THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
THE SCENIC ROUTE
Magic Moments, Children’s of Alabama Team up for New Race Series
BBy Donna Cornelius
IRMINGHAM’S NEWEST race series will be a trailblazing event.
The first BHM26.2, set for April 15, not only will benefit two kid-centric causes, but also will showcase some of the city’s most iconic sites.
The event is a team effort by Magic Moments, a wish-granting organization for Alabama children with chronic life-threatening illnesses, and the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama.
“This will be the only non-looping marathon in Alabama,” said Anna
EASTER HAPPENINGS
Celebrate Easter with some very special events in the Over the Mountain area PAGE 13
Martin, Magic Moments development coordinator and BHM26.2 co-founder. Because marathon courses are so long – 26.2 miles – most of these races involve running the same course twice. Martin said the BHM26.2 has a full marathon course and a separate 13-mile course for its half marathon.
All races start and end at See ROUTE page 29
AND
Photo by Brian Neporadny
ON THE BANKS OF SHADES CREEK Mountain Brook and Homewood plan joint celebration of area waterway PAGE 12
MAGIC CITY REALISM Museum’s new American Art curator launches Depression-Era exhibit PAGE 8
‘HARD WORK
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE’ Oldest living Auburn football player Nick Ardillo turns 100 PAGE 24
Luck Had Nothing to Do With It
VHHS Band Wins Best International Band Title in Ireland
Members of the Vestavia Hills High School marching band and Rebelettes spent their St. Patrick’s Day in the Emerald Isle and returned home with the title of Best International Band.
More than 1,300 participants represented 20 bands from around the world in the 48th Annual Limerick International Band Championship, which is part of the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Festival.
In preparation for the competition and parade, the band spent many rehearsal hours this year perfecting a traditional Irish jig that earned them their win. During the competition, the band gave a threeminute performance judged by an international panel that included Dr. Stan Michalski, Norman Rogerson, Dr. Andrea Strauss, Evelyn Grant and Niall Carroll.
In preparation for the competition and parade, the band spent many rehearsal hours this year perfecting a traditional Irish jig that earned them their win.
Though temperatures were frigid March 17, the band served as the final performance in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, marching through the snow during the entire performance.
Stay tuned for our April 5 issue to read more about the VHHS band’s experience in Ireland.
IN THIS ISSUE
MURPHY’S LAW
AAA (Amenities Across America)
Ilove turndown service. Back when Harold took me along on sales conventions, we would stay at a fancy schmancy hotel, and while we were at dinner, the housekeeping fairies would tiptoe in (or so I imagined), turn back the covers, put a mint on each pillow and hang fresh towels in the bathroom.
When we came back after a long hard night of customer entertainment, the lights were dimmed, the TV was set to some ethereal music channel, and everything was peaceful and calm. Pure bliss.
I’ve also had days when I slept bolt upright in a hospital chair using a bath towel as a pillow. In those situations, bliss would have been a horizontal sleeping surface and access to a sink so I could brush my teeth.
Overnight amenities are relative.
When I’m in an actual hotel with an actual bed, I like to have lots of pillows. A pillow is a personal thing, and sometimes you have to try several before you find one that works. I love separate sheets and blankets. Those giant poofy duvets look great, but they always leave me too hot or too cold.
Sue Murphy
Some people look for access to an exercise room where they can balance out all their vacation calories, but I’m more concerned with how I’ll get those calories.
Some people pay extra for a room with a view, but I don’t usually spend much time looking out the window. I’d happily overlook the dumpsters as long as my room wasn’t next to the elevator or ice machine. A pool is nice, if you have that kind of time. Even if you don’t, it makes you feel like you’re close to being on vacation.
Some people look for access to an exercise room where they can balance out all their vacation calories, but I’m more concerned with how I’ll get those calories. Keep the Exer-genie and give me an onsite
There’s so much happening in the Over the Mountain area, we can’t fit it all in the paper! Visit www.otmj.com for more stories and photos.
Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald
Copy Editor: Virginia Martin
Features Writer: Donna Cornelius
Staff Writers: Sarah Kuper, Emily Williams
Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith
Sports: Blake Ells, Rubin E. Grant
Contributors: Susan Murphy, Jordan Wald, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Sam Prickett
Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald
restaurant. The food may not be fabulous, but after an eight-hour drive, I don’t feel like getting back in the car. When I wake up the next morning, it’s nice to have breakfast available, whether it’s a sit-down opportunity where someone will pour me coffee or a room where I have to pour my own and make my own waffle. I am happy to breakfast either way, as long as I don’t have to go out looking for it.
Some hotels place a coffeemaker right in your room, which is handy, but I’d rather have a tiny refrigerator that can keep my tea icy cold. Microwaves are nice if you’re staying for a while, as long as your room isn’t next to someone who burns their popcorn or warms up corned beef and cabbage they brought from home. (I speak from experience. It takes me days to get that smell out of my house after St. Patrick’s Day.)
Chocolate chip cookies in the lobby, a brown bag breakfast as I walk out the door – thank you. Thank you very much. If nothing more, give me a vending machine where I can get a bottle of water and a bag of M&M’s for the next leg of my journey, especially if the machine accepts credit cards and doesn’t take pleasure in spitting back my not-quite-crisp dollar bills.
Speaking of credit cards, the more amenities you pile on, the higher your hotel bill will be, multiplied, of course, by the location factor. An indoor pool just off the interstate in Effingham, Illinois, will cost you less than a vending machine locale in downtown Chicago.
Turndown service? That’s going to cost you any place you go. But every once in a while, it’s just nice to have a mint on your pillow. Pure bliss. ❖
OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS
“My favorite easter tradition is having an Easter egg hunt at my parent’s house.”
Maggie Clanton Mountain Brook
“Going to Easter Sunday church service.”
Dianna Nichols Homewood
“Easter dinner with our grandparents.”
Jacob Nichols Homewood
“Sunrise service on Easter morning.”
Natalie Sanford Homewood
Journal file photo by Lee Walls Jr.
BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
SPR IN G P LA NT S AL E
A T BROOK W OOD V ILL AGE
BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS F RIENDS OF 2018 SPONSORS
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SAT UR DAY, A P RI L 14 • 9-5 P.M. SU ND AY, AP R IL 1 5 • 11-3 P.M.
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Fri., March 23
Alabama Bicentennial: Alabama’s First Pop Musicians
What: Joyce Cauthen, accompanied by fiddler Jim Cauthen, presents a discussion and demonstration of Alabama’s early fiddle and banjo music as the roots of bluegrass and country.
When: 1-2:30 p.m.
Where: Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium Website: homewood.libnet.info
Sat., March 24
Rumpshaker 5K
What: Rumpshaker hosts the tenth annual 5k run/walk to benefit the organization’s mission to raise colorectal cancer awareness, raise funds to fight and treat it and provide hope for colorectal cancer survivors and those fighting the disease.
When: 8 a.m.
Where: Regions Field
Website: rumpshaker5k.com
UAB OT Annual 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run
What: The 7th annual 5k run/walk benefits the UAB Student Occupational Therapy Association, a student run organization, which raises money to provide scholarships for books, enables students to attend the OT national conference, AOTA, and more.
When: 8 a.m.-noon
Where: Veterans Park Website: runsignup.com
Tues., April 3
Thomas Rainer Lecture:
Planting in a Post-Wild World
What: The Friends of The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham Audubon, Alabama Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects, Mountain Brook Board of Landscape Design and Friends of Jemison Park present a lecture by Birmingham native Thomas Ranier, (above) landscape architect, teacher and author who has designed landscapes for the U.S. Capitol grounds, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, The New York Botanical Gardens and more.
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m., 5 p.m. reception
Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens Website: bbgardens.org
Beer, Band & BBQ
What: Alabama Head Injury Foundation Regional Board hosts a fundraiser featuring live music from The WD Band, Saw’s BBQ and beverages of Avondale Brewery. AHIF provides services, support groups, respite care and other programs to traumatic brain injury survivors across Alabama.
When: noon-5 p.m.
Where: Avondale Brewery Website: firstgiving.com
AirWave Block Party
What: This free benefit concert will feature live music, artists and performers, local food trucks, a hospitality suite and more. Proceeds benefit local Waterkeeper nonprofits who guard the waters of the Black Warrior, Cahaba and Coosa Rivers. When: 1-9 p.m.
Where: Good People Brewing Co.
Website: “7th Annual AirWave Block Party” Facebook page
Sat., March 31
Spring Fest 2018
What: The Magic-City Art Campaign hosts the second annual festival to promote Birmingham as a “City of Art”. Events include live music by about 30 bands on 3 stages, visual art and more.
When: noon-midnight
Where: Artchovia U.S.A.
Website: “The Magic-City of Art Spring Fest 2018” Facebook page
Wed., April 4
Eggs & Issues
What: All are welcome to hear Congressman Gary Palmer speak at the latest multi-chamber event. Register at shelbychamber.org or contact Molly at molly@mtnbrookchamber.org.
When: 7:30-9 a.m.
Where: Birmingham Marriott Hotel Website: mtnbrookchamber.org
Thurs., April 5
This Alabama Life
What: The WBHM Junior Board presents a live variety show that
The choir consists of 22 Ugandan children and young adults, ages 10 to 18, who are in the midst of a fivemonth tour.
A Reason to Run
Ugandan Children’s Choir to Perform at Annual Sozo Children 5K
In its seventh year, the annual Sozo Children Run for a Reason will feature performances by some of the children who benefit from the organization’s mission.
The 5K race will be April 7 in Avondale, coinciding with the Birmingham leg of the Sozo Children’s Choir tour in the United States.
The choir consists of 22 Ugandan children and young adults, ages 10 to 18. They are on a five-month tour performing songs and African dances, and giving testimonies about their experiences with Sozo.
“You don’t want to miss this vibrant and energetic performance by these talented kids. It’s perfect entertainment for the entire family,” said Jon Brennan, choir director and pastor of spiritual development for Sozo Children.
The Birmingham-based missionary organization operates multiple children’s homes in Uganda, which provide care for more than 117 children.
In addition to the funds raised through the run, the choral tour seeks to raise awareness and funds for the group.
“This tour is to thank God for all He has done and to give people the opportunity to partner with us to help raise money to complete our Village Project,” said Brennan.
The organization is working to create a rural village on 28 acres that include three wells. The next project on the property is to complete a road system, and future construction plans include a worship pavilion, children’s homes, a community school, a public medical clinic and team quarters.
The 5K run will begin at 8 a.m. with race packet pick-up and will include a choral performance as well as refreshments from local food trucks.
Registration is $35 through April 7 and $45 on race day. For more information, visit sozochildren.org/runforareason.
The choir will be performing in Birmingham churches at various dates April 5 through April 12. Concerts are free with an option to give a donation and traditional hand-crafted products and choir merchandise will be available for purchase following performances.
For performance dates, visit sozochildren.org/choir. ❖
Photo courtesy Sozo Children
Photo by Rob Cardillo
highlights the talented people in our state. Enjoy talented singers, performers, game shows, interviews and a few things in between.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Iron City Website: ironcitybham.com
Sat., April 7
Walk MS
What: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society presents a walk to end MS. Money raised helps fund groundbreaking research and supports programs and services helping those touched by MS.
When: 7 a.m., walk begins at 8 a.m.
Where: Homewood Central Park Website: nationalmssociety.org
Funky Fun Run
What: A new spin to the past Walk for Autism event encourages participants to dress funky. Think retro wear - bright colors, tie dye and bell bottoms. Proceeds benefit Autism Society of Alabama.
When: 8 a.m. 5k start, 9:30 a.m. walk
Where: Veterans Park Website: runsignup.com
Mutt Strut
What: This dog-friendly 5K and 1-mile fun run presented by Vet Eye Care in Memory of Christopher Nelms and hosted by Hand in Paw features a swag with a choice of a tee or tank and a bandana for your dog, vendors and an after party at Trim Tab Brewing.
When: 9-1 a.m.
Where: Sloss Furnaces Website: “Mutt Strut” Facebook page
Mt. Laurel Spring Festival
What: The town of Mt. Laurel hosts its 18th annual festival featuring live music, food trucks, Jim N’ Nicks BBQ, inflatables, rides, face painting, and vendors selling local produce, plants, flowers artwork, craft pieces, children’s items, jewelry and hand-crafted merchandise.
When: 10a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Mt. Laurel Town Center Website: mtlaurel.com
Alabama Asian Cultures & Food Festival
What: The Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation presents a festival of Asian arts and cultures featuring foods from Asian countries, an Asian bazaar, performances by Asian artist, children’s activities and a meet and greet with the Consul General for Indonesia.
When: 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Zamora Shriners, Irondale Website: alabamaasiancultures.org
Girls Inc. Cajun Cook-off
What: Enjoy taste-testing your Cajun favorites including gumbo, etoufee, jambalaya, beignets and more, at this cooking competition presented and benefitting Girls Inc. of Central Alabama. Included will be kids activities, face painting, a ballon artist and games.
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Railroad Park
Website: “8th Annual Girls Inc. Cajun
Cook-off” Facebook page
CahabaQue BBQ Cook-off
What: Cahaba Brewing Co. hosts its sixth annual BBQ cook-off supporting breast cancer research in Alabama. Enjoy samples from each teams BBQ offerings and cast your vote, while enjoying craft beer and live music.
When: 1-5 p.m.
Where: Cahaba Brewing Co. Website: bcrfa.org
Paul Meyers Memorial Golf Tournament
What: The sixth annual golf tournament is a four person best shot (scramble) and glow-in-the-dark golf game. Nongolfers are invited to join the party for a barbecue dinner, silent auction and live music. Proceeds benefit the Paul Meyers Medical Mission Trip to Haiti.
When: 3-10 p.m.
Where: Highland Park Golf Website: paulmeyersfoundation.com
Sun., April 8
2018 Walk to End Lupus Now
What: The Lupus Foundation of America presents a 1 mile walk to raise money for research, increase awareness of lupus and rally public support for the estimated 27,000 people who suffer from its impact in Alabama.
When: 1 p.m. check in, 2:45 p.m. ceremony and 3 p.m. walk
Where: Veterans Park Website: chapters.lupus.org
April 12-15
Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale
What: The Gardens hosts its annual spring plant sale, free and open to the public, featuring 100,000 plants.
Admission charge to a preview party on April 12, from 5-6:30 p.m. is $45.
When: Fri., April 13, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat., April 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., April 15, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Upper Macy’s Parking Lot at Brookwood Village Website: bbgardens.org
Sat., April 14
Cornhole Classic
What: The sixth annual round-robin cornhole tournament benefitting The Bell Center for Early Intervention. The benefit will include an afternoon of corn hole, food, beer, music and more. When: Registration 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Tournament begins at 1 p.m.
Where: Good People Brewing Co. Website: thebellcenter.org
Thurs., April 19
Wine, Women and Shoes
What: Baptist Health Foundation hosts a fundraiser featuring a wine tasting, designer shopping, delicious bites, fashion show, incredible auction lots, Charming Shoe Guys, Best in Shoe Contest and more. Funds raised benefit BHF and their mission to provide resources for financially vulnerable patients and wellness resources in our community.
When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Club
Website: winewomenandshoes.com
Shine Bright Assistance League Hosts Second Annual One Starry Night Gala
The One Starry Night Gala will take place April 5 at The Club, raising funds for the Assistance League and local initiatives that serve children and seniors.
In its second year, the event, organized by co-chairwomen Cindy Wade and Cathy Bowman, will include a silent and live auction, dinner and dancing.
The honoree for the evening is John Lyda, an executive with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and member of Assistance League of Birmingham’s advisory board.
According to League officials, Lyda has a passion for community service, having served four years on the Hoover Public Library board of trustees before being elected to the Hoover City Council in August 2012 and re-elected in 2016.
He is past president of the Hoover-Metro Kiwanis Club and the Hats & Horns Societé and active in several other organizations. He was named one of Birmingham Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40” and in 2015 received the Alumnus of the Year Award from Northeast Alabama Community College.
The funds from this year’s event will benefit the
league’s philanthropic programs, which provide clothing and books to 2,000 area school children through Operation School Bell and Operation Literacy, and financial opportunities to seniors through PrimeTime Treasures.
To buy tickets, visit the Shops of Assistance League at 1755 Oxmoor Road in Homewood or call 870-5555.
From left: Kim Kohler, auction chair; Cathy Bowman; and Cindy Wade, co-chairman.
Photo courtesy The Assistance League
Easter
TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Celebrate with us
Saturday, March 31
6:00 PM
TRADITIONAL SERVICE • SANCTUARY
Sunday, April 1
8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 AM
TRADITIONAL SERVICES • SANCTUARY and
8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 AM
CONTACT SERVICES • WESLEY HALL
Not the Same Old Song and Dance
VHBB Dogwood Luncheon Will Showcase Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen and a Holocaust Survivor Talking about Survival and Forgiveness.
