bank Starnes Davis Florie LLP Vulcan Materials Company

GOLD SPONSORS Air Engineers, LLC Altec Industries, Inc. American Cast Iron Pipe Company Balch & Bingham, LLP Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC Brookwood Baptist Health Capital Strategies Cardiovascular Associates of the Southeast, LLC ContinuumRx CraneWorks CRC Insurance Services, Inc. Deloitte & Touche, LLP Drummond Company, Inc. Dunn Construction EBSCO Industries Eddleman Properties Ernst & Young Jefferson Iron & Metal Brokerage JPMorgan Chase Maynard Cooper & Gale, LLP McDonald Investment Company Medical Properties Trust, Inc. National Bank of Commerce Northern Trust PharmaPoint Ready Mix USA Regions Bank Regions Investment Services Samford University Shea Brothers SPM, LLC StoneRiver Company, LLC Tractor & Equipment Company Foundation UAB Cardiology UAB and UAB Health System MEDIA SPONSORS ABC 33/40 Cumulus Radio Birmingham Over the Mountain Journal Pitts Media Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.

22 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

SOCIAL/WEDDINGS

Corey-Scanlan

From left: Dennis and Katie McKeen, Juliana and Charles Hoskins.

Hold ‘Em or Fold ‘Em

Junior Achievement Junior Board Hosts Casino Night Fundraiser Junior Achievement of Alabama held its annual All Aces Casino Night fundraiser Feb. 10 at Cahaba Brewing Company.

Guests were treated to a full casino with blackjack, Texas Hold’em poker, craps and roulette tables. At the end of the evening, guests could turn in their winnings to enter drawings for raffle prizes.

The evening’s festivities were hosted by the organization’s junior board, headed up by chairwoman Allison Eden. Junior board members Dennis McKeen and Chip Hoover served as co-chairs of the event, with support from all members of the board.

After all gambling winnings had been settled, proceeds from the evening went toward scholarships and prizes given at the organization’s annual Business Plan Challenge, a “Shark Tank” style competition for high school students. ❖

Heather and Drew Watson.

A Visit in Time

Caroline Sparrow, historian; Carolyn Satterfield, past president; and Anne Gibbons, parliamentarian.

Among those enjoying the occasion were new member Barbara Klyce and guests Celia Slaughter Hutson, Mary Robinson Somerville, Billye Currie, Nancy Skinner and Pringle Ramsey, who was the Green sisters’ neighbor when they lived in Forest Park.

Others in attendance were, Barbara Petzold, Anne Lamkin, Anne Gibbons, Jean Vaughn, Margie Williams, Rebecca Mason, Susan Dasher, Gail Pugh, Elaine Clark, Lesley Lewis, Dottie Hoover, Margaret Howell, Becky Keyes, Grace Key, Rosemary Jager, Lena Knight, Mary Ann Jones, Nancy Jones, Kathryn Porter, Kathie Ramsey, Lynda Robertson, Nan Skier, Nan Teninbaum, Rebekah Taylor, Janeal Shannon, Celeste Waller, Liz Warren, Doris Wayman, Elouise Williams, Judith Hand, Jan Zeanah, Kay Wooten, Carole Thomas, Lucy Richardson, Linda Stewart, Diana Turnipseed, Cece Dillard, Jane Ellis, Laura Wallace and Janet Krueger. ❖

Honored guests at the Feb. 8 luncheon meeting of the Antiquarian Society were former Birmingham residents Julie Green Jenkins, Frannie Green Hilsman and Mary Green Burdell.

At the meeting, the Green sisters reconnected with friends they made while attending Brook Hill School. The family lived in the Forest Park area before moving back to their hometown of Madison, Georgia, where they restored an antebellum house on a farm.

Burdell presented the program on their father, the late Henry D. Green, one of the most respected and recognized authorities on Southern antiques. Though it was his avocation rather than his livelihood, he collected Southern furniture before it was fashionable to do so.

As a consultant on Southern furniture and art, Green was in demand over the years by many historic houses and museums including: Winterthur, Atlanta’s High Museum, Arlington and Birmingham Museum of Art, among others. He also consulted at Colonial Williamsburg and has a collection in a museum named in his honor at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Antiquarian President Kirke Cater presided at the business meeting, while Judy Long and Rhetta Tatum greeted guests as they arrived. Shirley Evans gave the invocation.

Creating the Valentine table décor in the club’s ballroom were Amanda Adams, Patty Natter and Jan Smith.

Antiquarian officers include: Cater, president; Marjorie Forney, first vice president; Lucy Richardson, second vice president; Angela Comfort, corresponding secretary; Kay Clark, recording secretary; Meridith Peeples, treasurer;

Photo special to the Journal

Antiquarian Society Brings Green Family Back to Birmingham

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Rushton Corey of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Kathryn Quinn Corey, to Ryan Patrick Scanlan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Patrick Scanlan of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Miss Corey is the granddaughter of Mr. John Norman Corey Jr. and the late Mrs. Corey, and Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Alexander Symington Wilson, all of Birmingham.

Carroll-Arnold

Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. Carroll III of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Grace Saloy Carroll, to Harry Lee Arnold, son of Mrs. Caroline McRight Arnold of Birmingham and the late Dr. David Jefferson Arnold, Ph.D., M.D. The bride-elect is the granddaugh-

To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you please call Stacie 205.823.9646

or email editorial@ otmj.com From left: Mary Green Burdell, Kirke Cater, Julie Jenkins and Frannie Hilsman.

She is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a cum laude graduate of Wake Forest University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and minors in Spanish and global trade and commerce. Miss Corey was a member and served as president of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She was presented at the Krewe Ball, the Ball of Roses, the Heritage Ball and the Redstone Club. Miss Corey is employed by SunTrust Bank in Atlanta.

Mr. Scanlan is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Scanlan of Elmira, New York, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Earl Chamberlain of Palm Harbor, Florida.

He is a graduate of Ardrey Kell High School and a cum laude graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in management and corporate finance, a minor in economics and a master’s degree in accounting. Mr. Scanlan was a member and served as treasurer of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He is also employed by SunTrust Bank in Atlanta.

A celebration of marriage is planned for May 20 at the Cathedral Church of the Advent. ter of Mrs. June Thibodeaux Norman of New Orleans and the late Mr. Leslie Aubrey Norman Jr., and Mrs. Charlene Phillips Carroll of Houston and the late Mr. Philip Joseph Carroll Jr. Miss Carroll is a graduate of Altamont School. She is a student at Colby College, where she is a member of Psi Chi Honor Society and the honors thesis program and is on the dean’s list. Miss Carroll will graduate in May. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Ann Harrell McRight of Red Bay and the late Dr. Edward Lemuel McRight, and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Franklin Arnold of Blakely, Georgia.

Mr. Arnold is a graduate of Altamont School and Claremont McKenna College, where he was a McKenna Scholar and on the dean’s list. He is employed with DCI Group, LLC, in Washington, D.C. The wedding will be July 22.

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All photos in this section courtesy of camps

Calling All Campers

Camp Winnataska

NOW HEAR THIS: WONDERING HOW TO FILL YOUR KIDS’ SUMMER SCHEDULE IN FUN BUT PRODUCTIVE WAYS? Check out the 2017 edition of OTMJ’s Camp Guide, where you’ll find information on summer programs ranging from academic or fine arts camps to traditional camps with activities like swimming, crafts and horseback riding. a As you browse our listing, please be aware that dates and details are subject to change, and enrollment is often limited. We encourage you to use the contact information provided to verify the options available prior to registering. Also, on page 34, meet a legendary soccer coach who retired last year after 31 years of teaching what the game of soccer is really all about at his summer camp.

2017 OTMJ SUMMER CAMP GUIDE ACADEMICS/ENRICHMENT CAMPS

and english enrichment. Summer at Altamont also includes high school credit courses and a popular music and sports camps. See website for details.

Advent Episcopal School Summer Programs (Day) Telephone: (205) 252-2535 Address: 2019 6th Ave. N., Birmingham 35203 Email: sbreedlove@adventepiscopalschool Website: adventepiscopalschool.org/summer Dates: June 12-July 28 Ages: Grades Pre-K through 8, rising Description: The Advent summer program is designed to stimulate, challenge and entertain students. Open to kids throughout the greater Birmingham area, the program consists of two components: Summer Solstice for grades 4-8 and Panther Camp for PreK-3rd grade. Advent offers extended morning and afternoon care.

Alabama School of Fine Arts Summer Programs (Day) Telephone: (205) 252-9241 Address: 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham 35203 Website: asfaschool.org Dates: June 5-23 Ages: Grades 4-9, rising (Dance Summer Intensive is open to ages 7-11) Description: The Alabama School of Fine Arts offer summer programs in writing, dance, music, theatre, visual arts, math, science and

Camp Mac computer programming. Not all programs are available for all ages. See web site for specific descriptions, fees, dates and registration information. Camps are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Altamont Summer 2017 (Day) Telephone: (205) 879-2006 Address: The Altamont School, 4801 Altamont Rd.,

Birmingham 35222 Email: jbarnard@altamontschool.org Website: altamont.org/summer-programs Ages: Grades 1-12, rising Dates: June 5-July 14 Description: Altamont’s summer programs feature a wide array of fun and educational classes, including photography, theater, creative writing, cooking and gaming, as well as math

Baylor School Summer Programs (Day or residential) Telephone: (423) 757-2616 Address: 171 Baylor School Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37405 Email: carol_huckaby@baylorschool.org Website: baylorschool.org/summer Description: Overnight and day camp options available. Programs include sports and enrichment, as well as Walkabout Camp (see separate listing in Traditional Camps) and more.

Camps take place on the beautiful 200-acre campus of Baylor School, situated on the banks of the Tennessee River. See website for more info.

Creative Montessori School (Day) Telephone: (205) 879-3278 Address: 1650 28th Ct., Birmingham 35209 Email: lmyers@cmskids.org Website: cmskids.org Dates: June 5-August 11 Description: Each summer CMS offers several week-long day camps on topics such as geology, art, science or gardening. These offerings are open to elementary-age students and are

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taught by elementary teachers. The 2017 Summer Camp Packet is available on the website. Enrollment is limited. Non-CMS students are welcome.

Hilltop Montessori School (Day) Telephone: (205) 437-9343 Address: 6 Abbott Square, Birmingham 35242 (Mt Laurel) Email: hms@hilltopmontessori.com Website: hilltopmontessori.com Ages: 18 months – age 6 Dates: June 12-July 21 Description: Hilltop offers various themes and subjects taught by Montessori-certified instructors. HMS is accredited by AdvancED/SACS, SAIS and AMS. Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy (Day) Telephone: (205) 995-8709 Address: 5509 Timber Hill Rd., Birmingham 35242 Email: rebecca@jbma.education Website: jbma.education Ages: 3 years to grade 8 Dates: June 5-July 28 Description: JBMA offers a vast array of summer programs that will enhance your child’s education in the arts, science, nature and sports. All children are welcome. Summer camps are led by Bruno Montessori teachers on JBMA’s beautiful wooded campus. Visit website for a full list of camps and dates.

