2.24.22

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

SPORTS

2022 OTMJ SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

ON WITH THE CAMPS! A

FTER TWO YEARS OF THE PANDEMIC LIFE with all its inconveniences and fears, kids are ready for a fun and carefree summer break – and that means camp! You and your camper will find plenty of great options in our annual guide beginning on page 19. But don’t delay. This year’s summer camps, we predict, will fill up fast. ❖

Cancer hits close to home for Pulitzer Prize-winner and ROAR honoree Rick Bragg

Eagans ‘Surprised and humbled’ by Heart Ball recognition

Spring Fashions

From top, clockwise: Red Mountain Theatre Summer Camp; Summer at Springs, Indian Springs School; Samford Cooking Camp for Teens

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2 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

Inside

Murphy’s Law

I BRUNCH WITH THE BACHELORS Special elephant interaction with the Birmingham Zoo’s Bulwagi, Luti and Gadze PAGE 7

BE KIND Hoover, other OTM schools promote kindness, condemn bullying PAGE 8

SPRING FASHION FORECAST Local fashion pros discuss trends and show off what’s in store for spring PAGE 12

TOP TEACHERS Mountain Brook City Schools names teachers of the year PAGE 28

ABOUT TOWN NEWS LIFE FASHION

4 8 10 12

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

SOCIAL CAMP GUIDE SCHOOLS SPORTS

Model Behavior

have come to the realization that I insurance and memory supplements and will never be a hand model. I’ll phones that have only two large butnever be asked to showcase a cubic tons, one of which is HELP. zirconium on QVC. Just add hands to Older people are used in drug comthe list of my body parts that would be mercials, but only if their malady is considered subpar on the advertising temporarily getting in the way of their list. usual running of a 5K or leading a My feet, my last and final hope, are marching band or causing a stir on a beginning to look as old as the rest of fashion show runway with a new specme. For a while there, they seemed tacular design. (Note, the older person almost viable, mostly because I kept is not asked to model the gown, just them covered, but my big toe is now design it.) In all cases, the message is, making its way through the top of my “How does she do it?” Read: this is not Sue Murphy sneakers, just like my mom’s did, so no normal. sandals ads, either.

On the other side of the argument, That’s okay. I wasn’t counting on some of the mature celebrity ads QVC revenues to finance my retireNo one wants to see make me cringe. Dear Betty White ment, but still, the finality of it has used as a comic cautionary chara retiree in a skirted was me hitting an emotional wall – not at acter in a Snickers ad. Joe Namath, a 90 mph – more like a slow-motion swimsuit jetting down rebel who used to stand on the Jets crunch. Actually, that’s it in a nutin a full-length fur coat, is a water slide on the sidelines shell: Everything in my body has now reading copy for a reverse mortRoyal Caribbean. gotten crunched. gage company. The company even I knew long ago that I wouldn’t snagged Tom Selleck. Tom Selleck, be an actual model-type model. Too once voted the sexiest man alive. short, too Oop (Out of proportion), and I made peace (Still not chopped liver, if you ask me). That about broke with that, reminding myself that I have other fine qualimy heart. ties, although, sadly, there are days when they don’t surMy age group does get a lot of voice-over work, but face and, for the good of humanity, I stay home and keep I’m not a candidate for that, either. Instead of a Morgan my mouth shut. Here’s my new mantra: Tomorrow is Freeman vibe, my taped voice sounds like Gladys another day.

Kravitz from “Bewitched.” Gladys Kravitz … Gosh, I’m Women of varying body types are now landing spots old. in national ads, but they all have one thing in common: Still, if they need someone to read in a reedy tone, I they’re young. Young buys you a lot. Young is bouncy would be happy to speak up for decaffeinated tea pods and full of promise. Older is been-there-done-that, which and Grape Nuts cereal and coffee ice cream. I’d even say you think would be a wonderful sales tool, but only in a few encouraging words about hand cream … even some venues. Young models showcase jazzy items like though they wouldn’t want to show me using it. hard seltzers and gradient sunglasses and trips on tropical Oh well, from here on in, I will keep my hands to cruises. No one wants to see a retiree in a skirted swimmyself and concentrate on modeling other qualities like suit jetting down a water slide on the Royal Caribbean. perseverance and a good work ethic. Patience? Well …

Ads featuring spokespeople my age sell things like life Tomorrow is another day.

14 19 28 32

otmj.com With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter.

Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area.

To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.

Over the Mountain Views RISE & Buy Garage Sale Nets $5K

J O U R N A L February 24, 2022 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writer: Ally Morrison Photographer: Jordan Wald Sports: Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd Vol. 32, No. 14

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 2022 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.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

Vestavia Hills Civic Center was filled to the brim Feb. 12 with garage sale items for the RISE & Buy Garage Sale.

The sale raised $5,000, which will go to the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB.

Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement is a semester-long service project run by students of Vestavia Hills High School. More than half the student body participates on RISE teams throughout the semester to raise money and create awareness through service.

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Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 3

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4 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

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ABOUT TOWN

ROAR the Cure

FEB 24 - MAR 5

Cancer Hits Close to Home for Pulitzer Prize-Winner And Gala Honoree Rick Bragg Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and journalist Rick Bragg will be the honoree for the 11th annual ROAR the Cure Gala, being held March 5 at The Club.

Bragg holds his status as this year’s honoree close to his heart because of his own experiences with cancer.

“Cancer has touched my family again, again and again,” Bragg said.

“I lost my brother Sam, who was the best man that I’ve ever known. He had pancreatic cancer. My mother had

‘I guess they thought if anybody had a reason to want to try to help improve research to fight cancer, they figured it would be me.’

RICK BRAGG

Birmingham Museum of Art

colon cancer and survived it; she will be 85 in April. I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which I have been clear of for several years now, but it is known to be recurring.

“I guess they thought if anybody had a reason to want to try to help improve research to fight cancer, they figured it would be me.”

According to Bragg, the treatment he underwent for lymphoma was developed right before he was diagnosed. It was easier on his body than the older treatments and allowed him to recover faster.

“Had it not been for that research, my story might have been different,”

Bragg said.

Founded in 2009, Radiation, Oncology Accelerated Research is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise funds for UAB’s Radiation Oncology Department.

Its annual James Bond-themed gala raises money for cancer research.

The proceeds from the gala go directly to support research being done by doctors in UAB’s Department of Radiation Oncology. In return, the doctors in that department match ROAR’s donation dollar for dollar.

Bragg explains the significance of the gala and how contributions may be life-changing.

“There’s very little that most of us can do,” Bragg said. “I don’t have the skill to fight it any other way. This is about all there is for most of us. We can join in the fight any way we can, with whatever weapons we have.

Words are about the only thing I have in my toolbox. Words are all I’ve got.

If lending those words to somehow make this struggle even the smallest bit easier, if we can raise even a little money, I’m honored to be a part of that in whatever way I can. It is always encouraging to see so many people willing to join in the fight against this awful disease.”

During his early years as a journalist, Rick Bragg worked for The Anniston Star and then moved on to the Birmingham News and the St. Petersburg Times. His priority during his career with the St. Petersburg Times was the political and economic unrest happening in Haiti. His reporter status quickly changed to Miami bureau chief.

At the age of 32, Bragg was awarded Harvard University’s Nieman Fellowship, which provides

Local artist Amy Anderson is set to speak about watercolor and the artistic process. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

When: 10 a.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

Feb. 25-27 Friends of the O’Neal Library Annual Book Sale

This annual book sale is something the Friends of the O’Neal Library has been doing for over 50 years. A preview party will be held on Feb. 24, for a donation of at least $25 to the library. When: Times vary based on date Where: O’Neal Library

Feb. 25-27 Photo by Meredith Bragg

By Ally Morrison

Friends of the Library: ART & Soul: The Artistic Process

Alabama Ballet Performs Blue Suede Shoes

Renowned writer Rick Bragg, above with his dog Speck, teaches journalism and creative writing courses at the University of Alabama.

tuition-free career development education for working journalists.

Shortly after being awarded the fellowship, Bragg was hired by The New York Times as a correspondent.

During his years working for The Times, he had the opportunity to live in New York, Miami, Atlanta and New Orleans. In 1996, Bragg won a Pulitzer Prize in Feature Writing for his reporting work at The Times.

“While I was working for The New York Times, I covered mostly hardships,” Bragg said. “I wrote a lot about poverty, crime, drugs and prisons. Along the way, I won a Pulitzer,

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which I was very proud of.”

While his journalism career was aflame, Bragg explained, he was simultaneously writing books. As of today, Bragg has written 12 books, many of which are New York Times Best Sellers.

“I was very fortunate to be in New York at the time I was writing books,” Bragg said. “I was noticed by publishing houses and wound up with the best agent. She saw something in my writing that she liked. The best book I had was a book about my mom, ‘All Over but the Shoutin’.”

Bragg has a house in Fairhope but currently lives minutes away from where he grew up in Jacksonville with his mother, whom he looks up to greatly.

“I’m right back where I grew up. I like being here with my mom. She raised me and my brothers by herself, picking cotton, taking in laundry and cleaning other people’s homes. She had a hard life,” Bragg said.

Bragg teaches journalism and creative writing courses at the University of Alabama.

For more info and to buy tickets to the gala, visit roarthecure.org. Thurs., Feb. 24

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Alabama Ballet will perform Dennis Nahat’s Blue Suede Shoes with music from Elvis Presley and will feature a whimsical combination of classical dance, jazz and rock.

Where: BJCC Concert Hall When: Times vary by date selected

Sat., Feb. 26 The 30th Annual Red Nose Ball

This Smile-A-Mile Fundraiser will feature silent and live auctions, a seated dinner, a program and live music. Where: Sheraton Birmingham Hotel When: 6 p.m.

Tues., Mar. 1 Kids Mardi Gras Parade

Moms Club of Birmingham-East will host a Kids Mardi Gras Parade in Homewood. Decorate your wagon, stroller or box to join the familyoriented event. Bring beads, moon pies, and candy to throw. In case of rain, the parade will be held on Thurs., Mar. 3 at the same time.

When: 3:45 p.m. Where: Homewood Central Park

Mar. 3-6 Junie B. Jones, The Musical at Virginia Samford Theatre

Junie B’s first day of first grade may not have gone as planned, but her school year ends up being even more exciting than she could have imagined. When: Times Vary Based on Show Date Where: Virginia Samford Theatre, Mainstage

Sat., Mar. 5 Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off

The 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off all proceeds from the family-friendly

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 5

ABOUT TOWN event will benefit The Exceptional Foundation, which serves individuals with special needs in the greater Birmingham area. When: 10:20 a.m.3:00 p.m. Where: Brookwood Village Macy’s Parking Lot

NFL football player. Proceeds from the auctions will be returned to those in need through the club’s Community Outreach and Scholarship programs.

When: 6 p.m. Where: Hoover Country Club

Hearts in Harmony, Inspiring Others Gala

Laura Crandall Brown Foundation, Taste of Teal Gala

Hoover Service Club is excited to host their annual gala featuring a dinner, live and silent auctions and emcee Reggie Torbor, former Auburn and

The Hoover-based nonprofit will recognize four Legacy of Laura Honorees to celebrate the hope, compassion, positivity, and strength

that they have brought to the lives of Gynecologic cancer patients and survivors. The annual event will feature an auction and casino games. When: 6 p.m. Where: Wynfrey Hotel

SEND ABOUT TOWN CALENDAR INFO TO: EDITORIAL@OTMJ.COM

Congratulations to the

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

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RISE Presents Superhero Fun Run & Rebel Run 5K Color | March 5

RISE is a service-learning project sponsored by Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills. Both events will benefit the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. The Superhero Fun Run targets the age group K-5, while the Rebel Run 5K is for all ages, 6th grade to adults. When: 8:00 a.m. Where: Rebels Stadium, Vestavia Hills High School

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If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, we know you have questions. The physicians at Grandview Obstetrics and Gynecology are here to help answer them – and with three new providers, it’s easier than ever to make an appointment. From nutrition and exercise to birth plans and post-delivery support, we focus on giving you personalized maternity care. And, we’re proud to deliver at The Birthing Center at Grandview Medical Center.

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6 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

The Big Top Is Back A Night Under the Big Top, hosted by the Glenwood junior board, returns in person to Haven in Lakeview from 8 p.m. to midnight March 4.

Guests will be treated to an evening of live music from Outshine, casino games, photo booth and a silent auction.

The highlight of this event is a silent disco with DJ Mark AD, in which guests follow the DJ’s spins through headphones.

The annual black-tie-optional event will honor Glenwood junior board President Lauren Hyde and party cochairs Nadav Raviv and Jacquelyn Drennen.

Tickets will include food, beer, wine and entertainment. With an additional donation, attendees can join Friends of Glenwood and ticket status will be upgraded to VIP for early access to the event, private bars and complimentary cocktails from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will benefit children with autism and other mental health concerns. The current frequency rate of autism has increased to 1 in 44 births, and Glenwood strives to meet the growing need.

For tickets and more information, go to glenwood.org/bigtop.

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Glenwood’s Annual Fundraiser Set for In Person at Haven

Members of the Cathedral Church of the Advent Lenten Lunches committee.

Lenten Lunches Return at Cathedral Church of the Advent Continuing a tradition dating back to 1908, preachers from around the country will preach at the Cathedral Church of the Advent each weekday of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 2.

This year’s series is set to also commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Advent’s founding in 1872.

Each year, people gather to hear the daily sermons and eat lunch.

Each service will be live-streamed, and the audio of each message will be available as downloads or podcasts. Services will include an organ prelude, prayers and a short hymn, followed by the sermon.