By Emily Williams
The Vestavia Hills Beautification Board will welcome a familiar face on stage at the annual Dogwood Luncheon on April 5.
1400 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL www.trinitybirmingham.com
Collins McMurray will provide a vocal performance to guests gathering in Vestavia Country Club’s ballroom. McMurray recently was crowned Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen for 2018, which she earned March 4 along with receiving the Overall Highest Academic Award.
As a part of her participation in the Miss Outstanding Teen Pageant, McMurray chose a platform issue to advocate throughout her campaign for the crown and beyond. Her chosen platform is the Importance of Arts in Education, which can be seen throughout her own schooling.
The daughter of Dan and Melissa McMurray, she has grown up in Vestavia Hills and currently attends Vestavia Hills High School, where she is a junior.
As someone who has developed a love of dance and singing, having the opportunity to pursue those two passions at VHHS is an opportunity that she advocates for all schools through her platform.
In her high school career, she holds membership in the VHHS Rockette Dance Line, the Just Singin’ Acapella Group and the Honors Choir. Additionally, she is a member of the German National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, FCA and Youth Leadership.
Her participation in the annual event is one that is made even more special because of her strong connection to the Beautification Board, as she currently serves as a Vestavia Belle.
The Vestavia Belles are one of the many initiatives of the beautification board, giving Vestavia Hills High School students an opportunity to serve as hostesses for the community and take an active role in community service projects.
Collins McMurray will provide a vocal performance to guests gathering in Vestavia Country Club’s ballroom. McMurray, a junior at Vestavia Hills High School, recently was crowned Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen for 2018.
Showcasing her talent, McMurray will sing at the luncheon. The board’s own Katherine Taylor also will present her own representation of what arts in education has meant to her.
McMurray will perform her winning piece “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” as well as a selection of other songs in her repertoire.
In addition to her crown, trophy, pin and title; McMurray received a variety of scholarship offers to help pursue her collegiate career following high school.
Next up, McMurray will be travelling to Orlando in July to participate in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant, for which she has received an all-expenses paid trip and wardrobe assistance.
Holocaust Survivor to Speak to Group
Holocaust survivor, speaker and author Rosemarie Reinhard Musso will serve as keynote speaker at the luncheon.
Musso, a resident of North Shelby County, will share her story of survival, struggle, love and forgiveness and her book “Father Forgive Them: The Four Laws of Forgiveness.”
Her memoir incorporates memories of her childhood growing up in a small mountainside village in Nazi Germany during WWII. It is dedicated to her father, Richard Reinhard, a dentist. Reinhard treated many patients brought to him by the Nazis from a nearby coal mine.
Musso’s family treated each patient with compassion and fed them, and as punishment, her father and the entire family was sentenced to death.
But just hours before the family was sentenced to hang, United States troops occupied their village and saved Musso and her family.
“My father helped countless number of Jews and POWs during the Nazi Regime and was instrumental in saving Jewish lives from certain death,” she wrote. “He was one of the unsung heroes of WWII and will always be my hero.”
Musso moved to Birmingham in 1961 after marrying a U.S. Army Officer. She gave birth to two daughters, learned English, worked in several law firms, volunteered with local TV productions and in 2006 achieved a long-awaited goal of obtaining a law degree.
In addition to words from Musso and music from McMurray, luncheon festivities will include an invocation by former Mayor Sara Wuska, richlydecorated tablescapes, door prizes, a silent auction and members of the Vestavia Belles, wearing their signature antebellum gowns as they greet guests.
The annual Dogwood Luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. Tickets to the luncheon are $25 and must be purchased in advance.
For more information, contact Gina Henley at 910-4837 or ghenley401@charter.net. ❖
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Vestavia Hills Beautification Board President Anne Boston and Dogwood Luncheon coordinator Gina Henley, from left, with Vestavia Belles Lily Henley, Amelia Williams and Avery Richardson.
Indian Springs School’s Davis Earns Girls Scout Gold
Madeleine Davis, a senior at Indian Springs School, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project, “Serves Up: Leadership and Healthy Eating Through Volleyball,” which focused on developing girl leadership, confidence and healthy eating habits through a volleyball camp.
Girls from the Birmingham area, including Avondale and Crestwood, attended a camp she hosted in June, in which they learned the basics of volleyball and how to make healthy lunches.
“For me, volleyball was the first place I really grew as a leader,” Davis said. “When a girl becomes a leader on a sports team it is just that much easier to become a leader at her school or in her community.”
For the sustainability portion of the Gold Award, Davis donated volleyballs and kneepads to Avondale Elementary and gave presentations on the project to the Avondale Elementary PTO, her school volleyball team and her Girl Scout Troop.
“I had never had to lead a large group of people all by myself before
this project,” Davis said. “Because of my project I know I have the skills to lead other projects in my future.”
Davis noted that she hopes the girls who attended her camp will take the volleyball and leadership skills they learned back to their life and schools.
She has been a Girl Scout for nearly 14 years and has now earned the highest honor a Girl Scout can be awarded.
Davis will be recognized for earning her Gold Award at the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama G.I.R.L. Recognition Ceremony on April 29 at Wallace State in Hanceville.
Westminster’s Griffith Earns Girl Scout Gold Award
monk habit, doing chores, listening to Gregorian chants and eating a simple meal of bread, cheese, water and grape juice in silence.
She remembers celebrating Monk Day as a student herself, and parents were responsible for making the costumes. So while studying monks again in her junior year, she was inspired to present the program to her school.
To raise funds for her project, she sewed and sold scrunchies and collected materials. With the help of a
team, she sewed 48 monk costumes that are high-quality enough to last for years. She also compiled research about medieval monks and gave the information to the fourth-grade teachers. In addition, she created pre- and post-tests to gauge the student’s learning: she found the students learned more about monks during the interactive learning day. Her project met the sustainability requirement by providing a long-term method of learning that the teachers can use every year.
“My Gold Award project has equipped me to achieve any goal I set for myself in the future because I now have more experience solving problems, working hard, and delegating work between helpers,” Griffith said. As a child, Griffith developed a love of creating by making outfits for her dog out of plastic bags she colored. She was featured in Birmingham Fashion Week and attended the Rising Star program at SCAD, where she learned to sew. She plans to major in fashion merchandising and design. ❖
Katie Griffith, a senior at Westminster School, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project, “History in Action,” which focused on giving younger students at her school an interactive learning day, teaching them that history can be exciting to learn.
To keep fourth-graders engaged in the history classroom, she sewed 48 monk costumes. Every year her school celebrates “Monk Day,” during which the students live a day in the life of a medieval monk – wearing a traditional
“Robin
When Allison and Taylor Strickland decided to sell their first home and look for a new one, Allison enlisted her friend Robin Turberville with ARC Realty. “We knew each other through the Samford Legacy League,” says Allison. “ARC Realty is a corporate sponsor. I had always been impressed with Robin’s friendly, outgoing personality, so it was an easy decision to list our home with her. She sold it so quickly, we had to move in with family and friends while conducting our home search.” Taylor says Robin worked tirelessly to help them find the right new home. “She has great vision. She would point out things we didn’t notice, details that helped us evaluate what works for us. We gladly recommend Robin Turberville to anyone buying or selling a home. She’s helping one of our friends right now.”
Robin says being a part of the ARC Realty family allows her to provide excellent customer service. “ARC Realty is committed to helping our community, supporting programs like the Samford Legacy League. I’m proud to be a part of the ARC family.”
For information on Robin’s listings, visit www.arcrealtyco.com.
A Relationship Company
4274 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35243 • 205.969.8910 www.arcrealtyco.com
Madeleine Davis
Katie Griffith
HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SERVICES
Beginning on Palm Sunday, Holy Week recalls the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, ending with his crucifixion on Good Friday. In addition to Sunday worship, Canterbury’s Holy Week observance includes noontime services Monday through Friday, as well as evening services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
MONDAY, MARCH 26
with Rev. Sherry Harris
12-12:25 p.m. in the Chapel lunch following in the Parlor
TUESDAY, MARCH 27
with Rev. Nathan Carden
12-12:25 p.m. in the Chapel lunch following in the Parlor
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28
with Dr. Tyler Christiansen
12-12:25 p.m. in the Chapel lunch following in the Parlor
MAUNDY THURSDAY, MARCH 29
Noon in the Chapel and 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary (with Service of Holy Communion)
GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 30
Noon in the Sanctuary and 6 p.m. in Canterbury Center
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 1
7:00 a.m. Son-Rise Service at Hillside Chapel 8:15 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary 8:15 a.m. Contemporary Worship
Museum’s New American Art Curator
Launches Depression-Era Exhibit
By Sarah Kuper
Staff at the Birmingham Museum of Art are busy readying galleries for the newest American Art exhibit, “Magic City Realism: Richard Coe’s Birmingham,” opening March 24.
This is the first new exhibit under the leadership of the BMA’s new William Cary Hulsey curator of American art, Dr. Katelyn Crawford.
Vestavia Hills Dogwood Luncheon
Vestavia Hills Dogwood Luncheon
Thursday, April 5, 2018
11:30 am, Vestavia Country Club
Featured speaker Rosemarie Reinhard Musso, Holocaust survivor and author, will give an encouraging message from her book: “FATHER Forgive ThemThe Four Laws of Forgiveness.”
Silent auction and door prizes will be offered.
Tickets: $25 each. Advance sales only.
To purchase tickets, please contact Gina Henley at ghenley401@charter.net or (205)910-4837.
Please join the Vestavia Hills Beautification Board in our annual Dogwood Festival celebration.
Crawford comes to the BMA from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, where she was the assistant curator of American art.
She received her bachelor’s in American history and art history from Columbia University, and she earned her master’s in history of art and architecture from the University of Virginia. She recently completed her Ph.D. in the history of art and architecture at UVA.
Crawford has held prestigious fellowship and research positions across the country, and she said she is delighted to find herself curating the BMA’s permanent collection of more than 3,000 American art pieces.
“The BMA has a very jewel boxlike, encyclopedic collection that’s representative across time,” Crawford said, “We have at least one great example of everything, which is fun to work with because you can tell incredible stories about history.”
Crawford’s love of American art and history began at a young age with a particular interest in colonial America. She describes her mother as a revolutionary history buff, and she said her parents collect art.
New Exhibit Depicts Life in Birmingham During the Depression
“Magic City Realism: Richard Coe’s Birmingham” opens March 24 at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The exhibit is made up of more than 60 etchings by Alabama native Richard Coe. The pieces give museumgoers a glimpse into Depression-era Birmingham through detailed depictions of daily life.
Richard Coe spent time in Birmingham during the 1930s and illustrated the early downtown skyscrapers as well as the shanties housing the city’s poorest citizens. He drew many iterations of Sloss Furnaces featuring the technology of the day combined with images of manual labor.
Coe was appointed head of Alabama’s state Works Progress Administration art programs in 1937.
Images on display include Coe’s etchings of scenes from civic life as well, such as churches, schools and hospitals.
The etchings have been gifted to the museum by John Peter Crook McCall and Doy Leale McCall III.
Crawford began to pursue art history while an undergraduate at Columbia
“I started an art history minor for fun, which I realize is very nerdy,” she said, “but I realized there is a lot more scholarship work yet to be done – a lot of ground that had not been
walked by art historians but that historians had already covered.”
Since moving to Birmingham, Crawford said she has been surprised by the cosmopolitan feel of the city. She took a crash course in Birmingham history while planning and curating the upcoming Magic City Realism exhibit, which provides glimpses of Great Depression-era life in Birmingham.
“We found a body of 377 etchings in storage. It is an incredibly broad
‘The BMA has a very jewel box-like, encyclopedic collection that’s representative across time. We have at least one great example of everything ...’
DR. KATELYN CRAWFORD
body of work mostly representing Birmingham,” she said, “In thinking about crafting a narrative from that material, I realized that I was illequipped to do that. So, it led me to places like the public library and to reach out to community members.”
Crawford said she has had tremendous support from the Friends of American Art support group as she explores the city and the works at the BMA.
“The Friends of American Art are so helpful to me. They are wonderful ambassadors of the museum to the community. I’m amazed at the number of people who come up to me and say they’d like to join the Friends of American Art group.”
Crawford said she feels privileged to be a part of the BMA and she is looking forward to sharing the Richard Coe exhibit and the larger American art collection with the public.
Journal photo by Sarah Kuper
Dr. Katelyn Crawford stands in the soon-to-be-opened Magic City Realism exhibit.
Troop 63 Holds Court of Honor Ceremony
An Eagle Court of Honor ceremony was held Jan. 28 to recognize Grant Blackwell, Brendan Brogan, Ford Clegg and Max Gault from Canterbury United Methodist’s Troop 63.
For his Eagle project, Blackwell chose the Lakeshore Foundation, building two ADAcompliant, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and a swing for an outdoor area at the facility.
A ninth-grader at Mountain Brook Junior High, Blackwell plans to attend college to study real estate construction and development.
He is the son of Sally and Slade Blackwell.
Brogan’s Eagle project benefited Red Mountain Park, where he built posts and hooks to create a hammock campsite. More than a dozen hammocks can be hung at a time at the site, which took six work days and more than 100 hours
to complete.
Brogan is a junior at Mountain Brook High School and plans to attend college following his graduation.
He is the son of Ashley and Brendan Brogan.
For his Eagle project, Clegg constructed three bat houses for the Mountain Brook Parks and Recreation Board, at Overton Park, Jemison Trail and the Cahaba River Walk Park.
The houses provide habitation for bats, which substantially decrease mosquito populations.
A senior at Mountain Brook High School, Clegg will attend Mississippi State University, where he will be a member of the golf team and will study business.
He is the son of Collins and Trey Clegg.
For his project, Gault built a portable enclosure to protect and rehabilitate injured or orphaned wild mammals at Wild Mammal Care of Alabama. The enclosure had to be easy to assemble and disassemble at
different locations while complying with state-mandated size requirements.
Gault is a senior at Mountain Brook High School and will attend Auburn University in the fall.
He is the son of Alison and Chuck Gault.
JLB Announces Torchbearers for Centennial Campaign
The Junior League of Birmingham has announced its 20 “torchbearers” for 2018, ambassadors who will help spread the word and raise funds to support the One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center.
JLB last year launched a five-year plan to raise $1.25 million to help the center obtain a new, permanent location suitable for working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The plan is the JLB’s way of commemorating its upcoming 100th anniversary.
The 2018 torchbearers are Susie Abbott, Robert Agee, Robert Baugh, Kitty Brown, Josh Carpenter, Michelle Clemon, Mitch Cohen, Kathryn Corey, Will French, David Germany, Alison Grizzle, Amy Jackson, Lucy Thompson Marsh, Jenny McCain, Phyllis McCombs, Gregg McCormick, Jay Pigford, Ruth Penton Polson, Clay Ryan and Terry Smiley.
“When the Junior League of Birmingham partners with both donors and advocates, we have the power to affect true change in our great city,” said Katy Eldridge, Junior League of Birmingham president. ❖
THE SUBTLE SYMPTOMS OF HEART VALVE DISEASE
Juan M. Bernal, M.D., FACC
Lunch & Learn Seminar
Friday, April 13 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Grandview Medical Center 3690 Grandview Pkwy. Conference room seating is limited. Register at 205-971-7474.
www/savagesbakery.net
Have you been experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, or a feeling that you may pass out? Have these symptoms progressively worsened over the past few months? Join Cardiologist Juan M. Bernal, M.D., FACC, to learn more about the subtle warning signs of heart valve disease, the importance of early detection, and treatment options. Recognized by the
Grant Blackwell
Brendan Brogan
Ford Clegg
Max Gault
Coyotes, Foxes and Other Woodland Neighbors Are Coming Too Close for Comfort in Some OTM Areas
By William C. Singleton iii
Living with the woods as your backyard is a luxury many Over the Mountain residents enjoy.
But this close-up view of nature includes close encounters with wildlife.
It’s not unusual to find coyotes, foxes, raccoons and other wildlife romping through residential backyards and neighborhoods. But being close to nature can mean problems, too.
Recently, the city of Vestavia Hills hired West Alabama Wildlife Services to trap coyotes that are coming too close to homes and neighborhoods. The city has received numerous complaints of increased coyote sightings.
“The particular wildlife that seems to get worse and worse each year is the coyotes,” said city manager Jeff Downes. Their increased presence has worried residents that their pets and children could be in danger, he added.
The city has traditionally handled complaints through education, such as informing residents on steps they can take to prevent coyotes from encroaching further into the suburbs. These steps include keeping open food and water off back porches and out of backyards and keeping pets on a leash when out in the neighborhood, which also is in keeping with city ordinance.
