3.11.21

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

SOCIAL

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021

DOUBLE-DOWN

Vestavia Hills High School’s Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement program, RISE, hosted a 5K and Color Fun Run last Saturday to support O’Neal Cancer Center. See page 14

2 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

OPINION/CONTENTS

Inside

Murphy’s Law

B FRUIT FORWARD BMA Museum Ball chairs put a focus on American art collection PAGE 4

BRAVO Red Mountain Theatre Company campus construction approaches final stages PAGE 8

IF YOU GIVE A MOM A COOKIE Vestavia Hills-based PatriciaIrene’s gives back to local nonprofits through baked goods PAGE 10

SPRING HOME BUYING & SELLING Local real estate pros discuss the latest trends in the OTM real estate market. PAGE 16

ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 8 LIFE 10 SOCIAL 12

otmj.com

Over the Mountain Views

Hoover Celebrates Arbor Day

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

Vol. 30, No. 15

Journal photo by Emily Williams

March 11, 2021 JOU RNAL Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Emily Williams-Robertshaw, Sam Prickett 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

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 2021 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.

Delete, Delete, Delete

etween 8:00 Monday night and lot.

8:00 Tuesday morning, I I couldn’t tell you for sure, because received 67 emails. It’s like that I never open the emails. Unless I know most days. You’d think I was wildly you personally or have shopped on popular, but my morning scroll always your website, I can’t take the chance. begins with delete, delete, delete.

There are hackers afoot and people I do this even though a lot of these who make their livings by cheating messages purport to hold fabulous unsuspecting victims out of theirs. news. A grant that I never applied for Some want to steal your identity, and to has been approved. The interview that be honest, there are days when I think, I requested (when did I do that?) has “Go ahead, you try being me for a been scheduled, and I have been change,” but I don’t have time for the awarded $50 gift cards all over town. paperwork. And so, I do not open the Sue Murphy Apparently, I am one lucky gal! emails.

Forget the CDC and FDA and all This must be a huge disappointment those other letter-type honchos, to these persistent writers. I mean, these email people have discovered they have worked so hard to gather the cure for tinnitus and plantar all this information, just to be disSome want to steal warts and erectile dysfunction. They carded with a click of a button. In a your identity, and to have some inside track that can get less-buyer-beware web world, I be honest, there are me car insurance for pennies, CBD would write these people back. I gummies by the caseload and cruises days when I think, ‘Go don’t know any DISGUSTING to the Bahamas when no cruise line things anyone has done right now, I know is sailing right now. How do ahead, you try being but perhaps they would be interested they do it? in a few GOOD things, a few me for a change.’

Curiously, for all of their inside NOBLE pursuits, a string of KIND connections, they are not very good gestures I’ve been privy to. After all spellers. Perhaps that is the job I that EVIL, I would think they would be ready for a little sunshine. would get if I went to the interview. Maybe that’s what At the very least, I should let all these writers know I the grant is for – hiring a spellchecker for these generous business folks. Goodness knows they could use one. am summarily deleting their messages without reading them. Some I send to the junk folder first, hoping to In other emails, the spelling is just fine, perhaps send the message that, sadly (for them), I am not their because these writers are tucked away in the upper echtarget audience. I claim no political affiliation. I have a elons of government, so well-connected that they have trusted podiatrist and a reliable insurance agent. I think first-hand knowledge of every DISGUSTING thing a it unwise to ingest something that is shipped to me from politician’s distant relative has been up to. They feel a pharmacy in Pago Pago, and although I am sure they compelled to share this breaking news because they are are fine people, I do not set out each morning hoping to patriots, my friends, independent American patriots. I meet beautiful Asian women. know that because they say so right in their tag lines, All this to say, sorry, you dedicated purveyors of and they feel so morally charged about what they do email oddities (read: junk). You’ll have to look elsethat they must speak in CAPITAL LETTERS. Not where. Delete, delete, delete.

Capitol, although I suspect that word gets mentioned a

HOME 16 FOOD 23 SCHOOLS 25 SPORTS 28

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 JOURNAL

Hoover Belles, from left, Alexandria Erickson, Sophie Anderson and Carys Gonzalez welcomed visitors to Aldridge Gardens for its annual Arbor Day Celebration on March 6. Festivities held from morning to mid-day included the giving away of free trees to Hoover residents, recognition of the 4th Grade Arbor Day Essay Contest winners, a Tree City USA award presentation, kids crafts, the World’s Largest oak leaf, the planting of a new community orchard, educational tables and more.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 3

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4 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

Generations of Museum Supporters

Garland Smith has a storied history with the Birmingham Museum of Art. It begins with her stepfather’s uncle, Jack Bass Smith, with whom her family was very close.

“He was instrumental in bringing the museum to (its current location) from its original placement at City Hall,” Smith said.

She has since maintained that connection through service and involvement in BMA programs.

“I’ve chaired the ball three times,” Smith said. Her first run as ball chair was in 1981, when she was two weeks away from giving birth to her

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

F

or the Birmingham Museum of Art, it’s Museum Ball 2020 Take 2.

The event was canceled last year because of COVID-19. But motherdaughter pairings Sallie Johnson and Sumner Johnson Rives, along with Garland Smith and Lindsay Smith Puckett will be co-chairs of the event, as they were meant to be last year.

The chairs are looking forward to creating an event that maintains a level of safety while providing a show-stopping experience. The re-do is set for Sept. 11.

The ball is always an immersive experience, the chairs agreed.

“When the guests come and experience the ball,” Rives said, there is always a build-up for guests to wonder what surprises are in store.

“It’s always a buffet for your eyes.

The decor and approach in design is actually an expression of art.”

In recent years, the ball has focused on more modern artwork, taking inspiration from short-term exhibits. This year, the focus is on American Art, still life works in particular, and the theme is Fruit et Fleur.

It made sense, Rives said, as both the Smith and the Johnson families have a history of supporting the museum with a focus on American art.

Mother-daughter pairings Sumner Johnson Rives and Sallie Johnson, along with Garland Smith and Lindsay Smith Puckett will be co-chairs of the event, as they were meant to be last year.

Fruit Forward

BMA Museum Ball Chairs Put a Focus on American Art Collection daughter. She counts last year’s canceled event as her second time, as they had all but finalized plans before the pandemic shut down large gatherings.

This year will be the third time she’s planned the ball and her daughter’s second run, by Smith standards.

“I came here as a kid for art camp,” Puckett said. “I also was an art history minor in college and lived over in Italy, and that really instilled in me a love for art, especially American art.”

Johnson also has had a long-standing history with the museum, begin-

ning with her parents. They were active members of the BMA’s Asian Art Society.

“I remember them going on art trips with the museum,” Rives said.

“The society would travel, and while traveling they would intentionally purchase items as a group or as individuals and donate them to the museum.”

American art is something that Johnson has devoted much time to studying.

Perhaps she was inspired by experiences writing high school term papers at the Birmingham Public

Library beneath the gaze of Albert Bierstadt’s “Looking Down Yosemite Valley, California.”

“I remember it being upstairs and it was just on the wall, right where you would go to take all of your notes,” Johnson said. “It was just on the wall. I thought it was wallpaper or a mural.”

The painting is recognized as an iconic work of art and makes a grand impact as patrons enter the American art gallery.

Johnson said her love of art has evolved through her relationship with the museum.

“It changes your perspective when you walk through these halls,” she said. “The more you know, the more you appreciate it.”

When BMA Director Graham C. Boettcher first joined the staff, Johnson and her husband formed a bond with him. They were inspired by his love of American artwork and began collecting themselves, with help from Boettcher.

“This museum is a place to learn about our culture and other cultures,” she said. “It’s not just pretty stuff to look at. That’s important for everybody to know. It’s a real tool for us to learn about others.”

Giving Back to the City

What fuels the Smiths and Johnsons as they chair the ball and raise funds for the museum is the knowledge that the facility is truly an asset to the community. It’s a benefit to education and quality of life and has a profound economic impact.

“When organizations and large companies are looking for a place to

move or open additional offices, they have certain things that they need to offer their employees that they are asking to move,” Rives noted. A major component in quality of life is cultural opportunities such as the museum.

The Museum Ball is the BMA’s largest fundraiser of the year. This is the 64th year it’s been held, since last year’s ball was canceled. Funds raised are essential every year, but this year that need has doubled because of the impact of the pandemic.

Typical money-making event series and programming have had to be canceled or restructured. In addition, funding cuts by the city of Birmingham have reduced the facility’s budget.

“The first and primary purpose is that it is key and instrumental to the financial wellbeing of the museum,” Rives said. “That is our goal and that is why we are here and want to help them do that.”

The second purpose is to present an expression of art – something that was lost last year.

BMA Development Events Manager Erin Everett said this year will provide an immersive experience like none she has seen in the city.

To maximize safety, the museum will expand its event space to about 150,000 square feet.

“We are opening up galleries that have not been used before in order to be able to socially distance,” Smith said.

The event floor plan also will include the largest outdoor space ever used for one of its balls.

A menu by chef George McMillan of FoodBar and decor by Jill Garmon of AG Lighting will excite the eyes and tastebuds, inspired by the Fruit et Fleur theme.

Guests can expect to see plenty of florals, fruits and vegetables in the event space, all of which will be donated after the ball.

“I love the idea that we are not going to have a lot of waste while we are shining a light on this still life and the artwork that we have in the museum,” Everett said.

For those who wish to attend the event, tickets must be purchased by June 1.

“That’s for two reasons,” Rives said. “Those funds will then be a part of this fiscal year for the museum, even though the event will be held in September.”

In addition, the ball typically nears sell out two months before the event date.

“We fully expect this event, like many years in the past, to sell out well before the event occurs,” Rives added. “So, those who want to attend and get back to normal in a big booming way, look to purchase them by June 1.”

Johnson also suggested that those interested in attending who do not normally receive notices about the event call the museum to inquire about ball tickets.

For more information, call Erin Everett at (205) 297-8062.

B U Y L O C A L . B U Y O N ABOUT L I NTOWN E . S A M E L O W P R IThursday, C E March S . 11, 2021 • 5

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6 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

MAR 11 - MAR 25

Tickets are $55 per household. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Opera Birmingham. When: 7 p.m. Website: operabirmingham. org/hersheyfelder

Editor’s note: Some of the events in our calendar may have been canceled after our press deadline.

Please check organiziation websites for the latest information.

Tues., March 16 Red Cross Blood Drive

Thurs., March 11 Birmingham Heart Ball Digital Experience

The American Heart Association Alabama chapter will host its annual gala fundraiser in a new way, emceed

by Sheri Falk and Guy Rawlings of WVTM-13 and featuring event honorees Tim Vines, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and his wife Antoinette Vines, founder of Mercy Deliverance Ministries. When: 6 p.m. Website: birminghamheartball. heart.org

The History of Linn Park

The Birmingham Museum of Art will host a panel discussion as part of its ongoing Ways of Seeing: Buildings and Monuments exhibit. Speakers will include Joi Brown, executive director of the Jefferson County Memorial Project; JCMP Fellows; and BMA curatorial assistant Hina Zaida. When: 6-8 p.m. Where: Zoom Website: artsbma.org

March 11-14 Native Plant Conference: Growing Resilience The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host this biennial conference in a virtual format featuring a wide range of garden and landscape professionals from the Southeast. Registration is required and on-site small group field trips are available to supplement the virtual program. Website: bbgardens.org/ npc.php

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald (American, 1900-1948), Ober Hosue, about 1940. Watercolor on paper.