Preachers this year include many former Advent clergy, including the Revs. Paul Zahl, Frank Limehouse, Paul Walker and Deborah Leighton.

The Revs. Chad Bird, Ephraim Radner, Britton Wood and others from around the country also will be

visiting as preachers. Local preachers include the Revs. Brian Hinton, Tyshawn Gardener and Bishop Glenda Curry.

Each service will be 25 minutes long and begin at 12:05 p.m. from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday, April 15.

Lunch service also begins at 12:05 p.m. and ends at 1 p.m. through Maundy Thursday, April 14.

The menu changes daily and features hearty salads, sandwiches and desserts. Prices range from $7 to $11.

Proceeds from this year’s Lenten Lunches will go to Birmingham’s Maranathan Academy, a school and learning center that provides a safe haven and second chance to critically at-risk youth and adults.

For more information, visit adventbirmingham.org/lent.

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This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the August 20, 2020 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.

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 7

ABOUT TOWN

Fireballs the modern alternative cated in Now Lo Hills! ia Vestav

The event is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It is open to the public, but spaces are limited. Register at alysstephens.org under the events tab.

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Celebrating Female Artists

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UAB’s Women in the Visual Arts Family Day Set for March 5

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is marking Women’s History Month on March 5 with Women in the Visual Arts Family Day at ArtPlay.

Participants will learn from local

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women artists and immerse themselves in the history of legendary artists. They also can tour the spring exhibitions and galleries at AbromsEngel Institute for the Visual Arts.

Two local artists, Ann Trondson

Date:

Brunch With The Bachelors

Wake up, elephant lovers. Join the Birmingham Zoo, Sun. Mar. 6, from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. for a one-of-a-kind experience with the Zoo’s African elephant bachelors: Bulwagi, Luti and Gadze.

Dining will take place at Safari Peak while the elephants roam nearby.

After breakfast guests will be treated to a special elephant interaction with Birmingham Zoo’s Animal Care Professionals at the BOMA yard. Learn what makes each bachelor unique and how your Zoo cares for each of these gentle giants. Each guest will receive a commemorative gift and zoo admission for the day.

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To: From:

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for Oct. 20, 2016 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

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Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

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and Melissa Yes, co-directors of Vinegar, a nonprofit organization that champions artists in Birmingham and beyond, will engage in activities using photography and collage. Yes is also program coordinator in the College of Arts and Sciences’ department of art and art history.

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NEWS

8 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

mote student and faculty relationships and to participate in projects to show kindness throughout the year.

Homewood High School participated in Random Acts of Kindness Week during the week of Feb. 14, and in January Homewood Middle School participated in the Great Kindness Challenge to promote acts of kindness among students and staff.

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato (speaking) and Superintendent Dee Fowler (far left) visited Bumpus Middle to speak with students about the reason for the kindness campaign. Be Kind Week, which this year had the theme “Kindness Begins With Me,” was held Feb. 12-19.

BE KIND

Hoover, Other OTM Schools Promote Kindness, Condemn Bullying

By Ally Morrison

I

n an effort to take a stand against bullying, Hoover City Schools and its partners dedicated a week to promoting and cultivating an atmosphere of kindness in the school system and community.

Be Kind Week, which this year had the theme “Kindness Begins With Me,” was held Feb. 12-19. The Wednesday of that week, Robert F. Bumpus Middle School students dressed in pink shirts for the highlighted event of the week, Pink Shirt Day, to show solidarity by supporting acts of kindness and discouraging acts of bullying.

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and Superintendent Dee Fowler visited Bumpus Middle to speak with students about the reason for the kindness campaign.

“We are so excited about Be Kind Week for the City of Hoover,” Brocato said to students. It’s important to be kind to people and be encouraging and respectful for everyone no matter who they are or where they are from. It’s what this week is all about, but it’s also what life is all about. We’re a city made

up of so many different people in so many different walks of life, and you never know what they’re going through. A word of encouragement from you can go a long way.”

Brocato stood with student body President Elijah Burns as students took turns reading paragraphs from a city proclamation establishing Be Kind Week. The last sentence of the proclamation was read by Burns.

“Now, therefore, be a result that I, Elijah Burns, do hereby urge the citizens of our community to join us in observing the week of Feb. 12-19, 2022, as Be Kind Week and Feb. 16 as Pink Shirt Day.” Burns read.

Hoover City school board President Amy Tosney spoke to the students.

“To be a part of this means that you are all kind and you show compassion,” Tosney said. “You are the next generation of greatness. Don’t let this just be one week; continue to be kind and keep it going forever.”

Representatives from the Hoover City Schools Foundation took to Facebook to post a video of Spain Park High School senior Zahra Bardai giving the history behind Be Kind Week and Pink Shirt Day.

“A student was bullied because he was wearing a pink shirt, and he was bullied every single day for that same reason,” Bardai said. “There were two brave kids in the high school who stood up for him and wore pink to show support.

Kindness week helps to spread awareness throughout the school and also bring the community together.

“I wear pink today to show support but also to remind people to do something kind every single day.

It’s going to make someone’s day and may even change their life.”

According to Hoover schools Mental Health Coordinator Kandace VanWanderham, Be Kind Week and Pink Shirt Day were established to cultivate a culture of caring and kindness for students throughout the school district. As the initiative grew, the school system partnered with the community with the goal of creating a citywide movement to stand against bullying in the community, workplace and school system.

Be Kind Week also includes community service initiatives at each school in the district. Each school chose either a canned food drive for Grace Klein and local church food pantries, a donation drive to collect food and other items to care for animals at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, or a book drive to collect elementarylevel books for children in the community.

Other OTM Schools Work Against Bullying

Other schools in the Over the Mountain area, such as Vestavia Hills and Homewood city schools, also have anti-bullying initiatives in place.

One of the primary initiatives Vestavia Hills City Schools has taken in recent years is implementing a bullying report system, which allows students and parents to report concerns via text message, phone, email or mobile app. If needed, these reports can be sent anonymously.

According to Whit McGhee, director of public relations for Vestavia Hills schools, the program was piloted in 2020 and had such success that the school system decided to renew it for the long term later that year.

Additionally, the Vestavia Hills system implemented character education with initiatives that help foster positive character traits and build friendships. Several schools in the system have been named state and national Schools of Character.

Schools in Homewood also strive to keep kindness and generosity a priority among students, faculty and staff.

According to Homewood schools’ director of communications, Merrick Wilson, all elementary schools in the Homewood school system participate a program that that divides them among “Nest groups” or the “House system.”

Students and staff remain in the same house or nest for their entire time at the elementary school to pro-

Each year, the Kind Club at Spring Valley school invites students, teachers and staff to write Kind Pledges.

The club is a student organization dedicated to promoting self-respect and kindness toward others in the school and the community. The Kind Pledges program is in partnership with Kind Campaign, an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that highlights effects of girl-againstgirl bullying. Kind Pledges are made to remind the writer to make good changes in the world.

Spring Valley faculty member Maggie Claunch explained the goal of the kindness-focused programs.

“Many researchers believe that the bullying and social anxiety students face often correlate with grades and their academic experience overall,” Claunch said. “Our goal is to simply start an open and honest dialogue about the numerous struggles we face and empower us to break down social barriers, lean on each other and create positive change.”

Additionally, a group of seniors at Spring Valley School are making calls to local shelters, including Jimmie Hale Mission, to repurpose large Chick-fil-A delivery bags left over from catered school lunches. Students have also made it a weekly routine to take out the trash from teachers’ classrooms.

Spring Valley School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for grades one through 12. Its mission is to provide excellence in education for bright students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and ADHD.

Photo courtesy Spring Valley School

Journal photo by Ally Morrison

Spring Valley School Encourages Kind Pledges

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

NEWS

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 9

TOPIC: The Edgewood Commercial District as a “Third Place” for our community Call for Entries:

When New York Pizza announced they were closing their doors on the Edgewood Strip after more than 40 Years in business, Homewood City Mayor Patrick McClusky and $1500 SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST many others took to social media to share fond memories of how it had been an important part of their lives. They were describing what urban sociologist Ray OldenburgDistrict refersas to aas“Third a “Third Place”.

Topic: The Edgewood Commercial Place” for our community As many changes appear to be on the horizon for “The Strip”, it is a time to both reflect and look forward. While businesses have come and gone over the years, there has Preamble: When New York Pizza announced they were closing their doors on the Edgewood Strip after something special about this McClusky small commercial district the 40always Years inbeen business , Homewood City Mayor Patrick and many others tooktucked to socialinto media to Edgewood neighborhood along Road. so than district share fond memories of how it had been Oxmoor an important part ofMore their lives.

Theyany werecommercial describing what urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg to as a “Third in Homewood, it is refers a gathering spotPlace”. for young people of all ages. Why is that?

As many changes appear to be on the horizon for “The Strip”, it is a time to both reflect and look forward.

While businesses have come and gone over the years, there has always been something special about this small commercial district tucked into the Edgewood neighborhood along Oxmoor Road. More so than any commercial district in Homewood, it is a gathering spot for young people of all ages. Why is that?

Call for Essay Entries

$1,500 SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST Scholarship contest is open to any student in the 11th or 12th grade that lives or goes to Essay Writing Guidance: school in the city of Homewood - including private school and home school students.

Connection to Place - Talk about your personal connection to the Edgewood Strip. How do you WRITING GUIDANCE interact with the commercial ESSAY area? Is there anything in particular that makes it special to you and your peers? Is it one particular establishment or several? Feel free to write about memories of the CONNECTION TO PLACE: Talk about your personal connection to the Edgewood Strip. past and hopes for the future.

How do you interact with the commercial area? Is there anything in particular that makes it special to you and your peers? Is it one particular establishment or several? Feel free to Perspective - This is a creative writing assignment based on personal experience and write about memories of the past and hopes for the future. observation. The winning essay will offer personal and peer insights, while also noting older and younger generations’ relationship to the topic. assignment Research andbased comment the concept of “Thirdand PERSPECTIVE: This is a creative writing on on personal experience Place” from The a Homewood vantage point thatand is updated for a world of smart observation. winning students’ essay will offer personal peer insights, while also phones, noting older social media and Corona Virus. and younger generations’ relationship to the topic. Research and comment on the concept of “Third Place” from a Homewood students’ vantage point that is updated for a world of Writing Style - The winning will have abilityand to engage theVirus. reader and draw them into smartessay phones, socialanmedia Corona the subject. Show your honest voice; be descriptive, insightful, and nuanced.

WRITING STYLE: The winning essay will have an ability to engage the reader and draw them into the subject. Show your honest voice; be descriptive, insightful, and nuanced.

Email entries to: edgewoodstripcontest@icloud.com

RULES: 1. “Save the Strip” will award one $1500 Scholarship to an eligible participant for the winning entry determined by the judges. This Scholarship award may be used for College Tuition or College Test Preparation Classes*. “Save The Strip” will award 4 additional $100 Gift certificates to establishments on the Edgewood Strip for other outstanding entries.

2. Deadline to submit entry is 10:00 pm Sunday, April 3rd, 2022. Winners to be announced April 14th, 2022. All determinations for eligibility and awards by the judges are final. Entries should be emailed in PDF Format to : edgewoodstripcontest@icloud.com.

3. The essay length may be between 750 - 1250 words.You may use MLA or Chicago formatting.

4. Judging will be blind and conducted independently by judges with expertise in creative writing and community building. Your name, grade, school, English teacher and address should be listed on a cover sheet and no where else on your entry.

5. Entrants agree to having their essays publicized, but may elect to have their personal information kept confidential. * Scholarship Prize will be made payable to Parent or Legal Guardian if student is a minor child.

Parent or Legal Guardian shall warrant that they will use the funds only towards College Tuition (including Trade or Technical School) or College Test Preparation Classes.

LIFE

10 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Team Effort

Eagans ‘Surprised and Humbled’ by Heart Ball Recognition

By Rubin E. Grant

Focusing on Heart Health

Photo courtesy

D

r. Tom Eagan and his wife, Kendall Eagan, consider themselves a team, since they have been married for 36 years.

So, the couple, who live in Mountain Brook, are thrilled that they are being recognized as the 2022 Heart Ball honorees.

The American Heart Association will host the 35th annual Birmingham Heart Ball on March 12 at 6 p.m. at Barber Motorsports Museum.

Tom Eagan is a board-certified cardiologist with Cardiovascular Associates and has an extensive background in invasive and interventional cardiac, peripheral vascular and venous interventions. Kendall Eagan is a CPA and works for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

She has served on several boards and is actively involved with numerous philanthropic organizations across Birmingham.

“My wife, Kendall, and I are incredibly honored to serve as the 2022 Birmingham Heart Ball honorees,” Tom said. “It’s a team effort. To get to where I am I couldn’t have done it without Kendall. She’s been with me for my residency, my fellowship and has traveled all across the country with me. I have worked with cardiovascular disease, but she has been a charity leader.”

Kendall said she was “surprised and humbled” they were selected as honorees. She said her husband has played a vital role in her volunteer work, which has included serving on several boards and being actively involved with the Robert E. Reed Foundation, Linly Heflin, King’s Home, the Coastal Conservation Association of Alabama, the Junior League of Birmingham and the upcoming World Games.

“I do a lot of volunteering,” Kendall said, “but Tom has always helped me. We did a King’s Home fundraiser putting up bows around the city recently and Tom would drive me late at night to deliver bows. He also helps me with calls for all of my fundraisers.”

Kendall began volunteering while working for a bank.

“I was with AmSouth, which is now Regions, and (then CEO) Dowd Ritter volunteered me for all kinds of charities we supported,” she said. “That gave me an awareness of the needs in the Birmingham community and all the opportunities to help. I also met a lot of great people.