But the problem still persisted, Downes said, leading to more aggressive measures. At one point, Vestavia
Hills used cages to catch coyotes. But this measure wasn’t successful because, like Wile E. Coyote of Looney Tunes fame, the real canines proved too wise to enter the bait traps, Downes said.
However, over a two-week period using the trapping service, 14 coyotes were captured and “dispatched,” or euthanized. The traps were set on private property with the permission of the homeowners, who were experi-
‘A big part of our community is to preserve natural areas. And those are places where these kinds of animals are going to be attracted to and stay in.’
SCOTT MCBRAYER, HOMEWOOD MAYOR
encing problems with coyotes encroaching onto their backyards, Downes said. Some of the coyotes caught had mange, a skin disease caused by the proliferation of mites on an animal’s body.
“Some didn’t have any hair,” Downes said. “Some were diseased. They weren’t in the best of conditions. … When you have diseased coyotes, they can come into backyards and in contact with pets and can
pass on this disease to pets and possibly pass it on to humans.”
Capturing and removing coyotes was necessary from a health and safety perspective, he added.
Downes said the city hired the trapping service for only two weeks and will evaluate the situation as necessary. When the weather gets warmer, the problem decreases because coyotes aren’t on the move as much. They also have enough food in their natural environment and don’t need to venture into neighborhoods to find other food sources, Downes said. “If we need to revisit this again, we’ll do so. But we’re just watching now,” he said.
A Regional Issue
Other Over the Mountain areas also have their share of problems with wildlife intruding into suburban areas, but not to the degree Vestavia Hills has had to deal with this year.
Preston Sloan, Mountain Brook’s animal control officer, said sightings of coyotes and foxes aren’t unusual in his city. But that’s to be expected when your city is situated close to woods and forests.
“I get several calls from people seeing coyotes and foxes,” Sloan said. “But as long as they’re healthy and rightfully scared of people, I don’t think it’s a problem.”
The city would likely take action if there are reports of wildlife acting strangely, which would suggest
they’re sick, he said.
“If they’re concerned because they’re acting strange, and they’re not scared of them, they should call and I’ll come check it out,” Preston said.
Homewood’s situation is similar, Mayor Scott McBrayer said. Sightings of coyotes and foxes are enough to keep the animal control officer’s phone ringing.
Occasionally, the city – with the consultation of its animal control officer and police chief – hires a company to set traps for wildlife that may pose a health risk or danger to residents and their pets.
“A big part of our community is to preserve natural areas,” the mayor said. “And those are places where these kinds of animals are going to be attracted to and stay in.”
Hoover Officer Brian Hale said that the city isn’t experiencing any increased sightings of coyotes or other wildlife, based on the calls it receives.
“Sometimes, the speed of social media might add to the perception that there are more incidents, but the reality is that it’s about the same as any other year,” he said.
Hale said education and communication are important in dealing with these type situations.
“Hoover animal control officers will work with a neighborhood and communicate what is going on and how it can minimize the chances of encouraging the animal from staying in the area,” he said.
He said it’s also important for resi-
A New Home for The Dandé Lion
After 45 Years Lane Park Road Shop Relocating to Canterbury Road
By Sarah Kuper
The Dandé Lion shop in Mountain Brook Village is a favorite for Over the Mountain seekers of classic furnishings.
But the much-loved store soon will vacate its space at the intersection of Lane Park Road and Cahaba Road after 45 years at the location.
The shop will remain a fixture of the village as it moves only a few streets away to Canterbury Road.
While the move may require some careful packaging of fragile furnishings, shop owner Joann Long said that’s no problem. The problem is fitting her current inventory into the new, smaller space.
That’s why, lucky for customers, Long is offering deep discounts on fine wares during the Dandé Lion moving sale.
have 500 lamps over there. I can probably have 410 if I really work at it.” Besides lamps, The Dandé Lion stocks accessories such as bookends, pillows and gifts. Porcelain creatures,
elegant frames and serving pieces are tucked in among antique trunks, etageres, chests of drawers and sideboards.
The shop offers china, crystal and
flatware along with silk florals. The Dandé Lion also stocks the much sought after Byar’s Choice carolers for Christmas décor.
Long said the move was sparked by the new Lane Parke shopping development. She said there were rumors of her having a bad attitude toward the property’s owners because of the changes, but she said that wasn’t true.
“I always said the owner of the property had the right to do what he wanted to do,” Long said, “It is just the way life goes and you just move on along.”
Long has bittersweet emotions about leaving the old shopping center behind because it is a reminder of simpler times.
dents to distinguish between “just a sighting” and situations that need “immediate assistance.” If immediate assistance is needed, an animal control officer will respond to the area as soon as he can, Hale said.
“The officer will evaluate and attempt to determine if the animal is just ‘passing through’ or remaining in the area. If the animal is remaining in the area, animal control will work with a contracted wildlife expert, or trapper,” he said. “They will monitor the situation to see if the same animal is coming back or if a different one is in the area. If the situation warrants, they will make every effort to trap the animal.”
Don’t Leave Food Out
Here are some tips animal control specialists offer to minimize encounters with wild animals.
• Don’t leave food out for domesticated pets. If wild animals think they can get an easy meal, they’ll take it!
• Don’t let small pets roam free.
• Secure garbage containers.
• If you’re outdoors and a wild animal is in your vicinity, make noise, shout, clap your hands and raise your arms to make yourself look bigger; the ideal is to scare it away. But get inside as soon as possible and call your local animal control officer.
• If you see a wild animal that is possibly sick or acting strangely, and it doesn’t run off, animal control should be contacted immediately. ❖
was go to the doctor.”
She said she believes that type of old-fashioned arrangement is a thing of the past, but she’s happy the business her mother started almost 50 years ago will be a part of Canterbury Road’s shopping options.
“I need my customers to come now because I have less square footage over there,” Long said, “I have over 500 lamps in here and I cannot physically
Long has bittersweet emotions about leaving the old shopping center behind because it is a reminder of simpler times.
“This was a very unique set up. You had everything you needed: drug store, grocery store, dime store, a dress shop, a coffee shop, a book store, the liquor store, the post office and the Dandé Lion,” Long said, “The only thing you couldn’t have done on this sidewalk
Long hopes to have her new shop open by June. For now, she is trying to sell as much merchandise as she can. She said she has seen a lot of support and business from loyal customers, but she is hoping to draw from a wider clientele.
Long said she knows it is harder to draw in younger shoppers simply because they do most of their shopping online.
“We can beat online prices most all the time and you can take it home and try it, not have to worrying about unboxing it or putting it together,” she said.
Shopping on site also means customers can ask questions about merchandise and ask for help, said Long, who takes pride in her store’s customer service. And The Dandé Lion will take care of shipping items if necessary.
The moving sale is on until the shop relocates. Sale items are cash or check only. ❖ 10 • Thursday, March 22, 2018
Journal photo by Sarah Kuper
Joann
Samford’s
Chew Earns
Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award
Stephen Chew, Samford University Psychology Department chairman and internationally recognized expert on teaching and learning, has earned the American Psychology Foundation’s Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award.
The award, which recognizes a psychologist who is an educator, will be presented to Chew in August at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association.
Chew said receiving the award is all the more meaningful because he has gotten to know its namesake through many years of professional conferences.
“He’s a giant in teaching psychology,” Chew said.
Chew has served as a Carnegie Scholar and Fellow of the American Psychological Association. He has earned Samford’s Buchanan Teaching award, the Society for the Teaching of Psychology’s Robert S. Daniel Teaching Excellence Award and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s state and U.S. Professor of the Year honors.
Chew has spent the past 35 years focused on undergraduate education at Samford. He focuses on mentoring and student convocation programs. Those programs broadened to become the video series “How to Get the Most Out of Studying and Cognitive Principles of Effective Teaching.”
Former student Amy Fineburg, who now is advanced programs specialist for Jefferson County Schools, praised Chew’s humble nature.
“He interacts with everyone with humility and interest because he truly believes he can always learn something new,” Fineburg said.
Asked for an education progress report, Chew said there is reason for hope.
“The field is going in two different directions at once,” he said. In some areas of education, a “factory model” persists, focused on moving people through a system with as little expense as possible.
“Then you’ve got people who are really dedicated to teaching and really embracing the research,” he said.
“There’s tremendous excitement among teachers who look at this research and see how they can apply it. We are at a point where we can really make a big advance if we can just get people moving the same direction.
“I am optimistic,” Chew concludes. “The best teaching is getting better.”
Literacy Council Installs New Board of Directors
Over the Mountain residents and prominent leaders from Birmingham’s business community recently were
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installed as officers of The Literacy Council’s board of directors.
Regions Bank Executive Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development Jamie Gregory will lead the board as chairman, along with Robert Schoenvogel, president of PRADCO Outdoor Brands, as vicechairman.
Hallie Bradley of Alabama Power Foundation and David Kassouf of Kassouf & Company round out the board leadership as secretary and
treasurer, respectively.
New leadership intends to capitalize on the agency’s growth and success over the past few years and sustain the momentum necessary to reach more people in central Alabama with adult education services.
“This is a strong board with dynamic leadership who see the importance of what The Literacy Council is doing through our adult literacy, ESOL and GED services,”
said Literacy Council President and Executive Director Katrina M. Watson. “They understand how investing in our work is making a difference in strengthening our communities and supporting the growing workforce needs of our region.”
New board members include Joy Carter, American Cast Iron Pipe Co.; Felecia Edwards, Wells Fargo; Jessica Kubat, Protective Life Co.; and Judge Charles “Chuck” Price II, Birmingham Municipal Courts. ❖
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Stephen Chew
On the Banks of Shades Creek
Mountain Brook and Homewood Plan Joint Celebration of Area Waterway
By Sarah Kuper
The city of Mountain Brook prides itself on its Tree City USA designation, but this April, community leaders are celebrating and showcasing another one of the area’s natural wonders –Shades Creek.
The inaugural Shades Creek Fest is April 7 at Jemison Park. City officials and local nature enthusiasts from Mountain Brook and Homewood are inviting the public to enjoy live music, fly fishing demonstrations, nature exhibits and conservation education.
There will be interactive activities for families and special animal guests.
The Alabama wildlife center will bring local birds of prey and the Cahaba Environmental Council will show attendees some of the reptiles and amphibians native to area waterways.
Shades Creek runs along Mountain Brook Parkway, Shades Creek Parkway and Lakeshore Drive. Its waters are a feature of both the Jemison Park trail in Mountain Brook and the Shades Creek Greenway in Homewood.
The care and keeping of the creek is overseen by local officials and by citizen support in the form of the Mountain Brook group, Friends of Jemison Park, and the Homewood group, Friends of Shades Creek.
The two organizations work to keep their respective portion of the creek attractive and healthy. Now, for the first time, they are working together on a communitywide celebration.
Friends of Jemison Park was founded in the 1970s when several Mountain Brook citizens committed to keeping Shades Creek preserved as a natural area, according to Sim Johnson, president of Friends of Jemison Park and chairman of the Mountain Brook Board of Landscape Design. Not long after that, the group provided seed money for its Homewood counterpart, Friends of Shades Creek.
Johnson said the inaugural Shades Creek Fest is a manifestation of the relationship the Friends groups have had for a while.
“The two organizations have been friendly
for years, but we’ve never done anything together like this,” he said, “It’s a rare opportunity for regional cooperation. We thought there might be more impediments, but the two mayors are very supportive.”
A new business in Homewood has been instrumental in orchestrating activities at Shades Creek Fest. Self-tagged as “elite outfitters of the sporting life,” Caliber sporting goods on Central Avenue has provided the fly fishing equipment, and staff will run demonstrations at the creek during the event.
Johnson describes the festival as a trial run and said he anticipates the event will grow and change over the years.
Canterbury Cathedral Choir
He said organizers hope the event highlights the way nature shapes the community and the importance of preservation.
“We really just want to educate the public and open their eyes to what is all around them,” Johnson said, “The woods aren’t some foreign, strange place. It’s nature.”
Mountain Brook will incorporate its annual Arbor Day celebration into Shades Creek Fest by giving away native oak tree saplings grown from the seeds of the tallest oak trees in Mountain Brook.
This initiative is part of the Centennial Tree program, which seeks to preserve grand oaks in the Over the Mountain area by nurturing young
The ‘Boy Band’ of Choirs to Perform April 7 at St. Luke’s Episcopal
The Canterbury Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys will perform April 7 at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church as part of its spring 2018 concert tour.
The renowned English choir,
which will celebrate its 600th anniversary in 2020, consists of 12 professional adult singers and 25 boys between the ages of 8 and 13. Under the direction of master of the choris-
ters David Flood and accompanied by organist David Newsholme, the choir will perform a range of traditional and contemporary music, contrasting ancient and modern styles.
A statement from Saint Luke’s states that members of the choir asked to return to Saint Luke’s after having a highly popular 2015 performance there. While in Birmingham during that visit, the boys in the choir drew a screaming crowd of young girls while stopping at Mountain Brook Creamery, and an impromptu performance while visiting the Civil Rights Institute downtown stopped traffic, according to the statement.
The concert begins at 5 p.m. at the church, at 3736 Montrose Road. Tickets are $35 and available through Eventbrite. Go to Eventbrite.com and search for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. ❖
trees to replace mature trees as they die.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens Vice President of Education Henry Hughes began the project nearly a decade ago, and the tree giveaway at Shades Creek Fest is one more way to keep new oaks flourishing.
In years past, the city has given away saplings from native beech trees.
Johnson said the festival will be a fun opportunity for community members to celebrate the rich landscape around them. The festival begins at 10 a.m., admission is free and free parking will be available at National Bank of Commerce. Along with activities, there will be live music and treats from Steel City Pops. ❖
Decorators’ ShowHouse Set to Begin April 28
The 2018 Decorators’ ShowHouse, which benefits the Alabama Symphony, will be April 28 through May 13. A Decorators’ Preview Party is set for April 26. This year’s ShowHouse, located in Mountain Brook, is dedicated to the memory of Mike Griggs, longtime volunteer and a past president of the Symphony Volunteer Council.
Participating in this year’s ShowHouse are Blackjack Gardens, Birmingham Wholesale Furniture, Christopher Architecture & Interiors, Lynn Coker Interiors, Four Corners, Lila Pryor Frank, Lynn Frazier Interior Design, Griffith Art Gallery, Pottery Barn, Scandinavian Design Gallery, Holly Shirley Interiors, Southern Style, Umphrey Interiors and the University of Alabama.
Molly Bee Bloetscher and Perry Umphrey are co-chairs for the ShowHouse. Char Bonsack is president of the council, which puts on the yearly project. For more information and to buy tickets, visit alabamasymphony.org/ and look under the events tab. ❖
Organizers preparing for the inaugural Shades Creek Fest on April 7 include, from left, Michelle Blackwood, Scott McBrayer, Stewart Welch, Alice Wells Johnson, Sim Johnson and Michael Belcher. Shades Creek runs along Mountain Brook Parkway, Shades Creek Parkway and Lakeshore Drive.
Journal
photo by Jordan Wald
Located on Cherokee Road in Mountain Brook, the 2018 Deocrators’ ShowHouse sits on two acres, and has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a pool.
March 22-31
The Easter Bunny, a Brookwood Village Tradition
What: Snap a Springtime picture with the Easter Bunny in his charming spring garden. Free for one standard photo.
When: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Brookwood Village Website: shopbrookwoodvillage.com
Sat., March 24
Egg Hunt in the Hills
What: Egg hunt for children third grade and younger. Bring your basket to hunt for eggs filled with candy and small prizes.
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Vestavia Hills City Hall Website: vestaviahills.org
Trinity UMC Easter Egg Hunt
What: The church will host its annual egg hunt, featuring a photo booth with bunnies, Magic City Sweet Ice and more.
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Trinity West Homewood Website: trinitybirmingham.com
The Samford Family Easter Egg Hunt
What: Gather with family and friends at an egg hunt presented by Samford University Alumni Association and Office of Greek Life. The event features four egg hunts divided by age, a bounce house, outdoor activities and more.
When: 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Sherman Circle in front of Centennial Walk, Samford University Website: samford.edu
Hop n’ Shop
What: Homewood Chamber of Commerce will hosts a sale, featuring the Easter Bunny, a sidewalk Easter Parade and a hunt for coupons, gift cards and candy, organized by Homewood retailers.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., parade at noon, weather permitting Where: Downtown Homewood Website: homewoodchamber.org
The City of Homewood’s Easter Egg Hunt
What: An evening egg hunt for ages toddler-11 years will feature games, bounce houses and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Grouped by ages, the 7-11 year hunt will begin after dark.
When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: West Homewood Park Website: homewoodparks.com
March 24, 25 and 31
Heart of Dixie Museum
Cottontail Express
What: The annual Easter-themed railroad experience and easter egg hunt, including a bounce house, crafts and a visit from Peter Cottontail.