ART BREAK: WOMEN ARTISTS OF ALABAMA TUES., MARCH 16 This free event will feature Birmingham Museum of Art Director Graham C. Boettcher discussing significant early 20th-century women artists of Alabama. Registration is encouraged. When: noon-1 p.m. Website: artsbma.org

Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach Jr. Virginia Samford Theatre’s VSTARS participants will perform this kidfriendly adaptation of Roald Dahl’s famous children’s book. When: check website for showings Where: Virginia Samford Theatre Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org

Fri., March 12 Schoolhouse Rock

Cornerstone Schools of Alabama’s Junior Board will host a virtual party, including take-home meals for 4 catered by Moe’s BBQ. Proceeds will benefit the students at Cornerstone schools. Website: csalabama.org

41st Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Celebration

The Birmingham Irish Cultural Society will host its annual St. Patrick’s dinner celebration at a private club in Birmingham, including a dinner of traditional Irish food, drinks and music

by Two Lane Hi-Way. Tickets are $75 or $600 for a table and proceeds benefit Kid One Transport. When: 7 p.m. Website: “Birmingham Irish Cultural Society” Facebook page

March 12-13 BAMOM Twice as Nice Sale

The Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples will host its biannual sale of gently used children’s and maternity clothing, shoes, and more. When: March 12, 4:30-8:30 p.m. (public sale); March 13, 8 a.m.-noon (halfpriced sale) Where: Metropolitan Church of God Website: “Twice As Nice Sale (BAMOM)” Facebook page

Sun., March 14 “Hershey Felder, Puccini”

Live streamed from Florence, Italy, this world premiere of an opera written by and starring Hershey Felder will feature international opera stars.

The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church will co-sponsor a blood drive giving participants the chance to “give the gift of life.” Donors and volunteers are encouraged to sign up online. When: noon-6 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Website: business.vestaviahills.org

Wed., March 17

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY Thurs., March 18 Hoover Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon

Keynote speaker Hoover mayor Frank Brocato. will present his State of the City address. Reservations are required. When: 11:15 a.m. Where: Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel Website: business. hooverchamber.org

Alys Stephens Center Presents DeQn Sue

The center will host a virtually streamed concert featuring Alabama native and alternative pop artist DeQn Sue. Dubbed the “Queen of Quirk” by Time Magazine, her style features hints of funk, R&B, pop and vaudeville. Reservations must be made. When: 7 p.m. Website: alysstephens.org

Thurs., March 25 “Gather”

The Birmingham Museum of Art will host a virtual film screening for the movie “Gather,” which follows the stories of Native Americans on the frontline of a growing movement to reconnect with spiritual and cultural identities that were devastated by genocide. When: 6-7 p.m. Website: artsbma.org

Sat., March 27

SAVE THE DATE Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny Smith’s Variety in Crestline Village will be hosting a photo op for pets with the Easter Bunny, with all proceeds benefitting the Animal League of Birmingham. When: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Smith’s Variety Website: mtnbrookchamber.org

Hop ’n Shop

The businesses of 18th Street in Homewood will host an Easterthemed shopping event where visitors can hunt for coupons, candy and more. There will also be a visit from the Easter Bunny. When: 10 a.m.-noon Where: Downtown Homewood Website: business. homewoodchamber.org

Thurs., April 1 The Spring Edit at Lane Parke

Lane Parke will close of Rele Street to host an event featuring live music, pop-ups including Doodles and more.

When: 5-7:30 p.m. Where: Lane Parke in Mountain Brook Website: fb.me/e/4wXRFHGJd

Alys Stephens Center Presents: Red Baraat

The ASC will host a streamed concert featuring the Brooklyn-based band Red Baraat, whose music blends North Indian bhangra with elements of hip-hop, jazz and raw punk energy.

Registrations is required. When: 7 p.m. Website: alysstephens.org

Homewood Grown 2021 Moves to Patriot Park April 30

A new year, a new location.

The Homewood City Schools Foundation recently announced that the 2021 Homewood Grown fundraiser will take place April 30 at West Homewood’s Patriot Park.

The community event is an annual fundraiser that celebrates the Homewood City Schools System’s teachers and administrative staff.

In light of health and safety guidelines, the event will include socially distanced seating and limit tables to six guests rather than the typical 10.

A keynote speech will be given

by Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell, a Homewood High School alumnus and father of four Homewood students. The program also will include a presentation of the foundation’s 2021 Teacher Impact Award recipients.

The event will begin at 5:45 p.m., with a dinner catered by The Happy Catering Company served at 6:30 p.m.

Individual tickets are $125, and tables of six are $750. Those who purchased tickets for or sponsored last year’s canceled event will have their payments transferred to this year’s festivities with no action required.

For more information, visit homewoodcityschoolsfoundation. com.

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ABOUT TOWN

ASO Announces Spring Serenades Virtual Concert Series

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is hosting a new virtual concert series called Spring Serenades.

The free series will run through June, with each program featuring symphony artists performing in socially distanced ensembles.

Produced in partnership with EBSCO Industries Inc. and Vulcan Value Partners, concerts will be available to view for a limited time through the Alabama Symphony Orchestra website, alabamasymphony. org, and previews will be posted on the organization’s social media channels.

The next performance will be available March 12-21. “Shamrock’s & Strings” will be led by conductors Carlos Izcaray and Kevin Fitzgerald and will feature Mozart’s “Adagio & Fugue K. 546” and Holst’s “St. Paul’s Suite.”

The first installment, “Dvorak Serenade for Strings,” was shown through March 7.

Virtual Village 2 Village Run to Conclude March 13 The 2021 GreenWise Market Village 2 Village 10K and 7.5K is already up and running.

This year, the city of Mountain Brook’s annual running event has gone virtual.

According to a press release from the symphony, the orchestra has been working over the past year to create

innovative projects that expand live music accessibility throughout Alabama and beyond.

The orchestra has canceled or

postponed more than 100 concerts and programs since last March in response to the pandemic. During this time, ASO officials have expanded the organization’s virtual presence and taken live music to communities across the state through its weekly #TunefulTuesday performances, Zoom presentations with local classrooms, a collaboration with UAB to create specialized programs for critical care patients and other projects.

“This past year has been about connecting with the patrons we love, as well as getting to know some viewers for the first time,” said ASO Interim Executive Director and General Manager Mark Patrick. “Our musicians miss seeing and feeling the rush of having a live audience, and preparing for Spring Serenades has brought an overwhelming sense of joy to both our staff and patrons.”

For more information and a list of concert programs, visit alsymphony. org.

Runners can register at any time through March 13, with $35 entry fees benefiting the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.

Participants can enter their results

by March 13 on the event’s Run Sign Up page and email proof of their run to jeff@trakshak.com. Village Gold Awards will be given to the fastest male and female who run the actual

V2V race course.

In addition, runners can pick up T-shirts and medals on March 18 at the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce or March 19 at the Trak Shak.

For more information, visit mtnbrookchamber.org and check under Upcoming Events for a link to the event’s Run Sign Up page.

‘Our musicians miss seeing and feeling the rush of having a live audience, and preparing for Spring Serenades has brought an overwhelming sense of joy to both our staff and patrons.’

ASO INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER MARK PATRICK

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 7

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Birmingham Museum of Art

NEWS

8 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

A

Red Mountain Theatre Company Executive Director Keith Cromwell and Director of Development Jennifer Jaquess at the new facility on 3rd Avenue South.

Below, the James Hatcher Alumni Walk – a nod to the organization’s beginnings as Summerfest and its founder.

BRAVO

Red Mountain Theatre Company Campus Construction Approaches Final Stages seen a column-free space of this size in this city.”

The main theater, once complete, will hold 450 seats, include a Broadway-sized orchestra pit and offer the ability to change things up depending on performances.

“Our audiences love the intimacy of the cabaret, so we can take that whole front tier out and put in round tables and chairs,” Cromwell said.

The building also is extensively ramped, and the theater is built so that there is wheelchair accessibility in every ticket price point.

Once construction has finished, the final design will be completed by the-

Mountain Brook Celebrates Arbor Day, Earns State and National Recognition At a Feb. 26 Arbor Day Celebration, the city of Mountain Brook earned multiple recognitions for its dedication to urban forestry.

Alabama Urban Forestry Association Arbor Day Coordinator David West presented the city with the State Arbor Day Community 2021 award, accepted on behalf of the city by Mayor Stewart Welch.

In addition, the Alabama Forestry Commission’s Katie Wiswall presented the city with the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA distinction, as well as a Tree City USA Growth Award.

This marks the 27th year in a row that the city has been recognized as a Tree City USA and the 19th consecutive year it has received the Growth Award.

To commemorate the day, city and chamber officials helped plant an oak tree donated by Hunter Trees on City Hall grounds. More than 100 dogwood trees were handed out to community members.

ater consulting firm TheatreDNA, which was responsible for the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

The company’s team includes an acoustician who will make sure the space is devoid of noise from the outside.

“I told him if life flights go on at (Children’s Hospital), sirens are going on 2nd and 3rd Avenues and 100 kids are tap dancing, I better not hear anything in here,” he said.

Grand Entrance May Double as Event Space

The theater’s grand lobby is a long, gunshot-style space, inviting

people in with white walls and splashes of red. There is a box office, coat check, soon-to-be-swanky donors lounge, theater entrance and a large patron bar along one side with bathrooms nearby. The idea was to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Cromwell notes that he sees potential for the space to be used for events, such as corporate gatherings, weddings and fundraisers.

As the building is a place where education and public performance coexist, a back entrance to the educa-

tion wing is situated on the less-congested 2nd Avenue for easier carpool drop-offs.

Students will enter via the James Hatcher Alumni Walk – a nod to the organization’s beginnings as Summerfest and its founder.

“We put our shoulder to two even things, professional theater and arts education. So, we see 17,000 kids in the metropolitan area in 72 unique ZIP codes,” he said. “Back in the day, it really used to be an artistic sandbox for Over the Mountain. We’re really proud that we have diversified the kids we impact.”

According to Director of Development Jennifer Jaquess, after staff moves in, the next milestone will be welcoming students to their new home in the spring.

While interior work and theater construction hasn’t come to a close yet, the space already showcases a union of Birmingham’s past and future.

From left, Sim Johnson, Stewart Welch, Michael Gill, Virginia Smith, Ricky Bromberg and David West.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

long-awaited milestone took place last week as staff moved into the new Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus.

The facility is on 3rd Avenue South, with new neighbors including Children’s of Alabama, Regions Field and Smile-A-Mile.

After a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 11, 2019, construction to completely renovate the 60,000-square-foot facility is nearing its end.

Built more than 100 years ago, the building’s original use was as a Wittichen Supply Company HVAC warehouse, RMTC Executive Director Keith Cromwell noted.

When Brasfield & Gorrie’s crews excavated the site, they stumbled upon hidden gems that have been repurposed or kept original throughout the building.

Pieces of a trolley line that ran from 16th Street to 17th Street have been used on the exterior of the building as well as in the grand lobby.

Exposed wood in the form of railroad ties, metal sliding doors, original beams and trusses can be found throughout, giving a nod to Birmingham’s past as an industrial giant.

“I love the repurposing of things we found here and the juxtaposition of our city’s heritage within this new, funky building,” Cromwell said.

According to Cromwell, the hunt for a building in which to create a RMTC campus was arduous.

“We looked at about 15 different locations,” he said. “We ended up buying three different properties and we did architectural programming documents on many more.”

The building had to work on multiple levels, Cromwell said, with a large open theater that coexists with education classrooms and office space.

Finding the current building was what Cromwell refers to as a “God kiss;” it was meant to be.

“I stood in the middle of (what is now the theater) and threw my arms open 14 months ago and said, ‘This is it,’” he said. “It’s the first time I had

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Susan Sellers, who has been president of the St. Vincent’s Foundation of Alabama, has been named chief executive officer of United Ability.

