4.19.18

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

SOCIAL

SPORTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018

Built in 1926, Mary Scott and Blake Pearson’s Spanish Mission-style house has undergone two major renovations. The Bonita Drive house is one of four that will be open for the Historic Hollywood Tour of Homes on April 22. PAGE 16

Hollywood Fan Club House Tour Expected to Draw a Crowd to Popular Homewood Neighborhood INSIDE

‘RIGHT TIME TO RETIRE’ Foster steps down as head of the Birmingham Zoo, Pfefferkorn prepares to step up PAGE 10

NOT JUST ANOTHER PRETTY PLACE This Year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse has ‘Something for everyone’ PAGE 12

MARCHING THROUGH THE SNOW VHHS Band spends St. Patty’s Day in Ireland earning an international award and marching in Dublin parade PAGE 28

2 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

ASA Kicks Off Autism Awareness Month With Retro-Themed Fun Run

April is Autism Awareness Month, and events to help raise awareness and funds are in full swing.

The Autism Society of Alabama hosted its annual Birmingham Funky Fun Run on April 7 at Veterans Park in Hoover, bringing together hundreds of colorfully costumed kids and adults.

The 5k run is one of many hosted throughout the state by the organization and raises funds to improve education and advocacy services for the more than 50,000 Alabamians on the autism spectrum.

Casey, Tucker and Candice Graham.

Jen and Kinley Culberson.

Evie and Lonna Hall.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Caleb, Lyla and Susan Graham.

IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 10 HOME 12 SOCIAL 20 WEDDINGS 25

BUSINESS 26 SCHOOLS 28 LIFE 30 PEOPLE 31 SPORTS 36

ON OTMJ.COM

There’s so much happening in the Over the Mountain area, we can’t fit it all in the paper! Visit www.otmj.com for more stories and photos.

MURPHY’S LAW

I

Not A Chance

pay taxes on it as if you had bought it, was picking up Easter goodies for so there’s more money out the door. I my grandchildren and came across stopped signing up for the HGTV basket-sized boxes of teeny tiny Dream Home Giveaway because, in fairies and action figures. The problem the end, I figured it would just mess up was, the teeny tiny question mark on my tax bracket. each box indicated that you couldn’t See what I’m saying? Even when be sure of which figure you would get. you get something for nothing, it’s This kind of uncertainty isn’t good going to cost you. for a 4-year-old. It isn’t good for their Maybe it’s not something for nothgrandma, either. “Here you go, my ing you’re looking for, just something love. This may or may not be what for a little. Where my sister lives, in you wanted.” Not going to do it. small-town Illinois, they are now Let me give you a grown-up examallowing slot machines in the gas staple: “Give us your mortgage money tions. You can get 10 gallons of gas and you may get the house of your (which you pay for) then plunk a roll dreams. On the other hand, you may Sue Murphy of quarters into a machine on the get the house next door. Good luck.” chance of winning a jackpot. Most Who would do that? likely, you will not win the jackpot, Some people enjoy the thrill of I guess some people but at least you get to keep the gas; the “maybe,” but when I pay money simply enjoy putting I think. I didn’t check. for something, I like to get what I I guess some people simply paid for. quarters in the slot enjoy putting quarters in the slot Oh sure, I will buy chances in a machines ... You’re not machines. Maybe there’s entertaincharity raffle (which is technically a value there, but to me, it donation) but I don’t expect to go hovering over a roulette ment couldn’t be much. You’re not hoverhome with the bass boat. In fact, I table in Monte Carlo. ing over a roulette table in Monte am hoping I don’t win because then You’re hunched over the I would have to buy a trailer and You’re hunched over the Carlo.

Slim Jim rack off Route 34 in haul the boat to the lake and learn Slim Jim rack off Route Plano. how to drive it and maintain it and It seems to me that this chanceall that. For me, not winning the 34 in Plano. taking business is usually set up by bass boat is the prize. I pay my people who already have jackpots money and I take my chances, and and are trying to pay for them with if you have to be present to win, I someone else’s money. They take your quarters and don’t show up. don’t necessarily give you anything in return, which is If you really wanted the bass boat, however, it good work if you can get it, I guess. would be a different story. Even if you bought every You pay your money and you take your chances. Or raffle ticket but one, there would still be a chance your maybe you don’t. All I can tell you is that if I pay for a “donation” would be gone and your trailer would be teeny tiny pink fairy, I’m going to consider myself empty. Buying raffle tickets is not the best way to get a cheated if I get the purple one. Nope. Not going to play. bass boat. Everybody knows that.

I’ll just take my quarters and go home. ❖ Even if you did win the bass boat, you’d have to

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS We asked Decorators’ ShowHouse chairman ...

What do you like most about this year’s ShowHouse?

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

Vol. 27, No. 18

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

Copyright 2018 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

April 19, 2018 JOU RNAL 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, Laura Lane

“I love the decorators and their energy.”

Molly B. Bloetscher Mountain Brook

“I love the dining room. I think it is just absolutely gorgeous.”

Char Bonsack Mountain Brook

“The return of color!!!”

Perry Umphrey Mountain Brook

See Decorators’ ShowHouse special section beginning on page 12.

“How eclectic it is.

There is something for everyone.”

Nan Teninbaum Mountain Brook

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 3

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4 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

“Children of Eden”

—Galleria Woods—

Exceptional Senior Living

Samford University Takes the Story of Genesis to the Stage

By Sarah Kuper It was the first production theater professor Don Sandley directed after he arrived at Samford University.

Now, 20 years later, he is thrilled to once again share the Stephen Schwartz musical “Children of Eden” with the community.

“This will be a more sophisticated production because the program has grown so much,” Sandley said, “But the Photo courtesy Samford University

‘It is visually very impressive. Not to give anything away, but there will be puppets, animals and special effects.’

DON SANDLEY

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.

Contemporary Christian artist David Phelps will play the role of God in Samford University’s production of “Children of Eden.”

cessful shows by composer Stephen Schwartz.

“Schwartz did ‘Godspell’ and ‘Wicked.’ The audience may recognize his style from ‘Wicked,’ in particular,” Sandley said.

The music and the Phelps performance are not the only things the show has going for it. Sandley said the Samford University theater department is full of talent and passion.

“The program has more than tripled in size since I came. There is just so much more to perform with.”

Sandley served as chair of the department for 20 years.

He recently stepped down to focus on writing and teaching.

“Children of Eden” runs April 26-29 at the Samford University Wright Center. Tickets are available at samford. edu/wrightcenter.

Sandley said it is a perfect show for families.

“Children and their grandparents can be equally excited about a wonderful night out at the theater,” he said. ❖

APRIL 19 - MAY 2 Thurs., April 19

Wine, Women and Shoes

Photo courtesy Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce

T

he 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.”

first production was very popular because Alan Gardner played the God role. Alan was amazing.”

Gardner was a well-known and loved professional actor, theater teacher and director in Birmingham. He passed away in 2016.

“Alan passed away more than a year ago, so for me, revisiting the piece is something very special,” Sandley said.

In the 2018 production of “Children of Eden,” contemporary Christian artist David Phelps will play the role of God. According to Sandley, Phelps has a loyal following across the country. He first came to prominence as a tenor in the Gaither Vocal Band.

The production tells the story of creation and Noah and the ark.

“It is visually very impressive. Not to give anything away, but there will be puppets, animals and special effects. The choreography is beautiful. We are creating the professional look of a musical. If people are fond of the Broadway in Birmingham series, this will chase that feeling,” Sandley said.

Plus, the music may remind the audience of other suc-

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English Village Tent Sales and More, April 19-21

What: The biggest weekend of the year for English Village features tent sales offering awesome steals and trunk shows Thurs.- Sat. Jazz with Civitas will kick off the weekend on Thursday evening with free live music in the street and Spring-a-ling-a-ding-dong will wrap things up with larger than life puppets, free cake, kids games and more on Sat. When: Jazz with Civitaz, Thurs. 5-8 p.m. and Spring-a-ling-a-ding-dong Sat. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: English Village Website: mtnbrookchamber.org

What: Baptist Health Foundation hosts a fundraiser featuring wine tasting, designer shopping, delicious bites, a fashion show, 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

Taste for a Cure

What: Ernest G. DeBakey Charitable Foundation presents a fundraiser featuring an evening of unique food, beer and wine pairings prepared by an all-star team of local chefs, as well as live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit medical research towards a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Haven Website: parkinsonalabama.com

Mom’s Night Out Book Signing with Author Bethany Meadows What: Join author, speaker, entrepreneur and radio host, Bethany

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Meadows as she shares a framework for building your own custom parenting plan. Learn how to set objectives, establish rules and guidelines, create and implement and effective discipline system and more. Books will be available for purchase, and a signing will take place after the program.

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Homewood Public Library, Round Auditorium Website: homewood.libnet.info

April 19-22 13 The Musical

What: Red Mountain Theatre Company presents a musical dealing with the hardships of leaving familiar places for unfamiliar ones, fitting in with your peers and transitioning from youth to adulthood. Some language and teen situations.

When: Thurs.- Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. at 2 p.m.

Where: RMTC Cabaret Theatre Website: redmountaintheatre.org

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 5

ABOUT TOWN sale.

When: 9-10:30 a.m.

Where: Aldridge Gardens Website: hooveral.org

Alabama Coffee Fest

What: Get ready for an immersive coffee experience at the first annual Coffee Fest, featuring specialty roasters and coffee shops with unique beans, delicious pastries and live entertainment. In between unlimited coffee tastings you can check out live latte art creations, Cahaba Brewery’s large beer selection and taste local bake shop pastries.

When: 9 a.m.-noon

Where: Cahaba Brewing Company Website: “Alabama Coffee Fest 2018” Facebook page

Gumbo Gala

What: Episcopal Place hosts a gumbo cooking competition to benefit its various missions. Enjoy samples of gumbo, music by Margeaux and the Cat’s Meow, local artists, kids zone and ice cold beverages.

When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Sloss Furnaces Website: episcopalplace.org

Earth Day at the Gardens

What: Join the Birmingham Botanical Gardens as they celebrate our local green spaces and learn how to protect them. This free event will include popcorn, exhibitors, vendors and activities for the whole family.

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Blount Plaza Website: bbgardens.org

Fourth Annual Bocce Bash

What: An afternoon of Bocce - a cross between skeeball, bowling and shuffleboard - is presented by the Crisis Center Junior Board and MAKEbhm.

Proceeds benefit the Crisis Center’s

Michael K. Falligant Scholarship Fund, awarded on an annual basis to individuals who are in an advanced degree program within the helping profession, including counseling, social work and nursing.

When: 1:30-7 p.m.

Where: on the lawn at MAKEbhm Website: crisiscenterbham.org

3rd Annual Spring Fling

What: The Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery hosts a fundraiser featuring live music provided

by Streetkar, dancing, a silent auction, food and more. Proceeds benefit the Overlook Project at the National

Fri., April 20 Diner En Noir

What: Join Root 2 Tail and Merchants of English Village for a “Noir” pop-up picnic. Bring a picnic or pick one up from a participating restaurant and enjoy live music and a silent auction.

When: 5-7 p.m.

Where: English Village Website: mtnbrookchamber.org

Don’t Let Your

Hip or Knee Slow You Down

Sat., April 21 Steeple to Steeple Run

What: United Methodist Children’s Home presents the fourth annual chiptimed 5k and 10k through the heart of Homewood as well as a fun run/walk and virtual race.

When: 6:30-9:30 a.m.

Where: Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood Website: steeple2steeple.com

Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center is the first orthopaedic practice in Birmingham to offer robotic-arm assisted total knee, partial knee and total hip replacements with Stryker’s Mako System.

This highly-advanced, robotic technology transforms the way joint replacement surgery is performed, enabling a more

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predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy.

What: UAB Medicine will host a 5k run and walk to raise awareness and funds to advance pancreatic cancer research and support patients. Included will be children’s activities, music, refreshments, a ShopPurple store and more.

When: 8:30 a.m. with a 9 a.m. 5k run/ walk start Where: Veteran’s Park Website: support.pancan.org

Team up with Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center to achieve victory over your injury and come back better than ever.

Beat Beethoven 5k

What: The second annual Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra 5k benefits the students of the ASYO in the form of scholarships for the 2018-19 season.

Hear live performances from ASYO musicians while you run.

When: 9 a.m. 5K, 9:15 a.m. one-mile fun run Where: Red Mountain Park Website: runsignup.com

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Japanese Maple Walk and Talk with David Doggett What: Join David Doggett for a walk through the Gardens to see and learn about the various Japanese maples on the grounds. In addition, a few Japanese maples will be available for

Go to AndrewsSportsMedicine.com/Mako to start making your comeback.

6 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

A New Route, But the Same Destination Smile-A-Mile Gears Up for Its Annual Biking Event, Ride of Love

2018

Plant Sale Jazz Hands Dwarf Fringe Flower

Daylily Mix – Over 85 Cultivars

Pistachio French Hydrangea

Members Preview & Sale :

Confederate Series Native Azaleas

April 26th, Member Sale 4PM – 7PM 10% off plants

April 27th, Public Sale 9AM – 5PM April 28th, Public Sale 9AM – Noon w for both sun and shade, native We will have a large selection of beautiful hydrangeas azaleas and many butterfly host and nectar plants, spectacular complementary plants for a special touch in your garden, Hostas, coral bells and a huge selection of all colors of daylilies from local collectors. See the list of available plants on the webpage at www.aldridgegardens.com. Master Gardeners and other volunteers will be onsite to help you with your selections and provide tips on planting, care and maintenance.

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ALDRIDGE GARDENS | 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover, AL 35216 | 205-682-8019

By Sarah Kuper The childhood cancer support organization Smile-AMile is making a few changes to its annual Ride of Love fundraising event, being held April 28 this year.

In past years, the 150-mile bike ride began in Tuscaloosa. But after opening its new facility, Smile-AMile Place, in downtown Birmingham, organizers decided to move the starting line there, too.

Cyclists still will finish the race at Smile-A-Mile’s On Therapy Family Camp at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin.

Since 2001, cyclists have participated in Ride of Love to support the services Smile-A-Mile provides for children with cancer and their families.

Smile-A-Mile’s On Therapy Family Camp is a session children going through chemotherapy or other treatments can go to with their families to relax and enjoy warmweather activities.

Smile-A-Mile Development Director Savannah Lanier DeRieux said the highlight of the event is seeing children wave and cheer as cyclists ride into the camp.

The ride has 150-mile and 75-mile options, with scheduled stops for food and water along the way. The pace is 15 to 17 miles per hour and cyclists will have Cemetery.

When: 6-10 p.m.

Where: Southern Museum of Flight Website: “3rd Annual Spring Fling” Facebook page

Beat the Odds Casino Night

Southview Medical Group welcomes Dermatologist Timothy A. McGraw!