When: March 24 and 31, 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and March 25, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Where: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera Website: hodrrm.org
Easter Happenings
CELEBRATE EASTER WITH SOME OF THESE EVENTS IN THE OVER THE MOUNTAIN AREA
March 26
Riverchase Galleria Pet Night
What: Bring your furry friends for a photo with the Easter Bunny. Dogs and cats of all shapes and sizes welcome. When: 5-8 p.m.
Where: Lower level Belk Men’s Court, Riverchase Galleria Website: riverchasegalleria.com
Fri., March 30
Stations of the Cross:
Seeking the Suffering Jesus on the Streets of Birmingham
What: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, Greater Birmingham Ministries and and Church in the Park will collectively host a Stations of the Cross pilgrimage from Linn Park to Kelly Ingram Park.
When: noon
Where: Linn Park near the fountain Website: dioala.org
Homewood Way of the Cross
What: The churches of Homewood will participate in a Good Friday processional, marching to the “way of the cross” from Homewood Central Park to Edgewood Presbyterian.
When: 2 p.m., ending around 3 p.m.
Where: Homewood Central Park
Website: “Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church” Facebook page
Sat., March 31
Zoo Breakfast with the Bunny
What: The Zoo will offer breakfast followed by a visit from the Easter Bunny and the Eggstravaganza Hunt.
When: 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Where: Kudzoo Café, Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com
City of Mountain Brook Easter Egg Roll
What: The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce presents the Community Easter Egg Roll. Bring your little ones and a basket and hunt for eggs.
When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: On the grassy field in front of the Emmet O’Neal Library
Website: mtnbrookchamber.org
Green Valley Community Egg Hunt
What: Green Valley Baptist Church will host a free egg hunt for ages fourth grade and under, beginning with a light breakfast.
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Green Valley Baptist Church Website: gvbc.org
Oak Kids Eggstravaganza
What: Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church’s second annual communitywide Easter egg hunt will begin with a brief devotional in sanctuary and end with food, fun and inflatables.
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: OMPC Soccer Field Website: ompc.org
Oak Mountain State Park Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Market
What: The park’s 11th annual egg hunt and spring market will feature pictures with the Easter Bunny and Cricket, the miniature Unicorn, as well as hay rides, local craftsman booths artisans, food trucks and more.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: In the South Trail Head field at Oak Mountain State Park
Website: “Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Market” Facebook page
Shades Mountain Baptist Community Egg Hunt
What: The Church is hosting its first community egg hunt, featuring agespecific hunts, inflatable games and free food.
When: 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Shades Pavilion and Rec field Website: shades.org
Vestavia Hills UMC Easter Egg Hunt
What: The church will host a hunt for ages toddler-3rd grade. Bring a basket and camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny.
When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Lighthouse Gym Website: vhumc.org
Zoo Eggstravaganza
What: Join the Easter Bunny and his friends during this rain of shine event. Children are free with cost of admission and can collect 10 eggs and receive a pair of bunny ears*. *While supplies last. An adult egg hunt is $20 to enter, but participants are guaranteed a prize valued at $50 or more.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com
The Great McWane Egg Drop
What: McWane Science Center presents its annual egg drop, egg demonstrations and eggsperiments. Use your creativity to create a contraption to protect an egg from a 45-foot drop.
When: 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., visit website for program times
Where: McWane Science Center Website: mcwane.org
EASTER Sun., April 1
By Doug Wilson
Spring break is arriving for schools and universities in the U.S., and that ushers in a lot of international travel.
This time of year, school groups, travel groups, church groups and individual adventurers make their final preparations for spring, summer and fall travel. Along with these plans, it is more important than ever for travelers to learn and understand the terrorism and personal safety threat of the countries they are traveling to, particularly in the popular destinations of Mexico and Europe.
Mexico
JIraq, fighters have returned to their countries and are actively recruiting.
Whether your travels take you to Mexico, Europe or anywhere else in the world – including major tourist destinations in the United States – it is important to be smart and maintain situational awareness. Following are safety tips to help reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime or involved in a terrorist incident:
1. Be alert and vigilant to everything going on around you.
small groups. Otherwise, the most immediately noticeable trait is clothing and shoes. Americans probably are the only tourists who wear white tennis shoes when traveling. This screams American. You don’t see shorts or bright clothing in some countries. Do a little research and get a feel for how
Travel
This is the most important thing you can do while traveling. Always be alert to individuals who are exhibiting unusual behavior or look out of place. When you see this, report it. Too many terrorist incidents happen because someone who noticed something odd did not report it.
Mexico is a popular and affordable destination for college and high school groups, but there is widespread instability because of crime and violence associated with drug and human trafficking. It is important to know that many areas outside of the popular resorts can be dangerous, especially after dark, so it is important to remain on the resort property during this time of heightened caution in Mexico.
Don’t travel less, just travel smarter.
people dress during different times of year in the countries that you will be visiting. You can even buy some inexpensive clothing once you arrive overseas. Remember, blending in reduces attention.
2017 was one of the worst years on record for drug- and gang-related homicides in Mexico. In late February, a Birmingham-area anesthesiologist, Dr. William O’Byrne of UAB, was assaulted in Puerto Vallarta and later died. On March 8, the U.S. State Department closed the consular office at the popular tourist destination of Playa del Carmen due to a ferry explosion followed by an unidentified explosive device on another ferry near the port. There have been incidents in the past several years of violence spilling into resort properties, including Cancun and Los Cabos, along with incidents of tourists receiving tainted alcohol on some resorts.
The U.S. State Department has four travel advisory levels, with 4 being the highest. Mexico is rated a 2, meaning “exercise increased caution.” Some states within Mexico are rated as high as 4, which means “do not travel.”
Most resort areas fall in the 2 category.
Keep ample space between yourself and other people. Petty crime and pickpocketing are common problems in many countries. Don’t store valuables in exterior pockets. If you get lost, avoid looking confused. Don’t pull out a map in public, but step into a store, pub, restaurant or other public place to ask for help and get your bearings out of public sight. Be aware of traffic and vehicle access to where you are walking. Incidents of vehicles being used by terrorists to run over innocent pedestrians are on the increase, including in Nice, Berlin, London, Barcelona and New York City. Many recent terrorist events in Europe have been carried out with ordinary objects such as vehicles and knives.
2. When possible, avoid popular social places during times of peak activity.
4. Always give yourself an out. Think ahead and have an escape path or exit wherever you are, outside or indoors. Imagine the kinds of scenarios that could take place and consider what you would do if they happened. It’s too bad to have to think this way, but it trains your mind to be prepared for contingencies. You might want to avoid some situations entirely. A vehicle slammed into pedestrians on the Westminster Bridge in London. There is nowhere to escape on a bridge, so re-think these outings if the bridge is open to motor vehicles as well.
This includes restaurants, bars, shopping areas and entertainment venues. The 2015 Paris attack that left 130 dead and hundreds injured occurred at popular nightspots on a Friday evening. Restaurants and a packed auditorium at the Bataclan concert hall were targeted. Terrorists strike during peak traffic times to maximize carnage, so altering your plan to visit popular sites during less crowded times can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a statistic. Also, avoid mass transportation during peak times. Terrorists continue to target subways, train stations and buses.
Almost $20 billion per year, 7 percent of Mexico’s GDP, is brought in through tourism. The owners and operators of Mexican resorts take security seriously; but, it would be wise for those who are planning travel to Mexico to regularly check the State Department Travel Advisory site. Go to travel.state.gov and click the travel advisory tab at the top of the page for the latest updates. Conditions can change rapidly, so check this site often before travel to any country.
Europe
Europe – especially major destinations such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany and Spain –remain under the threat of terrorism, with some European intelligence agencies rating the threat as likely to very likely. The U.S. State Department rates all of the above countries at level 2, advising visitors to “exercise increased caution due to terrorism,” It also states, “terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks.”
In 2017 alone, there were four terror attacks in the UK, five in France and one in Spain, Germany and Belgium. Attacks are trending up each year, and with ISIS’ defeat in Syria and
Consider staying at non-westernbranded hotels and, instead, seek out smaller, non-chain hotels or bed and breakfast accommodations. If terrorists target hotels, it will be the large hotels where Americans stay; so don’t stay there.
3. Blend in with your environment.
Avoid wearing typical American apparel such as baseball caps, cowboy boots, sports jerseys and anything else that declares you an American. Pickpocketing and petty crime is prevalent in many European cities, and Americans are heavily targeted. If you are an American traveler, in the eyes of the pickpocketer, you are wealthy. Americans are easily picked out of a crowd because they are usually in groups, talking loudly, taking pictures, making eye contact, being animated and wearing conspicuous clothing. Large groups draw more attention than
5. Protect your valuables. Carry limited cash and one credit card. Write your credit card and phone number down on a piece of paper and store it way from your valuables so you can immediately call the card issuer if it is lost or stolen. Keep one copy of the number with you and leave one at home with someone. Notify your credit card company before you go and let them know the countries and time frames when you will be traveling. Also, make a copy of your passport and keep a copy in your luggage and one with someone back home. Carry a dummy wallet with a small amount of money. If you are forced to hand over your valuables, give them the dummy wallet. Keep your cash and credit card elsewhere. The safest place to keep your valuables is in a pouch around your neck. You can buy pouches to be worn around your neck or under your clothing that are large enough to hold your passport, cash and cards. Never keep your valuables in a rear pants pocket or exterior backpack pocket.
Travel can be dangerous, but with a bit of planning and preparation, you can minimize the risk and ensure your safety. Don’t travel less, just travel smarter.
Doug Wilson is a consultant with Counter Threat Group, LLC, and served 28 years in the military as an intelligence officer. He also is assistant vice president of advancement at Samford University. He can be contacted at dwilson@counterthreatgrp.com
Spring Break Staycation
If you’ve decided to spend your Spring Break in Birmingham next week, here’s a few ideas to help you and your kids make the most of it:
BIRMINGHAM ZOO
You can’t go wrong spending the day at the zoo and with seasonal favorites such as the Predator Zone, Children’s Splash Pads, Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Shows, train rides, carousel rides, and more there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For more information, visit birminghamzoo.com.
BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
Open everyday, free admission and parking from dawn until dusk, the Gardens’ 67.5 acres are filled with more than 30 thematic gardens, outdoor sculptures, fountains and a Japanese garden with tea house. Other areas of interest are Arrington Plant Adventure Zone, Conservatory, Garden Center, Gerlach Plant Information Center, Lawlor Gates, Sonat Lake & Entrance and Moon Tree. For more information, visit bbgardens.org.
MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER
Spring brings with it “Backyard Adventures,” a traveling exhibit at McWane Science Center. From the biological interactions between plants and insects, and the zoology of nocturnal animals to the horticultural know-how that goes into growing giant vegetables, the mathematical genius needed to lay pavers and feats of construction that can go on in the shed, the backyard is full of science. Try your hand at the backyard-themed mini golf. Walk through the seasons and observe plants growing in super time and take a look at the garden through the eyes of a bee or a dog using special lenses and more. Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit mcwane.org.
RED MOUNTAIN PARK
Spring forward with RMP for extended hours from 7 a.m.-7p.m.
Current attractions include two city overlooks, three tree houses, a 6-acre Remy’s Dog Park and adventures like the Vulcan Materials Zip Trip, Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Tower, Kaul Adventure Tower and Mega Zip at the Kaul Tower. For more information, visit redmountainpark.org.
RUFFNER MOUNTAIN NATURE CENTER
This 1,000-acre oasis in downtown Birmingham attracts birdwatchers, hikers and nature lovers to its 11 miles of hiking and walking trails, nature center with native animals, picnic area, gardens, gift shop and special sunset hikes with wine and cheese or moonlight treks with music. It’s a great place to get away from modern life and enjoy some time outdoors. Fresh Air Family presents: Gross Out Camp on the Mountain March 26-30 for ages 6-11 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, before and aftercare available. For more information and to register, visit grossoutcamp.org/ spring-break or ruffnermountain.org.
SLOSS FURNACES NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
This 32-acre blast furnace plant where iron was made for nearly a century is the only 20th century blast furnace in the country being preserved and interpreted as a museum. A great place to explore, the site preserves a collection of machinery building and industrial structures that typify the first 100 years of Birmingham’s history and the technology that drove America’s rise to world industrial dominance. Additional interest at Sloss is the speculation that the furnaces are haunted by a former foundry man. For more information, visit slossfurnaces.com.
LION KING BJCC CONCERT HALL Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before and as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Broadway in Birmingham, Disney’s “The Lion King.” Show runs through April 1. For showtimes and tickets, visit theaterleague.com.
freedom rides, sit-ins and demonstrations of the 1960s, The institute showcases a walking journey through the “living institution”, which displays the lessons of the past as a positive way to chart new directions for the future. For more information, visit bcri.org.
BARBER VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS MUSEUM
VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM
Vulcan, the largest cast-iron statue in the world, designed by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti and cast from local iron ore for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair rest on top of Red Mountain with a beautiful view of downtown Birmingham. Also, inside Vulcan Center is an interactive museum that contains the historical timeline of the city of Birmingham. For more information, visit visitvulcan.com.
BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE
This historic museum traces the journey of the civil rights advocates of the 1950s and 60s, who changed the course of American history. The struggle of equality of Black Americans in chronicled here, from the Jim Crow laws in the 1800s to the
With the best and largest motorcycle collection in the world and stunning views of the Barber Motorsports Road Course., this high energy environment makes for a one-of-a-king field trip. The museum houses over 1,400 motorcycles that span over 100 years of production and the world’s most extensive Lotus collection, anchored by the Lotus 21 as well as rare race cars, including the 1964 Ferrari F-158, in which John Surtees won the 1964 Formula 1 Driver’s World Championship. For more information visit barbermuseum.org.
SOUTHERN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT
The Museum is one of the largest aviation museums in the Southeast and houses over 100 aircraft, as well as engines, models, artifacts, photographs, and paintings. in addition, the Museum is home to the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame. Toddlers to teens will enjoy all that is offered at the museum from play places to five flight simulators, an aviation hangar with a real airplane for kids to climb in and more. Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, visit southernmuseumofflight.org.
SHADES CREEK FEST
—Stacie Galbraith
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
31st Birmingham Heart Ball Honors Young Transplant Recipient
Surrounded by classic cars, guests at this year’s Birmingham Heart Ball heard the story of Jeanne Anne Love, who was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy at 18 months old and received a heart transplant at UAB when she was 12.
Love, the evening’s patient honoree, was joined by her husband, Jared, along with family and friends for the fundraising event March 3 at Barber Motorsports Museum.
The annual event raised funds for the American Heart Association and local research, advocacy and community education efforts to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Raymond and Kathryn Harbert, longtime supporters of the AHA, also were honorees, as were Dr. Derrill and Cameron Crowe
The event included drinks, a seated dinner, silent and live auctions and live music.
The evening was coordinated by the Heart Guild, led by Kimberly Kuhn, president; Laura Smith, chair; Melissa DeCarlo, live auction cochair; Melinda Evans, silent auction co-chair; and Mrs. Barri Holston, silent auction co-chair.
An executive leadership committee included Robert Burton, corporate co-chair; Grayson Hall, corporate co-chair; Michael D. Luce, Cor Vitae chair; Stan Starnes, corporate chair emeritus; and John D. Johns, corporate chair emeritus.
Members of the Heart Guild include Stan Blanton, Bill Bowron, Dixon Brooke, Tom Clark, Leigh Collier, David Cox, Mark Crosswhite, Tom Curtin, James Davies, Doug Eckert, Jim Gorrie, Beau Grenier, Jimmie Harvey, Tom Hill, Terry Kellogg, James K. Kirklin, Matt Lusco, Charlie Miller, Ruffner Page, Keith Parrott, Billy Pritchard, Lee Styslinger III, Bill Terry, Mike Thompson and Ray Watts ❖
Raymond and Kathryn Harbert.
Russ and Stephanie Carothers.
Derek and Chelsea Leemon.
Charles and Julianna Hoskins.
Drew Traylor and Win Smith.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
The Carousel Dance Club had a brunch March 4 at The Country Club of Birmingham.
Theo Greene was the party chairwoman and organized the event with the help of her committee, Ruth Pitts and Nina Crumbaugh.
The table centerpieces, created by Ray Jordan of Flowerbuds, featured a low arrangement of roses and hydrangeas interspersed with grapes and sliced limes.
A salad of mixed greens with candied bacon, toasted pecans and blue cheese crumbles was followed by a basket of warm yeast rolls.
Chicken piccata with a caper-studded sauce was served over a wild rice blend and accompanied by fresh asparagus spears. A caramelized creme brûlée and raspberry sauce rounded out the dinner with a light dessert.