She takes the place of the late Dr. Gary Edwards, who led United Ability and its predecessor organizations for 38 years until his death in June. Her appointment is effective April 26.

Brian Bateh, business development partner at Warren Averett, chaired the CEO search committee for United Ability, which is a provider of services for children and adults with disabilities.

“From our very first encounter, Susan Sellers impressed the entire search committee with her strategic mindset and positivity,” he said in a statement from United Ability. “Her leadership has had a lasting impact on constituents and communities that are highly relevant to United Ability’s work. Her affinity for creating innovative programs and partnerships, both within her own organizations and across the larger community, held a special appeal to us.”

Sellers said she is honored to be chosen to follow Edwards in office and praised the leadership team at United Ability.

“Dr. Edwards was uniquely effective in creating an organization widely recognized for the respect and dignity shown its clientele. His passing was a

Photo courtesy United Ability

St. Vincent’s Executive Taking Reins as CEO of United Ability

Susan Sellers

huge loss to United Ability and to the larger community,” she said. “I am honored and humbled to have the privilege of building on such a strong legacy as we continue to find ways to be of greater service to people in need.”

Sellers was born in Waco, Texas, and has a bachelor’s degree in political science and English composition, summa cum laude, from Texas Christian University and a Juris Doctor from Baylor University.

After law school, she began her career in the public policy division of the National Center for Victims of Crime in Washington, D.C. She returned to Waco and worked with two nonprofits before becoming executive director of Communities in Schools of Central Texas.

She moved to New Orleans in 2000 following her husband’s transfer and spent the following 14 years

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 9

NEWS focused on nonprofit infrastructure and effectiveness as a consultant, coach and volunteer resource.

After Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, she managed a multimilliondollar federal initiative to place 8,000 families back in their homes. She was then hired by New Orleans’ Metropolitan Human Services District to restructure mental health, addictive disorder and developmental disability services in New Orleans and other Louisiana parishes.

She moved to Birmingham in 2014 and became vice president of St. Vincent’s Foundation of Alabama before quickly being promoted. At St. Vincent’s, she established a reputation for creating innovative programs and attracting support for those programs, with particular emphasis on the poor and vulnerable, according to the statement. She also was instrumental in the formation of Forge Cancer Survivorship Center, for which she still serves on the board.

Allen Bolton, senior vice president of finance and administration at UAB and chairman of United Ability’s board, cited Sellers’ gift for collaboration and partnership.

“While Susan is dogged in her advocacy for St. Vincent’s, she does so in a way that demonstrates a commitment to the larger community,” he said. “We believe her compassion for those with special challenges and her holistic view of community engagements will help United Ability expand our reach and our impact even further than before.”

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LIFE

10 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

She started an Instagram account and began posting pictures of colorful cookies.

“I started having people that I went to college with, people that I haven’t spoken to in 10 years, asking, ‘Where can I get these?’” she said.

She began organizing contactless porch pickups, expanding her client base from friends to people she had never met.

W

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

hen the time came for Vestavia Hills mother of two Kathryn Yarbrough to step back from her career in nonprofit management with UAB, she knew she still wanted to work in some way.

While she doesn’t consider herself a pastry chef by any means, a pandemic goal to master the macaron A Nonprofit Model gave birth to a new neighborhood As the pandemic wore on, she saw baking venture, Patricia-Irene’s. the damper health and safety meaNow, Yarbrough is using her sures put on nonprofits’ ability to homemade macarons to not only give raise funds. Annual events were being back to some of her favorite nonprofcanceled, postponed or formatted for it organizations but also connect with virtual participation, while the need grassroots causes throughout the for services continued. community.

“My uncle had just been diagThe company is named after her nosed with ALS and I really wanted grandmothers – Patricia Jerome and to do a fundraiser for the Muscular Glenda Irene Williams – two women Dystrophy Association, knowing that who had a profound effect on her I probably wouldn’t raise a lot of relationship with the kitchen. money,” she said.

Yarbrough’s paternal grandmother, She had a surplus of macarons sitPatricia, hailed from a small town ting around that she didn’t want to go outside of Rome called Abruzzo, to waste, so she decided to use them Italy. When Yarbrough was still little, as a fundraiser.

Patricia and her Hungarian mother “I started posting on social media moved to Pennsylvania to be closer saying, whatever you want to donate, to the family. just come by and grab a 12-pack,” With 12 children who had families Kathryn Yarbrough’s company is named after her grandmothers – Patricia Jerome and Glenda Irene Williams – two she said. of their own, cooking and baking was women who had a profound effect on her relationship with the kitchen.

“We raised about $300, which a constant in the household. isn’t much in the grand scheme of “She showed me how to weigh things, but for a day’s worth – about out my first cup of flour, because she six boxes – it’s huge.” was always in the kitchen when we would Inspired by the success, she began holding visit,” Yarbrough said. “That’s how we got to monthly fundraisers in a similar fashion. hang out with her, because she was constantly Over the past eight months, Patricia-Irene’s cooking for children.” has generated more than $2,000 for local chariWhen she thinks of her grandmother Glenda ties, as well as donating cookies to schools, Irene, Yarbrough’s sense memories paint a picretirement homes and hospitals. ture of a full breakfast.

She sold boxes to raise funds for the “I guess because my mom was born in the Fultondale tornado victims and donated boxes of late ‘50s and was a ‘70s child, she always had baked goodies to local health care workers, breakfast for us but it was never big,” she said. teachers, Children’s of Alabama, The “My grandmother insisted on a full breakfast.

Vestavia Hills-Based Patricia-Irene’s Gives Back to WellHouse, assisted living facilities and other “The first time I can remember scrambling nonprofits. eggs was with her.”

Local Nonprofits Through Baked Goods “I never would have thought this is how this Developing a Business business would fall into a routine,” Yarbrough As Yarbrough searched for a way to work said. “It’s mixing two of the things that I am while staying at home with her kids, she turned extremely passionate about. I get to do it and I to the kitchen. get to do it on my own terms, and I know where She was looking through her collection of the money is going.” cookbooks, which she had purchased as remindBaking is now a part of her daily routine. ers of great meals and travel experiences.

She drops her 2- and 5-year-old sons off at “I have a Bouchon Bakery cookbook from their Mother’s Day Out program for four hours Napa,” she said. “I was looking through it and I a day and then hits the kitchen.

‘I have a Bouchon saw a recipe for macarons, which I love. I could “I’m like superwoman in the kitchen for Bakery cookbook from eat these things like candy.” those four hours, because once they get home, Napa. I was looking She tackled her first batch and the cookies it’s chaos,” she said. emerged baked to perfection.

But when they are at home, they get to see through it and I saw a “I thought, this isn’t so hard,” she said. their mom not only running her own business recipe for macarons, “Then I made a second batch, and they did not but choosing to make community service a turn out well. That was the case for the next 10 product of her success. which I love. I could eat batches I did.”

In the near future, Yarbrough wants to make these things like candy.’

The failed attempts only emboldened her in an even bigger impact by not only raising more her quest. money but becoming more connected with local, It wasn’t until one of her cousins, a fellow grassroots nonprofit efforts. macaron enthusiast, tried her cookies that she Her social media accounts and forthcoming even considered her bakes market worthy. website are open for communication. People can “I never meant to be a baker, I didn’t go to message and let her know about organizations culinary school,” she said. “But my cousin they would like to see her partner with. asked if I would make macarons for a baby For more information, follow her on shower she was hosting.”

Instagram @patricia_irenes_bham.

If You Give a Mom a Cookie

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 11

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

LIFF

From left, Brady McLaughlin Floyd Larkin, Frank Bromberg and Roman Rauccio.

Lord Wedgwood Charity Donates LifeSaving Equipment to Youth Ranches On Feb. 18, Lord Wedgwood Charity board members Frank Bromberg and Floyd Larkin presented a donation of three automated external defibrillators to Boys and Girls Ranches of Alabama Development Coordinator Roman Rauccio.

One AED and bleeding kit will be placed in each of three Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches, which provide long-term residential homes for

abandoned, abused and neglected children.

“On behalf of the Alabama Sheriff Youth Ranches, we really appreciate this donation,” Rauccio said.

“It’s just such an honor to be here and that y’all considered us for this. It really does help us and helps keep our kids safe, all of the children in need here in Alabama.”

Larkin noted that the charity also

has supplied the facilities with access to AED365, a program management system for the equipment that guarantees legal compliance and instructs users on how to keep their equipment working effectively.

The charity also presented the ranches with three bleeding control kits, which include a tourniquet and quick clot solution.

—Emily Williams-Robertshaw

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SOCIAL

12 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Darrell Nunnelly, Martin Hilliard and Beth Collier.

From left, Andrew Haughton, Marguerite Marquez, Jake Coulter, Callie Kyzer, Cecilia Pringle and Jackson Mitchell.

TURN UP THE HEAT Exceptional Foundation Hosts First Chili Kick-Off

T

Jillian Madison and Gabriel Harris.

Alan Guenin and Joy Wimberly.

he year 2020 was filled with firsts, and 2021 is no different for The Exceptional Foundation. The organization hosted its first Chili Kick-Off on March 6, a pre-party in preparation for the Chili Cook-Off that had been postponed and now is set for May 1.

The Chili Kick-Off was held at Avondale Brewing Company. A lineup of music was on the menu, featuring The Wooks, Schmohawks & Friends, Will Cash and Matt Carroll, as well as beer and food. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 13

SOCIAL

Welcome Aboard

EXERCISE STUDY FOR PROGRESSIVE MS

Linly Heflin Unit Announces New Members At a recent meeting of the Linly Heflin Unit, President Patti Badham welcomed new members and announced 100 scholarship recipients for the 2020-21 year.

The organization is marking its 101st year. Since 1923, the major focus of Linley Heflin has been to further the higher education of young women in Alabama. Through the years, more than 3,500 four-year scholarships totaling more than $2 million have been awarded to deserving recipients.

The annual Linly Heflin Fashion Show, the group’s primary fundraiser, was canceled in 2020 due to COVID19, but the unit still managed to raise funds needed for the scholarships by soliciting community supporters, family and friends.

New members of the unit are Mary Bowron Beasley, Elizabeth Branch, Martha Elliott, Kathy Harris, Connie Livingston, Peggy Rafield and Mary Turner. ❖

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Walk Into My Foyer Not a Lobby

That’s what clients do when they come to Bayshore Retreat.

Our home environment begins with a foyer not a lobby. Next they will probably see Mark, our chef, in the kitchen preparing a fresh from the market meal or snack for our clients.

No cafeteria lines with canned food or vending machines. In fact, when Jeff hired Mark he told him that the freezer was for ice cream. Some of the first things clients share with their family are photos of the meals Mark prepares.

We believe this home environment is one of the first elements of the healing process followed by our beautiful waterfront location. Add to this the fact that our staff doesn’t wear uniforms – it is said that when someone visits Bayshore Retreat they can’t tell who is the staff and who are the clients.

We never have more than six (6) clients at a time and these clients receive the individual attention they deserve. Keep in mind that no two people have the same history; therefore they shouldn’t receive the same program such as 12-step meetings. We offer at least two individual counseling sessions a week, group counseling and Life Skills all of which totals approximately 30 hours.

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

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Double-Down

VHHS RISE Hosts 5K and Fun Run to Support O’Neal Cancer Center Despite a year spent grappling with the effects of a pandemic, Vestavia Hills High School’s Rebels Impact through Service and Engagement program has persevered.

On Saturday, RISE hosted two runs – a Superhero Fun Run for children grades kindergarten through fifth and a 5K Color Run for sixth grade through adulthood.