“When we moved to Atlanta, I volunteered with juvenile diabetes and cystic fibrosis. And when we moved back to Birmingham I just continued.”

‘Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. Unfortunately, heart disease and stroke are all too common here in our state, and I have seen firsthand the devastating impact these conditions can have on people’s lives, along with strokes. We kind of lost our way and got distracted with COVID, so it’s nice to have a month to refocus on cardiovascular disease.’

DR. TOM EAGAN

Since February is Heart Health Awareness Month, Tom appreciates focusing on cardiovascular disease, especially in light of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s extremely important and something that we need to remember,” Tom said. “We are proud to be working alongside the American Heart Association in furthering the organization’s mission and building a healthier community for all.

“Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. Unfortunately, heart disease and stroke are all too common here in our state, and I have seen firsthand the devastating impact these conditions can have on people’s lives, along with strokes. We kind of lost our way and got distracted with Dr. Tom Eagan and his wife, COVID, so Kendall Eagan, will lead the it’s nice to effort to use the Birmingham have a month Heart Ball to raise money to to refocus on help support the AHA. cardiovascular disease.

“Because of COVID, patients have been scared of coming to the doctor and having procedures done and have not been getting the care they need.

We’ve seen COVID-related illnesses to every system in the body. It has not affected only the heart, but the entire cardiovascular system leading to heart attacks and damaging blood vessels. It is one of the great challenges in health care. It’s put a burden on health care professionals.”

The Eagans will lead the effort to use the Birmingham Heart Ball to raise money to help support the AHA, which seeks to increase heart and brain health. This year’s event will feature live and silent auctions, special guest speakers and other entertainment. Sheri Falk and Guy Rawlings from WVTM-13 will serve as program emcees.

To date, the Birmingham Heart Ball has raised more than $18 million for local research, advocacy and community education efforts to fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

The event is presented by Brookwood Baptist Health. Other sponsors include Alabama Power, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, McWane, McPherson Oil, Medical Properties Trust, UAB Cardiovascular Surgery and Vulcan Materials. WVTM-13 is the event’s media sponsor.

For more information, visit birminghamheartball.heart.org.

Now Under One Roof!

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LIFE

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 11

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Two Great Showrooms, Now Under One Roof!

Members of Kiwnais Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook from left, Peter Mancusa, Scott Sims, Colean Black, Bob Brown, Mark Kellerman, Brian Rogers and Bob Garretson

Speed Stampede

Two Great Showrooms, Now Under One Roof!

Kiwanis Club Hosts Run to Benefit Maranathan Academy The Alabama Kiwanis Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook hosted “the fastest race in Alabama” on Feb. 19 to benefit Maranathan Academy.

The Speed Stampede, a speedy run for all ages, is a certified 2-mile race consisting of two loops of a 1-mile certified course.

Cash prizes were awarded to the top male and female runners in the overall, masters (40+), and grandmasters (50+) categories.

Maranathan Academy is a privately funded, nonprofit, all scholarship school and learning center.

It was founded in 1991 for the express purpose of providing a safe haven and second chance to critically at-risk youth and adults.

The main goal of the academy is to break the cycle of government dependency its founders believe has plagued critically at-risk youth and their families for generations. Counting families of students, Maranathan has worked with more than 1,500 individuals.

Steve Mote & Family—Owners of Hollywood Pools Outdoor Furnishings & Spas are excited to announce the acquisition of Alabama Gaslight & Grill!

Formerly located in Homewood and owned by long-time Vestavia Hills resident Mike Barnett, Alabama Gaslight & Grill offers a wide selection of gas grills & smokers, gas & electric lighting, Steve and gas logs. & Combined with Hollywood Mote of Steve Mote &Family—Owners Family—Owners of Pool’s outstanding inventoryOutdoor of pool, spa, and patio furnishings, Hollywood HollywoodPools Pools OutdoorFurnishings Furnishings& &Spas Spas the Vestavia Hills location is your one-stop shop for outdoor are to announce the of areexcited excited announce theacquisition acquisition of products fromto local families you know and trust.

Alabama AlabamaGaslight Gaslight& &Grill!

Grill!

Formerly located Formerly locatedin inHomewood Homewood and ownedby bylong-time long-time 1441 Montgomery Hwyand | owned Vestavia Hills Vestavia VestaviaHills Hillsresident residentMike MikeBarnett, Barnett,Alabama AlabamaGaslight Gaslight& &Grill Grill (205) 979-7727 | www.hollywoodpoolandspa.com offers a wide selection of gas grills & smokers, gas & electric offers a wide selection of gas grills & smokers, gas & electric lighting, and logs.

Combined with lighting,Steve andgas gas logs.& Combined withHollywood Hollywood Pool’s Mote Family—Owners of Pool’s outstanding inventory of pool, spa, and patio furnishings, outstanding inventory of pool, spa, and patio furnishings, Hollywood Pools Outdoor Furnishings & Spas the theVestavia VestaviaHills Hillslocation locationis isyour yourone-stop one-stopshop shopfor foroutdoor outdoor are excited to announce the acquisition of products from local families you know and trust. products from local families you know and trust.

Alabama Gaslight & Grill!

Formerly located in Homewood by long-time 1441 Hwy || owned Vestavia Hills 1441 Montgomery Montgomery Hwyand Vestavia Hills Vestavia Hills resident Mike Barnett, Alabama Gaslight & Grill (205) 979-7727 || www.hollywoodpoolandspa.com (205) www.hollywoodpoolandspa.com offers979-7727 a wide selection of gas grills & smokers, gas & electric lighting, and gas logs. Combined with Hollywood Pool’s outstanding inventory of pool, spa, and patio furnishings, the Vestavia Hills location is your one-stop shop for outdoor products from local families you know and trust.

1441 Montgomery Hwy | Vestavia Hills (205) 979-7727 | www.hollywoodpoolandspa.com

FASHION

12 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Spring Fashion Forecast Local Fashion Pros Discuss Trends and Show Off What’s In Store for Spring

Katie Wade Faught Applause Dancewear TRENDS In the dance world, we are seeing a big upswing in athleisure wear with yoga pants, athletic shorts, and leggings. We are also experiencing a shift towards more conservative lines with high necks, cap sleeves, and thicker shoulder straps.

COLORS AND PATTERNS Colors pulled from nature are trending with greens, yellows, and blues becoming most popular. However, pink and black continue to be our bestselling leotard staples.

FRESH AND NOSTALGIC Thinner, stretchy fabrics are popular in ballet, jazz, and contemporary shoes. There is a desire to feel like you’re wearing no shoes at all while dancing. However, wider leg yoga pants and higher waisted shorts are bringing back 80s and 90s nostalgia.

MUST HAVE This spring, every dancer needs the perfect booty short or wrap skirt to pull over their favorite leotard.

Applause Dancewear 1629 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood

In the dance world, we are seeing a big upswing in athleisure wear with yoga pants, athletic shorts, and leggings.

Bezshan Dolatabadi B. Prince TRENDS I am really excited about the fun and frivolity that I am seeing in trends for Spring 2022. Ruffles and mixes of patterns…lots of playful touches. Balancing that are more serious pieces that make for a great look.

COLORS AND PATTERNS The colors for spring are very soothing…lots of pastels like lavender, mint, light blue, pink, etc…Happy and peaceful… just what we need. There is also a lot of monochromatic dressing…layers of similar colors including all white.

FRESH AND NOSTALGIC I think that the freshest looks for spring are also nostalgic looks..an ode to the 40’s with broader shoulders in jackets…a throwback the 70’s with lots of crochet and knits and a nod to the 80’s/90’s seen in blazers with shorter skirts, belts at waist and some futuristic looks.

MUST HAVE I think every woman needs a great blazer or jacket for spring this year.

There are so many different styles to choose from.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH We recommend Ulla Johnson swimwear and coverups. The covers really look like street clothes so you could literally go from the beach to lunch or dinner and not look like you are still swimming.

BEST FASHION ADVICE RECEIVED To not always follow the trends but rather create a look that works for you while incorporating some aspects of what is new for each season.

B. Prince 271 Rele St., Mountain Brook

Kathleen Roberts Flip Flops & What Nots

Lillian Falkenburg george in Snoozy’s Kids

TRENDS Sneakers with dresses, platform, comfort casual and braided uppers.

TRENDS Psychedelic prints and Y2K hues—bright pinks and neon. Hoop earrings.

COLORS AND PATTERNS Pastel, white shoes, sparkle and fun details.

COLORS AND PATTERNS Classic spring gingham, sequins and high-gloss handbags.

FRESH AND NOSTALGIC All current styles arriving are fresh takes on classic styles. White sneakers for instance, back in the day, keds and k-swiss were trendy brands, now new brands are styling the trend.

MUST HAVE Flip flops, of course. But platform shoes also sandals and white sole sandals.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH Again, flip-flops of course. We have lots of styles to choose from.

BEST FASHION ADVICE RECEIVED Be yourself, if you are comfortable in your own style. Your smile is the prettiest thing you can wear.

Flip Flops & What Nots, 4137 White Oak Dr., Vestavia Hills

All current styles arriving are fresh takes on classic styles. White sneakers for instance.

FRESH AND NOSTALGIC Nostalgic trenches and menswear—inspired pieces.

Fresh flowers and buterfly motifs.

MUST HAVE A delicate white lace piece and a funky pair of sunglasses.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH A crochet cover up.

We sell the Mer-Sea brand.

BEST FASHION ADVICE RECEIVED Wear your clothes, don’t let them wear you.

george inside Snoozy’s Kids, 228 Country Club Park, Mountain Brook,

Nostalgic trenches and menswear— inspired pieces.

Fresh flowers and buterfly motifs!

Cami Krablin Gus Mayer TRENDS Classic looks with a twist. Inserted cutouts in dresses, tops and denim.

Prints everywhere and denim continues to reinvent itself with different widths and lengths.

Boyfriend shirts and straight jeans.

COLORS AND PATTERNS Purples, lavenders and blues.

FRESH AND NOSTALGIC Entire ensamble looks were fresh to see in market instead of a bunch of separates. Flash back to power suiting.

MUST HAVE Straight jeans.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH Caftans and a consuela bag filled with designer sunglasses, Coola sunscreen and Freedom Moses slides.

BEST FASHION ADVICE RECEIVED The one thing you can depend on in fashion is change. Stay true to your own individual style that creates and emotional experience.

Gus Mayer, 225 Summit Blvd., Birmingham

Prints everywhere and denim continues to reinvent itself with different widths and lengths!

Laurel Bassett Town & Country Clothes TRENDS Tie dye and boho embroidery are big trends, as well as ‘70s dress silhouettes.

COLORS AND PATTERNS We are so excited about all of the new bright colors and fun prints for spring. Everyone is ready to start going to parties and going on trips again, and the new spring collections have a happy, optimistic feel to them.

FRESH AND NOSTALGIC Several of our lines are featuring fresh abstract prints, and other have a more nostalgic feel with sweet polka dots and eyelet fabrics.

MUST HAVE Everyone needs a great summer dress, and we have new dresses from all of our lines, ranging from casual and funky to more dressy and classic.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH Our customers are already stocking up on flowy gauze dresses, soft tencel short and fun print tees, and cool linen tops and pants.

BEST FASHION ADVICE RECEIVED Wear what makes you feel good. It doesn’t matter if a style is on-trend if it doesn’t flatter your figure or make you feel happy when you put it on.

Town & Country Clothes, 74 Church St, Mountain Brook

Everyone is ready to start going to parties and going on trips again, and the new spring collections have a happy, optimistic feel to them.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 13

FASHION

Spring Fashions

4

1 3

2

6 7

1 Sally McKay is wearing a Boho Chic hot pink A-line dress, $138, Nicole espadrille wedges, $98, Joy Susan rose gold clutch, $48, and Laurel Bassett brass, silver & turquoise cuff $114. Town & Country Clothes, 205-871-7909.

2 Lynn North is wearing a print oversized top

by Rundholz, $300, and gingham check skirt by Rundholz, $223, with black disc sandals by Trippen, $395. B.Prince, 205-871-1965.

3 Laura Steele is wearing a B-Low the belt Tessa Belt, $155, Mother Hustler Jean in Fairest of them all (White), $198, Marie Oliver Libba top, $242, 14k yellow gold thin hoops, $450 (Levy’s at Gus Mayer), 14k yellow gold flexible hinge, $925 (Levy’s at Gus Mayer), and Dolce Vita Paily heel, $125. Gus Mayer, 205-870-3300.

4 Janet Richie is wearing a Jonathan Simkhai Alex Shirt Dress, $395, Staud Moon Tote bag, $295, Tat2 Two tone link crystal bezel necklace, $350 (Levy’s at Gus Mayer). Gus Mayer, 205-870-3300.

5

5 Carly Vardaman is wearing the Love Me True leotard by Oh La La dancewear in horizon blue, $72., with competition earrings by Go Girl, $12. Applause Dancewear, 205-871-7837.

6 Julie Vos Dainty golden butterfly studs, $65; Julie Vos Butterfly Delicate Station necklace, $135. george inside Snoozy’s Kids, 205-871-2662.

7 From top: Blowfish, Style Bambi, Color: Earth Dye Wash Twill, $45.99, Pierre Dumas, Style Clue9, Color: Pewter, $49.99, Vionic, Style Brielle, Color Black/snake, $119.95, Blowfish, Style Tarin, Color: White/Tin and Rose Gold Meteor, $45.99. Flip Flops & What Nots, 205-967-7429.

JOURNAL PHOTOS BY ALLY MORRISON

SOCIAL

14 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Prelude to a Ball o-chairs for the 65th Annual Museum Ball – Marion and Edgar Marx, and Cate and Brian Boehm – held a fundraising kickoff party for the 2022 Museum Ball on Feb. 3 at the Marx residence.