Anticipating the Season
Carousels Club Celebrated Spring at Brunch
Members attending were Lynn Ault, Barbara and Winfield Baird, Jean and Carl Bailey, Sara Jane and Gene Ball, Patsy and Jim Beaird, Mary Alice and Don Carmichael, Martha and Garner Cheney, Adele and Chuck Colvin, Bebe and Roy Costner, Sarah Creveling, Nina Crumbaugh, Jane Culverhouse, Tina and John Darnall, Charlotte Donald, Bede and Sam Donnell, Pattie Perry
From left, Charlotte Donald, Theo Greene, Virginia Lavallet and Ruth Pitts.
Finney, Augusta Forbes, JoAnne and Nick Gaede, Melanie Gardner, Ann Garrett, Theo Greene, Fay Hall, Ann and Fletcher Harvey, Jane and Cooper Hazelrig, and Beth and Ron Henderson.
Also attending were Anne Hightower and Raleigh Kent, Mary Ruth and Fred Ingram, Ann and Carl Jones, Sue Kreider, Virginia Lavallet, Joyce and Jim Lott, Peggy Marshall, Sarah Neal, Patsy and Jim Norton, Martha and Peyton Norville, Sandra and Terry Oden, Valerie and Tom Pankey, Suzanne and Robert Parsons, Ruth Pitts, Betty and Fred Powell, Judy and Charlie Russell, Ann and Goodloe Rutland, Gretchen and Clarence Small, Carole and David Sullivan, Harryette and Gerald Turner, Betty Wagstaff and Margie Williams. ❖
Author: Kathryn Crawford Gentle
ACS Hosts ‘20s-Themed Fundraiser
The American Cancer Society’s junior executive board in Birmingham hosted the Prohibition Party: A Night to Black Out Cancer on March 2 in the WorkPlay theater.
Author : Kathryn Crawford Gentle
Three Ways You Should Prepare For Divorce
Divorce is most common in the first few months of a new year. If your marriage is coming to an end , take some simple steps to prepare first. Getting a divorce is a huge decision that will affect your finances and emotions, so you should make sure you are ready to file and start fresh. Here are some things that may improve both the process and the outcome.
Under the new tax bill signed into law by Trump, alimony paid by one spouse to the other will not be tax deductible, and the spouse receiving the alimony is no longer required to pay taxes on alimony.
ALIMONY & DIVORCE
With a Roaring ‘20s theme, the event featured live music by Creativity Band, a silent auction and a game of Heads or Tails, in which a guest won a diamond pendant necklace donated by Diamonds Direct.
Author : Kathryn Crawford Gentle
The evening’s best dressed awards were judged by Heidi Elnora , wedding gown designer and Project Runway star; Mallory Hagan , Miss America 2013; and Colandus Murray , junior executive board member.
In the current system, it works the opposite way, with the payer deducting the full amount and the recipient paying income taxes on the alimony received.
Under the new tax bill signed into law by Trump, alimony paid by one spouse to the other will not be tax deductible, and the spouse receiving the alimony is no longer required to pay taxes on alimony.
Proceeds from the evening’s festivities benefit the American Cancer Society’s mission to fight cancer and celebrate survivors. ❖
In the current system, it works the opposite way, with the payer deducting the full amount and the recipient paying income taxes on the alimony received.
1. Save money - The costs of a divorce can pile up quickly. Start putting some extra money away now so you can cover your expenses. According to a USA Today report, one of the best things you should do is create a budget and stick to it. Reducing unnecessary spending will help you handle any financial hurdles of divorce.
Some Divorce lawyers say the current setup tends to preserve more money overall to allocate between spouses, helping them afford living separately. Others argue that the government will end up with more of a divorcing pair’s combined income.
2. Let yourself grieve - Instead of trying to bottle up your emotions, you should allow yourself to feel the pain of your marriage ending. Even if you think it is for the best, it will be a difficult thing to go through. Grieve healthily to let yourself heal. If you do not face the sadness of your divorce, you may become more angry and vengeful and that will only prolong the divorce and make things worse.
The new rules won’t affect anyone who divorces or signs a separation agreement before 2019.
Some Divorce lawyers say the current setup tends to preserve more money overall to allocate between spouses, helping them afford living separately. Others argue that the government will end up with more of a divorcing pair’s combined income.
The new rules won’t affect anyone who divorces or signs a separation agreement before 2019.
Critics fear that without the deduction, higher-earning spouses won’t pay as much to their exes. Even though alimony is just one of many factors in divorce, it is a highly contentious topic that is changing drastically.
3. Find the right lawyer - Kathryn Crawford Gentle, Partner of the Domestic Relations and Taxation division of Lloyd & Hogan, P.C., is dedicated to representing clients in divorce, family law, and tax resolution. At Lloyd & Hogan, we try to take each family and client as the different entity that they are and look at their own unique history, circumstances, and perspective that they bring to the table Kathryn understands the importance of needing not only a strong litigator who will guide you step by step through the process, but also an attorney who will protect your assets and your family.
Spirited Celebration
To: Kathryn, Cameron and Hank
From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax
Date: March
Critics fear that without the deduction, higher-earning spouses won’t pay as much to their exes. Even though alimony is just one of many factors in divorce, it is a highly contentious topic that is changing drastically.
Due to the length of time it takes to finalize a divorce in Alabama and the new law taking effect January 1, 2019, anyone considering a divorce should contact us today for an immediate consultation.
Ll
Due to the length of time it takes to finalize a divorce in Alabama and the new law taking effect January 1, 2019, anyone considering a divorce should contact us today for an immediate consultation.
Lloyd and Hogan
Attorneys at Law 2871 Acton Road, #201 Birmingham, AL 35243 (205) 969-6235 www.lloydhoganlaw.com
d and Hogan
Lloyd and Hogan
Attorneys
(205) 969-6235 www.lloydhoganlaw.com
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the March 22 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.
Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!
Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. If we have not heard from
Best Dressed contest winner Hannah Dahlgreen.
From left, Payton Paulovich, Allison Milstead, Taylor Freeman and Emily Bently.
Kaitlyn Janssen and Mary Wallace Hannon.
Alyson Sabatini, Amanda Washburn, Caroline Bonner and Catherine Beitel.
Parker Griffin with Prohibition Party chair Hannah Holsomback.
Junior Executive board president Mindy Ruggiero, Kristen Francisco, Brittney Watkins and Kimberly Piazza.
Nathan and Marisa King and Sanielle and James Roberts. Searcy Fox, Elizabeth Lane, Anne Matthews and Rob Grady.
Party With a Smile
Smile-A-Mile’s Red Nose Ball Raises Funds for Childhood Cancer Program
About 1,000 people gathered in the BJCC East Hall on Feb. 24 for SmileA-Mile’s 26th annual Red Nose Ball.
The evening started with a silent auction and cocktail hour before the seated dinner, program and live auction began. For the third consecutive year, Wendy Garner emceed the event and shared the stage with auctioneer Guin Robinson. Smile-AMile also welcomed back the Schmohawks to conclude the evening with live music and dancing.
Funds raised through the event support Smile-A-Mile’s year-round programming, which provides hope and support for the whole family during the childhood cancer journey.
This year’s ball was presented by Verizon Wireless’ Cellular Sales and Charity Steel Corp.
Guests in attendance included Drs. Bevelle and James Worthen, Nancy and Glenn Goedecke, Kris and Fred Elliott, Jordan and Justin Truelove, Kelly and Josh Coleman, Candice and Lee McKinney, Stefanie and Jason Love, Michelle and David Surber, Alice Dixon Grotnes and John Hereof, Catherine and Emmett McLean, Russ and Jamie Doyle, Caroline Little, Bryan and Tonya Jones Combs, Sumner and John Rives, Scott Price, and Beth and Bruce Hooper
Also in attendance were Stewart and Crawford Jones, Drs. D’Ann and William Somerall, Angie and Milt Smith, Dr. Allison Black Gregg and Tim Gregg, Rosilyn Houston, Katherine and Richard Brown, Emily and Sam Heide, Hillary and Ryan Weiss, Bridget and Efrem Miller, Sara Beth and Sam Wilcox, Lea Bone and Blaine Campbell, Dr. Angie Redmond and John Redmond, Susan and Tom Fitzgibbon, Carrie and Jeff Pomeroy, Wendy and Tim Garner, Guin Robinson and Tim Parker ❖
Russ and Stephanie Carothers.
Aaron and Caroline Norris.
Leah Allen and Jennifer Foster.
Jayna and David Goedecke.
Nancy and Glenn Goedecke.
Tonya Prewett and Madison Prewett.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Ballet Celebrates Swan Lake at Pointe Ball
A celebration of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” transformed The Club on Feb. 24 for the Alabama Ballet’s Pointe Ball.
The annual gala fundraiser benefits the organization’s efforts to provide a professional ballet company performing world-class productions, as well as a variety of educational and outreach programs.
Alabama Ballet Artistic Director Tracey Alvey and Roger Van Fleteren, associate artistic director, welcomed guests as the evening’s festivities began.
Board President Mary Goodrich and Past-President Page Naftel intro-
duced the evening’s honorary chair, the late Beverly P. Head III.
Head was a dedicated supporter of numerous civic causes and served on the Alabama Ballet Board, as well as boards for the Alabama Symphony, Children’s of Alabama and the Birmingham Museum of Art. He also was a founding member of the Hugh Kaul Foundation.
A seated dinner was served during the program, featuring a compressed apple salad; a duet of sauteed crab cake and filet of beef tenderloin served with parsnip puree, crispy leeks, brussel sprouts and cremini mushrooms ragout; and a chocolate
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pate with strawberry coulis paired with a buttermilk scone with blueberry jam, almond brittle and fresh berries.
Following the program, attendees were invited into the Signature Room for live music by the Celebrity All Star Band.
Heading up the organization of the affair were gala chairs Lindsey Druban and Jackie Woodall.
The gala committee included Mary Bradley Anderson, Maggie Baggett, Kitty Brown, Katheryn Burns, Fran Chaiprakob, Renee Clements, Lisa Costanzo, Garland Darden,
Ellen Faust, Shannon Holt, Stewart Jones, Carmen King, Allison Lassiter, Anne Liles, Cathy Marks, Katie Bee Marshall, Jessica Naftel, Christy Nelson, Kelley Norwood, Lauren Pearson, Kelly Robicheaux, Richelle Simmons, Marianne Strong, Jessica Thuston, Amanda Welden, Mallie Whatley, Amber
Whillock, Lauren White and Meg Wilson.
Serving as corporate chair was Jack Darnall, accompanied by committee members Jessica Garrison, William Ireland Jr., John Lacey, Edgar Marx Jr., Stuart Maxey, Page Naftel, Jeremy Retherford, Sloan Stevens and Tom Warburton. ❖
Photos courtesy Alabama Ballet
Front, Tom and Jane Head Johnson. Back, Giles Perkins, Hillery Head, Jessica and Page Naftel, Kris and Todd Holcomb.
From left, Jackie Woodall, Mary Goodrich and Lindsey Druhan.
David and Christy Nelson with Carmen and Madding King. Guests were treated to a vignette performance of act III, The Black Swan pas de deux, performed by Frederick Lee Rocas and Patricia Bianco.
Mary Bradley Anderson, Mallie Whatley, Leslie Pearson, Lindsey Druhan and Katie Bee Marshall.
A Golden Affair
A ceiling twinkling with tiny lights and tables dressed with gold flowerfilled vases set the stage for the Charades Dance Club’s 50th anniversary party on Feb. 23.
The evening at the Country Club of Birmingham honored charter members, who in 1968 attended their first party poolside at the same venue.
Helping coordinate the evening’s affair was President Loretta Hood, with Hugh, and party chairman Pat Miree, with Wimberly
Also attending the golden celebration were Sallie and Carl White, Carolyn and Delmar Hill, Sara Lynn and Fox DeFuniak, Patsy and Robert Straka, Karen and Brant Sanders, Ellen and Russell Cunningham, Katy and Rick Sexton, George Ann and Alton Parker, Patsy and Stan Burns, Diane and Allen Weatherford, Anne and Rick Finch, Camille Butrus and Alan Zeigler, Janie and Bud Trammell, Anne and Tom Lamkin, Jan and Jim Hughey, Alice and Bob Schleusner, Susan Strickland, and Betsy and Frank Canterbury
Seated for dinner amid the sparkling tables were Karen and Keith Lloyd, Beth and Rich Henry, Nell and Bob Henderson, Margaret and Eason Balch, Katie and Brad Dunn, Evelyn and Steve Bradley, Martha and Tom Roberts, Cathy and Victor Gilmore, Lee Marks, Barbara and Cliff Lynch, Susan and Bill Bowman, Kathleen and Ray Watkins, Carolyn Featheringill, Jeannie and Harry Bradford, Diane and Tom Gamble, Claire and Pat Goodhew, Barclay and Dick Darden, Leslie Puckett, and Deanna and Tim Davis
Once dinner was over and the crème brulee just a memory, many took to the dance floor while others continued to visit.
Also present at the evening were Lana and Harry Thompson, Barbara and Rod Mundy, Mary Ann and Bill Jones, Mary and David Putman, Milner and Allen Phillips, Marsha and Ed Terrell, Nancy and Bill Stetler, Marianne and Paul Sharbel, Carole and Charles Crabbe, Naomi and Kirk Cunningham, Carol and Jerry Corvin, Lou Ann and George Sherling, Lynn and Wheeler Smith, Warren Cain, Betsy Dumas, Anne Carey, Dale and John Holditch, Anne and Ken Dawson, Jan and Robert Conner, Laurie Haworth, Helen and Ty Robin, Barbara and Chris Stone, Madelon and Fred Rushing, Susan and Lee Reeves, Joy and Walter Clark, and Gordon and Gibson Lanier ❖
From left, Lou Ann and George Sherling, Karen and Brant Sanders. Beth and Rich Henry and Marianne Sharbel.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Charlie and Karen Watkins and Sallie White.
Wimberly and Pat Miree, Allen and Diane Weatherford, Carolyn and Delmar Hill.
Harry and Lana Thompson.
Pride and responsibility drive us to be the best in everything we do.
As a life-long Over-the-Mountain resident and a third generation working at Guin, I feel great pride and responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and hard work that my grandfather began 60 years ago. Family is very important to us, and we treat our customers with the same care and respect as members of our own family. It would be a privilege to serve you.
Children’s Table
Fundraiser Highlights Healthy Food Choices for Children
Tours and tastings welcomed guests at the March 3 Children’s Table event, hosted by Time Inc. as a fundraiser for Children’s of Alabama.
The event was held at the Time Inc. Food Studios, where guests were treated to tours of the state-of-the-art facility that serves the magazines Cooking Light, Food & Wine and Southern Living.
Throughout the evening’s event, guests tasted a variety of healthy recipes from each test kitchen and chef, created with the health of children in mind.
Cooking at the event was the presenting chef, Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club and Ovenbird, along with Fuller Goldsmith, Chopped Jr. winner; Bill Briand,
Joseph Braswell
Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina; Elizabeth Heiskell, The Farmstead on Woodson Ridge; Rob McDaniel, Springhouse; James Boyce, Galley & Garden; Mauricio Papapietro, Brick & Tin; Abhi Sainju, Abhi’s; Ben Vaughn, Root to Tail; and Leonardo Maurelli III, The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. ❖
Robert and Laura Comer with Kip and Margaret Porter.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
From left, Katie Hanna and Liz Cook. Whitt and Cameron Steineker.
Dan and Trina Feig.
Rachel and Darby Bryant.
Rock Around the Clock
Cornerstone Junior Board Presents 13th Annual Fundraiser
More than 1,000 guests turned out to Regions Field to attend the Cornerstone Schools’ 13th annual Schoolhouse Rock fundraiser.
The festivities on March 9 presented guests with an evening of music, food and fun, all benefiting the schools’ mission to provide a nonprofit Christian school. The school now serves more than 530 students in K4 to 12th grade who live in inner city Birmingham.
Food trucks Cantina on Wheels, Bryon Rickard Catering and The Heavenly Donut Co., provided tasty treats. Also available were cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.
Live music by 2nd Coming Band pro-
vided tunes to get guests on their feet.
The event was hosted by the Cornerstone junior board, led by chair Jeff Jantz along with board members Walter Kelley, president; Mary Beth Walker, treasurer; and Caryn Wheeler, membership.
Additional members include
Farra Alford, Allie Beatty, Holton Bell, Julia Blackerby, Brianna Blakney, Andrew Castrichini, Rebecca Crowther, Haleigh Davis, Taylor Dawson, Mark Drew Jr., Chandler Dunn, McKinley Dunn, Mark Foley, James Gannon, John Hanson, Reggie Hatcher, Justin
Hays, Logan Heim, Eve Hennessy, John Hennessy, Emily Hoffman, Madison Imbusch, Clint Kirby, Marcus Kennedy, Davis Looney, Henson Millsap, Jonathan Mincey, Candace O’Neil, Matt Oakley, Ky Sevier, Ki Shin, Katherine Stone, Scott Stone and Julia Vines. ❖
Rehab Reality...