The Fun Run was led by two of VHHS track’s own champions: Ethan Strand and Crawford West.

Both are individual state champions in cross-country and track, with Strand holding eight titles and West holding two.

An off-shoot of Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills, the student organization organizes a year-long fundraising campaign each year to support cancer research and patient support.

During the past 10 years, the Rise program has raised more than $2.2

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Rehab Reality...

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Abbie Stockard, Ethan Strand, Katy Lambert and Maddie Hagler.

Katie Mollison and Virginia Decker.

million for cancer research organizations.

This year’s proceeds will benefit the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at

Caroline Hawkins, Alex Rountree, Mary Phifer, Emma Nunnelley and Lucy Rumbley.

RISE hosted two runs – a Superhero Fun Run for children grades kindergarten through fifth and a 5K Color Run for sixth grade through adulthood.

On Oct. 19, the Vestavia Hills Historical Society organized one of the only celebrations for the city’s 70th anniversary.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the party was held outdoors at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Chandler Smith with the help of their landscape designer, David

UAB, which is led by Dr. Julie Wolfson.

The students are planning to host a Kids Day on April 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event will be held at the high school and will include a character party during which kids can meet their favorite princes, princesses, superheroes and others. Activities also will include a Touch-a-Truck sta-

… And Many More Vestavia Hills Historical Society Honors City’s 70th Birthday

Swindle.

The garden party was attended by more than 30 people.

One of the keynote speakers for the event was former Vestavia Hills Mayor Sara Wuska, who talked

tion to benefit the Rucker Collier Foundation.

Tickets are $15 per child, and parents enter for free.

Fundraising events will conclude with RISE Day, scheduled for April 9, 4-10 p.m. at the high school. More details are to be announced later.

For more information and ticketing, visit go.uab.edu/vhhsrise. ❖

about the city’s beginnings and the trials and tribulations presented as the city grew to what it is today.

In addition to members of the historical society, those in attendance included Mayor Ashley Curry, City Manager Jeff Downes, Sen. Jabo Waggoner and Fire Chief Marvin Green. ❖

Photos courtesy Vestavia Hills Historical

14 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

Left to right, Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry; Fire Chief Marvin Green; Historian and Former Mayor Sara Wuska; Communications Specialist, Cinnamon McCulley; and City Manager Jeff Downes.

President Vestavia Hills Historical Society Shelia Bruce; President Vestavia Hills Beautification Board Ann Boston; Sara Wuska; Mary Havill; President of Senior Citizens Association, Ruby Denson; and Chandler Smith and wife Jane.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Without Further Adieu …

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 15

Socially Distanced Ceremony Presents 2020 Hoover Belles

Marie Marston, Aanya Anish Noorani, Abigail Lauren Pate, Phedra Wambui Peter, Lydia Grace Plaia, Hannah Elizabeth Ray, Ava Kate Rector, Riley Melynn Sandford, Olivia Crews Sasser, Claire Elizabeth Stansell, Catherine Elizabeth Stark, Rosalie Marie Sullivan, Emilee Caroline Turner, Maggie Gail Williams and Julia Margaret Wright. ❖

Photo courtesy Hoover Belles

tion include Jennie Alley, Jennifer Cotney, Melinda King, Lisa Whitson and Kay Witt.

During their two-year terms of service, Hoover Belles commit to numerous community service hours in civic and philanthropic endeavors.

The new Hoover Belles are Georgia Thomas Anderson, Mary Ann Batchelor, Margaret Catherine Bearden, Mary Cooper Bearden, Ava Elizabeth Burke, Madelyn Leigh Cain, Emily Ava Cuthbert, Claire Olivia Dillard, Mallie Anne Eron, Elizabeth Harper Etheridge, Mary Elizabeth Everett, Jamison Renae Erwin, Ella Kathryn Fuller, Carys Pilar Gonzalez, Jillian Hope Gray, Katherine Dunaway Hart and Emily Marie Hofmann.

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Although health concerns delayed the 2020 Hoover Belle Presentation, 38 new Belles recently were presented in a ceremony witnessed by family and friends.

Hoover Belle Committee Chairman Vickie Griffith welcomed everyone to the gathering and Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato congratulated the young women on their selection.

Former Hoover Belle Haley Scallions was mistress of ceremony. She announced each young lady, who paused in a gazebo festooned with an array of flowers before proceeding along an aisle with her presenter while her activities and interests were announced. After all new Belles were presented, the traditional Belle and presenter dance followed.

This annual event was chaired by Donna Bagwell and co-chaired by Cathy Head. Other committee members who assisted with the presenta-

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The event, which serves as a team building activity, was at Canterbury United Methodist Church with help from BBC alumni and Matt Hageman with Alabama Cornhole.

Twenty teams took part in the tournament, with each team including one older chorister paired with a younger member. ❖

Will Simpson, Micah Rich and Birmingham Boys Choir Music Director Ken Berg.

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OTMJ

16 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

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Realtors Respond

Game Changer

Board of Realtors 2021 President Kelli Gunnells Discusses Residential Housing Market Trends

OTM Market Trends

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

H

omes perhaps have never been more important than during the year of social distancing and quarantines.

Perhaps that is why the residential real estate industry has seen an expansion of work rather than the shrinkage many other industries have experienced.

When asked to describe what she has seen trending in the market, the Birmingham Board of Realtors’ President Kelli Gunnells stated that the market is hot and can be expected to remain that way.

Gunnells, a Birmingham native, kicked off 2021 by assuming her new role as board president, one of the many ways she has sought to give back to the real estate industry during her career.

She has served on the Birmingham Board of Realtors executive committee since 2017 and is a member of the Alabama Association of Realtors’ board of directors.

In addition, she was president of the Greater Alabama Multiple Listing Service in 2016.

A native of Birmingham, Gunnels is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she studied marketing and public relations. She then worked in the construction industry for several years before obtaining her real estate license in 1996.

Having worked in the real estate industry for the past 25 years, she now heads The KG Group, which serves the Birmingham metro area with RealtySouth. ­­Over the past two months, Gunnells said, she has seen move-in ready homes prove to be in high demand.

“Houses that don’t require repairs and those that offer in-demand amenities such as extra

HOMEWOOD

Change in median sales price, past 12 months – 10% Increase Current median listing price - $485,000 Median sales price, past 6 months - $412,500 Current average price per sq. ft. - $243 Birmingham Board of Realtors’ President Kelli Gunnells.

space, outdoor living areas and privacy are going fast,” Gunnells said.

For the past few years, home buyers had been trending toward homes with a smaller footprint so they could downsize or simplify.

More time spent at home seems to have shifted the game.

“Many buyers are looking for bigger homes and features that create a work-at-home environment, such as a space to work remotely, such as a basement, home office, den and learning areas,” Gunnells said.

According to residential real estate market data provided by the Greater Alabama Multiple Listing Service, nearly all over the mountain communities have seen at least a 10% increase in median sales price over the past 12 months.

“When looking at market data in an area, one should keep in mind the average price per square foot is a variable representing a low and high range influenced by many factors such as curb appeal, neighborhood, size, age and upgrades,” said Gunnells.

“Homeowners and buyers should consult a Realtor to receive a professional and accurate estimate of value, which takes into account condition, location and price.”

HOOVER

Change in median sales price, past 12 months – 9% Increase Current median listing price - $599,900 Median sales price, past 6 months - $370,000 Current average price per sq. ft. - $190

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Change in median sales price, past 12 months – 10% Increase Current median listing price - $1,310,794 Median sales price, past 6 months - $717,450 Current average price per sq. ft. - $353

VESTAVIA HILLS

Change in median sales price, past 12 months – 14% Increase Current median listing price - $650,000 Median sales price, past 6 months - $449,000 Current average price per sq. ft. - $212

NORTH SHELBY COUNTY

Change in median sales price, past 12 months – 10% Increase Current median listing price - $635,000 Median sales price, past 6 months - $349,000 Current average price per sq. ft. - $212 Residential real estate market data provided by the Greater Alabama Multiple Listing Service.

Journal file photo by Lee Walls

OVER THE MOUNTAIN AMENITIES | OUTDOOR SPACES The Over the Mountain area has long been known for its natural beauty. From Red Mountain to Oak Mountain, government officials and residents have worked hard to preserve and enhance the greenspaces that have been so important for wellbeing over the past 12 months.

New parks and community pools have opened in the past two years, providing residents with more opportunities for fun in the sun.

Proximity to parks and recreation has always been a strong draw for home buyers. In the spring 2021 selling season, access to the great outdoors may be at the top of their lists.

In this section, we feature a glimpse of each city’s outdoor offerings.

We asked some of our friends in the real estate business a few questions about the currnet state of the OTM market as we enter the important spring home buying season.

Responses below have been edited for space.

JEMISON PARK This 54-acre linear park designed for preservation as a green way, is used for walking, jogging, reading, bird watching and enjoying a picnic.

Visitors are able to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while strolling along Shades Creek.

Other trails in the city include: Irondale Furnace, Cahaba River Walk, Watkins Trace Trail and Nature Trail.

GUSTY GULAS Associate Broker-Team Leader, Gusty Gulas Group

In what ways has the pandemic affected the OTM real estate market?

The pandemic has allowed people to reevaluate everything about life, like their career, relationships and even their homes.

When interest rates dropped to the lowest in history, it allowed people to either refinance their home or take advantage and upgrade to their next home.

Over the past 12 months, have you seen any changes in what buyers are looking for?

With the trend of employers allowing more flexible work locations and children being home more, we have seen clients seeking more square footage for in-home offices, playrooms/ flex space and gyms. We’re also seeing people moving in an effort to be closer to family.

Which OTM neighborhoods are hot right now?

Honestly, which neighborhood is not hot?

We are frequently seeing multiple offers on accurately priced homes in most areas.

Are there any up-and-coming areas where a buyer can find a good deal?

Buying a new home is such a personal experience that is unique to each client, that it’s hard to pinpoint any specific area. A good deal has multiple meanings but being able to take advantage of these super-low interest rates allows the majority of homes to be “good deals.” In the end, the best deals are the ones where our buyers are in a home they love, in the location they sought, at a price they’re comfortable with ... with the least amount of stress possible.

What advice are you giving to sellers getting ready to list in this market?

Be proactive in completing any known repairs and in some cases making needed upgrades. Pricing the home accurately is very important from the start. I have found that our sellers who work with their agent to list their home at a reasonable and accurate price are more likely to see multiple offer scenarios and consistently net more money at closing than when they list at a higher, less realistic

See REAL ESTATE, page 18

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 17

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN AMENITIES | OUTDOOR SPACES

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Over the Mountain's NEWEST and best Benjamin Moore dealer.

West Homewood is having a lot of new activity. With new businesses and restaurants sprouting up, plus the remodeled Patriot Park and community pool, its bungalows and fixer-upper homes seem to be drawing a new generation.

KATHRYN DORLON, RAY & POYNER

PATRIOT PARK POOL, above, opened in May of 2019 and has been a hit with Homewood residents ever since. In addition to the pool, the park, located in West Homewood, has a walking path, restroom facilities and a playground. Another popular outdoor space is Homewood Central Park, some of the amenities available in the park are six pavilions with picnic tables, two tennis courts, amphitheater, large playground, cement walking paths, open green space and the popular Homewood Park Pool.

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18 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

REAL ESTATE From page 17 price. We are problem solvers and every client’s goals in selling their home are different. When we approach listing your home, our agents create a game plan and strategy tailored to fulfilling your unique goals while keeping your ideal end-result in mind.

ROXANNE HALE Owner and broker, Art House Creative in Homewood

In what ways has the pandemic affected the OTM real estate market?