Board Certified Dermatologist Fellowship-trained in Laser and Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Services for patients of all ages Skin cancer screenings Evaluation and treatment for rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions Cosmetic services including fillers and Botox® injections Laser treatments for a variety of skin conditions

What: Join the Alabama Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Junior Board at the fourth annual casino fundraiser. The event features food, drinks, music, casinostyle games, a silent auction, raffle prizes and more. High roller tickets are available and give guests access to VIP amenities, including but not limited to private casino playing tables with an additional $500 in playing chips as well as private bar service.

When: 7-11 p.m.

Where: Workplay

sheriff and ambulatory coverage throughout the ride.

A charter bus is available to take cyclists and their bikes back to the starting line, and a block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn in Birmingham near Smile-A-Mile Place.

Cyclists are encouraged to raise at least $250 to ride.

All money raised goes directly toward supporting SmileA-Mile’s year-round programs for pediatric oncology patients, survivors and their families.

Last month, Smile-A-Mile’s Red Nose Ball raised a record-breaking amount of money and Ride of Love organizers hope to build on that success with this year’s race.

For more information and to register, visit smileamile. com, click on the fundraising events and the Ride of Love tabs. ❖

Website: afsp.donordrive.com

Sun., April 22 Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris

What: The camp will host a familyfriendly walk and run raises awareness of diabetes. In addition, funds raised will help send children with diabetes to Camp Seale Harris and supports the organization’s family network that connects patients and families with out-of-hospital access to diabetes professionals.

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Veteran’s Park Website: campsealeharris.org

Birmingham Boys Choir Collaborates with

Embellishments Handbell Ensemble

What: Metropolitan Church hosts an afternoon of music as the Concert Choristers of the Birmingham Boys Choir collaborate with Embellishments Handbell Ensemble.

When: 2:30 p.m.

Where: Metropolitan Church Website: birminghamboyschoir.com

Rendezvous at the Zoo

What: Tickets to this family friendly fundraiser to benefit PreSchool Partners features food from Full Moon BBQ, cotton candy, snow cones, access to the petting zoo, cornhole, face painting, unlimited carousal rides, animal walkthroughs and more. There will also be live music and a cash bar.

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Please call (205) 918-1475 for your appointment today.

Same-day appointments are often available.

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Photo courtesy Smile-A-Mile

Aldridge Gardens

Snowflake Oakleaf Hydrangea

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photo courtesy Magic City Art

Dolores Hydock Presents

What: The 35th annual show and Birmingham’s largest festival spotlights around 200 artists both locally and nationally and mixes in music, dance, kids art experiences, sculpture installations, plus food, special tastings and more.

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Where: Linn Park Website: magiccityart.com

What: Storyteller Dolores Hydock presents her latest show “Lost & Found: New & True Stories” about what shows up while your are looking for something else. Enjoy a light hors d’oeuvres buffet and the show to follow. Tickets for the buffet and show must be purchased in advance.

When: 6:30 p.m. buffet, 7:30 p.m. show Where: Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium

Mia Badham, of Cahaba Heights, was selected as the 25th recipient of MCAC’s Emerging Artist Award.

Tues., April 24 Vestavia Hills’ Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

What: Dignitaries and local citizens come together to offer prayers for our world, country, state and city. Keynote speaker, Christian Cooper, who received burns over 80 percent of his body, will share his positive message and story of remarkable recovery in order to present a message of blessing to the audience.

When: 7-9 a.m.

Where: A private club in Vestavia Website: vestaviahills.org

Western Market - Le Tour de Bordeaux

What: This Bordeaux tasting event features over 70 wines and heavy hors d’oeuvres, a free “The One” wine glass included with each ticket and a number of French Bordeaux Chateaux representatives on-site for the evening.

When: 5:30-8 p.m.

Where: The Exceptional Foundation Website: westernsupermarkets.com

Website: homewood.libnet.info

Fri., April 27

Magic City Art Connection, April 27-29

When: 5-8 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Zoo Website: preschool-partners.org/events

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 7

ABOUT TOWN Tails in the Trails

What: Birmingham Zoo Junior Board presents its annual fundraiser featuring live music by Nationwide Coverage, hors d’oeuvres, craft beer tastings from local staples, Cathead Vodka signature cocktails and an online auction benefiting a new interactive flamingo habitat. A VIP ticket will be available including preferred parking, early entrance into the park, a complimentary signature drink and and opportunity to

toss apples to the elephants (weather permitting).

When: 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com

April 27-28 Aldridge Gardens Annual Spring Plant Sale

What: Find the perfect plants for your container or garden spot. Volunteers and gardeners will be on hand to help with selections and to give advice about

Thurs., April 26 Dining Out for Life

What: This annual dining event raises money for AIDS service organizations.

You can contribute to the local fight by dining out at participating restaurant, where a minimum of 25 percent of your bill will be donated to AIDS Alabama.

When: Visit “Aids Alabama” Facebook page for participating restaurants and times Where: Various Birmingham area restaurants Website: “AIDS Alabama” Facebook page

Lakeview Progressive Taste & Trivia

What: Join participating businesses in Birmingham’s Lakeview District for a fundraiser benefitting the Birmingham Public Library. Compete by answering trivia questions at local establishments.

Participants will start at Tin Roof and visit three pre-determined locations which will feature drink specials at each stop.

When: 6-9 p.m.

Where: Teams begin at Tin Roof Website: bplolinenews.blogspot.com

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Sherry and James Vaughn have been friends with ARC Realtor, Donna Gaskins, for more than fifteen years. They met through a Sunday School class, and have come to trust Donna’s expertise when it comes to buying and selling real estate.

“Donna’s helped us with four transactions,” says James. “She’s easy to work with and knowledgeable.” Sherry says she would gladly recommend Donna to anyone interested in buying or selling a home in Birmingham. “She’s a top producer who gives personalized service. She’s the best,” says Sherry.

Being a part of the ARC Realty team is a great fit for Donna. “Our company is committed to providing excellent service, and that helps me earn referrals from customers like the Vaughns.”

For more information on Donna Gaskins’ listings, visit donnagaskins.com or www.arcrealtyco.com.

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8 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Yom City

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO AN AFTER HOURS EVENT AT TABLE MATTERS

Two cultural events are becoming one this year in honor of the 70th anniversary of Yom Haatzmaut, Israel’s independence day.

The Friedman Family Foundation will host the Jewish Food and Culture Fest, a combination of the annual food festival and the When Pigs Fly Kosher BBQ Cook-Off. The event will be held April 22 at the Levite Jewish Community Center’s Levite Field.

According to event officials, the purpose of combining the two separate events into one large celebration is to bring together Birmingham’s Jewish communities to celebrate the

Photos y Nik Layman

Jewish Culture Fest Combines Two Annual Events to Celebrate Israel’s 70th

The event will be held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will feature a variety of kosher foods and classic Jewish dishes for purchase, including cook-off competition dishes offering a variety of kosher meats with classic barbeque side-dishes.

Israeli anniversary.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature educational Israeli activities and displays, includ-

Join us for cocktails and a botanical presentation by Anne Blackwell Thompson Tuesday, May 1st - 6 until 7:30 p.m. & Blackwell Botanicals Trunk Show Wednesday, May 2nd - 9:30-5:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 3rd - 9:30-3 p.m.

2402 MONTEVALLO RD MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE WWW.TABLE-MATTERS.COM

205.879.0125

WEDDING REGISTRY HOME DECOR • CORPORATE GIFTS

To: From:

Jessica Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax April

ing the LJCC’s Western Wall model and a mock obstacle course akin to the ones used by the Israeli Defense Force.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will feature a variety of kosher foods and classic Jewish dishes for purchase, including cook-off competition dishes offering a variety of kosher meats with classic barbeque side dishes.

In addition, a kids’ zone will include inflatables, educational activities and more while The Regulators and Disco Amigos provide live music.

Proceeds from the festivities will benefit the Birmingham Jewish Federation, LJCC, Temple Beth-El, Temple Emanu-El, Chabad of Alabama and Knesseth Israel.

For more information, visit bhamjcc.org. —Emily Williams

Hanging Out in the Heights

New Restaurant Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Previewing Its Food as Lead Sponsor of April 19, 2018 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve Cahaba Heights Event your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

By Sarah Kuper As the restaurant and retail scene

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.in Cahaba Heights continues to

grow, If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,the business community wants your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. to give back to people supporting its

Thank you for your prompt attention.shops.

It has arranged the Heights Hangout event, an afternoon showcasing the food and fun of Cahaba Heights while raising money for beautification of the area, for April 28 on Pipeline Road.

“We are just a cute little community with young families. We are a growing area and businesses are bringing fun, different things,” said Katherine McRee, who has the children’s boutique The Lili Pad and is a member of the Cahaba Heights Merchant Association. “We want to spread the word that Cahaba Heights has a small business community that cares.”

Restaurants will offer tastes of their dishes and shops will have merchandise on display or fun activities. There will be inflatables for children and cookie decorating.

One of the highlights of the event will be the Martin’s Bar-B-

Que Joint food truck.

The restaurant will open its first Alabama location later this year, but McRee said owners wanted to be a part of the event even before their Cahaba Heights brick and mortar store opens.

“This will be the first time people are tasting it,” she said.

“Martin’s actually asked to be the lead sponsor for the event even though they aren’t open in town yet.

Having a new business come in and say they want to do it … shows they are community minded.”

Martin’s Bar-B-Que is famous for its west Tennessee-style whole hog barbecue.

More than 23 other businesses are sponsoring the event, including ARC Realty and Heights Village, not to mention individuals’ financial support.

Tickets to get in will be $5, and children under 12 are free.

Attendees can buy tickets for food in $5 increments.

McRee said the event may not raise a fortune, but the main goal is to create a fun event celebrating all Cahaba Heights has to offer. ❖

‘We are just a cute little community with young families. We are a growing area and businesses are bringing fun, different things.’

KATHERINE MCREE, THE LILI PAD

Photo special to the Journal

Date:

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

placement, care and maintenance.

The main feature is the “Snowflake” hydrangea, but shoppers can also choose from a host of others.

When: Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-noon Where: Aldridge Gardens Website: aldridgegardens.com

Sat., April 28

biggest health threats to moms and babies. Festival activities and award announcements will continue until close.

When: 8 a.m. registration, 9:15 a.m. start Where: Railroad Park Website: marchforbabies.org

Hope for Autumn Foundation Crawfish Boil

Mindbender 5K

What: The fourth annual run/walk raises awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s disease. New this year will be a T-shirt contest. The team that raises the most funds will choose the honorees name that will go on all the fourth annual Mindbender T-shirts.

When: Registration at 7 a.m., race at 8 a.m.

Where: Red Mountain Park Website: alzarcs.org

What: The Hope for Autumn hosts its annual crawfish boil to benefit the families of area pediatric cancer patients, as well as the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorder’s Developmental Therapeutics.

The event features all you can eat crawfish, hamburgers and hot dogs, bounce houses, face painting and live music by BYOB. When: 3-9 p.m.

Where: The Green @ Ross Bridge Website: hopeforautumnfoundation.org

St. Symeon Food and Culture Fair

Feast of Saint Mark Italian Festival

What: Shop a one-day-only multi-ethnic food bazaar and bakery, featuring homemade baked goods, unique gifts, original artwork and more. Tour the church, learn about the iconographic murals and hear St. Symeon’s internationally-acclaimed choir at this fun event for the whole family.

When: 10a.m.-4 p.m Where: St. Symeon Orthodox Church Fellowship Hall Website: stsymeon.com

March for Babies

What: March of Dimes presents a two-mile walk and Superhero Sprint to raise critical funds to help tackle the

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 9

ABOUT TOWN

What: Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church presents its 7th annual festival featuring Italian foods, bands, kid’s activities and a fireworks finale.

See Deputy Five Band, a Tony Bennett impersonator and Total Assets Band on the outdoor stage.

When: Mass 3 p.m., feast from 3:30-10 p.m.

Where: St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church Website: feastofstmark.com

research in Alabama. The pink color run will include food, drinks activities, and live music after the race.

When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Crestline Elementary Field Website: bcrfa.org

Thurs., May 3 Birmingham Crawfest 2018

What: The Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation presents the Coastal Conservation Association Crawfest featuring Winston Ramble, a silent auction, raffles, an open bar and a boil of crawfish and shrimp alongside a Cajun buffet by Crazy Cajuns. All

proceeds benefit marine conservation efforts on Alabama’s Gulf coast.

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Zoo Website: ccabirmingham.com

Fri., May 4 Library Cooperative 40th Birthday Bash

What: Homewood Pubic Library presents a birthday party for the Jefferson County Library Cooperative featuring, food trucks, birthday cake, a bounce house, face painting, balloon making, crafts, a photo booth and more.

When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: Homewood Public Library in the back parking lot Website: homewood.libnet.info

Fiesta Ball

What: The annual Cinco de Mayothemed ball hosted by the Young Supporters Board of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center features Mexican food by Happy Catering, drinks, music by Livewire and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit cancer research at UAB. When: 7-11 p.m.

Where: Haven Website: cancercenter.uab.edu ❖

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Palmer Serves Up Meaty Topics at Recent Eggs and Issues Forum

By William C. Singleton III

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer said Republicans have made gains during the Trump administration despite a barrage of negativity against the president.

In particularly, Palmer cited the decimation of ISIS, repealing of regulations that stymied business growth

Palmer expressed frustration with the Senate for not passing more legislation – about 70 bills compared to the House’s nearly 380. He called Congress “broke” and said it is in need of fixing. and changes to the tax structure.

The 6th Congressional District representative also said he differs with the president on tariffs and wants to see the United States open further trade with India and other Pacific region nations. He also pledged that attempts to change the health care system are not dead.

Palmer, a Republican from Hoover, provided a legislative update during an Eggs and Issues breakfast forum April 4 at the Birmingham

Marriott off U.S. 280. The event was sponsored by several area chambers of commerce, including Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Greater Shelby, South Shelby and Montevallo.

Addressing more than 200 people, Palmer said that, going into 2017, ISIS had established a de facto national capital, school system and hospital and was engaging in trade.

“In less than a year, we have destroyed ISIS’ military, we’ve taken back 95 percent of their territory” and lost few soldiers in the process, he said. But he warned that ISIS is still “a viable terrorist organization.”

Palmer said regulatory reform has gotten the economy growing again.

“At the beginning of the 115th Congress and beginning with the Trump administration, the first thing we started doing is rolling back regulations using the Congressional Review Act” which gives Congress the authority to review regulations deemed to have a major impact on the economy, he said.

Through the act, Republicans repealed 15 of Obama’s executive orders, and Trump had each agency review and remove regulations that were obsolete, duplicates or contradictions.

“Within a year, we’ve removed 25 percent of the regulation,” Palmer said. “If we can go through this process of simplifying regulations and getting rid of the ones we don’t need,

NEWS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photo by William C. Singleton III

10 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

Congressman Gary Palmer speaks with Mary Alice Kline at a recent Eggs and Issues forum.

getting rid of the contradictions and streamlining the approval process, I think you’re going to see some serious economic growth here.”

Palmer said he’s not for tariffs because they’re creating “uncertainty in the marketplace that has been reflected in the stock market and reflected in decisionmaking by business.”

Palmer said China has a manufacturing advantage over the U.S. because of its practice of illegal dumping, or pricing its exports at below normal costs, with Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea. China’s steel products are making their way into the United States via China’s partners, undercutting the material cost in the United States, he said.

The United States should counter by becoming an energy supplier to the rest of the world, Palmer added.

“If we want to put pressure on China, then we need to pivot to

India,” he said. “India’s economy has been the fastest-growing economy the last couple of years. … We need to be India’s primary supplier of oil, natural gas and coal.”

Palmer also said Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand could become our energy partners.

“We’re in a prime position to strengthen our relationship with these countries economically, militarily and on the energy side because we’re floating on oil and natural gas,” the congressman said.

Palmer also added that the country needs to do more to build up its infrastructure, which includes speeding up the process of change by implementing projects that have been studied, approved and funded.

He also said the House was successful in passing “a bill that was a great step toward repairing our health care system.” However, Republican

Journal file photo

Foster Steps Down as Head of the Birmingham Zoo and Pfefferkorn Prepares to Step Up

Dr. William Foster is retiring at the end of June.

After 14 years as CEO and president of the Birmingham Zoo and 50 years total working in the field, Dr. William Foster is retiring at the end of June.

The zoo’s board of directors conducted a nationwide search and selected Chris Pfefferkorn, who for three years has been the zoo’s senior vice president, to assume the role of president and chief executive officer, according to a statement released by the zoo.

Under Foster’s tenure, the zoo has completed several additions, including the Junior League of Birmingham Hugh-Kaul Children’s Zoo in 2005, Trails of Africa in 2011, Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter in 2012 and the Barbara Ingalls Shook Black Bear Trail in 2015. Most recently, it has

completed the Henley Park event lawn. It is working on a new arrival area and plans to soon begin work on an exhibit to be called the Asian Passage.

The zoo also was named the top tourist attraction in the state by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel and reached record attendance with more than 650,000 guests in 2016.

Foster has been active with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums during his career, serving on the board in 1995-2006 and as board president in 2004-2005. He now is an inspector with the association.

Foster in the statement said he was grateful and honored to have worked with the Birmingham Zoo. “I am very proud of what my

Birmingham Zoo colleagues have been able to achieve here at the zoo and around the world as we work toward our mission of inspiring passion to conserve the natural world,”

He said the zoo is in a sound position operationally and financially and has a three-year strategic plan in place. he said in the statement.

He said it is the right time for him to retire for a number of reasons. He said the zoo is in a sound position operationally and financially and has

Sen. John McCain killed it in the Senate. Palmer said there’s still enough will among Republicans to make changes to the health care system.

Palmer expressed frustration with the Senate for not passing more legislation – about 70 bills compared to the House’s nearly 380. He called Congress “broke” and said it is in need of fixing.

“We’ve got to find a way to make the process work,” he said. “It’s the only way we’ll be able to address the fiscal future of the country.” The congressman suggested one way to fix the problem was to stop the filibustering of Senate appropriation bills.

Mary Alice Kline with Iberia Bank said that, among the topics Palmer addressed, she found his views on establishing greater trade relations with India interesting.

“Overall, I think his speech was very informative,” she said. ❖ a three-year strategic plan in place.

“This gives me great confidence about the zoo’s future success,” he said. “And third, Chris has been preparing for his new role as my successor since joining the zoo in 2015, and 2018 is the right time for him to assume his place as the leader of the zoo.”

In his current position, Pfefferkorn has overseen the zoo’s senior staff, developed strategic short-term and long-term planning and been in charge of conservation and research.

Previously he worked as deputy director of living collections at Oregon Zoo, general curator at Oregon Zoo, general curator at Ellen Trout Zoo, zookeeper/behavior management coordinator at San Antonio Zoo and zoological curator and zookeeper/horticulturist at Glen Oak Zoo. “I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve the Birmingham Zoo in this capacity. … I have large shoes to fill,” Pfefferkorn said in the statement.

—Virginia Martin

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

NEWS

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 11

Photo courtesy UAB

Nominate Community Activists for This Year’s Vulcans Awards

From left: Isabel Scarinci, Ph.D.; Edward Partridge, M.D.; and Susan Jackson, executive director of the Birmingham Rotary Club.

UAB and Rotary Working on International Plan to Defeat Cervical Cancer in Sri Lanka

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Rotary Club of Birmingham are teaming up with their counterparts in Sri Lanka to wipe out cervical cancer in that island country.

The Rotary clubs of Birmingham and Colombo, Sri Lanka, have a longstanding partnership and established the first regional cancer prevention and early detection center in Sri Lanka. The groups intend to build on that structure to offer cervical cancer prevention, screening and treatment, according to a statement from the UAB center.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and in Sri Lanka. But it is preventable through HPV vaccinations and detectable through screenings, which can be provided through the health care system.

But there are socio-economic and cultural issues that stand in the way, said Isabel Scarinci, Ph.D., professor in UAB’s Division of Preventive Medicine and associate director for globalization and cancer at the cancer center.

As a polio survivor, Scarinci said she has witnessed firsthand the ability of Rotary International to motivate action in communities.

“If we look to PolioPlus as an example, it was not just the vaccine that eliminated polio, it was social mobilization,” she said. “The same

thing can be done with cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers, if the scientific, public and private sectors can combine efforts and expertise.”

Recently, representatives from UAB and the Rotary Club of Birmingham met in Sri Lanka with representatives from the Rotary Club of Colombo, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and Rotary International to unveil the plan.

It was determined that the U.S. team would assist with social mobilization, education and awareness strategies, and culturally relevant strategies to reach women who are not responsive to the message.

“This is a true public-private partnership where UAB, with its historical knowledge, can provide the scientific expertise for this initiative,” said Dr. Edward Partridge, a former director of the cancer center who is representing the Rotary Club of Birmingham in the Rotary Cervical Cancer Project–Sri Lanka.

“Together, significant progress has been made toward a comprehensive cervical cancer prevention and control plan in Sri Lanka, and implementation steps are underway to be the first country to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem,” Scarinci said in the statement. “And this is not only exciting but promising for other countries to emulate.”

—Virginia Martin

Vulcan Park and Museum is seeking nominations of people who have dedicated themselves to improving life in the Birmingham area in preparation for selecting this year’s Vulcans Community Awards recipients.

Nominations may be made through July 31 of people who “work day-in and day-out to affect change, serve, lead or make a difference in the lives of the people, places and organizations that make up this great metro region!” according to a statement from the park.

Recipients will be selected by a committee made up of civic and community leaders from the sevencounty metro Birmingham area.

Five Vulcans will be given to people whose actions have had or will have a great impact on the region, according to the statement. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded to an outstanding citizen who has dedicated his or her life to making the area a better place to live, and awards will be given to recipients in the categories of Hero, Servant Leadership, Game Changer and Newcomer.

In addition to The Vulcans, Spear awards will be given in four categories.

The recipients will be honored during a dinner Nov. 1.

“There are so many great things happening in the Birmingham area and there are many people making these things happen, but who go unnoticed,” Darlene Negrotto, president and CEO of the Vulcan Park Foundation, said in the statement.

You may nominate people for these awards through July 31 by filling out a form online at visitvulcan.com.

FOR THE GRADUATE GREAT FOR WRITING WORDS OF WISDOM!

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2701 CAHABA ROAD • MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE • 871-7060 • bartonclay.com

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12 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

2018 DECORATORS’ SHOWHOUSE | THE CHEROKEE ROAD ESTATE IN MEMORY OF MIKE GRIGGS

Not Just Another Pretty Place

Decorators for ShowHouse Told to Come Up With Something Different

A House for All Generations

Umphrey and Teninbaum think this year’s designer lineup will appeal to all generations.

“You’ve got Birmingham Wholesale Furniture, which always lends authenticity,” Teninbaum said. “And then you’ve got Pottery Barn, which is popular with young people.”

Umphrey said the house lends itself to a wide range of ideas.

“This is not a truly traditional or contemporary house,” he said. “It left itself open to a lot of interpretations. You’ll see a lot of clean lines and then an antique thrown into a space. You should see something you like in every room.”

Umphrey said he’s pleased that color is back in the design mix.

“Everything for the longest time has been neutral, neutral, neutral,” he said. “Now, we’re See SHOWHOUSE, page 15

Since the keeping room shares a space with the kitchen, those on cooking duty don’t have to be isolated from family members or party guests.

GATHERING PLACE Birmingham Wholesale Furniture Creates ShowHouse Keeping Room

By Donna Cornelius

K

eeping rooms can be traced back to 18th century America. But they’re almost as popular today as they were in Colonial times.

Originally, keeping rooms – spaces built as part of or adjacent to the kitchen – took advantage of the heat created by wood stoves and provided a warm place to eat, do chores and even sleep.

Today, these rooms are still hot spots. They’re multipurpose spaces where families can watch TV, kids can do their homework and party guests can hang out and thus make whoever’s on kitchen duty feel like part of the fun.

“Almost all homes that are new construction are designed with the open concept, and keeping rooms fit right into that,” said Gena Toedte, a designer at Birmingham Wholesale Furniture.

She and fellow BWF designer Stan Nelson have created a welcoming, bright keeping room at this year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse. Because it’s such a family-friendly – and company-friendly – space, they’ve named it “The Gathering Room.”

Their keeping room is likely much larger than the original version. The ceiling is open to the house’s second floor, and the room is 26 feet long. Its size was one of the reasons the designers wanted to take on this room.

“Birmingham Wholesale Furniture has such vast resources and inventory,” Nelson said. “Not everybody can handle such a large space.”

The 65-year-old store at 2200 Second Ave. S in downtown Birmingham has been participating in the ShowHouse for many years. This is the third time Nelson and Toedte have worked together on the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s annual fundraiser.

It All Starts With the Rug

Nelson said their design plan started with one special item.

“I always love to have the rug first,” he said. “We were lucky to put our hands on a one-of-a-kind Oushak rug that’s quite large. Our store has a huge selection of rugs.”

Since the keeping room often is a high-traffic area, he said it was important to choose a rug that was durable as well as beautiful.

“Rugs that are 100 percent wool, like this one, are very low maintenance, easy to take care of and will last for years,” he said.

See GATHERING, page 14

Photo special to the Journal

Interior designer Perry Umphrey has been a part of the Decorators’ ShowHouse for almost two decades.

“I participated for two years as a student and then did my own room for the first time in 2001,” Umphrey said.

This year, he has a new role in the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s annual fundraiser. He’s co-chairing the event with Molly Bee Bloetscher.

The Decorators’ ShowHouse, hosted by the ASO’s Symphony Volunteer Council, started in 1976. This year, the house at 3007 Cherokee Road in Mountain Brook will be open April 28-May 13.

The Tudor-style house, now on the market for just less than $2 million, sits on two acres. It has five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, a pool and a pool house. Other features include Brazilian hardwood floors, vaulted and coffered ceilings, a custom kitchen and two laundry rooms.

Nan Teninbaum, ShowHouse publicity chairman, said Umphrey’s experience as a designer gives him a unique perspective as co-chairman.

“He was a perfect fit,” Teninbaum said.

Umphrey had some advice for his fellow decorators and designers.

“We told them, don’t make this like every other house in the neighborhood,” he said. “We asked them to step up their game.”

Umphrey said about half of those designing rooms for this year’s house are first-time participants. Among the newcomers is a design team from the University of Alabama.

For years, Umphrey led a group of students from the now-closed Southern Institute of Interior Design at Virginia College in creating a ShowHouse space.

“When Southern Institute closed, we wanted another school to get involved,” he said.

Journal photo by Emil Wald

By Donna Cornelius

Stan Nelson and Gena Toedte of Birmingham Wholesale Furniture started their design plan with the muted colors of an Oushak rug.

Nelson said he and Toedte had to take into consideration the kitchen at one end of the room, a fireplace at the other, “and lots of windows and openings, which can be challenging.”

Look for more coverage of the 2018 Decorators’ ShowHouse in our May 3 issue.

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Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 13

GATHERING, From page 12

Roman BRantley aRt, antiques Gifts & DecoR

Open Mon-Fri 10:30-5:00 pm & 1st & 3rd Sat 10:30-2:30 pm 2790 BM Montgomery Street Homewood, AL • 205.460.1224

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HOME Nelson said he and Toedte had to take into consideration the kitchen at one end of the room, a fireplace at the other, “and lots of windows and openings, which can be challenging.”

To increase the room’s livability, the designers created not only seating areas, but a dining area.

“Instead of putting a sofa table behind the sofa, Stan came up with the idea of putting a dining table there,” Toedte said. He said the dining room in the house is small.

The table has a hand-painted top with an iron trestle base. It’s by JohnRichard, an international furniture company that started in the Mississippi Delta.

There’s a bird’s-eye view of the keeping room from the ShowHouse’s second floor.

Both said they look forward to being part of the ShowHouse.

“We’re always excited for the opportunity to illustrate to the public what we can do and the depth of our inventory,” Nelson said. “People ask a lot of questions, and that’s one of my favorite parts of the ShowHouse. It’s interesting to see what people’s opinions are, and it helps us to get feedback.

We love hearing what people think.”

Toedte, too, likes the interaction with ShowHouse visitors.

“We try to be there when the house is open or to schedule other designers from our store so they’ll have a chance to participate and meet people,” she said.

There’s another reason the pair enjoys participating in the event.

“We both love the symphony,” Toedte said. ❖

Color is Back

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Decorators’ ShowHouse: What You Need to Know

• This year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse is April 28-May 13.

• The opening day celebration is at 10 a.m. April 28.

• A preview party is April 26, 6:30-9 p.m. It’s $75 and includes an open bar and heavy hors d’ouevres. Call SVC President Char Bonsack at 914-9084 for reservations.

• ShowHouse hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2-5 p.m. on Sundays.

• Tickets are $20 through April 27 and $25 after April 27 and at the door.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $20 each.

• Tickets are available at svcalabama.com, at outlets throughout the Birmingham area and at the door.

• The house is at 3007 Cherokee Road in Mountain Brook.

• There’s no parking at the house. Parking is at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church, 3405 Brookwood Road. Mini-coach buses will run continuously during regular hours.

Parking and the shuttle service are free.

• Christian Catering again will provide food in the Margaret Alford

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

r AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the 19, 2018 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Decorators’ ShowHouse chairman are, from left, Molly B. Bloetscher, Char Bonsack, Perry Umphrey and Nan Teninbaum.

Photo special to the Journal

Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 824-1246

Like keeping rooms, color is making a design comeback.

“It’s been a long stretch of grey and beige,” Nelson said.

“We took inspiration from the rug.

There’s soft color here – yellow-golds and blue-greens – that’s not too garish or striking,” Nelson said.

Toedte said she and Nelson wanted the room to have “an organic feel.”

“You’ll see wool, linen, marble, glass, different metals and live greenery,” she said.

While the rug is a stand-out feature of the room, the designers said they hope ShowHouse visitors will also notice items such as an antique mirror and a colorful painting on a brass display easel.

“We wanted to show that art doesn’t have to hang on the wall,” Nelson said.

Tea Room. It’s open TuesdaysSaturdays, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch is $15. For reservations, required for groups of 10 or more, call 991-2712.

• The Symphony Shop will sell handmade items from artisans as well

as antiques and gifts.

• The Decorator Sales office will be open daily if you want to purchase items from the ShowHouse.

• Special events include a Cinco de Mayo celebration with chips and salsa plus music by Allen Barlow from noon to 2 p.m. on May 5 and a fashion show

by Darlene Real-Higginbotham from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on May 9.

• The last day of tours is Mother’s Day, May 13, when you can bring your mom for tea and a sweet treat.

Mothers, grandmothers, and mothersto-be receive flowers.

More information at svcalabama. com. ❖

Journal photos by Emil Wald

14 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SHOWHOUSE, From page 12

seeing colors like orange and copper in the master bedroom and bright blues and greens in the dining room.”

Teninbaum said she loves the return of color, too, and thinks the house has “something for everyone.”

She’s also happy about the name of this year’s ShowHouse.

“It’s called the Cherokee Road Estate in Memory of Mike Griggs,” she said.

Griggs, who died last fall, was a longtime ShowHouse volunteer with his wife, Linda.

“He was president of the SVC and treasurer of the ShowHouse,” Teninbaum said. “He was in charge of the ShowHouse at Turtle Creek.”

Designer Lineup

Creating main level spaces in the 2018 ShowHouse are: Blackjack Gardens, front porch; Umphrey Interiors, lower gallery; Christopher Architecture and Interiors, living room; Design Southern Style LLC, dining room and butler’s pantry: Griffith Art Gallery, hall gallery; Birmingham Wholesale Furniture, keeping room; Trends & Traditions, kitchen; and Scandinavian Design Gallery, master bedroom and bathroom.

Upstairs, you’ll see bedrooms and bathrooms by Lynne Coker Interiors, Lila Pryor Frank of Huntsville, and the UA design team.

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 15

HOME Other upper-floor spaces are by Holly Shirley Interiors, study; Susanne Ray, hall bathroom; Pottery Barn, bonus room; Lynne Frazier Interior Design LLC, study; Four Corners Gallery, upper left and upper right galleries; and Umphrey Interiors, upper center gallery.

Outside, Blackjack Gardens is creating a pretty place to relax on the terrace, and Pottery Barn will make the swimming pool area even more inviting.

Y O U R CA M P, C O T TA G E & LAKE OUTFITTER. Also offering custom made furniture!

Decorator Seminars

Returning this year are the ShowHouse’s Decorator Seminars, which Teninbaum said have become very popular. All the learning sessions are free and start at 1:30 p.m.

Here’s the schedule: May 1, Umphrey Interiors, “Choosing the Right Artwork and How to Display It;” May 2, Joanna Goldman, “How to Achieve a Successful Eclectic Interior: Blending Old, New and Collected;” May 3, James Pace of Rainbow Paint and Decorating, “Window Treatments;” May 4, Lynne Coker Interiors, “Ten Steps to Timeless Design;” May 8, Scandinavian Design Gallery, “Infusing Color into Your Environment;” May 9, Design Southern Style LLC, “Planning the Perfect Event;” May 10, Four Corners Gallery, “Preserving Your Treasures: Photos, Documents, Art and Heirlooms;” and May 11, Lynne Coker Interiors, “What’s New in Color, Pattern and Texture for 2018.” ❖

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2018 HISTORIC HOLLYWOOD TOUR OF HOMES

Tricia Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 pril This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 19, 2018 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Pearsons’ dining room table has plenty of room for guests. They brought the enlarged photo of a French winery Bermuda • Emerald • St. Augustine Please make sure all information is correct,The home from an anniversary trip to Paris. including and• phone number!

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Pretty and

Practical

The Pearsons’ Bonita Drive House Is Stylishly Family-Friendly

By Donna Cornelius

Decorator Fabrics • Hardware • Trim 1820 Greensprings Highway 322-5878 www.kingcottonfabrics.com

One of the stars on this year’s Historic Hollywood Tour of Homes is a house that manages to be fashionable, functional and family-friendly.

Mary Scott and Blake Pearson’s home at 9 Bonita Drive was built in 1926. Its original owners were Laura B. and Fay B. Belt, who lived there until 1947. The house, called the Bailey-Hardin House in honor of two other former owners, earned a Jefferson County Historic Marker in 1995.

The Spanish Mission-style house may be 92 years old, but thanks to two major renovations, it isn’t feeling its age.

The first major project was in 2006, four years before the Pearsons bought the house. A second level and a den at the back of the house were added. An exterior facelift, which maintained the house’s stucco construction, included the addition of Spanish tiles around a new front entrance.

Last year, the Pearsons made changes of their own.

“The existing patio was tiny and got too much sun,” Mary Scott said.

They solved that problem – and made the area more livable – by constructing a covered outdoor living area with a fireplace and kitchen. A separate dining porch has accordion-style glass doors that open from the family room.

“The adults can be outside eating while the kids hang out in the family room,” Mary Scott said.

The Pearsons also created an upper-level retreat off the master bedroom by building a covered balcony with a fireplace.

‘I love this community, and I love our schools. I love being part of the garden club, too. The last time they asked us to be on the tour, we were gearing up for our renovation. We’re glad we were able to do it this year.’

MARY SCOTT PEARSON

Another component of the renovation was done with the younger members of the family in mind. The Pearsons have three children: Samantha, age 13; Becca, 10; and Blake Jr., 6. The clan also includes Copper, a lively standard poodle.

“The kids weren’t using the existing mudroom,” Mary Scott said. “We added cubbies in the kitchen-den area so they could hang their stuff there.”

A butler’s pantry now occupies the space that was the original mudroom and a bathroom.

Mary Scott said she loves to cook in the updated kitchen, as does Blake, who also shows off his grill-master chops on a large outdoor grill. The kitchen has new stainless steel appliances, including a microwave, oven warming drawer, and Sub-Zero refrigerator, plus a new backsplash.

Long tables in the kitchen and the dining room can accommodate a number of diners.

“Both Blake and I come from large families, and we See PEARSON HOME, page 18

Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

Antiques and Accessories 2700 19th Place South Homewood • 871-9779 Tue.-Fri. 10:30-5:30 & Sat. 11:00-4:30

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Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 17

HOME

Hollywood Fan Club

House Tour Opens Doors Into Historic Homewood Neighborhood

By Donna Cornelius

Storied Community

Like its namesake in California, Homewood’s Hollywood has an intriguing history. Real estate developer Clyde Nelson incorporated the Hollywood Land Co. in 1924 to develop a planned community of Spanish-style houses. He paid $109,800 for the land.

Nelson hired Harvard Universitytrained landscape architect Rubee J. Pearse to develop a plan for the 750lot neighborhood’s roads, green spac-

its historical significance as the earliest and one of the best-executed planned communities in Alabama.

Hollywood remains noteworthy for the architectural style of the surviving historic houses of both Spanish and Tudor design.

Garvin said the 2018 tour has an added attraction.

“A new twist this year is an appreciation party for sponsors the night before the tour,” she said.

“Ashley Mac’s, Urban Cookhouse and Classic Wines will cater. We wanted to use Homewood businesses for this event.”

The home tour is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 and are available at hollywoodhometour18.eventbrite.com and at Aloft hotel in Soho Square, Sweet Peas Garden Shop, Chickadee Interiors, JJ Eyes, Homewood Antiques and Marketplace, Smith’s Variety, Hunter’s Cleaners, and Fab’rik. Tickets are $25 on the day of the tour and can be bought at any of the four houses.

Like many Hollywood residents, Garvin leads an active life. She’s a Realtor with RealtySouth, and she and her husband, Dwight, have five 2813 18TH STREET SOUTH • HOMEWOOD • (205) 879-5474 children. Jack and Caroline are in MANTOOTHINTERIORS.COM college. Sam, Katie and Charles attend Homewood schools.

But her house and neighborhood give her a connection to the past as well as the present.

To: Lynette, 879-3388 “Sometimes my husband andFrom: I lis- Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., ten to old tunes while we make pasta 205-824-1246, fax in our kitchen, and I can’t help but Date: April 2018 think that there might have been another couple in this very house This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the doing exactly the same thing – listenApril 19, 2018 issue. ing to the same songs and enjoying life like we do,” Garvin said. “It Please make sure all information is correct, makes me think our house is happy.”

A Sale Is A Beautiful Thing.

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Journal photos by Jordan Wald

It didn’t take Dana Garvin long to become a firm fan of one of Homewood’s most popular neighborhoods.

“I’ve lived in Birmingham most of my life but just moved to Hollywood about four years ago, and I absolutely love it,” she said. “This neighborhood is the perfect combination of charm and history while being close to the newest restaurants and shops in Homewood, and our school system couldn’t be better.”

Hollywood’s star quality is reflected in the popularity of an event that happens only every two years. The Historic Hollywood Tour of Homes returns this year on April 22 with four houses opening their doors for the event.

“The home tour began in the early 1980s and is still well attended each year,” said Garvin, who’s tour chairman.

“We hope this year will be our largest yet and are so thankful to the homeowners for graciously opening their homes.”

The Hollywood Garden Club hosts the tour, which raises money for neighborhood beautification projects and supports Shades Cahaba Elementary School.

es, lot lines and house placement.

Birmingham architect George P. Turner designed most of the original houses. Individual lots sold for $1,800 to $3,700, and completed homes sold for $15,000 to $35,000.

Nelson eventually expanded the strict design codes and allowed lot owners to build Tudor Revival-style as well as Spanish-style houses.

Like a smart movie publicist,

Nelson promoted Hollywood. When the first floor of a new house was built, he would host lavish outdoor parties and invite the public to attend.

He came up with attractive amenities, including free bus service to downtown Birmingham, the first natural gas pipeline into Shades Valley and the Hollywood Country Club, with fine dining, dancing and a large pool with a sandy beach.

Hollywood was incorporated as a township in 1926. Clarence Lloyd – not only the first but also the only mayor – and five councilmen were elected. The increasing cost of providing municipal services led to a merger with the city of Homewood in 1929.

The Hollywood Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, thanks to

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Mary Scott and Blake Pearson both love to cook in their updated kitchen, above. An outdoor living area, below, with a fireplace and kitchen replaced an existing patio.

To: From: Date:

Larry Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax April

PEARSON HOME, From page 16

wanted to have plenty of seating for This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the everybody,” Mary Scott said.

April 19, 2018 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve Two enlarged photos on the dining your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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room walls are of French wineries.

“We took an anniversary trip to Paris, and that was when we were decorating this room,” Mary Scott said. “We brought back these two photos.”

Blake, a Birmingham neurosurgeon, has an office on the house’s main level. But the room looks more like a handsome sitting room than a workspace. A computer keyboard is hidden away in the drawer of an antique cabinet, and a round table with chairs replaces a traditional desk.

Upstairs, the Pearsons enhanced the master bathroom with new tile and countertops. The children’s bedrooms and a guest room also are on the second level.

In Samantha’s room is furniture that belonged to Mary Scott’s grandmother. It’s been painted a bright blue to make it more contemporary.

Becca’s room is girly and fun. A single bed painted green is dressed up with a mini-canopy.

Blake Jr.’s room has artwork featuring horses, duck hunting, trains and other boy-friendly themes. There’s a case full of books, too.

The Pearsons love living on Bonita Drive, one of the first streets in Hollywood. Clyde Nelson, who developed the neighborhood, lived on the street, as did Hollywood’s first and only mayor, Clarence Lloyd, and other well-known Birmingham businessmen and their families.

Mary Scott is director of the Homewood City Schools Foundation.

She’s also PTO president of Shades Cahaba Elementary School, which her children attend. Part of the proceeds from the home tour, hosted by the Hollywood Garden Club, supports the school.

“I love this community, and I love our schools,” she said. “I love being part of the garden club, too. The last time they asked us to be on the tour, we were gearing up for our renovation. We’re glad we were able to do it this year.” ❖

HOLLYWOOD HOMES ALSO READY FOR THEIR CLOSE-UP Three other houses are on this year’s Hollywood home tour: THE DAVIS HOUSE

116 Bonita Drive

This house was built in 1960 as a seven-room, brick ranch-style house on a lot owned by W.S. Wengel and his wife, Mary. The style was typical of many houses built in Hollywood in

the postwar era. J. D. and Caesarina McKinstry bought the house in late 1960 and resold it in 1961 to Arthur and Anna Abrasley. The Abrasleys owned the house from 1961 to 1987.

The house had at least two other owners between 1988 and early 2015.

Paul and LeeAnn Davis bought the house in 2015 and began a major transformation designed by architect Richard Long of Long & Long Design and built

by Ruff Reams.

The exterior was redesigned with stucco walls to give it a more Spanish style.

Three sets of

French doors lead into an airy, open kitchen, living room and dining area.

The house’s entire interior was reconfigured, and a 1,000-square-foot addition was built to include a new powder room, laundry and master suite.

The original hardwood floors were painted and stained to match the new décor.

THE BEASLEY HOUSE

239 La Prado Place

This Tudor Revival-style house on the “English side” of Hollywood was built in 1928 as a six-room, one-story bungalow with an open porch and a detached two-car garage. Like many other houses in this part of Hollywood, it featured the brick veneer exterior, steep roof, front gable vents, tiled porch and recessed arched

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

entryway typical of the Tudor style.

The home’s first known owners were Grady M. and Mabel G. Beasley. They bought the house for $14,000 in the early 1930s and appear to have owned it until late 1972.

According to letters from Grady Beasley to the Jefferson County Board of Equalization, there were no major improvements made to the house up to at least 1960.

The house underwent a major remodeling about 10 years ago. The roof was removed and a second story added with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a playroom and a laundry room. The first floor was reconfigured to include a master suite and an open kitchen and den.

The current owners bought the home in 2015. Although the interior has had significant renovations, the house still has the same footprint, and its front exterior looks much the same as it did originally.

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 19

HOME Woodson in 1953.

The Lang family lived in the house from 1971 to 2014.

After Kristi and Dan Logan bought the house in 2014, they began an extensive interior upgrade and reconfiguration of the floor plan.

They moved the kitchen to what was the original dining room and turned the original kitchen into a mudroom.

They expanded doorways and added ornate plaster archways. On the second level, the Logans created a new bathroom from an existing closet in the master bedroom and completely renovated the hall bathroom.

Although the couple made changes, they preserved many original elements of the house, including the windows and all the floors except for those installed in the new mudroom. The powder room off the mudroom was once the pantry, and the chandelier in the

THE NIX HOUSE

306 English Circle

The Nix house is an example of a historic Hollywood home in the Tudor Revival style.

The two-story brick veneer house with an asphalt roof and a decorative stucco front gable was built in 1926 in Hollywood’s highly desirable Granada section. It had a recessed entrance bay, two porches and a twocar detached garage.

The first owners were John B. and Elizabeth Stratford, who lived there with their two sons until 1935, when the house was sold to Fred J. and Norine Bodeker. The Bodekers sold the house to Lewis and Mary

powder room at one time hung in the dining room.

The house was awarded a Jefferson County Historic Marker in 2015 and is known as the BodekerWoodson-Lang House.

Jeffrey and Virginia Nix, who bought the house in 2016, added their own renovations. They created a dining porch off the kitchen in a space that previously was a study. A playroom was added in the partially finished basement, and the second level got a design makeover to add style and functionality. The renovations have allowed the house to retain its historic charm while giving it the modern amenities many families want today. ❖

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To: From: Date:

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20 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

From left, Dennis and Kristi Healy and Peggy and Lynn Irwin.

John Lyda, Bianca Juarez, Sarahi Aguilera and Cindy Wade.

BELLA NOTTE

Assistance League Gala Fundraiser Auctions European Excursions The second annual One Starry Night gala lit up The Club on April 5, benefitting the Assistance League of Birmingham’s programs for local students, Operation Literacy and Operation School Bell, as well as PrimeTime Treasures, its shop that provides a space for seniors to sell their crafts.

John Lyda, manager of operations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, was honored during the event. Lyda is a longtime member of the league’s Advisory Council in addition to serving on the Hoover City Council.

A program featured stories from Bianca Juarez and Sarahi Aguilera, members of Homewood High School’s ROTC program, about how Operation School Bell had a positive impact on their elementary school experience.

The evening’s festivities included a cocktail hour, followed by a seated dinner, music by the Bassmen and a live auction by Jack Granger of Granger Thagard and Associates.

Big-ticket items up for grabs included 2018 Iron Bowl tickets and accommodations, trips to Ireland and Tuscany, restaurant packages, jewelry, art and more.

Co-chairwomen Cindy Wade and Cathy Bowman organized the event, with Kim Kohler serving as auction chair. ❖

Debbie McCorkle and Michelle Smith.

Billy and Danielle Wade.

Sarahi Aguilera, Master Sargeant Vincent Simmons and Bianca Juarez.

Shelley and Mike Shaw.

Tom and Ellen Derr.

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Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 21

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

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The Clear Blue Sky Bluegrass Band, above, performed under cloudy skies at the inaugural Shades Creek Fest.

Gone Fishing

Mountain Brook and Homewood Host First Joint Arbor Day Festival All things outdoors were celebrated April 7 at Jemison Park as the cities of Mountain Brook and Homewood co-hosted the first annual Shades Creek Fest in honor of Arbor Day. The event featured a variety of nature-based activities, including flyfishing lessons; hawk, owl and reptile exhibits; live bluegrass music; and a performance by the National Water Dance group.

Event sponsors and local nature experts hosted informative Audubon bird and wildflower walks, spotted salamanders and helped catch fish in the creek. In addition, free trees were handed out, as is tradition for Mountain Brook’s Arbor Day celebrations.

Helping host activities and plan the event were volunteers from the Friends of Jemison Park, Friends of Shades Creek, Freshwater Land Trust, Birmingham Audubon, Cahaba Environmental Center, Cahaba Riverkeeper, The Nature Conservancy in Alabama and the Homewood Environmental Commission. ❖

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Below, Major, Addie and Cara Colbert.

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Ed and Barbara Randal opened their home to the Symphony Volunteer Council on March 6. Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres, wine and Robert Raiford’s turnip green soup.

Char Bonsack, president, thanked the members and guests for attending the club’s winter party. Mimi Jackson followed by introducing Erin Acree, who plays principal bassoon in the Alabama Youth Symphony. Acree has participated in the club’s annual Lois Pickard Competition and has been a recipient of an ASV summer scholarship.

Guests attending were Martha and Bob Black, Shirley and Bob Brown, Diane Ray, Sandra and Bob Wilson, Sally Holsonback, Rich and Jonnie Venglik, Virginia and Boyce Guthrie, Liz and Tom Warren, Roberta and Jim Atkinson, Betsy Cooper, Beverly Lisenby, Roger and Linda James, Rick Bonsack, Debby Noll, Dolly Watton, Bettie Davenport, Jo Broadwater, Nadene Siniard, Bobbie Holland, Molly Bee Bloetscher, Olivia and Gene Weingarten, Lynne and Michael

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Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Girls Inc. Hosts Annual Cajun Cooking Competition

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Marie Duncan and Riley Early.

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The Eighth annual Cajun Cook-Off heated up Railroad Park on April 7 as teams prepared their favorite Cajunthemed dishes for judges and attendees to taste.

The family-friendly food affair was emceed by WVTM 13’s Britt Decker and included live music by the Swamp Poppas.

Festivities included a variety of dishes to taste, including gumbo, etouffee, jambalaya and beignets, along with kids’ activities, balloon artists and more.

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This is your ad proof for April 8, 2019 OTMJ Please contact your sales representative as soo make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-12

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Hand in Paw and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society teamed up to host the third annual Fido Fest on April 7 at The Summit.

Festivities included food trucks, live music by Sean Heninger and Baily Ingle, a pet photo booth, pet caricatures, face painting and balloon twisting.

A Fido marketplace highlighted local pet-friendly vendors and non-profit organizations, including Fetch, Snappy’s Gourmet Dog Treats, RoverChase, Jazzy J Designs, Cavalier Rescue of Alabama, Creative Dog Training, PawTree, Lizard Daddy Dog Biscuits, The Dog Stop, Adopt-a-Golden Birmingham, Cahaba Mountain Brook Animal Clinic, Dog U, Love Them Train Them, Wags n’ Whiskers, Altadena Valley Animal Clinic, Nana’s Handmade, Alabama Puppy Mill Project, Weiner Brothers Co., TB Art and Emergency Animal Center. ❖

Who Let the Dogs Out? The Summit Hosts Third Annual Fido Fest

Clockwise from above: Diana Benton and Lindsay Kissane and friends; Allison and Walker Moseley with Murphy; Kristen Majors with Bentley and Nicole Tyler with Winston.

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The Ballerina Club held its 72nd annual ball, “Martinis, Mad Men & Music,” at the Country Club of Birmingham on March 3.

Author : Dr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Lamkin were the hosts for the evening.

Kathryn Crawford Gentle Author: Ball chairwoman Carmen Morrow organized the 1960s-themed party with Kathryn Crawford Gentle her committee, which included Ginger Ballard, Sally Bluhm, Leigh Laser Under the new tax bill signed intoMarlea law Foster, Pat Grant, Vera Kee, Melinda Smith, Vicki Smith Collins, Parental Alienation: & and Susan Williams.

by Trump, alimony paid by one spouse Members and guests were greeted by “cigarette girls” Madison Morrow What is it and what to the other will not be tax and deductible, Carolyn Smith, who offered boxes of candy cigarettes along with table can be done? and the spouse receiving the alimonyand drink tickets. assignments Author : Ballerinatinis were the star of the cocktail hour, held in the living room One of the main areas of concern is no longer required to Kathryn paybefore taxes onGentle bell rang, inviting guests to the dining room.

Crawford the dinner that I have as a divorce attorney is alimony.

Festive décor beckoned the partygoers, with chandeliers and sconces fesprotecting the children fromtax the proUnder the new bill signed into tooned withlaw martini glasses tied with black ribbons. Tables were adorned with ceedings and the animosity that the gigantic martini glasses and spring flowers by Ray Jordan of Flower Buds. by Trump, alimony paid by one spouse parents havecurrent for each other.

All tooit worksFollowing In the system, the dinner, guests danced to the music of O.Z. Hall and the to the other not be tax deductible, often children are put in will the middle Expandables. way, theto payer Carolyn Smith and Madison Morrow. of aopposite divorce used as awith weapon andasthe spouse receiving thedeductalimony Seen in the crowd were Patricia and Cal Clark, Peggy and Ralph hurting eachthe One parent may at- theColeman, amount and Judy and David Long, Nancy and Bill Stetler, Patsy and Bob is other. no full longer required to payrecipient taxes on tempt to alienate the children from Straka, Cheree paying income taxes on the alimony and Eric Carlton, Margaret and Bill Howell, Rusty and Don alimony. the other parent, causing negative Kirkpatrick, Carolyn and Richard Waguespack, Olivia Alison and Buddy received.for the children. consequences Palmer, Carolyn King, Mary Wills and Tom Le Croy, Martha and Malloy “Parental Alienation” can come Reeves,the Jean Shanks, Nancy and Arnold Bush, Ginny and Mike Halter, Lou In the current system, it works in several forms. Two of the most Lanier, Kathie Ramsey, Elouise Williams, Janis Zeanah, Leigh and Kevin Some Divorce lawyers saypayer the current opposite way, with the deductcommon are: Collins, Jean and Curtis Liles, and Marquita and Roland Self. setup toamount preserve money • The belittling one parent in andmore Other Ballerina Club members and their guests who attended the ball were ing tends theoffull the recipient Julie and Jimmy Crocker, Beth and Rufus Elliott, Sherrie and Dell Futch, front of the children overall to allocate between spouses, paying income taxes on the alimony Amanda and Keith Pigue, Glenda and Jim Sparacio, Ginger and David • False accusations of domestic helping them afford living separately. received.

Ballard, Susan and Steve Dobbs, Anne and James Ruzic, Susan and Scott violence or child abuse against the Williams, will Jamie and Ted Crockett, Martha Lee and Billy Culp, Anne and other parent argue that the government Others Thomas Lamkin, Rebecca and Ross Mason, Connie Bishop, Bonnie and Tony Studies show that Parental AlienSome Divorce lawyers sayCicio, the current end upconsidered with more ofofa divorcing pair’s June Eagan, Ann and Fletcher Harvey, Kathy and Ted Miller, Pat ation is itself a form setup tends to to preserve more money and Perry Grant, Angie and Allen Holder, Carmen and Randall Morrow, child abuse. It is important note combined income.

Mary Beth Wood, Marlea and John Foster, Melinda and Steve Smith, Vicki overall to allocate between spouses, that it is not only the parent who is Don and Rusty Kirkpatrick.

Anne and Tom Lamkin. and Don Smith, and Lisa and Dave Warnock. ❖ being affected by parental alienhelping them afford living separately.

The new won’t the affect anyone ation – the child rules is experiencing Others argue that the worst part.divorces If you’re going who or through signs aa government separation will up with more of a divorce,end always remember that your agreement before 2019. divorcing pair’s child needs and loves both parents. combined income.

A child in divorce needs to be: NSAL Spring Meeting Features UAB Faculty • Told that they arethat still loved and Critics fear without the deduction, The new rules won’t affect anyone their parents will never divorce Trio Performance higher-earning spouses won’t pay as them; who divorces or signs a separation much todivorce theirbefore Even The Birmingham chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters met at the • Told that the isexes. not their agreement 2019.though Country Club of Birmingham on March 21 to prepare for its annual arts scholarship faultalimony and NOT be is told justabout onethe of many factors in competition. adult problems that caused it; divorce, itfear is athat highly contentious topic The chapter, founded in 1956, recognizes, encourages and assists young artists Critics without the deduction, • Allowed to love both parents To: Kathryn, Cameron and Hank in art, dance, drama, literature and music through performance opportunities, comwithout guilt; thathigher-earning is changing drastically. spouses won’t pay as From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., petitions and scholarships. This year’s rotating competition will be instrumental • Allowed to be a child and not much to their exes. Even though 205-824-1246, fax music, featuring woodwinds. asked to tell a lie or act as a spy or a President Peggy Carlisle presided over the meeting, and Les Fillmer detailed Duealimony to the islength of time it takes to in Date: April just one of many factors messenger. plans for the JOURNAL local woodwind which was held April 7.

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN forcompetition, the At Lloyd anda Hogan, atcontentious finalize divorce in Alabama and the divorce, it is Attorneys a highly topic Sue Watkins, chaplain, gave a memorial tribute to late chapter member Helen Caring April 19issue Law, we have encountered our fair that is changing drastically.

Hudgens, recounting her philanthropic support for the society’s mission. new law taking effect January 1, 2019, share of Alabama Parental AlienOur unique ~CareSteps~ care management system The UAB Chamber Trio, established in 2012, was welcomed to the meeting by anyone ation cases. Weconsidering encourage you a todivorce should Please make sure all information is correct, Gail Ledbetter, program chair. The trio consists of UAB Department of Music facand highly experienced team Due tous the length of it takes to reach out to an experienced attorcontact today for antime immediate ulty members Dr. Denise Gainey, clarinet; Dr. James Zingara, trumpet; and Dr. including address and phone number! ney for finalize help as quickly as possible a divorce in Alabama and the Chris Steele, piano. Their program featured group and individual performances.

Comfort consultation. to keep your child, as well as your Members and guests present included Celina Costa, Laine Crook, Patricia new law taking effect January 1, 2019, Intimate, one-level settingPlease inspiredinitial by the best relationship with them, safe. There and fax back within hours.

Dice,24 Judith Hand, Sandra Hines, Ruth Jensen, Melva Jones, Marie Lewis, anyone a divorce should are legal solutionsconsidering available and the If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,Frances Reed, Mel Robinson, Catherine Rogers, Lloyd and Hogan southern lifestyle designers Nancy Morrow, Mary your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. attorneys at Lloydus andtoday Hogan for canAttorneys Barbara Shepherd, Dr. Chandler Smith, Jane Paris Smith, Phyllis Tinsley, contact an immediate at Law help you attain them.

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From left, Dr. Chris Steele, Dr. Denise Gainey, Dr. James Zingara and Les Fillmer.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 25

SOCIAL/WEDDINGS

Rehab Reality...

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

By Judy and Julie Butler

Shayla Steinkopf and Nick Dechant.

Corey Williams,Sarah Fuston and Marissa Fulat.

Good Clean Fun

Block Party Raises Funds to Keep Local Rivers Clean

A full stage of activities was available to partygoers at the 7th annual AirWave Block Party, held March 24 at Good People Brewing Co. The regional event raised funds to benefit Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Cahaba Riverkeeper and Coosa Riverkeeper efforts to keep local freshwater sources clean.

An all-day lineup of bands and musicians, both local and regional, entertained the guests, including Shaheed & DJ Supreme, Nerves Baddington, LoveRat, Len Park & Park Avenue Band, HotBed, One Eyed Mary, Cahaba, GreenLeaf Hustle, DJ LeeJ & Sweet Science Radio, DJ Charles III, Püshï, Tenderly, A New Kind of Hero and Susan Lawrence.

As guests rocked out to the music, food trucks were on hand to provide meals, Good People poured beer, and live artists and games kept the crowd entertained. ❖

Clockwise from above, Kendall Owen, Elizabeth Van Dyke and Aryn Johnson; Alex and Brandi Fuller; David Butler and Dr. Myra Crawford.

Clanton-Kang

Tatum Elizabeth Clanton and Kevin Jun Kang were married March 3 at the Japanese Pavilion in Epcot, Walt Disney World, Florida.

The Rev. Siegfried Jaeger officiated the ceremony. A reception followed at The Living Seas, Epcot.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. David W. Clanton of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Ms. Nicole Park and Mr. Michael Kang of Las Vegas.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a Joelle gown by Vera Wang in ivory with a black grosgrain sash and a Vera Wang Jacqueline veil.

Allison Maupin Clanton, sisterin-law of the bride, of Homewood was the matron of honor.

Bridesmaids were Erin Mooney of San Rafael, California, and Kate Stavola of Redwood City, California. Charlotte Ellis Clanton, niece of the bride, was the flower girl.

David William Clanton Jr. of Homewood, brother of the bride, was best man. Groomsmen were Roman Akberdin of San Francisco and Dr. Andy Radtke of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

The couple will live in San Francisco.

Lots of New Merchandise Donate $13 to honor the 13 children who died in Alabama in a single year due to child abuse. TOGETHER we can break the cycle.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

It might seem cliché-ish to incorporate a cliché into a discussion about addiction.

The world of recovery is already inundated with these and is metaphorically redundant. “April Showers Bring May Flowers” is a reminder that even the most unpleasant and difficult things (addiction) can bring about very enjoyable results (sobriety, recovery). It is also a lesson in patience, which everyone can use.

Many people think addicts have to “hit rock bottom” before they are ready to enter into a successful recovery. The reality is that everyone’s rock bottom is different and not everyone has to hit one for the process of recovery to begin.

On the flipside, it’s true that most addicts have to experience stormy weather before seeking better days and sobriety. “April Showers Bring May Flowers” depicts simply and perfectly the need for rain in order to produce a beautiful flower.

The staff at Bayshore Retreat understands that people with addiction are just as unpredictable as Mother Nature. That’s why they provide the umbrella/tools for the stormy and rainy days ahead.

Experienced counselors help our clients discover the weeds/triggers that attribute to their addictive behavior. Just as having a beautiful garden requires work, proper nourishment and attention; clients at Bayshore Retreat receive the attention and nourishment they need to flourish.

There’s nothing sweeter than a call or email from a previous client that says ‘he or she owes his or her life to Bayshore Retreat’.

Respect, dignity and results – that’s really all we want to give our clients. Only six (6) clients at a time is proof we choose quality over quantity. Call us today.

BUSINESS

26 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

By Donna Cornelius

Birth of the Blues (Festival)

A few years ago, Sykes combined his love for food and music by starting the Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival. This year’s ninth annual event is set for April 28 at Bessemer’s DeBardeleben Park.

The festival started out at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park.

“I needed to bring it back to Bessemer, where our roots are and where my life has been spent,” Sykes said. “I think the festival helps promote positivity. There’s so much that’s negative in the news today.”

He said SRA Foods and the Buffalo Rock Co., two of his longtime vendors, were willing to come on board to help support the festival.

“The city of Bessemer realized its value and is now a partner,” he said. “Metro PCS is a returning partner.”

He’s excited about this year’s musical lineup, which includes Debbie Bond, Johnny Rawls, the Chris Simmons Band, “Lightnin Malcolm,” and Jeff Jensen. Also on the schedule are Beverly Watkins, a 79-year-old guitarist, and the Music Maker Blues Revue, a nonprofit group of musicians in their 80s.

“I work with the Magic City Blues Society in

The Women’s Fund Names New President and CEO

Photo courtesy Sykes Bar B Q

There’s a tantalizing aroma wafting out of Bob Sykes Bar B Q restaurant in Bessemer, conjuring up images of juicy meat slow-roasting over a wood fire and making your mouth water with anticipation.

Unfortunately, the man responsible for this sweet smell of barbecue success can’t actually smell it.

“I guess that’s because I’ve been around it for (so) long,” said Van Sykes, laughing.

He was just 2 years old when his parents, Bob and Maxine Sykes, opened their first restaurant in 1957. It was a hamburger and milkshake place called The Ice Spot.

“The first 20 years or so, we were on Central Park Avenue,” Sykes said. “When we came to Bessemer in 1966, we leased a building for about 10 years. We decided we could afford our own property so we built our own building.”

That’s the restaurant’s current home at 1724 Ninth Ave. in downtown Bessemer “Jimmy Koikos of the Bright Star sold us the lot,” Sykes said. “Between us and the Bright Star, you’ve got two restaurants in Bessemer that collectively have about 165 years of experience.”

He said his father at one time had 14 franchises and was three days away from selling them when, at age 55, he had a stroke.

Except for four years in the military, Van Sykes has worked with his mother to run the family business. Bob Sykes died in 1992, and Maxine Sykes died in 2014 at age 93.

“It’s funny to think that I’ve worked here longer than my parents ever did,” he said. “But we made my dad’s name a household item.”

He has lots of happy memories of spending time with his father at the restaurant.

“I spent my childhood here,” he said. “When I was 12, Daddy would drop me off to cook.

He’d say, ‘I’ll be back at daylight. Don’t burn the meat.’”

But Sykes had a role in the family business even before that.

“My first job was stirring the barbecue sauce,” he said. “I was about 6 or 7 years old.

Daddy had a 40-quart pot. He’d put a stick of butter on top of the sauce and say to stir it until the butter melted. The sauce needed to be stirred for about 30 minutes, so that was his timing device.”

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Van Sykes and his restaurant have been written about in Bon Appetit, Southern Living, The Boston Globe and Money magazine.

FIRED UP

Van Sykes Loves Barbecue Business – and the Blues selecting the musicians,” Sykes said.

Of course, there will be plenty of Bob Sykes barbecue for sale along with cotton candy and other foods, Pepsi products, and adult beverages, including craft beer from Ghost Train Brewing Co. “Bring your chair and plan on spending the day,” Sykes said.

Elaine Lyda, public relations representative for Bob Sykes Bar B Q and the festival, said that part of each year’s proceeds is donated to a charity.

“This year, the festival will benefit the Latch and Live Foundation, which helps rebuild lives and helps families in Bessemer and surrounding cities before they hit rock bottom,” Lyda said.

“It’s based in Bessemer.”

Sykes said one reason his restaurant is thriving is because, “We don’t take shortcuts” in the cooking methods.

“I’ve stayed true to what I learned when I was 12 years old,” he said. “I haven’t tried to make the process faster, cheaper or easier. We

go from the pit to the plate. We don’t try to get way ahead and carry food over. If you come by our parking lot early in the morning, you’ll see five or six cars in the lot because we’re already there, cooking.

“There’s so much processed food today. I’m realizing a lot of people today aren’t used to getting food made fresh. I grew up in the kitchen with ladies who made potato salad, slaw, pies and onion rings.”

He also attributes the restaurant’s longevity to his staff.

“I’ve worked with wonderful people,” he said. “We had two employees who retired last year; one had been here 50 years and the other 47 years. Many here now have been with us close to 30 years.”

Sykes and Tippi, his wife of 32 years, live in Hoover. One daughter, Lindsey Brooksbank, is a first-grade teacher at Green Valley Elementary School. Their other daughter, Shelly Sykes, is an intern at Kassouf & Co., a Birmingham accountSee SYKES, page 27

The board of directors of The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham has appointed Melanie R. Bridgeforth as its president and CEO. Bridgeforth succeeds Jeanne Jackson, who has been president and CEO since July 2011 and who retired earlier this month.

Bridgeforth has been executive director of Voices for Alabama’s Children since 2013.

Before that, she was Alabama’s government relations director for the American Heart Association. She also has worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., and Melanie R. served on numerous Bridgeforth national boards.

“Melanie is a captivating leader,” board Chairwoman Leslie Carlisle stated in a press release. “From our very first meeting with her, we were excited by her vision, her energy and her record on behalf of populations we care deeply about.”

Bridgeforth in the press release said: “The work of The Women’s Fund is essential to helping vulnerable families in Greater Birmingham and beyond secure a brighter economic future. I am honored to be asked to lead a mission focused so squarely on creating change that multiplies and an organization that uniquely combines philanthropy, advocacy and research.”

At Voices, Bridgeforth led a transformation of the organization’s public policy platform and doubling the operating budget.

She is a founding member of the board of Partnership for America’s Children, and she is on the national steering committee for the Kids Count network. Current and past board memberships include Preschool Partners, Project Horseshoe Farm and the Chemical Addictions Program.

Bridgeforth began work with The Women’s Fund in late March.

Taziki’s Founder Steps Down as CEO to Work on New Recipes, Charity Program

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe founder Keith Richards will be traveling this summer to Greece with his wife, Amy, and two sets of twins to develop new menu items for the restaurant.

Richards recently stepped down as the company’s chief executive officer to focus on Alabama establishments and the company’s charitable program.

Assuming the duties of CEO is the company’s former chief innovation Keith Richards officer, Dan Simpson of Nashville.

“Dan is working closely with me to carry out my vision for the next 20 years of Taziki’s,” said Richards. “His passion for working to create the new ‘Mediterranean-coastal’ design for our restaurants has been an integral part of this process.”

The pair have been working on plans to open 100 new locations by 2019 and will be

See RICHARDS, page 27

RICHARDS, From page 26

implementing a new design element for the restaurants, using community tables, exposed stone, white shiplap walls and brighter shades of ocean blue and white.

In addition, Richards will continue managing the flagship market in Birmingham and will lead Taziki’s culinary research and development and the company’s Hope Program, through which students with special needs cultivate fresh herbs while learning business skills that can transfer to other jobs.

While the company has always employed individuals with special needs, Richards sought to create the program as a way to provide more opportunities to those who benefit from special needs education. The program is in practice in Birmingham, Huntsville and Dothan, as well as Virginia; Little Rock, Arkansas; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Atlanta, Georgia.

“Keith’s vision for his restaurant is an inspiration to so many, he has created an environment that combines extraordinary food with meaningful human experience,” said Simpson.

“He has led the charge to offer fresh, healthy, diverse and affordable food options to the tables of tens of thousands of people for the past 20 years.”

Simpson also will be leading the implementation of a new rewards program in response to growth in online and app-based ordering. The company’s new TazRewards loyalty program will be launched later this year.

“Expanding Taziki’s technology capabilities for our customers including our app offerings, accessibility to ordering online as well as a new website is a big focus for our team,”

SYKES, From page 26

ing firm.

“Jason Jewell, my sister’s son, is a big part of the business, primarily as an accountant,” Sykes said. “He’s a member of the third generation here.”

A Hands-On Businessman

Sykes said he likes to be hands-on with his business.

“I’m not a corporate, multi-store type of person,” he said. “I’m about to go back to the kitchen for the fourth time this morning to get gristle out of a ham. I know how many pencils are in the drawer back there and how many tomatoes are on the shelves. We know our food costs every day, our labor costs, and what’s selling or what’s not.”

He and his restaurant have been

said Simpson. “We are working to anticipate consumer trends and seeking innovations that enhance guest experiences.”

Hoover Chamber Announces New Board Members

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced three new board members for 2018.

Hoover residents Matthew Allen, Alison Howell and Mike White were nominated by the board to serve three-year terms, and the chamber membership unanimously approved their appointment at the chamber’s monthly membership luncheon on Jan. 18 at the Hoover Country Club.

“I am very excited to bring on these three dynamic business leaders,” said board president Jerome Morgan Jr., principal owner of Oncort Professional Services. “With their years of experience, vast knowledge of the community and passion for the growth of the chamber I’m confident they will greatly contribute to the ongoing success of our organization.”

Allen is the sales manager for Starnes Media, a position he has held since May 2012, and he has lived in Hoover for 11 years.

“I’ve been active in this chamber for much of my career, and it’s given me many opportunities to network and grow my business,” Allen said. “I’m proud of the work our chamber does on behalf of Hoover-area businesses and am excited to give back by serving the chamber in this capacity.”

Howell is the government and community relations manager for Alabama Power, having served in that role since October 2016.

“The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce has a proven track record of elevating the business community

written about in Bon Appetit, Southern Living, The Boston Globe and Money magazine. Sykes was featured in a 2017 Zagat video, “Why Alabama-style ‘Cue Might be America’s Best-Kept Secret.” He was a founding member of the Southern Foodways Alliance, a University of Mississippi institute that documents, studies and celebrates the South’s diverse food cultures. Bob Sykes Bar B Q also was a charter member of the Alabama Tourism Department’s Alabama Barbecue Hall of Fame.

“For the Hall of Fame, you had to be in the business for at least 50 years,” Sykes said. “The people have different names, they’re different colors – but we all have the same story.

There’s the wood man who brings you the wood – he’s almost always a character. The founders tend to be gregarious, like my dad was.”

A few years ago, Sykes was

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and moving the needle on important initiatives year after year,” Howell said.

“With a keen focus on business and economic development, Alabama Power is proud to work closely with the chamber and support its efforts in retention, recruitment and expansion of industry. I am honored and proud to serve on the board of directors and look forward to serving the community I grew up in and will raise my family.”

White is general manager of the Riverchase Galleria, a position he has held since October 2016.

“As a long-time Hoover resident, I’m always encouraged by the vision and commitment of this city to economic development. I take my position as general manager of Riverchase Galleria very seriously, as the Galleria is truly the catalyst of economic success in Hoover and all of Central Alabama. I’m honored to be a member of the board of directors of the Hoover Chamber to continue to foster economic development across the entire region.”

New Program Director Hired for The Bell Center

The Bell Center recently announced the hiring of Kameron Carden to the new position of program director.

Carden joins the organization as a speech-language pathologist and an auditory-verbal educator with more than 10 years of experience.

She has spent the past seven years at the Alabama School for the Deaf, helping to establish their listening and spoken language program for preschoolers. In addition, she has provided outreach services to school systems for school-aged children across the state as well as early intervention services for babies, birth to three, in the home with AIDB. Carden holds two national certifications, a Certificate of Clinical

named Alabama Retailer of the Year.

It’s an award that meant a lot to him because it meant a lot to his mother.

“That was vindication for my mom, who wanted me to be a businessman,” he said. “I took the award straight to her.”

After all these years in the barbe-

Insurance Agents Donate Gala Funds to Hope Lodge

The Birmingham Independent Insurance Agents raised $25,000 for Hope Lodge during its Annual Gala on Jan. 26.

The event, held at LincPoint, was attended by 160 people, who were treated to dinner, DJ music, a silent auction, casino-style games and prizes, according to a statement issued by the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents.

BIIA President Mark Hughes, who picked the beneficiary of this year’s gala, said he selected Hope Lodge because he wanted to support a program of the American Cancer Society. Hope Lodge provides free lodging to cancer patients and their families who travel to Birmingham for treatment.

“Like many families, both my wife and myself have family members that have been touched by cancer,” Hughes said in the statement. “Knowing the challenges of the treatment process, I feel like the free lodging that is provided by the lodge to qualifying cancer patients is an incredible service, alleviating financial hardships that could be caused by having to travel to our area for treatment.”

Hughes, of O.M. Hughes Insurance Agency, and BIIA President-Elect Vickie Fuller, of Stead & Fuller Insurance, presented the donation check to Hope Lodge manager Jennifer Cherry during an event March 1.

Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in speech-language pathology and a specialized Auditory-Verbal Educator certification from the AG Bell Academy

for Listening and Spoken Language.

Carden and her husband, Nathan, live in Hoover along with their three children: Henry, age nine; Amelia, age six; and Hanna, age five. ❖

cue business, Sykes still isn’t burned out.

“It’s been an incredible blessing to grow the business and sell the same product out of one location,” he said.

“I love what I do.”

Festival is from noon to 8 p.m. April 28 at DeBardeleben Park in downtown Bessemer. Gates open at 11 a.m.

Tickets are $15 before the event and are available at bobsykes.com or at the restaurant. Tickets are $20 at the gate. There’s no charge for children ages 12 and younger. ❖

The Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues

Photo special to the Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

28 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

Marching Through the Snow

By Emily Williams

On the evening of Feb. 23, members of Mountain Brook’s Brookwood Forest Elementary Ranger PTO hosted a fundraiser on the site of the school’s new playground, Ranger Park.

A capital campaign has been in effect throughout the school year to raise funds to modernize the school’s play area and make it more accessible for children with disabilities.

The “A Night for the Forest” benefit was attended by more than 300 people.

The event included a cocktail hour, silent auction seated dinner and live auction.

The funds raised through the event will benefit the Ranger Park project, which is set to break ground this summer.

Hoover Schools Schedule Rezoning Orientation Meetings

Hoover schools will present a series of meetings to prepare students who will be going to different schools in the fall because of the school system’s rezoning.

Elementary and intermediate schools will conduct the Hoover Transitions

In addition to competing, students spent time traveling around the country, Garrett said, visiting some of the most famous sites.

members had nearly two years to save up for the trip and host fundraisers.

In preparation for the competition and parade, the band spent many rehearsal hours perfecting a traditional Irish jig that earned them their win.

They also prepared Bruno Mars’ song “24K Magic” for the parade.

“The jig that we played was originally a tune to be played on fiddle.

The major challenge was the technical difficulty involved for the wind players to play the string transcription,” Horton said.

During the competition, the band gave a three-minute performance judged by an international panel that included Dr. Stan Michalski, Norman Rogerson, Dr. Andrea Strauss, Evelyn Grant and Niall Carroll.

Nights May 1.

South Shades Crest’s meeting will be 5:25-6:30 p.m.

Meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. are Bluff Park, Deer Valley, Green Valley, Greystone, Riverchase, Rocky Ridge and Shades Mountain.

Gwin’s and Trace Crossings’ meetings will be 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Brock’s Gap’s meeting will be 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Middle schools – Berry, Bumpus and Simmons – will hold their meetings May 7 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Hoover High and Spain Park High will present their orientations May 8 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit hoovercityschools.net.

Shades Crest. Before receiving this award, she was one of 16 educators in the nation to win the Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers.

South Shades Crest Teacher Earns NSTA Award

The National Science Teachers Association has honored South Shades Crest Elementary School’s Meghan Denson in its 2018 Teacher Awards program.

The program honors elementary and secondary teachers, principals, professors and other education professionals for their achievements in science education.

Denson is STEAM facilitator at South

The team spent time during its two-week band camp over the summer working on the jig and practiced every morning before school at 7 a.m. leading up to the performance to master the piece.

In addition to competing, students toured Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Michan’s Church, Malahide Castle, the Cliffs of Moher

and the Blarney Castle, where many students kissed the famous Blarney stone.

“This trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our student,” Horton said. “It’s not everyday that you get to go tour a foreign country and perform with your best friends in one of the most recognizable celebrations in the World.” ❖

Court Approves Vestavia’s Purchase of Gresham Elementary

A federal court has approved Jefferson County Schools’ sale of the Gresham Elementary property to the Vestavia Hills Board of Education.

Vestavia officials hope the sale will be final before the first phase of the system’s school restructuring plan goes into effect in fall 2019. Part of the plan is to increase from two to three the number of K-5 schools west of U.S. 280.

The school system is planning to conduct community meetings to discuss several options for the final rezoning plan.

“The main point I would like to stress is this: Regardless of where boundary lines may ultimately be drawn, every elementary child in Vestavia Hills will be attending an outstanding school in terms of leadership, faculty, instructional resources, academic achievement and facilities,” Superintendent Todd Freeman said in a statement.

For more information and updates on the process, visit vestavia.k12.al.us. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

BWF Fundraiser Celebrates Upcoming Playground Construction

VHHS Band Spends St. Patty’s Day in Ireland Earning an International Award and Marching in Dublin Parade

Photo by Sean Curtin, True Media

A downpour of snow couldn’t dampen the spirits of members of the Vestavia Hills High School marching band on St. Patrick’s Day as the team performed in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

Though temperatures were frigid, the band performed as the final act in the parade, marching through the snow during the entire performance.

Members of the band and Rebelettes spent their St. Patrick’s Day in the Emerald Isle to participate in the 48th Annual Limerick International Band Championship and returned home with the title of Best International Band.

Band Director Jerell Horton, who submitted the application for the band to participate in the competition, noted that it has been almost a decade since the band has travelled internationally.

The application process was an intense one, Horton noted, including composing a video of the band’s work. He and the band’s associate director, Heather Palmer, received news that they would be performing one year before the event.

More than 1,300 participants represented 20 bands from around the world in the championship, which is part of the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Festival.

“This is something that we have wanted to do for a while,” Horton said. “We have always tried to give our students a variety of opportunities during their band careers. Having performed in various cities here in the states and Hawaii, London was the only city outside of the U.S. that we had performed previously in, so after learning about the St. Patrick’s Day parade we decided to go for it.”

Because they got early notice of the trip, Horton said, parents and band

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

VHHS Math Team Earns Championship Title

The Vestavia Hills High School Math Team brought home a championship title from a March competition at Furman University.

At the competition, team member Eileen Liu won the JV division and David Wang and Eric Wang placed third.

In the varsity division, Genki Nishimura placed second and Walter Zhang placed third.

The team also this year has won first place at the Alabama State Mathematics Contest in geometry, algebra II and comprehensive categories; first at tournaments at the University of Georgia, Columbus State University and Furman University; first at the national Team Scramble event; first in the Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi Math League event; top three at tournaments at Luella High School in Georgia, Rockdale Magnet School in Georgia, Rickards High School in Florida, Collierville High School in Tennessee, the Log1 international competition and the Mandelbrot southeastern competition; and top 10 at the national Fall Startup Event and the national Ciphering Time Trials. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 29

SCHOOLS

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30 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Service Standard

Ty Jackson, director of My Sister’s Closet, left, with Mountain Brook High School junior Parker Evans.

Fashion With Compassion Mountain Brook High School Junior Partners With YWCA for Prom Dress Fashion Show

By Sarah Kuper A long dress, elegant hair and fancy accessories: all are elements of the perfect prom look.

But for some area high school girls, the expense of a prom dress leaves them turning down a date or missing the rite of passage altogether.

One Mountain Brook High School junior recognized the issue and reached out to the Birmingham YWCA to help make prom possible for every girl. She planned a fashion show event to highlight the cause.

While Parker Evans hasn’t been to prom yet, she draws from her experience at her school’s Sophomore Ball.

“When you are getting ready, all the attention is on you and you feel very special. Every girl should have the chance to feel beautiful and feel seen,” she said.

Evans had the idea of donating used formal dresses before she found out about the YWCA’s My Sister’s Closet and its Prompalooza initiative. When she learned of its similar mission, she reached out to plan the Fashion with Compassion event.

My Sister’s Closet is a place where lowincome women can find gently used casual and business attire, and each year it gives away used prom dresses.

With the help of Ty Jackson, director of My Sister’s Closet, Evans planned a fashion show to promote the effort.

“We sent emails and letters to different high schools to recruit girls who would qualify,” Evans said, “All the girls came in the week before to try on dresses and shoes. Then, on the day of the show, they all had their hair and makeup done.”

Twenty girls from 12 different schools walked in the fashion show. As they walked, the audience heard details about each girl.

“The audience was in awe of each girl and her background and accomplishments,” Evans said.

After the success of this year’s fashion show, Evans hopes to expand the event in the future.

But, she said she needs help from the public.

“Remember us and keep donating,” she said.

She added that there is a specific need for plus-size dresses.

As Evans looks forward to her own prom, she hopes girls across the area can dream about it the way she can.

“My experience is fun and easy, but without the means to get a dress and attend, it would be a shame to miss something so special,” she said.

My Sister’s Closet is always accepting donations at its 2324 Third Ave. North location. ❖

‘All the girls came in the week before to try on dresses and shoes.

Then, on the day of the show, they all had their hair and makeup done.’

Each year, Collat Jewish Family Services honors influential volunteers who devote their time to supporting the organization’s mission to enrich life and enable independence for older adults, regardless of faith or financial ability.

At this year’s annual Hands Up Together event, April 29, CJFS will honor Karen and Joel Piassick of Mountain Brook.

The Piassick’s noted the importance of community support for older adults who are faced with the hard decisions that age brings.

“CJFS provides the expertise, services and guidance that help people stay in their own home, and we think that’s so important,” Joel said.

“We’re fortunate because we know we’ll have the financial resources to stay in our home,” Karen added. “Through CJFS, we can help offer that option to people who don’t have as many resources … nobody wants to be uprooted.”

According to Sheryl Kimerling – co-chair of the event alongside her husband, Jon – the Piassicks have spent the past 14 years making a mark on the organization through their support.

“When Karen and Joel came to Birmingham, they brought so much vision, wisdom and kindness with them, and our entire community is the better for it,” said Kimerling.

A Lifetime of Service

The Piassicks were married in 1966 – just as Joel prepared to serve as an Army officer in Vietnam – and set a standard of giving back by donating to the Jewish Federation in their hometown of Atlanta, Joel said.

The couple has since maintained charitable giving and community involvement as cornerstones of their 54-year marriage, with Karen serving as president of the Atlanta International Tennis Association, founding the Georgia Women Fly Fishers and chairing the

Chevra Kadisha, the burial society at Atlanta’s Ahavath Achim synagogue.

In Birmingham, Karen serves on the boards of the Alys Stephens Center and Alabama Symphony Orchestra, as well as the grants committee of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Joel serves on the Temple Emanu-El board, is finance chair for the Birmingham Museum of Art board and is a former fund development vice president for CJFS. As a couple, they have chaired the Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign, and both currently serve on the board of the Rabbi Grafman Endowment Fund for Temple Emanu-El. After Joel was recruited to work with Harbert Management Corp.’s Birmingham office, the Piassicks became deeply involved in Birmingham’s arts and Jewish communities.

“Karen and I want to support not just programs that we care about, but ones where we can make a difference,” Joel said. “In the arts, the government’s not doing as much as it could, so it’s important for people to step up.”

According to Karen, supporting the arts and music was bred from her childhood in Youngstown, Ohio, taking pottery class at the Butler Institute of American Art and volunteering for the local symphony so she could attend concerts.

“Music just brings everybody together,” she said. “It’s a healing process, like going to temple.”

The April 29 event will not only honor the couple, it also will celebrate a bit of the arts through musical entertainment provided by Eric Essix and Friends.

The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Alabama School of Fine Arts Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre and will end with a post-performance reception.

For tickets and more information on CJFS services, visit cjfsbham.org or call 879-3438. ❖

At this year’s annual Hands Up Together event, April 29, CJFS will honor Karen and Joel Piassick of Mountain Brook.

Photo special to the Journal

Photos special to the Journal

CJFS Hands Up Together Honors Mountain Brook Couple With a Legacy of Giving Back

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 31

LIFE used every day as she drives to school.

“By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Karen Peterlin, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, “Ava has become a community leader. Her accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her apart.”

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 Community College in Hanceville.

Indian Springs’ Davis Earns Girl Scout Gold Award

Troop 320 Honors Eagle Scout Krueger of Mountain Brook

Ava Davis, a senior at Indian Springs School, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award with her project, “Girls Build Birmingham.”

Davis’ project focused on the lack of shelters at bus stops around Birmingham. To shield bus riders from wind, storms and direct sun while waiting for the bus, she built a structure with a roof and bench in Woodlawn.

After establishing a location where the property owner would agree to the project, she presented her idea to the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority and spoke to officials and members of the community. While she didn’t know much about architecture and engineering, she led a team of adults in constructing the shelter.

“I learned that when you are young,

you are not taken seriously at first. But if you are confident, persistent and show that you know what you are doing, people will respect you,” Davis said. “I learned that I should never take no for an answer, because this project wasn’t for me, but for others.”

For the sustainability portion of her Gold Award project, Davis created an instruction book detailing how to construct the shelter, whom to contact to get the ball rolling and what materials are needed.

“My project shows how easy it is to fix this problem,” Davis said. “Nationally and globally, I hope to inspire girls to go out of their comfort zone and make a change in their communities.”

Davis said she has been thanked by residents and sees the structure being

A Court of Honor ceremony was held March 4 by Troop 320 at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church for its newest Eagle Scout, William Gerry Krueger Jr. Krueger began his scouting career with Troop 320 as a Cub Scout in second grade and has since earned 22 merit badges, was inducted into Order of the Arrow, earned his Brotherhood

Anni versar ies

and has held leadership roles including den chief, patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader.

He attended the high adventure camps of Northern Tier in Minnesota and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and he has completed more than 65 camping nights, 184 William Gerry miles of hiking Krueger Jr. and 75 miles of paddling. In addition, he volunteers with younger scouts to help with rank advancement, campouts and high adventure trips.

For his Eagle project, Krueger raised funds, prepared the site and built two giant Adirondack chairs with an oversized table made from a recycled steel spool, located at the top of a ridge overlooking Mine #10 at Red Mountain Park.

In honor of his service, the park dedicated the space with a plaque and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 16, attended by Krueger’s family, friends and Red Mountain Park representatives, including interim Executive Director Al Folcher.

A sophomore at Mountain Brook High School, Krueger is a member of Future Business Leaders of America and the 2019 Leadership Mountain Brook class. He plays defense for the Mountain Brook High School Varsity lacrosse team, is a Trilogy Academic Aces All-Star and will play on the Trilogy ICE 2020 team in Baltimore, Maryland, this summer.

Krueger attends the Cathedral of the Advent and in his free time enjoys camping, climbing, bouldering, canoeing, sailing, slalom skiing and wakeboarding. When he graduates in 2020, Krueger plans to attend college to study business finance.

He is the son of William and Janet Krueger, of Mountain Brook, and grandson of Jack Howard Krueger, of Mountain Brook, and Marilyn Wike Williams, of Hoover. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LIFE

Walking for Kidney Patients

Two Mountain Brook Residents Recognized by Birmingham Kidney Walk

By Emily Williams At about the 32nd week of Kaylee Gunn’s pregnancy with her first child, a 3D ultrasound revealed something amiss.

Doctors told Gunn and her husband, Matchett, (pictured with William) that their growing baby’s kidneys looked like they were covered in cysts and he had little amniotic fluid surrounding him.

William Matchett Gunn III was born Feb. 4, 2016, with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease in both kidneys and spent the first few weeks of his life in the NICU at Children’s of Alabama.

Now 2 years old, William has been named patient chair for the Alabama Kidney Foundation’s annual Birmingham Kidney Walk, to be held April 28.

“William is such a blessing and exudes happiness all around,” Kaylee Gunn said. “He has shown that he is a fighter, and we will continue to fight for him. We are so honored to call him ours.

Our hope is to raise awareness and money for people across Alabama fighting kidney disease.”

Gunn said the effects of the disease were apparent almost immediately. He had high blood pressure and difficulty eating.

Because the disease is irreversible, William at some point will need a kidney transplant.

“Until the transplant, his kidney function will continue to be monitored until at some point they are no longer functioning,” Gunn said. “Our goal is to keep him growing and get him as far as possible before the kidneys fail.”

Though a symptom of his disease is chronic vomiting, by using a feeding tube and taking multiple medications throughout the day, he has maintained a healthy weight and hasn’t needed to start dialysis.

Joining William as honorary event chair is Gary Gorham, (pictured) a fellow Mountain Brook resident.

Gorham, Alabama Power’s manager of transmission project management and customer service, is a longtime supporter of the foundation and has participated in his corporate Kidney Walk team for the past several years.

He said he is passionate about AKF because the money raised by the group

directly benefits the patients who suffer from kidney disease. Those patients include some of his close friends who suffer from kidney diseases, as well as friends who have donated kidneys.

AKF says it is the only state-based organization in Alabama that provides direct services to kidney patients, which includes financial assistance, education and support services.

This year, AKF has set a goal of $220,000, nearly half of which already has been raised by walk teams. The funds raised will benefit the AKF Financial Assistance Program, which helps low-income dialysis patients afford their utility bills, prescription medications and transportation to and from treatments.

For those who wish to join Gorham and the Gunn family, the Birmingham Kidney Walk will be held at the Samford University Track and Soccer Complex.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk at 9:30 a.m.

In addition to the walk, festivities will include live music, door prizes and activities for the kids.

For more information, visit alkidney. org. ❖

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Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 33

LIFE

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SPORTS

Full Speed Ahead

Journal photos by Mark Almond

Vestavia Boys Shoring up Weaknesses With an Eye on Soccer Championship Race

the semifinals last year, “got a lot of guys really fired up about this season.”

“We came into this season really excited – almost too excited. We got ahead of ourselves. It was perfect that we lost those first two, because it allowed us an opportunity to step back and ask ourselves, ‘Alright, how do we fix things?’

Let’s figure this out. Let’s keep our heads on straight. Let’s keep going.”

While the team has come far since that early season tournament, there is still much to accomplish if they hope to hoist a championship trophy next month. Sub-state begins April 30.

“There are still so many things that we need to work on,” Armstrong said. “Right now, we’re focused on the next game and taking the next step and continue improving on our weaknesses.”

Those weaknesses are easily fixed, Armstrong said, mostly making stronger passes and smarter choices during game play.

Over the weekend, the Rebels added two wins and a tie at the Memphis Rivals Tournament. That included a 0-0 contest against Christian Brothers of Memphis, a 3-1 win over Germantown High School and a 2-1 win over White Station High School of Memphis.

The final regular season home game will be April 20 against Daphne, and the Rebels will conclude the regular season April 21 at HewittTrussville. ❖

Vestavia Hills’ Jack Strong.

By Blake Ells

Vestavia Hills’ Collin Armstrong.

Vestavia Hills’ Trevor Fore controls the ball in front of Hoover’s Sam Bauder.

The Vestavia Hills’ boys soccer team coasted in a 6-0 victory over Tuscaloosa County and a 5-0 victory over Thompson to clinch the area championship on April 12.

“I could tell coming into that Tuscaloosa County match on Senior Night that we felt comfortable,” said senior Collin Armstrong. “We knew what we had at stake. We wanted to keep our heads on straight, and that’s what we did.

We didn’t let off of the gas at all from the beginning.”

Earlier this season, the Rebels won 10-0 at Tuscaloosa County.

In their prior matchup at Thompson this season, the Rebels escaped with a 1-0 victory. The rematch wasn’t as close.

“We knew their strengths,” Armstrong said.

“Their attack is absolutely incredible. Their speed and their counterattack is one of the best I’ve seen throughout this season. We were really trying to be aware of that. In the practices leading up to the match, we focused on the weaknesses in our defense and our midfield to prevent that counterattack. We wanted to stay cool, stay calm and stay collected and play the game that we know how to play. And we were happy to get out a great win against them.”

Vestavia Hills finished area play 4-0, ahead of Hoover and Thompson, which tied for second.

The Rebels now find themselves ranked second in the state in 7A, but they began the season with some adversity. After a 3-1 loss to Westminster School, of Georgia, and a 2-0 loss to Fort Payne High School at their own Rick Grammer Invitational, they began the season 0-2. It was a wakeup call, Armstrong said, that was necessary to lead his team toward its current path.

He said the team’s loss to Oak Mountain in

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

34 • Thursday, April 19, 2018

Mountain Brook Junior Named This Year’s Mr. Basketball

Mountain Brook High School junior Trendon Watford was named Mr. Basketball by the Alabama Sportswriters Association during an event last week. The 6-foot-9-inch Watford helped Mountain Brook win the Class 7A championship for the second year in a row and its fourth state title in six years. He averaged 23.3 points on 63 percent shooting and 12.3 rebounds.

Watford also was named among the Class 7A Boys Players of the Year. Lee-Montgomery senior Zipporah Broughton was named Miss Basketball during the event. The awards were presented by ALFA Insurance. The AHSAA’s Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association also hosted the luncheon. ❖

SISSON, From page 36 Hoover’s Vint Narvaez and Vestavia Hills’ Logan Romp battle for control of the ball.

Hoover’s Harrison Gilmer and Vestavia Hills’ Jack Loftis battle for control of the ball in a match at Vestavia, on April 5. Vestavia won 3-0. More photos at otmjsports.com.

ting the example that he followed.

“You have to decide the things that are most important and do those things first,” Sisson said.

“You have to be 100 percent focused on what you’re doing while you’re doing it, and you have to not think about whatever else it is that you have to do. When I’m at sports practice, I am focused on becoming the best football or basketball player that I can be at that moment.

I’m not thinking about a test that I have tomorrow. I shut that off until I get home. And when I get home, I give 100 percent to studying for that test.”

His oldest two siblings are twins; the brother of the pair graduated from the University of Virginia, while the sister ran cross-country and track at Furman University. His other brother is at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

“Mom and dad taught me from a young age to work hard,” he said. “They taught me why it’s important to work hard. Since then, it’s just been a part of me, to try to be the best that I can be. Anything less than your best is not worth it.”

Sisson will follow his older sister’s path to Furman, where he will compete for starting time at quarterback next season. He excelled in math and science in high school, but he has yet to decide what he’ll pursue in college. He’ll report to the team July 8.

Last year’s starter, P.J. Blazejowski, graduated, so Sisson will immediately find himself with an opportunity to see the field. He’ll fight for time with a redshirt senior, a redshirt freshman and another incoming freshman.

“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Sisson said. ❖

Thursday, April 19, 2018 • 35

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Hoover’s Angie Morales Found Her Niche on the Tennis Court

John Carroll’s Mary Grace Farr controls the ball in front of Mountain Brook’s Lamar Campbell. More photos at otmjsports.com.

CAVS, From page 36

together as a team, set goals and do a lot of team bonding stuff, bringing the younger kids along. It makes my job easy.”

Hall, Bernal and Davies lead the team in goals scored, Farr leads the team in assists, Horner is a leading defender, and Bowers has recorded more than 50 saves.

During the course of this season, the Cavaliers have won the Island Cup tournament in Gulf Shores and the Shamrock Invitational in Cullman.

“This season has been so much fun,” said Farr, who is headed to Furman to play collegiate soccer.

“We’ve got the best team chemistry we’ve ever had and to be with the

same girls for the last four years is really beautiful. We’re all so close.”

John Carroll will visit Homewood at 5 p.m. Thursday in a crucial Class 6A, Area 8 showdown. The Patriots handed the Cavaliers a 3-2 setback on Feb. 27 at John Carroll in their first meeting. The game will determine the area champion.

The postseason begins April 26 with sub-state. The Cavaliers have their sights clearly set on the state tournament May 10-12 in Huntsville.

“We’re aware of our capabilities,” Horner said. “We’re getting the mentality where we’re thinking we can go all the way.

“As much as it hurt last year when we lost to Chelsea, if we had to lose that was one to lose, because if we win this one it means we’ll go out as winners our senior year.” ❖

Mountain Brook’s Anna Windle, left, and John Carroll’s Kailian Davis battle for control of the ball. John Carroll will visit Homewood at 5 p.m. Thursday in a crucial Class 6A, Area 8 showdown.

From the moment Angie Morales stepped onto a tennis court, she felt at home.

Morales was 8 years old and looking for a sport to play. She tried several sports looking for one that suited her, but none was to her liking. She had a friend who played tennis, so she decided to give it a try.

She instantly took to it.

“I liked playing matches,” Morales said. “The competition is a lot of fun.”

She also developed friendships with several of her competitors, and that made it even more enjoyable.

Now a sophomore at Hoover High School, Morales competes for the Buccaneers and is one of the team’s top players, playing No. 2 singles.

She carried a 12-1 record into the Class 7A, Section 3 tournament on Monday at Spain Park.

“She’s a great player,” Hoover coach Reed Lochamy said. “She works hard and maintains her composure and focus no matter what happens on the court.

“I remember when I was coaching at Simmons (Middle School) and we played against Bumpus and played against her. I knew we didn’t have anyone to beat her, so I’m happy to have her on my team now.

She’s a consistently accomplished player.”

Morales played No. 1 singles for Hoover as a freshman and posted a 7-3 match record, but this year she was beaten out by her longtime friend Kennedy Ward and had to settle for No. 2. Morales and Ward, also a sophomore, have been best friends and teammates since kindergarten.

Ward had a 7-3 record at No. 1 headed into the sectional.

“Kennedy is also a phenomenal player,” Lochamy said. “In our team competition before the season, she played some tight matches against Angie and beat her out for the No. 1 spot.”

Morales admitted losing out to her best friend was disappointing, but she turned her disappointment into determination.

“Kennedy and I have gone back and forth on the court, so we’re equal,” Morales said. “I respect her a lot. This year she just worked harder than me. But being No. 2 has motivated me more to try to reclaim No. 1 next year.”

Morales did not lose to any sectional opponent during the regular season. Her only loss was to Ava Rath from Northridge in a tie-breaker, 4-6, 6-1, (10-8). “She was really tough,” Morales said.

As a No. 2, Morales can’t qualify for the state tournament — only No. 1 players can advance as individuals — but she and Ward could advance at No. 1 doubles.

Morales is a left-handed player, and apparently that’s to her advantage.

“As a lefty on the court, she cre-

Journal photo by Jordn Wald

Journal photos by Mark Almond

By Rubin E. Grant

Angie Morales, a sophomore at Hoover High School, competes for the Buccaneers and is one of the team’s top players, playing No. 2 singles.

ates different spin on the ball than players are used to,” Lochamy said.

“Plus, people are used to hitting to a player’s backhand, but for her Angie that’s her forehand, so that’s something else they are not used to.”

Morales doesn’t see being lefthanded as a big deal. “I don’t think it makes a difference what hand you hold the racquet in,” she said.

Morales plays tennis year-round,

playing under coach Monte Crosswhite at the Elite Tennis Academy at the Lake Cyrus Swim and Racquet Club. She competes in a variety tournaments, although this summer she plans to cut back on her schedule.

“I used to do a lot of tournaments,” Morales said. “I haven’t completely stopped, but maybe I’ll do less.” ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018

HEADING FOR STATE

Full Speed Ahead for Vestavia Boys Soccer PAGE 34 Hoover’s Morales Found Her Niche on the Tennis Court PAGE 35

Mountain Brook’s Sisson Takes Top Scholar-Athlete Award

John Carroll Girls Soccer Sets Sights on Recapturing Title

By Blake Ells

Listen to the stories of any fishermen or hunter and inevitably you will hear about the one that got away.

The John Carroll Catholic girls soccer team can talk about something similar.

After winning three consecutive state championships, one in Class 5A in 2014 and two in Class 6A in 2015 and 2016, the Cavaliers’ streak came to a screeching halt in 2017 when they were eliminated by eventual champion Chelsea in the Class 6A quarterfinals.

John Carroll lost on penalty kicks 3-2 (5-4), making the setback even more disheartening.

“As freshmen and sophomores, we won state both years,” said Mary Grace Farr, a senior midfielder this season. “We went in with the mindset that we would win state again. I wouldn’t say we were overconfident, but we expected to win. It was a wake-up call when we didn’t. I felt really bad because half of our team were seniors.”

Senior center back Carley Horner said the Cavaliers treated the match against Chelsea as almost a foregone conclusion.

“We didn’t realize how critical every play was,” Horner said. “We kind of took it for granted.”

With their championship run over, the Cavaliers are not taking anything for granted this season. They entered this week with a 15-31 record and ranked No. 1 in Class 6A. Farr and Horner, the team captains, are among six seniors leading the Cavaliers’ quest to reclaim the state title trophy. The others are left back Amanda Hall, forwards Gabby Bernal and Claire Davies, and goalkeeper Song Bowers.

“All six seniors have been an integral part of our program,” John Carroll coach Rob Crawford said. “They are very self-motivated. They get See CAVS page 35

Journal photo by Mark Almond

By Rubin E. Grant

John Carroll’s Claire Davies, right, heads the ball over Mountain Brook’s Emma Blakely in an April 5 match. The Cavs won the contest 2-1. More photos at otmjsports.com

Hamp Sisson has accomplished plenty in his time at Mountain Brook High School.

He’s an Eagle Scout. He was a three-year starter at quarterback for one of the state’s top 7A football programs. He was voted the Over the Mountain Journal’s offensive player of the year. He played on state championship basketball teams in 2017 and 2018.

He was a National Merit Semifinalist with a 4.47 GPA. He scored a 35 on the ACT. He was a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. And he worked with Habitat for Hamp Sisson Humanity.

And because of all of that, he has now added the Larry D. Striplin Jr. Scholar Athlete of the Year Award to his list of accomplishments.

The award, which is given annually at the Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete Awards Banquet, is the state’s highest such honor. It is awarded across all classifications, to one of the BryantJordan Student Athlete of the Year winners from 1A through 7A. The honors earned Sisson scholarships totaling $8,500.

Sisson achieved his success at one of the most academically challenging high schools in the state of Alabama. But at Mountain Brook, he said, teachers are especially invested in their students’ success.

“There are so many teachers and administrators at Mountain Brook that helped along the way,” said Sisson. “I don’t have to go to a tutor because I can just go to my teachers and get extra help. The teachers want a one-on-one relationship with their students. They’re fantastic.”

Time management is a virtue for Sisson; it has to be for him to accomplish such feats. He credits his parents and his older siblings for setSee SISSON, page 34

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otmjsports.com Lee Walls Jr. Marvin Gentry Mark Almond Bryan Bunch Hoover high school pitcher Trent Tolbert. Journal photo by Mark Almond