Guests were served a sampling of hors d’oeuvres by this year’s ball chef, Tyler Lyne of Tasting TBL, as well as music by DJ Gina Tolleese and live portraits created by Andy Jordan.

The ball is the Birmingham Museum of Art’s only event fundraiser of the year and helps pay for the museum’s educational initiatives and operating expenses. The theme of this year’s ball is Avant Garden, and it will look toward the city’s future cultural landscape. The ball will be held May 7.

Guests at the kickoff event included 2022 host committee members Mary and Braxton Goodrich, Katie Bee and Seton Marshall, Janie and Jemison Jones, Jenny Burton, Ashley and Sam Miles, Mary Kathryn and Jack Bryant, MK and Paul Quinlan, Corey Hartman, Jimmy Laughlin and Jacob Dorsett, Mimi and Shep Nolan, Margot and Patrick Cooney, Mary Coleman and Charlie Clark, Kirk and Tate Forrester, Maye and Bernard Frei, Allene and Anderson Neighbors, Mary Catherine and Travis Pritchett. Randall Minor, Lauren and Drew Weil, Lindsay and Jason Puckett, Candice and Lee McKinney, Brian and Leslie Hamilton, Mila and Joe Hirsch, Ellen and Stephen Faust, Caroline Drummond, Chelsea and Arthur Crenshaw, and David Germany. ❖

Mimi Nolen and Jacob Dorsett

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

C

Party Held Leading Up to Birmingham Museum of Art Fundraising Ball

Katie Bee Marshall, Mary Catherine Pritchett, Marion Marx, Jenny Burton and Mary Clark

Janie Jones, Kirk Forrester and Cate Boehm

Danny Markstein with Candice and Lee McKinney

Arthur Crenshaw, Edgar Marx and Brian Boehm

May Head Frei, Leslie and Brian Hamilton

Patrick Cooney and Joseph Hirsch

Allene Neighbors and Mila Hirsch

Charlie Clark, Jenny Burton and Mary Kathryn Bryant

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 15

‘Run With Purpose’

Marathoners and Other Runners Lined Up During Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend The 20th anniversary Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend, Feb. 11-13, featured a variety of races for participants of all ages and skill levels.

The signature 26.2-mile marathon was run, along with a half marathon, relay, 5K and kids’ marathon.

Runners were encouraged to “run with purpose.”

The marathon’s chosen charity is The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, which helps infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delays. But individuals and local organizations that created teams were able to choose a charity and to run for their own causes. ❖

Heather and Zoe Richards

Mary and Daneh Peebles

Charlie and Jessie Treadaway

Mackenzie and Viridiana Sun

Put Some Spring in Your Step

FLIPFLOPSANDWHATNOTS.COM

4137 White Oak Drive, Cahaba Heights MON.-SAT. 10AM - 6PM 205.967.7429 LOOK FOR US LIVE ON FACEBOOK

David, Jonathan, Julia, Lucy and Maria Fleisher

16 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Rehab Reality...

Think of Going to Bayshore Retreat as “Going to Camp” This is the time of year that parents plan or explore Summer Camp for their children. Coming to Bayshore Retreat can be considered “Camp” for adults. Summer camp is where children interact with many different kids instead of the ‘regular’ friends from their neighborhood and school.

Coming to Bayshore Retreat offers interaction with others through the day-to-day activities: meals, exercise, yoga, Life Skills activities and group sessions. Most importantly, with only six clients at a time, they get to hear and understand that they are not alone in this struggle with addiction.

A client who was at Bayshore Retreat seven years ago referred a friend who is coming the first week of March. He went to a rehab in California that cost him over twice of what Bayshore cost.

He relapsed within weeks of being home. Of course to be honest the same thing has happened with some of our clients, but we have had very few and they come back to us with the acknowledgement that they should have followed the plan. We often get calls from previous clients just to check on us and remind us how important their time was at Bayshore Retreat.

Our goal is to get clients healthy physically and mentally with a new lease on life for the future.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction from a life trauma or just life in general, Bayshore Retreat can help.

Call us today! We might be the “Retreat” or “Camp” needed to get life on track. Bayshore Retreat is Different and that can make a Difference.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

by Judy Butler

Emily Baergen and Blake Lassiter

Nick and Kate Adams, Harrison and Michelle Adams, Michelle Lorino, Kimberly Stephens, Natalie and Brian Slovensky

A Taste of New Orleans Easterseals Replicates Mardi Gras For Fundraising Event

Patrick Eades and Brittany Saag

Devin Darwin and Ragan Knotts

Easterseals’ annual Mardi Gras on the Mountain fundraising event took place Feb. 19 at The Club.

The event featured a nine-piece live band, silent auction presented

by Diamonds Direct, caricature artist and dinner, and it was set up to make guests feel they had just traveled to New Orleans for the night.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Easterseals of the Birmingham Area, whose mission is to help change the lives of children and adults with disabilities or other special needs, along with their families. ❖

Benjamin and Elizabeth Torczon and Kelsey and Ian Thompson

Laura Aughtman and Max Latterman

Bobby Poitebint and Ashley Gooden

Time for Fresh Flowers and Butterflies!

CRESTLINE VILLAGE 871.2662

Sharon Lamar and Sally Reed

Tom and Kim Davis and Mary Alice and Darren Guerrera

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 17

SOCIAL

Bids & Bits

Vestavia Hills Elementary West held its annual Bids & Bites silent auction fundraiser Feb. 4 at Hoover Country Club.

Parents, faculty and staff were in attendance as the event auctioned off 146 items, which were donated by families and local businesses.

The event raised more than $18,000 for VHEW, which will go toward improvements to the school’s front entrance and professional development opportunities for teachers.

“This was such a fun event for our West family, especially since we

Photos courtesy

Vestavia Hills Elementary West Raises Money Through Silent Auction Fundraiser

could not gather in person last year,” said VHEW Principal Kim Hauser. “I am so grateful to everyone who supported this event because the money goes right back into our school to support our students.” ❖

Above, Kim Hauser, Shannon Stewart, Sarah Woodroof, Sarah Bishop, and Susan McCall. Below left, Flynt and Will Connor, Kelli and Clay Patterson.

Below right, Lizzie Croom, Erin Lambert and Stacy Moore.

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18 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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of Birmingham.

Time to Refresh Your Home?

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Journal photos by Jordan Wald

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Samford’s Legacy League hosted Women of Faith dramatist, Broadway actor and Christian writer Allison Allen for its annual Scholarship Luncheon on Feb. 10.

With a theme “Your Story Matters,” the annual event was held at Vestavia Country Club. The event also featured a silent auction.

Proceeds from the luncheon will provide life-changing scholarships to

students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances.

The Legacy League is a volunteer organization with nearly 800 members ranging in age from 22 to 100 that offers volunteer opportunities, inspirational programs and a sense of community. ❖ Lisa Burton and Rebecca Long

ALABAMA BALLET PRESENTS

BLUE SUEDE SHOES FEB. 25-27 BJCC CONCERT HALL

Julie Taylor, Jada Hunter and Jeana Westmoreland

Karen McCollum, Kristin Maynard and Sherri Foyt

Angela Cole, Sharon Fussell, JoAnn Smith and Debbie Handley

Landon Nast, Allison Woodruff and Meredith Hamblen

TICKETS & INFORMATION: ALABAMABALLET.ORG SPONSORED BY

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CAMP GUIDE

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 19

Let’s Go!

Photo courtesy Camp Walkabout at The Baylor School

2022 OTMJ SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY

ACADEMICS/ENRICHMENT ADVENTure Camp at Advent Episcopal School Advent Episcopal School offers a variety of programs to engage, enrich and entertain students of all ages during summer break. PreK-4th grade students experience an engaging day camp format; 5th-10th grade students become Counselors-in-Training as they learn leadership skills while supporting the counselors and teachers of ADVENTure Camp.

Telephone: (205) 252-2535 Address: 2019 6th Ave. N., Birmingham Email: summer@adventepiscopalschool.org Website: adventurecampbham.org Ages: Grades Pre-K through 10, rising Dates: June 6-July 29 (excluding the week of July 4) Alabama School of Fine Arts Summer Programs Make your summer count with a variety of camps at ASFA, including creative writing, video game design, Android app programming, music, drawing and printmaking. ASFA also offers 3-week intensives in pre-algebra or Algebra 1 for those looking to get ahead in math or simply brush up on their math skills. Camps are taught

by ASFA faculty members.

Telephone: (205) 252-9241 Address: 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham Email: jlittle@asfaschoool.org Website: asfaschool.org Dates: June 6-21 Ages: Grades 5-8

Summer at Altamont Summer is the perfect time to try something new, dive deeper into a current interest, fine tune math and English skills or fulfill required courses in a more relaxed environment. Altamont offers a wide array of quality classes.

Telephone: (205) 879-2006 Address: The Altamont School, 4801 Altamont Rd., Birmingham Email: summer@altamontschool.org Website: summerataltamont.org Ages: Grades 1-12, rising Dates: May 31-July 15

Highlands Summer Camp Highlands summer camp offers challenging activities, talented teachers, and the same great variety of camps you’ve come to expect from Highlands School. Traditional day camp for kids in grades K through 6 combines fun activities with enrichment. Camps like Dino Camp, Lego Camp, and Play-Scribble-Write Camp are geared solely toward 4K and 5K. For rising 7th and 11th graders, the Counselor-in-Training program teaches leadership skills. Throughout the summer program, kids continue to learn while having a good time!

Telephone: (205) 956-9731, Ext. 606 Address: Highlands School, 4901 Old Leeds Rd., Birmingham Email: lcamp@highlandsschool.org Website: highlandsschool.org Ages: Grades K-8 (some for 4K and CIT for 7th-11th Grade) Dates: June 6-July 29 Summer @ Springs Summer@Springs offers a wide range of academic enrichment courses, including ACT prep, driver’s education, cooking, black-andwhite analog photography and more. Faculty are dedicated professionals. Courses are fun, adventurous and enriching.

Telephone: (205) 332-0578 Address: Indian Springs School, 190 Woodward Dr., Indian Springs 35214 Email: summer@indiansprings.org Website: summeratsprings.org Ages: Grades 8-12

ART/CRAFTS

Photo courtesy Virginia Samford Theatre

ArtPlay Discovering the Visual Arts ArtPlay’s award-winning visual arts camp offers classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts and more. Each day offers a new discovery, with an art show at the end of camp.

Telephone: (205) 975-4769 Address: 1006 19th St. S., Birmingham Ages: 7-14 Dates: Camp A: June 27-July 1; Camp B: July 18-22

20 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

Email: info@spaceoneeleven.org Website: spaceoneeleven.org Ages: Grades 2-12 Dates: June 7-July 30

BIG Art Camp 2022 Led by experienced art teacher Jimmy McGowan, campers explore several forms of art, including drawing, painting on canvas, origami, and collage. All skill levels are welcome.

Telephone: (205) 879-1758 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood Email: jnm2@charter.net Ages: Grades 1-5, completed Dates: July 18-22

The Art House Meagan Vucovich Robichaux, owner and instructor, incorporates a modern twist to art history and classical techniques into her lessons while encouraging her students to have fun. Art lessons and art parties are available for ages toddler to adult. Camps for Summer 2022 include Petite Picasso for age 5 to rising 2nd grade; Mini Masters for rising 3rd to 7th grade, Fashion + Art Camp for rising 2nd grade & up, and Princess Art Camp for ages 4 & up.

Telephone: (334) 507-3972 Email: meagan@theARThousebhm.com Website: theARThousebhm.com Dates: May 31-Aug. 5

Samford Art Studio for Teens & Samford Bulldog Art Camp A week full of inspiration and creative expressions in art. With the help of experienced art instructors, the students attending these camps will see, touch, hear and feel the vocabulary of art by incorporating color, line, shape, texture, space, value, form, balance and rhythm.

Telephone: (205) 726-2739 Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Homewood Email: academyofthearts@samford.edu Website: samford.edu Art Studio for Teens: Grade 6-8 Dates: June 20-24 Bulldog Art Camp: Grade 1-5 Dates: Session 1 – June 27-July 1; Session II – July 18-22 Space One Eleven Summer Art Camps Rising grades two through five will paint, draw, animate and more to create works of art influenced by artists from Alabama in “I’m an Alabama Artist, Too!” Sixth through 12th graders can choose from a host of specialized camps on drawing, sewing, illustration, 3-D design, fashion, photography, portfolio development and more.

Telephone: (205) 328-0553, Ext. 24 Address: 2409 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham

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CAMP GUIDE

DANCE

Photo courtesy The Dance Foundation

BAYLORSUMMERS

Alabama Ballet 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 high-quality performances, dance education and community outreach.

Telephone: (205) 322-4300 Address: 2726 1st Ave. S., Birmingham Email: rachelsingletary@alabamaballet.org Website: alabamaballet.org Ages: Junior Camp (ages 8-12, one two-week session); Tutus & Tiaras (ages 4-7, two oneweek sessions with option for one or both weeks) Dates: July 18-29

The Dance Foundation Camps for ages 4 and up include Once Upon a Fairytale for 4K and 5K, Once Upon a Ballet for entering Grades 1-3, Adventures in Enchanted Lands for entering Grades 1-3, Dance Exploration for entering Grades 3-6, and Dance Workshop for entering Grades 6-12. The Dance Foundation has been a gathering place for learning with and through dance for more than 40 years.