The pandemic has caused so many people to re-think what they really need and want in their homes. As people have spent more time cooped up there, some have decided to sell and find something more suitable to their current needs. Others feel less anchored to a location because they can now work

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOME from anywhere – virtually. Demand for homes has increased, while supply has remained extremely low. If you are a seller today, it’s really your market!

Over the past 12 months, sales volume in communities over the mountain has increased by 12% from the same time last year. Homes are selling faster, too! The amount of time homes spend on the market has decreased by nine days, to just 26 days on average. And homes are selling for more. Sales prices are up by 5%, as well.

In short, the pandemic appears to be driving up demand, which has both decreased the amount of time that a home might stay on the market and has increased the average sales price.

Exceptionally low-interest rates are also a significant factor in making homes easier for most people to afford.

Over the past 12 months, have you seen any changes in what buyers are looking for?

This is such an interesting question!

Yes! While interest in owning a fourbedroom home has increased in recent years, it’s an absolute requirement for buyers today.

With some family members working from home and others doing schoolwork there, they need the extra space to spread out.

Many buyers are also interested in auxiliary spaces like renovated sheds or basements that can be converted to an office or a home gym.

I have had many clients now asking to shop for homes that have access to

nature and water. They want safe ways to work out and get fresh air. Homes with swimming pools are in demand now, too, for the same reasons. Large yards have always been in demand, and that hasn’t really changed.

Which OTM neighborhoods are hot right now?

If a community has access to a lake, offers walking trails, sidewalks and parks, it is probably doing pretty good right now.

Lake Wilborn is one example. Price and demand in Homewood are also on the rise, with many listings seeing up to 10-12 offers on their first day on the market.

Right now, most homes are selling quickly with multiple offers!

Are there any up-and-coming areas where a buyer can find a good deal?

Bluff Park in Hoover is a great spot to find an affordable home in a walkable area. Although prices are on the rise in West Homewood, it is still an excellent place to buy. Crestwood and Avondale are hot-hot-hot.

What advice are you giving to sellers getting ready to list in this market?

Now is an excellent time to list your home – it’s a seller’s market.

There are two things we tell sellers.

Buyers want good, clean homes. We encourage all our sellers to spend a little time de-cluttering and cleaning before listing. Secondly, price it right. In today’s market, there is no need to build

in negotiating room. If you overprice your home, buyers will ignore it until the price comes down. If you price it right, however, the price may get driven up organically with multiple offers.

Once we are ready to list, we ask them to go out of town for the weekend and let the home show. By Sunday, we typically have a stack of offers for them to review.

has exploded. Once everyone was forced to be home for a while, we think people realized that they wanted to make changes to their current living situations. Also, with rates being so low, borrowing money to purchase a home can still be a reasonable investment.

Which OTM neighborhoods are hot right now?

The Over the Mountain neighborhoods that are doing very well right now are the areas with walkability; they’re close to shopping and restaurants. Also, the schools for the OTM communities always enhance property values.

Over the past 12 months, have you seen any changes in what buyers are looking for?

Buyers are looking for updated, move-in ready homes with open floor plans.

KELLEY CAINE AND HILL WEATHERS Ray & Poyner The sister team of Kelley Caine and Hill Weathers works to provide clients with the knowledge, service and professionalism needed for a successful real estate transaction.

Caine and Weathers have more than 20 years of combined experience in residential real estate.

In what ways has the pandemic affected the OTM real estate market?

Surprisingly, the real estate market

Are there any up-and-coming areas where a buyer can find a good deal?

In our opinion, great buys are homes that need a little work in a great location.

What advice are you giving to sellers getting ready to list in this market?

Sellers only have one chance to make a first impression. Do the work on the front end of your listing. Sometimes spending a little money to spruce up your home makes the pictures pop and helps it sell for the highest amount in the shortest time period.

See REAL ESTATE, page 20

Thirteen Distinctive New Homes in Vestavia Hills On the crest of Shades Mountain overlooking Oxmoor Valley, Walnut Hill epitomizes a Wedgworth community: beautiful homes, great views, and energysmart construction. Minutes from I-65 and downtown Birmingham, these thirteen home sites surround a central park. With lots starting at $200,000, Walnut Hill provides a unique opportunity for you to create a custom home in one of Birmingham’s most desirable areas.

www.wedgworth.net

Mike Wedgworth (205) 365-4344

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 19

HOME

OVER THE MOUNTAIN AMENITIES | OUTDOOR SPACES

Celebrating 53 Years ESTABLISHED 1967

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

fine FABRICS for living

Completed last September, WALD PARK AQUATIC COMPLEX, above, includes a competition pool and a zero-entry, family-friendly pool.

Aquatic offerings are just the first of many projects to be completed as Wald Park undergoes a full-scale renovation under the city’s Community Spaces Plan.

Also opened last year the park’s baseball facilities, including the Miracle Field, which has been designed to accommodate children of all mental and physical abilities.

The city continues to work to construct and develop the park’s upper playground area, as well as a grand lawn that will accommodate community gatherings.

The final phase of the park’s redevelopment will include plans to construct tennis courts and a dog park.

Last summer, Cahaba Heights Park was redesigned and reopened to serve as a multi-faceted park for people across age groups and interests.

The athletic facility on site consists of four turf baseball fields named after local families.

A new, inclusive playground, designed by Williams Blackstock Architects, features a large play structure, swings, a freestanding climbing structure and a Hyper Shade to provide an escape from the sun.

There is also a sizable green space for community members to enjoy the outdoors.

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20 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

REAL ESTATE From page 18

MIKE WALD Mike Wald Group, RealtySouth

In what ways has the pandemic affected the OTM real estate market?

The biggest impact from the pandemic is that it has exacerbated the problem with low inventory. More sellers have been hesitant to list. So, prices in Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia have increased at a faster pace than they likely would have otherwise. Those markets are so competitive that listings priced appropriately and in good shape are getting multiple offers. Often, winning bids are significantly above asking price and some buyers are even waiving their contingencies on financing and inspections.

Over the past 12 months, have you seen any changes in what buyers are looking for?

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOME With rates at historic lows, buyers have significantly more buying power.

Not surprisingly, the biggest trend we’ve seen in the last 12 months results from the favorable rate environment.

Buyers have a stronger preference for updated, move-in ready houses because it’s easier to borrow more upfront and get an updated home than it is to find a fixer-upper that requires additional out-of-pocket investments after closing. So, we’re seeing more multiple offer situations with the listings that are move-in ready.

Which OTM neighborhoods are hot right now?

The perennial neighborhood favorites are continuing to attract more buyers and see bigger price increases. Pretty much everything in Mountain Brook, Vestavia and Homewood is hot. The neighborhoods of Crestline, Hollywood, Edgewood, and the area around Vestavia Country Club continue to outperform.

Are there any up-and-coming areas where a buyer can find a good deal?

There are several up-and-coming areas over the mountain. Vestavia homes, in general, appear to be the best all-around value.

The neighborhoods that are zoned for Brookwood Forest Elementary are undervalued relative to the rest of Mountain Brook. Since Mountain Brook is landlocked geographically (as are Homewood and Vestavia), the supply of homes is pretty much set. So,

The neighborhoods of Crestline, Hollywood, Edgewood, and the area around Vestavia Country Club continue to outperform.

increasing demand for Mountain Brook homes will likely drive more buyers to the more affordable neighborhoods zoned for Brookwood Forest.

The neighborhoods situated south of I-459, between Highway 280 and I-65, and north of Highway 119 are also likely to see increasing demand in the next several years. The area offers good schools zoned for either Spain Park High School or Oak Mountain High School. The area is also in the path of progress for families moving south from Vestavia, Mountain Brook and Homewood in search of more affordable housing.

What advice are you giving to sellers getting ready to list in this market?

Even though we’re in one of the strongest sellers’ markets in years, buyers still flock to the houses that are priced appropriately and in move-in condition. So, we offer our clients the services of a stager/designer to help

them prepare their listing to go on the market. We also share our market knowledge with our clients to help them price their listing to attract the right buyers.

One of the issues contributing to the lack of inventory is that most sellers are waiting to list their house until they find a house to buy. They would rather stay in the home they’re in, than have to move twice. But contingent offers aren’t as competitive as noncontingent offers.

One strategy we’re suggesting to our buyers that have a house to sell is to go ahead and list their property. Then, if they don’t have a house in mind to buy when they receive an offer on their listing, they can negotiate a later closing to give them more time to find a house to buy. Not all buyers will agree to give a seller more than the typical 30 days to close. But there’s really nothing to lose. If they don’t list their house, there’s almost no chance they’re going to sell at the highest possible price. If more sellers are willing to try this strategy, we’ll see an increase in inventory.

The most important advice we can offer sellers is to not sell their house “off the market.” We’re experiencing one of the best sellers’ markets in our lifetimes. Numerous listings are getting multiple offers and selling for more than list price. The only way to find out what a house is really worth is to let the market compete. So, the worst thing a seller can do is negotiate with just one buyer. It might seem convenient to sell without going on the market, but the opportunity cost can be huge in this market.

ARC REALTY CO. “ARC Realty was founded in 2012 with a primary mission of growing and supporting the communities we serve.

Opening our Homewood Office in 2020 has allowed us to continue these efforts as we invest our time, money, and energy into this incredible city.”

CYNTHIA ZANATY, Office Manager, Homewood

In what ways has the pandemic affected the OTM real estate market?

JAMIE GOFF: The interest rates at record lows have catapulted our real estate market into a strong seller’s market. There are simply more buyers than there are sellers. It is an imbalance that has existed for the last few years, but (it) has significantly intensified during the pandemic. The lack of housing inventory has acted as a catalyst for bidding wars and, as a result, a strong increase in housing prices.

As agents, we all want listings because we know that in this type of market, we can allow the market to

JAMIE GOFF

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 21

HOME

VIRGINIA LATHEM

GIULIANA RUSSO SKINNER

MISTY JOSEPH

“speak” and can be very successful with getting our sellers top dollar!

Behind the scenes, agents are reaching out to each other to find out what other agents may have coming up that hasn’t actually hit the market, so we can get our buyers ready to get in line to try to secure their next home.

As the pandemic has allowed more people to work from home, we all seem to need more space to be able to function. One of the benefits of last spring for me personally was seeing families together more, out walking and actually spending time together. This is great to have the family together, but it does seem to drive the need for larger homes, to allow both working partners to have their own space. This trend also seems to reach into an increased need for multi-generational homes, as well. We have several clients who are buying homes with more space, to allow parents to live within the home.

Unfortunately, the other housing change we have seen is the loss of jobs related to the pandemic and the need to sell and move to a

different area for job opportunities. It is happening in both directions, with people coming into Birmingham for work and people leaving the area, as well. With the interest rates driving our market, we don’t see the real estate market slowing down any time soon.

have to consider home office space when buying. They likely worked from home throughout the pandemic and may even continue to afterwards. Also outdoor living space has become something higher up on people’s list since that was where most, if any, entertaining happened.

Which OTM neighborhoods are hot right now?

VIRGINIA LATHEM: I think the question could be reversed to ask which OTM neighborhood is not hot right now. In this unique time for the real estate market, most all of our neighborhoods can hardly keep up with the demand. Whether you are looking at Mountain Brook, Cahaba Heights, Homewood, Bluff Park or beyond, the market is going to be hot!

Over the past 12 months, have you seen any changes in what buyers are looking for?

MACKENZIE WOLNSKI: This probably doesn’t come as a surprise to many, but over the course of the last year I have seen so many buyers that

Are there any up-and-coming areas where a buyer can find a good deal?

GIULIANA RUSSO SKINNER: Birmingham’s real estate is overall To: very affordable compared to a lot of From: American metro areas. If you’re a firsttime homebuyer looking for a good Date: deal in up-and-coming neighborhoods, you should look into Crestwood, Avondale, Norwood, Woodlawn and South East Lake.

Liz Lemons

(205) 871-7680 Liz.lemons66@gmail.com Each office is Independently Owned and Operated

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What advice are you giving to sellers getting ready to list in this market?

MISTY JOSEPH: If you are listing your home, listen to your agent on pricing and staging your home correctly.

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KATHRYN DORLON Realtor, Ray & Poyner

In what ways has the pandemic affected the OTM real estate market?

We definitely learned new ways of doing things. Through all of the changes, the market has continued to be strong with an increase in sales price. We did see a departure from what we call the typical seasons of real estate, but it looks as if 2021 will be easing back into the typical seasonality.

Over the past 12 months, have you seen any changes in what buyers are looking for?

Yes. People are looking for larger homes with designated office spaces, Zoom rooms, highspeed internet access and upgraded outdoor living spaces.

Which OTM neighborhoods are hot right now?

Which one’s aren’t? It seems the market is doing well in all OTM neighborhoods. The sales market is hot due to low inventory and low interest rates.

Are there any up-and-coming areas where a buyer can find a good deal?

West Homewood is having a lot of new activity. With new businesses and restaurants sprouting up, plus the remodeled Patriot Park and community pool, its bungalows and fixer-upper homes seem to be drawing a new generation.

What advice are you giving to sellers getting ready to list in this market?

Be ready! If you are thinking about starting to look for a new home, now is the time to prepare your current home. Call your Realtor! They are a great resource and can help guide you in getting your home ready. As I tell my sellers, a home could easily sell the first day it’s listed; it’s good to have a plan in place.

LIZ LEMONS Realtor, Exit Royal Realty-Birmingham In what ways has the pandemic affected the OTM real estate market?

The demand for houses has increased dramatically. Sellers and buyers have had lots of time on their hands to organize and de-clutter their living situations and lives, in general. There seems to be an upswing of people wishing to downsize to lighten their financial load and a desire to relocate to less populated areas.

Over the past 12 months, have you seen any changes in what buyers are looking for?

I have seen many changes and have had a lot of interest from out of state buyers, some because of the increased job opportunities that Birmingham and the surrounding areas are offering. I have also seen an increase in requests to look at less populated, rural areas.

What advice are you giving to sellers getting ready to list in this market?

The best advice that I can give someone that is ready or just thinking about selling their house is to be prepared. First, they should consult a Realtor to represent their interests. Their house should be in pristine condition, in and out, before they have a Realtor list their house. What’s their exit plan?

Where are they going? Do they need to sell their current house before they can buy another one?

Do they need to work with a lender to get preapproved for a new mortgage to purchase that new home? If their house is in the best possible state of readiness, they will most likely receive multiple offers. However, they will also need to be aware that the same goes for any home that they may be looking to purchase. A Realtor will help you navigate and negotiate on your behalf. This will help make the transition profitable and as easy as possible.

3086 Carisbrooke Cir

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2108 Hickory Ridge Circle

2114 Longleaf Trial

4245 Old Leeds Lane

Mike Wald 205.541.0940

Hayden Wald 205.919.5585

Katie LaRussa 205.447.5154

Stacy Mitchell 205.994.5903

Journal file photo

OVER THE MOUNTAIN AMENITIES | OUTDOOR SPACES

With nearly 30 area parks and facilities to choose from, Hoover has a wide variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages. The 15,000-square-foot EXPLORE PLAYGROUND & SPLASHPAD above, is “for everyone,” Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said, when the park opened in 2019, and gives those with disabilities the opportunity to play alongside those without disabilities. The park includes a clubhouse, a wheelchair-accessible tower with slides and other activities, different types of swings, a variety of textures and colors, a zip track, and plenty of shade and places to sit.

FOOD

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 23

FOODIE NEWS

Ryan and Geri-Martha O’Hara, founders of Big Spoon Creamery, have partnered with close friends Jim and Amy Watkins, who founded Steel City Pops, to launch a new doughnut concept in Avondale, Sons Donuts.

According to a press release, Ryan O’Hara notes that the doughnut shop will be a new doughnut experience, serving mini doughnuts cooked hot to order with choices of sugar dustings and handcrafted dipping sauces.

“We’ve been working on this concept for (more than three) years, and we’re so excited to finally be bringing it to fruition,” Ryan O’Hara said. “It’s a very interactive experience where guests can choose the perfect flavor combination from our unique offerings of sugars and dipping sauces. Doughnuts are then cooked to order and served piping hot, so you can enjoy watching your doughnuts being made right in front of you.”

In addition to doughnuts, Sons also will offer locally roasted coffee from Non-Fiction Coffee, fresh-squeezed orange juice and a milk bar with housemade flavored milk shots.

Geri-Martha O’Hara, the pastry chef behind Big Spoon Creamery, has been responsible for developing the recipes and curating the menu.

“I am so excited to share these fluffy hot mini doughnuts with the Birmingham community,” she said. “The Sons doughnut is golden brown and crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside. One of my all-time favorite desserts is hot doughnuts or beignets with a side of creme anglaise for dipping, and we’re thrilled to share that type of experience with our guests.”

According to the O’Haras, their relationship with the Watkins family goes much deeper than doughnuts.

“We have been close friends since the early days of Big Spoon and Steel City,” Ryan O’Hara said. “Our families became fast friends through business in 2015, and we’ve been close ever since.

“Most people would have viewed us as competitors, but we just didn’t see it that way.

We’ve always supported each other’s work, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally have the

Photo courtesy Sons Donuts

See DONUTS, page 24

Ryan and Geri-Martha O’Hara, founders of Big Spoon Creamery, have partnered with close friends Jim and Amy Watkins, who founded Steel City Pops, to launch a new doughnut concept in Avondale, Sons Donuts.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Two Birmingham Restaurant Families Collaborate to Open Doughnut Shop

Jeff Gentry saw an opportunity to fill a gap in his hometown of Vestavia Hills.

A Good Mix Part Grocery, Part Restaurant, Backyard Market Caters to Neighbors’ Needs

A

By Sam Prickett

fter spending 10 years working in the grocery business, Jeff Gentry saw an opportunity to fill a gap in his hometown of Vestavia Hills.

“I’ve lived in Vestavia my whole life, and on this side of town there’s just not really anywhere to go to get a cheeseburger, a beer, a bottle of wine, a piece of gouda — just the bare necessities,” he said. “There’s not a neighborhood market close by where you can go get things without having to go to a bigbox store … . And given the conditions of everything right now, who wants to get out in all that mess?”

Enter the Backyard Market, which celebrated its grand opening last month. It’s a combined grocery store and restaurant with a gourmet focus, located just off Montgomery Highway. Gentry based the concept on neighborhood markets he’d visited in New Orleans, which he said have flexibility that many larger retailers don’t.

“I’ve sold to retailers across the country, and I’ve been to different independent grocery stores all across the country, and the independents are the ones that have the ability to change and evolve, especially in this climate that we’re in,” Gentry said. “People shop where they live, and I think things are starting to turn even more that way. Being independent, you have the ability to carry whatever items you want to carry and just provide for whatever people need.”

Gentry worked at the supplier Gourmet Foods International from 2010 to 2014, when he left to start his own company, Bamawise, with business partner Bobby LeMoine.

Bamawise connects small food producers with the larger retail market, and its local focus has carried through to Backyard Market.

“We’ve got a lady who lives back here, (Sally McKay) of Sally’s Confections, who makes frozen cookie dough that we’re selling in here for people to take home and bake their own cookies,” Gentry said. “We carry a lot of local products: Conecuh Sausage, Southern Organics. We’ve got cage-free eggs from north Alabama.”

There’s also a large wine selection — at least 100 different bottles, Gentry said, “that

The restaurant is headed up by two Birmingham chefs, Leo Oliver and John Williams, and will offer a menu of its own. you can’t find at Publix.” And there’s an unconventional selection of meats, including elk, rabbit and wild boar tenderloin. “We’ve got a lot of products you won’t find in normal grocery stores,” Gentry said.

Cooking to Order at In-House Restaurant

If you’re unsure of how to prepare your wild boar tenderloin, or just not in the mood to cook it yourself, you can take it over to the in-store restaurant, where they’ll cook it for a fee for both dine-in and carry-out customers.

“If you and your wife come in, and you’re

in a hurry and want to grab a steak, and she wants to get a salad or pasta or whatever, we can cook it for you here,” Gentry says. “You can grab a bottle of wine off the shelf and pay a corking fee and drink the wine here, or you can buy a bottle and take it home.”

The restaurant is headed up by two Birmingham chefs, Leo Oliver and John Williams, and will offer a menu of its own.

Oliver “brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that I don’t have on the restaurant side,” Gentry said, having worked at Jim ’N Nicks, Big Bad Breakfast and as a corporate chef for Mercedes.

“He was feeding 2,000 people a day when he was working with Mercedes, so surely he can feed the neighborhood over here,” Gentry laughed.

Williams, meanwhile, has a résumé that includes Satterfield’s Restaurant, OvenBird and Hot and Hot Fish Club.

“We’ve got a really, really good mix,” Gentry said.

The restaurant will feature “a pretty extensive breakfast menu,” a daily slate of lunch and dinner specials, and simple staples such as sandwiches, wings, chicken fingers and salads. They’ll also prepare grab-and-go options such as chicken salad and pimento cheese.

The restaurant has a “neighborhood, laidback,” atmosphere, Gentry said, and includes a large patio and outdoor seating area. “We’re going to have live music on the weekends.

There’s an awesome sunset off the corner in the afternoons. We’ve got a lot of TVs in here, too, so we’ll be ready for March Madness and football.”

The alleyway that Backyard Market shares with Bob’s Power Equipment will be blocked off in the afternoons to provide a play area for kids while their parents eat.

Opening a restaurant and grocery store during a pandemic has not been without its obstacles, though – particularly with regard to staffing.

“We’ve got an incredible staff, but we are hiring,” Gentry said. “That’s been the most challenging thing. We’re in about a 3,000-square-foot space, and for the amount of volume that’s coming through here, we need more kitchen help … . We’re just trying to feel through it, but every (problem) we’ve identified can be fixed, so that’s a good thing.

We’ve got a great space and the community’s supporting us, so we’re excited.”

Considering Expansion

The pandemic also has opened up opportunities for expansion, something Gentry said he’s already started to consider.

“We’re in talks and discussions right now for some other locations in other areas,” he said. “We’re going to get everything ironed out and get this figured out and rolling on all cylinders, but we’re looking at a spot in Louisiana, maybe around the Birmingham area, and then maybe some Gulf Coast stuff, too … . We don’t need 20,000 to 50,000 square feet. We can come in with a much smaller footprint. It’s been extremely unfortunate that a lot of (businesses that size) have closed, but there’s some space available.

We’ve got some feelers out there.”

The Backyard Market is at 633 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills. For more information, visit thebackyardmarket. com.

24 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

FOOD

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

DONUTS

The Watkins family, left, is excited about the opportunity to work with long-time friends Ryan and GeriMartha O’Hara.

From page 23

Photo courtesy Sons Donuts

opportunity to work together.”

The Watkins shared a similar sentiment about their relationship with the O’Haras.

“We have such great respect for Ryan and Geri-Martha, certainly for how they have built their business but much more for who they are,” Amy Watkins said. “We are grateful for their friendship and couldn’t be happier to be collaborating on Sons.

Jim Watkins added, “It has been a fun collaboration, because each one of us has unique gifts that have made Sons better than it would have been if we hadn’t done it together.”

The Sons Donuts location will be in Avondale, next door to Big Spoon Creamery at 4000 Third Ave. S. It will operate seven days a week: Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m.

KIWANIS CLUB OF HOMEWOOD-MOUNTAIN BROOK HOSTS DRIVE-THRU PANCAKE BREAKFAST The 37th annual Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook Pancake Breakfast will be March 13.

This year’s event will be drive-thru only from 7 a.m. until noon at the Exceptional Foundation in Homewood.

Over the years, the fundraiser has raised money for the community’s youth, providing financial support to volunteer and community service organizations and their projects, such as Children’s of Alabama, Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama, Spring Park in Homewood renovations, local Head Start programs, The Red Barn, Homewood Public Library and the

TACO MAMA’S FIRST VESTAVIA HILLS LOCATION OPEN FOR BUSINESS

It was a packed house at Taco Mama Vestavia Hills as the restaurant celebrated its opening day March 1.

This marks the first Vestavia Hills restaurant for the company. It is in the newly renovated Vestavia Hills City Center.

The newest location joins about 20 others across the Southeast.

Mountain Brook’s Will Haver launched the restaurant in 2011 in his hometown, growing to add multiple locations in the Greater Birmingham area as well as in Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Auburn, Mobile, Nashville and North Carolina.

Art by Garland Farwell

until 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.

“Birmingham has been such a great home to both of our brands. We take seriously the responsibility to continue, and hopefully enhance, the rich culinary experience in Birmingham. We hope Sons Donuts makes our city proud because we sure are proud of Birmingham,” Jim Watkins said.

Sons Donuts is slated to open this spring. Follow @sonsdonuts on social media or visit its website for updates, sonsdonuts.com.

Barrett Elementary outdoor classroom.

The beneficiary of this year’s fundraising will be the Homewood City Schools Foundation. Money raised will support grant opportunities to educators with innovative classroom projects and professional development.

In addition, the organization sponsors youth organizations, including high school key clubs at Vestavia Hills, Homewood, ClayChalkville and Hewitt-Trussville; as well as the Aktion Club at the Exceptional Foundation; and the Homewood Middle School Builders Club.

Tickets for the breakfast are $5 and can be purchased online; visit the Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook Facebook page.

At the Vestavia Hills location, Taco Mama’s signature garage door entrance opens to a green space, installed in late summer 2020.

According to the Taco Mama website, “the new green space at the Vestavia Hills City Center is the gateway to Mama’s vibrant atmosphere and fresh, delicious tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos and, of course, those hand-shaken margarita.”

The restaurant is at 700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 194A, next to Zoe’s Kitchen. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.

For more information, visit tacomamaonline.com.

– Emily Williams-Robertshaw

April 23-25, 2021 Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

2021 SPONSORS: Alabama State Council on the Arts & the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency • Bancography • Birmingham Coca Cola Bottling Company • City of Birmingham • Event Rentals Unlimited Birmingham • Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau • Joe Piper, Inc. • Kinetic Communications • Jemison Investment Company, Inc. • Unclaimed Baggage • Yarbrough Festival Foodservices MEDIA SPONSORS: AL.com • Babypalooza • Bell Media • Bham Now • Birmingham Mountain Radio 107.3fm • B-Metro • EXCURSIONSgo.com • Homewood Life • Over the Mountain Journal • Starnes Media • This is Alabama • WBHM Public Radio 90.3fm

www.magiccityart.com At the Vestavia Hills location, Taco Mama’s signature garage door entrance opens to a green space, installed in late summer 2020.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 25

SCHOOLS

The College Experience

College Choice Helps Needy Students Prepare for Campus Life “It was magical to see the smiles on these girls when they finished designing their own bed,” she said.

For Lowery, the experience hearkens back to her own schooling. She remembers that feeling of defeat when she arrived at her dorm room.

“I bought (my bedding) myself and was so proud of it,” she said. “It was reversible and practical. Then my roommate pulled out her beautiful quilt that was all kinds of colors.”

Lowery finds many things in common with the students the foundation serves. She, too, grew up in a lowincome household with a single mother, depending on food stamps and school lunches.

She was able to obtain a full ride to college with financial aid thanks to her guidance counselor, but times have changed. High school guidance counselors are strained serving hundreds of children.

“On a good day they don’t have a lot of time to help kids navigate the college process to the level that we can offer,” Lowery said. “I have so much respect and admiration for guidance counselors because they have way too much on their plate.”

The pandemic has thrown in even more obstacles, with students and counselors having to meet virtually.

“Our kids are even having meetings to get teacher recommendations

OTM Schools Announce National Merit Finalists

Over the past month, about 15,000 students throughout the country have been receiving word of their status as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

More than 1.5 million juniors in approximately 21,000 high schools participated in this year’s competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT. The finalists will be considered for National Merit Scholarships.

The goal of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation is to recognize the nation’s scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence. Selection of finalists is based on their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards.

The Altamont School

Hannah Ashraf, Lilla Carroll, Robert Pritchard, Tyler Walley and Maaz Zuberi.

Homewood High School

Madeline Garrity, Patrick Harris, Reed Jeffries, Samuel Jones, Caleb McLendon, Robert Merchant, Michael Moorman, Jonathan Parris, Gabriel Quijano, Ayona Roychowdhury, Dani

el Wiesen, Matthew “Hugh” Williams and Jane Wilson.

Hoover High School

Cullen Blanton, Luke Clark, Peter Shen, Nathan Williams, Ria Shah, Katie Heglas, Isabella Torres and Srija Vem.

Mountain Brook

Matthew Bottcher, Caroline Carwie, Harry Evans, Annya EvansMartinez, Teddy Feig, Lilly Gilbert, Sam Graham, Ellie Hamilton, Laurel Hand, Emma Kao, Ann Carlton Keller, Emily King, Fletcher Nunnelley, Ethan Shunnarah, Theo Simonton and Catherine Taylor.

Spain Park High School

Wyatt Williams, John Watson, Samuel Harrison, Adam Ebrahim, Benjamin Deas, Usman Farooqui, John Wilson, Zane Peacock, Megan Amrine, Anna Kate Morris, Kruthika Dheeravath, Amy Yang and Advaith Vadlakonda.

Vestavia Hills High School

Katy Chen, Ricky Dong, Sarah Katherine Gray, Jason Han, Cecilia Kong, Esther Lee, Leighton Reese, Raleigh Robinson, Dylan Shi, Alex Stern and Grant Uldrich.

from people and their guidance counselor forms,” she said. “You can’t just walk into their office.”

Need Increases

Lowery said the need for the foundation also has grown significantly over the past year.

Two years ago, the foundation had a huge increase in applications when one of its participants got into Yale University and it took on an unprecedented 21 students.

“The COVID-19 hit, and we had over 100 applicants last year,” Lowery said. “Some of the applications were delayed (by) the pandemic.

But, in the end, we took on 54 kids.”

Over time, the services the foundation provides have expanded, as well.

They don’t simply help a student get into college, they help them get there and get through. If a student needs help paying for a flight home for major life event, the foundation is there.

A growing need has been to ease the participants’ transitions from their home life to their new normal living on their own.

“When you are a black student going to a predominantly white school up North, there are so many challenges you are already overcoming,” she said. “So, we try to relieve as many barriers as we can.”

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

A shopping spree is the stuff of dreams, something only for lucky people who win a contest or participate on a game show.

On Feb. 28, a shopping spree was a dream come true for 34 of the College Choice Foundation’s participants at Dorm Decor Birmingham, an interior decor store focused on stocking designer products for dorm rooms.

The Homewood-based foundation was established by Homewood parents who saw a need to provide lowincome students with a road map to navigate the college application process.

“They opened their arms and their doors to make our girls feel like princesses,” said College Choice Foundation Executive Director Josephine Lowery. “(Dorm Decor) wanted them to have the same shopping experience as someone in a more affluent family. So, they didn’t even want them wearing name tags. They wanted these girls to feel like they just walked up the street to come shop.”

According to Lowery, the store spent countless hours preparing its showroom for the event. Staff removed current designs from the floor to display all of the items up for grabs.

College Choice Foundation Executive Director Josephine Lowery, center, with Dorm Decor’s Carolyn Greene, left, and Martha Elliott, right.

The partnership with Dorm Decor has been a huge step in the right direction, according to Lowery.

Foundation staff had previously collected dorm items and bedding for students, but never in such a glamorous fashion.

“Dorm Decor is one of the most amazing organizations,” said foundation student Zoe Kagwima. “Allowing us to do a shopping spree for dorm essentials was one of the nicest, easiest and coolest things that someone has ever done for me.”

Kagwima is a senior at Homewood High School and will be attending college at the University of Alabama.

In the future, Lowery envisions establishing an ongoing collection of dorm room donations to recreate a similar experience for future participants.

“For many of these girls, they have shared a bedroom or shared a bed and never had their own pretty, beautiful bedding like this,” she said.

“It also made them realize that this is real. This is really happening. I am going to college.”

For more information and ways to support the College Choice Foundation, visit collegechoicefoundation.org.

Mountain Brook Sixth Graders Help Caregivers Feel Special on Valentine’s Day

Caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease often report feeling isolated, and a year of COVID restrictions has left many feeling more alone than ever.

Sixth graders at Mountain Brook Elementary decided this was one small void they could fill on at least one important day. They adopted 50 caregivers through Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama’s service programs and prepared them gifts for Valentine’s Day. The students decorated boxes and filled them with candy, socks and other small gifts, along with handwritten cards. The boxes were mailed for receipt just in time for the holiday.

One caregiver to her 93-year-old mother said, “You blessed my heart.”

Another said that before the package arrived, she had been in a “dark place,” but the package lifted her spirits.

Parent Christy Baynes came up with the idea for the “Let Your Love Shine” project. Her son Mason and classmate Maye Morgan Parker were the project’s student leaders and created a video announcing the program.

Photo courtesy Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

Students, including the group above, in all four sixth grade classes at Mountain Brook Elementary gathered donations and decorate boxes filled with candy, socks and other small gifts which were mailed to the caregivers.

Baynes is a past president of the Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama board of directors and remains active in the group. She enlists her family to deliver food and staples for holidays.

“Due to COVID restrictions, our team had to create a service project (for which) the children could safely volunteer and still make a difference. The students especially enjoyed hand writing the cards to each of the caregivers,” Baynes said. “Knowing they could

bring a little cheer to families that have lost so much made this project extra special.”

The Mountain Brook Elementary 6th Grade Service Project is an annual project in which students help others.

Teachers of the classes involved were Lauren Merrill, Bethany Tompkins, Melissa Wright and Natalie Cox. Other parents assisting with the project were Lucy Parker, Bethy Allen, Kate Mather and Hill Weathers.

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SPORTS

OAK MOUNTAIN

HOOVER

From page 28

From page 28

All 14 Guys

“It took a whole team effort,” Young said.

“We all faced adversity throughout the season and we all just pulled together.”

“It’s been a different guy all year for us,” Love said. “I told the team before the game it was going to take all 14 guys.”

Enterprise (22-7) had reached the championship game with a 57-56 semifinal victory over Spain Park in double overtime on a tip-in at the buzzer.

The Eagles (24-9) played suffocating defense throughout their title run, holding their final three opponents below 40 points. They beat Hoover 43-30 in the Northwest Regional final and Auburn 45-37 in the Class 7A semifinals before holding Enterprise to its season low of 37 points in the championship game.

“I don’t think there is any question that we won because of the defensive end of the floor,” Love said. “Coach (Donald) McMahon did a good job of preparing us defensively.

“Everybody wants the ESPN highlights, but these guys don’t mind playing ugly and understand what we need to do defensively and

to earn the tournament MVP award.

“She was on the varsity when we won our last championship (in 2019),” Johnson said. “We pulled her up as an eighth grader, but she didn’t think she actually contributed. But this time, she was focused. She played like she was saying, ‘We’re not going to lose today.’”

Fellow team captain Jada Knight, a senior, added 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals while being named to the AllTournament team. Kristen McMillan contributed 11 points and nine rebounds.

Junior Aniya Hubbard also was named to the All-Tournament team, although she played limited minutes in the championship game because of foul trouble, scoring seven points and grabbing six boards. But she had 12 points, seven steals and 11 rebounds in Hoover’s 55-36 victory over Auburn in the semifinals.

Hubbard missed the Final Four last season because of a late-season knee injury and could only watch as Hoover lost 47-44 to Spain Park in the 2020 Class 7A championship game.

“It was really devastating when I couldn’t play last year,” Hubbard said. “I feel like I let the team down. I have such a passion for the game and I couldn’t do anything about it.

“But this year was a nice experience. I didn’t have my best game, but my teammates picked me up. We all worked extra hard, grinded every single day to get better, and that’s why we won.”

The title was the sixth for Hoover, its third in the past five years and the Lady Bucs’ seventh overall. Johnson has played on a Hoover championship team, has served as an assistant coach on another and has been head coach of the past three.

“This one was very special because of all the things we went through,” Johnson said. “At the beginning, we were not sure we were going to

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Young finished with 10 points, three rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot to earn 7A state tournament MVP honors.

Junior center Will Shaver had a field goal and free throw, and junior guard Evan Smith sank five free throws in the final minute to seal the win.

“If we need a big throw, Evan’s the one we want at the line,” Oak Mountain coach Chris Love said.

Smith had 13 points and four assists, and the 6-foot-11 Shaver had seven points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots while being tabbed for the All-Tournament team.

Junior guard Evan Smith had 13 points and four assists for the Eagles.

rebounding to win games. We never could get any continuity offense, but our defense was solid throughout the game.”

Love also said the experience of playing in the Final Four for the first time in school history in 2020 was a factor. The Eagles lost to eventual champion Lee-Montgomery 65-57 in the Class 7A semifinals “I don’t think the moment was too big for us,” Love said. “The whole process of getting ready was similar to last year. It helped having that experience.

“I am so proud of our kids and coaches. I have a special love for this team. To see them go through a tough and gritty season and come away with a state championship is pretty awesome.”

SPARTANS championship with a 56-43 victory against Spanish Fort in the title game.

“It’s an amazing accomplishment,” Davis said after a few days of reflection. “We don’t ever set out to win a state championship. We tell our players to win the day and keep doing that over and over.

“We showed huge improvement from the beginning of the season to the end. We developed great chemistry and confidence, and by the time we got to the state tournament, we were ready to be successful and win a state championship.”

The title came after the Spartans dropped down to Class 6A this season. They had finished as Class 7A runners-up in 2020. Spanish Fort was making its first state finals appearance.

Senior forward Rayven Turner scored 14 points and collected four rebounds to lead the Spartans (30-6) to their win over Spanish Fort (28-4). He was named the Class 6A state tournament MVP. Turner was ineligible last season after transferring from Jefferson High in Portland, Oregon, so this was his only season playing for Mountain Brook.

“I’m going to remember the crowd going crazy and being around my teammates when the buzzer went off and being able to hold that blue map (championship trophy),” Turner said.

Turner, senior guard Bo Barber and sophomore center Julius Clark each sank two free throws in the final minute to seal the win. Clark

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

From page 28

Senior guard Bo Barber was named to the AllTournament team.

The Spartan’s Colby Blackwell powers his way past a Spanish Fort defender.

finished with 12 points, Ty Davis, the coach’s son, made three 3-pointers to finish with 11 points, and Barber had seven, all coming on free throws. He also had four assists.

Barber, a transfer from Homewood, was named to the all-tournament team. He had 15 points, going 10 of 14 at the free throw line, and

had four assists and two steals in the semifinal victory over Eufaula. Turner had 10 points and 13 rebounds in that game.

Putting in the Work

“The championship means all the hard work we put in paid off,” Barber said. “I think we

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

have a season because of COVID, and once the season started, we had to shut down for two weeks because of COVID. Then our starting center, Rachel Hager, tore her ACL in a game against Spain Park and we had a couple of sophomores get hurt, so our post position was devastated. And each coach had something personal happen.

“So, with all of that happening, to play in the last game and come out on top, it’s amazing.”

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

26 • Thursday, March 11, 2021

Team captain Jada Knight added 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals while being named to the All-Tournament team.

were one of the most under-rated teams in the state. We didn’t have any SEC-caliber players or other (NCAA) Division-I players, but we had a bunch of guys who bought in and just worked hard every day.

“I’m going to remember what a tough year it was with COVID and everything, but also one of the best basketball experiences of my life.”

Coach Davis praised the play of Turner and Barber in the Final Four.

“We had great team balance throughout the season with seven different guys leading us in scoring at different times, so that shows how unselfish our team was, but those two guys are dynamic,” coach Davis said. “Rayven was our leading scorer for the season and the guy we would go to in key situations. He never showed any panic, and that shows in his personality.

“On any successful team, whether it’s in high school, in college or in the pros, you have to have a great point guard and that’s what Bo was for us.”

The Spartans closed the season with 19 consecutive victories, with their last loss coming to Hoover on Dec. 30.

Coach Davis was pleased to win a state championship after the scrutiny he faced following McMillan.

“It means a lot to me,” he said. “I was with Bucky, but after he left for Samford, I took ownership of the program. I love Mountain Brook basketball and I wanted to be a part of it, calling the shots.

“To be able to win a state championship in my first season is great because some people said we couldn’t do it without Bucky. So, we’ve gotten that monkey off our backs.”

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SPORTS

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

McBride Earns 300th Career Win in Soccer at Homewood

Sean McBride has been a soccer coach at Homewood High School since 2001, when he took over the boys varsity program.

Sean McBride earned his 300th victory as a head soccer coach at Homewood when the Patriots’ girls varsity team shut out Briarwood 5-0 on Feb. 26.

McBride has been a soccer coach at Homewood High School since 2001, when he took over the boys varsity program. He won five state championships with the boys’ team (2003, 2005, 2006, 2014 and 2018) and in 2020 took over as head coach of the girls program.

Homewood’s boys varsity coach Julian Kersh played on one of McBride’s state championship teams.

McBride was named the 2018 Spring South Region High School Coach of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches after guiding the Patriots’ boys team to a 24-0-2 record, the Class

The Patriots’ girls team entered this week with a 7-1 record after shutting out Oak Mountain 1-0 and Chelsea 2-0 last week. Above, Mary Siena McBridge works the ball past a Chelsea defencer.

6A state championship and a No. 5 national ranking.

The Patriots’ girls team entered this week with 7-1 record after shutting out Oak Mountain 1-0 and Chelsea 2-0 last week. Maddie Massie and Rika Kellen each scored a goal in the win

over Chelsea and goalkeeper Katie Crim earned the shutout.

Homewood was scheduled to play Mountain Brook Tuesday and will play in the Cullman Tournament Friday.

—Rubin E. Grant

Thursday, March 11, 2021 • 27

Bryant-Jordan Foundation Recognizes Seniors With Scholar-Athlete and Achievement Awards Four Over the Mountain student-athletes have been chosen as recipients of the 2021 BryantJordan Regional Scholar-Athlete and Student Achievement Awards.

The students were among 56 seniors in the AHSAA who were selected in each category from nominations submitted by member schools.

Eight students, one from each district in each of the AHSAA’s 1A through 6A classifications, and four students in Class 7A will receive $3,000 scholarships.

The overall class winner also will receive a $3,500 scholarship, and the overall state winner also will receive a $4,000 scholarship in each category.

Recipients will be honored during a banquet April 12 at the Birmingham Sheraton Hotel, according to a statement from the foundation.

The Bryant-Jordan Awards program, named for legendary coaches Paul “Bear” Bryant and Ralph “Shug” Jordan, was created in 1986 by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in conjunction with the AHSAA. It is supervised by the Bryant-Jordan Foundation’s board of directors.

The purpose of the award is to recognize students who have achieved excellence in academics and athletics.

This year’s regional recipients from Over the Mountain area schools are: Molly Reynolds, Westminster School at Oak Mountain, in 2A; Kate Baecher, John Carroll Catholic High School, in 5A; Lindsey Smith T, Mountain Brook High School, in 6A; and Emily Knerr, Hoover High School, in 7A.

SPORTS

Bryant-Jordan Foundation Regional Honorees for 2020-21 School Year Include Four OTM Students. PAGE 27

McBride Earns 300th Career Win in Soccer at Homewood. PAGE 27

Thursday, March 11, 2021 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THREE OF A KIND Davis Continues Spartans’ Championship Tradition With Class 6A Crown

Mountain Brook players celebrate their sixth state championship with a 56-43 victory over Spanish Fort.

By Rubin E. Grant

F

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

rom the moment he took over as Mountain Brook’s boys basketball coach last summer, Tyler Davis told anybody who would listen that his team’s goal was not to win a state championship.

Sure, the Spartans won five state championships under his predecessor, Bucky McMillan, between 2013 and 2019, becoming the dominant basketball program among large schools in the state.

Davis was an assistant coach for each of those titles, but he didn’t come in saying he wanted to win a state championship in his first season.

It didn’t matter. His team won one, anyway, last week at UAB’s Bartow Arena in the 99th AHSAA State Basketball Championships.

After surviving a triple-overtime thriller in the Class 6A semifinals with a 66-63 victory over Eufaula, the Spartans claimed their sixth state See SPARTANS, page 26

Lady Bucs’ State Championship Game Triumph Was a Thing of Beauty

By Rubin E. Grant

A day after Oak Mountain won its first ever boys basketball state championship, senior forward Noah Young was still processing what the Eagles had accomplished.

“It’s still unbelievable,” Young said. “I am still trying to grasp my feelings. It’s a goal we set at the beginning of the season and the journey we took to get there was incredible.”

The Eagles navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, injuries and a difficult postseason schedule.

In the end, they came away with the Class 7A crown, defeating Enterprise 41-37 in the championship game last Wednesday at UAB’s Bartow Arena in the 99th AHSAA State Basketball Championships.

Young sank a clutch 3-pointer with 2:30 remaining in the fourth quarter to put Oak Mountain ahead for good, 32-31.

“I just let it fly,” Young said. “They had told me to take the shot if I got a chance. I expected it to go in.”

Krystle Johnson just can’t stop watching the girls Class 7A state championship basketball game.

That’s because it’s a thing of beauty for the Hoover coach.

Two days after guiding the Lady Bucs to a 61-37 victory over Hewitt-Trussville last Wednesday at UAB’s Bartow Arena in the 99th AHSAA State Basketball Championships, Johnson was watching a replay of the game.

Hoover (32-1) limited Hewitt-Trussville (295) to just 13 made field goals and to 32.5% shooting from the field and closed the game with an 18-3 run in the final 6:34.

“It’s an enjoyable game to watch,” Johnson said. “It was one of our best games of the season. All our players bought in and were locked in from the start, even on the bench.”

Perhaps no player was more locked in than sophomore team captain Reniya Kelly. She scored 24 points, was 10 of 11 at the foul line, pulled down seven rebounds and had two steals

See OAK MOUNTAIN, page 26

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

By Rubin E. Grant

Oak Mountain senior forward Noah Young.

See HOOVER, page 26

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Oak Mountain Earns Its First Boys Basketball State Championship

Reniya Kelly was named tournament MVP.