By Judy and Julie Butler
Spring Forward
As we have just moved our clocks forward I’m reminded how quickly we can lose time. Often we put off doing the simple things that would only take a minute and would make a difference such as a note to a friend, taking out the trash, putting away books, folding clothes, doing the dishes, etc.
The same is also true for not getting help from addiction. “Not now, later”… this procrastination coupled with the excuses about this place or that is very common. For instance a potential client agreed with her family that her life was out of control and health was diminished. She agreed to visit rehabs and to go into treatment. However, when it came to actually committing… she didn’t like this place because it was too big, or that one because it was co-ed, and then of course she really didn’t have the time to do it anyway.
When I hear these comments, especially about Bayshore Retreat (because it’s co-ed) I tell the parent or partner it’s the addiction talking. Addiction will do anything – say anything to protect its host and keep the addiction alive. Ironically, time will cure the addiction as its host becomes more and more unhealthy and/or eventually dies at an early age.
Realizing that we just lost an hour in our lives with the Spring Forward reminds me that time is really all we have. If someone needs to go to rehab, but doesn’t have the time know that they can bring their cell phone to Bayshore Retreat… also their lap top and some actually run their business while taking care of their personal business. Now what’s your excuse?
Nicole Choate, Laura Kastli, and Rebecca Whitlow.
From left, Drayton Nabers, Katherine and Scott Stone.
Wesley Walker and Abby Prutzman. Ki Shin and Mary Beth Walker.
Jamie Mount and Jason Stinson.
SENIORS
LIVES WELL LIVED
‘Hard Work and Healthy Lifestyle’
Oldest
Living Auburn Football Player
Nick Ardillo Turns 100
By RuBin E. GRant
The oldest living Auburn University football player turned 100 on Feb. 19, and how Nick Ardillo Sr., wound up on the Loveliest Village on the Plains is quite a story.
Ardillo grew up on a farm in rural Amite, Louisiana, about 70 miles north of New Orleans, as one of 13 children whose parents immigrated to the United States from Sicily.
Ardillo played high school football in Amite and went on to what was Southwest Mississippi Junior College in Summit, Mississippi. Ardillo had a brilliant football career there in the 1930s and was inducted into the Southwest Mississippi Hall of Fame in 1990.
According to Ardillo’s daughter, Laura Estes, during his second year at Southwest Mississippi, a scout from Alabama Polytechnic Institute, which now is Auburn, spotted Ardillo while watching a game. The scout asked Ardillo to come to Auburn for an interview with Tigers head coach Jack Meagher.
Following his military stint, Ardillo and Kernie moved to Birmingham. He went into education and was an assistant football coach at Ramsay and Phillips high schools. He was on the staff of legendary Ramsay coach Thompson Mutt Reynolds when the Rams won a state championship in 1953.
Ardillo was head coach at Gadsden High School during the 1954 and 1955 seasons, according to the Alabama High School Football Historical Society website. He also served as president of the Birmingham Football Officials Association.
A longtime educator, Ardillo was a math teacher and principal of East Birmingham Elementary School. He eventually became assistant superintendent of education for Birmingham City Schools.
Ardillo retired when he was 57 after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.
“He went through chemotherapy and lost all his hair, but he survived and the cancer never came back,” Estes said.
No Regrets
Retired Orthodontist
Reflects on his Career and the Patients He’s Helped Along the Way
By Emily Williams
This month, Dr. John Jayne is jetting off to the British Isles with his son, daughter and son-in-law, venturing through Dublin, Ireland, and Manchester, England, on the way to Wales.
Ardillo and wife, Kernie, who’s 98, still live in the house he built in 1957 in the Mayfair community of Homewood.
Ardillo went home and discussed it with his family. He decided he wanted to go to Auburn, but with little means of transportation, he traveled the only way he could: He hitchhiked.
After Ardillo arrived at Auburn, he was shown where he would live and was given a scholarship. And once he got on the football field, he became a star at right guard for “Meagher’s Marauders” during the 1940 and 1941 seasons.
After graduating from Auburn in 1942, Ardillo entered the U.S. Coast Guard and served during World War II. Before leaving for the military, he married Kernie Hawkins, who has been the love of his life for 78 years.
“He’s still remembered fondly by his former students and football players,” she added. “His players used to take him to lunch and tell him that he was going to outlive all of them. They’d say, ‘Coach, you want us to be pallbearers for your coffin, but you’ll end up carrying ours.’”
After his retirement, Ardillo became a member of the Homewood Board of Education, on which he served for 15 years. He also was active in civic affairs in Homewood, serving on the City Council and in other positions of leadership.
He is a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood and served the church in a number of capacities.
Ardillo and Kernie, who’s 98, still live in the house he built in 1957 in the Mayfair community of Homewood. They have two children, Estes, who lives in Hoover, and Nick Jr., who lives in Columbus, Mississippi. They also have five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
“He attributes his long life to hard work and a healthy lifestyle,” Estes said.
Ardillo has outlived all of his siblings, but he has been mostly non-communicative the past two years.
page
A retired orthodontist who lives in Greystone, Jayne has made the trip before to see his great-grandfather’s gravestone in Pontypool, in southern Wales.
Though the sites will be familiar to him, his son, Chris, has never been before.
“At 85 years old, I may not get around as easily, but it’s the one thing I’ve wanted to do again before I leave this earth,” Jayne said.
The first one to note that he’s lived a very full life. Jayne has been retired for about 20 years from his profession as an orthodontist. He left a legacy in his wake not only through his regular customers, but also by using his skills to serve those in need.
Jayne got the idea of pursuing dentistry from his father and attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham Dental School in 1957.
“My dad wanted my older brother to be a physician. This was in the 1930s, and possibly due to some dental procedures he was having done at the time, he wanted me to be a dentist,” Jayne said.
Jayne finished off his education while in the Navy, which had a dental program that paid active duty wages during a student’s final year of dental school.
“I am very appreciative of my service,” he said. “It taught me a lot about dentistry and it also helped me mature,” he said.
Dr. John Jayne with his late second wife, Claudia. In his career as an orthodontist, with an office in Vestavia Hills, Jayne made a point to give back to those in need by coordinating dental care for boys and girls residing at the Boys and Girls Ranches of Alabama.
In the Navy, he spent one year in Key West and two years on an aircraft carrier, choosing to stay for a year longer than required. Then Jayne returned to Birmingham.
He eventually bought a practice in Ensley that was in desperate need of a dentist, and he spent six years there.
“I noticed a change as the demographic in the area shifted. Business would increase when the steel workers signed their new contracts, and when that dropped is when business went down,” he said.
A Love of Work
Dentistry started to become less exciting to him as the years went on, but Jayne said he remained in the practice for three reasons: his wife, his three children and
Over the course of his career, Jayne estimated that he helped about 3,500 children from the Boys and Girls Ranches of Alabama and, later on, Big Oak Ranch.
money.
“After a while I got to thinking, there has got to be something more exciting in dentistry,” he said.
So, after being out of school for nine years, he enrolled in a graduate program in 1966 to pursue orthodontics. After graduation he sought out a place to practice and landed on Vestavia Hills.
“At that time, I was the orthodontist farthest from downtown Birmingham,” he said.
For an additional 14 years after his active duty service in the Navy, Jayne remained in the Army Reserves. He left the service after his first wife died to focus on his children.
Jayne said he has been grateful for his
See JAYNE, page 27
Ardillo became a star at right guard for “Meagher’s Marauders” during the 1940 and 1941 seasons at Auburn.
27
Photo courtesy Laura Estes
Photo courtesy Chris Jayne
Danberry at Inverness
Having Friends Close By is Good For Your Health
As Mark Twain once said, “To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.” Having friends and being around people you care for is good for you in many ways. In fact, social interaction is a key component for lifelong wellness.
The Mayo Clinic reports that adults with strong social support have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI).
Just laughing more is good for you. Laughter boosts the immune system, promotes a sense of well-being, increases tolerance for pain and burns as many calories as 15 minutes on a stationary bicycle.
This is especially important for those 55 and better, who tend to be more isolated, can have mobility issues, or often simply have no real interaction with others on a regular basis. But staying connected with friends and having meaningful relationships can be every bit as important to overall healthy aging as eating well and exercising. That’s why many retirement-aged people find living in a community surrounded by their peers is an ideal situation—lots of opportunities for making friends, technology and programs that keep them connected, and the reassurance that someone is always close by.
“There’s no need to be lonely,” says Lori Krueger, Director of Sales and Marketing at Danberry at Inverness, a resort-style retirement
community near Lake Heather in Hoover. “With our exceptional hospitality and premium services, residents of Danberry at Inverness find companionship, involvement and peace of mind come easily,” says Lori Krueger.
“Research suggests that spending quality time with others can:
• Boost your immune system and help prevent disease…even the common cold!
• Raise your “feel good” hormones, giving you focus, energy, and optimism, all of which help you avoid depression.
• Help you live a longer and healthier life, especially when your friends are a mix of ages.
• Reduce stress and pain. Studies show holding hands or even a brief hug can lower blood pressure, and the positive effects last all day.
• Encourage you to develop healthy habits. Studies confirm that retirement-aged people who spend a great deal of time alone often do not eat well, or even at all. Being around a lively group of friends is a proven stimulant for better nutri-
tion as well as enhanced physical activity.
• Sleep better. Studies show that socially active people sleep more soundly.
• Lessen grief. Receiving emotional support from others helps you cope better with painful situations.
• Help protect against dementia, as the brain is “working” to maintain relationships. That’s why staying in touch with a variety of friends and relatives is so important.
• Assist you with achieving weight and fitness goals. Encouragement goes a long way!
All these benefits are multiplied when you are around friends every day.
Having someone close by to support and engage you gives you a sense of purpose, adds joy to your life, and keeps your mind active. “Here at Danberry at Inverness, residents enjoy knowing there’s always someone close by with whom they can share a laugh, dine, or even lean on when facing a life challenge,” said Krueger. “Friendships are so important to lifelong wellness.”
Having fun is easy
And it’s never too late to make a new friend!
• Keep learning. Is there a continuing education class you’re interested in? Or a lecture you’d like to attend at a library? Stay curious and involved and you’ll quickly find others with the same interests. Danberry at Inverness offers a full calendar of opportunities to attend lectures, learn new hobbies, mentor others and share wisdom.
• Accept invitations. Is the local museum having an opening? Is there a reception planned after a concert? Be open to new possibilities. Many senior living communities such as Danberry at Inverness regularly invite people over for lunch and learn events, holiday celebrations, happy hours and more. Next time, why not go and see who you meet? You might even decide you’d like to live where good friends are right next door.
• Join or start a book club. You’ll meet interesting people and expand your knowledge at the same time. You might even host a meeting or two and make a special connection.
• Join a fitness center, try yoga or Tai chi. Staying active is easier when you know others are in it with you. Many gyms offer special classes specifically for older adults and there’s nothing more fun than sharing how much you love—or hate—getting in shape! At Danberry at Inverness, residents enjoy access to everything from a heated indoor resort-style pool to classes to a fully equipped fitness center with a full-time fitness trainer teaching a variety of classes, and a wellness calendar packed with events.
Making friends is fun—and great for your health! “We invite anyone to come see just how friendly our wonderful senior living community is,” says Krueger. “We think you’ll notice how good it feels right away.”
Danberry at Inverness is located just off US. 280 and Valleydale Road in Hoover. Call 4439500 or visit DanberryAtInverness.com.
just something about an abundance of bright sunlight, high ceilings, and stunning architecture that can add a skip to your step. Like the award-winning design of Danberry at Inverness retirement community: open; natural; invigorating. It makes you feel like anything is possible.
more fun!
Galleria Woods—
Exceptional Senior Living
The residents are well-educated, interesting and congenial,” said Frances Poor, above, who has been a resident at Galleria Woods for ten years. “The planned activities are varied and enjoyable. The food is outstanding. When looking for a senior living community, be certain the community you are considering provides for all of your needs: physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual and move while you are still able to make your own decisions and healthy enough to enjoy the fun activities.”
Galleria Woods is a premier senior living community offering distinctive amenities and attentive service. Residents enjoy a dynamic lifestyle with a selection of care options to meet changing needs, including garden homes with garages in addition to independent living apartments, assisted living, skilled nursing and rehab.
Galleria Woods is an entry-fee community, which means you receive life-time care regardless of financial circumstances.
“Our Life Care program offers a unique opportunity for seniors looking to plan how they will be cared for as they age and how to pay for that care. Life care offers predictable long term care expenses, significant savings on monthly costs, tax benefits, estate preservation and a Life Care Guarantee,” Josh Hullett, Sales and Marketing said.
COOKING DEMONSTRATION - APRIL 18TH
Join us for a special cooking demonstration by our Executive Chef, Wednesday, April 18th at 2 p.m.
Enjoy samples and, while you're here, take a tour of the Garden and Apartment Homes we have available. RSVP by calling 205-985-7537.
205-985-7537
3850 GALLERIA WOODS DR, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35244 brookdale.com
Fighting Senior Exploitation
By June Mathews
Program Seeks to Inform and Empower Seniors
You’ve heard it before: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
But that hasn’t prevented unscrupulous individuals from generating huge profits with too-good-to-be-true scams specifically geared toward older Americans.
The last generation to do business on the strength of a handshake, today’s seniors are often more trusting of others and easier to persuade than younger people. Seniors also are more likely to have a nest egg, own their home and have an excellent credit record – all attractive qualities to the con artist crowd.
When an older person is told a grandchild is in dire need of funds or a lifesaving medication has become available for the right amount of cash, or a million dollars can be had for the payment of a few, requests for money are hard to resist.
But knowledge is power, and in this case, learning to recognize scams for what they are is a powerful way for seniors to protect themselves from scammers. Such was the purpose of the recent “Fighting Senior Exploitation” lunchtime program at the Hoover Senior Center. The session was designed to update local seniors on the latest efforts to combat scams and exploitation targeting them and
their contemporaries.
Led by Paul DeMarco, the discussion featured three experts on the subject: Tony M. Robinson, postal inspector; Amanda W. Senn, acting deputy director of enforcement and general counsel for the Alabama Securities Commission; and Emily T. Marsal, general counsel for the Alabama Department of Senior Services. The program was a partnership of the Hoover Senior Center and Hoover New Horizons.
“Three of the seven core values our center stands for are safety, respect and service, which go handin-hand with this program,” said Dana Stewart, manager of the Hoover
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Senior Center. “We felt this was a perfect fit for us here at the senior center, so we asked the Hoover New Horizons board if they would like to offer it as one of their monthly luncheons, even though they typically focus on offering more entertainmentbased programs. But they were passionate about the topic, as well, and agreed. This was the second year they’d hosted it.”
The program, said Stewart, was an opportunity for seniors to talk about services and resources they can use to protect themselves from exploitation by scammers. It not only empowered the center’s members, it also educated the center’s staff on what to do if they suspect a senior is being abused, neglected or otherwise taken advantage of.
“We’ve had a few members mention to us that they were victims of ID theft, credit card fraud and phishing scams,” she said. “We listen to our members and have a heightened awareness as to when one of them may need additional help or assistance that goes beyond our training.”
And while the center can refer those in need to agencies and services for help, Stewart said the seniors best equipped to deal with scams and other exploitative situations are those who attend training sessions and other events designed to keep seniors informed.
She also said relatives and friends can help protect the seniors in their lives simply by taking the time to see and talk with them often.
“Staying in touch with your loved ones on a regular basis or at least communicating with them frequently may help you pick up on signs that they may need your help/intervention,” she said.
Though the idea of educating people about dealing with scammers is gaining traction as more seniors become victims of their schemes, it’s not a new topic. And though much of the current concern is directed toward seniors, it’s an issue that affects people of all ages.
“Any age is at risk of falling prey to scams,” Stewart said. “Through this event, however, we tried to stack the odds in the good guys’ favor. We hope this helped them become more aware and even more inclined to become their own best advocate.
“The old saying, ‘If something sounds too good to be true, it may just be,’ is a good rule of thumb to remember.” ❖
Jennifer Mancuso Owner
“Fighting Senior Exploitation” was the Hoover New Horizons lunchtime program at the Hoover Senior Center, last month.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Association and offers residential homes for Alabama’s needy, neglected or abused schoolage children.
time in the Navy and the lessons it taught him about service to others, lessons he emulated throughout his career.
“Dentistry is a wonderful profession,” he said. “Orthodontics is more challenging, more interesting.”