Telephone: (205) 870-0073 Address: 1715 27th Court S., Homewood Email: shellie@thedancefoundation.org Website: thedancefoundation.org Dates: June 6-July 14 Dawson Ballet School This camp is suited for all skill levels, whether your dancer is a first-time ballerina or has experience. Snacks will be provided, and craft time gives those little feet time to rest. Parents will enjoy a recital at the end of the week to see what their little ballerinas have learned in camp.

Telephone: (205) 879-1758 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood Email: slong@dawsonchurch.org Ages: 4 years to Grade 2, completed Dates: June 20-24

DRAMA Acting Out! Academy This premier acting academy focuses on contemporary on-camera acting and offers classes, audition coaching and taped audition for kids and adults. AOA’s programs are designed to build self-confidence in young people through the performing arts with affordable and accessible classes, camps and workshops.

Telephone: (818) 231-4065

2022 SUMMER CAMPS

JUNIOR CAMP & TUTUS AND TIARAS JULY 18-29, 2022

ALABAMABALLET.ORG

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Address: 2531 Rocky Ridge Rd., Suite 125, Vestavia Email: meg@actingoutacademy.com Website: actingoutacademy.com Dates: AOA’s Summer Film Acting Academy – June 13-17; Movie Camps – June 7-11, July 5-9 (also at Red Mountain Theater) and July 19-23.

Virginia Samford Theatre’s Camp VST This summer theatre camp gives kids the opportunity to explore all aspects of working in live theatre. Starter STARS (Beginners, 7 to 18) will explore beginning dance, voice, acting, playwriting, and more. Shooting STARS (Intermediates, 5th grade and up) will explore how those elements work together while also taking classes in Shakespeare and Playwriting.

Telephone: (205) 251-1228 Address: 1116 26th St. S., Birmingham Email: stars@virginiasamfordtheatre.org Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org Dates: Beginner sessions: June 6-10, June 13-17, June 20-24; Intermediate session: June 20-24

Art Play 2022 Musical Theater Camps 1-3 Campers will be introduced to many aspects of musical theater. With a camp designed for each age group, Art Play will offer campers an opportunity to learn about theatre and prepare a show of their own. Rights to Annie and Footloose, while not guaranteed, are out for approval.

Telephone: (205) 975-4769 Address: 1006 19th St. S, Birmingham Website: alysstephens.org Ages: 7-18 Dates: June 6-17, June 20-July1, July 11-29 Red Mountain Theatre Company RMTC camps teach theatrical craft while providing performance opportunities for youth. Curriculum includes vocal, dance and drama training. Each camp culminates in a staged performance before a live audience.

Opportunities include Play Making sessions for ages 4 to 6; Summer Sprouts sessions for ages 7-8; Theme Camps for ages 7-12; and Blast Camps for ages 9-14. For older kids, RMTC offers an Acting & Combat Intensive and College Prep Intensives.

Telephone: (205) 324-2424 Address: 1600 3rd Avenue South Birmingham Email: education@redmountaintheatre.org Website: redmountaintheatre.org Ages: 4-18 Dates: May 31-August 5

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 21

CAMP GUIDE

LANGUAGE/WRITING Ada Long Creative Writing Workshop This camp is for high school students interested in creative writing. With the guidance of nationally recognized authors, they will draft, edit and publish their work while exploring Birmingham’s rich culture and history.

Telephone: (205) 934-8573 Address: 1190 10th Ave. S., Birmingham Email: tmharris@uab.edu Website: uab.edu Ages: Grades 9-12 (rising) Dates: June 13-July 1

COOKING/FOOD Samford Cooking Camp for Teens Cook alongside registered dietitian nutritionists and learn how to build delicious and nutritious plates for meals and snacks with the goal of developing a positive relationship with food and cooking. Space is available for 16 students.

Photo courtesy Alabama Ballet

RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE Learn performance skills (acting, dancing, singing) and life skills (creativity, collaboration, and confidence) during these exciting, week long camps.

SAMPLE of our Summer Camps BROADWAY BOOTCAMP (Recruit) JUNE 20 -JULY 1, 2022 Ages 9-18• Mon-Fri, 9 am-4 pm

THEATRE CAMP 2022

C O L L A B O R AT E

C R E A T E

G A I N CONFIDENCE

H A V E FUN!

SUMMER SPROUTS MAY 31 -JUNE 3, 2022 Ages 7-8• Mon-Fri, 9 am-4 pm PLAYMAKING CAMP JUNE 6-10, 2022 Ages 4-6 • Mon-Fri, 9 am-12 pm or 12:30-3:30pm BLAST CAMP : PENNY LANE JULY 4-8, 2022 Ages 9-14• Mon-Fri, 9:30 am–4:30 pm THEME CAMP: DISTURBANCE AT HOGWARTS JULY 11-15, 2022 Ages 7-12• Mon-Fri, 9:30 am–4:30 pm

To see a full list of camps or register, go to RedMountainTheatre.org Financial aid available Classes and times are subject to change

Telephone: (205) 726-2930 Address: Samford University College of Health Sciences, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Homewood E-mail: cdarling@samford.edu Website: samford.edu Ages: 11 to 16 years old Dates: June 6-10 Camp Grow at The Center for Food Education Camp Grow will provide an educational and interactive learning opportunity for students who are curious about food, farming and the culinary arts. Campers will explore the natural and culinary worlds through inquiry, experimentation, and hands-on activities at The Center for Food Education.

Website: jvtf.org Ages: Grades 2-8 Dates: March 28-April 1, June 6-10, June 13-17, June 21-24, June 28-July 1, July 18-22, July 25-July 29 Location: 701 25th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

LEADERSHIP/SERVICE YouthServe Urban Service Camp YouthServe is a life-changing, immersive experience designed to connect youth to the Birmingham community through service. For one week, youth ages 13-18 from all walks of life will serve alongside one another while learning about the history of Birmingham, the needs of the community and how the work of our service partners is addressing those needs.

Telephone: (205) 521-6651 Address: Avondale United Methodist Church Email: earnold@youthservebham.org Website: youthservebham.org Ages: 13-18 Dates: USC Session I – June 20-24; USC Session II – July 18-22

22 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

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CAMP GUIDE

MUSIC

Birmingham Botanical Gardens BBG’s programs actively promote your child’s natural sense of creativity and joy of discovery with fun learning experiences in the unmatched setting of the Gardens. This summer, BBG offers exciting opportunities to grow and discover through art, crafts, gardening, children’s literature and more, all while forming new friendships. Camp offerings include: Five Senses Fun in the Gardens, Monet’s Garden, Conservatory Adventure, Wild and Wonderful, From Bees to Trees and more Telephone: (205) 414-3950 Address: 2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham Email: ehardy@bbgardens.org Website: bbgardens.org/summercamps Ages: Entering K– 6th grade Dates: May 31-July 29

Adventures in Music Summer Piano Camp at Samford This camp is open to students who are interested in continuing their studies in piano.

Telephone: (205) 726-2739 Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Homewood Email: academyofthearts@samford.edu Website: samford.edu Ages: Grades 1-12 Dates: June 13-17; July 11-15 (piano and voice) Dawson Music Academy Summer Camp Preschool and elementary campers enjoy a week of hands-on musical fun. Elementary campers explore the instrument of their choice (guitar, piano, percussion, ukulele, violin or voice) in small group instrument sessions with 6-1 campers who possess similar musical skills.

Telephone: (205) 871-7324 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood Email: dma@dawsonchurch.org Website: dawsonmusicacademy.org Ages: Grades 4K-5, completed Dates: July 11-15 Mason Music Mason Music’s 2022 summer camps include STARS Preschool Music Camp for ages 3-5; Guitar Camp for Beginners for ages 10-15; Vocal Camp for Beginners for ages 10-15; Rock Band Camp: Performance Edition for ages 10-18; and Rock Band Camp: Recording Edition for ages 10-18. Camps offered vary by location.

Address: 761 Shades Mountain Plaza, Hoover, (205) 582-2238; 2903 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook, (205) 874-9596; 3187 Cahaba Heights Rd., Vestavia Hills, (205) 908-7059; 5406 Hwy. 280 E, Suite B103, North Shelby, (205) 874-9800 Email: programs@masonmusic.com

Photo courtesy McWane Science Center Website: masonmusicstudios.com Ages: 3-18 Dates: June 6-August 5

SCIENCE/NATURE/TECHNOLOGY Aldridge Botanical Gardens Everything from American Girl Doll Camp to STEAM-All Things Transportation is on the schedule for Summer Camp at Aldridge Gardens! Kids will enjoy art, puppets, drama, and more, not to mention feeding the ducks, turtles and fish!

Telephone: (205) 739-6555 Address: 3530 Lorna Rd., Hoover Email: dmcdonald@aldridgegardens.com Website: aldridgegardens.com Ages: Grades 5K-5, completed

Serving Clinics—July 8th, July 21st 2-Day Elite Camp—July 15-16th Volley Kidz Camps—July 11-13, July 18-20 Youth Skills Camp—July 11-13th All Skills Camp—July 18-20th All Position Camp—July 23rd

Register: Online at www.subulldogvolleyballcamps.com Email samfordvbcamps@gmail.com for mail-in form Sign up prior to April 1st for the early bird discounts!

All campers receive a Samford t-shirt and volleyball!

Dates: June 6-July 1, one-week camps Birmingham Zoo Camp Going to camp at the Birmingham Zoo is an unforgettable educational experience that encourages active learning through games, age-appropriate, hands-on science, animal encounters, and nature play. Through rich in STEM-based explorations, these camps engage the natural curiosity of a child and allow opportunities to practice critical emerging science skills. Learning has never been so WILD! Telephone: (205) 397-3877 Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham Email: education@birminghamzoo.com Website: www.birminghamzoo.com/education/ zoocamps/ Ages: Grades K-12

Fresh Air Family’s Vulcan Gross Out Camp This is an award-winning, hand-on field biology science camp where kids have an opportunity to explore the nature around them in a safe environment.

Telephone: (205) 540-5542 Address: Vulcan Park and Museum Email: programs@FreshAirFamily.org Website: freshairfamily.org/gross-out-camps Ages: Grades 1-4, rising Dates: May 31-July 29 (weeklong sessions) McWane Science Center Bring your curiosity and sense of wonder for hands-on, minds-on, science, learning, and fun to McWane Science Center this summer.

Campers will dive into ocean learning, journey back in time to discover dinosaurs, build robots, create some chemistry, build the next great invention and more.

Telephone: (205) 714-8351 Address: 200 19th St. N., Birmingham Email: pchowning@mcwane.org

SUMMER CAMPS & CLASSES HALF-DAY CAMPS FOR ENTERING 4K-12THE GRADE WEEKLY CLASSES FOR AGES 12 MONTHS TO ADULT VISIT US ONLINE FOR • ONLINE REGISTRATION • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • ADULT CLASSES

a place of discovery.

Downtown Homewood thedancefoundation.org 205 870 0073

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improve the skills of experienced players and deepen their understanding of the game, all in a Christian environment.

Telephone: (205) 776-5114 Address: 6255 Cahaba Valley Rd., Birmingham Email: soccer@briarwood.org Website: briarwoodsoccer.com Ages: 7-12 Dates: June 13-17

Website: mcwane.org Ages: 4-14

SPECIAL NEEDS Camp WheezeAway Kids suffering from moderate to severe asthma can apply for this FREE summer camp where they can experience all the fun of summer camp while learning confidence-building skills in asthma management from medical professionals.

Telephone: (334) 799-3449 Address: Camp held at YMCA Camp Chandler on Lake Jordan, Wetumpka Email: brendabasnight@yahoo.com Website: ymcamontgomery.org Ages: 8-12 Dates: May 29-June 3 The Exceptional Foundation Summer Camp The Exceptional Foundation offers an eightweek summer camp for school-age individuals with special needs. Activities include art, music, dance, cooking, karate, adaptive P.E., frequent swimming, field trips, and more. Admission interview required.

Telephone: (205) 870-0776 Address: 1616 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood Email: mbarcroft@exceptionalfoundation.org Website: exceptionalfoundation.org/youthparticipants Ages: 5 and up Dates: June 6-July 29

SPORTS CAMPS Briarwood Ambassadors Soccer Camp A great camp for players to be challenged in a fun learning environment. It is a place to

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 23

CAMP GUIDE

Photo courtesy Fresh Air Family

Email: Jessi@highpointclimbing.com Website: highpointclimbing.com/birmingham Ages: 5-14 Dates: Memorial Day week through the first full week of August

Cheer Camp, A Ministry of Quest Recreation Have the time of your life cheering with friends this summer.

Telephone: (205) 776-5237 Address: 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, AL 35243 Email: Quest@Briarwood.org Website: www.QuestRecreation.org Ages: Rising K5-4th grades Dates: June 20-24

IJTA Summer Camp 2022 Whether you’re learning how to play this lifelong sport for the first time, or want to continue developing your skills, have some fun in the sun at Inverness Junior Tennis Academy this summer. All levels are welcome.

Telephone: (205) 991-8612 Address: Inverness Country Club Tennis: 300 Inverness Parkway, Birmingham Email: Joey@diamondclubs.com Website: invernessjuniortennisacademy.com Ages: 5-12 Dates: Camp 1: June 6-9; Camp 2: June 20-23; Camp 3: July 11-14; Camp 4: July 25-28

Dawson Basketball Camps I & II Dawson’s Recreation Ministry invites children of all skill levels in Grades 1-5, completed, to kick off their summer with a half-day basketball camp. No experience required.

Telephone: (205) 879-1758 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood Email: bhuff@dawsonchurch.org Website: dawsonchurch.org Ages: Grades 1-5, completed Dates: Camp I – June 20-23; Camp II – July 25-28

Mike Getman Soccer Camp We are entering our 30th year of conducting soccer camps in the Birmingham area. We offer different programs for varying ages and levels of ability. Camper-to-staff ratio approx. 7 to 1.

Telephone: (205) 216-3883 Email: info@mikegetmansoccercamp.com Website: MikeGetmanSoccerCamp.com Ages: 5 and up, Boys and Girls Dates: June 6-10, June 13-17, June 20-24, July 11-15, July 22-24

Rock Climbing Summer Camps at High Point Climbing & Fitness This camp will introduce kids to the sport of rock climbing. Enthusiastic coaches will support your athlete in learning the basics of climbing as they gain confidence in themselves.

Telephone: (205) 981-9190 Address: 4766 Highway 280, Birmingham

Samford University’s Bucky McMillan Basketball Camps The Bucky McMillan Basketball Camp’s goal is to see every camper improve fundamentals of the game: dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding, and defense, while also learning the importance of sportsmanship and how to play as a team. Every camper will leave the gym with a

One of the nation’s premier independent schools for students in grades 5-12

Summer at Altamont 2022 Day Camps | Credit Courses Grades 3-12 | June & July Registration & Information:

summerataltamont.org

24 • Thursday, February 24, 2022 greater love for the game of basketball.

Telephone: (205) 538-8493 Address: Pete Hanna Center, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Homewood Email: buckyballsu@gmail.com Website: buckymillanbasketballcamp.com Ages: Boys, 5-14 Dates: Camp 1: May 31-June3; Camp 2: June 13-16; Camp 3: June 27-30; Camp 4: July 18-21 Samford University Carley Kuhns Basketball Camps These camps are an excellent opportunity for girls in the community to learn from Samford’s women’s basketball coaches and players. The goal is to offer a fun experience that will help campers learn and grow in their basketball skills.

Address: Pete Hanna Center, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Homewood Email: carleykuhnsbasketballcamps@gmail.com Website: carleykuhnsbasketballcamps.com Dates: June 6-9 (Fundamental Day Camp, Week 1, Grades 1-8); June 10-13 (Team Camp, Grades 7-12); August 1-4 (Fundamental Day Camp, Week 2, Grades 1-8) Samford University Tony David Baseball Camps (Day & residential) These age-appropriate baseball camps maximize the camp experience so 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 players, college coaches and high school coaches.

Address: Samford University Website: subaseballcamps.com Ages: Grades K-8 Dates: Youth Camps (Grades K-7) – June 13-16, June 27-30, July 11-14 and July 18-21; Middle School Advanced Camp (Grades 6-8) – May 31-June 2 Samford University Volleyball Camps

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CAMP GUIDE

Telephone: (205) 776-5237 Address: Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham Email: quest@briarwood.org Website: campbriarwood.org Ages: Grades 3-10, rising Dates: July 11-16, July 18-23, July 25-28

Photo courtesy The Atamont School

(Day & residential) Samford coaches, staff and players, will help campers train, compete and improve in individual skill development, offensive and defensive systems and knowledge of the game.

Campers will get an edge on the competition and have fun with the Samford Volleyball team.

Address: Samford University Website: subulldogvolleyballcamps.com Ages: Grades K-12 Dates: July 8-23 Vestavia Hills Soccer Club The VHSC will offers soccer camp opportunities all year. This summer, the club will offer camps for all levels of players, boys and girls.

Telephone: (205) 978-0182 Address: 1973 Merryvale Rd., Vestavia Hills Email: info@vestaviasoccer.com

Website: vestaviasoccer.com/camps Dates & Ages: Pre-Tryout Camp – May 9-11 (Ages 8-19); Day Camp – June 6-10 (Ages 5-12); Summer Training – July 11-30 (Ages 8-14); Half Day Camp 1 – June 13-17 (Ages 5-12); Half Day; Camp 2 – June 20-24 (Ages 5-12); Day Camp – July 11-15 (Ages 5-12); Goal-Keeper/Striker Camp – July 22-24 (Ages 10-18)

TRADITIONAL CAMPS Camp Briarwood Overnight This Briarwood Christian School camp is held in Wetumpka at YMCA Camp Chandler. Each session offers activities including canoeing, sailing, skiing, riflery, archery, arts and crafts, horseback riding and a high ropes course.

Camp Juliette Low Through outdoor living, campers get to experience nature, gain self-confidence, and learn leadership skills. Campers live in platform tents and get to take part in a variety of activities, including archery, canoeing, horseback riding and rock climbing. Campers can register for Mini-Camp, a one-week session, a two-week session, or a mix.

Telephone: (770) 428-1062 Email: info@cjl.org Website: www.cjl.org Ages: Campers - 8-15; Counselors-in-Training – 16-17 Dates: June 5-July 30 Camp Mac for Boys & Girls Camp Mac gives kids a place to “learn stuff, do things and have fun.” It also gives kids a unique place 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.

Programs are fun, challenging and offer an unforgettable camp experience.

Telephone: (256) 362-7449 Address: 2671 Cheaha Rd., Munford 36268 Email: office@campmac.com Website: campmac.com Ages: Grades 1-6, completed Dates: May 31-July 21 Camp Merri-Mac (Residential) Camp Merri-Mac is a girls’ Christian summer

Children’s Summer Camps AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS

Give your child a chance to explore the Gardens’ summertime wonders!

FOR AGE 4–6TH GRADE | MAY 31–JULY 29, 2022 With fun themes from Monet’s Gardens and Wild and Wonderful to Summer Gardeners: From Bees to Trees—and more!—our half-day summer camps are designed to promote creativity and the joy of discovery in the unmatched natural setting of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. < SCAN ME TO REGISTER! (423) 757-2515 baylorschool.org/campwalkabout

bbgardens.org/summercamps A facility of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the result of a public/private partnership between the City of Birmingham and the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a missiondriven membership organization that seeks to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of the Gardens.

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Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 25

CAMP GUIDE

Email: info@winnataska.org Website: winnataska.org Ages: K-9, completed Dates: June 1-July 30 (8 sessions)

camp located high in the mountains of Western North Carolina, providing a summer of growth through friends and adventure.

Telephone: (828) 669-8766 Address: Black Mountain, NC Email: mail@merri-mac.com Website: merri-mac.com Ages: Grades 1-11 Dates: June 6-August 11 Camp Nakanawa (Residential) This private summer camp for girls is located on the Cumberland Plateau in Crossville, Tennessee. It offers a wide variety of activities designed to develop skills, make lasting friendships and gain confidence.

Telephone: (931) 277-3711 Address: Crossville, TN Email: campnak@campnakanawa.com Website: campnakanawa.com Ages: 8-17, girls Dates: June 12-July 24 (two- and four-week sessions) Summer Camp Experiences at Sumatanga Campers enjoy age-level activities that include swimming, hiking, creek studies, canoeing and archery. They can participate in spiritual formation through creative worship, intentional fellowship and small group discussion. Sumatanga offers Day Camp, fivenight Elementary Camp, Mid-High Camp and Senior High Camp experiences.

Telephone: (205) 305-8433 – Laura Sisson Address: 3616 Sumatanga Rd., Gallant Email: summerdirector@sumatanga.org Website: sumatanga.org Ages: Rising 1st through 12th graders, rising Dates: June 12-July 22 Camp Timberlake A residential boys’ Christian summer camp located in the mountains of Western North

Camp Woodmont (Residential) Camp Woodmont on Lookout Mtn. in northwest Georgia, is an overnight camp for boys and girls, ages 6 to 14. Just 2 hours north of Birmingham, Camp Woodmont features horseback riding, high-ropes/climbing, sports, dance, crafts, canoeing, archery, and more!

Telephone: (423) 472-6070 Address: Cloudland, GA Email: chloe@campwoodmont.com Website: campwoodmont.com Ages: 6-14 (Boys and girls) Dates: May 29 – July 29 (One- or two-week sessions)

Photo courtesy Alabama School of Fine Arts Carolina provides for a summer of growth through friends and adventure.

Telephone: (828) 669-8766 Address: Black Mountain, NC Email: email@camptimberlake.com Website: camptimberlake.com Ages: 6-16 Dates: June 6-August 11 Camp Walkabout at The Baylor School (Residential) Walkabout summer campers will kayak, canoe and paddleboard through the Tennessee River Gorge, hike to remote waterfalls and swimming holes, rock climb on the world-renowned sandstone known as the Tennessee Wall, head underground to explore the vast network of local caves, sleep under the southern stars and experience exhilaration they can’t find anywhere

else.

Telephone: (423) 757-2515 Address: Chattanooga, TN Email: badams@baylorschool.org Website: baylorschool.org Ages: Ages 8-16 Dates: June 5-July 22 Camp Winnataska (Residential) For over 100 years, Camp Winnataska has been inspiring campers to become like “knights in the days of old.” With a reputation for Christian camping at its best, Winnataska beckons a new generation of campers to come take part in unique traditions, grow in their faith, cultivate friendships and experience new high-adventure programming.

Telephone: (205) 640-6741 Address: 260 Winnataska Dr., Pell City

YMCA Camp Cosby (Residential) Independence, joy, excitement and life-long friendships are what you’ll find at YMCA Camp Cosby. Situated on 135 acres on the shores of beautiful Lake Logan Martin, this weeklong sleepaway camp offers the perfect camp atmosphere.

Telephone: (256) 268-2007 Address: 2290 Paul Bear Bryant Rd., Alpine Email: cosby@ymcabham.org Website: ymcabham.org Ages: 6-16 Dates: June 5-July 30

VARIETY/SPECIALTY CAMPS Camp Briarwood Day Camps Campers travel from Briarwood Presbyterian Church to Camp Kanawalaha in Chelsea every day for hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, canoeing and more. Bible stories and songs

Samford Cooking Camp

for Teens

June 6-10, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day

Cook alongside registered dietitian nutritionists and learn how to build delicious and nutritious plates for meals and snacks with the goal of developing a positive relationship with food and cooking.

Open to ages 11 to 16 years old.

Learn more and register at samford.edu/go/WellnessKitchen.

m:

e:

26 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

CAMP GUIDE Ages: 5-12

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photo courtesy Samford Volleyball

Monday-Thursday *(If necessary, makeup day will be Friday) Camp 1: June 6th-June 9th (10th) Camp 2: June 20th-June 23rd (24th) Camp 3: July 11th-July 14th (15th) Camp 4: July 25th-July 28th (29th) Half Day: 9:00-12:00 Full Day: 9:00-3:00 (Full day includes pool and lunch)

IJTA Summer Camp 2022

Inverness Country Club Tennis: 300 Inverness Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35242 Sign up by filling out the form using the link: http://www.invernessjuniortennisacademy.com/2022-summer-camps/ Feel free to email Joey@diamondclubs.com for more information!

Website Home Page: https://www.invernessjuniortennisacademy.com/

help children grow in their relationships with each other and God. Lunch and snacks are provided each day.

Telephone: (205) 776-5237 Address: Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, 35243 Email: Quest@briarwood.org Website: campbriarwood.org Ages: Entering grades 1-3 Dates: June 20-24

Inverness Tennis Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 February This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the February 24, 2022 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.

HAPPY CAMPERS

WE'VE BEEN CREATING FUN AND UNIQUE CAMP CARE PACKAGES FOR OVER 50 YEARS!

2830 18th Street South • Homewood, AL 35209 205-879-3986 • Mon.-Sat. 9:30 - 5:30

Camp Dawson Day Camp Day camps are held at the beautiful, wooded Camp Dawson near Calera, just the place for a summer adventure. Each morning, campers will meet at the Family Recreation Center on Dawson’s campus and travel by bus to camp. A variety of activities with something sure to satisfy every camper, including archery, swimming, BB guns, recreation, crafts, high ropes course and rock wall climbing.

Telephone: (205) 879-1758 Email: khagen@dawsonchurch.org Website: dawsonchurch.org Ages: Grades 1-5, completed Dates: Camp I – June 13-17; Camp II – June 27-July 1 Camp Fletcher Summer Day Camp Camp Fletcher is more than just a summer camp offering a broad range of outdoor challenges and activities in a 300-acre woodland preserve.

It’s an experience that young people, from literally all walks of life, remember. In its Summer Day Camp program, young people in grades 1-12 enjoy a broad range of experiences and challenges, making friends and spending time in The Great Outdoors — all in a safe and secure environment.

Telephone: (205) 584-6033 Address: 5150 Fletcher Rd., Bessemer Email: Camp.Fletcher@BridgeWaysAL.org Website: bridgewaysal.org Ages: Grades 1-12 Dates: May 31-August 5 Kidcam Camp @ Oak Mountain Kidcam offers 10 weeks of summer fun with all the best activities offered at Oak Mountain State Park. Purchase only the weeks you need and build your summer around you!

Telephone: (877) 454-3226 Address: 200 Terrace Dr., Pelham Email: rocky@kidcamcamps.com Website: kidcamcamps.com Ages: 5 to 13 Dates: May 31-August 5 Levite Jewish Community Center’s Camp LJCC A tradition since 1952, the LJCC’s summer camps are filled with opportunities for children to play, explore and experience all that camp has to offer. Program includes indoor and outdoor activities, singing, dancing, sports, swimming, fields trips and much more.

Telephone: (205) 510-9028 Address: 3960 Montclair Rd., Birmingham Email: shravya@bhamjcc.org Website: bhamjcc.org Ages: Grades K-8, rising Dates: May 31-August 5 Raider Days at Baylor School Raider Days gives 5 to 11-year-old campers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities and explore Baylor’s picturesque 690-acre campus. Raider Days campers will enjoy a fun week filled with games, crafts, slip-n-slides,

GROSS OUT CAMPS Award-winning science adventure camp in the great outdoors. Camps at Vulcan Park, Trussville, and Vestavia.

More at www.FreshAirFamily.org

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

CAMP GUIDE

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 27

Photo courtesy Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Use the summer to explore! outdoor activities, as well as time each day in our BRAND New outdoor pool. Baylor students are carefully selected and trained to serve as counselors and are campers’ favorite part of the week.

Telephone: (423) 757-2616 Address: 171 Baylor School Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37405 Email: summers@baylorschool.org Website: baylorschool.org Ages: 5 to 11 Dates: June 6-July 22 Conservatory of the Arts Camps at VHUMC For campers who prefer to take a more “artsy” approach to summer, the Conservatory of the Arts at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church might be just the ticket. Camp sessions will feature Theatre Camp, Creative Writing, Life

Skills and more.

Telephone: (205) 769-0141 Address: 2061 Kentucky Ave., Vestavia Hills Email: coa@vhumc.org Website: coa.mymusicstaff.com VHUMC’s Summer Days There’s something for everybody – including mad scientists, nature lovers, movie buffs, historians and more – at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church’s Summer Days camps. Keep your kids busy for part or all of the summer or with a variety of weeklong adventures. Camp sessions will include Mad Science, Neat Nature Camp, Disney Plus and more.

Email: summerdays@vhumc.org Website: vhumc.org

Academic Enrichment for Grades 5-12

Science Discovery • Fishing First Aid • Cooking • Black & White Photography • Essay Writing • Research & Academic Writing • Study Skills ACT Prep • Algebra Prep • Physics Prep AP Chemistry Prep • & More

BASEBALL

TONY DAVID BASEBALL CAMPS 2022

YOUTH BASEBALL CAMPS

June 13-16, June 27-30, July 11-14 and July 18-21 Grades entering K-7, $200, check in from 8:30-9:00 a.m., camp from 9 a.m.-noon

All youth camps are from 9:00 to 12:00 each day and from Monday through Thursday.

The cost of each camp is $200.00 and includes $5.00 towards the “Snack Bank” for the week during camp breaks, a Samford Water Bottle, and camp t-shirt. Instruction Campers will be filmed hitting & have their swing analyzed.

The camp will cover fundamentals of throwing, hitting, fielding, pitching, and base running.

• Groups Campers divided by age into small groups, keeping the coach to player ratio low. They will have the opportunity to be placed with friends at camp. • Games on days 2, 3 and 4 the campers will participate in scrimmage games. The games will include age & ability specific instruction from staff • Weather Issues The New Indoor hitting facility will be used to battle both heat and precipitation this summer.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVANCED CAMP

May 31-June 2, 6th to 8th graders, $200, check in begins at 8:15 on May 31, camp from 9 a.m. - Noon

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. Each player will receive detailed instruction on hitting, hitting for power, fielding, and throwing. Individual defensive instruction at each position will also be provided for each. Every player will have their swing filmed and analyzed. The camp will also focus on leading off and pick plays as this age group transitions from the youth baseball world. Limited number of Participants.

HIGH SCHOOL ELITE 40 CAMP

July 25-26 & 26-27 • Entering 9th graders through recent 2022 graduates Day 1 - check in begins at 12:30, camp from 1 - 9 p.m., Day 2 - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. • $295

This instructional camp will be taught at a college level to help each individual player get better and provide tools and drills for beyond the camp. The Samford Coaching Staff will be joined by college coaches from other programs to coach and evaluate the players. Players will be placed on teams by position and will participate in scrimmage games as well. All swings will be filmed analyzed. Defensively, players will be coached at specific positions with an opportunity to receive instruction at a secondary position. There are no overnight accommodations on campus for the camps. Meals are included.

BRING: baseball glove and hat • baseball cleats and tennis shoes baseball pants and shorts • a willingness to work hard and get better The camp is open to any and all registrants. Registration information can be obtained online at

www.subaseballcamps.com or call 205-726-4294

SUMMERATSPRINGS.ORG

28 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

CAMP GUIDE/SCHOOLS

Mountain Brook City Schools Names Teachers of the Year Each school in the Mountain Brook City Schools district has named its Teacher of the Year for the 2021-22 school year. Out of the teachers awarded, two were selected as District Teachers of the Year.

The Elementary District Teacher of the Year was awarded to Laura Rives, and the Secondary District Teacher of the Year was granted to Tami Genry.

Laura Rives

Laura Rives has been a third grade teacher at Crestline Elementary for 11 years. Rives received her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and has a master’s in elementary technology education.

She loves helping students achieve their full potential and explore their dreams, according to a statement from the school system. Rives also strives to guide her students and develop them into confident learners, compassionate friends and community leaders, the statement said.

“Laura Rives is the epitome of a true educator,” said Crestline Principal Christy Christian.

“Not only does she challenge herself to continuously grow in her craft, she also holds that same expectation for her students daily. She partners alongside students and families to build a community that is collaborative, curious, vulnerable, risk-taking and engaging.”

Photo courtesy Inverness Junior Tennis Academy

YMCA Summer Day Camp Campers will experience daily opportunities to select which games, crafts, or activities they participate in. Not only will they get to follow their own interests, but they’ll make their own path throughout the summer. Amidst the regular open programming periods, there will be organized events and large group games. Each week, different opportunities for fun will come to the camps including animal shows and special guests, ready and waiting to visit campers.

Telephone: (205) 801-YMCA Dates: June 6-August 5 Address: 2101 4th Ave. N., Birmingham Website: bhamycamp.org Ages: 5-18

Tami Genry

Whitney Babatunde

Allyson Martin

Ashley Van Beek

Kristi Moncrief

that provides books, literacy intervention and enrichment programs to schools in Birmingham, Fairfield and Talladega.

In addition, students and staff decorated two trees on the OLS campus with handwritten notes.

Prayer petitions were written on paper petals and placed on a Prayer Tree, while notes of thanks and blessings were placed on another tree they called the “OLS Tree.”

This marks the second year in a row a student of Indian Springs School has won the first-place title in the county bee.

Last year, Indian Springs’ Evie Frohsin advanced to the state competition, where Sherilyn Kau she placed in sixth place.

The Alabama Spelling Bee will take place March 26 on UAB’s campus. The winner of the state competition will move on to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Tami Genry

Tami Genry is in her fifth year as librarian at Mountain Brook Junior High. Genry attended the University of Montevallo, where she earned her bachelor’s in elementary education, and then the University of Alabama, where she earned her master’s in library and information science.

Genry uses a variety of teaching strategies to challenge and engage students to increase learning. She enjoys professional development, travel, spending time with family and a good cup of coffee, according to the statement.

“I’ve never seen a librarian have as much impact on the entire school as Tami does,” MBJH Principal Donald Clayton said. “Not only does she effectively manage a quality library that functions as a safe place for students, but she is also active in making sure MBJH is successful in all areas.”

Other Teachers of the Year

Others named Teachers of the Year were Whitney Babatunde of Cherokee Bend Elementary; Kristi Moncrief of Brookwood Forest Elementary; Allyson Martin of Mountain Brook Elementary; and Ashley Van Beek of Mountain Brook High.

OLS Students Participate in Events for Catholic School Week

Photo courtesy Birmingham Zoo

Laura Rives

Students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School participated in a special service project during Catholic Schools Week, which began Jan. 31.

Events focused on the school’s high-quality, faith-filled education and honored those who contribute to the school’s success. This year’s theme was “Catholic Schools: Faith, Excellence, Service.”

The week included theme-filled days that celebrated students, families, faculty and staff, along with volunteers, community supporters and local leaders.

The students performed chores at home to earn money to buy books for Better Basics, a nonprofit

Indian Springs Student Wins Shelby County Spelling Bee

Indian Springs eighth grader and Vestavia Hills resident Sherilyn Kau placed first in the Shelby County Spelling Bee and will advance to the state competition next month.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 29

SCHOOLS

Finley Committee Recognizes Hoover ‘Teachers in the Trenches’

Ashley Sparks

Ashley Sparks, a math specialist at Trace Crossings Elementary School, is known by her colleagues as selfless and giving. Several teachers refer to her as the GOAT and say she sets high standards for herself.

Sparks is described as thoughtful; always ready to assist children whom she recognizes as in need, whether that is an emotional, physical or academic need; and willing to do whatever possible to see their success.

On occasion she has bought shoes and clothes when she noticed a student in need, they said.

“This is truly an honor,” Sparks said. “Coach Finley is legendary in

and parents.

“It’s just a huge honor to be mentioned and nominated for this,” Wilson said. “There are so many deserving teachers in our system. So to be recognized as a finalist for this was a high honor and to receive the award is just amazing. It’s great to be recognized for all the work that we put in with our students. I couldn’t be happier.”

Maryann Pledger

Photos courtesy

Three Hoover teachers were recognized recently by The Finley Committee for going beyond the call of duty to serve students and the school district.

The Teachers in the Trenches awards honor educators whose dedication and kindness make an impact on students’ lives beyond the classroom, according to a statement by Hoover City Schools. One teacher each from elementary, middle and high school were chosen to receive the annual awards.

A total of 54 teachers were nominated by their fellow teachers for the awards, and a group of educators chose the final three.

From left, Maryann Pledger, Ashley Sparks, and Brian Wilson.

Hoover and it’s an honor to be recognized for an award that was started because of his character. It’s an honor to be recognized by teachers at this time. Just knowing they took the time to nominate me means so much.”

Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson, director of bands at Berry Middle School, is described as an individual who goes above and beyond by showing his love and passion for music.

His colleagues and band parents

say he has prepared students musically to succeed at the next level.

Wilson is involved with UAB, which allows his students the opportunity to participate in the UAB Band Camp with experienced college-level musicians.

Under Wilson’s leadership, Berry students have been recognized at AllState competitions. One band parent said that when her daughter has questions regarding music and her future career, Wilson is always there to help.

His colleagues say he is kind, respectful and personable to students

Maryann Pledger, English as a second language specialist at Spain Park High School, is described as passionate about everything she does.

During the spring 2020 semester, when teachers and students had to navigate a new world of online learning, Pledger was eager to meet the needs of her students.

Her colleagues say that, when she realized some at-risk students were only eating once a day, she donated food to them through her nonprofit organization. When she visited one student’s home, she also discovered a lack of furniture, clothing and other household items. She reached out to others and had beds, couches, chairs, mattresses and bed linens delivered to the house.

Pledger knows that for her students to be academically successful, their basic needs for food, shelter, clothing and health must first be met,

and she does all in her power to make sure students are taken care of, her colleagues said.

“I was surprised and had no idea that my colleagues had nominated me and had seen the things that I had been doing,” Pledger said. “It’s an honor and I’m humbled to have my name associated with such a high character as Mr. Finley. With the caliber of teachers who come before me who have also been named, it’s nice to know that my name is now attached with their names.”

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato applauded the teachers, saying “The difficulty they’ve gone through keeping kids focused and keeping them in a situation where they can learn – what a challenging time it has been. It has taken great individuals like you, and I applaud you and thank each of you for serving our schools.”

Hoover City Schools Superintendent Dee O. Fowler reflected on the life and legacy of the late Finley as he congratulated the three teachers.

“I wish I could have known Coach Finley,” Fowler said. “To know a person of that character was in this district means a lot and I know to you three teachers it means a lot to have your name associated with this man of great character. To have this gentleman that we can look back on and use as a measuring stick means so much.

It’s such a special honor.”

The path to

MENDING HER

HEART

was actually through her leg.

Olivia was born with a congenital heart defect requiring open heart surgery at 3 months old. She also required a second surgery as a teen to replace her pulmonary valve – but this time they went through a vein in her leg to insert the Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve in her heart. This less-invasive path to replacement shortened her recovery time, and she went home the next day. Olivia was the first pediatric patient in the southeast to receive the Harmony valve, and it was here at Children’s of Alabama.

Olivia Tetralogy of Fallot Patient

To learn more visit ChildrensAL.org/heart

30 • Thursday, February 24, 2022

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Defending Champions On Verge of Return to State Basketball Tournament The Mountain Brook boys, Oak Mountain boys and Hoover girls basketball teams took to the court last week in regional finals with hopes of returning to the state tournament next week at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena to defend their 2021 state championships.

The Spartans’ boys (29-4) played the Huffman Vikings (27-5) Monday afternoon in the Class 6A Northeast Regional final at Jacksonville State University’s Pete Mathews Coliseum.

The Eagles boys and Lady Bucs were both in action Tuesday in the Northwest Regional at Wallace State-Hancville’s Tom Drake Coliseum. Oak Mountain (25-5) took on James Clemens (20-9) in the boys Class 7A final and Hoover (30-3) met Bob Jones (27-3) in the girls Class 7A final.

The Mountain Brook boys reached the regional final with a dominating 52-25 victory over Oxford in the Northeast semifinals last Thursday. The Spartans held the Yellow Jackets scoreless in the final quarter, outscoring them 17-0.

Ty Davis led the Spartans with 16 points. Julius Clark added 15 points and five rebounds and Kyle Layton had 11 points.

“It would be extremely gratifying and great for our program to get back to the Final Four,” Mountain Brook coach Tyler Davis said. “This team hadn’t done anything like that.

It’s like John Wooden’s UCLA basketball teams and Alabama’s football program where people just expect you to play for championships, but it’s not fair to the players on this team to just expect it to happen.

They have worked extremely hard to

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

By Rubin E. Grant

WRESTLING

Eagle’s Buird Wins State

Oak Mountain junior Austin Buird (46-7) also won an individual state title, defeating Thompson sophomore Nick Dempsey (44-11) by a 4-2 decision in the 132-pound championship match.

In the team standings, defending Class 7A champion Vestavia Hills finished a distant second behind Thompson. The Rebels had 118.5 points while the Warriors had 194.5 to

win their ninth state championship. Oak Mountain (47) was seventh, Hoover (43) eighth and Spain Park (35) 10th.

The Rebels advanced four wrestlers to championship matches, but each was denied a title. Stone Phillips (24-5) lost to Thompson’s Thomas Giere (35-0) at 106 pounds; Harris Mitchell (29-4) lost to Thompson’s Will Garrett (39-9) at 160; John Edwards (35-4) lost to Thompson’s Carson Freeman (49-4) at

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

From page 32

said.

Harley Lamey was relieved because his son had been dealing with a painful thumb injury due to an infection all week.

“The trainers and doctors had to get him to where he could compete,” Harley Lamey said. “He had to wrestle almost with one hand.”

Jack Lamey reached the final with a pin of Dothan’s Garrett Holland in the quarterfinals and a 7-2 decision over Smiths Station’s Lance Peterson in the semifinals before beating Pippin to win his second individual state title.

“I was happy and pleased with my performance,” Jack Lamey said. “It was pretty difficult with my hand injury, but I tried not to think about it too much.

“It means a lot to get a state championship under my dad as head coach.

I’m also glad to win a title at Hoover and at Vestavia.”

get

Vestavia’s Stone Phillips lost to Thompson’s Thomas Giere at 106 pounds.

Clockwise from above: Mountain Brook (25-8) lost to Oxford 60-47, despite Francie Morris’ 16 points in the Class 6A Northeast Regional; Patriots forward Donte Bacchus’s had a game-high 21 points and nine rebounds in Homewood’s loss to Huffman. Ty Davis led the Spartans with 16 points and Julius Clark, above, added 15 points and five rebounds.

170; and Andrew Sykes (19-1) lost to Smiths Station’s Kyle Watson (43-3) at 220.

Spain Park’s Bradley Williams (3910) lost to Thompson’s Yanni Vines (41-3) in the 126-pound title match, and Oak Mountain’s Nic Rigdon (37-9) lost to Smiths Station’s Steven Flagg (52-2) in the 285-pound final.

In Class 5A/6A, Homewood and Mountain Brook finished among the top 10 teams. The Patriots were fifth with 87 points and the Spartans’ 10th with 56.5 points. Mortimer Jordan won its first state wrestling championship with 125.5 points.

Homewood senior Joe Galvan (3715) reached the 138-pound championship match but was pinned by Moody’s Cory Land in only 45 seconds. Land (56-0) won his fifth overall state title and ended his career winning 207 consecutive matches, the second-longest winning streak in AHSAA wrestling history.

Several Over-the-Mountain wrestlers won consolation championship matches.

In Class 5A/6A, they were Homewood’s Moeen Almansoob (50-

back to this point, so it would be extremely exciting for them.”

Huffman eliminated Homewood 40-38 in overtime in the other Class 6A boys Northeast semifinal, despite Patriots forward Donte Bacchus’s game-high 21 points and nine rebounds. Homewood finished its season with a 19-13 record.

The Oak Mountain boys routed Austin 56-37 in the Class 7A Northwest semifinals behind 18 points from Brady Dunn and 13 from Wilder Evers.

“I am really pleased with how we played,” Oak Mountain coach Chris Love said. “Wilder and Brady both have been with us for four years and we’re not through. They may be tired of me, but I’m not tired of them yet.”

The Lady Bucs cruised to a 71-29 victory over Florence in their regional semifinal. Aniya Hubbard led Hoover with 14 points and nine rebounds. Reniya Kelly contributed 13 points and six assists. Devon Davidson added 12 points and Kamryn Lee chipped in 10 points.

“Obviously, we knew we had the ability to have that kind of dominant performance,” Hoover coach Krystle Johnson said.

Meanwhile, the Mountain Brook girls and Oak Mountain girls were eliminated in the regional semifinals.

Mountain Brook (25-8) lost to Oxford 60-47, despite Francie Morris’ 16 points in the Class 6A Northeast Regional. It was the Lady Spartans’ first trip to the regional tournament since 2016.

Oak Mountain fell to Bob Jones 46-25 after being tied 18-18 at halftime in the Class 7A Northwest Regional. Raegan Whitaker led Oak Mountain (9-22) with 11 points and six rebounds.

12) at 113 pounds and Sam Sutton (556) at 132, and Mountain Brook’s Gray Ortis (59-2) at 160.

In Class 7A, they were Vestavia Hills’ Cale Tucker (28-9) at 113 pounds (with a 5-4 decision over Oak Mountain’s Camden Tipton), Vestavia Hills’ Clay Johnson (28-6) at 152, Hoover’s Broc Metcalf (50-6) at 138 (with a 7-2 decision over Vestavia Hills’ Andrew Sullivan) and Spain Park’s William Conlon (37-8) at 182.

The Rebels’ Mac Chandler (28-14) at 120 and Riggs Manown (32-17) at 195 both placed fourth.

CORRECTION: In our last issue in a story on the 2022 Alabama High School Athletic Association State Indoor Track Championships and we inadvertently omitted Class 4A-5A results.

John Carroll’s Arthur Langley finished second in the boys 3200-meter run and third in the 800-meter run while Indian Springs’ Elise Picard finished third in the girls 3200-meter run.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Right Mindset

Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 31

SPORTS

By Rubin E. Grant

dunks sprinkled in and collected nine rebounds while leading the Jaguars to a 59-46 victory against Sparkman in the regional semifinals last week.The Panthers routed Vestavia Hills 70-42 in the regional semifinals. Win Miller scored 18 points and Reese Gurner 11

Colin Turner let his emotions get the best of him following a poor play during his first two seasons on the Spain Park boys basketball team.

“If he made a mistake, he would let it affect the next play and the next play and the play after that,” Spain Park coach Chris Laatsch said. “He couldn’t get out of his own way.”

Turner acknowledged his coach’s assessment of his emotional struggles.

“He was not kidding,” Turner said.

“My freshman and sophomore years were really bad with my emotions on the court.”

Laatsch finally convinced Turner that he had to put any mistake behind him and just keep playing.

“He persistently told me I had to go on to the next play and flush any bad thoughts I had,” Turner said.

Now a seasoned senior, the 6-foot9 Turner keeps his emotions in check and just makes plays.

On Monday, Turner scored 25 points, sinking 9-of-12 shots from the field and 7-of-7 free throws, and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Jaguars (26-7) to a 60-51 victory over Huntsville (23-11) in the Class 7A Northeast Regional championship game at Jacksonville State’s Pete Mathews Coliseum.

Josh Harrington added 15 points as Spain Park earned its second consecutive berth in the state tournament, which will be played next week at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena.

Turner was selected the 7A regional MVP. He scored 20 points on 9-of12 shooting from the field with a few

‘He persistently told me I had to go on to the next play and flush any bad thoughts I had.’

COLIN TURNER

to lead the Rebels, who finished with a 25-5 record.

After watching Turner mature, Laatsch now raves about his demeanor.

“He’s an absolutely great young man,” Laatsch said. “His freshman year was the first year I worked with him, and he’s matured since then. He doesn’t get rattled. He’s a hard worker, a great leader and a real pleasure to coach.”

Turner went into the regional final scoring 18.3 points per game while shooting a blistering 68.0 percent on 2-point field goal attempts and 75.0 percent from the free-throw line this season. He also was averaging 10.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.

“I think I have had a really good season,” Turner said. “It’s the best basketball I’ve played throughout my career. It’s been a dream come true. I got my commitment out of the way

early so I could just worry about making sure I did what I needed to do to help our team win a state championship.”

Turner committed to the University of North Georgia last fall and signed earlier this month.

“Early on they showed they really wanted me while a lot of other schools were waiting to see me play my senior year,” Turner said. “I felt good about that.

“I went to visit last summer and it’s a great place with a nice campus.

Plus they have great coaches.”

Laatsch believes Turner will flourish at North Georgia.

“They are getting a guy with a high ceiling who is hungry to be the best he can be,” Laatsch said. “He can play with his back to the basket, and he has improved as a three-point shooter, and he can put the ball on the floor. We used him some to break the press against Sparkman.”

Before he heads off to North Georgia, Turner was hoping to get the Jags back into the Final Four next week at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena.

Spain Park reached the state tournament last year but suffered a heartbreaking 57-56 semifinal loss in double overtime to Enterprise on a putback at the buzzer at Bartow Arena.

Turner was elated that the Jags had put themselves in position to reach the state tournament again.

“Last year we had eight seniors who graduated, so coming into this season a lot of people didn’t think we would be that good,” Turner said.

“We have had an enjoyable experience proving people wrong.”

SMITH

Spain Park’s Colin Turner went into the regional final scoring 18.3 points per game while shooting a blistering 68.0 percent on 2-point field goal attempts

with my teammates and coaches and this is my last year.”

Smith and her twin sister, Ally Smith, have played on the Lady Rebels’ varsity since they were in the eighth grade. They began playing basketball when they were 8 years old.

“Both of our older brothers played, so we were always around the game,” Emma Smith said. “Our parents signed us up and we loved it from the get-go.”

The two share a bond on and off the court, and their familiarity with each other can be clearly seen whenever they are playing a game.

“We are incredibly close,” Emma Smith said. “She’s my best friend. She can do something on the court or say

From page

something and I get exactly what she’s saying. It’s been a blessing playing with her for five years.

“It’s crazy how fast these five years have gone by. I can’t believe, at max, we have only three games left.”

Neither twin plans to play college basketball, so this week and/or next week has special meaning.

Ally Smith is headed to Auburn and Emma Smith – who is a top-notch student, scoring 34 on the ACT and carrying a 4.5 grade-point average – plans to attend the University of Denver and study finance.

“I want to do something different with the next chapter in my life,” Emma Smith said.

Bluff Park WindoW Works Journal photo by Jordan Wald

The 5-foot-7 senior guard recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds to go along with five steals in the Lady Rebels’ 65-32 victory against Huntsville last week in the regional semifinals.

She would like nothing better than to end her career playing in the state tournament after their past two seasons ended with close losses in the regional final.

“It would mean the world to me, to represent Vestavia in the Final Four,” Smith said. “If we make it, all glory to God.” During this season, Smith became the all-time leading scorer in Vestavia Hills basketball history. She had scored 1,959 points and collected 1,024 rebounds entering Monday’s regional final. She was averaging 15.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.2 steals this season.

“This season has been everything I could ask for in a senior year,” Smith said. “But it’s also kind of bittersweet because of the close relationships I have

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Spain Park’s Turner Keeps Emotions in Check During Dream Season

Emma Smith and her twin sister, Ally Smith, (picuted) have played on the Lady Rebels’ varsity since they were in the eighth grade. They began playing basketball when they were 8 years old.

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Defending champions on verge of return to state basketball tournament Page 30

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Thursday, February 24, 2022 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Right Mindset Spain Park’s Turner keeps emotions in check during dream season Page 31

Relentless

Vestavia Hills Senior Emma Smith Approaches End of Brilliant Basketball Career

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By Rubin E. Grant

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

he first thing John David Smelser did three years ago when he learned about the Vestavia Hills girls basketball coaching job opening was to watch video of the Lady Rebels.

He didn’t know anything about the players on the team.

But after watching the video and seeing thenfreshman Emma Smith play, Smelser immediately applied for the job.

“I loved the way she played,” Smelser said.

“I figured it would be fun to coach a kid like that.”

Smelser’s admiration for Smith has grown exponentially in the three seasons he has coached her.

“She plays the game the right way,” Smelser said. “She plays hard and she not only scores, but she does all kinds of things for us. She guards, she rebounds and she’s relentless.

“She’s also brilliant outside of basketball. A lot of people only see her play and that’s all they know, but she’s a smart kid and an all-around great person.”

Smith was at her relentless best Monday morning in the Class 7A Northeast Regional final at Jacksonville State. She had 16 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and five steals to lead the Lady Rebels (31-2) to a 49-43 victory over Hewitt-Trussville (25-7). She was named the 7A girls regional MVP. See SMITH, page 31

Hoover’s Jack Lamey, a junior, earned the Class 7A Most Valuable Wrestler award while winning the 182-pound state title in the 67th AHSAA State Wrestling Championships at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.

Making Papa Proud Hoover’s Lamey Claims State Wrestling Crown With His Dad as Head Coach

J

ack Lamey Jr. didn’t have any qualms when his dad, Harley Lamey, accepted the job as head wrestling coach at Hoover last summer, although the younger Lamey knew it meant he would have to leave a place where he had become a state champion.

As a freshman at rival Vestavia Hills, Lamey won the 2020 Class 7A 145-pound state title. As a sophomore in 2021, he finished second at 160 pounds in 7A but helped the Rebels win their Alabama High School Athletic Association record 16th state wrestling championship.

Even so, when Harley Lamey, who was the

head wrestling coach at Liberty Park Middle School, had the opportunity to move to Hoover, Jack Lamey had a succinct message for his dad: “I told him to take it,” he said.

Jack Lamey transferred from Vestavia Hills to Hoover to wrestle for his dad and on Saturday, he made him proud.

Lamey, a junior, earned the Class 7A Most Valuable Wrestler award while winning the 182pound state title in the 67th AHSAA State Wrestling Championships at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. Lamey (42-6) defeated Bob Jones senior Evan Pippin (52-5) by a 6-2 decision in the championship match.

“I was proud and relieved,” Harley Lamey

See WRESTLING, page 30

‘It means a lot to get a state championship under my dad as head coach. I’m also glad to win a title at Hoover and at Vestavia.’

JACK LAMEY

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

By Rubin E. Grant

During this season, Emma Smith became the all-time leading scorer in Vestavia Hills basketball history.