Summer at Highlands (Day) Telephone: (205) 956-9731 Address: Highlands School, 4901 Old Leeds Rd., Birmingham 35213 Email: gmccool@highlandsschool.org Website: highlandsschool.org/page/summer-camp Ages: Grades K-8 Description: Kids can choose from a variety of camps, including arts, sports, science and more. Highlands strives to offer camps and activities that will enable children to continue learning while having a great time. Traditional day camps, as well as morning and afternoon extended care, are available. This year’s offerings include a new Counselor-in Training Leadership program for rising 7th-11th graders and three new camps tailored for rising 4K and 5K only. See website for details.

Summer@Springs (Day) Telephone: (205) 671-4477 Address: Indian Springs School, 190 Woodward Dr., Indian Springs 35214 Email: summer@indiansprings.org Website: summeratsprings.org

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy Ages: Grades 4-12 Dates: June 5-August 11 Description: Summer@Springs offers students in grades 4-12 a wide range of academic enrichment courses, including ACT prep, study skills and strategies, an architecture intensive, wetlands ecology, black-and-white analog photography and more. Summer@Springs faculty are dedicated professionals and accomplished educators, and our courses are designed to be fun, adventurous and enriching for students who want to make the most of their summer breaks.

ART/CRAFTS CAMPS Samford Art Studio for Teens (Day) Telephone: (205) 726-2739 Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Birmingham 35209 Email: academyofthearts@samford.edu Website: samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/ Ages: Grade 6-8 Dates: June 5-9 Description: Art camp is one week full of inspi-

ration and creative expressions in art. With the help of our experienced art instructors, the students will see, touch, hear and feel the vocabulary of art by incorporating color, line, shape, texture, space, value, form, balance and rhythm.

Samford Bulldog Art Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 726-2739 Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Birmingham 35209 Email: academyofthearts@samford.edu Website: samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/ Ages: Grade 1-5 Dates: June 26-30 Description: Art camp is one week full of inspiration and creative expressions in art. With the help of our experienced art instructors, the students will see, touch, hear and feel the vocabulary of art by incorporating color, line, shape, texture, space, value, form, balance and rhythm.

Space One Eleven (SOE) Visual Art Summer Camps and Courses (Day)

Telephone: (205) 328-0553 Address: 2409 Second Ave. N., Birmingham 35203 Website: spaceoneeleven.org Ages: Grade 2-12, rising Dates: June 6-July 22 Description: Half and full-day sessions will feature multi-disciplinary art camps, ceramics camps, specialty courses and portfolio development. Courses are led by artist instructors in a studio environment. Class sizes are limited and filled on a first-come, firstserved basis. See website for more details.

Tangled Arts Studio at Artists on the Bluff Art Camps (Day) Telephone: (205) 305-2082 Address: 517 Park Ave., Hoover 35226 Email: darla@tangledstones.com Website: tangledstones.com Ages: 7-adult Dates: June 12-July 10 Description: Spend your summer creatively with Certified Zentangle Teacher Darla Williamson.

Camps include Zentangle Inspired Summer Camp, June 12-16 for ages 7-10; Art Camp, June 19-23 for ages 11 and up; and Art Journal Camp, July 10-14 for ages 12 through adult. For complete information, visit the website.

DANCE CAMPS Alabama Ballet (Day) Telephone: (205) 322-1874 Address: 2726 1st Ave. S., Birmingham 35233 Email: libbaowen@alabamaballet.org Website: alabamaballet.org Ages: Summer Program (ages 11-20, by audition) Junior Camp (ages 8-12) Tutus & Tiaras (ages 4-7) Description: With its state-of-the-art studios and superb instructors, the Alabama Ballet seeks to promote and foster the development of classical and contemporary ballet through highquality performances, dance education and community outreach.

Virginia Samford Theatre

The Dance Foundation (Day) Telephone: (205) 870-0073 Address: 1715 27th Court S., Homewood 35209 Email: shellie@thedancefoundation.org Website: thedancefoundation.org Ages: Grades 4K-12 (Half- and full-day camps) Dates: June 6-June 29 Description: Dance camps offered are led by a caring and enthusiastic professional staff. Early drop-off is available. Options include Once Upon a Fairytale, Imagination Lab, Shadow

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ALWAYS FITTING IN, JUST FOR BEING YOU. Camp CSI: Birmingham Play, Dance Explorations, Theatre Explorations and Workshop for Dancers. A full list of camps, age requirements and dates is available on the website.

UAB Emerald Auxiliary Camp (Day & residential) Telephone: (205) 975-2263 Email: uabtwirler@yahoo.com Ages: 8 and up (residential options for 12 years and up) Dates: June 26-28 Description: UAB Emerald Camp is a three-day instructional camp for majorettes and guards.

Classes are offered for all skill levels. School teams, studio teams and individuals are all welcome. Campers may attend as resident campers or commuter campers. Come be a part of the Emerald Experience!

DRAMA CAMPS Birmingham Children’s Theater (Day) Telephone: (205) 458-8181 Address: P.O. Box 1362, Birmingham 35201 Website: bct123.org Ages: Pre-K through 8th grade Dates: June 5-30 Description: Summer camp offerings include: Wee Play: Pre-K through 2nd grade, June 5-9; Triple Threat: grades 3-8, June 12-16; Fairy Tellers: Pre-K through 2nd grade, June 19-23; and We Wear the Mask: grades 3-8, June 26-30. An early-bird discount of $50 will be offered to those who register by April 1.

Imagine! Drama Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 550-1946 Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham 35209 Email: LByland@samford.edu Website: samford.edu/arts/theatre-and-dance/

summer-camps Ages: 5-18 Dates: June 12-16 & 19-23 Description: Find out what it means to really imagine, really create, and really play as a part of a team of artists. This camp, taught by Samford Theatre for Youth faculty and students, will lay the foundation for creative expression and build upon your child’s passion for theatre.

Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Camps (Day) Telephone: (205) 324-2424 Address: Sessions held at Berry Middle School and The Dance Foundation, Homewood Email: education@redmountaintheatre.org Website: redmountaintheatre.org/education Ages: 7-18 Dates: June 5-July 28 (one- and two-week sessions) Description: Kids learn the theatrical process and performance skills from the best of the best at RMTC’s summer camps. Options include Broadway Bootcamp (recruit, intermediate and advanced levels), June Blast, Industry Intensive, Neverland Starcatchers, Playwriting & Acting, Back to Hogwarts: The Tri-Wizard Tournament, Improvisation Intensive, Tap Dance Intensive, July Blast: Pirates vs. Cowboys the Musical!, Let’s Dance! and Think on Your Feet: Improv Acting.

Stages@Springs (Residential) Telephone: (205) 988-3350 Address: Indian Springs School, 190 Woodward Dr., Indian Springs 35124 Email: dane.peterson@indiansprings.org Website: summeratsprings.org Ages: Grades 10 through college freshmen, rising Dates: June 25-July 16 Description: Indian Springs School’s Summer@ Springs is pleased to announce States@ Springs, a musical theatre residency program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors and college freshmen. Participants will devote three weeks to rehearsing and performing a fully-staged production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Spring Awakening,” while developing acting, movement, voice and technical theatre skills during daily master classes.

Virginia Samford Theatre’s Camp VST (Day) Telephone: (205) 251-1228 Address: Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th St. S., Birmingham 35205 Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org/vststars/campvst Ages: 7-17 Dates: June 5-9 and 12-16; Advanced camp June 19-30 Description: This summer theatre intensive is designed to give kids the opportunity to explore all aspects of working in live theatre with classes in acting, singing, dancing, Shakespeare, improv, state combat and more taught by Birmingham theatre professionals.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS Mason Music

Mitchell’s Place Summer Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 957-0294

SUMMER DAY CAMP YMCA of Greater Birmingham ymcabham.org/bestsummer

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CAMP GUIDE

Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham 35209 Email: anima@samford.edu Website: anima.samford.edu Ages: Grades 7-12, completed Dates: June 26-30 Description: Animate is a five-day summer program in worship leadership for teenagers and their adult mentors. It is sponsored by anima: the Center for Worship and the Arts on the campus of Samford University. Students hone worship leadership skills, adults sharpen their mentoring tools, and everybody works together to reflect on the intersection between worship, theology and the arts.

Email: bdavis@mitchells-place.com Website: mitchells-place.com Ages: 6-18 Dates: Session 1: June 5-15; Session 2: June 19-29; Session 3: July 10-20 Description: Activities are designed to address basic skills of teamwork, self-esteem and selfregulation and include indoor and outdoor games, educational activities, sports lessons, roleplaying and creative art and music classes.

Participants receive weekly reports describing specific activities and skill performance.

Individual goals are created on an as-needed basis. Mitchell’s Place Summer Camp is designed for school-age children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Children will benefit from a 1:6 staff ratio.

The Exceptional Foundation (Day) Telephone: (205) 870-0776 Address: 1616 Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham 35209 Email: gbastar@exceptionalfoundation.org Website: exceptionalfoundation.org Ages: 5 and up (must have completed kindergarten) Dates: June 5-July 28 Description: The Exceptional Foundation provides social and recreational activities for individuals with special needs through activities such as art, music, exercise, sports, field trips and much more.

LANGUAGE/WRITING CAMPS Ada Long Creative Writing Workshop (Day) Telephone: (205) 934-8573 Address: 1190 10th Ave. South, Birmingham 35233 Email: tmharris@uab.edu Website: uab.edu/cas/english/about-us/eventsand-series/ada-long Ages: High school (rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors) Dates: June 12-30 Description: Every day, students will work closely with nationally-acclaimed novelists, essayists

YouthServe Urban Service Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 521-6651 Address: Camp held at Avondale Samaritan Place Website: youthservebham.org Dates: Session I - June 12-16; Session II – June 26-30; Session III – July 10-14 Description: YouthServe is a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth leadership through community service. A transformative week-long residential camp with an emphasis on community service and designed to not only introduce campers to the benefits of serving others but to demonstrate the importance and benefits of collective impact. Youth will come away from camp with new relationships, a strengthened sense of community and an empowered self.

Samford Academy of the Arts and poets, all of whom have extensive teaching experience.

Samford Writing Camp for Tweens and Teens (Day) Telephone: (205) 726-2739 Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Birmingham 35209 Email: academyofthearts@samford.edu Website: samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/ Ages: 11-15 Dates: Session I - June 19-23; Session II – July 24-28

Description: Are you that kid who writes poetry in math class? Want to learn how to write better and enter contests and publications? This is the class for you. We will practice finding the perfect words, imagery and details that will make everyone want to read your journals!

Boundless creativity lives in these small classes, which offer teacher feedback and sharing with peers.

LEADERSHIP/SERVICE CAMPS Animate (Day) Telephone: (205) 726-4524

MUSIC CAMPS Adventures in Music Camp at Samford (Day) Telephone: (205) 726-2739 Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Birmingham 35209 Email: academyofthearts@samford.edu Website: samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/ Ages: Grades 1-12 Dates: June 12-16 (piano only); July 10-14 (piano and voice) Description: These one-week intensive music camps offer aspiring piano and voice students music training, including private instruction,

Whether it’s enrichment, enlightenment or entertainment, Altamont has what your child needs most this summer: something constructive to do.

Enroll today! Registration and course information at altamont.recdesk.com.

cheerleading • ropes course • ARTS & CRAFTS • soccer • sports • nature • drama

ALTAMONT SUMMER 2017 DAY & SPORTS CAMPS | CREDIT COURSES GRADES 1-12 | JUNE 5–JULY 14

Recognized as one of the South’s favorite Christian summer camps for girls!

Welcome to an award winning camp experience…

RIVERVIEW CAMP FOR GIRLS.

Just off DeSoto Parkway on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama…nestled in a bend of Little River.

Adventure, inspiration, character & confidence-building are just a few of the benefits that go hand-in-hand with the activity choices. Riverview’s Christian emphasis & exciting programs are appreciated by both parents & campers!

Call 800-882-0722 or visit www.riverviewcamp.com for a FREE DVD & Information packet

Only 2 short hours from Birmingham 1 & 2 week sessions!

Mother-Daughter Weekends also Available

Dr. Larry and Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director Accredited by American Camping Association Members of Christian Camping Conference Asso.

Check us out online at www.riverviewcamp.com

swimming • beach volleyball • archery • riding • basketball • golf • much more!

chorus • gymnastics • Dance • canoeing • tennis • GOLF

Exciting Traditional Camp for girls ages 6 to 16!

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BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE Aldridge Gardens music literature, ensemble, theory and performance opportunities. Piano students must have at least 3 months of private instruction.

The camp experience is enriched with daily performance and demonstrations by guest artists. Campers also enjoy lunch, swimming and team challenges. The final day of camp is celebrated with solo recital performance and a gala ensemble presentation open to parents and friends.

All Aboard for Music Camp at Samford (Day) Telephone: (205) 726-2739 Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Birmingham 35209 Email: academyofthearts@samford.edu Website: samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/ Ages: 3-6 Dates: July 17-21 Description: This camp offers a fabulous learning experience for preschoolers. Activities include singing, movement, listening activities, music literature features, crafts, orchestral instruments and learning centers. Learning is enhanced with daily presentations by guest artists.

Dawson Music Academy Summer Music Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 871-7324 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham 35209 Email: kjones@dawsonchurch.org Website: dawsonmusicacademy.org Ages: Grades K-5, completed Dates: June 26-30 Description: Campers will explore the instrument of their choice (piano, violin, voice, guitar, harp, percussion) during camp classes.

They will experience the joy of music through a variety of fun learning activities throughout the day.

Mason Music Camps (Day) Telephone: Bluff Park, (205) 582-2238; Cahaba Heights, (205) 908-7059; Greystone, (205) 8749800; Mountain Brook, (205) 874-9596 Address: Four locations: 761 Shades Mountain Plaza, Hoover 35226; 2903 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook 35223; 3187 Cahaba Height Rd., Birmingham 35243; 5406 Hwy. 280 E, Suite B103, Birmingham 35242

THIS IS NOT YOUR ORDINARY SUMMER CAMP!

“WEE PLAY” - Camp #1 PRE-K - 2ND GRADES JUNE 5TH -9TH 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM $250 “TRIPLE THREAT” - CAMP #2 3RD-8TH GRADES JUNE 12TH-16TH 8:30AM-3:30PM $350 “FAIRY TELLERS” - CAMP #3 PRE-K - 2ND JUNE 19TH -23RD 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM $250

Museum Expedition 39 - Old Cahawba Archeological Park Archeology at the First State Capital!

Discover Alabama’s diverse natural history by participating in the 39th Annual Museum Expedition Camp! Participants will have the fun and unique opportunity to work with scientists in the field of archeology as part of an actual scientific research project to explore the history of Alabama. Students, teachers, and adults will spend a week at the Expedition field camp working with scientists to learn excavation techniques, laboratory procedures, and artifact identification. The Museum Expedition combines real exploration, with real science to create a unique experience and lasting friendships.

Accommodations, food, and scientific equipment will be provided.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP- June 5-10 HIGH SCHOOL CAMP- June 12-17 PUBLIC CAMP WEEK- June 19-24

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 205-348-7550.

Alabama Museum of Natural History THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA almnh.ua.edu • (205) 348-7550

“WE WEAR THE MASK” - CAMP #4 3RD-8TH GRADES JUNE 26TH-30TH 8:30AM-3:30PM $350

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CAMP GUIDE

Email: info@masonmusicstudios.com Website: masonmusicstudios.com/music-camps/ Ages: 3-18 Dates: June 5-August 4 Description: In addition to its summer programs, Mason Music has a Spring Break Camp for Beginners, March 27-31. Summer 2017 camps include Singing Safari Preschool Music Camp for ages 3-6; Mason Music Camp for Beginners for ages 6-9; Rock Band Camp for ages 10-18; and Overdrive for ages 13-18. Not all camps are at all locations. See website for details.

instrumental music students. Residential and commuter options are available.

Woodlawn Music Tech Summer Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 592-2222 Address: 4 55th Place North, Birmingham 35212 Email: info@audiostate.com Website: woodlawnmusictech.org Ages: Middle through high school Dates: Session 1: June 12-16; Session 2: June 19-23; Session 3: July 10-14; Session 4: July 17-21 Description: This camp is designed to build awareness of the technology used in music production and recording engineering. Campers are exposed to the latest music and video production tools, including Garage Band, Pro Tools, Reason, and iMovie. They learn how to compose and record their own songs and gain real world experiences in the state-of-theart recording studios and music tech labs at Audiostate 55.

Samford University 2017 Piano & Chamber Music Institute (Day) Telephone: (205) 601-3695 or (205) 335-8736 Address: Samford University Buchanan Hall, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham 35209 Email: rshinn@samford.edu or bshinn@samford. edu Website: pacmi.net Ages: 12-18 Dates: June 4-10 Description: This one-week program offers talented pre-college students in piano, strings and other instruments an opportunity to finetune their performance skills in solo and group settings, as well as study music history, music theory, ear training and music literature.

UAB Beginners Percussion Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 975-5823 Email: gfambro@uab.edu Website: uabpercussion.org Ages: Grades 6-8 Dates: June 5-9 Description: Basic drumming techniques for students with one year or less public school band instruction. Cost: $200.

UAB Summer Drumline Clinic (Day) Telephone: (205) 975-5823 Email: gfambro@uab.edu Website: uabpercussion.org Ages: Grades 8-12 Dates: June 26-30 Description: For all high school age students

SCIENCE/NATURE/TECHNOLOGY CAMPS

The Altamont School wanting more experience in marching percussion, focusing on playing technique. Also includes sessions on marching fundamentals, percussion writing, and equipment tuning and maintenance. Cost: $300.

UAB Marimba/Keyboard Clinic (Day) Telephone: (205) 975-5823 Email: gfambro@uab.edu Website: uabpercussion.org Ages: Grades 9-12 Dates: June 13-17 Description: This clinic focuses on 4-mallet technique and musicianship on marimba, as well

as covering topics on vibraphone, xylophone and bells. For advanced high school students with experience on keyboard instruments. Cost is $250.

UAB Summer Music Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 975-2263 Address: Hulsey Center 208, 950 13th St. S., Birmingham 35294 Email: samuels@uab.edu or khoggatt@uab.edu Website: uabbands.org Ages: Grades 6-12 Dates: June 18-24 Description: This is a weeklong band camp for

Alabama Museum of Natural History: Museum Expedition 39 (Day) Telephone: (205) 348-6383 Email: acsorlie@bama.ua.edu Website: almnh.ua.edu Dates: Middle School Camp (6, 7 & 8th Grade): June 5-10; High School Camp (9, 10, 11, & 12th Grade): June 12-17; Public Archeology Camp (age 14 and up or accompanied by parent if younger): June 19-24 Description: Campers are scientists for the week. This year’s project is of an archaeological focus and will be at Old Cahawba, Alabama’s first state capital. Participants will work alongside professional archaeologists and excavate with them.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens Summer Camps (Day) Telephone: (205) 682-8019 Address: 3530 Lorna Rd., Hoover 35216 Email: mcdonald@aldridgegardens.com Website: aldridgegardens.com

OPEN HOUSE

Summer Camp at Advent!

Summer Camps

Sunday, October 2 2 - 4 p.m.

• Top AISA K-8 School in State • State Math Champions • Blue Ribbon School Winner • Representing 44 Zip Codes

Tutus & Tiaras Camp Children ages 4- 7 Session 1 July 17- 21, 2017

Start Here Go Anywhere

Session 2 July 24 - 28, 2017 Cost-$250 per week Schedule 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

JUNE 12- JULY 28 (EXCEPT JULY 3-7)

Junior Camp

Advent Summer Camp offers programs that are designed to stimulate, challenge and entertain rising pre-kindergarten through 8th grade students. Our summer programs are open to students from throughout the Birmingham metropolitan area.

Dancers ages 8-12 June 26- July , 2017 $475 2 weeks /$285 1 week

Whether you choose our hands-on, mind-challenging, half-day Summer Solstice classes for rising 4th-8th graders or our traditional full-day Panther Camp for rising Pre-K – 3rd grade, each week is exciting and fulfilling.

Schedule 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Information: www.adventepiscopalschool.org/summer or (205)252-2535

More Information: (205) 322-1874 2726 1st Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 www.alabamaballet.org

advent episcopal school

AL 35203 2019 6th| Birmingham, Ave North

2019 6th Ave North

AdventEpiscopalSchool.org

|

(205) 252-2535

|

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 29

CAMP GUIDE

BASEBALL

CASEY DUNN BASEBALL CAMPS 2017

YOUTH BASEBALL CAMPS

June 19-22, June 26-29, July 10-13 and July 24-27 Grades K-7, $175, 9 a.m.-noon

Fundamentals, including hitting, fielding, throwing, running bases, and game simulations.

Baylor School Ages: Grades 5K-5 Dates: June 5-30 Description: From American Girl Dolls to Paper Circuits to Building & Engineering to COOL Art, Aldridge Gardens offers something for every child. Observe your world!