When he began his practice, Jayne said that he could count the number of adult patients on his fingers. By the time he was nearing retirement, about 30 percent to 35 percent of his patients were adults – the eldest being in their 80s.
“It was an exciting time in life that gave me the opportunity to see people grow and develop and mature over the years,” he said.
During his career, Jayne treated three generations of patients and was constantly surprised by the number of patients who remembered him.
“It is such a special opportunity to see these patients grow as they change and develop,” he said. “You see a 10-year-old being a wallflower and in about eight to 10 years, they turn into absolutely beautiful people.”
One day when he was visiting UAB, he went by the school’s bookstore and crossed paths with two girls who put their arms around him and told him they were his former patients.
“They said, ‘We want to see if you can tell us our names without your chart,’” Jayne said.
Later on, when he was laying on a gurney in a hospital before a back surgery, the doctor performing his catheterization looked down at him and said, “You don’t know me, but you have treated my wife and two kids.” After that, Jayne said he immediately thought to himself, “I hope their teeth are still straight.”
Finding a Cause
As his practice on Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills thrived, Jayne found a way to give back one day at a meeting of the Optimist Club.
The speaker was Donald Acton, who ran the Boys and Girls Ranches of Alabama. The organization is sponsored by the Alabama Sheriff’s
ARDILLO,
From page 24
“He has his good days and his bad days,” Estes said. One of the good days was
A longtime educator, Ardillo was a math teacher and principal of East Birmingham Elementary School. He eventually became assistant superintendent of education for Birmingham City Schools.
when he celebrated his 100th birthday with a party at his home with about 20 relatives.
“He had to shake everybody’s hand,” Estes said with a smile. ❖
“There was a slideshow, and as I sat and looked at his kids, I said, there’s a way I can help this organization out,” he said.
Following the meeting, Jayne reached out to Acton and told him, “If there is a way you can get some kids to Vestavia, I can manage to get some dentists together to help with their dental care.”
Jayne then called his colleagues who were operating in Homewood, Vestavia Hills and Bluff Park, and he asked them whether they would be able to take on one or two of the children from the ranch.
The group secured a van that could bring the kids to the offices from Selma, and the rest was history.
Over the course of his career, Jayne estimated that he helped about 3,500 children from the ranch and, later on, Big Oak Ranch.
“And I never had a dentist turn me down,” he said.
Whether they were his everyday patients or those he treated free of charge, Jayne said he was delighted every day to see how changing a person’s smile enhanced their self-confidence.
“I always say, with a clean face, nice smile and shined shoes, you can get many doors open in life,” he said.
When it came time to retire from his practice, Jayne said he made a deal with the doctors who bought it that he could take his grandchildren in for treatment.
“What I didn’t tell them was that I had 12,” he said, adding that all of them needed braces, save a few who just used retainers.
Little did the doctors know, Jayne’s family was a veritable Brady Bunch. Both having lost their first spouses, Jayne and his late second wife, Claudia, combined their familiesHe had children with his first wife, which incorporated five children. Now there also are grandchildren as well as seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
Whether in family life, work life or community service, Jayne said he has had no regrets.
“One of my dental friends asked me the other day, ‘If you had to do it all over again, would you?’ And I said yes. Maybe a little bit differently, but yes.” ❖
Kirkwood by the River
You Decide … How You Live and Love Starts with Where
Kirkwood by the River is located on 120 acres on the Cahaba River. Just minutes away from Birmingham’s cultural, educational and medical scene, Kirkwood is nestled in the trees and provides residents with a peaceful view of the changing seasons.
Meet the well-traveled professor next door and chat with the war veteran upstairs. Have coffee and conversation with the eccentric artist and swap stories with the nature enthusiast down the hall. At Kirkwood by the River, your neighbors are former doctors and lawyers, philanthropists and war veterans, homemakers and school teachers. They are
bound by the common thread to live retirement to the fullest, and they are finding the services offered at Kirkwood by the River to accentuate their independence.
Services and amenities at Kirkwood are intended to lift the burden of home maintenance and allow you to focus on the activities you enjoy. Amenities include but are not limited to restaurant-style dining, on and off campus activities, worship services, exercise classes, a fitness center, a beauty shop, a heated outdoor pool, weekly housekeeping, transportation services, and much more.
As a full-service Life Plan Community, consider us your friend in the senior living industry, and lean on us with questions for you or your aging parents.
Pictured above, from left, Kirkwood staffers: Sarah Sexton, Sandi Hall and Sara Scott. Contact Sandi Hall at 862-0305 or shall@kirkwoodbytheriver.com for more information.
Photo courtesy
Laura Estes
After his retirement, Ardillo became a member of the Homewood Board of Education, on which he served for 15 years. He also was active in civic affairs in Homewood, serving on the City Council and in other positions of leadership.
TASTE AND SEE
VHECH Puts Arts on Display to the Community With Fundraiser
By Emily Williams
Once a year, Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights faculty, staff and parents join together to create an event that puts the school’s arts program on display for the entire community.
The Taste of the Heights fundraiser, to be held April 17, initially was created as a way to highlight the school’s yearly art show. The event not only raises funds for the school, it serves a second purpose by giving the students an opportunity to showcase their art to the community.
After years of hosting a student art show in the school’s gym and in the classrooms, art teacher Katie Hicks noticed an opportunity to do something a little different.
“That is when I sat down with Dr. Kay Cooper, our principal at the time, to begin the planning process,” she said.
She reached out to local chef George McMillan of FoodBar to be a judge for a “foodthemed” art show. First, second and third place awards are given in each grade. Eventually the idea grew.
Now in its fourth year, Taste of the Heights is a partnership between school and community, highlighting Cahaba Heights’ eateries through tastings and performances by artists from Mason Music, which is owned by a Cahaba Heights family.
Preparation for the event starts at the beginning of the school year, with Hicks choosing a theme for the artwork and cultivating work to showcase through her lesson plan.
“In the art room this year, I have placed a lot
VHHS Speech and Debate Team Wins Back-to-Back State Titles
The Vestavia Hills High School Speech and Debate Team recently won its state championship, and coach Casey Harlan was named Alabama Speech and Debate Coach of the Year. The team competed against 20 other schools over the course of a three-day weekend at Auburn University.
In addition to the state championship, many students won individual titles.
In the Speech category, Sidhvi Reddy and Hope Bae won state champion in duo interpretation; Bae also was runner-up in informative speaking and fifth place in poetry interpretation.
Levi Cadena was named state champion in humorous interpretation.
The Taste of the Heights fundraiser, to be held April 17, initially was created as a way to highlight the school’s yearly art show. The event not only raises funds for the school, it serves a second purpose by giving the students an opportunity to showcase their art to the community.
of importance on the individual student and their technical artistic ability,” Hicks said. “If you were to visit the art room and sit in a class with us, you would hear words such as, imagine, idea, inform, inspire, influence, illustrate ... . All of these words describe the student’s technical and creative process.”
Though one project is chosen for the display, all of the work that the students create is sent home in a portfolio at the end of the school year.
“Our school is very lucky to be in a place that supports all of the wonderful programs that our school has to offer,” she said.
School Principal Alicia Hunsberger said Taste of the Heights is one of her favorite events of the year.
“The opportunity to involve our whole com-
munity in an event that showcases student work is rewarding for all of our students,” Hunsberger said.
“When we talk about learning, we understand that our students’ greatest motivator is to create for an authentic audience.”
are so excited to see their artwork on display this way,” Hicks said.
Pieces that aren’t sold by the end of the year are returned to the students.
In addition to a gallery of student artwork, the auction and a book fair included in the evening’s festivities generate funds to pay for extra projects around the school.
“Last year, our fundraiser provided our school with many new resources, including classroom library sets, technology and professional learning for our teachers,” Hunsberger said.
“The VHECH PTO works very hard approaching businesses and restaurants in Vestavia, and we are always so pleased with the great support and participation,” Hicks said. “I think a lot of restaurants that have a table at the event look forward to participating each year because the chefs/restaurant managers really
The school partners with Artome, an Atlantabased company that coordinates art shows for schools. Hicks ships a selection of student work to Artome a month before the show to be mounted and framed.
“It looks so good and the parents and students
Ding and Mei Mei Sun were named co-champions in the varsity Lincoln Douglas, and Ding took third place for congressional debate.
Eileen Liu was named runner-up in JV Lincoln Douglas.
Basim Naim was a Semifinalist in JV Lincoln Douglas.
Katy Chen and Hanna Sha were named co-champions of Novice Lincoln Douglas.
Jason Han earned third place in Novice Lincoln Douglas.
Joey Compton was named runner-up in Varsity Congressional Debate.
Joey Compton and Rahul Parikh were semifinalists in Varsity Public Forum.
Abigail Ronson and Julia Holmes were quarterfinalists in Varsity Public Forum.
have a chance to meet and talk with their patrons at this event.”
Taste of the Heights will be in the VHECH Gym from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on April 17. For more information, visit the Cahaba Heights Elementary PTO Facebook page or their website, vestavia.k12.al.us/Page/2937. ❖
recently participated in the school’s annual art contest to choose a cover for its literary magazine, Phoenix.
Artwork for this year’s competition had to be inspired by a famous artist, past or present.
This year’s winner was Allison S, an eighth-grade student whose painting was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh.
Eighth-grader Konnor C. came in second, inspired by Andy Warhol; and fellow eighth-graders Daniel M. and Sarah Y. tied for third, inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci and Denis Chernov, respectively.
Honorable Mentions were handed to Tamdoan H., an eighth-grader who was inspired by Irene J. Berlin; Matthew B., a seventh-grader inspired by John Agnew; and Analise T., an eighthgrader inspired by Georges Seurat.
held in April at Samford University.
“We are so excited that Jackson is representing Liberty Park at the State Geography Bee,” social studies teacher Jennifer Isbell said. “He is a fantastic student and his love of geography is obvious through the conversations we have in class. I believe he will do very well in the competition.
Smyth Represents VHHS as National Youth Correspondent
2820 Petticoat Lane
Mtn. Brook Village
870-5544
- 4:30pm Mary Charles’ Doll House
Chaz Yarbrough won state champion in impromptu speaking, third place in informative speaking and third place in original oratory.
Allen Li was named runnerup in original oratory and poetry interpretation.
Alex Freeburg won second place in impromptu speaking.
Caleb Yarbrough took third place in impromptu speaking.
Sophie Akhtar won fourth place in prose interpretation.
Safa Khan won fifth place in prose interpretation.
In the category of Debate, Rachel
Will Nickolson and Eigen Escario earned runner-up slots in Novice Public Forum.
Maya Bridgwaters and Rohma Naim were semifinalists in Novice Public Forum.
James Harbour and Ariel Zhou were quarterfinalists in Novice Public Forum.
Sydney Nelson earned fifth place in Novice Congressional Debate.
Berry Announces Winners of Annual Magazine Art Contest
Students at Berry Middle School
Liberty Park Student Qualifies for State Geography Bee
Jackson Tarorick, a sixth-grader at Liberty Park Middle School, recently qualified for the Alabama State Geography Bee.
Tarorick won his school’s Geography Bee, then he took the state’s qualification test. Recently he learned that his score was one of the top in the state, qualifying him to compete in the state’s Geography Bee.
The state Geography Bee will be
Mary Katherine Smyth, a student at Vestavia Hills High School, has been selected to represent Vestavia Hills as a national youth correspondent to the 2018 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University July 15-20.
Smyth will join a select group of students from all over the country. According to organization officials, Smyth was chosen based on academic accomplishments and an interest and aptitude for journalism and media studies.
As a national youth correspondent, she will participate in hands-on learning experiences and decisionmaking simulations designed to enhance problem-solving skills while exploring the creative, practical and ethical tensions inherent in journalism and media.
VHHS Speech and Debate coaches
Nate Conoly and Casey Harlan celebrate their team’s success at the 2018 Alabama Speech and Debate championship, where Harlan was named 2018 Coach of the Year.
Birmingham’s Railroad Park. The marathon route will take runners past Children’s of Alabama, Vulcan Park and Museum, Sloss Furnace, Uptown, Legion Field, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and the Alabama Theatre. The route also runs through Avondale, Mountain Brook’s English Village and parts of Homewood.
The half marathon has a downtown Birmingham course that includes the Lyric Theater, the Pizitz Building and the Rotary Trail.
Sandy Naramore, Magic Moments executive director, said the event is “for the children first.”
“But it’s also to showcase Birmingham,” she said.
Runners have three more options in addition to the marathon and half marathon; they can sign up for a 5K, fun run, or team relay. Relay runners will take turns running the marathon course in legs of different distances.
“Friends can do this, and we also have teams from corporations that want to emphasize team building,” Martin said.
The event will be followed with a familyfriendly after party from noon to 2 p.m. at Railroad Park. Live entertainment includes “Party of the Year” from the producers of the Black Jacket Symphony.
“We’ll have children’s activities, food from Jim ’N Nick’s, Coke products, beer from local breweries and three specialty drinks featuring Cathead Vodka,” Martin said.
Tickets to the after party are $25; children ages 6 and younger get in free. You can buy tickets to the party even if you’re not running. Runners get one free ticket and can buy more at discounted prices.
Martin said about 300 volunteers already have signed up to help at the BHM26.2.
“We have students and people from service organizations and companies,” she said. “We’ll have some members of UAB sports teams, and radio stations will be set up to play music. We’re recruiting people to come out and cheer the runners along the courses. It’s not too late to sign up to help.”
PARTNERING ON PLAN B
BHM26.2 replaces Magic Moments’ former fundraiser.
“We had a long-standing event of 20 years with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus,” Martin said. “We sold tickets to a pre-circus party. That was our largest fundraiser.”
When the circus closed last year, Magic Moments leaders had to come up with a Plan B – or, in this case, Plan BHM26.2.
“We’re partnering with the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders because this was going to be too big for us to do alone,” Martin said.
She said 100 percent of runners’ registration fees will go to the organizations.
Sandy Naramore said the partnership made sense for another reason.
“Every child who goes through treatment at the children’s cancer center qualifies for Magic Moments,” Naramore said.
She said Magic Moments has granted more than 4,700 “moments” since it was founded in 1989.
“We’re the only wish-granting organization that is devoted to Alabama kids,” she said. “About 75 percent of the requests we get are for Disney World trips. Some want shopping sprees. But we have unique things, too; we have one child going to ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show.’”
Naramore said these “moments’ are not always about money.
“Some families can afford trips, but it’s not always easy to set up special experiences, and we can help with that,” she said.
‘We have 26 kids to represent each mile who are cancer center and Magic Moments kids. During the race, they’ll all be together in front of Children’s of Alabama, but their photos will be at each mile.’
The organization also has “Beyond the Moment” activities.
“We don’t dismiss the kids after they’ve had their special experiences,” Naramore said. “We have events like movie nights in Huntsville, a Barons game in Birmingham and a Valentine party in Montgomery. We have a family camp at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. We try to stay connected until the child reaches age 19.”
During the race, runners will be reminded of the kids they’re helping, said Stephanie Moore, BHM26.2 co-founder.
“We have 26 kids to represent each mile who are cancer center and Magic Moments kids,” said Moore, who’s also the community development coordinator for the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama. “During the race, they’ll all be together in front of Children’s of Alabama, but their photos will be at each mile.”
A FOUR-TIMES SURVIVOR
One of those 26 kids is Sean Fredella, a 17-year-old junior at Mountain Brook High School.
“I was diagnosed with cancer when I was 2 and relapsed when I was 4,” he said. “I’ve had cancer four times.”
Fredella, who’s in good health now, has been active in helping other young people battling cancer. He started the More than Four campaign to bring attention to the fact that only 4 percent of all cancer research donations are allotted to pediatric cancer research.
Joey Bosa, a Los Angeles Chargers defensive end, supported the More than Four campaign through the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats program. NFL players can wear cleats showcasing a cause, and Bosa let Fredella design gold cleats to represent pediatric cancer research efforts.
The two first connected when Fredella was being treated at Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center. Bosa was a 2015 finalist for college football’s Lombardi Award, and he visited the hospital while he was in Houston for the awards ceremony.
“I met him when he visited me at the hospital there,” Fredella said.
Fredella has shared his story as a Youth Initiative speaker for TED, a global idea-sharing nonprofit organization. He won the Outstanding
Youth in Philanthropy award sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Alabama chapter. Moore said Children’s of Alabama nominated him for the award.
Fredella said he was participating in BHM26.2 because it benefits two organizations that “mean so much to me.”