Birmingham Botanical Gardens (Day) Telephone: (205) 414-3950 Address: 2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham 35223 Email: ehardy@bbgardens.org Website: www.bbgardens.org Ages: Pre-K – Grade 6 Dates: June 5-July 28 Description: BBG’s programs are designed to actively promote your child’s natural sense of creativity and discovery with fun learning experiences in the unmatched setting of the Gardens. This summer BBG is offering exciting opportunities to grow and discover through gardening, nature exploration, cooking, art, science, yoga, children’s literature and imagination, all while forming new friendships.

Summer Camp Shirts are included with each registration fee.

Camp CSI: Birmingham (Day) Telephone: (205) 934-2069 Address: 1201 University Blvd., Birmingham 35294 Email: jglinville@uab.edu Website: uab.edu/cas/justice-sciences/affiliations/ camp-csi-birmingham Ages: Grade 10 (rising) through high school graduation Dates: June 19-23, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Description: Learn what forensic scientists and crime scene investigators do. Receive hands-on training with collecting evidence, dusting for fingerprints, searching for blood stains, analyzing DNA evidence, interpreting DNA profiles and examining flies and maggots.

Cyber Detectives Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 934-2069 Address: 1201 University Blvd., Birmingham 35294 Email: mearwood@uab.edu Website: uab.edu/cas/justice-sciences/cyberdetectives-camp Ages: Grades 10 (rising) through high school graduation Dates: July 17-21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVANCED CAMP June 20-21, 7th & 8th Grades, $200, 2:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

The camp is designed for campers at a higher level than the youth camps with a more advanced and technical level of instruction for the players

HIGH SCHOOL ELITE CAMP July 18-19 • Grades 8 - 2015 Graduates • $335 Day 1 - 12:00-9 p.m., Day 2 - 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

This camp is designed for players to receive instruction and showcase their talent for college coaches throughout the state

BENEFITS

• one-on-one instruction • daily games • instruction in all areas of baseball • exposure to many different coaches • Samford Baseball Camp t-shirt

BRING

• baseball glove and hat • baseball cleats and tennis shoes • baseball pants and shorts • a willingness to work hard and get better

Check in starts 30 minutes prior to first day of camp!

The camp is open to any and all registrants.

Registration information can be obtained online at www.subaseballcamps.com or call 205-726-4294

To: From: Date:

tgdavid@samford.edu Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 February 2017 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the February 23, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

30 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

CAMP GUIDE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Website: blackjackfarms.net Ages: 6-13 Dates: June 6-8; June 20-22; July 11-13; July 25-27 Description: Blackjack Summer Horsemanship teaches English riding lessons along with horsemanship skills. Campers receive safe, professional instruction in a structured environment.

Other activities include arts and crafts, picnics, swimming, field trips and more.

Description: Learn how law enforcement agents use cyber space to solve serious crime. Receive hands-on training on collecting evidence, searching for hackers, identifying malware, probing bogus financial institutions, analyzing defaced websites, and open source intelligence gathering!

Gross Out Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 777-7446 Address: P.O. Box 321038, Birmingham 35232 Email: Amanda@FreshAirFamily.org Website: grossoutcamp.org Ages: Grades 1-4, rising Dates: May 29-July 28, various locations (see website for details) Description: Fresh Air Family’s award-winning science camp explores the great outdoors in this hands-on field biology camp. Dig for worms, hunt for crawdads, feel a snake slither through your hands, make slime and other gross science adventures.

Materials Camp at UAB (Day) Telephone: (205) 934-5171 Address: 1150 10th Ave. S., (BEC 254), Birmingham 35294 Email: genau@uab.edu Website: uab.edu/matcamp Ages: Grades 9-11, rising Dates: June 12-16 Description: Students interested in engineering and applied science, can explore metals, plastics, ceramics and high-tech composites through hands-on activities, interaction with UAB engineering faculty and students, field trips and a design competition.

Prepared, Not Scared Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 777-1851 Address: P.O. Box 321038, Birmingham 35232 Email: amanda@freshairfamily.org Website: freshairfamily.org Ages: Grades 4-6, rising Dates: June 5-July 29, various locations (see website for details)

Mike Getman Soccer Camp (Day or residential) Telephone: (205) 870-0194 Email: info@uabsoccercamp.com Website: uabsoccercamp.com Ages: 5-12 (Day, boys and girls); 10-18 (Residential/commuter, boys) Dates: Day camps: June 5-9; July 10-14; Residential/commuter camps: June 18-21; June 25-28; July 21-18 Description: Skill development and training, small and large group tactics and 11 v. 11 games provide opportunities for players to learn and improve every aspect of their game.

Some of the best coaches and players in the country are eager to share their knowledge and skills.

The Exceptional Foundation Description: Learn survival skills such as finding water, foraging for food, reading tacks and maps and building debris shelters. Campers will learn tracking by searching for the legendary Bigfoot. Snake and gun safety programs teach what not to touch.

experience something new each day. Flexible programming gives parents options ranging from an afternoon of exploration to full weeks of learning fun. Check website for details and scheduling.

McWane Science Center Summer Camps (Day) Telephone: (205) 714-8300 Address: 200 19th St. N., Birmingham 35203 Website: mcwane.org Description: McWane Science Center Camps make learning an unforgettable adventure.

Various themes and activities allow kids to

Blackjack Farms Summer Horsemanship Camp (Day) Telephone: (205) 956-8532 or (205) 901-8261 Address: 2420 Burns Lane, Birmingham 35210 Email: ellen.blalock@gmail.com

SPORTS CAMPS

Samford University Casey Dunn Baseball Camps (Day & residential) Telephone: (205) 726-4294 Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham Email: tgdavid@samford.edu Website: subaseballcamps.com Ages: Grades K-12 Dates: Youth Camps: June 19-22, June 26-29, July 10-13 and July 24-27; Middle School Advanced Camp: June 20-21; and High School Elite Camp: July 18-19 Description: These age-appropriate baseball camps are designed to maximize the camp experience so that campers enjoy the game and become better players. Sessions led by the Samford baseball staff, current and former Samford players, as well as other college play-

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www.KidcamCamps.com Inside Oak Mountain State Park 877-4KIDCAM convenient drop off points at front & back entrances.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

CAMP GUIDE

Alabama Museum of Natural History Archeology Camp ers, college coaches and high school coaches.

Samford University Scott Padgett Basketball Camps (Day) Telephone: (205) 726-4444 Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham Email: coachpadgett@samford.edu Website: scottpadgettbasketball.com Ages: 5-17 (boys only) Dates: Fundamental Camp I: May 29-June 1; Fundamental Camp II: June 5-8; Fundamental Camp III: June 19-22 Description: These fundamental basketball camps were sold out last year, so sign up early!

Vestavia Hill Soccer Club (Day) Telephone: (205) 978-0182 Address: 1973 Merryvale Rd., Vestavia Hills 35216 Email: info@vestaviasoccer.com Website: vestaviasoccer.com Ages: 4 and up Dates: July and August Description: Build soccer skills over the summer while focusing on specific aspects of the game and learning to be a team player. Camp options include Got Skillz Camps 1 and 2, Keeper-Striker Camp and Summer Team Camp.

TRADITIONAL CAMPS Camp Briarwood (Day & Residential) Telephone: (205) 776-5237 Address: 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham 35243 Email: quest@briarwood.org Website: campbriarwood.org Ages: Grades 1-10 Dates: Day Camps: (grades 1-3) June 12-16 & June 26-30; Overnight Camps: (grades 4-6) June 26-July 1 & July 5-8; Overnight Camp: (grade 5-7) July 10-15; Overnight Camp: (grades 7-10) July 17-22.

Description: Since 1964, Camp Briarwood has sought to offer summer adventures that campers will never forget. By incorporating

the Gospel into every activity, camp provides children with an opportunity to grow in their relationships with God and others. Join us this summer at Camp Briarwood – “the place I want to be!”

Camp Cosby - YMCA (Residential) Telephone: (256) 268-2007 Address: 2290 Paul Bear Bryant Rd., Alpine 35014 Email: cosby@ymcabham.org Website: campcosby.org Ages: 6-16 Dates: June 5-July 30 Description: This camp offers a one week, co-ed sleepaway camp experience for children ages 6 to 16 on the shores of Logan Martin Lake. YMCA Camp Cosby gives children a chance to play hard, make new friends and have the adventure of a lifetime in a safe, fun and structured environment.

Camp Fletcher (Day or residential) Telephone: (205) 428-1059 Address: 5150 Fletcher Rd., Bessemer 35022 Email: campfletcher@campfire-al.org Website: campfire-al.org Ages: Grades 1-12 Dates: May 30-July 28 Description: Camp Fletcher in McCalla offers traditional day, resident and leadership camps, as well as a beautiful woodland setting, a safe and structured environment, quality programs led by trained and caring leaders, fun-filled activities for all ages and interests, small groups and high staff ratios, affordable sessions and ACA accreditation.

Camp Mac (Residential) Telephone: (256) 362-7449 Address: 2671 Cheaha Rd., Munford 36268 Email: office@campmac.com Website: campmac.com Ages: Grades 2-9, completed Dates: Jr. Term: June 1-10; 4-Week Term: June 12-July 7; 3-Week Term: July 10-30 Description: Nestled among the pines in the Talladega National Forest, Camp Mac gives

COMPLETE SUMMER CAMP DESCRIPTIONS, DETAILS AND FEES ARE AVAILABLE AT aldridgegardens.com. To register go online at aldridgegardens.com Questions? Email Debbie McDonald, Education Director

dmcdonald@aldridgegardens.com or call 205 682.8019 ext 104

Entering 5K – 5th Grades June, 2017 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – Noon (Mid‐morning snacks and drinks provided)

All teachers have Alabama Certification in Education.

Pre‐registration required. Register early.

Camp enrollment is limited!

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 31

32 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

CAMP GUIDE

Ages: Grades 3-11, rising Dates: June & July Description: Camp Walkabout is the most fun a kid can have in the summer. Campers will swim in secluded streams, top-rope climb natural sandstone, paddleboard in the Tennessee River Gorge, sleep under southern stars, make friends and memories to last a lifetime and so much more.

kids a place to “learn stuff, do things, and have fun.” For 70 years, girls and boys have had the opportunity to explore their strengths, find their courage and reach out beyond their comfort zone in an environment that is wholesome, supportive and surrounded by natures’ beauty.

Camp McDowell (Residential) Telephone: (205) 387-1806 Address: 105 Delong Rd., Nauvoo 35578 Email: mark@campmcdowell.com Website: campmcdowell.com Ages: grades 1-12 (boys and girls) Dates: May 26-August 6 (varying from 3-10 day sessions) Description: Camp McDowell has been a gathering spot for the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama since 1948. Each session features daily programs designed by a priest from the diocese, as well as hiking, swimming, canoeing, a ropes course, sports and more.

Camp Merri-Mac for Girls (Residential) Telephone: (828) 669-8766 Address: 1123 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711 Email: mail@merri-mac.com Website: merri-mac.com Ages: 6-16 Dates: June 5-August 10 (Two- and four-week programs) Description: For more than 70 years, we’ve offered traditional camping with Christian staff.

Merri-Mac is a sister camp to Timberlake for Boys.

Camp Nakanawa (Residential) Telephone: (931) 277-3711 Address: 1084 Camp Nakanawa Road, Crossville, Tenn. 38571 Email: company@frontiernet.net Website: campnakanawa.com Ages: 8-16, girls Dates: June 18-July 30 (one-, two- and four-week sessions Description: Camp Nakanawa is a structured,

Camp Woodmont (Residential) Telephone: (423) 472-6070 Address: 381 Moonlight Dr., Cloudland, GA 30731 Email: alyson@campwoodmont.com Website: campwoodmont.com Ages: 6-14 (Boys and girls) Dates: May 28 – July 28 Description: Camp Woodmont is a traditional overnight camp for boys and girls, ages 6-14.

Just 30 minutes from Chattanooga, Tenn., Camp Woodmont features horseback riding, high-ropes/climbing, sports, dance, crafts, canoeing, archery and more. Founded on Christian principles in 1981, Camp Woodmont is the perfect place to build lifelong friendships and memories. Open House: May 12, 2 to 5 p.m.

Mcwane Science Center traditional private summer camp for girls offering a program designed to enable each camper to acquire skill in various games and sports in an atmosphere that develops character and unselfishness in a full-filled environment.

Dates: June 5-August 10 Description: For more than 70 years, we’ve offered traditional camping with Christian staff.

Timberlake is the brother camp to Camp MerriMac for Girls.

Camp Timberlake for Boys (Residential) Telephone: (828) 669-8766 Address: 1123 Montreat Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711 Email: email@camptimberlake.com Website: camptimberlake.com Ages: 7-16

Camp Walkabout at Baylor School (Residential) Telephone: (423) 267-8506, ext. 827 Address: 171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Email: badams@baylorschool.org Website: baylorschool.org/summer/overnightcamps/camp-walkabout/index.aspx

Kidcam Camp @ Oak Mountain (Day or residential) Telephone: (877) 4KIDCAM Address: 200 Terrace Dr., Pelham 35124 Email: summersrock@kidcamcamps.com Website: kidcamcamps.com Dates: May 30-August 4 Description: Kidcam Camps is celebrating its 43rd year operating summer camps. Campers enjoy everything Oak Mountain State Park offers: beaches, boats, archery, hiking, nature, golf, pet farm, sports and a good mix of indoor activities. Parents love the flexible scheduling, week-to-week options, extended hours, affordable prices, multi week and sibling discounts.

Riverview Camp for Girls (Residential) Telephone: (800) 882-0722 Address: 757 County Road 614, Mentone 35984

JOIN US THIS

SUMMER!

Camps

4K and up

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1715 27th Ct S | Downtown Homewood thedancefoundation.org | 205 870 0073

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 33

CAMP GUIDE

Summer Camps Academy of the Arts Art, Music and Writing Camps • Grades 1-12 June and July 2017 Samford.edu/go/aota • 205-726-2739

Piano & Chamber Music Institute

This one-week program offers talented precollege students an opportunity to fine-tune their performance skills, study music history, music theory, ear training and keyboard literature.

Advent Episcopal School Website: riverviewcamp.org Ages: 6-16 Dates: June 4-August 4 Description: Riverview is embraced by tall graceful pines and billowing hardwoods, nestled into a bend of Little River atop Lookout Mountain. Beautiful flower gardens grow along the pebble pathways and building entrances throughout the campground. Girls live in simple yet lovely rustic cabins with the modern conveniences necessary to make camping comfortable.

VARIETY/SPECIALTY CAMPS Camp Straight Street (Day) Telephone: (205) 978-9308 (We start taking calls at the end of May) Address: 2281 Old Tyler Rd., Birmingham 35226 Email: administrator@campstraightstreet.com Website: campstraightstreet.com Ages: K5-Grade 8 Dates: June 5-August 4, weekly sessions Description: Voted as the best camp in

Birmingham, we are a nine-week, high energy day camp filled with every activity you can dream of. We work to make camp as flexible as parents need us to be. Kids can come for a few days, weeks or the whole summer. We work hard to make happy campers and even happier moms.

Levite Jewish Community Center (Day) Telephone: (205) 879-0411 Address: 3960 Montclair Rd., Birmingham 35213 Email: tweldon@bhamjcc.org Website: bhamjcc.org Ages: Grades K-8, rising Dates: June5-July 28 Description: LJCC offers weekly day camps, specialty and/or sports camps to the entire Birmingham community. We have a “camp a la carte” systems that allows you to plan your summer exactly as you wish. Sign up for one week or all eight. You can mix and match weeks with day camps, specialty and/or sports camps.

June 4-10, 2017 • Ages 12-18

Contact Dr. Ron Shinn, rshinn@samford.edu, 205-601-3694 or 205-726-2501 www.pacmi.net

Animate

A five-day summer program in worship leadership for teenagers and their adult mentors.

June 26-30, 2017 • Grades 7-12

For more information and registration: anima.samford.edu

Imagine! Drama Camp

This camp will lay the foundation for creative expression and build upon your passion for theatre.

June 12-16 and 19-23, 2017 • Ages 5-18

Contact: Mandy Pierce, abpierce@samford.edu 205-726-2951 Registration: www.samford.edu/arts/theatre-and-dance/summer-camps

RECREATIONAL • COMPETITIVE • CAMPS • DEVELOPMENT Enroll in Birmingham-Southern College’s

Conservatory of Fine and Performing Arts Private lessons in piano, voice, violin, guitar, band, and much more.

Preschool classes also available.

Music and Theatre Camp 2017 June 12-16 K5-5th grade

VESTAVIA SOCCER

LEADERS IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT • MORE THAN SOCCER

www.bsc.edu/academics/conservatory 205/226-4960

Education in Action!

Get outside for science and survival skills at Fresh Air Family Camps Prepared, Not Scared (4th-6th grade) Gross Out Camp (1st-4th grade)

SUMMER CAMPS SPRING BREAK • PRE TRYOUT CAMP • GOT SKILLZ • UNIVERSITY OF SOCCER

Camp Make-a-Mess (ages 4-5)

More at www.FreshAirFamily.org

VESTAVIASOCCER.COM • 205 978 0182 • INFO@VESTAVIASOCCER.COM

The Simple Way

34 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

CAMP GUIDE

Summer Camps at the Y (Day) Telephone: (205) 801-YMCA Address: 2101 4th Ave. N., Birmingham 35203 Website: ymcabham.org/bestsummer Ages: 5-18 Description: The Y’s summer camp is all about ensuring kids get more out of their summer break: more friendships, more achievement and more belonging. For details check out the YMCA of Greater Birmingham website or call your local YMCA. Alabaster Family YMCA: (205) 663-7240 Downtown YMCA: (205) 324-4563 Greystone Family YMCA: (205) 981-0144 YMCA Hargis Retreat: (205) 678-6512 Hoover Family YMCA: (205) 682-1399 Mountain Brook YMCA: (205) 870-0144 Northeast Family YMCA: (205) 833-7616 Pelham Family YMCA: (205) 664-9622 Shades Valley Family YMCA: (205) 870-9622 Trussville Family YMCA: (205) 655-2224 Vestavia YMCA: (205) 823-0144 YMCA Youth Center: (205) 324-1643

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

SPORTS

2017 OTMJ SUMMER CAMP GUIDE — SPECIAL EDITION —

Find Your Camp WONDERING HOW TO FILL YOUR KIDS’ SUMMER IN FUN BUT PRODUCTIVE WAYS? CHECK OUT OUR BIGGEST CAMP GUIDE EVER, BEGINNING ON PAGE 23!

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COVER CAMPS Top row, from left: The Altamont School, Baylor School, Space One Eleven and The Exceptional Foundation. Second row: McWane Center and Virginia Samford Theatre. Third row: Samford Academy of the Arts, Vestavia Soccer Camp, Alabama Museum of Natural History Archeology Camp and Camp Mac. Fourth row: Camp CSI: Birmingham, Aldridge Gardens, Camp Winnataska and Joseph Bruno Montessori School.

For Decades, Godfarb Taught Kids at Camp a No-Frills Style of Soccer

By June Mathews For 31 summers, from 1986 through 2016, Preston Goldfarb went to soccer camp.

Not only did he go to camp, he daily directed, showed up hours early to prepare for, and taught at camp. But he had a reason – a very good one, in his opinion – that made it all worthwhile.

“I wanted to expose children to what I thought was the correct way to play the game, the way the Germans play it,” he said. “They keep it very simple, play the ball on the ground and move the ball along. That’s what I wanted to teach, and I think we accomplished that goal.”

A soccer coach by profession and a teacher by nature, Goldfarb served as head of the men’s soccer program at BirminghamSouthern College for 33 years, until he retired in 2016. For all his long and storied career at the college level, he fondly remembers his days at camp.

“We didn’t even have a decent field when we started,” he said. “We used a field that was mainly a patch of grass with some rocks on it, and I brought over a coach and two players (from Germany) that first year to help out. We ran the camp for two weeks.”

But the next year’s camp saw vast improvement. Goldfarb raised the money to build a field and brought in the number one goalkeeper in the world, Toni Schumacher (not to be confused with American drag racer Tony Schumacher), to help. The turnout was huge; kids literally came from around the world.

By 1988, the field was ready, Schumacher returned to camp, and kids from 30 U.S. states and five foreign countries showed up – about 400 kids for the two-week run of camp. Later that summer, Goldfarb took his college team to Brazil and held another camp there.

Around that time, Goldfarb started advertising his Excellence Through Fundamentals camp in Soccer America, the top soccer magazine in the country, and the program flourished.

“In the early 1990s to the late 2000s, we’d have about 200 kids a week with a waiting list of 200 or more,” he said. “Then everybody started having camps, and our numbers dropped some. We’d have 130 to 180 on a good week and maybe have around 450 total for about three weeks.”

Despite the lower numbers, Goldfarb felt compelled to continue.

“I wanted to teach the kids that the game is not about how fancy you go; it’s about how simple you can play,” he said. “I wanted to teach them to think. You see all these fancy moves by soccer players, and that’s just not what the game is about.”

Goldfarb’s fascination with soccer, with the German style of soccer in particular, came about during a 1972 trip to Germany with his brother.

“We were sitting in a bar watching TV, and a game came on,” he said. “I’d never watched a soccer game before, and I fell in love with it.

So I started playing and coaching back home.”

Because he liked the way the Germans played, Goldfarb returned to Germany in 1985 to start on the requirements for his coaching license, and he got to know some high-level players and coaches there. Those connections later paid off when he needed help with his college and camp programs.

As time went on, the college and camp pro-

Preston Goldfarb served as head of the men’s soccer program at Birmingham-Southern College for 33 years, until he retired in 2016.

Photo special to the Journal

Summer Days at VHUMC (Day) Telephone: (205) 822-9631 Address: 2016 Kentucky Ave., Vestavia Hills 35216 Email: awolfe@vhumc.org Website: vhumc.org/summerdays/ Ages: Grades K-5 Dates: May 30-August 4 Description: At Summer Days, our mission is to create a Christ-centered environment where children feel confident to participate, discover and grow. Summer Days at VHUMC provides a weekly theme-based camp where children can explore a new topic each week. Whether your child attends one week or all ten, this summer camp experience will be one they will talk about for years to come.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

grams worked to each other’s benefit as well.

“Around 75 percent of our BSC players came from our camps,” he said, “so it was a great recruiting tool, and it saved us money. It also gave our kids a chance to work and make some money during the summer, and teaching others how to play helped them with their own games.”

But the camp, said Goldfarb, was his baby, and not quite a year into retirement, he’s feeling the loss. Though a large chunk of his time since retiring has been and for the time being will be occupied with recruiting and coaching a team at Maccabiah 2017 in Israel this July, he clearly left a bit of his heart on the field he walked away from on his final day of camp last summer.

“I will miss it. I loved teaching the game through the camps,” he said. “It was so important to me to get kids that were 7, 8 years old all the way up to 18, 19 to understand the game. Everybody has their own opinions about how to play the game, and not one way is the right way or the wrong way. I just believe in my way – the simple way. That’s what we taught all those years.” ❖

‘I wanted to teach the kids that the game is not about how fancy you go; it’s about how simple you can play. I wanted to teach them to think. You see all these fancy moves by soccer players, and that’s just not what the game is about.’

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From Altamont to Broadway Alum Shares International Musical Success Story to Inspire Students

Mending kids’ hearts

Journal photo by Emily Williams

By Emily Williams After graduating from the Altamont School in 2005, Elias Hendricks wanted a career in something musically theatrical, whether that be opera, musical theater or something else.

On Feb. 15, while back home in Birmingham, Hendricks visited his alma mater having made that dream come true. Hendricks gave students a glimpse of his theatrical success by playing a few songs and handing out some words of wisdom to inspire students.

“I never thought when I was an eighth-grader that I would grow up to be a singer,” Hendricks said.

During his time at Altamont, Hendricks did a little bit of everything.

He was one of the school’s star soccer players, he dabbled in basketball, and he was a member of the orchestra and the choir.

When his visions of a soccer career began to succumb to reality, Hendricks explored his passion for music at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Since graduating, Hendricks has made a career for himself, the highlights of which include the title role of Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King,” touring Europe with his one-man soul show “Aint Too Proud to Beg,” and, most recently, as the lead singer of The Temptations in “Motown: the Musical” shown on London’s West End. In 2016, Vox Fortura, the classical crossover musical group of which he is a member, made it to the semi-finals on the show “Britain’s Got Talent.”

Hendricks told the students they should take advantage of the diversity the school offers.

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 35

SCHOOLS

Elias Hendricks, right, on a recent visit to The Altamont School, shared his professional expertise with students, giving them instruction as they performed songs they had selected and advice on how to approach auditions.

“One of the best, most important things that this school has to offer is diversity,” Hendricks said.

At Altamont, Hendricks said, he was exposed to a world of diversity both culturally and academically. He attributes his ability to acclimate with ease to any environment his career takes him to the lessons he learned simply attending school with a diverse group of peers.

“Don’t take for granted the opportunities you have in this school,” Hendricks told students. “A diverse curriculum is a privilege.”

Hendricks showcased his own

diverse talents by performing songs of several genres, including “Bring Him Home,” from “Les Miserables;” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” from “The Lion King;” “You Raise Me Up,”

by Josh Groban; and “Can I Close a Door on Love,” from “Motown: the Musical.”

Hendricks shared his professional expertise with two students, giving them instruction as they performed songs they had selected and advice on how to approach auditions. Before sending the students back to class, Hendricks finished with a performance of “Sandcastles,” by Beyonce. ❖

Pediatric & Congenital

HEART Center of

Alabama

PEDIATRIC CARDIOVASCULAR SERVICES

Mending kids’ hearts.

Photos special to the Journal

It’s what we do best. Our team of more than 250 pediatric professionals is recognized for its excellence by U.S. News & World Report.

From tiny babies to teens, we care for Tucker and every child as if that child were our own. l 22 Board-certified physicians and surgeons LPMS principla Kacy Pierce with Lancer Court of Honor recipients and two-time Paralympian Mary Allison Cook, right.

LPMS Announces Lancer Court Honorees

Twelve Liberty Park Middle School students recently were selected as members of the school’s 201617 Lancer Court of Honor for the second nine weeks. Teachers selected two boys and two girls from each grade level as Lancer Court representatives, the highest honor a student can receive at LPMS. Students are selected based on leadership, citizenship and conduct.

The sixth-grade recipients were

Macie Jeffers, Chris Khalaf, Natalie Metcalf and Andrew Szymela.

The seventh-grade recipients were Eric Day, Al Dean Francisco, Emma Grace Pike and Catherine Whitcomb.

The eighth-grade recipients were Will Cox, Rachel Hall, Danna Romero and Taylor Smitha.

Mary Allison Cook was the keynote speaker for the ceremony. Cook played for the University of Alabama’s wheelchair basketball team and later

earned a spot on the U.S National Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team, where she represented the United States for eight years. During her national team career, she became a two-time Paralympian, competing in the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 games and earning the titles of Parapan American, World and Paralympic Champion.

In her address, Cook spoke to students, visitors and faculty about the importance of finding one’s passion and setting goals for achievement. ❖

l 425 cardiac surgeries annually l 31 heart transplants over the past four years, with a greater than 90%one-year survival rate l 99% survival rate for all surgical patients in 2016 l 20 private CVICU rooms, 16 private CCU rooms, 2 CV operating rooms and 2 cath labs

Learn how you can help. Visit www.ChildrensAL.org/heart For Children’s Financial Assistance information contact 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance

BUSINESS

36 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Photos special to the Journal

UAB President Watts Named BBA Board Chairman

The Red Diamond Classic draws many of the nation’s elite youth teams from all over the United States.

For Love and Money Red Diamond Classic Contributes to Community

By Lee Davis Bill Bowron really wasn’t thinking of sponsoring one of America’s top youth tournaments when he first became interested in soccer a little more than two decades ago. The motive was much simpler.

“My son was a very active little boy and we wanted to find a team sport in which he could channel all that energy,” said Bowron, the chairman, CEO and president of Red Diamond, a Birmingham-based beverage and food company.

“We tried several sports, and he was best suited for soccer. After that, I fell in love with the game.”

Bowron became involved with the Birmingham United Soccer Association and became a licensed coach. As is the case with all youth sports organizations, Birmingham United needed a fundraiser.

And Bowron had an idea.

“Lots of clubs do things to raise money such as having a car wash or selling pecans,” Bowron recalled. “We decided to host a soccer tournament.”

The tournament had a modest beginning. When a couple of sponsors dropped out, Bowron stepped in.

“We were looking for a sponsor, and I said OK, Red Diamond will sponsor it,” he said. “That began a 15-year association that continues today.”

The Red Diamond Classic has grown into an event so large that it’s now spread over two weekends. This year’s tournament will feature boys competition on March 4-5, followed by girls competition on March 11-12. Games will be played at fields all over the area, including U.S. 280, Heardmont Park in North Shelby County and Mountain Brook High School. Admission for games at all locations is free, although some places may have parking fees.

Bowron said the Classic draws many of the nation’s elite youth teams from all over the United States.

“Teams come from places like Connecticut and Indiana for two main reasons,” he said. “One reason is because they can play on green grass with warm temperatures at this time of year as compared to what they have at home. The fact is that they know they will be competing against elite teams from all over.” Elite local teams from Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia Hills and

‘These teams will bring about 20,000 family members and friends who will stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores. It’s expected to bring about $7.5 million to our area. This year, the tournament will reach the $100 million mark in total economic impact for the greater Birmingham region.’

BILL BOWRON, CHAIRMAN, CEO AND PRESIDENT OF RED DIAMOND, A BIRMINGHAM-BASED BEVERAGE AND FOOD COMPANY.

Homewood will also participate.

The tournament will draw more than 300 teams – which is good news for metro Birmingham as far

as economic impact.

“These teams will bring about 20,000 family members and friends who will stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores,” Bowron said. “It’s expected to bring about $7.5 million to our area. This year, the tournament will reach the $100 million mark in total economic impact for the greater Birmingham region.”

Scouts from the nation’s top college programs will also attend many of the tournament games, Bowron added.

In addition to sheer numbers, the Red Diamond Classic is also a valuable marketing tool for the community in general, according to Bowron.

“It’s very much like an investment in our future,” Bowron said. “The young people visiting here are at an impressionable age. They soon will be making decisions about where to attend college and where they will live and work later in life.

When they see the wonderful quality of life we offer, we are attracting a future generation to our city.”

While economics and marketing are important, Bowron puts an even greater value on the influence that participation in youth sports can have on a young person’s life.

“It’s so important to find a place to channel a youngster’s energy in a positive, uplifting way,” Bowron said. “If that doesn’t happen it’s so easy for a kid to get into trouble. Youth sports gives them something to do with their energy while learning so many lessons that will help them later in life. Sports teaches them how to win and how to lose; how to be a good sport and how to work with others in pursuit of a common goal. And most of all – it’s just plain fun.”

Bowron said that his own experience in soccer contributed to his appreciation of the game’s impact on youth.

“Through my years of coaching soccer, I’ve been proud to be involved in a sport that positively impacts children of all ages,” he said. “It allowed me to spend extra time with my son, something for which I’ll always be grateful. Youth Soccer is fueled by parents who become involved and invested in teams because of their children only to realize a far greater return than they ever imagined.”

As the tournament enters its 19th year, the Red Diamond Classic is a product of that dedication. ❖

Dr. Ray Watts, president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, recently was re-elected as the 2017 chairman of the board for the Birmingham Business Alliance.

Lee Smith Jr. of BBVA Compass will serve as the chairman-elect.

New members of the BBA 2017 executive committee and board of directors also were elected. They are: Dr. George French, vice chairman of workforce development; Mike Thompson, vice chairman of public policy; Don Logan, vice chairman of communications; Leigh Dr. Ray Watts Collier, vice chairwoman of finance; and Bing Edwards, corporate secretary.

In his position as chairman, Watts said, the board will continue to pursue the development of Innovate Birmingham, an initiative to create an innovation district.

“Innovate Birmingham is a top priority for UAB and for the BBA,” said Watts. “This coming year is going to be very important in solidifying our plan, staking our claim and making significant progress in that area. I am pleased to continue the great momentum created in the last year by serving another year as chairman.”

New members elected to the BBA executive committee were Nelson Bean of First Commercial Bank; Stan Blanton of Balch & Bingham; Brian Bucher of PNC Bank; Todd Carlisle of Sirote & Permutt; Greg Curran of Maynard Cooper & Gale; Beau Grenier with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings; Devon Laney of Innovation Depot; Joel McMahon of Jay Electric; Hatton Smith of Royal Cup Coffee; Ken Smith of Alagasco; Jimmie Stephens, Jefferson County Commission president; Mark Tarr of HealthSouth Corp.; Lee Thuston of Burr & Forman; and Mike Tracy of Drummond Company.

New members elected to the BBA board of directors are Ed Aldag of Medical Properties Trust; Bill Connor with America’s First Credit Union; Linda Flaherty-Goldsmith of Birmingham-Southern College; Grant Hanes of Ernst & Young; Brian Heslop of Cadence Bank; Robert Smith of Charter Communications; and Fernando Valentin of Trinity Design Group.

Urban Ministry Announces Courtney B. Brown as New Board Chair

Courtney B. Brown, a lawyer with Burge & Burge, has been appointed chairwoman of the board of directors for Birmingham-based nonprofit Urban Ministry.

Courtney has represented injured individuals since 1984 and has served with Urban Ministry for four years as a member of the board of directors and one if its most avid supporters.

“We work alongside the citizens of West End by Courtney B. Brown offering programs like our Urban Kids after-school and summer enrichment program, providing transportation and utility support for the elderly and offering resources for the development of job and life skills,” Brown said

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

in a statement. “A perfect example is that many of the youth of West End are serving as interns with our programs gaining professional skills and life tools that will enable them to find jobs and lead productive lives.”

Brown said she hopes to continue the momentum and effectiveness of outgoing board chair Ken Nolen, including with the WE Community Cafe, a pay-as-you-can weekly cafe.

“I am excited to see the continued impact of the cafe as it trains more interns, serves more people and continues to promote a healthy lifestyle in the West End community in 2017,” said Brown.

YWCA Honors Hoover’s Dot Mueller with Leadership Award

The YWCA Central Alabama recently named Hoover resident Dot Mueller as its 2016 Jeana P. Hosch Woman of Valor.

The award was presented during the agency’s annual meeting.

The award is presented each year to a YW woman who is an inspirational leader.

Mueller Dot Mueller served either on the YW’s board of directors or staff since 1989 before retiring in December.

“Dot truly has a servant’s heart and has brought countless volunteers and

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 37

BUSINESS supporters to the YW,” said Yolanda Sullivan, CEO of the YWCA. “She believes in our mission and has played a significant role in the impact we make on women, children and families in crisis. Dot is a leader by example, a champion for those in need and a friend to all.”

Mueller worked at UAB for 36 years, much of that time spent in the Office of the Provost. While there, she helped establish the UAB Benevolent Fund, an on-campus campaign that raises money for area nonprofits.

A former president of The Women’s Network and president and district service chair of the Zonta Club of Birmingham, Mueller served as a member of United Way of Central Alabama’s Visiting Allocation Team for 20 years.

“I do not consider myself to be a person of wealth, power or influence in the community, but I have learned that one person can do a lot of good to help a lot of people by just donating your time, your talents and your resources as you are able,” Mueller said.

Also during the meeting, board President Brenda Hackney introduced new members of the board of directors: Dr. Jarralynne Agee, director of Birmingham’s Violence Reduction Initiative; Amy S. Allen, president and CEO of Baptist Health System; Lajuana Bradford, senior vice president and director of corporate social responsibility for Regions Bank; Kitty Rogers Brown, shareholder with White Arnold & Dowd, PC; Faye C. Levin, business manager for Alabama Pediatrics; Sumner Johnson Rives, president of the James Milton and

Sallie R. Johnson Foundation; Jera G. Stribling, executive director of the Joseph S. Bruno Charitable Foundation; and Beverly S. Virciglio, a member in Warren Averett’s estate and trust service area.

Grandview Gains Accreditation in Treating Heart Rhythm Disorders

Grandview Medical Center recently earned Cardiac Electrophysiology Accreditation by the Heart Rhythm Society and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission.

Grandview is the only hospital in the Southeast and among four in the country to earn the designation, according to a statement from the hospital Cardiac electrophysiology is the specialty that cares for patients with heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation, also called AFib. Nearly four million people have AFib, which increases the risk of a stroke and may lead to heart failure and other symptoms.

“There are many treatment options, but early intervention is the key to treating AFib,” said Dr. Jose Osorio, cardiac electrophysiologist and medical director of the EP Lab at Grandview “Our treatment is aimed at decreasing the stroke risk with medications, procedures such as AFib ablation, or other measures to try to restore the normal rhythm.”

Grandview Medical Center has a team of doctors, nurses and technicians who specialize in electrophysiology with a specific focus on AFib care.

“The training, ongoing education and experience of our staff performing procedures, as well as the equipment, facility and protocols we have created all contribute to a positive patient outcome,” Osorio said. “We had a commitment to develop one of the top electrophysiology programs from every aspect. Our goal was to have the best patient experience and outcomes.

The accreditation … recognized the electrophysiology lab and care we are providing, and it also helped us improve the overall quality of our program.”

Show Business: Theatre UAB Hosts Annual Festival of Plays

Each evening from March 6 through 10, Theatre UAB will host the 14th annual Festival of Ten-Minute Plays.

The festival features plays that are written, directed and acted by the UAB Department of Theatre’s students, faculty and staff. According to department officials, the plays are known to be, “smart, edgy, shrewd, shocking and often hilarious.”

Six of this year’s seven plays are written by students and include: “An Absolute Rose” by Ella Grace Smitherman, directed by student Spencer Webb; “To Make Love Known” by Benjamin Lundy, directed

by Karla Koskinen; “The Deal” by Pierce Alexander Edwards, directed

by Lee Shackleford; “Visual Art 101”

by Brady Grimm, directed by student Holly Morgan; “Gratitude for Disservice”

by Bliss Bailey, directed by Lee Shackleford; and “Knock, Knock” by

Lee Shackleford, an associate professor at UAB, founded the Festival of 10-Minute Plays in his 2003 playwriting class.

Michael Cooper, directed by Spencer Webb.

The seventh play, “The Vase” is written J. Marc Quattlebaum, the theatre department’s properties master, and directed by Mel Christian. According to Associate Professor Lee Shackleford, the show, “is a full-tilt slapstick farce.”

Inspired by a similar festival at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, Kentucky, Shackleford founded the festival in 2003 in his playwriting class.

“Every year, we take on a new challenge, something we haven’t tried before, and that’s thrilling,” he said.

“What I usually tell people is that a 10-minute play has to do everything a full-length play would do, only without the luxury of time.”

The plays often contain strong adult language and themes. Tickets are $5 and should be purchased in advance as shows typically sell out.

To purchase tickets, visit alysstephens.org or call 975-2787. For more information, visit uab.edu/cas/ theatre. ❖

38 • Thursday, February 23, 2017

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Mountain Brook Boys Take Soccer Championship, Girls Claim Second

The Mountain Brook High School boys soccer team won the Southern Shootout Soccer Tournament championship held over the President’s Day weekend in Fairhope.

Mountain Brook Treat

The Mountain Brook girls team took second in the tournament, which was hosted by St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile. ❖ Members of the boys team are, front, from left: Coach Joe Webb, Ryan Gaynor, Selim Tunagur, Sam Nichols, Ethan Harradine, Sam Rysedorph, Patrick Neil, Will Struthers, Zach Shunnarah and Coach Stacy Hood. Middle: Aiden Hood, John Freeman, Mason Hemstreet, Lucas Geurs, Jimmy Pham, Cole Hamilton and Pirman Blattman. Back: Benson Dowler, Jack Thomas Jones, Blake Roth, Reid Freeman, Eli Sellers and Hudson Dorough.

Photos special to the Journal

Bell. “We set two goals the first day of practice: one, to strive to work hard and become the best players/team possible; and two, in the process to win the championship. They overcame many obstacles, which included an early season-ending injury to Riley Kilner.

However, over time we cultivated and developed a mental toughness. Their attitude was that we can prevail under

John Carroll Catholic’s eighth-grade girls basketball team scored a 21-18 victory over the Helena Huskies to win the Southern Conference Championship last month.

Helena, the number one seed, previously had defeated John Carroll in their two regular season battles.

“The team was up 12-5 at the half.

It was 18-18 very close to the end of the game, but the girls held strong and made a couple of key shots when needed,” said Ginny McMillan, John Carroll Catholic interim middle school athletic director.

John Carroll ended their season with a 9-5 and ranked third going into the tournament. After defeating McAdory 43-15, John Carroll stormed past number two seed Briarwood in the semi-final game.

“The ladies are a special group of athletes,” said coach John Charles

any circumstances. ‘No excuses, no matter what happens, no matter who is hurt, and no matter who is in foul trouble.’”

The team includes: Kate Baecher, Amanda Hall, Kelner, Eleanor Kyle, Kennedi Langan, Michele McCaw, Abby McMinn, Regan Morrow, Amelia Ragusa, Lizzie Tighe, trainer Allisyn Comei and Bell. ❖

Photos special to the Journal

John Carroll Middle School Girls’ Basketball Takes Conference Title

WRESTLING, From page 40

the 160-pound title with a decision over Vestavia’s Bowman Hill. Blakely completed the season with a 45-3 worksheet.

Other area wrestlers reaching the Class 7A finals included: 106 pounds: Oak Mountain’s Sullivan Tipton was runner-up to Thompson’s Sam Latona.

120 pounds: Vestavia’s Alex Thomas was runner-up to Hewitt-Trussville’s Stone Bearden.

138 pounds: Hoover’s Patterson Huff was runner-up to Oak Mountain’s Carson Lester.

145 pounds: Vestavia’s Jack Stoves was runner-up to Hewitt-Trussville’s Conner Smith.

170 pounds: Hoover’s Randy Jenkins defeated HewittTrussville’s Brandon Keith.

195 pounds: Hoover’s D’angelo Hewitt defeated Huntsville’s Jaeger Clark.

In Class 6A, Homewood finished fourth place with 115.5 points behind champion Oxford’s 195 total. The Patriots earned two championships as the brother-combination of Carlos Jesus Figueroa and Carlos Miguel Figueroa claimed the 195- and 182-pound classes, respectively.

Homewood’s Javonic Turner finished second in the 145-pound class.

For now, Tee Adams and his Rebels are number one.

The Vestavia nation can’t wait to see what they do next. ❖

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Members of the girls team are, front: Cece Sims, Ella Nichols, Caroline Monson, Ellen Waller, Claire Brian, Holly Brown, Lamar Campbell, Kathleen Odum, Mary Allison Anderson and Kat Brian. Back: Coach Christi Elias, Coach Adam Johnson, Emma Blakely, Celia Benedict, Elizabeth Gillespy, Memory Littleton, Maddie Campbell, Nicole Waudby, Walker Poe, Hannah Bartels, Ryan Davis, Anna Windle and Coach Derek Dearman.

Spartan Sean Elmore Is Double Threat

By Lee Davis Many basketball players say they enjoy playing defense.

Some of them actually mean it.

One of those is Mountain Brook junior guard Sean Elmore. When he says that his favorite thing to do on a basketball court is to prevent a score, you believe him.

“I love to get defensive stops,” Elmore says to anyone who’s interested. “It’s one of the best feelings that there is in this game.”

With that kind of attitude, Elmore would be an asset to the Spartans even if he wasn’t a serious offensive threat.

Being one of the most effective threepoint shooters in Alabama makes him the ultimate basketball weapon.

“Sean is competitive, plays great defense and can hit the threes,” said Mountain Brook coach Bucky McMillan. “That’s a great combination for anybody. He’s also one of those guys who can’t stand to lose.”

Elmore was a big reason the Spartans entered the Class 7A Northwest Regional at Jacksonville State with a 27-5 record and high ranking in the polls. Through 32 games, he averaged 12.8 points per game, along with five rebounds, two assists and two steals. From the three-point stripe, Elmore connected on 72 of 170 attempts for a sizzling 42 percent. He’s also a 74 percent free throw shooter.

On Feb. 10, Elmore reached a personal milestone when he scored his 1,000th career point in a Mountain Brook victory over Oak Mountain.

That total includes the points he scored during his freshman season, when he earned a starting position with HewittTrussville. After a year with the Huskies, Elmore transferred to Mountain Brook.

Elmore’s appreciation of the importance of defense and team play is typical of this Spartan team, which McMillan said is among the most unselfish he has ever coached. And while standout forward Trendon Watford has more than lived up to his pre-season expectations, the coach said that Mountain Brook is far more than a one-man show.

“This team has had more assists than any team I’ve ever coached,” McMillan said. “People who haven’t seen us play assume we’re nothing except Trendon scoring a lot of points.

But that’s far from the truth and the numbers support it.”

McMillan said the team concept starts at the top and works its way down the entire Spartan roster.

“Everyone truly buys into the philosophy of passing on good shots to get the ball to a teammate who has a great shot,” he explained. “Trendon could get a shot off every time he comes down the floor but he chooses to play the game the right way. Our reserves may not get a shot at all because they want to do what’s best for the team.”

Mountain Brook’s basketball maturity belies the youth of its players.

“I’m pretty sure we are the youngest Class 7A team in the state,” McMillan said. “When breaking down minutes played over the course of the season, only one of our top eight players is a senior, along with three juniors, three sophomores and a freshman. To have this much success and be this young gets overlooked, but it’s impressive when you consider the average age on this team is around 16, compared with many teams that are loaded with 18-year-olds.”

With a roster so young, Mountain Brook’s future is bright. The present is looking good as well.

After putting together back-to-back state championships in 2013 and 2014, the Spartans reached the Class 7A finals in 2015 but were eliminated by Gadsden City in the Northwest Regionals last season. Coincidentally, Mountain Brook was to face the Titans in the first round of the regionals this season – a fact not lost on Elmore.

“It was a bad feeling to lose (to Gadsden City) last year,” he said. “We don’t want that feeling again.

Mountain Brook is supposed to be in the Final Four and that’s where we want to be.”

If the Spartans make the championship round again, the defensive and shooting skills of Sean Elmore may well help them get there. ❖

Thursday, February 23, 2017 • 39

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOOPS HEAVEN,

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

In the Class 7A boys Northeast Regionals at Jacksonville State, Mountain Brook slipped by Gadsden City 52-51. Ben McCool, above, scored 15 points for the Spartans. In the Northwest Regionals, Vestavia boys dominated Bob Jones 58-43. Below, Rebel David Cuddy defends the basket against a Patriot shooter.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

CORRECTION: A story about Hoover winning the indoor state track title in our last included a photo of John Paul Rumore incorrectly identified. We regret the error.

Spain Park’s Sarah Ashley Barker, above, scored 11 points in the Jaguar’s 52-49 overtime win over Gadsden City. Below, Claire Holt’s successful layup at the buzzer – and free throw with no time left – sent the game into overtime.

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

26 points and six rebounds. Justin Rumph contributed 15 points and nine rebounds.

The big story may have been the play of the Buccaneer defense, which held the Senators to a paltry 33 percent shooting percentage from the floor and earned nine steals.

In the other bracket of the Northwest Regionals, first year Vestavia Hills coach Patrick Davis may have earned some Coach of the Year votes by leading the Rebels to a 58-43 domination of Bob Jones. Davis has taken a Vestavia team that had little pre-season build-up to within one game of the Final Four. Mac Smith scored 19 points to spark the Rebels over the Patriots. Mitchell Langley nailed four three-point baskets in the first half to aid Vestavia’s cause.

The Rebels’ stirring run will continue Tuesday, when they meet Hoover for the regional title. The Bucs have won all three previous meetings of the teams this season.

Hoover’s Lady Bucs are still in the running as well with a 52-42 win over Bob Jones in the Class 7A Northwest Regionals, also at WallaceHanceville. New coach Krystle Johnson has clearly instilled in her team the determination and pride that characterized Hoover girls basketball a decade ago. When high-scoring Eboni Williams got in foul trouble, Joiya Maddox and Jennifer Andrew compensated for the loss by combining for 20 points. Williams put together a strong fourth quarter to finish with 10 points.

In Jacksonville State’s Class 7A girls Northwest Regionals, Spain Park came within a game of the Final Four with a thrilling 52-49 overtime win over Gadsden City. Claire Holt’s successful layup at the buzzer – and free throw with no time left – sent the game into overtime. Holt finished with 17 points. Teammates Sarah Ashley Barker and Bailey Bowers scored 11 and 12 points respectively. Barrett Herring grabbed 16 rebounds for the winners.

Coach Mike Chase’s Lady Jaguars were to meet Grissom for the region crown Wednesday.

The Homewood Lady Patriots made a bid for their third consecutive Final Four appearance with a 73-34 thrashing of Brewer in the first round of the Class 6A Northwest Regionals. Star forward Ajah Wayne – now fully recovered from a devastating knee injury suffered in last year’s championship final loss to LeFlore – sparked Homewood with 21 points and seven rebounds. Junior guard Hannah Barber added 13 points with seven assists.

Barber said the 9 a.m. tipoff didn’t bother the team.

“We’ve played the early morning games before,” she said. “We came up the night before and stayed in a hotel. We really didn’t think about the time – we just wanted to play basketball.”

Homewood was scheduled to meet Ramsay for the region championship Tuesday. The Lady Rams have defeated the Lady Patriots once in three meetings in 2016-17.

“There’s a lot at stake,” Barber said. “We don’t play well, we could lose. Nobody wants that to happen.”

Even in Class 1A, an Over the Mountain team advanced. The Westminster-Oak Mountain Lady Knights routed Talladega County 49-16 in the Central Regional in Montgomery’s Acadome at Alabama State University. Freshman Morgan White scored 26 points for Westminster.

The Lady Knights were to meet Loachapoka on Tuesday, with the winner earning a Final Four berth. ❖

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

From page 40

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

SPORTS

Mountain Brook Boys Take Soccer Championship, Girls Claim Second. P. 38

New Coach, No Problem

LEE DAVIS

Hoops Heaven Early Regional Wins Foreshadow Big Finals

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Vestavia Sets AHSAA Record with 15th State Wrestling Championship, Eagles’ Blakely Named MVP

Hoover’s Austin Carter, above right, won a decision over Vestavia’s Jacob Edwards in the 285-pound state championship. Overall the Rebels won their second consecutive Class 7A wrestling title last week, totaling 131.5 points to outdistance runner-up Hoover’s 107.5 points at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. The Patriots earned two championships in Class 6A as the brother-combination of Carlos Jesus Figueroa, below, and Carlos Miguel Figueroa claimed the 195and 182-pound classes, respectively.

By Lee Davis Throughout the history of sports, it’s easy to find cases where it was difficult for a new coach to follow a successful predecessor.

That’s not the case with Vestavia Hills wrestling.

Steve Gaydosh led the Rebels to 14 state championships before retiring at the end of the 2016 season.

Former Vestavia wrestler Monterrious “Tee” Adams, who was coaching at Hewitt-Trussville, answered the call from his alma mater to succeed Gaydosh.

Last weekend proved that sometimes coaching transitions can be

seamless. The Rebels won their second consecutive Class 7A wrestling title last week, totaling 131.5 points to out-distance runner-up Hoover’s 107.5 points at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.

“I really don’t know what to say about our boys,” Adams said. “They bought into a new regime and did incredibly well. I can’t express how proud I am of this team.”

Consistency was the key to the Vestavia victory, as only one Rebel claimed a title. Three Vestavia wrestlers earned runner-up slots. James Edwards claimed his second straight 220-pound championship with a decision over Sparkman’s Brandon

Oak Mountain junior Barrett Blakely was named Class 7A Most Valuable Wrestler. Blakely clinched the 160pound title with a decision over Vestavia’s Bowman Hill. Blakely completed the season with a 45-3 worksheet.

Moore. Edwards finished a perfect 41-0 for the year.

James’ twin brother, Jacob, finished second in the 285-pound class, losing a decision to Hoover’s Austin Carter.

Oak Mountain junior Barrett Blakely was named Class 7A Most Valuable Wrestler. Blakely clinched See WRESTLING, page 38

Most basketball fans believe that the high school season doesn’t really begin in earnest until midFebruary.

If that’s the case, the 2016-17 season looks as if it will be one for the books.

With the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s regional finals this week, no less than seven Over the Mountain teams – three boys teams and four girls – still had a shot at winning the big blue state championship trophy in early March. And it was a lead pipe cinch that at least one boys team will reach the Class 7A Final Four in early March at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena.

Here’s a summary of what happened in the first round of the respective regionals involving area schools last week: In the Class 7A boys Northeast Regionals at Jacksonville State, Mountain Brook slipped by Gadsden City 52-51. The win was particularly sweet for the Spartans as it avenged a defeat at the hands of the Titans in the regionals last season. Forward Trendon Watford bagged a late free throw to give Mountain Brook the victory. Watford finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds, three blocked shots and two assists. Ben McCool and Sean Elmore scored 15 and 14 points, respectively, for the Spartans.

Mountain Brook hurt itself by shooting an uncharacteristically poor 13 free throws in 32 attempts. Coach Bucky McMillan’s team was to face Huffman in the regional finals Wednesday.

In the Class 7A boys Northwest Regional at Wallace State-Hanceville, Hoover routed Sparkman 62-40.

Jamari Blackmon paced the Bucs with See HOOPS HEAVEN, page 39

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