“Magic Moments is great because it gives a break to kids who are going through a tough time,” said Fredella, who got to visit Disney
World with his family thanks to the organization. “And I’m thankful to Children’s because they cured my cancer. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”
BHM26.2 is on April 15 at Railroad Park, 1600 First Ave. S, Birmingham. The marathon, half marathon and relay begin at 7 a.m. The 5K starts at 7:30 a.m. The fun run is at 10 a.m. To sign up for any of the events and for course maps, visit www.bhm262.com. ❖
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Photo by Brian Neporadny
Record Run
Patriots’ Speedy Hall Shatters State Record for Stealing Bases
By RuBin E. GRant
Josh Hall is a thief.
But he doesn’t steal money or any other stuff. He swipes bases.
No one in the history of Alabama high school baseball has been more successful swiping bases than Homewood’s senior center fielder.
Hall stole five bases on March 14 in an 11-1 victory against John Carroll Catholic to break the Alabama High School Athletic Association career stolen-base record. The five steals pushed his career total to 169, bettering the previous record of 164 steals set by Scottie Burdeshaw of Slocomb from 2005-10.
Hall has since added six more steals, bringing his total to 175.
“It’s a really good feeling to break the record,” Hall said. “It’s a goal I set for myself after I broke the single-season record. And now to do it is awesome.”
Hall set the AHSAA single-season stolen base record with 81 steals in 45 games during his sophomore season, in 2016. He was playing for Randolph in Huntsville, where his dad, Lee Hall, was the head coach. Homewood hired Lee Hall as its
new head coach this season and Josh came along with him, bringing his base-stealing prowess to the Patriots. He had 33 steals, while being caught only once, in Homewood’s first 17 games as the Patriots posted a 12-5 record.
“I just try to get a nice lead that I feel comfortable with,” Hall said. “If I get a good jump, I feel good about my chances. After my first two steps to get going, my speed takes over.”
Hall now has his sights on the National Federation of High Schools national record, which is 210, set by Tim Dressler of Waltonville, Illinois, from 1981 to ‘84. Dressler went on to earn All-America honors at the University of Missouri in the late 1980s.
The 5-foot-9-inch, 175-pound lefty-swinging Hall will continue to get opportunities to steal because he’s off to a sizzling start at the plate. He was batting .531 (26 of 49) and had a .646 on-base percentage thanks to 14 walks after Homewood swept Pinson Valley in a doubleheader last Saturday. He also has scored 27 runs.
“He can handle the bat, bunts the baseball well and he’s strong
‘Pepper’ Brings Plenty of Spice to the Hoover Softball Team
By RuBin E. GRant
Caroline Nichols is her given name, but few people call the Hoover senior Caroline.
She’s better known by her nickname “Pepper.” In fact, few of her friends know that her name is Caroline.
“No one calls me Caroline except my teachers at school,” Nichols said. “My friends who have known me a while, when they hear someone call me Caroline they say ‘I didn’t know that your real name was Caroline.’”
Nichols can thank a soft drink for the nickname Pepper, specifically the Dr. Pepper commercial jingle: “I’m a Pepper, he’s a Pepper, she’s a Pepper, we’re a Pepper, wouldn’t you like to be a Pepper too?”
enough to put balls in the gap,” coach Hall said. “With the way he swings the bat and with his speed, that’s a dangerous combination.”
A First at Bat
Josh Hall hit his first career home run in a 13-3 victory at home against Clay-Chalkville on March 8. He was in disbelief when the ball cleared the right-center field fence.
“When it came off my bat it felt different,” he said. “I really couldn’t believe it. I usually keep the ball on the ground and run. To finally put one out was awesome.”
Hall smacked his second home run a week later against Gardendale.
Hall is enjoying playing for the Patriots, although initially he didn’t like the idea of changing schools.
“When my dad told me we were going to move, I wasn’t for it because it was going to be my senior year,” Hall said. “But it’s been a really easy transition because the guys here opened their arms to me and made me feel like I belong. Now, I feel like I’ve been here since kindergarten.”
Hall has one other goal he would like to accomplish this season as it relates to his dad, who played high school baseball at Berry, now Hoover.
“The year my dad graduated he hit .515 for a single season. I would like to beat his batting average record,” Hall said with a chuckle.
Hall isn’t the only record-setter in his family. His brother Carson, who graduated from Randolph last spring, set the AHSAA career saves record as a pitcher, with 20. He is now a college freshman hurler at Memphis.
Hall is headed to Ole Miss, signing with the Rebels in the fall. He also had offers from Memphis, Wake Forest, Arkansas, ad North Carolina State.
“Ole Miss first contacted me during the summer after my freshman year,” Hall said. “When I went to visit during the fall of my junior year and met all the coaches I just felt like it was the place I was supposed to be.” ❖
stolen bases, heading into a tournament at Helena last weekend.
She also has embraced the role of team leader.
“I definitely think I have improved,” Nichols said. “I knew coming into the season I would have to step up. We had five seniors graduate last year and with me being a rising senior, I knew we were going to need more people to lead. I took it upon myself be that leader.”
Switching Positions
Part of being a leader meant changing positions. She had played in the outfield the past three seasons, but she has been playing second base and shortstop this season.
“I really liked that commercial and got a T-shirt with ‘Be a Pepper’ on it,” Nichols said. “I wore it every day. I was kind of a stubborn kid and I wouldn’t let my mom take it off.
“When I was about 5 or 6, I started playing softball and one of my dad’s best friends, whose daughter was one of my best friends growing up, was the coach of the team. Since I wore that shirt all the time, my dad and the coach started calling me ‘Pepper.’ I’ve grown in to it. It’s kind of cool and quirky.”
Although she’s only 5-foot-1, Nichols also has grown into a very good softball player. She has been playing on Hoover’s varsity softball team since she was in the eighth grade.
“She has a good sense for the game of softball,” Hoover coach Lexi Shrout said. “She gets it. I have coached her since her freshman year and she’s matured a lot as a player.
“This year we’re relying more on her at the top of the lineup to get on base and as a leader.
The lefty-swinging Nichols has been delivering at the plate. She was batting .490 with four doubles, 10 runs batted in, 11 runs scored and 16
“She’s one of the few players who can play wherever you want her to play,” Shrout said. “We’ve got a sophomore shortstop working to hold that position down, but Pepper will be in the middle infield.”
Shrout believes Nichols’ versatility will serve her well at the next level. She has signed with South Alabama, where she will join her sister Mary Catherine “MC” Nichols, a sophomore outfielder with the Jaguars who also played at Hoover.
“I think South Alabama is planning on using her at second base,” Shrout said of Pepper. “I think she’ll hit at the top of the lineup because of her speed, and her and her sister will make a great duo. They are very similar players, but MC is a little more laid back while Pepper is more fiery.”
South Alabama coach Becky Clark is happy to have Pepper join the Jaguars.
“I expect her to compete for time at both second base and in the outfield,” Clark said. “She will give us some much-needed depth and also add another base stealing threat to our lineup. Mentality wise she is a gritty player who loves to compete.”
In other words, Pepper brings spice to the diamond. ❖
Nichols was batting .490 with four doubles, 10 runs batted in, 11 runs scored and 16 stolen bases, heading into a tournament at Helena last weekend.
Josh Hall stole five bases on March 14 in an 11-1 victory against John Carroll Catholic to break the Alabama High School Athletic Association career stolen-base record.
Photos by Scott Butler
Homewood hired Lee Hall, left, as its new head coach this season and son Josh came along with him, bringing his base-stealing prowess to the Patriots.
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
It’s 800 Wins and Counting for Spain Park Softball Coach C.J. Hawkins
Spain Park softball coach C.J. Hawkins logged her 800th career win when her team beat Alabama Christian in a game in late February.
Hawkins now sports a 809-351 record in 22 seasons, according to a release from Alabama High School Athletic Association.
“Where did the years go,” Hawkins said in the release. “This is my 11th year at Spain Park after spending 11 years at Clay-Chalkville. Throw in three years at the middle school level and it is truly amazing.”
Hawkins took on the losing Jaguars team in 2008, and in three years she built it into a team that fell
on the winning side more often than not. It remains one of the state’s top softball teams.
Hawkins, who comes from Ohio, took her first job in Alabama at Hewitt-Trussville Middle School. She then started the softball program at Clay-Chalkville. Three players off her 1999 Clay team signed college scholarships. Since then, the total number is approaching 60, according to the AHSAA.
Her Spain Park team finished 48-9 last season and went 6-0 to win the Sidney Cooper Invitational for the second straight year. It is off to a 14-2 start this year. ❖
Girls Team
Starting With Experience
Three starters will return next season, setting the Jaguars up to be a favorite to repeat. Just Holt and forward Barrett Herring will graduate.
“We won’t have as much size as we’ve had with Barrett leaving, but I feel like we have enough experience that we will overcome it,” Barker said.
The example set by Holt is something that Barker will carry with her as she now steps into a leadership role.
“She was the hardest worker on our team,” said Barker. “We would scrimmage in the off-season. We’d play five-on-five or something like that and me and her would be guarding each other. We would push each other to become better.
“I really look up to her work ethic. Her work ethic is unbelievable. She’d be in the gym at 9 p.m. It’s something that I noticed when I was young, and it’s something that I want to follow.
“It shows on the court, because
GUARD
Clair Holt, Spain Park
Hannah Barber, Homewood
Joiya Maddox, Hoover
Josie Wannemuehler, John Carroll
Morgan Hutchinson, Briarwood
Lacey Jeffcoat, Mountain Brook
FORWARD
Sarah Ashlee Barker, Spain Park
Eboni Williams, Hoover
Jennifer Andrew, Hoover
play. He has me playing hard all game now, and that was a big change when I came here.”
Norcross and Langston-Hughes, who both ended up winning their state championships,” Watford said. “We went there to prove something. We went in there with a chip on our shoulder and we came out successful.”
Watford is the state’s top basketball prospect for 2019. But he has plenty of time left in high school, and he’s not in a hurry. He hasn’t yet narrowed down his college choices. McMillan has been supportive of the process.
“He’s always just told me to do what’s best for me,” Watford said. “I came here in ninth grade and he has changed the entire culture of the program. He changed the style I
The Spartans lose a big senior class, which will make a third consecutive state championship challenging, but Watford remains confident that he’ll have a supporting cast that can keep this dynasty rolling.
“We’re losing two starters and two others from our bench, but I
GUARD
Jamari Blackman, Hoover
Marion Humphrey, Hoover
Sean Elmore, Mountain Brook
Drew Dunn, Oak Mountain
FORWARD
Trendon Watford, Mountain Brook
Logan Padgett, Homewood
Chris Mayweather, Oak Mountain
Luke Champion, Vestavia Hills
CENTER
Tori Webb, Homewood
Barrett Herring, Spain Park
PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Sarah Ashlee Barker, Spain Park
Clair Holt, Spain Park
COACH OF THE YEAR
Mike Chase, Spain Park
she can shoot really good. And that’s because of how much time she spent in the gym. The reason she’s playing at the next level is because of how hard she works. She’s a good person, and she’s a good leader and now I want to follow in her footsteps.”
Holt will play for the Richmond Spiders next season. Barker will assuredly have several college options of her own – she has seven scholarship offers as she enters her junior season – but there’s more to accomplish at Spain Park before that time comes.
“I’m following one of the best players to ever come out of Spain Park,” Barker said.
Barker has accomplished a lot a young age. She’s well on her way to cementing her own legacy in the same circle. ❖
feel like we can replace them,” he said. “We have a lot of people in my class that played in the state championship my 10th-grade season. We have a lot of experienced people.”
With Watford, Mountain Brook will certainly enter next season as the favorite to repeat. Three consecutive state championships for the Spartans? Five in seven years? Just a decade ago, that seemed impossible. ❖
Boys Team
CENTER
Trey Jemison, Hoover Paul Hargrove, Vestavia Hills
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
‘Where did the years go. This is my 11th year at Spain Park after spending 11 years at Clay-Chalkville. Throw in three years at the middle school level and it is truly amazing.’
C.J. HAWKINS, SPAIN PARK SOFTBALL COACH
Trendon Watford, Mountain Brook
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bucky McMillan, Mountain Brook
Journal file photo by Maark Almondw
Claire Holt.
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
SPORTS
Patriots’ Speedy Hall Shatters State Record for Stealing Bases PAGE 30
800 Wins and Counting for Spain Park Softball Coach C.J. Hawkins PAGE 31
Champion Jags, Spartans Highlight All-Over the Mountain Basketball Teams
Players of the Year, Holt and Barker Led Spain Park’s Winning Season
By Blake ells
This season, the Over the Mountain Journal’s girls Player of the Year is shared by the foundation and future of what may be the state’s next basketball dynasty.
Spain Park senior guard Claire Holt and Spain Park sophomore forward Sarah Ashlee Barker led the Jaguars to coach Mike Chase’s first state championship, just one year after falling in the championship game.
The duo equally impressed Over the Mountain high school basketball coaches to tie in balloting for top OTM player of the year.
“It’s truly one of my favorite things that I’ve accomplished in my life,” Holt said. “I’ve been in Spain Park schools all of my life. Spain Park had never won a championship; it wasn’t like we had a blueprint on how to do it. Coach Chase had never won a championship; he’d gotten to the championship game, but he hadn’t won. We weren’t thinking about that. We were just thinking about the fact that we were starting to build a program that we think will be dominant for a long time. It’s the start that’s the hardest part, and we got that part down.”
Holt scored 20 points, sparked by three 3-pointers, and she grabbed five rebounds and four steals to earn MVP honors for the 7A state tournament. She now passes the torch to Barker, who had 12 points, nine rebounds, three steals, two assists and a blocked shot in the 56-26 victory over McGillToolen. Both were named to the AllTourney Team.
“Sarah Ashlee, from last year to this year, has stepped up a lot, and it made things easier for me,” Holt said. “Teams had to worry about covering both of us, and that allowed me to take more shots. It took a lot of pressure off of me, and it made us way better.”
Barker came into her own as a freshman, and she’s been making an impact on this team since. She was never intimidated.
“When I play in summer AAU, we’re playing against some of the best teams in the country,” Barker said. “When we go to state and I’m facing a great player, I already know how to play against them because of the competition we face in AAU.”
of the 2017-2018
Spartan’s McMillan, Watford Top Vote-getters in Coaches Poll
By Blake ells
Mountain Brook alumnus Bucky McMillan changed the culture at his alma mater. Under his tutelage, the Spartans have now won four state basketball championships in the past six seasons.
It continued with a 73-49 victory over McGill-Toolen in this season’s title game.
The win capped a 33-4 season for the Spartans, and the game was never close. By the end of the third quarter, Mountain Brook had mounted a 29-point lead. That’s the new Mountain Brook – the Mountain Brook of Bucky McMillan, who is Over the Mountain Journal’s Coach of the Year.
Just two Alabama teams can claim victories over this 2018 team –Wenonah and Hazel Green. The team’s other two losses this season came from New Jersey and Mater Dei in California. The Spartans stacked their schedule, and that test made them unstoppable by the time they faced local competition. Huffman was the only thorn in their side, a school that has become a rival by default; three contests this year were decided by a total of 12 points in the Spartans’ favor.
Junior Trendon Watford was named the state tournament MVP after scoring 26 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. He added five blocked shots, three assists and one steal. Area coaches also voted him OTM Player of the Year.
His teammates Sean Elmore and Lior Berman joined him on the AllTourney team. Elmore knocked down 6-of-10 from beyond the arc and finished the state championship game with 20 points. Berman and Britton Johnson had six points each.
“This is (McMillan’s) fourth state championship in six years,” said Watford. “He’s changed the program and the way people think about Mountain Brook now. He’s going to go down as one of the best coaches that ever coached in this state. It’s only going to get better for him and for this program.”
This season began with a difficult schedule in which the Spartans knocked down a couple of Georgia state champions.
“It was a real special year. We beat See MOUNTAIN BROOK, page 31
Members
All-Over the Mountain girls basketball team are, front row, from left: Joiya Maddox, Hoover; Josie Wannemuehler, John Carroll; Morgan Hutchinson, Briarwood; and Hannah Barber, Homewood. Back: Sarah Ashlee Barker, Spain Park; Barrett Herring, Spain Park; Eboni Williams, Hoover; and Jennifer Andrew, Hoover. Not pictured: Clair Holt, Spain Park; Lacey Jeffcoat, Mountain Brook; and Tori Webb, Hoover.
Members of the 2017-2018 All-Over the Mountain boys basketball team are, front row, from left: Luke Champion, Vestavia Hills; Jamari Blackman, Hoover; and Drew Dunn, Oak Mountain. Back: Paul Hargrove, Vestavia Hills; Logan Padgett, Homewood; Chris Mayweather, Oak Mountain; and Sean Elmore, Mountain Brook. Not pictured: Marion Humphrey, Hoover; Trey Jemison, Hoover; and Trendon Watford, Mountain Brook.
Boys Coach of the Year: Bucky McMillan, Mountain Brook.
Girls Coach of the Year: Mike Chase, Spain Park.
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry